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It’s Campaign Cabaret!
September 4, 2015 20 Elul 5775 Vol. 95 | No. 51
This Week
by OZZIE NOGG Campaign Cabaret 2015 cast members are in the midst of rehearsals, polishing song lyrics and perfecting their shuffle-ball-change dance routines in advance of the show, scheduled for Sunday evening, Oct. 11, at Joslyn Museum’s Witherspoon Concert Hall. Ten-year old Jack Scioli, son of Andee and Anthony Scioli, said, “The first rehearsal was so fun. The games were awesome and I’m excited for the show.” Games? During a rehearsal? According to Campaign Cabaret Director Matthew Pyle, “If you were to attend a rehearsal, you’d think you were watching kids playing in preschool. Adults, too. Before we get down to the actual work of putting a number together, I always encourage the cast to ‘play.’ It’s relaxing and stimulating at the same time and is a great way to uncork creativity and imagination. Most important, ‘play’ helps break the ice, build trust and connect cast members of all ages to one another.” A trifecta of well-known Omaha theater professionals have combined their talents on Campaign Cabaret. Joining Pyle are Musical Director Todd Brooks and Choreographer Debbie Massey-Schneweis. In explaining her newly-hyphenated
Fall is coming to Mainstreet Page 5
Moldova and their Jews Page 7
Todd Brooks
Debbie Massey-Schneweis
Matthew Pyle
name, Debbie said, “I recently got married, so for professional/choreography purposes I’m going to publicly hyphenate my name for awhile since I am so known as ‘Massey’. I’m still getting used to this whole new name thing.” With or without hyphens, the trio brings impressive credits to the project. So let’s suspend disbelief for a moment and pretend you’re in an aisle seat, reading the Playbill: Before moving to Omaha eight years ago, Matthew Pyle worked as an actor, director, fight choreographer and teacher at schools and theaters around the country. He studied
stage combat at Carnegie-Mellon University, a credential that proved handy when he directed Deathtrap -the swordplay-packed murder thriller -- at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Onstage, Matthew has been seen in Becky’s New Car, A Streetcar Named Desire, Legally Blonde and Buffalo Bill’s Cowboy Band. “I directed Godspell at the Bellevue Little Theater,” Pyle said, “and will soon play a Lutheran Minister in a production marking Immanuel Hospital’s 100th Anniversary. Now, with Campaign Cabaret, I’m working with a Jewish
cast and a totally Jewish vibe. I consider this my ecumenical period.” A full-time graphic artist (and seasonal tax preparer) Todd Brooks -- a performer since he was five -- moonlights as an award-winning director, musical director, arranger, set designer, writer and actor. Brooks has been involved as Musical Director with Bellevue Little Theatre, BroadStreet Theater Company, SNAP! Productions, Chanticleer Theater, Dana College, Iowa Western Community College, Papillion Community Theater and Shelterbelt Theatre. His Continued on page 2
Jewish Terror in Israel In Memoriam: Iran deal will pass (or so says the math) Page 12
Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
Next Week Rosh Hashanah See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press
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by ELIAD ELIYAHU brother were critically injured. His Community Shaliach father died four days later. The IDF Five weeks ago two horrible events and Israeli law enforcement authorhappened in Israel. During a gay pa- ities have expressed their belief that rade in the Holy City of Jerusalem, the attack was carried out by Jewish six people were stabbed by a terrorists. Charedic (ultra-orthodox) man. One of those stabbed died two days later. There was outrage when it was discovered that the murderer, Yishai Shlissel, committed the same act ten years ago and had recently been released from prison for that crime. Shlissel claims that in both instances he was doing God's will, and that he had no regrets for any of his actions. His goal was to “clean Jerusalem from those sinners.” A day after this event, Shira Banki, 16, one of six stabbing victims at two homes in Duma, a the Jerusalem gay pride parade, died from her Palestinian village in the wounds at a Jerusalem hospital, Aug. 2, 2015. West Bank, were firebombed by masked attackers. An 18On Tuesday, Sept. 8, from noonmonth-old child was burned to 1 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federadeath. His parents and four year old tion Library, Eye on Israel will take a critical and informative look at the roots and impacts of such acts of terrorism. Who are these terrorists? What do they want? How are they depicted in the media? How are these groups and individuals influencing Israeli life and security? We will also examine what the various sides of the political spectrum are saying about such terrorism. During this session we will hear Continued on page 3
Dr. Sidney Mirvish by TOM O’CONNOR UNMC Public Relations Services were held Aug. 25 for Sidney Mirvish, Ph.D., a professor emeritus in the Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, whose pioneering research into nitrosamines and carcinogenesis led to changes in the way lunch meats, hot dogs and sausages were made. A faculty member at the Eppley Institute for 46 years, Dr. Mirvish died Aug. 23 night at the age of 86 due to complications following emergency surgery on Aug. 18. Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, called Dr. Mirvish “an internationally recognized leader in nitrosamines and carcinogenesis who helped build the scientific reputation of UNMC and the Eppley Institute. “Sidney was a remarkable indi-
vidual and scientist,” Dr. Cowan said. “His continued passion for science and the Eppley Institute was truly inspirational. He will be dearly missed.” Samuel Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., Havlik-Wall Professor of Oncology, Pathology and M i c r o b i o l o g y, knew Dr. Mirvish for 45 years, first at Wisconsin, then at UNMC. “He was an outstanding scientist, known for his seminal research on carcinogenic N-nitrosamines,” Dr. Cohen said. “He was the first to show their formation from nitrites in food, and the inhibition of this formation by vitamin C. This led to changes in the way lunch meats, hot dogs and sausages were made. “Despite severe visual impairment, he was a highly productive scientist, with NCI support continuing into his 80s,” Dr. Cohen said. “He was not only a renowned scientist, but was an avid collector of South African art and artifacts, and was a generous, friendly, warm Continued on page 11
2 | The Jewish Press | September 4, 2015
FIRST CLASS ENTERTAIN
Pirkei Avot in the modern world by MARK KIRCHHOFF Center for Jewish Life On three things does the world stand: on Torah, on worship, and on deeds of loving kindness. If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, who am I? If not now, when? Almost all Jews are familiar with these sayings. The source of these sayings is not so well known. Both originated in Pirkei Avot, the Wisdom of the Fathers (also translated as “The Sayings or Chapters of the Fathers”). Pirkei Avot is the subject of a three-part learning series that Dr. Leonard Greenspoon will present for the Friday Learning Series of the Center for Jewish Life. Classes are on Sept. 18, 25, and Oct. 2 from 11 – noon in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. The class fee is $26 reduced to Dr. Leonard Greenspoon $21 for those in good standing with their contribution to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. To register, contact Mark at 402.334.6463 or mkirch hoff@jewishomah.org Dr. Greenspoon has been Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University since 1995, where he is also Professor of Classical & Near Eastern Studies and of Theology. Actively involved in the Omaha Jewish community, he has often offered courses through the Center for Jewish Life, in addition to local synagogues and churches. Greenspoon noted that the quotes above are thoughtprovoking in a positive way. He stated that once we discern
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exactly what they intend to say, they surely provide useful insights that we can apply to our lives. He went on to observe that other sayings from Pirkei Avot seem more problematic. For example, “Do not talk much with a woman.” This is said even regarding one's own wife--how much more so regarding the wife of another. It then seemed logical for the sages to say, “One who converses often with a woman causes evil to himself.” “The contradiction of positive and negative or ‘problematic’ is what’s so fascinating about Pirkei Avot and what we will enjoy studying,” said Greenspoon. Does this saying promote what we today would describe as healthy interpersonal relations? It certainly does not seem to be at the same level of universal application as the previous two. Greenspoon offered an example for consideration of statements on the topic of government that appear to contradict each other: Be cautious with the government, for they befriend a person only for their own needs. And: Pray for the peace of the government; were it not for proper respect of its authority, every person would swallow their neighbors alive. What do we do in these cases? These are among the passages and issues that participants in Greenspoon’s class will analyze and discuss. Pirkei Avot will be examined within the historical, cultural, and religious circumstances in which the book was authored and the sayings recorded. Pirkei Avot is printed in many traditional Jewish prayer books and forms part of the annual liturgy in some synagogues. In order to ensure that everyone in the class has easy access to this material and in the same format, all students will be provided with a complementary edition. Continued on page 4
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Norfolk Area to the rehearsal process. Amateurs are more like blank slates, eager to experiment, and Todd and Debbie and I are constantly blown away by the natural abilities this cast brings us. Our show will develop organically, because we’re crafting the piece to fit the performers.” According to Beth Friedman, Production Coordinator, Campaign Cabaret 2015 includes a seventy-member cast, plus youth choirs from Beth El Synagogue, Temple Israel and students from Friedel Jewish Academy -- all backed by ten professional musicians recruited by Todd Brooks. “What I love about Campaign Cabaret,” Beth said, “is watching the joy it brings to the performers’ faces and seeing the different numbers knit together into a full-blown show that dazzles the audience. Our hope was to lure some of the old cast members back and to also involve a whole new generation. That’s exactly what’s happened.” Massey-Schneweis provided an example. “Just the other night we showed a group of dancers the video from 1986 and one young teen beamed in amazement when she recognized her grandmother singing a solo on the video. Working with this large group of volunteers of all ages is what I love most about my job. To see people come together for a common goal, to achieve and perform something great and something they can be proud of and look back on fondly in years to come. That’s my favorite part of getting to do what I do.” Like Debbie, both Todd Brooks and Matthew Pyle find their Campaign Cabaret duties rewarding -- professionally and personally. “The Jewish material is foreign to me,” Todd said, “but I love exploring new sounds and musical forms, so this was an energizing challenge. Hearing it come to life is a great thrill and really astonishing. In addition, it’s always interesting to see people bond and create a product that is living and breathing. I’m glad to be a part of that creative process, to collaborate with people who all have a common goal in mind.” Pyle echos his cohorts’ sentiments. “All theatre is about community and telling, a truth that is evident here,” he said. “Campaign Cabaret is Omaha’s Jewish community working together to share their stories, histories and influences with one another.” Howard Kooper, co-chair with Jan Goldstein of the 2016 Federation Campaign, added, “Campaign Cabaret is a signature event for this community and it’s long been my dream to bring it back. We know the 2015 version will be a special night and create new memories for another generation. The proof of this is the fact that children who participated in the original show are back in the cast as adults. They want to relive the production which celebrates being Jewish and makes us proud of our community and eager to support it.” Stacey Rockman and Betsy Baker are Community Event Chairs and Andee Scioli is Campaign Cabaret 2015 Production Chair. A 5:30 p.m. dinner in the Joslyn Museum Atrium will precede the performance.
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Continued from page 1 awards from the Omaha Theater Arts Guild (TAG) include: Music Direction: Zanna, Don’t (2008); Director Comedy/ Drama: The Little Dog Laughed (2008); Ensemble: “Sunday” from Sunday in the Park with George (2004); Set Design: Come Back To The 5 and Dime (2005); Musical Director: Whoop-Dee-Doo! (1996); and the Omaha Community Playhouse Mary Peckham Award for Best Actor in a Musical: Huck Finn in Big River (1989). Todd also sings and plays the piano for a cabaret show he performs with his good friend, Mary Carrick. “We’ve presented our act several times at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home,” Todd said, “and it’s always a pleasure to entertain the residents.” While acting as Musical Director for Campaign Cabaret, Todd is simultaneously directing The Rocky Horror Show, set to open Oct. 1 at the Ramada Plaza on 72nd and Grover. “Yes. My pace is hectic, but I love it.” Debbie Massey-Schneweis holds a BS in Education from UNO and spends her days as an Early Childhood Educator. A former competitive dancer herself, Debbie has trained hundreds of dancers, many during her 2007-2013 stint as a dance teacher for the Omaha Playhouse. Currently Debbie is Resident Choreographer for five local high schools where she stages annual school musicals and show choir performances. An accomplished actress as well as hoofer, you’ve applauded Debbie in Thoroughly Modern Millie, All Shook Up, Guys & Dolls, Chicago, Legally Blonde, Gypsy and The Drowsy Chaperone, all at the Omaha Community Playhouse. She also played major roles in A Chorus Line and Anything Goes at the Ralston Community Theatre. In 2014 Debbie was named Best Choreographer by the Omaha Theatre Arts Guild for Papillion LaVista’s 42nd Street in which she managed to also play a leading role. “I’ve worked with Matthew Pyle as both a costar onstage as well as in director/choreographer collaborations,” Debbie said, “and have teamed up with Todd Brooks on several occasions as well, so we already have a solid working relationship in place. One of the neatest things about Campaign Cabaret 2015 is the number of people who have returned from the 1986 cast and how many family members of all ages are performing together. It’s cool to see multi-generations take part.” The original Campaign Cabaret was staged 30 years ago in Peony Park’s Ballroom, and memories of the musical numbers are still clear in the minds of many members of the audience. On Oct. 11, Matthew Pyle aims to provide the same excitement, but with a fresh, spunky take on the script. “We’re using lots of the same source material,” he said, “but Campaign Cabaret 2015 will be a totally different performance. Wonderful amateurs volunteered to be part of the cast, and I’m thrilled with their level of talent. Professional actors often bring their own preconceived ideas and methodology
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Friedel Jewish Academy students add to family Holiday celebrations by CLAUDIA SHERMAN “Our boys have a love of learning and a love for Judaism. They ask to go to services and celebrate the holidays. They want to be part of the Jewish community,” said Becca Finkelstein. Her sons are Ethan and Ari, both 11 years old, and Asher, five. They all attend Friedel Jewish Academy which “has helped them have a very strong sense of pride for their religion,” Finkelstein emphasized. In addition to their general education, students at Friedel learn about their Jewish heritage, traditions, community and values. During the entire month of Elul, which started on Aug. 16 this year, from Rosh Hashanah through Simchat Torah we prepare for the High Holy Days, explained Naama Arzi, one of two Jewish studies instructors at Friedel. “It’s all age appropriate” from kindergarten through sixth grade, she said. For example, kindergartners learn about what’s good and what’s bad and saying you’re sorry. By the time the youngsters are fifth and sixth graders, they’re working on the steps of repentance as instructed by Maimonides. There’s a lot of growth by the time they reach sixth grade, Azri pointed out. On Erev Rosh Hashanah, all the students go to Standing Bear Lake where they throw bread crumbs into the water to observe Tashlich, the ceremony of casting one’s sins into the sea. “And everybody bakes round challot for Rosh Hashanah which are taken home on the eve of the New Year,” Arzi reported. The children also write greeting cards for their families, friends in Israel who attend their Partnership2Gether twinning school, and residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Students get to practice blowing the shofar, too, according to Arzi. On Erev Yom Kippur, “Everybody listens to a special story, The Magic of Kol Nidre,” Arzi said. She noted that the children identify with different perspectives of the story as they get older.
Ari Finkelstein, a sixth grader, explained that “the High Holidays are not just about being serious. Friedel makes the holidays fun. We’re one big family at Friedel. Last year, I bought my own very large shofar that I love to practice blowing for Rosh Hashanah.” His brother, Ethan, also a sixth grader, added that “I enjoy praying with my friends at Friedel. Having the rabbis and cantors come to the school is special during the High Holidays. I enjoy hearing them talk about how they celebrated the holiday growing up and discussing the holiday. I really love learning new things about the holiday that I did not know before.” Kindergartner Asher Finkelstein likes “to learn about round challah, apples and honey. They’re also yummy to eat!” With five children attending Friedel, Liat Shyken described how they “remind us of the traditions and customs, and they continue to spur discussion and spiritual growth. We often have discussions about how different families celebrate Yom Tovim. We especially enjoy watching them learn about the Yom Tovim in Hebrew.” “I like the field trip on Rosh Hashanah eve and learning about Janusz Korczak” who ran a home for children in the Warsaw ghetto and went with them to a Nazi concentration camp, said sixth grader Shmuel Aaron Shyken, 11. One of the goals of the Friedel Tashlich field trip is to teach about ways to make the world a better place in the new year. Students learn the story of Korczak and Chief Standing Bear, participate in cleaning up the park, and this year will hold a memorial for the National Day of Service and Remembrance as the field trip will fall on Friday, Sept. 11. Shmuel’s sister, fifth grader Aviva Chana, ten, also likes “the field trip, because we have fun and pick up the trash” as part of repairing the world. “I like to do tikkum olam,” she added. Karen Klingberg remarked that her children, Phoenix Mavropoulous, a sixth grader at Friedel, and Sophia Mavropoulous, a fifth grader, “contribute a lot to the holiday celebrations in our family. They share with us what they know, they lead celebrations by saying prayers or singing songs. They really bring the Jewish traditions and spirit to life.” Both Phoenix, 11, and Sophia, ten, agreed that they love to share what they know with their family and celebrate together. “Everything they know,” said Klingberg, “they have learned at Friedel and also by attending Jewish education at their synagogue, Beth El. Attending both places has really given them a sense of belonging and a love for celebrating Jewish festivities and holidays. Their Jewish education would not be the same if they didn’t attend Friedel.”
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by MARK KIRCHHOFF Center for Jewish Life The 2015-2016 Exploring Judaism class begins on Monday, Oct. 12 from 7–8:30 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library and will continue on subsequent Monday evenings through March 7, 2016. Classes will not be held on Dec. 21, and 28. Exploring Judaism is being taught by Scott Littky, a seasoned Jewish professional. He began his career in Jewish education in 1985 as a religious school teacher. From 1988 until 1996 he served the Bureau of Jewish Education of Omaha as a Community Teacher. He taught at Friedel Jewish Academy in addition to afternoon religious school programs. Scott served 17 Scott Littky years as a Director of Education beginning at Beth El Synagogue in Omaha, followed by Beth Israel Synagogue in Ann Arbor, MI and Agudas Achim Congregation in Alexandria, VA. During the summer of 2014, Scott returned to live in Omaha where he is now working as the Program Director at Temple Israel. There is some “value added” to this year’s class. “It occurred to me after teaching last year that the topics covered could easily be grouped into four categories. I think people will be able to learn and understand the material better when it is presented in that manner,” Scott said. Thisyear’s participants will see the material presented in four parts: Judaism as a Religion; Judaism as History; Judaism asa Way of Life, and Judaism as it is Practiced. Scott has also added a wealth of material from his experience and from his on-going studies. The course is free of charge to members who are in good standing with their contribution to the Annual Campaign of
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the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The fee for others is $180 per person. Materials for the class are provided. Scott will be making suggestions for additional reading materials throughout the course. To view the full class schedule, visit www.jewishomaha.org and click on the drop down menu for the Center for Jewish Life. You may also call 402.334.6463 or mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org to obtain a brochure with the course registration form included. Checks are to be made payable to “The Center for Jewish Life” and sent to The Jewish Community Center, Attn: Mark Kirchhoff, 333 S. 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154. Pre-registration is required. The deadline for registration is Oct. 7. Exploring Judaism is presented through the Center for Jewish Life, whose mission it is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful experiences.
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Jewish Terror in Israel Continued from page 1 directly via Skype from a young couple who live in Yehuda and Samaria and have experienced life with terrorism. We will also hear from an authority who will explain the opinions of left wing activists who are worried about Israel as a democratic state. Please join me at the next session of Eye on Israel on Sept. 8 to join in the discussion of this critically important topic. Eye on Israel and the Community Shaliach program are programs of the Center for Jewish Life whose mission it is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences. Eye on Israel is sponsored by the Henry and Dorothy Riekes Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. For more information, contact 402.334.6463 or mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org.
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High Holidays at Beth Israel by JORDANA KURTZMAN for Beth Israel It’s nearly time to start the celebration of the Jewish New Year and Beth Israel will have a host of happenings for the High Holidays. The programming will get the Jewish year of 5776 off to a great start that will continue in the months ahead! Pre-Selichot Concert – Saturday evening, Sept. 5 – Music has the ability to move people in ways like nothing else and has been described as the language of the soul. Rabbi Ari Dembitzer and Rabbi Yaakov Weiss will use the power of music, teaming up to lead a special pre-Selichot concert to lead into the Selichot services. The concert will feature a soulful mix of beautiful songs that are connected to the High Holidays. The music will begin at 11 p.m. Rabbi Weiss encourages “everyone to bring their own instruments and their own hearts and voices to sing along. It is a prelude to the unity we hope to achieve through our prayers leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.” Selichot, which features penitential poems and prayers with a central theme of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, will begin immediately after the concert at 11:59 p.m. Selichot are said daily until Yom Kippur. They are said on weekdays starting at 6:40 a.m. before Shacharit at 7 a.m. Kever Avot – Sunday, Sept. 6 – Visiting the gravesite of loved ones is a long tradition in Judaism prior to the High Holidays. Beth Israel will continue this tradition, holding its Kever Avot services. Rabbi Ari will lead the services which will be at Golden Hill Cemetery at noon, Beth Israel and Mt. Sinai Cemetery at 1 p.m., and Fisher Farms Cemetery at 2 p.m. High Holiday Crash Course – Just when
you thought you had it covered, you will find out there is always more to learn! Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Rabbi Ari will be having the first “crash course” class as an introduction to the prayers of the High Holidays at 7 p.m. At this class you will learn the songs with instruments so you can be prepared for the holidays. Saturday, Sept. 12 – After the introduction, you will be ready for the next class on Shabbat afternoon at 6 p.m. where you can learn and review with the High Holiday “crash course” to help everyone get up to speed on the celebrations in the coming weeks. "These courses and opportunities are going to psych you up for the holidays so you will be excited and motivated to come to shul and share the High Holiday spirit with everyone!" explains Rabbi Ari. All of this preparation will leave you inspired and filled with anticipation for Rosh Hashanah to begin: Sunday, Sept. 13, 7:19 p.m. – Mincha/Maariv/Candlelighting Monday, Sept. 14, 8 a.m. – Shacharit – 7 p.m. – Mincha/Maariv Tuesday, September 15, 8 a.m. – Shacharit; 7 p.m. – Mincha/Maariv; 8:24 p.m. – Havdalah The mission of Beth Israel Synagogue is to perpetuate the legacy of Torah Judaism in the modern world and provide a home for those who wish to learn about and observe halacha, Jewish law. Beth Israel Synagogue welcomes all persons of the Jewish faith to join, and accepts the diversity of practice and thought among its members. Beth Israel offers a variety of religious, cultural and social programs throughout the year. For more information, please visit the website www.OrthodoxOmaha.org, contact Beth Israel Synagogue’s office at 402.556.6288, or e-mail BethIsrael@ OrthodoxOmaha.org.
ADL condemns vandalism of Islamic Center of Omaha by MARY-BETH MUSKIN Regional Director Plains States ADL The Anti-Defamation League on Wednesday, Aug. 26 strongly condemned the reported vandalism of the Islamic Center of Omaha. According to reports, an approximately 40-pound boulder was thrown through a glass door at the Center during the early morning of Sunday, Aug. 24. We, at the ADL/ CRC Omaha Regional office, strongly condemn this vandalism, and encourage law enforcement to investigate it as a possible hate crime. Attacks against houses of worship are unacceptable and affect the entire community. We stand with the Muslim community at this time and urge the Omaha community always to stand together against bias-motivated crimes. The Anti Defamation League, founded in 1913, is dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism
and all forms of bigotry. For over three decades, ADL has been at the forefront of national and state efforts to deter and counteract bias-motivated crimes. ADL recently
launched its “50 States Against Hate” initiative to improve legal and community responses to hate crimes across the United States. Law, education, building awareness and dialogue are critical tools in combating hatred and bigotry.
Pirkei Avot Continued from page 2 Greenspoon continues, “I have always been interested in seeing how classical Jewish texts from antiquity, beginning with the Hebrew Bible, are interpreted and applied among today’s Jews. Given its special place among Talmudic texts, Pirkei Avot is a perfect starting-off point for just the kind of discussions I love to be
involved in.” This edition of the Friday Learning Series is presented through the Center for Jewish Life whose mission is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences. Contact Mark at 402.334.6463 or mkirchhoff@ jewishomaha.org to register.
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Fall is coming to Mainstreet by OZZIE NOGG lettuce, tomato and onion -- both served with cole slaw, baked Though the first day of autumn is still a few weeks off, beans, chips, challah roll, chocolate cookies for dessert and it’s time to fall in love with Mainstreeters and their beverage of your choice. Cost is $10.00 a plate. programs for September. The scheduled events Reservations appreciated by Monday, Sept. 14. Make come with wishes for a good, sweet New Year. check payable to Jewish Social Services. Send reservaGardens Gone Wild: Lauritzen tion with full payment Gardens Botanical Center on Thursday, to: Mainstreeters, c/o Sept. 17. Free transportation to Lauritzen Maggie Conti. 323 Gardens provided by Jewish Social South 132 Street, Services departs from the JCC at 9:30 Omaha, NE 68154. For a.m. and returns to the JCC by approxitransportation call mately 2 p.m. Cost: $13 per person Maggie at 402.334.6521. which includes admission and narrated tram tour. Note: if A Free Afternoon at the Movies: McFARLAND USA. on you are a current member of Lauritzen Gardens, bring your Friday, Sept. 25. 1 p.m. in the JCC Theater. Complimentary card and the cost will be just popcorn will be served. No $3 for the tram ride. On this reservations necessary. Invite outdoor art adventure you’ll a friend. This Disney sports discover more than 30 whimdrama, based on actual sical sculptures by nationally events, stars Kevin Costner as acclaimed wildlife sculptor a high school football coach Dan Ostermille. These monuin a small California town mental bronze works make art who transforms a rag-tag accessible and fun for all ages. cross-country track team Also enjoy the tram ride and made up of Latino students escape to a 100 acre urban into championship conoasis of beauty and tranquility tenders. An inspirational, and experience the glory of against-all-odds story, the Garden as you discover McFARLAND USA is generthis hidden sanctuary within ous in both heart-tugging and the heart of Omaha. Following smile-inducing moments, the Garden tour, you can thanks to a talented director enjoy lunch at the cozy Cafe at and eminently likable star in the Lauritzen which overlooks the mix. If you’d like to enjoy Mainstreeters visit Lauritzen Gardens on Sept. 17. the glorious flower display a Star Deli lunch at the hall. The menu features fresh sandwiches, soups, salads and Blumkin Home before the show, call Maggie Conti at desserts created by Hap Abraham Catering. Lunch is option- 402.334.6521 to reserve a table. Lunch is on your own. The al and on your own. Make checks payable to Jewish Social Star Deli opens for business at 11:30 a.m. Services and send full payment to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Mainstreeters welcomes all Jewish residents of the Omaha Conti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For information area age 60 plus. The group offers a mixed-bag of learning call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521. opportunities plus social and cultural events. “We’re conAll about Omaha with Mike Kelly: Lunch, Monday, Sept. stantly thinking up new topics for classes and tracking down 21, 12:30 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home entertaining luncheon speakers,” said Maggie Conti, Auditorium. In nearly 45 years Director of Activities and Outreach Programs. “This New at The World-Herald, Mike Year season is a perfect time to begin taking part In Kelly has covered police, Mainstreeters’ activities.” courts and City Hall, and Mainstreeters programs are supported in part by grants spent a decade as sports editor from the United Way of the Midlands and the Jewish and sports columnist. He has Federation of Omaha. written a Metro column since 1991, and his human interest features make you smile and touch your heart. During lunch, Mike will share his perB’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS sonal story and discuss his Mary Beth Muskin, the new ADL director, will talk about new upcoming book which is her plans and her program on Wednesday, Sept. 9, noon. all about Omaha. For lunch, ESPN reporter Mitch Sherman is the networks senior choose from Grilled Omaha World Herald colum- writer for college sports and will talk about, what else? Hamburger on bun with let- nist Mike Kelly speaks at College football! on Wednesday, Sept. 16, noon. For more tuce, tomato and onion or Mainstreeters lunch on information or to be placed on the email list call Tuna Salad on croissant with Sept. 21. 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
Organizations
Volunteers needed for B’nai B’rith Annual Sukkah Building Event! by DEB MARBURG Administrative Assistant, B’nai B’rith Henry Monsky Lodge In preparation for Sukkot, members of Henry Monsky Lodge #3306 B’nai B’rith will build and decorate sukkahs at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, the Child Development Center and Friedel Academy. The annual event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 11 a.m. Volunteers will meet at the Canteen area, outside the Youth Lounge in the Jewish Community Center. Monsky Lodge will supply the building materials and decorations for the sukkahs and will also provide a pizza lunch for all volunteers, following the completion of the booths. “Everyone is welcome to join us as we prepare for this festival on Sunday the 27th. It’s a great chance to have fun, do a mitzvah, meet some new people, and you even get lunch,” said Monsky Lodge President, Ari Riekes. Since volunteers will be handling tree branches as they build sukkahs, they are encouraged to bring a pair of gloves to wear. For more information about the event or to volunteer, please call Steve Riekes at 402.492.9800 or David Jacobs at 402.558.5300, or email bnaibrith@jew ishomaha.org.
Engagements JAVITCH/PASCAL Mark Javitch and Allison Pascal are engaged to be married. The bride-to-be graduated from U.C. Davis in 2004 with degrees in sociology and psychology and a minor in women and gender studies. She attended law school at California Western School of Law in San Diego. Currently, she lives in San Francisco and works as an attorney. She is the daughter of Dr. Charles and Beth Pascal of Hillsborough, CA and the granddaughter of Sandy Schlesinger and the late Al Schlesinger of Hillsborough and Victoria and Aaron Pascal of Woodland Hills. Her fiancé graduated in 2003 from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania witha degree in finance and a minor in math. He currently co-owns Elevated SEO and Web Design, based in Omaha. He is also attending law school at U.C. Hastings. He is the son of Karen and Gary Javitch and the grandson of the late Ruth and Phil Sokolof of Omaha and Robert and Mildred Javitch of Cleveland, Ohio. Allison and Mark met at a Purim party! They are planning to be married on March 5, 2016 in San Francisco.
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6 | The Jewish Press | September 4, 2015
Summer of a Life Time by SCOTT LITTKY Temple Israel Program Director As our children are returning to our religious school and coming to youth group events, we have been very excited to hear about their summer experiences at Jewish camps. This past summer over 50 kids from Temple Israel attended Jewish overnight camps. Last week, with the help of Aliyah Lasky our Director of Youth and Young Adult Engagement, we asked our students to share some of their summer experiences with us. Heather Slovut attended Olin-Sang-Ruby, a Reform Jewish summer camp in Oconomowoc, WI for children in grades 3 to 12. When asked what she enjoyed most about Olin-SangRuby she said, “My favorite part of camp at OSRUI was music studio. In the one month I was at camp, I met people from all over America who shared culture, religion, and a love of art with me. We found meaning while studying a text called Kohelet (Ecclesiastes). Contrary to Kohelet, this camp experience was something new under the sun.” Ben Brodkey attended Camp Sabra. He said, “As a sophomore, this was my final year of summer camp. I attended Camp Sabra for eight summers. Our age group, Masada, camped out every single night. We also spent two of the four weeks of camp touring, hiking and camping. In Colorado, we hiked almost every day. Hiking everyday was hard work, but extremely rewarding in many ways. I lost a few pounds, but I gained a better connection with the kids with whom
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I’ve been attending camp for so long. As we summited Anchor Mountain, 12,327 feet, during our exhausting three-day-hike, we also created a better community. As my last year as a camper came to a close, I chose to remember the amazing summers which occurred at Camp Sabra. Camp Sabra has been my summer home for eight summers and will be for many more to come.” Heather and Ben are just two of our students who had an amazing summer. We are very fortunate at Temple Israel to be able to make sure that every child who would like to attend a Jewish summer camp will attend. A number of our students received assistance in attending a Jewish summer camp from the David and Rachel Bleicher Camp Scholarship Fund and the Erwin Eisenberg Campership Fund and have written to thank us for aiding them in attending camp. If you are interested in making a donation to either of those camp funds to help us in sending more students to camp in the future, please contact, Scott Littky, program director at 402.556.6536. It is not too early to be thinking about camp next summer. Jerry Kaye, director of Olin-Sang-Ruby will be at Temple Israel on Friday, Nov. 13. He will be speaking at services beginning at 6 p.m. and will be available to speak about camp during our monthly congregational Shabbat Dinner after services. Also, our annual Camp Fair will be held Sunday morning, Nov. 15. Watch the Jewish Press and Temple Israel’s Facebook page for more information.
Omaha Jewish Film Festival a fantastic phenomenon by MARK KIRCHHOFF Center for Jewish Life In blockbuster fashion, the 14th Annual Omaha Jewish Film Festival shattered all attendance records, with over 880 enthusiasts viewing the films over five evenings. The collaborative efforts of the Institute for Holocaust Education (IHE) and the Center for Jewish Life (CJL) meant reaching a large number of people to inform them about the festival. “I think it really helped that the first film, Dough, was such a resounding hit,” said Mary Sue Grossman, Program Coordinator for CJL. “It seems that those who attended told others about it and the attendance just kept going up.” Liz Feldstern, Executive Director for IHE added, “It was nice to see that with each showing the festival became a social event, not just movie watching. People stayed after the films to discuss them and enjoy the company of friends and family.” For this year’s festival, ticket prices were lower – with one evening being free – and snacks were free thanks to the sponsors, Todd and Betiana Simon and the Henry Monsky
Lodge B’nai B’rith, plus the following funds of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation: The Klutznick Chair of Jewish Civilization at Creighton University; the Special Donor Advised Fund; the Samuel & Bess Rothenberg Memorial Endowment Fund and the Avy L. & Roberta L. Miller Foundation by Lindsey Miller-Lerman. We thank those sponsors. A survey requesting feedback from attendees was sent out and the comments and suggestions are being organized. Of particular interest is, “which film did the audience select as its favorite film?” and those results are in. It is unbelievable how close the voting was for each of the five films, Dough, 24 Days, Besa, The Last Mentsch, Above and Beyond. That speaks well to how much the audiences enjoyed each of the films. The top vote getter was Above and Beyond capturing 42% of the vote. The Last Mentsch was second with 18% - the remaining three films were nearly tied. With the help of your feedback and suggestions, CJL and IHE look forward to presenting the 15th Annual Omaha Jewish Film Festival next year.
Ninety-seven and nine are the birthdays Sylvia Kushner and Eva Bloom will celebrate this September. Tifereth Israel will honor them and all congregants with September birthdays at a Kiddush lunch on Sept. 5. Throughout the year a Simcha Shel Shabbat on the first Shabbat of each month will honor congregant’s birthdays occurring that month. Sylvia’s children will sponsor the September luncheon. The menu will be “Kugel As You Like It”—three kinds of kugel to choose from with the traditional side dishes, and, of course, birthday cake.
Synagogue Discovery Tour The Synagogue Discovery Tour for 1st and 2nd grade students will take place this year on Sunday, Sept. 20. The tour will start at Beth El at 9:45 am. Students will travel to each of Omaha’s three synagogues to learn about the many symbols and elements within each building. At the synagogues, the children will meet with clergy who will show them the features of the sanctuary. As they play a game, students will learn the similarities and differences between the symbols in the three places of worship. They will learn that while some objects may look different, there are many elements that are common to all synagogues in Omaha and around the world. In the midst of the fun, participants will also nosh on a kosher snack and return to Temple Israel at 12:15 p.m. for the conclusion of the tour. The tour is coordinated by Eadie Tsabari, Director of Congregational Learning for Beth El Synagogue. You may contact her at 402.492.8550 or estari@bethel-omaha. org to register or for additional questions. The event is generously funded by the Herbert Goldsten Trust.
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September 4, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 7
Moldova and their Jews by RICH JURO Editor’s note: this is part 1 of Rich and Fran Juro’s Moldova travel story. You will be able to read part II in a future issue of the Jewish Press. The recent article, Visiting Moldova, by Cantor Wendy Shermet, reminded Fran and I of our interesting trip to Moldova last fall. Cantor Wendy traveled six years ago to the land of her ancestors. We journeyed there because it was the final stop of our goal to visit every former Soviet Socialist Republic. Whilst in Moldova, we also spent a fascinating day in the “breakaway” republic of Transnistria. Trying not to duplicate Cantor Wendy’s article, here’s our story of the countries, their Jews, and of our visit. A Brief History of Moldova Landlocked and located between Ukraine to the north and east, and Romania to the south and west, Moldova was an independent principality in the 14th to 16th centuries. Like most countries in Southeastern Europe, the rulers of the area changed through the years. Moldova (or Moldavia or Bessarabia as it was also known) became part of the Ottoman (Turkish) Empire, and later part of Imperial Russia. After WWI Moldova was “awarded” to Romania, and after World War II it became a Soviet Socialist Republic. True independence was finally achieved in 1990-2 with the breakup of the Soviet Union, but the turmoil did not stop. The small area of Transnistria (or TransDneistra, the land across the Dneister River) declared itself a republic in 1990, and after a short but nasty war, achieved its own independence, but more about that later. Democratic elections have been held in Moldova with varying degrees of honesty. A succession of 8 different governments, including some led by Communists, has not brought Moldova economic or political stability. Here’s the latest from a reliable website (I couldn’t make this up!): “Liberal Democratic Party candidate Chiril Gaburici was appointed prime minister by President Timofti on Feb. 18, 2015…Gaburici’s time as prime minister was brief. He resigned four months later…due to a criminal investigation involving accusations that his school diplomas had been falsified. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman replaced Gaburici as acting prime minister.” So while Moldova is not a failed state, it is the poorest country in Europe. With 750,000 of its 3,000,000 people working in other countries, over a third of its Gross Domestic Product comes directly from money sent back by the Moldovan diaspora. The country also receives aid from the European Union and from several European countries. However, rampant corruption and the ineffective attempts to change from the Soviet socialist bureaucracy to a free market system have held the economy back from its potential. Agricultural products and wine are the main exports. The economy grew nicely in 2013, but stalled in 2014. We visited what is proudly proclaimed as the largest wine cellar in the world: you can drive into 75 miles of tunnels filled with kegs and barrels of wine. Unfortunately, now Russia is not importing any Moldovan wines, so most of the production is aging, hopefully for the better. The cognac is supposedly the finest in the world, and at $3 a bottle, certainly is the best buy. The primary language of Moldova is the same as
Romanian. The Soviet Union left the language intact, but made people use the Cyrillic (Russian) alphabet. In 1989, when the USSR started to break up, the Moldovan Assembly changed the alphabet back to the Latin one used by its Romanian neighbors. However, many people still speak Ukrainian and Russian that they learned from their parents. The national sport is wrestling, and a Moldovan woman won a bronze medal for weightlifting in the 2012 Olympics. Obviously, don’t mess with the locals.
Fran Juro at Old Nevis Cemetery The Jews of Moldova Sephardic Jews arrived in Moldova even before the 16th century, and were soon joined by Ashkenazi Jews from Germany. Interesting factoid: when the Tsar expelled Tatars from the land in the 19th century, Jews were brought in! By 1900, there were 230,000 Jews out of a total population of 2,000,000. In the capital of Chisinau (Kishinev), 50,000 of the 110,000 inhabitants were Jewish. But 1903 brought the terrible Easter pogrom. The “History of the Jews in Bessarabia” states: When a Christian Ukrainian boy, Mikhail Rybachenko, was found murdered in the town of Dubossary, about 25 miles north of Kishinev, and a girl who committed suicide by poisoning herself was declared dead in a Jewish hospital, the [newspapers] insinuated that both children had been murdered by the Jewish community for the purpose of using their blood in the preparation of matzo for Passover (blood libel against Jews). These allegations, and the prompting of the town’s Russian Orthodox bishop, sparked the pogrom. The New York Times described the first Kishinev pogrom in 1903: The anti-Jewish riots in Kishinev, Bessarabia, are worse than the censor will permit to publish. There was a well laidout plan for the general massacre of Jews on the day following the Russian Easter. The mob was led by priests, and the general cry, “Kill the Jews,” was taken- up all over the city. The Jews were taken wholly unaware and were slaughtered like sheep. The dead number 120 and the injured about 500. The scenes of horror attending this massacre are beyond description. Babes were literally torn to pieces by the frenzied and bloodthirsty mob. The local police made no attempt to check the reign of terror. At sunset the streets were piled with corpses and wounded. Those who could make their escape fled in terror, and the city is now practically deserted of Jews.
There was a second pogrom in 1905. As a result thousands of Jews left for the United States and some went to Palestine. But Jews thrived during the period between WWI and WWII when the area was part of Romania. The German occupation of Bessarabia/Moldova in 1941-2 brought the worst annihilation to the Jews. Hundreds of thousands were killed outright or forced to move to the Transnistria region. There they died of starvation or illness, and most of those surviving were transported north to death camps. Many Romanians and Ukrainians eagerly joined in the genocide. Yet there are 53 Gentiles from the area who are enshrined in Yad Vashem in Israel as “Righteous Among the Nations” for saving Jews during that terrible time. After WWII the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic was set up by the Communists. All religious activity was frowned upon, so most synagogues were closed. In the 70’s and 80’s, about 30,000 Jews were able to emigrate to Israel, and after Moldovan independence in 1992, more did the same. Currently, the number of Jews remaining is estimated to be between 10,000 and 30,000, with half living in Chisinau (Kishinev). That’s less than 1% of the total population, 94% of which practice the Christian Eastern Orthodox religion. However, most Jews are elderly and poor, with many living on pensions of $10 per month. As Cantor Wendy reported, there appears to be a thriving Jewish community, especially in Chisinau. There are several Jewish day schools and Sunday schools, summer camps, university Judaica departments, and a renovated Jewish Cultural Center. Most are funded by the Jewish Distribution Committee (JDC) and Israel. Chabad Luvabitch runs the only active synagogues, and we visited one of them. Agudath Israel operates the Yeshiva High School. Anti-Semitism, once virulent and state-sanctioned, still exists today but only informally. There are several historical markets of interest in Chisinau. The Monument to the Victims of the Kishinev Pogrom was dedicated in 2003 on the 100th anniversary of the tragedy. Its inscription is in Yiddish, Hebrew, Romanian (Moldovan), and Russian. The Holocaust Memorial is a Monument to the Victims of the Chisinau Ghetto (that died during WWII). Both were sculpted by a local Jewish artist named Applebaum. Here’s what I wrote in Trip Adviser after visiting the Jewish Cemetery, which has its own memorial to the pogrom: “Living memorial to a former community” Reviewed Sept. 8, 2014 This is a huge cemetery, about 1 million sq. meters, started about 300 years ago. Although badly overgrown with foliage, the graves are in numbered sections, and if you can find him, the caretaker can help you find a specific grave if you know the exact spelling. There is an old chapel, but the inside is destroyed and only the walls are standing. Most touching was the monument to the people killed and Torahs desecrated in the 1903 pogrom. It has the 10 Commandments on it. Follow the path to the left past the old chapel to find it. There are even some new headstones for people who died in the past, probably erected by either local relatives or foreign descendants. Although sad to see how overgrown it is, the cemetery is a memorial of the Jewish citizens who once numbered over 100,000 before the pogroms, and then the Holocaust resulted in the murder or emigration of almost all of them.
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Matisyahu’s Spanish adventure by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor First, there was good news. Reggae artist Matisyahu scored an invitation to the Rototom Sunsplash Festival in Benicassim, Spain. The date coincided with his European summer tour, he was asked to play closing night, and these festivals are fun to play at. Spain in the summer attracts many tourists, so a diverse audience is guaranteed. And since the public buys their tickets not for one specific artist, but rather to experience a complete and diversified line-up, those who take the stage have an opportunity to access new listeners. Then, there was bad news. The pro-Palestinian organization Boycott, Divest and Sanction Pais Valencia put pressure on the organizers of Rototum to make some specific demands of Matisyahu. “Before he could take the stage,” they said, “he really should endorse Palestinian Statehood.” Festival organizers complied, Matisyahu refused, and his act was canceled. BDS won. It didn’t really come as a surprise. The Rototum Festival is dedicated to the themes of “Peace, equality, human rights and social justice.” It often holds forums on social issues, including the Middle East conflict. (Forward.com) BDS Pais Valencia felt those principles did not mesh well with the artist, who supports Israel and Zionism. Of course, there are issues. First of all, none of the other acts were asked to make such a statement. Second, Matisyahu is not Israeli. He is an American Jew. As such, yes, he may support Israel and Zionism. That is his right. And the BDS people may disagree with him, that is their right. What is not okay is singling out a Jewish artist in order to make a point about your anti-Israel policies. Because that opens the door to blaming every Jew in Israel and around
the world for those elements of Israeli policies you disagree with. Couple that with the fact that so many BDS supporters are massively misinformed about the situation in Gaza and the Westbank, don’t give one iota about Palestinian refugees in other Middle Eastern countries (Hello, Jordan, hello
Syria), and you have an old fashioned witch hunt on your hands. Good news again: all across Spain and the rest of Europe, people complained about Rototum’s move. The Spanish government spoke out against it, called the cancellation of Matisyahu “illegal discrimination,” and declared its “rejec-
tion of any anti-Semitic action.” The United States Embassy joined the chorus, as did other Spanish artists. Matisyahu said this: “My music speaks for itself, and I do not insert politics into my music. Honestly, it was appalling and offensive that as the one publicly Jewish-American artist scheduled for the festival they were trying to coerce me into political statements. Were any of the other artists scheduled to perform asked to make political statements in order to perform? No artist deserves to be put in such a situation simply to perform his or her art.” Then, good news again: Rototom changed its mind. They apologized and re-invited Matisyahu, because they realized after listening to all the complaints they were wrong. Which is funny when you think about it: it seems the festival organizers don’t really have an opinion about anything; they simply listen to whoever screams the loudest. So, Matisyahu went after all, and performed. Rototom issued the following statement: “Rototom Sunsplash rejects anti-Semitism and any form of discrimination towards the Jewish community; we respect both their culture and religious beliefs, and we sincerely apologize for what has occurred.” Yeah, I don’t buy it either. Besides, the insult had nothing to do with Jewish culture or with religious beliefs. This was politics, nothing more, nothing less. The kind of politics that requires a scape goat.
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 14-15 for Rosh Hashanah, Wednesday, Sept. 23, for Yom Kippur, and Monday, Sept. 28 for Sukkot. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is Wednesday, Sept. 9, 9 a.m. for the Sept. 18 issue. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
Here’s why Hamas and Israel may be secretly negotiating by BEN SALES TEL AVIV (JTA) -- After more than a decade of failed diplomacy, Israel could be close to signing a major agreement with the Palestinians. They’re just not the Palestinians you thought. After years of vowing not to negotiate with Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, Israel may be finalizing a deal with the terrorist group that reportedly would lift Israel’s blockade of Gaza in exchange for a cessation of Hamas rocket attacks and tunneling into Israel for at least eight years. Israeli officials have flatly denied the reports. On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying that its policy of non-negotiation with Hamas had not changed. “Israel would like to officially clarify that it is not holding any meetings with Hamas, neither directly, nor via other countries, nor via intermediaries,” the statement said. But there may be some truth to the reports, which have appeared in the Arabic-language press and have received considerable attention in the Israeli media. A senior official in Turkey, an ally of Hamas, told the Hamas daily al-Resalah that an agreement was near, the Times of Israel reported. The official, Yasin Aktay, is an adviser to Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and said Hamas political chief Khaled Meshaal came to Turkey to brief the Turkish leadership about the agreement. After three wars in the past six years, Israel and Hamas may have a mutual interest in securing a longer-term truce that will stave off another round of fighting. Hamas would be able to rebuild Gaza -- and perhaps restock its arsenal -while the Israelis would get a reprieve from Hamas rockets that is longer than two years. “It seems to me that Hamas absorbed some [Israeli military] operations, and they’re interested in getting to an arrangement that will allow them to live in Gaza in quiet,”
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said Ephraim Inbar, the director of Bar-Ilan University's Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies. “Israel is also interested in a long-term cease-fire.” Arabic news sources reported that the agreement could include the construction of a port in the Gaza Strip. Ships en route to Gaza would pass through a port in Cyprus, where they would be examined by either Turkish or NATO authorities. The agreement also would include permits for thousands of Gazan day laborers to work in Israel, and in exchange Hamas would commit to ceasing all rocket attacks and tunneling into Israel, according to the Times of Israel. The deal reportedly has been approved by the Shura Council, Hamas’ legislative body. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is said to be mediating between the sides. Gershon Baskin, who helped negotiate the 2011 IsraelHamas prisoner exchange that freed Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, said he was inclined to believe Netanyahu’s denials and doubted that an agreement was close. Israel has no incentive to sign an agreement that would strengthen Hamas while weakening Palestinian moderates in the West Bank who oppose Hamas, Baskin said. “It’s insane for Israel to even think about entering into that kind of agreement,” Baskin said. “It’s a victory for Hamas, and the question is: You’re giving Hamas a victory as Hamas continues to build its soldiers and its army. For what? It’s not a plan to demilitarize Gaza.” If negotiations are taking place, it would be a major reversal for a government that previously considered Israel-Hamas talks anathema -- at least officially. Last year, Israel called off peace talks with the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority when the Fatah faction and Hamas signed a unity pact. "Instead of choosing peace, Abu Mazen formed an alliance with a murderous terrorist organization that calls for the destruction of Israel,” Netanyahu said at the time, using P.A. President Mahmoud Abbas’ nom de guerre. “Whoever
chooses the terrorism of Hamas does not want peace." Israel, however, has negotiated with Hamas indirectly in the past. Mediated talks in 2012 and 2014 ended Israeli military operations in Gaza. At the end of August 2014, an Egyptian-mediated pact ended a Gaza conflict that saw more than 2,000 Palestinians and 70 Israelis killed. The cease-fire also called for restarting indirect talks on easing the blockade of Gaza and disarming the territory. An Israel-Hamas agreement may be especially opportune now as Israel aims to strengthen ties with neighboring countries that share its fears about the Iran nuclear agreement. Saudi Arabia reportedly wants to create a broad, Sunnibased alliance that includes Hamas to counter Iran’s regional ambitions. Hamas, however, has received funding and weaponry from Iran. For Israel, another positive side effect of an accord could be improved relations with Turkey, which supports Hamas. Relations between Turkey and Israel deteriorated in 2010 after nine Turks were killed when Israeli soldiers stormed a Turkish boat, the Mavi Marmara, trying to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Since then, Turkey and Israel have negotiated over Israeli compensation for the victims. An Israeli pact with Hamas could make Turkey more amenable to an agreement of its own with Israel. But on Monday, a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said, “As for relations with Turkey, agreement is still far off.” Even if an Israel-Hamas accord does strengthen Israel’s regional position, it could harm Israel’s relationship with the Palestinian Authority, signaling to moderate Palestinians that violence pays, Baskin said. “It destroys the Palestinian Authority, it destroys Palestinian moderates,” he said. “It gives the Palestinians the message that you only get concessions from Israel through violence or force.”
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September 4, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 9
How synagogues can prioritize disability inclusion this High Holiday season by JAY RUDERMAN (JTA) — With the High Holidays just around the corner, Jews all over the world will be asking themselves how they can lead more meaningful and moral lives. Synagogue communities, too, will be asking themselves how they can become more holy and inclusive communities. In my years of involvement with disability inclusion, I’ve observed that change often occurs because a rabbi, a professional or a lay leader understands the value of inclusion of all people and makes it a priority. If there ever was a time for leaders to step up to the plate and help their synagogues become more inclusive — to welcome diverse people with varying abilities and find a place for them in the community — it’s during the Days of Awe. Liz Offen, director of New England Yachad, an Orthodox Union-affiliated organization that works toward the inclusion of people with disabilities in Jewish life, said that the High Holidays seem almost designed to raise awareness of people with disabilities. “Every aspect of the high holiday experience is infused with rituals that draw on the senses,” she said. “From the food we eat, to the sound and vibrations of the shofar, we are reminded of the varied ways people experience life.” So how can congregations take advantage of this calling to become more inclusive communities? The obvious answer is that they can implement best practices in making their physical spaces more inclusive for people with disabilities. They can print books with larger text, embrace hearing loop technologies to assist people who are hard of hearing, train ushers to recognize and assist people with disabilities, make every part of the building wheelchair accessible, and establish an inclusion committee to continually expand inclusive practices.
The broader answer is that they can demonstrate leadership and work to create a powerful culture of inclusion among congregants so that inclusion pervades all aspects of congregational life, and thereby change basic attitudes toward people with disabilities. Ed Frim, an inclusion specialist at United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, said that true inclusion goes much deeper than making synagogue life accessible. "Inclusive congregations are mindful of everyone who is part of the community," he said. "They establish a culture that takes for granted that all, including those with disabilities, have the right to fully participate as part of the congregation." “It’s not just about training ushers to be welcoming to people with disabilities and helping them find their way, it’s about turning the entire congregation into ushers, who seek to create a welcoming environment,” he said. Just as important as building a culture of inclusion is affecting a shift in attitude about how we think of disabilities. Rabbi Noah Cheses of Shaarei Shomayim Congregation in Toronto recalls an aha moment when his perspective on disabilities changed from seeing just the disability to seeing the whole person. A senior in high school had come to speak at a retreat Cheses was attending. The student had a muscular disorder that required him to be in a wheelchair. It was clear from the moment he began speaking that this charismatic young man
was not defined by his disability. “He asked us to take out a piece of paper and make a list of [perceived] personal shortcomings ...,” recounted Rabbi Cheses. “We were then instructed to introduce ourselves to the person next to us in the following way: “Hi, my name is X, and I have such and such ….” “For a moment, I felt what it was like to be identified by my personal limitations…as if my passions and talents were being overshadowed and pushed aside by something beyond my control.” It was that realization, among others, that motivated Rabbi Cheses to seek change in his congregation. The congregation made physical changes — among other things, it built an accessible ark — but the rabbi also sought to make spiritual changes and help his congregants experience the same aha moment that he had at the retreat. Indeed, it is these spiritual changes — viewing all of God’s people as bringing unique contributions to the world — that can turn a congregation from a collection of people to a holy community. This time of reflection and renewal provides the perfect moment for such a shift to take place. Jay Ruderman is President of the Ruderman Family Foundation, which focuses on the inclusion of people with disabilities in our society. The foundation is holding the 2015 Ruderman Inclusion Summit Nov. 1-2 in Boston. Registration information is available here. He’s on Twitter @jayruderman.
How the Pew study reveals a gulf between U.S. and Israeli haredi Jews by BEN SALES less affluent than non-haredi Jews, they’re still doing better im had only a primary school education. And only approxi(JTA) Did we need the Pew Research Center to tell us than Americans overall. A majority of American haredim mately 15 percent had a bachelor’s or graduate degree. American haredim are different than other Jews? It’s no sur- make more than $50,000, as opposed to just 45 percent of American haredim have lower college graduation rates prise that American haredi Orthodox Jews marry young, Americans overall. And about a quarter of haredi house- than the rest of U.S. Jews, but they’re doing better than their have big families, care more about religion and skew further holds make more than $150,000 — the same rate as non- Israeli counterparts. A quarter of American haredim have right politically than the rest of the American Jewish com- Orthodox Jews, and far above the 8 percent of Americans bachelor’s or graduate degrees, only a bit below the 29 permunity. generally. cent of Americans overall. And more than 60 percent of But when compared with similar data from Israel, American haredim attended at least some college, Pew’s “Portrait of American Orthodox Jews,” did illuwhile only a third of Israeli haredim graduated high minate another gap — not between Orthodox and secschool. ular, but between haredi Jews from global Jewry’s two Israeli haredim are less right-wing politically — on poles: Israel and America. some issues. Haredi political parties in Israel are In a few obvious ways, American and Israeli haredi famous — or perhaps infamous — for being socially Jews are much alike. Both communities believe in God conservative on issues like marriage, Jewish converand keep traditional Jewish law, or halacha. They both sion and gay rights. On those issues, to the extent have high birthrates and younger populations. They they’re political issues in America, the two haredi both largely send their kids to religious schools. communities might agree. Beyond that, though, they begin to diverge. But Israeli haredi politicians have been agnostic on America’s haredim are richer, more educated and more questions of diplomacy and defense — and decidedly politically conservative than their Israeli counterparts. pro-big government when it comes to social services. Israeli haredim are poor. American haredim, not so Shas, the Sephardi haredi party, ran an election cammuch. Haredim aren’t only Israel’s most religious compaign this year calling for raising taxes on the rich, munity; they’re also its poorest. According to the Taub increasing the minimum wage and providing more Center for Social Policy Studies, haredim have the lowfunding for public housing. est average household income of any sector in Israeli In terms of the size of government, American haredUltra-Orthodox Jews watching the funeral procession of prominent Jewish society, at approximately $2,500 per month. im fall on the other end of the spectrum. According to Rabbi Eliezer Hager in Haifa, Israel, on July 8, 2015. That’s largely because Israeli haredim have a low Pew, 57 percent of them “prefer smaller government Credit: Ariel Schalit/AP employment rate, with many young men opting to with fewer services.” study full-time in yeshiva rather than work — though that More American haredim get advanced degrees than Israeli In that sense, Israeli haredim match up better with Reform trend is changing. Haredi Americans work at higher rates, haredim. Israel has one of the highest college attendance American Jews, only a third of whom want smaller governand it shows in their bank accounts. rates in the world, but its haredi community is among its least ment. Just don’t tell that to Israeli Religious Services The Pew survey found that while American haredim are educated. As of 2012, according to Taub, 47 percent of hared- Minister David Azoulay.
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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: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Spencer Gordman, son of Allison and Jay Gordman; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m.; Havdallah, 8:30 p.m.; Program/ Selichot, 8:45 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: No BESTT Classes; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Storm Chasers Game with Men’s Club, 7 p.m.; USY Overnight at West Park MONDAY: Office will be closed for Labor Day; Morning Service, 9 a.m. TUESDAY: Get into the Spirit of the High Holidays, noon at Spirit World. WEDNESDAY: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; BESTT Hebrew High Classes & Dinner, 6 p.m. meets at the JCC; Choir Practice, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Shanghai, 1 p.m. Shabbat’s Cool (K-7), Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. followed by lunch. 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, 6:15 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 7:15 p.m.; Ma’ariv/ Havdalah, 8:41 p.m.; Musical Introduction to Selichot, 11 p.m.; Selichot, 11:59 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m.; Kevert Avot: Golden Hill Cemetery, 5025 N. 42nd St., noon; Beth Israel/Mt. Sinai, 78th & Crown Point, 1 p.m.; BHH/Fisher Farms, 8900 S. 42nd Street, 2 p.m.; Caffe Ivrit with Shaliach Eliad Eliyahu, 2 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Office will be closed for Labor Day; Selichot and Shacharit, 9 a.m. TUESDAY: Selichot, 6:40 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; The por-
tion of Israel with Shaliach Eliad Eliyahu, noon; Introduction to the Prayers of High Holidays with musical accompaniment, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Selichot, 6:40 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m. THURSDAY: Selichot, 6:40 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m.; Girls Class, 7:30 p.m.; Talmud Chavruta Learning, 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 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 Stacy Balter. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Ki Tavo; Potluck Dessert Reception, 8:30 p.m.; Selichot Service, with the High Holidays Choir, 9 p.m. SUNDAY: No LCJS Classes. MONDAY: Office will be closed for Labor Day. TUESDAY: Holocaust Survivor Milton Kleinberg will speak 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. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. THURSDAY: Choir Rehearsal, 7:30-9 p.m. Game Night/Potluck, Saturday, Sept. 19, 6 p.m. Questions? Contact Deborah Swearingen. 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.
Candlelighting Friday, September 4, 7:33 p.m.
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 Jim Polack. 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 Azriel and Cantor Shermet. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; S’lichot Program and Service, 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. SUNDAY: No Religious School. TUESDAY: Kol Rina Rehearsal (Kol Rina and Quintet), 6:30 p.m.; Holy Smokes, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; Chapel for School Service, 4:30 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6 p.m.; Grades 9-12 Teen Event Lone Solider Izzy Ezagui, 6 p.m. at the JCC; Reform Rabbinic Responsa -- Congregational Concerns, 6:30 p.m. Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, Friday, Sept. 11, 4 p.m.
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: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by our first Simcha Shel Shabbat celebration and Kiddush honoring September birthday’s sponsored by Sylvia Kushner’s family; Selichot and Study session, 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. SUNDAY: No LCJS Classes; Memorial Service, 10:30 a.m. at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. MONDAY: Office will be closed for Labor Day; Yahrzheit Minyan in memory of Nancy Coren’s mother, Esther Rae Chesnin, 7:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. Please let Nancy know if you can make the minyan. 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.
Temple: back to school LJCS first day of school, “Wake up Call”
Opening of Religious School – first day assembly on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015
The students had a wonderful time learning about Rosh Hashanah and blowing their very own Shofarim.
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
September 4, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 11
In memoriam BERNICE COHEN
human being, friend and colleague. He will be greatly missed.” Dr. Mirvish completed his doctorate degree in organic chemistry at Cambridge University in England and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. After working in South Africa at the University of Witwatersrand, he joined the Weizmann Institute in Israel where he developed his interest in carcinogenesis. After working briefly at the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research at the University of Wisconsin, he was recruited as an associate professor to the Eppley Institute in 1969. He was promoted to professor in 1977, served as interim director and associate director of the institute from 19811986, and received the Outstanding Research and Creativity Award (ORCA) from the University of Nebraska in 1986. Dr. Mirvish had 155 publications and his lab was funded by the National Cancer Institute through 2013 (as professor emeritus). He was still working on grant applications and research manuscripts and continued to come regularly to institute seminars and meetings. UNMC Chancellor Emeritus Harold M. Maurer, M.D., called Dr. Mirvish “a quiet, unassuming man,” despite his
accomplishments as a scientist. “In the summer, you would see him walking to work in shorts and wearing a backpack,” Dr. Maurer said. “He exhibited the essence of diversity at UNMC. It gave UNMC character! I’ll miss him.” “The campus will not be the same without him walking it every day, and the front row of seminars will forever be empty,” said Bryan Katafiasz, an administrative associate in the UNMC Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy. Dr. Mirvish is survived by his wife, Lynda; two children, Leora Mirvish, Washington, D.C., and Daniel Mirvish, Culver City, Calif., his wife, Rachel, and their three children, Rebecca, Jonathan and Miriam. He also is survived by his sister, Doreen Bahiri, of Tel Aviv, Israel. A memorial service was held Aug. 25 at Beth Israel Cemetery, 7800 Crown Point Ave. What others are saying: “Dr. Mirvish was a gentle soul. His kindness, thoughtful compassion and dedication to research and teaching was at the highest level. As a teacher he taught by example and as a friend he lived by example. He also cared more about others than himself and was always the first in the lecture hall, the conference room and the one asking the most provocative questions about science, truth and life. He was the next generation that has aged and perhaps moved on. I will miss his wisdom dearly. Most importantly I will miss him as a man who influenced our commitment to Nebraska, the medical center and to God.” - Howard Gendelman, M.D., Margaret R. Larson Professor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases; chair, UNMC Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience “If you wanted to point to someone who loved his work, Sidney would have been a great choice. Even as an emeritus professor, he was working. In fact, he was on the list for a March 2016 NIH grant submission. We would all be blessed to have the enduring passion for our profession that Sidney had for his.” - Robert Lewis, Ph.D., professor, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases; program leader, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center “While I never worked directly with him, I had the pleasure of discussing science and various other lighter topics numerous times with Sidney. What a great person and what exemplary dedication to science. He will be missed.” - Howard Fox, M.D., Ph.D., senior associate dean of research and development, UNMC College of Medicine; professor and executive vice chair, UNMC Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience “Sidney Mirvish was a scientist through and through. Long after he officially retired, he continued to discuss his ideas and write grants. He also continued to go to seminars. If the speaker skipped over some background information or used some unfamiliar jargon, Sidney was sure to ask for clarification. It would often take the speaker by surprise, but not most in the audience. We had seen it all many times over the years. Sometimes, Sidney’s questions were the most insightful ones asked because his questions would get to the heart of the issue. He will be missed.” - Angie Rizzino, Ph.D., professor, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases “We think everybody on campus recognized Sidney. Because of vision challenges he would always sit in the front row at seminars and scrutinize your slides in great detail. It was rather intimidating, since you thought he might be picking out all the errors. In fact he would skip the small stuff and ask important and insightful questions. He was especially helpful to the Lymphoma Research Group, because he was so very knowledgeable as an advisor and collaborator on studies of exposure to agricultural chemicals implicated in causing cancers.” - Graham Sharp, Ph.D., and Shantaram Joshi, Ph.D., professors, UNMC Department of Genetics, Cell Biology & Anatomy “I did not know Sidney well and had little interaction with him. He did come to our departmental seminars for many years and the thing that impressed me about him was that he was not afraid to ask a question about any subject. This is a valuable characteristic and something we try (frequently unsuccessfully) to instill in our students. If you do not ask questions, you will not learn much.” - Charlie Murrin, Ph.D., retired professor, pharmacology and experimental neuroscience
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Bernice Cohen passed away on July 31. Services were held on Aug. 2 at Golden Hills Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband Don, sisters and parents. She is survived by her family: Ed, Mel and Anne, Harvey and Fran and grandchildren: Rebbeca and Ben. Bernice was born May 11, 1923 in Omaha to Ben and Rose Burstein. She grew up with her two sisters, Betty and Helen. Her childhood and all of her life was Omaha. She attended Tech High. She loved Nebraska, Nebraska football, fishing and Omaha. Bernice was heavily involved in the community and was a fixture at Beth Israel and their Sisterhood events - putting in much work to make the events a success, especially the Sisterhood Donor luncheon and Barton’s holiday candy sales. She and her husband Don in Omaha, and were married for more than 65 years. Bernice and Don had three children, Harvey, Mel and Ed. She loved her family, enjoyed their company, and was proud of each of them. She welcomed her daughter-in-laws into the family and adored her grandchildren. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. Memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.
JERRY COHN Former Omahan Jerry Cohn passed away in Scottsdale, AZ on Aug. 28 at age 88 with his loving family at his side. Services were held in Scottsdale on Aug. 31. He is survived by his three daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy Cohn and Robert Weinstein, Susan and Jerry Fleischman, and Debbie and Dr. Bruce Sobel; three grandchildren: Stephanie and Ali Weinstein, and Whitney Sobel; sister and brother-in-law, Sheryn and Arnold Joffe, brother and sister-in-law, Marvin and Susie Cohn, and niece and nephew, Karen and Gary Javitch. He was preceded in death by Soralee (Sokolof) Cohn, his loving wife of nearly 64 years, his mother and father, Lil and Dave Cohn, and his brother, Ronnie (Beanie) Cohn. For many years, Jerry owned and operated National Auto Supply and then went on to enjoy another successful career in real estate, teaming up with his wife, Soralee. While a devoted Nebraska Cornhusker fan until the day he died, Jerry will be remembered most fondly as a loving, devoted husband, doting father, dear uncle, and adoring grandfather. His friends will also warmly remember his sense of humor and his kindness. And will always applaud his creative talent and his passion, especially in retirement, for producing entertaining video productions that beautifully captured important family occasions and special memories. Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association or The University of Nebraska Medical Center. Continued from page 1
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12 | The Jewish Press | September 4, 2015
Iran deal will pass (or so says the math) by URIEL HEILMAN For the record, fewer than 10 percent of all presidential Congress supporting the deal (prompting the right-wing (JTA) — Does the Iran deal have the votes or not? vetoes throughout history have been overridden by votes in Zionist Organization of America to release an “analysis” of Though President Barack Obama is vacationing on Congress. the pro-deal rabbis that found the overwhelming majority Martha’s Vineyard and Congress is in recess through Labor The Jews are lobbying supportive of “activities that are hostile towards Israel.”) Day, there’s plenty of action on the agreement as lawmakers Despite the high likelihood of the deal proceeding — or In a column in the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles titled debate whether to vote with their colleagues, constituents, perhaps because of it — Jewish groups have maintained an “Imagine the following headline: 340 plumbers urge aides or consciences — or some combination therein. intense lobbying push against and for the deal. Citizens for a Congress to disapprove Iran nuclear deal,” Israeli analyst The deal’s chances in Congress Shmuel Rosner dismissed the whole exercise as irreleWith Obama having vowed to veto any disapvant. proval of the deal, both houses of Congress “Rabbis have no advantage over plumbers when it would have to muster veto-proof majorities — comes to understanding and assessing the agreement 290 in the House, 67 in the Senate — to kill the with Iran,” Rosner wrote. “They have no better profesdeal. If the Republicans vote as a bloc against the sional qualifications and no more relevant experideal, as seems likely, its opponents would need 44 ence.” Democrats in the House and 13 in the Senate to Jewish groups weigh in reach the two-thirds majority necessary to overWhile most nonpartisan Jewish groups that have ride the veto. weighed in are opposing the deal, there have been a That’s unlikely to happen in the Senate, which couple of notable exceptions. Last week, the Reform is why few analysts are even bothering to count movement announced that it would not take a posivotes in the House. (If the Senate cannot override tion. Obama’s veto, it doesn’t matter what happens in “At this time, there is no unity of opinion among the the House.) Reform Movement leadership — lay and rabbinic alike Only two Senate Democrats have come out — just as there is not unity among our membership as against the deal: Sens. Robert Menendez of New to the JCPOA itself,” the Union for Reform Judaism Jersey and Charles Schumer of New York. said in a statement Aug. 19, using the acronym for the Sen. Harry Reid, left, the Senate minority leader, and his likely successor, Sen. Meanwhile, 26 Democrats and the two independIran deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Charles Schumer, at a news briefing in Washington, D.C., Feb. 24, 2015. Reid is ent senators who caucus with the Democrats “Thus, there is simply no clarity that would support supporting the Iran deal and Schumer said he will vote against it. have come out for the agreement reached last taking a position ‘for’ or ‘against’ the JCPOA itself.” Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images month between six world powers and Iran. That Meanwhile, a group made up primarily of former leaves only 14 more Democratic votes up for grabs. Unless Nuclear Free Iran, which is backed by the American Israel lay or professional leaders of Jewish organizations took out a 11 of those senators break with the president to vote against Public Affairs Committee, is spending down a $30 million full-page ad in The New York Times on Aug. 20 in support the deal, the agreement trading sanctions relief for Iran for war chest to run ads against the agreement. AIPAC has dis- of the deal. In what is perhaps a sign of the rightward shift restrictions on its nuclear program will become law. (To put tributed a script to followers to provide guidance on what of Jewish organizations (or their big donors) in recent it another way, the deal’s supporters need just four more yes they should say when they ring their Congress member. decades, among the pro-deal ad’s signatories were three forvotes in the Senate to uphold the deal.) “I am calling/writing to urge you to oppose the flawed mer leaders of major Jewish groups whose current leaders A continuously updated tally by the Washington Post Iran deal, which does not end Iran’s pathways to a nuclear oppose the deal: Thomas Dine, AIPAC’s executive director counts four already leaning in support of the deal and 11 weapon,” says the script directed at undecided members of from 1980 to 1993; Seymour Reich, chairman of the unknown or undecided. Those tilting toward support are Congress. “Please stand up for the security of the United Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut; Thomas Carper of States and our allies and demand a better deal.” Organizations from 1989 to 1990; and Robert Rifkind, presDelaware; Jeff Merkley of Oregon; and Joe Manchin III of A rabbinic petition (though it’s not clear all the signatories ident of the American Jewish Committee from 1994 to 1998. West Virginia. are rabbis) against the deal garnered more than 900 signaThe deadline for the vote in Congress on the Iran deal is According to the math, the deal looks likely to be upheld. tures as of Tuesday, while last week 340 rabbis sent a letter to Sept. 17, just two days after Rosh Hashanah.
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Contact your advertising representative to advertise in this very special edition. Jessie Wees | 402.334.6559 | jwees@jewishomaha.org