WISH PRESS Vol. LXXXI
No. 45
Omaha, NE
10 Av, 5762
July 19,2002
SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR 81 YEARS
Settlers See Outposts as Obstacles to War by TZVI BEN GEDALYAHU •
by JOAN K.MARCUS.
A woman walks outside her mobile home in the illegal settlement of Mitzpe Danny, from where authorities have repeatedly removed
her and her fellow settlers. See story about the settlement issue on page 8. Photo by Brian Hendler/JTA
Musical Honors Anna Wiesman, Benefits Visually Impaired by CAROL KATZMAN, Editor
In-kind Donations for JCC Maccabi Games Surpass'S 100,000
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For more than 17 years, Anna President of the its Braille Wiesman, a quiet, self-effacing Group in 1984. A year later she woman has been transcribing became a Certified Braille books for Omaha Volunteer Transcriber by taking a national Braille Services. From textbooks exam through the Library of 1 to cookbooks, from children's Congress, training with Doris books to novels, from menus to : Cohn. The group eventually periodicals, Wiesman has steadi| became Omaha Volunteer ly improved the quality of life for , Braille Services and computer1 blind men, women and children ized its transcribing and around the nation. Wiesman continued as President | from 1985-98. Eileen Remer now For her long-standing commitserves as the organization's ment and volunteer efforts, j President. Wiesman will be honored at a benefit performance of Princess Wiesman noted that she had Diana, the Musical, tomorrow first become interested in Braille night, July 20, 8 p.m. at the in college, when her mother Jewish Community Center. became a certified transcriber in Proceeds from the evening will Des Moines. ^ also benefit the Nebraska "The work has beenvery diverFoundation for Visually Anna Wiesman is the honoree for s i f i e d and m o s t rewarding," she Handicapped Children tomorrow night's performance of said, who is also the primary (NFVHC), an organization dear princeSs Diana, the Musical, at instructor training others for certification. When a book has to the heart of both Wiesman flje J C C . been transcribed, it is registered and the musical's songwriter, at the American Printing House for the Blind, locatKaren Sokolof Javitch. "The combination is perfect," said Javitch. "My ed in Kentucky, which acts as a clearinghouse mother, the late Ruth Sokolof, taught blind children nationally for all braille books. When asked for a highlight in her volunteer work, for many years and was very active in NFVHC. She's always my inspiration and the reason I want- Wiesman related an incident about a senior at ed to do a benefit show for this organization. Her Central High School. He wanted to participate in spirit and Diana's are similar~they were both very the Academic Decathlon, but was unable to do so unless materials were made available to him in loving and caring people." The performance marks the fifth anniversary of braille. Special permission had to be secured and Diana's death and tells the story of the relationship assurances of confidentiality pledged. When the competition was over, the student's between the late Princess of Wales and Prince team took first in the state and placed at the nationCharles. The show was co-written by Elaine Jabenis al event. He received special recognition at both levand features Stan and Barb Widman and Anne els and later received a four-year scholarship to Muskin. Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA. Wiesman, an active volunteer and leader with (Continued on page 7) Beth El Synagogue and its Sisterhood, became
When the J C C Maccabi Games b e g i n S u n d ay, Aug. 4, you definitely want Judy Josephson on your team! She is the chairman of the "in Judy Josephson chairs In-kind kind"donaDonations for the Games. tions for the five-day event. The Team-Omaha delegation alone consists of upward of 117 youngsters who will participate in a variety of athletic competitions sports. All together, 1000 athletes, ages 13-16, will arrive here from as far away as Israel. Although teams will organize the events of the games, Josephson took it upon herself to collect donations of products for the event. ""My job was to save and not spend money!" she laughed and then said seriously, "We needed breakfast foods, bagels, muffins, cereal, snack items and favors. We started with food and then it grew to water and paper products." When JCC Executive Director Jeff Aizenberg asked her to take on the momentous task she decided that she wouldn't form a committee. Says Josephson, "It just seemed easier to do it myself." Her quest for products then grew to finding copy machines and paper used to send out flyers. Then, her project grew to collecting medical supplies and sports equipment. She has been lucky in her search to have so many people show their generosity. Although she seems non-assertive, one wouldn't want to mess with this petite lady on a quest to help children! She admits to making lists of restaurants, grocery stores, dairies, bakeries and local businesses and says many of the Jewish merchants have been very generous, but doesn't want to minimize contributions from other vendors in the community. She took packets to discount stores and wasn't discouraged when she got small donations. "When they gave us small gift certificates, we bought pop and whatever we could use," she admitted. "We also obtained food from national producers and local factories." One of her sources was a list that she got from a local grocery store chain. "They told me the names of companies to contact. I did some of the work over the phone and I went in person to other places," she added. Most of Josephson's organizing is on the back of envelopes and in a small three-by-five inch recipe box. She smiles when she says, "When somebody told me that they would donate 2400 bagels, I called Jeff and he sent out a letter of confirmation. Then, we estimated a value based upon what it would cost us if we had to buy the product." (Continued on page 7)
INS3DE: "The Promising Land: Wumipog".........page 6 j University Museum.
of
Hartford
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Jewish paged j
Danny Masting Returns to Teinpie...page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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SUNDAY, JULY 21 & Maccabi Volunteer Orientation, 10:30 a.m. S Women of Reform Judaism's Used Book Sale, s A 1 to 4 p.m. at Temple Israel A &
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MONDAY, JULY 22 Visions Mississippi Four Day Cruise, 7 a.m. YES Program, 10 a.m. Women of Reform Judaism's Used Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Temple Israel
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TUESDAY, JULY 23 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. Women of Reform Judaism's Used Book Sale, Noon to 7 p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, JULY 24 C L Women of Reform Judaism's Used Book Sale, I\ Noon to 5 p.m. at Temple Israel P
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THURSDAY, JULY 25 Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.
July 19, 2002
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" All events held at the JCC unless otherwise Indicated The Jewish \j " Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar r fc E accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION'S WEBSITE: www.vIewishOrnaha.org (click on calendar)
by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE — • . ^ — Parashat Ve'ethanaan We sympathize with Moses. He is speaking in three farewell addresses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. These three addresses are the burden of the Book of Deuteronomy. And, hopefully, Moses must tell the Israelites whom he has guided and guarded--lo!-these 40 years, that he will not accompany them into the Land. He must die in a no-man's land on the eastern side of the Jordan. Without embarrassment he tells his people that he pleaded his case before the Lord, Let me cross over! And in a startling play on words, which is better in the Hebrew than in the English, the Lord was cross with me and abruptly told me to ask this question no more. That's it. Your task is over. I never told you that you would live or die in the Holy Land. You did well. What more do you want? We are shocked that not only Miriam and Aaron, but now Moses, too, was never to put foot on the holy soil. Doesn't God demand too much and reward too little? But the ways of God are not the ways of man. From all of this there are plain, unsatisfying deductions to be made, deductions about what man is and what he is not. He is not God's equal. He is not God's companion and friend except to the extent God wishes him to be so, and when and where. Even Abraham was called "eved Adonai," the Lord's servant, and that was high praise to. In Scripture that becomes a name, Ovadia, Obadiah. Muslims use it, too, in the name Abdullah. Servant, yes. But friend, only when God wishes it to be so. When God wishes it to be so...that's the rub. It is His will, not ours. How can we determine what His will is? Man's condition is to accept and receive, not to order or demand. It is better for us to learn this lesson early and repeat it often. We are to strive and to try. But we must not be astonished if we don't succeed. In baseball, as we have been reminded recently, 400 is an extremely high average. Perhaps we can do better in other endeavors. But even Moses could not bat 1000. And he was to remain in the minor leagues, on the far side of the Jordan. What have we learned? That we all have to face our Jordans and our Rubicons. This is the fate of mankind. Even pleading with God does not necessarily bring results. But pleading is good for us. It reminds us who we are.
ELLIE M. RATNER Ellie M. Ratner died June 21. Services were held June 24 at Golden Hill Cemetery; Rabbi Mendel Katzman officiated. Ratner was a World War II veteran who served in the United States Army and was awarded the Purple Heart. He was a life-long downtown Omaha businessman as owner of Ratner Motor Company and served as President of the Omaha New Car Dealers' Association. He was the son of the late Reuben and Mary Cohn Ratner and Zena P. and Sam M. Kutler. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Kutler Ratner; children Debra, Ronna, and Mallory Ratner, James Weidner and Pacey Mindlin; brother-in-law, Bennett Kutler; sister and brother-in-law, Dr. Sidney and Bess Ochs of Indianapolis, IN. Memorials to charity of choice. IDA MANN Ida Mann died July 10 at the age of 82. Services were held at Golden Hill Cemetery July 14. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sol. She is survived by her son Richard Mann of Menlo Park, CA; daughter and son-in-law Marilyn and Robin Oakley and three grandchildren in England; brotherin-law and sister-in-law Paul and Lois Mann; sisterin-law Reva Ruderman. Memorials to L.O.V.E. or Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. ROSE LEVIN Rose Levin died July 11 at the age of 86. Memorial services were held in the chapel at the Blumkin Home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard, and grandson, Brad. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Kory and Gail Levin and son, Keith Levin; granddaughters, Wendy, Kym, Jennifer and Heather Levin, all of Aurora, CO; brother and sister-in-law, Morrie and Gerre Hoffman; brother John Hoffman; and sister Dorothy Glickson, all of Minnesota; and niece and nephew Dr. David and Phyllis Hoffman of Omaha. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. MAE PITTELMAN Mae Pittelman died July 11 at the age of 93. Services were held in Milwaukee. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hyman. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Esther and Jim Wax; son and daughter-in-law Theodore and Ann Pittelman, Milwaukee; sister, Edith Jacobs of Las Vegas; sister and brother-in-law, Clara and Carl Manes of Milwaukee; seven grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Memorials to Beth El Synagogue, the Jewish Home and Care Center, 1414 No. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202, or Heartland Hospice, 1845 No. Farwell Ave., Suite 301, Milwaukee, WI 53203.
Israeli Camp Children Reap Fruits of UJC Emergency Campaign by JESSICA STEINBERG
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JERUSALEM (JTA) - Twenty squirming six- and was visiting the community center day camp in seven-year-olds pile into the center of the class- Baka, a Jerusalem neighborhood. room, listening attentively to their day camp counThe day camp is one of many that has been fundselor as she explains how to make a recycled news- ed by a $25 million grant from the Israel Emergency paper art project. Campaign, which was launched by UJC and federaAs they sit cross-legged on the floor, ripping up tions across North America in response to the ongonewspaper that would later be mixed with a clay- ing terror in Israel. like glue and then molded into primary colored art, The campaign has already raised nearly $300 milEllen Waghelstein plunks herself down amid three lion to offset security, medical, child welfare and giggling girls to help. other humanitarian needs in Israel. Tal, Chen and Rivka end up spending more time The funding is being administered by a committee teaching Waghelstein the words to a popular of representatives from the UJC, the Jewish Agency Hebrew song. In turn, she teaches them how to say for Israel, the Israeli government and the American bug juice, the red-colored juice popular at many Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. American camps. This summer, the $25 million is supporting a Waghelstein, from Rockville, MD., along with a three-week countrywide camp program. The camps busload of United Jewish Communities colleagues, are seen as a way of providing safe recreational activities for Israeli children. As part of the Jewish organizational collaborative effort, the JDC, along with Israel's Education Ministry and the Union of Local Authorities, is administering the day camp programs. Out of the $25 million, $20 million enabled 230,000 Israeli children from grades one through six to attend camp. The camps are located in low-income areas that have been particularly vulnerable to terror attacks, including areas in Jerusalem, Afula, Hadera, Netanya and Kfar Saba. The remaining $5 million is being used for special summer programs for special needs children and youth at risk, and will reach Ellen Waghelstein, left, of Rockville, MD., speaks 35,000 youngsters throughout the country. From the $20 million, $18 million was slated for with Tal Gerner, right, and Chen Ohayon, second camps around Israel, while the remaining $2 milfrom left, as they do an art project at a Jerusalem summer camp. Photo by Brian Hendler/JTA. lion was set aside for Jerusalem.
July 19, 2002
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Candlelsghtlng Friday, July 19
8:35 p.m.
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FRIDAY: Men's Club, 11:45 a.m. All male memOffice Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 bers of Temple Israel are invited to a weekly infor- a.m.-2 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Services con- 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Services are conductmal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific St. ducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. ed by Cantor Emil Berkovits. Join us for some relaxation and great conversation! FRD3AY: Kabbalat Shabbat I'Arvit I'shabbat, 6 FRIDAY: Kaballat Shabbat, 7 p.m. The West Shabbat Evening Service, 5:30 p.m. Rabbi Craig Minyan is at the home of Dennis and Susan Paley. p.m. Marantz will officiate, along with Cantor Wendy SATURDAY: P'sukei D'Zimrah, followed by SATURDAY: Parsha Ve-etchanan Shacharit 8:45 Shermet. Rabbi Marantz will speak on "Shmuel a.m., Free babysitting begins at 10 a.m.; Junior Shabbat Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Devar Torah delivered Yossef Agnon: Nobel Laureate and Giant Among Congregation, 10:00 a.m. Mincha, 8:25 p.m.; by Larry Raful. Free sitter service starts at 10 a.m. Israel's Writers." The summer the study topic con- Havdalah, 9:41 p.m. and runs through the conclusion of services; Special tinues with"Remarkable Jews: Revolutionaries, Kiddush welcomes our new Ritual Director, Gaston SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. and 8:35 p.m. Rabbis, and Romantics" focusing on Jews throughBogolmoni and his wife, Lena; Saturday Evening: WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. and 8:35 p.m. out history who have made a difference. 8:15 pan., Humash Class with Cantor Berkovits. Rabbi Kutner will be out of town from July 21 Knowledge of Hebrew not required; 8:45 p.m., SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30 a.m., through Aug. 15. Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah. in the Milder Center. Please join us as we continue TORAH TOUR our study of Traditional Prayers, Modern SUNDAY: Shaharit, 9 a.m.; Sisterhood brunch, Tuesday-Sunday, Aug.13-18: Rabbinic students Commentaries: The Amidah. Services in the from Yesbiva University will be in Omaha for week- 10 a.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv, 5:30 p.m. Sanctuary, 10:30 a.m. HAZAK long learning and festive Shabbat meals. WRJ-O book sale Sunday, July 28: L'Chaim Chapter of HAZAK SUNDAY, JULY 21, 1-4 p.m. Temple Israel's sponsors dessert and a movie, 1 p.m. Costs is $5; Sisterhood's sale of nearly new and used books call Doris Shukert, 391-7530 or Kathy Schmitt at begins in the Friedman Social Hall and continues GONGREGfriON B?NAI JESHURAN on Monday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday, noon-7 p.m. and Wednesday, noon-5 p.m. Member of the Union cif American Hebrew CimgregationsB OUTDOOR SUMMER SERVICE 206lS^ 20th Si.i Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 B ^ ^ FRIDAY, JULY 26, 6 p.m. Join us at the Frohm Pavillion at the JCC for a bring-your-own picnic WEBSITE: wvv\v.chaaadcentersicom/6maha supper, followed by a worship service, led by Rabbi Services officiated by Rabbi Michael Weisser. Marantz. Bring sporting equipment; a sitter will be Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRIDAY: Services, 7:45 p.m. provided for young children. An indoor service also Monday-Friday, services at 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, will be held at Temple at 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m.-noon. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. MONDAY: Adult Hebrew Study, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: 7 p.m. Choir practice; Hebrew with Rabbi Milder, 7:30 p.m.
iililiilillpillilRIfilli FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Discussion topic is "How and What Can Jews Do to Help the Rest of the Suffering World Whose Problems May Be Greater Than Ours?" Oneg Shabbat following services.
FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Andrew Greenberg in the RBJH Chapel, followed by Kiddush.
Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 aan. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.
FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
HAZAK Chapter Presents Movie & Dessert
Temple Schedules Services in the Park
by OZZIE NOGG —
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator —
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Beth El's chapter of HAZAK-the group for seasoned citizens-will present a special screening of Sunshine, on Sunday, July 28, 1 p.m. at the synagogue. The highly acclaimed film, starring Ralph Fiennes and Rosemary Harris, traces the life of a Hungarian Jewish family from the beginning of the 20th Century to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. During the movie's intermission, Dr. Leonard Greenspoon and Dr. Aveva Shukert will lead a discussion on the historical significance of the film and its dramatic portrayal of family dynamics during times of crisis. Due to the mature content, the program is designed for adults only. The $5 per person cost includes the movie, popcorn and Hungarian-style desserts. To make your reservations, please call Doris Shukert--391-7530~before July 24. Reservations may also be made through the Beth El office-492-8550. Checks should be made out to HAZAK and mailed to Shukert. The program is open to the community and HAZAK invites its members and their guests to join in the afternoon at Beth El. Transportation is available upon request.
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Temple Israel will welcome Shabbat on Friday, July 26, at services conducted at the pavilion behind the Jewish Community Center. Worship services, led by Rabbi Craig Marantz, will be preceded by a bring-your-own picnic dinner at 6 p.m. A second service in the park will be at Zorinsky Lake, 156th and 'F' Streets, on Friday, Aug. 16. The 6 p.m. picnic will be followed by Shabbat worship services led by Cantor Wendy Shermet. Congregants are requested to meet near the north side of the park. Members of Omaha Temple Youth Group will provide babysitting for young children during services. There will also be indoor services at Temple on July 26 and Aug. 16 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
PERSONAL We would like to thank all the people for their condolences and help during the difficult time after the death of our beloved Lyubov. The Basov Family
Rabbi Weisser Resigns from B'nai Jeshuran by CAROL KATZMAN —
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In a letter to the congregation, the board of directors of B'nai Jeshuran announced the resignation of Rabbi Michael Weisser after 15 years of serving the Lincoln community. His future plans have not been determined at this date. According to congregation President Amy Zlotsky, "Michael's energy and charisma have transformed our congregation. We will miss his outstanding qualities and abilities." The board has already formed a committee to search for a new rabbi and began with a workshop, led by Rabbi Lane Steinger, Director of the Midwest Council of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations. Rabbi Steinger's role was to help the board determine the specific needs of the congregation and a vision for the future. Rabbi Weisser started at B'nai Jeshuran as a cantor, earning his cantorial investiture from the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1977. Just last year, he obtained rabbinic ordination from the Mesifta Adas Wolkowitz Rabbinical Academy in Flushing, NY. He will probably be remembered more for transforming the life of a former neo-Nazi, who after making threatening calls to the Weisser home, was housed and cared for as a terminally ill patient by the Weissers. Rabbi Weisser was featured on national television and in newspapers for his persistence in changing attitudes of hate. He was also honored by the Lincoln Interfaith Council. Zlotsky said about the search process that "while there is a dire shortage of Jewish professionals, our congregation has a lot to offer...we are welcoming, inclusive, kind and patient...our small size is manageable and our endowment cannot be overlooked for offering stability."
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 4
July 19, 2002
What ARE the Settlements? After three weeks of relative calm, seven Jews were murdered just outside Imanauel, a settlement located between Nablus and Ramallah on the West Bank. More than 25 were wounded, but it's doubtful the Palestinian Authority will take out full-page ads condemning this act since the murders did not occur in "Israel proper." The PA justifies terrorist attacks in the West Bank and Gaza, since they're "beyond the Green Line." So what exactly constitutes a settlement and what's the Green Line? The Green line, aptly named in the years just after the 1967 Six Day War, was obvious from the air. The State of Israel was, well, green-developed, nurtured and abundant in its agricultural produce. The West Bank and Gaza looked brown and desolate. The policy of successive Israeli governments (after the attempt to give back captured territory was rebuffed by Syria, Jordan and Egypt) was to build communities around Jerusalem, close to the Green Line, down the Jordan Valley and in Gaza. Some of those "settlements" were actually recaptured Israeli cities: neighborhoods like French Hill, for example, was part of Jewish Palestine prior to 1948, then lost to the Jordanians in the War of
Dry Bones
Independence. Yet the PA considers that neighborhood, along with dozens of others ringing Jerusalem, to be "settlements." Ma'aleh Adumim, a "settlement" 15 miles east of Jerusalem on the road to Jerico, is now a city of more than 30,000 Jews. Others, like the isolated outposts in the story on page 8, are in the middle of Palestinian territory. Communities like Ma'aleh Adumim and Eft at, 30 minutes south of Jerusalem, should not be dismantled in any future agreement with the PA. Neighborhoods like French Hill, Gilo, Giva Ze'ev and Neve Yaakov should also be considered part of Greater Jerusalem. Staying in Gaza, however, is just plain nuts. Putting hundreds of Israeli soldiers at risk to guard Netzavim, a settlement of just 40 families, doesn't make sense. Neither is it wise to allow Jews to move a few trailer homes to a barren hill surrounded by Palestinian villages. There are real Israeli cities in the West Bank and then there are settlements. The Israeli government has taken the first step in dismantling 10 settlements. The response from the PA is to maim and murder innocent civilians. Why are we not surprised?
A Different Story by HARRY ALLEN
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How a society deals with its most ried out by Mengele or the killing of helpless and needy citizens is a hall- the retarded, along with the Jews. But Israel, despite the ranting and mark of morality. The Spartans put deformed babies out to die. Chinese raving of ultra-leftists and Arabs, has culture until very recently under the a different story to tell. doctrines of Chairman Mao, decreed The town of Gederes is some 45 mandatory abortion fort families who miles south of Jerusalem, lying already had two children, as part of astride the main Tel Aviv-Beersheva its policy of population control. And in highway. Its residents work mostly Nazi Germany, among the many elsewhere and the community really atrocities, we need only speak of the has nothing to distinguish it from gruesome medical experiments car- many other similar towns in Israel.
It is a rather non-descript place, but, and this is a very important but—it is the locale of Moriah, a major example of Israel's basic morality and its concern for the weakest members of our society. Moriah is an institution which provide lifetime care for 91 severely retarded persons.' These are people who, in no sense of the word, can be classified as functional. In addition to severe retardation, many cannot speak, others have no control over
bodily functions, most cannot walk, but Moriah provides each with loving care and as much activity as possible. For the 91 patients, a staff of 100 is required, plus volunteers. The volunteers deserve special mention-Israelis who are willing to help care for the most helpless. There are students from local high schools, army personnel from a nearby air base, local townspeople and Sherut Leumi
(Continued on page 5)
Of Settlers and Settlements by CARL ALPERT
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They were aware of the dangers from hostile ground and eventually became one of the respected Haifa - There was a time when heroic settlers and pioneering settlements created and assured the bor- Arabs, but this did not deter them. Indeed, the pillars of the kibbutz movement. "Heavily armed bands of Arab terrorists lurked ders of the state of Israel despite the opposition of halutzim (pioneers) of the left-wing Hashomer Hatzair were among the boldest and the most dar- behind the rocks and laid ambush to passersby and the Arabs. "To create new settlements at strategic points in ing in pitching their new sites precisely where Jews sniped from the hilltops upon Jewish colonists, yet had previously not dared to go. the caravan of new settlers was not discouraged." order to buttress political demands...." "Despite the hostility of the neighboring Arabs, "Despite the hostility of the neighboring Arabs...." That is an account of the settlement of Ein Hashofet the settlers persisted and overcame discourage- is taken from a description of the settlement of in the hills of Ephraim in 1937. ment " Merhaviain 1911, and the presence of these halutz"The farm was located in a completely Arab envi"Far, far back in the venerable history of this vil- im was responsible for ultimately opening up the ronment, far from any other Jewish settlement...for lage it was inhabited by Jews, and then for certain whole of Emek Jezreel to Jewish settlement. many years isolated in its mountain sanctuary. hundreds of years it was taken over by Arabs. Now "Far, far back in the venerable history of the vil- Their stubbornness was rewarded by seeing a host it is intended that it be Jewish again for years, lage it was inhabited by Jews...." is not a mystical of other settlements springing up around it, and decades and centuries to come " religious chant of Gush Emunim in reference to assuring Jewish presence." No, the above quotations, and we have many more Hebron or Shiloh or Shechem (Nablus). It is the That described the establishment of Kfar Giladi that are similar, have nothing to do with Israeli set- expression used by the settlers themselves of the more than 80 years ago. Its heroism and that of Tel tlements in Judea and Samaria. They are taken Hashomer Hatzair kibbutz, Sasa, in the Galilee, Hai nearby, were responsible for the fact that the from the lexicon of Zionist pioneering settlement in when in 1949 they occupied an "abandoned" Arab flag of Israel, and not that of Lebanon or Syria, the days when it was considered patriotic, and in village on its mountain top site. today flies over upper Galilee. From 1936 to 1939, the true halutzic spirit, to set up kibbutzim and vilThe tales are many. Does the following sound like 55 new settlements were founded, largely in areas lages right in the heart of an Arab population, thus an account of "irresponsible" zealots sinking roots not previously penetrated by Jews. establishing a Jewish presence. across the green line? ' In those days they were called Sasa and Ein The first one cited above, "to create new settle"The settlers had their eye on a particularly good Hashofet, Merhavia and Kfar Giladi, Biriyah and ments at strategic points...." was descriptive of the stretch of land which was earmarked for other purpos- Hanita, Tirat Zvi and Ein Harod. great national effort during the latter part of the es. Disobeying the authorities, they staged an 'invasion', Today the same role is played by Kiryat Arba, Alon 1930s when courageous colonists set up what were occupied the area they coveted, squatted there, and Moreh, Ma'ale Adumim, Kedumim, Ariel, Ma'ale called "Watchtower and Stockade" settlements. within a week announced they were remaining." Ephraim, Karnei Shomron, Elkana, Ofra, Kfar Hanita, in 1938, surrounded by Arabs, became a This was Yigal Allon's kibbutz, Ginosar, north of Etzion, Efrat, Beit El, Tekoa and many more. symbol of pioneering. Tiberias, which established its own facts on the They are all in the same historic tradition.
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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; ?Ioward Silber; Amee Zetzinan; 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.
July 19, 2002
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
Create a State, Acid the 'Quartet' by SHIMON PERES
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JERUSALEM (JTA) - The Labor Party believes that the way to avoid a threat to Israel's existence if turned into a binational state without a Jewish majority is to create a nonmilitarized Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel. Labor looks upon an end to Israeli control over the Palestinian people as a measure consistent with the moral code of Jewish history and in the political and security interests of the State of Israel. These goals can be accomplished only through separation by mutual agreement. An agreement relating to a shared political horizon may lead to a real cease-fire, paving the road to permanent peace. When the Palestinian side rejected the proposals of President Clinton at Camp David, it posed a serious question in the minds of many as to whether a Palestinian partner really existed for the peace process. It seems that in the wake of the skepticism generated by this rejection, it is necessary to introduce an additional partner into the equation, to impart credibility to the negotiations and confidence in their resolutions. Such a partner already exists-the "Quartet" that was formed in Madrid by the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations. The mounting dangers in the Middle East—ballistic threats from outside the geographical range of the Middle East, across-border terror and unconventional weapons—elicit the urgent and consolidated intervention of the "Quartet," so as to generate a renewed peace momentum. A peace plan must consist of elements that are acceptable in Israel, and which will not be rejected by the Arab word. Such a prospect is being made possible by the Saudi peace proposals and the understandings reached with the Palestinians. The Peres-Abu Alaa understandings reached between ourselves and the Palestinian representatives, under the leadership of Abu Alaa, the speaker of the Palestinian legislative council, did not provoke either formal approval or rejection, and exist by dint of the force of logic that closes ideological distances within Israel and bridges political gaps between ourselves and our neighbors. These understandings are based on four stages: 0 Stage I (a prerequisite); The creation of a single Palestinian security arm that will dismantle the fragmented Palestinian armed factions that enable extremist organizations to threaten peace, undermine
Palestinian autonomy and provoke Israel into exercising its right for selfdefense. Also, only by operating a single Palestinian headquarters that will consolidate overall control over arms and triggers will it be possible to achieve a real cease-fire. 8 Stage II: Mutual recognition between the State of Israel and the Palestinian state within a short period of time (a few weeks). Israel will recognize the Palestinian Authority as a Palestinian state, the boundaries of which will be determined through negotiations based on U.N. Resolutions 242 and 338, and the Palestinians will recognize Israel as a Jewish state. 8 Stage III: Negotiations that will be ongoing for a year, with the aim of finding solutions to controversial issuesborder lines, Jerusalem, refugees, settlements, security measures. • Stage IV: Will be dedicated to the implementation of the agreements reached, which will take a further year. The accords and agreements reached will be endorsed by the "Quartet," largely representing world consensus. This kind of endorsement has real enforcement power, for a breach of agreement could trigger international delegitimization and even affect aid allocations. There is no need for outside military intervention to arrive at an agreement or enforce its implementation. An army is unable to function except on a battlefield or to control a situation that will ensue from an accord between the sides. An army cannot replace an agreement, nor can it function when an agreement is absent. It is not difficult to foresee the demands of the "Quartet": disarm the Palestinian terror organizations and create a central headquarters that will have sole control over arms, put an end to terror, stop the incitement, freeze settlement activity, ensure Israeli withdrawal to outside of the Palestinian territories, ensure financial transparency and release of funds; a removal of roadblocks, opening of borders, erection of joint industrial zones, open labor markets, economic rehabilitation of the Palestinian entity and the development of a modern economy for all the peoples-based on global market prerequisites, European Union regulations, American free trade zone stipulations and a market resting on openness, competition, transparency and growth.
Shimon Peres is the foreign minister of Israel. A former prime minister of Israel, he is also the former head of the Labor Party.
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A Different Story (Continued from page 4) '••*•••**•''•*' girls (religious girls who perform national service). All of this and and Moriah is simply one of many similar institutions, takes place without fanfare, without pictures of American donors in the local Anglo-Jewish paper, indeed without much notice among Israelis and certainly not in the hapless public relations efforts of the Israeli government. But Moriah is a benchmark of our society. It defines our basic ethos and our deep respect for people as human
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beings. Programs like Moriah have as much to do with our security and our future as a Jewish people as does fighting terror in the streets. So when one reads an off-the-wall accusation comparing Israel to the Nazis, talk about programs like Moriah. We have this and the Nazis had Mengele and our accusers have Bin Ladin. We are different, and yes, we are better and more moral than those who hurl their accusations at us. We should not forget it for one moment.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 6
July 19, 2002
THE PROMISING LAND
Winnipeg Has Vibrant Jewish Life, but Some Trouble Keeping its Jews by ANDREW MUCH1N
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(Editor's note: JTA is pleased to present the second and his family's safety. piece in an ongoing series, "The Promising Land: . After an exploratory visit, The Making and Remaking of Jewish Communities the Rymbergs became the Across North America." The series, with approxi- first Argentine family to mately one piece a month, will look at North relocate to Winnipeg. American Jewish life in areas rarely explored. This Today Rymberg works as piece looks at the efforts made by Winnipeg's Jewish a graphic designer for the community to bolster its dwindling population. federation, and his wife is Future pieces, complete with sidebars and photos, an interior designer. The will explore: children attend Jewish day » a camp in Utica, Miss., that keeps Judaism alive school. And the Rymbergs host some of the 18 to 20 for Southern Jews; • an annual gathering of world Jews in New Argentine families that England, where prayer shawls and flannel shirts go make exploratory visits each month. hand in hand; • a vibrant Orthodox Jewish community in In 2001, a Jewish delegaMilwaukee; and tion traveled from • the inspiring story of how Greensboro, N.C., sus- Winnipeg to Buenos Aires tains a thriving Jewish community.) to interview 50 families WINNIPEG, Manitoba (JTA) - Gerry Koffman left interested in moving to Brian Borzykowski co-hosts 'The Jewish Hour' on Winnipeg radio. a great job in Ottawa, Canada's rapidly expanding Winnipeg and to hold Photo by Andrew MuchinIJTA. meetings with capital, to come home to Winnipeg, Manitoba's group remote and slowly shrinking seat of provincial gov- another 75, reports Faye Rosenberg-Cohen, the fed- and gym, to the Gray Academy of Jewish Education, which features an elementary school and high school. ernment. eration's planning director. Shelley Faintuch made a similar move from hip, Two dozen Argentine Jewish families have moved Upstairs are the offices of the Jewish Children's and growing Vancouver. Wayne Nemy met his future to Winnipeg since 1997. "They tell us we talk about Family Services and the Jewish Federation of wife, like him a native Winnipegger, in cosmopoli- the weather too much," says Rosenberg-Cohen, Winnipeg/Combined Jewish Appeal. Six days a week, four generations of Jews mingle tan Toronto. The Nemys lived in Florida before referring to Manitoba's frigid winters and dense in this $18 million, 21st-century incarnation of returning to their birthplace. summer mosquito clouds. Winnipeg's old "Nord Side." There, from 1900 to Gustavo Rymberg left his native Buenos Aires Grow Winnipeg's goal is a Jewish population of 1950, thousands of immigrants lived in unassuming with his wife and two children to relocate to 18,000 by 2010, a 22 percent increase. The federaWinnipeg. tion chose the figure for its "mystical quality," homes, operated small shops and built little The reason, they all say, is that Winnipeg "is a Rosenberg-Cohen explains--18 represents life in Orthodox synagogues and a slew of day schools, nice place to raise a family" and offers a Jewish Jewish numerology-and by factoring in some ranging from secular Yiddish to Orthodox. Jewish culture always has been strong in community that's welcoming, well-organized and rather optimistic projections: reducing out-migration to 50 per year, eventually increasing Jewish Winnipeg, which was known in its heyday as the surprisingly cultured. Yet the city is not retaining its Jews. At its peak immigration to 600 a year and attracting 75 ex- "Jerusalem of the North." Community members operated a Yiddish theater in the Nord Side from . in 1961, Winnipeg's Jewish community of 19,376 Winnipeggers home each year. was Canada's third largest. Today the community The recruiting, marketing and community-build- 1907-42, hosting touring troupes. Three local is the country's eighth largest, with approximately ing initiative is projected to cost the equivalent of Jewish troupes presented plays in English or 14,000 Jews. $109,000 the first year and about $156,000 for each Yiddish in the 1920s and 1930s. The tradition continues with the 15-year-old Jewish leaders here recognize that unless they of the following two years. The federation expects to reverse the trend of young Jews leaving for augment its $78,000 annual allocation with govern- Winnipeg Jewish Theatre, which produces four plays annually with professional actors, many from .Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto, this community- ment funds and foundation grants. rich in Jewish arts, enthusiastic about Jewish eduAll financial numbers given in this story are in Winnipeg. The theater presents at least one new play each year "about the Jewish experience, often cation and bold enough to build a showpiece Jewish U.S. dollars. community campus—will wither. Winnipeg's 670,000 residents live in something of from the Canadian perspective," artistic director "Funding, attendance, memberships, donors, tick- a biosphere-self-contained, remote, but healthy. Kayla Gordon says. The troupe sells 6,000 to 8,000 et buyers, share of government funds and an active The city is an eight-hour drive from the nearest tickets in a typical year. The Sarah Sommer Chai Folk Ensemble, another corps of volunteers are all necessary to sustain the metropolis of Minneapolis-St. Paul, and a two-day independent troupe, has been performing Israeli richness and vibrancy of our community," declares drive from Canada's cultural center, Toronto. the strategic plan for GrowWinnipeg. That's the fedSo Winnipeggers have made the best of their iso- dance and Jewish music for four decades througheration's program to recruit new families, retain lation: The city is home to two major universities, a out Canada. "The Jewish Hour," a Sunday show on AM radio, resident Jews, invite back former residents and fos- network of parks and historical sites, 36 museums, ter community spirit and connection. an opera company, symphony orchestra, regional plays Jewish music and discusses local events in But, the plan notes, "These all depend on having theater company, the world-renowned Royal English and Yiddish. Though synagogue affiliation in Winnipeg tends the population numbers to sustain them." Winnipeg Ballet and a summer full of festivals. Approved last October, GrowWinnipeg emphasizes The Jewish community participates in Winnipeg toward the Orthodox, the largest of the city's nine the recruitment of Jews from countries in distress, cultural activities, but its central address is the synagogues is the Conservative Congregation particularly Argentina. Working with local and Asper Jewish Community Campus, a five-year-old Shaarey Zedek, and the 100-family Temple Shalom provincial governments, which seek to bolster architectural marvel that links four landmark retains the classical Reform approach of emphasizing social justice over ritual. Winnipeg's general population, the federation first buildings via a modern glass mall. looked south six years ago. A secular Jewish community harks back to nearly The mall, known as "Main Street," stretches from Rymberg recalls the first time a Winnipeg federa- the 205-seat Berney Theatre, past the Marion and Ed a century ago, when five radical Jewish schools tion president visited Argentina looking for possible Vickar Jewish Museum of Western Canada and were operating in the Nord Side, local Jewish histoimmigrants, in 1996. Holocaust Education Centre and the Jewish Heritage rian Abe Arnold says. (Continued on page 7) Rymberg was worried about a weakening economy Centre of Western Canada, past a kosher restaurant
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July 19, 2002 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
In-kind Donations
Trouble Keeping Jews
(Continued from page 1) — • Most of the donors are willing to deliver their products to the JCC. At least she hopes that most will deliver, since there aren't additional rGf™£5* resources for picking up the articles. Many of the foods will stay at the JCC, but others will have to be trucked to • the different venues. Events will take place at the JCC, Columbian Elementary, Cougar Lanes, Ironwood Golf and Country Club, Koch Family Tennis Center, Montclair Community Center, Sandlot Ridge, Skutt Catholic High and UNO. Although a room has been designated for storage, JCC staff will have to divide up the donations. Judy smiles and adds, "Taking it to the different places isn't part of my job. I'm finished when the products are stored!" Medical supplies will be taken to each venue and snacks must be divided up. "Well have to find candy that won't melt and take it, along with chips and snacks, to the games. It will be a tremendous job for the staff to divide the food and supplies and then transport it!" Although she claims that she has no training for her volunteer job, Judy finally admits that she has a Masters in Business Administration that has provided her with some background for the task. "I enjoy being a one-woman show. It's easier to keep track because I have all of the people whom I have contacted in my little card file. I'm keeping track when I set up a delivery day. I have lists and lists and more lists and they"re all on envelopes. I never use a whole piece of paper!" Josephson says some of the more unusual items that have been donated are: a shed for the buses to use as a hub, 250 pounds of kosher turkey for lunches, 1500 kosher hot dogs, 300 loaves of bread, 7200 pieces of fruit and 4200 candy bars. One company gave peanuts for the baseball games. They have everything from cookies to candy to potato chips and lumber to build barricades! A sponsor came forward and donated air mattresses for families to use when housing athletes. Rain ponchos and cakes for the closing ceremony are also on the list of donations. One sponsor is making "Maccabi temporary tattoos" for the youngsters to wear on Israeli night. They're also working with sporting goods companies that give "the best discounts" and will name them as sponsors. Other companies have given cash grants, instead of donating products. "In some cases, I just saw the '800' numbers on some of my groceries and called them," she noted. "Sometimes I got through to a local distributor and just kept calling until I got a donation!" She estimates "in-kind" donations have surpassed the $100,000 mark and was gratified that "the local Jewish community was very generous in helping us put together one of our greatest weeks." It's not too late for individuals or businesses to donate to the JCC Maccabi Games. Josephson can be reached at 498-9328. When she was asked if she would be bored now that her job is nearly finished, she replied, "No, now I'll go back to being a mom. Maybe I'll even make dinner!"
(Continued from page 6) •—•——•» —-..«•»»—— About 25 households of older folks belong to t h e United Jewish People's Order, a local branch of t h e International Jewish Workers Order. T h e leftist fraternal group sponsors lectures and discussions. For 30-40 younger families, the Sholem Aleichem Community, a humanistic group that grew out of the radical Sholem Aleichem School, holds Sunday school a n d gatherings around holidays a n d Shabbat. . With so much happening, then, why a r e Jews leaving for other Canadian cities? Some of the youth just need to see t h e world. Brian Borzykowski, 22, and his brother David, 19, are lifelong Winnipeggers who have immersed themselves in local Jewish life. Brian Borzykowski co-hosts "The Jewish Hour" and contributes articles to t h e Canadian Jewish News. David heads a Zionist program for children and is a leader of the Jewish Students Association at t h e University of Manitoba at Winnipeg. Like their friend Rachel Person, 19, the young m e n are uncertain about settling i n their hometown. The Winnipeg Jewish community is "suffocating when you're young, b u t maybe when you're older it's all right," Brian Borzykowski says. "It's a good place to grow up. But there comes a point you have to get away from it, because you're too close." The three friends feel stifled socially. They know most Jewish Winnipeggers their age through t h e day schools, t h e two local Jewish camps a n d Winnipeg Beach, a n enclave of summer homes mainly populated by Winnipeg Jews. Meeting new Jewish singles "is hard," Brian says. "For t h e most part, people who are away meet someone. For t h e most part, everybody leaves a t some point." Take Gerry Koffman, Shelley Faintuch and Wayne Nemy. Koffman was directing the Jewish Federation of Ottawa when h e accepted a n offer t o h e a d Financial Resource Development for the Winnipeg federation, Faintuch left a university lecturing job in Vancouver for what she considers a more affordable, friendly community in which to raise her son, Ze'ev. She subsequently was hired as t h e federation's director of community relations. Nemy left Winnipeg a t age 22 and lived i n Toronto, Europe a n d t h e United States before returning with his wife to raise a family. H e makes an argument for GrowWinnipeg's potential success in appealing to expatriate Winnipeggers. "I think you have to go away to appreciate it," h e says. Winnipeg's appeal is "more than family," he explains on a recent Sunday afternoon at t h e Asper Campus. "It's just the community. I stand here and every second person I know and say hello to."
Musical Honors Wsesman
(Continued from page 1) • ••••"• In addition to her work as a transcriber, Wiesman served as President of Beth El Sisterhood and as the organization's Regional President. She and her husband, Benjamin, celebrated 46 years of marriage this spring. They are the .parents of four sons REVIEW and have six grandchildren. by ART GROSSMAN — — : "Anna has been a tremendous asset to the the A society is supposed to be distinguished from Omaha Volunteer Braille Services," noted its presiother groups of human beings by mutual interest, dent, Eileen Remer, who works with Wiesman "in participation in characteristic relationships and a very active group of volunteers," who often transcribe books and other media for hours at a time, up common culture among other types of fellowship. However, lines are drawn nowadays when it to six days a week, if there's a request for a lengthy comes to two vehemently controversial subjects- book. A reception for Wiesman will follow tomorrow smoking and gambling. As a result, at our Early Bird discussion, the bird's feathers were flying by night's performance. Tickets for the benefit performance are $15 each; heated arguments presented by both viewpoints. Both subjects were addressed by the Nebraska patron reserved seats are $100 and both may be Unicameral. Cigarettes took a whopping increase in obtained by calling 393-3893 or purchased at the taxes and petitions are being circulated to put the door. Checks should be made out to NFVHC, an proposal on the November ballot legalizing video organization which provides cultural and educational experiences for visually handicapped chilslot machines. On a more pleasant note, our special entertain- dren and state-of-the-art electronic devices to ment featured Beth El Synagogue Cantor Emil enhance the learning experiences of blind children. Omaha Volunteer Braille Services honors Berkovits, who regaled us with a mix of delightful melodies that had the audience clapping hands in requests from across Nebraska and throughout the unison. Accompanying the cantor at the clavinova country, according to Remer. For more information, or to make a request to transcribe a book, call her was Anna Mosenkis. at 397-2349. Shalom!
Page 7
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July 19, 2002
The Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra will auditioning potential members on MondayFriday, Aug. 19-23, for the 2002-03 season. All instrumentalists are encouraged to audition, especially string players. Rehearsals are Mondays, 79:45 p.m. at the Strauss Recital Hall on the campus of the university of Nebraska at Omaha. For information, call Dr. Christopher Stanichar, Director of Orchestral Activities, 554-2251 or 554-2768. Join members of the Omaha Police Department, Omaha Fire Department, United States Marines and other local heroes at the Omaha Children's Museum on Sunday, July 21,1-4 p.m. Admission is free on this day . At 2 p.m., the storybook character, Lily, will appear as one of her stories is read. Be a role model; the person you want your kid to be.
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Determined Settlers See Outposts as Obstacles to War, Notto Peace by TZVI BEN GEDALYAHU •
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JERUSALEM (JTA) -- They are young, determined, stubborn and self-styled pioneering Zionists, living in trailers on isolated West Bank hills. The Israeli left calls them obstacles to peace. They call themselves obstacles to war. "Yes, I am crazy," says Ayal Hanneman, a husband and father of five in the Yair outpost in the southern Hebron mountains. "Abraham was crazy. God told him to sacrifice his only son, and he started to do so because he believed in God. So I am doing what Abraham would do today, settling the land." The Yair outpost is one of 20 tiny communities that Israeli settlers have set up in the past year and that Defense Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer has ordered dismantled. The West Bank Regional Council, known as Yesha, and Ben-Eliezer reached a compromise last week to dismantle 11 of the outposts immediately, following Labor Party accusations that they were purposefully trying to aggravate Arab neighbors by settling nearby. Critics also claim the settlements are illegal. Tzachi Shevach, 26, moved with two other young men a year ago to the Asa-El outpost adjacent to the Yatir Forest. "I always wanted to move to a place like this. It is a place I can build," says Shevach, who grew up in a moshav near Netanya. "I like the quiet and the view. In the beginning, we lived under the water tower until the trailers came." The Southern Hebron Hills regional council provides the residents with a generator and water. The Asa-El settlers are not Orthodox. "I was educated with Zionism and settlement," Shevach says. "Every outpost means continuous communities. These places strengthen security also within the Green Line," he says, referring to the pre-1967 border between Israel and the West Bank. The Yesha regional council publicly has claimed victory in the compromise to evacuate 11 outposts, most of them unpopulated or only on the drawing boards. A spokesman for the defense minister told JTA that all of the outposts will be evacuated but gave no timetable. He refused to comment on whether the outposts are obstacles to peace or to war, saying that the defense minister "does not relate to the issue from a political standpoint." He said that Ben-Eliezer's opposition to them is based on military considerations and that evacuation prevents danger to the settlers. Asa-El has refused to let the army send solders to guard them, in contrast to other places where settlers' presence demands more army manpower. Three soldiers are stationed at the Yair outpost, for example, where Hanneman lives along with another two families. But at Asa-El, Shevach says, "All of us were sol-
diers. We are independent and take care of ourselves. There is always one person here. We are not afraid but not apathetic. "We know where we are. And we are growing. A young couple is scheduled to move here next week." Anar Apirion, 23, lives with five other young men and one woman, all Orthodox, on the Avigail outpost between Hebron and Arad. Apirion, who grew up in the Kedumim settlement in the West Bank area known as Shomron, notes that his hometown was once a tiny outpost, but now has 700 families. "I feel I am doing something and strengthening the land," he says. "Every place in Israel is dangerous, and we are making it safer. "I love the quiet," he adds, looking out on the barren and windy vista southeast of Hebron. He says he is not taking away land from the Arabs. "They can live on their lands but under our government. We are on government land." The community grows wheat and raises goats and chickens. They also make and deliver pizza to the local communities and soldiers. Several of them also work nearby. There are two trailers for the men. The woman, Adi Lemberger, 22, from Efrat, lives in an old bus converted to a trailer. "I came here by coincidence, visiting friends. I fell in love with the place," says Lemberger, whose family emigrated from the United States. She, like her friends, doesn't think the outposts are against the law. Ben-Eliezer's spokesman said the outposts are illegal in the sense that the government has not authorized them. "I am not a criminal," Apirion says. "It is not against the law for a Jew to live where he wants to in Israel." Despite their commitment, the outpost residents say they wouldn't confront the army if Ben-Eliezer evacuates them. "I don't believe it will happen," says Apirion. "I wouldn't help them, but I wouldn't argue with a soldier." Besides, the settlers believe that time is on their side. Despite Ben-Eliezer's promise, which was made just before a Labor Party convention, they believe they have de facto status, exactly like the original settlements like Ofra in the West Bank. That, too, started as a lonely outpost with four families without government authorization. Today it has 600 families. Shevach says there have been no incidents with Arabs since he and his friends moved to Asa-El last year. "Before we came, the Arabs threw stones at cars. Since we have been here, nothing has happened because we can see everything from the hill," he says. "Our presence prevents problems."
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Temple Israel Welcomes Maraotz Family to Omaha
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
Overscheduling Children by TANYA SEINA, MSW, PLMHP -
While Rabbi Craig Marantz, Temple Israel's new rabbi, (left photo) was moving into his office, his wife Betsy Marantz and their three-month-old daughter Cara were making new friends at an informal mother-baby gathering. Among the mothers and babies they met were (left to right)
Hillary Fletcher and her fourmonth-old daughter, Baye; Betsy Marantz holding Cara; and Ann Osborne with her 12-month-old son, Robert. Rabbi Marantz is eager to meet congregants and other visitors to Temple and welcomes them to stop by his office and introduce themselves.
The start of the school year will be here shortly and families will be making decisions about which extracurricular activities their children will participate in. Before we know it, our evenings and weekends will be booked with soccer games, piano lessons and social activities with very little time left over for anything else. Most of today's families have accepted that being busy is a way of life. But have we stopped to consider the effects such a lifestyle may have? Signing up for many activities is always done with the best of intentions. Parents want to provide opportunities for their children to develop talents and learn new skills. However, it is easy to go overboard on the volume of activities our children partake in. This often leads to stress and exhaustion because there's not much "down time" to rejuvenate mentally and physically. This may leave children too tired to effectively study or complete their homework thoroughly. Plus, children miss out on using their creativity and decisionmaking skills to decide how to spend their free time. Family members also may become
deprived of time to connect with one another. Rushing to and from activities often leaves families with nobody to cook dinner. Thus, supper often consists of fast food on the run. There is a lot of value in eating dinner together as a family. Communication is enhanced and the sense of family belonging is strengthened. Most children do not benefit from a demanding schedule. The lighthearted, carefree image of childhood should not be left behind in black and white movies. The goal is to achieve balance between extracurricular activities, free time and family togetherness. Some guidelines to follow when scheduling activities: • The family eats dinner together most evenings. • Children have ample time to complete homework and study. 8 There is enough unscheduled time throughout the week for relaxing or hobbies. Parents are the primary role-models for their children. We also need to strive to achieve balance in our own schedules. This not only makes us better parents, but keeps us sane.
University of Hartford Plans Jewish Museum by MARA DRESNER, Connecticut Jewish Ledger _ _
WEST HARTFORD, CT-The University of Hartford will open a new Jewish museum beginning in 2003. The Museum of Jewish Civilization and Archives at the University of Hartford is planned for the entrance to the Mortenson Library, adjacent to the 1877 Club, the University Bookstore, the Joseloff Gallery, the Museum of American Political Life and the Wilde Auditorium. The brainchild of Dr. Richard Freund, director of the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Hartford, the museum will feature six areas: Archeology of the Land of Israel; PreHolocaust and Holocaust Era Europe; Jewish Music (Ashkenazic and Sephardic traditions); Jewish Literature (rare book collections); Jewish Culture (art, artifacts and touring exhibitions); and Jewish Life in the Americas. "When I first got here, I started investigating getting a museum on the campus of the University of Hartford," explained Freund, who had built a muse-
um of biblical archaeology at the University of Nebraska, where he served as head of the Jewish studies program prior to coming to Connecticut. "Museums that have been built in the United States in the past 10 years have been focused on the Holocaust. Although the Holocaust was an extremely significant event in Jewish history, this museum is dedicated to the whole breadth of the Jewish contribution to civilization," he noted. "We will have a small area dedicated to the Holocaust. We will also have an area dedicated to Jewish life in Europe before the Holocaust." Freund sees the two main areas~the "anchor stores" of the 2,000 square foot museum, as Jewish music and biblical archaeology. One hundred antiquities will be on permanent loan from Bethsaida (Freund is the director of the Bethsaida excavation MONUMENT CO. project in Israel). The Frank L Ciciulla Jr.
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museum will also feature a collection of RussianJewish music from St. Petersburg, representing 80 major composers, dating back to 1850; and 2,000 record albums from the early 1900s-1970, donated by Judge Jerry Wagner of Blobmfield. "The proposed Museum of Jewish Civilization and Archives will take advantage of three strengths of the University of Hartford: our close connection to the Jewish community of the Greater Hartford area; the strength of our Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies, which I believe is among the best such centers in the country; and the presence of the Joseloff Gallery and the Museum of American Political Life on campus," said University of Hartford president Walter Harrison.
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July 19, 2002
ORGANIZATIONS Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10:15 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for "YES Talk" at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, Dr. Ben Naehman will talk about his interview with Steven Spielberg and the Shoah Foundation. For transportation call 330-4272. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going to the Bluffs Run Casino on Thursday, please meet at the JCC by 8:45 a.m. Call Maggie Conti for transportation at 334-6521. YIDDISH GROUP Lomir Redn Yiddish: Let Us Speak Yiddish Conversation Group will meet on Thursday, 1-3 p.m. in I the Social Hall of the JCC. Call Anne Skolkin for information at 343-1638. VISIONS Join Visions with Moostash Joe Tours for a fall get-away to Branson, Oct.21-24. Cost is $399 double occupancy. Send reservations with $50 deposit to Betty Sanford, 9205 Western St. #127, Omaha, NE 68114. Make check payable to Visions. Deadline for Picnic Mixer with Visions and 39 Forever on Sunday, Aug. 11, 12:30-4 p.m. at Chalco Hills Recreation Area is Aug. 1. Send reservations to: Judy Katskee, 10356 Brown St., Omaha, NE 68134. Cost is $4 per person. LIVINGSTON PLAZA Enjoy a grilled kosher dog with all the fixings during the Dog Days of Summer Party on Wednesday, July 31, 5 pan. at the Livingston Plaza Patio. Cost is $2. Recharge your batteries with singer Robyn Lensch sing-a-long. Call Maggie Conti for information at 334-6521. Deadline is July 23. OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Join Lunch 'n Learn with Rabbi Aryeh Bloom, who will lead the discussion the weekly class on the Torah portion on Wednesday, J u l y 24, noon at the Rripke Federation Library. For information, call Rabbi Blum, 320-8055. Join us for a Mezuzzah Celebration, Sunday July 28, 2:30 p.m. at the OCTL House, 1313 No. 58 St.; a reception follows. BWAI B'RITH BREADBREAKERS Carol Katzman, Editor of the Jewish Press, will speak about "Bias in the Media" at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, J u l y 24, noon, at the Park Inn Regency. Cost is $9 for lunch; $2, beverage service only. The program is open to the community.
During the Berkshire-Hathaway annual meeting, two-time U.S. Qpen Chess Champion Patrick Wolff challenged all comers to a chess marathon at Regency Fashion Court. In a stunning upset, Wolff was defeated by local attorney Bob Zuber. (The minor detail that Wolff was playing six games at once, blindfolded, should not diminish from Zuber's achievement, according to his friend, Richard Juro!) When Wolff asked for a rematch, Zuber replied that he would not play blindfolded, so no rematch was held-therefore Zuber's record is a perfect 1-0 against U.S. Open Chess Champions. "In real life, although Mr. Zuber has an excellent record in court, his chess record versus his local peers (like me) is good, but not extraordinary," Juro added. "But then, we don't wear blindfolds!" Matthew Kenkel graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, in May with a BS in mechanical engineering and with military and athletic distinction. He was commissioned a second lieutenant, and, after obtaining his private pilot's license ha Colorado, will begin pilot training at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, GA. He is the son of Tom and Gail Kenkel of Council Bluffs. Grandparents are Lloyd and Edythe Krasne and Ray and Evelyn Kenkel, also of Council Bluffs. Last month, Marti Finkel received a master's in social work from the University of Chicago. She is a graduate of University of Wisconsin. Kevin Finkel earned a master's in business administration from the Anderson School at the University of California at Los Angeles. He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania. They are the children of Joel and Lois Finkel of Omaha. Grandparents are Helen and Leonard Finkel and Sue Greenberg and the late David Greenberg. The Lincoln Community Playhouse will hold auditions for the musical On the Town, on Monday, July 22 and Tuesday, July 23, 7-10 p.m. at the Playhouse, 2500 So. 56 St. in Lincoln. Roles are available for singers and dancers, age 16 and older. The show opens Sept. 13 and runs through Oct. 6. To make an appointment, call 489-7529.
Channel 12, PBS will feature Gail Brodkey, the evening social worker at the Children's Hospital in Chicago, as part of a series on children's hospitals, on Tuesday, July 23, 8 p.m. Brodkey, the daughter of Carol and Peter Brodkey, graduated from Bradley university in Peoria, IL, and earned an MSW from Loyala University in Chicago. According to PBS, Brodkey "sees it all, from children caught in gang violence to child abuse." AM Lerner, daughter of Martha and Dick Lerner, graduated cum laude from American University in Washington, D.C. She earned University Honors in her major, psychology, and double minor, biology and chemistry. The Pan Hellenic Association selected Ali as the Outstanding Greek Woman of the Year, given for leadership, academic accomplishments, activities and service to the university. This summer, Ali will again be a counselor at the Hole in the Wall camp, where she also serves as science program director. Proceeds from Paul Newman's Foundation, The Hole in the Wall Gang, fund the camp, for chronically and terminally ill children. Ali plans to enter the Peace Corps in October; after her two years of service, she will pursue a medical degree in pediatric neurology. The Omaha Symphony has named Gil Cohen as Director of Marketing and Public Relations. Cohen has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality and insurance industries, most recently marketing and operating the River City Star Riverboat and three hotels for the. Keystone Group. A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson university in Rutherford, NJ, Cohen has chaired programs for B'nai B'rith, the Amerian Diabetes Association, Cystic Fibrosis and the Children's Miracle Network. He has also served on the board of Downtown Omaha, Inc.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page II
, •"
b. BLRTLEV/IS —
The media recently has been making a big story on what is being called "rudeness in America". You know what I mean—dreadful driving which endangers lives, foul language being used by everyone, inconsiderate use of cellular phones in public places, excessively loud music on car radios, just to name a few. Sometimes it's something not happening, which ought to, such as waiting for the attention of a clerk in a store~a clerk otherwise engaged in chit-chat with another clerk or on the phone with an obviously personal call. Nothing chases me out of a store faster than that. The business of the cell phone in public is a pet peeve, unless it's truly an emergency. I always wonder about the woman who wanders around a shopping mall, phone to the ear, yammering away loudly enough for anyone within 10 feet to hear. Is that exhibitionism or stupidity? Who needs the world to be listening to private conversations? And you can't "gender blame" this phone stuff. I've been disturbed while in a restaurant, trying to converse with a friend over lunch, by a man conducting loud business on his cell phone at the next table. A wonderful Yiddish word comes to mind at such times-prost. Young people are often guilty of using the most offensive language, loudly • and publicly. Mostly it's as though they're trying to shock anyone who hears them, and often they're right. It's hard to become accustomed to hearing words once only seen chalked on a sidewalk. And to be perfectly fair about it, it isn't only the young. Those of us who haven't been teenagers for a very long time are often guilty of some of that language pollution. In general, the consensus in the poll about rudeness was that folks just aren't as nice to each other as they once were. Somebody getting bumped into on the street might just as easily curse the one who bumped him as not. In fact, a young man jostled in a crowd coming out of an athletic event, yelled
something like, "Hey...look where you're going." A few minutes later, he was accosted by the one who bumped him, and stabbed repeated; he's lucky to be alive! This is a true story, not something I made up for effect. Another interesting thing to come out of this study of rudeness in America was that location had nothing to do with it. No matter which state, north,south,east or west, the people interviewed had the same opinions about ugly human behavior. The only exception—gentle southerners weren't so guilty of the use of foul language as folks elsewhere. I read, in connection with this, the thoughts of a learned man who had written a book on the subject a few years ago. His contention was that we aren't as social with each other as we once were-we aren't so "connected." He blames television and computers and all manner of recently invented diversions, which keep us from communicating with others as we once did, If you're old enough to remember when an evening's entertainment consisted of visiting friends and just having conversation, or perhaps a game of cards, you might know what the expert means. If you remember when you didn't have to seek out some sort of organized entertainment to enjoy yourself, when conversation was still an art, when there wasn't a one-eyed electronic monster holding you spellbound for hours—if you remember that kind of thing, you probably can agree with our friend the expert. In the meantime, maybe folks should practice the good manners we were taught as children. Maybe the golden rule isn't too tarnished to still use. Maybe if people made a small effort to be nicer to each other, we could lose that reputation of rudeness and boorish behavior. We're so lucky to have so much here in our wonderful country. Maybe we ought to begin by remembering to be thankful that our Zayda's didn't miss the boat! I know I am.
identifies NJHS Photo by RENEE CORCORAN, NJHS Executive Director
From time to time, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society publishes unidentified photos from t h e i r archives. Alert reader A r 1e n e Hockenberg, a former Omahan now living in Oceanside, CA, recognized the couple appearing in the May 31 issue of the Jewish Press as the Hilsbergs, who immigrated to the United States from Latvia. The Hilsbergs were distantly related to Bernie Hockenberg's family in Des Moines, LA. Celia Hilsberg, Celia, married Charles Saltzman and they lived for many years in Council Bluffs, IA. After Charles died, Celia moved to Omaha and eventually to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Celia and Charles had no children, and Arlene and Bernie Hockenberg looked after them in
their later years. The photo originally hung in Celia's room at the Blumkin Home and made its way to the Historical Society after her death. Like the Hilsberg photo, the NJHS is looking for identification of the campers pictured with their counselor, Mindy Weiner Weinstein, in this 1985 photo below. If you recognize any of the campers, please call me at the NJHS office, 334-6442.
ENGAGEMENT RICHTMAN/APPLEBAUM Walter and Harriet Richtman of planned, after which the couple plan Chicago, IL, announce the engage- to live in Chicago. ment of their daughter, Aviva Rivka to Yosef Chaim (Yosi), son of Rabbi Martin and Rosalie Applebaum of West Palm Beach, FL. The bride-to-be is the grandson of Dave and Rosa Richtman of Omaha and the late Sol and Jeanette Benjamin of St. Louis, MO. She is the step-granddaughter of Edith Benjamin of Memphis, TN. Her fiance is the grandson of Hanka Zilberminc of Detroit, MI. An October, 2002, wedding is
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 19, 2002
Danny Maseng Returning for Temple's 2002 Adult Retreat
TELL OUR ADVERTISERS YOU SAW THEIR AD IN THE JEWISH PRESS!
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator
Master storyteller and Jewish teacher Danny Maseng will return to the Omaha area on Nov. 1 and 2 to lead Temple Israel's adult retreat. "Danny touches peot)le,s lives by combining modern and traditional melodies with powerful, meaningful, and at times, awesome insights into our liturgy," said Rosie Zweiback, Temple's program director. A playwright and actor who is also the spiritual leader of Congregation Agudath Achim in Livingston Manor, New York, Maseng will guide participants through a weekend of "Growing in Soul...A Spiritual Retreat" at the Lied Conference Center in Nebraska City. "Reviews of last year,s retreat were so tremendously positive that we want to offer the congregation one more opportunity to study and learn with Danny," Zweiback added. Beth Brodkey, who attended the retreat last year, said, "Danny and the group made everything so alive and joyous." She added that "the dinner
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was delicious, the setting was perfect, and the music was inspiring." Zweiback said members of Temple Israel will receive more information and an invitation to the retreat in the mail in late summer. However, Temple members can call the office at 556-6536 now to reserve a space at the retreat.
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Venice Ghetto Returns to Normal; Security was Tight During Terror Threat by RUTH E. GRUBER
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ROME (JTA) - The historic Venice Ghetto returned to calm early this week after three days of intensive police controls following an unspecified terrorist threat. "Things seem back to normal today," Michaela Zanon of the Venice Jewish Museum told JTA. "There are still police on duty, but nothing like over the weekend." Venice authorities launched a massive security action on July 11, apparently in response to a tip that the city's centuries-old Jewish quarter, a popular tourist attraction, could be a terrorist target. "There was an alert," Zanon said. "Police were stationed on every street leading into the ghetto and searched every bag anyone was carrying." Police stopped tourists and residents alike and checked their identity papers. They also guarded a number of bridges; Meanwhile, police boats patrolled the waters of the canals surrounding the ghetto and divers went into the lagoon to search for bonibs. The measures were maintained until Sunday. During the alert, Venice Mayor Paolo Costa, speaking on Italian state TV, urged residents to go about their business as usual. The ghetto has been the center of Jewish life in Venice for 500 years. The area is on the site of an old foundry where Jews were segregated in 1516. It was Europe's first example of a forced Jewish settlement, and the word "ghetto" is believed to derive from "geto," the word for foundry in the Venetian dialect. In addition to the museum, which encompasses several magnificent syna-
gogues in and around the the Ghetto Nuovo, the main square of the district, the ghetto is the site of the headquarters of the 500-strong local Jewish community. There is also a Chabad house and a Chabad yeshiva on Ghetto Nuovo, as well as a Jewish old-age home, a Holocaust memorial and Jewish souvenir shops. A few steps away are a kosher restaurant and the centuriesold synagogue regularly used by the community. Most Venetian Jews, however, live in other parts of the city, including the mainland suburb of Mestre. Zanon said that despite the security alert, tour groups and individual tourists continued to visit the museum. "We were open normally and had the number of visitors we would have expected," she said. The security operation came after Italian news media outlets, quoting a government report, said that Islamic militants linked to Al-Qaida had made plans for terrorist attacks in Italy last year and were scouting locations in Venice. Italy has been at the center of several investigations targeting alleged Al-Qaida operatives or cells. On July 11, police in Milan arrested eight men for allegedly aiding AlQaida by preparing and distributing forged documents. Security had already been beefed up to some extent in the ghetto since the intifada erupted nearly two years ago. Police have kept Jewish sites and institutions in Rome under constant armed guard since a Palestinian terrorist attack on the main synagogue in 1982, which killed a child and injured dozens.
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