Endowed by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
Friedel’s special teachers
August 28, 2015 13 Elul 5775 Vol. 95 | No. 50
This Week
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN for Friedel Jewish Academy In addition to Friedel Jewish Academy’s four general studies teachers and two Jewish studies instructors, the school employs five special teachers. Their specialties range from library, physical education, music, resource and art. “Giving students the opportunity to gain experience in these specialty areas is so important to a well-rounded curriculum,” explained Friedel’s Head of School Beth Cohen. Tuesday is library day at Friedel, and Librarian Ashley Barrow sees every student that day. Beginning her sixth year at Friedel, Barrow’s goal is “to get a new book to every student as often as possible.” She also tests the children for reading proficiency and substitute teaches at the school when needed. “FJA is a tight community of people who care about education, children and family,” Barrow added. “It has been an amazing place to learn and grow with the students.” Deb Johnson has worked in the fitness industry for more than ten years and has “a passion for staying healthy,” she admits. “One of the most important accomplishments I could be rewarded with is to pass on to children a healthy lifestyle by way of activity and diet. It truly is a life
Teens get the right message Page 3
It’s time for the Blumkin Home County Fair Page 5
Band practice with Jim Misner commitment and, hopefully, my influence on the kids at an early age will stay with them for a lifetime. I want any kind of movement to be fun no matter what each child chooses,” she insisted. For the past four years, that’s what she’s been doing at Friedel. “In turn,” Johnson said, “being at Friedel has rewarded me with a new knowledge of the Jewish faith along with many new friends” for which she is “extremely thankful.” In addition to the program Johnson teaches, Friedel’s physical education curriculum includes weekly swimming taught by Jewish Com-
Fiber art that tells a story Ezra and Adeev Potash play Toast of the Old Market Page 11
Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
Next Month Rosh Hashanah See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press
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by SCOTT LITTKY Program Director, Temple Israel An exhibit titled Sewing Stories, Fiber Art That Tells a Story by Heather G. Stoltz, is now on display in the Simon Community Court at Temple Israel. Ms. Stoltz is a fiber artist whose quilted wall hangings and fabric sculptures are inspired by social justice issues and Jewish texts. Stoltz, named as one of The Jewish Week’s “36 Under 36″ for 2012, received a 2011 Manhattan Community Art
Funds grant for Temporary Shelter, her installation piece about homeless New Yorkers. Her work has been exhibited nationally and featured in Jewish Threads, Creative Quilting: The Journal Quilt Project and several other publications. She was a Drisha Arts Fellow 2008‐2010 and was an Artist-‐inResidence at the 2008 National Havurah Committee Summer Institute. Heather lives in Westchester, NY with her husband Rabbi Geoffrey Mitelman and their daughter Caroline. When asked to describe her artwork by the New Vilna Review, Ms. Stoltz said, “As a fiber artist, I create fabric sculptures and quilted wall hangings based on Jewish texts. When most people hear the word quilt, they think of a traditional bed quilt, but art quilts and fiber art have truly transformed this medium. The textures of the fabrics and dimensionality that can be achieved through different stitching methods Continued on page 3
munity Center lifeguards. A 45-year veteran of teaching band and orchestra in schools in Iowa and Nebraska, Jim Misner was practicing his tennis serve one day at the JCC when “50 kids came out for recess. A young man came over and said, ‘Sir, would you mind if I went on the other side of the net and threw your balls back to you?’” Misner thanked the youngster and accepted his offer. Soon there were 50 kids on the tennis court. Two teachers supervising the students learned that Misner taught music and, after apologizing for their
students upsetting his routine, asked Misner if he would be interested in teaching orchestra at Friedel. “Friedel and the kids needed me so it wasn’t a hard decision to help them out,” explained Misner, a published composer/arranger. This fall, he begins his third year of teaching instrumental music at Friedel three half-days a week. “Some of our young musicians are really talented, and all are a lot of fun. Many even practice! I believe every student should learn group discipline and have the chance to perform in front of the public.” A veteran of 34 years as a special education teacher with Omaha Public Schools, Sindie Katskee has also been an OPS and Friedel substitute teacher. She’s been teaching Sunday School -from Torah Tots to seventh graders -- at Beth El Synagogue for approximately 15 years. Two of her daughters are former Friedel students. Last year, Katskee began as Friedel’s resource teacher working part time with students in all grades who need extra help. “I love the small class sizes at Friedel and how everyone knows everyone. As the resource teacher, I have been able to share so much and learn from each of the teachers,” she pointed out. “I enjoy Continued on page 3
The Final Act! by GABBY BLAIR The third and final act of the 2015 JCC Backyard Concert Series wraps up with Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal this Sunday, Aug. 30 from 5-7 p.m. on the back lawn of the
Nashville Scene, Jazz Weekly and Blues Blast Magazine. Hoyer, the band’s sole song writer, has been often compared to a combination of great influences such as Otis Redding, Al Green, Curtis May-
Omaha JCC. A rising star in smooth funk-R&B-Soul, JHATS is a classic story of local band makes good. Lead man Hoyer has been described by the Omaha Reader and Gulf Coast News Today as “one of Lincoln-Omaha scenes’s finest song writers” whose “rich, soulful and distinctive vocals... and topnotch band, including a blazing horn section, definitely make this group worth a listen.” Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal have recently released their second album entitled Living by the Minute (Silver Street Records) that has received much acclaim from critics with the
field, and James Brown, and his band is on fire. Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal are currently touring the nation and Katz says, “We are certainly fortunate to have them booked for our final show of the series!” The JCC Backyard Concert Series is open to the public free of charge and desserts will be available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring camp chairs, blankets, and picnics, if they wish. Pets and alcohol are permitted. However, concert goers are asked to be considerate of others and to remember Continued on page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | August 28, 2015
Center for Jewish Life programs: it’s a colorful calendar by MARK KIRCHHOFF Center for Jewish Life In its mission to maximize involvement of the Omaha Jewish community in imaginative, compelling, and meaningful Jewish experiences, the Center for Jewish Life calendar is packed with a variety of offerings designed to pique the interests of a wide range of ages. Omaha’s charismatic Community Shaliach Eliad Eliyahu continues his monthly Eye on Israel series on the second Tuesday of the month. Mark Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, and Dec. 8 from noon-1 p.m. as dates and times you won’t want to miss hearing current news and feature topics about Israel. In September he will focus on Jewish extremists in Israel. These sessions are open to the community free of charge. The on-going Friday Learning Series which meets from 11 a.m.-noon in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library will feature the ever-popular Dr. Leonard Greenspoon of Creighton University on Sept. 18, 25 and Oct. 2. Focusing on Pirkei Avot, the title of Dr. Greenspoon’s class is Father Knows Best? How We Can Apply the Ancient Wisdom of Pirkei Avot to the Modern World. In October, Assaf Gavron returns for a three-session class, the dates and topic yet to be finalized. Dr. Moshe Gersovich focuses on Jewish history in France during his three-week class, From Rashi to Dreyfus and Beyond: A Brief History of France and Its Jews. Classes are $26, reduced to $21 for donors to the Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign. The Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group meets on the third Thursday of each month from 1-2 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. The group welcomes new participants. Information about book selections is available by contacting Shirly Banner at 402.334.6462 or sbanner@ jewishomaha.org. Scott Littky, Program Director at Temple Israel, returns again this year to teach Exploring Judaism. This 20-session course meets Monday evenings, Oct. 12 through March 7. The class is designed to provide basic information about Judaism to those considering conversion and to provide a great opportunity for anyone in the Jewish community to revisit the principles of their faith and the richness of the practices of Jewish living. For more details and to download a brochure with syllabus and registration form, visit the CJL section at www.jewishomaha.org. The annual Jewish Book Month Luncheon will be held on Nov. 12 beginning at 11:45 a.m. Guest author will be Pam Jenoff, who will discuss her book The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach, the November selection for the Dorothy
Kaplan Book Discussion Group. Pam is the internationally bestselling author of several novels, including The Kommandant’s Girl and The Winter Guest. Pam served as the politically-appointed Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Army at the Pentagon and as a diplomat for the State Department in Poland, specializing in Holocaust issues and Polish-Jewish relations. Reservations will be required for the luncheon. Complete details will be furnished through the Jewish Press and email notifications. Sunday, Nov. 16 is the date for the Global Day of Jewish Learning. This year’s theme is Love: Devotion, Desire and Deception. The keynote speaker will be Ron Wolf, noted author and Professor of Education in the Graduate Center for Education at the American Jewish University. The breakout sessions with local presenters will explore parental love, sibling rivalries, true love and more. On Saturday evening, Dec. 26, it will be A Celebration of PJ Library Fun at the Omaha Children’s Museum. This event has become a popular tradition with PJ Library families and those Jewish families interested in the PJ Library program. PJ Library offers free, high quality books and music each month to more than 100,000 children in over 175 communities in the United States, Canada and Israel. Jewish children in Omaha who are ages six months through eight years old can take advantage of this amazing opportunity. Continued on page 5
JCC Backyard Concert Series Continued from page 1 that the JCC campus is entirely smoke free, so please, refrain from smoking. In the unfortunate case of rain, the concerts will be held in the JCC Theater. While there is no cost to attend, please consider bringing donations for Jewish Family Service to help those in need. JFS is specifically requesting donations of unexpired pasta sauce, pasta, 15-oz cans of fruits in juice, vegetables, toilet paper, deodorant, and disposable razors. Look for the speciallymarked donation blue bins as you enter the concert. Any questions should be directed to Esther Katz, JCC Cultural Arts Director 402.334.6406 or at ekatz@jccomaha.org. Many thanks to the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund, the Herbert Goldsten Trust and the Jewish Federation of Omaha Special Donor-Advised Fund for generously funding The 2015 JCC Omaha Backyard Concert Series. The support of these donors helps bring our community together through The Arts.
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Teens get the right message by SHERRIE SAAG Communications, Jewish Federation Omaha Strength, courage, passion, conviction and fortitude. Words that certainly describe Lone Soldier Izzy Ezagui. He will visit Omaha on Sept. 9 and 10 and is making a special appearance for Jewish Omaha teens on Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. at the JCC as part of the Federation 2016 Annual Campaign. At 19 years old, Izzy left the comfort and security of a Miami upbringing and joined the Israel Defense Forces. His inspiring story will resonate with teens and is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. “I didn’t know a word of Hebrew,” Izzy had recalled. “It was really difficult.” He admits he wasn’t fully contemplating the risks. “Naïve is not even the word for how I was,” he said. “I was stupid. I was an 18-year-old kid… I didn’t really think much about it, and I was definitely not scared. I didn’t overthink it.” After nine months of training, his brigade was sent to the Gaza border where, shortly after, he was struck by a mortar shell. Izzy lost his dominant left arm in the attack. “The mortars should have killed me and all my friends on the spot,” he said. “Yet when I woke up after surgery, I had this intense desire to return to my unit. I decided from day one I wanted to go back to the army, and back to combat.”
Izzy best describes his frame of mind at the time. “My injury hadn’t occurred for any profound reason, and nothing would come of this mess—unless I made it happen myself. What could I do that would salvage this nightmare and turn it into success? Then it hit me. I had to go back.” At the time, his thoughts included, “How could I inspire the soldiers around me? How could I not help ignite a passion in those who want to stand up for Israel?” His request, however, was met with strong resistance from Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who nicely told the teen that he could not rejoin the IDF in a military position, Izzy remembered. Izzy wouldn’t take no for an answer. He was persistent; crediting the “chutzpah” he said he learned from other Israelis. “I thought, ‘What’s the most amazing thing I can do with my situation?’ And I realized right away it was going back. And that was something that was just unheard of.” He was repeatedly turned down until Yoav Gallant, Israel’s General of Credit: Izzy Ezagui Southern Command at the time, said “Okay” when Izzy asked to return to the front lines. He needed to retest and had to figure out everything from scratch, un-jamming an assault rifle, reloading guns, climbing rope and jumping over 7-foot walls. Then, he was asked how he planned to use a grenade. “I finally figured out that if I wrap enough scotch tape around the pin I could yank it out with my teeth,” he said.
Teachers at Friedel provide special opportunities Having known Beth Cohen Continued from page 1 from working together on seeing my students succeed.” some art projects for the This year, Katskee “looks National Council of Jewish forward to helping and learnWomen, Noddle was asked by ing with my students. Each Cohen to teach an all-school one is different, and their structured art program. learning styles may require There’s an art history compoextra effort and time. When a nent to that, Noddle student is successful, I am so explained. “I like to introduce proud of them.” the masters to the students.” Just starting at Friedel this The youngsters will also do year, Kim Noddle will be the hands-on drawing, painting, art teacher. “My passion has collage, print making and always been art,” said Noddle, Art class with teacher Kim Noddle sculpture projects. “I’m more who minored in art when earning her elementary education degree. She started teach- interested in the creative process than the product,” Noddle ing art in her home about seven years ago, opened the added. Looking forward to working with the students, Noddle ArtRoom in Rockbrook Shopping Center three years ago, and now is teaching at home again. She’ll be at Friedel every said, “They were wonderful on the first day. I’ve always enjoyed working with elementary age kids.” Thursday working with all the students.
“And that’s how I throw grenades.” Five months later Izzy passed a commander training test – the first soldier in Israel’s army to ace the exam with such a disability. Now that he’s returned to civilian life, he hopes to serve as proof that anyone can reach even the most unattainable goal if armed with passion and a refusal to take no for an answer. “I could have been dead. I’m not. I could have left the service and the commitment that brought me to Israel. I didn’t. Regardless of the severity of a situation, we have options, and often the toughest of them offer the greatest personal growth.” Don’t let your teens miss meeting this incredible young man and hearing his story in person. Bring them to the JCC campus with their friends on Sept. 9. For more information, contact Steve Levinger, Chief Development Officer, slevinger@jewishomaha.org. Foxnews.com and The Times of Israel contributed to this story.
Art that tells a story Continued from page 1 are exciting and inspiring. I often incorporate threedimensional elements into my wall hangings and also create free standing and suspended fiber art pieces.” Deborah Nussbaum Cohen of The Forward asked her to explain how Jewish text was important to her creative process when working on the Temporary Shelters project. She states, “My work is also inspired by Jewish texts, and there are two quotes that guided this piece. Sefer Hasidim teaches us that “If a community lacks a place of worship and a shelter for the poor, it is first obligated to build a shelter for the poor.” And in Vayikra Rabbah 34:1, we learn that “Rabbi Yonah said: The verse does not say ‘Happy is the one who gives to a poor person’ rather, it says: ‘Happy is the one who considers a poor person; (Psalms 41:2). Therefore, you must consider how best to benefit such a person.” Further in her exhibit, Text Through Texture: Midrash Through Making, Heather G. Stoltz said the following about one of the pieces, Baruch She’Amar: Turning Speech into Action. “Each morning, we recite the words “Baruch She’Amar v’haya ha’olam – Blessed is the One who spoke the world into being.” The quilt depicts several people who have changed the world through their words. A box near the center reads “Your Photo Here” challenging the viewer to decide what s/he will say to make a difference in the world.” The exhibit is open to the community. On the afternoon of Yom Kippur, Rabbi Azriel will lead a discussion centered on the exhibit and, again, this program is open to the public. To learn more about the work of Heather G. Stoltz please visit her website - http://sewingstories.com.
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4 | The Jewish Press | August 28, 2015
September Community Calendar FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 Alzheimer's Support Group, 10:30 a.m. at RBJH FLS: Eliad-Diversity in Israel, 11 a.m. Beth El Serves Lunch at NE AIDS Coalition, 11:30 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Mainstreeters Movie, 12:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH BESTT Weekday Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Izzy Ezagui - BBYO and religious school teens, 6 p.m. Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Beth El BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at JCC
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Tot Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Toast of the Old Market with the Potash Twins, 2 p.m.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Elul Adult Ed Series, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Center for Jewish Life Board Meeting, noon Federation Lion of Judah Luncheon, noon Shanghai Lessons, 1 p.m. at Beth El Beth Israel Med Center Chabura, 1 p.m. at UNMC Federation Pacesetter event, 6 p.m. Avot U-Banim Parent & Child Learning, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Beth Israel Night Learning Brews and Jews, 8:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 Temple Israel 5th Sunday Breakfast Service, 7:30 a.m. at Stephen Center Yachad Riverboat Tour, 9 a.m. BESTT Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Backyard Concert Series, 5 p.m. Beth El Cooking/Serving at Stephen Center, 5:30 p.m. at Stephen Center MONDAY, AUGUST 31 Teen Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 Beth El Lunch and Learn, noon at Spirit World WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH BESTT Talmud Torah, 4:15 p.m. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Elul Adult Ed Series, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Beth Israel Med Center Chabura, 1 p.m. at UNMC Avot U-Banim Parent & Child Learning, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Beth Israel Night Learning Brews and Jews, 8:30 p.m. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Pre-Selichot Concert & Selichot, 11 p.m. at Beth Israel SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Labor Day - JCC Health & Fitness Center open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 Beth El Lunch and Learn, noon at Spirit World Eye on Israel with Eliad Eliyahu, noon Introduction to the High Holidays Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Wrestling with Rashi (Beit Midrash), 8 p.m. at Beth Israel
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Alzheimer's Support Group, 10:30 a.m. at RBJH Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 BESTT Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Synagogue Discovery Tour, 9:45 a.m. Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Musical Theater Rehearsals, 3 p.m. Tashlich Picnic, 5 p.m. at Beth Israel MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Mainstreeters Lunch, 11 a.m. at RBJH Teen Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Friedel Board Meeting, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Erev Yom Kippur JSS Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 JCC Closed for Yom Kippur
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Shabbat's Cool K-7, 10 a.m. at Beth El Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur Crash Course, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Erev Rosh Hashanah Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Musical Theater Rehearsals, 3 p.m.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Beth Israel Med Center Chabura, 1 p.m. at UNMC Avot U-Banim Parent & Child Learning, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Beth Israel Night Learning Brews and Jews, 8:30 p.m. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Alzheimer’s Support Group, 10:30 a.m. at RBJH FLS: Leonard Greenspoon, 11 a.m. Beth El Serves Lunch @ NE AIDS Coalition, 11:30 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Beth Israel brings Shabbat to the RBJH, 2:30 p.m. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Sukkot Crash Course, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 JCC Closed for Rosh Hashanah TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 JCC Closed for Rosh Hashanah WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH BESTT Weekday Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Elul Adult Ed Series, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Foundation PACE/LOJE Luncheon, 11 a.m. at Happy Hollow Beth Israel Med Center Chabura, 1 p.m. at UNMC Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. Avot U-Banim Parent & Child Learning, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel JCC Board meeting, 7 p.m. Beth Israel Night Learning Brews and Jews, 8:30 p.m. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 FLS: Leonard Greenspoon, 11 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Erev Sukkot Babies, Bigger Kids & Bagels, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El BESTT Sunday Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Bagels & Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Musical Theater Rehearsals, 3 p.m. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 JCC Closed for Sukkot TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Yom Tov Meal in the Sukkah, 11:30 a.m. Beth Israel Beth El/Friedel Academy Soup in Sukkah, noon at Beth El WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Breadbreakers, noon at RBJH BESTT Weekday Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Beth El BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at JCC
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Torah Shabbat, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El
All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Pat Anson at 402.334.8200. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.
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August 28, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 5
It’s time for the Blumkin Home County Fair by OZZIE NOGG performance with an audience participation Step right up, ladies, gents and kids of all dance, either Hava Nagila or a beautiful ages. Even in the middle of the city, there’s Israeli waltz. We’re really looking forward to nothing like a County Fair. The Midway on our appearance at the Blumkin Home Main Street at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home will offer fun, food and entertainment from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30. “The afternoon promises to be a fabulous intergenerational event,” said Mary Heiman, a Rose Blumkin Home Activity Director who is coordinating the program. “You’ll want to be there for the carnival games, The Omaha International Folk Dancers pictured: Ophir Palmon, 4-H type agricultural left, Marissa Sheets, Larisa Treskunova, Dr. David Nichols, displays, live farm aniJennifer Forbes-Baily, Jean McIntosh, Dr. Catherine Rudin, Roman mals, popcorn, funnel Kozak, Dr. Lorraine Duggin, Alice Love and Joan Wallace. Not piccakes, apples with tured: Becky and Denny Neff. caramel, ice cream and lemonade. The entire community is invited.” County Fair.” Also on the entertainment bill The Omaha International Folk Dancers is Omaha’s Community Shaliach, Eliad are the featured entertainment. According Eliyahu Ben Shushan, who will stroll the to Jennifer Forbes-Baily, President of the hallways, singing with his guitar. Omaha International Folk Dancers and “This is the season for County Fairs,” Director of Advising at UNO, Business Heiman said. “It’s wonderful to be able to College, “When we’re not dancing, members duplicate the experience for our residents of our group engage in varied careers, and the entire community right here at the including artist/photographer/engineer; Blumkin Home.” yoga instructor, physical therapist, anatomy The Aug. 30 program is a joint effort of professor, teacher, language professor, pub- LOVE (League Offering Volunteers for the lished poet, docent at Henry Doorly Zoo, Elderly) and the RBJH Activities and business owner who translates French Department staff. The Blumkin Home and Spanish. But each of us enjoys putting County Fair is underwritten by these funds those activities aside so we can put on administered by the Jewish Federation of authentic costumes and perform folk dances Omaha Foundation: The Sheldon A. and from Eastern Europe, South America and Lorrie Bernstein Endowment Fund; The other countries, including Israel. In honor of Betty A. Studna and Seymour T. Lee the late Rose Blumkin, we’re including three Endowment Fund; and The Chester and Russian folk dances. We plan to close our Phyllis Lustgarten Endowment Fund.
Center for Jewish Life Programs Continued from page 2 You need not wait until December to find out more or to sign up. Visit the CJL section at www.jewishomaha.org. The Center for Jewish Life also wants to give the community an early reminder about the Klutznick Harris Schwalb Symposium that will be held Oct. 25 and 26. This year’s theme is This World and the World to Come in Jewish Belief and Practice. The symposium is a collaborative effort of the Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University, the Harris Center for Judaic Studies at the University of NebraskaLincoln, and the Schwalb Center for Israel
and Jewish Studies at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Watch the Press for full details in coming weeks. So, get your calendars out and start reserving the dates for any or all of the amazing programs available in the weeks ahead. Detailed information for all programs, classes and events will be published in the Jewish Press, through emails, on the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s website, and, hopefully, through your word-of-mouth. For questions or to register, please contact Mark at 402.334.6463 or mkirchhoff@jew ishomaha.org. Looking forward to seeing you!
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6 | The Jewish Press | August 28, 2015
August 28, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 7
Rabbi Hillel said
“If I am not for myself, who will be? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” These words remind us that though self-interest is our right, we also have a duty to care for others. Today. For over a century, Jewish Family Service of Omaha has focused on providing crucial aid to individuals, couples and families facing challenges in their lives. Between July, 2014 and June, 2015, our efforts have been sustained by the following contributors who chose to balance their own needs with the needs of others. Grants
Endowments
In Kind Donations
Contributions & Tribute Cards
Project Tzedakah
Friends Campaign
Friends Campaign
Friends Campaign
Members of our community deserve to live with dignity. These grants provide financial assistance, counseling services, YACHAD activities and other critical programs that strengthen Jewish family life.
Mark and Sophie Sturm Immigrant Education Fund
Debra Kronick
Max and Sissi Lapides
Susie Norton
Lisa Lieb
Michael Levine
Ann Pickel
Friend for Life Mr. and Mrs. Fred Simon
Patron Andi Willensky
Sponsor Nancy Rips
Nancy Noddle JFS Financial
Michael and Susie Norton
Thelma Lustgarten
Ellen Platt
Isaac and Susan Witkowski
Vic and Lynn Samuel
Assistance Fund
Robbie, Ann and Don Osborne
Mark and Julie Martin
Lawrie Pollack
Benefactor Anonymous (1)
Phil and Nancy Wolf
Phyllis Schwartz
Nathan and Rose Lillian Fine JFS T zedakah Endowment Fund
Sheila Priluck
Marks, Clare & Richards, LLC
Caryn Scheer
Frances Blumkin
Mace Hack and Rosie Zweiback
Gary and Liat Shyken
Wayne Schwartz
*Mike and Ducky Milder
Dorothy Spizman
Sue Meyers
Larry and Judi Yampolsky
Parsow and Simons Families Special Needs Community Fund
Susie Somberg
Murray and Sharee Newman
Shelly Stern
Murray and Sharee Newman
Supporter Anonymous (2)
Marcie Spivak
Alan and Sandy Nogg
Sonia Tipp
Allan S. Noddle
Ron and Beth Brodkey
Circle of Friends Anonymous (5)
Lauren Tam
Sarah “Babe” Nogg
Kori Wees
Steve and Patty Nogg
Harry Berman and Beth Cohen
Ann Belmont
Contributions & Tribute Cards
Helen Novak
Project Dreidel
Mike and Susie Norton
Judith Cooper
Mary Berman
Donations in honor and in remembrance of family and friends help meet the emotional and financial needs that accompany unexpected medical problems or the loss of employment.
Al Bloch and Fefe Passer
Sherman and Sandy Brodkey
Jeffrey and Sandra Passer
Justin and Joan Cooper
Cathy Christensen
Phil and Helga Pattersom
B’Nai B’rith/Henry Monsky Lodge
Lois (Lloyd) Friedman
Alan and Anne Cohen
Sheila Priluck and Family
Jason and Laurie Epstein
Angel Mike and Jill Erman
Kate Kirshenbaum
Larry Cohoon and Ida Berman Cohoon
Helen Rifkin
Ted and Jamie Freidland
Richard and Joanie Jacobson
Adam and Abigail Kutler
Michael and Penny Cox
Silvia Roffman
Nancy Heller
Larry and Debbi Josephson
Lourdes Secola & Shelly Lerner
Tuffy and Helen Epstein
Oliver and Karen Pollak
Shari Hess
Jerry and *Sylvia Kaiman
Scott and Jennifer Meyerson
Hersz Flatowicz
Larry and Sherry Shapiro
Jeff and Sharon Kirshenbaum
Gary and Sally Kaplan
Bob and Donna Olesh
Paulette Flatowicz
Michael and Patricia Sherman
Howard and Sharon Kooper
Gordon and Ann Moshman
Helen Rifkin
Scott and Debbie Friedman
Harriet Singer
Jay and Stacie Spies-Matz
Alan and Sandra Nogg
Judy Roffman
Dee Goodman
Dorothy Spizman
Joe and Tina Meyers
Edward and Carol Schneider
Larry and Sherry Shapiro
Don and Dolores Klein
Stewart and Judy Tully
Jon and Denise Meyers
Charlotte Zipursky
Dr. Judith K. Stern
Joseph and Leah Kosinovsky
Andi Willensky
Sue Meyers
Jim and Sally Zipursky
Leslie Kully
Mort Zuber
Scott and Jennifer Meyerson
Champion
Sponsor Anonymous (3)
Judy Zweiback
Troy and Jamie Meyerson
Jeff and Karen Gustafson
David and Carol Alloy
Michael Levine
Harris Family Endowment Fund Herbert Goldsten TrustThe Milton S. and Corrine N. Livingston Foundation, Inc. Phillip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation Lazier L. Singer Memorial Fund for Youth Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT); Qualilty of Life Grant Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation Samuel and Delma Goodman Youth Fund Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Supporting Foundation Sokolof Foundation Special Donor- Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation
Endowments Tikkun Olam -- repairing the world -is a moral obligation. Through these endowments, JFS continues to help people build lives of hope and joy.
Paul Alperson Endowment Fund Paul and Joy Grossman Family Endowment Fund Pennie Z. Davis Family Life Education Fund Perlmeter Family Jewish Family Service Assistance Fund Pitlor Family Transplant Support Endowment Fund
Beth El Synagogue
Richard “Pete” Lee Memorial Endowment Fund
Ike and Roz Friedman Foundation
Milton and Rosalie Saylan Endowment Fund for JFS
Harry and Doris Alloy
Ruth & Bernard Raskin Endowment Fund
Steve and Carol Bloch
Ruth & Otmar Liebenstein JFS Finanacial Assistance Endowment Fund
Frances Blumkin
Steven Block President’s Fund Yachad Endowment Fund
Wednesday Men’s Lunch Group Phyllis Aron
Sherman and Sandy Brodkey Sherry Buhrmann Frederick and Molline Cassman
Marshall and Barbara Kushner
In Kind Donations
Project Tzedakah
Alan and Linda Muskin
Bruce Meyers and Marty Tichauer
Rabbi Aryeh and Elyce Azriel
Patricia Mogil
Rose Cohen
The Talmud says, “A good friend is a tower of strength. To find one is to find a treasure.” Friends of JFS help families in crisis receive guidance to put their lives back in order.
Jason Blair
Nancy Noddle
Irv and Gail Veitzer
Gene and Maya Beckerman
Alan and Linda Muskin
Bob Cryne
Albert Bloch
Steve and Patty Nogg
William Pisetsky
Nancy Burkhart
Mike and Susie Norton
*Jerry and Janey Dann
Alan Potash and Amy Nachman
William and Nancy Ferer
Patron Howard and Sharon Epstein
Brian and Jennifer Bogdanoff
Toby Fellman
Arnold “Tuffy” Epstein
Fefe Passer and Al Bloch
Ron and Kaye Giller
Rose Davis
Merle and Ruth Potash
Jerry and Joanne Freeman
39 Forever
Judy Farber
Silvia Roffman
Shirley Goldstein
Teresa Drelicharz
Sheila Rosen
Howard and Sandee Friedman
Beth El Synagogue
Shelly Fox
Scott and Heidi Schneiderman
Rosalie Greenspan
Harold and Maneva Edelman
Toni Rosen
Leonard and Susan Goldberg
Temple Israel 2nd Grade
David Goldberg
Rabbi Maximo and Jeanne Shechet
David and Nancy Jacobson
Judith Feigin
Mark and Alla Rubezhin
Robert and Barbara Goodman
Rabbi Steve, Shira and Naama Abraham
Jack and Helene Shrago
Neal and Jody Malashock
Errol and Lynne Saltzman
Derek and Rebecca Groothuis
Andi Gordman
Annette S. Fettman
Jake and Mary Wine Fund
Chris Blumkin
Ted and Amee Zetzman
Susan Rothholz
Marc and Claudia Sherman
Bonnie Horwich
Shari Hess
Paul and Sally Fine
Jerome J. and Frances O. Milder Endowment Fund
Mike and Dani Christiansen
Kate Kirshenbaum
Steve and Joy Wees
Marcy Ruback
Alex and Mary Sue Grossman
Paul and Susie Shyken
Sylvia Jess
Jewish Family Service Campaign Custodial Fund
Asher Finkelstein
Nikki Kirshenbaum
Jim and Susan Silverman
Friends Campaign
Hannah Schwalb
Myrna Grumer
Arnold and Sheryn Joffe
Garbos Salon
Gary Kudym
Rocky Stern
Jewish Family Service Discretionary Fund
Manny and Carol Goldberg
Wendy Manvitz
Sissy Silber
Bruce and Margie Gutnik
Steve and Marilyn Tipp
Howard and Gloria Kaslow
Friend for Life Ike and Roz Friedman Foundation
Sarah Seldin
Beatrice Kay
Larry and Debbi Josephson
Jewish Family Service Endowment Fund
Robert and Barbara Goodman
Bruce Meyers
Friedland Family Foundation
Barry Snyder
Henry and Pam Monsky
Helen Weber
Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum
Kutler Dental Custodial Fund
Gary Javitch
*Mike and Ducky Milder
Rosalie Saylan
Harold and Alice Kosowsky
Babe Nogg
Lois Wine
Tom and Kate Kirshenbaum
Leo and Frances Rodick Memorial Endowment Fund
Debbi Josephson
Dyan Nathan
The Todd and Betiana Simon Foundation
Joanie Lehr
Phil and Helga Patterson
Alexander and Olga Kogan
*Of Blessed Memory
Fred Kader
Nancy Noddle
Bob and Barbara Goodman
Alan Potash and Amy Nachman
Cheryl Phillips
Jerry and Gail Kohll
Alan Nogg
Nancy Noddle
Art and Ruth Weiner
Sheila Priluck and Family
Paul and Edith Goldstein Endowment Fund Glazer Family Endowment Fund Harry and Fannie Stock Rothkop/ Theodore Rothkop Fund Howard and Judy Vann Family Education Fund Ike Friedman JFS Financial Assistance Fund
Louis Friedman Fund for New Americans
Ari and Sara Kohen and Family
Jewish Family Service is able to do its work because members of this remarkable community genuinely care about one another. Thank you for your generous support.
All contributions are as of June 30, 2015. We apologize if your name was omitted from this list. Please call JFS at 402-330-2024.
8 | The Jewish Press | August 28, 2015
Point of view
American Jewish Press Association Award Winner
Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008
Breathing free by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor “Not you,” she says. “I don’t mean you.” I’m chatting with one of my neighbors, and I sense a footin-mouth moment is imminent, so I calmly wait for what comes next. “I’m talking about the illegal immigrants. You came here legally.” Partially to teach her a lesson, and partially because I just want to see her reaction, I say: “No, I didn’t.” She pauses, and turns a little pale. Good. Now that I have her attention, I explain to her that, yes, I am legal today, but getting there was a long and hard road. I tell her about the scary consulate visits, the intrusive interviews (did I really marry my husband for love?) and the expensive medical testing. You know they took pictures of my brain? My brain! I don’t know that it does any good, because I secretly suspect that by “legal” she means something else. I come from a rich, Western European country; I speak English, am well educated and am beige instead of brown. I did not flee for political reasons. She thinks I’m okay because I am not from Mexico, or worse, from the Middle East. In other words, I pose no threat to her. Or so she thinks. The debate surrounding immigration in this country has turned ugly. It’s not just what is said, it’s how: immigrants, legal or not, are being dehumanized every day because it makes for really excellent headlines. In addition, there are several narratives that keep popping up in the public arena, myths that advance the notion that America is going downhill, and has immigrants to blame for it. How often do you hear politicians state that “we need to make America great again?” Or this one: “Let’s take our
country back.” Take it back from whom? Who took it? Last I checked, it was right where we left it. All joking aside, when we change the language with which we discuss a concept like immigration, and the conversation
starts to drift towards who-is-to-blame-for what, we should pause. We should ask ourselves: are we looking to make things better for everyone, or just for some? Are we separat-
ing “us” from “them?” What do we really mean when we use words like “illegals,” and “anchor babies?” What do we mean when we claim to be talking about “criminals” and not about all the other faceless nameless people who came from somewhere else in search of something better? Sure, some immigrants are criminals. So are some American citizens. Is a crime somehow more heinous if committed by an immigrant? Is a victim hurt more when her attacker has no documents? What if the attacker is here legally? What if he was brought here as a baby, is undocumented, but has lived here practically his entire life? Although most major news outlets have moved away from using the term “illegal” in their stories, something is festering in this country. As a nation, we classify people. We put them in groups: you belong here, you do not. Membership is not optional. But between the headlines and the comments on social media and the town hall rallies, those classifications turn divisive and hateful. We forget that, at the end of the day, we are all human beings. When we see people only as members of a certain group, when we generalize, we take away their complexity. We no longer see them as individuals, they are nameless and faceless numbers and thus appear to have less value. It’s a small jump from dehumanizing people through speech to actual mistreatment of others, including verbal and physical abuse. No matter what country we were born in, no matter who we are, we are all valuable. This country cannot function without immigrants. It never could. And during a time that the number of refugees worldwide is ever increasing, this country should set an example. We’ve all read the words of Emma Lazarus. But maybe it is time we read those words again, and really, really believe them.
Careful analysis, not political pressures, should sway Iran vote by JERROLD NADLER WASHINGTON (JTA) — This month, there is one question concerning the future safety and security of the United States and Israel: the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreed upon between the six world powers and Iran. We must decide what costs and risks are acceptable in order to avert the threat of an Iranian nuclear bomb. This is a decision that weighs heavily on all members of Congress — particularly on Jewish members. To make this decision properly requires consideration of what has led us to this point, a sober understanding of the reality we face and a determination to find the most responsible course of action given the options available. In 2002, Congress was faced with such a decision when we voted on the use of military force against Iraq. At the time, following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in my district, there was tremendous pressure to support the Bush administration’s crusade against Saddam Hussein. Never mind that some of us pointed to the Iranian regime as the bigger threat. When I voted against the resolution, I was the only Jewish member in the New York delegation to go against the President. And I took a lot of criticism as a result. But I made the decision based on careful thought and analysis, putting my emotions and politics to the side. I am proud of my vote, not only because history has shown that I was right, but because I was able to live up to my responsibilities in representing my country, my constituents and myself. Congress now faces a decision with equally large consequences and even greater political pressures. The JCPOA agreement is meant to address the central concern of Iran’s pursuit of a nuclear weapon. A nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable, not only because of the threat it would pose to the United States and our allies in the region, but also because, in the words of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,
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an Iranian nuclear weapon would represent “an existential threat to the State of Israel.” This is my mindset as I continue to examine the agreement and listen to arguments from all sides. As I said when the deal was first presented to Congress: It is crucial to understand its full ramifications, looking at the immediate and long-term security of the United States, of Israel and of our other allies, and the likely effectiveness and enforceability of the agreement in preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear weapon state. I do not yet know how I will vote. What I do know is that no member of Congress should take this decision lightly. We must do what we believe is best for the interests and security of the United States and Israel, which has been our strongest ally and closest friend. Over the past few weeks, I have been careful to take the time to study and understand the details, terms and probable consequences of the deal — making sure that we are asking questions rather than accepting assumptions — reserving final judgment until there has been full diligence in applying a critical eye and a clear head. In the end, my evaluation cannot be based on the ideal. I must determine whether the agreement accomplishes the primary goal of preventing an Iranian nuclear bomb, and then look at it in comparison with the other available alternatives. If an alternative puts us in a weaker and less secure position, is that alternative still preferable to a deal with serious and troubling flaws that undermine its ability to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon? I have deep reservations and concerns about some of the wider ramifications of this deal, and I continue to ask myself if the agreement can accomplish what we hope. After consulting with experts from all sides and speaking with officials at the highest levels, I believe there are four main prob-
lems that stand in the way of answering that question and, therefore, make this decision so difficult. First, the agreement provides a 15-year time frame, during which we can expect that Iran will not be able to become a nuclear-weapon state without the United States and our partners knowing about it first, and having enough time to respond appropriately. After those 15 years, there are few limits on Iran’s ability to produce highly enriched uranium, or to build out its nuclear infrastructure so long as it is stated to be for peaceful purposes. How will Iran be prevented from using that ability, and that enriched uranium, to “break out” to a nuclear bomb in a time frame too short for us to react effectively? What clear penalties will be in place to deter such a breakout? Second, as a result of the agreement, Iran’s position as a supporter of terrorism and a destabilizing force in the region may well be enhanced. What can we do to stop Iran from being legitimized as an international actor guilty of such illicit conduct? How will the world confront Iran’s bad behavior in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Israel or anywhere else after the agreement is implemented? Third, it seems that there are limited options for dealing with Iranian violations, particularly minor or mid-level offenses. We lack a clearly agreed-upon commitment of what will and will not be tolerated, and the actions that will be taken as a result. Can we establish definitively that Iran’s violations, big or small, will be unanimously condemned and swiftly punished, even if it puts the deal at risk? What is to be considered a major violation sufficient to bring about punitive action, and what violations will be considered too small to warrant a penalty? Finally, whichever decision Congress makes, Israel’s security will be at risk. Approving the agreement may place Iran Continued on page 9
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August 28, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 9
Is LGBT acceptance around the world lifting the tide for gay Jews? by CNAAN LIPHSHIZ At the dance, Simpson wore a painted beard as a tribute to they were almost secret societies,” Nassau said. “That we SALZBURG, Austria (JTA) — At one of this Alpine city’s Conchita, the transgender Austrian whose victory at the now have events, sometimes with the Jewish community, is finest hotels, an Argentinean Jew in a priest’s vestments is 2014 Eurovision Song Contest highlighted Austria’s embrace a sign of the times.” waltzing with a Jewish transgender woman from New York. of gays. This year Vienna unveiled gay-themed stoplights at Of the countries represented at the conference, only Israel, Nearby, an African-American Jew is swaying to the central pedestrian crossings. the United States and Canada have organizational framesounds of Johann Strauss while embracing a bearded man Tamas Buchler, a gay rights and Jewish community activist works specifically for religious LGBT Jews. from Hungary. Spectators from 22 countries gathIt has been a tough summer for the LGBT comer around in colorful costumes to watch those munity in Israel, despite the strides gays have brave enough to dance. made generally in the Jewish state. Two days prior The scene last week at the Hotel Schloss to the parade stabbing, two men severely beat Leopoldskron in Salzburg was a highlight of a three transgender women sitting at a café in Haifa, three-day conference for some 70 young Jewish nearly gouging out one woman’s eye. In June, a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists transgender woman was beaten and hit with food from around the world. They gathered to launch at Tel Aviv’s Azrieli mall. an international Jewish gay organization called These incidents are part of a rising tide of hate Eighteen:22 — a reference to the passage in crimes in Israel, according to the Tel Aviv-based Leviticus prohibiting gay sex — just two weeks Nir Katz Center against LGBT Violence. Its 2014 after the deadly stabbing of a 16-year-old girl at report documented dozens of physical assaults the Jerusalem gay pride parade. against LGBT individuals, and hundreds more The tragedy hung over the gathering. There was incidents of discrimination. a commemoration ceremony for the victim, Shira “It has been a horrible year. But, in parallel, gay Banki, and passionate fulminations against Israel’s Israelis are becoming better organized and legally government for failing to stop the perpetrator, equipped to deal with the attacks, with new allies Yishai Schlissel. A haredi Orthodox fanatic, he coming out in their defense,” Gal Ochovsky, an recently had been released from jail for stabbing Israeli gay rights advocate and award-winning three people at the same parade in 2005. director of the films “The Bubble” and “Walk on Robert Saferstein, second from left, with Jewish gay activists in Salzburg on Aug. Yet the Salzburg conference, which was organWater,” said at the conference in Austria. 12, 2015. Credit: Eighteen:22/Picture on the Fridge ized by Eighteen:22 founder Robert Saferstein as He noted the creation of the Nir Katz watchdog part of the Connection Points program of the Charles and from Budapest, said that despite rising xenophobia in his group in 2012, and the fact that Israel’s defense minister, Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, was no solemn native Hungary, “these days gay men can walk around hand Moshe Yaalon, published a string of videos supporting the affair. Participants came to network, strategize and celebrate in hand around the capital with little fear.” That would have LGBT community ahead of elections in March. recent advances in the fight for LGBT acceptance in Jewish been unthinkable 20 years ago, he noted. The parade stabbing led to some positive consequences, circles. Last year, the Jewish Community of Budapest elected as its too. Following the stabbing, Jerusalem’s chief rabbi, Aryeh Jewish communities around the world are seeing a shift CEO a 36-year-old convert to Judaism, David Schwezoff, Stern, posed for pictures with one of the six victims. toward greater acceptance of LGBT Jews in tandem with despite opposition by hardliners who said he was gay This was “an extremely powerful expression of solidarity greater acceptance of gays within wider society. because he used to perform at a cross-dressing club. that the murder prompted,” said Robert Saferstein, an OhioGay-friendly legislation in Europe, Israel and the United Chalking his crossdressing up to youthful follies, he denied born Jew who organized the conference and founded States — where this week a Jewish woman became the first being gay. Eighteen:22. “While the murder exposed the depth of openly transgender White House official — is “setting the tone “We still have a long way to go before we catch up to hatred, it also made many Orthodox rabbis defend LGBT for the same movement within Jewish communities, which are Austria,” Buchler said, “but that’s where we are heading.” people’s right to safety and dignity.” not islands,” said Hannah Elyse Simpson, a Jewish transgender In Mexico, Eli Nassau founded Guimel, the first openly The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation woman from New York. “The direction we are heading is clear LGBT Jewish initiative in the country, in 2012. sponsored Cnaan Liphshiz’s trip to Austria. It had no role and irreversible, but is raising fierce opposition.” “Our group had two precursors in 1994 and in 2009, but in the writing or editing of this story.
The Reform movement’s new holiday prayer book
Careful analysis
by GABE FRIEDMAN When some Reform synagogue-goers open up their prayer books this High Holiday season, they will be greeted with snippets of poems by the likes of Walt Whitman and Pablo Neruda. Feminist and LGBTQ-friendly terms and phrases will be incorporated into the prayers. How can this be, you ask? The Central Conference of American Rabbis, the principal organization of North American Reform rabbis, has revamped its High Holidays prayer book for the first time since 1978. The new prayer book, or machzor, reflects an effort to be more inclusive of women and LGBTQ Jews. In some cases, God is referred to as a woman. One passage substitutes the words “bride” and “groom” with the gender-neutral “couple.” In a blessing that calls congregants to the Torah, mention of gender is left out in a gesture to transgender people. “There’s no way to give you a percentage [of what has changed] — it’s a totally new book,” said Rabbi Hara Person, the rabbinical conference’s director of publications. “Of course, it’s based on the structure of any machzor … but it’s not just a sort of tweaked version.” The new prayer book also features what Person calls counter-texts, which accompany traditional prayers and challenge their assertions. For example, the important Untaneh Tokef prayer is followed by a philosophical Carl
Sandburg poem and then by the new sentence: “I speak these words, but I don’t believe them … clearly there’s no scientific foundation …” In addition to textual changes, the new two-volume book contains original artwork for the first time: 11 commissioned woodcuts by renowned artist Joel Shapiro, to be exact. The goal, Person says, is to make all Jews, no matter how religious they are, feel more comfortable during High Holiday services, even if they only attend due to family pressure. When the prayer book was unveiled at the Central Conference of American Rabbis’s annual convention in March, 180 synagogues had already ordered it. That number has now risen to approximately 300 as the holidays approach. So far, Person said there has not been much negative backlash among Reform rabbis. The book had been in the pipeline for seven years – four years of which involved testing the book in services at select congregations across the country – so those in the know have been expecting the changes for some time. “We haven’t gotten any calls or emails saying What did you do?” Person said. “I think that the piloting and the education process paved the way because it became a very interactive process.”
Continued from page 8 in a better position to support Hezbollah and Hamas in their terrorist campaigns, while disapproving the deal could swiftly put Iran back on course for a nuclear breakout timeline even shorter than the current two to three months. Parts of this agreement are good and parts are bad; that is the reality of the decision we face. Congress must weigh all the alternative scenarios to determine what is achievable, what is preferable and what action most likely will lead to the outcome we all want. My colleagues and I must ask the right questions, without any certainty that there are indisputable or unanimously agreed-upon right answers. We must put aside the demagoguery and political pressures to make a decision based on a clear and careful analysis. The only certainty I have is that my decision will be influenced by the facts, by my elected duty and by my principles. It is my hope that this will be enough to guide me in making the right decision. The stakes are too high to do otherwise. Rep. Jerrold Nadler is a Democrat representing New York’s 10th district, which encompasses portions of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
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Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 |712.322.4705 email: BnaiIsraelCouncilBluffs@gmail.com Tribute cards for any occasion are available. Please contact Sissy Silber at 311 Oak Ridge Ct., Bellevue, NE 68005 or 402.292.8062. For information on our historic synagogue, or to arrange a visit, please contact any of our board members: Mark Eveloff, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. FRIDAY: Lunch at Nebraska AIDS Coalition, 11:30 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush Lunch sponsored by Bill and Jane Dreyfus in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:45 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: BESTT Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m.; Social Action Committe Cooking/ Serving Dinner at Stephen Center, 5:30 p.m. TUESDAY: Get into the Spirit of the High Holidays, noon at Spirit World. WEDESDAY: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; BESTT Hebrew High Classes, 6:45 p.m.; Choir Practice, 7:30 p.m. Program/Selichot, Saturday, Sept. 5, 8:45 p.m. Storm Chasers Game wtih Men’s Club, Sunday, Sept. 6, 7 p.m. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.orthodoxomaha.org Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; 15 mins after Kiddush -Mishna L’Neshamah; Insights into the Weekly Torah Portion, 6:30 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 7:30 p.m.; Ma’ariv/ Havdalah, 8:46 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Men’s Basketball, 8 p.m. at JCC WEDNESDAY: Talmud Learning, 8 p.m. THURSDAY: Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; UNMC -- Med Center Chaburah, 1 p.m.; Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m.; Jews and Brews Class, 8:30 p.m.
CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m
Bar Mitzvah Spencer Gordman, son of Allison and Jay Gordman, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Beth El. Spencer is a seventh grade Honor Roll student at Grandview Middle School. He received Beth El's Selwyn Roffman Memorial Award for Religious Growth for participating in the AAA Yad Squad as a torah reader. His interests include tennis, reading and spending the summer at Camp Ramah. For his Mitzvah project, Spencer is teaching Hebrew to a Blumkin Home resident to help them prepare to lead a prayer during services. He has a brother, Preston. Grandparents are Ellen and Robert Gordman, and Nancy and the late Stephen Skid.
SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office. WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak. THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@unmc.edu. All programs are open to the entire community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Stephanie and Dennis Dohner and Pam Fiedler. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Ki Tetze. SUNDAY: Yard/Garden Clean-up, 9-11 a.m. Temple members will be doing some weeding, trimming, mulching, and general garden cleanup so the grounds are beautiful for High Holy Days. Please bring rakes, clippers, and other garden tools. Contact Ellin Siegel with any questions; LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Board of Trustees, 1:30 p.m. TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Ruby Tuesday’s, 2700 North Hill Road. Questions? Please contact Stephanie Dohner. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Choir Rehearsal, 7:30-9 p.m. Holocaust Survivor Milton Kleinberg will speak, Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Ponderosa Student Union on the UNK campus. He will present on his experiences in Poland and how he survived the holocaust. He is the author of Bread or Death and is a successful Omaha businessman and philanthropist. If you have questions, please contact the Temple office and we will convey your questions to Dawn Mollenkopf. President’s Office Hours, Sunday Mornings, 10 a.m.–noon at SST. If you have any Temple business you would like to bring before the Board of Trustees, potential programs, or new ideas, please let us know! Call for an appointment at the Temple or just to chat any time at 402.513.7697. Or if you prefer, just email David Weisser at president@southstreet temple.org.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road | Offutt AFB, NE 68123 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Max, Sam, Leo and Jack Kohll. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet. SATURDAY: Tot Shabbat, 9 a.m.; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Elizabeth Kazor, daughter of Michelle and Stuart Kazor, will celebrate her Bar Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Fifth Sunday Breakfast Service, 7:30 a.m. at Stephens Center; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Kol Rina Rehearsal (Kol Rina and New), 1 p.m. MONDAY: OTYG Board Meeting, 6:15 p.m. TUESDAY: Kol Rina Rehearsal (Kol Rina and Quintet), 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; Chapel for School Service, 4:30 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6
Candlelighting Friday, August 28, 7:45 p.m. p.m.; Reform Rabbinic Responsa -- Congregational Concerns, 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Elul Adult Series with Rabbi Azriel, 10 a.m. S’lichot Program and Service, Saturday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m. We will begin with Havdalah to close Shabbat and bring in the new week. Next we will change the covers on our Torah Scrolls in the Chapel. This will be followed by S’lichot services. Our program for the evening will be a musical concert presented by the Omaha Chamber Music Society. The evening will conclude with our annual chocolate oneg.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. FRIDAY: Sixth Annual Shabbat on the Green/New Member Dinner, 6:30 p.m. followed by a fun outdoor Shabbat Service. Please RSVP to Nava. SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush Luncheon prepared and sponsored by Sarah Kelen and Ken Bloom. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel. TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Ruby Tuesday’s, 2700 North Hill Road. Please contact Stephanie Dohner with any questions. The LJCS is holding a canned food drive to benefit the Lincoln Public School’s Back Pack Program. Large blue bins are set up in both buildings for donations. Please stop by and donate what you are able. The food bank is in need during this time of year as kids are returning to school. Selichot and Study session on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 8:30 p.m. The study session will focus on a short clip from Woody Allen’s movie, Crimes and Misdemeanors, which explores the issues of transgression and retribution in a universe that may or may not bring moral offenders to justice. The discussion will be followed by a selichot service. The Tifereth Israel office will be closed, Monday Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day.
Federation Shabbat Unites Jewish Lincoln by SARAH KELEN For many years, the Jewish Federation of Lincoln has sponsored a Federation Shabbat that brings together in worship the membership of Lincoln’s two congregations, Congregation Tifereth Israel (USCJ) and Congregation B’nai Jeshurun (URJ), as well as unaffiliated Jews in the community. In past years, the community has joined together in one synagogue or the other, alternating between the two congregations. This year, with the Jewish Camp as the theme of the Shabbat service, the Federation Board decided to use a setting more camp-like, inviting the community to pray together in the enclosed shelter of Antelope Park, near both synagogues. The Federation Board members also led the service, a change from previous years in which the two spiritual leaders of the synagogues led the service alongside the Board members. The service was preceded by a dairy potluck dinner and children who attended Jewish camps were encouraged to bring photos, posters, scrapbooks, and other memoribilia from their camp experiences. The new approach was a great success, with a strong turnout and plenty of opportunities for social interactions during the potluck, the service, and the oneg that followed. Federation Board members are already looking forward to next year’s Federation Shabbat.
Birth Carla and Chad Polikov of Atlanta, GA announce the July 27 birth of their son, Bradley David, named for his great-grandmother Bernice Polikov and his great-grandfather David Antis. He has a 3 1/2 year old sister, Lyla Grandparents are Barbara and Jeff Levingston of Cleveland, MS and Sheila and Marv Polikov of Omaha. Great-grandparents are the late Gerry and David Antis, Vivian and Alfred Levingston, Ethel and Seymour Goldston, and Bernice and Abe Polikov.
Pulverent e
August 28, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 11
In memoriam SIDNEY MIRVISH Sidney Mirvish passed away Aug. 23 at the age of 86. Services were held Tuesday, Aug. 25 at Beth Israel Cemetery, 78th and Crown Point. He was preceded in death by brother Julian and sister Miriam. He is survived by his loving wife Lynda; daughter, Leora Mirvish and son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Rachel Mirvish; grandchildren: Rebecca, Jonathan and Miriam Mirvish; sister, Doreen Bahiri. Memorials made be made to the organization of your choice.
Hamas says it has captured an Israeli spy-dolphin by GABE FRIEDMAN (JTA) -- Forget the Iron Dome defense system and the rest of Israel’s formidable military – Hamas is worried about Israeli spy-dolphins. The Palestinian daily Al-Quds reported this week that Hamas captured a dolphin outfitted with Israeli “spying equipment.” The dolphin gave itself away through its “suspicious movements,” off the Gaza coast. Al-Quds reported that Hamas was wary of another of the dolphin’s devices, “capable of firing arrows with the capability of wounding or killing a human,” according to The Jerusalem Post. Reports in recent weeks have indicated that Israel and Hamas may be negotiating a long-term truce. A Turkish official said that both sides were close to cutting a deal, but Israel denied any contact with the Islamist group. The Times of Israel pointed out that birds and sharks have been accused of spying for Israel in recent years. In 2010, an Egyptian official claimed that Israeli sharks attacked tourists in the Red Sea, and two years later an eagle in Sudan was thought to be wearing an Israeli tag.
Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Creighton athletic director Bruce Rasmussen will reflect on his athletic program for this year on Wednesday, Sept. 2, noon. Please RSVP to 402.334.6443 or gjavitch@cox.net. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
Ezra and Adeev Potash play Toast of the Old Market Omaha natives Ezra and Adeev, sons of Amy Nachman and Alan Potash, recently played to a sold out audience at Minneapolis’ popular club Icehouse to mark the release of their new cd, The Potash Twins. If you missed it, don’t worry: on Saturday, Aug. 29, they will make an appearance at the 11th Street Festival in the Old Market. Topping out at #9 on the iTunes Jazz charts, the EP was produced by Steven Geenberg, the legendary Twin Cities producer behind “Funkytown.” Adeev and Ezra Potash, labeled by NPR as the “Twin Horns of Joy“ are musicians, entertainers and foodies from Omaha, Nebraska. Guided at an early age by jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, the The Potash Twins' new album is available twins were on iTunes inspired to pursue careers in the performance and education of jazz. Upon graduating high school, they moved to New York City to develop as performers and educators. Adeev studies under the Dizzy Gillespie protégé Jon Faddis at SUNY Purchase, while Ezra received a full ride scholarship to Manhattan School of Music on Bass Trombone. The twins have performed around the country at notable venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Birdland, The Grandstand of the Minnesota State Fair, First Avenue, and The Field Museum (Chicago), as well as festivals like South By Southwest (SXSW), and have performed on several occasions for Warren Buffet’s Annual Shareholders Meeting. Because of their love of food, they have even performed as a part of the James Beard Award festivities, including legendary Chef Rick Bayless‘ after-party. Ezra and Adeev also delivered a TEDtalk, as a part of the popular online video series and have been featured by NPR, Huffington Post, Menswear Style Magazine, Omaha Magazine and many more. Their music can even be heard at the Loews Hotel in New Orleans, the birthplace of Jazz. The 11th Street Festival is free, and part of the Toast of the Old Market. For more information, visit Toast OldMarket.com.
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In pivot, Egyptians and their leaders are warming to Jews, Israel by JACOB WIRTSCHAFTER fast meal during the holy month. (There were some 75,000 ly motivated militants. CAIRO (JTA) — It’s been a particularly challenging sum- Jews in Egypt before 1948, but in the 1950s the Jewish popSisi’s administration has also been widely criticized in the mer for Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. Within one ulation was largely stripped of citizenship and assets by then West for clamping down on free speech and press freedoms, week in late June and early July, his attorney general was President Gamal Abdel Nasser.) and for jailing political opponents. Washington withheld assassinated in the upscale Cairo suburb of Heliopolis and The meeting also coincided with a warming trend funds and equipment from Egypt after a particularly violent an Islamic State affiliate launched a two-day siege in the between Sisi, the strongman who leads the world’s most confrontation in August 2013 between government troops North Sinai town of Sheikh Zuweid. populous Arab country, and Israel. In June, Egypt appointed and supporters of Morsi, a clash that left more than 600 dead But just days after the bloody Sinai battle, Sisi put aside on the streets of Cairo. two hours to meet with a delegation from the American In March, President Obama restored most of the $1.3 Jewish Committee, the global Jewish advocacy group, billion in annual military funding, and the Pentagon and then delivered a matter-of-fact account of the meetresumed shipments of new Harpoon missiles, F-16 ing to the state-run Middle East News Agency. The confighter jets and replacement kits for Abrams tanks. The versation revolved around regional terrorism threats, the Egyptian Air Force’s ability to deploy F-16s allowed govstalled peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians, the ernment troops to beat back the assault against Sheik nuclear deal with Iran and the preservation of Egyptian Zuweid by Ansar Beit Al Maqdis, an ISIS-affiliated Jewish heritage, according to the AJC’s director of govgroup. ernment and international affairs, Jason Isaacson, who U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was in Cairo Monday, coordinated the delegation. where he co-chaired a “Strategic Dialogue” meeting with The AJC meeting at the presidential palace came at a Egypt's minister of foreign affairs, Sameh Shoukry. time when Egyptian attitudes about Jews are changing. If any one figure in Egypt deserves credit for the conEgyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, center, meeting a six-person Egyptians are reassessing 1950s-era nationalization politemporary shift in attitudes, perhaps it is Amir Ramses, delegation from the American Jewish Committee, July 2015. cies that squeezed out the Jewish community and other whose recent two-part documentary project “The Jews Credit: Ken Bandler ethnic minorities. The word “Jew” is used less frequentof Egypt” and “End of a Journey” explores the rise and ly as a curse word, and the historical TV drama “Jewish Hazem Khairat as its new ambassador to Tel Aviv. Sisi’s demise of the Jewish communities of Cairo and Alexandria Quarter” was a breakout hit during Ramadan. The series predecessor, Mohamed Morsi, long affiliated with the between the late 19th century and the middle of the 20th cast the Islamist group the Muslim Brotherhood as a greater Muslim Brotherhood, had recalled the previous ambassador century. threat to Egypt’s unity and security than the Jews and, some- in November 2012 after the Israeli Air Force struck and Ramses, a middle-class Muslim from Cairo, battled offitimes, even the Zionists. (Past TV series during Ramadan killed a top Hamas military commander and launched an cial censors here under the administrations of both Morsi have traded in negative tropes and stereotypes about Jewish eight-day offensive in the Gaza Strip. and Hosni Mubarak, and Islamists were particularly rankled “treachery” and hostility, so “Jewish Quarter” represented a Israel’s war last summer in Gaza threw in sharp relief just by the documentary’s revisiting of the “Balfour Day” riots major departure.) how far from favor Hamas, founded as an offshoot of the instigated by the Muslim Brotherhood in 1945. They coin“I find more tolerance,” said Isaacson, referring to the Muslim Brotherhood, has fallen in official Cairo since Sisi’s cided with the anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, the period since Sisi came to power in 2013. “I find more respect ascent to power. (Morsi was removed in a 2013 military 1917 letter declaring Britain’s intention to set up a Jewish for Israel and more feeling of commonality between takeover orchestrated by Sisi, who became president the fol- homeland in Palestine. Yet last year, Ramses' films were Egyptian and Israeli strategic concerns with common atti- lowing year.) As Israel’s Operation Protective Edge unfold- screened in Egypt to critical acclaim. tudes towards Hamas, especially toward the connections ed, Egypt’s state-sanctioned TV stations specifically Ramses said he was intrigued by stories from his grandbetween Hamas and other extremist groups.” deployed the term “terrorist” to describe Hamas-launched parents about Jewish, Greek and Italian neighbors whose Officially, fewer than eight Jews remain in this capital city missile attacks on Israel. And in the wake of increased activ- different foods and folkways added an international flair to — all of them elderly women. The community’s leader, ity in the Sinai by affiliates of the Islamic State, the Israel the metropolis — a flair that is now decidedly absent. Magda Haroun, last month opened the heavily guarded and Defense Forces' Southern Command and the Egyptian “The big picture I am trying to draw,” he said, “is an image rarely used Shaar Hashamayim synagogue in downtown Army in Sinai are increasingly sharing intelligence on the of the pre-1952 society through the window of the diversity Cairo for an interfaith Ramadan Iftar event, the daily break- movement of for-profit weapons smugglers and ideological- of a cosmopolitan way of living in Cairo.”
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