Jewish Federation of Omaha - Jewish Press - 01292016

by OZZIE NOGG A Free Afternoon at the Movies:The Intern, Friday, Feb. 5, 1 p.m. inthe JCC Theater. Complimentarypopcorn -- warm and delicious -- willbe served. No reservations necessary.Bring a friend or two. This delightfulcomedy explores how starting a newjob can be a difficult challenge, espe-cially if you’re already retired. Look-ing to get back into the game,70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker(Robert De Niro) seizes the opportu-nity to become a senior intern at anonline fashion website. Ben soon be-comes popular with his younger co-workers, including Jules Ostin (AnneHathaway), the boss and founder ofthe company. Whittaker’s charm, wisdom and sense of humor help him

develop a special bond and growingfriendship with Jules. Reviewers callThe Intern ‘sane, sweet, smart andfunny.’ The movie also features ReneeRusso. If you’d like to enjoy a Star Delilunch at the Blumkin Home beforethe show, call Maggie Conti at402.334.6521 to reserve a table. Lunchis on your own. The Star Deli opensfor business at 11:30 a.m.Continued on page 2

Endowed bythe Benjaminand Anna E.

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See Front Page storiesand more at:www.jewishomaha.org,click on Jewish Press

January 29, 201619 Shevat 5776Vol. 96 | No. 20

InsidePoint of view 8Synagogues 10In memoriam 11

NextWeekSimchas+Celebrations

A week in the life of a ShaliachPage 5

Tribute Book to honorRabbi AzrielPage 7

American Muslimstake a lesson on Zionism2

ThisWeek

in February

by MARK KIRCHHOFFJFO staff writer The Jewish Federation of Omahahas recently approved expanded ben-efits for its Jewish Experience Grant(JEG) and Israel Experience Grant(IEG) programs. This action high-lights its commitment to the youth inthe community by encouraging partic-ipation in programs that have provento be of tremendous value in develop-ing Jewish identity and cultivatingJewish values. These grant programs,funded by the Jewish Federation ofOmaha, provide non-income basedfunding for specific purposes.“Both Israel trips and residential Jew-ish summer camps are such powerfulexperiences,” says Alan Potash, CEOof the Jewish Federation of Omaha.“At the Federation, we are very ex-

cited to create these opportunities forour youth and help them developtheir Jewish identity.” Jewish Experience Grants havenow been increased to $2,000 with amaximum of $1,000 used per sum-mer. JEG grants are for children ingrades 3 to 11 and are designed to en-courage attendance at a Jewish sum-mer residential camp. The grants arefor a Jewish camp session that is twoweeks or longer at a camp approvedby the Center for Jewish Life. Thefamily must be a resident of theOmaha metropolitan area and be aContinued on page 3

JFO expands benefits of Jewish Experienceand Israel Experience Grant programs

by CLAUDIA SHERMANfor Friedel Jewish Academy Have you ever wondered whatmakes a better light saber -- onemade at home or one purchased in astore? That’s what fifth grader, NoahShrago, who just happens to be a bigStar Wars fan, is attempting to re-solve by means of his Friedel JewishAcademy Science Fair project. Likewise, five Shyken children,all students at Friedel, have turnedtheir home into a science lab. Sixth

grader Shmuel is attempting to re-solve which liquid (diet or regularsoda pop, juice or water) best helpsa plant grow. He’s working with hisyoungest sibling, Aliza, a kinder-garten student at Friedel, whowanted to be actively involved inthe experiment too. Aviva, a fifth grader, is trying togrow old seeds. Fourth grader Bat-sheva wants to find out how long acandle burns while Eliezer, who’s inContinued on page 3

Friedel Science Fair

Eliezer Shyken shows his Zayde, Dr. Paul Shyken, the project the secondgrader is entering in Friedel Jewish Academy’s Feb. 4 Science Fair.

The recent Mega Teen Trip to Israel sent 35 Omaha teens, accompanied by clergy from all synagogues, to Israel,thanks in part to Israel Experience Grants. Here, Bella Radler and Maddie Miller enjoy a camel ride.

2 | The Jewish Press | January 29, 2016

$10,000SokolofTeacher’sAward

Send your letter by March 1 to Janet Henthornat the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation,

333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154 or [email protected]. Contact her with any questions at 402-334-6551.

Just write a letter describing this teacher (who has been teaching

at least 3 years) and tell us why she/hedeserves this special recognition.

Encourage others (current or former students, parents, teachers) to do so also.

A teacher who was nominated in thepast, but not selected, can be nominated

again. Only an update is needed.

Do you know an outstanding Jewishteacher currently

teaching K-12 in theOmaha metro area?

www.JQoffice.com402.339.5003

CONTACT

Ben Heaston:bheaston @JQoffice.com

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Continued from page 1Have lunch with President Abraham Lincoln: Monday,

Feb. 15 at 12:30 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin HomeAuditorium. Lee Williams, a memberof the Association of LincolnPresenters -- an organization dedi-cated to bringing Abe and MaryLincoln to life -- does an extraordi-nary job of portraying our 16thPresident’s character, honesty andcompassion. In this Chautauquastyle lecture, Lee Williams as AbeLincoln gives the audience a mov-ing, insightful and patrioticglimpse of our past and hope forthe future. For your entree, chooseeither Cheese Lasagna or BakedSalmon with Rice Pilaf and enjoytossed salad, Italian mixed veg-etable and garlic bread sticks,fresh baked cannoli for dessertand beverage of your choice. Costis $10 a plate. Reservations areappreciated by Monday, Feb. 8.Make checks payable to JewishSocial Services and send full pay-ment to: Mainstreeters c/o MaggieConti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha,NE 68154. For transportation, callMaggie at 402.334.6521 by Feb. 8.The JCC Musical Theater presents Love! At the Cafe!

Sunday, Feb. 21, 2 p.m. in the JCC Theater.Music and lyricsby our very own Karen Sokolof Javitch. Script by JamesSpicer Conant. The performance is open to the entire com-munity. Love! At the Cafe! is a romantic comedy about twolove triangles and conflicts that take place in the 1950s atBonnie’s Cafe. The main character, Jimmy, is an all-American teenage boy with a longtime crush on Sharon, thepretty waitress. Jimmy is about to disclose his love by askingSharon to the Fourth of July party, only to be thwarted bywealthy, evil, self-centered Fred, who has already askedSharon to the party. While this plot spools out, Melvin (thehead cook) is engaged to the flamboyant actress wanna-be,Candy, who is hotly pursued by Jet, the phony Hollywoodproducer. In the middle of all these shenanigans is the olderBonnie, who runs the cafe. This up-beat, finger snappingmusical, with big 50’s song and dance numbers, will put asmile on your face and love in your heart! Special pricedtickets are $5 each, thanks to partial sponsorship by the RuthRiekes Richards Fund of the Jewish Federation of OmahaFoundation. Ticket requests are appreciated by Monday,Feb. 10. Make checks payable to Jewish Social Services andsend full payment to: Jewish Social Services c/o MaggieConti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For questions

call Maggie at 402.334.6521.Percussionist Michael Fitzsimmons & Drums of the

World: Monday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. in the JCC Auditorium.No admission fee.Michael is an award winning com-

poser and international tour-ing artist who plays rare andunusual instruments fromaround the world. His per-formances are both education-al and entertaining. Michaelinspires and connects withaudiences of all ages. This pro-gram is supported in part by agrant from the Esther K.Newman and the J.S.O. BudgetSubvention Fund of the JewishFederation of OmahaFoundation and is offered tothe entire community at nocharge. Don’t miss it.

Percussionist MichaelFitzsimmons & PercussionConversations: Friday, Feb. 26at 1:30 p.m. in the JCCAuditorium. No admissionfee.Under Michael’s guidance,Rose Blumkin Jewish HomeResidents and Friedel JewishAcademy 5th and 6th grade

students will perform on a variety of percussion instruments.This program is supported in part by a grant from the EstherK. Newman and the J.S.O. Budget Subvention Fund of theJewish Federation of Omaha Foundation and offered to thecommunity at no charge. You’ll want to be in the audience.Tips on Keeping Your Mind Sharp: Monday, Feb. 29, 1:30

p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish HomeBoardroom. Sponsored by Jewish Social Services and TheVisiting Nurses Association. Presented by Dennis Dunning,PhD, CCC-SLP. No charge. Invite a friend. Dennis worked asa speech pathologist for the Veteran’s Administrations for 25years, and is also a consultant for the Carl T. Curtis RehabCenter for Native Americans in Macy, Nebraska. During thisclass, Dennis will give participants an overview of brainanatomy and physiology, offer ways to both stimulate andrelax the brain, and explain how physical exercise and prop-er nutrition can lead to better brain function. Jewish SocialServices and the Visiting Nurse Association realize theimportance of being proactive about your health. This edu-cational workshop will be a specific interest to seniors whowant to learn more about taking charge of their well-being.To RSVP, please call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 or [email protected] by Monday, Feb. 22. Refreshments willbe served.Mainstreeters welcomes all Jewish residents of the Omaha

area age 60 plus. The group offers a mixed-bag of socialevents and learning opportunities that give participants thechance to meet new people, exercise their brains, take part innew activities and continue enjoying life to the fullest.“Mainstreeters offers diverse programs every month,” saidMaggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach Programsat the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “We invite communitymembers to join the February fun.” Mainstreeters programs are supported in part by grants

from the United Way of the Midlands and the JewishFederation of Omaha.

Mainstreeters in February

Lee Williams as AbrahamLincoln

Michael Fitzsimmons

Kids Campaign

Cory and Taylor Nogg are filling a Pushka (Tzedakahcan) for the Jewish Federation of Omaha Kids Campaign.Do you have yours? Pushkas are available through thePennie Z. Davis Childhood Development Center, FriedelJewish Academy, the JCC front door, all three synagoguesand the Chabad House. Giving coins to help others iseasy, and it’s fun!

The younger members of our community will be able todonate their Tzedakah during the Jewish Federation ofOmaha Purim Carnival at the JCC March 20. More detailswill be announced in a future article in the Jewish Press.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact LouriSullivan at 402.334.6485 or [email protected].

January 29, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 3

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The Jewish Press staff seeks a local freelance writerfor original story assignments, $0.10 per word.

If you are interested, email cover letter and writing sample to the editor at [email protected].

No phone calls please.

Freelance Writer wanted

Contact Howard Epstein, Executive Director402-334-6466 | [email protected] | www.jfofoundation.org

Celebrating a simcha?Commemorate your special occasion

by establishing your charitable endowment fund at the Foundation.

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Continued from page 1second grade, is attempting to show how electricity works.Only a few elementary schools in the Omaha metropoli-

tan area have science fairs, and those that do are unlikely toinclude kindergartners through third graders. However,Friedel Jewish Academy sponsors a Science Fair for all itsstudents, kindergartners through sixth graders.“We want to enrich the learning of each and every student

at Friedel,” explained Josephine Zbylut-Birky, the school’senrichment facilitator. It’s an opportunity “for students ‘tothink outside the box,’ explore, and work with their familieson a project,” she added.Indeed, given that the science projects are planned and

designed at home over an approximately six-week period,the student participants are encouraged to enlist the help oftheir parents and older siblings. All Friedel students are eli-gible to participate in the science fair, and about 75 percentdo, according to Zbylut-Birky. Although strongly encour-aged to participate, participation is voluntary.Zbylut-Birky explained that although there is not a specif-

ic theme each year for the science entries, students areencouraged to do a project on something that interests themand that they would like to find out more about. Guidelines,

starting with a scientific question, are provided for the bud-ding scientists to follow. Each youngster is instructed todevelop a hypothesis to prove as accurate by discoveringnew information through use of the scientific method. “Thepurpose of the Science Fair is the experience of learningmore about science,” Zbylut-Birky said.Judges are elementary education students from Creighton

University who are especially interested in teaching scienceand math. “The Creighton University Elementary EducationDepartment has been very supportive in helping judge theScience Fair, and they have a specific elementary course forscience and math teachers,” said Zbylut-Birky who has beenat Friedel since 2004 when she retired from teaching at amiddle school where she had been for 19 years. Prior to thatshe had taught elementary school children for 13 years.Former Friedel Principal Cookie Katskee asked Zbylut-Birky to join the Friedel team. Zbylut-Birky told Katskee“yes” and has never regretted it.Community members are invited to attend the Science

Fair from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4 in the audi-torium of the Jewish Community Center. A recognition cer-emony is scheduled for 7 p.m. when all students will be rec-ognized.

Friedel Science Fair

Continued from page 1contributor in good standing to the Annual Campaign ofthe Jewish Federation of Omaha. The child must attendreligious school and/or Friedel Jewish Academy, as a stu-dent, in the year of the camp attendance.The Israel Experience Grant has moved from a $1,000

award to a $1,500 one-time grant. The program also nowhas the expanded benefit of a $1,000 stipend to be usedwith Omaha’s bi-annual community teen trip. The IEG isavailable for students in grades 9 to12 or young adults ages18 to 26 for an approved Israel experience. The grant mayalso be used for domestic airfare and trip extension fee forparticipants in any Birthright Israel trip. The program cho-sen must be an Israel peer program approved by the Centerfor Jewish Life. Programs must be educational in nature fora peer group of young people and organized by a non-prof-it organization, educational or religious institution andstaffed by qualified personnel. The family must be a con-tributor, in good standing, to the Annual Campaign of theJewish Federation of Omaha and be a resident of theOmaha metropolitan area. The applicant must provide anarticle and pictures of the experience within one month of

return to Omaha for publication in the Jewish Press.“I am incredibly proud of our community,” said Beth El’s

rabbi, Steven Abraham. “As a community, we are trulycommitted to helping engage and inspire our young peoplethrough programs such as Israel Experiences and Jewishcamping. It is vital to prepare our future Jewish leaders inorder for them to sustain Jewish life.”Applications are available by visiting www.jewishomaha

.org and navigating to the Center for Jewish Life page andclicking on “Scholarships and Grants.” They may also beobtained by emailing Mark Kirchhoff at [email protected] or phoning 402.334.6463. The deadline forsubmission of applications for grant programs and scholar-ships through the Center for Jewish Life is Tuesday, March1. Additional funding is also available through the finan-cial need based scholarship opportunities through theCenter for Jewish Life. Scholarship applications are avail-able on the same link as noted above.The Center for Jewish Life administers the Grant and

Scholarship programs as part of its mission to maximizeinvolvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative,compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences.

Jewish Experience and Israel Experience Grants

by SHERRIE SAAGfor Beth El SynagogueBeth El Synagogue is delighted to welcome Rabbi Dr.

Bradley Shavit Artson, one of the finest teachers, writers,and thinkers in the American Jewish community, to Omahaas its Scholar-in-Residence Jan. 29-31.Rabbi Artson holds the

Abner and Roslyn GoldstineDean’s Chair of the ZieglerSchool of Rabbinic Studies andis Vice President of AmericanJewish University in LosAngeles. He also serves as theDean of the Zacharias FrankelCollege in Potsdam, Germany,which ordains ConservativeRabbis in Europe.The weekend is made pos-

sible through the generoussupport of The AnnGoldstein Endowment Fund of Beth El Synagogue.Rabbi Artson will offer the following inspiring and

provocative lectures at Beth El, and the entire community isinvited to join its congregants.

My House is a House of Prayer for ALL People, Friday, Jan.29, 6 p.m. This opening talk will take place followingKabbalat Shabbat and a congregational Shabbat dinner.

Almighty? No Way! A New Way to Love God, Saturday,Jan. 30, 9:30 a.m. D’var Torah during morning service.

What Does God Dream About? Sunday, Jan. 31, BESTTstudents.

Renewing the Process of Creation, Sunday, Jan. 31, 11 a.m.Sunday Speaker Series Adult Education.After a recent speaking engagement, at a Boston syna-

gogue, it was said that Rabbi Artson’s authorship of over tenbooks and more than 250 articles and, in particular, his 2013book, God of Becoming and Relationship: The DynamicNature of Process Theology, distinguishes him as a worthy

21st century heir to the great Jewish theologians of the lastcentury, notably Martin Buber, Mordecai Kaplan andAbraham Joshua Heschel.This high praise came about in a rather circuitous route as

Rabbi Artson described his childhood, “My parents raisedme with strong values of social justice, open inquiry, integri-ty, and a passion for caring for others, but I grew up thinkingreligion was for stupid people. My childhood memories ofmy big classical Reform synagogue were of boredom andpomp -- though I have come to appreciate that heritage moreas an adult -- and my energy went into school, tennis, friends,politics. While in college, I turned toward religion as a way ofintegrating all of my “big” questions with my passions. In process theology, the topic of his 2013 book, everything

is in the process of becoming, and does so in relationshipwith everything else. According to Rabbi Artson, even God’sresponses are never fixed, but can change in the context ofrelationships to people and creation.“On the one hand you have the findings of science and

secular knowledge, and on the other, the stories and prac-tices of Judaism, with each making claims that felt mutuallyexclusive and incompatible. Re-reading in the sciences ledme to rethink how I view reality, not as static or timeless butas dynamic and interacting.”“That new approach opened my eyes to the wisdom in

Torah and rabbinic literature in a new and deeper way. Thatprocess erupted as my “Aha!” moment -- that I was encour-aged and nurtured by the God who loves and nudges cre-ation toward greater wholeness and goodness.”Rabbi Artson’s teaching reflects his passionate commit-

ment to social justice, human dignity, diversity, and inclu-sion. In the 1980s he authored a work on Jewish teachingson war, peace, and nuclear annihilation, served as a leadingadvocate for GLBT marriage and ordination in the 1990s,and has published and spoken widely on environmentalethics, special needs inclusion, racial and economic justice,interfaith dialogue and cooperation, and the quest for asecure peace for Israel and the Middle East.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 29Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJHScholar-in-residence, Rabbi Bradley Artson, 6 p.m. at Beth El

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth IsraelTorah Study, 9:15 a.m at Temple IsraelScholar-in-residence, Rabbi Bradley Artson, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El

Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31BESTT Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m at Beth ElBagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel

Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth ElSunday Speakers Series with Scholar-in-residence, Rabbi Bradley Artson, 11 a.m. at Beth El

Introduction to Hebrew with Eliad, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel

Kibitz with the Clergy, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel

Yachad going to Durham Museum, 12:30 p.m.

Performing Arts Academy Class, 2 p.m.Beth El Cooking/Serving, 5:30 p.m. at Stephen Center, 2723 Q Street

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1Exploring Judaism Class with Scott Littky, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2Adult Education Lunch & Learn, noon at Beth El

BBYO Meeting, 6 p.m.Door Decor Party, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3Breadbreakers, noon at RBJHBESTT Weekday Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El

BESTT Hebrew High & Dinner, 6 p.m. Beth ElAdult Education Evening Series, 6:15 p.m. at Beth El

Musical Theater Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.Class with Dr. Bruce Buehler, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4Friedel Science Fair, 6:30 p.m.Rabbi Dembitzer w/Friedel kids, 3:30 p.m.Talmud Learning, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5Alzheimer’s Support Group, 11 a.m. at RBJHStar Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJHMainstreeters Movie (The Intern), 1 p.m.First Friday Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth IsraelTorah Study, 9:15 a.m at Temple IsraelMini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth ElJCC Dance Party, 5:30 p.m.Israel Wine Tasting With Steve Kerbel, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7BESTT Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m at Beth ElBagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel

Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth ElTorah Tots, 10:30 a.m. at Beth ElParent/Toddler Program, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel


Omaha Artist Inc. Reception, noonBeth El Kibbutz Chaverim, 12:15 p.m.Performing Arts Academy Class, 2 p.m.Annual Super Bowl Party, 4:30 p.m. at Temple Israel


Klutznick Learning Series, 7 p.m.NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m.Jewish Press Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9ADL Board Meeting, noonEye on Israel with Eliad Eliyahu, noonBBYO Meeting, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10Kindergarten Round Up, 10:30 a.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy

Breadbreakers, noon at RBJHBESTT Weekday Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El

Adult Education Evening Series, 6:15 p.m. at Beth El

Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth IsraelMusical Theater Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth IsraelDiversity in Israel, 10 a.m. at Temple IsraelCenter for Jewish Life Board Meeting, noonShanghai Lessons, 1 p.m.Rabbi Dembitzer w/Friedel kids, 3:30 p.m.Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m. at Beth IsraelTalmud Learning, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12Beth El Synagogue Kadima KinnusStar Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJHTemple Israel Shabbat Comes to You, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13Beth El Synagogue Kadima KinnusShabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth IsraelTorah Study, 9:15 a.m at Temple IsraelMini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth ElKids Night Out, 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14Beth El Kadima KinnusBagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel

Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth ElPerforming Arts Academy Class, 2 p.m.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15Mainstreeters Lunch, 11 a.m. at RBJHExploring Judaism Class with Scott Littky, 7 p.m.

Klutznick Learning Series, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16Adult Education Lunch & Learn, noon at Beth El

BBYO Meeting, 6 p.m.Maccabee Meeting, 6:30 p.m.Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17Breadbreakers, noon at RBJHBESTT Weekday Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El

Musical Theater Tech Rehearsal, 5:30 p.m.Adult Education Evening Series, 6:15 p.m. at Beth El

Class with Dr. Bruce Buehler, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel

BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth IsraelDiversity in Israel, 10 a.m. at Temple IsraelDorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m.

Rabbi Dembitzer w/Friedel kids, 3:30 p.m.Musical Theater Dress Rehearsal, 5:30 p.m.Planning & Community Engagement Committee, 4:30 p.m.

Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m. at Beth IsraelTalmud Learning, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19Alzheimer’s Support Group, 11 a.m. at RBJHStar Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJHTot Shabbat & Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth IsraelTorah Study, 9:15 a.m at Temple IsraelShabbat’s Cool Gr. 3-7, 10 a.m. at Beth ElMini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth ElMusical Theater Performance, 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21BESTT Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m at Beth ElBagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel

Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth ElTorah Tots, 10:30 a.m. at Beth ElBaby Brunch for Children under 1 yr, 10:30 a.m at Temple Israel

Book Club with Scott Littky, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel


Musical Theater Performance, 2 p.m.Performing Arts Academy Class, 2 p.m.Prospective Parent Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22Friedel and RBJH Workshop with Percussionist Michael Fitzsimmons, 10 a.m.

JFO Board of Directors, 11:30 a.m. at RBJHExploring Judaism Class with Scott Littky, 7 p.m.

Friedel Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at FJAKlutznick Learning Series, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23Friedel and RBJH workshop with Percussionist Michael Fitzsimmons, 11 a.m.

JSS Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH

BBYO Meeting, 6 p.m.JCC Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24Friedel and RBJH workshop with Percussionist Michael Fitzsimmons, 11 a.m.

Breadbreakers, noon at RBJHBESTT Weekday Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El

Class with Dr. Bruce Buehler, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel

BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth IsraelDiversity in Israel, 10 a.m. at Temple IsraelFriedel and RBJH workshop with Percussionist Michael Fitzsimmons, 11 a.m.

Life and Legacy Training, 11:15 a.m. at RBJHRabbi Dembitzer w/Friedel kids, 3:30 p.m.Echoes & Reflections Teacher Training, 4 p.m.Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m. at Beth IsraelTalmud Learning, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26Friedel and RBJH workshop/Concert with Percussionist Michael Fitzsimmons, 11 a.m.

Beth El Serves Lunch at NE AIDS Coalition, 11:30 a.m. at 2723 Q Street

Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth IsraelTorah Study, 9:15 a.m at Temple IsraelMini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28Babies, Bigger Kids & Bagels, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El

BESTT Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m at Beth ElBagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel

Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth ElYachad - Assemble Care Packages for IDF Soldiers, 10 a.m.

TED Talk, 11 a.m. at Temple IsraelPerforming Arts Academy Class, 2 p.m.


All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing,visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Pat Anson at 402.334.8200. The Jewish Press isnot responsible for the accuracy of the above events.

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A week in the life of a Shaliach: Part 2by MARK KIRCHHOFFCenter for Jewish LifeCommunity Shaliach Eliad Eliyahu Ben

Shushan arrived with his family in Omaha inAugust of 2013 and hit the ground running.He hasn’t stopped since. We decided to fol-low Eliad closely for a weekand share the numerousactivities in which he isinvolved. The Jan. 15 edi-tion of the Jewish Pressshared the first part of aweek, Sunday throughTuesday. In this installmentwe show you what he isdoing the remainder of theweek -- and also what he isup to in his “spare” time.“I am happy with all the

warm feedback I received from communitymembers from the first article,” said Eliad. “Iam excited to tell my story, and hope to seemore people at my programs so that theymay learn more about Israel. That is why Iam involved with the Shaliach Program -- toconnect the Omaha community with Israel.”Here’s how Eliad’s week continues:

WednesdayDuring the first semester, Eliad spent

Wednesday evenings at Temple Israel. Thefirst week he taught an adult class. It was twoweeks before signing the treaty with Iran, andTemple Israel Program Director Scott Littkyasked that the session focus on media cover-age in Israel during the time of treaty negoti-ations. Eliad said it came as some surprise toparticipants to hear the Israel agenda was notconsumed with news about the treaty. Muchof the discussion in Israel and the resultingmedia coverage was about social and eco-nomic issues. There were the usual securityproblems reported by the media, but thesewere not directly connected to the agreement

with Iran. “This is one of the most meaning-ful ways I like to share Israeli culture,” Eliadsaid. “By looking at the differences in mediacoverage within Israel and around the world,much can be learned about life in Israel.”During the rest of the semester, Eliad

taught 7th and 8th grade students. Eliad’s ses-sions focused on diversity in Israel and howit is reflected in the culture. In the course ofthe study they learned about music and films.He shared that the students seemed to partic-ularly enjoy the study of Israeli food.“Teaching these students was a great experi-ence. I am sure that now they have broad-ened their knowledge about Israel. Whenthey visit Israel, they will remember part ofthe funny and emotional clips and commer-cials they watched with me.” DuringHanukkah, Eliad arranged for an exchange ofvideo clips between the 7th graders atTemple Israel and the 7th graders in SulamTsor Middle School in the Western Galilee.Both groups sang songs to one another andwished each other “Happy Hannukah!” “Itgives me a great deal of pleasure to see Israelistudents and Omaha students connect face-to-face. It really makes the connection per-sonal and special,” said Eliad.ThursdayEliad’s Thursday mornings begin like his

Monday mornings – participating in thetefilah (services) with Friedel JewishAcademy. Afterward, Eliad welcomes twogroups of CDC pre-K classes to Friedel.Eliad explained, “I teach them Hebrewthrough music. The Israeli kids from ourPartnership area share videos that they havemade to help our kids learn. The children(and of course their teachers) now knowabout six or seven Israeli Hebrew songs anddances. I truly believe that education aboutIsrael must start at this age. I firmly believethat in the future we will see fruits fromthese kids - not only by their having someknowledge of Hebrew, but also by theirdeveloping a love for the country.”Eliad has even more planned for

Thursdays in February and March. He willconduct an adult class at Temple Israelcalled “Israel: the Real Reality.” In the class,Eliad will teach different theories of com-munication and give tools to discover areporter’s agenda. By comparing Israelinewspapers and news websites, the groupwill see the differences in news reportingfrom the different sectors in Israel. He willhelp participants understand the gap ofinformation between different mediaresources in Israel and around the world.FridayPart of Eliad’s day on Friday is spent at

Friedel Jewish Academy working with stu-dents on “Biblical Theater.” In the Jan. 15article we explained that this program is onethat is designed to help children learn theTorah in a fun way -- through acting andsinging. On Fridays, Eliad teaches a short skitabout the Torah reading, and the childrenpractice and get ready for their performance.Following the show preparation, Eliad

teaches the kindergarten class Israeli songsusing the Hebrew alphabet. “The Friedel kidsare filmed and the videos are sent to kinder-

garten classes in Israel. Like all the otherclasses, these children enjoy sharing withtheir counterparts in Israel.” At 2:30 p.m., hegoes to the Blumkin Home for a specialKabbalat Shabbat. “Every first Friday of themonth, the students of Friedel’s 5th and 6thgrades come with me; and we create an inter-generational Kabbalat Shabbat. The seniorslove to watch and hear the Friedel students.They sing Shabbat songs, and you can see theresidents’ faces light up with joy!”Shabbat Shalom!During Shabbat mornings, Eliad leads the

junior congregation at Beth IsraelSynagogue, and after the Kiddush, he leadsthe Mishna L’ Neshama program, which hedeveloped when he was in Israel. “This pro-gram was invented in Rambam ElementarySchool in Akko. I worked there during myMA studies as the marketing consultant andalso led the weekly Kabbalat Shabbat. I tookwell-known Israeli songs of the most famoussingers and substituted the words ofMishanyot and Bible verses. It was a hit!Here in Omaha, I also use the same methodto increase the knowledge of Torah,” Eliadsaid. He went on to explain that sometimeshe needs to change some melodies and learnsome American songs, but “the language ofmusic, no matter where you are in the world,has its own charm,” he concluded.As if all this were not enough, Eliad has a

number of things he does in his “spare time.”Mega Teen Mission Preparation SessionsEliad held seven meetings at Temple Israel

with the 11th-12th graders who were mak-ing the teen community-wide mission tripto Israel. Four of the sessions were for theentire delegation. In reflecting on thesemeetings, Eliad said, “I remember the firsttime I met the group. I noticed the fact thatthe group was so varied. This wasn’t becauseContinued on page 7


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by MARK KIRCHHOFFCenter for Jewish LifeIt has been said that Israeli wines are a way to taste the

land of Israel itself. So what better way to warm up on awinter evening in Omaha than treating yourself to a vari-ety of flavors found in a selection of Israeli wines. Joinwine enthusiast Steve Kerbel as he introduces attendees toa variety of choices during a special program co-spon-sored by Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, theCenter for Jewish Life and Temple Israel. This Israeli winetasting event will take place Saturday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m.at Beth El Synagogue. The cost is $12 per person.Steve is an independent education consultant in the

Greater Washington D.C. area who has developed astrong interest in Israeli wines. As part of his educationalcurricula, he facilitates wine tastings featuring Israeliwines. Steve travels to Israel frequently and has devel-oped relationships with many wineries.Ten wines will be explored during the evening. Steve’s top

picks include the Dalton Unoaked Chardonnay, TzubaMetzuda Syrah 2010, Tulip Just Merlot 2013, the popularCarmel Moscato Di’ Carmel and several others. His presen-tation will include a discussion of how wine has been a partof Jewish tradition, and he will also teach about the diversegeography of Israel through its wines and wine makers.“If you have never explored the world of Israeli wines, this

will be a wonderful opportunity to experience the distinc-tive tastes available,” shares Steve. “Also, Passover is just 12weeks away,” he adds. “I will talk about several wines to con-sider for your seder table. There is a marvelous worldbeyond those sweet wines on which many of us were raised.”Prior to his career as a Jewish educator, Steve received

a law degree and was in practice for eight years. He is analumnus of University of Maryland, College Park, wherehe met his wife Judy. They have two adult daughters,Abby and Michelle.Event reservations are requested by Feb. 1 and can be

made via email to [email protected] or bycalling 402.334.6445.

by SHERRIE SAAGfor Beth El SynagogueStorytelling may not be the only way to engage people

with your ideas, but it’s certainly an important component.Stories connect us to our listeners, and when we share ourown life stories with others, our audience feels that they getto know us as authentic people. This is the broad conceptbehind “Voices from Beth El”, a storytelling series from BethEl Synagogue that beganin November of last year. The synagogue is shar-

ing its message to supportthe community conversa-tion for synagogue lifeand involvement. Thisweek, Wayne Schwarzshares his Beth El story.Wayne grew up in

Westchester, New York, atTemple Israel Center inWhite Plains. He grew upin a Conservative homeby a mother raised asOrthodox and a Dadraised as Reform.Wayne and wife Lori

(the Assistant Editor ofthe Jewish Press) were married at Beth El on Oct. 30, 1999,while they were living in Denver.“My most special memory of Beth El is when my wife and

I were married. To see Beth El look so beautiful is truly spe-cial. I look forward to an amazing future memory when myoldest daughter is a Bat Mitzvah in August and becomes thethird generation to be Bar/Bat mitzvah at Beth El.“When my wife and I moved back to Omaha, we wanted

to raise our kids as conservative Jews. My wife Lori grew upat Beth El. We hoped to see certain things change at Beth El.Luckily, with the current and the past Board of Trustees andRabbi Abraham, we have witnessed a lot of these changestake place,” Wayne said.Remarking on his three daughters’ Jewish education,

Wayne said, “Similar to previous congregants who’ve partic-ipated in the Voices of Beth El Series, Tot Shabbat with Ms.Patty (Nogg) is a fond memory of my children’s introduction

to their Jewish education. It was great seeing all the kids getexcited to welcome the Shabbat bride.” Now, all threeSchwarz girls -- Melanie, 12 and twins Courtney andSabrina, eight -- attend Talmud Torah.Another favorite family event is the Beth El Shul-in, where

Eadie creates an atmosphere where all the kids sleep in BethEl and are thrilled to do so. “It is good for the kids to breatheJewish air,” Wayne said.

Wayne’s personal favor-ite events are the PurimCarnival, because heenjoys seeing all the kidshaving so much fun andattending Bar/Bat Mitz-vahs. “You get to see thekids you’ve watched fromsuch a young age accom-plish a wonderful Jewishlife cycle event,” he said.Wayne participated in

the Federation’s leader-ship program, JOLT, andhas served on its budgetand allocations commit-tee. He is a past memberof the Beth El Board ofTrustees and former vice-

president of the Beth El Board. Currently, he is on theBESTT board at Beth El. The Schwarz family participates inthe Omaha Heart Walk every year.He says his love of living in Omaha is largely due to the

friendliness of its people. “Everyone tries to do what theycan to help.”“The Voices Series serves as a wonderful opportunity to

share what we, as individuals, love about Beth El. It is a warmand welcoming place. We have a wonderful rabbi and a fabu-lous hazzan. We have made amazing, transformative changesin the last five years -- we are welcoming to non-Jews, we’vetightened the calendar for religious school, and we offeramazing programs. I am extremely proud of all the changesBeth El has made and look forward to its continued growth.”

A Voice of Beth El breathes Jewish air

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERSFormer mayor and now Douglas County Commissioner,

Mike Boyle will discuss the challenges the county faces andmore on Wednesday, Feb 3, noon. For more information orto be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or [email protected].

Organizations

Back: Lori and Wayne, and front: Sabrina, left, Courtney and Melanie

To submit announcements:Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@

jewishomaha.org; or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha,NE 68154.Readers can also submit announcements -- births, b’nai

mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, commitment cere-monies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation ofOmaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “JewishPress” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are nor-mally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m.


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A week in the life of a ShaliachContinued from page 5of the different synagogues they came from,but mainly because each one of these teenswas unique.” During these planning ses-sions, Eliad taught about Israel. His goal wasto prepare them to connect with the person-al aspect of the mission. “Teaching dry factsabout Israel to a group of teens who aregoing to visit can be very challenging. It islike the difference between learning aboutlove and experiencing love,” said Eliad. Heexplained that most of the preparation ses-sions focused on what they would experi-ence in Israel, and how they could maximizetheir visit by understanding the uniquenessof missions arranged by the Partnership. Heencouraged them to enjoy the open doors ofthe Israeli families who would be hostingthem. In summarizing the trip preparation,Eliad said, “I feel they came to the sessionswith open minds to learn and to share, andthis is one of the main reasons this missionwas so successful. I think it also played a bigpart in why they received so many compli-ments from the Partnership people inIsrael.” Eliad shared that he felt an incredibleamount of excitement in the air as the groupbegan their flight to Israel. He thought thiswas especially so because the majority of thegroup had never made the journey. “Ithought there was also some apprehension,both by the teens and their parents, aboutthe complexity of the security situation inIsrael. It was good for them to learn thatIsraelis go about their daily lives withoutundue concern about security issues.”Friedel Alumni Hebrew ClubOnce a month on a Saturday night, teens

who have graduated from Friedel JewishAcademy meet at Eliad’s home for a musicalHavdalah, an Israeli dinner and movie and astructured conversation time in Hebrew.The main goal of this gathering is tostrengthen the Hebrew skills they developedduring their time at Friedel. “The socialgathering is really important for them. Saraand I really enjoy how happy they are tomeet, sit, and talk,” said Eliad. “When theyarrive we begin playing the Israeli songsthey learned in Friedel. Surprising -- butmaybe not so surprising -- is that they knowall the words by heart, and they rememberthe dances of all the songs, even after two,

three, or even four years. When I asked oneof the girls how they all remember all thewords, she gave me a big smile and said,‘Because Friedel was the best time ever!’” Israelis in Omaha Last year, Eliad discovered an organiza-

tion called Israel American Council (IAC).He reached out to them and organized gath-erings for Israelis. The first gathering was onIsraeli Independence Day. The second was a“Shakshuka in the Sukkah” event. The thirdwas a Hanukkah party. “I was surprised toknow that there are so many Israelis inOmaha! Each Israeli is a true resource to thecommunity. They represent many regions ofIsrael and hold their own political views –and they aren’t afraid to express them as anygood Israeli would! Having people in ourcommunity who lived in Israel can enrichevery conversation about Israel by addingthat personal component. It is such a greatthing to gather all the Israelis, and feel ‘athome’ for a few hours,” Eliad shared. Eliad’s weeks are filled with activities. It

seems that he has no chance to rest from onebefore moving to another. “I really think thejob of a shaliach is important,” says Eliad.“What could be more important than sharinga beautiful country that belongs to us all?”Eliad shared that while the work may seemexhausting, it is never overwhelming becausethe Jewish community in Omaha provideshim with a boost of energy to continue whathe is doing. “It is definitely worth the timeand effort I put forth,” says Eliad. “I feel sogood about people learning about Israel.”The Community Shaliach program is

offered through the Center for Jewish Life ofthe Jewish Federation of Omaha. Fundingpartners include Beth El Synagogue, BethIsrael Synagogue, Friedel Jewish Academy,Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Temple Israeland the Henry and Dorothy Riekes Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation ofOmaha Foundation. Funding is also provid-ed from the Murray H. and Sharee C.Newman Supporting Foundation, thePhillip and Terri Schrager SupportingFoundation, the Shirley and LeonardGoldstein Supporting Foundation and theMorton Richards Fund, all of the JewishFederation of Omaha Foundation. For addi-tional information, please call 402.334.6463.

by SCOTT LITTKYProgram Director, Temple IsraelIt seems like it was just yesterday that Rabbi

Azriel conducted his first Rosh Hashanahservice at Temple Israel. Since his arrival dur-ing the summer of 1988, Rabbi Azriel and hisfamily have done so much toadd to Temple Israel and theOmaha Jewish Community,along with the greaterOmaha Community. RabbiAzriel’s retirement is fastapproaching, and momen-tum is building toward a fit-ting celebration for him andhis wife Elyce. Throughoutall the extraordinary andordinary times of our lives,Rabbi Azriel has been therefor us as a friend, mentor,counselor, scholar and reli-gious guide. Now it is time for us to show ourappreciation by honoring him with a specialcommunity celebration the weekend of May27-29 at Temple Israel.A magnificent Tribute Book is being pre-

pared for distribution during the celebrationweekend to honor Rabbi Aryeh and ElyceAzriel. The book will include many pictures,copies of his most requested sermons, yourtributes and many more features, making ita wonderful keepsake. This will also be youropportunity to express gratitude for theimpact Rabbi Azriel has had over the years.

Contributions to the Tribute Book will helpsupport his Youth Engagement Fund atTemple Israel.There are multiple size options available to

create your tribute message. Temple Israelcan help with wording or special graphic

design features if you wouldlike. To assist in our layoutand design, we ask that youreserve a space no later thanTuesday, March 15. Forinformation on pricing andexamples of tribute mes-sages, please refer towww.templeisraelomaha.com/transition/tributebook. You may also use thislink to reserve your tributespace. If you would like to besent a paper copy of theTribute Form, please contact

Temple Israel at 402.556.6536.Tribute forms and pictures can also be

mailed to Temple Israel, or you may leavephotographs and completed forms in theTemple Israel office in an envelope markedwith your name; or use the online option atwww.templeisraelomaha.com/transition/tributebook.If you have any questions, please contact

Mendy Halsted at 402.680.9246 or [email protected], or Cassandra Hicks at402.556.6536 or [email protected].

Tribute Book to honor Rabbi Azriel

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHTJewish Press EditorThe headlines weren’t kind to United States Ambassador

to Israel Dan Shapiro last week. “Ambassador Shapiro’s mis-take in being ‘correct’,” they read, “Daniel Shapiro in spatwith Israel,” and: “Former Netanyahu aide calls U.S.Ambassador to Israel ‘Jew Boy’.”Ouch.What did Shapiro do to deserve

this unwanted attention? On Jan. 18, he spoke to the

Annual Conference of the Institutefor National Security Studies in TelAviv, and said:“Too many attacks on

Palestinians lack a vigorous investi-gation or response by Israeli author-ities; too much vigilantism goesunchecked; and at times there seemto be two standards of adherence tothe rule of law: one for Israelis andanother for Palestinians.“This government and previous

Israeli governments have repeated-ly expressed support for a negotiat-ed settlement that would involvemutual recognition and separa-tion. Yet separation will become more and more difficult ifIsrael continues to expand settlements.”That the settlements and their expansion cause friction is

hardly news. And yes, vigilante justice is not something mostof us, whether in the US or in Israel, wish for. And if there

seems to be a little less urgency in prosecuting those price tagattacks, well, we should be able to talk about that, sure.State Department spokesman John Kirby came to

Shapiro’s defense:“There’s really nothing new here (...). We’ve consistently

made clear our concerns about violence on both sides, andwe obviously have strongly con-demned terrorist attacks perpetu-ated by Palestinians, including theattacks over the weekend. We alsoremain concerned (...) aboutIsraeli settler violence againstPalestinians and their property inthe West Bank.” (JNS.org) The question, however, is not

necessarily whether Shapiro wascorrect. We can discuss the validi-ty of his comments all day and allnight and never reach a usefulconclusion. The real question is:should he have made those com-ments in the first place?If Shapiro is, as Kirby asserts,

merely restating America’s officialposition, why include that in hisaddress? And if there’s nothingnew to see here, why is the Prime

Minister so irritated (or, more correctly, ‘furious,’ as theIsraeli papers pointed out)? Surely, the content of the speechwas no surprise to Netanyahu -- he’s heard it all before.It’s because it’s not about the comments themselves. What

makes Netanyahu angry is the condescending tone that

accompanied those comments. It’s the attitude behind it, thenever-ending habit of American politicians to tell theirIsraeli colleagues they are messing things up and theyshould know better.It’s strange: terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens are a

constant. They rarely make the news in the US, unless thebody count is extra high, or foreign nationals get caught inthe crossfire. But these attacks are treated as the status quo,and no longer discussed as urgent or wrong; Israel ‘s alliesdon’t refuse negotiations with the Palestinian Authorityunless those attacks come to a complete halt. But those alliesare all, without exception, very comfortable criticizing Israelwhen the shoe is on the other foot. Why is that? And why isit okay for the US Ambassador to give Israel a public talkingto during the same week that the US administration pledges$4 billion to Israel’s defense? Because the US knows full wellthat Israel needs help fighting terrorism. And it also knowsthat the settlers’ attacks against Palestinians are a mere blipin the Israeli landscape compared to Palestinian terrorism.That doesn’t make it acceptable, no, but why talk to Israelisas if the settlements are the bigger stumbling block in thepeace process?Legitimizing Israel’s critics is not the role of ambassador

Shapiro. It’s not as if the rest of the world isn’t ready to takeIsrael down verbally, and worse. Vigilante justice, price tagattacks, settlement violence, whatever you want to call it: itcannot be seen in a vacuum. And if we really want it to stop,and we really want to discuss it, then let’s discuss it, but let’sdo so in a manner that is actually effective. That meanspointing out the problem while offering a potential solution.And if Ambassador Shapiro has any ideas about that solu-tion, I’d love to hear them.


Ambassador Shapiro’s very bad week

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Editorials express the view of thewriter and are not necessarily rep-resentative of the views of theJewish Press Board of Directors, theJewish Federation of Omaha Boardof Directors, or the Omaha Jewishcommunity as a whole. The JewishPress reserves the right to editsigned letters and articles for spaceand content. The Jewish Press is notresponsible for the Kashrut of anyproduct or establishment.

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Letters to the Editor. They may be sentvia regular mail to: The Jewish Press,333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154;via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mailto the Editor at: [email protected].

Letters should be no longer than250 words and must be single-spacedtyped, not hand-written. Published let-ters should be confined to opinionsand comments on articles or events.

News items should not be submittedand printed as a “Letter to the Editor.”The Editor may edit letters for contentand space restrictions. Letters may bepublished without giving an opposingview. Information shall be verifiedbefore printing. All letters must besigned by the writer, but the name canbe withheld at the writer’s request. TheJewish Press will not publish lettersthat appear to be part of an organizedcampaign, nor letters copied from theInternet. No letters should be publishedfrom candidates running for office, butothers may write on their behalf.

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by MARC GARYNEW YORK (JTA) -- When I was a law student, I took a

course by a renowned professor who warned that if a prose-cutor ever told us that our client only had two choices, weshould walk away from the bargaining table. His point:There are always more options.In a recent JTA Op-Ed, law professor Roberta Rosenthal

Kwall said this is precisely the situation facing ConservativeJudaism. Her piece, headlined Conservative Judaism has just2 viable options, argues that the movement can either mergewith the Reform movement or shrink dramatically to a lim-ited core group “whose daily lives revolve around Jewish lawin a way closer to modern Orthodox Jews.”Are those really the only two options open to more than a

million Conservative Jews in North America? If so, weshould just walk away.Fortunately, there are other options likely to bring new

vitality to the Conservative movement.Kwall joins the voices of others who assert that the 2013

Pew Report and other data show a sharp decline inConservative affiliation. From there, she projects a dismalfuture for the movement. Similar statements were madeabout the fate of Orthodoxy 50 years ago -- look how thosepredictions turned out.Jewish history is rarely linear. In fact, the actual numbers

in the Pew Report undercut the narrative of irreversibledecline for the Conservative movement.In a JTA Op-Ed titled On Conservative Judaism, why all

the talk about failure? published last fall, three eminentscholars of Jewish history and demography note that thePew data shows “the Conservative proportion of the non-Orthodox Jewish population is holding steady.” Importantly,the proportion of non-Orthodox Jews who identify asConservative remains constant across the critical age groupsof Jews 45-59 and 30-44 (20 percent for each group), show-ing no proportional decline in the younger adult generation.

When we turn from market share to impact, there is noreason to wring our hands. The movement’s Ramah campsare indisputably the most successful religious and education-al camping programs in North America. Most of the inde-pendent minyanim, innovative Jewish start-ups, and othercutting-edge organizations in the Jewish community are

founded or led by products of the Conservative movement.The movement’s flagship Jewish Theological Seminary

continues to produce leaders who are in high demand. Andhundreds of thousands of Jews join Conservative syna-gogues and find experiences of meaning and communitythat are joyful, profound and inspiring.No one denies that we face a host of challenges, including low

birth rates, high intermarriage rates and a decline in affiliatedsynagogues. Our unique vision has not been clearly and con-sistently articulated for the new situation confronting NorthAmerican Jewry today. And we face the age-old problem of thedisparity between the movement’s commitment to Jewish lawand the actual observance patterns of most of its members.But the answer to these challenges is not to merge the

movement out of existence or to turn it into an elite cadre ofmodern Orthodoxy, albeit with an egalitarian twist. The firstoption ignores the important differences in ideology, practiceand outcomes between Conservative and Reform Judaism,while the second would denude the movement of its uniquecharacteristics of innovation and inclusiveness, rendering itunrecognizable and undermining its raison d’etre.The future of the Conservative movement does not lie in

abandoning its distinctiveness or its innovative spirit or shrink-ing it to a core without a mission to the larger community.As a movement, we need to clearly, succinctly and consis-

tently articulate our vision of Judaism -- a Judaism, to quotethe JTS mission statement -- “that is learned and passionate,pluralist and authentic, traditional and egalitarian; one that isthoroughly grounded in Jewish texts, history and practices,and fully engaged with societies and cultures of the present.”This is not merely a branding or marketing exercise. It

reflects a claim to both authenticity and inspiration that areessential to attracting new adherents.We must also train a new type of communal leader --

whether rabbi, cantor or educator -- who understands and isequipped not merely to head a community, but to create one.We need entrepreneurial professionals who go beyond thefour walls of synagogues or other institutional forms andseek out Jews who are unaffiliated and feel disenfranchised.These are the individuals to whom our sacred wisdom canbring meaning and fellowship.Other strategies must be deployed as well, but the

Conservative movement’s future requires neither disappear-ance through merger nor dramatic shrinkage to an elite few.It requires dynamic and entrepreneurial leadership, a clearand compelling message, the courage to fully exploit theinnovative spirit of our tradition and the commitment tocreate radically welcoming communities.Marc Gary is the executive vice chancellor and chief oper-ating officer of the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Point of view

Conservative Judaism: Many options, unlimited possibilities

Congregants reading Torah at Adas Israel Congregation inWashington.

Ambassador Daniel Shapiro


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I was saddened to read Wendy Wisner’s article in the Jan.8 edition of the Jewish Press. Ms. Wisner, as the grand-daughter of Holocaust survivors, feels obligated to speak outagainst what she considers the racism and bigotry expressedby Donald Trump. She notes: “When Donald Trump said recently that he would ban

Muslims from entering our country, ... I couldn’t help butthink of Eastern Europe in the Nazi Era -- the yellow starsJews were made to wear in public so they could be identified(and eventually rounded up) and the ID numbers tattooedon their arms in the camps.”She goes on to say that when Muslims are singled out

today it is as if she is being singled out since she representsthe face of those once isolated and “killed for nothing otherthan fear, racism, bigotry, and cruelty.” Wisner’s views, how-ever well intentioned, are misguided, foolish, and ultimate-ly even dangerous.To even remotely associate Trump with Hitler and the

Nazis is offensive to Trump, but more importantly, to allthose who fell victim to the SS and to those who survivedthe Holocaust. If Hitler had followed Trump’s approachinstead of his own, then Jews would not have been permit-ted, for a time, to enter Germany. Some may have beenasked to leave if they had ties with anti-Nazi organizations.The result would have been the loss of not one Jewish lifeinstead of 6,000,000 by order of the government! ThatWisner even mentions Eastern Europe in this context is acomplete distortion. Trump never has even remotely sug-gested an aggressive attack on all Muslims throughout theworld as Hitler did regarding the Jews. This alone serves torender Wisner’s article fallacious.By suggesting that Trump is zeroing in on a particular

group based upon “fear, racism, bigotry, and cruelty,” is alsoincorrect. Trump, unlike the Nazis, is not concerned aboutthe blood running through the veins of Muslims, but ratherhe hopes to avoid additional violence in this country beingcarried out by those who do it in the name of Islam, as somany have throughout the world in the years since 2000.Please, Ms. Wisner, if you seek to fight evil in the name of

your ancestors, as do I, please read MEMRI which translatesmaterial from throughout the Middle East, including thevicious anti-Semitism coming from the mouths of militantMuslim clerics and their ilk. They, not Trump, are the realthreat. Sincerely,

Michael Gendler

by NANCY K. KAUFMANNEW YORK (JTA) -- Forty-three years ago this week, the

U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in Roe v.Wade protecting a woman’s right to abortion. Since the 2010elections, a wave of state laws has aimed at restricting thatright, closing clinics and harassing medical providers.No less than 288 new laws have been passed across the

country to make abortion access ever more difficult. Theycome with punitive regulations on clinics, impediments tothose seeking abortions and nonsensical requirements onproviders.Despite strong public

support for keepingabortion safe and legal, itseems there is always apolitician ready and will-ing to say that an excep-tion for rape or incest isstill going too far.A 2013 Texas law

headed for the SupremeCourt is a prime exam-ple of the extremes towhich the campaign hasgone. The measure fallsinto the category knownas TRAP laws -- targetedregulation of abortionproviders -- that increasearbitrary, punitive regu-lation of abortion care, providers and clinics.The Texas law mandates that abortion clinics meet the

same building, equipment and staffing standards as ambula-tory surgical centers. It further requires doctors who per-form abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospitalwithin 30 miles of the clinic. If upheld, the law would wipeout 30 clinics across the state, leaving only 10, all concen-trated in four metro areas.Such laws do nothing to protect women’s health. They are

intended only to restrict access.The Texas case, Whole Woman’s Health v. Cole, is the first

major abortion case since Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the1992 case in which the Supreme Court ruled that states canimpose restrictions on abortion access as long as they do notimpose an “undue burden” on the pregnant woman. But“undue burden” has been ill-defined.The court could use the Texas case to take a drastic step

backward from Casey, which already retreats from thepromise of Roe. Or the court could even revisit Roe itself,since five of the justices have been hostile to Roe sincebefore they joined the court.Advocating for reproductive justice is one of the key ini-

tiatives of the National Council of Jewish Women. Bans onabortion coverage go against our values and the freedomswe cherish as American Jews, specifically the right to makefamily planning health care decisions based on an individ-ual's personal ethical and religious beliefs, regardless ofincome, type of health insurance or any other factor.That’s why, together with our coalition partners, we are

supporting two bills in Congress that would seize the initia-tive by lifting federal bans that deny abortion coverage tothose who get their health insurance through federal pro-grams, and by barring states from singling out abortion care

and its providers for special regulation.Introduced last summer, the Equal Access to Abortion

Coverage in Health Insurance Act, or EACH Woman Act,would repeal the Hyde Amendment, which prevents federalhealth dollars, except in certain cases, from being used tofund abortions. The law would correct the injustice thatmakes access to abortion largely a function of access tomoney, which is itself linked to entrenched barriers includ-ing systemic racial inequality. Women of color, young peo-ple and immigrant women struggle the most to make ends

meet and are mostharmed by bans thatdeny abortion coverageto women enrolled in afederal health program.The second bill, the

Women’s Health Protec-tion Act, addresses thedangerous phenomenonof TRAP laws and simi-lar access barriers bybanning regulations thatplace more burdensomerequirements on abor-tion providers andpatients than thoseimposed on similar med-ical procedures. Thesepolicies do not signifi-cantly advance women’s

health or safety, and make abortion more difficult to access.In real terms, this means prohibiting policies that man-

date arbitrary, medically unnecessary procedures such asultrasounds or extra doctor’s visits, as well as those that banmedication abortion or are intended to close clinics. As withfederal bans on coverage, TRAP restrictions fall hardest onlow-wage women, women of color, immigrant women andwomen living in rural areas who already face health careaccess barriers.Those who care about safeguarding women’s health and

believe in our right to make personal decisions withoutpolitical interference can help build momentum in supportof these critical measures by educating others and urgingCongress to act.For decades, abortion opponents have cited religious faith as

the grounds for restrictions that deny women the ability tomake decisions surrounding pregnancy. These laws would helprestore moral agency to every woman and ensure that no mat-ter her income or insurance status, she can make reproductivehealth care decisions according to her own faith or values.The legacy of Roe, summarized in the majority opinion of

Justice Harry Blackmun, was to resolve the debate aroundabortion access “by constitutional measurement, free of emo-tion and of predilection.” To make those decisions, a womanmust have unfettered, affordable access to the care she needs.Policymakers ought not put a hand on the scale that has

the effect -- indeed, the intention -- of depriving any womanof her ability to make that constitutionally guaranteed deci-sion for herself.

Nancy K. Kaufman is the chief executive officer of theNational Council of Jewish Women, a grassroots organiza-tion inspired by Jewish values, that strives to advance socialand economic justice for women, children and families.

On Roe v. Wade anniversary, fresh threats to abortion access demand action

LetterTO THE EDITOR

Anti-abortion activists rallying against federal funding for PlannedParenthood in Washington, D.C., July 28, 2015.

Credit: Olivier Douliery/Getty Images

Why the Israeli lottery giveswinners masksby JTA NEWS STAFF(JTA) Stories of the lottery ruining lives have become

almost cliche. It may have something to do with the factthat all but a handful of states require lottery winners tobe publicly identified if they want to collect their cash.In Israel, on the other hand, the lottery keeps the identities

of its winners under wraps -- despite having the right not to.“[A]lthough we have this right, we have never exercised

it because we understood the difficulties the winnerscould encounter in the period after their win. We providedetails about the winner, but in a manner that doesn’t dis-close their identity,” Dolin Melnik, then-spokesperson forIsrael’s Mifal Hapayis lottery told Haaretz in 2009.After all, Melnik said, “Israel is a very small country.”

CandlelightingFriday, January 29, 5:19 p.m.


SynagoguesB’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 |712.322.4705email: [email protected] us for our Monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on Feb.

12, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Gary Nachman, whowill speak about his winery, Rainwood Vineyards, the firstlicensed winery in Douglas County. Oneg to follow service.Please join us! Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! Larry Blass will officiate the Speaker Series Service.For information on our historic synagogue, or to arrange

a visit, please contact any of our board members: MarkEveloff, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, SissySilber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf. Tribute cards for anyoccasion are available. Contact Sissy at 311 Oak Ridge Ct.,Bellevue, NE 68005 or 402.292.8062.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUEMember of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550www.bethel-omaha.orgServices conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan

Michael Krausman.FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.; Scholar-in-Residence

Shabbat Dinner, following services. Rabbi Bradley Artsonwill speaking following dinner, My house is a house of prayerfor ALL people.SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m. Rabbi Bradley

Artson will deliver the D’var Torah, Almighty? No way! Anew way to love God.; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush Lunch, following servic-es; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:15 p.m.WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.;

weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.SUNDAY: BESTT Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.;

Learn to Read Hebrew with the Hazzan, 10 a.m.; Adult B’naiMitzvah Class, 11 a.m.; Sunday Speaker Series, 11 a.m., fea-turing Rabbi Bradley Artson on Renewing the Process ofCreation; Kadima Spaghetti Feed supporting Friends of theIDF, 12:30 p.m.; USY Bowling at Maplewood Lanes, 2:30p.m.TUESDAY:Who Wrote the Bible? Lunch and Learn, noon

with Rabbi Abraham.WEDNESDAY: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; Hebrew High

Dinner, 6 p.m.; Who Wrote the Bible? Minyan and More,6:15 p.m. with Rabbi Abraham; Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m.;Women’s Book Group, 7 p.m., at the home of Debi Kutler.Our Shabbat Tables, in congregants’ homes, Friday, Feb. 5Israeli Wine Tasting with Steve Kerbel, Saturday, Feb. 6,

7:30 p.m.Men’s Club World Wide Wrap, Learn to Wrap Tefillin,

Sunday, Feb. 7, 8:45 a.m. in the chapel.All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish

community.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUEMember of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288www.orthodoxomaha.orgOffice hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and

Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi AriDembitzer.FRIDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv & Kabbalat

Shabbat, 5:19 p.m.SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Parade and Shabbat

Classes, 9:45 a.m.; 15 mins after Kiddush -- MishnaL’Neshamah and Teen Class; Insights into Weekly TorahPortion, 4:35 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 5:05 p.m.;Havdalah, 6:22 p.m.; Star Wars & Learning, 7 p.m. atMajestic Theatre (RSVP Required).SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash,

9:45 a.m.; Shavua Tov Israel, 1 p.m.; Caffe Ivrit, 2:30 p.m.WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.WEDNESDAY: Monthly Kids Learning Chabura (Grades

K-2), 3:30 p.m.THURSDAY:Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Scholar’s Club for

6th Grade, 3:30 p.m.; Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m.; TalmudLearning, 8 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSEAn Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800www.OChabad.com | email: [email protected] conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office

hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.mSATURDAY:Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m.SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman,10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts withpractical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office.WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with

Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; TheDevelopment of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with RabbiKatzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of ForrestKrutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak.THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani

Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen [email protected] programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUNSouth Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004www.southstreettemple.orgServices conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis.FRIDAY: Sha-ba-ba-bat Family Dinner, 6 p.m. hosted by

the Kelen-Bloom Family, followed by the Family Service;FRIDAY Night Live! Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. withoneg following hosted by Alan Frank.SATURDAY: Torah Yoga, 9:15 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30

a.m. on Parashat Yitro.SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at

Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at TiferethIsrael; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 12:15 p.m.; Board of Trustees,1:30 p.m.WEDNESDAY: LJCS classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at

Tifereth Israel.THURSDAY: Judge for Yourself Part II of II, 6:30 p.m. led

by Rabbi Lewis. A fun and engaging look at the book ofJudges and what the stories mean to us today.Shabbat Evening Service, Friday, Feb. 5, 7:45 p.m. with

oneg following hosted by Sarah Kelen and Ken Bloom, withvisiting class from the Schuyler United Methodist Church.RSVP to the Temple office at 402.435.8004 or [email protected]’s Office Hours, Sunday Mornings, 10 a.m.–noon

at SST. If you have any Temple business you would like tobring before the Board of Trustees, potential programs, ornew ideas, please let us know! Call for an appointment at theTemple or just to chat any time at 402.513.7697. Or if youprefer, just email David Weisser at [email protected].

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASECapehart Chapel2500 Capehart Road | Offutt AFB, NE 68123 | 402.294.6244FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the

month.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154SATURDAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz.Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the commu-

nity are invited to attend.

TEMPLE ISRAELUnion for Reform Judaism (URJ)13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536http://templeisraelomaha.comFRIDAY: Shabbat Service -- Teen Israel Trip Reflections, 6

p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet.SATURDAY: Tot Shabbat, 9 a.m.; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.;

Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Daisy Friedman,daughter of Joey Hoffman and Josh Friedman, will celebrateher Bat Mitzvah.SUNDAY: 5th Sunday Breakfast Service, 7:30 a.m. at

Stephen Center; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Introduction to HebrewClass with Eliad, 11 a.m. If you’re interested in learning a lit-tle Hebrew or brushing up on your basic Hebrew, then thisclass is for you; Kibitz with the Clergy, 11 a.m.; ReligiousSchool Steering Committee Meeting, noon; JYG BowlingEvent, 2 p.m. Drop off and Pick up at Maplewood Lanes.Cost is $10 includes everything (food, bowling lane, andbowling shoes).TUESDAY:A Women’s Night Out with Door Décor!, 7 p.m.

This Women's Only Night Out will include making yourown front door sign with Sarah Linn from Door Decor. Wewill share good conversation and a glass of wine as Sarahguides us through making our very own piece of artwork.The cost is $20 and please contact the Temple Office,402.556.6536 to RSVP.WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; Chapel for School

Service, 4:30 p.m. with Rabbi Azriel; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.;School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Was DNA God’s Way to Protect theChosen People?, 6:30 p.m. with Dr. Bruce Buehler.

THURSDAY: Diversity in Israel: A Real Reality Show withEliad Eliyahu, 10 a.m. with Eliad Eliyahu.First Friday Shabbat Service and Dinner, Friday, Feb. 5.

Candlelighting and kiddush in the Simon CommunityCourt, 5:30 p.m., Service, 6 p.m., dinner following services.Cost is $5 per person, max of $20 per family. Please RSVP toTemple Israel, [email protected] or402.556.6536, by Wednesday, Feb. 3.Temple Israel’s Annual Super Bowl Party, Sunday, Feb. 7,

4:30 p.m. Come watch Super Bowl 50 with us on our bigprojection screens in the Social Hall! We will be providingall you can eat appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks. BYOB.There will be activities for kids and sitter service provided.Suggested donation: $5 per person or $10 per family. Moneywill be collected at the door. Please RSVP to Temple Israel,402-556-6536 or [email protected]. Spon-sored by the Men of Reform Judaism.

TIFERETH ISRAELMember of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 |402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.orgServices conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office

hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m.SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by

Kiddush lunch. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at

Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at TiferethIsrael; Pancakes and Pajamas PJ Library Event, 5:30 p.m.Children ages 1-12 are invited. PJ’s and Pancakes will featurestory time and eating breakfast for dinner! There is nocharge for this program, however, families are encouraged todonate a new pair of pajamas which can be given to a childin need. Don’t forget to wear your pajamas!WEDNESDAY: LJCS classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at

Tifereth Israel.Deli Style Lunch, Sunday, Feb. 21 at 12:15 p.m. at Tifereth

Israel. The Star Deli will be providing the meal for thosewho sign up in advance, so please RSVP.

Switch day at RBJHby OZZIE NOGGFriday, Dec. 25, was Switch Day at the Rose Blumkin

Jewish Home -- the annual opportunity for members of thecommunity to volunteer at the RBJH, cover for non-Jewishstaff, and give them time off to spend the Christmas holi-day with their families. “Whether you’re a veteran volun-teer or a wanna-be, this is the perfect way to get involved,”said Linda Cogen, Director of Volunteer Services.During the recent Switch Day, a group of Beth El

Synagogue members worked the front desk, lent a handin the kitchen with meal prep and food service, helped inthe Blumkin Home laundry, called tiles for the residents’Bingo game, served goodies at Tea Time and assistedwith other activities throughout the day. Beth El memberLarry Kronick chaired the volunteer effort which hasbeen part of the Synagogue’s programming for manyyears. Participants included Brandy Bailey-King, EllieBatt, Darlene Golbitz, Jimmy and Lisa Janvin, Les andHelen Kay, Larry and Deborah Kronick, Wayne andCarole Lainof, Lisa Lieb Marcus, Alan and Linda Muskin,Gary Nachman, Ari Rife, Jason Rife, Julie Sandburg Rife,Mark Sherman, and Rich, Audrey and Elissa Wiener. “Our congregants are happy to volunteer on Switch Day

so that the hardworking staff at the Blumkin Home can bewith their families on Christmas,” said Margie Gutnik,Beth El Synagogue Program Director. “It’s our opportuni-ty to show our gratitude for the caring and concern thestaff shows to the residents of the Home on a daily basis.” According to Cogen, “Every minute the Beth El

Synagogue volunteers spent at the RBJH was so welcomeand appreciated by the residents and by the staff. Onbehalf of everyone at the Blumkin Home, I want to thankthem for generously donating their time.”

To Submit B’nai Mitzvah AnnouncementsAnnouncements may be e-mailed to the Press with

attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to [email protected] or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln syna-

gogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, bye-mailing the editor at: [email protected] oronline at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press.’


ADVERTISE STATEWIDE for $225/25 word classified ad. Over 165newspapers with circulation of more than 365,000. Contact the JewishPress at 402-334-6448 or call 1-800-369-2850.

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VINTAGE VILLAGE Antique Mall, 2425 O Street, Lincoln. 402-472-0063. 6th Anniversary Sale! January 16-31, 10-7 Daily. 50 Dealers. Newselections arrive daily! Antiques, collectibles, jewelry.

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PHARMACY DIRECTOR, southeast Nebraska Critical Access Hospital.Requires BS Pharmacy, excellent organizational, customer service andplanning skills. Experience in healthcare pharmacy management pre-ferred. Competitive salary, benefits. Apply at www.jchc.us. For informa-tion call HR at 402-729-6850.

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CORINNE K LEVINCorinne K. Levin passed away on Jan. 16 at age 80.

Services were held Jan. 21, 2016 at Temple Israel.She was preceded in death by her sister, Rita Kavares.She is survived by her husband, Hugh S. Levin, M.D.;

daughter and son-in-law, Deborah Ann and Paul Hoffman,and son and daugher-in-law, Michael Scott and Jane Levin;grandchildren: Lisa, Ann and Eric; seven great-grandchil-dren.Memorials may be made to Temple Israel or the organiza-

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inspired by an Anonymous, Delighted RBJH ResidentConsumer Once upon a time, at the far end of Main Street at the

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, there was a LOVE-ly Gift Shopfilled with greeting cards and jewelry and all kinds of funthings. For many years, people visited the Gift Shop andbought her wares, but one day she started to feel a bit oldand run down and thought, “Maybe it’s time for me toretire.” The LOVE-ly Gift Shop kept this idea to herself.Then one day, quietly and with no warning, the Gift Shop

closed down. No one knew exactly why, but everybody couldsee that things were changing. After a while, with no fan-fare, the Gift Shop reopened as a bright, cheerful VolunteerOffice. And then, again with no fan-fare, the Gift Shop-that-had-become-an-Office transformed into Coffee Bar by LOVE(League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly.)Now, the Coffee Bar by LOVE is a star on Main Street. It

has lots of fans, attracted by the smell of freshly brewedcomplimentary coffee (there’s free candy, too) all providedby LOVE, with love. Many delighted Blumkin Home ResidentConsumers, their family members and guests, stop by and

spend a few moments -- Monday through Friday from 7a.m. to 5 p.m. and sometimes on Sunday -- visiting in thewarm, friendly atmosphere of the Coffee Bar by LOVE. Theplace really ‘perks’ people up.Be part of the LOVE team. To join the LOVE Auxiliary or

to volunteer, call Linda Cogen at 402.334.6519.

How the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home got a coffee bar

by YARDENA SCHWARTZAre you looking for a unique Airbnb experience?If you’ve already rented the tree house in the Nicaraguan

Jungle, the castle in Scotland, the life-sized boot in NewZealand and the igloo an Austria, there’s another option: asettlement outpost in the West Bank.You can choose from more than 300 listings in what

Airbnb categorizes as both the West Bank and Judea andSamaria. From a trailer in Nokdim to a yurt in Tekoa, moreand more settlement properties have been popping up onAirbnb in recent months. With the more rustic listingsavailable for as little as $16 a night, there are also more lux-urious options, like a seven-bedroom home in Neve Danielthat rents for $500 a night.All these homes are several miles east of the Green Line,

Israel’s pre-1967 border, hence the outcry from humanrights organizations, which have called on Airbnb toremove the listings from its website. They argue that thecompany is profiting from “stolen Palestinian land.”Jewish Voice for Peace is among at least five organiza-

tions petitioning Airbnb over the properties, which are list-ed on the travel site as being located in Israel. The interna-tional community considers the West Bank occupiedPalestinian land. Captured by Israel from Jordan duringthe Six Day War in 1967, the territory is now home to morethan 600,000 Israeli citizens.“Airbnb’s anti-discrimination policy states that they pro-

hibit listings that promote racism, discrimination, or harmto individuals or groups, and require all users to complywith local laws. Yet, listing vacation rentals in illegal settle-ments promotes structural discrimination, theft ofPalestinians’ land, and direct violations of internationallaw. Through earning fees from settlement vacationrentals, Airbnb is directly profiting from the continuingoccupation and dispossession of Palestinians.”In media statements, Airbnb said, “We follow laws and

regulations on where we can do business.”

The international criticism comes at an inconvenienttime for Airbnb. Earlier this week Human Rights Watchreleased a lengthy report detailing how companies operat-ing in settlements contribute to and benefit from “aninherently unlawful and abusive system that violates therights of Palestinians.”A day before that, Israel’s largest trade partner, the

European Union, stated that all of its agreements withIsrael must note that they do not apply to the West Bankand the Gaza Strip.Yet according to the settlers renting out their homes on

Airbnb, their properties are no different than any others inIsrael.Ronit, who preferred not to provide her last name, had

listed her home in Kedar on Airbnb until earlier this month.“I don’t see it as being separate from Israel,” she told JTA.Over several months, she said, she hosted many tourists whochose her house “instead of sleeping in a hotel in Jerusalem.”Itzhak Levit, who rents out his home in Tekoa – a settle-

ment that saw a stabbing attack on an Israeli woman thisweek -- said he has had dozens of guests in the eightmonths since he started using Airbnb. About two-thirds ofhis visitors have been Israelis who were visiting their fam-ilies in the area, he said, with the rest tourists from all overthe world who came to the West Bank for a “beautiful, dif-ferent experience.”“I think they understand that they can enjoy a unique

experience in our area,” said Levi, mentioning several his-torical sites nearby, including Herodium and the HaritunCave. “Tekoa is a unique settlement, combining differenttypes of people from the left, right, secular and Haredicommunities,” he added.When visitors express concerns, he said, he tells them he

feels complete safe in Tekoa.“Tekoa is in Area C, under full Israeli control,” he said.

“We rely on the IDF, which is doing their job. And we haveour local security.”

Airbnb in a Jewish settlement

Peres back in hospital by JTA NEWS STAFFJERUSALEM (JTA) -- Former Israeli President Shimon

Peres was rushed back to the hospital with chest pains andan irregular heartbeat.An ambulance was called to Peres’ home on the evening

of Jan. 24, less than a week after he was discharged fromSheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer after suffering chestpains and having a procedure to open a blocked artery.Peres remained at the hospital overnight “for observation

and testing,” his spokeswoman said in a statement.President Barack Obama called Peres over the weekend to

wish him well after his heart problems earlier this month.


Men’s

Publishing Date | 02.26.16Space Reservation | 01.17.16Camera Ready Deadline | 01.19.16

Promote your business in this special issue with an adand a short article. Contact our Advertising Executive to advertise in this very special edition.

GuideComing in February

Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | [email protected]

by YARDENA SCHWARTZJERUSALEM (JTA) -- Alejandro Beutel bowed his yar-

mulke-covered head and pressed his hands and foreheadinto the 2,000-year-old stones of the Western Wall. Afterslipping a note into one of the cracks, Beutel whispered aprayer and cried.It’s a scene that unfolds daily at the sacred site in the Old

City here -- except that Beutel is a convert to Islam, the sonof a Jewish father and Christian mother. He was one of 11Muslim activists who visited Israel this month as part of theMuslim Leadership Initiative, a program that brings NorthAmerican Muslims to Israel to learn about Judaism and theJewish connection to the Holy Land.The year long program, which is fully covered by scholar-

ships, begins and ends with 12-day seminars in Israel and theWest Bank, and includes two retreats in the United States andmonthly study sessions in between. Since its founding in2013, MLI has brought 59 North American Muslims to Israel.“I have never been able to articulate and understand Jews,

Judaism and Zionism, even with Jewish relatives that I have,until I went through MLI,” Beutel said.The brainchild of Imam Abdullah Antepli, the Muslim

chaplain at Duke University, the program is co-directed byAmerican-Israeli journalist Yossi Klein Halevi, a senior fel-low at the Shalom Hartman Institute, a Jewish educationcenter in Jerusalem. Among the program’s previous partici-pants is Rabia Choudry, a fellow at the New AmericaFoundation who came to national attention for her role inthe first season of the NPR podcast Serial.Antepli believes MLI will breed a deeper interfaith dia-

logue than similar efforts that stick to superficial issueswhile ignoring the elephant in the room -- Israel -- which,when acknowledged, often leads to screaming matches.MLI “will force Jews and Muslims to diversify their

sources of information about each other rather than relyingon the voices pumping fear and suspicion into both commu-nities,” Antepli said.The vehement criticism of the program within the Muslim

community is a testament to how controversial that goal is.Muslim activists have described MLI as a vehicle for Israelipropaganda and called for a boycott. Antepli has receiveddeath threats. Last year, an MLI cohort was harassed duringa visit to the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

Participants told JTA they have lost friends and sufferedfinancial consequences due to their involvement in the pro-gram. MLI leaders requested that JTA not publish this storyuntil participants had left Israel. Antepli feared that news oftheir presence “could spark provocations.”“It’s pretty confusing,” said Khurrum Wahid, a Florida

attorney who has defended several high-profile terrorism

suspects and whose Muslim empowerment nonprofit,Emerge USA, lost 15 percent of its funding because of hisparticipation in the program. “Before I was regarded as a ter-rorist, and now suddenly I’m being called a Zionist.”For Antepli and the MLI participants, the hostile reaction

merely confirms the urgency of the initiative.“There’s a misunderstanding within our community of

what Zionism is -- that it’s an exclusive, prejudiced agenda,”said one participant who requested anonymity. “When peo-ple hear we’re going to speak with Zionists, they hear, ‘We’regoing to meet with the KKK to hear why they hate blackpeople.’ That’s why this work is so important.”She continued: “I don’t think I ever understood how deeply

some Jews are attached to this land. The risks and sacrificeswe’ve made to do this really means a lot to our Jewish part-ners. It creates this sense of trust that we wouldn’t have oth-erwise. That’s a really valuable part of this program.”MLI has no illusions that it can create a warm and cozy

relationship between Muslims and Jews or solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The objective, MLI leaders say, is todeepen understanding of the Jewish connection to the HolyLand so that Jewish-Muslim dialogue can be more informed.“It’s about getting them to simply understand,” Halevi said.Muslim critics in the United States have charged that MLI

aims to turn participants into Zionist advocates or apologists,but the program is a far cry from pro-Israel propaganda.In one session last week, participants read Israel’s

Declaration of Independence and discussed why the docu-ment’s promise of equal rights for all citizens has not yetbeen realized. In another, they heard from MohammadDarawshe, co-director of Givat Haviva, which supportsIsraeli-Palestinian coexistence efforts, who told them thathis family had lived in Palestine for generations and thattheir land was confiscated by Israel.“Even after a year in the program, it has not changed my

opinion on the treatment of Palestinians,” said Wahid,adding that like most participants, he still views Zionism asa racist ideology that privileges Jews over Arabs. Several par-ticipants even support the Boycott, Divestment andSanctions movement, including Antepli, but only in theWest Bank, not in Israel proper.Several participants noted a recent report from the Center

for American Progress, which found that much of the“Islamophobia network” in the United States is funded byAmerican Jews. They believe not only that better relationswith the Jewish community can help counter Islamophobia,but that the Muslim community can learn from the Jewishcommunity how best to integrate into American society.“The Jewish community blazed trails,” said Amanda

Quraishi, a Muslim activist in Austin, Texas. “We’re such a newcommunity in America and have so much to learn from them.”Khaliff Watkins, an interfaith activist in New Jersey, had

many Jewish friends as a child but avoided discussing Israelbecause it was divisive. Before the trip, he didn’t understandthe Jewish connection to Israel, which he regarded as a“colonialist project.”After the trip, Watkins says he can better understand

Israeli Jews who have endured “the trauma of having one’snarrative and one’s identity not being accepted in the world...and their genuine commitment to humanity and living inpeace with others who are not Jewish.”

Facing hostility, American Muslims take a lesson on Zionism

The Shalom Hartman Institute’s Noam Zion working withMuslim Leadership Initiative participants in Jerusalem,January 2016.

Credit: Netanel Tobias/Shalom Hartman Institute

Jewish Federation of Omaha - Jewish Press - 01292016

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