ilewish Press
SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR NEARLY 80 YEARS Vol. LXXIX
No. 45 Omaha, NE
18 Tammuz, 5760
July 21,2000
International entertainer Avraham Fried comes to Omaha to celebrate 'Chabad 13' by Devra Bram
Avraham Fried, one of the most widely recognized and sought after entertainers in the Jewish world today, is performing in Omaha on Sunday, Aug. 13, as part of the 'Chabad 13' Bar Mitzvah celebration at the Embassy Suites Hotel downtown. He will be joined by Tuffy Epstein and a three-piece band performing his compelling blend of traditional and popular music that resonates with messages of hope, deliverance and fulfillment Fried was born 36 years ago to European parents who eluded the clutches of Nazi Germany when they were deported to Siberia by the invading Russians. Later, the
Avraham Fried
family was able to resettle in Brooklyn, New York, where Avraham, the youngest of eight children, grew up surrounded by the songs and melodies his family would sing on Shabbos and holidays. Gifted with an inspired voice, Fried's musical career took off in his childhood, as he went from soloist of the school choir to soloist on several recordings and in concerts across the country. The release of his first solo-album "No Jew Will Be Left Behind," introduced Fried's mature lyric tenor, and broke new ground with his songs that sought to inspire Jewish pride as they entertained
audiences with fresh and compelling sounds in Jewish music. Singing his way up the musical ladder, Fried, drew a record-breaking crowd^of 120,000 at Gan Soccer Park in Jerusalem. His career reached a crescendo with his show-stopping performances at the prestigious Mann auditorium in Tel Aviv, accompanied by the 100 piece Prague Symphony Orchestra. His most recent release in 1996 of his 14th recording, "Hupp Cossak," has been hailed as one of the finest offerings of Jewish music. Featuring innovative and exciting arrangements and a spectacular delivery, this album has made it to the top of the charts in the United States and Israel. To hear the talented Avraham Fried's only performance in Omaha on Aug. 13, and be a part of the Chabad 13 celebration, contact Elizabeth at 3301800, for tickets to the Banquet dinner fundraiser.
The promised land ofOz by Louis Jacobson, Special to the Jewish Press
KALVESTA, Kansas-More than a century ago, in this flat, desolate corner of Kansas, a few dozen Jews tried to squeeze out a living. Now, 42 miles from Garden City, the nearest town of any size, I'm looking for the remains of their fleeting society. "Don't step on the rocks—there might be rattlesnakes under them.'" Randy Thies calls out to me. Randy is a Kansas state archaeologist, so he's used to snakes. He also knows how to maneuver a 4x4 through three-foot-high weeds, which is good, because if it weren't for him, I wouldn't be anyvhere near Beersheba, the first Jewish agricultural settlement in Kansas. Beersheba was established in 1882 by 60 newlyarrived Jewish immigrants from Russia. Each family homesteaded 160 acres, living in houses made of sod-the thick ribbons of prairie earth that settlers stacked into buildings. Beersheba settlers also turned sod into a synagogue and a school; they used cow chips for fuel. In winter, the colony endured major blizzards; during the summer, droughts were common. A popular lament of the time was, "In G-d we trusted. In Kansas we busted." Pat Smith, a researcher who joined Randy and me for the visit to Beersheba, tries to put it in context. "As you stand here sweating"~it was 100 degrees the day we visited-"think of what it was like 117 years ago. The wind was the only cooling they had," As Pat says this, we gaze out toward the ruins of the Ravanna schoolhouse, which was built in 1887. Ravanna was a town located four miles from Beersheba; at its peak, Ravanna was home to 700 people, of which about 10 to 15 were Jewish. Historians think that most of the Jews in Ravanna opened businesses there after deciding that the economics of family farming in dusty southwestern Kansas were too grim. Ravanna survived into the 1890s, as residents erected an expensive stone courthouse that became known as "The Great White Elephant." But the town eventually became embroiled in a bizarre war with its neighbor—Eminence—over which would become the seat of Garfield County. So costly was the war that the state stepped in, merging Garfield County into Finney County. That was the final blow. Within a few years, just about everyone had left. Today, the Ravanna schoolhouse-which once stood at the center of a bustling little town—is
nothing more than a jumble of limestone fragments farming settlements were established in the in the midst of a vast, windy prairie. All around are Dakotas, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Arkansas, small cacti and clumps of tickle grass, a distant rel- Louisiana, Michigan, New York and New Jersey.) ative of wheat. Beersheba, the first of the Kansas settlements, was We head across- the -dhfc"amd-ara.a»«WMl<imt*us• probably • the most uausual. It was the. brainchild of former site of the Great White Elephant. It's now a Isaac Meyer Wise, the founding father of Reform cow pasture, ringed by an electrified shock fence. Judaism in America. Like many assimilated Randy and I go inside (with the advance permis- American Jews of the late 1800s, Wise feared that sion of the landowner, as is the practice out here) large numbers of black-garbed, Yiddish-speaking and make our way toward the ruins. Prairie weath- Jews emigrating from eastern Europe threatened the er can be bad, but even a century's worth isn't hard-won social status of German and Sephardic going to reduce limestone to mere remnants; Jews, who had been in America for decades. instead, these stones were cannibalized by So Wise and his allies proposed steering the new humans, in the 1940s, when a football field had to immigrants toward the hinterlands, where they be built in Dighton, a town to the north. would be far from the "labor troubles, socialism Randy, who hasn't walked up to the ruins since and anarchism" of the cities, as Wise's American his youth, suggests that we not get too close or stay Israelite put it in 1887. too long—those darn rattlers again. So we scramble To be sure, Wise's impulse was partly high-minded back to the 4x4s. On the way out, the electric fence -he wanted to accustom the newcomers to America brushes against my lower back and gives me a mild and aid them economically-but many observers today shock. I shake it off. view his general approach as embarrassing. Don Cramer, a freelance researcher who has In early 1882, Wise helped launch the Cincinnatijoined us for the outing, stares into the distance. based Hebrew Union Agricultural Society. Agents "On a day like this 100 years ago, it must have for the society chose a tract of land in southwest looked like pretty bleak country," he says. "They must Kansas, and by late July—after an unruly, harrowhave had a lot more confidence than I would have. A ing trek that included evictions from train cars and lot of people said this land would never be settled. (nearly) from a hotel in Kansas City—two dozen Seeing this, you understand what they mean." Russian Jewish families moved in. Ego kills a settlement (Continued on page 7) Because the notion of Jewish farmers in southwest Kansas seems so odd, Beersheba has attracted a small but notable following. To be sure, whenever trains went west toward the frontier, Jews usually numbered among the passengers. But most went to conduct business in towns and cities. Perhaps a mere 20 percent came to farm. Donald Douglas, a retired historian at Wichita State University, has studied Kansas' seven Jewish agricultural settlements—Touro, Leeser, Beersheba, Lasker, Gilead, Montefiore and Hebron. All were located in the state's largely empty southwest corner; their impulses ranged from Utopian socialist to Guides point out the highway marker explaining the history of individualistic. (Other Jewish Beersheba, the Jewish settlement in Western Kansas.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 21, 2000
Sparks from the Word
LANDSCAPING
This religion and that
Death VINCENT MARSHALL
Services for Dr. Vincent Marshall were held July by Rabbi Myer S. •20 Years Experience 17 at Beth Israel Synagogue. He died July 14 at Kripke the age of 75. •Personal Touch Dr. Marshall retired as a veterinarian and presi•Creative Designs Parashat Pinhas dent of the Animal Vaccine Lab of Council Bluffs. MONUMENT CO. •Professional Sometimes, students ask why it is that during Survivors include his wife, Regina; sons and Installation Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr. the year there is change in the Amidah (the daughters-in-law, Howard and LeAnne of Mention this ad Tefillah, the prayer) of the Jewish service from the Massachusetts and Jonathon and Diana of Omaha; 60 Years Experience and receive text on Sabbaths and Holy Days. It is not only that sons, David and Mark, both of Omaha; daughters, With Jewish 10% Discount Lettering and Memorials the special days call for special mention, but the Margaret of California and Joan of Council Bluffs; very tone is changed. MONTEMARANO and grandchildren, Sophia and Benjamin of 1439 So. 13th The change has to do with dropping the 13 cen- Massachusetts. LANDSCAPES, INC. tral benedictions of the Amidah. The three at the 341-2452 332-3641 beginning and the three at the end remain the same, except for very minor changes, but why drop the 13? The answer is that these are prayers of petition, by David Bedein, Bureau Chief prayers that include entreaties for sustenance and Israel Resource News Agency the beneficence of nature. And it is considered unseemly to offer petition on the Holy Days. These The Jewish Telegraphic Agency may have are days for thanksgiving and praise of God. jumped the gun in its feature story concerning the The fact is, of course, that petition is, generally tragic arson attacks on Israeli Conservative and speaking, only a small part of Jewish prayer. In Reform Institutions in Jerusalem by assuming general, Jewish prayer is praise, thanksgiving. that these attacks may have been religiously moti—LOCKSMITHS I am led to this line of thought by our Sidrah. It vated by Orthodox Jews who are intolerant of nonopens with the reward given to Pinhas (Phineas Orthodox institutions. the priest) for his impulsive act at the end of the Such motivations would certainly not explain the last Sidrah. He has stepped forward and executed attacks on two major Orthodox synagogues in the an Israelite man and a Moabite woman, enraged at French Hill section of Jerusalem that were trashed "A F u n • • / their participating in what was a normal rite of and gutted the evening after Shavuot on June 10. Near Eastern religion. With the letters "Satan" plastered on the Children's Normal, that is, for Moabites and many others. entrance to the trashed Hebrew Union College, Clothing But repulsive to Israelite religion, not only for the Israeli police have begun a wide investigation into licentiousness of the rites, but also for the assump- Satanic cults which have been frequenting downStore!" tion that the purpose of religion is entreaty, peti- town Jerusalem. Meanwhile, the narcotics division Visit our "Baby Boutique" tion. of the Israel Police Force and the Israel Drug for Unique Gifts If the accounts in the Book of Kings are to be Control Authority have both reported a sudden understood right, this flirtation with Canaanite widespread distribution of dangerous narcotics by 13028 W. Center Rd. religion persisted during all the years of indepen- Jewish, and Arab teenage gangs, whose involveTHE BIG TOP 697-9862 dence of the Hebrew kingdoms, to plague our ment in senseless violence of late has been widely ancestors. But prophetic religion (including our reported in the news in Israel. Haftarah, the opening of the Book of Jeremiah), One recalls the spate of bus stop burnings in 1987was repelled by these pagan rites, and the 88, which were assumed to be motivated by Orthodox prophets tried manfully, desperately, to teach their Jews who were disturbed by too many bus advertiseCLIP & SAVE contemporaries that true religion was to be found ments for women's underwear, That is, until in compassion, in truth, in justice, in social concern Jerusalem police discovered in 1989 that a teenage — not in petitioning the "gods" for increase of crops gang had been burning the bus stops "for fun." and vintage and flocks and herds, or even increase of the human family. Jewish religion, as it emerged from Hebrew religion, can properly be termed "ethical monotheism." SATURDAY, JULY 22 The end of our Sidrah includes a catalogue of the c Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., c sacrifices brought in ancient times for various Holy by Norma Johnson l L Days. In connection with this list, the Midrash tells p at Temple Israel I A new musical called Surprise! will make its P of a non-Jew who asked Rabbi Akiba, "but didn't the Lord say that He despises your Holy Days debut at the benefit performance for the * MONDAY, JULY 24 Alzheimer's Association on Saturday, July 29, (Isaiah 1:14)?" S 8 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. Rabbi Akiba answered that it is your festivals I YES Program, 9:30 a.m. A Written by Omahan Karen Sokolof Javitch, the that the Lord despises, that is, what humans have V play features Eric Crouch, John Beasley and Miss E made of the festivals in their pollution of them; but = TUESDAY, JULY 25 the Lord's own festivals and Holy Days, in their Nebraska Jill Pennington. Channel Six sportscastBBYO Night, 6 p.m. purity and proper use, it is these that He honors er Dave Webber will emcee. Others in lead roles include Stan Widman and and cherishes. For these are the days that Jews Danielle Burr. The show is directed by Brandon devote to praise and thanksgiving. THURSDAY, JULY 27 Higdem, with Chuck Penington as musical director Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. and Judy Farber doing the choreography. Child care- One of the most "We are most excited about this evening and important decisions parents make. grateful to those who are giving so generously of FRIDAY, JULY 28 their time and talents," noted Beth Brown, Check it out! Russian Club, 10 a.m. Alzheimer Association Development Director. NEBRASKA HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SYSTEM Leo and Aileen Aizenstatt are honorary chairSATURDAY, JULY 29 men; committee members include Phyllis Aronson, c Susie Blumkin, Maralyn Burr, Sandy Epstein, L Bagels & Bible, 9:30 a.m., L Karen Javitch, Carol Parsow and Anne Shackman. I P at Temple Israel Tickets are $25 per pers6n. The show is sponsored P EXECUTIVE RIVILEGE by JMR Productions and Mrs. N.J. Rips. For infor& mation, call 572-2059. * MONDAY, JULY 31 Start enjoying
Pulverente X
Vandalism in Jerusalem produces no arrests
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 21,2000
Timeless guidance Everyone does it; and secretly, everyone loves it. Gossip, lashon hara, it's just so tempting to listen when others say something nasty, and it's just too juicy to keep to ourselves. Of course, even if the rumors are true, gossip is extremely destructive. Like the tale of the rabbi who instructs the villager to collect the feathers he's tossed to the four winds, correcting half-truths is extraordinarily difficult. The Jewish Press receives letters on a regular basis; most fall into one of three categories: complementary letters on the look or content of this paper or an event or program in the community (we love those!); serious comments (either pro or con) on an issue of interest to the Jewish community; and lastly, requests for help in finding a lost relative, recruiting for a reunion, or doing research on a topic of Jewish interest. There is a fourth category, however - anonymous letters. Those, too, fall into three categories: hate mail (which we forward to Bob Wolfson at the ADL-CRC); "wacky" letters about a variety of subjects which usually elicit laughter; and, lastly, that tempting visitor, gossip.
Behind the Headlines
The Jewish Press has a policy against printing all unsigned letters. Frankly, while we do have libel insurance, we don't want to test the efficacy of our policy. And it's not a Jewish virtue to print gossip about people, even if it's true. We didn't make up these rules; they've been handed down to us through our Jewish sages, most notably, the Chofetz Chaim, who spent most of his adult life preaching against lashon hara and actually developing strategies for avoiding contact with it. Tisha b'Av is coming up soon, Wednesday Aug. 9. It commemorates the destruction of both the First and Second Temples, due, according to the rabbis, to sinat hinam, baseless hatred among the Jewish people. It's easy to be suspicious of others, and jealous, and then to allow those feelings to erupt into words, fighting words, if you will. Those actions not only hurt the one about whom we're gossiping, (whether it's an individual or a group of people), it also hurts us. Surely we have better things to discuss; surely we do not want to be the subject of lashon hara. Surely, we can elevate ourselves—and our community—by not spreading gossip at all.
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Never trust leaders who say, "Trust us" by Avi Weiss
Once again, as 13 Iranian Jews were being tried on trumped-up charges of espionage, denied due process, and handed severe sentences, establishment Jewish leaders have sought to lull the community into passivity with that old familiar refrain: "Trust us. If you only knew what we know. We've got the facts. We just can't share them with anyone." We've heard that old "If-you-only-knew-what-weknow" refrain before from our self-appointed leaders, most devastating during the Shoah, and we are now hearing it again. Throughout the travesty of justice inflicted on the Iranian Jews, officials of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations were assuring us that they alone had the facts, and that based on those facts they alone knew exactly how to proceed. How many times do we need to hear this refrain before we wise up? Don't worry, they assured us; we have an inside line. Don't worry, we're working behind the scenes with the U.S. government to bring sanctions against Iran. Don't worry; we've galvanized the international community through the World Bank to delay loans to Iran. Don't worry; through our intercessions the prisoners are now receiving kosher food and family visits. Don't worry; maybe a couple of the defendants will get five to six years, but most will get shorter terms. It turns out we had a lot to worry about. It turns out that those who said they knew what was going on were almost always wrong. It turns out that instead of sanctioning Iran, the U.S. removed tariffs for Iranian goods, allowed the Iranian soccer team to visit here, and permitted Iranian diplomats to travel freely in the States. It turns out that the World Bank failed to delay the loans. It turns out that the kosher food and family visits that were allowed consisted of only one meal and painfully brief visits that lasted just
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a few minutes. Most important, it turns out that It is fatal to allow ourselves to be patronized and the sentences were by no means moderate; they rendered passive by leaders who take refuge in the were extremely harsh. "If-you-oniy-knew-what-we-know" refrain. The "If-you-orily-knew-what-we-know" position The activities of our leaders reached its low point when the Conference insisted prior to the sentencing that public outcry would be must never remain secret. They counterproductive. To up the ante, its officials warned that they had contacts with members of the must be spelled out so that the prisoners' families, all of whom opposed such public community can hold them manifestations. accountable. And then came the twist of the knife: our first concern must be the welfare of the prisoners, The Conference, of course, has the right to push Conference leaders chided, not what makes us feel its own strategy, but to take the position that it is good~as if those who disagree with them don't care the sole authority and that its approach is the only about the accused. valid one is both arrogant and dangerous. To these sorts of psychological pressures can be Moreover, to suggest, as some now do, that the fact attributed the fact that some newspapers that the prisoners did not receive death penalties expressed trepidation about running our ads vindicates the policy of restraint and working announcing the vigil. News of the trials was effec- through back-room channels, is defeatist in the tively kept out of leading Jewish papers even two extreme. We must take absolutely no comfort at weeks prior to the sentencing, giving the impres- all from the harsh sentences that have been handsion to the Iranian government, which closely mon- ed down. itors the press, that the reaction of the Jewish comAmong those who surrendered to the behest of munity was not something about which it needed lay leaders condemning public protests were some to be concerned. of the most liberal, progressive Jews who would The fact is, family members with whom we spoke never tolerate following religious leaders blindly. before planning our vigil in New York gave us their Yet they docilely bowed to the dictates of the blessings. Moreover, our largest prayer vigil, which Conference of Presidents. The policy of blindly folattracted more than 2,500 participants despite the lowing was a disaster for Jews during the Shoah, Conference's efforts to undermine it, generated two and a dismal failure once again in the case of the meetings between rabbis and Iranian officials. Iranian Jews. If public outcry has no effect, as the Conference When will we learn? The "If-you-only-knew-whatclaims, why did these officials agree to meet with we-know" refrain is a call for complacency and us in what turned out to be the only official meet- powerlessness. ing between Jewish leaders and Iranian diplomats Leaders who hide behind the "Trust-us" synsince the crisis began? drome should never be trusted. Pooya Dayanim, a leader of the Iranian Jewish community in Los Angeles, correctly noted that the Avi Weiss is senior rabbi at the Hebrew U.S. did not do more because there was no public Institute of Riverdale and National President outcry to pressure the government to be tough on ofAmcha-Coalition for Jewish Concerns. Iran.
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July 21, 2000
Letters to the Editor To the Editor: This letter is to express our thanks for the support the Omaha Volunteer Braille Services has received from members of the community and to update you on the progress of our group. Also, our grateful appreciation to Beth El Synagogue for allowing us to use their facilities. The transcription of Braille is now accomplished with the use of computers, scanners and a special embosser which prints the material in Braille. In addition to the equipment, we purchase special paper, binding covers, etc. For t h e year 1999, we had expenses of over $4,000. We, as a group, brailled over 3,800 pages, mailed over 200 Braille calendars and embossed over 7,600 pages. As you can see, we are a very active group. All our volunteers spend endless hours preparing all types of books and other needs for t h e visually impaired, at Beth El Synagogue. Being a non-profit organization, the ability of our group to continue our i m p o r t a n t work is accomplished through donations and grants. Please feel free to call me at 397-2349 if you would like more information about our work. We look forward to your continued support and interest. Eileen Reiner President, Omaha Volunteer Braille Services
To the Editor: Every October, the Omaha Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation holds its annual Race for the Cure®. With more than 5,500 participants at the 1999 Race, the event is now the largest 5K footrace in Nebraska. Our success is due, in large part, to the broad-based support we receive from the entire community. Thank you. You have helped us make a difference. When the Race started more than seven years ago, organizers selected the first Sunday in October as its annual date. It was a logical choice. After all, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So, for the past seven years, the event has been held on that date with much success. In the year 2000, however, Race Day falls on October 1, the second day of Rosh Hashanah. We recognize that the Jewish community has been very supportive of our event and are sensitive to the issue of holding the Race on such a holy day. We have been struggling with the decision to move the event either to before or after this date and have explored several options. Unfortunately, moving the date of the event would probably jeopardize our ability to regain a permanent October date in the future. As a consequence, the nexus between Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Race would be lost. Therefore, the Omaha Komen Race for the Cure 2000 will be held once again on the first Sunday in October. We understand that as a religious holy day you will probably not be able to attend; however, we would appreciate your participation and support of Breast Cancer Awareness and the cause. Thank you for your understanding.
Letter from Israel
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
Barak visits Camp David by Harry Allen
Ehud Barak went to Camp Davidprobably the most crucial meeting for Israel as well as Palestinians in our long history of conflict. Barak, on the Surface of it, goes a very much wounded prime minister—barely surviving a no-confidence vote in one of the most raucous, disorderly and disgraceful knesset sessions on record. Clinton, in the death throes of his disgraced presidency, has only a few months left to make his mark on the history of the Middle East, but the weakest of the participants in Yasser Arafat. Despite the hysteria of the right, the Summit and the entire peace process is a victory for Zionism. Israel is a state, it is a powerful one with dynamic economy. Every effort by the Arab world to defeat Zionism has ended in utter failure for them. The summit meeting, resisted strongly by Arafat, represents another defeat. Barak is a winner regardless of the outcome of Camp David. If he manages to get an agreement without very much yield on Jerusalem, the territories or t h e r e t u r n of t h e refugees he will bring back an agreement which, in the judgement of this writer, will be overwhelmingly approved in a referendum. If he fails, he will have at least tried and the
Israeli voters will give him high marks for the effort. Arafat, on the other hand cannot agree to Barak's red lines without serious revolt among both the Palestinians in the territories as well as those in Syria and Lebanon. In addition, he will be branded a traitor by the rest of the Arab world. In short, Arafat needs to extract more than Barak seems willing to give. Anwar Sadat said that the war between Israel and Egypt was to a large extent a psychological one. That is certainly the case now with the Palestinians. Israelis and Jews in general have great difficulty in shaking the Diaspora mentality of weakness and fear. Our experiences, especially those of this century, have carved an indelible image of victimhood on our collective psyche. For the Palestinians, the onward march of Israel is an assault on their honor and each compromise further erodes their self-esteem. Even Clinton's charm will be put to its supreme test to reconcile these deep-seated attitudes. Israel's required concessions, while painful, will not basically alter the calculus of Israeli security. Arafats concessions will put an end to a lingering Arab hope of replacing Israel. He may not be able to survive such an outcome.
Talking history" show on KlOS-radio features Jewish topics, speakers by Lynda Mirvish
The idea of a history-based radio show was born when Dr. Bryan Le Beau, Chairman of Creighton University's Department of History attended a meeting of the American History Association three years ago. When the topic was raised as to how to reach out to bring more history to the general public, the Association decided to form a group (the history News Service) that provides history-based editorial material for use to the media. "People are fascinated by history," said Le Beau, "take the popularity of
The Board of Directors: Kate Sommer, Lisa Norris, Rose Meisinger, Lynette Farhart, Diana Salerno, Anne Herman, Jenny Thompson, Amy Schumacher
the History Channel, for example. tures an interview with a nationallyAnd the number of people who visit known historian, author or scholar, an historical sites each year is growing editorial piece, suggestions for historical dramatically." sites to visit, and upcoming exhibitions. With the help of Cindy Workman of Some of the topics visited include: Creighton's Public Relations depart- Austria's Nazi P a s t with Anson ment, Le Beau roughed out a proto- Rabinbach; and Irish Emigration/Imtype for the program and approached migration with Thomas Keneally Omaha's public radio station (KIOS) (author of Schindler's List and The who were enthusiastic about airing Great Shame and the Triumph of the the show on Mondays at 10 a.m. Irish in the English-speaking World). Hosted by Le Beau and staffed by The program can also be accessed other members of the History on its website at: http://cuwebradio. Department, the show typically fea- creighton.edu/history/index.html.
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July 21, 2000
SYNAGOGUES
| CANDLELIGHTING: 8:33 p.m.
TEMPLE ISRAEL
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
Member uf the Union of American Hebrew CongrvgHtionH
JMrinber of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations or America
7023 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556-6536 templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shuhhiit service. 5:30 p.m., I{:tl>t>i Debbie Stiel and Cantor Jennifer Blum will officiate. SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat morning service, 10:30 a.m. SITTER SERVICE-Sitter service will be available for Friday evening services. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. Beginning July 1, there is no sitter service for Saturday morning services during July and August. Adult Education: Thursday, July 20: Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7-8 p.m. OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE 25th and Capehart, Omaha, NE 68113-5000 294-6051 Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m,-4:30
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 Rick and Julee Katzman, 12717 Capitol Plaza, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 8:45 a.m. Kiddush is sponsored by Dave Wine in honor of his 89th birthday; Pirkei Avos class with Rabbi Kutner, 7:55 p.m.; Mincha, 8:25 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:39 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 8:35 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 8:35 p.m. TUESDAY: Class with Rabbi Shlomo Levin, 7:30 p.m. BEYT SHALOM An Affiliate cf tlu> JewiHh KeeoiiHtructioniHt Federation
CHABAD HOUSE 1866 So. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68144-1646 Phone: 3:10-1800 E-MAIL-chabad@aol.com WEBSITE: www.rhabad.conl ers.com/omaha 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. B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, LA 51503-0766 Phone: 322-4705 E-MAIL: docjeb@aol.com FRDDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Orieg and Kiddish will follow services.
3012 S. 1 19lh St., P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 phone: 758-H233 http://welcom<».ta/faoytshalmn/ F R I D A Y : h u n i K K • I>l> il.n M i il>l> il 7 : 3 0 p . m . . S U N D A Y , ,Ju!.\
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n BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of Unitotl Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492-8550 WEB-www.bethcl-omaha.orf;
1502 No. 52nd Street, Omaha, NE 68104-5013 556-6288 Bethlsrael@novia.n«t
|i in . Kricl.iv. 7 Ml .i in \1 p in
An Affiliate «f lhr Worldwide rhabHd-lAibaviU-h MOYWIIWII
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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; Devar Torah given by Larry Novak; Sitter service, 10 a.m.; Humash with Rashi study session, 8:25 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 8:55 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. |
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME
|
FRIDAY: Services, 7 p.m., led by Nancy Rips and Richard Fellman. SATURDAY: Services', 9 a.m., led by Harold Gottlieb. 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.
L e a w o o d D r . ,B e l l e v u e , 1 0 a . m .
RELTCTOUS SCHOOL: SiimmT Vncntion. ("l.-i-.-i-- I V - I I I I I I -
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F R I D A Y , . J u l y 2 8 S l i : i l » l i ; i l i n i l l . -I I I I I I M -
CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURAN SOUTH STRKKT TEMPLE Member of the I'nion of Amerii-;«n Hebrew Contfrvfj
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of the llnilcd S or Conservative -Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE HK502-523G 423-8569 Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday and Thursday, 7:15 aan. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.
Camp Rainbow experience enlightening by Steve Sternberg
If you ask most people what's the happiest place ed from members of NFTY Missouri Valley Region on earth, they'll tell you it's Disneyland. I feel sorry and from the Dream Factory, an organization simi$ ?'vf lar to the Make a Wish for those people; they have Foundation. Dream never experienced Camp Factory counselors have Rainbow, which is truly ' all gone through a bout the happiest place on with cancer or a blood disearth. ease. Camp Rainbow is a ' At camp, you can make place for kids with cancel better friends in one week and blood disorders, so than you may make in all they can be just like four years of high school. everyone else for a week. Most of us who have worked The camp is located at as counselors feel this is Babler State Park in sub- f"± because of the incredible urban St. Louis. Founded Steve and his camper, Aaron Loyett. in 1987 by Allen and Ronnie Brockman, two of the bond shared by everyone who has been there. The first thing the staff tells you when you arrive is most paring people in the world, Camp Rainbow is funded entirely by donation. No camper pays any "this is a place for the living." However, you can't even expense to go there. These donations come from a begin to understand that until you see it for yourself. This experience has made a very profound impact number of cancer research organizations as well as on me and the person I hope to become. It has helped private citizens and NFTY Missouri Valley. When the kids arrive with their parents, they look me to put some priority on the things I want to just like any other kids, except some of them don't accomplish in my life, as well as what is really imporhave hair and a few may be in wheelchairs or have tant to me. Other Omahans in attendance were Whitney Taxman, who attended for the third time, prosthetic devices. Of course, they act just like all other children. and Amy Willensky, who attended for the fourth They want to play sports, swim, sing songs and time. Temple Israel's youth group, OTYG, contributes a dance. The look of pure joy on the children's faces portion of the funds they raise at their Annual throughout the week cannot be described. They Spaghetti Dinner and Auction to Camp Rainbow. have all been through harrowing ordeals, which have given them greater strength and maturity— Last year, they contributed $3500 of the almost $7000 raised. Now that you know this, make plans amazing to see in children their age. Each counselor is assigned to work with one to attend the next dinner for an evening of good camper for the week. This five-day experience has food and fun, knowing money will go to this made a profound impact on counselors, which will extremely worthwhile cause! Mark your calendars last for the rest of their lives. Counselors are select- for Sunday, Feb. 11,2001.
2061 S. 20th St., Lincoln, NK 68502-2797 435-8004 jew ishncbraska.org S i - r \ in-.- filllri.-iifil li> ( " . i i i l u r M i i l i . n - I W e i - . - I T . FIIIDAY
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SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10 a.m.; potluck/ game night, 6 p.m. TUESDAY: Adult Education-Pirke Avot, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: AA Meeting, 7:30 p.m., in the library. THURSDAY: Choir rehearsals, 7:30 p.m.
Bar Mitzvah Noah Weiss, son of Cindi and Marlon Weiss, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, July 22, at & Tifereth Israel Synagogue ^ • in Linclon. An eighth grade student at Pound Middle School, he enjoys golf, football, trumpet and computers. Noah won the Lincoln Public School All City Spelling Bee, and received state recognition for his SAT scores from his participation in the Duke Talent Search. Noah has two sisters, Casey and Molly, 11, and a brother, Levi, 9. Grandparents are Marjorie and Bernard Weiss of Omaha and Robert and Lea Pitlor of Lincoln.
Wanted: High school journalism student for free-lance position
Jewish Press Student Intern Cover events/programs of interest to teens and their parents For more information, call Carol Katzman, 334-6450
Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 21, 2000
In the News
Organizations Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday in the auditorium of the JCC. Exercise at 10:15 a-m. in the auditorium; or try your luck at bingo with Eileen Remer, also at 10:15 sum. Bring articles to share for "YES Talk" discussion group at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, Joanie Bernstein will do inspirational improvisation (come find out what it's all about.) For transportation, call 330-4272.
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VISIONS Picnic Mixer: Visions and 39 Forever on Sunday, Aug. 6, from 12:30-4 p.m., at Chalco Hills Recreation Area. Cost of $4 includes the main course and drinks. Please bring a side dish such as salad or dessert to share. Reservations a must! Mail form to Judy Katskee, 10356 Brown St., Omaha, NE 68134.
Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) has selected Fiorina Mosenkis to be an intern in his Washington office this summer. Fiorina is a 1998 graduate of Omaha Central High School and the daughter of Igor and Anna Mosenkis. She is currently attends Washington University in St. Louis, where she is majoring in Finance and Accounting. Fiorina was chosen based on her scholastic achievement, community service, knowledge of Nebraska, and extra-curricular activities.
The Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce recognized Lauren Brown, an honor student and recent Burke High School graduate, for submitting the winning entry in the AD OMAHA campaign B'NAI B'RITH BREADBREAKERS Please note that Breadbreakers has moved: the under the category of Movie. She will attend new location is McGuires Irish Pub (formerly Kansas University in the fall. Lauren is the daughter of Debbi Brown and Gallaghers) at 106th and Pacific St. Don Smithey will speak on Wednesday at noon, according to Ron Jonathan Brown. Gordon. Katherine Weitz, the daughter of Arnold and Breadbreakers meets every Wednesday. The proAnn Weitz of Omaha, has been named to the gram is open to the community; cost is $9. dean's list of Macalester College for academic achievement during the spring semester of the OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING TUESDAY, JULY 25, 7:30 p.m., Mishna, trac- 1999-2000 school year. tate Makkot, hosted by Beth Israel Synagogue. A graduate of Westside High School, Weitz was a THURSDAY, JULY 27, 7 p.m, Talmud, junior at Macalester last spring. Tractate Sukka, hosted by Beth El Synagogue. SATURDAY, JULY 29, 6:45 p.m., a class on Stacie Katelman, formerly of Omaha, has the weekly Torah portion, hosted by Rabbi Shlomo recently received her Master of Arts degree in Levin at his home, 2001 N. 56 St. For more infor- Recreation/Leisure Studies with emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of mation about OCTL , call Rabbi Levin, 551-1564. Nebraska-Omaha. She has accepted a position as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with OMAHA CHAPTER OF HADASSAH Windmoor Healthcare in Clearwater, FL, where Lucille Witmus will entertain with her accordion she will be working with individuals with subat the monthly Oneg Shabbat tomorrow, July 22, stance abuse and psychiatric issues. 2 p.m., at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home main dining room. The program, sponsored by Hadassah, Stacie is the daughter of Randi Nanfito of will be followed by refreshments. Those volunteers Omaha and Gary Katelman of Boca Raton, FL. who wish to assist with serving and seating are asked to arrive at 1:30 p.m. Bagels & Bach, Joslyn Art Museum's monthly Sunday morning classical music series, will feature Alexander Ross and Svetlana Rodionova on Aug. 6 in the Museum's fountain court. pianist Svetlana Rodionova, a native of Y.E.S. installs new officers St.Concert Petersburg (Leningrad), has captivated audiMore than 100 Young Energetic Seniors came ences world-wide with her artistry and technical to celebrate Mother's & Father's Day and give a skill. While a student at St. Petersburg's Rimskyround of applause to the new incoming steering Korsakov Conservatory, Dr. Rodionova was ranked committee members. Members were entertained among the best young musicians in the city. She by Eliana, the Hawaiian hula dancer. Top photo: was a professor at the Escola de Musica Virtelia in Sarah Lewis and Art Grossman, Co- Barcelona, Spain, before coming to Omaha in 1993, Presidents. Bottom photo, from left: Sally where she is a soloist and chamber musician. Venger, Hospitality; Kay Ferer, Hospital and At-the-door admission for Joslyn members is $10 Telephone Chair; Charlie Susman, Maitre D; for adults and $5 for children under 12. Admission Frieda Krizelman, Membership; Sarah Lewis, for the general public is $12 for adults and $6 for Co-President; Millie Altman, Recording children. Secretary; Ann Margolin, Treasurer; Ilene Pachman, Vice-president; Reva Oruch and Julie Schapiro, Contribution; Dan Greenfield, Births Matre D; Charlotte Kaplan, Historian. (Not pictured: Jean Marshall, Programming; Norm Tracy and Neal Smith announce the June 5 Zevitz, Membership at Large.) birth of their daughter, Megan Mae. Megan has a sister, Emily Rouise, 5. Grandparents are Gloria and Edward Smith and Patty and Tim O'Donnell. Great-grandparents are Rona and the late Philip Smith and the late Mae and William Ostrow. :
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WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those going on the trip to Bluffs Run Casino this Thursday, please meet at the JCC front entrance at 8:45 a.m. There will be no exercise. For transportation, call Maggie Conti at 334-6521.
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Brian and Cindy Stoneking announce the June 4 birth of their son Harrison Jon. Harrison is named after his maternal great-grandfather, the late Harry Siref, and his great-great-uncle, Julius Siref. Harrison has a sister, Rachel Rose, 3. Grandparents are Linda Siref Simons and Ronald Simons of Omaha, Jean Stoneking of Elliott, IA, and the late Ralph Stoneking. Great-grandparents are Sylvia and Irv Davis of Omaha, Amos and Linnea Meeks of Elliott, IA, the late Harry Siref and the late Dorothy and Gerald Murren. Great-great grandmother is the late Rose Goldstien. Howard and Denise Lehman announce the July 10 birth of their son, Adam Blake. Adam has two sisters, Stephanie Erin and Allison Lauren. Grandparents are Jerry and Arlene Lehman of Omaha, Earl Serap of Culver City, CA, and Shirlee Serap of Phoenix.
July 21, 2000
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Promised Land (Continued from page 1) The colonists seem to have faced little, if any, anti-Semitism from the local farmers; indeed, the farmers were eager to welcome "the Russians" because they provided additional bodies to defend against incursions by cattle herders, who were eager to occupy any land with grazable grass. It was this cattle-vs.-farmer battle that ultimately hastened Beersheba's demise. In the spring of 1884, some of the settlers leased their lands to a cattle syndicate. The colonists' chaperone, Charles K. Davis, applauded the move, saying it gave the colony the badly needed capital that Wise was not supplying. But Wise reviled the decision and retaliated swiftly, ordering the repossession of the settlers'farm implements. While legal, the decision strikes many historians as wildly disproportionate. The decision all but put the kibosh on Beersheba. By 1885, the settlement was completely abandoned, with settlers scattering first to Ravanna, and then to Kansas City, St. Louis and smaller towns and cities in the Plains. A few descendants who married into non-Jewish families remain as farmers today. Historian Douglas points to several causes of Beersheba's failure. "The timing was abominable," he says over lunch in Wichita. They came to Kansas at a time when Kansas was really showing its best face - a seven- or eight-year period when there was abundant rainfall and when things looked great. But from the time they began, a dry spell hit, and in the winters they faced severe blizzards." Douglas also cites poor land ("the good land was gone by 1880," he says), bad location (far from a railroad line), low commodity prices and—not least -the Jewish colonists' total lack of farming experience. Still, historians say, everyone in southwestern Kansas then-Jewish or not-had similar experiences. "They all faced the same troubles together," says archaeologist Thies.
Reclaiming roots It took Barton and Mary Davidson Cohen, a Jewish couple from the Kansas City suburbs, to bring Beersheba back from obscurity. Bart, an attorney and bank president, and Mary, a retired college administrator, have spent years trekking across the state, researching Jewish history in Kansas. They've braved rusty-nail injuries and muddy side roads to meet with descendants of Jewish settlers. A few years ago, the Cohens proposed placing a historical marker near the settlement site. The state agreed, and on a frigid day in November, 1998, the Cohens helped unveil the marker at a highway rest stop near Kalvesta. To the Cohens, Beersheba and the other Kansas settlements were not failures at all. Sure, they acknowledge, sending non-farmers to the inhospitable West seems like the ultimate folly. But they contend that Beersheba and the other settlements provided many Jewish immigrants with a better start than they would have had in most cities. By holding and using their land, Jewish homesteaders could rent, lease or-if enough time had passedtake title to it from the government. Any of those options provided crucial capital which they could then use to start businesses in cities. Several Beersheba settler families became influential business and political leaders in early 20th Century Kansas. "At the time they sold, the value of the land was as high as it got for a long while," Bart Cohen says. Weary from the heat and the mileage, we drive on to our last stop of the day, the small Jewish Cemetery north of Garden City. Blink and you'll miss it: The cemetery is a small collection of graves cut out from the corner of a soybean field. The cemetery includes some Beersheba settlers, though most of them probably died long after the settlement itself had passed into history. Pebbles rest on some of t h e nameplates. Don Cramer, the freelance researcher traveling with us, is not Jewish. He says he became interested in Beersheba when he accidentally stumbled .across a reference to it while researching local history. Its existence was such a shock that he found himself drawn in. "If someone had said there was an old Jewish community around here," he says, "I wouldn't have believed it. So I thought I'd find out what I could." Lou Jacobson is a Staff correspondent, National Journal magazine in Washington, D.C. This story first appeared in the Jewish World Review. •
Left photo: Established in 1864, the small Jewish cemetery north of Garden City, KS, docs have some gravestones with Jewish
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Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 21, 2000
Israel Scouts to perform in Omaha by Corey Kirshenbaum, Assistant Executive Director, Jewish Community Center
The "Friendship Caravan," a group of highly-talented Israeli boys and girls, will perform at the Jewish Community Center Theatre at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 8. This performance is free and open to the public. The Friendship Caravan, sponsored by the Jewish Community Center and Jewish National Fund, is part of a larger delegation of approximately 80 scouts who travel to North America each summer to represent the land of Israel. Two Friendship Caravans will travel throughout the United States and Canada this summer, bringing Israeli culture to North America through lively musical programs composed of songs and dances in Hebrew and English. Each Caravan is comprised of 10 musically-talented Israeli scouts, ages 16 and 17, and two adult leaders. The two Caravans will perform at camps, public gatherings, schools, community Centers, hospitals and nursing homes throughout the summer months. Caravan South will end the summer with their final performance in Brazil and Caravan North will end the summer with their final performance in London. Each member of the Friendship Caravan, like all 80 delegation members visiting North America, is a
member of the Israel Scouts Movement who has gone through extensive interviews and a rigorous selection process. Each delegation member must exhibit leadership capabilities, a high level of scouting and extensive knowledge of Israeli and Jewish history. Fluency in English and strong communicative skills are additional requirements for delegation members. While all 80 members of the delegation represent their homeland of Israel, the 12 members of each Friendship Caravan use song and dance as a means of expression. Funding for the Israeli Scouts and the Friendship Caravan is provided by Jewish National Fund (JNF). Founded in 1901, JNF is a non-profit organization that serves as the caretaker of the land of Israel, on behalf of its owners—Jewish people everywhere. "JNF is proud to be a sponsor of such a talented group of young people," says Russell F. Robinson, Executive Vice-president of JNF. "JNF encourages Jewish people to take an active role in the ties that bind them-Jewish history, spirituality and the homeland of Israel. By supporting the Israeli scouts, JNF is furthering its mission by helping to bring Israeli culture to North America," he added.
Mitzvah Corps to raise money for tzedakah by Rachel Shkolnick, Specialty Camp Director
The Specialty Camp Mitzvah Corps Group will be working hard this week to raise money for charity. The goal of this camp is to allow campers to experience the rewards of giving. Campers will search for sponsors to support them in the "Bowl for Cancer" for the Zichron Shlomo Refuah Fund, or ZSR Fund. This organization is non-profit, and its goal is to help children and adults stricken with cancer, as well as their immediate families. The organization considers not only the needs of the patient with cancer, but also provides supporting services for the whole family. They provide funds for medical expenses not covered by insurance, as well as deductibles, travel expenses when a patient must travel to another state for treatment, housekeepers to help in the household, as well as funds to fulfill the final wishes of terminally ill children. The Specialty Camp Mitzvah Corps will try to raise funds for ZSR by participating in three events, a "Bowl for Cancer," a bake sale, and a car wash. Campers will get sponsors to give them a certain amount of money for
each point they score in a game of bowling. For example, if someone promises $1 for each point, and the camper scores 20 points, the sponsor would be required to give $20 to the ZSR Fund. Campers can also win prizes once they raise $10 or more. Campers in both the Mitzvah Corps and Adventure Camp will get sponsor forms on Monday, July 24. They will collect pledges all week and bowl on Friday, July 28, from 1-3 p.m, at Cougar Lanes Bowling. All members of the community are invited to come support our kids! Another way to support the Mitzvah Corps camp is to visit the bake sale. We will sell goodies and lemonade in the canteen area of the outdoor pool at the JCC on Tuesday, July 25, and Wednesday, July 26. You can also come at this time to make donations to the ZSR Fund. Campers will sponsor a car wash on Thursday, July 27, 1-3:30 p.m.; they will wash your car as an appreciation of your donation to the ZSR Fund.
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The Jewish Press New Year Edition is comina! Once again, the ^J&wi^k P f a ^ will observe Rosh Hashanah with a beautiful special issue on September 59, 5OOO. This year, the theme for our annual New Year edition is \\ut. &CSll\ 7\r\r\i\/&^a/y of tk» ^Jawi?k V/&^. We will highlight stories and photos of Jewish history, locally, nationally and worldwide.
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A l J V I i i R T I S E R S j We would like to include your ad in this issue. Please note deadlines:
Publication D a t e . . . . . • Space Reservation and Ad Copy due, . . . . . . . . .
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