February 22, 2002

WISH PRESS Vol. LXXX!

No. 24

Omaha, NE

10Adar,5762

February 22, 2002

: OMAHA HOSTS THE 2002 MACCABI GAMES

Jerusalem: a City Under Siege

Arafat Ponders Mortality as Israel Eyes Successors by GIL SEDAN

Pedestrians no longer walk casually through the downtown streets, but rather move purposefully to their destination. Far fewer people are to be seen and the relaxed atmosphere that existed in the city before the intifada has disappeared. Many hundreds of extra soldiers and policemen have been deployed in the city to guard against possible terror attacks. Most roof tops that command a good view in

the city center have armed soldiers on duty, looking down at the almost deserted streets below. As the holiday season arrives, the hoteliers and shop owners are not looking forward to much of a revival; in fact, many small businesses have already closed down. Above, a soldier takes a moment to put on tefillin at the Ben Yehuda pedestrian mall,

site of recent attacks.

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JERUSALEM (JTA)-Something is happening to the man who used to be described as the "cat with seven souls." Yasser Arafat, 72, President of the Palestinian Authority and "symbol of the Palestinian revolution," is now talking about his own mortality. Arafat recently told one of the many groups of admirers who visited him in his besieged Ramallah headquarters that he would come to a liberated Jerusalem, either as a victor"or a shahid, the Arabic term for martyr. Then, meeting last week with journalists from the Gulf states and Egypt, Arafat mentioned two of his potential successors—Ahmed Karia, the speaker of the Palestine legislative council, and Arafat's deputy, Mahmoud Abbas. Two other potential candidates are Marwan Barghouti, leader of Patah's Tanzim militias, and Sari Nusseibeh, the PLO official in charge of Jerusalem. The statement won headlines because discussion of life after Arafat is considered taboo in Palestinian society. Yet, the Israeli daily Ha'aretz noted that Arafat merely was reminding his interviewers of the established succession procedures for his dual roles as head of the Palestinian Authority-which governs Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip-and of the PLO, which represents Palestinians both there and in the Diaspora. Some analysts say Arafat is more popular than during the days when he traveled the world on behalf of the Palestinian people. He receives daily delegations of support from the international community. Ha'aretz correspondent Danny Rubinstein, a long-time Arafat observer, said Arafat would never resign, because he has no reason to live but to lead the Palestinian people.

Photo by ISRANET.

Beth El Receives Three Awards at USCJ Biennial Convention by OZZIE NOGG

A delegation from Beth El recently returned from from our fellow Omahans," he added. According to Bruce M. Creditor, Chairman of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Biennial Convention in Washington, DC, where the Awards Committee, "These coveted awards Howard Epstein, Beth El President, accepted three are presented only to synagogues that have Solomon Schechter Awards on behalf of the congre- demonstrated excellence in congregational progation. The awards are presented to congregations gramming. As such, they are a source of pride affiliated with the USCJ that have distinguished not only to the wining congregations themthemselves during the preceding two years in one selves but to the United Synagogue as well." or more areas of congregational life in ways that Selections are based on a variety of criteria, exhibit "extraordinary characteristics and out- including imaginative and creative utilization of standing aspects or achievements which go beyond resources, as well as impact on the congregation's expected norms." membership. The awards were created to recognize The programs receiving Solomon Schechter excellence in congregational programming and to Awards included a Gold Award with special com- help spotlight "models" that may be emulated by mendation in the category of Celebrations for the the entire Conservative movement. "We Love Lucy! Luncheon"; a Silver Award in the The Solomon Schechter Awards have a long and category of Worship for "We're Tenting Tonight! A distinguished history. Established in 1950," they Shavuot Revelation & Revival Meeting"; and a generally are awarded to congregations rather than Silver Award in the HAZAK (Seniors) category for individuals, though there have been some excep"HAZAK: Why Should Kids Have .All the Fun?" The tions, most notably in 1963, when the awards were winning entries were on display during the given to Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Dr. Convention. Martin Luther King for their contributions in the "These awards shine a glowing light not only on area of civil rights. Others in the Beth El delegation were Rabbi Paul Beth El, but on the entire Omaha Jewish communiDrazen; Larry DeBruin, Executive Director; and ty," Epstein said. "Our volunteers and staff planned and organized Dr. Ray Goldstein, a Past-president of the synathe programs for which we received awards, but gogue. Speaking for all of them, Epstein said, "Our prothe programs were supported by the entire community. Over 600 people attended the "I Love Lucy grams stood out over dozens of entries in each cateLuncheon," and our HAZAK chapter is the largest, gory and they certainly highlight the enthusiasm, most active group of its kind in Middle America. creativity, and participation of our members. Beth And while Beth El members make up the core El provided an example of outstanding congregagroup of participants, we get enthusiastic support tional life to other conservative Jews from cities

THE

UNITED SYNAGOGUE Of CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM and congregations across the country. "A big crowd attended the awards ceremony, and I was pleased to remind them that Omaha has a vibrant and extremely active Jewish community," he added. "Many people from larger cities arid from both coasts do not realize the deep commitment that Omahans, and Beth El members in particular, have to Judaism and their synagogue." Founded in 1913 by Dr. Solomon Schechter as the Association of Conservative Synagogues in North America, the United Synagogue serves as a resource to its affiliated congregation and works to formulate a Conservative Jewish response to pressing social and religious issues.

INSIDE: Monthly Calendar.

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Friedel program wins award , Purim and the Internet.

pages 6-7 page 8 page 10

Young leaders meet in Washington..page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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February 22, 2002

Abandoned Palestinian Baby Treated at Hadassah Hospital

Remember, Do Not Forget! BRUCE GOLDBERG PHARMACIST For Home Delivery: metro area: 733-3216 fax: 734-5419

by JEWISH PRESS News Service-

JERUSALEM ~ Two weeks ago, Sallam Sallam, the equivalent of..., Parashat Tetzaveh, Parashat Zakhor baby Jane Doe, was \' • .' Our Sidrah, the Sidrah. before Purim, breaks into brought to Hadass-nh ' the four special special Sabbaths before Passover. Medical Center by :m www.phexpress.com It has nothing with these. It is a Sabbath that calls order of nuns n lin ". •y^, to mind, powerfully, the need to remember her lying abanAmalek, the war-like tribe that attacked infant found doned near a garble Israel as it made its way out of Egypt. Later dump in Bethlehem. Jewish history remembers the injunction to When it was discov destroy Amalek and pictures the Prophet Samuel ered that Salam wiis LePeep Restaurant in a role we do. not like, the role of an executioner. gravely ill with a carAmalek has been used as the example of the diac deficiency, she of Omaha anti-Semite, the Jew-hater, all through history. In was immediately operated on by a Hadassah pediLe Breakfast'Le BmndvLe Lunch OPEN 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. God's good grace, we have never lacked for them, atric cardiologist, who volunteered his services. 7 DAYS A WEEK and even now in these enlightened times, there are more than enough to fill the role. Cater Your Next Event at LePeep! Of late, people have been asking, Why is it that Beth,El Plans LePeep offers a comfortable relaxed Americans are hated by so many people in the atmosphere at an affordable price world? Jews have been asking a similar question Community Second Seder Pepperwood Village • 559-N. 155th Plaza for all of their history. The answer lies partly in by OZZIE NOGG — — - _ — — — _ — — Phone: 408-1729 • Fax: 408-1730 what has been called "dislike of the unlike." That is Thanks to a generous grant from the Herbert part of it, but a larger answer lies in the need of a Goldsten Trust, Beth El Synagogue will again probranch that breaks off from a movement, or a reli- vide a community-wide Second Passover Seder on gion, to defend itself by defaming the trunk from Thursday, March 28, 7 p.m. which it came. In keeping with the words of the Haggadah, the One day, Americans and, we hope, others in our seder theme is "Let All Who Are Hungry Come and troubled world will become broad-minded enough Eat." Last year, more than 200 people gathered WALTER HECHT'S and large-souled enough to recognize the values in around the tables at Beth El and enjoyed a delivarious groups. God grant that we may see the day cious seder meal. when Anti-Defamation Leagues will no longer be Totally traditional, kosher for Passover, "lebedik" NOW SERVING SUNDAY BRUNCH needed. We ought to begin teaching pluralism to and affordable, this special seder will appeal to 10:30-3 our children before the first time they go out to the everyone, especially members of the Omaha 12129 W. Center Rd. (Westwood Plaza) playground. Your rights end at my nose, and vice Jewish community who might not otherwise have 697-5107 . versa. access to a second seder. The Goldsten underwritReservations Recommended {[ It is a practical, not a moral, admonition to ing will let Beth El price the meal at $20 for remember Amalek. How much better, were it not adults, $18 for seniors, $15 for children ages five necessary! But, as we have discovered in our own through 12, and $5 for children under five. The day, there is evil in the world and in the ranks of price includes a 3% contribution to Mazon, the mankind, Jewish Response to Hunger. Non-Jewish Americans are discovering what "We invite everyone to join us for this warm and ; Jews, particularly Israeli Jews, have known all welcoming Pesach evening," said Susie Drazen, Greek, Italian & Lebanese Imported Groceries along! There are people who would be happy to Mil Beth El Program Director. OlivL-s & Olive Oil; Feta & Kessari Cheese; Peta & Bat you! Protect yourself! Amalek and the terrorists For more information and to make reservations, Bread; Falafel mix & Tifiini; Greek & Turkish Coffee; Halva, are one and the same. Protect yourself] due by March 20, please call Beth El at 492-8550. Jams & Molasses; Couscous, Lentils, Wheats, Nuts, Seeds.

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Chabad Celebrates Purim with Patriotic Theme by JEWISH PRESS News S e r v i c e — - - — — - —

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Patriotism is the theme for Chabad's Megillah "On Purim we emphasize Jewish unity," said reading celebration on Monday, Feb. 25, 6 p.m., Rabbi Katzman of the Chabad House, "by sending at the Chabad House. "Purim USA" will feature a food as gifts to our friends, called mishloach manot, multi-media Megillah reading and an all- and giving tzedakah to the poor. We also listen to American buffet dinner. A special tribute will be the reading of the entire Megillah on Purim and remade to America's servicemen and firefighters. dedicate ourselves to our Jewish heritage." Rabbi Mendel Katzman will introduce a new Everybody is encouraged to come in costume, national project, "Psalm Pilots," encouraging a either dressed as a favorite American hero or daily prayer for our soldiers at war. This project Megillah hero. For reservations, please call will be coordinated with the Department of Jennifer at 330-1800, or send a check to Chabad, Defense, linking children and the servicemen for 1866 So. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68144. Cost is $6 whom they are praying. per person, or $25 per family.

Excitement is Brewing for Community Purim Celebration by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director-

The Community Purim Celebration will be held Tuesday, Feb. 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. The event is co-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, the return of Kids Super Sunday clowns, Clancy and Clarabelle, storytelling by Nancy Rips, and Klezmer music by Tuffy Epstein. A festive kosher dinner will be served for $10 per person. A chicken nugget dinner will be available for young children for $5. Purim is celebrated on the day after the great battle in the Book of Esther, which is on the 14th of Adar. There are four mitzvot (requirements) at Purim: Reading the Book of Esther out loud; being festive and rejoicing; giving gifts of fruits and nuts; and offering gifts to the poor.

Traditionally, the book of Esther is read out loud at synagogue twice on Purim: once at night and once during the day. The scroll is called a megillah, and contains the story of Esther. When the name of Hainan is read, people stamp their feet and make noise to drown out the evil name of the villain. Many children, and grownups too, dress in costumes for Purim. There are contests for the best costume, games, plays and fun for everyone. Giving gifts of food (Shalach Manot) to friends, family and neighbors is traditional. Fruit, nuts and hamantashen are the usual gifts. For reservations or more information, please contact the Community Purim Celebration Hotline at 334-6402, or e-mail Brenda Frank at bfrank<s>j ewishomaha.org. Dinner orders may be placed on the Hotline using your credit card, or you can mail or bring your check to the JCC, 333 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154.

February 22, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

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FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 8 p.m., Rabbi Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 Office Hours; Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.Aryeh Aziiel, Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Cantor Wendy a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Services are conductShermet will officiate, along with grade six students. conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. ed by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Community Kallah special guest Dr. Betty Jean FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:55 pjn.; The West Berkovits. Iifton will speak on "Striving for Justice: Korczak's Minyan is at the home of Howard Gendelman and- DR. LEON FELLMAN SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE Court of Peers and Justice System." The Oneg Bonnie Bloch, 5:55 p.m. Feb. 22-24, Rabbi Arnold Resnicoff will speak at Shabbat is sponsored by the grade six families, and SATURDAY: Shabbos services, 8:45 a.m.; Free Shabbat services, BELLS luncheon and Sunday by Mary and Whitney Ferer in honor of the Bar Babysitting starts at 10 am. and runs through the morning breakfast. Rabbi Resnicoff s topic is Mitzvah of their son, Nicholas Ryan Ferer. conclusion of services; Junior Congregation, "Faith and Force: Religion, War and Peace." SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30- 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Donald and FRD3AY: Kabbalat Shabbat andArvit I'shabbat, 10:15 a.m. Please join us as we continue our study Maggie Gerber in honor of the anniversary of Ben's 6 p.m. Congregation Shabbat Dinner, featuring Kof "Traditional Prayers, Modern Commentaries: Bar Mitzvah; Shabbos House, 3-5 pan. at the home 2 children with their families following services. The S'hma and Its Blessings;" Services, 10:30 a.m. of David and Janet Kohll. All school aged children SATURDAY: Sisterhood Shabbat, P'sukei Nicholas Ryan Ferer, son of Mary and Whitney are invited to an afternoon of schmoozing and learn- D'Zimrah, followed by Shabbat Shacharit, 9:30 a.m., ing. Parents are encouraged to attend with their Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; TSS (grades 3-7), 10 Ferer, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. children; Mincha, 5:40 p.m., followed by Shdlosh a.m.; KTantan (K-3), 10:45 a.m.; Shabbat Story ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Feb. 24, Seminars on Sunday: Suedot, sponsored by Yafa Shyken and Joe Shyken Time (pre-K & under), 11 ajru; Humash Class with "Judaism and the Messiah" 10-11:30 a.m. Rabbi in memory of Yafa's father; Havdalah, 6:49 p.m. Rabbi Drazen, 5:25 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 5:55 pan., in the Chapel. Stiel will look at the origins and development of SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m., and 5:55 p.m. FREE SITTER SERVICE the idea of the Messiah in Judaism and how it difWEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m., and 6:30 p.m. fers from that of Christianity. MONDAY, Feb. 25: Fast of Esther starts at Available every Shabbat morning from 10 a.m. to WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, Jewish Meditation, 5:53 a.m.; Morning services, 7 a.m.; Mincha, the conclusion of services. These programs wel6:45-8:15 p.m., Congregant Mimi Rogers will lead 5:55 p.m.; Ma'ariv I Megillah reading (wear your come children ages 18 months-kindergarten, in this Jewish Journey Group through spiritual costumes and bring your noise makers!), 6:40 p.m., their age-appropriate program. growth; Conversations with Judaism II-History followed by a dairy dinner free of charge. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Minha/Ma'ariv, and Sources, 6:45-8:15 p.m., with Prof. Guy TUESDAY, Feb. 26: Purim morning services, 5:30 p.m.; Perek Yomi will join scholar-in-resiMatalon. 6:30 a.m.; Megillah reading, 7 a.m.; late Megillah dence Rabbi Resnicoff at 10 a.m.; 3rd grade THURSDAY, Feb. 28, Beyond Basic Hebrew, reading, 11 a.m.; Mincha, 5:55 p.m. Consecration ceremony, 11:15 aan. 9:15-10 a.m., Elyce Azriel is the instructor; Adult WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 6:55 a.m.; Minha/MaStudy with Rabbi Azriel, 10-11:30 aan. The focus 'ariv, 5:30 p.m. Join us every day for breakfast is on the writings of the Scholars-in-Residence who after minyan. lii^ will join us this year; Basic Judaism, 7:30-9 p.m. ADULT B*NAI MITZVAH CLASS FRIDAY, March 1, Beginning Refresher Hebrew, WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, "Jewish Thought" with l2:S>li9^ :. : '•••'.• Rabbi Drazen, and Hebrew with Cantor Berkovits, 9:30-11:30 a.m. :l^;68124-.^13Qr|:; '•}. phone: 758-9233 PURIM CELEBRATION 7:30 p.m. h^t|p;^ MONDAY, Feb. 25, The entire family is invited PURIM for fun at the box dinner (bring your own) and MONDAY, Feb. 25: Megillah reading, 7 p.m., FRIDAY: Kallah Weekend speaker Dr. Betty mask-making station, 6 p.m.; Purim Spiel, cos- Jean Lifton will speak at Temple Israel, 8 p.m. followed by an ice cream social. tume parade, and reading of the Megillah, 7 p.m. Please attend this Community sponsored event TUESDAY, Feb. 26: Megillah reading, 6:15 a.m. BDLU USY PURIM CARNIVAL Drinks will be provided at dinner; make your reser- where we will explore new ways to make our tradivations by calling the office at 556-6536. SUNDAY, March 3, 11:15 a.m.-2 p.m. For more tions contemporary and meaningful. See Temple's information about fun, food and prizes, call Beth El TOT SHABBAT section for details. at 492-8550. FRIDAY, March 1, 7 p.m. A short service of SATURDAY: Dr. Betty Jean Lifton will speak at song and prayer, followed by cookies and juice, will Beth El, 7:30 p.m. be held for toddlers through children in the primaSUNDAY: Religious Hebrew School, 9:45 ajn., at ry grades and their families. Come enjoy stories the JCC. Purim Play, 11 aon. Wear your costumes! and songs with Cantor Wendy Shermet and Patty MONDAY: Purim Celebration and Megillah readMember of theUnited SynagogueofConservative •Judaism;: Nogg. ing at the Rose Blumkin Home Sanctuary, 7 p.m. :^32|9''Sheridan :Blvd'v;U PURIM CARNIVAL Wear your costumes and bring noisemakers. SUNDAY, March 3, noon-2 p.m. Fun for the TUESDAY: Religious Hebrew School, 4 p.m., at Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. whole family with food, games and prizes. Tickets the JCC. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday and Thursday, sold at the door will be good for both food and PESACH PLANNING MEETING 7:15 a.m. games. MONDAY, March 4, 7 p.m. at the JCC. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. The Purim Carnival, sponsored by OTYG and the SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Junior Women of Reform Judaism, is open to the entire Congregation, 10:15 a.m. community. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY: Pirkei Avot, 10 aan. THURSDAY: Contemporary Issues Forum, 8 p.m. Topic will be "Evolution: What We Know, FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Discussion topic Think & Believe." Open to the entire community. Saturday Morning Services, 9 a.m., led by Alan PURIM will be "Blended Families,rBlended Religions." An Shulewitz. Kiddush follows services. MONDAY, Feb. 25: Ma'ariv and Megillah readOneg Shabbat will follow. ing, 7 p.m., followed by an ice cream social. TUESDAY, F e b . 26: Morning service and t6:FJ!!|p^ Megillah reading, 7:15 a.m. ^ONdREGATlON B'NAl JESHURAN WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27: Shushan Purim FRD3AY: Services, 7:30 p.m. CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the WorldwideC^habad-Lubavitch Movement

1866 So. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68144-1646 Phone: 330-1800 E-MAIL--chabad@aol.com WEBSITE: www.chabadcenters.com/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 aan. WEDNESDAY: JLI class at the JCC, 7-8:30 p.m.

• ; • . ' ; ^ . ' • ' • ' " ' ^ " : : S O U T H : S T R E E T T E M P L E ' ; .'";••,•' . M e m b e r of t h e Union of American H e b r e w Congregations

BARMITZVAH 2061 S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 wvvw.southstreettemple.org Justin Michael Slutzky, son of Jeff and Lesley Services officiated by Rabbi Michael Weisser. Slutzky, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, FRIDAY: Shabbat services, 7:45 p.m. March 2, at Temple Israel. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, A seventh-grade student at Papillion Jr. High, he 10:30 a.m. enjoys playing football, basketball and baseball. SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; Religious School, For his mitzvah project, Justin volunteered at the 10 a.m., Purim Carnival, 11 a.m.; The Megillah Blumkin Home to help set and serve special According to the Beatles, Auld Center, 2 p.m. MONDAY: Adult Hebrew Study, 7 p.m.; The Tuesday dinners, and also calls bingo. Justin has a brother, Jordan, and a sister, Alexis. Megillah According to the Beatles, 7 p.m. Grandparents are Charles and Adele Slutzky and TUESDAYS: Read Hebrew America, 7 p.m. Sharyl Pistulka. WEDNESDAYS: AA Meeting, 7 p.m., Library Great-grandmother is June McNamara. THURSDAYS: A Taste of Judaism, 7:30 p.m.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 4

February 22,2002

Security vs. Civil Rights

EDITORIAL

In fact, many of those convicted in Since Sept. 11, when we woke up to what we perceived as a whole new the 1993 World Trade Center bombing world, but what was, in reality, going were Baluchs (bet you never heard of on right under our noses, our govern- Baluchistan before Sept. 11), an area ment finally has recognized the need within Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan for a drastic improvement in keeping and home to millions of ethnic Baluchs, with their own language, histhe American people safe. Many of us have experienced the . tory and heritage. And, thanks to more longer lines at airports, the random cooperation with other countries, we searches, and "wanding" (who knew know that terrorists in the Phillipines, that "to wand" was a verb?). What we Sudan and Iran have been involved in can't figure out is why 75-year-old attacks against the U.S. in the last two grandmothers are being pulled out of decades (none of whom are Arabs; line to have their carryon baggage Iranians are Persian). checked, when it's highly unlikely While we all want to be safe, do we that they're terrorists. really want our government to know The problem is Americans are try- what's being said inside our homes ing so hard to be politically correct and offices? They have the ability to that security personnel don't want to do that now, along with capturing our appear to be biased by selecting every images on cameras at major intersecperson of color with an Arabic-sound- tions, in shopping malls and schools. ing name for a full body search. And Let's remind our elected officials they shouldn't. Not all Arabs are ter- that we do not want a return to the rorists—and almost more importantly, Red Scare of the 1950s. We're supnot all terrorists are Arabs. posed to be fighting for freedom. fiS

Assume You Are a Muslim Soldier 9

WSttSSSBUSBSSUSSSL by DANIEL PIPES

THE NEW LOOK FOR THE

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Could it be that an important textbook is proselytizing' American 12-year-olds to convert to Islam? The book in question is Across the Centuries (Houghton Mifflin, 2nd edition, 1999), a 558-page history that covers the millennium and a half between the fall of Rome and t h e French Revolution. In the mult-icultural spirit, about half of its eight sections are • devoted to the West, and the other four deal with Islam, Africa, Asian Empires, and pre-Columbian America. Across the Centuries is a handsome artifact, well written, packed with original graphics, and generally achieving the publisher's goal that "students learn best when they are fascinated by what they are. learning." At the same time, there is much in it one can argue with, such as its idiosyncratic coverage of subjects (sub-Saharan Africa gets four times more space than India?). But the really serious problem concerns the covert propagation of Islam, which takes four forms: • Apologetics: Everything Islamic is praised; every problem is swept under the rug. Students learn about Islam's "great cultural flowering" but nothing about the subsequent centuries of statis and decline. Students hear repeatedly about the Muslims' broadmindedness (they "were extremely tolerant of those they conquered") but not a word about their violence (such as the massacres carried out by Muhammad's troops against the Jews of Banu Qurayza). • Distortion: Realities are changed to suit American sensibilities. Jihad, which means "sacred war" turns into a struggle mainly "to do one's best

to resist temptation and overcome evil." Islam gives women "clear rights" not available in some other societies, such as the right to an education? This ignores the self-evident fact that Muslim women enjoy fewer rights than perhaps any other in the world. (Across the Centuries implicitly acknowledges this reality by blaming "oppressive local traditions" for their circumstances.) • Identification as Muslims: Homework assignments repeatedly involve mock-Muslim exercises. "Form small groups of students to build a miniature mosque." Or: "You leave your home in Alexandria for the pilgrimage to Mecca. . .write a letter describing your route, the landscapes and peoples you see as you travel and any incidents that happen along the way. Describe what you see in Mecca." And then there is this shocker: "Assume you are a Muslim soldier on your way to conquer Syria in the year A.D. 635. Write three journal entries that reveal your thoughts about Islam, fighting in battle, or life in the desert." • Piety: The textbook endorses key articles of Islamic faith. It informs students as a historical fact that Ramadan is holy "because in this month Muhammad received his first message from Allah." It asserts that "the very first word the angel Gabriel spoke to Muhammad was 'Recite.'" It explains that Arabic lettering "was used to write down God's" words as they had been given to Muhammad." And it declares that the architecture of a mosque in Spain allows Muslims "to feel Allah's invisible presence." Similarly, the founder of Islam is called "the

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prophet Muhammad," implying acceptance of his mission. (Contrarily, school textbooks scrupulously avoid the term Jesus Christ in favor of Jesus of Nazareth.) Learning about Islam is a wonderful thing; I personally have spent more than 30 years studying this rich subject. But students, especially in public schools, should approach Islam in a critical fashion -learning the bad as well as the good, the archaic as well as the modern. They should approach it from the outside, not as believers, precisely as they do with every other religion. Some parents have woken up to Across the Centuries' problems. •....." Jennifer Schroeder of San Luis Obispo, CA, publicly protested its "distinct bias toward Islam." But when she tried to remove her son, Eric, from the classroom using this book, the school refused her permission and she filed suit in protest a few weeks ago (with help from the Pacific Justice Institute). Across the Centuries involves a larger issue as well—the privileging of Islam in the United States. Is Islam to be treated like every other religion or does it enjoy a special status? The stakes go well beyond seventh-grade textbooks. The next edition of Across the Centuries should give a hint of what's in store. Readers may wish to send their opinions to Houghton Mifflin's editorial director for school social studies, Abigail Jungreis (Abigail_Jungreis@hmco.com). The writer, Director of the Philadelphiabased Middle East Forum, can be reached via www.DanielPipes.org.

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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@jewishomaha.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.

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February 22, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Jewish Institutions Fear Effects from Long-term Economic Downturn by JULIE WIENER — — NEW YORK (JTA)-Robert Belfer, a major donor and lay leader at Yeshiva University, lost an estimated $2 billion in the Enron bankruptcy Gary Winnick, the largest individual donor to the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, has given away almost $100 million to Jewish causes in recent years, including to the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Birthright Israel and Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. His company, Global Crossing, declared bankruptcy last month and now, like Enron, faces an investigation into alleged accounting fraud Amid a recession and several highprofile bankruptcies, Jewish institutions—most of whom were already concerned about the tendency of younger Jews to give less to Jewish causes than their parents did—are nervous. It is not clear how Belfer's losses will affect his philanthropy. He declined to be interviewed, and spokespersons for Yeshiva University said they do not know of any change in his philanthropic plans. As for Winnick, he apparently remains wealthy despite his company's failure. And his charitable foundation, which is independent of Global Crossing, is valued at $100 million. Rosalie Zalis, Director of the Beverly Hills foundation, said its philanthropy will be unaffected by the bankruptcy. But the real impact of the recession on Jewish institutions, including the federation system, and Jewish giving remains to be seen, according to philanthropy experts. Indeed, it is not yet clear how the recession is affecting American philanthropy in general. Patrick Rooney, chief operating officer and director of research for the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University in Indianapolis, said data on fund raising for 2001 is not yet available. However, a survey of fund-raising professionals conducted earlier this winter indicated that "the perception by senior professionals was that it is a more difficult climate in which to raise money," he said. Historically-and not surprisinglygiving slows during a recession, Rooney said. If one accounts for inflation, giving has grown by an average of 3% each year in the past 40 years, but has declined by almost 1% in recession years, Rooney said. Jewish federations throughout North America collectively raised $850 million in 2001, a 3 percent increase from 2000. But now, many are reporting that their fundraising campaigns are down somewhat compared to last year a t this time. (According to Jan Perelman, Executive Director of Omaha's Jewish Federation, the 2002 Campaign is actually showing a slight increase over last year.) However, many attribute the shortfall to the fact t h a t fund-raising efforts got off to a slow start in the fall, with most groups hesitant to solicit donors in the weeks after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. They say they are now beginning to catch up. In addition, many federations

—• report that donors' sense of greater need—particularly the crises in Israel and Argentina—are helping to offset the fact that they are less flu&h with cash. Carole Solomon, chairman of the United Jewish Communities Campaign and FRD department, said it is too soon to tell how the economy will affect campaigns "It's like a guessing game," she said "The pledges and commitments we've gotten so far show us really doing well But the issue may show up, and if it does, it will show up at year-end," when the collection of pledges is completed and reported to the UJC In New York, the number of donors is down—but contributions from new donors is actually up by $1 million, something Paul Kane, Senior Vicepresident of UJA-Federation of Greater New York, which is Noith America's largest federation attributes to the heightened visibility of federation social service agencies in the aftermath of Sept. 11. Kane expects giving from middle class people to be affected more than donations from more affluent ones. "What's happened is the most generous and most affluent have continued to make substantial gifts to us," he said. In contrast, less affluent donors are "the ones most impacted by the economy, and their excess income is not as flexible as among some of the more affluent." It is not clear if that trend is true elsewhere. Bruce Arbit, Co-managing Director of AB Data, a direct marketing firm t h a t works with many national Jewish organizations, said giving from the small donors his company solicits is not affected so far, despite a brief post-Sept. 11 "lull." However, Arbit, who is a lay leader in the UJC and the Milwaukee federation, said he is hearing anecdotally t h a t impact is higher among the "highest end" of donors, whose giving accounts for the vast majority of campaigns. "Retirees living on a portfolio whose value went down a third aren't feeling generous," he said. Many major donors to federations and other Jewish groups are apparently delaying meetings with fundraisers, Arbit said. Mark Charendoff, executive director of the Jewish Funders Network, an association of more than 300 Jewish family foundations and major individual philanthropists, said that "the perception of times being tighter has a great impact on people's willingness to spend money." Funders are more cautious now than in previous years, he said, particularly because their investments are not yielding as much incomeeven if their net worth has remained stable. Many are reluctant to fund anything new this year, he said. But Charendoff is urging funders to try to increase their giving, even if it means dipping into the principle of their assets and not jus,t giving away the 5% that U.S. tax law requires of foundations, adding, "Ifs the responsibility of grant-makers to respond to extraordinary times and say they are going to give more than they otherwise would have."

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Congregational Shabbat Dinner for Grades K,l,2,7p.m., at Beth. El FeEman Scholar-in-Residence Weekend, 8 p.m., at Beth El SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Fellman Scholar-in-Residence Weekend, 9:30 a.m., at Beth El Lunch & Learn on Shabbat, BELLS, 12:30 p.m., at Beth El SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Fellman Scholar-in-Residence, 9 a.m., Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel Consecration of Third Grade Students, 11 a.m., at Beth El Purim Mask Making, noon, at Beth El Girl Scouts Religious Awards Open House, 4 p.m., at Beth El Pushkin Club, 4:30 p.m. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Ta'anit Esther, 7 a.m., at Beth El YES Program, 10 a.m. Purim Family Box Dinner & Service, 6.p.m., at Temple Israel Megillah Reading & Ice Cream Social, 7 p.m., at Beth El Boy Scouts, 7 p.m. Megillah Reading, 7 p.m., at Beth Israel TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Purim Program, 4 p.m., at Beth El Chabad House Purim Program, 4:30 p.m. Federation Executive Committee, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Talmud Class /Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m., at Beth Israel Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Social Justice Club (Gr. 7-12), 5:30 p.m., at Temple Adult Education, 6:30 p.m., at Temple Israel Chabad House Jewish Learning Institute, 7 p.m. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Adult Education, 9 a.m., at Temple Israel Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Purim Funfest, 6 p.m. L.O.V.E. Meeting, 7 p.m., at the RBJH FRIDAY, MARCH 1 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m., at the RBJH SUNDAY, MARCH 3 Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel Purim Carnival, 11 a.m., at Beth El CDC Model Seder, noon Purim Carnival, noon, at Temple Israel Dance Experience Rehearsals, 2 p.m. Managing Stress Class, 4 p.m. Pushkin Club, 4:30 p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 4 YES Program, 10 a.m. Boy Scouts, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, MARCH 5 Sisterhood Board Meeting, 10 a.m., at Beth Is JELS Board Meeting, noon Friedel Jewish Academy Open House and Kindergarten Round-up, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. BBYO Advisor Appreciation Dinner, 6 p.m. NCJW Bookclub (contact Karin Levine for location) Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m., at Beth Israel Friedel Jewish Academy Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. JCC Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 Visions Program, 10 a.m. Friedel Brownie Troop, 4 p.m. Chabad House Jewish Learning Institute, 7 p.m THURSDAY, MARCH 7 Adult Education, 9 a.m., at Temple Israel Religious School Directors Meeting, 11:30 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. NCSY Senior Shabbaton in Kansas City through Sunday FRIDAY, MARCH 8 Beth El USY Kadima Kinnus at Lake DoniphanConference Center, through Sundaj Temple Israel "Shabbat Comes to You", 3:30 p.m BBYO's "Shabbat Across America/Canada", 6 p.m. SUNDAY, MARCH 10 Outreach Program, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel 39 Forever Lunch before Exhibit Tour, noon Temple Israel Club 56, noon NACS International Women's Day Celebration, 1 p.m. Dance Experience Rehearsals, 2 p.m. Workplace Violence Awareness, 4 p.m. Pushkin Club, 4:30 p.m. Greek Dinner, 5:30 p.m., at Beth Israel MONDAY, MARCH 11 YES Program, 10 a.m. OTYG Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., at Temple Is Boy Scouts, 7 p.m. Holiday Workshop: Pesach, Part I, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel

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TUESDAY, MARCH 12 Annual Ministers Institute, 10 a.m., at Temple Sisterhood Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., at Beth Israel Federation Executive Committee Mtng, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. BBG and AZA Council Elections, 6 p.m. Talmud with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m., at Beth Israel JCC Budget Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13 JCC Budget Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. THURSDAY, MARCH 14 Adult Education, 9 a.m., at Temple Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Religious School Committee, 6 p.m., at Temple JFS Becoming a Love & Logic Parent, 6 p.m. Friedel Jewish Academy Parent/Teacher Conferences, 6 p.m. Federation Budget & Allocations Mtng, 7 p.m. BBYO Film and Fashion, 7 p.m. JCC Budget Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. NCSY Latte & Learning, 7:30 p.m., at Border's FRIDAY, MARCH 15 Friedel Jewish Academy Parent/Teacher Conferences, 8 a.m. Visions Membership Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., at Venice Inn SATURDAY, MARCH 16 Lunch & Learn on Shabbat-BELLS, 12:30 p.m., at Beth El "Out of Sight Saturday Night", 6 p.m. Maccabi "Glow in the Dark Basketball", 7 p.m. SUNDAY, MARCH 17 Outreach Committee Meeting, 9 a.m., at Temple Social Justice Panel, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel WRJ Cradle Roll Event, 10:30 a.m., at Temple Kids' Snack and Learn, 11:30 a.m. Israel Experience Preparatory Class, 1:30 p.m. Dance Experience Rehearsals, 2 p.m. Back Injury Prevention, 4 p.m. Pushkin Club, 4:30 p.m. Deli Nite, 5 p.m., at Temple Israel MONDAY, MARCH 18 YES Program, 10 a.m. JFS Executive Committee Meeting, 11:30 p.m. Boy Scouts, 7 p.m. Federation Budget Hearings, 7 p.m. Holiday Workshop: Pesach, Part II, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel

TUESDAY, MARCH 19 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. BBG and AZA Council Elections, 6 p.m. NCJW Meeting, 7 p.m. Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m., at Beth Israel Federation Budget Hearings, 7 p.m. ADL/CRC Executive Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Board of Trustees Mtng., 7:30 p.m., at Temple B'nai B'rith Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 Friedel Brownie Troop, 4 p.m. Social Justice Club (Gr. 7-12), 5 p.m., at Temple Israel Youth Group Dinner, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel Adult Education, 6:30 p.m., at Temple Israel THURSDAY, MARCH 21 Adult Education, 9 a.m., at Temple Israel Kripke Library Book Discussion Group, noon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. JFS Becoming a Love & Logic Parent, 6 p.m. LOVE Monthly Meeting, 7 p.m., at RBJH Federation Budget Hearings, 7 p.m. FRIDAY, MARCH 22 CDC Model Seder, 9 a.m. Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Arnold Eisen, 8 p.m., at Temple Israel SATURDAY, MARCH 23 Scholar-in-residence Arnie Eisen, 9:30 a.m., at ' Temple Israel Temple Israel & YJO Guest Speaker, 8 p.m., at the home of Todd Simon SUNDAY, MARCH 24 Dance Experience Rehearsals, 2 p.m. Boy Scout Blue & Gold Banquet, 3 p.m. Slips, Trips, and Falls, 4 p.m. Pushkin Club, 4:30 p.m. MONDAY, MARCH 25 YES Program, 10 a.m. Boy Scouts, 7 p.m. Federation Budget Hearings, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, MARCH 26 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m., at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 Chabad Family Seder, 7 p.m., at the Chabad House THURSDAY, MARCH 28 Passsover: Building closed Family Seder, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel Community Second Seder, 7 p.m., at Beth El

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 22,2002

Friedei Ties for First Place at international institute liiiil by DIANE AXLER BAUM —— Friedei Jewish Academy received outstanding recognition at a recent continuing education institute for teachers of Hebrew and Judaic studies. The Master Teachers Institute, representing 60 schools worldwide, took place in New Jersey, under the auspices of the

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ond year of teaching Hebrew to Friedel's first, second and third-graders. One of the Instructors was Tova Shimon, creator of the Tal Am method. Matalon said it was a thrill to meet her and hear her recognize Friedei as "one of two schools out of 60, whose students are using Hebrew with the highest level of correctness regarding structure, spelling, comprehension and gender specifics." The students' achievement is all the more significant, she noted, given that a number of the other schools are totally Hebrew-speaking and, in fact, many of the other students come from families in which Hebrew is the first language. "Teaching Tal Am is the most incredible thing I have ever done," said Matalon. The success of the curriculum depends on total immersion in the language, on "transforming the classroom into a Hebrew environment," she explained. Students are surrounded by audio and visual Hebrew. Only

Hebrew is spoken. Two months of intense preparation preceded Matalon's attendance at the institute. She wrote a 10-page report on Tal Am at Friedei, including details on how the students learn, interact with each other, and respond to their teacher. She also provided documentation of classroom activities and copies of her students' tests and their phonetic, functional and creative writing. She also prepared videos of a regular class lesson and of students reading Hebrew in a group and individually. One of the best results of her preparation was the chance to see how far the students have come in developing their Hebrew reading, writing and speaking skills. "This is proof of how good the Tal Am method is," she said.

Junior Maccabi to Celebrate Purlin by JEWISH PRESS News Service • Junior Maccabi, a club designed to provide opportunities for Jewish youth not yet old enough to participate in the JCC Maccabi Games, will get together on F e b . 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m., as the JCC celebrates Purim. Junior Maccabi participants will be able to welcome Purim by playing soccer in the gym, making hamantashen, and singing Purim songs; cost is $5. Junior Maccabi is part of the larger club, J-ROK (Jewish Realm of Omaha Kids), and is open for all Jewish JCC members in fifth and sixth grades. Next month, on Sunday, March 24, 12-4 p.m., Junior Maccabi will take a field trip downtown to Creighton University to see the Bluejays baseball team play the Southern Illinois Redbirds; cost is $8., and includes transportation, ticket and snacks. This program should be a homerun! For more information about Junior Maccabi, contact Gary Katz at 334-6403, or gkatzdjewishomaha.org.

Charlotte Ross and Matthew Katz of San Francisco announce the Nov. 15, 2001, birth of their son, Noah Hershel Katz. Grandparents are Willis Ann and Alvin Ross of Omaha and Judy Mitchell and Art Katz of Los Angeles. Great-grandparents are Leah and Marvin Rosenberg and Evelyn Katz. Stacie and Marc Brodkey announce the Jan. 4 birth of their daughter, Julia Eden. Julia has a brother, Benjamin Noah, 21/2. Grandparents are Jerry and Vicki Chesen and Sherman and Sandy Brodkey, all of Omaha. Great-grandparents are Edith Chesen and the late Louis Chesen, the late Nettie and Sol Brooks, the late Morris Lasensky, the late Edward E. and Bernice Brodkey, the late Pearl and David Hahn and the late Morris Silverbrand.

ABTSPAN Bridges Generations

•»

Students from the Friedei Jewish Academy joined the Young Energetic Seniors for a musical presentation by David Seay, left, from the Nebraska Humanities Council, Alena Senik, Taylor Elberson, Sydney Nissen, Hilde Gottlieb and Minnette Katz.

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ORGANIZATI VISIONS Let's meet the pioneers on Wednesday, March 6. Join us for a box lunch at 11:30 a.m. (optional), at $5.50 per person. At noon, the Nebraska Humanities Speaker, Jeff Kappeler, will talk about "Ho For America! Northern European Immigrants to the Midwest in the 19th Century." A docent-led tour of Un-packing on the Prairie: Jewish Women in the Upper Midwest, will follow at 1 p.m. Send reservations to Marilyn Fried, 2821 So. 76th Ave., Omaha, NE 68124. Deadline is Feb. 25. Visions luncheon meeting is March 15, 12:30 p.m., at Caniglia's Venice Inn. Cost is $8 per person. Entertainment is a preview of the musical Carousel at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Send reservations to Marv Gerber, 9318 Walnut St., Omaha, NE 68124. As a joint project with Jewish Family Service, we are asking members for a monetary donatio I. JFS will purchase Passover food for Jewish families who are in need. Please bring your monetary gift to the luncheon, or send a check to Milton and Doris Parker, 120 So. 70th St., Omaha, NE 68132. WALK-IN, DROP-IN Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. For those going to the Bluffs Run Casino, please meet at the main entrance at 8:45 a.m. For transportation, call Maggie Conti at 334-6521.

Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10:15 a.m. with Eileen Remer, or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for "YES Talk" at 11 a.m. Join us for the annual Purim Party. For transportation, call 330-4272. YIDDISH GROUP Lomir Redn Yiddish: Let Us Speak Yiddish Conversation Group will meet on Thursday, 1-3 pan. at the JCC. Call Anne Skolkin for information at 343-1638. B'NAI B'RITH BREADBREAKERS David Kohll, veteran pharmacist at Kohll's Drugs, will talk about "Medicare and Drugs" on Wednesday, Feb. 27, noon, at Park Inn Regency, according to chairman George Aufseeser. Cost is $9 for lunch; $2 for beverage service only. OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Wednesday, Feb. 27, noon: Lunch 'n Learn continues in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. Join Bob Oberman for a discussion on the preparing for Passover, "Prelude to a Matzah." Bring a lunch; discussion begins at 12:15 p.m. For information on OCTL, call Allan Gonsher at 558-2767. OMAHA CHAPTER OF HADASSAH A tour of Unpacking on the Prairie exhibit, now in the JCC Gallery, will be the program for the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah Oneg Shabbat on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2 p.m., for residents of the Rose Blumkin Home. A Purim Tea in the Home's main dining room will follow. '

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Temple Staff to Present S A Prairie Home Megillah 1 by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator^——...-» —

On Erev Purim, Monday, Feb. 25, the sanctuary at Temple Israel will be transformed into Shushan, a town on the banks of the Platte River, as members of the staff (including the rabbis and the cantor) take the parts of King Ahausuarus, Vashti, Mordecai, Esther and Hainan, with supporting roles from saloon girls and horse-mules. In the latest parody of the traditional reading of the Megillah, Temple will re-enact "A Prairie Home Megillah" or "Shushan on the Platte," written by Stephanie Grossman, Youth Director at Temple, and Cantor Wendy Shermet. Costume mask-making and dinner start at 6 p.m. Please bring your own "vittles;" drinks will be provided. All "cowpokes, cattle ranchers, and others" who would like to attend, are requested to call in their reservations to the Temple office (556-6536), to allow for plenty of seating and drinks. At 7 p.m., the Purim Spiel, costume parade, and reading of the Megillah begin. "Younguns of all ages who wear costumes to the dinner or the Megillah reading will receive prizes!" said Grossman. Cantor Shermet said she and

The legendary ART

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GrossmafTpicked this year's theme because it gives au3 the opportunity to make fun of ourselves while still following the story of Esther." Following the service, Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ)-Omaha will sponsor an Oneg. Celebrating Purim continues on Sunday, M a r c h 3, noon, when Omaha Temple Youth Group, Junior Youth Group, and WEJ-0 will sponsor the Purim Carnival, featuring the return of "Cati the Giant Caterpillar" as well as other well-known attractions. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children are invited to a special preview of the carnival from 11:30 a.mnoon. From noon-2 p.m., the entire community is welcome to attend this family event. Youth group members will sell lunch, popcorn, cotton candy and other treats. "It has been reported that Ham an, formerly of Shushan, will not be able to attend the Purim Carnival due to a disagreement he had with Ahausuarus," Grossman added.

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 22, 2002

IHHHHHi PRINTING, COPYING sod DIGITAL NETWORK

by MARK MIETKIEWICZ-——

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The ninth chapter of The Book of Esther states in verse 19: "Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month of Adar a day of gladness and feasting, a holiday, and of sending portions to one Letterhead * Brochures 8 Newsletters another," www.breslov.com/reJZEsther9.htmttl9. Business Cards • Mailers • Postcards And that's why this Feb. 26, thousands of years after the Book of Esther was written, Jews around the world will be scurrying from doorstep to doorstep depositing baskets laden with goodies at the homes of friends and strangers, too. Today, a look on the World Wide Web at one of the most delightful customs in the Jewish calendar: We make a difference mishloach manot. in the way you view the world, Why does the megillah command us to perform • 8111 Dodge Medical Center • Suite 140 • 354-8195 this mitzvah? Surprisingly, one source of this tradition is traced to the evil Hainan. As Rabbi Yehudah • 8111 Dodge Medical Center • Suite 331 • 354-8175 Prero says on the torah.org site, "Hainan described (Contact Lens Dept.) the nation of Israel to Achashverosh as a 'people • 16120 West Dodge Road • Health West • 354-0670, scattered abroad and dispersed amongst the peo• 4242 Farnam St. • Dr.'s Building Suite 141 • 558-8961 ple.' Some commentators explain that Haman was • 10060 Regency Circle • Physician's Clinic • 354-1371 pointing out that the Jewish nation was vulnerable (Contact Lens Dept.) because they did not all get along: there were disagreements and disputes among them so that in (Formerly Contemporary Eyewear their hearts they were scattered and dispersed... To foster feelings of closeness, kinship, and love, we & 8111 Optical) send gifts to each other on Purim. This way, every year, we show that we care for our fellow Jew and want to establish and maintain unity throughout the Jewish nation,"www.torah.org/leariung/yomtov/purim/5757/vol2no29.html. Rabbi Prero also suggests that our happiness on Purim is to be expressed through festive feasts that (Full-time Position) clearly not everyone can afford. But because we do not want "to embarrass the poor, the rich give poor If you are an organized, creative, dedicated individual who gifts, and the poor give gifts to the rich. All the enjoys working with children and teens, then this is the members of the nation of Israel give indiscrimijob for you! nately to their brothers and sisters so all can celeThe ideal candidate will work with the Jewish Programming Director in organizing and implementing programs for youth, brate Purim properly, without any shame," as well as Cultural Arts programs within the community. Comhttpyy207.168.91.4/vjholidays/purim/unity.htin. petitive salary and excellent benefits. It is hard to imagine these days, but mishloach REQUIREMENTS: Able to work some evenings and weekends • Participate in occasional out-of-town events • Have manot was practiced during the horrors of the good communication skills • Work well with people • Be flexWarsaw Ghetto. From the writings of Hillel Zeitlin ible and enthusiastic. in 1942, we learn that Jews exchanged food during SEND RESUME TO: Rachel Blum • 333 S. 132nd St. • Omaha, NE 68154 Purim in the ghetto. \ or FAX 334-6466 According to the article "Solidarity and Vitality During the Holocaust", "at the end, each Jew remained with the same meager quantity of food, but the fact that his poor meal represented the fulfillment of the mitzvah of 'Mishloach Manot' ALWAYS AT HOME IN YOUR HOME Choose from an extensive line of hand-woven revived his soul, reinforced his inner strength and Longaberger® baskets, pottery, fabric, wood acces- even aroused a feeling of song and joyousness withsories, and wrought iron in the comfort of your home. in him," www.pardes.org.il/articles/shoah.html. Qualifying hostesses are eligible for FREE products. There are several sites that go into great detail PASSOVER SPECIAL: Call me about our beautiful about the practical aspects of mishloach manot and Matzah Tray ($49) and set the perfect Seder table. how to be scrupulous about performing the mitzvah Order by February 28 to assure delivery in time! properly. The L'Chaim site examines such issues as the proper time to deliver mishloach manot, the Please call me to: • Host a home show • See a catalog • Buy a product quantity of the food to be sent and the importance • Get info about fund-raising • Get on my mailing list of using an agent to deliver the gift, • Learn about a career with Longaberger® www.lchaimweekly.org/cgi bin/calendar?holiKaren Sullivan, Independent Sales Consultant day=purimll5. The Darche Noam site also looks 4219 So. 175th Ave. • 895-8188 at the custom through traditional sources such as Email: kjsbasket@aol.com the Gemarah and the Rambam, Shop with me online day or night! www.longaberger.com/karensuliivan www.darchenoam.org/articles/web/holidays/a r_purim_min.htm. Although the megillah clearly states that we should exchange food on Purim, curiously, there is Be discovered at no blessing associated with the mitzvah. Rav Yechiel Weinberg analyzes this question and comes to a lovely conclusion about human nature. If there were a blessing it would have included the word Vtzivanu," "and He has commanded us." However, regarding mishloach manot, it is preferable to give of your own free will, from a sense of love for your "I've dreamt of fellow Jew. If one gives mishloach manot because becoming a model my one was commanded to do so, this would lessen the entire life, and Nancy element of love, www^ecomshul.com/Torat_Shniuel Bounds Studio made /5758/tsTetzaveh.html. it easy. The modeling opportunities and In that light, Clal, The National Jewish Center tuition assistance for Learning and Leadership, has created a meditaoffered at NBS set the tion that can be recited as you are putting together industry standard. I your mishloach manot: "May I prepare and give know that what I'm these gifts with a full and open heart. May we be learning at the school, blessed on Purim and on each day of our lives with both on and off the light, gladness and honor and with the gift to Hancy Bounds runway, is the best express our friendship," www.clal.org/rl21.html. preparation for my 11915 Pierce Plaza future, modeling or Yaffa Klugerman's "A Tisket, A Tasket, Let's Phone:697-9292 not." Make a Purim Basket" is full of helpful hints Fax: 697-9272 Kristen Stoesz, Model including themed gifts such as breakfast baskets,

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'urirn, Mishioach Manot St the internet . tea baskets, deli platters, a falafel theme and a color theme: "Buy or prepare everything that is one color. For example, buy grapes, purple candies, grape juice, and make hamantaschen with blueberry filling. Don't forget to add a note wishing everyone a 'grape Purim.'" Yaffa concludes with this piece of advice: "The two most important rules of mishloach manot packaging? Make sure it's easily packable, and easily stackable. I found this out the hard way, when I stayed up till 3 a.m. one year taping cellophane paper on straw baskets. The next day, many of them fell apart after I placed them in a shopping bag to be delivered," www.jfLmail.com/old/HoIidays/klugermanl.htm. The people at Virtual Jerusalem ask why send the same-old same-old when you can use your imagination. "One year I delivered a breakfast shalach mana: a cup of hot coffee, bagel, butter, hard boiled egg and orange juice. Another year, it was a head of lettuce, tomato, cucumber, avocado and small j a r of homemade herbed salad dressing. Other memorable mishloach manot: one with an almond theme: chocolate with almonds, marzipan, roasted almonds, almond liqueur, and almond brownies. Another with a fish theme: a small can of tuna, gummy fish, chocolate fish, etc," httpV/207.168.91.4/v3holidays/purim/shalach.htm. But if you want to give in to your sweet tooth, try your hand at something different like Purim Poppyseed Candy, www.jewishfood.org/recipes/purindex.htm, Persian Rice Cookies, Halvah with Walnuts, www.cyberkitchen.com/rfcj/category.cgi?category=PURI M or a couple dozen variations of Hamantashen, www.jewish-food.org/recipes/hamindex.htm. Although it's not uncommon for some families to send of 30, 40, or 50 packages of mishloach manot, Barbara Silverman has them all beat. Last year, the Jerusalem woman sent some 3,000 mishloach manot boxes to soldiers for Purim. Her efforts started in October, 2000, after the start of the current intifada. When she realized just how big her task really was, she solicited from help from synagogues, schools and individuals in the United States in Canada. This isn't the first time Silverman has tried to give a boost to Israel's soldiers. She used to send them packages with high protein foods such as peanut butter, humous, and sardines, http://info.jpost.com/C001/Supplements/Purim/. But army commanders told her that while the soldiers loved getting the gifts, they weren't always thrilled with the contents. What the soldiers really wanted were chocolate and snacks. So now, soldiers opening Silverman's unique mishloach manot boxes discover the desired goodies—plus something not mentioned in the gemarah—a. small tube of toothpaste. Have a very Happy Purim! Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based television producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be reached at highway@rogers.com.

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At a r e c e n t m e e t i n g of t h e B'nai B'rilh Breadhreakers, speaker Susan Michaelaski, second pom right, reported on the latest stat i s t i c s from t h e D o m e s t i c Violence Coordinating Council. Also attending were Barbara Gottlieb, Gary J a v i t c h and Ken Weiner.

February 22, 2002

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

iillGiiiilii!

All Stars Shine on Super Sunday

ORZEIiRICHTMAN Walter and Harriet Richtman of Chicago, IL, announce the engagement of their son, Yosef Chaim, to Shani Orzel, daughter of Abe and Ellen Orzel of Kew Garden Hills, NY. The groom is studying his fourth year in Jerusalem at Yeshiva Bais Yisrael in Neve Yaakov. He is the grandson of Dave and Rosa Richtman of Omaha and the late Sol and Jeanette Benjamin. He is the stepgrandson of Edith Benjamin of Memphis, TN. The bride-to-be is studying towards a Masters degree in Speech Therapy at Hunter College in New York. She is the granddaughter of Motel and Bacia Orzel of Forest Hills, NY, and Hanka Rosenblum of Borough Park, NY, and the late Mendel Rosenblum. Her great-grandmother is Rivka Orzel of Forest Hills, NY. Following a June, 2002, wedding, the couple plan to live in Israel.

by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director

BRODEK/SHUR Kimberly J. Broder and Justin V. Shur, both of New York City, have announced their engagement. The bride-to-be is the daughter of Anne and Bruce Shackman and Barry A. Broder. She received her B.A. from Emory University in Atlanta, and her J.D. from Emory Law School. She is an attorney for a Manhattan law firm. Her grandparents are Bess and Max Broder of St. Louis and Tham and Willard Friedman of Omaha. Her fiance is the son of Erica and Rudy Shur of Long Island, NY. He graduated from Ithaca College, and received his J.D. from Emory Law School. He is currently a district attorney in the Manhattan office. His grandparents are the late Abraham and Brenda Rajman and the late Isaac and Sonja Shur. A Sept. 1, 2002, wedding is planned at Joslyn Museum in Omaha.

Some 15 volunteers contacted members of the Omaha Jewish community recently to raise money for the Jewish Federation's Annual Campaign. For the fifth year in a row, Omaha Steaks has donated space for Super Sunday at their telemarketing facility on John Gait Boulevard. To date, super Sunday has collected more than $38,000, an increase of 14% over last year. Right photo: The name of the game on Super Sunday is "Show Me the Money!" Below left: Howard Kutler shows off his Super Sunday All-Stars T-shirt. Below right: Gil Cohen has a great time talking to members of the community.

ENTERTAINMENT Guest conductor James Paul and pianist Stephen Prusman will join the Omaha Symphony on Feb. 22-23, 8 p.m., at the Orpheum Theater to celebrate the music of England and France. Performing works of Britten, Saint-Saens, Debussey and Elgar, Prutsman was a medalist at the 1990 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition. The following year, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant. For tickets, call 1-402-342-2836.

by ART GROSSMAN

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We take pride in the feats of the Maccabees and their re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem, commemorated by the holiday of Hanukkah. In the here and now, we count the pages of the calendar toward Aug. 4, when the JCC Maccabi athletes will participate in the Games in Omaha. Gary Katz, JCC Program Associate, presented a picture of how plans are moving along. The 2002 Games will involve nearly 1000 athletes and 300 Temple B'nai Jehudah will honor Irena coaches from more than 20 cities, plus Israel; 200+ Sendler, a Polish woman who rescued 2500 Jewish local volunteers, 350+ host families, 150+ visiting children during the Holocaust, on Sunday, March families and approximately 4000 spectators. 10, in Kansas City, with its first Tikkun 01am Lodging for the teens is vitally important. Please event featuring Art Garfunkel. For tickets or contact Gary at 334-6403. Omaha is one of only additional information, call Annette Fish, Program five cities hosting the 2002 Maccabi Games. Director, at 1-816-363-1050, ext. 190. Concert only We welcomed new members Doris Kelly and Bill tickets are available through Ticketmaster, at 1- Johnson, and paused in respect in memory of Anne 816-931-3330 or www.ticketmaster.com. Gitnick Hahn and Genevieve Bornstein.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 22, 2002

Israel Welcomes. American Heroes

Young Federation Leaders Lobby so Their Eiders Can 'Age in Place' by SHARON SAMBER — —

Twelve representatives of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and members of the U.S. military who participated in the rescue efforts during and after the attacks on the New York World Trade Center and on the Pentagon, in Washington on Sept. 11, arrived in Israel last week at the invitation of the Ministry of Tourism Binyamin Elon. He presented them with a certificate of appreciation for their heroism, and to acknowledge the fact that by visiting Israel they are saying "no to terror." Gaby Friedson, left, accepted a shoulder patch from a New York City officer. Photo by ISRANET.

ly, some form of national WASHINGTON (JTA)~ programming, UJC officials The average Joe doesn't said. know what a NORC is, but The number of Jewish Jewish communal leaders are aiming to change that. elderly is expected to soar over the coming decade, Last week, 2000 represenand UJC wants leaders at tatives of communities around the country lobbied the national and local levon Capitol Hill, trying to '••&*els to look beyond traditional methods of caring for educate lawmakers about t , the elderly to develop new the need for services to natplans and policies. urally-occurring retirement communities, or NORCs, Many communities have residential housing developbeen preparing to increase ments where people moved services to the elderly, but decades ago, raised families Attending the UJC Young Leadership a s b a b y boomers age, the and aged, and where they Conference in the nation's capital were n e e , i j B becoming more want to continue living Omahans Katherine Finnegan and hus- u r g e n t, say experts in the independently. The issue b a n d D a v i d Gilinsky, right, who met up field. The pro blem is espehas become a priority agen- w i t h o n e o f h i s fraternity brothers, left. c i a n y acute in the Jewish da item for the public policy arm of the United community. Jewish Communities, the umbrella of the federaAn estimated 20 percent of American Jewry is 65 tion system. or older, a significantly higher proportion than Allowing people to "age in place" is much cheaper among the general population, where the figure is than the institutionalization involved with nursing around 13 percent. The 1990 National Jewish homes or assisted living facilities, UJC officials Population Survey showed that 920,000 Jewish say. Perhaps because many of the 30- and 40-some- Americans are at least 65 years of age. things have aging parents and grandparents, the There are an estimated 10 million seniors living task for educating Congress about the issue fell to in NORCs, and the vast majority want to remain UJC's Young Leadership Conference participants, living in their own homes, according to UJC offiwho were gathered here last week for a three-day cials. Providing help to seniors could mean a lot of convention, (including nearly a dozen from Omaha: different things depending on the community. Joel Alperson, Forrest Krutter, Sally Zipursky, For a number of lawmakers ~ or their aides — it David Gilinsky, Katherine Finnegan, Brad Green, was the first time they were hearing about the Jake Slosburg, Beth Cohen, Harry Berman and idea. Indeed, for some conference participants, it Sharon Kirshenbaum; former Omahan Susie Noddle was also their introduction to the issue. After meetof New York City also participated.) ing with their individual members of Congress, The goal of the lobbying effort was to lay the many participants agreed that the lawmakers were groundwork for creating legislation and, ultimate- very receptive to the idea of helping NORCs.

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