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OzzIe NOGG
tatistics show that Nebraskans, including children, suffer a 30% obesity rate, up from 10% 30 years ago. Recognizing the direct connection between obesity, heart disease and diabetes and committed to challenging the status quo, the Omaha Jewish Community Center Board of Trustees recently created The JCC Wellness Committee. “The committee, organized by Debbie Denenberg, is comprised of many impressive volunteers,” said John Glazer, President of the JCC. “The Committee includes four pediatricians, two additional doctors, a dentist, a physical therapist and many parents. We look forward to their insight and will continue to look at ways that can benefit our membership.” See Wellness Committee page 3
Reat it and eat Page 7
News from the RBJH Volunteer Department Page 12
Violinists break down barriers
inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles
8 10 11
Temple Israel announces next Cantor
JANU ARY 1 8 , 2 0 1 9 | 1 2 SH EV AT 5 7 7 9 | V O L . 9 9 | NO . 1 4 | C A Nd LeLI G H tI NG | FRID AY , JANU ARY 1 8 , 5 : 0 5 P. M.
JCC Wellness Committee launched
Beth El presents Tzedakah Box Art Project Page 6
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GIL HOFFMAN When a group of American violinists came to Israel’s Western Galilee last week to bring together diverse communities, they decided the best language for them to communicate was the sound of music. The delegation was brought by the Jewish Agency’s Western Galilee Central Area Partnership 2Gether consortium, which connects the Israeli region with the US Central Area Consortium of 14 U.S. Jewish Federation communities. Jewish and Arab students throughout the Western Galilee were given the opportunity to learn from and listen to the American violinists, who were led by Gary Levinson, the artis-
Ilana McNamara tic director of the Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth and senior principal associate concertmaster of the Dallas Symphony. “This may be the one language we can agree on,” Levinson said. “They all want to make music beautifully, and they all listened with bated breath.” The delegtion also included musi-
cians Sarah Price and Ilana McNamara, as well as Kim Goldberg, who has been chairwoman of Arts and Community in the Partnership 2Gether consortium. A team led by partnership director Judy Yuda put together their itinerary to maximize their time in Israel. The musicians performed three concerts while they were in the region. They first paid tribute to supporters of the crowd funding campaign, the partnership initiated to raise money to bring opinion leaders from consortium communities to Israel to experience the Western Galillee’s diversity and multiculturalism. In the second concert, Levinson and top musical students from Akko and the Matte Asher Regional Council performed for residents of the Western Galilee. In the final multicultural concert in Akko, the visiting violinists performed to celebrate multiculturalism and coexistence in the Western Galilee. They also had four masterclasses with both Arab and Jewish students in Akko, Matte Asher, Rosh Pina and the Arab town of Tarshiha. See Violinists break barriers page 2
RAbbI A. bRIAN StOLLeR Temple Israel It is with great joy and excitement that we announce the selection of Cantor Joanna M. Alexander to be the next Cantor of Temple Israel, beginning July 1! She will succeed Cantor Wendy Shermet who will retire in May after serving our congregation with grace and distinction since 2001.
Cantor Joanna M. Alexander After a thorough interview process that included two intensive days in Omaha getting to know congregants, teaching our elementary and high-school students, meeting with our adult choir, and leading an inspiring service with our rabbis and musicians, Cantor Alexander was recommended unanimously by our Cantor Search Committee and invited by our Board of Trustees to join Temple Israel’s clergy team. Cantor Alexander will come to us from Temple Rodeph Torah in Marlboro, New Jersey, where she has served since her ordination from Hebrew Union College’s Debbie Friedman School of Sacred Music in 2008. Cantor Alexander is an experienced and talented cantor who is beloved by her congregants and colleagues alike for her warmth, her wisdom, and her sincerity. Both in her congregation and in the broader Reform movement, she has built a reputation as a dedicated and reliable clergy partner, a loving pastoral caregiver, and a skilled leader of innovation in ways that honor and affirm tradition. She enjoys teaching children to love Jewish music and brings experience and excitement to the work she will do with our new kids’ choir, Kol Chokolad. She is passionate about helping teens develop a Jewish ethical approach to navigating life’s challenges and is eager to build relationships with them as a teacher in our high school. As an active partner in interfaith work in New Jersey, she is inspired by the Tri-Faith Initiative and has creative ideas for how music can enhance this sacred work. Cantor Alexander will be an outstanding addition to our Temple Israel team and we know that she is the right cantor to lead us into the future. To read more about Cantor Alexander and listen to recordings of her singing some of our familiar prayers, visit her website at www.cantoralexander.org. See temple’s new Cantor page 2
Wanted
2 | The Jewish Press | January 18, 2019
community
Karen Gustafson Executive Director, JFS s part of Jewish Family Service’s $20,000 Grant to deliver Suicide Prevention and Education, our programming is focused on specific life stages. We are looking for someone to host our next event, at their home, in March. For this program we are focused on those in the community who are 40-55 years old. Our intent is to create a homey atmosphere of discussion on the topic, risk factors for this age group and some community comradery. One of the greatest prevention strategies is connection. So... who would like to host a night of connection? Please contact Karen Gustafson at 402.330.2024 by feb 1.
Violinists break barriers
Continued from page 1 Levinson said the concerts were very different from each other. For instance, the crowdfunding donors were not used to musicians performing in such a small setting. “They were shocked by what a great experience it was to have an intimate concert,� he said. “It was a great pleasure for me to introduce them to that kind of experience where they can feel the energy.� McNamara, who is a 17-year-old high school student in Omaha, said she enjoyed playing together with Jewish and Arab kids who are her age in the Western Galilee’s Keshet Eilon Music Center. “This has been a great experience,� she said. “I have never done an international concert series before. Every time we played, we wished it was for longer. It was so great that I can’t imagine it being even better.� But that is exactly what Goldberg and Levinson are planning to do. Goldberg said that after this delegation, now they know better what needs to be done and how they can be more effective. They are working on a follow-up trip in October 2019 and a three-year plan, in partnership with the Western Galilee’s municipalities. “When we come back, we will do everything we didn’t have time to do the first time,� Goldberg said. “Now that we understand what our strengths are, we can reach out to more students. The soil is very rich for this.� The trip was the idea of Goldberg, who decided to match Levinson with Akko conservatory Danny Yaron. “When I saw Gary’s passion, I knew when they got him and Yaron together, magic would happen,� she said. “It seemed to be the perfect fit to get Gary here, engaged with students. I’m always thinking of making connections. It most definitely succeeded.�
Temple’s new Cantor
Partnership Concert Price, who lives in Fort Worth, said the highlight for her was getting to perform for different audiences than they are used to having and getting to meet people from different cultural backgrounds. “We didn’t know what to expect in the Middle East,� she said. “Everyone was so warm and friendly.� One highlight for all the participants was meeting with Holocaust violinist Amnon Weinstein, the founder and promoter of the Violins of Hope; a collection of instruments from the Holocaust. Weinstein let the decades-old instruments be played by Levinson, who normally performs on a violin that was crafted in 1726. “The partnership provided a platform for all these connections, which wouldn’t happen without the financial support of the Jewish Agency,� Yuda said. She pointed out that some 500 people
were touched in one way or another over the weeklong tour by the delegation, which was funded by the 14 consortium communities. Yuda was touched by a quote from Noa Tenne, the head of the partnership community committee, who wrote her after the final concert: “I am astonished every time anew by the opportunities the partnership offers and the possibilities of making connections between the communities.� Levinson said he enjoyed teaching the children of the Western Galilee how to listen and that hearing and listening are not the same thing. “They can communicate with different language and a unified goal,� he said. “That’s why I prefer the language of music. I’m not pretending that this visit will make or break the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But we can’t know the answer if we don’t try.�
Continued from page 1 Raised as a member of KAM Isaiah Israel congregation in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, Cantor Alexander blossomed as a Jewish musician under the influence of the legendary Jewish liturgical composer Max Janowski. She spent many years as a camper at OSRUI, the Reform Jewish summer camp in Wisconsin where numerous Temple Israel kids and our clergy also spend their summers, and she is excited to return to the Midwest. Cantor Alexander will move to Omaha this summer with her husband, Jacob, and their three children, Evelyn (8), Brianna (8), and Brian (4). We look forward to welcoming them warmly and enthusiastically to our Temple Israel family! We are grateful to our Cantor Search Committee for their outstanding work in bringing Cantor Alexander to Temple Israel. CoChairs Traci Kugler and Marti Poulos led an excellent and dedicated team consisting of our members Brooklyn Armstrong, Tami Field, Tom Friedman, Scott Goodman, Andie Gordman, Joseph Pinson, Jeff Platt, Miles Remer, Silvia Roffman, Leora Werner, Terri Zacharia, Rabbi Stoller, and Rabbi Berezin. We would not have found such an extraordinary cantor without their tireless efforts rooted in genuine love for our congregation. Over the next five months, we will savor and celebrate the remaining time we have with Cantor Shermet, singing and praying with her, sharing our life cycle moments with her, and enjoying her wonderful friendship. We will honor Cantor Shermet as a congregation at several events during the weekend of april 26-28, so please mark your calendars and watch for details. We have been so blessed by Cantor Shermet’s talent, presence, and love for 18 years, and we know we will be equally blessed by the beautiful music and kind soul of her very worthy successor, Cantor Joanna Alexander. We give our thanks to G-d for the honor and privilege of being part of this holy community.
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Wellness Committee
Continued from page 1 In 2019, the JCC Wellness Committee will focus on Food and Nutrition. The Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, one of America’s most respected research organizations, determined that “four of every five consumers, across all ages, express concern about the healthfulness and nutritional content of their food. Additionally, consumers are seeking more nutrient-dense foods and aiming to reduce foods and beverages that contain ingredients with potential negative effects on health, such as added sugar and sodium.” “The JCC is an unparalleled health facility,” Debbie Denenberg said. “Just look at our beautiful aquatics complex. The CDC is one of Nebraska’s finest pre-schools. The goal now is to build our nutritional environment along the same lines of excellence. When you stop and think about it, we’re already in the business of protecting the public health,” Denenberg continued. “We have exit signs for fire safety, handrails to prevent falls, and yoga classes for body and mind. Improving the nutritional environment is a logical step. We’re thrilled that Mark Martin, JCC Executive Director, and Jeanine Huntoon, Director of the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center, along with other campus leadership, are so supportive. Our goal is to bring leading-edge science and best practices of
public health to campus, and especially to our youth.” Dr. Michael Cohen, co-founder of Village Pointe Pediatrics, is a JCC Wellness Committee member. “I see in my practice the result of a nationwide increase in sugar consumption,” Dr. Cohen said. “Now, we test children for high cholesterol, and ‘adult onset diabetes’ has been renamed ‘type II diabetes’ because the disease is showing up in kids. Poor choices have a cumulative effect,” Dr. Cohen continued, “but so do healthy choices, and it’s never too late to start. We need to be good stewards of our children’s health. The Talmud obligates us to teach our children to swim. Why? It could save their lives. Our modern version is diet and exercise. Modeling good choices on campus can have a lifelong effect on our children.” The JCC Wellness Committee’s top priority for 2019 is to work with Mark Martin and his staff to improve nutrition for the CDC and youth programs, provide training to staff and volunteers, and offer special classes to members. Charter members have already met with several local not-for-profit Health and Wellness organizations. “The Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition is training us to use new tools that evaluate how our vending machines measure up,” Denenberg said. We are scheduled to meet with the Nebraska School of Public See JCC Wellness Committee page 4
Can cochlear implants help you hear better? BoyS ToWn Ear, noSE & ThroaT InSTITuTE Cochlear implants are one of the most effective ways to improve hearing for someone with significant hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear. However, there are many considerations in determining if an adult should receive a cochlear implant. Each potential recipient has a unique background that can impact his or her likelihood to benefit with the device, such as length and cause of deafness, previous assistive hearing device use and an individual’s motivation. hearing Loss history For adults, cochlear implants are usually not the first step in treating hearing loss. Your physician will likely consider if you have tried hearing aids, or other assistive devices, and if they were appropriately fit for your needs when you wore them. Sometimes hearing loss is severe enough that an individual may
have a hard time understanding speech – even with the best-fit hearing aids. In this case, cochlear implants may help. Individual Motivation and Physical Condition When a person develops hearing loss, he or she loses some ability to take in sounds. After cochlear implant surgery, patients go through a period of intense rehabilitation as the brain “relearns” how to hear. To make sure candidates are prepared for this process, a trained specialist will meet with them to evaluate commitment and discuss what to expect post-surgery. Implantation requires surgery on the head. Candidates must be medically cleared to undergo cochlear implant surgery. next Steps If you think that you or a loved one may benefit from a cochlear implant, request a free information packet from Boys Town National Research Hospital at BoysTownhospital.org/CochlearImplants.
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4 | The Jewish Press | January 18, 2019
Talmud scholar Dr. Josh Kulp speaks at Beth El
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Ozzie nOGG According to Dr. Kulp, “Jews living today r. Josh Kulp, Talmudic scholar and often conceive of themselves as the direct deauthor, will visit Beth El Syna- scendants of our biblical ancestors, Abraham, gogue on Friday, Feb. 1 through Isaac, Jacob, Moses. But the path from Sinai Sunday, Feb. 3, to discuss The had many branches, only a few of which surPaths Not Taken: The Judaisms vived. Over this weekend, we will encounter that We Are Not. Rabbi Steven Abraham, who groups that interpreted Torah in ways far difstudied with Dr. Kulp at the Conservative ferent from the way we do, including the Yeshiva in Jerusalem said, “What makes Dr. Dead Sea Sect, the Sadducees, the Pharisees Kulp an exceptional teacher is that he con- and early Christians.” veys what is in the text and, at the same time, The weekend topics include: lets you see him as an embodiment of what Friday night, Feb. 1: The Search for Auhe is teaching. I encourage thority: How Do We Know everyone to come learn What God Wants Us To Do? with him.” Dr. Kulp will speak at dinDr. Kulp was a 24-yearner following Kabbalat old studying in Israel when Shabbat services at 6 p.m. he co-founded the ConserSaturday morning, Feb. 2: vative Yeshiva in Jerusalem The Source of the Christian/ in 1995. At the time, he enJewish Debate on Abortion. visioned a place where peoDr. Kulp will teach during ple from a variety of Jewish Shabbat morning services backgrounds had the opat 10 a.m. as well as during portunity to learn sacred lunch. Jewish texts at a high level Saturday evening, Feb. 2: and engage with peers in a Kiddush Over Beer: Beer supportive, open-minded Tasting with Josh. Scott Litenvironment. He has tky is chairing the event dr. Josh kulp taught Talmud and hawhich begins at 7 p.m. in lakhah for the last 20 years and is the author the Beth El chapel. of Reconstructing the Talmud as well as The Sunday morning, Feb. 3: Moonwatchers vs. Schechter Haggadah: Art, History and Com- Sunbathers: Ancient Jewish Calendar Wars. mentary. Beginning in 2001 and continuing The discussion begins at 11 a.m. in the Beth through 2013, Dr. Kulp authored a commen- El chapel. tary in English on the entire Mishnah, and in The Saturday evening beer tasting will fea2013 he began the Daf Shevui program, the ture local brews. “Nebraska beers are very on-line study of one daf — page — of Talmud well thought of, nationally,” Scott Littky said. per week. Dr. Kulp was raised in Margate, “I’m very excited that two of my favorite acNew Jersey, where his family was active in the tivities, Jewish learning and craft beer, are Conservative Movement. He spent his sum- being combined into an evening with a premers at Camp Ramah in the Poconos, Camp mier Jewish educator. I also attended the Ramah in Canada and for the last ten sum- Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem, and parmers, he has served as the scholar-in-resi- ticipate in Dr. Kulp’s online Talmud Study. dence at Camp Ramah in New England. Dr. He is well known in Jewish education as an Kulp made aliyah in 1994 and currently lives amazing teacher and a real mensch.” in Modiin with his wife, Julie Zuckerman, The Feb. 1 though Feb. 3 weekend with Dr. and their four children. In his spare time, he Josh Kulp is sponsored by the Ann Goldstein is an avid triathlete and runner and has com- Fund and open to the community at no pleted three Ironmans. charge.
JCC Wellness Committee
publishing date | 03.08.19
space reservation | 02.27.19
Contact our advertising executive to advertise in this very special edition.
Susan Bernard 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org
Continued from page 3 Health later this month. And, equally important, we encourage input from JCC members and the community at large.” World-class expert on early childhood development and co-founder and Executive Director of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute Sam Meisels brings additional expertise to the JCC Wellness Committee. “We should be who we are,” Meisels said, “a wellness-oriented institution. Our campus has health functions from infancy through senescence, and every part of it should be focused on good health. This is what we stand for. We have a gym to make people healthier and
happier, and able to live long lives — g’zie gezunt. What we do in the privacy of our own homes is up to us, but the JCC can influence our choices by offering a range of healthy opportunities.” “Health and wellness is a lifestyle our members care about,” Mark Martin, Executive Director of the JCC, said. “We are always looking for ways to help with innovative programming and staff training. We will keep everyone informed as we move forward with our plans.” For additional information about The JCC Wellness Committee, and to add your voice to the discussion, contact debbie@denen berg.com.
Organizations
B’nai B’rith BreadBreakerS
Gov. Pete ricketts, will discuss the “State of the State” on Wednesday, Jan. 23, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
See full digital issues at https://issuu.com/jewishpress7
From Shirley’s kitchen Gail razNick Although it always looked so pretty when Mom made her cheesecakes, I can’t bring myself to top them with the cans of Wilderness fruit toppings (too much sugar, etc,) so I just make a berry purée instead. Sorry Mom! From: Shirley Goldstein Originating from: Bessie Rips, Norman
Rips’ mother Usually served this when? Always on New Year’s Eve or any occasion. Used to make these like crazy! Whenever the chance was there, I made a cheesecake! Everyone loved them too. Would make several and have different toppings: cherry, blueberry, pineapple, sour cream or whatever!
Shirley’S cheeSecake
Cooking time: 50 minutes Temperature: 375 degrees Serves: 10-12 Ingredients: Crust for cheesecake: 1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup melted margarine 1 tsp. cinnamon Directions: Blend and press to springform pan. Bake eight minutes at 375 degrees. Filling: 24 ounces cream cheese 1 cup sugar 4 eggs (add one at a time) 2 tsp. vanilla Directions: Beat together thoroughly. Pour into springform pan on baked crust and bake at 375 degrees until firm, about 50 minutes. Take out and let stand 10 minutes.
Topping: 1 pint sour cream 4 Tbsp. sugar 2 tsp. vanilla Directions: Put back in oven at 450 degrees for 10 minutes OR use one large can of Wilderness fruit topping (cherry, blueberry etc.) to top cheese cake. Refrigerate overnight.
The Jewish Press | January 18, 2019 | 5
community Jewish community gives back to those who serve liNda SalTzmaN Operation Grateful Goodies Chairman In a show of support for those who serve our community, more than 60 members of Jewish Omaha fanned out across town on Dec. 25 to say “Thank You” to those working instead of spending the day with their families.
through organized baking events in their synagogues. On Dec. 24, about 20 volunteers helped sort and package 106 boxes and platters. Cookies were delivered, sorted and distributed at the home of Linda and Kevin Saltzman. In total, volunteers delivered goodies to 15
The Novaks
The Tipp Family
In total, more than 100 gift boxes and cookie platters were delivered. Operation Grateful Goodies, a program launched by Beth El’s Miriam Initiative, was a joint effort of Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel, Temple Israel, Chabad of Omaha and the Jewish Federation of Omaha; 2018 marked the inaugural year of the program. Leading up to Dec. 25, more than 30 people baked homemade goods in their homes or
police stations and precincts, 31 fire stations, eight hospitals and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Operation Grateful Goodies will expand in 2019 to include more locations where people serve those in need. Anyone interested in being on the 2019 planning committee is welcome to contact Linda Saltzman at Linda_Saltzman@hotmail.com.
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Tiles and ice cream
6 | The Jewish Press | January 18, 2019
community
T
Beth El presents Tzedakah Box Art Project
OzziE NOgg participants enjoy a wonderful creative experience, but the he Tzedakah Box Art Project, sponsored by The finished product was so beautiful that the boxes were put on Miriam Initiative at Beth El Synagogue, is sched- exhibit in the JCC Gallery. These tzedakah boxes become artuled for Thursday, Feb. 7, in the synagogue’s West ful, meaningful, sentimental treasures for families or perfect Court. Participants can choose to attend an after- gifts for friends.” noon session from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. or an The Hebrew word, tzedakah (most commonly translated as evening session from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a complimentary charity) comes from the root tzedek, meaning justice. Jewish dinner included. Omaha artist Julie Phillips will facilitate both tradition teaches that giving tzedakah is a religious imperative sessions. — a mitzvah — “This will be a even for those fun and lively acwho have little to tivity,” Phillips give. Traditionsaid. “I’ll bring ally, many Jewish blank boxes and families keep a decoupage papers tzedakah box (or with images of pushke, in Yidvintage flowers dish) at home, and gardens as and put money in well as vintage them before ShaJewish text illusbbat. When the trations, bits of box is full, the fabric, lace and money is given to ribbon. When we a person or orput these eleganization in ments together need. The Jewish with a few perNational Fund, Two views of a collaged tzedakah box designed by Omaha artist Julie Phillips that combines sonal images that and its iconic blue whimsical images with photos of her family. each ‘artist’ can and white tzedabring from home — family photos, wedding and birth an- kah boxes, is perhaps the best known of these organizations. nouncements, children’s and grandchildren’s artwork — the Tzedakah boxes can be plain or ornate works of art. The contzedakah box becomes rich with meaningful imagery.” cept of hidur mitzvah — adorning or beautifying the mitzvah “It’s the kind of project that makes every participant feel — teaches that whenever possible, one should seek to carry like a successful artist,” Phillips continued, “because there’s out mitzvot in joyful and beautiful ways. “That’s the goal of no pressure and no wrong way to create a tzedakah box. Each this Miriam Initiative project,” Phillips said. “Participants will one will be beautiful and unique and create a visual story that take home examples of how we can beautify Jewish ritual obwe can share. We’ll also share some light refreshments and jects and Jewish tradition.” enjoy a little background music and friendly conversation. The Feb. 7 Tzedakah Box Art Project is free and open to And please, dress for getting a little messy.” Phillips suggests the community. Registration is required either online at Beth that before participants come to either session, they make El’s website: bethel-omaha.org or by calling the Synagogue copies at home of any original photos or invitations they want at 402.492.8550. In case of inclement weather, a snow date to incorporate into the decoupaging process. A copy machine has been scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 28. The Miriam Iniwill be available at Beth El during the afternoon and evening. tiative is a series of ongoing projects and programs created, “The Tzedakah Box Art Project, inspired by the talented developed and presented by Beth El women. The Initiative and spirited Julie Phillips, is a proven hit,” said Joanie Jacob- welcomes all women who want to participate at any level son. “It made its debut years ago as part of the Women’s Fed- from leadership to fellowship. Call the synagogue for more eration Campaign and the result was stunning. Not only did information.
Eko Nova
21st CENTURY RENAISSANCE MUSICIANS
TOWER DUO FEBRUARY4,2019
TOWER DUO RETURNS! Erin Helgeson Torres and Michael Rene Torres, the married flute and saxophone duo, premiere works by emerging composers in KANEKO’s stunning Human Condition exhibit. Visit thekaneko.org. February 4, 2019 at 7 p.m. Kaneko: 111 Jones St. Tickets $15/$10 for Kaneko members and students
MUSIC & ART
Residents of RBJH made holiday tiles as gifts to give to all staff to say thank you for all they do! Each tile was unique in various colors and shapes. Staff had a hard time deciding on what beauty to pick. Pictured above: Lorna Kinney and Rose Rosenberg enjoying the weekly ice cream social.
Goldstein exhibit preview with afternoon tea
A special preview of the upcoming exhibit, Shirley Goldstein’s Immigrant Rights Legacy: Operation Exodus in Omaha will be given by curator Jeannette Gabriel at the Jewish Community Center on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 4:30 p.m. The preview will be followed with a discussion, including Soviet Jewish experiences in the exhibit. The event, sponsored by the Goldstein Center for Human Rights and the Goldstein Foundation, will bring together Omaha’s Soviet Jewish community to explore ways to document their experiences and history. An afternoon tea will be provided. Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Volunteer Services with Jewish Social Services and organizer of the Russian Cultural Club, said, “The upcoming exhibit documenting Shirley Goldstein’s activities here in Omaha provides a wonderful opportunity for the Soviet Jewish community to tell their stories for future generations.” Anna Yuz-Mosenkis, a leader of the Russian Cultural Club and translator for Russian-speaking Rose Blumkin Home residents, is assisting in organizing the Jan. 27 event and planning for the upcoming exhibit. She said, “I am glad that our small, but very strong, Jewish community can have this unique opportunity, thanks to the Goldstein Foundation and Shirley Goldstein’s fearless efforts and strong perseverance, when it was needed the most, to save this very valuable history of the Soviet Jewry.”
The Jewish Press | January 18, 2019 | 7
Read it and eat
This year is probably starting with an array of healthy resolutions, like making better food choices, incorporating more steps in your day, getting more sleep and maybe focusing on meditation practice. Here’s to a Lois Friedman new you for the New Year! This variety of cookbooks may help with preparing healthy recipes. These three cookbooks will inspire Health + Wellness! The Everything Healthy Meal Prep Cookbook by tina Chow (simon & schuster, $19.99) Embarking on her fitness journey, Chow started meal prepping religiously several years ago after realizing you “can’t out-work and out-train a bad diet!”. This series, a tried and true format, suggests saving time and energy while controlling what you eat and organizing your eating habits with 300 recipes, batch cooking, pre-packaging and portion-controlled meals prepared in advance. Chow’s Instagram page @fitchickscook features her weekly meal preps along with tips on healthy eating. There are over a Fresh by donal skehan (sterling epicure, $24.95) Over 100 recipes featuring seasonal fresh fruit and veggies, grains and smaller amounts of meats, adding spice, texture, booming flavor in the chapters: The Best Meal of the Day, Food on the Go, Quick Suppers, Time for Dinner, Desserts and Sweet Treats and Pantry. Lots of color
post-workout omeLet
Ingredients: 2 tsp. canola or vegetable oil 2-3 small rainbow chard with leaves, roughly chopped 1 garlic clove, finely minced 3 large free-range eggs 1/3 cup feta cheese 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 2 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Directions: Heat 1 tsp. of the oil in a large, nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat and fry the chard
GOT WATER? GOT COFFEE? dozen chapters, quick and easy recipes from a variety of apple ideas to Zoodles this and that and including substitutions, nutritional data and helpful getting-started tips. Most recipes store in the fridge for approximately five days. Follow instructions for layering salads in 32ounce jars to store, shake and eat! The Noma Guide to Fermentation by rene redzepi and david Zilber (aritisan, $40) Noma has been named the world’s best restaurant four times. Just in case a trip to Copenhagen and a Noma reservation aren’t part of your upcoming plans, dash out and get this cookbook featuring the fermentation secrets that are a part of every recipe. Learn from incredibly capable pros using a fermentation lab built from shipping containers. You can start with instructions using several large Ball jars. There are in-dept explanations, illustrated by handsome photographs, quick daily once-over suggestions and advice to be amazed. Think deliciousness through failure, adjustment and education from these acclaimed chefs and most of all amplify and reinvent everyday cooking. Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAnd Eat @yahoo.com.
photographs and numerical instructions are featured and are geared to a busy, hectic lifestyle. Try healthy snacks, quick suppers, Chunky Soup Four Ways, The House Vegetarian Fry, Fudgy Bounty Chocolate Cake, Roasted Spiced Chickpeas, toppers, smoothies and this flavor combination. until it is tender. When the chard is ready, stir in the garlic and continue to fry for another minute. Season to taste and transfer to a plate. Whisk the eggs in a bowl until combined and season with salt and pepper. Place the pan back on the heat with the remaining tsp. of oil. Pour in the eggs and allow them to set briefly before swirling with a spatula. Add the feta cheese, rainbow chard, cherry tomatoes, and sesame seeds before folding over one half of the omelet. Slide the omelet onto a plate and serve immediately. Serves 1
JBL welcomes Jeff Gordman
annette van de kamp-wriGht Editor, Jewish Press Jewish Business Leaders will host its next community event Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019 from 7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. at the Happy Hollow Club. Breakfast will be served and the featured speaker will be Jeff Gordman, former President and CEO of Gordmans Stores Inc. Jeff will share the Gordmans story as well as a few of the key lessons learned over his 18 year tenure as CEO. Koley Jessen Attorneys is sponsoring the Jan. 23 meeting. In addition, JBL is in part made possible through our generous Platinum sponsor, First National Bank and the Jewish Federation of Omaha.
and Coffee 402-392-2600
For more information or to become a member, please visit http://www.jewishom aha.org/Post/sections/103/Files/JBL%202 018-2019%20Brochure.pdf or contact
women’s guide publishing date | 02.15.19
space reservation | 02.06.19
Contact our advertising executive to advertise in this very special edition.
Steve Levinger at 402.334.6433 or slevinger@jewishomaha.org or JBL President Alex Epstein at 402.505.7720 or aeps tein@ omnepartners.com.
Susan Bernard 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org
8 | The Jewish Press | January 18, 2019
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(Founded in 1920) Abby Kutler President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Thierry Ndjike Accounting Jewish Press Board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex Officio; Laura Dembitzer; Candice Friedman; Jill Idelman; Andy Isaacson; Michael Kaufman; David Kotok; Natasha Kraft; Debbie Kricsfeld; Eric Shapiro and Amy Tipp. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish LIfe, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: wwwjewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishom aha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
American Jewish Press Association Award Winner
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M
Hypersensitive
ANNETTE vAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor, Jewish Press y teenage daughter was recently asked by an adult at her school to attend a play. The play, in question, made her uncomfortable because it seriously marginalized Jewish history, but when she explained why she wasn’t going (after the adult asked her three times), the response was: “Oh, I didn’t think it was offensive at all.” Really? That’s nice. But whether that adult thought it was offensive or not is beside the point. My daughter felt uncomfortable, so, no, she wasn’t going to the play. End of story, right? Wrong. Who decides what is offensive and what we should worry about? It’s becoming a more and more complicated problem, one that I think our society is trying to solve but something we’re failing at miserably. If you are offended, I can’t tell you not to be—I am not you. I don’t have your experience, I can’t see inside your head. I cannot tell you what to feel. And that should be okay, because I can simply answer the question by asking you and then taking your word for it. Of course, this goes both ways—respect only works if it’s mutual. The accusation of hypersensitivity is not new. Raise your hand if you’ve ever been told this: “You’re being too sensitive.” Are we too sensitive when we get upset when a medical resident is caught having joked on social media about purposely giving Jews the wrong meds? (She apologized, but more about that next week.) Are we too sensitive when we are bothered when a synagogue in Michigan is vandalized for the second time in two months? Are we too sensitive if we get angry when members of Germany’s far-right party Alternative for Germany call
that country’s national Holocaust Memorial “a monument of shame?” When it comes to light that a leading imam in Belgium prayed in a 2009 sermon for Allah to kill all Zionists and burn them in the blood of “martyrs,” is it okay to be irritated? What about the Belgian kosher slaughter ban? How about being concerned that all the extra security is becoming the norm, rather than the exception, is that us being too sensitive?
In 2013, The Atlantic published an article by Jonathan Chait, in which he writes: “The Atlantic opened its archives and republished the 1939 essay I Married a Jew. The mercifully anonymous author writes to reassure the world that it is indeed possible to harmoniously marry a Jewish guy, mainly because her husband is not like the other Jews (“People have known Ben casually for two or three years without discovering he was Jewish. It pleases him that he looks and acts like other people.”) She also writes: However, in our discussions, it is always I who must choose the more tactful way, for Ben, poor darling, still has the Jewish hypersensitivity toward all criticism of his race, for which he and his people are not to be blamed.”
The era of ‘never again’ is ending
ERIC RozENMAN JTA Filmmaker Steven Spielberg told NBC News he thinks society must take the possibility of genocide more seriously now than it has in the past generation. In an interview marking the 25th anniversary of Schindler’s List, Spielberg referred to the massacre at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue and warned that “hate leading to genocide is as possible today as it was during the Holocaust.” He was behind the curve. The era of “never again” is ending in Western Europe, fading in North America and never penetrated the Middle East. Relentless demonization of the Jewish state renormalizes demonization of Jewish people. Examples of post-Nazi genocide and attempted genocide abound, including Muslim Indonesia’s seizure of largely Christian East Timor, the autogenocide perpetrated by Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge, suppression of southern Sudan’s Christian and animist Darfur region by the government of the Muslim north, the murder of much of Rwanda’s Tutsi minority by the Hutu majority and today’s oppression by Myanmar’s Buddhist majority of its Rohingya Muslim minority. Two post-Holocaust mass murders of Jews already have been attempted. In 1948, five invading Arab countries committed to the destruction of the fledgling Jewish state. The United States no sooner became the first nation to recognize Israel than it slapped an arms embargo on the region. Though intended to diminish general tensions, in practice the move undercut Israel, since the other side continued to receive British arms and advice. In 1967, Israel preempted a potentially overwhelming attack by Egyptian, Syrian and Jordanian forces mobilized on its border. Afterward, the philosopher Eric Hoffer noted that “had [Egyptian President Gamal Abdel] Nasser triumphed... he would have wiped Israel off the map and no one would have lifted a finger to save the Jews.” Today, Iran builds ballistic missiles and seeks to develop nuclear warheads for them, functionally
asserting that “the Holocaust never happened and we intend to finish it.” The European Union, smarting at American insistence that it reimpose economic sanctions on Tehran at the expense of trade, has sought a way around potential penalties. Nazism obsessed over racially inferior Jews destroying the German people. The accused Pittsburgh murderer fantasized that pro-immigration Jews threatened “his people.” The man charged
A pro-Palestinian activist holds an Israeli flag painted with a Nazi swastika and the sentence “Who would say that David … now is Goliath!” at a rally against the Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip outside the Mexican Foreign Ministry building in Mexico City, July 11, 2014. Credit: Yuri Cortez/AFP/Getty Images with mailing letter bombs to prominent Americans reportedly wanted “to go back to Hitler times.” The U.S. “alt-right”– also described as the “alt-reich” — imagines the Israeli tail wags the American dog. Not entirely dissimilar, leaders of the Women’s March movement demand that Jewish activists check their white privilege and apologize for the Jews’ racist suppression of black and brown people. From medieval allegations of “Christ killers” to contemporary indictments of Jews as killers of Palestinian Arabs, those who portray Jews and the Jewish state as demonic — as Louis Farrakhan did yet again shortly after Pittsburgh — serve to reopen “the Jewish question.” As in, what shall be done with this never quite assimilated, always stubborn people? Infinitely adaptable, ever-enduring Jew hatred —
Reading this snippet, knowing a German-American woman wrote this in 1939 about her Jewish husband, makes me hope Ben left that marriage. I cannot imagine it ended well. And it gets worse: “I try to tell Ben that Hitler is merely writing another page in a history that will continue so long as the status quo between Jews and Gentiles remains — a status that only the willing shoulders of both protagonists can remove. But it is hard for Ben to take the long view. He looks upon Hitler as something malignantly unique, and it is no use trying to tell him that a hundred years hence the world will no more call Hitler a swine for expelling the Jews than it does Edward I of England, who did the same thing in the thirteenth century.” Ben (“the poor darling”), like many of us, was called hypersensitive. I wonder if his wife changed her thinking during the following years? Sometimes being hypersensitive simply means paying attention and seeing the warning signs. Don’t get me wrong; it’s a pretty big leap from my daughter’s school encounter to a woman in 1939 claiming Hitler isn’t so bad. Yet, the main principle stands: if you feel in your gut that you are (or someone else is) being marginalized, it’s okay to speak up. When we encounter any type of discrimination, when anything makes us uncomfortable, we don’t need others’ permission. Come to think of it, what is so awful about hypersensitivity anyway? Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole.
today regressing to its pre-Auschwitz mean through the gateway drug of anti-Zionism — retains its eternal answer: the elimination of Judaism and those who proclaim it. Among polite circles, like those who insist they are never anti-Semitic, “only anti-Zionist,” marginalization and social-cultural re-ghettoization will be sufficient. The original ethical monotheism, with its damned “thou shalls” and “thou shall nots,” contradicts the West’s increasing secular fundamentalism just as it called into question Christianity and then Islam’s claims to supersession. Including this small chosen people with their tiny promised land in that now-you-see-it, now-you-don’t multicultural rainbow remains one diversity too many. The Holocaust must be understood not only as an event halted by the Allies’ defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945 but also as a process interrupted. As the survivor and author Primo Levi put it, “It happened, and therefore, it can happen again. This is the core of what we have to say.” The words are inscribed at the entrance to Berlin’s Holocaust memorial. Twenty percent of French respondents between 18 and 34 tell CNN they’ve never heard of the Holocaust. So does a similar proportion in the United States. A Labor Party unit in northern Britain rejected a proposed resolution condemning the Pittsburgh murders because there’s too much talk of “anti-Semitism this, anti-Semitism that.” Today the spread of neo-Nazism anti-Zionist antiSemitism makes continued war against, and potential genocide of the majority of the world’s Jews — that is, those living in Israel — a renewed possibility. Eric Rozenman is the author of Jews Make the Best Demons: ‘Palestine’ and the Jewish Question, published by New English Review Press. He is former Washington director of the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America and former editor of B’nai B’rith’s International Jewish Monthly and the Washington Jewish Week. e views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.
The Jewish Press | January 18, 2019 | 9
The wisdom behind israel’s crazy multi-party system
Ariel piCArD JERUSALEM | JTA Israeli politics looks like a big mess right now. In the past few weeks, three new parties have been launched; and one party has kicked out a former partner. More changes are likely, too. It probably will get messier still if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is indicted before national elections are held on April 9. e latest polls show 12 to 14 parties entering the new Knesset, many with the bare minimum of four seats. (e Knesset has 120 seats.) at would be up from 10 in the recently dissolved parliament. But expect those early tallies to change. e polls diverge widely in their counts, and more political surprises are surely in store. For Brits and especially Americans, who are used to twoparty politics, this fluid situation may seem like a weakness of Israeli democracy; but it is actually a sign of its strength. As they say in the tech world, Israel’s political condition is a feature not a bug. Why is that? e games of musical chairs, with parties breaking away and others being fired, are not only being driven by political egos. at’s not to say no egos are in play. But the emergence of new parties and the shrinking of older ones are based on the notion that the Israeli voter is “woke” and caring. Voters have demands, opinions and desires; and the country’s politicians are trying to find out what they want. Hardly any voters are in the back pockets of politicos, who cannot take anyone for granted. Most Israelis no longer vote based on family traditions, ethnic loyalty or rabbinic directives. ey change their minds every campaign. Old and influential Zionist movements like Labor and the National Religious Party are losing ground politically, even though people still believe in the ideologies. Voters are making specific demands of their leaders and will not be loyal to a politician just because he or she heads a particular party. ese continuing splits have also shattered the traditional support networks of the old-line parties. Labor cannot count on the support that its “ground troops” from the Histadrut labor unions and kibbutzim used to provide. e religious parties used to be able to count on their B’nei Akiva youth groups and yeshiva students. Such networks are less important in an era of internet campaigning, and that traditional support is certainly not showing up on Election Day. Not even the haredi Orthodox vote en bloc anymore. You would have thought that in a right-wing government they would get what they want. But they didn’t; and in the end, there will be army conscription of young haredi men, even in a right-wing coalition. Overall, the haredim hold fewer seats than their demographics would suggest. It is even possible that the Sephardic haredi party Shas won’t receive enough votes to gain Knesset seats. With right-wingers Naali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked exiting the Jewish Home party, its remnants, primarily the old National Religious Party, also may not exceed the electoral threshold of four seats. Other examples of such fracturing abound. Avigdor Liberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu party doesn’t represent Russian Israelis anymore. e Arab political parties are a more complicated matter, but on numbers alone, one would think they could hold more than 20 seats in the 120-member Knesset, as Arab Israelis represent 20 percent of the country’s population. But they are stuck in the low double digits. By my estimates, only 20-25 percent of voters cast their ballots according to tradition; and they are clustered in the Likud and haredi parties. at is not a large enough percentage to be a game changer. e game changer is the other 75 percent. e Israeli political map in the 2019 election is different from 2015’s, which was different from those in 2012 and 2009. is is not a sign of chaos. Rather it is a sign of a mature democracy and shows voters’ critical thinking about politics.
ey say, “I won’t vote for you just because I voted for you last lot of friction, it gives more representative power to different time or because I was raised in your educational system.” parts of society, which is what democracy is about. I prefer ere are no loyalties. that to some kind of political tyranny or a democracy that is direct influence of the individual citizen on politics is grinds to a halt. the real check and balance in our political system, especially A democracy is not tested by the power of a ruler but by as we don’t have a constitution, and the courts are under at- the constraints it imposes on power. A prime minister in a tack. Even Benjamin Netanyahu, a great politician, has to see- parliamentary system must be open and listen. He or she has saw back and forth among differing ideas. You cannot fool to make concessions, even to small parties. ere will always Israelis, and he knows it. be people who are unhappy, and here, virtually every political e argument that most of Israel’s Jewish population is group is both happy and unhappy, depending on the moment. right wing is a fact, but it’s a result of the current situation. It One of the proofs of this is our high voter turnout. Nearly wasn’t like that always, and it won’t always be like that. Bibi 72 percent of Israel’s eligible voters cast their ballots in the won’t be here forever. Even though Likud looks as if it is the last of the old-line parties to retain its deep core intact, the day that Netanyahu goes – and that day will come – Likud will implode as its historic rivals and partners have. He’s the only one holding the Likud together. A governing coalition with many small parties is a problem. But I prefer a fragile system that is sensitive to the different opinions in society than strong leadership like a Miki Zohar, center, chairman of the House Committee of the israeli Knesset in Jerusalem, chairs a vote on the split of Ayelet Shaked, naftali Bennett and Shuli Muallem from the Jewish Home party presidential system. Credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90 Israel’s politics may seem to form a new party called The new right, Dec. 30, 2018. chaotic, but it gets things done. Innovative legislation of 2015 election, compared to 58 percent in the United States in cannabis exports, child vaccinations and cigarette labeling 2016, a presidential year, and less than 50 percent in 2018 — made it through the system before the Knesset dissolved. itself the highest midterms turnout since 1914. Either Israelis e two-party presidential system in the U.S. has ground to are naive – they are not – or they think the system is working. a halt, the result of a polarized electorate and differing parties Elections in Israel are an example of the trust people have in running the two houses of the Congress. America’s founders the political system, and the greater the noise and chaos, the wanted governing to be difficult, but they also wanted con- greater the involvement and engagement. sensus of a sort — seemingly impossible in a system that deRabbi Dr. Ariel Picard is director of the Shalom Hartman mands a stark choice between two sides of a divide. Institute’s Kogod Research Center for Contemporary Jewish Unlike Donald Trump, Netanyahu cannot just play to his ought. “base.” e forming and reforming of factions means he is ale views and opinions expressed in this article are those of ways in danger. You can argue that danger paralyzes him from the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its acting, but it also demands more caution. In a society with a parent company, 70 Faces Media.
A new play shows the real Anne Frank Arielle KAplAn Although she’s one of the most famous women in history, Anne Frank’s legacy has been infantilized by people donning rose-tinted glasses. “When we only remember those beautiful bite-size things she said about people being really good at heart, we forget how she died,” writer Rachel McKay Steele told me. I watched Steele, 33, cosplay as Anne Frank in a workshop performance of her solo stage show, Shiva for Anne Frank. Between noshing on chocolate rugelach and a bagel with a schmear (typical shiva food that was served to the audience), I laughed, cried, mourned and celebrated Anne’s short life as told through the lens of a Jewish comedian. roughout the performance, Steele intertwined her own life experiences with Anne’s to bring the iconic teen’s true persona to light. Speaking with Steele on the phone following her performance, I asked what she hopes people take home from the show. Steele told me she wants people to return to the unedited version of e Diary of Anne Frank. “I would love if it was a book that isn’t something we read in seventh grade to understand the Holocaust,” she said. “ere is so much in her writing to relate to as a young
woman that is universal.” My favorite bits of the performance were the passages from Anne’s unedited diary that Steele analyzed. Her comedic interpretations paired with historical context eroded Anne’s saintly image and grounded her as an average, relatable teen. Steele illustrated the importance of valuing Anne’s diary not as a means to remember the Holocaust, but as a relatable, coming-of-age story for young girls. Luckily for Steele, as she wrote her cosplay manifesto over the summer, the Anne Frank House museum in Amsterdam released two never-before- seen pages full of dirty jokes from Anne’s diary. And, boy, are they juicy. Aer hearing just a few of them, I can’t imagine that any audience member le Steele’s show refusing to relinquish the myth of Anne’s sainthood. In two hours, Steele dismantled the censored, saintly version of Anne and replaced it with one that paints her the way she should be remembered: an intelligent, hilarious, blunt, queer, budding woman who hated her mom and loved dirty jokes. So, yeah, Anne Frank was not a saint. But she’s still my icon. is article was edited for length and originally appeared on Alma. Read the full piece at JTA.org.
10 | The Jewish Press | January 18, 2019
synagogues B’Nai iSraeL SyNagogue
618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth eL SyNagogue
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org
Beth iSraeL SyNagogue
Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
ChaBad houSe
An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
CoNgregatioN B’Nai JeShuruN
South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org
offutt air forCe BaSe
Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com
roSe BLuMkiN JeWiSh hoMe
323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154
teMpLe iSraeL
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com
tifereth iSraeL
Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
B’Nai iSraeL SyNagogue
Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on feb. 8, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Jeannette Gabriel. Our service leader is Larry Blass, and as always, an Oneg to follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! For information on our historic synagogue, contact any of our board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Howard Kutler, Carole Lainof, Wayne Lainof, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf, or email nancywolf16620@gmail.com.
Beth eL SyNagogue
Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. friday: Shabbat Tables on the town, various times; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. Saturday: Shabbat Shirah, Musical Shabbat Service, 10 a.m.; No Junior Congregation; Mincha following Shabbat morning services. Weekday SerViCeS: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SuNday: No BESTT Classes; No Torah Study. MoNday: MLK Jr. Day of Service Celebration, 5 p.m. at Church of Jesus Christ & Latter Day Saints, 14608 California St. tueSday: Mahjong, 1 p.m. WedNeSday: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; USY Program, 5:15 p.m.; The History of American Anti-Semitism, 6 p.m. with Jeanette Gabriel; BESTT Hebrew High, 6:30 p.m. thurSday: Breakfast and Brachot: Service, 7 a.m. and Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. Nebraska AIDS Coaltion Lunch, friday, Jan, 25, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Joan Marcus serves lunch once a month at the Nebraska AIDS Project, and she needs baked goods for dessert. Contact Joan if you can help by donating baked goods. Become a Soulful Parent, Sundays, Jan. 27, feb. 24 and March 31 at 10 a.m. Join us for an exploration of parenting challenges against the backdrop of Jewish ideas and texts.
Beth iSraeL SyNagogue
Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. friday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 5:06 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 5:06 p.m. Saturday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Sponsored Kiddush by Cony and Joel Alperson, 11:30 a.m.; Insights into the Weekly Torah Portion, 4:05 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 4:50 p.m.; Havdalah, 6:10 p.m. SuNday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:10 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. MoNday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Jewish History — Your History, noon with Rabbi Shlomo; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:10 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. tueSday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Torah Tuesday, 3 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:10 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. WedNeSday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:10 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. thurSday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Connecting with Our Faith, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:10 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.
ChaBad houSe
Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. friday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. Saturday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. WeekdayS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. MoNday: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani. WedNeSday: Mystical Thinking, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman. thurSday: Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Katzman; All programs are open to the entire community. For more information call 402.330.1800 or visit www.ochabad.com. Services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby.
CoNgregatioN B’Nai JeShuruN
friday: Candlelighting, 5:09 p.m.; Erev Shabbat Service, 6:30 p.m.; Oneg, 7:30 p.m. hosted by Elaine Monnier. Saturday: Shabbat Morning Service: Shabbat Shirah, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Beshalach; Potluck Dinner and Game Night, 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome
and bring your favorite dish to share; Havdalah (72 minutes), 6:41 p.m. SuNday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m.; Jewish Book Club, 1:30 p.m. at Gere Library and will discuss works by Amos Oz; Feeding the Kids at F Street Rec Center, 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Aimee Hyten at aimee.hyten@ gmail.com or Lupe Malcom at lupemalcom65@gmail.com.; Tu B’Shevat Seder and Dinner, 6 p.m. at SST; Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. All equipment furnished. Wear comfortable clothing. For questions, call or text Miriam Wallick at miriam57@aol.com. tueSday: Mussar Va’ad, 7 p.m. WedNeSday: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at TI. Movie Screening of The Reluctant Radical, a documentary about one man’s radical effor to fight climate change on Sunday, Jan. 26, 7-9 p.m. at Unitarian Church, 6300 A. St. It's not too soon to be thinking about summer camp! All Federation families are eligible for Camp Incentive Grants of $300 per camper to pay the initial camp registration deposit. Application packets are available in the Temple office and on the Temple website.
offutt air forCe BaSe
friday: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.
roSe BLuMkiN JeWiSh hoMe
Saturday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Stan Edelstein. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
teMpLe iSraeL
friday: Shabbat Shira Service, 6 p.m. Join us on for Shabbat Shira, which takes its name from “The Song at the Sea” (Shirat HaYam), from Chapter 15 in the book of Exodus. The language is poetic; it is one of the places in the Torah that is instantly recognizable due to its use of a column layout. This is said to reflect both the waves of the sea and the bricks that the Israelites labored with as slaves in Egypt. Also during this service, we will honor all of our Life & Legacy participants. Through training, support, and incentives, Life & Legacy motivates Jewish organizations to integrate legacy giving into their philanthropic culture assuring Jewish tomorrows. Services will be followed by a special oneg. Saturday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Leah dysico, daughter of Rachel and Gil Dysico. SuNday: No Religious School WedNeSday: Religious School Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6:30 p.m.; Family School, 6:30 p.m.; What (We Say) We Believe: Understand the Prayer Book, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. thurSday: The History of the Jewish People: The
Church Fathers & the Jews, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Brian Stoller. Chocolate Shabbat, friday, Jan. 25, Dinner, 5:15 p.m., Services, 6 p.m. Join us at Temple Israel for a multi-generational family service featuring our kids’ choir, Kol Chokolad! Everyone is invited! Chocolate Shabbat starts with a community dinner, continues with Friday evening Shabbat service, followed by a delicious chocolate oneg. There is no cost for the dinner, but we do need your reservation so we know how much macaroni and cheese to make. RSVP to Temple Israel, 402.556.6536, by Wednesday, Jan. 23. OTYG: Chocolate Shabbat & Urban Air, friday, Jan. 25, 6-9 p.m. OTYG, along with the rest of the congregation, will attend services followed by delicious chocolate treats! After stuffing our faces, we will head to Urban Air for trampolines, obstacle courses, and more! Cost to attend is $15. RSVP to Jacob Kahn, jkahn@templeisraelomaha.com. Super Bowl LIII at Temple Israel: Come watch Super Bowl LIII with us on our big projection screens in the Social Hall! On Sunday, feb. 3, 4:30 p.m. we will be providing all-youcaneat appetizers and nonalcoholic drinks. BYOB. We’ll have everything from wings and dips to meatballs and sweets. Kids activities and sitter service provided. The suggested donation for the evening is $7 per person or $15 per family. Please RSVP to Temple Israel, 402.556.6536, by Friday, Feb. 1.
tifereth iSraeL
Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. friday: No Services; Candlelighting, 5:09 p.m. Saturday: Shabbat Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a light Kiddush luncheon; Junior Congregation Got Shabbat, 11 a.m. Special Giveaways for those attending! Attendance earns UrbanAir Event in February. RSVP to Lbow20 65@gmail.com; Havdalah (72 minutes), 6:19 p.m.; Tifereth Israel invites you to join us for Cocktails and Noshing in celebration of Tu B’Shevat and Shabbat Shira, 7:15 p.m.-10 p.m. at the Brockman Home, 1055 Cromwell Drive with special music by Sarabande Strings. RSVP to corenancy@gm ail.com or 402.770.4167. SuNday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m.; Jewish Book Club, 1:30 p.m. at Gere Library and will discuss works by Amos Oz; Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. All equipment furnished. Wear comfortable clothing. For questions, call or text Miriam Wallick at miriam57@aol.com. MoNday: Tifereth Israel office will be closed for MLK Day. WedNeSday: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m. Lunch and Learn, Saturday, Jan. 26 at noon wtih guest speaker, Marcia Wallen, MS, RD, LMNT on Your diet, nutrition, and your health. It's not too soon to be thinking about summer camp! All Federation families are eligible for Camp Incentive Grants of $300 per camper to pay the initial camp registration deposit. Application packets are availible in the Tifereth Israel foyer.
Leaving the national Women’s March
York Jewish Week recently that it would not be a partner JTA newS STAff The Southern Poverty Law Center and a major Reform in this year’s march. Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Senior Rabbi Ammiel synagogue in New York have disassociated themselves Hirsch announced Friday that his New York-based congrefrom this year’s Women’s March. gation will disassociate Top leaders of the from Women’s March main organization have Inc., and that it will join been accused of engagthe 2019 Women’s ing in or condoning antiMarch On NYC under the Semitism, of not cutting auspices of the Women’s ties with Nation of Islam March Alliance. leader Louis Farrakhan As early as 2017 we and of failing to heed the heard rumblings of trouconcerns of its thousands of Jewish backers. Supporters of National Council of Jewish Women and other bling accusations of anti-Semitism and antiJen Fuson, a spokes- Jewish organizations come together on the National Mall Zionism within and woman for the Alabama- for the Women's March on Washington, Jan. 21, 2017. Credit: Ron Sachs amongst the leadership based SPLC, told the Daily Beast that “other projects were a priority.” She said of the Washington march,” Hirsch said in a statement. “At the organization would be involved in local marches where the time we pushed our discomfort aside in deference to what we considered the bigger issues threatening our they have offices, however. SPLC has designated the Nation of Islam as a hate country. But now, in the aftermath of Pittsburgh and mindgroup, but did not specifically cite this as a reason for ful of the surge in anti-Semitic incidents in the past two years, anti-Semitism can no longer be a narrow concern. leaving the national march. The Daily Beast also noted that EMILY’s List does not If you tolerate or are sympathetic to those who are prejappear on the list of Women’s March 2019 partners and udiced against Jews, we cannot stand with you. If you that the National Council of Jewish Women told The New deny Israel’s right to exist, we cannot stand with you.”
The Jewish Press | January 18, 2019 | 11
usnews
Remembering Ela Weisenberger
ANNiE COHEN Ela was 15 when she, her sister and her mother miracuNEW ORLEANS | JTA lously evaded Auschwitz and survived the war at eresienEla Weissberger was the strongest woman I have ever stadt. Aer the liberation they returned to Prague, but Ela known. Her energy was indefatigable, her personality vibrant eventually moved to Israel, where she served in the army and and sunny, her wit sharp and charming. Her magical rapport Israel’s equivalent of the Secret Service. In Israel, she met her with children was undeniable. husband, Leopold, and eventually they moved to New York Ela was a Holocaust survivor, sent at age 11 to Terezin in with their children. Czechoslovakia, from her home in Prague. At the concentraBrundibar came into my life in 2016 during a performance tion camp, Ela performed in the children’s opera Brundibar, arranged by the New Orleans Opera Association, the National written for the Prague Children’s Opera by Hans Krasa and World War II Museum and Cantor Joel Colman of the city’s later smuggled into eresienstadt. Congregation Temple Sinai. e Nazi guards there paraded the children to perform I was honored to play Aninka, the sister. e production Brundibar” in front of the Red Cross for propaganda pur- took place at the National World War II Museum on a stage poses, hoping to convince the world that Jews under Nazi set in a hangar with World War II-era planes strung overhead. control were well treated. Ela was Robert Lyall conducted an ormade to perform the role of the chestra and a cast of children Cat 55 times. On the night of the from the Greater New Orleans last performance, most of the area. Most special of all, Ela atchildren in the cast were sent to tended the performances and adAuschwitz, where they perished. dressed the packed audience aer Brundibar also survived the each show, sometimes joking and Holocaust and is now performed sometimes serious. to memorialize the children who At 18, I was one of the oldest were murdered. Ela became its members of our cast (I could pass most loyal champion. Aer surfor much younger, a fact Ela viving the war, she spent much of found very funny) and initially I the rest of her life traveling the understood the weight of our task world to attend every production more than some of the younger of Brundibar that she could. She Annie Cohen, right, met Holocaust survivor Ela Weisskids. But Ela had a talent for stogave speeches and spoke with the berger when the teen appeared in a New Orleans produc- rytelling and she shared her expechildren, and followed the opera tion of Brundibar in 2016. The children’s opera by Jewish riences in eresienstadt with the in hopes of preserving the mes- Czech composer Hans Krása was performed by the chilcast before our dress rehearsal. sage of music and friendship that dren of the Theresienstadt concentration camp, including She helped us understand the Weissberger. Credit: Cohen deep significance of our performit portrays. Ela was thrilled to see the resurgence of Brundibar, as it ances. At the end of each show, aer addressing the audience, kept alive the memory of her friends. Music and hope went Ela joined us in an encore of the victory march, singing in hand in hand for Ela. Czech while we sang in English and wrapping her arms When Ela died in March 2018 at 87, her passing was little around as many children as she could reach. noted outside of North Carolina, where she was living. But I was heartbroken when I heard of Ela’s passing. Her presfor those like me who got to know her through Brundibar — ence at Brundibar performances around the world touched and others who learned her story through newspaper articles so many lives. Countless children learned about the Holoor her own oral testimony and videos, or the 1991 documen- caust from Ela, and they were changed by her words and intary e Journey of Butterfly — her life was a defiant message domitable spirit. Ela made history come alive for us, and of hope amid the destruction. while it was sobering to learn the history behind the opera, Brundibar tells the story of a brother and sister who need Ela was a comforting presence not just to me but to countless to earn money to buy milk for their sick mother but must de- other children worldwide. feat the evil organ grinder Brundibar to do so. With the help “I always thought the opera died with the children, but of a dog, a cat, a bird and a group of children, they defeat when I hear it here in a reunited state, singing it by children Brundibar and celebrate by singing a victory march. It was free, it will never die,” she said in an interview for the USC known in eresienstadt that the character of Brundibar rep- Shoah Foundation. resented Hitler, and singing its climactic victory march was a is was the message of remembrance that she had kept thrilling rebuke of the horrors of life in the ghetto. throughout her life, and her eyes would always light up when Despite its use as propaganda, Ela loved performing we sang, for she was remembering her friends and we were Brundibar. She had always loved to sing and was excited to bringing them back to life for her. be cast in the production at eresienstadt. Ela said that I treasure my copy of the book e Cat with the Yellow Star, music and Brundibar were everything to the prisoners, and a memoir for young adults she wrote with Susan Goldman that when she was singing all of her troubles disappeared. She Rubin in 2008. She wrote a message in my book: “Remember told us that music brought joy and hope to a place where there me and my friends, Love Ela.” was none.
Piano lessons at the J!
Piano lessons are conveniently located at the J! Taught by experienced instructors that use internationally recognized methodologies, lessons can be scheduled at a time convenient for you. Students will be required to purchase music books that will be assigned according to their level. It is strongly recommended students have a piano or keyboard at home to practice. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a music decathlon held in January at Grace University administered by the Independent Music Teachers Organization. Lessons typically are 45 minutes long. Six hours is eight 45-minute lessons. Member Price is $32.25 per 45 min, $42 per hour and $240 for 6 hours. Non Member Price is $40.32 per 45 min., $53 per hour or 6 hours for $300. For more information, please contact Esther Katz, Director of Performing Arts at 402.334.6406 or email ekatz@jccomaha.org.
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12 | The Jewish Press | January 18, 2019
community
W
News from the RBJH Volunteer Department Ozzie NOgg
e know that children, when frightened or under stress, are often soothed by their favorite ‘blankie’ or stuffed toy. Likewise, research shows that a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia, when agitated, may be calmed by a Fidget Blanket. Diane Sim, volunteer seamstress at the Rose Blumkin Home, is now creating lap-sized, colorful Fidget Blankets that keep Residents’ hands busy, occupy their minds and reduce agitation. “The RBJH Therapy Department and also the Activities Department utilize the Fidget Blankets,” said Sabine Strong, the Blumkin Home Volunteer Coordinator. “These small lap quilts provide sensory and tactile stimulation for the restless or ‘fidgety’ hands of someone with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Blumkin Home Residents who use these blankets respond positively.” The Fidget Blankets that Diane makes generally have pockets, zippers or buttons, lace and other trimmings and can keep Residents’ hands busy for hours. Diane sews different objects to the blankets that stimulate the seniors, keep them focused on an activity and relieve boredom. “The blankets help Residents stay occupied while ‘fidgeting’ with all the interesting elements on their laps,” Sabine said. “On some blankets, small spoons and other common household items are attached and the Residents love touching them. We also provide blankets with sporting or farm items for Residents to enjoy. All in all, the Fidget Blankets seem to help Residents stay calm, engaged, content and busy.” A second volunteer seamstress, Karen Lofgren-Anderson, sews aprons for the ceramics classes in the messy activities room, plus walker bags and other various items as they are requested for Blumkin Home Residents, and embroiders labels at home on her own machine. In addition to the Fidget Blankets, Diane sews fleece shawls with pockets for Residents to wear and keep warm in their
rooms, in the Home’s lounge areas or in the Auditorium. “The Residents love them,” Sabine said. The volunteer seamstresses also take care of mending and sewing needs for the Residents, such as shortening pants or dresses. “Karen and Diane come to the Home and use the Bernina sewing machines that were donated a few years ago by LOVE (League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly). LOVE also funds the sewing project materials,” Sabine explained. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I couldn’t be happier with our vol-
unteers. They have so much talent and are such angels for what they do. Many Residents stop by to see Karen and Diane in action and are excited to chat with them about their many projects.” At the RBJH, Sabine recruits, Above: Just one of the many Fidget Blantrains and superkets made by RBJH volunteer seamstress vises volunteers, Diane Sim, left: aprons, made by RBJH vol- and fills volununteer seamstress Karen Lofgren-Anderson, teer requests waiting to be used in the messy activities from the Activiroom at the Home. ties and other RBJH Departments as needed. She plans, develops, implements, evaluates and directs the volunteer program, works with the activities team on events and activities, and serves as the liaison between LOVE and the Blumkin Home. “The chance to help others, to see their smiling, happy faces and to brighten a Resident’s day gives me the most satisfaction in my work with the elderly,” Sabine said. “I don’t personally do any sewing, but the best part of my job is knowing that we make a difference in the lives of the Residents through the services we provide that address their needs. I’m happy to have Karen Lofgren-Anderson and Diane Sim on my team of volunteers.” For more information on volunteer opportunities at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, please contact Sabine Strong, Volunteer Coordinator, 402.334.6519 or email: sstrong@rbjh.com.