Hadassah 90th
Parti
Tears of Terrorism
Charlotte Kaplan and Sally Venger by EDIE WOLF
»
by PAM MONSKY, Federation Communications Director >
Members and friends of Hadassah will meet on Wednesday, May 22, noon, at Ironwood Golf and Country Club, to celebrate Hadassah's 90th Anniversary and to honor Charlotte Kaplan and Sally Venger for their years of service to Hadassah and the Omaha community. Hadassah has evolved from the Purim day in 1912 when Henrietta Szold founded the Daughters of Zion to provide medical care to all the people of what was then Palestine. It has become the largest women's service organization in the United States, with over 300,000 members. There are about 1400 chapters in the U.S. This event is also the annual Hadassah Israel Education Services (HIES) luncheon. Because of the efforts and contributions of Hadassah members, students at the Hadassah College of Technology in Jerusalem are preparing for productive careers in fields such as computers, television production, photography, hotel management, optometry and dental technology. With support from Hadassah members throughout the U.S., the Hadassah Career Counseling Institute in Jerusalem assists soldiers who have completed their army service, and homemakers returning to the work force, retirees, immigrants and others. Members over the age of 90 will also be recognized, and Midwest Regional Hadassah President Serene Silver of Minneapolis will be the guest speaker; Cantor Wendy Shermet of Temple Israel will present a musical program. Co-chairmen are Faye Ruback and Edythe Wolf. Georgia Ann Steinberg, 558-5813, is taking reservations.
The Tears of Terrorismcare begins to suffer. is a three part series that Schools can't afford to documents real-life peroutfit their buses with sonal accounts of Israelis bulletproof glass or and how they are affected install protective fencing by the wake of unrelentaround their playing terrorist attacks. grounds, leaving the These stories are intendchildren vulnerable to ed to be glimpses into attacks. how some Israeli Jews The ripples continue to are coping under extraorexpand across the land dinary circumstances. until every Israeli, inIn response to the enordeed, every Jew, is mous needs facing touched by terrorism. Israelis, the Jewish At Lifeline for the Federation of Omaha has Elderly, for example 90established the Israel year-old Shulamit Terror Relief Fund to pro- An artist at Lifeline for the Elderly hand- (names have been vide aid and services to paints a silk challah cover. The d r o p in changed in this fictionalvictims and survivors of tourism has hurt sales of Judaica at Lifeline; iZed portrayal), peeked terrorist attacks in Israel, the group hopes visits to its website: www. life- out of the window of her But like stones tossed into line.org.illcatalog.html will make up the loss. tiny Jerusalem aparta pond, every suicide bombing causes a ripple effect ment. It was quiet on the street, as it has been all that radiates from the site of the explosion, growing too often lately. She had a difficult decision to wider as it reaches further, encircling the innocent make. Shulamit sat down in the worn chair next to people caught in a senseless chain of events. her bed and began to shake and cry. In the wake of increased terrorism, tourism to The explosion last night had hit too close to home Israel has become virtually extinct, creating anoth- and she was scared—really scared. er wave of victims; the thousands of people who The night before, a Jerusalem policeman stopped have lost their jobs as scores of hotels, shops and two suspicious-looking men in a car on Shivtei restaurants are forced to close their doors. Yisroel Street, not far from Lifeline for the Elderly As patient loads soar, the ripples of terror are felt (YadLaKashish), where Shulamit has worked in the in the hospitals. There is not enough money to buy embroidery department for years. The men exploded all of the modern, life-saving medical equipment the bombs, killing themselves and the policeman. they need and, as a result, the standard of patient (Continued on page 13) :.&-.•
Women to be Recognized at NOW Annual Meeting by SALLY ZIPURSKY
Susan Rothholz has been selected to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the National Council of Jewish Women, Omaha Section, and Jenny Meyerson, the Emerging Leader Award. The women will be honored at the NCJW Style Show and Installation Dinner, Wednesday, May IS, 5:30 p.m., at Ironwood Country Club. In addition to the awards, the slate of offiSusan Rothholz cers and board members will be installed, according to Debbie Friedman, current Nominating Committee Chairman. Janie Dann will be the moderator, and Vicki Sanford is the model coordinator. Stacey Rockman and Andee Scioli are chairing the event. This Distinguished Service award is presented to a member in recognition of outstanding years of service to and impact on NCJW Omaha Section. Recipients must have demonstrated loyalty, commitment, dedication to the section and an overall awareness of NCJW, volunteering with a willingness to volunteer at any level. Rothholz has been an active volunteer in NCJW and community-wide projects and programs. She has been significantly involved in Planned Parenthood for the last 12 years, serving as a board member and officer. Additionally, she was a founding member of the Nebraska Planned Parenthood Voter's for Choice Board. She is also an involved
Federation. Annual Meeting to Honor Volunteers, install New Board and Officers
participant as a volunteer at the Swanson . — Public Library, where by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor she has been a frequent Coming off a three-year term as National reader to and for chil- President of the National Council of Jewish dren. Women, Jan Schneiderman is glad to be "back NCJW has benefited home" and "involved again with the Jewish greatly by her chairman- Federation" as chairman of the Federation's ship of the NCJW Gift Annual Meeting, set for Monday, June 3, 7 p.m. Wrap project, an enor"It's an opportunity to recognize the contribumous, challenging project tions made by dozens of volunteers, salute outgoand vital to the Section ing board members and officers, and come together as its main fundraiser. as a community to hear about our accomplishRothholz has chaired this ments of the past year and our goals for the project for the last three -.future," she explained. years. Among the honors to be presented that evening Jenny Meyerson «it i s with great pride are: Humanitarian of the Year, Teen Leadership and warmth that we recognize this bright, strong Awards, Young Leadership Awards, Community and caring woman as one of our Section's distin- Service Award, and Volunteers of the Year. Steve guished leaders," concluded Carol Bloch, a past Pitlor will be installed as the 2002-04 President of award recipient. the Jewish Federation, along with a new slate of The 2002 Emerging Leader for NCJW, Omaha officers and new board members, which will be Section is presented to a member who has potential announced shortly. In addition, new Centers of for assuming future section leadership, understands Excellence Presidents will be installed. and supports the NCJW purpose and programs and A dessert reception will follow the meeting. For demonstrates commitment to the section. information, call Kathy McGauvran. 334-6427. Meyerson is a life member of NCJW who has been active for many years. She is currently a 3N59DE: Director on the Section Board working on this year's Donor campaign with Heidi Schneiderman. Primary ElvM-on Prov'***, starts on Previously, Meyerson has held the positions of ;) Membership Vice-president and Public Affairs/Ed- Teen Ago ucation Vice-president. Prior to holding positions on the Omaha Section farad 101 Board, Meyerson co-chaired the Yearbook and was Jewish Singfos tteconnpct pug** J * (Continued on page 14)
Jewish Press, Cta.afa.a5 NE
May 10, 2002
The Wilderness of Sinai
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DR. MAURICE B. SCHWARTZ Dr. Maure Schwartz died suddenly at ttie age of by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE - — - — - - - — — 71 on May 3. Services were held at Golden Hill Parashat BeMidbar Cemetery on May 6. Almost everyone would refer to this Sidrah not as A longtime practicing physician, Dr. Schwartz BeMidbar but rather as BaMidbar. This is natural, was an OB-GYN and was featured in t,he 2001 and even grammatical, since the first spelling New Year's issue of the Press, "L'Chaim : Health requirep a noun after it. In the text itself, the noun Professionals in the Jewish Community." is there: it is BeMidbar Sinai. He was preceded in death by his daugh-ter, SueThose two words "in the wilderness" and "Sinai" jar against each other. The wilderness is a place Anne Hoekstra. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; son and where human life can exist only at its simplest and daughter-in-law, Dr. Meyer and Martha. Anne most difficult. Sinai opens up the whole field of Klein of Augusta, GA; daughter and son-in-law, human decency and morality. It makes culture posJanet and Harry Klein of Omaha; son-in-law and sible, and civilized life. wife, Steve and Roseanne Hoekstra of ^Midland Jews pride themselves on introducing morality Park, NJ; nine grandchildren: Sara, Daniel, Laura, into human life, and Sinai is the watchword for Andrew, Jacob and Emma Klein, and Jonathan morality, with the stress on the Ten Utterances, Hoekstra of August, GA, and Eva Claire Schwartz pointing life in a definite direction. Sinai in Jewish and Isabelle Schwartz, both of Midland Park, NJ. tradition is not a place, but a way of thinking and Memorials to the American Heart Association or acting and living. Beth El Synagogue. In opposition to Sinai there are always the Amalekites. They persist generation after generation and century after century. They attack and oppose. They would destroy Israel. They appear in different generations and different centuries under different names. In the first centuries of Christianity, there were savage attacks on Judaism. The slanders of those days have persevered through the centuries and are still heard in anti-Semitic circles to our own day. They appear in militant Arab extremist circles in our own time. These anti-Semitijj slanders unfortunately and unjustly make Islam malodorous in the western world. Unfortunately, it is possible to have both Sinai and Amalek together. For example, Nazism, which reached the lowest level of human decadence, and Bethoven sometimes appeared together. The annals of crime have sometimes revealed murderers who exhibit genuine love for their own small children. It is a commonplace to say that life is complex and puzzling. Yet it is true that the wilderness and Omaha Steaks shipped their world famous Sinai can be not far distant from each other, or, steaks to United States troops based im Spain, indeed, the wilderness may be the place where awaiting orders for Operation EBs.du.ring Sinai inheres. Freedom in Afghanistan. The juxtaposition, therefore, of these two words really juxtapose two concepts of human living. If we are not careful, life becomes a wilderness. If humans strive sufficiently, Sinai may rise to bless us.
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FRIDAY, MAY 10 Visions Membership Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., at Venice Inn High School Graduation & Service, 8 p.m., at Temple SATURDAY, MAY 11 OTYG Elections Havdalah, 4 p.m., at Temple Israel Out of Sight Saturday Night, 6 p.m. BBYO Ediar and AZA #1 Rush, 8: p.m. SUNDAY, MAY 12 Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel New American Cultural Society Victory Day k Celebration, 1 p.m. Maccabi Decoration Committee, 1 p.m. S Mother's Day Concert, 3 p.m., at Templelsrael A MONDAY, MAY 13 V Y.E.S. Special Program, 10 a.m. E OTYG Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m., at Temple Israel Maccabi Housing Orientation, 7 p.m. NCJW Meeting, 7 p.m. Boy Scouts, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, MAY 14 Sisterhood Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., at Beth Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. BBYO Rush MZ Yoshanah, 6 p.m. Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, MAY 15 Friedei Brownie Troop, 4 p.m. Youth Activity, 5:30 p.m., at Temple Israel NCJW Style Show & Installation Dinner, 5:30 p.m., at Ironwood Country Club BESTT High School & Dinner, 6 p.m., at Beth El Chabad House Jewish Learning Institute, 7 p.m. THURSDAY, MAY 16 Tikun Leil Shavuot, 7 a.m., at Beth El ; Adult Education, 9 a.m., at Temple Israel Jewish Women International Donor Luncheon, noon Yiddish Group, 1 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 Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION'S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
Special Service Provides Healing in a Jewish Environment
Voices Rise for BESTT Zimriyah by OZZIE NOGG —
.
—
The Third Annual BESTT Zimriyah is scheduled for Sunday, May 19, 11 a.m., in Beth El Synagogue's main sanctuary. The concert program will include Hassidic melodies, Hebrew folk songs and favorite Jewish holiday hits. Participants will be BESTT faculty and students from nursery through seventh grade, with Anna Mosenkis, accompanist. This marvelous musical morning is open to the entire community at no charge, and the BESTT student-singers invite everyone within earshot of their voices to attend.
LAST CHANCE! Senior photos are due by May 14 in the Jewish Press office for publication in the June 7 issue. Please send photo, name, parents' names, high school attended and plans after graduation to: Jewish Press, 333 So, 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154. Questions? Call Jen Gates, 334-6558.
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator»
The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society
ASK FOR...
deeply regrets the omission of the following names of Life Members in their recent newsletter:
TONI ROSEN
AdeleHornstein Mrs. Louis (Sylvia) Jess Hugo Kahn Guinter Kahn, M.D. Feme Katelman Dora Kirshenbaum Sharon & Howard Kooper
• Esther Kunik • Barbara Lashinsky »Beth & Steven Leeds • Jay Lerner «Rocky Lewis «Sally & Dr. Ed Malashock • Gail & Steve Machov
—
"Judaism has some very special ways of addressing the pain people encounter in their lives. So it's very helpful to have an opportunity to be with other Jews in a healing environment. Th e Jewish context is very helpful," said Sally Kaplan, referring to Temple Israel's bi-monthly Healing and Renewal Service. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Dr. Mike Walts will lead the next Healing and Renewal Service on Tuesday, May 14, 7 p.m. This will be the last Healing and Renewal Service until next fall. Anyone in the community who has losi; a loved one or a job, for example; or is facing or recovering from surgery or an illness of their own; or supporting a friend or a family member who is hospitalized, ill or experiencing other difficulties in their lives; or has any other reason to attend tbie service is welcome. Phyllis Roffman, after attending a Healing and Renewal Service, said, a It wasn't what I expected, but it gave me hope and a little more ability to live with our problems."
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May 10, 2002 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Candlefsghting Friday, May 10...
FRIDAY; Shabbat Evening Service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate, along with members of the Grade 12 class. Temple Israel will graduate six seniors. The following graduates have maintained their commitment through active participation in the school: Lauren Feigin, Igor Ginsburg, Max Goldberg, Rachel Javitch, Steve Sternberg and Aaron Wolfson. The Oneg Shabbat is sponsored by the parents of the graduates, and Susan and Ian Crabb in honor of their son, Michael. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30 aan., in the Milder Center. Please join us as we continue our study of Traditional Prayers, Modern Commentaries: The S'hma and Its Blessings. Services in the Sanctuary, 10:30 a.m. Michael Hunter Crabb, son of Susan and Ian Crabb, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, May 12, Seminars on Sunday, "I'm Dead, Now What?" 10-11:30 aan. with Professor Guy Matalon in the Friedman Social Hall. THURSDAY, May 16, Beyond Basic Hebrew, 9:15-10 aan., Elyce Azriel is the instructor; Adult Study with Cantor Wendy Shermet, 10-11:30 aan. The focus is on "The Jewish Year Through Music" which will include Shabbat and holiday songs. SHAVUOT THURSDAY, May 16: Services, 5:15 p.m.; Free Dairy Dinner with reservations, 6 p.m.; Adult Study with the clergy, 7 pan. FRIDAY, May 17: Morning Service and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m. JULEE SILVER CONCERT SATURDAY, May 18, in the Temple Sanctuary, 7 p.m. Open to the community at no charge. SERVICE OF HEALING AND RENEWAL
Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kaballat Shabbat, 7 pan. The West Minyan is at the home of Dani and Leon Shrago, 7:30 pan. SATURDAY: Parsha Bamidbar, Shacharit, 8:45 a.m.; free babysitting begins at 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 aan.; Shabbos House, 3-5 p.m., at the home of Bonnie Bloch and Howard Gendelman. All school-age children and their parents are invited. Mincha, 8:05 p.m., followed by Shalosh Suedot and Ma'ariv; Havdallah, 9:20p.m. SUNDAY: Morning services, 9 a.m.; Evening services, 8:20 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Morning services, 7 a.m.; evening services, 8:20 p.m. TUESDAY, May 14: Talmud class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 pan. WEDNESDAY, May 15: Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Kutner, noon, at Noddle Development Co., upshearen of Binyamin Moshe Kutner, 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner; Board Meeting, 7:30 pan. THURSDAY, May 16: Services, 8:25 p.m., Dinner following, learning at 11 pan.; Divinity of the Torah: Can it be Proven? FRD3AY, May 17: Shacharit, 8:45 a.m., reading of the Ten Commandments, 10 aan. followed by a dairy lunch; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 8:25 p.m.; NCSY dinner with Yeshiva University students. SATURDAY, May 18: Shacharit, 8:45 a.m., Yizkor, 10:30 a.m., followed by a Kiddush lunch, learning following lunch. Mincha, 8:15 p.m., followed by Shalosh Suedot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah.
•See article on page 2.
FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 pan. %i9tfr^
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Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat IArvit I'shabbat, 6 pan. SATURDAY: P'sukei D'Zimrah, followed by Shabbat Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Lauren Josephson, daughter of Judy and Keith Josephson, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah, TSS (grades 3-7), 10 aan.; KTantan (K-3), 10:45 aan.; Shabbat Story Time (pre-K & under), 11 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Judy and Keith Josephson in honor of their daughter, Lauren; Humash Class with Rabbi Drazen, 7:55 p.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 8:25 p.m., in the Chapel. SUNDAY: Shaharit, 9 aan.; Minha-Ma'ariv, 5:30 p.m. Perek Yomi meets following morning services; Kids Snack and Learn, 11:30 aan.-noozu Preschoolers and parents will celebrate Mother's and Father's Day. Call Beth El for more information. ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, May 22: Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Drazen teaches Jewish Thought; Cantor Berkovits teaches Hebrew. SHAVUOT THURSDAY, May 16: Mincha/Ma'ariv, 8:30 p.m.; Tikun Leil Shavuot, 9:30 p.m. at the Drazen home, RSVP to Beth El by Wednesday, May 15. FRIDAY, May 17: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 6 pan. SATURDAY, May 18: Shacharit and Yizkor, 9:30 aan., with BESTT Graduation and TSS Awards.
Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan on Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRDDAY: Services, 8 pan. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:15 aan. SUNDAY: Annual Meeting I Election of Officers noon. TUESDAY, May 14: Aleph Bet, 7:15 p.m.; Introduction to Judaism, 8:15 p.m.
i http://\vel c o m e d o / b e y t s h a l p r n / -s <:.^ .. •••••''.)•••:^jj86^^ •. Phone: £30-180(1ifeMAiL--chabad@a6l.conr FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home. WEBSITE: w\vv\'.chabiidcenters.conT/omaha SATURDAY: The congregation will lead serServices conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. vices at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, 9 a.m. Unless otherwise noted, Monday-Friday, serROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME; SUNDAY: Religious School, 9:45 a.m. at the vices at 7 aan. JCC; Book Club activity in the Kripke Federation SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Beyt Library, 1 pan. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation in the TUESDAY: Last day of Hebrew School at JCC, MONDAY: Women of Worth Lunch, 11:45-1 pan. RBJH Herbert Goldsten Chapel. 4 p.m. TUESDAY: Women of Worth Class, 9:45-11 aan. May 17 and 18: Shavuot services led by Rabbi FRIDAY, May 17: All school Kabbalat Shabbat WEDNESDAY: JLI at the JCC, 7-8:30 pan. Maximo Shechet, 9 a.m. and Shavuot service, 7:30 p.m., at the synagogue. :
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Jacquelyn Carol Neesman, daughter of Maria and Steve Neesman, will - become a Bat Mitzvah on FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 pan., discussion topic will Saturday, May 18, at Temple Israel. be "The Sacred Jewish Torah - Who Wrote it and When?" Oneg by Peg DeLand and Sandra Kurland. A seventh-grade honor -student at Westside Middle School, she is active in sports, 4H and plays the cello. Jacquelyn has been involved with Special : "435-8004 .^Jf^\': .\';;'^fv;/".'jew ishriebi-aska.org; ,CA\ Olympics Nebraska at ; / all levels for her mitzvah Services officiated by Rabbi Michael Weisser. project. She has enjoyed working at the office, FRIDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 p.m. helping get ready for competitions and loves her SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, direct work with athletics. She is a unified partner 10:30 a.m.-noon. for bowling and boccie. SUNDAY: Hebrew Class, 9 a.m.; Sunday Jacquelyn has a brother, Aron. School, 10:30 a.m. Grandparents are Sagrario and Gabriel WEDNESDAY: Confirmation Class, 3 p.m.; Martinez, of Venezuela. LaVina Jacoba and the Board Meeting, 7 p.m. late Harry Neesman. MAY 17 : Confirmation and Shavuot, 7:45 p.m. Phone: 822-4705 e-mail: docjeb@aol.com
Daniel Isaac Fry, son of Marti and Larry Fry, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 18, at Temple B'nai Jehudah in Kansas City, MO. A seventh-grade student at Oxford Middle School in Overland Park, s KS, he enjoys basketball, football, skateboarding, {rollerblading and listenI ing to music. Daniel has two brothers, Brian, 11, and Jonathan, 7. Grandparents are Morris Bresel and the late Jean Bresel, and Milton and Eleanor Fry of St. Louis, MO.
Mazel Tovl
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, MS
May 10,2002
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Using Your Vote Too bad the Palestinian people (along with the Saudi Arabians, Iraqis and Syrians, among others) don't live in democratic states. If they did, they could have thrown Yasser Arafat out of office and voted in someone who could have eliminated the terrorist groups operating in the West Bank and Gaza. They could have had a leader truly committed to peace, someone who probably would have signed the agreement offered by then Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak at Camp David in 2000. Arafat's so-called condemnation of these acts is getting old; the grown-up little boy has called 'Wolf!' one too many times, and Ariel Sharon's patience has worn thin. Can you blame him? There sits the Israeli Prime Minister in the office of the most powerful man in the world, the president of the United States. While Sharon offers President Bush hard evidence of Arafat's collusion in terror, a bomber casually blows himself up in a pool hall in Rishon Letzion, a suburb of Tel
Aviv. Instead of coming out of the Oval office with, the start of a new (if small) peace plan, Sharon lets the Israeli people know this war is not over. It's not over because the rest of the world insists that the Israeli government deal with the "elected leader" of the Palestinian people! What a joke that is! Were there any other candidates? Could voters write in names? It's not much of a political process if there's only one party and one candidate (just like in the other Arab states). Aren't we lucky in America! Citizens not only have the right to vote, but the right to form political parties and run for office. Yet, fewer than half of us will go to the polls on Tuesday to cast our ballots in the May 14 primary. As we have in the past, the Jewish Press has published statements submitted by candidates by press time. It's not up to us to tell you what candidate to choose, but we will urge you to take advantage of this right and vote. This is America, remember, not the Palestinian Territories.
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BfcHINIlIHl HEADLINES
The Other Side o f Israel
Congress Sends Strong Message to Bush
by HARRY ALLEN —
by MATTHEW E. BERGER
There is a sense of unreality here in Israel about the place. It is arguably the most beautiful crafted building in Jerusalem--if not in Israel. To the right, the sprawling Hebrew University campus snakes its way across the crest of Mount Scopus. To the left, lies the Beit Orot Yeshiva, the home of "happy, clappy" Carlebach newly-religious student, mostly American. The Brigham Young Center for Middle Eastern Studies in Jerusalem is the setting for Sunday evening concerts which showcase rising stars in the musical world. The Center is, of course, part of the worldwide Mormon religious movement. This past Sunday, a magnificent 19year-old piano prodigy, Yaron Kohlberg, gave a world-class recital, but more of him later. The auditorium of the center is an architectural gem. The front wall is a series of huge arched picture windows, which look out over Jerusalem. It is the breathtaking view of Jerusalem at night, combined with the stirring piano recital, which together produces a kind of otherworldliness. There lies Jerusalem in all its muted splendor. The wall of the Old City, illuminated in soft amber lights, cuts a swath through the view. The gold dome shines brilliantly and the city lights are pinpricks of orange, which break the black night. Here and there, the green neon tubes mark a mosque; the King David Hotel squats atop its own hill overseeing the city. In the distance, rise some of Jerusalem's tallest buildings, of
where there are just a few. It is a peaceful scene, giving no hint of the turmoil in which we are engaged. Yet less than 10 miles to the North, Yasser Arafat haunted a besieged headquarters (he is now free to roam around). To the South and West, less than five miles distant, the Army has cornered Palestinian terrorists in the Church of the Nativity (and as of press time, it appeared a deal, brokered by Americans and Europeans would send some into exile, some to Gaza, some free and some to prison, ending the month-long standoff). Yet here on Har Hatsofim, we sit enthralled, along with 300 other ISraelis, listening to the rousing strains of Beethoven's piano sonata and the Chopin piano sonata which includes as one of its movements the familiar funeral march. The artist is a 19-year-old Jerusalemite who gave his first concert at age 10, and has now played with symphonies throughout Israel and Europe. He is an artist of whom the world will lean much in the years to come. So this is another side of the Jewish State about which CNN knows little and cares less. With the concert over, we headed for our friend's car and drove back to the city. Oh, yes. . .the next morning, we heard on the news that Arabs from the adjacent village of Issawaya had thrown petrol bombs on the highway not far from where we sat.
TheJEWISH PRESS
WASHINGTON, (JTA) - Congress sent a strong signal of support to Israel last week, in an attempt to balance anticipated White House pressure on the Israeli government. Just days before Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was expected to arrive in Washington, both branches of Congress passed resolutions May 2 expressing solidarity with Israel and holding the Palestinians responsible for ongoing violence. The bills were passed almost at the same time as Secretary of State Colin Powell announced plans for an international conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Discussion of an international forum early this summer took some of the wind out of Congress' sails, but American Jewish leaders said the Congressional resolutions still sent a strong message at an important moment. "A resolution of this nature by both houses of Congress sends an important message at any time," said Abraham Poxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League. "It's especially significant and nice that it comes almost on the eve of the prime minister's visit." The House bill, sponsored by House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) and Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA), called on the United States to provide additional aid to Israel, and "condemns the ongoing support of terror" by Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat and other Palestinian leaders. It passed the Fred Tichauer
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House by a vote of 352-21 (Reps. Terry and Osborne voted for the measure; Berueter did not.) "The United States cannot be a broker between one party that wants peace and another party that wants terrorism," DeLay said. "Every man and woman in Israel should know that they do not stand alone, because America stands with them." The Senate passed a milder bill, 94-2 (Both Sens. Hagel and Nelson voted for the resolution.) "A society should and must protect itself against violent terrorism," said Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), who sponsored the bill with Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR). "Israel now has been under siege from a systematic and deliberate campaign of suicide and homicide terrorists." Debate in both houses focused on equating the U.S. war on terrorism with Israel's military incursions in the West Bank. That mirrors the sentiment of the American Jewish community, which has been increasingly active in recent weeks trying to counterbalance Arab and European support for the Palestinians. But subtle differences emerged between the House and Senate versions of the pro-Israel bills. Unlike the House bill, the Senate version does not mention Arafat by name or link him to Palestinian violence. Several senators rose to say they wished the Senate bill was as strong as the House resolution. (JTA correspondent Amy Sara Clark in New York contributed to this report.)
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 Gordman; Gary Kudym; Bobbi Leibowitz; Howard K Marcus; Linda Saltzman; Howard Silber; Amee Zetzman; George Schapiro (Honorary Committee Member). Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
May 10, 2002
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page S
After invasion. Dissent Heard on Palestinian Street, in Cabinet
You Always Wanted Why Not Get It?
by GIL SEDAN - - _ « - _ _ _ JERUSALEM (JTA)-With the Ramallah. "I say the change must month-long Israeli siege over, life come from within the Palestinian seems to be returning to normal in Authority." Ramallah—but beneath the surface, According to a classified report Palestinians are questioning their reaching the Foreign Ministry in regime in unprecedented ways. Jerusalem, the P.A.'s minister of Dissent, which Palestinians usually international cooperation, Nabil keep to themselves because of threats Sha'ath, told Russian Foreign Minito their livelihood or, indeed, their ster Igor Ivanov that the Palestinian lives, is being heard after a wave of leadership committed many mistakes, Palestinian terrorism in March particularly in its attitude toward suibrought a fierce Israeli reprisal that cide bombers. left Palestinian areas of the West He said the phenomenon had caused Bank in ruins. considerable damage to the credibility Palestinian Authority President of the Palestinian leadership, and Yasser Arafat may be out of his should be stopped at all costs. besieged headquarters, angrier and Hussein A-Sheik, a leading official more militant than ever. But people of Arafat's Fatah faction, demanded a #8994W in the streets, trying to cope with the reform in Fatah ranks. Last weekend aftermath of the fighting, increasingly A-Sheik urged that a party conference are asking, Was all this misery really be urgently convened for the first time necessary? in 13 years. "People are tired," gas station atten"One must discuss the strategy of dant Mohammad Amir said. "People the Fatah and elect a new leadershipare not made of iron. Things have -except for Arafat, of course," he said. been more difficult than one could Even Arafat's top lieutenants say imagine." the disastrous events of the past "The suicide attacks contradict our month can not be allowed to pass national interest," Issam Sakker, a without comment. former laborer in Israel, said in "The establishment must learn the Manara Square in downtown lessons of what happened," said Col. Ramallah. "They were counter-pro- Jibril Rajoub, head of the once-powerful ductive in that they intensified the Preventive Security Service in the West pressure on Arafat." Bank. "One must learn the lessons to One message that Israel's Operation bring about change, because what hapProtective Wall has conveyed to the pened was a national disaster. One Palestinians is that they paid dearly must check, What happened? Who for the fact that their government left bears the responsibility?" every Palestinian militia free to Once mentioned as a possible succesengage in terrorism against Israel. sor to Arafat, Rajoub is believed to have Few Palestinians say that suicide lost much of his power. Rajoub was not bombings are immoral, but they do present when his security headquarters talk about their "ineffectiveness." in the Ramallah suburb of Bituniya was Only a month ago, such statements captured by the Israel Defense Force were hardly heard—at least not openly and surrendered with little resistance. on the street—and suicide bombers He also was not with Arafat during the were considered martyrs to be envied. prolonged siege of his Mukata comBut the shock caused by the Israeli pound in central Ramallah. military operation has changed moods IDF forces that raided Rajoub's headand opinions, not only of the man in quarters found yarmulkes and other the street, but also among Palestinian disguises Palestinian terrorists somepoliticians, who are calling on Arafat times wear to sneak more easily into to reform his government. Israel. Yet though many individuals in "One must begin discussing a the security services have taken part in reform in the institutions of the P.A.," terrorist attacks, Rajoub has kept the said Nabil Amer, a member of the forces, the closest thing to a Palestinian Palestine legislative council who army, out of regular combat with Israel resigned from Arafat's Cabinet on throughout the intifada. Many Saturday, "Everybody feels that an Palestinians now see Rajoub as a col- earthquake has taken place in laborator with the Israelis. Palestinian society. So the changes Judging by voices heard last weekmust be equal in size to what hap- end, the Palestinian political arena is pened," Amer told journalists in ready for a drastic change.
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May 10,2002
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Candidates State Goals, Qualifications for May 14 Primary by JEWISH PRESS News Service — (Editor's note: Candidates for public office were asked to submit statements to the Jewish Press for this Primary Election Guide. Those printed below were all that were received by deadline. The Jewish Press does not endorse political candidates or parties, but does present information on issues and candidates to our readers as a public service.)
enticement, with stronger penalties for drug dealers, greater investment in mental health, public health, and medical research, providing treatment for low-income women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, and extending jobless benefits during the national recession to displaced and laid-off workers. We boosted our investment in early childhood and K-through-12 education, and I strongly promoted foster care and adoption because every child deserves a loving home. While my focus will continue to be on these priorities if re-elected, I will also lead a tax reform effort focussed on providing property tax relief for homeowners and agriculture. Finally, I will keep my commitment to be a Governor for all Nebraskans. I would appreciate your vote.
GOVERNOR Mike Joharvns As Governor, myagenda has included tax relief, less government, building a statewide economy, protecting families, and ensuring the health, safety, and success of Nebraska's children. We expanded the homestead exemption so more seniors, veterans and disabled Nebraskans can afford to remain in their homes, and directed $85 million in surplus state tax revenues for direct ATTORNEY GENERAL property tax relief. I cut my office staff 25%, restricted the use of state cars, Mike Meister Nebraska is at a crossroads when it and eliminated the Washington lobbyist, saving taxpayers over a million dol- comes to the attorney generals office. Voters must decide whether we want a lars. Job creation and investment in all 93 politician's model or an attorney's Nebraska counties has been a priority. model. I believe in the attorney's model. One of our greatest successes is Union It is time to restore the office to the Pacific's decision to move 700 good- practice of law as it was when Bob paying jobs from Missouri to Nebraska Spire was the attorney general. and build a more than $200 million I am uniquely qualified for the job. headquarters building in downtown During my years of service as a Judge Omaha. Advocate in the United States Army, I We have protected families by adding served as the equivalent of a city attorstate troopers, criminalizing child ney and a chief deputy county attorney.
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For the five+ years I served on active duty, I was immersed in the criminal law, actively involved in the prosecution of child abuse, rapes, murders, theft and drug cases. I understand the importance of the criminal process and its role in preserving the civil liberties of all Nebraskans. As a private attorney, 1 have practiced before the County and District Courts of Nebraska, as well as both the Nebraska Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals. I pledge to you that when I am elected I wifl return the office to its previous respectability. Political expediency will be replaced by legal judgment. No longer will the office base its decisions on voting demographics. Decisions will be grounded in the constitutions of the United States and the state of Nebraska. It is time for politicians to get out of the Attorney General's Office and a practicing attorney to get in that office. SECOND CONGRESSfONAL DISTRICT Jim Simon Jim Simon is a successful Nebraska businessman with a strong record of creating jobs in the community. A member of the Simon family who founded world-famous Omaha Steaks, he worked summers and spent his first year in the meat cooler cutting meat. But Simon had an idea "to use the Internet to sell steaks," and he set up Omaha Steak's first ever on-line marketing and sales effort. Simon caught the attention of America Online, which successfully recruited him to become Vice-president of New Business Development. As Vice -president of AOL, Simon was responsible for bringing in new business for the Company. During his tenure at AOL, Simon and several other employees had the opportunity to create their own company (DMS) here in Omaha, which after only two years created over 200 jobs. Simon and his partners sold DMS back to AOL where he rejoined the Company. Simon has been married to his college sweetheart, Kim, for seven years; they have three daughters, Gabby, Maddie and Charlotte. They are members of Temple Israel. Simon is putting together a first-rate team, headlined by former Senator Bob Kerrey as Campaign Chairman, who said, "Jim Simon is a proven leader. His business background demonstrates that he is a man of new ideas, willing to roll up his sleeves and achieve results. I am confident Jim will make the people of the Second District proud they elected him as their Congressman." As a successful businessman, Simon understands the importance of hard work and new ideas to make things happen. Simon's leadership, his roll-upthe-sleeves attitude and his commitment to working families will give Nebraskans a much needed voice in Congress. Simon will be a tireless advocate in supporting a conservative fiscal policy, a strong and affordable public education system, as well as ensuring that the United States strongly stands behind Israel in pursuit of meaningful peace in the Middle East. Do not forget to vote in the upcoming primary. As Americans, it is a privilege to participate in the process. Please do not
forsake this privilege and this freedom. Lee Terry Lee Terry, 40, is a lifetime Omahan. He graduated from Northwest High School in 1980, the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, with a degree in political science in 1984, and received a J.D. from the Creighton Law School in 1987. Lee and his wife, Robyn, have three children, Nolan, 7, Ryan, 4, and Jack, who turns two on the Fourth of July, 2002. Congressman Terry is actively involved in political and charitable activities in the community. He has served as a member of the Service Area Board of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and chaired fundraisers to aid those afflicted with diabetes. Terry also served the ADA as chairman of the Great Plains Region, which.includes Nebraska, South Dakota and Iowa. Terry is a member of Rotary, the Omaha Chamber of Commerce and the Millard Jaycees. In 1987, he was chosen as the Jaycee's Outstanding young Nebraskan and, in 1994, he was named as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Omahans. Congressman terry has been appointed to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and serves on the subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection; Telecommunications and the Internet; and Environment and Hazardous Materials. Lee Terry was a leader in fighting for the elimination of the Marriage Tax Penalty and many other pro-family initiatives. He's a proud Nebraskan, dedicated to working for the people of Eastern Nebraska and looking forward to continuing his efforts in Congress.
Don't forget to vote Tuesday! SECRETARY OF STATE Jay C. Stoddard The Secretary of State should represent Nebraska with dignity, in all duties and functions, according to candidate Jay C. Stoddard of Grand Island. Voting is a privilege and issues should clearly and concisely be presented to the voters. Stoddard, a self-employed investment manager, is a current member of the Grand Island School Board and a Pastpresident of the Gates School PTA, charter member of Scoutmaster Troop #119 and President of the Grand island Life Underwriters. A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Kearney, Stoddard also obtained insurance designations LUTC I, LUTC II, and CIC and attended the Agency Management Institute and Society of Certified Insurance Counselors' educational programs. In the community,, he is a member of the Red Cross board of directors, the board of the Grand Island Life Underwriters, and the St. Stephens Episcopal Church (where he also sings in its choir). He has also volunteered for the Salvation Army. "I want to make Nebraska voting clear," Stoddard said. "No more 'If you vote no, you really vote "yes.1 It needs to be easily understood by everyone." (Continued on page 7)
May 10, 2002
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Primary Election Preview (Continued from page 6) —*——* OMAHA PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 5 Nancy Jacobson I am running for the OPS Board because ! believe it is essential for the future of our community that we continue to have a strong public school system. We are at a critical point in time. Many large cities have failed to preserve and protect their public schools, which results in downgrading the quality of life in their communities. We cannot let that happen here. I will be a strong new voice on the Board to provide a more positive approach to preserve and improve the high level of public education we want to have in Omaha. I am uniquely qualified as a youth and family advocate and parent of children in OPS schools, having served on many boards and promoting more partnerships between the business community and OPS. I have extensive social work training; I have a Master's in Social Work from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, as well as lots of volunteer experience, and will be an effective leader who will serve our community empathy, energy and common sense. My platform to improve our schools is not complicated. I will work hard to ensure OPS families receive full value for education while working to advocate adequate funding that is fair to taxpayers. Second, I will insist on fiscal responsibility. I will work hard for educational excellence by promoting smaller class sizes, improving teacher salaries and promoting more parent involvement. Third, our community will benefit from more projects between the private sector and the public schools. I have been involved in these partnerships and I will work hard to continue to advocate and promote these partnerships. I am proud Mom of four children, Rachel, Sara, Ben and Justin, and married 27 years to David Jacobson, chairman of Kutak, Rock LLP, a national law firm based in Omaha. OPS DISTRICT #1 Penny Sophir Incumbent Penny Sophir has served on the Omaha Public School Board for four years, chairing the Curriculum, Americanism, Research, Evaluation Committee and the Plants' Committee, and has served as Vice-chairman of the Student/Community Services and Human Resources Committee. Prior to her board service, Sophir was an active volunteer in OPS, presiding over the PTSA at both McMillan Middle School and Ponca Elementary,
and as treasurer and chairman of the scholarship committee of North High School's PTSA. Sophir has also volunteered for Methodist Hospital and the Special Olympics. In addition to chairing several OPS School Board Committees, Sophir has also been a member of the Nebraska Department of Education Policy Forum, engaged in discussions of how to use data from the School Report Card and School Profiles to energize improvement initiatives in the OPS districts. Sophir has been married for 32 years to Jim Sophir; the couple has two children, Jessica, a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and Lindsey, who attends Colorado University in Boulder.
VOTE!!! STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION Joe Higgins A retired public school teacher, Joe Higgins taught government, civics and American History at Westside High School for 32 years. He's past-president of the Nebraska State Education Association, the UNL Teacher's College Alumni Association Board and the Westside Education Association. "I am dedicated to the continued advancement of high quality education for all students of our state, and believe that can best be accomplished with a State Board of Education working in active partnership with local school districts," Higgins stated. "I am a strong advocate of team building leadership. "State Board of Education members should treat each other with civility and respect as they debate and decide the many issues which affect the education of all Nebraska students," he added. "The most important priority is to ensure that every student has a highly qualified, competent, well-paid and respected teacher leading the classroom. "Parents need assurance that their children are being educated in safe, secure schools that meet the highest possible academic standards. Taxpayers need assurance that the money we all provide for education is being spent in the most efficient and effective manner possible." NEBRASKA UNICAMERAL DISTRICT 6 Pam Brown For eight years, I have diligently represented Legislative District 6 in
"I am running for the Omaha School Board because / believe it is essentialforthe future of our community that we continue to have a strong public school system. I believe we ore of o critical point in time. Many large cities have failed to preserve andproted their public schools which results in the downgrading of life in their communities We cannot let that happen here. I will be a strong new voice on the Board to provide a more positive approach to preserve and improve the high level of public education we want to have in Omaha*
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Midtown omaha. I ask for your support as I seek re-election. As a 25-year resident, I understand the issues that are important to the district. Prior to holding political office, I was a community leader, serving as President of the Omaha Junior League and working with Omaha 2000 to establish educational standards for Nebraska to ensure that all children begin school ready to learn. I also served on the Nebraska Commission on the Protection of Children, chaired the Early Childhood Taskforce of the Nebraska State Board of Education, co-chaired the Child Care and Early Childhood Education Coordinating Committee, and was appointed to Qov. Kay Orr's Task Force on National Education Goals. Additionally, I helped initiate the Susan Komen Race for the Cure in Omaha, which has since raised three-. quarters of a million dollars to fight breast cancer. During my tenure in the Nebraska Legislature, I have worked to make government more responsive, efficient and cost-effective. I co-sponsored legislation for income and property tax relief as well as a measure to merge and consolidate government entities. I also carried legislation that ensures children receive court-ordered child support. In addition, my legislation on genetic discrimination has been nationally recognized. Tim Pendrell Prioritizing education and property tax relief are the themes Tim Pendrell stresses as he campaigns door-to-door in Omaha's Sixth legislative district "We must continue to decrease our reliance on property taxes as a means of funding school districts," Pendrell said. "I would prioritize state aid to education in pursuing this objective." Pendrell called the current state aid formula unfair to urban school districts like Westside, OPS and Millard. He said many inefficient rural districts are awarded funds based on lower property valuations for agricultural land, while the system does not adequately account for the higher costs urban districts face due to larger number of special needs students. "District 6 needs a Senator with the energy, vision and courage to fight for Omaha taxpayers," Pendrell said. At 21, Pendrell would be one of the youngest persons elected to the Unicameral. His supporters note that other young senators have historically risen to leadership posts and key com-
mittee assignments. Pendrell is endorsed in this race by the Nebraska State Education Association, the AFL-CIO and Omaha Professional Firefighters. "We're running a positive, issue-oriented campaign. As a candidate, I am active in meeting my constituents. As a Senator, I promise to work just as hard to keep in touch, and to return taxpayers' phone calls," he said. DISTRICT 10 Michael J. Friend I made the decision to run for the State Legislative seat in District 10 because I believe that I have the communication and diplomatic skills to truly make a difference in Lincoln. Our campaign is promoting a cause: the economic future of Nebraska. It's about helping to define educational success for our children. It's about promoting a positive vision of this state for neighbors and residents alike. And for me, in a lot of ways, it is about believing in something bigger than individual wants and needs. Ultimately, the cause is about me wanting to serve the citizens of District 10, and the citizens of Nebraska in the Unicameral. DISTRICT 12 John Begley A 39-year-old attorney in private practice, John Begley has also worked as inhouse legal counsel for the Omaha Tribe, from 1994-95. A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a B.A. in political science, he obtained his J.D. from Creighton Law School in 1988. "My time with the Omaha Tribe gave me experience in drafting legislation and reviewing and commenting on legislation at the state and federal level," Begley said. The issues on which he plans to concentrate include: • introducing legislation setting a mandatory minimum sentence for the crime of rape and sexual assault of a child; • ensuring tax incentive programs for business which provide real economic and community development, with costs that are predictable during each budget cycle; • an overhaul of our tax system to try to broaden the tax base so we can lower tax rates. When he was running for President in 1968, Robert Kennedy told audiences the following, "Some men see things as they are and ask why? I dream things that never were and ask why not?" "I believe the legislature, and we as citizens, need to ask 'why not?' more often." (Continued on page 8)
JohnS. McCollister forMUD Board of Directors John McCollister believes it is essenI tial to hold down natural gas and water rates. Studies confirm that MUD's rates I are among the lowest in the Midwest. McCollister has served on the MUD Board of Directors since 1979. He served as Board Chair in 1984, 1989 and 2001, He is currently Chair of the Personnel Committee. Paid for by MeColllater for MUD; Mike Meyers, Treasurer
Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 10,2002
Primary Election Preview Pulverente
j (Continuedfrompage 7)
• — — — —
Brad Kuiper DISTRICT 18 Family and faith are the cornerstones of Brad and James L. Kovarik MONUMENT CO. I have always believed that participation in the com- Marcia Kuiper's 30-year marriage. Together they munity was an obligation that each of us, and have raised five children: Micelle, Colleen, Teresa, Frank L Giciulla, Jr. believed that "we had a responsibility to give some- Jason and Jahn. Their first grandson was born in 60 Years Experience • Represent an exclusive thing back to our communities. That belief was also April, 2001. With Jewish New York collection of Brad Kuiper's business background makes him one of the deciding factors in making the decision to Lettering and Memorials women's designer sportsuniquely qualified to hold the office of State pursue this opportunity to serve Nebraska. My camwear • Flexible hours • SeE paign is about listening to people, and the things that Treasurer; he has 30 years of experience in business, 1439 So. 13th via home trunk showings setting budgets and managing revenue in good years are important to their everyday lives. 341-2452 As your next State Senator, my job will be to repre- and bad. Kuiper earned a B.A. from Dordt College in sent the voice of the people of Nebraska, not the spe- Sioux City, IA, in 1971. Kuiper has given back to the community through cial interests. I'm not afraid to ask the tough questions, and I'm not afraid to put in the time it takes to numerous activities, and recently finished a term on the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce Board of find the answers to those questions. We have a lot of work ahead of us in the 2003 ses- Directors. He is also actively involved in Optimist sion, to foster economic development that brings bet- International and Kiwanis Clubs. ter paying jobs to nebraska, and to reduce our tax In 1999, Kuiper was elected to serve as the Second burden and find new sources of state revenue. We District Chairman of the Nebraska Republican Party. Greek Specials Daily Greek Beer & Wine Homemade Pastries also have to find ways to preserve the quality of our He was honored with the prestigious Unity Award for Dine in/Carry Out Party Room We Cater Too! public schools, and create a state budget that reflects his team-building efforts. He has earned statewide support because of his extensive effort, walking in 45 our priorities. Full Service Bar parades in 2001, holding 35 "Town Hall" meetings in I grew up in Gering, NE, and have lived in Eastern Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.mMO p.m Nebraska for 12 of the last 14 years. The 18th 2002, traveling 1000 miles through 90 of 93 counties. Sun., 11 a.m.-S p.m. , Legislative District represents the best of these two The priority issues Kuiper has outlined include: worlds, and I'm at ease working with both of them. I'm » using cutting-edge technology to cut costs and familiar with the issues of the small towns and the big save dollars; for example, electronic fund transfers cities in the state, and see many opportunities for will save one to two million dollars a year in bank LAFATA'S making these two worlds work together for a stronger charges; GAFFE ITALIANO & BAKERY and healthier Nebraska. • provided child support payments efficiently and on time, a priority because it affects families and chilIs Something Different dren. Mike Mines Full Menu DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF The 2002 session of the Nebraska unicameral is Lunch & Dinner indicative of the challenges that face our representa- Sam Christiansen Cakes, Pastries, Cannoli tives in Lincoln. I am running for legislature because I served more than 28 years as a Douglas County Gelato & Granita my leadership, experience and record of public ser- Deputy Sheriff and am past president of the Fraternal vice leave me uniquely qualified to face such chal- Order of Police Lodge #2. I have an associates 2304 No. 72nd St. 397-1347 degree, and will complete a bachelors degree in lenges and improve the lives of all Nebraskans. OPEN TUES. thru SAT Lunch: 11-2; Dinner: 5-9 I have served my community as Mayor of Blair human resource management from Bellevue Universince 1994. My record of accomplishment demon- sity in June. I am married and the father of four. The people of our community deserve a levelheadstrates my ability to work through the tough problems and choices associated with governing to provide ed administrator who can uncompromisingly serve the workable solutions for taxpayers and businesses. citizens of Douglas County and remain attached to Through my involvement in several statewide organi- the needs of his police force. We all want safer neighzations, including a term as President of the League borhoods, professional and effective law enforceof Nebraska Municipalities, I have become familiar ment, and devoted civil servants. And that is what you can expect when I am elected. with the issues facing people throughout Nebraska. I have also been able to use my business experiCivic responsibility is important to me and I know how ence with HunTel Systems, Inc., in addition to my to lead by example. I will be a full-time Sheriff and not leadership role as President of Nebraska's largest accept outside employment. The citizens of Douglas economic development group, the Nebraska County should expect no less of a commitment from CARRY OUT AVAILABLE Diplomats, to achieve real economic progress. their Sheriff. The personnel of the Sheriffs Department We can accomplish great things if the legislature should accurately mirror the population of our county. trusts local governments to make the right decisions. I Therefore-, I will review and, if necessary, modify the hirBeer and Wine Available will work to empower local communities by eliminating ing and recruiting process for the Department to meet unnecessary state intrusion and regulation, promote this goal. I will also insure that department maintenance 2068 H. 117th Ave. business and economic development in an effort to practices will be updated to prolong equipment life and North Park (117th & Blondo) create quality jobs, support aggressive action to replace worn-out equipment before it fails and endanM- Th: 11-9:30 • Fri. & Sat. 11-10:30 -Sun. 12-9:30 ensure that government spending becomes more effi- gers officers and/or citizens. cient and accountable, ensure that parents and teachSharing information with other agencies is an ers in local communities handle educational issues, essential element of effective law enforcement; I, and oppose any law that infringes on family, religious therefore, will do my best to improve cooperation and or parent's rights. communication among all the law enforcement agencies operating within Douglas County and the surSTATE TREASURER rounding jurisdictions. Rene Dreiiing Sarpy County Deputy Treasurer Rene Dreiiing has DISTRICT 66 SCHOOL BOARD been campaigning for State Treasurer since January, Tom Baker 2001. He highlights his experience managing and As a life-long District 66 resident, graduate and investing taxpayer dollars in the fastest growing coun- actively-involved parent of two children attending ty in the state as the basis for his decision to move to school in the district, it will be an honor and a privilege the state house. to serve the citizens, students, teachers and adminisDreiiing pointed out that "we run one of the most trators as a member of the School Board. cost efficient offices in the state without sacrificing After growing up in the district, I continued my educustomer service." He understands that public service cation at The Wharton School at the University of is about taking care of the people. He spent 21 years Pennsylvania, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in the Air Force, flying for the first 14 and managing degree in Economics. Upon graduation, I joined my multi-million-dollar training budgets for the last seven. family's business, Baker's Supermarkets, where I "I know there's a moral responsibility in handling became responsible for human resources, communitaxpayer funds. It's not my money...it's our money." cations, consumer affairs, and charitable activities. Dreiiing has advanced degrees in business, Currently, I am Director of the Human Resources accounting and management and 14 years treasury and Employment Consulting Division of The Harry A. management experience at the federal and local Koch Co. I have been involved over the years with a level, and is a professional accountant. Dreiiing feels variety of community organizations, including the his successful record as a deputy treasurer has led United Way of the Midlands/CHAD, Boys and Girls other officials throughout Nebraska to endorse him. Clubs of Omaha and the Omaha Food Bank. "I'll bring the same level'of expertise to the State As a member of the School Board, I will utilize all of Treasurer's office that I've used for over seven years my business and community experience in addressin the county office, to make sure that every tax dollar ing the significant issues and challenges facing is used smartly," states Dreiiing. District 66 in the years ahead. (Continued on page 9
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May 10, 2002
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Primary Election Preview (Continued from page 8) - • • " - • • • » - • » • • • • " -
NATURAL RESOURCES DISTRICT, NATIONAL RESOURCES DISTRICT, pie, State officials certified Dougias County's assessSUB-DISTRICT 8 SUB-DiSTRICT 6 ment to sales ratio at 95 percent on residential and 98 Tim Fowler Tim Keller percent on commercial property. Tim Fowler stressed his experience in management Having served four years already on the Papio'The issue is fairness," he said. "When valuations are Missouri River NRD Board, Tim Heller cites his expe- at Milder Oil, and Commanding Officer of the United equalized, nobody pays more than a fair share in taxes." rience and a desire to "see several projects through" States Naval Reserves Sea Bees (Naval Mobile To improve valuations, Morrissey installed a comConstruction Battalion 15, Detachment 5), as "on-the- puter-assisted mass appraisal system, replacing a as his reasons for running for re-election. program purchased in 1969 and last updated in 1985. "This board is in the transitional phase," he said, job training." . "moving forward with several critical projects, includWhen asked about the Sea Bees' motto, "We Build; A certified instructor, he has taught appraisal courses ing the Western Sarpy Levy and Big Papio Channel We Fight," Fowler stated, "The NRD needs to do to his staff, and all appraisers in the Assessor's office improvements, among others. This is no time to leave more building and less fighting, but obviously I have have obtained professional standing. things unfinished." experience at both. That's not a jab at anyone in parFour years ago, the Assessor was not mentioned Heller has been a guiding force in the effort to ticular, but at the board as a whole. They need to get on the County web page. Today, Assessor valuation reduce property taxes and protect private property back to doing the business of running the NRD and data accounts for two-thirds of all county internet visrights, while working to increase flood control capaci- serving the taxpayers. its, providing a valuable tool to taxpayers. ty, recreational trails and wildlife habitat. He has "We've worked on projects for everything from Habitat As in 1998, Morrissey campaigns as the "most qualspearheaded the NRD's Paperless Project, which just for Humanity to large-scale defense projects. My unit ified candidate." He has 20 years experience as a just finished revamping the Douglas County Sheriffs professional-real estate appraiser and is a member of recently received board approval. Heller was elected in 1998, finishing first in both the Command Center, so I even have a bit of experience the International Association of Assessing Officers, primary and general elections. Since being elected to working with local government," he added: 'You have to Omaha Area Board of Realtors and the Nebraska the NRD board, he has served as Vice-chairman, be flexible and willing to work with everyone. I am confi- Chapter, Appraisal Institute. He is past chairman of Assistant Treasurer, and as Chairman of the Finance, dent I can offer a great deal to the community on the the Nebraska Real Estate Appraiser Board. NRD board. My experience will make a difference." Expenditure and Legal sub-committee. Morrissey and his wife, Cindy, have four children. Danielle Talkington Fowler is an Eagle Scout, serves as Pack #311 (St. He earned his degree from Creighton, with postgraduI started attending NRD board meetings in January Thomas More) as Chairman for the Boy Scouts, and ate work at UNO (public administration and land use of 1999 for an assignment in graduate school for was recently elected Vice-president of the Robin Mill economics). As a US Army (1967-69) platoon comwhich I studied the budget, wrote an analysis and pre- Pool Association. A father of five, he is also active in mander, he earned a Bronze Star in Vietnam. sented it to the board. The NRD is responsible for the Youth Soccer Program at his church. allocating $22 million of taxpayer funds, mostly from STATE BOARD OF REGENTS DOUGLAS COUNTY COMMISSIONER property tax, in fiscal year 2002. Nancy O'Brien I have continued to attend board meetings to stay Kathleen McCallister Dr. Nancy O'Brien has twice served as chairman of informed about issues. This month, I will complete my When i ran for the Douglas County Board four years the Board of Regents which sets policy for the master's degree in public administration from the ago, I promised to work for tax reduction, city-county University of Nebraska system and manages a $1.1 University of Nebraska-Omaha, with a specialization merger and better accountability. billion annual budget for the four-campus NU system. in natural resources. The focus of my graduate studI am confident in telling you I have fulfilled those According to O'Brien, her most important contribuies is to understand and develop policies that: campaign promises, and more. I have pushed for the tions as Regent have been the creation of the Peter • conserve our resources, such as soil, water and successful merger of the city's and county's computer Kiewit Institute of Information Science, Technology bio-diversity, so that human health can be protected; services, a new joint booking system for the police and Engineering, and the aggressive plan to recruit • sustain economic development and conserve our and sheriff, and the recently accomplished shift of the and retain Nebraska students within the state. She resources for the benefit and enjoyment of future gen- Douglas County's Visitor's Bureau to the city. I have also participated in initiatives that resulted in signifierations. also been one of the leading advocates for cutting cant reduction of administrative costs for the universiI am currently studying conservation of water and spending and taxes in county government. We have ty in recent years, and played a major role in bringing soil resources in Nebraska, and my goal, as an NRD also ended secret committee meetings. hockey to UNO, which is quickly becoming one of the board member, would be to improve water quality and But there is much more to do. The drive to save tax country's top programs. availability and to ensure food control (the major goal dollars by consolidating city and county services has "In order to maintain the university's reputation as of the NRD). I would like to see adaptive manage- just begun. I truly believe that there are still many one of the top institutions of higher learning in the ment practices, as recommended by the National areas that are ripe for merger, and I pledge to make region, the Board must continue to look for ways to Academy of Sciences, implemented to manage the this one of my top priorities. reduce costs while elevating the quality of curricuMissouri River in order to restore some of the endanI grew up in Omaha and love this city. I believe in lum," O'Brien said. "Nebraska taxpayers expect and gered recreation and biodiversity values along the giving back to the community and am very proud of deserve nothing less." river corridor. my record of service on the Omaha School Board, the O'Brien is president of Credit Union Enterprises, a State Board of Education and the Douglas County company providing products and services to credit Board. I am married to Omaha police officer Mike unions nationwide. She has been a management conMcGee, and we have two children. sultant to national banking groups, and senior vice presiI can assure you that if the voters send me back for dent for business development for SMARTPAY. O'Brien another four years, I will stay committed to making is a well-known speaker and presenter on management and personal growth topics. She currently is writing her Omaha an even better place to live. first book, Guiding Lites: Principles to Manage By. O'Brien received her degree in elementary and speDOUGLAS COUNTY ASSESSOR cial education from the University of Nebraska at Roger Morrissey Roger Morrissey established a goal when elected Lincoln in 1972, and a masters of administration in Douglas County Assessor: make property valuations special education from the University of Nebraska at more uniform and fair through improved practices and Omaha in 1975. She holds a doctorate in educational administration with special emphasis on program modernization. State law requires assessments to be between 92 planning and design from UNL. (Continued on page 12) and 100 percent market value. This year, for exam-
Brad Kuiper
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Metro Community College Board Primary election - May14 ••••*••••••••*••••*•••• w Board Member, 1997-2001 w Vice Chair, 1998-99 « r Chair, Budget & Finance Committee, 1999 w Chair, Presidential Search Committee, 2000-01 w- Member, Board of Directors, Nebraska Community College Association, 1999-2000
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 10, 2002
UNL offers Theatre Camp for High School Students by JEWISH PRESS News Service
Nebraska Repertory Theatre and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln University Theatre offer the eighth annual Summer School of Theatre-Theatre Camp, July 14-20, on the UNL Campus! It is an intensive week of theatre when students are given the opportunity to mount a theatrical production under the direction of theatre professionals. They will receive individual attention while studying theatre from the inside. Students work with professional actors, designers and specialists of the Nebraska Repertory Theatre. Best of all, they are surrounded by other students who love the theatre as much as they do. To apply, participants must have completed the ninth grade. Some exceptions may be made for mature eighth-grade graduates. Students must
have taken a theatre class or worked on a production. They will receive acting and improvisation instruction every day and will be members of professional theatre workshops on all areas of the theatre. Students stay in a dorm on the UNL city campus. Registration is July 14 from 3-5 p.m. A fully-staged workshop production, which gives every student attending the opportunity to act, is free and open to the public on July 20, 1:30 p.m., in the Studio Theatre, third floor of the Temple Building, 12th and R in Lincoln. Priority deadline for application is June 1. Applications accepted on a space-available basis until June 21. Cost of the camp is $275. For an application or more information, call 402-472-2072 from 7:30 a.m.-noon, and 1-4:30 p.m., Mon-Fri.
A Mega-Experiment In Jewish Education: The Impact of birthright Israel WALTHAM, Mass.-birthright israel, a 10-day educational program for Jewish young adults, has a profound and lasting impact on participants' Jewish identities, reports a new study. The study, a 15-month follow-up of young adults who traveled to Israel in January 2000 when the birthright israel program was launched, compared this group of participants with a control group of individuals who applied to the program but did not actually go on the trip. The study found that birthright israel had a substantial impact on several aspects of Jewish identity. "Overall, we found that birthright israel participants became more Jewishly engaged as a result of their trip to Israel," says professor Leonard Saxe, director of the Cohen Center and one of the leaders of the study. "Over the course of more than a year, participants continued to view the experience as extremely meaningful and it appeared to have a very positive impact on their Jewish identity and their attitudes toward Israel, Judaism and the Jewish people. Participants of the study ranged in age from 18 to
26 at the time of the program. Some were committed Jews with strong Jewish backgrounds, while others were raised in households where Jewish influences were minimal. Their denominational affiliations closely paralleled the North American Jewish community. The study found that participants, in comparison with non-participants: - had a stronger sense of Jewish identity - were more likely to want to marry a Jew and raise their children as Jews - were more likely to feel it was important to remember the Holocaust and to support Jewish organizations - felt a stronger sense of connection to Israel. Some participants returned to Israel after the birthright israel trip and many others wanted to return. Concern about finances was the most significant obstacle to a subsequent Israel visit, followed by safety concerns. Almost everyone who went on the trip encouraged friends and relatives to go. Data were collected in spring 2001, prior to the current situation.
American Cancer Society Announces College Scholarship Program for Young Cancer Survivors The American Cancer Society's Heartland Division, which includes Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri, is pleased to announce the second year of a program designed to help cancer survivors pay for college expenses. The organization established the program in 2001 as a part of its quality-of-life initiatives to assist eligible high school graduates whose families were burdened with the medical cost of caring for a child with cancer. The Heartland Division College Scholarship Program provides financial assistance of up to $1,000 to young cancer survivors. Scholarships for the 2002-2003 school year will be awarded on a first-come first-serve basis and will be limited to availability of funds. "We believe this program will improve the opportunity for pediatric cancer survivors to earn a higher education and lessen the financial burden on the cancer survivor's family," said Paul Murphy, chief operating officer of the Heartland Division. Residents of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska, who are citizens of the United States and have had a cancer diagnosis before the age of 21, are eligible. Applicants must have been accepted to an accredited university, community college, or vocational school and be 25 years of age or younger at the time of application. Deadline is June 1. For more information on the Heartland Division College Scholarship Program, or to receive an application packet, contact Customer Service Center at 877-398-8285. For more information on cancer, call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345, or visit there website at www.cancer.org.
At Creighton, you can expect challenges, opportunities, personal attention and success. Expect to receive an excellent education through rigorous academics and motivation in a values-centered environment. Expect to push beyond your limits and exceed your expectations in all areas of your life—in mind, body and spirit. Creighton offers s t u d e n t s : m Over 50 undergraduate majors in the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business Administration, and School of Nursing m Graduate School and professional programs in Medical, Dental, Law, Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions (Physical and Occupational Therapy) M Extensive Study Abroad opportunities H Internships-for-Credit m Leadership Program in the College of Business Administration m Direct Entry for freshmen into the School of Nursing
TLS^News and World Report has ranked Creighton the Midwest's #1 Regional University for the fifth year in a row! To find out more about Creighton, contact the •..Creighton University Office of Undergraduate Admissions ta!iforn1a:Pl9z^ •': • :.-• •;.••;'•.•••.• V i s i t . b ' M r ' w e b s i t e X a t f w W ^
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May 10,2002
Senior Pictures Ue&dsd for Tribute to Graduating Class of 2002 The Jewish Press will feature 'Teen Age' able for you to pick up in the Jewish Press office, after Salutes Class of 2002! in the June 7. June 7 issue. All Jewish grad- o A huge thank unling high school seniors are • you to seniors urged to send their senior picwho, at the ture along with their name, time of print, parents names, high school have already and plans after graduation. turned in thenFor the photos, we would pictures and prefer a wallet-sized 'head information: and shoulders' shot. Please consider that color copies do®*®*® 6 ®**' e e e e e a e s e s e e e e a e a e Jeffrey R. result in a loss of quality. Photos will be avail- Baum, Zac Bryant, Dan Bukenholts, Zachary
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
4,\ \
Colick, ^ Lauren \ E 1 i s e "* Feigin, Cari Green, Jessica Hasslinger, Rachel Javitch, Jordan ""$> ^ Kenyon, Ed Makarov, ^2 Derek Passer, Leah Raful, ' Terry L. Salmi, Sandra Shrier, Ariel Shukert, Andrew N. Spiegal, Stephen A. Sternberg and Matthew Uehling.
It's Youth Group Election and RUSH time I! OTYfi Holds an Amassing AZA Cornbelt Council Rush Program in Old Market Starts a New Term plane for 15 seconds," said Grossman. The groups on Sunday had jast as much fun getting Omahans to do crazy things on camera. One group filmed a 72-year-old man skipping down the block, while another actually convinced a woman to put her face into a pie. After the hunt, the rushees gathered for ice cream at Ted and Watty's, and for awards to be handed out. "I feel the program was extremely successful," concluded Bleicher. The rush was open to any 8th and 9th graders in the Jewish community.
by Corey Green » .— ,.,i,,,.,,...... It took two weeks of speeches, voting, and voting again, but AZA CBC has a new council board. AZA has council elections every year at the beginning of rush season. Members who are elected to the board have the responsibilities of running the council. The recent council just finished up a great term and is ready to start another great one. We are finally ready to release the members of the new council board to the press. Elected for Godol (President) is Keith Graul, taking over for Dan Morris. The new S'Gan (Program-
Jon is a freshman at Westside High School, a member of OYTG, BBYO and Temple Israel
BBG Cornbelt Council Board
by Jon Gates, OTYG Ruach Chair • Nearly 30 teens attended OTYG's Video Scavenger Hunt in the Old Market this past Sunday. Planned by eo-JYG Liason Jake Bleicher and coMembership Vice-President (MVP) \llie Willensky, the program was inspired by a five-hour wait for an airplane flight. Returning to Omaha after a JYG conclave, the group found themselves stranded in the St. Louis Airport with nothing to do. Using the video feature on Youth Director Stephanie Grossman's digital camera, the group wancicred the halls of the airport requesting strangers to act out each letter of I hr • alphabet. "Even men in business suits really sot excited about becoming an air-
N'Siah (President) S'Ganit (Programming VP) — Mii-Mom (Member in Training) MazlGiz (Secretary/Treasurer)— Sh'llcha (Religious Programmer)
ming Vice-president) is Ben Taxman, replacing Keith Graul. Dan Morris is the new Moreh (Membership Vicepresident), replacing Andrew Malashock. At Mazkir/Gizbor (Secretary/ Treasurer) is Alex Raskin, replacing Alex Katz. The last member on the new board is Trevor Gerson, holding 'the position of Shaliach (Religious programmer.) Congratulations to the new board! ! !!
Corey is a freshman at Burke' High School, a member of AZA and Beth El Synagogue.
Kim Pitlor Rachel Katzman Jenny Finkle Brittany Sukiermik Sam Friedman
Local Chapter Board Members Rushees Lexie Newman and Carolyn Terry.
Weizmann L h si.'* >&. Godol - Alex Katz Allie Willensky and S'Gan - Ben Delman Secretary Lauren Freeman Moreh - Eugene Ayol Shaliach - Trevor Gerson Gizbor - David Martin Mazkir - Adam Trubnikov
Sitting down for lunch at Spaghetti Works before the scavenger hunt are rushee Josh Sweet, co-MVP Becky Smedlund, OTYG member Naomi Fox and Ruach co-chair Molly Needelman.
Upcoming QTY& Events Monday, May 13 Open Board Meeting, 6:30-8 pan. J Saturday, May 18 £ Elections, etc., 2-11 pan. I M\ includes Dinner, Julie \&M Silver Concert, Havdalah \^Mg J and Installations ^-^r Grades 8-12, non-members may vote if you pay next year's membership dues! t
Sunday, May 26 Rock 'n Roll Runza and Laser Tag in Lincoln, noon-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 4 Worlds of Fun trip All events meet at Temple Israel. For more information on youth programming, contact Stephanie Grossman, 556-4596, or meleel990@aol.com.
AZA #1 Godol — Cory Gihnsky S'Gan - Alex Raksin Moreh — J.J. Friedman ShaLiach - Nathan Fineman Gizbor — Robert Mosenkis Mazkir - Ben Gerber
Past President Jenny Finkle, left, poses with newly-elected Ediar board members Kylie Zacharia, Gal Tsabari, Stephanie Lehman, Amy Saylan, Becky Kahn and Meagan Katelman. Installations were held at Zios.
Ediar N'Siah - Kylie Zacharia S'Ganit - Gal Tsabari Mit - Mom - Becky Kahn Sh'licha - Stephanie Lehman Gizbarit - Meagan Katelman Mazkirah - Jbdi Levine Mashgicha — Kate Josephson and Ariel Fried Sunshine Girl - Amy Saylan
MZ Yoshanah N'Siah - Annie Rifkin S'Ganit ~ Lana Kinarsky Mit — Mom — Amanda Ipock Shiieha - Becky Smedlund Gizbarit - Jessica Belmont Mazkirah — Naomi Fox Orechet— AliyaKatskee Sunshine Girls - Betsy Goodman and Shayna Kurland
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE •> J .
May 10,2002
Take Care of Yourself
by KAREN GUSTAFSON, Jewish Family Service ——-
Happy Mother's Day! Many people do n o t believe women when they say "it was love at first sight" when seeing their first child, but it was true for me. As of May 28,1995, when I first became a mother, my life has been transformed, to the better I might add. I now have two sons, Jared, 4, and Jake, who will soon turn 7. On some days, these precious little boys wear me out to the point that I do not feel like a human. At other times, when they want to cuddle or say prayers or climb on my lap to give me a hug (and they are not small anymore), I can think of nothing greater in life. As my dual role of therapist at JFS and mother, I have been fortunate to have come across some very inspirational books about motherhood. My favorite is The Mother Dance by Harriet Lerner, Ph.D. You may know her from her previous books like The Dance of Anger or The Dance of Intimacy, just to name a few. She has popularized the "dance" analogy to explain how we juggle the various roles that we have in our lives and how our movements impact others' movements around us and visa versa, hence "the dance." I have a very good friend whose license plate says "Queen". Her family bought this for her due to her family joke: "If the Queen ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." Does that sound familiar in your household? Mothers are often, but not always, the gatekeepers of emotion, the foundation of the family, the planner of intimate details of daily life. No wonder we are tired, yet, we feel fulfilled. My boys, including my husband, have gotten together and decided that they want to buy me a hockey stick for Mother's Day so I can continue to
play hockey with them on our back patio, and not have to use a small stick. What they do not realize is that I am nursing a bad back right now from playing hockey and soccer and picking up after them, etc. But I find the sentiment precious. I was explaining to Jake what Mother's Day is about since he was with me while I was picking out a card for my own mother. "There should be a kid's day," he said. I replied, "Kid's day is every day. On Mother's Day (and Father's Day) you should thank your parents for the life they have given you." "Yeah right," he said. Kids! In July, I will become an aunt for the first time. My little sister is having her first child. She is considerably younger than I so I almost feel as though I play a parental role with her. As with parents, I am so happy for her and cannot wait to see the baby and provide advice and help. On the other hand, I am quietly chuckling to myself saying. "Just wait, you have no idea what is in store for you." My advice for her and for all of the mothers out there, no matter what their age, is: get plenty of rest; take some time for yourself with friends; continue to work on your marriage; buy a good journal (without the expectation of writing in it every day); have a good parenting resource book on hand (Parenting with Love and Logic is superb) and, most certainly, buy The Mother Dance. As a matter of fact, I may just have to go and buy that for the soon-to-be-mom. We may not always be the perfect mother but, hopefully, we all strive to improve our parenting skills in order to raise happy, healthy and selfreliant children. And as a matter of priority, take care of yourself. "A happy mother is a good mother."
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Primary Election Preview (Continued from page 9) •--•--•''^•™»»»«««~«'«» METROPOLITAN UTILITIES DISTRICT Sally Deweese Kam merer As a candidate for the MUD Board, there are five objectives that will guide my decisions as a board member: • In order to provide affordable rates, we need to be diligent with "other people's money". Just because it is someone else's doesn't mean it should be used frivolously; • In the security climate we now find ourselves, safe storage facilities are of prime importance. • High morale among employees creates good customer service. We should strive for the best customer service in the country and should be able to achieve it. • Good growth to out-lying areas keeps rates low, since it creates a larger base from which to draw. • Although those in the MUD district have always met the challenge, as good citizens, to decrease water usage when necessary, we hope it can be avoided by getting planned new facilities up and online to ensure a totally adequate supply. As President of Midwest Business Equipment for two years, and Secretary-Treasurer for 17 years prior; and with a degree in business from Western Illinois University, my goal is to work for you, the MUD customer. John McCollister A graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, John McCollister has served on the MUD Board since 1979. He is a member of the Executive Committee and an officer for the Mid-America Council of Boy Scouts of America and serves as a trustee for Countryside Community Church. "Over the last few months, MUD instituted new procedures to insure the safety of natural gas installations, water treatment facilities and water reservoirs," McCollister said. "In addition, MUD reorganized personnel job assignments and established a new board oversight committee to better monitor MUD safety efforts. "MUD will begin using chloramines in its disinfectant process at both water treatments plants. The change will provide better tasting water and will put MUD in a strong position to meet future drinking water standards. The use of chioramines will reduce the odor and taste of chlorine. "The election for fiscally conservative directors with good business experience and the retention of strong MUD managers will insure that MUD rates remain among the lowest in the Midwest," he added. "MUD natural gas rates are at least 15% lower than neighboring natural gas suppliers. "Supplies of natural gas are more than adequate. A more pressing concern is construction of Platte West, MUD's water supply expansion project," McCollister noted. "Approval of MUD's permit to begin construction has been tied up by the Corps of Engineers for about six years."
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Tears of Terror (Continued from page 1) Shulamit, who immigrated to Israel from Iraq when she was a young woman, had finally reached her breaking point. For the first time, she had to admit to herself that she was too frightened to walk to Lifeline and go to work. Lifeline for the Elderly is often visited by Omaha's missions to Israel. This non-profit organization, which receives funding froni the Jewish Agency for Israel (through Jewish Federation Campaign dollars), offers a place for Israel's elderly and disabled to come each day. Lifeline's philosophy and programs are based on the principles that through work, recreation and the ability to become more self-reliant, the elderly and disabled lead a life of meaning and dignity. Presently, several hundred men and women come to Lifeline daily from all over Jerusalem. They are from varied ethnic and social backgrounds, speaking many languages. All the elderly workers receive a small stipend for their work and benefit from a wide-ranging social support network. A unique feature of Lifeline's programs is the unrestricted acceptance of individuals, regardless of their difficulties and problems. Since last November, Lifeline has been offering additional services to its elderly workers. Several seniors, who live in the embattled neighborhood of Gilo, especially, have been receiving psychological support and stress therapy to help alleviate their anxiety due to the ongoing terrorist threats. Lifeline has also expanded its cafeteria service, offering the Artisans a three-course hot meal for only 20 cents a day. From the courtyard of Lifeline for the Elderly on Shivtei Yisroel Street in Jerusalem, Yael, a Lifeline social worker, looked out at the street in much the same that Shulmit had. She could see the rubble and yellow police tape marking the spot of this latest suicide bombing; it was only a block away. Over the past several months, she'd spent countless hours handling the therapy sessions for 'her seniors'. She knew firsthand the toll that the intifada has taken on them and she constantly worried about these very proud, yet vulnerable people she had come to think of as family. The Lifeline artisans have already endured more than their share of suffering. Their brave determination in the face of terror was legendary. They are proud of the work they did at Lifeline and determined to continue with their normal routine. But this one was too close. Yael sighed and went back to the office to wait and see how many of the artisans would come to work. By midday, Yael's fears were confirmed. Only a few of the younger (under 75) and healthier artisans had come to work. Yael and the rest of the Lifeline staff couldn't bear the thought of their employees; many of them alone and in fragile health, shuttered up in their homes afraid to venture out. Most of them didn't even have much food at home, since Lifeline provides a nutritious hot meal each day. All afternoon, Yael and the rest of the staff went to every artisan's home. They comforted them, brought them food, and if they wanted to come to work, they drove them. Because of the drastic drop in tourism, Lifeline has now put its catalog on their website, located at: www.lifeline.org.il/catalog.litml. Lifeline is committed to maintaining their normal day-to-day activities. Yael says they have no choice but to continue to be there for their elderly and disabled artisans. It's gratifying to know that even as the tears of terrorism continue to rain down, the work of Lifeline for Elderly goes on. The Israel Terror Relief Fund has a goal of $1 million. To contribute, please mail your donation to Jewish Federation of Omaha, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154, or call 334-6432.
Don't Forget to Go to the Polls Tuesday, May 14
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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THE place for the Omaha Jewish community to come for concise, clear and factual information about the increasingly complex issues in Israel and the Middle East
Refugees (continued from last week) • Tallying the number of individuals considered Palestinian refugees today is a matter of debate. The United National Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which registers Palestinian refugees, claims that refugees and their descendants (as of June, 2000) number about 3.7 million, including those that left ISrael in 1948, those that left the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1967, those that were already abroad, but were subsequently not allowed to return to Israel, and their descendants. Israel, however, believes this number is exaggerated, and that the true figure is approximately two million. Israel also strictly separates "refugees" from "displaced persons" from "expired permit Palestinians'' who were abroad at the time, the conflicts ensued and had not been allowed to return. The Palestinian Authority insists that the figure is closer to six million when taking into account those refugees who are not registered with UNRWA, or live outside the area where UNRWA operates. Palestinians insist that refugees must have a "right of return" to their former homes in Israel, and claim that this "right" is founded in international law. Israel denies that there is any foundation in international law for a Palestinian "right of return" and that the non-binding international resolutions on the issue call, not for a "return" to Israel, but for a just resolution of the refugee problem. Israel also argues that a "return" is not viable for such a small state, given that an influx of millions of Palestinians into Israel would pose a threat to its national security and upset the country's demographic makeup. Finally, the "right of return" of Palestinian refugees was a rallying cry in the decades that the PLO did not recognize Israel's right to exist and actively sought to bring about Israel's downfall and replace it with a Palestinian state. Since 1993, the PLO recognizes Israel's right to exist and has been engaged (until September 2000 and the outbreak of the second intifada) in a nego-
tiating process to establish an independent Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel. Palestinian refugees should rightly be resettled in the Palestinian state, not in the State of Israel. Israel says it is not responsible for the Palestinian refugee problem, since it is the result of a war forced on Israel by invading Arab armies, but on humanitarian grounds has, nevertheless, agreed to be part of an international effort to resolve the situation. During negotiations with the Palestinians, Israel agreed that any Palestinian refugee who wished to do so could emigrate to the newly-established state of Palestine. Israel would also cooperate in international efforts to resettle and compensate Palestinian refugees, and would consider individual cases of family unification.
Things to Do to Help Israel • Educate yourself. You can read the. Jerusalem. Post at www,jpost.com or Ha'aretz at www.haaretzdaily.com. You can also read Arutz7 at: wwTPtr.israelnationahiews.com. • Subscribe to any of the media watch organizations. Join Camera: www.camera.org. or subscribe to Palestinian MediaWatch, at: pmw@pmw.org.il or Memri: www.memri.org. or Honest Reporting: www.honestreporting.com. Camera recently published a paperback called A Record of Bias: National Public Radio's Coverage of the Arab-Israeli Conflict: September 26-November 26 2000. Order it. • Educate your family: Buy a map of Israel and frame it. Put it up somewhere where you and your kids will look at it. When there is a terrorist attack, find the location. Familiarize yourself with "the Green line" inside and out. Learn the location of the settlements and the cities of Israel. Learn the proximity of Palestinian villages to Israeli ones. (Thanks to Wendy Goldberg, who forwarded these suggestions to the Press from a friend in Israel.)
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
NOW Honors Two (Continued from page 1) --.——».—•-..-»»-»«-». a member of the Planning and Evaluation Committee for two years. Additionally, she has been a delegate representing the Omaha Section at NCJW's National Leadership Conference and Washington Institute. Meyerson's commitment to her community has also been exemplified through her other Jewish and civic involvement. She attended a UJC Young Leadership Conference and is active in Young Jewish Omaha and the annual Federation Campaign. She was also a member of the Jewish Family Service Board prior to joining the JFS staff, where she now works part-time as a social worker. Other civic activities have included membership on the Friends of Planned Parenthood Board as well as volunteer and committee work for the Arthritis Foundation and Ribbon Foundation. Her level of community involvement and activism comes as no surprise. She was introduced to NJCW by her mother, Carol Bloch, a long-time supporter and activist for NCJW, who just completed a term on the National Board. Jenny and her husband, Scott, are the parents of Jake, 3. Kim Noddle has been elected President of NCJW, Omaha Section for the upcoming year. She has held many leadership positions in NCJW, including Vice-president of both Community Service and Fundraising, Kim Noddle and she has chaired numerous committees. In 1999, Kim received the Section's Emerging Leader Award. That same year, she was awarded the Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Award from the Jewish Federation. Other officers elected to serve with her include: Vice-preisdents: Jill Belmont, Pam Friedlander, Karin Levine, Deb Marburg, Cheryl Lerner, Iris Ricks and Sally Zipursky; Treasurer: Jill Baron; Financial Secretary: Shelly Pichik; Member Services Secretary: Marcy Ruback; Recording Secretary: Kim Novak; Parliamentarian and Bylaws: Susie Norton and Carol Bloch. Directors include: Lisa Epstein, Danielle Gordman, Judy Josephson, Kate Kirshenbaum, Jennifer Meyerson and Heidi Schneiderman; Nominating Chairman: Carol Katzman; Nominating Committee Members and Alternates: Debbi Brown, Cindy Goldberg, Lori Miller, Lisa Shkolnick and Amee Zetzman; and Beth Friedman, Past-president. Cost of the dinner is $20. For more information and to make a reservation, please contact Pam Friedlander at 334-8773 or pfriedla@ops.org.
May 10,2002
Young Singles Reconnect at Upcoming Event by JOANIE JACOBSON
—
Citiez restaurant on 40, in a social setting. The South 13th Street, will be steering committee the place to meet and party includes Coren and for Omaha Jewish Singles Roffman, along with (OJS) on Monday, May 20, Jennifer Hoberman, Joey 7 p.m. shyken and J.D. Slosburg. Citiez primarily features a "The committee has good Tuscan Italian cuisine a la energy and is committed to Florence, Italy, but, accordthe project," said Sharon ing to owner David WinKirshenbaum, Federation's troub, food, drink and wine Young Leadership from a different city and a Director. "They plan to foldifferent country is also fealow up the formal invitatured on a specials menu tion by calling everyone on which changes every three our list and personally months. encouraging them to "If you'd get on a plane p a u l Roffman and l i s a Coren are part of attend." and go to that city, this is t h e steering committee planning the May « W e k n o w t n e l i s t is 20 what you'd eat," said Win- Jewish singles event. incomplete," explained troub. "Since September, we've taken our cus- Roffman. "If you're 22-40, Jewish and singletomers to Bordeaux, France, New Orleans, LA, and whether you're at UNO, Metro, Creighton, Iowa Lima, Peru. We say, "It's a chance to experience Western, Offut, the Med Center-in school or in the the world, one city at a time." workplace, you're welcome to attend. If we don't "Around the World" is the theme for the OJS know about you, call us. If you didn't get an invitaevent and will offer specialties from Tokyo, Japan; tion, call us, even if you can't make the evening at Athens, Greece, Lima, Peru, and Oaxaca, Mexico. Citiez. Lisa Coren and Paul Roffman are event co-chair"We're looking for ideas for future events, too," he men. added. "The whole point is to keep things informal "There really isn't a group for Jewish singles in and social." Omaha," said Roffman, "and there needs to be." "One of the goals of the Federation is to bring "Citiez will be fun and different," said Coren. "It's Jewish people together," Kirshenbaum added. "We not a sit-down dinner--ifll be casual and informal hope to offer this group a connection to each other so everyone can mix comfortably during the night. and to the Omaha Jewish community. The steering "I'm looking forward to meeting young Jewish committee is very willing to help plan. They want people I haven't known before and reconnecting to get involved and do the work." with people from Omaha I haven't seen for years," Cost of the Citiez event is $10 per person, and a Coren added. cash bar will be available. For reservations or more OJS was developed by the Jewish Federation of information about OJS, call Sharon Kirshenbaum Omaha to identify and engage Jewish singles, 22- at 334-6485.
Picnic is Opportunity for Jews, Christians, and Muslims to Get to Know Each Other by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator —
—— i.................
On Sunday, May 19, noon, at Temple Israel, First United Methodist Church, and the Islamic Center of Omaha will once again join together "to create some spiritual healing in the midst of the turmoil in the Middle East," said Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. "It's important to get to know about other Americans." All three groups will co-host a potluck picnic, immediately following the last day of Religious School at Temple, on the front lawn at First United Methodist Church across Cass Street just north of Temple. In the case of inclement weather, the picnic will be inside the church. First United Methodist's Reverend Chad Anglemyer said his "number one reason to have a picnic together, beyond having a good time, is in the interest of communication, which is absolutely
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essential. We can't communicate if we're not together. It's as simple as that." "People have been stereotyped," added Ahmed Ghosheh, President of the Islamic Center. "We need to get to know each other in a casual atmosphere. We've all heard the lectures and seen the movies. Let's sit down and have some burgers together." Being together in a relaxed setting, "sends a message to the Palestinians and the Israelis that we can live together as neighbors." Everyone is asked to bring something; free beverages will be provided. Families are also asked to bring blankets or lawn chairs. "This picnic is our statement of the hope we have for a more peaceful world," said Rabbi Azriel. "By gathering together to share a meal, engage in conversation, and forge new friendships, we are living
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 15
Changes Ahead for Drazen Family by OZZIE NOGG — — — In August of 1982, >^ Rabbi Paul Drazen *"'" was named spiritual leader of Beth El to the western Synagogue. The folsuburbs and literally lowing month, the changed the face of 1982 New Year's edithe city and Jewish tion of the J e w i s h Omaha," Drazen conPress carried his first tinued. "The move Rabbi's Message. meant that our daily minyan also The topic was: moved west and we Change. 4 could then provide a At the end of this spiritual center—a summer—after two spiritual anchordecades in our comcloser to the homes of munity--Rabbi most of our members. Drazen, his wife, "Also, our proximiSusie, and their chilty to Boys Town dren, Gila and Yoni, Rabbi Paul and Susie Drazen allows them to better will leave Omaha for serve their Jewish residents; we've even held a Bar the Twin Cities, where he will "change hats" and Mitzvah at Beth El for one youngster who lived begin his work as Executive Director of the newlythere," he added. formed Mid-Continent Region of the United Under Rabbi Drazen's leadership, Beth El has Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. In that light, also become a paradigm for synagogue design. The his message of 20 years ago is worth revisiting. "We've all heard the adage that one can't teach inclusion of visual aids and hearing assistance in an old dog new tricks," Drazen wrote in 1982. "We the 144th Street facility ensures complete accessimight be led to believe that, in a certain sense, we bility for everyone who visits the building. Susie Drazen's contribution to the changing face are beyond the point of learning new life habits. (But) no matter what we might think, we all have of Beth El Synagogue and the larger Omaha the ability to adapt . . . to change . . . and control Jewish community is notable, too. During her years as Director of the Bureau of Jewish the change ..." Ordained from the Jewish Theological Seminary Education, she drew upon her background in secin 1979, Paul Drazen served as student rabbi in ondary education and her Master's Degree in Huntsville, AL, and then as assistant rabbi at Beth Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological El Synagogue in Minneapolis before assuming his Seminary to help expand the services and produties at Beth El in Omaha. During his 20 years at grams of the B JE--now JELS. Beth El, he helped effect many positive changes She supervised curricula changes, helped develop both on and off the pulpit. teacher training and professional enrichment "Congregants have increased their level of partic- opportunities, created learning opportunities for ipation in services and in programs," Rabbi Drazen special needs students in Omaha's religious schools said recently. "Our members lead morning and and revamped and restructured many scholarship evening minyans during the week and, on Shabbat, programs, including the Israel Experience Grant they present Divrei Torah, read Torah and serve as program for teen trips to'Israel as well as the creSh'lichai Tzibbur. Our Friday night services have ation of the Jewish Experience Grants Program for become much more participatory over the years, summer camp attendance. During the past two years, in her role as Beth too, with the entire congregation singing and El's Program Director, Susie Drazen was the drichanting-more than just the choir singing." As other examples of change, Drazen pointed to ving force behind the creation of BELLS-Beth El the thousands of dollars in Service Grants that Lunch and Learn on Shabbat, and HAZAK--the synagogue's award-winning program for seniors. Beth El has given to high school students. In his 1982 message, Rabbi Drazen's words "These service grants encourage teens to go to Jewish summer programs and then come back to described how the Jewish New Year affords us the help teach what they have learned through our opportunity to change the direction of our lives. "We decide if it will be a year of commitment or Torah and Siddur Skills program." He also noted that Beth El's High Holiday Youth Program has indifference. We determine, to a large degree, what been emulated around the country and that the the New Year will mean for us. It is a matter, Home Education Library Program materials~the largely, of realizing we can do anything we want to H.E.L.P. booklets-have been distributed and are in do . . .the desire to change serves as the beginning of the discovery of our personal capability for use around the world. "The H.E.L.P. materials include information on change, . .we decide if it will be a year of commithow to celebrate Jewish holidays, how to plan a ment or a year of indifference..," To recognize the years of commitment that both wedding and name a baby," Drazen said. "One booklet explains death and mourning customs, and Rabbi Paul and Susie Drazen have given to Beth El other booklets serve as guides through various Synagogue and to the community, "An Evening to liturgical services. The goal of the H.E.L.P. pro- Remember" musical retrospective tribute will be p.m., at Beth El. gram was to educate and empower our members held on Sunday, May 19, 7:30 and to take some of the mystery out of Jewish liv- Co-chairmen for the eveningrafe Margie and Bruce Gutnik and Mike and Sheri Abramson. For inforing. I believe we met that goal. mation, call Beth El at 492-8550. "Beth El's move west from 49th and Farnam to
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When lecturers from the Henry Doorly Zoo concluded their fascinating slide/presentation of its new world's largest glazed geodesic dome, at our meeting, your reporter asked if the next amazing feature might be lions and gladiators squaring off in battle. Director Dr. Lee Simons has established Omaha's zoo as one of the outstanding diverse exhibits in the world. The remarkable architecture of the desert dome boggles the mind. The building spans over one acre, is 230 ft. in diameter. The top of the dome is 137 ft. above the main level and stands 13 stories. And there is more to come. Next year, the world's largest nocturnal exhibits opens with night time animals, and habitats will be located underneath
the dome. Thanks to "Mother Maggie" we analyzed a speech delivered by Sen. Jim Inhofe, who is serving his second term from the state of Oklahoma. This occupied the entire discussion class time. In it, he discusses seven reasons why Israel has the right to the land. And the most important one is because it is in the book of Genesis: The Lord said to Abraham, "Lift up now your eyes, and look from the place where you are northward, and southward, and eastward and westward: for all the land that you see, to will I give it, and to your seed forever." We paused in reverent respect in memory of Dr. Arthur Greene and Lester Sadoff. Shalom.
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May 10,2002
Melton School Begins Fall Registration by SUSAN PALEY, Melton School Director
The Florence Melton Adult Mini-School (FMAMS) is now florence melton taking applications for the Fall adult mini-school r 2002 term. The Melton School is a revolutionary concept in adult A Project of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem r^ Jewish learning and committed to the practice and understanding of promoting Jewish literacy in a plural- Judaism," stated Phyllis Aron, istic forum. Through interactive, Melton Class Beit student. "But it sophisticated discussion, led by uni- isn't just the educational structure of versity professors and professional the class that is so amazing. How can educators, adult students have a I describe the incomparable feeling of unique opportunity to become confi- fellowship, the sense of caring, or the dent and competent about being respect for one another that is prevaJewish. Omaha is one of 63 communi- lent in the room? Thefreedomto ask ties worldwide who sponsor a branch questions without fear of appearing of the school. The FMAMS is part of ignorant and to describe your innerthe Hebrew University of Jerusalem's most feelings without anxiety are Melton Centre for Jewish Education. bonuses on the path to knowledge." Year One classes are held on Debbie Brown, Assistant ADL Director and a member of Melton Monday nights, 7-9;30 p.m., and on Class Aleph, respects "the pluralistic, Wednesday mornings, 11 a.m.-1:30 interactive approach to adult Jewish p.m. Classes begin on Sept. 23, for learning. Our discussions are two 15-week semesters. Each session thoughtful, synergistic, non-judgmen- is two one-hour classes with a break tal and promote critical thinking. The in between. Tuition is $350 and includes all stuclasses are made up of diverse groups representing our community. Each dent materials. Financial assistance person brings so much to the class, as is available through JELS and may each of us has unique histories, expe- be obtained by calling Kathy Hirshman, JELS Director of Scholarriences and memories." The Melton School curriculum, ships and Educational Administradesigned by Jewish scholars, educators tion, at 334-6445. Classes are limited and rabbis at Hebrew University, is to 25 students each. A $50 deposit comprised of four core courses which will hold a place in either the evening provide a systematic, integrated ap- or day class. proach to Jewish literacy, designed to There are no prerequisites for be accessible to everyone, regardless of entrance to the school. There are no background and knowledge. tests, and everyone who enrolls There are two first-year courses. receives an "A+." Upon completion of "Rhythms of Jewish Living" is an the two-year course of studies, stuintroduction to the fundamental dents receive a Certificate of Jewish beliefs, ideas and practices which Learning from Hebrew University and define and shape Jewish life. are eligible for a two-week Graduate "Purposes of Jewish living" explores Israel Summer Seminar there. Henry the meaning and purpose of life from and Dorothy Riekes, JELS and the a Jewish perspective, utilizing essen- Jewish Federation sponsor the Melton School in Omaha. For more informatial, classic Jewish texts. "The Melton curriculum has helped tion, please call me at 334-6566. relieve my feelings of inadequacy in
Clergy to Surround Congregation with Torah on Shavuot at Temple by CLAUDIA SHERMAN —•— Temple Israel Communications Coordinator
On Erev Shavuot, Temple Israel will commemorate the giving of the Torah at a special service on Thursday, May 16, 5:15 p.m. The service will be followed by a free dairy dinner at 6 p.m., and conclude with adult study sessions, Tikkun Lei Shavuot, with the clergy at 7 p.m. Reservations are required for the dinner only. Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will unroll the Torah scroll as they encircle the pews in the sanctuary and surround the congregation on both sides with the holy words inscribed on the Torah parchment. "We will unroll the Torah scroll," said Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, "symbolically surrounding ourselves with its laws and teachings." As adults and children hold the scroll in the prescribed way, maintaining its sanctity, Rabbi Azriel will read from several different portions from around the sanctuary during the service. Rosie Zweiback, Temple Israel program director, added, "This is an opportunity for us to touch the Torah. What a moment it will be when we unroll the Torah scroll and all hands have a part in holding it up together as a community." After the dinner, a 23-minute video, The Voice Still Speaks, will be shown.
The video explores the meaning of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai"the very core event of Judaism"-and the central story of Shavuot. The video relates how Jews around the world reaffirm that they, too," were standing at Sinai, accepting the covenant that binds God and the Jewish people. In the video, five leading scholars discuss their understanding of revelation. One of them, Cantor Sarah Sager of Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in Cleveland, OH, says, "I am captivated by the concept that I was at Sinai, and that I can continue to draw on that dynamic, ever-unfolding event." Rabbi Richard Levy, President of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, leads the discussion among the scholars in the video, which also includes Rabbi Eleanor Smith of Beth Emet-The Free Synagogue in Evanston, IL; Dr. Mark Washofsky, Associate Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics at the Union of American Hebrew Congregations-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York; and Dr. Ellen Umansky, who is the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Professor of Judaic Studies at Fairfield University in Connecticut. On Friday, May 17, 10:30 a.m., there will be a Shavuot and Yizkor service in the chapel.
Crowd Cheers at Four Cantors Concert
BIRTH Lisa and David Cohen of Buffalo Grove, IL, announce the April 10 birth of their son, Brandon Isaac, Grandparents are Cookie and Jerry Hoberman of Omaha, and Edie and Al Cohen, also of Buffalo Grove. Great-grandparents are Pauline Hoberman of Omaha and Gertie Shore from Illinois.
nal great-grandmother, Bernice Polikov. Shayley has a brother, Rylan Scott, 21/2.
Grandparents are Marvin and Sheila Polikov, and Sheila and Steve Walowitz of Northbrook, IL. Great-grandparents are Ethel Goldston of Omaha and the late Seymour Goldston, the late Bernice Jodi a n d Kenny Polikov of and Abe Polikov, Manya Vogel and Arlington Heights, IL, announce the the late Rudy Vogel, and Sydney April 19 birth of their daughter, Walowitz, also of Northbrook. Shayley Brooke, named for her pater-
Please join us during National Nursing Home Week as we honor the staff and residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home May 13-17 Celebrating the Seasons of Life Calendar of Events: TUESDAY, MAY 14 Special Dessert Tea Time in honor of the residents and families, 2:30 p.m., in the large dining room. WEDNESDAY, MAY 15 Staff/resident Picnic, Hawaiian Tea Time, 2:80 p.m., in the tea room (Beach Party theme throughout the day). THURSDAY. MAY 16 Staff Recognition, Tea Time with ice cream sundaes, 2:30 p.m., in the auditorium.
Near the end of their performance at Temple Israel, Cantor Wendy Shermet, left, and her predecessors, Cantor Jennifer Blum, Hazzan Erik Contzius and Cantor Karen Webber-Gilat, respond to the rousing applause of nearly 500 people. Harry Alloy, a member of the concert committee, said, "The concert was exceptional. We had four beautiful voices
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up there and each was outstanding in her or his own way. There was an overwhelming feeling of a wonderful musical evening! Ticket sales went very well and we had some generous donors as well," Alloy added, which contributed to a "financially successful event." CDs of the concert are available for $15 by calling Temple at 556-6536.
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May 10, 2002
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 17
Concert Comes from a Jewish Heart 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 aan. Bring articles to share for "YES Talk" at 11. Join us at noon for the Annual Mother's Day Party and Installation of Officers. Robyn Lensch will perform. For transportation, call 330-4272. Make reservations with Maggie Conti by calling 334-6521. Deadline for WinnaVegas Casino on May 23 is May 16; deadline for Movie and Lunch on May 30 is May 23. Reminder: Bring your used eye glasses to the meeting on May 20 to donate to Nebraska to Prevent Blindness. WALK-IN, DROP-IN Members will meet Thursday. For those going on the Mystery Tour on Thursday, please meet at the JCC by 9:45 a.m. For transportation, call Maggie Conti at 334-6521. YIDDISH GROUP Lomir Redn Yiddish: Let Us Speak Yiddish Conversation Group will meet on Thursday, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin for information at 3431638. VISIONS Join us for a Mississippi Cruise on July 22-25. Cost is $499 per person, double occupancy; single occupancy only $605. Send reservations to Betty Sanford, 9205 Western St., #127, Omaha, NE 68114. B'NAI B'RITH BREADBREAKERS Jerry Murtaugh, former UNL All-American, will speak at B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers on Wednesday, May 15, noon, at Park Inn Regency, according to Howard Kutler, Chairman. Murtaugh is Executive Director of the Omaha Athletic League. Cost for lunch is $9; for beverage service only, $2. The program is open to the community. OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING • Join OCTL for Lunch'n Learn on Wednesday, May 15, noon, at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. Allan Gonsher will lead a discussion on the weekly Torah portion. For information on OCTL programs, call Gonsher at 558-2767. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN Save your 'gently used' clothes, home furnishings, toys, sports equipment and household appliances for NCJW's spring garage sale. Call Kim Noddle, 391-7022, or leave a message at the NCJW office, 334-6565, to arrange for pick-up. Looking for offices to clean in Omaha & Council Bluffs
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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator————
Tm very excited for my first visit to Omaha," said Julie Silver, singer-lyricist-guitarist, who will present a free community-wide concert on Saturday, May 18, 7 p.m., at Temple Israel. "My favorite thing to do is to go where the Jewish community is small, committed, strong and interested," she said in a telephone interview. She has previously performed in Kansas City, Topeka and St. Louis, among other cities, and enjoys singing for audiences not familiar with her music. Silver is currently touring nationwide to perform in concerts and participate as a guest cantorial soloist, serve as a youth group song leader and as an artist-in-residence. She lives in Santa Monica, CA, but is on the road about 40 weekends each year. In addition to congregations from Georgia to New York to Colorado, Silver has performed at conventions of the National Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) and the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education. In an interview with the Cleveland Jewish News, Silver said she fell in love with the Hebrew song, "Shalom Aleichem," when she was five years old, listening to her grandmother play the song on the English and Hebrew songs for children, emphasizpiano. At eight years old, Silver got her first guitar. ing that being Jewish is special. That year, she took her guitar to Camp Pembroke, From Strength to Strength, her second album, is a Jewish girls' camp, where she was introduced to oriented toward both adults and children and many Jewish camp songs. includes Hebrew and English favorites. Her next "She discovered a music with strong-religious and album, Walk With Me, moved Silver more fully into cultural ties that also spoke her own language," the adult world. The 12 English and Hebrew songs, according to an interview in The Topeka Capitalmany based on liturgical texts, are meant to create Journal. a feeling of warmth and peacefulness. The 10 origiFor the next several years, the girl and her guitar nal songs in English and Hebrew from Silver's were inseparable. By the time Silver was 11, she Beyond Tomorrow album also appeal to adults. knew that she was a "born" song leader, a feeling Themes from her newest release, Notes from shared by her rabbi, Robert Miller of Temple Montana, are not specifically Jewish but reflect her Avodah of Newton Center, MA, who encouraged his passion for social justice while integrating her lifeyoung congregant to get a guitar strap so she could long love of folk and country music with a contemsing and lead songs before the congregation. porary pop sound. She plans to sing some of those In addition to her summer camp experiences, melodies, along with selections from her previous Silver's career was also influenced by her participa- albums, at the concerts here. She hopes to reach tion in NFTY. "all ages—grandparents to grandchildren—to serve Silver's first jobs were teaching music at her as many age groups as possible.". hometown Temple and leading the singing at weekOn Sunday, May 19, 11 a.m., the last day of end youth conclaves. Later, when she was working religious school at Temple for the year, Silver will as a waitress, she met one of her idols, Livingston lead a sing-a-long for students and their families at Taylor, balladeer, songwriter and musician, who a prayer assembly in the sanctuary. exerted a tremendous influence on Silver's career. She looks forward to "many high school, NFTY, Taylor told Silver that "everything you have are and religious school students coming" to her conthings that cannot be taught. The things you don't certs. "They can come twice!" she added. have, you are going to have to learn and work hard While calling herself a product of the Reform for." movement, Silver commented that her songs have She was also motivated by Grammy Award-winbeen well received in Reconstructionist and ner, folksinger and composer Doug Cotler, the feaConservative congregations where she also has tured headliner at a Jewish retreat where Silver been invited to perform. While the majority of her was the song leader. In advising her, Cotler said, "I audiences are Jewish, she said her music has don't know what you do for a living, but you better quit right now and get on this Jewish music road." received favorable responses among people of other faith groups. She has been traveling that road ever since. "I just want to write strong songs that resonate Silver writes both liturgical-based music as well with people. I think that my secular music will as new American Jewish ballads. She has peralways have spirituality because it starts from a formed with Debbie Friedman, Peter Yarrow, and Jewish heart." Livingston Taylor. Her first album, Together, Both concerts are sponsored by the Janis Yale released in 1992, is a collection of 11 original Enrichment Fund.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 10,2002
by BERT LEWIS
I've been wondering lately why so many current books and movies have used dysfunctional families as a theme. And, often as not, the central character responsible for most of the grief is the mother. The Mother! The individual who (at least most of the time) is the glue which holds a family together. Of course, not every woman who qualifies for the label of mother does such a marvelous job that she's known, respected and adored forever after. Certainly not, but on the other hand, most of us take the responsibilities of the role very seriously. We do our best to be the kind of person our kids (once they become adults) think of as somebody who wasn't perfect, but who managed well anyway. Some time ago, I was asked to speak to a group of women on the subject of Jewish women in the role of Matriarch. It was an easy assignment, since the charge was to "keep it light—don't get too bogged down with serious stuff, but tell it like it is." I think I did, because it wasn't a subject which required research on my part. After all, I've lived the part for over five decades now. I tried to point out to my audience that a Jewish woman wears so many hats, is responsible for so much of the fabric which becomes the family, why shouldn't she have an impressive title, like Matriarch?
Isn't she the reason her children are clean and polite? Don't they know it's Shabbos because the table is sparkling and mom is lighting the candles? Aren't they the passengers in her van, which takes them every place on the planet, invariably at an inconvenient time? Of course she's the Matriarch. Who else stays calm and remembers who to call when the washer overflows, or the disposal backs up, or the toddler locks himself in the bathroom? Who can quickly brush her hair into a ponytail, pull on clean jeans and run to school when there's a sudden emergency? In this day and age, the mom is often engaged in a career,, if not just "a job" outside the house. She's the one who not only is trying to be in two places at once, but who feels guilty in both circumstances. . . worrying somebody is being short-changed. This is the same woman who manages to give her synagogue some of her energy, who says yes when the PTA asks for three dozen cupcakes for open house, whose husband expects her to look like she did 20 years ago when they're entertaining somebody important and who, when she gets the flu, won't stay in bed because "what's going on down there? Stop itrightnow!" Things change, from one generation to the other,
Mitzvah Day Help Givers
About 150 men, women, and children participated in Temple Israel's annual Mitzvah Day. After a prayer assembly and lunch provided by Women of Reform Judaism-Omaha, individuals and groups set out on their various mitzvot which included a sing-a-long at Quality Living, cleaning and visiting at the Ronald McDonald House, bingo at the Rose Blumkin Home, preparing a bulk mailing for Special Olympics Nebraska, organizing storage areas and work exhibits at the Children's Museum, bingo and snacks with Yachad mem-
but lots of that which goes into raising a family and being a respected member of the community, remains constant. In my day, we were recovering from a war which affected our attitudes as well as our determination to be part of the coming space age. We were busy, bringing our baby boomers into the world, and just beginning to realize it wasn't going to be easy to toilet train a child and a puppy at the same time. Most of us were at home with our kids, and had the luxury of time to call our own, which most of our daughters today haven't. In my mother's day, it was harder still, but you didn't know it from most moms. They were tough, those women who grew up with the depression. They knew how to take very little and make something, whether it was a meal or a garment. And they knew, no matter how much or how little they had, their most precious possession was the family the children. So, whether you think (or thought) of her as the Matriarch, or as Mom, or Mamaleh or if you call her by her first name, be grateful for all she's done and been for you. Chances are pretty good she's the one responsible for the kind of person you are today. Have a beautiful Mother's Day.
Temple's Outreach Group Hosts Forum
bers to name a few. Toby Fellraan, left, and Jackie Neesman helped Jackie's mother, Maria Neesman, who was chairman of Mitzvah Day, organize the event. Magda Peck (not pictured), chairman of Temple's Social Justice Committee, also helped on the project. Richard and Amy Katz and their daughter, Emily (above), took home five one-monthold kittens from the Nebraska Humane Society for their mitzvah. When the kittens are big enough to be adopted, the Katz family will return them.
Karli Newman, left, and Ann and Don Osborne listen to Rabbi Aryeh Azriel at a Temple Israel Outreach event last month at the home of John and Jennifer Glazer. Those who attended were able to ask the rabbi questions about Judaism in an open forum entitled, "Rabbi Azriel Unplugged." Much of the discussion centered on the crisis in Israel.
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May 10, 2002
United Way Recognizes JSS Volunteers by LOIS WINE, Jewish Senior Services
Jewish Press, Gmalia, NE
Page 19
NPi Series About Yiddish Radio Prompts Rash of Anti-Semitic E-Mail by PETER EPHROSS
Top left photo: For the past six years, Stan Widman has taken time off work every Tuesday to help with the Sing-a-lomg at the Rose Biumkin Jewish Home. He also entertains at Remington Heights, and was honored as a finalist.in the Service to the Elderly category at last month's annual United Way volunteer luncheon. Right: High School junior Robert Mosenkis was nominated in the Teen Volunteer category for his seven years of service to the SBJH. Bottom left: Dan Greenfield
Visions Goes to Playhouse
Visionaires were recently entertained by a preview of the hit musical Carousel at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Pictured are Harry Alloy, left, Visions Luncheon Co-Chair; Jim Boggus, Musical Director of Playhouse; and singer Michael Zaller.
NEW YORK (JTA) - A radio series about the history of Yiddish radio has touched off a flurry of anti-Semitic e-mails. National Public Radio, which is airing the 10part "Yiddish Radio Project," has received more than 75 e-mails criticizing the series, many of them anti-Semitic, according to Jeffrey Dvorkin, NPR's ombudsman. While the anti-Semitic messages are a minority of the total number of e-mails NPR has received about the series, the Yiddish retrospective is just the latest Jewish-related programming on NPR that has generated controversy during the 19 months of Israeli-Palestinian violence. Many of the e-mails received employ age-old canards, including the allegation thairNPR is running the series because the Jews control the media -or because the network wants to drum up sympathy for the Jews at a time when many are criticizing Israel for its military operations actions in the West Bank. As one e-mail writer put it, "How do you say, Hey, these guys learned all the wrong lessons from the Nazis!'In Yiddish?" The series, which began airing on Tuesday afternoons in mid-March and is running for 10 weeks, had been in the works for a long time and had and Millie Altaian were nominated for their been scheduled long before Israel intensified its tireless efforts on behalf of Young Energetic military reaction to Palestinian violence. Seniors. Right photo: Morey Landman, left, "As soon as anyone compares what happens in received the Judges Award for his longtime the Middle East with this show, my alarm goes commitment to volunteering, including 17 off," said Henry Sapoznik, one of the project's coyears with Radio Talking Book, 17 years with producers. "There is no doubt that that's racism the Durham Western Heritage Museum and a and anti-Semitism." whopping 45 years volunteering for the ' Ironically, Jewish groups have blasted the netOmaha Community Playhouse! Presenting work's Middle East programming for being too prothe award are Tfaom Knight and emcee Tom Palestinian. Johnson. Some Jewish listeners have called on NPR listeners to withhold contributions to the partially member-supported network to protest NPR's coverage of the Middle East. Others, however, have complained that the coverThe Omaha Area Youth Orchestras present age is too pro-Israel, Dvorkin said. its season finale on Sunday, May 12, 2 p.m., at Coverage of the Middle East by the network, the TAC Center, 3215 Cuming St. Aviva Segell which has 16 million listeners on its 640 stations, will conducted the side-by-side concert featuring has generated thousands of passionate e-mails durthe Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Omaha ing the past 18 months. Symphony Chamber Orchestra, along with the "People feel that the survival of Israel or the Omaha Symphony's Victor Yampolsky and future of Palestine is at stake here, and they are Ernest Richardson. Admission is $7 for adults, incredibly emotional about it," Dvorkin said. "I've and $5 for students and seniors. been in the news business for 30 years, and I've Violinist Vadim Guzman will perform Edouard never seen anything like it." Lalo's "Symphonie Espagnole" at the FridayThe network plans to continue running the Saturday evening performances of the Masterworks series, which uses more than 1,000 discs collected Series on May 17-18,, 8 p.m., at the Orpheum by Sapoznik to tell the story of the heyday of Theater. Before moving to Israel in 1990, Guzman Yiddish radio, from 1930-1955. studied the violin in his home of Zhitomer since the Sapoznik prefers to focus on the positive, noting age of seven. For ticket information, call the Omaha that many e-mails NPR has received in reaction to Symphony box office, 342-3836, or visit its website: the series have been favorable. www.omahasymphony.org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 10,2002
WE STAND WITH ISRAEL! Melissa Abbink Doris and Alvin Abramson Sheri and Mike Abramson Susan and Jeffrey Aizenberg Doris and Harry Alloy Joel Al person Margie Alperson Den it Altaian Bernie Alteuler Magda Peck and James Anderson Mary Anderson Vickey S. Anderson Phyllis Aron Israel Aroncbik Marisa Atteberry Madeline and George Aufseeser Elyce and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel Amber and Tom Baker Baker Family Shelly and Arnie Ban Jill and Bruce Baron Luba and Mike Basov Robert Batt Sandra Belgrade Jill and Mark Belmont Lili and Emil Berkovits Mary and Jerry Berman Joanie and Terry Bernstein. Mary and Tom Bernstein Millie and Harold Bernstein Freda and Jerome Bleicher Juni and Al Bloch Carol and Steven Bloch Solomon Bloom Rachel and Mike Blum Frances and Louie Blumkin Lyubov and Aron Blyakher Natalie and Vasili Borovski Rebecca Bradsky Judi Brand Marge and Jim Bresel Morris Bresel Barry Broder Bess Brodkey Carol and Pete Brodkey Pam Brodkey Sandy and Sherman Brodkey Stacie and Marc Brodkey Florence and Jack Brody Shirley and Alfred W. Brody Sarah Bauman and Miles Bryant Lynne Buchanan Freda Bucheister Michelle and Ron Bucher Elaine and Sam Bukenholts Esther Canar Molline and Fritz Gassman Susan and Bob Chenoweth Edith Chesen Vicki and Jerry Chesen Anne and Alan Cohen Doris and Bill Cohen ril Cohen Karla and Dave Cohen Marcia and Jack Cohen Linda and Steve Conn Naomi Cohn Margaret and Gilberts Conti "Iheryl and Ron Cooper Judy and Sam Cooper Susan and Jeff Cooper Harold Cooperman Fran and Meyer Coren Nancy and Charles Coren Rae and Shelly Coren Marlene and Don Dandy Janey and Jerry Dann Doug Davidson Mary Kay and Henry Davis The Children of the Pennie Z Davis Child Development Center Eunice and Norman Denenberg Tippi and Steve Denenberg Minde and Jack Diamond Alex Dobin Beth and Amnon Dotan Susie and Rabbi Paul Drazen Teresa Drelicharz E8ta and Gregory Dubov Toba Cohen and Eric Dunning Cheryl, Steve, Taylor Elberson Mike and Kathryn Eppel Family Bobbie and Bob Epstein Edith Epstein Etta and Harold Epstein Geri and Irving Epstein : Helen and Tuffy Epstein Mrs. Lawrence Epstein isa and Gary Epstein Lois and Mel Epstein Rosaline and Sam Epstein Sandy and Paul Epstein Sharon and Howard Epstein Jill and Mike Erman Ruth and Joe Erman Mary Etus Judy and Jim Farber Beverly and Dick FeUman Darlynn and Tom Fellman Mary Fellman Frances Ferer Annette and Leo Fettman Hollie and Glen Fineman Nathan Fineman Michael Fineman {'ate Rose and Harris Finkelstein Sherry and Dick Fletcher Sonia Forbes arbara and Dean Frankel foanne and Jerry Freeman Ida and Peter Fridman Frances and Sam Fried OrvilleD. Fried Stuart Fried SViedel Jewish Academy
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