June 17, 2016 by Jewish Press

thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

this week

WWW.JEWISHOMAHA.ORG

SpoNSoRed by The beNjAMIN ANd ANNA e. WIeSMAN FAMIly eNdoWMeNT FuNd

Saying goodbye to Eliad and his family page 4

Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Meeting pages 8+9

We can love Jerusalem as Jews without taunting its Muslims page 16

dick and Terri Zacharia with the delegation from Israel at henry doorly Zoo’s newly opened African grasslands exhibit.

NATe A. ShApIRo Director of Development, Jewish Federation of Omaha rom June 1 through June 6, Omaha was visited by a delegation of Israeli business leaders from Western Galilee region as part of the Partnership2Gether (P2G) platform. P2G exists to promote enduring and

meaningful partnerships between global Jewish communities and communities in Israel. The focus of this visit was to create business connections with our new Israeli friends, while demonstrating the crucial role of philanthropy in creating and maintaining a robust Jewish community. The participants came with a variety of business backgrounds ranging from zir-

Rabbi Azriel’s final sermon

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel during his last regular Friday night at Temple Israel Credit: Cassandra Hicks

inside Viewpoint Synagogues

12 14

by MIKe Kelly and ScoTT lITTKy On Friday, May 27, Temple Israel celebrated Rabbi Aryeh Azriel’s 28 years as Senior Rabbi. Rabbi Josh Brown and Cantor Wendy Shermet prepared an amaz-

ing final service. Joining them on the bima were six visiting clergy who had served the congregation during Rabbi Azriel’s tenure: Rabbi Debbi Stiel, Rabbi Craig Marantz, Rabbi Eric Linder, Cantor Karen Webber-Gilat, Hazzan Erik Contzius and Cantor Jennifer Blum Seeger. The service included beautiful vocal renditions by all four cantors and the Kol Rina Choir. In addition, each of the four Rabbis gave a D’var Torah that represented the profound effect on them of Rabbi Azriel’s teaching and leadership. The service culminated in a beautiful and moving ceremony in which See Final sermon page 2

conium injection mold production for dental equipment to polyurethane food packaging production to professional photography. Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO) staff facilitated meetings with area business people to explore possible areas of mutual benefit. Each Israeli had a unique itinerary with business See partnership delegation page 2

The unstoppable Manya Nogg

ANNeTTe vAN de KAMp-WRIghT Editor of the Jewish Press In her new book, Age is Just a Number, and Mine is Unlisted, Omahan Manya Nogg writes about her almost 70 years of working in film, television and on the stage. “My favorite aunt was a writer,” she says, “and I guess I wanted to follow in her footsteps.” It’s not her first foray into writing. She co-wrote a cookbook with daughter Sharon, and numerous magazine and newspaper articles as well as film and play scripts. “Age is just a Number came out last fall and is a memoir of my life. It focuses heavily on my work as a talent agent in the film and television industry. I think older Omahans in particular will be able to

relate to some of the things that happened here in the 1930s and 1940s. I also hope they will take the hint that you don’t have to stop having fun just because you are getting older. Read my book, and see if you can try some new things. Don’t stay in a rut; it’s boring down there.” Don’t let the focus of her book fool you; Manya has some great advice for the younger generation as well: “Find what is positive, make decent choices and try to be part of life without having to be part of ‘groups.’ Trying too hard to belong can lead to undesirable things.” When Manya was four years old, she nearly died from stomach problems. She spent three months in the hospital, and grew up an See Manya Nogg page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | June 17, 2016

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Manya Nogg

Continued from page 1 introverted child. Still, she decided she wanted to go to Hollywood: “I graduated high school on Friday and left for California on Sunday,” she says. Introverted no more, she “went from being inhibited to where my mouth will still be going three days after I’m dead.” She began her career as a make-up artist and eventually ended up working for an Omaha plastic surgeon creating facial parts for cancer patients who were waiting for corrective surgery. Together with her son Randy, she owns Actors Etc. Limited, which is a talent agency. They also cover casting for films shot locally. Manya is busy: although she regularly writes a travel advice column, she also loves to write mystery novels (A Shadow in Venice came out a few months ago). Unlike many

Final sermon

Continued from page 1 all the clergy and past presidents blessed Rabbi Azriel with the Priestly Benediction. The service was followed by a special dessert oneg arranged by Sandy Nogg. The following evening, the greater Omaha community had the opportunity to thank Rabbi and Elyce for their years of leadership and service. More than 600 people attended the dinner and program at the Hilton Omaha. Mike Kelly of the Omaha World-Herald was one of the speakers, as was Dr. Syed Mohiuddin, a Muslim and a Creighton University cardiologist. He called on blessings and peace for the Rabbi and his family “from the God of Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad.” Referring to Omaha’s unique Tri-Faith Initiative, Mohiuddin called Azriel “the founder, leader and unrelenting champion of this Blessed cause.” “It would have been easy for us to build our places of worship in isolation,” Jim Farber commented, “but you would have none of that. You told us that ships are safest in port, but that’s not what ships are built for. You encouraged us to stay on the journey’. The Rev. Eric Elnes, Countryside Community Church pastor, gave an invocation familiar to Jews but joked, “if you think my Hebrew is bad, try my Arabic.” Bob Freeman paid tribute to the Rabbi’s legacy of bringing people together and said Azriel made Jews feel more Jewish. Following the speeches, everyone was treated to a marvelous surprise appearance and short concert presented by the Salem Baptist Church Choir. Dorothy Spizman then presented the Azriels with a piece of artwork by Jeff Koterba depicting the contributions of both Elyce and Aryeh during the past 28 years.

Left picture: Our Winners – Gretchen Radler, left, Debbie Josephson and Jane Ruback. Players during the four rounds of the Tournament pictured above are clockwise from center: Roxanne Kahn, Vicki Chesen, Rosalie Greenspan, Pam DePorte.

writers, she hones her craft not in isolation, but while she is involved in a million other projects. “There are always too many irons in the fire. I am curious about so many things. Recently, I was cleaning out some old files and found a sick bag from Air Polynesia. I was about to throw it away, and then I noticed I had started to write a story about Bora Bora on the side!” Read her resume, and you’ll need a nap. Her works-in-progress include a mystery about two Honolulu detectives handling multiple murders, another novel coming out this fall titled Indian Summer, which follows a Native American/Scottish doctor in Fort Robinson, and that story in Bora Bora that started with the sick bag from the plane. She’s held 19 jobs and “has only been fired one-and–a-half times.” Age is Just a Number, and Mine is Unlisted can be purchased locally at the Bookworm (they have signed copies) and on Amazon.com. Nogg’s mystery novel A Shadow in Venice is also available on Amazon.

The program was masterfully emceed by Jim Farber who introduced the closing number, For Good, sung by Cantors Shermet, Webber-Gilat, Contzius and Seeger. They were joined by Tami Field and Jerry Brabec and accompanied by Julie Sandene. If you would like to see more pictures from the weekend, please go to Temple Israel’s Facebook page.

Partnership delegation

Continued from page 1 contacts relevant to their particular business. The delegation also met with representatives from the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce where the delegation was presented with an overview of the economic history and status of the Omaha area. In addition to business meetings, the delegation enjoyed a tour of our Campus, meals hosted and attended by community members, our community’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a trip to Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, and the Joslyn and Durham Museums. The delegation was also interested in American Judaism and attended Shabbat services at Beth El Synagogue. The JFO would like to extend its sincere thanks to the members of the Omaha Jewish Community who met with the delegation, hosted meals, attended meals, assisted with transportation, or even just said hello. The delegation felt very welcomed by our community. If you are interested in being involved with the P2G platform, please contact Nate Shapiro, Director of Development, NShapiro@jewishomaha.org.

Getting ready for the month of July

The Jewish Press | June 17, 2016 | 3

scholarship honors Rick Fox naomi Fox boehm and sheLLy Fox ick Fox was passionately involved in the Omaha restaurant community for over 40 years. He was known for building lasting and positive relationships with his customers, employees, and the local business community in Omaha. His skill and natural abilities led him to this career, and he was zealously devoted to the relationships he fostered. Last fall, Shelly and Naomi Fox knew they wanted to do something in Rick’s name to honor this commitment and service to the Omaha restaurant community. Knowing that Rick was an enthusiastic supporter of the Culinary Institute at Metro Community College, they chose to establish a scholarship fund there in memory of Rick. e Richard Fox Memorial Scholarship was established in 2015 to financially support students in the Culinary Arts and Management programs. On May 15th of this year, a dinner was held at the Culinary Arts Institute to bring awareness to the beautiful facilities and educational programs that Metro oﬀers and raise additional funds for the scholarship. Attendees had the op-

To submiT announcemenTs

portunity to enjoy the creative menu and innovative cocktails that the Culinary Arts Institute students and chefs created for this special occasion. Guests also enjoyed a short presentation aer the meal on how their contributions support the culinary program and allow gied young chefs and aspiring managers to achieve their educational and career goals. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel presented the invocation and Mike Abramson was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. Speakers included Head Chef Brian O’Malley, a current MCI student, Tiﬀany Mainelli who was Rick’s business partner, and Shelly Fox, Rick’s wife, who shared more personal stories and thoughts about their beloved friend and partner. e room was full of love, tears, and fond memories for this special person who le us all too soon. For more information on e Richard Fox Memorial Scholarship at MCI, please visit https://www. mccneb.edu/ Community-Business/ Foundation/Foundation-Scholar ships/Available-Scholarships/Culinary-Arts-and-Horti culture/ Richard-Fox-Memorial-Scholar ship.aspx

Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press at jpress@jewish omaha.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. Please check the Jewish Press, for notices of early deadlines.

scoTT LiTTky Program Director, Temple Israel Excitement is building for the month of July at Temple Israel. The start of the month will officially begin the next chapter of rabbinical leadership at Temple Israel. On Friday evening, July 1, at 6 p.m., Rabbi Darryl Crystal and Rabbi Deanna Sussman will conduct their first Shabbat service. The D’var Torah that evening will be presented by Rabbi Sussman and we hope that all will stay for the oneg after services to “schmooze” with Rabbi Crystal and Rabbi Sussman. On Friday evening, July 8, at 6 p.m., will be Shabbat services and Rabbi Crystal will give the D’var Torah. After services, all are invited to stay for a Shabbat Picnic Dinner in the Simon Community Court and in the outside entry to Temple Israel. For those who do not bring their own picnic dinner, 402BBQ Food Truck will be here to sell food. The George Walker Trio will play during the picnic. For Shabbat services on Friday, July 15, and July 29, Rabbi Sussman will give the D’var Torah; and on Friday, July 22, Rabbi Crystal will speak. As always, all of these services are open to all who would like to attend, and we hope that you will stay to welcome and get to know our new Rabbis. Our next Men’s only Holy Smokes will be held on Tuesday, July 12, at 7 p.m., at Temple Israel. This is the third year of Holy Smokes and participation keeps growing. Rabbi Steven Abraham from Beth El Synagogue will be our guest speaker. Holy Smokes is open to all men in our community but RSVP’s are requested at 402.556.6536. On Wednesday evening July 20, at 7 p.m., in the Library at Temple Israel, we will show Barry Levinson’s classic movie Avalon. The movie deals with the classic Jewish American immigration story of our grandparents and great-grandparents. After watching the film we will join in discussing how the movie relates to our own journeys to America. The screening is open to the public. Finally, since July has a fifth sunday, (July 31,) we will have the opportunity to serve breakfast at the Stephen Center. For the last few years, we have taken on the responsibility of covering the fifth Sunday breakfast detail. We prepare breakfast on site and serve over 120 meals each visit. If you are interested in participating with us, please contact Scott Littky, Program Director. For information on any of our July programs or to inquire about Temple membership, please contact, Scott Littky, Program Director at 402.556.6536.

4 | The Jewish Press | June 17, 2016

community

Saying goodbye to

Eliad

Wednesday, June 8 marked the end of a fabulous three years with Eliad Eliyahu Ben Shushan as our Omaha Community Shaliach. Numerous community members came to say goodbye, and hear him sing one last time. Together with his wife Sara and their four children, Eliad went home to Akko on June 14. Until we meet again!

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Update from the israeli consulate eMily newMan Administrative Assistant, ADL his past spring, ADL Regional Director Dr. Mary-Beth Muskin had the opportunity to attend and represent both Nebraska and the ADLCRC Plains States Region at the Consulate General of Israel at Chicago’s Jewish Leadership conference. There were several other states represented at the conference, including Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, and Wisconsin – and the delegates from these states came from varying Jewish organizations, such as Jewish Federations, ADL and Jewish Committees. The conference itself was, meant to update the leaders of Midwest Jewish communities on the current issues facing Israel today, population demographics within the country and more. There were a variety of topics discussed and presented within the two short conference days. Some of the topics included the Gay Rights Movement within Israel, Evangelical relations with Jews and Israel, the current relationship between Israel and Iran and the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. An update was given regarding Iran, as we are soon coming upon the one year anniversary of the Iranian nuclear deal’s initial announcement. These updates do not paint a clear picture of the deal’s effectiveness, nor Iran’s behavior. One such update was the reduction of the “break-out” period of Iran going nuclear – since the deal’s implementation. It was stated that there is a vital need to establish new sanctions on Iran. There is also still work to be done regarding Iranian financial and military support of Hezbollah in Iran. There was concern over the need for Iran to be held accountable for the agreement they struck and it was expressed that this accountability must be established sooner rather than later. Other topics discussed at the conference included Israel’s relationship with Egypt and the Sinai region, radical Islam and extremism, and updates were given regarding Israeli demographics, political ideology and recent polling data. Data showed that 63% of the Jewish population within Israel desires peace but doesn’t think it is possible or realistic under current circumstances, especially regarding security.

The Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement was extensively reviewed, as it has had a significant impact on Jewish university students, and there is now an attempt to spread this initiative to churches and statehouses. This movement has been in existence for approximately 15 years and has deep historical roots in the desire for the elimination of Israel. Today, not all involved in the BDS movement have the elimination of Israel as a reason for involvement but instead are looking at this as a possible Human Rights movement. Often, there is a lack of understanding of the complexity of issues in the Middle East. There was a panel discussion on available approaches and research on BDS. The ADL’s “Words to Action” program was highlighted as an active way to support and educate our Jewish high school and college students and their families about the BDS issue, antiSemitism and the Jewish response. The ADL-CRC is in the planning stage of rolling out the “Words to Action” program which will start late summer. Additionally, a new trend has come from Israel and American Jewish Allies in the form of legislation to deal with BDS. So far 20 states and two local governments have legislated that agencies under their control stop doing business with any company or agency that is aligned with the BDS movement. The conference was sponsored by the Israeli Consul General Roey Gilad, as a way to bring Midwest Jewish leadership together. This was an excellent opportunity to expand knowledge and understanding on many important issues facing Israel, as well as Jewish communities in the United States. There was additionally an opportunity to explore what was currently being done and work together to share solutions. Roey Gilad returns to Israel in August but his leadership here in the Midwest will be remembered. As we say a fond farewell to Roey, we look forward to welcoming a new Consul.

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Campfire Memories

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ajewishpress exhibit

Two new books from Manya Nogg

Age is Just a Number and Mine is Unlisted A memoir of 60 years in show business, world travel and a life that is anything but ordinary. Signed copies available in Omaha at the Bookworm.

A Shadow in Venice Private investigators, Gil and Kate have a complicated past, but are thrown together on a dangerous mission in the dark underworld of Venice. Available at Amazon.com

Jim Zipursky elected Beth El President

OZZie nOgg study group. Steve Riekes, a champion of for Beth El Synagogue Jewish education, serves as the informal coThe Beth El Synagogue Annual Meeting ordinator and shares facilitating duties with held on Sunday, May 22, saw Jim Zipursky other regulars including Dick Fellman, elected President of the conMarty Shukert and Howard gregation. Joining Zipursky Epstein. Other members of on the 2016-2017 Executive the group are Rami Arav, Committee are Adam KutMichelle Byrnes, Miriam ler, Ari Riekes and Bob Gottlieb, Leonard GreenYaffe, Vice-Presidents; Jay spoon, David Herzog, Gordman, Treasurer; Caryn Howard Kaiman, Lynda Scheer, Secretary; Joel Rich, Mirvish, Gilda Pieck and Past President; Lisa Marcus, Iris Varkony. “Although the BESTT Chair; and Ari group is fluid and welcomes Kohen, Religious Life Chair. newcomers at any time,” “I’m excited to serve as Zipursky said, “these seaPresident of Beth El,” soned veterans have atZipursky said. “Working tended since the beginning, with Rabbi Abraham will be and seventeen years later Jim Zipursky fun and a challenge. He’s they show no signs of slowfilled with fabulous ideas and it isn’t always ing down, even after having completed easy to keep up with him. Together, he and I Torah’s five books many times over.” look forward to continuing the path of Beth Ben Shapiro was recognized as the firstEl Synagogue: Rooted in tradition, embractime winner of The Larry DeBruin Award ing change. I’m also proud to be the first for Service to the Synagogue, a new award President to follow in the footsteps of his named in honor of DeBruin, who recently wife,” Zipursky continued, referring to Sally retired after twenty-five years as Beth El’s Zipursky who acted as Beth El President Executive Director. Shapiro’s record of servfrom 2006 to 2008. “I’m fortunate to have a ice runs the gamut from designing the arwonderful mentor sharing my home with chitecture of Beth El’s computer network to me. Sally will certainly be able to offer great High Holiday service leader, regular Torah advice over the next two years.” and Megillah reading, sukkah building, Beth El Board of Trustees elected at the kitchen detail, World Wide Wrap, Men’s meeting include Bob Belgrade, Karla Club Board and participation in the recent Cohen, Danny Cohn, David Finkelstein, Cantor’s Concert. “Ben truly personifies this Miriam Gottlieb, Leonard Greenspoon, new award of service to the synagogue,” David Kotok, Bruce Kutler, Allan Murow, Zipursky said. Amy Nachman, Kevin Saltzman, David Six Beth El teens, nominated by synaWeill, Susan Witkowski and Barry Zoob. gogue staff members and auxiliary groups, Linda Fischer, Beth El Sisterhood President, were also honored for their commitment to and Kieren Smith, USY President, also sit the congregation. Raelyn Cherry received on the Board of Trustees. According to the 2016 Jack Molad Ruach Award; Zach Zipursky, this diverse group represents all Krausman was named the 2016 Joe Ginsthe various demographics at Beth El. “I’m berg Mensch Award winner; Brooke Shuleexcited to see the members grow in their witz was selected Sisterhood Teen Volunteer Board positions,” he said, “since many of of the Year; Tomer Palmon garnered the them will be the future Presidents and lead- Men’s Club Teen Service Award; Zev Krausers of our congregation.” man won the A.B. and Freeda Gendler Along with the election of officers, the Award; and Zack Stein received the Helen & 2016 Beth El Annual Meeting recognized Joe Fishel Memorial Award. In each case, adult and teen congregants for their service the teens were recognized for their excepto the synagogue. Awards and recipients intional contribution to Beth El life, including cluded: The President’s Award (non-board USY and Shabbat programming, the menmember) to Donald Goldstein for his comtoring of young BESTT students, Junior mitment and staunch behind-the-scenes Congregation tutoring, Kamp KEF and Hesupport of Beth El initiatives; The Earl Siegel brew High participation. “These young peoAward (board member) to Lloyd Roitstein ple have grown as leaders and added a for his work with the Life & Legacy camtremendous amount to our school and to paign, and to Barry Zoob for implementing our youth group,” said Eadie Tsabari, Beth new opportunities to engage Beth El memEl’s Director of Congregational Learning. bers through the new Marketing and Repo“We’re very proud of them.” sitioning Committee; and The Emerging Before adjourning the meeting, Zipursky Leaders Award given to Abigail and Adam reminded everyone to mark their calendars Kutler for their chairmanship of the Young for Beth El’s End of Summer Festival schedAdult group plus their warm, enthusiastic uled for Monday, Sept. 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 outreach to new synagogue members. p.m. The event, open to the entire Jewish The 2016 Selwyn Roffman Award for Recommunity and designed to appeal to peoligious Growth honored Beth El’s Torah ple of all ages, will put a new spin on MemoStudy Group which has met every Sunday rial Day celebrations. Lisa Marcus, Caryn morning since 1999 and is considered by Scheer and Danny Cohn are Festival comany to be Omaha’s longest running Torah chairs. “This is going to be huge,” Cohn said.

Organizations

B’nai B’rith BreadBreakers

Speaker to be announced for Wednesday, June 22, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

Volunteer Opportunity

The Jewish Federation of Omaha is currently looking for volunteers to help cover the front desk on Wednesdays, Fridays and every other Monday to relieve our Receptionist for lunch. Please call Tammy Johnson at 402.334.6430 or email at tjohnson@jewishomaha.org if you are interested in serving in this way.

The Jewish Press | June 17, 2016 | 7

A message from our CEO t the annual meeting earlier this month, I mentioned several exciting initiatives we are planning for the coming year. One is our community study. As I have mentioned in the AlAn PotAsh Jewish Press and in our e- Chief Executive Officer, newsletter, there has not JFO been a comprehensive study of Jewish Omaha done since the 1970s. If you were at the meeting, you know I conducted a quick sampling of the possible study questions with interesting results. These results are not scientific but are fascinating just the same. Of those in attendance, 2/3 were born in Omaha; the majority were married women; roughly 82% are donors to the annual campaign; and 76% are members of the JCC. We will be using a research firm that has been doing comprehensive community studies for many years. Ira M. Sheskin, Ph.D., has completed or is working on 46 similar studies for Jewish Federations throughout the US over the past 34 years. The field work will be conducted under the direction of David Dutwin, of Social Science Research Solutions, who has completed the field work for close to 20 such projects. A local Jewish community study is a research, community-building and policy-oriented project. It is designed to understand the demographic, social and Jewish characteristics and needs of the Jewish population in our community. More specifi-

cally, a community study provides a solid foundation for communal planning and policymaking. A community study typically includes data on non-Jews sharing households with Jews. Jewish community studies tend to ask questions in three main areas: 1. Social and demographic characteristics – for example, age, geography, gender, presence of children, education and income. 2. Jewish connections – for example, organizational memberships, attitudes toward the Jewish community, donations to Jewish causes, and travel to Israel. 3. Social and human service needs – for example, needs for counseling, employment training, transportation, and financial assistance. Surveys are the most common method for gathering this important information. We will be utilizing the list of known community members we are currently compiling, a list of distinctive Jewish names from the area and random digit dialing. We anticipate completing 600 15-minute interviews between Oct. – Dec., 2016. Please know the entire community will have the opportunity to be a part of the study process. I am currently in the process of forming a committee of 12-15 people to work with the research team to craft the questions and assist with the community discussions. In addition, over the course of the next two months we will hold community discussion groups to create, sample and determine the actual questions used in our study. If you are interested in participating in either the committee or the discussion groups please email me at communitystudy@ jewishomaha.org. This is a dedicated email address for the study; please feel free to use this email if you wish to participate, have questions, suggestions, or concerns about the study. If you would like to learn more about how community studies are conducted, check out the main resource on community studies The Berman Jewish Data Bank at http://www.jewishdatabank.org/.

community A message from our President

I want to thank the community for the honor of my new position as President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. In the past three years, Jay Noddle has accomplished so much. I want to thank bruce him for his service. friedlAnder My favorite event President, JFO was Campaign Cabaret, which put my wife, our son and daughter as well as two grandchildren on the Joslyn stage. I could have never pulled that off. One of my goals for our Jewish Federation is to celebrate what we, as a community, do right. And there are many things we do right. I can’t stress to you how many times I thought to myself, “Too bad that more people weren’t here to see this.” Our parking lots need to be full. It is also important to maintain strong Jewish families. At our house, the credit goes to my wife Pam. During one brave moment in 1968, I called a girl by the name of Pam Weiss and asked her out. She said yes, we played miniature golf, saw a movie, started dating, and three years later we were married at Beth Israel Synagogue. Our daughter Andee, son-in-law Anthony, son Jimmy, and daughter-in-law Sophie and three grandchildren, Jack, Joe and Will, join us for Shabbat almost every week, and we

also have brunch together on Sunday. Our grandsons call us ‘Pa’ and ‘B.’ If you ask them where they are going, they will tell you: “B’s House.” If you are wondering how I became President, it’s because I live at B’s house. I believe that our children learn more about Jewish life at home from their parents than anywhere else. Get involved in your children’s lives - don’t just drop them off. Come in with them. In addition to family, I believe in a strong work ethic. I credit my father for showing me the definition of a full day ( it’s not 9 to 5, or 40 hours, or Monday through Friday). Included with family and work ethic is community service. It is incredibly important for all of us to get involved. Mine began in 1983, when Ozzie Nogg called and asked me to serve at Beth El. I am not perfect. On the contrary, I am the guy that, back in my Bar Mitzvah days, was responsible for Rabbi Alex Katz drinking on the job. But being President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha (I really hope you’ll agree with me here) is not about being perfect. It’s about serving this community, serving all of you, and working together with lay leaders and professionals to make this place even more amazing. And have fun at the same time. For that, I need your help. We are the best Federation in the country, and we want to maintain our success. We must take this opportunity to make our campus structurally sound, and keep our goal in mind: to sustain Jewish life for our children and grandchildren.

Congratulations

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8 | The Jewish Press | June 17, 2016

The Jewish Press | June 17, 2016 | 9

communitygallery

Jewish Federation of Omaha

Annual Meeting

Jan Goldstein

Good evening and mazel tov to all of tonight’s recipients. When Howard and I first learned we would be receiving the Spirit of Federation award, we were humbled, surprised, and very appreciative to be honored for what has been our good fortune to work for something that we passionately believe in and love doing. How blessed we have been for the past two-and-ahalf decades to be doing this holy work together, with our extraordinary peers, friends and colleagues from both sides of the lay and professional community. Fact is, throughout the years, it’s been exactly this collaborative relationship that has been the foundation of success for all of us in Jewish Omaha. And today, I

Brian Nogg Andee Scioli

Thank you so much Jeff and Rick. You and your family are true leaders and our entire community is grateful for your generosity. Thirty years ago, I had the opportunity to participate in Campaign Cabaret directed by Joanie Jacobson. I learned how special our community is and how wonderful it is to be Jewish in Omaha. Many people worked hard to make that show a success and the memories are important ones for me. Last year, Howard Kooper had a vision to recreate CC and unite our community once again in song and dance. Howard, Joanie, Jan Goldstein, Beth Dworkin and Louri Sullivan worked tirelessly to bring it to fruition and it was my pleasure to assist. Seeing the entire community come together to celebrate Jewish Omaha was an unbelievable experience. For many of the younger cast members, it was their first Federation experience and their dedication and commitment was outstanding. There is reason to be hopeful. Families like the Fellmans, Koopers, and Schragers have shown us the way. It is imperative for my generation to step up and continue to make Jewish Omaha the incredible place that it is today. Because the truth is, the more we give, the more we all get and the stronger our community grows. I would not be here tonight without the support of my parents, my husband, Anthony, and my children, Jack and Joe. My family looks forward to a great year ahead under the direction of our new Federation President, my father, Bruce Friedlander. Thank you for this meaningful honor. I am so happy to be a part of this community

I am very honored to receive the Bruce Fellman Memorial Young Leadership Award. Though I didn’t know Bruce, I have an idea of who he was through knowing some of his early friends and knowing his family members. I respect all the Fellman family has done for the Jewish Federation through their participation and their generosity. Jewish Omaha is a unique place and has a special feel to those who experience it. I had dinner with some Israeli entrepreneurs the other night and they were in awe with what they had seen on the JCC campus! I have witnessed friends who were visiting and Omaha transplants who really fall in love with our Jewish community as they mention how friendly and hospitable everyone is at a Jewish event, the synagogue, or the Bagel Bin. I knew at a very early age that I wanted be here as an adult and raise my family in our Jewish community. If you have an idea for your Federation, your synagogue etc., you can easily lead an effort to make it happen here. Making a real difference is a possibility! In a bigger city, it is harder to get the opportunity to do this and it is also easier to hide as many do in larger cities. We need to work together to figure out how each of us can contribute our unique talents to our Jewish community! There is a lot of talent here and some of it is untapped and needs to be discovered. I am excited to see what my generation and others in the future can do to keep us on the road to success. I have read in many business books how third and fourth generations of a family businesses can fail due to assuming continued success and becoming complacent. This of course drives me in my own business but it relates to Jewish Omaha’s past achievements and what the future holds. I am looking forward to working with our generation to inspire, excite, and ignite an energy that maintains yet proactively reinvents our community for years to come. I would like to thank the Federation Staff for their energy which inspires me to want to do more! I want to thank my parents, Steve and Patty, for instilling in me the desire to volunteer and make a difference through their example. Last but not least, I want to thank my wife Jaime and my three boys (Jordan, Cory, and Taylor) for understanding and supporting my commitment to the Federation. Thanks again for this fantastic honor!

Top: Samuel, Nancy, Susie and Outgoing JFO President Jay Noddle; Humanitarian of the Year Bob Belgrade and Sandra Belgrade; Louri Sullivan and Tom Fellman; Pam Friedlander and incoming JFO President Bruce Friedlander (see his column on P. 7) with daughter Andee, Lois Jeanne Schrager me-

morial Young Leadership Award recipient, and husband Anthony Scioli; Anne Shackman with Spirit of Federation Award recipients Howard Kooper and Jan Goldstein; Far left: Bruce Friedlander and Andee Scioli; Near left: Neal and Jody Malashock with Rabbi Emeritus Aryeh Azriel, re-

couldn’t be more proud to be joining the ranks of the lay people of this community; all of those I have so greatly respected throughout my professional career. Now, Howard and I having together co-chaired the recent 2016 Annual Campaign; we are reminded that the Campaign is the best example of the Power of the Collective, and a community’s ability to meet its obligations to take care of those in need and to build opportunities for everyone. Looking back over the last 25 years, we have been privileged to be a part of a community that has raised over one hundred million dollars for annual fundraising, building facilities, and special Israel/global campaigns. Yes, you heard it right- and it is overwhelming what we’ve all accomplished together. We selected this year’s theme – “For Every Generation – Federation!” – because it exemplifies the success

when generations work together. Seeing longtime community leaders jumping back into Campaign and doing so because they understand how important it is to empower younger generations to carry on is inspiring and they have our gratitude- they know who they are! And when we see the things that happened in this Campaign, the Omaha Kehilla Cup, the wonderful remake of Campaign Cabaret and our first ever Kids Campaign we see the proof that younger people are indeed accepting this Challenge. How exciting and fortunate for this community that Brian and Jamie Nogg will be leading the way when they and their peers take on the 2017 Campaign. Beyond success, we wish them the fun, excitement and satisfaction we have enjoyed by seeing the difference we make when we give of ourselves to something that we believe in. What we do as volunteers certainly isn’t possible without the strong professionals working to help, guide and support us. For them, it never stops. A big thank you to Chief Development Officer Steve Levinger who kept the entire Campaign moving to its successful completion, along with Louri Sullivan; who is opening new inroads to outreach in our community daily, in the most creative and engaging ways imaginable. We thank you both, and your support staff, because we recognize that this would not have had the success it achieved without your infusion of new energy and passion! Also, we want to express our gratitude. First – to one of the most dedicated professionals this community has ever seen: Marty Ricks, who helped so much as he now brings to conclusion a stunning Jewish communal career. To our CEO Alan Potash, for your wise, passionate and forward reaching leadership. To Jay for your vision and insistence that Howard and I do this one more time- reminding us that Jewish Community work is never done. That we don’t just “resign” from commitment to Jewish life. And today Jewish Omaha is dynamic, growing, and ever-changing as we look to the future and leadership of incoming president, Bruce Friedlander. A Jewish community this remarkable takes lots of love and commitment of everyone, lay and professional, young and old alike to accomplish all that has been built. It’s this that distinguishes our Jewish community and is truly the Spirit of Federation. Howard and I both believe that this award belongs to us all. But, we thank you for choosing us.

cipient of the Jody and Neal Malashock Award for Professional Excellence; Bob Belgrade, Anthony Scioli and Rabbi Mendel Katzman; Michael Staenberg, Jim Farber and Jay Noddle; Middle, left: Patty and Brian Nogg, respective recipients of the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award and the Bruce Fell-

man Young Leadership Award; Above: Volunteers of the Year Rich Juro (ADL/CRC) and Scott Farkas (Jewish Press); Howard Goldstein with Iris and Marty Ricks; Naomi Fox Boehm, Bob Belgrade and Shelly Fox; Right: JFO Volunteers of the Year Joanie Jacobson and Beth Dworkin.

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Finding 3 Auschwitz inmates miraculously saved from death

HillEl KuttlEr said. JTA Aer he had undressed, three soldiers appeared. One oror over six decades, Chaim Schwimmer has thrown a dered the boys to line up, three per row. kiddush every Simchat Torah, but it’s not only to cele“When he said that, I knew we’d be saved now. I stood in brate the joyful holiday. the second row, and I was immediately picked and sent to e food and the schnapps also mark the right side, where we were to go back the anniversary of Schwimmer’s miracuto the camp and remain alive,” Herskovic lous rescue in 1944 from certain death at said. Auschwitz. In October that year, the 14Greenwald, 87, remembered of his exyear-old was pulled from a crowd just a change with one oﬃcer: “He asked me few steps from being murdered in the how old I am and if I was healthy.” concentration camp’s gas chamber. Each man termed what happened a Schwimmer was one of the approxi“miracle.” mately 50 young men selected for labor But Gideon Greif, an Israeli expert on aer having been forcibly disrobed and Auschwitz, explained it as a routine labor preparing to be marched to the faux call. showers with hundreds of others to their e Nazis “needed workers, and there death. was nothing miraculous or extraordinary e "Auschwitz 50" was the subject of a about this,” said Greif, chief historian at 2011 Seeking Kin column about the Shem Olam Institute for Education, Mordechai Eldar, an Israeli hoping to loDocumentation and Research on Faith cate others like himself who were so draand the Holocaust. “Life and death were matically saved that day and may have determined by many criteria, including Chaim Schwimmer survived the war and perhaps even remain Credit: Isaac Schwimmer the need for workers. ... Here were people alive today. concentrated in one place. Sometimes it Alas that column proved fruitless. But a was in the fields, sometimes in the barguest Seeking Kin article elsewhere that racks and sometimes in the gas chambers.” mentioned Eldar’s rescue and search for Greif had heard about the episode of the others resulted in two recent emails 50 men saved and said he’s come across within a week. six similar cases – “but there could have Isaac Schwimmer, a 39-year-old resident been 70 [cases]; I have no idea.” of the Brooklyn, New York, neighborhood Schwimmer went on to establish a of Borough Park, mentioned his paternal paper products company. He has five grandfather, Chaim, who lives a few sons, 53 grandchildren and approximately blocks away and was one of the 50 saved. 200 great-grandchildren, said Isaac And Harry Ullman wrote from London to Schwimmer, a property manager who tell of a friend nearby, Hershel Herskovic, studies Torah with his grandfather every also among the 50. morning. My telephone conversation with Isaac Herskovic was blinded by a combinaSchwimmer then uncovered yet another tion of a Nazi beating just days before libliving person who had survived the seleceration in 1945 and typhus. He became a tion: Volvish Greenwald, the grandfather lawyer and has four children, 22 grandof the brother-in-law of Schwimmer’s children and seven great-grandchildren. Hershel Herskovic in 1950 wife. Credit: Dovi Herskovic Schwimmer is his cousin; the two grew When the initial Seeking Kin column apup in Muncacz, Hungary. peared in 2011, Eldar, of Herzliya, had alGreenwald, a native of Hajdunanas, ready established contact with fellow Hungary, worked for 55 years as an adIsraelis David Leitner and Nachum Hoch, ministrator at Yeshiva Chasam Sofer in and had met Mordechai Linder shortly Borough Park. He has 12 children; he did before Linder died in 2011. And in his not provide the number of grandchildren email, Ullman mentioned a Manchester, and great-grandchildren. England, resident he had known, Rabbi While Greenwald lives four blocks from Yaakov Yosef Weiss, another Auschwitz 50 Chaim Schwimmer, he hasn’t attended survivor, who had died in 2013. the Simchat Torah spreads at a Satmar at makes eight of the 50 who have shul on 52nd Street. Schwimmer has been identified: six living and two now dethrown the annual kiddush there for 38 ceased. years, and before that for 29 years in Each of the three newly found people Montreal, where he first settled aer the recently interviewed – Chaim SchwimHolocaust. mer, Herskovic and Greenwald – evinced It’s what’s known as a “seudat hodaya” – surprise that Eldar, whom none knew, was a gratitude meal. No announcement is searching for them. Each man related permade to proclaim the backstory, but Isaac sonal details of being saved from the Sim- Morchechai Eldar said newly found Schwimmer says that congregants know. fellow survivors of an Auschwitz se- ey invariably bring children to his chat Torah gassing. lection in 1944 are “like my family.” grandfather and ask that he relate what Chaim Schwimmer, 85, recalled what Credit: Hillel Kuttler happened in 1944. happened aer reaching the gas chamber’s building on that rainy aernoon. “I’m thankful to God that I’m alive,” Chaim Schwimmer “ey told us to undress. We were expecting right away says. that they’d take us to the gas chamber. But we stood – and Some of his progeny attend the kiddush, while his waited and waited and waited,” he said. metaphorical kin extend far beyond the room. ree German soldiers entered the room. One ordered a Said Eldar, 86, of the fraternity: “It’s like my family in the young prisoner to sprint to the end of the room – apparently, widest possible meaning. We walked out alive.” Schwimmer thought, to test his fitness. Schwimmer boasted Please email Hillel Kuttler at seekingkin@jta.org if you of his own ability to work. A soldier berated him, but orknow of others from among the “Auschwitz 50.” If you dered him to leave the building with the others selected. would like Seeking Kin to write about your search for longHerskovic, now 88, was unusually calm that day, not lost relatives and friends, please include the principal facts dreading what likely awaited. He mumbled a passage from and your contact information in a brief email. Seeking Kin the Talmud on keeping the faith even when a sword was is sponsored by Bryna Shuchat and Joshua Landes and pressed against one’s neck. family in loving memory of their mother and grandmother, “I felt that I wouldn’t die, for some reason,” Herskovic Miriam Shuchat, a lifelong uniter of the Jewish people.

Summer Concert Series continues with music for strings and piano

This June represents the fifteenth anniversary of the Omaha Chamber Music Society’s Summer Concert Series. These full-length concerts of classical chamber music feature top professional musicians from the Omaha area in performances of music that audience members may not have the opportunity to hear anywhere else. Concerts take place at 3 p.m. on each of the Sunday afternoons in June, and are held at First Central Congregational Church, 421 South 36th Street. The first two concerts drew large audiences and featured music ranging from J. S. Bach to Ravel and Piazzolla. Concerts continue on June 19 and June 26. June 19 – Piano Pizzazz: Favorite Omaha musicians Christi Zuniga, piano, Anne Nagosky, violin, and Greg Clinton, cello, will perform powerful piano trios by three legendary composers – Beethoven, Fauré and Rachmaninoff. June 26 – Happy Birthday, Sergei: The series will close with a celebration of the 125th anniversary of Sergei Prokofiev’s birth. Two compositions by Prokofiev will bookend pieces for string quartet written by Igor Stravinsky. Performers will be Elizabeth Furuta and Ricardo Amador, violins, Brian Sherwood, viola, and Tim Strang, cello. The June 26 concert will be followed by a post concert reception, offering audience members the opportunity to visit with the musicians and with other music lovers. In addition to being outstanding chamber musicians, Summer Concert Series performers are all members of the Omaha Symphony and are among the top professional artists in the greater Omaha community. The concerts promise to be extraordinary musical experiences. This year marks the fifth summer for the series in the comfortable sanctuary of First Central Congregational Church, 36th and Harney Sts. The location provides free parking across the street and easy accessibility to the restaurants and shops of Midtown Crossing. Ticket information is available at omahachambermusic.org or at 402.960.6943. PaID aDVeRtIseMent

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community Join the Conversation: Annual ADL Supreme Court Review The Omaha ADL-CRC would like to invite the Omaha community to attend our live streaming of the Annual Supreme Court Review taking place on July 6 from 11 am – 12:30 p.m. at the Omaha Jewish Community Center in the auditorium. There are several topics and questions that will be discussed, including but not limited to: • What does the death of Justice Scalia mean for the future of the Supreme Court?

• How far a single state can go in the restriction of abortion? • Will President Obama’s Executive Order regarding immigration be upheld? Please join us as distinguished scholars Erwin Chemerinsky, Frederick Lawrence and Dahlia Lithwick dissect these topics and other timely and important Supreme Court cases! This event is presented by the ADL-CRC in conjunction with AntiDefamation League and the National Constitution Center.

jta newstaff e father of one of the victims of Wednesday’s terror attack at a Tel Aviv shopping center criticized the Israeli government for not doing enough to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At the funeral for Ido Ben Ari, one of four people killed when two Palestinian terrorists opened fire at the Sarona Market in central Tel Aviv, the father of the 42-year-old Coca-Cola executive criticized the government’s response, according to e Times of Israel. “e leaders we elect at democratic elections are supposed to find a strategic solution, which demands far-reaching vision, concessions, a creative solution, and not mantras and laundered words,” the father, whose name was not published, said at the funeral in Yavne, which was attended by hundreds. “Last night, aer the attack, the prime minister and two of his ministers arrived and yet another security

Cabinet issued decrees -- not to return corpses, to put up barriers, to destroy houses and to make lives harder. ese solutions create suﬀering, hatred, despair and [lead] to more people joining the circle of terror. “What’s needed is a solution rather than saying all the time that there’s nobody to make peace with,” the father continued. “We chose you to stop the cycle of blood. Already 49 years you’ve been trying to solve things tactically and you haven’t succeeded. e time has come for a strategic solution.” Ben Ari, of the Tel Aviv suburb Ramat Gan, was dining with his wife and two children at the Benedict Restaurant in Sarona Market at the time of the attack. His wife was also injured. Two other victims, Mila Mishayev, 32, of Ashkelon, and Michael Feige, 58, also of Ramat Gan, were buried June 10, according to e Times of Israel. e date for the funeral of the fourth victim -- Ilana Naveh, 39, of Tel Aviv -- had not been made public.

Victim’s father slams response

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(Founded in 1920) Eric Dunning President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Thierry Ndjike Accounting Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Sandy Friedman, Treasurer; Andrew Boehm; Scott Farkas; Paul Gerber; Alex Grossman; David Kotok; Debbie Kricsfeld; Abby Kutler; Pam Monsky; Paul Rabinovitz; Nancy Wolf and Barry Zoob. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish LIfe, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: wwwjewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewish omaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha. org.

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Compartmentalizing tragedy

ANNETTE vAN DE KAmP-WRiGhT Editor of the Jewish Press s is often the case when something horrendous happens in this country, my inbox is full of press releases declaring solidarity with the victims. The flags go half-staff, there is sympathy and empathy and outrage and much Facebook chatter (did you change your profile pic yet to illustrate how engaged you are?), not to mention confusion about who did what when. It’s a complicated thing, processing a mass shooting. Lines need to be drawn, solidarity needs to be expressed, blame needs to be assigned and the sooner someone can tell us where that blame lies we can move on. But something else happens, the days after tragedy strikes. We focus on that element that most closely fits our own personal agenda. For those of us who are raising LGBTQ children, we cannot ignore the fact that it was a gay club that was attacked Sunday morning. It was gays who were targeted, for no other reason than plain old prejudice. It scares us, that our children, even in 2016, still face that type of hate. Not based on what they do or say, but simply on who they are. That prejudice may or may not have been born from the shooter’s religion. It’s too easy to blame religion for human error - free will should count for something, shouldn’t it? Nonetheless, the Islam-as-national-enemy narrative fits neatly with what happened in Orlando. Plus, he mentioned ISIS- no need to look any further. Then, there’s the gun issue. Seven hundred rounds within one minute, one commentator said on Sky News. I have no way of knowing whether that’s a possibility, but I do know that the weapon the perpetrator had was not meant for hunting. It was meant for carnage, for murder, and the outrage and renewed call for better gun control is no surprise. Which, of course, leads to the gun lobbyists doubling down and vowing no one’s taking their guns. There is the discussion about mental health we should be

having, in fact, we should have it every time someone opens fire into a crowd—and every time someone doesn't. But we're too busy with all the other stuff, and the issue of mental health is not something that can be summarized in a pro-or con type of discussion. And so we all retreat in our respective corners, ever further divided. We compartmentalize our fear, our shock; the noise level temporarily increases, only to die down when we grow tired. Nothing really changes. Except for the victims, their fam-

But those victims, they deserve for us to try. They deserve for us to just be sad, if only for a little while, without attempting to come up with all the answers. It's true for Orlando, it's true for last week's attack in Tel Aviv, it's true for every victim of every mindless hate crime and terror attack everywhere. They deserve for their deaths to not be politicized. And as counterintuitive as it may seem, sometimes we don't have to have an opinion immediately. Because the chance that that opinion is reactionary and without nuance is very, very high.

ilies and friends. For them, everything changes. Why is it that our response is so set in stone that we can't focus on several different angles at once? Is it possible to fear for the safety of our children, to be worried about the backlash against Muslims and immigrants and join the gun debate all at once? Or have we become so complacent that any horror that hits our news feed has to immediately be forced into a narrative we were already familiar with? Can we maybe (just this once) take a step back and wonder how we got here? Can we stop talking so much and start listening? It's a tall order, putting aside our various agendas and removing ourselves from our favorite talking points.

Orthodox parents of LGBT children seek communities that care AN ANONymOuS PARENT JTA When my husband and I married, neither of us fully appreciated the role community would play in our family’s life. It proved to be a most crucial component in creating and forging a Jewish household and in passing on our traditions. A life lived according to halachah (Jewish law), needs a community. In Orthodox families, kids grow up seeing themselves as part of a much larger whole. As our children grew up, we were comfortably ensconced in our shul. Then, about 18 years ago, our younger daughter told me she was gay. She was in her last year of college and in a relationship with a young woman who was also from an observant home. Trembling in my arms, she begged me not to tell her father, and tearfully asked if I wanted her out of our home. She had packed her bags and was prepared to leave. I calmed her as best I could, and tried to push away the questions, fears and thoughts swirling through my own head. Initially I kept her news from my husband, as she had requested, and cast about for someone I could turn to for advice. In 1998, I knew that Orthodox parents of gay children were marginalized. I didn’t want that to happen to my daughter and our family. Who could I talk to? When I finally shared the news with my husband, we both agreed the answer was obvious: nobody! My friends? How would they react? How would I tell them, and what would they say? Would they still be our friends? I could imagine each one thanking God that it wasn’t her child. The rabbi? A crazy idea! Even today, according to a first-ever survey conducted by Eshel, Orthodox parents of LGBT children report that only nine percent go to their

rabbi first for guidance -- an astonishingly low number and sad statistic for a group whose members routinely seek counsel from their spiritual leader. Several years earlier our older son became seriously ill. It was then we saw the strength of community. There were days we arrived at his bedside in the ICU to find community members saying tehillim (psalms) for him and his recov-

At Eshel retreats, Orthodox parents of LGBT children find the support and community they need. Credit: Eshel ery. We were constantly surrounded by friends and family. Somehow we made it through the terror of it all. We received absolute love and support from the entire community. That wasn’t the case when our daughter came out. Those early years were lonely. We did not know another Orthodox family who was in the same situation. Admittedly, that isolation was self-imposed, which is still true today for most parents before they come out. Carrying this secret can lead to feelings of loss of community and a sense of chaos. We experi-

ence bouts of endless questioning, worries and tears. But on the outside we remain silent -- as do our communities. Three out of four parents of LGBT children told Eshel that their rabbis, day school administrators and other communal leaders do not speak about “it.” Silence and rejection might have been acceptable in the past, but not now. Rabbis must learn how to minister to all of their congregants, including their LGBT members and their families. Every congregation, day school or community has families who are dealing with this issue. Our leaders must convey their readiness to engage in conversations and be educated so they can offer support and resources. For our children the rejection is all too real. The Eshel parent survey reveals that 60 percent of our children have left the Orthodox community or no longer attend any shul. For traditional parents, synagogue and community rejection can be the most painful part of the coming-out process. When the community no longer makes space for your child, what is there to belong to and why? But change is coming. Eshel, an organization with a mission to create community and acceptance for LGBT Jews and their families in Orthodox communities, holds an annual parent retreat. This year’s retreat, from May 13 to 15 in Copake, New York, features the theme Community. Through Eshel events, phone support groups and the annual retreat, parents with LGBT children can have a community. Eventually we did tell our rabbi about our daughter. We were not seeking approval nor guidance; with the help of time we were beyond that. We did not ask for advice, and none was offered. To his credit he has become more knowledgeable and open. Recently he spoke about the See LGBT children page 13

The Jewish Press | June 17, 2016 | 13

We can help Kosovo become fertile ground for religious pluralism JoShuA M.Z. STAnTon HOBOKEN, N.J. | JTA Kosovo is a “newborn” country, a majority Muslim state that fought for its independence from Serbia only eight years ago. Yet it has erected a Holocaust memorial outside its parliament, elected a female president, held pride parades in support of LGBTQ rights and supported the building of a major Catholic cathedral in its capital city to honor Mother Teresa. As a Jew and a rabbi, I have walked the streets of its capital and several countryside locales with a yarmulke and felt safe and even extensively welcomed when identified by my faith. Next week, I will return to Kosovo for the third time as a speaker at its annual international Interfaith Kosovo conference. Two Nobel Prize winners will keynote the gathering, and leaders from religious, governmental and nongovernmental organizations from around the world will take part. London’s newly elected Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan, will be honored alongside Archbishop Vicenzo Paglia of Rome “for their contribution to global dialogue between faiths.” This is a very different Kosovo than the one depicted last week in a New York Times article titled How Kosovo Was Turned Into Fertile Ground for ISIS. According to the article, Saudi Arabia and other conservative Arab gulf states are exporting to Kosovo a conservative Muslim ideology that has inspired Kosovars to take up the mantle of radical Islam. According to the Times, “Saudi money and influence have transformed this once-tolerant Muslim society at the hem of Europe into a font of Islamic extremism and a pipeline for jihadists.” As an American rabbi, I am in no position to dispute the article’s assertions. Yet I think it would be imprecise to suggest that Kosovo is uniquely prone to radicalism or that the effort to radicalize a historically moderate population is succeeding. In fact, Kosovo merits our attention as a bellwether state and exemplar of how to undermine extremism. The Times article will certainly not dissuade me from attending the Interfaith Kosovo gathering. My hope is that it will not dissuade others from visiting the country either. If anything, the article should serve as a call to redouble efforts to promote interfaith collaboration, especially in regions prone to conflict. At next week’s conference, I will have the pleasure of spending time with Kosovo’s foreign minister, Petrit Selimi, whom I consider to be a friend. We have spent long hours reflecting on the challenges and joys of life, of balancing work, family and other obligations, and of making tough decisions for the sake of peace, even when they fill us with anxiety. We have spoken of marrying people who excel professionally in their own right and challenge us to be better human beings and to dedicate ourselves to gender equality at home and in the workplace. If there is one key difference between Kosovo and so many other countries facing down extremism, it might be

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leadership. Yes, its politics can be messy and complicated. Yes, it is one of the newest countries on earth. But its leaders care deeply and have been visionary in positioning Kosovo as a center for interfaith collaboration and dialogue rather than of strife and extremism. Selimi exemplifies this, especially in his founding of the Interfaith Kosovo initiative. Selimi was as ever articulate in refuting the Times article. “According to an opinion poll by the British Council,

Kosovo is located near the heart of the Balkans, and its citizens have endured great hardship in prior decades. It continues to grapple with questions of national identity. But I remain optimistic that its political and social leadership can overcome external pressures. Kosovo has much to share and much to teach, and I look forward to visiting the country once again. Rabbi Joshua M. Z. Stanton is a congregational rabbi who has dedicated much of his young career to interfaith collaboration.

LGBT children

Clergy from around the world attending the opening of the interfaith conference in Peja, Kosovo, May 2015. Credit: Marc Perry Kosovo[’s population] supports by 98 percent membership in the EU, and we are the first country in all of the Balkans that has elected a female president some five years ago,” he told me. The foreign minister also sent me a reply (in his translation) from President Hashim Thaci, who played a key role in the founding of Kosovo and remains a central guide for the fledgling country. “Our little republic was facing genocide only 17 years ago, yet we managed to reconstruct our houses, rebuild our society, and re-create the intercommunal and interfaith tolerance that we became famous for,” Thaci wrote. Thaci acknowledged that in “the years after the war, radical elements on the margins of [the] Islamic community tried to usurp the traditional position of Islam in our secular society by attempting to recruit young people for ISIS and other evil causes.” Yet, he insisted, “we as a state, we as a society responded – and we responded forcefully.” Noting the use of Kosovo’s legal system to prosecute those who have perpetrated or planned extremist violence, Thaci shared evidence of the country’s initial successes, saying the number of Kosovars who have joined the “extremist” cause in Syria is less than in most EU member states. I met privately with Thaci when I was in Kosovo last year, joined only by his security detail and Selimi. The reverence he is shown there should not be overlooked. It is as though Kosovo’s George Washington or Thomas Jefferson is taking a public stand against extremism and for religious pluralism.

See LGBT children page 13 topic to the entire shul. Like 70 percent of parents surveyed, my husband and I are cautiously optimistic about the future for ongoing change in Orthodoxy. Change takes time. Our rabbi has embraced what seems to be an attitudinal shift. We know of communities that are welcoming, respectful and inclusive. And we know there are rabbis and communities who are beginning the learning process. As Orthodox parents, we appreciate the complexity of the issue, perhaps more profoundly than even the most learned in our communities. We understand that we cannot rewrite Leviticus 18:22, but we can reconsider its implications. We can work to change our community’s attitudes. This change can only begin to happen with the courage of our leaders. The conversation must begin in our shuls and schools. All of our children, LGBT or straight, deserve to be respected. After all, aren’t we are all created “b’tzelem elokim,” in God’s image? The writer is a mother and grandmother and member of Eshel’s parents’ group. For more information about Eshel or the upcoming parent retreat, please visit www.eshelonline.org.

LeTTer To The ediTor

Dear Editor, I found it pretty appalling and Irresponsible for you to include in the Jewish Press an article from the JTA linking Taylor Swift to Nazis. It’s not true. You gave it half a page. Some who read that article would believe it’s true. While I don’t follow Ms Swift’s music, it’s apparent that she does many positive things for our young people, and is a good role model. Yes, she’s blonde, so what? Why demonize her, and link her to something that is so unconscionable to Jewish people? I guess in the days where media has become undone, it’s fair to malign anyone. The lesson to take from this is don’t believe everything you read. Sincerely, Bettie Adams

14 | The Jewish Press | June 17, 2016

synagogues b’nai israel synagogue

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

beTH el synagogue

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

beTH israel synagogue

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

cHabad House

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

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

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Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244

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Temple israel

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

TifereTH israel

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

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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.

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Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. friday: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.; Dinner in honor of Larry DeBruin’s retirement, 7 p.m. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; MiniMinyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. weekday serVices: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sunday: Torah Study, 10 a.m. wednesday: Minyan & More with Rabbi Abraham, 6:15 p.m. Lunch at Nebraska AIDS Coalition, friday, June 24, 11:30 a.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, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:42 p.m. saTurday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Parade and Kids Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Insights into the Weekly Portion, 7:40 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 8:25 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:52 p.m. sunday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. weekdays: Shacharit, 7 a.m. monday: Shacharit, 9 a.m. THursday: Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m.; Talmud Learning, 8 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

cHabad House

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, 8:42 p.m. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Nasso; Game Night/Potluck, 6 p.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 10:13 p.m. Tuesday: Ladies’ Lunch, noon. The venue is TBA; Kochavim rehearsal, 6:45 p.m. FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE! Shabbat Evening Service, friday, June 24, 6:30 p.m. with Temple Choir. Board of Trustees Meeting, sunday, June 26, 8:44 p.m. Project for Clinic With a Heart: Make hygiene kits for people to use in an emergency or when traveling. Here’s what each kit needs: two washcloths, bar of antibacterial soap, 6 oz. tube of toothpaste, toothbrush, nail clippers, wide tooth comb, 12 oz. of shampoo, deodorant, individual hand sanitizer or one-gallon ziplock freezer bag. Donations can be brought to the Temple Office. 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. $75 per week for on e child and $50 per week per child for two or more

children. Contact Andrea Halpern or Tracy Gordon if you are interested in participating!

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

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friday: Chef’s Demo, 1:30 p.m. with Beth El. saTurday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Marty Shukert. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

Tuesday: Ladies’ Lunch, noon. The venue is TBA. 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. $75 per week for on e child and $50 per week per child for two or more children. Fees due to Tifereth Israel office by Tuesday, may 31. Please let Nava in the office know of any personal information changes as she is working on the new TI directory. Please inform the office of any landline/cell number, address or name changes ASAP. Thank you.

Temple israel

friday: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. saTurday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Services, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday: Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m.; Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. wednesday: Don’t be an ostrich...Part 2! What should you know before...? -- A Seminar for Women, 10 a.m. We have everything invested for growth now- how will that need to change so I can get income to live on? Do I need to pay taxes on his IRA, life insurance-etc.? What’s the difference between stocks, bonds and annuities?

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 Kiddish lunch.

To submiT announcemenTs

B’nai Mitzvah announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: jpress@jewishomaha.org. Readers can also submit other announcements -births 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. Check the Jewish Press, however, for notices of early deadlines prior to secular and Jewish holidays.

‘America First’: Trump doubles down on a term that makes many Jews queasy

uriel Heilman JTA After Donald Trump used the term “America First” in late April to describe his policies, the Anti-Defamation League sent him a letter urging him to drop the historically tainted slogan - speaking for those who remember it as the name of the isolationist movement championed by a notorious anti-Semite to keep the United States out of World War II. But in a speech following his victories in the last six state primaries, the presumptive Republican nominee for president made clear he’s not about to take the ADL’s advice and abandon the slogan. “America First,” Trump said, reading from a teleprompter, means protecting American jobs from “unfair foreign competition,” tapping America’s energy resources (including coal), instituting protectionist tax and regulatory policies, loosening regulation, reducing taxes for middle-class Americans and businesses and protecting American workers from immigrants. At its core, Trump’s policy shares some elements with the isolationism promoted 75 years ago by leaders of the America First Committee. Created in 1940 after Hitler already had invaded Poland, the America First Committee argued that the U.S. should take a neutral approach toward Nazi Germany, and even do business with it, because the Nazi regime did not threaten America directly. Among its most noteworthy leaders was aviator Charles Lindbergh, who publicly espoused anti-Semitic viewpoints. The echoes of the America First Committee in Trump’s own America First policy include but are not limited to foreign policy. Lindbergh argued in 1941 that America shouldn’t help Britain because Britain was destined to lose the war and the effort would deplete America’s defenses. Trump says he would not have intervened in Libya to topple Libyan strongman Muammar Gadhafi (though video from 2011

recently surfaced showing Trump endorsing U.S. intervention in Libya) and he opposed the war in Iraq. As Lily Rothman has noted in Time, Lindbergh, like Trump, said he had the backing of a silent majority of Americans who weren’t being given voice by a hostile media. Back in 1941, Lindbergh fingered the Jews as the culprits, saying they were pushing the U.S. toward war through their control of the media. In this year’s campaign, Trump believes the media is against him, too – not because they’re Jews but, he says, because they’re liars. Over time, the America First Committee’s strength waned. Though the movement tried to advance the argument that it was looking out for the best interests of America’s Jews, many moderate isolationists steered clear. Evidence suggests a growing majority of Americans supported U.S. intervention in the war, and the argument became moot on Dec. 7, 1941, when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. The term America First cropped up again from time to time after that. In 1944, a group called the America First Party ran a candidate for president; the nominee got less than 2,000 votes nationwide. And in 2002, a group of activists who supported Pat Buchanan broke off from the Reform Party to start a new America First Party. The party was pro-life, anti-gun control and anti-immigration. Its candidates went nowhere. But even without sharing the least palatable goals of the original America First Committee, Trump seems keen on resurrecting a term with notorious baggage. “[F]or many Americans, the term ‘America First’ will always be associated with and tainted by this history,” ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said in April. “In a political season that already has prompted a national conversation about civility and tolerance, choosing a call to action historically associated with incivility and intolerance seems ill-advised.”

The Jewish Press | June 17, 2016 | 15

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community ncJw installs 2016-2017 board of Directors

rachel martin VP of Communications, NCJW-Omaha NCJW Omaha Section invites all members to the Installations and Awards Brunch on Sunday, June 26 from 11 a.m. – 1p.m. at One Pacific Place Clubhouse (1365 S. 101st Street). The brunch is open to all NCJW members and family members of those being installed or honored at the event. At the brunch, current NCJW members will speak about some of the highlights from ongoing projects, award winners from the past year will be announced, and the incoming 2016-17 Board of Directors will be in-

stalled. The proposed slate will be voted on prior to this meeting. Please join the NCJW Omaha Section for a celebration of successful projects and to congratulate the incoming Board members. 2016-17 Proposed Slate President: Alice Klein VP Fundraising: Jenny Meyerson VP Public affairs & education: Deb Marburg VP community Service: Becki Brenner VP membership: Lisa Cogan VP communications: OPEN treasurer: Marlin Frost

recording Secretary: Darlene Goblitz corresponding Secretary: Robyn Belgrade Financial Secretary: Tippi Denenberg Parliamentarians: Carol Bloch, Andee Scioli, and Debbie Friedman Directors: Linda Fischer, Kelly Kirk, Jen Koom, Pam Friedlander, Melinda Graham, Emily Milder nominating committee chair: Linda Novak nominating committee members (from general membership): Sonia Tipp, Nikki Kirshenbaum, Ann Moshman and Melissa Schrago. nominating committee alternates: OPEN

Debra Kamin TEL AVIV | JTA Say the words “Jewish” and “superhero” together in a sentence, and most people will think of Gal Gadot, the dark-haired former Miss Israel who’s better known these days as Marvel’s Wonder Woman. Milton Maltz wants to change that. e Cleveland, Ohio-based philanthropist and businessman is a longtime friend of Tel Aviv’s Beit Hatfutsot-Museum of the Jewish People. And when he got wind of the museum’s plans for a massive $100 million upgrade, one particular exhibition piqued his interest. “Jewish Heroes,” the first installation in the museum’s new Family Gallery -an exhibition hall that will host rotating kid-centered presentations -- will be unveiled as part of the Museum’s overhaul. e exhibit explores the extraordinary strength, speed and smarts of 140 legendary Jewish figures who made a supernatural imprint on the legacy of the People of the Book. But unlike caped crusaders, there are no feats of X-ray vision or mind manipulation here. All of the figures whose stories are told in this exhibit are superheroes of the humble, fully human variety, and their impact is felt in fields such as science, culture, sports and politics. “Children enjoy seeing and hearing about superheroes as presented in film, comic books and media in general,” said Maltz, who with his wife, Tamar, is the exhibit’s primary donor - referring to Superman, Batman and the like. “What we are doing here is taking that approach and focusing it on our Jewish culture. erefore, we are able to reach children via a genre to which they are already attached.” e gallery’s 4,800 square feet has been portioned into eight sections,

each representing a diﬀerent category of Jewish hero. In addition to nearly superhuman athletes -- like Olympic swimmer Mark Spitz and Dodgers’ pitcher Sandy Koufax -- there are scientists, economic leaders, revolutionaries, cultural leaders, philosophers, leaders and people of courage. Each section features cutting-edge technology and interactive stations, so children not only can read about the lives of heroes but actually play at being the figures themselves. Visitors can jump into a flight simulator and see the world like Lydia Litvyak, a female pilot who flew missions against Nazi warplanes, or take a spin at cracking Morse code like Israeli spy Eli Cohen. For a Jewish-themed take on the supernatural power of knowledge, visitors can take a trip into space from the perspective of Albert Einstein or play an interactive science game while roleplaying Israeli inventor Simcha Blass. At its core, the exhibit looks at the idea of bravery, examining how the story of the Jewish people has been marked by both wits and guts. “You have to start with the question: What is a hero?” said Dvir Zur, one of the exhibit’s curators. “It’s a diﬃcult question to answer, and when you’re talking about Jewish or Israeli kids, it’s even harder because society has a tendency to mark certain criteria as belonging to heroes -- usually connected with violence, like the soldier or the guy fighting. But being a hero is also about just being brave and standing for what you think is right.” Zur said he was inspired by his own small kids and his young cousins when brainstorming the components of the exhibit. It’s not an easy thing to sell Jewish history as something as cool as Spiderman, he admits, but he thinks the exhibit does the trick.

“You can’t just say, ‘Hey kids, look at eodor Herzl or Albert Einstein. Look at how cool it is to sit in a lab,’” Zur said with a laugh. “You have to show kids the angle through which they can identify their own narrative, and show them parts of their own identity that are connected with these characters.” A major component of that philosophy is diversity, making sure that all children who visit the exhibit -- male or female, black or white or any color in between -- can relate. “Two things that we always kept in mind [while building the list of heroes] were gender and ethnicity,” Zur said. “We didn’t want to have an all-male list of heroes because that wouldn’t be politically correct, and also it would be untrue from a historical perspective.” Before the exhibit’s young visitors leave the gallery, they will have the opportunity to make their own mark on Jewish heroism by writing notes about what they think comprises a Jewish hero and posting them to a board for others to view. At home, they can continue their experience by logging on to a complementary website linked to the exhibit. e museum also has a series of children’s books on Jewish heroism in the works, and is in the process of producing educational materials designed for Jewish schools and summer camps. “ere are various ways to impress young people with the importance of our heritage,” Maltz said. “[My wife and I] know that a well-executed exhibit is one of the finest teaching tools that can be used to tell our story.” is article is part of series sponsored by the Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot, the sole institution anywhere in the world devoted to sharing the complete story of the Jewish people with millions of visitors from all walks of life.

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16 | The Jewish Press | June 17, 2016

israelnews

We can love Jerusalem as Jews without taunting its Muslims

imagine the psychic wound that Israel’s victory – a victory that I hasten Jeffrey K. SalKIn HOLLYWOOD, Fla. | JTA to say was deserved – caused within the souls of its Arab citizens? Normally, to quote the famous song, “I love a parade.” Can we Israel lovers ask these questions: What does Judaism have Except when I don’t. to say about the way we treat the losers in a war? What does JuThis weekend was the celebration of the 49th anniversary of the daism say about the ethics of victory? reunification of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War. The anniversary The trend is clear: was accompanied by gleeful -- one might even say ecstatic -- obser“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not vances throughout the capital of the Jewish world. let your heart rejoice.” (Proverbs 24:17) I celebrated as well, in my own way: I discussed the reunification A midrash teaches that when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, in my Shabbat sermon and offered a prayer for the peace of the angels broke into song. God had to remind them that the miracle Jerusalem. included the drowning of Egyptian soldiers in the sea and that it was In less than a month, I am about to visit Jerusalem for the 45th inappropriate for the celestials to sing, saying “The work of My hands time. My visits have been for as long as a year or, during emergency is drowning in the sea, and you want to sing songs?!” missions at times of crisis, just three days. The custom of spilling a drop of wine during the recitation of the Jerusalem is the place where my soul, as well as the soul of the plagues during the Passover seder reminds us of the tears that we Jewish people, actually lives. It is my spiritual home page. It is the shed and the blood that was spilled by the innocent Egyptians who place where I feel most at peace, as well as where I feel most en- Jewish boys waving Israeli flags near the Western Wall in the Old City of suffered during the plagues. gaged and even enraged. There are times in Jerusalem when I find Jerusalem as part of celebrations for Jerusalem Day, June 5, 2016. Credit: The deliberate march through the Muslim Quarter was: a, impolitic the air too thick with discussion and argument, and I must flee the Zack Wajsgras/Flash90 (truly, was this really necessary?); b, dangerous, given the current burdens of Jewish history and visit, say, Tel Aviv. state of affairs between Israel and the Palestinians, and c, un-Jewish. are we celebrating?” In celebrating the reunification of Jerusalem, Jewish ultranationalists I am asking a deeper question, about how one behaves in victory and Nowhere in our sacred texts do we find any mitzvah to rub the faces of marched through the city’s Muslim Quarter waving Israeli flags and oth- treats the vanquished. our “enemies” (excuse me – fellow residents and lovers of Jerusalem) in erwise bringing their jubilation to a place where, to say the least, it may our victories. Like it or not, the Arab residents of Jerusalem “lost.” not have been the most welcome. Celebrations of Jerusalem Day could have been limited to the explicitly Yes, of course, many, if not most of them, would likely prefer to live When it comes to Israel, I am not a leftist. If anything, I am a centrist, under Israeli sovereignty than under the authority of any imagined future “Jewish” parts of Jerusalem – the Jewish Quarter, the Western Wall which means that my politics can be a bit wishy-washy, at least for Palestinian state. And, yes, their municipal services are better than they plaza or western Jerusalem. Did we have to march through the Muslim some, or at least boring and temperate. Quarter, as if to echo a fifth-grader and taunt “Nya, nya...”? might have ever imagined. But this is not about politics. This is not about Jerusalem. This is not Isn’t there a Jewish way of celebrating our victory that does not reAnd, yes, Jordan abused Jewish holy sites, including uprooting graveeven about Israel, or Zionism. stones from the Mount of Olives to make room for the InterContinental quire that we trample not only on human feelings but on the very sources This is about Judaism. of Judaism itself? Hotel on its sacred slopes. Or, even more sharply, this is about being human. Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin is the senior rabbi of Temple Solel in And, yes, the Jewish Quarter had been decimated in the 1948 war, As I read the reports of the parades through the Muslim Quarter of its residents forced to flee. Hollywood, Florida, and the author of numerous books on Jewish Jerusalem’s Old City, I find myself asking the following question: What And, yes, together we should sing Jerusalem of Gold, the Naomi She- thought published by Jewish Lights Publishing and the Jewish Jewish value are we celebrating here? mer song that became the anthem of Israel’s lightning victory in 1967. Publication Society. His blog is Martini Judaism [jeffreysalkin. I am not asking: “What moment in modern Jewish and Israeli history But can we accept these truths and at the same time acknowledge and religionnews.com]. Discover a new and beautiful assisted living community designed to cater to the individual person. From outstanding services and amenities to exceptional dining with chef-prepared menus to our experienced staff dedicated to serving you. We offer a personalized service plan tailored to you or your loved one to help maintain independence with just the right amount of assistance.

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