Vol. LXXX1
No. 23
Omaha, NE
3 Adar, 5762
February 15, 2002
NEXT MONTH: JEWS IN SPORTS: OMAHA HOSTS THE 2002 MACCABl GAMES
Speaker Relates Life of Janiisz Korczak: A Tale of 'Stunning Simplicity1 by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor—
Not until 1978, when she hosted a Polish theater director in her Cape Cod home, did children's book author Betty Jean Lifton hear the name of Janusz Korczak for the first time. "As (the director) was describing what it had been like for her troupe to perform in his ghetto orphanage, I interrupted to ask who Korczak was," Lifton said in the introduction to her 1988 book, The King of Children. "I couldn't tell if she was more shocked at my ignorance or at my mispronunciation of his name, but she spent a few minutes teaching me to say 'Kor-chock' before answering my questions." Needless to say, Lifton was captivated by the story of Henryk Goldszmidt, better known as Janusz Korczak, a physician, educator and writer who built a school that served as a sanctuary for Jewish children during the brutal occupation of the Nazis of the Warsaw Ghetto. Lifton will be in Omaha next weekend to tell the fascinating, but heartbreaking, story of this man, who marched into the fires of Treblinka, carrying a little girl while holding a little boy's hand. She'll speak Friday night, Feb. 22, 8 pan., at Temple Israel on "Striving for Justice: Korczak's Court of Peers and Justice System." On Saturday night, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m., Lifton will speak at Beth El about "The Rights of the Child." Both events, part of a year-long study of Korczak by the Institute of Holocaust Education in cooperation with the ADL/CRC, are free and open to the public. But Korczak is more than a a legend, according to Dr. Lifton. He introduced the first progressive orphanages to Poland, founded the first national children's newspaper, trained teachers in what is
now referred to as "moral education" and worked in the juvenile courts defending children's rights. Last year, Korczak was posthumously given honorary fellowship into the American Academy of Pediatricians. During the Academy's national convention, its chairman, Dr. Steve Berman, noted that "Dr. Korczak was one of the world's great humanitarians. During the 1920s and '30s, he committed his life to what he called Europe's 'throw-away1 children. "He believed passionately about the need to recognize the rights of children and to respect their dignity," Dr. Berman said, adding that the reason for recognizing Korczak was "to inspire us and challenge us by his actions and deeds." Dr. Lifton, who made four trips to Poland and two to Israel to research her book on Korczak, is also the author of Twice Born: Memoirs of an Adopted Daughter and A Place Called Hiroshima. "Betty Jean Lifton has captured the essence of Korczak's spirit through its historical content, but more so, through the personal accounts and stories of the survivors who relayed their story to her," said Beth Seldin-Dotan, Director of the Institute for Holocaust Education. "Lifton was clearly touched by Korczak's legacy to believe in the child and to allow the child his/her own identifiable rights as a child," she added. "Though Korczak's life ended tragically in the darkest moments of our Jewish history, his educational and philosophical agenda for children can still be brought to the forefront of education today. For more information about Lifton's appearances in Omaha, call the Institute at 330-1303.
Community Purim Celebration Has Something for Everyone by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director •
The only place to be on Purim this year is at the Community Purim Celebration, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. The Purim Celebration is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Young Jewish Omaha (YJO), Chabad House, Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue and Temple Israel. Festivities include prizes for costumes, face painting, clowns, storytelling by Nancy Rips, and music by Tuffy Epstein. A festive kosher dinner will be served for $10 per person. Dinner will be available for young children for $5. Rabbi Howard Kutner of Beth Israel Synagogue said, "It's wonderful that our community is once again getting together in celebration of Purim. In the story of Purim, it was the Jewish people's unity, which helped bring about their victory over their enemies. In these trying times for Klal Yisrael, it is most fitting for Omaha's Jewish community to demonstrate achdut (unity or togeth-
erness) by sitting down to the Purim Seudah (feast) as one big family." Temple Israel's Rabbi Aryeh Azriel is also looking forward to the community celebrating together. "I wish the holiday of Purim occurred every month!" he asserted. "As a community, we come together too many times for sad commemoration. Purim is about joy, masks- and good community conversation. Please come!" Rabbi Paul Drazen of Beth El Synagogue, added, "Purim is the most unusual of Jewish holidays, a celebration of life as life reawakens from winter. Formality of such statements aside, the Purim celebration is a great time for us to get together with no other goal than to be together. For reservations, call the Purim Hotline at 334-6402, or e-mail Brenda Frank at bfrank@jewishomaha.org. Dinner orders may be placed on the Hotline using a credit card, or mail or bring your check to the JCC, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154.
Business Hall of Fame to Induct Joe Kirshenbaum and Harlan Noddle by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor--™--—--™
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According to longtime business associate and friend Jay Lerner, it's no surprise that Joe Kirshenbaum and Harlan Noddle will be inducted into the Business Hall of Fame by the Omaha Chamber of Commerce. "My association with Harlan and Joe is long and far-reaching," said Lerner, who served as President of the Jewish Community Center (and later the Federation), while Kirshenbaum was President of the Federation and Noddle was Chairman of the first Blumkin Home Building Campaign. "There aren't two finer men to work with — professionally, as well as in a volunteer role."
Joe Kirshenbaum Harlan Noddle The Chamber annually honors men and women "whose accomplishments in business were historically significant to the development of Omaha. The award was initiated in 1993 in celebration of the Chamber's 100th anniversary. Noddle and Kirshenbaum will be among a group of six business leaders to be honored at a dinner on Wednesday, April 10, 6 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Convention Center, 72nd and Grover Streets. Probably the best known in Omaha for One Pacific Place, Noddle and Kirshenbaum have developed or purchased more than 85 shopping centers and five office buildings in 16 states. The partnership began in 1971, when a mutual friend brought the two men together to develop a shopping center at 74th and Pacific. At the time, the business consisted of Noddle, Kirshenbaum and a secretary. Today, 20 men and women are involved with the company, including Kirshenbaum's son, Jeff, and Noddle's daughter, Susan. The two partners and friends are not just being honored for their business acumen; they've both served the Jewish and general communities in leadership positions. Jan Perelman, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, described the two men this way, "Joe's and Harlan's importance to our community is immeasurable. Each of them have served in the highest leadership positions of the Federation, and we continue to rely on their guidance and vision today. They have built an amazing legacy that will continue to grow for generations to come," she added. "When you talk about love for Jewish community, you're talking about Harlan and Joe!" (Continued on page 2)
8NS8OE: Elderhood
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Hadassah Celebrates 90th
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Friedel Hires Outside Consultant..,..page II Conservative Anniversary.
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February 15, 2002
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
PROGRAM ASSOCIATE
We Need You!
GENEVIEVE BORNSTEIN Genevieve Bornstein died Feb. 8 at the age of 81. (Full-time Position) by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE »~.~— Services were held Feb. 11 at Temple Israel, with Parashat Terumah burial at Beth El Cemetery. rfyou are an organized, creative, dedicated individual who If we had before us the recent brochure of the Bornstein worked on a number of electoral camenjoys working with children and teens, then this is the American Red Cross, we could use it here. The paigns, including those of the late Sen. Edward job for you! writer of the Red Cross pamphlet made it quite Zorinsky, Sen. Bob Kerrey, and Bill Hoppner's run The ideal candidate will work with the Jewish Programming clear that it could not do the things it does without for governor. Director in organizing and implementing programs for youth, as well as Cultural Arts programs within the community. Comthe willing, if not the eager, participation of the She was preceded in death by her husband, Mel. petitive salary and excellent benefits. public. In times of disaster, and in ordinary times Survivors include her daughter, Linda Patton of REQUIREMENTS: Able to work some evenings and weekas well, the Red Cross has duties and opportunities Omaha; son and daughter-in-law, John and Terri ends • Participate in occasional out-of-town events • Have good communication skills • Work well with people • Be flexin and for society. Lee Farber of Winnepeg; grandchildren, Michele, ible and enthusiastic. Our Sidrah names one particular need in society, Jennifer, David and Steven Patton, all of Omaha, SEND RESUME TO: the ancient Israelite society, and that is for a sanc- and Jordan Farber of Winnepeg; and sister, Esther Rachel Blum • 333 S. 132nd St. • Omaha, NE 68154 / or FAX 334-6466 / tuary. The text has it that God says, "Let them Canar of Omaha. make me a Sanctuary so that I may dwell among Memorials to the Bornstein Endowment Fund them." The rest of the Sidrah describes what the for Social Injustice at Temple Israel. Sanctuary is to be and what it will take in terms of gold, silver, brass, timbers and fabrics to prepare the Sanctuary. As a matter of fact, the rest of the UJCHears from Prime Minister Residential Mortgage Services, in Book of Exodus deals only with the Sanctuary and how it is to be prepared. Take advantage of today's We may stop and ask ourselves how seriously we low mortgage rates! should take God's demand/request for a Sanctuary so that he might dwell among the Israelites. Does • Purchase your new home! he need a building? a chapel? a Sanctuary? No, it • Refinance your existing is only that the need for a Sanctuary is a human need for a place upon which attention can be conhigher rate loans! centrated. • Consolidate non-deductible bills Why should we make contributions? To begin into deductible debt! with, we feel the need to give if only as a payment for our right to be alive. Then there is the old saw, • Take equity out for other investments! that two Jews can agree on no subject at all excepting on what a third Jew should give as his contriCall Residential Mortgage Services bution. for Omaha's lowest fixed rates. Guaranteed! In various communities, and for various needs, there have been attempts to divide the total need United Jewish Communities (UJC) Chairman Omaha 333-7900 by the number of people, with some adjustments Jim Tisch, right, introduced Israeli Prime Bellevue 292-7900 for the ability of A and B to contribute. Where this Minister Ariel Sharon to donors to the UJA Council Bluffs 322-7900 has been tried, usually there is a substantial num- Federation Campaign on Friday. The Prime Lincoln 423-8885 ber who will mutter to themselves and to others, Minister, speaking to the group one day after meeting with President Bush at the White "No one will tell me how much to give!" House, reviewed economic, security and In exceptional communities, such as our own, CUP & SAVE immigration challenges facing Israel and the attempts to raise funds for worthy objectives, critical needs of Jewish populations in Federation, synagogues, schools, are more or less Argentina and elsewhere around the world. uniformly successful. We here ought to congratulate ourselves on the leadership we have enjoyed Solution t o Last Week's and the quality of our community. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Temple Israel "Shabbat ComestoYou," at the Blumkin Home, 2 p.m. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 USY Winter Shabbaton, 7 a.m. Sisterhood Shabbat, 9:30 a.m., at Beth El J-ROK Hanging at the 'J', 6:30 p.m. BESTT Melavah Malkah, Grades 7 & 8, 7p.m., at Beth El SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple WRJ Friendship Tea, 2 p.m., at Temple Boys Scout Pack Meeting, 3 p.m. Visions at Mahoney State Park, 3 p.m. Pushkin Club, 4:30 p.m. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18 YES Program, 10 a.m. JFS Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30 a.m. Boy Scouts, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 ADL/CRC Board Meeting, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Teen Workshops with Rabbi Elkins, 6 p.m. Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m., at Beth Israel Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Friedel Brownie Troop, 4 p.m. Youth Group Dinner, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel BESTT High School and Dinner Night, 6 p.m., at Beth El Adult Education, 6:30 p.m., .at Temple Israel NCJW Meeting, 7 p.m. Chabad House Jewish Learning Institute, 7 p.m. Holiday Workshop: Purim, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Adult Education, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Meeting, 7 p.m. NCJW Speaker David Krause, 7:30 p.m. All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press Is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hort at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION'S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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SJNL Professor Speaks About Evolution
AT A L AM PL U SC R
by JEWISH PRESS News Service
Alan C. Kamil, Professor of Biological Sciences and Psychology at the University of NebraskaLincoln, will speak on Thursday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m., on "Evolution: What We Know, Think and Believe." Light refreshments will be served. The event is part of the Minstretchers series, sponsored by Tifereth Israel. Dr. Kamil is Director of UNL's Cedar Point Biological station and has published six books and more than 90 articles, including many on his original research on animal behavior. For information, call the synagogue at 432-8569.
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by OZZIE NOGG :— According to the rabbis, the arrival of Adar — the month in which Purim falls — brings increased joy. So get your costumes and noisemakers ready, because the "People in Charge of Purim Plans" at Beth El Synagogue have been working overtime, arranging the following Purim festivities: Monday, Feb. 25, 7p.m. - The Erev Purim service includes a Shushan Slide Show produced by Beth El's kindergarten-eighth grade kids. Come see the show and applaud as our second-graders receiver their own miniature scroll. A full Megillah reading will follow at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, 6:15 a.m.-Shaharit includes the whole Megillah for early birds. Sunday, March 3, 11:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. -The annual Purim Carnival, sponsored by BILU USY, offers food, prizes and games for the whole family. Shake a leg, shake a grager and be there! For more information, call the Beth El office, 492-8550.
Business Hat 1 of Fame (Continued from page 1) . Noddle is a member of the boards of Nebraska Health System, National Conference for Community and J u s t i c e , t h e University of Nebraska Foundation and the Omaha Symphony. Kirshenbaum, in addition to serving as president of the Federation, was also President of Beth Israel Synagogue and is a member of the board of the Methodist Hospital Foundation. Proceeds from t h e event support Junior Achievement, the Omaha Business Hall of Fame Scholarship Foundation, Omaha 2000, and a permanent display at the Durham Western Heritage Museum. Four new two-year scholarships will be awarded to Omaha-area high school seniors for use at any Nebraska college or university. Tickets for the dinner are $150 each; tables of 10 are $1500, and patron tables are $2000. For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 346-6000.
February 15, 2002
J e w i s h Press, Omaha, NE
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CANDLELIGHTING Friday, Feb. 15
5:40 p.m.
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>ii|:!;:':WE^^ FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You, 2 p.m., Cantor Wendy Shermet and members of OTYG will lead a Shabbat service at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home; Early Worship Service, 5:30 p.m., Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Jeffrey Taxman will officiate using the Union Prayer Book. This service is especially planned so that at its conclusion, you may be home early to enjoy a Shabbat meal and evening; Family Service, 7:15 p.m., Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate along with Grade 4 students. The Oneg Shabbat is sponsored by the Grade 4 families and the Women of Reform Judaism. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:3010:15 a.m. Please join us as we continue our study of "Traditional Prayers, Modern Commentaries: The S'hma and Its Blessings;" Services, 10:30 a.m. David Alan B e l m o n t , son of Betsy and Ben Belmont, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, F e b . 17, Seminars on Sunday: "Judaism and the Messiah" 10-11:30 a.m. Rabbi Stiel will look at the origins and development of the idea of the Messiah in Judaism and how it differs from that of Christianity. TUESDAY, Feb. 19, Conversations with Rabbi Azriel, noon-1 p.m. An informal BYO Brown Bag lunch and discussion of current events and issues that effect the Jewish community. WEDNESDAY, F e b . 20, Jewish Meditation, 6:45-8:15 p.m., Congregant Mimi Rogers will lead this Jewish Journey Group through spiritual growth; Conversations with Judaism II—History and Sources, 6:45-8:15 p.m., with Prof. Guy Matalon. THURSDAY, Feb. 21, Beyond Basic Hebrew, 9:15-10 a.m., Elyce Azriel is the instructor; Adult Study with Cantor Wendy Shermet, 10-11:30 a.m. The focus is on "The Jewish Year Through Music" which will include Shabbat and holiday songs; Basic Judaism, 7:30-9 p.m. FRIDAY, Feb. 15, Beginning Refresher Hebrew, 9:30-11:30 a.m. COMMUNITY KALLAH GUEST SPEAKER FRIDAY, Feb. 22, 8 p.m. Dr. Betty Jean Lifton, an authority on Janusz Korczak and award winning author, will speak on "Striving for Justice: Korczak's Court of Peers and Justice System."
ROSE BkUMKIN JEWISH HOME Saturday Morning Services, 9 a.m., led by Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation. Kiddush follows services.
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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: Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:45 pan.; The West Minyan is at the home of Dennis and Susan Paley, 13014 Leavenworth Road, 5:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbos services, 8:45 a.m.; Free Babysitting begins at 10 a.m. and runs through the conclusion of services; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Willis Ann and Alvin Ross in honor of the upcoming birthday of Jean Epstein and the family reunion; Mincha, 1 p.m., Havdalah, 6:41 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m., and 5:45 p.m. There is no Sunday School today. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m., and 6:30 p.m. TUESDAY, Feb. 19: Talmud class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20: Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Kutner, noon at the office of Joe Kirshenbaum. A Bagel Bin lunch is available by making a reservation with the office; Holiday workshop, 7:30 p.m., Purim: Foods, Customs and Practices with Rabbi Kutner.
SK-KftShttpi^el^ FREDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Congregation will lead services at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. SUNDAY: Religious Hebrew School, 9:45 a.m.( at theJCC. TUESDAY: Religious Hebrew School, 4 p.m., at the JCC.
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi P a u l Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat andArvit I'shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: S i s t e r h o o d S h a b b a t , P'sukei D'Zimrah, followed by Shabbat Shacharit, 9:30 a.m., Sisterhood members will lead services; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; TSS (grades 371 10a.m.; KTantan (K-3), 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Story Time (pre-K & under), 11 &.m..; Humash Class with Rabbi Drazen, 5:15 p.m.; MinhaMa'ariv and Havdalah services, 5:45 p.m., in the Chapel. FREE SITTER SERVICE Available every Shabbat morning from 10 a.m. to the conclusion of services. These programs welcome children ages 18 months-kindergarten, in their age-appropriate program. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Minha/Ma'ariv, 5:30 p.m.; Perek Yomi will meet at 10:15 a.m. , study will continue on the Book of Exodus, led by Dick Fellman. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 6:55 a.m.; Minha/Ma'ariv, 5:30 p.m. Join us every day for breakfast after minyan. ADULT B*NAI MITZVAH CLASS WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20, "Jewish Thought" with Rabbi Drazen, and Hebrew with Cantor Berkovits, 7:30 p.m.
CONGREGATION SHABBAT DINNER Friday, Feb. 22, featuring K-2 kids with their families following services at 6 p.m. DR. LEON FELLMAN SCHOLAR-IN-RESDDENCE Feb. 23-24, Rabbi Arnold Resnicoff will speak at Shabbat services, BELLS luncheon and Sunday morning breakfast.
Member of the Union of American Hebrew Member of theUnited Synagogue of Gonseiyative Judaisni;
Services officiated by Rabbi Michael Weisser. ^FRIDAY: Shabbat services, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m.; Game Night, 6 p.m. SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; Religious School, 10 a.m. MONDAY: Adult Hebrew Study, 7 p.m. TUESDAYS: Read Hebrew America, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAYS: AA Meeting, 7:30 p.m., in the Library; Board meeting, 7 p.m. THURSDAYS: Purim rehearsal, 7-9 p.m.; A Taste of Judaism, 7:30 p.m.
Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, M o n d a y a n d T h u r s d a y , 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. "Chevra Kadisha" Lunch and Learn following services. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY: Pirkei Avot, 10 a.m. MONDAY: Perek Yomi, 7:15 p.m. TUESDAY: Aleph Bet, 7:15 p.m.; Introduction to Judaism, 8:15 p.m.
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FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
Beth El to Host Shabbat Dinner by JEWISH PRESS News Service •
FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. An Oneg Shabbat will follow.
An Affiliate of the ^orldwide Ohabaci-I.uliavitch ^Iovem<»ht ;?;•• :{i866;:$o;=120th St., Omaha, NE!68144-1646:'^:, WEBSITE: www;chabadceriters.coin/omaha Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. MONDAY-FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. MONDAY: Prophets Lunch, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. TUESDAY: Womanly Art of Prayer, 9:30-11 a.m. WEDNESDAY: JLI class at the JCC, 7-8:30 p.m.
Beth El Synagogue's next Friday Night Shabbat Service and Dinner is scheduled for F e b . 22, 6 p.m. These special programs are led by Rabbi Drazen and Cantor Berkovits. The evening will begin with Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma'ariv services, and segue into a traditional kosher Shabbat dinner. The entire mishpacha is invited to attend this welcome to Shabbat. No reservations are needed for services, but table assignments will be made for dinner. Please call the office no later than Feb. 18 to save a place. Cost is $10.50 for adults, $6 for children ages 3-12. Kids under three eat free. RSVPs received after Feb. 18 will be accepted on a food-available basis at a cost of $11.50 for adults, and $7 for children. Cost includes a 3% contribution to Mazon, the Jewish Response to Hunger. Because food must be ordered, there can be no refunds after Feb. 20. For more information or to make reservations, please call the Beth El office at 492-8550.
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PERSONAL The family of William O'Hanlon would like to thank the many friends who did so much for us during our time of loss. We would also like to thank Rabbi Mendel & Shani Katzman and Rabbi Paul and Susie Drazen for their support, and Rabbi Howard and Nadine Kutner for their guidance and compassion. May his memory be a blessing to us all. Donald, Maggie, Ben & Audrey Gerber
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February 15, 2002
^i5Sl5^d'.i'j- : '^' r> •* *"t-!",V', Meeting the Future Some organizations are better positioned to keep pace with the fast-moving events of the 21st century than others. Case in point: when Jewish Family Service discovered the growing need for aging parents to plan for the future of their disabled young adult children, JFS gave them the unprecedented opportunity to voice their concerns at a board meeting of the Jewish Federation. JFS, under the very professional leadership of Steve Stiel, then followed up by hiring a part-time professional who knew how to maneuver among the state and federal social service agencies which provide funding for the developmentally and physically challenged. Today, JFS runs a support group, provides services for parents and their disabled children, sponsors the Yachad youth group and is investigating long-range plans. What JFS has shown, then, is the ability to respond quickly to the changing needs of t h e Jewish community. Others should learn from their
example. Unfortunately, most Jewish organizations find themselves stuck in a time warp. Their leaders spend too much time remembering the "good old days" and insisted things continue as they were "because that's the way we've always done it." They're unable to deal with conflict, often letting molehills build into mountains because they ignore, or worse, demean the concerns of their members. They don't plan for change, preferring, instead, to just let old patterns, good or bad, continue. A well-run organization, on the other hand, has leadership who can think "outside the box," finding creative solutions for everything from volunteer/staff relationships to solving conflicts among members. They pay attention to details and are committed to excellence, and they welcome diversity in everything from leadership styles to program ideas. A healthy organization isn't afraid to fail, because they know that trying new strategies will enable them to survive...and thrive.
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Tremping by TEDDY WEINBERGER "
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I dare say that one can lead a full and productive life in America without ever hitching a ride or picking up a hitchhiker. In Israel, this would practically be impossible. Yes, even though this country is extremely security conscious, hitchhiking (tremping) is a way of life. The basic principles for hitchhiking success apply in Israel just as anywhere else: the more that both parties in the tremping relationship can feel secure, the greater the chance for success. But there are a few phenomena particular to the Israeli experience that make for tremping's popularity, and so forthwith, a short Israeli hitchhiker's guide. Soldiers are the hitchhiking royalty of Israel. Though soldiers in uniform are entitled to free bus service, they often find it more convenient to hitchhike. Most Israelis do not hesitate to pick up a soldier: not only are they doing a good Zionist deed (the soldier, after all, is helping to protect Israel's citizens), but as opposed to other hitchhikers, one may actually feel more, rather than less, secure with an. armed soldier sitting in one's car. Tremping is so widespread among soldiers that they may become easy kidnapping targets of terrorists. And so every now and then, the Army broadcasts cautionary public service announcements that urge soldiers to carefully scrutinize the car, its dri-
ver and any other occupants before entering a vehicle. As is often the case in Israeli public-service announcements, the message is quite blunt: "Soldier, don't get on a tremp without knowing how you're going to get off!" The civilian tremping kings are ultra-orthodox men (tremping is not a sufficiently modest endeavor for the women). A simple reason for this is that many of the ultra-orthodox do not own cars. Ultra-orthodox trempists meet with much success because many drivers consider the uniform of the ultra-orthodox as assuring as that of a soldier's. And when you add to this uniform the other aspects of an ultra-orthodox male's appearance (razor-short hair, side curls and uncut beard), you've really gone out of your way to make a driver feel secure in their decision to pick you up. A third category of Israeli trempists are those who hitchhike from within an enclosed community. Givat Ze'ev is home to 10,000 people, but there are only a few ways to get in and out of the town. Standing at one of these exits with your arm down and second and third fingers extended (rather than the American hitchhiking posture of arm up and thumb held high), you have a decent chance of being picked up by a friend or an acquaintance or at least by someone who has seen
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you around and knows that you live in Givat Ze'ev. There are many small communities in Israel and there is often just a single entrance to them, so people who want tremps (men and women, young and old) congregate there. This is why, on any given weekday afternoon, you can see very respectable Orthodox women (teachers at my children's school who live outside the community) standing at the main exit to Givat Ze'ev awaiting a tremp. I like the fact that tremping is a way of life here. In a perfect world, tremping would be ubiquitous. If you could be absolutely sure that a hitchhiker really just wanted a ride and would present no safety risk to you, chances are that you would often stop to pick people up. And if you could be sure that the driver stopping to pick you up would do you no harm, you would not think twice before getting into a stranger's car. But we live in an imperfect world, and so unless I know the person or unless the trempist is a soldier, I force myself to drive right on by, avoiding their beseeching eyes. But every now and then I go for it. I give a stranger a ride. To date, it's always turned out well: I feel good about doing someone a favor, and if the trempist is in a talkative mood, I also get to practice my Hebrew.
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^ JEWISH PRESS
(Founded in 1920)
The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.
Nebraska Press Association
Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication.
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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: ckatzman@jcwishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: mlapour@jewishomaha.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 Jen Gates Production Assistant George Schapiro Volunteer
JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Joanie Jacobson,.Vice-Chairman; Penny Endelman, Secretary; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Lloyd Roitstein, Immediate Past-chairman; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Jean Duitch; Kip Gordnian; 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 Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product or establishment.
February 15, 2002
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
As Jews, We Want by JAN SCHNEIDERMAN
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WASHINGTON-Wliy is it that after 29 years, the pro-choice community still celebrates the anniversary of Roe v. Wade? This year, as in the past, Jan. 22 was observed across the country with candlelight vigils, rallies, press conferences, marches, lobby days in state capitals, dinners, lunches and even interfaith services. Wherever there are National Council of Jewish Women groups, our members participated on Jan. 22 just as they have for almost three decades. Along with other like-minded groups and individuals, they saluted the 7-2 United States Supreme Court decision holding that a woman's right to choose to have an abortion is constitutionally protected by our right to privacy. This year, however, what's in the back of our minds is that this historic decision is in real danger. The late Justice Harry Blackmun, author of the majority opinion in Roe, explained the decisions importance quite directly when he referred to it as, "a step that had to be taken as we go down the road toward the full emancipation of women." Anyone who remembers the days before the 1973 ruling, understands his words. Before Roe, two thirds of the states outlawed abortion except to save a woman's life, and 17 percent of all deaths due to pregnancy and childbirth were the result of illegal abortions. Before Roe v. Wade, an unwanted, unexpected or unhealthy pregnancy could cost a woman her mental or physical health, her future fertility or her life. Before Roe, women were not free to make moral decisions about this most personal and important aspect of their lives. This new freedom expanded religious freedom as well. Since this 1973 ruling, women have been free to make decisions about their pregnancies in keeping with the dictates of their faiths. No religion's view on this issue prevails. Women who do.not believe in abortion are not coerced into terminating their pregnancies under any circumstances. As Jewish women, we are free, if we choose, to follow Jewish law in regard to making this decision. With state neutrality on this issue, women are free to decide based on their religious beliefs, conscience and in consultation with their loved ones, physicians and clergy. A majority of the Jewish community and Jewish communal organizations agree that this is how it should be. In many communities, reproductive choice is a hollow right so encumbered by restrictions that women have little or no choices. Since the Roe decision, prohibitions on insurance coverage for abor-
to Remain Free to Choose tion services, lack of professional training in abortion procedures, and the daily threat of clinic violence have made abortion services less accessible to many women in this country. Perhaps the greatest threat, however, rests in the uncertainty of the future composition of the federal bench, the appellate courts and the Supreme Court, which serves as the ultimate safeguard of this and other rights. The high vacancy rate on the federal courts, as well as the real prospect of several upcoming Supreme Court vacancies, pose the biggest challenge yet to Roe v. Wade. That's why NCJW members around the country, including Omaha, marked this Roe anniversary by calling their U.S. senators. These are the men and women who must vote to confirm appointments to the federal courts after they are nominated by the White House. Through their calls, NCJW members urged senators to confirm only those nominees with a demonstrated commitment to Roe v. Wade, a decision that we view as a basic human right. This call-in day was part of BenchMark: NCJW's Campaign to Save Roe, which aims to educate and mobilize the pro-choice Jewish community. We hope that other Jewish organizations will join us in defense of Roe, and we feel certain that pro-choice women and men in our community will visit www.ncjw.org to sign up to be part of this campaign. A quick scan pf anti-choice Web sites indicates that these groups have already joined the effort to support judicial nominees who will overturn Roe v. Wade. They have rallied behind Judge Charles Pickering Sr., under consideration to fill a vacancy on the Fifth Circuit Court covering Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Judge Pickering has shown his views on choice, voting as Mississippi state legislator to ban abortions and leading the effort to get a plank in the Republican Party platform (1976) in support of overturning Roe. Those who support freedom of choice cannot afford to stand on the sidelines, watching silently as our federal judiciary is packed with judges hostile to women's reproductive rights. Today, we tell young people what life was like for women before Roe v. Wade. What will we tell future generations about what we did to save reproductive choice, to secure the rights of women to make moral choices and control their lives? Otnahan Jan Schneidennan is the National President of National Council of Jewish Women.
To t h e Editor: Were you once active in the Northeast Lakes Federation of Temple Youth? If so, you'll want to know about a NELFTY Reunion for those_active between 1969-74. This reunion will be held in Cleveland from Nov. 1-3, 2002. For more information, please visit our website at www.nelffcy.coni. Parents of former NELFTYites are encouraged to send this information to their now-grown children. Bruce Henries, Chairman, NELFTY Reunion Cleveland, Ohio To the Editor: I am looking for personal accounts of compassion or kindness to an ex-spouse, for a book I am writing. Families separated through divorce can still weave experiences of mutual respect and harmony. Perhaps your story will inspire others to minimize or even overcome the pain and suffering that adults and children all too often undergo as a consequence of divorce. If you have such a story, please contact me at hainsof@netvision.net.il. Hanna JafTe Jerusalem, Israel To t h e Editor: Recognizing a crisis in book publishing that creates extraordinary difficulties for first-time authors, the Koret Foundation created the Koret Jewish Studies Publications Program. It provides publication subsidies between $3000 and $5000 for scholarly works in any area of Jewish Studies. The Koret Foundation is among the larger Jewishsponsored charitable trusts in the United States, helping to develop and enhance vibrant thriving communities in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Israel. Since its founding in 1979, Koret has awarded more than $200 million in grants to support community projects, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations active in areas of public policy, arts and culture, and programs for disadyantaged youth and elderly citizens. Those wishing to apply for a grant must submit a one-page letter describing the proposed book, its table of contents and a curriculum vitae to Koret Jewish Studies Publication Program, Koret Foundation, 33 New Montgomery, Suite 1090, San Francisco, CA 94105. A web site, w w w . k o r e t foundation.org provides additional details. Nancy Fox San Anselmo, CA
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Jewish Family Service presents Becoming a Love and Logic Parent "It was nice to hear that other parents experience the same parenting struggles. Sharing these experiences helped me determine what techniques work for my daughter," P. Nogg This 4-session course will be taught by Karen Gustafson, licensed therapist from Jewish Family Service. Classes will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. March 14,21 and April 11,18 at the Jewish Community Center. Registration Fee is $50 per family. Sliding fee available-call for information. Child care for ages 1-12 provided for $2 per child per session.
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Page 6 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 15,2002
IfifiNHMi
ORGANIZATIONS Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10:15 aan, with Eileen Remer, or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m, Bring articles to share for ""YES Talk" at 11 ajn. Following lunch at noon, the Heartland Hoedowners will perform. For transportation, call 330-4272. Make reservations with Maggie Conti at 334-6521 Reminders: Deadline is Feb. 21 for Bluffs Run on Feb. 28; deadline is Feb. 18 for Purim Party on Feb. 25.
Megan Adams, daughter of John and Bettie Adams, has been select- *".'• •' 4V-.'*:./. ed as a member of Teach , for America, a program ' which places recent col-, lege graduates in under-} resourced urban and; rural locations around; the United States. Megan will graduate! this May from the University of Iowa with WALK-IN, DROP-IN a B.S. in Political Sci-j Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. ence and a B.A. in History and Art History. She is Exercise starts at 10 a.m. For those going on the Director of Undergraduate Legal Services at the day trip to the Greek Island restaurant and IMAX, University, and formerly served as Executive of the please meet at the JCC main entrance at Undergraduate Activities Senate. She will teach 10:30 a.m. For transportation, call Maggie Conti at for two years in the Mississippi Delta. 334-6521. Sylvia Jacobs of Columbus, NE, was recognized YIDDISH CLUB with the 2002 Sertoma Club Service to Mankind Lomir Redn Yiddish: Let Us Speak Yiddish Club Award. Since moving to Columbus in 1960 with will meet Thursday, 1-3 p.m., at the JCC. Call her husband, Bob, Jacobs has been a Red Cross Bloodmobile coordinator, an active member of Anne Skolkin for information at 343-1638. Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and Soroptimist and a participant in the Big VISIONS Let's meet the pioneers on Wednesday, March Brothers/Big Sisters organization. 6. Join us for a box lunch at 11:30 a.m. (optional), Given annually to a non-Sertoma member, the $5.50 per person. At noon, Jeff Kappeler will Service to Mankind award is the highest given by speak. At 1 p.m., a docent from the Nebraska the group. Jewish Historical Society will guide us through the exhibit "Unpacking on the Prairie: Jewish Women Nikki Komanik, who participated on the steerin the Upper Midwest." Send reservations to ing council of the Indiana University Dance Marilyn Fried, 2821 So. 76th Ave., Omaha, NE Marathon as Chairman of Operations, has been 68124. Deadline is Feb. 25. named Director of Fundraising for the 2002-2003 Join us for a Mississippi Cruise from July 22-25. annual event. Last year's fundraiser raised Send reservations to Betty Sanford, 9205 Western $405,412 for the Ryan White Infectious Disease Center at Riley Hospital for Children. St., #127, Omaha, NE 68114. She is the daughter of Marc and Susie Romanik BWAI B'RITH BREADBREAKERS of Omaha. Madeline Aufseeser, Senior Vice-president of First Data Resources, will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Feb. 20, noon., at the Park Inn Regency, according to chairman George Aufseeser. by ART GROSSMAN Lunch is $9; beverage service only, $2. The proMy son, Dr. Ron, sends me articles relating to gram is open to the community. strategies that help preserve mental functioning for elderly folks. TfflRTY-NINE FOREVER Recently, in an article appearing in a publication Thirty-Nine Forever will attend the Omaha Lancers hockey game on Saturday, Feb. 23, called Geriatrics, Dr. Gene Cohen writes about the 7:05 p.m. Dinner will precede this event at powerful effects of social involvement and activity in Caniglias Venice Inn at 5 p.m. For additional late life. Dr. Cohen reported that researchers found the elderly who exercise their brains, as well as bodinformation, contact Maxine Noodell at 393-7624. ies, confer survival that can extend their lives. And that is what Oldtimers/Y.E.S. is all about! BIRTHS An impressive example of that reasoning was exemplified at a recent gathering. Following lunch, the entire group went on a "field trip" right next Jeff and Jennifer Kully of Hastings, NE, door to the Gallery of the 'J' to view an exhibit of announce the Dec. 19 birth of their son, Jace the lives of Jewish women in the upper Midwest Douglas. during the last century. The exhibit depicts how Grandparents are Louis and Debra Kully and these women maintained their Jewishness, kept Douglas and Deborah Ockinga. kosher, and observed religious holidays. Great-grandparents are Milton and Marian Docents Shirley Kulakofsky and Midge Bowers, Cackin of Omaha. representing the Nebraska Jewish Historical and Jewish Cultural Arts Council, guided Jay and Gretchen Slusky of King of Prussia, Society the memorable tour. PA, announce the Jan. 18 birth of their son, Ryan The early bird discussion analyzed scams that Abraham. invariably bloom as the tax season begins. The Grandparents are Jerry Slusky of Omaha, most common targets for the dishonest predators Harriet Fishel of Boca Raton, FL, and Joe and are the elderly. Suzanne Hopper of New Wales, PA. We stood in reverent respect in memory of John Great-grandmother is Esther Dolgoff of Omaha. Jacobs and Morris Boguchwal. Shalom.
The Visiting Nurse Association of the Midlands will host its fifth annual celebration of Art & Soup, Sunday, March 3, 6-9 p.m., at the Durham Western Heritage Museum. The fundraising event will highlight artwork from local and regional artists, who will donate 50% of the proceeds from sales that evening to the VNA's Shelter Nursing program. Guests will be able to sample soups from local restaurants, bread donated by Great Harvest Bread Company and Panera Bread, desserts donated by WheatFields, and flavored coffees from Herman Nut/Pears Coffee Company. Tickets are $25 in advance at Hy Vee grocery stores, or by calling 930-4224. Imagination takes flight at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln on Friday, Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m., with MOMIX in Orbit, a company of dancer-illusionists with a unique combination of acrobatics, humor and fantasy. For tickets, call the Lied box office, 1-402-472-4747, or 1-800-432-3231. The Omaha Area Youth Orchestras will present a youth symphony concert this Sunday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m., at the Strauss Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, according to musical director Aviva Segell. On Sunday, March 3, 7 p.m., ensembles of the OAYO will perform at the Strauss Center. Tickets are $7 for each concert, and $5 for students or seniors; they are available by calling 2382044.
RISSEEN/KULUVA Mr. and Mrs. Jack Dunn of Omaha and Michael Rissien of: Las Vegas jjg announce the upcoming marriage of their daughter, Jennifer 8 Lynn Rissien, to Mark Alan. Kuluva, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lynn 1,.. , Kuluva of **•" Overland Park, KS. The bride-to-be is an Education and Health-care Participant Specialist with American Century Investments. Her grandparents are Ruth Oruch of Omaha and the late Harold Oruch, and Tibby Rissien of Des Moines and the late Sam Rissien. Her fiance is a Retail Originator with Conseco Finance Servicing Group. His grandparents are Phyllis Kuluva of Kansas City and the late Harry Kuluva, and the late Dr. and Mrs. Henri Grand-Jean. A March 16 wedding is planned at Kehilath Israel Synagogue in Overland Park. MAKE YOUR PICK THE BEST. PICK. . . '
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February 15, 2002
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
by Mary Fellman, Editor
: V,S;>^! #1 New MTimes -
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Stories to Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit Aside from having 40,000 items available for Passover approach, be sure to look for our holicheckout, the Kripke Jewish Federation day books! Library also offers many books for sale! The Library also sells hundreds of used Whether you are looking for a gift for someone books, starting at 500 (haggling encouraged), (ages 1-101), look no further. As Purim and These are books which are duplicate copies, or
than you are ) (.Old age is 2 0 years older I s ;
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which have been donated, They are continually changing, and you never know what might be available-from travelguides to popular fiction, Come on in! With your doctor's help, you may reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by taking an aspirin a day.
y seem like a luxury, but a tele- \
\ phone In the bathroom can be a lifesaveyf
Are you a TV muncher? Instead of cheese or chips, switch to low-fat microwave popcorn, raw vegetables and low-fat dip, or baked chips.
IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY HISTORY OF HEART DISEASE
TAKE THESE STEPS TODAY • Schedule a complete physical exam, including a stress test and lab tests to measure levels of cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood. • Talk to relatives to find out all you can about your family's history of heart disease. Did an adult immediate family member (parent, brother, or sister) have a heart attack or die suddenly at an early age-before age 55 for men; before 65 for women? • Eat extra servings of fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants and other nutrients in these foods help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. « Enjoy a brisk walk. Being sedentary increases your risk of heart disease. • If you smoke, stop. Smokers are twice as likely to have a heart attack as nonsmokers. The good news is that the risk drops rapidly once you quit. Vbur morning routine is private, we know. Did you ever wonder what everyone else does! 90% of us depend on alarm clocks to wake us. 2 1 % of us don't make our bed daily. 5% of us never do. 13% have spent a night in jail. 45% use mouthwash every day. 22% leave a glob of toothpaste in the sink. 53% of women will not leave the house without makeup on. 9% of us skip breakfast daily. 66% eat cereal regularly. 70% of us drink orange juice daily. 47% drink out of the carton.
/Women tend to outlive men by an aver-\ 'age of 8 years. There are 150 women to everyS N^lOO men over the age of 65. /
«K* -' Mississippi s staxtin Don' Send your $50 deposit now! Remember. . .if you have to cancel, your deposit will be returned! Entire cost of the trip is $499. So sign up NOW! Send your $50 deposit, payable to Visions: Betty Sanford 9205 Western, #127 Omaha, NE 68114 ^Call with any questions^ 399-2001 Did you know a phots album can be used for other things • Use for recipe clippings. • Store empty seed packets in it so you can remember what you planted. • Put sports cards in it. • Put various or extra ID cards, etc., in it. • Keep plastic stakes with plant .names and growing-care tips in it..
Symptoms NOT To Treat Yourself Get to the Doctor or an emergency room immediately if you have any of the following symptoms: 1. A feeling of pressure or squeezing in your chest. 2. Severe pain, especially in the head, chest or radiating down one arm.
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3. Blurred vision. 4. Trouble talking or swallowing. 5. Dizziness and confusion. 6. Blood in your urine or stool. 7. Unrelieved depression.
I ' I • 1 • I • I
Have you seen the exhibit Unpacking on the \ Prairie: Jewish Women in the Upper Midwest? It is • a 'show and tell' about how immigrants adjusted to j life on the prairie, and did their best to maintain their • culture and customs! It will be in the Gallery at the J JCC through April 21, except for holidays when the • 'J' is closed. The exhibit is open Mondays-! Thursdays, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fridays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; ° and Sundays, 1-5 p.m. a If you want to schedule a group tour, please call • ! 334-6441. If no answer, leave your name and phone I number and your call will be returned. mm U •nmwi . a n
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Tips To Help the Elderly Eat Better We hear a lot about how too many sugary sodas and fast-foods may be leading to record weightgains among kids and an epidemic of diabetes. But people of every age need to be concerned about their eating habits-especially the elderly, for whom cooking is often a chore. Two free booklets can help seniors stay healthy: Growing Older, Eating Better (from the FDA), and Food Safety for Seniors (from the FDA and FSIS). To order, call 1-888-878-3256, weekdays 9 a.m.-8 p.m. EDT; ask for "Food Advice."
GOD BLESS AMERICA-LAND THAT I LOVE!
Page 8 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 15, 2002
Tempie Enhances Requirements for B'nai Mitzvah Students
I Restaurant 1 and Lounge
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN, Temple Israel Communications Coordinator >
I Saving Omaha's finest steak ! primerib,lobster and crab legs. I Located at 173rd and Mercy Road
Nick Ferer takes his "The more confident a ?\ dog, Link, to Methodist child is at his Bar Mitzvah Hospital and to Child or her Bat Mitzvah, the |OPEN 7 NIGHTS A WEEK Saving Institute. more comfortable everyone &Mon. thru Fit for lunch "I walk him around will be," said Cantor Wendy |Reservations and let the elderly peoShermet, who has been a honored 391-744O ple pet him," said Nick. Turn your sense of member of the Temple He has noticed that Link fashion into an. . Israel staff since July of brings smiles to their Chu's fNTR|F>R|N|URi|l| last year. She works intenfaces and stimulates talk sively with each child for 6455 Center about the older folks' Cantonese and American several months prior to his dishes are both featured. own dogs. At Child • Represent an exclusive or her "big day." Complete Chinese food New York collection of Saving Institute, Nick lets carry-out service is available. More complete involve. _ , »a J J .e* T women's designer sportschildren walk Link, L a r o n Mon.-Sat: 11 to 9 wear • Flexible hours • Sell ment in the service bv the ^ 8 e iPasser, center, son and Jeff a t of t h Sandy e Sunday: Noon to 9 B'nai Mitzvah students and ? * f \ volunteered . JCC's Camp via home trunk showings w h o «loves ^ a c c o r d i n g Closed. Tuesday better preparation is an on- S h a l o m l a s t s u m m e r > ^}P^S counselors by t o Ni<jk< R e fcakes L i n k 553-6454 going process at Temple, supervising and entertaining preschoolers. about six times a Cantor Shermet explained. To assist in the process, month and is considering continuing his mitzvah proCantor Shermet updated the requirements for the ject after his Feb. 23 Bar Mitzvah. B'nai Mitzvah students in the fall of 2001. Current "I coached basketball at the JCC," said Spencer Steaks and Italian Cuisine sixth graders and their parents received a tape Gallner, whose Bar Mitzvah is on March 16. Along Finest Homemade which included Torah and Haftorah trope, and a with a friend, the boys coached first graders twice a second tape with all the blessings they would week for about five months. Italian Cooking learn. Michael Crabb also worked with young children Open 7 days a week Additionally>Bbeginning with kindergartners, stu- for his mitzvah project. He volunteered at the dents have a service attendance requirement. For JCC's summer camp for four-year-olds. "It was 5013 Underwoodexample, sixth graders are expected to attend 15 fun," he said. "I wanted to work with children who (6 Blocks North of 50th & Dodge) services (either on Friday night or Saturday morn- were old enough to talk to me." 556-9505 ing) during the year, while seventh graders attend Michael added that in fifth grade, he had "a great all the B'nai Mitzvah of their fellow classmates. time interacting with people" at a homeless shelter "By participating regularly in Shabbat prayer, that he visited with his classmates from Temple. each child learns the value of prayer, study, He also felt he was doing something good for the mitzvot and song," emphasized Cantor Shermet. community. He recommends doing "something you Each student also meets one-on-one with one of like so you'll remember it with good feelings" and four mentors (Beth Walts, Marvin Parilman, Elyce continue to perform mitzvot after the B'nai Azriel and Eileen Kader) for 15 half-hour sessions Mitzvah year. once a week. Mentors prepare the students in the Susan Crabb, Michael's mother, thought the new blessings chanted during the service and help requirements seemed almost daunting when they improve the youngsters' Hebrew skills. Part of the were first presented to her at the sixth grade meetPacific Place Mall • 10317 Pacific St. mentor's job also includes going over the back- ing last fall. However, she discovered that many of Phone: 399-8204 • Fax. 399-0540 ground of the Bar Mitzvah, said Cantor Shermet, the Bar Mitzvah prerequisites would be fulfilled by as well as general Torah and Haftorah information. regular attendance at religious school. Their mentors are also the children's friends, As for attending services, she doesn't think the added the Cantor. students are required to attend too many. Cantor Shermet is continuing the trope class for "I benefitted from going," she said. "And the more sixth graders. Trope is the system of melodic you go, the easier it will ba" for the entire family LUNCH SPECIALS phrase used to chant the Torah and Haftorah along when the child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah day arrives. SERVING MEXICAN FOOD with four other books. Parents are also invited to She added that she's glad she was required to • Fajilas • Taco's attend trope class, which is part of the sixth grade attend services because, "I always enjoy going, It's • Enchiladas • Tamales Hebrew class, on Thursdays at 5 p.m. a peaceful break from our busy lives." 90th & Arbor FULL AMERICAN MENU All Temple Israel students must also complete a "I like the mitzvah project idea," she said. 391-0191 • Steaks * Sea Food mitzvah project by the day of their B'nai Mitzvah. Michael's schedule bustles with school, sports and FAX 391-1086 • Prime Rib • BBQ Ribs "We're trying to encourage a wider variety of music, so his mother appreciated that the staff at Mon-Sat 11am-1am mitzvah projects," Cantor Shermet noted. Temple was reasonable and flexible as Michael Sun 4pm-9pm Childrens Menu Available Locally Owned & Operated Party Room Available Leslie Graul, whose Bat Mitzvah is on March 9, chose his project. She's also glad she has gotten to has been working with handicapped children in a know the clergy better as she brings Michael to horseback riding program in Valley for her mitzvah Temple for instruction. project. She grooms, saddles and bridles the horses Choosing the project also generated family disand then plays games with the children while cussion about performing mitzvot. Susan Crabb they're riding. Leslie, who has been horseback rid- hopes her son will remember that "it's the little ing herself for two and one-half years, heard about everyday things—like holding the door open for Chinese the program on the radio. someone—that count."
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Cub Scouts Enjoy Pine Wood Derby by ALLISON LATENSER
The JCC auditorium was the scene of cheering more information, call me at 553-8853. racers as the Cub Scouts of Pack #218 held their annual Pine Wood Derby. As observers wandered in to see what all the excitement was about, they saw the happy, eager faces of the young builders as they cheered for their own cars. After 30 races, the winners were announced: Oliver Rockman, Danny Pachman and Aaron Nissen finished finishedfirst, Nissen first, secsec _ „, _ , _. „. , _ , . , , , „ ome tne ond and third All scouts ^ °* Scouts in the Pine Wood Derby included, front row: Jacob received ribbons of recog- L e h r > le^' o l i v e r Rockman, David Glazer, Cameron Davis, Ariel Yoel, nition Pack #218 wel- •^ a r o n Nissen, Alex Pachman, Daniel Schlessinger; hack row: Jonathan comes newcomers. For B a k e r > D a n n y Pachman, Joey Kahn, Alex Terry and Josh Moran.
February 15,2002
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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For 90 Years, Hadass ah Volunteers Have Been Cooking Up a Storm by LINDA MOREL——-— Proud of their baking skills and Hadassah's conNEW YORK (JTA)--"People at the Hogar Adolfo Hirsch old-age home celebrate Purim every year," nection to Purim, today's volunteers still savor the says Irene Lubasch de Munster, of Buenos Aires, holiday foods their families carried to America. Esther Caplan, former regional president of the who assists a t the home and is a member of Pacific Northwest and current leadership developHadassah. She describes how elderly residents and their ment chair of the Seattle chapter, has fond memoaides prepare for their annual Purim party, mak- ries of Foulare (pronounced Foo-lar-eh), pastry ing posters and invitations* and designing masks baskets filled with hard boiled eggs. Caplan's recipe hails from her Turkish greatand costumes. They hire musicians and decorate the dining room to the hilt. Several residents grandmother. She claims the crisscross pieces of pastry covering eggs symbolize Hainan's incarcerjudge who dons the best costumes. "Like every good Jewish festivity, the celebra- ation, and secured eggs represent his ankle. tion ends with food," says Lubasch de Munster. Baked with and without shoes or feet, baskets "The most distinctive treats are, of course, featuring these appendages are traditionally reserved for males. hamantaschen." Like the rest of the This Purim, Hadassah, The Omaha Chapter of Hadassah will women in Caplan's famithe international wo- celebrate its 90th birthday with an HIES men's Zionist organiza- luncheon on Wednesday, May 22, at ly, though, her two daughters prefer pastry tion, is celebrating its to eggs. 90th anniversary. Active the Ironwood Country Club. "As children, they As part of the festivities, which will in more than 30 countries, its volunteers sup- honor Hadassah members age 90 or wanted baskets with port two hospitals in older, Hadassah will raffle nine prizes, shoes because they Israel, medical research one for each decade, donated by Hy- offered more of the stuff they loved," she says. and Jewish education. Vee, Borsheim's, Lindy Freed, Claude's "To make the girls They are not only powerhappy, my husband used and others. Tickets are $1 each, or 11 ful advocates for woto sneak them p a s t r y men's rights, working for $10, and may be purchased by callshoes." tirelessly against domes- ing Georgianne Steinberg at 558-5813. Several years ago, the tic violence, but encourCaplan family enterage women to vote on tained a doctor who was visiting Seattle from one election day. of Hadassah's hospitals in Israel. They took him The connection between good deeds and to their Sephardic synagogue for festivities and to Hadassah began on Purim Eve, Feb. 24, 1912, at hear the Megillah of Esther. Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan. "While he enjoyed celebrating Purim American The intellectual Henrietta Szold addressed fewer than 20 members of the Daughters of Zion, style, the thing that really thrilled him was the primarily a study group, and suggested a revolu- plate of Foulare I served," says Caplan. From the other side of the world comes another tionary idea for women: activism. She proposed creating a Jewish women's organi- family story and recipe for Filled Raisin Cookies. "I have been baking these cookies for so many zation that would affect peoples' lives. In a Purim years that I haven't thought about the story state of mind, the membership chose its name behind them in ages," says Claire Baer, a volunbecause Hadassah is the Hebrew word for Esther. teer from Stony Brook, NY, who admits to learnCenturies earlier, the story of a Persian queen ing how to make these "hidden hamantashen" and her cousin Mordecai was recorded in Megillat from her mother-in-law 51 years ago. Esther. Mordecai knew that King Ahasuerus was The recipe originated with the great grandmothholding a contest to select a bride. er of Baer's husband, who worked as a cook in a Overhearing that the king's vizier Hainan was Christian household in Berlin. Every Purim, she plotting against the Jews, Mordecai convinced not only baked filled raisin cookies for her family, Esther to enter. A young beauty, Esther won the contest and the king's hand in marriage, although but also for her employers. Although they devoured them quickly, she never she kept her religion a secret. When Mordecai informed Queen Esther that told the Christian family why she made them only Hainan intended to annihilate the Jews, she once a year. "These cookies once followed my daughter to colapproached her husband and revealed that she lege, and now her family looks forward at Purim was Jewish, imploring him to spare her people. The king supported his wife, and Haman was to the large tin of cookies that I send them," says hung on the gallows he'd built for Mordecai. Baer. "My youngest granddaughter counts cookies Because days of gloom turned into gladness, and advises her family how many each person will Mordecai and Esther asked people to give charity receive." Of course no recipe exchange at Purim would be to the poor and send loved ones baskets, known as complete without hamantashen, triangular cookshalach manot. Today these portions are small ies shaped like Haman's hat. boxes or plates of baked goods. This recipe comes from Jackie Woodland, former "I first learned about the custom" when "I was president of the Chappaqua-Mt. Kisco, NY, chap15 years old," says Terri Elbaum, a Hadassah volter and later president of the Southern Seaboard unteer from Los Angeles. Region. Years ago when Woodland's daughter, "Our rabbi's wife left a plate of Purim goodies on our doorstep. I never forgot this and knew, some- Betsy Karpenkopf, was in 11th grade, she studied day, I would prepare baskets for friends and fami- Russian in a class taught by Mr. Renhack, a ly, and secretly leave them on their doorsteps to Catholic from Brooklyn. "He was a portly man who loved food," find and enjoy." 1 Now a wife and mother, she bakes for Purim, no Karpenkopf says, explaining that if any of his students arrived in class without their books or matter what. Not long after an earthquake in 1994, Elbaum homework, the punishment was to bring baked and her daughters turned out hamantashen by goods the following day. Renhack made it clear the dozen, surrounded by plastic drop cloths while that plain old chocolate chip cookies or, heaven forbid, slice-and-bake cookies were unacceptable. workmen repaired the damage to her house. "Well, I forgot my homework one Purim, so I Elbaum loves to bake and has invented original recipes, including chocolate and apple-nut fillings presented him with a plateful of hamantaschen for hamantashen and her own chocolate chip made from my mother's recipe," Karpenkopf says. Renhack took one bite and said: "Mmm, cream mandol bread. During the organization's 90-year history, cheese dough. That's not very traditional, is it?" He was correct; cream cheese is an unusual Hadassah volunteers have been avid bakers, freingredient in hamantaschen dough. However, quently selling home-made pies, cakes, cookies, foods with fillings follow a Purim tradition, symand kugels as fundraisers for charity. Most often, bolizing a story that unfolds. they relied on recipes their ancestors prepared in the "old country." (Continued on page 10)
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February 15, 2002
Hadassah Bakes (Continued from page 9) •— " ~ «*™™~«™^~~~»'™«—
ESTHER CAPLAN'S FOULARES: TURKISH PURIM EGGS No-stick vegetable spray 1 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup ice-cold water salt to taste 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 dz. hard boiled eggs, cooled with shells on Preheat oven to 350°. Coat baking sheets with nostick spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine oil and water. Slowly mix in flour and salt, adjusting if necessary by adding more water or flour to get a Playdough consistency.
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CLAIRE BAER'S FILLED RAISIN COOKIES Pastry: No-stick vegetable spray 1/3 cup butter, room temperature 1 cup sugar 1 egg, beaten 1/2 cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla 31V2 cups flour 3/4 tsp. salt 3 tsp. baking powder
Prepare Raisin Filling (recipe below). JACKIE WOODLAND'S FLAKY HAMANTASCHEN Preheat oven to 375°. Coat cookie sheets with noDough: stick spray. 2 cups flour 1 cup butter Cream butter. Mix in sugar, egg, milk and vanil1/2 Ib. cream cheese No-stick spray la. Slowly add remaining ingredients, beating well. Cream butter and cheese. Sift flour and gradually On a lightly floured surface, in batches, roll add to butter mixture. Make a ball of dough and dough 1/8 inch thick. With a 2112 inch cookie cutrefrigerate overnight. ter, form circles. Place a 112 teaspoon of filling on Next day, prepare prune filling (recipe below). each circle and cover with another circle. Crimp Leave dough at room temperature for 15 minutes. edges with your fingers. Cookies resemble round Preheat oven to 350". Coat cookie sheets with noravioli. stick spray. Not wasting dough from surface, repeat until no On a floured surface, roll dough 1/8 inch thick. dough remains. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until Using a 2112 inch cookie cutter, cut in circles and place 112 tsp. of filling in center. With fingers, edges lightly brown. Cool. Yield: 32 cookies. crimp edges in three places to form triangles. Not wasting dough from surface, repeat until no dough Raisin Filling: remains. Bake on cookie sheets for 15-20 minutes, or 15-oz. box black raisins 2 tsp. flour until golden brown. Yield: 64 cookies. 1/4 cup sugar Prune Filling: 3/4 cup water, or more if needed 12 ounce box pitted prunes Place ingredients in a small saucepan and stir. 1/2 cup water 1/2 tsp. lemon juice Simmer mixture, mashing until raisins soften and In a small saucepan, simmer prunes in water and thicken. lemon juice, mashing until mush. Cool before hanCool before handling. dling.
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Make a golf ball-sized ball. Gently press an egg into the dough ball. Shape dough around it forming a basket that covers about 112 inch around egg. Repeat 5 times; six eggs in all. Repeat for remaining six eggs. Shape six pieces of dough into the shape of a shoe and press into baskets. The basket should sit in the heel of the shoe. Crisscross two strips of dough per egg and lay across eggs, pressing strips into dough baskets to form a handle on each of the 12 baskets. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until dough is golden brown. Cool to room temperature. Serve on plate, break open baskets, remove eggs from shells, and enjoy.
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by OZZIE NOGG ; In his distinguished 28-year Navy career, much of it spent as "top chaplain" for all Army, Navy, and Air Force Chaplains of all faiths, Rabbi Arnold Resnicoff often shuttled between 89 countries— from Albania to Zimbabwe-bringing religious support to Jewish service men. But when he arrived in Beirut, Lebanon, in October of 1983 to conduct services for a Jewish soldier killed by a sniper, Resnicoff had no idea that he would witness, coincidentally, the terrorist truck-bomb attack on the Marine barracks/BLT Headquarters. For Resnicoff, Beth El Synagogue's upcoming Dr. Leon Fellman Scholar-in-Residence, this tragic event had farreaching ramifications. While working with the wounded in the carnage from the attack that killed 245 US service men, Rabbi Resnicoff s kippah was lost. "The last I remember," he said, "I'd used it to mop someone's brow. Father Pucciarelli, the Catholic Chaplain, cut a circle out of his cap, a piece of camouflage cloth which would become my temporary head covering. Somehow, he wanted those marines to know not just that we were chaplains, but that he was a Christian and I was Jewish. "Somehow, we both wanted to shout the message that in a land where people were killing each other at least partially based on the differences in religion among them, we Americans still believed we could be proud of our particular religions and yet work side by side when the time came to help others, to comfort and to ease pain." These words were included in a report of the Beirut attack and rescue effort that the White House urged Rabbi Resnicoff to send to then-President Ronald Reagan. In April, 1984, Reagan read that report as his keynote address to more than 20,000 attendees of the Reverend Jerry Falwell's "Baptist Fundamentalism '84" convention. The impact of Resnicoff s "camouflage kippah" story gained momentum, and reportedly led to the 1985 Department of Defense Religious Apparel Amendment that allows Jewish service personnel to wear skullcaps with uniforms. The Amendment also laid the groundwork for other sweeping changes to the military's approach to "religious accommodation," to the point that today the U.S. is
one of the few militaries in the world that provides kosher rations for troops in the field. Rabbi Resnicoff is convinced that U.S. military personnel must remember both what it is they fight for, and what it is that they fight against. "It's too easy to give in to despair in a world sometimes seemingly filled with cruelty and brutality," Resnicoff said in the Beirut report. "But we must remember not just the depths to which humans might sink, but also the heights to which they may aspire. "To understand the role of the chaplain—Jewish, Catholic, or Protestant-is to understand that we try to remind others, and perhaps ourselves as well, to cling to our humanity even in the worst of times," he added. "We bring with us the wisdom of men and women whose faith has kept alive their dreams in ages past. We bring with us the images of what the world could be, of what we ourselves might be, drawn from the visions of prophets and the promises of our holy books. We bring with us the truth that faith not only reminds us of the holy in heaven, but also of the holiness we can create here on Earth. It brings not only a message of what is divine, but also of what it means to be truly human. "Because of the actions I witnessed during that hell in Beirut," Resnicoff continued, "I glimpsed at least a fleeting image of heaven, for in the hearts and hands of men who chose to act as brothers, I glimpsed God's hand as well. I did not stand alone to face a world forsaken by God. I felt I was part of one created with infinite care and wonderful, awesome potential." Since his retirement from the Navy in October, 2001, Rabbi Resnicoff as been with the American Jewish Committee, where he serves as the National Director of Inter-religious Affairs. During his visit, Rabbi Resnicoffs topic will be "Faith and Force: Religion, War and Peace." He will serve as the darshan on Shabbat morning, Feb. 23, speak at the BELLS Luncheon following Shabbat morning services, and will address a Sunday morning breakfast on Feb. 24. The learning sessions with Rabbi Resnicoff are open to the entire community. For more information, call the synagogue office at 492-8550.
February 15,2002
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
Noted Consultant Retained for Friede! Jewish Academy by DIANE AXLER BAUM —
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Dr. Saundra Sterling Epstein, an internationally respected expert in community Jewish school education, has become an adviser and consultant to the Friedel Jewish Academy. She will be involved in all areas of the school's functioning, said Carolyn Novicoff, Director of Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS). In her first visit to Omaha recently, Dr. Epstein observed the Academy's students and teachers in action. She also met with Omaha's rabbis, the Federation staff, a range of community leaders, and Friedel's Board of Directors and new community task force. Her next visit will coincide with the Academy's School Round-Up scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, where she looks forward to meeting prospective students and parents. "Dr. Epstein has assisted community Jewish day schools throughout this country and around the world to reach new levels of excellence," said Joel I. Rich, Friedel Chairman. "She will offer invaluable guidance to our entire faculty and staff in such areas as curriculum integration and development. She will also assist the strong group of Jewish educators and professionals comprising the new task force." The task force, chaired by Margo Riekes, is charged with exploring the structure, vision and long-range goals for Omaha's community Jewish day school, Rich said. Dr. Epstein established her program, BeYachad, 12 years ago with encouragement and initial funding from the Jim Joseph Foundation. As a consultant, she provides guidance in Jewish and general studies in such areas as curriculum development, instruction and administration. She has worked with Jewish day schools and communities throughout the United States, Canada, Israel and England, and for some of the Lauder Schools in Europe. Her experience includes kindergarten through grade 12.
In a recent interview from her office in suburban Philadelphia, Epstein f' r^n^' i I said she specializes in -•''_ ^jj|Hl9fe4 s "the merging of Jewish education with best educational practices." She has a particular interest, she said, in "creating excellent educational programs that reflect the communities in which they are based," and experience at "negotiat- Dr. Saundra Epstein ing agreements between different segments of the community so they can work together in carrying out these amazing programs."Among the scores of Jewish communities where she has consulted are Louisville, KY, and Charlotte NC, both similar to Omaha in size, dynamics and structure. Much of Epstein's work is aimed at enabling students in community Jewish day schools "to benefit optimally from both educational perspectives, those offered in Judaic and general studies, in a holistic manner." Prior to establishing BeYachad, Epstein acquired a wide range of experience as a teacher and coordinator of Judaic Studies in schools, day schools, and supplementary educational programs. In addition, she has been published in educational journals on topics ranging from the specific study of Jewish classical texts to particular issues of learning and teaching. She also worked in the area of Prejudice Reduction Education. She has written for the Anti-Defamation League, Jews for Judaism, the Jewish Education Service of America (JESNA), and the Conference on Alternatives in Jewish Education (CAJE), among other major groups. It was at CAJE meetings that Epstein first
became acquainted with JELS Director Novicoff, who recalls being thoroughly impressed by both the individual and her accomplishments. "Sunnie Epstein is the most dynamic, energetic woman I've ever met. Her ideas match her energy," Novicoff said. Raised in Baltimore, MD, Epstein earned her degrees at the University of Pennsylvania. She holds a BA in Judaic Studies, an MS in Curricular Development and Educational Administration, and an EdD in Jewish Education, which bridged the School of Education and the Department of Judaic Studies. She also holds Teaching and Principal's licenses from JESNA's National Board of License.
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Friedel Academy to Host School Roundup
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latives. This is so imporThe annual school tant for this age. round-up for the fall of "I have taught in other 2002 will be held Tuesschools with large groups. day, March 5, at the A huge factor for incomFriedel Jewish Acadenry. ing kindergartners is Parents are invited to their comfort level. Kids choose either a morning are frightened, feeling session, 11 a.m.-noon, or alone; here, they never the afternoon from 1have those anxious feel2 p.m. Lunch will be proings," Zeman added. vided. "They trust me because The children will go on a hunt exploring their "Awesome" was the reaction as Friedel stu- they know that I have a new environment, look- dents Dylan Wertheim, left, Andrew Taylon, relationship with each ing for a treasure, which Denise Bennett (upper-elementary teacher), o n e of them. This immedithey will discover, is Audrey Gerber, Elina Yurikov, Arielle Levine a t e level of confidence a n d their own special self. Rachel Reno joined with hundreds of enables us get started Parents will partici- Omahans last month to cheer the Olympic sooner on academics and pate in an hour of coffee torch as it was carried through Omaha, to move more quickly and conversation with renowned day school consul- toward the introduction of more materials. Several of tant, Dr. Saundra Sterling Epstein, and JELS the kindergartners have already started working on Executive director Carolyn Novicoff, veteran educa- first grade math, reading and social studies." Communication with parents is another importor and curriculum expert. "The most important difference in choosing tant issue at Friedel. "I feel very comfortable, as do Friedel over a public school is our small group, low the parents, about discussing issues. We can fit the teacher-pupil ratio," stated Diana Zeman, Friedel pieces of the child's concerns together more quickly head kindergarten teacher. "Because of our smaller than in a larger school setting. This eliminates a population, we're able to set up activity centers for lot of fear and frustration for the child, as well as the students where they can move much more alleviates anxiety for first-time school parents," quickly than in a larger, more impersonal school Zeman said. Elinor Matalon, kindergarten/first grade Jewish setting. studies teacher added, "At Friedel, we show our "Kids often get lost in a big group, especially if they are shy or have separation anxiety," she students how all the things we do as Jews are added. "At Friedel, we can give them individual exciting and fun. Being Jewish is all about our speattention that they simply cannot receive in a cial tradition and values; we learn our own special alphabet and our own special language. This helps classroom with 30 or more pupils. "Friedel is home for them, a nurturing, support- to reinforce to the kids that they are special, too." All Jewish children who will be incoming kinderive atmosphere where children feel safe and happy," Zeman continued. "I really know each gartners for the fall of 2002, as well as current child, how quickly each one can move academically. kindergarten students and first-graders, are invitWe have an abundance of material and since we ed to the round-up. For reservations or more inforcan rotate more quickly, each child has endless mation, call me at 334-6566 or Lori Viken, Friedel opportunities to be individually stimulated. I like Administrative Assistant, at 334-0517. the fact that we have a good assortment of manipu-
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Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 15, 2002
Conservative Groups Seek Unity as They Mark 100th Anniversary by JULIE WIENER — — —
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NEW YORK (JTA)--When the • An Israeli rabbi will head the Conservative movement convenes in movement's rabbinic arm, the Washington this week, it will mark a Rabbinical Assembly. Rabbi Reuven lot of dramatic firsts. And it will. Hammer, who made aliyah from the embody for many a new commitment United States in 1973, was one of the to collaboration among its numerous rabbis involved in the Ne'eman institutions. Commission, a group that sought in Attending the convention from Beth the late 1990s to find a compromise El in Omaha are Rabbi Paul Drazen; among the religious streams over conLarry DeBruin, Executive Director; tentious issues related to conversion. Howard Epstein, President; and Dr. * An Ethiopian-born Conservative Ray Goldstein. Dr. Goldstein, a past- rabbi, Yafet Alemu, who was ordained president of Beth El, lives in in Jerusalem in November, will be Rochester, MN, but retains his mem- inducted into the Rabbinical Assembly. bership in the synagogue. He is also a More traditional than Reform, more past-president of the Mid-Continent liberal than Orthodox, the ConservaRegion of United Synagogue of tive movement has always been chalConservative Judaism. lenging to define. But the five-day gathering, which It sees halachah, or Jewish law, as begins Sunday, also comes amid con- binding but takes a more liberal cern that the 100-year-old movement interpretation than Orthodoxy. is too splintered and may be losing While most of its leaders observe clout. Among the firsts: Shabbat and keep kosher, the majori• Five Conservative groups that ty of its rank-and-file synagogue previously met independently—the members—unlike Orthodox synagogue congregational arm, rabbinic arm, members—are not strictly observant. and three professional associations While the Reform movement has for synagogue executive directors, taken steps to reach out to intermareducators and cantors—will share one ried families and to gay and lesbian conference. Jews, the Conservative movement• A woman, Judy Yudof, will head while welcoming individual intermarthe movement's congregational arm, ried Jews-does not allow non-Jewish the United Synagogue of Conserva- spouses to become synagogue memtive Judaism. Neither Orthodox nor bers. It also does not ordain openly Reform bodies have had women serve gay rabbis. in a comparable role, but the smaller Conservative leaders say they are Reconstructionist movement has. facing numerous challenges, includ-
ing trying to unite the movement and inspire members to take their Judaism more seriously at a time when the movement is not growing and in fact may be shrinking. Both the Reform and Conservative movements say approximately 320,000 households in North America are affiliated with their synagogues. However, the Conservative movement used to be larger than Reform. In the 1990 National Jewish Population Survey, 18 percent of American Jews were affiliated with Conservative synagogues and 16 percent with Reform ones, said Steven Cohen, a sociologist at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem who was involved with the study. In previous studies, the Conservative movement had been even larger, Cohen said. Some in the Conservative movement say that Reform's recent growth can be credited, in part, to the fact that it is more unified. While Reform's many institutions are united under one large administrative rubric-the Union of American Hebrew Congregations-which hosted its largest-ever biennial gathering in December with 5800 people, the Conservative movement is decentralized. Its many institutions not only raise funds separately, but have reputations for not communicating well among themselves. This week's gathering-which brings
together five institutions for the first time-is an effort to start to unite the movement, say Conservative movement leaders. Approximately 1500 people are expected for the convention —a number organizers say is about what they had expected, although there had been initial concerns about turnout being lower. Two Conservative institutions-the Women's League for Conservative Judaism and the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs—are not participating. Leaders of those groups cited the high costs of the convention. Some in the field say it is getting more difficult to recruit members to their synagogues. However, others are more optimistic about the Conservative movement. Riv-Ellen Prell, an American studies professor at University of Minnesota who has studied the Conservative movement, said one can see the "vitality of the Conservative movement in the growth of day schools and in the ongoing and growing popularity of the Ramah movement, whose camps are oversubscribed." Rabbi Jerome Epstein, Executive Vice-president of the United Synagogue, added, "I want to encourage people to" observe rituals "not because they have to but because we've convinced them it will add to their lives. If we can do that, we don't have to worry about numbers."
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