December 9, 2016

thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

this week

Young Jewish Giving event with high schoolers page 4

Count Me Omaha! page 8

Koshary: Egyptian lentil and rice page 11

inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

12 14 15

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Anna Kohll’s Birthright trip D ECEMBER 9 , 2 0 1 6 | 9 K ISL EV 5 7 7 7 | V O L . 9 7 | NO . 1 0 | C A nd LELI g h TI ng | FRID AY , D ECEMBER 9 , 4 : 3 7 P. M.

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AnnA KOhLL his summer I was fortunate to have the opportunity to spend two weeks in Israel for my birthright trip and extension. This was my third trip to Israel, and I was excited to visit both familiar and new places and to meet my fellow birthright attendees.

I lucked out and ended up with an incredible group of friends to spend my birthright trip with, and I hope to see many of them in the future when I travel. Being that each individual had a unique background and connection with Judaism, after learning the history of a relevant sight I would question the people around me on their opinion of what we had just experienced. I noticed a drastic change throughout the course of the trip, from participants feeling uncomfortable and overwhelmed by so much Judaism being thrown at them, to by the end of the trip understanding the importance of the State of Israel and feeling a strong sense of pride in being Jewish.

Throughout the duration of my trip, I traveled to a variety of places. Some stood out more significantly than others. One of the first locations visited were the Golan Heights, which is well known for where the Six Day War that began on Yom Kippur broke out. As we were taking in the view we heard multiple gun shots being fired in Syria. We were safe at our location, but it did make the televised news we hear about Syria much more real.

The Dead Sea is, of course, a must see for birthright trips in Israel. I had been there twice before so I was a reliable source See Birthright page 3

A Kidsummer Night’s Dream Coming together

Isabella Wright, Erin Bennett, Laura Kirshenbaum and Will Olson AnnETTE vAn dE KAmp-WrIghT the JCC Theater Saturday Dec. 17 Editor of the Jewish Press at 7 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 18 at 2 The JCC Musical Theater Comp.m. munity Acting Group welcomes There are secret meetings in the you to their next performance. A woods, tangled love affairs, magic Kidsummer Night’s Dream, the junpotions and a play within a play. ior version of William Shakespeare’s Overbearing parents try to deal famous play, will be presented in with disobedient children, someone’s turned into a donkey and there are fairies and forest folk.

What’s not to like?

Producer of the show, JCC Cultural Arts Director Esther Katz, calls it a pure fairy tale: “The sets will look amazing, and wait until you see the costumes! This musical has so many things going for it, and the cast and crew have worked tirelessly for months.”

See Kidsummer Night’s Dream page 2

AnnETTE vAn dE KAmp-WrIghT Editor of the Jewish Press Ask Louri Sullivan why she likes Hanukkah, and she’ll tell you: “I have such great memories of how it felt, as a child, to light those candles and to be together with family. Nowadays, I think of how much my own children love the smell of latkes throughout the house and the special way we set the table with our Hanukkah tablecloth for the entire week. The holiday lends itself so well to building family traditions. We have a huge

bowl of dreidels that we have collected over the years, and we pile gelt around it. It invites everyone who walks through the door to play and have some chocolate.”

As Senior Director of Community Impact and Special Projects at the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Louri makes good use of those memories. The 2017 Kids’ Campaign is in full swing; to celebrate tzedakah, we will host the Hanukkah Extravaganza Dec. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the JCC front See hanukkah Extravaganza page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | December 9, 2016

community

YJO Tailgate

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Nate a. Shapiro Director of Development, Jewish Federation of Omaha riday Nov. 25, Young Jewish Omaha (YJO) hosted a Tailgate party at Beercade in Benson for the Nebraska Cornhusker Football Game.

Despite the unfortunate outcome of the game, over 30 people attended the party and enjoyed the camaraderie of Omaha’s Young Jewish community. YJO rented out the basement room of Beercade which featured a big screen TV, free Arcade Games, and a private bar. Vegetarian Pizzas from Lighthouse Pizza (delicious!) were served. There was a $5 charge for all attendees. Young Jewish Omaha (YJO) is a social group for members of the Omaha Jewish community in their 20s and 30s. Membership is free and open to singles and couples.

For more information about YJO events, visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Young Jewishomaha/ or contact Nate Shapiro: Nshapiro@ Jewishomaha.org.

A Kidsummer Night’s Dream s k n a h T c 2016! sti a t n a f a r

fo

David and Bobbi Leibowitz 402-496-7499 | OmahaHouses.com

Continued from page 1 If you’re familiar with Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, you know more or less what to expect- “but the songs add a vibrancy to the overall experience that has to be heard to be believed, and the junior version adapted the language so it’s much easier to understand than the Shakespearian language you would normally hear,” Esther says.

Imagine a royal court, with a Duke and a Queen, about to be married.

Imagine two girls, one who is assertive and self assured, one who is wimpy and has low self-esteem. Add two separate love interests, a disagreement between one girl and her father about who should marry whom and mix that with some fairies who create chaos.

A Kidsummer Night’s Dream is directed by Fran Sillau, with Jessica Westerlin as Rehearsal Director, Bernadette Smith as Music Director and Courtney Stein as Choreogra-

pher. Set Design is by Carl Dumicich and Esther Katz, and Costume Design is by Lesley Gould, Esther Katz and Jessica Westerlin. This year we received a donation specifically to enhance our sound. All of our leads have headsets which will enhance the audience’s experience.

General admission tickets are $10; child/student admission is $5. To purchase tickets, call Laura Wine at 402.334.6419. Included below is the full cast list.

The Court: Mendel Wright, Theseus; Tessa Olson, Hippolyta; Neal Jochim, Philostrate; Joshua Shapiro, Egeus; Laura Kirshenbaum, Hermia; Isabella Wright, Helena; Will Olson, Lysander; Erin Bennett, Demetrius.

The workers: Rob Thornhill, Peter Quince; Jeremy Wright, Nick Bottom; Jeff Dworkin, Snug; Beth Dworkin, Francis Flute; Stephanie Olson, Robin Starveling; Danielle Howell, Tom Snout. The Fairies: Maria Trautman, Titania; Mary Claire Dougherty,

Oberon; Ainsley Meyerson, Puck; Lydia Pruch, Peaseblossom; Julia Weill, Cobweb; Brittney Clignett, Moth; Lyla Bogner, Mustardseed; Kate Horstman, Morghan Horstman, Aiden Meyerson, Kara Walters, Cali Wisdom and Abbey Milder, Athenian Ladies-in-Waiting; Riley Nogg, Delaney Graham and Jaise Peterson, Royal Fairy Attendants; Kathryn Howell and Lillie Thomasset, Goblins. is program is made possible by the generous support of these Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Funds: e Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund, e Morton A. Richards Youth Program Fund, e Samuel and Bess Rothenberg Memorial Endowment Fund and e JCC eatre Program Endowment Fund. Sound equipment for A Kidsummer Night’s Dream was made possible through a generous gi from Karen Sokolof Javitch and the Joanie Jacobson Cultural Arts Fund.

Continued from page 1 entrance.

“Coming together at the Jewish Community Center,” Louri says, “is a great way to get ready for Hanukkah and all the fun that comes with the Festival of Lights. This event is not to be missed and will be so much fun for kids of all ages and families to come together before winter break.”

Louri can’t do it all alone; she gets help from enthusiastic volunteers who co-chair Kids’ Campaign with her.

They are Stephanie, Matthew, Shalom, Judah and Eliana Beneda; Crystal, Aryeh, Nina and Josie Epstein; Lisa, Chuck, Makayla and Kori Lucoff; Jamie, Troy, Ainsley, Aiden and Audrey Meyerson; Melissa, Matt, Joshua, Evan and Lea Shapiro and Sonia, Alan, Adria and Asher Tipp.

“I really enjoy working closely with these young families,” Louri says. “The volunteers amaze me; they bring such great ideas to the table. I am very grateful when I see entire families, in-

cluding the youngest ones among them, get involved.”

As during the previous Kids’ Campaign, specially marked Tzedakah cans have been handed out across the community. During the Hanukkah Extravaganza, kids will be invited to bring them back and share some tzedakah to provide for those in the community who are less fortunate.

“I absolutely loved watching the kids last year,” Louri says. “They walked in carrying their Tzedakah cans, and they were so excited when they poured their coins into the counting machine.

It has nothing to do with how many coins there are. Instead, it’s about learning the joy of giving to others, regardless of how much. The act itself is what’s important.”

And then, of course, everyone gets to have fun. There is no cost to attend, and RSVPs are not necessary unless you want latkes. During the celebration, which comes with all the bells and whistles: games, arts and crafts,

story-telling, face painter and a jumpy castle, guests can also purchase latkes at Friedel’s annual latke sale. Kids’ meals are $5 and include two latkes with applesauce and sour cream, two donut holes and a juice box. Adult meals will have three latkes; a bottle of water replaces the juice box. To-go orders are $15 for ten latkes, applesauce and sour cream included. Donuts are for sale as well. Pre-orders are appreciated, and can be placed by contacting friedelacademy@fjaomaha.com by Dec. 14.

The Hanukkah Extravaganza is presented by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, the Jewish Community Center and Friedel Jewish Academy, and funding is generously provided by the Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation and the Mort Richards Youth Program Fund.

For more information, please contact Louri at lsullivan@jewishomaha.org.

Hanukkah Extravaganza

The Jewish Press | December 9, 2016 | 3

Birthright

Continued from page 1 in confirming to my friends that, yes, the rumors are true: you really do float. Going to the Dead Sea this time was a different experience; the evidence of the sea significantly shrinking was right in front of us. We had to take detours to get there because the original roads had caved in from the many sink holes due to the minerals being removed from the Dead Sea, which makes the land unstable.

We drove past a resort that decades ago had been built near the shoreline, yet now would be a hike to get to the sea from the resort. It’s well known that skin care companies are removing minerals from the Dead Sea for their products. The bigger issue is that Israel is removing minerals for gunpowder; and when Jordan discovered this, they began to remove minerals from their side as well. This makes a solution seem impossible, if one side ceases, the other will have plentiful access.

We visited the Arab village, Jizar al Zarqa, with the intention of getting to know the members of the community to prove the negative stereotypes wrong that, as JewishAmericans, we may be used to hearing about Arabs. The village buildings were colorful and by the sea and very beautiful on those terms, but it was also filthy; I could not imagine living there. We were invited into the home of an Arab family and they generously made us all homemade pita in their outdoor stone oven. I decided to snoop around their home to see what it looked like. They clearly lived comfortably,

but not luxuriously. One of the family members, I noticed, slept on a hospital bed, not because they needed it, but I imagine they did so because it’s what was available.

The family did not have clean drinking water; yet any other place I went to in Israel did.

There were surprisingly a significant number of people on my trip who had never had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah before, and six of the women decided they wanted to have a Bat Mitzvah at the top of Masada. It was a very touching experience, listening to their emotional stories of why they chose to have their Bat Mitzvah now, why they may have not before, and learning about their family background. During that moment, it became clear to me why Birthright is such an important trip for individuals my age to have.

When I extended my trip, the Duitch family, Jonathan Duitch being an Omaha native who grew up with Dad and my uncles, were kind enough to have me at their home for Shabbos which led into Tish Ba’av. After preparing for the fast and attending services at the Duitch’s local orthodox synagogue, I walked with a couple friends to the Western Wall. Even though the hundreds or thousands of people around me were strangers, it felt like we were all a part of a community event. We were all there for the same reason.

Many of the locations we traveled to had other birthright groups from different countries and I had the opportunity to meet birthright participants from France.

Through the media, I have been hearing about the attacks going on recently in France and I asked some of the girls what it was like to be Jewish in France. They responded saying it is very difficult, they are fearful of identifying themselves as Jewish, they would never go out in public wearing anything that would identify them as Jewish and men do not wear kippahs. The synagogues and Jewish day schools have police outside for protection. What worried me most is when they told me that they know something very bad is coming and they will leave France, by their own will, within the next few years, with the desire to come to the United States.

Midway through my trip we were joined by active Israeli soldiers. I initially was unsure how things would go with them, if we wouldn’t be able to get along due to the language barriers, but that was far from the case. The soldiers added significantly to my trip experience. They were mostly secular, but as they explained, being secular in Israel is nothing like being secular in the U.S. You are aware of all of the Jewish holidays, you of course, are fluent in Hebrew, and it would be very strange to marry someone who wasn’t Jewish. One of the soldiers whom I became friends with, Ophir, was so welcoming that when I extended my trip she had a few of us over to her family’s home to go swimming and have a barbeque.

Before I left, many of my non-Jewish friends asked me if I was afraid of going to what is portrayed in the media as a dangerous country; and I, of course, had no reservations in going to Israel, and I do intend to go on a fourth trip and, hopefully, many more in the future. What made the trip most memorable for me was the great friends I made along the way with both the soldiers and the other participants on the trip. I’m glad I am able to keep in contact with many of them and I look forward to seeing them when I can.

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community Young Jewish Giving event with high schoolers Danielle S. GorDman Program Director of Young Jewish Giving, B’nai Tzedek Tuesday, Nov. 29, Young Jewish Giving (YJG) held its first event of the school year. 24 high schoolers attended and engaged in discussions and activities about philanthropy. e students represented all three synagogues and five area high schools. During dinner, students interacted with the help of some Would you Rather? questions. One that prompted great discussion was “Would you rather give $50 to one organization or $10 to five?” Similar questions started the evening with thoughtful discussions. e teens also learned about philanthropy in terms of sharing their TIME, TALENTS, TREASURES, VOICE and NETWORK. Jewish texts were also used to highlight the mitzvah of tzedakah. Quotes from Jewish and other scholars, presidents and humanitarians were used to stimulate conversation about their own motto. Students were asked to think about living intentionally, of which giving is a significant part. e evening culminated with a closing circle where participants shared a take-away from the night. Some shared that they were thankful for this event and the Young Jewish Giving program, others talked about their desire to give and do their part in repairing the world. Nate Shapiro, Director

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of Development at the Jewish Federation of Omaha, helped facilitate the program, along with Amy Dworin, Youth Engagement Director at Beth El, Aliyah Lasky, Director of Youth and Young Adult Engagement at Temple Israel, Rachel Martin, BBYO Director, and chapter advisors Daniel Grossman and Anna Grossman. e goal of Young Jewish Giving is to empower teens and college-aged students to make the world a better place by donating money to worthy causes engaged in meaningful work. Participants of YJG will establish a $500.00 donor advised fund composed of $125.00 contributed by the student and $375.00 provided by the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its partners.

An event for middle schoolers is being planned for January, along with a joint educational event in March. e year will culminate at the Giving Shuk for all YJG participants on Tuesday, April 25. Account holders will have the opportunity to visit with various organizations to learn about their programs and funding needs. Allocations can be made that night.

For more information or to sign up for Young Jewish Giving, please contact Danielle Gordman at 402.334.6446 or email at dgordman@jewishomaha.org.

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scott Littky Program Director, Temple Israel he month of December holds different meanings for the various members of the greater Omaha community. There was a push after Black Friday and Cyber Monday to give back with “Giving Tuesday.” Charitable institutions had opportunities for people to give and to have their donation matched by anonymous donors.

For us as Jews the concept or value of giving back to our community is central. The rab-

congregation will be at Remington Heights and The Heritage at Sterling Ridge to light candles and to visit with Jewish residents.

The highlight during those visits is the singing of Hanukkah songs together. The residents love it when families with young children come to visit. If you would like to join us in lighting candles this year, please contact Program Director Scott Littky at 402.556.6536.

For many years, Temple Israel has had a special relationship with the Stephen Center in South Omaha. Stephen Center has served homeless and lowincome individuals in Omaha since 1984. Established as a 501(c3) in December of 1983, the organization was founded

by Sharon and Dick McNeil, who recognized a distinct need to assist those living in poverty in South Omaha. The name ‘Stephen Center’ was chosen in honor of the Apostle Stephen, one of the first Deacons of the church and a man of faith who committed his time to giving Pictured above: the Murphy Family, below: preparing to serve christ- food and charitable aid to the poor. mas dinner at the stephen center.

In partnership with the McNeil family, the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Omaha’s Holy Ghost Church purchased a 103 year old building on Q Street for $10,000. It was a grassroots community effort that transformed the existing building into a shelter for homeless men in early 1984. From those humble beginnings in a rundown former pool hall and bar, Stephen Center has grown to include a multi-facility campus debis of old taught their students about the signed to support vulnerable men, women importance of Tzedakah, Tikkun Olam and and children as they seek to overcome Gemilut Hasadim. In the Ethics of the Fahomelessness, addiction and poverty. thers, Chapter 1:2 we are taught: When there is a month with a Fifth SunShimon HaTzaddik was from the remday, we make and serve breakfast for close to nants of the Great Assembly. He used to say: 120 people each time. The experience is On three things the world stands. humbling, and the opportunity to hear from On Torah, those who have gotten back on their feet and On Service of God now either volunteer or are employed at the And on acts of loving kindness.

Stephen Center is truly special. Each year on Through a devotion to Tzedakah, Christmas evening, we also make and serve Tikkun Olam and Gemilut Hasadim, the a special hot meal for those at the Stephen example of giving to our community and Center who would otherwise not have a hot working to fix our world, we can make our meal that evening. Each year we serve up to world a better place.

150 people. If you would like to assist with In the coming weeks, Temple Israel will donating food for this meal, please contact take the teaching of Shimon HaTzaddik to Program Director Scott Littky at heart. During Hanukkah, families in our 402.556.6536 to find out what is needed.

organizations

B’nai B’rith BreaDBreakers

speaker to be announced for wednesday, Dec. 14, noon. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

jewish press notices

The Jewish Press will be closed on Monday, Dec. 26 and Monday, jan. 2.There will be no Jewish Press on jan. 6, 2017. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you are leaving and when you are returning. Sometimes several papers are sent to your “old” address before we are notified by the Post Office. Every time they return a paper to us, you miss the Jewish Press and we are charged! Please call us at 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org.

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Mark kircHHOff Rabbi Shlomo sees a number of burning Program & Communications Assistant topics in Israel. The current “fires,� for exhrough the watchful eye of Rabbi ample, include those who own homes or businesses in the affected areas facing a big Shlomo Abramovich, Eye on Isdifference in livelihood if the current spate rael returns to the Kripke Jewish of fires is determined to be a result of terFederation Library on Dec. 19, at Noon. Under the leadership of rorism rather than natural causes. Rabbi Shlomo will explain the full story during various Israeli experts, Eye on Israel sessions have been very popular over the years. this first session. There are other eye-opening issues as well.

Rabbi Shlomo is exThe United States cited to bring you a has just completed its number of the hot presidential election topics that touch the campaign cycle and lives of Jews and selected its next presnon-Jews in Israel, ident. No one can the United States, predict the future. and throughout the No one can formuworld. He will focus late lasting concluon those for the new sions about all of the beginning of the protopics that have gram and for future arisen throughout sessions as well. the campaign. But Rabbi Shlomo is nearly everyone can the Visiting Scholar at agree that when the Beth Israel Synarelationship between gogue, having arrived the United States and in August from Akko, Israel is strong, when Israel with his wife, people have mutual Hodaya, who is The abramovich family: rabbi Shlomo and his respect for one anteaching at Friedel Jewish Academy, and wife Hodaya with their children Silo, Oz and other, and the countries are sharing three children – Silo, Malachi.

9 years old and in the 4th grade at Friedel, Oz common goals, both nations benefit. Rabbi Shlomo will lead a discussion about a numwho just turned 6 and is in kindergarten at ber of thoughts Israelis are expressing and Friedel, and Malachi, 2 1/2 and attending CDC. Rabbi Shlomo earned a B.Ed. and what they might be hoping for in the comTeaching Certificate from Shaanan College, ing months and years. He will call upon Haifa, and an M.A. in Jewish History from friends in Israel to Skype with him to help Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, and is in the sharpen the focus on those items. process of obtaining a Ph.D. in Jewish History Do more than mark your calendar for from Bar Ilan University. His religious educa- Dec. 19 at Noon in the Kripke Jewish Fedtion culminated in Rabbinate Semicha (Raberation Library. Attend and bring a friend. binical Ordination) by the chief rabbinate of For those who like to plan well in advance, Israel. Immediately before coming to Omaha, Eye on Israel sessions for 2017 will be Jan. he was Talmud and Jewish-Thought teacher 9, Feb. 13, Mar. 6, Apr. 3, and May 8. Noand educator at Yeshivat Hesder of Akko. tice that while these are all on Mondays, beRabbi Shlomo served in the IDF as a tank cause of holidays they are not exclusively on commander. He has been a neighbor and a either the first or second Monday of the good friend with Omaha’s most recent shalimonth. Watch for the Jewish Press and the ach, Eliad Eliyahu ben Shushan. They also Jewish Federation of Omaha’s bi-weekly Estudied together in the Yeshiva.

NEWS for reminders of dates and times.

israel experience

Madlin Miller Never in my life did I imagine I would actually have the chance to travel to Israel. So I jumped at the opportunity to go on this trip. This trip ended up being one of the most meaningful trips I’d ever been on.

From the minute I stepped out of the airport, I felt different, like I somehow belonged and that I was home. Never had I been in a place where everyone was like me; we were all jews. I liked the idea of being in a place where most people were like me; for once, I wasn’t that one Jewish girl.

My favorite part of the trip is when we went to visit the Western Wall. While we were walking to the wall, the rabbis had everyone who had never seen it cover their eyes. When I saw the wall for the first time, I was amazed at the breathtaking sight.

While I was praying up against the wall, a well of emotion came over me. I felt so close to God and I really felt like i was talking directly to God. If it wasn’t for this trip, I wouldn’t have found such a deep connection to Judaism, and I wouldn’t have gotten the chance to become friends with the teens from other temples.

The Jewish Press | December 9, 2016 | 7

community Sisters in Israel: Sara Kohen’s story annette van de Kamp Editor, Jewish Press When Sara Kohen joined the JWRP trip to Israel in July of this year, it was the fullfillment of the highest order.

“I had wanted to go for a long time,” she said, “but circumstances made it a challenge. I had vague plans to maybe go once our oldest son, Judah, becomes Bar Mitzvah.” at would have meant waiting a while, as Judah is only six years old. en, Sara and husband Ari heard about the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project, which focuses on getting Jewish mothers to Israel, on trips that are designed especially for those of us who have many reasons not to go.

JWRP does not target any specific group of Jewish women, but includes all; being on one of their MOMentum trips means traveling with women from different cities, different countries, and, most importantly, different backgrounds and levels of observance. It means breaking bread and learning about Judaism with those who have never even lit a Shabbat candle to those who are steeped in Jewish life--and everyone in between.

Being too busy with our jobs and having young children who need our attention oen means travel to Israel falls into the “some day” category. It’s a pity, because especially when our kids still live with us, we have an opportunity to pass on our love of Israel. To that end, the trip includes short classes, where the focus is on what Jewish mothers have in common, no matter their level of observance. ose classes can then be applied in one’s personal life, and that means something different for everyone on the trip.

Sara is married to Ari Kohen; together, they are the parents of Judah (6), Talia (X) and Micah (2).

“I thought the classes were great for improving my parenting skills,” Sara said. “It was great to talk with other moms about patience, being more positive in general, but

particularly with my children.

“To be honest,” she continued, “I was not sure ahead of time what to expect from the classes. I like learning, but part of me wondered what it would be like to spend so much time in class instead of sighseeing the whole time during my forst trip to Isarel. It turned out to be great. e classes, which focused on applying lessons from Jewish tradition to contemporary everyday situations, were taught by some of the most inspiring, engaging preSara Kohen senters I have ever had the privilege to see. Each class had a different topic, such as “words matter,” and “Happiness is a choice,” aimed at helping participants become the best version of themselves. I try to bring those lessons home and apply them in my own life, and I believe they are making me a better wife, mother, friend, employee and community member. I am finding myself more conscious of my speech, and the choices I make in my interactions with others. I think any other trip participant would say the same if asked.”

Bringing the experience home, for those of us with younger kids, means talking about it--a lot.

“I tell the kids stories about where we went, what I saw. I think it’s cool to hear first-hand stories. ey learn about Israel at school anyway, but for me as a parent to be able to give that first-hand account is very meaningful. Before this, Israel was an abstract idea. Now, it’s a concrete place.”

health+wellness

While the programming during the JWRP trip focuses on how Judaism provides a home for every Jewish woman, the reality of that oen takes participants by surprise.

“I wasn’t prepared for the emotional connection I felt to Israel,” Sara said, “and I would not have guessed that my response would be so strong. Rationally, you look forward to visiting the places you’ve heard about, like the Kotel, and then suddenly you find yourself actually there, and the response is much stronger than you ever imagined.”

Anyone who visits Israel knows: there’s a special love for the food that lingers long aer you return home.

“I miss how easily available it is,” Sara said. “It was such an experience to see the variety! It reflects the larger issue that in many ways, it’s a little harder to be Jewish in Omaha.

Take the calendar, and the amount of explaining you sometimes have to do. Sure, some things are easier in the United States, but some things are more complicated. Not always worse or better, just different.”

When asked to describe her favority day, Sara chose Jerusalem.

“I would wake up in the King Salomon Hotel,” she said, “and aer breakfast, I would go for a long walk to the Kotel.

I loved the walking. On foot, you see everything, all the people, and you can take your time to drink it all in. I’d have falafel for lunch, or maybe shoarma. I would end my favorite day with the dinner we had at the Inbal hotel. When 400 Jewish women celebrated Shabbat together, and we all understood that, although every single one of us was different and had her own unique story, we were together.”

Like all participants on this trip, Sara has one message for other women in our community: “Go! You have to go. I came back, and you know what? e kids were fine. Ari was fine. You owe it to yourself, and you will absolutely not regret it. Before this trip, I had never le my younger kids, but they were fine.”

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Promote your business in this special issue with an ad and a short article. Contact our advertising executive to advertise in this very special edition.

Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

8 | The Jewish Press | December 9, 2016

community

Count Me Omaha!

aLaN PotaSh CEO, Jewish Federation of Omaha Our community study is currently underway with professional surveyors hard at work. In the first two weeks, over 2,200 calls were made with 200 surveys completed. While the results are not yet comprehensive, we are beginning to get a picture of who we are as Jewish Omaha.

However, the anticipated caller id – “Count Me Omaha” is not working as expected. Depending on the service carrier, the caller id can say “Count Me Omaha”, “SSRS”, or “Survey Tech” or may just display an unfamiliar telephone number. Cell phone displays seem to favor “Survey Tech”.

If you believe you missed a surveyor, please let me know. We can provide you with a number to call to complete a survey but only if you missed the surveyor’s call. You can reach me or my assistant, Diane Stamp at 402.334.6574 / alanpotash@jewishomaha.org or 402.334.6407 / dstamp@jewishomaha.org.

We are asking that you answer the call, even if your phone does not display “Count Me Omaha”. You can ask to reschedule to a more convenient time if need be. Your voice matters!

Lend your Menorah for display in Kripke Library

Mark kirchhoff Program & Communications Assistant If the Star of David is the unmistakable symbol of the Jewish people, then the Menorah is the cherished symbol of Hanukkah. Dreidels and gelt may be a part of the festivities, but the Menorah stands for the peace, serenity, family, and joy of overcoming impossible odds that are part of being a Jew. At this time of year when the family retrieves its treasured Menorah for the holiday season, the memories and emotions that are associated with it are renewed. Oen a family has more than one Menorah. Some have been purchased from year-to-year to enjoy the differences and creativity of their designers. Some are gis. Others are family treasures handed down from one generation to the next. All have stories associated with them. is Hanukkah season the Jewish Federation of Omaha is asking and encouraging you to bring one of your Menorahs to the Kripke Jewish Federation Library where a special area has been prepared for a Hanukkah display December 12-19th. is is a great way to share the light from your See Lend your Menorah page 10

In 2010 speech, Keith Ellison said US policy is ‘governed’ by Israeli interests

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JTA NEWS STAFF Palestinian conflict and has visited Israel several times, Elliep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., a leading contender son voted against additional funding for Israel’s Iron Dome for the chairmanship of the Democratic National anti-missile system in 2014. Ellison has otherwise consisCommittee, said that American foreign policy is tently voted for defense assistance to Israel. In 2009, he “governed” by Israeli interests. spearheaded a letter from 54 Democrats urging President e short audio recording from a 2010 private Obama to press Israel to ease its blockade of the Gaza Strip. fundraiser was released this week by the Investigative Rep. Ellison said his statement was “taken out of context.”

Project on Terrorism, or IPT. “e audio released was selectively edited and taken out “e United States foreign policy in the Middle East is of context by an individual the Southern Poverty Law governed by what is good or Center has called an ‘anti-Muslim bad through a country of seven extremist,’” Ellison said Dec. 1 in million people,” Ellison is heard an open letter to Anti-Defamasaying. “A region of 350 million tion League CEO Jonathan all turns on a country of seven Greenblatt. “My memory is that I million. Does that make sense? was responding to a question Is that logic? Right? When the about how Americans with roots Americans who trace their in the Middle East could engage roots back to those 350 million in the political process in a more get involved, everything effective way. My advice was simchanges. Can I say that again?” ply to get involved.” e fundraiser for Ellison’s Earlier on Dec. 1, Greenblatt rep. keith Ellison (D, Minn.) at a news conference at the 2010 re-election campaign was said that the remarks -- conNational Press club in Washington, D.c, May 24, 2016. hosted by Esam Omeish, a past tained in a short audio clip Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images president of the Muslim Amerirecorded at a 2010 fundraiser that can Society, according to IPT. Omeish in 2007 quit a Virwas released this week by the Investigative Project on Terginia state commission set up to examine immigration issues rorism -- were “disqualifying” of Ellison’s candidacy to over comments he made about Israel, including a statement lead the Democratic National Committee and were remifrom a video clip in which he tells his Muslim “brothers and niscent of classic anti-Semitic stereotypes that Jews consisters” that “the jihad way is the way to liberate your land.” trol the government. e Anti-Defamation League in a statement issued on In his letter to Greenblatt, Ellison said that his congresursday said the content of the audio clip “raises serious sional record demonstrates his support for Israel and his doubts” about Ellison’s ability to faithfully represent the opposition to anti-Semitism and suggested the recording party’s traditional support for Israel. was a right-wing attempt to “drive a wedge” between him “Rep. Ellison’s remarks are both deeply disturbing and and the ADL. disqualifying,” Jonathan Greenblatt, the ADL’s CEO, said “I believe that Israel and the U.S.-Israel relationship are, in the statement. “His words imply that U.S. foreign policy and should be, key considerations in shaping U.S. policy is based on religiously or national origin-based special inin the Middle East,” Ellison said. “Americans with roots or terests rather than simply on America’s best interests. Adinterests in the region should be involved in advocacy and ditionally, whether intentional or not, his words raise the discussions of public policy concerning the region. My respecter of age-old stereotypes about Jewish control of our sponse was meant to encourage those in attendance to ingovernment, a poisonous myth that may persist in parts of crease their level of involvement and effectiveness.” the world where intolerance thrives, but that has no place Ellison made history in 2006 when he became the first in open societies like the U.S. Muslim elected to Congress. He has previously been involved ough he supports a two-state solution to the Israeliwith the Nation of Islam, but has since renounced the group.

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The Jewish Press | December 9, 2016 | 9

Friedel Jewish Academy Lincoln trip

Mr. Maudlin’s class LOVED their Nebraska Studies field trip to Lincoln! The field trip included a guided tour of the capitol building including the Rotunda, the Legislative Chamber, the Supreme Court and the 14th floor observation deck. After lunch, the group toured UNL’s Morrill Hall including the National Geographic Photo ARK exhibit, Elephant Hall (a world famous collection of ancient elephants), and spectacular fossils of sea creatures, rhinos, and giant camels that once lived in Nebraska!

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YACHAD: Responding to Stereo-types in Bullying mAry-betH muSkIN Executive Director, ADL e “Responding to Stereotypes in Bullying” program was presented to YACHAD participants this past fall.

ADL-CRC worked closely with Jewish Family Service and YACHAD sponsors for the implementation of this program. rough the use of the story of the birth of Yitzchak to Sarah and Avraham through Ishmael’s bad behavior toward Yitzchak a backdrop was provided for YACHAD participants to discuss conflict and resolution.

Story boards helped bring life to the story and discussion questions guided participants as they shared situations in their lives where they felt that someone was unfair or that they

were bullied. is bible story was selected because of its depiction of bullying and a variety of possible endings were discussed for ways to deal with bullying situations, making the story relevant for life today. rough this program Yachad participants learned skills for advocacy in a developmentally-appropriate manner. e development of this skill is important to the empowerment of the individual to understand when they are being bullied and appropriately assert themselves in a way that handles the situation. is program was made possible through the funding from the Harris Family Endowment Fund and support given by Mrs. Shani Katzman.

Women of the Wall subjected to body searches

JTA NEWS STAFF the Wall has been banned from bringing Torah scrolls into JERUSALEM | JTA the women’s section since its inception 25 years ago. “e fact that the rabbi of the Western Wall and his repreMembers and supporters of the Women of the Wall orsentatives refuse to stop the desecration of the Kotel by the ganization were subjected to body searches at the entrance whistles of the ultra-orthodox, gives them a green light for to the Western Wall Plaza. e women also were disturbed continued escalation of viorecently during their monthly lence against us,” Lesley Sachs, prayer service marking the director of the Women of the start of the new Jewish Wall, said in a statement. month, by haredi Orthodox An agreement was reached women at the site who loudly in January to establish an blew whistles. egalitarian prayer section at During the searches, aimed the Western Wall. It was neat preventing the smuggling gotiated by the Reform and of Torah scrolls to the Conservative movements, the women’s section, some Women of the Wall, the Jewwomen were ordered to reish Agency and the Israeli move their coats and scarves; and at least one woman was government. Under the asked to take off her outer agreement approved by the Protestors confront members of Women of the Wall at the Westgarments during a private Cabinet in a 15-5 vote, the ern Wall in Jerusalem, Dec. 1, 2016. Credit: Hadas Parush/Flash90 search, Haaretz reported. egalitarian section of the wall e increase in security was ordered by the Western Wall near Robinson’s Arch would be expanded and placed under Heritage Foundation, run by the rabbi of the Western Wall, the authority of a pluralist committee. e plan called for Shmuel Rabinovitch. e foundation determines the customs solidifying haredi Orthodox control over the site’s traditional Orthodox section. at the Western Wall which are strictly Orthodox. Women of

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Lend your Menorah for display in Kripke Library

Continued from page 8 Menorah not only with your neighbors, but also with the entire community. And since each Hanukkiah will have special significance for you, please bring with it a very brief – no more than three sentences – written description about your Menorah. It might be something like, “is Menorah was given to me at my Bat Mitzvah on May 7, 1994. Whenever I see it or light it, I always remember my friend.”

Please contact Jennie Gates Beckman as soon as possible at 402.334.6445 or jbeckman@jewishomaha.org to make arrangements to display your Menorah. Along with books and DVD’s from the library, the display will tell in a personal way the story of families getting together and lighting the Menorah one day at a time, so that on the eighth day, all the candles are burning bright.

In this way, Jews and non-Jews who visit can share in one of the traditional customs that has come to be so special in the Jewish community. e display may be viewed from Dec. 12–19 at any time that the front entrance to the Jewish Community Center is open. ese hours are Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., (ask for assistance from the receptionist at the front desk to visit the library), Mondayursday: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. (aer 6 p.m. ask for assistance from the receptionist) Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Be sure to pick up your Menorah the week of Dec. 19 so you have it in your home for the first day of Hanukkah, Dec. 24.

As a culminating event to the Hanukkah display, the Federation will host a special children’s Hanukkah Extravaganza on Dec. 19 from 5-7 p.m. Happy Hanukkah!

Jewelry when it is important

SICA SOHN Designer/Showroom Director for Alan Friedman Company The emergence of Alan Friedman Company in the mid 90’s by Alan and Layna Friedman was a sensation in Beverly Hills. The couple debuted their collection at Frank and Barbara Sinatra’s fashion show and was immediately sought by the elites from all over the world. With Alan’s expertise in jewelry design and gemology in conjunction with Layna’s prowess in marketing and design, the power duo blossomed in the fine jewelry industry. The company is internationally known especially for its groundbreaking work with natural colored diamonds and gemstones. Alan Friedman Company also specializes in engagement and bridal jewelry, estate jewelry, watches, and custom designs.

Alan Friedman was a third generation jeweler who grew up in the industry working alongside his father, Ike Friedman at his familyowned and operated Omaha jewelry store, Borsheim's. Alan Friedman’s unfortunate passing was a great loss not only to his wife and family but also to the community. The company continues to follow Alan’s legacy with the same designs, expertise, and personal relationships with customers in Beverly Hills.

Alan Friedman Company has designed for such notables as Mariah Carey, Pierce Brosnan, Lady Gaga, Richie Sambora, and the list goes on.

The designer and president of the company, Layna Friedman was recently seen on the red carpet talking about the current trends at the Emmy’s.

Alan Friedman Company’s creations have consistently reinforced its reputation as one of the world's most innovative jewelry designers.

The company’s cliental grows everyday as they guarantee a 100% satisfaction and ships anywhere in the United States. Because Layna Friedman takes pride in her work, she instills confidence and fidelity at their showroom. She personally helps each client find something special for someone special for every special occasion. Alan Friedman Company for when it’s important.

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The Jewish Press | December 9, 2016 | 11

community Koshary: Egyptian lentil and rice recipe ronnIe FeIn The Nosher via JTA oshary, an Egyptian specialty, is one of the best vegetarian dishes I have ever tasted.

It’s a street food, sold everywhere you look, including carts and stalls in Cairo -- along with everywhere else in Egypt. It’s carb-loaded and comforting, bountifully flavorful and rib-sticking.

My grandma would have said that koshary has the “tata and the mama” in it. Indeed, this dish contains a lot of stuff! It includes pasta, rice, lentils, chickpeas and fried onions topped with a cumin-infused, gently spicy tomato sauce.

Koshary developed as an offshoot of other Middle Eastern and South Asian foods by people who migrated to Egypt during the late 19th century, when the British occupied parts of both areas. It’s similar to both mujadarah (Middle Eastern) and kitchari (an Indian specialty), which are both based on rice and lentils, but which don’t include tomato sauce. Although you have to cook koshary’s several parts separately, you can do the work piece by piece and ahead of time, then put the different elements together at the last minute and reheat the dish in the oven. I’ve even nuked it in my microwave oven. For serving, you can arrange the different elements in layers or side by side, as you wish. Serve the sauce on top or separately.

Ronnie Fein is the author of four cookbooks: e Complete Idiot’s Guide to Cooking Basics, e Complete Idiot’s Guide to American Cooking, Hip Kosher and e Modern Kosher Kitchen. e Nosher food blog offers a dazzling array of new and classic Jewish recipes and food news, from Europe to Yemen, from challah to shakshuka and beyond. Check it out at www.eNosher.com.

Koshary

Ingredients: Tomato sauce: 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 large clove garlic, chopped 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh ginger 1 2-inch cinnamon stick 28 oz. can Italian-style tomatoes, including liquid, chopped 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1/4 tsp. ground coriander 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper Koshary: 6 oz small pasta such as elbows, farfele 1/2 cup lentils 1/2 cup white rice 3 1/2 tbsp. olive oil 2 large onions, sliced 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained Preparations: First, make the sauce: Heat 2 tbsp. of the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook briefly. Add the cinnamon stick and cook briefly. Add the tomatoes, cumin, coriander and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and set aside.

Preheat the oven to warm (about 225 degrees).

Next, make the koshary elements: Cook the macaroni until al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Cook the lentils in lightly salted water for about 20 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.

Combine the rice with 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low, cover the pan and cook for 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat but keep the cover on the pan to keep the rice warm.

Heat 2 tbsp. of the olive oil in a large sauté pan over low-medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the onions to a bowl and set aside in the oven to keep warm.

Next, reheat the tomato sauce.

Add 1/2 tbsp. olive oil to the sauté pan used for the onions. Add the cooked macaroni and cook over medium heat without stirring, for about 2 minutes, or until the bottom is crispy. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes to crisp the pasta. Remove the pasta to a serving dish.

Add 1/2 tbsp. olive oil to the sauté pan. Add the lentils and cook for 1-2 minutes or until lightly crispy. Spoon the lentils on top of or alongside of the macaroni. Add the rice to the serving dish.

Add 1/2 tbsp. olive oil to the pan. Add the chickpeas and cook briefly to warm them. Spoon the chickpeas onto the serving dish.

Spoon the caramelized onions onto the serving dish. Spoon the tomato sauce on top or serve separately.

Makes 8 servings.

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(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.

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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.

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Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewish omaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha. org.

Letters to the Editor guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org.

Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view.

Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450.

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Why do we show up? Here’s why.

W

AnnEttE vAn dE KAmP-Wright Editor of the Jewish Press orking at the Jewish Federation of Omaha is never a 9-to-5 thing. That’s not a complaint, by the way (before you roll your eyes). As a matter of fact, we kind of like it that way.

It’s why we show up after hours and on the weekends, attend lectures and performances and dinners and receptions.

It’s why we remind you in person, on Facebook, in the paper, on our website and with email pushes to not forget dates X, Y and Z: we don’t think it’s enough for us to be there; we think you should be too. After all, it’s no fun without all of you.

Right now, I am excited about the JCC Theater. In less than two weeks, Dec. 17 and 18, the Musical Theater Community Acting Group (Esther Katz, I still think that name is too long) will be performing again. You can find all the information about this show on our front page.

After the weekend is over, Monday Dec. 19, we hope to see you at the Hanukkah Extravaganza. That, too, is explained in detail on our front page.

I know; you’re busy. You have other stuff going on, and it’s winter so it will be dark early and it might be cold and you still have laundry to do and holidays to plan and your kids have homework and your boss expects that financial report before the end of the

week and, and, and...

Face it: there are always reasons to not make it, to choose not to go. It’s not like any of us ever say: I’m going to the theater/party/ dinner because I literally cannot think of A Single Other Thing To Do. But maybe that is exactly why we need to consciously make time for one another. Community doesn’t just happen- it needs work. It

Joshua, left, Evan and Lea Shapiro needs participation, it needs all of us to show up and put in effort. When we do, we find out it suddenly comes to life.

For a community to be successful, it’s not enough to have amazing programming, great facilities and little kids who practice the same songs for hours on end. It’s not enough to schedule movies and dance classes and create a paper week after week. None of that is good

enough by itself, it only becomes good when people come together. If you’ve ever found yourself delayed because you ran into a familiar face in the parking lot and ended up chatting for half an hour, you know exactly what I am talking about. It’s when we connect faceto-face that the magic comes in.

Maybe the theater “isn’t your thing.” Perhaps your children have outgrown Hanukkah parties and jumpy castles, and the last thing your waistline needs is more donuts. But guess what: we all really want to see you here. So we will keep asking and reminding and telling stories on the front page about what’s on the calendar.

Organizing events is a lot of fun.

Having people actually show up, connect with each other and enjoy being together is what really matters.

It’s why we are excited and looking forward to welcoming kids like Joshua, Evan and Lea Shapiro to the party. By participating in the Kids’ Campaign, they learn it is important to be part of something bigger than themselves.

It’s why we are excited when we see Community members put on costumes and hit the stage at the JCC Theater.

We know it means family and friends will show up for the actual performance, and enjoy themselves.

So, grab your phone and order some theater tickets; find your schedule and write in the Hanukkah event (Not in pencil; in pen!) and we’ll see you there.

Did I mention there will be donuts?

In breast cancer testing, knowledge is power -- and potentially distressing PEggy CottrELL JTA Five years ago, on a whim, Cindy, a 27-year-old Jewish woman, decided to pursue genetic testing through an online laboratory.

She wasn’t expecting any surprises because she had no family history of cancer or increased risk factors. She was young and living a healthy lifestyle.

But Cindy’s results indicated that she had tested positive for a BRCA mutation. She was worried and confused, and needed to understand what this meant for her and her family. Cindy’s story is not an anomaly -- women and men can be BRCA-positive, even without a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

One in 40 Jewish women and men carries a BRCA gene mutation, as compared to approximately 1 in 400 in the general population, placing Jewish families at significantly increased risk for hereditary breast, ovarian and related cancers. This is an urgent concern for the Jewish community at large.

During October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sharsheret shared this critical information with thousands via social media, on college campuses and in local synagogues and JCCs across the country. Our mantra is “know your family history” because if you do have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, you are at increased risk and the BRCA gene mutation may be the culprit. There are steps you can take to catch cancer early, when it can be treated or even cured, or to prevent cancer through life-saving measures including increased surveillance, prophylactic surgery and chemoprevention (the use of pharmacologic or natural agents that inhibit the development of invasive cancer).

The 1 in 40 message isn’t new, but what is new is that medical experts are discussing “population screening,” genetic testing for all Ashkenazi Jews, because individuals without a strong history of

breast or ovarian cancer – women like Cindy – may still be BRCA-positive. Knowledge is power and, simply put, genetic testing can save lives.

In July, Sharsheret was invited to participate in a think tank in Israel of American, European and Israeli cancer researchers. Sharsheret was the only advocacy organization present with the

Women representing Sharsheret, a support group for Jewish breast and ovarian cancer patients and their families.

Credit: Sharsheret/Facebook medical professionals, invited to represent the patient’s voice. The esteemed group was convened by Dr. Larry Norton, medical director at the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City.

After much discussion, and a comprehensive review of local studies that focused on genetic testing among Jewish families, the experts’ conclusion, according to Norton, was that “testing all Ashkenazi Jews... finds twice as many people with mutations as testing just those with family histories.”

Norton went on to say, citing the conclusion: “This indicates that the rules for testing need to be changed. It also means that the psychological, medical and economic consequences of broader testing need to be evaluated.

“Knowing that one has a dangerous mutation could well be life-saving, since one can do things that minimize one’s risks.”

At Sharsheret, we couldn’t agree more with the experts that issues associated with population screening are quite complex and require attention.

Genetic testing can be daunting, and its emotional toll cannot be underestimated. Prior to testing, men and women must have a clear understanding of how positive test results may affect them medically and emotionally. And this is information that also affects families -- parents, siblings, children, cousins, aunts and uncles.

Once results are received, one needs to carefully consider how to communicate them to family and friends, and what to do in response.

Making decisions about medical courses of action to pursue after getting results is equally challenging. Careful consideration must be given to other factors such as fertility, breastfeeding and the early onset of menopause. Each one introduces new challenges.

Further, following the think tank, leading cancer researchers estimated that “half of those who could benefit from a life-saving cancer gene test are not eligible for the screening under the current rules.” Women without a family history -- women like Cindy -- would not likely have these services covered by insurance. Out-of-pocket costs for genetic tests can range from $300 to $5,000.

There is so much to consider -- this is just the beginning of the conversation. You are not alone.

If you are considering genetic testing, call Sharsheret and speak privately with our genetic counselor and our team of social workers and clinical staff at no cost to you or your family. We will help you understand the genetic testing process; we will assist you in making informed decisions and in finding low-cost or free genetic testing. Cindy did reach out to Sharsheret, and we have been a supportive resource helping her navigate her decision-making processes.

Sharsheret is the only national nonprofit See Breast cancer testing page 13

The Jewish Press | December 9, 2016 | 13

Letter to the eDitor

Dear editor, I was surprised and sad to see Omaha Jewish Federation CEO Alan Potash’s E-news post to the community (11/23). Some have asked him whether the recent presidential election has any parallels to Germany in 1933? Such a specific historical reference could only be made to compare the plight of Jews in pre-WWII Germany to those living in post-election America, 2016. Yet in Germany, 1933 was the year in which Jews were forced out of various areas of public life (civil service, university and court positions for example) and were declared second class citizens through the laws passed at Nuremburg. More importantly, those events, in part, led to the Holocaust. The president-elect, who publicly professes his love for his Orthodox Jewish daughter and son-in-law and his Jewish grandchildren: this man and his cabinet inspire such a spectacular fear?

But even worse is to have that question entertained in a message to the community by the Federation’s CEO. The reason we don’t have to worry is not because of, as Alan put it, democracy or because our representatives change every two, four or six years. It’s because nothing remotely approaching the 1933 threat exists today in America. The German government authored many of the evils committed against the Jews of that time. There is no parallel in America today.

An even greater concern is the growing intrusion of politics into our Jewish community discourse and programming. 40 years ago I didn’t see political messages coming from the pulpit as I do today, nor did I see them in our Jewish Press and in other community communications. Is Jewish life in Omaha so vital and is our future so well assured that we can afford to spend increasing amounts of time discussing or debating political events? Political discussions and activism I can find almost anywhere. Organized Judaism I can only find in our Federation and synagogues. Given the significant and increasing levels of secularism among Jews in this country, we must remain true to the business we’re supposed to be in... getting even more Jews to learn about, enjoy, and commit to Judaism and their Jewish community. sincerely, joel alperson

Breast cancer testing

continued from page 12 organization that supports Jewish women and families of all backgrounds facing breast and ovarian cancer at every stage -- before, during and after diagnosis.

We can’t change the odds of a genetic mutation or diagnosis, but with Sharsheret, no Jewish woman or man will face breast or ovarian cancer alone.

Peggy Cottrell, MS, CGC, is the genetics program coordinator at Sharsheret. Learn more at www.sharsheret .org; 866.474.2774.

Just because I’m busy doesn’t mean I’m mad at you

Maurie BackMan Kveller via JTA Like many parents of young kids (or all kids, really), I go through periods where the days and weeks manage to slip away so quickly it’s scary. When that happens, I tend to become a pretty bad friend, at least temporarily. I’m not proud of it, but it’s reality.

When there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do the things I need to do, I simply can’t take 30 minutes here or there to pick up the phone and say hello, nor can I even begin to attempt a girls’ night with friends knowing that every last minute of my time is already accounted for.

But as it turns out, you can’t just disappear off the face of the earth and not expect your friends to wonder whether it’s them, not you.

Over the past month or so, I’ve had several friends reach out to ask if they had offended or angered me in any way. I found the inquiries rather shocking considering that absolutely no wrongdoing had occurred.

So I’m here to set the record straight.

Friends, I care for and value all of you. I really do. But I’m just so darn busy. I spend my days working part-time while chasing after my kids and shuttling them back and forth wherever they need to go. At night, once they go to bed, I go back to work -- often until the moment I go to bed.

I’m not saying I have it bad. Quite the contrary -- I’m blessed to have the situation I do. But I’m very, very busy.

And during months like this past one (when the lovely but time-consuming Jewish holidays all came to a head with a work conference thrown smack in the middle), I’m even more likely to disappear and just plain never call you back because there Just. Isn’t. Time.

A week or so after Yom Kippur, I had a friend reach out and ask if the reason I hadn’t called her back was because I had been offended by a comment she made on Facebook complaining about the cost of kosher food.

“So let me get this straight,” I told her. “We’ve known each other for more than 10 years, we respect each other, and yet you think I give a flying hoot how you feel about the cost of

Empire chicken?”

Her response: “No, I didn’t really think that was it. But I was racking my brain trying to come up with a reason why I hadn’t heard from you.”

We’ve since set the record straight, and it’s now something we can laugh about. But that exchange did make me realize that I need to be a bit more understanding and cater to people’s sense of self-doubt.

There was a point when I became annoyed at the “Are you mad at me?” type questions. Come on, I’d think to myself, don’t make the situation more dramatic than it needs to be, this isn’t fifth grade. We all get busy, and it doesn’t mean we’re harboring pent-up anger toward one another. It simply means we’re desperately short on time.

But then I realized: We all Credit: iStock have our insecurities, and I’d hate to contribute to someone else’s.

So to my friends who don’t live nearby and who I don’t see at preschool drop-off or synagogue, I can tell you this: I promise that if I’m mad at you, I will let that be known. I’ve never been shy about speaking my mind, and if you’ve upset or offended me, I’ll tell you about it. I also promise that eventually I will call you back, and when I do, we’ll have a nice, long conversation where I’m not listening halfheartedly while also checking my email and researching an article on the side.

Until then, please hang tight and bear with me because like all of us out there, I really am doing my best.

Maurie Backman works as a freelance 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.

jewish press notices

The Jewish Press will be closed on Monday, Dec. 26 and Monday, jan. 2.There will be no Jewish Press on jan. 6, 2017. Questions?

Call 402.334.6448.

Friedel Jewish Academy PTO Annual Latke Sale at the Hanukah Extravaganza!

Monday, Dec. 19 | 5-7 p.m. | JCC Auditorium

Kids’ Meal | $5 2 latkes with apple sauce & sour cream, donut holes & a juice box

Adult Meal | $10 3 latkes with applesauce & sour cream, a donut & a bottle of water

TO GO latke order | $15 10 latkes with apple sauce & sour cream

Pre-Orders Appreciated!

Contact friedelacademy@fjaomaha.com by Dec. 14, 2016 Cash, Checks (Payable to Friedel) and Credit/Debit Cards accepted Questions?

Contact the school office, 402-334-0517

14 | The Jewish Press | December 9, 2016

synagogues b’nai isRaEl synagOguE

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

bETh El synagOguE

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org

bETh isRaEl synagOguE

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

Chabad hOusE

An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

COngREgaTiOn b’nai JEshuRun

South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org

OffuTT aiR fORCE basE

Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244

ROsE blumkin JEwish hOmE

323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154

TEmplE isRaEl

Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com

TifERETh isRaEl

Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

b’nai isRaEl synagOguE

Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Donna Walter, Education Coordinator, Institute for Holocaust Education on My Journey with Holocaust Education. 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: 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: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. Bar Mitzvah of matan shapiro, son of Ben Shapiro and Amy Reynolds. saTuRday: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch; Bar Mitzvah of matan shapiro, son of Ben Shapiro and Amy Reynolds; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 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.; BESTT Kevah (Grade 3), 10 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.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 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.

Gift Shop Hanukkah Sale, sunday, dec. 18, 9:45 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Kadima Program, sunday, dec. 18, 12:15 p.m.

Hebrew High Game Night, wednesday, dec. 21, 6 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

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, 4:37 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 4:37 p.m.; Shabbat Dinner, 6 p.m.; Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Weinrib, Letters of Eternity: Secrets of the Hebrew Alphabet, 7:30 p.m. saTuRday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; December Simcha Kiddush, 11:30 a.m.; Rabbi Weinrib, Visual Perceptions/Spiritual Reality, 12:30 p.m.; Insights in the Weekly Portion, 3:35 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 4:20 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:42 p.m.; Musical Havdalah and Artist Reception with Rabbi Weinrib, 6:30 p.m. at JCC Gallery. sunday: Shacharit, 9 a.m. mOnday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Lunch and Learn, noon with Rabbi Shlomo; Read Hebrew America, 7:30 p.m.

TuEsday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Friedel Alumni Club, 5 p.m. wEdnEsday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Board of Commissioners Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

ThuRsday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Scholar’s Club for 6th Grade, 4:30 p.m.; Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m.

Chabad hOusE

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. fRiday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. saTuRday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. followed by a kiddush luncheon. sunday: Shacharit, 8:30 a.m. followed by Sunday Secrets: Jewish Fun Facts class at 9:15 a.m. wEEkdays: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. mOnday: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani.

TuEsday: Women’s Workshop: 12 Values Part I, noon 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; Women’s Workshop:12 Values Part I, 7-8 p.m.

Camp Gan Israel, monday, dec. 26-friday, dec. 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

All programs are open to the entire community.

COngREgaTiOn b’nai JEshuRun

Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. fRiday: Pre-neg, 6 p.m. hosted by Jen Willis; Candlelighting, 4:40 p.m.; Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m. saTuRday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Vayetze; Havdalah (72 minutes), 6:11 p.m. sunday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m. at South Street Temple; Annual Meeting/Festive Summit, 1 p.m.

TuEsday: Rabbi Lewis on NET Radio, discussing Jewish Holidays, 10 a.m.; Star City Kochavim Rehearsal, 6:45 p.m. wEdnEsday: LJCS Hebrew classes, 4 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

ThuRsday: Temple Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m. adulT EduCaTiOn TuEsday: Intro to Judaism, Session #5, 6:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Lewis. wEdnEsday: Intro to Prayer Hebrew, Session #8, 6 p.m.

ThuRsday: Beginning Conversational Hebrew, Session #7, 6:30 p.m.

Game Night & Potluck, saturday, dec. 17, 6 p.m.

Mary Beth Muskin of ADL Omaha speaking, sunday, dec.

18, 1:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

It’s time for our annual holiday drive for Clinic With a Heart.

Please help by donating over-the-counter medications and personal care items. Donations can be brought to the Temple Office anytime the Temple is open.

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.

OffuTT aiR fORCE basE

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

ROsE blumkin JEwish hOmE

saTuRday: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz.

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

TEmplE isRaEl

fRiday: Shabbat Comes to You at The Hertiage Sterling Ridge, 4 p.m.; Fifth and Six Grade Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. saTuRday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Services, 10:30 a.m.

sunday: Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Temple Israel Book Club, 10 a.m.; Temple Tots Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Children 4 and under (unless enrolled in PreK) 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; Bible Quiz, 1:30 p.m. at the JCC. TuEsday: Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. 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.

ThuRsday: The Magic of Rituals, 10 a.m. with Rabbi (Sussman) Berezin.

Chinese Food & A Movie, sunday, dec. 25, 6 p.m. Join us at Temple Israel for a catered Chinese dinner and a family movie.

The cost is $8 and children under 13 are free. Please RSVP to Temple Israel, 402-556-6536, by wednesday, dec. 21.

TifERETh isRaEl

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. fRiday: Our Simcha Shel Shabbat Pasta Dinner honoring all congregants born in the month of December, 6:15 p.m. sponsored by Elaine and Everett Evnen. There will be no Friday evening services following dinner. All ages are welcome to join together. Dress casually, be ready to enjoy the sweetness of Shabbat and the warmth of being together! saTuRday: Morning Service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush Luncheon. sunday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m. at South Street Temple; The Nurturing the Wow Parenting Group, 11 a.m. on How Do We Find Joy in the Mundane. Parents who plan to attend are requested to let Nancy Coren know of their participation on that day. wEdnEsday: LJCS Hebrew classes, 4 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Mary Beth Muskin, Executive Director of the Omaha ADL will be coming to Tifereth Israel on sunday, dec. 18, 1:30 p.m. to speak to us about the findings of the NOW IS NEVER national conference as it relates to the upswing in antisemetic acts in this country.

Ugly Sweater Havdalah Service and Get-together, saturday evening, dec.17, 5:45 p.m. at the home of Lucy and Kirk Bowers. Havdallah candles and spice boxes will be provided!

Just come in an ugly sweater....and if you don't have one...create one out of a sweater you do have! This havdallah service is for all ages! A prize will be given for the ugliest sweater worn! (based on a vote to be taken by all attending) TI Has Talent 4 & Our Annual Hanukkah Latke Party, dec.

25, 4 p.m. We're looking for congregants who will sing, dance, play an instrument, tell jokes, do martial arts, recite poetry, etc.

Sign up by e-mailing Nancy Coren at corenancy@gmail.com or ncoren@tiferethisraaellincoln.org.

Ethel Rosenberg’s sons urge Obama to posthumously exonerate spy mother

JTA NEWS STAFF e sons of convicted spy Ethel Rosenberg urged President Barack Obama to exonerate their mother more than six decades aer her execution.

Michael and Robert Meeropol were turned away from the White House when they came to deliver a letter to the president referencing what they say is new evidence in the trial that led to her execution in 1953, e Associated Press reported. Rosenberg, who was Jewish, was sent to the electric chair along with her husband, Julius, aer being convicted of conspiring to pass secrets about the atomic bomb to the Soviet Union.

Court records made public last year through a judge’s order cast doubt on the conventional narrative of a Cold War espionage case that captivated the country. According to the documents, Ethel Rosenberg’s brother, whose damning trial testimony against her and her husband helped secure the couple’s conviction, had never implicated his sister in an earlier appearance before a grand jury. e brother, David Greenglass, offered the grand jury no evidence of his sister’s direct involvement and said he never discussed such matters with his sister. e Rosenbergs both

maintained their innocence, though the Meeropols are requesting only Ethel’s exoneration. e sons said that is because they believe their father was guilty of conspiracy to commit espionage, though they argue he did not engage in atomic spying and should not have been executed.

As young boys, Robert and Michael Meeropol visited the White House in 1953 in a failed bid to have President Dwight Eisenhower prevent their parents’ executions.

“Since we can’t bring her back to life, there could be nothing more satisfying to us than to have the government acknowledge that this shouldn’t have happened, that this was wrong,” Robert Meeropol said. e brothers argued that a national reckoning over what they say is an erroneous execution is crucial, perhaps now more than ever. e Meeropols are not seeking a presidential pardon, saying that would suggest their mother was guilty. ey instead are seeking a public exoneration, e Associated Press reported.

“We have gone through cycles in our history of hysteria, targeting people, overpunishing, framing people. We’re in danger of that happening again,” Michael Meeropol said.

The Jewish Press | December 9, 2016 | 15

PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE

lifecycles b’nai miTzvah

emma Jordyn eadeS

Emma Jordyn Eades, daughter of Leslie and Brian Eades, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Temple Israel.

Emma is a seventh-grade Honor Roll student at Kiewit Middle School.

Her interests include ice playing travel hockey on the Lady Jr Lancers u12 team and horseback riding.

For her mitzvah project, Emma took care of horses, including a few that were being rehabilitated at Winridge Stables.

She also raised money for her brother’s JDRF walk team and participated in the JDRF one walk to cure diabetes.

She has a brother, Carter.

Grandparents are Darlene and the late Sherman Goldbitz, and Shari and Bob Eades.

Great-grandmother is Faye Ruback.

dina Sharyn SalTzman

Dina Sharyn Saltzman, daughter of Linda and Kevin Saltzman, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Beth El Synagogue.

Dina is a seventh grade Honor Roll student at Alice Buffett Magnet Middle School. She is a participant in the Duke University Talent Identification Program. Having started gymnastics at age 3, Dina is currently a USAG Level 8 gymnast. She is a performer in local theater and loves Broadway music. Dina's other hobbies include playing the ukulele and writing songs. She is a veteran camper at one of her favorite places on earth, Herzl Camp.

For her mitzvah project, Dina, as part of her love for animals, participated in a 9-month junior volunteer program at the Nebraska Humane Society.

She has an older brother, Ari. Grandparents are Rosalie and Ernest Saltzman, and Alice and Robert Lachin of Bethesda, MD.

aidan Shnayder

Aidan Shnayder, son of Dr. Michael and Andreea Shnayder, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Dec. 17, at Beth Israel.

Aidan is an eighth-grade Superior Honor Roll student at Kiewit Middle School.

His interests include reading comic books and playing street and ice hockey.

For his mitzvah project, Aidan is mentoring students with homework after school to help improve morale and confidence.

He has two sisters, Kayla and Natalie, and a brother, Orion.

Grandparents are Sofya and Igor Shnayder, and Violeta and Gigi Jordache.

Great-grandparents are Sarah and Nukhim Shnayder, and Olga and Mikhail Ticos.

To SubmiT obiTuarieS To The JewiSh PreSS:

Email the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; mail to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on Jewish Press and go to Submit Announcements.

House introduces version of Senate bill targeting campus anti-Semitism

WASHINGTON | JTA A bipartisan slate of leading House members introduced a bill that would expand how the Department of Education defines anti-Semitism in advising learning institutions on how to identify discrimination. e bill introduced Friday

by Reps. Peter Roskam, RIll., and Ted Deutch, DFla., replicates a similar bill passed last week by the Senate, which was sponsored by Sens. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Bob Casey, D-Pa. Senior House of Representatives members including Reps. Eliot Engel and Nita Lowey, both D-N.Y., and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., are backing the bill. e measure expands previous guidelines sent periodically to educational institutions receiving federal funding to define anti-Semitism according to a definition first published by the State Department in 2010.

It adopts the definition set forth by the European Parliament Working Group on Anti-Semitism: “Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or nonJewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

Both definitions also outline when criticism of Israel crosses into anti-Semitism, citing the “three D’s” first advanced by Natan Sharansky, the Israeli politician and former prisoner of the Soviet gulag: Demonization, double standard and delegitimization. e Anti-Defamation League, which has led lobbying for the legislation, said the bill, should it become law, “addresses a core concern of Jewish and pro-Israel students and parents: When does the expression of anti-Semitism, anti-Israel sentiment and anti-Zionist beliefs cross the line from First Amendment-protected free expression to unlawful discriminatory conduct?”

A number of le-wing and pro-Palestinian groups have criticized the legislation, saying the Israel-related language is too vague and would inhibit debate on campus about Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians.

“It mis-classifies criticism of Israel as anti-Semitism and aims to ensure that the Department of Education will investigate and suppress criticism of Israel on campus,” said a statement by Open Hillel, a loose network of campus groups that rejects restrictions on engagement with other students that exist under the aegis of the more established Jewish student umbrella, Hillel.

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16 | The Jewish Press | December 9, 2016

Celebrate the miracles of light in your life by creating a lasting LEGACY

It’s more than a donation.

t’s your legacy.

Please join these generous donors by creating your lasting lEgaCy.

Rabbi Steven & Shira Abraham Michael & Sheri Abramson Michael Albert Anonymous (35) Joyce Ashley John Atherton & Marti Rosen-Atherton Elyce & Aryeh Azriel Bob Belgrade Sandra Belgrade Mark & Jill Belmont Harry Berman Marilyn F. Berman Bonnie Rae Bloch Steven R. Bloch Becki Brenner Beth Brodkey Ron Brodkey Carrie & Josh Brown Elliot Brown Michelle Byrnes Beth Cohen David & Karla Cohen Marla & Bob Cohen Drs. Michael & Karen Cohen & Family Pam Cohn Justin Cooper Ronald & Cheryl Cooper Jerry* & Janey Dann Hal & Mary Daub Arthur L. Davidson Betsy G. Davidson Larry & Hanna DeBruin

Rabbi Ari Dembitzer Deborah Denenberg Norman & Eunice Denenberg Steven Denenberg Tippi Denenberg Pam & Dennis DePorte Beth Seldin Dotan Eric Dunning Toba Cohen-Dunning Harold Epstein Howard & Sharon Epstein Irving Epstein Mel Epstein Richard Evnen James & Judy Farber Yonatan & Liz Feldstern Toby Fellman Cantor Leo & Annette Fettman Glen H. & Hollie Fineman Alan J. Fredricks Jerry Freeman Joanne Freeman Robyn & Bob Freeman Bruce & Pam Friedlander Amy & Sanford Friedman Lloyd D. & Lois N. Friedman Trust Lois N. Friedman* Lynne Friedel Gellman Howard E. Gendelman H. Lee & Carol Gendler Charitable Fund Donald Gerber Dan & Sarah Gilbert

David Gilinsky & Katherine Finnegan Ronald Giller Darlene & Sherman* Golbitz Gary & Barbara Goldstein Dora Goldstrom Alan Goodman* David & Shirley Goodman Andie Gordman & Dan Fitzgerald Jay & Allison Gordman Linda & Jerry Gordman Steven Gottlieb Andy & Carole Greenberg Barton H. & Caryl B.* Greenberg Joshua & Amanda Gurock Mendy & Michael Halsted M'Lee Hasslinger Kathy Goldstein Helm Bonnie Kuklin Horwich Jon Jabenis Randi Friedel Jablin Joan Sandler Jacobson Richard Jacobson Gary & Karen Javitch Patrick Jensen Sylvia Jess Edward & Anne Joseph & Family Debbi Josephson Frances Juro Richard Juro Marcel & Ilse Kahn Gary & Sally Kaplan Myron Kaplan Russ Kaplan

Beatrice Karp Gloria C. Kaslow Howard J. Kaslow Cookie Katskee Julee Katzman Jeff & Sharon Kirshenbaum Joe Kirshenbaum Kevee Kirshenbaum Donald S. & Delores Klein Marsha A. Kleinberg Milton M. Kleinberg Sara & Ari Kohen David & Janet Kohll Howard M. & Sharon Kooper Shane & David Kotok Jack Kozlen Alan & Deborah Kricsfeld Janie Fox Kulakofsky David & Debi Kutler Howard & Nancy Kutler K. Wayne & Carole A. Lainof Randal Langdon Sharon Comisar-Langdon Joanie Lehr Sandy & John Lehr Steve & Bonnie Levinger Rochelle Lewis David Lieberman Felicia & Scott Littky Mario Lopez Steve & Thelma Lustgarten* Dr. Edward & Sally Malashock Jody & Neal Malashock

Chaya Sarah Malkah Dan Marburg Joan Krasne Marcus Jon & Denise Meyers Sue Meyers Tina & Joe Meyers Troy & Jamie Meyerson Dr. Sidney Mirvish* Stanley & Evelyn Mitchell Eli & Ann Modenstein Ann Moskovits Janie & Allan Murow Bruce Muskin Mary-Beth Muskin Amy Nachman Gary Nachman E. R. "Bob" Newman Murray & Sharee Newman Dr. Patricia Newman Allan S. Noddle Patty Nogg Steve Nogg Susan R. Norton Andrea Olson Alan S. Parsow Carol S. Parsow Margo Frohman Parsow Bonnie Pfrenger Eric & Julie Phillips Marcia & Steve Pitlor James & Susan Polack Alan E. Potash Bruce Potash

Linda Neumann-Potash Paul Rabinovitz Mary & Joel Rich Philip & Diane Rich Marty & Iris Ricks Ari Riekes Carl Riekes Margo Riekes Steven J. Riekes Zoë Riekes Jane & Harlan Rips Jonathan Rockman Stacey Rockman Silvia G. Roffman Debbie & Lloyd Roitstein Susan Rothholz Lynne-Carol Saltzman Rosalie & Milton* Saylan Carol* & Ed Schneider Jeff Schweid Aviva Segall & Patrick McNamara Mr. and Mrs. Ben Shapiro Sherry & Larry Shapiro Len Burrell & Cantor Wendy Shermet Gary Shyken Liat Shyken Paul Shyken Susann Shyken Michael & Andrea Siegel Esther Silver Stanley* & Norma Silverman Tootie Simon Gerald & Judy Simons

Nancy B. Skid Janet & Jerry Slusky Michael Staenberg Carolyn "Rocky" Stern David Keiser & Lillian Keiser Stoms Foundation Louri Sullivan Barry H. Summer Fred Tichauer Marilyn & Steven Tipp Basya Tsed R. Thomas Vann Irving & Gail Veitzer Norman & Joodi* Veitzer John & Donna Walter Jim & Esther* Wax Aaron Weiner & Therese Vaughn Harry M. Weiner Kathy Weiner Rabbi Yaakov & Ilana Weiss Benjamin & Anna Wiesman Family Susan Fellman Witkowski Nancy L. Wolf Renee & Jeff Zacharia Steve & Kathy Zalkin Charlotte & Morley Zipursky Sally & Jim Zipursky Deborah & Speedy (Dr. Eugene) Zweiback Rosie Zweiback & Mace Hack *Of Blessed Memory As of December 9, 2016

And its Agencies:

Jewish Community Center Jewish Press Jewish Social Services (Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Outreach, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home) Help secure the financial future of omaha’s Jewish community through the liFE & lEgaCy™ initiative. liFE & lEgaCy is a collaboration between the Jewish Federation of omaha Foundation, the Harold grinspoon Foundation, and our local Jewish partner organizations: the Jewish Federation of omaha and its agencies, Beth El synagogue, Beth israel synagogue, temple israel, Chabad House, anti-Defamation league/CrC, Friedel Jewish academy, institute for Holocaust Education, and nebraska Jewish Historical society.

Howard n. Epstein, Executive Director 402-334-6466 | hepstein@jewishomaha.org

Contact the Jewish Federation of omaha Foundation today.

Margo Parsow, LIFE & LEGACY Coordinator 402-334-6432 | mparsow@jewishomaha.org