December 9, 2022: Hanukkah Edition

Hanukkah

HAPPY

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Margie Gutnik President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor

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Margie Gutnik, President; Abigail Kutler, Ex-Officio; Seth Feldman; David Finkelstein; Ally Freeman; Mary Sue Grossman; Les Kay; Natasha Kraft; Chuck Lucoff; David Phillips; and Joseph Pinson.

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Happy Hanukkah

We all know that time moves faster as you get older, but I think the year 2022 was something else. This year has gone by so quickly, it borders on the surreal. Here we are again: Hanukkah is almost upon us, time to plan for latke dinners and figure out where to get our hands on kosher gelt. And then, before we know it, it will be 2023. Honestly, how did this happen?

‘Make the most of it,’ we tell each other whenever holidays arrive. But that is not always an easy thing. During the last few years, we have learned we shouldn’t take things for granted, we shouldn’t take people for granted, and we shouldn’t waste opportunities to appreciate each other. Whether we actually follow that advice is another thing entirely.

With a holiday focused on candles, we will at least have a reminder in front of us: we are supposed to bring light to this world and to each other. So how do we do that?

The pandemic hasn’t changed much over the past year; it continues to mess up our plans left and right. However, even without Covid, we have always had plenty to complain about. That darkness we are supposed to chase away stubbornly sticks around. Google it, and you’ll find a common thread that goes back decades. It goes like this: “The world is in a dark place (insert war, refugee crises, famine, politics, protests, gun violence, racism, antisemitism, homophobia or any combination thereof). We need the light from the Hanukkah candles more than ever.” The darkness we need to dispel has nothing to do with the season or the weather; it’s the darkness in the world around us.

What if we didn’t approach this from a place of negativity? What if, instead of imagining and visualizing the darkness, we start from a place of gratitude? Instead of chasing away the dark, our light could add light to the light we already have. I know; it sounds a little kumbaya. But, hear me out.

If the lessons Hanukkah teaches us are valid ones, they are equally true all days of the year. Interpreting Hanukkah as adding light to light, rather than introducing light to the darkness means we have the responsibility to focus on light all year. Our ultimate mitzvah as Jews, and as human beings, is to bring light—not once a year for eight days, but always. Just think: we could have a Hanukkah-mindset in July, or in February. It’s not like that darkness is extra dark this time of year; bad things occur no matter the season.We know this; we are familiar with the requirement to give tzedakah, to welcome others, to care about making life better for those less privileged than we are, not sporadically, but always.

Sometimes we forget. We forget the people who’ve died in school shootings and the families who continue to mourn them. We forget the more than 15 million displaced Ukrainians. We forget the unrest in China, in Kazakhstan, in Burkina Faso. We forget that lighting those metaphorical candles needs to happen every day.

Funny story: when you google ‘How to bring more light’ you just get endless recommendations for increasing actual wattage or natural light. It is kind of telling that the world is that literal. No matter: when we light those candles, we can simply ask the real people around us for their thoughts. Let’s all continue to bring more light, and let’s continue to do it all year.

For now, all of us at the Jewish Press wish you a happy Hanukkah. May your days be bright, your latkes crispy and your families healthy. We have much to be grateful for- we hope you do too.

ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor

Let the light shine bright Omaha

Bob’s Jam

The Jewish Federation of Omaha is counting down until we can welcome Bob Goldberg as our new CEO. While some of us, and some of you, have known Bob for many years, others have not yet had the pleasure. So, for the coming months, Bob will share short insights into who he is. This way, we get all get (re-)acquainted. If you have specific questions for Bob, feel free to email them to avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org. This week, he’s talking about his early school days.

When I was born, in 1967, my folks had a house in Bagel, off of 63rd and Western. In 1970, they built the house they still live in on Marinda Street in Royalwood. That house is a block from Catlin Elementary and that is where I spent my elementary school years. I remember a couple of visits to the office of the Principal, Mrs. Mayberry. I had some great teachers at Catlin and spent hundreds of hours on that playground.

It was during that time that they started the desegregation of schools in Omaha and my class was bussed to Conestoga for 3rd grade. Conestoga was, and may still be, on 21st and Burdette Street, and I really enjoyed it there. I don’t know that I loved getting up early every day to catch the bus, but I liked Conestoga, and I really liked the Assistant Principal, Ms. Deeb, so much so that at one point, l wanted to be

flunked out so I could go back again the next year.

Looking back, we seemed less scared of the world then, or maybe I was just young and didn’t know better. We didn’t lock our front door at night, we didn’t lock our cars parked in the driveway, we often didn’t even roll up the car windows during the summer. In our neighborhood, the dogs were let out to roam free and play together. They always seemed to come home. Likewise, we

played free out in the neighborhood whether we were riding bikes, playing kick the can, capture the flag, running through the cornfields, or playing football, basketball, or whatever... we were left to entertain ourselves and we did.

I then went to Beveridge for 7th and 8th grade. I usually either walked or rode my bike to school. There I met kids who went to Crestridge and Columbian.

We were then bussed to Horace Mann for 9th grade, which is now the King Science Center, on 37th and Florence Blvd., and then I went to Burke High School, graduating in May of 1986.

I wish I had some of my old class pictures to really talk about my elementary school classmates. At Catlin, my classmates and friends in the neighborhood were Blane Thompson, Steve Martin, Rick Beard, Dan Olson, Doug Fulkerson, Linda Roffman (Zimmerman), Marci Blatt (of blessed memory), Dan Redler, Jennifer Levitan, Heidi Meyerson (Schneiderman), Poly Veitzer, Chris Burton, Michelle Chiburis (Lucero), Wendy Novicoff, Debbie Cohen (Roos), Mark Bailen, and others.

I was active as a kid and played sports and games all over the neighborhood, plus baseball, basketball, and football in the Omaha Suburban leagues each year. The guys I played sports with and went to school with became my close friends.

Happy Hanukkah!

In memoriam: Jerome P. “Jerry” Gordman

HOWARD K. MARCUS

Services were held Nov. 27 at Beth El Synagogue for Omaha native Jerome P. “Jerry” Gordman.

Though he made his living as a department store executive and later as a commercial real estate developer, his skills as a musician were apparent to those inside and outside the Jewish community.

Starting in his teens, the 1956 Omaha Central High School graduate held what became a lifelong interest in music, playing French horn in the school’s band and orchestra.

Later, while a student at the University of Pennsylvania, he played horn in three groups: the Pennsylvania University Orchestra, the Jimmy DePreist Brass Ensemble and a suburban Philadelphia symphony.

In later years, in his leisure time he played horn in area ensembles including the Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra, Iowa Western Community Band and the Intergeneration Orchestra of Omaha.

In the Jewish community, he was widely known for being the Ba’al Tekiah (shofar blower) at Beth El Synagogue, which he did for more than 40 years.

“Jerry was a constant at Beth El,” said Rabbi Steven Abraham of Beth El. “While best known for being our Ba’al Tekiah, he was also a great source of comfort to me on the bima. While he could have said ‘This is how it’s done,’ Jerry every year spoke with me to go over the plan for that year. He was a mensch, and our bima will be empty without him.”

See Jerome P. “Jerry” Gordman page 19

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Jerry Gordman

with Beth Israel

MARY SUE GROSSMAN

As Hanukkah is celebrated Sunday evening, Dec. 18 through Monday, Dec. 26, make plans now to join your friends and family for two great events at Beth Israel. The first event is the annual Hanukkah Brisket Kiddush on Shabbat, Dec. 17 immediately following morning services. The second happening is the Beth Israel Hanukkah Carnival that will be held on Monday, Dec. 19. Both events are free of charge however registration for the kiddush is requested.

“Who doesn’t love Hanukkah,” comments Helene Shrago, Program Committee Chair. “With bright lights, lots of color, and of course, yummy food, there is something for everyone to enjoy.” Rabbi Yoni Dreyer concurs adding “Like Sukkot, it’s great to have a holiday that lasts a number of days to extend the enjoyment and include family and friends in the celebrations.”

The Hanukkah Brisket Kiddush will include brisket, salads, and desserts. One of the individuals sponsoring the kiddush is Nochum Litkowski, in honor of his father’s yahrzeit, Shimon ben Israel Litkowski. Another sponsor is Howard Kaiman, in memory of Harry Sidman and Ed Sidman. The final sponsor is Howard Kutler, in honor of his parents, Dr. Benton and Harriet Kutler. Beth Israel expresses its deep appreciation for their gen-

erosity. Registrations are requested by visiting the Beth Israel website at orthodox omaha.org and are needed by Dec. 7

The second event is the Beth Israel

Hanukkah Carnival on Monday, Dec. 19, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Open to kids of all ages, the carnival will feature games, balloon animals, face painting, an inflatable obstacle course, stories, dinner, prizes, music, and more. And don’t forget to stop for a picture with the always popular inflatable Hanukkah bear that will welcome everyone throughout Hanukkah The carnival is free and open to the community with no RSVP required.

For more information on these or any other Beth Israel events, please visit the synagogue website or call 402.556.6288. Wishing everyone a Festival of Lights filled with light, laughter, and love. Happy Hanukkah!

There was fun for everyone at last year’s Hanukkah Carnival.

SHIRLY BANNER

JFO Library Specialist

On Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group will gather for their monthly meeting. Group members have the choice of meeting either in person in the Benjamin & Anna Wiesman Reception Room in the Staenberg Jewish Community Center or via Zoom. This month they will be discussing White Walls by Judy Batalion. New participants are always welcome.

Does the environment that one grows up really have an affect on them? In Judy Batalion’s case I would say it definitely influenced many of the decisions she made growing up and well into her adulthood. Batalion grew up with a grandmother and mother who were Holocaust survivors as well as hoarders and suffered from serious depression and mental issues. Batalion’s memoir is a candid and sometimes painful look at what

living with a hoarder does to one’s psyche and how it can affect relationships and lifestyle.

Upon graduation from high school, Judy leaves her caustic environment and attends university at Cambridge followed by graduate studies in London where she studied domestic representations in art at a British art museum. Living in a minimalist apartment, Judy begins her exploration and carefully-ordered life which is constantly being disrupted by various people in her life; her boyfriend as well as trips back home to Montreal to support her father and brother as her mother deals with bouts of depression and suicidal threats.

Judy eventually begins to get her act (no pun intended as she did work as a comedian at one

We’re grateful to help with the gift of sight. Here’s to another beautiful holiday with loved ones! Chag Urim Sameach!

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point while in England) together and finds love, and marriage, and finally unexpected motherhood. In view of her own dysfunctional childhood, Judy is confronted with the task of raising her daughter unlike the way in which she was raised.

With the birth of Judy’s daughter Zelda, named after her beloved grandmother, Judy becomes obsessed with organizing and cleaning her once sterile white walled and furniture apartment until one night she overhears her husband sing and comforting Zelda. Judy realizes

“Singing, soothing, connecting— that’s what I should have been doing, what I wanted to be doing. I’d been so busy removing obstacles to seeing my daughter that I barely had time to look at her. In my disparate to not-be my mother, I ended up only repeating her behavior. She tried to make up for her childhood by filling her home with objects; I tried to make up for my childhood by ridding them. Both of us could be blind when it came to our children.”

Please feel free to join us on Dec. 15 in person or via Zoom. The Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group meets on the third Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. New members are always welcome.

The Group receives administrative support from the Community Engagement & Education arm of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. For information about the group and to join in the discussion, contact Shirly Banner at 402.334.6462 or sbanner@jewishomaha.org

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(left to right)

Brandon Menke, M.D. Michael Goldstein, M.D. Dean Arkfeld, M.D., F.A.C.S. Peter Simone, M.D., Ph.D.

Marty and Iris Ricks

JEWISH PRESS READERS

B’nai Israel Speaker Series

Jewish Federation of Omaha Head of Security James Donahue will be guest speaker for B’nai Israel during services on Friday, Dec. 9.

James is a former U.S. Marine and has years of experience. He has also worked as a security contractor in Afghanistan and in law enforcement. James aims to be the intelligence hub within our community, working with the synagogues and community members to monitor potential threats and gather intelligence on threats within our community.

James also works closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to determine appropriate action to help keep the campus, and community safe.

Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel. Services start at 7:30 p.m. and are followed by a lovely Oneg. For more information, please visit www.cblhs.org

ANTISEMITIC/HATE INCIDENTS

If you encounter an antisemitic or other hate incident, you are not alone. Your first call should be to the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) in Omaha at 402.334.6572, or email JCRCreporting@ jewishomaha.org. If you perceive an imminent threat, call 911, and text Safety & Security Manager James Donahue at 402.213.1658.

Tri-Faith Garden wraps up successful year

The Tri-Faith Garden, located south of Temple Israel, between the playground and the windbreak, wrapped up the season with a fall Harvest Festival in October. With blessings and songs, the group of volunteers and supporters celebrated a productive year that included bringing new ground into production and installing a trellis system for tomatoes and other climbing vegetables.

The garden was started on Mother’s Day 2019 with eight raised beds, each 4 ft x 12 ft. There are now 16 raised beds, larger production areas with 4,317 square feet of garden space, and a perennial bed, all devoted to growing plants for community food pantries. This is a joint effort of all three faith partners and others not affiliated with the Tri-Faith Congregations. What brings everyone together is the desire to build a community that works collaboratively to raise fresh food for those with limited access to it.

This year the Tri-Faith Garden produced over 5300 lbs of produce for the five food pantries it serves. Many hours go into making this effort succeed. Over 2000 volunteer hours were logged this season. Gardening can be difficult, but the driving force with many volunteers is the opportunity to mix the human, creative, communal spirit with down-toearth, practical, hands-dirtying work to

produce

to them. People are noticing. Some of these connections were articulated at a recent strategic planning session with many volunteers across the Tri-Faith campus. Some examples are several classes at

UNO that have volunteered and studied the garden. The UNO Scott Scholars want to develop a program to help the garden solve upcoming issues. The garden welcomes the Native American community and planted their ancestral See Tri-Faith Garden page 8

INFORMATION

James Donahue

CHARLES SHAPIRO

fresh vegetables and fruits for people who may not have access

Enjoying camaraderie with garden produce are Amanda Underwood, left, Evelyn Underwood, Pia Ulrich, Bonni Leiserowitz, Rabbi Azriel, Kris Faier, Nafissa Martin, and Abdul Mackie.

Tri-Faith Garden

A huge “minor” holiday

RABBI ELI TENENBAUM Chabad of Nebraska

What is your favorite jewish holiday? A simple question, that may invoke lots of thought and retrospection. Perhaps family gatherings speak to you, or the season of one or the other makes it your favorite. Hopefully, the message also plays a role in determining your choice.

We have many holidays, just ask our non-Jewish coworkers; Some are termed major holidays, the 5 biggies that come directly from the torah. (You get a prize if you can name all 5 without checking Google). Then there are the “minor” holidays, the ones of Rabbinic origin.

Hanukkah is one of the “minor” holidays, work is allowed throughout the festival and the core observance is lighting the candles at nightfall. Yet many of the readers will probably have chosen Hanukkah as their favorite. Is it because of its proximity to a certain non-Jewish holiday? Or perhaps the intoxicating smell of bubby frying her latkes? Maybe it’s the Hanukkah gelt?

Though Hanukkah is technically a minor holiday, its popularity is greater than some of the major ones.

One of the observances of the holiday is “pirsumie nissa”, publicizing the miracle. This

is the reason the menorah is lit in the window (or the doorway), to express the celebration of G-ds miracle to the public.

This may seem odd, have you ever heard of

holding a seder in your front yard!? Hanukkah is the only holiday, major or minor, where we specifically display the mitzvah to the public.

When we examine the main theme and lesson of the holiday, the reason will come into focus. We can all recall what our Hebrew school teacher taught us. Hanukkah celebrates the miracle of one small jug of oil, meant to last only one day, miraculously giving light for eight days.

Imagine your iPhone with 10 percent charge, lasting all day! What a miracle.

See A huge “minor” holiday page 11

Continued from page 7 corn using their ‘Three Sisters’ method. The corn grown was given to Taylor Keen of Sacred Seed for ceremonial use. The garden will be featured in two video projects, The Harvard Pluralism Project and a documentary by Iron Zeal Films.

Volunteers from beyond our three faith communities regularly participate, and the garden has received donations of goods, services, and money. Specifically for the Jewish community, the Teva classroom, developed in a corner room in the basement of Temple Israel, provides weekly lessons and community service projects for TI B’nai Mitzvah students, and the garden volunteers helped lead a Friedel Academy field trip over the High Holidays.

Within the annual gardening cycle, winter is the rest and recovery period. Winter rest is more a move indoors than a lack of effort. Planning for the next season, finalizing a drip irrigation system, and starting the transplants for spring planting are high on the ‘to-do’ list now. The garden group invites all interested to consider volunteering, no experience is needed, and all skill levels are welcome. There are many tasks that don’t require one to be in the garden. Examples are data entry, making plant labels, consulting on planting plans, researching seed varieties adapted to our environment, and delivering produce. Contact the Tri-Faith Initiative, and they can connect you with the appropriate people.

HAPPY HANUKKAH

Margie Gutnik

President

Abigail Kutler, Past-President Seth Feldman

David Finkelstein

Ally Freeman

Mary Sue Grossman Les Kay

Natasha Kraft

Chuck Lucoff

David Phillips

Joseph Pinson

Above: October Harvest Festival 2022 and right: filming by Jon Mercer with the Plurality Project in the Teva Room (classroom at Temple Israel) origin of many plants for the garden.

Asher Stoller lights the bagel menorah in aksarben village, as Rabbis Katzman and Tenenbaum look on.

Hanukkah happenings 2022

GABBY BLAIR Jewish Press Staff Writer

This year, Hanukkah begins the evening of Sunday, Dec. 18 and ends on Monday, Dec. 26. Celebrate the festival of lights with the community at the following events:

TEMPLE ISRAEL

Sunday, Dec. 18: First Night, First Light: Dinner, 5:30 p.m.; Candlelighting: 6:15 p.m.; Donuts & the Big Canvas Comedy Show: 6:45 p.m. Come for the lights, laughs and latkes!

Join us for First Night, First Light – the main event of Hanukkah at Temple Israel.We will be hosting dinner, followed by a candle-lighting and The Big Canvas Comedy Show. There will be games for everyone (kids and adult) with prizes!

Dinner will consist of a choice of Brisket or Salmon, grilled vegetables, dinner salad, and latkes (potato, sweet potato, and zucchini). Fresh sufganiyot (jelly donuts) will be available from Hudson’s Mini Donut Truck for dessert. Dinner is $18 per adult, $12 for kids 12 years and younger, and those under 5 are free. After dinner, we will light Hanukkah candles. Please bring your personal menorahs to light as a group.

RSVP by Sunday, Dec. 11 at https://templeisraeloma ha.com

December 5-20: Back by popular demand!!! Temple Israel will be gathering a “Gift of Winter Gear.” We are again partnering with Together, Inc. We are looking for new and gently used warm weather gear (coats, hats, gloves, scarves, etc.). Donations will be accepted at the Temple Building from Dec. 5 - 20

BETH EL

Saturday, Dec 17: Hanukkah Shabbat for youth, 10 a.m.noon

Sunday Dec 18, 3 p.m.: Jews n ‘Brews & Latkes too! Beth El Men’s Club invites community men to come slice, dice and fry for the Chanukiah lighting and kick back a cool one! At 6 p.m.: Beth El Hanukkah Celebration! Come light the menorah with your friends at Beth El and enjoy a performance from Omaha Circus Arts! Food available to purchase. Dec. 21- 25: Operation Grateful Goodies- a project of the Miriam initiative.

Operation Grateful Goodies overlaps with Hanukkah this year and what better way to spread some holiday cheer than to share our light - and some special goodies — with our area’s first responders! Sign up online to sort, deliver, write greeting cards or make a monetary donation at: https://www.beth el-omaha.org/form/grateful-goodies-2022.html

• Wednesday, Dec. 21: Food and cards drop off, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Temple Israel.

• Thursday, Dec. 22: Food and cards drop off, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Temple Israel.

• Friday, Dec. 23: Sorting shift #1, noon-1 p.m. at Temple Israel, and Sorting shift #2, 1-2 p.m. at Temple Israel.

Sunday, Dec. 25: Delivery is noon - 1 p.m.

BETH ISRAEL

Saturday, Dec. 17: Hanukkah Brisket Kiddush, 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a delicious pre-Hanukkah Brisket Kiddush Lunch after morning services! RSVP by 11:59 p.m. Dec 7 at: https://tin yurl.com/hanukkahbrisket22

Monday, Dec. 19: 2022 Hanukkah Carnival, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Bring the whole family for an evening of fun, games, dinner, prizes, balloon artists, an inflatable obstacle course, and a special Hanukkah story by Anna Perilo - free event no RSVP needed!

CHABAD

Dec. 18: Husker Menorah Lighting, 3 p.m. at Aksarben Village-Stinson Park. First ever Husker Menorah Lighting! Fun for the whole family — tailgate, refreshments and more! The world famous Latke truck will be there! RSVP @: ochabad. com/hanukkahrsvp

Monday Dec. 19: Annual Menorah Parade, 4 p.m. at Boys Town. Annual Menorah Parade where music and fun Hanukkah activities await you! Come enjoy hot latkes from our latke truck! Sure to be fun for everyone! Contact Mushka if you want us to reserve a menorah for your car — they are car and travel safe! RSVP @: ochabad.com/hanukkahrsvp

Dec, 18-26: Latke Truck is available by appointment (not available on Shabbat). Back by popular demand! Great at your office, home, school party! To check availability and book, email: latketruck@ochabad.com Visit us on facebook: www.facebook.com/ShalomahaPress

B’nai Israel Synagogue

Wishes the Community a Happy Hanukkah!

National Register of Historic Places A Century of Tradition

618 Mynster Street, Council Bluffs, IA

You’re always welcome at B’nai Israel!

Wishing the Omaha community Happy Hanukkah

SHAREE AND MURRAY NEWMAN

Karoline

SNOWBIRDS Don’t Worry, Be Happy

MOLLY WOODMAN The Kim Foundation Outreach Coordinator

Disclaimer: This is one of my favorite songs and I mean absolutely no disrespect to the legendary Mr. McFerrin.

One morning, I was driving my especially grumpy kids to school and they were all whining very loudly. One son was worried that we’d be late for school. My daughter was worried about who she’d play with at recess. My oldest son was worried about a huge project he hadn’t started yet and “doesn’t know how to do.” Suddenly I noticed what song was coming through the car speakers. It’s almost as if my iPod was listening and sending me some guidance. (Yes, I still use an iPod to play music in my car. Yes, I’m that old.) I reached over and started the song from the beginning and blasted the volume.

“Here’s a little song I wrote, you might want to sing it note for note, don’t worry, be happy...” I sang that song louder than any mom has sung before. I rolled down the windows and belted the lyrics. My kids were stunned to silence. Eyes wide, mouths agape.

“You guys,” I yelled, “I can’t believe how perfect this song is for this very moment! Don’t worry, be happy! Look at me, I’m happy!”

I kept singing every word. I danced too. Drivers-seat-mom-dancing, folks. The moment was epic. Epically embarrassing for my kids, that is.

While the song Don’t Worry, Be Happy is fabulous, the actual saying is counterproductive. Saying that to someone who is truly worried is about as effective as telling them to smile. I’m a professional worrier from way back. I worry about, well, everything. There

have been times when I forgot what I was worrying about and then I’d worry about the fact that I was worried but couldn’t remember why! It became excessive and eventually I was diagnosed with anxiety.

Over the years, I’ve found some relief by using different coping mechanisms. I’ve learned that sometimes I need to talk through my anxiety with someone who can listen without judgement. Sometimes I need to write down what’s on my mind. Oftentimes I need to do a puzzle or color so my mind can zone out for a while. These are the things that have helped me. You know what’s never helped me?

Someone telling me to not worry. And yet, when I was listening to my own children’s worries, I sang them this song! (You can’t see me right now, but I’m shaking my head.)

It’s hard to practice what we preach sometimes. Even though I’ve lived with anxiety my entire life, I often struggle to know the right thing to say to someone else who’s going through it. If you do too, please check out this handy “how to” guide from Johns Hopkins (link below). It contains helpful tips like providing validation and avoiding confrontation.

Spoiler alert: it doesn’t endorse playing “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.

Tips on helping someone with anxiety: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healt h/treatment-tests-and-therapies/howto-help-someone-with-anxiety

Tips on coping with anxiety: https://adaa. org/tips

Looking for a therapist? https://nebraska mental health.com

This series is sponsored by the Jewish Press and the Jennifer Beth Kay Memorial Fund.

Children’s books for Hanukkah

SYBIL KAPLAN

Here are some charming books for younger readers. Latkes and Applesauce by Fran Manushkin, Charlesbridge Publishing,$17.99 hardcover, 32 pp.

Editors might wonder why I am reviewing a Hanukkah book in August. The answer is--so you plan ahead and use this review late November or early December because it is so special and has such a special history.

Fran Manuskin has written over 75 children’s books over the past 40 years.

Latkes and Applesauce was published in 1990 then again in 1992 and again in 2007. In a small town or perhaps suburb of old Poland, the Menashes family live, anticipating Hanukkah. Mama, Papa, a son and a daughter plan to dig up potatoes and pick apples when an early blizzard appears on the first night of Hanukkah. Each night, they light their candles, give shelter to a stray dog and a kitten but are unable to make their traditional foods. What happens as the holiday continues and the storm clears make for a charming story.

Now the classic book, for 3 to 7 year olds, has been reissued with a contemporary family, warmed by graphite and gouache illustrations by Kris Easler, from Minneapolis, illustrating her first picture book.

See Children’s books page 12

A huge “minor” holiday

Continued from page 8

When we dig a little deeper, we begin to understand the lesson of the wonder G-d performed. A small amount of light when applied to darkness is transformative.

It changes the nature of the place from night to day.

This lesson resonates strongly, and the need to share it with the world at large is our duty. The nature of fire, that it can be shared without diminishing of itself, rings true.The more we feel the dusk and gloomines around, the more it becomes necessary to create even the smallest amount of light, igniting our soul, which will in turn set the souls of those around us aflame, changing our surroundings into one of brightness.

The Rebbe took this concept to the next level, inspiring public menorah displays and lightings, along with Hanukkah celebrations, for all to see the Jewish people commemorating the wonders of Hashem, inspiring the contagious spread (unlike with disease, this is a good thing) of light as far as can be imagined.

Chabad of Nebraska has taken this mission seriously, in the over 35 years Chabad has been in town, innovative programs and projects have been created, from the dreidel house to the olive oil press workshop, or lighting a menorah at the governor’s residence to the latke truck traveling around town serving up the delicious treat to all, to publicize the miracle, thanking G-d for past and especially current, miracles. Sharing

Thank you for

the light.

Jennifer Tompkins, JFO Executive Director of Philanthropy & Engagement 402-334-6435

• jtompkins@jewishomaha.org

the message of the power of light.

This year Chabad is leading the charge with some of the most exciting programs in town.

There will be educational activities for children and adults (including the very popular olive press workshop), the highly anticipated cartop menorah parade, and the world famous latke truck at many hanukkah events and parties. There will also be menorah lightings at the governor’s residence and on UNL campus. Be sure to look for menorahs displayed throughout Nebraska (including at local supermarkets and downtown locations). Most exciting for us will be at the public menorah lighting and celebration in Stinson park at Aksarben Village, featuring the first ever Husker menorah, (built by local teens) you won’t want to miss it.

Take this opportunity to make Hanukkah your favorite Jewish holiday, join one of the many Hanukkah celebrations in town, perhaps even host a Hanukkah event of your own. You will be astonished by the affect of lighting and brightening it will have.

To find out more about any of the Hanukkah celebrations, visit ochabad.com/hanukkah, email: RabbiEli@ochabad. com or call Rabbi Eli at 402.330.1800 ext 203.

You can even have the latke truck make an appearance at your event, email latketruck@ochabad.com to set up a reservation.

being the light!

Amy Bernstein Shivvers, Foundation Executive Director 402-334-6466

• ashivvers@jewishomaha.org

The latke truck wrapping up, getting ready to lead the car-top menorah parade.

Hanukkah trivia Hanukkah

SYBIL KAPLAN

QUESTIONS

1. What does the word Maccabee mean?

2. Who were the five sons of Mattathias?

3. What is a Hanukkah lamp called?

4. What are the letters on a dreidel outside of Israel? Inside Israel?

5. In which book of the Bible do we read the story of Hanukkah?

6. Who was Judith and why is she mentioned on the Shabbat of Hanukkah?

7. What was Mattathias’s wife’s name?

8. How many candles in a box of Hanukkah candles?

9. Why do we give gelt on Hanukkah?

10. How many years occurred between the desecration of the Temple and the killings in Modiin by Mattathias and the Maccabee uprising?

11. According to Jewish custom, what kind of oil should be used for the Hanukkah lights?

12. Why were the Schools of Hillel and Shammai in disagreement about Hanukkah?

13. What is unique about the mitzvah of lighting Hanukkah

lights?

14. How should one popularize the mitzvah of lighting the candles for Hanukkah?

15. What king ordered the people of his kingdom to become Greek in religion and culture?

16. Why don’t Jews celebrate the real things done by the Maccabees?

17. Why did Judah Maccabee want this holiday celebrated for eight days?

18. Who were the Hasmoneans?

19. How long did the war continue after the Temple was rededicated?

20. How did each of the Maccabean brothers die? See answers page 16

Sybil Kaplan is a Jerusalem based journalist, lecturer, book reviewer, food writer and author of Witness to History: Ten Years as a Woman Journalist in Israel and contributor or author of nine cookbooks. She works as a foreign correspondent for North American Jewish publications and created and, leads walks in English in Machaneh Yehudah, the Jewish produce market.

Children’s books

Continued from page 10

Yossel’s Journey by Katherine Lasky, Charlesbridge publishers, $18.99 hardcover, 48 pp.

Kathryn Lasky has written many books for young readers and lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The idea of Jews who lived in the American Southwest has intrigued her and her trips to New Mexico afforded her the opportunity to learn about the Navajo and Pueblo people who discovered their Jewish roots.

This fictional book tells the story of Yossel and his family, in the late 19th century, who flee the pogroms of Russia and travel to America. They settle in a small town next to a Navajo Indian Reservation in the house of his late uncle who owned a trading post which they will operate.

The book tells of his friendship with a Navajo boy his age.

Johnson Yazzi, born on the Navajo Nation in Arizona, creates acrylic paintings on canvas for this book. He is a painter, bronze sculptor and illustrator of children’s books in the Navajo Nation where he lives.

Geared for 5 to 9 year olds, this charming book shows how youngsters from different backgrounds were able to develop special friendships.

The Incredible Shrinking Lunchroom by Michal Babay, Charlesbridge Publishing, $16.99 hardcover, 32 pp.

Remember the 1977 classic, Yiddish folktale of Margot Zemach, It Could Always Be Worse, about the family’s overcrowded hut whom the town rabbi recommends filling

See Books page 13

Happy Hanukkah

Andy, Teresa, Max, & Chloe Ruback

Michal Babay a former teacher and resource specialist in California, has updated the story, illustrated by Paula Cohen’s digital Procreate on an ipad, who lives in New Jersey.

Mrs. Mensch, the principal of Parley Elementary has the noisiest, most cluttered lunchroom in town until she devises a clever plan to show the students what they have and how to appreciate it and use their space more effectively.

This modern-day, funny tale will delight 5 to 8 year olds.

Brand-New Bubbe by Sarah Aronson, Charlesbridge Publishers, $16.99 hardcover, 32 pp.

Jillian has a Noni and a Gram but when her mother married Michael and he became her stepdad, she discovered it wasn’t easy to blend a family and add another grandmother, Bubbe.

After Jillian undergoes a series of misunderstandings, Bubbe has a loving place in Jillian’s life and recipes for Bubbe’s World-Famous Matzo Ball Soup, Noni’s Not-Just-for Weddings Italian Wedding soup and Gram’s Easy Easy-Peasy As Spicy As You Like-It Gazpacho.

Youngsters 4 to 7, especially with more than one grandmother, will delight in this loving story.

Sarah Aronson lives in Evanston, Illinois and combines her clever story with illustrations drawn and colored digitally by Ariel Landy who is a mother, bubbe and children’s book illustrator who lives in France.

Sybil Kaplan is a Jerusalem based journalist, lecturer, book reviewer, food writer and author of Witness to History: Ten Years as a Woman Journalist in Israel and contributor or author of nine cookbooks. She works as a foreign correspondent for North American Jewish publications.

GABBY BLAIR Jewish Press Staff

THE CHOCOLATE GELT MARTINI

By Liza Schoenfein https://forward.com/food/460022/

S’MORES GELT COOKIES

By Miriam Pascal, OvertimeCook.com Originally published in Ami/Whisk magazine, https://overtimecook. com/2016/12/01/smores-gelt-cookies/

Ingredients: Graham cracker cookies: 1 cup oil 1 cup brown sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 eggs 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/2 cups flour 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

For garnish: 18 large marshmallows 36 large chocolate coins

Directions:

Prepare the garnish:

Cut each marshmallow in half along the width and place, cut (sticky) side down, on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Broil on high for about 30 seconds to a minute, until they start browning - but watch the marshmallows carefully to ensure they don’t burn.

Flip each toasted marshmallow over. The bottom side will still be sticky - press a chocolate coin onto it. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the oil and sugar until combined. Add vanilla, eggs, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Beat until combined.

Directions:

Pour chocolate sauce onto a small dish. Turn stemmed cocktail glass upside down and dip the rim in the chocolate. Turn right side up.

With a sharp knife make a thin slice halfway through the diameter of a chocolate coin (still in its golden foil). Place coin on rim of glass.

Combine vodka and liqueur in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds and pour into cocktail glass.

See Got GELT? page 15 for another recipe

Turn the mixer to low and add the flour and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until combined and a dough is formed.

Use a medium cookie scoop (or heaping tablespoon) to spoon the dough onto the prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Immediately, press a marshmallow/chocolate coin garnish, toasted marshmallow side down, onto the center of the cookie. Press down to reinforce the indentation and seal the garnish into the cookie.

Let cool completely before eating.

These cookies freeze nicely in an airtight container.

Gary and Karen Javitch

Credit: Liza Schoefein

Got GELT?

Continued from page 14

MELT IN YOUR MOUTH

HANUKKAH GELT COOKIES

Candle wax won’t be the only thing melting this Hanukkah!

Try some of these melt-in-your-mouth gelt cookies... the perfect way for whoever wins dreidel to share the gelt this holiday!

By Miriam Pascal, OvertimeCook.

com Originally published in Ami/Whisk magazine, https://overtimecook.com/2013/11/11/melt-in-yourmouth-hanukkah-gelt-cookies/

Ingredients:

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine

1/2 package (4 oz) cream cheese or tofutti cream cheese

1 cup confectioner’s sugar

1 Tbsp. vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp. vanilla extract)

1 1/3 cups flour

(Approximately) 36 medium sized chocolate coins, unwrapped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, cream together the butter or margarine and cream cheese until just combined. Add the confectioner’s sugar and vanilla sugar and cream until smooth. Add the flour and beat until it forms a dough. Don’t over mix. Form 1 inch balls of dough (use a small cookie scoop to measure, if you have one) and place on tray. Bake for 12 minutes.

Remove from oven and, working quickly, place an unwrapped chocolate coin into the center of each cookie. Press down slightly on the coin, breaking the surface of the cookie. Return tray to the oven and bake for an additional minute or two, until cooked through.

Remove cookies from oven and set aside to cool. (Don’t touch the hot chocolate coins – they can really burn!)

From My Kosher Jerusalem Kitchen: Something different for Hanukkah dessert

SYBIL KAPLAN

We in Israel are already seeing bakeries displaying sufganiyot for Hanukkah, so here are some other sweets for the holiday. Sybil Kaplan is a Jerusalem-based journalist, author and compiler/editor of 9 kosher cookbooks. She is a food writer for North American Jewish publications, and she leads walks of the Jewish food market, Machaneh Yehudah, in English.

CUT-OUT HANUKKAH COOKIES

Ingredients:

2/3 cup margarine

2 cups flour

1 egg

3/4 cup sugar

1 Tbsp. milk

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cream margarine. Add half the flour, egg, sugar, milk, baking powder and vanilla. Beat in remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover and chill 3 hours.

Roll out half dough on a floured surface. Cut in Hanukkah shapes with cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake in preheated 375 degree F. oven 7-8 minutes. Add colored sugar before baking. Makes 6 dozen cookies.

See Hanukkah dessert page 16 for another recipe

Credit: landolakes.com

Hanukkah trivia

TRIVIA ANSWERS

1. One tradition says it means hammer and was applied to the Maccabee family because of their strength. Another says it stands for Mi kamocha baelim Adonai – “Who is like you among the great ones, O G-d.”

2. Judah, Jonathan, Jochanan, Eleazar, Simeon 3. Chanukiya

4. nun, gimmel, hay, shin; nun, gimmel, hay, po

5. The story does not appear in any book of the Bible. It is found in Maccabees I and Maccabees II, part of the Apocrypha, books not included in the Bible.

6. Judith was a Hasmonean woman, whose story is a book of the Apocrypha. She saved her town from destruction by killing the general in charge.

7. No one knows because she is never mentioned in the books of Maccabees.

8. 44

9. During the Middle Ages, adults began to play games on Hanukkah. In the 1700s, children began to play dreidel and were given coins for playing 10. One year

11. Olive oil

12. Hillel wanted one light on the first night and additional lights added each night. Shammai wanted eight lights lit the first night and one subtracted each night

13. Even if one does not have food to eat, one should beg or sell his clothing to buy oil and lamps to light for Hanukkah 14. Place the lights at or near the outer part of the door facing the street or in a window facing the street 15. Antiochus Epiphanes

16. The rabbis did not want military battles commemorated so they created the story of the oil being found by the Maccabees and lasting eight days.

17. Because the men had been fighting at the time of Sukkot and had not celebrated it, they decided to commemorate that holiday by observing this one for eight days.

18. The Maccabees were part of the House of Hashmon and called Hasmoneans, a title of honor which denoted its high standing.

19. The war continued 127 more years before the last flicker of independence under a Hasmonean sovereign was extinguished. 20. Judah was in battle and his unit became sandwiched between two enemy divisions.

Eleazar was under attack by a unit on elephants. He thought the king or general was on a particular elephant so he thrust a sword into the elephant and it fell on him and crushed him.

Yochanan was attacked by a tribe near the Dead Sea.

Simeon was entertained by his son-in-law, made drowsy from wine and assassinated by the son-in-law’s accomplices Jonathan was put to death by the Syrian King Tryphon, because he could not succeed in an assault upon Jerusalem.

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HANUKKAH PUFFS

This recipe came from an old newspaper.

Ingredients: 2 cups flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 Tbsp. baking powder

1 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup milk or nondairy substitute

1 egg oil

cinnamon sugar or confectioner’s sugar

Directions: Pot of deep oil.

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and nutmeg. Mix well. Add oil, milk or nondairy substitute and egg. Mix thoroughly.

Drop by small teaspoonfuls into deep hot oil. Fry three minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Roll in cinnamon sugar or confectioner’s sugar. Makes 3 dozen.

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SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. with guest speaker Mike Hornacek at Beth El & Live Stream; Jr. Congregation, 10 a.m.; Havdalah, 5:35 p.m. Zoom Only.

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SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Vayishlach; Havdalah, 5:44 p.m.

SUNDAY: LJCS Classes, 9:30 a.m.-noon; Men's

Jewish Bike Group of Lincoln meets Sundays at 10 a.m., rain or shine, to ride to one of The Mill locations from Hanson Ct. (except we drive if it’s too wet, cold, cloudy, windy, hot or humid) followed by coffee and spirited discussions. If interested, please email Al Weiss at albertw801@gmail.com to find out where to meet each week; SST Board Meeting, 1:30 p.m.; Pickleball will restart soon at TI, but first we want to know how many people are interested. There are three possibilities and we can do any or all of them depending on interest: Do a teaching clinic (equipment provided); Just Play. Newcomers welcome; Coaching sessions, providing tips and practice to improve your game. Please let Miriam Wallick know which options you're most interested in by text message 402.470.2393 or email at Miriam57@aol.com.

WEDNESDAY: LJCS Classes, 4:30-6 p.m.; Adult Ed class: The Modern History of Israel: Faith, Hope, Reality, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Alex at SST.

THURSDAY: SST Annual Meeting, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY-Dec. 16: Kabbalat Shabbat Service with Rabbi Alex and music by Nathaniel and Steve Kaup, 6:30 p.m. at SST; Oneg host: TBD; Candlelighting, 4:42 p.m.

SATURDAY-Dec. 17: Shabbat Morning Service 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Alex at TI; Torah Study, noon on Parashat Vayeshev; Havdalah, 5:46 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

FRIDAYS: Virtual Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month at Capehart Chapel. Contact TSgt Jason Rife at OAFBJSLL@icloud.com for more information.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s service is currently closed to visitors.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

In-person and virtual services conducted by Rabbi Batsheva Appel, Rabbi Deana Sussmam Berezin, and Cantor Joanna Alexander

FRIDAY: Drop-In Mah Jongg 9-11 a.m.; Shabbat B’yachad Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom; Shabbat Morning Service and Bat Mitzvah of Margot Mayhugh 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Grades PreK-6, 9:30 a.m.-noon; Grade 6 Parent Meeting, 10:15 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Yarn It, 9 a.m. In-Person; Grades 36, 4-6 p.m.; T’filah, 4:45 p.m.; Grades 9-12, 6-8 p.m. at Temple; Grades 7-8 6:30-8 p.m.; Community Beit Midrash, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Thursday Morning Class, 10 a.m with Rabbi Azriel — In-Person & Zoom.

FRIDAY-Dec. 16: Temple Office Closes at 11 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 5:45 p.m.; Classic Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. In-Person & Zoom.

SATURDAY-Dec. 17: Torah Study 9:15 a.m. In-Person & Zoom.

Please visit templeisraelomaha.com for additional information and Zoom service links.

Walmart pulls $40 ‘elegant sunscreen scarves’

PHILISSA CRAMER

JTA

“Why wear a tallis to shul when you can wear a very real product from Walmart?” Ilan Kogan, an Orthodox rabbinical student, asked on TikTok late Nov. 28.

Kogan was talking about “Elegant Sunscreen Scarves Sun Block Shawl Scarf Beach Shawl Towel Clothing Accessories for Women Judaism (Blue),” the search engine-optimized title for a product that looked a lot like a tallit, the shawl worn by Jews during morning prayers.

His post was one of several to call attention to the product listed on Walmart’s website, with reactions ranging from curiosity (“I have so many questions,” tweeted Atlantic columnist Yair Rosenberg) to outrage (from the watchdog group Stop Antisemitism). By Nov. 29 afternoon, Walmart had removed the item, which had been listed for $40.99, as well as a second with a similar name from a different seller that had been available for the cut-rate price of $14.49.

“Walmart has a robust trust and safety program, which actively works to prevent items such as these from being sold on the site,” a spokesperson

told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “After reviewing, these items have been removed.”

Like other products that have drawn criticism from Jewish consumers — such as Schindler’s List leggings printed with scenes from the iconic Holocaust film — the “elegant sunscreen scarves” reflect the oddities of contemporary merchandising.

tices as those that Walmart sells directly, and many of them have names that are more a list of keywords than an accurate description of what a customer might receive.

Additionally, the tallit for sale were not actually intended for use by Jews. The printed Bible verses on the corners and the fish imagery visible in some of the product photos are giveaways that the items are made for Messianic Jews, who pray using the trappings of Jewish tradition while also believing in the divinity of Jesus.

A tallit was for sale on Walmart's website until it was removed after Jewish customers complained.

Credit: Screenshot

In this case, the products were sold by thirdparty vendors using Walmart’s online marketplace, where shoppers can browse up to 60 million items. Those products are not subject to the same prac-

Messianics and others who appropriate Jewish practices, including, increasingly, right-wing Christian activists, represent a growing market for ritual items. A search for “tallit” returned 286 items on Walmart’s website on Tuesday afternoon; some were clearly marked as Messianic but many others lacked language indicating that they are not traditional Jewish ritual items.

A search on Amazon, home to the internet’s largest storefront, turns up even more results, some coming from reputable Judaica brands but many others from brands seeking to appeal to Messianics and traditional Christians.

B’NAI ISRAEL

Life cycles

ARLENE J. FREDRICKS

Arlene J. Fredricks passed away on Oct. 23, 2022 at age 94. A memorial service was held on Oct. 27, 2022.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sydney and Anne Blotcky Fischer; step-mother, Vicki Fischer; husband, David Fredricks; son, Terry Fredricks; daughter, Betsy Levine; and grandson, Lee Fredricks.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Ann Fredricks; daughter-in-law, Sally Fredricks; son-in-law, Tom Levine; five grandchildren: Jason and Jennifer, Aaron, Tim, Jeff and Jill and Claire and Rob; and nine great-grandchildren: Colin, Sophia, David, Henry, Harrison, Theodore, Evelyn, Ella and William.

Arlene Fredricks was born in Omaha, NE on Nov. 1, 1927. She graduated from high school in Louisville, KY. In 1949, Arlene earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

On May 28, 1950, Arlene married David L. Fredricks. They were truly partners through life for the next 66 years until David’s death in November 2016.

Arlene was an elementary teacher for a few years before she retired to raise her children, Alan, Terry and Betsy.

In the 1960s, Arlene and her husband, David started Fredricks Realty Company, a real estate sales brokerage and property management company. They later started BC Leasing Associates, a business equipment leasing company, which they ran until 2015.

In the 1980s, Arlene decided to continue her education and earned a Master’s Degree and, ultimately, a Doctorate Degree in Industrial Psychology. She put her education to work at the City of Omaha in the Human Resources Department and later at Boys Town. She was very proud of these accomplishments.

Arlene was active in community and social activities. She devoted substantial time with the National Council of Jewish Women on both the local and national level and served as president of both.

David and Arlene had an interest in aviation and became pilots. They enjoyed flying for a few years, each earning a pilot license.

Arlene enjoyed playing golf and traveling the world. She was an avid reader and researcher, which continued until late in her life when Alzheimer’s disease took over. She will be greatly missed by her entire family.

Memorials may be made to Temple Israel, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Alzheimer’s Association.

JEROME P. “JERRY” GORDMAN

Continued from page 4

Born in 1938, Jerry Gordman was the eldest son of Dan and Esther Gordman.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in economics, he married Omaha native Linda Rosenbaum. The couple had met when he was 16 and she was 14. They soon moved to Fort Lee, Virginia, where he served as an Army second lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps.

When they returned to Omaha two years later, he began a 22year career with Richman Gordman Stores Inc.

Founded in 1915 in downtown Omaha as Richman’s Outfitters to the Family by his grandfather, Sam Richman, Dan Gordman partnered with Richman in 1936 and married his daughter Esther. In 1948 a second store was opened in South Omaha and the name of the store was changed to Richman Gordman.

In 1976, while still with Richman Gordman, Jerry and his wife founded Kalico’s Inc., a clothing store for children and teens. Kalico’s closed in 1997.

The following year, he became president and CEO of Gordman Properties Co., a commercial real estate development firm. He continued in that position until his death.

Along the way, he served as treasurer of the Beth El board, and was president of the Dan Gordman Education Fund and

Friedel Jewish Academy.

He is survived by his wife, Linda R. Gordman of Omaha; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Danielle Gordman of Omaha; daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa and Howard Marcus of Omaha and Randi Gordman and Rand Monteleone of Acton, MA; grandchildren: Sam Lieb, Anna and Jamie Monteleone, and Harper and Zev Gordman; brother and sister-in-law, Nelson and Linda Gordman of Omaha; and sister, Deborah Platt of Omaha.

Memorials may be made to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or the Milton Marcus Instrumental Music Endowment Fund at Beth El Synagogue.

ELAINE NACHMAN (NOVICOFF)

Elaine Nachman (Novicoff) passed away peacefully on Nov. 27, 2022 at age 88 in Scottsdale, AZ surrounded by her three daughters and their families. A graveside service was held Nov. 30, 2022 at Mt. Sinai Cemetery in Phoenix.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Benjamin; brother, Donald Novicoff; and grandson, Blake Wolfson.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Marilyn and Gary Colick, Nancy and Russell Silverman and Carole and David Aronchick; her adored four grandchildren: Zachary, Lauren, Evan and Jacquelyn; and her many cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Elaine was born in Lincoln on Feb. 13, 1934, to George and Rose Novicoff and was the oldest of two children. She met the love of her life, Benjamin, at the Jewish Community Center in Omaha as teenagers, and both were fixtures of the Jewish community.

Together, they shared a love of Nebraska Cornhuskers football, hosting holiday dinners, traveling near and far, and spoiling their children and grandchildren.

Elaine will be remembered for her generous spirit, intelligence, infectious laugh and overall loving nature. Her warm heart and delicious cooking and baking (Grandma Rose cookies in particular) will provide cherished memories for her loving family. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her for her grace and kindness.

Memorials may be made to Congregation Tifereth Israel in Lincoln. Please include “c/o Mount Carmel Cemetery Fund” on the memo line of your payment.

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Hanukkah history retold

SYBIL KAPLAN

The true story of Hanukkah is political and military. When the story was written after the Hasmonean victory, it was written as a clash between a regional power and the guerrillas who defeated it.

When the Talmud was written, the sages ignored the sentence “the Hasmonean dynasty defeated the Greeks,” they diminished the real story, got involved in laws about how to light Hanukkah candles and, in fact, made up a story, not even mentioned, about the miraculous appearance of a jug of oil.

Thus, by suppressing the military side, they didn’t want to show their nationalistic feelings. Some have even said the sages did not read history and misunderstood the story of the Maccabees. All of the story about elephants and battalions and daggers and arrows and swords was replaced with a tale about a jug of oil.

I Maccabees says after defeating Lysias, the regent, Judah Maccabee entered Jerusalem and purified the Temple—making new holy vessels including a candelabrum, incense altar, table and curtains—and set the date for the rededication of the Temple. The celebrations were to last eight days.

II Maccabees adds that the eight days were celebrated like the Feast of Tabernacles, which they had not celebrated because they had been wandering in the mountains.

Josephus says they were to celebrate a festival called “Lights.”

No one mentions the kindling of lights.

It is in the Talmud where the so-called miracle of the oil burning for eight days is written which was inserted to deemphasize the miracle of military triumph and replace it with a more palatable idea, that of the intervention of G-d, which somehow would seem more a miracle of man against man, according to the sages of the time.

One very obvious missing thing in the four books of Mac-

cabees are the names of the Maccabean women. Mattathias had five sons. Where is the Mrs.? Were there wives to mourn the brothers who all died horrible deaths?

Was Judah married? What about the other brothers who met such terrible fates?

Judah was sandwiched between two enemy divisions and killed. After Judah died, Yohanan was sent with baggage to the Nabateans. They killed him and plundered the goods. Simeon, Judah’s right hand man, was murdered by his son-in-law so he must have had a daughter and a wife. Elazar broke through the Syrian ranks to reach the enemy. He thought the king was riding an elephant, he killed the elephant and it fell on him, killing him. Jonathan fortified Jerusalem, became a high priest and was put to death by the reigning monarch.

Where were the women?

All of these stories are legends and, by the Middle Ages, there was questioning about the cruse of oil story.

In December 2018, Shmuley Boteach wrote an informative article in the Jerusalem Post called An ignorant ‘New York Times’ trashes the Maccabees. He also cites a columnist for The Forward and the Washington Post for misinformation about the Maccabees.

He writes:

The Hasmonean revolt was a popular campaign to safeguard the freedom of a people to freely practice their faith and traditions regardless of the whims of an emperor. The Maccabees fought to end the Greek intolerance of theirs. Their mission was to stymie the very deadly plans of a megalomaniacal, absolutist dictator who drew no limits on the level of oppression and exploitation he would thrust upon the powerless citizens of a tiny

client state. The Jews did not revolt against Hellenistic culture, which, by the time of the revolt in 167BCE had been around for at least six decades, but against a king who sought to enforce that culture both to the exclusion of all others and at the pain of

death. The Maccabees revolted against a tyrant who sought to destroy Judaism. The Jews fought not against a system of Hellenistic belief but a system of Hellenistic oppression.

Sybil Kaplan is a Jerusalem-based journalist, lecturer, book reviewer, food writer and author of Witness to History: Ten Years as a Woman Journalist in Israel and contributor or author of nine cookbooks. She works as a foreign correspondent for North American Jewish publications and created and, leads walks in English in Machaneh Yehudah, the Jewish produce market.

The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation thanks our donors, supporting foundations and dedicated grant committees for their commitment to enriching the Omaha Jewish Community.

• Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation

• Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation Fund

• Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation

• Phillip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation

• Lazier L. and Harriet B. Singer Memorial Fund for Youth

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•

•

•

•

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•

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• Gertrude T. and Albert B. Newman Endowment

in

quest

enrich Jewish Omaha by opening a Donor Advised Fund or an Endowment. End-of-year is the perfect time, plus we have our incentive match program.

Painting of the Maccabees by Wojciech Korneli Stattler. Credit: Museum: National Museum Kraków