January 29, 2016

Endowed by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

JFO expands benefits of Jewish Experience and Israel Experience Grant programs

January 29, 2016 19 Shevat 5776 Vol. 96 | No. 20

This Week

A week in the life of a Shaliach Page 5

Tribute Book to honor Rabbi Azriel Page 7

by MARK KIRCHHOFF JFO staff writer The Jewish Federation of Omaha has recently approved expanded benefits for its Jewish Experience Grant (JEG) and Israel Experience Grant (IEG) programs. This action highlights its commitment to the youth in the community by encouraging participation in programs that have proven to be of tremendous value in developing Jewish identity and cultivating Jewish values. These grant programs, funded by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, provide non-income based funding for specific purposes.

“Both Israel trips and residential Jewish summer camps are such powerful experiences,” says Alan Potash, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

“At the Federation, we are very excited to create these opportunities for our youth and help them develop their Jewish identity.”

Jewish Experience Grants have now been increased to $2,000 with a maximum of $1,000 used per summer. JEG grants are for children in grades 3 to 11 and are designed to encourage attendance at a Jewish summer residential camp. The grants are for a Jewish camp session that is two weeks or longer at a camp approved by the Center for Jewish Life. The family must be a resident of the Omaha metropolitan area and be a Continued on page 3

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.

Friedel Science Fair American Muslims take a lesson on Zionism Page 12

in February

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Next Week Simchas+Celebrations See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

8 10 11

by OZZIE NOGG A Free Afternoon at the Movies: The Intern, Friday, Feb. 5, 1 p.m. in the JCC Theater. Complimentary popcorn -- warm and delicious -- will be served. No reservations necessary.

Bring a friend or two. This delightful comedy explores how starting a new job can be a difficult challenge, especially if you’re already retired. Looking to get back into the game, 70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro) seizes the opportunity to become a senior intern at an online fashion website. Ben soon becomes popular with his younger coworkers, including Jules Ostin (Anne Hathaway), the boss and founder of the company. Whittaker’s charm, wis-

Eliezer Shyken shows his Zayde, Dr. Paul Shyken, the project the second grader is entering in Friedel Jewish Academy’s Feb. 4 Science Fair. dom and sense of humor help him develop a special bond and growing friendship with Jules. Reviewers call The Intern ‘sane, sweet, smart and funny.’ The movie also features Renee Russo. If you’d like to enjoy a Star Deli lunch at the Blumkin Home before the show, call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 to reserve a table. Lunch is on your own. The Star Deli opens for business at 11:30 a.m.

Continued on page 2

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN for Friedel Jewish Academy Have you ever wondered what makes a better light saber -- one made at home or one purchased in a store? That’s what fifth grader, Noah Shrago, who just happens to be a big Star Wars fan, is attempting to resolve by means of his Friedel Jewish Academy Science Fair project.

Likewise, five Shyken children, all students at Friedel, have turned their home into a science lab. Sixth

grader Shmuel is attempting to resolve which liquid (diet or regular soda pop, juice or water) best helps a plant grow. He’s working with his youngest sibling, Aliza, a kindergarten student at Friedel, who wanted to be actively involved in the experiment too.

Aviva, a fifth grader, is trying to grow old seeds. Fourth grader Batsheva wants to find out how long a candle burns while Eliezer, who’s in Continued on page 3

2 | The Jewish Press | January 29, 2016

Mainstreeters in February

Continued from page 1 Have lunch with President Abraham Lincoln: Monday, Feb. 15 at 12:30 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Home Auditorium. Lee Williams, a member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters -- an organization dedicated to bringing Abe and Mary Lincoln to life -- does an extraordinary job of portraying our 16th President’s character, honesty and compassion. In this Chautauqua style lecture, Lee Williams as Abe Lincoln gives the audience a moving, insightful and patriotic glimpse of our past and hope for the future. For your entree, choose either Cheese Lasagna or Baked Salmon with Rice Pilaf and enjoy tossed salad, Italian mixed vegetable and garlic bread sticks, fresh baked cannoli for dessert and beverage of your choice. Cost is $10 a plate. Reservations are appreciated by Monday, Feb. 8.

Make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and send full payment to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha, Lee Williams as Abraham NE 68154. For transportation, call Lincoln Maggie 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 lyrics by our very own Karen Sokolof Javitch. Script by James Spicer Conant. The performance is open to the entire community. Love! At the Cafe! is a romantic comedy about two love triangles and conflicts that take place in the 1950s at Bonnie’s Cafe. The main character, Jimmy, is an allAmerican teenage boy with a longtime crush on Sharon, the pretty waitress. Jimmy is about to disclose his love by asking Sharon to the Fourth of July party, only to be thwarted by wealthy, evil, self-centered Fred, who has already asked Sharon to the party. While this plot spools out, Melvin (the head cook) is engaged to the flamboyant actress wanna-be, Candy, who is hotly pursued by Jet, the phony Hollywood producer. In the middle of all these shenanigans is the older Bonnie, who runs the cafe. This up-beat, finger snapping musical, with big 50’s song and dance numbers, will put a smile on your face and love in your heart! Special priced tickets are $5 each, thanks to partial sponsorship by the Ruth Riekes Richards Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Ticket requests are appreciated by Monday, Feb. 10. Make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and send full payment to: Jewish Social Services c/o Maggie Conti, 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 composer and international touring artist who plays rare and unusual instruments from around the world. His performances are both educational and entertaining. Michael inspires and connects with audiences of all ages. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Esther K. Newman and the J.S.O. Budget Subvention Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation and is offered to the entire community at no charge. Don’t miss it.

Percussionist Michael Fitzsimmons & Percussion Conversations: Friday, Feb. 26 at 1:30 p.m. in the JCC Auditorium. No admission fee.Under Michael’s guidance, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Residents and Friedel Jewish Michael Fitzsimmons Academy 5th and 6th grade students will perform on a variety of percussion instruments.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Esther K. Newman and the J.S.O. Budget Subvention Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation and offered to the community 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 Home Boardroom. Sponsored by Jewish Social Services and The Visiting Nurses Association. Presented by Dennis Dunning, PhD, CCC-SLP. No charge. Invite a friend. Dennis worked as a speech pathologist for the Veteran’s Administrations for 25 years, and is also a consultant for the Carl T. Curtis Rehab Center for Native Americans in Macy, Nebraska. During this class, Dennis will give participants an overview of brain anatomy and physiology, offer ways to both stimulate and relax the brain, and explain how physical exercise and proper nutrition can lead to better brain function. Jewish Social Services and the Visiting Nurse Association realize the importance of being proactive about your health. This educational workshop will be a specific interest to seniors who want to learn more about taking charge of their well-being.

To RSVP, please call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 or email mconti@rbjh.com by Monday, Feb. 22. Refreshments will be served.

Mainstreeters welcomes all Jewish residents of the Omaha

Do you know an outstanding Jewish teacher currently teaching K-12 in the Omaha metro area?

$10,000 Sokolof Teacher’s Award

Just write a letter describing this teacher (who has been teaching at least 3 years) and tell us why she/he deserves this special recognition.

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

A teacher who was nominated in the past, but not selected, can be nominated again. Only an update is needed.

area age 60 plus. The group offers a mixed-bag of social events and learning opportunities that give participants the chance to meet new people, exercise their brains, take part in new activities and continue enjoying life to the fullest.

“Mainstreeters offers diverse programs every month,” said Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach Programs at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “We invite community members to join the February fun.”

Mainstreeters programs are supported in part by grants from the United Way of the Midlands and the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Kids Campaign

Cory and Taylor Nogg are filling a Pushka (Tzedakah can) for the Jewish Federation of Omaha Kids Campaign.

Do you have yours? Pushkas are available through the Pennie Z. Davis Childhood Development Center, Friedel Jewish Academy, the JCC front door, all three synagogues and the Chabad House. Giving coins to help others is easy, and it’s fun!

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

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Louri Sullivan at 402.334.6485 or lsullivan@jewishomaha.org.

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Send your letter by March 1 to Janet Henthorn at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154 or jhenthorn@jewishomaha.org.

Contact her with any questions at 402-334-6551.

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January 29, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 3

Engage with Rabbi Artson

by SHERRIE SAAG for Beth El Synagogue Beth 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 Omaha as its Scholar-in-Residence Jan. 29-31.

Rabbi Artson holds the Abner and Roslyn Goldstine Dean’s Chair of the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies and is Vice President of American Jewish University in Los Angeles. He also serves as the Dean of the Zacharias Frankel College in Potsdam, Germany, which ordains Conservative Rabbis in Europe.

The weekend is made possible through the generous Rabbi Bradley Artson support of The Ann Goldstein Endowment Fund of Beth El Synagogue.

Rabbi Artson will offer the following inspiring and provocative lectures at Beth El, and the entire community is invited 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 following Kabbalat 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, BESTT students.

Renewing the Process of Creation, Sunday, Jan. 31, 11 a.m.

Sunday Speaker Series Adult Education.

After a recent speaking engagement, at a Boston synagogue, it was said that Rabbi Artson’s authorship of over ten books and more than 250 articles and, in particular, his 2013 book, God of Becoming and Relationship: The Dynamic Nature of Process Theology, distinguishes him as a worthy

21st century heir to the great Jewish theologians of the last century, notably Martin Buber, Mordecai Kaplan and Abraham Joshua Heschel.

This high praise came about in a rather circuitous route as Rabbi Artson described his childhood, “My parents raised me with strong values of social justice, open inquiry, integrity, and a passion for caring for others, but I grew up thinking religion was for stupid people. My childhood memories of my big classical Reform synagogue were of boredom and pomp -- though I have come to appreciate that heritage more as an adult -- and my energy went into school, tennis, friends, politics. While in college, I turned toward religion as a way of integrating 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 relationship with everything else. According to Rabbi Artson, even God’s responses are never fixed, but can change in the context of relationships to people and creation.

“On the one hand you have the findings of science and secular knowledge, and on the other, the stories and practices of Judaism, with each making claims that felt mutually exclusive and incompatible. Re-reading in the sciences led me to rethink how I view reality, not as static or timeless but as dynamic and interacting.”

“That new approach opened my eyes to the wisdom in Torah and rabbinic literature in a new and deeper way. That process erupted as my “Aha!” moment -- that I was encouraged and nurtured by the God who loves and nudges creation toward greater wholeness and goodness.”

Rabbi Artson’s teaching reflects his passionate commitment to social justice, human dignity, diversity, and inclusion. In the 1980s he authored a work on Jewish teachings on war, peace, and nuclear annihilation, served as a leading advocate for GLBT marriage and ordination in the 1990s, and has published and spoken widely on environmental ethics, special needs inclusion, racial and economic justice, interfaith dialogue and cooperation, and the quest for a secure peace for Israel and the Middle East.

Jewish Experience and Israel Experience Grants Continued from page 1 contributor in good standing to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The child must attend religious school and/or Friedel Jewish Academy, as a student, 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 now has the expanded benefit of a $1,000 stipend to be used with Omaha’s bi-annual community teen trip. The IEG is available for students in grades 9 to12 or young adults ages 18 to 26 for an approved Israel experience. The grant may also be used for domestic airfare and trip extension fee for participants in any Birthright Israel trip. The program chosen must be an Israel peer program approved by the Center for Jewish Life. Programs must be educational in nature for a peer group of young people and organized by a non-profit organization, educational or religious institution and staffed by qualified personnel. The family must be a contributor, in good standing, to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha and be a resident of the Omaha metropolitan area. The applicant must provide an article 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 truly committed to helping engage and inspire our young people through programs such as Israel Experiences and Jewish camping. It is vital to prepare our future Jewish leaders in order for them to sustain Jewish life.”

Applications are available by visiting www.jewishomaha .org and navigating to the Center for Jewish Life page and clicking on “Scholarships and Grants.” They may also be obtained by emailing Mark Kirchhoff at mkirchhoff@jew ishomaha.org or phoning 402.334.6463. The deadline for submission of applications for grant programs and scholarships through the Center for Jewish Life is Tuesday, March 1. Additional funding is also available through the financial need based scholarship opportunities through the Center for Jewish Life. Scholarship applications are available on the same link as noted above.

The Center for Jewish Life administers the Grant and Scholarship programs as part of its mission to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences.

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Celebrating a simcha?

Commemorate your special occasion by establishing your charitable endowment fund at the Foundation.

Contact Howard Epstein, Executive Director 402-334-6466 | hepstein@jewishomaha.org | www.jfofoundation.org

Freelance Writer wanted The Jewish Press staff seeks a local freelance writer for original story assignments, $0.10 per word.

If you are interested, email cover letter and writing sample to the editor at avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.

No phone calls please.

Friedel Science Fair Continued from page 1 second grade, is attempting to show how electricity works.

Only a few elementary schools in the Omaha metropolitan area have science fairs, and those that do are unlikely to include kindergartners through third graders. However, Friedel Jewish Academy sponsors a Science Fair for all its students, kindergartners through sixth graders.

“We want to enrich the learning of each and every student at Friedel,” explained Josephine Zbylut-Birky, the school’s enrichment facilitator. It’s an opportunity “for students ‘to think outside the box,’ explore, and work with their families on 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 of their parents and older siblings. All Friedel students are eligible to participate in the science fair, and about 75 percent do, according to Zbylut-Birky. Although strongly encouraged to participate, participation is voluntary.

Zbylut-Birky explained that although there is not a specific theme each year for the science entries, students are encouraged to do a project on something that interests them and that they would like to find out more about. Guidelines,

starting with a scientific question, are provided for the budding scientists to follow. Each youngster is instructed to develop a hypothesis to prove as accurate by discovering new information through use of the scientific method. “The purpose of the Science Fair is the experience of learning more about science,” Zbylut-Birky said.

Judges are elementary education students from Creighton University who are especially interested in teaching science and math. “The Creighton University Elementary Education Department has been very supportive in helping judge the Science Fair, and they have a specific elementary course for science and math teachers,” said Zbylut-Birky who has been at Friedel since 2004 when she retired from teaching at a middle school where she had been for 19 years. Prior to that she had taught elementary school children for 13 years.

Former Friedel Principal Cookie Katskee asked ZbylutBirky 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 auditorium of the Jewish Community Center. A recognition ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. when all students will be recognized.

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4 | The Jewish Press | January 29, 2016

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402/496-2090 Mon. - Thurs. 11 am - close • Fri. 11 am - 9 pm Sat. 4 pm - 9 pm • Sun. 11:30 am - 9 pm

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 ADL Board Meeting, noon Eye on Israel with Eliad Eliyahu, noon BBYO Meeting, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30 Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m at Temple Israel Scholar-in-residence, Rabbi Bradley Artson, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Kindergarten Round Up, 10:30 a.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH BESTT 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 Israel Musical Theater Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31 BESTT Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m at Beth El Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Sunday 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 1 Exploring Judaism Class with Scott Littky, 7 p.m.

DR. KRISTINE B. SIMONSON CHIROPRACTOR 132nd & Dodge

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Adult Education Lunch & Learn, noon at Beth El BBYO Meeting, 6 p.m.

Door Decor Party, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH BESTT Weekday Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hebrew High & Dinner, 6 p.m. Beth El Adult 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

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Friedel 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 5 Alzheimer’s Support Group, 11 a.m. at RBJH Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Mainstreeters Movie (The Intern), 1 p.m.

First Friday Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El JCC Dance Party, 5:30 p.m.

Israel Wine Tasting With Steve Kerbel, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7 BESTT Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m at Beth El Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Parent/Toddler Program, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Introduction to Hebrew with Eliad, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel Omaha Artist Inc. Reception, noon Beth 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 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Exploring Judaism Class with Scott Littky, 7 p.m.

Klutznick Learning Series, 7 p.m.

NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Jewish Press Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Diversity in Israel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Center for Jewish Life Board Meeting, noon Shanghai Lessons, 1 p.m.

Rabbi Dembitzer w/Friedel kids, 3:30 p.m.

Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Talmud Learning, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Beth El Synagogue Kadima Kinnus Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to You, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Beth El Synagogue Kadima Kinnus Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Kids Night Out, 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Beth El Kadima Kinnus Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Performing Arts Academy Class, 2 p.m.

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

Klutznick Learning Series, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Adult 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 17 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH BESTT 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 18 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Diversity in Israel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Dorothy 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 Israel Talmud Learning, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Alzheimer’s Support Group, 11 a.m. at RBJH Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Tot Shabbat & Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m at Temple Israel Shabbat’s Cool Gr. 3-7, 10 a.m. at Beth El Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Musical Theater Performance, 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 BESTT Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m at Beth El Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Baby Brunch for Children under 1 yr, 10:30 a.m at Temple Israel Book Club with Scott Littky, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel Introduction to Hebrew with Eliad, 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 22 Friedel and RBJH Workshop with Percussionist Michael Fitzsimmons, 10 a.m.

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

Friedel Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at FJA Klutznick Learning Series, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Friedel 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 24 Friedel and RBJH workshop with Percussionist Michael Fitzsimmons, 11 a.m.

Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH BESTT 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 25 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Diversity in Israel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Friedel and RBJH workshop with Percussionist Michael Fitzsimmons, 11 a.m.

Life and Legacy Training, 11:15 a.m. at RBJH Rabbi Dembitzer w/Friedel kids, 3:30 p.m.

Echoes & Reflections Teacher Training, 4 p.m.

Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Talmud Learning, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Friedel 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 27 Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Babies, Bigger Kids & Bagels, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El BESTT Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m at Beth El Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Yachad - Assemble Care Packages for IDF Soldiers, 10 a.m.

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

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29 Exploring Judaism Class with Scott Littky, 7 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 is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.

January 29, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 5

A week in the life of a Shaliach: Part 2

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Center for Jewish Life Community Shaliach Eliad Eliyahu Ben Shushan arrived with his family in Omaha in August of 2013 and hit the ground running.

He hasn’t stopped since. We decided to follow Eliad closely for a week and share the numerous activities in which he is involved. The Jan. 15 edition of the Jewish Press shared the first part of a week, Sunday through Tuesday. In this installment we show you what he is doing the remainder of the week -- and also what he is up to in his “spare” time.

“I am happy with all the warm feedback I received from community members from the first article,” said Eliad. “I am excited to tell my story, and hope to see more people at my programs so that they may learn more about Israel. That is why I am involved with the Shaliach Program -- to connect the Omaha community with Israel.”

Here’s how Eliad’s week continues: Wednesday During the first semester, Eliad spent Wednesday evenings at Temple Israel. The first week he taught an adult class. It was two weeks before signing the treaty with Iran, and Temple Israel Program Director Scott Littky asked that the session focus on media coverage in Israel during the time of treaty negotiations. Eliad said it came as some surprise to participants to hear the Israel agenda was not consumed with news about the treaty. Much of the discussion in Israel and the resulting media coverage was about social and economic issues. There were the usual security problems reported by the media, but these were not directly connected to the agreement

with Iran. “This is one of the most meaningful ways I like to share Israeli culture,” Eliad said. “By looking at the differences in media coverage 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 sessions focused on diversity in Israel and how it is reflected in the culture. In the course of the study they learned about music and films.

He shared that the students seemed to particularly enjoy the study of Israeli food.

“Teaching these students was a great experience. I am sure that now they have broadened their knowledge about Israel. When they visit Israel, they will remember part of the funny and emotional clips and commercials they watched with me.” During Hanukkah, Eliad arranged for an exchange of video clips between the 7th graders at Temple Israel and the 7th graders in Sulam Tsor Middle School in the Western Galilee.

Both groups sang songs to one another and wished each other “Happy Hannukah!” “It gives me a great deal of pleasure to see Israeli students and Omaha students connect faceto-face. It really makes the connection personal and special,” said Eliad.

Thursday Eliad’s Thursday mornings begin like his

Sports +Recreation

Monday mornings – participating in the tefilah (services) with Friedel Jewish Academy. Afterward, Eliad welcomes two groups of CDC pre-K classes to Friedel.

Eliad explained, “I teach them Hebrew through music. The Israeli kids from our Partnership area share videos that they have made to help our kids learn. The children (and of course their teachers) now know about six or seven Israeli Hebrew songs and dances. I truly believe that education about Israel must start at this age. I firmly believe that in the future we will see fruits from these kids - not only by their having some knowledge of Hebrew, but also by their developing a love for the country.”

Eliad has even more planned for Thursdays in February and March. He will conduct an adult class at Temple Israel called “Israel: the Real Reality.” In the class, Eliad will teach different theories of communication and give tools to discover a reporter’s agenda. By comparing Israeli newspapers and news websites, the group will see the differences in news reporting from the different sectors in Israel. He will help participants understand the gap of information between different media resources in Israel and around the world.

Friday Part of Eliad’s day on Friday is spent at Friedel Jewish Academy working with students on “Biblical Theater.” In the Jan. 15 article we explained that this program is one that is designed to help children learn the Torah in a fun way -- through acting and singing. On Fridays, Eliad teaches a short skit about the Torah reading, and the children practice and get ready for their performance.

Following the show preparation, Eliad teaches the kindergarten class Israeli songs using the Hebrew alphabet. “The Friedel kids are filmed and the videos are sent to kinder-

garten classes in Israel. Like all the other classes, these children enjoy sharing with their counterparts in Israel.” At 2:30 p.m., he goes to the Blumkin Home for a special Kabbalat Shabbat. “Every first Friday of the month, the students of Friedel’s 5th and 6th grades come with me; and we create an intergenerational Kabbalat Shabbat. The seniors love to watch and hear the Friedel students.

They sing Shabbat songs, and you can see the residents’ faces light up with joy!”

Shabbat Shalom!

During Shabbat mornings, Eliad leads the junior congregation at Beth Israel Synagogue, and after the Kiddush, he leads the Mishna L’ Neshama program, which he developed when he was in Israel. “This program was invented in Rambam Elementary School in Akko. I worked there during my MA studies as the marketing consultant and also led the weekly Kabbalat Shabbat. I took well-known Israeli songs of the most famous singers and substituted the words of Mishanyot and Bible verses. It was a hit!

Here in Omaha, I also use the same method to increase the knowledge of Torah,” Eliad said. He went on to explain that sometimes he needs to change some melodies and learn some American songs, but “the language of music, 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 Sessions Eliad held seven meetings at Temple Israel with the 11th-12th graders who were making the teen community-wide mission trip to Israel. Four of the sessions were for the entire delegation. In reflecting on these meetings, Eliad said, “I remember the first time I met the group. I noticed the fact that the group was so varied. This wasn’t because Continued on page 7

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6 | The Jewish Press | January 29, 2016

A Voice of Beth El breathes Jewish air

by SHERRIE SAAG to their Jewish education. It was great seeing all the kids get for Beth El Synagogue excited to welcome the Shabbat bride.” Now, all three Storytelling may not be the only way to engage people Schwarz girls -- Melanie, 12 and twins Courtney and with your ideas, but it’s certainly an important component. Sabrina, eight -- attend Talmud Torah.

Stories connect us to our listeners, and when we share our Another favorite family event is the Beth El Shul-in, where own life stories with others, our audience feels that they get Eadie creates an atmosphere where all the kids sleep in Beth to know us as authentic people. This is the broad concept El and are thrilled to do so. “It is good for the kids to breathe behind “Voices from Beth El”, a storytelling series from Beth Jewish air,” Wayne said.

El Synagogue that began Wayne’s personal favorin November of last year. ite events are the Purim The synagogue is sharCarnival, because he ing its message to support enjoys seeing all the kids the community conversahaving so much fun and tion for synagogue life attending Bar/Bat Mitzand involvement. This vahs. “You get to see the week, Wayne Schwarz kids you’ve watched from shares his Beth El story. such a young age accomWayne grew up in plish a wonderful Jewish Westchester, New York, at life cycle event,” he said.

Temple Israel Center in Wayne participated in White Plains. He grew up the Federation’s leaderin a Conservative home ship program, JOLT, and by a mother raised as has served on its budget Orthodox and a Dad and allocations commitraised as Reform. tee. He is a past member Wayne and wife Lori of the Beth El Board of Back: Lori and Wayne, and front: Sabrina, left, Courtney and Melanie (the Assistant Editor of Trustees and former vicethe Jewish Press) were married at Beth El on Oct. 30, 1999, president of the Beth El Board. Currently, he is on the while they were living in Denver.

BESTT board at Beth El. The Schwarz family participates in “My most special memory of Beth El is when my wife and the Omaha Heart Walk every year.

I were married. To see Beth El look so beautiful is truly speHe says his love of living in Omaha is largely due to the cial. I look forward to an amazing future memory when my friendliness of its people. “Everyone tries to do what they oldest daughter is a Bat Mitzvah in August and becomes the can to help.” third generation to be Bar/Bat mitzvah at Beth El. “The Voices Series serves as a wonderful opportunity to “When my wife and I moved back to Omaha, we wanted share what we, as individuals, love about Beth El. It is a warm to raise our kids as conservative Jews. My wife Lori grew up and welcoming place. We have a wonderful rabbi and a fabuat Beth El. We hoped to see certain things change at Beth El. lous hazzan. We have made amazing, transformative changes Luckily, with the current and the past Board of Trustees and in the last five years -- we are welcoming to non-Jews, we’ve Rabbi Abraham, we have witnessed a lot of these changes tightened the calendar for religious school, and we offer take place,” Wayne said. amazing programs. I am extremely proud of all the changes Remarking on his three daughters’ Jewish education, Beth El has made and look forward to its continued growth.”

Wayne said, “Similar to previous congregants who’ve participated in the Voices of Beth El Series, Tot Shabbat with Ms. Patty (Nogg) is a fond memory of my children’s introduction 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 B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, commitment cereFormer mayor and now Douglas County Commissioner, monies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Mike Boyle will discuss the challenges the county faces and Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish more on Wednesday, Feb 3, noon. For more information or Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are norto be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibr mally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. ith@jewishomaha.org.

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by MARK KIRCHHOFF Center for Jewish Life It has been said that Israeli wines are a way to taste the land of Israel itself. So what better way to warm up on a winter evening in Omaha than treating yourself to a variety of flavors found in a selection of Israeli wines. Join wine enthusiast Steve Kerbel as he introduces attendees to a variety of choices during a special program co-sponsored by Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, the Center for Jewish Life and Temple Israel. This Israeli wine tasting 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 a strong interest in Israeli wines. As part of his educational curricula, he facilitates wine tastings featuring Israeli wines. Steve travels to Israel frequently and has developed relationships with many wineries.

Ten wines will be explored during the evening. Steve’s top picks include the Dalton Unoaked Chardonnay, Tzuba Metzuda Syrah 2010, Tulip Just Merlot 2013, the popular Carmel Moscato Di’ Carmel and several others. His presentation will include a discussion of how wine has been a part of Jewish tradition, and he will also teach about the diverse geography 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 distinctive tastes available,” shares Steve. “Also, Passover is just 12 weeks away,” he adds. “I will talk about several wines to consider for your seder table. There is a marvelous world beyond 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 an alumnus of University of Maryland, College Park, where he 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 mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org or by calling 402.334.6445.

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January 29, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 7

Tribute Book to honor Rabbi Azriel

by SCOTT LITTKY Contributions to the Tribute Book will help Program Director, Temple Israel support his Youth Engagement Fund at It seems like it was just yesterday that Rabbi Temple Israel.

Azriel conducted his first Rosh Hashanah There are multiple size options available to service at Temple Israel. Since his arrival dur- create your tribute message. Temple Israel ing the summer of 1988, Rabbi Azriel and his can help with wording or special graphic family have done so much to design features if you would add to Temple Israel and the like. To assist in our layout Omaha Jewish Community, and design, we ask that you along with the greater reserve a space no later than Omaha Community. Rabbi Tuesday, March 15. For Azriel’s retirement is fast information on pricing and approaching, and momenexamples of tribute mestum is building toward a fitsages, please refer to ting celebration for him and www.templeisraelomaha his wife Elyce. Throughout .com/transition/tribute all the extraordinary and book. You may also use this ordinary times of our lives, link to reserve your tribute Rabbi Azriel has been there space. If you would like to be for us as a friend, mentor, sent a paper copy of the Rabbi Aryeh Azriel counselor, scholar and reliTribute Form, please contact gious guide. Now it is time for us to show our Temple Israel at 402.556.6536. appreciation by honoring him with a special Tribute forms and pictures can also be community celebration the weekend of May mailed to Temple Israel, or you may leave 27-29 at Temple Israel. photographs and completed forms in the A magnificent Tribute Book is being pre- Temple Israel office in an envelope marked pared for distribution during the celebration with your name; or use the online option at weekend to honor Rabbi Aryeh and Elyce www.templeisraelomaha.com/transition/t Azriel. The book will include many pictures, ributebook. copies of his most requested sermons, your If you have any questions, please contact tributes and many more features, making it Mendy Halsted at 402.680.9246 or mendy a wonderful keepsake. This will also be your halsted@gmail.com, or Cassandra Hicks at opportunity to express gratitude for the 402.556.6536 or chicks@templeisraeloma impact Rabbi Azriel has had over the years. ha.com.

A week in the life of a Shaliach Continued from page 5 of the different synagogues they came from, but mainly because each one of these teens was unique.” During these planning sessions, Eliad taught about Israel. His goal was to prepare them to connect with the personal aspect of the mission. “Teaching dry facts about Israel to a group of teens who are going to visit can be very challenging. It is like the difference between learning about love and experiencing love,” said Eliad. He explained that most of the preparation sessions focused on what they would experience in Israel, and how they could maximize their visit by understanding the uniqueness of missions arranged by the Partnership. He encouraged them to enjoy the open doors of the Israeli families who would be hosting them. In summarizing the trip preparation, Eliad said, “I feel they came to the sessions with open minds to learn and to share, and this is one of the main reasons this mission was so successful. I think it also played a big part in why they received so many compliments from the Partnership people in Israel.” Eliad shared that he felt an incredible amount of excitement in the air as the group began their flight to Israel. He thought this was especially so because the majority of the group had never made the journey. “I thought there was also some apprehension, both by the teens and their parents, about the complexity of the security situation in Israel. It was good for them to learn that Israelis go about their daily lives without undue concern about security issues.”

Friedel Alumni Hebrew Club Once a month on a Saturday night, teens who have graduated from Friedel Jewish Academy meet at Eliad’s home for a musical Havdalah, an Israeli dinner and movie and a structured conversation time in Hebrew.

The main goal of this gathering is to strengthen the Hebrew skills they developed during their time at Friedel. “The social gathering is really important for them. Sara and I really enjoy how happy they are to meet, sit, and talk,” said Eliad. “When they arrive we begin playing the Israeli songs they learned in Friedel. Surprising -- but maybe not so surprising -- is that they know all the words by heart, and they remember the dances of all the songs, even after two,

three, or even four years. When I asked one of the girls how they all remember all the words, she gave me a big smile and said, ‘Because Friedel was the best time ever!’”

Israelis in Omaha Last year, Eliad discovered an organization called Israel American Council (IAC).

He reached out to them and organized gatherings for Israelis. The first gathering was on Israeli Independence Day. The second was a “Shakshuka in the Sukkah” event. The third was a Hanukkah party. “I was surprised to know that there are so many Israelis in Omaha! Each Israeli is a true resource to the community. They represent many regions of Israel and hold their own political views – and they aren’t afraid to express them as any good Israeli would! Having people in our community who lived in Israel can enrich every conversation about Israel by adding that personal component. It is such a great thing to gather all the Israelis, and feel ‘at home’ for a few hours,” Eliad shared.

Eliad’s weeks are filled with activities. It seems that he has no chance to rest from one before moving to another. “I really think the job of a shaliach is important,” says Eliad.

“What could be more important than sharing a beautiful country that belongs to us all?”

Eliad shared that while the work may seem exhausting, it is never overwhelming because the Jewish community in Omaha provides him with a boost of energy to continue what he is doing. “It is definitely worth the time and effort I put forth,” says Eliad. “I feel so good about people learning about Israel.”

The Community Shaliach program is offered through the Center for Jewish Life of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Funding partners include Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, Friedel Jewish Academy, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Temple Israel and the Henry and Dorothy Riekes DonorAdvised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Funding is also provided from the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation, the Phillip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation, the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation and the Morton Richards Fund, all of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. For additional information, please call 402.334.6463.

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8 | The Jewish Press | January 29, 2016

Point of view

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Ambassador Shapiro’s very bad week

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT seems to be a little less urgency in prosecuting those price tag Jewish Press Editor attacks, well, we should be able to talk about that, sure.

State Department spokesman John Kirby came to The headlines weren’t kind to United States Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro last week. “Ambassador Shapiro’s mis- Shapiro’s defense: “There’s really nothing new here (...). We’ve consistently take in being ‘correct’,” they read, “Daniel Shapiro in spat with Israel,” and: “Former Netanyahu aide calls U.S. made clear our concerns about violence on both sides, and we obviously have strongly conAmbassador to Israel ‘Jew Boy’.” demned terrorist attacks perpetuOuch. ated by Palestinians, including the What did Shapiro do to deserve attacks over the weekend. We also this unwanted attention? remain concerned (...) about On Jan. 18, he spoke to the Annual Conference of the Institute Israeli settler violence against for National Security Studies in Tel Palestinians and their property in Aviv, and said: the West Bank.” (JNS.org) “Too many attacks on The question, however, is not Palestinians lack a vigorous investinecessarily whether Shapiro was gation or response by Israeli authorcorrect. We can discuss the validiities; too much vigilantism goes ty of his comments all day and all unchecked; and at times there seem night and never reach a useful to be two standards of adherence to conclusion. The real question is: the rule of law: one for Israelis and should he have made those comanother for Palestinians. ments in the first place?

“This government and previous If Shapiro is, as Kirby asserts, Israeli governments have repeatedmerely restating America’s official ly expressed support for a negotiatposition, why include that in his ed settlement that would involve address? And if there’s nothing Ambassador Daniel Shapiro mutual recognition and separanew to see here, why is the Prime tion. Yet separation will become more and more difficult if Minister so irritated (or, more correctly, ‘furious,’ as the Israel continues to expand settlements.”

Israeli papers pointed out)? Surely, the content of the speech That the settlements and their expansion cause friction is was no surprise to Netanyahu -- he’s heard it all before. hardly news. And yes, vigilante justice is not something most It’s because it’s not about the comments themselves. What of us, whether in the US or in Israel, wish for. And if there makes Netanyahu angry is the condescending tone that

accompanied those comments. It’s the attitude behind it, the never-ending habit of American politicians to tell their Israeli colleagues they are messing things up and they should know better.

It’s strange: terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens are a constant. They rarely make the news in the US, unless the body count is extra high, or foreign nationals get caught in the crossfire. But these attacks are treated as the status quo, and no longer discussed as urgent or wrong; Israel ‘s allies don’t refuse negotiations with the Palestinian Authority unless those attacks come to a complete halt. But those allies are all, without exception, very comfortable criticizing Israel when the shoe is on the other foot. Why is that? And why is it okay for the US Ambassador to give Israel a public talking to during the same week that the US administration pledges $4 billion to Israel’s defense? Because the US knows full well that Israel needs help fighting terrorism. And it also knows that the settlers’ attacks against Palestinians are a mere blip in the Israeli landscape compared to Palestinian terrorism.

That doesn’t make it acceptable, no, but why talk to Israelis as if the settlements are the bigger stumbling block in the peace 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 take Israel down verbally, and worse. Vigilante justice, price tag attacks, settlement violence, whatever you want to call it: it cannot 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’s do so in a manner that is actually effective. That means pointing out the problem while offering a potential solution.

And if Ambassador Shapiro has any ideas about that solution, I’d love to hear them.

Conservative Judaism: Many options, unlimited possibilities

by MARC GARY NEW YORK (JTA) -- When I was a law student, I took a course by a renowned professor who warned that if a prosecutor ever told us that our client only had two choices, we should 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 Conservative Judaism. Her piece, headlined Conservative Judaism has just 2 viable options, argues that the movement can either merge with the Reform movement or shrink dramatically to a limited core group “whose daily lives revolve around Jewish law in 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, we should 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 in Conservative affiliation. From there, she projects a dismal future for the movement. Similar statements were made about the fate of Orthodoxy 50 years ago -- look how those predictions turned out.

Jewish history is rarely linear. In fact, the actual numbers in the Pew Report undercut the narrative of irreversible decline for the Conservative movement.

In a JTA Op-Ed titled On Conservative Judaism, why all the talk about failure? published last fall, three eminent scholars of Jewish history and demography note that the Pew data shows “the Conservative proportion of the nonOrthodox Jewish population is holding steady.” Importantly, the proportion of non-Orthodox Jews who identify as Conservative remains constant across the critical age groups of Jews 45-59 and 30-44 (20 percent for each group), showing no proportional decline in the younger adult generation.

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When we turn from market share to impact, there is no reason to wring our hands. The movement’s Ramah camps are indisputably the most successful religious and educational camping programs in North America. Most of the independent minyanim, innovative Jewish start-ups, and other cutting-edge organizations in the Jewish community are

Congregants reading Torah at Adas Israel Congregation in Washington. 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. And hundreds of thousands of Jews join Conservative synagogues and find experiences of meaning and community that 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 affiliated synagogues. Our unique vision has not been clearly and consistently articulated for the new situation confronting North American Jewry today. And we face the age-old problem of the disparity between the movement’s commitment to Jewish law and the actual observance patterns of most of its members.

But the answer to these challenges is not to merge the ries and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishoma ha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

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movement out of existence or to turn it into an elite cadre of modern Orthodoxy, albeit with an egalitarian twist. The first option ignores the important differences in ideology, practice and outcomes between Conservative and Reform Judaism, while the second would denude the movement of its unique characteristics of innovation and inclusiveness, rendering it unrecognizable and undermining its raison d’etre.

The future of the Conservative movement does not lie in abandoning its distinctiveness or its innovative spirit or shrinking it to a core without a mission to the larger community.

As a movement, we need to clearly, succinctly and consistently articulate our vision of Judaism -- a Judaism, to quote the JTS mission statement -- “that is learned and passionate, pluralist and authentic, traditional and egalitarian; one that is thoroughly 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 are essential to attracting new adherents.

We must also train a new type of communal leader -whether rabbi, cantor or educator -- who understands and is equipped not merely to head a community, but to create one.

We need entrepreneurial professionals who go beyond the four walls of synagogues or other institutional forms and seek out Jews who are unaffiliated and feel disenfranchised.

These are the individuals to whom our sacred wisdom can bring meaning and fellowship.

Other strategies must be deployed as well, but the Conservative movement’s future requires neither disappearance through merger nor dramatic shrinkage to an elite few.

It requires dynamic and entrepreneurial leadership, a clear and compelling message, the courage to fully exploit the innovative spirit of our tradition and the commitment to create radically welcoming communities.

Marc Gary is the executive vice chancellor and chief operating officer of the Jewish Theological Seminary.

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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

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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.

January 29, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 9

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

by NANCY K. KAUFMAN and its providers for special regulation.

NEW YORK (JTA) -- Forty-three years ago this week, the Introduced last summer, the Equal Access to Abortion U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in Roe v. Coverage in Health Insurance Act, or EACH Woman Act, Wade protecting a woman’s right to abortion. Since the 2010 would repeal the Hyde Amendment, which prevents federal elections, a wave of state laws has aimed at restricting that health dollars, except in certain cases, from being used to right, closing clinics and harassing medical providers. fund abortions. The law would correct the injustice that No less than 288 new laws have been passed across the makes access to abortion largely a function of access to country to make abortion access ever more difficult. They money, which is itself linked to entrenched barriers includcome with punitive regulations on clinics, impediments to ing systemic racial inequality. Women of color, young peothose seeking abortions and nonsensical requirements on ple and immigrant women struggle the most to make ends providers. meet and are most Despite strong public harmed by bans that support for keeping deny abortion coverage abortion safe and legal, it to women enrolled in a seems there is always a federal health program. politician ready and willThe second bill, the ing to say that an excepWomen’s Health Protection for rape or incest is tion Act, addresses the still going too far. dangerous phenomenon A 2013 Texas law of TRAP laws and simiheaded for the Supreme lar access barriers by Court is a prime exambanning regulations that ple of the extremes to place more burdensome which the campaign has requirements on aborgone. The measure falls tion providers and into the category known patients than those as TRAP laws -- targeted imposed on similar medAnti-abortion activists rallying against federal funding for Planned regulation of abortion ical procedures. These Parenthood in Washington, D.C., July 28, 2015. providers -- that increase policies do not signifiCredit: Olivier Douliery/Getty Images arbitrary, punitive regucantly advance women’s lation of abortion care, providers and clinics. health or safety, and make abortion more difficult to access.

The Texas law mandates that abortion clinics meet the In real terms, this means prohibiting policies that mansame building, equipment and staffing standards as ambula- date arbitrary, medically unnecessary procedures such as tory surgical centers. It further requires doctors who per- ultrasounds or extra doctor’s visits, as well as those that ban form abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital medication abortion or are intended to close clinics. As with within 30 miles of the clinic. If upheld, the law would wipe federal bans on coverage, TRAP restrictions fall hardest on out 30 clinics across the state, leaving only 10, all concen- low-wage women, women of color, immigrant women and trated in four metro areas. women living in rural areas who already face health care Such laws do nothing to protect women’s health. They are access barriers. intended only to restrict access.

Those who care about safeguarding women’s health and The Texas case, Whole Woman’s Health v. Cole, is the first believe in our right to make personal decisions without major abortion case since Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the political interference can help build momentum in support 1992 case in which the Supreme Court ruled that states can of these critical measures by educating others and urging impose restrictions on abortion access as long as they do not Congress to act. impose an “undue burden” on the pregnant woman. But For decades, abortion opponents have cited religious faith as “undue burden” has been ill-defined. the grounds for restrictions that deny women the ability to The court could use the Texas case to take a drastic step make decisions surrounding pregnancy. These laws would help backward from Casey, which already retreats from the restore moral agency to every woman and ensure that no matpromise of Roe. Or the court could even revisit Roe itself, ter her income or insurance status, she can make reproductive since five of the justices have been hostile to Roe since health care decisions according to her own faith or values. before they joined the court.

The legacy of Roe, summarized in the majority opinion of Advocating for reproductive justice is one of the key ini- Justice Harry Blackmun, was to resolve the debate around tiatives of the National Council of Jewish Women. Bans on abortion access “by constitutional measurement, free of emoabortion coverage go against our values and the freedoms tion and of predilection.” To make those decisions, a woman we cherish as American Jews, specifically the right to make must have unfettered, affordable access to the care she needs. family planning health care decisions based on an individPolicymakers ought not put a hand on the scale that has ual's personal ethical and religious beliefs, regardless of the effect -- indeed, the intention -- of depriving any woman income, type of health insurance or any other factor. of her ability to make that constitutionally guaranteed deciThat’s why, together with our coalition partners, we are sion for herself. supporting two bills in Congress that would seize the initiaNancy K. Kaufman is the chief executive officer of the tive by lifting federal bans that deny abortion coverage to National Council of Jewish Women, a grassroots organizathose who get their health insurance through federal pro- tion inspired by Jewish values, that strives to advance social grams, and by barring states from singling out abortion care and economic justice for women, children and families.

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Why the Israeli lottery gives winners masks

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) Stories of the lottery ruining lives have become almost cliche. It may have something to do with the fact that all but a handful of states require lottery winners to be 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 winners could encounter in the period after their win. We provide details about the winner, but in a manner that doesn’t disclose their identity,” Dolin Melnik, then-spokesperson for Israel’s Mifal Hapayis lottery told Haaretz in 2009.

After all, Melnik said, “Israel is a very small country.”

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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 granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, feels obligated to speak out against what she considers the racism and bigotry expressed

by Donald Trump. She notes: “When Donald Trump said recently that he would ban Muslims from entering our country, ... I couldn’t help but think of Eastern Europe in the Nazi Era -- the yellow stars Jews were made to wear in public so they could be identified (and eventually rounded up) and the ID numbers tattooed on 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 represents the face of those once isolated and “killed for nothing other than fear, racism, bigotry, and cruelty.” Wisner’s views, however well intentioned, are misguided, foolish, and ultimately even dangerous.

To even remotely associate Trump with Hitler and the Nazis is offensive to Trump, but more importantly, to all those who fell victim to the SS and to those who survived the Holocaust. If Hitler had followed Trump’s approach instead of his own, then Jews would not have been permitted, for a time, to enter Germany. Some may have been asked to leave if they had ties with anti-Nazi organizations.

The result would have been the loss of not one Jewish life instead of 6,000,000 by order of the government! That Wisner even mentions Eastern Europe in this context is a complete distortion. Trump never has even remotely suggested an aggressive attack on all Muslims throughout the world as Hitler did regarding the Jews. This alone serves to render Wisner’s article fallacious.

By suggesting that Trump is zeroing in on a particular group based upon “fear, racism, bigotry, and cruelty,” is also incorrect. Trump, unlike the Nazis, is not concerned about the blood running through the veins of Muslims, but rather he hopes to avoid additional violence in this country being carried out by those who do it in the name of Islam, as so many 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 translates material from throughout the Middle East, including the vicious anti-Semitism coming from the mouths of militant Muslim clerics and their ilk. They, not Trump, are the real threat.

Sincerely, Michael Gendler

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Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 |712.322.4705 email: BnaiIsraelCouncilBluffs@gmail.com Join us for our Monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on Feb. 12, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Gary Nachman, who will speak about his winery, Rainwood Vineyards, the first licensed 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: Mark Eveloff, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf. Tribute cards for any occasion are available. Contact Sissy at 311 Oak Ridge Ct., Bellevue, NE 68005 or 402.292.8062.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.; Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat Dinner, following services. Rabbi Bradley Artson will speaking following dinner, My house is a house of prayer for ALL people.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m. Rabbi Bradley Artson will deliver the D’var Torah, Almighty? No way! A new way to love God.; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; MiniMinyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush Lunch, following services; 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’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m.; Sunday Speaker Series, 11 a.m., featuring Rabbi Bradley Artson on Renewing the Process of Creation; Kadima Spaghetti Feed supporting Friends of the IDF, 12:30 p.m.; USY Bowling at Maplewood Lanes, 2:30 p.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. 5 Israeli 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 SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.orthodoxomaha.org Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer.

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 -- Mishna L’Neshamah and Teen Class; Insights into Weekly Torah Portion, 4:35 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 5:05 p.m.; Havdalah, 6:22 p.m.; Star Wars & Learning, 7 p.m. at Majestic 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.; Talmud Learning, 8 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m SATURDAY: 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 with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office.

WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak.

THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@unmc.edu.

All programs are open to the entire community.

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 Services 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. with oneg 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 Tifereth Israel; 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 of Judges 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, with visiting class from the Schuyler United Methodist Church.

RSVP to the Temple office at 402.435.8004 or office@southstreettemple.org.

President’s Office Hours, Sunday Mornings, 10 a.m.–noon at SST. If you have any Temple business you would like to bring before the Board of Trustees, potential programs, or new ideas, please let us know! Call for an appointment at the Temple or just to chat any time at 402.513.7697. Or if you prefer, just email David Weisser at president@southstreettemple.org.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road | Offutt AFB, NE 68123 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz.

Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: 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 celebrate her Bat Mitzvah.

SUNDAY: 5th Sunday Breakfast Service, 7:30 a.m. at Stephen Center; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Introduction to Hebrew Class with Eliad, 11 a.m. If you’re interested in learning a little Hebrew or brushing up on your basic Hebrew, then this class is for you; Kibitz with the Clergy, 11 a.m.; Religious School Steering Committee Meeting, noon; JYG Bowling Event, 2 p.m. Drop off and Pick up at Maplewood Lanes.

Cost is $10 includes everything (food, bowling lane, and bowling shoes).

TUESDAY: A Women’s Night Out with Door Décor!, 7 p.m.

This Women's Only Night Out will include making your own front door sign with Sarah Linn from Door Decor. We will share good conversation and a glass of wine as Sarah guides 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 the Chosen People?, 6:30 p.m. with Dr. Bruce Buehler.

Candlelighting Friday, January 29, 5:19 p.m.

THURSDAY: Diversity in Israel: A Real Reality Show with Eliad Eliyahu, 10 a.m. with Eliad Eliyahu.

First Friday Shabbat Service and Dinner, Friday, Feb. 5.

Candlelighting and kiddush in the Simon Community Court, 5:30 p.m., Service, 6 p.m., dinner following services.

Cost is $5 per person, max of $20 per family. Please RSVP to Temple Israel, RSVP@templeisraelomaha.com or 402.556.6536, 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 big projection screens in the Social Hall! We will be providing all 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. Money will be collected at the door. Please RSVP to Temple Israel, 402-556-6536 or RSVP@templeisraelomaha.com. Sponsored by the Men of Reform Judaism.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services 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 Tifereth Israel; Pancakes and Pajamas PJ Library Event, 5:30 p.m.

Children ages 1-12 are invited. PJ’s and Pancakes will feature story time and eating breakfast for dinner! There is no charge for this program, however, families are encouraged to donate a new pair of pajamas which can be given to a child in 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 those who sign up in advance, so please RSVP.

Switch day at RBJH

by OZZIE NOGG Friday, Dec. 25, was Switch Day at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home -- the annual opportunity for members of the community to volunteer at the RBJH, cover for non-Jewish staff, and give them time off to spend the Christmas holiday with their families. “Whether you’re a veteran volunteer 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 hand in the kitchen with meal prep and food service, helped in the Blumkin Home laundry, called tiles for the residents’ Bingo game, served goodies at Tea Time and assisted with other activities throughout the day. Beth El member Larry Kronick chaired the volunteer effort which has been part of the Synagogue’s programming for many years. Participants included Brandy Bailey-King, Ellie Batt, Darlene Golbitz, Jimmy and Lisa Janvin, Les and Helen Kay, Larry and Deborah Kronick, Wayne and Carole 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 be with their families on Christmas,” said Margie Gutnik, Beth El Synagogue Program Director. “It’s our opportunity to show our gratitude for the caring and concern the staff 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 welcome and appreciated by the residents and by the staff. On behalf of everyone at the Blumkin Home, I want to thank them for generously donating their time.”

To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewish omaha.org or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, by e-mailing the editor at: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org or online at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Pulverent e

January 29, 2016 | The Jewish Press | 11

In memoriam CORINNE K LEVIN Corinne 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-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Temple Israel or the organization of your choice.

Peres back in hospital

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Former Israeli President Shimon Peres was rushed back to the hospital with chest pains and an irregular heartbeat.

An ambulance was called to Peres’ home on the evening of Jan. 24, less than a week after he was discharged from Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer after suffering chest pains 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.

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Airbnb in a Jewish settlement

by YARDENA SCHWARTZ Are 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 New Zealand and the igloo an Austria, there’s another option: a settlement outpost in the West Bank.

You can choose from more than 300 listings in what Airbnb categorizes as both the West Bank and Judea and Samaria. From a trailer in Nokdim to a yurt in Tekoa, more and more settlement properties have been popping up on Airbnb in recent months. With the more rustic listings available for as little as $16 a night, there are also more luxurious options, like a seven-bedroom home in Neve Daniel that 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 human rights organizations, which have called on Airbnb to remove the listings from its website. They argue that the company is profiting from “stolen Palestinian land.”

Jewish Voice for Peace is among at least five organizations petitioning Airbnb over the properties, which are listed on the travel site as being located in Israel. The international community considers the West Bank occupied Palestinian land. Captured by Israel from Jordan during the Six Day War in 1967, the territory is now home to more than 600,000 Israeli citizens.

“Airbnb’s anti-discrimination policy states that they prohibit listings that promote racism, discrimination, or harm to individuals or groups, and require all users to comply with local laws. Yet, listing vacation rentals in illegal settlements promotes structural discrimination, theft of Palestinians’ land, and direct violations of international law. Through earning fees from settlement vacation rentals, Airbnb is directly profiting from the continuing occupation 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 inconvenient time for Airbnb. Earlier this week Human Rights Watch released a lengthy report detailing how companies operating in settlements contribute to and benefit from “an inherently unlawful and abusive system that violates the rights of Palestinians.”

A day before that, Israel’s largest trade partner, the European Union, stated that all of its agreements with Israel must note that they do not apply to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Yet according to the settlers renting out their homes on Airbnb, their properties are no different than any others in Israel.

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 who chose her house “instead of sleeping in a hotel in Jerusalem.”

Itzhak Levit, who rents out his home in Tekoa – a settlement that saw a stabbing attack on an Israeli woman this week -- said he has had dozens of guests in the eight months since he started using Airbnb. About two-thirds of his visitors have been Israelis who were visiting their families in the area, he said, with the rest tourists from all over the world who came to the West Bank for a “beautiful, different experience.”

“I think they understand that they can enjoy a unique experience in our area,” said Levi, mentioning several historical sites nearby, including Herodium and the Haritun Cave. “Tekoa is a unique settlement, combining different types of people from the left, right, secular and Haredi communities,” 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 have our local security.”

How the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home got a coffee bar inspired by an Anonymous, Delighted RBJH Resident Consumer Once upon a time, at the far end of Main Street at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, there was a LOVE-ly Gift Shop filled with greeting cards and jewelry and all kinds of fun things. For many years, people visited the Gift Shop and bought her wares, but one day she started to feel a bit old and run down and thought, “Maybe it’s time for me to retire.” 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 could see that things were changing. After a while, with no fanfare, the Gift Shop reopened as a bright, cheerful Volunteer Office. And then, again with no fan-fare, the Gift Shop-thathad-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 brewed complimentary coffee (there’s free candy, too) all provided

by LOVE, with love. Many delighted Blumkin Home Resident Consumers, their family members and guests, stop by and

PROJECT COORDINATOR WANTED Aschoff Construction Inc. is a General Contractor looking for a Project Coordinator to oversee our projects. The right candidate should have previous construction experience or training in Commercial and/or Residential construction.

spend a few moments -- Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and sometimes on Sunday -- visiting in the warm, friendly atmosphere of the Coffee Bar by LOVE. The place 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.

Commercial and Residential Snow Removal Call or Text 402-957-5087 ECOTERRANE.com

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

BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-872-8327. steffensbankruptcylaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.

AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 170 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details.

VINTAGE VILLAGE Antique Mall, 2425 O Street, Lincoln. 402-4720063. 6th Anniversary Sale! January 16-31, 10-7 Daily. 50 Dealers. New selections arrive daily! Antiques, collectibles, jewelry.

STEEL BUILDINGS: Factory direct pricing. Preseason $1,000 discount if ordered before Feb. 1st - check and see if sect. 179 applies to you. Call 844-297-8335.

DESIGNER WANTED for Advertising/Graphic Arts position, full-time.

Familiar with Adobe Suite, good creative, typing and organization skills.

Qualified applicants wanted, but will train right person. Competitive wages/benefits. Jim or Julie Dickerson, Albion News, Albion, NE. Email: albnnuz@frontiernet.net; phone: 402-395-2115.

PHARMACY DIRECTOR, southeast Nebraska Critical Access Hospital.

Requires BS Pharmacy, excellent organizational, customer service and planning skills. Experience in healthcare pharmacy management preferred. Competitive salary, benefits. Apply at www.jchc.us. For information call HR at 402-729-6850.

up to

HIRING BONUS

Diesel Techs are needed at all Nebraska locations.

Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk, Columbus and York.

Aschoff Construction is a team oriented company that offers a !"#$%&%&'$()*+$(*,-(+.$*%(/$,$0%1(2!.(2344(%&"$($"#4!5"$,%6 Please send resume to Aschoff Construction Inc. !" #$%&'$()(*$+,-./01$23$! 4!5 or email hr@aschoffconstruction.com

Snow Is Coming!

Your World Made Perfect

FIRE CHIEF, Spearfish, SD. Responsible for overall operation of the Fire Department. EOE. For requirements and details on this position visit our Website www.cityofspearfish.com.

MEAT DEPARTMENT Manager needed. Financially strong family chain in Midwest. Salary, bonus, insurance, 401k. Resume: msteck58@gmail.com or mail to Box 600630, San Diego, CA 921600630.

More info, call:

Jim 402.951.3380

Apply Online Today! www.truckcentercompanies.com/careers

QLF TRANSPORTATION — Class A CDL Drivers/Tankers. Great pay, home weekends, and benefits! Potential of $60,000 plus per year!

Contact Tony, 608-935-0915 ext. 16, www.qlf.com.

12 | The Jewish Press | January 29, 2016

Facing hostility, American Muslims take a lesson on Zionism

by YARDENA SCHWARTZ JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Alejandro Beutel bowed his yarmulke-covered head and pressed his hands and forehead into the 2,000-year-old stones of the Western Wall. After slipping a note into one of the cracks, Beutel whispered a prayer 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 son of a Jewish father and Christian mother. He was one of 11 Muslim activists who visited Israel this month as part of the Muslim Leadership Initiative, a program that brings North American Muslims to Israel to learn about Judaism and the Jewish connection to the Holy Land.

The year long program, which is fully covered by scholarships, begins and ends with 12-day seminars in Israel and the West Bank, and includes two retreats in the United States and monthly study sessions in between. Since its founding in 2013, 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 by American-Israeli journalist Yossi Klein Halevi, a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, a Jewish education center in Jerusalem. Among the program’s previous participants is Rabia Choudry, a fellow at the New America Foundation who came to national attention for her role in the first season of the NPR podcast Serial.

Antepli believes MLI will breed a deeper interfaith dialogue than similar efforts that stick to superficial issues while 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 relying on the voices pumping fear and suspicion into both communities,” 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 Israeli propaganda and called for a boycott. Antepli has received death threats. Last year, an MLI cohort was harassed during a visit to the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

Participants told JTA they have lost friends and suffered financial consequences due to their involvement in the program. MLI leaders requested that JTA not publish this story until participants had left Israel. Antepli feared that news of their presence “could spark provocations.”

“It’s pretty confusing,” said Khurrum Wahid, a Florida attorney who has defended several high-profile terrorism

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

Credit: Netanel Tobias/Shalom Hartman Institute suspects and whose Muslim empowerment nonprofit, Emerge USA, lost 15 percent of its funding because of his participation in the program. “Before I was regarded as a terrorist, 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 people hear we’re going to speak with Zionists, they hear, ‘We’re going to meet with the KKK to hear why they hate black people.’ 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 sacrifices we’ve made to do this really means a lot to our Jewish partners. It creates this sense of trust that we wouldn’t have otherwise. That’s a really valuable part of this program.”

MLI has no illusions that it can create a warm and cozy

Men’s

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Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

relationship between Muslims and Jews or solve the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. The objective, MLI leaders say, is to deepen understanding of the Jewish connection to the Holy Land 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 document’s promise of equal rights for all citizens has not yet been realized. In another, they heard from Mohammad Darawshe, co-director of Givat Haviva, which supports Israeli-Palestinian coexistence efforts, who told them that his family had lived in Palestine for generations and that their 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 as a racist ideology that privileges Jews over Arabs. Several participants even support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, including Antepli, but only in the West 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 by American Jews. They believe not only that better relations with the Jewish community can help counter Islamophobia, but that the Muslim community can learn from the Jewish community 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 new community 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 Israel because it was divisive. Before the trip, he didn’t understand the 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’s narrative and one’s identity not being accepted in the world... and their genuine commitment to humanity and living in peace with others who are not Jewish.”