thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
this week
SEPT EMBER 9 , 2 0 1 6 | 6 EL U L 5 7 7 6 | V O L . 9 6 | NO . 5 0 | 2 SECT IO NS | C A ND leli g h ti Ng | FRID AY , SEPT EMBER 9 , 7 : 2 5 P. M.
A dinner party 160 years in the making
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ANNette vAN De KAMP-Wright propel a new generation of philanthropists.” Underground dining is a concept that is popping up all over Editor of the Jewish Press n 2015, Danny Cohn and Andrew Miller moved to Omaha the country, and thanks to Andrew and Danny, it is coming to an --as of yet-- undisclosed location near you Saturday, Nov. 5 from Chicago so they could raise their daughter Nora in the Omaha Jewish at 8 p.m. community. “The first FED event “I grew up here,” took place last fall in Danny said, “and AnKansas City,” Danny drew and I were married said. “FED, a pop-up here 10 years ago this dinner event designed to November. Our daughengage the next generater Nora is eighth genertion of members and leaders of the local Jewation Omaha Jew, so it ish community, will inonly made sense that tertwine food, Andrew and I would community and philanchair the dinner party thropy.” What’s not to that had been 160 years like? in the making.” “The event was modWait; what dinner eled as a sort of modern party? supper club offering “It’s called FED, and pop-up dinners in unexit’s an underground dinpected spaces, but it was ing experience,” Andrew said. “We don’t believe also a fundraiser beneMeet the chairs: Danny Cohn and Andrew Miller fiting the Jewish Federaan event like this has ever taken place in Jewish Omaha. We’re saying it has been ‘160 tion of Greater Kansas City’s annual campaign.” Community members can expect an invitation with registrayears in the making’ because160 years ago, the first Jews arrived in Omaha after making passage across the Missouri River. FED tion information in late September; RSVPs are due by Oct. 28. “We want to dispel the myth of the rubber chicken dinner,” celebrates the accomplishment of the Jewish community and See Dinner party page A2 the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its agencies, and will help
Our special Food issue See Section 2
Kehilla Cupdate Page 6
Finding authenticity in Fort Calhoun Page 12
NCJW-Omaha Section’s commitment
inside
NCJW Omaha Section President Alice Klein continues to pile high the school supplies for these happy 6th grade students.
Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles
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SPONSOreD by the beNJAMiN AND ANNA e. WieSMAN FAMily eNDOWMeNt FuND
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AliCe KleiN NCJW-Omaha Section President NCJW Omaha Section once more
starts the school year with needed school supplies for Jackson Elementary School. Another school year, and another day for the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Omaha Section members to provide supplies to all students at Jackson Elementary School. Jackson was chosen in the OPS Adopt-A-School program based on its need for assistance. This is the 11th year that NCJW donated supplies. Throughout its 123-year history, NCJW has See NCJW-Omaha Section page A2
leONArD greeNSPOON No visit to the home of Margo and Steve Riekes is complete without Steve’s telling a few stories, always humorous, often biographical. Additionally, a perusal of some of Steve’s recently purchased books, often scholarly, always Jewish, gives insight to his broad interests. Steve’s dedication to Judaism is legendary as demonstrated by his decades of commit-
ment and generosity, especially to educational programming. Sunday, Sept. 18, from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. in the JCC Auditorium, the Jewish community will gather together to toast Steve at a “Jewish Day of Learning -- through Laughing.” Headliner Rachel Shukert is traveling from Los Angeles especially for this event. She will be See Jewish Day of laughing page A3
NCJW-Omaha Section
A2 | The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016
community Dinner party
Continued from page A1 Andrew said, “and bring the community something that they would want to attend regardless of whether it supported the Federation. Underground dinner parties are happening across the country. We think the fact that we are going to hold it in a space that has limited accessibility to the general public coupled with the fact of famous locally-based chefs who are cooking Kosher specifically for this event, makes it pretty darn cool.” The menu, as of now, remains a secret, but the event will be meat and Kosher under the supervision of Rabbi Steven Abraham of Beth El Synagogue. Danny calls it “A modern twist on Jewish comfort offering both meat and parve kosher – the menu will be announced at the end of September.” Andrew and Danny are excited about this event: “We are huge foodies. Everything about the way we live is centered around our dining room table. In the 14 years we have been together, we have hosted more than 150 dinner parties – food is part of our DNA,” they said. “Until we moved to Omaha, Andrew was in the food business – his first job was selling Kosher Frozen Food for Ratners and KingKold and his family has owned a restaurant in Denver for three decades. Now in Omaha, Andrew has joined the team of the new Swartz’s Deli.” So they combined the two things they are passionate about: food and philanthropy,
G L A S S
added a dash of inspiration from Kansas City and the event was born. “My mom Pam chaired a community Yom Haatzmaut event in the early 1980s,” Danny said. “I saw then and there the importance of making sure the success of the Jewish community events come from within.” “We are also eager to show the community what our take on a Jewish Federation event is – we have lived and been active in the Federations in both Cincinnati (where Danny chaired Ben Gurion) and Chicago, so we feel that we bring a unique perspective.,” Andrew added. “In the end, we want the attendees to feel like they were coming to our house for dinner – the camaraderie is just as important as the food.” Alan Potash, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Omaha and another self-proclaimed foodie said, “It is so exciting to have returnees to Omaha take a leadership role with this innovative programming. I can’t wait to be a part of Danny and Andrew’s plan for the evening.” The FED event will be open to the entire Jewish community, with an emphasis on late 20s to early 50s. Cost is $50 per person. Watch your inbox for a dinner you won’t want to miss! To join the committee, to obtain more information or to serve as an event host with your name on the invitation, contact dannycohn@gmail.com. Event hosts commit to attending and bringing one other couple.
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Students pick out their supplies for the school year.
Continued from page A1 demonstrated a profound commitment to improving the quality of life for women, children, and families. While this commitment has taken a variety of forms over the years, central to it is the belief that a democratic society must provide for the needs of those unable to provide for themselves. On Aug. 17, the first day of school, 20 NCJW Omaha Section volunteers led by program chair, Harriet Epstein, distributed school supplies to all students as part of its mission to help the children at Jackson Elementary School. NCJW Omaha Section buys the supplies requested by the teachers and principal for the students each year. Items distributed included notebooks, folders, crayons, highlighters, colored pencils, rulers and, of course, a box to put it all in. In addition to the supplies provided so far, backpacks are provided for those whom the teachers note as needing them. Last year NCJW provided winter clothes to Jackson. Donated and bought items included 22 sweatpants, 19 pairs of gloves, 18 hats, two earmuffs, three pairs of socks, and eight scarves for the winter. If you have interest in supporting one of NCJW’s projects, please contact Becki Brenner, Community Services Vice President at becki.brenner@cox.net. Take a look at the NCJW website (ncjwomaha.org) and like on Facebook (facebook.com/ncjwomaha/).
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The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016 | A3
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Continued from page A1 joined by Marty Shukert, Nate Shapiro, Ozzie Nogg and Leonard Greenspoon. Rabbi Steven Abraham will be Master of Ceremonies. The day is sure to be filled with copious amounts of humor since this is a Day of Laughing - and ample opportunity for discussion since this is a Day of Learning. Rachel Shukert has been an accomplished performer and presenter from the time she was growing up in Omaha. She is an author and screenwriter now living in Los Angeles. Her books include the bestselling memoir Everything Is Going To Be Great and the young adult series Starstruck. She has written for Red Band Society (FOX) and Supergirl (CBS), and is currently executive story editor on GLOW, a new Netflix comedy that is executive produced by Jenji Kohan (Weeds, Orange Is the New Black.) Rachel’s journalism and essays have appeared on NPR and in New York Magazine, Vanity Fair, and the Wall Street Journal. She is also a contributing editor and columnist for Tablet. Rachel has titled her presentation for the day, The Evolving Perspective of Jewish Humor in Television Writing. It will feature a conversation with her dad Marty investigating the Jewish contribution to television comedy writing and how it has changed over time. It will provide a special focus on the growing influence of Jewish women in television comedy and will have opportunities for audience interaction. Following in his daughter’s footsteps for this event alone will be Marty Shukert. Marty is an Omaha native, a proud member of Beth El Synagogue, an active Jewish community member, and a proficient designer of numerous Jewish buildings including Beth Israel Synagogue. While not identifying himself as an intrinsically funny person, he is a self-described connoisseur of Jewish humor. His presentation is The Jewish Humorous Song: An Exploration. This session will sample the work of Jewish songwriters who wrote both parody and original songs designed to make people laugh. Of toasting Steve on this day Marty remarked, “Steve has been the heart and soul of Omaha Jewish intellectual activity for decades... he has always been a lover of the joke and funny story. Thus, it is most appropriate
that we honor his lifetime commitment with a day of learning about humor.” Next, Nate Shapiro, Director of Development for the Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO), will be presenting on a well-known facet of “Ashkenormative” Jewish humor, “The Wise Men of Chelm.” Where do these stories come from? Why do they resonate with Jewish audiences? What do they even mean? It should be no surprise, Nate asserts, that education was very important to the learned sages of Chelm and he will spend time exploring that. Nate hails from Wayne, Nebraska, graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and is a former IDF soldier. As recounted by Nate, he realized early on that to attract girls he had to be good looking, musically talented, wealthy or funny. “The first three options were off the table,” Nate said. “I was forced to rely on humor.” Well-known freelance writer and storyteller Ozzie Nogg will follow Nate. Her book of personal stories, Joseph’s Bones, won First Place in the Writer’s Digest Press 2005 International SelfPublished Book Awards. She will tell her story, “Being the Rabbi’s Daughter is No Joke.” Ozzie grew up in a house where serious conversation and study were valued over humor, more precious than jewels. “Apparently the Talmud says that one way to acquire Torahlearning is through a reduction in merriment,” Ozzie said. “And Rabbi Shimon ben Yoḥai ruled that one is forbidden to fill one’s mouth with laughter in this world. My poppa, Rabbi Alexander Katz, took this anti-silliness injunction seriously. I’m delighted to be part of this celebration in honor of Steve, but from me you shouldn’t expect a knee-slapping, LOL routine.” The final presenter of the day is Leonard Greenspoon, Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University, where he is also Professor of Classical & Near Eastern Studies and of Theology. Prior to coming to Omaha, Greenspoon taught at Clemson University in South Carolina, which was his first academic position after earning his PhD from Harvard University. Greenspoon is especially interested in the languages of the Bible and its translations. The title of Greenspoon’s presentation is Villains, Vixens, and Victors: Humor in the Hebrew Bible.” Greenspoon has
Main Street Studios grand opening Elkhorn native and creative mind behind Curnes Creations, Tyler Curnes, invites the public to join him in celebrating the grand opening of his new art studio and gallery, Main Street Studios. The grand opening celebration will take place September 16 at Main Street Studios located at 2610 N. Main Street from 4 until 8 p.m. in historic downtown Elkhorn. The event will be celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony and an open gallery for everyone to view some new and amazing art; from bronze sculptures to silver jewelry to fine art paintings and custom glass pieces. A
tented area will be setup for everyone to enjoy great local beer and various food samplings from the Olde Towne Elkhorn restaurants! All artists will be in attendance to make this a great debut for the downtown Elkhorn Community. You won’t want to miss this fun evening with your friends. The gallery is located on North Main Street in historic downtown Elkhorn in a 104 year old building that once serviced automobiles on the Lincoln Highway between Omaha and Lincoln. The current owner of the building, Tyler Curnes, purchased the building in October PAID ADVERTISEMENT
been conducting research for over 20 years on humor in the Bible; he has published a number of articles of this topic and has spoken about it to audiences in North America, Europe and Israel. As Greenspoon sees it, some examples are apparent even to the casual reader. Others involve word play or contexts that are far removed from today’s world. In almost all cases, we can detect and appreciate the humor as intended by the biblical authors. At the conclusion of Greenspoon’s presentation, we will turn the spotlight on the man of the hour (or rather the man of many decades), Steve Riekes, who will have the opportunity to respond in whatever ways he wishes. Riekes, a native of Omaha, received his undergraduate degree from Brandeis University and his law degree from Harvard Law School. Upon returning to Omaha from the Boston area, Riekes began his legal career in 1965. Steve is currently a partner with the firm of Marks, Clare and Richards. He is a well-established author on numerous legal subjects. Steve is married to Margo Riekes, who is currently the Communications Director of the Better Business Bureau, Inc. Their daughter, Suzanne Riekes Daw, lives with her husband and their three children in Seattle. Their son, Ari D. Riekes, is also a member of the law firm of Marks, Clare & Richards. Steve’s and Margo’s involvement in and support for the Omaha Jewish community is extensive. Howard Epstein, Foundation Executive Director, related how Steve was “the mover, shaker, and catalyst” for the Omaha Jewish Reunion held two years ago. Even a partial list of programs and areas they have positively impacted highlights the breadth of Steve’s and Margo’s involvement. B’nai B’rith, the Bible quiz for high school students, the annual Jewish Trivia Quiz, Breadbreakers, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, the Henry & Dorothy Riekes Museum, Friedel Jewish Academy, the Klutznick Fall Symposium, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, and the Jewish Federation of Omaha among others have benefited from Steve and Margo’s philanthropy and promotion. They stand as pillars in the community. “Jewish Day of Learning – through Laughing” on Sept. 18 is made possible through the support of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation’s Klutznick/Creighton Custodial Fund and the Jewish Federation of Omaha and is open to the community free of charge. For further information, please contact Mark Kirchhoff at mkirchhoff @jewishomaha.org or 402.334.6463.
2014 and has spent the last two years restoring it. The four in house artists are Tyler Curnes (glass artist), Levent Oz (silver smith), David Biehl (bronze sculptor), and Jane Kathol (painter). The gallery had a soft opening in June and has been open to the public since. For more information visit the studio’s website at www.mainstreetstudios2610.com, or stop in and see the collection of fine art, watch while new pieces are being created, and learn more from the artists themselves. Main Street Studios is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
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Temple Israel is on a roll in September
evening is an amazing bonding event with Torah study, SCott Littky Program Director, Temple Israel conversation, fine cigars and spirits. This month, Rabbi Ari eptember is turning out to be a very active Dembitzer from Beth Israel will lead the learning and conmonth at Temple Israel. Religious School and versation. RSVP’s are a must; please contact the Temple IsAdult Education classes are going strong. There rael office at 402.556.6536 to rsvp. is so much hapWednesday evenings, pening that we Sept. 14, 21 and 28 we conwant all of the Jewish comtinue our Adult Education munity of Omaha to know class, My Israel: A Virtual about. Tour of Israel. Sept. 14, memThis weekend we will learn bers of the recent women’s from Harold C. Pachios as mission will share their stopart of the Hermene ries and experiences. Sept. Zweiback Center for Lifelong 21 we will hear from particiJewish Learning. Friday pants in youth trips to Israel. evening, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. Finally, Sept. 28, Ophir Palduring Shabbat services, Mr. mon will teach us about traPachios topic is The Shaping ditional Israeli folk dancing. of Social Justice through the Rabbi Darryl Crystal getting to know students in the Religious Classes meet each of these Idealism of the Founding of evenings at 6:30 p.m. in School. the State of Israel. Rooms A & B. Shabbat morning, Sept. 10, Rabbi Deana Berezin will his topic will be Issues in Imteach the second of our two migration Policy today as it part Elul Prep class ThursRelates to the Jewish Experiday, Sept.15 at 10 a.m. This ence to America from 1880 to Adult Education opportunity 1924. Both of his talks are is always a wonderful way to open to the community and prepare us for the High Holiwe look forward to your atdays. They are quickly aptendance. proaching! Saturday, Sept. 10 from 9 Take Me Out to the Movies a.m. to 10 a.m. our new and is scheduled for Thursday, improved Temple Tots ShabSept. 15 at 7 p.m. in the sobat program will meet with cial hall at Temple Israel. master educator Danielle Howell conducting the program. Along with the co-sponsorship of the Schwalb Center we All families with young children are invited to attend and will view the Israeli movie The Lemon Tree. participate in the songs, stories and activities. For more inAfter the movie, Moshe Gershovich, PhD, Director, Natan formation or to RSVP, please contact Danielle Howell at & Hannah Schwalb Center for Israel & Jewish Studies, will dhowell912@gmail.com. conduct a conversation about the issues raised in the movie. Our Temple Israel Book Club will meet next Sunday, This program is open to the public. For more information, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. in our Library/Media Center, and displease contact Program Director Scott Littky at cuss The Book of Stone by Jonathan Papernick. New mem402.556.6536. bers to the book club are welcome. For more information Next week, we look forward to sharing our plans for S’lion joining or on future dates and books, please contact, chot Saturday evening, Sept. 24, as well as our Thursday Program Director Scott Littky at 402.556.6536. Adult Education opportunities, our new 613 Mitzvah Club’s The next “Holy Smokes” event is Tuesday Sept. 13 at 7 first program, TED Talks and so much more! p.m. in front of the Temple Israel building. This men only
Summer in Brooklyn
I spent an unsettling seven weeks in the New York area this summer (with side trips to Philadelphia and to Boston), pitching in while my father recuperated from a serious fall. I was based in the house that my parents bought in the mid-1970’s, and when I left it for what I assume is the last time, I had this weird sensation that my childhood was drawing to a close. There was a lot of opportunity for quality family time for me this summer, but TEDDY I now more fully understand the saying that WEINBERGER it’s better to be together for happy occasions (simchas). After any trip to the States, I often like to report on my observations, and my long stay allowed me to put together a larger-thanusual list. Following are some highlights. Vegan in Vogue: Vegan restaurants are now some of the hippest around. Since these restaurants use no animal products, they are automatically kosher, although some do have rabbinic certification. Vegan restaurants are everywhere, and in the big cities you can choose your ethnicity: Mexican, Indian, Chinese, etc. In the Boston area there is even FoMu (get the name?), offering “premium alternative ice cream” that is absolutely delicious (and under rabbinic supervision). If you eat in a vegan restaurant that is not certified kosher, you can feel like you have put one over on “the rabbis” -- except of course when the bill comes. In honor of Sarah’s birthday, we splurged at the fabulous Vedge restaurant in Philadelphia; our dinner for two (including drinks, tax, and tip) cost about $150. And yes, we were not burdened with overly full stomachs when we were done. Jewish Care Facilities: After several weeks in the hospital, my father went to the Menorah Center for Rehabilitation, located in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Manhattan Beach gorgeously facing Jamaica Bay. Menorah’s kitchen is kosher and most of its clients are Jewish. The vast
majority of the caregivers are not Jewish, and at Menorah many of them are women originally from the Caribbean Islands. There is something odd to me about these big care facilities with predominantly Jewish residents being cared for by predominantly non-Jewish staff. I just imagine the caregivers thinking: Yes, you Jews are by now too wealthy for this kind of healthcare work, so we’ll do it for you. I don’t see a way out of this predicament. I should mention that thanks to Menorah’s excellent care (including daily physical and occupational therapy), my father went home fitter than he has been in several years. Native New yorker: On this trip, a huge difference emerged between my life experience and my children’s. Three of my children were born in Atlanta and two were born in Miami, but Nathan (our oldest) was only nine when we moved to Israel in 1997. All of our children, in other words, grew up in Israel, and so while technically none of them are native, there is nothing about their native areas in the States that has a strong emotional hold on them. My children will never walk nostalgically through the streets of either Atlanta or Miami in a way that I walked this summer around Flatbush. They will have their own nostalgia, but interestingly enough it will not be for places in their native country. Berry Bonanza: I had forgotten how wonderful blueberries are! I couldn’t get enough of them, adding them to my cereal, yogurt, salads and cakes. While I found this lovely blue fruit readily available in every supermarket I entered in the States, it is rare to come across fresh blueberries in Israel (they are grown on just a few specialty farms, mainly in the Golan). Every now and then someone asks me: “Don’t you miss anything from America?” I have a variety of answers, which now will include: “Blueberries!” Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest four, Nathan, Rebecca, Ruthie and Ezra are veterans of the Israel Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@netvis ion.net.il.
grandparent’s Day and the Pollak pen curse ZeV Pollak, age 10, and oliVer ‘PaPalatSie’ Pollak, age 72 My father’s parents, Granna and Papalatsie live in Omaha, Nebraska. They went to China for three-weeks to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. They brought me a white Chinese fountain pen with a blue bird on the barrel in a box with a blue silk lining. Papalatsie knew I was interested in pens because I showed him my $1.99 cartridge fountain pen from Daiso Japan Store. I really enjoy writing with old fashioned pens. I took the Chinese coins to show friends at school. On Open House on Thursday evening I took the pen to school. I showed the pen to my teacher and some of my friends. I went outside to play and run around on the grass. When it was time to go home my pen was gone, it had slipped out of my pants pocket. I looked for it, no luck. I told my parents. I felt miserable all night. On Friday morning I looked for the pen, still no luck. My grandparents picked me up for a dinner at Barney’s and a sleep over at their Emeryville hotel. I told them I lost my pen. Then Papalatsie told me that when he was almost nine he moved from England to America. The friends of his parent’s, mostly Austrian Jewish refugees, gave him a silver pen as a going away group gift. On the ship it slipped through the crack between his bunk and the hull. He told me that the loss had cursed and haunted him all his life. He took out his iPhone and showed me a list of all the things, possessions, he lost in his life. It was called “Losing and Misplacing.” Then we went back to the hotel and I started to play Minecraft. We bargained for ten more minutes iPad time if we started to write this immediately instead of later. Zev’s lost pen evoked understanding and compassion. Losing something can be traumatic. Would it haunt him? Could we exorcise our demon? Some things are misplaced, displaced or migrated, as in tidying up the house for company. Some things are irredeemably lost. Losses of things not so dear are forgotten or repressed. Losses of intimate possessions are remembered. My epochal losses occurred in 1952, the Silver Pen on French ocean liner Liberté, and 1968 when I left my Omega wedding watch at the UCLA library. The Omaha period, 1974-2016, includes a ball point pen in wood, Maroon Makin hat at the Bohemian Café, orange lacquer JeanPierre Lepine pen, a Saks scarf, ironically featured in my short story, Not Gogol’s Overcoat, and five books in London’s Eustice Hotel, including one library book. The worst is losing a wallet (driver’s license, credit, library and business cards, cash). It has been left in a theatre, slipped between the car seats, fell out of car in a parking lot, fortunately never irretrievably lost. Clip-on sunglasses, keys, pen, book, notes, coffee cup, cell phone (0.6 miles away in a snowbank), also have benevolently, reappeared. It’s a too frequent depressing, frustrating, nagging, gnawing nightmarish feeling relieved at rediscovery. Karen recently found $5 in a parking lot, somebody lost it.
Going on a trip brings an inflection point. Do we have everything. Where is the backpack? Did you take the hanging bag for the wedding? Did you turn off the burner under the plums? Did we forget anything? There is no foolproof check list. Losses are attributable to forgetfulness or carelessness. Things are left behind in the hotel room and restaurant, precisely at the point of heightened fatigue.
Notable items that have been refound include seasonal items like knit caps, warm boots and gloves. Books in our 6,000 volume library can be misplaced, as was the two-year disappearance of Robert Talbot Kelly’s Burma, Painted and Described (1905), inadvertently placed under other books. Little things, pills, scissors, nail clippers, and chap stick disappear and joyously reappear. Since 1989 I have travelled thousands of miles giving presentations under the auspices of Nebraska Humanities in places as McCook and Geneva about my maternal Grandfather, a Theresienstadt survivor. I published essays about his experiences. I carried my ‘show and tell’ in an old brown briefcase. I was scheduled to talk to some Lincoln high school teachers in 2013 and could not find the briefcase. I was horror struck. Had I lost my patrimony? Frenetic searches came up blank. I gave my talk the next day “Unplugged,” and a few times thereafter. Karen found the errant archive in 2015 in a totally forgotten box in which I had placed them in to gain better access. Protocols can minimize loss and searching. Attach a string to your body or a chip to the item. Place daily items, keys, pen, wallet, glasses, sunglasses, cellphone and watch, in a tray in the kitchen or bedroom. Change your faith, Buddha viewed possessions as transient and purposeless. Let go, simplicity, no need to protect property. Tile, a recovery software, states we spend an average of 10 minutes a day looking for things. That is two days a year. I think its greater if you have more stuff, are older, and worse if you’re forgetful. Couples spend double the amount. Keys, wallet, and back-pack/purses lead the lost list. 12,000 phones are lost daily. 1.24 items per person are lost per year with an average value of $95.78. Mysterious disappearance insurance doesn’t cover low value items. Social media is helpful. Google National Lost, Losing, and Lost and Found Day. The praying mantis effect inhibited locating my glasses for two weeks.
The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016 | a5
community What’s new at B’nai Israel
Marty rickS B’nai Israel’s monthly Friday Shabbat services begin Sept. 9 at 7:30 pm. Oliver Pollak will be our speaker and will discuss how the Jewish communities of Iowa and Nebraska impacted his Jewishness since arriving here with his lovely wife Karen about 25 years ago. At this service we also take the opportunity to recognize and thank Oliver for his many years of participation as a speaker at B’nai Israel’s High Holy Day services. It all began when Dr. Jerome Bleicher, of blessed memory, asked Oliver to speak at Rosh Hashana 20-some years ago. Oliver, college professor, author, writer, historian, cofounder of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and successful lawyer, has had a huge impact on the Jewish and secular communities of the Omaha Metropolitan area. However, as Oliver enters the retirement stage of his life (will he actually retire?), family beckons him back to his California roots where kids and grandkids will have Oliver and Karen’s time and attention. Without doubt, the Pollaks will be sorely missed in Omaha and Council Bluffs. While visiting on Sept. 9, we want to show off the improvements that have been made to the sanctuary in the last several months. We invite the entire community to join us at the Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services. For the 16th year, High Holiday services will be led by the talented lay leader Jeff Taxman. As we have done in the past, we invite a guest speaker at each service to discuss a Jewish or Jewish related topic. Our speakers this year are Leonard Greenspoon, Creighton University; Jeannette Gabriel, Jewish Women in Iowa Project, Iowa Women’s Archives, the University of Iowa, University Libraries; and Jan Lund, former Creighton University Professor. We invite membership to those not affiliated to an Omaha synagogue. Dues are $250 per year ($100 for individuals and families under age 40). We also welcome and encourage individuals and families who are affiliated in Omaha as a way to help support B’nai Israel in Council Bluffs. We welcome your membership. For membership information call Nancy Wolf at 402.330.6736 or Sissy Silber at 402. 292.8062.
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a6 | The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016
community Kehilla Cupdate
wednesday, aug. 31, the kehilla cup teams, under the enthusiastic guidance of kehilla cup chairs abby and adam kutler, came together to receive pledge cards and train in making campaign calls. From left to right: sandy epstein, jan schneiderman, rocky Lewis, Vicki allely, sharon epstein and kari (epstein) tauber, who make up the shayna Maidel squad, and who are leading in points for the kehilla cup, as well as in style. You can never go wrong with tiaras! stay tuned for a weekly update (or, ‘cupdate’) on how the kehilla cup teams are progressing.
organizations
B’nai B’rith BreadBreakers
speaker to be announced for wednesday, sept. 14, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
annette Van de kaMp-wright Editor of the Jewish Press ere is nothing boring about the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s kitchen. Over the years, staff under the expert guidance of Chef Mike Aparo has added special items to the menu that would get anyone excited. “For starters,” Mike says, “we have added breakfast waffles-toorder with your choice of topping, such as various fruits. In addition, we offer omelets your way, or smoothies made with your favorite fresh fruit, and these three options travel between the three dining rooms, so there’s variety on top of that. And if you would prefer to have a smoothie every day rather than switch to what’s offered in your neighborhood, we can accommodate that too.” It’s all about choices, Mike says. Residents benefit from restaurant-style dining, and allowing people to order from a menu rather than simply having the choice made for them is one of the ways in which the Rose Blumkin Home makes residents feel special. “Of course,” Mike says, “we still offer cold and hot cereal and different egg options as well.”
Choices don’t stop with breakfast. e Home has teatime every day at 2:30 p.m. ere is a salad bar during lunch, where residents order from a menu which garnishes and vegetables they want in their salad. ere is an ice cream cart every afternoon and a luxurious bar with so
serve ice cream and many toppings every Wednesday. Happy Hour is offered on Tuesdays and ursdays, and that means a full bar with your choice of specially made drinks: “Residents can have their Mint Julep, or Strawberry Daiquiri, or their Margarita,” Mike says. “It’s all about making our residents feel special, and responding to their individual needs. We take great pride in how we, over the years, have continued to come up with ways to make our kosher kitchen exceptional.”
jewish press notice
The Jewish Press will be closed on Monday and tuesday, oct. 3 and 4 for Rosh Hashanah. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
Living Well with Hearing Loss Boys Town Audiology Invites You to
During this free one-hour class, Boys Town audiologists will explain: • Different types of hearing loss • Communication strategies • Treatments for hearing loss • Information about hearing aids and listening devices
Wednesday, September 14 – Two class times available! 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. OR 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Boys Town National Research Hospital 14000 Boys Town Hospital Road 139th & Pacific Street, on Boys Town campus We have a limited number of seats available. A light snack will be provided. Family and friends are encouraged to attend this presentation.
BOYS TOWN
Ear, Nose & Throat Institute
®
Please register at boystownhospital.org or call (402) 498-6520.
The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016 | a7
T
Schwalb Center September Events
KaSEy DaviS he Fall semester has officially begun and we are excited to see both new and familiar faces as we start the semester. Please see the list below of all the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies offer for the month of September. We are excited to offer again our popular Middle East Forums with the first forum on Thursday, Sept. 22. The forums include a panel of experts that discuss and answer questions about current events in the Middle East. All forums will be held in the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center rooms 230 and 231 and are free and open to the public. The forum dates are Thursdays, Sept. 22, Oct. 20 and Nov. 17 from Noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 from 7–9 p.m., Temple Israel is hosting a movie night and discussion with Dr. Moshe Gershovich. The featured film is Lemon Tree ; it is free of charge. For more information, contact Scott Littky at slittky@templeisraelomaha.com or 402.556.6536 We are also looking forward to having Rabbi Areyh Azriel teach the Religious Studies course Hebrew Scriptures this semester.
Learn strong
As an Omaha native, I recently relocated my family to where my roots are strong. Always wanting to settle where I grew up, I decided that my kids deserve to have the same sense of community that I was taught here in Omaha. My name is Mindi Dloogoff Armstrong. From early on, teaching has been my passion. I have recently moved home, and bring a specialized and specific set of teaching skills with me. I have developed an innovative and successful set of programs that help children reach their ultimate learning potential. Many children who do not function within the typical classroom carry one or more diagnosis in an attempt to receive different accommodations to “help” them. As parents of these children, we all know that many of these accommodations aren’t working, my individualized programs offer every child the opportunity to function in and outside of the classroom in ways that maximize their learning
Please join us Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 8:30–10 a.m. for a meet-and-greet breakfast with Rabbi Azriel in the Arts and Science Hall room 202. Hebrew Scriptures along with courses such as Apocalypticism, Biblical Ar-
chaeology, Dead Sea Scrolls, Archaeology of Biblical Lands, and Religion in Public Life are available for community members to audit. Finally, we are pleased to partner with the UNO Department of Religious Studies for the Rabbi Sidney and Jane Brooks Lecture Sept. 29 with keynote speaker Alan Potash. This year’s presentation is Believing Alone: Religious Liberty in America. The lecture will be hosted at UNO’s Thompson Alumni Center at 7 p.m. We hope to see you at some of our events and keep your eyes open for more to come. For more information about auditing courses and upcoming events, please feel free to contact Kasey Davis at kasey davis@unomaha.edu or 402.554.2788.
potential. If your child is spending too much time doing homework, has trouble remembering spelling words, math facts, reading comprehension, or even reading words at all, please let me help. I have a long and proven track record teaching children and their families that there is nothing wrong with them. Learning differently than how lessons are taught is more “normal” than most of us believe. I am eager to work with any child who is tired of struggling. Early prevention is key. Young children with “developmental delays,” if caught early, will function in a classroom and learn from typical teaching methods. With a number of programs that focus on cognition, phonetics, and number sense, children who would otherwise spend years with academic struggles and tutoring, can move forward to a childhood full of extra curricular activities that will promote a more well rounded and grounded person.
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a8 | The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016
Sephardic-inspired Sangria
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Educational Excellence Friedel Jewish Academy is committed to the best elementary education in Omaha.
Samantha Ferraro THE NOSHER VIA JTA romatic flavors of rose and orange blossom are still strong reminders of my childhood. I didn’t eat like the “other kids� on the block. I grew up with exotic Sephardic dishes of fasulye (Turkish green beans) and fideo (a Sephardic pasta dish). I was introduced to smoked fish before I could walk and learned to roll grape leaves as soon as I could sit up. Perfumed sweets from the Mediterranean bakery down the street were normal dessert fare in our home, and we liked it that way. I will never forget my first bite of rose water cookies, and ever since I have been hooked on the unique flavor. Ever since those cookies of my childhood, I always make sure to have a bottle of rose water in the fridge for adding to special dishes when possible. Or, in this case, for sangria. A note about rose water: A little bit truly goes a long way, so don’t add too much. But it does provide a lovely, subtle note that makes those glasses go down easy.
Strawberry roSĂŠ Sangria
Ingredients: 1 cup frozen strawberries (to make 1/2 cup strawberry puree) 1 cup fresh strawberries, left whole or cut in half 1 red plum, pitted and sliced 2 tbsp. light rum 1/2 cup sugar (to make simple syrup) 2 tsp. rose water 1 bottle (750ml) rosÊ wine Sparkling water or sparkling wine for serving Directions: To a blender or food processor, add the frozen strawberries and about 2 tablespoons water and blend until smooth. Pour into airtight container until ready to use. Next, make your simple syrup. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for a few minutes, until the sugar is dissolved. Take off the heat and let cool. You’ll only need 1/4 cup for this recipe, so store the rest in a jar in the refrigerator for up to one month. In a tall pitcher, add in 1/2 cup of the strawberry puree, 1/4 cup of simple syrup, fresh strawberries, plum, rum, rose water and rosÊ wine. Use a tall handle to stir everything together and allow to sit in the refrigerator for at least four hours so flavors can blend.
LetterS to the editor
335 South 132nd Street Omaha, Nebraska 68154
6th graders at Friedel scored 10 points higher in reading than Millard Public School students on the Terra Nova Standardized Test.
To learn more about our curriculum for kindergarten through sixth grade or to schedule a tour, contact Beth Cohen, Head of School, at 402-334-0517 or <bcohen@fjaomaha.com>.
Another note about sangria in general: You can really use any fruit you like, depending on your tastes, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in season or what happens to be in the freezer. Whatever fruit you choose, cheers to summer with a glass of floral sangria. Samantha Ferraro is the food blogger and photographer for î&#x201A;ťe Little Ferraro Kitchen. Samantha comes from a diverse background and is originally from Brooklyn NY, until she turned to the island life and moved to Hawaii. Now Samantha blogs about world cuisine recipes made easy in Southern California with her Italian husband and their dog Hula. When sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not blogging or making a mess in the kitchen, you can find her traveling the world for recipe inspiration. For more world cuisine recipes, follow Samantha at http://littleferrarokitchen.com. î ˘e Nosher food blog oďŹ&#x20AC;ers a dazzling array of new and classic Jewish recipes and food news, from Europe to Yemen, from challah to shakshuka and beyond. Check it out at www.î ˘eNosher.com.
Dear Editor, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just a rabbi proud of his shulâ&#x20AC;? The torah tells us that God visited Abraham when he was ill. He then says to G-d â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey G-d, thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to visit with me, but I see three visitors that look hungry and need lodging, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be back with you soonâ&#x20AC;?. This seems very disrespectful. Respect means to value. Abraham respects G-d so much that he wants to be like him. This is respect. When I am not in Omaha I spend time with sick children, shining some light on their darkened lives. Back in Omaha the Beth Israel family did the same. A sick child who has spent most of his life in hospitals, has arrived in Omaha for two months for treatment of his illness. The Beth Israel family have extended themselves in so many ways to make this family feel welcome and happy. As a rabbi I believe in making this world a brighter place to live.
When ready to serve, pour into glasses and top with either sparkling water or sparkling wine. white Peach Sangria with orange blossom water and Strawberry rosĂŠ Sangria Credit: Samantha Ferraro
Beth Israel does the same. Respect. Proud of my shul,
rabbi ari dembitzer
Dear Editor, As the election gets closer, I want to encourage engagement in the process, whatever your political leaning. Our democracy depends on citizen participation and overall it is not what it should be. Listen to the candidates, encouage everyone who can to participate and vote. Let us all remember that civility starts with ourselves and help project that attitude to others. Our country needs our civil voices and engagement more than ever. The stakes are high and I hope our community upholds its long tradition of high engagement. Our individual actions and attitude do matter. bob wolfson
The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016 | A9
viewpoint thejewishpress
(Founded in 1920) Eric Dunning President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Thierry Ndjike Accounting Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Sandy Friedman, Treasurer; Andrew Boehm; Paul Gerber; Alex Grossman; Jill Idelman; Mike Kaufman; David Kotok; Debbie Kricsfeld; Abby Kutler; Pam Monsky; Paul Rabinovitz and Barry Zoob. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish LIfe, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: wwwjewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewish omaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha. org.
Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450.
Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
American Jewish Press Association Award Winner
Nebraska Press As- National Newspaper sociation Association Award winner 2008
There is no such thing as staying neutral
ANNETTE vAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press ere’s what happened this past week (in case you missed it): A UCLA student by the name of Milan Chatterjee traded the University’s law school and enrolled at New York University School of Law. While that in and of itself is not unheard of, the reasons why he switched schools are. Chatterjee is the former president of UCLA’s Graduate Students Association, and by all accounts a successful student. The sort of student who, under normal circumstances, a university would like to retain. But these are not normal circumstances. In November of 2015, Chatterjee threatened to withhold funding for a student town hall, “if pro-Palestinian groups used the occasion to promote divestment from Israel. He said his intention was to maintain the Graduate Student Association’s neutrality in political affairs.” (JTA.com) At the time, Dean Erwin Chemerinsky and four different legal organizations confirmed that Chatterjee and his GSA administration acted in a viewpoint neutral matter. But in July of this year, the university turned around and reprimanded him for that decision, causing Chatterjee to eventually make the decision to leave. He cited bullying and a lack of support from the administration, calling the UCLA campus “a hostile and unsafe environment for students, Jewish and non-Jewish, who choose not to support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, let alone support the State of Israel.” “In fact,” he wrote in his letter to UCLA Chancellor Block, “when Palestine Legal and the ACLU circulated a legal letter defaming me on the Internet, had their attorney write a libelous article about me in the Daily Bruin, and sent lawyers to GSA
Credit: Wikimedia Commons meetings to attack me personally, I contacted the Interim Vice Chancellor of Legal Affairs many times for help. Not only did she decline to provide me with the necessary legal support, but she told me that I needed to get my own lawyer.” Chatterjee himself is not Jewish. That is relevant for a few reasons. As soon as Chatterjee’s initial decision to ‘remain neutral’ became the cause for an internal investigation (the on-campus BDS reps filed a complaint), he received support from the American Jewish Committee in the form of pro-bono backing from lawyers. “Milan’s treatment,” AJC’s Executive Director said in a statement, “is emblematic of the nastiness and bullying tactics employed by the BDS movement, which does not discriminate at all in targeting campus leaders who are outspoken in support of Israel, or in Milan’s case merely seeking to be neutral on the topic.” (Forward.com) The question is whether true neutrality on this topic is even within the realm of possibilities. It seems the old adage “if you’re not with us, you’re against us” holds more truth than ever when it comes to BDS. Again and again we read stories about bullying, about an aggressive stance that has very little to do with actual Middle East politics and everything with an atmosphere in which
it is fashionable to spit on Israel and its supporters. This is no longer a debate. This is all-out disdain, with no room for civilized discourse. Simply put: it’s nice to believe in a cause, and I’m all for college students flexing their political muscles, but do they have to be so nasty about it? I’m going out on limb, and suggest that those who are the loudest might not have any first-hand knowledge of Gaza, or the West Bank, Jordan or Lebanon. I’m guessing the vast majority of these ‘protesters’ have never set foot in the Middle East (Note: reading about it doesn’t count). UCLA, I am sure of it, considers itself a champion of diversity. Having an Indian American who is Hindu as president of the Graduate Students Association means a check mark for inclusion. And yet the administrators are unmotivated to stand by him when the going gets tough. I wonder; had this been an issue tied to policies in Turkey, or North Korea, would the end result have been the same? You’ll have to forgive me for being doubtful. If it swims and it quacks, it most decidedly is a duck. Had Chatterjee been in fact Jewish himself, would this story have had a different ending? That, too, I think is doubtful. On many college campuses, it is no longer acceptable to openly and wholeheartedly support Israel, but it is also no longer acceptable to merely call for neutrality, regardless of who you are. And the administrators at UCLA should be ashamed, because they have effectively “stood by and done nothing.” They are the silent bystanders who are letting this happen. Inclusiveness, but only when convenient. Don’t tell me I am overreacting. These are the kinds of events that deserve our attention, because they form the building blocks to an uncertain future. A future where we have to worry about where our kids go to school, where being Jewish is circumspect, and where those who scream the loudest go unchecked. A future where people continue to believe that being anti-Israel has nothing to do with anti-Semitism, and where all opinions are equal, but some are more equal than others.
Quit the failed attempts to paint Democrats as weak on Israel MICHAEL M. ADLER MIAMI | JTA Every four years the same movie plays at the Jewish Political Film Festival: It’s the one where the Democrats pass another party platform with more ironclad support for Israel and then nominate yet another presidential candidate whose record on Israel is beyond question. The ending is always the same, too, with two-thirds to three-quarters of American Jews voting for the Democrat. This year will be no different. American Jews again will vote for the Democratic candidate, confident that Democrats will have Israel’s back. Not only is this year’s Democratic Party platform ironclad when it’s comes to support for Israel, but the Democratic presidential nominee also is resolute in her defense of the Jewish state. The platform is unequivocal in calling a strong and secure Israel “vital to the United States.” Vowing to “ensure that Israel always has the ability to defend” itself, the platform pledges to “support Israel’s right to defend itself, including by retaining its qualitative military edge, and [to] oppose any effort to delegitimize Israel.” It is also the first party platform to promise that the United States will fight boycotts, sanctions and divestment efforts against Israel. The platform states the U.S. will work “toward a twostate solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict negotiated directly by the parties that guarantees Israel’s future as a secure and democratic Jewish state with recognized borders.” And it says Jerusalem should “remain the capital of Israel, an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths.” It is hard to imagine a more pro-Israel platform, particularly given the fears that some people had over the makeup of the platform committee, whose members included individuals with strong pro-Palestinian leanings. It also is hard to imagine a more pro-Israel candidate than Hillary Clinton, who in a June foreign policy address called Israel’s security “non-negotiable.” “They’re our closest ally in the region,” she said, “and we have a moral obligation to defend them.”
Clinton has also demonstrated her pro-Israel bona fides as a U.S. Senator and Secretary of State. She has condemned Palestinian incitement numerous times throughout the years, sponsored a Senate resolution calling for the Magen David Adom’s inclusion in the International Red Cross, fought for bills to combat anti-Semitism and Holo-
Hillary Clinton speaking at the annual AIPAC policy conference in Washington, D.C., March 21, 2016. Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images caust denial, brokered a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, and criticized the U.N. Human Rights Council for its “structural bias against Israel.” Clinton helped equip Israel with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, advocated for the Iron Dome rocket defense system and upgraded Patriot missiles, condemned the unfair and maligned Goldstone Report, and opposed anti-Israel resolutions at the United Nations and other international bodies. Her relationship with Israel extends back to her days as First Lady of Arkansas, when she brought to that state Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, an educational program developed in Israel. Her ties to Israel have continued throughout the decades. Contrast Clinton’s proven support for Israel with her opponent’s lack of coherent policy on Israel -- or any coherent foreign policy. One day Donald Trump says the United States will be
“neutral” on Israel. Another day he says his “primary consultant” on foreign policy “is myself and I have a good instinct for this stuff.” He questions Israel’s commitment to peace and says he’ll make Israel pay for American aid. Trump appeals to racists and anti-Semites, and his “America first” promises would lead to an isolationist and nativist America that abandons its allies, including Israel. Shimon Peres, a former president of Israel, said such a policy would be a “very great mistake.” Peres is among a growing number of Israelis and Republicans who recognize that a Trump presidency would be dangerous. William Kristol, a neoconservative, ardent Zionist and editor of The Weekly Standard, said a Trump presidency would weaken America, which is “is not good for Israel.” Fifty Republican security experts signed a letter stating that Trump would be “the most reckless president in American history,” and has demonstrated that “he has little understanding of America’s vital national interests, its complex diplomatic challenges, its indispensable alliances, and the democratic values on which U.S. foreign policy must be based.” Those “vital national interests” and “indispensable alliances” include Israel. Chuck Freilich, a former Israeli deputy national security adviser, called Trump a “loose cannon,” telling Haaretz, “This can produce not just diplomatic confusion and discord -- but it can lead to wars in the Middle East.” Pro-Israel Republicans, rather than wasting money on the fear of Democrats bringing even more American Jews to their party, particularly this year, should instead put their efforts into ensuring that American support for Israel remains bipartisan. Let’s bring down the curtain on failed attempts to paint Democrats as weak on Israel. It’s untrue, it’s not working and it’s not helpful – to Israel. Michael M. Adler is treasurer of Jews for Progress, a pro-Hillary Clinton super PAC, and is a former chair of the National Jewish Democratic Council.
A10 | The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016
synagogues B’NAi isrAel syNAgogue
618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
BeTh el syNAgogue
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org
BeTh isrAel syNAgogue
Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
chABAd house
An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
coNgregATioN B’NAi JeshuruN
South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org
offuTT Air force BAse
Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244
rose BlumkiN Jewish home
323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154
Temple isrAel
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com
TifereTh isrAel
Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
B’NAi isrAel syNAgogue
Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on sept 9, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, California native Oliver Pollak who will speak about how Iowa and Nebraska formed his adult Jewishness. We look forward to hearing Oliver’s story as he and Karen prepare to return to California to be closer to their kids and grandkids. Our services are led by lay leader Larry Blass. For information on our historic synagogue, please contact any of our board members: Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf.
BeTh el syNAgogue
Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. fridAy: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. sATurdAy: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 7:30 p.m. weekdAy serVices: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. suNdAy: BESTT Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; BESTT Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m.; Kibbutz Chaverim, 12:15 p.m., for a fun afternoon at Lake Zorinsky. TuesdAy: Mah Jongg, 11 a.m.; Your Journey Starts Here - An Insider’s Guide to the High Holy Day, Noon with Rabbi Abraham. wedNesdAy: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; Your Journey Starts Here - An Insider’s Guide to the High Holy Day, 6:15 p.m. with Rabbi Abraham at Spirit World, 6680 Center St.; BESTT Hebrew High Classes, 6:45 p.m. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BeTh isrAel syNAgogue
Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. fridAy: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv & Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 7:25 p.m. sATurdAy: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Parade and Kids Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon sponsored by Sheila Priluck for the Sheva Brachot of Josh and Anna Priluck; Insights into the Weekly Portion, 6:20 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 7:05 p.m.; Havdalah, 8:23 p.m. suNdAy: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. weekdAys: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Orot Hateshuva with Rabbi Ari, 7:45 a.m. moNdAy: Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Shlomo, Noon at Bagel Bin. ThursdAy: Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m. at RBJH; Talmud Learning, 8 p.m. at RBJH.
chABAd house
Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. fridAy: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. sATurdAy: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. followed by a kiddush luncheon. suNdAy: Shacharit, 8:30 a.m. followed by Sunday Secrets: Jewish Fun Facts class at 9:15 a.m.; The communitywide Mezuzah factory and workshop. Bring your Mezuzahs and Tefillin from home to be checked for accuracy and weathering by a certified scribe. Please reserve a spot for your Mezuzahs to be checked. According to the Jewish law, a mezuzah must be inspected twice every seven years. weekdAys: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. moNdAy: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani; The community-wide Mezuzah factory and workshop. Bring your Mezuzahs and Tefillin from home to be checked for accuracy and weathering by a certified scribe. Please reserve a spot for your Mezuzahs to be checked. According to the Jewish law, a mezuzah must be inspected twice every seven years. wedNesdAy: New Tanya Series -- The Anatomy of Your Soul: Who Are You?, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Mendel Katzman. ThursdAy: Advanced Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Chai Elul Farbrengen, wednesday, sept. 21 at 7 p.m., Learn the significance of this birthday of two heroic and trailblazing leaders.
Operation Thunderbolt: Firsthand Account with Sassy Reuven, monday, sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at Bellevue University. Women’s Workshop: G-d on the Campaign Trail, Tuesday, sept. 20, Noon-1 p.m. and sept. 29, 7-8 p.m. with Shani Katzman. This workshop is for women in advance of Rosh Hashanah.
coNgregATioN B’NAi JeshuruN
Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. fridAy: Pre-neg, 6 p.m. hosted by Marc Shkolnick; Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 7:26 p.m. sATurdAy: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Shoftim; Havdalah (72 minutes), 8:54 p.m. suNdAy: Garden/Grounds Clean-up, 8 a.m.; All LJCS Classes meet, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Parent Orientation, 11:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel. TuesdAy: Kochavim Rehearsal, 6:45 p.m. ThursdAy: High Holiday Choir rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. It’s a mitzvah! The Temple is seeking volunteers willing to provide occasional transportation to services and events for members who are in need of a ride. Please contact the Temple office for details and to sign up by phone at 402.435.8004 or email at office@southstreettemple.org. Garage Sale, sept. 8-10, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sara & Robert Friedman’s home, 1990 Ryons Street (1 block south of South St., corner of 20th & Ryons. Death Penalty: Right or Wrong? A panel discussion on Capital Punishment, Thursday, sept. 15. 7-8:30 p.m. with The Rev. Stephen Griffith, Ari Kohen, Robert Evnen and The Rev. Stu Kerns at First-Plymouth Congregational Church UCC, 2000 D Street in Lincoln. Federation Shabbat, friday, sept. 16, 6-9 p.m. at Antelope Park enclosed shelter (between the playground and Auld Pavilion). Set up and Park Play Time, 6 p.m., Family-Friendly Shabbat Service, 6:45 p.m. followed by a Potluck Dinner at 7:15 p.m. Please bring a dairy or pareve dish to share. If you participated in a Jewish camp this summer, please bring photos and memories to share. All members of our community are welcome. Flatwater Shakespeare presents: The Merchant of Venice, sept. 2-5, 8-11, 14-16, 7 p.m. at The Swan Theatre at Wyuka, 3600 O Street. Tickets are $20, Seniors $16, Students, $12. Directed by Tom Crew 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, email David Weisser at president@southstreettemple.org.
Idealism of the Founding of the Sate of Israel. sATurdAy: Torah Study, 9 a.m. Scholar in Residence Harold C. Pachios - Issues in Immigration Policy today as it Relates to the Jewish Experience to America from 1880 to 1924; Temple Tots Shabbat, 9 a.m. Enjoy stories, songs, crafts (and bagels, of course!) with your child, while connecting with our Temple Israel community; Shabbat Morning Services, 10:30 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of lily pocras, daughter of Suzanne and Hap Pocras; OTYG Rush, 4 p.m. at Platte River State Park. Join us for dinner, games and paddle boating! Cost is $20. RSVP’s required. suNdAy: Grades PreK-6, 10 a.m.; Madrichim Meeting, 10 a.m.; OTYG Meeting, Noon; Kol Rina Rehearsal, 1 p.m.; Backyard Concert Series with OTYG, 5 p.m. at the JCC. Come join and support OTYG. We will be selling kosher treats and enjoying the live performance. RSVPs required. TuesdAy: Kol Rina Rehearsal, 6 p.m.; Holy Smokes, 7 p.m. led by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer, this men’s only evening will feature cigars, adult beverages and philosophical discussions of men’s issues and perspectives from Jewish texts. This event is free, though reservations are required, rsVp@templeisraelomaha.com or 402-556-6536, by Sept. 8. wedNesdAy: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m., School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6:30 p.m.; Family School, 6:30 p.m.; My Israel: A Virtual Tour to Israel, 6:30 p.m. ThursdAy: Elul Prep, 10 a.m. with Rabbi (Sussman) Berezin; Take Me Out to the Movies - The Lemon Tree, 7 p.m. Co-sponsored with the Schwalb Center. After the movie, Dr. Moshe Gershovich, PhD, Director, Natan & Hannah Schwalb Center for Israel & Jewish Studies, will conduct a conversation about the issues raised in the movie. Young Couples Event at Corkscrew, saturday, sept. 17, 5-7 p.m. All young couples at Temple Israel are invited to join us for drinks and appetizers at Corkscrew. This is an opportunity for young couples to socialize without the distraction of kids. Temple Israel will provide appetizers.
TifereTh isrAel
fridAy: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Scholar-in-Residence Harold C. Pachios: The Shaping of Social Justice through the
Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. fridAy: Join us for our first Shabbat Pasta Dinner and Birthday Celebration honoring all congregants born in September sponsored by Bob and Debra Evnen, Cantor Mark Kushner and Sherrill Kushner. We will begin at 6:15 p.m. Please note we will not have Shabbat evening services on this evening. All ages are welcome to join together. sATurdAy: Shabbat Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddish luncheon. suNdAy: LJCS First Day: All Classes meet, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel and LJCS Parent Orientation at 11:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel. moNdAy: Beginnings of Judaism session 1 with facilitator Al Weiss, 7:30-8:30 p.m. TuesdAy: Women’s Study Group with Nancy Coren, 10:45 a.m.-Noon followed by lunch with the group if desired. Federation Shabbat, friday, sept. 16, 6-9 p.m. at Antelope Park enclosed shelter (between the playground and Auld Pavilion). Set up and Park Play Time, 6 p.m., Family-Friendly Shabbat Service, 6:45 p.m. followed by a Potluck Dinner at 7:15 p.m. Please bring a dairy or pareve dish to share. If you participated in a Jewish camp this summer, please bring photos and memories to share. All members of our community are welcome. New Nurture the Wow Parenting Group begins sunday, sept. 18, 11 a.m. at Tifereth Israel. Our topic will be How Do We Love. Discussion will be facilitated by Nancy Coren.
jta news staff JERUSALEM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he is considering meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas under the auspices of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a meeting Monday morning with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov, Putin's special envoy for the Middle East, Netanyahu discussed the Putin proposal to host a face-to-face meeting between Netanyahu and Abbas in Moscow, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. Netanyahu is reviewing the proposal and considering the timing of a possible meeting,
according to the statement. He told Bogdanov that he is always ready to meet with Abbas directly and without preconditions. The Palestinians favor the French peace initiative launched in June at a summit in Paris of foreign ministers from two dozen countries. Palestinians were not invited to that event. The ministers proposed an international conference to further talks between the two sides by the end of the year without setting a date. Israel has balked at the initiative, saying it enables the Palestinians to continue to avoid the direct talks Israel wants and compromise. Abbas and Netanyahu last met officially in 2010, but it is believed that since then they have held secret meetings.
offuTT Air force BAse
fridAy: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.
rose BlumkiN Jewish home
sATurdAy: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
Temple isrAel
Netanyahu considers meeting with Abbas
The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016 | a11
Be a role model;
lifecycles In memorIam
Carl (Pete) mIlder
Carl (Pete) Milder passed away on Aug. 24 at age 94. Services were held Aug. 28 at Golden Hill Cemetery. He was preceded in death by wife, Rhoda Milder. He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Vickie and David Rosenthal, Georgine and Larry Koom; son Tom Milder and sister Phyllis Weinberg; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Memorials to Temple Israel or Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.
the person you want your kid to be. What stronger anti-drug message is there?
joodI gay veItzer
Joodi Gay Veitzer passed away on Aug. 27 at age 77. Services were held Aug. 30 at Beth El Synagogue. She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Sylvia Lewis. She is survived by husband, Norman Veitzer; son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Chris Veitzer, daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Matt Schwab, and daughter, Poly Veitzer; grandchildren: Jordan and Zachary Schwab; sister, Nancy Lazer; other loving family and friends. Memorials to the organization of your choice.
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Chabad hosts Mezuzah workshop
At Chabad, on Sunday, Sept. 11 and Monday, Sept. 12, “What’s that?”, the soldiers demanded a visiting sofer will conduct a Mezuzah workshop for our “A king sits in his palace surrounded by guards to procommunity. Folks are encouraged to bring their Mezuzahs tect him from danger. G-d, the Jewish King, allows his for service. Appointments are limited, reserve today. Drop servants to sit at home and He protects them from outins are welcome. Shani@ochabad.com side. is is the Mezuzah on our door!” WHAT IS A MEZUZAH? We are commanded to affix this Mezuzah, You can oen identify a Jewish home by a parchment scroll to the doorposts of our what you see on the outside. A Mezuzah homes and businesses. Not to be confused (lit. doorpost) on the front door is a givewith the Mezuzah itself, a case may enclose away. it to protect it from the elements. e Talmud relates how Onkelos, e scroll contains portions of the nephew of the cruel Roman Emperor Shema, written by a trained sofer (scribe); Hadrian, fell in love with G-d and the Jewit guards the inhabitants of the home even ish people, and converted to Judaism. Outwhen they are away. An expression of our raged, Hadrian dispatched a group of faith in G-d, the Mezuzah also is a home soldiers to force him home. Onkelos security system. e name of G-d, Sha-dai, greeted the soldiers warmly and engaged which appears on the reverse side of the them in talk about Torah values. ey, too, parchment, is an acronym for the Hebrew were taken by the beauty of these teachings words which mean “Guardian of the doorand sought to convert and join the Jewish ways of Israel.” community. ey remained with Onkelos Like all systems, a Mezuzah requires in the Torah academy to study and to grow. maintenance. At the very least, it must be Furious, Hadrian sent another group of checked for wear and tear twice in seven soldiers to bring back his wayward years. nephew. is group was also inspired by e extreme cold and hot climate in NeOnkelos’ lessons and example to follow Jubraska affects our Mezuzah scrolls, causing Credit: Mezuzah Scrolls via letters to crack or peel which render it undaism. When Emperor Hadrian sent the Wikimedia Commons Kosher. third group of soldiers he ordered them not to enter into discussion. Grab Onkelos and bring him Before Rosh Hashana, it is customary to have our to me. Mezuzahs serviced as part of the general stock taking of As the soldiers led Onkelos out of his home, he lied our Mitzvah inventory. his hand to touch the doorpost. Mezuzahs will be available for sale.
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A12 | The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016
community
W
Finding authenticity in Fort Calhoun AnneTTe VAn de KAmp-WRighT Editor of the Jewish Press hen it comes to food, few things are as attractive as fresh baked bread. Sure, bread earned a bad rep during the 1990s when we suddenly en masse started running from carbs and the Atkins diet was all the rage. But nowadays, we know better: bread is an acceptable staple of a healthy, balanced diet. at’s lucky for us, because Friday night just wouldn’t be the same without Challah. is year, our city has welcomed one more option for those of us too busy to bake our own. Stick and Stone Brick Oven Bakery in Fort Calhoun began offering kosher bread earlier in 2016. Sarah Bryan owns and operates Brick Oven with her husband, David. David is the baker, and received his training through the Culinary Arts program at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha. Sarah is in charge of logistics and web design (which benefits from the fact she is also a professional photographer. A multi-talented family, this). e Bryans have three children. Neither Sarah nor David are Jewish (although Sarah does have Jewish ancestry), yet they both felt the need to offer Challah that is actually kosher parve.
Since they weren’t sure how to start, they invited Rabbi Mendel Katzman to their bakery and sought his advice. “He explained the details to us,”
Pictured above: Caraway Rye, below: The oven when it was under construction.
Sarah said, “and as a result, we now have the ability to bake kosher parve bread in one section. Breads that have cheese and/or other non-kosher ingredients, like our cheddar jalapeno, are baked in a different section.” e Bryans built their traditional
oven from scratch; a backbreaking labor of love, but the result is worth it: you can see the photos of the construction at http://www.stickandstone bakery.com/p/oven-build.html. If you’re interested in seeing the oven in real life, they are happy to show you around-- but make sure to call first. ere is something special about people who go out of their way to bake kosher bread. Let’s face it: baking artisan bread the way the Bryans do is not easy to begin with. Why make things more complicated? However, once you take a look at some of their other offerings, it becomes clear that what they seek most of all is authenticity. From Bohemian Rye bread to Pain au Levain as well as Dutch Sunflower bread (I can vouch that that is indeed a very Dutch bread), the Bryans do not second-guess a single detail. You can order bread from Stick and Stone Bakery by filling out the online order form, and selecting your pick-up location. Fresh bread is delivered every Tuesday and Friday at a number of these locations, or (most Saturdays) at the Village Pointe Farmer’s Market (8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), as well as the Bellevue Farmer’s Market (8 a.m.Noon). For more information and to order online, visit www.stickandstone bakery.com or call 402.533.4464.
German far-right party’s strong showing a ‘Nightmare’
jta news staff Alternative for Germany, known as AfD, with its anti-immigrant and ultranationalist platform, picked up 21 percent of the vote Sunday in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, behind the center-left Social Democratic Party with 31 percent, which retained leadership in the state. Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union had 19 percent; it was the first time that the AfD surpassed the Christian Democrats in any German state election. The fact that the right-populist party did so well -- winning 18 seats in the 71-seat legislature has set off alarm bells among Jewish leaders in Germany. “The AfD is not an option for Germany but an indictment of Germany,” Josef Schuster, the head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, told the German media after the results came in. Schuster said it appeared that many voters either did not realize or simply accepted the fact that the AfD had not distanced itself from right-wing extremists. “The fact that a right-wing extremist party that bluntly and disgustingly incites and mobilizes hatred against minorities can rise unchecked in our country is a nightmare come true,” said former Central Council President Charlotte Knobloch, who heads the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria. Christian and Muslim leaders expressed similar concerns following Sunday’s vote. But Leif-Erik Holm, the AfD party leader in MecklenburgVorpommern, told the German media that this “might be the beginning of the end” of Merkel. State Governor Erwin Sellering now will have to decide with which party to share power -- the Christian Democrats or the Left Party. All the mainstream parties had already ruled out taking part in a coalition with the AfD. The party, which was founded in 2013, has seen mounting successes in state elections, and now has seats in nine of Germany’s 16 state legislatures. Berlin holds state elections later this month; three additional states will cast ballots in the first half of 2017, followed by national parliamentary elections in September.
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A SUPPLEMENT TO THE JEWISH PRESS | SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
B2 | The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016
food
how one Tulsa synagogue is baking its way to a better world
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ViCTOr wishnA TULSA, OK | JTA
alk into Congregation B’nai Emunah on any Tuesday afternoon and you’ll barely get through the massive, light-filled foyer before it hits you: an aromatic wave of warm oatmeal and raisins, or perhaps a sweet surge of rich, melting chocolate chips. What you’re smelling isn’t catered food for a bar mitzvah bash. Rather, it’s one of the most highly regarded bakeries in the region, which is also an innovative social justice project that might just be a model for civicminded synagogues everywhere. The Altamont Bakery, which operates weekly from the synagogue’s dairy kitchen, is a successful commercial enterprise in which formerly homeless and mentally ill Tulsans work alongside synagogue volunteers. Together, they weigh, measure, mix, shape and bake artisanal cookies that have won the admiration of foodies, selling briskly in coffee shops and cafeterias across Oklahoma and beyond. Yet whether you believe this is the “Greatest Cookie on Planet Earth” (as the label boasts) or merely the best
chocolate chip cookie in the city (according to a blind taste test conducted by the Tulsa World newspaper), it’s not the most important thing the Altamont endeavors to create.
bakery five years ago in conjunction with the Mental Health Association Oklahoma, which aids those facing mental-health challenges through advocacy, education, research, service
The chocolate chip cookies from Tulsa’s Altamont Bakery, which operates in the dairy kitchen at Congregation B’nai Emunah, have been voted the best in the Oklahoma city by the Tulsa World newspaper. Credit: Congregation B’nai Emunah “We are baking our way to a better world,” said Rabbi Marc Boone Fitzerman, who has served the Conservative congregation since 1985. Fitzerman developed the idea for the
and housing, and the Housing Faith Alliance, which facilitates connections between faith-based institutions and those in recovery from mental illness. see Baking a better world page B4
Posting pictures of your lunch
BijA AndrEw The constant stream of news, argument, anger, and fear, and the attention we pay to tragedy and sadness in the world, had been really getting to me a few weeks ago. Someone please share some good news, I thought. Very few people did. I took a break from my computer and went to my kitchen to make lunch. I had an excess of eggs and some vegetables, so I made a little frittata. It looked good, so I snapped a picture of it and put it on Instagram. I put a little self-deprecating comment with it, because– well, it’s what people complain about when they complain about social media. You took a picture of your lunch. Who cares? Instagram is just a bunch of people sharing dumb pictures of food. Whoop-defrickin’-do. A few days after that, I got a message from an old friend who wanted to meet up. I hadn’t seen her in years. When we met, she wanted to tell me about some struggles she’s been going through since the last time we met, and the steps she’s been taking to get over those struggles. And for some reason, seeing the picture of the frittata reminded her that she could reach out to me. I was really touched by this. A lot of people in our world are worried that their problems aren’t significant. They’re worried that people won’t have time to listen. So this is a purpose for the frivolous photos and small talk. When you use them well, they convey that you won’t dismiss someone else’s problems as insignificant or frivolous. They convey that you have time to connect and time to listen. In the right time and right place, sharing a silly picture of food can be an act of compassion. There are, however, a couple tendencies to watch out for. Overdoing it is one. If you share everything, it might change the message from “I have time to listen to you” to “I need you to have lots of time to listen to me.” The other tendency, a big problem on social media, is to make everything into a joke. Jokes can defuse the tension and lighten the mood, that we don’t take everything so seriously. But the everythingis-a-joke spirit of so much social media can get in the way if someone really needs you to take a problem seriously. So share a picture of your lunch. And also: share your actual lunch. Reprinted with permission from the author. Want to read more? Find Bija’s blog at http://www.zenbija.com/wordpress/ ?p=313.
Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!
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The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016 | B3
Celebrate the sweetness of the Jewish New Year trina Kaye Author Amy Stopnicki shares her formula for culinary success in her groundbreaking cookbook: Plan, Prepare, Plate. The Jewish High Holidays are all about family and friends coming together and sharing a meal. Kosher Taste (Feldheim/April 2016; $29.99/hardcover), by Amy Stopnicki, offers home cooks a new formula for kosher cooking. Whether you’re looking to impress, or simply do more with less, Kosher Taste is the go-to cookbook and the source for delicious family meals perfect to celebrate the High Holidays with over 100 simple recipes and photos. Amy, a busy mother and a successful event planner, understands busy. She has partnered with some of the most respected chefs in her industry, creating beautiful food in high pressure environments. In Kosher Taste, Amy has taken her best innovations from years of experience and combined them with her passion for creating balanced and beautiful meals everyone will love, any time of the year. “I love to cook and I love to entertain. The warmth and beauty of sharing a beautifully set Shabbos or holiday table with friends and family is my passion and joy,” Amy explains. “The satisfaction I feel when family and guests dig in for seconds, or when kids enjoy a new dish, this makes all the effort of planning and preparing worthwhile. My goal with Kosher Taste is to share this joy, this passion with home cooks who are looking to experience delicious new tastes and flavors to share with their families.” Every recipe in the book offers Amy’s easy-to-follow formula. PLAN: tips for preparing ingredients ahead of time. PREPARE: simple instructions and step-by-step
guide help any level home cook recreate Amy’s recipes. PLATE: making what you have prepared look beautiful when served and what you can serve it with. Kosher Taste provides recipes that appeal to all our senses and creates meals you would be proud to serve to the most discerning guests. Some of Amy’s tasty recipes include: Squash Zucchini Soup, Mango Salad with Raspberry, Grilled Fennel with Balsamic Reduction, Stuffed Mushrooms, Salmon Pad Thai, Wasabi Tuna Steaks, Maple Glazed Turkey Breast, Spinach Pesto Stuffed Chicken, Skirt Steak in Rum Sauce, Simple Savory Brisket, Chocolate-Dipped Hamantaschen, Pumpkin Pie Brulée, Winter White Cupcakes. Recipes are divided by chapters that include Plan Ahead, Weekday Menus, Soups and Salads, Sides, Mushrooms, Fish and Dairy, Mains, Trendy Recipes and Sweet Treats, making it easy to find just the meal you are looking for. Whether feeding a family on a busy weeknight, preparing a Shabbos meal or a holiday dinner for 20, Amy is a woman with a plan. In Kosher Taste, she shares that plan with you. Amy Stopnicki is a busy mother of four, an active member of her community and successful event planner for over 15 years. Her culinary business skills have included menu creation, coordinating and implementing food tastings and events for more than 900 people. Amy is frequently asked to do cooking demos for private groups as well as nonprofit organizations. She lives in Toronto with her husband and four children. Try these delicious recipes from Kosher Taste for the New Year. See apple cinnamon Streusel muffins page B5
Featuring fish & house cured meats
Quinoa Schnitzel | StatuS: meat
This recipe can also be baked on cookie sheets. Lightly cover the cookie sheet with oil and coat the top of each schnitzel with non-stick cooking spray. Bake at 350°F for approximately 10 minutes on each side. Quinoa flakes are a great gluten-free alternative. They are light and healthy and easy to work with and can be found in most health food stores. 8 chicken breasts 2 - 2 1/2 cups dried quinoa flakes 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. paprika 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. pepper 2 eggs 1/2 cup cornstarch or potato starch canola oil for frying (i like canola or even safflower oil; safflower is a very healthy oil for frying as it is low in saturated fats) Prepare: 1. Slice chicken breasts horizontally and pound to flatten. 2. In a shallow bowl, combine quinoa flakes, salt, paprika, garlic powder and pepper. 3. In another shallow bowl, lightly beat eggs. 4. Pour the starch on a plate. 5. In a large skillet, heat oil over a high temperature for frying. 6. Lightly dip each piece of chicken in starch, egg, and finally the quinoa mixture. 7. Fry each piece of chicken, turning when nec-
SANDWICHES | SOUPS | BAGELS | DELI | SALADS
8718 Pacific Street swartzsdeli.com Kosher offerings by essary. You will know it’s cooked when all sides are golden. Serves 6-8. There are endless debates on how one serves and eats schnitzel: with noodles, or salad, or even in a sandwich. My favorite is Israeli-style with hummus, Israeli salad and basmati rice. Credit: Recipe and photo from Kosher Taste by Amy Stopnicki/Feldheim; April 2016
Coming Fall of 2016
B4 | The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016
Baking a better world
Left photo: Karra Beck, left, works at Altamont every week, and Mary Nixon is a former employee; right: Kimberly Ferry, who endured years of homelessness and mental health struggles, working at the Altamont Bakery in Tulsa. Credit: Congregation B’nai Emunah
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NCE A M R O F nd more!) REE PER (a
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Continued from page B2 The core of the baking staff is made up of individuals served by the Mental Health Association, including some who live at the nearby association-run Altamont Apartments, from which the bakery takes its name. They are paid what Fitzerman calls “a dignified wage” -- currently as much as $13.75 per hour. The synagogue volunteers they work beside see this as a meaningful opportunity to effect change in their community while broadening their own horizons. “I love this collaboration -- it’s really unique and powerful,” said Alex Aguilar, a workforce readiness clinical coordinator at the Mental Health Alliance who’s at the bakery every Tuesday. “When we’re able to give someone employment and support -- skills and purpose and something to do with their lives -- that is the best care that they need.” Mental health has long been a focus of the synagogue’s volunteer efforts, Fitzerman said, due in part to the significant number of congregants already working in the field. The rabbi realized he could feed the appetite for social justice work through one of his synagogue’s particular strengths: large-scale baking. “Like many congregations in frontier outposts, we make everything ourselves -- rye bread, rugelach, hamantaschen, apple cake, babka -- it’s a very full menu of traditional favorites,” he said. With Tulsa’s Jewish community numbering about 2,200, the Altamont is the only kosher-certified bakery in town. The synagogue also recently launched a monthly pop-up deli serving house-cured kosher pastrami. “This is more than dabbling,” Fitzerman declared. “Brooklyn artisans would recognize our seriousness and commitment.” On a typical Tuesday afternoon, six salaried “Altamonters” and another half-dozen volunteers will produce about 1,200 cookies, which will be bagged, labeled and delivered by another multi-generational cadre of volunteers that meets Wednesday mornings. Unsold leftovers -- a rare phenomenon -- might wind up at Shabbat kiddish. Come Christmas and Hanukkah -when orders for 5,000 or more aren’t uncommon -- the bakery will more than triple its workforce and production. And next March, when the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament returns to Tulsa, demand will likely drive madness in the kitchen, as well. Nancy Cohen, a former marketing and retail manager who also oversees
the synagogue gift shop, is “the presiding genius” of the bakery, Fitzerman says, serving as volunteer director and, until recently, oven master. She is the source of the chocolate-chip cookie recipe that started it all, as well as the two that followed, oatmeal raisin and the newest offering, sweet “sugartops,” with just a hint of lemon. (Incidentally, these are no little noshes, but quarterpound helpings of richness.) Cohen is equally passionate about the bakery staff. “This is our sugar-cookie queen,” Cohen said, introducing Kimberlee Koenig, an Altamonter who was loading the last ingredients into a massive mixer. “If they’re not perfect, we don’t sell ‘em,” Koenig said, detailing her process. “We don’t even put our name on ‘em.” Koenig explains bluntly how much that sense of pride means: “You see, I used to be a street person. Not by choice... but by bad choices, mostly of men.” Now happily married, she found the bakery two years ago and has only missed work two times -- once due to pneumonia, the other following hernia surgery. “You’ve come a long way, baby,” Cohen said. Kimberly Ferry has worked in the bakery from its beginning. Cohen remembers that first day -- Ferry, following years of homelessness and mental health struggles, had trouble looking her in the eye. Now, between Tuesdays at Altamont and another job at a grocery store, she can afford her own apartment -- and to buy her 13-yearold son a new pair of shoes. “I hadn’t bought him anything in a long time,” Ferry said, lips curling into a smile. The synagogue volunteers baking alongside the Altamonters say the impact on their lives has also been profound. “I love it -- I love the people we work with,” gushed Jamie Siegel, a mother of four. “It’s the one thing in my week that I really couldn’t give up. I really feel like I’m getting more out of it than I’m giving.” Dennis Johnson, a retired project manager, was active in a weekly Torah study at the synagogue when he first heard about Altamont. That was a year-and-a-half ago, and he hasn’t missed a Tuesday since. “As long I’m able and as long as they need me, I’ll be here,” he said. “It’s a good mitzvah.” Since its inception in 2011, the bak-
ery has sold more than 150,000 cookies, at $2 each. The profits cover salaries and supplies; the synagogue underwrites the use of the kitchen and Fitzerman raises outside funds to replace equipment and make capital improvements. Anonymous donors furnished two new high-end ovens that can bake up to 220 cookies in 14 minutes. For the second consecutive year, the Altamont has been recognized by Slingshot, a fund that supports and promotes innovative Jewish initiatives across the country. “This type of collaborative endeavor serves as a model for successful partnerships between religious institutions and government agencies,” the evaluation reads, “and shows how the repurposing of synagogue assets can impact an entire community.” The Altamont Bakery hopes to see its impact grow both in Tulsa, by increasing sales and adding more shifts and workers as the kitchen schedule allows - B’nai Emunah’s 150-student preschool also uses the kitchen. Synagogue administrator Betty Lehman said she recently fielded a call from a congregation in Indiana that was interested in launching its own program. Even the product line is expanding. Cohen has been furiously fine-tuning a “centennial cookie” to be introduced this year, celebrating the synagogue’s 100th anniversary. After testing nearly 20 formulas, she’ll reveal only that it will likely be a version of “double fudge.” Fitzerman is thrilled, but cautions his model is not easy magic. “In our initial flood of arrogant dogooderism, we felt that we would be able to change the lives of our bakers,” the rabbi said. “We’ve held some of them in this project for four consecutive years, but many more have moved through the kitchen for a short period and then wander on to other things. “We understand that we will fail as often as we succeed. Our goal is to do as much as we can without expecting miraculous transformation.” Yet for bakers like Koenig, the change is evident. Through the bakery, she has developed confidence and strong friendships, broadened her social network and gotten her foot in the door at a local supermarket, where she now also earns a wage as a cashier and bagger. But working in the “cookie factory,” Koenig said, is still “the best job.” “I’ve been very fortunate -- God has blessed me,” she added, as the mixer began to whir. “And the cookies are amazing.”
The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016 | B5
APPlE CInnAMon STrEuSEl MuffInS STATuS: PArEVE
This sweet treat is a great muffin to have for the kids as an afterschool snack. Double the recipe and freeze them so you can take them out as needed. They thaw in 10 minutes or so. Muffins: 2 eggs 1 tbsp. vanilla extract 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup canola oil 2 cups flour 1 tbsp. cinnamon 2 tbsp. baking powder 1/2 cup apple sauce 1 cup water 2 gala apples, peeled and finely diced Streusel Topping: 3 tbsp. margarine 1 cup flour 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 tsp. cinnamon Prepare: 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. In a large mixing bowl, cream eggs, vanilla, sugar and oil until mixture is light. 3. Add dry ingredients, apple sauce, water and apples and combine well. 4. Pour batter into paper-lined muffin tins, filling them 2/3 of the way. 5. Meanwhile, combine all streusel ingredients until they achieve a sand-like consistency. 6. Pour 1 tablespoon of streusel mixture on top of each unbaked muffin. 7. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the tops are slightly golden. Makes 18 muffins. Enjoy these alone or with a hot cup of tea. Try them for Rosh Hashanah. Credit: Recipe from Kosher Taste by Amy Stopnicki/Feldheim, April 2016
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food This Israeli and Palestinian duo owns Berlin’s hippest hummus joint
I
ToBy AxElrod BERLIN | JTA n a corner of former East Berlin, where shabby, red brick buildings meet cobblestone streets, lies a new Promised Land. Kanaan -- a casual, vegetarian Middle Eastern restaurant named for the biblical lands before they were conquered by the Israelites -- is something of a dream come true. And that’s not just because its hummus is “oh yes,” as one German blogger recently described it. Rather, it’s the result of a unique partnership between its 30-something owners, Oz Ben David, who grew up Jewish in Beersheba, and Jalil Dabit, an Arab Christian from Ramle. The duo met in the German capital, where they are trying to turn a culinary dream into reality. Before the men ever met, they had separately nursed the same idea: to draw upon their heritage to create a delicious, modern cuisine. And, of course, to earn their living by it. Kanaan, which opened a year ago, is a unique hybrid, where the Arab cuisine of Dabit’s grandfather meets the recipes of Ben David’s Moroccan and Romanian grandmothers. In some ways it’s an “only in Berlin” phenome-
non, thanks in part to the city’s relatively open attitude toward foreigners. Berlin boasts a small but lively Israeli population (estimated at some 10,000) and a significant number of Arabs of
On a typically cloudy August evening in Prenzlauer Berg -- a hip district that’s akin to Brooklyn’s Williamsburg both in terms of its uber-hip character as well as its more
Kanaan, a Middle Eastern restaurant owned by an Israeli and a Palestinian, is a happening spot in Berlin’s hip Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood. Credit: Toby Axelrod Palestinian origin, which some estimate at about 35,000. These facts, along with Berlin’s famously low cost of living, made it an ideal spot for two non-Germans to test the waters of an unusual restaurant concept.
recent evolution into a family-friendly spot -- children are playing in Kanaan’s outdoor garden while adults sit under large café umbrellas, dipping soft, fresh pita into silky smooth hummus and munching on roasted See Hippest hummus joint page B6
Great unique wines and food in a fun atmosphere Join us for Happy Hour from 4 - 6 p.m. • Don’t forget to ask for Mark •
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Jewish food for thought
B6 | The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016
food Hippest hummus joint Continued from page B5 cauliflower glazed with a date honey sauce. The restaurant, tucked in a corner overlooking the commuter railway tracks, is a bit of an oasis: lush vines have grown around the outdoor dining area, and small flowers trail from a makeshift arbor. In other words, it was a perfect, peaceful spot for an Israeli and a Palestinian to set up shop. “It’s so crazy how we met,” said Dabit, 34, who shuttles back and forth from Ramle to run Samir, the famed restaurant of his late grandfather and father. Two years ago Dabit’s Israeli girlfriend, who was studying at the University of Potsdam, urged him to settle down in Berlin. He agreed but told her, “I need to do something.” For a year he absorbed the scene, “to understand people and see how it works. And food, food, food was always the thing.” Separately, Ben David, 36, a marketing expert, was itching to try gastronomy. It seemed fated that the two should meet. “It was like a road we almost couldn’t resist,” Ben David said. Before meeting Dabit, Ben David watched Oren Rosenfeld’s 2015 film Hummus! The Movie, which featured Dabit and his family’s Ramle restaurant. In the film, Dabit muses about opening a place of his own in Berlin. But when mutual friends suggested they meet, Ben David hesitated -- he said his father was worried about him working with an Israeli Arab. And, as it happens, Dabit’s father had his own doubts about his son setting up shop in Germany, as he didn’t want to lose him as a business partner. But Dabit finally appeared in Ben David’s office and said, “‘Listen, I need
to bring a good excuse to my father to leave the business in Israel,’” Ben David recalled. “I told him about my story and what I wanted to do,” Dabit said about his plan to open an eatery featuring his family’s best recipes from the Ramle restaurant. “And he liked the idea.”
whose dark hair is pulled into a bun. He proposed to work lunchtime only; a test to see if people liked their food. They scheduled a trial run and organized an event, the “Hummus, Fashion and Peace Connection,” a tasting-slashdance party, to show off their talents. The event drew many hundreds of
Jalil Dabit, left, an Arab Christian from Ramle, and Oz Ben David, who grew up Jewish in Beersheba, opened the restaurant together. Credit: Toby Axelrod “From the moment we decided to work together, I can’t say it was easy,” Ben David said. “We did not have money, we had no place, no EU passports, and there was a lot of competition for space.” Last summer, after stalking various short-order joints around town, they approached the owner of a restaurant, a German of Lebanese background, who also owned the shack across the street. At the time, the underutilized space operated as a pizzeria in the evenings. “I came to this German man with my Israeli temperament,” recalls Ben David,
guests over two days, Dabit and Ben David said, and Kanaan eventually opened as a full-fledged restaurant -and both fathers came around. Back in Ramle, Dabit told his father, “Baba, we opened a restaurant.” He promised to bring him to Berlin to see the place, but Dabit’s father died before the plan came to fruition. Still, Dabit said his father had understood and approved of his plan. “My father knew all my life that I am doing a lot of things,” Dabit said. “I am a strange bird.” See Hummus joint page B7
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Phil Wayne and Dana Gonzales prepare Latkes.
SCOtt Littky Program Director, Temple Israel ood is a central part of Jewish life. I do not mean in terms of survival. I’m talking about food in terms of both the social and philosophical aspects of Judaism. It would be safe to say that it appears in almost every Jewish activity, there has to be food. Some may say food helps to define us as Jews. This, of course, is only a partial truth. Food is very important to us as Jews, but the types of foods we prepare and eat are really based on where our Jewish roots come from. The foods that we in America most recognize as Jewish foods often originated in Eastern Europe. It is not unusual for Jews who are not of Eastern European descent to know or to not have eaten the foods that many of us regard as classic. What then, is Jewish food and what are the foods that we seem to have brought with us from Eastern Europe? Also, as we assimilate more into American society how do we make sure that we do not lose hold of how to prepare those foods? Recognizing this challenge, starting on Oct. 5 and continuing through Nov. 30, our Adult Education Class on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., we will learn about these foods and how and why they are considered “Jewish” in a class titled The Lost Art of Jewish Cooking! On Wednesday evening Oct. 5, we will learn about chicken soup; Felicia Littky will show us her amazing recipe. Gretchen Radler will teach us to make her delicious rugelach on Oct. 19. Food maven, Dennis DePorte will demonstrate how he makes his much sought after chopped liver on Oct. 26. The art of challah baking will be demonstrated Nov. 2 with Louri Sullivan. Nov. 9, Amy Rabinovitz will teach us how to make her family’s kugel recipe. Nov. 16 is Hamentashen night with a demonstration of a classic recipe well known throughout Omaha. Finally, Nov. 30 is our last class on the subject of Jewish foods, and we are still working to confirm what we will make this evening. For more information on this class our any of our adult learning opportunities, please contact, Program Director, Scott Littky at 402.556.6536.
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The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016 | B7
Hummus joint
Continued from page B6 Ben David’s parents had a harder time with his decision to live in Berlin. “They would prefer me being close to them,” he said. “But they are happy to see me successful and making my dreams come true. And they come to visit me a lot.” Kanaan’s cooks use the former pizzeria’s kitchens across the street, as well as the second one in the shack. Among the employees are recent refugees from Eritrea and Syria, who are permitted to earn money while studying the German language. More than a million refugees, mostly from Muslim and African countries, have poured into Germany over the past year. “We have had an English and Russian teacher from Syria; we have had many young people age 18, 19, with no profession,” Ben David said. “We teach them how to cook.” In the kitchen on this night, standing at a pot filled with chickpeas, is Tamir, a 34year-old Druze refugee who ran a clothing store in Syria. His wife, expecting their first child, is an agricultural engineer. They feared for their lives in Syria, Tamir said. “Germany is afraid of refugees, but demographic change is something that every society has to face,” said Dabit, whose family restaurant has employed Arabs, Christians and even Jewish immigrants from the United States. “Are we going to miss the opportunity and see a crisis, or use the opportunity to make us stronger?” Ben David and Dabit are seeking out
other opportunities, too. They want to become a household name -- through Kanaan for now, but eventually through cookbooks, television and a showroom for their food products. They recently opened a smaller venue in the Kreuzberg section of Berlin, an area that has become home to much of the city’s new Israeli population. “In five years we are planning to be the biggest food company producing Middle Eastern food in Germany,” Ben David said. They are also planning a “Spice Dreams” program – a spice packaging enterprise that would train refugees and teens from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds to help them “learn about business and have goals,” he said. For now, however, Dabit and Ben David are working to win over locals who are not necessarily familiar with Middle Eastern foods. The trick? “Put something they are familiar with inside,” Ben David said. For example, the partners mixed the familiar favorite hummus with either shakshuka (eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce) or crisp Moroccan potato pancakes -- prepared with tahini instead of egg as a binder. Just like that, two of Kanaan’s signature dishes were born. “It was obvious,” said Dabit, his eyes twinkling from behind black-and-white-rimmed glasses. “We need to touch people in a different way. Our message is that when we combine things together, it’s always better.”
Come taste the brand new menu at Julio’s! Established in 1977 in the Old Market, Julio’s is a locally-owned Omaha original. Everyone’s favorite Tex Mex restaurant is now located in West Omaha on 123rd and Center. Many people are familiar with Julio’s menu: the famous Cajun Chicken Tacos, Mexican Fire Burgers, and the best Nachos in town. And, let’s not forget about our margaritas (1/2 price Wednesdays after 6 p.m.!). Julio’s has one of the largest selections of premium tequilas (over 50!) in the Midwest. Choose one of our mind-blowing margaritas, our create your own. This summer, Julio’s Restaurant installed a new menu that features a new “Lighter Fare’ section. Items include Steamed Fajitas, a cold chicken Avocado Salad made with Queso Fresco cheese, and a chili rub “that is selling like crazy,” according to
owner Tiffany Mainelli. Also making new fans are the Avocado Tacos, Jalapeno bacon & corn relish guacamole, and homemade ice cream. All these new menu items are sure to please your palate! A Tequila Tasting in late October will feature all three of these items. For more information on the tasting, and to check hours of operation, visit Julio’s website at http://www.julios.com/ or stop by and visit the restaurant any time. Julio’s is open seven days a week and offers the finest tex-mex cuisine as well as fantastic customer service. Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m., and every Monday, kids eat free after 5 p.m. Whatever you come here for, there’s no question about it. When you leave Julio’s, you’ll be happy.
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B8 | The Jewish Press | September 9, 2016
Happy Rosh Hashanah! May the New Year bring peace and joy to your home.
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