November 17, 2017

thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

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Rock in the Red Zone featured at Film Festival

NO V EMBER 1 7 , 2 0 1 7 | 2 8 CH ESH V AN 5 7 7 8 | V O L . 9 8 | NO . 6 | C A nD lEli g H ti ng | FRID AY , NO V EMBER 1 7 , 4 : 4 5 P. M.

Hanukkah Extravaganza 2017: Sharing our light with Houston

MARK KiRCHHoff Program and Communications Assistant, Jewish Federation of Omaha The Omaha Jewish Film Festival continues with its presentation of highly-acclaimed films when it screens Rock in the Red Zone on Sunday, nov. 19 at 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater. The film is an Israeli

Veterans Day at The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Page 6

Jewish Book Month Luncheon featuring Annabelle Gurwitch Page 7

Why some religious Israelis are saying women are weakening the army Page 12

t

gABBy BlAiR Staff Writer, Jewish Press he weather is turning colder, the days are growing shorter, and Hanukkah is right around the corner! As you begin to prepare for our miraculous festival of lights, be sure to mark your calendars for this year’s not-to-be-missed Hanukkah Extravaganza on Sunday, Dec. 10 from noon-2 p.m. in the JCC Auditorium. The Jewish Federation of Omaha and The Omaha JCC, along with this year’s dedicated event chair families, Dina and Jason Cisler, Laurie and Jason Epstein,

Sara and Ari Kohen, Emily and Nick Ray and Lauren and Tommy Tam, are excited to announce this year’s extravaganza theme: “Hanukkah for Houston!”

Parents, grandparents, kids and friends should come ready for an afternoon of fun, including: bounce houses, face painting, balloon artists, dreidel, crafts and carnival games being held throughout the JCC Auditorium, Gallery and Federation Library.

They should also come ready to take part in a Hanukkah mega-mitzvah mission!

The Hanukkah Extravaganza is free to attend and open to the community; howSee Hanukkah Extravaganza 2017 page 2

A new chapter begins for Temple Israel

inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

SPonSoRED By tHE BEnjAMin AnD AnnA E. WiESMAn fAMily EnDoWMEnt funD

8 10 11

Cantor Wendy Shermet, left, Rabbi David Ellenson, Senior Rabbi Brian Stoller, Rabbi Emeritus Aryeh Azriel and Assistant Rabbi Deanna Berezin.

Credit: Cynthia J. Kohll

CAt King Director of Engagement and Communications, Temple Israel As the sun went down on Shabbat evening Friday, Nov. 3, members of the congregation of Temple Israel gathered to celebrate the installation of our new Senior Rabbi, Brian

Stoller. After an elegant dinner, we welcomed Shabbat with services that included remarks from our beloved Rabbi Emeritus Aryeh Azriel and Rabbi Stoller’s esteemed mentor and scholar Rabbi David Ellenson. There was a beautiful See temple israel page 3,

documentary released in 2015 and is in English and Hebrew with English subtitles.

Rock in the Red Zone presents a personal view from the ground on the frontlines of an endless war and a powerful exploration into the lives and art of musicians struggling to create in a conflict zone. On the edge of Israel’s Negev Desert lies Sderot, a city of factory workers and rock musicians – the children of refugees from North Africa and the Middle East. Despite being pummeled for years by homemade missiles, the people of Sderot persevere.

Rock in the Red Zone raises and deals with serious questions about roots, a person’s sense of belonging, what a country’s responsibilities are to its citizens, and salvation through music.

Rock in the Red Zone was to be the final film in this year’s Omaha Jewish Film Festival. However, technical difficulties resulted in the need to reschedule the film that was to be shown on Nov. 5, There Are Jews Here. That film has been rescheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater. If you purchased tickets for that movie, you have been given a credit and may use that for any film remaining in the series. To redeem the credit, please come to the ticket table and you will gain admission based on the list that was created from the night of the original showing. If you will not be attending either of the remaining films, the Federation will refund your purchase when the series is complete.

If you desire an expedited refund, please contact Mark Kirchhoff at 402.334.6463 or mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org.

See Rock in the Red Zone page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | November 17, 2017

community

Hanukkah Extravaganza 2017

Continued from page 1 ever, attendees are asked to BRING TZEDAKAH as our community is raising funds for “Hanukkah for Houston!”

This year’s hurricane season has been catastrophic. Houston’s Jewish community was hit especially hard during Hurricane Harvey and experienced destructive flooding from which it is still struggling to recover. As we prepare to celebrate Hanukkah, let’s remember that even though the headlines have faded, there are still those in need of our help. Please bring cash and coins to help fill our electric counting pushka that will be set up in the JCC entrance and let’s show Houston how much Omaha cares!

Anita Bormaster, Director of Annual Giving for the Houston JCC expressed her deep appreciation when she learned The Jewish Federation of Omaha and The Omaha JCC wanted to help for Hanukkah. “We are thrilled to be the beneficiary of your Hanukkah Kids Campaign Drive. We had up to 10 feet of flooding in some areas of our JCC and suffered substantial damage. We have had to relocate our preschool twice as we attempt to repair and clean our facilities; and 28% of our preschool families were completely displaced because of the hurricane and flooding to their homes. With all of the destruction and priorities for our resources, we were not going to be able to host our community’s yearly Hanukkah celebration for the kids. It is really amazing that our friends in Omaha are hosting a benefit Hanukkah party to help bring a little light into our lives.

I am especially appreciative to know that we have not been forgotten.” As an added incentive, all money raised during the Hanukkah Extravaganza will be matched, dollar for dollar, by a generous donor! If you want to donate to “Hanukkah for Houston,” but are not planning to attend the Hanukkah Extravaganza, feel free to drop donations off to The Federation office any time before the event.

New this year, Hanukkah Extravaganza attendees of all

ages will also have the opportunity to work on a fun, handson mitzvah project called “Wish for Wheels” (www. wishforwheels.org), which provides new bikes and helmets to low-income children in grades K-2. “This extraordinary non-profit program, which is being generously underwritten by Michael Staenberg, provides brand new, unassembled bikes and a building facilitator and WE provide the labor,” explains JFO Senior Director of Community Impact and Special Projects Louri Sullivan. She goes on to say, “I am looking for a few special community members to volunteer a little of their time to help facilitate and recruit Hanukkah Extravaganza attendees to participate in the bike build which will be going on in the social hall, adjacent to the auditorium. We will be assembling 25 bikes for the children of Omaha’s Mercy Housing.” This special project comes just in time for the holidays and is sure to make everyone, builders and recipients, feel good!

Star Catering will be providing two delicious, kosher $5buck-lunch options this year; choose between two crispy latkes or a hot and gooey grilled cheese sandwich, both served with apple sauce, sour cream, celery and carrot sticks with hummus and lemonade! Be sure to save room for dessert, as Friedel Jewish Academy will be on site selling Krispy Kreme donuts and bottled water for only $1 each!

(Cash or check only, please!)

Come celebrate with us! Don’t miss out on having fun with your family and friends and kick off your Hanukkah with good deeds! Those interested in making a pre-event donation to “Hanukkah for Houston,” volunteering for the Hanukkah Extravaganza, or being a “Wish for Wheels” bike build mitzvah project leader, should contact Louri Sullivan as soon as possible at 402.334.6485 lsullivan@jewishomaha.org.

Rock in the Red Zone

Continued from page 1 The rescheduled film, There Are Jews Here, is a US documentary released in 2016. The movie is in English and runs 90 minutes. This documentary presents the previously untold stories of four once-thriving American Jewish communities that are now barely holding on.

Many American Jews live in large cities where they are free to define themselves in any way they wish. But almost invisible to most of the country are roughly one million J e w s scattered across far-flung communities. The film provides insights into their lives.

We extend our thanks to the generous sponsors of this year’s film festival. They are the Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith and the following Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation funds: Klutznick/Creighton Custodial Fund, Frederick J. Simon Memorial Endowment Fund, Samuel & Bess Rothenberg Memorial Endowment Fund, Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Fund, Kenneth Ray Tretiak Memorial Fund, Ruth Frisch & Oscar S. Belzer Endowment Fund and the Avy L. & Roberta L. Miller Film Fund. Because of the generosity of the sponsors, tickets for films screened in the JCC Theater are only $5 per show.

Be sure to mark your calendars and attend - Rock in the Red Zone, Sunday, Nov. 19, There Are Jews Here, Saturday, Dec. 2, both at 7 p.m. in the JCC Theater. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at www.jewishomaha.org as well as at the door for $5.

Snacks will be available. Visit that same web page to view trailers for the films.

Jewish Press readers, If you do business with any of our advertisers, please tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press. It really helps us!

snowbirds Passover We’re Happy In The Neighborhood!

There’s something for everyone KHULWDJH FRPPXQLWLHV FRP 402-504-3111 | WK 3DFL¿F LQ 2PDKD

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The Jewish Press | November 17, 2017 | 3

BUYING OR SELLING PLEASE CALL US!

Temple Israel

Rosie Zweiback, Rabbi Brian Stoller, Rabbi Deanna Berezin, Andie Gordman, Cantor Wendy Shermet, Dan Gilbert, and Lester Katz.

Credit: Cynthia J. Kohll Continued from page 1 sion was made to form a large and very dimoment where the members of Temple Isverse committee. In total, there were 23 rael’s Board of Trustees lined up on either members who were young, old, single, marside of the main aisle in the sanctuary and ried, gay, straight, from orthodox backpassed the Torah down to Rabbi Stoller. grounds, converts and different ethnicities.

The Senior Rabbi Search Committee put This was an intentional decision to reap a their hearts and heads together to bring us long-term reward despite short-term logisour 18th Senior Rabbi, and the night was a special celebration for them. “Rabbi Stoller’s installation was a celebration of the final step in our transition to the next chapter in Temple Israel’s history. We spent four years planning Rabbi Azriel’s last year, the year we had with our interim Rabbi Darryl Crystal and the search for our next Senior Rabbi. I beRabbi Brian Stoller and his family lieve we are a Credit: Cynthia J. Kohll stronger congregation for taking the time to have a very welltical difficulties. The committee, like the planned and thoughtful transition,” said members of the congregation it served, Andie Gordman, co-chair of the committee. knew that the impact of this process would Dan Gilbert, who also is co-chair of the determine our future in significant ways. A committee added, “As a congregation, Rabbi debt of gratitude is owed to all those who Stoller’s installation signals that our journey helped bring us to this day. This is a very of 146 years will continue to inspire, conunifying time for the congregation as we are nect and challenge us across generations. As now settled in to our new temple and have an individual congregant, the installation installed a new senior rabbi. ceremony connected my gratitude for Rabbi Temple Israel, originally called CongregaAzriel’s leadership to the inspiration of tion of Israel, was founded in 1871 by nine Rabbi Stoller’s vision. It is invigorating to such dedicated, though slightly less diverse, feel our community moving from strength individuals. The first priority was to find to strength.” land for a sanctuary and a cemetery, and President of Temple Israel Rosie Zweiback then to find a rabbi. We built our first synareflects that we are defined less by who is gogue 13 years after we were founded, and it named leader and more by how we all lead took another year to hire a rabbi. Then, as together. “The Installation was a shenow, the building came first and then we hecheyanu moment for the congregation found our rabbi. In our 146-year history we and for me as president. We can now conhave built four synagogues and installed 18 tinue our communal journey with our new senior rabbis. As we wistfully consider our rabbi. The transition was a time of acceptpast and look hopefully to our future, the ing change and getting comfortable with the words of Rabbi Sidney Brooks, one of our unknown. We realized that we are not demost admired and fondly remembered leadfined by one leader but by our commitment ers, ring as true now as ever: “As we are to be a part of a caring Jewish community. I grateful for our inheritance from the past, am excited to move forward with Rabbi far greater is our awe to realize how directly Stoller. I know we will continue to grow as a we shape tomorrow.” congregation under his warm, principled As the sun rises on our tomorrows, may and visionary leadership.” we move from strength to strength with When Temple Israel formed the search Rabbi Brian Stoller and every other member committee to find a new senior rabbi after of the clergy, staff and congregation of Temthe announcement that Rabbi Aryeh Azriel ple Israel, leading the way with dedication would be retiring after 28 years, the deciand joy.

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bible quiz sunday, december 3, 2017 32ND Annual Edward Zorinsky B’nai B’rith

1:30 P.M. $700 1st Prize

•

JCC AUDITORIUM

$400

2nd Prize

$300

$150

3rd Prize

4th Prize

quiz questions are based on:

DEUTERONOMY 1st - 4th prizes are applicable to college tuition, an approved trip to Israel or an approved camp or educational program sponsored by a Jewish organization.

EXTRA

CA$H PRIZES

Participants can prepare on their own, (i.e. read the book) OR Contact a synagogue or religious educator to join a study group

$ 50

FIRST PLACE $ 20 to contestants answering 3 questions correctly

TO REGISTER, email your contact info to bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org by November 29, 2017

Sponsored by Henry Monsky Lodge B’nai B’rith Questions? Call Steven Riekes at (402) 333-8498 or the B’nai B’rith office at (402) 334-6443 or email bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org

4 | The Jewish Press | November 17, 2017

Have plans for lunch?

Try Breadbreakers!

celebratinghanukkah coming in december

publishing date | 12.08.17 | space reservation | 11.22.17 Contact our advertising executive to advertise in this very special edition.

Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

W

GaBBy Blair Staff Writer, Jewish Press e have all seen it: “B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers; Wednesdays, noon, The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.” This weekly, nondescript announcement that runs in The Jewish Press piqued my curiosity, leading me to crash ‘Breadbreakers’ on a random Wednesday in October; and I am so glad that I did! Breadbreakers is a delightful and dedicated gathering of folks who enjoy a weekly lunchtime full of camaraderie and learning, hosted by The Henry Monsky Lodge B’nai B’rith of Omaha.

I was greeted warmly upon entering the RBJH auditorium, where a delicious buffet lunch of vegetable soup, roast beef, potatoes, mixed vegetables and garden salad prepared by RBJH chef Mike Aparo was served. This day, the 30 or so folks in attendance were socializing over lunch and refreshments.

“This is a great group, with wide interests,” explains Phil Wayne, who attends regularly. “I really enjoy the camaraderie and give huge credit to Gary Javitch for securing interesting speakers every week; that takes a lot of dedication.”

Dr. Jim Wax says he has “enjoyed being part of the Breadbreakers tradition since moving to Omaha for a pediatric residency program in the 1960s.” Nancy Wolf tries to attend as often as her schedule allows. “This is a great change of pace for me, and I really look forward to visiting with everyone here and learning something new. It is really great to see such a fantastic turnout today!”

Indeed, the regulars attending Breadbreakers usually number about 16 on any given week. Former Mayor Hal Daub, the speaker of the day, drew double the average crowd. Mr. Daub, also Omaha’s former congressman (NE-2), spoke eloquently about his role on the University Of Nebraska Board of Regents, the history of the NU system, and the challenges of balancing factors such as enrollment, technology and course offerings in today’s economy.

Gary Javitch, President Emeritus of the Henry Monsky Lodge B’nai B’rith Omaha, has served as the chairman of Breadbreakers for the past 18 years. “I really love finding speakers for this program; networking

and meeting so many interesting people is a passion of mine,” Javitch confesses.

With help from co-chair Marty Ricks, Lodge Trustee Steve Riekes, and current Lodge President, Ari Riekes, Javitch has successfully obtained over 800 speakers through the years. “We seek ‘the prominent and preeminent, the interesting and influential’ for speakers to join us for lunch and participate in a ‘Q & A.’. Academically, we have had Creighton University presidents and UN chancellors preside at our mini-press conferences. In addition, politically, every sitting Nebraska governor, senator, congressmen (District 2) and mayor (Omaha - and occasionally Council Bluffs) since 2000 has appeared. Local well-known business leaders and people in the news have presented as well.

“But that’s not all! We have been very fortunate,” Javitch added, “that visitors to Omaha from across the country and around the world have also spoken to Breadbreakers. I am honored to be a part of it.”

“It is often difficult to announce speakers too far ahead of time, as schedules change, and there are often last-minute switches, but people should know that if they attend a Breadbreakers session, someone interesting will be there speaking.”

Javitch goes on to say that with the upcoming political season approaching, Breadbreakers will be hosting politicians from both sides of the aisle. As a non-partisan organization, our program is dedicated to giving equal time to all sides to promote their platforms and explain their views.

Javitch also wants the community to be made aware of other important work that B’nai B’rith does. “B’nai B’rith is the largest Jewish Social Service Organization in the world, with chapters in 58 countries; and it is the oldest in the United States, where it has been active since 1843.”

In Omaha, B’nai B’rith sponsors a variety of programs which benefit not only the Jewish community, but the greater Omaha community as well. In addition to helping struggling families purchase holiday gifts for their children and working with local institutions to help make participation in religious life activities more affordable, B’nai B’rith Omaha has also supported Film See Breadbreakers page 5

The Omaha Community Playhouse presents Yesterday and Today

The Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) presents the 10th anniversary of Yesterday and Today featuring Billy McGuigan and his brothers Nov. 24 – Dec. 31, 2017 in the Howard Drew Theatre.

Yesterday and Today is an interactive Beatles experience featuring Billy McGuigan, his brothers Ryan and Matthew, and a backing band of local musicians. The performers play all Beatles music, take audience requests and interact with the audience; no two shows are ever the same. The brothers started the show as a tribute to their late father who loved The Beatles and introduced his children to the band’s music. The McGuigan brothers now tour the country with Yesterday and Today to create the ultimate living tribute to their father.

Make plans for New Year’s Eve with the Beatles!

Join us on Sunday, Dec. 31 at either 7 p.m. or 10 p.m. to ring in the new year in style! Tickets to the 7 p.m. performance are $50 and tickets to the 10 p.m. performance are $75. Complimentary champagne punch and cake will be served prior to each performance with a champagne toast at midnight.

Tickets are available at the OCP Box Office, by calling 402.553.0800 or online at OmahaPlay house.com or www.TicketOmaha.com. Adult and student single tickets start at $40. For groups of 12 or more, tickets are $35. Ticket prices are subject to change based on performance date, seat location and ticket demand. Call the OCP box office for current prices.

2017 Year-End Tax Planning Year-end is often the most opportune time to consider financial and tax planning strategies. As this article is being written, Congress and the White House are negotiating significant changes in the tax laws that could, if enacted, impact financial strategies and tactics. This makes it more important than ever to meet with your advisors to review your investment portfolio and consider tax, financial and charitable giving strategies Howard EpstEin before Dec. 31. Things may become clearer Executive Director, as year-end approaches, but this will require JFO Foundation you to be flexible and prepared to act in a short timeframe. For example, it appears that most changes in the tax code would be effective after the start of 2018. income taxes: If comprehensive tax reform (or even a slimmed down “tax cut package”) is enacted, both marginal tax rates (the rate you pay on “the next dollar” of income) or the effective tax rate (your average rate on all items of income and deductions) is likely to change. Current thinking is that the top tax rate of 39.6 percent will continue to apply for those with incomes in excess of $1 million. The mix of changes to specific tax deductions and credits by any tax reform plan will also have a dramatic impact on your overall tax situation.

Observation: Tried and true year-end tax strategies generally revolve around shifting some tax burden to a future year. Deferring receipt of a bonus payment to 2018, accelerating deductions into this year by prepaying a deductible expense, or making larger charitable gifts all can lower this year’s bill which leaves those saved tax dollars in your pocket rather than the government’s. Keep in mind however, that you need to factor in the application of the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) to determine if shifting income and deduction strategies provide maximum savings in your financial situation.

Observation: It is expected that comprehensive tax reform will repeal the AMT for future years but it will most likely remain in place for 2017 and needs to be addressed in your calculations. And if tax reform cuts back or eliminates other deductible items such as state and local income tax or property taxes, it again may make sense to consider accelerating the payment of these items after factoring in the application of the AMT. Observation: Keep in mind that for those who itemize their deductions, gifts of cash to public charities such as the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation are fully deductible, up to 50 percent of adjusted gross income. Any excess can be carried forward and could be deductible for up to five years. Tax reform could increase this AGI limitation for cash gifts to 60 percent starting in 2018. The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation staff remains available to work with you and your tax advisor to determine the best strategies in your situation. investment assets: With the stock market at an all-time high, yearend is an opportune time to review your investment portfolio and consider timing the recognition of capital gains and losses for assets held longterm (more than one year) and short-term. Under most tax reform plans, it appears that most capital gains sales will remain “tax advantaged” with a top rate of approximately 24 percent. Part of your capital asset

review could be consideration of a gift of appreciated securities to the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. For example, you can avoid paying any capital gains tax on the value of securities transferred to the Foundation and may be able to receive a charitable contribution deduction for the full fair market value of the securities at the time of the gift.

Observation: Remember that gifts of appreciated assets are fully deductible up to 30 percent of adjusted gross income. Again, any excess can generally be carried forward and be deductible for up to five years.

Observation: Donating appreciated stock, either to create a donoradvised fund (“DAF”) at the Foundation or adding such securities to an existing DAF, is an excellent way to maximize tax saving from such gifts as well as provide you with a vehicle from which you can make recommendations for future charitable grants.

Observation: You may also transfer your appreciated stock to establish or add to an endowment fund at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. If you establish a new endowment fund or add to an existing endowment fund before Dec. 31, 2017, an anonymous donor will add 10% of your gift (up to $1,000) to your endowment fund at the Foundation.

Observation: Remember, however, in cases where the current fair market value of the stock remains below your cost basis, it most likely makes sense to sell the stock first, recognizing the tax loss, and then gift the proceeds to charity.

Estate taxes and Life-time Giving: It is expected that any comprehensive tax reform plan will make significant changes (including potential repeal) to the estate tax, the generation-skipping transfer tax and perhaps the gift tax. Such changes, if enacted, could dictate modifications to your estate and bequest planning, as well as lifetime gifting strategies. Again, the watchword here is: keep a close eye on Washington to see how tax reform could impact your current estate plan.

Observation: The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation staff remains available to work with you and your other professional advisors to maximize the benefits of these and other tax planning strategies for you and the Jewish community.

For more information, contact Howard Epstein at 402.334.6466 or hepstein@jewishomaha.org.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax or financial advice. When considering gift planning strategies, you should always consult with your own legal and tax advisors.

organizations

B’nai B’ritH BrEadBrEakErs

B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers meets weekly on wednesdays at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium from noon to 1 p.m. For specific speaker information, please email Gary.Javitch@Gmail.com, Breadbreakers chairman. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

The Jewish Press | November 17, 2017 | 5

community Breadbreakers

Continued from page 4 Streams, The Klutznick Symposium luncheon, community sukkah building efforts around the JCC campus, and yearly Bible and Jewish trivia quizzes.

The Henry Monsky Lodge is the local affiliate of B'nai B'rith International, which is the founder of the AntiDefamation League (ADL), the B'nai Brith Youth Organization (BBYO for high school students) and Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life (for college youth).

Those organizations have now all spun off and are separate from BBI. Nevertheless, the Lodge still sponsors BBYO which strives to provide Jewish teens in high school with extraordinary programs that promote brother/sisterhood, Judaism, creativity, social awareness, leadership skills, community service activities, travel and, of course, fun!

The Henry Monsky Lodge B’nai B’rith Omaha is perhaps best known, however, for annually hosting the highest profile sports banquet in the area.

“For the past 63 years, our sports banquet has provided an amazing opportunity to meet national and local celebrities, athletic directors, coaches and athletes. The popular dinner offers entertainment and information, while recognizing Omaha’s most outstanding male and female high school seniors for their excellence in scholarship and athleticism,” added banquet chair Howard Shandell.

“Through our banquet, we are able to raise money to support our Jewish youth and creative programming. We are always looking for more companies, especially from within our Jewish Community, to help support the charitable sports banquet, as it helps B’nai B’rith accomplish so much good in the community.”

Breadbreakers takes place every Wednesday at noon, in The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium. It is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. An optional lunch is available for $11. Coffee and tea are complimentary.

Readers might consider becoming a member of the Henry Monsky Lodge and help B’nai B’rith Omaha continue to provide both support and excellent programming to our community.

For more information, please contact Tammy Johnson, B’nai B’rith Administrative Assistant: 402.334.6443, bnaibr ith@jewishomaha.org; Gary Javitch, Breadbreakers Chairman 402.850.5145, gjavitch@cox.net, or Ari Riekes, B’nai B’rith Omaha President, 402.492.9800, ariekes@mcrlawy ers.com.

6 | The Jewish Press | November 17, 2017

community Veterans Day at RBJH

Resident Marty Siegel and his daughter, Diane Limas. Marty served in the U.S. Air Force.

JiLL oHLMAnn Activities Coordinator, RBJH The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home recently celebrated Veterans Day. The Burke High School JROTC presented the flag, and residents who served in the military were treated to a special lunch at the Star Deli.

Parshat toldos

Yitzchak represents strength, or restraint. When Eliezer is looking for a match for Yitzchak he looks for someone with exemplary kindness, Rivka.

The strength, or restraint, balanced the kindness and restrains it. The two together create Yaakov or the children of Israel or, essentially, truth. Truth is the ability to balance the kindness with the restraint. This will create RAbbi ARi true harmony in the world. Hence, DeMbitzeR this is the role of the Jewish people to Beth Israel Synagogue be and to spread truth based on the Torah. May we be true to ourselves and the world.

Shabbat Shalom.

What Puerto Rico looks like 50 days after Maria

JoSeFin DoLSten pounds of supplies onto a Gulfstream 400 luxury jet proSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico | JTA vided by an anonymous donor. e shipment included “Feeling lucky today?” reads a flier for a casino tucked supplies provided by Afya, such as water bottles, diapers into the seat pocket of Adolfo Vasquez’s taxi. e car actu- and hygiene products, along with medicines donated by ally belongs to his wife, Vasquez explains. He borrowed the hospital association, including asthma inhalers, IV fluhers, which is bigger, to drive a group from the San Juan ids and pediatric flu medication. It was the 10th such flight Airport to the neighborhood where they are delivering to Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria hit. (UJA has also humanitarian supplies. flown twice to St. omas in Since Hurricane Maria hit the Virgin Islands.)

Puerto Rico on Sept. 20, Local communities are deVasquez only gets about a pending on aid from nonride request a day. Aer governmental organizations work he goes home to a to get by, said Carmen Vildark house. Power has been lanueva Castro, a leader of out for nearly 50 days and the Hill Brothers neighborhe doesn’t have a way to rehood in San Juan. frigerate food. At night, “e help has not come to Vasquez, his wife and three assist us and provide us sons sleep on the floor, with the things we need, so where it’s cooler than in we’re trying to obtain that their beds. help in a private manner inLike the Vasquez family, A man repairing his house, which was damaged by Hurricane stead of from the governCredit: Marissa Roer ment,” Castro said. the majority of households Maria. are still without power since Hurricane Maria struck the Homes in her neighborhood sustained significant damisland, which is home to 3.4 million U.S. citizens, causing age from the hurricane, and many lack power. Debris has massive destruction and widespread power outages. Some not been removed in a timely manner. haven’t had power since Sept. 6 when Hurricane Irma hit.

“Community leaders like me feel frustrated because we Many stores and businesses are closed, leading to shortcannot help our people,” she said, describing the Tuesday ages in food, basic toiletries and cleaning supplies. delivery as “a really big miracle.”

“Puerto Rico is under remodeling,” reads a white flag On Nov. 7, the UJA-Federation delegation visited two waving in the wind. nursing homes in the Hill Brothers neighborhood to dee local Jewish community, which numbers about liver supplies and meet with residents. ough locals said 1,000 and whose members are mostly well off, did better the nursing homes were usually in bad condition, the than most. Many le the island prior to the storm, and the storms had only made things worse. One small facility, majority of those who stayed behind have generators to home to about 10 people, had been without power since provide power. e Jewish community center in the capiHurricane Irma. ey were short on sanitary supplies and tal suffered moderate damage and has since been repaired. residents lay in soiled diapers. Many were weak and une community has come together, with the help of the able to communicate.

UJA-Federation of New York and its partner organizaAt a nearby home, Irma Acevedo, 80, was one of many tions, to provide aid to other Puerto Ricans. residents suffering from untreated medical conditions. Her “We were very concerned about people suffering befoot was badly infected and appeared to be suffering from cause we saw it and, at the same time, we understood that elephantiasis, a disease that affects the lymph nodes. A repas a Jewish community we had to lead these efforts. We resentative from Gov. Ricardo Rossello’s office who joined had to be there,” said Diego Mendelbaum, director of the the mission gasped in shock when she saw the old woman’s Puerto Rico JCC. “We call [it] tikkun olam — there was condition. Yet Acevedo cheered up when the delegation no other way for us to go.” came to greet her, telling them that she loved them.

UJA-Federation, in partnership with the Greater New Mark Medin, UJA-Federation’s executive vice president York Hospital Association and the Afya Foundation, a of financial resource development, described aiding peononprofit that delivers health care supplies, has sent some ple affected by the storm “an obligation as Jews, as indi65,000 pounds of humanitarian supplies to the island by viduals and as an organization.” way of private jets lent to them by donors.

“When you see elderly people in a state of utter hopelessOn Nov. 7, seven UJA-Federation staff members and ness and despair, lying in a bed, unable to leave the bed, See 50 days after Maria page 7 volunteers and the founder of Afya loaded some 2,500

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Train with a purpose Jewish Book Month Author Luncheon featuring Annabelle Gurwitch

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An actress, activist and author, Annabelle spoke about her experiences growing up (including her first acting experience in a play at her synagogue), her entry into

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Fitness, Sports Performance, Rehabilitation and Service writing, and current method and process for getting the job done. She gave an overview of her four books to date and insight on what inspired each piece… including juicy tidbits like the fact that she was fired by Woody Allen.

Prior to the lunch she spent time with the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group who had read her book for their November meeting. Following the presentation she

50 days after Maria

Continued from page 6 with bodies that are literally skin and bones, atrophied away, it rips your heart open and you say, ‘How can I not do something to provide a small amount of relief or support, or help or love or care to these people that are le here with no support system and in very, very poor medical conditions?’” he said.

Providing hands-on disaster relief is a first for UJA-Federation. e philanthropy usually provides aid by allocating funds to partner organizations, but aid groups were having trouble dispatching supplies to Puerto Rico. UJA-Federation realized it could use private jets provided by donors to deliver resources directly to the island, which is about a 3 1/2-hour flight from New York.

“We had an opportunity to act,” Medin said.

UJA-Federation and the JCC in Puerto Rico aren’t the only Jewish groups providing aid. Chabad has also been partnering with relief groups to deliver food, water and supplies to villages hit hard by the hurricane.

“Your neighbors are in need; they need our help. It’s our duty to respond,” said Chabad’s executive director, Rabbi Mendel Zarchi. He had just returned from delivering supplies to some 250 families in a nearby community. “e Jewish community has been outstanding,” Zarchi said.

Michelle Carlo Newman, a Puerto Rican physician working with UJA-Federation to

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Annabelle’s visit was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Ann Woskoff Schulman Memorial Fund and the Library Discretionary Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Many thanks to those who joined us for this lovely mid-day program!

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UJA-Federation of NY is working with the Afya Foundation and the Greater New York Hospital Association to deliver supplies to Puerto Rico by way of private jets. Credit: Josefin Dolsten deliver supplies and evaluate medical needs, said she was proud of the resilience people were displaying.

“She’s a great example,” Carlo Newman said, referring to Castro, the neighborhood leader. “She’s a community leader who could be crying in her room about what’s going on. You saw her house: it’s half destroyed, but she’s like, ‘Let’s get people here, let’s get help here.’”

But Carlo Newman, a mother of two who has relied on a generator to provide power since Hurricane Irma, also expressed disappointment at the lack of response from the U.S. government.

On Nov. 7, the head of a federal control board that oversees Puerto Rico’s finances told Congress that the U.S. territory still needs assistance “on an unprecedented scale” to restore housing, water and electric power.

“Part of me is sad that we’re American citizens and we have to live like this,” Carlo Newman said.

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The ugliness of it all

ANNETTE vAN DE KAmP Editor, Jewish Press t’s unfortunately a common occurrence: the far-right march filled with angry people, dressed in fatigues and random Nazi-themed costumes. Whether these parades happen in Europe or right here in the United States, its participants have one thing in common.

They are angry. At the Jews, at Muslims, at the government, at their neighbors, immigrants, their employers. Take your pick. And it always shows in their faces. Defiantly they gesture and pose and challenge the camera: we are here and there is nothing you can do about it.

What the actual purpose is of these marches, I’m never quite sure. Oh, there is the political slogan-throwing, the “official” theme of that day’s anger, but it doesn’t always tell us much about what motivates the participants.

“At the March of Independence in Warsaw on Saturday, participants held signs that read “Sieg Heil” and “Remove Jewry from power,” as well as “White Europe, Europe must be white.” Others wore masks, waved red-and-white Polish flags and burned flares.” (JTA.org) The pictures show raised fists, faces partially covered, people who embrace their anger towards everything and everybody. Marius Blaszczak, Poland’s Interior Minister, called the march a “beautiful sight.”

Eh, okay.

Jacek Miedlar, a former priest who helped lead a different march in the city of Wroclaw, called for “extreme action against what he described as forces of evil — including Jews — that he said threatened the state.”

“Be ruthless, be radical in the fight against evil, lies, injustice, lawlessness, the destruction of the Polish judiciary and Talmudism,” Miedlar said. Only then, “this war will be won, and no Jewish Marxist horde will take away our flag or the cross of Christ.” He also said that in Polish synagogues, “Jews are drunk with Talmudic hatred.” (JTA.org)

The question remains: what do they really want? charismatic and make a living selling their brand of hate and Sometimes I think these events are merely a day out, a anger and fear. chance to blow off steam, a day to get together with other Mr. Dillon is not a famous journalist; he’s just some guy unhappy people and commiserate. Afterwards, they go who answers questions online, without getting paid for it. home, eat dinner and watch some television, followed by an But sometimes listening to random people helps us get anearly bedtime. At other times I think all that’s needed is a swers. And there is something to be said for the argument tiny spark to create an old-fashioned Pogrom. Looking at the that nostalgia, especially when it is rooted in false rememimages, it feels like no time has passed since Kristallnacht, bering, feeds hate. So what do these people remember? and nothing has been gained.

I found this possible answer on Quora.com, submitted by one Toby Dillon.

Although he speaks to the topic of American neo-Nazis specifically, I think his answer can be adapted for angry far-right protesters anywhere: 1. These are people who don't handle change or responsibility well. We want things the way we remember them! We don't want changes! Who moved my cheese?! How dare you! They don’t feel like anyone is capable of making changes for the better.

2 There are people who live in a nostalgia One of the tens of thousands of participants at Poland’s annual Indeof their own creating. For instance, I’m a pendency Day march in Warsaw organized by nationalist groups. child of the 1980s. What a great time! Max Credit: Lorena de la Cuesta/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Headroom! Arnold! The other Arnold! Wealth and prosperity That things were good when the Jews were in ghettos, in for everyone! No war! Except, of course, the 1980s were Auschwitz? Anyone who’s ever opened a history book terrible. So were the 1950s. So were the 1930s. If you don’t knows full well life was not good in Poland during the Shoah. realize these things, it’s a matter of ignorance, and sometimes But with remembering falsehoods (read: propaganda) comes willful ignorance. Even if those years were good for you, that the instinct to blame others for whatever is wrong in one’s doesn’t mean they were good for everyone, but these own life. And Jews, Muslims, or minorities in general are al“fauxstalgists” don’t see that, and often, refuse to see it. ways easy targets.

3. There are some people who are just angry, for whom Just once, I’d love to talk to one of those protesters and war is a way of life, like angry drunks. Unlike the ones de- ask them: don’t you think, if your life is so horrible, you scribed above, they join for the anger and violence and pick should take some responsibility, rather than sit around up some ideology along the way. Often these people are kvetching about how it’s everyone else’s fault?

Eager for the US to pull out of UNESCO? Not so fast.

KENNETh JACOBSON JTA Here we go again: The issue of how and why the United States should engage with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is back in the news.

The announcement by the Trump administration that the U.S. will be pulling out of UNESCO over its biased treatment of Israel is only the latest manifestation of a fraught relationship between America and this U.N. body.

Established soon after World War II as an effort to ensure the de-Nazification in Germany and the promotion of democratic values, UNESCO took a more complicated turn in later decades.

While still doing important work in preserving cultural heritages and reinforcing the value of education, science and culture, UNESCO also entered treacherous terrain in two areas: Reflecting its huge expansion in the 1960s and ‘70s consisting mostly of new emerging states, it began to challenge Western notions of a free press and the independence of journalism from government; and, echoing the trend in the General Assembly and other U.N. bodies, it singled out Israel as an alleged major violator of cultural and religious sites dear to Muslims and Palestinians.

This combination of behavior led the United States to take action on three occasions. The first was in 1974, when Congress suspended appropriations to UNESCO because the U.N. body had excluded Israel from a regional working group.

The second was in 1983, when the U.S. pulled out of UNESCO, saying the body has shown hostility to a free market and a free press.

And in 2011, Congress again cut funding to UNESCO, citing the organization’s recognition of Palestine as a member, in violation of U.S. law going back to the early 1990s, requiring cuts to any U.N. agency if the “State of Palestine” were accepted as a full member.

The arguments about U.S. policy toward UNESCO remain pretty much what they have been for years.

Those who argue for leaving conclude that America should not be a party to an institution that engages in such egregious behavior. And if we are ever going to get UNESCO back to first principles we need to be firm, tough and consistent.

The U.S. can always return as a full member, and for now can continue to provide American perspective and expertise as a nonmember observer.

Pulling out is “a courageous and ethical decision

The UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

Credit: Wikimedia Commons because UNESCO has become a theater of the absurd and instead of preserving history, distorts it,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted in response to the U.S. announcement.

Advocates of continuing support agree that UNESCO does disturbing things, particularly through resolutions passed by various committees, including its executive board, that condemn Israel and even, at times, seem to deny the legitimacy of Israeli historic claims to the land of Israel. Still, they argue, the organization does a lot of good work in the scientific, educational and cultural fields that particularly benefits less developed nations. This work includes Holocaust education and efforts to counter violent extremism.

Moreover, proponents argue, even though the U.S. loses many votes, it should stay in and fund the body because the potential for influence and changing minds is far greater from inside than outside. And since most of the voting decisions are made by member-states themselves, the U.S.

is best positioned to change behaviors through direct diplomacy with those countries and not through punishing UNESCO itself.

Then there are questions of timing and context.

UNESCO’s executive board just elected a new director of the organization, turning down the original favorite, Qatari diplomat Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari, who is known for his history of anti-Semitism. Instead, they chose a French diplomat, Audrey Azoulay, a former culture minister who also happens to be Jewish. While Azoulay has voiced criticism of Israel in the past, she at least offers the possibility of tempering the institution’s bias against the Jewish state.

While the director-general does not have the power to cancel votes, the outgoing diplomat in that position, Irina Bokova of Bulgaria, was an outspoken critic of anti-Israel politicization at UNESCO and made great efforts behind the scenes to mitigate extreme campaigns. Should we not give Ms. Azoulay a chance to improve the situation?

On a broader scale, the Trump administration’s decision comes at a time when our allies and adversaries are questioning American leadership in the world. With all the mistakes of our foreign policy, U.S. leadership for almost 70 years has been good for the world and good for the Jewish people.

In that regard, this move may well be seen as inconsistent with American values and tradition, and one more step of dismantling the unique role America has played on the world scene for decades.

In sum, despite its legitimate concerns, America will be shooting itself in the foot by leaving.

Both sides make legitimate claims. This is no slam dunk. It is always encouraging to see a U.S. administration taking a strong principled position based on its rejection of institutional bias against the State of Israel. This sets a good example.

If only many of our allies would be as interested in standing up for Israel when it is under unfair attack, Israel not only would be in a better place, but chances for peace would increase and the reputation and functioning of the United See Not so fast page 9

The Jewish Press | November 17, 2017 | 9

It’s Jew vs. Jew as Congress weighs a new definition for anti-Semitism Ron KamPeas WASHINGTON | JTA Jewish and pro-Israel leaders exchanged heated remarks at a congressional hearing on how to define anti-Semitism. e Nov. 7 hearing of the House Judiciary Committee took up a bill that would, among other things, define as anti-Semitism language that “demonizes” Israel.

Of the nine witnesses who addressed the committee, five said the language was necessary to stem anti-Semitism on campuses. Four argued it infringes on freedom of speech. e witnesses at times directly addressed one another, violating congressional protocol. Exchanging barbs, each side questioned the bona fides of the other in defining antiSemitism. In a bizarre twist, the co-authors of the language that the bill would codify argued opposing viewpoints.

Lawmakers, who also bickered at times, marveled at the Jewish family food fight they were witnessing.

“It’s like throwing a ball and having a scrum and seeing who wins,” said Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga. At issue is the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, which would codify the State Department’s definition of antiSemitism. e proposed addition to federal anti-discrimination statutes would apply to Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which addresses institutions, including universities, that receive federal funding. A version has passed in the Senate. e language, in its current State Department formulation, includes a section that defines as anti-Semitism language that “demonizes” Israel. It breaks down the term “demonizes” as “[u]sing the symbols and images associated with classic anti-Semitism to characterize Israel or Israelis, drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis, blaming Israel for all interreligious or political tensions.”

Several Jewish groups have filed Title VI complaints on behalf of Jewish students who said they faced anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination because of their support for Israel or were subject to anti-Israel invective that advocates said echoed “classic” anti-Semitism.

Advocating for the proposed language were top officials of the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Christians United for Israel, as well as Paul Clement, a former U.S. solicitor general.

Opposing were two Jewish studies professors, the director of PEN America — a speech freedom umbrella — and Kenneth Stern, the head of an outfit that combats anti-Semitism.

Stern, who draed the language in question when he worked for the American Jewish Committee in 2004, opposes codifying the language into law, although he still endorses the language for its intended use — as a means for diplomats to identify anti-Semitism.

To submiT announcemenTs

In his testimony Stern, who directs the Justus & Karin Rosenberg Foundation, said the tough standards he would apply to a speech at the United Nations by Iran’s president should not apply to college freshmen. He said it would be especially cruel to young Jews still testing their boundaries within the community.

“Whether or not you can be an 18-year-old anti-Zionist and within the [Jewish] community is not a debate Congress should decide,” he said.

Proponents said the bill would not inhibit speech because the definition would only be applied when assessing

Left picture: Pamela nadell, a Jewish studies and history professor at american university, testifying before the House Judiciary committee, nov. 7, 2017; Right picture: Rabbi abraham cooper of the simon Wiesenthal center testifying before the House Judiciary committee, nov. 7, 2017. Credits: Screenshot from YouTube whether an act banned under Title VI — violence or a bid to shut off speech — was anti-Semitic, and not to anti-Semitic speech in and of itself.

“It wouldn’t raise First Amendment problems; it would only be triggered by harassment,” Clement said. at, Stern replied, was “disingenuous” — a federal statute would naturally inhibit speech.

“When you prioritize a certain definition, it has the weight of having Congress behind it,” he said.

Barry Trachtenberg, a Jewish studies professor at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, seemed to accuse proponents of the legislation of bad faith. “ey are part of a persistent campaign to thwart scholarship, debate and activism critical of Israel,” he said. e Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Rabbi Abraham Cooper and the ADL’s Jonathan Greenblatt fired shots at Trachtenberg and at Pamela Nadell, the president of the Association for Jewish Studies, saying that academics were not in the trenches. Cooper chided the committee for inviting them.

“It’s like inviting people from the Flat Earth Society to a hearing about NASA,” he said.

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Greenblatt suggested they were ensconced in an ivory tower.

Cooper seemed visibly uncomfortable crowded next to Trachtenberg at the witness table, who kept staring at him.

Cooper kept emphasizing that the Jewish leadership in its entirety backed the bill, seeming to sideline Stern’s organizational affiliation. At one point Cooper’s insistence that the entire Jewish community backed the bill drew a correction from Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., who produced a letter from J Street U, the liberal Middle Eastern lobby’s campus affiliate, opposing the bill.

Some lawmakers vigorously backed the bill. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla., the Jewish lawmaker who wrote the bill with Rep. Pete Roskam, R-Ill., was infuriated by Stern’s claim that the bill would victimize freshmen searching for answers.

“Saying this is an effort to go aer Jewish anti-Zionists is the reddest of red herrings,” he said.

Others from both parties seemed skeptical of the bill. e committee chairman, Rep. Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., told the AJC’s Rabbi Andrew Baker, who had said the definition of anti-Semitism changes “over time,” that his reasoning “would counsel against codifying.”

Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., the committee’s ranking member, said he favored including anti-Semitism among bigotries addressed by Title VI, but cautioned: “We just also have to be careful not to stifle legitimate and hard-edged and even offensive debate.”

At times, lawmakers also took partisan shots. Rep. Louis Gohmert, R-Texas, called for protections of politically conservative Jews on campus, although it was unclear whether he thought the bill would favor or undercut such protections.

Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., who is Jewish, described a rise in anti-Semitism he said was spurred by President Donald Trump and his supporters from the “alt-right.”

Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., the committee’s deputy chairman, who at that point had assumed the gavel aer Goodlatte absented himself, was outraged “that the first president to stand in front of the Western Wall and pray could be called anti-Semitic!”

Cicilline asked for more time to explain.

“No,” said Franks, and banged the gavel.

Not so fast.

continued from page 8 Nations would rise to a higher level.

The most recent UNESCO vote condemning Israel for its actions in Hebron did show more nations willing to abstain or even vote “no,” but not nearly enough to change the outcome.

The U.S. decision on UNESCO has been announced, but there is still time before it is implemented. A further discussion and assessment are in order even if we end up in the very same place.

Ken Jacobson is deputy national director of the AntiDefamation League.

10 | The Jewish Press | November 17, 2017

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Please join us for our upcoming events: Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on dec.

22, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker to be announced. (Please note special date.) Our service leader is Larry Blass, and as always, an oneg to follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

For information on our historic synagogue, please contact any of our board members: Scott Friedman, 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: Tot Shabbat Pre-Neg, 5:30 p.m.; PJ Library Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. Bar mitzvah of Julian witkowski. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Services, 9:30 a.m. Bar mitzvah of Julian witkowski; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush Lunch in honor of Julian Witkowski’s Bar Mitzvah; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:15 p.m. weeKday serVICes: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. suNday: BESTT Classes, 9:30 a.m.-noon; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.; Kadima Class, 11 a.m.-noon; Musical Midrash with Marty Shukert, 11 a.m.noon; Service Grant Recipient Baking Date, noon.

Tuesday: Book Club with Rabbi Abraham, My Jewish Year by Abigail Pogrebin, noon at Whole Foods. wedNesday: No BESTT or Hebrew High- Thanksgiving Break; Kinnus Hype Up — Alumni Welcome, 5-7:30 p.m.; Book Club with Rabbi Abraham, My Jewish Year by Abigail Pogrebin, 7-8 p.m.

Nebraska AIDS Lunch, friday, Nov. 24, 11:30 a.m.

No BESTT Classes —Thanksgiving Break, sunday, Nov. 26 All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

BeTh Israel syNagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. frIday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Candle Lighting and Mincha, 4:46 p.m. saTurday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Insights into the Weekly Torah, 3:40 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 4:25 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:47 p.m. suNday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m.; JYE BI — Honoring Parents and Respect, 10 a.m. moNday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Chill and Learn, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel.

Tuesday-wedNesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

Thursday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Thanksgiving the Jewish Way with Rabbi Ari, 10 a.m.; Football Madness, 11 a.m.

ChaBad house

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 8 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. weeKdays: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. moNday: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani. wedNesday: Mystical Thinking with Rabbi, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

Thursday: Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

All programs are open to the entire community.

CoNgregaTIoN B’NaI JeshuruN

Services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby. frIday: Candlelighting, 4:48 p.m.; LJCS Family Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. No services at Temple. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study on Parashat Toldot, 10:30 a.m.; Game Night and Potluck Dinner, 6 p.m.; Havdalah (72 Minutes), 6:17 p.m. suNday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Jewish Book Club, 1:30 p.m. at Gere Library and will discuss The Yiddush Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon; South Street Temple is partnering with "We Can Do This" to provide weekend meals to

the children of the F Street Community Center. Join us as we provide lunch on the third Sunday of every month. Food/monetary donations, meal preparation and assistance with setting up, serving, and clean-up are needed! We will serve at 2:30 p.m. For more information, email Sarah Beringer at sarah.m.beringer @gmail.com; Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 17th and G Streets. wedNesday: No LJCS Hebrew School.

Thursday: Synagogue office closed for Thanksgiving.

offuTT aIr forCe Base

frIday: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

rose BlumKIN JewIsh home

saTurday: Services, 9:15 a.m.

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

Temple Israel

frIday: Grade 5 and 6 Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Join our 5th & 6th grade families for a family-friendly service. Everyone is invited to services that the students will participate in; Grade 5 and 6 Family Dinner, 7 p.m. RSVP required. saTurday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Bat mitzvah of ava simons, daughter of Tonya and rob simons; Eat, Pray, Schmooze with TiYPE, 10:30 a.m. Join TiYPE at Saturday morning services at Temple Israel. We will then be going to Swartz’s Deli for a great knosh (appetizers are on us). We will meet at Temple Israel at 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144. RSVP required. suNday: All School Family T’filah, 10 a.m.; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Temple Tots Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy stories, songs, crafts (and bagels, of course!) with your child, while connecting with our Temple Israel community. All are welcome – bring your friends!; Temple TED Talk: What Will Humans Look Like in 100 Years, 10:30 a.m. Dan Gilbert will share “What Will Humans Look Like in 100 years?” All are welcome; OTYG Meeting, noon. Join OTYG and the board as they discuss and plan upcoming programming and events. RSVP required; TriFaith Teens at the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, 4 p.m. First Central Congregational Church, 421 S 36th St. All 7th-12th grade students are invited to a youth gathering at 4 p.m. at for a free meal. RSVP required; 22nd Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service: Jewish, Christian, Muslim, 5 p.m. Rabbi Berezin and Cantor Shermet will participate in the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving service with the theme of unity. Kol Rina will join a combined choir made up of members of the participating congregations. Sara Cowen, Tom Friedman, and Julie Sandene will have featured roles in the service. Cantor Shermet will chant Torah. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, monetary donations will be collected for Together, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing homelessness and assisting those in need. Following the service, there will be a reception with baked goods provided

by each congregation.

Tuesday: Youth Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. wedNesday: No Religious School.

Guiding Principles for the Synagogue Community: T’shuvah: Believe that We Can Always Improve, wednesday, Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m. taught by Rabbi Deana Sussman Berezin. No one and nothing is perfect; we can always improve – as individuals, as an institution, and as a community.

Jewish Heroes, Heroines, and Personalities: Jesus: The Jew, the Christian by Rev. Dr. Chris Alexander, Associate Minister, Countryside Community Church and Will Howell, Director of Youth Ministries, Countryside Community Church, Thursday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m. Through study of their writings, speeches, and music, along with biblical and historical sources, we will learn about some of the most fascinating personalities who have shaped the Jewish experience from ancient times to the modern day. The Symposium will be taught by Temple Israel clergy, with guest sessions led by our Tri-Faith clergy partners and other outstanding teachers in the Omaha Jewish community.*All classes will meet at Temple Israel.

TIfereTh Israel

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. frIday: Services, 6 p.m. led by the LJCS students and teachers. Services will be followed by a meal prepared by the LJCS students. saTurday: Shabbat Morning service, 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 11 a.m.; Please join us after services for a lunch and learn presentation by Dr. Joseph Francisco, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at UNL who will speak on the topic of Free Speech. suNday: JCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Jewish Book Club, 1:30 p.m. at Gere Library and will discuss The Yiddush Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon. Please contact Laura French with any questions. moNday: Second Half of the DVD Course Beginnings of Judaism, 7:30-9 p.m. If you are interested in participating in this course, please contact Nava. If you have any questions about this course, please contact Al Weiss at albertw801@ gmail.com. wedNesday: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at TI. Thursday: Hebrew classes for adults, 6:30-7:30 p.m., with Esti Sheinberg. The classes continues until mid-December, and then resumes in mid-January, depending on demand. Each meeting will include listening, speaking and a little reading. Conversational Hebrew will be our starting point. If you are interested please RSVP to Esti at esti sheinberg@gmail.com.

Our new 2nd Friday celebration of Shabbat, friday evening, dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Home of Jaine and Andy Merliss (2845 William Street). Bring a dairy or pareve salad, vegetable dish, or dessert. The main dish, challah, and grape juice will be provided. RSVP: to the synagogue office or email ncoren@tiferethisraellincoln.org by dec. 3rd.

Israel shaken by deadly earthquake on Iran-Iraq border

JERUSALEM | JTA “I felt like I was on a boat, I thought it was verAt least 400 people were killed in Iran and Iraq tigo,” Elad Hopper, who lives in a high-rise buildwhen a powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake hit ing in Hod Hasharon, told Israel’s Ynet news site.

“Then the building’s WhatsApp group filled with the region, with tremors felt in Israel. messages from people Rescuers searched for who also felt the dozens of people trapped tremor.” under the rubble in the Israeli Intelligence aftermath of Nov. 13th Minister Yisrael Katz quake centered on the offered his sympathy Iran-Iraq border. Thouto the countries known sands were reported into have sustained casujured. Officials expected alties in the quake. the casualty toll to rise “My condolences to when search and rescue the people of Iran and teams reached remote Iranians inspecting the debris of buildings and a de- Iraq over the loss of areas of Iran.

The earthquake was stroyed vehicle in Kermanshah, Nov. 13, 2017. human life caused by felt throughout the Mid- Credit: Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images the earthquake,” said dle East. In Israel, reports came in from the north Katz, who is also transportation minister. to the south, and especially along the MediterHowever, Israel, which often rushes to help ranean coast. Those living on the high floors of countries struck by natural disasters, has not apartment buildings seemed the most shaken. No gone so far as to send assistance to Iran and Iraq.

Israel considers both countries “enemy states,” damage was reported.

Several people posted videos of swaying light and has no diplomatic ties with them. Iran avowedly seeks Israel’s destruction. fixtures on social media.

The Jewish Press | November 17, 2017 | 11

lifecycles IN mEmOrIam

GEralD SEamON GrOSS

Gerald Seamon Gross passed away peacefully on Nov. 5 at age 101 and with the strength and dignity with which he lived his entire life. He was blessed with good health until shortly before his death. Services were held on Nov. 8 in the Epstein Chapel at Beth El Cemetery, 84th and L St. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl Osoff Gross.

He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Andrea and Irv Green of Denver and son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Marjorie Gross; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and sister and brother-in-law, Sally and Ed Malashock.

A native Omahan, Jerry was born on Aug.28, 1916. He was the son of Mollie and Jacob Gross and spent many of his formative years at J. A, Gross Grocery, his family's store. A graduate of Central High School, Jerry then attended the University of Nebraska and was a well-known businessman heading up both Osoff's Hardware and, later, Regal Awards. An avocational and all-around craftsman, Jerry charmed many of the waitstaff in Omaha's finest restaurants with rings he made out of dollar bills, maintaining his expertise in origami until well into his nineties. In 1938, Jerry married the love of his life, the former Pearl Osoff, and together they raised two children, traveled the world and made rich and lasting friendships. They were married for 72 years, until Pearl’s death in 2011.

Memorials may be made to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society.

maDElINE rOSE kaTzmaN

Madeline Rose Katzman passed away Nov. 10 at age 95. She would have celebrated her 96th birthday on Nov. 16. Services were held Nov. 13 at Golden Hill Cemetery.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan of St. Louis, MO, sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Carol of Overland Park, KS, Larry and Danna of Silver Spring, MD, and Howard and Katie of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren: Melissa of NYC, Yosef and Shanny of Cincinnati, OH, Rachel and Elliot Fliegelman of Chicago, Avigail of Philadelphia, PA, Paul of Atlanta; Gabe of Tiveria, Israel, Eli of College Park, MD, and Adam Schatz of Atlanta, GA; and five great-grandchildren.

She was born in St. Joseph, MO, to Bertha and Joseph Chernicoff, she moved to Kansas City, MO after high school, where she met her future husband, Maurice Katzman, whose family had temporarily relocated its upholstered furniture business, Mastercraft Furniture, during World War II. Married in 1944, they were together for 61 years, until Maurice died in 2006.

Madeline was a longtime volunteer for Reach to Recovery, a breast cancer survivor program of the American Red Cross, as well as for Methodist Hospital, Haddasah, Beth Israel Synagogue Sisterhood, and Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Women’s Philanthropy.

Memorial donations may be made to Beth Israel Synagogue, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Susan G. Komen Great Planins or the organization of your choice.

Germany’s central bank will examine its history

JTA news sTAff The Deutsche Bundesbank, Germany’s post-war central bank, has announced plans to research the history of the national banking system, including its predecessor institutions, from 1923 to 1969, with a special focus on the Nazi years.

Historians Albrecht Ritschi of the London School of Economics and Magnus Brechtken of the Munich-based Institute for Contemporary History will lead the project, which will include examining the history of the Nazi-era Reichsbank, the postwar Bank Deutscher Länder and the early years of the Deutsche Bundesbank, which was established in 1957.

According to a statement from the Bundesbank, there will be a special focus on the Nazi years, bank leadership and policies in occupied countries.

Researchers plan to explore the bank’s possible impact on war strategy, as well as the influence of a succession of bank leaders on the political systems from the Weimar Republic to the postwar division of Germany.

Ritschi told the global edition of the Handelsblatt newspaper that “some unpleasant questions were not asked” in past historical analyses of the Bundesbank. As a recent case in point, he noted that a volume commemorating the bank’s 60th anniversary included only three pages about the Nazi era.

He also said the wartime Reichsbank undermined the local currency in Nazi-occupied Greece by encouraging inflation and triggering famine.

In addition, there are suggestions that the Reichsbank may have helped the Nazis launder looted gold.

The project is expected to take four years and cost about three million euros, or about $3.5 million.

JEWISH PrESS NOTICES

The Jewish Press will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 23 for Thanksgiving. The deadline for the Dec. 1 issue is Tuesday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

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Gabby blaIr The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society (NJHS) requests help from the community in identifying photographs from the archives. Please contact renee Corcoran, Executive Director of NJHS, if you are able to assist in the effort to preserve Jewish Omaha history. Please call 402.334.6442 or email rcorcoran@ jewishomaha.org with information.

Number of anti-Semitic hate crimes edged up last year

JTA news sTAff e number of anti-Semitic hate crimes in the United States rose slightly in 2016 compared to the previous year, according to FBI statistics. e data released Nov. 13 by the federal law enforcement agency show there were 684 anti-Semitic hate crime incidents last year, a 3 percent increase from the 664 recorded by the FBI in 2015.

Overall, there were more than 6,100 hate crimes last year, up about 5 percent percent from the previous year. In both years, anti-Semitic incidents accounted for just over half of religious hate crimes and about 11 percent of hate crimes of all types.

Muslims were the second-most common targets of religious hate crimes in 2016 with 307 anti-Islamic incidents.

African-Americans were far and away the main target of hate crimes in general, targeted in 1,739 incidents, accounting for more than half of racially motivated hate crimes and about 28 percent of the total.

For the purpose of collecting statistics, the FBI defines a hate crime as a “criminal offense that involves bias against against a race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity.” e definition can include everything from vandalism to murder.

In a statement addressing the report Nov. 13, the AntiDefamation League focused on the overall increase in reported hate crimes. It expressed “disappointment” at the trend and also pointed to a lack of voluntary reporting by police agencies around the country, saying that “nearly 90 cities” with more than 100,000 residents either reported no hate crimes or did not respond to the FBI’s request for data. “ere’s a dangerous disconnect between the rising problem of hate crimes and the lack of credible data being reported,” ADL National Director Jonathan Greenblatt said. “Police departments that do not report credible data to the FBI risk sending the message that this is not a priority issue for them, which may threaten community trust in their ability and readiness to address hate violence.”

However, the FBI statistics seem to belie a number of reports by the ADL and others that suggested a spike in anti-Semitism in the United States last year.

In April, the Anti-Defamation League reported 1,266 anti-Semitic incidents in 2016, a 35 percent increase from 2015. e report included a rash of bomb threats against Jewish community centers across the country that were later traced to a teenager in Israel.

Earlier this month, the ADL said the first nine months of 2017 saw a 67 percent increase in anti-Semitic incidents compared to the same period of 2016. It identified the 2016 presidential elections, and particularly the divisive candidacy of President Donald Trump, as a cause of anti-Semitic acts.

“In the face of this latest news, we stand strong in our commitment to improving hate crime data collection, advocating for better hate crime legislation, and working closely with law enforcement on hate crime training,” Greenblatt said Nov. 13. “We will not stop until everyone feels free from hate in their communities.”

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12 | The Jewish Press | November 17, 2017

worldnews

Why some religious Israelis are saying women are weakening the army ANDREW TOBIN JERSUSALEM | JTA A group of leading Orthodox rabbis met with the Israeli army’s chief of staff to complain.

According to Israel’s Arutz Sheva news website, the rabbis told Gadi Eisenkot on Nov. 7 that the growing ranks of female combat soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces are creating an immodest environment. They demanded changes to accommodate observant male soldiers.

The meeting was the latest expression of discontent

by Israeli traditionalists with the military’s push in recent years to integrate women into combat units. They have decried what they see as the imposition of a progressive social agenda — not only on religious grounds but, in a new tactic, saying it undermines the army’s effectiveness.

Under Eisenkot, who became chief of staff nearly three years ago, the army has filled a growing number of combat positions with women. In March, the IDF introduced the fourth predominately female infantry brigade and let women serve in tanks for the first time. This year, the army said it expects the number of female “fighters” to reach 2,500. That’s more than four times the number just prior to Eisenkot’s arrival, and a jump to more than seven percent of all combat soldiers.

Some religious and conservative Israelis have alleged that the changes are creating a dangerously sexualized atmosphere, with men and women training, eating, sleeping, showering and going to the bathroom in close quarters.

Former high-ranking military figures are among the critics.

Last November, ex-military chief rabbi Brig. Gen. (res.)

Yisrael Weiss warned that after a man and a woman served nine months together in a tank, “a little tank soldier would be born.” The same week, Col. (res.) Yonatan Branski, claimed that whenever members of a mixedgender unit report for duty, “all the birth control sells out

at the base canteen.”

Branski, an Orthodox researcher at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategic Studies, a new conservative security think tank, told JTA that sex is a distraction in many areas of the army where men and women serve together. However, he said, it is a much bigger problem in combat units because fighters serve together under unusually intimate conditions and cannot afford to be distracted.

army prefer, giving up thousands of highly motivated young religious men or some highly motivated women?”

A report by the IDF ombudsman published in May cited a number of problems integrating women into combat units, including a lack of showers that sometimes forced women to use the same facilities as men. But Eden Liberman, a 23-year-old commander of Israel’s first mixedgender infantry brigade, called Caracal, said her soldiers, including the religious men and women, have moved past traditional gender roles and come to see each other as comrades in arms.

“When there is some sort of security threat, it doesn’t matter whether it is a man or a woman. They’ve all learned to trust each other and to respond accordingly,” Liberman told JTA. “All kinds of stigmas are erased, and bonds are created between boys and girls that are different than those you see anywhere else.”

Soldiers in the Bardales Battalion training in southern Israel, Critics have also alleged that the army July 13, 2016. The battalion is 50 percent female. has lowered its combat fitness standards to Credit: Hadas Parush/Flash90 accommodate female soldiers and protect “Did you ever hear of a mixed-gender professional bas- them from injury. They have noted that mixed gender ketball team?” he said. “The answer is no, and that’s be- brigades carry lighter weapons and less ammunition, and cause they want to win.” they have alleged that training has been made easier.

Serving alongside women is even more problematic for Some have concluded that the army is under the sway religious soldiers, who must constantly ensure that they of left-wing organizations. Last November, Maj. Gen. do not violate Jewish legal prohibitions on interactions with (res.) Yiftah Ron-Tal, went so far as to accuse such women, said Branski, who was the first commander of the groups of seeking “to weaken the capabilities of our milarmy’s haredi Orthodox battalion. Ultimately, he predicted, itary,” though he later retracted the comment. the army would have to choose what is more important The army has acknowledged making adjustments to to it: the combat service of women or religious men. bring women into combat units. In response to the om“At a certain point it becomes too intimate for an Or- budsman report’s finding that female soldiers were inthodox soldier to serve at all,” he said. “What does the jured at a high rate early in their training, it pledged to

make more. But the army has said the moves are ultimately in service of operational needs. The mixed-gender brigades have largely taken over guarding the Egyptian and Jordanian borders, allowing more heavily armed units to focus on more urgent security needs.

An intelligence officer for the Caracal battalion, who spoke to JTA on condition of anonymity, said the army’s integration of women was motivated initially by changing social values. However, she said, the army quickly saw strategic benefits as well.

“The IDF is not just about security issues. It is also a social institution, and there was a lot of demand to integrate women,” she said. “But once girls were allowed to join these units, we saw it was a huge success. The public pressure proved itself.”

She said the effectiveness of Caracal has disproved the doubters and shown that women are fully capable of serving alongside men in combat.

“As a former fighter, I can tell you that girls can do all the same things as boys and even better,” the intelligence officer said.

Despite the criticism, the army appears dedicated to testing that proposition. On Nov. 5, the Air Force appointed its first female deputy commander of a fighter jet squadron and two other women to deputy commander positions in drone squadrons. And the following day, the army announced the appointment of a woman to head the Home Front Command’s Planning and Doctrine Department.

Arutz Sheva, which is a religious Zionist newspaper, reported that Eisenkot told the rabbis in their meeting Nov. 7 that it may be possible to eventually tweak the way men and women serve together for the benefit of religious male soldiers. However, the newspaper added that the army chief did not deliver the same message to a women’s group that came to meet with him later in the day.

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