thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
this week
Stanley Ginsberg to speak at Author Luncheon page a3
A unique Jewish journey o
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natE SHapiro Director of Development ne of the goals of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to provide our community with unique ways to experience Jewish life around the globe. With that goal in mind, JFO and the PARTNERSHIP2GETHER(P2G) consortium will offer a unique P2G Jewish Journey to Poland, Bratislava and Budapest with optional extensions to Berlin or Israel. This one-of-a-kind trip is for anyone interested in traveling to Eastern Europe in comfort while learning about its history through a Jewish lens. The trip will take place from May 816, 2017 (with optional extensions May 16-19) and will include visits to the Warsaw ghetto and Memorial, the Museum of History of Polish Jews, AuschwitzBirkenau, the Bratislava Museum of Jewish Culture, and a variety of Budapest city sites, including the Castle District. The optional extension to Berlin, Germany includes visits to Checkpoint Charlie, the House of the Wannsee Konferenz, a tour of Jewish Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall. See jewish journey page a2
Beth El Sisterhood offers Strudel School page a7
Nebraska newspapers and the Holocaust
Emerging Voices: The non-threat of Gary Johnson page b5
inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles
A8 A10 A11
WWW.JEWISHOMAHA.ORG
SponSorEd by tHE bEnjamin and anna E. WiESman FamiLy EndoWmEnt Fund
dr. mark CELinSCak Louis and Frances Blumkin Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies; Director, Sam and Frances Fried Fund of Holocaust and Genocide Studies; Department of History, University of Nebraska Omaha
Foundation hosts Sharna Goldseker
Credit: newspapers.ushmm.org Students at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) are investigating how local and regional newspapers reported on the Holocaust. They are taking part in the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s (USHMM) History Unfolded project. The museum is asking “citizen historians” to visit local archives and investigate what had been published regarding the Holocaust between 1933 and 1945 in both Europe and the United States. Past scholarship on American media and the Holocaust focused exclusively on large circulation publications, such as the New York See nebraska newspapers page a3
Howard Epstein, left, Sharna Goldseker and Steve Levinger annEttE van dE kamp-WriGHt (CAP) at the Jewish Community Editor of the Jewish Press Center. She focused on why it is so On Oct. 19, 21/64 Executive Di- important for multiple generations rector Sharna Goldseker visited of families to have meaningful the Jewish Federation of Omaha conversations about family philanFoundation to discuss philanthropy so all generations underthropy and family enterprise. stand each other’s motivations, Foundation President Carl Riekes interests and concerns. In her and Zoe Riekes hosted a lunch, presentation, she highlighted moduring which multigenerational tivational values, generational difmembers of the community heard ferences and cultural and her speak. Goldseker also made a economic forces that influence presentation to a group of chardifferent perspectives. She also tered Advisors in Philanthropy See Sharna Goldseker page a3
Jewish journey
A2 | The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016
community
Rabbi David Ebstein presents: The Desire for Revenge
OzziE NOgg Rabbi David Ebstein, USCJ Scholar-in-Residence, will offer a learning session to the Beth El congregation and the community at large on Wednesday, Nov. 16. The program runs from 7:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and is titled Under the Knife (Intifada): The Desire for Revenge, A Measured Response to Unforgivable Acts of Cruelty. A dessert reception follows Rabbi Ebstein’s presentation. The program is offered to the entire community at no charge. When discussing his topic, Rabbi Ebstein said, “I believe the desire for revenge is natural and one many of us feel at one time or another. I believe that this is a relevant topic for many societies, especially one like Israeli society that constantly suffers from acts of terrorism. During the learning session I will also discuss various issues that every Israeli parent deals with when their children decide to serve in combat units.” Before Rabbi Ebstein’s 7:30 p.m. presentation, he will dialog with Beth El Talmud Torah (BESTT) students. Rabbi Ebstein grew up in Highland Park, IL, spent summers at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin and is a true product of the Conservative Movement. He received his BA from Washington University in 1979 and was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in 1988. In 1995, Rabbi Ebstein and his family made aliyah. He spent the next ten years working in Jewish education, including two years at the Yad Vashem
Jerusalem resident, Rabbi David Ebstein, discusses Under the Knife (Intifada): The Desire for Revenge, A Measured Response to Unforgivable Acts of Cruelty.
International School for Holocaust Studies. Today, Rabbi Ebstein’s primary work is officiating at B’nei Mitzvah and other life cycle events for families from North America and elsewhere who choose to celebrate in Israel. In 2008, he was certified as a licensed tour guide. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife, Rena
Magun, and their children, who range in age from19 to 28. For the past 16 years, David Ebstein served as the long distance Rabbi of Congregation Bet Shalom in Tucson, Arizona. Congregants say technology, a good long-distance plan and frequent-flier miles allowed them to hire Ebstein, who made at least three visits to Tucson each year. Weekly Saturday morning services at the synagogue were led by members. Videoconferencing and emails -- between the congregation in Arizona and Rabbi Ebstein in Israel -- were the go-to methods of communication. Ebstein corresponded by e-mail with members confronting difficult situations, such as a diagnosis of serious illness. “It was pretty unusual,” he said. “Most congregations want someone there all the time, but this arrangement worked for us.” Rabbi Ebstein’s visit to Omaha is part of the Central District United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Scholar-in-Residence 2016 program that brings outstanding scholars, usually from Israel, for a month’s stay in the United States. According to Mindy Block Gordon, District Kehilla Relationship Manager Central District USCJ, the program is supported by an endowment fund established by the late Dr. Morton and Anne Kleiman. “By sharing availability amongst our congregations, we provide an opportunity which synagogues cannot afford on their own,” Gordon said.
Continued from page A1 The optional extension to the Western Galilee of Israel (our partner region) includes a tour of Command Centers as well as an Israel/Lebanon Border Tour, Malka Beer Tasting, Galilee Medical Center Tour and Briefing and dinners with Israeli Friends. The land-only cost for Poland, Bratislava and Budapest is $2,950 per person double occupancy ($550 single supplement). This price includes a deluxe air-conditioned motor coach for all touring and sightseeing, English speaking tour guides and guided tours, meals, entrance fees, a boat tour on the Danube and hotel accommodations. Tips and individual transfers are not included (other than with group arrival and departure). This trip price is based on a minimum of 28 participants. We encourage all trip participants to buy trip insurance. The Berlin extension price is $1,498 per person for double occupancy ($250 Single supplement) and is based on a minimum of eight participants, while the Western Galilee (Israel) land-only extension is $500 per person for double occupancy ($160 single supplement). For more information contact Zoe Riekes at zriekes@me.com and/or Jan Goldstein at Jan@israel journeys.com. Sign up by Jan. 6, 2017; a $1000 Deposit to the Jewish Federation of Omaha is required. Cancellation fees apply after Jan. 15; the final payment is required by March 10. PARTNERSHIP2GETHER is a program of the Jewish Agency and the Jewish Federations of North America, promoting people-to-people relationships through cultural, social, medical, educational and economic programs. This Partnership is between the 14 communities of the Central Area Consortium, Budapest, Hungary and Israel’s Western Galilee. Our PARTNERSHIP2GETHER Communities, Buffalo, NY; Dayton, Toledo and Youngstown, Ohio; Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Northwest Indiana and South Bend, Indiana; Louisville, Kentucky; Des Moines, Iowa; Omaha, Nebraska; Austin, Fort Worth and San Antonio, Texas and Budapest are linked with Akko and Matte Asher in the Western Galilee.
Congressman Brad Ashford Ranked the 6th Most Bipartisan Member of Congress Opposed the Iran Nuclear Deal Introduced legislation to cut his own pay
Paid for by Brad Ashford for Congress
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The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016 | a3
Russ Kaplan Investments, Inc.
Stanley Ginsberg to speak at Author Luncheon Mark kirchhoff Program and Communications Assistant, JFO uthor Stanley Ginsberg will be the speaker at a buet luncheon in the JCC Auditorium on Wednesday, Nov. 16 beginning at noon. î ˘e luncheon is open to the community. Cost of the meal is $12 per person with reservations required by Nov. 9. To make reservations, contact Mark Kirchho at mkirchho@jewish omaha.org or 402.334.6463. Mr. Ginsberg is a native of Brooklyn and Stanley Ginsberg grew up in a close-knit neighborhood where generations lived side-by-side. He learned to cook and bake from his grandmother who lived just upstairs in the same apartment building. He will be featuring his recently released book î‚ťe Rye Baker in his presentation. î ˘e book shares over 70 classic recipes that introduce bakers to the rich world of rye bread from both the old world and the new. His recipes span ryes many regions that lend to its varying characteristics. î ˘e recipes range from dark, intense Russian Borodinsky and orangeinfused Swedish Gotland Rye to near-black Westphalian Pumpernickel (which gets its musky sweetness from a 24hour bake), Spiced Honey Rye from France’s Auvergne, and the rye breads of America’s melting-pot, such as Boston Brown Bread and Old Milwaukee Rye. î ˘e book includes reader-friendly chapters on rye’s history, unique chemistry, and centuries-old baking methods in a way that can be ap-
Nebraska newspapers
continued from page a1 Times or the Chicago Tribune. Most stories on the subject were found in the back pages of these newspapers. In Buried by the Times (2005), journalist and professor Laurel Leff found that between 1939 and 1945 the New York Times published only six front-page stories that clearly identified Jews as the primary victims of the Holocaust. To date, no research has tackled the question of how Americans reading local newspapers learned about the Holocaust as it unfolded. By contributing to the USHMM’s database, students at UNO are helping uncover the type of information available to ordinary Americans in communities throughout Nebraska. Using microfilm readers in local libraries, students are surveying newspapers such as The Lincoln Star, Lincoln State Journal, Omaha Bee and The Jewish Press. Some of their initial findings are challenging the narrative that the American media generally failed in its reporting on the Holocaust. For example, in The Lincoln Star students have uncovered frontpage stories with titles such as Jews Denied Citizenship By Reichstag (Sept. 16, 1935), Synagogues Destroyed By Nazis (Nov. 10, 1938), Race Extinction: Death Of All Jews Ordered... In Occupied Europe (Nov. 25, 1942) and Three out of every four Americans think mass murder stories by Germans are true (Dec. 3, 1944). In other newspapers based in Nebraska, students have found similar front-page stories. According to UNO student Afra Albassam, “I always thought that the mass media did not do its job in reporting on the Holocaust, or even if it did, it was at the fringe of the page. To my surprise, the regional newspapers did follow and report on the unfolding of the Holocaust.� While some important Holocaust-related stories were buried in the back pages of these local newspapers, a number of crucial events received detailed, front-page treatment. Omaha’s The Jewish Press offered extensive coverage concerning the fate of Europe’s Jews. For example, receiving comprehensive exposure was the plight of the MS St. Louis, the German transatlantic liner that carried more than 900 Jewish refugees in search of US visas. “This is a group... guilty of no crime whatsoever [and] they are in peril,� wrote Heywood Broun, a syndicated columnist whose article There is a Ship was printed in full in The Jewish Press (June 23, 1939). Broun warned readers that the world “stuffs its ears and pays no attention.� Ultimately, the MS St. Louis
preciated by advanced and beginning bakers alike. î ˘e luncheon will feature a sample of bread from î‚ťe Rye Baker. Apart from baking rye breads, Mr. Ginsberg characterizes his baking repertoire as eclectic, with a bias toward traditional Yiddish breads and pastries. He has spent the greater part of his professional career as a business and financial writer, with time out for a stint on Wall Street. He co-authored a previous book, Inside the Jewish Bakery – Recipes and Memories from the Golden Age of Jewish Baking, with Norman Berg, a native of the Bronx who, at the time of writing the book, had spent 25 years as a professional baker and general manager at several bakeries that became Bronx institutions. Following the luncheon, Mr. Ginsberg will hold a book signing in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, where Ginsberg’s book will be available for purchase. He will then meet with the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group and others who wish to join for an informal discussion. î ˘e luncheon is the first of four author events for 20162017. On Feb. 2, 2017 Marjorie Ingall (columnist for Tablet Magazine, and author of Mamaleh Knows Best: What Jewish Mothers Do to Raise Successful, Creative, Empathetic, Independent Children) will be a featured speaker at Beth El Synagogue. î ˘is will be followed on March 29, 2017 by Jason Gewirtz and April 20, 2017 by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. Details for all these events will be publicized by all the normal sources. Be sure to mark the dates and watch for the details.
was forced to return to Europe where more than 250 Jews who had been aboard the ship did not survive the war. As the History Unfolded project demonstrates, while Americans were aware of the growing threat facing European Jewry, for a variety of reasons public opinion still favored restrictions on immigration. One cannot help but observe parallels with the current refugee crisis in the world today. UNO student Antony Schneider admits that this assignment has prompted him to think more critically about how news is being reported. “It brings to mind events happening in Syria and other areas of the Middle East,� Schneider explains, “It forced me to consider what modern media outlets find important enough to present to readers.� Indeed, History Unfolded encourages students to grapple with the complexity of the past and to ask serious questions about the way information is being relayed in the present. Over the last several weeks, students at UNO have nearly tripled the number of newspaper articles in the USHMM database concerning the State of Nebraska. They have learned more about their local communities and the Holocaust, as well as gained new skills as they discover how historical research works. In the future, data from the History Unfolded project will be used to inform the USHMM’s upcoming exhibition on Americans and the Holocaust.
Sharna Goldseker
continued from a1 discussed how professional advisors can impact these discussions among family members. 21/64 is a non-profit consulting practice, specializing in next generation and multigenerational engagement and family enterprise. In that capacity, Goldseker coaches, consults and facilitates a network of next gen donors who are exploring their identity as well as their impact. In addition, she trains other advisors on 21/64’s approach to multigenerational engagement. Both Foundation Executive Director Howard Epstein and JFO Chief Development Officer Steve Levinger have previously participated in this training. Sharna Goldseker’s visit was partially funded by a grant from the Jewish Federations of North America and from a local anonymous donor.
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A4 | The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016
Judy Tully retires from Beth El
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OzziE NOgg pleasure.” And what was the most important part of the job? When Judy Tully applied for the job of receptionist at “Maintaining confidentiality, a sense of humor and thick Beth El, Larry DeBruin, the Executive Director at the time - skin. I honestly remember only one very irate member. For- asked Judy if she could work for at least one year. Twenty tunately, I had great support from the rabbi and Larry.” years later, speaking of her recent retirement, Judy said, “So What does Judy miss most? “Talking to the members and much for that!” knowing what’s happening at Beth El on In those early years as Beth El’s recepa daily basis.” tionist, Judy answered phones, sent out Judy Tully’s history with Beth El tribute cards and operated the Riso -started long before she began working at the in-house printer -- to make flyers. the synagogue. As Judy Bercovici, she She quickly learned Beth El’s bulk mail observed her Bat Mitzvah at Beth El -program and used it to send out the as did her husband, Stewart. Judy and KOL, those multi-colored mid-month Stewart were married at Beth El, their flyers, and any other letters that went to four children attended Beth El Nursery the entire congregation. “But almost imSchool, Beth El Talmud Torah -- right mediately I also began handling correthrough High School graduation -- and spondence for the current Beth El observed their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs at president. Then I was asked to take minBeth El. Judy and Stewart’s daughters, utes at meetings of both the Executive Molly Tully Berger and Lynne Tully Committee and Board of Trustees, and Marks, were married at Beth El. Judy to maintain Board records. Soon I was served as a Sisterhood officer, and named Administrative Assistant, then served a four-year term as a Vice-PresiOffice Manager. The job kept morphing. dent of the Beth El Board of Trustees. Judy Tully The responsibilities kept changing.” “When we moved from 49th Street, I
“Beth El Synagogue is truly my second home.”
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According to Judy, “The most difficult thing for me was taking over the Beth El Cemetery from Blanche Wise. I always thought Blanche was so compassionate when there was a death, and she had to deal with a family in their bereavement. But I learned, and hopefully was able to help families when they needed help or comfort.” Over the years, Judy worked with Rabbis Paul Drazen, Mordecai Levin and Steven Abraham. “From the moment I arrived at Beth El, Judy was my eyes and ears to the congregation,” Rabbi Abraham said. “She knows every family and cared for them like they were her own. I would not have survived my first few years without Judy by my side.” She was also Girl Friday to Cantors Emil Berkovits, Gaston Bogolmoni, Beth Schlossberg and Hazzan Michael Krausman, as well as Presidents Bruce Friedlander, Bruce Shackman, Mike Abramson, Howard Epstein, Dick Fellman, Hyman Sukenik, Sally Zipursky, Steve Pitlor, Bev Fellman, Lloyd Roitstein and Joel Rich. When asked to name the part of her job she liked best, Judy said, “My relationship with the rabbis was always a
was a member like every other member,” Judy said. “I remember the awe I felt the first time I entered the new sanctuary. I’ve said many times that working at Beth El was the perfect job for me because the synagogue is truly my second home.” Beth El honored Judy as Kallah Torah this past Simchat Torah. Her first ‘boss’ at Beth El -- Larry DeBruin -- said this. “It was my privilege to have worked with Judy Tully as my Administrative Assistant. I considered her to be my most trusted advisor and confidant on all matters pertaining to the operation of the synagogue. Her professionalism, compassion, sensitivity and strong work ethic were admired by everyone. Judy’s lasting and varied contributions to further the growth and viability of Beth El Synagogue will always be appreciated. And I will always consider Judy to be one of my most cherished friends.” Now enjoying retirement, Judy looked back and joked, “In the office, we often said I could write a book. But that would have betrayed way too many confidences, and the stories -- though true -- probably wouldn’t have been believed anyway.”
On the cusp of the U.S. presidential election, now seems like a good time to compare and contrast the democracies of the United States and of Israel. I’ll start with the most powerful difference and America’s greatest democratic strength: A personal political representative. I’m speaking especially about your local Congressman (though to some extent this holds true for both your Senators as well). Every American citizen is encouraged to feel TEDDY that they have a personal representative in WEiNBERgER Washington, DC. They know that they can ask their Congresswoman to vote a certain way on an upcoming bill, to get Grandpa Harry a signed 100th-birthday certificate from the President, and to fix various problems in their district -- large and small. In Israel you do not have a personal representative in the Knesset. Israeli politicians are beholden not to the general electorate but to their own party’s membership and especially to their party’s elite, who have a major influence upon the construction of the party’s slate (the lower down on the slate, the less one’s chances of making it into the Knesset). The average Israeli citizen is left to sort of act like a spectator, cheering on from afar the politicians of their choice. While Israel has professional lobbyists, from business and from the non-profit sector, ordinary citizens feel powerless to influence their government. Another big difference between US and Israeli politics can be found in the various referenda that are put to the populace concerning such topics as legalizing marijuana, zoning variances, and bond issues. In the US, elections of judges and school boards are also routine. In Israel, besides national elections (every four years, though if the government “falls,” elections are moved up), voters are only asked to decide upon the leadership of their local government (whether city or town) for terms of five years. Israel’s major democratic advantage over the United States is especially relevant in this upcoming presidential election. We’ve heard again
and again about how many voters are unhappy with both of the two major candidates. In Israel, with its party system, if you don’t care for either of the two big parties (traditionally, Likud and Labor), there are always a handful of smaller parties that may appeal to you. And I’m not talking about the really small parties that no one expects to go over the minimum threshold of voters (parties that get below 3.25% of the vote are not allowed any representation in the Knesset). I’m talking about such Knesset parties as Meretz [“Vigor”], which appeals to leftists; Yisrael Beitenu [“Israel Is Our Home”], a right-wing party that appeals to Russian Israelis; and Habayit Hayehudi [“The Jewish Home”], which appeals to the national religious. And every now and then a new “atmosphere party” emerges, which responds to a current political mood, usually under a charismatic leader. This happened spectacularly in 2013 when the Yesh Atid [“There Is A Future”] centrist party, under the leadership of popular journalist Yair Lapid, won 19 Knesset seats. These “atmosphere parties” have a way of injecting completely fresh faces into Israeli politics, and with its success in 2013, Yesh Atid brought to the Knesset newcomers like Dr. Ruth Calderon, a Judaic Studies scholar, and Rabbi Dov Lipman, an American-born yeshiva teacher. (In 2015, Yesh Atid went down to 11 seats, and, alas, Dr. Calderon and Rabbi Lipman lost their Knesset seats.) Because of this fairly routine occurrence, where first-time political candidates end up in the Knesset, it’s hard for Israelis to appreciate the phenomenon of Donald Trump’s candidacy. Americans know that, win or lose, Donald Trump has changed U.S. politics by becoming the first presidential candidate of a major party without ever having been elected to public office. Israel’s political culture has done well with this “fresh-face” phenomenon; however, what Trump’s precedent bodes for the American political landscape is still unclear. Happy Election Day! 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@netvision. net.il.
A tale of two democracies
The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016 | A5
responsible government tom muLLigAN OPPD Board of Directors | District 5
As with many in our community, there is a strong desire to serve the public; many of you do, and many have in the past. We all know how difficult, yet rewarding, serving the public can be. Today, more than ever before, we need experienced individuals willing to devote their time and energy to serve the public. Our nation, our state, and our local communities are faced with many difficult and complex challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed. That is why I am running for the Board of Directors of Omaha Public Power District. I am a retired executive from Union Pacific Railroad, and the former Omaha City Council president. I want to share the principles and lessons I’ve learned from private business and public office to help lead OPPD. My vision is threefold. • economic Development - our business transformation plan must focus on optimizing our usage while lowering our rates. We must do what is necessary to keep Nebraska competitive by attracting and maintaining businesses - new jobs for Nebraskans - my primary goal. • renewable energy - finding ways to benefit from new technologies will play a pivotal role in expanding renewable energy sources. We need to embrace new ways to remain affordable, for the betterment of the public, the environment and to meet our goal of 40% renewable energy production. • Accountability - transparency and honesty are key responsibilities of being a board member. Necessary changes should be no surprise if information is shared and discussed with the public in a timely and open forum. Changes, new regulations and new technologies are presenting themselves daily. Nebraska has “public power.” Electricity costs in Nebraska are well below the national average. Public power profits are reinvested into the system - to safely generate and deliver lowcost reliable electricity. The public receives the dividends. This is a unique opportunity we need to continue. I have a strong desire to serve, and would appreciate this opportunity and your vote on Nov. 8th.
Amber parker for mps Board AmBer pArker Millard School Board
It’s important that future generations are educated on the history of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. Many have heard the quote, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” The way we best ensure we never allow another Holocaust to occur is to educate all our students and future generations about the horrors of this very wicked history. I strongly believe we must advocate for this education in the Millard Public Schools. As a candidate for the Millard Public School Board, I want everyone to know where I stand and I would greatly be blessed by your support and vote in the upcoming election. Thank you.
community
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Adult education at temple israel scott Littky Program Director, Temple Israel ews and Judaism have often been referred to as the people of the book. The book in question is more than just the Torah, it is the wealth of Jewish learning. We have seen over the course of our deep history that Jews have always been dedicated to learning and to gaining Jewish knowledge. The role of education and the role of the teacher are central to who we are as a people. In Pirke Avot chapter one, verse 16, we learn: “Get Yourself a Teacher, make Yourself a Friend.” Throughout our history we have learned from rabbi Darryl crystal Pirke Avot that our education is timeless and that we are always continuing to learn. At Temple Israel we believe that as a congregation we are dedicated to being a community of learners. Our adult education classes are flourishing and we are drawing adult students from all different areas for our Wednesday evening, Thursday morning and Shabbat morning opportunities. On Wednesday evenings we currently have two opportunities to learn and study. Firs,t we are in the middle of The Lost Art of Jewish Cooking. Participants have had the opportunity to learn how to make chicken soup, chopped liver and challah. Each week a different member of our community has had the chance to demonstrate their specialty. Felicia Littky presented chicken soup, Dennis DePorte taught us about chopped liver and Scott Littky taught us about Hamentashen. This past week Louri Sullivan taught us about challah. For the rest of November we will learn about kugel from Amy Rabinovitz and rugelach from Gretchen Radler. We will conclude on Nov. 30 with a surprise lesson from Andrew Miller. Rabbi Darryl Crystal has enriched our Wednesday evening adult program with his class What’s It All About, God: An Introduction to Jewish Mysticism. His last class in this series will be on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. In this course, students have learned how Jewish mysticism, Kaballah, and spirituality stand at the forefront of American Jewish life. Today, exploration of mystical texts in Judaism is combined with insights from meditation, world spiritual
traditions and modern visions of the self and the soul. The class had the opportunity to explore mystical texts from the Bible, the master work of mysticism called the Zohar, Hasidic masters and modern rabbis and teachers, including Rabbi Larry Kushner, Sylvia Boorstein and Rabbi Art Green. Next, Rabbi Crystal will be teaching, A Taste of Talmud: The Most Important Rarely Studied Text in Reform Synagogues. The class will meet Nov. 16, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7. The premise of the class is that the Talmud is the standard upon which modern Jewish life is based. The course will introduce major themes in the Talmud, including guidelines for constructive debate, the Rabbis’ rabbi Deana Berezin vison of an ideal society and the importance of affirming human dignity. Our next new Thursday course will start Nov. 17 with Rabbi Deana Berezin’s course The Magic of Rituals. This class will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 17, Dec. 1, 8 and 15 and Jan. 5 and 12. Rabbi Berezin said: “Ritual is one of the cornerstones of Judaism, becoming the way in which we mark significant, transitional moments in our lives. In this class, we will explore Jewish rituals: where do they come from? How have they evolved? What makes a ritual successful? And, most importantly: how can we reimagine and reinvent rituals to become meaningful markers in our lives?” On Shabbat morning, as in past years, we continue to offer Torah Study with our clergy. Each Shabbat morning, beginning at 9:15 a.m., there is a lesson on the weekly Torah reading. To attend, all one needs is an interest in study and Torah. The class runs for an hour and includes coffee and bagels and a great discussion. For more information on our Adult Education offerings or about any of our programs, please contact Program Director Scott Littky at 402.556.6536.
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The Jewish Press will be closed on thursday, Nov. 24 for Thanksgiving. The deadline for the Dec. 2 issue is tuesday, Nov. 22, Noon. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
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As Senator, Lou Ann will:
About Lou Ann:
+ Cut Property Taxes & Income Taxes + Protect Local Control of Our Schools + Support Job Creation & Workforce Training
• Fifth Generation Nebraskan • Married to Kevin for 35 years • Four children and four grandchildren • Elkhorn Resident and Homeowner • Former Chief of Staff for U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel • Appointed by Pres. George W. Bush to the U.S. State Dept. • Served in Iraq from 2008-2012 with General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker as part of the Reconstruction Team to stabilize security and the economy • Women’s Center for Advancement of Omaha 2014 Distinguished Honoree
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a6 | The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016
community
Marc Kraft is a voice of reason on the Douglas County Board
C
Read it and eat
From the Appetizer chapter try this “spoil-your-appetite-zers”:
PiNK DiP With CauliflOWer
lOis frieDMaN ookbooks Cookbooks Cookbooks... Over the years it has been my pleasure to share these cookbooks. Many of the Jewish cookbooks I’ve previewed have been given to the Kripke Library. The bulk of my cookbooks have been given to lOis frieDMaN the Omaha Library to enhance their cookbook collection. Six years ago the Omaha Library celebrated all these cookbooks by establishing the Read It And Eat Culinary Conference. Each year it has been better, all under the capable guidance of Amy Mather and the library staff. Held at the Downtown branch of the library on the first weekend in November, attendance has grown as the word has spread. Gathered are Omaha restaurant owners, guest chefs, food personalities and cookbook authors. What can you experience? Old menus from Omaha restaurants decorating the walls, cooking demos, round table discussions by local foodies, featured cookbook authors and samples of delicious food Don’t miss this yearly event! The Read It And Eat Culinary Conference, Saturday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will celebrate comfort food and Chewish by Omahan Sandra Goldberg Wendel. In this ‘all
life revolves around food’ cookbook, Sandy shares stories and recipes of her grandmother, “Nama”, her idiosyncrasies, and “potchkying” through 36 recipes... all better with plenty of butter and sour cream. The family story is followed by the chapters Appetizers, Soup, Meat, Vegetables/ Rice and Pasta, Sandwiches, Cakes, Pastries and Cookies. Sandy and her sandra Goldberg husband Scott have two children, also foodies - daughter Alyson and her husband Ben are owner/managers of Shirley’s Diner and son Jackson is a chef at Block 16. Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat@yahoo. com. Check out: http://omahapubliclibrary.org select Read It And Eat.
The Bronfman Fellowship is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 31st year of this prestigious program. The Bronfman Fellowship selects 26 outstanding North American teenagers for a rigorous academic year of seminars, including a free, five-week trip to Israel in the summer between the Fellows’ junior and senior years of high school. The program educates and inspires exceptional young Jews from diverse backgrounds to grow into leaders grounded in their Jewish identity and committed to social change. The program was founded and is funded by Edgar M. Bronfman, z”l, formerly CEO of the Seagram Company Ltd. Applications for the 2017 Fellowship are due Jan. 4, 2017,
and are available online at bronfman.org. High school students in the United States and Canada who self-identify as Jewish and who will be in the twelfth grade in the fall of 2017 are eligible to apply. The Fellowship is a pluralistic program for Jews of all backgrounds; prior Jewish education is not required. Students are chosen on merit alone. For more information contact Ava Charne, The Bronfman Fellowship, 418 Broadway, 2nd Floor, Albany, NY 12207, call 518.475.7212, or email at ava.charne@ byfi.org
Ingredients: 1 (8-ounce) package of Philadelphia cream cheese a dash of Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp. horseradish (careful here) 1/4 tsp. garlic salt, 1/2 tsp. lemon juice 1-inch chunk of roquefort cheese (maybe 3 or 4 ounces), crumbled, more if desired (can also use a nice blue cheese) Ketchup Cauliflower buds Preparation: Add enough ketchup to the cream cheese to make mixture pink in color. Then add the remaining ingredients. Mix and chill. Serve with cauliflower buds.
Bronfman Fellowship applications
Douglas County Board of Commissioners | District 5
Marc Kraft is hoping to extend his legacy of service in our community and public office as a candidate for re-election on the Nov. 8 ballot. Kraft is seeking his third term as a member of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. Markc has worked hard to promote budget transparency, efficient and effective delivery of county services and protection of the social safety net that looks out for the less fortunate in our society. Marc Kraft’s story is our story, it is an Omaha story. Many are familiar with Marc’s family through their membership at Temple Israel; or know Marc as a longtime downtown business owner or appreciate his record of public service. Prior to his election to the County Board, Marc served two terms on the Omaha City Council, where his peers elected him President and the Omaha World-Herald called him “a voice of reason.” Marc believes that a voice of reason is an important trait to bring to office today, when so many candidates and elected officials seek to implement highly partisan or extreme measures. During his years of service in public office, Marc has always sought to create more transparency in local government budgets. As a City Council member, he successfully pushed for a more complete online budget presentation. He has led the way in opening budget meetings to the public and his most recent initiative with the County Clerk will result in online reporting of all Douglas County spending, in a database searchable for taxpayers. A sense of civic responsibility in service to others was instilled in Marc Kraft at an early age. Marc and his three sisters are the children of two well-remembered Omaha community leaders, Leo and Frances Kraft. Leo was also a downtown business owner and an elected member of the Omaha City Council. For many years, he owned and operated National Furniture, the AZ=IZ store, Salvage Warehouse and the Damage Store, all of which evolved into Kraft DC. Frances headed the art department at Creighton University and was an accomplished local artist. Marc attended Dundee Elementary School and Lewis and Clark Junior High. He is now a member of the Central High School Hall of Fame. He’s been active in several neighborhood associations and this year will be presented the Pioneer Award by Downtown Omaha Inc. Marc and Joan Kraft have four children, Natasha, Chris, Alicia and Erika, and six grandchildren. County Board District 5 includes portions of Northwest Omaha, Benson and Dundee.
Organizations
B’Nai B’rith BreaDBreaKers
robynn tyvser, the Omaha World-Herald’s top political reporter will have a “conversation” with our group about the national election results on Wednesday, Nov. 9, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jew ishomaha.org.
Visit us at jewishomaha.org
The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016 | a7
Beth El Sisterhood offers Strudel School
ozzIe noGG Beth El Synagogue Sisterhood will roll out â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strudel Schoolâ&#x20AC;? on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the synagogue kitchen. This one-time only class is part of Beth Elâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rosh Hodesh programming offered to the community at no charge. Hanna DeBruin and Pam Friedlander, Beth El congregants known for their baking expertise, are the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strudel Schoolâ&#x20AC;? instructors. Along with the baking fun, participants will enjoy wine and snacks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rosh Hodesh events give the women of Sister-
hood a chance to get together to learn, laugh, and strengthen the bonds of friendship,â&#x20AC;? said Linda Fischer, Sisterhood President. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re delighted that Hanna and Pam will be with us in the kitchen, to share their recipes -- along with the delicious aromas of baking -- and show us the strudel-making process. And when class is dismissed, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll each get to take our strudel home to enjoy.â&#x20AC;? Space for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strudel Schoolâ&#x20AC;? is limited. To reserve your spot, please register on Beth El Synagogueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website: www.bethel.omaha.org.
Don Bacon is a proven friend of Israel DonalD J. Bacon Brigadier General (Retired) US Congress | Nebraskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2nd District
America must always stand by Israelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side. One of our closest allies, Israel shares our democratic values, embraces the rule of law, and respects the rights of all to practice their religion. Israel stands alone as a shiny island of freedom in the turbulent Middle East Sea. As your next Congressman, I will be a steadfast friend of Israel. I know Israel from a personal viewpoint. I first traveled to Israel when I was 15. I learned to love Israelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and culture. Later, when I served as the Deputy Commander for Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Third Air Force, it was my responsibility to help Israel put a ballistic missile defense system in place that would focus on intercepting missiles fired from Iran. I am proud of the results we achieved, and I greatly enjoyed the friendships I developed with my Israeli military counterparts. I look forward to traveling to Israel again and being a gracious host to Israelis here in the many years to come. The current administration has sought rapprochement with Iran at the expense of Israel and our Arab partners. As your next Congressman, you can count
on me to advocate for continued military aid to Israel, the mutual sharing of technology and intelligence, and further co-development of ballistic missile defense and tunnel detection capabilities. I know Iran is our common adversary and the largest exporter of terror, and it must not attain nuclear weapons capability. I have and will oppose the Iranian nuclear agreement. I will support efforts to intercept weapons and funding to Hezbollah and Hamas. I oppose Palestinian Authority efforts to be unilaterally recognized by the United Nations. I believe Jerusalem is the legitimate capital of Israel. Finally, I support expanded trade with Israel and oppose the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement instigated by anti-Israel groups. I see it as one of my most important Congressional duties to strengthen the American-Israel relationship, helping our ally defend itself in the most volatile location in the world. The first war Israel loses will be the last war Israel loses. Israel was reestablished following the horrendous genocide in World War II, and we must always ensure Israel remains a bastion for the Jewish people. For more information please visit www.don bacon2016.com.
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A8 | The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016
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.
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American Jewish Press Association Award Winner
nebraska Press As- national newspaper sociation Association Award winner 2008
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Election distraction
AnnEttE vAn DE KAMP-WrIgHt Editor of the Jewish Press t’s possible that this election season is unique in its almost obsessive focus on the two presidential candidates. The vast majority of public discourse centers on him versus her; we argue and we rubberneck and our news cycle is dominated by sexual assault allegations, questions of character and the never-ending email scandal. As the editor of a not-for-profit newspaper, I don’t take sides. What I can do is talk about issues that affect our country. The problem with those issues right now is that we largely limit ourselves to lip service-even when we do discuss down ticket. We talk a little about taxes, rising health care costs, the economy. We call each other names rather than discuss any actual policy, we’ve summarized political discussions in Internet memes; heaven help us if what we are trying to say doesn’t fit into 140 characters or less. And while we are busy looking the other way, something terrifying is happening right under our noses. The Native Americans protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) have done so for months now. They call themselves the ‘Water Protectors,’ and their message is straightforward: no pipeline through our land. Protect the Missouri River. For that purpose, they set up the 1851 Treaty Camp directly in the path of the pipeline, on land recently purchased by Dakota Access, and where DA is planning to build their pipeline. According to the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851, this land is part of the Standing Rock Reservation. Since its inception in April of this year, the camp has grown to include representatives from close to 300 tribes. The 1,172-mile pipeline is projected to carry more than half a million barrels of crude oil per day once completed in January 2017. Its planned route from the Bakken oil shale fields to an Illinois river port will cross under four states, multiple bodies of water and will cause the destruction of
sacred Native American sites and burial grounds near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. (JWeekly.com) On Oct. 27, over 300 police officers in riot gear from five different states (including Nebraska) using military Humvees, ATVs, armored vehicles and helicopters forcefully cleared parts of the Treaty Camp. They brought pepper spray, percussion
grenades, shotguns and a sound gun. Protesters were hurt, arrested and marked with numbers on their arms before they were removed. After that, they were housed in dog kennels. North Dakota is relatively close and this issue affects us: our Omaha tap water comes directly from the Missouri river. And if we don’t pay much attention, imagine how little the rest of the country looks towards what is happening in
Standing Rock. Representatives from a number of synagogues have joined the peaceful protest; mixed in with the Teepees was one actual Sukkah. One such protester, Miriam Grossman, recently wrote about why this is important, and why we should pay attention: A story goes that once the ancient rabbis were trying to describe the Exodus from Egypt when suddenly Serach Bat Asher, a woman who lived for hundreds of years, appeared and said: “I know. I was there. The people left marching through the center of the sea and the water parted into two high walls. On one side we saw the faces of all the generations that had come before us and on the other side we saw all the generations that would come after us. We saw them all, generations of people marching together, enlivened and liberated through water. I imagined those walls of water as I camped with the Water Protectors between the Cannonball and Missouri rivers. Under the vast and bright North Dakota sky, I marveled at a place that we as a country risk destroying in the name of oil. There, I felt the witnessing eyes of my ancestors and my descendants in the struggle for a more just world. (Forward.com) We can talk all day about orange spray tans and ugly pant suits. But, like Grossman, we should feel the eyes of our ancestors, while keeping our descendants in mind: what is our responsibility? Are we paying attention? I challenge you to look at what is happening in Standing Rock. I also challenge you to not only watch the Presidential race, but look at the rest of the ticket as well. Who our president is may not affect our lives as much as who runs our local government. I can’t tell you who to vote for, but I can ask you to inform yourselves. Keep reading, keep digging, and ask uncomfortable questions, so that stories like these get the attention they deserve.
Hillary Clinton has the temperament, experience and judgment to be commander-in-chief StuArt E. EIzEnStAt WASHINGTON, D.C. | JTA I support Hillary Clinton for president because I have seen her work up close – as first lady, senator from New York and secretary of state. She has the temperament, experience and judgment to be commander-in-chief and our country’s representative to the world. And I know she has a deep commitment to the State of Israel and a special sensitivity to help Holocaust survivors. During his first term, President Bill Clinton appointed me his special representative for Holocaust issues to provide belated justice for Holocaust victims and their families. With his and Hillary’s strong support, I helped recover $8 billion for slave and forced labor, unpaid insurance policies, Nazi-looted art, and property restitution and compensation. As senator from New York and then as secretary of state, Hillary Clinton continued her intense efforts for Holocaust victims and survivors. In my service as special adviser to the secretary of state on Holocaust issues, she supported me when we advanced a number of new initiatives to help survivors. Having worked across four U.S. administrations, I’ve seen firsthand that every president needs a temperament that can endure great pressure. Hillary Clinton has it. Donald Trump does not. With his dangerous combination of impulsiveness, erratic behavior and emotional outbursts when he is criticized, Trump would be a disaster in the Oval Office. Trump even confuses our allies and foes. He has expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin’s leadership style; he is considering recognizing Russian control of Crimea, which it brutally invaded; and has suggested Russia conduct cyber espionage against his political opponent at a time when the U.S. government is increasingly concerned that Russian intelligence is seeking to interfere in our election.
Trump has also upset our NATO allies by putting conditions on our longstanding obligations to come to their defense if they are attacked. It is critical to American global leadership and influence that our allies know they can depend on us to honor our obligations. This was recognized re-
Hillary Clinton addressing the annual policy conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C., March 21, 2016. Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images cently by 50 former senior Republican officials who said Trump lacks the “character, values and experience” to be president, and “would put at risk our country’s national security and well-being.” This election is not about partisanship, it’s about our values as a nation. Hillary Clinton believes that at a time of great challenge at home and abroad, our diversity is a great source of our country’s strength. That’s why she says we’re “stronger together.” Trump, on the other hand, seeks to inflame one group against another. Given our own history, American Jews have a special concern with this approach – especially when it comes to his plans to round up and expel over 10 million immigrants and their children. And in a chilling echo of the immigration barriers that Jewish refugees found when they sought safety from Hitler’s clutches in World War II, Trump said he wants to
bar all refugees who are Muslim from our shores. One of the greatest contrasts between Trump and Clinton is over Israel and U.S.-Israel relations. The United States is Israel’s only real ally, and having the right person in the Oval Office is crucial to Israel’s security. Trump has made no effort to study and learn from the peace process, and has only the most fleeting relationship with Israeli leadership. He has even said that he was “a neutral guy” when it came to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. At one point, Trump even suggested that Israel should repay the U.S. for the military aid it provided. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton has always been among Israel’s strongest supporters. In the wake of the continued knife attacks on innocent Israelis, she publicly demanded that the Palestinian leadership stop inciting their people to violence, publicly condemn terrorism and end the pernicious practice of paying rewards to the families of terrorists. She has strong relationships with leaders like Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom she played a major role in negotiating the 2012 Gaza cease-fire, and supported vital U.S. assistance to Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system. Clinton has set out a concrete plan to take the U.S.-Israel relationship to “the next level.” And she called for the expeditious completion of a new ten-year defense memorandum of understanding to ensure that Israel maintains its qualitative defensive advantage; the memorandum was signed last week. Her plan includes a pledge to work shoulder to shoulder with Israel to combat the rising terrorist threat in the region. Clinton has called for tougher sanctions on Iran for its support of terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, to curb its ballistic missile development, and to cut the flow of Iranian funds and arms to Israel’s enemies. She has pledged to take swift action, including militarily if necessary, if Iran attempts to See Hillary Clinton page A9
The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016 | A9
At a time of Jewish introspection, Donald Trump offers hope
JASon Dov GreenblATT NEW YORK | JTA As my family and I prepared for Rosh Hashanah, we looked back with grateful hearts for the brachot, blessings, in our lives. We took time to reflect on the joys and the challenges, the ups and downs, that we experienced during the previous year. To me, a meaningful observance of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur requires taking stock of life’s hard-earned victories and heartfelt woes, its wondrous gifts and unceremonious misfortunes, its underappreciated blessings and unfulfilled potential. As Jews, we have the opportunity -- indeed, the obligation -- to renew ourselves in mind and soul at this time of year. Sometimes the hardships we have faced over the past year or the significant unrest in today’s world can make the promise of hope implicit in Rosh Hashanah seem elusive. Yet just as it has throughout Jewish history, the cry of the shofar summons us to spiritual clarity, renewing our faith in a brighter tomorrow and calling on us to craft it together. Ever since I was a child, Unetaneh Tokef, the piyut that has been a part of the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services since the 13th century, frequently runs through my mind during the month of Elul. The words of the piyut are awe-inspiring, yet frightening; intimidating, yet beautiful. The story behind the piyut, as described in the machzor that I use, is jarring and powerful. It takes my breath away, fills me with emotion and motivates me each year when I read it. As I reflected on my own year gone by and prepare for 5777, three verses from the Unesaneh Tokef continuously echoed through my mind, more so than in any other year: “Who will rest and who will wander? Who will be safe and who will be torn? Who will be calm and who will be tormented?” Since the last blowing of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, so many people around the world have not been at rest because of the hatred that terrorist organizations seek to spread. Too many have been forced to wander the earth as their homelands have been torn apart. Too many lives have been tormented by violence abroad and on our very own shores. Though it is painful for us to recall these events, we must not forget the horrors that we have seen, lest we become im-
mune to atrocities. We have seen jihadis storm a Parisian music hall taking the lives of concertgoers. We have seen a Palestinian attacker murder a 13-year-old Israeli girl, Hallel Yaffe Ariel, while she slept inside her home. We have seen the murder of an 84-year-old priest, Father Jacques Hamel, while he was leading church services in Normandy. We have seen coordinated bombings across resort cities in Thailand. We have seen a shooting spree in a crowded mall in Munich. We have seen the slaughter of people in an Orlando nightclub. We have seen the bombing of an airport in Istan-
Donald Trump speaking at a rally in San Diego, Calif., May 27, 2016. Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images bul. We have seen Palestinian terrorists gun down a rabbi and father of 10, Michael “Miki” Mark, while he was driving with family members along a highway. Terrorists have stabbed and fired at innocent civilians, shot missiles at and bombed cities and towns, and mowed down people in vehicular attacks in many places around the world, resulting in so many innocent lives lost and forever impacting the lives of their loved ones. But in spite of all this unrest and torment, I have also seen so much that gives me hope over the past year. Ever since Donald Trump asked me to serve as co-chairman of his Israel Advisory Committee, I have been a witness to the deep passion and unity among Jews of all kinds, who together with so many non-Jews care deeply about the safety and security of Israel. I have seen and heard of people who are able to ignore the hatred and violence that surround them and focus on our shared humanity.
European Parliament lifts immunity JTA NEWS STAFF e European Parliament lied the immunity of French far-right politician Jean-Marie Le Pen over charges of inciting racial hatred against Jews. e legal affairs committee of the European Parliament stressed that parliamentary immunity “does not allow for slandering, libeling, inciting hatred or pronouncing statements attacking a person’s honor” before voting on Tuesday in favor of taking away Le Pen’s immunity. French prosecutors want to put the founder and former leader of the National Front party on trial for comments he made in 2014 about Patrick Bruel, saying the French Jewish
singer should “go in the oven.” His comment, which he made during a filmed interview that he had posted on the National Front website, led to his exclusion from the party now run by his daughter, Marine Le Pen, who plans to run next year for French president. Tuesday’s vote marks the fourth time that Jean-Marie Le Pen, 88, has had his immunity lied. In 1998, Germany made the request aer Le Pen famously called Nazi gas chambers “a detail of history.” Separately, also on Tuesday, the European Parliament amended a dra report on Iran to include a rebuke of Tehran’s Holocaust denial and anti-Israel hate speech.
Additionally, I have met many remarkable Americans who possess a deep passion for our country. The stories I have heard over the course of Mr. Trump’s campaign have reinforced my gratitude for the abundant blessings of American liberty. We should never forget how fortunate we are to live in the United States – a country of great freedom, tolerance and respect for all its people. How blessed we are to be able to live and raise our children in a country where we are free to live as Jews, practice our religion to its fullest and contribute to the betterment of the broader society at large, hand in hand with all of the great citizens of this blessed country. Yet in our own country, too, we can dream bigger. We can, during this time of introspection, hope, pray and work toward a brighter tomorrow. We can build a future where all Americans are offered the tools and opportunities to succeed in life. We can resolve in ourselves to elect a president who refuses to accept the status quo, a president who dreams big and has the talent and skills to make those dreams a reality. A president who agrees that the security of our nation and the security of Israel are matters of the utmost importance. As the High Holidays stirr hearts and minds toward meaningful, positive change, so, too, does a presidential election offering Jews and non-Jews alike the chance to shape the future of our nation in a manner consistent with our highest values and aspirations. Democracy, not unlike Judaism, places the responsibility for improving the world squarely on the individual. We do so through the concrete actions we take, lending substance to those ideals. May Hashem bless all of us with a year of good health, happiness, peace and tranquility. May this be the year where mankind merits the fulfillment of the prophesy “Nation shall not lift sword against another nation, nor shall they learn war anymore.” Jason Greenblatt is an executive vice president and chief legal officer of The Trump Organization, co-chairman of Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump’s Israel Advisory Committee, and co-founder of the popular parenting and family website www.inspireconversation.com. Follow him @JasonDovEsq.
Hillary Clinton
Continued from page A8 obtain a nuclear weapon. And Hillary will do everything in her power to combat the growing Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions effort to marginalize Israel. Israel will have no better friend in the Oval Office than Hillary Clinton, and I enthusiastically support her. During the Clinton administration, Stuart E. Eizenstat was the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, undersecretary of commerce and of state, deputy secretary of the Treasury, and special representative of the president on Holocaust issues. During the Carter administration, he was the president’s White House chief domestic policy adviser.
a10 | The Jewish Press | November 4, 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 nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Mark Finkelstein, Community Relations Director at the Des Moines Jewish Federation, on Can You Recognize Modern Antisemitism? Oneg to follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! 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, 6 p.m. weekday serViCes: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sunday: BESTT Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m.; Rabbi Abraham’s Class, “The Bible Now,” 11 a.m.; Blessing of the Animals, noon; USY Lunch and Paintball, 12:15 p.m. Tuesday: Rabbi Abraham’s Ethics & Values: A Jewish Guide to Life’s Most Difficult Questions, noon at Whole Foods. wednesday: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; USY Board Meeting, 5 p.m.; Kadima Meeting, 5:30 p.m.; Rabbi Abraham’s Ethics & Values: A Jewish Guide to Life’s Most Difficult Questions, 6:15 p.m.; Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. Thursday: Shanghai, 1 p.m.; Sisterhood/Rosh Hodesh Studel Baking Demo/Class, 7 p.m. NATAL Adult Education Program, sunday, nov. 13, 11 a.m. Women’s Book Club, monday, nov. 14, 12:15 p.m. at the home of Debi Kutler. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
beTh israel synagogue
Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 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, 5:57 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 5:57 p.m. saTurday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Parade and Kids Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Insights in the Weekly Portion, 4:55 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 5:40 p.m.; Havdalah, 6:57 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, 7:45-8:15 a.m. wednesday: Board of Commissioners Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Thursday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Lunch & Learn, noon at UNMC; Scholars Club, 4:30 p.m. at JCC.
Chabad house
Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. friday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. followed by a festive kiddush luncheon. sunday: Shacharit, 8:30 a.m. followed by Sunday Secrets: Jewish Fun Facts class at 9:15 a.m. weekdays: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. monday: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani. wednesday: New Tanya Series -- The Anatomy of Your Soul: Who Are You?, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Thursday: Advanced Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Mendel Katzman. All programs are open to the entire community.
CongregaTion b’nai Jeshurun
Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. friday: Pre-neg, 6 p.m.; Candlelighting, 6 p.m.; Shabbat Evening Service/Sha-ba-ba-bat Family Service, 6:30 p.m. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Noach; Havdalah (72 minutes),
7:29 p.m. sunday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m. at South Street Temple. wednesday: LJCS Hebrew classes, 4 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. adulT eduCaTion Tuesday: Intro to Judaism, Session #2, 6:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Lewis. wednesday: Intro to Prayer Hebrew, Session #4, 6 p.m. Thursday: Beginning Conversational Hebrew, Session #3, 6:30 p.m. 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 at 402.513.7697. Or if you prefer, email David Weisser at president@southstreettemple.org.
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friday: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.
rose blumkin Jewish home
saTurday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Jim Polack. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
Temple israel
friday: First Friday Shabbat Service and Dinner, 6 p.m. Candlelighting & kiddush in the Simon Community Court, 5:30 p.m., Services, 6 p.m., dinner following services. Our First Friday Temple Israel Band will enrich our service followed by a Shabbat Dinner prepared by Chef John and will feature his challah. Cost is $5/person, max of $20 per family. Reservations required. saTurday: Temple Tots Shabbat, 9 a.m. All children and their families are invited to participate! Enjoy stories, songs, crafts (and bagels, of course!) with your child, while connecting with our Temple Israel community; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Services, 10:30 a.m.; Chicken and Waffles Lounge Night with OTYG, 5 p.m. Join OTYG as we create and indulge in some delicious chicken and waffles, hangout and watch some movies! Cost is $10. RSVPs required. sunday: Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Madrichim Meeting, 10 a.m.; Grade 5 B’nai Mitzvah Meeting, 10 a.m.; Seeking Everyday Holiness: The Mussar Path of Spirituality, 10:30 a.m. Advanced registration will be needed; Thoughts on Democracy with Dr. Ari Kohen, 10:30 a.m.; OTYG Meeting, noon. 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.; The Lost Art of Jewish Cooking, 6:30 p.m.; What’s It All About God: An Introduction to Jewish Mysticism, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Crystal. Thursday: What’s It All About God: An Introduction to Jewish Mysticism, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Crystal; Bingo-Tini, 7
p.m. For adults of all ages! Come enjoy an evening of bingo and martinis. Cost is $10. Please RSVP to Temple Israel, rsVp@templeisraelomaha.com or 402.556.6536. First Friday Shabbat Service and Dinner: Candlelighting & kiddush in the Simon Community Court, 5:30 p.m., Services, 6 p.m., dinner following services. Our First Friday Temple Israel Band be a part of services. Cost is $5/person, max of $20 per family. Please RSVP to Temple Israel, 402.556.6536 or rsVp@templeisraelomaha.com, by nov. 2. Organ Donor Shabbat Service, friday, nov. 11, 6 p.m. Installation of Rabbi Deana Berezin, friday, nov. 18. Services, 6 p.m. followed by an Oneg. Rabbi Berezin, who has been at Temple Israel since July, will be officially installed at this special Shabbat Worship service. Several members of her family will also attend this special occasion as our entire congregation welcomes Rabbi Berezin. Rabbi will be installed by her former colleague Rabbi Susan Talve, founding rabbi of Central Reform Congregation, St. Louis, MO. Everyone is invited to stay for the Special Oneg following services. Annual Thanksgiving Service, sunday, nov. 20, 5 p.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church, 6116 Dodge Street. Rabbi Crystal, Rabbi Berezin, Cantor Shermet and the Kol Rina Choir will represent Temple Israel and participate in the Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service along with First Christian Church, First United Methodist Church, St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Underwood Hills Presbyterian Church, Hanscom Park United Methodist Church and members of the Muslim community. Aa reception will follow the service. We need a few volunteers willing to help bake some sweets for the service. Contact Program Director Scott Littky if you can help.
TifereTh israel
Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. friday: Join us for our Simcha Shel Shabbat Birthday Celebration, 6:15 p.m. sponsored by Marcia Kushner, Steve and Barb Seglin, and Al and Lea Weiss honoring all congregants born in October and November. There will be no Friday Evening Services following dinner. All ages are welcome to join together. saTurday: Shabbat Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush Luncheon; Dinner and Havdallah at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. Meet at the entrance gates at 5:15 p.m. for a tour and light dinner. The gates will be locked at 5:30 p.m. Havdallah Service is at 6:30 p.m. sunday: Unveiling ceremonies for the monuments for Heni Kamil at 9 a.m. and Sally Arenson at 9:40 a.m. at Mt. Carmel Cemetery; LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m. at South Street Temple. Tuesday: Women’s Study Group, 10 a.m.-noon followed by lunch. The topic is based on a lecture by Meesh HammerKossey (of Pardes): "What is a Nice Jewish Girl doing Playing the Harlot? wednesday: LJCS Hebrew classes, 4 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. World Without Hate Shabbat, friday, nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Danielle Berrin slams Ari Shavit for not apologizing for ‘committing sexual assault’
JTA NEWS STAFF Jewish-American reporter Danielle Berrin slammed prominent Israeli journalist Ari Shavit for not admitting and apologizing for allegedly sexually assaulting her. “As recounted in my article, he engaged in physically aggressive behavior -- grabbing the back of my head, lurching at me for a kiss, pulling and pawing at me, and pressuring me to enter his hotel room,” she wrote in a response published Oct. 28 in the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles. She added: “roughout our interaction, he touched me in ways I did not want to be touched and he caused me to fear for my safety.” Shavit on Oct. 27 issued a statement in response to Berrin’s account last week confirming that the two met in 2014, but saying he had thought of their interaction as constituting “courtship” or “flirtation” but not sexual assault. “I apologize from the depths of my heart for this misunderstanding,” he said. Berrin slammed Shavit’s statement.
“at Shavit would claim it was ‘flirtation’ is not only misguided, it suggests I was participating in his scheme when, indeed, I was the victim; I was afraid he’d further assault me if I did not escape,” she wrote. She continued: “I am glad Ari Shavit has at least acknowledged an encounter took place. ... But Ari Shavit has yet to apologize for what he actually did; he did not apologize for committing sexual assault.” Berrin did not identify Shavit by name in her original account, but her descriptions of the person she accused of assaulting her as “an accomplished journalist from Israel” with dark hair and eyes who had recently published an influential book led to widespread speculation that it was about Shavit. Also on Friday Oct. 28, Avital Chizhik, a contributor to Haaretz, e New York Times and Tablet magazine, revealed on Twitter that she had an almost identical experience to the one described by Danielle Berrin, with a different Israeli journalist.
The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016 | A11
lifestyles
Israeli geeks turn to sci-fi and fantasy to escape a sometimes harsh reality
ANdRew TObIN bar maids. TEL AVIV | JTA Outdoor LARPs are one of three major types of role-playAs a kid, Ben Engelman dreamed of being a warrior. ing games. e others are “room LARPs,” in which “game Until he was old enough to join the Israeli army, he setmasters” lead players through dramatic improvisational scetled for role playing as a sword fighter. Now 25, Engelman narios, and “tabletop role-playing games” like Dungeons & has been to war in Gaza and finished his service in a special Dragons, which involve players talking their characters forces unit. But he hasn’t stopped play fighting. through a world structured by a rule book. Both these types “is is how I imagined fighting growing up. ere’s glory but no blood,” he told JTA last week moments aer mauling an adversary with a foam sword. “Real war isn’t fun or glamorous. It’s yuck.” When not engaged in combat, Engelman oversaw the fighting arena at the Icon Festival, the largest science fiction and fantasy event in the country. He was one of thousands of Israelis who turned out last week to share a love of alternate realities -- and to temporarily escape the sometimes harsh one they live in. “It’s a great form of escapism, and a great form of entertainment,” Tomer Shalev, 34, the general manRole-playing fighters clashing at the Icon Festival in Tel Aviv, Oct. 18, 2016. Credit: Icon Festival ager of Icon and a finance manager in real life, told JTA. “Sci-fi and fantasy let you do of role-playing games were also represented at Icon. things you can’t do in real life: put on a mask, pretend Haggai Elkayam, 28, a former chairman of the Israeli Role you’re on the deck of the Starship Enterprise or fight like Playing Society and a social psychologist, said Israel has a knights in the Middle Ages. strong and growing role-playing scene. e country has “At Icon, we geeks are giving people a three-day peek into even created its own type of room LARP, which gives the our hobbies and into our hearts. I think we got it right begame master the power to shape players’ interactions, not cause each and every year we get more people.” just the fantasy world, with the aim of creating specific As many as 8,000 people attended the Icon Festival this emotional responses in them. year, which was held Oct. 18-20. An all-volunteer staff of In one room LARP, a game master successfully made immore than 300 from the Israeli Society for Sci-fi and Fanmigrants to Israel from the former Soviet Union so nostalgic tasy and the Israeli Society for Role Playing produced the they le the game crying “because they missed their childfestival, which is in its 20th year. hood summer camps in Moscow,” according to Elkayam. Icon was split between the Tel Aviv Cinematheque and “Role-playing games take sci-fi and fantasy one step furIloni Alef High School. e festival included movie screenther,” he said. “You don’t just take a peek into another world. ings, original theater productions, role-playing games and You enter it. We call it the best hobby in the world.” lectures covering topics from the scientific inaccuracies of Engelman was initially drawn to the fighting aspect of sci-fi movies to “filk music” created by sci-fi and fantasy LARP. Growing up, he admired his brother, who was 10 fans also known as “fandom.” years older and a fighter in the Israel Defense Forces. He e man behind the filk lecture was Eugeny Reznikov, a took judo and Krav Maga classes, and when he was 13, he 33-year-old programmer from Herzliya. came across the same fighting arena at Icon that he now “People like music, and fans are people. So fandom like manages. He was immediately hooked. music, and they make music about what they like,” he exDuring his service in the Egoz commando unit, Engelplained to JTA. man put LARPing on hold. What little free time he had was In the outdoor plaza between the two buildings, dozens of spent with his family or girlfriend. booths offered paraphernalia like comic books, fantasy and “You don’t have time to invest an entire weekend in presci-fi novels and anime jewelry. Harry Potter-style wizard tending because you want to actually live,” he said. wands could be had for a price. But when he was discharged in 2014, soon aer taking Most of the festival’s visitors were in their teens or 20s, part in Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip, he returned to the many in costume as their favorite fictional character. e LARP community. ough Engelman is busy these days supervillains from this summer’s “Suicide Squad” film, studying at Israel’s prestigious Technion university, he finds based on the DC Comics characters, were especially well time for his hobby. He participates in both outdoor and represented. room LARPs. Engelman spent his time in the fighting arena, a section “It’s definitely a form of escapism, and we’re in Israel, so of a basketball court marked off by a wooden barrier and af- it’s an escape from the Israeli reality. But people do this all fectionately called “the Colosseum.” Homemade foam over the world. So I guess everyone has things to escape weapons were available to the public for rent, and duels befrom,” he said, noting that the “friendly and warm” commutween friends, parents and children, and strangers raged nity is part of the draw. throughout the day. Michal Kapuller, a 17-year-old high school student from On the last day of the festival, a teenager in faux-chain Ashkelon in southern Israel, was working the inn on Oct. mail parried blows from a boy in a knitted kippah, whose 20 in medieval costume and Gothic face paint. She said side locks flew as he swung a massive battle ax. Nearby, LARPing helped her cope with real life. women in character as medieval bar maids served soda and “Most of us geeks are bullied at school for being different. snacks in the “inn” tent. So people are really supportive of each other,” she told JTA. Together, the structures comprised Icon’s outdoor live-ac- “I’m really shy in real life. But in character, I’m not shy. tion role-playing area, or LARP, under Engelman’s manageDoing this, I’ve discovered new parts of my personality and ment. Outdoor LARP is essentially make-believe that you developed myself. Stuff like that.” don’t have to grow out of. Players interact as characters in Kapuller recalled that ahead of the 2014 Gaza war, rocket created fantasy worlds that can include customized clothsirens went on in the middle of a LARP she was participating, props, buildings and even currency. On Oct. 20, the ing in. Rather than breaking character, she said, everyone world was based in the Middle Ages, hence the knights and pretended like it was part of the game.
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The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016 | B1
section2
C O M M U N I T Y
In Miami Beach, Donald Trump’s Orthodox support is increasingly on the down-low ROn KaMpeas MIAMI BEACH | JTA t’s mid-Friday afternoon on 41st street, aka Arthur Godfrey Road, the heart of the Orthodox enclave here. The high-schoolers in Torah Treasures Judaica store are preparing lulavs for sale before Sukkot, which is to start in a couple of days, and shoppers are rushing into Kosher Price Market for last minute pre-Shabbat shopping. The local Chabad guy is working Pita Hut seeking folks who want to lay tefillin. And no one wants to talk, especially to a reporter, about the presidential election. Kippah-clad shoppers scoot away from me when I approach them. Some pretend not to speak English. Chabad guy won’t speak, but asks if I want to lay tefillin. ‘Friends?’ he asks, although he won’t tell me his name. ‘Friends,’ I say. We shake hands. It’s a week after the video dropped onto an unsuspecting world, the 2005 outtake from Access Hollywood where the presidential candidate who polls say is favored by most Orthodox Jews, bragged about sexually assaulting women. Does this explain the silence? I’m about to give up -- how often can I chase someone who looks obviously Orthodox before someone calls the cops? -- when, lo and behold, someone wants to talk. He even approaches me: He recognizes
The pool overlooking a canal at the Miami Beach Jewish Community Center, Oct. 14, 2016. Credit: Ron Kampeas me from my social media feeds, although we’ve never met. ‘Kampeas!’ he says. ‘What kind of bullshit article did you write today?’ He holds up his smartphone as his family toddles off into the distance. ‘Donald Trump’s ‘international bankers’ speech leaves some uneasy’? Oof.’ He’s not happy what I wrote about the speech, which
the Republican nominee gave the day before in nearby West Palm Beach, alleging secret international financier conspiracies. I wasn’t the only observer to note the speech’s antiSemitic associations. ‘He’s not an anti-Semite,’ he scolds me. He won’t let me use his name – once he introduces himself, I realize I know him, by reputation -- but he wants to give me the
lowdown, ‘off the record,’ of why no one will talk with me. I lower my notebook and he looks at me like I’m nuts. ‘Write, write!’ he says. He doesn’t mean off the record, he means ‘on background.’ ‘Call me an Orthodox active in Republican politics.’ Done. ‘No one’s going to talk to you,’ he explains. ‘You can’t be for Hillary in this community. But how can you be for Trump? What he said was disgusting.’ Trump has said he was engaging in ‘locker room talk’ on the 2005 video and has denied the ensuing allegations by women (up to 10 at the end of this week) that he sexually assaulted them over the years. He asks me if I saw the CNN interview, the evening previous, with Jessica Leeds, who said Trump assaulted her on an airplane decades ago. ‘What do you think? Credible? Credible!’ he answers before I have a chance to reply. ‘We have a word in Jewish,’ he said, meaning Yiddish. ‘Ekldik,’ disgusting. Why can’t you be for Hillary in this community? I ask. Democrats are hard work, he explains, and Clinton won’t be different from Obama: They come around to the right position on Israel, but it takes exhausting work behind the scenes. ‘Four more years of that,’ he says, not relishing the prospect. A September poll by the American Jewish see Trump’s Orthodox support page B2
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B2 | The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016
community
Trump’s Orthodox support
Continued from page B1 Committee showed Orthodox voters were a mirror image of the broader community when it came to presidential preferences. The poll showed Clinton defeating Trump, 61 percent to 19 percent among Jewish voters; among Orthodox Jews, Trump was favored at 50 percent and Clinton at 21 percent. But that was before the sex scandals, and there are indications they might be having an effect. Clinton’s campaign this week dispatched Joe Lieberman, the 2000 Democratic vice presidential nominee and an Orthodox Jew, to South Florida, where he wooed fellow Orthodox Jews, among others. Lieberman told me that he sensed the community Donald Trump there – including the Orthodox Jews he met – were moving Clinton’s way. And this week, in Beachwood, a Cleveland suburb with a substantial Orthodox population, there was an event titled Ohio Orthodox Jews on the Fence. ‘Are you an Orthodox Jew still on the fence, asking yourself what is really best for the Jews, and best for Israel, in this election?’ asked the Facebook pitch for the event featuring Boston University scholar Hillel Levine. At the Miami Beach Jewish Community Center a short walk away from 41st Street, I position myself at the entrance waiting for families to drop off kids for dance and gymnastics. The kids are accompanied by nannies. An attractive young couple coming out of the exercise room apologizes for not being Jewish. ‘How do you like Miami?’ they ask. ‘Great,’ I say, struggling for an impression of a city they clearly adore. ‘I got upgraded to a Mustang convertible at the airport!’ They grin. ‘Niiice!’ I have achieved some kind of Miaminess. Here comes a woman in yoga tights and a friend dressed more modestly, happily chatting, toting yoga mats. Score! The secular woman, Mia Glick, a pilates teacher, is happy to talk. Of course she’s voting for Clinton. Trump has no
character, she says, and the video is proof positive. ‘I met him in the 1990s,’ she said, relishing the memory. Glick was a Ford agency model on a gig at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan. Trump marched up to her, she presumes ready to launch a come-on, when she grimaced at him and Trump did an about-face. She replicates the grimace for us and Trump’s about-face. The Orthodox woman, Teresa, widens her eyes. What about you? I ask Teresa, a 33-year-old stay-at-home mom. She who won’t give me her last name. ‘I’m probably voting for Trump,’ she says. What’s appealing about him? ‘My husband is voting for him.’ Anything else? ‘He has some good points,’ she says, pausing to think. ‘The wall – he wants to build a wall. He’s copying Israel.’ Back on 41st, I check in at Roaster’s NY Deli. Brice Ciener, the manager, is deep in conversation with the owner, David Glass. They wave me over. Ciener, who does not back Trump, enjoys chatting politics with the Orthodox clientele, who do. Just a few minutes ago, he says, ‘You missed a couple.’ Older, they backed Trump, principally because they do not trust Clinton on Israel. Now, though, there was a change. They talked about the Access Hollywood tape. ‘The wife can’t vote for him. She doesn’t know who to vote for,’ Ciener says. ‘The guy laughed it off.’ I head out. Across the street, Chabad guy waves, heading out of Pita Hut for Chicken Kitchen. I get into the white Mustang convertible, turn up Collins Boulevard and blast Latin music into the clear late afternoon air, something I’ve been planning since I was about eight years old. After that indulgence I head onto residential streets, searching for signs: Trump-Pence. Clinton-Kaine. There are none.
Sports brief
Sandy Gordon, 3rd Degree Black Belt and owner of Integrity ATA Martial Arts just returned from competing in Orlando at ATA Fall Nationals. At this tournament she brought home 2nd places in Traditional Forms, Sparring, Weapons and 3rd places in Combat Weapons and Creative Weapons.
‘Girls just wanna have fun’ event
Y
JaneT Kohll for Beth Israel Synagogue ou made it through the High Holidays, the election will be wrapped up (G-d willing) and you “just wanna have fun.” Beth Israel’s Sisterhood Luncheon is the place for you! Join your family and friends from throughout the community on Sunday, nov. 13 for a silent auction beginning at 11:30 a.m. with a luncheon and style show to follow at noon. Fashions from Christopher and Banks will be featured to give you a glimpse of new fall looks. The event will be held at Beth Israel, 12604 Pacific Street.
Bette Kozlen and Helene Shrago are serving as co-chairs for the event. All members of the community are welcome, as well as their friends and neighbors. Gentlemen are also welcome. “This is always such a fun event and it’s great to see so many friends” reports Helene Shrago. “Also, again this year, merchants in the community have been wonderfully generous and the silent auction selections are even better than ever.” Nancy Mattly of Culinary Services is catering the event. The menu will feature appetizers, quiche, tuna nicoise, salad, fresh fruit and delicious desserts. An annual fall event to raise funds for Beth Israel Sisterhood’s projects, attendees are encouraged to be donors at categories from $36 to $108, and each of those include one lunch. A reservation for lunch itself is $20. Reservations are needed by nov. 8, and can be made by calling the synagogue office at 402.556.6288.
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The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016 | B3
Temple Israel Consecration Consecration at Temple Israel on Sunday, October 23, 2016, for Kindergartners and new students in the elementary program. Pictured are Front Row: Leo Poulos, Marley Atlas, Thad Odem, Aden Maskin, Ceci Fisher, Brody Sudbeck; middle row: Ann Noodell, Alexander Yale, Isabel Vik, Emily Cisler, Taylor Tauber, Henry Cohen, Toby Fellman; back row: Rabbi Deana Berezin, Cantor
Shermet, Rabbi Crystal and Sharon ComisarLangdon
Brad Ashford for Congress BRAD ASHFORD US Congress | Nebraskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2nd District
It has truly been an honor to serve the 2nd District the last two years. I am proud of the work we have accomplished for our veterans, working families, and seniors. Bipartisanship has delivered runway repairs to Offutt Air Force Base, a new funding model to construct VA facilities, and lower taxes for middle-class families. Partisan gridlock is crippling our country and holding us back, but I believe that our unique way of legislating in Nebraska can fix that. We must elect members of Congress who are willing to put party aside for the benefit of our country, it is the Nebraska way. I made a commitment when I ran for Congress that I would make 25 friends from the other side of the aisle that I could work with to move our country forward. I fulfilled that promise as soon as I got to Washington. Over the past two years we have
passed legislation that protects our communities and international partners like Israel and improves the lives of millions of Americans by investing in education, infrastructure, and jobs. Congressional accountability has been a key priority in my first term. Washington should be held accountable to the American people. I introduced legislation to cut Congressional salaries, eliminate pensions, and ban the use of your tax dollars on perks like first-class flights and promotional mass mailings. If we expect change in Washington, we must elect leaders who are willing to meet that challenge head-on. I was recently named the 5th Most Bipartisan Member of the House of Representatives by CQ Roll Call, and I am dedicated to working for Nebraska families. I am appreciative of the outpouring of support I have received throughout this campaign, and I would be humbled and honored to have your vote this November.
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B4 | The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016
Dedication of Temple Israel playground Looking to Buy or Sell a Home? Not sure if Your Budget will Allow It? This may be the program for you! My Hometown Heroes Savings program will give back 25% of my side of the commission to be applied toward closing costs if buying a home or reduce the commission charged if selling your home. Who is eligible? Military, firefighters, EMS, police, teachers, nurses, and some other medical personnel. Contact: Judy Kramer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Ambassador Real Estate, 331 Village Pointe Plaza, Omaha, NE 68118, 402-598-8424.
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Sunda, Oct. 23, before our Simchat Torah celebrations, the new playground was dedicated. We are grateful to Jerry Schneider and his family for their generosity in making sure that the children of Temple Israel will have a fun place to play today and long into the future.
B’nai Israel Speaker Series
Please join us on Friday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. to hear Mark Finkelstein speak on Can you recognize modern antisemitism? Finkelstein has served as the Community Relations Director at the Des Moines Jewish Federation since 1996. As part of his responsibilities, Mark works with the Jewish Community Relations Commission, which includes liaisons from Jewish communities around the state. JCRC builds bridges to different ethnic and religious communities, promotes Holocaust education, monitors and in-
structs about modern antisemitism, monitors local relations between religion and state, teaches about Judaism, and advocates for the safety and security of the State of Israel. As part of its daily agenda, JCRC maintains communication with law enforcement, the media, elected officials, school officials, and the Israel Consulate. Among his other responsibilities, he staffs the Federation’s PARTNERSHIP2GETHER (P2G) and is a go-between with the West Des Moines partnership project with Mateh Asher, a district within the P2G region, the Western Galilee, in Israel. Prior to coming to Des Moines, Mark served as Hillel Director at Michigan State University. He received his PhD in music education from MSU and was a member of the Lansing Jewish Federation’s Public Affairs Committee. He was originally from Brooklyn, New York. Mark and his wife have three college age children.
Rich Tesar for NRD Board
Tom Wurtz for MUD
I am motivated to seek re-election to this office because of my love of the outdoors, my respect for our fish and wildlife, and a deep appreciation of Nebraska’s greatest natural resources, our rivers and water. With twenty-four years of practical experience on the NRD Board, I am an active advocate for increased flood control and promoting the development of trails and public access sites to the Platte and Elkhorn Rivers. The most important issue currently facing this NRD is that of providing meaningful flood control in the Papio watershed. I feel there is more we must do to protect lives and property, therefore, flood control is still my number one priority. In addition to water quantity issues (e.g. flooding, drought), we must also strive to keep our waters clean and safe. I have acquired the knowledge and ability to work with other governmental agencies, earning me numerous endorsements from local and state officials, including Elkhorn Senator Beau McCoy, representing District 39 and Omaha Senator Rick Kowolski who sits on the Natural Resources Committee. Governor Heineman appointed me in 2007 and again in 2013 to represent the Second Congressional District on the Riparian Vegetation Management Task Force. The Task Force was charged with determining the best approach to control the invasive vegetation that is finding its way into the state’s waterways, creating a threat for open water and ice jam flooding as well as harming habitat for threatened and endangered species and other wildlife. In 2013, I was also appointed to the Board of the Lower Platte River Basin Coalition where we work today to safeguard our surface and ground water in area rivers. You deserve experience, proven leadership, and the commitment to representing your interests at the Papio-Missouri River NRD. Please vote to Re-Elect RICH TESAR, Papio-Missouri River NRD Board. For more information please visit www.RichTesar.com and Facebook: Rich Tesar NRD Director.
I am Tom Wurtz, candidate for the MUD Board. Thanks to the Jewish Press for this opportunity to talk about my candidacy. I have a long history of public service and volunteer work in the community, and have been encouraged by community leaders, friends, family and MUD customers and employees to seek this office. As a fourth-generation Omahan and former President of MUD, I truly care about the company and have a strong desire to make sure it remains a vibrant public utility with good customer service. I retired as President of MUD in January of 2011, after 30 years of service. I served as President for nine years and general counsel for nine years. I have extensive knowledge of MUD and the gas and water industries. I worked with the regulatory aspects of both gas and water utilities, and have a unique understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the district. I believe my experience will result in increased effectiveness, elimination of duplication, which will result in lower rates. Our customers want reasonable rates, a safe and secure utility, and sound management who listens to its customers. We must ensure that the district remains a public utility with local control and ownership. A sale of our utility would result in an immediate 25-percent increase in rates and loss of local control. We need thorough analysis of the Old Market incident to ensure procedures are followed and take whatever steps are necessary to fix these issues. We must update our safety and security programs to ensure our facilities are secure, with an increased emphasis on cyber-security. Monthly service charges are too high, particularly for apartment dwellers. Additional revenues should come from actual usage. The Board needs to be proactive in working with regulatory issues. Gas and water are highly regulated industries and early dialogue with regulators can avoid higher costs.
RICH TESAR Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources | District 5
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5
emergingvoices
The non-threat of Gary Johnson
This has been a surreal presidential election, and, with a little over a week left, it seems unlikely to become less so. Bad enough that Wikileaks continues to publish Hillary Clinton’s emails, conveniently supplied by Russian hackers, under the misapprehension that they somehow will alter the course of the election. Worse is the ongoing evidence of Donald Trump’s extreme and disgusting misogyny. However, rather than discuss those points, I would prefer to point out another case of surrealism. Over the past few months, Clinton’s many surrogates spent a great deal of time attacking New Mexican-Governor-turnedLibertarian-presidential-candidate Gary Johnson. Why is this surreal? Because there was absolutely no logical reason to waste resources on Johnson at all. Understanding the current state of the election is important to understanding why Johnson poses no threat. Even a month ago, and especially now after three well-handled debate performances, Clinton is in an enviable position. Trump has apparently successfully completed his self-destruction and brought much of the Republican Party down with him. Polls are showing the Democratic candidate with a comfortable lead in most major battleground states, and indeed within striking distance of putting Republican strongholds like Arizona and Alaska into play too. Furthermore, Trump has shown an utter inability to expand his support base to groups he would need to win to take the White House. Whether or not this has been deliberate on his part is a matter for another article, but, quite simply, Trump cannot win the presidency with only about a third of the population supporting him, no matter how loud, violent, and obnoxious that third is. At this point, assuming Clinton manages to avoid a major slipup – and her policy of doing very little campaigning seems to suggest she will – she will win the election. Now, with those points in mind, let’s examine Johnson, who
The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016 | B5
probably missed one of the best op- media for this campaign, as well as the surrogates used to conportunities in recent years to bring a duct it, the target for this campaign seemed to be not so much great deal of recognition to his party. independent voters as disaffected former supporters of Bernie Earlier on in the election cycle, John- Sanders. This is the surreal part of this occurrence, as ex-Sandersson arguably had a good chance of supporters have absolutely no risk of defecting in dangerous numdrawing away a few western states, bers to the Libertarians. While some have threatened to vote for alongside perhaps New Hampshire. Johnson in protest – and some undoubtedly will – the vast maThe course of the election, and a few jority are well aware that Johnson is a deeply flawed candidate, amusing and well-publicized gaffes, albeit one who is admirably open about his use of illicit narcotics. Of far more risk to Clinton is exConnor P. Mullin have stripped away these chances, however, and the sole state Sanders-supporters opting not to vote at Johnson still has a chance of all on Election Day. However, Trump’s carrying is Utah – which is just as likely to go to Clinton behavior has done a better job of moor independent (though essentially Republican in all but bilizing this apathetic section of the name) candidate Ewan McMullin due to vote-splitting. electorate than Clinton herself has, Clinton can win without Utah, and indeed even without while Johnson (perhaps rightly recogJohnson’s former state of New Mexico. Therefore, nizing he has little sway among this deJohnson has no chance of winning the election, and mographic) has done nothing to appeal would not seriously endanger Clinton’s chances even if to them and so cannot reasonably be he were to carry a state or two. This applied even when considered a threat to Clinton. Trump was up in the polls, and certainly before his selfThe identification of Gary Johnson as destruction. a threat by the Clinton campaign is borSo, why has Clinton even wasted resources derline irrational. He poses no on Johnson? There is definite evidence of a threat to her, and if a small pergrowth of support for the Libertarian party – centage of disaffected Bernie Nebraska’s branch of the party posted a 27% Sanders supporters – and even growth in voter registration since the primarsome independent voters – ies, for example. However, most of this wish to vote for him, they can growth is probably coming from Republicans do so without putting Trump Gary Johnson repulsed by Trump. These would be voters in the White House, regardless who would not support Clinton anyway due to ideological differ- of what Clinton’s surrogates say. In the absence of a logical reason ences or simple distrust. Furthermore, even if they might be will- for this ad campaign, therefore, one can only chalk this up as aning to consider Clinton as a candidate, they are certainly not a other bizarre occurrence in a thoroughly bizarre election year. required constituency for a Democratic victory. Clinton does need Connor Mullen is a student at the University of Nesupport from independents, thus, if there was a serious threat braska-Lincoln. He shares his story as part of the of losing these voters to the Libertarians, a campaign to target Emerging Voices series. Emerging Voices invites Jewish them would make sense. However, though some independents writers between the ages of 13 and 25 to share their have undoubtedly defected to the Libertarian party, on the whole thoughts and opinions about any topic they choose. If this group is still far more inclined to support Clinton, again simply you are interested in writing for this series, please due to the sheer repulsiveness of Trump. email the editor at avandekamp@jewish omaha.org. Despite this, one could see spending to attack Johnson as part Emerging Voices is supported by the Joanie Jacobson of a security play on Clinton’s part, to confirm her advantage Jewish Cultural Arts Fund at the Jewish Federation of amongst independents. But based on the heavy use of social Omaha Foundation.
B6 | The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016
community Why I invite people over for Shabbat even if I don’t have time to cook
I
MaurIe BackMan Kveller via JTA ’ve loved cooking for a long time now, and while I’ve certainly had my fair share of kitchen mishaps, I’m generally pretty good at it. In fact, before we had kids, my husband and I would spend much of our weekends cooking together and experimenting with new recipes. But these days my husband -- who incidentally is a far better cook than I am -- barely has enough time to sleep, let alone cook. And as a part-time working mom and stay-at-home mom to 20month-old twins and a 4 1/2-year-old, my days and nights are extremely packed as well. What this means is that in my house, cooking tends to fall by the wayside more often than I’d like to admit. And while I used to make a point of cooking special (sometimes elaborate) meals for Shabbat, these days I probably cook a full-fledged Shabbat dinner once a month at best. The other weeks I scramble together something quick, heat up leftovers or -- gasp -- order in. This has been going on for the past couple of years, and while it bothers me not to cook for Shabbat the way I used to, I’m also realistic and know that I genuinely don’t have the time to go all out every week. And besides, between my picky eater toddler and messy twins, sitting down to a gourmet family dinner isn’t the same enticing prospect it was back when it was just my husband and me and a bottle of our favorite wine. However, at some point last winter, I started missing one thing about our Shabbat meals of years past: the company. Back in the day, we used to invite friends (mostly unmarried ones from the city) to have Shabbat meals with us, where we’d share our culinary concoctions and talk until we were too tired to sit up straight. Because my schedule has been so jam-packed for the past couple of years, there was a period when I shied away from inviting people to my house for Shabbat meals. After all, how could I have people over and serve them a piece of challah with some salad and a one-pot casserole? But eventually I changed my attitude and lowered my food-related standards with regard to having people over, and I’ve been a lot happier for it.
See, I realized that Shabbat meals aren’t just about the food; they’re about the tradition of getting together and celebrating a 25-hour break from the norm. They’re about connecting with people in my community and spending time with family and friends. Once I realized that no one cares what kind of food I serve, or if I even make it myself, I started sending out more
invites. And as it turns out, the people I tend to have over regularly are more than OK with sitting around the Shabbat table and feasting on pizza or Chinese takeout. (Besides, the kids end up eating cereal or boxed mac and cheese half the time anyway, so they certainly aren’t impacted.) I’m really happy I’ve learned to relax on the whole meal prep front because it takes the pressure off while allowing me to enjoy one of my favorite Jewish traditions. Inviting people over for meals isn’t about impressing them with my cooking skills; it’s about upholding a meaningful practice and enjoying the spirit of Shabbat. And as long as my guests are willing to forego the blown-out Shabbat feasts, I’m happy to welcome them into my home. Maurie Backman works as a freelance content writer and editor, and enjoys creating works of fiction. She lives in Central New Jersey. Kveller is a thriving community of women and parents who convene online to share, celebrate and commiserate their experiences of raising kids through a Jewish lens.Visit Kveller.com.
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
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Believe in better!
Mary Jane TrueMper Douglas County Board of Commissioners | District 5
Have you ever heard that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result? I’m Mary Jane Truemper and here is why I want your vote for Douglas County Board of Commissioners District 5. Our local political offices were never intended to be “career” jobs, but rather a term of civic duty and public service. The benefits of this would be a steady infusion of new ideas, fresh perspective and continuous energy towards often long term, complicated issues. The truth is that oftentimes politicians put more importance on staying in office rather than focusing on the job at hand. We all lose when this happens. We see this when politicians vote themselves 34% pay increases to make “career” level salaries. We see this when politicians don’t show up for difficult votes or don’t want to engage in difficult issues that may also be controversial. We see this when politicians treat public engagement as a nuisance rather than an opportunity to understand voters. Yet we continue to elect the same politicians election after election and wonder why we don’t make progress and we seemingly continue to battle the same problems. Insanity indeed. I want to offer you a different choice. I want you to Believe in Better! I am not a career politician; I have never run for public office. I will use my education (BS, MBA), my energy, my intellectual curiosity, my compassion, my integrity, my abilities to evaluate scientific evidence and research, and my gifts of reason and logic to serve ALL the people of Douglas County and to effect positive change. And I pledge that I will not serve more than two terms on the Douglas County Board. Believe in Better! I do.
Found in Auschwitz attic
JTA NEWS STAFF A tiny carved wooden clog that once belonged to a woman the Nazis deported to the Auschwitz death camp has been discovered aer more than 70 years. e pendant “is a real piece of art from Auschwitz,” Agnieszka Molenda, who runs the Foundation of Memory Sites near Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland, told the Daily Mail last week about the recent discovery of the object in an attic of a barrack at Auschwitz. Prisoners were not allowed to make, wear or own such items. Violating the prohibition could mean a swi execution or savage beating. “e tiny carved clog is just 7 millimeters [0.28 inches] long and hangs on a small chain, indicating that a prisoner wore it as jewelry,” she said. e object’s origin and owner remain a mystery. It was found during maintenance work in the attic of a building of the Budy-Bor Auschwitz subcamp.
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The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016 | B7
Israeli student documentary named to shortlist for Academy Awards
JTA NEWS STAFF tinian threats and bullying to stay in the LOS ANGELES | JTA building. Israel’s Oscar quest for 2017 got off to a Yousef has the rare privilege of crossing hopeful start by placing on the first shortlist from the Jewish territory of Hebron to atof documentary contenders released for the 89th Academy Awards. e Mute’s House, entered by the Sam Spiegel Film & Television School in Jerusalem, made the list of 10 documentary short subjects, winnowed from 61 entries. e list was announced Oct. 26. The 31-minute film A scene from the film The Mute’s House. was made as a student documentary last year by Tamar Kay as ditend school in the Palestinian part of the rector, writer and co-producer. It takes place city, though none of his classmates can visit in the Israeli part of the West Bank city of his home, nor could filmmaker Kay cross Hebron, whose last remaining Palestinian over from the Israeli area to the Palestinian residents are 8-year old Yousef and his deaf quarter. mother, Sahar. Yousef was born with only one arm but Israeli soldiers call the otherwise deserted amuses himself with the chickens, cats and building housing mother and son e rabbits that forage among the ruins, plays Mute’s House (Bet Ha’Lammet in Hebrew), the guitar and is an avid fan of video games. even though Sahar is quite vocal. e shortlist will be cut to five nominees Tourist agencies have included the little to be announced Jan. 24. e winner will Palestinian island in the Jewish quarter as a raise the golden statuette at the Oscars on tourist attraction, and guides explain that Feb. 26, to be televised to 225 countries and mother and son have withstood all Palesterritories around the globe.
Tom
WURTZ for MUD
• Retired President of MUD • Former Instructor UNO Business College • Will Keep MUD a Customer Owned Utility • Reduce Customer Service Charges • Endorsed by the Omaha World Herald • (OWH Editorial, October 15, 2016) Paid for by Tom Wurtz for MUD • 19815 Logan St., Omaha, NE 68130-3717
TESAR RICH
RE-ELECT
PAPIO-MISSOURI RIVER NATURAL RESOURCES DISTRICT
With Papio NRD Board, RICH TESAR hashas the the With 24 24 years yearsof ofproven provenleadership leadershipononthe the Papio NRD Board, RICH TESAR experience, to to best serve thethe Papioexperience,knowledge, knowledge,ability, ability,and andproven provenleadership leadership best serve PapioMissouri Missouri River RiverNRD’s NRD’s5th 5thDistrict. District. RICH TESAR brings a “Common Sense Approach to Managing Nebraska’s Natural RICH TESAR brings a "Common Sense Approach to Managing Nebraska’s Natural Resources” and works to develop Flood Control Solutions in the Papio Watershed. Resources" and works to develop Flood Control Solutions in the Papio Watershed. Rich Tesar’s leadership has earned him the endorsement of Elkhorn Senator Beau Rich Tesar’s leadership has39 earned him the endorsement of Natural Resources McCoy, representing District and Natural Resources Committee member Senator SenatorDistrict Rick Kolowski representing District 31 inNRD west Committee member Rick Kolowski, representing 31 in west, Omaha and many elected Directors across Nebraska hisDirectors work to protect waters and rivers Omaha and many elected for NRD acrossNebraska’s Nebraska precious for his work to protect and efforts toprecious prevent waters area flooding. Nebraska’s and rivers and efforts to prevent area flooding. Also endorsed by Nebraska to Life. • Appointed by Governor Dave Right Heineman in 2007 and reappointed in 2013 to Nebraska’s
•
Riparian Force to help in save Nebraska’s rivers. in 2013 to Nebraska’s AppointedManagement by GovernorTask Dave Heineman 2007 and reappointed
Riparian Management Task Force save Nebraska’s rivers. • Appointed in 2013 to the Board of to thehelp Lower Platte River Basin Coalition working to protect surface waters. • Nebraska’s Appointed in ground 2013 to and the Board of the Lower Platte River Basin Coalition working to protect
Nebraska’s ground andBoard surface ofwaters. Nebraska Association of Resource Districts, 2004-Present. • Elected to the Statewide
• • • • • ••
Elected to the Statewide Board of Nebraska Association of Resource Districts, 2004-Present. Appointed in 2015 as a Board member of the Lower Platte River Corridor Alliance. Elected Secretary of NRD Board for the past 12 years. Elected Secretary of NRD Board for the past 12 years. Chairman of the the NRD’s NRD’s Finance Finance Committee Committee since since 2008 2008 working working to to keep keep your your taxes taxes low. low. Chairman of Appointed in 2015 as a Board member of the Lower Platte River Corridor Alliance.
Re-Elect RICH TESAR
"RESPECTED AND EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP WORKING FOR YOU" Learn more at: www.RichTesar.com
Rich Tesar NRD Director
Seewildlife dailyphotos, fishingfishing & river on on Facebook. See andreports river reports Facebook.
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B8 | The Jewish Press | November 4, 2016