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AC50S-1651
SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR NEARLY 80 YEARS Vol.LXXK
No. 29
Omaha, NE
17 Adar 11,5760
March 24,2000
UNMC's Gendelman NCCJ honors Hobermans, named Fulbright Scholar community leaders by Jane Batt, Executive Director
by Carol Katzman
mation League, The National ConJewish Federation of. ference for ComOmaha, Temple munity and Justice, Israel and Opera Midlands Region Omaha. He is activeannounced the ly involved on the chairs and honorees Urban League for the NCCJ 2000 Board, Omaha ComHumanitarian mission on Race and Dinner. Community RelaJohn Gottschalk, tions, Norwest Bank Chairman and PresAdvisory Board, ident of the Omaha UNMC Chancellors World-Herald ComAdvisory Board and pany, and Publisher of the Omaha World- Jerry and Cookie Hoberman is Chairman of the Herald, and Lewis Trowbridge, School to Career Committee of the President and CEO of SilverStone Greater Omaha Chamber of ComGroup, will co-chair the June 7 event. merce. He is Vice-chair .of the NCCJ, Gerald A."Jerry* and Leslie "Cookie" Chairman of Opportunity Jobs Hoberman and C.R. "Bob" and Jean Careers (OJC) and a Trustee of the C. Bell will be recognized with Hu- Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation. manitarian Awards. Cookie Hoberman has managed her Alcurtis Robinson will be honored with the Otto Swanson Spirit of own company, Communications Unlimited, and had many years of collabService Award. Speaking on behalf of John oration with her husband at Tires, Gottschalk and himself, Lew Inc. Her volunteer activities include Trowbridge stated, "We have incredible Girls, Inc., Voices for Children, CACE honorees and a re-energized, redirected School for Learning Disabilities, organization that is doing a greatjob of -Planned Parenthood, Omaha Cornfurthering their mission-promoting mission on Race and Cdrnnllihity Reunderstanding and respect among all lations, Opera Omaha, National Council of Jewish Women and Black races, religions and cultures..." Jerry Hoberman is the former owner Jewish Dialogue. and President of Tires, Inc. He has Both Cookie and Jerry have been served many community boards and the force behind the encouragement, organizations including United Way of mentoring, and motivation of students the Midlands, UNMC North Omaha at the Belvedere Academy of Learning Community Care Council, Anti-Defa(Continued on page 11)
Yachad to sponsor 'Chaver to Chaver'
When the University of Nebraska Medical Center announced last week that Dr. Howard Gendelman had been named a Fulbright Scholar, it was no surprise to his colleagues. After all, Gendelman has received more than 12 prestigious awards, has made major research contributions into understanding how dementia occurs, has published more than 160 articles, and brings more than $2 million a year to UNMC's $31 million federal grant income. The Fulbright scholar award for biomedical research is only the second granted to an individual in Nebraska and the first in the neurosciences. The hefty grant (Gendelman would only say that it was "six figures") allows his research to continue at the Weizmann Institute next year into what causes degeneration after traumatic spinal cord injury and brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and HIV dementia. But the announcement, once again, has focused attention not on the outstanding contributions made by Dr. Gendelman and his team towards a cure for dementia, but on the use of fetal tis8ue"cells. Keep in mind that these cells are used in only a portion of the research conducted at the Center for Neurovirology and Neurodegenerative Disorders at UNMC. In a "first" interview by Dr. Gendelman with the Jewish Press, he' expressed his appreciation towards so many at the University of
CDC dedication set for April 6
Nebraska who have stood solidly behind him and his research as attacks mounted upon him and UNMC in recent weeks. He was relaxed but e x c i t e d Dr. Howard Gendelman about the achievement of this milestone in his life and the positive impact it would have on him, his family and the University of Nebraska as he related the history of the program and its growth as a center of research excellent in Nebraska. "No one had a clue as to how HIV causes dementia," Gendelman said. "We suspected that it was related to the brain's own immune system, but we couldn't study rat cells because the disease, like Alzheimer's, only affects humans." At his brain research center, the team of some 32 scientists and support staff uses.a multitude of scientific approaches including animal model systems, cell lines and molecular biology approaches. Fetal tissue obtained from elective abortions, while being critical to his research, represents only a fraction of the total effort underway to understand "how the brain degenerates and towards devel- . (Continued on page 7)
Ik.
AMIT women to honor Cantor Fettman
by Joan K, Marcus
by Lourl Sullivan
by Annette Fettman
When we found out that our daughter, Elaine, had mental retardation, what hurt the most was the realization she would never have friends of her own. When we received mailings from the Jewish Community Center, salt was rubbed into my wounds. It started with nursery school offers and continued through her college-age years. Elaine wasn't going to have friends—and certainly not Jewish friends. So, when Rabbi Mark Urkowitz (then rabbi of Beth Israel) called me more than 10 years ago and asked if I would help him establish a Yachad group here, I told him it would be an impossible task. I knew of only one or two Jewish families who had children who experience developmental disabilities and they wouldn't be willing to "go public." The rabbi had started a group in another city which had parties, outings, services, Shabbat dinners and service projects. He wanted Yachad here. I was sure that Omaha wasn't ready and would never support such a venture. Boy, was I wrong! However, I was intrigued when he told me that "yachad" meant "friends." Maybe, I thought to myself, someone would recognize Elaine's smile and beautiful blue eyes and choose her for a friend! So, wo started our task of finding members and a londor for the group. It wasn't hard because there were many others liko myself who wanted their sons and daughters to havo a social life. And on Friday, March 31, at 0 p.m., theso Yachad members, their families and friends will (Continued on page 0)
A community-wide dedication for the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center will take place on April 6 at 7 pan., followed by a performance by the CDC children, a champagne toast and refreshments. "The opening of the new Child Development Center is so exciting, one can only understand and fully appreciate what we all have created by taking the time to visit our new school," said Tom Fellman, Chairman of the Building Committee. Jeffrey Aizenberg, Executive Director of the JCC, adds,"What a great opportunity this will be for us to take a moment and celebrate the achievements of the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center. This is the Jewish community's facility and we look forward to it being an outstanding resource for Jewish child and family development for many years to come. Children, along with their parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins, all have a place in our new home." In December, Pennie Davis donated $1.5 million to the JCCs Child Development Center building. "I feel good about what IVe been able to do for the community. My grandchildren had such a wonderful experience, supervised by loving, caring staff. I'd love to seo more people ensure the future of the CDC." Each morning as Davis exercises at the Sokolof Fitness Center, ho watches the parents and children arrive at tho new Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center. Thero's such trust on the part of theso mothers, but fortunately wo have a staff that has made the CDC what it is today."
The Hatikvah Kalah Franklin Chapter of AMIT Women will present the Humanitarian Award to Cantor Leo Fettman at their annual donor luncheon on Sunday, April 9, at 12:30 p.m. The award is granted in recognition of Cantor Fettman's efforts to educate t the public about Judaism, I the Holocaust and the| evils of prejudice. Eleanor Greenberg of * Chicago, member of the Cantor Leo Fettman National Board of AMIT, will speak. Cantor Emil Berkovits of Beth El, accompanied by Esther Wax, will present a program of song in honor of his colleague and longtime friend. Donald Gerber will serve as master of ceremonies. Tho event will take place at Beth Israel Synagogue boginning at 12:30 pan. with a cocktail hour. Reservations may be made with Reva Ruderman at 553-6344. This winter, Cantor Fottmnn addressed Na'amat Women and PNAI (Parents of Native American Israelis) in Arizona. He recently lectured at Skutt Catholic High School, Doano College in Crete, and Archbishop Bergan High School in Fremont In addition, ho has had tho opportunity to speak to the young women at Girls' State for tho past 10 years. (Continued on page 0)
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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CALENDARIOBIEVENTS FRIDAY, MARCH 24 Contor-in-Rcsidonco, March 24,26, at Both Iurnol Russian Club, 10 a.m. SATURDAY, MARCH 25 Bagels & Biblo, 9:30 a.m., at Tomplu Israel _ Humash Class, 6 p.m., at Both El L Jazz Havdalah & Youth Concort, at Tomplo £ I Beth Israal "Pardos" program at tho homo of | P Shirloy & David Goodman P SUNDAY, MARCH 26 Jazz Concort, 11 a.m., at Tomplo Israel * 8 USY/Kadimah Purim Carnival, 11:45 a.m., s A Israel Expcrionco Prop Class, 1:30 p,m, A V MONDAY, MARCH 27 V E E YES Program, 9:30 a.m. JELS Locturo Sorios, "Tho Ton Commandmonts," 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, MARCH 28 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Sisterhood Board Mooting, 7 p.m., at Tomplo Israel Exccutivo Committuo Mooting, 6 p.m., at Tomplo Israel Board Mooting, 7:30 p.m., at Tomplo Israol Federation Board Mooting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29 Grade 7-H Religious School, 6:30 p.m., at Tomplo Both El High School, 7:30 p.m., nt Both El Adult B'nai Mit/.vah Class, 7:30 p.m., at Both El c I THURSDAY, MARCH 30 L I Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. I p p Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Tomplo Israul FRIDAY, MARCH 31 a * Yn'Chnd Chavor Lo Cluwer, March 31 and S April 1, at Both Israel S A A Tomplo Israel OTYG Social Action Weokoml, V March 3l-April 3 V E E "Shabbat Across America* 5:30 p.m., at Tomplo Israel All •v«nl* hild «t tho JCC untut ottwnilu Indlcatod. Tlw JmrisA Prat b not iMpoiulbto toi tho accuracy ol Utt twntv To kwp calendar accurate or lor qutstions, call Uartoi wratlwi •t 9344*37.
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Parashat Tzav In this week's torah portion, wo road about tho eight-day consocrntlon of tho Sanctuary. All tho instructions for building tho Sanctuary had boon followed, Tho utensils and altar woro roady for uso, and tho Jows began to bring the various typos of sacrifices, Yot, "tho Divine Prosonco did not rest on the work of thoir hands." For tho first sovon days of its uso, the Sanctuary WOB eroctod. But each day it was takon down again. Only on tho eighth day of tho consocrntlon, when tho last trace of spiritual impurity (caused by tho constructing of tho golden calf) was removed, did tho Hoavonly firo descend and tho G-dly ProBonco rested on tho Sanctuary, Wo see hero two components to tho porpotual firo which burned on tho altar. On tho ono hand, a firo camo down from Heaven to consume tho offerings. But tho priosts woro nonetheless commanded to bring ordinary firo too, The act of bringing tho firo served as a preparation for tho G-dly flaino which camo from Abovo, Only aftor human initiative had boon takon could tho G-dly firo doscond. And only at that point did tho Sanctuary attain pormnnonco. Why could tho G-dly firo bo drawn down only after tho human component of tho worship was perfected? What spoclul naturo of the G-dly fire brought pormanonco to tho Sanctuary? Human boinga are finite No mattor how high their aspirations, thoy can roach only a finite lovel of spirituality. And, being finite, human boinga cannot roach a lovol of pormanonco in thoir worship without tho assistance of G-d, Who 1B infinite and unlimited. Pormanonco cannot bo attainod sololy through human effort. The G-dly Intorvontion added a pormanonco that could not bo achieved by humnn endeavor, Tho firo tonches us that wo, UB finito beings, must first comploto our own tasks and achieve as much as our limited capabilities allow, in ordor for G-d to provide tho spiritual odgo which wo cannot roach nlono. Tho coniplptlpii of tho first sovon days of tho consecration also symbolized tho limitations of tho physical world. A wook constitutes n recognized, full cyclo symbolizing spiritual limitations Inherent in tho corporeal world. Tho eighth day of tho consocration symbolizos the infinito attribute of G-d which cannot bo contained in tho natural ordor of soven, This is tho lovel of "porpotual firo" which burned on the altar, showing that finite beings could transcond even timo itsolf, through tho perfection of their worship of G-d. The verBe concerning tho perpetual fire roads: "A perpetual fire shall burn on the attar—it shall not go out." This means that our enthusiasm and warmth towards Judaism must remain kindled and never be allowed to diminish. It is not enough to rely on our spiritual achievements of the day before, or even a minute ago. We must bo ovor vigilant to ensure that tho innate spark of love of G-d in every Jewish soul never grows cold. Every single Jew is a sanctuary to G-d as is stated, "Build mo n sanctuary and I will dwell in their midst." If wo always koop tho spark of love for G-d and Judaism glowing, wo can ensuro that the Divine Presonco finds a dwelling place amongst us.
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Deaths DR. EUGENE LONDON Dr. Eugene London died March 10 in Anaheim, CA. Survivors include a daughter, Julio London of San Francisco; slaters, Edith Cohen of Palm Springs, CA, and Juno Goodbinder of Omaha; and niocos and nephews. RUTHBRESLOW Ruth Breslow died March 18 at tho age of 90. She was preceded in death by her husband, Max, Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Nadlno and Norman Chudacoff and Harrlotte and Arvin Cohn, all of Los Angeles; son, Arnold BreBlow of Omnhn; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Weekend of music, worship, study at Temple Israel byirls Ricks
Minneapolis nntivo Mnrk Bloom will return to Tomplo Israol for a full weekend of events, Bloom is a composor and sound dosignor and has scored productions for both roglonal theaters and national tours. His original music has been heard a t the Guthrie Theator, Cricket, New Classic, History Theater, Actors Theater of St. Paul, Orchestra Hall and Illusion Thoater, Ho has served as both stago and musical direcloom tor for many musicals, variety shows and revuos and has boon music coordinator/director for such varied nets as Joan Bivors, Potor Himmolmnn, Noa and Gil Dor, Ron Eliran and Second City. He has performed his Jazz Shabbnt program at congrogations across the country, The wookond schedule follows: Friday, March 24, 8 p.m. Bloom and Cantor Jonnifor Blum will load a "Jazz Shabbat" sorvico, trndltionnl music with jazz arrangements. Saturday, March 20, 7:30 p.m. Youth in grades 7-12 in tho Jewish community are invited to join Bloom at Temple Israel for a special Havdalah and musical concort, followed by dossert and schmoozing, Sunday, March 20, 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. The wookond will culminate in the religious school with special musical demonstrations for children and thoir parents. Grados 3-6 and their parents will meet with Bloom at 11 a.m.; pre-K through grade 2 will meet at 11:30 a.m. The community is invited to attend all evonts.
'93rd'Street Shabbat set for April 7 Singles and marrieds "over 50" living in tho "93rd* Street apartment area will be guests at tho "Shabbat and Birthday Celebration" evening on Friday, April 7, at tho Parkwood Terraco Party Room. The 6:30 p.m. dinner will include Shabbat wino and challah, a salad bar and birthday cakes. Plans for this "first timo" Shabbat dinnor are being ninde by Mary Fellman, Lola Reinglass and Snm Epstoin. Invitations are boing extended to all "over 50° Jewish residents of tho Coronada apartments, Martinique, Landmark, Embassy, Wyndhnm and Parkwood Lane apartments. Persons "ovor 50* needing rides are asked to make their own arrangements or call 393-3144 about transportation. Persons celebrating birthdays in April should also call the above number.
Awards nominations sought The annual meeting of tho Jewish Federation of Omaha will be hold on Monduy, J u n e 26. 7:30 p*ui. Nominations are cuirently being 6ought for Humanitarian, and Community Service Project of the Year, Teen Leadership Award and Lois J. Schrager and Justine Greenberg Young Leadership Awards. For forms or information, call Knthy McGiUwnuD at the Federation office, 334-6127, ,
March 24,2000
SYNAGOGUES .,",„
-TEMPLE ISRAEL
IVTombor of tho Union of Amarlaan Hebrew Cangrogullona ' 7023 Oass Street, Omaha, NE 68132-2051, U56-OB30 .. , - ' , • tcmplol8rael-rio.org ' FRIDAY! Shabbat evening servico, 8 p.m. Rabbi Aryoh Azriel, Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Cantor Jennifer Blum will officiate. Join guest musician Mark Bloom at this Jazz Shabbat Sorvico. Tlio Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Wendy and Robort Roiss in honor of the naming of their daughter, Eliana Rochelle. SATURDAY! Bagels and Bible, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat morning Borvico, 10:80 a.m. SITTER SERVICE Sitter Sorvico 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. Pleoso make a reservation at the Temple office. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, March 26: Jewish Spirituality, 10:1611am. Mimi Rogers will load this group in readings, disscusion, Jewish meditation and Jewish yoga. THURSDAY, March 30: Sisterhood Adult Education, 10 -11:30 aan. Rabbi Debbie Stiell will teach "Scattered Among the Nations -Documents Affecting Jewish HJstory-49 to 2000 CE." SATURDAY, April 1: M i c h a e l A n d r e w Belmont, son of Betsy and Ben Belmont, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. ANNUAL NEW YORK DELI NIGHT SUNDAY, April OJ two seatings; 6 and 0:30 pjn.j take out orders available, Sponsored by Temple Israel's Men's Club and Women of Reform Judaism. Call the temple office for reservations.
AnAfflllrtflottho ^ '„>•"< / v Jewish Hoopnatruotlcmlit^odorattqn .
; > < t v , ,O»niaha,<NE68124-5I30A''V -" . phone: 758-9233 http://wotcomo.tartH>ytehaIom/ 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 31: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 pan. SATURDAY, April It 5 p.m., at the synagogue. Please join us for a special evening with Dr. Michael Fox for a discussion about Esther. Dr. Fox is a professor of Hebrew and Semitic Studies at the University of Wisconsin at Madison and is an Esther expert. Pot-luck dairy-vegetarian dinner and havdalah to follow.
CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the WoridwMu Chabad-lubavItoS Movement 1866 So. 120th St.; Omaha, NE 68144-1646 Phone:330-1800 E-MAIL-chabad@aol.cora WEBSITE: www.ohabad.centers.coni/omaha Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRIDAY: Minchn, 4:30 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:15 p.m.; Kiddush, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 0:30 a.m.; Mincha, 4:30 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudah; Ma'ariv/ Havdallah, 5:30 pan. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. MONDAY; Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul, 11:45 aaa.-l pas. TUESDAYS A Tale of Two Souls. 0-.30-11 eon. WEEKDAYS; Minyan, 7 a m .
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ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
SATURDAY: Services, 9 sum, led by Andrew Greenberg. Members of the community are welcome. Alt sen-ices followed by Kiddush. A memorial servico is hold on the tost Shabbat of each month, in memory of residents who have died.
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CANDLELIGHTING; 6:15 p.m.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of lUo Union of , Orthqdox Jewish Congregation)) of Amorlcn 1502 No. 52nd Street^ Omaha, NE 08104-5013 556-6288 , Botlilsraol@novia.net Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.in.-2 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-noon, Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Cantor-in-Residence Weekend. Services, 6:25 p.m., at Beth Israel, followed by Shabbos dinner and a program with Cantor Aryeh Rendel, including his speaking and a sing-along of favorite Hebrew, Yiddish and secular songs. Babysitter service will be available from 6-10 p.m., free of charge. SATURDAY: Shabbos services, 8:45 a.m., followed by a Shabbos lunch where Cantor Rendel will speak on "Music in the Synagogue," and lead singing. Babysitter service available from 10 am.2 p.m., free; "Insights into the Parana," 5:45 p.m.; Mincha, 0:15 p.m.; Havdallah, 7:24 p.m.; Melava Malka, 8 p.m., at the home of Shirley and David Goodman, 732 Sunset Trail. The community is invited to socialize with Cantor Rendel and his wife. SUNDAY: Services, 0 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. MONDAY: "In the News," a.current events class led by Rabbi Kutner, 7:30 p.m. Call the synagogue office for location. TUESDAY: Class with Rabbi Shlomo Levin, 7:30 pan. WEDNESDAY: Talmud class on Tractate Bava Metzia with Rabbi Kutner, 7:30 p.m.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday and Thursday, 7:15 a m FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 0:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:15 am. Lunch and Learn; Albert Weiss, presenter. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS: A Passover Seder course will be taught by Nancy Coren on Sunday mornings through April 9.
; Omaha, NE 6811*5000 • Services conducted by Rabbi Ira Flax. Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:80 a.m.-2 p.m.
CONGREGATION B'NAIJESHURAN _ ibdr of the. Union of American Hebrew Congtegations V 2061 S.;26th;8t:,; JUncola, NE 68502-2797 • 43S4M)04"*y • •* ~ > ' - jewisbnebraska.org Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah study, 10 nan. SUNDAY: Hebrew classes, 0 a.m.; Religious School, 10 ajn. TUESDAY, March 28: New Beginnings, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, March 29: AA meeting in the library, 7:30 pun. PASSOVER WORKSHOP Tuesday! April 4,7:3O&30 pan.: Learn how to plan and conduct a seder. To register, call Audrio Herman at 474-8004. Kids older than 10 ore welcome.
B'NAt ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE nstoStCouicUHIulflA51M yn Phonei 332-4705 E-MAIL: doojeb®aoiwia FRIDAY; Sabbath and Passover celebration, 7:30 pun., with o combination Oneg and Passover buffet. Volunteers for a covered dish are asked to contact Peg DeLand or Sandra Kurland. The Passover tale will be related by Dr. Eugene Freund. There U no charge.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE . Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Juduiam 14506 California , Omaha, NE 68154-1080 492-8550 WEn--www.betUcl-omnha.org Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.6 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Psul Drazen and Cantors Emil Berkovits and G. Michael Horwitz. FRIDAY: Services, 0 p.m, SATURDAY: Services, 0:30 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Rebecca Kahn. Kiddush following services; Sitter service, 10 a.m.; TSS, 10 a.m.; K'tantan, 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Story time, 11 am.,; Humash with Rashi study session, 6 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 6:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Perek Yomi "Read a Chapter a Day" group, 10:15 a m . WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Adult B'nal Mitzvah SATURDAY, April 1, 9:30 p.m.: Thirteen adults will participate in the Adult B'nai Mitzvah Shabbat. A kiddish luncheon will follow services.
Stereotypes and misconceptions of Jews and Christians and what to do about them by Ellen Platt
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The Outreach Committee at Temple Israel will host its final program of the year on Sunday, April 2,10 am., at Temple. Quest Bpeaker Rabbi Norman Cohen from Beyt Shalom Synagogue in Hopkins, MN, will explore some longheld stereotypes Jews and Christians have of each other. , Misconceptions such as Christians thinking Christianity triumphed or superceded Judaism, to Jews thinking "Christians only want to convert us," among others, will be discussed. By better understanding the roots of misconceptions, Rabbi Cohen will also share some insights as to how we can go about resolving come of these common stereotypes. •"In a period where reconciliation and forgiveness is on the agenda of the religious world, a speaker such as Rabbi Cohen will be .able to shed some light on the misconceptions some religious communities have toward each other," said Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. "If these stereotypes are not brought to light, we will continue having a difficult and tenuouB relationship. The program will also enable people to learn more about the issues and enable us to be ready for a sincere and authentic dialogue."
TIYPO sponsors pizza feast Come Passover, pizza will be out of the question, so join Temple Israel's newest group on April 15 for a meal that will soon be forbidden. TIYPO (Temple Israel's Young Progressive Organization) will have a program at Lario's Pizza, 10801 Q St., from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Pizza will be followed by a havdalah service. Charge for the event is $5 for adults and $3 for childron. Also, please bring items from home that can't be eaten on Passover to be donated to the food bank or another worthy cause. Please RSVP to the Temple by April 7 at 556-6536. TIYPO is a group for married and single Jewish adults in their 20s and 30s, offering social, religious and social action programming.
Opera singer to perform at Blumkin Home New York opera singer Steven Goldstein, currently in Omaha preparing for Opera Omaha's performance of Tosco, will sing for residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home on Monday, March 27 at 1:30 pan. Tho event is free and open to the community. Goldstein has also performed in Tel Aviv and with the Los Angeles Opera, and has acted with the Lincoln Center Theater, LaJolla Playhouse, the Atlantic Theater Company, Vancouver Opera and Cleveland Opcru. und in such films as Itoum t/Gumrc.
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 24,2000
Banning fetal tissue research is a bad idea Last week's announcement that Dr. Howard Gendelman won the prestigious J. William Fulbright Award in neurosciences has reignited the fervor of some anti-abortion activists in this state. Those folks have mistakenly linked research into how the brain degenerates from diseases like Alzheimer's to a legal medical procedure: abortion. With their urging, legislators in the Nebraska Unicameral might soon be debating LB 1405, a bill which would ban the use of fetal tissue cells in any and all scientific research in the state's universities. Apparently, those pushing this bill think that women are waiting in line to have abortions just so they can help scientists discover a cure for Alzheimer's! Abortion is a painful decision and people are entitled to be uncomfortable about it, but using this bill to stop abortion is mixing apples and shoes. Their logic is false and convoluted, but if the bill passes the results could be disastrous. Not only will researchers, scientists and medical professionals leave the state and the
university, but the good name of UNMC will take years to recover. What scientists would consider coming to UNMC wondering if their research might be considered illegal? In addition, the progress made by UNMC in this area would halt. The race to find a way to reserve the debilitating effects of brain diseases and injury would simply cease in Nebraska. To be sure, other medical and research institutions would seize this opportunity; research would continue, but not here. Dr. Gendelman applied for this award in July of 1999, six months prior to the start of the current legislative session. The review committee, composed of an international group of scientists, obviously thought Gendelman's research deserved to continue and be recognized. His work with the Weizmann Institute looks very promising. Call your state legislators today and urge them to vote against LB 1405. To reach your senator, call the Legislative Hotline from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Lincoln: 471-2709; and from elsewhere: 1-800-7456.
OUfc «JBWi8rt BROTHERS, A B K X i '
Rabbi-to-bishop contact proposed as a follow-up to papal atonement
the Headlines
by Brianne Korn
NEW YORK (JTA) - The sweeping* apology offered by Pope John Paul II attempted to atone for sins of the past. Using the pope's historic pronouncement as a tool, Jewish and Catholic leaders around the world are now hoping to build a bridge for the future. "Our concern was what effects will it have on the
greater Catholic world," said Rabbi Marc Schneier, president of the North American Boards of Rabbis. "How will the spirit of reconciliation be continued in tangible ways?" In an effort to promote dialogue between Jewish and Catholic communities, NABOR has proposed a program to "twin" local boards of rabbis in North
Chief rabbis greet Pope John Paul II in Israel JERUSALEM (IMRA) Following are Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau's and Sephardi Chief Rabbi Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron's greetings to Pope John Paul II: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem They will prosper who love you." (Psalms 122:6) "The people of Israel who dwell in Zioh and the Chief Rabbis of Israel welcome Pope John Paul II with the traditional greeting: Blessed be your coming to Israel. "From the holy city of Jerusalem, about which the prophet Zechariah said, 'Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion. And many nations shall join themselves to the Lord in that day and shall be My people, and I will dwell in the midst of you.' (Zechariah 2:14-15) We welcome one who saw fit to express remorse in the name of the Catholic Church for the terrible deeds committed against the Jewish People during the course of the past 2,000 years and even appointed a commission for requesting forgiveness from the Jewish nation with regard to the Holocaust. "We remember and mention to his credit the decisive assistance he gave in the matter of moving the Carmelite Convent out of the area of the Auschwitz concentration camp, a place where millions of our brothers and sisters were murdered for the Sanctification of the Name, sacrificed for the sole reason that they were 'called by the Name of the Lord.' (Deuteronomy 25:10). "We appreciate as well his recognition of our
right to return to, and live in, the Holy Land in peace and brotherhood within safe borders recognized by the nations of the world and especially by our neighbors. All these things were given expression in the prayer he offered at Auschwitz for the success of the Israeli people's efforts for peace. "We, the Chief Rabbis of Israel, representing the Jewish People dwelling in the Holy Land, express our hope and faith that the prophesies will be fulfilled, of Malachi: 'Behold, I will send you Elijah the Prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord,' (Malachi 3:22), and,of Zechariah: Thus says the Lord: I return unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; and Jerusalem shall be called The City of Truth and the Mountain of the Lord of Hosts, the Holy Mountain. There shall yet sit old men and women in the streets of Jerusalem, every man with his staff in his hand for very age. And the broad places of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.' (Zechariah, 8:3-5) "From Jerusalem, capital of the State of Israel, and from Zion, the holy city, we pray that we may be granted a good and long life, a life of peace and security, health and peace of mind, a life of human brotherhood. "May it be His will that the words of tho prophet be fulfilled: 'Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.' (Isaiah 2:4) "May He who makes peace in His heavens bring peace to us and to all of Israel."
THE JEWISH PRESS (Founded in 1920) Tho role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation arc: Community Relations, Jewish Community (Tenter, Jewish Educational and library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. Tho Jewith Press U a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The Jewish Press (U.Sl'S 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $26 per calendar year VS.; $30 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, adi and photo* it Thursday, noon, eight day* prior to publication. Telephone •IO2-;i:M-6H8; FAX 402-334M'i'Z; K-muil <yjb.preM@uol.caia> i'eriotlicul postage paid at Omaha. Nil IHIST.WASTKR: Send address changes to Thu Jewish , :m So. IJttnil St.. ttawihu, NE HS154-2198.
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America to districts of the European Council of Bishops. Schneier made the proposal to Cardinal Miroslav Vlk, chairman of the European Bishops Conferences, at a recent meeting in Prague. The question of where to go from here after the pope's plea for forgiveness was asked by other religious leaders. "How will the apology be implemented?" asked Rabbi A. James Rudin, national interreligious affairs director for the American Jewish Committee, after the pope's speech Sunday at St. Peter's Basilica. "How will it affect Catholic liturgy in the days, months and years ahead?" A major goal of the initiative is to advocate the local acceptance of the pope's 1990 announcement declaring anti-Semitism a sin against God and humanity. The decade-old proclamation came after a meeting in Prague between the International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultation and the Vatican's Commission for Relations with the Jews. While it was hoped that the manifest would filter down to the local level, only two of the 35 Bishops Conferences acted by making pronouncements of their own (including Omaha's Archbishop Elden Curtiss). "Someone dropped the ball in the Catholic and Jewish communities," said Schneier of the lack of follow-up. "This is not simply something that the Jewish community might like and the Catholic community might tolerate," said Rabbi Stanley Davids, corresponding secretary for NABOR and past president of the Atlanta Rabbinic Association. "There seems to be interest on both sides." This will be a "clergy-to-clergy" effort, said Davids, to bring the tolerance espoused by the Vatican as of late down to tho district level. "We're living in revolutionary times in JewishCatholic relations," said Schneier. He said he hopes that through the twinning program, "oach bishop conference can look at their history in terms of Catholic-Jewish relations in their communities.*
JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Fred Tichauer, Vico-Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Howard Silber, Treasurer; Elyco Azriel; Jill Bclmont; Jean Duitch; Penny Kndclman; Kip Gordman; Gary Kudym; Stove Levinger, Linda Saltzmun; Georgo Schupiro; Stove Simon. Editorials express tho view of tho writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of tho Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The JewUh P r e u reserves thu right to edit letters and urticles for spaco and content The JowUh r > t u Is not responsible I'or the Kushruth of uny product or establishment.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE March 24,2000 Page 5
Holocaust and Identity by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenabum
Perhaps it is symbolic that the holiday of Purim this year coincides with the ongoing trial in Britain in which the controversial British writer, David Irving, is suing the American historian, Deborah Lipstadt, for describing him in her 1993 book as "one of the most dangerous spokespersons for Holocaust denial." There is a real danger that the trial will give aid and comfort to anti-Semites, for British libel law--in contrast to that of America-places the burden of proof on the defendant rather than on the plaintiff. The truth of all Prof, Lipstadt's assertions and her motivation will be under constant attack in a complex profusion of technical details and interpretations. It is important for people to note the significant difference between legitimate scholarly debate which may alter our understanding of an event and the willful, tendentious portrayal of that event to conform with a preconceived objective regardless of the facts. The difference is whether there is an impartial and dispassionate search for the truth. Irving does not deny that some Jews suffered and died in World War II. Despite voluminous records, eyewitness testimony, court transcripts, and even Nazi confessions, he maintains that the number of Jews killed was little different from that of other groups, that Hitler did not order the Holocaust, and that there never were any gas chambers. Most tellingly, the last point clearly signals his denial of the Nazi intent of mass murder. In a meticulous 726 page examination of Irving's public and private writings and speeches, Cambridge historian Richard Evans came to the conclusion that: "A, . . knotted web of distortions, suppressions and manipulations became evident in every single instance which we examined, I was not prepared for the sheer depths of duplicity which I encountered in Irving's treatment of the historical sources, nor for the way in which this dishonesty permeated his entire written and spoken output." Moreover, since he agrees that Irving has a very thorough knowledge of the evidence, he further concludes that: "His numerous mistakes and egregious errors are not, therefore, due to mere igno-
rance or eloppiness; on the contrary, it is obvious that they are calculated and deliberate. That is precisely why they are so shocking." If we are to gain any understanding from history, we must start with the truth, even when it is inconvenient or negative. Half-truths and outright falsehoods must be eliminated/As Bernard Baruch said, "Every man has a right to his own opinion. But no man has a right to be wrong in his facts." We must also recognize the difference between facts and the interpretation of facts. Truth and insight depend on proper interpretation of the facts, which is not always easy in complex situations. The uses to which we desire to put history can skew our reading of the facts and the conclusions that we then draw. This reality applies to everyone, notjust obvious r'snidrs of reality. When it comes to the Holocaust, there those who minimize it as "merely" another instance of "man's inhumanity to man," while others over-exaggerate Jewish victimization to the point of being insensitive to and disparaging of the legitimate suffering of others. Some have tried to use the Holocaust as a club of guilt with which to beat the world and perhaps gain some presumed moral or material advantage. A major issue at stake in the court case is not free speech, but rather responsibility to the truth. Illintended, wicked interpretations based on carefully selected portions of fact are false and harmful. This does not mean that there are not any serious issues about the Holocaust which are yet to be understood properly. Many issues are debatable by serious scholars, Was Hitler's intention to slaughter the Jews primary, premeditated from the very beginning, or did it evolve in response to other factors? What were the precise numbers of Jews murdered? Estimates run from 4.5 million to 5.1 million to substantially over 6 million. What role did anti-Semitism play in the slow response to the Holocaust? Were Jewish leaders insensitive or realistic in not pursuing direct action more forcefully? How unique was the Holocaust, and does it matter if it was or was not unique?
Peter Novick raises the question as to whetherglib slogans aside--we can draw meaningful "lessons"fromit. I believe that the study of the Holocaust is significant for all people. It is a crucible in which major issues of human concern are stirred to consciousness. Pursued objectively, inclusively, and without tendentiousness, serious study of it can reveal much about human nature, values, and behavior. It can stimulate important research, such as the social psychological studies of Stanley Milgram and of Philip Zimbardo.
Truth matters. Our pursuit of it is testimony to a fundamental Jewish commitment to the objective existence of reality, and in rejection of the extreme phenomenological position that reality is whatever we consider it, or choose for whatever reason to believe, regardless of facts. A final point must be made with respect to the enormouB heat that is generated by consideration of the Holocaust. There is more to it than simple revulsion at the attempts of bigots to trivialize it, Holocaust awareness, for too many Jews in a time of major assimilation, is their main point of Jewish identification. If that prop is threatened, their limited identity is threatened. Jon Wiener observed that: "The present state of Holocaust consciousness is not good for the Jews. It provides a negative way for Jews to define themselves as a people and a destructive way for Jews to relate to others." Similarly, those who selectively make Israel, Jewish philanthropy, or bagels for Sunday brunch their main source of identification are building on shaky ground. For me, as for millennia of Jews throughout the world, the religious/spiritual values of Judaism are the only solid foundation for a positive, creative, and lasting Jewish identity. When we identify with the values of Torah and mitzvot, all else will gain perspective.
Reprinted from the March issue of the Tifereth Israel Bulletin.
TEN COMMANDMENTS *** Qiirectedly An innovative series featuring community Rabbis speaking on each of the ten commandments accompanied by a lay person to explain how the commandment affects their work. iiiiiiiiiiiiiiimimmiiiiiiiimiimiiiimiiiimiimiiiimiiiimiiimijS
This Week- Monday, March 27th 7:30 PM JCC "You Shall Have No Other Gods Beside Me" by Rabbi Shlomo Levin Accompanied by Dr. Ellie Furst, P.H.D., L.M.H.P Professor of Elementary Education, Dana College iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii m i n i •IIIIIIII iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
Upcoming Presentations: Monday, April 10th- 'Do Not Take the Nam ot God JnVa/n'by Rabbi Ira Flax
Monday, May 8th- 'Honor Your Father and Your Mother* by Rabbi Arye Azriel
Monday, April 24th- 'Remember the Sabbath Day and KeeprtHoJy*by Rabbi Ira Flax
Monday, May 22nd- 'I Am the Lord YourQod'by Rabbi Mendel KaUman
The remaining five commandments will be addressed by other Omaha Rabbis in the (all. Each presentation begins at 7:30 PM in the JCC auditoreum. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the College ot Jewish Learning ot JELS. Free and open to the public
Page 6
March 24,2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
STERN/KOHLL Lois and Donald Stern announce the engagement of their daughter, Susan, to Alan Kohll, son of Jerry and Gail Kohll, all of Omaha. The bride-to-be is a Broadcast Journalist/Assistant Bureau Chief at Metro. Networks-Wostwood One. She graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Journalism: Public Relations/Advertising from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is the granddaughter of Cele Schwartz and the late Harry
Schwartz and the late Meyer and Rova Stern, Her flnnce is President and CEO of Vaccination Services and Health Fairs of America. He received Bachelor Degrees in Business Management and Education from Tulano University. He is the grandson of Selma and Isidore Tretlak, Leona Cohn, the late Louis Kohll and Gerald Cohn. A May 28 wedding 1B planned at Temple Israel Synagogue in Omaha.
ZIPAY/OLSEN commission in May, 1993, Michele Jacalyn Zipay of after graduating from the Omaha, daughter of John University of Connecticut. and Diane Zipay, and Currently a Captain, ho is Michael Kenneth Olsen, the chief of operations son of Wayne and Kathy intelligence at the 2nd Olsen of Ledyard, CT, anOperations Support nounce their engagement. Squadron, The bride-to-be received Both are stationed at her Air Force commission Barksdale AFB in Louisiin May, 1997, after graduana. ating from the University An April 29 wedding is of Nebraska at Omaha, t , ^ Currently a First Lieutenant, Bhe is planned at the Officers' Club at Offutt the intelligence flight commander for Air Force Base. the 96th Bomb Squadron. Following their honeymoon (5 days), She is the granddaughter of Jack the bride elect will go to Kuwait and the groom will go to Saudi Arabiu, and Lucille Epstein of Omaha. Her fiance received his Air Force separating them for 3 ltt months.
WALK-IN.DROP.IN HADASSAH Residents of the Rose Blumkin There will bo no mooting Thursday. For thoBo going on the day trip to Jewish Home will be entertained by WinnaVogas Casino, ploaso meet at Stan Wldman, aooompanied by tho front ontranoo of tho Blumkin Harold Znbin, at the monthly Oneg Homo at 8il5 u.m. For transporta- Shabbat sponsored by the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah, The event is tion, call Magglo at 334-6521. Saturday, March 28, nt 2 p.m. Y.B.S. OMAHA CENTER Members will moot Monday in tho FOR TORAH LEARNING auditorium of tho JCG. Escrclso starts Saturday« March 80, B p.m., at 10il5 tun. in tho auditorium. Try Study of the weekly Torah portion, your luck at bingo with Eileen Reiner, hosted by Rabbi Levin at his home, also at IOIIS. Bring articles to share 2001N. 56th St, for "YES Talk" lod by Art Grossman, Wednesday, March 29, 12 p.m., at 11 a.m.. Following lunch at noon, first in Posflover lunch 'n lenrn series Anno Joseph will speak, For trans- at Beth El, "The seder as re-living or portation, call 330-4272. re-telling: How we drink the four mips of wine." We will eat lunoh together B'NAI D'RITH BREADBREAKERS (please bring your own) Mowed by a Dr, Leonard Greonspoon, holder of discussion; Modern, spoken Hebrew, tho KluUniek Chair in Jewish Civ- 7i!10 p.m., hosted by Al Rosa at his ilization at Creighton University, will home, 076 N. BStli St, Bpoalt at Breadbroakers Wednesday, Thursday, March 30, 7 p.m., noon, according to Gary Jovltoh. Dr. Talmud class, studying tractate Groenspoon will spoak on tho Esther Pesaehim, meets at Beth El. Projoot at PaBttmos Restaurant, For more information, call Rabbi 129th and W. Maplo. Cost is $8.50, Shlomo Levin at 6014564,
Entertainment for 'Young Energetic Seniors'
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Temple Israel Presents
Jazz for Ail Afies A Weekend of Music, Worship and Study with Mark Bloom
March 24, / >, 26.2CCC
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Rotnor, aooompaniod by Esther Wax, recently ontortninod the Young Energetlo Seniors at the Millennium party with show tunes and Hebrew and Yiddish favorites. Right: students from
Child Development Center joined members of the Young Energetic Seniors for a day of intergeneratlonal fun. From left: Alex Bphraim, Sam Kohll and Justin Schrogor with Molly Kurtz.
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Friday, March 24 at 8:00 p.m. Jazz Shabbat Worship Service Saturday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. Havdalah and Concert for grades 7-12 Sunday, March 26 Jazz demonstrations for students, and parents 11:00 a.m. - Grades 3 through 6 11:30 a.m. - Pre-K through Grade 2
The community is invited to attend alt events
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Fulbright scholar (Continued from page 1) from the Catholic, Lutheran and oping the means to protect against it," Legislative Bill #1405, introduced in Baptist denominations discussed the Nebraska Unicamerol, is likelytobe their varying viewpoints. released from the Judiciary Committee "It was a contentious issue," this week, Tho bill would ban all use of Gendelman recalled, "We had four fetal tissue cells by the state's universi- members of the clergy and some very ty system. If It passed, Gendelman different opinions." noted, "many of our scientists and othAccording to the final written ers would leave UNMC with heavy halachic research, "once an abortion hearts, This would be a blow for our has been performed, there need be no state and its role as a futuro leader in compunction with regard to the utitechnology and research," lization of the abortus in a manner However, Gendelman remains elat- otherwise consistent with halacha... ed about the Fulbright award and There is no halachic barrier preventlooks forward to working with the sci- ing the scientist or pharmaceutical entists at Weizmnnn. company from utilizing fetal tissue Dr, Miohal Schwartz and her team in procured by means of induced aborIsrael have already discovered a way to tion for purposes otherwise permitregenerate nerves in a rat's severed ted, provided, of course, that it doesspinal cord, The Fulbright grant will n't involve collusion or encourageallow Gendelman to merge his discov- ment of the abortion itself." eries and expertise with those of top With careful consideration and disscientists at the Woizmann Institute of cussion with halachic authorities, Science, UNMC's Center can compare Gendelman continues his research notes with their findings on how the with a clear conscience. brain degenerates with Weizmann's "I have been careful to seriously resoarch on how it may be regenerated. and objectively consider all opposing "Welzmann researchers have found views and have reconsidered the ways to take sick or damaged brain issue during this debate. Once I had cells and fix them, They've been suc- time to review this in depth, I again cessful in ways thought unimaginable consulted our religious authorities just two or three years ago. Sick nerve and the conclusions were the same... cells have been regenerated, making this is not an issue," he stated. them healthy and functional once Gendelman expects to leave for again, almost better than new. Israel sometime this summer in order "Rats who were paraplegic were to give his children time to attend able to move again using the Weiz- u/pon, intensive Hebrew language mann methods!" Gendelman ex- classes, prior to the start of school. claimed. "Could wo protect the brain His wife, Bonnie Bloch (who is also against insults like those found in a physician as well as an attorney), stroke, multiple sclerosis and Alz- will accompany him, along with heimer's disease? I think the answer daughter, Sierra, 15, and son, Adam, is'yes.'" ' 13. His oldest, Lesley, is currently a It's difficult for Gendelman to con- freshman a t Stern College in New ceal his excitement for science and York City and will continue her eduthis important work. "We can make a cation there. diseased brain healthy again. It's just Gendelman looks at himself as an a matter of time and a bit of scientific evolving artist, using his scientific artistry," he predicted. instruments as his paintbrushes. The impetus for the research at "What we're trying to do here is creWeizmann was prompted by the ate a picture of how the brain is number of spinal cord and brain destroyed by disease. It's a very diffiinjuries in the Israeli Defense Force. cult subject which we have to treat Gendelman knew of Schwartz's work dispassionately as scientists," he and traveled to Israel in 1998 to meet explained. "I use these 'brushes' to with her personally. Her team had paint pictures of these complex cells pioneered the brain's immune system and dissect disease mechanisms. What for regeneration. the layman may see as colors, we sciThe delicate research may be helped entists see as a sick neurons and we in significant measure by fetal tissue imagine ways to regenerate them. cells and therein lies the controversy. "By continuing this research in coop"As an observant Orthodox Jew, 1 eration with Dr. Schwartz nt Weizaggressively researched whether I mann, well have a videoconferencing could do this work with the cells and network, e-mail and the capability to did not go into this blindly. Rather, I transmit large amounts of data back consulted years ago with several rab- and forth, literally doubling the ability binic authorities about the halachic to move our research forward." requirements in undertaking reGendelman is very modest about tho search on the human brain," Gendel- work he has already achieved. Only the man explained. comments elicited from his colleagues "Since fetal tissue cells have highlight his accomplishments. tremendous regenerative capacity Dr. Samuel M. Cohen, Professor and the ability to "jump start 1 sick and Chairman of the Department of neurons in the brain, it was impor- Pathology and Microbiology at tant to know if the moral, legnl UNMC, stated, "It, is particularly Jtwiah opinion enabled us to harness noteworthy that hi:* studios havo led the energy of the brain in total tissue to I ha first of ita kind reversal of neucells tofixdamaged human brain.i," rubiological impairments associated After being recruited by UNMC in with HIV infection:!. . .Dr. Clendulnuui 191)3 bi'caut"- ot; the work IIQ had wii.i onu of tho first to allow a dramatalready accomplUhqd at the Walter ic reversal -of cnijnitivo und motor dys[ici.nl Hospital in Washington, IH'.,. function, in mi infuntud individual." a.i I'.imd uf the HLV'-IniiuunopathgoIn tho end, aftur trying ti) gain tho ut.-.iU Program, U'-'iHlulman continued cuupurution ot Omaha'* rulijjiaua hi i rtiwiich. ia Omaha. i,omnumit.i(.ui, tlanditlmiiiv. iiuid, "What With the help of Rabbi David Kay« t had lufb iit this Toralv for my guutUhtrn Chaplain nX OffutS Air t'orc« aiica, I linvtt an outstanding tJnivarBu.su!, rabbinic ruling* wure gath- sity biihiud ran. I'vu iuaruad to ju.it eccd. tii, .ulditiijit. Guudtslm.lii sputi- kfup in>" hi.mil mi and bit proud uf who juri.it an iiyvv, tyrtim. for an iuiurfait-h t inn, what wu :iru ilnini; unit our rulit in thu cimuminily..'* p.uwt 4!'.. tliLj K;i>v uiui
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 7
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March 24,2000 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
CDC to hold denim drive INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING CORPORATION 709 N. 108th St. • Omaha 963-9111
The CDC is sponsoring a denim drive with the Mr. a n d Mrs. Glenn Scott of Scottsdale, AZ, help of 'Twice Upon a Time,' a children's clothing -announce the March 9 birth of their daughter, company based in California. The company recycles Sydney Roe. denim to manufacture a line of children's clothing. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Peter Brodkey of Their website is www.twiceuponatime.com. The Omaha and Carol Berman of Scottsdale. CDC will be reimbursed for all of the clothing. G r e a t - g r a n d p a r e n t s , a r e Mort Fisher of Twice Upon a Time will accept clothing that Scottsdale and the late Shirley Fisher and the late Rae and Eddie Brodkey. Michael and Krista Endelman announce the March 11 birth of a daughter, Claire Joy. Grandparents are Lois and Bob Endelman and Melinda and Bruce Dugan, all of Omaha.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 26 7 p.m. Jewish Community Canter
Robbie Epstein, son of Lisa and Gary Epstein, has been selected to represent Harry A. Burke at the 60th Annual Session of Cornhusker Boys' State, sponsored by the American Legion. He will spend a week in Lincoln in the summer with Nebraska government leaders. The primary purpose of this program is to educate future leaders in the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of American citizenship and government. Chloe Heyman, daughter of Richard and Betsy Baker, is a dancer in 'cast A' of the Omaha Theater Company's production of "Beauty and the Beast? which runs from March 24 through April 9. Chloe also performed in OTC's production of "The Nutcracker" for the past two seasons. Dr. Sol Kutler, a graduate of the class of 1944, was inducted into the Abraham Lincoln High School (Council Bluffs) Hall of Fame recently. According to principal Mellanie Shellberg, Kutler was selected by their National Honor Society students for his unique contributions to the world through his professional and volunteer activities.
College students needed for Israel Summer Camp by Debbi Brown, ADL/CRC Partnership 2000
The summer of 2000 will be an opportunity to experience Israel as a camp counselor for the Kefiada English speaking summer camp, a program of Partnership 2000. The Kefiada (from the word "fun") program is run by the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI). The summer camp is a three-week day camp for fifth, sixth and seventh grade Israeli children to help improve their spoken English. Volunteer counselors must be between the ages of 19 and 25. They
are housed with a family or in a kibbutz in the Western Galilee. The camp is planned and implemented by the volunteers themselves with the help of a local Kefiada coordinator and junior counselors. The camp is conducted completely in English, creating an opportunity for the campers to understand and communicate in English. Positions are available for the summer of 2000. Camp begins in June. For further information, please call me at 333-1303.
Barbara Gottlieb elected to board of AJAS At the recent conference of the Association of Jewish Aging Services, (AJAS), Barbara Gottlieb, Executive Director of Jewish Senior Services, was elected to ita bonrd for a period of throo yours, Gottlieb has been an active member of the organization flinco 1084, when aho was working under tho tutelngct of Dennis Mngid, when ho wna president of AJAS, nt tho Jewish Homo for tho Elderly in Fnirfiold, CT. She ha» n Masters degree from Ynle University Medical School in public health. AJAS is a unique forum that promoltia and supports eldor services in tho contest of Jewish values through education, professional development, ndvnc.icy unit community rolntionahips. It in tlio only organization of its kind in tha United States. AJA.4 r«pro3enu virtually till of tho not-for profit; Jewish long-torm care ayatoma, housing facUitio:. and starvices to thu .fowi:sh elderly in tha Uiutmt tftata* und Cttnuda. H<i!Mi«|tiartts«Ht in W.ushiiictmi, D.C.,
it has a clearly established presence as a member of every major national coalition of significance to its areas of concern. It also participates in HUD, Secretary Cuomo's monthly public interest group meetings. Aside from its on-going advocacy work in Washington, AJAS assists its members by providing a wide array of information, consultation, guidance and educationnl services. Throughout its 40-year history, it has provided professional consultation to ita members' boards nnd senior management as well as serving as a resource for executive placement and- recruiting in the-Jewish Ions-term oaro and housing (laid Tho sister group that worha with AJAS iu tho Aaaocintaa of Jowiuli Homes and Sorvicau for tho Aging, It ia compound af reprosontntivo* (Vortv alt at the .fowinh homoa, Lois Wine, Director at Volunteer Service* of tho Bow BhunMin Jewiafc Homo, a*rv«»
Yachad to sponsor 'Chaver to Chaver(Continued from page 1) celebrate together at Beth Israel Synagogue at a special Yachad Shabbat. Lisa Salomon came up to Elaine at that first Yachad meeting 10 years ago and took her hand. It didn't matter to Lisa that Elaine couldn't talk because they communicated in other ways. Yachad went on to develop into a thriving group who accepted each other unconditionally. They enjoyed monthly meetings and outings and their numbers grew. When Rabbi Urkowitz left Omaha, his last words to me were, "Don't let anything happen to Yachad." Yachad did falter after his departure, but not for long; Rabbi Allan Gonsher took over and hired Linda Novak as the group's leader. She is a "special" lady and, because of her special education training, she has a great relationship with the members. Yachad is stronger than ever because of their efforts. Yachad has 13 members who range in age from 13-65. Their disabilities range from moderate to profound. All of the members, except four, live with their parents. The others live in group homes run by the Eastern Nebraska Office of Mental Retardation. Some of them no longer have parents, but they all have family members who care about them. Unlike other people with disabilities, Jewish families do not forget about their own. On Friday, March 31, Yachad members invite community members to a "Chaver to Chaver" (friend to friend) celebration that will thank those who generously contributed to the Yachad Fund, which was recently established at the Foundation of the Jewish Federation. Yachad members from Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis and representatives from New York will meet on Friday night at Beth Israel Synagogue for a Shabbat dinner at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, April 1, they will have a dance, treasure hunt and other learning experiences. The weekend will be funded by a grant that was written by Novak and funding from the Phillip G. and Terri L. Schrager Foundation. Tickets are available by sending $10 per person to Carol Parsow, P.O. Box 818, Elkhorn, NE 68022. When Rabbi Gonsher took leadership, he realized that the only way Yachad wouldn't falter would be if an endowment was established.
t
"I remember sitting with Joe Kirshenbaum and asking him to help me. From that moment, it didn't take very long until we had raised $100,000," Gonsher explained. "The response from Joe's organizational skills has spearheaded us to the next step. It didn't take very long for the Jewish community to realize the need to help people with developmental disabilities. I provided the vision and he has the money skills, he added." Plans for the future include a possible group living arrangement. Land north of the Jewish Community Center on 132nd Street has been purchased for a future possible home. Debbie and Mark Salomon are concerned about the future for their two daughters, Lisa, 22, and Gillian, 19. Both suffer from a rare genetic syndrome that causes them to have severe mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. Debbie says that most of the living arrangements that she has visited in the Omaha area are advertised as "non-denominational" but they all have some sort of a Christian base. Because Lisa and Gillian are inseparable, Salomon wants them to be able to live together. "They have a bond that makes them closer than even twin sisters. One would wither away without the other. There is no way that one would move out without the other," she said. Salomon; who is herself a special education teacher, wants her daughters to be able to move out and lead their own lives. She says it's important to their family that the girls live with other Jews. "Mark and I have given them a Jewish education and they both had Bat Mitzvahs. They have been raised in a Jewish atmosphere and it is very important to us they have a Jewish home," she added. Many of the parents of Yachad members are looking forward to the planning and building of a new group home. It is the greatest fear of a parent of a person with a disability that we will die and our children will die because of loneliness and lack of proper assistance with living skills. We all look forward to participating in the planning and building of a Yachad Home. Because of people like Rabbi Urkowitz, Rabbi Gonsher, Joe Kirschenbaum, Linda Novak, Phil and Terri Schrager, and generosity of people in the Jewish community, we now have hope.
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(Continued from page 1) In the near future, Cantor Fettman is scheduled at their Yom Hashoah Observance on May 1. Last to speak in Storm Lake, IA, Grand Island and at a year he spoke in Albany, NY, on Yom Hashoah. conference sponsored by the University of Cantor Fettman's recent book, Shoah, Journey Nebraska at Kearney, where he will speak at a pre- from the Ashes, A Personal Story of Triumph Over sentation with Dr. Steven Schneider. the Holocaust is available at bookstores or the He will also address the Des Moines community Jewish Federation Library in Omaha.
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Page 9
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 24,2000
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 24,2000
When 13 really is a special number by Ozzie Nogg
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More than a year ago, 13 Beth El members-nine Now, if s my mother's turn to come in from out of women and four men-made a deep and sincere com- town and watch me and be part of the simcha." mitment to Judaic study and personal growth. That In addition to Lerner, Edelstein and Golbitz, the commitment will be recognized and celebrated on adult B'Nai Mitzvah participants include Sheryl Saturday, April 1, when the group becomes B'Nai Friedman, Pam Gross, Carole Lainof, Michael Mitzvah at Shabbat morning services. Marcovitz, Amy Reynolds, Mary Rich, Paul According to Gary Lerner, one of the Beth El Sadofsky, Selma Sadofsky, Margaret Turetsky and "senior'students," the Adult B'Nai Mitzvah class Harry Weiner. They're different ages, come from grew out of a trip he took to St. Louis to see his different backgrounds and chose to take part in this rite of passage for different reasons, but intergrown sister become an adult Bat Mitzvah. "It was a very moving experience for her and views with them bore striking similarities. For many, this opportunity was a "second chance" equally moving for me," Lerner said. "I'd always been embarrassed-mortified, actually—that I to study and realize a dream. It was a way to show couldn't read Hebrew and was just mouthing the young children that "we're never to old to learn." They revealed the depth of support and encouragewords. My kids knew far more than I did." At the time, Lcrr.er's wife, Cheryl, was Beth El's ment students got from one another and from their Programming Director. She took the idea of an families, as well as the sense of pride in what had Adult B'Nai Mitzvah class to Rabbi Paul Drazen been accomplished, individually and as a group. and Cantor Emil Berkovits and got their blessing. "We were intent on learning and willing to put in "Then," continued Lerner, "Cheryl started drum- the time," one participant said. And everyone praised Rabbi Drazen and Cantor Berkovits for ming up business." Soon, 16 adults had signed on for the course. their mentoring, patience and good humor, and for The 13 who remained are more than happy that providing a non-threatening atmosphere in which to study and learn. they stuck with it. Finally, there was a feeling that even when April "Becoming a Bat Mitzvah was on my life-long list of things to do," said Ellene Edelstein. "I had just 1 has come and gone, the class's commitment to reached my 20/20 birthday, 40, when Cheryl asked if Judaism and the synagogue will remain. I was interested in joining the group. I said, 'Oh, "Now, when I come to the synagogue," said yes!' So, every Wednesday night I'd drive to Beth El Edelstein, "I come as a participant, not as an with my daughter, Sarah. While she went to her observer." Hebrew High classes I'd go to mine, and then we'd Many expressed an eagerness to continue their compare notes on the way home. We both were learn- Jewish learning and hoped other adults would grab ing and bonding at the same time. It was a very spe- at an opportunity that they didn't have as children. cial and positive experience." For Gary Lerner, Jewish ritual and observance Darlene Golbitz decided to become a Bat Mitzvah are much more relevant to him now than they were "after I watched my mother and my two kids do it. when he was a teen. "I feel more comfortable in the My mother was in her 70*8 when she became a Bat synagogue. When you come to this as an adult, if s Mitzvah. I figured if she can do this, I can do this. because you want to, not because you have to."
The winners of this year's National Jewish Book awards
NEW YORK (JTA) ~ The following titles have been named the winners of this year's National Jewish Book Awards. • Fiction: The Wedding Jester (Graywolf Press) by Steve Stern; Non-fiction: Yosl Rakover Talks to God (Pantheon Books) by Zvi Kolitz; Persian and Children's literature: With All My Heart, With Middle Eastern All My Mind (Simon and Schuster) edited by Cuisine Sandy Asher; Discover Omaha's Dost Kopl Secret| Autobiography/Memoir: King David's Harp (University of New Mexico Press) edited by Steven We Do CATERING! Sadow; • Bar/Bat Milzvahs • Receptions Children's picture book: Joseph Had A Little • Any-Occasion Party I Overcoat (Penguin Putnam, Inc.) by Simms Casual Dining & Cocktails Taback; Open Mon-'Jal Lunch & Dinner Eastern European studies: Polin edited by Israel Take Out Available Bartal and Antony Polonsky; Serving Israeli Wine Try a variety of Kabobs Education: Transmission and Transformation: A Jewish Perspective on Moral Education by Carol K. 1712 North 120th St. 493-3080 Ingall; (Candlewood Shopping Center) History: Berlin Metropolis: Jews and the New Culture 1890-1918 edited by Emily D. Bilski; Holocaust: Reading the Holocaust (Cambridge University Press) by Inga Clendinnen; W f i a t $OIT>*> yeoy\e call Israel/Zionism: The Multiple Identities of the make? us tail Middle East (Schocken Books) by Bernard Lewis; Jewish-Christian relations: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews: A Jewish Life and the Emergence of Christianity (Alfred A. Knopf) by Paula Fredriksen; 3026 No. 90th St. • 571-2857
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b Thought: The Religious Thought of Hasidim (KTAV Publishing^ House) by Norman Lamm; Reference: The Hebrew Folktale: History, Genre, Meaning (University of Indiana Press) by Eli Yassif; Scholarship: Living Letters of the Law: Ideas of the Jew in Medieval Christianity (University of California Press) by Jeremy Cohen; Sephardic and Ashkenazic culture: A Drizzle of Honey: The Lives and Recipes of Spain's Secret Jews (St. Martin's Press) by David Gitlitz and Linda Davidson; Sephardic studies and Women's studies: Heretics or Daughters of Israel?: The Crypto-Jewish Women of Castitle (Oxford University Press) by Renee Levine Melammed; Yiddish language and culture: Poyln (Henry Holt/Metropolitan Books) by Marek Web. These books are either on order or currently available in the Jewish Federation Library.
OJcftiroeri/ , Y.E.S. Review
by Art Grossman
As Old Man Winter tussles with his "off-spring" for attention, it was logical the March 13 OT/YES luncheon meeting presented as its honored guest nnd speaker Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director, whose duties include design and production of campuign literature, video, Jewish THG ANNUAL WALD LGCTURG Press articles, etc. at the Harris Center for Judaic Studies at UNL Aside from hor personal remarks, a enssetto entitlod "Tzedaknh" was featurod, along with by PGTGR BAIAKIAN brochures defining Omaha's partnership with tho Colgate University American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Thursday, March 30,7:30 p.m. Speaking of fundraislng, at the Early Bird talk session, wo discussed Hillary Clinton's visit to Nebraska Union Auditorium Omaha for tho purposo of garnering campaign "The Transmission of Trauma Across Oonoralions: funds for her Now York U,S. senatorial race. Writing a Memoir About Orowlng Up in lha Suburbs and Wo pondered over tho tragic violonco occurring tha Armenian Gonocida" in America-children assaulting children; and nlwo tho U.S. Presidential nomination. Suddenly, it nppenrs ns if the lines urn drawn n» to tho finaltaut. Wo paused in rovornnt memory for Vorn Toppormnn. Shalom.
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History-making scholar, art expert to keynote evenings at Esther2000
VreeB, Omaha, NB March 24,2000 l'«g* < * lnw.lt y/wHdtitt " I K fat'utt to tm*f ita/1, A
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25 Years C*p4f'rr>co by Plane Axler Baum Prof. Jon D. Levenson, holder of the first Jewish "I have vivid memories of a truly awesome let 1-R09-648-4444 Studies chair at Harvard Divinity School, and Ori ture on biblical art which Ori Soltes presented at Z. Soltes, celebrated Creighton a year or two ago," recalled Riekos. "Hi t expert in Jewish art, command of the subject matter, and his ability t) Schollmnn'h will keynote t h e express his ideas, kept Beautiful Decorative evening programs at a 'standing-room-onl."' Cabinet, Door & Esther2000. audience completely spellbound." Bath Hardware Scheduled for April 2 in Omaha, and Riekes chairs t h j Supplies A p r i l 3 in Lincoln, College of Jewis i llOUOHi Mon-Frt B-Bt Hat. g.mmn Esther2000 is a major Learning of Jewis l achoWmia'n, your \ienonul hnrii'/mte tant'ilU symposium and culEducational and Li593-9210 tural event. brary Services (JELS). 8425 "F" St. (across from Acura) The College is one < f The two-day proJon D. Levenson the supporters i f gram will "unmask \Esther2000. new insights into the Book of Esther and extend our community's Purim revelry," promised Leonard Levenson, as t h e J. Greenspoon, coordinator. Monday evening keynoter, will bring the Sunday's daytime sessions will-unfold at Ori Z. Soltes symposium to a close Creighton University, followed by a dinner and evening keynote at Beth El Synagogue. Monday's with his probing re-marks on "Esther as an day and evening sessions will take place on the Ecumenical Problem." He will speak in Morrill Hall on the UNL campus, starting at 7:30 p.m. campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Esther2000 will investigate a range of fascinating In 1988, Levenson made history in the biblical questions, such as the following: Why isn't the studies field when he became the first Albert A. name of God mentioned in the Book of Esther? List Professor of Jewish Studies at Harvard Could it be that Mordecai and Esther were hus- Divinity School. Ho is also a Professor of Near band and wife? Why do some feminists view Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Harvard Vashti as a hero? Why did Protestant reformer University. CONTINUING A TRADITION... Martin Luther state that he wished the Book of Among his areas of specialization are Midrash, Setttnx One of a Kind, One ui a 'lime, Esther didn't exist? How are the biblical figures modern Jewish theology, and the history of Jewish Over 31 year* of Our Combined K%pnitnrt. Esther and Judith alike-and different? How do the biblical interpretation. Over 1700 Famllim Reformed. texts of Esther differ among Jews/Protestants on His numerous books, monographs and articles the one hand and Roman Catholics/Orthodox include such major contributions as Esther, pubCBSHONie NfiTWOKK Christians on the other? lished in 1997 by tho Old Testament Library, and """""* WOKK I Of? YOU "My colleagues and I are excited about participat- The Scroll of Ettther in Ecumenical Pernpectiue, ing in this celebration," said Greenspoon, who which appeared in 1976 in the Journal of 690-1591 •677-2524 holds the Philip M. and Esther Klutznick Chair in Ecumenical Studies. Jewish Civilization at Creighton University. "All He holds a Ph.D. from Harvard's Department of sessions are free and open to the public, and we Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. hope to see you there." Esther2000 is groupod into four sessions: On I The Sunday evening keynote at Beth El will open Sunday, presenters will look at "The Different I with a 6:30 p.m. deli dinner. At 7:30, Ori Soltos Books of Esther" and "Eutlior; Character mid i Plaaao give tialhe following Information: will speak and show visuals on "Illustrating the Characters," and on Monday, a t "Ksther in • p Book of Esther: Why, When, Where?" Tradition and Folklore" and "Estlior: Itending tho JNAME Soltes, lauded by Steven Riekes as "ono of tho Book, Writing a Commentary." most suporb Dramatist Elizaboth Groves will open tlio fourth prosontors we session with "Esther: A Recitation," Monday nt ,STAVE , Z I P ; have ever had 1 p.m. Groves, from Philadelphia, I'A, has per(Or, attach your mulling kb$l) in this Jewish formed on both olden of tho Atlantic in several lancommunity," is guages, combining her passions for drama, tlio a professorial Bible and history in recitations of biblical texts. _ lecturor in tho At> she enacts tho cntlro Uuok of Kollicr, sho will i CITY, STATE, ZIP, _ „ Fine Arts and not add or subtract one word, said Oreens/moii, lint *MEV/ PHONE ... .._.„,.. _ . _ , _ _,, „ Theology Do- her extraordinary taleatit will make tho recitation i Elfecllvo Dale _ _ ,_ , pnrtmontn of iiccjii like a ni|;ltt at tltu theater, i ~-' '"'.' Ooorgotown Co-sponsors of JinthtrrHOOO arc Creltfhtofi 1/ moving w t o> town, pl««* efMeft ofi*; University. University's Klutznick Chair and tint University of Consultant Nobraskri'Iilncoln. Major funding was provided by Elizabeth Groves for Exhibition!) tho Nebraska Humanities Council, an affiliate of at the Foundation for International Arto and Edu- tho National Kndowmitiit for tint Ilimimiltlpft, Mali ttila coupon'Jweeks In advance to: cation in Washington, D.C., Soltos holds an Additional Information Is available tliroucli 1M Jewfsft West, 333 So. 132nd 81, advanced dogroo in Classics from Princeton taonnrri Orpeiiflpoon at 'Mt-WUM, or Middle Wliltc University. He studied Bible, Talmud, Midrnnh mid Crawford Literature at tho Jewish Theological Seminary.
Alan & Marty Cohen
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NCCJ honors community leaders (Continued from putfe 1) ing nnd the iitollnr achieveninnt.t of Alcurf.iii Robinnoti rntired from tho school. They have heen honored Miitii.il of Omaha ('nmpiuilcit im Vlrrt with recognition and ininmrouH prprtlddtit of Minority nnd Community awards for their community nffortn n» Affiiirii. Amoni; hhi cnniiiiuntry nrlivl well an their profotwional abilitlf'H and ties rtfn Chairinan nf f,tm Oranhft nccompliflhrncntA, Minority fiirchiifllnt; (!minctl and (Vml Bob Bell had been President and fihnirman of iho Urban l,en(f,\w of Chief Operating Officer of tho Gronter NehraAka, Christian t/r!nin Omaho Chamber of Cnmnrtorco nin"e Jlervirnd ami tho Omnlm 1989. He has received ninny awards Authority. recognizing his dedication to tho qualTho Humnnltorliirv Awardft i*ro ity of lifn In Omaha. «ontoi annually to publicly Joan ftoll's effortu liuva nl.io foctmod nnd honor tho recipiento (of their hlti on enhancing lifo In tho Midlands tory nf nervjcn to the community nnd through scrvico to or(,'iinlzutirtna tnch to provldo fund* to support th« miaus Ak-Sar-Bon, Epploy Cnncor Cantor, slon of NC'f'J In tha Midlnnds, 'fightCouncil to Prevent Drug add Alcohol ing bins, bigotry and rnoiam in Abuite, Omnhii Community Atmrlen,' nnd Nabraakn Kumann Soclnty,
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 24,2000
A symposium and cultural event
PROGRAM SCHEDULE Sunday, April 2; Omaha, Creighton University Campus "11:30 a.m. 11:45 a.m.
Monday, April 3, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Campus
Registration (Skutt Student Center) Introductions The Different Books of Esther (12:00 - 2:30 p.m., Skutt Student Center) Nicolae Roddy, Creighton University, Presiding
Esther in Tradition and Folklore (10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Nebraska Union ) Stephen Burnett, UNL, Presiding 10:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m.
Kosher Adultery? The Mordecai-Esther-Ahasuerus Triangle in Midrash and Exegesis Barry Dov Walfish, University of Toronto The Ecumenical Esther: Queen and Saint in Three Western Religions Judith S. Neulander, Indiana University Responses and Discussion Session Ends
Esther in Biblical Paradise: Summary of Current 10:30 a.m. Research'and a Case Study of Ether 2:21-23 Kristin De Troyer, Claremont Graduate School 12:30 p.m. From Maidens and Chamberlains to Harems and 11:00 a.m. Hot Tubs: Five Hundred Years of Esther in English 12:00 p.m. Leonard J. Greenspoon, Creighton University 1:00 p.m. Responses and Discussion 2:00 p.m. Reading the Megillah: Celebrating the Holiday ofPurim Rabbi Ira Flax & Members of Omaha's Jewish Community Esther: Reading the Book, Writing a Commentary 2:30 p.m. Break (1:00 - 5:00 p.m., Nebraska Union) John Turner, UNL, Presiding Esther: Character and Characters (2:45 - 5:30 p.m., Skutt Student Center) 1:00 p.m. Esther: A Recitation Ronald A. Simkins, Creighton University, Presiding Elizabeth Groves, Philadelphia; PA Break 1:45 p.m. 2:45 p.m. Mediatingfrom the Margins "It Takes a Village" to Produce a Commentary Also: 2:00 p.m. Timothy S. Laniak, Gordon-Conwell Theological A Case in Point Seminary Carey A. Moore, Gettysburg College Esther andJudith: Contrasts in Character 3:15 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Writing a Commentary for a Jewish Audience Sidnie White Crawford, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Adele Berlin, University of Maryland The Character of Esther: Three Views' 3:45 p.m. Esther and the Future of the Commentary 3:00 p.m. Michael V Fox, University of Wisconsin-Madison David J.A. Clines, Sheffield University, England Responses and Discussion 4:15 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Break 5:30 p.m. Session Ends Responses and Discussion 3:45 p.m. Session Ends 5:00 p.m. Keynote Event 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Beth El Synagogue ', Keynote Event (14506 California, north of Dodge Street at 144th) 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., Morrill Hall Auditorium (University of Nebraska-Lincoln Campus) 6:30 p.m. Deli Supper Jean Cahan, UNL, presiding G. Ted Bohr, S.J., Creighton University, Presiding 7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m,
Commenting on Esther as an Ecumenical Problem Jon D. Levenson, Harvard Divinity School
Illustrating the Book of Esther: Why, When, Where? Ori Z, Soltes, Georgetown University
For more information or to rsvp for the deli supper, please call the Klutznick Chair Office at (402) 280-2303 or Sidnie White Crawford at UNL at (402) 472-4475 This event is free and open to the public. Special thanks to the College of Jewish Learning of Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS)
Nebraska CREIGHTON 1>putai
f l f f i | UNIVERSITY
This event was made possible by major funding from the Nebraska Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities