August 4, 2017

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Eye on Israel: Innovative Israel

Journey of hope

AU G U ST 4 , 2 0 1 7 | 1 2 AV 5 7 7 7 | V O L. 9 7 | NO . 4 2 |2 SECT IO NS | C A ND LeLi G H ti NG | FRID AY , AU G U ST 4 , 8 : 1 9 P. M.

MARK KiRCHHoFF Community Engagement and Education, Jewish Federation of Omaha Rabbi Shlomo Abramovich, Visiting Scholar at Beth Israel Synagogue, will present his monthly session of “Eye on Israel” on Monday, Aug. 7 at noon in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. In staying with the usual format, he will begin with an overview of current events in Israel. He remarked, “I think we have to be careful not to spend all the time on what is in the news right now. And there is a lot in the news. If we did, we wouldn’t have time left for our featured topic.”

Check out our special summer food edition Section 2

J

Yachad members with Pete Glyman, Nick Long, Cameron Kenney, JD Michead, and Christian McSweeney.

Yiddish film is a rare look into Hasidic Brooklyn life Page A8

JoYCe RYAN Yachad Coordinator ust when you begin to lose faith in humanity and all things great in the world, the Yachad group were blessed to experience one of the most inspiring acts of kindness and generousity to date.

On Thursday, July 13, the Yachad group participated in a swim party event at the Mockingbird Community Center in col-

laboration with the Ollie Webb Center, to honor the Journey of Hope Organization as they made a stop in Omaha. The partnership with Yachad and the Ollie Webb Center was born out of the multiple opportunities that have been sponsored by the MDRT Grant experience. We hope to be able to continue this relationship with future support from the Million Dollar Round Table Grant.

See Journey of hope page A3

Rabbi Shlomo Abramovich

Hunger vs. Food insecurity

Why you might find bacon flavors next time you go to a kosher restaurant Page b2

inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life Cycles

SPoNSoReD bY tHe beNJAMiN AND ANNA e. WieSMAN FAMiLY eNDoWMeNt FuND

B5 B6 B7

LiNDA A. CoGeN Assistance Coordinator, Jewish Family Service Hunger is a craving or urgent need for food or a specific nutrient.

We have all experienced hunger.

Food-insecure people are those who at some point during the week literally don’t know where their next meal is coming from. Either they can’t afford to buy food, or don’t have access to food. It can be children, families, elderly people who are forced to make the decision between buying medicine or food, or even a neighbor or your child’s classmate.

In 2006, the USDA traded the term “hunger” for “food insecurity”.

We have all experienced hunger.

Credit: iStock Today, in America there are over 40 million people that experience food insecurity each year. According to the United Way of the Midlands in the Omaha-Council Bluffs multi-

state metro area, about one in seven individuals experience food insecurity because they lack reliable access to affordable, nutritious food.

See Hunger vs. Food insecurity page A2

For this month, Rabbi Shlomo shares his amazement at how a nation reaching 70 years of age has managed to be the center of so many innovations. He is not alone in his amazement. People from around the world share that feeling, and thousands of them have read Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle by Dan Senor and Paul Singer from which Rabbi Shlomo has drawn some of his source material for this session. Amazon describes the book, in part, in this manner: “Start-up Nation addresses the trillion dollar question: ‘How is it that Israel – a country of 7.1 million, only 60 years old [based upon the publishing date of the book], surrounded by enemies, in a constant state of war since its founding, with no natural resources-produces more start-up companies than large, peaceful, and stable nations like Japan, China, India, Korea, Canada and the UK?’” Tom Brokaw, former special correspondent for NBC news and bestselling author of The Greatest Generation had this to say about Start-up Nation, and substantively about Israel, “There is a great deal for America to learn from the very impressive Israeli entrepreneurial model. Start-up Nation is a playbook for every CEO who wants to develop the next generation of corporate leaders.”

Joining in the discussion will be Jean Cahan, Director at the Harris Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. The Harris Center was founded in 1991 and promotes and supports scholarship in Jewish Studies.

Cahan is a professor of Philosophy with an additional interest in the innovative aspects of Israel, including the technology for desalinization. She and Rabbi Shlomo will discuss how water obtained through this process has been important to Israel’s See eye on israel page A2

A2 | The Jewish Press | August 4, 2017

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MArk kirChhoff Community Engagement and Education, Jewish Federation of Omaha he Friday Learning Series has become a favored source of information on interesting topics presented in a clear, concise manner. The person responsible for this series is Rabbi Shlomo Abramovich, Visiting Scholar at Omaha’s Beth Israel Synagogue. In May he presented a three-part series discussing the 1948 War of Independence, the Six-Day War in 1967, and the 1973 Yom Kippur War. These sessions went beyond the facts and the history of the wars. Rabbi Shlomo examined the political, military, social, and economic impact they had on the country. In May he presented the fascinating history of the kibbutzim in Israel, what they are like today and what they might be like into the future. Rabbi Shlomo has just completed July’s threepart series examining the history and importance of the city of Jerusalem to Jews and non-Jews living in Israel and throughout the world.

On Friday, Aug. 11 beginning at 11:15 a.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, Rabbi Shlomo will begin

a three-part series featuring women in Israeli society. “This is really more than Israel as we think of it today,” he said. “I will begin with women in the Bible and also women from a Talmudic perspective. This is an important religious point of view for us to understand.” Rabbi Shlomo will then turn his attention to the early Middle Ages, the Middle Ages, the beginning of the Modern Era – the Jewish Enlightenment – and discuss the ways in which women participated in society at those various times. “There is much to be studied and learned about this topic,” Rabbi Shlomo commented. “I think it is interesting, informative, and helpful for us to study this topic so that we can better understand today’s society and the important roles women play in it.”

The Friday Learning Series is open, free of charge to the community and funded through the Ann Goldstein Education Programming Endowment Fund. It is presented through the Community Engagement and Education arm of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. You are encouraged to attend all three sessions of the series, but Rabbi Shlomo prepares the material in such a way that you may obtain full value from any one session without relying on another.

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Continued from page A1 Jewish Family Service an agency of The Jewish Federation of Omaha recognized the need for a “PANTRY” to serve Omaha and surrounding areas. Today, the pantry is thriving because of the consciousness of the Jewish community, area synagogues, donors, and grant writing. Our pantry allows our clients the dignity and confidentiality they deserve. They can shop paper goods, canned goods and frozen meats for items that are healthy and unable to purchase in subsidized programs. We have experienced a steady increase in requests for the last year. In 2016, we provided over $18,000 in food assistance to the Omaha-Council Bluffs Jewish community. We are committed to excellent outreach: Tzedakah for those in the community that are alone or unable to observe Jewish holidays for Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, and Passover. Kosher meals are available to the community through the “Meals on Wheels” Program at Jewish Senior Outreach for a nominal charge.

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Eye on Israel

Continued from page A1 development. In addition, the positive impact of Israel’s sharing this technology with other countries in the world has helped address a basic human need and has led to the saving of many lives. Water as a resource has political ramifications as well. Rabbi Shlomo and Jean Cahan will discuss how water is a factor in Israel’s relationship with Turkey.

“I’m currently making a connection with one of my relatives in Israel who is working with a company that is doing some incredibly innovative work. I hope to have him Skype with us, but if our schedules do not work out, there is no shortage of people who are directly involved in activities that fit this topic. I know a number of them, and we will surely be talking with someone from Israel,” said Rabbi Shlomo. The

person-to-person contact with Israelis who are part of each month’s topic has been a characteristic feature of his “Eye on Israel” sessions.

Participants look forward to experiencing these perspectives from people living in a different part of the world and have commented about how much this adds to the series.

“Eye on Israel” is open to the community free of charge. Each session has received the highest praise from the participants, and this one that will present a look into the many innovations developed in Israel will most assuredly be educational and inspiring. We encourage you to join Rabbi Shlomo on Aug. 7. “Eye on Israel” is presented through the Community Engagement and Education arm of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Temple Israel’s Holy Smokes

Rabbi Brian Stoller leads congregants in discussing Torah at a recent Holy Smokes event at Temple Israel.

Jewish Press readers, If you do business with any of our advertisers, please tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press. It really helps us!

The Jewish Press | August 4, 2017 | A3

community

Journey of hope

Yachad in attendance Continued from page A1 makes donations to organizations who work with special The group is called The Ability Experience and is comneeds adults with varying “abilities” all around the country! prised of 38 of the finest young men you will ever meet. In For me personally, I don’t believe I have ever been so intotal, there are three groups this size traveling across the spired by a group of young adults with so much to give to country! These men are all members of the Pi Kappa Phi society. Our hearts beamed with joy when we left this event.

Fraternity but attend colleges all over the country. Their There were miles of smiles between the attendees and the Journey of Hope Organization is based out of Charlotte, NC. Journey of Hope members. It was an evening the Yachad What exactly do these men do? They are required to indi- members and I will never forget. New friendships were vidually raise a minimum of $5,500 and ride their bikes made between the cyclists and the attendees as they swam from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA, to together and enjoyed a pizza buffett.

Washington, DC. They commit to 68 days on the road and If you feel it in your heart to help this fine organization continue their journey for years to come, please visit their average 70 – 90 miles per day. They spend the nights on website: abilityexperience.org. You will be inspired like we gymnasium floors or any place they are offered to stay.

So far this year, they have raised $660K and are on track to were as you read more about this organization. Their future surpass that amount and break all previous years’ records. So is bright, and our nation’s future is bright, with young people like them doing such great things! who does the money benefit? The group writes grants and

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a4 | The Jewish Press | August 4, 2017

community Ask the Rabbi

dear Rabbi, Why is it that my husband and i are eager to serve and give to our children in all ways but if we ask for a small favor from them, our requests are met with annoyance and “kvetching”? Why is it that we want to give everything while our children make it seem like any small thing we ask for is a big deal?

Puzzled Parents Rabbi Mendel Dear Puzzled, KatzMan Everything we have in the human Chabad of Nebraska experience has its precedent in the first human beings — Adam and Chava (Adam and Eve).

G-d created Adam from the dust of the earth. Chava was built from Adam’s rib. G-d placed them in the Garden of Eden with all their needs taken care of. He provided them with food, clothing, shelter, and luxuries. Even in the perfect world into which they were born, Adam and Chava were better at giving “down” to their kids and the family they ultimately built rather than “up” to be in compliance with G-d’s requests. ey made it seem like it was a big deal to do what G-d asked of them, namely to refrain for only a few hours from eating from the Tree of Knowledge.

e manner in which G-d created the world is such that energy- Hashpa-ah, in the language of the Kabbalists — flows down from Above. erefore it is natural, hence easier, to give or provide from above downward. e good news is, your kids are perfectly normal!

For parents and educators, it is helpful to understand this dynamic. Rather than becoming frustrated by this phenomenon, we can use this knowledge to help bridge the gap between what parents ask for and want, and what the children are willing to do. Know that it is “unnatural” for children to honor or serve their parents, and very natural for parents to serve their offspring. Interestingly, G-d commanded us to honor our parents. Makes perfect logical sense, but hard to do. On the other hand, there is no Mitzvah (commandment) to honor our children. We honor their wants and “shtik” even if we're not commanded.

As we educate and inspire, and as they mature and grow, children must overcome their natural selfish states, get out of their comfort zones to honor and obey. We can teach them that they have the ability to do so, despite the difficulty. And they will learn.

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

French university may have remains of Holocaust victims

JTA news sTAff e University of Strasbourg in France may be holding the remains of Holocaust victims in its collection of anatomical specimens, an international team of researchers said. e team of historians and specialists, including from Oxford University in the United Kingdom, made the assertion at a news conference earlier this month at the French institution. It was the conclusion of two years of research following the discovery and burial of remains of murdered Jews that had been brought to Strasbourg when it was under Nazi occupation.

Strasbourg University for decades had denied having the remains of dozens of Holocaust victims, which had been regarded as a rumor. But in 2015, a book written by historian Michel Cymes proved their existence, leading to the location of the remains of 86 Jews. eir remains were brought to burial that year, but the experts panel said this month that additional human remains

belonging to Holocaust victims may be present in the university's vaults, requiring meticulous examination. e team has discovered 20 boxes with bones they suspect belonged to Jews because the boxes were tied to August Hirt, according to a report earlier this month published by the news site France Bleu.

Hirt was an SS captain who served as chairman of the Reich University in Strasbourg, the institution’s name under Nazi occupation. He committed suicide in 1945 aer commissioning the preservation and transportation of the remains of dozens of Holocaust victims murdered by the Nazis in Eastern Europe. e vice president of the university, Mathieu Schneider, told France Bleu he intended to implement the recommendations of the research team, which found that under Hirt there was "an intensification" of work designed to support Nazi race theories in 1943-44.

We are in the Hebrew month of Av, a time when we reflect on what is lacking in our lives, which is a result of the destruction of Jerusalem of old. In this week’s Torah portion, Moshe painfully asks for a glimpse of the Land of Israel, even though he will not get to live there. At times, the yearning is greater than the achievement. By Moshe seeing the Rabbi aRi destination, he already achieved it. deMbitzeR This Shabbos is called Shabbat Beth Israel Synagogue Nachamu and is named for this week’s Haftorah. On Shabbat Nachamu, we are taught to be comforted in the fact that we yearned for more. Hopefully, the yearning we felt on Tisha B’Av, will give birth to a better time. May we continue to yearn and dream, and one day may the dream become reality.

Shabbat Shalom

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Along with their success on the field, the Storm Chasers create a safe, comfortable and relaxed environment at Werner Park to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience for every fan that enters the gate. With amenities like the Centris Family Fun Zone, Bud Light Downdraught Bar, Cresa Club, Gary’s Greens Mini Golf and Borsheims Diamond Wiffle Ball Field, Werner Park is the premiere destination for family entertainment. Each season brings a unique lineup of fan giveaways, on-field promotions and themed games. Fans can enjoy Friday Fireworks shows sponsored by Hy-Vee, RTG Medical Bark in the Park games, US Bank Family FUNdays and much more!

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MARk kIRcHHOff Program and Communications Assistant, Jewish Federation of Omaha Aug. 13 is rapidly approaching. Why does the Jewish community of Omaha care? Because it is Jewish Heritage Day at Werner Park with the Omaha Stormchasers! Go to this Jewish Federation of Omaha webpage www.jewishomaha.org and follow the link on the left to “Jewish Heritage Day at Werner Park” to learn more and order your special discounted tickets. If you wish to arrange for a block of tickets for a large group, call Mark at 402.334.6463 or email mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org. Gates open at 1 p.m., the JCC Training Company Dancers perform at around 1:20 p.m., and the game starts at 2:05 p.m.

Kosher food will be available, kids will be invited to run the bases after the game, and a special souvenir gift will be given with each ticket purchased. Buy your tickets and come on out to the ballgame. The event is made possible by the support of the Staenberg Family Foundation Anything Grant and the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Special Donor Advised Funds.

A Portrait of the Omaha Jewish Community ALAn POTASH Chief Executive Officer, JFO A Portrait of the Omaha Jewish Community – our 2017 community study is filled with interesting, important and sometimes surprising data. is information will prove to be a vital tool in looking to the future of our Jewish community. We will begin examining our strengths and our needs to continue our mission – building a vibrant Jewish community. On Aug. 24, the Adults age 25 and over in Jewish households e full report will be available following community is invited to participate as we the Aug. 24 community forum. share the study, how the data will be used In the meantime, take a look at this chart and a timeline for future action. I have been sharing some data in the Jewish Press and in revealing the level of secular education the E-newsletter and will continue to do so. achieved in our community.

Temple Israel and PJ Library Rabbi Brian Stoller leads Havdalah at the recent Temple Israel and PJ Library – Pizza, PJs and Prayer evening. Those who attended enjoyed pizza and made their own Havdalah set. During the evening they also listened to stories and practiced saying the Shema!

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American Jews vs. American Muslims: How do they compare?

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are sharp internal divides between Shia and BEn SalES NEW YORK | JTA Sunni Muslims, Pew did not address the ince it came out in 2013, the question of “who is a Muslim” as it did with “Pew study” -- a landmark surJewish Americans. vey of American Jewish demoe study reported demographic data that graphics, beliefs and practices -- may contradict popular American stereohas been at the center of Ameri- types of Muslims. Only 14 percent of Muscan Jewish scrutiny and handwringing. lim immigrants are from the Middle East, Now it’s American Muslims’ turn. while one-fih are from South Asia. And On July 26, the Pew Research Center rethe plurality of American Muslims -- four leased a survey of American Muslims focus- in 10 -- are white. ing not only on numbers and their way of Only 13 percent of American Muslims are life, but also on how the community has reintermarried. sponded to the election of President Donald Trump.

Comparing the two studies shows a Muslim sector in America that is more religious, growing faster and feels more embattled than American Jews. But both groups voted for Hillary Clinton.

Here’s how the Jews and Muslims of the United States stack up. ere are more Jews than Muslims in America, but the Muslim population is growMuslims at a prayer service celebrating Eid-al-Fitr in Stamford, ing faster.

Conn., June 25, 2017. Credit: John Moore/Getty Images Pew found that there are about 3.3 million Muslims in the United When Pew released its study of the Jews States, a little more than 1 percent of the pop- in 2013, American Jewish leaders began ulation. U.S. Jews, by contrast, stand at about fretting about an intermarriage rate of 58 6.3 million -- around 2 percent of all Ameripercent since 2000 -- and they haven’t cans -- including a little more than 5 million stopped. By that measure, American Mus“Jews by religion.” lim leaders can rest easy.

But Muslims, Pew found, skew younger Unlike the majority of American Jews, and have higher birth rates. More than a only 13 percent of American Muslims are third of U.S. Muslims are under 30, only 14 intermarried. And the number has declined percent are over 55, and their birth rate is in recent years: In 2011, the number was 16 2.4, slightly higher than the national averpercent. e numbers are so low that the age. Most American Jews are over 50 and word “intermarriage” doesn’t even appear in their birth rate is 1.9. While the median age the survey. of U.S. Muslims is 35, the median age of But another statistic shows that American U.S. Jews is 50. Americans in general have a Muslims may be following their Jewish median age of 47. neighbors. Among Muslims born in the U.S., ese numbers explain why a 2015 Pew the intermarriage rate is nearly 20 percent. study found that by 2050, American MusMost Jews say they don’t face discriminalims will outnumber American Jews. While tion. Most Muslims say they do. the Jewish-by-religion population is exAnother reason for the difference in interpected to stagnate at about 5.4 million, Pew marriage rates could be the discrimination predicts that in a little more than three that Jews and Muslims each face in Amerdecades, there will be 8 million Muslims in ica. Jews, who are more likely to marry outAmerica. side their group, are also more accepted in e respective studies also included some America than Muslims.

See How do they compare page a7 data unique to each religion. While there

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Try telling this transgender Rabbi she wasn’t qualified to serve

AnnA SelMAn WASHINGTON, D.C. | JTA President Donald Trump tweeted last week that transgender individuals would no longer be allowed to enlist or serve in the military, surprising both service members and Pentagon leaders.

Rona Matlow is a Life Member of Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., and served 22 years in the Navy as both enlisted and as an officer in its nuclear power program — in submarines, nuclear cruisers, frigates and a destroyer. She retired with the rank of lieuRona Matlow Credit: Maslow tenant commander.

After leaving the Navy, Rona was ordained as a rabbi by the Academy for Jewish Religion and started volunteering as a chaplain for the veteran community. In 2015, she started to address her gender dysphoria and begin her transition.

I asked Rona, who lives in the Greater Seattle area, how she felt about the president’s announcement.

“I was absolutely devastated and furious,” she answered. “Immediately I was very worried about the 15,000 active duty trans personnel that are currently serving in the military. I have talked to service members with 19-plus years of service who would be kicked out of the military without a pension.”

Rona also told me that since the announcement, she has been reaching out to people in the Jewish and transgender community – making sure that their needs are met. She says she is available to anyone in the transgender community who needs support right now.

“It costs well over a million dollars to train a pilot. Kicking these people out is incredibly more costly than keeping them in,” she said.

“Even if [the military] paid $30,000 for the surgery, they would have to pay a million dollars training a new pilot. That’s absurd.”

“I was also happy to see that Dunford and Mattis are supporting See Transgender Rabbi page B7

The Jewish Press | August 4, 2017 | A7

community How do they compare

Continued from page A6 In an age when Trump the candidate called for a ban on Muslim immigration, the Muslim study focused heavily on Muslim feelings of discrimination and belonging in America. Questions were asked about Islamophobia, anti-Muslim violence, the president, terrorism, extremism and how Muslims feel about being Muslim and American.

In brief, the study found that nearly half of Muslims have faced discrimination in the past year, and 75 percent feel Muslims face a great deal of discrimination in America. But nine in 10 feel proud to be American. ree-quarters of American Muslims say violence against civilians can never be justified, as opposed to 59 percent of Americans in general.

In 2013, most Jews said that Jews do not face a lot of discrimination in America, and only 15 percent personally faced discrimination in the year before the survey.

But Pew’s Jewish study was published three years before the spike in anti-Semitism that accompanied the 2016 election. A poll by the Anti-Defamation League published in April revealed starkly different numbers, showing that most Americans were concerned about violence against Jews.

Jews graduate college at higher rates than Muslims and earn more. e graduation rates and household incomes of American Muslims track with the rest of the country. Like Americans in general, 31 percent of Muslim Americans have graduated college. And a quarter of Muslim Americans earn more than $100,000, similar to the national average. But 40 percent of Muslim households earn less than $30,000 -- eight points higher than Americans in general.

Nearly six in 10 American Jews, meanwhile, have graduated college. And 42 percent have household incomes higher than $100,000, while only 20 percent earn less than $30,000.

Muslims are far more religious than Jews, but both say social justice is central.

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American Jews and Muslims are particularly different when it comes to religion. While nearly two-thirds of American Muslims say religion is very important to them, only a quarter of Jews do. A third of Jews believe in God, compared to 85 percent of Muslims who said belief in God is essential to being a Muslim. Nearly six in 10 American Muslims say following the Quran is essential to being a Muslim, compared to less than a quarter of American Jews who say the same about Jewish law.

Four in 10 American Muslims attend mosque at least once a week and eight in 10 observe the monthlong fast of Ramadan. By contrast, two-thirds of American Jews attend synagogue less than once a month and only about half fasted on Yom Kippur.

But there are some commonalities, too. Nearly all American Jews and Muslims say they are proud to be Jewish and Muslim, respectively. And both groups prioritize social justice. Solid majorities of Jews (60 percent) and Muslims (69 percent) see “working for justice and equality” as an essential part of their religious identity.

Jews are more liberal than Muslims, but a higher percentage voted for Trump.

American Muslims responded to Trump’s anti-Muslim rhetoric on the campaign trail by voting for Clinton. Nearly 80 percent of American Muslims voted for the Democrat, while only 8 percent backed Trump. By contrast, Clinton earned 70 percent of the Jewish vote, with Trump garnering 25 percent.

But proportionally more American Jews identify as liberal than do American Muslims. While nearly half of American Jews call themselves liberal, only 30 percent of American Muslims do -- close to the national average.

But Muslims are trending liberal on at least one issue: A majority believe homosexuality should be accepted in society, compared to just 27 percent who felt that way a decade ago. Four-fihs of American Jews agree.

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entertainment

This Yiddish film is a rare look into Hasidic Brooklyn life

W

CHaRLes MuNiTz BOSTON | JTA ith more than a decade’s worth of experience in the film industry, mostly in documentaries, director Joshua Weinstein has released his first feature-length narrative film.

What’s surprising is that Weinstein, a secular Jew, has made a movie entirely in Yiddish.

Menashe, about Hasidic Jews in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn, is among the first full-length Yiddish language films to hit the big screen in more than 70 years.

“I love going into small, closed societies and trying to understand and to represent them, and to tell all sides of their stories – the good and the bad – with honesty,” Weinstein, 34, told JTA recently when he and the film’s Hasidic star, Menashe Lustig, attended a screening at the Boston International Film Festival. ough Weinstein knew he wanted to do a film about the Hasidim, he was not sure at the outset about the topic. He began to spend time among them in Brooklyn -- to gain their trust and become familiar with their world.

“You can’t cast a film like this in the usual way – you put on a yarmulke, hang out and show up every single day,” he said. “I was researching and meeting people. I was also trying to find actors because you can only make a film if you can cast it.”

Lustig said a minor miracle occurred when he and Weinstein crossed paths.

“I had been acting very locally in the Hasidic community in a nonprofessional way when Josh approached me aer he saw me appear in a short Hasidic commercial,” Lustig said. “We talked together and he said he’d like to make a film with me.”

As Weinstein got to know Lustig and began to hear the details of his life, Weinstein realized he had found his story.

A recent widower, Lustig had been pressured by his reli-

gious community of Skver Hasidim to yield the rearing of his nine-year-old son to others until he remarried.

Menashe tells the story of a 30-something widower and single father, and contrasts the title character’s urge toward self-sufficiency with the demands of traditionalism in a small, tightly knit religious community.

Menashe Lustig, left, and Ruben Niborski in the film Menashe.

Credit: Federica Valabrega/A24 “e whole movie is a 95 percent true story,” Lustig said.

“We just touched it up a little bit.” e film focuses on the decision by the community’s rabbi that Menashe yield the rearing of his son, Rieven, to the family of his late wife’s brother. e decision causes Menashe much anguish, which is made considerably worse by his brother-in-law’s severe and self-righteous demeanor.

In the eyes of the community, Menashe, a grocery clerk, is a schlemiel. He bucks authority but, at the same time, does not carry himself in a way that garners respect. Menashe doesn’t want to marry just anyone, however, and he wants to prove he can adequately provide a home for his son.

“It is an emotionally true story,” Weinstein said. “e film

expresses how Menashe Lustig actually felt when he went through what he did.”

With the exception of a few lines in English and Spanish — this is Brooklyn, aer all — the film’s dialogue occurs entirely in Yiddish. “e sheer challenge of making a new and unique film about Hasidim in Yiddish was very exciting,” Weinstein said.

It was just one of many challenges facing Weinstein. e production schedule, for example, was frequently thrown off schedule — some actors who originally signed up, including Lustig, were pressured by their communities not to participate. Fortunately, Weinstein said his background making documentaries, which oen depends on bending to the unexpected, gave him the flexibility to see the process through.

Another challenge: Weinstein doesn’t speak Yiddish. And yet, “You couldn’t really make this film in English,” he said.

“If it weren’t going to be in Yiddish, then why not just make Home Alone 7?” (As it happens, one of the executive producers of Menashe is Chris Columbus, the director of the wildly successful 1990 movie Home Alone.)

Much of the script was written, in English, before filming started, said Weinstein, with translators providing a Yiddish version. Lustig developed some scenes by improvising in English — so Weinstein could understand — then would translate them into Yiddish. Aer that, with the help of translators, the dialogue was again reviewed carefully. e accuracy of the words was not taken lightly. In postproduction, a team of translators worked on the subtitles — many debates over word choices ensued.

“It was almost like translating the Talmud in some way,” Weinstein said.

Menashe will be in theaters in New York and Los Angeles on July 28, with a national rollout to follow.

Charles Munitz publishes the blog Boston Arts Diary.

food books | recipes | stories

A SUPPLEMENT TO THE JEWISH PRESS | AUGUST 4, 2017

b2 | The Jewish Press | August 4, 2017

food

Why you might find bacon flavors next time you go to a kosher restaurant

RaChel TeppeR paley kosher. I’m still a Yiddish-speaking Jew. I have Hasidism in my bones.”

“Let’s say you don’t eat kosher. You get your meal, and the religious JewNEW YORK Using the skills and knowledge of flavors gleaned from years of study ish people get the kosher meal,” he said, retelling a story he has heard time una poke nachos marinated Hawaiian style. Lightly in the non-kosher world, Gershkovich resolved to translate them to a and again. “The kosher meal looks better than the regular meal the airline smoked duck breasts with quinoa and turnips. Hormone- kosher audience. Consider one of his newest menu items, a salad based serves because it comes shrink-wrapped. It looks special, with a special and antibiotic-free USDA prime angus steaks. on a classic BLT sandwich. Instead of bacon, Gershkovich crisps up veal label. Nobody touches it, so it seems more hygienic. Those people say, ‘How The kosher restaurant scene today has come a long way or lamb charcuterie, giving it pancetta-like flavor and consistency. But come we paid for the same ticket, but he got that and I got this?’” from the pastrami sandwiches and matzah ball soups of the tomatoes are the star: perfectly sweet and flavorful, and bolstered Sabag sensed a business opportunity. old (though you can still get those, too). Now more than ever, kosher with shaved Vidalia onions and a spicy garlic aioli.

“We are the leading and almost the biggest provider in the U.S. for fine-dining options abound for observant Jewish consumers looking kosher food,” he said. “Not just airlines. for a great restaurant experience.

We also serve cruises, Amtrak and some In New York, the cutting edge of the kosher world, a few innoretail businesses. But we have a lot of vative chefs are pioneering the way. Here are four star chefs whose room to grow.” creations are definitely worth a night out, a stop on your next visit Sabag sees a future marketing kosher to New York or a bite on your next flight. meals to non-kosher consumers, particuBringing non-kosher flavor profiles to kosher cuisine: larly in institutional settings where the regMiChael GeRshkoviCh of Mike’s Bistro ular meals on offer don’t have the best Michael Gershkovich’s chef-driven eatery in Midtown Manhattan reputation, such as schools, hospital cafeis ruled by seasonal produce and high-quality ingredients. Packed terias or prisons. most days with Jewish and non-Jewish diners, Mike’s Bistro is a “More and more people are asking for great restaurant that just happens to be kosher. kosher because of the trust,” he said. “It’s “I am so humbled when I look around,” Gershkovich said with a clean, the quality of the food is good, and grin amid a bustling dining room. so on. We just need to do more marketing.”

Gershkovich could not have imagined such a scene decades ago, Years ago, Sabag managed one of the when he was a bright-eyed yeshiva kid in Brooklyn. Born in Rome biggest catering companies in Israel, overand raised in Flatbush in a religious household, Gershkovich’s first seeing production of more than 100,000 language was Yiddish, and he grew up expecting a life of study. meals a day for airlines and workplaces. In But the seeds of an alternative life path were planted in his the course of 30 years he modernized promother’s kitchen. duction and storage methods, boosting busi“My mother made me hot meals every day,” Gershkovich said. ness in the process. He believes Borenstein Cuisine at top-flight kosher restaurants has come a long way from the pastrami sandwiches and “Other kids were eating peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches; I was Caterers — and the future of kosher cuisine matzah ball soups of old.

Credit: Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images for Sainsbury’s eating savory French toasts. Cereal with milk wasn’t exactly how — can benefit from the same thinking.

I started my day. I ate a warm bowl of polenta.”

“The attraction might be the fact that it’s a BLT — a classic non-kosher “I believe in kosher food,” Sabag said. “I see opportunity to grow in Those early flavors instilled in him a deep, abiding love of food, and flavor profile — and yes, the ‘bacon’ we use is crispy and beautiful, but this area.”

Gershkovich’s tastes and willingness to experiment grew. At the Culinary in the end, it’s really just about appreciating the wonderfully perfectly Meat on his mind: Institute of America, he fell in love with all manner of non-kosher foods ripe tomato,” he said. “I feel very blessed to be doing what I’m doing.” Joey allahaM of The Prime Grill — suckling pig, foie gras, scallops. He traveled, working through kitchens Naysayers should order the porchetta sandwich, he suggested. TradiJoey Allaham knows meat. Born to a family of kosher butchers in in California’s Napa Valley and Hawaii, tasting everything along the way. tionally made with roast pork, Mike’s Bistro treats veal like porchetta Damascus, Syria, Allaham came to New York with dreams of getting But home beckoned. Although his personal relationship with kashrut and serves it in a sandwich with sticky peach puree, another classic flavor away from the family business. But it wasn’t long before he realized is in flux — “I may be kosher one year, I may not be the next” — he knew pairing for pork. It more than stacks up against its non-kosher namesake. meat was his destiny. that to truly represent his culinary ethos, any restaurant he ran would Envying those kosher airline meals: “I always liked raw beef,” he said, describing a predilection stretching have to be kosher. Mike’s Bistro is certified by the Orthodox Union. isaaC sabaG of Borenstein Caterers back to early childhood. “Everyone else ate it well done, but the second “I think they are the best in the business,” Gershkovich said of the When Issac Sabag first began hearing the stories from friends about you’d throw it in the fire, I’d want to eat it. It’s been that way for as O.U. “They have respect from the entire Jewish world. Everyone relies airline travelers jealously eyeing their fellow travelers’ kosher meals, his long as I can remember.” on their research. They aren’t zealots, but they are serious and strict.” ears perked up. As the CEO of the New York-based Borenstein Caterers, He started a wholesale business for caterers in Brooklyn, all the while As for Gershkovich’s personal need to run a kosher kitchen?

Sabag oversees production of kosher meals for almost every major airline plotting to open his first restaurant. In 2000, he opened The Prime Grill, “My world is kosher,” he said. “My friends are kosher. My father is in the United States. Something curious, he sensed, was afoot. see bacon flavors page b4

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The Jewish Press | August 4, 2017 | B3

Harissa Honey Roast Chicken sHannon sarna The Nosher via JTA there’s a reason chicken is a bit of a Friday night staple: Before Jews came to America, red meat simply wasn’t abundantly available and therefore saved for special occasions. But also, chicken is a relatively easy dinner to prepare, especially when you roast a whole chicken. is honey harissa and lemon chicken is as easy as any other roast chicken recipe, with a slightly sweet, slightly spicy twist.

You may be asking, what the heck is harissa?

Harissa is a North African pepper and chili condiment, or paste, that was brought to Israel by the Jews of Tunisia and Morocco, and quickly became a popular flavoring. It can be found in dried form in the Israeli outdoor markets or as a paste in jars.

Even many American supermarkets like Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, Shop-Rite and Trader Joe’s are carrying harissa (usually in the ethnic aisle with other Middle Eastern products). You can even try your hand at

making your own. ere are so many ways to use harissa, from these lemon potatoes with harissa mayo to a spring greens fritatta.

But I recently got my hands on some NY Shuk harissa, and it is so much better than trying to make your own or many of the other store-bought varieties I have tried. It’s smoky, deep and not too spicy. And I have made chicken with it several times -- to the delight of my family and friends.

I like roasting a whole chicken using an upright roaster. I highly recommend investing in one – it makes such a difference for a super moist bird on the inside, while still achieving that coveted crispy skin. If you want to add a rinsed and drained can of chickpeas to the bottom of your pan for the last 15 minutes, they are delicious with this chicken, but the step is completely optional.

Shannon Sarna is the editor of e Nosher. e Nosher food blog offers a dazzling array of new and classic Jewish recipes and food news, from Europe to Yemen, from challah to shakshuka and beyond. Check it out at www.eNosher.com.

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Jill ohlMann Activities Coordinator, RBJH n interesting fact about Sabine Strong, the RBJH Volunteer Coordinator, is that she is an exceptionally talented cook and baker. She received advanced training in a full-time private vocational school in Germany, studying Nutrition, and Logistics, Cooking and Baking, Household/ Home Economics and Management.

One Friday a month, the RBJH Activities Department hosts Baking with Sabine, during which she shares some of her favorite family recipes. Residents enjoy watching her in action, and sampling the delicious homemade treats. To volunteer at RBJH, Volunteer Coordinator sabine strong showing off her work in please contact Sabine at progress.

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Bacon flavors

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Continued from page B2 a high-end steakhouse on Madison Avenue catering to the expense-account set.

A devoted clientele followed. In the ensuing years, Allaham would open several more eateries, including a chic, glass-enclosed rooftop restaurant in a hotel, Prime at the Bentley, a kosher gourmet butchery and bakery called Prime Butcher Baker, and the pizza-andpanini joint Pizza Da Solo. High-profile guests have included such celebrities as Madonna, Bono, Alec Baldwin, Billy Crystal, Amar’e Stoudemire and Evander Holyfield.

After a 2012 meal at Prime at the Bentley, singer Ricky Martin told Tablet, “I couldn’t believe the food was kosher. It was all so good.”

José Meirelles of Le Marais José Meirelles never dreamed of opening up a kosher restaurant. Meirelles doesn’t keep kosher. He isn’t even Jewish.

A Portuguese Catholic immigrant to New York trained at the former French Culinary Institute, Meirelles first made a name for himself as one of the forces behind Brasserie Les Halles, the long-running French restaurant once home to Anthony Bourdain.

Seeing the restaurant’s runaway success, Meirelles’s lawyers — who were Jewish — approached him with an idea: Why not create a kosher version of Les Halles?

“I was skeptical from the beginning,” Meirelles recalled. “I could not use butter for the meat! We had to close Friday and Saturday! All the good stuff. But ultimately we decided it would be a good idea.”

Fine-dining options for kosher patrons, his lawyers told him, were few and far between.

“When they had to deal with people who were kosher, they had a hard time finding a place to go for a meal,” Meirelles recounted. “They refused to go to kosher restaurants because from their perspective

they were not good. There was a huge clientele and a good business opportunity.”

Le Marais opened in 1995 as a near copy of Les Halles, right down to the font on its menu. But translating classic French fare to a kosher audience required some creative thinking.

“In the beginning it was very challenging because we had a way of doing things,” Meirelles said. “In my mind, you finish the sauces with butter, or use some pork fat or smoked pork. I really had to work to come up with solutions for things.”

Outside the kitchen, working with suppliers also presented significant challenges. In 1995, the kosher ingredients available to Le Marais “were not good,” he said. Even finding something as simple as French mustard was a headache.

But he was able to work out the kinks, and diners noticed. Today, Le Marais is one of the most popular kosher restaurants in New York. Last year, the restaurant sold about 400 steaks a day, which translates to 800 pounds of beef. But competition is much steeper than it used to be.

“It’s not like 10 years ago — there are a lot of good kosher restaurants opening up,” Meirelles said. Not that he minds.

“I think it’s good,” he said. “It forces us to be better.”

This article was sponsored by and produced in partnership with the Orthodox Union, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, dedicated to engaging and strengthening the Jewish community, and to serving as the voice of Orthodox Judaism in North America. All four chefs featured in this story work at O.U.certified establishments. This article was produced by JTA’s native content team

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american Jewish Press association award Winner

Nebraska Press as- National Newspaper sociation association award winner 2008

The bitter face of anti-Semitism aNNETTE vaN dE KamP-WriGHT Editor of the Jewish Press his was the story: A columnist for the London-based Sunday Times was fired for a column in which he made anti-Semitic references. Earlier on Sunday, the newspaper had removed the column over the BBC’s gender pay gap by Kevin Myers, a columnist for the Ireland edition, and apologized, calling it “unacceptable.”

Myers had noted that two of the BBC’s best-paid female presenters, Claudia Winkleman and Vanessa Feltz, are Jewish.

“Good for them. Jews are not generally noted for their insistence on selling their talent for the lowest possible price, which is the most useful measure there is of inveterate, lost-with-all-hands stupidity,” Myers wrote. The column appeared in the newspaper’s Irish edition and online. An apology will be printed in the print edition next Sunday, according to the BBC. Myers has written many controversial columns including one in which he denied the scope of the Holocaust. (JTa.com) It’s that last sentence that gets me.

First of all, I will never, ever understand the motivation behind Holocaust denial.

Second, why are the editors surprised that someone who has ‘denied the scope of the Holocaust’ is an anti-Semite? And, it’s incredibly aggravating that those who deny the damage done during the Holocaust simultaneously tend to support a narrative that shows Jews kind-of-sort-of have it coming. Don’t even get me started. And why, oh why, was Mr. Myers not fired when he wrote this previous column perpetuating Holocaust denial? Did they think giving him another chance to be hurtful was a good idea?

Here’s a hint: leopards and spots.

But here’s the kicker: these types of incidents change nothing. Some fool writes a nasty piece, there’s an outcry, editors fire the fool, end of story.

The fool of course hasn’t learned a thing, except that he has to be more elusive and secretive. He’s not actually going to suddenly not be anti-Semitic just be-

stincts, I’d call him much worse. It’s very unhealthy.

Perhaps that’s the kind of damage that often goes unnoticed: the anger we feel when people express their hatred and disdain for us. It festers and grows, quietly, until the only way we can respond is by being just as hateful.

So what do we do with that anger? How do we process the notion that anti-Semitism not only exists but thrives, without allowing it to drag us down with it?

To be honest, I’m not sure there is an easy answer to that question. We can’t shake it off, we can’t ignore anti-Semitic outbursts when they happen. At the same time, we can’t let our emotions rule us, can we?

Maybe the most frustrating thing about people like Myers is the fact that, with all the information out there, wiffull ignorance continues to exist. We can educate, we can demand people lose their jobs and we can demand apologies until we are blue in the face.

But when none of that helps, and hateful voices continue to speak, we can only draw one conclusion: anti-Semites are the way they are not because they don’t know any better; they believe what they believe in spite of it.

And that’s an entirely different animal.

Credit: Stefan-Xp Via Wikimedia commons That doesn’t mean we should stop educating cause he lost his job; he’s just going to be a little more and calling out the hatred; it just means we have to bitter. be realistic about the chance of success. I’ve come Okay; deep breaths. to realize that with every public apology, I am less Bitterness is often the main ingredient where anti- likely to believe it’s heartfelt. Anti-Semites who get Semites are concerned. It’s what motivates and feeds called out are rarely sorry for what they said; they’re them; it provides neverending reasons for hating those just sorry they got caught. who are ‘other.’ But that same bitterness is contaIf we’re going to get angry when these stories pop gious. It’s difficult to read stories like these and not up on our newsfeed, we should at least clearly define respond in kind. When I call Mr. Myers a ‘fool’ for what we’re angry at. Maybe that’s not the most poswhat he wrote, I’m holding back because I’m writing itive message that can come from Mr. Myers vitriol, in a public space. Truthfully, were I to follow my in- but it is a realistic one.

What ever happened to that wall?

Emma HocHfEldEr Intern, Jewish Press During the 2016 Presidential Election, thencandidate Donald J. Trump made a wide-array of promises and proposals. One of the most popular proposals among his constituents was a border wall between Mexico and the United States.

Trump assured his potential voters that American tax dollars would not be funding the lavishly expensive project, but Mexico would foot the bill.

That far-fetched idea spread like wildfire. Rallies across the country in support of Trump often chanted “build that wall!” to show encouragement for Trump’s anti-immigration stance.

Then came November 8th, 2016. Donald J. Trump was elected to become the 45th President of the United States. Fast-forward to January of 2017. Immediately following his inauguration Trump began signing an endless list of executive orders. He signed 90 within his first 100 days in office.

By the fourth day of his presidency Trump already signed two specific executive orders that paved the way for a border wall. He planned on fulfilling all of his campaign promises.

It was at this point in time talk of what a border wall actually entailed finally began being discussed. A lot of people thought an actual wall was “just talk.” Like many campaign promises, most candidates shift their platforms once elected based on the realistic ability to pass any legislation. Elected officials often work towards compromising and stop campaigning.

Trump forfeited both of those concepts. He continues to hold rallies and governs through executive orders and quickly prepared bills. Additionally, when Trump tweets things like, “The Republicans never discuss how good their healthcare bill is, & it will get even better at lunchtime.The Dems scream death as OCare dies!” like he did on July 19th, compromising

also seems to go out the window.

After the election, the president of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, was in a sticky situation too.

Nieto didn’t want Mexico to pay for such a monstrosity, yet he didn’t want to sever diplomatic and economic relations with the United States. After outlandish tweets by Trump concerning Mexico and the potential border wall, Nieto finally officially rejected paying for any border wall.

Credit: David R. Tribble This all took place over half a year ago now.

Time flies when scandal after scandal occurs in the White House. Talk of the border wall seems to have fallen silent or so it appeared.

But: the border wall is still happening. Perhaps it doesn’t draw as much attention as healthcare or the banning of refugees, but Trump is still pushing forward on a literal wall on the nearly 2,000 mile border between the countries.

Turns out, Mexico still isn’t paying for the wall.

Shocking. Even though Trump tweeted on April 23, “Eventually, but at a later date so we can get started early, Mexico will be paying, in some form, for the badly needed border wall”. Suffice to say, a bit unrealistic.

The Trump administration began looking at prototypes prepared by engineers beginning in March. The administration is looking for a “physically imposing” and “aesthetically pleas-

ing” structure to line the border. The search for the right protype hasn’t ceased yet.

As it turns out, the budget for building a 2,000 mile border wall is slightly astronomical. Trump decided to scale back the project just a bit. His administration proposed $3.6 billion between the 2017 and 2018 budget for only 100 miles of wall.

Both Republicans and Democrats refused to fund the wall at such a large amount, therefore the construction of the wall became a bipartisan issue.

However on July 18th, the House Appropriations Committee approved a bill that allowed $1.6 billion for a portion of the border wall, approximately 74 miles of border wall to be exact.

In addition, the Department of Homeland Security has reallocated $20 million from “other” programming to help pay for the creation of more prototypes.

The reason for the reduction in size Trump explained to reporters on Air Force One last week is: “You don’t need 2,000 miles of wall because you have a lot of natural barriers...You have mountains. You have some rivers that are violent and vicious. You have some areas that are so far away that you don’t really have people crossing.

So you don’t need that. But you’ll need anywhere from 700 to 900 miles.”

If you “need” 700 to 900 miles, 74 miles for a mere $1.6 billion taxpayer dollars barely seems like a drop in the bucket when billions upon billions more is required. Not to mention most of the land needed for the wall is privately owned

by United States citizens who aren’t raring to sell any time soon.

Trump’s border wall project, like many of his other campaign promises, was poorly researched and not quite attainable. However, despite the formality of logic and laws, Trump seems to forge ahead whatever the economic or moral cost might be.

B6 | The Jewish Press | August 4, 2017

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

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

Please join us for our upcoming events: Annual Membership Meeting, sunday, aug. 27, 11 a.m.

Shabbat Service, sept. 1, 7:30 p.m. led by Shayna Kurland and Ben Cohen in honor of their wedding weekend.

Erev Rosh Hashanah, wednesday, sept. 20, 7:30 p.m.

Curtis Hutt, UNO Schwalb Center.

Rosh Hashanah, thursday, sept. 21, 10:30 a.m. Anna Mosenkis, New American.

Kol Nidre, Friday, sept. 29, 7:30 p.m. Leonard Greenspoon, Creighton University.

Yom Kippur, saturday, sept. 30, 10:30 a.m. Karen Gustafson, Jewish Family Service.

Our High Holiday services are led by Jeff Taxman.

Shabbat Speakers Series resumes on Friday, oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m. led by Larry Blass.

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

Beth el syNagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

Friday: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. saturday: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:15 p.m. 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. tuesday: Chesed Committe visits Remington Heights, 2 p.m. thursday: Shanghai, 1 p.m.

End of Summer ShaBBQ and Service, Friday, aug. 11, 6 p.m. Cost is $12 for adults, $8 for children 6 to 12. Please register online by Aug. 4.

Deli Man Movie Day, thursday, aug. 17, noon. $8 admission and deli lunch. Please register by Aug. 7 at www. beth-el-omaha.org.

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

Beth israel syNagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer.

Friday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Friday Learning with Rabbi Shlomo, 11:15 a.m. at the JCC; Mincha/Ma’ariv & Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 8:20 p.m. saturday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Insights in the Weekly Torah Reading, 7:15 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 8 p.m.; Havdalah, 9:23 p.m. suNday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.

MoNday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Eye on Israel with Rabbi Shlomo, noon at the JCC Library; Tamudic Tales with Rabbi Shlomo, 1 p.m. at the JCC Library; Mincha, 8:30 p.m.; Fast Begins, 8:41 p.m.; Understanding Eicha — What Are We Really Mourning, 9:15 p.m. tuesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. wedNesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Board of Commissioners Meeting, 6:30 p.m. thursday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Shlomo, noon.

chaBad house

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 9 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. followed by a festive kiddush luncheon. suNday: Shacharit, 8:30 a.m. followed by Sunday Secrets: Jewish Fun Facts class at 9:15 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: New Tanya Series -- The Anatomy of Your Soul: Who Are You?, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Mendel Katzman. thursday: Advanced Talmud Class, Noon with Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

Summer is here and there's no better way to spend it than with Chabad at Camp Gan Israel! Register today for camp!

Summer Camp Registration is OPEN! All programs are open to the entire community.

coNgregatioN B’Nai jeshuruN

Friday: Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m. led by the Temple Choir; Oneg, 7:30 p.m. hosted by Linda Glaser; Candlelighting, 8:20 p.m. saturday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Va-etchanan led by Keren Coulter; Havdalah (72 Minutes), 9:48 p.m. thursday: Trope Class, 6:15 p.m. with Michael Boekstal; Temple Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m.; High Holidays Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. If you want to be involved and aren't on the current choir member list, contact Elaine Monnier (402.327.9212 or emonnier@allophone.com), Holly Heffelbower (hheffel@inebraska.com), or ‘like’ South Street Temple High Holy Days Choir on Facebook. annual Back-to-school supplies drive: South Street Temple continues its tradition of providing supplies to students and teachers at Saratoga Elementary School. Eighty-six percent of Saratoga’s students are eligible for free or reduced lunch, double the average for Lincoln Public Schools. The school is specifically in need of the following items: Crayons, especially the twistable kind, Glue sticks, Pencils - mechanical and wooden (No. 2), Boxes of tissues, Hand Sanitizer, Sanitizer wipes, Pocket folders (2 pockets), Erasers and Composition notebooks. Please drop all donations in the totes labeled “Saratoga School Supply Drive” in the social hall by aug. 11. Thank you!

Rabbi Teri Appleby visit, thursday, aug. 10-sunday, aug. 13. She most recently having served as interim rabbi at Mizpah Congregation in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Please join us when you can welcome and get to know Rabbi Appleby.

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 Service and Picnic, 6 p.m. Enjoy music from George Walker Trio. Please bring your own picnic to enjoy after service or the La Casa Food Truck will be here for those who wish to purchase a meal; Friday Shabbat TiYPE Night, 6 p.m. Join our College age TiYPE for Shabbat services as Temple Israel, followed by picnic dinner at Temple! RSVP required. saturday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Services, 10:30 a.m. Torah Reader: Mike Siegel and Haftarah Reader: Miles Remer.

suNday: Maj Jongg Tournament, 8 a.m. Registration fee is $35 and includes continental breakfast, lunch and one raffle ticket. RSVP required.

Jewish Heritage Day at Werner Park: Omaha Storm Chasers vs Iowa Cubs, sunday, aug. 13, 2:05 p.m. The Jewish Federation of Omaha is sponsoring a day at the ballpark! Join the entire community for this family-friendly baseball game featuring the Omaha Stormchasers vs. the Iowa Cubs. Details about purchasing discounted tickets will be available closer to the big day. If you want to be part of the team planning this event, please reach out to JFO Director of Community Engagement & Education.

Temple Israel Golf Outing, Monday, aug. 14, noon at Shadow Ridge Country Club. Please contact the Temple Israel office, 402-556-6536, to sign up.

tiFereth israel

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Friday: Services, 6:30 p.m. saturday: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. We will celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Ari Maccabi, son of Aryeh and Chaya of Sioux Falls, SD. Our regular morning service will be followed by a kiddush lunch sponsored by the Maccabi family.

Please come and show your support for this young family that will be moving to Lincoln in October.

Tifereth Israel's 8th Annual Shabbat on the Green/New Member Dinner will be Friday, aug. 11. 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 MONDAY, AUG. 7.

Join your Tifereth Israel friends for a solar eclipse viewing party on Monday aug. 21 hosted by Seth Harris at his home at 15049 S. 46th St., Roca, NE 68430. A Kosher dairy potluck lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. Bring a comfy chair or blanket.

RSVP to Nava in the office!

Please join us for the Jewish Federation of Lincoln Shabbat on Friday, aug. 25, 6-9 p.m. at Antelope Park enclosed shelter (between the playground and Auld Pavilion). The schedule of events is set up and park play time, 6-6:30 p.m., FamilyFriendly Shabbat Service, 6:45 p.m. and Potluck Dinner, 7:15 p.m. Please bring a dairy or pareve dish to share. If you participated in a Jewish camp this summer, please bring photos and memories to share. All members of our community are welcome!

jewish press Notices

The Jewish Press will be closed on thursday and Friday, sept. 21 and 22 for Rosh Hashanah, thursday oct. 5 for Sukkot. The deadline for the Sept. 29 issue is Monday, sept. 18, noon; for the Oct. 13 issue it is tuesday, oct. 3, 9 a.m., Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

iconic einstein 'tongue' photo brings $125,000 at auction LOS ANGELES | JTA A famous photo of Albert Einstein sticking out his tongue at a photographer and signed by the renowned scientist has been sold for $125,000. e Nate D. Sanders auction house in announcing the sale ursday evening did not reveal the buyer’s identity. e Hebrew University stands to benefit from the latest sale, since Einstein bequeathed his estate, including the use of his image, to the Jerusalem institution.

United Press International photographer Arthur Sasse took the picture on March 14, 1951, while covering Einstein's 72nd birthday party given by his colleagues at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. Einstein had tired of smiling for photographers at the party, and when Sasse renewed the request, the scientist instead stuck out his tongue.

UPI editors initially hesitated to publish the irreverent photo, but when they did Einstein was so amused, he ordered nine prints to give to close friends. e $125,000 selling price reflected the value placed on a photo bearing Einstein’s signature.

While the photo is generally shown cropped

with only Einstein in the picture, the auctioned version represents the original, with Einstein seated between his hosts, Dr. Frank Aydelotte, head of the Institute for Advanced Study, and his wife. e 7-by-10-inch photo was on the market in 2009, when it was sold at auction for $74,324.

Einstein’s March 14 birthday continues to be celebrated in Princeton as Pi Day because the 3/14 date corresponds to 3.14, the first three digits of the mathematical constant pi.

Einstein, who died in 1955, assisted numerous Jewish institutions and organizations during his lifetime, including the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. In the 1930s and '40s, he helped to raise money for the global wire service, was photographed inspecting its printing press and carried on a correspondence with JTA founder Jacob Landau.

Einstein’s name has retained its universal recognition as a synonym for supreme intelligence. e National Geographic television channel has just concluded airing a miniseries titled “Genius,” with Geoffrey Rush and Johnny Flynn as the older and younger Einstein, respectively.

The Jewish Press | August 4, 2017 | b7

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Transgender Rabbi

Continued from page A7 our service members,” said Rona, referencing the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Gen. Joe Dunford, and Secretary of Defense James Mattis.

Immediately after the president tweeted about the ban, Dunford said there has been no change in policy “until the President’s direction has been received by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary has issued implementation guidance. In the meantime, we will continue to treat all of our personnel with respect.”

Mattis, who was on vacation and caught off guard by the president’s tweets, reportedly was “appalled” by Trump’s call for a ban.

“These tweets are ill-informed, ill-advised, and they were made without the backing or consultation of the Chiefs of Staff or Congress – such a policy has to be made with both of them,” said Rona.

Rona is right. Tweets are not the way to make policy. We urge the president to sit down with his Joint Chiefs of Staff and defense secretary to develop a policy with the backing of research as well as regard and respect for the individuals who have served our nation with honor.

Until then, Rona will proudly tell anyone that she is “the only nuclear-qualified, transgender rabbi,” and we’re proud to have her.

Anna selman is the programs and public relations coordinator for Jewish war Veterans of the U.s.A. and an Army veteran.

This dog does a Nazi salute. The guy who trained him says it’s not a hate crime.

JTA news sTAff A Scottish man arrested for teaching his girlfriend’s dog to do the Nazi salute denied in court that he committed a hate crime.

Mark Meechan, 29, taught the pug, named Buddha, to respond with the Nazi salute when prompted by statements such as “Heil Hitler” and “gas the Jews.”

Meechan posted videos of the dog performing the trick on YouTube.

He appeared in court last week aer being arrested in May and charged with committing a hate crime and posting a video that was grossly offensive. e original video, posted last September on his YouTube

channel, Count Dankula, has been viewed more than 2.8 million times. Meechan said on the video that he trained the dog to annoy his girlfriend.

“My girlfriend is always ranting and raving about how cute and adorable her wee dog is, so I thought I would turn him into the least cute thing I could think of, which is a Nazi,” he said.Meechan later posted a video in which he apologized for the original dog clips, saying it was a joke and that he has no such political leanings.

“I am so sorry to the Jewish community for any offense I have caused them. is was never my intention and I apologize,” he said in that video.

See full Jewish Press digital issues: https://issuu.com/jewishpress7

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b8 | The Jewish Press | August 4, 2017

food

How to make Rainbow Falafel aly MilleR The Nosher via JTA he rainbow bagel trend, admittedly, isn’t my favorite. Neon just isn’t that appetizing to me, and I’ve always been suspicious of too much food coloring. I do love colorful foods, though, as long as those vibrant hues come from things like spices, herbs, flowers (like these fuchsia hibiscus donuts!), fruits and vegetables.

While making falafel the other day, we were inspired by the bright shade of green that resulted from just a few handfuls of fresh cilantro and parsley. We were using our friend Sandy Leibowitz’s recipe for falafel sliders, which is so easy and delicious that we decided to try and make other shades of falafel.

Working with a base of chickpeas, spring onions and a light handful of herbs, we added turmeric and beets to create different colors. Turmeric, of course, turned our falafel bright yellow and gave off a delicious, fragrant aroma. In our next batch, we added a small cooked beet, yielding bright pink.

In a food world that’s buzzing about flamin’ hot Cheetos bagels and unicorn food, we’re proud to bring a slightly less flashy rainbow-hued meal to the table.

Rainbow falafel certainly doesn’t stop here — how about harissa paste for a bright orange falafel, or spirulina powder for a sea foam green? Now go get cooking, er, frying.

Note: is recipe was inspired by Lei-

Credit: Aly Miller bowitz’s recipe for falafel sliders.

Aly Miller is a freelance food writer and illustrator. See her artwork at alymiller.squarespace.com. e Nosher food blog offers a dazzling array of new and classic Jewish recipes and food news, from Europe to Yemen, from challah to shakshuka and beyond. Check it out at www.eNosher.com.

Rainbow FalaFel

Ingredients: For classic (green) falafel: 1 1/2 cups dry chickpeas (soaked overnight) 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves 1/2 cup scallions, sliced (white and light green parts only) 2 tsp. garlic, minced 2 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. ground coriander For the yellow (turmeric) falafel: 1 1/2 cups garbanzo beans (soaked overnight in water) 1 small bunch fresh parsley 4 cloves garlic 1 tsp. salt 2 tsp. cumin 1 tsp. dried turmeric 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper Pinch cayenne pepper (optional) For the pink (beet) falafel: 1 1/2 cups garbanzo beans (soaked overnight in water) 2 cups beets, chopped and microwaved for 8 minutes or steam till slightly cooked 2 tsp. paprika 2 Tbsp. cilantro finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2-3 Tbsp. unbleached all-purpose flour or chickpea flour Vegetable oil for frying Pita bread for serving (optional) israeli salad for serving (optional)

Pickles for serving (optional) Tahini for serving (optional) Preparation: The night before you are going to make falafel, soak the dry chickpeas in a bowl with at least 3 inches of water covering them.

When you are ready to start making the falafel, drain the chickpeas from the water and ensure they are very dry. Pat them dry with paper towel or dish towel to remove excess water.

To make the classic falafel: Place chickpeas, herbs, garlic and seasoning in a food processor fitted with blade attachment. Pulse until they start to bind.

To make the yellow falafel: Place chickpeas, parsley, garlic, spices and seasoning in a food processor fitted with blade attachment. Pulse until they start to bind.

To make the pink falafel: Place chickpeas, beets, cilantro, spices and seasoning in a food processor fitted with blade attachment. Pulse until they start to bind.

Allow falafel mixture(s) to sit in fridge 15 minutes.

While falafel is sitting in fridge, heat vegetable oil in large pot or deep fryer on medium-high heat (around 350 F. if using a thermometer).

Form falafel into approximately tablespoon-sized balls. Balls should be roughly the same size, so they cook evenly.

Fry until golden all over, around 3-4 minutes.

Remove from oil and drain on paper towel. If desired, sprinkle lightly with salt while still hot.

Serve with pita bread, Israeli salad, pickles, tahini, fresh herbs or French fries, if desired.

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