EWISH PRESS VlLXXXI Vol.LXXXI
N 8 No.
O h NE Omaha,
Ch 5762 November N b 2,2001 16 Chesvan, 5762
SPECIAL ISSUE ON EDUCATION AND CAMPS ~ SECTION STARTS ON PAGE 21
Waiting for Life by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor
Whea Marcia PItlor's brother, Jerry Gerelick, was diagnosed with diabetes at age 24, it never occurred to her that someday they might be sharing an operating room. But just six weeks ago, the siblings were side-by-side in a Nashville Hospital so doctors coald remove a healthy kidney from Marcia and transplant it into Jerry. "He has to be nice to me forever!" Pitlor joked in a recent interview. "No more turning me upside down, like he did when we were little." Though she laughs now, Htlor realized the seriousness of her brother's condition and immediately began researching the effects of Juvenile Onset Diabetes when Jerry went into end-stage renal disease (ESRD), one of the devastating outcomes of this disease. According to current literature, diabetes has consequences recognized since ancient times. Before the discovery of insulin, people found to have sugar in their urine under the age of 20 often died, while those over the age of 40 usually lived for many years with this condition. Beginning in the mid 1920s, those who were diagnosed with diabetes when young (juvenile onset) were put on insulin, and those who got it when older (adult onset) often weren't. There are two 'types' of diabetes. Type 1 occurs in about 10% of all people who have diabetes. Treatment usually involves adjusting required insulin injections to match diet and exercise. Type 2, or NIDDM (non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitas), on the other hand, usually is diagnosed in a person over 40 and often overweight and sedentary, and who has a family history of the
since. Unfortunately, after many years of insulin use, it destroyed bis kidneys. When Gerelick's kidneys began to fall last spring, the options were limited: dialysis or a kidney transplant Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are treatments that try to replace the functions of the failed kidneys. These treatments may help patients feel better and live longer, but they are not cures for ESRD. "Jerry wasn't doing well on dialysis," explained his wife of 23 The Gerelick-Pitlor family had no hesitation when it came to making years, Larraine Lambert a life-saving decision. Wrom left: ILaxraine and J e r r y Gerelick of Gerelick. "We knew he'd Nashville; Steve and Marcia Pitlor of Oaiaha; Howard and Florence eventually need a kidney Gerelick of Denver. transplant;* same type of diabetes. At the time of diagnosis, Larraine, an Omaha native, had known Jerry there may be no symptoms, or the person may have when they both attended Westside High School. mild symptoms, such as blurred vision or more "I had to go all the way out to California to meet than normal thirst and urination. This person con- someone I knew from Omaha to fall in loveS" tinues to make his/her own insulin, but production Gerelick said. As fortune would have it, she is a is not sufficient to keep blood sugars normal. corporate officer for HCA, the large hospital conTreatment for Type 2 diabetes includes varied com- glomerate, located in Nashville, and the site of binations of diet, exercise, medications, «• insulin. what would be this family's kidney transplant. Gerelick was diagnosed with T/ype 1 diabetes about 25 years ago, and has been on insulin ever (Continued on page 32}
Couple Fated for Each Other Destined to be Jewish Educators by DIANE AXLER BAUM
,
There's a fairy tale quality of "meant to be" surrounding Guy and Elinor Matalon. You see it in their loving closeness. You sense it when they recall the day they met in Los Angeles, and the mysterious communication that led them to Omaha. You feel it full-force when they express their commitment to Jewish education. "Elinor and I are here to strengthen Jewish identity and education in Omaha," Matalon stated simply. Metaphorically, he added, "The fact that we can serve as 'walking information booths* makes it interesting for us." In only three years, both have become valuable resources. Elinor, as a Community Teacher through Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS), teaches Hebrew at Friedel Jewish Academy. There, she's introducing a new learning method that calls for students to be immersed in the living language. Tal Am, she said, is "incredible." (A story on page 30 of this issue looks at the new curriculum in depth.) Elinor spends other chunks of time at Temple Israel with middle-school and high-school youth., families and adults. Guy also teaches at Temple Israel, focusing on adult education, and serves on the Adult Education Curriculum Committee. Guy specializes in Judaic Studies and Islamic .Studies. He is a member of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and he chairs UNO's annual Sydney H. Brooks Memorial Lecture. This year's lecture will take place Nov. 29, featuring Dr. Moshe Gershovich, an expert on Morocco. The talk on "Jewish-Muslim Relations" will serve to start "a dialogue with our Muslim neighbors," he said. Often, Guy can be found in classrooms at the
Elinor and Guy Matalon Jewish Community Center. He tries to schedule some of his UNO evening courses there, and he plans to teach "Modern Judaism" at the JCC next semester. "Members of the Jewish community are welcome to come by," he said. To obtain more information, he invites correspondence by e-mail gmatalon@mail.unomaha.edu. In addition, he is an instructor in the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School, currently taking place at
the y under the auspices of JELS. One of bis students in the Melton coarse is none other than his wife. Itfs important for Jewish educators to reinforce our own knowledge,'* she explained. "If-s a way for her to get to see her husband," he countered with a smile. The Matalons admit their work load is extraordinarily heavy, but they are willing to make a personal sacrifice. They believe it's the only way for them to fulfill their mission of teaching. Judaism and serving as Jewish role models. Then again, neither of them is a stranger to either self-sacrifice or self-discipline. Elinor, who grew up in Tel Aviv, attended private art school before she was drafted into the army. She was selected for the rigorous position of drill sergeant for male soldiers. Guy, also bora in Israel, grew up in Holon near Tel Aviv, but moved at age 11 to Los Angeles. He devoted long years to intense scholarship. The two met in LA. in 1998. Guy, studying toward a Ph.D at "New York University, made a visit to California to see his family and to "check out" a particular young woman. Elinor, at the time, was working in private day care for Israeli children. (Continued on page 30)
INSIDE: Israeli TV & the Internet. Osama and Islam
page 9 .....page 11
Photo highlights of Evening with Tom Friedman.—......pages 18-19 TeenAge..
.page 26
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Celebrating 30 Years! Thank you for your business!
8025 West Dodge Road Omaha* 391 -7733 HOURS: Mon-Fri: 9-6; Sat: 9-3
Luxury Apar4*rsent Homes 1 Bedroom $895 • 2 Bedrooms $1100 • Heated Garage w/ remote • 9' Ceilings/ Crown Molding • Gourmet Kitchen • Controlled Access Entries • Elevator Service • Fireplace-! • 7,000-sq.-ft. Clubhouse • • Terrific Workout Area and Pool • Walking distance to new Baker's Store, Super Target, restaurants, banks, medical and well' ness center and many more shops. Oak View Mall only five minutes
"•• 934-5253 2 blocks north of
170th & West Center Rd. Professionally managed by Vacant! & Randazzo Companies
CUP & SAVE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FUrDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Temple Israel Synagogue 2000 Retreat 2-& 3, 7 a.m,-8 p.m. USY Alumni Weekend, 8 a.m., at Beth El Scholar/Composer in-Residonce Danny Maseng, 8 p.m., at Temple Israel SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 USY Alumni Weekend at Beth El C Scholar/Composer in-Residcnce Danny Maseng, C L 6 p.m., at Temple Israel L I JKLS Community Event "Schlock Rock," 7 p.m. I P SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4 P USY Alumni Weekend, 8 a.m., at Beth El & Scholar/Composer in-Rosidencu Danny Maseng, & 10 a.m., at Temple Israel 5 Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel S A BESTT Sunday Open House, 10 a.m., at Beth El A V J-UOK Bowling League, 1 p.m., at Cougar Lanes V E MONDAY, NOVEMBER S . E YES Program, 10 a.m. BESTT Open House for Mon/Wed Classes, 4 p.m., at Beth El TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Sisterhood Board Meeting, 10 a.m., at Beth Israel JELS Board Meeting, noon BESTT Open House for Tuea/Thurs Classes, 4 p.m., Beth El BBYO Night, 6 p.m. NCJW New Member Mixer (location tba} JCC Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7: 30 p.m., Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Jewish Book Month Luncheon, noon Friedel Brownie Troop, A p.m. Social Justice Club (Gr. 7-12), 5 p.m., at Temple Israel Adult Education, 6:30 p.m., at Temple Israel Chabod Jewish Learning Institute, 7 p.m. C THURSDAY, NOVEMBER « L Adult Education, 9 a.m., at Temple Israel I JSS Hot Dog & Movie Day, 10 a.m. P Adult Education Lunch & Learn, noon, at Temple Israel Synagogue 2000 Meeting, 7 p.m., at Temple Israel 6 NCJW ISookelub, 7 p.m., call Karin Irvine for location s All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish A A Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calV endar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. V p FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT E THE FEDERATION'S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org {click on calendar)
November 2, 2001
The Lord and Abraham by RABBI MYER S. KRJPKE
•
—
Parashat VaYera Without apology, the Sacred Text pictures God (in. the person of two [or 3] men/angels) appearing to Abraham with news: Sarah is to have a son. And other news: Sodom and Gomorrah, because of moral evils, were to be destroyed. It is at this point, that the justly famous bargaining occurs. Abraham pleads with the Lord not to destroy the cities, lest righteous people there/perhaps 50, perhaps only 10, would be among the victims. .. • . We Americans have been rudely reminded that in disaster the forces of destruction do not discriminate between the righteous and the wicked. The events of Sept. 11 took the lives of good people, not concerned with any attempt to save decent, innocent people from a violent death. Further, we are faced with the same problem in Afghanistan. We are bombing, we and the British, in the hopes of disabling the Taliban and its forces. But no military person insists, that despite carefully defined targets, contingent destruction does not occur. ' .. A Ukrainian missile accidentally brought down a Russian plane, many miles away, and killed people, almost all Russian Israeli, Accidentally! By error! What an irony! Jews who had escaped the continuing oppression of the USSR, and now about to visit relatives in the former USSR, are plunged to their deaths in the Black Sea. All these recurring events (shall we omit Anthrax) remind us forcefully that we live in a violent world. Nature itself is violent enough, Geologists say that the Dead Sea area, including Sodom-Gomorrah was the scene of a devastating earthquake in the ancient world. What should not be missed here is the Bible's dogged insistence that God rules Nature, and that a destructive earthquake does not just happen. God was punishing these "cities of the plain." And if they were punished, it must have been for some besetting sinfulness. The text does not conceal its assumption. Their sinfulness? Well, have you heard of homosexual rape? Of sodomy? We shall probably never know whether indeed these cities existed, steeped in moral depravity, and whether they were obliterated in a sudden "act of God." Perhaps one day the Dead Sea will be excavated and, preserved in its salty depths, the ancient dwellers of Sodom will be found, Lot and his two daughters? And Lot's wife, too? How fascinating these ancient accounts! Paleology discovers many intriguing facts, places, objects, icons, even household items. And earthquakes. Did a major earthquake in the area occur during Abraham's time? Or did our Bible writer simply seize on a memory of an earthquake and build his narrative about it?
ESTHER WAXMAN Esther Waxman of St. Louis, MO, formerly of Omaha, died Oct. 19 at the age of 91. Services were held Oct. 22. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester. Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Sara and Robert Fine; and two granddaughters, Emily and Allison Fine, Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. NORMAN FISHEL Former Omahan Norman Fishel died Sept. 29 in Florida at the age of 53. Services were held Oct. 1 at Golden Hill Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Harriet; daughters, Clara, Anna and Jane Fishel, Jodi Gershoni; son, Jay Slusky; son-in-law, Thomas Stephenson; grandson, Cal Fishel-Stephenson; sisters, Renee Zack of New Orleans, LA, and Eadie Tsabari of Omaha. Memorials to charity of choice.
Kidnapped Israeli Soldiers Now Thought to be'Dead
Israel Defense Forces Chief Rabbi Brigadier General Yisrael Weiss, left, Shepardi Chief Rabbi Eliyahu Bakshi-Doron and Ashkcnazi Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau start their confidential discussion to declare First Sergeants Benny Avraham and Adi Avitan 'dead' according to Jewish law. For reasons not made public, the IDF has reluctantly come to the conclusion that the soldiers, kidnapped by HizboUah on on the Lebanese border on Oct. 7 last year, are almost certainly dead. The 'high probability* as the IDF puts it, is most likely due to intelligence reports. Because Omar Suwad, one of the soldiers, is Muslim, an Islamic cleric is also involved in discussions. Indications are that not all the families are prepared to accept the IDF conclusion. Photo by ISRANET.
Dr. Ronald Brauner's Residency at Temple Sponsored by Kaiman Fund by CLAUDIA SHERMAN, Communicators CoordinatorDr. Ronald Brauner, who is a member of the faculty of the Wexner Heritage Foundation and a professor of Judaic Studies at the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies, will be a Scholar-in-Residence at Temple Israel the weekend of May 3-5, 2002. His appearance and presentations in Omaha will be sponsored by the, Ida and Samuel Kaiman Memorial Fund, which was established in 1998 by the Kaimans' son, Howard, and their daughter, Donna Kaiman Gilbert. (It was incorrectly submitted to the Jewish Press in an earlier issue that Dr. Brauner is one of
Pulverente MONCIMENT CO. Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr. 60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
PLEASE
tell our advertisers you saw their ad
1439 So. 13th
in the
341-2452
Jewish Press
the scholars sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Lifelong Jewish Learning Center.) Ida Sidman Kaiman instilled in her children the same values of service to Jewish organizations and philanthropy taught to her by her own parents, noted Howard and Donna. "God was an important part of everyday life, and she (Ida) considered motherhood to be her most important duty," recalled Mrs. Gilbert. "My parents strongly believed in education, secular as well as religious," Mrs. Gilbert added. Samuel Kaiman always made sure the home was full of books which promoted Jewish learning. "We know the beauty of Judaism," mentioned Howard Kaiman. He and his sister pointed out that Dr. Brauner's presentations are open to the entire community. His topics will be; 'Why be Jewish?", "Making Love at Sinai," and "English is a Christian Language." EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the deadline for the Nov. 23 issue of the Jewish Press is Wednesday, Nov. 14, noon.
November 2,2001
SYNAGOGUES FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 7 p.m., A short service of song and prayer, followed by cookies and juice, will be held for toddlers through children in the primary grades and their families. Come enjoy stories and songs with Rabbi Debbie Stiel; Shabbat Evening Service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate at this service celebrating the life and vision of peace of Yitzhak Rabin. Rabbi Stiel will lead this service, and Cantor Shermet will lead songs of peace. Oneg Shabbat sponsored by Nancy and David Jacobson in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Justin. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:3010:15 a.m. Please join us as we continue our study of "Traditional Prayers, Modern CoramentarieB: The S'hma and It's Blessings;" Services, 10:30 a.m. Justin Jacobson will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah, SITTER SERVICE Available for Shabbat evening, 7sl5 p.m. or 8 p.m. service, Saturday mornings when there is a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Also, Sunday mornings when there is Religious School, Make a reservation with the Temple office. No facilities for infants. Cost is $2 per family. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Nov. 4, Seminars on Sunday; "A Edp Mate? The Art of Living Together in the Stories of Adam and Eve," 10-11:80 a.m. Rabbi Azriel will lead a discussion on contrasting views of companionship in the Biblical Creation stories and their interpretations in classical and contemporary texts. TUESDAY, Nov. 6, Man's Search for Meaning, 7-8:30 p.m. Temple Israel member John Dacoy will lead this Jewish Journey Group. The group will look at how we confront each stage of development throughout our lives. WEDNESDAY, Nov. 7, Conversations with Judaism I-History and Sources, 6:45«8sl5 p.m., Beginning with the Biblical period, Professor Guy Matalon will take discussion texts and place them in their historical context. THURSDAY, Nov. 8, Beyond Basic Hebrew, 0:15" 10 a,m,, with Elyce Azriel; Adult Study with Rabbi Azriel, 10-11:80 a.m. The focus is on the writings of the SchoIars-in-Residence who will join us this year; From Matriarchs to Madams, From Dames to Damsels: Some Remarkable Women in the Hebrew Bible, noon-1 p.m., with Dr. Leonard Greenspoon; Basic Judaism, 7»9 p.m.
B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE <>18 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, IA 5t5O;J-O7(M> ''Phone: 322-4705 or 3WG-1244 .e-mail: ji;hdoc2@aol.t;om
FRIDAY: Services, 7:80 p.m. Discussion topic will be "Religion and Women, . , Behind the Veil" Oneg and kidduah will follow.
Maxwell J o s e p h Katz, aon of Richard and Amy Katz, will c e l e b r a t e his Bur Mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 10, at Temple Israel. A seventh grade student at Westside Middle School, Maxwell enjoys baseball, basketball, card tricks and playing the trumpet. For his mitzvah project, he helpp.d preschoolers at the CDC this summer. Maxwell IUIH a s i s t e r ,
Emily, 8, and a brother, Alex, 16. Grandparents are Sophie and Harry Schulman, Jay Filler and the late Anne Filler.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 8
CANDUEUGHTING Friday, Nov. 2.....................
Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kahbalat Shabbat, 5:05 p.m.; The West Minyan will be at the home of Dennis and Susan Paley, 13041 Leavenworth Rd., 5:05p.m. SATURDAY? Shabbos services, 8:45 a.m.; Free Babysitting begins at 10 a.m. and runs through the conclusion of services; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 4:50 p.m., followed by Shalosh Suedot and Ma'ariv; Havdalah, 6 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m,, and 4:55 p.m» WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m,, and 4:55 p.m. TUESDAY: Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7:80 p.m. ANNUAL SISTERHOOD DONOR LUNCHEON Tuesday, Nov. 18s Make your reservations!
^ M t t n i l i o . i ' o f l l i f ( ; t i i I t ' t l S y n i \ n o f f i H ' <»(' ( 1<»( w r . y i U i y i ? >J<t(iiii>«in
3219 Siu'iidaui'Blvd., Lincoln, NE:CiBi>02»52;,K>
Services conducted, by Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday and Thursday, 7:15 sum. FRIDAY! Services, 8 p,.tn, . SATURDAY? Services; 9:80 a.m.-
.5 p.m.
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m,-4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Brazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits. FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m. : SATURDAY: Services,. 9:30 a.m., USY will participate; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Lunch and Learn will'follow services and kiddush, guest speaker is Dr. Oliver Pollak. Free babysitting' is available if reservations have been made, TSS, 10 a.m.; KTantan, 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Storytime, 11 a.m.; Hutnash Class with Rabbi Brazen, 4:35 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ario and Havdalah services, 5:05 p.m, in tho Chapel. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Perek Yomi, 10:15 a.m., study will focus on the Book of (kinesis. FRISK SITTER SERVICE Available every Shabbat morning from 10 a,m. to the conclusion of services. This program is funded by the Early Childhood Devolopmcnt Committee and woleomflfl children ag&n 18 monlhs-kinderWEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Join ua every day for breakfast after minyan.
CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURAN SOUTH STREIvi: TEMPLE
BEYT SHALOM Ait tVliiliali' ol" (ho •U'wisU lU'iHMiM.i'uctuitiUl tVUi'ruluni
:'i()V2 S. 1.19th Si.. P.C). Ii5«>x''>4/I i:J0,' O m a h a , NE G8;i.2vl-5J.:;J0 phono: 75t-
FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home, SUNDAY and TUESDAY; Religious School at the JGC.
CHABAD HOUSE An A l i i l i i i l o til'(lu> \V'oi'UlwWI«'.'Ohrtl>ii<M,.iil.>uviU;h M o v e m e n t
IB(»<) So. 120th St., Omaha.'NK 08144-1G40 Phone: 330-1800 E.MAIL-"€hal»iul€aol.e<.in WEBSITE: w\v\v.ohal.>adcttiUt;rs..c>oin/oimihu Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel K&fczraan. MONDAY-FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9s30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:80 a.m. MONDAY: Prophets Lunch Series, 11:45 a.m.I p.m.; Storytime for children with Morah Golda Levy, 11:45 a.m.-l p,m, (lunch is served at both programs), TUESDAY: The Womanly Art of Prayer, 9:30II aom.; Torah Tots, 1-2:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY! JLT, 7-8:30 p.m. at the JOC. THURSDAY: Mommy and Me, 9:30-11 a.m.
S e l h Kraanv, son of Howard and Kdye Krasne, will c e l e b r a t e bin B a r Mitzvali on S a t u r d a y , fc;. ',' • • Nov. LO, at Beth El.
^Cw' ,?
A seventh grader at Kromont Middle School, lie currently plays football and ia on the Fremont Bulldog roller hockey team. He enjoys ba&ket•\ ball and skateboarding. Seth has a brother, Adam, Grandparents are Abncr and Beverly Ej-asne of Fremont, and the late David and Esther Rice. ..
2001 S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE (»H,~»02-2"!)7
officiated by f^bbi Michael Woigser, FRIDAY: Shabbut worvifteH, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, Sh:»O a.m.; Torah Study, 10:80 a.m. SUNDAY: Hebrew Srhool, 9 a.m.; Religious School, 10a,m. MONDAYS: Adult Hebrew Study/Movies, 7 p.m. TUESDAYS: Hebrew Classes: Uvd /--thru Nov. 20-Read Hebrew America, 7-8 p.m.j Leuel //--thru Dec. 11-8:15-9:15 p.m. WEDNESDAYS: AA Meeting, 7:30 p.m., in the Library.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Services, 7 p.m., led by Nancy Rips. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Beyt Shalom Congregation, followed by Kiddush,
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE 25th and Capehart, Omaha, NE (181.13-5000 '294-l»05l FRIDAY: Services, 7^30 p,m.
BAT MITZVAH Jessica Rontalyn Kopp, daughter of Ellen and Henry Kopp of Jacksonville, FL, celebrated her Bat Mit'/.vah on Oct. 13 at the Jacksonville Jewish Ontor. A seventh grade student in tho gifted program at Darnell Cookman Middle School, she enjoys acting and mime, and has appeared in numerous l' ''i Jewish Community Alliance productions. For her mitzvah project, ahe is enrolled in the Federation's Gift of Israel program and the Federation's B'nai Tzedek program, Jessica has a sister, Lauren, 19, Grandparents are Phyllis and Stuart Fried of Omaha, and Charlotte Kopp of Silver Spring, MB, and the late Robert Kopp ,
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 4
November 2,2001
TeacSi Your Children
EDITORIAL
The Sh'ma, the daily prayer of affirmation of our Jewish faith and belief in one God, also contains the admonition to 'teach it to your children.' The implication in this command is that we, too, as adults, must be knowledgeable in order to be the educators of the next generation. Thankfully, this community, at least, seems to recognize the importance of education, both Jewish and secular. Featured in these pages, our annual Special Issue on Education and Camps (and the largest one yet) are teachers, probably our most valuable and under-recognized resource. Readers will find a cover story on the Matalons--Guy, a professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, also teaches in Omaha's newest Jewish educational program, the Melton course, and his wife, Elinor, a community teacher at Friedel Jewish Academy and area religious schools. On the cover of the Education/Camp section, starting on page 21, our Jewish Press Student Intern Rebecca Murow has written a story about Jan Lund, a
veteran teacher in public education who regularly accompanies high school students on trips to France. There are many ways to become an educated Jewish adult. Each synagogue in Omaha and Lincoln offers classes, one-time lectures and scholars-in-residence to its members and the community-at-large. Visit the Kripke Federation Library for fiction, Jewish texts or an analysis of Midwest history and politics. In addition to stories about Jewish camps in the Midwest, educational opportunities locally and nationally and other related stories, we're also hoping to educate our community on the importance of organ donation. Our front-page story features Marcia Pitlor's life-saving offer of one of her kidneys to her brother. Again, our Jewish texts have something to say on this subject — and contrary to myth, organ and tissue donations are not prohibited in Jewish law, in fact, they are encouraged. Become an educated adult, so you can teach your children!
The'Other'Israel
OUR MAN IN ISRAEL by CARL ALPERT
,
i
Fathers Take Birth Leave. Israel has extended Haifa-The world press, including papers in your own home town, report on Israel at some length for an additional three years a regulation which these days, but they provide only one dimension of permits fathers to share extended maternity leave the story. There are two other aspects of Israel from their places of employment, alternatively with which seldom get reported. We seek, here, to add new mothers. Most Respected Professions, A survey of Israeli those missing dimensions. Eye for an Eye. In June an Arab suicide public opinion indicated that physicians are the most bomber killed 21 Israeli teenagers $t a Tel Aviv highly respected persons in public life. They received night club. The family of one of the Jewish girls 29.8% of the votes cast. In second place, with 24.4% killed offered her body parts for transplant as need- were university academicians. Following, in descended. The cornea of her eye restored sight to an 11- ing order of popularity and much further down the list, were engineers, high-tech personnel and accounyear-old Arab girl from a Galilee village. Say It With Flowers from Israel, About 30% of tants. In last place, with only 3%, were politicians all flowers imported by Europe last year came from Israel, putting tills country in first place. Kenya was second with 20%. Value of the billions of flowers came to about $200 million. The most popular blooms were roses, with carnations in second place.
and members of the Knesset.
Still Time to Reconsider. On its humor page Yediot Ahronoi ran a headline; Sharon rejects a proposal from Peres for a joint celebration of their combined 150th birthday. The Shoemaker Goes Barefooted. Fire broke Even-Handed Reporting. Agence FrancePresse, leading French news agency, advertised out in a Tel Aviv store not long ago, destroyed the that it was looking for an experienced and dynamic contents, and flared to upper stories where two reporter to be based in Jerusalem and to write on home cooking gas canisters exploded loudly, leadPalestine affairs. Applicants should be native ing to neighborhood feara of a terrorist attack. The English speakers with an excellent command of store specialized in fire-fighting equipment. Arabic. Nothing was said about knowledge of Why the Kids Are so Smart The school year in Hebrew. Israel, taking into consideration summer vacation
jnttoducJhg n totally new hotel concept in Omaha,
Regency A Retreat in the City A full service, upscale hotel featuring resort amenities in west Omaha. Book your special event now. Pacific Street at 107th Avtnue 408-397-8009
UPPariclniT
Qare Consuftantsfor
Enterprise Bank Enterprise has money for your Bank commercial real estate needs. Whether you arc an investor in need of financing for an office building, a business owner needing a loan for a new facility, or a home builder in need of a financing source for your construction projects, Enterprise Rank has financial solutions for your project.
Call today (402) 330-0200
NX
David Olson V.P. Commercial Lending
(Founded in 1920)
National Newtpaper Association
and holiday closures, is one of the longest in the world, second only to Japan. In the primary schools" there are 216 class days per year, compared to 175 in the U.S., and a world average of 190. A Fruitful Survey. The favorite fruit of Israelis, gathering a 26% vote in a national survey, is watermelon. Following in order are apples, 28%; grapes, 22%; peaches, 21%; bananas, 11%; and so on down through oranges, strawberries, pears, cherries and apricots. Have Name—Need Street. For some years a street in downtown Haifa bore the name of the Hatam Sofer, a distinguished Jewish scholar. But when a noisy pub and a discotheque opened on the street, religious elements in the city felt this was not in the spirit of the revered scholar, and so the name of the street was changed. Now they are looking for another street in Haifa worthy enough to bear the name of Hatam Sofer. The Bar Has Many Tenders. Afewmonths ago, 1938 new lawyers were accepted as members of the bar in Israel, joining more than 25,000 lawyers already practicing here. That gives Israel a world record of one lawyer for every 250 of population. But cheer up. The law schools in the country report a total present enrollment of 11,000 students.
The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jtswish 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. Th« 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. Phone: 402-334-6448; FAX: 402-334-5422; e-mail editorial material, photos and address changes to: ckataiman@jewishomaha.org; send, ads (in .TIF or PDF format) to: mlapour#jewi6homaha.org\ Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198.
Fred Tichauer Chairman Carol Katzman Editor-in-Chief Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Production Assistant George Schapiro Volunteer
tftejtging Since 1991
A Registry Providing Companions, Home Health Aides, > Nurses Aides and Nurses Affordable rates with no minimum hours
Omaha 398-1848
Lincoln 488-3771
7701 Pacific, Suite 100
6211 "O", Suite "S"\
JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Joanie Jacobaon, Vice-Chairman; Penny Endelman, Secretary; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Lloyd Roitstein, Immediate Past-chairman; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Kip Gordman; Gary Kudym; Bobbi Leibowitz; Howard K. Marcus; Linda Saltzman; Howard Silber; 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 PPOSB Cotnmittee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Commuiuty as a whole. The Jewish .Prow reserves the, right to edit letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Ka»hruth of any product or .establishment.'
November 2, 2001
Page 5
Diplomat Cites link between Al Qaida, bombing of Argentine Jewish site
Poll: Israelis See Anti-Semitism Rising, and They Feel More Jewish as a Result by TOBY AXELROD — JERUSALEM (JTA)--A new poll released by the World Jewish Congress shows that Israelis feel increasingly worried about worldwide antiSemitism and see themselves as responsible for rescuing Jews in danger anywhere. Supporting the notion that bad times make better Jews, both secular and religious Israelis say they have a stronger Jewish identity after more than a year of Palestinian violence and the Sept. 11 terror attacks in the United States. The poll of 501 Israelis was conducted Oct. 18-22, and released on the eve of the WJC's 11th plenary assembly, titled "Securing the Jewish Future." Some 800 people from 70 countries have come to Jerusalem for the annual conference, which is to include meetings with Knesset members, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres. Discussions will focus on Israel-Diaspora relations, Jewish identity in the new millennium, Israel and world public opinion and human rights and intergroup relations. The conference will be held from Tuesday through Thursday. "When we conceived of the conference title, we thought it would mean securing a stronger Jewish identity, Jewish education, the struggle against assimilation," said Avi Baker, the WJC's international director. "Through a twist of history we are engaged with the same topic, but dealing with our physical security," Noting that Jewish identity traditionally grows stronger during times of crisis, Beker added that it ia "a challenge for us, as leaders of the Jewish community gathered here, to focus on the positive aspects of Jewish identity. It should not b© negative forces that build our unity and strength." The task is daunting, considering the poll results. While 63 percent of respondents said that spiritual
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
assimilation is the most serious threat to Diaspora by FLORENCIA ARBISERAND < ' • < • ' Jews, 30 percent said physical danger was even BUENOS AIRES (JTA)-A possible link has more serious. emerged between suspected terror mastermind Some 57 percent said there is more anti-Semitism Osama bin Laden's Al Qaida network and a terror in the world today than 10 years ago. Most--75 per- bombing against a Jewish site here. cent—agreed that international anti-Israel sentiArgentine diplomat Juan Jose Etchegoyen, a forment is motivated by anti-Semitism. mer business attache in Saudi Arabia who is now In addition, 67 percent said anti-Israel politics at posted to Geneva, told a local radio station last the United Nations is driven by anti-Semitism. Friday that Argentina's embassy in Saudi Arabia Respondents had little interest in seeing the received repeated telephone warnings from Al Qaida United Nations play a role in the Mideast peace about an imminent attack against a U.S. target. process, WJC officials said, According to Etchegoyen, the warnings were Among the other findings: issued on Sept. 23, 2000-ahortly before 17 • Forty-eight percent of respondents identify pri- American sailors were killed when suicide bombers marily as part of the Jewish people, 36 percent as blew a hole in the side of the U.S.S. Cole while it citizens of the state of Israel and 13 percent as was refueling in Aden, Yemen. members of humanity; The group also claimed responsibility for an • Fifty percent said their sense of Jewish identifi- unspecified "explosion" in Argentina, Etchegoyen cation had grown stronger because of the past said. It was unclear whether the caller was referyear's events, while 45 percent said it had not; ring to the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in • Thirty-seven percent said they would strongly BuenoH Aires that kilted 29 people, or perhaps the oppose intermarriage for their child or grandchild, 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish center in the while 81 percent said they would neither support Argentine capital that killed 85 people. nor oppose such a marriage; In Washington, officials said the United States • Fifty-four percent said the most important, does not believe Al Qaida was responsible for either thing Diaspora Jews can do to aupport Israel is to attack. Just the snme, Argentine officials are now make aliyah; questioning why Juan Jose Galeano, the investiga• The most admired characteristic of U.S. Jews is tive judge in the AMIA cam, never received the "their cultural and political influence""^ percent» information Ekchoftoyen provided. « followed by "Jewish prid©"-22 percenfc-and their Galeano, who is serving as pronecutor in an ongo"sense of unity and community8—21 percent; ing trial of 20 people accused of playing a role in • An overwhelming majority-76 percent*-agreed the 1994 AMIA bombing, traveled to Washington that Diaspora Jews are Israel's most important over the weekend to meet with terrorism experts ally; and and FBI xnembers. He is expected to return to • Fifty percent ofrespondentssaid the United States Buenos Aires ia the coming days after traveling to was a Bafer country for Jews than England, France, Paris to collect information related to the trial. Germany and the former Soviet Union, but 26% said none of those ia truly safe for Jews.
Largest selection of contemporary furnishings and accessories in the midwest.
SILVERCREST ASSISTED LIVING "Assisted Living The Miracle Hills Way" When you need some assistance? to maintain your independmt lifwiylc, rome see the true; apartment livhiq Silvercrest has to offer. All assisted living fanlihps an1 not the Mine. Compare cur .ipattmt'iits to Hit' typical studio rooms other facilities' otfprand you'll know what sets Silveicrest apart and makes us so special. Docs it rest. mcm>? No. It's just our way of ntakinq v<iu "lotr comicrUble. fci-
Additional services available are; • Senior Gym • MonLh-to-Monlh lental • Physical and Umipiihoiidl Therapies We encourage you In stop by for a tour, visit with our icsidunts, am\ see for yourself what Silvercrcst is all about. TWO LOCATIONS • OPEN 7 PAYS A WEEK CONTEMPORARY FURNISHINGS URBAN FURNISHINGS Monti -Mr Center • I Sind & W Center Rd. Oiniih.1. NEA8I44
Old Market Lnfti BMg » n t h t, Junes Omalw, NE 68102
#02.330,3336 800.383.8790
402.342.3526 888.403.7370
Silvercrest Miracle Hills 11909 Miracle Hills Dr. Omaha, NE 68154
Voted
Assisted Living Community by Omaha n
402-431-0011
olii n'co n ttiiiip arrtry.com
Rediscover Your Fall Service Neighborhood Pharmacy
EXQUISITE. LANDSCAPING :
• /SPECIALIZING; IN:x-:WATERFALLS & PONDS
Competitively Priced Prescriptions Nebulizer MedicalJons/Nebulizers Available Home Health Care: Walking Aids and Wheelchair Rental or Purchase - Also, Bath Aids, Braces and Supports, Compression Hose, Lift Chairs & More • We bill Medicare, Medicaid and Most Third Party Insurances • Home Delivery Service and Mall Out Services Available
CarfS, (Bautn Dru0g{$ts 5001 .Underwood Avo • Omaha 551-6882 • Fax 551-97BH
PROFESSIONAL DESIGN OF • Walls • Patios • Walk Ways • Landscaping • Select Trees/Shrubs Irrigation Systems
Landscaping this areas finest homes-YOURS! r»lofi
(402) 212-9037 or 491-4127
"Oar name says landscaping,. *Qur business is service.'*^
Page 6 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 2,2001
m/m if Mm IEAT Review by LOIS FRIEDMAN
The Tea Box, by Gil'les Brochard (Barrons, $19.95) ;
The quiet elegance and quality of this tea experience, first of all, is the tea box presentation itself. This cookbook, by one of France's foremost experts on tea, begins with the box format. Open the tea box and tucked inside is a booklet that is an an armchair guide to the hidden treasures, history, lore and the nuances of tea, tea ceremonies, teatime, tea houses, and tea drinking throughout the world. Twenty "discovery cards" include a beautiful color photograph on one side with tea styles and characteristics of various teas, rituals and customs. The 20 recipe cards also feature a beautiful color photograph with the reverse side featuring teas used in many sweets, including Seven-treasure Tea of the Four Seasons (a bag of "seven treasures" found in Chinese grocerys) and a few savory dishes. Most of the recipes are French creations.
Baked apples 7 Tbsp. butter 6 apples (Golden Delicious or Pippin) 2 Tbsps. honey
Apple-tea jelly 1 cup apple juice 4 tsp. sugar 2172 tsp. pectin 1 tsp. Assam or BOP Ceylon tea
TEA-FLAVORED APPLES
Baked apples: Butter a rimmed baking sheet. Preheat oven to 325°. Wash apples; cut in half vertically and remove the core. Arrange apples on baking sheet, rounded side up. Place a qhunk of butter on each apple half; coat them with honey; pour 2 tablespoons water on the sheet. Bake until apples are tender, about 20 minutes. Apple-tea jelly: Bring apple juice to a boil; mix in the sugar; whisk in the pectin. Remove from heat, add tea, and steep for 2 minutes. Strain and
LAFATA'S CAFFEITALIANO & BAKERY Is Something Different Full Menu Lunch & Dinner Cakes, Pastries, Cannoli Gelato & Granita 2304 No. 72nd St. 397-1347
refrigerate. Tea sorbet Tea sorbet: Combine 2 1/2 cup sugar cups water, sugar and corn 2 Tablespoons light syrup in a saucepan; bring corn syrup to boil. Add tea, remove tsp. Russian-style from heat, and steep 2 2 tea (or Ceylon BOP) minutes. Strain and chill. juice of 1 lemon Add lemon juice. 21/2 tsp. pectin Churn in ice cream maker. Presentation: To serve, spread in a shallow bowl with apple-tea with apple-tea jelly. Add 2 baked apple halves. Top with Top with a scoop of tea sorbet. Total prep time: 20 min. Total cooking time: 20 min. Makes 6 servings.
JIM & JENNIE'S GREEK VILLAGE GREEK GYROS • STEAKS
PHILLIES • BURGERS
OPEN TUES. thru SAT Lunch: 11-2; Dinner: 5-9
#Z Food in the Midwest Open 7 Days a Week
4409 Dodge St. • 553-3326
• • • • • •
Traditional Greek Dishes
Roast Lamb FishPlaki Stuffed Grape Leaves Chicken Reganato Souvlakl Mousaka TAKE-OUT
• • • • • •
Saganaki Spanakoplta Lamb Kabob Chicken Kabob Seafood Specialties Full Bar CATERING
3026 No. 90th St. • 571-2887
GREEK ISLANDS Restaurant Frai^ais
Introducing a corner of prance in 'West Omafui 156th & Dodge
Pepperwood Village
3821 CENT fcR^$4'6-1sM Greek Specials Dally Homemade Pastries Party Room Full Service
Greek Beer & Wine Dine In/Carry Out We Cater Tool Bar
IVon.-Thurs., 11 a.m,-9 p.m.; Frl.-Sat, 11 a.mMO p.m
934-9374
Northern Indian Tandoori Cuisine • Regional Specialties • Vegetarian Favorites • Lunch & Dinner
1010 Howard St. • Old Market • 342-4856
E L ALAMO "Best Mexican Food"
MEDITERRANEAN Discover Omaha's Best Kept Secret We Do CATERING!
Nachos • Guacamole * Tacos • Fajitas Burritos • Shrimp • Enchiladas Combination Dinners Carnitas • Tostadas Tamalea * Arroz Con Polio • ftfachaca MEXICAN BEER . Corona • XX•Bohemia • Tecate • CartaBlanco, Open for Lunch, and Dinner 11 a.in.-9 p.m OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 4917 South 24th St. • 731-8969
• Bar/Bat Mltzvahs • Receptions • Any-Occasion Party • OPEN Mon-Frl Lunch;
Tues-Sun Dinner 'NOW OPEN SUN 5-9:30 p.m.
* Take Out Available »Try a variety of Kabobs '
1712 North 120th St.
493-3080
(Candlewood Shopping Center)
Come dine with us
in a quiet, elegant atmosphere
"Big portions of wood fired, friendly food that's a little spicy, somewhat saucy and full of robust flavors." Sunday - Thursday 11am-1Qpm Friday - Saturday 11arn-11pm orfh 114-th S t r e e t 493-O3O4-
November 2,2001
Jewish. Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
IISITHENEWS Y.E.S, There will be no meeting Monday, Make reservations for the Annual Thanksgiving Day Celebration on Nov. 19. Eugenia Hartig, who sang with the U.S. Navy Band during World War II and performed alongside Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra, will entertain with songs of the '40s. See Jeff Quinn's "Amazing Magic Show" on Nov. 26. ARTSPAN: Art to Bridge the Generations-students from Priedel Jewish Academy and CDC will join Y.E.S. for a fun magical experience. Call Maggie Conti at 334-6521 for reservations. WALK-IN, DROP-IN Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. Exercise and bingo start at 10 a.m. in the social hall. At 11:30, a hot dog lunch will be served. At noon, the movie The Family Man will be shown in the Blumkin Home auditorium. For transportation, call Maggie Conti at 334-6521. VISIONS Luncheon meeting is Nov. 16, 12:30 p.m., at the Venice Inn. Cost is $8 per person, Singer Robert Valenta, a theater major at Creighton University, will perform songs of Broadway, accompanied by Esther Wax. For reservations, mail form before Nov. 9 to Marvin Gerber, 9318 Walnut St., Omaha NE 68124. Do a Mitzvah for Visions Mitzvuh. Program. Hanukkah is coming up, and as a joint project with Jewish Family Service, we arc asking members for a monetary donation. JPS will uso thin money for Jewish families who are in need. Please bring your monetary gift to the luncheon, or send n. check to Marcel and Use Kahn, 10U N. 148th St., Omaha, NE 68154. Make check payable to Jewish Family Service. Miss Saigon on Sunday, Nov. 24. Approximate cost is $45.25 per person. This Tony Award winning story is about two young lovers torn apart by the outside world™and held together by a burning passion. Groat seats if you ordo.r now! Deadline is Nov. 15, 2001. For reservations, call Jim Wax at 393-4442. B'NAI B'lilTH BBKADBKKAKEKS Speedy Zweibuck will speak at B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers on Wednesday, according to Justin Cooper, Chairman. Zwoiback will discuss Partnership 2000 and his participation in it. B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers meets every Wednesday at noon at the Park Inn Regency at 107th and Pacific. Cost for lunch, $9; for beverage service only, $2. The program is open to the community.
FEEL LIKE A MILLION FOR ONLY
by ART GROSSMAN
The noble lords who rule our government giveth and taketh. At our Oct. 22 OT/Y.E.S. meeting, it was announced that Social Security recipients will get a 2\6% cost-of-living increase in their monthly checks next year. It is smaller than this year's 3.5% boost. The nobel lords are increasing monthly Medicare by $4 to $54. Thus, they taketh. Flu shots are now available. Cost is covered for those with Medicare. It takes two weeks for the vaccine to start working in one's immune system; don't linger in getting an inoculation. The discussion class was immersed in talking about the threat of further terror since the Sept. 11 attacks. Anthrax, a bacteria few people had even heard of, is suddenly in the headlines. We are dealing with a fanatical enemy. We were entertained by the O'Hanlon Duo, father and son, melodic virtuosos whose delightful repertoire ranged from America the Beautiful to Hatikvu. Special Note: No lunch date on Monday, Nov. 5. The kitchen staff will be attending a company kosher cooking conference in Newark, N, J. We stood in memory of Audrey Kirshenbaum, Seymour Katz, Manny Simon and Margaret Bandynia. Shalom
National Research Hospital Board Member Visits JCC by TOBA COHEN
Among those earning the 1st degree black belt rank in Tae Kwon Do recently were Matthew Ileyman, Ben Nachman and Joe Slosborg. To earn this rank, students were required to obtain points by participating in tournaments throughout the country, write a 10-page paper, pass a written test, break two boards, and successfully perform a variety of forms in front of National Tae Kwon Do Masters. The University of Nebraska Medical Center's College of Medicine [Alumni Association re' cently honored five indij viduals who have made a | significant impact in I thoir careers, as well as I have advanced the Colj logo of Medicine, UNMC, [medical research and humanitarian causes. Among them was Harold M. Maurer, IMD,, UNMC chancellor, who waa honored with the Honorary Alumnus Award.
Wendy Sninuelnon, n partner in the law firm of Stunufilson, Hause & Sumualson, LLP, Now York, N.Y., came to the JOC laat week to tell her atory about Uahcr syndrome. Samuelson, a member of the board of Boys Town National Research Hospital's National Contor for the Study and Treatment of Usher Syndrome, is a victim of Usher syndrome herself. She met with local community and business leaders at which aho told her personal story as well as addressed the propfroBB being made in identifying tho KMIOB responsible for the disorder and its ftttorta t,o halt BIRTH ami/or reverse the progression. The hospital is the Travis and Jennifer Conn announce the Oct. largest institution worldwide conducting studies on 18 birth of their son, Jacob AH, Usher syndrome, a hereditary disorder causing Grandparents are Steve and Linda Cohn and hearing lose and eventual blindness. Tom and Marilyn DiMartino. Boys Town National Research Hospital is dedicated to research and treatment of childhood deafness and other communication disorders. Many children come from across the nation and around the world for diagnosis and treatment.
American Heart Association Fighting Hwtt Disease nntl Stroke
2002 ACURA RL Model «KA9652
499 Mo.
Hang-Up CUSTOM FRAMING - ART GALLERIES :!9-inonth lease, 12,000 milus per year, $1,000 down, IHL payment of $550 acquisition fee duo at inception. WAG. Tax, title & license not included, residual $20,942.40
331-9100 We've Got The Corneron Quality! ^TT
m
m
Jft
Ju8t
Original Works Lithographs Limited Editions Etchings Poster Art
8495 Frederick St. Frederick Pl»za
or L
' Toll-Free H4tn s t r e e t
www.acuraofomnaha.com!
and more...
391-6440
£?,"*"' lfa
1-800.844-0724 V
Framing Specialists
JB
334-5889
REPRESENTING: Greenwich Wotfcshop Mill Pond Press Hadloy Companies P. Buckley Moss & many others
2770 S. 129 Av». Montclalr Shopping; Cir.
291-8599
Page 8 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Arizona ^Arizona
November 2, 2001
Arizona'
by BERT LEWIS
Mishpucha in Arizona!! Moving to the Sunny Southwest? Winter homes, ASU housing, investment prop I'll find just what you're looking for Fve been in Arizona 20 yrs., after leaving Omaha (However, it seems like only yesterday)
Sheldon Babendure
WEST USA
Multi-Million Dollar Producer 8687 E Via De Ventura #110 Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Q3 e:mail: Shelrltor@aol.com *•""" ' 1-602-74O-4564
MIS, Arizona
Arizona
Arizona
Arizona
COUNTRY WOODC \J
c o r. L K C.T i o N '
KJ
iti all about style WhrUitT you IiNtn inward formal or ruhmil, truditi«inuJ or {•omonipuritry* vim will nnti^ourxlylf in llir (Jiiinti-y WDOIK Onlti-fiinii, Clnn^c Iron I it ri tiiTii} <ij' Mixmtlih |iuiMlt'tl I'iuKlics {iv ririily sdiiiH-il iiiilui'dl VMXMIS lu camjiIcnH'iH umt riiluttu-f any rnntii in ^ nut' hutnc,
i
HunterDouglas www.huntordouglaircom
Where Great Room; Begin
David Bercutt
Call (402) 681-1817 for your free shopat-liomc appolnlnicnl!
I don't remember a time in my life when I wasn't aware of the importance of education. My grandparents, who came to this country as immigrants, spoke with admiration and respect of anyone who had the opportunity to achieve a formal education. My own parents understood this attitude, appreciating what was available to them, growing up where everybody "went to school." I remember, too, one of the earliest articles I wrote about various techniques practiced long ago in the shtetl, when teaching little kids. I'm not certain if it's legend or truth, but the story goes that when a child was first learning his aleph bet gimel from Mama, she would put a drop of honey on his tongue with each success. The idea, of course, was to associate learning with a sweet experience. Today, it doesn't seem necessary to employ such tricks, since our kids learn their letters and numbers and everything else, including the right way to use a computer, from earliest toddlerhood. In fact, there's a school of thought which believes a baby can be taught to respond to music, while in utero! Regardless of which theory a parent subscribes to, the bottom line is usually the same: teach children to read at a very early age, expose them to the wonders found in museums, planetariums, zoos, botanical gardens and wherever else visual wonders may be found. Let them see and hear and touch and taste everything. The saying goes, "That's how they learn." Also, today, children must learn about other wondrous things, though not necessarily those created by nature. When our kids are taught history, they learn about many of the same terrible events we learned about in school, but, in addition, they must also learn about events which have occurred since our history books were written. The class we called Geography may have a different name today, but so do the books filled with maps and facts about the many countries on this
planet. Wars have been fought, boundaries have been moved, land has been taken from one ethnic group and given to another—and not always by diplomacy, but, tragically, often by violence. There is so much for our kids to learn today, before they ever reach college age and advanced education, it's almost mind boggling. Besides all that we expect them to learn from books and teachers, and the inevitable videos and various visual aids, they must learn the simplest of requirements: how to get along with everyone else. This may be one of the toughest assignments of all, since this has become an emotionally frightening place for many of us~children and adults alike. Given the events of Sept. 11, we adults have an enormous challenge: we must be especially sensitive to the fears and unrest our children are also feeling. How do we explain the behavior of a group who believe it's alright to simply murder? When we teach little ones that hitting or kicking or biting is wrong, what do we say when they want to know about flying an airplane into a building? What possible explanation is there for that? And, more importantly, how do we keep them from worrying about the same thing happening to them or to their loved ones? Now that's the challenge for which most of us haven't had formal training. The experts keep repeating the importance of listening and trying to empathize, trying to explain the unlikelihood of such tragedy coming close. Can we do that with enough conviction to calm the fears of our little ones? I guess it comes down to one of the oldest of all rules: we must do our very best in this area of our' children's education. Keep re-enforcing the knowledge that we're there for them, wo. understand, and we're going to be OK. And then pray for the wisdom to help that be true.
Beth Israel Sisterhood's Annual Donor Luncheon
Special Needs Meeting Held at JFS
by JOYCE COHEN ——--—--—-----———----—. Why do we get wrinkles? This is a question that will be answered, as well as the title of the new book by noted humorist Virginia Dritley, who will be the featured speaker at the Annual Beth Israel Sisterhood Donor Luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 11:30 a.m., at Beth Israel.
by TERESA DREUCHARZ, Developmental Disabilities Specialist,
We've thought of everything... • Studios, parlors, one- and twobedroom apartments • Licensed nurses on-site 24 hours a day • Assistance with all activities of daily living including medication management • Full calendar of social, cultural, recreational programs and activities • Three meals daily, including special diets and snacks • Housekeeping, flat linen service, and personal laundry • Uliliiies including basic telephone and cable TV
Starting at $2600/month including care.
PARSONS HOUSE
on Eagle Run
(402) 498-9554 ^ M
14325 Eagle Run Dr. Omaha, NE 68164
From left: Justin Kohll, Sandy Kohll and Lisa J o Becker B m n k h o r s t . For over 50 years, the Beth Israel Sisterhood has held annual Donor Luncheons. The money raised supports their many service projects: youth group activities; weekly Sabbath kiddush; running and maintaining a kosher kitchen; as well as contributing to community events. Georgia Ann Steinberg, Sisterhood President, and Sandra Kohll, donor Chairwoman, extended an invitation to the whole community to come to the event, saying, I n these terribly tragic and stressful times, we all need to put some humor and joy in our lives. What better way than by joining others in a lovely lunch, a great guest speaker and knowing that your contribution is helping others." Reservations may be made by calling Sheila Tomps at 551-9727. To attend as a donor, cost is $25; as the guest of a donor, cost of lunch and the program is $10. Donor committee members include: Bernice Cohen, Bette Kozlen, Beth Cohen, Sheila Tomps, Lisa Jo Becker Brunkhorst, and Shirley Goodman.
Jewish Family Service has announced the opening of its developmental disabilities support and referral services, designed to reach out to families in the Jewish community who have a member or members with a developmental disability. JFS Executive Director Steve Stiel gave the history of the special needs program, which included a Group Home feasibility study. The results indicated that while a Group Home may not be financially feasible at this time, there was clearly a need for expanded support programs. In order to further assess the specific needs, a survey was completed by several families in the community. The recommendations included: • Expand the Yachad program • Further explore the issue of building a Group Home • Offer specific informational support • Expand religious and cultural education opportunities • Check into assistance with JCC/Fitness Center memberships • Provide a parent support group • Provide other wrap-around services as needed. The staff at JFS is working in collaboration with the Yachad facilitator to expand the program by January, 2002. This will be accomplished through recruiting volunteers to help with activities, possibly hiring a part time assistant, and shifting some of the clerical work to JFS support staff. The issue of building and maintaining a Group Home will continue to be explored while JFS works to implement other needed services. JFS, in collaboration with JELS (Jewish Education and Library Services), will develop religious and cultural education opportunities geared toward individuals with developmental disabilities by fall of 2002. The JCC offers scholarships for those unable to pay the full dues. A parent support group opportunity is available immediately. This will be based on parent interest, and will offer parents the opportunity to support each other through sharing of information, mentoring', and socializing on a regular basis. If interested in joining the parent support group, call me at 330-2024. Plans are still in the works to implement other wrap-around services based on the specific needs identified by individuals and their families.
November 2,2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NB
Page 9
Israeli TV & the Internet by MARK MIETKIEWICZ.
With the news from Israel and the rest of the Middle East changing by the hour, you may want a break from the reporting of the major news services. Thanks to the Internet you can watch the same news that Israelis do, right on your computer. Today, television sites for news and commentary from Israel, In order to watch video your computer, you will need three things: a fast Internet connection, a fast computer and a great deal of patience. If traffic is particularly heavy( you may be competing with others for a limited number of video signals. Video delivery is still in its relative infancy and even if you have a first class setup, watching a tiny image on your screen still can't match the quality of a TV signal. But being able to glimpse at TV from half a world away makes it all worthwhile. Depending on what you choose-to watch from Israel (or from elsewhere in the world), you will need to. download Windows Media Player: http://windowsmedia.com/download/dbwnload.asp, Real program: www.real.com/player/, or Quicktime: www>apple»com/quicktime/down« load/. These programs are all free although you can buy upgraded versions which offer a few more bells and whistles. I have only used the free versions and have been very satisfied with them. Even if you already have these programs installed on your computer, it can't hurt to upgrade to the latest version available online. The beat television website from Israel belongs to the Israel Broadcasting 'Authority's: httpt//mabat.iba.org,il/. You can watch Mabat, the IBA's half-hour prime-time news show: http://mabat.iba.0rg.il/audi0/mabattv.ram. When you're done with that, Yoman is a weekly two-hour current affairs program: http://mabat,iba.org.il/audio/yomantv,ram. And if your Hebrew isn't quite up to following the news, thore in ovon a daily 15-minuto English lan-
guage newscast available: http://111abat.ifoa.oriy.il/ audio/engnews.ram. And the quality of the signal? Don't throw away your television yet. The video signal can be quite slow and jerky. And sometimes the same image will stay on screen for several seconds. But I still find it amazing that you can watch these shows on your computer at all. And the technology is constantly improving. Other than the IBA, you can also tune in to Israel's Reshet-TV: www.reshettv.com/live2.asp. According to its website, Rtsahet-TV offers its signal live on Uu» Internet on Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. In the past, I have also had SUPCOHH with Channel 2 N<>wn, however, when I las I. tried the site I got no response: www.i8raolnvwK2.co.il. 1'primps you'll fare better. There are a couple of Israeli bused producers thai, offer video on their websites. lnraTV calls itself the First International Israeli TV: www.isfatv.coim/. Its news page had reports about, the la tost. Lorromt attacks, a feature about Israel whining tbo European Basketball ChampicntHhip and 11 look at the possibility of Belgium a mating Ariel (Sharon for crimes against humanity. The si to also has sections on religion, history, humor, culture and for kids. Some areas urp. updated more regularly than others but I found it difficult to gauge how often ntnee they were not, dated. The reports are in
English, French or Hebrew. Jerusalem on Line is produced with the assistance of the Jewish Agency, The World Zionist Organization, The Jewish National Fund and the Jerusalem Post: www.gojerusalem.org. Their English-language shows are produced weekly and several are archived on their site. You will find stories on the Banias springs in the Golan and a look at the changing roles of women in Israel. Unlike the other video sites which have "live streaming," you actually download the Jerusalem on Lino video file onto your computer. It takes much longer to H( art, watching the HO you will need patience. Jerusalem on Lint1, is packaged for export; and comes complete with American ronunerctalH. While waiting for the video to download, you can road up on how Tarael'H dynamic television and cablr industry has grown from its v«ry humble b(»ftiinuu(TH: www.iKrael-mfa.Kov.il/nira/go.asp? MFAEIOOiieO. And you can find links to many of the count,ry"H most popular TV and cable stations 011 Tolevma.com: htip^/ourworld.compuHcrvc. com/homepaiJes/igttUilon/tcIevr/ia.htm. Thore aro even links to websites for popular Israeli HIIOWB like 7to Artzpnu, Burgnnim and Zbong. Happy viewing, Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-baited television producer who write*, lectures and leached about the Jewish Internet, He can be contacted at: hi (jfhway@homei.com.
for
Jewish Omaha! TZEDAKAH
tl\c jiitxc A'/t off ti Jerry Kohll
"When you give, you get so much more than you ever would receiving." —Jerry Kohll, 2002 Campaign Co-chair.
NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE A STANDI Please make your increased gift today to the 2002 Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign and Stand Up for Jewish Omaha!
Incasing
2 and & Bedroom
Grand * Healed Underground Parking * Elevators * Resident Controlled Access Gate * Quality Design & Construction * Located at 132nd between Maple & Fort ***GPBN HOUSE*** Saturday, 10-4 Sunday, 12-3 For details and a tour, call
The Jewish Federation of Omaha # 333 South 132nd Street Omaha, NE 08154* (402)334-8200 • www.jewishomaha.org
991-6611
Page 10 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 2, 2001
Friedel Students and Biumkin Residents ; Enjoy Luncli Together——
"Ya gotta eat!" So why not share lunch time with "neighbors down the hall" was the idea behind a joint lunch with students from the Friedel Jewish Academy and residents of the Rose Biumkin
The Safest Investment You'll Ever Make
Jewish Home. (Above) Audrey Gerber (left), and Arielle Levine schmooze with Sylvia Parilman, as Isaac Rogers-Marcovitz (below), and Alena Senik chat with Bess Rothenberg.
WEDDING X
TURNER/PLATT Kathleen Turner and Jenkins of Kansas City. Joseph Platt were marThe groom, son of ried Saturday, Oct. 27, in Barb and Mike Platt, an 8 p.m. ceremony in earned a B.S. in busiKansas City. Cantor Paul ness administration Silbersher officiated. A from the University of reception followed at the Arizona in Tucson. He is Kansas City Country Assistant Vice-president Club. for Greenwich Capitol in The bride, daughter of Chicago. Jill and Thomas Turner He is the grandson of of Mission Hills, KS, Dorothy and Max platt graduated from the of Omaha. University of Michigan in The groom's brother, Ann Arbor with a B.A. in Jeffrey Platt, was best art history and communications. She man. His niece and nephew, Rebecca is an account manager for Fitness Noddle and Sam Noddle, served as Magazine in Chicago. flower girl and ring bearer. The bride's attendants included her Following a honeymoon to Hawaii, sisters, Meg Turner and Betsy the couple will make their home in Turner, Her grandmother is Lenora Chicago.
"THE BEST SUV o LIGHT TRUCK EVER TESTED" Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Jewish Family Service Gears up for Project Dreidel by JENNIFER MEYERSON
Jewish Family Project Dreidel, you Service is dedicated to may bring an unhelping families facing wrapped new item to financial hardship the JFS office until Nov. 30. Suggestions through its Project for gifts include books, Tzedakah. With Hanfamily board games, ukkah fast approachclothing, gift certifiing, we are once again cates, etc. preparing, along with community volunYou may also sponteers, to purchase, sor an anonymous indipack and deliver holividual or family if you day gifts and food to wish, Non-perishable kosher items or ShabJewish families in bat candles may also be brought to need. Project Dreidel helps children ages the JFS office. Cash donations, of birth through 18 receive new gifts for course, are greatly appreciated. Hanukkah. We will wrap and sort on "We thank you for your continued Sunday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; we support and generosity with this will return to the JGC to box up food important mitzvah project," added for delivery on Wednesday, Dec- 5, Steve Stiel, Executive Director of JFS. 2-5 p.m., AJ1 gifts and food will be delivered Please call me at JFS for more the next morning, Dec. 6. This information on sponsoring a child, Hanukkah, we expect to help approxi- volunteering, or receiving food/gifts for Project Dreidel. I can be reached mately 60 individuals and families. If you would like to donate to at 330-2024.
2001 BMWX5
$
529/M
*#8870W. 36-month lease, 10,000 miles/year, $2500 cash or trade down plus first month payment and security deposit due at signing. Tax, title and license extra. WAC
November 2,2001
irif$ime t i fetch all tfie Bovvl Garnes!
/MO 2002 F-15G Flaresicle Ext Cab 4x4
TRUCKS! F-250's
F-350's ^4. AM ^.AVAILABLE
Regular Cabs
Super Cabs Dually® CREDIT PROBLEMS? •
Call Us Toll Free Confidentially on the 24-Hour
r.1-877-YE.S*LINE. (937-5463)
Rangers YEAR-END CLEARANCE PRICING ON MUSTANGS! Coupes & Convertibles* Lowest Prices of the Year! + 0 % Financing Up to 60 Months WAC *24-month, 24,000-mile lease. $3500 cash/trade down + 1st month payment and security deposit due at signing. Includes $800 off lease rebate, Tax, title, license extral. WAC
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
Osama and Islam by JOSEPH AARON, Editor, Chicago Jewish News
CHICAGO-Where there's smoke, there's fire. And we all know how much smoke there was at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, and for days and daya and days after. Where there's smoke, there's fire and until we stop playing games in the name of false unity, fake tolerance, pretend democracy, the sooner those who need to face up to facts, might do so. Or, at least, find it a bit harder to flea from the truth. Where there's smoke, there's fire. And from where I sit, there's as much fire coming from the world of Islam as there has been smoke coming from the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Fronv where I sit, the world of Islam has gotten off much, much too easy since Sept. 11. Especially from within that world. For there is much they must do in terms of whatever the Muslim equivalent, of a clicshbon hanefesh, a spiritual accounting, is, And there is much t.hoy must do to do whatever the Muslim equivalent oEtenhtwa, repentance, w. And yet, they've done none of either. What they've done, mostly, way too much, ia whine and He. They've whined over and over that it's unfair to blame Islam, blame all MiiflUnts, for what 19 Muslim hyuckcrs did on Sept. 11, for what Osama bin Laden and his Muslim accomplices masterminded for Sept. 11, for what the Islamic government of Afghanistan did and has done to aid and abet Llicxu ujul him hulbi'u and after Sopt, II. They've whinod that it's unfair to fault their religion for what u few of their faith did, unfair to flay that Islam believes in, let alone encourages such acts, unfair to point the finger at, Muslim countries as responsible for world terrorism. To which I say, wake up and smell the 5,000 dead bodies in New York and the hundreds more at the Pentagon and the hundreds more in Israel, all murdered by Muslims in the name of Islam with the support of Muslim countries and to the cheers of Muslim populaces. With nary a word of condemnation from the leading scholars of whatever the Muslim word is for halachali, religious law. I don't know what the Muslim word for chutzpah is, but the Muslim world has been wallowing in it since Sept. 11. Big time. Indeed, I couldn't believe what I heard when one of the networks had a panel of experts on after President Bush's speech to Congress. In it, not once, but twice the president strongly and eloquently defended Islam and said there JH no place for any attacks of any kind on Muslim Americans. Anil yet. And yi»t, (.here tint a top Islamic scholar criticizing Bush, saying how disappointed he was with how little the president said in defense of Islam. Talk, about chutzpah. Only a week before, 19 Islamic hijackers had blown up the World Trade (lentor and killed more than 5,000 people, almost all of them Americana, and still here! was the president of the United States on national ttflovinion defending both Islam and Muslim Americans. And yet, still here was a
Muslim leader whining that Bush didn't do enough. In my view, he did too much. For the hard fact is that the world's Muslims, especially its political and religious leaders, have not done anywhere near enough in the wake of Sept, 11. In fact, they've done nothing since Sept. 11 to deal with all they did before Sept. 11 to bring about Sept. 11. Denial, as they say, especially appropriately here, ain't just a river in Egypt. For the hard truth is that, since Sept. 11, the world's Muslims have done nothing but run away from the truth. And the truth is that the actions of Sept. 11 are not only the face Islam is showing the world today, but is the reality of what Islam, to a very great extent, is today. I'm talking whatever the Muslim word for tachtis, hard fact, is. I'm not talking about what it says in the Koran or what the prophet Mohammed preached or what the holy books dictate. I'm sure all of that is noble and peaceful and wonderful. But there is what it says in books and there is what, people do, what people are shown, how people are led. And the hard, cold fact is that Islam, to a very great extent, has come, in the world of everyday life, to stand for incredibly brutal and ugly things. And until its leaders and its people face up to that, admit that, nothing will change. Only if they see what they, have become, cun they be what they on<n? were, what they should be,
Islam is something good, but it has become something horrific. And it will only become good again if it admits how perverted it has become, not by a small handful, but by very many. Instead of whining that they are being picked on, they should be weeping about how low they have fallen, how far they are from being good and godly. And how what happened on Sept. 11 was not an aberration, but was inevitable. How what happened on Sept. 11 was the natural and inevitable result of all the hate so many of their leaders have been spewing for so long, all the incitement so many of their followers have been subjected to for so long in so many ways. How what happened on Sept. 11 was but the most dramatic manifestation of the groundwork being laid everyday, the atmosphere and environment that permeates every aspect of the Muslim world, in every corner of it, every day. .Sept. 11 was bound to happen because of all that's boon happening in the Muslim world and all that hasn't beon happening. It is a fact that of all the Muslim countries in the Middle East, not one, not one, is a democracy. In not one do its citizens have any of the freedoms that make a society healthy, that cause u people to act humanely. (Continued on page J.2)
Page 12 Jewish Press, Omaha, NB
November 2, 2001
Osama and Islam (Continued from page 11) i •••" » i <•< < '> >' I'm not talking about cultural differences here. Every society and religion has its ways. What I am • Best Massage Action Of Any Spa talking about are the most essential and basic of human freedoms, about things where there should • Unsurpassed lOYear be no differences between any of the human beings Limited Warranty on this planet. The freedom to express oneself, to |* Always Hot For Pennies A Day. seek out information, to fully utilize one's abilities •Ten Models,Ten Colors and talents, to choose how to live one's life. & A Price For Every Budget You will not find any of those freedoms in any Muslim country. And that says something about Islam, says a lot about Islam. Islam, as practiced in the world's Islamic countries, has become a tool of repression and deprivation and brutality, a religion of hate and intolerance and ignorance. Islamic countries are ones P00I& Spa where governments, with the assistance of religious leaders, treat their own people in abominable Full Line Pool & Spa Chemicals & Service ways, deprive them of even minimal human rights, 349 N. 78th Street • Omaha, NE 68114 don't let them speak freely, don't let them-have any (402) 614-3446 > say in who governs them, don't let them be themselves in any way, rob them of their essential humanity in every way. Why, one wonders, with globalization and democracy sweeping the globe and making the lives of so many people so much better, is the Middle East the one and only corner of the world where the tide toward democracy has not taken hold at all, in even 1® one Islamic place? And why, one wonders, is nearly every Muslim country in the Middle East run by a leader who is either crazy or corrupt. Choose tax-deferred annuities, life insurance and mutual funds* that'll keep on working hard for you And why, one wonders, is the standard of living even after the day you stop. Talk to me about it. in almost every Muslim country of the Middle East I Joseph ML John, CLU the same as it was in 1950. Why has there been no Pruco Securities Registered economic progress, why do almost all. of its citizens Representative still live in miserable poverty? 440 Regency Pkwy., Suite 150 If you want to blame the potentates and dictators Omaha, NE 68114 for all that, even though somehow the Communist 402-926-2850 countries managed to rid themselves of their tyrants, ask yourself this question. Why is it that, by far, the two most popular role "Mutual funds are distributed through Prudential Investment models in the Islamic countries of the Middle East Management Services LLC, 100 Mulberry St., Gateway Center Three, Newark NJ 07102, and offered through Pruao Securities are Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden? Why Corporation both members SIPC and both subsidiaries of The do so many families in those countries name their Prudential Insurance Company of America. Prudential and Pruco Securities are located at 751 Broad Street, Newark, NJ newborn boys Osama? V07102-3777. ©2000IFS-20OOO8O9-AO00260. J Explain that to me please. Explain how two such ruthless butchers are role models, are looked up to more than anyone else in countries that say they live by the word of Islam. If Saddam and Osama are the heroes of the Islamic Do You Know: world, how can anyone say that Islam is not at How many Jews are enrolled? HNo D Yes fault, that they are rare exceptions, that they don't Yes I2No What Jewish activities are available? a represent the Islamic world? 0No Yes Are there Jewish frats or sororities? • Ah, but all those bleeding hearts out there will EJNo Is kosher dining available? • Yes say Muslims lcjok to, look up to Saddam and Osama EZINo Are Jewish studies offered? a Yes because the people are hungry and feel powerless EINo About Jewish overseas programs? a Yes and frustrated. About international resources for Jewish college students? 0 No And tell me, whose fault is that exactly? • Yes Which schools In the United States, And tell me, how is it that they choose the ways of Canada and around the world best Saddam and Osama as the best way to deal with that meet your Jewish needs? D Yes •No hunger and frustration, that it is the path of Saddam Find Out At; and Osama they think best, wish to emulate? Ah, but all those bleeding hearts out there will say it's the fault of the arrogant United States, which uses so much of the world's resources and
Sundance Spas
Roberts
: Let loe John Help Build Your Retirement Fund
OnTheRock
Prudential
Choosing a College?
WWW.Hillel.org
Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life
supports Israel as it occupies Arab land. First, read that last sentence again, for there is much there. For the fact is that many in the Islamic world do say that and do think that.
Somehow, in the last decade or so, much of Latin America and Asia and Europe and Africa have managed to embrace democracy and the new world economy, rid themselves of dictators and brought freedom to their people, embraced the Internet and globalization. That's taken place everywhere but the Islamic countries of the Middle East. That how they are is the fault of the United States, which is so powerful and so arrogant, doesn't care about others. That somehow what we are explains what they are, explains why all those Islamic countries kill their own citizens, persecute their own people, deprive all of essential human rights, spew hatred day and night, do not allow any view not cleared by the government to be aired or written or transmitted. At what point is that about them and not about us. And, oh yeah, just for the record, the last four wars the big, bad U.S. has fought were to help protect the Muslims of Somalia, Kosovo and Bosnia and to free Islamic Kuwait from the grips of Islamic Iraq. Powerful, arrogant bastards that we are. And, if, indeed, Islam today has not come to be synonymous with hate and murder and if, in fact, Islam today does not encourage acts of terrorism, how is it that so many Muslim leaders have said such ugly things about America since Sept, 11, have made it so clear they intend to do nothing to help us rid the world, the Islamic world, of terrorism, that indeed Islam prevents them from helping us. If they are so against terrorism, why will they do nothing to rid the world of it, and refuse Lo do so in the name of Islam. Now, I realize that all religions, including Judaism, have their nuts who say and do nutty things. Indeed, it was an observant Jew who murdered the prime minister of Israel. And anybody who listened to the outrageous statements of those great Christians Jerry Falweil and Pat Robertson blaming the ACLU and gays for what happened on Sept. 11, had to be sickened to their stomach by that blasphemous idiocy. The point, however, is that you don't hear the pope or the chief rabbi of Israel or the archbishop of Canterbury or the Dalai Lama say the hate-filled things that top Islamic leaders say. The point is that it is the presidents and prime ministers of Islamic countries, the highest religious officials of Islamic countries, who continually say hateful things about Jews and Americans. The point is that the populations of Islamic countries are fed steady diets, by their highest authorities, (Continued on page 13)
In Omaha, NE
0WMW INN&SUitES. A Cozy Stay At A Comfortable Price"
800-456-4000 www.conntrylnns.coni
Complimentary features include: • Continental "plus" breakfast • In-room coffee & weekday morning newspaper • Loral telephone calls and long dislnnce access • Fiesh-baked cookies & coffee In the lobby You'll appreciate these extras: • Spacious guest looms & suites • •
Indoor pool & whirlpool Golf courses, shopping & entertainment neaihy
• Special group rates for out- "sis foi ^guests for Bat/Bar Mitzvahs, s and reunions
A. Gavallo Violins, LLC PINE VIOLINS, VIOLAS & CELLOS
Alexander Ross D.MA.
Violinist
Complimentary Suite with 15 or more rooms Ask for Frankie in Group Sales 402-445-4445 11818 Miami (North of Blondo on 120th) Ask for Amy in Group Sales 712-347-5600 2210 Abbott Drive (Carter Lake, Iowa)
10525 Pacific SI 1'bone: 827-9270 Fax: 827-9271
12818 Augusta Avenue Omaha, NE 68144 (402) 334-1122
•Over 25 Years Experience • Installation Parts & Repairs • Custom Work • Sandblast Designs Visit Our Showroom
email: acpcounssling@hotmall.com
Craft Shower Doors
Licensed Clinical Therapist Family Mediator
www: acpcounaallng.com
778-9596 13237 B St. •Omaha, NE
November 2,2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, ME
Page 18
Osama and Islam (Continued from page 12) " > standing in mosques, holding the Koran, exhorting them to hate others, calling for holy wars, praising suicide bombers. Here's a challenge for you. Name me one Islamic cleric in any Islamic country anywhere in the world who has ever issued a fatwa against suicide bombing or any suicide bomber, against terrorism or any terrorist. Name one. You won't be able to. That silence says it all. They issued a fatwa against Salman Rushdie for writing a book, called for him to be killed for a writing a book, saying they did it in the name of Islam, Does the name of Islam not call for a fatwa against suicide bombers? No, today's Islam calls for Muslims to be suicide bombers, praises them, cheers them on, rewards them. Name me one Islamic cleric in any Islamic country anywhere in the world who has issued a fatwa against Osama bin Laden. Name me one anywhere, including in the United States. And name me one, just one Muslim cleric who has condemned one, just one of the hundreds of terrorist attacks that have been perpetrated against Israel in the last year, killing innocent people, killing women, killing babies. In the name of Islam. From all I've read about Islam since Sept, 11, from all I've heard from whining Islamic experts on TV since Sept. 11, Islam does not call for hatred of Jews, indeed sees Moses, our Moses, as a great prophet, sees Abraham, our Abraham, as the father of their religion, just as we do of ours. And indeed, .Tews lived in Islamic countries for thousands of years, flourished in those countries, contributed much to those countries. The greatest Jew since Moses, Moses Maimomdes, spent his life living in an Islamic country, was court physician to the leader of an Islamic country. Which tells you not only that there is no Islamic imperative to pcsraoeuto or kill Jews, but that Jews and Muslims have peacefully lived side by side. But that was truo of the Islam that was, and is
meant to be. Not of the Islam that is. Again, please know that my gripe is not with Islam, which I believe to be a peaceful and noble religion. My gripe is with Islam as it is propounded and practiced today, with the Islam whose leaders spew hatred and encourage murder, who hate Jews and Israel and America and work for their death and destruction. In every Muslim country in the Middle East, young children are taught that there is no higher Islamic call, no better way to serve their people and to serve Allah than by killing themselves in the act of killing as many innocent others as possible. If it is true, and it is, that you can judge a people by who they hate, it is instructive that Islam today most hates Israel and the United States. Think of what those two countries stand for, try to think of any two countries that have brought more, done more good in and for the world. Then judge what Islam has become by who Islam most despises and works most hard to destroy, Which brings UB to Islam and Israel. For it is in looking at how Islam talks about, how it treats Israel, that one sees the clearest evidence of how far Islam has strayed and how degenerate so many Muslims have become. How is it that at a world conference dedicated to combating racism in the world, that it was the Islamic countries, and only the Islamic countries, that ignored all else and focused solely on attacking Israel. How is it that it was Islamic countries that used the most; vile language about Jews and l'tsruel, that put up posters saying "Hitler should have finished the job." How is it that it was Islamic countries that labeled Israel as racist when it was the Islamic countries which forced all Jews to leave after 1948. How is it that every single major Arab newspaper, all of which are controlled by the government, evoryday gives prominent front page play to stories dripping with anti-Semitism, that call Israeli officials Nazis, aay the Holocaust is a fable, routinely
blame Jews for the killing of Jesus. How is it that top Palestinian officials and clerics have said and ruled that there is absolutely no evidence of any Jewish connection to the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest place. How is it that Palestinians by the thousands held parades and gave out candies, laughed and cheered, to celebrate Sept. 11, put on an exhibition at a Palestinian university honoring the Jerusalem pizza shop bombing that killed seven Jewish babies. How is it that in Egypt, the seat of Islamic culture, seen as the most moderate of Islamic countries, that the most popular song, sung by the most popular pop star is "I Hate Israel.8 How is it that intellectual and academic societies in Jordan, another moderate, expel and ostracize any of its members who have anything to do with their Israeli counterparts. How is it that a panIslamic summit, which included the leaders of every Muslim country, recently passed a resolution calling for "the destruction of Israel." In the name of Islam. And, oh yeah, did I mention that just a year ago, the prime minister of Israel was prepared to agree to the establishment of a state for the Palestinians, for Palestinians to rula over half of Jerusalem, have sovereignty over the Temple Mount and have 98 percent of their demands met. Racist infidel bastards that we are.
If this is not the face of Islam, why are Quanta and Saddam role models to the average Muslim, why do Islamic religious leaders make terrorists religious heroes, why do so many Muslim countries host and assist and fund and support and arm and supply and protect terrorist organizations? (Continued on page 14)
2001 Close Out
The Best Values Are Now Better Than Ever! The ML 320
:.
Now is a great time to get into the SUV that's the head of its class. Rough, lough and luxury safely wrapped into the nearly perfect driving machine lor •my weather1, any situation, anytime,
Remingtoii 'Heights Retirement Community .;. . ^ ~':'.'/''v''r\ /^v". e x c l u s i v e l y o f f e r s :
•.. : ^ : : : • •;::•'•'•
Beautiful Environment.., includes library, activities center, beauty and barber shop, exorcise room and much more. Professional Services.,,. providing weekly housekeeping and laundry, dietician and nutrition services, activities, transportation and more. Assisted Living Service... assistance with activities of daily living provided on site. There is no hmcr mm- to NO to the licul of the class in the car whosf mmic first class kixuiy, pcifoim.imi', safety, setunty, at .1 v.ilut' that's better than ever.
Mercedes-Benz of Omaha In a Class by Itself
Affordable Retirement... all services included in one low monthly rental. Peace of Mind... Remington Height's 24-hour staff emergency call system means assistance is just seconds away.
144TH ft "OI.D L" STREET 384.9990 1
12606 West Dodge Road Omaha,NE 68154
WWW.MERCEOE8aENZOFOMAHA.COM
(402) 493-5807
{SS0OTMWKMT PLAZA, ACROi* FROM tfttANM* * ON THB MKKJ
© J.OOt Authorized Mw«d«fl«f« Dealer
Page 14 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE November 2, 2001
Osama and Islam ———(Continued from page 13) The United States changes the name of its antiterror operation in deference to Muslim sensibilities. Showing America's true colors. Afghanistan religious leaders issue a religious ruling that it is more important for them to be good hoats to Osama bin Laden than bring that mass murderer to justice. Showing Islam's true colors. The Jewish state is ready to go so far as to give up half of our holy city if it will mean real peace with our neighbors, our cousins. Showing Israel's true colors. Just last month, the official Palestinian Authority spokesman, Hanan Ashrawi, said, "it's a very racist approach that Israel is a Jewish state and therefore it has to remain a Jewish state." Showing Islam's true colors. It is racist for Israel to be a Jewish state. But it is not racist to call for, kill for the destruction of the Jewish state. Today's Islam. Today's Islam has Osama bin Laden issue a fax to all his Muslim brothers saying "where there are Americans and Jews, they will be targeted." And has not one Islamic leader denounce that, has most Islamic leaders refusing to lift a finger to help fight that. "Where there are Americans and Jews, they will be targeted." The only difference between the 21 young Jews blown to pieces at a Tel Aviv disco and the 15 Jews blown to pieces at a Jerusalem pizzeria and the 5,000 people blown to pieces at the World Trade Center, is the scale. That is the only difference. In all other ways, they were exactly the same. Each horror carried out by Muslims who believed, who were told to believe they were doing Allah's will, who were working on orders from Islamic holy men, who were assured a place in Islamic heaven. Each horror carried out by Muslims with the help of Muslim countries and governments, with the support of Muslim clerics. Muslims who deliberately and savagely killed innocent human beings. For absolutely no reason but hate and absolutely in the name of Islam. Where there's smoke, there's fire. The attacks on America on Sept. 11, and the attacks on Israel every day of the last year, were done by Muslims, masterminded by Muslims,
cheered by Muslims, encouraged by Muslims supported by Muslims. Not by every single one of the world's billion Muslims, of course, but by many, very many, too many, and by virtually all of the most powerful, the leaders of Islamic countries, the leaders of the Islamic religion. Think for a minute. Have you noticed how no Islamic leader has condemned what happened on Sept. 11. Yes, they've issued expressions of sorrow, regret at the loss of life, said what happened was tragic and heartbreaking, some even saying they're willing to help. But no expression of condemnation. Did you notice that at the national prayer service in Washington, that the Islamic representative who spoke, talked about the tears in Muslim eyes and the ache in Muslim hearts, but didn't in anyway, let alone forcefully, condemn those who did it and what they did. This is not playing word games. There is a big difference between expressing sorrow and regret for the loss of life, on the one hand, and condemning those who caused the sorrow and the loss of life, on the other. The first is for us, ia about us. The second is for themselves, about them. The second part they haven't done.
For all their tears, most shed complaining how hard all this has been on them, Muslim leaders have not condemned the terrorism, recognized how much their religion is responsible for this, recognized what their religion has become. Osama bin Laden didn't happen in a vacuum. Those 19 hijackers didn't happen in a vacuum. Suicide bomber after suicide bomber didn't happen in a vacuum. The Palestinians cheering Sept. 11 didn't happen in a vacuum. Saddam Hussein didn't happen in a vacuum. We can all pretend that vacuum is the United States and Israel. Or we see that all that has come from one part of the world, where the only countries, except one, are Muslim and where there is one dominant religion, Islam. Only once Muslims see that, acknowledge that and begin to change that, can Islam be what it truly is, instead of what it has become. Only once Muslims look within themselves, instead of blaming others, only once they see that having a political or religious dispute with America and Israel is one thing, and desiring to kill all Americans and destroy all Jews is something very different, can they begin to do what they most need to do. May God help them.
Closing the Net /
IDF forces wait for instruotion as to whether
^ j/' f
to move into the city of Jenin. Monday in Hadcra, not far from
'
Jenin, four women died and many .were injured
-'l iMM m /" j j t ll JL •' M \ mm / ^ MflH H H » '->: H \ iHn « JI Hj^ff ^^^B
•'
I^H^HiHlHi Catch these airfares before they fly away.
when Palestinian terrorists from Jenin opened
fire from a vehicle in the \ '' city center of Hadera. '' The terrorists > were" shot' dead themselves by plain1 clothes policemen.
HP % j^Hk |L ^^^^yi|
Photo by ISRANET.
Fly roundtrip to Israel and save with, these special low airfares. Children under the age of 12 pay 75%.
6 6 9 Nonstop from JFK & Newark from Chicago from Miami from Los Angeles
OR
Purchase a ticket* to Israel andyour companion will
'We're Serious About Fun & Games' Come in now for floor model and factory closeouts at special prices. SAVINGS THROUGHOUT THE STORE! • Pool Tables • Bar Stools • Game Tables
save 50% Call your travel agent or EL AL today at (800) 223-6700 or (212) 768-9200.
Also, ask about our attractively priced 5-night vacation packages at a variety of popular hotels in Israel.
iiiilKISI farts i , * i k lit 3/i.KG (except 12/17 -iMUfl)} (or couch clia on rat* ftps m must be tetei Wiln 72 IB ol confirmed rewatwt wb il least 1 days p i lo departure Tickets m valid 6-30 elays Cancellation and change penalties apply Proms cannot l» corrtmf $8 security tax par flight and $5570 appWIe taxestorescti ticket not Mute! *tictet mist Is 'ff las EL H reserves tlte njM to cancel p r o s at m lime Otter reslncbons may apply
125th & Center Westwood Plaza (next to Office Depot)
333-0666
November 2,2001
Thanksgiving's Like Succot!
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 15
LOME, to Sponsor Holiday Bazaar
by R, BERNARD MANN, © 2001
1
$
• •
3
4
7
5
8
9
110 11 12 13
14 17 20
124
-
25
26 27 28 29 132
33
34 35 36
141 143 46 47
- 50
49 5.1: 58
59
[57 [60
62
m
64
ACROSS 1. Prayer shawl 6. Ten-string harp, like David's 10. HOLIDAY POTATO TREATMENT 14. Hebrews, in a Tei el-Amama letter 15. Evaluate 16. Thoughtful gram preceder 17. breast? 18. Having great pecs and abs 19. Stallion's babe 20. Metallic noise 21. Highly praised 23. Anglo-Saxon slave 25. Binational highway 26. Laid out 30.950, in Roman times 31. ,„._ ....„, compagne 32. Site of e-exchanges 37. Nence fronter 38. Exclamation of discovery 39. Tory preceder, speaking to incite? 40. „ other 42. _ _ a fiver! 43. Tel Aviv to Haifa direction 44. Repaired yet again 45. What the Louvre is 48. Big-billed bird, for short 49. Au _ _ _ 51. They can see right through you 56. River of France 57. The Art of the 58. Little bits 59. HOLIDAY BERRY PRECEDER • 60. Cornmedia dell'___ 61. Fasteners 62. 'clock scholar 63. River of France and Belgium 64. Frown, sardonically
52 53 54 55
61
DOWN 1. Soft white mineral 2. First herdsman 3. League, in Hebrew 4. Got popular after bronze did 5. HOLIDAY CENTERPIECE 6. Mr. Hammer 7. GOOD FOR GANDER, TOO 8. Lieuts' school's third program? 9. Fame, in Hebrew 10. Ape 11. Earth, in Israel 12. Philistine kingly title, or I.D.F. captain 13. Tended the furrows 22. HOLIDAY FILLERS 24. Observe 26. What anyone needs in tough times 27. "My rabbi", respectfully 28. Peril
29-__up 30, Tea, in many languages 32. Fidel's erstwhile sidekick \ 33. Roasted, In Rouen 34. Endangered denizen of the Negev 35. Western Native American 36. Graduate degree in urban design 38. Donkey, in Dijon 41. Doctor's apple advice 42. . and the Dragon (Apocrypha) 44. One who brings In the fish 45. Optical effect pattern 46. Not hygenic (abbrev.) 47. Clerical worker almost obsolete 48. Run on at the mouth 49. De follower 50. Gondol followers 52. Horse color 53. A draw 54. It's thick with Elis 55. Siberia's jurisdiction, once
A wide assortment of gift items from individual craftsmen and artists will be available at the second annual Holiday Gift Bazaar, sponsored by the League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly (L.Q.V.E.). All proceeds from this event, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 18, 9 a,m.»8 p,m,, in the auditorium of the Jewish
American Tribute Raises Funds for Victim's Relief Fund—
I
- ' • •
2505 South 174th Plassa Omaha, NE 65130 Phone: 697»3838 697-3888
More than 350 people turned out recently for an original show which raised more than $5000 for families and victims of the Sept. 11 attacks in New York and Washington, Written by Karen Sokolof Javitch and organized by Norma Johnson, the show brought together Westside High School's Show Choir, its Drum Line (featuring Nick Newman and Adam Halperin) and soloist Danielle Burr, along with other
Westside students Anna Cotton and Rachel Javitch. Other performers included Rebecca Wolfson, Marey Cotton and Nancy Rips. Above; Dani Burr sang a tribute to police and firefighters, while Michael Parsow stops to chat with a few local policemen. Javitch wrote a new song for the production, His Name is Freedom. Donations are still being accepted and can be made by calling 393-8983.
GAME ROOM CONNECTION DARTS
XX-(
"
HUGE SELECTION OF BAR & COUNTER STOOLS.
/ F O O S B A L L TABLES^ Starting at
$
349
Custom Lamps. Service Supplis-i
Greet Family aifll
Mention this ad, receive. 10% OFF (new patents only)
'
• . — •}!•*•
Hugo Selection of | Darts. Electronic and Non-oloctronlc. See Our . Talking Dart Boards /
Bruce W. Frank DPJ5.
Community Center, will benefit residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Raffle tickets are also available at $1 each from the receptionists at the Blumkin Home or purchased at the h&zaar. Above, chairman Judy Brookstein examines creations from one of the many artists. To exhibit, call her at 492-3642.
/?
SLATE POOL TABLES Professional Quality Slato Pool Tables and Accessories. At Discount Prices. Largest Selection In (he Midwest! COMPLETE With starttmj »t playing oqulpmont. \Flnancing Available.
/"COMBO &"\ POKER 1 TABLES iServic© • Recoveries) \ ^ « P o k o r Chips y _
HOCKEY 6' ant) T madals.. -«• 61 stalling at
Hugo Selection of Custom Jointed Cua Sticks and Supplies
JUKE\ BOXES
BARS PUB TABLES
FINANCING AVAILABLE ' •SALES'•••SERVICE • MOVING,• REPAIR • .«IECOVEBIING:'
Antique Apparatus bubbler Juke Box available / onCD/
Page 16 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
• There is a "high probability" that three soldiers kidnapped by Hezbollah in October, 2000, are dead, an Israeli army official said. The three were killed either when the kidnapping took place or soon after, the official said Monday. Last October, Hezbollah gunmen' kidnapped the three Benny Avraham, Adi Avitan and Omar Souad from a disputed area on the Israel-Lebanon border known as Shabaa Farms. Hezbollah denied the Israeli claim, calling it a ploy to gain information. The soldiers'families said they hope the new assessment is wrong. • The Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to a law allowing a moment of silence in public schools. In July, a federal appeals court upheld Virginia's moment of silence law, ruling that having public school children begin each day with a minute of meditation does not violate the First Amendment's ban on statesponsored religion. — Many Jewish groups oppose moments of silence in public schools as a violation of the separation of church and state. They argue that such moments can be used to persuade children to pray while in school. Orthodox Jewish groups, however, generally support state-mandated moments of silence. The Supreme Court's decision Monday means the daily minute of silence will continue, and opponents are left with no immediate options to challenge it.
November 2, 2001
• The European Union called for resumed Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. "Over the last few days, violence has reached a level not seen for many years," the European Union's 15 foreign ministers said in a statement Monday. "The absence of any political prospects is fueling further, confrontation and playing into the hands of the extremists." The E.U. ministers also repeated their appeal for a return to negotiations without any preconditions, adding that the two sides must tackle the issues of Jerusalem and Palestinian refugees. • The Supreme Court refused to hear a case of an employee who was fired after praying with co-workers and giving them Bibles. The employee, a born-again Christian, claimed he was harassed because of his religion. His employer cited concerns that the company could be sued by other employees for tolerating a religiously hostile work environment. • Croatia's president arrived in Israel for a three-day visit. The first Croatian leader to visit the Jewish state, Stipe Mesic plans to address the Knesset on Wednesday to apologize for the wartime crimes of Croatia's Nazi-puppet Ustashe regime. During the war, 20,000 of Croatia's 25,000 Jews were killed by the Nazis or the Ustashe. Mesic's predecessor, the late Franjo Tudjman, was accused of trying to whitewash Croatia's fascist past.
SALAD MIX
68* Morey's SMOKED SALMON
364-8668
The Tribe that Makes up Taliban May Have Jewish Roots, Some Say by LEV GORODETSKY
MOSCOW (JTA)--The two Jews now living in Afghanistan are heirs to a 2,700-year-old Jewish presence that may include members of the tribe that makes up the ruling Taliban. Jews first came to what is now called Afghanistan in the seventh or eighth centuries BCE following the first biblical exile at the hands of the Assyrians. The inhospitable, mountainous country-which has a harsh climate and is populated by fierce indigenous tribes—long had served as a place where empires dumped their dissidents and established colonies. According to legend, the 10 tribes of northern Israel were dispersed in 722 BCE. Several researchersincluding Israel's second president, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi—say the Pashtun believe they are descended from the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel, and later we're forcibly converted to Islam. The Pashtuns are the main Afghani ethnic group and the main support for the Taliban. Jewish texts also mention this belief, but there is no conclusive evidence for what happened to the tribes, and they effectively disappeared from history. Yet there is a fair amount of support for the Pashtun-Israelite connection, Jerusalem-based researcher Rabbi Eliyahu Avihail told JTA. Dozens of Pashtun names and customs sound Jewish, from the Pashtun tribe names of Asheri and Naftali to
the Pashtun custom of a wedding chupah to the circumcising of sons on the eighth day after their birth. Several years ago Avihail published a book on the issue in Hebrew, The Ten Tribes of Israel, which recently was translated into English. If his thesis is true, the Taliban—who are seen as anti-Semitic and anti-Israelwould be descended from the lost Hebrew tribes. Other researchers are less sure. Rashid Kaplanov, a leading Moscowbased researcher of Jewish history, calls the Lost Tribe theory a legend, no matter what the Pashtuns believe. The history of proven Jewish life in Afghanistan is easier to document. In the sixth century BCE, Persian Jews who came to this remote part of the Persian empire as exiles, military mercenaries, agricultural colonists or traders enjoyed relative tolerance. In the common era, that migration picked up steam. "It is clear that over the centuries lots of Persian Jews came to this territory fleeing the Islamization of the former Persian Empire, which started with the Arab-Muslim conquest" in the seventh and eight centuries, says Alexej Kornilov, a Moscow-based researcher in the history of Persian Jewry with the Russian Academy of Sciences. This wave of refugees, according to Kornilov, included Jews forcibly converted to Islam who sought a refuge where they could return to Judaism without fear of persecution.
Hy-Vee
Tabatchnick
Soup & Oyster CRACKERS
SOUPS
12 02.
770 Rudi's Organic Small Batch
BREADS
Hy-Vee WATER
|g|j|
November 2, 2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 17
A Collection of Historical Quotations Relating to the Arab Refugees
ADL Website Included in Library of Congress Archive
Collected by MOSHE KOHN • ' • .' ' — courtesy of IMRA, Independent Media Review and Analysis
The Anti-Defamation League's online* response to Sept. 11 will become part of the national historic record, as the U.S. Library of Congress builds an electronic archive of the terrorist attacks against America. ADL's Web site, www.adl.org, has been selected for inclusion in a Library of Congress project in collaboration with The Internet Archive and WebArcliivist.org to create a national digital record of the disaster. ADL's Web pages will be permanently archived, along with those of news organizations, civil rights groups, government agencies and others that responded in the aftermath. "It is an honor for ADL to be selected for inclusion as part of the nation's permanent historic record of the attacks," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director,
• APRIL 23, 1948: Jajnal Husseini, acting chairman of the Palestine Arab Higher Committee (AHG), told the UN Security Council: "The Arabs did not want to submit to a truce.. .They preferred to abandon their homes, belongings and everything they possessed." • SEPT. 6, 1948: the Beirut Daily Telegraph quoted Emil Ghory, secretary of the AHC, as saying: "The fact that there are those refugees is the direct consequence of the action of the Arab states in opposing partition and the Jewish state. The Arab states agreed upon this policy unanimously." • JUNE 8,1951: Habib Issa, secretary-general of the Arab League, wrote in the New York Lebanese daily al-Hoda that in 1948, Azzam Pasha, then League secretary, had "assured the Arab peoples that the occupation of Palestine and of Tel Aviv would be as simple as a military promenade... Brotherly advice was given to the Arabs of Palestine to leave their land, homes and property, and to stay temporarily in neighboring fraternal states." • MARCH 1976 issue ofFalastin a-Thaum, then the official journal of the Beirut-based PLO, Mahmud Abbas ("Abu Mazen"), PLO spokesman, wrote: "The Arab armies entered Palestine to protect the Palestinians from the Zionist tyranny but, instead, they abandoned them, forced them to emigrate and to leave their homeland, and threw them into prisons similar to the ghettos in which the Jews used to live." • APRIL 9, 1968: the Jordanian daily al-Urdun quoted a refugee, Yunes Ahmed Assad, formerly of Deir Yassin, as saying; "For the flight and fall of the other villages, it is our leaders who are responsible, because of the dissemination of rumors exaggerating Jewish crimes and describing thorn as atrocities in order to inflame the Arabs. . .they instilled four and terror into the hoartfl of the Arabs of Palestine until they fled, leaving their
by J E W I S H P R E S S N e w s Service
homes and property to the enemy." • SEPT. 6, 1954: Another refugee told the Jordanian daily a-Difaa : "The Arab governments told us, 'Get out so that we can get in.' So we got out, but they did not get in." • FEBRUARY 19, 1949: The Jordanian daily Falastin wrote on : "The Arab states. . .encouraged the Palestinian Arabs to leave their homes temporarily in order to be out of the way of the Arab invasion armies." • OCTOBER 2, 1948: the London Economist reported, in an eyewitness account of the flight of Haifa's Arabs: "There is little doubt that the most potent of the factors [in the flight] were the announcements made over the air by the Arab Higher Executive urging all Arabs in Haifa to quit .... And it was clearly intimated that those Arabs who remained in Haifa and accepted Jewish protection would be regarded as renegades." • The Prime Minister of Syria in 1948, Khaled alAzem, in his memoirs, published in 1973, listed what he thought were the reasons for the Arab failure in 1948: .*.. .the fifth factor was the call by the Arab governments to the inhabitants of Palestine to evacuate it and leave for the bordering Arab countries . . .We brought destruction upon a million Arab refugees by calling on them and pleading with them to leave their land." "Following a visit to refugees in Gaza, a British diplomat reported the following: 'But while they express no bitterness against the Jews...they apeak with the utmost bitterness of the Egyptians and other Arab states: "We know who our enemies are,' they will aay, and they are referring to their Arab brothers who, they declare, persuaded them unnecessarily to leave their homes." -British Foreign Office Document M71/76342/XC/A/4991, (From "Revising or Devising Israel's History" by Prof. Shlonio Slonim in Jewish Action, Summer 57UQ&0OO, Vol. GO (14). .
./••
.. •.'
-,
Women's Symposium Rescheduled to Spring, 2002 by JEWISH PRESS News Service «-—-—--——-Dr. Alice Shavli, noted educator and activist, who was scheduled to give the keynote speech at the Women's Symposium, originally scheduled for this Sunday, will speak, instead, next spring, according to Jewish Family Service Executive Director Steve Stiel. The date for the symposium has not yefc been determined. For more information, contact JFS at 330-2024.
Mystery Writer to Speak at JCC by DIANE AXLER BAUM
Nadine Kutner, co-chair of the luncheon featuring Rochelle Krich, set for this coming Wednesday, Nov. 7, was elated when the awardwinning mystery writer agreed to speak in Omaha. Erich's new novel, Sliadows of Sin, made tho L.A. Times Bestseller List a couple of Sundays ago. The new book in Kirch's popular Jessie Drake Bonos tolls tho story of a ruthless murder, while providing » vehicle for the author to explore teen violence and family dysfunction. It is not too late to make a reservation for the luncheon; please call the Kripk© Jewish Federation Library aa soon as possible at 334*6462. Cost of the luncheon is $12.
Category Accessories for good living.
M-Th Fri Sat Sun
10-9 10-8 10-6 12-6
11422 Davenport Street (2 blocks south o( podge)* 390-9684 Shop now for the Holidays. Ask about our Holiday Gift Registry
( Bridal Registry Available « FREE Gift Wrap ) f" ~* " ^ I I T J " ! Gourmet Items Include; I Gift Baskets All Clad • Wusthof www.scrambleftonline.com 4757 West Park Blvd. #103 • Piano, Texas 75093 PHONE: 972-964-1499 • FAX: 972-519-0871
Bake/cookware • Glassware Linens • Dinnerware Bar & Wine Accessories PLUS Coffees & Teas • Jams & Jellies Sauces • Mustards * Breads * Salsas
! 2 0 % OFF I Baskets over $25 I Valid with Coupon I Through Dec. 24, 2001
L———————J
HOLIDAY SHOW
Alan Friedman Omaha Marriott Hotel, Cornhusker Suite 10220 Regency Circle, Omaha, NE November 8 thru 10 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily We will be showing the largest natural pink and yellow diamond jewelry collection in the world! In addition, we will have our latest production of white diamonds cut in our manufacturing facility in Israel.
108™ & Hotlg® « Omaha » 496-4444 •(800) 642-8467 idMHiT
.. call 888-489-4545 310-278-5449 • Email: aian@alanfriedmandesigns.com EOLajQlsyiStt'- www.alanfriedmancompany.com A portion oft/us prrteeeda wilt be tUmuted fa the National Disaster HetkfFund,
Page 18 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 2,2001
An Evening with Tom Friedman Draws Crowd of 600+ by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director,
\
Author and New York Times syndicated columnist Thomas Friedman addressed a crowd of more than 600 members of the Omaha Jewish community last week at the Holiday Inn Central. The event, a major Campaign program for the Jewish Federation of Omaha, raised more than $330,628, a 5%
card-for-card increase over last year. Photos from top left: Norman and Frances Batt meet Tom Friedman; Friedman signs a copy of his book The Lexus and the Olive Tree for Phyliss Hoffman; Friedman laughs with Jeff Gordman, co-chair of the community event, and Allan Murow, co-chair of the Ben Gurion
Sir Speedy HAMPTON INN • WESTROADS • 391-5300 • Free Ixical Calls • Free Passes U> 24-Hour Fitness • Free Deluxe Continental Breakfast 7 Days * 8-10 a.m.
• FREE Showtime, CNN, | ESPN, WGN and TNT • In-Room Movies Available • Beautiful Guest Booms for Bar/Bat Mitzvdh & Wedding Guests
Society. Bottom left: Patty and Steve Nogg greet Silvia and Larry Hoffman at the major donor dinner prior to the event, Patty is the 2002 Women's Campaign Co-chair; her husband, Steve, is the 2002 Pacesetter chair; Friedman shares a moment with Carol and AlanParsow.
HOME APPLIANCE SERVICE "Serving Omaha Since 1946"
PRINTING, COPYING and DIGITAL NETWORK
3706 South 132nd Street • 402) 330-5050 Letterhead • Brochures • , Newsletters Business Cards • Mailers • Postcards
SERVICE PARTS PROMPT AND DEPENDABLE ONE COMPANY REPAIRS ALL YOUR MAJOR APPLIANCES 8827 Maple 391-4287 THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS
9720 West Dodge Road • Group & Corporate Rates
ALZ
HEIMER'S CARE
Ohaura
RECENCY LAKESIDE APARTMENTS
£t/!ie>uettce A (ZonefrteeMtfa&tyfe IS N O T B E T T E R .
I T ' S BEST.
The best you can do for the one ,you love is to „. • .,'• - -. call for more information and arrange a visit to a ComfortCare Home in your area.
PERSONALIZED
ALZHEIMER'S CARE m THE COMFORT OF
v
]j)i
Licensed and regulated. Care for all memory-loss disorders COMFORTCARt
HOMES
445-4474 www.comfortcarehomes.com
Experience Exceptional Hair, Skin and Nail Care
Voted #1 in Omaha Two Years in a Row!
Gift(^ertifieate? 639 North 114th Street 493-0099
• • • • • •
Rent Starting @ $615 Elevator Buildings Maintenance Free Living Heated Indoor Parking Paid Irash Pick-Up at Your Door One Mile Garden Walk Around the Lake • Close to Shopping, Restaurants, & Professionals
105th §••'Pacific
393-3206
November 2,2001 Jewish Press,; Omaha, NE
Page 19
Tom Friedman Draws Crowd (Continued from previous page)*
£$v
•• ,
•
i
The event also featured the presentation of the Humanitarian of the Year Award to Robert Kully. Photos, from top row, left; Joe Kirshenbauna presented the award to Kully, and an announcement was made of the new endowment begun by the Livingston Foundation in his honor; Steve Simon exchanges business cards with Friedman; Susie Noddle Levine, right, Young Leadership Cochair, chats with Todd Simon, emcee for the community event, and Jeff and Danielle. Gordman, chairs of the event; Mike Erm.an. with, his wife, Jill, was awarded the. King Solo* mon's Circle nt the major donor dinner, Photon at right: "Friedman socializes with Margie Alpcrson; Steve and Marcia Pitlor get their own copy of From Beirut to Jeruxalem, signed by its author, Tom Friedman.
ENGRAVABLES • QiflM ei Aumrds qf Distinction
• Promotional Products • Corporate Awards • Alt Occasion Gifts • Industrlal/APA Slgnngc • Trophies "We can engrave most anything"
(402) 758-0655 • Fax (402) 334-1062
Toll Free (866) 758-0655 www.engravablesplU9.com e-mail: sales@engravablesplus.com
Maple Crest Care Center
.5-I- 1 '. > l
^.ftt™ A• &\,
•
INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING CORPORATION
TOWNHOUSE !n8cotts«lale,A2 l o r sale (Galney Ranch-waterfront) Gorgeous! Totally Redone and Turn Key} • St mnstvr iu'rirooinu & loft • 21« UntilM • Opon Htaln'ahfi and kiU-hf ii to ftrntu. room • New kiU-hun w/|*rnnilu wnint««r« &. l
CARLTICHAUER
A"
**!.
li
co with i;rnni(o front in i;ntnt i-(M>ui «'«ln'n«lts • ISi'u- MTiirily s>Ntom mid much nt»r<*!
"Service First-Quality Always" PRODUCTS • Corrugated, S.U.S, S S.B.S. BOXOB • Packaging l«p«» and gluas • Stretchlllnn, shrink lltm & lidding (11m • Poly & steel strapping • Printed xlpper bags, poly bags, • Polypropylene A styrofoam frays
709 N. 108th St.
Call Beverly Stoam at 480-348-8592 or Ann Hill nt 400-SB5-9599
MACHINERYfAuto t Soml) • Strolch film machines • Tflpa machines • Strapping machines • Conveyor systems • C A M erectors • Afulllln»ofti«w& usod machinery
963-9111
www.lndualrl8lpnok.com EaXl 963-9303 H l a i d
Jeans ..
A Bit Too Tight?
has been committed to quality care and outstanding service for over 50 years. Offerings • Skilled Care • Medicare and Medicaid • Rehabilitative Therapy • Dementia Care • Short Stay Admissions
Call Barb today to visit our caring community!
Let us Help... We're "DOWNSIZING"
Curves. for women
* 24-Hour Casino • 251 Deluxe Rooms & Suites • Uvs Entertainment In Mr. G's Lounge
For Reservations Call I-800-HARVEYS
551-2110 1 Hsiveyo Boulevard Council Bluffi, Iowa
f A Wriqlit lass Crnteis"
W Minute
• 3 Award-Winning Restaurants
Curves Offers*.. Its exclusive Quick fit exercise circuit. • A complete workout in just 30 minutes and provides aerobic and strength training at the same lime.
Join Now 60% OFF Service Fee* •Limited to tho locations shown in this ad, based on first visit enrollment, min. 12-mo. c.d. program. (Offtrgaad through WMJ01)
Call today for this month's promotions 6909 S. 157th St. (156th & Harrison) 891-1402 15821 W. Dodge Rd, (SW 156th & Dodge) 330-3282
2824 N. 66th Ave. Omaha, NE 68104
American Baptist Homes ot thei Miclwiwt
3019 S. 83rd
.
398-9777
SUPER
Sa
ER P B E S i i i T S
E G © if 0 IS I G S 1 0 1
How To Save Money Shop ANY area fcKMlstore for your weekly grocery needs* (You caneven pick their ad items).
Go directly to Super Saver and buy the same items. (The savings are on us!!!)
We Mm p u to slipfaryourself and swe L4feiL '
SUPER SAVER We listen More And Sell For Less
Lincoln • Omaha • Council Bluffs • Columbus Grand island
ENTERTAINMENT.-
Tears and Laughter by GERFH MILLER
While he's known for such eomedic characters as ike flamboyant houseboy Agador in The Birdcage, Catherine Zeta-Jones' Spanish lover Hector in this summer's mme&y America's Sweethearts, and the voices of numerous townspeople on Tke Simpsons, Hank Azaiia is equally adept at drama. Last year, l i e Emmy Award he won in 1998 for iroieing The Simpsons' Apu, was joined by another for Ms poignant portrayal of writer Mitch Albona in tiie made-fer-TV movie Tuesdays with Morrie, based on Albom's besfrseiiing memoir. This fall, Azaria will take an even more serious tarn, starring is the television miniseries Uprising, about the Warsaw Ghetto resistance during World War II, which premiers tMs Sunday night, 8 p.iru, on NBC. Filmed over three months in Bratislava, Slovakia, with a story based on accounts from survivors, the telefilm chronicles the Passover, 1943, Jewish uprising, and co-stars Donald Sutherland, Jon Voight, Leelee SobiesM, David Sehwimmer (Friends}, and Israeli actress Mili Avital. Azaria plays resistance leader Mordhechai Anielewicz, and prepared for fee part •with extensive research. I t would be quite irresponsible not to. It was necessary to be able to act in it. It took me months to understand what was going on enough to have a point of view to play it," says Azaria. a I was glad to have the opportunity again to work on something of weight. And the story means a lot to me, personally. But I was very under-educated on it until I read the script, and then started reading some of the research materials." But neither his studies nor his own Jewish background prepared him for the experience of arriving on the set for the first time. Seeing the realistic replica of the Ghetto "was rather Intense. I walked onto the set and saw this place, and it literally took my breath away. There were 50 Jewish extras with armbands on, being marched through a square by German soldiers. I started to weep at that moment." Then, a wardrobe woman fitted him with his own armband, "And I started to cry again." Azaria sums up Uprising, which will be seen on NBC Nov-4-5, and eventually on DVD and VHS, as "very intense, very emotional, and also fun. You do something like that with a group of actors and you become a family no matter what project you're doing." For that reason, the loss of Jack Lemmon, whom he played opposite in Tuesdays With Morrie, was especially difficult for Azaria. "It was hard
because I knew him, but I also admired him. He was so nice to me. Such a good guy. Such an incredible actor right up until the end. I miss
Hank Azaria the young Jack, that dynamic, fasttalking, fast- moving guy. Thank God if s all captured on celluloid.3 Azaria has fond memories of his comedy experiences as well. "The most fun I ever had was shooting America's Sweethearts, it was like a big party, a blast," he says, admitting that he might have enjoyed making The Birdcage more "if I wasn't so nervous. I was so green then. I was nervous being around those people." Since then, the 37-year-old, New York-born actor, who trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts there and at Tufts University in Medford, MA, has amassed credits ranging from Godzilla to Great Expectations and Mystery Alaska to Anastasia, for which he won an Annie Award for voicing Bartok the Bat Having played dog-walker Nat on the TV comedy Mad About You (and briefly married leading lady Helen Hunt), Azaria will return to television as the star of his own sitcom, What Are You Thinking? "It's something I created and I'm producing also," says Azaria, who plays a married writer for a latenight TV comedy show and describes it as "a modern Dick Van Dyke Show. The stuff that happens in my life inspires the sketches I'm writing, and then I imagine those characters and play those characters." The series will debut on NBC in America sometime this winter, "ideally right after the Olympics in February," Azaria hopes. As busy as he has been of late, he's glad for the time off right now. H. did three jobs in a row, and I need to rest," says the in-demand actor. At the rate he's going, however, it probably won't be for long.
November 2,2001
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 21
HISTORY
Teacher Hopes for fiOne More Trip5 t o France by REBECCA MUROW, JEWISH PRESS Student Intern
Successful educator in the state of Nebraska "Teacher of the Year" Nebraska, Jan Lund has been able to award. combine her admiration of kids with Lund was named a "Knight" by the her appreciation of foreign language. French government in 1999. The offi"I love teenagers, and I love cial award title, "Knight of Academic French," Lund said. Palms," is the highest education Lund taught at Brownell Talbot for award given by the French governfive years, Ralston High school for 21 ment granted to a select number of years, and is currently teaching at teachers outside of France. the University of Nebraska at Several of Lund's" students have Omaha. Her favorite part about become French teachers. She finds it teaching is watching the students' amazing that so many of her students responses to the lessons she creates. have used French in their careers. "(I enjoy) seeing that spark of recog"French is a highly academic subnition when they understand it and ject," Lund said. "Kids always think when they can use the language on they can't do it, but they really can. their own," Lund said. "The fun part It's rewarding to see them succeed in of teaching is the creation of lessons something difficult." that kids relate to." Many of her students have traveled Lund studied Spanish at Abraham back and forth to France and French Lincoln High School in Gouncil Canada as a result of their pivotal Bluffs. The school did not offer a experiences with Lund in those counFrench class until her senior year. At tries. the University of Iowa, Lund studied Lund has taken a group of students French and Spanish. She continued to France every year since 1984. her French education at Sorbonne (Prior to that trip, she took groups to University of Paris for three semes- French Canada.) Seniors in Lund's ters. There, Lund earned a degree in classes are eligible to particiFrench Civilization (a teaching French pate in the summer tours. degree in France). Her largest group of students was Lund believes that her interest in 22, while the smallest group Lund led French originated from her father. consisted of six students. In Paris, "My father fought in France in Lund shows the students where she World War II (among other places}," lived, the lifestyle of the French sociLund remarked. "I grew up hearing a ety and the street markets, along lot about France." with other landmarks. Throughout her career, Lund has "France is an extremely varied received numerous praiseworthy country," Lund said. "If s just famous awards. In 1976, she was named for so many things. All that art, all "Outstanding Teacher" at Brownell that food, all that history. (France) is Talbot. She was "Nebraska Out- real different than America." standing Foreign Language Teacher" Lund's last student trip will take in 1984-1S85. Lund was also Ralston place this summer...if they go. Public Schools' "Secondary Public "We're worried about the internaEducator of the Year" in 1994-1995. tional situation, but we're trying to The following year, and again in stay optimistic," Lund said. 2001, Lund was a runner-up for the
Police Investigations Subject for 2002 Science QiympiYeda by JEWISH PRESS News Setvice,
Teens in the eighth and aintb. grades are invited to enter in the 2002 OlympiYeda. The competition is comprised of four stages; the first deadline for application is Nov. 23. It culminates in a three-week Israel Experience, including a 10-day science camp which 25 participants from the United States, Canada, England, and Australia share with 25 science-oriented Israeli peers. At the end of the science camp, eight finalists from the entire 50 participants will be selected to participate in the final round of the competition televised nationally in Israel. The top four winners will receive scholarships to the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. Each year, the science competition focuses on a particular scientific subject. The 2002 OlympiYeda will focus on "Science in the Service of Police Investigations." Students will explore advanced police investigative techniques, including diverse disciplines that contribute to the success of the investigations. Among the techniques to be examined will be forensics, ballistics, voice identification, evidence involving DNA, genetics, chemistry and physics. This year, a delegation of 10 U.S., two Canadian, and six Australian teens traveled to Israel to compete
witih their Israeli peers. Second-place winner, Noah Greenbaum said, "1 didn't expect to be one of the finalists, there were a lot of smart kids—40 kids competing for eight spots—so it was pretty competitive.'* Greenhamn was also impressed by Israel, adding, "This was my first time in Israel, and being on top of Masada at sunrise was something I really enjoyed." According to Zvi Jankelowitz, Executive Director of the American Friends of the Israel National Museum of Science, the OlympiYeda was created to inspire ami encourage interest among those with a talent and interest in the sciences and to connect students from abroad with like-minded Israeli peers. The selection process for the 2002 OlympiYeda will begin with a general multiple-choice test that will be held on Dec. 2. A second multiple-choice test and personal interviews will determine the final delegation, which will be announced by April 15,2002. Applications and additional information is available from Zvi Jankelowitz, American Friends of Israel National Museum of Science, tel: (617)964-5025, fax: (617)9645027 or by e-mail: israelscience@mediaone.iiet.
Talking Historyfor November Mondays at 10 a.m- on E3OS-FM (91.5), begins a four-part series on America's Greatest Generations. • Nov. 5: Nathan PMlbrick will discuss the Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex; Jim Farrell will offer his timely commentary. • Nov. 12: The history of cheerleading will be the topic with Mary Ellen Hansen; Sherman Dorn will
comment on war at home. • Nov. 19: An interview with Joyce Appleby on the first generation of Americans will kick of the Greatest Generations series; Char Mill will comment on Tom BrokaVs opinion. • Nov. 26: James McPherson will talk about the generation of the Civil War; Stephanie Coontz will comment.
Page 22 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 2, 2001
The Importance of Parenting Education by TERESA DREL1CHARZ, Jewish Family Service
There remains a myth that attend- ."I have taught several other parenting a parent education course is just ing courses and find the Love and for parents who do not know how to Logic philosophy easy to understand parent. But how many parents out and realistic. The three main goals there just want to he a better, more are to teach our children to be effective parent who raise children to 'Responsible and Respectful' while be independent thinkers, while actu- being fun to have around. Doesn't that sound good?" ally having fun parenting? Jewish Family Service will offer Sound like the impossible? Jewish this class every spring and fall. The Family Service is finishing the second class of Becoming a Love and Logic spring dates are already set: March Parent. Thirty parents decided to 14,21 and April 11,18. It is a four-session class; however, take advantage of this class, with four parents returning for the second each class is taught in a manner that could stand alone if necessary. For time to hear the information again. more information about the class, you "The style of the class is very laid may e-mail Gustafson at back. We use video tapes, audio tapes kgtistafson@jewishomaha.org, call and discussion to enhance the training," explained Karen Gustafson, a JFS at 330-2024, or you may go to therapist for Jewish Family Service. wwMr.loveandlogic.com. The following is a quote from one of "My personal goal is to let parents know that parenting is a process of the Love and Logic books called Love continued growth and change. As a and Logicisms--Wise Words About parent myself, I continue to learn Kids: *Wise parents delay conseevery single time I prepare for the quences until they have time to talk to others and put together a 'waterclass and teach the class to others. tight' plan. These plans teach resis"This is about sharing ideas that tant kids that their parents are so work with each other and learning powerful that they can handle them some techniques to help you stay calm when the situation is frustrat- without breaking a sweat—and so loving that they can discipline them ing," she continued. with sadness instead of anger."
READERS... Please tell our advertisers you saw their ads in the Jewish Press
CAMP LOVES OMAHA
Return to the Cave of Letters Will Air Sunday by JEWISH PRESS News Service
Deep in the walls of the Judean desert canyons near Jerusalem, burned the last embers of an ancient Jewish revolt. Jewish rebels and their families had fled to a cave in the canyon for safety. But with Eoman legions camped above the cave, and a limited food and water supply, it was only a matter of time. Nearly 2,000 years would pass before this cave, known today as the Cave of Letters, would give up its secrets about the rebels who hid here. On Sunday, Nov. 4- at 5 p.m. CST, UNO Television presents Return to the Cave of Letters," EL one-hour docu-
mentary about re-exploring the caves during a 1999 expedition. The program will be broadcast statewide on the Nebraska ETV Network. In Omaha, this is KYNE-TV Channel 26 (Cox Channel 12). UNO Television is located on the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNOmaha) campus. The story begins in the 1950s and '60s when archaeologists exploring the Cave of Letters uncovered remains and belongings from the Jewish rebels. The finds provided insight into second-century Jewish life. Books were written; films were made. The story seemed to have been told, but the Cave of Letters was not yet through revealing its secrets. Armed with new technology and a theory, UNOmaha scientists and scholars set out to uncover more mysteries. This theory, developed by the expedition's organizer, Dr. Richard Freund, University of Hartford (formerly on staff at UNOmaha), was based on items discovered at the Cave of Letters in the 1960s, which included an incense shovel. At that time, archaeologists dated the shovel to the second century; the time of the people who took refuge in the cave. In 1997, archaeologists from the Bethsaida Excavations Project found a similar incense shovel at Bethsaida, the biblical city located on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Experts da,ted the Bethsaida shovel to the first century when the Romans destroyed the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Scholars and scientists felt that because of the similarities of the two shovels, the Cave of Letters shovel must also be from the first century. Dr. Freund theorizes that the Cave of Letters could have a direct connection to the Temple in Jerusalem and could still hold treasures from the temple. The 1999 expedition faced several challenges. The cave is located in the middle of a canyon wall near the
Beaching t h e Cave of Letters required climbing around a narrow ledge 600 feet above the canyon floor. Photo by CarlMilone, UNO Television.
Dead Sea. The entrance is 300 feet from the top of the canyon and 600 feet above the floor. The first challenge was to find a way to get people and equipment into the cave safely. Adding to the difficulty was the 40foot climb between the ledge of the approach and the mouth of the cave. The challenges did not stop. The floor of the cave is covered with huge boulders that earthquakes have shaken loose from the roof. Moving or breaking them up would be impossible. The team had to find a way to see underneath the boulders. A piece of modern medical equipment made this possible. The colonoscope was designed for seeing inside the body, but worked perfectly for seeing between the boulders'in the Cave of Letters. Once down in the boulders, the colonoscope could take pictures of artifacts. The other tool used for seeing beneath the boulders is the Ground Penetrating Eadar (GPR), which had been used in archaeology, but never in a cave. GPR sends a radio signal into the rocks, which comes back to a computer that generates an image of the layers of rock. This allows the team to see gaps between the rocks. Return to tfie Cave of Letters will be
re-broadcast on the Nebraska ETV Network on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 11 pan. , CST, The program will also air on NETV 2 (Nebraska ETVs cable network) on the following dates: Wednesday, Nov. 7,8 p.m., CST; and Monday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., CST, For more information, contact Liz Cajka or Carl Milone at (402) 5542516.
ujhot are u/e about.....
'Building Conservative Judaism 'Education 'Students 'Teachers •Torah Have an incredible six-week experience on one of our supervised summer programs: - USY on 'Wheels: a 61/3-week trek across North America
Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah "Preparing our students for the future" For information, call Anna ©ologbrsky. Education Director, 498-0904
USY on Wheels: Mission: Mitzvah USY Israel Pilgrimage • London/Israel Pilgrimage Spain/Israel Pilgrimage • Israel Pilgrimage/Poland Seminar Eastern Europe/Israel Pilgrimage Heroism and Hope—Italy/Israel Pilgrimage Etgar! The Ultimate Israel Challenge
Sponsored by The United Synagogue of Conscrvulivr Judaism Write: USY, 155 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010 Call: (212) 533-7800 ext. 2311 Web sile: http;//uscj.oig/usy J /cscRiM5/
November 2, 2001
Touchdown, Melton! by SUSAN PALEY Director, Florence Melton Adult Mini-School (FMAMS)
It's the championship game of Jewish education in Omaha. The Federation passes JELS (Jewish Education and Library Services) the Melton MiniSchool ball. The community is expected to make it to the 15-person yard line. Something incredible happens--our team receives the ball and keeps running. The crowd goes wild as the players pass the 20-, 30-, 40- and 50-person yard lines. Finally, just as classes begin, the ball comes to rest at the 80-person marker. What is the reason for this unprecedented show of support for community-wide adult Jewish education? Several independent causes are coalescing simultaneously to provide the basis for this phenomenon. "People today are more open to experiencing adult education programs like Melton, as the numbers so overwhelmingly demonstrate," stated Federation Executive Director Jan Perelman. "In looking for greater spirituality and comfort during these unsettling times, individuals look to the religious roots which have sustained the Jewish people for thousands of years." Another reason for the adult education revolution, according to Rabbi Paul Drazen, is the new American ideal of the "stew pot", where each ethnic group maintains its identity "as it helps to flavor and enhance the whole" as opposed to the time when the American ideal was the "melting pot" with various ethnic groups disappearing. Now, more than before, members of the Jewish community long to know, need to know, about our background and history. The Melton Mini-School helps provide well-educated adulte, but lacking in Jewish background, with more information about Judaism. One of the proven by-products of the Melton School is a more knowledgeable lay leadership base which, in turn, guides the community's decision-making to be grounded in Jewish values and ideals. Federation President Forrest Krufcter acknowledged that "a Jewishly educated community is key to maintaining the strength of our community in the long run, Educational programs provided through the synagogues and the Federation allow participants to-'understand the depth and importance to our lives of Jewish religion, history and values." Rabbi Howard Kutner noted another facet of increased participation in adult Jewish learning, "We can attribute the renaissance in adult Jewish education to the ba'al ttshuva movement, the movement of return to Torah Judaism, that has
been steadily growing over the past 30 years. Kiruv (outreach) organizations and an increase in yeshiva-educated students have sparked an interest in Judaism. "People are realizing there's more to life than materialism," he added, "It's now in vogue (for adults) to be involved in some form of Jewish learning and Torah study." In addition, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel pointed out that, "a new generation of Jews has emerged in Omaha: Jews who went to summer camps, visited Israel and discovered that 'not on bread alone should man live.' The Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning has been a catalyst in reawakening of Jewish desires for learning." Everybody is searching for spirituality. Is the Jewish community buying into this quest? The answer is "Yes," Dr. Betsy Kate,'the North American Director of the FMAMS, concurs. "Like the rest of America, Jews are also searching for more meaningful lives." Dr. Katz, who has researched this sensation extensively, also cites computer usage as a cause for renewed interest in adult learning. "We adults have become a computer generation," HIIO explained. "We are now used to accessing information on our own. W«'ve become conditioned to gaLhoring unlimited information, and we want to know as much us possible." Dr. KaU also citea the fuel thai as Baby-BoomerH, we are self-starters, adding, "We arc not content, just to ait and Lake in information from our rabbit), we want to know it for ourselves." Finally, she said that the increasing numbers of JowB-by-Choice must be factored into the desire for Jewish knowledge. "Again, people want us much knowledge as they can get." Omaha haB always boon at; the forefront of providing quality Jewish education, and Perelman affirmed, "Jewish education has always been a priority in Omaha, But there is a heightened awareness now that Jewish education isn't just; for our children and that adults need to continue to learn and grow in their, Judaism." Rabbi Debbie Stiel summed it up, "In Judaism, learning is a life-long goal. There is a sophistication and depth to the Jewish view of life that cannot totally be conveyed to a child. Programs like Melton give adults the opportunity to continue to study and develop their religious perspectives." Touchdown, Melton!
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 23
Beth El Announces Upcoming Scholars-in-Residlence by OZZIE NOGG. . •
. ' '
., , .
,
Longing to learn? Then come to these educational opportunities offered to the entire community by Beth El Synagogue. Nov. 21-^-Raising Souls, Rabbi Mark Borovitz: This highly-regarded program helps Jewish teens and their parents and guardians use the richness of Judaism to identify 'the underlying causes of substance abuse in an effort to prevent addictive behaviors of all kinds. The program is designed to help spare families the terrible emotional and physical upheaval caused by substance abuse. Raising Souls workshops explore topics through exercises, discussion, questionnaires, videos and traditional texts. Participants will examine basic values through open communication, and will use the Book of Genesis as a starting point to see how Bible characters grow and mature in ways that parallel our own development through life. Raising Souls is open to the entire Jewish community, and is underwritten by a grant from the Lazier L. Singer Memorial Fund for Youth. For registration information, call Anna Oologoraky, Both El Education Director, at 4928550, Dec. 9-«Dr. Ben ton and Harriet Kutler SchoUtr-in-Reudent'e, Rabbi Mosho Edclmon: Aa Director of Leadership Development fo* tho United Synagogue of Congcrvntivo Judaism, Rabbi Edelman is considered a "Matter Mentor." His Leadership Training Seminars help build strong synagogue lay leadership and enhance mitzvah observance. Feb. 22-24, 2002-Dr. Leon Fellman Scholarin-Ret)iderwe, Rabbi Arnold Eesnicoff; Former U.S. Navy Chaplain and currently National Director of lntarreligiouB Affairs, American Jewish Commit-too.,, Rabbi Rosnimff taught, ut tho Naval War College. He consults with US and NATO troops, civilian relief workers, political and military leaders, religious representatives and refugees around the world and was part of the Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders, His topic for the Dr. Leon Fellman weekend is "Faith and Force; Religion, War and Pence." For more information, call Beth El at 492-8550,
don't
worry..
be
Jewish!
When you're looking for All Things Educational Growing in Jewish Omaha Look at
Jewish Educational <§r Library Services! We offer: . 68 years, in Religious Zionist, camping•——. and counting :
X $ Florence Melton Adult Mini School
— 4-week sessions for entering 4th-9th graders — 4-week and 8-week high school programs for entering 10th and 11th graders — Programming for children with special needs
XA Scholarships for Jewish Preschool, Jewish camps, Israel experience trips, college and much more! %A B'nai Mitzvah and Israel Experience grants for teens! i $ College of Jewish Learning Programs! C A Expanded and exciting Kripke Libfary with"internet access (or the public!
— Fully kosher and Shabbat-observant
Call now for information on the summer of 2002
(847)674-9733, ext 12 moshava® moshavawildrose.org
I
For more f nlormatipn, please contact) ELS at S54-6445, or
Page 2,4 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 2,2001
"Western Civilization will become a pile of rubble" in .Palestinian Education by ITAMAR MARCUS AND RUTHIE BLUM, pmw@netvision.net.il
The Arab world has been attempting to depict America as a victim of their support for Israel and are claiming that the Arabs have no inherent antiAmerican bias. However, there is nothing farther from the truth. The Palestinian Authority has been teaching their people for years that the PA sees the Palestinian conflict with Israel and the United States as two branches in the general total global war of Islam against the West and all other religions. An 11th grade PA textbook describes the inevitable victory of Islam over the West with words that become ever so chilling following the World Trade Center horror: "...We do not claim that the collapse of Western civilization, and the transfer of the center of civilization to us (Islam) will happen in the next decade. Nevertheless, (Western civilization) has begun to collapse and to become a pile of rubble," [Some Outstanding Examples of Our Civilization for Eleventh Grade}. In Palestinian Authority schoolbooks, Western society and values, especially those in the United States, are portrayed as corrupt, and will inevitably lead to their demise. At times, this Western demise is seen as a natural process arising from the innate Western corruption. In other texts, the children are taught that the Jihad Muslim fighters will be victorious over the West through Jihad (Holy War for Allah). The following are citations from two Palestinian school textbooks that reflect attitudes prevalent in Palestinian society; (The books are published by the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Education based on previously published Jordanian books, and in use in school year 2000-2001. Translations by Center for Monitoring the Impact of Peace,) The school texts note: "In the present period, which exceeds all previous periods in terms of the material and scientific advances taking place, social, psychological and medical scientists in the
'
West are perplexed by the worrying increase in the number of people suffering from nervous disorders...and the statistics from America in this matter are a clear indication of this." "Western civilization, in both its branches-the capitalist and the Communist-deprived man of his peace of mind, stability and noble human examples whom he can respect, when it turned material wellbeing into the exemplary goal. . .his money leading him nowhere, except to suicide..." "Western civilization is the representation of the highest form of material life achieved by man, but this alone does not bring him happiness, as you have seen. There is no escape from a new civilization.The Western world is not capable of fulfilling this role.There is only one nation capable of discharging this task and that is our nation (Islam)..." "... We do not claim that the collapse of Western civilization, and the transfer of the center of civilization to us (Islam) will happen in the next decade or two. or even in 50 years, for the rise and fall of civilizations follow natural processes. And even when the foundations of a fortress become cracked, it still appears.to be at the peak of its strength. Nevertheless (Western civilization) has begun to collapse and to become a pile of rubble." "Since the beginning of our reawakening ... We awoke to a painful reality and oppressive imperialism and we drove it out of some of our lands and we are about to drive it from the rest..." (Some Outstanding Examples of Our Civilization for Eleventh Grade). "Islam, The True Religion: The Victory of Islam:.. This religion (Islam) will defeat all other religions and it will be disseminated, by Allah's will, through the Muslim Jihad fighters," (Islamic Education for Seventh Grade, page 125). Provided to the Jewish Press by the Independent Media Review and Analysis
From Changed Names t o Orthodoxy, Book Traces Jews1 Rise in U.S. Politics by SHARON SAMBER'
"
WASHINGTON (JTA)-A woman who was the trusted adviser to the governor of New York in the 1920s. The ambassador to Turkey in 1889. The attorney general in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal. Belle Moskowitz, Solomon Hirsch and Edward Levi were all Jews involved in U.S. political life in different periods. Previously confined to the footnotes of political science course guides or familiar only to political junkies, these figures and others are part of a new book charting Jews' impact on American political life. The book, Jews in American Politics, is not simply a "locate the landsman" exercise but an attempt to address a number of issues-such as Jewish political behavior, Jewish advocacy and the relationship between politics and Jewish identityalong with important demographic information and over 400 biographical profiles. Today, as politics is seen as just another profession toward which Jews gravitate, the changes in the level of Jewish political involvement through the decades are interesting to follow. Prom hiding one's Judaism in order to enter politics all the way to last year's watershed eventwhen Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT.) became the first Jewish vice presidential candidate for a major party-the leaps make for good reading. Some of the old challenges Jews faced in politics have not entirely disappeared. While it is possible today to balance one's Judaism with a political life -and it is much more legitimate for a candidate today to have a strong religious identity—having it all remains a conundrum. Observant Jews such as Lieberman, Jack Lewthe former director of the Office of Management and Budget-and the former deputy treasury secretary, Stuart Eizenstat, are the models for today's young Jews, Forman said.
Celeb rate! -PremiErE
Event —
"THE DRAMA AND THE PASSIQN OF DNE DF THE EPIC EVENTS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY!" -LIFE MAGAZINE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15 7:00 P.M. BRANDEIS ART CINEMAS TICKETS: $ 5 -
STUDENTS FREE! (with valid student ID)
For Tickets and Information call the Exodus Hotline at 334-6402 SPECIAL GUEST, YOSSI HAREL, COMMANDER OF THE "EXODUS" & DESSERT RECEPTION www.jewishomaha.org/exodus/exodu5.htm
PRESENTED BY
THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA JEWISH EDUCATIONAL AND LIBRARY SERVICES BRANDEIS ART CINEMAS
It could be. Clarkson College has health science programs designed to take your career higher. SHIP
Let's talk about your future.
i CLARKSON COLLEGE A Higher Degree of Excellence
November 2, 2001 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 25
Debut of Three Jewish Schools Seen as New Start for German Communfty by TOBY AXELROD ™-_--»-«-««-«_>
,
BERLIN (JTA)--History is in the making this fall customs and the people," he said. in Germany with the opening of three new Jewish "Naturally it is better if they speak German," said schools for adults. . Nathan Kalmanowicz, who oversees cultural and Two are rabbinical programs—Germany's first educational affairs for the Central Council of Jews since World War II ended—and the third is the in Germany. "But the moBt important point is that country's first Jewish higher educational program a rabbi must be ordained by a recognized institution. Where they come from is of secondary imporfor women. Three rabbinical candidates began studies tance." Monday at the new, multi-denominational rabbiniBoth rabbinical programs are geared toward ordical program of the Institute of Judaic Studies in nation.. Heidelberg, The Heidelberg program is concluding agreeAt the same time, five candidates are beginning ments with institutions that will ordain its stustudies at a new liberal seminary, the Abraham dents, among them Yeshiva University (Orthodox) Geiger College in Potsdam. and the Jewish Theological Seminary (ConservaIn Frankfurt, seven German women have begun tive) in New York; the Leo Baeck College (Liberal) an Orthodox Jewish educational program at the in London; and the Scheehter Seminary (Conservanew Ronald S, Lauder Midrasha for women, a sis- tive) and Beit Morasha (Orthodox) in Israel. ter school to the two-year-old Lauder Juedisches The multi-denominational nature of the LehrhauB for men in Berlin. Heidelberg school is a point of pride for its rector, Presently, all students in the Heidelberg program Michael Graetz, After two years of study in are from Germany. The Geiger College rabbinical Heidelberg, a student may apply to study in semicandidates are from Germany, Switzerland, naries in Israel, the United States or Great Britain. Holland, South Africa and Italy. The Lauder school "We don't exclude," said Graetz, 88, who was born students come from the former Soviet Union, in the German city of Breslau, which is now part of Both rabbinical schools had hoped to attract Poland. "The German community ia too small to female candidates, but presently all students are have the same divisions as in the United States. men. "In the past, in Germany, there were rabbinical Observers say the new programs are a sign of the seminaries in Breslau and in Berlin, and everyone coming-of-age of Germany's postwar Jewish com- could start and finish his studies in one place,*''he munity. Germany's Jewish population has grown said. "Today, we don't see the possibility to give our from less than 85,000 in 1989 to nearly 100,000 students a full study program. On one hand, there today, largely duo to the influx of Jews from the aro not enough candidates. And on the other hand, former Soviet Union. There aro about 20 rabbis offi- wo do not havo enough tradition »a n rabbinical cially serving more than 80 communities across the seminary to ensure that the rabbinical preparation country, will be okay, that it will be adapted to the necessiJews here want homegrown rabbis and teachers, ties of modern Judaism, whether Traditional, not imported ones, said Rabbi Allen Podet, rector of Conservative or Liberal." the Abraham Geiger College, which is affiliated At the Geiger College, candidates most likely will with the Moses Mendelssohn Center at the be ordained by rabbis associated with the program, University of Potsdam. including Rabbi Walter Jacob of Pittsburgh; Israeli "The German-Jewish community has reached the Rabbis Moshe Zemer and Tuvia Ben Chorin; Rabbi point in its development where they require rabbis Gunther Plaut of Toronto; and Rabbi Podet who are not foreigners," said Podet, himself a Podet, 66, & Uuured Ilroiosaor of philosophy and Reform rabbi from Buffalo, N.Y. religious studies at the State Univeraity of Now Non-German rabbis often "don't understand the York in Buffalo, made a ono-year commitment to
Geiger College. "It's a mitzvah that you can't possibly refuse," he said. "It is really something, if you are given an opportunity to make a difference in the Jewish community or any human community. That's what we are here for." . As part of their education, Geiger students will serve internships with congregations in Germany and elsewhere. The third year will be spent in Israel, but details of that program have yet to be arranged, Podet said, In the Lauder school for women, an Orthodox program, ordination is not an issue, as only the Reform and Conservative movements ordain women. "We are trying to give a serious, sophisticated Jewish education to people who have asked for it," said Rabbi Binyamin Krauss, 30, program director. "At the same time, between the schools in Frankfurt and in Berlin we are slowly helping develop the next generation of Jewish leaders in Germany. I think that's a very important cause." Subjects include Hebrew language, Scripture, Jewish law and tradition, and Jewish philosophy. The teachers are all female graduates of Jewish schools in the United States who are interested in "a year of Jewish national service," Krauss said, adding that "Talmudie study might come later, after background knowledge is increased," "We encourage them to continue their secular education while we bring them to a place with a serious Jewish atmosphere," said Krauss, a New York native. "It's going back to what happened in prewar Europe. There w«re not that many Jewish schools. But many people who went to regular school had a Jewish component after school," The students can commit to as little as a year of study, though it is hoped they will continue through their college years. The women's program is a twin to the Lauder school in Berlin, where young men have been studying since 1999. "Once we opened that program, it WUB clear that you are not serving half the population," Krauss said.
gat chutzpah? Whatever the reason. No matter what season.
FUN, FRIENDSHIPS AND CARING COUNSELORS AWAIT YOUR CHILD AT
CAMP SABRA OPEN HOUSE & REUNION ^ were for you.
Time to enroll for Winter
UU j
Ml*
Classes begin November 26
^METROPOLITAN C O M M U N I T Y
C O L L E G E
Call 457-2400 or toil free
800-228-9553 www.mccneb.edu
OMAHA 120th & Center (Bel Air Plaza) 333-6300
BELLEVUE 42nd & HWY 370 (Twin Creek Plaza) 292-1700
www.Nobbies.com
(Lunch Included) • Climbing Tbwer Sunday, Dec. 9 • Mountain Biking 12:15 p.m. • Blobbing OPEN HOUSE • Theatre Jewish • Sailing; Community Center • Horseback Riding 333 So, 132nd St. • Tennis Omaha • Waterskilng Everyone, is Invited 32nd Season BMflflQNft.YIDEQ. ACA Acredited WILL FOLLOW Camp Sahra, located on 960 acres and 31/2 miles of private shoreline on the magnificant Lake of the Ozarks, MO, ia the resident co-ed aumxner camping facility of the St. Louis JOG, serving children and teens entering grades 3-XO in 4-week sessions, with 2-week options available for those entering gradefi 3-6. For more information, please contact Glen & Moilie Fineman (Area Representatives)
402-496-4301 Payment plan and 2nd child discounts available
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 26
A Weid if@im t i n 1
••
I
-:
u -, .1»
[
^
I*,"'!
' i:-
9 9 •
This is the first edition to include a Presidential Profile. Over the coming year, each of the local youth group presidents will have a chance to be interviewed and featured in the Jewish Press. In addition, I'd like to touch on the article below. Just last week, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel took Temple Israel's 10th grade confirmation class on the annual New York City trip. Because of everything that has happened this past month-and-a-half, the trip was 'up in the air' at best. I am writing this to say that the right decision was made. I was lucky enough to accompany the 13 teens, along with four other chaperones, to New York City. After all NYC photos by Jen Gates touring NYC for nearly four days, I I don't want to make this a habit, have a few statements to make. since I'm no "longer a teen, but I'd First of all, the Omaha Jewish like to preface this month's page community has produced an amazing group of teens; their parents with some explanation.
^i^
?lft
should be proud. Their collective recogni- O» tion of NYC's acceptance & of diversity, and their vK yearning for Omaha to follow ^C> in this acceptance, is astound- *§» ing. I know I am not alone in saying this, As for traveling on an airplane to New York City, even my parents were worried. But for the teens on this trip, it was just another flight. camaThe adjustments made with security raderie everywhere (including bag searches more powentering synagogue on Shabbat) erful than were appreciated, not feared. As any other city Rabbi explained to us during could produce. I hope that more Havdalah, this trip was more than it have the had been in the past, this year it was people courage to visit "the also about courage. Although the group as a whole did new" New York, because not spend much time at ground zero, New Yorkers need, us more we felt the effects of the disaster all now than ever! Jen Gates, Editor of Teen Age'over the city. There is a new sense of
Birthday Candles and Glade-fresh-Scent = C€ mm unity by Sara Rips
I
November 2, 2001
"
'•
A glade fresh scent candle and two city in my birthday candles were combined to eyes, thi> form our makeshift Havdalah can- b u s y dle. It was a aad sight to see. streets, I he Rabbi A. (the A stands for Azricl) p r e s a «> d made an analogy to the Sept. 11 attitude. incident. It was too bad that I had F did not. tunod him out. My mind was on the feel that sorry sight of the Havdalah candle. R a b bi The birthday candles burned brought nif rather quickly. 1 looked up at the to New Rabbi for a brief moment; when my York to see nyos returned to the candle, the the outside "tower" candles had disappeared. world. I felt Maybe it was then that the whole that I .Sept. 11 incident became real. should go to We had already gone to ground NYC and The 10th grade class in front of the Statue of Liberty, from left: David Martin, -UM'O, and I w/is noL affected; ironi- take; pic- Terry, J.J. Fririlmnn, Sura Hips, Xjli> ISaines, Molly Neccllcniaii, Becky ttmodluiul, Daniel cally, it took a glade fresh scent can- tures and Guttman, Nick Newman, Alex Bloom, Jeff Friedman, Aaron Neoeman and Jeff Gates. file and two birthday candles for it film every candles as the cities of Omaha and Sara JRi»s is a 10th grader at lo hit home. emotion. New York, then the communities Central High School, a board'' It wasn't the news or anything New York showed only one emo- were united in the end. member of OTYG and a member t-lse the governtion. PRIDE. The Two towers must dissolve in order of Temple Israel. ment coukl have city that never for there to be unity. used to make us sleeps went on realize the devaswith life. tation, but one Thoughts like Havdalah that had this ran through made it real. Like my head as I sat to focus on keeping the other chapter the World Trade on the floor of our Name: Rebecca Murow members committed to and enthusiGrade: 12 Center towers that hotel room. astic about USY. Youth Group: were, in a moment, Tears welled up United Synagogue Youth (USY) What are you doing when you're destroyed, so were in my eyes (it Term: 2001-2002 academic year not working on USY? the birthday canmight have been Synagogue: Beth El Right now, college applications and dles' flames. because I was High School: school work have top When asked what running on little priority. I also work, Central I felt about the Kyle Baines, Molly Needleman sleep). I tried and assist with the TSS Favorite Jewish New York trip, I and S a r a Rips keep close for succeeded in not program at Beth El, Holiday: Shabbat Lirst asked to pass. warmth on one of t h e walking crying. write as the Jewish Favorite Quote: T silently listened tours. The rabbi called Press Intern, and am "Life isn't a matter to everyone's anson me last. I paused and struggled president of GentralN of milestones, but of wers. To me, everyone gave the to make sense of my thoughts. I National Honor Somoments." same anawer--to see the outside wasn't sure how to explain my feelciety. I am also inWhat are some of world. ings. volved in BBYO. your main duties I've, seen the outside world. I've I gave an answer that wasn't realHow much time do as president? been to New York, Los Angeles, ly what I was thinking, I said that you put into your On.a local level, I Chicago, Phoenix, London and Omaha was in no way like New youth group each Paris. Now York was just another York. But if you think of the two am responsible for week? overseeing the other officers on our chapThe amount of time ter board. I must spent differs) isverj week, but I am always communicate with busy whether I am ere the board members to Kebecca Murow make sure programming is running ating board meeting agendas, chapter smoothly. As chapter president, I meetings and programs, and/or orga represent Omaha on a regional level. nizing preparations for Kinnus. In addition to my chapter position, I What is your goal for this year? am also the co-chairperson for our Beth El Omaha USY was awardregion's- annual fall convention. The ed the regional chapter of the year convention, Kinnus, will be held in award at the 2001 Spring Kallah Omaha over Thanksgiving weekend. This award has placed us in thr What do you find most challeng- running for the International ing about r u n n i n g a youth Chapter of the Year Award We angroup? determined to continue to show our Running a youth group is a huge hard work and constant programtime commitment. It is important to ming effods so that w<> can roemve Chaperones Beth Spizman, Stephanie Grossman, Josh Katelman and set priorities and learn time manage- this award at tho International Dan Fried keep a watchful eye on the group riding the subway. ment skills. As president, I also need Convention in Dtwmbor
.,'
Presidential Profile
I J,;
\£'\
i ''r"i
^teM^'iS
'V
November 2,2001
Omahans
Return to Herzl by JEWISH PRESS News Service»*... .««• This past summer, five Omahans--Jenny and Rachel Javitch, Anne Muskin, Sara Gordon and Leah Raful-helped make Herzl Camp in Webster, WI, an incredible experience for 700 Jewish kids from all across the US, Canada and Israel. Rachel and Leah were part of a team of 24 Ozrim, hand-picked counselors-in training who, with a dedicated crew of over 100 madrichim (counselors), specialists and support staff, provided dozens of chugim (activities). Counselors like Muskin and specialists like Gordon, who co-led the athletics department, worked tirelessly to provide outstanding programming. As part of the Hanhallah-ihe senior staff of Herzl—Program Coordinator Jenny Javitch made sure that everything ran smoothly. For over 55 years, Herzl Camp has created memories to last a lifetime. Campers come for the fun, but leave with so much more; self-confidence, new skills, a personal connection to Israel, growing enthusiasm for Judaism, and all the friendship they can handle. With long-standing favorites like Taste of Herzl, Ba'atid, Nisiya, Etgar, Kadimah and B'yachad, of special interest this year are Winter Camp, Kosher and Teva Trek. Open to campers in grades f\voeight, Winter Camp runs from Dec, 2(3-.lan. I, and instantly becomes Herd's "cooloBt" program. llorzl expands its summer offerinfja with u new throeweek program called Keshcr (connection) for H«Venth and eighth graders. Special chutiim and a twoday bike trip make Kesher unique. Teva (nature) Trek returns for it,R third your. This four-week adventure for students in fjnuloa 10 and 11 includes sea kayaking, rock-climbing, hiking and more, For inibrnwitiou on all of the programs, oonlitet the office at S)52-927-'l(K)i!, or viml 11 oral on I ho web at www.hvry.lcamp.org.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Sweetheart Dance fiOut of this World 1 by RACHEL BLUM ;—— On Saturday, Oct. 20, the men of Mother Chapter ... AZA #1 .held ,... their 68th Annua •'?' '•'•""•i::-'-,.'' l Sweetheart / V'&t-v Dance. •'! - • J .•_,'•'."*"•'• AZA #1 is one of •';-••. - - r ' : : ^ y t h e four local '£/ . '", : ; ; iv. , Cornbelt Council .," •'! " ' ". •' •'• ' - ' ' B ' n a i B'rith j 'A '' ', ';.- • '. ' Youth Organiza'"/.V^ ' " • 1tion (BBYO) -."'.; <-, ' "• , , chapters in • * ' ' Omaha. , ,;' ' . T h e evening, t i t l e d "Aboard the Mother Ship," took on an /' • interplanetary " " theme to demonBrittany Sukiennik strate the idea that AZA #1 is "out of this world." "Planet Bloom", a local Omaha rock band, took the stage early evening and played throughout the night. Some 60 teens attended the dance, waiting for the much-anticipated moment where the chapter would announce their 2001- 2002 Sweetheart. At pro.ciso.ly 1 1:,'K) p.m., with an audience of parents, peers and interested Jewinh community mem • born, the. candidates tlancod to their places on Htnf'ii UK the bund played times and their uaine.s were called. -
11
i
At the end of her heart-felt speech, where she thanked members for the past year's memories, former sweetheart Jennifer Cooper announced Brittany Sukiennik as the new sweetheart for Mother Chapter AZA #1.. The candidates, new sweetheart, and the dance "• chairmen put ! '.'.'!' !' on an evening • '•' •'."", . with lots of ' '" class and an •' .• \ s .„ "out of this .f '".•; . ,. world" effort! •. • For more i • i nformation : i bout the B'nai ": . R'rith Youth ' Organization, or to find out how you can get involved, contact me at 3346404. Andrew Malashock played with "Planet Bloom at Ihe Sweetheart Dance*" H© was just selected as guitarist for the All-State Jazz Band and will participate in 21/2 days of rohoartial, followed by a performance at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln on Nov. 17. A junior at Burke High School and a participant in the Cathedral Arts Project, he is the won of Diane and Larry Malashock.
Youth Art Exhibit Opens In November by JEWISH PRESS News Service
-
Nearly 00 loca! tecma will participate in the upcoming Youth Art Exhibit in the Gallery at the Jewish Community Center, according to chairman Jonnie JficobRon. Tin's IH the third exhibit of tin kind and wit! feature drawing, painting;, sculpture ami pboto^rnphy by Jewiuli teens in the Omaha area. The exhib-
At Creighton, you can expect challenges, opportunities, personal attention and success. Expect to receive an excellent education through rigorous academics and motivation in a values-centered environment. Expect to push beyond your limits and exceed your expectations in all areas of your life—-in mind, body and spirit. Creighton offers students;' 19 Over 50 untlergraduate majors in the College of Arts and Sciences, •College of Business Administration, and School of Nursing • Graduate School and professional programs in Medical, Dental, Law, Pharmacy and. Allied Health Professions (Physical and Occupational Therapy) a Extensive Study Abroad opportunities a Intemships-for-Credit m Leadership Program in the College of Business Administration m Direct ISntry for freshmen into the School of Nursing
it is co-Mponaorod by Temple Israel in honor of "ToenAge" (and itH editor iTounie Jncobaon), and the Jewish Press in memory of thn Inte Larry Axolrod, former AdvertifjinfT Manager, who, along with JacohMon, taught a dstm at Templo on the Jewish prcuft in AmericH. Ducky Milder has once apain consented to hatui the HIIOW, which opeiiH Nov. 0,
^ r^FTO^.W .,w
^QJtidMSMSjti, has ranked Creighton the Midwe»t's #1 Regional University for the fifth year in a row!
lll|l|||oii|^if;^
Page 27
CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY
Page 28 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE November 2,2001
The Story of Judah ibii Tibbon: One"Forthe Books byOZZIE NOGG
-_-—-—--«--———--.
Had there been a Jewish Book Month way back in 12th Century Spain, the brains behind the event could very well have been Judah ibn Tibbon. Prom all reports, the man was bonkers over books. Born in Granada in 1120, ibn Tibbon was a physician and scholar. His translations of classical writings from Arabic into Hebrew won him a prominent place in the Medieval Jewish History Hall of Fame, along with the title, "Father of Translators." Impressive, to be sure, but his personal relationship with books is what endears him to me. Get this. Judah ibn Tibbon had a son named Samuel, whom he adored and spoiled beyond measure. To paraphrase Judah's own words, "You know, my son, I swaddled you, brought you up, fed and clothed you, spent myself in educating and protecting you. I sacrificed my sleep to make you wise • beyond your fellows. I have denied myself the usual pleasures and relaxations of men for your sake. "I have honored you, my son, by buying you many books so you need not borrow from others. While most students wander around looking for a book andfatlto find it, you, thank God, own two or three copies and can lend and not borrow. Seeing that your Creator had graced you with a wise and understanding heart, I journeyed to the ends of the earth and fetched for you wise teachers. I minded neither the expense nor the danger of the way. "Who knows what evil might have befallen me on those travels, had not the Lord been with me!" At the risk of dealing in stereotypes, Judah seems to have been the quintessential Jewish parent. Giving his child everything, including a liberal dose of guilt But, to continue.,. In spite of his father's self-sacrifice (or maybe because of it. . ..) Samuel showed no gratitude. He was lazy, disobedient and prone to loiter in the street with his gang of unsavory friends. Judah ibn Tibbon saw his beloved Samuel racing down the road to ruin. Something had to be done, and fast. A-ha! Perhaps the lad's behavior could be modified through the power of books! And so, in an effort to reform his prodigal son, Judah ibn Tibbon wrote "A Father's Admonition", an ethical will in which he urged Samuel to turn
away from wickedness and seek, instead, all that is honorable, moral, virtuous and pure. And if this meant spending less time with people and more time with books, so be it. "Let books be your companions," Judah implored. "Let bookcases and shelves be your pleasure grounds and gardens. Bask in their paradise, gather their fruit, pluck their roses, enjoy their spices and their myrrh. If your soul be full and weary, change from garden to garden, from furrow to furrow, from view to view." Sheer poetry, right? And Judah ibn Tibbon was just getting started. "Keep your books well," he continued with passion. "Cover your bookcases with rugs and linens of fine quality. Preserve them from dampness and mice and other damage, for it is your books that are your true treasure." Warming to the task, ibn Tibbon moved from what we might call The-Care-and-Feeding-ofBooks, into the realm of Library Science. Hundreds of years before John Dewey invented his famous system, ibn Tibbon encouraged Samuel to "examine your books at every new moon. Arrange your library in good order, so as to avoid wearying yourself in searching for the book you need. "Always know the case and chest where the books should be. A good plan would be to set in each compartment a written list of the books therein contained. If, then, you are looking for a book, you can see from the list the exact shelf it occupies without disarranging all the books in the search for one." Furthermore . . ."Never refuse to lend books to anyone who has not the means to purchase books for himself, but only lend to those who can be trusted, to return the volumes. If you lend a book, put it on record before it leaves your house. Every Passover, Tabernacles call in all books out on loan." And finally . . . "My son, listen to my precepts! Neglect none of my injunctions! Set my admonition before your eyes! Thus, shall you prosper and prolong your days in pleasantness!" Ah, Samuel. His father tried every trick in the book, so to speak, But, apparently the tactics didn't work, as evidenced by Jacob's words of despair. "You, my son, deceived my hopes! You did not choose to employ your abilities, hiding yourself
from all your books, not caring to know them or even their titles. Had you seen your own books in the hand of others, you would not have recognized them. Had you needed one of them, you would not have known whether it was with you or not, without asking me!" Poor Judah ibn Tibbon. I can just picture him, throwing up his hands in despair and muttering the medieval equivalent of, "Kids! What's the matter with kids today?" Now, you might ask, what does this have to do with National Jewish Book Month, 2001? How can the quarrels of One Man's Family-centuries ago—have any relevance today? Consider this. Like young Samuel, many of our children and grandchildren spend their time in activities we find less than lofty. Glassy-eyed, they sit in front of their Game Boys. Stupefied, they watch TV for hours, and aimlessly prowl the malls with their friends. And when we—like Jacob ibn Tibbon— plead, cajole and beseech them to "Read a book!" our young people too often sigh and roll their eyes at the suggestion. But take heart, for the story of Judah and Samuel ibn Tibbon turned out happily in the end. You see, the wayward son eventually did recognize the wisdom of his father's advice, In fact, Samuel became a renowned scholar, philosopher and translator whose commentary on Pirkel Avot and translation of Maimonides' Guide to the Perplexed won him an honored place in literary history and brought his father much nachas. Furthermore, Samuel's son, Moses, continued the family tradition with his translations of Aristotle and Euclid from both Arabic and Greek into Hebrew. And Moses' son, Jacob, added to the glory with his translations of philosophy, astronomy and mathematics. In the end, much of Greek, Muslim and Jewish scholarship and thought became avail" able to the rest of Europe thanks to the ibn Tibbon family. So, during National Jewish Book Month, lef s do all we can to set our children on the right path. And if they resist, throw the book at 'em! It worked for Judah ibn Tibbon!
The gift of a lifetime
Excellent Quality Construction Residential and Commercial
Dennis A. Turnbull CONTRACTOR
EXPERT PICTURE FRAMING
Toll the story of your old family photos, your heirlooms, your life. I can help you. Future generations will thank you. v>
402-331-0888 11045 "O" St. Omaha, NE 68137
I record recollections, scan old photos, and create an elegant book.
Second Story
Omaha Children's Museum Memberships and Gift Certificates make the perfect HOLIDAY gift! Family Membership-$45,00 Family Plus Membership--$55.00 Grandparent Membership--$45.0Q Gift Certificates can be given in any amount! Please call 342-6164, x410, for more information or to purchase your membership!
Alison Lindhjem OWNER Westrfdga Shopping Canter • 132nd & W. Dodge Rd. 493-3893
553-5704
Adult S the'
^ E d u c a t i o n is a Priority at s wi-th T e m p l e Israel
Outreach
Scholars-in-Residence Family School
iyo
Mentor Program
Jewish Journey Groups
Grades PK-12 Kol Pintt
Grnde 10 trip lo New York
Family UUorkshops
TorahTots LTaken Adult Retreat
500 S o u t h 2Oth S t r e e t Monday-Saturday: 10a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday: 1-5 p.m. OtttiflSitt
www.ocm.org
Bagels & Sacred Books TMHemelieZweihc,ek
discover@ocm.org Basic Judaism
Soda! Justice youth Club
Centerfor Lifelong Learning
Tot Shabbatot
November 2,2001
Education Goes Beyond the Chalkboard at Temple Israel
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 29
Despite Continuing Violence, Yeshiva Celebrates New Torah
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN, Temple Israel Communications Coordinator.
• Middle and high school students, along with the youth groups at Temple Israel, are combining formal and informal educational programs-and activities. In one example of this partnership, a Social Justice Club, created by Middle and High School Director Elyce Azriel, has provided opportunities for students to learn about other ethnic groups and their cultures. Recently, about 12 Jewish students from the Social Justice Club met with a dozen youngsters from the Islamic Center of Omaha and some of their parents at Temple. The meeting was facilitated by Patrick McNamara, coordinator of the Omaha Hate Crimes Project, and David Campt, Ph.D., an inter-group relations consultant from Washington, D.C. "I thought it was a great introductory conversation," said McNamara. "They began to build trust and share openly and honestly their own feelings. They alao expressed interest in a continuing dialogue." Temple member Vic Gutman, an advisor to the Social Justice Club, called the exchange "fascinating dialogue." The conversation focused on concerns the youngsters had about prejudice as well as similarities they shared and differences between them. Gutman said the Jewish students have now been invited to visit the Islamic Center. Gutman's son, Daniel, a sophomore at Central HighSchool, is the co-advisor with his father of the Social Justice Club. In the past, the Social Justice Club has distributed information about the Hate Crimes Project, and in the future, th© group plans to discuss the pros and cons of issues such as the death penalty with guest speakers. • Omaha Temple Youth Group (OTYG) won Missouri Valley Region's Temple Youth Group of the Year honors for 2000-2001. Omaha will also
host the Western Fall Conclave, the second weekend in November. OTYG youngsters have been busy planning educational programs, religious services as well as social activities with Youth Director Stephanie Grossman and advisor Josh Katelman for the conclave. • Kicking off their year, Junior Youth Group (JYG) members spent an overnight at the Council Bluffs farm of Jon and Ellie Bleicher in September; Jake Bleicher and Joel Passer are the JYG liaisons for the seventh and eighth grade group. • Nikki Flatowicz and Jen Gates, advisors for the fifth and sixth graders' Club 56, took 21 youngsters to a pizza and bowling party in October. • "Rita Paskowitz is our storyteller-in-residence," said Joan Cooper, Religious School Coordinator. "Throughout the year, Rita borrows books from our classroom libraries. After she learns the stories, she brings the books alive" when she tells the stories to the children in their rooms. Going from class to class, Paskowitz reminds the children that her stories come from booka in their rooms to encourage an interest in reading Jewish children's literature. Paskowitz will meet with every class three or four times during the year. • During Family School on Tuesday nights at Temple, Rita Paskowitz leads a family-directed Torah study. Separately, each family unit reads the week's Torah portion. Subsequently, the families all gather together to discuss and explore the significance of the Torah portion they have just read. Usually, each family has its own unique perspective on the portion. • Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio, is interested in compiling some of the curriculum and work from the eighth grade class on the Holocaust, taught by Rita Paskowitz and Stephanie Grossman at Temple Israel.
The Yeshivat Hakotol in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of JeruHalcm was the recipient this week of a new Sefor Torah. Top photo; Rabbi Chaim Drukman writes one of the final letters of the new Sefer Torah. Prior to a procession of the Sefer Torah to its new home in the yeshiva, the final letters of the scroll were written under the watchful eye of the Sofor. Photo by ISRANET.
•"
Mystery Bookstore
1422 South 13th St. .» i '
'^S
342-7343
Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. e-mail: hudunU@radikfi.net www.mysterybootetore.ws
You're eligible to join Centrist Membership is open to all employees, residents, students and those who worship in Douglas, Sarpy, Pottawattamfa and Lincoln Counties. • No fee checking with no minimum balance, free check card, direct deposit, payroll deduction & automatic bill pay • High dividend money markets certificates & IRAs • Loans to fit your every need, including mortgage & 100% home equity • Financial planning services « Convenient services such as free online & 24 hour telephone account access /isit us to learn more about our full range i *f financial services, and why Centris is where , 3U belong.
if you're
tht: t'omrn
you'n the credit
iff
In Omaha (402) 334-7000 J V. 114 Street, 11718 M Circle, 1299Farnam Council Bluffs, 2825 Am, G unmu.centrisfcu.org
Centns I' i ERAl
CREDIT
• Jo.wi.sh programming • Canoeing and Sailing • Israeli Dancn * Overnights * Arts & Crofts Red CroHS Swim Program • Hiking • Scouting • Sports • Ontig Shabbal • Drama • Israeli Singing • Water Skiing Session I June 17July 10 ^MkMfi 2 Aug. 8
CAMP DATES
Mini-Session Entering 2nd, 3rd and 4th Graders Only 1 7 - J u n e s0 Extencted Session Ju| 1 6 J u | 2 9 J u n e 17 Aug 8 y - y " -
June
UNION
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
For more Information, call 888-605-CAMP
6600 No. Lincoln Ave., Suite 304 Lincolnwood, IL60712
J,'& CAMP
Sponsored by Hadmsah Ask about our Adventure Program for 8th graders
Page SO Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 2, 2001
Jewish Educators
PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE
STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers
fQ omohb
Don't make a move without us! • Watch for your JCC eummer camp brochure in February 2002
Find your
place
in the world
For enrollment information, please call 402-554-MAV1 or toll-free 1-877-884-MAVS Visit our website at www.unomaha.edu
M j . tgLJlt '<•"••
The University ol Nobraska is an aflinmativo acllon/oqual opportunity inalilulion.
Jewish Academy
Check us out by phone or E-mail (402) 3 3 4 - 0 5 1 7 • frledelacademy@jewishomalia.org
(Continued from page 1) He remembers the powerful effect she had on him. "Our connection, from the first day, was boshert (destined)," he said. Once Guy returned to New York, the two started a long-distance telephone relationship that developed quickly into something deeper. Elinor visited New York City at Thanksgiving; he came back to L.A.; and by January, 1999, they were both living in New York. Soon after, they had a civil wedding. On July 10, 2000, Guy and Elinor repeated their marriage vows in a Jewish ceremony that took place on a kibbutz in Israel. The highlight of the setting, she said, was a beautiful hall separated from the outside by clear glass doors "to make you feel like you're in a garden." It was not long after Guy passed his doctoral exams that he received an anonymous e-mail informing him of an opening for a one-year position
at UNO. He accepted the job, and the couple moved to Omaha. To this day, he does not know who sent the e-mail, and he suspects he never will. During their initial year in Omaha, Dr. Richard Freund left UNO for the University of Hartford, and Guy was offered the permanent, tenure-track position vacated by Preund. Of course, he accepted. So it has developed that Guy and Elinor~as educators and as a vibrant, young couple committed to Judaism—have already accomplished so much in Omaha, At this point, they look forward to many future opportunities to teach, facilitate and promote Jewish learning here. (More information on Jewish learning in Omaha is available by contacting JELS Director Carolyn Novicoff: cnovicoff@jewishomaha.org", or 3346560.)
'Ariot' Roars into Friedel with Hebrew Immersion by DIANE AXLER BAUM
1) subconscious Things are sounding and indirect acquidifferent around the sition through exkitchen table at the posure to language home of Eric and use; and Julie Phillips these days. When their 2) focused and daughter, Lilly, direct learning of Jfc makes a simple reacquired content quest, chances are, and skills, she will speak in As students adHebrew, not English, vance from Tal Am to the companion This school year at curriculum Tal Priedel Jewish AcadSela (potentially emy, Lilly is among through eighth the students learning grade) they continHebrew according to ue to build on their the Tal Am method, Hebrew Language which depends on Arts and their Jutotal immersion in daic Hebrew, from the language. grade to grade. Elinor Matalon, a The Tal Am-Tal Community Teacher Sela program was through Jewish Educreated under the cational and Library auspices of the Services (JELS), said Bronfman Jewish the success of Tal Am Education Centre depends on the creand the Jewish Edation of a Hebrew ucation Council of environment, in Montreal, Canada. which students are Its ultimate goal surrounded by audio is "to inspire pride and visual Hebrew." in being part of the Within the classroom, the teacher wears an FA'mor Matalon, dressed as Ariot, the Lion of Letters, Jewish people and intricate, colorful lion takes a short break with the three youngest students to develop Jewish costumeto become in Friedel Jewish Academy's Tal Am class: Nathanial children who are the embodiment of Jones, left, Aaron Nissen and Cleo Rogers-Marcovitz. literate, committed, and skilled to Ariot Limud, the Lion of Letters. Only Hebrew is spoken. live Jewishly while apeaking Hebrew," Matalon Last summer, Matalon joined teachers through- said. out North America at a Tal Am Institute in New The units of Tal Am are organized along four Jersey in preparation for introducing the program inter-related tracks: Shalom, Shabbat Shalom, atFJA. Chag Sameach and Ariot. These are the tracks she Tal Am, which is used by almost all day schools is utilizing this year with Friedel students in throughout Canada and the United States, includ- Grades 1,2 and 3. ing the Hyman Brand Day School in Kansas City, She emphasized that in the Tal Am classroom, receives unqualified raves from teachers, parents students learn Hebrew as a living language and as and students. the language of Jewishness. Starting in the second Matalon agrees. "I think this is the most incredi- year of Tal Am, the Hebrew of Jewish prayer will ble thing I have ever done!," she exclaimed. be an additional focus. Recently, she alerted Priedel parents that their Julie Phillips marvels at how much the Tal Am children are bringing home books in Hebrew, and class has accomplished in only a couple of months. she asked that they incorporate Hebrew reading She said Lilly is especially enjoying songs and stointo family events. ries in Hebrew and is excited to be speaking basic "Please devote some time to sit and read Hebrew phrases. Cheryl Elberson and Joell Gerber have with your child," she said. "It is o.k. if you don't told her their daughters, too, are inserting Hebrew know any Hebrew, your child would love to explain phrases into their daily speech and are motivated it to you." The curriculum is based on several principles for by their spiraling facility with the language. "Every week, Lilly brings home a vocabulary developing a "communicative heritage language." One of the main principles, "acquisition & learn- sheet, and the entire family is learning Hebrew," ing," recognizes that communicative language is Phillips added. "We're all going to have to make a real effort to keep up with her," developed in two interdependent ways:
m
November 2,2001
Camp Director Jerry Kaye Returns to Omaha by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator-
>•««". •
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 81
LynneM. Popp Educational Therapy
Jerry Kaye, who is no stranger to Temple Israel, returns to Omaha the weekend of Nov. .9-11 to, share with the congregation the joys and benefits of children spending part of their summer at OlinSang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) in Oconomowoc, WI. As the admired director of the camp, Kaye will explain to parents and youngsters alike why many Temple Israel families make OSRUI their summer camping choice, Sara Rips, 15, said she'd recommend going to OSRUI "in a heartbeat. The things that really make people Jewish are informal settings—like NFTY, camp and friends. Those are what bring people into Judaism. Camp is such an amazing place," she added. "It's one of those places where you meet friends and they're your friends for the rest of your life," according to Rips who has gone to OSRUI for six summers, Fifteen-year-old Rebecca Smedlund agreed. Ult's an amazing experience, I have so many friends that come back (to camp every year)." Smedlund has gone to summer camp at OSRUI for five years, She has spent New Year's with camp friends from Chicago and enjoys phone calls from another camp friend who lives in Minnesota. "They'll be my friends forever," she said. Joel and Aaron Passer have also gone to OSRUI. Aaron, 13, enjoys it "because you meet lots of other Jewish kids who come from all.over the United States."
M.S. in Learning Disabilities, A.E.T. Joel, 15, described OSRUI as "a fun place to go in the summer to meet new friends.* Educational Assessments Friday, Nov. 9, 8 p.m., at Shabbat services, Workshop Presi'tilei' Kaye, well known as a storyteller, will deliver the Tei'icheivTi'ain.ivr • Eeliicatio letapy sermon, "Now is the Time," at a special service 4405 North 156th Ave, Circle compiled by Ben Taxman and Steve Sternberg, PHONE: (402) 498-8708 FAX:445-0433 youth group members. The service is entitled, "Me, E-mail: iynnep@creighton.edu. Myself and God," and is based on the children's book, In God's Name. Approximately 120 youth group members from several states who will be in Omaha for the Western Pall Conclave will join the Temple Israel congregation for services, rftEADING-1 One~on;One Saturday, Nov. 10, Kaye will meet with children in second through sixth grades and their parents at •^3***=^-J The proven advantage the home of Rabbi Aryeh and Elyce Azriel, ^ " " "Conversations with Jerry" will start at 4 p.m. Reading • Math • Study Skills Havdalah will be observed. PSAT/SAT/ACT Sunday, Nov. 11,10 a.m., Kaye will lead Speed Reading • Writing "Seminar on Sunday," an adult education program. His topic will be "Are You Afraid of Your 6035 Binney St. 561-8683 Children?" Then, at 11:30 turn., there will be anothe-mail: readngplu8@aol.com er opportunity for parents and children to meet with Kaye in the sanctuary. Kaye will also assist with some of the educational programming at the Western Pall Conclave which the Omaha Temple Youth Group will host from Nov. 9-11, Beth Israel Synagogue All members of the community are welcome to attend the information sessions with Jerry Kaye at offers an innovative Temple.
Metro Winter Registration
SoftUne Information Announces new Release
Registration for Winter 2001-02 credit classes is now under way at Metropolitan Community College, New students can obtain registration by calling the Student Services Center on any Metro campus. Current or former Metro students enrolling for fewer than 16 credit hours who know what classes they want to take may register by calling 457-5231. Residents outside Douglas and Sarpy counties can call the toll free number: 1-800-228-9553.
SoftLine Information has announced the release of its new Alt'Press Watch Database, a full text collection of the newspapers, magazines and journals of the alternative and independent press, Alt'Press Watch is a full text compilation of publications. Alternative newaweeklioa, never collected or even, indexed before, arc available, in most cities and give readers alternative perspectives on a variety of topics.
QSTPs: The Right Course f o r College? by JOE JOHNS
approach to Hebrew School.. Our Talmud Torah program is entirely based on Individual and small group learning, focusing on Hebrew reading and translation, Torah Study and Synagogue Skills, Our Sunday School focuses on Jewish tradition, customs and holidays for younger children, and Plrke Avot, Jewish History, Mtshna and weekly Parana for older students.
..aimed at providing children the Hebrew skilk that wiH benefit them for a lifetime. For more Information, call 556-6288 Last year, summer camp scholarships were granted to every congregant who requested assistance.
;
Most colleges weights tho child's assets more The prospect of paying for a college education is daunting enough; learning about the various sav- heavily in determining financial aid. A contribution ings options and picking the right one adda yet is treated as a completed gift for federal gift tax purposes. For comparison's sake, you can only put another degree of difficulty to the challenge. Recently, many parents and grandparents have $10,000 per parent per year into a custodial put qualified state tuition programs (QSTPs), near account set up under UTMA and that account will the head of the class. Called "529 Plans" because be included in your child's assets, a distinct disadAststnal they receive special tax status under Section 529 of vantage if you're looking for financial aid. What's more, anyone can set up a QSTP for u the Internal REvenue Code, QSTPs offer income Hattiskkali prospective student. That can be especially useful tax-deffered earnings that are ultimately income tax free*, so long as they are used for "qualified for grandparents looking to trim the size of their Coloring higher education expenses." That includes the cost estate, A contribution of between $10,000 and $50,000 of tuition, room, board, books, and certain other Contest expenses at most accredited two- or four-year col- can be treated aa having been made over a fiveyear period. Using a 529 plan, they might be able leges. (sponsored by to contribute up to $50,000 each per student withThere are two versions of QSTPs: the Jewish. Press) • A prepaid tuition plan that effectively allows out worrying about gift taxes, Moreover, unlike the savers to lock in future tuition of selected state col- case to a UGMA or UTMA account, the grandparleges at today's rates, through the purchase of ents (or any other account owner) could reclaim Children 12 and under: control of the money by way of a refund, although "tuition credits" or "tuition certificates." • Drawings should bo no largor than tax penalties and income taxes would generally • A college savings plan that is not pegged to 81/2x11" and on white paper. apply. future tuition costs, but rather invested according • Markers may be usod for Naturally QSTPs come with restrictions, perhaps to asset allocation strategies determined for by the additional color the biggest of which is that all the money in the individual states. This newer type of plan is likely • On a separate piece of paper, to produce a better return for the long-term account must be applied toward college in order to receive favorable tax treatment. include your name, parent(s) investor than prepaid tuition plans, because college The 529 college savings plan may not bo for you if name, address, phone number, costs have only been rising at about four percent you're accustomed to managing your own portfolio. age and school annually in recent years, About half of the more than 40 states that offer If you choose a savings plan, make sure you are • Do not fold drawing' QSTPs have no residency requirements for contrib- comfortable with its investment philosophy. It Deadline is Nov. 12! utors or beneficiaries. Some states even offer their might also be wise to keep an eye on Congress. N O T E : A four color reproduction of the winLaws may be significantly different by the time residents some state tax advantages. ning Ptitry will b<> foalnred on the cover of tli«> Both types of 529 plans have no income limits for your student is ready to enroll, Uanukkah Gift (h.-.ii,' mi Nov. 30. Jn nddjliun, * Qualified state tuition programs may now alao l>« t h e firBt threw wlu> untor will n<rrivp piit participation, unlike IRAs, and certain states allow cprtificaUifi tn U I V H contributions of up to $100,000 or more per child established by eligible education institutions na woll as either in a lump sum or periodic deductions. by states, Submit original drawings to: ; This article contains tax and tax-related concepts for Moreover, QSTPs have an advantage over custodial 1 Jewish Press the discussion of the subject mutter. They an not meant to accounts set up under the Uniform Gifts to Minors 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154 be tux advice. Neither Prudential nor Us financial profes (UGMA) or Uniform Transfer to Minors (UTMA) sionalu render tax advice', A tux advisor should be conFor more information, call tfie Press office, 334-6448 Acts, because they are not considered the child's assets.
•
• • • . ' • • • • "
•
suited far specific information.
Page 32 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 2, 2001
Waiting for Life Continued from page 1) Fitter's brother, Howard Gerelick of Denver did- Foundation. That list only includes those waiting n't have a compatible blood type, but Marcia was a for cadaver kidneys, organs from a person who has recently died, mostly because there is no one avail"perfect match" for Jerry. In addition to a "24-hour urine catch" Pitlor able to give a "live* donation. "That's why it's so important to note permission underwent in Omaha, she also had toflydown to Nashville for a battery of blood tests, an EKG, CAT for organ donation on the back of your driver's seen and psychology testing to ensure she was license," Pitlor added. "The wait can be upwards of 18 months for a cadaver donor, so the more people raLonal when making this important decision. The doctors decided I was normal," Pitior said who are listed, the higher the possibiliiy that a kidwith a smile, "And the technician said I had 'beau- ney could become available sooner." tiful' kidneys!" She admitted it was laard to say 'yes" but she was "unable to say sno.ra Diabetes does run in the But there was one more question that had to be asked. What was the Jewish view of organ donation Garelick family, but so far, Fitter has shown no and could the operation be scheduled on Rosh signs of the disease. Hashanah? "Steve and the kids were very supportive," Pitlor Pitlor turned to her rabbi at Beth El Synagogue, added. "But the kids (Lisa, David and Kim) were Rabbi Paul Drazen, who told her that if another worried, so Steve brought lisa and David home date could be found, it would be better, but the from college for Yom Kippur, just two days after I answer to both questions was found in the rabbinic arrived back in Omaha. Transplantation is not a cure of. ESSD. There Is interpretation of pekuach nefesh, saving a life, always a chance that the body will reject a new Mdwhich takes precedence. There is a myth among Jews that it is not permis- ney. Normally, 75 to 80 percent of transplants from sible to donate organs, even after death. But cadaver donors are still working one year after according to Rabbi Moshe Tendler, the leading suigery. However, transplants from living relatives haiachic authority on issues of medical ethics, it is often work better than transplants from cadaver donors. not only permissible, but it is encouraged. Doctors also prescribed immunosuppressants, "There was really no choice," Pitior explained. "It was either me, or Jerry had to get on the trans- anti-rejection drugs, whieh Jerry will need to take every day for the rest of his life. plant waiting list." The three-hour surgery did take place on Bosh There are currently more than 49,000 people waiting for kidney transplants in the United States Hashanah, one week to the day after the terrorist alone, according to the National Kidney attacks on America. It was the start of a new
The University of Nebraska Medical Center: • Has educated more than one-half of the physicians, dental and a'tied nea:*h professionals masier's-prepared nurses practicing m the state. • Employs 3.700 people, and is among the leading employers in Omaha • increased its research funding from external sources by 33 percent du.-ng t.ie pas: two years. That funding now exceeds $41.2 million annuaity. In that sar-e ceriod federal research funding at UNMC increased by 31 percerrt and r.ovv e\ceeds $25 million annuaHy. • Became the eighth medicai center in the United States, and the Frs' .n Neoraska, to use robotical surgical equipment. Used *o. specific surgicaf procedures, the equipment reaucss pat'e-its surgical trauma and speeds recovery • Has ranked No. 1 among the nation's 55 dental schoois, in terms of the incoming GPA of tne freshman class in six of the past eight years. For three of the past five years, senior students in the UNMC College of Dentistry, collectively, have ranked m the tOD fue in nationa' board exams • Has established itself as one of the country s leading centers for research tn cancer, genetics, cardiovascular diseases, neuroaegenerativs diseases and arthritis A new, $77 million research center - set to be completed in 2003 - will provide state-of-the-art facilities for further growth in these areas
Jewish year and, for the Pitlors afld CSerelicks, it represented hope that Jerry wouM have the opportunity for a long, productive life. "What courage it took {for Mama),* Larraiae asserted. "She approached this with her sormal good humor. In fact, she was really good company for Jerry and met" Everyone is coming to Omaha for Thanksgiving this month. As Marcia noted, "Howard and I are blessed with good health. If the situation was reversed, I know Jerry would have done the same thing."
Sign Your Organ Donor Card Aecording to the United States Government website on organ donations? all individuals can indicate their intent to donate (persons under 18 years of age must have parents or guardian's consent). Medical suitability fear donation is determined at the time of death. There are no age limitations on who can donate. The deciding factor on whether a person can donate is the person's physical condition, not the person's age. Newboms as well as senior citizens have been organ donors. To become an organ and tissue donor, indicate your intent on your driver's license. Carry an organ donor card. Most important, discuss your intentions with year family and other people important to you, so that*at the time of death, there are no questions about your intent to donate your organs. Your family may be asked to sign a consent form in order for your donation to occur. Organs that are needed for transplants include: heart, kidneys, pancreas, langs, liver, and intestines; the following tissues are also needed: cornea, skin, bone marrow, heart valves, and connective tissue, as well as bone marrow. Minorities may be particularly concerned about organ donation. Some diseases of the Mdney, heart, lung, pancreas and liver are found more frequently in racial and ethnic minority populations than in the general population. Some of these diseases are best treated through transplantation; others can only be treated through transplantation. Successful transplantation often is enhanced by the matching of organs between members of the same ethnic and racial group. For example, any patient is less likely to reject a kidney if it is donated by an individual who is genetically similar. Generally, people are genetically linked by their ethnicity or race than to people of other races. Therefore, a shortage of organs donated by minorities can contribute to death and longer waiting periods for transplants for minorities. By fiie way, the very first kidney transplant in this country occurred at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 197Q. More information is available on Minorities and Organ Donation and Transplantation, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health, by calling its office in Washington, D.C., (MOTTEP): (202) 865-4888, or locally: the National Kidney foundation of Nebraska, (402) 572-3180.
> Is a leader in rural health-care initiatives. The UNMC Rural Training Tsack for physicians is now the largest in the nation. • Recently completed a revision of the College of Pharmacy curriculum In the spring of 2001, the College was reaccredited for the maximum six years ' Has had a presence in more than 130 Nebraska communities this year through its teaching, service and research programs. •Was honored, by U.S. News & World Report, as having its physician assistant program among the top 10 in the country.
Nebraskans can take pride in their only publicly funded academic health sciences center. If you or an organization to which you belong would like to arrange a tour of Cur campus, call (402) 559-4353. If you would like more information about UNMC ..' _... call or visit our Web site at www.unmc.edu:
Just ask 'a teacher S»J!VS!SI11»1DF
,
Medical Cehfeh -
Hdp us find a cure. 1-800-LONG-USA When "too Can't Breathe, NoHiing Elie Matters*
AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATIONwww.fungusa-org