May 13, 2016

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Humanitarian of the Year

MAY 13, 2016 | 5 IYAR 5776 | VOL. 96 | NO. 35 | CAnDLeLigHting | FRIDAY, MAY 13, 8:17 P.M.

ADL-CRC brings Rabbi Sandmel to Omaha

MARY-BetH MuSkin Regional Director Anti-Defamation League Rabbi David Sandmel, a scholar of Jewish-Christian relations and interfaith activist, engaged diverse communities in meaningful dialogue during his recent visit to Omaha April 10-12. The rabbi has served as director of interfaith affairs at the Anti-Defamation League since 2014.

Marty’s party Page 3

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Spring BBYO highlights Page 6

Annette VAn De kAMP-WRigHt Editor of the Jewish Press et’s be honest: few people would ever introduce themselves as Humanitarian of the Year. Least of all, this year’s recipient, Bob Belgrade, who says: “Nothing I have ever done, could I have done by myself.”

Bob has had excellent mentors, he says, and they are the ones who have inspired him to roll up his sleeves and help our community wherever he can.

One of those role models is Joanie Bernstein, who has worked with Bob in many capacities:

New reading materials at the Kripke Library Page 12

“I remember when Mary Fellman recruited me for the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Board, and I met Bob there. I asked her why she wasn’t putting him in charge of something, and Mary Fellman told me, Him? He’s just a young whippersnapper.

He’s still wet behind the ears.”

Those days are long gone. Jewish Federation of Omaha CEO Alan Potash says: “Bob’s dedication to the Omaha Jewish community has been and will continue to be monumental. His wealth of experience and leadership in our communal organizations make him a natural mentor and the See Humanitarian of the Year page 2

Volunteers of the Year

inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

SPonSoReD BY tHe BenJAMin AnD AnnA e. WieSMAn FAMiLY enDoWMent FunD

9 10 11

ozzie nogg An anonymous author wrote, “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” These community members, nominated by agencies of the Omaha Jewish Federation, will be honored as Volunteers of the Year

by JFO at the Annual Meeting on Monday, June 6, at 7 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center Theater.

Joanie Jacobson and Beth Dworkin: Jewish Federation of Omaha The two women instrumental in the revival of Campaign Cabaret 2016, Joanie’s job was to write the

script, help select songs, cast the show and hire professional staff; Beth served as liaison to cast and staff, managed communications, Joanie Jacobson and Beth Dworkin Janie Murow logistics and scheduling. Together they wrangled 125 cast members and oversaw rehearsals, costumes and choreography to Judy Farber Rich Juro Michael Staenberg produce one of the most successful events in recent memory.

Joanie: “My work is my play. I go to rehearsals understanding I have a job to do, Scott Farkas Jim Pollack Dorothy Spizman and the job is sense of accomplishment on the fun. Magical. My goal is to have the performers’ faces as the production audience go home feeling good and comes together. There are so many proud they’re Jewish.”

See Volunteers of the Year page 3 Beth: “For me, it’s watching the

Rabbi David Sandmel and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel

“Local Christians, Muslims and Jews had the opportunity to meet him and were involved in one or more of his speaking engagements,” said Mary-Beth Muskin, Regional Director of the ADL-CRC. “His visit provided the ADL-CRC with an opportunity to make meaningful connections with area clergy and interfaith communities.”

The theology department at Creighton University invited Rabbi Sandmel to speak to students and staff on the topic: “Can Christians learn about the New Testament from Jews?” His talk at Creighton was recorded by NPR. Rabbi Sandmel facilitated dialogue with area clergy at an informal meeting held at Temple Israel. The next morning all local Rabbis were invited to come together to discuss Jewish trends and issues of mutual concern. At Central High School, he spoke about Religious Diversity and Pluralism to approximately 40 juniors and seniors enrolled in Gary Goff’s religion classes. The students were very inquisitive and asked many thoughtful provoking questions following the presentation.

The Schwab Center, Islamic Center, and International Studies Departments at UNO in conjunction with the ADL-CRC sponsored a panel discussion on “How we respond to the rhetoric and Islamaphobia.” In addition to Rabbi Sandmel and Dr. Mary-Beth Muskin, the panel included Dr. Ramazan Kilinc, Director of the UNO Islamic Studies Program, Dr. Curtis Hutt, Special Programs Schwab Center, and Dr. Patrick McNamara, Director of the International Studies Department at UNO. Patrick McNamara also invited Rabbi Sandmel to speak to his class at UNO. This was an interactive discussion involving the participants in the panel discussion while providing an opportunity to learn from each other.

The ADL-CRC held an abbreviated Board meeting in order to participate in Rabbi Sandmel’s lecture on Jews, Christians and Israel to an audience at the See Rabbi Sandmel page 2

Rabbi Sandmel

2 | The Jewish Press | May 13, 2016

community Humanitarian of the Year

Continued from page 1 go-to guy for the history and welfare of our community. He is someone I rely upon not only for advice, but also for something much more valuable: constructive feedback.”

All the praise makes Bob uncomfortable, and talking about himself is not his favorite thing, to put it mildly. Get him talking, instead, about the Jewish Community of Omaha, and he lights up. But the excitement he generates when he does so is palpable, even when he is not in the room. Beth El’s Rabbi Steven Abraham says: “There is no greater Mensch in our community than Bob. Like no other person I have ever met, Bob cares about the history of the Omaha Jewish Community and about our future. It is people like Bob that make our community such a special place.”

Jewish responsibility, Bob says, “is not just responsibility. It’s our culture and upbringing. My grandfather, Eli Zalkin and my father, Ed Belgrade, were both deeply involved in this community. My mother, Sandra Belgrade, still reinforces the importance of their efforts. They instilled in me a genuine caring about a healthy Jewish community, and its continuation.”

It’s not about him, Bob insists. When one volunteers, regardless of the cause, “one never does it alone. You can’t. You absorb the wisdom of others, the people who surround you and inspire you.

“The culture of Omaha’s Jewish commu-

nity comes from many people taking ownership. I am nothing special; I am simply a product of this community. We’ve all had mentors who we were and are fortunate to know and learn from. Things only work because of the cumulative wisdom in the room, and I have indeed been very fortunate to have had inspiring people in my life.”

People like Howard Kaslow, Joe Kirshenbaum, and Norm Veitzer, Bob says.

“Howard Kooper, Larry Roffman and Murray Newman and many more -- I’m going to get in trouble for not mentioning every single one of them, but there have been so many. Mary Fellman, Joanie Bernstein -- I cannot praise them enough.”

Of the many causes he’s put his time and energy in, “the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society is my baby,” Bob says.

“There is great staff, fantastic volunteers, and really deserving work to be done there.

Mary Fellman was a visionary when she laid the groundwork for the NJHS.” “The Jewish Community Center feels like an extension of me,” Bob admits. “This is our home, and when people visit, they are guests in our home and must be treated as such. We should all have pride in what we, together, have built here. I take pride in this community, both in things I helped out with, but also aspects I had nothing to do with.”

Bob is a straight talker, Joanie Bernstein says. And that means more than lip service: “He likes to roll up his sleeves, get involved. Besides working with him on the

NJHS Board (both were President, Bob is again currently) we worked closely at Jewish Social Services. He was the president immediately after me, and I took him with me to every meeting dealing with the renovation of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. He was hyper-aware of everything, kept himself very informed, and was uniquely suited for the job. Being a builder, he had Harlan Noddle and Howard Kooper’s respect, and he works so well with others. Not only does he have the ability to bring people together, he gets them excited. Because of that, he will never utter the words ‘I did this.’ It’s always: ‘We did this’.”

Howard Kooper seconds Joanie’s comments: “Bob Belgrade has spent thousands of hours making this community better. I’ve known him for 25 years, and watched him be extremely instrumental during the development of the new RBJH. He exemplifies the perfect volunteer.”

“I was always taught that when you work with others,” Bob says, “you have to be a constructive force in the room. Nobody should ever feel it’s all on one person’s shoulders -there are so many talented and committed people in our community who are ready to do this together. As a community, when we work together, we share the understanding and the motivation. The culture of this community allows us to achieve great things.”

Renee Corcoran, NJHS Executive Director, began working closely with Bob in the early 1990s: “My impression was that here was some Continued on page 4

Continued from page 1 JCC. Nearly 40 community members, lay leaders and the ADL-CRC Board members attended this forum discussing the historical nature of the relationship between the Jewish and Christian faiths and Israel’s role. Rabbi also intertwined passages and the political nature of perspectives surrounding Israel.

Rabbi Sandmel provided an update for community members involved with the Tri-Faith initiative.

He discussed national and international issues and considerations for this group as they move forward with the Tri-Faith campus. Tri-Faith Board members shared the history of the initiative and some challenges the group has overcome in order for the initial work on the campus to move from a vision to reality. The group discussed the positive unintended consequences that have resulted through candid and authentic conversations about religion and the diversification of races/religions in the immediate neighboring areas. All agreed that the new friendships and relationships forged were the best of all the outcomes. The board also shared their hopes for the Tri-Faith campus to be an inspiration for future activities within the metropolitan community area and beyond.

ADL-CRC is fortunate to have the national support to bring in someone as esteemed as Rabbi Sandmel in the area of interfaith relations. Muskin stated that Rabbi Sandmel’s visit supported the many interfaith community efforts already in place and opened new doors for meaningful conversation.

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Announcement: Marty’s party

Annette vAn de KAMp-WRight Editor of the Jewish Press he entire community is invited to join in wishing Marty Ricks a successful retirement on Wednesday, May 25, from 4-6 p.m. in the Jewish Community Gallery.

“Marty has given so much to our community over the last 18 years,” says Steve Levinger. “The number of lives he has touched is immeasurable, and during every single interaction, he always made people feel special. If you have ever interacted with Marty Ricks him, and most of us have, you know that he deserves our gratitude.”

The day of the party wasn’t chosen at random, Steve added.

“May 25 is also the date of Omaha Gives! There is no bet-

ter goodbye present for Marty than to participate. For that purpose, laptops will be available for anyone who wishes to use them. It’s a fitting way to wish Marty well.”

Alan Potash added: “Marty is the ultimate professional, and in his kind, unassuming way he has mentored all of us. The Omaha Jewish community received a rare gift when Marty arrived in 1998 and we are all the better for it.

“I have frequently relied on, admired and even envied Marty his phenomenal memory! Marty knows everyone and their unique connection to our community. He effortlessly pulls up names of his Central High classmates’ siblings’ and their spouses and then, their children! He has reinforced for me the importance of paying attention to the details. He will be missed.”

Please join us in celebrating Marty’s many contributions.

Keep an eye on our Jewish Press for a future article on what Marty means to our community, as well as photos from his goodbye party.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Steve at slevinger@jewishomaha.org or call 402.334.6433.

Continued from page 1 parts that must work in harmony. And then on show day, the cast delivers a performance that raises the experience to another level.”

Both: “So many people made Campaign Cabaret a success. We’d like to think we represent all of them.”

Janie Murow: Institute for Holocaust Education In 2012/13, as chair of the search committee tasked to replace IHE’s Founding Executive Director, Janie steered the committee and Governance Council through a period of significant transition. She served as Chairperson of the 2015 Yom HaShoah Commemoration and is Co-Chair in 2016.

“Janie is a proactive volunteer who sees the strengths in other people,” said Liz Feldstern, IHE Executive Director. “She creates opportunities that bring out the best in all participants.”

Janie and her husband, Allan, visited the concentration camp, Terezin, in 2014. “That experience opened my eyes to how critical it is to educate both the Jewish and non-Jewish community about the atrocities of the Holocaust,” she said.

“Fortunately, Omaha and the entire state have tremendous resources in the IHE. The curriculum, cultural programs and speakers that Liz and her staff bring us are outstanding.”

“I’ve volunteered in the secular Omaha community, but the Jewish community is where my passion lies. At the end of the day I want to know I made an impact and left my mark, by growing and strengthening Jewish Omaha.”

Judy Farber: Jewish Family Service For seven years, Judy Farber has delivered Project Tzedakah food baskets to needy families at Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah and Passover. “Judy developed relationships with these members of our Jewish community,” said Sandy Nogg, JFS Assistance Coordinator. “Her warmth and willingness to actually visit with them are cherished by so many who receive this service.”

Project Tzedakah, according to Judy, helps keep Jewish tradition alive for people who can’t do it on their own. “One woman welcomed me into her garden, gave me cucumbers, a big hug, and told me how much she appreciates JFS remembering her family for each holiday. When I make deliveries, it does my heart good to see the smiles and joy on people’s faces.”

Rich Juro: ADL/CRC Rich Juro is the current co-chair, with Gary Nachman, of ADL/CRC, and also sits on the Civil Rights Committee.

“Rich is a true mentor to the ADL staff,” said Mary-Beth Muskin, ADL/CRC Executive Director. “He is solution focused, strategic, optimistic, and his consistent support ensures the continuity of our programs, services and operations.”

Juro believes firmly in ADL’s mission to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. “Today,” Rich said, “ADL/CRC focuses on three primary areas; Protect, Investigate and Educate. One such initiative is the Words to Action program that assists students on college campuses combat Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS). Locally, we’ve attracted new, young board and committee members. Our professional staff is topnotch. Our education program for schools - No Place for Hate - empowers teachers, students, administrators and

parents to tackle prejudice, bullying and all forms of bias.

It’s a wonderful time to be part of this vital organization.”

Michael Staenberg: Jewish Community Center In the fall of 2014, Michael Staenberg attended the Omaha Jewish Reunion. “A conversation with Michael during a fitness center workout led to a whirlwind of advice and consultation regarding the operation of the Omaha JCC,” said Mark Martin, JCC Executive Director. “Much of this knowledge comes from Michael’s hands-on experience helping the Denver and St. Louis JCCs. His fondness for Omaha is obvious. He visits often and always has time for the Omaha J. In the past year, Michael has graciously given his time, guidance and monetary support.”

Staenberg, a resident of St. Louis MO, says, “My greatest childhood memories are of my times on the Omaha JCC basketball court. I believe firmly that Jewish Community Centers have the potential to make the greatest impact on the future of our Jewish peoplehood. I’m passionate about building and maintaining a Jewish community that is strong, vibrant and connected. I want to take what we’ve learned in St. Louis and share it with the Omaha Jewish community. Great buildings, great Jewish programming and great Jewish leadership equal success.”

Scott Farkas: Jewish Press Scott served on the Jewish Press Board for six years, using his marketing expertise to modernize the paper and make it more profitable through increased advertising sales.

“I believe the Press is one of the key factors that makes this community so solid,” Scott said. “The paper rises above politics. It informs the readership and unites the congregations to one another and to Federation. Many Jewish weeklies around the country have folded, but the Omaha Jewish Press thrives, in print and on-line. The Press is a staple in this community and a great conversation starter in so many ways. We’re very lucky.”

Jim polack: Rose Blumkin Jewish Home In addition to his RBJH work, Jim serves on the Board of Directors for Jewish Social Services, is a former LOVE board member, and offers guardianship, conservatorship and estate work for indigent members of the community, usually at the request of Jewish Family Service. But the Home is where his heart is.

Along with his wife, Susan, and their sons, Max and Josh, Jim is always available to lead Shabbat services and seders for Blumkin Home residents. “Having their own chapel and their own service, or a Torah honor or blessing, is often the highlight of their week,” Jim said. “It lets them connect with their spirituality, memories of their youth, their family, their former communities, their Jewish identity, in a way not otherwise possible. If they are ill, prayers give them hope. If they are well, it gives them the opportunity to pray for others. The value of this to the individual resident can’t be overstated.”

“Blumkin Home residents are members of our community,” Jim added. “They are all special people. Because of them, as a volunteer in any activity at the Home, you receive more than you give.” the Financial Aid Committee: Center for Jewish Life In 2016, FAC distributed $287,600 in scholarships to See volunteers page 4

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Retirement event to honor Betty Bader

Mary sue GrOssMan Beth Israel Synagogue Everyone knows the end of the short description for any Jewish holiday is “and then we eat.” Food is key to Jewish holidays, life cycle and social events, not to mention Shabbat. From snacks to meals to desserts and everything in-between, food will forever be a focus in Jewish life.

At Beth Israel Synagogue, Betty Bader has been a shining light in assuring the palettes of congregants and visitors have a variety of food choices to enjoy.

For the past 25 years, Betty has handled the preparation of hundreds - if not thousands – of food dishes for Kiddush, lunches, dinners, special events and more. “Betty’s Famous Macaroni and Cheese” is a standard menu item for Break the Fast and Shavuot in addition to being a choice requested by many a Bar and Bat Mitzvah teen. Her Betty Bader apple cake is amazing, with special orders placed for events even outside of the synagogue walls. There is also Betty’s Asian coleslaw and broccoli salad that frequently grace buffet tables. The list can go on and on.

Sadly for the Beth Israel family, Betty is “hanging up her apron” and stepping away from the Beth Israel kitchen. On sunday, May 22 congregants and community members are invited to join in wishing Betty best wishes on her retirement from 2-4 p.m. at Beth Israel. Jordana Kurtzman is chairing the retirement event.

humanitarian

Continued from page 2 one who was extremely supportive, and who cares deeply about longevity. I can talk to him about anything and everything, and working with him is always exciting and fun. We care about the same things. Cataloguing the past and preserving the footprint of this community for the future is so important to him.”

Bob was President of NJHS from 1999 to 2001, and PastPresident through 2003. He stayed on as an advisor, and became President again in 2015.

“He put an enormous amount of legwork into the Omaha Reunion,” Renee says. “It’s more than boards and committees, it’s offering a ride to someone whose car is stranded, reaching out to individuals who need help. The number of people whose lives he touches is enormous, and most of it is done without anyone ever knowing.”

Howard Epstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, agrees: “He has helped so many people behind the scenes, and nobody ever hears about it. He likes it that way.”

Bob has been a member of the Livingston Foundation Fund Board of Trustees since 2007, but Howard knows him first and foremost from the Stock Jocks, a group of people who come together and trade investment news: “Bob is attentive to the extreme, and always interested in how your whole family is doing.”

Steven Bloch added: “Like his father and grandfather before him, Bob has undertaken and welcomed with vigor an important leadership role in our community. Eddie and Eli would be proud.”

Shelly Fox has known Bob since they walked to kindergarten together, and calls him a Mensch. “Of course he’ll hate all this attention and fanfare, but he does take deep pride in all he does. People would be hard pressed to think

Organizations

B’nai B’rith BreadBreakers

The Area Director of American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Craig Gardenschwartz returns from Denver to update us on America, Israel, Iran and the Middle East on Wednesday, May 18, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

“I truly consider Betty a second mom,” shares Jordana. “She has become a beloved member of our family, and it is difficult to imagine we won’t be seeing Betty every week. Aaron, Joshua, Isaac, and I will truly miss her smiling face, not to mention her delicious treats.”

Betty first came to Beth Israel when working with Nancy Mattly of Culinary Services. She quickly learned the ins and outs of kashruth and became a valuable member of the team for both Nancy and Beth Israel. Over time, she began working directly for Beth Israel, handling everything from menu planning, shopping, cooking and baking, not to mention the on-going clean up, laundry, supervising volunteers in the kitchen and more. Betty’s smile and genuine interest in knowing the congregants, especially the children, made her a popular figure for all ages. Making a stop in the kitchen to check-in with Betty is a “must do” for many who return for a visit after moving out of Omaha.

Rabbi Ari Dembitzer describes her as a wonderful member of the Beth Israel family. “I first met Betty 18 years ago when I was hoping to find a little leftover mac and cheese one afternoon. She graciously found me a ‘nosh’ and the friendship was set.” Rabbi Dembitzer makes it a point for the congregation to show its appreciation for Betty’s hard work and frequently pulls a reluctant Betty from the kitchen then leads the congregation in singing “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you Betty, very much!”

Betty is looking forward to spending more time with her family, including her three children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, plus one more on the way! When asked how she feels about her retirement, Betty laughed, saying, “I can’t believe it’s been 25 years.

It has gone by so quickly. I never thought I would ever work on a Saturday, and here I had a job where I worked every Saturday.”

There is no charge for the event, which is open to the community, but reservations are appreciated to help in planning. Additionally, anyone interested in giving a donation toward Betty’s retirement gift is asked to contact the synagogue office at 402.556.6288.

of an area of this community he hasn’t been involved with, and everything he does, he does wholeheartedly. His commitment is very real.”

“Innate commitment,” Shelly says, “is modeled for you if you are lucky. In Bob’s case, it’s in his very soul. It’s just who he is. I have known Bob Belgrade my whole life as a lovely human being and a dear friend.”

Then, Shelly says, there is “passionate Bob.” “Passionate Bob is a force. When he really gets behind a cause, he has such determination and persistence. Is sticktoitiveness a word? In Bob’s case, it should be. He goes out of his way to do the job right, especially when it involves people.”

JFO President Jay Noddle calls Bob his oldest friend: “Bob and I met when our mothers threw us in the playpen together 57 years ago. To me, he is the epitome of volunteerism. Everything he gets behind, he gets behind 100%, and he always does a fabulous job. He is simply tireless, always ready, always willing and able, whether physically, mentally or financially. There is no one more deserving of this honor than Bob.”

Volunteers

Continued from page 3 Omaha Jewish youth. “There are never enough dollars to cover the desparate needs,” said Dorothy Spizman, Chairperson of the Committee.

Scholarships are available for Jewish summer residential camp; JCC camp; Israel programs; CDC; Friedel Jewish Academy; post-secondary studies and Jewish youth group activities. Funding is provided from JFO Foundation endowments, grants, and the Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign. In a letter sent to FAC, a scholarship recipient wrote, “At graduation I thought about the past four years and the opportunity you gave me to receive an education with less stress of tuition bills. I can’t put into words how thankful I am. This diploma is as much yours as it is mine.”

“The Financial Aid Committee,” Spizman said, “is really in a position to make a difference for so many local Jewish families.”

The Omaha Jewish Federation Annual Meeting and Award presentation on June 6 is open to the community.

Please join us.

A Sudden Light: Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group May selection

MaRk kiRChhoff Center for Jewish Life A Sudden Light is the May selection of the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group which meets on Thursday, May 19 from 1-2 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. Garth Stein’s 2014 novel has been acclaimed by author Robert Goolrick as a “...magnificent and haunting ghost story [that] will pull you into its world and hold you captive...” Jamie Ford, author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, praises Stein’s work by writing, “Take equal parts mystery, lyrical magic, and a healthy dose of natural wonder, add a multigenerational family struggling with the ghosts of the past, literally and figuratively, and you have A Sudden Light – a beautiful, deeply thought-provoking book that is impossible to put down.”

The story takes place in 1990 when fourteen year-old Trevor Riddle sees the family mansion on the Puget Sound in Seattle for the first time. His parents are nearly bankrupt and are in a trial separation. Trevor has accompanied his father,

Jones Riddle, whose scheme is to sell the mansion away from the watch of the elderly grandfather, ill and in a nursing home. Jones plans to divide the proceeds with his sister, Serena, and everyone will live happily ever after. But as Trevor explores the secret passageways and rooms of the house, he encounters spirits of his forefathers whose agenda is at odds with that of his dad. The book is rich with unconventional characters and unforgettable moments of emotional truth in which Garth’s capacity for empathy and understanding of human emotion comes through.

The Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group meets on the third Thursday of each month from 1-2 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. New members are always welcome to join in the discussion. Contact Library Specialist, Shirly Banner, at sban ner@jewishomaha.org or 402.334.6462 with questions. The discussion group is supported by the Center for Jewish Life whose mission is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences.

The Jewish Press | May 13, 2016 | 5

community interim Rabbi Darryl Crystal at temple israel

t

SCott Littky University of Maryland. He studied at the PARDES InstiProgram Director, Temple Israel tute of Jewish Studies in emple Israel is Jerusalem in 2003-2004 and pleased to announce the aphe was one of the first rabbis pointment of Rabbi to train with the Institute for Darryl Crystal as Jewish Spirituality, which interim Rabbi for one year. teaches rabbis, educators and Rabbi Crystal is one of the lay leaders about spirituality leading interim rabbis in the through study of classic texts Reform movement. Since and Jewish meditation. Rabbi 2004, he has served ten conCrystal trained as a hospital chaplain at Northwestern Megregations ranging in size from Rabbi Darryl Crystal morial Hospital, Chicago, and 230 to 975 households as an was an Eisendrath Intern at the Religious interim rabbi. His pulpits have been in GeorAction Center, the legislative office of Regia, Maryland, Wisconsin, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Texas and North form Judaism in Washington, D.C. NFTY and Reform Camps have been an Carolina. Prior to his work as an interim rabbi, Rabbi Crystal served North Shore Syn- important influence in Rabbi Crystal’s life. He agogue in Syosset, NY for eighteen years from is a past chair of the Committee on Youth for the Central Conference of American Rabbis 1985 to 2003, as assistant rabbi, associate and was a member of the Youth Coordinating rabbi and senior rabbi. There, he created the Committee that oversaw all of the youth proCenter for Adult Jewish Learning, which brought renowned speakers to the synagogue grams for the Union for Reform Judaism.

When asked to explain what his role will and led the congregation’s participation in the be as an interim, Rabbi Crystal said, “As an national project to revitalize worship and interim rabbi I help synagogues affirm their congregational life, Synagogue 2000. ideals and learn about how to build a sacred Lifelong learning is a passion for Rabbi relationship with their new rabbi.” Rabbi Crystal. He was ordained at Hebrew Union Crystal will begin his year at Temple Israel College – Jewish Institute of Religion in on July 1, 2016.

1985, and has a Bachelor’s degree from the

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Spring BBYO highlights RAChel MARTIN Omaha BBYO teens have been hard at work bettering their Council and making memories during the last several weeks. Here are some highlights from the spring semester so far: First Annual hamantaschen Bake Off: Five different teams comprised of seven teens each competed in a baking challenge (think Chopped), to create the best overall hamantaschen while learning about the Jewish holiday of Purim.

Categories for judging included overall appearance, doughto-filling ratio, triangle-ness, and overall taste. Team Saagentaschen, captained by past Aleph Godol Jordan Saag, took first place for their unique hybrid flavor that combined strawberry preserves with Nutella. Each team had a blast getting their hands dirty, and learning to bake hamantaschen cookies in the kitchen of Mother Chapter President, Benjamin Raffel. Huge thank you to the entire Raffel family for hosting BBYO in your kitchen and helping judge!

Omaha Council lock-in: Our new 2016-2017 Council Board was installed at this awesome late-night event held at the JCC. Both the Omaha Alephs and B’nai B’rith Girls now have brilliant full boards of officers! Teens participated in problem-solving activities, teen-led Havdalah service, an educational program about Israel’s history, and separate AZA and BBG programs. Looking forward to big things from the next board: Godol/N’siah – Nate Gendler/Rachel Hockfeld, S’gan/S’ganit – Alex Belgrade/Raelyn Cherry, Moreh/MIT Mom – Benjamin Raffel/Emily Kutler, Shaliach/Shlicha Mazkir/Mazkirah-Gizborit – Max Kohll/Brooke Wilczewski.

Chocolate Seder 2016: Council Shaliach Benjamin Brodkey led an incredible, fun and meaningful Seder for 30 teens. BBG Julia Brodkey helped her brother shop for and prepare all of the chocolate goodies served at the program.

Mother Chapter AZA #1 Shaliach Elijah Marburg was a great help in leading the Seder and encouraging others to participate. Everyone enjoyed eating way too much chocolate, singing Passover songs and celebrating a Jewish holiday with friends!

Shiputznick 2016: Omaha Council BBYO participated in JServe community service project, or, as we call it in Omaha, Shiputznick. Teens volunteered to do various projects with The Stephen Center, New Life for Old Bags - Lincoln, and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. At the Stephen Center, teens laid new mulch and cleaned up the grounds around the outside of the building. Another group took plastic grocery bags and upcycled them into plastic yarn called “plarn,” to be crocheted or woven into waterproof sleeping mats for persons suffering from homelessness. The teens who visited the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home worked with residents on a Passover art project. Thank you to everyone who helped out during this day of Tikkun Olam - Hebrew for world repair!

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Bella at the ancient wall in Akko that is being restored. In order to reconstruct a small portion of the wall as it had originally been built, participants learned to use only sand and stone and no cement: ”In repairing some of the wall it felt like we had put a little bit of ourselves there. It was a wonderful day and a great way of making a connection.” Bella said.

On the flight to Israel, I did not sleep a wink. But while touring the Holy Land, I found out that when you are touring at a hectic pace, you learn to catch a few minutes of sleep whenever you can - and sometimes in awkward positions! Until I caught up with the jet-lag, it seemed like I was more focused on sleeping than eating. One time one of my new Israeli friends asked, “Why are you not eating? Don’t you like the food?” I can assure you, I liked the food and I also learned to adjust so that I could enjoy the country.

While riding on the bus it seemed that the scenery changed so quickly. The desert in the south, the sea to the west, the miles upon miles of date trees lined up in tight clean rows. No country I have ever traveled to has been as diverse as this one. In Israel, I learned more than how to fall asleep in an upright position; I learned more about my religion than I ever had in temple, and I learned how much I still don't know. The strong feeling of belonging I felt in this land has inspired me to consider making Aliyah, and to continue to strengthen my connection with this country and Judaism. And I slept well on the flight home too.

Top photo: Omaha Council BBYO teens after the Chocolate Seder; bottom photo: Max Kohll, left, Isaac Kurtzman, David Martin (staff) and Nate Gendler helped lay mulch in the yard of The Stephen Center.

Upcoming Council event: Beau and Sweetheart Dance on May 29 - Omaha Council is bringing back this rich tradition dating back more than half a century. We will be hosting a dance to elect our next Beau and Sweetheart on Sunday, May 29, at 9:30 p.m. in the JCC Auditorium. The entire community is invited to join us for the ceremony, as well as a dessert reception to follow. Please help our BBYO teens celebrate the revival of this time-honored tradition!

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The Jewish Press | May 13, 2016 | 7

Serving Generations…

Standardized test a learning tool for Friedel

“w clAuDiA ShermAn for Friedel Jewish Academy

sixth graders at Millard Public Schools in reading on a recent Terra Nova test. This gives us strong evidence that Friedel’s academic achievement rate is higher for our students than area public school counterparts.”

Terra Nova is a series of standardized achievement tests used in the United States designed to assess kindergarten through twelfth grade student achievement in reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, vocabulary, spelling, and other areas. Terra Nova was created with an update in 1996 to the California Achievement

hen a standardized test is used to mark student learning, it is an effective evaluation tool for a good teacher,” explained Beth Cohen, head of school at Friedel Jewish Academy. “The problem with testing is when schools lose instructional time, either because they spend so much time testing or because teachers spend classroom time ‘teaching to the test.’”

Friedel’s fifth-sixth grade general studies teacher Denise Bennett added that “Standardized tests allow us to evaluate individual student’s strengths and weaknesses academically. We can also spot trends in subject areas which allow us to find what we as teachers have covered appropriately and which areas/skills need reteaching.”

Paul Maudlin, Friedel’s third-fourth grade general studies teacher, Friedel Jewish Academy students recently took the Terra nova agreed that “StandardAchievement Test to compare their scores to students in other schools. ized testing keeps both teachers and students accountable for what Tests (CAT) and the California Tests of needs to be taught and learned each year. It Basic Skills. The multiple choice tests vary helps teachers stay on track and challenges with sections that take 15 minutes to secthem to cover all the material in a specific tions that take about an hour. The results amount of time. It also helps the school are nationally norm-referenced, meaning compare students’ progress and helps us to that students’ scores reflect their achieveidentify areas that we need to either rement in comparison to all students who teach or clarify. took the test nationally.

“I previously worked in a public school in “Students are not expected to know all the South Carolina,” said Maudlin, “where my answers,” noted Bennett. “In order to gain students took my regular tests, plus district an accurate picture of a student’s overall mandated benchmark tests, plus mid-terms achievement, it’s important NOT to teach to and finals. On top of that, students took the test,” she emphasized. “So many schools achievement tests in the beginning and at the spend so much time preparing for manend of the year for the school to measure dated tests. The stress levels for students their academic growth. Finally, all students and teachers are sky-high, and the time retook the state standardized test in the spring.” quired makes it all but impossible to teach “Friedel takes only one standardized test a with flexibility and creativity. In-depth year, the Terra Nova Achievement Test,” units, long-term projects, and fun, interestCohen reported. Terra Nova is a norm-refing, and meaningful lessons all take time.” erenced test which refers to the process of During the second week of April when comparing one test-taker to his or her Friedel third through sixth graders took the peers. Norm-referenced tests can be contest, they also still had time for art, swimtrasted with criterion-reference assessments ming, gym, and library. which show whether or not test takers per“We are so fortunate to be able to spend form well or poorly on a given task, not how that time to enhance our students’ school that compares to other test takers. experience at Friedel,” pointed out Bennett.

Cohen explained that each student has in“Testing in and of itself is not a bad thing dividual strengths and weaknesses. Testing at if used properly,” Cohen clarified. “Learning Friedel is meant to compare school-wide test is a product of teaching, and research shows scores to other schools, giving administrathat when students have great teachers, they tors and parents a sense of overall accomlearn.” plishment of their students’ educational process. “For instance,” said Cohen, “Friedel’s sixth graders scored ten points higher than

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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.

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cameron Davis was named to the Dean’s list for academic excellence for the fall 2015 semester at Johns Hopkins University. To be selected for this honor, a student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in a program of at least 14 credits with at least 12 graded credits.

He is the son of Henry Davis and Mary Kay Davis and attended Westside High School.

He is majoring in philosophy and will graduate in May 2016.

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community Temple Israel Confirmation Service SCoTT lITTky Program Director, Temple Israel Temple Israel’s annual Confirmation service was held on Shabbat morning, April 30. The tenth grade class participated in services, and many in the class shared their views on the meaning of confirmation. A particular highlight of the service was when each member of the class shared a private moment with Rabbi Azriel in front of the Ark. This was followed

by Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Brown, Cantor Shermet and the Confirmation students’ parents reciting the Priestly Benediction, along with their children.

Members of the 2016 Temple Israel Confirmation Class are: Benjamin Brodkey, son of Stacie Brodkey and Marc Brodkey Aleia Budwig, daughter of Larry Budwig and the late Kirsten Budwig Adam Cooper-Kahn, son of Amy and Paul Rabinovitz Kathleen Kirshenbaum, daughter of Jennifer Thompkins-Kirshenbaum and Matt Kirshenbaum

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Executive Director Beth El Synagogue is a dynamic, welcoming and growing congregation located in Omaha, Nebraska. We have a rich history of creating meaningful Jewish experiences for our congregants and are in search of an Executive Director who, in conjunction with our Clergy, will lead Beth El to continued growth and success. The Executive Director will be an experienced, creative and flexible leader who will oversee all financial and business operations; maintenance of the synagogue building and cemetery; and the support of board members and committee chairs. His/Her leadership will provide an organizational framework, shape processes, and create efficiencies for an organization looking to be at the forefront of Jewish engagement.

The Executive Director must have the necessary skills to accomplish the above responsibilities which include but are not limited to: • BS, BA required. Master’s degree preferred • 3-5 years related experience in managing an operation, • people, programs and events • Knowledge of the Jewish community and its various • customs and trends The Exec will be a partner to the clergy and have the ability to lead and develop a team who will enhance the overall effectiveness of the entire staff.

As Chief Operating Officer of Beth El, the Executive Director is accountable to the President and Board of Trustees. For a comprehensive job description or to submit a cover letter and resume, email Janie Murow at jmurow@gmail.com.

MIkhaIl Mayzel Marat (Mike) Etus has left us. He was one of us, or, to put it more precisely, the best of us. Great is our grief for the irreparable loss, but at this tragic moment we remind ourselves that our beloved Marat had time to leave behind a precious present - a book, which he wrote and published.

It is through this book that the memory of Marat is immortalized into our hearts and souls. This seemingly ordinary book of his is a piece of fine literature, and, with regard to its composition, it is a step forward in our Russian language prose.

The essence of his pioneering effort lies in the fact that in the prologue to the book, Marat used his mother Mira’s recorded story. In plain words, Mira touches on the first days of WWII when her home shtetl was occupied by the Germans. During this chaotic time, she managed to escape with her baby daughter Mania and little sister Luba, first to unoccupied Saratov and then to the safety of Siberia.

Marat’s personal kindness embraced anyone - from the extended Etus family and relatives to numerous friends and acquaintances, school and college buddies, neighbors, work colleagues and more, to his former Russian school students. And this I happened to experience firsthand.

I heard about Marat Etus long before I met him personally here in Omaha. In 2003, I was visiting my younger son in St. Petersburg, Russia.

There, at a request from Mary, Marat’s sister, I had to deliver a small package to her girlfriend Inna. It was during this meeting that I heard the words about Mikhail Leonidovitch that still ring in my ears: “In the long run, many of our young generation of the 70s, in this provincial home town of Svetlogorsk, were nurtured and influenced by the brother and sister Etus, and for this we would be always grateful... just because our parents could not do it”.

Marat preserved this beauty during all stages of his life - adolescence, youth, manhood. And this outward beauty went along with the inner beauty of his soul and high moral values.

As such we will remember him.

Temple Israel Confirmation Class of 2016 Benjamin Leathers-Arnold, son of Ilene Arnold and Carrie Leathers Simon Murphy, son of Kate and Joseph Murphy Madeleine Rauhauser, daughter of Nancy Nogg Eliana Reiss, daughter of Wendy and Robert Reiss

Beth Israel religious items burial

Mary Sue GroSSMan Beth Israel Synagogue Beth Israel Synagogue invites the community for the opportunity to dispose of religious articles through a burial that will take place on Sunday, May 22 at 11:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Cemetery, 78th and Crown Point.

“Showing proper respect to religious items no longer in use is an important lesson to remember and to share with our children” shares Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. “This is an important part of Judaism as the Torah teaches many religious articles and Judaic items retain their holiness.”

These items, referred to as “sheimot” or “geniza” include Torah scrolls, chumash, siddurs, tefillin, mezuzah scrolls, tallit fringes in addition to materials containing G-d’s name, three consecutive words of a biblical verse or other written or printed Torah ideas or laws. Schoolwork may be included as well if containing any of the above. Rabbi Dembitzer encourages anyone with questions regarding a specific item to contact him or Rabbi Weiss at 402.556.6288.

“The preservation of the holiness of our religious articles is an important responsibility” Rabbi Dembitzer states. “The event is open to the community and I urge anyone to attend and escort these important parts of history to their appropriate disposition.”

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The Jewish Press | May 13, 2016 | 9

viewpoint thejewishpress

(Founded in 1920) eric dunning President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor thierry ndjike Accounting Jewish press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Sandy Friedman, Treasurer; Andrew Boehm; Scott Farkas; Paul Gerber; Alex Grossman; David Kotok; Debbie Kricsfeld; Abby Kutler; Pam Monsky; Paul Rabinovitz; Nancy Wolf and Barry Zoob.

The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish LIfe, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press.

Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: wwwjewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

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Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view.

Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, 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.

Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450.

postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422.

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put the Annual meeting on your schedule

Annette vAn de KAmp-Wright Editor of the Jewish Press onday, June 6 is the date for this year’s Annual Meeting. The Jewish Federation of Omaha will honor the Volunteers of the Year, Spirit of Federation Award winner, Community Service Award winners, Teen Leaders, Young Leadership Award winners, Malashock Professional Award winner and our Humanitarian of the Year. (Did I forget any? I hope not!)

In addition, the new board slate will be voted on, and we are saying thank you to our outgoing President, Jay Noddle, and welcoming our incoming President, Bruce Friedlander.

The entire community is invited to join; the event will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center theater.

Why is it important to come to the Annual Meeting? For one, it gives us all an opportunity to personally cheer for this year’s award winners.

Being part of a community means celebrating our accomplishments together, and there is no better time to stop and count our blessings than during the Annual Meeting. The speeches are short (I promise) and the company will be excellent. I know you’re busy, but aren’t we all? Plus, there’s nosh afterwards and plenty of opportunity to schmooze and catch up.

Of course, what we really celebrate is our community. And while we throw that word “community” around a lot, we do so for a reason. This paper is meaningless without people to read it, and there is no point to Jewish Social Services without those who need a helping hand. The Jewish Film Festival, Mainstreeters, Yoga classes or musical theater, none of it is of any use if peo-

ple don’t show up. There is no point to running the best pre- school in the city if there are no parents who enroll their kids, and why should anyone bother to fill the pool if no one signs up for summer camp or swim lessons? We may not all subscribe to all these services, we may not even all agree on the need for all these services, but we are a varied group and our individual needs differ greatly. And yet, while we are all different people, we belong together. Because in spite of all those differences, we have one thing in common: we care that there continues to be a thriving and vibrant Jewish presence in Omaha. That’s what community means: we care.

Community does not come from the synagogues, Chabad, or the National Council of Jewish Women Omaha Section. It isn’t B’nai B’rith or Friedel Jewish Academy or the Jewish Federation

Steven B. nASAtir JTA Passover is a time for family, for tradition, and for festive celebration. It’s also a time to fix a paradox.

As we read the Haggadah, we reflect on our past travails and miraculous redemption as a Jewish people. But if we look only at the past we risk overlooking the incredible ways in which the cycle of STEVEN NASATIR Jewish history continues today. Only at our peril can we ignore the continuing Jewish story of persecution, redemption, and extraordinary achievement, or fail to recognize the role each and every one of us plays -- individually and collectively -in the ongoing saga.

A poignant reminder of this was the clandestine final rescue and immigration to Israel, or aliyah, of 19 Yemenite Jews completed on March 20. Among them was the rabbi of the Jewish community of Raydah, who brought a Torah scroll believed to be more than 500 years old, and the son of Aharon Zindani, who was murdered in an anti-Semitic attack in 2012 .

This wasn’t the first nor the last time, given the dangerous era we live in, when unified, collective action through a strong and effective federation system meant the difference between life and death for Jews in peril. In this case it was the Jewish Agency for Israel -- an organization funded and governed by almost 300 Jewish community federations worldwide in partnership with the government of Israel -- that took the lead, with help from Israeli intelligence and the U.S. State Department.

Our liturgy says of the Exodus, which we celebrate at Passover, that God rescued the Jewish

people “with a strong hand and an outstretched potent mode of action. arm ...” When it comes to rescuing Jews from jiIf there is one lesson we need to learn from the hadist terror and Muslim sectarian war in recent Yemeni rescue, it’s the need to preserve Yemen, from discrimination in Ethiopia or from that most at-risk Jewish value and asset: commua gathering storm of anti-Jewish violence in Eunal unity. rope, we know it is our duty to lend our own No single community, no single donor, not strong hands and outstretched arms. even the State of Israel, on its own could have Thank God we have the strength, unity and Jewish independence needed to take our fate into our own hands to the extent that we can. The rescue of the Yemenite Jews is one case in point.

Which brings me to another Passover paradox: What is the meaning of the “wicked son” -- the person who stands aloof from the story, separating himself from the collective -in this time of fraying Jewish unity?

To me, today’s wicked sons are the men and women who, knowingly or A Jewish family from Yemen arriving in israel at Ben gurion internot, dismantle the very unity that en- national Airport, Aug. 14, 2013.

Credit: Moshik Brin/The Jewish Agency/Flash90 ables the noble work of Jewish rescue and redemption, and the building up of the land, rescued the Jews of Yemen. It took a global Jewto continue. ish community to do it. A global community Disagreements among Jews, while nothing that, despite all our differences, still feels inexnew, are becoming more frequent, visible and orably connected to one another and acts upon potentially more costly than ever. Jews not only that unity in life-saving ways. are mirroring the increasingly partisan and conThis Passover, as we sit down to seder with tentious discourse of our broader American body family and friends, let’s remember that the work politic, but also are finding additional reasons to of redemption is not complete, and that the work squabble and snipe -- accusing one another of requires not only divine grace but also our own not caring about what is best for Israel, having strong hands and outstretched arms. Let us strive the wrong Jewish values or having no Jewish val- to be wise, not wicked, in our attitudes and dealues whatsoever. ings with one another. Let us be mindful, as the These reactions, which both reflect and fuel rescue of our Yemenite brothers and sisters the divisions among us, can’t be healthy for a mi- shows, that our actions have consequences. nority that represents just 2.2 percent of the U.S. Dr. Steven B. Nasatir is president of the Jewish population. This divisiveness is making Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan communal life more stressful and threatens to Chicago and an associate member of the Jewish paralyze our ability to act collectively, our most Agency’s Board of Governors.

of Omaha. It’s the combination of all those organizations and more; it’s the people who show up, and it’s the sum of our parts. And if, at times, those parts don’t fit exactly, or overlap, or are somehow in transition, that’s okay. We, as a community, aren’t stagnant -- we are constantly in motion.

So please clear your schedules for June 6, and come support our community. You will run into familiar faces, and if you don’t, you’ll make new friends. Especially if you have never attended the Annual Meeting, give it a try. We all look forward to seeing you there!

Can a united community still work miracles? Ask the Yemenite Jews

10 | The Jewish Press | May 13, 2016

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Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on may 13, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Jeannette Gabriel of the University of Iowa Libraries on We did so much beyond the home: The history of Jewish Women’s Community Life in Iowa.

There will an Oneg to follow service. All community members are invited to attend.

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

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. friday: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. saTurday: Shabbat Services/Have a Cup of Coffee wtih God, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Shabbat’s Cool (Grades K-7), 10 a.m. followed by lunch; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; BESTT Shul-In Overnight (Grades 3-7), 12:30 p.m.; USY Installations, 8:15 p.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: Shul-In PIck-up, 9 a.m. and No BESTT Classes; Babies, Bigger Kids & Bagels, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Learn to Read Hebrew with the Hazzan, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. wedNesday: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. Last day of school; Hebrew High Dinner, 6 p.m.; Minyan & More, 6:15 p.m. with Rabbi Abraham; Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. Last session; Women’s Book Group, 7 p.m. at the home of Darlene Golbitz.

Hebrew High Graduation/Seventh Grade Tichon Transfer, friday, may 20, 6 p.m. followed by dinner.

BESTT Breakfast, Classes & Talent Show, sunday, may 22, 9:45 a.m. Last day of classes.

Annual Meeting & Picnic-Style Sack Lunch, sunday, may 22, 12:30 p.m.

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

BeTh israel syNagogue

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.; Candle Lighting, 8:17 p.m. saTurday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Parade and Kids Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Insights into the Weekly Portion, 7:15 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 8 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:24 p.m. suNday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Beth Israel Annual Meeting & Election, 10 a.m.; Shavua Tov Israel, 1 p.m.; Caffe Ivrit, 2:30 p.m. weekdays: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

Thursday: Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Scholar’s Club for 6th Grade, 3:30 p.m.; Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m.; Talmud Learning, 8 p.m.

chaBad house

Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. friday: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m saTurday: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m. suNday: Minyan, 8:30 a.m. weekdays: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

Tuesday: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office. wedNesday: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak.

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

All programs are open to the entire community.

coNgregaTioN B’Nai JeshuruN

Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. friday: Pre-neg, 6 p.m.; Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:18 p.m.

saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Kedoshim; Havdalah (72 minutes), 9:49 p.m. suNday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-11 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS End-of-year Picnic, 11 a.m.

Tuesday: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Issara on Pine Lake Road. adulT educaTioN Tuesday: Intro to Judaism, 6:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Lewis.

Confirmation & Graduation Shabbat and Friday Night Live!, friday, may 20.

Lincoln Jewish Community School CAMP ISRAEL, July 11– July 22, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Kosher lunch and snack provided. LJCS enrolled students entering Kindergarten through 7th grade are eligible to attend Camp Israel. Those in 8th grade and up can participate as Counselors in Training. Contact Andrea Halpern or Tracy Gordon if you are interested!

offuTT air force Base

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

rose BlumkiN Jewish home

saTurday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Renee Kazor and Zach Bram.

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

Temple israel

friday: Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. led by Rabbi Brown; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet. saTurday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Services, 10:30 a.m. samuel gittelman, son of Jennifer and Larry Gittelman, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah; TiYPE Havdallah Picnic and Wine Tasting, 6:30 p.m. at Cellar 426. Reservations required. suNday: Last Sunday of Religious School Classes and School Picnic: Regular classes will be at 10 a.m. Afterwards, we will meet outside in the ampitheatre for a prayer assembly at 11 a.m. and picnic lunch at 11:30 a.m.; Temple Israel Book Club, 10 a.m.; Parent/Toddler Program, sunday, may 15, 10:30 a.m. program for children ages 2-3. Dani Howell will facilitate activities, games and songs for toddlers with their parents. For more information please contact Interim Religious School Director Sharon Comisar-Langdon, 402.556.6536; More Than A Joke: A Jew, A Christian, and a Muslim Walk Into A Pub, 5 p.m. with Tri-Faith Initiative leaders Rabbi Aryeh Azriel,

Rev. Dr. Eric Elnes, Dr. Syed Mohiuddin and others at Sean O”Casey’s Irish Pub, 2523 S 140 Avenue.

Tuesday: Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. wedNesday: Last Day for Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; Chapel for School, 4:30 p.m.; Last Day for Grades, 6 p.m.; Israel Through the Eyes of the Shalom Hartman Institute, 6:30 p.m. with Scott Littky.

Thursday: The Writings of Maimonides, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel.

145th Annual Meeting, sunday, may 22, 11 a.m. All members of Temple Israel are invited to attend as Mike Halsted is honored for serving as president of the Board of Trustees for the past two years. Rosie Zweiback, incoming president, and new Board officers and members will be installed. Outgoing Board members will be thanked for their service. Sally will give a report on the state of the congregation and Rabbi Azriel will give a report as well. Several other honors, including the presidential, caring, social justice and youth awards, will be presented, along with a special award. Brunch will be served. Cost per person is $18. Please RSVP to Temple Israel, 402.556.6536, by wednesday, may 18.

TifereTh israel

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. friday: Services, 6:30 p.m. saTurday: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon. suNday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-11 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS End-of-year Picnic, 11 a.m.

Tuesday: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Issara on Pine Lake Road.

The mission of the Center for People in Need is to enhance opportunities for families and youth as they address socio-economic barriers limiting their paths to success. We will hear about the programs they offer when Executive Director Beatty Brasch joins us for our Lunch and Learn program on saturday may 21 after services. Brasch is a long-time community activist and founder of the Center for People in Need. Her experience includes serving for 15 years as Executive Director at Lincoln Action Program before founding the Center in 2003. She has received numerous awards recognizing her commitment to the most underserved populations in our community.

Lincoln Jewish Community School CAMP ISRAEL, July 11– July 22, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Kosher lunch and snack provided. LJCS enrolled students entering Kindergarten through 7th grade are eligible to attend Camp Israel. Contact Andrea Halpern or Tracy Gordon if you are interested!

Netanyahu: General belittles Holocaust by comparing Israeli army to Nazis jta news staff JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed remarks made recently by the Israeli army’s deputy chief of staff in which he appeared to compare Israel and its military to the rise of Nazism in Germany.

“The remarks are fundamentally incorrect.

They should not have been made at any time, much less now,” Netanyahu said May 8 at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting. “They do injustice to Israeli society and cause a belittling of the Holocaust. The deputy chief of staff is an outstanding officer, but his remarks on this issue were utterly mistaken and unacceptable to me.”

Netanyahu noted that the meeting was taking place between Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Day and Israel’s Independence Day. “Many things have been said recently about the State of Israel. There is no country that does not have displays of intolerance and violence, but Israeli democracy is strong,” he said. “It condemns these displays and it deals with them according to the law and by other means.”

Gen. Yair Golan seemed to draw comparisons between what is happening now in Israel

and pre-Holocaust Germany during a speech at the start of Yom Hashoah, or Israel’s Holocaust remembrance day, at a kibbutz in central Israel near Netanya.

“If there’s something that frightens me about Holocaust remembrance, it’s the recognition of the horrifying processes that occurred in Europe in general, and particularly in Germany, back then – 70, 80 and 90 years ago – and finding signs of them here among us today in 2016,” Golan said.

“There is nothing easier than hating the other. There is nothing easier than raising fears and sowing terror. There is nothing easier than becoming callous, morally corrupt and hypocritical.”

Golan later walked back the remarks, saying in a statement released by the IDF that he “did not intend to compare the IDF and Israel to what happened in Germany 70 years ago. Such a comparison would be absurd and baseless.”

He also called the IDF “a moral army that respects purity of arms and human dignity.”

Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon defended Golan, saying his words were “distorted.” Other Israeli lawmakers also offered condemnation and praise for Golan’s message and his retraction.

The Jewish Press | May 13, 2016 | 11

lifecycles B’naI mItzvah

Sam gIttELman

Sam gittelman, son of Jennifer and Larry Gittelman, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 14, at Temple Israel.

Sam is a seventh grade honor roll student at Peter Kiewit Middle School. He is in the High Ability Learner (HAL) Program.

His interests include gaming, cross country, track, basketball and baseball.

For his mitzvah project, Sam volunteered at Child Saving Institute. He put together information packets for potential foster parents and helped supervise and play with children at CSI during foster parent meetings.

He has a sister, Anna.

Grandparents are Debbie and Richard Gittelman of Gaithersburg, MD, and Margaret and the late David Arch of Naples, FL.

EmILY kIRk

Emily kirk, daughter of Kelly and Thomas Kirk, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 21, at Beth El Synagogue.

Emily is a seventh grade Superior Honor Roll student at Russell Middle School. She is in the High Ability Learner (HAL) Program.

Her interests include basketball, dance, show choir, Russell Middle School Asset Builders program and participation in the Russell Middle School, school theater.

She has a sister, Lauren and two brothers, Jacob and Chris.

Grandparents are Marty Tichauer and Fred Tichauer, and Mike Kirk and the late Virginia Kirk.

Great-grandparents are the late Walter and Helena Tichauer, and the late Ben and Minia Maurer.

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In new film, Yitzhak Rabin narrates his autobiography CuRt SChLEIER JTA Rabin in his Own Words, which opens in Friday in New York, Los Angeles and South Florida, is more than a tribute to the two-time Israeli prime minister tragically gunned down in 1995. e aptly named cinematic autobiography, which uses archival footage going back to the statesman’s childhood, is entirely narrated by Yitzhak Rabin himself.

Filmmaker Erez Laufer, 53, designed it that way because, he tells JTA, “I got tired of hearing people analyzing him, people talking about him, both from admirers and people who didn’t. For me, the message of the film is you can kill someone, but his Filmmaker Erez Laufer voice lives on.”

Laufer, for the record, is squarely in the pro-Rabin camp.

Speaking via FaceTime from his home in Tel Aviv — ironically just a block from Rabin Square -- Laufer explains that he grew up near the Kadoorie Agricultural High School, the iconic institution in northern Israel where Rabin graduated.

“I always had, it’s very hard for me to find the word” -- he pauses to think of an appropriate English translation -- a “fascination or [been a] political supporter of his vision,” Laufer said.

From start to finish, the film took only a year, as Laufer wanted to screen it in Israel by November 2015, the 20th anniversary of Rabin’s assassination.

It was rushed, but quality did not suffer in the process. e film eloquently captures the two sides of Rabin -- the fierce warrior and the dedicated peacenik who fought for a two-state solution.

Rabin was born in Jerusalem in 1922. His father, who came to Israel from Ukraine via the United States, died when he was young. He was raised by his strict mother,

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Rose, from Belarus, who was a highly regarded labor leader.

In 1941, Rabin joined the Palmach, the commando unit of the Haganah, the prestate defense force, and helped the British invade Lebanon during World War II. He then fought in the Israeli War of Independence in 1948.

Rabin stayed in the military, was named chief of staff in 1964, and three years later led the Israel Defense Forces to victory in the Six-Day War. From there he served in a variety of jobs, including ambassador to the U.S., several Cabinet posts and two stints as prime minister.

What’s interesting to watch is how contentious Israeli politics are, especially when it comes to a figure as polarizing as Rabin. e film shows Credit: Laufer demonstration footage of crowds calling Rabin a savior for his efforts to bring peace, along with protests deeming him a murderer because Palestinian violence erupted aer one of his initiatives.

Rabin remained true to his beliefs.

“You don’t make peace with friends,” he said. “You make it with very unsavory enemies.”

As early as 1973 he worked to return the Sinai to Egypt, something he said “brought us much closer to peace.” A few years later Rabin urged returning the West Bank to Jordan.

And he consistently spoke out against settlements in the administered territories, which he considered “a grave mistake [that] did nothing but undermine peace efforts.”

He was an architect of the Israel-Jordan peace treaty and of course shared the Nobel Peace Prize for his participation in the Oslo Accords. It was the latter that precipitated his assassination by an Orthodox Jew who objected to the agreement.

“Rabin” is a complete and reasonably balanced account of an important life. e only thing it can’t offer is what the Middle East might be like if he were alive today.

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hOSPItaL/CLInIC Director of Compliance: Memorial Health Care Systems, Seward, NE, seeks a candidate with hospital/clinic coding/billing experience to oversee Corporate Compliance/Privacy. Experience in healthcare compliance preferred. Competitive wage/benefits.

Apply online: www.mhcs.us/about-us/employment.

SOuth CEntRaL Diesel Inc., Holdrege, NE, has a full-time position in our growing sales department. Must be very organized, excellent computer skills, detail oriented, self-motivated and have good communication skills. Knowledge of Automotive & Diesel Parts a must. Great Pay, Retirement, Paid Vacations, Employee Health Insurance Paid. Contact Mike @ 308995-6528 or scdinc2@qwestoffice.net.

LaYnE ChRIStEnSEn Co. now hiring helpers, pump installers, drillers, technicians.

Apply in person Saturday, May 14th, 8 a.m.-Noon, 4601 N. 252nd St., Valley, NE, 402359-2042. dRIvERS wantEd. Justa Trucking, Lexington, NE, 800-445-0135. Home weekly. Trips to various Midwest points. Drop pay, Vacation pay. Excellent equipment. OTR experience required.

12 | The Jewish Press | May 13, 2016

community

T

New reading materials at the Kripke Library MarK Kirchhoff Center for Jewish Life he new arrivals table at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library has many new offerings, ready for your reading enjoyment. The library, with a collection of over 40,000 titles, boasts an amazing collection of books, DVDs, periodicals and more.

Think the choices are only scholarly? Not so. There is a rich variety of biographies, autobiographies, political, current happenings, in addition to fiction and a DVD collection that includes comedies, documentaries, popular big screen films and old favorites.

New materials are added frequently, and we are happy to take your suggestions for books and movies you would like to include in future orders. Just drop in the library and chat with Shirly or Mark or call 402.334.6462 with your request. Library hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on friday. The library is closed from noon-1 p.m. daily.

Here are five non-fiction books - two of which are food-related - that have been acquired recently. A complete listing of the new arrivals can be found on Kripke Jewish Federation Library page in the Center for Jewish Life section at www.jewishomaha.org.

Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg never asked for fame -- she was just trying to make the world a little better and a little freer. But along the way, the feminist pioneer’s searing dissents and steely strength have inspired millions.

Notorious RBG will take you behind the myth for an intimate, irreverent look at the justice’s life and work.

No Better Time: The Brief, Remarkable Life of

Danny Lewin, the Genius Who Transformed the Internet by Molly Rasking.

Danny Lewis was a young, driven mathematical genius who wrote a set of algorithms that would create a faster, better Internet. This is the story of a beautiful friendship between a loud, irreverent student and his soft-spoken MIT professor, of a husband and father who spent years struggling to make ends meet only to become a billionaire almost overnight.

Lewis was also almost certainly the first victim of 9/11, stabbed to death at age 31 while trying to overpower the terrorists who would eventually fly American Flight 11 into the World Trade Center. But ironically, it was 9/11 that proved the ultimate test for Lewin’s vision of communication.

Single Handed: The Inspiring True Story of Tibor “Teddy” Rubin, Holocaust Survivor, Korean War Hero and

Medal of Honor Recipient by Daniel Cohen. In 1944, a thirteenyear-old Hungarian boy named Tibor Rubin was captured by the Nazis and sent to the notorious Mauthausen concentration camp.

The teenager endured its horrors for more than a year. After surviving the Holocaust, he arrived penniless in America, barely speaking English.

In 1950, Tibor volunteered for service in the Korean War. After intense fighting involving acts of heroism, he was captured.

As a POW, Tibor called on his experience in Mauthausen to help fellow GIs survive two and half years of captivity.

Tibor returned from Korea in 1953, but it wasn’t until 2005 -- at age 76 -- that he was invited to the White House, where he received the Medal of Honor from President George W. Bush. The former

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Hungarian refugee became the only survivor of the Holocaust to have earned America’s highest military distinction.

Drawing on eyewitness accounts and extensive interviews, author Daniel M. Cohen presents the inspiring story of Tibor “Teddy” Rubin for the first time in its entirety and gives us a stirring portrait of a true hero.

In the Chocolate Trail – A Delicious Adventure Connecting Jews, Religions, History, Travel, Rituals and Recipes to the Magic of Cacao by Deborah R. Prinz.

Take a delectable journey through the religious history of chocolate. Rabbi Deborah Prinz draws from her world travels on the trail of chocolate to enchant chocolate lovers of all backgrounds as she unravels religious connections in the early chocolate trade and shows how Jewish and other religious values infuse chocolate today.

A Jewish Baker’s Pastry Secrets by George Greenstein. Draws out master dough recipes for bundt, babka, strudel, gugelhopf, stollen, pressburger, puff pastry and Danish into more than 200 recipes and variations for pastries (Napoleons), coffee cakes, sweet buns (Cinnamon Babka, Sticky Buns) and miniature pastries (Triple Chocolate Rugelach). This title features step-by-step line illustrations.

Watch for a future article presenting summaries of additional books that have been added to the collection. Better yet, visit the library and discover treasures in reading all on your own.

The Kripke Jewish Federation Library is a program of the Center for Jewish Life as a part of the agency’s mission to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences. For additional information, please call 402.334.6462.