April 7, 2017: Passover Edition by Jewish Press

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Siblings PASSOVER 2017

A2 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2016

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(Founded in 1920) Eric Dunning President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Thierry Ndjike Accounting Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Sandy Friedman, Treasurer; Andrew Boehm; Scott Farkas; Paul Gerber; Alex Grossman; David Kotok; Debbie Kricsfeld; Abby Kutler; Pam Monsky; Paul Rabinovitz; Nancy Wolf and Barry Zoob. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish LIfe, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: wwwjewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

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Family dynamics y huSBAND AND I recently became parents to a 16-year-old bonus child, an extra gift and a fabulous addition, which makes our family feel much more complete. Long story in a nutshell: oldest child of great friends who move around a lot (Navy) who decided it might be a good idea to finish high school right here. We discussed it, everyone was on board, we made room and here we are. Parents to a 12-, a 15- and a 16-year old. There’s more cooking and more laundry and more mess and more rides to and from school, but that’s all just background noise. And yes, our children now outnumber the adults, but so far they haven’t ganged up on us so I’m optimistic. What has really amazed me is how the sibling dynamics change when you go from two to three. You’d think, rationally speaking, there would be an adjustment period when you suddenly find yourself with two siblings instead of one. Two people to bicker with, compete with, disagree with; two people you have to share your parents with. Two people to blame when you misplace something or when the last cookie mysteriously disappears. Instead, they all navigate this new reality like it’s nothing, like they’ve always been this close, like they’ve always been family. They all make each other a little bit better. The sum of these kids really is greater than their individual parts. The dynamics between siblings are front and center in this Passover issue. Brothers and sisters who come from the same home can choose very different paths in life, but the way siblings know each other is unique. We hope you enjoy reading these stories as much as we enjoyed writing them. As always, it takes a small army to put a special edition like this together. We want to thank all the members of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, who help us think out loud until we decide on a special theme. Everyone in our community (and some out of state) who agreed to be interviewed: we are always so grateful that you are willing to open up and share your stories. The Jewish Press staff: Creative Director Richard Busse, whose vision and execution are flawless; Assistant-Editor Lori Kooper who forever keeps me sane and who is possibly the best sounding board for all the Editor’s neuroses and finally, our Sales Manager, Susan Bernard who breaks records every single week. You all are uniquely fit-for-duty, every single day. We are very lucky to have five loyal proofreaders. Margaret Kirkeby, Deborah Platt, Sylvia Roffman, Dottie Rosenblum and Suzanne Singer stare at these pages, not just for these big holiday issues, but every single. With the way the paper has grown over the past year, their dedication hasn’t waivered and we are grateful for that. Any typo or grammar issue that is left behind is the editor’s responsibility. To our collectors of stories, our writers: thank you for making deadlines, thank you for your wonderful work, even when it costs you sleep. Ozzie Nogg, Oliver Pollack, Gabby Blair, Danielle Howell, Sybil Kaplan and Teddy Weinberger, there would be no special issue without you.

We also want to thank Special Projects Coordinator Julee Katzman. Julee knows our community extremely well and that makes her the perfect sounding board for the Press Editor. Everyone needs a mentor, and Julee has been that mentor for more than seven years. Finally, there’s you, the reader. Week after week you pull our paper out of your mailbox (or maybe some of you read it online these days) and we want to thank you. You are the reason we all get out of bed in the morning. There are many cities in this country where the local Jewish paper has disappeared. Yet, we are still here, in spite of the fact that we are one of the smaller communities in the U.S. That doesn’t just happen: it is the consequence of unwavering support, from the Jewish Federation of Omaha, its employees (too many to mention), its Board of Directors, our synagogues and every single community member who has ever opened one of our issues. Soon, Passover will be here. We know these are busy times, filled with cleaning and shopping and menu planning. We hope your holidays are full of peace, family and friends. We hope to see you at shul or at Seders all over town, and we wish you a very meaningful Passover. Chag Sameach, Eric Dunning, Jewish Press Board President Annette van de Kamp, Editor

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passover

Rock-hard matzah balls and cherry sundaes annette van de kamp-wRight Jewish Press Editor Saac h. (ike) and Ruth S. FRiedman had three boys: Steven, Roger and Sanford, in that order. The black and white photo, which Roger Friedman was kind enough to supply us with, shows three little boys, walking down the sidewalk. Many years have passed since it was taken; we can only imagine what they were thinking about that day. Maybe it was a Saturday, and they just returned from Synagogue. Maybe it was a holiday and matzah ball soup was on the menu. It’s a long way from those three boys in matching outfits, walking hand in hand on that Omaha sidewalk, to today. Those three boys grew into successful men, who continue to enjoy shared memories as well as a remarkable family-likeness. They no longer dress the same (except at Husker games) and we can assume playing ‘Kick the Can’ has been shelved for good. Those pastimes have been replaced with grown-up jobs and, in Sandy’s case, retirement. “Sandy is [still] the “baby,” Roger says. As the youngest, Sandy says he admires his older siblings: “Both my brothers are self-made and very successful in their respective fields. Roger is a pediatric ophthalmologist and did his pre-med at Omaha University (Nowadays UNO) and attended The University of Nebraska Medical Center. Steve has been a successful financial advisor and stockbroker for many years. They both set the bar very high for me. I always felt like I was trying to catch up. It all paid off. We have all tried hard to be involved with our Jewish and general communities, giving back, in many ways and as best we can.” They grew up in Omaha in a 2-bedroom, onebath house on Poppleton and 46th, from where they attended Beals elementary. All three graduated from Central High School; all three were Bar Mitzvahed at Beth El. “I remember my brothers and I sledding down

Poppleton in the winter,” Roger says. “We played ‘Kick the Can’ at night during the summers. Safety was never an issue.”

‘Crack Squad’, which was an elite drill team. Larry Roitstein was the commander the year before me. My best friends in high school were Jeff Wohlner,

Roger, left, Sandy and Steve Friedman Steve, who nowadays splits his time by commuting between Arizona and Omaha, added: “I used to walk to school, I would pass Holy Cross and would ask my mother: why can’t I go here? It’s so much closer than my school, which was uphill. I constantly questioned her about it, but eventually she convinced me Holy Cross was not the place for me.” Sandy remembers all five of them going to a family style restaurant: “Hansen’s Restaurant is where we went almost every Sunday. Neighborhoods were much different when we were kids. We would play all day and into the evening outside and all around the neighborhood. I remember my dad closing his liquor store to come watch me play football.” At Central, Roger was very involved in ROTC. “My senior year I was commander of the

Jeff Pomerantz, Steve Guss, Steve Gould, Arnie Fellman and Don Fiedler. Don unfortunately passed away, but the rest of us still stay in contact with each other. They are very dear friends. Although I have lived in California since 1968, I still consider Omaha to be my Home.” Steve’s memories include Schwinn Panther bike rides: “When we lived on Poppleton St. I would ride my bike up hill to Talmud Torah with Rabbi Katz. He made learning at Beth El synagogue fun. Going back was all down hill, so that was great. “My Dad would treat us, load us in his 1951 Oldsmobile, nobody was on their phone, people talked to each other; those were simple days. He would take us to Evan’s ice cream on 35th and Center to get cherry sundaes. They would put See Friedman Brothers pages a5

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Baby sister

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passover Hannah and Shelby Goodman

Hannah and Shelby Goodman

Dani Howell Hannah (age 18) and Shelby (age 16) both attend Omaha Central High School, where Hannah is a senior and Shelby is a sophomore. These talented sisters get their love of music from their dad, and when they are together, it sounds like a musical in the house! To those who first meet them, it seems they couldn’t be more opposite, but below the surface they share similarities in their empathy for others, kindness, and, of course, love for pets. With Hannah off to college this year, the girls are sure to miss belting out Beatles tunes, playing the ukulele, and their “serious sister discussions” and the fun they’ve shared from the third floor. Parents: Dr. Scott and Mrs. Jennifer Goodman and Grandparents: Steven and Carol Goodman of Overland Park, Kansas; Michael and Sheila Collins of Las Vegas, Nevada.

GaBBy Blair HaD lonG wiSHeD for a sibling while I was growing up. Most of my friends had siblings, and even though their relationships in those younger, elementary ages were fraught with typical petty sibling bickering, I envied them. I had always imagined myself with a sister who would be a best friend, a secret keeper, and someone whom I could double my own wardrobe with. Growing up as an only child definitely had its advantages; namely always being the center of my parent’s attention and being treated to the fabulous experiences that New York City had to offer, many of which would have been more difficult to navigate, or afford, with a brood. At the age of 16, the wishes of my youth came true with the birth of my first sister, followed by a brother and another sister. While the age differences that separated us were not quite conducive to the relationships I had envisioned when younger, the overwhelming love and fierce protection I felt towards them was truly disarming, especially with my first sister. Looking into her eyes, so similar to mine, was both odd and amazing. On outings to the park or on walks where she was bundled into her pram, I was often mistaken for her teenage mother. “Is that your baby?” some elderly bench sitter would inevitably ask, often times with disapproval ringing in their voice. “Why yes, of course she is!” was always my reply. In some way, she was like my baby. She

still is my baby... albeit, my baby sister... Whom I have watched grow from a tiny infant into a young adult. A child whose bottles I mixed and who I have rocked to sleep. I delighted in seeing her take new, unsteady steps

lady who celebrated her Bat Mitzvah and made aliyah; attending school, and midrasha, always learning and growing, blossoming into the young adult she is destined to become. I am always watching, listening,

Gabby Blair and her baby sister to my open arms as a toddler. My baby, whose boo-boos I have kissed and whose scraped knees I have bandaged. She grew into a young girl I would surprise at school, pick up after flying in unannounced from college and who I would sit for hours with on the phone, helping with homework, long distance. She became a young

hearing them all grow older, often from a physical distance I wish were not so great; but I am always thinking of them with a bittersweetness reserved for reflecting upon the speed in which children grow. Last summer, during an extended visit to see our family in Israel, my eldest sister met a See Baby sister page a5

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Friedman brothers

Continued from page A3 tion in the birth order,” Roger said. “Steve is the oldest, and the trays on the car window. I loved those cherry sundaes; when we were young, he was never the recipient of any they are stamped in my mind. In my memory, it’s simplicity hand-me-downs. Sandy is the ‘baby’, and that was always a and it’s peaceful.” special thing for my Parents. Holidays in the Friedman However, things do roll household were celebrated todownhill, and Sandy did an gether with family. amazing job of surviving his “I think we were like most childhood with his two older Jewish families at that time,” brothers. I am now 73 years Sandy says. “Our mother was old, and I am still trying to a great cook. I still remember figure out the advantage of her making her chopped liver. being the middle child of It was special. I also rememthree sons. Seriously though, ber that the three boys I do feel that our Parents did wanted our matzah balls hard their very best to spread out as a rock, but a good cook the love.” was known for her soft and Sandy said being the fluffy ones.” youngest of three boys, “I got “I remember her cooking a lot of lumps and bumps Sandy, left, Roger and Steve (still dressed alike!) for days to prepare for these along the way. However, as holidays,” Roger added. “She took great pride in making the youngest, there was a lot more flexibility. The parents those fluffy matzah balls, but my Brothers and I liked ‘canwere very tired by the time the third child was in high non ball’ matzo balls. She would make two batches, the fluffy school. I believe that being the youngest helped me learn ones for the guests and the hard ones for the three of us.” how to better deal with people. Managing two older brothRoger says Sandy is his best friend, but they do disagree ers was always a challenge.” about their mother’s cooking: As adults, their relationship hasn’t changed all that much, “I think that she was a very good cook in general. Sandy Sandy feels. thinks that she made great pies, cookies and cakes. I loved “Steve still thinks I’m the baby of the family. Maybe we’ll all of her cooking, and maybe that’s why I was chubby in outgrow it if we live long enough!” high school.” “I think that we are more respectful of each other,” Roger “My mother would treat us to steak from time to time,” said, “and less competitive. Boys are boys, and we each Steve remembers. “Roger always felt I got the bigger porwanted to be the best at whatever it was we were doing.” tion, she he made sure to be the first one at the table. Then Sandy may admire his brothers for setting the bar high, he would switch our plates. My mother caught on, and but that admiration is mutual: started putting my plate at his seat and vice versa. Roger “I am very proud of both of my Brothers’ lifetime achievewould come, switch our plates, and we all ended up with ments,” Roger said. “Steve has used his bright and incisive what my mother wanted.” mind to gain great success in business. Of greater imporAnd then, there was the tap dancing, which takes center tance, Steve has met the challenges of having a specialstage in Steve’s memories. needs child and has helped his son Ben become the “My mother always wanted girls but got three boys instead. wonderful person that he is. Sandy too has had great sucSo she marched me to tap dance school,” he says. “I was on cess in business, creating and building multiple businesses. the Television Showcase with Johnny Carson. My mother was Sandy is truly a mensch. He has been involved in the proud of my tap dancing. I also did the Big 8 variety show in Omaha Jewish community in many ways including being a Lincoln. I danced for years and was in all the shows at Cenpresident of Beth El Synagogue and the ADL/CRC.” tral High. I would even perform at the old Sher Home, the “I’m extremely proud of Roger,” Steve in turn says. “He current Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s predecessor.” went to medical school and studied Pediatric OphthalmolThose of us who have siblings know: birth order matters. ogy. He’s been quoted many times in medical journals and Being the oldest means more baby pictures. Being the even operated on numerous celebrities. Sandy is so active in youngest means being spoiled while never getting anything civic matters and was the President of Beth El and Ironwood new. Of course, those things are not automatically true for Country Club. He excels at golf, which comes from playing everyone, but those are the stereotypes. an enormous amount of it. He is very philanthropic and en“There were advantages and disadvantages of your posijoys social interaction with many friends far and wide.”

Baby sister

Continued form page A4 hand of my baby sister, and she emerged alone, a radiant wonderful young man through a shidduch our first week bride; a woman where a child had stood only moments there. By our last week, they were engaged and we were so before. I cried with our father and her mother, and our excited to be able to share in brother and sister, all of us this simcha, together. Long taken aback by this subtle nights were spent excitedly transformation. We accomplanning, discussing and panied her then, to the dreaming with my sisters; Chuppah for pictures and laughing and crying with the whirlwind before the nervousness and anticipawedding. She blessed me tion. I was fortunate enough then, my beautiful sister, sitting regally like a queen, her to return a few short nerves evaporated replaced months later, when my baby with serenity. Moments sister was married. When it later, just like that, she was was time for her to get married, being led off to dressed, she requested only dance with her many girlI accompany her. I was Gabby Blair and her siblings elated and felt guilty, as I felt friends, she reached back, it was her own mother who should have that honor. She grabbed my hand and pulling me along, exhilarated and insisted, and so, I helped her dress in her beautiful gown, alive, eyes serious and said, “don’t let me go! Dance with with the epiphany that, as a mother of three beautiful me!” My sisters and I danced and danced, whirling and boys, this would be the closest experience to having a twirling with a crush of women old and young. I finally daughter get married I would likely ever have. We laughed break away, seeking a cool drink and am approached by a group of her school friends. We exchange a few pleasas we fumbled with the hoops of the dress and the tiny antries, and one of them says in halting English, “You are buttons of the bodice. I fixed the stray hairs and made her mother, yes?” I am momentarily surprised by the sure her wishes to remain uninterrupted as she davened question; laughingly I answer, “No, but she is my baby!” were respected. I entered the dressing room holding the

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Ode to the kid brother

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NatE Shapiro y brothEr aNd i have spent a lot of time arguing over why there are two of us. My older brother would argue that my parents, being so enchanted by his arrival in their lives, decided that they simply must have another. My parents, after having me and realizing that I was not my brother (Sad!), decided to call it quits on procreation and just cut their losses. I, of course, would counter this argument by saying that my older brother was the practice run -- a biological prelude to the masterpiece that would end up being me. Only after giving birth to me, were my parents filled with a deep sense of purpose and meaning, and as a result, no longer felt the need to procreate. Judaism seems to have a complex relationship with sibling rivalry. On one hand, we have the concept of Shalom Bayit lit. Peace in the home. On the other hand, we also have numerous stories where the negative consequences of sibling rivalry were imperative to the narrative of our people. For instance, according to our people’s shared narrative, the first pair of siblings was Cain and Abel. Cain, the oldest, ended up killing Abel. Although the Torah doesn’t tell us exactly what the motivation was for this murder, we do know that the Almighty apparently favored Abel’s sacrifices over Cain’s sacrifices. Adam and Eve lost two sons over the incident, as Cain was forced to wander the world. As demonstrated by that early and bloody story from the cornerstone of our faith, sibling rivalry is nothing new. In fact, I’d argue that without this sibling rivalry, we as a people would not exist. After Abel was killed and Cain banished, Adam and Eve had another son, Seth. Seth had sons who had sons until Lamech gave birth to Noah, the famous shipbuilder/zoologist. Noah had a son Shem, who had sons who had sons until one of his progeny, Terah, birthed Abraham. According to Tanach, there’s a direct line from Adam to Abraham, but through Seth. Cain’s fratricide, destroyed a family, but planted a seed that would eventually become an entire nation of people. The Jewish people are descended from Seth, not Cain, nor Abel. Here’s one story where we can thank the stars (or He who is I am), that Shalom Bayit did not win the day. Another example of the shortcomings of Shalom Bayit is in the relationship between Jacob and his older

brother, Esau. At this time in Hebrew society, the eldest born son was entitled to the birthright of his father’s property. Jacob swindled his older brother by trading Esau a bowl of beans in exchange for Esau’s inherent birthright. For many of us, we view Jacob as a cunning ancestor triumphing over his dumb brutish older brother. While I would say that forcing your older brother to sell his birthright in exchange for food, especially after toiling all day in the fields,

Eric and Nate Shapiro is a pretty low move, it’s Jacob’s deceptive actions towards Isaac that really give me pause for the reverence of Jacob. As we know from Hebrew school, Jacob enlisted his mother’s help in conning Esau out of his birthright and getting blind ol’ Isaac to sign off on the deal. By wrapping Jacob in furs, Isaac blesses Jacob (disguised as Esau) with the blessing reserved for the first born. Esau hears of this, is understandably upset, and goes to his father to inform him that he has blessed illegitimately. For some reason, Isaac is out of blessings for the first born, and essentially tells Esau “tough toenails.” Esau vows to kill Jacob and Jacob hightails it out of there. Eventually, Jacob receives his own healthy dose of familial deception, when Laban (his uncle) agrees to let Jacob marry his younger daughter, Rachel, but tricks him into first marrying the eldest daughter, Leah. After many years, Jacob and Esau reconcile, which I think says a lot about Esau’s character. Again, had these two, Jacob and Esau acted the way my own mother expected me and my brother to act, there would be no Jewish people. Had ‘peace in the home’ been the prevailing theme, Jacob never would have had cause to flee his home and find employment with uncle Laban. If Jacob hadn’t ended up working for See the kid brother page a8

Ten tips for a less stressful Passover

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | a7

passover

Duby Litvin My Jewish Learning via JTA

If you are making your house strictly kosher for Passover, you will need to pack away your year-round dishes and cookware and replace assoveR RequiRes a great deal of them with Passover ones. However, you can build up your Passover colpreparation, especially if you are making lection gradually. Start with just the few crucial items the first year your home kosher for Passover. and each year buy a few more things These 10 tips will help you organize 6. your best friend is your list. and prioritize, so you can enjoy the From a cleaning to-do list to detailed shopping lists, from last-minute holiday. reminders to menus, lists will save your life. Don’t let the mental to-do 1. Don’t wing it, plan it. list overwhelm you – get it all down on paper and rest assured nothing Planning is imperative. Think of your will be forgotten. Keep everything in one place (or on your smartphone). house as your corporation and you are its 7. Passover doesn’t have to be Pinterest worthy. CEO. You are in charge. Just like a big company would plan While many people believe everything has to be picture-perfect, simout its functions, plifying can make your life you also want to much easier. Plan a new and work on “Project fancy dish here and there if it Passover.” When you have a plan gives you pleasure, but don’t in place, things will go much feel like you must. Where possmoother. sible, cook things in advance 2. Delegate to your team, inand freeze them. cluding children. 8. Leave the bitterness to As CEO it is your job to delethe maror. gate and supervise all the tasks. The last thing you want is The more you delegate the betto have a chip on your shoulder ter off you will be. If you can afwhen it comes to holiday traford it, hire a cleaning person to ditions. If you do feel resentful help. Have your spouse or a about the amount of work that teenage son or daughter take goes into holiday preparations, care of the shopping. Even if you then something needs to think the job is small and easy, change ASAP. Try to shift your the less on your plate the better. organizing and prioritizing allow seder planners to enjoy the festive thinking from “yet another Credit: Rebecca Siegel/Flickr, CC BY 2.0 thing I have to do” to a place The best thing with children meal and the holiday. under 6 is to have someone else take them out of the house, so you can of “we have an opportunity here.” Focus on what’s most important clean without them underfoot. Older children can handle small jobs, such about Passover: the seders, time with family and loved ones. as wiping down toys and surfaces. In the kitchen, these little helpers 9. have fun and create new traditions. can do peeling, juicing, cracking nuts or other introductory jobs. Know My mother-in-law makes a special orange soup for Passover, and all what your child can or can’t handle and let him or her feel important. her grown children now make it as well, because it’s a beloved tradition. 3. Passover cleaning vs. spring cleaning. You may think, who cares, it’s just soup... or it’s just the annual Imagine sitting down to a beautiful Passover seder – the house is Passover week trip to the park. But these are exactly the things that sparkling clean, the chandeliers are glistening, the windows are make Passover special. Here are some ideas to make holiday prep more sparkling -- and you’re falling asleep. While it’s lovely to have them fun: putting music on when cleaning, giving out prizes (to yourself as sparkle and shine, chandeliers and windows are not imperative to making well as others) for accomplishing specific tasks, special new toys for your home kosher for Passover. Passover cleaning is any place that the holiday, create photo contests with friends or family members of there’s a very good chance that food was brought in. If you know there “funniest items found while cleaning for Passover.” was no food brought there, then it doesn’t have to be cleaned. Even 10. When all is said and done, get it in writing! food that’s been stuck on the wall, if it’s more dirt than food, it doesn’t Passover is over, and the last thing you want to do is look at one have to be scrubbed. For something to be considered chametz, it needs more list, let alone go through it. But hang in there and jot down what to be edible and accessible. worked, what didn’t, if you bought too much matzah or not enough. 4. Poor man’s bread or bread that makes us poor. Write down that new trick you came up with to help the kids enjoy the For those buying only foods certified kosher for Passover, the holiday seder. You will thank yourself next year. can be very expensive. But you don’t have to make matzah or other Duby Litvin lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband, processed foods mainstays of your meals. Instead, focus on in-season Shmully, and when she is not making lists, she owns a small fruits and vegetables. Before heading to the supermarket, create a menu kosher bakery and dabbles in writing children’s literature. Conand shopping list, then stick to it. nect with her at MrsDuby@gmail.com or go to www.DubysPe 5. Don’t buy an entire kitchen your first year. sachLists.com.

Why Passover is about a lot more than good food Joshua RatneR My Jewish Learning via JTA

hat is the essence of PassoveR? On the one hand, it seems obvious: Passover is about gathering together with loved ones to recall, through sumptuous home rituals, the exodus from Egypt. We gather round our seder tables and quickly become engulfed in the warmth of family and friends, the culinary delights of a delicious meal, and the comforting, vaguely familiar words and songs we recite year after year. Passover is, indeed, a beautiful opportunity for rejoicing and celebrating. But it also can be much, much more. Looking closely at the Passover Haggadah, we can see that the rabbis who crafted the seder did not choose to make Passover a holiday solely focused on celebrating the past. Like the Fourth of July (or Hanukkah), Passover could have been a day to recall passively our independence from an oppressive regime as a historical remembrance; to commemorate the past and salute our Founding Fathers (or Maccabees). Instead, Moses (as Founding Father of the Israelites) is largely shut out of the Haggadah -- he appears but once. While remembrance of the exodus -- from the enslavement of the Israelites to the 10 plagues to the crossing of the Red Sea -- forms a major portion of the content of the Maggid (retelling) section of the Haggadah, that remembrance is but a means to a larger end. The end of the Maggid section reveals why. It says: “In each and every generation people must regard themselves as though they personally left Egypt, as it says, ‘Tell your child on that very day: “This is what God did for me when I left Egypt.”‘ The Holy One of Blessing did not redeem only our ancestors, but God even redeemed us with them, as it says, ‘God brought us out of there in order to bring us to and gave us the land that God swore to our ancestors.’” The seder specifically, and Passover more broadly, is about remembering God’s deliverance of the Israelites not see More than good food page a8

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A8 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

passover The kid brother

Eric and Nate Shapiro

Continued from page A6 Laban, there would have been no 12 sons (and Dinah). There would have been no 12 tribes of Israel, and worst of all, no Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. If I wanted to continue listing examples of bad siblings advancing the narrative of the Jewish people, I would have a lot to say about Joseph and his brothers, but I think you’ve gotten the point. Our history is fraught with bitter sibling rivalry, Cain and Abel, and Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers (except for Benjamin), and so on and so forth down the line. While Shalom Bayit is important, I think the bible doesn’t do a great job of making the point that sibling rivalry provides a way to strengthen a family in the long run. Because of sibling rivalry, Jacob was forced to flee his home and learn to fly on his own, same with Joseph. Because of sibling rivalry, Adam and Eve were forced to make the very difficult decision to banish their own son and restart their own family, which would eventually lead to the creation of the Jewish people. So this Pesach, as you bring your own families together, think about our heritage and the natural dynamics of sibling rivalry. When it’s time to reward the finder of the Afikomen, maybe raise the stakes this year and see which of your children becomes a little bolder and a little more creative, when competing with their siblings. The future of the Jewish people may depend on it.

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The Gefilte Manifesto

The Gefilte Manifesto | Jeffrey Yoskowitz and Liz Alpern | Flatiron Books, $35 hardcover SYBIL KAPLAN MANIfESTo IS A wrITTEN STATEMENT that describes the policies, goals, and opinions of a person or group. But what kind of manifesto can you write about gefilte fish? To discover this, meet Jeffrey Yoskowitz, trained pickler who worked as an entrepreneur and consultant for small businesses. Then he met Liz Alpern who had worked with Jewish cookbook and cooking maven, Joan Nathan, then curated and cooked for pop-up events and boutique shops. Together they founded The Gefilteria, a Brooklyn business to reimagine Jewish classics. In this cookbook, they decided to focus on recipes “that tell the story of a rich ethnic cuisine,” that of Ashkenazi cooking using “an old approach to a new way of eating.” There are 98 recipes (by my count) enhanced by102 color photographs of food and more. The introduction alternates between Jeffrey and Liz as they discuss how they grew up and got into the business of gefilte fish revival with a friend, Jackie Lilinshtein, first for local shops, then for stores around the country. This developed into pickles, horseradish, borscht and more. They then discuss the basics of Ashkenazi cooking, what the book is really all about, and things to keep in mind when using this book. Chapters are: Pantry Staples (10 recipes including Quick and Creamy Farmer’s Cheese, Apple-Pear Sauce and Summer Harvest Jams); Pickles (12 recipes such as Classic Sour Dills, Sauerkraut and Clove and Spice Pickled Beets); Breads (8 recipes like Jewish Rye, Bagels at Home and Bialys); Soups and Dumplings (11 recipes with Beet Borscht, Classic Chicken Soup and Rustic matzo Balls); Appetizers and lighter Sides (11 recipes including Sweet Lokshen Kugel, Herbed Gefilte Fish and Sweet Beet Horseradish Relish); Deli Sides and Specialties (11 recipes like Mustard Slaw, Chopped Liver Pate and Peasant Potato Salad); Mains (10 recipes with Roast Chicken and WineBraised Brisket); Desserts (12 recipes including Bow-Tie Kichel, Schnecken and Apple Strudel); and Beverages (13 recipes like Soda syrups. The book ends with sample menus, leftover adventure, water bath canning, resources, notes and a bibliography before the index. There is no doubt this cookbook is not only creative, but all of the recipes have introductory remarks (which I per-

More than good food

Continued from page A7 as a one-time, historical event but as something that is perpetually happening in the present. Redemption from slavery to freedom is intended to be an experience that we, too, can and should have during our seders. But why? Rabbi Joshua Ratner is the director of the Jewish Com-

sonally love), ingredients are bold face and (my favorite in a cookbook) -- instructions are numbered. This is the cookbook to give to anyone who appreciates the nostalgia of their family recipes, traditional old-world Ashkenazi recipes and who will enjoy revitalizing them for today’s families. I would be remiss if I didn’t include their recipe for gefilte fish!

PoAChEd GEfILTE QuENELLES

Ingredients: 10 2-ounce quenelles heads, bones and tails from a fish 1 tbsp. kosher salt 2 coarsely chopped onions 4 medium carrots 3 tbsp. sugar 4 quarts water Preparation: Place the fish parts, salt, onions, carrots, sugar and water in a large stockpot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, cover and simmer for at least 45 minutes before poaching the quenelles. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface. Wet your hands and form the gefilte fish mixture into about 10 quenelles the size of an egg, with a similarly oblong shape. They will expand as they cook. Place them one by one into the poaching liquid. Make sure the heat is on low and cover the pot. Poach for 30 minutes. Remove the quenelles with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl. Spoon enough poaching liquid over to cover the quenelles. Let cool slightly before refrigerating. To serve, remove the carrots and cut them into 3/4 inch rounds. Serve chilled with carrot pieces and horseradish relish.

munity Relations Council of New Haven, Connecticut. Ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in May 2012, Ratner was a Joseph Neubauer Fellow and also earned a master’s degree in Midrash and a certificate in pastoral care. He worked as an attorney for five years prior to entering rabbinical school.

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | a9

Renee and Randy Ratner

annette van de kamp-wRight be a challenge to recreate some of the childJewish Press Editor hood togetherness. xecutive diRectoR “My maternal Grandmother had nine of the Nebraska grandchildren and Renee is the only one Jewish Historical who still lives in Omaha,” Randy said. Society, Renee Rat“When we were younger, we often had famner Corcoran has ily reunions coinciding with my Grandthis to say about her mother’s special birthdays, but after my brother Randy: Grandmother passed away, unfortunately it “He’s a good guy.” is quite rare for us to be together. There Renee is the oldest of three; sister Susan is have been occasions like funerals and wednext, and Randy is the youngest. Parents dings when many, though not all of us, have were the late Phil and Evelyn (Babe) Ratner. been together, but I cannot recall when all Phil and Babe raised their family at 5323 nine of us with our respective families were Western Avenue. Now that they are adults, there are a few more miles between these siblings; while Renee has continued to call Omaha home, brother Randy lives in Dallas, Texas. “We always got along pretty well,” Renee said. “As the youngest and the only boy, he was the apple of my parents’ eye. He was adorable. And he might not want to hear this, because he is a big-shot attorney now that he’s grown up, but as a little boy, he was full of mischief. And when he was in high school, he worked for Lucy White at Beth El. I remember she used to call him ‘baby’.” Some of Randy’s fondest memories from when he was younger include time spent with friends and family: “Most of my neighborSusan, Renee and Randy Ratner hood friends remained dear friends from Harrison Elementary last all in one place.” School through Central High School. My Renee concurs: “He hasn’t been here in Mother’s brother, Selwyn Roffman, lived one Omaha for a while. His son Adam used to block from our home with his wife Marie meet him for Husker games once a year, but and his three children, and my Mother’s SisAdam is older now and married with kids. ter, Barbara (Tootsie) lived with her husband Today, Randy has three grandsons, so we Jerry and their three daughters one block talk about them often. I love hearing about around the corner. We always spent time tothe work he does for his synagogue, Temple gether for birthdays, secular and non-secular Emmanuel in Dallas. He follows what I do holidays. My immediate family always spent and we talk at least once a week. He likes to holidays with the families of mom’s brother text me pictures of his family so we can and sister, and we also typically sat together keep track of each other that way.” for High Holidays at Beth El Synagogue.” While Renee is proud of Randy’s profes“My mother used to call him her ‘little sional accomplishments, he returns the senTeivel,’ her little devil,” Renee remembers. timent regarding the great work Renee has “He was a pain in the neck when he was done with the Nebraska Jewish Historical little. I remember you had to go through his Society. For many years, Renee has been the bedroom to get to mine. I would come keeper of any and all records related to Jewhome late and step on all the toy soldiers he ish Omaha, creating and maintaining a vast had sitting out all over the floor. He was in archive of stories, photos and documents of the emergency room every year. Even when the community. he was already away at college, he came “Whenever I happen to meet people from home and cut his hand on a can of tuna.” Omaha and I tell them Renee is my sister, I Due to the four-year difference in age, hear rave reviews about her work,” he said. Randy remembers them not being super“But I am also very proud of her because close when he was little. Renee was a great caregiver for my Parents “As adults, we have become much closer, as they grew older and needed help, which even though living so far apart,” he said. was of great comfort to me given my disRenee agrees: “When he went to the Unitance from Omaha.” versity of Texas and Law school, I used to Sibling relationships can be different from call him every Friday afternoon from colthose you have with friends, Renee admits. lege. When we both became young adults, There will always be certain things that that age difference kind of disappeared, and are more comfortable to discuss with a we did a lot more together, genuinely began friend, rather than family,” she said. “Howto like each other’s company and spending ever, family never goes away. I know there is time together. a special connection Randy and I will alAs with so many families, when siblings ways have, no matter what. He will always move to different parts of the country, it can be there for me, no questions asked.”

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a10 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

this is what our interfaith seder is like Jennifer reinharz Kveller via JTA

May you find Happiness and Fulfillment in this Joyous Celebration

Happy Passover The Belgrade Family

Wishes Everyone a Happy Holiday and Peaceful Passover

tions he felt strengthened the Jewish identity of our sons -and encouraged new and experienced guests to discuss important Passover themes like freedom, rebirth and “tikkun olam,” healing the world.

orn into a CatholiC faMily with a Jewish surname, I should have expected I would one day find myself leading a Passover seder. To date, my husband Larry and I have hosted nine seders, eight of which I’ve had the honor to lead. This role was bestowed upon me after my Jewish husband concluded that in light of my organized, creative, teacher-like nature, I was the right person for the job. The tradeoff was food prep, which he happily agreed to tackle. Not one who enjoys cooking, I acquiesced. Besides, the man makes a mean brisket. I love a good Passover seder. People of various faiths and nationalities attending an interfaith But I didn’t always feel that way. In the beginning, I found it a tough ceremony to swal- Passover seder in West Bloomfield, Mich. Credit: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images low. I felt like the token Christian, the stranger in the wrong outfit eating the matzah out of order. The structure of It took a few years to earn our seder hosting chops, but the service confused me, and the intensity associated with we eventually found a balance. staying on task gave me the perfect excuse to keep quiet. I “Your Haggadah puts me in a position to think about felt excluded by the deluge of Hebrew spoken by those in the what matters,” Larry concluded. “See? Marrying outside my know and, in general, lost -- drowned in a Red Sea of rigidfaith is making me a better Jew.” ity, pomp and circumstance. For years I couldn’t wait to suck Fast forward to Passover 2014. down that fourth cup of wine and hightail it home. Walking by a local church the morning of Passover, I noBut I married a Jewish man, and we were raising our kids ticed a passage carved into the steeple: Jewish. Determined to do right by my Catholic self and our “How wonderful it is Jewish family, I set out on a mission to create an interfaithHow pleasant for God’s people friendly seder. To live together in harmony First, I compiled a Haggadah full of catchy ditties, kidPsalm 133” friendly verses and hands-on plagues. I switched up the I thought about our seder guests. That evening, 16 people order of the service, made the blessings accessible in English -- Jews, Catholics, Muslims, a son of Methodist missionaries, and Hebrew, added passages about civil rights and the family, old friends and new faces -- would gather around our human condition, highlighted springtime symbolism, and table like a bona fide interfaith, intergenerational jamboree. offered readings that would appeal to different belief systems. As suspected, it turned out to be just that. Interfaith marriage is about building bridges. Larry was We waited to kick off the festivities so my Muslim neighopen to the idea and respected my effort to design a Hagbor could run home to say her afternoon prayers. See interfaith seder page a12 gadah that made sense for me, but also maintained tradi-

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he Great reCeSSion of 2008 broke what was once a taboo for American youth: moving back in with your parents after college. Now that America is prospering again, I imagine that some of the old stigmas against living at home have returned. In Israel, it continues to be normal to live with your parents at any number of junctures in your twenties: during army service (on Sabbaths, holidays, and vacations), while working at odd jobs to earn money for the traditional postarmy trek (which may extend to a year and more), during your university years if you live within commuting distance of the school, and during the accreditation and/or search period before you land your first fulltime job in your profession. Twenty-somethings are thus often engaged in a kind of ebb and flow: sometimes staying with parents, and sometimes (when everyone gets on everyone’s nerves) not. Indeed, a question that rarely gets asked in America (because the answer is usually obvious) is often pertinent for middle-aged Israeli parents: Whom do you have at home now? Of course, Israel being a very small country, even when your children move out, they don’t go very far. A majority of Israel’s population lives within about an hour’s drive of each other in the greater metropolitan areas of Israel’s two largest cities: Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Unlike in America, where visits by adult children sometimes only occur semi-annually, home visits in Israel are within the realm of serious consideration every Shabbat. For parents, however, it’s often feast or famine: if your adult children enjoy each other’s company, then they will want to synchronize their visits with those of their siblings. No one wants to be stuck home alone with Mom and Dad, God forbid. It’s astonishing how people who seem like normally functioning adults to the outside world become childlike when they -- especially if accompanied by their siblings -- return for a visit to the home in which they grew up. They are all still keenly sensitive to any perceived favoritism or inequity. If one of them is asked to do a household chore, inevitably they will want to know why they were singled out for the assignment. On the other hand, since they all have varied lives, they

are all eager to catch each other up when they visit -- and in the process we their parents learn a lot more than they are typically willing to share with us. For young married couples, the possibility for home visits doubles. There are young couples who are hardly ever at home for Shabbat, visiting each of the sides in rotation. This is even more the case on major Jewish holiteDDy days. In Israel it can happen that a family WeinBerGer where the couple is already in their forties has yet to make a single Passover Seder in their home -- they always go to the grandparents. I’m not sure that such a situation is ideal. Sarah and I, living in Atlanta in our mid-twenties, had to rely on ourselves and our (very warm and hospitable) community for Shabbat and holiday company. It was a wonderful experience hosting and being hosted by people of all ages. We quickly learned how to make guests feel at home and how to be good guests ourselves, and we grew a lot in the process, individually and as a couple. I am happy to say that talk of married children is no longer in the theoretical realm for Sarah and me. Last month our son Elie became engaged to Hadar and the wedding is set for March 26. At this point, if you keep track of my unfolding family saga, you may be saying to yourself: Isn’t Elie at 22 the youngest child and isn’t he still in the army? The answer to both questions is “yes.” Elie has indeed leaped ahead of all of his siblings, in part because he is our most traditionally religious child (he and Hadar believe in complete physical abstinence before marriage). And Elie, like several of the other religious young men in his army unit, will be a married soldier for a while. Given that Sarah and I will now be competing with Hadar’s family, we are not expecting to see the young couple every week. Every other week will also be okay. Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest four, Nathan, Rebecca, Ruthie and Ezra are veterans of the Israel Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@netvi sion.net.il.

The Fellman Foursome. Doc and Frances would be proud OzziE NOgg

N hEr BOOk Family Politics: Love and Power on an Intimate Frontier, Letty Cottin Pogrebin examines the nature of the family and its place in today's society. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the family were a fruit,â&#x20AC;? Pogrebin writes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;it would be an orange, a circle of sections, held together but separable â&#x20AC;&#x201C; each segment distinct.â&#x20AC;? Indeed. Siblings Dick Fellman (going on 82, as his Bubbe would say); Janie Fellman Pickus (78); and twins Nancy Fellman Rips and Tom Fellman (72, but, as Nancy points out, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tommy is ten minutes olderâ&#x20AC;?) each fell from the Fellman family tree, and though each segment is distinctly different, they are unified when discussing their late parents, Dr. Leon and Frances Fellman. According to Janie, who lives in Highland Park, Illinois, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d describe our family as a sort of Jewish version of Father Knows Best. My mother didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wear pearls, heels and a frilly apron during the day -- more like pedal pushers, flats and toilet paper wrapped around her hair -- but she looked fabulous when she went out. My father gave wise advice, especially when I thought the world was coming to an end. Dad took us to lectures, to the Sher Home. I think he was mainly teaching Dick, but I tagged along and listened. Dad would read us bits of what he was reading. I remember him telling us about George Orwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1984. And once, because he thought the language would take hold, he tried to teach us Esperanto.â&#x20AC;?

Tom Fellmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experiences with his father included crash courses in the real estate business (â&#x20AC;&#x153;I used to follow him around and took in whatever he said about acquiring and managing propertyâ&#x20AC;?) plus other life lessons he still values today. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My dad took me to the race track,â&#x20AC;? Tom explained, â&#x20AC;&#x153;not to bet on the horses but to look at them, to point out their blinders. He said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tommy, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a reason those horses have those on, and the same is true in life. Pretend youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the horse, put blinders on both eyes and go for it.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; My sister, Janie, felt the same way. She always told me to not live life in the bleachers, be out on the playing field. I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done.â&#x20AC;? See The Fellman Foursome page A12

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | A11

passover Ben, Elly, and Mara Cohn

Elly, left, Ellen, Ben Cohn Credit: Megan Stokes Photography

Frances Fellman and Leon â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Docâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fellman, circa 1959

DANi hOwELL When you have 3 siblings only 20 months apart, mom and dad are in for lots of fun â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and lots of trouble! Ben (age 4), loves attending preschool at The Hearth Academy, and playing animals with his little sister Ellen (age 2). Wild animals spotted around the Cohn household during playtime include aye-ayes, fossas, and American bison! Mara (age 10 months) tries her best to get in on the action, especially when her big brother and sister play house. These young siblings truly adore each other. Ben says he loves that Elly always shares with him, and the way that Mara laughs. Elly really looks up to her big brother â&#x20AC;&#x201C; she loves to watch and imitate his behavior. She also likes to help her mommy take care of Mara, but isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always as happy when Mara â&#x20AC;&#x153;borrowsâ&#x20AC;? her dolly! Parents: Jess and Shane Cohn and grandparents: Steve and Linda Cohn and Dennis and Debra McMillan

" " !!! "" "" "

The Fellman Foursome

A12 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

passover Interfaith seder

Continued from page A10 My father, a good ol’ boy and the son of Methodist missionaries who has a mezuzah affixed to his doorpost out of respect for our Jewish ancestors, joined us for his first seder and my first holiday with him since I was a baby. Adults and young people alike wore sunglasses to symbolize darkness, the ninth plague, and enjoyed an enthusiastic food fight of marshmallow hail. Twentysomethings and teenagers were just as jazzed as the under-10 population to hunt for the afikomen. The widow and sister of a dear friend, a devout Irish Catholic who always attended our seders but passed away a few years ago, recited the concluding poem together, a job historically reserved for him. And when the seder ended, that sister -- a retired high school special education teacher, mother of four, grandmother who attends daily Mass and a Passover newcomer -stood up and addressed the group. She shared: “We are a society of self-absorbed immediacy. It seems that all anyone cares about today are the latest trends, the hottest stars and themselves. It is important to pass on traditions, talk about ancestry, tell stories and make connections to the past. Doing this creates a necessary foundation for our children. For me, the seder represents hope and a renewed determination to keep ALL the traditions we have alive and fun.” Then she took home our Haggadah to use as a teaching aid in her Catechism class. Last Passover, this friend’s theory became practice when my son, then 9, asked to do more. He read the story of Exodus and recited the 10 plagues along with a couple of blessings in Hebrew. And on the second night, when we held an intimate seder with family, he wowed the crowd by taking the lead. I was not raised Jewish. I did not convert to Judaism. But watching my son embrace his Jewish identity made this interfaith mama proud. Larry and I will soon welcome the usual crew to our pleasant Passover. Should Elijah slip through the open door, I hope he’ll stay for a sip or two of wine. There are 16 people who value tradition, freedom, inclusivity, harmony and humanity he’s going to want to meet. Jennifer Reinharz writes for children and blogs for grown-ups. A BlogHer 2015 Voice of the Year and author of the blog Red said what?, Reinharz’s writing has also appeared online at InterFaithFamily, Scary Mommy, Mamalode and Brain Child, as well as other publications.

Continued from page A12 children and great-grandchildren, and I think her influFlashback. ence would be good. My dad was, and is, a strong influence “During War ll,” Dick said, “Janie and I and our mother in my life. His grit, his love of learning, his curiosity and followed our dad from one Army post to another, where he enjoyment of new ideas. I think all these things filtered was stationed as a dentist. After the War, when the twins down to the four of us.” And to the younger generation, were born, all six of us took some long car trips, two in too. “When Dick’s late wife, Bev, was a resident at the front, two in back, and two Blumkin Home, I flew in with on the floor of the back.” my nine-year old grandNancy added her typically daughter, Nina, to visit Bev,” colorful assessment of those Janie said. “Nina loved the jaunts. “I recall two vacaBlumkin Home. It was like a tions, to Mexico and Colpalace to her, with a gym, a orado,” she said. “My main theater, a school, a library. On memory is throwing up all our way back to Chicago, the way in the car. And Nina said to me, ‘Grandma, Tommy not eating for two when you get old, I’m putting weeks because he didn’t like you in the Blumkin Home.’ the food.” As a sidebar, Tom It’s not a bad idea.” Fellman supplied an addiThe Fellman siblings are Nancy Rips, left, Tom Fellman, Janie Pickus and Dick Fellman quick to recognize one other’s tional anecdote. “When I was fourteen, I snuck out and drove my dad’s car. Of accomplishments and quirks. “Dick has become the family course, I got in an accident. I was in so much trouble at historian,” Janie said. “He writes - and talks - a lot about polihome that Nancy thought for sure I was going to jail. She tics. He cares about Judaism and the synagogue. He’s proud went into the kitchen and made sacks and sacks of peanut of his children, and rightly so. I wish my mother could see butter and jelly sandwiches for me. She knew I wouldn’t eat how successful Tommy is,” Janie continued. “He’s still misprison food and wanted me to have something to eat in chievous, but he has done so much good in the world. He jail.” The special bond between twins is hard to nail down, helps people, all the time, all over, and never asks for thanks. but Nancy gave it a shot. “When I was a kid, I thought He enjoys life and has a penchant for crazy fun. His company, everyone came in twos. I always wondered where everybesides being successful, is a happy one. He set the tone for one’s other person - their Tommy - was.” that. Tommy has a great attitude. And Nancy? Her success as As youngsters, the Fellman siblings played specific roles. an author and local TV and radio personality, the inordinate “Dick is nine years older than I am,” Nancy said, “and amount of time she spends volunteering, her originality and when I was a child I thought he was an adult. I looked up flair, her fun personality, her passion for New York and to him. Janie was great. Is great. She was always trying to Bloomingdales. The joy she takes in the world is contagious.” teach Tommy and me things. She told us books were our All three of Janie’s siblings point to her work with the North friends. Tommy went on to make other friends.” Janie often Shore Jewish community in Chicago, especially with the babysat the twins. “I loved them so,” she said. “Tommy was Conservative synagogues and Day Schools, her former career mischievous, and I was always trying new ways to control as a remedial reading teacher and her thirty years as a real eshim, to stop him running around and go to sleep. The only tate broker. “Janie is creative, a worker, kind, and always inway I could quiet him was to sit on our outside steps on terested in the other person,” Nancy said. “She’s the best.” busy Farnam Street and have him name the make of every This Passover, the Fellman siblings will undoubtedly recar driving by. Nancy was always good and adorable. She member past family seders with the long table stretching would listen and try anything I suggested. We shared a into the living room, the thirty or more family members and room through all our growing up years. I wish we lived guests engaged in spirited conversation. And the drama. closer now.” Tom gives kudos to Janie for “keeping me out “During this one seder,” Tom said, grinning, “I convinced of trouble.” As for Nancy, “She tutored me through school my cousin, Jerry Slusky, to go up on our 2nd floor porch and and would do anything I asked of her,” Tom said. “I think toss raw eggs down at cars on Farnam Street. I was a very that’s what twins do for each other.” good shot. When we got bored with the game, Jerry and I Dick, Janie, Tom and Nancy have supported one another snuck back to the seder table, quiet as mice. Next thing you through their individual hard times. The loss of spouses. know, the doorbell rang. My dad went to the door, but it The death of a child. Divorce. Their mother died at fiftywasn’t Elijah. It was the driver of one of the cars we’d egged. five. “It’s so sad,” Nancy said. “She was fun and smart and My dad yelled, ‘Tommy’ - he knew right away that I was the pretty and we could have had so many wonderful times to- culprit - and sent me outside to wash the guy’s car. Then dad gether.” Janie agrees. “Mom would have loved the grandcontinued leading the seder as if nothing had happened.”

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Life is an optimistic story

aNNette vaN de kamp-wriGht baby,” Nancy said. “As a teenager, he would Jewish Press Editor stand at the staircase if I had a date that was ruce FriedlaNder picking me up just to keep an eye on things. has had many tiHe was certainly not an angel, but he never tles in his life. did anything bad. I know our parents were Currently, the one always very proud of him.” that keeps him As Ron Wolfson disclosed in his recent busiest is that of book, The best boy in the United States of Jewish Federation America, back then, Bruce used to be ‘Brucie,’ of Omaha Presi- but only Nancy still gets to call him that. And dent. There is maybe sometimes his grandson, Joe Scioli. something “Bruce was ten years old when I married about titles; they Don,” Nancy remembers. “He taught him can be professional how to drive. After all these years, it’s reand have meaning beversed. I need Bruce to take care of me.” cause you’re proud of the work you do, they One of Nancy’s favorite memories is when can be flattering, or they can be accidental. Bruce married Pam. Then there is that one title that stands out among all others: “My best title is that of Nancy Greenberg’s brother,” Bruce said. “Growing up, I cannot tell you how often I was introduced that way and it’s always been my favorite title.” Nancy was nine years old when Bruce was born. “It felt like I waited my whole life for him,” she said. “During World War II, nobody was having babies. There’s this memory I Nancy Greenberg and Bruce Friedlander have of a green truck pulling up to our house, notifying us that an “He was so excited to marry her,” she reuncle had been hurt and was in a hospital members, “and it was such a beautiful wedoverseas. So when, after the War, my ding. There is only one Pam. She is a great mother had Bruce, I was delighted. I finally mom, educator and a fantastic grandmother had a brother to take care of.” to Andee and Jimmy’s children. Going to B’s Their parents, Sylvia and Morton Friedhouse is the best thing.” lander, lived at 5122 Burt. It was a brick Nancy and Bruce never had an argument, house, because Sylvia insisted on brick. never had a wrong word for each other. Sylvia’s sisters, Ruth, Bernice and Rose were “It’s a long stretch, but we’ve always gotten prominent in Nancy and Bruce’s lives. along and we are both very conscious of Today, Ruth lives at the Rose Blumkin Jewhow unique that is. Our relationship evolved ish Home. Bruce loves visiting her: as Bruce grew up and went to college, mar“She thinks I walk on water,” he said. ried the right girl and went into business It’s not such a bad way to think of your with dad,” Nancy said. “The Friedlander family. Talking to Nancy and Bruce, it very family had a grocery store in Benson,” quickly becomes obvious there is a lot of Nancy added. “We certainly weren’t rich, love. Not the sappy over-the-top sort you but growing up I never felt we missed out on find in Hollywood movies where the endanything. Our parents gave us all we needed. ings are forcefully happy and unrealistic; Eventually, he went into business for himmore the kind that comes from a lifetime of self. He is such a people person, it is no surspending time together, trusting each other, prise that he was successful on his own.” talking things over, relying on the other’s Nowadays, Nancy and Bruce find themadvice and knowing who to call when that selves at the helm of a much larger family. advice is needed. Nancy and husband Don Greenberg have So, what sort of a child was he? two children, Robert and Wendy. Robert is See Optimistic story page a15 “Bruce was a very sweet, gorgeous, cute

dealing with vision loss

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those who support them, including their friends, loved ones, and even employers. what would one expect at the fair? • People who understand your situation and can help you find solutions that work for you. • More than two dozen organizations that serve the blind and visually impaired will be present to describe services and answer questions. • Tools that will help you at home and on the job. Things like computer screen readers, magnifying devices, and apps to help you read restaurant menus. • People who help with job training and job placement, transportation, • Resources for parents. To learn more, visit outlooknebraska.org/ resourcefair.

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dish to enjoy any time during Passover. My daughter loved digging in, but so did my husband -- truly a whimsical and indulgent dessert that can be enjoyed by all. This is very much a dairy dessert, and no, I don’t recommend trying to make it non-dairy. I do recommend assembling the cake with filling and allowing it to sit overnight before covering it in frosting. This will allow the matzah to soften slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Ingredients: 4 pieces of matzah Lots of colored sprinkles 1 1/2 cups white chocolate chips For the filling: 6 oz. cream cheese, softened at room temperature 1 tsp. vanilla 1/3 cup sugar 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (keep very chilled until ready to use) Pinch of salt For the frosting: 2 cups powdered sugar (look for special kosher-for-passover powdered sugar) 1/3-1/2 cup milk 1 tsp. lemon juice Preparation: Place white chocolate in a glass bowl and heat in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring well in between, until smooth. Spread a few tbsp. on 3 pieces of matzah. Set aside. To make the filling, beat the cream cheese and sugar together using a hand mixer. Add vanilla and mix. Take chilled heavy cream and stream in to cream cheese mixture while beating on high. Beat until doubled in size but not too stiff. Pipe or spread the filling on first layer of white chocolate covered matzah. Top with second piece of white chocolate covered matzah and add more filling. Repeat a third time and then top with plain matzah. Place in fridge overnight. Remove matzah cake from fridge and flip over (you will notice that the matzah has started curl a bit overnight). To make the frosting, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk. If it looks too thick, add a touch more milk. Pour frosting over the top of cake. Allow to sit another 1-2 hours. Top with sprinkles.

What we eat for Passover -- and why SYBiL kaPLan This is not going to be a Seder 101 because everything you always wanted to know about the preparations for Pesach and the seder, you probably already know. Instead, I’m going to tell you some interesting food information about Pesach. First, a small quiz. What food eaten during Pesach, most frequently at the seder, causes the most debates? If you guessed matzah balls, you’re right. Should they be hard or light? Should they be big or small? What secret ingredient should be added to make them -- however you like? No, I’m not going to give you recipes, but I think you’ll enjoy the research I have found. Where did matzah balls or knaidlach get their name? German Jews had a dumpling which they put into their soup called knodel. From this came the Yiddish term, kneydl, singular or kneydlach, in the plural. In Czech, it is known as knedliky. Dumplings have been in Central European cookery since the Middle Ages and then they came to Germany and Eastern Europe later. Claudia Roden, in The Book of Jewish Food, says these dumplings were part of peasant and poor man’s food, and the Jewish version with matzah was a Passover specialty. Let’s satisfy our curiosity with how various Jewish people make these dumplings. Joan Nathan, a friend of mine, who has written a number of Jewish cookbooks like Jewish Cooking in America and The Foods of Israel Today and is considered the maven of American Jewish cooking, proposes adding chicken fat or vegetable oil plus seltzer, club soda or chicken broth to make them light and airy. In her cookbook, Jewish Cooking in America, she also relates that some matzah balls, originating in Lithuania, use chicken fat or vegetable shortening and contain a filling made of onion, oil or chicken fat, matzah meal, egg yolk, salt, pepper and cinnamon. The filling is then placed in the middle of the matzah ball before they are cooked in salt water. After cooking in salt water, they are baked 30 minutes then placed in the soup for serving. Joan also has a recipe for matzah balls made in the southern part of the US using pecans. In my research I discovered some Louisiana Jews add green onions and cayenne pepper. In her cookbook, Quiches, Kugels and Couscous, My search for Jewish cooking in France, Ms Nathan explains that in France matzah balls are

called boulettes de paque, krepfle or kneipflich. They are the size of walnuts and not fluffy, and they are made from stale bread or matzah soaked in water and dried. They contain rendered goose fat, vegetable oil or beef marrow, eggs, water or chicken broth, matzah meal, salt, pepper, ginger and nutmeg. In The New York Times Passover Cookbook, edited by Linda Amster, among the recipes for matzah balls, which have either appeared on the pages of the paper or are by noted chefs and writers, is one by Mimi Sheraton, Times food critic at the time, who used chicken fat and cold water; another is from Joan Nathan’s cookbook, Jewish Holiday Kitchen, and she uses ginger and nutmeg. In Ms Nathan’s cookbook was a French matzah dumpling called matzeknepfle or schmaltz knepflichs which uses goose or chicken fat and is served in beef broth. The winning recipe for the first Matzah Bowl contest in New York at that time used vodka and club soda. A low-fat, low-salt version is made with egg whites and vegetable oil. Another style, which is airy, is made with beef marrow instead of chicken fat plus nutmeg. Refrigeration and temperature of liquid seem to be key common denominators in many recipes. Nina Rousso, an Israeli, in her book, The Passover Gourmet, uses beaten egg yolks, lukewarm water, melted margarine, salt, parsley, matzah meal and stiffly beaten egg whites folded in. The mixture is refrigerated two hours before making. In Passover Lite, Gail Ashkenazi-Hankin, an American, combines egg yolks, onion powder, salt, pepper, matzah meal, water and beaten egg whites and chills the mixture 30 minutes. Zell Schulman, the American author of Let My People Eat, says the key to making light, melt-in-your-mouth, floating matzah balls is to beat egg whites until stiff then fold into yolks with salt, pepper, cinnamon, matzah meal, optional parsley and refrigerate 15 minutes. A second version with 75 calories and 4 grams of fat combines matzah ball mix with only the beaten egg whites until they hold peaks plus parsley, cinnamon, grated carrot and oil but no egg yolks. Susan Friedland, the American author of The Passover Table, combines whole eggs with seltzer, salt, pepper, matzah meal and schmaltz which she refrigerates for one hour. The schmaltz adds the flavor. See What we eat for Passover page a15

What we eat for Passover Continued from page A14 Marlene Sorosky, American author of Fast and Festive Meals for the Jewish Holidays, and a James Beard winner, provides a recipe using ground almonds, ginger and chopped parsley. She chills the matzah balls for one hour. Edda Servi Machlin, whose family goes back to Italy for 2,000 years, says her family serves a cross between Italian Passover soup and Ashkenazi chicken soup. Her matzah balls are made of chopped chicken, egg, broth, olive oil, salt, pepper, nutmeg and matzah meal. The batter is refrigerated one hour before making. Other Italian Jews, who called the matzah balls gnocchi di azzaima, add onions or mashed potatoes to the dough or grated lemon rind. A side light. In 2001 the son of Rome’s chief rabbi, Ariel Toaff, a professor at Bar-Ilan University, came out with a book called Mangiare alla Giudia, Eating the Jewish Way. He devotes a chapter to Passover traditions. In his book, he writes that matzah was so popular, the Catholic authorities banned Jews from selling matzah to non-Jews and banned Christians from eating it. Italian bakers also baked different kinds of matzah – plain for intermediate days; shmurah matzah for the sedarim; rich or fancy matzah made with white wine, eggs, sugar, anise and goose fat for those with more refined tastes. Jews of Italy even developed sfoglietti or foglietti, a kosher-for-Passover pasta made with flour and eggs which was then quickly dried and baked in a hot oven then served in soup or with a sauce. Joyce Goldstein, an American fascinated by Italian Jewish cuisine, describes in Cucina Ebraica a combination of ground chicken, egg, matzah meal, salt, pepper and cinnamon which she refrigerates before cooking in soup, but she does not say for how long.

Sonia Levy, a native of Zimbabwe, South Africa, wrote a cookbook of their community, called Traditions. She describes luft knaidlach, light matzah balls, with matzah meal, water, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon or ginger, eggs and oil. These must be refrigerated at least half a day. She adds that you can also make a pit with a

finger and insert chopped meat which has been combined with fried onions and spices. Another Zimbabwe version uses egg, cold water, chicken fat, salt, pepper, ginger and matzah meal. Ruth Sirkis, the well-known Israeli food specialist in A Taste of Tradition, says “air” matzah balls have eggs, matzah meal, salt, chicken soup and chicken fat and are refrigerated two hours. One more interesting version by Anya von Bemzen and John Welchman in Please to the Table, a Russian Cookbook. This recipe has walnut balls for soup which are made by the

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | A15

Georgian Jews of Russia with ground walnuts, onion, egg, matzah meal, oregano, salt, pepper and a froth egg white. One last bit of matzah ball trivia. In 2008, a New York kosher delicatessen held its annual matzah ball-eating competition to raise money for a shelter for the homeless. The win-

Credit: FineCooking.com

ner put away 78 matzah balls in 8 minutes. A few years ago on Labor Day, a deli in Bethesda, Maryland sponsored the same contest, but the results are not printed. Although not in the Guinness Book of World Records, a few years ago, the largest matzah ball was 17 3/4 inches across and weighed more than 33 pounds. Among some ultra-Orthodox Jews, matzah balls are not eaten because they expand when they cook, and they consider this reaction a form of leavening. So whichever style of matzah balls you prefer, just make plenty for all your guests!

passover Optimistic story

Continued from page A13 married to Joy; they have a son, Holden and a daughter, Hallie. Wendy married David Goldberg. They are parents to Joe, Sophie and Molly. Pam and Bruce also have two children: daughter Andee married Anthony Scioli. Their sons’ names are Joe and Jack. Son Jimmy is married to Sophie. Their son Will is the youngest of the Greenberg/ Friedlander family. “Our children are close as well,” Nancy and Bruce both say. Pam and Bruce’s children, Jimmy and Andee, live very close to Nancy. They are prejudiced about their children and grandchildren, and not without reason. “Our parents taught us that a strong family bond benefits everyone,” Nancy said, “and we’ve hopefully passed that on to the next generation.” There are many, many places to sit in Nancy’s living room. Combined with the family pictures, prominently displayed, it sends a message: family is important and always welcome. It’s a message that comes across even more in the portraits of Nancy and Bruce as children. They used to be above the mantel (first Nancy, then Bruce) in Sylvia and Morton’s home, but nowadays, they have been given a place of honor in Nancy and Don’s living room. It’s a message that also comes across in the dining room. Close your eyes and you can easily imagine many years of breaking the fast together, Seders and Shabbat dinners. “Mom and dad used to be our moral compass, together with mom’s sisters. Nowadays, it’s up to us,” Nancy said. Bruce thinks Nancy is that moral compass, but Nancy disagrees: “It’s all of us. We call each other when we need someone to talk to. The people who love you the most will always help you the most. Life is never a perfect story, but it’s an optimistic one.”

Wishing the Omaha community

Happy Passover from

1710_DIJWP

A16 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

PASSOVER BRINGS THE FAMILY

RFRI01

together.

The Jewish Press | April 15, 2016 | B1

section2

P A S S O V E R

growing up nogg

AnneTTe vAn de KAmp-wrighT Jewish Press Editor here is one Thing Patty and Steve Nogg’s three children agree on: family is of utmost importance. Middle child Brian (twin Jeff is 22 minutes older) puts it this way: “Family fun, growing up Nogg, going to family events, weddings and B’nai Mitzvah and so forth are all at the core of my favorite memories. Growing up, every cousin was a close cousin; we all knew each other and spent time together regularly. My mother loves family; we were even close to our third cousins! So many memories involve doing things together. We would go to synagogue, Jeff and I would tutor younger kids, and afterwards we’d all go to Bagel Bin together, which was such a treat.” Jeff agrees: “Just being surrounded by family and friends all the time helped me learn how important they are for a happy life.” Annie is the youngest, and she has fond memories of summers at Highland pool, including handstand contests, handball and the snack bar. There were fireworks at the Mogil’s house, drives to and from school skating parties, which included discussing the drama of who would couple skate with whom, and going to JCC Summer Camp. Growing up, Brian really loved Jewish camp,

but that’s not all: “My parents made sure we all went to Israel, which gave me such a great experience. All three of us went on the Artza trip. Anne Shackman would lead, and my parents really promoted that. It sets the stage -- I love how JFO is perpet-

Brian said, “because we lived there until we graduated high school. Once we all left the nest, our parents moved to Linden Estates.” Brian calls the frequency with which the entire clan got together unique: “It seems our family was bigger than usual be-

Brian, left, and Jaime, Annie and Todd, and Kelly and Jeff uating that for teenagers nowadays with the Mega Teen Trip to Israel.” The family initially lived in Royal Wood, but moved to Ridgefield when Jeff and Brian were in sixth and Annie was in third grade. “That second house was probably my favorite,”

cause everyone stayed close and went to everybody’s family events. We’re all very fond of all those memories. Nowadays, getting the first cousins together -- it’s one of the richest things in life. In February of this year, we brought all nine see growing up nogg page B3

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B2 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

passover

We are family

Scott littky Program Director, Temple Israel n GeneSiS 17:5 we are tauGHt, I will make you the father of a multitude of nations. ... And all who are of faith are blessed with faithful Abram, being partakers of the same covenant blessings. This promise was made for God to Abraham, our first patriarch. If we now fast forward to today, we see that Judaism, Christianity and Islam all take part in a relationship to Abraham and so to consider themselves to be related by this brotherhood. There is no better example of this than what we have here in Omaha with the Tri-Faith Initiative. What had begun as a dream, a conversation and a hope has now turned into a reality. Within the next 24 months, on the campus off of Sterling Ridge Drive, will be a Mosque, Church and Tri-Faith building to go along with the already completed Temple Israel. Further within the next year, the Tri-Faith Initiative will be adding a fulltime executive director to help carry forth the Tri-Faith agenda and to continue to build the brotherhood between

all of its members. When reviewing the mission statement of Tri-Faith, one cannot help but realize that this bond of brotherhood is continuing to grow stronger. For example, the mission statement says: We agree to foster an environment of acceptance, respect and trust-building towards each other. We seek and create opportunities for communities, groups, families and individuals to gather, meet, interact and learn from one another. We look for opportunities to understand differences and build on commonalities among each other. Programming between Temple Israel, AMI and Countryside Community Church continues to grow with the sharing of classes, social events for children and teenagers and the annual Tri-Faith Picnic. The values that we have learned from Abraham such as hospitality (hakhnasat orchim), love of family and friends (avodah), and visiting and caring for those who are ill (bikkur cholim), are central to each of our communities. What we continue to find amongst ourselves is how much we have in common as opposed to how much separates us. See we are family page B3

Julia, Michael, Brandon Raffel

Dani Howell Julia (age16) is a junior at Elkhorn South High School, where she participates in numerous school organizations, and multiple theater activities. She is involved in BBYO, teaches at Beth El and will be an Ozo at Herzl Camp this summer. Michael (age 14) a freshman at Elkhorn South High School, loves everything related to science, engineering and theater, and has a passion for baseball and basketball. Herzl Camp is one of his favorite places to be. Brandon (age 10), a 4th Grader at Westridge Elementary School, loves to build Legos, watch science shows and play soccer. He is currently working on perfecting all types of tricks on his hover-board. These caring siblings love to volunteer together. They understand the value of giving back and what it feels like to give to others. They love performing in musicals, and attending concerts or theater productions together. Their parents are incredibly proud of this terrific trio who work together, advocate for each other, and support one another every day.

See full digital issues: https://issuu.com/jewishpress7

Growing up Nogg Continued from page B1 of the grandkids together with my parents in Arizona. That kind of family time continues to be incredibly important to all of us.” All three are grateful for great holiday memories, which involve getting the entire family together. Annie calls those holiday memories ‘joyous’. The ones that come to mind the quickest are Passover memories: “We’d celebrate at Norman and Joanne Rips’ house,” she said. “I’d always get nervous because I had to sing the four questions. We’d joke about how gross tzimmes was, get full off of Hillel sandwiches and laugh as our cousins sang the post-Seder songs so fast you wouldn’t believe it.” Both Annie and Jeff agree that birth order played a role: “I felt like I took care of both Brian and Annie growing up.” Jeff remembers. “I also was the mediator and planner of the three of us.” “I was the baby sister,” Annie added. “For the most part, it was a very lucky position to be the baby and the only girl. I was a big fan of the attention, especially because twins also attract a lot of attention.” Brian said: “We had a pretty normal sibling relationship growing up. We did get along really well compared to maybe some of our friends; we’d bug each other sometimes, but there was always a level of respect. I’ve always been laid back compared to Annie. I think her opinions are stronger, although I don’t know if she would agree with that assessment! I can sometimes be intense; Jeff is definitely the most laid back of the three of us. “ Today, the three Nogg siblings are married with kids of their own. Jeff is married to Kelly and they have four daughters. Brian and wife Jaime have three boys, and Annie and husband Todd have two girls. Annie is the only one who is not in Omaha: she lives in San Francisco with her family and runs Annie Nogg Life coaching. “I call her as much as I can when I’m driving home,” Brian said. “She is a priority, and we try to do facetime with the kids because Annie and her family are so far away. They are really good about bringing everyone to Omaha as often as they can. We talk about coaching, we’re on the same page, wavelength. We are all obviously raised by the same parents, but I like talking to Annie about spiritual matters.”

We are family

Continued from page B2 When asked in an interview in 2015 on NPR, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel said the following about the relationship Temple Israel has with AMI and Countryside in terms of a brotherhood, “I want to continue - it’s the rabbi. I think what we discover as a result of the last few years of working together so close to each other is that actually the involvement with other faith communities is strengthening the identity of the community in order to be able to engage in a serious, meaningful, deep dialogue. Jewish members of the dialogue definitely had to go and study and learn and explore their

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | B3

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“As adults, we talk about a lot more, we support each other more and more as we age,” Annie says about her brothers. “We laugh just as much as we’ve ever done, though.”

Researchers connected with Johns Hopkins and Harvard’s teaching hospital published research showing remarkable improvements in autistic individuals using a single simple and extremely safe over-the-counter supplement. With a recent Study in Omaha, the non-profit Therapeutics Research Institute (TRI) repeated the results of this break-through treatment. These results have also been published in a medical journal. TRI’s plan is to now expand this Study to up to 300 families. To learn more about this Study and TRI and how to enroll, go to the Study’s site ControlAutismNow.org. Nothing is being sold and there are no costs at all to participate. For a copy of TRI’s recently published Study, email sevans@gsm-usa.com and put Autism Paper in the subject heading.

Happy Passover Jeff, Annie and Brian Nogg Their adult relationship, according to Jeff, “Is mostly different due to all of us being so busy with all our kids’ activities. Because of that we don’t always see each other as much. Sure, Brian and I work together at I-Go Van and Storage every day, but some days we are so busy with our own responsibilities that we don’t get as much time to talk as we would like to.” Still, “we like to get together with our spouses and all the kids whenever we can,” Brian says. “It’s definitely something our parents have ingrained in us. Family never stops being the most important thing there is.” Ask the Noggs why they are proud of each other and they don’t have to give it much thought. When Annie first introduced her future husband to her brothers, Todd asked her if she knew how lucky she was. “They are wonderful people -- the best actually. Just like our parents, they are both active in their community and they are excellent dads,” she said. Jeff is equally proud of his siblings: “They both have strong work ethics and are so devoted to their children and families.” Brian adds: “I am proud of Jeff, of how hard he works in the business. On a personal note, I admire the father he is to his four daughters. He is very present and spends a lot of time with his daughters. As for Annie, when she started her life coaching business, she really went out of her comfort zone. Now she is doing something she truly loves. On top of that, she is a great family person. Both of my siblings are great people and they inspire me on a daily basis. I have a tendency to have my mind go a million miles an hour and lose touch -- they inspire me to be in the moment.”

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When I was elected to represent District 7 on the Omaha City Council in 2013, our city faced many tough challenges. Skyrocketing taxes, a deficit budget, and rising crime were my top priorities. Since then, Omaha’s budget deficits have turned to surplus, and we cut property tax rates twice. We have made public safety our number one concern, adding more police and investing in new technology.

own roots, their own identity to be able to be prepared for the conversation on a high level by looking at the eyes of our children, by looking at who we are and by understanding that God’s image is imbued in every one of us.” Theodore Herzl the founder of modern Zionism said it best – “If you will it, it is no dream.” The brotherhood of the Tri-Faith Initiative has moved from a dream to a new reality. For more information of Temple Israel’s role in the Tri-Faith Initiative or any other programs at Temple Israel, contact Program Director Scott Littky, 402-556-6536.

We have made great progress in Omaha. Our city is growing again. Let’s keep it going, together. Your neighbor, Aimee

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ence at UNO. She and her husband, Jeff Hansen, will celegRaNDpaReNt williNg tO guaRD SecRetS brate thirty years of marriage this May, with their children, is a huge asset to a kid. Rhonda, Diane Max Saferstein-Hansen, Jacklyn Saferstein-Hansen and and Mark Saferstein’s maternal Bubbie -- Tyler Hansen. Rhonda admits that her nickname, as a kid, Gussie Siref -- knew how to keep her lip was The Instigator. “Obviously, that meant I was usually to zipped, for which the siblings still reblame for everything naughty my siblings did. The nickmain grateful. “Bubbie lived with us,” name was probably deserved, but if my sister and brother Rhonda said, “so when our folks get into trouble today, don’t look at me.” went out, Bubbie was always our Diane and her husband, Howard Shandell have two babysitter. She was marvelously daughters, Jessica and Ally. Diane, now retired, used her deliberal and kept all our secrets. gree in Sociology while working in Chicago with handiWhen my younger sister, capped adults, where she also placed refugees in Diane, and I were in high employment through Vocational Services. Weighing in on school, Bubbie never told on the who-got-into-the-most-trouble-as-a-kid topic, Diane us when we were smoking pot and blowing the smoke out would only say, “I’m the middle child, the sneaky one who our bedroom window. This was particularly helpful because didn’t get caught.” we borrowed our father’s tobacco pipe and really didn’t Mark Saferstein works as a Financial Advisor and keeps want to get caught. It was great to know that Bubbie was in his hand in real estate investments. His wife, Lynda Barr, our corner.” Ask Rhonda Saferstein Hansen, Diane Saferstein Shandell and Mark Saferstein for highlights of their growing up years, and you get a mix of answers. (We’ll let the pot story serve as Rhonda’s contribution.) Diane adds, “Mark is fifteen months younger than I am, the baby of the family. He was always cute and sweet and he turned out remarkably well, considering that Rhonda and I used to dress him up in our sequined dance recital costumes from time to time.” For Mark’s part, early childhood memories usually include food, especially weekend dinners with his parents and sisters at La Casa, Hilltop House, Cliff ’s, Ross’s, Chu’s, Gorats and The Ground Cow where, according to Rhonda, “there were more than enough Jews to make a minyan.” The Saferstein siblings recall summer nights playing whiffle ball, tag and foursquare outside with other kids in their almost exclusively Jewish neighborhood. They talk about family vacations to Lake Okoboji and Rhonda Saferstein, left, Mary Saferstein holding Mark, and Diane Saferstein, circa 1959. the rides at Arnold’s Park. A visit to Disneyland and trips to passed away in 2007. Mark has a son, Dylan, and daughter, Chicago to watch the Cubs. “I can still draw Wrigley Field Rachel. Mark’s sisters describe him as serious, highly intelliwith the correct positions attributed to the players from gent, ethical, passionate about his beliefs and a terrific fa1968,” Rhonda said. “Mark was a terrific athlete, and much ther. Troublemaker status? “Back in the day I was fairly of our family time was spent at his sporting events. Dad was wild, but not too stupid.” the softball coach and I was scorekeeper, a ‘skill’ I learned at Rhonda, Diane and Mark try to get together as often as those Cubs games in Chicago.” The kids remember the their individual schedules allow. For Sunday dinners, at holweek-night family dinners at home, and their mother, Mary, idays, when their kids are home from college or their jobs. serving chicken, steak, brisket, meatloaf, hamburgers or At those mini-reunions, the siblings reminisce about their lamb chops. “I hated lamb chops,” Rhonda said, with a grimother, who knew almost everyone they spoke to or hung mace. At the Saferstein table, any topic was open for discus- out with, as if she was from the FBI. They smile when resion. “But the conversation usually ended if one of us used membering the Passover seders at Aunt Zelda Saferstein bad language,” Diane said. “Dad would get up and leave. He Stalmaster’s where their Bubbie Jenny Saferstein talked just took off. We laugh about it now.” throughout the Haggadah reading - led by Grandpa Will Jack Saferstein taught his children by example. “I learned Saferstein - and their mother got irritated with cousin Mitzy so much from him,” Mark said, “not necessarily through Malashock, the jokester, who made Mark laugh so hard he’d specific advice he gave me, but by watching the way he han- get an asthma attack. “We often talk about Bubbie Gussie, dled things. My father treated everyone as equals. He was too,” Rhonda said. “She was one heck of a poker player and kind, smart, respected, quietly philanthropic, well-loved encouraged us to have fun. Which we did. And still do. I and fun-loving. He was very honest, with himself and hope when we’re gone, our kids will think and talk about us everyone around him.” Jack Saferstein died, suddenly, at the and laugh, too.” age of 60, when all three of his children were in their early The Saferstein siblings enjoy relatively quiet lives. Mark twenties. “Dad died the day after my 24th birthday,” spends time with his children, with friends, plays sports, lisRhonda said. “I was devastated.” After Jack’s death, Mary tens to music and travels a bit. All’s right in Diane’s world Saferstein encouraged her children to pick up their lives. when she knows Howard and their daughters are healthy “Mom insisted I return to Northeastern University for my and happy. Rhonda finds calm in visits to art museums. “I senior year,” Diane said. “I hated leaving her, but she would can sit in front of a Rembrandt or Monet forever.” Every only have it that way.” Mark returned to the University of Friday night, Jeff and Rhonda meet the same group of JewMichigan, and Rhonda went back to her job in Boston. ish friends - most of whom she grew up with - for dinner. “Since Rhonda and I were in the same city,” Diane said, “we “We’ve been doing this for years,” Rhonda explained. “We spent a lot of time together, often going to synagogue on a argue about politics and everything else. I find it exhilaratFriday night to say Kaddish for our dad. We knew that saying and familiar.” ing Kaddish meant a lot to him.” Mary Saferstein passed Rhonda and Diane talk on the phone every day. “We have away in August of 2015. Speaking for her siblings, Diane lunch together, tea at one of our homes. We discuss everysaid, “It helped all three of us to know that our mother lived thing, gossip about relatives and the past.” Ask one sister a long and good life.” how she feels about the other and you get the same answer. Rhonda is currently an adjunct professor of Political Sci“She’s my best friend in the whole world.”

The Grossmans

annette Van De kamP-wriGHt Jewish Press Editor araH CatHerine, JoSHua anD Daniel Isaac are the children of Mary Sue and Alex Grossman. Sarah and Daniel agreed to answer some questions for us: where did you grow up? Sarah: Omaha, NE -beautiful, wooded area called Ponca Hills. Our parents have a small acreage where we spent our entire childhood. My first move was when I went off to college! Daniel: I grew up just a little north of Omaha in an area called Ponca Hills. My parents built our house (yes, THEY actually did the work!), and I was lucky enough to never have to move. We had a few acres of land that was mostly forest. Not only did it offer us privacy, but having an acreage as a child basically meant hours upon hours of endless entertainment playing outside. what are some of your fondest memories from when you were younger? Sarah: With no cable (gasp!) and few friends within walking distance, we embraced our surroundings and spent long days tromping through the forest and building forts. I still love the peace and quiet of my parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; property -we all argue about who will buy it when they finally move! When we werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in school or playing in the woods, we were ice-skating. I started figure skating when I was seven and Josh started playing hockey when he was five. When Daniel hit skating age, we were spending so much time at the rink, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think he even had a choice! We were each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest fans -- rarely missing a competition or game. We loved being on the ice so much, we took our skates to Israel on a family trip when we found out Metula had a rink! Daniel: We often played together, practiced hockey skills (we all played), and just got up to some typical mischievous things around the house. I think that some of our

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | B5

fondest memories have to be some of the small moments in our daily lives. We were all super busy with sports or activities, but lazy summer break days were nice to just be fun and goofy around each other. For example, every day we had chore lists from my mom. It sounds absurd, but we would get so creative on scrambling together about 15 minutes before our parents got home to get everything

Daniel, Sarah, Josh at Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding in 2007 done. Looking back, it makes zero sense on how or why we chose to do that, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s those little moments that still make me smile today. How is your relationship as adults different? Sarah: Despite how close we were as kids, we have all grown into very different people. Varying interests and schedules make it difficult to get together, but we always find time to make it work... especially since the birth of my son, Ben. Watching my brothers interact with my son always brings a smile to my face. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re so good with him. Ben loves playing piano and drums with Uncle Josh See the Grossman siblings page B6

passover Gabe and Mia Werner

Dani Howell Gabe (2 years old) loves attending the Child Development Center at the JCC, where Mia (14 months old) wishes she could join her big brother (but sadly is not old enough quite yet!). Gabe and Mia love to swing together at the playground and play in the sand, but their favorite activity is getting into whoever woke up firstâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crib. These sweet siblings are as close as a brother and sister can be. Mia loves that her big brother always shares with her, and Gabe admires Mia for her cuddles and sweet nature. They also love to keep their mom and dad on their toes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; like solving the mystery of how their (then) â&#x20AC;&#x153;2 under 2â&#x20AC;? were able to get downstairs and into their Little Tikes cars (which may or may not have made a couple of large dents in the garage door) without making a sound! Parents: Leora and Matt Werner and Grandparents: Elyce and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, and Colleen and Philip Werner

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Five star Pesach Seder recipe

B6 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

passover The Grossman siblings Continued from B5 and no one else gets to hold him when his Uncle Daniel is around. daniel: Like I mentioned before, we have always been very independent people, and we have grown into our separate lives as we age with Josh showing more of his musical side and Sarah thriving in the nonprofit world. With my dad’s retirement and having all of us in the same city again, we have started to reconnect a bit. I think that it is safe to say that the birth of my nephew has definitely brought us three back to together even more. how did you celebrate holidays together? Sarah: We always celebrate the holidays together. Our parents are very generous in that they always have a seat at the table for someone without a place to go. Over the years, we’ve collected some regulars, but there is always a new face. We often split up to help entertain at major meals to ensure everyone feels included. daniel: We traditionally celebrate big holidays at my parents’ house. We don’t have much family around the area, so our doors have always been open to anyone and everyone. Whether it’s Passover or Thanksgiving, it’s always amazing to see such a fun, diverse crowd together. Unless there is a major event that stops us from getting together we are always with each other during the holidays! are there any shared memories you dis-

agree on, i.e., remember differently than your siblings? Sarah: We frequently argue about who is Mom and Dad’s favorite :) Obviously, its Josh... or maybe Daniel...

daniel, Sarah, Josh in 2002 depends on the week. daniel: Nearly any memory that I have of getting hurt, my siblings magically don’t remember how it happened! What are the odds! In all seriousness, I can’t think of a memory that comes to mind that we disagree on. did birth order play a role? Sarah: Birth order played a huge role in how we interacted and grew up.

ThiS diSh iS a Zeroa – a crucial part of the Seder plate for the traditional Seder meal, and it is also cooked without Kitniyot (legumes), according to the Ashkenazi tradition. It is relatively easy, and can be made at home. Josh and I were two years apart, but only one grade apart in school. We were partners in crime, paving the way for Daniel. daniel: Well, as the youngest, it was always drilled into my head that I didn’t “know how easy you have it” or that I was spoiled. Both of my siblings will say that I had the easiest time growing up, but mostly it was just learning what NOT to do from both of them! how do your siblings make you proud? Sarah: Josh and Daniel are genuinely kind people who always make others feel valued and respected. They rarely have a negative thing to say and are quick to defend people who may not fall into our society’s norms. I am proud to call them family and grateful to have them as friends. daniel: Josh has always been drawn to music and I would say was definitely the inspiration for getting me started with music as well. He has grown up to become a truly wonderful musician and is one of the most genuine people I know. Sarah was always a bit of a wildcard growing up, but she now is the most stable out of all of us! Her love for non-profits shows how much she cares about others. She was the first to get married and was lucky enough to have a beautiful son. I can’t imagine being related to anyone else, and I know that even if we get into arguments that, at the end of the day, we will always love each other.

roasted Leg of Lamb with White Wine and root Vegetables

Chef Niki Razvozov of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Herzliya

Credit: womanandhome.com

Cooking time: 6 hours Ingredients: 6 1/2 lbs.) well-trimmed leg of lamb 2 cloves of garlic slivered 2 tbsp. salt 2 tbsp. fresh cracked black pepper 2 tbsp. olive oil 6 tbsp. or more of fresh rosemary 8 small white potatoes 8 small onions 8 artichoke bottoms 8 celery roots 8 carrots peeled cut into 4ths 1/2 cup of white wine (examples: Yarden Chardonnay or Galil Mountain White) olive oil is used to create a marinade with the aforementioned spices. it is recommended to even fry the marinade just a bit in the olive oil to lock in the flavors. Preparation: Make a small knife insertion in the lamb to insert a clove of garlic and sprig of rosemary in each hole, distribute evenly. Slowly-cook the lamb for 3 hours on a low temperature (265 F).Once cooked, roast the lamb at 355 F for 20 minutes. Add the marinade, wine and vegetables, slowly-cook for 2.5 hours at 265 F. Serves 8-10.

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The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | B7

Three popular humorists write a Haggadah for the ‘when do we eat?’ crowd ANDrew Silow-CArroll JTA F MAkiNg MANY Passover Haggadahs there is no end. If the Maxwell House version doesn’t cut it for you, there are Haggadahs for vegans, for children, for chocolate lovers and even for Christians. There’s the Santa Cruz Haggadah for hippies and the New American Haggadah for hipsters. There are annotated Haggadahs for those who want to extend the seder into the wee hours, and the 30 Minute Seder Haggada for those who want to eat, pray and bolt. Now three wellknown American humorists have written a

faithful framework of an actual Haggadah, albeit six pages long. At a panel discussion last week at the New York Public Library featuring the three authors, Barry said they hoped that some readers would actually use their parody Haggadah at a seder. In the first place, it would mean selling more books. And in the second place -- well, he didn’t mention a second place. Barry had previously collaborated with Zweibel on the 2012 novel Lunatics. Mansbach and Zweibel wrote the 2015 kids’ book Benjamin Franklin: Huge Pain in My .... The three met up a few years ago at the Miami Book Fair and, at Mansbach’s suggestion, started an email chain that ended up as FTWLE. Zweibel, who grew up as a member of Congregation Sons of Israel in Woodmere, New York, had previously assured himself a place in Jewish Humor Heaven when he suggested to fellow SNL writers Al Franken and Tom Davis the idea for the Royal Deluxe II commercial parody. In that 1977 skit, a rabbi tests a

Alan Zweibel, left, at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City, April 18, 2016. Credit: Ben Gabbe/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival; Dave Barry Credit: Michelle Kaufman; and Adam Mansbach Credit: Matthew L. Kaplan Haggadah for an overlooked crowd: the wiseguys, cutups and punsters who frankly have a hard time taking the whole thing seriously. For This We Left Egypt? A Passover Haggadah for Jews and Those Who Love Them (Flatiron Books) is a collaboration of Dave Barry, whose syndicated Miami Herald humor column ran for over 20 years; Alan Zweibel, an original Saturday Night Live writer and co-creator of It’s Garry Shandling’s Show; and Adam Mansbach, the novelist who had a sleeper hit with his faux children’s book, Go the F*** to Sleep. For This We Left Egypt? (henceforth known as FTWLE) is the sort of book that includes Jerry Lewis as one of the Ten Plagues, that wonders why slaves escaping Egypt would run directly toward a body of water, and that suggests Jews are told to eat the bitter herbs known as maror “to remind ourselves that we never, ever again as a people, want to be in a position where we have to eat freaking maror.” For all the jokes, however (and it is pretty much all jokes), the book follows the basic steps of an actual seder and includes some prayers in their original Hebrew. It’s even printed from right to left. If you were to discard the jokes, you’d be left with a fairly

smooth-riding luxury car by circumcising a baby in the back seat. Mansbach described his own 2009 novel The End of the Jews as a book about the “complexities of a Jewish identity -- the fact that you can feel culturally Jewish without being religious, or understand yourself ethnically as Jewish but not be down with the dominant politics of Jewish life, and so on.” Which might seem to leave Barry, the son of a Presbyterian minister, as the odd man out in this trio, except that he and his Jewish wife belong to a Reform temple in Miami and he served as sandek -- honorary baby holder -- at his grandson’s brit milah. Barry recalled the family seders where his father-in-law and family patriarch, a Cuban Jewish immigrant named Harry Kaufman, liked to recite the complete Haggadah in at least three languages. The other guests tried to trick Harry into “skipping huge chunks of it and then pretend he fell asleep.” Looking back on those marathons, Barry said, “No wonder this religion is in trouble.” In fact, the target audience for FTWLE are those who approach the annual seder as a bit of an ordeal -- an endurance test of biblical storytelling standing between them and their meal. A 2013 Pew survey of See Humorists write a Haggadah page B8

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s we are abouT To prepare for the holidays, the labor intensive preparation can be had in ready-to-go boxes or stuffed in jars including gefilte fish, which was a way of stretching fish to feed a family, “a powerful symbol of European peasantry”, and a reminder of how far our foodstuffs have strayed from the Old World. The intention of this cookbook is to reclaim the flavors of Ashkenazi (the regions of Central and Eastern Europe) food. Forming a small operation in Brooklyn to bring food out of the jar and back to the street called “Gefilteria”, the authors moved beyond gefilte to pickles, borscht and even black and white cookies, a pop-up restaurant and catering services. Once in sync with the seasons and being practical out of necessity, the recipes, wisdom and traditions became Americanized. In this book, the duo invites you into their world and share over 100 rediscovered classic and some new redos of dishes. The stories and headnotes tales are the voices of both writers. The recipes are compared to the transformation of cucumbers to pickles and fit into the healthy diet eaten today... and even use the pickle brine in several recipes to further illustrate the practicality and economical approach. The recipes, the essence of shtetl cookery, are divided in sections inspired by institutions, ingredients and methodologies, and a sample menu section for holiday planning is included. Resources section in the back of the book covers sourcing specific ingredients and materials such as Kosher salt, meat, chickens and Yiddish Farm for pastureraised kosher goose. Mustard is a key player in Ashkenazi

cooking... a recipe is included with bite and texture. Sinker vs floater matzo balls and a variation or two on additions: bits of chicken, carrots and parsley... and Liz’s childhood memories Lois Friedman of going across the street after Shabbat services to a favorite deli and ordering chicken soup with “a fluffy matzo ball the size of my face in a shallow pool of chicken broth with eyes of fat on the surface”, “the fluffy matzo ball was the pinnacle of soup transcendence”. She’d finish every last drop! Liz shares casual spontaneity, Jeff goes for the careful and orderly approach, which is shared in each section and begins with their experiences and might include an essay covering or explaining or debating (Bialy vs bagel), extra technique details with drawings if needed and delicious photographs. Recipes are listed on the opening page. How about a dozen pages of recipes, instructions, additions and photographs for the prime gefelti fish Passover holiday choice and godspeed wishes as you approach making horseradish relish using the tried and true protest garb; a bandana soaked in vinegar or a snorkel. Celebrating the season, Passover “heralds the start of spring, as we patiently wait for our brisket to braise”... it is within this structure that “life feels less chaotic” and “we connect to what nourishes us most: family, community and food”. The Passover Seder menu includes Sauerkraut, Make-at-Home Matzo, Old World Stuffed Gefilte Fish, Rustic Matzo Balls or Passover Lokshen “Noodles” in Classic Chicken Soup, Mixed Green Salad with Pickle Brine Salad Dressing, Wine-Braised Brisket with Butternut Squash, Anna’s Passover Sponge Cake. see read it and eat recipes page b9

Humorists write a Haggadah Continued from page b7 American Jews found that attending a seder is the most commonly observed Jewish practice, but it didn’t seem to ask if anyone is actually enjoying the proceedings. In recent years, there’s been a slew of Haggadahs meant to enliven the typical seder, with discussion questions for the adults and games to distract -- I mean engage -- the kids. Those efforts come in for ribbing in the FTWLE as well. Following the section on the Four Sons, one of a series of “discussion questions” asks, “Vito ‘The G-dfather’ Corleone had four children: Sonny, Fredo, Michael, and Connie. At Corleone family Seders, who do you think asked each of the four questions, and why?” (Yes, FTWLE follows traditional Jewish practice by spelling the Almighty’s name as “G-d,” as in “Then G-d spoke from inside the cloud. At least he said he was G-d;

there was no way to tell for sure because of the cloud.”) (And weirdly enough, it doesn’t have a parody of the Four Questions. Why is this Haggadah parody different from all other Haggadah parodies -- of which there are examples, according to Yiddish scholar Eddy Portnoy, as far back as the 13th century?) I’m a product of the “seders don’t have to be boring” generation, and at our table keep a stack of modern commentaries and supplements on hand to keep the evening lively. This year I’ll add FTWLE for the times when things begin to flag. And I’ll toss out questions from it like this one: “How come the Angel of Death needed lamb’s blood to know which houses the Israelites lived in? You’d think that would be the kind of thing the Angel of Death would just know, right?” For a parody Haggadah, that’s a seriously good question.

Read it and eat

Continued from B8 The following recipe gets better each day, so make a big pot and eat it

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | B9

throughout the week; it pays homage to the classic spring soup schav, a sour sorrel soup. A Seder starter...

leek SouP witH Beet GreenS

Ingredients: 1/4 cup grapeseed oil, light olive oil or unsalted butter 1 large onion, coarsely chopped 4 pounds leeks (about 6 small), white and light-green parts only, rinsed thoroughly to remove grit, thinly sliced 7 cups vegetable broth, homemade or store-bought 5 tsp. kosher salt 3/4 tsp. freshly ground white pepper 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 cup stemmed beet greens (from 1 small bunch beets), shredded (optional) 2 lemons, quartered, for serving (optional) Seasoned croutons for garnish Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Preparation:

In a large saucepan, heat the oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onion and saute for about 5 minutes, or until translucent. Add the leeks and saute over low heat, stirring frequently until the leeks are soft and lightly caramel in color, about 25 minutes. Add the broth, salt, and white pepper. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the leeks are limp and completely cooked through. Puree the soup using an immersion blender. (Alternatively, transfer it in small batches to a standing blender and puree--just be careful!) Add the lemon juice, taste, and adjust the seasoning. If using beet greens, toss them into the pot and simmer for 15 minutes more before serving. Serve hot, with a wedge of lemon for squeezing over the top, if desired. Garnish with seasoned croutons and parsley. Serves 8.

To end your Seder and as “a last ditch attempt to counter the binding effects of matzo”, try serving little bowls of this recipe.

Summer StrawBerryrHuBarB ComPote

passover Peyton and McKenna Blake

Credit: healthyideasplace.com

Ingredients: 1/4 cup honey 1 cup water 1 pound fresh rhubarb stalks, diced 8 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and diced Preparation: In a heavy bottomed medium pot, combine the honey and water and bring to a rolling boil. Add the rhubarb and cook 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Remove the pot from the heat and add the strawberries. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes, or until the strawberries completely soften. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled, on its own or with cake and ice cream.

Dani Howell Peyton (age 15) is a sophomore at Bennington High School and McKenna is 13 years old and in 8th grade at Bennington Jr High. These sporty sisters love to play soccer together (even better when they're on opposing teams!). They also enjoy going camping and doing just about anything outdoors. When they are not outside or on the field, McKenna enjoys experimenting with baking and Peyton enjoys sampling all of her sister’s creations! Parents: Denise and Chris Blake, and Grandparents: Marian and Max Groussman, Bonnie and Gary Blake, Michele Hamilton

b10 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

passover Katie and Emmy Howell

DANI HoWell Kathryn (age 10) is a 5th grader at Aldrich Elementary School. She loves soccer, animals, hanging out with friends, and reading every book she can get her hands on. She also enjoys performing in musical theater, and is currently rehearsing for her sixth performance with the JCC MTCAG. Emelia (age 4) attends Pre-K at Legacy School and can’t wait to be “on the stage” like her big sister! She loves singing, baking, and art projects. They both love playing outside, watching movies, and singing and dancing together. Although they are six years apart, Katie and Emmy are as close as two sisters can be! Parents: Danielle and Bryan Howell and Grandparents: Nancy and Larry Katz of Omaha; Sue and Jim Howell of Pembroke Pines, FL

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In this family, all four siblings found spouses at the same summer camp

GAbe FrIeDMAN JTA

MI YuNGer IS uSeD to PeoPle sounding surprised when they hear that he and his three siblings all met their spouses at the same summer camp. But he doesn’t think it’s that weird. “Funny enough, I am so used to it that sometimes I think that it is strange when I hear about couples who did not meet their spouse at camp,” Yunger said. The 24-year-old now studies economics at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, but he grew up in Montreal. He followed the path of his modern Orthodox siblings at age ten when he began spending summers at Camp Moshava in Ennismore, Ontario -- a small outpost of the Bnei Akiva religious Zionist youth movement. There he met a girl named Samara when he was 14 and she was 13. They didn’t start dating until moving to Israel after high school, just before Ami served in the Israeli army, and they married five years ago. In doing so, Ami became the last of the four Yunger siblings to marry someone they met at Moshava. No surprise, then, that he invited dozens of Moshava campers to his wedding, and not just those with whom he went to camp. “Half the camp disappeared and they all went to my kid’s wedding,” said Joy Yunger, Ami’s mother. “It was like being at camp -- the kids came and it was such a camp atmosphere, they sat around in a circle.” Finding love at Jewish camp is not exactly a new or rare phenomenon. Many Jewish camps, especially those that fall under a specific denomination’s umbrella, host campers with Top row: Ami and Samara at Camp Moshava Credit: Ami Yunger; Ami and Samara at their wedding Credit: similar religious and socioeconomic Ami Yunger; middle row: Gadi and Atara Yunger at the Western Wall in Jerusalem Credit: Gadi Yunger; backgrounds. The Conservative Gadi and Atara Yunger at their wedding Credit: Gadi Yunger; bottom row: Naomi and Zvi Glustein Credit: movement’s Ramah camp network Naomi Glustein; Shlomie and Dalia Yunger at Camp Moshava as teenagers Credit: Dalia Yunger; and Shlomie See Four siblings page b12 and Dalia Yunger at their wedding Credit: Dalia Yunger.

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Amy and Andy Isaacson with their daughters Miriam, Maya and Lilly

Annette vAn de kAMp-wrIght Jewish Press Editor f you, by Any chAnce, have spent any time at all on Amy Isaacson’s Facebook page, you know: her and husband Andy’s kids are naturals in front of a camera. Fouryear-old daughter Maya and one-year-old twins Miriam and Lilly have certainly made life busier and much more exciting for Amy and Andy. Amy is a native Omahan; Andy is originally from Los Angeles. The family moved from California to Omaha in 2016. All three girls currently attend the Pennie Z. Davis Childhood Development Center. “Maya’s a very curious kid,” Amy said, “who likes to feel involved and included. She is actually very helpful! She is really proud of her big sister role. She takes charge of their bedtime stories and songs, and gets so much joy out of playing with her sisters. In the past few months, since they’ve morphed from babies to toddlers, their relationships have grown more and more.” The biggest difference since Miriam and Lilly’s birth, according to Amy, is that the adults are now outnumbered: “It’s hard when they each have an urgent need at the same time, but also amazing when they’re all entertaining each other,” Amy said. Although Maya continues to call each of

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BOOK YOUR APPT NOW! SPECIAL GRAND OPENING PRICING! her sisters “baby,” she says they, in turn, know her name. “Only one of them will say it, though,” she added. “I was really surprised when I found out I would have two sisters,” she said. “I like having two instead of one. They smile a lot and are so funny! Especially when they pull on my arms and fingers. For their first birthday, we had cupcakes. I liked that.” The best thing about having three girls, Amy said, is the ability to use hand-medowns. For Maya, there is hard work ahead: she has promised to be a great older sister, which includes teaching Miriam and Lilly important facts of life. It’s a job Maya takes very seriously: “I will teach them animal sounds, like ‘Moo.’ I know lots of animal sounds. I also know cow jokes,” she said. “They get pretty loud when they play with their toys. They are also starting to say words.” So why is it important to be a good older sister? Well, Maya says, “It’s important, because it just is!”

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EDUCATION! EDUCATION!! EDUCATION!!! Freedom isn’t available to people that are not educated. There are skills, jobs, trades and even businesses people could thrive with if they only know they existed. There are potentially thousands of Rembrandts, Beethoven’s, and possibly a Henry Ford or two waiting to be discovered. In our mass produced, plastic and press board throw away World, artists are needed. People that have the skill and patience to work with their hands are well rewarded for their talent. How, again, do we find these people if they’re never exposed to the trade? Functioning trade shops for visitors to view or apprentice are the answer. The main list is available on our website, but there are new ideas and forgotten trades turning up. There’s been a new interest in wrought iron fences. That’s the job of the black smith. A desk that doesn’t need to be replaced every five to ten years takes a carpenter. Restoring a

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couch instead of replacing takes an upholsterer. These are three examples of trades people don’t usually consider today. And then we have the arts. Even though we see the results of writers, actors, set design and directors, do we really know what goes into making a play or movie? Our small, medium and large stages would be available for either form. The independent lens is something that’s grown in the recent past. People don’t know what they’re capable of, until they’re exposed to the possible. Our current goal is a $10,000 ad campaign. Our overall goal is to be self-sufficient. Donations can be made through Great Western Bank. Checks can also be sent to Omaha Transportation and Technical Museum, PO Box 27272, 7300 Main Street, Ralston NE 68127. We’re a 501 (c) 3 and all donations are tax deductible. Visit our website, www.otatm. webs.com.

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Stefan Zweig revival overdue ePutatiOns are made, they fade, and sometimes revive. On Feb. 22, 1942, Stefan Zweig and his second wife Lotte took poison and died in Petropolis, Brazil. On May 11, 1943, Polish Jewish politician Shmuel Zygielbojm (who had visited Omaha) took his life in London in protest against Allied indifference to the Holocaust. Refugee writer Walter Benjamin and survivor Primo Levi, among others, ended their lives prematurely. The pathology of desperate political protest and euthanasia in the face of lifetorturing terminal illness is easier to fathom than throwing in the towel while in good physical health. Sigmund Freud grasped every breath he could. It is an enigma that such talent flourished and ended in circumstances that leave a cultural tear and the gaping question of why these worldly and cosmopolitan stars chose to disappoint their avid audiences. Zweig, born in 1881 in Vienna, Austria, was a phenomenally successful writer, perhaps the most translated author of his age. He appeared in 30 languages. His first editor was Theodore Herzl. My enchantment with novelist, playwright, journalist and biographer Zweig started with his 1929 short story, Buchmendel,

about a brilliant used bookseller, set during the First World War. Director Wes Anderson attributes the authorship of his 2014 film The Grand Budapest Hotel, to Zweig. At the Berlin & Beyond Film Festival in San Francisco this February, Maria Schrader, who starred in the 1999 film Aimee and Jaguar, introduced Stefan Zweig: Farewell to Europe, which she directed. It covers Zweig in exile, 1934 to 1942, and ends with his death three months past his 60th birthday. The audience is transfixed for 106-minutes of riveting drama involving the plight of Jews in Austria and Germany, PEN advocacy for writer refugees, his two wives, children, and being on frequent book tours in Brazil, Argentina, and New York. Many of the German speaking audience were not distracted from the film’s visual beauty, they did not have to read subtitles. This was a tumultuous and tragic period. Hitler came to power, took over Austria, went to war with the world and engineered the destruction of European Jewry. Zweig lived to write. His suicide testament is online. The explanations of why he chose to silence his pen include exile crisis, secondary guilt syndrome, isolation, deracination, anomie, a sense of hopelessness and emotional exhaustion. Zweig saw the European culture and German language he loved destroyed. Hitler claimed another victim. Zweig’s reputation flourished, sagged, and has revived. Don’t miss Maria Schrader’s production of Zweig’s prescient 1930s observations on the politics of emigration, borders and refugees, which are still relevant in the 21st century.

Continued from page B10 has its own dating app for alumni. But a group of four siblings meeting their spouses at the same camp? Yunger’s brother Gadi, 33, and sister Naomi, 30, even married siblings from the same Toronto family. “I don’t know whether it was in the water or it was in the juice they gave them,” Joy said. All of the Yunger siblings started officially dating their basherts after their time in camp -- although some were not too adept at hiding their developing feelings before then. Shlomie, 35, and his wife Dalia, 36, were “only friends” and fellow camp employees throughout their camp days (Shlomie as a counselor and Dalia on sports staff), but most of the camp sniffed out their budding romance. One time, when Dalia was assigned to the rock climbing wall, Shlomie offered to climb as an example to a group of young campers. As Dalia helped belay him down, some of the boys entangled their ropes -- so when Shlomie made it down he was tied up next to Dalia. “Even the 10 and 11 year-old boys knew there was something,” Dalia said. For one summer, Naomi slept in a bunk that her future sister-in-law Dalia helped oversee. It was during that time that Joy Yunger first became acquainted with Dalia -through a letter Naomi wrote home calling her an amazing counselor. Naomi’s only complaint was that Dalia made her and her fellow bunkmates do push-ups if they misbehaved. “Since then, my daughter-in-law has run the New York Marathon four times,” Joy said. Today, Shlomie and Dalia Yunger live in Toronto, where he is an accountant and she

works in regulatory finance. Gadi and Atara live in Modiin, Israel, from where he runs a clothing company based in Toronto (he makes frequent business trips) and she works as a graphic designer at a company in Tel Aviv. Naomi and Zvi also live in Toronto, where she is a kindergarten teacher and Zvi works in finance. While Ami goes to school in Ramat Gan, Israel, Samara works as a special education teacher in Beit Shemesh. They all know of other couples who met at their camp, and they say it was easy to find love at Camp Moshava because most, if not all, of the campers developed a deep bond to Israel. Gadi said at times he felt like he was on a kibbutz because of the communal themes, how much campers learned about Israel over the summers and the number of Israeli workers on campus. “For Atara and I, one of our prerequisites was that the other would want to live in Israel one day,” Gadi said. “When you have like-minded people [at camp] who believe in something like Israel, I think it just works.” Dalia added that the camp’s retro aesthetic and feel -- embodied in things such as rustic bunks and the old, decaying couches in the small room where counselors hang out -brought the camp staff closer. Camp administrators even paired up counselors who they thought might have crushes on each other to do nightly bunk check-ins together. “If there’s any chemistry between people there, it’s going to come out,” she said. This article was made possible with funding by the Foundation for Jewish Camp. The story was produced independently and at the sole discretion of JTA’s editorial team.

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Meet the Nachmans

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | B13

passover

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from totally different bolts of cloth. “My dad’s side of the My lael nachMan sits on the family came to the U.S. from Mainz, Germany, in the early couch in her living room, legs 1800s,” Gary said. “They arrived in the Baltimore/Washingfolded under her, surrounded by ton, D.C. area with some money, education and a skill. They colorful ethnic pillows. Her older were among the early members of the mostly German, brother, Gary Nachman, serves us Washington Hebrew Congregation, but my father’s cultural his home-made spanakopita, hotheritage included hanging Christmas stockings and Easter out-of-the-oven. “Gary wants to egg hunts on the White House lawn. I have fond memories feed you,” Amy says, smiling, dim- of going crabbing with my dad and my paternal grandpled. This spanakopita, sprinkled with black sesame seeds, mother. Saturday morning breakfasts were often bacon and looks different from others I’ve eaten. It also tastes differeggs. Still, most of my dad’s friends were Jewish, his parents ent. The flavor, elusive. “That’s the z a’atar ,” Gary explains, told him stories about his Jewish ancestry, and he dated “a spice popular in Israeli and only Jewish women.” Arab cooking. It’s a combina“On the other hand,” Amy tion of dried thyme, oregano, continued, “our mom’s fammarjoram, sumac, toasted ily were poor shtetl Jews sesame seeds and salt. My from Eastern Europe, a tight wife, Sheila, makes it for us. group with lots of cousins There are dozens of variawho were closer to each tions and opinions about the other than siblings -- they right proportion for each incalled themselves ‘The gredient. Experimentation Cousins Club’ -- who even can create a surprising zest.” put out their own newspaComparing the five Nachper. They lived through the man siblings to the spices in depression and World War ll za’atar is not a stretch. Put in Gary, Indiana, and were Gary (61), Amy (55), together fairly observant, which with Dale (58, who splits his meant,” and here Amy’s time between Taiwan and dimples flash again, “when Minneapolis); Amanda (50, very assimilated Len Nachalso in Minneapolis); and Aliman met crazy Jewish Mimi son (45, a Berkeley, CA, resiRosenbloom from this big, dent ), and the blend has a old-world Jewish family, it definite bite. “The five of us was kind of like a mixed are extremely close,” Amy marriage.” A marriage with said. “We’re sort of like a club peripatetic geographical that’s very protective of one turns, as the couple moved another. When we’re together from Indiana to Ohio to the there’s lots of kissy, huggy D.C. area to California, stuff going on. We love our adding five children along spouses but when we’re with the nachman siblings in 2015. Front: amanda, left, amy, alison; the way and including them back: gary and dale. our siblings it’s really about in their off-the-grid lifestyle. the five of us. It can be hard for our spouses to break in, so “Our dad was a rebel,” Amy said. “He was happy to be they’ve jokingly formed their own club -- the Outlaws.” Jewish but wanted to practice in his own way. He never felt Amy’s husband, Alan Potash, and her sister-in-law, Sheila, comfortable living in large Jewish communities. Dad alare no longer intimidated by the Nachman No-Trespassing ways headed for the outskirts. When we moved to Columsigns. “They just roll their eyes,” Amy said, but then added - bus, Ohio, my parents helped start a new congregation - a bit sheepishly, “When we grow old, the five siblings want with other like-minded Jewish families -- kind of a Jewish to live together in one big house. We’ve even talked about Unitarian mix -- Jewnitarian? Everyone was accepted and being buried next to one another. That may sound weird, anything went. Our folks were social and political and relibut we were raised in a very untraditional environment, and gious activists. Wherever we lived, our house was always our attachment to one another makes sense, at least to us.” open -- to Jews and non-Jews. Our folks gathered people The Nachmans’ parents, Len and Mimi -- both now around them, educated them. Every Jewish holiday was a see Meet the nachman’s page B15 eighty-five, both still active in Burnsville, MN -- are cut 1000 N. 90th St., Suite 100 Omaha, Nebraska 68114

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Passover recipes: Lighten up with fish and veggies

Megan Wolf JTA loVe serVing light foods that are naturally kosher for Passover. With so much matzah, vegetable and fish dishes are often a welcome addition in my home. In this holiday menu, my Coconut Carrot Soup is a creamy soup at its finest. The combination of carrots, ginger and coconut is so warming and really delicious. Not a ginger fan? It’s easy enough to leave it out. And what could be better than a recipe that doesn’t require excellent knife skills? Since the soup ingredients are blended, dicing imperfection won’t be noticeable at all. For the Caesar Salad, making your own dressing is an easy way to cut down on the fat and calories and tailor the taste to your palate. I’m a big garlic fan, but feel free to scale back – your dressing will still be delectable. Romaine hearts hold up especially well against a hearty dressing. The Lemon Salmon recipe is perfect for a crowd. Little work is required and the end result is so tasty. Roasting lemons really brings out the flavors. You can encourage your guests to squeeze the warm lemon atop the salmon for even more flavor. The lemon in the Grilled Asparagus nicely complements the salmon without imparting an overpowering lemon flavor. Because one dish has roasted lemon and one has lemon zest, they are bright without being redundant. If you don’t have a grill pan -- it’s a wonderful kitchen item to have, especially if you’re tight for space -- you can easily roast the asparagus in the oven for a similar texture. But really, nothing beats the smokiness of a grill. Megan Wolf is the author of Great Meals with Greens and Grains. see lighten up recipes page B14

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B14 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

passover Lighten up

Continued from page B13

GRILLED ASPARAGUS

Ingredients: 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed 1 tbsp. olive oil 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese 1 lemon, zested Preparation: Heat a grill pan until hot (or roast in the oven). Toss asparagus with olive oil and place on grill pan, cooking about 3 minutes each side. Sprinkle warm asparagus with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.

COCONUT CARROT SOUP

Ingredients: 1 pound carrots, peeled and thinly diced 1 cup diced celery 1 tbsp. diced ginger 3 tbsp. olive oil, divided 1 Vidalia onion, thinly sliced 1 can coconut milk 3 cups vegetable stock salt and pepper to taste coconut milk yogurt, optional Preparation: In a large stock pot, heat 2 tbsp. olive oil over medium low heat, then add the carrots, celery and ginger. Cook until soft, about 18-20 minutes. In a small skillet, heat the last 1 tbsp. olive oil and sautĂŠ the onions until translucent, then set aside. Add the can of coconut milk to the carrot and celery mixture and stir to combine. Add 2 cups of stock and stir to combine. Place half of the onion into the carrot mixture and place the mixture in a blender to combine until smooth (you can also use an immersion blender directly into the stock pot). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with remaining sautĂŠed onions and optional coconut yogurt on top.

LEMON SALMON

Credit: sallysbakingaddiction.com

Ingredients: 1 pound salmon, sliced into 4 fillets 2 tbsp. olive oil 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. peppercorns 1 lemon, thinly sliced 4 sprigs rosemary Preparation: Preheat oven to 400 F. Coat each piece of salmon with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and peppercorns. Place lemon slices over salmon and roast until cooked to your liking, about 10 minutes or more. Serve on a platter with rosemary springs. Ingredients: 2 large heads romaine lettuce hearts 3/4 cup low fat Greek yogurt 2 tbsp. olive oil 3 cloves garlic 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard (can be omitted for Passover) 1 lemon, juiced salt and pepper to taste 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese hot pepper flakes, optional

CAESAR SALAD

Preparation: In a blender or food processor, combine yogurt, olive oil, garlic, mustard and lemon juice. Taste, then season with salt and pepper and set aside. Halve each lettuce heart and dice, then place in a large bowl. Toss the greens with half of the salad dressing to start, adding more to your taste. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | B15

PAUL GERBER A U T O S A L E S Happy Passover

Meet the Nachmans

Continued from page B13 Carmel, NJ,” Gary said. “I remember the rundown buildlearning experience. Their message to us was, ‘You can asings, the smell of the homestead, going out to the fields with similate or become stronger as Jews,’ and we kids undermy great-grandfather, picking strawberries. I realize today stood that from the get-go.” that this respect for nature Len and Mimi Nachman and its bounty, balanced with believed that time was too knowledge, culture and herprecious to spend sitting itage, has helped form my around. “We did what our concept of Judaism.” parents thought was fun and “So here’s the thing,” Gary cool,” Amy said. “We played said, serving me another slice in nature. Hunted for fossils, of spanokopita. “Our parents for sharks’ teeth. We deinsisted we do things the lighted in gathering rocks. Nachman way, which meant We were like the von Trapp we were not allowed to refamily, always singing, even main silent. We had to speak staging our own musical out. Our father took care of shows. Some might say our gorillas at the Columbus zoo upbringing lacked structure while putting himself through and direction, but I would grad school. He worked for argue that our parents gave us the Bureau of Indian Affairs, a tabula rasa -- a clean slate set up the first Peace Corps on which to draw our own training center in the United paths and create our own States, served as a Hebrew world view. In essence, they school principal where, said, ‘Here’s our life. We love among his achievements, he nachman family circa 1976. Back row: Dale, left, Gary, amy; front hired an amazing singer and you. Hang on to our belt loops and come along for the row: Mimi, left, amanda (standing) and len holding alison on his lap. guitarist named Debbie ride.’ They were, and still are, totally nonjudgemental.” Friedman, of blessed memory. Our mom has a Master’s DeEven when the Nachman family lived (in Gary’s descripgree in Social Work and Occupational Therapy plus every tion) as ‘token Jews’ in suburban communities, they observed piece of clothing she ever owned because it may come back religious traditions, “though,” Amy said, “we often made up in style. Our maternal grandfather, a highly respected docour own rituals.” Catholic priests came to Passover seders. tor, walked around 24/7 in a leopard-skin patterned night Shabbat dinners included strays that Len and Mimi brought shirt. At my grandparents’ Seders, we sang every song and home. Somehow, Mimi managed to arrange Hebrew lessons prayer in the Haggadah plus WWll tunes after the meal was so Gary and Dale could become a B’Nei Mitzvah. Len conover. To this day, at the end of every Seder and family event vinced the principal at Amy’s grade school to let her teach we sing God Bless America. With so much za’atar in our Hanukkah songs to the other students -- none of whom were DNA, it’s sometimes difficult to make connections with Jewish. “I was sometimes embarrassed by his pushing,” Amy people who think as we do. It’s understandable that none of confessed, “but those experiences helped cement my Jewish us grew up to be square pegs in square holes.” identity.” As did the years both Amy and Gary spent in Israel, studying at Hebrew University in the 1970s during the Yom Kippur War. Their Hebrew language skills are put to good use when they read Torah at Beth El Synagogue. “Our parents’ methods were unconventional, but I consider them to be patriots guarding Judasim,” Gary said. “I’m aware that my kids, our kids, don’t have the same ‘pride of ownership’ in Israel. That being Jewish doesn’t carry the same sense of belonging. That Jewish identity, honoring parents and staying close to family, is less recognized today than when I was growing up. If I had one wish for my boys, it would be that they always appreciate a sense of family, where they come from.” Amy Nachman is currently Leader of Talent Management at OPPD, and this June will enter a PhD. program in OrgaDani Howell nizational Change at the University of St. Thomas in MinJonah (age 9), and Talia (age 6) both attend Friedel Jewish Acadneapolis. “I challenge myself and other people,” Amy said. “I emy, while Elianna (age 3) goes to the Pennie Z. Davis CDC. like to stir things up, to help people grow. Truth is imporAll three siblings adore music and dance, and have a blast enjoying tant to me.” Gary describes Amy as “one who lives by frequent kitchen dance parties! And as the weather continues to get Tikkun Olam. Repairing the world.” Gary Nachman owns warmer, they also love riding on scooters together in the driveway. and manages Rainwood Vineyards, Douglas County’s first Jonah admires that his sisters love him no matter what, while Talia vineyard. He even has his own hechsher. KE -- Kosher and Ellie simply adore their big brother! Enough. The label reads: Rainwood is a mystical and spiriParents: Esther and Philip Katz and Grandparents: Gail and Holtual place. Born from a dream of earth meeting heaven. “I man Massey of Philadelphia, PA, and Debbie and Jeremy Katz of Milprobably got this love of the land from my dad and through waukee, WI, and the late Robin Katz. my great-grandfather who had a small, 30-acre farm in

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passover The Dundee Dell

Did you know the Dell has been around since 1934? It is possibly the oldest restaurant and bar in Omaha, with the recent closings of Omaha landmarks such as the Bohemian Café, Piccolo’s, and others. In 82 years, there have been several owners, most recently Greg Lindberg, who bought the Dell from Pat Gobel, who owned it for 27 years. Coincidentally, Gobel bought the business from Neill Everitt, who also had the Dell for 27 years. Lindberg thinks he has a shot at 27 years himself. Famous for Fish and Chips for decades, that recipe continues to this day, and is considered sacred. Since The Dundee Dell is now in the Absolutely Fresh family, a few additional seafood dishes have been added to the menu: Faroe Islands Salmon, Peel ‘n Eat Shrimp, and the MacHaddie (haddock – quite similar to cod – with a very thin breading). Pat Gobel, before he handed the baton to Lindberg, had this to say: The Dell is unique. It has its own vibe. It is a pub in the style of pubs in the British Isles. In the small villages and hamlets there, everyone gathers at the pub. Their homes were traditionally too small to gather in. So, the pub. The smallest child, the oldest person, and everyone in between. No matter what your background or income level or your education, you are welcome at the pub. It is where you go to be yourself and be with other people; not virtually but really. This is what the Dell is about. Lindberg is proud to be able to say that 29 of the 31 Dell employees are still around, after the change of ownership.

Shucks Fish House & Oyster Bar “I swore I would never get into the restaurant business,” Greg Lindberg said many times. “So many restaurants have gone broke owing us money. And it’s an endless amount of work. You’re just never done!” Lindberg, owner and founder of Absolutely Fresh Seafood Company, distributors of seafood to over 300 restaurants and clubs in the area, nonetheless found himself starting Shucks Fish House in 2006. Because of customer demand, Absolutely Fresh Seafood Market began serving soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch; on four tables next to the fish counter at 119th and Pacific. “Back in the day, when I was looking for seafood on

the Gulf Coast, I would be killing time waiting for a boat to come in, and I would hang out in these seafood shacks instead of holing up in the Motel 6,” said Lindberg. “I never dreamed that someday I would make my own seafood shack in Omaha.” From the very old barn wood (they call it ‘wharf’ wood) on the walls, to the straightforward recipes, to the oh-so-casual ambiance, Shucks is a tribute to the many establishments Lindberg frequented in Louisiana, as well as in New England, Florida and the West Coast. “We have the very thinnest breading possible,” Lindberg said. “Never have I seen any thinner. When we started

the Luncheonette in 2003, with Chef Claude Hampton, we did not have a fryer. No fried fish, no french fries. I was trying to create a very healthy place to have lunch.” “That was one of the biggest of my many, many mistakes,” Lindberg said. And he explained that people love fried food but not the calories. To that end, they purchased a fryer and started experimenting with the thinnest breading possible. That resulted in what Shucks touts as “the thinnest breading in town.” Today, Shucks’ three locations each boast its own chef and long-term staff, and has been voted Best of Omaha for the last seven years.

The story of Absolutely Fresh Seafood Company: since 1979, Lindberg began bringing fresh seafood to Nebraska and Iowa, selling off the back of a refrigerated truck. He moved ‘inside,’ at the request of the Douglas County Health Department and never looked back. 1727 Leavenworth was the site of the first Absolutely Fresh fish market, as well as the emerging wholesale seafood operation, opening there in 1982. In 2002, Absolutely Fresh retail market merged with Sherm’s Seafood, and then moved completely to that location, at 1218 South 119th Street.

Today, Absolutely Fresh consists of the market at 119th and Pacific plus the wholesale division (the Mother Ship) still at 18th and Leavenworth. Selling to over 300 restaurants, hotels, casinos and clubs in the Omaha, Lincoln and Des Moines areas, fresh fish is flown in several times each day. The fish market has expanded from a few gulf seafood offerings (shrimp, crab, oysters, flounder, red snapper) into a thriving market featuring fresh and frozen seafood from around the world. The selection on any given day can include crab legs from Alaska, lobster from Maine, salmon from the Faroe

Islands off Scotland, shrimp from Louisiana, mussels from Massachusetts, oysters from New England and fish from Central and South America. Absolutely Fresh has long been famous for homemade cocktail sauce, freshly steamed shrimp and fresh smoked salmon. Prepared dishes, such as Seafood Enchiladas, are quickly becoming a significant part of the business. Also, fresh baguettes are delivered from Le Quartier daily. Grab-and-go items, like sausages and cheese abound, as well as a wide variety of wine and beer.

Café Café occupied the space where Bailey’s is now, for about 25 years, under four different owners. When it suddenly closed, Greg Lindberg decided to take a chance on the breakfast business. “On a Tuesday noon, when the parking lot should have been busy, it was deserted. A sign on the door explained that Café Café was closed, and it was ‘just another Omaha statistic.’ That really got to me,” said Lindberg. The casinos had moved in, along with chain restaurants, and he was concerned about the loss of identity of Omaha as a result.

“We thought we could throw up a little paint, fix up some of the kitchen equipment, and be in the breakfast and lunch business,” said Lindberg. “Then I proceeded to lose a few hundred thousand dollars in the next 18 months, doing a complete remodel and then not having enough customers coming in” he said, smiling. After the third year, the school of hard knocks started paying off, and Bailey’s has been profitable ever since. Karen Bauermeister, who with other staff, started in 2007, even before Bailey’s was open, left in 2013 to open Over Easy. Lindberg and staff are delighted that she re-

turned in January of this year to retake the helm. Bailey’s claims to have the best bacon in town. “It ain’t rocket science,” says Lindberg, “we just buy the best, thickest, meatiest bacon on the market. You should try it.” Best sellers include six variations of Eggs Benedict, Chicken Fried Steak, coffee cake, and salmon salad. The lunch menu also includes sandwiches, soups and several salads. Breakfast is served all day, and house-made corned beef hash is available Fridays through Sundays.

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The Jewish Press | April 15, 2016 | C1

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P A S S O V E R

Jane and Jack Cohen’s kids anneTTe van de kaMp-wrighT Jewish Press Editor oba and MiChael Cohen and their parents, the late Jack E. Cohen and Jane M. Cohen made their home in the Memorial Park neighborhood at 62nd and Underwood close to what used to be called “Bagel Village.” Toba, named after grandmother Toba “Tillie” Cohen, is the eldest. Her brother Michael was named for grandfather Meyer Cohen. Toba is married to Eric Dunning and they have a daughter Eleanor and a son Teddy. Michael is married to Karen; they have two daughters, Lillian and Eva and a son, Jack. “The philosophy in our home was everyone had chores,” Toba said. “Michael was chief in charge of mowing at a young age, and we could identify weeds from flowers and knew exactly when it was time to help. We grew up knowing that there wasn’t a chore in the house that was gender biased and we worked hard. It has certainly served us well as adults. “My mom was always baking cookies, fresh bread, fruit cakes and taking them up to Brownell for the teachers. Mom was the quintessential homeroom mom and no request was too big or small. We certainly had our fair share of goldfish from the Brownell fair and kept The Aquarium in business (now the Pier One on 74th and Dodge) for many years through aquatic supplies. We had an endless number of poodles - whom my husband believes were reincarnated from our first black poodle - Jibber. Our parents were just genuinely wonderful and we had a great childhood.” “Our Shabbat dinners were the happiest of all,”

Michael added. “Our dad was very regimented and always home at 6 p.m. We all had our part preparing and praying. I look back at those times and feel incredibly blessed and grateful. Nowa-

would be in services together to hear Rabbi Isaac Nadoff and Cantor Leo Fettman. My mom was the librarian for several years at the Beth Israel Talmud Torah and I LOVED Hebrew School, nerd that I was. “Every night my dad would come home and have really fun candy in his trunk. All of our friends on the street knew him as the “What What Man.” What kind of candy would he have today? I can’t believe I remember this so vividly but some of his favorites were: Candy Buttons (glued on the paper like dots), bubble gum cigars, malted milk balls, Bit O Honey bars, Charms jellies, Mr. Peanut Bars and Boston Baked Beans. The Michael, left, Jack, Jane and Toba Cohen man loved wholesale! days, Shabbat with my own family, seeing the “It was a blast, and he was so cool. On his desk glow on everyone’s faces makes me miss those at Mayfair Textiles, there was always a bowl of times the most. Even when life gets crazy, there Dum Dum lollipops for any child that would is always that moment on Friday night. come into the store with their mom. His philoso“My old Kiddush cup, my daughter Lillian uses phy was that Mrs. Homemaker would shop it now, and the other day I accidentally knocked longer if their child had a lollipop.” it over. We all had to laugh, because when I was “Michael and I have always had a very sincere young, it wasn’t Shabbat unless I knocked over a admiration of our parents,” Toba said. “They cup of wine and spilled it everywhere!” were not youngsters when we were born. I re“We never missed going to Friday night servmember my dad’s 65th birthday. I was almost ices at Beth Israel,” Toba said. “My mom had a four and Michael was just born. My mom threw See Cohen siblings page C3 roast chicken on the table every Shabbos and we

Every Passover Elijah has a standing invitation. No matter what. We open our door. Set a place at our table. And fill his cup. This year, let's do the same for those in need. No matter what. We thank you for your generosity and support of the Jewish Federation of Omaha's Annual Campaign, and Foundation’s endowments and charitable funds. Together we can make a difference in the lives of those in need, here at home and around the world.

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c2 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

passover

Tips for an anxiety-free Pesach Seder Yael Klein

esach night -or shall we say nights -- is challenging enough as it is for mothers, who have spent the greater part of the last week/ month (at least!) scrubbing down every nook and cranny of their house for chametz. Then it’s erev Pesach, biur chametz, preparing the matzah and marror, setting the table, making sure there’s enough wine or grape juice for all the guests…we can go on and on. But for specialneeds children, many of whom have trouble sitting still and respecting orderly boundaries, the Pesach seder becomes even more difficult. We asked Doreen Winter, MSW, social worker at Seeach Sod, for tips on how to make Seder night as calm and relaxed as possible when a special-needs child is in the family. Make a special haggada. For a child who can’t really comprehend every detail going on during the Seder, Ms. Winter suggests making a personalized Haggada especially for them. “It should have no words: just colorful pictures, and it should be interactive. You could create some pictures and Velcro them to the pages. Ask your child, where is the Matzah? so they could take out the matzah from the Haggada and show it to you.” Dramatize the exodus. “With your other children, act out parts of the Haggada with puppets, or like a dramatic play. This makes it more interesting and entertaining for your child with

special needs, who may otherwise not understand what’s really going on during the Seder.” cook their favorite food. “Make the special food your child loves. He or she (like your

other children, I assume) should not have to wait like everyone else to eat dinner – Shulchan Orech comes way after regular dinnertime.” let them sleep. “When your special-needs child gets tired, worked-up or upset, she can go to sleep. Don’t force her to stay up and participate, even if he or she is an older adult.” Plan ahead. If your child or older adult is unable to act appropriately, and may lessen the overall experience of the Seder, you have to make a choice, says Ms. Winter: “You can make a short Seder just for her, on a different night before Pesach, so that you won’t feel the need to have her participate in the actual Seder night because she has already experienced it beforehand. Or you can have her participate in the actual Seder even if she may disrupt the Seder at various points and annoy your other children, who will probably want your dedicated attention. Though this is a difficult choice, your entire life with a special-needs child requires sacrifices and

choices to be made -- none of which are easy.” give them a goodie bag. “Your special child should have a goodie bag that is just his or hers, and can eat from it throughout the Seder when he feels the need. Remember that matza and marror doesn’t taste good to everyone, least of all to sensory-sensitive children.” set boundaries. It’s okay to set limits. Even with older adults, it’s okay to tell them “You are not behaving, so you must leave the room.” I believe limits are like hugs: they teach the child that you care about them and that they have self-respect. have a good attitude. Remind yourself to stay positive. “At the end of the day,” says the social worker, “you want to be able to tell yourself: ‘I am doing the best I can with what Hashem gave me.’ It is ok not to be perfect constantly. It’s okay to realize that you can’t meet everyone’s needs at the same time. Sometimes your special-needs child will come first, and sometimes your other children will come first. And sometimes you will come first. To have a happy home, Mom has to be happy.” With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a Chag Kasher v’Sameach! Doreen Winter, MSW is a social worker at Seeach Sod, one of Israel’s leading rehabilitative and educational centers for special needs and physically challenged children and adults. Based in Jerusalem, Israel, Seeach Sod offers a multitude of services and programs to enhance the quality of life of individuals with special needs as well as their parents and family members.

assoVer ignites my desire for learning. e Seder creates a classroom environment with the opportunity to study and discuss everything from history to psychology to culinary arts, politics to foreign aﬀairs to Judaism. e Seder table’s beauty alan Potash sets the tone for elegance, openChief Executive Officer, ness, dialogue and comfort. JFO e Passover Seder can be challenging for both the host and the guest. ere may be anxiety over what the host expects, or what the guest thinks, or whether the meal will be enjoyed. e early rabbis rated the success of a Seder on how long into the night it went. A few goals might be: to be welcoming, to engage in meaningful conversation, to be patient, to enjoy the meal, to enjoy the guests, to be grateful, and to stay as long as your hosts want you. And remember: the hagaddah is available should the table conversation run a little oﬀ course. If you leave a Seder inspired to learn something new, consider reading and studying Pirkei Avot, one of my favorite sources, during the weeks between Passover and Shavuot. Pirkei Avot is referred to as the Ethics of the Fathers and details the Torah’s views on ethics and interpersonal relationships. It contains some of the earliest teachings with relevant themes like showing kindness to others, respecting the other person’s rights, striving for greatness, respecting holiness, seeking peace, and being careful with your speech. With so much going on around us today, these are indeed timely reminders. Passover provides us with the opportunity each year to learn, to engage with one another, share meaningful dialogue and above all, be creative with food. Enjoy and Hag Sameach alan

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The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | C3

Happy Passover

Cohen siblings

Continued from page C1 was punished. Oh and there was the time at Disney World, him a wonderful celebration that July and even though the back in the 70s where I watched him get out of the stroller air conditioner broke that day - it was still the best. She and wander away and my mother didn’t notice but just kept loved to entertain, so everything was a fun and special occa- on talking to him. Yes - I was punished.” sion - big Passover Seders, big breaking of the fast at Yom But according to Michael, it wasn’t necessarily exterminaKippur (always at 6 p.m. - the way dad trained her), birthday’s, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah - you name it. We celebrated every Hallmark holiday. So, both of us grew up loving celebrations. We have travelled so many different places - in the early days and through college with my mom, and just the two of us or with our families since. Our two families spend all major holidays and birthdays together and it’s amazing teaching this new generation about ‘the joy of togetherness’ (as my dad would say).” Holidays were shared with many guests. Toba and Michael grew up next door to the Shirley, Buddy, Don, Gail and Kathy Goldstein: “We were always at each other’s house,” Toba said. “Some of my favorite Passover Back row: Eleanor, left, Toba and Eric Dunning, Michael and Lillian Cohen. Front row: Teddy Dunning, Credit: Arnold Clark Seders were with Aunt Shirley left, Jane, Jack, Karen and Eva Cohen. and Uncle Buddy and the kids. My mom was always ready tion Toba was after, more a ‘correction’ of her younger sibling. when Aunt Shirley needed something for one of the Russian “One of the horrors of being the younger child is that Jewish families who was coming to Omaha (pots, pans, blan- your sole purpose in life is to destroy the older sibling’s life. kets, whatever). Michael and I loved helping in any way.” I remember always wanting attention, which Toba was not “Toba and I were blessed to grow up in a house full of necessarily eager to give. One time, I positively hounded laughter,” Michael remembers. “My mother has always had her, for hours, to play baseball with me. I just wouldn’t stop such a big personality, but dad loved his jokes too. They were and finally wore her down. So, I get my way. She pitches the both always so funny! One of my favorite memories, though, ball, I whack it, hard, and for some mysterious reason make is the one time Toba and I decided we would build our own great contact with the ball. The next thing I know, the ball is Sukkah in the backyard. Our skills were poor, of course, we lodged firmly in her throat, so Toba removed the ball, crawled in the bushes with sticks, scotch tape and newspapers. dropped it and walked back into the house without saying a Seriously, it looked like Eyeore’s house. It took probably fourword. That was the end of that!” and-a-half minutes for the wind to blow it all into the neighChildhood arguments aside, as adults Toba and Michael bor’s yard, but we got along so well while we were building it.” have nothing but respect for each other: “He used to bring us home big upholstery boxes from work “When I was in medical residency, one of my attending that Michael and I would make into buildings or forts,” Toba professors and his wife were attempting to adopt two orsaid. “I remember in the 70s when really bright neon crayons phaned children from Cambodia,” Michael said. “They had became a thing - it was SO exciting - we could do anything been stymied at numerous junctures for over a year due to with crayons and a box. We also had this great crab apple tree the lengthy bureaucratic process. He had shared his frustrain our backyard which was easy to climb and it was the most tion with me during lunch one day, and I suggested that my perfect hideout when your mother is calling you to help her sister might be able to help. I called Toba, who immediately can pickles! (No - we could not entirely escape - but, boy, it went to work on the case. Within days, she had solved all of was worth trying). Just to be clear - her pickles were delicious the formalities of the adoption and everything had been and amazing, but it is a painstaking process getting to that arranged. Her involvement saved that family months or point.” years of further frustration and separation. What a blessing Not that they always got along: “I was kind of mean to now 15 years later to see how those children have thrived in him when we were little. I know that is REALLY hard to be- that loving and supportive family. Toba made it happen. lieve. But, he would rip the limbs off of my Barbie dolls to “Shortly thereafter, Toba was contacted by Steve Martin see what was inside. I can only assume that this was his pre- (yes, THAT Steve Martin). He had heard that she had a legcursor to medical school. I was unkind to his GI Joe dolls, endary talent for performing miracles. He needed one rebut not because I cared what was inside. AND - my Six Mil- garding a family friend who had a case stalled in the INS. lion Dollar Man doll could absolutely outbest anything GI The case was in danger of falling into indefinite purgatory. Joe did!”Toba said. Again, Toba went right to work on it and had it solved exAccording to Barbie herself, “Reports of my death have peditiously. When Mr. Martin asked Toba how he could been greatly exaggerated,” Michael added. thank her, she simply asked him to autograph one of his “It was really only one Barbie. Unlike other boys, perhaps, books for me. I was stunned. The only thanks she asked for I was interested in Barbie’s anatomy only because I really was in the form of a gift for her brother! I will always cherwanted to figure out how exactly the head was attached to ish that book; not simply because of who inscribed it, but the body. It was the engineering of it all that fascinated me, because of the kindness and selflessness of that gesture.” combined with me underestimating my own strength. I still The admiration is mutual: very vividly remember the ‘pop’ that sounded when that “Michael is the most extraordinary person I have ever head came off, and the sinking feeling that came with it. known,” Toba said. “While I came back to Nebraska reguHowever, my curiosity was fulfilled.” larly from D.C. when our dad was battling cancer, no one Then, there are the times Toba may or may not have did as much for my dad as Michael. He is so kind, so detailsomewhat endangered her younger brother: oriented and works so hard to ensure that everyone in his “He is too young to remember me letting his stroller roll life is well cared for. down the Memorial Park Hill during Israel Independence “He makes me proud every day! He is an incredible husDay when mom and Shirley Goldstein and Larry Gilinsky band, father, son... but for me he is the BEST brother. His organized this big community event. Yes, the stroller thing - practice at Village Pointe Pediatrics is a credit to his busipurposeful. Look - he still loves roller coasters today! My ness acumen which he inherited from our dad. Michael See coen siblings page C4 mother caught it before he reached Dodge Street. Yes - I

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Cohen siblings

Continued from page C3 was always in politics. After all, she was the would spend hours having dad teach him one (when I was in 8th grade) who came to and it is crystal clear that he has utilized school one day and said â&#x20AC;&#x153;today we are going every bit of knowledge. He teaches his chilto go volunteer for the Ted Kennedy for dren about the importance of investing - a President campaign.â&#x20AC;? It was 1980 and she very important concept to our dad - because volunteered to help organize â&#x20AC;&#x153;special interthat is how you face the future, ensuring that est groupsâ&#x20AC;? - specifically working with the resources are available. Beth Israel had its Jewish community. I licked thousands of first endowment as a result of our dad - and stamps, passed out more leaflets than you we hope to carry on his legacy. I have taught can imagine and got my very first taste of my children about tzedakah and they carry democracy in action. I was hooked! So it their yearly savings up to the Federation to wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t surprising when I left for WashingJody Malashock every December to help the ton, D.C. the day after my graduation from community stay strong. There isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t anything I would not do for my smart, darling, funny, Disney/Canada/England loving brother. The best is yet to come!â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The last tough stretch was during high school,â&#x20AC;? Michael said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Toba may or may not have tried to run me over with her car. I call it â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fratricide Light.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Also, there might be some disagreement about those meatballs: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would say that my mother made us help her Our Dad was such a class act that he even wore a suit and tie to make 10,000 buffalo meatDisneyland! Is it any wonder why my Jack loves bow ties so much? balls for his bar mitzvah party,â&#x20AC;? Toba said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He would perhaps say it Creighton to go work for Senator Jim Exon.â&#x20AC;? was closer to 300. My number stands. But it What Michael finds most inspiring about was a fun time - minus the meatballs (I still his sister is her profound generosity: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Her canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look at buffalo meat today). She had a willingness to give of her time, efforts, and big stage built in our backyard for the party talents to any person or organization in so kids could dance, and Mrs. Fettman and need is remarkable in my eyes. She embodMrs. Nadoff helped her provide a kosher ies the concept of tikkun olam. She never table so synagogue friends could attend.â&#x20AC;? seems to expect nor anticipate any acknowlâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh yes, our mother went through a edgement or accolade. Her joy always seems phase when she decided buffalo meat was to be in the act of doing for others. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m certhe healthiest meat there was. Since Toba tain there are MANY in the Jewish commuprobably took the brunt of the servitude,â&#x20AC;? nity who have examples of this. Michael said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll let her number stand. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most memorably, and for me profoundly, Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s earned it, because they were delicious. was Tobaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s willingness last summer to deLet me just add: Thanks, Toba! part from her family in the midst of a much â&#x20AC;&#x153;As long as I can remember, Toba demon- needed and well deserved vacation, in order strated the talents of a prodigy. She always to provide hospice care for a close family amazed me, even at an early age, with her friend in England. Toba got the word that unique ability to recall a hundred different our â&#x20AC;&#x153;adopted uncle,â&#x20AC;? a man with no children phone numbers immediately upon prompt- of his own and no family members by his ing from our mom. Many of the phone side, was scheduled to be transferred to an numbers were completely obscure, yet she overcrowded ward at a local hospital to live could recall them readily. Such talents have out his final days. He had always been very always eluded me. passionate about his desire to die at home â&#x20AC;&#x153;Toba soon thereafter functioned effecsurrounded by things that were comforting tively as our momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s executive secretary. This and familiar, but there was no one to advofunction I believe began shortly after Toba cate for him. Toba flew to England the same crawled from the crib, but if you asked my day, and with the efficiency of a five star mother, she would probably say it was general demanded that his wishes be honcloser to age eight. Even at that age, upon ored. She coordinated all his hospice and our momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request, Toba would make phone medical care, cared for him physically, and calls on momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behalf, help tirelessly in the provided the strength of reassurance, love, kitchen and around the house, and even en- and emotional support that we all despergage easily in written correspondence. ately wish for ourselves when our time is Many a birthday card, thank-you note, and near. All of this in a foreign country and holiday package was sent on time from our with an unfamiliar healthcare system. He household over the years thanks to Toba. was all alone without any close relatives, so â&#x20AC;&#x153;George Washington had Alexander there was no one to thank her or provide Hamilton as his aide-de-camp. My mother any recognition or appreciation for that efhad Toba. If Lin-Manuel Miranda meets my fort. But as her brother, all I can say is sister some day, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pretty sure heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be find- â&#x20AC;&#x153;WOWâ&#x20AC;?. My sister is a superhero. ing all the words that rhyme with Toba for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not a day goes by that we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all miss his next musical. (I myself canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find very dad -- but I see so much of him in Toba and many that rhyme, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in Pediatrics.)â&#x20AC;? that is a beautiful thing. What I witness in According to Toba, birth order played no my sister on a daily basis is reassuring and role for their parents: rewarding. She makes the entire family â&#x20AC;&#x153;My mother wanted us both to be doctors proud in how she dedicates herself to our - there was no birthright or gender bias Jewish community, her family and her whatsoever. She absolutely believed that it friends. She forever inspires me to be a little was/is the greatest profession. And she is bit better every day. And I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever imagcertainly right - itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing. But, my calling ine my life without her.â&#x20AC;?

Balaboostas in training Oliver B. POllak

alaBOOsta is Yiddish for a perfect wife, homemaker, mother, cook and hostess, the proverbial woman of valor. Last year, we gave our granddaughters Shaina and Yael, 10, and seven years old, two books inscribed by Alice Waters, about her daughter Fanny learning to cook, Fanny at Chez Panisse: A Child’s Restaurant Adventures with 46 Recipes (1997), and Fanny in France: Travel Adventures of a Chef ’s Daughter, with Recipes (2016). They can read for themselves but we preferred to read to them. Both books had French words with English translations, and attractive recipes that a child and mother could master. In August 2016, Karen’s cousins from Winnipeg visited Omaha to bid our house adieu. I gave them the 1947 Winnipeg Hadassah Shoppers’ Guide & Cook Book which I had acquired in my cookbook book online surfing. It turns out that Bruce knew many of the recipe contributors and advertising merchants; Manitoba History is publishing the results of his research. Bruce and Celia brought along from Winnipeg to show us the Junior Jewish Cook Book by Aunt Fanny published by KTAV Publishing House in 1956. Karen’s parents lovingly inscribed it, To Celia Marsha We just know you’re a little balabosta so you make some of these recipes for Mommie & Daddie Love, Auntie Reva & Uncle Joe The author addressed its potential reader: Dear Junior Cook, This Junior Jewish Cook Book is written especially for you. The recipes are simple, and each step is outlined clearly, so that you will easily be able to follow all the directions. The recipes are for foods you like to eat, and we hope you enjoy making the recipes as well as eating them. Notice, too, that the Cook Book is divided into holiday sections. Every section contains a short story of the holiday and its customs and ceremonies, and every recipe has been placed in its very own holiday section. You will learn to make different kinds of holiday delicacies, so you’ll be able to prepare menus for your

Ari D. Riekes | Lisa C. Lewis | Steven J. Riekes Philip B. Katz | Meagan K. Spomer Elizabeth Stuht Borchers David A. Christensen - of counsel Julia Cryne Kristina Murphree

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | C5

very own parties! You’ll have wonderful surprise for Mother too, because you are going to keep your kitchen neat and clean. Mother will never guess that you’ve been working there. We hope you you have lots of fun cooking? This letter was followed by the statement: “All the recipes in this book” designed for eleven Jewish holidays, “are in accordance with the Jewish dietary laws.” Cousin Celia, born in 1951, received the book when five or six, almost hot off the press. Karen’s mother belonged to Pioneer Women and Hadassah and frequented the House of Israel, on Wilshire Blvd, where she probably purchased the book. Cousin Celia does not recall using the cookbook. The author Sol Scharfstein a co-owner and indefatigable KTAV promoter, indicated that Aunt Fanny was his mother. But the popular name may also be a play on the The Fannie Farmer Junior Cook Book, that appeared in 1942. Sol Scharfstein (1921-2009) and his brother Bernie took over KTAV from their parents who established the press in 1924. Sol wrote many books, 56 of which are still in print. His wife, Edythe Scharfstein, wrote several KTAV titles in English and Hebrew. She died in 2013 at the age of 91. Ezekiel Schloss, an editor and a cartoonist designed the book. From 1942 to 1977 he edited World Over, a magazine for Jewish children produced by the Board of Jewish Education in Manhattan. Born in Latvia, he died in 1987 at the age of 74. He was also an authority on ancient Chinese sculpture. Cyla London, credited with the drawings, illustrated about ten KTAV books. Fanny Goldstein, librarian and founder of National Jewish Book Week, described Junior Jewish Cook Book in the 195657 Jewish Book Annual as “Simple, easy-to-follow recipes for preparing dishes for the Jewish holidays, (ages 10-15).” Rachel Gross contributed Draydel Salad to Religion, Food, and Eating in North America (2014) edited by Benjamin Zeller. Draydel Salad is a Hanukkah recipe in the cookbook. Gross states the 1956 cookbook is symptomatic of midtwentieth century Jewish cultural concerns. Incidentally, Perfection Salad: Women and Cooking at the Turn of the Century (1986), is a classic food study by Laura Shapiro. My spouse Karen wonders why her mother did not buy her a copy of the children’s cookbook, perhaps at 13 she was too old. I purchased two copies of the Junior Jewish Cook Book for our grandchildren on line. They and their Generation X parents may be confused about what to do with a 64 page 61-year old book. One of them was inscribed, “To Harriet, With my deep affection, Aunt Rose.”

passover Pesach associations from all around the world

Yael kleiN

students from Naale Mosenson

hOugh YOu MaY Be faMiliar with PesaCh in your hometown, isn’t it interesting how Pesach is celebrated differently all around the world? We decided to learn more about global Pesach traditions by turning to Naale Elite Academy in Israel, a full scholarship high school program for Jewish teens from around the world. We asked ten of their students, each from a different locale, one simple question: “When you think of Pesach in ___________ (your hometown), what do you associate it with?” liel egdes; Johannesburg, south africa: “I think of Geshmurta matzah in abundance. It’s like cheesecake batter baked onto matzah with cinnamon and sugar on top. It’s the perfect encapsulation of Pesach in South Africa!” ariella dobin; texas, usa: “Usually the Rodeo comes to town before Pesach starts, but if it’s still going on during Chol Hamoed it’s a popular outing activity. If the rodeo is not in town, Texans will drive four hours to go to the beach in South Padres Island, on the Gulf of Mexico. And jalapeños. Since many people in my Lubavitch community in Houston use their own seasonings, they use jalapenos to spice up the food. Jalapeños are popular here; people even grow them in their backyards. And I also think of our Mashiach Seuda, which happens on the last day of Pesach.” raphael slama; Paris, france: “I always remember a special Pesach French-Moroccan dish we make every year: lamb cooked with prunes – it’s always finished as soon as it gets to the table... especially by me!” elana frisch; Boca raton, florida: “The extreme humidity and the heat. As soon as I get off the plane, I’m immediately hit by a wave of humidity. And I associate Pesach with lots of New Yorkers, the hotel scene, a lot of tourists. The beaches are always crowded with Jews bringing their own picnics!” see Pesach associations page C 7

C6 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

passover Adria and Asher Tipp

Dani HoWell Adria (age 11), is a 5th grader at West Dodge Station Elementary School in Elkhorn. She loves volleyball, softball, volunteering at the Humane Society, and playing with dogs - especially family dog Benson. She likes to read and hang out with her friends. Asher (age 9), is a 3rd grader at West Dodge Station. He loves basketball, baseball, and playing outside. He also enjoys bike rides, playing chess, and hanging out and having nerf fights with his friends. These sweet siblings like making slime together and making forts in the basement (and then have sleepovers in them). They also enjoy reading mom’s book of funny quotes they said when they were younger! Parents: Sonia and Alan Tipp and Grandparents: Sara and Michael Baum of Columbia, MD, and Marilyn and Steven Tipp of Omaha.

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The five (or so) habits of successful seder leaders eDmon J. RoDman LOS ANGELES | JTA

Hat kinD of leadership style works best for a seder? During a period when we are experiencing a shakeup in national leadership, you may want to re-examine the relationship that exists between leader and participants at the Passover meal. Though seder leaders and participants are not elected, there is still a seder mandate that governs your relationship: Everyone present -- the wise, the wicked, the simple, and even the one who does not know how to ask a question -- are all involved in the evening’s proceedings. Attending a Passover seder remains an “extremely common practice” of American Jews, according to Pew Research Center, with approximately 70 percent participating. Despite its broad mandate, however, meaningful seders rarely function as true democracies. The seder is a complicated undertaking with symbolic foods, actions and storytelling, and on this night that is different from all others, the call is for an assertive leader who can guide a tableful of guests through a sea of ritual needs. Since Passover is an eight-day holiday of freedom, and the seder a celebration of the going out from Egypt, you may think the people are clamoring for a democratic free-form kind of dinner -- from chanting the kiddush to singing “Chad Gadya.” But after leading a family seder for over 30

years, my experience has been that if I give everyone a free hand to comment and question, and the seder runs long, revolution erupts, with the guests vigorously chanting “When do we eat?” And if I try to rule the table with an iron kiddush cup, my poll numbers plummet, especially among the rest-

Egypt -- even though they may not necessarily feel the need. Going around the table urging guests to share the reading is one way, and calling up guests beforehand to discuss and assign a specific section of the seder is another. Especially for whoever is going to lead the Four Questions -- at

What’s the best way to lead a Passover seder? less, 20-something contingent, who start texting madly under the table, presumably plotting a resistance. Defying typical political alignment, I have found that on the nights when the seder works -- when most every question has been asked, and tradition and innovation have been shared -my style of leadership has fallen somewhere between being a benevolent dictator and a liberal talk show host. I say “benevolent dictator” because it is part of the leader’s job to find a way for everyone to retell the Passover story and ultimately exit the slavery of

Credit: Lior Zaltzman

our table, usually the youngest who can read Hebrew -- it helps to ask them personally beforehand rather than springing the task on them on the night of the seder. Such quiet lobbying helps reorient one from being an audience member into one, as the Haggadah says, who can see themselves as if they had left Egypt. As “liberal talk show host,” I get that the Haggadah is filled with questions that must be questioned as well. I once opened a seder by asking, “What does it mean when the Haggadah See Successful seder leaders page C8

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The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | C7

Take two, they’re small. No, thanks, I have plenty... Ozzie NOGG

uSt iN tiMe for this year’s Passover edition special theme comes National Siblings Day. I’d never even heard of such a thing until a little Google sleuthing lead me to native New Yorker Claudia Evert who, after losing both her siblings, Alan and Lisette, early in life, decided to establish a National Siblings Day with an annual celebration on April 10, the birthday of Ms. Evert’s late sister. Next thing you know, Carolyn B. Maloney, U.S. Representative (D.) for New York’s 12th congressional district introduced Siblings Day into the official Congressional Record of the U.S. Congress on April 6, 2005, (who says our elected officials do no work?), at which point tons of people immediately accessed Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to post pictures of their brothers and sisters, in what the Siblings Day Foundation website called “a jubilant celebratory mood.” Go tell it to Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, Rachel and Leah or Joseph and them thar brothers of his. Their collective Biblical narratives, loaded with manipulation, malice and even murder, confirm that sibling relationships in Genesis were rarely cause for jubilation or celebration. And should you need evidence that sibling rivalry still flourishes in Gen. X, Gen. Y and beyond, consider various titles in the self-help section of your local book store. Siblings: You’re Stuck with Each Other, So Stick Together (2010) by James J. Crist, Ph.D. and Elizabeth Verdick; Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too (2012) by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish; Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: How to Stop the Fighting and Raise Friends for Life (2015) by Dr. Laura Markham. The jacket blurbs assure parents that these books will provide tools to minimize conflict, encourage cooperation, reduce competition and help kids channel hostility into creative outlets. Good luck with that. In The Science of Siblings (2016), TIME Magazine contributor and author, Jeffrey Kluger, writes, “For many of us, the relationship we have with our siblings is one of the defining ones of our lives, and they play a powerful role in shaping who we become. In many cases, these relationships are incredible bonds that will last a lifetime. Brothers and sisters are our collaborators and co-conspirators, our role models and our cautionary tales. They are our protectors as well as our tormentors. There are alliances and feuds, loyalties and betrayals. Slights are remembered and favors are banked, but no matter what, the relationships are many times the longest and most consistent of our lives.” How does the only child feel on National Siblings Day? Deprvied? Depressed? Delighted? Hard to know, since most kids -- be they singletons or one of the Four Sons in the Passover story -- are mixed bags of churl and cherub. So why is the ‘lonely only’ so often negatively labelled as a selfish, bossy, pampered brat? The man (dare I say, whacko) credited with legitimizing these stereotypes is Granville Stanley Hall (1846 - 1924), a pioneering American psychologist. Hall is best known for the 1896 study Of Peculiar and Exceptional Children, which described only children as eccentrics and permanent misfits, ugly, poorly behaved and stupid, who could not be expected to go through life with the same capacity for adjustment that siblings possessed. “Being an only child is a disease in itself,” Hall claimed, a conclusion that academics and advice columnists disseminated for decades. (For the record, Hall also lacked sympathy for the poor, the sick, those with developmental differences or disabilities, was an advocate for selective breeding and forced sterilization, and believed that any re-

spect toward those he viewed as physically, emotionally, or intellectually weak or ‘defective’ simply interfered with the movement of natural selection toward the development of a super-race. Hall consistently argued against intellectual attainment at all levels of public education, did not tolerate discussion and critical opinions, and said students needed indoctrination to save them from the individualism that was so damaging to the progress of American culture. Oi. The contemporary parallels are frightening... but I digress.) No two people were happier to debunk Hall’s theories than Toni Falbo, a professor of educational psychology and sociology at the University of Texas at Austin, and her coresearcher, Denise Polit. Since the 1970s, the team has methodically worked to reverse stereotypes about children without siblings. At the end of their study, Falbo and Polit determined that single children are not selfish, emotionally stunted freakazoids. In fact, only children often scored higher for self-esteem, verbal skills and academic achievement than peers who grow up in more crowded households. For his part, TIME’s Jeffrey Kluger warns against concluding that growing up one way or the other -- with brothers

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and sisters or without -- is preferable. “In truth,” he posits, sounding quite Talmudic, “growing up an only child can be advantageous, but so can having siblings.” Many new studies credit parenting style, not the number of children in a family, as the reason for poorly adjusted, spoiled, or unsociable kids. You’ve been warned, folks. Finally, a few words about the most symbiotic siblings. Twins. Perhaps if Raising Twins: From Pregnancy to Preschool, by Shelly Vaziri Flais, had been available to Isaac and Rebecca, the aforementioned Jacob and Easu would have turned out less combative. And closer to home. If Raising Twins: What Parents Want to Know (and What Twins Want to Tell Them) by Eileen M. Perlman and Jill Alison Ganon, had been available to Abraham and Rebecca Friedman of Sioux City, Iowa, maybe they could have convinced their twin daughters -- Esther Pauline ‘Eppie’ Lederer (aka Ann Landers) and Pauline Esther ‘Popo’ Philips (aka Dear Abby) -- to knock off their legendary feuding, fussing and fighting and become BFF. Enjoy Passover, everyone. And if your siblings are no longer at the Seder table, may their memories be for blessings.

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Pesach associations

Continued from page C5 Shira Abargel; Montreal, Canada: “When I think of Montreal, I think of the Chabad. They invite people to their homes for Leil Haseder and are constantly spreading the Pesach energy before and during Pesach.” Keren Gawendo; Sao Paulo, Brazil: “Lots of Brazilians are from Sepharad, so we have lots of dancing and singing at our sedarim. I also associate Pesach with specific foods we make in our community: rice-filled grape leaves and Batata assada -- a dish with potatoes and cheese, to dip the matzah in, which every Brazilian grandma makes!” Georgiy Balura; Dresden, Germany: “I associate Pesach with our central synagogue, which is one of the few synagogues in Germany. And because the German community is very Christian, I unfortunately always associate Pesach with Easter-related paraphernalia all around the town!” Many of these teens will be traveling home for Pesach, and they’ll be experiencing the familiar sights, sounds, and – perhaps most importantly – unique regional tastes of Pesach.

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C8 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

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The photo exhibit of the fallen from Nebraska in Iraq and Afghanistan has been booked every week since January 2, 2011, all over the state, and has been seen by thousands. Website is www.rememberingourfallen.org. Remembering Our Fallen will be on a high school tour for the 2017-2018 school year. For details contact: Bill Williams, Patriotic Productions 402-612-0210

WWW.PATRIOTICPRODUCTIONS.ORG

Why do we like each other? Sam KRiCSfeld

aChel and i are both teenagers, both have different tastes in food, clothing, TV shows, friends, and humor, and we are brother and sister. I have to chauffeur her around, she has to deal with showering after me. This is one of the most toxic recipes between two people that could exist. So why don’t we hate each other? Often we are asked why we actually get along. I’d love to say that it’s an elaborate ruse, an act that Rachel and I put on to make ourselves look good in public. But it’s not; we actually (annoyingly) like each other. We don’t always get along, but the overwhelming majority of the time we can at least tolerate each other. This is counterintuitive to many people because generally siblings -- especially teenage siblings -- do not get along. It’s also weird for us. We sit at our lunch tables and

listen to our friends complain about their siblings. We see sitcoms where the majority of the plot revolves around the brother’s and sister’s attempts at making

Sam and Rachel Kricsfeld

each other miserable. Major celebrities have sibling rivalries. And dare I even mention Cain and Abel? We See We like each other page C9

Successful seder leaders Continued from page C6 says: ‘Let all those who are hungry come and eat with us?’” Especially in a year such as this one, where even benign conversation is abuzz with politics, there are going to be varying responses, from the bitter, like maror, to the sweet, like charoset. At the time, you may not think that these opposing points of view are what binds a seder together, but recall that in the Haggadah, when the five rabbis are sitting in Bnei Brak telling and interpreting the story of the Exodus, each has something different to add, and it is the whole of their interpretations taken together that heightens our understanding of the text. Those not leading but participating in the seder, don’t think that you are off the hook in setting its tone. In his book Keeping Passover, Ira Steingroot points out that being a seder guest “doesn’t mean that you have to be the life of the party or a maven (authority), and you certainly do not want to monopolize the conversation, but you have a role to play in the drama of the seder.” In fact, it is your responses and feelings that determine whether everyone at the table makes it past the plague of ennui. To aid in that quest, be sure you are following along, asking questions and responding to the leader’s prompts. I have also learned that regardless of leader-

ship style -- some of us are like Moses pointing the way, others are more like Miriam, leading through interpretation and song -you will still need to do your homework. Whichever your style, Steingroot’s book is a great source, as well as Passover: The Family Guide to Spiritual Celebration by Dr. Ron Wolfson with Joel Lurie Grishaver, and A Different Night, The Family Participation Haggadah, by David Dishon and Noam Zion. Taking my own advice, a few nights before our first encounter with all things matzah each year, I go through the Haggadah and annotate, searching for my afikomen: a way to connect the story of traveling from slavery to freedom to the lives of my guests. One year I held up a Passover chocolate bar and referred to it as “the bean of our affliction,” calling attention to the children who are sometimes exploited to harvest cacao beans and as a way to discuss if we, too, were participating in slavery. This year to provoke discussion, before we open the door to Elijah, I plan on asking guests to imagine what would happen if the prophet, as we imagine him -- a robed and perhaps turbaned man from the Middle East -- was detained at airport customs? Edmon J. Rodman is a JTA columnist who writes on Jewish life from Los Angeles. Contact him at edmojace@gmail.com.

nebraska Remembering Our fallen exhibit Bill and Evonne Williams are the founders of Patriotic Productions, a nonprofit organization that honors the U.S. military and provides an opportunity for others to do the same. Whether recording personal histories, planning events, or creating the Remembering Our Fallen exhibits, their intent is to honor, remember and educate. The Williamses have organized the veteran trips to Washington D.C. for 2600 Nebraska WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans. The Final Mission will be May 1 when four planes will take 650 NE Vietnam veterans to D.C. This will be the largest group of Vietnam veterans from one state to ever visit the Wall. Their primary mission is to honor the fallen from Iraq and Afghanistan through photo exhibits called Remembering Our Fallen. 60% of the fallen in the country are completed and those exhibits are traveling their states. Their mission is that these men and women will not be forgotten.

The Nebraska Remembering Our Fallen exhibit has been booked every week since January 2, 2011, all over the state, and has been seen by thousands. Website is www.rememberingourfallen.org. The tour schedule is listed on the site and where it has appeared is listed under previous state schedules. They are searching for sponsors to take the exhibit on a tour of high schools and middle schools in the Omaha area and to offer them the opportunity to honor these native sons and daughters lost in war. It will appear for a week and the school receives a list of the fallen, sample program for a ceremony, and a curriculum promoting patriotism. The fee to book the memorial is $500, no contract or deposit. Sponsor signage displayed by the exhibit. Space needed is 40 feet. Bill Williams of Patriotic Productions can be reached at 402.612.0210 or at info@patriotic productions.org.

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For kids with reading disabilities, Pesach can be a recipe for anxiety

Yael Klein

heRe’S a lot of Reading involved in a Haggadah, which can make the Pesach Seder exhausting for the average child. For the child with reading disabilities, it can be highly anxiety-provoking. “It’s a tricky situation,” sighs Dr. Green, who founded her organization, Kol Koreh, for children with dyslexia in Israel. (Note: dyslexia is more common than you think. As one of the most under-diagnosed learning disabilities, it affects one in five children.) “Sometimes you can’t prevent certain things from happening, but you can certainly try to anticipate what the issues might be and plan accordingly.” For example, if your family is invited to a another family’s home for the Seder, and you’re nervous that your child will be asked to read aloud (a situation that, Dr. Green explains, can cause a tremendous amount of shame for some dyslexic children), talk to the parent beforehand to discuss the situation. “Make a phone call a few days before the Seder to find out also how they normally run the Seder. Does the head of the household read through the entire Maggid? Does everyone take turns? Do they ask for volunteers? If they usually read in a round-robin, you can politely ask if they would consider not running the Seder that way or that if they do, they should not ask your kids to read aloud. It’s up to you how much you want to share.” “It also depends on who the host family is. If they’re grandparents or close family, it may be easier to request that your child should not be asked to read aloud. They probably already know your family situation, so ask if they

wouldn’t mind doing Maggid differently this year, or just skipping over your child’s turn.” Also, Dr. Green reminds parents, remember to ask yourself: Which way would your child feel less upset or embarrassed -- if he’s singled out to read aloud and has a hard time pronouncing the words, or if they simply skip over him in the round robin? By the way, she adds, if your dyslexic child wants to read aloud but you anticipate that he or she may have difficulty, let them read anyway. “If the other kids start fidgeting or correcting him, don’t worry – dyslexic kids are used to other people getting antsy while they’re reading. If your child has enough confidence and doesn’t care about other reactions, then kol hakavod! Also, keep in mind that going through the haggadah in the way that your parents, or grandparents, used to do it doesn’t mean it’s right for your family. “Some people have the minhag of the youngest child reading Mah Nishtana aloud. But this is just a minhag! If it comes at the expense of your dyslexic child getting embarrassed at his or her substandard reading level, don’t do it. It’s not our right to hurt our kids, even if it comes at the expense of a Pesach tradition.” The key is to have your child walk away from the Seder in a positive spirit. “You need to do whatever you can to ensure that your child is happy and enjoying the time. That should be the overall emphasis.” And regarding the mitzvah of sharing the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim with one’s children, Dr. Green refers to the Four Sons of the Haggadah. “Notice how each son is different -one wise, one wicked, one simple, and one who does not even know how to ask questions -- and we are told, by the See Pesach can be recipe for anxiety page C10

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | C9

passover We like each other

Sam and Rachel Kricsfeld

Continued from page C8 ask ourselves, “Why don’t I despise my sibling? Why don’t I want to kill them?” One thing is certain: Rachel and I were raised by the same people. Mom and Dad, armed with flawless equal-opportunity parenting skills, taught us from a very early age that they love both of us equally. That may have prevented any jealousy between us. Additionally, we both went to the CDC and Friedel Jewish Academy during the social-development stages of our childhoods, where we were taught the same values. We also encountered other kids, who are scary, mean, and often taller than us, and learned that it was important to stick up for each other lest the tall, scary, mean kids turn on us. Of course there are many other possible explanations, but I don’t fully believe in any of them. Maybe because we like the same music. Maybe it’s the mere-exposure effect. Maybe it’s Stockholm syndrome. Maybe it’s aliens. Most likely it’s thanks to our parents. But does it really matter why? I love my sister, and she loves me. It is a rare thing that, like all great emotional things are, beyond the reach of analyzation. And Rachel can’t help you either; her answer is, “Because.”

Chag Sameach For me, the story of Passover is a powerful reminder of the preciousness of liberty and faith. Death passed over the Israelites as they, sustained by their belief and their courage, ÀHG IURP WKH 3KDUDRK 7KHLU MRXUQH\ WR IUHHGRP ZDV QRW DQ HDV\ RQH 7KH DQFLHQW ,VUDHOLWHV ZHUH SXUVXHG E\ WKH DUPLHV RI (J\SW DQG VDFUL¿FHG PXFK GXULQJ WKHLU MRXUQH\ WR WKH 3URPLVHG /DQG 7KH VWRU\ RI HPDQFLSDWLRQ DQG WKH power of faith has inspired countless people throughout the world and has brought hope to those who suffer tyranny. During the eight days of Passover, it is commanded to eat only unleavened bread. By thus marking the departure from Egypt, the cost of freedom is remembered. Angie and I send our best wishes to everyone in the community as you celebrate the Festival of Passover.

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C10 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

passover Sam and Anna Gittelman

Dani Howell Sam (age 14) is an 8th grader at Peter Kiewit Middle School, and his sister Anna (age 10) is a 5th Grader at Grace Abbott Elementary School. These fun loving siblings enjoy hanging out with their beagle Hank, as well as playing video games and board games together - when they aren’t driving each other crazy! Parents: Larry and Jennifer Gittelman and Grandparents: Richard and Debbie Gittelman, Margie Arch and the late David Arch.

Pesach can be a recipe for anxiety

Continued from page C9 Haggadah, to teach them about the story of Pesach in four very distinct ways, each according to their style of learning and personality. In the same vein, we need to remember that it’s our obligation to teach our children in the way that they’ll learn best. On Pesach, that means inculcating the message of Yetziat Mitzrayim through whatever way they’ll absorb it -- whether it’s by storytelling, reading, visual pictures, toys, sounds, etc. That should be the goal not just for Pesach, but all year round.” Kol Koreh seeks to help children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities get the support and resources they need to thrive in school and beyond.

New cookbook provides delicious and innovative recipes that are perfect for Pesach Perfect for Pesach | Naomi Nachman | Artscroll/Shaar Press

assover is a time for family and friends to come together, usually over a meal. Naomi Nachman, chef, caterer and host of the popular radio show Table for Two on the Nachum Segal Network, launches her debut cookbook just in time to make Passover meals easy and delicious. In Perfect for Pesach: Recipes You’ll Want to Make All Year (Artscroll/March 2017), Naomi shares some of her popular recipes from over two decades of cooking and catering for Pesach. Naomi’s recipes use innovative flavor combinations with ingredients that are easily accessible from local supermarkets and stores. In addition, while the recipes are all focused on Passover they can be served and enjoyed all year long. Perfect for Pesach features over 125 delicious recipes beautifully photographed by kosher blogger and cookbook author, Miriam Pascal. Each recipe features Cook’s Tips culled from Naomi’s years of professional experience, and she has provided readers with Freezer Tips, Prep Ahead, How-to information and recommendations for basic kitchen equipment. “As a chef specializing in Passover, I wanted to provide home cooks with delicious recipes that bring something new to the table,” Naomi explains. “Some of the recipes in this book reflect my years of catering Pesach dinners and

other are brand-new to reflect today’s kosher cooking styles. All my recipes use fresh, simple and delicious combinations of ingredients that you can get all year long and create interesting meal choices.” From appetizers and starters, to main dishes and desserts, Perfect for Pesach has everything needed to create and serve the perfect holiday meal. And 120 of them are gluten-free! “My goal is to help home cooks prepare delicious meals without making the process too complicated or exhausting. I want you to be as excited about cooking for Pesach as I am. These recipes are so delicious, your family and friends will be asking for them all year long.” This year surprise yourself and your guests with meals that are Perfect for Pesach! Author Naomi Nachman, known as “The Aussie Gourmet,” shares some of her favorite Passover recipes that make delicious meals all year round. This Passover try these delicious recipes: see Perfect for Pesach recipes page C12

Quinoa “Hummus” (Pareve) I’m a big hummus person -- I put it on everything (it’s almost like my ketchup!). I didn’t want to write a cookbook without a hummus recipe, so I thought of using quinoa to make a kosher Pesach version. I was so excited by the idea that I invited some foodie friends to tastetest as I played around with numerous batches and versions to create the perfect Pesach “hummus.” Here’s the version that we all voted the best. Ingredients: 1 cup cooked quinoa 1/2 cup pine nuts 2 cloves garlic, crushed juice of 1 lemon (2-3 tbsp.) 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. cumin 1 tbsp. olive oil 1/4 cup water 1 tbsp. olive oil, for garnish

1 tbsp. parsley, finely chopped, for garnish paprika, for garnish Preparation: Place quinoa and pine nuts into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the “S” blade. Process until just blended. Add remaining ingredients; continue to blend. Scrape down the sides and blend again, for approximately 30 seconds. Do not overblend or the mixture will become gummy. Transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with olive oil and chopped parsley; sprinkle with paprika. Year round: Garnish with a sprinkle of za’atar. Prepare ahead: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Cook’s tip: 1 cup uncooked quinoa prepared according to package directions will yield at least 2 cups cooked quinoa. You can add the rest to make Quinoa Tabuli or any other quinoa recipe. Yields 1 1/2 cups.

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The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | C11

Class

haroset

SYBIL KAPLAN

hAt PASSover Seder symbol is common to all communities but is not mentioned in the Biblical passage which enjoins us to eat the paschal offering, matzah, and bitter herbs? Haroset. We define haroset loosely as a paste of fruit, spices wine and matzah meal, symbolic of the mortar used by the Hebrews when they were slaves in Egypt. The word is of unknown origin but may be from the word heres, meaning clay, because of its color. The custom of eating haroset is thought to have come from the time of the Babylonians who dipped food in relishes or sauces to add flavor. Some years ago, I surprised all my seder guests by serving both the Ashkenazic version and a different Sephardic version which everyone loved and wanted in future years. The New York Times Passover Cookbook, edited by Linda Amster, wrote that the Iraqi version is one of the oldest and most time-consuming recipes, dating back to the Babylonian exile of 579 BCE. Made into a jam from dates, grapes, pomegranate and bee honey, it was a sweetener in the ancient world and is still used by Iraqi, Burmese, Syrian and Indian Jews. The Talmud says haroset must be sharp in taste and similar to clay in substance and color, thus there are variations according to communities. Most Ashkenazim do not follow the sharp and pungent idea whereas Sephardim do. Ashkenazim tend to use apples, chopped almonds, cinnamon, red wine and perhaps matzah meal. Sometimes other nuts are used. Sephardim and those from Middle Eastern countries tend to use fruits that grew in Eretz Israel in Biblical times such as grapes, figs, dates, almonds and pomegranates. Israelis often turn haroset into a dessert by adding bananas, dates, orange juice and sugar. Abraham Chill, author of The Minhagim (customs), writes that each ingredient symbolizes something different from the Egypt experience: the whole mixture stands for the mortar used by the Jews in making bricks. Wine is for the blood of the Jewish infants thrown into the Nile. Almonds are used because the Hebrew word for almond, shaked, is also a word that means to accelerate, so G-d accelerated the end of slavery. Apples are used because it was said Jewish women gave birth to their babies under apple trees in order to avoid detection by the Egyptians. The cinnamon resembles the color of the bricks they made. In her book, The Jewish Holiday Kitchen, Joan Nathan states that haroset is â&#x20AC;&#x153;one of the most popular and discussed ritual foods served at the seder.â&#x20AC;? She says the fruits and nuts refer to verses in Song of Songs mentioning an apple tree and the garden of nuts; the red wine recalls the Red Sea. Because the maror or bitter herb is so strong, some

say the real purpose of haroset is to allay the bitterness. As part of the ritual seder, the haroset and maror are placed between matzot to make a sandwich which is said to have been invented by the first century C.E. Rabbi Hillel, hence, Hillelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sandwich. Different Jewish communities have variations on the ingredients. Jews from the Island of Rhodes use dates, walnuts, ginger and sweet wine. Jews of Salonika, Greece, add raisins. Other Greek Jews use walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, raisins, cinnamon, cloves and red wine and spread it thickly on matzah. Turkish Jews include orange. A Moroccan told me she used some of the seven spicesl from the Bible in her haroset -- dates, almonds, nuts, pomegranate seeds, figs, wine and cinnamon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Food Maven,â&#x20AC;? Matthew Goodman, once wrote in The Forward that Moroccan Jews sometimes make haroset paste and roll it into balls. He says this is a legacy from Jews of Medieval Spain who made the balls of apples, dried fruit, almonds, cooked chestnuts, sugar and cinnamon but no wine, and then drizzled the balls with white vinegar before serving. Jews of Venice use chestnut paste, dates, figs, poppy seeds, walnuts, pine nuts, orange peel, dried apricots, raisins, brandy and honey. Jews of Bukharia use nuts, almonds, dates, raisins, apples and wine. Egyptian haroset contains dates, nuts, banana, apples, wine, cinnamon and pomegranate seeds. An Iraqi woman told me instead of haroset as we know it, they would buy a special date honey and sprinkle chopped nuts on top. Matthew Goodman, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Food Mavenâ&#x20AC;? of The Forward, confirms this, explaining its foundation is date syrup called halek, made by boiling dates, straining the liquid and then reducing it over a low flame until thick. In fact, halek is one of the earliest of all sweeteners and may be the reference in â&#x20AC;&#x153;land flowing with milk and honey,â&#x20AC;? because bees did not appear until later. Chopped walnuts or almonds are then added to the syrup. Jews of Calcutta also follow this custom. A Dutch woman told me they make a chunky mixture with more apples and less nuts plus cinnamon, sugar, raisins and sweet wine. Jews from Suriname and Dutch Guyana use seven fruits and coconut. Following the injunction to have a sharp taste, Persian Jews use dates, pistachio nuts, almonds, raisins, apples, orange, bananas, pomegranate seeds, sweet wine, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, vinegar and black pepper. Likewise, Yemenite Jews use dates, raisins, almonds, nuts, figs, dates, sesame seeds, apples, pomegranate seeds, grape juice, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and black pepper. Jews from Afghanistan pound haroset in a mortar with a pestle and use walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, apples, sweet wine, pomegranate seeds, dates and black pepper. See haroset page C12

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c12 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

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continued from page c10

cauliflower cruSt lachMagine (Meat)

I’ve always enjoyed serving, and eating, lachmagine, a Syrian meat pizza mozze, or appetizer. With cauliflower crust pizza so popular these days, I was inspired to try a cauliflower crust lachmagine for Pesach. I debuted it at the VIP Ram Pesach program (where I run cooking classes), and the Sephardic guests gave this recipe a thumbs-up for authentic flavor! Ingredients: cauliflower crust: 2 (32-ounce) bags frozen cauliflower, defrosted 2 eggs 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. onion powder 1 tsp. dried oregano Meat Topping: 1 pound ground beef 1 cup prune butter or plum jam 1 small onion, diced 1/4 cup tomato paste 1/2 cup ketchup 1 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. cinnamon 1 cup pine nuts, optional Preparation: Prepare the crust: Shred the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles small crumbs. Tightly wrap the cauliflower crumbs in a clean dish towel. (I divide the crumbs in half and use a separate dish towel for each half.) Squeeze the towel until the crumbs are dry. If the cauliflower is still cold from the freezer, let it sit out for 20 minutes and squeeze it again. The cauliflower should be very dry or the crust will become soggy. Place the dry crumbs into a bowl; add egg, salt, and spices. Mix really well until a “dough” forms. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper; set aside.

haroset

continued from page c11 Another Sephardic woman told me she combines almonds, dates, apples, orange juice, ginger and cinnamon, then forms the mixture into tiny balls about the size of a large olive. The head of the family then mixes these balls with vinegar to resemble the mortar. One exception I have found to Ashkenazim following the strictly sweet version was a friend whose father’s family came from Galicia. He recalled their haroset was made from apples, nuts, wine, cinnamon and horseradish. Whatever way you make haroset, be inventive and make several different kinds to serve.

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Ingredients: 2 apples, chopped 1/3 cup ground nuts 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 1 tbsp. honey 2 tbsp. sweet red wine Preparation: Place chopped apples in a bowl. Add nuts, cinnamon and honey and mix until smooth. Add wine and mix well. Makes 6 servings.

Form 1/4 cup dough into a 2-3-inch round; place onto prepared pan. Repeat with remaining dough. Bake for 15 minutes, until they start to brown. Remove pan from the oven. Meanwhile, prepare the meat topping: add all topping ingredients to a large bowl, mixing well to combine. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Spread 1/4 cup meat topping onto each baked round, pressing down so it sticks to the dough. Make sure to spread topping all the way to the edge, as the meat shrinks while it cooks. Sprinkle a few pine nuts on each if using. Bake until the meat is cooked through and browned, approximately 30 minutes. Year round: You can use store-bought pizza dough rounds in place of the cauliflower crust. Prepare ahead: Prepare recipe through Step 5, then freeze. Defrost, add the meat, and bake. Cook’s tip: For a dairy meal, make mini pizzas: Prepare the cauliflower crust through Step 5; add pizza sauce and cheese; bake in a preheated oven until cheese melts. Freezer friendly. Yields 12 servings. See perfect for pesach recipe page c13

Add enough matza meal to soak up the wine to the consistency you want. Mix in cinnamon and sugar.

My Sephardic haroSet

Ingredients: 1 cup chopped dates 1/2 cup raisins 1 chopped apple 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts 1 tsp. ginger 1/4 cup red wine Preparation: Combine all ingredients. Makes 2 cups.

Sephardic haroSet (SOURCE UNKNOWN)

Sabra haroSet (FROM AN OLD UNDATED JERUSALEM POST)

Ingredients: 2 peeled and cored apples 6 peeled bananas 1 lemon, without juice 1 orange, without juice 20 pitted dates 1 cup peanuts 1 cup dry red wine matza meal as needed 2 tsp. cinnamon sugar to taste Preparation: Put fruit and nuts though a grinder (or blender or food processor). Add wine, lemon juice and orange juice.

Ingredients: 1 cup chopped walnuts 1/4 cup chopped almonds 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup chopped dates 1/4 cup red wine 2 tbsp. lemon juice 1/8 tsp. cinnamon

apricot halves Preparation: Combine walnuts, almonds, raisins, dates, wine, lemon juice and cinnamon. Form into balls. Spoon onto apricot halves.

Perfect for Pesach

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | C13

passover

Continued from page C12

Fudgy ChoColate Bundt Cake with CoFFee glaze (PaReve)

My friend Melinda Strauss is an expert at baking gluten free and paleo, and she kindly volunteered to create the perfect Bundt cake for my book. Batch after batch of Bundt cakes emerged from my oven, until we finally had one that had everyone saying, “This is Pesach cake?!” Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups almond flour 1 cup cocoa powder 1/2 cup potato starch 1 tbsp. instant coffee granules 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup oil 1 tbsp. imitation vanilla extract 6 eggs Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a Bundt pan well; set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together almond flour,

cocoa powder, potato starch, coffee, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, vanilla, and eggs. Add dry ingredients; stir to combine. Pour batter into Bundt pan; bake 40-45 minutes, until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Set aside to cool completely in the pan. Remove from pan; glaze with Coffee Glaze, below.

Coffee glaze

Ingredients: 1 cup powdered sugar 1 tbsp. brewed coffee 1 tsp. oil Preparation: In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients to form a glaze. If the glaze is too thick to pour, add water, 1/2 tsp. at a time, until desired texture is reached. Pour glaze over cooled cake. Freezer friendly. Yields 1 large Bundt cake.

With our freedom from slavery, what are Jews free to do? RaChael BRegman Rabbis Without Borders via JTA At Passover, Jews over the world gather to celebrate “zman cheirutenu,” the season of our freedom. We will read all about freedom from slavery. We drink four cups of wine to rejoice in the four freedoms given to our ancestors by God. We eat charoset, a mixture of fruits, nuts, juice or wine that represents the mortar used with the bricks we no longer have to place as slaves. Freedom from bondage, from Egypt, from Pharaoh. The idea of being freed from slavery by God is a central tenet of Judaism. We say, remember God freed you from slavery and took you out of Egypt every Friday night in the blessing of the wine and throughout the Torah even when speaking about seemingly unrelated things. But what, I wonder, upon finding freedom from slavery are we now free to do? Primarily, we are free to serve God and not Pharaoh. Spiritually speaking, the seder gives us the opportunity to check in with ourselves to see if we have become enslaved

to Pharaohs of modernity like power, money and ego. God didn’t work so hard to bring us out of one Egypt just to replace it with another. The seder asks us, now that you have your freedom, what have you done with it? If the Exodus is a story of a threepart journey - Egypt, the wildernessRabbi Rachael Bregman desert and IsCredit: Bregman rael -- serving God is the wilderness-desert, a stop on the way, the means to an end, but not the final place on the journey. Author and psychologist David Arnow writes in Creating Lively Passover Seders: “Paradoxically, as we celebrate our liberation during Passover, we sharpen our awareness of the enslavement that reigns within and around us. At the moment we taste freedom, we remember the hungry... From the heights of deliverance, we survey a shattered world crying out for healing.” See Freedom from slavery page C14

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The five best exotic Passover hotels

C14 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

passover Abigael, Fletcher, and Ian Saylan Dani howeLL Abigael (age 4), Fletcher (age 3), and Ian (age 1) love to play, cuddle, and color, and think that the best games should always involve chasing your siblings around! Abigael loves attending Millard Preschool, and Fletcher and Ian really look up to their big sister. These three fun-loving siblings really admire each other’s sense of humor, and absolutely love to make each other giggle! Parents: Courtneay and David Saylan and Grandparents: Jacki and Steve Saylan; Joyce and Jim Cockrell.

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Freedom from slavery Continued from page C13 He adds later: “What is the source of the staggeringly audacious conviction that the present, the status quo, cannot be the end of the road? That’s where God comes in. God speaks in a small voice within each of us saying, ‘Never forget that yours is not a ‘normal’ but a broken world, one that we can surely help fix.’ At the seder, that voice calls a little bit more audibly because with Passover we confront the reality of our freedom and we have used it, for good or ill.” God did not bring us out of Egypt to serve God (Dayenu, it would have been

enough). Rather, through our service to God we are meant to eternally bring freedom to others. Our service to God is our service to humanity. Our service to humanity is God’s work in action. So when you sit down to your seder, I hope you ponder not just your freedom from slavery but relish also your freedom to free others. Happy Passover. Rabbi Rachael Bregman is at Temple Beth Tefilloh in Brunswick, Georgia, as the first female and the first resident rabbi in over 50 years. She lives two miles from the beach with her daughter, Lilith, and dog Zooey.

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Club Med Lake Paradise in Brazil

he Sun BeLt is so yesterday. For decades, the Passover all-inclusive holiday has become a mainstay for a certain subset of Orthodox Jews with expendable income. Families that observe the holiday and its strict dietary laws can ditch the cleaning, the koshering and the cooking for eight days in the sun, with all of their kosher-forPassover meals taken care of -- including two seders and all their trappings. The stereotypical spring break locales -- think Florida, Arizona, Mexico and the Caribbean -- used to own the Passover hotel game, according to Raphi Bloom, founder of totallyJewishtravel.com, a website that serves as a clearinghouse for Passover vacation bookings. The site lists at least 15 options in Florida alone. In addition, most hotels in Israel become kosher for Passover. But this year the options are increasing, Bloom said, due in part to a strong economy. The number of Passover hotels advertising with him jumped to 130 from 120 a year ago, and he estimates that they will

serve about 80,000 total customers. Bloom said visits to his website in advance of the holiday have jumped 33 percent over 2016. With the increased competition, many Passover hotels are upping the ante. Beyond room, board and ritual needs -- from seders to daily prayer services -- hotels are drawing guests with ever-longer lists of amenities: water sports, golf and tennis, climbing walls, fitness and dance classes, full-day programs for kids, massages and day trips. Some feature prominent Orthodox scholars-in-residence -- think Rabbi Jonathan Sacks or former Sen. Joseph Lieberman -- and many advertise their adherence to the strictest levels of kashrut. Such experiences don’t come cheap: Prices for these all-inclusive experiences range from about $1,500 to $8,000 per person, according to Bloom. But for those with cash to spare, here are five of the most exotic destinations to spend Passover this year. Morocco: Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort Passover in a country with no diplomatic relations with Israel? It’s possible. Morocco has a small Jewish community and a thriving etrog industry. It’s become a Passover destination for Jews who want a Middle Eastern Passover outside See Best exotic Passover hotels page C15

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HAPPY PASSOVER

Best exotic Passover hotels

Arabella Hotel and Spa That’s the pitch for this hotel outside of Cape Town, which can boast being Continued from page C14 the only Passover resort in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to golf, tennis and of Jerusalem or Tel Aviv (or Egypt, for that matter). This offering provides a mix of Western luxe and Middle Eastern history a swimming pool, the Arabella offers adventurous activities like shark diving, and culture. Located an hour south of Casablanca, the resort has golf (obvi- a crocodile farm and a zip line. Wild animals, however, are the real draw here. Safari trips offer guests ously), massages, go-karts, all-terrain vehicles, biking and tennis. But for those who want to immerse themselves in the country, the pro- guided tours into the bush where lions, hyenas and elephants await. But gram also offers day trips to Rabat, Marrakesh and Casablanca that showcase what makes this safari different than all other safaris? A kosher-for-Passover Morocco’s tourist highlights as well as Jewish historical sites -- from Rabat’s picnic basket packed along for the ride. Guests are attracted to “the idea of Africa being luxury in the bush,” said Mellah, or Jewish quarter, to the grave of Joseph Caro, a 16th-century JewYechiel Asseraf, who runs the program with his wife, Pammy, a safari guide. ish legal sage. “The country of Morocco, for Jews, is very open relative to [other] Arab “It gives you an opportunity to see wildlife in its authentic form.” countries, and we want to take the opportunity to improve relations,” said Monaco: Riviera Marriott Hotel Raphael Torjman, who manages the program and whose family hails from If you don’t fancy a stay in a large country like Australia, why not spend it in the world’s second-smallest nation, Monaco? Morocco. “There are people who want to see this history.” Passover hotels dot southern Europe -- from Spain to the Greek islands -Also on offer: a Mimouna, a traditional Sephardic meal held after Passover but a stay in Monaco puts guests inside the playground of the rich and famous. incorporating round challah, eggs, dairy and fish. Those who don’t drive a car during the holiday will have no problem traversing Australia: Marriott Resorts & Spa on the Gold Coast Passover Down Under! For those willing to brave a seriously long flight, the entire country on foot -- it’s smaller than a square mile -- and take in everythere’s an Aussie Pesach at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa on thing from the Monte Carlo Casino to the Grimaldi Palace to the yachts. And during Passover’s intermediate days, when Jewish law permits spending Australia’s “Gold Coast.” Along with relaxation and, should you so desire, Torah classes, the resort money, those with bursting wallets can enjoy the country’s high-end shopping. is near top Australian surfing destinations. There are theme parks nearby, Brazil: Club Med Lake Paradise If you want to travel far but avoid the jet lag, your best bet may be Club too, and guests can also take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s Med Lake Paradise, outside Sao Paulo. Guests here can climb, swim and largest. And if you think a nine-day package isn’t sufficient, the program offers kayak, but the resort’s 15-year-old Passover program, according to founder “especially designed packages... in both Melbourne and Sydney to cater for Salomão Berô, is different from others because it largely serves Latin American guests from places like Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Panama. our International guests who wish to arrive early.” Bero, a chef, prides himself on the program’s cuisine, which includes kosherSouth Africa: Arabella Hotel and Spa for-Passover takes on Brazilian delicacies like pao de queijo, or cheese bread. Go to the seder, then go on safari.

Mah nishtanah? Everything (A free translation from the work of Rabbi Lior Engelman) Happy is the man who is nourished from the marrow of childhood even when he is an adult, and even when he is in his old age. Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook ITHIN THE TExT uSED and in the rituals performed, the child’s importance at the Seder is clear; for example, a whole section of the Haggadah is devoted to “The Four Sons,” and the youngest present recites the “Mah Nishtanah.” What is less obvious is that the Seder night is also supposed to work its magic upon the adults. Adults lack a certain faith perspective that comes naturally to a child. At the Seder, as we gather around the story of the Exodus of Egypt, we have to learn from our children. In the course of our lives we often find ourselves looking at reality in a cynical way. Life doesn’t look as optimistic to us as we viewed it in childhood. We are not convinced, as we were in the past, that the future looks rosy. Even if we believe in the Master of the World, we do not believe in His world. We are suspicious of other people. But we secretly want to experience again the world from the eyes of a small child, eyes that can appreciate the good, eyes that are not constantly seeking out dark motives, eyes that look upon the story of the Exodus from Egypt as is--and resonating deep within the eyes, an innocent soul that has complete faith in the One who said “Let There Be.” The parent in his heart of hearts wants to make use of the precious hours of the Seder night to exchange cynicism with innocence and complexity with simplicity; the presence of the small child who sits before him fulfils this wish. The main threat to the world of faith is the world of routine, the feeling that what lies ahead in the future already was in the past. Laws of nature blind the eyes from seeing the hand that directs the world with beneficence. The adult finds himself cynically asking “mah nishtanah”

(“what has changed”) and answers decisively to himself: “Nothing has changed; whatever will be, already was!” It’s hard for the adult to identify renewal; it’s hard for him to acknowledge “the One who renews daily, perpetually, the work of creation” [from the morning liturgy]. The regular laws of nature cause the TEDDY created to forget their creator. Only WEINBERGER on Seder night, a time to remember clear-cut miracles that violated the laws of nature, is the adult able to feel renewal. But what will happen to this feeling as one returns to day-to-day life? Here is where the child can help. An adult needs the eyes of a small child. There in those curious eyes, everything is new and renewed, everything is wondrous and miraculous. The child’s heart is not yet hardened to the world; nothing is natural for him or routine. The child who asks mah nishtanah is not only asking about the maror and the matza. From a child’s perspective, everything has changed because everything changes and is renewed all the time. For a child, the biblical phrase “His mercies are renewed every morning” (Lamentations 3.23) is not just a saying. The adult who listens carefully to the questions of the child suddenly discovers that really everything has indeed changed, that the miracles of the story of the Exodus are but the disclosure of the secret that the world is renewed every day, every hour. On Seder night we need to look inward, into the astonished eyes of our children, and perhaps in their eyes we will also discover ourselves. Happy Passover! Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest four, Nathan, Rebecca, Ruthie and Ezra are veterans of the Israel Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@netvision.net.il.

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P A S S O V E R

Seven new kids’ books for Passover, from seder guides to stories Penny Schwartz JTA

rom the wizardry of Harry Potter that echoes with Passover’s themes to a cartoon frog who wisecracks his way through the seder, this year’s new crop of Passover books for kids offers something for all ages and interests. The selection of fresh reads, including two family-friendly Haggadahs, also includes an unusual Jewish immigrant tale set in rural Argentina and a heartwarming, intergenerational story about an aging grandfather and his devoted granddaughter. Choose one -- or several -- to educate and engage the young readers in your family for this Passover, the eight-day festival of freedom that begins with the first seder on the evening of April 10. the (unofficial) hogwarts haggadah Moshe Rosenberg; designed by Aviva Shur all ages; $27.95 Fans of Harry Potter will be in Hogwarts

heaven this Passover. Moshe Rosenberg’s Haggadah draws on the parallels between the wizardry of the best-selling Harry Potter books and the seder guide. “From the concepts of slavery and freedom, to the focus on edu-

cation, to the number four, Harry Potter and Passover share almost everything,” Rosenberg writes in the introduction. This is the second Jewish Harry Potter-themed book by Rosenberg, a rabbi and Judaic studies educator in New York. (The first was Morality for Muggles: Ethics in the Bible and the World of

Harry Potter.) Traditionalists, take note: Rosenberg assures readers that every word of traditional Haggadah text, in Hebrew and in English translation, is included. Interspersed throughout is commentary, via the lens of J.K. Rowling’s characters, that takes on questions of freedom, evil and the Four Children. There’s even a Harry Potterthemed version of the popular seder song Had Gadya, (One Small Goat). the Family (and Frog!) haggadah Rabbi Ron Isaacs and Karen RostokerGruber; illustrations by Jackie Urbanovic Behrman house; all ages; $7.95 A wisecracking frog takes center stage in this kid-friendly Haggadah that is a complete guide to a fun-filled, informative, abbreviated seder that’s designed to be 30 minutes to an hour. The lively Haggadah, filled with photographs and illustrations, begins with a seder checklist and candle-lighting prayers and guides families through the mainstays of the seder, from the Passover story, to the Ten Plagues, to welcoming Elijah the Prophet. Songs go from the traditional favorite Dayenu to Take Me Out to the Seder. An entertaining cartoon frog appears throughout with jokes and funny comments (Hold on! I brought my hopmonica!) that are sure to bring giggles and keep kids engaged. See kids’ books for Passover page d2

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New kids’ books for Passover Continued from page D1 Passover Scavenger Hunt Shanna Silva, illustrated by Miki Sakamoto Kar-Ben; ages 4-9; $17.99 hardcover, $7.99 paperback Every year at the seder, Rachel’s Uncle Harry hides the afikomen. The kids have fun hunting for the special piece of matzah and get a prize for finding it. But there’s one problem: Uncle Harry always makes it too easy! In Shanna Silva’s lively story, Rachel takes over the job. She grabs her markers, scissors and a big piece of cardboard and creates a clever scavenger hunt with six rhyming clues to stump her cousins. Each clue reveals something related to the seder, from the charoset to the shank bone. In the end, the kids are left with a puzzle to solve that will lead them to Rachel’s perfect afikomen hiding place. Miki Sakamoto’s illustrations are bright and colorful and capture the fun as kids move picture frames, race around the house and crawl around closets looking for clues. A Different Kind of Passover Linda Leopold-Strauss, illustrated by Jeremy Tugeau Kar-Ben; ages 4-9; $17.99, hardcover, $7.99 paperback On the way to her grandparents’ house for the seder, a young girl named Jessica is busy practicing The Four Questions, in Hebrew,

over and over. Jessica loves spending Passover with her grandparents, where everything is the same year after year –

running up the stairs at their apartment, finding piles of blankets and pillows for the sleepover with her cousins, and enjoying the good smells emanating from the kitchen. But this year will be different because her grandfather just got home from the hospital and is too weak to come to the seder table. In this heartwarming intergenerational story, Jes-

sica comes up with a plan for how Grandpa can still lead the seder, continuing the family tradition. Jeremy Tugeau’s large, expres-

sive illustrations capture Jessica’s emotions of joy, disappointment and love she shares her with grandfather. The Passover Cowboy Barbara Diamond Goldin, illustrated by Gina Capaldi Apples and Honey Press; ages 4-8; $17.95 From the acclaimed Jewish children’s book writer Barbara Diamond Goldin (The Best Hanukkah Ever, Journeys With Elijah”) comes an unlikely Passover story set in the Argentine countryside in the late 1800s. Jacob is a young Jewish boy whose Russian family immigrated to Argentina, but he doesn’t quite fit in. He makes a new friend, Benito, who helps him learn to ride horseback. Jacob works up the courage to invite his non-Jewish pal to his family’s seder, but Benito says he has farm chores to do. But Benito ends up coming after all, at just the right moment: when Jacob opens the door to welcome Elijah, just as a flock of chickens arrive, too. Benito helps round up the chickens and joins the seder. As the family welcomes its new friend, they learn from each other about the meaning of freedom -- and Jacob’s mother and Benito also surprise him with a lasso and clothing he needs for an upcoming rodeo. Artist Gina Capaldi puts readers right in the action; kids will feel as if they are riding along on horseback with Jacob and Benito, and they’ll feel part of the family’s seder. An See New kids’ books for Passover page D4

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Horseradish

SYBIL KAPLAN hAt food IS an essential component of the traditional wedding dinner in

southern Germany and served with cooked beef? It is also used as salad served with lamb dishes at Easter in Transylvania and other Romanian regions; in Serbia, it is an essential condiment with cooked meat and freshly roasted suckling pig; in Slovenia, it is a traditional Easter dish, grated and mixed with sour cream, hard-boiled eggs or apples; in southern Italy, it is a main course with eggs, cheese and sausage. It is probably indigenous to Eastern Europe but has been cultivated since antiquity and was known in Egypt in 1500 BCE. If I give you the final hint, you will know immediately. According to the Haggadah, we are to eat it to symbolize the bitterness of slavery in Egypt. “And they embittered their lives with hard labor, with mortar and with bricks and with all manor of labor in the field; any labor that they made them do was with hard labor” (Exodus 1:14) Maror is one of the foods on the seder plate which we bless then dip into haroset to symbolize the mortar which the Israelites used to bind the bricks. Shaking off the haroset, we eat the minimum amount of maror, the volume of an olive. Yes, horseradish. The English of the 1590s coined the word combining horse meaning coarse or strong and the word radish. According to John Cooper in Eat and Be Satisfied -- A Social History of Jewish food, “the Mishnah enumerated five vegetables that could be utilized as the bitter herb for the Seder service, all of which should have leaves. The five are: chazeret, ilshin, tamcha, charchavina, and maror. Chazeret refers to lettuce; ulshin is either endive or chicory or both; tamcha was a leafy, dull green herb also known as horehoud which has none of the Talmudic characteristics and is used in cough medicine and liqueur; charchavina was either field eryngo or sea eryngo. Maror may be wormwood or a thistle. Sephardim interpret chazeret as Romaine lettuce. Rabbi Alexander Suslin of Frankfurt, who died in1394, was the first authority to permit the use of horseradish, where lettuce was not available, although this vegetable was primarily a fleshy root that did not strictly conform with the halahic requirement of eating leaves. The Talmud also says, besides leaves, maror should have latex sap and dull green foilage, neither of which is in horseradish. The medieval German rabbinic authorities appear to have identified horseradish incorrectly, Merretich in German with merirta, the Aramaic form of maror, the Hebrew for bitter.

Prior to this, according to Gil Marks (z”l) in the Encyclopedia of Jewish Food, Eliezer ben Nathan of Mainz who lived from 1090 to 1170, mentions chrain to make charoset. Rabbi Eleazar ben Judah of Worms in

Sefer ha-Rokeach (published around 1200) included it in his charoset ingredients.” Germans used whole pieces of horseradish for maror while Eastern Europeans grated it. It was not until Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman Ben Nathan Heller (1579-1654) of Moravia, in his commentary on the Mishnah considered it to be one mentioned in the Talmud, tamchah. In Central and Eastern Europe it is called khren which is also Yiddish. Red horseradish is mixed with red beet root and white khren contains no beet. In Hebrew, it is called chazeret, which is on the Talmudic list of accepted types of maror. Horseradish is actually a root vegetable in the same family as mustard, wasabi, broccoli and cabbage. When this plant grows, it can reach 4.9 feet and is cultivated for its root which has hardly any aroma. When the root is cut or grated, cells break down and produce an oil which irritates the nose and eyes. German immigrants in the late 1800s began growing it in Collinsville, Illinois, a Mississippi River basin area adjacent to St. Louis. The self-proclaimed horseradish capital of the world has been hosting the Horseradish Festival since 1988 since this is where most of the world’s supply is grown. Six million gallons are produced here annually. The first American Jewish cookbook, published as Jewish Cookery in 1871, included a recipe for Horseradish Stew. When the Settlement Cookbook was published in 1901, Horseradish Sauce and Beer and Horseradish Relish were included. H.J. Heinz processed and bottled horseradish in 1869. In 1932, Hyman Gold and his wife, Tillie, processed and bottled horseradish in their Brooklyn apartment. Today, Gold’s and other private labels, produce 90,000 bottles a day of the classic plain and grated beet horseradish without sugar. My husband likes to tell the story of coming home from school one day before Passover, at the age of eight, and going into the kitchen where his grandmother (z”l) was grating the horseradish. She would make horseradish almost every week. He jumped up on a chair, took one big whiff and fell over backwards! Thank goodness his father was in the room and caught him. Think about some of this history when you take a piece of horseradish for the blessing over maror this Passover or place some on your gefilte fish.

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New kids’ books for Passover

Continued from page d2 author’s note explains that in the 1880s, Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe arrived in Argentina. Goldin also poses a timely discussion question that asks families to imagine what it would be like to move to a new country. how it’s made: matzah Allison Ofanansky, photographs by Aliyahu Alpern apples & honey Press; ages 5-8; $15.95 Kids get an up-close look at how matzah is made in this fascinating new book overflowing with stunning color pho-

tographs that bring to life small-batch, handmade matzah-making to factories that bake 35,000 pieces of matzah every day. Kids see the spiked rolling tool used to make the tiny holes in the matzah and get a peek inside the very hot

Happy Passover There’s something for everyone

ovens required for baking. Captions and explanatory text are informative but simple, making the photographs the stars of a wonderful book that will appeal both to kids and grownups. There are several Do It Yourself recipes and craft projects, including baking matzah, making a matzah cover and growing the greens for karpas, the symbolic vegetable eaten during the seder. Sammy Spider’s Passover Shapes Sylvia A. Rouss; illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn kar-Ben; ages 1-4; $5.99 board book The ever-popular Sammy Spider -- now in his 24th year - is back! Passover Shapes is the second Sammy Spider board book that is geared for toddlers. In this brightly illustrated tale, the young spider celebrates the holiday with his human friend, Josh Shapiro. Little ones will learn about Passover as well as basic shapes.

Pesach recipes from the Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem Chef Nir elkayam

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lightly Cured PiNk trout with Smoked Salt

For Curing: 2 kilogram pink trout (without skin and bones) 1 kilogram coarse salt 1 kilogram sugar Preparation: Mix the salt and sugar homogenously and place half of the mixture into a medium sized pan. Place the trout fillets over the mixture, and place the remaining mixture over the trout in order to cover the fish. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 4-6 hours (depending on how cured you would like the fish). Remove the fish from the curing mixture and wash the fish with cold water. Dry with paper towels. Slice the fish into thin slices and arrange onto a platter. Drizzle the fish with a little bit of olive oil and smoked salt. Garnish with colorful radishes and micro greens. On the serving plate, add dots of black eggplant cream and aioli. See inbal hotel recipes page d5 for Black eggplant Cream

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preparing for passover in Ukraine’s last shtetl Cnaan lipHSHiz BERSHAD, UKRAINE | JTA t FirSt glanCE, this drab town 160 miles south of Kiev seems nearly identical to the settlements that dot the povertystricken district of Vinnitsa. Shrouded in a seemingly permanent cloud of smoke from wood fires -- still the standard means of heating here -Bershad, population 13,000, features two rickety bridges over the polluted (and presently frozen) Dokhna River, roads traversed by Soviet-era clunkers and an utter absence of street lights. And like many far-flung Ukrainian towns, Bershad, too, has a small, aging Jewish population. The Jews persist here even though almost all of their relatives are living in the relative comfort of Israel or the United States. But there is more to Bershad than meets the eye. A closer look at its unique history and architecture reveals something incredible: Bershad is one of Europe’s last remaining shtetls. This town near the Moldavan border, with a Jewish population of 50, is a living testament to the Jewish community’s incredible survival story -- one that has endured despite decades of communist repression, the Holocaust and the exodus of Russian-speaking Jews. Nowhere is the uniqueness of this Jewish community more evident than

the Bershad synagogue, which was built from clay 200 years ago. Incredibly, Soviet authorities returned the white, two-story, tin-roofed building to the town’s Jewish community in 1946, shortly after the Red

few shtetls that by some miracle survived the Holocaust, the existence of a working synagogue in Bershad was the axis of communal life for this shtetl,” said Yefim Vygodner, 64. The town had a Jewish population of some

Bronia Feldman visiting the synagogue of Bershad, Ukraine, March 9, 2017. Credit: Cnaan Liphshiz Army liberated present-day Ukraine from the grip of Nazi Germany and its allies. It was a highly unusual move in a secularist empire that under Joseph Stalin systematically nationalized property of faith communities and routinely persecuted Jews who insisted on practicing their religion. Coming on the heels of the Nazi genocide, this Soviet policy was a death blow to Jewish life throughout Ukraine’s countryside -- once the home of thousands of shtetls -- and severely limited it in the large cities. Yet “at a time where communist repression ended the existence of the

3,500 in the 1960s. Vygodner is the leader of Bershad’s Jewish community -- and its youngest member. Over the decades, the relatively privileged status of Bershad Jews – Vygodner attributes it to a combination of luck, remoteness, resilience and friendly ties with non-Jewish neighbors -- became most apparent on Passover and Yom Kippur, he said, because on those holidays Judaism came out of the home and into the synagogue. In an interview this month, Vygodner told JTA how, when he was a boy, See passover in Ukraine page D7

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | D5

passover Inbal Hotel recipes

Continued from page D4

BlaCk Eggplant CrEaM

Ingredients: 1 whole eggplant with the skin (roasted or grilled over a flame whole) 2 garlic cloves 1 tbsp. mayonnaise 1 tbsp. olive oil Preparation: Peel the eggplant skin (but do not throw it out) and process eggplant in a food processor with the garlic, mayonnaise and some of the charred eggplant skin. Slowly incorporate the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper as needed. See inbal Hotel recipes page D6

Happy Passover

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d6 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

passover Inbal Hotel recipes

Credit: Pnina Goldberg

ChoColate PeCan Batons

ChoColate marquis Batons

striPed Bass Fillet with CauliFlower Cream

Continued from page d5 Ingredients: 8 medium sized striped sea bass fillets 1 head of cauliflower, whole 1 large onion, peeled 4 garlic cloves salt and pepper, to taste 1 sprig thyme, minced olive oil, as needed Preparation: Generously spread olive oil over the fillets and sprinkle with salt, pepper and thyme. Preheat oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Cut the cauliflower into florets, and cut onion into

wedges. Mix together the cauliflower florets, onion, and garlic with olive oil, salt and pepper. Put mixture into the oven until mixture is fork-tender. Remove from the oven and cool the mixture. Once cool, place in a food processor and blend until pureed. Heat olive oil in a sautĂŠ pan and sear the fish on both sides, then place into a pan with parchment paper and bake in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 8-10 minutes. Heat the cauliflower cream, and generously spread over a plate. Place two fillets over the cream, and drizzle olive oil over the fillets. Garnish the plate with a rocket salad and serve. Yields 4 servings.

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Ingredients: 3 eggs 50 g. sugar 500 g. bittersweet chocolate, chopped 400 g. richâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cream, for whipping 150 g. richâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cream, to replace milk Preparation: Preheat oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Lightly whip the eggs and sugar. Heat the Richâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cream until it reaches a boil. Add the chocolate and mix until melted and homogenous. Pour the chocolate blend into the whipped eggs and lightly mix until well blended. Pour mixture into a silicone mold in the shape of batons (or any other mold you like). Place into the oven for about 15 minutes. Chill the chocolate in the silicone mold in the freezer for a minimum of 2 hours, and until ready to serve.

Ingredients: 500 g. salted pecans, minced 400 g. white chocolate, melted 100 g. cocoa butter, melted 130 g. milk 130 g. water 10 g. instant coffee powder 8 egg yolks 100 g. sugar 650 g. bittersweet chocolate Preparation: Mix the nuts, white chocolate, cocoa butter until mixture is uniform. Pour the mixture in silicone molds, filling only half way to the top. Cool the silicone mold with the mixture in the freezer. Prepare a crĂ¨me anglaise with the milk, water, instant coffee, yolks, and sugar. Pour the crĂ¨me anglaise over the chocolate and mix. Pour the mixture into the remaining area of the silicone mold and return to the freezer until ready to serve.

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | D7

Passover in Ukraine

Continued from page D5 his mother would send him to a makeshift matzah bakery that opened each year in front of the synagogue. In the weeks before Passover, the smell of baking matzah wafted along the shtetl’s muddy streets, he recalled. “The baker would scoop out of the oven wavy, handmade matzah and wrap [it] up in paper for each client individually,” Vygodner said. “I didn’t even know that matzah was also mass produced.” Bronia Feldman, a jovial 79-year-old, recalled another scene from Jewish life in Bershad: Every Yom Kippur, her mother would take her to the square opposite the synagogue, where hundreds of Jews would gather to hear the shofar -the culmination of Judaism’s solemn Day of Atonement. “Those with sensitive jobs, teachers and doctors, didn’t go into the synagogue because they didn’t want to get in trouble,” Vygodner said of the communist years. “They just hung around the synagogue.” On Passover, though, “everyone ate matzah – doctors, teachers, engineers – everyone,” she said. Vygodner and Feldman’s accounts are highly unusual for Jews their age who grew up in the former Soviet Union, where Judaism was practiced in secret, if at all. The key to Bershad’s survival was its western location: In 1941, its region fell under the occupation of Romanian fascist troops, who were less methodical about murdering Jews than their German allies. They liquidated neighboring shtetls and turned Bershad, which in 1939 had a Jewish population of 5,000, into a central ghetto with 25,000 prisoners. Many perished, but 3,500 Bershad Jews survived. One of them is Alxander Zornitskiy, 83, a retired veterinarian and an author, who hid with his mother and two sisters as German soldiers killed 2,800 people in their nearby shtetl of Ternovka. With help from non-Jewish locals, the family made it to Bershad, where they lived in crowded conditions and without enough food in one of the tworoom wooden houses that made up the Jewish quarter. “The Romanians were cruel, but they didn’t shoot us,” he summarized. “Every street here reminds me of the Holocaust. But it’s also where I survived.” After the Holocaust, the consent -- or at least silence -- of Bershad’s non-Jews was crucial to maintaining the town’s Jewish spiritual life. “This is where centuries of coexistence played a role,” Vygodner said. Unlike their more intellectual coreligionists from big cities, he added, Bershad’s Jews were blue collar: metal workers, shoemakers, carpenters and fishermen, whose families for centuries had worked shoulder to shoulder with non-Jews. The matzah bakery closed in the 1980s. By 1989, Bershad’s Jewish community comprised 1,000 members – half its size from a decade earlier. Today, Bershad’s remaining Jews celebrate a communal seder at the synagogue organized by Chabad. They also come here year-round to receive food packages courtesy of the Christians for Israel charity group. Yakov Sklarsky, who owns the town’s only photo studio, functions as rabbi most of the year. His credentials are his ability to sing and read, if not understand, Hebrew. The Torah scroll in the synagogue is not kosher. The shul itself, which Vygodner said functions more like a community center than a house of worship, rarely gets a minyan, the quorum of 10 men required for some prayer services in Orthodox Judaism. Its Star of David ceiling fresco remains, but its façade is peeling, revealing the clay and hay makeup of its walls. The women’s section has been transformed into a storage area. Even so, it is one of the best-preserved buildings of the old shtetl, boasting a new tin roof and a fresh coat of white paint. Most of the houses that surround the synagogue, which is at the heart of Bershad’s Jewish quarter, are uninhabitable, left to disintegrate by Jewish owners who immigrated to Israel, the United States or Kiev, but were unable to sell the land in one of Ukraine’s poorest areas. The yards are filled

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with junk and packs of stray dogs. Many of the houses have a front porch that Vygodner says was an amenity favored by shtetl Jews. Some even have mezuzah markings on the peeling paint of their door frames. But members of the Jewish community here, for their part, are not complaining. Feldman says she is happy to have a synagogue – an institution that few other towns of Bershad’s size can boast in Ukraine – and feels “lucky to have Yakov as our rabbi.” Despite the local pride Feldman, the last remaining Ber-

shad Jew whose mother tongue is Yiddish, is contemplating leaving. “I have a sister in Ashdod, and I’m thinking of joining her,” she said of the Israeli city, adding that her main reason for staying is her daughter, Maya, who lives in Bershad. As for Vygodner, his son left for Israel five years ago. But he and his wife, Tamara, won’t be joining him anytime soon. “I don’t think Israel is holding its breath for me,” he said. “Besides, living here is an acquired taste and I’m set in my ways. I have my community here, my place.”

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P A S S O V E R

Passover isn’t Passover without it SYbIl kaplan t’S an Integral part Of peSaCh for many people. There is no special plate. There isn’t even a bracha over it! Can you guess this well-known part of Pesach? It’s sponge cake! Sponge cake comes in two types -- angel food and true sponge. Angel food cake has cream of tartar, an acid ingredient, which used to be combined with baking soda and salt to make a form of baking powder before baking powder was produced commercially. Cream of tartar is what gives the angel food cake the pure white color, and it also creates an acid reaction in the batter. Sponge cake has a more delicate cousin referred to as sunshine cake. Most people, however, refer to the Passover version as sponge cake. Sponge cake is usually baked without shortening or butter or baking powder, but with lots of eggs. Its lightness and texture come from careful handling and the air beaten into the eggs. Recipes with nine to twelve eggs are not uncommon. The aim of making a sponge cake is to beat the maximum amount of air into the yolks and whites while handling them as little as possible to retain the air. Eggs should be room temperature when beaten. An electric or rotary beater gives better results than whipping by hand. Since there is no baking powder, the main rising factor is the air plus steam. In making a sponge cake, it is important that the yolks are beaten until light and thick, and the whites must be beaten until they are stiff and glossy. Essences as vanilla, lemon or orange rind

add special flavor to a sponge cake. The best pan for a sponge cake is a tube pan with removable rim. Thus the central tube gives support to the batter. In Israel, many oldtimers use a wonder pot (sir pella) about which I wrote a cookbook in the 1970s for people without an oven (and reprinted recently for those whose cookbook was lost or had fallen apart). It is basically a sponge cake pan which sits upon a coned base and then has a lid with strategic holes around its top to let out the steam. It is placed on a burner atop the stove for baking. One of the large supermarkets in Jerusalem, last pre-Pesach, carried three different sizes of wonder pots for Passover (dairy, meat and parve?) so you didn’t have to kasher your oven before the holiday. A regular sponge cake pan should be ungreased. A preheated 350 degree F. oven is the best heat for baking a sponge cake. When the cake is done, the pan should be inverted to cool for about an hour and a half. Before removing the cake from the pan, the sides should be loosened with a knife. It is best not to try to cut a fresh sponge cake with a knife, Use a divider with prongs instead, and slide it back and forth gently. Zell Schulman in Let My People Eat offers these additional tips to keep your sponge cake from falling: have the eggs at room temperature and use only large eggs; don’t add sugar until the egg whites begin to hold small, soft peaks; beat the egg whites until good and stiff but not dry; and never make a sponge cake on a wet day! Here are three different kinds of sponge cake. See passover isn’t passover without it page e2

Orange glazed Sabra SpOnge Cake

Credit: tasteofhome.com

Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted pareve margarine or 1/4 cup +2 tbsp. oil 2/3 cup sugar 1 tsp. orange rind, 1 cup orange juice 2 tbsp. Sabra liqueur 3 separated eggs 2 tbsp. sugar 1/2 cup potato starch 3 tbsp. Sabra liqueur 4 tsp. orange rind Preparation: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In a bowl, cream margarine or oil and sugar. Add 1 tsp. orange rind, 2 tbsp. Sabra and egg yolks and blend. In another bowl, beat egg whites until stiff, gradually adding 2 tbsp. sugar. Add to creamed mixture gently, then stir in potato starch. Pour into greased tube pan. Bake in 325 degree F. oven 45 minutes to one hour. Let cool for at least an hour then gently remove to a plate. Meantime, in a bowl, combine orange juice, 3 tbsp. Sabra liqueur and 4 tsp. orange rind. While cake is still hot, punch holes around cake with a toothpick and pour glaze over.

Your friends at Creighton University wish you a Happy Passover. From Creighton’s foundation we have shared core values of prophetic justice, love of wisdom and education of the whole person. May your holy remembrance of liberation bring peace. Learn more about our traditions and values. creighton.edu

e2 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

passover Creighton University

Creighton University, with its nine schools and colleges on one walkable campus, is one of 28 Jesuit, Catholic universities and colleges in the United States. Jesuit institutions are renowned for educational excellence and for preparing students to be agents of change in an increasingly complex world. In fact, our excellence is continuously recognized by U.S. News & World Report, which has ranked Creighton No. 1 for Midwest Regional Universities for 14 consecutive years. Within nine months of graduation, 99 percent of Creighton graduates are employed, involved in volunteer work, or attending graduate or professional school. Creighton attracts top students from around the nation and world, who come to Creighton looking to pursue knowledge and contribute something meaningful. Grounded in Jesuit values, Creighton is a supportive and welcoming community, where people of all faith traditions and backgrounds are invited and encouraged to fully participate in the life of the University. A Creighton education prepares traditional, adult, graduate and professional students to live purposeful lives. At Creighton, students find professional distinction and success through more than 100 academic programs spanning the arts, law, health sciences and business. In fact, Creighton is on the leading edge nationally in offering our health sciences students opportunities for interprofesional education and practice in the clinical setting. Creighton students thrive in a 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio that allows for close mentorship and opportunities for hands-on experience. For the third consecutive year U.S. News & World Report recognizes Creighton for its extraordinary commitment to innovative undergraduate research. Creighton is recognized along with 35 other national universities. Several of Creighton’s online graduate degree programs have received national recognition from U.S. News & World Report including Best Online Graduate Business Programs. The graduate school offers more than 35 programs in areas such as leadership, conflict resolution, and health and wellness—available in online, on campus and blended formats. PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Passover isn’t Passover without it PaN di SPagNa

MiRiaM’S BaNaNa Cake

Continued from page e1 This is from one of my close friends in Overland Park, Kansas, who is a really creative cook and is now 88 years old. Ingredients: 7 separated eggs 1/4 tsp. salt 1 cup mashed bananas 3/4 cup potato starch 1 cup sugar 1 cup chopped walnuts

Preparation: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl, beat egg whites until stiff but not dry, then refrigerate. In another bowl, beat egg yolks until thick and lemon colored. Gradually add sugar and salt, beating continually. Fold in bananas and potato starch. Fold in egg whites then nuts. Turn into an ungreased tube pan and bake in 350 degree F. oven 45-50 minutes. Invert pan to cool.

This recipe comes from The Classic Cuisine of the Italian Jews by Edda Servi Machlin. Pan di Spagna (bread of Spain) is also called Pasta Reale and was made in the matzah bakery with the same flour that was used for matzot. Ingredients: 6 eggs separated 1/8 tsp. salt 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 1/2 cup Passover cake meal 1/4 cup potato starch freshly grated rind of 1 large lemon Preparation: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, beat the egg whites with salt until soft peaks form. In a larger bowl, place egg yolks, sugar and orange juice and beat until frothy and lemon colored. Combine the cake meal with potato starch and gradually add to the egg yolk mixture, beating until the batter is smooth. Add the lemon rind and fold in the egg whites. Pour unto an ungreased sponge cake pan with removable bottom and bake in preheated 350 degree F. oven for one hour. Remove from oven and invert over a wire rack to cool before unmolding.

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The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | E3

Passover Greetings

The last Passover countdown checklist you will ever need AndREw SILow-CARRoLL JTA hE 30-dAy period between Purim and Passover is often fraught, especially for Jews -- especially if, against all sound advice, they insist on hosting a Passover seder. To ease the challenging process of planning and preparing the festive meal, we offer this handy Passover countdown checklist: 30 days out (the day after Purim): Begin going over your invite list for the seder. Parents, siblings and their kids, check. Widowed Aunt Fay? Of course. But Cousin Eric? A nice guy, but how did he vote? 27 days out: Think about clearing out cabinets to make way for Passover food. 24 days out: Continue thinking about clearing out cabinets to make way for Passover food. 23 days out: Throw out Passover food still crowding the cabinet from last year: the bottle of off-brand ketchup still three-quarters filled, one jar kosher le Pesach duck sauce, one carton gluten-free “panko” matzah crumbs, two boxes of Streit’s matzah you bought last year on the second-tolast day of Passover worrying that you’d “run out.” 22 days out: Clear out last of cabinets to make room for Passover food. 21 days out: Announce to family that no more non-Passover food will be purchased between now and the holiday. Start planning pre-Passover meals based on the crap you have on hand: freezer-burned hamburger meat, bags of stale macaroni, whatever that thing is in the Tupperware. 20 days out: First Passover shopping trip: condiments, tea bags, tomato sauce, tuna fish, shelf liner, grape juice, off-brand ketchup, kosher le Pesach duck sauce, one carton gluten-free “panko” matzah crumbs, potato vodka. Total bill: $347.71. 18 days out: Begin planning menu: Search online for new Passover recipes. Brisket with horseradish gremolata? Skillet roast chicken with fennel, parsnips and scallions? Braised lamb shanks with dates, tangerines and baby onions? Check the number of steps and ingredients for each recipe, gasp, then agree to make the same three things you’ve been making

for the past 19 years. 17 days out: Cousin Eric calls asking if he can bring a date -- someone he met at a “political rally.” For a “very famous politician.” Uh-oh. 16 days out: Second Passover shopping trip: macaroons, Passover cake mix, soda, jars of gefilte fish, paper plates and disposable utensils, matzah meal, wine, almonds and walnuts, jarred horseradish, cottonseed oil, mayonnaise, potato vodka. Total bill: $740. 5 minutes later: Return to grocery store for your free five pounds of matzah, per coupon. Reduce grocery bill by $20.97.

vodka. Total bill: You don’t wanna know. 5 days out: Clean and kasher sink, counters, stove, oven and refrigerator. Begin cooking seder side dishes. 5 days out: Inform family that Passover rules already apply in kitchen: no bread, pasta, beer or everyday tableware or cutlery. When they ask what they are supposed to eat, reply “improvise.” 3 days out: Ask spouse to bring up table leaf from the basement. Begin vacuuming and cleansing all surfaces with the care normally given to sterilizing microbiological laboratories. Longingly peruse ads in Travel +

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402-333-SOLS • 6 LOCATIONS For Passover, Jews celebrate the exodus of the enslaved Israelites from Egypt to freedom by scouring the house of every speck of leavened food. Good times! Credit: Lambert/Getty Images 10 minutes later: Return again to grocery store to buy one pound of glutenfree shmurah matzah for Aunt Fay. Increase grocery bill by $67.26. 14 days out: Ask spouse to bring up kosher dishes, seder plate and Haggadahs from the basement. 13 days out: Ask spouse to please bring up kosher dishes, seder plate and Haggadahs from the basement. 12 days out: Ask spouse to please bring up kosher dishes, seder plate and Haggadahs from the basement -- goddammit. 10 days out: Finalize guest list. Finalize menu. Longingly peruse ads in Jewish newspaper for weeklong Passover cruises. 7 days out: Last shopping before Passover: beef, chicken, fish, produce, milk, cheese, parsley, shank bone, eggs, chocolate-covered matzah, potato

Leisure magazine showing non-Jewish couples on Caribbean vacations. 2 days out: Ask spouse to bring up table leaf from basement, goddammit. Set table. 1 day out: Cousin Eric calls. It’s off with his plus-one -- he can’t date a “RINO” who thinks Rachel Maddow “sometimes makes some good points.” Panic. Seder day: Welcome parents, siblings, their kids, Aunt Fay and Cousin Eric. Ask your youngest to recite the Four Questions, which he does perfectly, which is less impressive than it might seem when you remember that he’s 23. Read Haggadah. Eat festive meal. Welcome Elijah. Ignore Cousin Eric. 1 day after: Vow never to do this again. 2 days after: Agree to do this again next year.

Buy Joan Rivers’ seder plate — for only $5,000 JTA NEWS STAFF his is not a joke: A seder plate owned by the late Joan Rivers will be auctioned off after Passover this year. The Jewish comedy legend’s seder plate, made in the 1980s by Spode Judaica in the United Kingdom, will be auctioned April 24 at J. Greenstein & Co. in Cedarhurst, New York. “If it didn’t belong to Joan Rivers, a used one like this would probably be worth about 100

Jeremy, Annette, Isabella and Mendel van de Kamp-Wright wish you a very happy Passover.

bucks,” auction house owner Jonathan Greenstein said in a news release. “But this one is worth about $5,000 because it belonged to her.”

Greenstein & Co. will also auction off a passport that belonged to Zeev Jabotinsky, the Russian author and founder of the Revisionist Zionist movement. As The New York Times notes, J. Greenstein & Co. has previously auctioned off a menorah owned by Sammy Davis Jr., a piano owned by Shlomo Carlebach and a Judaica collection owned by Alan Dershowitz. This piece of Joan Rivers’ Judaica is up for Rivers, born Joan Molinsky in Brooklyn, died grabs at a Long Island auction. at 81 in September 2014 following complicaCredit: J. Greenstein & Co. tions from throat surgery.

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e4 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

Non-Profit Organizations

Passover 40 years ago: 1977 We quit Egypt today

Coming publishing date | 04.21.17

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Promote your business in this special issue with an ad and a short article. Contact our advertising executive to advertise in this very special edition.

Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

he Above heAdline comes from the front page of the 1977 Jewish Press Passover edition. Stories on that front page were reprinted from Chronicles, an Israeli publication that retold the Passover story as if it were a current event. This Passover issue was published

April 1 and was 56 pages; the theme was Freedom. The front page offers Exodus Instructions, and an Order of the Day with Moses’ byline, addressing the Sons of Jacob. Other headlines on the front page: Pharaoh gives in to Moses, and Palace is stormed by Hungry Mobs. Because it is always interesting to look back, we’re reprinting some of those stories here.

How is this publication thinking about the future?

By becoming part of the past. This publication is available from ProQuest Information and Learning in one or more of the following ways: • Online, via the ProQuest® information service • Microform • CD-ROM • Via database licensing

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1-800-521-0600, ext. 2888 (US) or 01-734-761-4700 (International) www.il.proquest.com From

Terror, panic grip country

RAMESES widesPreAd PAnic is reigning in Egypt as a result of the terrible plagues with which the country has been stricken. Foreign observers predict that, unless some miracle occurs soon, Egypt will face total collapse. The same observers report that the fields of the Nile Valley have been laid waste, and hungry crowds have broken into and looted the temples.

All traffic on the Nile is at a standstill. Many villagers have organized themselves into bands who rove the highways, robbing and looting. The authorities appear to be powerless to stem these outbreaks of violence. A number of the King’s commissioners in the villages have been murdered, and the remainder have fled for their lives to the capital. At the time of this writing, disturbances continue throughout the country.

RAMESES | 13 AVIV A huge crowd driven by hunger, yesterday staged a mass demonstration before the palace of Merneptah. The demonstrators threw stones at the police and troops in an attempt to break through to the palace.

Troops especially trained for such purposes and supported by ironclad chariots charged the crowd with drawn swords. In the ensuing melee, many were killed and wounded, a great number being trampled under the hooves of the horses.

The following noTice has been issued by Exodus Headquarters: 1. All Israelites of military age are to report immediately to their respective tribes. 2. Each tribe will camp separately under its own standard. 3. Everyone is to follow the instructions of our police, so as to avoid crowding, and to arrange themselves speedily in the order prescribed. 4. Information Tents will be set up at every corner

of the camp to answer pertinent questions and straighten out any difficulties that may arise. 5. People still arriving from Goshen and other parts of Egypt are to report at once to the Information Tents, where they will receive full instructions. Persons not belonging to any particular tribe will congregate in the Northern corner of the Camp where they will be given full instructions as to the manner in which they are to travel.

Palace is stormed by hungry mobs exodus instructions

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The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | e5

passover Don’t pass over these eight new books for spring

Liberated from Egypt

Rachel Schoenholtz for Chabad

eSach comeS every year, not merely to remind us of the liberation of our ancestors from Egyptian bondage, but also to inspire us to strive for a greater measure of self-liberation from all limitations and distractions which impede a Jew from his free exercise of Yiddishkeit in the everyday life. This is the meaning of the highly significant passage in the Haggadah: “In every generation, a Jew should see himself as though he personally has been liberated from Egypt.” Along with the chametz-ridding, shopping, and menu-planning must come the breaking out of Egypt. While G-d took us out of Egypt, He did not take Egypt out of us. Jews and Judaism have survived the millennia and outlived powerful nations. Yet there is a small voice inside that makes us feel unworthy, inhibited,

uncomfortable, and confused about who we are. This voice would have us believe we should blend in with those around us who seem bigger and more powerful. This is the Egypt that must be left behind each year. The Egypt left behind last year gave way to a new and improved Egypt that we can exit through the preparations for, and the experience of, the Seder. We leave Egypt by internalizing the messages of Pesach: eating the matzah, drinking the wine, reading the Haggadah. How can you prepare for Passover? Any chametz left undisposed of must be sold to a non-Jew. Rabbi Katzman will act as our agent both to sell the chametz to the non-Jew on the morning before Passover, and to buy it back the evening after Passover ends. Please contact us to sell your chametz. Traditional handmade shmurah matzah is recommended for Seder use. Shmurah means watched, and it is an apt description of this matzah, the ingredients of which (the flour and water) are watched from the moment of harvesting and drawing. Shmurah matzot are round, kneaded and shaped by hand, and are like the

matzot that were baked by the Children of Israel as they left Egypt. It is thus fitting to use Shmurah Matzah on each of the two Seder nights for the matzot of the Seder plate. Along with thousands of other Chabad-Lubavitch Centers across the globe gearing up to host communal Passover Seders, we invite you to join us Monday, April 10 at 7 p.m. as Chabad hosts their annual Chabad Family Seder at the home of Rabbi and Shani Katzman. And just when you thought you had seen it all, join us April 18 at 7:30 p.m. for the Moshiach Feast. This day, the final day of Passover, emphasizes an even higher Freedom! It is dedicated to our imminent and final redemption. Events and meals are free, but please RSVP so that we may prepare accordingly. We invite you for your favorite, traditional Jewish foods and an amazing, one-of-a-kind warm, delicious, and meaningful Seder and Passover celebration that you will remember for a lifetime. To RSVP and to find a complete list of scheduled events and resources, visit www.ochabad.com.

VictoR WiShna JTA ou knoW the StoRy: When the Israelites made their exodus from Egypt, they fled in such haste that they did not have time to grab even some light reading. And it would still be some time until Moses announced that new first edition from Mount Sinai. As Passover approaches, we don’t want you to suffer the same misfortune. So here are eight intriguing new Jewish books, in a range of genres, that you can grab right now -- printed on crisp papyrus or downloaded directly to your, ahem, tablet. all Grown up (houghton mifflin harcourt) Jami Attenberg From the best-selling author of The Middlesteins comes an exceedingly funny but also tautly wrought tale about Andrea Bern, an almost-40 Jewish New Yorker who is outwardly proud to be single and child free -- but with some drugs and a little too much drinking on the side. When her niece is born with a tragic illness, Andrea’s entire family and extended circle re-examines what matters most and exactly what it means to “act your age.” Overall it’s a punchy, poignant take See new books for spring page e6

e6 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

passover New books for spring

continued from e5 on pushing against society’s expectations, and what happens when life unexpectedly -- as it always does -- pushes back. the devil and webster(grand central Publishing) Jean Hanff Korelitz Naomi Roth is both the first female president and the first Jewish president of Webster College, a fictional representation of one of those tony, liberal academic bastions we’ve been reading so much about recently. And, of course, it becomes the site of a student protest after a popular professor is denied tenure. But when Roth’s own daughter joins the fray, and a charismatic Palestinian student emerges as the movement’s leader, Naomi must contend with crisis on multiple fronts. Korelitz’s sixth novel is a topical pageturner and literary mystery, and as the revelations flow, it becomes a reflection on how easily the truth can be bent. the dog’s Last walk (bloomsbury) Howard Jacobson Jacobson’s newest collection of journalistic essays from The Independent -- available now as an e-book; the see new books for spring page e7

Quiche for Passover shannon sarna The Nosher via JTA

reakFast can be hard during Passover -- no oatmeal, no toast and certainly no pancakes. (No, the boxed kind do not count.) I like making eggs or matzah brei or even shakshuka. But I am always looking for something a little different to serve as a satisfying breakfast or portable lunch. This veggie “kugel” crust is all those things: great for vegetarian lunch, it’s healthful, packed with tons of veggies

and it’s a super satisfying breakfast. I use spinach in the filling, but you could just as easily use kale, broccoli, squash or any other quiche filling you like. Just make sure if you use a frozen vegetable to thaw completely and remove the excess water. Make sure to grease your springform pans for easy baking. This recipe yields two 8-inch quiches -- ideal for eating all week, or serving for guests. Shannon Sarna is the editor of The Nosher. The Nosher food blog offers a dazzling array of new and classic Jewish recipes and food news, from Europe to Yemen, from challah to shakshuka and beyond. Check it out at www.TheNosher.com.

Quiche with Veggie crust

Ingredients: For the crust 1 large sweet potato 1 russet (idaho) potato 1 medium zucchini 2 large eggs 1/2 cup matzah meal 1/2 tsp. salt For the filling: 6 large eggs, at room temperature 2 cups heavy cream or half and half 6 ounces (around 2 cups) frozen spinach, thawed and drained well 2 cups shredded cheddar or gruyere cheese plus extra 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper Directions: To make the crust, coarsely grate the potato, sweet potato and zucchini using a hand grater or in a food processor. Add to large bowl and mix with eggs, matzah meal, salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease two 8-inch springform pans. Spoon veggie mixture into bottom of pans and gently push all along the bottom of the pan and up the sides a little to form crust. Place in fridge for 5-10 minutes. Bake crusts for 10-15 minutes, until crust just starts to brown

Credit: Shannon Sarna

and crisp around the edges. While crust is baking, prepare filling by whisking eggs and heavy cream (or half and half) in a large bowl. Add spinach, cheese, salt and pepper. Pour half the mixture into one prepared crust, the other half into other crust. Top with a sprinkle of additional shredded cheese, a few dabs of butter and thick sea salt if desired. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees and bake another 2530 minutes, or until the middle of the quiche has puffed slightly. Allow to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature. Can be prepared 1-2 days ahead of time.

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | E7

New books for spring

Continued from page E6 hardcover lands this summer -- allows you to digest and enjoy the Man Booker Prize-winning novelist’s writing in smaller bites. (It’s 90 short essays in a book of some 300 pages.) The prolific Jacobson waxes poetic -- and provocative and playful and poignant, often from a distinctly Jewish perspective -- on a wide range of tiny topics and broad observations with pieces such as God is Me and How to Live Forever. The Story of Hebrew (Princeton University Press) Lewis Glinert In this meticulously researched but highly readable work of scholarship by Glinert, the Dartmouth professor tells not just a history of the Jewish language but, indeed, its story. From the opening lines of Genesis to its modern Israeli incarnation, Hebrew has packed more symbolic power than almost any other tongue. Hebrew has inspired both Jews and Christians, once provided a linguistic conduit to early Greek and Arab science -- even the early American colonists used it to cast themselves in their own narrative as new Israelites. Such stories and quotes populate an entertaining account that should also serve as a fundamental text for any student of language or Jewish history. Stranger in a Strange Land: Searching for Gershom Scholem and Jerusalem (Other Press) George Prochnik Part biography of Gershom Scholem -- the 20th-century thinker whose “radical” reading of Kabbalah fueled the modern study of Jewish mysticism -- and part memoir of Prochnik’s own search for meaning in modern Jerusalem, this substantial tome is an intricate study of how people of faith struggle to reconcile their beliefs with the real world. Prochnik, a 2014 National Jewish Book Award winner (for The Impossible Exile: Stefan Zweig at the End of the World), delves into Scholem’s evolution as a cultural Zionist in the face of nationalist passion in one narrative while wrestling with an inability to balance love for the Jewish state with the dehumanizing situation in Gaza and the West Bank in the other. It may not make for light reading, but those who enjoy probing the irreconcilability of the spiritual and the physical will find much to love in this book. Uggs for Gaza (and other stories) (Dutch Kills Press) Gordon Haber Whether you find the title intriguing, irksome or inspired, you’ll likely be drawn into this debut short-story collection by Haber, who is known for his nonfiction writing on religion and culture. Funny often in a dark way, Haber’s stories explore Jewish characters finding their way through remarkable situations: a Jewish infantryman in the Korean War, for example, or an adjunct professor who can’t read his students’ essays without vomiting. Then there’s the poor schlub of the title story, who lies to a pretty girl about running a nonprofit that sends Australian boots to Palestinians -- and ends up going through with it. What to Do About the Solomons (Atlantic Monthly Press) Bethany Ball In her fiction debut, Ball has formulated a fast-paced, multigenerational, dysfunctional family drama that also bubbles over with humor and intrigue -- essentially what you might expect (or hope for) from a tale of a kibbutz family and its scattered, colorful offspring. With beautiful language and sordid details, the narrative bounces from Israel to New York to Southern California and beyond (and back and forth), with plenty of gossip gone wrong and dark secrets in between. Early critical responses are drawing comparisons to Nathan Englander and Jennifer Egan -- or as a Booklist review put it, “Try Eudora Welty with sex and Jews.” Wherever You Go, There They Are: Stories About My Family You Might Relate To (Blue Rider Press) Annabelle Gurwitch This collection of essays from the actress and New York Times best-selling author provides ample comic relief and reflection as the rest of us gather ‘round the seder table with our own “mishpocha.” Of course, not all of us can claim a Southern Jewish lineage of “bootleggers, gamblers, and philanderers,” but Gurwitch’s clever and provocative prose should hit anyone’s funny bone-- while her social commentary, on topics such as wealth and Hollywood culture, and poignant exploration of shared traditions and rituals (both Jewish and otherwise) touches a deeper chord.

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VR PXFK PRUH ZZZ FDSVHWF QHW Nowadays, it’s a shortage of blood that’s really a plague.

Nothing is more important than saving a life, so it’s essential that Israel have an ample supply of blood for all its people. That’s where Magen David Adom comes in — collecting, testing, and distributing Israel’s blood supply for civilians and the Israel Defense Forces. And to protect Israel’s blood supply in the future, we’re building a new blood center for Israel, one that will be reinforced against rocket or other terrorist attacks. You can support MDA’s lifesaving blood services. Make a gift today. Pesach kasher v’sameach. AFMDA Midwest Region 3175 Commercial Avenue, Suite 101 Northbrook, IL 60062 Toll-Free 888.674.4871 midwest@afmda.org www.afmda.org

e8 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

Five social justice-themed seder supplements to try this Passover

JoseFin dolsten NEW YORK | JTA t Passover, Jews around the world gather around their dining room tables to remember their past plight as slaves in Egypt. But the seder can also be a time to learn about the hardships facing others today. For those looking to incorporate social justice themes into their seders -Passover starts this year on the night of April 10 -- there’s

no need to look further than these five Haggadahs and supplementary readings. The texts address various social justice issues -- from the non-controversial, such as fighting global poverty, to the more politicized, such as calling for an end to Israel’s occupation. Global Justice Haggadah the American Jewish World Service This seder guide draws parallels between the Israelites’ suffering in ancient Egypt to the plight of various groups and individuals in the modern world. The Haggadah

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touches on issues such as the refugee crisis and genocide, global hunger, poverty, violence against LGBT people and the persecution of minorities. “When tasting the matzah, the bread of poverty, let us find ways to help the poor and the hungry,” it urges the reader. Interspersed among the traditional Passover rituals are photos of AJWS beneficiaries from around the world, including children in the Dominican Republic, a family living in a displaced persons’ camp in Burma and an Indian woman who escaped domestic violence. refugee Haggadah HIAS This supplement, created by the refugee resettlement group formerly known as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, ties the Jewish refugee experience to that of modernday refugees. Passover rituals are infused with comparisons to their plight: tearing a piece of matzah, for example, is likened to how “refugees across the globe experience the consequences of having their lives ruptured, and, yet, they find ways to pick up the pieces and forge a new, if imperfect, path forward.” Readings about migrants escaping danger and the challenges they face in acclimating to their new homes are provided to accompany the seder. The Zookeper’s Wife-inspired Haggadah the International Rescue Committee Here’s another refugee-inspired Haggadah, but with an interesting twist: The International Rescue Committee’s seder supplement (created with the help of HIAS) is inspired by the movie The Zookeeper’s Wife. The film (and the Haggadah) is based on a real-life Holocaust heroine, Antonina Zabinska (played by Jessica Chastain), who, together with her husband, saved 300 Jews by hiding them at the Warsaw Zoo, which the couple ran. The supplement encourages readers to draw on their stories to help refugees today and includes passages modeled on Passover readings. “The Four Heroes,” for example, is meant to be read after “The Four Sons,” and shows four different ways in which people can help refugees. Holocaust Hero Haggadah the Foundation for the Righteous Every year, the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous releases a Haggadah supplement that tells the story of a nonJew who saved Jews during the Holocaust. This year’s materials tell the story of Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds, an American soldier who refused Nazi orders to separate captured Jewish and non-Jewish soldiers and thus saved 200 Jewish GIs who no doubt would have been killed had Edmonds complied. The supplement also honors biblical-era non-Jews who rescued Jews, such as Shifra and Puah, Egyptian midwives who disregarded a decree to kill Jewish baby boys, as well as Pharaoh’s daughter, who took in and cared for Moses. Jubilee Haggadah Save Israel, Stop the Occupation The Jubilee Haggadah, created by a new initiative called Save Israel, Stop Occupation, and supported by the New Israel Fund, connects the Passover story to a call for the end to Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. Named after the biblical concept of a Jubilee year -- in which every 50 years all land is returned to its original owners -- this Haggadah comes as a precursor to the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War. It features all the traditional elements of a seder, plus contributions from famous Jewish authors, artists and rabbis, including comedian Sarah Silverman, writer Amos Oz and Women of the Wall president Anat Hoffman.

early deadline notice

The Jewish Press office is closed tuesdsay, april 11 for Passover. The Jewish Press deadline for the April 21 issue is Friday, april 7, 5 p.m. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

Passover 50 years ago: The Jewish Press in 1967 Annette vAn de KAmP-Wright Editor of the Jewish Press he First seder of Passover 1967 was on April 25. Considering the date, the Jewish Press Passover issue, had there been one, would have been published on Friday April 21. However, that was not yet the custom back then. ere were six front-page stories; Harry Sidman was President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. He announced the reappointment of Dr. Haskell Morris as Chairman of the Jewish Education Bureau. e Jewish Community Center announced an Italian comedy: “is Sunday, April 23, at 8 p.m., the Jewish Community Center’s Cinema 1 series of Exceptional International Films will present the two hour black and white movie, Seduced and Abandoned. Also in this issue: Syria Continues Raids on Israel Border Settlements and the rabbis urge support for the Federation’s Annual Campaign. e April 21 edition was only eight pages thick and were it not for the advertisements, we wouldn’t even know it was close to the holiday. Manischewitz is on almost every page: “Everything from soup to nosh!” e ads exclaim. ere are Passover ads from Food City and from Shukert’s Kosher Meats, where the tender yearling liver is only $0.59 per pound. I am not entirely sure what “tender yearling liver” is and I’m sort of hoping someone will read this and tell me. Sherman Bakery on Underwood announced they would be closed for the duration of Passover; six diﬀerent Hinky Dinky supermarkets oﬀered Passover sections, including beet borscht, whitefish and pike, as well as special Passover milk and butter. Central Market in Rockbrook had a special on Mogen David Champagne (only $2.99 per bottle) and at Black Angus Restaurant you could order from a special Passover menu: matza ball soup, matza meal pancakes, gefillte fish and chopped liver sandwiches on matza. e only evidence that Passover is something you not only shop for, but also celebrate, came from Hadassah: A Passover Oneg Shabbat will be held Saturday April 29,

at 1:30 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue. Guest speaker will be Dr. Richard L. Cohen, Associate Professor at the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute, where he is Chief of Children’s Services. Dr. Cohen will discuss “Prejudice in the Jews.”

passover No! You can’t have any of my matzah

Credit: ASHERNET

Co-chairmen of the event, Mmes. Sam S. Newman and Herbert Weil have announced that husbands will be welcome and are urged to attend this special Passover program. Refreshments will be served.

Class of 2017

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS High School Seniors and Parents

We will be publishing our annual High School Graduation Class pages on May 19, 2017. To be included, fill out the form below with a photo and send it to us or you can email the information and photo to: jpress@jewishomaha.org by May 1, 2017. High School Senior Information

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | e9

________________________________________________________________________ Name ________________________________________________________________________ Parent(s)’ Name(s) ________________________________________________________________________ Current High School ________________________________________________________________________ College you plan to attend Send by May 1, 2017 to: The Jewish Press | 333 So. 132 St. | Omaha, NE 68154

edgAr Asher uring the uPcoming PesAch (Passover) festival period, thousands of Israeli families will be taking advantage of the holiday period to visit some of the many attractions all over Israel. One of the busiest attractions will be the Ramat Gan Safari Park. Over the Pesach festival tens of thousands of Israelis will be visiting the Safari. Due to the experience of past years, and in order to even out the huge numbers of visitors expected, the Safari have this year announced that all visitors will have to buy their entry tickets on-line for a designated time to arrive at the park. The Safari also takes the opportunity to do its own Pesach spring cleaning, also to ensure that there is no ‘chametz’ (unleavened bread) anywhere to be seen. The reason that the Safari undertake all this cleaning is because it is forbidden to see ‘chametz’ in public places during Pesach. Therefore the animals that usually eat bread during the year will be given matzot. To this end the Safari ordered five kilograms of matzot for each of these animals.

e10 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

synagogues b’nai israel synagogue

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 402.322.4705 email: BnaiIsraelCouncilBluffs@ gmail.com

beth el synagogue

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org

beth israel synagogue

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

chabad house

An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

congregation b’nai Jeshurun

South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org

offutt air force base

Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244

rose blumkin Jewish home

323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154

temple israel

Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com

tifereth israel

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

b’nai israel synagogue

Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on april 14, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Nate Shapiro, Jewish Federation of Omaha who will discuss his recent trip to Israel. Oneg to follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! Our services are led by lay leader Larry Blass. For information on our historic synagogue, please contact any of our board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf.

beth el synagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. friday: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. saturday: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush Lunch is sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Haber in honor of the Aufruf of Abby Scheer and Josh Haber; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. weekday serVices: Sundays, 9:45 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sunday: No BESTT Classes; Torah Study, 10:15 a.m.; BESTT Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m. monday: Shacharit/Siyyum B’khorim, 7 a.m. followed by Biur Chametz; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 7:42 p.m. tuesday: Synagogue Office Closed; Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Camel rides, belly dancers, music and fun, 5 p.m.; Mincha, 5:30 p.m.; Community Seder, 6:15 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:43 p.m. wednesday: Synagogue Office Closed; Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha following Morning Services; Yom Tov Ends, 8:44 p.m. thursday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Shanghai, 1 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

beth israel synagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. friday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv & Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:38 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 7:38 p.m. saturday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Insights in the Weekly Torah Portion, 6:35 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 7:20 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:39 p.m. sunday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; No Bagels--Just Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m.; Search for Chometz, 8:45 p.m. not before 8:40 p.m. monday-erev pesach: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Shacharit Bar Mitzvah of Brad Berman & Bagel Brunch, 8:30 a.m.; Chometz may be eaten unitl 10:45 a.m.; Beth Israel Chometz burning, 11:15 a.m.; Candle Lighting, 7:41 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:50 p.m.; Earliest Seder Time, 8:42 p.m. tuesday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Congregational Seder, 7:30 p.m.; Mincha, 7:45 p.m.; Earliest Seder Time, 8:42 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:42 p.m. wednesday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Teen Class by Kiddush, 11:30 a.m.; Mincha, 7:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:44 p.m. thursday: Shacharit, 6:45 a.m.; Ethics Class with Rabbi Ari, 7:45 a.m.; Woman’s Class with Rabbi Ari, 9:30 a.m.; Learn with Rabbi Shlomo, noon at UNMC.

chabad house

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. friday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. saturday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. followed by a festive kiddush luncheon. sunday: Shacharit, 8:30 a.m. followed by Sunday Secrets: Jewish Fun Facts class at 9:15 a.m. weekdays: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. monday: Finish Eating Chametz before, 11:13 a.m.; Burn Your Chametz before, 12:19 p.m.; Mincha, 7 p.m.; Seder, 7 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 7:42 p.m. tuesday: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush Luncheon; Mincha, 7:30 p.m.; Light Candles after 8:43 p.m. wednesday: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha, 7:30 p.m.; Holiday ends, 8:44 p.m. thursday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Advanced Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Mendel Katzman; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m. Farewell to Pesach, Moshiach Feast, tuesday, april 18, 7:30 p.m. All programs are open to the entire community.

congregation b’nai Jeshurun

Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. friday: Pre-neg, 6 p.m.; Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 7:40 p.m. saturday-shabbat hagadol: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Tzav; Havdalah (72 Minutes), 9:11 p.m. sunday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m. at South Street Temple. monday-erev pesach: First Night Seder; Candle Lighting, 7:43 p.m. tuesday: Annual Passover Community Second Night Seder, 6 p.m. Contact the Temple office at 402.435.8004 for reservation information; Candle Lighting, 9:14 p.m. wednesday: No LJCS Hebrew School; Havdalah (72 Minutes), 9:15 p.m. thursday: Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m. South Street Temple is partnering with "We Can Do This" to provide weekend meals to the children of the F Street Community Center. Join us as we provide lunch on the third Sunday of every month. Food/monetary donations, meal preparation and assistance with setting up, serving, and clean-up are needed! We will serve our next meal on april 16 at 2:30 p.m. For more information, email Sarah Beringer at sarah.m.beringer@gmail.com. Please help us fund our Annual commitment to Clinic With a Heart. The funds we contribute help to pay for clinic supplies and prescription medications for the patients. Your tax deductible contribution to Clinic with a Heart can be made with a check to the Temple, designated for the clinic. LJCS CAMP ISRAEL, July 10–July 21, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at TI. Kosher lunch and snack provided. LJCS enrolled students entering. Tuition for each week is $75 and if you are enrolling two or more children, the cost is $50 per child, per week. This program is open to children entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Please send tuition checks payable to LJCS to Andrea at TI no later than July 1. Camp registration is required through LJCS.

offutt air force base

friday: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

rose blumkin Jewish home

saturday: Services, 9:15 a.m. tuesday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Jim Polack; First Seder, 6 p.m., led by the Polack Family. wednesday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Jim Polack; Second Seder, 6 p.m., led by the Polack Family. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

temple israel

friday: First Friday Shabbat Service and Oneg: Candle Lighting and Kiddush in the Simon Community Court, 5:30 p.m., Service featuring the First Friday Band, 6 p.m., oneg following services; OTYG Youth Service: PJs and Prayers with OTYG!, 6:15 p.m. Inviting all 9th-12th graders to join OTYG for an intimate youth group service. Wear your PJs! If you are interested in participating in the service, please contact the OTYG’s Religious and Cultural Vice President Elijah Marburg.

Services will be followed by dinner. Please RSVP to Aliyah Lasky, 402-556-6536, by tuesday, march 21. saturday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Services, 10:30 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of mia Zweiback, daughter of Amy and Tim Zweiback; OTYG Babysitting Night, 5-8:30 p.m. TEMPLE ISRAEL FAMILIES: Looking for a babysitter for a night out? OTYG is offering to babysit your kids ages 2-11 at Temple Israel! Cost is $20, then $5 per additional child, and includes dinner and all programming activities for the evening. All proceeds go to Camp Rainbow. RSVPs required. OTYG: Join OTYG for a fun night of hanging out with your friends and babysitting children at Temple Israel for a great cause! RSVP to Aliyah Lasky. sunday: No Religious School. monday: Erev Pesach Service, 4 p.m. tuesday: Passover Breakfast, 9:30 a.m. followed by Passover Service at 10:30 a.m.; Passover Family Seder: Let Us Make the Seder for You!, 5:30 p.m. Join us for our family friendly Passover Seder. Dinner will include matzah ball soup, roast brisket, potato kugel, salad, chocolate-dipped macaroons for dessert, and all the traditional favorites such as charoset, gefilte fish and, of course, matzah. Kids are advised to get their detective skills ready to search for the afikoman. Reservations are a must! Your payment is your reservation. wednesday: No Grades 3-6; No Grades 7-12; No Family School. thursday: No Adult Study with the Clergy. No Religious School, sunday april 16 Concluding Passover Service and Yizkor, monday, april 17, 10:30 a.m. If you would like to have the names of your loved ones read at the concluding service, please contact Temple Israel, 402-556-6536 or mweidner@templeisraelomaha. com, by thursday, april 13, with the names. TiYPE Breaking of Pesach, monday, april 17, 5:30 p.m. at 17551 Pinkney St. Enjoy a night with TiYPE and the breaking of Pesach. There will be all of the delicious foods for your heart’s desire and great movies, games, and fun involved. RSVP required.

tifereth israel

Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. friday: Services, 6:30 p.m. saturday: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. Please note there will be no Kiddush lunch, the kitchen is closed for Passover. sunday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m. at South Street Temple. monday: Synagogue Office Closed; First Seder, 6 p.m. at the Shul; Candle Lighting, 7:43 p.m. tuesday: Synagogue Office Closed; Pesach Services, 9:30 a.m.; Second Seder, 5:45 p.m. at the Shul; Candle Lighting, 8:52 p.m. wednesday: Synagogue Office Closed; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:30 p.m. LJCS CAMP ISRAEL, July 10–July 21, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at TI. Kosher lunch and snack provided. LJCS enrolled students entering. Tuition for each week is $75 and if you are enrolling two or more children, the cost is $50 per child, per week. This program is open to children entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Please send tuition checks payable to LJCS to Andrea at TI no later than July 1. Camp registration is required through LJCS.

Making Matzah

embers of the Jewish community in india, who claim to descend from one of Israel’s lost tribes, have started preparing for Passover. The Bnei Menashe community came together to bake matzah in Churachandpur, a district in the northeastern part of India. The baking took place at a center run by Shavei Israel, a nonprofit that seeks to connect “lost” and “hidden” Jews to the Jewish state.

The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017 | e11

passover Entourage star Adrian Grenier in Israel to sell Passover gifts, with a kippah and a smile Andrew TobIn TEL AVIV | JTA

drian Grenier, best known as the star of HBO’s Entourage, returned to TV this week. In a Passover commercial for an Israeli gi card company, the actor clips on a white satin yarmulke and nails the guttural pronunciation of the holiday’s Hebrew name, Pesach. He then proceeds to dispense terrible gis -- including a rock replica, an ashtray and an edible yo-yo -- to grateful recipients. “I’m Adrian Grenier, the most charming actor I know,” he informs the camera. “So charming that I’ve been able to give away crappy gis.” Warning viewers they are “no Adrien Grenier,” he suggests they take the safer route of purchasing gi cards from BuyMe, which reportedly paid him half a million shekels (about $140,000) to do the Adrian Grenier in Jerusalem ad. More than just the Seder, Passover is a holiday for giving gis in Israel, accounting for about a 10 percent increase in national spending. It is also a popular time to travel. Since Entourage wrapped in 2011, Grenier has appeared in the Entourage film and a number of smaller movies. He

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has also produced several documentaries and was involved in a variety of philanthropic projects. While in Israel to film the ad earlier this month, Grenier posed a photo of himself at the Western Wall on Instagram, writing: “Contemplating the infrastructure... of an ancient city in modern times, of a holy land, of history, of humanity.” In a video interview with Israel’s Yedioth Acharonot newspaper, he admits to not having visited the beach while in Tel Aviv. “Next time, I’ll have to come back,” he says. Grenier is not Jewish. Last year, before Rosh Hashanah, another Israeli gi-giving holiday, Grenier’s Jewish Entourage costar Jeremy Piven did a similar ad campaign for BuyMe. In that ad, Piven was the one getting bad gis and pretending to love them. “I would rather be scraped with a rusty menorah... than own this piece of shit,” he says aer receiving a fish-shaped plate. “But they don’t know that’s how I feel, because I’m an actor. Your friends and family are not.” Credit: Instagram Yonatan Alon, the CEO of BuyMe, said in a statement that the company was “thrilled to collaborate with a huge Hollywood star once more,” adding: “Aer the wonderful Jeremy Piven, this time we decided to raise the bar and bring the charming Hollywood star Adrian Grenier.”

Advertiser Page Haney Shoes ....................................................... A6 Heafey Hoffman Dworak & Kutler ........................ B12 Heritage at Sterling Ridge ..................................... D4 Hockenbergs ....................................................... A9 Home Instead ...................................................... B5 Honeyman Rent-All .............................................. A5 Hutson, Thomas - Doug & Wahwee ....................... C4 I-Go Van & Storage ............................................. C15 Ideal Pure Water ................................................. B11 Immanuel - Pacific Springs Village ......................... E2 Institute for Holocaust Education .......................... E12 Interim Homestyle Services .................................. A14 Jacobson Family ................................................. B13 Javitch Family ..................................................... C3 Jewish Family Service ......................................... E12 Jewish Federation of Omaha ................................. C1 Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation ................ C1 Jewish Press ................................................ D3, E12 Julio’s ................................................................. E8 Kathol, Jane - Acrylic Fine Art .............................. C16 Kohll’s Pharmacy & Homecare .............................. B11 Lakeside Dental - Bruce Frank DDS ....................... C12 League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly ............. E12 Lercher & Abromowitch Family ............................ C12 Lerner Company .................................................. E4 Lewis Art Gallery ................................................ B12 Lifetime Insight - Sarit Hovav, MD. ........................ C5 Linehan, State Senator Lou Ann ............................ D7 Lion’s Automotive Upholstery ................................ C3 LK Design - Lester Katz ......................................... A3 Louie M’s Burger Lust .......................................... E3 Louie’s Wine Dive ................................................ A12 Main Street Studios ............................................ C16 Malashock Jewelry .............................................. A3 Mark Sanford Group ............................................ C10 Marks Clare & Richards ........................................ C5 McGill, Gotsdiner, Workman & Lepp, PC, LLO. ........ B4 McGrath North .................................................... A7 Medicine Man Pharmacy ..................................... A10 Mello, Mayoral Candidate Heath ......................... C13 Melton, City Council Member Aimee ...................... B3 Metro Chiropractic - Dr Kristine Simonson .............. B8 Mid-City Jewelry & Loan ...................................... B7 Midwest Eye Care, PC ......................................... C14 Nan C. ................................................................ D2 Nannen & Harte Physical Therapy - Kurt Harte ....... C11 Natan & Hannah Schwalb Center for Israel & Jewish Studies ........................................................... B8 National Council of Jewish Women ....................... E12 National Siding and Windows ................................ B4 Nebraska Jewish Historical Society ....................... E12 Nebraska Press Statewide Classifieds .................... E11 Nelson Murphy ................................................... A12

Advertiser Page Newman Family .................................................. B15 Noddle Companies ............................................... B3 Omaha Career Networking ................................... C11 Omaha Compound Company ................................. A6 Omaha Steaks ..................................................... C2 Omaha Surgical Center ......................................... E3 Omaha Transportation & Technical Museum .......... B11 Omaha TransVideo ............................................... B7 OMNE Partners .................................................... E6 One Pacific Place-Broadmoor ................................ D6 On-Q Marketing LLC ............................................. B7 Outlook Nebraska, Inc. ........................................ A13 Pahls, City Council Member Rich .......................... B13 Parsow’s ............................................................. A9 Patriotic Productions - Nebraska Remembering Our Fallen Exhibit ................................................... C9 Paul Gerber Auto Sales ........................................ B15 Pulverente Monument Co. ................................... A12 Remington Heights .............................................. A4 Ricks Family ........................................................ A7 Right At Home In Home Care & Assistance ............ B14 Rose Blumkin Jewish Home .................................. D1 Rotella’s Italian Bakery ......................................... B4 St. Joseph Villa .................................................... C5 Save The Date Catering ....................................... A11 Schwalb Realty .................................................. C15 Shucks Fish House & Oyster Bar............................ B16 Silver of Oz - Oz Levent ........................................ C16 Sol’s Jewelry & Loan ........................................... E3 Sonny Gerber Auto Sales ...................................... C9 Spotlight Formal Wear ......................................... D7 Star Deli ............................................................. E12 State Farm Insurance - Tom Kaspar ...................... C15 Stothert, Mayor Jean .......................................... E5 Suburban Newspapers Inc. .................................. B15 Swartz’s Delicatessen & Catering ........................... D3 Swartzbaugh Farber ............................................. A3 Temple Israel ...................................................... E12 The Bronze Horse - Dave Biehl, DVM .................... C16 The Winery ......................................................... E3 Thomas Pet Sitting .............................................. C7 Tifereth Israel Synagogue .................................... A10 Travel Faire ......................................................... A9 Tritz Plumbing .................................................... A14 Trubnikov, Adam - Solution Engineer .................... A10 U Name it, We Clean It ........................................ B6 van de Kamp-Wright Family .................................. E3 Vann Realty ........................................................ A5 Village Pointe Pediatrics ....................................... A15 Wiesman Development ........................................ B13 Wolf Bros. Western Store .................................... C12 Zio’s Pizzeria ....................................................... C11

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E12 | The Jewish Press | April 7, 2017

HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY

Passover Wishing the entire community a Freedom is the incessant human drive to draw on one’s divine, infinite potential and reach beyond the self.

Happy Passover

B’nai Israel Synagogue Wishes the Community a Happy Passover! National Register of Historic Places A Century of Tradition 618 Mynster Street, Council Bluffs, IA

Chag Sameach

712-322-4705

Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Chabad Board, Staff and Volunteers

You’re always welcome at B’nai Israel!

Happy Passover

It is an obligation to tell the story.

From the staff of

Wishing the community a Happy Pesach!

Have a Happy and Healthy Passover 333 South 132nd Street Omaha, NE 68154 402-334-6441 or 402-334-6442 www.nebraskajhs.com

League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auxiliary

Best Wishes for a

Happy

Passover

Beth Israel Synagogue and Sisterhood wishes you and your family a happy and healthy Passover.

To keep former Omahans, your out-of-town friends and family or prospective newcomers “in the loop,” send them a gift subscription today!

With Your Help We’ll Have A Great Past Ahead Of Us

National Council of Jewish Women Omaha Section Each year the IHE shares the history and lessons of the Holocaust through the arts, community programming, school programming and continuing education for teachers. Please visit: www.ihene.org | 402.334.6576 | info@ihene.org

Henry Monsky Lodge Best Wishes for a Happy Passover

B’nai B’rith

402-334-6443

NCJW extends its warmest wishes to the Jewish community for a Joyous Passover.

wishes its friends in the Jewish community a Passover filled with good health, happiness and peace.

Count me in!

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