May 1, 2015

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

All about the Friedel PTO

May 1, 2015 12 Iyar 5775 Vol. 95 | No. 33

This Week

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Friedel Jewish Academy This spring’s Plant and Flower Sale, sponsored by Friedel Jewish Academy’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), is scheduled for Thursday, May 7 and Friday, May 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the main entrance of the Jewish Community Center. The plant sale, along with the Hanukkah Latke Lunch, are among the largest fundraisers for the school.

They’re “also our most labor intensive and high profile events,” explained Gabby Blair, who co-chairs the PTO with Danni Christensen.

PTO “fulfills a variety of roles at the school,” Gabby pointed out. “We coordinate the sales of school spirit wear which, just this year, went to an online ordering system by a local vendor who is also part of the Jewish community.” (The selection can be viewed at http://www.omahashirts.com, click on “stores” and select “Friedel.”) “PTO is also responsible for supporting school-wide holiday celebrations by providing funds or securing donors for food and other supplies the teachers request, within reason,” she added.

“Thanks to the generosity of donors, like Jack and Helene, and Michael and Melissa Shrago, who have been among the most ardent supporters of PTO events over the years, we are able

Yom Ha’Atzmaut Community gallery Page 4

Beth El Jewish Experience Grants Page 6

Gabby Blair with son Ezra, and Danni Christensen with son Micah to continue to provide this service to the school. PTO also provides yearly teacher grants to help offset a portion of out-of-pocket expenses related to classroom materials that our wonderful and dedicated educators may incur over the course of the school year in addition to quarterly staff appreciation gifts.

“We also do the majority of shopping, setup, cleanup, and volunteer coordination for school events, in ad-

RBJH in LOVE Israeli answers to Califonia’s drought Page 16

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Next Week Home & Garden See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

12 14 15

by OZZIE NOGG The flowers that bloom in the spring (tra la) will once again be center stage at the annual LOVE Remember Her with Flowers on Mother’s Day Celebration scheduled for Sunday, May 10. “This event is a fundraiser for LOVE,” explained Linda Cogen, Volunteer Coordinator.

“We emailed a promotional flyer, showing the plants available for purchase, to all the contacts of Rose Blumkin Jewish Home residents. This makes it easy, especially for outof-town family who may not know a local florist to call. Our sale gives everyone an opportunity to send a beautiful flowering plant to their loved one and also feel good knowing that the money benefits the Home. Our prices are very reasonable, too.” Cogen sent Flower Sale flyers to every agency on the Federation Campus, Mainstreeters, and local congregations, and posted the event on Facebook. “We want as many people as possible to know about this project and support it.” Floral options include African violet and other blooming plants, a Balloon Bouquet and a European Garden arrangement. Floral orders are due by Monday, May 4, for pickup in the Blumkin Home Gift Shop on Friday, May 8, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Continued on page 2

dition to planning and orchestrating occasional book fairs and fundraisers,” said Gabby.

“PTO plays such an important role at Friedel in helping to provide a great environment for our students to thrive in and in creating opportunities to our parents to be involved,” said Beth Cohen, Friedel’s new head of school.

“The extra support they provide to our teachers is very much appreciated.”

PTO wants to make sure all of the

fun events and celebrations are available to the kids. “The teachers also benefit from an extra set of hands here and there,” Danni said.

Both Danni and Gabby have been PTO co-chairs for the past two school years. So far this year, “The events have all gone off without a hitch, so I would say that is a good indicator of success,” said Gabby. “I think this year has also been successful, Continued on page 2

Sokolof Teacher of the Year

by SUZANNE SINGER garden at 25th and Hamilton.

Nancy Rampey-Biniamow has For these gardens, Nancy and her been named the Phil and Ruth students built 4’ by 8’ raised cedar Sokolof Outbeds, spread the standing Jewish compost, got on Teacher for 2015. their knees and She has been a planted the herbs science teacher and vegetables. for 13 years at Her students Omaha Public learned how to School’s Blackgrow food for burn Alternative their families and School, which is developed an unfor students who derstanding of have been unable the origins of to succeed in their food. Her OPS’s traditional horticulture proclassrooms. gram is tied into According to the culinary arts Nancy Rampey-Biniamow her nominations, department so Rampey’s students are generally that the students not only learn troubled teenagers who often are about growing plants from seeds, members of gangs. They need but also how to harvest the produce someone to believe in them, and and then to prepare it in a nutriNancy shows them she cares. She tional manner. gives them direction that many Nancy had been troubled for have found lacking in their lives. years by her concern for students She believes these students need who do not want to be in school or an education integrated with mar- work on their class lessons. Hortiketable skills for the workforce. culture has been a part of her anWorking with OPS’s Vocational Ed- swer. She and her students have ucation Department, the Sherwood developed a hydroponic system Foundation and Blackburn, a grant that is fertilized by goldfish. The was obtained to build and develop a students are also taught how to horticulture program at the school. build their own hydroponic system The program has developed four using pop bottles so that they and campus gardens plus a community Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | May 1, 2015

JFO Annual Meeting 41 children are going to Jewish summer camp this year thanks to our generous donors.

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

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by SHERRIE SAAG Jewish Federation of Omaha Communications Our Federation Annual Meeting and Awards Night has become one of our community’s favorite evenings, a yearly reminder of our commitment to support and sustain Jewish Omaha. This year’s event will be on Monday, June 1 at 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater.

As has been done in recent years, the Federation Annual Meeting includes “State of the Federation” addresses from both Board President Jay Noddle and Federation CEO Alan Potash. Federation will review the past year and bring forth goals and initiatives for next year. New Board members will be welcomed and outgoing lay leaders recognized.

It is also the night we honor and congratulate our Federation volunteers and community leaders. This year’s program includes the following Federation awards: Humanitarian of the Year, The Phil and Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation Award, the Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Award, The Bruce Fellman Memorial Young Leadership Award, The Robert and Ellen Gordman Jewish Teen Leadership Award, The Community Service Award, the Jody & Neal Malashock Award for Professional Excellence and our Agency Volunteers of the Year.

Longtime Jewish community philanthropist Ted Seldin and his family will be receiving the 2014-15 Humanitarian of the Year Award. This is our community’s most significant award and recognizes the exceptionalism of one’s

service to humanity. The Seldins are well known for their generosity and longtime support of the Omaha Jewish community.

The Spirit of Federation Award began in 2006 to recognize a man and woman over the age of 45 who has demonstrated personal commitment, dedication and leadership to the Jewish Federation of Omaha and/or its agencies. This year, the recipients are Phil and Nancy Wolf. The Wolfs are respected and effective community volunteers who embody the meaning and intent of the award.

The following community members served on the 2014-15 Federation Board of Directors and are to be commended for giving of their time and expertise on behalf of Jewish Omaha: Jay Noddle, President; Richard Jacobson, co-President, Jewish Social Services; Michael Siegel, President, Jewish Community Center; Bonnie Bloch, President, The Center for Jewish Life; Andrew Ruback, President, The Jewish Press; Bruce Friedlander, Budget & Financial Review Chair; and members-atlarge: Brett Atlas, Bob Belgrade, Toba Cohen-Dunning, Jon Meyers and Aimee Zetzman.

The June 1 event is open to the entire community and a reception will immediately follow the Annual Meeting and Awards. It is a wonderful way to support our lay leadership and pay tribute to an outstanding array of honorees. Watch for upcoming articles in the Jewish Press announcing more of our Federation’s 2014-15 award winners.

Friedel PTO Continued on page 2 because Danni and I have a great working relationship.”

Ben Shapiro chaired the December Latke Lunch which was a sizzling success with more than 1,000 latkes prepared by “dedicated volunteers who worked until the wee hours of the morning,” noted Gabby.

Susan Witkowski is chairing the plant sale with Gabby whose college studies include geology and soil science. She also ran the University of Kansas Soils Laboratory and worked as an environmental educator at Fontenelle Forest.

“Obviously, I like to play outside in the dirt a lot” which makes Gabby a natural for one of the most requested events that the PTO coordinates. Working with Blooms Organic and Estate Landscape Nursery, the PTO knows “People rely on the quality of our vegetables and herbs and the unique, often heirloom, varieties that are hard to find in Omaha.”

“A lot of work goes into this event,” added Danni, “and it

would never be as successful if not for Gabby and Susan.

Those ladies know their plants and always make the event so much fun.”

Gabby and her husband Jason have two children currently attending Friedel. Noah is in fourth grade and Moe in second grade. In addition to volunteering, Gabby serves as the art teacher at Friedel.

Danni and her husband Michael have a third grader, Doniven, at Friedel. When they arrived in Omaha three years ago, the Christensens toured Friedel. “It felt like the perfect place to be. There was such a passion for learning coupled with the kids’ blossoming Jewish identity. It was a gift to find,” she remarked.

Gabby added that the Friedel PTO “loves to help and provide a valuable resource to the school.” By buying your plants and flowers at the annual sale, you’ll be helping the PTO continue the support it provides to the school.

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RBJH in LOVE Continued from page 1 Mother’s Day at the Blumkin Home will also feature a concert by Michael Gurciullo and his Big Band Sound. The free concert, sponsored by the Esther Fox Memorial Fund, runs from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the RBJH Auditorium. “Mike spent twelve years in Las Vegas, working most of the major showrooms,” said Karen Menagh, Blumkin Home Activities Director. “He also carried the lead/jazz trumpet spot in the Wayne Newton Orchestra for four years and traveled exclusively with Newton all over the U.S., Canada and Australia.

Mike is a terrific entertainer, and the entire community is invited to hear the music on Mother’s Day. Each female resident of the Home will receive a beautiful floral wristlet from LOVE, and everyone will enjoy the special cheesecake served at Tea Time.”

Proceeds from the Mother’s Day Flower Sale are part of the annual monies LOVE donates to the RBJH. “We’re very proud to write a check to the Home every year,” Cogen said.

“Projects like this allow us to purchase needed items -- like medication laptops, the Courtyard awnings, a balance machine and various technical equipment -- that benefit the residents and nursing staff. That’s what LOVE is all about.”

LOVE (League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly) was formed in 1971 and continues to bloom at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. If you have an interest in giving the precious

gift of your time, consider becoming one of the LOVE volunteers who add quality to the lives of residents in almost every area of the Home. For more information, contact Linda Cogen at 402.334.6519 or email her at lcogen@ rbjh.com.

Sokolof Teacher of the Year Continued from page 1 their families can have fresh herbs all year round. In addition, she introduced an architectural landscaping program that has multiple levels -- the grid drawing and a 3D virtual rendering of the design. Once the students have mastered the software, they spend their time working on designing their landscapes.

Following their graduation from Blackburn, her students are often able to find employment in local nurseries, garden stores and with landscapers.

The community is invited to a reception honoring the Sokolof Foundation’s Teacher of the Year and Scholarship recipients on Tuesday, May 12, 7 p.m. at the JCC.

May 1, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 3

B’nai B’rith announces top student-honorees for Sports Banquet

by GARY JAVITCH and HOWARD BORDEN Henry Monsky Lodge President Ari Riekes “It’s certainly the longest running sports and Shandell will hand out the awards. banquet in Omaha. And arguably, it is the There was a particularly interesting side best,” stated banquet chair Howard Shandell. note this year in the selection process for the “And one major reason we can say that is two students. “While the female winner because of our long list of great headline Kianna Ibis ran away with the prize, the speakers, including this year’s new UNL head football coach Mike Riley, who is about to launch a new era in Husker football.”

“Equally important for us as a Jewish organization – promoting Jewish values – is that we’re going to recognize two Metro area high school seniors, top achievers in both athletics and academics: both are well-known, highly visiMalik Hluchoweckyj Kianna Idbis ble, and extremely talented.

“Our Lodge is proud to announce that election of the male candidate turned out to Bellevue West basketball star Malik be a ‘nail-biter,’” Larry Goldstrom explained.

Hluchoweckyj (Ha-LUKE-a-weck’-ee) capThe Omaha Metro area has a great numtured the Lodge’s prestigious Bert Render ber of outstanding star scholar-athletes. In Award for the top male scholar-athlete in our selection process, the Lodge invites the Omaha Metro area,” Shandell continued. Metro area Athletic Directors (AD) to nom“On the girl’s side, another basketball star inate outstanding male and female candigarnered the Lodge’s prestigious Earl Siegel dates for consideration. Each school must Award for the top female scholar-athlete in nominate three males and three females. the Omaha Metro area. That was Omaha Then, in consultation with local broadcast Benson Bunny, Kianna Ibis,” Larry sports figures, the Lodge creates a ballot, Goldstrom added. He is the banquet athletic listing all the viable candidates. chairman and program coordinator for the “We then present the nominees to those awards.

ADs for their selection,” Goldstrom contin“These awards and the Mike Riley keynote ued. “The AD voters return their ballots via address will be presented at the 61st Annual email over the course of about a week. As Charity Sports Banquet, this year to be held the votes trickled in, the male lead changed on May 14 at the CenturyLink Omaha con- hands several times. The high-quality comvention center. petition was so stiff this year that, in the end, The student honorees, besides receiving the vote difference between Malik and the the Render and Siegel awards, will split other two young men was only three points. $4000 in scholarship money funded from “There is no doubt that this year the top the Adam Jacobs Memorial Tribute Fund. two award winners truly represent the high-

est level of student athletes in classroom, community and in sports,” said Goldstrom.

Kianna possesses great athletic accomplishments. She is a two-time first team Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska athlete and a first team Lincoln Journal Star super state basketball player.

In 2014, she led Omaha Benson to the state championship in basketball, was named as the MVP of the state tournament, and was selected to the all-tournament team. The senior miss earned a basketball scholarship to Arizona State University. The Bunny honor roll standout also excelled in volleyball and possesses a 4.2 grade point average – on a 4.0 scale, reflecting top grades in AP (advanced placement) classes.

Malik was named to the Omaha WorldHerald all-state Nebraska football and basketball teams. In the round ball sport, Malik was twice named to the Omaha WorldHerald first team All-State, as well as the Lincoln Journal Star All State team. Malik has been actively involved with his church’s Special Olympics Youth group and has helped younger kids in athletics.

In addition, Malik was named as a McDonalds All-American nominee in basketball. He led his Thunderbird team in winning the 2014 Nebraska Class A State Basketball championship and earned a basketball scholarship from Bowling Green University.

Coach Mike Riley will help honor these two scholar-athletes. Another bonus for attendees is that the comedic Sklar Brothers duo will return to emcee the program, following up their acclaimed turn in the same roles last year.

Cquence Health Group is our top sponsor this year. Broadmoor Development Company is also a major sponsor. Other sponsorships are available by calling

Howard Shandell at 402.861.0565 or emailing him at Hamas@mbainc.us.

For more info on purchasing tickets, please visit omahasportsbanquet.org, call PlanitOmaha at 402.333.3062 or email bnaibrith@planitomaha.com.

B’nai B’rith is a prominent financial supporter of youth programming and a sponsor of numerous educational programs throughout the year on a variety of topics open to the public. They also partner with the Federation and the synagogues to help make participation in Jewish religious life activities more affordable for families in need.

Planting class at RBJH

On Monday, April 20, RBJH resident Rosalie Saylan attended a class on creating terrarium gardens.

4 | The Jewish Press | May 1, 2015

Yom Ha’Atzmaut

Community G A L L E R Y

Top: Friedel students Abby and Danny celebrate at school; Rabbi Katzman brought tefillin to the party. Second row: Matan Shapiro; Friedel students enjoyed falafel prepared by Principal Beth Cohen; Jack Cohen, Moe Blair and Mendel Wright at the JCC evening party, top; Friedel students created Israeli flags, bottom.Third row: Beth El won first place at the B’nai B’rith Trivia Quiz for the 15th time in a row. Ben Shapiro, left, Aviva and Marty Shukert, Dick Fellman, Howard Epstein and Ophir Palmon; Face painting at the LJCC party; Aviva Chana. Bottom: Games at the JCC party; Gabby Blair gets photobombed at Friedel.

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May 1, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 5

Mainstreeters welcomes the merry month of May

by OZZIE NOGG Just like spring flowers, Mainstreeters activities are abloom this month. So mark your calendars for these upcoming programs.

Could You Benefit from Nutritional Supplements?

Monday, May 11, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Boardroom, sponsored by Jewish Social Services and The Visiting Nurses Association. Presented by Mandy Svatos, registered dietician for the VNA. Mandy works with clients to improve their nutritional status and will bring samples of prepackaged nutritional s u p p l e m e nt s for the audience to sample.

Mandy will discuss the benefits and Rabbi Ari Dembitzer of drawbacks of Beth Israel Synagogue is each product guest speaker at the May and explain its 18 Mainstreeters lunch. appropriate use. The VNA takes an active role in promoting good health practices for seniors. The class is offered free of charge.

Seating is limited. To make a reservation, call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 or email mconti@rbjh.com. Refreshments will be served.

Lunch with Rabbi Ari Dembitzer from Beth Israel Synagogue: Monday, May 18 at 12:30 p.m. in the Blumkin Home Auditorium. Our special guest, Rabbi Ari, will awaken your senses and inspire your soul with his special brand of kibbitzing and singing. Come enjoy the fun. For your entree, choose either Baked Salmon or Broccoli Quiche, both served with roasted potatoes, fresh fruit, cookies and beverage of your choice. Cost is $10 a plate. Make checks payable to Jewish Social Services, and send full payment to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154.

Reservations are appreciated by Monday, May 11. For transportation, call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521.

Join Us at the Movies: Whiplash, Friday, May 22, 1 p.m. in the JCC Theater. No

charge for the film or for unlimited bags of fresh, delicious popcorn. No reservations necessary. Invite a pal. Nominated for Best Picture and winner of three Academy Awards (including Best Supporting Actor J.K. Simmons) Whiplash tells the story of Andrew Neyman, an ambitious young jazz drummer, determined to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conser vator y.

A n d r e w hungers day and night to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher, an instructor equally known for his teaching talents as for his terrifying methods, discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man’s life. Andrew’s passion to achieve perfection quickly Mandy Svatos, registered spirals into dietician for the VNA, obsession, as explains the benefits and his ruthless drawbacks of nutritional teacher continsupplements on May 11. ues to push him to the brink of both his ability and his sanity. Bob Fischbach, movie and theater critic for the Omaha World-Herald, called Whiplash his favorite movie of 2014. If you’d like to have lunch at the Star Deli in the Rose Blumkin Home Auditorium before the show, call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 to reserve a table. Lunch is on your own. The Star Deli starts serving at 11:30 a.m.

Ma i n s t re e t e r s welcomes all Jewish residents of the Omaha area age 60 plus.

“Monthly luncheons, various classes and first-run movies are just a few of our diverse activities,” said Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach Programs at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “We invite you, your friends and all community members to join the May excitement.”

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

B’nai Israel Speaker Series How my high school years at Council Bluffs St. Albert led to a career in Jewish Omaha Have you ever seen Maggie Conti not smile? Can you believe that this beautiful lady who looks about 25 has actually worked with senior citizens on our campus for 25 years, the last ten as Director of Activities at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home?

Maggie has a heartwarming story about the path that brought her to a career of

putting smiles on the faces of the residents of the Home.

This wife and mother of four kids has a personality that heats the room. You will not want to miss Maggie’s presentation and our B’nai Israel Shabbat Service followed by a tasty Oneg. Contact Marty Ricks for directions to B’nai Israel, 402.334.6440.

Maggie Conti

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2015 Friedel Jewish Academy Plant & Flower Sale Thursday & Friday May 7 & 8 | 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

JCC Main Entrance | 333 S. 132 St.

Vegetable & Herb Seedlings Organic & Heirloom Bedding Flowers | Hanging Baskets Locally Grown | Many Varieties

Just in time for Mother’s Day! Cash or check only

Class of 2015 High School Seniors High School Seniors and Parents

We will be publishing our annual High School Graduation Class pages on May 22, 2015. To be included, we need your graduation photo and the information below.

You can also email the items to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

High School Senior Information

Name ________________________________________________________________________ Parent(s)’ Name(s) ________________________________________________________________________ Current High School ________________________________________________________________________ College you plan to attend ________________________________________________________________________ Send by May 8 to: The Jewish Press | 333 So. 132 St. | Omaha, NE 68154

6 | The Jewish Press | May 1, 2015

Beth El Jewish Experience Grants:

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by MARGIE GUTNIK Beth El Program Director Shane Kotok has chaired Beth El’s scholarship committee for “a number of years” and believes summer camp is an invaluable experience for Jewish kids. “It is the one place where our kids are living Jewishly 24/7.”

to share their love of both traditional and modern liturgical music. The concert will feature an array of popular, Israeli and Jewish music.

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Clockwise from top left: Amanda Simon with friends at Herzl Camp, Rabbi Abraham visiting Beth El kids (and friends) at Camp Ramah and Peyton Kelln with friends at Camp Ramah.

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“All three of my children were recipients of Beth El Jewish Experience Grants. They are all in their 40s now, but I would say camp was a transformative experience for them.”

All Beth El families with children planning to attend Jewish summer camp or participate in an Israel experience are eligible for a service grant. These grants are available to everyone, regardless of financial need. The recipients repay the grants in the form of service hours to the synagogue. To be eligible for a service grant, students must be enrolled in BESTT or the high school curriculum.

According to Kotok, this arrangement is a great way to enhance summer experiences.

“We are able to make camp affordable, send as many kids as possible, and upon their return, we have really enthusiastic kids to help out at Beth El and give back to Synagogue life.”

In 2014, the Scholarship fund helped send 17 kids to summer camp. This year, 30 kids have requested scholarship assistance – a 65% increase in just one year.

Kotok agreed the numbers are significant and is thrilled the Scholarship fund will be able to help so many kids. “These increases reflect the work of an incredible synagogue staff who’ve made this a priority because it’s so beneficial to our kids.”

Amanda Simon, daughter of Scott and Jill Simon, will be returning to Camp Herzl for her sixth summer. “I love camp because it’s a time for me to interact with my Jewish friends and just be myself. One of my favorite things at camp is dancing my heart out to music every morning in the Chadar during breakfast. It’s a great way to start the day.”

“The most special time is Shabbat,” Amanda continued. “It’s a time for me to reflect on the previous week and look forward to the week to come. Everyone dresses up in white, and there is a caravan with music playing and everyone is singing.”

“Another part of camp that is really cool is Bikkurim (color wars). I think it is great that I receive a camp scholarship. In return, I complete service hours by volunteering and helping a Sunday School class.”

The Scholarship Fund is augmented each year through fundraising from the Cantor’s Concert – taking place this year on Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue. Hazzan Michael Krausman and Cantor’s Concert Chairs Pam and Bruce Friedlander invite everyone in the community to join them for Divas on the Bimah!

The members are four highly acclaimed Cantors from congregations on the East Coast, brought together by a mutual desire

ing Nashville, opera, and instrumental performance.

Mark and Heather Kelln sent Peyton to Camp Ramah for the first time last summer with help from Beth El. Heather says camp gave him a place to be independent and partake in new experiences. “He loved it and we loved what it did for him!”

“Getting to see my friends, learning Jewish values and doing the cliff jump into the lake are my favorite parts about camp,” said Tomer Palmon, a Camp Sabra camper, “It’s great that we can get help for paying for camp and give back to Beth El in return.”

The Beth El Cantor’s Concert to raise money for Jewish summer experience scholarships has a decades-old history dating back to Beth El’s previous building on Farnam Street. Hazzan Krausman agrees with Kotok saying, “There’s nothing quite like a Jewish immersion experience when you are a teen.”

“Students fortunate to take part gain an increased sense of self-awareness as a member of the Jewish people, leadership skills, Judaic knowledge and, most importantly, experience the joy and beauty of Judaism in a unique way.”

Krausman added, “Our support for this fundraiser is an investment in the future of Jewish leadership, not only in our own synagogue but throughout the community at large.”

Reflecting upon his personal camp experiences, Hazzan Krausman said, “Jewish summer camp has had a major impact on my life as a Jewish professional.

Interestingly, everyone in our family has a connection to Camp Ramah. I attended Camp Ramah in Canada, my wife Laurel attended in the Berkshires, both of my sons are Camp Ramah Darom campers and this summer my oldest son will be attending Camp Ramah in Israel.”

Director of Congregational Learning Eadie Tsabari supports the Service Grants and Cantor’s Concert fundraiser. “These kids work hard giving back to the Beth El community and their BESTT Hebrew school with their own work hours and attendance. The Synagogue is very generous with all of our students and in turn we make sure that Jewish summer camp and visiting Israel are a right for every one of them, not just a privilege.”

She added, “It is a community effort and it works for everyone involved; Beth El Service Grants for trips to Israel and to attend Jewish summer camps are a win-win for everyone.”

Funds raised support the Youth Scholarship Fund of Beth El Synagogue, providing Jewish summer experiences including Jewish summer camps and trips to Israel.

A reception will follow the show. Tickets are available online at www.bethel-omaha. org or by phoning the synagogue office.

May 1, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 7

Assaf Gavron shares publishing process insights Heroes and mentors at Temple Israel

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Center for Jewish Life Assaf Gavron, the Schusterman Scholar with the Schwalb Center at UNO, led the discussion of his book, Almost Dead at the April 16 meeting of the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group. The novel tells the story of a thirty-something Tel Aviv businessman, Eitan “Croc” Einoch, whose life is turned upside down when he narrowly escapes a suicide bombing on the minibus he rides to work.

When he survives a second and third attack, he becomes a reluctant media celebrity. The Palestinian terrorists responsible for the attacks are less than happy. This embarrassing symbol of their failure must be neutralized, and the plot becomes even more intriguing as the lives of the characters intertwine.

In addition to a discussion of the plot, characters, and themes of the book, Assaf shared his experiences with the publishing process.

He presented interesting anecdotes of working with editors and publishers. Because his books are translated into multiple languages, he also discussed the intricacies of working with translators and ultimately trusting their translations to tell the tale he meant to tell. He shared with the group some details of an extremely unfortunate experience with a lawyer who proved to be both incompetent and dishonest, costing Assaf a sum of money.

The group was equally engaged with his novel and his insights into publishing his work.

For the May 21 meeting, the group has selected Kate Taylor’s A Man in Uniform. This novel is set in the height of the Belle Epoque, a period in the late 19th century characterized by optimism, peace, and the flourishing of art and the growth of technology in Europe before the horrors of World War I. Protagonist François Dubon is leading a well-ordered life in the bourgeois quarters of Paris’ eighth district. He enjoys a prosperous legal practice and is content with marriage to his aristocratic wife, Geneviève, and satisfying afternoon encounters with his mistress, Madeleine. He is never late for those five o’clock appointments or for family dinner at seven – until a mysterious widow comes to his office with an unusual request.

The lady insists that only Dubon can save her innocent friend, an Army captain named Dreyfus who was convicted of spying and exiled to Devil’s Island two years earlier. Not wishing to disappoint the alluring widow, the gallant Dubon makes some perfunctory inquiries. But when he discovers the existence of a secret military file withheld from the defense during the trial, he embarks on an obsessive pursuit of justice that upends his complacent life.

Donning a borrowed military uniform, Dubon goes undercover into the murky world of counterespionage where his erratic hours alarm his forbidding wife and make his mistress increasingly aloof. As the layers of deceit and

double crosses mount, Dubon’s quixotic quest threatens to throw France itself into turmoil. A Man in Uniform is a gripping mystery with nuances in the plot sure to produce a fascinating discussion.

The Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group welcomes new participants. It meets in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library from 1-2 p.m. on the third Thursday of each

by SCOTT LITTKY Program Director, Temple Israel As I write this article, we are about a month into spring.

The trees have leaves and beautiful flowers are beginning to bloom; but like every spring in Nebraska, it is still a bit cold. Still, it is never too early to start thinking about summer and make plans.

Over the course of the last three years, we have held very successful First Friday Night Shabbat dinners during the school year. Each dinner has been attended by an average of 150 people. Before each dinner, Friday evening services were held and were very well received. With this event in mind and with the opportunity to use our amphitheater, and we are proud to announce a fun-family program for this summer.

On Friday evenings, June 5, July 10 and Aug. 7, we will gather for Shabbat evening services at 6 p.m. in the amphitheater. This will be followed by a picnic Shabbat dinner. Families should bring their own dinners, and we will provide challah and grape juice. During dinner the Smooth Blues Jazz Music featuring George Walker will provide us with entertainment.

During the coming summer, we will also have the opportunity to listen to different congregants present a D’var Torah each Friday night during June, July and the beginning of August. The theme for this year’s presentations will be - Heroes & Mentors in my Life!

As the People of the Book,” we value learning and study. Central to the Jewish way of life is a Jewish value system. Each of us has had people in our lives who we have seen as heroes and mentors and who have shaped our Jewish value system. Each speaker will answer the questions: Who are those people in your life? Why do you see them that way?

Furthermore, they will share with us any special story they have about their hero or mentor. Services at Temple Israel begin each Friday evening at 6 p.m.

For more information on summer programming at Temple Israel, please contact Program Director Scott Littky at 402.556.6536.

month. Mark your calendar for May 21 and join in the discussion. For questions and information about obtaining May’s book, contact Shirly Banner at 402.334.6462 or sban ner@jewishomaha.org.

The group receives organizational support through the Center for Jewish Life whose mission is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences.

Births Drs. Ali and Mark Doyle of Saratoga Springs, NY, announce the April 1 birth of their daughter, Ruth Loren.

She is named for her maternal great-grandmother Ruth Ellen Goldenberg.

She has a sister, Havah Miriam Doyle.

Grandparents are Martha and Dick Lerner of Omaha, and Jackie and Peter McTygue of Saratoga Springs, NY. Great-grandfather is Irwin Goldenberg of Omaha.

Kelly and Randy Newman of Hartland, WI, announce the April 1 birth of their daughter, Josephine Rose.

She is named for both of her great-grandmothers, Josephine Shrago and the late Rosalie Newman.

Grandparents are Bobbi and Larry Newman of Minneapolis, MN, and Lynn and Jim Muenzenberger of Hart, WI. Great-grandparents are Josephine and the late Abe Shrago, and Steven and the late Rosalie Newman, from Omaha, and Ruth and Chuck Bradley of Kenosha, WI, and Jean and Jack Muenzenberger of Milwaukee, WI.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Creighton University International Relations Professor Terry Clark from will discuss the world and more! on Wednesday, May 6, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@ jewishomaha.org.

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8 | The Jewish Press | May 1, 2015

Yom HaZikaron and Yom Hautzmaut: Remembrance and celebration

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN The Center for Jewish Life Through the Community Shaliach program of the Center for Jewish Life, Eliad Eliyahu Ben Shushan led a moving and meaningful commemoration for Yom HaZikaron, the Israeli Day of Remembrance for Fallen Soldiers. The event that took place on April 21 was attended by 50 people and included readings by Eylon Caplan, Max Gendler, Sam Kricsfeld and Max Weiner and a presentation by Henry Ginsburg, an Omahan who served in the IDF. The event also included the film A Hero in Heaven, a documentary that chronicles the life of Henry Ginsburg Michael Levin (z”l), the only American-Israeli soldier killed during the Israeli/Hezbollah war in 2006. Program funding was provided by the Gertrude T. and Albert B. Newman Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

The following night, Eliad organized a kick-off celebra-

tion of Yom Hautzmaut for Omaha’s Israeli families.

Hebrew was the official language for the evening with 40 adults and children enjoying a traditional Israeli meal, making new acquaintances and watching Israeli television shows playing on the big screen.

A few of the many Israelis who enjoyed the Yom Hautzmaut celebration The Community Shaliach program is an offering of the Center for Jewish Life whose mission is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences. For additional information, please call 402.334.6463.

Netanyahu’s message (JTA) -- In his Independence Day address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the fighting spirit of troops in Gaza.

Netanyahu’s praises came in the Hebrew-language version of a video released by his office at the start of Israel’s 67th Independence Day, which this year fell on Thursday. The English-language version contains no such reference but celebrates the right of Jews living outside Israel to immigrate there, or make aliyah.

Israel has faced international criticism for its military operation last summer in Gaza against Hamas, which left more than 2,000 Palestinians dead, and has disputed claims by the Palestinians and others that it committed widespread

Lincoln Yom HaShoah

war crimes.

Unlike the Hebrew address, Netanyahu’s English-language video also celebrates how Israel gives Jews “the right to make aliyah and be part of the modern State of Israel.”

It further differs from the Hebrew-language version in that it says specifically that Arab-Israelis are “equal under the law.”

Near the end of Independence Day, a rocket was fired at southern Israel from the Gaza Strip in the final hours of the country’s Independence Day. Sirens blared in the Sderot region for the first time in months due to Thursday’s rocket, which caused no injuries or damage. It landed within Israeli territory in an open area of the western Negev.

On Yom HaShoah, members of Tifereth Israel Synagogue and the South Street Temple gathered for a memorial service at the Holocaust Memorial located in Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln. The service included the lighting of six candles representing Memory, Torah and Jewish Knowledge, Peace, Human Dignity, Life, and Hope by individuals of all ages from 94 years to nine years. This outdoor service provided an opportunity for community members who had lost family in the Holocaust and those who desired to remember those who perished the opportunity to say kaddish.

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May 1, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 9

Mother’s Day Letter to Lucy

by SANDRA MARTIN “That should be the worst thing that ever happens to you!”

These words, spoken by my mother throughout my life, helped to comfort me in times of crisis, whether the crisis was a skinned knee, a stalled car, a sick child or even divorce.

Now that she is gone, these are the words I tell mysel. They are words that have helped me with some of my toughest challenges.

They are also the words that truly reflect how she lived her life.

You’ve been an inspiration, Mom, and so I write you this letter.

Dear Mother, I want to thank you for so many things.

First, for giving the word “mother” a whole new meaning. Though, in fact, you DID fit the typical image of a sweet, little old lady(after all, you were litLucille Katelman tle: standing barely 5’ tall and weighing about 105 pounds; you were old: living to be 99 years and 8 months, and, as it turned out, you were sweet), but as my sister Franki and I were growing up, we would have described you more as “a force to be reckoned with.”

You were a “take-charge” kind of mom. You were bold and you were vibrant, and you stood out in a crowd. You said what you meant and you meant what you said. And you said a lot! Never one to hold back your opinions, on anything.

You had such a flair for the dramatic, you could have been an actress. And, as an actress has her props, you too had a fortress of weapons at your command, including yelling, crying, wringing your hands, bribing and/or threatening.

Whatever it took to keep us in line. If one method didn’t work, you were on to the next.

And it usually worked, especially when we were young.

Whether you were chasing us around the dining room table to make us take our medicine, following me to school to make sure I kept my much-hated “galoshes” on, or trying to get us to do any number of things that we fought against, we learned early on that it was futile to resist. Once you made up your mind about something, you dug in your heels and stood your ground.

Let’s be honest, Mom, you were often hard to deal with. I have to admit there were times I resented you and wished you were more like some of my friends’ moms…more subdued, more laid back and more easily manipulated.

But now that I’m a mother, I understand. I know that your extreme protectiveness sprang from your love for us, and from your fierce determination to keep us healthy and safe.

You were like a mother bear with her cubs, ready to do anything you had to do to protect us.

So thank you, Mom. You showed me what being a mother truly means. I may not have followed all your methods, but I followed your example of how to love and protect my children.

I also thank you, Mom, for the many persuasive phrases you used to teach me valuable lessons. For example, I learned that doing certain things, like crossing a busy intersection during rush hour traffic, was “physically impossible,” and that I would “be a goner” if I tried to do something you felt was the least bit risky.

You seemed to have an unlimited supply of these phrases, which were diverse enough to cover any situation and which you expressed in your own dramatic style, often with your

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hand to your heart for added emphasis: When I was caught red-handed in some transgression: “The jig is up!”

“I’m floored!”

“I don’t believe it!”

“How could you do this to me?”

“The brass bound nerve of you!”

When I asked permission to do something you didn’t approve of: “I wouldn’t dream of it!”

“It’s physically impossible to...”(fill in the blank with just about anything).

When I didn’t ask permission but was about to do something anyway: “You’ll be a goner!”

“I’ll wash my hands of you!”

“I’ll mop the floor with you!”

“You’ll rue the day!”

When I complained about... (fill in blank): “You always cry with a loaf of bread under your arm!”

Whenever someone mentioned a future event (So it Wouldn’t be Jinxed): “If all is well!”

We quote your sayings often, Mom, which really livens up our conversations to each other and keeps your spirit very much alive.

Of all the phrases I heard as a child, however, the one that really stands out to me as an adult is, “That should be the worst thing that ever happens to you!” because it’s how you lived your life. You accepted whatever circumstance you found yourself in, never complaining, and understood that no matter how bad things were, they could always be worse.

You not only taught me how to face life, but even, as you neared the end of yours, how to face death. Like everything else, you faced it with acceptance, courage, and even humor.

Even having major surgery at age 99 didn’t seem to dim your spirit. When the doctor came out following surgery, he was chuckling and sort of shaking his head. “Your mom did fine,” he said, “Just before she went under, she looked up at me and said, “Give it your best shot, Doc.” He said he knew right then that you were a fighter, and that you would survive.

Your sense of humor was evident even in that same stressful situation when Franki and I went in to see you right before your surgery. As we entered the room, you immediately joked, “I’ll bet you’ve come to see the baby!”

You lived another five months following surgery, and though you didn’t seem to be in pain, we all knew you were declining. But you still insisted on getting up and dressed every day, waiting for our visits. Even four days before you died, you were able to enjoy one last Sunday morning breakfast with us. You loved your Sundays more than anything, when you were surrounded by your family.

You died on a Thursday, so I thought it was appropriate that your funeral was the following Sunday... because once again, you brought us all together. I know you would have loved that, just as you would have loved hearing us quote some of your sayings in our eulogies that day.

As I recited my favorite, “That should be the worst thing that ever happens to you,” I could hear your voice saying it to me. I can hear you say it even now, even about your own death, because I know you wouldn’t want me to grieve too much or too long.

Thanks, Mom, for all the gifts you have given me, and for putting things into perspective once again. As much as I miss you, and as much as I grieve for you, I’m also grateful.

I am grateful that you were my mom, and that I had you for so long. All that you were lives on in me, and in my children and grandchildren, and ‘If all is well,’ will continue.

Friedel students shine at Speech Contest The Modern Woodmen of America district speech contest was held on Monday, April 20. Danny Denenberg and Becca Denenberg, the top finishers in the Friedel Jewish Academy school speech contest, competed. Pictured: Danny with his first place district trophy, Becca with her third place district trophy, and Mrs. Denise Bennett, Friedel’s 5th and 6th grade teacher, holding the school trophy recognizing the first place district prize. Danny and Becca will compete in the state competition this summer, where Danny will defend the first place state title.

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JUNIOR VOLUNTEER SUMMER PROGRAM The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is currently seeking junior volunteers (ages 12 and up) to assist with summer activities and services at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home! This is a wonderful opportunity to meet teens from other area schools, enjoy friendly interactions with Residents, and earn service hours in a Jewish environment committed to caring, compassion and customer service. Last year’s participants made new friends and gained valuable experiences they are now applying in school and the workplace.

If you’re interesting in becoming a Junior Volunteer, please contact Linda Cogen, Volunteer Coordinator, at 402-334-6519 or lcogen@ rbjh.com. Linda will guide you through the application process, which will include an interview, training, and an orientation session.

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10 | The Jewish Press | May 1, 2015

Who are the Republican candidates’ Jewish donors?

by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Election Day is 19 months away, but the campaign already has begun. Aside from Democrat Hillary Clinton, three Republican candidates with reasonable chances at the nomination have declared and several others are on the cusp.

day or so because rockets had struck near the airport. Cruz said no such order was in place for Ukraine, although a missile had downed a plane there (in fact, there was such an order).

Cruz also has sought to distance himself from neoconservative hawks, arguing that his model is President Ronald

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From left: Former Gov. Jeb Bush, Credit: Mark Wilson/ Getty Images; Sen. Ted Cruz, Credit: Darren McCollester/Getty Images; Sen. Rand Paul, Credit: Gage Skidmore; Sen. Marco Rubio, Credit: Darren McCollester/Getty Images; and Gov. Scott Walker, Credit: Darren Hauck/Getty Images.

The Republican Party says it’s been making inroads with Jewish voters, who traditionally have favored Democrats by 2-to-1 margins.

Here’s a rundown of the views of three declared Republican candidates -- and two likely candidates -- on issues of Jewish interest, and their connections to the community.

Former Florida GOV. JEB BUSH Age: 62 Campaign status: Likely candidate His Jews: Bush has been able to tap into a broad network of fundraisers who were loyal to the presidencies of his brother George W. and his father, George H.W. Among the former are Mel Sembler, a shopping mall magnate in Florida who backed Bush during his gubernatorial runs. In New York, equity billionaire Henry Kravis hosted a lucrative evening for Bush in February.

Bush also has Jewish George W. Bush Cabinet members on his foreign policy team, including Michael Chertoff, the former Homeland Security secretary, and Michael Mukasey, the ex-attorney general who has been notable in his postBush career for his strident criticism of what he depicts as the spread of radical Islam. More controversially, Bush takes advice from his father’s secretary of state, James Baker, who angered conservatives last month when he delivered a speech critical of Netanyahu at J Street’s annual conference.

Bush has distanced himself from the speech, although not enough to please Adelson, who reportedly was “incensed”

by Baker’s speech.

Bush’s rivalry with his one-time protege Rubio and his closeness to Baker have put him in an odd position: He has the enthusiastic backing of some prominent Jewish GOP backers, like Sembler and Kravis, while others, like Adelson and Rubio’s backer Braman are lining up to keep him from winning the GOP nod.

His views: Bush has been critical of how Obama has handled nuclear talks with Iran, blaming him for allowing differences with Israel over the talks to spill out into the open.

He has visited Israel five times.

On immigration, Bush, who speaks fluent Spanish and whose wife, Columba, was born in Mexico, has been perhaps the most outspoken about embracing immigration reform and a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. He has made a point of forcefully making the case even in front of those groups most likely to oppose such reforms.

SEN. TED CRUZ, R-Texas Age: 44 Campaign status: Declared candidate His Jews: Last year, Cruz tapped Nicolas Muzin, a soft-spoken Orthodox Jew from South Carolina, as an adviser. Muzin is credited with helping catapult Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., the first black senator elected from the South since the 19th century, to a national career. Muzin has introduced Cruz to Orthodox Jewish funders, including telecommunications and energy magnate Howard Jonas, and staged events for him in fancy kosher eateries like Abigael’s on Broadway.

His views: Cruz talks a hard line on Israel, aligning himself with some of the Obama administration’s harshest critics. After Rabbi Shmuley Boteach advertised an upcoming panel discussion on Obama’s Iran policy in March with an ad that seemed to link National Security Adviser Susan Rice to the genocide in Rwanda, one of the featured speakers, Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., dropped out, saying Boteach had crossed a line. Cruz, also a featured speaker, stayed in.

Cruz likes to ask the administration tough questions on Israel. He accused the Obama administration of playing politics with the Federal Aviation Authority during last year’s Gaza War, when the FAA stopped flights to Tel Aviv for a

Reagan, who Cruz said favored clearly defined objectives in any military action and opposed nation building.

Cruz shares with Rubio a biography of being born to Cuban refugees from the Castro regime. Unlike Rubio, he has maintained a consistently tough line on immigration, advocating blocking Obama judicial nominees until the president retreats on executive orders that have cleared a path to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants.

SEN. RAND PAUL, R-Ky. Age: 52 Campaign status: Declared candidate His Jews: Paul has cultivated Richard Roberts, an Orthodox Jew and major New Jersey philanthropist. In 2013, Roberts helped fund a tour of Israel for Paul and evangelical Christians. A year ago he led Paul on a tour of Lakewood, New Jersey’s sprawling Orthodox yeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha, which Roberts supports. Roberts has suggested, however, that he favors Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who has yet to formally declare his candidacy.

Paul also shares with Netanyahu a digital consultant, Harris Media in Austin, Texas. Vincent Harris, the firm’s CEO, led digital strategy in Netanyahu’s recent reelection campaign and is now chief digital strategist to Paul’s campaign.

His views: Paul’s father is the former Rep. Ron Paul, a Texas Republican who ran several times for president on a libertarian platform that included cutting off aid to Israel.

The elder Paul also was notorious for his broadsides against the pro-Israel community, and newsletters published under his name veered into anti-Semitism, although he has denied authoring the content.

When Rand Paul ran for Senate in 2010, he would not return calls from Kentucky Jewish leaders asking for a meeting. At first, Paul seemed to mirror his father’s positions, telling CNN in an interview that he would include Israel in his pledge to cut off all foreign assistance.

Since then, Paul has been more open to Jewish outreach and has visited Israel. Republican Jews like to say his views on the country have “evolved”; he still counsels cuts in foreign assistance, but adds that these should be prioritized, with countries he deems hostile to U.S. interests first on the list.

Paul counts Israel as a close U.S. ally, and the sole focus of the Israel page on his campaign website is his bill to cut assistance to the Palestinian Authority precisely because of its perilous relations with Israel. (The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, notably, does not support the bill.) Pro-Israel groups remain wary of Paul in part because he is one of two Republicans in the Senate who will not back bills seeking greater congressional involvement in the Iran nuclear talks -- the other is Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona.

Paul is a relative moderate in his party on immigration, favoring legal status short of citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

“People who seek the American dream are not bad people,” he said a year ago.

SEN. MARCO RUBIO, R-Fla. Age: 43 Campaign status: Declared candidate His Jews: A principal backer is Norman Braman, a car dealership magnate who moved to Florida in 1994 after selling his stake in the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. A past president of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Braman has been close with Rubio since his meteoric rise through the Florida Legislature. Braman accompanied Rubio to Israel in 2010, just after his election to the U.S. Senate. Rubio’s ties to the broader Jewish community also extend back to his career in the Florida state legislature, and communal professionals credit him with being accessible.

Continued on page 11

May 1, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 11

Portugal’s oldest standing shul reopened on remote island

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Dozens of Portuguese Jews were set to convene on an island in the Atlantic Ocean for the rededication of the country’s oldest intact synagogue. The rededication ceremony at the Sahar Hassamain synagogue on Sao Miguel, located 900 miles west of Lisbon, follows renovations that began last year. according to Jose Oulman Carp, president of the Jewish Community of Lisbon.

“The renovation has been completed in a very thorough and professional manner with a lot of help from the United States, from descendants of the big community of Jews from the Azores archipelago there,” according to Jose Oulman Carp.

Among the representatives of the American contingent at the inauguration in Ponta Delgada, the island’s capital, was Gideon Gradman, president of the Azorean-Jewish Heritage Foundation, which has several members from Massachusetts. Michael Rodrigues, a Massachusetts state senator, was scheduled to attend.

Sahar Hassamain, which was founded in the early 19th century, is Portugal’s oldest standing synagogue, according to the Jewish

Heritage Europe website.

The building -- a small space with a residential design and two patios -- was restored to function as an Orthodox synagogue. But Sao Miguel has only one Jew living there, George Delmar, and part of the building’s space will function as a museum and library of Jewish scripture, Oulman Carp said.

“It will encourage Jewish tourism to the Azores and facilitate matters for Jews who want to observe Shabbat,” he added.

Delmar kept the key to the synagogue, which he gave to the municipality when it began repairing the building.

Lisbon’s Jewish community, which owns the property, has leased it to the municipality for 99 years.

Interest in restoring the synagogue peaked after the publication in 2009 of a book about it by historian Jose de Almeida Mello. The author also proposed a renovation scheme for the synagogue, which last served as a place of worship 50 years ago and had fallen into severe disrepair.

Republican candidates’ Jewish donors?

Continued from page 10 His views: Rubio has blasted President Barack Obama on Israel, saying in his April 13 campaign launch that the administration bears “hostility” toward Israel.

When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded recognition of Israel as part of a final Iran nuclear deal, Rubio was quick to propose the demand as an amendment to a bill requiring congressional review of any Iran deal.

The drama that followed Rubio’s proposal, which the Obama administration declared a poison pill, is illustrative of Rubio’s tendency to move between extreme to moderate positions. He withdrew the amendment on April 14, the day the Senate Foreign Relations Committee considered the broader bill, which ultimately passed unanimously.

Similar back-and-forth characterizes his

immigration record. Rubio helped shepherd comprehensive immigration reform through the Senate in 2013, but after it failed in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rubio retreated to more hawkish positions popular with the Republican base, including tougher border security. He says the reform bill he once embraced was the right way to go at the time, but now says political realities dictate a piecemeal approach.

GOV. SCOTT WALKER, Wisconsin Age: 47 Campaign status: Likely candidate His Jews: Walker has yet to declare, but if and when he does, the New Jerseyan Roberts would appear to be in his camp.

Walker has also been backed in his gubernatorial runs by Sheldon Adelson, the casino magnate and Republican Jewish kingmaker. A Hanukkah greeting last year to a

Jewish constituent was infamously signed “Molotov” -- he meant “Mazel tov.”

His views: Walker has earned his conservative chops principally on the basis of his record as a governor facing down unions in a liberal state. He now wants to burnish his foreign policy credentials and traveled to London in February, but got demerits for dodging foreign policy questions. He says he wants to travel to Israel soon. His criticisms of how Obama has handled the Israel relationship and the Iran nuclear talks have been pointed in their language but vague in particulars.

On immigration, Walker has backed reforms that include a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, but more recently his focus has been on seeking to dismantle Obama’s executive orders that would provide such a path.

Congratulate A $81 your graduate

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Arts+ Entertainment

Tickets for the JCC’s production of Beauty and the Beast Jr. go on sale May 4.

Get your tickets now, and don’t miss out on this fabulous show! All performances will be held in the JCC Theater. They are scheduled for Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 31 at 2 and 5 p.m.

Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m., with patron ticket options available. To purchase, call Laura Wine at 402.334.6419, come to the Ticket Table set up in the Theater lobby from 9-10 a.m. on May 4, or visit the Cultural Arts office. General Admission Tickets are $5.

Patron Tickets: The amount beyond the ticket price is a tax deductible donation.

• Actor: $100 includes 2 tickets, reserved seating and your name in the program • Director: $150 includes 4 tickets, reserved seating and your name in the program.

• Producer: $200 includes 6 tickets, reserved seating & your name in the program.

For more information, call Esther Katz at 402.334.6406.

This program was made possible by a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Fund: The Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund.

Mazal Tov, Aaron!

We are so proud of your achievements – membership in NHS, varsity letter in tennis and a Merit Award from the Band.

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We are so proud of your achievements – membership in NHS, varsity letter in tennis and a Merit Award from B.E.S.T.T. Love, Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters and grandparents

12 | The Jewish Press | May 1, 2015

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Get ready for Omaha Gives!

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor When in 2013, the Omaha Community Foundation’s citywide Omaha Gives! campaign made its debut, the response was enthusiastic and immediate. Countless organizations participated, the people of Omaha answered the call, and the results were phenomenal. This year marks the third time familiar organizations are participating, including (but not limited to) the Jewish Federation of Omaha, the AntiDefamation League, Chabad, Beth Israel Synagogue, Beth El Synagogue, Temple Israel, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, the Institute for Holocaust Education, Friedel Jewish Academy and the National Council of Jewish Women.* Over 700 non-profits have registered so far for this year’s event.

There are some exciting changes this year for the organizers of Omaha Gives! Omaha Steaks’ “Steaks for Good” initiative sponsors hourly drawings, and will match funds up to $24,000 through $1,000 random donations. Although one day (May 20) is set aside for this initiative, donors can get started early and schedule donations as early as May 1st.

The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation has also made arrangements to assist community members who wish to give directly from their donor advised funds, and special “donation stations” will be set up around our campus on May 20.

Here’s how it works: schedule your donation any time starting May 1st or during the event on May 20. The minimum amount is $10, so you can give to all your favorite non-

profits; you don’t have to limit yourself to just one. Nonprofits win bonus dollars for drumming up the most support; hourly drawings and prizes make things even more exciting. In 2014, more than 18,000 people raised $6.3 million for a total of 569 local non-profits in just one day.

My family and I have participated since the beginning, and we’re looking forward to doing so again. It’s cool to be part of something the entire city is participating in, and it’s easy to get the kids involved. There are so many reasons why we give, and we want to pass those reasons, as well as our habits, on to Isabella and Mendel.

They are 13 and 10, and it is becoming clear they are growing into short adults. They have their own opinions, they cultivate their own likes and dislikes and it is not always up to us as parents to decide what is important. More and more, they have their own priorities. The benefit of Omaha Gives! is in the vast number of organizations one can give to.

It allows us to put our foot down, and tell our kids they must give, but where their money goes is up to them. We teach

them a parenting lesson, but with that lesson comes the autonomy of choosing. It forces them to answer the question: what do I care about? What is meaningful to me? How can I contribute to the world I live in? These are questions we all have to ask ourselves eventually; the kids may as well start young.

They also watch as my husband and I give to different causes on May 20. Sure, we have some overlap, but we also have differences when it comes to giving. That’s okay, because what we really try to teach our children is the underlying notion that, when confronted with a need, we must answer—regardless of what that need is or where it lives. Since the minimum donation is only $10, we can afford to have them be a part of this, and pick more than one cause.

So on May 20, our family will be visiting the Omaha Gives! website, making our donations, and checking back often to see if “our” non-profits are winning any prizes. We’ll discuss in detail who gives where and why. We’ll frantically make one last donation at 11:55 when we realize we forgot something, and we’ll do all this in the knowledge that thousands across Omaha are doing it with us. It’s nice to be part of something and I hope many of you will be there with us. Get online and schedule your donation now, or do it on May 20th; visit one of the many events across the city, or come to the Jewish Community Center and make your online donation there.

Get up, and get involved. Trust me on this: it feels great! * As of this writing; many more may be added before our paper is delivered, so check online often at www.omahagives24.org to find out more information.

The heart and soul of Jewish Omaha

by STEVE LEVINGER JFO, Senior Development Director Now that I have been serving our community for about five months as Senior Director of Development, I have a much better sense of the great work being done by our agencies and the value of their services and programming to so many Jews in need, both in Omaha and throughout the world.

I am also, however, continually gathering information from members of our community to determine just what Jewish Federation of Omaha should represent. How can we better meet our mission? What is our purpose, and what should be our purpose? I, personally, have met with rabbis, consumed gallons of Starbucks at “coffee meetings”, met over many lunches, gone on a four-mile run to engage a constituent, had discussions on adjacent elliptical machines in the Sokolof Fitness Center, and have even had some chats in the Men’s Health Spa steam room (don’t ask!).

A theme I often hear is that JFO should be at the “center” of Jewish Omaha (both literally and figuratively)... the heart and soul of Jewish Omaha. We should convey the spirit of community and kindle a sense of solidarity. But what does that look like? How do we accomplish this? Our aim is to build and sustain a vibrant Jewish Community, and an effective way of doing that is to provide opportunities for engagement. To that end, I have frequently heard the question, “How can I get more involved in Jewish Omaha?”

Perhaps a productive framework to explore this question of engagement and involvement is to use the Time, Talent, and Treasure model that permeates religious, philanthropic, and corporate circles, Time: In addition to the many volunteer opportunities which exist at our synagogues and throughout the general

(Founded in 1920) Andrew Ruback President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Jessie Wees Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Thierry Ndjike Bookkeeper

Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President-Elect; Scott Farkas, Sandy Friedman, Paul Gerber, Debbie Kricsfeld, David Kotok, Paul Rabinovitz, and Nancy Wolf.

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: www jewishoma ha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Omaha community, there are always needs around our Federation campus for you to invest in and share your precious time. Perhaps you like to garden. No time like the present to help Friedel, Kidz Inn, and the JCC summer campers tend to our community garden. Are you into physical fitness? We are always interested in adult volunteers to assist our Yachad members enjoy their yoga and Zumba classes.

Maybe you would like to involve your entire family in a project. Jewish Family Service would welcome your support during Project Dreidel, whether it be shopping for Chanukah presents or actually delivering the gifts to families in need. Certainly, there are also ample opportunities to engage with residents at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

Just give any of us a call, share your areas of interests, and I assure you we can meet your needs.

Talent: At last count, there are over 40 Boards and Committees which support and provide governance, oversight, and strategic direction to our Federation agencies. It really is a simple concept. We operate more efficiently, to the betterment of our community, by leveraging your personal skill sets and expertise gained through your corporate and professional experiences. Interestingly, our age range is wide open, as well. As an example, a younger member of our Jewish Community may have deep skills in IT and Social Media which could benefit many of our agencies. Certainly, we will reach out to many of you with ideas of how you can partner with us. I’d like to maintain a two-way street, though. If you have, or you know of someone with talents that are “shareable”... please let us know.

Treasure: Jewish Omaha is widely known as an extremely philanthropic community. We have just wrapped up another successful annual campaign, allowing us to continue to feed the hungry, fight anti-Semitism, provide summer

camp and Child Development Center Scholarships, educate our community on living Jewishly, investing in Israel, and caring for those in need.

Breaking News!! We will also be asking many of you to share your “time and talents” by helping us during the 2016 campaign. Trust me... we’ll all have fun! We’re already putting the details together for this fall’s kickoff.

One more appeal... you may have heard the buzz around Omaha Gives! This is the 24-hour charitable challenge organized by the Omaha Community Foundation. Many of Omaha’s Jewish organizations are participating in this May 20th event, along with hundreds of other community nonprofits. Look for details online, in the Jewish Press, around our campus, and on social media sites. Please consider including us in your Omaha Gives! plans; spread the word by letting your friends in and out of Omaha know why it is so important to support the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its agencies; and cheer on our progress by watching the real time leader board at www.Omahagives24.org.

We are very fortunate to live as Jews in Omaha, NE. We have incredible resources, whether it be financial, talent, or facilities. Our city provides us with unique amenities, a relatively low cost of living, and a high quality of life. Having said that, we know we can improve on so many levels. We know we can connect with you more effectively and consistently and will strive to do so. We have many new ideas and opportunities for engagement that will be deployed over the next several months. At the end of the day, though, we are still very open to hearing what you have to say and welcome your input. What do you want from your “center” of Jewish Omaha? To borrow a line from Tom Cruise/Jerry McGuire...

“Help us, Help you...!”

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.

The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

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material and photos to: avandekamp @jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jew ishomaha.org.

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sonal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de KampWright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450.

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May 1, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 13

Want to stop Iran’s nukes? Use less oil

by EDWIN BLACK WASHINGTON (JTA) -- With the conclusion of a framework agreement over Iran’s nuclear agreement last week, many remain profoundly unsure whether the deal will successfully prevent Tehran’s acquisition of a nuclear weapon.

Under the terms of the agreement, much of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure will remain in place. Its Shahab-3 missiles are still capable of reaching Tel Aviv. And its capacity to produce enriched uranium, while diminished, would not be erased.

The diplomats negotiating with Iran are understandably focused on two key fuels, uranium and plutonium, but they ignore the one ancient fuel driving the entire process: oil.

Petrodollars have been financing Iran’s nuclear program for almost two decades. The world powers negotiating with Iran are struggling to establish a robust monitoring system to ensure that Iran cannot break out to build a bomb, but the average person can help slow the centrifuges simply by reducing their household and commercial demand for oil.

Even though Iranian oil has been proscribed by international sanctions, all oil is fungible. When oil consumption is measurably reduced in America and elsewhere, it lowers the value of oil in global markets. That cheapens the value of Iran’s oil, the financial furnace of its nuclear program.

According to data compiled by Bloomberg, Iran needs oil to sell at approximately $143 per barrel to maintain its social, governmental and military programs. But the global glut, combined with the recession and some conservation, have driven recent prices into the high $40s and $50s per

barrel. This means that even if sanctions are relaxed, Iran will still be hurting at the pump and in the bank.

Iran has been storing its unsellable surplus in 13 supertankers parked in the Persian Gulf, Bloomberg reported.

Each tanker can carry about two million barrels, and esti-

mates based on the depth of their hulls suggest the ships are laden with crude. These ships have floated like seaborne warehouses for more than a year, and many suggest more than two years. In the meantime, Iran has cut its output from a pre-sanctions 2012 level of 2.5 million per day to just over one million today.

Oil impoverishment is the only reason Iran is now negotiating on its uranium enrichment. The two are linked.

In any international accord, it would take Iran some time to recover from its oil glut, especially with millions of barrels at sea waiting for customers. The floating oil reserves would

Thinking beyond March of the Living

by JESSICA LANG It’s not a comfortable place to be. Learning to live with NEW YORK (JTA) -- The evening before we visited ambivalence is a hard lesson for undergraduates, but an Auschwitz, over pizza with a group of young people in essential one. After we returned home, one student Oswiecim, the town on whose outskirts lies that infamous approached me about the final paper he was struggling to symbol, one of my students approached me with tears in her eyes.

Tears are hardly uncommon to visitors of sites of mass death. But for this student -- a participant in a weeklong trip to Auschwitz undertaken as part of a course on Holocaust history and literature that I teach at Baruch College in New York City -- the trip marked her first time on a plane, her first time in a foreign country, and her first time experiencing an academic setting that didn’t involve a laptop and a classroom located at a busy Manhattan intersection.

Unable or unwilling to bridge these two worlds -- a crossing of time and space that seven decades after the war’s end enables a group of American students to casually dine with European counterparts at the edge of history’s most notorious killing center -- she felt lost, detached from all that was familiar and Marching on April 16, 2015, are U.K. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, unsure of what lay ahead. left; Austrian Minister of Education and Women's Affairs Gabriele Students on our trip were a diverse group, selfHeinisch-Hosek; Austrian Jewish Community President Oskar identifying as Latina, Jamaican, Polish, Israeli, Deutsch; Tel Aviv Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau; Rabbi Moshe Lau; Moroccan, Mexican and American, among others.

Rabbi Yohannan Fried.

By day we toured sites essential to a historical underCredit: Yossi Zeliger/March of the Living standing of the Holocaust. In the evening we discussed readings connected to the places we had visited. Some students shared their own journals, which joined Primo Levi and Ruth Kluger as texts for analysis and reflection.

The great advantage of looking at the Holocaust in this way is that it eliminates the notion that this history belongs more to one person than another. This democratic take on the Holocaust makes the experience meaningful, even transformative, for everyone.

Typical Jewish teen tours hold themselves to a poorer standard. Confined to Jewish youth, the trips eliminate the diversity of voices essential to ensure that the imperative of remembrance is broadly observed. Aimed principally at Jewish identity building through the Holocaust, they offer a limited rendering of history, narrow in reach.

Teens at the March of the Living on April 16, 2015.

Trips like the March of the Living, which completCredit: Yossi Zeliger/March of the Living ed its 27th iteration in Budapest on Sunday, fail the objective of Holocaust remembrance itself through sheer write. The sheer enormity of our trip was proving paralytic. simplification, making the genocide of European Jewry a He felt powerless trying to confine his thoughts and analysis subject to be explored among friends rather than the pro- in a tidy little paper -- a reaction that in itself might be the found wrestling with history and its consequences that it most important lesson learned. could be. As a former participant in the march, I find its It may never be possible to fully imagine or understand goals around Israel and Jewish identity laudable. But the this history, and doing so surely grows more elusive with very fact that it even has such goals makes it doctrinaire by time. But by actively studying, analyzing, visiting, speaking nature rather than inquiring. and thinking about the Holocaust, by refusing to make a trip In a diverse intellectual environment like our trip, it is the to Auschwitz easy or comfortable by fully embracing the questions, not the answers, that define the approach. And by intellectual challenge it presents, may be the best way to sharing the richness of their own varied backgrounds and remember. perspectives, my students discovered that the unavailability Jessica Lang is an associate professor of English at of easy answers to the questions posed by the Holocaust is Baruch College and the Newman director of the college’s important -- essential even -- to their learning.

Wasserman Jewish Studies Center.

likely be sold first.

Consumers and businesses can make that recovery more difficult without buying an electric car, peddling a bicycle to work or canceling a road trip. Transportation accounts for roughly two-thirds of U.S. petroleum imports. Most gasoline today contains 10 percent ethanol, an alcohol fuel derived from corn and other crops. The recent Hollywood documentary Pump, in which I made a brief appearance along with numerous other oil addiction experts, revealed that most modern motor vehicles can accept E-85 -- that is, up to 85 percent ethanol with a simple software update, and in some cases a single click, automotive engineers explain.

Even more compelling, Pump demonstrates how more than nine million American flex-fuel automobiles, the ones with a yellow gas cap, are already built to accept E-85. This one software update could drastically cut American oil consumption if ethanol supply rose commensurately.

The engineers in the Pump documentary demonstrated that the software update process takes only a few minutes. If government and commercial fleet managers, as well as ordinary consumers, see how easy it is to switch, America could be swept by a sea-change reduction in our dependence on foreign oil. Regardless of what the nuclear negotiators and inspectors do, average people could help permanently drive the outcome.

Edwin Black is the author of IBM and the Holocaust, a New York Times best-seller, along with several books on the oil industry.

How Sabra hummus conquered America

by URIEL HEILMAN (JTA) -- A couple of decades ago, almost no one in America ate hummus. It was hard to find, the chickpea pastes labeled as hummus were pretty lousy and no one could pronounce the food correctly.

Many Americans still can’t pronounce hummus, but now it’s available at nearly every supermarket in the country – not to mention at airports, NFL stadiums and in large tubs at Costco.

Cases of Sabra Classic Hummus are viewed on the shelf of a grocery store, April 9, 2015 in New York City.

Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images Much of America’s hummus explosion can be traced to one company, Sabra, which was in the news recently after an outbreak of listeria in Sabra hummus prompted a major recall. Its rival Tribe has also gotten a fair amount of attention.

Just how did an Israeli-founded hummus company conquer America? For one thing, it was bought by food giant PepsiCo. It also did a lot of sampling events, TV advertising and partnerships.

Of course, as any self-respecting Israeli will tell you, mass-produced hummus can’t hold a candle to the real thing: freshly made hummus that has never seen the refrigerator.

If you’re looking for the real thing in America, try Hummus Place or Hummus Kitchen, both of which have multiple outlets in New York.

To submit announcements: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

Readers can also submit announcements -- births, b’nai mitzvahs, engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m.

14 | The Jewish Press | May 1, 2015

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 |712.322.4705 email: BnaiIsraelCouncilBluffs@gmail.com Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on May 8, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Maggie Conti, Director of Activities at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home on How my high school years at Council Bluffs St. Albert led to a career in Jewish Omaha. Oneg to follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

Larry Blass will officiate at all of the Speaker Series Services.

For information on our historic synagogue, please contact any of our board members: Mark Eveloff, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf.

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

FRIDAY: BESTT Shabbaton for Grades 3-7; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.; Got Shabbat/Family Shabbat Services (Grades K-2), 6 p.m. followed by dinner.

SATURDAY: BESTT Shabbaton for Grades 3-7; Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Mini Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:15 p.m.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: BESTT Shabbaton for Grades 3-7; BESTT Classes for Grades K-2 only, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; Torah Tots, 10:15 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; Hebrew High Dinner and Discussion with Food Bank, 6 p.m.; Hebrew High School, Tikkun Olam Project, 7-8:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Cantor’s Concert -- Divas on the Bima, 7 p.m. followed by reception.

Shabbat Services/Have a Cup of Coffee with God, Saturday, May 9, 9:30 a.m.

Shabbat’s Cool (for Grades K-7), Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. followed by lunch.

Women’s Book Club Meeting, Wednesday, May 13, 7 p.m., at the home of Debi Kutler.

All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.orthodoxomaha.org Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv/Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 7:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:08 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Midrash, 9:45 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Scholar’s Club for Boys, 3:30 p.m.; Teen Class, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY: Wrestling with Rashi Class, 8 p.m. with Rabbi Weiss.

THURSDAY: Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Med Center Chaburah, 1 p.m.; Scholar’s Club for Girls, 3:30 p.m.; Avot UBanim-Parent Child Learning, 7 p.m.; Jews and Brews Class, 8:30 p.m. at the Shtrobach home.

org or call him at 402.513.7697, or stop by the Temple between 10 a.m. and noon on Sundays when religious school is in session.

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

CHABAD HOUSE

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

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

FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

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

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

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

All programs are open to the entire community.

323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Service, 9:15 a.m. led by Steve Riekes.

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

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis.

FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 5:45 p.m. with Jennifer Rosenblatt at Tifereth Israel; Shab-ba-bat family dinner and service, 6 p.m.; Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan - Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Teachers Meeting, 12:15 a.m. at Tifereth Israel.

WEDNESDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

THURSDAY: Anniversary Planning Committee, 5:30 p.m.

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY: Intro to Judaism, 6:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Lewis.

THURSDAY: Beginning Hebrew, 6 p.m.

President’s Office Hours, Sunday Mornings, 10 a.m.–noon at SST. If you have any Temple business, programs, or new ideas you would like to discuss with Temple president David Weisser, please email him at president@southstreettemple.

Nepal aftershocks delay IDF emergency aid mission

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- An Israel Defense Forces emergency aid mission to Nepal was delayed after a runway in the capital city of Kathmandu was damaged by aftershocks.

Two jumbo jets containing a search-and-rescue team and a fully equipped field hospital were scheduled to take off on Monday morning after being delayed 12 hours in order to monitor changing conditions on the ground and the condition of the runway, the Times of Israel reported.

The flights, containing some 260 personnel, were pushed back to Sunday evening from a scheduled morning departure due to bad weather at the landing site.

A separate, private mission organized by three Israeli emergency response organizations -- United Hatzalah, Zaka and First Israel -- left Tel Aviv for Nepal on Sunday afternoon and aims to stay two to three weeks. Along with search-and-rescue operations, the mission will provide basic medical care to far-flung villages near the quake’s epicenter whose health clinics are either destroyed or saturated with wounded.

Magen David Adom sent a plane with medical supplies and baby formula on Sunday morning and has plans to send a delegation. IsraAid, which has sent aid missions to 28 countries, is also sending a delegation.

In the hours after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake ripped

Candlelighting Friday, May 1, 8:03 p.m.

through the region on Saturday morning, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee began collecting emergency funds for relief efforts.

As of Sunday afternoon, some 150 Israelis remained unaccounted for, Ynet reported.

Hundreds of Israeli backpackers and tourist have taken refuge in the Chabad center in Kathmandu, according to Chabad.org. Some were given emergency medical treatment there and later moved to the Israeli Embassy. Chabad emissaries and volunteers also provided food to the stranded tourists, and worked to help locate the missing. The Chabad house was slightly damaged in the earthquake.

Nepal is a popular destination for young Israelis taking a break after completing their army service.

The death toll in Nepal rose to 3,800 as of Monday morning; there were at least 6o more deaths in India. Some 7,000 people were confirmed injured in the earthquake and its aftermath.

Meanwhile, a Jewish Google executive, Dan Fredinburg, was killed in an avalanche triggered on Mount Everest by the earthquake. Fredinburg, the head of privacy for Google X, the company's ideas lab, suffered a major head injury in the avalanche and died, his younger sister Megan reported in a post on his Instagram account. He was 33.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet along with OTYG. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; Haftarah Reader: Miles Remer.

SUNDAY: Beginning Prayer Study, 10 a.m. with Elyce Azriel; Torah Chanting -- We would love to have you chant!, 10 a.m.; Parent/Toddler Program, 10:30 a.m. for children ages 2-3 with Dani Howell. For more information please contact Director of Lifelong Learning Debbie Massarano, dmassarano@templeisraelomaha.com. You can just drop in or you can let Debbie Massarano know you are coming; Non-Jews Raising Jewish Children, 11 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel; Teacher Meeting, noon; Confirmation Rehearsal, noon.

MONDAY: OTYG Board Meeting, 6 p.m. at Abby’s House.

TUESDAY: First Annual Sterling Ridge Drive Poker Tournament: Dinner at 6 p.m., Tournament at 7 p.m. Cost is $50 and includes dinner and tournament. For more information, please contact Program Director Scott Littky, 402.556.6536; WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family Night, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; Confirmation Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.; Al Had’vash v’al Haoketz: The Honey and the Sting – Ari Shavit Wrap Up, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: What Makes a Value Jewish?, 10 a.m. with Debbie Massarano.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 5:45 p.m. with Jennifer Rosenblatt at Tifereth Israel; Shabbat Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush Lunch.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan - Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Haftorah Reading class, 11-11:50 a.m.; LJCS Teachers Meeting, 12:15 a.m. at Tifereth Israel.

WEDNESDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Kylie McCormick will be our guest Lunch and Learn speaker, Saturday, May 9. Her topic will be Jewish Slave Owners in the Confederacy. Kylie is a UNL graduate student who is earning her master's degree in history.

Bar Mitzvah Armon River Seina, son of Tanya and Craig Seina, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 9, at Temple Israel.

Armon is a seventh-grade Honor Roll student at Lewis and Clark Middle School.

His interests include playing guitar, tennis, video games and taking care of foster and rescue dogs.

For his mitzvah project, Armon volunteered at Ted E. Bear Hollow and Nebraska Humane Society.

He has a sister, Isabella.

Grandparents are Maya and Gene Beckerman of Omaha.

Visit us at jewishomaha.org

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May 1, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 15

In memoriam HAROLD ABRAMSON Harold Abramson passed away on April 19 at age 87 in Los Angeles. Services were held there.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Louis Abramson.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria; three children; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He graduated from Omaha North High School in 1945 and from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1950. He served in the Navy Air Force during WWII. He was active in film production in Los Angeles.

Memorials may be made to Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, Radnor Station Building 2, Suite 320, 290 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA 19087 or any cancer fund.

LEON BRAND Leon Brand passed away on April 15 at age 83 in Omaha.

Services were held graveside on April 19 at Golden Hill Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rozalia and Max Brand, his wife, Lila Brand and brother, Henry Brand, all of Israel.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jakub and Batya Brand of Cherry Hill, NJ, and Emil and Rachel Brand of Haifa, Israel; sisters-in-law, Malwina Moses of Columbia, MD and Carmela Brand, of Haifa, Israel; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was born in Jaroslaw, Poland, and spent the war years in Russia. He immigrated to Israel in 1950 where he served in the Israeli Army from 1950-56, then settled in Omaha. He was a top salesman for Micklin Home Improvement for over 35 years.

He was a talented and resourceful man, a self-taught artist, home repair expert, and novice mandolin player. His hobbies included reading and completing crossword puzzles. Most of all he was a devoted caregiver to his late wife and enjoyed time spent with family as well as his many special dogs.

Memorials may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society.

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Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.

GARY A. EPSTEIN, DDS Gary A. Epstein, DDS, passed away April 21 at at age 73 from an aggressive lung cancer. Services were held April 23 in the Chapel at Temple Israel Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Epstein and parents, Morris and Mollie Epstein.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Robyn Belgrade; grandsons: Alex and Zach Belgrade; sister and brother-in-law, Harriet and Dr. Norman Sigel of Fresno, CA.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Frankie and Sandy Kasin; his beloved dogs, Sammy and Grace; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Gary graduated from Central High School in 1960. He attended Creighton University and the Dental School, graduating in 1967. He served in the Army from 1967 – 1969 and returned to Omaha to begin his dental practice. After selling his dental practice, he developed portable dental equipment to serve the elderly in nursing homes. At the time of his diagnosis, he was teaching at Kaplan University. Gary was an avid golfer, loved restoring older cars and built a few model airplanes.

Memorials may be made to the Josie Harper Hospice House or Ted E. Bear Hollow.

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ERWIN MONOVITZ Erwin “Irv” Jerome Monovitz passed away on April 23 at age 87. Services were held April 26 at Beth El Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Sarah Monovitz.

He is survived by his loving wife Mitzie Monovitz; daughters, Shari Wainberg, Judy Handshy, and Lori Kidd; grandchildren: Hannah and Austin Handshy; nephews: Steven, Michael, and David; sister, Beverly Moore.

Memorials may be made to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

Key congressional committees approve anti-BDS amendments

by JTA NEWS STAFF WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Key congressional committees approved amendments to a major trade act that would require U.S. negotiators to discourage trading partners from boycotting Israel or Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

The amendments, authored by Sens. Ben Cardin, D-Md., and Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam, RIll., were unanimously approved April 22 by the Senate Finance Committee and April 23 by the House Ways and Means Committee.

They were attached to this year’s Trade Promotion Authority bill, which helps to shape objectives in trade pact talks between the United States and other countries. The BDS movement supports boycotts, divestment and sanctions targeting Israel.

Specifying the ongoing Transatlantic and Trade and Investment Partnership talks with European nations, the amendment describes as a “principle negotiating objective” to “discourage politically motivated actions to boycott, divest from, or sanction Israel” and to seek the removal of existing barriers to trade with Israel.

It includes in its definition of boycotts those that target “Israel or persons doing business in Israel or in Israeli-controlled territories.”

Including the West Bank could complicate negotiations; the European Union and a number of European countries discourage boycotts of Israel, but also regulate trade with settlements in the West Bank.

“We may not agree with every Israeli policy, but we cannot allow our potential trading partners in the E.U. to fall prey to efforts that threaten Israel’s existence,” Cardin said in a joint

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

statement with Roskam and Portman praising the committees for passing the amendments.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee praised passage of the amendments, which it had made a lobbying priority.

“AIPAC applauds the important steps that Congress has taken this week to defend Israel against pernicious economic efforts by foreign governments that unfairly single out and boycott our ally,” it said.

J Street and Americans for Peace Now decried the amendments. Each group noted its opposition to broader boycotts of Israel but said the language banning restrictions on trade with settlements was counterproductive.

“These efforts by AIPAC and some in Congress will not insulate Israel from pressure over settlements,” Americans for Peace Now said. “Rather, they will only put the U.S., along with Israel, further out of step with virtually the entire international community, including close allies of both the U.S. and Israel who are out of patience with Israeli governments who give lip-service to the two-state solution while forging ahead with actions on the ground that disclose a Greater Israel agenda.”

To Submit obituaries to the Jewish Press: Email to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on Jewish Press and go to Submit Announcements.

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16 | The Jewish Press | May 1, 2015

Recycling toilet water and 4 other Israeli answers to California’s drought

by BEN SALES TEL AVIV (JTA) -- For help facing its worst drought in centuries, California should look to a country that beat its own chronic water shortage: Israel.

Until a few years ago, Israel’s wells seemed like they were always running dry. TV commercials urged Israelis to conserve water.

Newspapers tracked the rise and fall of Lake Kinneret, Israel’s biggest freshwater source.

Religious Israelis gathered to pray for rainfall at the Western Wall during prolonged dry spells.

However, the once perpetual Israeli water shortage appears to be mostly over.

California’s water supply, meanwhile, is at record lows, prompting restrictions on household use and leading farmers to deplete the state’s groundwater reserves. Here are five ways that Californians can benefit from Israel’s know-how.

1. Israeli cities recycle three-quarters of their water.

Israeli farms don’t just use less water than their American counterparts, much of their water is reused. Three-quarters of the water that runs through sinks, showers, washing machines and even toilets in Israeli cities is recycled, treated and sent to crops across the country through specially marked purple tubes. According to the Pacific Institute, California recycles only 13 percent of its municipal wastewater.

Israel also encourages recycling by giving reused water to farmers tax-free.

2. Israel gets much of its water from the Mediterranean Sea. Israelis now have a much bigger water source than Lake Kinneret: the Mediterranean Sea. Four plants on Israel’s coast draw water from the sea, take out the salt, purify the water and send it to the country’s pipes -- a process called desalination.

The biggest of the four plants, opened in 2013, can provide nearly seven million gallons of potable water to Israelis every hour.

When a fifth opens as soon as this year, near the Israeli port city of Ashdod, 75 percent of Israel’s municipal and industrial water will be desalinated, making Israelis far less reliant on the country’s fickle rainfall.

Desalination costs money, uses energy and concerns environmental activists who want to protect California’s coast and the Pacific Ocean. One cubic meter of desalinated water takes just under 4 kilowatt-hours to produce. That’s the equivalent of burning 40 100-watt light bulbs for one hour to produce the equivalent of five bathtubs full of water.

But despite the costs, San Diego County is investing in desalination. IDE Technologies, which operates three of Israel’s four plants, is building another near San Diego, slated to open as soon as November. Once operational, it will provide the San Diego Water Authority, which serves the San Diego area, with 50 million gallons of water per day.

3. Israelis irrigate through pinpricks in hoses, not by flooding.

No innovation has been more important for Israel’s desert farms than drip irrigation.

Most of the world’s farmers water their crops by flooding their fields with sprinklers or hoses, often wasting water as they go. With drip irrigation, a process pioneered in Israel 50 years ago, water seeps directly into the ground through tiny pinpricks in hoses, avoiding water loss through evaporation.

Four-fifths of all water used in California goes to agriculture, and California’s farmers have been draining the state’s groundwater as rain has stopped falling. But as of 2010, less than 40 percent of California’s farms used drip irrigation, according to the Sacramento Bee. Netafim, a leading Israeli drip-irrigation company, says the practice cuts water use by up to half. Netafim spokeswoman Helene Gordon told JTA that 90 percent of Israeli farms use drip irrigation.

4. Israel’s government owns all of the country’s water.

Israel treats water as a scarce national resource. The government controls the country’s entire water supply, charging citizens, factories and farmers for water use.

Residents pay about one cent per gallon, while farmers pay about a quarter of that.

In California, though, many farms drill from private wells on their property, drawing groundwater as rain has thinned. Some have even begun selling water to the state. State regulations to limit groundwater use, signed last year, won’t be formulated until 2020.

“Technology is not good enough,” said Eilon Adar, director of Ben-Gurion University’s Zuckerberg Institute for Water Research. “You have to change some of the regulation. You have to impose more limitations on water. California’s local consumers

have to give up some of their rights.”

Adar and Israeli, however, both noted that adopting Israeli-style regulations in California would be near impossible, as some of California’s water rights holdings are more than a century old.

But government ownership doesn’t solve problems for all of the region’s residents. The Israeli human rights NGO Btselem says the West Bank suffers from a water shortage due to unequal allocation of the state’s water.

According to Btselem, Israelis receive more than twice the amount of water per capita as Palestinians in the West Bank.

5. Water conservation is drilled into Israeli culture.

When an ad appeared on Israeli TV in 2008 showing a woman whose body crumbled to dust because of that year’s water shortage, a parody Facebook group suggested skin lotion. But the ad was just the latest iteration of an Israeli ethos to save water wherever possible.

Kids are taught to turn off faucets and limit shower time. Israelis celebrate rain -- at least at first -- rather than lamenting it. Lake Kinneret’s daily surface level shows up alongside weather reports in the paper.

In 2008, at the height of a decade-long drought, Avraham Israeli, the Israel Water Association president, dried out his lawn and replaced it with a porch to save water.

Israelis’ close attention to rainfall and drought comes from an education and culture that teaches them the importance of every drop. With no end in sight for California’s drought, Adar said Californians would do well to adopt a similar attitude.

“You take an 8-year-old boy, you pump into their head that they have to save water as a scarce national resource,” he said. “In ten years’ time, they’re 18 years old and they get it. It’s in their blood.”

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