August 3, 2018

thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

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Found in Translation:

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cross the halls of academia, Le Donne and Joel N. Lohr, and just pubthere are grants, honorary de- lished by Purdue University Press. grees, endowments, chairs — a “It’s an immense honor,” said Greenspoon, host of recognizable accolades whose expansive career includes work in the for individuals who have dedi- Bible ranging from deep meditations on cated their lives to translation to the deep, advanced use of biblical studies in a chosen texts in comic discipline. strips and elseIn academic where in popular work itself, there culture. “It’s honare citations of a oring and it’s professor’s written humbling. To me, and presented it’s the highest works, subtle nods honor a professor to hard-won disin the humanities coveries and can get — that truths that help one’s own colfoster the discileagues think Leonard Greenspoon pline along, trackhighly enough of ing its history and trajectory. your scholarship to produce new work Combine esteem and bibliography in one based specifically on your ideas to propel package and the result is the Festschrift, a the study forward.” celebration of the writings, work and inFound in Translation comprises 12 essays in sights of a renowned scholar, by renowned two parts from leading biblical scholars scholars. Leonard Greenspoon, PhD, around the world, all connecting their work Creighton University’s Klutznick Chair in to that of Greenspoon. Though not GreenJewish Civilization and a professor of theol- spoon’s graduate students, as is typical in ogy and classical and Near Eastern studies, Festschrift authorship, the contributing scholis one of just a few Creighton faculty mem- ars have been, in one way or another, menbers to be the subject of just such a work, tored by Greenspoon during their careers.

Found in Translation: Essays on Biblical “What makes it all the more gratifying is Translation in Honor of Leonard J. Green- that a few of the people doing the writing spoon, edited by James W. Barker, Anthony See Found in Translation page 2

Read it and eat Page 7

These Jews are running summer camps for refugee children Page 12

Omaha teens set to compete in 2018 JCC Maccabi Games and Artsfest

inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

8 10 11

take two:

AU G U ST 3 , 2 0 1 8 | 2 2 AV 5 7 7 8 | V O L. 9 8 | NO . 4 1 | c a nd LeLi G h ti nG | FRID AY , AU G U ST 3 , 8 : 2 0 P. M.

Greenspoon is subject of Festschrift Omaha Jewish Alumni Association Cocktails and Conversations Page 5

SPonSored by the benJaMin and anna e. WieSMan FaMiLy endoWMent Fund

Jacob GeLtzer BBYO/Teen Director It’s time to soak up the sun because Team Omaha is headed to Cali!

That’s right, the 2018 JCC Maccabi Games and Artsfest is taking place in Orange County and Long Beach this year Aug. 5-10, and Team Omaha is ready to head to the West Coast. We have such a strong and exciting delegation this year filled with both athletes and artists. Team Omaha is made up of 14 fantastic teens com-

peting and performing in the following sports and specialties: Basketball: Ethan Bargas, Charlie Blum, Brady Meyerson. Flag Football: Lev Denenberg, David Kay. Table Tennis: Zach Atlas, Benjamin Kutler, Josh Rosenblatt. Lacrosse: Leo Kohll. Baseball: Jack Scioli. Tennis: Zev Gordman. ArtsFest Artists in Dance specialty: Laura Kirshenbaum, Rachel Kricsfeld, Leora McNamara.

The JCC Maccabi Games are an Olympic-style sporting competition held each summer in North America and is the second largest organized sports program for Jewish teenagers ages 13-16 in the world. The JCC Maccabi ArtsFest is a weeklong summer arts experience for creative Jewish teens ages 12-17, featuring workshops in a variety of specialties with some of the leading artists in each field and incorporating community service, social activities, and themes of Jewish heritage, community, and Israel.

After each day of competition and workshops, athletes and artists will See 2018 Jcc Maccabi Games page 2

Backyard Concert presents Hi-Fi Hangover

Gabby bLair Staff Writer, Jewish Press Mark your calendars for Sunday, aug. 12, when Hi-Fi Hangover takes the stage at The Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Backyard Concert Series! All concerts are free and run 5-7 p.m. in the JCC backyard pavilion; in case of rain, the show will go on... in the JCC Theater.

Hi-Fi Hangover exploded onto the scene in 2010 and has gained a reputation as one of Nebraska’s most sought-after live acts. Renowned for insane guitar, thunderous percussion, piledriving bass riffs and off-the-hook vocals, Hi-Fi Hangover has become one of the top draws in the Omaha Metro and the premier event band in the region. HiFi Hangover is composed of some of the top musical talent in the Midwest, featuring a breadth of music guaranteed to please every taste from beat-driven dance tunes to the best of classic and contemporary rock.

Pack a picnic or plan to visit our onsite food vendors: Kona Ice and Dante’s Pizza. Kona Ice will have 50+ flavors of shaved ice, as well as novelty ice creams available for purchase. The Dante Food Truck will bring their cheese, margherita and veggie pizza as well as soda. New this year, Dante’s has streamlined their methods to expedite food orders utilizing a new system to improve efficiency.

Gluten-free and vegan options will be available.

Jewish Family Service will be accepting donations for the food pantry.

Greatest need is for canned proteins, such as chicken, tuna and salmon; Personal care items like toilet paper, soap, shampoo, lotion, toothbrushes and toothpaste are also appreciated. Please check the expiration date on the packaging before donating.

The JFO Backyard Concert Series is made possible by our generous donors: Alan J. Levine; Omaha Steaks; Morgan Stanley; All Makes Office Equipment Co.; the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund; the Fred and Eve Simon Charitable Foundation and the Special Donor-Advised Fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. For more information, please visit www.jewishomaha.org.

2 | The Jewish Press | August 3, 2018

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brittany hamor Intern, Jewish Press This week on “Animal Planet at the JCC” campers, were able to learn about animals all over the world. Each day campers focused on animals centered around a specific area on the globe. They got to explore animals through music, games, and crafts, while even having a few animal visitors.

This week, campers went off the JCC campus. They got to explore the wildlife at the Henry Doorly Zoo! They specifically focused on animals people would find in Africa. This included elephants, lions, giraffes, gorillas, crocodiles, and hippos. Campers had so much fun

Found in Translation

Continued from page 1 are people I met when they were just starting out as scholars,” he said. “To think that you’ve had an effect on people to the extent that they say, ‘Well, Leonard had this thought and I’d like to expand on it,’ that’s a very humbling experience.”

Having been a contributor to Festschriften himself, Greenspoon said the volume written in his honor fruitfully combines his own thoughts about an academic career with his colleagues’ work in building on contributions he’s made to scholarship and advancing some of the techniques he’s proffered in translation work.

In the Festschrift’s first part on ancient Hebrew scriptures and Greek translations, essays range from a disquisition on the old Greek translation of the Book of Isaiah, chapter 40, to a study of the version of the Book of Joshua done by Symmachus, who translated the Old Testament into Greek.

The second part of the book delves into modern translations of Jewish and Christian scriptures, including contemplations on modern political consequences of translation.

Here, there is one study on the advent of Judaism in the Americas and the Shoah (or the Holocaust); two others consider anti-Semitism in the context of biblical translation.

The Festschrift essays are a testament to Greenspoon’s capacious scholarship, which has taken on the more solemn questions of hermeneutics but has also left room for him to explore such avenues as humor in the Bible. Most recently, Oxford University Press has commissioned Greenspoon to write a book, the 32nd he has authored or edited, asking the Creighton scholar to opine on possible resting places for the Ark of the Covenant, last seen in the sixth century, BCE. “Maybe if I had stuck with just one of those areas or fields, I could’ve gone deeper into it,” Greenspoon said with a laugh.

“But there was always so much to explore and so much I wanted to talk about. I like to think by having a number of different interests, I was able to help more young scholars ex-

exploring African wildlife!

JCC Lions Basketball started this week. This program was for 2nd through 8th graders and was run by JCC basketball coaches, along with current and former area coaches and players for the JCC Lions Basketball Camp. Campers experienced high-intensity skill training, with an emphasis on ball handling, shooting, finishing moves, one-onone attack series and position-specific drills.

This week at Camp Shemesh, campers celebrated the end of summer. They had a week full of fun games and activities. They also had their camp carnival on Aug. 3, and all the campers had so much fun!

plore their own interests and find something they could more deeply pursue.”

There is a brief biographical interview with Greenspoon that opens the book and also a forward by Jonathan Rosenbaum, a rabbi and president of Gratz College, in which Greenspoon is lauded as a person who “personifies the ideals of the academy and of society” and who has “developed an academic exemplar worthy of emulation, that of public scholar.”

As for being “found in translation,” as the title notes, Greenspoon said he’s just been grateful to be able to do his part in throwing light on the wisdom of the ages.

“Translation is remarkable and I’ve had a remarkably wonderful time doing it,” he said. “I honor anyone who is serious about it, and I’m very grateful to the editors of this book who saw something in what I have done that has resonated for them and, hopefully, with many others who get into these texts and manuscripts.”

2018 JCC Maccabi Games

Continued from page 1 get to enjoy all that is offered in Orange County. This includes hanging out with new friends at Boomer/ Irvine Lanes, a Tel Aviv-themed beach party, and ending the week in MaccabiLand (think: Disneyland) at the Merage JCC. Not only will we be competing against and connecting with thousands of other athletes and artists, we will also be taking time to give back to the host community through the JCC Cares community service project. JCC Cares hopes to empower the next generation of young Jews to keep giving back to their communities. Throughout JCC Maccabi, teens will engage in Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) by interacting with many youngsters as well as developmentally-disabled people throughout Orange County. Our teens will lead activities such as Wacky Olympics, art workshops, and sports skills sessions, pack lunches and toiletry kits for the homeless, and learn about diversity, dancing, and the deaf community.

If you would like to be kept up to date about all things Team Omaha during JCC Maccabi 2018, feel free to Like and Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @teamomahajcc maccabi. You will find lots of pictures and updates about our athletes and artists throughout the week. We are so excited for JCC Maccabi and the meaningful relationships to be created throughout the program! For more information about the JCC Maccabi Games and other Jewish teen programming, contact Jacob Geltzer, BBYO/Teen program Director, jgeltzer@jccomaha.org or 402.334.6404.

Kaplan Book Group to discuss A Pigeon and a Boy

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Shirly Banner Library Specialist, Jewish Federation of Omaha n Thursday, Aug. 16 the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group will meet to discuss Israeli author Meir Shalev’s book A Pigeon and a Boy. A fascinating novel of two love stories, each component separated by half a century but yet still connected by a single enchanting act of devotion.

Yair Mendelson is a middle-aged birdwatching tour guide escorting visitors the length and breadth of his homeland, Israel.

From his earliest childhood, Yair has been taught that nothing is more important than having a home of one’s own in order to express oneself fully. Alternate chapters, told in flashbacks, tell of the story of “Baby”, a gifted young pigeon handler who is mortally wounded during the 1948 War of Independence. Moments before his death, he dispatches one last pigeon carrying his extraordinary gift to the girl he has loved since adolescence.

Contrast this with Yair, who despite being married, has found love again with a childhood girlfriend whom he has hired to help build a new home apart from his wife.

Unforgettable in both its details and in its

scope, A Pigeon and a Boy is a story of lovers then and now, of how deep one’s love can be, of what home is, and why like the pigeons trained to fly in one direction only, must eventually return to where they come from.

Meir Shalev was the winner of the National Jewish Book Award and Israel’s Brenner Prize for this 2007 novel. Shalev is one of Israel’s most celebrated novelists as well as a columnist for the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth. A Pigeon and a Boy was translated from Hebrew by Evan Fallenberg.

The Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion group meets on the third Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.

New members are always welcome. The group receives administrative support from the Community Engagement & Education arm of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. For information about the group, contact Shirly Banner at 402.334.6462 or sbanner@jewishomaha. org. To view books discussed by the group over the past several years, go to www.jewishomaha.org, click on the “Community & Education” pulldown tab and navigate to “Kripke Jewish Federation Library,” then to “Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group.”

The Jewish Press | August 3, 2018 | 3

community

Eye on Israel presents the controversial Nation-State Law

MarK KirchhOff Community Engagement and Education, Jewish Federation of Omaha On July 19, the Israeli Knesset passed – by a margin of 62 to 55 – the controversial Jewish nationstate bill that became a part of basic law. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called its passage a “historic moment in the history of Zionism and the history of the state of Israel.” He went on to proclaim, “Israel is the nation state of the Jewish people which honors the individual rights of all its citizens. I repeat, this is our state, The Jewish state.”

The bill had faced intense debate, with Knesset representatives shouting, waving black flags, and shredding copies of the bill. Ayman Odeh, head of the Arab Joint List, protested, “This is a black day.

This is an evil law... Today I will have to tell my children, along with all the children of the Palestinian Arab towns, that the state has declared that it does not want us here. It has passed a law of Jewish supremacy and told us that we will be second-class citizens.”

Seeing only the extremes does not present a complete picture, so our very own Rabbi Shlomo Abramovich, PhD, will discuss this heated topic in the August session of Eye on Israel that meets on

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ROSH Hashanah Greetings This year you can send your greetings through these very special ads that will run in our annual Rosh Hashanah issue. Each ad can be personalized with your name, the names of your children or your grandchildren.

Monday, aug. 6 at noon in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. “In order to talk intelligently on the topic we need to understand the origin of modern day Israel and see current actions within an historical perspective – dispassionately and with a willingness to evaluate our own ideas,” said Rabbi Shlomo.

He will begin by explaining what is meant by the “basic laws” in the legal system of Israel and will present the meaning of this law in current times.

“There is no doubt that the law recently passed has stirred up emotions and has aroused a fervent examination about the foundations of Zionism and the legality and justification of a Jewish State in the 21st century. We are going to discuss that,” Rabbi Shlomo said.

During the one-hour session, Rabbi Shlomo will also discuss the most current events in Israel. “You know how that goes,” he said. “I never really know what I will present until the day of the session.

There will be no shortage of topics; I will present what I believe to be most pertinent at the time.”

Eye on Israel is presented to the community free of charge through the Community Engagement & Education arm of the Jewish Federation of Omaha with support from the Ann Goldstein Education Programming Endowment Fund.

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community kite trouble

For the past few months, kites set aloft from within Gaza have started fires in the agricultural fields of the bordering Jewish settlements. The kites are equipped with Molotov Cocktails, and some carry helium balloons and detonation devices to cause greater damage. To date, the damage has already been extensive: the kites have burned up about the same num- teddY ber of acres (6,500) as was burned in WeinBerGer the 2010 Carmel Forest fire. And while these fires have not been deadly, they have inflicted significant damage to crops, irrigation systems, and to the lives of the Israelis living in the area.

Though the army has avoided attacking the kite-launching areas for fear of heavy civilian casualties, in mid-June, the IDF bombed Gazan military targets, which caused Hamas to retaliate with rocket fire. Israel does not want to be dragged into another Gazan war, and so it has resisted escalation. Because kites continue to be a safety hazard, in early, July the Israeli police released a public-service commercial geared toward children, warning kids not to touch a kite or a balloon on the ground because it might be connected “to something dangerous.” In such cases the children are told to call the police, who, with the aid of Bambi the robot, will “deal with the kite.” The announcement ends by saying “keep away from suspicious kites and balloons and we will pass the summer safely.”

In its end-of-season show on June 13, Eretz Nehederet (Wonderful Country) Israel’s #1 political satire show, produced a skit prompted by the kites. The skit opens with a spokesperson explaining how the IDF has managed to coat each kernel of wheat in the targeted area with a special fireresistant material. The spokesman says, “Okay, so now a bag

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of flour will cost $4,000 and it will be a little cancerous but I am proud to say that we have eliminated the threat of kites.” Now to Hamas’s workshop in Gaza where, in retaliation, they have perfected kubebot [meatball] missiles. Back to the IDF spokesperson, who unveils “a giant strainer that pulverizes the murderers’ kubebot.” On to Gaza, where a Hamas man says: “When we understood that despite the kubebot, the Zionist enemy did not intend to pack up and go back to Europe, we understood that we needed to invent the next phase: the Tu Tu.” Essentially, the Tu Tu involves “tu-tu’ing” a wadded-up piece of paper through the bottom portion of a pen; i.e.: a spit-ball. “In response to the threat of the Tu Tu,” says the IDF spokesman when we next return to him, “we developed the I15 Robot that patrols the border at every hour of the day and sucks in the spit-balls.” Back to Gaza, where the Hamas have come up with the ultimate weapon: fingernails scratching across a blackboard. The IDF spokesman says in response: “We built an acoustic dome over all of the Gaza border towns--just the air conditioning costs 30 million shekels a year.” The voice-over then asks the spokesman: “What about a political solution?” The spokesman says that that has not been neglected either: “The proposed system includes three mobile phones, a bottle of juice, a bowl of munchies; and soon we will be introducing a prototype of a table that does not wobble.” The Prime Minister is then asked his opinion of this system, and he says “That sounds a little expensive.” Instead, he orders the spokesman to toss the sketch of the system up into the sky, whereupon, in the final image of the skit, the I15 robot sucks it up and shreds it.

There is more to this satire than the comically lopsided differences in weaponry (in terms of technology and funding) between the IDF and Hamas. A crucial part of the Jewish mythos is that God chose us because God loved us--not because of our strength or our numbers: “The LORD did not

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set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations” (Deut. 7.7). And if we flash forward to Hannukah, the liturgy praises God for engineering a victory of placing “the strong in the hands of the weak, and the many in the hands of the few.” The myth continues with the two pivotal wars of the modern State of Israel (1948 and 1967), which are depicted as heroic victories of the few and poorly armed against the many and well armed. With its kites Hamas seems to have usurped a key Jewish myth. There is also the fact that the kites uncannily flicker back to a paradigmatic Jewish victory facilitated by an even more primitive airborne delivery system: the slingshot used by puny David to kill the massive Goliath. Of course, actual comparisons all break down. Hamas is corrupt, anti-democratic, antiwomen, and anti-peace, and I believe wholeheartedly in the righteousness of Israel. But it definitely is off-putting and de-centering when one’s enemy slips into a role that resonates so deeply within one’s people and tradition.

Teddy Weinberger, Ph.D., made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Jane Ross, and their five children, Nathan, Rebecca, Ruthie, Ezra, and Elie, all of whom are veterans of the Israel Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@netvision.net.il.

Organizations

Bnai B’rith BreadBreakers

Omaha City Council President Ben Gray will speak about issues concerning the city on Wednesday, aug. 8, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

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The Jewish Press | August 3, 2018 | 5

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The Friday Learning Series presents the Hasidic Tales MARk kiRchhoff what one knows by his intellect and Community Engagement and Education what one experiences in his heart. abbi Shlomo Abramovich, These stories are a way of connecting PhD will present a fascinat- those elements,” said Rabbi Shlomo. “In these sessions I ing topic during his hope to provide three sessions of the information to Friday Learning Sethe participants ries on Aug. 10, 17, and 24 at that they can 11:15 a.m. in the Kripke Jewish add to their Federation Library. He will be body of knowlexploring the beauty, profundity, edge. At the and learning methodology of the same time, I Hasidic Tales. These are stories hope to show that Hasidic leaders shared to that by experiteach about the ways of God and encing these stoGod’s people. As they are told ries emotionally they become an effective and they learn in a powerful means of committing Rabbi Shlomo Abramovich, PhD deep, personal the law into the heart.

According to Rabbi Shlomo, these way. We are blessed with a wealth of stostories make the listener part of the ries from the Hasidic Tales that have the story. The people are “woken up” and potential of doing this, and I will be sebecome emotionally involved not only lecting from these during the sessions.”

In July, Rabbi Abramovich presented in the entertainment value of the story, but also in the lessons these stories con- information about the history and vey and the wisdom they can impart. meaning of the Hasidic movement to “There is a balance in Judaism between Judaism as it developed and as it is

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today, asking many questions about its application in the 21st Century. In August, he is drawing from a part of this movement from a different perspective.

Participation in the July sessions is not required to obtain full benefit of the August sessions. “It is like a soccer game in a way. You may have missed the first half, but you can be thoroughly engaged in the second half,” he said. You are encouraged to attend and bring a friend.

The Friday Learning Series is a joint program of Beth Israel Synagogue and the Community Engagement and Education arm of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The series is open to the community free of charge thanks to the support of the Ann Goldstein Programming Endowment Fund.

Reservations are not required. While you are encouraged to attend all the sessions, each one will have a wealth of information and you will benefit from attending one or all.

Contact Mark Kirchhoff at mkirchh off@jewishomaha.org or 402.334.6463 for questions.

#jewscluesomaha Teen Scavenger Hunt through Westroads Mall AMy DwoRin Youth Engagement Director, Beth El Synagogue On Sunday, Aug. 12, from 3 to 5 p.m. Jewish teens from Omaha will gather at the PopUp-Maker-Shop in Westroads Mall. Although the back-to-school sales are in full swing, the teens won’t be shopping. Instead, they will be answering riddles and taking funny pictures as part of a photo-scavenger hunt through Westroads. The program idea was sparked from a desire to create more comprehensive programming for Jewish teens across Omaha and attract teens who are otherwise unaffiliated. Jennie Gates Beckman, Director of Community Engagement and Education for the Jewish Federation spearheaded the creation of the Teen Engagement Professionals group. “Armed with the results from the Community Study and extensive meetings with clergy and community members, it became evident that while we have great programing for our teens, we can and need to do more.” The goal of the Teen Engagement Professionals group is to provide additional programming to engage teens as well as to share ideas, learn about new trends together and to coordinate schedules.

“Our community is too small for the teens to not know each other,” says Danielle Gordman of Young Jewish Giving. Continuing, “For already engaged teens there are exciting opportunities happening in their respective youth groups, and great energy among the professionals. We wanted to leverage that energy and offer community-wide programing to bring teens together across denominational lines, and engage unaffiliated teens as well.”

Amy Dworin, youth director at Beth El Synagogue, agrees, “It is so important for our teens to know that there is an entire Jewish community supporting them, no matter which synagogue they belong to or what youth group they join. At the end of the day, we all have the same values and beliefs and we all want to see the Omaha Jewish community thrive. When we all work together, we can make creative and inclusive programs that help engage our teens and get them excited about being Jewish.”

According to Levi Katzman of Chabad, “The

main goal of the program is fun. We want the kids meeting new people and having a great time together.” Jacob Geltzer, the new BBYO director, agrees, “Programs like this, in our experience, are the most successful when the program is aimed to meet new people and to just have an overall good time.” However, when Jewish educators from six institutions are involved, it’s never just fun and games.

There will be some informal Jewish learning involved in the Scavenger Hunt. According to Yaakov Jeidel from the Jewish Youth Experience at Beth Israel Synagogue, “My feelings are that this is a unique opportunity where we have a lot of the kids together and that we should capitalize on that.”

Not only will teens who attend welcome each other back from their summer adventures, but they will also have the opportunity to welcome new members to the Jewish Omaha teen community! This will be the first teen event for Jacob Geltzer, the new BBYO director, and Jamie Skog-Burke, an Omaha native who just returned to start her new job at Temple Israel. “I lived all over the country searching for the best Jewish community and I found it here, where I grew up,” says Skog-

Burke. It will also be the official debut of Jacob Kahn, Temple Israel’s new Youth Advisor. Although he has volunteered with OTYG in the past, Jacob is excited to step into his new role, “I love being a part of the Omaha Jewish community, and I know the impact that Jewish involvement during adolescence can have.”

This program is a collaborative effort between OTYG at Temple Israel, The Jewish Youth Experience at Beth Israel, Omaha BBYO, Young Jewish Giving, Chabad and Beth El’s Bilu USY Chapter. Participants will meet at the Pop-Up-Maker-Shop across from Flagship Commons at Westroads at 3 p.m. and pickup will be in the same location at 5 pm.

You can follow along with the teens’ adventures through the mall by searching #jewsclues on Instagram. The cost of the event is $10 and all profits will be donated to tzedakah. For an extra mitzvah please consider bringing a school supply - a ruler, notebook, box of pencils - to be donated to Florence Elementary. If you would like to RSVP or learn more, please contact your youth director or Danielle Gordman at 402.334.6446.

Omaha Jewish Alumni Association Coctails and Conversations Please join the OJAA Omaha Jewish Alumni Association for Cocktails and Conversations at the Rosh Hashanah Tailgate hosted by the OJAA chairs, Lisa and Gary Epstein.

The event will be held on Friday, Sept.

7, from 4-5:30 p.m. in the JCC Gallery.

Light Hors-d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served. The OJAA provides a fun and modern way to connect, reconnect and network with other Jewish Omahans. Anyone with

nostalgic feelings and memories of life in our wonderful Jewish community is welcome. If you haven’t joined yet you are welcome to come and please sign up for the OJAA through our face book page search Omaha Jewish Alumni Association to find us!

For further information or to RSVP to the event please contact Margo Parsow at 402.334.6432 or mparsow@jewishomaha.org RSVP’s are requested by Aug. 24.

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6 | The Jewish Press | August 3, 2018

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Former omahans gather in aspen, Colorado. pictured are Julie (Gordman) Goldman, left, angel (Schrager) Goldman, Melanie Sturm, Susie noddle, wendy Hahn, darlynn Fellman, and Louri Sullivan.

Foundation Update

Home ownership has long been part of the American dream.

Indeed, American society embraces ownership of real property – vacation homes, industrial and commercial buildings, retail and office buildings, Howard EpStEin farmland, investment Executive Director, property. And, over JFO Foundation the long-term, those properties generally appreciate in value, often substantially. There usually comes a point when it is time to sell the property. Perhaps you no longer need or want a vacation home, it is time to downsize, a business has been sold, property values have accelerated, the land is valuable, but produces little or no income, or perhaps its just time to move on.

Instead of selling that property outright, if it has appreciated in value, consider donating all or a portion of that real property to the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

Yes, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation accepts gifts of real estate. Through a separate charitable entity, the Pardes Foundation, the Foundation receives, holds, and ultimately sells donated real estate property.

The proceeds from the sale are then deposited into the endowment fund, donor-advised fund, or charitable trust you establish

Volunteers needed

Participating Vendors Blooms Organic | Fork N Farm Greenleaf Farms | Harmony Farms Iowana Farms | Great Harvest Bread Co. Apothecuryous | Benson Soap Mill Holistic Juices | Reboot Roasting JUNE 7 – END OF SEASON • 108TH AND CENTER

to support the philanthropic causes you select within Omaha’s Jewish community.

The Pardes Foundation was established 19 years ago. “Pardes” in Hebrew means “orchard.” With your gift of real estate, you will be planting a tree in the Foundation’s orchard of philanthropic funds, to grow and to benefit Omaha’s Jewish community for generations.

When you give a gift of appreciated real estate, you will likely be eligible to avoid capital gains tax on the sale, deduct the full appraised value of the property if you itemize deductions on your tax return, rid yourself of the burden of managing the real estate and dealing with repairs, maintenance and other problems that inevitably arise, in some instances, create a flow of income to you for your lifetime, and in all instances, get the satisfaction of leaving a lasting legacy for your Omaha Jewish community.

You may gift/deed all or a portion of your property to the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Your gift will generally be valued based on the property’s fair market value, which must be determined by an independent, qualified appraiser in accordance with IRS rules and regulations.

Most gifts of real estate are welcome, though all are subject to the Foundation’s gift acceptance policy. I would welcome the opportunity to chat with you. Please feel free to contact me at 402.334.6466.

Consult your tax and legal advisors for specific tax and legal advice.

The RBJH is looking for volunteers for Saturday morning religious services. We need help with escorting Residents to and from the chapel, and assisting service leaders with their needs, such as handing out books, setting up, etc.

Time: Saturday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

If you are interested, please contact Sabine Strong, Volunteer Coordinator at sstrong@rbjh.com or call 402.334.6519. Orientation and background check are required.

Training will be provided by Renee Kazor.

T

Read it and eat

hink sunshine, fresh air (well, maybe a little humid), more hours of daylight, lightening bugs and all your summertime pleasures.

Fresh doesn’t get much better...gardens are overflowing with the season’s best ________(fill in your favorite... tomato? arugula? beets? parsley?) or head to one of the Farmers’ Markets at LoiS FrieDMan Aksarben, the Old Market, Rockbrook Organic, Boystown or your local neighborhood fresh produce food stand to find what’s growing, picking and what’s fresh to eat.

In case you’re wondering what to do with all the freshly picked produce and needing some ideas for cooking soup, salad, sandwiches and snacks, check out these cookbooks of inspiration and fresh ideas. The array of summertime pleasures is just a page and photograph away.

Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat@ yahoo.com.

Superiority Burger Cookbook | Brooks Headley W.W. Norton, $29.95 In case your summer plans don’t include a trip to NYC to this iconic vegetarian hotspot in the East Village serving non-fancy food that doesn’t cost a lot, is eaten on paper bowls, mostly take-out because only six or so can actually eat in, try a fantasy meal using this cookbook. Everything is paired with chilled NYC tap water with lemon and, in addition to the menu, you’ll find board specials when the guys are feeling “inspired or seasonal”. Hospitality and service are part of the plan of this award-winning pastry chef, and kosher salt is a given in every recipe. The 90 recipes, some savory and some sweet, are divided into the chapters Sandwiches, Cool Salads, Warm Vegetables, Soups and Stews, Sweets and Pantry Recipes. This magical mixture goes with about everything!

ChiCkpea Mayo

Vegetables on Fire | Brooke Lewy | Chronicle, $19.95 Time to wheel out the grill and go for summer grilling fare, an inspired vegetable-centric way to eat. In four parts select from 50 well written recipes in the chapters Slathers/Dips/ Drizzles & Basics, Tomatoes/Brassicas/Squash & Leaves, Green Vegetables/Peas/Beans & Grains, Corn/Mushrooms/ Roots & Bread. (Note: Brassicas means the cruciferous family — cabbage, kale etc.) Think Chimichurri (a personal favorite with garlic, fresh parsley and cilantro), Fire-roasted, charred and smoked appears in many of the recipe titles. Don’t skip the quick pickles... and make lots and lots! and the grilled mushroom and tofu spring rolls, too, with an amazing amount of Peanut Dipping Sauce! Try the irresistible Mexican Street Corn. Lots of photography, clear, detailed instructions with both indoor and outdoor preparations. Here’s one of the quick pickle recipes requiring no heat that also works well for cucumbers, radishes, and jalepeno chilies.

piCkLeS Two wayS: piCkLeD onionS or ShaLLoTS Ingredients: 1/4 cup white vinegar 1/4 cup water 2 tsp kosher salt 1/2 tsp sugar 1/2 red onion or 2 small shallots, peeled and sliced into very thin slices or rings Preparation: In a jar big enough to hold all of the ingredients, combine the vinegar, water, salt and sugar and shake well to dissolve the sugar and salt. Add the onion and let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. Pickled onions will keep, refrigerated, for up to 7 days.

Credit: J. Kenji López-Alt

Ingredients: 1/2 cup liquid from a chickpea can 20 individual chickpeas 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 1 tablespoon cane sugar 2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 1/2 cups grapeseed oil Preparation: Combine the chickpea liquid, chickpeas, mustard, cider vinegar, sugar and salt in a tall container just large enough to fit the head of an immersion blender. Blend at high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and all the whole chickpeas are broken down.

While the blender is running, slowly drizzle in the grapeseed oil.

As you add the oil, an emulsion will form and it will begin to thicken. Check the seasoning for salt and sugar. This will keep, covered in the refrigerator for about 1 week.

Makes 2 cups.

The Jewish Press | August 3, 2018 | 7

community Ask Rabbi Katzman

Q: a:

Is it true that the laws of Kosher prohibit one from eating animals of prey so that one does not acquire the vicious habits of these animals?

The laws of Kosher fall under the category of Mitzvot known as Chukim, that are supra-rational. This is to say they are raBBi MenDeL above human rationale and cannot be kaTzMan comprehended by us. G-d says to us, Chabad of Nebraska “Please do this for Me because I ask you.” No reason given.

Although the laws of Kashrut have no logical basis, there are many messages that may be derived from their details and nuances.

If we are, as the saying goes, what we eat, then we do take on the properties of what we digest. This is apparent in the effects of the nutritional value of food on the “eater” and whether it is good or toxic. There is even evidence that one is positively effected by eating food prepared with love and devotion. And the converse is true too.

Taking this idea further, we might say (Nachmanides teaches) that the inherent violent characteristics of certain species might be detrimental to an individual who wants to nurture refined behaviors in him or her self.

Animals that chew their cud and have split hooves are permissable according to the Kosher diet.

Chassidut further posits that there is something to be learned from the chewing of the cud and split hooves- which can help us be more true to ourselves. More “Kosher”.

One of the qualities of a “kosher” individual is that she “chews something over and over” in her mind before making an idea her own. That he ruminates and reviews a value before “ingesting” it. We screen, recheck, evaluate what we choose to accept from the beliefs systems around us and make sure they are in sync with the Torah’s values.

The other attribute — the split hooves — is a metaphor for how involved we allow our hands and feet to become with earthiness, worldliness. Of course we are involved in the mundane. But the hooves are split, to allow G-dliness and sanctity to permeate our actions.

Do you have a question for Rabbi Katzman? Please send your inquiries to shani@ochabad.com with “Ask the Rabbi” in the subject line.

8 | The Jewish Press | August 3, 2018

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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.

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@jew ishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishom aha.org.

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

Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

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

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Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press As- National Newspaper sociation Association Award winner 2008

W

Reflections and reality GABBy BLAiR Staff Writer, Jewish Press e are in Newark waiting to board a flight to Israel when my phone starts beeping in my pocket. A moment passes before I recognize the unusual chime; I hesitate, and then choose to ignore it. I know what it means and it changes nothing.

“Have your tickets ready, please!”

The man at the gate bellows above the din; we move ahead incrementally, en masse.

The phone again calls out from my pocket. “Mommy... your phone is beeping funny.” I reach back and flip the silence button, continuing to ignore it. I smile reassuringly.

There are large families attempting to maneuver small children and strollers laden with an obscene amount of carry-on luggage. There are Hasids in big black hats clutching tallit bags and hat boxes. Muslim women in flowing robes and skinny jeans adjust silky patterned head scarves pinned tightly around their faces. A church group of retirees from California excitedly talk about their big trip to The Holy Land. They all wear the same wooden cross on yellow lanyards around their necks. Elderly couples, some in wheelchairs, are being escorted onto the plane. A large group of obnoxiously loud teens laugh and flirt in their bright matching shirts, sporting an array of kippot, yoga pants and sandals. The duty-free man is sweating through his uniform’s red vest as he attempts to match names and receipts to the many bags of candy, perfume and liquor in his cart. Again, the phone, now silently buzzing in my pocket, tries its best to add to the chaos at the gate. Once more, I ignore it.

It is our turn. We have done this enough times I have lost count; we are pros by now. Tickets facing the correct direction for quick scanning, each tucked into the appropriate passport. Dad leads the way; kids follow him in line, youngest to oldest; Mommy in back to make sure no one gets left behind or drops something. The tickets are

scanned, we sail through. “Enjoy your flight. Next!” the man shouts as we shuffle forward to enter the plane.

“Buzz... Buzz... Look at me!” My phone seems to insist.

Instead, I look at my husband over the heads of our kids.

He raises an eyebrow; I nod, shrug and roll my eyes. He nods back and turns to move forward. We speak this way often, understanding without words. The kids are oblivious for now, full of excitement and the promise of adventure. I make a mental note to remind the older ones of proper procedures and I stroke the little one’s hair. He won’t remember the rules or understand why; I sigh and move forward.

We find our seats in the back of the plane and get situated. Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. “Remember me?” asks my phone, as if I could forget. I finally pull it out already knowing what it says. I scan the names of the cities, towns, villages whose citizens are likely waking to by air raid sirens rather than alarm clocks; tomorrow has just started on that side of the world.

ROCKETS Attack: Av Shalom, Dekel, Yevul, Yated, Pri Gan, Sde Avraham, Shloit, Shlomzion ROCKETS Attack: Holit, Nir Yitzak, Sufa. ROCKETS Attack: Kisumfim, Kerem Shalom, Kisufim ROCKETS Attack: Alumim, Mephlasim, Reim, Nir Oz. ROCKETS Attack: Netivot, Karni, Sapir College, Sederot, Erez, Netiv Haasare, Yad Mordechai, Ashkelon.

I downloaded the Red Alert App a few years back and had to disable notifications as the alerts became an unending source of anxiety. Later, I reset notifications for certain cities rather than all, after which it sat mostly quiet, filtering reality away. What a false luxury, turning off rocket attack notifications with the touch of a button; it’s like the problem just... disappeared; except it didn’t.

I rarely hear news at home about all the rockets Gaza shoots off at Israel, but there seems to be plenty name calling and coverage about the retaliation. This is usually followed by the world’s justification and excuses for the deadly behavior that should be called what it is: Terrorism.

I turn all notifications back on. Ignorance may be bliss, but it can be dangerous.

As my phone continues to buzz, I silently observe the planeload of people composed of different colors, ages, faiths and backgrounds preparing to depart to our common destination. I note with irony how happy, peaceful and polite they all are helping one another get bags in the overhead compartments and chatting pleasantly with seat mates. I wonder how many phones are buzzing on the plane.

We buckle up and take off. The phone is silenced, for now.

Once we’ve landed and are driving, I remind my children what to do if the sirens go on at Saba’s house, outside, at the beach, in a car... I do not spare the young one the details, as being gentle now will not help if and when the time comes. Stoically, they say they understand and repeat my instructions. Ten years ago, when my eldest children were small, they woke us up after hearing what they believed to be tornado sirens. We leapt to our feet, scooping them up as we ran. We sheltered and listened as Iron Dome shot down two missiles above their Saba’s home. As we drive south, I gaze out the window at the landscape that has been part of me since birth, and reflect upon how I received similar instructions when visiting my grandparents as a child. In this war of attrition, nothing really changes.

Over the 18 days we are in Israel, my phone will alert me of 64 rocket attacks that we do not feel, even though we’re only kilometers away at times. This doesn’t include other skirmishes or the fires set to the fields of Israeli farmers, forest land and the Sapir College campus using incendiary devices Gazans attached to kites, birds and other poor, doomed animals. This newest trick is low tech and seemingly impossible to stop. Fire knows no boundary, but apparently those playing with fire don’t care if they get burned as long as we burn too.

As fires burn and rockets fly into communities just a little farther south, life is surreally normal. We visit with family and celebrate birthdays, bat mitzvahs and Shabbat.

We swim at various beaches, go shopping, and ride camels. We drive around the country visiting shuks, markets, and malls. We stay in hotels, swim in pools and See Reflections and reality page 9

admit women and four years for them to be inducted.

In the years since, our movement has modeled what organizations should do if they are seeking to reach parity between men and women. Early in our careers, each of us was the only woman on a committee of our respective organizations, often the youngest and sometimes feeling too inexperi-

front everywhere: pay gaps, questions about how we will care for our children, comments about our clothing and appearance, worries that we are shortchanging our children and spouses, and symptoms of superwoman syndrome because we want to do it all.

Too many of us still have to remind ourselves we’re just as good as men — perhaps in some skills better. Too few of us hold senior positions, especially in large congregations.

And some among us sadly can say #GamAni, #MeToo. Yet given that women’s tenure in the rabbinate and cantorate is just a drop in the bucket of thousands of years of men holding those positions, and that men in our professions still far outnumber women — the Rabbinical Assembly’s membership is some 1,700 men and only 350 women, while the Cantors Assembly can now boast that one-third of its 600 members are women — we marvel at how far the Conservative movement has come, appreciate that it still strives to be better and promise to use our platforms to push it further along.

We rejoice in the acceptance of Conservative Judaism’s next generation: In the little girl who asked to portray a rabbi in a class play or chooses the type of flowered dress and dangling earrings that her family rabbi wears. And in the young child who visits an out-of-town synagogue and exclaims, “I didn’t know men could be cantors, too!”

Rabbi Debra Newman Kamin of Am Yisrael Conservative Congregation in Northfield, Illinois, was installed recently as president of the Rabbinical Assembly. Hazzan Alisa Pomerantz-Boro of Congregation Beth El in Voorhees, New Jersey, is president of the Cantors Assembly.

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.

Conservative movement is closing its gender gap, but there is still work to be done

DEBRA NEWmAN KAmiN AND ALiSA PomERANTz-BoRo JTA As the Jewish world this year marks Israel’s 70th anniversary, we recall that two years before Israel’s independence, a momentous change came in the Conservative movement: Its then new prayer book, known as the Silverman siddur, no longer contained the traditional words “Shelo Asani Eisha” — thank you God for “not making me a woman.” Instead, it thanked God for “making me a free person.”

That remarkable decision, made at least a year or two before the siddur’s 1946 publication, came as war was raging and the challenges that faced the Jewish community were almost unimaginable. Yet amid all that a group of men — we’d like to say a group of people, but we all know it was a group of men — concluded that the Conservative movement was going to treat women in a different way.

Even then. That decision is a direct line to the roles we both have today.

As the presidents of the Rabbinical Assembly, which represents Conservative/Masorti rabbis, and of the Cantors Assembly, each of us is only the second woman to hold her position.

Women clergy still have a long way to go in the Conservative movement. We won’t be nearly close to parity with men until we can stop talking about “the first” or “second,” or even “the third” or “the fourth,” female leader to hold a given position.

Yet we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the efforts and strides made by the Conservative movement since 1985, when Amy Eilberg became the first woman ordained by the movement’s Jewish Theological Seminary, and 1987, when Erica Lippitz and Marla Rosenfeld Barugel became its first cantors -- even if it took another three years for the Cantors Assembly to vote to

Amy Eilberg, the first woman ordained by the Conservative movement’s Jewish Theological Seminary in 1987, speaking at the Parliament of the World’s Religions, December 2016.

Credit: Screenshot from Youtube enced even to be serving on the committee. But to their credit, those committee members went out of their way to select at least one woman for each committee.

Today, Rabbinical Assembly and Cantors Assembly committees — as well as synagogue committees and boards themselves — work hard for balance between men and women, with women just as likely as men to head these groups.

This isn’t to say that each of us didn’t face — and many female clergy still face -- challenges. There are congregants and others who look askance at female rabbis and cantors. And there are the typical challenges that far too many working women con-

The Jewish Press | August 3, 2018 | 9

Israel’s Nationality Law will humiliate the Jews of the Diaspora ARIEL PICARd JERUSALEM | JTA There are many problems with the Nationality Law nearing passage as the Knesset wraps up its summer session on Sunday, not the least of which is that there is no reason for it. No Israelis challenge the Jewishness of the state, thus the law is unnecessary.

Unfortunately, something unnecessary can also be harmful.

The language of the bill, which is officially called “Basic Law: Israel as the Nation-State of the Jewish People,” gives constitution-like force to the notion that Israel is a state for the Jews, from its flag and national anthem to the Hebrew language. It demotes Arabic from an officially recognized language to a “special” status. The latest version softened a declaration that could have led to exclusive, Jewish-only towns to say that Israel “views the development of Jewish settlement as a national value and will act to encourage and promote its establishment.”

The effect of this measure is to humiliate non-Jewish citizens of Israel, especially its Arab citizens. If it passes and remains on the books, Israeli Arabs will be told that they may be citizens but will be reminded every day that they are not part of the nation.

Jews in America will never be able to understand what that means because for them, being American is being a citizen and a part of the nation. The unique and challenging situation in Israel is that the country differentiates between nationality and citizenship — that is, all citizens of Israel are considered “Israeli,” but individual ethnic and religious groups, like Jews, Arabs and Druze, are assigned a “nationality.” The new Basic Law would enshrine that distinction in a way that comes close to making non-Jewish Israelis second-class citizens, a slap in

the face to Israeli Arabs.

What should especially concern Diaspora Jews about the bill is Article 6B, which says “The State of Israel will make an effort in the Diaspora to reinforce the link between the State of Israel and the Jewish people.”

On its face it may look OK, but it reinforces the misguided Israeli perception that only in the Diaspora is the link between Israel and world Jewry weakening. In fact, Israel and world Jewry are supposed to be a part- An Israeli flag is inscribed with the text of “Hatiknership, rein- vah,” the national anthem.

Credit: Avital Pinnick/Flickr Commons forcing one another. Just as we know many in the Diaspora are drifting away from Israel, we know many Israelis do not recognize their connection to the Diaspora.

The words “in the Diaspora” were added because of pressure from haredi Orthodox parties afraid the law would push the State of Israel to accommodate the religious concerns of non-Orthodox Jews as a show of their connection to Israel.

The haredim feared that the previous wording could have been used to establish in law such things as the enlargement

of the egalitarian Western Wall prayer area that has been scuttled by the government. It would have been a sign of the state’s recognition of Diaspora Jews with different Jewish practices.

But now the bill’s wording makes clear that the government’s efforts should be done only in the Diaspora. Israeli law would not require Jews in Israel to make any effort to accommodate Jews coming from the Diaspora. In other words, Israelis have nothing to learn from you and owe you no favors.

We are the big brother; we know it all.

If this law comes into being, the logical outcome should be that Israeli Jews turn around the current equation and send donations to Jews in America. In reality, regardless of whether this legislation passes, I cannot imagine that happening.

Why is this legislation gaining traction now? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is always under criticism from Israel’s right, usually in the form of attacks by his Education and Diaspora Affairs minister, Naftali Bennett, sees this as a painless sop to the right and a final accomplishment before the Knesset adjourns for the summer.

With a whiff of early elections in the air, this bill likely will be the Knesset’s ultimate action before the curtain falls. Netanyahu would have it as a last-minute buttress to his rightwing credentials. But this action, however symbolic, is a symbol that neither Israeli Arabs nor the Diaspora need or want to hear.

Rabbi Dr. Ariel Picard is director of the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Kogod Research Center for Contemporary Jewish Thought and a member of the institute’s Executive Committee.

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.

Food critic Jonathan Gold had the chutzpah to take immigrants’ cuisine seriously

Rob ESHMAn probation officer in the history of Los Angeles County.” The LOS ANGELES | JTA house was filled with high culture, if not great food. The links Jonathan Gold was more than a food writer. Every obituary between food, tradition and family that Gold has spent a lifewill tell you that, and so would he. time searching out didn’t exist in his childhood home.

“Food is a way to look at the world,” he told me once. “I “Oh, hell, I didn’t even eat broccoli when I was in high mean, everybody eats.” school!” he said. “I mean, cauliGold, who died July 21 at the age flower was like a foreign country.” of 57 from pancreatic cancer, leverThere was one exception. aged that truism into a career that “My father definitely considered not only established him as one of deli to be a sacrament,” he said. the great American food writers of At the Q-and-A, I asked Gold to any generation, but transformed the name his favorite LA deli. city whose food he ate, examined “Langer’s,” he said, to wild apand extolled. plause, naming the smoked meat There was Los Angeles BG and temple near the corner of 7th and Los Angeles AG, Before and After Alvarado. “The pastrami sandwich Gold. In a city divided by freeways, — there should be a marble statue Food critic Jonathan Gold on a SiriusXM show in Los class, ethnicity and soul-sucking of it in the Civic Center mall.”

Angeles, May 3, 2018. commutes, Gold encouraged AngeI once asked Gold why it is that so Credit: Charley Gallay/Getty Images for SiriusXM lenos to explore beyond their neighmany important American food borhoods. His descriptions of Chinese soup dumplings, Thai writers — A.J. Liebling, Alice B. Toklas, Ruth Reichl, Michael boat noodles, Peruvian ceviches or South Central smoke- Pollan, Mark Bittman — are Jews. houses drew Westsiders east and Eastsiders south. His prose “We think about food a lot,” he said. “We’re a hungry people.” knit together a city that can all too easily fray.

It was the American Jewish food writer Calvin Trillin who “If I’m doing anything that’s beyond writing about food,” inspired Gold, a UCLA liberal arts graduate, concert cellist he said to me during an onstage Q-and-A following a screening of the 2016 documentary about him, City of Gold, “it’s to get people in Los Angeles to be a little less afraid of their neighbors. And it’s easy to live in one part of town and not Continued from page 8 really interact with other parts. There are a lot of ways to do eat in large dining halls with other guests. We visit tourist attracit. But you might not go some place to see an Indian movie tions and historical sites, consuming copious amounts of ice cream, or a Nigerian art exhibition, but if I tell you that someone is falafel and shawarma along the way. We pray at the Kotel and walk making a bowl of noodles like you’ve never had in your entire through the Old City in the golden glow of the late afternoon sun; it life, maybe you’ll make that drive.” is quiet and peaceful, a balm to our souls. Throughout our journeys, It worked. When I asked the packed audience of 300 people my phone captures pictures of happy memories, directs us to the who had visited a restaurant because Gold wrote about it, alsafest and fastest routes to travel and reminds us that somewhere most every hand went up. nearby, people are under attack.

Many of the people whose food Gold discovered were imAt each of these stops, I observe those around me. Not only because migrants, who so many people, including our President, are I am hyperaware of possible security situations, but because I am curiquick to demonize. ous.

Just as on the plane, there are obvious Muslims, Christians and In the documentary, Chinese, Thai, Latino and Ethiopian Jews, in addition to people of all shades, skin tones and nationalities restaurant owners tell how a single Jonathan Gold review speaking a wide array of languages. We are all swimming, shopping, brought hordes of new customers to their restaurants and eating, touring, playing and working together in the same places. transformed their lives.

These people are enjoying vacations, running errands, spending time “I’ve been writing about immigrant communities for 30 with family and friends, making a living, and living their lives. So why years,” Gold said. “I like immigrants. I think we should pretty can this not be the way it is?

These people, all seemingly OK enough much let everybody in — well, maybe they should be able to with each other to go about their business in peace, these people could cook. Donald Trump is a guy who eats a lot of white bread.” be the change.

But instead, it’s another day of rockets and fires in the Gold grew up in what he called a “highly Reform” L.A. Jewsouth.

Palestinian flags emblazoned with swastikas wave in the smoke. ish household, where his father was “the most overeducated

Reflections and reality

and punk rocker, to become a food writer.

During a talk he gave at my USC course on food journalism, I asked him what drew him to food writing.

“You could talk to a general about what’s going to happen in Iraq and he’ll lie to you up and down,” he said. “But if you ask him how he had his eggs that morning, he’ll tell you the truth. It’s maybe a small truth, and it maybe in the large scale of things is a less important truth, but I think that makes it something worth writing about. I think it’s worth learning about it. It’s something that we all have in common.”

In 2007, Gold received the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, the first restaurant critic to be so honored.

But seven years before that, in 1999, Gold announced he was leaving Los Angeles to work in New York for Gourmet magazine. He would eventually return, but those of us who already recognized what he meant to L.A. felt the loss.

“Without Gold,” I wrote, “a little of the stitching has gone out of the LA fabric.”

I see now I was wrong. Gold’s legacy is secure. He left behind a city that revels in its diversity, that celebrates all flavors, that feasts together at a common table.

Rob Eshman is the former publisher and editor-in-chief of The Jewish Journal. He writes the blog Foodaism and teaches, “Media, Food and Culture” at the USC Annenberg School of Journalism. You can follow him on Twitter at @foodaism.

In response, their suffering will increase when Israel retaliates, as it must. No other country would tolerate such assault, nor should it. Over and over, the cycle repeats on a seemingly endless loop, each time extinguishing sparks of hope, sparks of life.

Gaza’s missiles will never bring peace or drive Israelis from their land.

If anything, it has the opposite reaction, pushing those who dreamt of the peace further away from it, strengthening the resolve of people who refuse to be driven out of their homeland yet again. It is obvious that a grave mistake was made exchanging that small scrap of land for the false promise of peace. Peace that no one on either side has had in the 13 years since. There are no clear answers in the smoky haze, just collective suffering for all and the harsh judgements of the world.

We touch down on July 4th. It is an amazing and symbolic day to arrive back home, in America. Jet lagged and foggy, we unload the luggage, buy groceries and ironically, fireworks. My phone is silent today, although I can hear mortars and see the glow of fire lighting the night sky. My little one is humming what sounds like the Star Spangled Banner while twirling a giant sparkler... And I consider the lyrics of our anthem and how oddly appropriate they are in this moment of reflection: the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there; and may they always be.

10 | The Jewish Press | August 3, 2018

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

Following a short summer haitus, we will meet again in September: Young Jewish Omaha Shabbat Event, friday, sept. 7, 7:30 p.m. For information conctact Nate Shapiro at nshap iro@jewishomaha@org.

Erev Rosh Hashanah, sunday, sept. 9, 7:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah, monday, sept. 10, 10:30 a.m.

Kol Nidre, Tuesday, sept. 18, 7:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur, wednesday, sept. 19, 10:30 a.m. and Concluding service and Break-the-fast, 5:30 p.m.

Our High Holiday services are led by guest Cantorial soloist Jeff Taxman.

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

BeTh el synAgogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. fRIdAy: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. sATuRdAy: Shabbat Morning Services, 9:30 a.m.; Shabbat Mincha following Morning Services. weeKdAy seRVICes: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sundAy: Morning Minyan, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Evening Minyan, 5:30 p.m.

ThuRsdAy: Shanghai, 1 p.m.

USY Board Training, sunday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

USY/BBYO/Chabad/NCSY/NFTYG/YJG Mall Scavenger Hunt, sunday, Aug. 12, 3-5 p.m. at Westroads Mall.

Chesed Committee visits Remington Heights, Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2 p.m. and visits Sterling Ridge, wednesday, Aug. 15, 2 p.m.

BeTh IsRAel synAgogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. fRIdAy: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:21 p.m. sATuRdAy: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Insights into the Weekly Torah Portion, 7:15 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 8 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:25 p.m. sundAy: Shacharit, 9 a.m. mondAy: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Jewish History — Your History, noon with Rabbi Shlomo.

TuesdAy: Shacharit, 7 a.m. wednesdAy: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Board of Commissioners Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

ThuRsdAy: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

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. mondAy: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani. 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.

CongRegATIon B’nAI JeshuRun

Services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby. fRIdAy: Home-Style Family Shabbat and Dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 8:21 p.m. sATuRdAy: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study on Parashat Ekev, 10:45 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 9:50 p.m. sundAy: Adult Hebrew Class 2, 11:30 a.m.; Pickleball is cancelled for this evening, Aug. 5 and 12. The group will meet again on Aug. 19.

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

Chevra Kaddisha Training, sunday, Aug. 12, 4-5 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. There will be a training session for those who wish to learn about participation in the mitzvah of kavod hamet (honoring the dead). Nancy Coren will be meeting with

men and women who would like to learn about the methods used by the chevra kaddisha (holy society that prepares bodies for burial). This session is designed to bring new participants into the ranks of the chevra kaddisha. If you plan to attend, please let the office know.

Chris Hansen of the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program will join adult members of the Lincoln Jewish community on sunday, Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. His presentation will be geared for parents, grandparents, teachers, and Jewish communal workers who work with youth of all ages.

Intro to Judaism, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m. led by Rabbi Appleby. The cost is $25 for non-members and $10 for Temple members. Register by calling the Temple office at 402.435.8004 or office@southstreettemple.org.

by monday, Aug. 6. There are several options to choose from! This event is limited to 36 participants so register ASAP! Snacks and drinks will be provided. RSVP here: www.bit.ly/2KpdmBh. Tri-Faith Picnic, sunday, Aug. 12, 12:30-3 p.m. Temple Israel. Please join us for our annual Tri-Faith Picnic, an afternoon of food, fun, and fellowship for all ages! We’ll have face painting, balloon artists, a bounce house, and games for everyone to enjoy. Halal burgers and kosher hot dogs provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share! Please, no pork, shellfish, or gelatin dishes. Please bring peanut butter to donate to the Countryside Community Cupboard Food Pantry.

Open to all supporters of the Tri-Faith Initiative! Questions?

Contact info@trifaith.org or call 402.934.2955.

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

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. fRIdAy: No Services sATuRdAy: Shabbat Morning service, 10 a.m followed by a Kiddush luncheon. sundAy: Pickleball is cancelled for this evening, Aug. 5 and 12. The group will meet again on Aug. 19.

Tifereth Israel's 9th Annual Shabbat on the Green/ New Member Dinner, friday Aug. 10. We will be grilling up hotdogs and sides beginning at 6:30 p.m. followed by a fun outdoor Shabbat service. We hope to see you all there! Please RSVP to the office no later than Tuesday, Aug. 7.

There will be a training session for those who wish to learn about participation in the mitzvah of kavod ha-met (honoring the dead). Nancy Coren will be meeting with men and women who would like to learn about the methods used by the chevra kaddisha (holy society that prepares bodies for burial) on sunday afternoon Aug. 12 at 4 p.m. here at the synagogue. This session is designed to bring new participants into the ranks of the chevra kaddisha. If you plan to attend, please let the office know.

Chris Hansen of the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program will join adult members of the Lincoln Jewish community on sunday, Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. His presentation will be geared for parents, grandparents, teachers, and Jewish communal workers who work with youth of all ages.

offuTT AIR foRCe BAse

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 Service, 6 p.m. sATuRdAy: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Haftarah reader: Miles Remer; Temple Tots Havdalah at the Playground, 4:30 p.m. We are hosting another fun Temple Tots afternoon this summer with PJ Library and this time we will be at the Temple Israel playground! Bring a picnic dinner and join us for crafts and havdalah! Drinks and popsicles will be provided. RSVP to Temple Israel, RsVp@ templeisra elomaha.com or 402.556.6536, by Thursday, Aug. 2.

ThuRsdAy: Rosh Chodesh Event at Omaha Board & Brush hosted by Andie Gordman, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 539 North 155 Plaza. Join us for a fun wood sign workshop!

There are several designs to choose from and Omaha Board & Brush will customize the materials for you and take you step by step to create a beautiful home decor piece for your home or for a gift. You must RSVP online and pre-pay for your sign

TIfeReTh IsRAel

Airbnb removes Chicago listing that would not tolerate ‘zionism’

Ron KAmpeAs WASHINGTON | JTA Airbnb removed a Chicago-area listing aer a prospective renter posted its prohibition on expressions of “zionism.” “is apartment strives to be a safe space – no sexism, homophobia, zionism, racism, classism, transphobia, xenophobia, fatphobia, or other hatred and prejudice is tolerated,” said the listing that appeared earlier this month advertising a bedroom in a “massive lo” located “at the heart of Wrigley and Boystown.”

“Guests who make the space unsafe or exhibit problematic behavior WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE WITHOUT A REFUND,” it said.

Nick Papas, a spokesman for the popular tourism rental website, told JTA on July 30 that the listing was suspended and Airbnb will investigate.

“Airbnb hosts may not decline a guest based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status,” Papas said. e listing also said unaccompanied straight men “should look elsewhere.” e Airbnb host is named Sarah. With her listing removed, she could not be reached for comment.

Suzanne Vega, a New Yorker who planned a visit to see friends in Chicago, first posted the listing on Facebook and noted her concerns. An acquaintance, Lea Speyer, reposted it on Twitter.

Vega, 27, of Brooklyn, told JTA that she was searching the site for “progressive” spaces because she is LGBTQ. “I needed an environment that was going to be safe to me all around,” she said.

Vega believes in engaging with those with po-

litical differences, but not those who would negate the rights of LGBTQ people.

“I can’t get along with ultra-right people,” she said. e listing unsettled her, Vega said, because the ban on expressions of “zionism” and the penalty for doing so would inhibit her talking about her Judaism and her recent visit to Israel.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons “What does it entail? I can’t say anything about Israel, I can’t say anything about being Jewish?” she said.

Additionally, Vega noted, the listing did not prohibit exhibitions of anti-Semitism.

“It bothered me so heavily I posted about it,” she said. “I felt unsafe.”

Vega said she was on the alert heading into her Chicago vacation because of the controversy last year when the Chicago Dyke March banned marchers showing Jewish pride by bearing Stars of David.

“I’m very progressive and somewhat le-wing for sure,” she said. “e extreme le are incapable of having a dialogue.”

The Jewish Press | August 3, 2018 | 11

lifecycles IN memORIAm

SUSAN FlAxeR zAlkIN

Former Omahan, Susan Flaxer Zalkin passed away on July 25 in Denver, CO after a short valiant battle against cancer. Services were held on July 27 at Congregation BMH-BJ, in Denver. Interment was at Mt. Nebo Memorial Park.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Lori Flaxer Kamlet.

She is survived by her husband, former Omahan Mark W. Zalkin; daughters, Sara and Mara, and son and daughter-in-law, David and Jessica; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Sharlyn Flaxer and sister and brother-n-law, Lisa Flaxer Ruda and Jacques Ruda, and brother-in-law, Steve Kamlet; and nieces and nephews and many loving friends.

Susan married Mark W. Zalkin in 1973. She attended college in Boston and earned her Bachelor’s degree at Metro State University, Denver. She earned a Master’s degree in Social Work, with a focus on gerontology, from the University of Denver.

Susan loved people of all ages and backgrounds, and was a superb communicator. She cultivated her relationships with family, including but not limited to her network of cousins across the country, and friends, who span the globe. She loved nature (especially summer in Colorado); movies; travel; reading, art and humor. Susan had a life-long love of learning, especially Jewish history and culture, Torah study, and took pride in manifesting Jewish values. Her family and friends already miss her beyond words, and will forever cherish her kind spirit, patience, intelligence, and generosity.

Memorials may be to made to any of the following BMH-BJ Congregation; Chesed Charity Fund (www.bmh-bj.org; (2) LEA Hadassah. lauraschiff@comcast.net. (3) Lung Cancer Colorado Fund: https://giving.cu. edu/fund/lung-cancer-colorado.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg says she plans to spend 5 more years on Supreme Court

JTA Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg says she hopes to remain on the court for another five years.

“I’m now 85,” Ginsburg said, according to CNN. “My senior colleague, Justice John Paul Stevens, he stepped down when he was 90, so think I have about at least five more years.”

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg preparing to administer the Oath of Allegiance to candidates for U.S. citizenship at the New-York Historical Society in New York City, April 10, 2018.

Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images Ginsburg made the statement on July 29 in New York during a discussion following a production of e Originalist, a play about the late Justice Antonin Scalia.

When asked in October at an event sponsored by Equal Justice Works in Arlington, Virginia, if she was contemplating retirement, Ginsburg said, “As long as I can do the job full steam, I will do it,” CNN reported.

Ginsburg, who this year is marking her 25th anniversary on the Supreme Court, has hired law clerks for the next two terms, taking her at least through 2020.

Asked on July 29 by e Originalist director Molly Smith what keeps her “hopeful,” Ginsburg quoted her late husband, Marty.

“My dear spouse would say that the true symbol of the United States is not the bald eagle — it is the pendulum.

And when it goes very far in one direction, you can count on its swinging back,” she said.

Ginsburg has survived colon and pancreatic cancer while serving on the court.

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Rabbi Paul Drazen

RABBI DANIel FellmAN Rabbi, Temple Concord in Syracuse, NY. Rabbi Paul Drazen, z’l possessed a deep appreciation for tradition even as he sought to make Judaism more accessible in the modern world. His beliefs in inclusivitity, egalitarianism, and community guided him throughout his rabbinate, and now stand as a precious legacy. Whether on the pulpit in Syracuse, Omaha, or the Twin Cities, or when working for the Conservative Movement, Rabbi Drazen consistently taught and worked to bring wholeness to others while honoring our Jewish faith.

At the end of shloshim, the 30-day period of mourning, Rabbi Drazen’s colleagues in Syracuse gathered together to teach the values of community and civility in his honor. Rabbis Leah Fein, Daniel Fellman, Daniel Jezer, Andrew Pepperstone and Evan Shore joined together aer evening services to teach selections from our sages on the values held dear by Rabbi Drazen.

In joining together, the rabbis of Syracuse created a living memorial to Rabbi Paul Drazen. Rabbi Drazen saw value and authenticity in sharing multiple views within a context of learning and community. During his all-too-brief three years in Syracuse, Rabbi Drazen worked with all of his colleagues to strengthen the local community. He was an active and trustworthy partner, consistently seeking a middle ground, a place where all are welcome and all are viewed as holy.

On a personal note, I am most grateful for Rabbi Drazen and all he taught. He was my colleague in Syracuse for three years, but he was my rabbi for nearly 36 years. I am a product of the community he envisioned and created, and I will forever treasure his influence in my life. He was filled with wisdom and encouragement, and he was always willing to experiment.

Paul Drazen’s soul was one of those great and holy souls who used his life to teach and instruct and empower all he encountered. He shared his gis with his wife and children and with every community he served. May his memory always be for blessing.

David Friedman makes rare visit

by US ambassador to terror victim’s home in West Bank

JERUSALEM | JTA David Friedman made a rare visit by a U.S. ambassador to Israel to the family of a terror victim in the West Bank.

Friedman made the condolence call July 30 during the weeklong shiva grieving period to Yotam Ovadia’s widow and two children, ages two years and seven months, in the Adam settlement.

Ovadia was stabbed to death the night of July 27 outside of his home in the settlement of 5,000 north of Jerusalem. His assailant was a Palestinian teen who had climbed over the security fence surrounding the U.S. Ambassador to Israel community. Two others were David Friedman Credit: Lior wounded in the attack. e Mizrahi/Getty Images teen was shot and killed by one of his victims.

“My heart was broken upon seeing the tragic consequence of the killing of Yotam Ovadia,” Friedman said upon leaving the family’s home. “A young mother le alone to care for two toddlers, parents mourning their only son. ere are no words that can describe the evil and barbarity of this act of terror.”

Friedman had already condemned the July 27 attack in a tweet.

“Shocked to hear of the brutal terror attack in Adam that le 31 year-old Yotam Ovadia dead and two others injured.

My heartfelt prayers for all the families. All life is sacred, but premeditated murder cries out for condemnation. Not hearing it from Palestinian leadership,” he tweeted.

It was not Friedman’s first official visit to a Jewish settlement.

In January, he visited Otniel to pay a condolence visit to Likud lawmaker Yehudah Glick following the death of his wife.

Friedman’s predecessor, Daniel Shapiro, also made condolence calls to lawmakers living in the West Bank.

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12 | The Jewish Press | August 3, 2018

usnews

These Jews are running summer camps for refugee children Ben SALeS JTA When he signed up to be a counselor at a Jewish-run summer camp for refugee children, Isaac Eastlund expected to confront trauma.

Instead, when he would come up to his campers, a couple months or years removed from fleeing Afghanistan or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he’d find them plugged into their phones, listening to some of his favorite rappers, like Migos or Kendrick Lamar.

“I was nervous just because I knew I’d be working with refugees, and I had this expectation that they might be damaged in some way and it might be difficult to navigate around that,” said Eastlund, 18.

“But the cool part to me was seeing how normal these kids really are, and how easy it was to connect with them on a personal level.”

Eastlund, who just graduated from a St. Louis-area high school, is a counselor at a day camp for refugees run by the local Jewish Community Relations Council. It’s one of a few summer camps across the country for refugees run by Jews. The camps hope to acclimate the new arrivals and ease the load for their parents. But mostly they want to provide a relaxed space where kids can be kids.

“The cultural barrier we see the most is these kids are on guard,” said Alyssa Banford, a staff member at the JCRC who coordinates the St. Louis camp’s operations. “The kids who have just arrived in the U.S. are totally overwhelmed and they have their guards up. They haven’t been in an environment where they can be just kids and have fun.”

The St. Louis program, in its second year, has approximately 80 campers and 160 staff volunteers this summer. It runs three hours a day for four weeks.In Washington state, the Union for Reform Judaism co-organizes two weeklong camps for refugees. And a synagogue in Sacramento, California, will soon open its two-week camp for refugees alongside the day camp it runs on its campus for Jewish kids.

Each of the camps is run in conjunction with a local immigrant aid organization. The Jewish organizers say they hope to provide a friendly atmosphere for the kids in a country where immigrants can feel threatened by the national mood.“Our political climate is such that it would be very easy for a new immigrant or refugee to feel as if they’re not

A

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welcome here,” said Rhonda Banford, Alyssa’s mother, a speech pathologist who serves as the St. Louis camp director. “It’s really important to me to let them know that we’re happy they’re here.”

For the families of the children, the camps offer a dual benefit: structured time with other kids, and supervision that enables parents to work or study. Ahmad Ibrahimi, who emigrated from Afghanistan

A camper and a counselor sharing a happy moment at a summer camp for refugee children run by the St. Louis JCRC and the International Institute of St. Louis, an immigrant integration service, July 2018.

Credit: St. Louis JCRC

with his wife and two children, hopes the Sacramento staff will help fill the caretaker roles played by members of his extended family in his home country. “There we lived in a family,” he said. “Everyone lived together, but here there is no one. They need to make friends to make life here easier.”

The kids spend most of their time playing soccer or doing arts and crafts, but they and their counselors still need to bridge some cultural divides. Counselors are encouraged to use gestures and other nonverbal communication to include kids who are still learning English. The Sacramento camp, called Camp Nefesh, or soul, instituted a dress code for counselors out of respect for Middle Eastern modesty norms.

“Some of the kids wear hijabs,” said Denise Crevin, the director of

P R I C E

J e w i s h

education at Congregation B’nai Israel, which hosts and runs Camp Nefesh. “Our counselors can’t wear their super-short shorts or skinny tank tops because we’re working with a population where they’re not used to those things. I just encourage the counselors to not be shy about getting clarity.”

But staff members across the camps said English is not a major obstacle. The kids pick up the new language quickly, they said. Rhonda Banford said the kids who returned to the St. Louis camp for a second year came with drastically improved English. “Most of them speak pretty well and they understand a lot, so we had to up our English activity,” she said. “I thought we would have to be teaching them nouns and action words. Instead we’re playing Pictionary and charades.”

Although the camps aim to provide the children with an escape, counselors still need to be cognizant of the often painful experiences endured by their campers. The Washington camps teach their counselors to be especially gentle and empathetic. “Even if the context of the camp is fun, there’s still things refugees can be triggered by,” said Jonah Freelander, director of strategic partnerships and development for Mitzvah Corps, a teen social justice initiative of the URJ. Teens are instructed to “avoid perception of an aggressive interaction, to not raise their voice, be patient, make sure everyone feels included.”

At the St. Louis camp, the staff tries to make cultural acclimation fun. Members of the United Soccer League’s Saint Louis FC have visited the campers, as has Fredbird, the St. Louis Cardinals’ mascot. The campers experienced a “Taste of St. Louis,” which included local cuisine. At the end of the summer, the kids will participate in an “I am an American” parade. “It’s a good experience for them to be with people and around other kids,” said Mohammed Yaqoob, whose two children, aged 9 and 6, attend the St. Louis camp and enjoy playing soccer there.

Despite the contentiousness around immigration nationally, the Jewish organizers say they have gotten little pushback from their communities because American Jews’ immigrant heritage has made welcoming refugees a consensus priority. Crevin said that after watching the national immigration debate unfold, her congregation’s youth jump at the opportunity to put their values into action.

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The entire community is invited to the opening reception, sunday, August 12, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. in the JCC Gallery.

Made possible through the generous support of the Special Donor Advised Fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

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