Jewish Prr
HISl SOCIETY 1500 R ST LINCOLN NE 68506-16^1
SERVING RVING NEBRASKA NEBRASKAAND ANDWESTERN WESTERNIOWA IOWAFOR FORNEARLY NEARLY80 80YEARS YEARS Vol. LXXEX
No. 42 Omaha, NE
27 Sivan, 5760
June 30,2000
honors volunteers, highlights 99 accomplishments in "an evening of celebration
More than 250 people attended the 96th Goldstein, standing, proudly acknowledge Art Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation of Goldstein's Endowment Award, presented to Omaha Monday evening. Among the many him and his late wife, Ruthie, by outgoing awards presented was the Endowment Award Foundation chairman Mike Erman. Center; from the Foundation of the Jewish Last year's Lois Jeanne Schrager award winFederation. Left photo: David and Judy ner Cindy Goldberg, left, presented her sister-
in-law, Wendy Goldberg, with this year's award. Right: Federation President Forrest Knitter, left, acknowledged the accomplishments of immediate past-president Howard Kooper. . •' ' (More photos and story on pages 12-13)
Bob and Elly Gordman increase amount ofifeen Leadership Awards by Claudia Sherman, Foundation Public Relations Coordinator
agement consultant busi"Bob and I like teenness. agers," said Elly Gordman. "We. like working with Elly was the first public teenagers. They keep you in relations coordinator with contact with a world beyond the Jewish Federation of the adult realm." Omaha. After that, she was Marketing Director Elly's husband, Bob for Kids, Inc., a counselGordman, agreed, adding ing agency. She has that "teenagers are the worked as a freelance future leaders of our commuwriter and in public relanity." tions, also on a freelance Former advisors to B'nai basis. Currently she B'rith youth groups, Elly works in freelance marand Bob decided in 1983 to keting. set up an endowment fund Elly has lived in Omaha to honor outstanding teen since she was six. leaders in the Omaha Jewish community and "Nowadays," she added, focus on teen accomplish"We spend quite a bit of ments; time in Colorado hiking and skiing." ;: Elly was working in publie relations for the Jewish Joanie Jacobson, left, presented awards to this Chairman of the Jewish Bob and Elly Gordman Federation at the time and year's winners Andy Finkle and Courtney Rabb. Federation Budget and was aware that young adult Allocation Committee of Kevin Saltzmon and Wendi Rosenblatt were the leaders, in the community were being recognized as the Jewish Federation, Bob was also active in first recipients of the award. Each received a $500 recipients of the Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial scholarship to attend a Jewish camp, to take a trip Federation campaigns serving7.as chairman of the and Justin Greenberg Memorial awards. Pacesetter Division and also as general chairman. Elly said it bothered her that so much attention to Israel, to attend a Jewish leadership conference, He was advisor to AZA #100 from 1970 to 1974. or to use for some other Jewish experience. always seemed, focused on negative teenage behavBob was also a member of the Board of Directors If the scholarship is not used for a Jewish experiior.' She and Bob wanted to let the community of the National Conference of Christians and Jews ence by the end of the sophomore year of college, know what the majority of teens were doing and (now known as the National Conference for then it can be uBed for college expenses. what "neat" kids they are. Recently, the Gordmans increased the amount of Community and Justice). "We talked to Jerry Rosen" (Endowment Director of The Foundation of the Jewish Federation at that the scholarship to $1,000 per recipient (Continued on page 15) "We feit adding to the individual scholarships time), Elly explained. She asked him to keep the Gordman name anonymous. Not even the would create more options for the people receiving INSIDE: Gordmans' own children knew their parents had the money," said Bob. "There will be a wider variMonthly calendar............M....;...........,.pages 7*8f ety of things for them to do with the money." established the Jewish Teen Leadership Award. • Nominations for the award may be made by any- Bob has lived in Omaha since he was 17. Originally Jewish websites one or any organization in the community. The from Far Rockaway, New York, he was in the retail ederation winners are selected by a confidential committee of business with Richman Gordman for 26. years. He community members. The Gordmans are not eventually became President of Richman Gordman Department Stores. Ten years ago, he started a maninvolvedih choosing the winners.
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
, Karen Grove
When one person can make a difference
American Heart Association^?
^Flowermarf 1127 South 119th , Omahs. NE 68144 (•102)330-0705
June 30,2000
by Daniel J. Fellman, rabbinical student, HUC-JIR, Cincinnati, OH
can keep your love alive
Beth El Synagogue is seeking a
Part-time Program Director MUST: be highly motivated ' w o r k well with people of all ages • possess writing, administrative and computer skills • have a solid Judaic educational background. Call Larry DeBruin 492-8550
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Parashah Shelach L'cha Soon, very soon, the political season will be upon us in America. We will hear the proposals and attacks of candidates, and we will be inundated with commercials, mailings, debates, and pleas for support. And along about the first day or two of November, we will be implored to vote, told that our individual voices can make a difference in this vast land. Most of us will probably give some attention to the election, and if the numbers hold, a fair number of us will in fact go to the polls. But if asked, in all likelihood, none too many of us will believe that our vote or voice carries much weight. Most of us will have to just take a leap of faith to believe in our heart of hearts that we made a difference on an individual level. . Its like that in our hearts-always wondering if we make a difference, never sure how much we count. Our hearts hold much emotional treasure; our hearts safeguard the hopes and secrets of our souls. In our parashah, Shelach L'cha, the heart, and the importance of one single individual combine to create an inspiring message as we head towards an election. God instructs Moses to send spies into the land of Canaan to scout this new land which will become the permanent home of the Jewish people. A scout from each tribe, twelve in all, are sent to do reconnaissance. Ten of them return scared and thoroughly dejected. Two return upbeat. The two, Joshua Ben Nun, and Caleb Ben Yephuneh offer striking examples of embracing the magic of human life. While ten of the spies return scared of the terrain, people, climate (all reasonable fears, even today!) Joshua and Caleb return enthused, invigorated, excited. Joshua is rewarded for his bravery by becoming Moses' successor, and the first leader of the Israelites in the Promised land. And what of Caleb, the spy who first speaks of the promise of the land itself? Caleb's reward is in his name. Caleb, in Hebrew, is Ka-Lev, which loosely translated, means "like the heart." Caleb, this one incredible, brave soul, acts as the heart of the Israelite people. He takes a risk, and in so doing, elevates the soul of the Jewish people. Caleb sees opportunity where others see danger, and passionately pushes towards the promise of prosperity. Caleb shows that one person can make a difference. So this fall, when you go to the polls on election day, think of Caleb, who looked for good, sought opportunity, and was not afraid to act on his beliefs. Vote as Caleb did, and realize the joy, and power, of being a part of the beating heart of Jewry.
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CORRECTIONS The following names were omitted from the Tzedakah Honor Roll thank you listing in last week's issue of the Jewish Press. The Jewish Federation of Omaha sincerely regrets the error and we extend our thanks to these donors: Marian Abramson, Milton Cackin, Carl Cohen, Gary Emenitove, Gerald ine Epstein, Glen Fineman, Holly Fineman, Ira Fox, Carol Gendler, Yale Kaplan, Milt Katskee, Margo Rosen, Susie Silverman and Morley Zipursky. In last week's issue, Harry Weiner should have been identified as one of the members of Beth El Synagogue's Board of Trustees who attended the : annual meeting. The wrong information was submitted to the Jewish Press.
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••".'••
EDWARD SHAFTON
Graveside services for Edward Shafton, a prominent Omaha attorney, was held J u n e 26 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. He was 92, He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther Morgan Shafton. Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Ben and Nancy Shafton of Vancouver, WA; sisters, Rose Frankel and Ida Arkin, both of Omaha; grandchildren, Heather Cadwallader of Portland, OR, and Skyler Dorsey of Vancouver; one great-granddaughter; and nieces and nephews. . Shafton was among founders of Children's Hospital and helped start the Omaha Boys and Girls Clubs. In recent years, he was a volunteer for SCORE, Executive Service Corps-Nebraska, a group of retired professionals that offers help to non-profit organizations. Memorials to your favorite charity.
Conservative synagogue torched by AvI Machlis
JERUSALEM, (JTA) - Images of Holocaust-era synagogue torchings were invoked after a Conservative shul in Jerusalem was set on fire over the weekend. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak led a call for greater tolerance in Israeli society after vandals hurled gasoline-soaked flaming rags into the synagogue Saturday night, setting ablaze sections of the main sanctuary and destroying several chairs and prayer books. Nobody was injured in the attack at Kehillat Ya'ar Ramot, and the synagogue's three Torah scrolls were unharmed. Police have not arrested any suspects. Shmuel Ben-Ruby, spokesman for the Jerusalem police, said an investigation had been launched. "We do not think this is the start of a wave of attacks on the Conservative and Reform movements," he added. The attack follows two recent unsolved attacks on Conservative synagogues. N Police were unable to find those responsible for attempting to burn down the front door of Kehillat Ya'ar Ramot just a few weeks ago — an attack that the Conservative movement blamed on fervently Orthodox Jews. Last week, the windows of the Eshel Avraham Synagogue in Beersheba were smashed. And a year ago, the Ya'ar Ramot Synagogue was sprayed with graffiti promising to "turn your Purim into Tisha B'Av," referring to a JewiBh holiday of joy and one of sorrow. Barak said the latest incident is "an awful act that causes every Jew to shudder." It is "seven tunes more shocking when it occurs in Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the State, of Israel and the Jewish People," the premier added. Rabbi Michael Melchior, minister for Israeli society and world Jewish communities, said after the attack, "Intolerance that leads to violence is a worrisome symptom in Israeli society. Just as we protest attacks oh synagogues across Europe, we must be forceful in our condemnation of this act and exhaust all measures necessary to bring the perpetrators to justice," he added. Rabbi Andy Sacks, director of the Conservative movement's Rabbinical Assembly in Israel, was passing near the synagogue just minutes after the blaze began. "My first reaction was to see if the fire was near the Torah scrolls, and at the same time thoughts of the Holocaust flashed through my head," he told JTA. On Sunday, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, Israel's Ashkenazi chief rabbi, broke the silence from Orthodox officials on the issue. He, too, invoked imagery from the Holocaust to hammer his point home. . "We have already learned that book burning, in several places in Europe, preceded the burning of people," he told Israel Radio. . Lau said he "condemned in a sharp and aggressive way" all violence, including attacks on'"a building dedicated to prayers of one or another" religious stream. "It's a welcome development," said Sacks of Lau's comments. "I hope that his words will send a message to those who consider violence a legitimate means of achieving their goals."
June 30, 2000
SYNAGOGUES
CANDLELIGHTING: 8:43 p.m
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TEMPLE ISRAEL
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
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H)a Own Street, Ojnnhu, NK O81U2-2(H1 5504630 t< mplrisruolFRIDAY: Shabbat service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Dr. Michael Walts will officiate. Rabbinical intern Dan Fellman will give the sermon. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Women of Reform Judaism. SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat morning service, 10:30 a.m. SITTER SERVICE-Sitter service is available each.Friday evening for worship service. Cost is $2 per family. Make a reservation at the Temple office. Beginning July 1 there is no sitter service for Saturday mornings during July and August. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. Adult Education: Thursday, July 6: Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7-8 p.m. OUTDOOR SUMMER SERVICE July 7, 6 pjn.: Zorinsky Lake, 156th and "F" St., Main Picnic Area, Shelter 1; The evening begins with a bring-your-own picnic supper, followed by a worship service by Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Dr Michael Walts. Bring any sporting equipment you might like to use. A sitter will be provided for young children. An alternative indoor service will be held at Temple, 5:30 p.m.
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.
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Softie Worldwide ChabaJ-Lubnvitoh Movement
K;20 Kl20thStPnahaNE 68144^1646 TE-Mi(VIL-chabad@aol;com -?!Xu . 'L, , E^www.chabaa.cente'ra.com/omaha Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FREDAY: 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 pan.
PageS
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Evening Services, 7 p.m. The west minyan will be at the home of David and Janet Kohll, 107 South 128 Plaza, 7:30 pan. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 8:45 a.m. Kiddush is sponsored by Al Ross in honor of the birthday of Willis Ann Ross. Rosh Chodesh luncheon following Kiddush; Pirkei Avos class with Rabbi Kutner, 8:05 p.m.; Mincha, 8:35 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:52 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 8:45 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 8:45 p.m. TUESDAY: Morning Services, 9 a.m.; Class with Rabbi Shlomo Levin, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi's Talmud Class, 7:30 p.m.
'WEB~www.betheI-onudui.org V - Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantors Emil Berkovits and G. Michael Horwitz. FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush following services; Sitter service, 10 a.m.; K*tantan, 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Story time, 11 a.mv, Humash with Rashi study session, 8:25 p.m.; MinhaMa'ariv and Havdalah services, 8:55 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. Perek Yomi "Read a Chapter a Day" group, 10:15 aan. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CONGREGATION B'NAI JE !"T ; ^ s b u T H S X ^ i E E T ' i t l D m i ™
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TIFERETH ISRAEL . ' Member of the United Synagogue !, J<,,,' ' I ' of Conservative Judaism ^*'- '{;> t , 3219 Sheridan Blvdl; Lincpln,KE 68S0>b236 4 I-":. , . ^ ' ^ 423.8569.'^ A Wj-'W Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday and Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. 1
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BEYT SHALOM
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': •• 3012 S. 118th St,P.O; Box 241130, ^ •' 1' ' Omaha, NE 68124-5130 < > phonet 758-9233 http^/wclcome.to/beytshnlom/ FREDAY: Shabbat in the home. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL: Summer Vacation. Classes resume August 20. • FREDAY, July 7: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.
', 2061S,. 30th St.; Lincoin/NB 68502^ 435-8004
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Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FREDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10 ajn. TUESDAY: Adult Education-Pirke Avot, 7 p jn. WEDNESDAY: AA Meeting, 7:30 p.m., in the library.
Attention college students and recent college grads! Back in Omaha for the summer? Wondering if there are other Jewish young people in town? Temple Israel and Rabbi Azriel uivite you to an old tune evening gathering at Old Chicago. Join with old friends who are back in Omaha for the summer for a night of good fun. The gathering will take place Wednesday, July 5, at Old Chicago, 1111 Harney St. in the Old Market, 7:30 pan. RSVP to Temple Israel, 556-6536.
Crowds brave weather for Cantors' Concert
SATURDAY: 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.
FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Sandra Bleicher. Topic will be: "What happens to families when Jews marry Gentiles?" Oneg will follow services. .
PERSONAL The family of Bertha "Blllle" Splegal would like to express our gratitude to everyone for the cards, donations and heartfelt thoughts In memory of our loved one. Richard H. Spelgal and families
More than 200 people braved thunder, lightening and pouring rain to attend the Four, Cantors' Concert at Temple Israel Sunday. Top lefh Cantor Emil Berkovits accompanied Cantors Fettman and Horwitz; he also sang some of his own original compositions. Top
right-. Cantors Jennifer Blunt and G. Michael Horwitz sang a duet together. Lower left: Cantor Fettman entertained the crowd with jokes and yiddish songs. Lower right, a community choir opened and closed the program, organized by Temple's Music Committee.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 30,2000
Celebrating the Fourth Is the Fourth of July a holiday which should be celebrated by the Jewish community? CLAL thinks so, and so do we. CLAL, the National Center for Learning and Leadership founded by Rabbi Yitz Greenberg, asked in a-recent mailing, "What are we celebrating?" We thought their answer was worth reproducing here. "The evening descends, and besides the smoldering smoke of barbeques and the last slices of watermelon, people are waiting for the first fireworks to explode. 'Bombs bursting in air* may stream through your mind, or perhaps the melody of a Sousa march, as you sit, one among millions of Americans, on beach blankets, folding chairs and rooftops. "You may even pause to wonder: what are we celebrating tonight? "Is it the acts of men in the late 18th century? A superpower at its height? A melting pot of possibilities? You may be asking, "What is my connection to this holiday?' "As you wait for the fireworks to begin, you might take a moment to reflect on the following:
• Trace your family's story. Dp you know who were the first in your family to come to America? What brought them here? Where did they come from and where did they arrive? • Recall a major historical event or trend that had an impact on your family. • • Reflect on the past year: what has been the biggest divide in American life? Race? Class? Gender? Ideology? "Though we cannot wish away those divides, imagine for a moment that you could push aside the tensions. When have you experienced a sense of unity in America? Revisit a moment when you felt connected to being an American in a way that confirms its diversity. "What could you do in the.coming year to celebrate and foster the diversity of America?" We think the answer to CLAL's question is the opportunity to create a Jewish community in America, where Jews can worship freely, engage in business, the professions, the arts and academia, and feel safe being both American find. Jewish. Happy (and safe) Fourth of July!
WHO WANTS TO BE A POLITICIAN?
YOU ARE LEAVING OFFICE BECAUSE ?... A - SPEND MORE TIME WITH FAMILY C - SAKE OF NATIONAL UNITY
B - REASONS CF HEALTH D - GUILTY AS CHARGED
Is a great idea being lost for lack of promotion? by Carl Alpert Haifa-Ten years ago, we visited the small mountain-top mitzpeh, Tal-El, in the lower Western Galilee. The miraculous growth of that dot on the map, from 12 families in caravans into a village with a population of over 4,000 is a story in itself which must be told another time. On our present visit we called upon one of the early settlers, Dr. Yaacov Epshtein, an emigre from Russia, a scientist and an inventor, Ten years ago he had told us of his ideas, his inventions, his patents, his projects to revolutionize the use of materials in industry, in transportation, in housing, in every aspect of contemporary civilization. Iron corrodes, steel is heavy and expensive, concrete wears away, glass cracks, wood and vegetable fibers have a relatively short life. What is the substitute? Epshtein has invented a composite material which has all the advantages of any of the above, costs less to produce, is light in weight, does not age and can withstand great pressure. It is ideal for pipes which carry oil, gas, water because, as experiments have proven, it does not crack, does not leak and can be inexpensively made from a composite of readily available materials. It would be ideal for large tank containers. Epshtein sees it as the material of the future for the construction of the hulls of ships, the bodies of planes, the walls and roofs of buildings, the bodies of trucks and railway cars-indeed, there is no limit to its uses. On bis desk are samples of the new material, in various shapes, light in weight and apparently impervious to any destructive influences. What is this new material made of? Obviously Epshtein is not revealing his secret, but he lets Blip that a major ingredient is ground stone, a material of which Israel certainly has a plentiful supply, with added adhesive resins. Meticulous scientist, holder of patents in the U.S., Britain, Prance, Japan and Israel, he has subjected his composite material to the most gruelling tests, with positive results. That was the "situation 10 years ago, but little
has changed in the meantime. Hie company, ISCOM (Israel Composite Institute) operates a set of laboratories where the product is being constantly studied and improved upon, but there has been no commercial breakthrough. Epshtein may be a great inventor, but he is a poor promoter. He shows us a skein of fibers, and then a sheet of textile made from the material, all fire resistant. In his lab he has produced scale prototypes of tanks with a capacity of 2,000 cubic meters of any liquid or gas. A piece of pipe, firm, sturdy, light in weight, will not rust and can withstand enormous pressures; it should be the ideal solution for preventing ecological catastrophes. There is talk of late of constructing a pipe line to bring fresh water from Turkey to Israel. Epshtein sees his material as the ideal conveyer, since it can be imbedded deep in the ocean to prevent sabotage. Epshtein claims that once laid, his pipe line would bring water to Israel at a cost of only 8-10 cents per cubic meter, compared to 70 cents if brought by tanker. If everything is so wonderful, why is this new composite material not in general use? Epshtein shrugs. Users and entrepreneurs are aware of all the advantages, he says, but they are still too conservative to abandon traditional materials, despite their drawbacks. He is prepared to license his idea for mass production, but he has been unable to reach any large investors. Despite his bubbling enthusiasm, he seems to be a poor salesman. Indeed, to date his best customer has been the Israeli military, for a classified project. They apparently know a good thing when they see it. Despite disappointments and frustrations, Epshtein has not given up. It took him three years to wheedle the Russian authorities into letting him out of the country, and he is still filled with optimism and patience. He may be a good inventor, but obviously he needs a good promoter. Dr. Yaacov Epshtein may be reached at Tal-El, Doar Na, Maale Hagalil 25167, Israel.
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The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel-. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. .... < • The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $28 per calendar year U.S.; $32 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Telephone: 402-334-6448; FAX: 402-334-5422; E-mail: <jshpress®aoLcom> Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198. " : .
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To the Editor: When I read the editorial in the June 16 issue of the J e w i s h Press, that, in part, referred to Omaha and other Jewish singles groups getting together, I just had to comment. This is not a new idea, but it is one I must loudly and enthusiastically endorse. Let me relate my reasoning. In 1975,1 became active with the JCC's singles group. We started "trading" monthly events with the Kansas City group. One month in K.C., the next in Omaha, and so on. At a Hanukkah party that year, I met a young lady. We were engaged three months later, and married in the summer of 1978. This summer will be our 22nd anniversary. There were three other Omaha-KC weddings from that group in addition to ours. By any measure, it was a very successful blend of groups. So I say, "Go for it!" Do whatever it takes to reestablish the connections. The dividends are wonderful. •'•••• Mnrk and Miriam Wallick Lincoln, NE To the Editor: Enclosed is your royalty check for participation in the Ethnic NewsWatch database. This royalty reflects your share of the 64,727 articles entered into the 1999 Ethnic NewsWatch edition. We are happy to report that sales increased dramatically in 1999 and by the end of 2000, Ethnic NewsWatch will contain more than 600,000 articles and approximately 6.6 million searchable records. Your readership represents potential CD-ROM and Online users, which translates into increased royalty revenue. Making your subscribers aware of electronic access to the Jewish Press increases its value. Current customers include the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Omaha Public Schools, Metro Community College and Bellevue University. Ethnic NewsWatch is available from SoftLine Information, www.slinfo.com, or on CD-ROM. Maria S.Perez Publisher Relations, SoftLine Information JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Fred Tichauer, Vice-Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Howard Silber, Treasurer; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Gary Kudym; Howard K. Marcus; Linda Saltzman; Steve Simon; Amee Zetzman; George Schapiro (Honorary Committee Member). Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product or establishment. • .'
June 30,2000
Journal entry from Israel
'Gan' by Teddy Weinberger
On June 25, my son, Elie, graduat- expected Batya to take each child in ed from gan. Elie is the only one of each of her handB and walk between our kids to have benefited from the them into the building. But Batya full gan (pre-school) system here in allowed Ezra to take his sniffling friend's hand himself, while walking Israel. . ,' . There are. three years of gan. The a few steps behind the youngsters first two are partially, or even fully, into the gan. This was a beautiful example of subsidized, depending upon where you live, and the last year, for five- social education, something to which year-olds, is called compulsory gan ganenot pay special attention. Batya was educating both Ezra and his and tuition is free. A lot about the differences between friend about caring for and comfortearly-childhood education in Israel ing one another. The gan years are held in special and the States can be intuited from semantics. In the States, this period esteem by all Israelis as a time of of a child's life is often called "pre- wonder, play, learning, and growing. There are several popular Israeli school." In Israel, these years are accorded songs that mention the gan experimore respect; they are viewed less as ence (one is called "The Prettiest Girl preparatory for "real" school and In Gan"). Gan children are much more visible more as a separate sphere of education (ask any gan child about their in Israel than kindergartners in the day in "school" and you will immedi- States. Like their older brothers and ately be told .that they do not in fact sisters (who often accompany them), they walk to their ganim. Indeed, in go to school but to gan). As opposed to the States, where Elie'8 gan, three of his female ganmany primary schools offer kinder- mates walk home every day on their garten as their first year of schooling, own—covering a distance of about a ganim are always separate, physical- quarter of a mile (they do not have to ly and institutionally, from primary cross any streets). I hope that somewhere in America schools. Different educational approaches in one can still find places where fivethe two systems can also be gleaned year-old girls can walk around freely. from the words gan and "kinder- In Israel, one often need look no furgarten." Gan is a fun, friendly, play- ther than the path to the local gan. Perhaps it is because gan is such a ful word; kindergarten is much more pleasant experience that some weighty. One expects to learn how to read in Israelis have a hard time giving up kindergarten (as my children did in their child's gan years. Many parents the States); one does not learn how to think long and hard about sending read in gan. A gan teacher is a their child into first grade at the age ganenet,. another fun word—as of six, and there is little stigma opposedtto "kindergarten teacher." attached to the not uncommon deciDespite the fun, ganenot are well- sion of allowing a child a fourth year educated (a degree in early-childhood of gan. Actually, Elie would be a good caneducation is the rule), and even the assistants to the ganenot are sensi- didate for staying in gan the extra year. He doesn't turn six until tive teachers. I remember one morning during our October (a full two months before the first year here, when Ezra and I cut-off date, but still well on the approached the outside of his (com- young side for his grade), and he does pulsory) gan, we saw Batya, Ezra's not head the pack when it comes to assistant ganenet, trying to get one of such things as number and letter recognition. Ezra's ganmates to stop, crying. When Batya saw UB, she said to the Sarah and I, though, feel that he is little girl, "Look, here's Ezra, now socially and.emotionally ready for first grade, and it also doesn't hurt stop your crying." The girl did, indeed, brighten up Elie's case for first grade that he is when she saw Ezra (he has always our youngest. With Nathan our oldest been popular with the ladies), and entering middle school next year, Batya and the two children went into Sarah and I are both ready to say the gan~bui the way they did so was goodbye to our children's gan and pre-school years-we only wish that remarkable. From my experience in the States, I they all could have gonetogan. Wild About
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 30,2000
n i l um Sharing thoughts! & ideals by Mary Fellman, Elderhood Editor . New names for this page include "Mature People" or "Mature Persons" or "Solomon's Wisdoml" Do you like any of these? Or how about some other suggestions? You should know that after the very successful and happy "Friday Shabbat" we had for the 93rd St. apartment residents, we received "thank you" notes for a "great time," a "wonderful evening," arid best wishes for future events. Many thanks) Holocaust survivors, their children and anyone who has information about specific victims can obtain Pages of Testimony on the Society's Yad Vashem's Website at www.yadvashem.org, or call 1-800-310-7495. "Meals on Wheels" are now being served to 40 persons every dayl On Fridays, two frozen meals and one hot meal are delivered to older adults still living at home or in an apartment. Also, frozen meals are delivered for Jewish holidays. Transportation to doctors is available for $4; senior adults in programs' at the 'J' can get round trip rides for $31 Call 330-4272 for details. ,
A LARGE PRINT
The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society... What the NJHS collects: Private letters, diaries, or memoirs; minutes, records, ledgers of all local Jewish organizations, past and present; Jewish cemetery records; synagogue records and histories; family histories and genealogies; photographs and oral histories. Tell the NJHS what you have and they will help you decide if it should be placed in their archives. Call 402-334-6442 and talk to Barbara Bresler, Historical Society archivist.. .she welcomes your questions! Preserve your memories: Many families have lots of family pictures just waiting to be placed in albums! Why not find as many as you can, label and mount, get an album (with specially treated paper so that the pages will last) and pass them on to the Historical Society? How you can save your family history: Create a family tree; interview older family members; Record family stories on audiotape or videotape; Learn about family heirlooms—write down their history and protect them; save family letters, diaries, Bibles and other papers; trace your home's history. Support your Nebraska Jewish Historical Society!
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ChaimRPotok Book Discussion: Enrich your knowledge of Judaica and Jewish authors by joining the Myer-and Dorothy Kripke Jewish Federation Library Book Discussion Group for their monthly meeting. Meetings are held at the library every third Thursday of the month at
What's happening at the Myer and Dorothy Kripke Federation Library? The Library is settling into its bright, airy and spacious new location at the front of the JCC building. With the move coming to an end, the Library is resuming its collection development. Part of this includes Books On Tape, and large-print classics such as Malamud's The Assistant or The Chosen by Chaim Potok. New Books On Tape include Faye Kellerman's Justice, John CornwelPs Hitler's Pope, Leon Uris' God In Ruins and The House ofRothschildty Niall Ferguson. Please stop by the Library to check out these and many other new additions.
1 p.m. At the next meeting, on July 20th, the group will discuss selected stories from Gerald Shapiro's Sad Jews. Copies are available at the library; cost is $2. For information .about the Book Discussion Group or the selection,call the Library at 334-6461.
It's Going To Be a 'Fun Time' Something new for single men and women over 50 years of age.. .A dinner at the Olive Garden is planned for Tuesday, July 18, at 6:30 p.m. Come with a friend, get a ride with someone who is driving, or car pool with people in your neighborhood or apartment building. Order (and pay for your own dinner). Let Mary Fellman know you are coming. Call 393-3144 and say Til be there." • It's going to be a fun evening so come and join usl and more. Watch for an announcement about our second Friday night Shabbat dinner and great evening in August for residents of the Regency apartments. Read all about it in the Jewish Press. We'll be looking for you! km m aval • • • • § • mmm • • • • « mmm m B H • Baaa • • • • • • • « • HBBI • • •
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Join in the fun. . .at the 11 a.m. class for older adults in the new Phil Sokolof Fitness Center.
WANT TO ESTABLISH A HEALTHIER LIFE STYLE? WALKING The new Phil Sokolof Fitness Center at the JCC is the perfect place for walking. Walking is a surprisingly effective strategy for life long health! < The new track in the Fitness Center is a great way to start! All you need! is a good pair of walking shoes and loose, comfortable clothes; __ ^,"» To begin a walking program, keep in mind that you're in no big hurry, This^ is lifetime health, not overnight magic. For now, forget stop-watches, heart j rates and technique. Just go for a walk a t ' a comfortable pace, slightly, above a stroll. Fifteen to 30 minutes would be nice, (if you are over 4 5 andthis is your first step toward fitness, check with physician first.)
Major steps toward maintaining a healthy heart include: • _. •,•'•\\ Not smoking.1 Eating a diet low in saturated fat. Checking your blood pressure regularly. Exercising at least three times a week for SOiminute periods.! , Getting an annual physical'exam. Knowing your family history.Try reduced?' fat products and try low-cholestrol egg products or use two egg whitesYtq' substitute for one whole egg. And most important of all, know the, warning; signs and don't hesitate to get medical help. • '' j:~\ '-
SMOKERS, FORMER SMOKERS 60 AND OLDER NEEDED..; Men and women age 60 and older who smoke tobacco products or who quit \ smoking within the last 10 years are needed for a Creighton University SchooH , of Medicine study. The project's goal is to identify smokers who are prime can-;! didates for screenings that might pick up signs of tumors before symptoms j appear. Around 157,000 Americans die each year from lung cancer, the most' >r common cause of cancer death In the U.S. • The Creighton study, which will enroll up to 150 smokers or former smoke'rs,', is using low-dose CT scans which require about as much' radiation as a mogram. • ' v" .,
"What Good Thing Happened to Me this Week?" Some years ago, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, a recent visitor to Omaha, tells the story of when the rabbi asked if anyone in the congregation had good news that had occurred over the preceding week. His question motivated people to start their Shabbat with a remembrance of the good things going on in their lives. His wife decided to bring the ritual into their home. At the beginning of the Friday night Shabbat meal, she asks family members and
guests to share something good or memorable that happened to them during the week. Usually, everyone can think of at least one pleasurable moment. Even during hard times, we all have experiences or interactions for which we are grateful. How fitting, therefore, to start your Shabbat by asking and answering the question of "What good thing happened to me this week?" And may you have a Shabbat Shalom!
REMEMBERING OUR YESTERDAYS... 1900's. . .Hany Zimman, only 21 years old, elected to City Council • The first Wise Memorial hospital building was opened in 1901 at 3208 Sherman Avenue • The Labor Lyceum Association was formed on March 2,1920, and was an outgrowth of the Workman's Circle • The Jewish Press was launched in 1920 with Morris Jacobs as editor. 1925's.. .AZA had 20 chapters • 1500 attended the City Talmud Torah program • Jewish Community Center's first building was under construction. 1 9 5 0 ' s . . .Eli Kagan was named cantor for B'nai Israel and Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol • Mrs. J.H. Kulakofsky was re-elected national Vicepresident of Hadassah • The Jewish Federation took over the publication of the Jewish Press in 1951. 1975's. . .Harlan Noddle was elected president of the Jewish Federation • Sam Greenberg and Helen Cherniack received the Brotherhood Award of the National Conference of Christians and Jews • Elie Wiesel received the first David Ben Gurion award.
June 30, 2000
In the News When recently polled, officials at rescue missions across the country said they typically receive food donations from companies and private individuals during Thanksgiving or Christmas. Most respondents provide meals three times a day, seven days a week. As important as their goal may be, rescue mission executives universally say it is a yearround challenge to "keep food on the table," especially meat products. In an effort to address the critical hunger issue, Omaha Steaks, the largest national direct response marketer of steaks and other frozen gourmet foods, joined with seven rescue missions to organize sitdown meals for approximately 3,950 people at 11 locations during Father's Day weekend. The company provided the main entree while each mission partner will provide side dishes to complete their meal. In addition to the food sponsorship, Omaha Steaks officials also donated 10 percent of profits to its rescue mission partners for special offers sold prior to Father's Day. Todd Simon, Senior Vicepresident of marketing for Omaha Steaks, said sponsorship falls within the company's business philosophy. "For years, Omaha Steaks has supported local and national community causes, but we wanted to take our efforts a step further," he explained. "More than 30 million Americans are affected by hunger. This sponsorship will benefit mass populations. The 'Feeding Families' project helped us make a difference in the lives of thousands of people who are less fortunate." "We're thrilled to participate in this effort," said Dr. Maxine Jacobs, executive director of the Miami Rescue Mission in Florida "This sponsorship comes at a time when we generally see a decline in food donations during critical periods such as the spring and summer." Jeremy Joseph, son of Marilyn Novak Derrick and Clark Derrick and Dr. Ronald Joseph of Phoenix, AZ, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. A member of Phi Beta: Kappa, he received the. Colby Government Prize for an outstanding government major, was named an Academic AilAmerican, and was honored by the Nelson A. Rockefeller Memorial Fellowship for his paper, "The Golan Heights: A Strategic Assessment." While at Dartmouth, Joseph participated in NCAA skiing competition in Park City, UT; he also received the Norwegian Trophy, given each year to Dartmouth's outstanding downhill ski racer. He will attend graduate school and specialize in international studies. Joseph is the grandson of Evylyn Novak of Omaha and the late Julius Novak, and Lore Joseph of Highland Park, IL, and the late Sallo Joseph.
Organizations Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday in the auditorium of the JCC. Exercise at 10:15 ajn. in the auditorium; or try your luck at bingo with Eileen Remer, also at 10:15 sun. Bring articles to share for "YES Talk" at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, Sandi McCreight will speak on Destination Imagination. For transportation, call 330-4272. Make reservations for the Lunch Bunch to Iowa Feed & Grain in Honey Creek, Iowa, on Thursday, July 13; Deadline is July 6. Deadline is July 13 for the hotdog lunch and "Remembering When" with Lois on July 20. Deadline is July 20 for Bluffs Run Casino on July 27. WALK-IN, DROP-IN Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. For those going on the day trip to Mahoney State Park, please meet a t the JCC front entrance a t 10:30 a.m. There will be no exercise. VISIONS Reminder: Board Meeting is J u l y 7 a t 9:30 a.m. in the conference room of the Blumkin Home. Please bring your article for the upcoming Visions Newsletter. Membership Luncheon Meeting is F r i d a y , J u l y 21 a t 12:15 p.m. Nebraska Humanities Council speaker Pippa White will discuss "The Story of the Orphan Train." For reservations, mail form by July 14 to: Wally Elkon, 1005 N. 63rd Street, Omaha, NE 68132.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 7
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OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING The .Monday class on Women and Prayer is cancelled for July and will resume again in August. All other OCTL classes are cancelled for next week only, during vacation and Fourth of July celebrations. For information, call Rabbi Shlomo Levin, 551-1564. B'NAI B'RITH BREADBREAKERS NOTE: New Location-Breadbreakers will meet Wednesday a t noon a t McGuire's, 106th and Pacific. Cost is $8.50 and the program is open to the community. A guest speaker will be announced at the weekly meeting.,
NCCJ seeking teens for leadership camp
. Anytown is a week-long residential human relations and leadership camp that will bring together approximately 60 teens from all areas of the community. Sponsored by the National Conference of Community and Justice (NCCJ), the camp has been in existence since the 1950s and is now offered in more than 65 NCCJ regions. The camp will be held Aug. 7-12 at Camp Carol Joy Holling near Mahoney State Park. , The goal of Anytown is to give student delegates Arlington Heights (IL) attorney Steve Perlis has the skills and awareness to overcome personal and been named a Fellow of the National Academy of peer group prejudice and discrimination and Elder Law Attorneys, Inc. (NAELA), one of only enable them to become effective change agents and four named at the organization's symposium in active voices in the community for inclusion. Philadelphia last week. A 1966 graduate of "Anytown is an invaluable learning experience Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, he for high school students," explained Jane Batt, attended the University of Iowa.and graduated Executive Director of NCCJ. "They gain leadership from the University of Nebraska School of Law. skills, communication and interpersonal skills on Prior to entering private practice in Arlington confronting and dealing with prejudice and issues Heights, he was chief counsel to the Office of the of difference. State Guardian for Illinois and served as supervisThe program will be directed by professionals ing attorney for the Title III Older Americans from the Midlands Region and other NCCJ regions, Program in Chicago. as well as 20-25 advisers and counselors, typically He is the son of Ida Perlis of Council Bluffs and college-aged students, including former Anytown the late Aaron (Chick) Perlis. delegates. The tuition is $275 per student, including a $30 non-refundable deposit with the applicaWest Omaha Rotary is sponsoring a Walk for tion, but NCCJ will ensure that no student is Harmony a n d Ultimate Family Bike Ride on turned away due to financial difficulties. July 8, from 9 to 11 a.m., starting at Heartland of Although high school seniors are welcome to America Park, 8th and Farnam Streets. All pro- apply, Batt encourages 10th and 11th graders to ceeds will benefit Project Harmony, which provides attend the camp as they will have a longer period community-based child abuse assessment and of time to interact within their school communities. investigation, as well as referrals. For more infor"Anytown delegates bring new awareness and mation, call 333-1235. understanding of personal and peer group stereotypes and bias back to their schools, places of worThe Danish Immigrant Museum in Elkhorn, ship, workplaces and communities," she added. "I IA, will present Number the Stars, each Thursday, encourage Jewish high school students to apply Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., starting July 6. The and attend as representatives of our rich tradition play, based on the Lois Lowry book, tells the story arid vital community." , ..:•'• of Danish efforts to save the Jews during World For more information about the program or for War II. For ticket information, call 1-800-759-9192. an application, call her at 391-4460.
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THURSDAY, JULY 20 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. Library Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m.
MONDAY, JULY 10 YES Program, 9:30 a:m. TUESDAY, JULY 11 BBYO Night, 6 p.m.
SATURDAY, JULY 22 Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., THURSDAY, JULY 13 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. at Temple Israel MONDAY, JULY 24 FRIDAY, JULY 14 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. Russian Club, 10 a.m. TUESDAY, JULY 25 SATURDAY, JULY 15 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., THURSDAY, JULY 27 at Temple Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. MONDAY, JULY 17 FRIDAY, JULY 28 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. Russian Club, 10 a.m. TUESDAY, JULY 18 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m., at Temple Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
People of the Byte
June 30,2000
Torah online
Where are they how? by Bert Lewis
by Mark Mietkiewicz
In a previous column, we looked at some of the weekly Torah commentaries that are available on the World Wide Web. But what if you want to read the original Torah? No problem-if you know where to look. One of the most impressive sites that I have come, across anywhere is World ORT Union's Navigating the Bible: http://bible.ort.org/. This remarkable site is a one-stop resource for anyone studying Torah. There are many goodies here, such as a calendar to look up the proper Torah and Haftorah readings for any Shabbat. And there's even an atlas map so you can follow the Israelites on the trek to the Land of Israel or illustrations of wildlife mentioned in the Bible. The very readable English translation was written by the late Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan for his work, The Living Torah. But the centerpiece of this site is the on-line Torah. Every verse of the Torah can be viewed in Hebrew, Hebrew transliterated into English and
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English: http://bible.ort.org/bible/index/inx_ tora.htm. In addition, each Hebrew verse appears both the way it appears as written on Torah scrolls and in a Chumash with nekudot (vowels) and trope (musical notation). And since each verse appears as a picture rather than text, you can read the Hebrew on your computer even if you don't have Hebrew fonts installed. And last but not least, if you want to have the verse sung to you, simply click on the speaker icon and you'll hear Cantor Moshe Haschel perform it for you. The folks at Breslov.coin have also done a great job-but you need to have Hebrew fonts installed to really appreciate it: www.breelov.com/bible/ bible.htm. Here you'll find the Hebrew, English and even Aramaic translations for every verse in the Tanach. And to top it off, each verse is linked to the corresponding one at the Navigating the Bible ; site. Any student of Torah knows that it is virtually impossible to learn Torah without the commentary of Rashi. You can find the scholar's entire work translated into English at the Torahscroll site: www.torahscroll.coni/bible. The Metsudah site contains an English translation of the Chumash, Rashi Commentary and text footnotes, as found in the Metsudah Chumash: www.mnemotrix.com/ metsudah/. I have found a couple of amazing lists that document hundreds of other Torah-related sites such as Eric Simon's Torahnet Page: http://shamash.org/ reform/uahc/torahnet/. But my favorite list is not only is it an impressive piece of work, it also has a great name: The Electronic Torah Warehouse: http://eparsha. homepage.com. The Warehouse is the work of Joshua Cypess, a Rabbinic Student and Educational Coordinator at Yeshiva University. (Bonus: check out Joshua's cheeky answers in his site's Frequently Asked Questions section.) Anyone who has been honored with Hagbah in synagogue knows the challenge of trying to hoist a Torah gracefully into the air. Thanks to modern technology, you can effortlessly lift a Torah in the palm of your hand. A company named Penticon Technologies is creating Hebrew products for Palm Pilots-and some of them are free at their website: www.penticon.com/moadon.html. Download the week's Torah reading and you'll still have room in your Palm for the five Megillot, Mincha, Ma'ariv, Birkat Hamazon-and a must for all mobile Palm Users: Tefillat Haderech—the Traveller's Prayer! .
If your age iB somewhere near early, middle or late 40's, you may be more than a little interested in this Btory. It's just possible you knew or went to school with (or both), the people I'm going to. tell you about.. The main character in the story is Prank Novak, but'his brothers, Paul r—7 and Jay, figure impor- f >\ tantly also. The three are the sons of Helen and the late Sydney Novak, familiar members of the community. What's it all about? Well, it's about Frank and his lifetime interest in the arts and where this interest finally led him. Where? To the Cannes Film Festival, that's where. He was-invited to bring his film Good Housekeeping, co-produced with his brother, Jay, to the most Frank Novak prestigious screening site in Europe, where it debuted as the only American title in the 39th International Critics Week sidebar (at Cannes). According to Paul, a physician in Des Moines, "The Europeans loved it, especially the French." It was screened about 10 times there, and so well received that Universal Pictures will market it this fall in 10 major cities. Frank was always the "artsy" kid, said his proud mother. He painted and had gallery shows and, as an adult, eventually worked in the movie industry, where he was in art direction and script consultation. Although Frank makes his living in the furniture manufacturing business (in Los Angeles) in partnership with Jay, he wrote, directed, filmed and coproduced two versions of his movie. One version is a 20-minute short, and the second is his 91-minute feature film, which won the Grand Jury prize in January at the Slamdance Film Festival in Utah. Variety, the entertainment world's daily, gave it front page praise, calling the movie "more than hysterically funny." No wonder Helen Novak is.so proud of her sons. She said, "It's great the way they do things together," which might mean anything from Paul doing all the still photography for the film to Jay co-producing. Well, if you've been wondering whatever hapMark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based televi- pened to those fellas, you don't need to wonder any sion producer who writes, lectures and teach- longer. If s quite apparent they lead busy and suces about the Jewish Internet He can be con- cessful lives-all three of them. tacted at: highway@home.com. . Those of us who live in their hometown should watch for a showing of Good Housekeeping. If Variety can rave about it, and if it was shown at Cannes, it must be a film we shouldn't miss.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FULL-TIME POSITION 1,100-fainily Reform congregation Applicant should have five years experience managing business/financial affairs with an annual $1M operating budget. • Non-profit experience important • Synagogue experience a plus • Must be computer literate & have strong people skills • Responsibilities include membership relations Salary will be established commensurate with experience and abilities; full benefits included Submit applications bv .tulv 5. • Send resume to: Temple Sinai, Attn: Steve Welnstein, 3509 S. Glencoe St., Denver, CO 80237, or FAX: 303-759-2519.
LARMORE/COOPER Emily Ann Larmore, daughter Larmore. of Joel and Sharon Larmore of The groom received his B.A. Elkhorn, and Jpshua Milder from the University of Southern Cooper, son of Ron and Cheryl California at San Diego and is also Cooper of Omaha, were married a fourth-year medical student at June 24 at the Joslyn Ait the University of Nebraska Museum. A reception followed the Medical College. 7 p.m. ceremony. He is the grand-son of Fran and Amy Larmore Daniels, sister of |Jerry Milder of Omaha and Faye the bride, was matron of honor Cooper of Davenport, I A, and the Alex Cooper,- brother of the jlate Ben Cooper. groom, was best man. Following a honeymoon in the The bride has earned a B.A. 'British Virgin Islands, the couple from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, will live in Omaha while they complete their medical and is currently a fourth-year medical student at education. They expect to graduate in 2001. the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. ' Her grandparents are Pauline Schneider of Kenesaw, NE, and the late Erwin Schneider, and Doyle Larmore of Omaha and the late Elaine
June 30,2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 11
By foot, camel or car- it's a long trek to the desert bvGalia Walsh
Israel's main cities have experienced a population explosion while the Negev, which is two thirds of Israel's territory, remains lightly populated. The power and mystical beauty of the desert sands is having difficulty overcoming the stigma of being too far from the center of the country. Those who balk at setting up housekeeping in the Negev have a point. It is too far. But this is going to change.. .and change dramatically. With the help of Israel Bonds, a high-speed railway from Tel Aviv to BeerSheva is being built. Ben-Gurion's droam of populating the Negev is finally on the verge of becoming a reality. Israel Bonds was initiated in 1951 whon Ben-Gurion was attempting to find a moans to sustain Israel's fledging economy. Through the sale of bonds for Israel, he found the means. Since 1951, Israel Bonds has been an integral part of almost every major development in the country. Israel Bonds helps fuel Israel's economy through the sale of bonds to individuals, corporations and labor unions. Purchasers connect personally with Israel and simultaneously make an investment. Investing in the Tel Aviv-Beer-Sheva high-speed railway, is a sure investment in Israel's economic growth. The Beer-Sheva line would create a new urban center—a high-tech center with
The' current state of Israel's rail system is in vital need of modernization. Israel Bonds investment dollars are helping to build a new system of highspeed railways connecting
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Tel Aviv to Be'ersheba, linking the heart of Israel's urban centers. Photo courtesy of Testaments of Israel by John Wagner, Photo Publishing, www.testaments.com.
impressive brain power. Thus the south would be opened up for employment, spelling a jump in the country's economic strength. Right now, economic strength is crucial to improving Israel's political clout. In order to negotiate from a position of power, Israel must come to the negotiating table backed by a strong defense and a strong economy. And the political processes which are underway now, will determine the future for all Israelis. . .indeed, for Jews throughout the world. Gideon Patt, a former Israeli government minister and current President and CEO of Israel Bonds, is also a noted economist. He explains, "Development of the Negev equals a better quality of life for all Israelis!" He adds, "We were granted neither oil nor enough water. But we were granted this great expanse of land and a creative, people to bring this region to economic life." Israel has all the ingredients to make this expansion a success. What she needs is investment capital. Since 1951 Israel Bonds has raised more than $21 billion in investment capital. Now is the time to increase that amount. There's an entire region of the country begging to be utilized and a skilled population to utilize it: All we have to do is get them there-The purchase of Israel Bonds may help to create the means of transporting people to an area of the country which awaits them with open arms.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 30,2000
Federation honors volunteers (Continued from page 1)
Left photo: Carol Bloch, left, accepted the Cohen and Harry Herman. Middle photo: co-chaired the Federation's Annual Meeting. Community Service Award for the Women's Bloch co-chaired the event with Gloria Rabbi Mendel Katzman gave the DVar Torah; Symposium '99 from last year's winners, Beth Kaslow. Right photo: Paul and Sandy Epstein Cantor Emil Berkovits sang Hatikvah.
Left photo: Howard Kooper, right, immediate past president of the Jewish Federation, thanks Mark Sanford, outgoing president of the JCC, Mitzi Delman, outgoing president of Jewish Educational and Library Services, and Mike Erman, outgoing chairman of the Foundation. Center photo: Joan Kaiman, co-chairman along with Nancy Noddle, gave the Women's Campaign report. Right photo: Last, year's Humanitarian of the Year Gloria Kaslow presented this year's award to Jeff Kirshenbaum, who accepted the award on behalf of his father, Joe Kirshenbaum. Jeff was also the winner of the Justin Greenberg Young Leadership Award. : !
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A year of accomplishments by Jan Perelman, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha
(Editor's note: this speech was delivered at Monday evening's 96th Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.) Good evening. Thank you all,for being here at the Federation's 96th Annual Meeting. Tonight is our chance to give back to the people who give so much to pur Omaha Jewish community. Every day, we are presented with opportunities to change the world. Our 2001 Campaign theme this year is, "Together, We Can Change the World." It's a phrase that is simple and optimistic, and at the same time presents new challenges and responsibilities. Our Jewish world has changed dramatically since the last time I stood before you. Tonight, I'm going to highlight some of these remarkable changes, and show you how they've impacted our Jewish world here in Omaha, nationally and globally. The most obvious changes here in Omaha are the dramatic, physical improvements to this amazing building. Our campus is a testament to the generosity and vision of Omaha's Jewish people. Chances are, you entered the building tonight through the new main entrance. I hope you took some time to peek into the Dorothy and Myer Kripke Jewish Federation Library. It is the cornerstone of this rejuvenated campus and provides a serene place to replenish our spirit. In the same way that the Kripke Library is a place for us to nurture ourselves spiritually and intellectually, the Phil Sokolof Fitness Center allows us to nurture ourselves physically. This state-of-the-art facility has created a buzz in Omaha. Our increasing membership testifies to the fact that people are coming home to the JCC. There is change happening within virtually every Federation Center of Excellence. The ADL/CRC will soon unveil our region's first Holocaust Education Center. Jewish Family Service has just moved into new and improved space that includes a'pri-
Jan Perelman vate classroom and a confidential, caring atmosphere for counseling. The Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center is a wonderful testament to the crucial task of educating our children, and the professionals and volunteers at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home continue to incorporate innovative programs such as the Eden Project, providing a comfortable home with Jewish atmosphere for our seniors. We've also changed the way we do business here at the Jewish Federation. Ten years ago, the concept of "target marketing" was unheard of in Federations. Today, we are actively seeking out information from specific segments within our Jewish population, to help us reach our goal of creating a more personal relationship with our donors. One of the most welcome changes is that we finally have a complete team of outstanding agency directors and now every Center of Excellence is capably staffed and operating with a new sense of energy and purpose. We are fortunate to have these very talented professionals working and actively participating in our community. And I would be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to personally thank my staff, who help make my job a pleasure and a privilege. There's another very important change that you can't see, but you can feel. It's a pervasive spirit of cooperation throughout our Jewish community—professionals and lay leaders working closer together with our agencies, Jewish organizations and our synagogues. (Continued on page 13)
June 30,2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page IS
Federation honors volunteers (Continued from page 12)
Centers of Excellence and departments of the Federation honored Volunteers of the Year, including, top left: Marina Tsed, left, and Marrian Spiegel for the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Susie Norton for the Jewish Federation, and Jeff Kirshenbaum for the Jewish Community Center. (Not pictured: Frances Gottlieb for the Kripke
Jewish Federation Library.) Right photo: More Volunteers of the Year included: Doris Alloy, left, for Jewish Senior Services, Frank FlatowiÂŤa for Jewish Family Service, Nancy Wolf for the Jewish Cultural Arts Council, Oliver Pollak for the Jewish Press, and David Gilinsky for the Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations Committeee.
A year of accomplishments (Continued from page 12) Many of you have heard me say struggle to maintain peace and digniover the past two and a half years, ty against great odds. how important it is for all of us to And then in Israel, you saw how play in the sandbox together. Now, these new immigrants are being and more importantly, we know that helped to start new lives. Those of us we must also all be building the same who have witnessed these realities castle—a vibrant Jewish Omaha. will never again question the power Nationally, our Jewish world is of a dollar to change the world for our . rapidly changing. The new national people. Twenty dollars will provide entity today is United Jewish an elderly Jew in the former Soviet Communities, the result of a merger Union with enough to eat for a between UJA and CJF 18 months ago. month. The governance of this newly-formed Without the generosity of the structure has paved the way for small- American Jewish population, these er Federations, such as ours, to have a vulnerable people would live and die stronger voice in decisions that affect in unimaginable conditions. Some Jewish political and social issues. things, however, must not change, American Jews continue to experi- and we must remember that despite ence tremendous change. There is no our different experiences, what binds denying that our needs differ greatly us together is the simple fact that the from the needs of Jews 50 years ago. Jewish people are a family. And we In1950, the horror of the Holocaust take care of family. was fresh, and the State of Israel had One of my goals is to take as many just been established.. Omaha Jews as we can on an Luckily, the past decade has been Israel/Overseas experience. During peaceful and prosperous for American the Spring of 2001, with the generous Jews, We rarely experience threats to support of the Milton S. and Conine our existence, and we are generally N. Livingston Foundation and the well accepted in society. But a different Herbert Goldsten Trust, our Federthreat exists for us today, which calls ation is offering two incredible misinto question our Jewish survival. sions: a Men's Mission to Israel and As a community, Our focus is to Kiev, and a Women's Mission to . keep ourselves and our children Prague and Israel. I urge each of you Jewish. These concerns are directing to personally witness the changes in us to become more closely involved in our Jewish world. You will never forproviding opportunities for you. get this powerful experience. Locally and nationally, the changes The changes over the last year are have been positive for us.. both amazing and unsettling. Jewish However, recent changes have not life in Omaha is, for the most part, been so welcome in places like the peaceful and comfortable. We have former Soviet Union. Many elderly worked hard for our success and.we ' Jews, most of them Holocaust sur- should all be proud. But let's not vivors, exist in dire conditions. become complacent with our comfortThrough our Missions Program, the able lives. Remember, that in the year Federation offers opportunities to 2000, there are still Jews who are witness these conditions and under- starving, cold and sick. Their only hope stand what is happening in the for real change lies with each of us. Jewish world in Israel and the former The volunteers we honor tonight are . Soviet Union. - working towards positive change. Many of you have already taken Their compassion and involvement advantage of these missions and have keeps our Jewish community alive and been profoundly changed. You met flourishing. They have proven that our, elderly Jewish men and women who, 2001 Campaign theme is true. through a twist of fate, could have Together, we can change the world! been your bubbe or zayde. You saw So, I ask you tonight to take pride in them forced to make impossible choic- our accomplishments as a community. es between food or medicine, clothing Chazak, chazak ve'neet chazek. May we or heat. You saw firsthand their ' continue to go from strength to strength.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 30,2000
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"When we celebrate Janet White Phelan Sukkot, for example, we Executive Director of Mid ask the rabbis to come west Child Care Associteach the children the ation, announced that it blessings over the lulav organization has made i and etrog and, weather website available to assist permitting, have a miniparents in finding child lunch in our succah," she care. added. That's just one of thi "Prior to Passover, we options available to workin • invite parents to join us parents looking for chill for a model seder. And care for their infants, tod we '11 be providing a dlers or school-age children, Shabbat workshop to "We have been helpin • moms and dads on Sept. parents find child care sinci 15, our first all-class1980, and we felt that out room Shabbat of the new presence on the Internet school year." would help more parent Security., is another reach us," she explained, . . . _,..,, adding that the website is S t a f f a t t h e P e n m e Z - D a v i 8 C h . l l d feature of which the located at: www.child- Development Center a t the J e w i s h C D C i s p r o u d . p a r e n t s carene.org. Community Center lead the children in the a n d C D C s t a ff have Midwest Child Care, a morning flag-raising ceremony. Summer a c c e s s t h r o u g h t h e i r local non-profit organiza- c a m P i s avaUable for two- and three-year- J C C membership cards tion, provides a contractual o l d toddlers and four- and fiye-year-old t o b o t h t h e f r o n t service to corporations so Preschoolers, along with full day child care e n t r a n ce to the building employees can speak direct- for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. a n d the link to the ly with a referral specialist. For a small fee, the Sokolof Fitness Center. Both entrances have camorganization will also offer a listing of child care era coverage and the outside grounds are fenced providers in zip codes of the parent's choice. and locked. As to when a parent should start looking for child Detailed profiles describing each provider and the care, Greenberg suggests, that with the tight availprogram are included. "Going on the web was a big step for us," Phelan ability, "investigate during pregnancy!" Greenberg also highlighted the new Reggio edusaid. "We knew parents looked for child care outside of working hours, and by going on the cational program, which allows children to choose a Internet, parents can get information when it's con- topic in the classroom and devote time for arts and crafts, music, reading, numbers and other developvenient for them." The online search is interactive; parents can mental techniques to such child-centered themes as search by zip code, hours of availability, the child's dinosaurs, food, cars, plays or animals. These will age, days of the week, evenings or weekends. Once be> interspersed with the traditional Jewish holia parent has entered the criteria, only'those days and Shabbat. For information about space availability, rates, providers who meet the requirements are shown. The database is in a "secure site" where the par- and the educational program, prospective parents ents simply enter some personal information, along can contact her at 334-6414 during regular busiwith a credit card number, upon which they will ness hours. Other sources of child care may be available receive an ID and password. Cost for the online through professional nanny services or by contactsearch is $35. "We have focused on the Omaha Metro area in ing local obstetricians and pediatricians. Phelan our updating and now we are concentrating on warns parents to investigate carefully, make unannounced drop-in visits and ask for names of parLincoln," Phelan noted. The association is a member of the National ents who use a provider's services. In t h e mid-1980s, Midwest Child Care Association of Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (NACCRRA) and is one of two statewide Association partnered with the Omaha Section of referral agencies in the country to have an interac- the National Council of Jewish Women to create the Child Care Fair, providing face-to-face meettive online child care referral service. Obviously, parents look for more than just hours ings between parents and providers. Later, NCJW available and price when choosing a child care also provided scholarships to women who wanted facility, noted Carole Greenberg, Coordinator at to upgrade their professional status through educathe Jewish Community Center's Pennie Z. Davis tional courses. Recently, NCJW updated its 1972 study Child Development Center. "We have longevity on our staff, who genuinely "Windows on Day Care" and published Opening a love our kids and often get involved in the lives of New Window on Child Care, a report of the status our families," Greenberg said. "We're very con- of child care in the nation today. According to the sumer-oriented, too, and go out of our way to be study, there has been little improvement in child care in the intervening years, even though the perflexible and help out our families." The Pennie Z. Davis CDC offers a variety of options centage of women in the workforce with children to full-time and part-time working parents. For exam- under age six has increased dramatically. ple, infant care is available, starting at six weeks of Availability, affordability and quality of child care age, in the CDC's specialized infant rooms. When and school-age programs have not kept pace. NCJW urged Congress to approve $817 million babies are 18-months-old, they "graduate" into the "tween" room, a room not unfamiliar to them as they for the Child Care Development Block Grant become more "at home" in their surroundings. They (CCDBG), $1 billion for Head Start and $647 milstay in the "tween" room for a full year and then move lion for the 21st Century Learning Centers program. According to Sammie Mdshenberg, Director on to the "two's" for the next year. "The CDC was built to look like a home," of NCJWs Washington office, the appropriations Greenberg added, noting the muted colors, comfort- bill has passed in the House of Representatives, able furniture and access to the outdoors. What dif- but has not yet been debated on the floor of the ferentiates it from other child care facilities in Senate. For up-to-the-minute information, readers Omaha, however, is not just its physical surround- may visit NCJWs website at: www.ncjw.org, and ings, but its emphasis on Jewish parenting and look for an Action Alert on this bill and others. Jewish values. Regardless of how a parent chooses child care, I n addition to our weekly Shabbat celebrations on Greenberg emphasized the need for care and nurFridays, when parents are invited to join us, children turing among the staff at any center. are introduced to the Hebrew language and songs, "You should hear the positive noise of children playJewish values of tzedakah and gemillut hasadim ing, laughing and enjoying themselves, and see staff (acts of loving kindness), along with stories and plays interacting with the kids," she noted, "Then you know about the Jewish holidays," she explained. you're in a place where children can be children!"
June 30,2000
Omaha's Yachad group to be featured in national video
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 15
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Videographers from the Orthodox Union's Our Way and Yachad Division of the National Conference of Synagogue Youth were in town hist week to tape a segment on Omaha's program for a national video. The feature-length video will be used to promote the O.U.'s programs for Jewish youth who are deaf (Our Way) and for those who are developmentally or physically challenged (Yachad). Above, Jeff Steinberg, right, is taped while learning with
Allan Gonsher at Beth Israel Synagogue, an activity the two do on a regular basis. The videographers also taped "a day in the life of Jeff Steinberg" the following day and a Yachad activity that evening. The video will also feature segments with cable television talk show host Larry King and radio call-in show host Dr. Laura Schlessinger, as well as Yachad and Our Way programs i n Ohio, Texas and Florida.
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Teen Leadership Awards (Continued from page 1) Advisor to the former BBG group, Ner Tamid, from 1970 to 1974, Elly was chairman of the Chai Grand Gifts Division of the Federation Women's Campaign. She was also on the National B'nai B'rith Youth Organization Commission for two years and has served on the Temple Israel Board of Trustees. •». Elly has been "involved" with the local Planned Parenthood organization since 1989. Her latest community volunteer effort is serving as chairman of Helmets for Kids, part of the Omaha Safety and Health Council's SAFEKIDS program. Helmets for Kids is a campaign to encourage children to wear helmets when riding bicycles. Andie Gordman, Bob and Elh/s daughter, won the Teen Leadership Award in 1984 unaware that her parents were the initiators and financial backers of the honor. She is now Director of Human Resources for a local telemarketing company and the mother of two children, Brandon, 11, and Lindsey, six. Jay Gordman, filly's and Bob's son, lives in Omaha and is President of Exceeding Expectations, the area developer of Quiznos Classic Subs. Other recipients of the award include Julie Weiner, David Spizman, Jodi Greenberg, Steve Zuber, Allen Klopper, Kenneth Polikov, Scott Muskin, Wendy Sheldon, Ari Riekes, Bill Shackman, Becca Goldstein, Derek Altaian, Rikki Epstein, Holly Friedman, Gary Shyken, Lindsey Taxman, Elizabeth Kaplan, Susan Shackman, Deborah Goldstein, Stephanie DePorte, Melissa Katzman, Sarah Raful, Shoshana Wees, Lance Polikov, Amy Willensky, Jeff Katzman, Morgan Denny and Melissa Shapiro. This year's winners are Andy Finkle, son of Judi and David Finkle, and Courtney Rabb, daughter of
Lori and Stephen Rabb. "Even though we are still young," Elly pointed out, "we believe in this award so much that we set up an endowment fund for it in our wills" so it will be granted perpetually. "We've helped fund some other youth and family projects," she added. "We prefer to do things.anonymously," but they decided to let the community know about their involvement "so others will think about programs like scholarships and youth conventions that can befinanciallysupported for our teens." I've thought ever since the 1970s," Elly noted, that "our teens don't get the community recognition or as much funding as some other segments of our community. We do a great job of supporting programs for our senior citizens, and I think that's terrific. But as a community, we should do more for our teens. "They are our community's leaders" for tomorrow. It's important to make teens feel a part of the Jewish community so no matter where they end up living, they'll eventually connect with the Jewish community and maybe even play a leadership role," she added. Marty Ricks, Foundation Executive Director, pleased that the Gordmans are doubling the annual awards, said, "Bob and Elly have done so much for this community. Now they have again stepped forward to further encourage our teens to become involved and become leaders. "Each year, we have so many great candidates for their award. I would love to see other teens honored who are deserving of a comparable award. If anyone is interested in establishing another teen scholarship award, they should contact me at 3346440," Ricks added.
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Page 16
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
June 30,2000
Lee Jane Parsow Volunteer of the Year award given by Lois Wine, Volunteer Coordinator, Jewish Senior Services
Schrager Foundation approves grants for educational and healing programs by Claudia Sherman, Foundation Public Relations Coordinator •.
Beth, AJ, Holly and Michael Walts were the first recipients of the Lee Jane Parsow Volunteer of the Year Award. More than 150 guests attended the Volunteer Recognition program earlier this month, sponsored by the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and Jewish Senior Services. Eve Handleman provided entertainment for the occasion. The highlight of the program was the presentation of the first "Lee Jane Parsow Volunteer of the Year Award." The honorees were the Walts family: Michael, Beth, A.J. and Holly. The Walts family visits the Home every Sunday to entertain the residents. They assist in transporting residents to programs and other activities in the Home and the JCC. The family also spends lots of time visiting oneoh-one with Alzheimer's, patients and those suffering from other forms of dementia. According to Sol Parsow, the Walts family exemplifies what his late wife would have looked for in a volunteer. Lee Jane was one of the founding members of the L.O.V.E. (League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly) organization and remained a member, until her death earlier this year. By naming this award in her memory, L.O.V.E paid tribute to her for her many years of dedicated service to the Blumkin Home and its residents.
Established in 1984, the Phillip G. Schrager and Terri L. Schrager Foundation has been appropriating funds to help support charitable, educational, and religious activities of the Jewish Federation and other philanthropic organizations in the Omaha area. At its most recent meeting in May, grants were approved for four programs. National Council of Jewish Women, Omaha Section (NCJW) has been conducting "Dictionary Day" for the past three years. NCJW volunteers have been presenting dictionaries to each student in 15 Omaha Public Schools (OPS) fourth grade classrooms beginning with the 1997-98 school year. Schools are selected on the basis of Title Nine funding for free and reduced-price lunch programs. In most cases, noted an NCJW spokeswoman, the targeted fourth graders have never received any books of their own. The children are encouraged to keep their dictionaries at school until the end of the academic year and then to continue to use them in the years to come. As a result of the recent restructuring of OPS elementary schools, more of them now qualify for Title Nine funding. NCJW would like to increase the number of dictionaries from 1,000 to 2,000 for the 2000-01 school year. Another request was made by Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services, Beth Israel Synagogue, Beth El Synagogue, and Temple Israel for a series of programs to foster health and healing for people who have suffered losses through the death of a friend or a family member. Program objectives of the Hope and Healing Jewish Consortium include providing a Jewish healing environment for individuals who are mourning a death, training Jewish professionals to offer an on-going grief support network, organizing several programs throughout the year that will offer bereaved children and adults an opportunity to grieve and move forward with their lives, a one-
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day retreat, a bereavement camp weekend, and working closely with Jewish clergy to assist families through the process. Barbara Gottlieb, Executive Director, of Jewish Senior Services, wrote in the request for funding that the "program is important because it helps individuals and their families move through a period of tremendous trauma by relying on Jewish values and learning." Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS) requested a grant to continue the special needs program for children whose learning disabilities and other handicapping conditions make it difficult to learn Hebrew, to prepare for their B'nai Mitzvot, and to learn to live as participating members of the Jewish community. The Schrager Foundation has been helping to support the special needs program for a number of years. . According to Carolyn Novicoff, JELS director, there are currently 48 students in the special needs program. That represents a 20 percent increase since 1996. A five to ten percent increase is anticipated for the 2000-01 school year. The program now requires at least one full-time teacher to meet the needs of the students. The Jewish Federation of Omaha and religious school participation fees subvent the special needs program, however, it's not enough to meet the growing scope and challenge of this program. Members of the Schrager Foundation approved grants for Dictionary Day, the Hope and Healing Jewish Consortium, the special needs program as well as the Foundation's on-going commitment to fund four college scholarships at $1,200 each this year. The contributions will be administered by The Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Those attending the meeting were Martin Lehr,. President; Phillip and Terri Schrager; Dr. Eugene Zweiback; Tom Fellman; and Joe Kirshenbaum.
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