August 2, 2019

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This week at J Camp

The Secrets of Teshuva Page 5

J

“Miss Beth” ready to rock the J Page 6

ALi breHMer Jewish Press Intern Camp is back at the Jewish Community Center for another summer. Camp runs from late May until mid-August, for kindergarten through 7th graders and welcomes members and non-members of the JCC.

Emmissaries to Omaha Rabbi Yoni and Shiran Dreyer Page 12

inside Spotlight Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

7 8 10 11

Over the Hindu Kush from China to Pakistan: Part 1

Meibei Lake in Xiang, China Credit: Liuxingy via Wikimedia commons riCH JurO the mountains of the Hindu Kush Fran and I had been to the usual into northern Pakistan. So we were tourist destinations in China –the not too concerned when we were Great Wall, Shanghai, Xian, Guanjo told while boarding the non-stop (Canton)--and in 1990 decided to flight from Beijing to Urumqi in skip them in order to fly to south- western China that we would have western China and then drive over one refueling stop in Xian. It did become rather troubling when we were still in Xian three days later. However, this was not totally surprising as we were flying China’s national airline, CAAC (also known then as China Air Always Crashes). Whilst in Xian, we revisited the famous Terra Cotta Warriors, the Banpo Neolithic Village and other attractions.

When we finally landed in Urumqi, we missed the chance to See Over the Hindu Kush page 3

Each week of J Camp has a theme – recently it was Color Wars! Campers are divided by grade level and spent the week competing. The winning team was determined through various activities, games, challenges, team spirit and sportsmanship. Congratulations to the red team for taking home the win!

See J Camp page 2

Amazing things are happening at Friedel!

Annette VAn De KAMP-WrigHt We got together with Ari Kohen and Jeff Zacharia to talk about Friedel Jewish Academy. Ari and Jeff, in addition to each having kids at the school, are the Co-Presidents of Friedel’s Board of Trustees.

Jewish Press: What’s happening at Friedel these days?

Jeff Zacharia: We’re getting ready to start another school year on Aug. 14. It’s a great bunch of students and teachers, and a lot of really cool things are happening.

JP: is it true that the school is growing?

Ari Kohen: Absolutely! Enrollment has grown a lot over the past two years. We will have 57 to 59 students enrolled this fall, which is a 43% increase from two years ago.

Of these, 29 students, or 51%, are in kindergarten and first grade alone.

The fact that this substantial growth is concentrated in the lower grades suggests that enrollment will continue to grow.

See Friedel Jewish Academy page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | August 2, 2019

community Friedel Jewish Academy

Continued from page 1 JP: That’s amazing! What led to this growth?

JZ: It’s the result of both a number of exciting accomplishments for the school and a comprehensive recruitment and retention strategy that we have implemented over the past several years.

AK: I think it’s really been a combination of those two factors: really working to ensure that Friedel is the best elementary school in Omaha and then making sure that people know it. I always tell people, you have to come in and see it. We can talk all day about how amazing Friedel is, but there’s nothing like being in the building during the school day and feeling the incredible energy there.

JP: Do you have to belong to a certain synagogue to be a student?

AK: No, I think this is one of the most common misconceptions about the school! Our families represent the full spectrum of Omaha’s Jewish community: Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and Jewish families who aren’t affiliated with any synagogue but want their kids to connect with their Jewish roots or just because it’s an amazing school. We also have some families who are not Jewish, and whose kids moved up to Friedel after graduating from the CDC. JP: Tell me a little bit more about this new policy where CDC graduates can attend Friedel whether or not they’re Jewish.

JZ: Friedel’s board decided to open up Friedel to non-Jewish CDC graduates effective as of last school year. This decision rec-

ognized the facts that these families have chosen to engage with our Jewish community through the CDC, celebrating our traditions during their time there, and that they want to

continue doing so. Previously, non-Jewish CDC families contacted Friedel each year to ask about moving up to Friedel for kindergarten, but we had to turn them away. Even though these families are not Jewish, they want to send their kids to Friedel because of all that the school offers. These families choose Friedel for a variety of reasons, including the character education that the school emphasizes, our immersion foreignSee Friedel Jewish Academy page 4

J Camp

Continued from page 1 This year’s Color Wars had a new feature event. On Thursday, July 18, J Camp counselors hosted their first Color Run. Braving the heat, campers dressed head to toe in white and spent the morning running around the Backyard Pavilion while camp staff threw colored powder from stations along the course. By the end of the run each camper was sporting hues of red, green and blue.

Allison Burger, JCC Youth Director, is in the midst of her fourth summer on our campus. For Burger, Color Wars is one of the best parts of summer camp at the J. “Sseeing the spirit and camaraderie between campers is extremely gratifying,” Alison Burger said.

Another highlight of the summer was the J Camp talent show, Burger explained. She said it was neat to see campers stepping outside of their comfort zone and breaking out of their shell. Some of the most reserved kids used the event to showcase their hidden talents and bright personalities. That is what makes the show so special to Burger.

Besides the obvious intentions to keep kids busy and having fun while they are out of school, J Camp has a deeper mission.

Burger says: “The goal is to get kids to step outside their shell, build self-confidence and have the chance to meet new friends.”

She says camp is a great way to prepare incoming kindergarteners in a structured environment. Children also learn how to socialize among their peers and acquire important life skills with the help of nearly 30 counselors on staff.

While J Camp welcomes campers of all denominations (only about 30% are Jewish), there are a few daily activities that recognize Jewish customs. Burger explained that each morning, while raising the flags, campers and counselors join in singing the Hatikvah – also known as the Israeli national anthem. Prior to eating lunch, they also say the HaMotzi, blessing the food they are about to enjoy.

While J Camp appears to run smoothly without any hitches, Allison Burger says that is not always the case. There are plenty behind-the-scenes responsibilities that make camp possible. This includes, “anything from cleaning up the pavilion after the Color Run to rounding up loads of dirty clothes to set out to dry,” explains Burger.

In addition to J Camp, the JCC offers a variety of more focused summer activities.

Premiere Youth Camps and Premiere Sport Camps are also available at the JCC. Premiere Youth Camps are designed to give kids an opportunity to explore areas they are interested in. Upcoming camp themes See J Camp page 3

The Jewish Press | August 2, 2019 | 3

Over the Hindu Kush

Continued from page 1 over small mounds of stones where a landslide had occurred buy a camel at the Sunday fair. So we had to risk CAAC again in the last few days. The most frightening moment was when a and fly to Kashgar. This city, located on the former Silk Road baseball sized rock bounced off the side window, making a loud trade route in the southwestern corner of China, is home to cracking noise but not shattering the glass. More than once, we several minorities. Recently, the ethnic Uighurs have demon- had to wait while our drivers and guide cleared the road from strated for self-governa recent avalanche. We were ment, but Beijing has told to stay in the vehicles violently quashed the disfor two reasons: orders and imprisoned 1. Another rockslide many of the protesters. In could occur anytime, and 1990, there were no rioting we were more protected inUighurs in China, and Pakside the vehicles; istan was supposed to be 2. The blockage in the safe for convoys of vehicles. road could have been put Our small group set out there by local bandits and, from Kashgar in fouragain, we were safer within.

Wheel Drive Toyota Land Our nerves got even Cruisers. We were determore frazzled when one of mined to scale the Karakoour group told us that a car rum Range of the with German tourists had Himalayas, cross the fronbeen stopped on this road Xian guerreros terracota figures tier border through the by brigands, and the visiKhunjurab Pass, and then descend from the heights of the tors’ bodies were found a couple of weeks ago. Although we Hindu Kush into northern Pakistan. After a full day of driv- had signed on for a journey of adventure, neither avalanches ing, we came to a small mountain hamlet. Opening the door nor bandits had been mentioned in the tour brochure. to our room in a very basic inn, we were surprised to see a The Hindu Kush is a magnificent range of mountains. television and a shower. Fran disillusioned me: “The TV won’t There was snow on many of the summits even though this work because there’s no electricity. Also, there’s no hot water, was not winter. Our new Pakistani guide Mohammed pointed and we’ll have to fill the tank for the toilet to flush.” out K-2, the second highest peak on earth, towering in the The next day we were up early, aiming to make it to the bor- distance. We then asked him the names of a couple of others. der crossing by noon so we could reach the first village in He answered: Pakistan before nightfall. Sure enough, we made the 17,000 “We have so many high mountains that we really don’t give foot-high frontier on time. Our tour escort took our passports names to more than a few of them.” He laughed and continued: and told us to expect a wait of a couple of hours while he ne- See Over the Hundu Kush page 5 gotiated with both the Chinese and Pakistani border officials.

I decided to walk around to see what this highland area held.

I was accosted by a scruffy, bedraggled woman. She looked to be in her late 30’s, possibly a “flower child” left over from the 1970s. Her hair was dirty blonde, both in the color and in Continued from page 2 the unwashed sense. She told me a very strange story: include Nebraska Adventure and Get Gross and Messy.

“My name is Mary Anderson, and I’m from Concord, New Premiere Sport Camps allow children to participate in fun, Hampshire. I was traveling around China with some friends athletic programming including basketball, soccer, dance a few months ago. They ran out of money so they headed and triathlon training. back to Urumqi to fly home. I stayed on my own, just hitching Leaders in Training (LIT), for 8-9 graders, and Counrides around the countryside. But then I was abducted by a selors in Training (CIT) programs, for 10-11 graders, prolocal tribal chief and kept prisoner in his village for two vide a chance for older kids to get in on the action. months. They made me their slave, and I had to perform both LIT is geared towards kids looking to gain confidence household and sex duties. I managed to escape a week ago in leadership abilities, develop responsibility and work and had only enough money to take the bus up here. I need with children in a fun and exciting summer camp setting. $10 to leave China, get a Pakistani visa, and take the bus. If Not only do they participate in all aspects of J Camp, they you loan me the money, I will call my mother when I get to also have weekly field trips and take part in community Islamabad, and she will mail you a check.” service projects.

This was obviously a trumped-up tale from a former drugCIT is a new program that pushes campers to discover gie hippie designed to get a few bucks out of a soft-hearted their own voices as a camp leader through an engaging fellow American. But it was such an intriguing yarn that it curriculum. They will shadow J Camp staff, assist in planwas worth even more than she was asking, and I handed her ning and leading weekly camp activities and become CPR a $20 bill. She thanked me and ran to try to get across the borand First Aid Certified. LIT and CIT participants must der in time to catch the local bus. Fran and the rest of the also complete an application and participate in an intergroup had a great time making fun of me for being such a view process to help develop job skills. sucker. They assured me that Mary probably hung around the Summer camps will come to an end on Aug. 15, but that area recounting her tale of woe to easy touches like me and is not the end for Allison Burger. As soon as J Camp is that my generosity had merely helped support her drug habit. over, Burger begins planning for after-school programs We cleared customs and started the long, slow, downward and school-break special events. Before you know it, she grade. The road changed from somewhat-paved on the Chiwill begin planning for J Camp 2020. nese side to shifting gravel in Pakistan. Occasionally, we passed

J Camp

The Strike Zone provides more than just baseball and softball training It is proven that structured activities greatly improve academic success. The Strike Zone Baseball/Softball Training Academy takes this to heart. Every training session they do inspires the work ethic it takes both on and off the field to be a good student athlete. Every athlete walks away with the understanding of what they need to do to be successful. The Strike Zone trains players from age 4 to the pros. No matter what area of the game you need to work on, their expert trainers are there training and mentoring you to be successful.

Right now, everyone is gearing up to participate in the Strike Zone’s Fall Baseball Leagues. Player development is the main focus of these leagues, and there is a league for players of all ages and skill levels. Rookie development is for those young players age 4-7 who are just starting out. The Instructional League is for players 7-9 and 10-12 who want to build a solid foundation to play the game. The

Competitive League helps players solidify their skills and learn new skills while learning the mental side of the game. Players receive a free wood bat when they compete in the 16up Wood Bat League.

High School Jrs/Srs are able to try out for an Elite Team that plays area college teams helping them understand what it takes to play at that level and what the recruitment process is all about. Registrations are going on now. Sign up as an individual, partial team or full team.

The Strike Zone is more than just training. Players enjoy sharing their passion of baseball with family and friends with birthday parties and Bar Mitzvahs.

Need equipment? Get fitted for your gear from those who play the game.

Whatever your baseball or softball need... The Strike Zone is the place to be. Visit us at www.StrikeZoneOmaha.com.

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4 | The Jewish Press | August 2, 2019

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Friedel Jewish Academy

Continued from page 2 page language instruction, and our STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) curriculum. Having access to all that the JCC offers helps, too: Friedel students all have weekly swim lessons in the JCC pool during the school day, and they get to have access to indoor recess in the gym when the weather is bad. ak: A year in, we’ve seen that these families contribute very positively to the school. Although admitting non-Jewish students looked like a big change on paper, it hasn’t affected the way the school operates on a daily basis. In fact, we’ve always had interfaith families, where kids may celebrate different holidays at home than at school. Our faculty and staff work very hard to build respect and community among all of our students.

JP: in what ways is Friedel successful?

JZ: First of all, our students excel academically and get a very well-rounded education. 86% of Friedel students read above grade level, some of them significantly so (For example, half of our third graders read at a sixth-grade level, and half of our fourth graders read at a seventh-grade level.). 97% of Friedel students read at or above grade level. Plus, students graduate from Friedel reading, writing and speaking Hebrew fluently. Research shows that learning a second language imparts cognitive benefits beyond the language skill itself. The education is not limited to academics, though. Our students benefit from a comprehensive character education curriculum, gaining social, emotional and interpersonal skills that will benefit them—and our community—for many years to come. ak: Our students also have access to opportunities that are not available elsewhere. Our students—in all grades—develop their problem-solving skills through robotics, coding and engineering projects in their weekly Innovations class.

They also have weekly swim, gym, music, art and library classes. Every year, the kids can choose to participate in a judged science fair—the only one in Omaha for elementary school students. Last year, Friedel introduced fencing and archery at recess and an after-school chess club. Also, Friedel and five other Jewish day schools located in small communities—like ours—have created a curriculum for the school

communities to connect, collaborate and engage in exploring the concepts of civil rights and Jewish values. Sixth-grade students from participating schools spent the spring semester uncovering the links between the American, Jewish-American and Civil Rights experiences, culminating in a shared ed-

ucational travel experience in April 2019 to Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham, Alabama. We’re planning to participate again this year. These are just a few of the exciting things going on at Friedel. It’s an incredible place, and I feel so lucky that my kids get to go to school there.

People who wish to learn more about Friedel can contact Friedel’s Head of School, Beth Cohen, at bcohen@fja omaha.com or 402.334.0517, or Director of Advancement Sara Kohen at skohen@fjaomaha.com or 402.301.1662.

Organizations

B’nai B’rith BreadBreakers

Gov. Pete ricketts on “The state of the State” on Wednesday, aug. 7, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

The Secrets of Teshuva: Turning into a better version of myself

T

RabbI SHlOmO abRamOvICH he High Holidays might not be right around the corner, but due to the importance of these Holy Days, the preparation for them should start as soon as possible. Beth Israel Synagogue will initiate the preparation process by presenting a series of classes beginning Monday, Aug. 12 and subsequent Mondays through Sept. 23. Classes will be at noon at Beth Israel Synagogue - with the one exception for Monday, Sept. 9. On that day, the class will be in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library at the JCC at 1 p.m. following “Eye on Israel.”

The class will discuss the concept of

Katrina Swanson: Painter Katrina Swanson has an Exhibition of her work at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, from aug. 2 – Sept. 12. She has a huge variety of paintings including her photo realistic flowers as well as her realistic urban scenes from Omaha’s Old Market.

Katrina has been pursuing her art for nearly 30 years. She is fascinated by how light and shadow work in a painting as well as color. Showing the age of a building, sign or street makes for a more inter-

Teshuva (repentance) in its wide and diverse meanings. Based on the writings of Rav Joseph Soloveitchik and Rav Avraham Yitzchak Kook, the class will present the relevancy of the process of Teshuva to each one of us. Questions that this class will explore include: How do we return to ourselves and reveal the depths of our identity; how do we change our life in real and authentic ways; is guilt truly a Jewish characteristic that must accompany a process of self-improvement?

The class will be presented by Rabbi Shlomo Abramovich, Visiting Scholar at Beth Israel. All sessions are open to the public, free of charge, with no prior knowledge of the subject matter required.

esting story and consequently a better painting.

She currently has a studio in her home so she can paint every day. Katrina also shows her work at several galleries in Omaha, Lincoln and Nebraska City.

Check out her website www.katrinaSwan son.com and sign up for her newsletter. Follow her work on her facebook page @katrina.swan sonart and Instagram under Katrinaswanson.

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The Jewish Press | August 2, 2019 | 5

community Over the Hindu Kush

Continued from page 3 We continued snaking down the mountain, “I have to tell you about a recent group of hugging the side, with sheer drops of imJapanese tourists. They were photographing mense height just inches off the road. Barely every hill, and they insisted on knowing the visible far below was a rapidly running stream, name of each one for their photos. So I gave with green bushes growing alongside. But to up on telling them they were unnamed and just made up titles for each one. In the future, if you ever hear of Potato Peak, Cabbage Mountain, or Tomato Heights, you’ll know the name came from me.” Then we wondered what stories Mohammed told the Japanese groups about the American tourists.

Credit: Sohail Aziz Mohammed was an interest- People looking out over Islamabad ing character. Tall for a Pakistani, his long, get there would take quite some time. When sorrowful face was an indication of the we would finally get near the bottom of one dilemma he was facing. One day we saw Z-shaped track and ford the rivulet, we would raised red welts on his back, complete with immediately start back up another series of some fresh droplets of blood. Then he ex- crosshatched turns towards the high pass beplained his predicament: “I am a devout Mus- tween the next set of peaks. What was totally lim, and the marks on my back are from the astounding was the realization that this same self-flagellation required by Islam during Ra- tortuous pathway had been used for 2,000 madan. I respect and honor my father and his years by intrepid travelers and merchants. wishes. But I have met and fallen in love with They walked this same trail to trade with the a French girl. She is not a Muslim, but she is Chinese living on the other side of the Hinow my fiance. I cannot tell my father as it malayas; hence the name, the Silk Route. would dishonor him. He would beat me and Eventually we reached the green valley at banish me, but I also love my fiancee. What the base. There were fruit orchards, grain am I to do?” Like many questions about life fields and small huts. This was the beautiful that youth has always posed, it went unan- area called Hunza, and some have compared swered. Muhammad is the most popular first it to Shangri-La in Kashmir. We arrived at the name in the world, and there are probably village of Gilgit and piled into the small inn See Over the Hindu Kush page 6 quite a few of them in the same quandary.

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6 | The Jewish Press | August 2, 2019

community “Miss Beth” ready to rock the J

Andy IsAAcson s there a dinosaur, knocking on your door? Do you have that Shabbat feeling? Most importantly, are you ready to rock?

PJ Library and the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center invite the greater Omaha community to come and enjoy a special concert at the JCC Theater at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 15. If your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, etc. are attending the CDC, they’ll already be there - join us! The concert is free and open to all families with young children; PJ Library will host a small reception with “the band” afterwards for non-CDC attendees.

When “Miss Beth” Reinstein takes the stage, all the kids are gonna stand up, clap their hands, shake their tuchuses, and dance ‘til they plotz. It’s gonna be that much fun! Miss Beth, and her band of local musicians, will sing some of the preschool crowd’s favorites, in a way that’s sure to keep the grownups entertained too! (not to mention the kvelling... oy, the kvelling...)

As her alter ego, retro-pop songstress Elle Casazza, Reinstein has graced the stage at some of Chicago’s top-tier venues, released several albums of original music, even toured throughout the Midwest (you might have caught her at the Omaha Summer Arts Festival last year). This girl can sing! But while “Elle” lives strictly in the secular world, Reinstein cherishes a deep connection to her Judaism and Jewish music. She has aspirations, one day, to take the same energy, enthusiasm and soulfulness that she radiates on the club stage and bring it to the bimah. Until then, Miss Beth is excited for her opportunity to share her music with the kids at the Omaha J. “This is going to be fun!” she’s told me, and personally, I couldn’t agree more.

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over the Hindu Kush

continued from page 5 that was to be home for the night. Instead of lying down to rest from the long, bone-rattling journey, Fran checked the Lonely Planet Travel Survival guidebook and found a listing for a local mini-museum.

Yes, we had to go now. We followed the travel writer’s explicit directions: “Two blocks down, turn left, then right, then knock on the door of the small building, and after five minutes, knock again.”

Sure enough, after the second rap the door opened and the museum director showed us in. We eagerly paid the entrance fee, the equivalent of about 25 cents each. Unfortunately, there was very little in the museum, but we felt sunrise in Hunza Valley quite smug for even finding the place and gaining access.

On the way back, Fran and another lady who had accompanied us on the museum walk, went inside a little shop and tried to buy a couple of items. The proprietor, an elderly bearded gentleman, just ignored them. Upon realizing that a local Pakistani man would not deign to carry on business with a woman, even a foreign one, Fran came out and got me. I went in and purchased the desired goods with no problem. A decade later, Greg Mortensen’s book, Three Cups of Tea, explained to readers the local culture of not educating or doing business with women.

The next day Muhammad promised to take us to the Palace of the Mir of Hunza. Mir is the local name for Emir, or ruler, so we assumed we would be going to the local equivalent of Buckingham Palace or, at least, a large fortress. Instead, we were dropped off in front of a small stucco house.

Welcomed in, we had to climb a ladder with broken rungs to get to the second floor. There was no furniture, but we were served tea while sitting on the floor. We talked with the Mir himself. It was our first royal reception, and we will treasure the memory, even if it was a not as luxurious as we expected.

We left Gilgit, following the road as it wound through the beautiful green valleys towards Islamabad, the new capital of Pakistan. Suddenly, the vehicles stopped, and Muhammad asked, “Would you like to look around a ruby cave?” Excited by the prospect of becoming wealthy quickly, we answered affirmatively. Muhammad explained that the caves had contained rubies, but there were almost certainly no jewels left.

Still, we wanted to explore. I had the foresight to grab our flashlight (this was before cell phones), and Fran led us into the dark cavern. We saw nothing; but suddenly, Fran saw a golden glint. It was neither a ruby nor gold. But it was the nastiest set of brass knuckles I have ever seen (and I grew up in New York City during the era of violent teen gangs). There was no one else there; Fran checked with Muhammad that “finders keepers” was true in Pakistan, so we snatched up the brass knuckles and stowed it in our luggage as a souvenir.

They would cause me trouble as we left the country.

Arriving in Islamabad, we had a tour of the modern capital

city of Pakistan. Our tour escort asked if we’d like to visit the frontier town of Peshawar. It adjoins the wild Northwest territories and is close to Afghanistan itself. It sounded like the appropriate ending for our journey of adventure, so the next day we found ourselves walking the streets of a very strange city. The shopping “mall” was filled with stores selling every kind of smuggled goods: electronics, parkas, cosmetics, housewares, appliances, military equipment, etc. We wound up sipping tea on the second floor of a big carpet shop listening to the proprietor tell us the virtues of each of the 100 or more rolls of high quality carpets in his inventory. Finally escaping his clutches, we were Credit: Syedwaqas1011 almost back to our vehicles when we stopped to talk with one of the many armed men in assorted uniforms. It was impossible to tell if this guy was army, police or just an irregular mercenary posted here for some nefarious purpose. He asked if we’d like to see him shoot off his AK-47, and without waiting for an answer, began firing rounds in the air. We thanked him for the demonstration, hurried onto our mini-bus, and got the hell out of that now-notorious city.

To head home, Fran and I left the rest of the group and took a domestic aircraft to Karachi, the former capital of Pakistan.

Due to airline schedules, we had to spend the night in a small motel near the airport. We couldn’t lock the door. Fran, who is usually not too concerned about security, was so worried about our safety that we propped the chairs and table against the door. She obviously was prescient about the terrorism of Al Queda and the Taliban that would strike the world 11 years later, with many of its leaders residing here in Pakistan.

Safely surviving the night, we got to the airport for our international flight. But first a problem: while X-raying our luggage, the guard noticed the outline of a metal knife. Yes, I had purchased an ornamental dagger as a souvenir, so I opened the suitcase to show it to him. Lying right next to the knife was the ominous-looking set of brass knuckles. “These are illegal in Pakistan,” said the official as he escorted me into a small room for further interrogation. “What are you doing with these contraband weapons?”

I explained how my wife had found them in the ruby cave in the north. I added, “Besides, I’m taking them out of the country, so you don’t have to worry about them anymore.”

The inquisitor did not find this amusing. After a lengthy discussion with his supervisor, they finally let me go back to the public area. Fran was happy to see me emerge without handcuffs. Of course, I blamed her for my temporary internment.

The brass knuckles now reside in our bedroom as a vivid reminder of our memorable journey through China and Pakistan. I have not had to use them.

Two months later I received a $20 check from a Mrs. Anderson of Concord, New Hampshire, with a note thanking me for helping her daughter Mary.

The Jewish Press | August 2, 2019 | 7

Above: And the winners of the J Camp Color Wars are... Team Red!

SP O TLIGHT

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish Community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.

Left: Micah Kohen, son of Sara and Ari, said “No, it was not too hot at Camp and yes, he was having lots of fun.”

Below: A July heatwave meant plenty of pool time during J Camp.

Above: Max Kohll at this year’s March of the Living.

Below: Gerri Phillips, Jim Phillips, and Cheryl Phillips enjoying a summer night in the RBJH Courtyard.

Above: Sabra campers are leaving from the Jewish Community Center.

Above: Cultural Arts Director Esther Katz accompanied a group of JCC dancers to Israel.

Right: Alex Epstein and Jason Kohll at the Jewish Business Leader’s July 17 breakfast meeting, where Kohll was the speaker.

Above: Even our youngest campers at the Pennie Z. Davis Childhood Development Center are showing off their Camp Shemesh spirit.

8 | The Jewish Press | August 2, 2019

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(Founded in 1920) Abby Kutler President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer Thierry Ndjike Accounting Jewish Press Board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex Officio; Laura Dembitzer; Candice Friedman; Jill Idelman; Andy Isaacson; Michael Kaufman; David Kotok; Natasha Kraft; Debbie Kricsfeld; Eric Shapiro and Amy Tipp.

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T

Loving the Jews

ANNETTE vAN DE KAmP-WRiGHT Editor, Jewish Press his was the headline about two weeks ago: “Americans Don’t Know Much About Judaism but Love Jews, Pew Survey Finds.”

The story, written by JTA’s Ben Sales, ran in most Jewish media, but, as usual when these types of studies come out, more questions are raised than answered.

Here’s the what: “The data comes out of a new survey on what Americans know about religion published by the Pew Research Center. The survey asked a group of diverse Americans a set of 32 questions about religion, ranging from knowledge of the Bible and Christianity to knowledge of Judaism and other religions. Ten of the questions related to Judaism in some way: four asked directly about Jewish history, practice and texts; five were about the Hebrew Bible; and one was about the size of America’s Jewish population.”

The number of people questioned for the survey was 11,000; non-Jews didn’t do so well answering questions about Judaism. Only 24% knew Rosh Hashanah is the New Year, while 29% was aware Shabbat begins Friday night.

“Americans as a whole also didn’t know how many Jews live in the country. Fewer than one in five knew that Jews are less than 5 percent of Americans. A quarter thought Jews were more than 5 percent of Americans, and the rest of the respondents didn’t know,” Sales wrote.

None of this is all that surprising. But then, there was this: “As other surveys have shown, Americans tend to have warm feelings toward Jews. Asked to rate religious groups on a thermometer scale, from 1 to 100, Jews got an average rating of 63, the highest of any group. Fortyone percent rated Jews at 67 or higher, while 8 percent rated Jews 33 or lower. Atheists and Muslims scored lowest, both with an average thermometer score of 49. The

more Americans knew about religion in general, and Judaism in particular, the more they liked Jews. Those who answered 25 or more questions correctly, for example, gave Jews an average rating of 70. And those who know Jews personally also rated them higher.

The respondents who know Jews gave Jews an average rating of 66, versus 56 from those who do not know any Jews.”

The question is: while it is useful, I think, to have data showing how much (or how little) people know about us, do we have to concern ourselves with whether people like us? I mean, yes, in general, it’s better if people don’t actively dislike us, sure, but it kind of leaves me feeling like Pew put us in a category with pets or hobbies. As in, do you like Cats? Do you like airplanes? Do you like Jews?

Maybe I’m overthinking this—I have that tendency.

But the discomfort I felt when I read that initial headline doesn’t go away. And by the way, what does it mean to have an “average rating of 63?” What about the respondents who answered lower? They don’t like us? They’re neutral? What?

If you’re like me, you’ve experienced the moment when a stranger finds out you’re Jewish and reacts with “Oh, I

love Jews!” To me, there is a world of meaning in that response. There’s awkwardness, the discomfort that comes with encountering foreign-ness, the awareness that it is possible to say the wrong thing, panic sets in and so something needs to be blurted out.

Do we need people to love us? We need laws that keep us safe from those who don’t and we need freedom of religion that is really free in the true sense of the word. We need people to see us as humans, we need them to understand we’re not all the same. We need a little more education so people don’t look at our kids funny when they bring matzah to school during Passover. As a matter of fact, we need people to stop looking at us funny, period—which means the lack of knowledge about who we are is much more important that our likeability. Do we want to be loved? Sure. But we should want that based on who we really are, as individuals, not as a nameless, faceless and generalized species. We, after all, are not airplanes.

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.

T’ruah also spearheads a network of more than 70 synagogues committed to supporting migrants, whether by offering protected sanctuary space, legal assistance, accompanying people to Immigration and Customs Enforcement check-ins or various other actions.

Go to the nearby events that are planned by or in conjunction with immigrant-led organizations.

In just a few weeks, on the Jewish holiday of Tisha b’Av, a day of mourning, communities all over the country will be holding special vigils outside ICE facilities. Help organize one or participate in one that’s already being organized.

If you see ICE agents where you live, and you are a citizen and thus do not need to worry about being deported, confront the agents (nonviolently, of course) to make it more difficult for them to do their job. Ask them to show their judicial warrant and remind them that even if they have a warrant allowing them to detain someone, it does not allow them to forcibly remove someone from their home or vehicle. Remind them that they should not detain any minors.

Donate the money you would have spent on a synagogue trip to the border to organizations directly serving impacted communities. Make a monthly donation to several of these organizations — and get 10 of your friends to do so, too.

If you do decide to go to the border, take a few weeks off from work and volunteer there doing whatever you’re asked to do. Immigration lawyers are particularly needed.

Wean yourself from companies that fuel the crisis.

Amazon provides ICE with the technology to collect, store and manage the vast amount of data it uses to surveil and deport immigrants. Pressure businesses like Core Civic, Xerox, Comcast, Deloitte and many, many more that profit from and enable the immigration-industrial complex.

Commit to doing the long-term, often slow, solidarity and advocacy work.

As a community, study and discuss Mijente’s “Free Our Future: An Immigration Policy Platform for Beyond the Trump Era.” Many of the protests happening recently have featured calls to defund and/or abolish ICE. This document explains why and makes the case for reimagining our broken immigration system. Also, there are a variety of See Want to help immigrants page 9

Want to help immigrants? Don’t go to the border.

RABBi SALEm PEARCE NEW YORK | JTA Over the past few weeks, I’ve been getting inquiries from Jewish communities all over the country about taking a trip to the U.S. border with Mexico.

T’ruah, the organization where I work, has been one of the leading Jewish groups speaking out against the inhumane conditions for migrants. Together with the Jewish refugee organization HIAS, we have brought two delegations of rabbis and cantors to the border to bear witness and stand in solidarity with asylum seekers.

So you might be surprised to hear that I’ve been telling those thinking of making a trip of their own to reconsider.

What I hear in the recent surge of calls and emails is that Jewish congregations and institutions want to see for themselves what is happening and to galvanize their communities to take concrete action.

I appreciate the intentions behind these desires.

Immigration policy over the past few decades has been wholly inadequate to address the global refugee crisis and provide for the 11 million undocumented immigrants here – and the Trump administration has accelerated and intensified the weaponization of federal agencies against those who come here seeking refuge.

Many of us in the Jewish community have reached a breaking point. Concentration camps, law enforcement deployed to round up targeted groups, families separated and caged and children dying in state custody all have painful historical resonances.

I applaud the desire to do something. But that something doesn’t always need to be going to Texas, or New Mexico, or Arizona or California.

While T’ruah has taken delegations to the southern border in conjunction with local, immigrantled organizations, we’ve worked hard to make these visits about amplifying the work of these local organizations and not disrupting their efforts or requiring them to host or accommodate us.

Rabbi Salem Pearce at an interfaith vigil outside the Homestead Detention Center in South Florida, where more than 2,000 child migrants are being held, June 16, 2019. Credit: Maria Alejandra Cardona for T’ruah For years, if not decades, the organizations at the border have been providing services for people crossing the border, fighting bad laws and building power for marginalized communities. To them this is decidedly not a new problem. Many of them are also stretched to the breaking point to accommodate worsening conditions. Border tourism only adds to the pressure.

Plus, what is happening on the southern border isn’t just happening at the border: It’s happening all over the country. ICE operates in all of our communities. Detention centers are spread throughout the country. Families are being separated just a few miles from where I sit in Manhattan. Even closer, and every day, immigrants are being hunted down

by ICE. We do not all need to go to the border in order to have a major impact on protecting immigrants and refugees. We can engage in action right here in our own communities.

Here are just a few things you can do:

I’m an Israeli settler. This is why I spoke with J Street RabbI URI PILICHowskI MITZPEH YERICHO, WEST BANK | JTA On July 8 in Psagot, I addressed the first group of participants on J Street U’s “Let My People Know” Israel trip, their new alternative to Birthright aimed to give American Jewish college students meaningful engagement with key questions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

I was there ostensibly to share my perspective as one of three “settlers,” but also, it seemed, to give the participants a chance to vent at us for perceived injustices we were perpetrating.

We explained to the group that Judea and Samaria are historically Jewish land, and that Israel treats the Palestinian Arabs living here fairly and humanely. Of course, there are things we can do better, but most of the problems that Palestinian Arabs face are brought on by their corrupt leadership. We hope for the best for both peoples, but we’re proud Zionists who feel the Jewish people should have the right to live in their entire homeland, especially the heartland of Judea and Samaria.

The last question asked of our panel was from an earnest young man from New York. I’m a Mets fan, and by his Mets hat I knew he was, too, so I automatically felt connected to him.

“Why did you feel it was so important to come and speak to us today?” he asked.

After two hours of brutal, sometimes argumentative, sometimes tearfilled back-and-forth, I felt it was time for some hard truths.

I looked him and the others in the eye and explained why it was important for me, a “settler,” to address this anti-occupation group.

“I hate J Street,” I started. “I’ve followed the organization since its inception and I disagree with its positions and philosophy.”

After letting that sink in, I continued, “But if you put [J-Street CEO] Jeremy Ben-Ami and me in a room together, and ask us to write down all of our thoughts on Israel on a legal pad, after hours of writing, 90 percent of both of our thoughts would be the same. We both want a safe Israel, we both want the best for the Arabs in Israel. My problem with J Street is that they always seem to focus on the 10 percent that divides the people concerned about Israel.”

While I only had two hours with them, the participants on the trip seemed to be caring, sensitive and brave people who genuinely cared about improving the lives of the people they met. As a whole, these were good people who will be great citizens. I finished off my thoughts with them, “I was concerned that on this trip all you’d hear about is the 10 percent that J Street uses to demonize Israel. I wanted to make sure you heard about the 90 percent that we can all be proud of.”

Although there’s room for improvement, Israel is a moral and just nation.

We are a country kind not only to ourselves, but to the Arabs in our midst,

even Syrian victims treated on our northern border who tell of their previous hatred of Israel. We can all be proud of the field hospital set up for them by the Israel Defense Forces at the height of their country’s civil war.

There are countless examples of humane acts that the Jewish nation conducts every single day that these students should boast about. Instead, they hang their heads in shame because of the slander told about Israel.

I felt that this group had great empathy for Palestinian Arabs, and their descriptions of the suffering they heard got to me as well. What I felt lacking was a feeling of the same empathy for their fellow Jewish Israelis.

A few of their members cried when one read her notes from a talk with Palestinian Arabs. But when I described the fear our children experienced due to Palestinian terror, I didn’t feel a sympathetic heart in the room.

What was even worse was that I felt that every statement we “settlers” made was scrutinized to find how we were wrong, but everything the group had heard from Palestinian Arabs, no matter how ludicrous, was taken as absolute and undeniable truth. Arabs had told this group that Palestinian Authority money paid to terrorists – on a sliding scale based on how many Jews they killed – was simply a welfare payment.

They were told that an illegal Arab outpost scheduled to be demolished had exhausted all legal options, but never questioned if they had permits to be in that area in the first place.

Healthy skepticism was only directed one way. I was left puzzled. What causes these caring people to see the Israeli-Palestinian conflict so different than I do? If we all care about Israel and the Jewish people, why do they have such a divergent philosophy than I? I can’t explain the disconnect between these students and their Jewish brethren, but if this is the future of J Street, and progressive American Jewish leadership, I am greatly concerned.

I am impressed with J Street’s willingness to hear the other side, unlike so many other anti-occupation groups who refuse to give their participants the opportunity to do so. J Street should be commended for encouraging its participants to hear both sides of the debate over Jewish residence and control over Judea and Samaria.

I don’t know if J Street U will bring more groups to Israel or if this was a one-off trip to make a statement. I hope they continue to visit.

But our Rabbis taught us to give all people the benefit of the doubt. J Street excels at giving the Arabs the benefit of the doubt. I’d appreciate if the same courtesy was extended to Jews as well.

Rabbi Uri Pilichowski is a teacher at Yeshivat Migdal HaTorah in Modi’in, Israel and the director of Israel Advocacy for Southern NCSY. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

The Jewish Press | August 2, 2019 | 9

Want to help immigrants?

Continued from page 8 study and discussion resources in T’ruah’s “Mikdash: A Jewish Guide to the New Sanctuary Movement.”

Have your synagogue become a sanctuary space as part of T’ruah’s Mikdash network. Build relationships with your local interfaith or immigrant-led organization doing this work.

Hundreds gather in NYC for a “Lights for Liberty” protest against migrant detention camps and the impending raids by ICE in various cities, July 12, 2019.

Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Call your members of Congress as often as you can. Request meetings while your representatives are home in their districts next month.

How we are treating immigrants who have just arrived and those who have been here for 50 years, and everyone in between, is morally abominable. And that treatment is likely to continue for some time. There are many, many things to do right now – and most are best accomplished from right where you are.

Rabbi Salem Pearce is director of organizing at T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

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Here’s how you can help: Fill out the information below and simply return it to the Jewish Press office, or visit us online at http://www.jewishomaha.org/jewish-press/.

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10 | The Jewish Press | August 2, 2019

synagogues B’nai israel synagogue

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 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

Congregation B’nai JesHurun

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

offutt air forCe Base

Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com

rose BluMkin JewisH HoMe

323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154

teMple israel

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

tiferetH israel

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

B’nai israel synagogue

Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series after a brief hiatus. We will next meet on friday, sept. 13, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Dr. Marvin Bittner on the Importance of Vaccinations. Our service leader is Larry Blass, and as always, an Oneg wil follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

For information on our historic synagogue, contact any of our board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Howard Kutler, Carole Lainof, Wayne Lainof, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf, or email nancywolf16620@gmail.com.

Handicap Accessible.

BetH el synagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. friday: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. saturday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha following Kiddush. weekday serViCes: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sunday: Torah Study, 10 a.m.

Monday: Book Club, 7 p.m. at Deb Kutler’s home. tuesday: Mahjong, 1 p.m. tHursday: Brachot and Breakfast, 7 a.m.; Shanghai, 1 p.m.

Order Honey for the Holidays now through aug. 5. Learn more at www.bethel-omaha.org.

College Send Off Pre-Neg, friday, aug. 9, 5:30 p.m.

Tisha B’Av, saturday, aug. 10, 8:30 p.m. Mincha, Ma’ariv and Eicha.

Chesed Committee visits Remington Heights, tuesday, aug. 13, 2 p.m.

BetH israel synagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer friday: Shacharit, 6:45 s a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:22 p.m. saturday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Insights into the Weekly Torah Portion, 7:20 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 8:05 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:26 p.m. sunday: Shacharit, 9 am.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

Monday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. tuesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. wednesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. tHursday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:20 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

CHaBad House

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. friday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. saturday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. weekdays: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. sunday: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Sunday Secrets, 9:15 p.m. following Minyan.

Monday: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani; Biblical Hebrew, 10:30 a.m.; Hebrew 101, 11:30 a.m. wednesday: Mystical Thinking, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman. tHursday: Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Katzman.

All programs are open to the entire community. For more information call 402.330.1800 or visit www.ochabad.com.

Congregation B’nai JesHurun

Services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby. friday: LJCS CAMP ISRAEL, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at TI; First Friday Family Service, 6:30 p.m. with music by Jon Leo and Steve Kaup; Oneg, 7:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:22 p.m. saturday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:45 a.m. on Parashat Matot-Masei; Havdalah (72 minutes), 9:51 p.m. sunday: Adult Hebrew Prayer Class, 11:30 a.m. tuesday: Mussar: Inner Ladder va’ad, 7-9 p.m. wednesday: LJCS Teachers Meeting, 6–7 p.m. at TI.

tHursday: High Holidays Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m.

Our next Pop-up Shabbat will be on friday, aug. 9.

offutt air forCe Base

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

rose BluMkin JewisH HoMe

saturday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Jim Polack.

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

teMple israel

friday: Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m. with guest sermon: Robert Osborne to speak about March of the Living. saturday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Torah Reader: Scott Goodman; Temple Tots Havdalah with Cantor Alexander and Ben Mazur, 4:30 p.m. Join us at Temple Israel's playground for some outdoor fun! Bring your picnic dinner and enjoy activities with Dani Howell and havdalah together! PJ Library will provide a story and popsicles for dessert! This will be an opportunity for our young families to meet Cantor Joanna Alexander and our new Director of Congregational Learning Ben Mazur. All families with tots and older siblings are invited. Please RSVP to Temple Israel, rsvp@templeisrael omaha.com or 402.556.6536.

In case of rain, we will enjoy the afternoon in the Social Hall. sunday: Habitat for Humanity Team Build, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at 3167 Evans St, Omaha, NE 68111. Temple Israel is excited to be part of Habitat for Humanity's Faith House team again. This year we’ll be building a home for a 3-generation family that came to Omaha 7 years ago as refugees from Burundi (just south of Rwanda). No experience or tools required.

Anyone over age 16 can volunteer - so please bring a friend!

Let us know if you can make it! RSVP to Temple Israel, rsvp@templeisra elomaha.com or 402.556.6536; Rosh

Chodesh: Temple Tea Party Welcoming Cantor Alexander, 2:30 p.m. at the home of Rosie Zweiback. We are kicking off the 2019-20 Rosh Chodesh year with a tea party welcoming Cantor Joanna Alexander! Come enjoy tea, crumpets (snacks) along with wonderful conversation at the home of our host Rosie Zweiback. Please bring a teacup, mug, or any drinking vessel that is special to you and has a story you would be willing to share. If you don’t have a special cup, there will be extras available. RSVP to Temple Israel, rsvp@templeisraelomaha.com or 402.556.6536.

Temple Israel Golf Outing, Monday, aug. 12: Lunch, noon, Shotgun start, 1 p.m. at Shadow Ridge Country Club.

Temple Israel will be hosting its Annual Golf Outing at Shadow Ridge Country Club that includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, lunch, access to the driving range, and a steak dinner. You can sign up as either a single or a foursome. Participant cost is $135 and if you sign-up as a single, we will assign you to a foursome. The cost for a foursome is $540.

Interested in joining the festivities but don’t want to golf?

Come enjoy a steak dinner for only $35. To register or for more information including hole sponsorships, please contact Office Manager Misty Weidner, mweidner@templeisrael omaha.com or 402.556.6536. All the money raised goes towards the operations of Temple Israel.

tiferetH israel

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. friday: LJCS CAMP ISRAEL, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at TI; Tifereth Israel's 10th Annual Shabbat on the Green/ New Member Dinner, 6:30 p.m. We will be grilling up hotdogs and sides.

Dinner is followed by a fun outdoor Shabbat service. We hope to see you all there!; Candlelighting, 8:22 p.m. saturday: Shabbat Service, 10 a.m. followed by a light Kiddush luncheon; Havdalah (72 minutes), 9:21 p.m. wednesday: LJCS Teachers Meeting, 6–7 p.m. at TI. Tisha B’Av: Chanting of Eicha, the Book of Lamentations, saturday, aug. 10 at 9:15 p.m.

Israeli woman chases down flasher in Massachusetts

MarCy oster JTA An Israeli woman who lives in Massachusetts chased down and held a man who exposed himself to her while she was jogging.

Single mother Aia Polansky, 33, was running in Cambridge when the male jogger dropped his pants to his knees as she ran by.

Polansky, a 6-foot-1-inch-tall veteran of the Israel Defense Forces who works as a personal trainer, said she realized that the man was flashing her on purpose because he reached out to grab her. She then ran aer him and held him while asking passersby to call the police or 911, but no one was willing to get involved. He slipped out of her grasp when she reached for her phone to call police. “I just knew that if I’m not going to get this guy now then the next girl will be raped,” she told ABC News. e incident was caught on security cameras in the area and images of the man were released

by Massachusetts State Police. He is described as a white male with a heavy build, short dark-colored hair, a receding hair line. e incident occurred on July 18 but was first reported by local and national news outlets over the weekend.

She told several news outlets that the message

Cambridge, Mass. City Hall Credit: Thomas Steiner/Wikimedia Commons she wants to send to the middle-age flasher is that “I’m going to get you” and that he “picked the wrong victim.” e case remains under investigation.

Man shot outside of Miami synagogue MarCy oster JTA A man was shot outside of a synagogue in North Miami Beach. e victim was shot several times in the leg on July 28, as he stood outside of the Young Israel of Greater Miami synagogue waiting for daily prayers to begin, according to multiple reports.

Police told local media that a man got out of a black Chevrolet Impala and opened fire, striking the victim, age 58, several times in the leg. e Yeshiva World News website identified the man as Yosef Noach ben Leah Tzivyah — in the traditional manner in which prayers for someone’s health are recited — and said he was 69.

e car had circled the synagogue several times before the attack, WSVN Channel 7 reported, citing unnamed officials. e victim was taken to a local hospital where he underwent surgery and is in stable condition.

Police are investigating the incident but have not yet categorized it as a hate crime, according to the report.

“I call upon the U.S. authorities to put an end to the wave of anti-Semitic terrorist attacks that are being perpetrated against Jews in the United States. It’s time for Jews to be able to live their lives like any other citizen,” Yaakov Hagoel, vice chairman of the World Zionist Organization, said in a statement.

The Jewish Press | August 2, 2019 | 11

lifecycles in memoRiam

SiDney epSTein

Sidney Epstein passed away on July 16 at age 100 in Las Vegas, NV. Services were held July 31 at Omaha National Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by his parents, Ruben and Sarah Epstein, sisters Bernice and Betty, and brother Sol. He is survived by daughter, Sunni Epstein, niece, Shari Asplund, both of California; nephew, Robert Adler, and niece, Shelley Wisnia, both of Omaha.

Sidney was 100 years and 7 months. He lived the life he loved in Las Vegas for close to 40 years, going to the casinos, telling jokes and making people laugh. Sidney was well liked by everyone he met and loved bringing a smile to everyone’s face. The Palms Hotel threw him a fabulous 100th birthday party for family and friends. He was active and healthy right up to the last night when he passed quietly in his sleep.

Memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.

eSTheR J. kaTleman

Esther J. Katleman passed asway on July 19 at age 82 in Omaha. Services were held on July 21 at Temple Israel Cemetery and officiated by Rabbi Brian Stoller.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Theresa and Sam Berman.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Katleman; daughter and son-inlaw, Debi and Jeff Smedlund of Omaha, son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Roberta Katleman of Fairfax, VA; grandchildren: Rebecca Smedlund, of Omaha and Daniel Katleman of Richman, VA; brother and sister-in-law, Henry and Mary Berman of San Antonio, TX; nieces, nephews and cousins.

She and her husband were longtime volunteers at Methodist Hospital.

Memorials may be made to Temple Israel, Methodist Hospital Foundation, or organization of your choice.

laRRy STolleR

Larry Stoller, a lifelong resident of Spirit Lake, Iowa passed away July 24 at age 63 at Lakes Regional Healthcare/Avera Hospice after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Services were held July 26 at Lakeview Gardens Cemetery in Okoboji, and a celebration of life gathering was held July 28 at Okoboji Classic Cars in West Okoboji.

He is survived by his mother, Elayne Stoller of Spirit Lake Iowa; wife, Karen Stoller; children: Summer Stoller of Spirit Lake, Sam Stoller of Okoboji, Brandon and Whitney Stoller of Rock Valley, IA, Lyndsi Logan and Barry Johnston of Spencer; grandchildren: Reece Logan, Aubrey Stoller, Jace Stoller and Ava Johnston; sister and brother-in-law, Andrea and Jeff Schwarck of Spirit Lake; nephew, Austin (Bailey and Ivory) Schwarck and nephew, Alex Schwarck; extended family includes Carol and Randy Blass and family of Estherville, IA, Marci Stoller and family of Okoboji, aunt Marcia Stoller of Vermont, many loved family members and close friends, cat, Snow, and his dogs, kitties and wildlife who Larry loved sharing life with at home.

Larry was born April 6, 1956 to Leonard and Elayne (Cohn) Stoller of Spirit Lake Iowa. He and Karen (Erickson Ridenour) Stoller were married and together they've shared life since 2007 with their children, grandchildren and pets.

An avid interest in debate on the high school (Spirit Lake High School1974) and college level (Arizona State University-1977), helped him prepare for a career in law (Creighton University-1980). Larry was a partner in the firms of Stoller and Larson, Stoller and Johnson and a sole practitioner later in his career. Larry was also the third generation to head the family business, Stoller Fisheries, opened by his grandfather, Harry Stoller, in 1932, passed onto his son and Larry's father, Leonard Stoller, then upon Leonard's death in 1982, was passed to Larry and remained in business through 2018. In addition, he was adjunct professor of legal studies at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Memorials may be made to the Arnolds Park/Okoboji Underwater Search and Rescue Dive Team.

Congratulations to the JCC Youth Department!

Earlier last week, evaluators from the American Camp Association performed an on-site visit and evaluation. J Camp’s score was 198 out of 201! is means we will continue to carry our ACA accreditation. We are especially proud of this accomplishment. ere are 14,000 residential and day camps in the USA. Of these, only 2,400 are accredited. Accreditation focuses on program quality, health and safety and adhering to the ACA’s top caliber standards.

We strive to provide a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience for every child on our campus and we work hard to provide our Members with the best experience possible.

The anti-BDS Resolution

Ron kampeaS WASHINGTON | JTA e U.S. House of Representatives last week approved a nonbinding resolution that condemns the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement targeting Israel. Much was made of the 398-17 vote, one that earns the hoary journalist adjective “overwhelming.” Democrats and Republicans at long last could bond on an issue, rejecting attempts to boycott Israel.

“It’s that bipartisan support for Israel that means the world understands that the United States is strongly in support of Israel,” Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill, the resolution’s lead sponsor with Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., told me this week. (Schneider and Zeldin are Jewish.)

But despite bipartisan support for the resolution, it’s hardly the last word on the Israel boycott among lawmakers.

Here’s a look at what the resolution means, the politics behind it and what happens next. e resolution does nothing — and a lot. e resolution is nonbinding, so it doesn’t mean much, right? As a “simple resolution,” it does not require passage in the other chamber or the president’s signature. Simple resolutions are “used to express the sentiments of a single house, such as offering condolences to the family of a deceased member of Congress, or it may give ‘advice’ on foreign policy or other executive business,” a Senate explainer says, adding that they do not have the force of law.

So what’s the point? Getting folks on the record, and daring them to vote “no” on what their constituents might consider mom-and-apple pie issues. e BDS resolution was definitely about the politics: Republicans since the beginning of this congressional session have sought repeatedly to embarrass Democrats with bills that would penalize Israel boycotters. A substantial portion of Democrats oppose the Republican measures — these would be legally binding — because the lawmakers say the bills infringe on free speech.

Even as they decried the resolution as toothless, Republicans almost unanimously voted yea. Democrats control the House, and Republicans could hardly afford not to support a pro-Israel resolution that surely would pass without them.

But the resolution isn’t meaningless. Much of the business of the world’s most powerful parliament is to create boilerplate language to which it can return to again and again, in large part because overworked staffers would rather not reinvent the wheel every week. When 392 of 435 House members agree on a way to frame an issue, you can bet that policymakers will return to the resolution’s language as a reference and template for future legislation, including the binding kind. e BDS issue is not going away. is isn’t going away anytime soon, if Republicans have anything to do with it. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said he will press ahead with the antiBDS bills that have bite. Democrats are split over bills that penalize businesses and contractors who support the boycott of Israel, because they fear they impinge on the right of free speech. e nonbinding resolution upholds speech freedoms three times, twice in the “whereas” clauses that typically start a resolution, and once in the “action” section that closes it. For example, the resolution “affirms the Constitutional right of United States citizens to free speech, including the right to protest or criticize the policies of the United States or foreign governments.”

None of these caveats explicitly mentions “boycotts,” however, which helps explain why two BDS backers who opposed the anti-BDS resolution, Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, joined with Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, a civil rights icon who voted for it, to dra a separate resolution protecting boycotts in general.

(All three are Democrats.) eir resolution does not explicitly mention BDS, but appears to allude to the resolution that passed this week by urging “Congress, States, and civil rights leaders from all communities to endeavor to preserve the freedom of advocacy for all by opposing antiboycott resolutions and legislation.”

Lewis said he backed the anti-BDS resolution because he’s a “longtime friend of Israel,” and supported the separate pro-boycott resolution because he upholds “the fundamental First Amendment right to protest through nonviolent actions.” is article was edited for length.

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12 | The Jewish Press | August 2, 2019

community

o

Religious emissaries to omaha: Rabbi Yoni and Shiran Dreyer JoShua StEinREich JERUSALEM hr Torah Stone (OTS), the modern Orthodox network of 27 educational institutions in Israel, granted 62 degrees to 57 graduates of its rabbinical and emissary programs at its commencement ceremonies here recently. Among them were Rabbi Yoni and Shiran Dreyer, who will be serving as religious emissaries from Israel in Omaha this coming fall.

The event also marked an important milestone, the 500th emissary couple to complete the Ohr Torah Stone emissary training programs: Rabbi Netanel and Rabbanit Sarah Ansani.

The ceremonies took place at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute and featured speeches from Chief Rabbi David Lau; OTS President and Rosh HaYeshiva Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander; OTS Founder Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin; and the leadership of Ohr Torah Stone’s Beren-Amiel Program for Educational Emissaries, Straus-Amiel Program for Rabbinical Emissaries, Claudia Cohen Women Educators Institute, and Joseph and Gwendolyn Straus Rabbinical Seminary’s two kollels, training rabbis for Israel and the Diaspora, respectively.

This year’s graduates of the rabbinical and emissary programs will serve communities around the world, including New Jersey; Nebraska; Washington, DC; Mexico; Argentina; Uruguay; Brazil; Peru; the United Kingdom; Germany; Italy; Ukraine; Portugal; Australia; Singapore; Ethiopia; South Africa; and Israel.

“Each of the individuals and couples we celebrated today embody intellectual and emotional growth as well as new leadership

skills they’ve developed throughout their years learning at Ohr Torah Stone. They serve as an inspiration to all their teachers and most of them will very soon serve as religious guides to our brothers and sisters in Israel and throughout the international Jewish world,” said Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander.

“Our emissaries are serving critical roles

edge to enrich communities they engage with in Israel.”

Israeli Chief Rabbi David Lau congratulated the graduates and spoke about their responsibility to relate to each and every member of their new communities, while also continuing to nourish their own spiritual needs.

additionally received his rabbinic ordination from the Joseph and Gwendolyn Straus Rabbinical Seminary’s Torat Yosef Kollel.

Addressing the Ansanis as well as their peers, Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin said, “Today, there are many Jews throughout Israel and the Diaspora who have lost touch with their heritage, traditions and the Torah - which be-

Rabbi Yoni and Shiran Dreyer Credit: Rony Nathan

Emissary Family Grads throughout the world today, positively influencing the lives of Jews with a variety of backgrounds who are searching to connect to their faith and tradition,” he added. “They give Diaspora communities so much, simultaneously growing and learning from their experiences. When they return to Israel after several years abroad, they bring that experience back and use their new skills and knowl-

Credit: Rony Nathan The event also marked the milestone graduation of Ohr Torah Stone’s 500th emissary couple, Rabbi Netanel and Rabbanit Sarah Ansani. Both moved to Israel on their own and served as Lone Soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces where they met and married before beginning their studies at the Straus-Amiel and Claudia Cohen Institute emissary training programs. Rabbi Ansani

longs to us all. One of the most important challenges you will find in your new roles of spiritual and educational leadership is restoring these lost items to them.”

Founded in 1983, Ohr Torah Stone is a Modern Orthodox network of 27 institutions which are transforming Jewish life, learning and leadership worldwide. The network champions academic excellence, creative scholarship and social justice, infused with intellectual openness and a deep sensitivity to contemporary concerns. It is creating the next generation of Modern Orthodox leaders and training them on how to deal with cutting edge issues that impact the global Jewish community. For more information, visit: https://ots.org.il/.

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