Jewish Pre
SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR NEARLY 80 YEARS Vol. LXXK
No. 39 Omaha, NE
June 9,2000
6 Sivan, 5760
Federation honors volunteers by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director
The Jewish Federation and its Centers of Excellence will honor 10 men and women as Volunteers of the Year at the Annual Meeting, Mon• day, June 26, 7p.m., in the Jewish Community Center Theater. The meeting is chaired by Sandy and Paul Epstein and features a new campaign video; a reception will follow. In addition to the awards presented to the Volunteers of the Year, the winner of the Teen Leadership and Young Leadership Awards will be recognized, along with the Humanitarian of the Year, the Foundation's Endowment Award, and the Community Service Award. Installation of officers and board members will also take place: (Continued on page 5)
Susie Norton
Omaha cantors to sing in unison
Oliver Pollak
Merrian Spiegal
Frances Gottlieb
Jeff Kirshenbaum
Marina Tsed
Nancy Wolf
Young Jewish Americans touch lives of refugees by Sharon Goldin
A group of young Jewish adults took time out by Iris Ricks from their two-week Liynqt U'Lehibanot hiking, For the past three years, our community has enjoyed an annual concert featuring three Omaha studying and community service program in order cantors. This year, all four cantors will join togeth- to provide comfort to the children of Lebanese er in a celebration of Jewish music, Sunday, June refugees. The staff of Livnot U'Lehibanot heard that 25,7 p.m., at Temple Israel. • refugees from the South Lebanese Army (SLA) had The program will feature solos, trios and duets by Beth El's Cantor Emil Berkovits and Hazzan G. temporarily moved into the local hotels in Tzfat. Michael Horwitz, and Temple's Cantor Jennifer They offered the Livnot participants an opportuniBlum, along with songs and stories from Beth ty to make the plight of the children a little easier. Two thirds of the group responded instantly and Israel's Cantor Emeritus Leo Fettman. made their way over to two of the hotels where (Continued on page 2) most of the Lebanese children were congregated. The children's parents were most appreciative of the welcome distraction for their families The children, aged four to young adults, eagerly joined in the activities that were offered them by the Livnot participants. "I took a group of five kids and we painted and played tic-tac-toe," said Chad Krisel, 21, of Weston, FL. "We didn't speak Arabic and they didn't speak English, other than one child who spoke a broken English and translated for the group. I could not imagine being in their shoes; they didn't have time to bring anything with them when they left Lebanon." Cantor Blum Andrew Zellman, 21, of Elmhurst, IL, said, "I felt like we made a difference in peoples' lives. Two hours from my day made those kids happier. I colored and played ball with them. It was hard saying goodbye, we got so close to them despite the language barrier." "When I heard that there were Lebanese children in Tzfat, I had no desire to go, but I made myself," said Benji Blum, 23, of Columbia, MD. "It was one of the most impressive experiences and it was an opportunity of a lifetime to work with refugees who only had the clothes off their back. We lit up their day and the atmosphere was so different while we were there." . Cantor Berkovits Hazzan Horwitz The Livnot U'Lehibanot participants earlier on in
their program had raised several hundred dollars for charity during a fun charity auction event. The group unanimously voted to donate the money towards helping the plight of the SLA refugees. Livnot U'Lehibanot, a program based in Jerusalem and Tzfat for 21-30 year olds with minimal background in Judaism runs two-, three- and six-week programs throughout the year. The programs are multifaceted involving an exploration of Judaism, challenging hikes, and community service. For further information about the Livnot programs, visit the website at www.livnot.org.il or call: 1-888-LIVNOT-O.
Andrew Zellman was one of many volunteers who took time off Livnot to provide programs for the children of Lebanese refugees who fled to Israel.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 9,2000
Women say no confrontation at Wall service is a good sign by Naomi Segal
JERUSALEM (JTA)-The women who gathered at the Western Wall this week are taking it as a good sign that they were able to hold a prayer service without any major incident. Members of the group Women of the Wall say they are optimistic that the government will carry out a recent High Court of Justice ruling that allows them to pray as they see fit at the Western Wall. Aside from some name-calling and attempted egg-throwing from those who believe that women should not be allowed to hold formal prayer services at Judaism's holiest site, the service went ahead without the physical confrontation that had been feared. Wrapped in tallitot and tefillin, an estimated 200 women turned out for the service, according to a group member. Some worshippers at the site shouted at the group, and Israeli police detained four fervently Orthodox men who police said planned to throw eggs. The women's service was given heavy police protection out of concern for possible clashes with fervently Orthodox worshippers, who were angered when the high court recognized the right of Women of the Wall last month to hold women's prayer services at the Wall. The landmark ruling capped an 11-year legal battle by the women's group. Sunday's service celebrated Rosh Chodesh, the new month on the Hebrew calendar. In recent years, the women's group moved thenmonthly services to a site near the Wall. Group member Anat Hoffman said Sunday's turnout greatly encouraged her. "The police for 11 years told the high court they could not protect us and that it was a situation the police cannot deal with. We think the police can now tell the government they can protect us." In its ruling, the high court gave the government six months to come up with the necessary arrangements to enable the women's group to pray at the Wall. CLIP & SAVE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS SATURDAY, JUNE 10 Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Special Luncheon after Services honoring the Drazens, at Beth El {• Humash Class, 8:15 p.m., at Beth El p
SUNDAY, JUNE 11 •..>' & Community Blood Drive, 9 a.m., at the & Chabad House s s A WRJ Cradle Roll, 10:30 a.m., at Temple A E Annual Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El \ . MONDAY, JUNE 12 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. TUESDAY, JUNE 13 Jewish Women International open Board Meeting, 10 a.m., at The Village Inn, 78th & Dodge Jewish Press Committee Meeting, Noon c c BBYO Night, 6 p.m. L Executive Meeting, 7:15 p.m., Beth El \ •• '
THURSDAY, JUNE 15 & Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. s | Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple A v Library Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. * All events held at the JCC unless otherwise Indicated. The Jewish Press Is not responsible for the accuracy of the events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marions Hert at 334-6437.
CENTRAL PARK PHARMACY #5 307 North 114th St. PHONE 333-5100
Dates and hints
JOAN "SUNNF MAKER Former Omahan Joan Marer died May 11 at the by Rabbi Shlomo Levin, age of 63. A memorial service was held at her home Director, Omaha Center of in Lafayette, CO. During her travels to the Middle East in the Torah Learning early 1990s, she initiated a peace project and creatShavuot ed brochures and stickers in Hebrew, Arabic and If one would ask what the holiday of Shavuot English, displaying her words "Peace for all, We all commemorates, the most common answer one are one." More than 100,000 have been distributed would expect to receive would be that Shavuot throughout the world. commemorates the giving of the Torah on Mount Survivors include her sister, Janet McCabe of Lafayette, Sinai. This is supported by our prayer liturgy, CO; brother and sister-in-law, Allan and Cari Lefkow of since in the prayer book Shavuot is referred to as Scottsdale, AZ; daughter, Laura Marer, daughter and "the holiday of the giving of our Torah." son-in-law, Beth Marer-Garcia and Julio Garcia; grandIn presenting to us the holidays, however, the children, Jason Garcia and Lauren Garcia; and former Torah tells us that "You shall then celebrate the husband, Jerry Marer, all in California. festival of Shavuot to God your Lord, presenting a Memorials to Hospice of Boulder County, 2825 hand-delivered offering according to the extent of Marine St., Boulder, CO 80303, or your local the blessing that God has granted you (Devarim Hospice Organization, or the Women's Crisis 16:9)." Center, Government Center, 891 Mountain Ranch The Torah itself never specifies that commemo- Road, San Andreas, CA 95249. ration of the revelation of Sinai should be a theme BERTHA "BELLEE" SPIEGAL of this holiday! The rabbis of the Talmud only Services for Bertha Spiegal were held June 6 at pieced together that the date of Shavuot and the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. She died June 3 at the age date of the Sinai revelation coincide by painstak- of 89. ingly examining the various dates and hints found Survivors include her husband, Richard "Dick" scattered in the narrative of the .Torah. Spiegal; daughters and sons-in-law, Arlene and Why, we must wonder, does the Torah seem to David Beber of Omaha, Bonnie Hines of Omaha, sweep this connection under the rug? Surely there and Connie and Mace Horoff of Palm Beach, FL; sisis nothing secretive about the goings on at Sinai, ters, Mildred Wine and Rose Pitlor, both of Omaha; since this is described at length in the book of 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Shmot. By mandating that this date be observed as Memorials to charity of choice. a holiday the Torah clearly wants to commemorate JULIA. NAKH1MOVICH this event for all time. What, then, is the reason Graveside services for Julia Nakhimovich were for leaving this connection unexplained and left to held June 7 at Beth El Cemetery. the deduction of the rabbis? In celebrating the giving of the Torah, there is a Applications for preschool danger that we might come to view having received the Torah as the climax of our spiritual journeys. scholarships due July 1 We might say, now that we have the Torah we by Diane Axler Baum should put it in a safe place, thank God for giving it to us once a year on Shavuot, and that is enough. July 1 is the deadline to apply for preschool Nothing can be farther from what we do. Before scholarships for the 2000-01 school year. the morning service we recite the blessing, Also due July 1 are applications for financial "Blessed are you. . .who has commanded us to assistance for the education and care of children occupy ourselves with the study of Torah." Every with special needs who are enrolled in Jewish day day we engage in Torah study, and by doing this care or religious school programs in Omaha. we strengthen our connection with Jewish obserApplication forms are available in the Jewish vance and with God. Educational and Library Services office, located on Shavuot is not introduced to us as the holiday of the first floor of the JCC at the north end. the giving of the Torah to keep a balance between "We represent the arm of our Jewish community our need to thank God for giving us the Torah and that guarantees the broadest possible educational our mandate to remember that while the Torah and enrichment opportunities for all our children," was given long ago we must actively receive it by said JELS Director Carolyn Novicoff. studying every day. We want to commemorate the "Our' aim is to ensure giving of the Torah, but we do not want to limit \ every Jewish child's receiving and studying the Torah to one day or hol11 access to such enrichiday but rather make that a part of every day of ment programs as our lives. I Jewish camping, trips to Israel and participaThe revelation of Sinai was not the end point in tion in Maccabee the relationship between God and the Jewish peoGames," she said, "and ple, but rather a beginning. to a full range of educational opportunities, including Jewish preCantors' concert; : — school, Jewish day (Continued from page 1) ; school and beyond." Also performing is a choir comprised of members JeffSmedlund The Financial Aid of all three synagogues. A dessert reception will follow. Tickets are $12 Committee of JELS administers and supervises the for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. use of funds generated through the Federation Proceeds will benefit Temple Israel's Music Fund. Foundation. : •• • ' Call the temple office at 556-6536 for more inform These funds provide "an important source of mation. : support for the parents of our children, youth and young adults as they progress from the preschool years through the graduate school years," said Jeff Smedlund, President of the JELS Board. Aveva Shukert serves as chairman of the Financial Aid Committee. The names of other members are never divulged .to the public, in order to assure their anonymity and, in turn, the strictest confidentiality of their work. SPECIAL NEEDS Grants for children of kindergarten age or PROGRAM DIRECTOR younger are made possible by the Carolyn Kully T7ie Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (Kansas City'sNewman Memorial Fund, the Cornerstones Endowment Fund, the Herbert Goldsten Jewish Day School Grades K-12) Is looking tor a unique Individual to head Its Special Needs Scholarships, and the Livingston Scholarships. Program. Friedel Jewish Academy, which administers its own ' • Certification in Special Ed required scholarship programs, can be reached at 334-0517. • Masters preferred Information about preschool scholarships and * Excellent pay and benefits other financial aid programs is available by calling Call Steven Passer for Information 800-875-4101 Kathy Hirshman at the JELS office, 334-6445. -A-
June 9,2000
SYNAGOGUES J
.
TEMPLE.ISRAEL
Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations
7023 Cass Street Omaha; NE 68192-2651 "' .'6B6-6536'' " ' ' "'" templeisrael-ne.drg FRIDAY: Klezmer Shabbat services, 8 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Cantor Jennifer Blum will officiate. The Kol Rina Choir will participate along with Tuffy Epstein on clarinet and rhythm, Debbie Greenblatt on fiddle and recorder, Jon Bleicher on tuba and upright bass, and Julie Sandene on keyboard. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Suzan and Jay Kenik in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Jordan. SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible, 9:30-10:15 aan.; Shabbat morning service, 10:30 a.m. J o r d a n Steel Kenik will become a Bar Mitzvah. SITTER SERVICE-During the month of June, sitter service is available each Friday evening and Saturday morning for worship service. Cost is $2 per family. Make a reservation at the Temple office. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. ADULT EDUCATION THURSDAY, J u n e 15: Sisterhood Adult Education, 10-11:30 a m . Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will teach "Scattered Among the Nations—Documents Affecting Jewish History-49 to 2000 C.E."; Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7-8 p.m. SHABBAT COMES TO YOU Friday, J u n e 16: Cantor Jennifer Blum will lead a Shabbat Service at Remington, 3:45 p.m.
. CONGREGATION B ' N A I J E S H U R A N , ' >( ',
•' SOUTH ST|lEK^TE^PL^!^' 1 i v vH
Member of the Union of American Hebrew ConErotfatlont
' ,2061S.' 20th St., Lincoln) NE 68502-2797 ' 435-8004 ' • jewiBhnebraska.org Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10 a m . TUESDAY: Adult Education-Pirke Avot, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: AA Meeting, Library, 7:30 p.m. POTLUCK/GAME NIGHT SATURDAY, J u n e 17, 6 p.m. Call Deborah Swearingen for information, 476-7528.
, ,
OFFUTTAIR FORCE
, 25th and Cap Services conducted by Rabbi Ira Flax. Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
—
es .130-1800 -• " t jgphiibadtfaol.com , % *--'----l.centcrB.convoniaha^
Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul, 11:45 a.m.-l p.m.
r \ BNAI ISRAEL SYN 618 Mynster St, CouncU Bl%^p5|5O|O766 Phone: 322-4705 ' E-MAIL: docjeb^otaom FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. An Oneg Shabbat will follow.
Study Kallah offered for adults "Lighting the Way with Torah and Tefillah", a Regional Adult Study Kallah sponsored by the Midwest Council of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, will take place at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 23-25. This weekend will focus on prayer, worship and spirituality and provide opportunities for Shabbat enjoyment. For further information and a registration form, please call the Temple Israel office at 556-6536.
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Jewish Press , Omaha, NE
Page a •*«•
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CANDLELIGHTING: 8:38 p.m.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
BETH ELSYNAGOGUE
- ' Member ofthe Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregation!) of America
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism L 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492-8550 ' i" WEB-www.bethel-omaha.org
1502 No. 52nd Street, Omaha, NE 68104-5013 ' 556-6288 ' Betfalsrael@novia.net
Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-noon. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Kutner. FRIDAY, first d a y of Shavuot: Morning Cantors Emil Berkovits and G. Michael Horwitz. FRJDAY: Services, 6 p.m. Services, 8:45 a.m. followed by a dairy lunch; SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush folCandlelighting, 8:37 p.m.; Mincha, 8:40 p.m. SATURDAY, second day of Shavuot: Morning lowing services; Sitter service, 10 a.m.; K'tantan, Services, 8:45 a.m.; Yizkor, 10:30 a.m. Morning 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Story time, 11 a-m.,; Humash services will be followed by a heavy kiddush; with Rashi study session, 8:20 p.m.; MinhaPirkei Avos class with Rabbi Kutner, 8 p.m.; Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 8:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Perek Yomi "Read a Mincha, 8:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:48 p.m. Chapter a Day" group, 10:15 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 8:40 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 8:40 p.m. SHAVUOT TUESDAY: Class with Rabbi Shlomo Levin, SATURDAY: Shaharit, Yizkor and dedication 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi's Talmud Class, 7:30 p.m. of memorial of plaques, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 8:45 p.m. ANNUAL MEETING J u n e 11, 7 p.m.; Election for next year's Board of Trustees and Executive Board. Annual syno: ; - ' TIFERETH ISRAEL^ $ ^ /,„ '.5 1 Member of the United Synagogue'!^ ?V' gague awards and committee reports will be pre..; - ' of Conservative J a d a S ' " "i&<[, sented. A reception will follow. 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423-8569 • ' • /-, < ' Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday and Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. Join Zac Bryant, Jordan Kenyon, David Mellen and Anatoly Zlotnik and their families to celebrate their confirmation during evening services. An Oneg Shabbat will follow. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Yizkor. CONGREGATION ANNUAL MEETING Sunday, June 15,10:30 a.m. brunch
BEYT SHALOM
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W A n Aflllittto of the)! , , ' , . . - ^ * t Jewislii Rcconstruotionlrt Federatlpn r ^ \ -
>f T f j ' 3012a limhst,p.o.r ' * — - " FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat at 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Learner's Minyan, 10 a m . RELIGIOUS SCHOOL: Summer Vacation. Classes resume August 20. FRIDAY, J u n e 16: Tot Shabbat at 7 p.m. SATURDAY, J u n e 17: Morning services at the Rose Blumkin Home, 9 a.m.
FRIDAY: Shavuot Services, 9 a.m., led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet. SATURDAY: Shavuot/Yizkor Services, 9 a.m., led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet. Members of the community are welcome. Services are held in the Herbert Goldsten Chapel, followed by Kiddush, A memorial service is held on the last Shabbat of each month, in memory of residents who have died.
Elderhostel 2000 in Wisconsin Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute will host a summer program as p a r t of the international Elderhostel program. The session will take place at the Institute in Oconomowoc, WI, Sept. 10-15. The topics will include, "The Jew in Literature", "Christianity, Judaism and Islam - The Links that Bind - The Walls that Separate", and "You be the Jury - Medical Ethics and Jewish Lore." The cost of the program is $365 and includes accommodations, meals, classes and all recreational programs and activities For further information, call 847-509-0990, ext. 19 or, to register, call Elderhostel at 617 426-7788.
Anna Turetsky, daughter of Margaret and Lazar Turetsky, became a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, June 3, at Beth El Synagogue. A seventh grade superior honor student at Kiewit Middle School, she enjoys dance, art, literature, shopping and spending time with her friends. She was selected to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program and recieved state recognition. I Grandparents are Ruvim Turetsky of Omaha and the late Rosa Turetsky, Zoya Spitserov of New York and the late Yefim Spitserov. Jeremiah Aaron Bleicher, son of Bob J. and Stacie R. Bleicher, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, June 17, at Temple Israel. A seventh grade student at Lefler Middle School (Lincoln), he enjoys baseball, working on the family tree farm, cooking and reading. For his mitzvah project, he is volunteering at the Lincoln Food Bank. Jeremiah has a brother, Benjamin. Grandparents are Jerome and Freda Bleicher of Council Bluffs and Muriel Arck of Denver.
PERSONAL I would like to thank all my friends and relatives for the cards, calls and donations during my recent hospitalization and since returning home. It was all very much appreciated. Phil Handleman
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Editorial
Celebrating by learning
Shavuot, the Jewish holiday which comes seven weeks after Passover, is probably the least celebrated holiday among American Jews. Hanukkah, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Passover: these are the holidays even the least affiliated Jews observe. Add Sukkot, Simchat Torah and Purim for affiliated Jews and you have the list of major Jewish holidays (not quite Dave Letterman's Top Ten, but then, who's counting?). So, back to Shavuot. It's described in the Torah as one of the three pilgrimage holidays when Jews brought sacrifices to the Temple in Jerusalem. After the Temple's destruction, the rabbis changed the focus to celebrate the giving of the Torah, Zeman Matan Torahtaynu. Most synagogues use this opportunity for Tikkun Leyl Shavuot, an allnight study session beginning after services on the first night of Shavuot. In the Reform tradition, Shavuot has become connected to confirmation, a rite of passage marking the culmination of a teenager's formal education. Omaha is no exception. Last night, a class of Jewish high school students were confirmed in Omaha and more will be confirmed tonight in Lincoln. Study sessions took place well into the night in both communities, as well. The Torah portion read this morning at Shavuot services included the Ten Commandments (the original Version, not the different copies some
Journal Entry from Israel
proponents suggest we post in classrooms!). As Ozzie Nogg suggested in her article on May 5, Shavuot: is it the well-kept secret holiday?, "To hear the words on Shavuot should be required listening for all of us." Shavuot does have a book associated with it: the Megillah of Ruth, a story of a convert's love and devotion to her adopted people. And yes, it has foods connected to the idea that Torah is like a mother's milk, hence dairy delicacies. So, why don't we, for the most part, celebrate Shavuot, and attend services on those days? One reason might be its date near the end of school and sometimes close to Memorial Day. It seems to get lost in the preponderance of graduation parties, barbequesand a three-day weekend. Nogg asked in her article, "Since we are People of the Book, shouldn't we at least know what's in the Book?" It's a legitimate question and the answers are already here. There are no excuses left: all the learning anyone could want is right here. There are enough Lunch 'n Learn sessions offered to fill each weekday, every week; there are daytime and evening classes offered by the gamut of religious institutions and other Jewish organizations. Opportunities abound for group classes and private learning. Enjoy your cheesecake this year and promise next year to enjoy the whole Megillah! Chag Sliavuot Samayach!
" ^JSO^"
SINCE GOb MADE HIS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM ALL
JEWISH FATHERS HAVE BEEN FACED WITH AN AWESOME RESPONSIBILITY.
NOT ONLY TO BE THE BEST FATHER ONE CAN BE, BUT ALSO TO KEEP UP WITH A 4,000 YEAR LESACY!
SO, DO WE AGREE THIS $5.95 SPECIAL FATHER'S DAY TIE SAYS "UEGACT?
ISRAEL OCCUPIES SOUTHERN LEEMNON-1978-2000
Lebanon: then and now by Teddy Weinberger
On Friday, June 3, 1982, I happened to be up North oh Kibbutz Daphna. Sarah was concluding her junior year abroad at Hebrew University and I had (after my own third year in college in New York) flown to Israel to travel with her-first in Israel and then in Europe. We were in the midst of our "northern" trip and were staying way up on Kibbutz Daphna, visiting my cousins, Yehuda and Bilha Elan, founding members of the kibbutz. That morning, we got a tour of the kibbutz, including a special tour of Daphna's boat factory from Digo, the Elans' son-inlaw who was head of production at the factory. As part of my tour of the kibbutz, Bilha showed us a bomb shelter~a place that had seen much use the previous June, due to katyusha rockets ("bombas," Bilha called them), but had been fairly deserted since then. At 10:30 in the morning, Sarah and I hitchhiked to Kiryat Shemona, where we boarded a bus to Tel Aviv (we then took another bus and spent Shabbat on Kibbutz Be'erot Yitzchak, where I had volunteered three summers before). That same Friday, Israel launched Operation Peace for the Galilee, forcing the inhabitants of Kibbutz Daphna into their bomb shelters for the next few days. Though the war in Lebanon had begun, the country gave the appearance of business as usual. Here and there, over the course of the next few weeks, we had certain reminders of the war (we were told that boys and men from Kibbutz Be'erot Yitzchak had been mobilized over our Friday night there, and, in the ensuing days, we were able to converse with soldiers who were on leave from the fighting).
MflA
June 9,2000
To the Editor: Well, we are really out of the shelters and I can Yet it's clear from the diary I kept at the time only hope that it lasts. that the Lebanon War was not interfering with my Now we have a new burden. The Western Galilee touring the country.'Indeed, when my cousin, has taken in many many families from the SLA Rivka, suggested to me that my mother shouldn't and Southern Lebanon who have come into Israel. come to Israel that summer, "that it's a bad time to My kibbutz alone took 30 families (they arrived at come" (as I quote her in my diary), I didn't really midnight last night) and may be more to come. know what she was talking about. In Mate Asher and the surrounding area, there Concerning my middle two weeks in June touring around the capital city, I wrote: "Didn't really feel are thousands who have arrived. They have put up in our bed and breakfast, Rosh Hanikra-Police war in Jerusalem but followed it on news." Eighteen years later, I also found myself follow- Vacation Hostel, Kibbutz Matzuba, a n d in ing the news from Lebanon-only this time I was Nahariya at the Sol Marin. The Ministry of Defense will pay for their upfeeling a whole lot more. This time, I was not an American tourist in Israel but an American immi- keep but they are still lacking many things and we grant with Israeli citizenship. are trying to help, such as diapers, baby food And what a difference citizenship makes: the dif- clothes, toys and more. People at my kibbutz are ference between not feeling much at a time when trying to organize help. I'm sure they will get some boys my exact same age were fighting and dying in help, but I don't know if it will be enough. They are Lebanon, and feeling great happiness when our sol- approaching the businesses in the area and the diers came home. large companies in the country. Many of these Along with the rest of the country, I heaved a companies have already given. major sigh of relief when I woke up Tuesday mornI will continue to keep you informed. ing, May 2.3, to learn that Israel had pulled out of Rhea Feldman Lebanon. Western Galilee, Israel It's been quite a while in Israel since a governmental action has met with such wide support. A (Editor's note: Rhea Feldman has visited bumper sticker on my car reads (in Hebrew) Omaha as part of the Israeli delegation of "Enough of the Nightmare in Lebanon." I can now Partnership 2000. Omahans have also visited' go ahead and take that bumper sticker off. No one knows for sure whether or not this period with her in Israel at P2K meetings there. To that we are now in will be seen in a few years as a make a donation so our P2K partners can contact temporary cease fire in an ongoing war or as the purchase the items listed above, beginning of a lasting period of peace on the Jewish Family Service, 330-2024.) Northern Front. Right now, I am cautiously hopeful. (Continued on page 5)
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Lloyd Rollsteln Chairman Carol Katzman Edilor-in-Chiel Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Larry Axelrod ' Advertising Manager Barbara Frankel Rocky Starn Sales representatives Jenina (Sadolaky) Stewart Bookkeeper •Ian Gates Production Assistant George Schapiro Volunteer
JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Fred Tichauer, Vice-Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Howard Silber, Treasurer; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; KipGordman; Gary Kudym; Steve Levinger; Howard K. Marcus; 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 Jewiah 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.
June 9, 2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
Federation honors volunteers (Continued from page 1) Doris Alloy is the Volunteer of the Year for Jewish Senior Services. She was instrumental in developing Visions and has been Recording Secretary for the past three years. For Visions' Mitzvah Club, Alloy collected eye glasses for Prevent Blindness of Nebraska, helped with the bingo and ice cream social at the Rose Blumkin Home, and assisted residents with sending cards to family members for the holidays through the Card Cart. Frank Flatowicz has been named Jewish Family Service's Volunteer of the Year for his dedication and leadership in the agency. Over the years, Prank has served JFS in many capacities: on the Jewish Family Life Education Committee, the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, chairman of the Jewish Vocational Committee, chairman of the Resettlement Committee, and assumed the position of president for two consecutive years. As chairman of the Search Committee for the new JFS Executive Director, he helped ease the agency through a difficult transitional period. In addition to his JFS work, Flatowicz recently served on the committee for health insurance renewal for Federation employees. The Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations Committee has selected David Gilinsky as Volunteer of the Year. Gilinsky's most significant contribution to the agency this year has been his work on the ADL development plan. AB chair of this committee, .he is responsible for insuring a level of support for the National ADL. Gilinsky has taken a leadership role in many community organizations. He accompanied lay leaders and congressional representatives, including Congressman Lee Terry, on a mission to Israel this year, a first, for both men. Jewish Educational and Library Services has chosen Frances Gottlieb as their Volunteer of the Year. As chairman of the Library Committee, Gottlieb has overseen the computerization of the Kripke Library catalog as well as their move to the new space. She was also instrumental in organizing Jewish Book Month activities, the Elinor Whitman Book Contest and the Friends of the Library Annual Campaign. The Jewish Community Center has designated Jeff Kirshenbaum as their Volunteer of the Year. Over the past several years, he has been a member of the JCC Board of Directors; a Vice-president serving on the Executive Committee and Chairman of the Health and Fitness Committee. Kirshenbaum has devoted his time and talents to help design and develop operations for the Phil
Sokolof Fitness Center. He also serves on the Building and Grounds Committee and will be chairman of the JCC Budget Committee next year. Susie Norton i s the Jewish Federation of Omaha's Volunteer of the Year. Her most important contribution this year has been the development of JOLT, "Jewish Omaha Leadership Training." As chairman of JOLT, Norton was responsible for the creation of several community input sessions which were held to determine the leadership needs of local volunteers. Using the information from the input sessions, she established the parameters of the program and what would be the most useful information for the participants. In addition to JOLT, Norton has taken a leadership role in the Federation Annual Campaign for the past several years. Oliver PoIIak is the Volunteer of the Year for the Jewish Press.Oliver is a Professor of History at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a partner in the law firm of Pollak and Hicks. A past chairman of the Jewish Press, Pollak writes book reviews on a regular basis as well as Jewish travel articles. He is currently assisting the Press with a project that would make all issues since 1920 available to researchers and the members of the Jewish community. Volunteers of the Year for the Rose Blumkin Home are Merrian Spiegal and Marina Tsed. Spiegal devotes many hours each week assisting with bingo and Pokeno. She enjoys being a chaperone for residents' field trips, having escorted them to the SAC Museum, casino and programming at the JCC. Even though Spiegal has had to deal with illness in her family recently, she has continued to care for the residents of the Home. Marina Tsed has volunteered more than 600 hours over seven years. Her volunteer work includes manning a room service cart and socializing with residents. In addition, she assists with bingo games, plays cards with residents and acts as an interpreter for Russian residents. Tsed came to the United States eight years ago from Belarus. She graduated at the top of her class at Central High School and will attend Northwestern University this fall. She hopes to pursue a career in psychology or neurology. Nancy Wolf is Volunteer of the Year for Jewish Cultural Arts Council. She is chairman of the JGAC and has served on their borad for the past three years. Highlights of her accomplishments include the planning of the recent Yom Ha'Shoah Memorial Service and last year's Community Purim.
^LOCKSMITHS
Pulverente MONUMENT co.
Beth El Synagogue's Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, June 11, at 7 pan. According to Barbara Gottlieb, chairman, the evening will include the election of new officers and Board of Trustees, an "Oo-La-La Pie Ala Mode" Dessert Reception plus a special Beth El version of "Do You Want To Be a Millionaire?" PrizeB to be awarded include books, CDs, gift certificates from Younkers and the synagogue's Judaica Shop plus some "highly valued" High Holiday reserved parking spaces. The following slate of Beth El Synagogue officers and board members will be presented: President: Howard Epstein; Vice-presidents: Richard Fellman, Carol Gendler and Michael Linn; Secretary: Hyman Sukiennik; Treasurer: Ron Feldman. Current Board of Trustee members nominated for a second two-year term: Caryl Greenberg, Myron Kaplan, Kim Novak and Marcia Pitlor. New Board of Trustee members nominated for a two-year term: Barbara Gottlieb, Cheryl Lerner, Steve Riekes, Marty Shukert, Harry .Werner and Sally Zipursky. Bruce Friedlander served as chairman of the Nominating Committee which included Dick Fellman, Sarah Juster, Marty Shukert, Cheryl Cooper, Alan Goodman, Howard Kaplan and Eadie Tsabari. For more information, call the synagogue office at 492-8550.
Henry Barnston BBG #318, Houston, Texas, will soon be celebrating its 50th Anniversary. If you-or someone you know-was a member, advisor or beau of Barnston, please let us know how we can reach you to invite you to our Gala Weekend. Kindly send your name, complete address (and email address), and telephone number to DeeHalpin@aol.com, or to Debbie Israel Dubin, 7726 Portal, Houston, TX, 77071. Please indicate the years you were a member and anything Bpecial we should know about you and youryears in Henry Barnston! Debbie Israel Dubin
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 9,2000
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LUEFSHUETZ/MAGID Marci Luefschuetz and David Maged, both of Rockville, MD, have announced their engagement. The bride-to-be, daughter of Fritzi Luefschuetz of Omaha and the late Karl Luefschuetz, is an account manager with FitzGerald Communications. She received a B.A. and Master's in Public Communications from American University in Washington, D.C. She is the granddaughter of the late Jeanette and Lloyd Cohen and the late Fany and Max Luefschuetz Her fiancee, son of Karen Gouzoulis and Stephen Maged of Maryland, is a partner in the law firm of Solomon and Maged, P.C. He is a graduate of the JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES University of Maryland and the Baltimore School Branson August Super Stars Trip is Aug. 21-24 of Law. He is the grandson of Myron Maged and and is open to all seniors. Cost is $399 double occu- the late Marjorie Maged and the late Ruth and pancy. Leave Omaha on Aug. 21 at 7:30 a.m. from Alex Swain. the JCC, and arrive back in Omaha on Thursday, A Sept. 9 wedding in Omaha is planned. Aug. 24, at 6:30 p.m. Tour includes deluxe motor coach transportation, three nights accommodations at the Settle Inn, three evening meals and continental breakfasts, six shows, guided tour of College of the Ozarks, drive through mountain scenery, shopping and professional escort, including bag- The following recent high school graduates have gage handling. Send deposit of $50 per person by received scholarships or honors: Aaron. June 21 to: Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132nd St., Aizenberg, National Scholars Award, University Omaha, NE 68154. For information, call Maggie at of Iowa; Shira Kaplan, soccer scholarship, College 334-6521. of St..Mary, and Michelle Taylon, Valedictorian of Bellevue West High School. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those going on the trip to the Ameristar Susan Aizenberg was selected as a Merit Casino this Thursday, meet at the Blumkin Home Award Winner from the Nebraska Arts Council. front entrance at 8:45 a.m. There will be no exer- The $2000 award was in the poetry category. cise. For transportation, call Maggie at 334-6521. The Grande Olde Players will perform Love at the VISIONS Baseball and Bar-B-Que is Thursday, June 22. Cafe from June 15-July 2 at its theater, 2339 No. Cost is $11 per person and includes dinner buffet 90th St. The play was written by Jim Conant with' and ticket. At 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served at music by Karen Sokolof Javitch. Tickets are $10 the Stadium View Club; at 7:05 p.m., the Omaha for adults, $9 for seniors and $5 for students. For Golden Spikes play Oklahoma RedHawks. For information, call 397-5262. reservations, mail form by June 12 to: Harry Alloy, The American Cancer Society, Heartland 11317 Harney Plz. Circle, Omaha, NE 68154. Join us for an afternoon in Browriville. Natalie Division, will host the Relay for Life,,aXea.mGamsu will perform at the Brownville Concert based 12-hour event, in Sarpy County at Bellevue Series on Sunday, July 9. Cost is $35 and West High School, June 23-24; and for Douglas includes coach transportation, admission to show County at Millard West High School, June 24-25. and dinner at Farmer Brown's Steak House. For more information or to register a team, call Depart from the JCC at 1 p.m. and return at 393-5800. approximately 8 p.m. For reservations, mail form To celebrate its first anniversary, Cookies by by June 12 to: Rosalie and Maurie Meiches, 5036 Design is raising funds for Children's Hospital by Parker St., Omaha, NE 68104. donating a portion of its June sales. The shop has L.O.V.E. two locations, in Countryside Village and at Only six days remain to make purchases at Summit Square, 14150 W. Center. Mulhall's, who will donate 10% to a wheelchair accessible park at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. The Benson area announces the opening of a hew Copies of the 10% off flyer are available through restaurant, Sprigs, at 6073 Maple St., specializing the League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly, an in lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch and carry-out. auxiliary of the Home, by calling Lenora Lancaster, 334-6511. The promotion ends June 15. J i l l Abrahamson, daughter of Hugh AbrahamBon and Tania Moore, received her law B-NAIBTUTH BREADBREAKERS Angie Nelson, HOSTSCOORDINATOR for degree from Golden Gate Law School-in San Westside Middle School, will speak at Breadbreak- Francisco. A graduate of Central High School and ers on Wednesday at noon at Pastime's Restaurant, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, she was also 129th & Maple. She will speak on innovative ways recognized as the Outstanding Criminal Litigator in her class and received recognition for excellence to teach reading. Cost is $8.50. in writing. Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday in the auditorium of the JCC. Exercise starts at 10:15 aan. in the auditorium. Try your luck at bingo with Eileen Remer at 10tl5. Bring articles to share for "YES Talk" discussion at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, Kate Biernowski from Sunrise Village will speak. For transportation, call 33CM272. Call Maggie Conti at 334-6521 to make reservations for kosher hotdog lunch and video Yidl in the Middle on June 22; deadline is June 15. Mother's Day and Father's Day Hawaiian Luau is June 19 at noon and deadline is June 12.
Visions Membership Luncheon
Check out these options: E Z T A J C C Membership or
gf An upgrade to the Men's Health Spa
The University of Nebraska at Kearney will host a Summer Writers' Conference, according to its organizer, Dr. Steven Schneider. The conference, aimed at aspiring writers, will be July 10-14 on the UNK campus. For more information, call Dr. Schneider at 1:308-865-8297.
(including whirlpool, steam room, sauna, and more) Clip this ad and receive 5% off his membership fee or Health Spa upgrade.
And since Mom's flowers have wilted by now, include her in this gift and get a 5% discount on their combined memberships or upgrades.
tor more Infonnatloa ploass contact lisa Shkolnlck at 334-6425.
Tracy Kutler received her master's degree in social work from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. She has accepted a position with the JCC Preschool there. ' . She is the daughter of Sandy and Stuart Kutler and granddaughter of Harriet Singer and the late Lazier Singer and the late Marian and Phil Kutler.
. Visionaires were entertained recently by a Dr. and Mrs. Lynn Polonski of Chagrin Falls, preview of the hit musical My Fair Lady from OH, announce the Jan. 25 birth of their daughter, the Omaha Community Playhouse: Harry DreoMae. Alloy, left; Jim Boggess, Musical Director for Grandparents are Joe and Bluma Polonski of the Playhouse; Ethel Goldston; and actor Matt Kamprath, who played Alfred P. Omaha and Fred and Linda Knox of Vienna, OH.' Doolittle.
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StlAVUOT CELEBRATES THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENT IN JEWISH HISTORY. CROSS OUT ALL THE WORDS BELOW PERTAINING TO TOOD AND THEN READ THE REMAINING WORDS PORTME REASON WI1T SI1AVUOT IS SO IMPORTANT!
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Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 9, 2000
Temple's 129th Annual Meeting held; awards presented
Rabbi Debbie Stiel began the meeting with the invocation after which President Paul Epstein and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel presented their reports highlighting the past year. Cantor Jennifer Blum gave the benediction. Sally Kaplan, Lisa Lewis and Tim
Zweiback were honored as outgoing board mambers for their dedication and service to Temple Israel. First photo: Rabbi Aryeh Azriel presented Whitney Taxman an award for her "dedication, hard work and leadership" as outgoing president of OTYG
(Omaha Temple Youth Group); second photo: Paul Epstein honored Rick Fox for his outstanding work as Chairman of Temple's annual Golf Tournament and for his "outstanding efforts to ensure our congregation's future;" third photo: Patricia Newman was hon-
ored for her pioneering work through Bikkur Cholim and her dedication to our Temple Library; fourth photo: Connie Kully and Stacey Rockman were honored for their "tireless effort toward the beautification of the Temple grounds."
Moses Takes a Ride on a Cloud ' from Bible Legends, An Introduction to Midrash by Lillian Freehof adapted by Claudia Sherman and illustrated by Ruth Slow
On his exhausting ascent of Mount Sinai to receive the Torah from God, Moses stopped to rest. It was quiet on the mountain and white puffy clouds drifted slowly above. He sighed and closed his eyes. In moments, Moses was asleep. "Wake up, Moses! Wake up!" "Who's there?" exclaimed Moses, startled from his hap. "I am," responded the cloud. "You are a cloud!" marveled Moses. "As if I didn't know that," observed the cloud sarcastically. "Come now, climb aboard," said the cloud, extending a misty haze toward Moses. Carefully, M os e s walked off the mountain onto the cloud, He was amazed how secure he felt sitting on a pillow of vapor. After drifting a distance, Moses and the cloud were stopped by an angel. "What are you, a mortal, doing here in Heaven?" demanded the angel."This cloud has brought me to receive the Torah from God," answered Moses. "Do you intend to take our Torah away from us?" growled the angel. "Not on my watch, you won't," the angel shouted. Urging the cloud to hurry along its way, Moses sped away on his journey. Before long, Moses could see thousands of lightning flashes. As the cloud got closer to the lightning, he feared the flashes of fire would scorch him. The flames continued to intensify and strike closer and closer. Moses was frightened and cried out to the cloud, who was not pleased either to be so close to the bolts of fire, "Did you bring me here only to be consumed by flames?" "Fear not, Moses," God's voice suddenly insisted. "You shall be safe." After soaring past a river of fire, Moses arrived at the Throne of Glory. It was guarded by the strongest and mightiest angels of all, who quickly surrounded him. They leaned out to breathe streams of fire at Moses, who was terrified. "Hold on to the Throne of My Glory," commanded God to Moses. "The angels will not harm you as long
as you hold tightly, to the Throne." The angles watched Moses suspiciously but did not harm him, "Why did You, O God, bring this earthly creature here?" asked the angels. "He has come to accept My Torah for his people, the Children of Israel," explained God to the angels. God told Moses to clarify why he had come to take the Torah from Heaven. Still fearful, Moses spoke. "In the Torah, it is written, You shall have no other gods but Me.' , Surely, you angels worship solely the one and only God." Indignantly, the a n g e l s answered, "Well, of course we worship none other than Him!" "Then you do not need that law," Moses pointed out. "Do angels have parents?" asked Moses. Puzzled, the angels looked at qach other but did riot answer. . "Of what use is that law to you?" continued Moses. "Is there any chance that angels might kill?" "Certainly not!" the angels declared resentfully. "Then that law is not for you either," said Moses. "And you have nothing to steal in Heaven so why do you need a law that commands you not to steal?" Moses proceeded to present more commandments explaining with each one that the angels had no need for the laws. Finally, he revealed that mortal human beings have many faults and need to learn and be guided by the Torah. "They definitely need the Torah!" he insisted. Moses eventually convinced the angels that the Torah would be of great benefit to the people on earth. Stepping aside so he could return to Mount Sinai, the angels let Moses step back onto the cloud. At last, Moses awoke at his resting place on the mountain. He couldn't remember if he had really taken a ride on the cloud or if he had dreamed of his encounter in Heaven. For 40 days, he stayed on the mountain studying and learning Torah. At the end of that time, clutching the Torah to his chest, he descended to the people camped below, bringing them the word of God.
The Jewish Press Annual "Healthy Living" Edition will publish
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