October 2, 2015

Endowed by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

No business like show business

October 2, 2015 19 Tishrei 5776 Vol. 96 | No. 3

This Week

Elvis is back at the Blumkin Home Page 5

Beth El’s Awesome End-of-summer BBQ Page 8

by OZZIE NOGG Once you’re seduced by the smell of the greasepaint and the roar of the crowd, it’s hard to turn your back on show biz -- as some members of the 1987 Campaign Cabaret cast will tell you. They’ll be putting on costumes and makeup for an encore performance on Sunday, Oct 11 -- this time in Campaign Cabaret 2015 at Joslyn’s Witherspoon Concert Hall.

Jeff Taxman returns to this production with the same excitement and vocal bravura he brought to the stage almost 30 years ago. “The first Cabaret introduced Debbie Friedman songs to the community, and it also introduced me to the remarkable Joanie Jacobson who directed the show. Her talent, leadership and vision made us all look great and feel appreciated,” Taxman said. “I really look forward to reliving some of the songs that touched the audience back then. Many of the original cast members are gone, Peony Park is gone, plenty has changed, but this generation of volunteers and performers are talented and enthusiastic. We oldtimers are pretty great, too. I predict the audience will leave the Joslyn moved and inspired.”

Patty Nogg, who joins this year’s Cabaret cast as a narrator, sang in the ensemble of the original Campaign

All in the family: Pam Friedlander (left) with son Jimmy Friedlander, daughter Andee Scioli and grandson Joe Scioli.

NJHS recognizes volunteers How Israeli volunteers are helping Syrian refugees Page 12

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Next Week Jewish Camping See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

9 10 11

by OZZIE NOGG worthy recipient. “This year we are Attendees of the Nebraska Jewish pleased to give the Mary Fellman Historical Society Annual Meeting, Award to the Herbert Goldsten Trust,” scheduled for Sunday afternoon, Corcoran said. “The Goldsten Trust Oct. 18, will see members of the has been making grants to Omaha community recognized for their sup- Jewish organizations since 1991, and the NJHS was port of the organiamong the very first zation. “Our agency to benefit from the would not be able Trust’s generosity. to do it’s work withThat first year they out their contribufunded the trantions,” said Renee scribing of our hisCorcoran, NJHS tory tapes, and their Executive Director. grants have continThe Mary Fellued since then.” man Award, named Projects supfor the co-founder ported by the Goldof the Nebraska sten Trust include Jewish Historical the Memories of Society, is presented Jewish North 24th to a person or group Street and Women for outstanding in the Upper Midcommitment to the Rocky Stern west exhibits; the NJHS. The award is not given annually, but only when the digitization of DVDs; the conversion Historical Society Board identifies a of audio tapes; and the archiving and cataloging of the NJHS collection of photographs and manuscripts. “The family memorabilia that people donate to the Historical Society need to be cared for in special ways,” Corcoran added, “and thanks to the Goldsten Trust we’ve been able to reorganize the NJHS archival collection and install temperature controlled storage that preserves historical objects. The significance of Continued on page 4

Cabaret along with her twin sons, Brian and Jeff. “In 1987 we were part of the closing number, Tears Are Not Enough,” Jeff said, “and this time I’ll be singing that same song with the entire cast including my daughter, Riley Nogg, who is eight years old -the same age I was during the first Campaign Cabaret. I remember the energy and enthusiasm that my cousin, Joanie Jacobson, put into the show. It was contagious, and this year’s cast is just as upbeat.” Brian Nogg remembers what fun it was to stay up late on the Sunday night of the performance. “There was a big party afterwards in the Peony Park Ballroom, and a few years later we had my Bar Mitzvah party in the same location. Cabaret is full of family memories.”

Andee Scioli and her mother Pam Friedlander are both returning cast members. Andee recalls dancing in Coming to America, the opening number of the first Campaign Cabaret. “I was just a pre-teen at the time,” she said, “but I danced with many Jewish teenage girls who took me under their wings and made me feel a part of the group.” Andee and Ozzie Nogg performed a duet in the original show, and this year Andee’s son, Jack, will repeat that duet with Continued on page 2

Friedlander named JFO president-elect

by SHERRIE SAAG forward. I couldn’t be more pleased Communications, Jewish Federation to work with Bruce over the years of Omaha and look forward The Jewish Fedto continuing to eration of Omaha do so through this Board of Directors transition and into announced late the future. If you last month that were to write the Bruce Friedlander definition of Jewhas been selected ish Federation president-elect of leadership, next to the Jewish Federait would be a tion of Omaha for photo of Bruce.” a three-year term.

In speaking to Friedlander will Friedlander about succeed Board his newest role, it president Jay Nodwas obvious he dle following the loves this commuFederation Annual nity; his earnestBruce Friedlander Meeting in June, ness and sincerity 2016.

Friedlander currently serves on the JFO Board of Directors and as a volunteer on several committees, most recently on the search committee that recommended Alan Potash as chief executive officer. He was on the Beth El Synagogue Board for ten years and served as President from 1994-96.

Leadership succession is one of the more important tasks of a nonprofit board of directors, and President Jay Noddle said this of Friedlander, “Bruce is fabulous and will make a terrific leader of the Jewish Federation of Omaha going

shone through the entire conversation. “We are so lucky to have what we have,” he said. There was never a question he would serve. “When times are tough, and sometimes they are, we know how to band together and get things done. We all have a singular mission and, at the end of the day, we all stick together to do what’s right and best for our Jewish community.”

“Since my nomination, community members have responded in various ways. Some said, ‘Mazel tov’; some said, ‘Thank you.’ And some said, ‘Why?’ The question is Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | October 2, 2015

No business like show business

Continued from page 1 Eadie Tsabari, one of his Hebrew teachers. “The song is Aitz Chaim He,” Scioli explained. “The Hebrew words describe a tree of life and how all who uphold it are blessed. My grandmother loved the song, and my brother and I sang it at her funeral.

My brother sang it at my wedding and it was sung at my cousin’s wedding as well. Aitz Chaim He continues to have great meaning in my life.”

So how will the revival of Campaign Cabaret affect the audience? “I think everyone will be inspired by seeing our community, young and old, work together,” Jeff Nogg said. The fact that three generations of both the Steve Nogg and Bruce Friedlander families will perform in Campaign Cabaret 2015 proves Jeff ’s point. “The show will make people realize how lucky we are to live in Omaha, where there is so much participation and where so many people care about our future,” Jeff continued. “The show is a great reminder of what the Jewish Federation is all about -- the passion, the participation, the

Above: Campaign Cabaret rehearsal, left: Jeff Taxman. working together and sharing of skills that keep our community strong.” For Brian Nogg, “Our Jewish community is so unique. Any of us can decide one day to make a difference, and you’ll get the opportunity to do so. Of course, we need the money raised by Cabaret to support the efforts of our community agencies, but the evening isn’t about fundraising. It’s about getting the community together to celebrate what can easily be taken for granted. People remember how meaningful Cabaret was in 1987. This year’s cast will do its best to make sure Campaign Cabaret 2015 is equally successful.”

Jeff Taxman offered his own call to action. “Omaha is a great community, and great communities deserve great celebrations. Campaign Cabaret is big enough and exciting enough to be that great celebration. A celebration that gives us the opportunity to feel thankful for the institutions that support our Jewish lives, thankful we have the resources to fund so many services, and thankful we have the infrastructure in which to house those services. This event gives us the opportunity to feel good about ourselves, to sing and dance with friends and family. In my book, Campaign Cabaret should be a project we look forward to on a regular basis, not once every 28 years, and volunteers should clamor to be involved.”

13026 Shirley St | Asking $222,000

Friedlander named JFO president-elect Continued from page 1 the easiest to respond to. Our fabulous community is made up of about 6,000 Jewish people inside the greater Omaha area of one million people. So the answer to the why question is easy. There are 6,000 reasons why I said yes.”

Friedlander has a long business resume in the food services industry (he calls himself a retail grocer) and, by training, customer service is paramount. “You find out what people want and you deliver it to them.” He intends to apply this successful business approach to his presidency.

“I’ve been trained to count cars in a parking lot. Seeing more cars in a parking lot generally correlates to why the store is busy. My goal for the Jewish Federation, for our agencies, for all our Jewish institutions is to have full parking lots.”

He was recognized as the JFO Volunteer of the Year in both 2009 and 2015. CEO Alan Potash described Friedlander as a long-time leader in our community. “He is devoted to Jewish Omaha and also has a strong connection to Israel. I had the pleasure of seeing his connection first hand when we were on a partnership mission together. I will look forward to partnering with him as we address the needs of our community.”

As chair of the Budget and Financial Review Committee last year, Friedlander also worked closely with CFO Jordana Glazer. He devoted countless hours to the process of budgeting and allocating resources for the 2015-2016 fiscal year.

Glazer said Bruce has shown consistent leadership.

“Together, we worked on some important budgetary and financial initiatives that will set a foundation for the future. Not only is Bruce intelligent and really knowledgeable about budgetary matters, he is really fun to work with.” Glazer continues, “He combines business acumen with love for community and volunteering.”

There’s no question Friedlander has his priorities straight. He said, “I know that what we value most is each other.”

Basic computer skills made easy!

Whether it’s a one-time lesson or ongoing instruction and support, learn how to use the computer with Dr. David M. Cohen, Ph.D., an educator and innovator who specializes in teaching computer skills to persons with little or no experience.

Learn:

Michael G. Kreekos DDS FAMILY DENTISTRY

General Dentistry | Senior Citizens Discounts Nursing home visits available Limited in House visits available for Evaluation and Consultation

402.334.0328 11836 Elm St. #2 | Omaha, Ne 68144 email: kreekosdentistry1@yahoo.com | fax: 402.334.0330

Walk to Catlin School! Charming four bedroom two story....

Call or text For more photos and information see my website at tonirosen.cbshome.com

TONI ROSEN 402-334-7257 office | 402-630-8664 Cell

How computers work • How to use programs like Word, Excel and PowerPoint How to e-mail friends and family • How to play games on the computer Shop, read newspapers & books and watch videos online How to use SKYPE for free video-conferencing with your children and grandchildren Call today to see how we can tailor our services to meet your needs.

Cohen’s Computer Club 402-637-3935 www.CohensComputerClub.com

David M. Cohen, Ph.D.

October 2, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 3

Klutznick Symposium 2015

by LEONARD GREENSPOON Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization, Creighton University This World and the World to Come is the title of this fall’s Symposium on Jewish Civilization, which takes place on Oct. 25 and 26. This is the twenty-eighth year for the annual event.

The keynote speaker this year is Yale Professor Christine Hayes. Her presentation, Heaven on Earth: The World to Come and its (Dis)locations, begins at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25, at the JCC. Dr. Hayes has affiliations with Harvard, Princeton, UC Berkeley, Bar Ilan and Hebrew University, in addition to Yale. She has written five major books and edited or co-edited Christine Hayes several important collections. Three single-spaced pages are needed to list her scholarly articles and book chapters. She made more than three dozen academic and popular presentations over the past two years. In her career, she has received numerous fellowships and awards.

Impressive? Absolutely! But not unusual when compared with the 27 other keynote speakers who have preceded Professor Hayes at our annual Symposium.

Dr. Hayes’s undergraduate degree is from Harvard, her PhD from UC Berkeley. Before accepting a teaching position at Yale, where she occupies a prestigious position as Weis Professor of Religious Studies in Classical Judaica, Hayes taught for several years at Princeton. In the midst of all of this, she has regularly lectured at Bar Ilan and Hebrew University as well as other famous academic institutions worldwide.

The most recent of her five books, which was just published by Princeton University Press, is titled What’s Divine About Divine Law? Early Perspectives. Her first, Between the Babylonian and Palestinian Talmuds, was honored with an award named after esteemed historian, Salon Baron.

Among her many articles are those bearing these intriguing titles: We’re No Angels, Golden Calf Stories, The (Ir)rationality of Torah, Inventing Rabbis, The Moses of Midrash: God’s Partner or Adversary? and The Myth of Perfect Torah Observance. Among her 36 stops for talks during a period of (only) 24 months were Ramat Gan and Jerusalem in Israel (both more than once), Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Boca Raton, Washington, DC, Minneapolis, Washington, DC, Urbana-Champaign, Berkeley, and Montreal. We can only imagine the frequent flier points she has amassed!

Hayes has been honored with fellowships at the Tikvah Center for Law and Jewish Civilization and at the Center for Jewish Law and Contemporary Civilization, election to the American Academy of Jewish Research, and a Mellon New Directions Fellowship. She is also very active in the Association for Jewish Studies and as a member of the editorial or advisory boards for a number of prestigious publication projects.

Christine Hayes, who holds dual citizenship in the United States and Australia, is married to a Yale Professor of

Philosophy whom she met when they were both Harvard undergraduates; they have two sons. For more than 25 years, she has been performing a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. She continues to compete in barbershop chorus and is lead singer in a competition quartet.

With accomplishments of this variety and stature, it is easy to see why she was the unanimous choice as keynote presenter for this fall.

Professor Hayes’s keynote presentation caps off a full day of Symposium activities on Oct. 25. Sunday morning presentations, from 9-11:30 a.m., will take place on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Three presenters will offer insights on topics ranging from Jewish apocalypses to fine dining options in the World to Come. For these presentations, we will meet in room 132D at the College of Public Affairs and Communications on the UNO campus.

After a quick trip from the UNO campus to the campus of the Jewish Community Center, everyone is invited to a luncheon from Noon-1 p.m. Five additional papers, divided into two sessions, can be heard from 1-5 p.m. The presenters in these sessions come from as far away as Germany and Israel and as near as Missouri. The subject matter of their presentations is equally wide-ranging: from philosophy and theology to wine and the Golem.

Five additional papers are scheduled for Monday, Oct. 26, when the Symposium reconvenes in the ballroom of the Skutt Student Center on the campus of Creighton University.

The first four presentations are scheduled in two sessions from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Among the highlights of these sessions are descriptions of monsters and discussion of further dietary delights of the World to Come.

From 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Symposium participants and members of the public are invited to some decidedly terrestrial fare: a deli luncheon. This event, as well as all other Symposium activities, is free and open to the public.

The final presentation at Creighton takes place from 12:20 p.m.-1 p.m. It will deal with another topic that connects This World and the World to Come.

This year, for the first time in over a decade, the Symposium is also scheduling presentations on the UNL campus. The first of these will begin at 4 p.m. in Bailey Library, Andrews Hall; the second is scheduled at 7 p.m. in Unity Room 212 of the Gaughan Multicultural Center.

The annual Fall Symposium on Jewish Civilization has been a fixture of the community’s fall schedule for more than a quarter of a century. It is jointly organized and presented by the Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization (Creighton University), the Kripke Center for the Study of Religion and Society (Creighton University), the Harris Center for Judaic Studies (University of Nebraska at Lincoln), and the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies (University of Nebraska at Omaha).

The Symposium benefits from the support of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Creighton University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. In addition, the Ike and Roz Friedman Foundation, the Riekes Family, and other supporters provide generous funding.

For further details about the Symposium, please check out the Klutznick Chair website at www.creighton.edu/ klutznick or contact Colleen Hastings at 402.280.2303 or colleenhastings@creighton.edu.

SHOP LOCAL!

Plan for your Hanukkah and Christmas shopping today.

The holidays are just around the corner!

Grillbots

Periwinkles

The must have gift this holiday season.

Push a button, close your grill and it does the work for you.

Bel Air Plaza

(Just North of Nobbies)

402.916.4789

Village Pointe (Next to Scheels)

402.289.0975

Proprietors: Linda and Bill Kirshenbaum

Buying orSelling?

Give us a call!

3126 S. 96th Street 405 S. 160th Street 15939 Lake Street 8801 Capitol Avenue 620 N. 159th Street 314 S. 67th Street 9748 Fieldcrest Drive

$175,000 $227,000 $459,950 $485,000 $499,000 $595,000

District 66, Over 1/2 acre treed lot.

Pacific Meadows 2 Story, 3 car garage Spectacular Ranch with amazing grounds Updated Modern Mid-Century by Leo A. Daly Barrington Park newly remodeled 1.5 Story 4900 sq. ft. Mid-Century Modern on private 1 acre lot $735,000 Updated Regency 2 story

CONDO/TOWNHOME/VILLA $225,000 Charming District 66 updated townhome $270,000 Sharp Little Italy 3 bedroom $327,000 Walkout Ranch, Private treed lot

102 N. 87th Street 715 Pacific Street 925 N. 184th St

Marty Cohen

Alan Cohen

Anne Cohen

402-690-1591

402-677-2524

402-850-4161

Fly nonstop from Grand Island to Las Vegas Phoenix/Mesa & Orlando/Sanford!

Visit us at www.jewishomaha.org Have you been diagnosed with

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?

If you have you been diagnosed with a serious medical condition, such as Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, after exposure to

Monsanto’s Roundup pesticide,

you may be entitled to compensation.

Call Us Toll Free: 800-304-8171 Pulaski Law Firm

!"#$%&'()*+,($-.++*/01$%'2(+$3#4$5$6&',(&71$89$5$::4;:

WANTED 25 PEOPLE WHO

Have difficulty hearing and understanding in background noise. These 25 people are needed to evaluate the most advanced Miracle-Ear® nearly invisible digital hearing instruments and the effectiveness of the directional microphone systems in background noise. Candidates will be asked to evaluate our instruments RISK FREE.* If you are satisfied with the improvement in your hearing and wish to keep the instruments, you may do so at tremendous savings.

FREE hearing tests** are provided to anyone interested in knowing if they qualify for this program.

Candidates will be selected by 10/9/2015.

Call today for your appointment.

1-866-443-7541 *Risk free offer. The aids must be returned in satisfactory condition !"#!$%&'%()*+%,-%"#.%/,012."!,$%,-%3""!$4+5%6-%*,7%)8.%$,"%/,012.".2*%+)"!+3.(9%:;;<%,-%*,78%178/#)+.%18!/.% !22%=.%8.-7$(.(5% >>?.)8!$4%".+"+%)2 )*+%-8..5%?.)8!$4%".+"%!+%)$%)7(!,0."8!/%".+"%",% (.".80!$.%18,1.8%)012!3/)"!,$%$..(+%,$2*5%

With 29 locations across Nebraska!

4 | The Jewish Press | October 2, 2015

Monarch butterfly garden

Serving Generations…

Bill Cutler III

402-391-3900 7805 W. Center Rd. BELLEVUE CHAPEL 402-291-5000 Bellevue DWORAK CHAPEL 402-346-1144 16th & Vinton

Bill Cutler IV

www.heafeyheafey.com

by SCOTT LITTKY Program Director, Temple Israel Earlier this summer a congregant came to Rabbi Josh Brown after seeing an article in the Omaha World Herald on monarch butterfly gardens. The idea was then discussed whether we could build a garden at Temple.

When members of our OTYG heard about this, they jumped at the idea. So our project has begun.

Now the first question asked was why?

Why should we build a monarch butterfly garden at Temple Israel? According to the Monarch Joint Adventure,” the monarch butterfly is a flagship species for conservation. As a national partnership organization, the Monarch Joint Venture utilizes the social and cultural presence of monarchs to promote conservation for more than just monarchs. With a tremendous geographic range and amazing migration, monarchs draw attention from all over North America.

Many other pollinators benefit from

monarch conservation efforts, as people throughout the entire breeding, migration, and overwintering range work to preserve and create habitat. Adding native milkweed to an area provides food for monarch caterpillars, and nectar for a diversity of other pollinators.”

So, our project has begun with the hope of having monarch butterflies visit our garden next spring. We have a number of very dedicated young people for the project even though the work is hard. At this point we have the garden almost dug. Next, we need to till the soil and put down top soil. After that we will be planting milkweed plants which attract the butterflies.

Our location for the garden is in the back part of Temple Israel near the wild flowers.

The garden will only add to the beauty of this area. If you would like to help with the project, please contact Program Director, Scott Littky at 402.556.6536.

NJHS recognizes volunteers

Sports +Recreation Coming October

Continued from page 1 these grants cannot be measured.”

Howard Kaslow, a Goldsten Fund Trustee, will accept the award. “The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society plays a unique and vital role in preserving a tangible record of the history of Nebraska’s Jewish communities,” Kaslow said. “With its small staff and dedicated volunteers, NJHS has admirably accomplished that task; and the Trustees of the Herbert Goldsten Trust are pleased to see how effectively the Trust’s grants have been used by the Society.” Along with Kaslow, current trustees of the Herbert Goldsten Trust are Robert Belgrade, Joseph Kirshenbaum, Janie Murow and Norman Vietzer.

By her own admission, Rocky Stern has

served as Secretary of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, “Forever. And before that I was treasurer. Forever.” In recognition of her remarkable dedication, Rocky will receive the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Volunteer of the Year Award at the Annual Meeting. “I keep doing this because I appreciate the important work the Historical Society does,” she said. “It’s a wonderful organization and I thank them for this award.”

The theme of this year’s NJHS Annual Meeting is the Boomer Years. The program will focus on events from the 1950s, 60s and early 70s that changed our culture. The meeting runs from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center auditorium. A reception will follow.

Contact the Nebraska SHIIP Publishing Date | 10.23.15 Space Reservation | 10.14.15 Camera Ready Deadline | 10.16.15 Contact our advertising representative to advertise in this very special edition.

Jessie Wees

402.334.6559 jwees@jewishomaha.org

!"#$%&!'(&!)$&#*+,-'.&/0' (1%-'K*!-'H-&,11C!-E K$E,=!&'2L'M'.!$!C=!&'9

to schedule an appointment for a free, unbiased review of your !"#$%&!'(&!)$&#*+,-'.&/0'(1%- !"#!$%&

Let us assist you with:

B' !"#$%&!'.&/0'*1%-'$,C*%&#),B' !"#$%&!'D"?%-E%0!'*1%-'$,C*%&#),B' !"#$%&!'#-F,&C%+,-'/*"%E!) B'D**1G#-0'F,&'HIE&%'J!1*'E,'1,<!&'G,/&' !"#$%&!'*&!)$&#*+,-'$,)E)

AD vertise in over 170 Nebraska Newspapers for only $225...

It's easy with the...

N

EBRASKA CLASSIFIED

ADVERTISING NETWORK

Contact your local newspaper or

2345536783922:';'<<<3",#3-!=&%)>%30,?@)A##*

800-369-2850 www.nebpress.com

October 2, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 5

Would Israel’s Rabbinic Council call you a Jew?

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Center for Jewish Life Midwest Regional Representative of the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) Yonatan Sacker, joins Community Shaliach Eliyad Eliyahu for the October session of Eye on Israel as they discuss the implications of Israel existing both as the only Jewish state in the world, and as a democratic nation in the Middle East. A particular focus of the session will be the role of the Rabbinic Council. The Rabbinic Council has jurisdiction over many aspects of life of Jews in Israel, including marriage and divorce, burials, conversion, kosher certification and supervision of holy sites. The extent to which the Council defines life for Jews in Israel - and potentially for many Jews round the world - is a topic of tremendous importance that has a great impact on Israeli life styles. The topic will be explored during Eye on Israel, Oct. 13, Noon-1 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.

Guest participant Yonatan was born and grew up in South Africa and was very involved in Netzer, the Reform Youth Movement. He spent a year in Israel on a gap year program after finishing high school and then made Israel home. He has been involved in Jewish education and management for most of his professional life. Currently living in Chicago, Yonatan is married and has three young children. In Israel, the family lives in Kibbutz Mishmarot. During the coming session of Eye on Israel, Yonatan will discuss the history of the Rabbinic Council and how it functions today. He will also share his thoughts and assumptions about the future for Jewish, democratic Israel.

Eye on Israel is a program of the Center for Jewish Life whose mission is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish Community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences. Eye on Israel is sponsored by the Henry and Dorothy Riekes Donor-Advised Fund and is open to the community free of charge.

Contact Mark Kirchhoff at 402.334.6463 or mkirchhoff @jewishomaha.org with questions.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Speaker to be announced for Wednesday, Oct. 7, noon.

For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

Russ Kaplan Investments, Inc.

Providing 32 years of investment experience in Nebraska

Call today at 402-614-1321

Visit us on Facebook

Personalized customer service, ensuring your financial plan meets YOUR lifestyle needs.

Consultations free. www.russkaplaninvestments.com

Synagogue tour for 1st and 2nd graders

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Program Coordinator Sunday, Sept. 20, Omaha’s Jewish first and second grade students discovered the many similarities - and a few differences - among Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue and Temple Israel during the Synagogue Discovery Tour.

Traveling by bus between locations, the students visited the sanctuaries and spent special time with clergy and staff members while looking for symbols and objects found in each building. The students also enjoyed seeing friends they don’t typically see at Sunday School and visiting one another’s synagogue. “This is MY synagogue” one student was overheard saying to a buddy while another looked at a friend and said “There are really a lot of Torahs at each synagogue!” Teachers, madrichim and parents helped chaperone the event. The Synagogue Discovery Tour was a collaborative project of Beth El, Beth Israel, Temple Israel, Friedel Jewish Academy and the Center for Jewish Life and made possible through the generous support of the Herbert Goldsten Trust.

Clockwise from top left: Rabbi Dembitzer leads a Q&A at Beth Israel; Havdalah is the focus of Rabbi Azriel’s talk at Temple Israel; and at Beth El, Eadie Tsabari talks about the Torah cover.

Elvis back at the Blumkin Home by popular demand

by OZZIE NOGG Jewish Social Services invites you to a free performance by Bill Chrastil at a Community Concert on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 1:30 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium.

The show is open to the community.

“Bill has performed at the Home many times and is always a big hit,” said Mary Heiman, RBJH Activities Director. “He’s so popular, we book him every time he’s in

Bill Chrastil

town, and since he has a variety of shows, you never see the same thing twice. Come and bring a friend.

Everyone is welcome.”

An award-winning Branson, MO, entertainer, Chrastil has been a full-time musician and show-biz personality since 1983, performing at theaters, fairs, casinos and resorts across the country and abroad. His show is a salute to music legends Elvis Presley, Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Tom Jones, The Ventures, and other country and rock stars from the 50s and 60s. “Bill is a whiz on the guitar, piano, bass guitar, drums and harmonica, as well as being a talented vocalist and songwriter,” Heiman said. “His show is fun and full of energy. You won’t want to miss it.” For information call Mary Heiman at 402.334.6531.

A New Choice in Senior Living Resident First Focus: Omaha’s first senior living community where Independent Living apartments are licensed for Assisted Living, so residents don’t have to move when they need more care.

1111 Sterling Ridge Drive Phone: 402-504-3111 heritage-communities.com

1 University.

4 Campuses.

100+ online programs. online.nebraska.edu

Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Support

Now Open

Apartments Available!

6 | The Jewish Press | October 2, 2015

Mainstreeters October lineup

by OZZIE NOGG Conti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For transMainstreeters Octoberfest brings portation, call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521. important health tips and excellent Monday, Oct. 19. Fight the bug by getting your flu shot, entertainment. Sign up for these splen10 a.m. to Noon in the Rose Blumkin Home Schrager Cafe. did programs, now.

Free for persons with a Monday, Oct. 12: Keep Medicare Part B Card. your spine healthy. Body Don’t forget to bring Mechanics for Active your card. Sponsored by Seniors, 1:30 p.m. -- 2:30 the Visiting Nurse p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Association. Remember, Jewish Home Boardroom. No prevention is the key.

Charge. Invite a friend. Jewish A Free Afternoon at the Social Services and the Visiting Nurse Association realize Movies: Spy, Friday, Oct. 30, 1 p.m. the importance of being proactive about your health. The in the JCC Theater. Complimentary spine is subject to stress when we popcorn, warm and delicious, will be move incorrectly. This educational served. No reservations necessary. workshop will interest seniors who Bring a pal. Spy is a 2015 action film want to learn more about improvthat delivers scores of belly laughs. ing body mechanics through propSusan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) is er posture and exercise that can an unassuming, deskbound CIA anahelp reduce the risk of injury and lyst, and the unsung hero behind the muscle fatigue. Presented by Janet Agency’s most dangerous missions. But Hustak, a physical therapy assistant when her partner (Jude Law) falls off and the office manager for Healing the grid and another top agent Motion -- the outpatient physical ther(Jason Statham) is compromised, apy department of the VNA. To RSVP she volunteers to go deep undercovby Wednesday, Oct. 7, please call er to infiltrate the world of a deadly Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 or email arms dealer and prevent a global mconti @rbjh.com disaster. Spy is rated R (for language Monday, Oct. 19: A Ballroom throughout, violence, and some sexExtravaganza with Derek Pasqualetto ual content). If you have any quesand Pamela Dutton, 12:30 p.m. tions, or would like to enjoy a Star luncheon in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Deli lunch in the Blumkin Home Home Auditorium. Partner dancing is Auditorium before the movie, call Top left: Janet Hustak and top right: Ballroom a universal language, and Derek and Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 to dancing with Derek Pasqualetto and Pam Dutton.

Pamela, from Golden Ballroom reserve a table. Lunch is on your Dancing, know how to talk the talk and dance the dance. own. The Star Deli opens for business at 11:30 a.m.

You’ll be thrilled by their dazzling footwork when they Mainstreeters welcomes all Jewish residents of the Omaha demonstrate the Viennese Waltz, Fox trot, Tango, Cha Cha, area age 60 plus. The group offers a variety of learning Rumba, East Coast Swing, Salsa, and Hustle. Derek and opportunities plus social and cultural events. “We’re conPamela are Omaha’s answer to Dancing With the Stars. For stantly thinking up new topics for classes and tracking down your entree, choose either Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes entertaining luncheon speakers,” said Maggie Conti, and Gravy or Panko-Crusted Cod with Seasoned Rice Pilaf, Director of Activities and Outreach Programs. “We have both served with mushroom barley soup, green beans additional first-run movies and special surprises planned for almondine, challah roll, cookies and beverage of your the fall and winter months. Be sure to join the good times.” choice. Cost is $10 a plate. Reservations are appreciated by Mainstreeters programs are supported in part by grants Monday, Oct. 12. Make checks payable to Jewish Social from the United Way of the Midlands and the Jewish Services and send full payment to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Federation of Omaha.

Jennifer’s dilemma

Jennifer Rosenblatt, center, holding the award with two of her staff.

by MARCIA KUSHNER Jennifer Rosenblatt had a choice to make. She was receiving an award at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Celebrate Business Awards Luncheon on Sept. 15, the second day of Rosh Hashanah. Her business, Argyle Octopus Press, was receiving the award for the Small Business of the Year, but Rosenblatt made a video and sent her staff. She instead attended High Holiday services at Tifereth Israel, going out of her way to pick up a congregant who needed a ride.

Rosenblatt and her family moved to Lincoln from Florida nine years ago so that husband pianist/organist Kurt Knecht could pursue a PhD in composition at the UNL School of Music. Rosenblatt and Knecht gave up secure jobs, left the warmth of Florida for a climate they had never experienced, and, with their two sons, came to Nebraska.

When Knecht completed his doctorate, the family decided to make their home in Lincoln. Rosenblatt started Argyle Octopus Press in the Southeast Community College Business Incubator Program. This design printing and promotional products business for startups and small businesses has grown to serve over 500 customers locally, nationally, and internationally. The business is a huge supporter of the startup scene in Lincoln and Omaha.

Jennifer Rosenblatt has been a leader in the Lincoln Jewish community as treasurer of the Jewish Federation and as the current vice-president of Tifereth Israel. She is a true entrepreneur, with another business underway. She and Kurt have partnered in creating MusicSpoke, the world’s largest producer for artist-owned sheet music.

Receive the Highest Level of Cancer Care for your Patients.

NEBRASKA CANCER SPECIALISTS IS QOPI® CERTIFIED! This certification is an honor, a testament to our high standard of care — and a reminder that we must always strive to exceed our own expectations to better care for you. Our twelve experienced, highly-skilled cancer specialists are dedicated to complete cancer treatment and research, with over 100 clinical trials available.

Benefit from everything we can offer as the largest independent QOPI-certified cancer practice in Nebraska.

CHI Health Cancer Center - Bergan (402) 393-3110 Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center (402) 354-8124 Midwest Cancer Center Papillion (402) 593-3141

Midwest Cancer Center Legacy (402) 334-4773 Health Park Plaza - Fremont Health (402) 941-7030

Margaret Block, M.D. M. Salman Haroon, M.D. Ralph J. Hauke, M.D. Timothy K. Huyck, M.D. Robert M. Langdon, Jr., M.D. Kirsten M. Leu, M.D. John M. Longo, M.D. Geetha Palaniappan, M.D. David A. Silverberg, M.D. Gamini S. Soori, M.D. Yungpo Bernard Su, M.D. Stefano R. Tarantolo, M.D.

October 2, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 7

Film Streams hosts Schwalb Center event

A Season

FOR CHANGE at Remington Heights Retirement Community

Renovations Beginning Fall 2015

12606 West Dodge Road Omaha, NE 68154

Call today to schedule your tour. 402.493.5807

RemingtonHeightsRetirement.com

Please be our guest

Free Last Concert

In the news Several cooks from our own Rose Blumkin Jewish Home kitchen will be participating in the second annual Omaha Ramen Fest. The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2015 at Noon at Midtown Crossing in Turner Park.

Marco Martinez and Alec Mendez will compete for the title of Omaha Ramen

Champion. All prep work will be completed at the RBJH so the food will be kosher. It's a great way to bring Star Catering to a wider audience. Cost to attend is $5; chefs will charge for their food individually. A portion of event proceeds will benefit Food Bank of the Heartland.

For more information, call 402. 934-9275

featuring

o n ia P , m a h a h S Orli

Steiner photo: Christian

October 6 | 7:30 p.m.

Joslyn Witherspoon Hall Champagne and dessert to follow RSVP if you are will attend the party TuesMusLast@aol.com | 402-391-4661 | 402-393-8034

63044

by KASEY DAVIS Schwalb Center. His fiction has been transSchwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies lated into 11 languages. His latest novel to Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m., Film Streams appear in English is The Hilltop, which tells and UNO’s Schwalb Center for Israel and the story of a Jewish settlement in the West Jewish Studies will present a one-time Bank. screening of A Borrowed Identity at the Ruth Tickets for this screening are available at Sokolof Theater, 1340 Mike Fahey Street, fol- the box office inside Film Streams’ Ruth lowed by a discussion with author/screen- Sokolof Theater or online at http://www. writer Sayed Kashua and fellow Israeli writer filmstreams.org/filmstreams_calendar.asp Assaf Gavron moderated by Curtis Hutt, Professor of Judaic Studies and Special P r o g r a m s Coordinator for the Schwalb Center. The discussion will focus on the realities and challenges of JewishArab co-existence in Israel.

Adapted for the screen by Kashua A scene from A Borrowed Identity from his 2002 memoir, A Borrowed Identity tells the story x?ID=1631. Tickets for all regular screenof Eyad, a Palestinian Israeli boy given the ings at Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater chance to go to a prestigious Jewish board- are $9 general, $7 for students, seniors, ing school in Jerusalem. As he desperately teachers, military and those arriving by bicytries to fit in with his Jewish schoolmates cle, and $4.50 for Film Streams Members. and within Israeli society, Eyad develops a The screening and discussion are part of friendship with another outsider, Jonathan, Film Streams’ Community Development a Jewish boy with muscular dystrophy, and Program, which facilitates partnerships with gradually becomes part of the home other nonprofits and community groups on Jonathan shares with his mother. After film-related events that speak to their misfalling in love with a Jewish girl, he leaves sions and programming. It is also part of school when their relationship is uncovered, the Schwalb Center’s mission to “expand and he discovers that he will have to sacri- knowledge about Judaism and Israel, both fice his identity in order to be accepted. on the university campus and in the broadFaced with a choice, Eyad will have to make er Nebraska community.” UNO’s “Islamic a decision that will change his life forever.

Studies” and “Sustained Dialogues” proKashua, an Arab Israeli who writes in grams are co-sponsoring the event.

Hebrew, is well known in Israel for his weekFor more information, questions or ly column in the newspaper Haaretz and for requests, please contact Patrick Kinney at Arab Labor, a groundbreaking television sit- 402.933.0259 x 11 or patrick@filmcom that explores racial and cultural ten- streams.org. For more information about sions. He currently teaches at the University the Schwalb Center and its activities, visit of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His fellow our website www.unomaha.edu/israelcenco-panelist, acclaimed writer and translator ter/ or contact Kasey Davis at 402.554.2788 Assaf Gavron is a visiting Israeli scholar at or by email at unoschwalbcenter@unomathe University of Nebraska at Omaha’s ha.edu.

8 | The Jewish Press | October 2, 2015

Junior Volunteers at the Blumkin Home

by OZZIE NOGG This past summer, 11 local teenagers volunteered at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. The experience was a win-win for both the residents and the kids and proved that giving of oneself to others can also benefit the person who does the giving.

“Our Junior Volunteers participated in resident activities, helped with computers, made sales in the Gift Shop, read to residents, accompanied residents to doctor appointments, provided coverage at the Blumkin Home front desk and helped professional staff with special projects,” said Linda Cogen, RBJH Volunteer Coordinator. “Their work gave them a greater understanding of the aging community’s needs and the importance of enhancing lives through compassion and care.”

This year’s program participants included Alex Belgrade, Zach Belgrade, Zoe Berman, Jane Glazer, Spencer Gordman, Emma Klein, Isaac Kurtzman, Joshua Kurtzman, Sam Munzesheimer, Nick Robinson and Jaylen White. “The teens gained a greater understanding of the aging community’s needs and the importance of enhancing lives through compassion and care,” Cogen said.

Cogen feels her role as as Volunteer Coordinator gives her

Jane Glazer, left, Zoe Berman, Nick Robinson, Sam Munzesheimer. Not pictured: Alex Belgrade, Zach Belgrade, Spencer Gordman, Emma Klein, Isaac Kurtzman, Joshua Kurtzman and Jaylen White. the opportunity to recruit and work with wonderful people of different ages and personalities. “My primary goal is to help the volunteers bring joy to the lives of our residents, but

often the volunteers find joy, too.” Cases in point: Westside student Jane Glazer said, “I love brightening people’s day and the Blumkin Home residents here make me so happy. I feel that it’s important to give back to the community and show the residents that they are appreciated.” Zoe Berman, an eighth grader at Beveridge Magnet Middle School, completed over 180 volunteer hours. “My experience at the Blumkin Home during the summer inspired me to be more outgoing,” Zoe said.

Westside freshman Nick Robinson, the great-grandson of the late and much-beloved Marge and Norman Lincoln -longtime residents of the Blumkin Home -- completed 140 volunteer hours. Sam Munzesheimer, a graduate of Millard North High School, is currently participating in an intern program at Cabela’s. Sam volunteered three mornings a week and also blew the shofar at High Holiday Services.

“Each and every one of our young volunteers made a significant contribution at RBJH this summer,” Cogen said. “This opportunity allowed the teens to earn service hours in a Jewish environment committed to caring, compassion and customer service. They contributed over 700 volunteer hours and truly brightened the lives of our Residents and staff.”

Awesome End-of-summer Beth El BBQ

by MARGIE GUTNIK “We had a wonderful time at the BBQ. It was a perfect day friends!”

Beth El Synagogue Program Director to be outside with friends. You couldn’t have asked for betMelissa Shapiro echoed similar sentiments, “My kids, husband and I had a great time.

Is there any better way to What a fun idea to have a spend a beautiful late summer laid-back afternoon with afternoon than with friends the kids on the playground enjoying great food and fun? On and even better, I didn’t Sunday, Sept. 20, nearly 100 have to cook dinner.” people did just that at Beth El Laurie Epstein was excitSynagogue. Organized by Beth ed about the planned activEl’s Men’s Club, led by Jason ities. “I was so glad we Blair and Sisterhood under the direction of Linda Fischer, it was came, since I love being a wonderful way to end the sumoutside and kickball is a mer and begin the New Year. favorite of mine.”

Get a kickball game going and Check Beth El’s website at throw in a few hot dogs and www.bethel-omaha.org to burgers and goodie bags for the see the full calendar of fun kids and you have yourself a family activities (as well as Families enjoying Beth El Men’s Club and Sisterhood Backyard BBQ. recipe for success. some strictly for adults) Abby Kutler who attended with her husband Adam, ter weather! Sam had fun running around the new play- being planned for this year by the Men’s Club, Sisterhood almost 3-year old Sam and baby Henry shared her thoughts, ground with his friends. Even Henry had fun meeting new and Young Adult Committee.

Club 2015 Members GO L D Bruce Belgrade Sandra Belgrade Lorrie Bernstein in memoriam of Sheldon Bernstein

Jill & Mike Erman Marlen Frost Gloria & Howard Kaslow Muriel Kamp & Joel Patton

Sissy Silber in memoriam of Howard Silber Joodi & Norman Veitzer Nora & Barry Zoob

P UBL I S H E R Gabby & Jason Blair Beth Cohen & Harry Berman Marlene & David Cohen Mimi Rodgers & Scott Farkas Amy & Sandy Friedman Randi Friedel Jablin Fran & Rich Juro

In memoriam of Sylvia Kaiman Alice & Harold Kosowsky Abigail & Adam Kutler Jody & Neal Malashock Sandy & Greg Meyerson Pam & Henry Monsky Patty & Steve Nogg Alan Potash

Iris & Marty Ricks Sylvia Roffman Susann & Paul Shyken Sissy Silber in memoriam of Howard Silber Jay Simon Nancy & Phil Wolf

E D I T O R Marcia Arch Claire and Larry Blass Molline & Fritz Cassman Sally & Paul Fine Mary Sue & Alex Grossman

Joanie & Richard Jacobson Gloria Jones Shane & David Kotok Bonnie & Steve Levinger

Stephan Newman Phyllis Schwartz Sissy Silber in memoriam of Howard Silber Esther & James Wax

RE P O RT E R Audrey Epstein Sharon & Howard Epstein Liz & Yonatan Feldstern Annette & Cantor Leo Fettman Lois & Lloyd Friedman Rosalie Greenspan Myrna Grumer

Julee Katzman David Lercher Elinore Penner Karen & Oliver Pollak Debbie & Lloyd Roitstein Susan Rothholz Lynne & Errol Saltzman Claudia & Marc Sherman

Sissy Silber in memoriam of Howard Silber Susie Silverman Coke Tillman Lois & Norman Wine Jeremy Wright Phyllis & Harold Zabin

FIRST CLASS ENTERTAIN

HONEYMAN RENT-ALL The Party Place WITH

FOR THE FINEST IN ENTERTAINING ACCESSORIES, HOW CAN YOU THROW A PARTY AND NOT INVITE US? • Tables • Chairs • Linens • Skirting • China • Glassware • Champaign Fountains • Chafing Dishes • Party Canopies • Wedding & Church Displays • Dance Floors • BBQ Grills • Coat Racks • Candelabras • Margarita Machines • Chocolate Fountains

Our Visit room w o Sh

11226 Wright Circle

402-333-2882 (1 Block South of 114th & Center)

We Disp dding Sup lays & plies

GJW is now Hiring Career Opportunity! Our purebred swine farrowing facility near Ainsworth, NE is expanding operations and looking for reliable and dedicated individuals to join our team.

FT & PT positions on all shifts: Gestation and Farrowing 1st Shift: 5:30am to 2 pm & every 3rd weekend 2nd Shift: noon to 8:30pm & every 3rd weekend 3rd Shift: 8:30pm to 5am & every 3rd weekend Weekends: noon to 8:30pm or 8:30pm to 5 am Partial weekend shifts available also !!"#$%&' ()*+",$,$-"' +./0' 12("+,$)%.3' 45' 6"%"7,8' $%cluding 401k with company match, paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave, health and life insurance, health savings account. Excellent opportunity for highly motivated people in a progressive company.

For application call Traci at 402-270-4868 or email traci.alberts@sandypine.com

October 2, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 9

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

In case you missed it

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor You are probably aware that the Pope came for a visit, House Speaker John Boehner resigned, and we started Sukkot off with a super-lunar eclipse. But the holidays can be hectic, and you may have missed some other stories. No worries; we’ll catch you up.

Sept. 22, Chicago TV station WGN kindly reported that Yom Kippur was here. Unfortunately, they chose to illustrate their coverage with a Mogen David -- the Nazi-issued, sewit-on-your-clothes kind, against a blue and white striped background. They apologized the next day, but it leaves one major question: who checks these things?

“Please know we are reviewing our in-house policies,” they stated, “and changes have already been made to make sure a hurtful oversight like this never happens again.”

That means someone got fired. But the station also said: “Regrettably, we failed to recognize that the image was an offensive Nazi symbol.”

Just in case anyone wonders whether in-depth Holocaust education should continue to be a priority in all schools: it should. And yes, it makes me feel snarky. I’m not the only one, as evident by the countless tweets that went out in response. Here’s an example: “Holy crap @WGNNews, this is your stock photo for a Jewish Holiday? Nobody thought that’s a bad choice of photo?”

(Note: they do now) Then, there was the headline that would make anyone spit

out their coffee: “Canadian candidate apologizes for not knowing Auschwitz was death camp.”

A woman by the name of Alex Johnstone is running for Parliament on a New Democratic Party ticket in Southwest Ontario. She is also vice chair of the local school board and

Dustin Fleischer has his arm raised in victory after beating Karim Millner at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., June 2015. Credit: Rich Kane/Roc Nation Sports regional vice chair for the Ontario Public School Board Association. She left a joking comment on Facebook about Auschwitz’ electric fence. When confronted, she stated: “Well, I didn’t know what Auschwitz was, or didn’t up until today.”

Johnstone participated in school board meetings where prizes were awarded to teachers for “excellence in Holocaust

education.”

On a sadder note: the body of an Israeli man missing since Rosh Hashanah was found in Uman. Amir Ohana traveled to Uman for a New Year’s pilgrimage, as do thousands of Hasidic Jews annually; his body was discovered by the Israeli ZAKA rescue team.

Uman is where Rabbi Nachman, the founder of Breslovers, is buried.

Here’s a funny one: Jeremy Corbyn, who was recently put forward as leader of the British Labor Party, and who is infamous for his anti-Israel sentiment and support of BDS, now claims Jewish ancestry. Sort of.

According to reporting by the Church Times, Corbyn said he has “a Jewish element” in his background. That’s nice and vague, and it means nothing. Especially coming from someone who has known ties to Hamas and Hezbollah, who has criticized Israel more times that one can count, who thinks Osama Bin Laden was framed, and who thinks BDS is going to win. As a matter of fact, Corbyn could start wearing a shtreiml and loudly sing Hatikvah in Parliament; it doesn’t change his very shoddy track record. Luckily, he doesn’t have much chance of becoming Britain’s Prime Minister. Ever.

I’ll leave you with a little bit of happier news: In his quest for a world title, Jewish boxer Dustin Fleischer TKO’d his opponent on Saturday night, September 26. His record now stands at 4-0. His grandfather, Phil Fleischer, was a Holocaust survivor (he died about 10 years ago) and Dustin regularly speaks of him in interviews. I’ll be honest; I know nothing about boxing. But maybe it’s time to start paying attention.

Violence has spiked in Jerusalem- here’s why.

by BEN SALES TEL AVIV (JTA) -- For Israelis, the Ten Days of Repentance from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur have turned into days of violence. Unrest has swelled in Jerusalem following an Israeli ban on a protest group at the Temple Mount, the holy site known to Muslims as the Haram alSharif. The clashes have left one Israeli dead and dozens of Israelis and Palestinians injured.

The clashes have been matched by a war of words, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring “war” on Palestinian stone throwers and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas vowing that Jews will not be allowed to “dirty” the Temple Mount.

Here’s how the clashes started, what’s driving the violence and how Israel, the Palestinians and the world are responding.

Unrest followed Israel’s barring of a violent Palestinian group from the Temple Mount.

Clashes at the Temple Mount are nothing new, particularly around the Jewish High Holidays. The latest round broke out following Israel’s decision on Sept. 9 to bar an Islamist protest group from entering the site. Israel said the group, known as the Murabitat, and its corresponding men’s faction have been yelling at Jewish visitors and throwing stones at them.

“The aforesaid organizations strive to undermine Israeli sovereignty on the Temple Mount, change the existing reality and arrangements at the site and infringe on freedom of worship,” said the Israeli statement announcing the ban.

Omar Kiswani, who directs the Al-Aqsa mosque on the mount, told the Guardian that Israel should not have the authority to restrict Muslims from entering the site.

“We call upon all Muslims to be present in Al-Aqsa,” he said. “It is the home of all Muslims and their presence in this place would intensify their connection to this place.”

Clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters followed, leading to multiple injuries and one death.

Three days later, Israeli police raided the Mount on the eve of the Jewish New Year, uncovering a stockpile of pipe bombs, firebombs and rocks that they feared would be aimed at Jewish worshippers. That night, a Jewish-Israeli,

(Founded in 1920) Eric Dunning President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Jessie Wees Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Thierry Ndjike Bookkeeper

Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Andrew Boehm, Scott Farkas, Sandy Friedman, Paul Gerber, Alex Grossman, David Kotok, Debbie Kricsfeld, Abby Kutler, Pam Monsky, Paul Rabinovitz, Nancy Wolf 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 sto-

Alexander Levlovich, 64, was attacked by Palestinian protesters in the eastern Jerusalem neighborhood of Armon Hanatziv. They pelted his car with rocks, causing Levlovich to lose control of the vehicle and smash into a pole. He died the following morning.

Clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters continued the following day, with two Israelis injured. On Tuesday, the third day of rioting, 26 Palestinians and five Israeli police officers were lightly wounded at the Temple Mount, according to Reuters.

On Sept. 18, police barred Muslim men under 40 from the mount in anticipation of unrest following Friday prayers.

Some 200 Palestinians protested the move at the Damascus Gate to Jerusalem’s Old City and near the site where Levlovich was killed. Overall, according to Haaretz, three Israeli policemen and 21 Palestinians were injured in the Friday clashes.

Israel Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said that since Friday, an increased police presence in eastern Jerusalem has tamped down the violence.

Neither side is happy about restrictions on the Temple Mount.

Controversy over who can do what at the holy site has been festering for decades. Although Israel has overall control of the area, a joint Jordanian-Palestinian Islamic religious body called the Waqf governs it.

Under current regulations, Muslims may visit and pray on the Mount. Jews may also visit during limited hours, but are prohibited from praying or doing a range of things -- kneeling, bowing, even crying -- that resemble worship.

Jewish activists have called for greater access, but the Israeli government has resisted the call so as not to upset the delicate balance at the site. Some Muslims are also unhappy, claiming that Israel should not be permitted to control access to the Temple Mount.

“Israel will not be allowed to continue its steps,” Abbas said, according to reports. “The Al-Aqsa mosque is ours.

They have no right to dirty it with their filthy feet. We will not allow them to do that.”

Jews make up a small minority of visitors to the Temple

Mount. Just 12,000 Jews visit per year, compared to 3 million to 4 million Muslims.

Israel has upped its police presence and increased penalties for stone throwers.

Israel has stepped up its rhetoric and police presence to combat the unrest.

Israel added 800 officers to its Old City contingent, bringing the total number of police there to 3,500, according to Rosenfeld.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also declared “war” on stone throwers this week. Netanyahu is pushing through a new law that would allow police to fire more quickly on Palestinian stone throwers, as well as increase the stone throwers’ prison sentences and fines.

“We attest to the fact that we decided to change the policy and declare war on those who throw stones and firebombs, shoot and riot,” Netanyahu said Thursday. “In the State of Israel, people do not throw firebombs, or shoot at trains, or throw stones at will. Those who do so will pay a very heavy price.”

World leaders urge restraint.

On Monday, the U.S. State Department called on all sides to “refrain from provocative actions and rhetoric.” The United Nations Security Council used similar language in a statement Thursday, adding that “Muslim worshippers at the Haram Al-Sharif must be allowed to worship in peace, free from violence, threats and provocations.”

Neither statement explicitly cast blame on either Israelis or Palestinians for the clashes. But Jordan’s King Abdullah II criticized Israel’s actions, saying Monday that “any more provocation in Jerusalem will affect the relationship between Jordan and Israel,” according to the French news agency AFP. Israel insists that it is committed to maintaining the status quo. Its actions, Netanyahu said, have come only to prevent violence at the site.

“Israel will maintain the status quo,” Netanyahu told his Cabinet on Sunday. “We have no plans to change them, but we also have no intention of allowing anyone to cause the deterioration of the arrangements on the Temple Mount by resorting to explosive and widespread violence.”

ries and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishoma ha.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.

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

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

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.

10 | The Jewish Press | October 2, 2015

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 |712.322.4705 email: BnaiIsraelCouncilBluffs@gmail.com Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Alan Potash, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Omaha will share his thoughts on Community and History. Oneg to follow service. Please join us! Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

Larry Blass will officiate at all of the Speaker Series Services and the Oneg will be sponsored by Deana and Mike Liddy.

Contact Nancy Wolf at 402.330.6736 with any questions.

For information on our historic synagogue, or to arrange a visit, please contact any of our board members: Mark Eveloff, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf. Tribute cards for any occasion are available. Contact Sissy at 311 Oak Ridge Ct., Bellevue, NE 68005 or 402.292.8062.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

FRIDAY: Morning Service, 7 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat in the Sukkah, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning Service/Family Shabbat, 9:30 a.m., followed by Oneg in the Sukkah; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:44 p.m.; Jews ‘n Brews/Dames & Drinks, 8:30 p.m. in the Krausman’s Sukkah sponsored by Sisterhood and Men’s Club.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Social Action Committee/Habitat for Humanity Build, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (two shifts); Hoshanna Rabbah, 9 a.m.; BESTT Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; BESTT Chaverim to NCJW Chocolate Festival, 12:15 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m.

MONDAY: Shemini Atzeret Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor followed by Torah Service; Mincha/Ma’ariv/Hakafot, 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY: Simchat Torah Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:39 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; Hebrew High Dinner, 6 p.m.; Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m.

THURSDAY: Shanghai, 1 p.m.; USY to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, 4:30 p.m.

Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, Oct. 11, noon.

Women’s Book Group, Thursday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m. at the home of Darlene Golbitz.

All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish

B’nai Mitzvah Michael David Raffel, son of Amy Tipp and Andrew Raffel, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Beth El. Michael is an eighth-grade Honor student at Elkhorn Ridge Middle School.

His interests include sports of all kinds, building legos and reading.

For his mitzvah project, Michael is honoring a friend who lost his battle with cancer by fundraising for all cancers.

He has a sister, Julia (15), and a brother, Brandon (9).

Grandparents are Marilyn and Steve Tipp of Omaha, and Fran Raffel and the late Jerrold Raffel of Portage, MI. Jon-Aron “Jack” Beach, son of Mona Jones and Ron Beach, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Temple Israel.

Jon-Aron is a seventh-grade Academic Honor Roll student at Harlan Middle School.

His interests include cross country, computer gaming and welding metal art.

For his mitzvah project, Jon-Aron volunteered at Teal Pumpkin Project for children with food allergies, and he also assisted in the delivery of honey cakes to elderly Temple Israel congregants for Rosh Hoshanah.

He has a sister, Dru (20), and a brother, Wil (18).

Grandparents are Marilyn and Bill Beach, and Marlene Jones.

Candlelighting Friday, October 2, 6:47 p.m.

Sunday, October 5, 6:44 p.m. Earliest time | Monday, October 5, 7:42 p.m. Earliest time

community.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.orthodoxomaha.org Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 6:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv/Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:47 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Sukkah Hop, 3:30 p.m.; Insights into the holiday of Sukkot, 6 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 6:30 p.m.; Musical Havdalah in the Sukkah, 7:53 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Hoshanot and Farewell to the Lulav, 9:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:44 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY-Shemini Atzeret: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Yizkor, 10:45 a.m.; Farewell to the Sukkah, 6:15 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m. Lively Dancing, singing, rejoicing and Hakafot -- Simchat Torah Dinner following Hakafot.

(Betty’s famous mac & cheese, tossed salad, tuna salad, fruit salad and dairy desserts) $12 adults, $6 children 4-12, free for children 3 and younger.

TUESDAY-Simchat Torah: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Lively Dancing, singing, rejoicing and Hakafot. Torah reading concludes with Kol Ha-ne’arim, Chatan Torah and begins again with Chatan Bereishit. Women’s class during the Torah reading. Special Simchat Torah lunch for kids in 7th grade older following kiddush. Please RSVP to the office; Last Moments of the Chag, 6 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:48 p.m.

THURSDAY: Shacharit, 6:45 a.m.; Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Avot U-Banim-Parent Child Learning, 7 p.m.; Girls Learning Program, 7:30 p.m.; Chavruta Learning, 8:30 p.m.

Scholar-in-Residence: Apter Family, Friday-Saturday, Oct. 9 and 10.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Shabbat Ends at 7:44 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 8:30 a.m.; Dinner and Funnest Hakafot Dance, 6 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Yizkor, 11 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7 p.m. followed by Kiddush and Hakafot.

TUESDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush and Hakafot; Holiday Ends, 7:39 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak.

THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@unmc.edu.

All programs are open to the entire community.

Tifereth Israel.

THURSDAY: Torah on Tap, 8 p.m. with Rabbi Lewis at the south Lazlo’s, 5900 Old Cheney Road. Come to learn!

Age 21 and over only! There is no cost to participate.

President’s Office Hours, Sunday Mornings, 10 a.m.–noon at SST. If you have any Temple business you would like to bring before the Board of Trustees, potential programs, or new ideas, please let us know! Call for an appointment at the Temple or just to chat any time at 402.513.7697. Or if you prefer, just email David Weisser at president@southstreet temple.org.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road | Offutt AFB, NE 68123 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Jim Pollack and David Herzog.

MONDAY: Shemini Atzeret Services with Yizkor, 9:15 a.m.

TUESDAY: Simchat Torah Services, 9:15 a.m.

Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: First Friday Shabbat Service and Dinner with Rabbi Rex D. Perlmeter, 6 p.m. dinner following services and Candlelighting and Kiddush in the Simon Community Court, 5:30 p.m. Rabbi Perlmeter will be giving D’var Torah.

Cost is $5/person, max of $20 per family. Please RSVP to Temple Israel, RSVP@templeisraelomaha.com or 402.556.6536, by Thursday, Oct. 1.

SATURDAY: Torah Study with Rabbi Rex D. Perlmeter, 9 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service with Rabbi Rex D. Perlmeter, 10:30 a.m.; Lunch with Rabbi Rex D. Perlmeter: Delving More Deeply into Jewish Spirituality and Mindfullness, noon. Open to entire congregation, no RSVPs required; Healing Service & Havdalah with Rabbi Rex D. Perlmeter, 5 p.m. Open to entire congregation, no RSVPs required.

SUNDAY: Erev Simchat Torah and Consecration, 5:30 p.m. Join us as we celebrate our kindergartners as they begin their Religious School education. The children will receive a blessing from the clergy and the Torah scrolls will be paraded around the sanctuary. There will be family friendly activities, and after the service there will be an oneg with ice cream and dancing, with music provided by Tuffy Epstein.

MONDAY: Simchat Torah Morning Service & Yizkor, 10:30 a.m. If you would like to have the names of your loved ones read at the Yizkor service, please contact the Temple Israel office, 402.556.6536, by Friday, Oct. 2.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; Chapel for School Service, 4:30 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; Structure of the Prayer Services, 6:30 p.m. with Cantor Shermet.

THURSDAY: Speaking Metaphorically: An exploration of metaphors used in Jewish stories as a window into our lives today, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Brown.

TIFERETH ISRAEL CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Pizza in the Hut, noon at Tifereth Israel; Sukkot Service and Picnic, 4 p.m. at the home of Rabbi Craig and Jennifer Lewis; LTYG is looking for adult volunteers to help run the VIP booth for the Market to Market relay race in downtown Lincoln. Volunteers are needed from 3–9 p.m. If you would like more information or have time to help, please let Ashley Bernstein know at ashleyjbernstein@ gmail.com so she can send you the information.

MONDAY: Joint Simchat Torah Service, 6:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. A special program for children ages 3-12 sponsored by PJ Library.

WEDNESDAY: LJCS classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush luncheon.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Pizza in the Hut, noon at Tifereth Israel; Community Sukkot Celebration, noon in the Tifereth Israel Sukkah. Cost is $5.

MONDAY: Synagogue office closed; Sukkot Services, 9 a.m.; What’s the Scoop! A PJ Library Simchat Torah Celebration, 6:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

TUESDAY: Synagogue office closed.

WEDNESDAY: LJCS classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Visit us on facebook: ps://www.facebook.com/ShalomahaPress

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

October 2, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 11

In memoriam LEON ALEXANDER Leon Alexander passed away on Sept. 24 at age 89.

Services were held Sept. 27 at Beth El Cemetery followed by a memorial service at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Alexander.

He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Joel and Karen Alexander of Omaha, daughter, Karen Alexander of San Diego, CA, and daughter and son-in-law, Robin and Bill Hoppe of Omaha; grandchildren: Corey (Rakes) Ortiz, Jacob Pilley, Aaron Pilley, Josh Pilley, Arrielle (Pilley) Tubbs, Sarah Alexander; four great-grandchildren; brother, Howard Alexander of Tulsa, OK; nieces, and nephews.

He graduated in 1947 from Tulsa University with a Bachelor in Geophysical Engineering, and in 1950 from University of Oklahoma with an LLB. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force in WW II as a navigator. He is retired President of Fruehauf Corp. Alexander served on the Board for the Kellogg Business School at Northwestern University, Board of Directors for Fruehauf Corporation and Fruehauf International.

He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Welding Society, American Bar Association, Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association (vice chairman), American Trucking Association (board of directors).

Memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.

WILLIAM M. FRIEDMAN William M. Friedman passed away on Sept. 1 in St. Louis, MO. Services were held on Sept. 4 at Bnai Amoona Cemetery by Jeffrey Stiffman.

He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Edythe Friedman and sister, Linda Tilley.

He is survived by his wife Gail of 54 years; daughter, Laurie Friedman of St. Louis; son and daughter-in-law, John and Fatima Friedman; granddaughters: Estella and Morena of Brussels, Belgium; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jacki and Steve Saylan, Jill and Terry Chapin of Santa Monica, CA, brother-in-law, Art Tilley; and nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.

1439 So. 13th 402-341-2452

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.

Tritz Plumbing Inc. 402-894-0300 www.tritz.com repair • remodel

commercial • residential

family owned and operated since 1945

Going on a Vacation?

MARILEE RIMERMAN Marilee Rimerman passed away September 26. Services were held Sept. 27 at Temple Israel Cemetery.

Don’t leave your four legged friends in a kennel.

Call to reserve your vacation times soon!

FREDERICK J. SIMON Frederick J. Simon passed away on Sept. 28 at age 78.

Services were held on Sept. 30 at Temple Israel.

He was preceded in death by parents, Lester and Trudy Simon; brother, Stephen Simon.

He is survived by wife, Eve Simon; son and daughter-inlaw, Todd and Betiana Simon; daughter, Venus Simon French; stepson and step-daughter-in-law, Richard and Sheila Ortega; step-daughter and step-son-in-law, Marisa and Michael Mayhan; eight grandchildren; and brother and sister-in-law, Alan and Anne Simon.

Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association of Nebraska, Opera Omaha or the organization of your choice.

For a full-length story, see the Oct. 9 edition.

House Sitting/Pet Sitting References Available

402-422-0365 Cell: 402-517-6444

Bill O’Reilly: DNC’s Wasserman Schultz should resign

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Political commentator Bill O’Reilly called for Democratic National Committee head Debbie Wasserman Schultz to resign for criticizing a Marco Rubio fundraiser held at the home of a donor who collects Nazi memorabilia.

Wasserman Schultz, a congresswoman from Florida, said on Sept. 22 that Rubio should cancel a fundraiser that was held at the Texas home of Harlan Crow, a multimillionaire real estate developer whose collection includes paintings by Adolf Hitler, a signed copy of Mein Kampf and other historical objects. The event was held on Sept.

22, the eve of Yom Kippur.

On Sept. 24, in a closing segment of his show The O’Reilly Factor, O’Reilly called Wasserman Schultz’s critique “insane” and said that she should subsequently resign immediately.

“I have been to Harlan Crow’s home and I have seen his collection of history,” O’Reilly said. “It is amazing, and any museum would be proud to display what he has. Both good and evil are represented in an educational way.

“By attacking Rubio using the Holocaust, the head of the DNC has shamed herself and her party. She should immediately resign.”

Wasserman Schultz had called Rubio’s decision to hold the fundraiser in Crow’s house “the height of insensitivity and indifference.”

“There’s really no need for such a gross act of disrespect,” Wasserman Schultz said in a statement.

On The O’Reilly Factor, Rubio called Wasserman Schultz’s claims a “despicable attack” and pointed out that Crow’s mother, Margaret, survived an attack in England from a German U-boat during World War II.

Nebraska STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING works! Place your 25 word ad into thousands of Nebraska homes for $225. Contact the Jewish Press at 402-334-6449 or call 1800-369-2850.

OPEN YOUR

BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates.

Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308872-8327. steffensbankruptcylaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.

TO VNA COMPANION CARE Maintain your independent lifestyle while remaining safe in your own home. VNA Companion Care provides non-medical personal care services to give you greater peace of mind: • Companionship and conversation • Light housekeeping • Meal preparation • Appointments and shopping • Mobility assistance • Assistance with personal care

IF YOU had hip, knee or heart valve replacement surgery and suffered a bacterial infection post-operatively and a Bair Hugger (Blue Blanket) forced-air warming blanket was used during the surgery, between 2010 and present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson, 1-800-535-5727.

AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 171 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details.

VINTAGE VILLAGE Antique Mall, 2425 O Street, Lincoln, 402-742-0063. Open 10-7 Daily. 54 Dealers. New selections arrive daily! Antiques, collectibles, jewelry militaria & advertising.

RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT Outlet; new & used restaurant equipment. See www.Chillmasters.biz, call 1-800-526-7105, or stop by our Showroom to see what’s in stock for you! Sioux City, IA. SEEKING AREA Coordinator. Manage successful tutoring program in your area.

We will provide all back room expenses/payroll. Great business opportunity for dedicated entrepreneur. 1-800-293-3091, AcademicTutoringService@gmail.com.

NEWS/SPORTS Reporter at Gothenburg Times. Sports, features, general assignment stories. Photo, layout skills a plus. E-mail cover letter, resume and writing samples: news@gothenburgtimes.com; mail: Gothenburg Times, PO Box 385, Gothenburg, NE 69138.

VIDEO ENGINEER - eCampus, University of Nebraska at Kearney. For a complete job description and to apply, visit http://unkemployment.unk.edu. Salary $45,000 + full benefits. UNK is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity employer.

Veterans and persons with disabilities encouraged to apply.

BUTLER TRANSPORT Your Partner in Excellence. CDL Class A drivers needed.

Sign on bonus! All miles paid. 1-800-528-7825 or www.butlertransport.com.

402-342-5566

www.theVNAcares.org

GUITAR WANTED! Local musician will pay up to $12,500 for pre-1975 Gibson, Fender, Martin and Gretsch guitars. Fender amplifiers also. Call toll free! 1-800995-1217.

WANTED: CEDAR & Pine Timber. Call 800-967-4789, Clarks, NE, American Wood Fibers.

12 | The Jewish Press | October 2, 2015

How Israeli volunteers on the ground in Europe are helping Syrian refugees

by GAVIN RABINOWITZ LESBOS, Greece (JTA) -- As the small dinghy crowded with Syrians and Afghans emerged from the sea to land on a pebble beach, the first people to greet the frightened refugees were two Israelis.

“Does anyone need a doctor?” Majeda Kardosh, 27, a nurse from Nazareth, shouted repeatedly in Arabic as the asylum seekers scrambled ashore amid cries of celebration and tears of relief at surviving the short but perilous crossing from Turkey to this Greek island.

Her team partner, Tali Shaltiel, 31, a physician from Jerusalem, stood knee deep in the water, helping a shivering four-year-old girl out of her wet clothes and a pair of inflatable armbands that would have provided little protection had the overloaded boat capsized at sea.

Kardosh and Shaltiel are part of a small advance group of volunteers from IsraAid, an Israeli nongovernmental organization that is trying to provide some assistance to the hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants who are flowing into Europe.

While IsraAid has plenty of experience in disaster relief and assistance in 31 countries -- from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa - this mission presents a unique challenge: The beneficiaries come from countries that are traditionally hostile, or even officially still at war, with Israel.

But for Shaltiel, that’s unimportant.

“You are meeting fellow human beings,” she said. “You see agony and pain, you see a need, then what does it matter where the person is from.

“In the end you hope that the human contact will bring us forward,” added Shaltiel, who also volunteered for the IsraAid mission in South Sudan.

But she does acknowledge that for the

Tali Shaltiel, an Israeli physician, taking a Syrian child from a dinghy that arrived at a beach on the Greek island of Lesbos.

Credit: Boaz Arad/IsraAid Syrians, Iraqis, Afghans and Pakistanis -who make up the vast majority of those arriving -- having Israelis as a first contact in Europe can be unexpected and unnerving.

“We try to find a balance,” Shaltiel said.

“On the one hand, we are wearing IsraAid shirts and speaking most of the time in Hebrew to each other. But, ultimately, you just want people to get help, you don’t want to put up barriers to that.”

Plus, in reality, even though the Israelis are wearing bright blue Stars of David on their shirts, most of the refugees don’t even notice amid the chaos and tumult of emotions of the landing beaches, said Kardosh, who does most

of the communicating with them in Arabic.

Among those who recognize the T-shirts, most have a positive response -- although some are resistant. One man who was receiving treatment from Shaltiel kept asking Kardosh, “Tell me the truth, is she a Jew?” “I tried to ignore him, but he persisted.

Eventually I said to him, ‘She is here to help you, what does it matter who she is?’” Kardosh said. “After about 10 minutes he came back and offered Tali a biscuit and apologized.”

Another issue for IsraAid has been finding Arabic-speaking personnel who can communicate with the refugees. That’s particularly important for the second part of IsraAid’s mission, which is providing psychological firstaid to those who have experienced trauma.

One IsraAid volunteer social worker spent Saturday providing support to the family of a 5-year-old girl who drowned on the crossing.

Another team was on the island of Rhodes assisting survivors from a boat that sank, killing 34, including 15 infants and children.

“We are working in complicated conditions and our Arabic speakers have that experience of working in difficult situations,” said Naama Gorodischer, IsraAid’s global programs manager.

Still, it’s a challenge for those who have never done field work before.

“Usually I’m dressed in heels and a skirt with my regular shift and going to the gym four times a week,” said Kardosh, who is also a lecturer at the Schoenbrunn Nursing School at Tel Aviv University.

“Now I’m here,” she said, pointing at the beach strewn with deflated dinghies, hundreds of life jackets, lost shoes and trash -the debris of thousands of journeys.

IsraAid plans to expand the medical teams and eventually establish a mobile clinic that will provide emergency care for new arrivals on the beaches. It will also expand the psy-

cho-social help to bases in the registration and refugee camps that have been set up.

The NGO also has volunteers providing assistance on the Croatia-Hungary border.

Eventually IsraAid plans to be in final-destination countries, like Germany, where they hope to help with refugee rehabilitation.

“The aim is to have a presence as an organization along the entire journey,” Gorodischer said.

On the beach in Lesbos, the work goes beyond the medical. When she is finished dealing with the hypothermia, dehydration, wounds and illnesses of the travelers, Shaltiel gathers some of the refugees to explain their situation to them.

Most have only a vague idea of which country they are in, or that they are on an island and not the mainland. None realize that their landing spot is still a grueling 40mile walk from the registration camps.

“The situation is chaotic, you don’t always know what you need in the beginning, so we keep looking for ways to help, to see what’s needed,” said Boaz Arad, a volunteer who was documenting IsraAid activities and also organizing the logistics and transportation.

The American Jewish Committee said it was increasing funding to IsraAid, which is also supported by other American Jewish groups and the Israeli government.

“During this holiest period of the Jewish year, we are proud to assist... in offering vital help to Syrians who fled the horrific war in their homeland and seek a new start,” said AJC Executive Director David Harris.

For Shaltiel, the sight of tens of thousands of refugees walking across Europe was especially poignant.

“When we say ‘Never again,’ it is also an obligation to do something,” she said.

“Apparently I can’t stop the war in Syria, but I can do something.”

UNO Religious Studies presents

The Rabbi Sidney and Jane Brooks Lecture

“Watching Movies, Seeing Transcendence: Film as a Site of Interfaith Encounter.” by

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2015 | NOON-4 PM LA VISTA CONFERENCE CENTER 12520 Westport Parkway (Free Parking) Baking demonstrations by students from Iowa Western Community College Baking and Pastry Arts Program

Plus Everything Chocolate for Sale at Special Festival Prices!

Prof. John Lyden Grand View University

Tuesday, November 3 7:00 P.M. Community Engagement Center 201/205/209 The lecture is free For more info, contact Staci sgeis@unomaha.edu