December 11, 2015

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

Frances and Sam Fried create Holocaust and Genocide Studies minor

December 11, 2015 29 Kislev 5776 Vol. 96 | No. 13

This Week

Voices of Beth El: Richard Jacobson Page 3

Dan Ephron analyzes assassination of Yitzak Rabin Page 4

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Jewish Press Editor For many years, Sam Fried has been a respected member of our community. As a Holocaust survivor, he has dedicated his life to educating others about the atrocities the Nazis committed. It is thanks to Sam and his wife, Frances, that Lincoln’s Wyuka Cemetery is home to a beautiful Holocaust Memorial.

“At first, I didn’t want to support it.,” Sam told the Nebraska University Foundation in 2012. “I’m not about building memorials of just bricks and mortar. I believe that the best way to honor the victims of the Holocaust is to ensure that future generations will not have to be subjected to similar horrors.”

But Sam didn’t stop there.

“Although Frances did not have to endure the horrors of the Holocaust personally,” he said, “she embraced this cause and together we cofounded the Heartland Holocaust Educational Fund which finances Holocaust education courses at Nebraska colleges. In 2011, Frances and I were honored that Frances and Louis Blumkin once again joined us

Frances and Sam Fried in our efforts toward educating future generations by establishing the Louis and Frances Blumkin Professorship of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.”

Now, Sam and Frances are ready for the next chapter. Beginning in the spring of 2016, students at University of Nebraska Omaha can minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

UNO will become the first college or university in the Midwest to offer a minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies. The creation of this new program is a critical part of UNO’s ongoing Sam and Frances Fried Holocaust and Genocide Studies Initiative.

“The minor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies at UNO encompasses years of dedication. Frances and Sam Fried are committed to generating the needed attention and have made a significant impact on education in Nebraska,” Jewish Federation of Omaha CEO Alan Potash said. “Sam has been an important leader in educating the Omaha community on the Holocaust, and on what happens to a society when it witnesses atrocities but does nothing to prevent it.”

Ken Bird, Chairman of the Frances and Sam Fried Holocaust and Genocide Education Fund, calls it “exciting news for both UNO and for the city of Omaha. This is such a great partnership between the University and the Foundation, and it is a rarity in our country. Sam has been a champion since the beginning, and it’s great to see his dream come to fruition.”

Continued on page 2

Kids Campaign

PJ Library celebrates

Gary Shyken with five of his kids. From left to right: Shmuel, Eliezer, Aliza, Aviva and Bathsheva Shyken.

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPing the brand new Kids Campaign.

WRIGHT Chairing the committee are BenJewish Press Editor jamin, Julia, Elizabeth and Stacie An exciting new initiative is taking Brodkey; William Friedlander and shape at the Jewish Federation of Sophie Ambrose; Max, Chloe and Omaha. Louri Sullivan, JFO Director Teresa Ruback; Jack, Joe and Andee of Community Impact and Special Scioli; Shmuel, Aviva, Batsheva, Projects, together with a committee Eliezer, Aliza, Yehuda and Gary of dedicated lay leaders, is introduc- Shyken and Sidney, Evie and Jeff Zacharia.

Highlight of the Kids’ Campaign is the Pushka, specially designed for our community’s kids and teens by marketing director Margie Utesch.

The first Pushkas were handed out at Friedel, the CDC, and during the JCC’s Hanukkah Extravaganza.

“Taking care of others is an important pillar of Judaism,” said Gary Shyken. “We must teach our children Continued on page 3

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Center for Jewish Life The final event of the Jewish Book Month will focus on where reading begins -- with the kids. It will be “A Celebration of PJ Library Fun!” at the Omaha Children’s Museum on Saturday, Dec. 26 from 6-9 p.m.

The event is open to Omaha’s young Jewish families with children of PJ Library age – six months to eight years and their parents. Siblings and grandparents are welcome as well. PJ Library provides books for children mailed to the child’s home each month. Omaha’s program is sponsored by the Dorothy and Myer S. Kripke Institute for Family Literacy. This year’s PJ Library programs are made possible through the generous support of the Morton Richards Youth Program Fund, the Murray and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation, the Special Donor Advised Fund and the Esther K. Newman/Carolyn Kully Newman Memorial Fund, all funds of the Jewish Federation of Omaha

Emerging voices: Hey Jew: Judaism and the Beatles Page 8

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

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

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Foundation. A light dinner will be provided. The event is free of charge, with reservations required

by Dec. 18. Phone 402.334.6463 or email mkirchhoff@jewishomaha. org to make your reservation.

Children are guaranteed to have fun, fun, fun! The Omaha Children’s Museum provides the opportunity for children to engage in exciting, educational, fun activities.

New activities are always a part of each trip to the museum. A special feature of this year’s event will be “giveaways” which are sure to delight. The museum will feature a “Whiz Bang Science Show.”

This year we’ll also provide an opportunity for each family and child to show their generosity towards others. Attendees are asked to bring kid-friendly toothbrushes, toothpaste, and/or shampoo as a donation to the Jewish Family Service which will distribute them to those in need. Hopefully, you can include a cute note to accompany your gift.

Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | December 11, 2015

Sam and Frances Fried

Continued from page 1 Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dave Boocker agrees: “UNO is very fortunate to have wonderful patrons like Frances and Sam Fried to provide opportunities for students to study and grapple with human atrocity. The world would obviously be a far better place had we no need to study the Holocaust. We hope that students who take this minor will come to better understand historical perspectives about anti-Semitism, prejudice and racism so that they are better able to analyze their contemporary world and are prepared to make the world a better place by responding actively to social injustice.”

The mission of the initiative is to promote and facilitate the scholarly study of the Holocaust and other genocides, and seek to ensure that the mass atrocities of the Holocaust are never repeated.

“It is too easy to blame Hitler or the Nazis for the Holocaust,” Sam said. “However, in order for the mass murder of 11 million people to have been perpetrated, there needed to be a vast majority of humanity who chose to stand by silently. The purpose of the Fried Fund initiative and, ultimately, the Fried Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies is to ensure that those bystanders will not be silent in the future. We cannot eliminate evil, but we can stop it from taking hold and destroying our collective humanity.”

One of the minor’s chief mandates is to provide a curriculum that combines historical background with an interdisciplinary exploration of both the Holocaust and genocide through political science, literature, philosophy, sociology, religious studies, and other offerings. The experience of genocide touches on all aspects of society and lends itself easily to this interdisciplinary approach within and among the various colleges and programs at UNO. Faculty from multiple departments will support the minor, teaching courses such as the History of the Holocaust, Comparative Genocide, International Law, Judaism in the Modern Age and Contemporary Moral Problems. The Holocaust and Genocide Studies minor is intended to remember the victims, understand the causes of genocide, draw lessons and help students become responsible global citizens aware of the importance of creating an environment of tolerance. The key objective of this program is to introduce Nebraska students to a rich body of knowledge and understanding for the causes, experiences and modes of intervention to stop genocide and mass atrocity.

As the Fried Fund is dedicated to creating a permanent institutional presence at UNO, Holocaust and Genocide Lecture and Roundtable Series events will take place every semester and will invite lecturers from the university and community, as well as outside scholars and experts when possible.

The first such event took place on Monday, Nov. 16, and more than 150 community members, faculty and students came to learn about the current global refugee crisis.

Biking for a cause Chancellor John Christensen is grateful for this opportunity: “This new minor is not just an important continuation of the support from the Fried family, but another example of how UNO is at the forefront of newly emerging areas of academic exploration. I am excited that our university will now be the regional leader in the study of two incredibly important historical and social topics.”

In the Spring of 2016, Dr. Kenneth R. Rutherford, Director of the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery and Professor of Political Science at James Madison University, will give a talk on his work as a co-founder of the Landmine Survivors Network. He is renowned leader in the Nobel Peace Prize-winning coalition that spearheaded the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty and the global movement that led to the 2008 Cluster Munitions Ban Treaty.

UNO seeks to provide its students with opportunities to learn with and from people who come from other parts of the world to grow in empathy and understanding, The Fried Fund will foster and promote greater collaboration between UNO and local community organizations. The Foundations for this collaborative initiative, that will draw upon UNO’s resources and community groups, have already been laid this fall in the International Law course. As part of their servicelearning project, students developed legal and cultural orientation materials for local refugee resettlement agencies that help victims of genocide who settled in Nebraska.

Plans are currently being developed for an Intercultural Learning Academy that would pair UNO students with high school students and genocide survivors from countries such as Sudan and Myanmar, to provide mentorship and tutoring to increase the academic performance of youth and assist them in transitioning to college. This project would aim to build a stronger sense of community among diverse Omaha populations, as well as develop greater global awareness, cultural competency and intercultural communication skills of UNO students. The Fried Fund is also working on creating an annual workshop for those who work with the victims to provide tools to practitioners on how to best accommodate this population and build stronger community relations.

Sam knows all too well how much that sense of community is needed: “The Holocaust was such a horrific stain on history, that for a long time it wasn’t spoken about by anyone, except for the Jews who lost so much family. It allowed the Holocaust deniers to become organized, and we failed to educate our youth with both fact and the passion to stand up and let the truth be heard. Over time, the reality of the Holocaust has been twisted and spun to serve other purposes. The current Syrian refugee crisis is a prime example. I am not diminishing their plight, but they should not be compared to the Jews of 1939. It is a simple truth: those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.”

This article used information from the original UNO press release, generously provided by Lana Obradovic.

Marty Shukert and former Omahans Richard Slutzky, Maplewood, NJ, and Nancy Rosenstock Barag, Philadelphia, PA, biked from Jerusalem to Eilat, Israel, over five days in late October and early November to raise funds for Hazon, Inc. and the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies at Kibbutz Ketura, Israel. Their ride included stops in Ashkelon, Sde Boker, Mitzpe Ramon Crater and Kibbutz Ketura. Accompanying Marty was his wife Aveva. For more information, feel free to contact Marty or Richard Slutzky, 973.615.2528.

PJ Library celebrates

Continued from page 1 The PJ Library program is designed to strengthen the identities of Jewish families and their relationship to the Jewish community. Nationally, the program is supported by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation through partnerships with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations.

Enrollment in PJ Library is available at any time by visiting www.pjlibrary.org or by calling 402.334.6463.

Enrollment forms will also be available on Dec. 26 at “A Celebration of PJ Library Fun!” at the Omaha Children’s Museum. The PJ Library is a program of the Center for Jewish Life whose mission it is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences.

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December 11, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 3

Voices of Beth El: Richard Jacobson

by BETH EL PUBLICITY Federation of Omaha Board.

“I am always willing to serve Richard Jacobson has lived on community boards as long in Omaha since he was 1-1/2 years old, and his family has as I am interested in their been members of Beth El mission, and I feel I could add since then. “The people make value,” he said.

Beth El a special place.”

“Beth El is a welcoming, Richard was a Bar Mitzvah special place with a wonderat Beth El in 1961, his chilful rabbi. I will always dren went to Beth El Talmud remember the comfort I Torah, and he recalls, “My found in going to Minyan fondest memory was watchservices after my mother ing my children become B’not passed away.”

Mitzvah.”

Jewish Omaha in general, Richard is a dedicated voland Beth El Synagogue in parunteer and philanthropy is ticular, according to Richard, very important to him. are tremendous because of Currently, he is co-president “the people, the level of caring Richard Jacobson and his granddaughter of the Board of Jewish Social and the generous giving of the Services and, in that capacity also sits on the Jewish community. It is a truly great place to raise a family.”

Day School vital to strong Jewish community

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Friedel Jewish Academy “National studies have found that ‘Jewish kids who attend Jewish day schools have strong Jewish identities, are connected both to their local communities and to Israel, speak Hebrew, and in-marry in greater percentages than their public school peers,’” said Jody Malashock, past president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors.

“Graduates of Jewish day schools often assume important lay and professional positions within the Jewish community,” she added.

“Jewish day schools are necessary in attracting Jewish professionals who are looking for that opportunity for their children, and we, in Omaha, have found this to be true,” commented Malashock, a member of Beth El Synagogue.

She explained that she personally became aware of Omaha’s Friedel Jewish Academy and its importance to the community when she became president of the Jewish Federation.

“Our Omaha Jewish community is fortunate to be multifaceted and diverse,” she pointed out. “Friedel Jewish Academy, the synagogues, the Federation and its agencies all contribute to our well-being... spiritually, educationally, and physically. It is imperative that we appeal to all and offer as many Jewish experiences as possible. Our Day School is one of those experiences, and we all should be proud that Friedel is stellar in both secular and Jewish education. Our challenge as a community is to grow the school and to support it in concept and financially. It should be looked at as a partner in ensuring a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish community for today and tomorrow.”

Marty Ricks, Jewish Federation campaign consultant and former Executive Director of the Jewish Federation Foundation, agreed that “without a strong Jewish day school, some families will be forced to move to another community. Omaha’s Orthodox community is growing where it counts - young children. Most of these kids are at Friedel now or will be once they reach kindergarten age.

“At the Federation, we are working on a program to increase Omaha’s Jewish population,” Ricks explained. “We must have a Jewish day school, and, hopefully, expand it two grades through middle school in order to grow our population.

“Our present day school enrollment is not limited just to kids from Beth Israel families,” noted Ricks, a member of Beth Israel Synagogue and Temple Israel. “We had and have many students whose families belong to Beth El and Temple Israel. The small classes and terrific program and teachers provide a solid education, both Jewish and secular. Iris (Ricks) and I proudly support Friedel Jewish Academy

Playland Park, old and new On Dec. 18, Jerry Slusky will recall memories of his family-owned Council Bluffs race track and amusement park, built in the late 1940s and operated successfully until 1970.

On Jan. 8, Ted Zetzman of Noddle Development will describe the company’s plan to develop the old Playland Park land into an exciting Jerry Slusky mixed use project.

Services for both evenings will begin at 7:30 p.m. at B’nai Israel Synagogue in Council Bluffs.

financially and speak about it whenever we have the chance.”

Bonnie Bloch, a past president of Beth Israel Synagogue, the Center for Jewish Life, and Friedel Jewish Academy, emphasized that “The role of a Jewish education is vital in perpetuating a strong Jewish community. A community day school instills the love and knowledge of Judaism as it is explored daily. Friedel Jewish Academy provides this continuity and flow of Jewish studies and Hebrew language, making Judaism part of the students’ daily lives.

“A vibrant Jewish community must offer opportunities and institutions for all Jews to help them and their families grow in their participation in the Jewish world,” said Bloch.

Another strong supporter of Jewish day schools is Murray Newman, well known for his philanthropy. “In a nutshell,” he commented, “it was Peter Beinart’s book, Crisis of Zionism, that caused me to do a ‘180’ on my attitude toward the importance of a Jewish day school to the survival of Judaism. I invite all to read Beinart’s conclusion chapter where he cites concretely with facts and figures the impact of the day school movement in the United States and elsewhere to the continuation of us as a ‘people’... much more so than the stories and remembrances of the Holocaust and the creation and continuance of the viability of the State of Israel.”

Prior to reading Beinart, Newman, a member of Temple Israel, was of the opinion, “as a classical Reform Jew, that the ‘day school’ was only for ‘them.’ We have a fine public school system; what else did we need? Now I feel differently. The Jewish day school movement is vital to our survival,” he emphasized.

Summing up her statements, Jody Malashock expressed her admiration for Omaha’s Friedel Jewish Academy. “I am amazed every day by the accomplishments of our students and teachers. I invite the community to visit Friedel or attend one of their programs. You’ll be amazed as well.”

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Kids Campaign Continued from page 1 at a young age that we must always look to help those around us.”

If you didn’t make it to the Hanukkah party, not to worry: they will also be made available through the Pennie Z. Davis Childhood Development Center, Friedel Jewish Academy, the Jewish Federation of Omaha office and all three synagogues.

“Our kids did a lemonade stand over the summer and donated the money to Tzedakah,” Gary added. “The girls have donated their hair as well. My wife Liat and I try to lead by example. We talk about the importance of giving and the role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.”

The younger members of our community will be able to return during a special event in the spring of 2016 and drop their contribution in a coin machine. Details about that event will be announced in a future article in the Jewish Press.

For more information, please contact Louri Sullivan at 402.334.6485 or lsullivan@jewishomaha.org, or talk to any of the committee members. They will be delighted to assist.

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Snowbirds 4 | The Jewish Press | December 11, 2015

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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by MARK KIRCHHOFF Center for Jewish Life On Monday, Nov. 30, author and journalist Dan Ephron presented an intriguing analysis of the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin through a discussion of his book, Killing a King: The Assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and the Remaking of Israel. The event, co-sponsored

by Beth El Synagogue and the Center for

Dan Ephron speaking at Beth El

Bill Cutler III

Bill Cutler IV

Dan Ephron analyzes assassination of Yitzhak Rabin

Jewish Life of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, took place at Beth El. Ephron discussed the assassination of Rabin in the context of the 1993 Oslo I Accord between Rabin and Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) leader Yasser Arafat. The agreement set up a framework that was to lead to the resolution of the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict. It was the first face-to-face agreement between the government of Israel and the PLO. The Oslo Accords were officially signed at a public ceremony in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 13, 1993, in the presence of Yasser Arafat, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and U.S. President Bill Clinton. It was anticipated that over the years following this arrangement a permanent agreement would be negotiated resolving the remaining issues between both sides. Ephron explained that extremists on both the Palestinian and the Israeli sides undermined the peace process with violence. Among this group, Ephron shared, was the relentless scheming of a 25year-old Jewish law student, Yigal Yamir.

Yamir stalked Rabin for two years, eventually seizing the opportunity to assassinate the Prime Minister at a political rally. The assassination has been referred to as the worst

security blunder in Israeli history.

Ephron shared that he was covering the rally as a journalist, expecting it to be no more than the typical bombastic gathering that was typical of many such rallies. As the rally was concluding, Ephron was returning to his hotel. Along the way he was paged on his “beeper” that the Prime Minister had been shot and that he was to return to the scene immediately. At that time he encountered confusion and near chaos and unconfirmed reports about Rabin’s condition. He later learned that Yitzhak Rabin had died. In the days and months following, Ephron related how he set upon investigating the assassination itself and what had led up to it. He recounted how he had retraced the steps of Yamir and studied interrogation videos.

Ephron concluded that Yamir was a bright individual who had been planning and waiting for the opportunity to kill Rabin for a long period of time. Yamir was not only willing but eager to share all that he had done. He appeared to be arrogant and steadfast in his convictions that Rabin was the driving force that would result in the dissolution of Israel.

In the Q&A session that followed, Ephron was asked about his not referring to the opposition groups in general and Yamir in particular as “zealots” as has been customary in many reports. He explained that by applying such labels, the actions and behaviors of those individuals are easily dismissed. He proposed that more can be learned and understood by not dismissing them as such and trying to analyze their actions. He was also asked about the tendency of journalists to “take sides” on issues.

He replied that doing so was simply wrong.

He advocated for a more neutral approach that encourages an examination of facts.

Following the presentation, a number of participants commented on the professional and easy manner in which Ephron communicated. It was also noted by some that he shed light on a topic and a time that is painful for many Jews to examine. The event was recorded by 91.5 Omaha Public Radio KIOSFM, the home for NPR. The time for a broadcast of the evening is yet to be determined.

The website for the station is www.kios.org.

Ephron’s book is also available for check-out at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.

RBJH Family Night

by OZZIE NOGG vegetable soup, chicken Piccata, wild rice The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s annual pilaf, green beans amandine and Jen Family Night Dinner was held on Nov. 19. Addison’s Divine Carrot Cake. “The food, The event began with a 5:30 p.m. Happy Hour. Tables decorated with colorful autumn flowers were set up on Main Street, in the Schrager Café, and the Husker Lounge, as well as in the Blumkin Home Auditorium. Strolling violinist Deborah Greenblatt performed popular musical hits, along with special requests from residents. Karen Menagh, RBJH Activities Director, took complimentary family portraits in the Blumkin Home Chapel before dinner.

“Family Night is scheduled Seen at the RBJH Family Night Dinner are standing, Sophie; every year, a week before left, Larry and Aleia Budwig with grandpa Ron Budwig. Ron Thanksgiving, to bring resiis President of the Residents’ Council at the Blumkin Home. dents and their families together to break bread in celebration of provided by STAR Catering and Mike autumn,” said Maggie Conti, RBJH Director Aparo’s crew, got glowing reviews,” Conti of Activities and Outreach Programs. “This said. “In fact, one family member told me was one of the best Family Nights ever. Over she ate every last bite of chicken and she 100 guests attended, and it was apparent that doesn’t even like chicken. The residents everyone was having a great time. The always look forward to these festive meals Happy Hour cocktails certainly helped when they can dress up a bit and enjoy being enliven the mood.” together with family and friends. It’s a very The Family Night menu included hearty special time for everyone at the Home.”

December 11, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 5

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

Making the world a better place, one coin at a time

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor Remember what Cain asked God when he was questioned about Abel’s whereabouts? He wanted to know whether he was his brother’s keeper. Any of us who have spent time in Hebrew school of course know the answer: yes, he was. Or he should have been. When God asks questions, the lesson is always built in.

Nowadays, we have myriad variations on the theme, from “That’s not my job,” to “It’s not my backyard,” and the ever popular “Why should I care?”

When we look at the world around us, there are many things we should care about. And being Jews, to care means to act. It’s not enough to feel empathy for others in need; we have to do something. And if that is not enough of a challenge, we also have to teach our children. They inherit that double duty, and it’s not always easy to get that message across.

When children are little, we tend to focus on non-monetary acts of kindness. Sure, we ask them to give Tzedakah, but it’s not always meaningful since they don’t yet earn their own money. So we often pay more attention to the kind of capital they do have: love and friendship, sharing their toys, donating the clothing that no longer fits or the toys they’ve outgrown. Not fighting on the playground, saying please and thank you. And all those things serve as important reminders that there is a world beyond their immediate family, where kids just like them are hungry or cold, where others need to be treated with respect, where polite behavior makes others feel good.

But we shouldn’t discard that Tzedakah too easily. When they are very young, it may not technically be their money,

but there is value in teaching habits that they’ll need later in assigned to. They get to make decisions—how cool is that?

As of last week, we’ve added two more canisters to our collife. The very act of having a real quarter in your hand, only to give it away by dropping it in the Pushka, leaves an lection. Both my children are now proud owners of their impression. Repeat the act over and over and that impres- very own Jewish Federation of Omaha Tzedakah box. They are not alone: more than 100 have sion grows into a habit they cannot been handed out so far. shake when they are adults.

The Kids Campaign shows our I’m a big believer in Pushkas. We kids that they have a role and a have a collection: one for the synavoice. It will allow them to become gogue, one for Chabad, for the more knowledgeable about the Federation, for the Gay Straight things Federation does, what hapAlliance and an unassigned one in pens to the Campaign dollars, and case anything pops up that we didn’t how those dollars make a difference count on. None of them collect a to Jews locally and around the fortune. Instead, they receive ranworld. It will remind them it is not dom coins and-during a good weekonly important to care and to give, dollar bills. We make sure to put it is also essential to inform yourself something in before we light candles about where the money actually on Friday night, but during the week goes. After all, putting a quarter in a we don’t always remember. That’s pushka is one small step in a chain okay; what we like about it is that for of actions. Most of our kids have as long as my children can remembenefited at one time or another ber, those Tzedakah boxes have from the Annual Campaign, been sitting in our dining room. whether it is through one of our They see them every day, they serve synagogues, summer camp or day as a constant reminder that no matSidney, Jeff and Evie Zacharia school, or any of the many proter where you are in life, there’s always something you can do to help others. It’s a beautiful grams that are possible because of Campaign. When they thought that even one quarter a week can make a difference. personally participate in programming, they are able to tell And for them, having a Pushka in the house, or several, is you all about it because they were there. How awesome not optional. Besides, whenever a Pushka is full, they help would it be if they became just as knowledgeable about all deliver it and have a voice in what cause the next one is the other things we, as a community, accomplish together?

How to teach kids to support Jewish causes

by JEFFREY K. SALKIN HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (JTA) -- “Hey, Rabbi,” the bat mitzvah candidate said, “can I tell you about my mitzvah project?

I’m raising money to help people join our synagogue if they can’t afford it.”

I was impressed. And moved. And shocked.

Why so many religious schools require that bar/bat mitzvah candidates do a mitzvah project. Once upon a time, those projects were all Jewish in nature. Families would plant trees in Israel in honor of their guests or display material from local Jewish organizations on the tables at the celebration. Kids would donate some of their gift money to local Jewish federations.

For a while, bar and bat mitzvah candidates would symbolically share their ceremonies with Soviet Jewish refuseniks who were forbidden from studying Judaism.

But such specifically Jewish projects have gone the way of the VHS tape and the pet rock -- hopelessly passé.

Over the last decade, bar/bat mitzvah projects have become decreasingly Jewish in their focus and intent.

Mitzvah projects are far more likely to be focused on healing disease, or addressing environmental concerns, or raising money for disadvantaged kids.

In fact, my young friend’s idea to help subsidize synagogue dues for the less fortunate was the only specifically Jewish mitzvah project I had seen in years.

I am all in favor of kids wanting to give to the wider community. Most adults and teachers would probably agree with me: Any kind of altruism, anything that carries kids out of their iPhone, selfie-addled worlds is good. But the flight from specifically Jewish concerns has its own set of worrisome implications.

First, it accompanies a gradual diminishment in Jewish ethnic feeling and connection -- a diminishment that is part of larger trends within the American Jewish community.

When I have mentioned the importance of particularistic Jewish giving to parents, I get deer-in-headlights stares, as if

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parents find the very idea of giving to Jewish causes to be an embarrassment -- too Jewish, too tribal. It is as if I am speaking a foreign language, which, in fact, I am: a language of Jewish peoplehood.

Second, I find myself reminding Jewish parents of the deeper ramifications of their kids’ choices. Here is what I say: I know that your kids are going to want to give to various universal, communal and non-Jewish charities. We want to

Young Jews planting trees in Israel in honor of Tu b’Shvat, the festival marking the new year for trees.

Credit: Omer Miron/Flash90 be helpful and to make a difference. That is what being Jewish is all about.

But here’s the deal. If your child doesn’t give to the United Way, someone else will step up to that worthy plate. The same is true with the local museum and symphony orchestra.

But if we don’t teach our kids how to give Jewishly, they will never learn. No one else will step up for them and those Jewish causes will go unsupported. Eventually they will die.

If only one generation of Jewish kids fails to learn how to support the Jewish community, the Jewish people and Israel, Jewish giving will be over. Because Jewish giving, like any kind of moral engagement, is a muscle. If you don’t develop ries and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishoma ha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

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the muscle, it atrophies.

So what can Jewish parents do to make sure they are keeping the chain of Jewish giving intact?

First, teach your kids about local Jewish needs, causes and organizations. Talk to them about the work of federations, community centers, Jewish family and career services. Take them to see what those organizations are really doing. Talk to them about projects in Israel. Teach them about what Jewish organizations are doing all over the world. Make it real for them.

Second, link your child’s interests to Jewish causes.

Your kid likes baseball? There’s JChoice.org, a group that provides baseball equipment and supplies to kids in lowincome areas.

Dance? Give to The Israel Ballet.

Horses? Try the Israel National Therapeutic Riding Association, which uses horseback riding to help people coping with disability or injury.

There are other opportunities like these, many of them contained in The Mitzvah Project Book, by Liz Suneby and Diane Heiman. (Full disclosure: I wrote the foreword.)

Third, if you cannot find anything Jewish that interests your child, convert your child’s interest to a Jewish value.

Give that value a Hebrew name.

Your child wants to raise money for a specific disease?

Fine. Welcome to the world of refuah (healing).

Your child wants people to donate to help flood victims?

Great. It’s called “tikkun olam” (repairing the world).

Your kid cares about animal welfare? Fantastic. Thanks for supporting tzaar baalei chayim (avoiding cruelty to animals).

Sure, tikkun olam is great. But tikkun ha’am -- repairing the Jewish people -- is just as important. We do that when we connect our values to our people and to our sense of what we believe.

Jeffrey K. Salkin is the rabbi of Temple Solel in Hollywood, Florida, and the author of Putting God on the Guest List: How to Reclaim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.”

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6 | The Jewish Press | December 11, 2015

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 |712.322.4705 email: BnaiIsraelCouncilBluffs@gmail.com Join us for our Monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Jerry Slusky. He will share memories of Playland Park, a family operation which was a favorite destination in Council Bluffs from the 1940’s into the 1970’s. Oneg to follow service. Please join us!

Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel!

Larry Blass will officiate the Speaker Series Service.

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

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.; USY Shabbat Services, 6 p.m. followed by dinner at the Krausman home.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9:30 a.m. led by Grades 67; Shabbat’s Cool (Grades 3-7), 10 a.m. followed by lunch; 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.; Babies, Bigger Kids and Bagels, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Sunday Scholar Series, 11 a.m., with Marty Shukert, Biking, Enviroment and Peace: Impressions of Israel on Two Wheels; Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m.

MONDAY: Rosh Hodesh Meeting, 7 p.m. featuring Andrea Skolkin, One World Community Health Center.

TUESDAY: Adult Education Series Lunch-and-Learn, noon with Rabbi Abraham.

WEDNESDAY: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; USY Board Meeting, 5 p.m.; Hebrew High/USY Game Night, 6 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

THURSDAY: Shanghai, 1 p.m.

Our Shabbat Tables, Friday, Dec. 18 in congregants’ homes.

Shabbat Services/Minyan in the Round, Saturday, Dec. 19, 9:30 a.m.

Switch Day at the Rose Blumkin Home, Friday, Dec. 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

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

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 6:45 a.m.; Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat & Ma’ariv, 4:37 p.m.; Hanukkah Shabbat Dinner, 5:45 p.m.

RSVP Required.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Parade and Shabbat Classes, 9:45 a.m.; 15 mins after Kiddush -- Mishna L’Neshamah and Teen Class; Hanukkah Lunch: Brisket and Latkes, noon. RSVP Required; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 4:20 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:42 p.m.; Hanukkah Carnival, 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash: Understanding Our Prayers, 9:45 a.m.; Shavua Tov Israel (for children K-6 and their families), 1 p.m.; Caffe Ivrit, 2:30 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Shacharit, 6:45 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioners Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Scholar’s Club for 6th Grade, 3:30 p.m.; Avot U-Banim, 7 p.m.; Talmud Learning, 8 p.m.

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

FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office.

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

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

All programs are open to the entire community.

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

FRIDAY: Hanukkah Dinner and Party!, 6 p.m. Please RSVP. Brisket and latkes will be provided. Please bring a side dish to complete the meal and also a dessert for the oneg following the service. Cost is $10 for adults (13 and up) and $7 for children (12 and under). You're invited to bring your family's menorah and candles to light during the service.

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

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan-Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Jewish Parenting Forum, 12:30 p.m.–1:45 p.m. Roundtable discussion with Rabbi Lewis, Bark Straus, Penny Berger and Lori Raphael.

TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Pho Factory, 929 N. 26th St. Questions? Contact Stephanie Dohner.

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

Join the LJCS as we collect hats and mittens for the children of the Friendship Home. Donations will be collected through Sunday Dec. 13 and can be dropped at either building.

23rd Annual MLK “Freedom Fund Breakfast” Honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 at 7 a.m. at Embassy Suites Hotel, 1040 “P” Street. The Keynote Speaker: Dr. Marilyn Moore, President, Bryan College of Health Sciences. Tickets are $20 each.

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

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

Candlelighting Friday, December 11, 4:37 p.m. information, please contact Interim Religious School Director Sharon Comisar-Langdon, scomisar-langdon@ templeisraelomaha.com or 402.556.6536. You can drop in or you can let Sharon Comisar-Langdon know you are coming. We will also meet on Sundays, Jan. 24, Feb. 21, March 20 and April 10; Temple Israel Book Club with Scott Littky, 11 a.m.; Temple TED Talk, 11 a.m.

TUESDAY: Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m.; Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: No Grades 3-6; No Grades 7-12 or Family Night.

THURSDAY: Conversations with Cantor, 10 a.m.

Tot Shabbat, Saturday, Dec. 19, 9 a.m. Families with children ages five and under are invited to celebrate Shabbat in a child-friendly service. Bagels, juice and coffee provided.

This is an opportunity to meet other families with young children, connect with our clergy. Tot Shabbat will also meet on Saturdays, Jan. 30, Feb. 27, March 26, April 30, and May 28.

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

FRIDAY: Home Hanukkah Potluck dinner, 6 p.m. at the home of Mel and Eve Hoffman. Please RSVP to the office.

Plan to bring a dairy or pareve side dish (salad, vegetable, fruit, baked goods) in a disposable dish. The main dish will be provided.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a special Kiddush lunch in honor of Ken Greenfield’s move to Florida sponsored by Elaine and Everett Evnen.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan-Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Tifereth Israel's Annual Hanukkah/latke party, 12:15 p.m. TI has Talent will be returning for a third year as well! Acts should be 3-5 minutes in length (maximum), Performers can be ages 3-100! Solo or group acts, you choose!.

TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch Group, noon at Pho Factory, 929 N. 26th St. Contact Stephanie Dohner with any questons.

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

Join the LJCS as we collect hats and mittens for the children of the Friendship Home. Donations will be collected through Sunday Dec. 13 and can be dropped at either building.

23rd Annual MLK “Freedom Fund Breakfast” Honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Friday, Jan. 15, 2016 at 7 a.m. at Embassy Suites Hotel, 1040 “P” Street. The Keynote Speaker: Dr. Marilyn Moore, President, Bryan College of Health Sciences.

Join Ms. Nancy for a fun Tot Shabbat, Friday, Dec. 18, 6 p.m.

Children ages 1-7 and their families are encouraged to join us as we welcome Shabbat through story, snack and song.

Rosh Hashanah Chasidus

323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Robert Yaffe.

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

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel; Family-Friendly Hanukkah Service and Dinner: Candle lighting and Kiddush in the Simon Community Court, 5:30 p.m. Placing new rings on the L’Dor Va’Dor Sculpture at 5:45 p.m. Services, 6 p.m. Dinner following. Help spread our lights among those in our community by bringing non-food items to donate to the Jewish Family Services Pantry, i.e. laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, deodorant, shaving cream, razors, shampoo, conditioner, feminine hygiene products, tissues, paper towels and dish towels.

The cost of the meal is $10 for adults; $5 for children in 2nd 6th grade; and no charge for kids under 2nd grade.

Reservations required.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Benjamin Wilczewski, son of Allyson and Christopher Wilczewski, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah.

SUNDAY: Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Baby Brunch for Children under One Year and their Parents, 10:30 a.m. This is an opportunity to meet other families with babies, talk with our clergy and staff, and share stories. There will be toys and a safe place for your babies to play on the floor. For more

The 19th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev is celebrated as the “Rosh Hashanah of Chasidism.” It was on this date in the year 1798 that the founder of Chabad Chasidism, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, was freed from prison in Czarist Russia. The Katzman family celebrated during dinner with friends.

Pulverent e

December 11, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 7

In memoriam LILY KAY Lily Kay passed away Nov. 27 at age 101 in Omaha.

Services were held on Dec. 1 in Fort Lauderdale, FL, officiated by Cantor Gaston Bogomolni. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Kay and great-granddaughter, Sarah Kay. She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Leslie and Helen Kay of Omaha and Howard and Rebecca Kay of Des Plaines, IL; grandchildren: Elliott, Eadie, Jason, Jennifer and Joanna Kay and seven great-grandchildren.

Lily was born on Sept. 5, 1914, in Fort William, Ontario, Canada to Cantor Harry and Bella Pollock. She was the youngest of three sisters. Lily and Joe were married for 43 years. They owned a grocery store in Milwaukee from 1952 to 1957, and then moved to Chicago where they owned an Ace Hardware store #7 from 1957 to 1975. Both Lily and Joe were active in fundraising for cancer through the Helen Eckert Society in Chicago. In 1975 they retired to Fort Lauderdale, FL. Memorials may be made to Beth El Youth Scholarship Fund, L.O.V.E. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or any organization of your choice benefitting children.

CORINNE POLSKY Corinne “Kini” Polsky passed away Dec. 1 in San Rafael, CA. A celebration of life will be planned for a future date.

She is survived by by her husband, Donald Polsky, son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Nancy Polsky, daughter and sonin-law, Debbie and Andrew Werner; grandchildren: Sarah and Malia Polsky, and Jim and Rob Werner.

Memorials may be made to the organization of your choice.

IDA D. RICHARDS Ida D. Richards passed away Nov. 26, in Atlanta, GA.

Services were held in Omaha on Nov. 29 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery/Fisher Farms by Rabbi Steven Abraham.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Omaha attorney Yale Richards; parents, Morris and Sarah Epstein; brothers, Simon and Hymie Epstein; and sister, Rose Gross.

She is survived by sons, Skip Richards of Westborough, MA and Bruce Richards of Atlanta GA; grandchildren: Sarah, Lisa, Nicelle, Marley, Alden; and three great-grandchildren.

She was a member of Beth El Synagogue.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

DOROTHY ANNE YAFFE Dorothy Anne Yaffe passed away Nov. 22 at age 97.

Services were held on Nov. 24 at Temple Israel Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Sol Yaffe, owner of N.S. Yaffe Printing Company.

She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Rita Yaffe; daughter, Jane Yaffe-Rowell; grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Greta Camel and Annette Yaffe.

During the mid 1960s, Dorothy returned to the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she pursued and received her master’s degree in special education. This was during a time when few women were returning to school for post graduate level education. By January 1966, she was working in the UNO speech pathology clinic. In 1968 she was asked to help set up a new speech and hearing department at the newly built Nebraska Methodist Hospital and at the Eugene C. Eppley Rehabilitation Center. She became the director of the Speech and Audiology Department. Her most notable achievement was helping to organize the Omaha Stroke Club in 1973. The club, she said, was designed to get stroke victims involved in the world again, to stop thinking about themselves and to give them a little push to look outward again.

Memorials may be made to Temple Israel or VNA Hospice.

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Temple Israel Adult Education

by SCOTT LITTKY Program Director, Temple Israel Each night this week we have lit our Hanukkah Menorah in celebration of the miracle of the oil in the time of the Maccabees. According to the website MyJewishLearn ing.com, a major theme of Hanukkah is “the question of a strong identity and the freedom to express it.” As Jewish people, we continue to live by this theme. Jewish education is central to the theme of a strong Jewish identity. At Temple Israel we continue to not only educate our young people but are committed to building a strong community of adult learners.

Our next offerings of adult education classes will challenge our learners to think outside of the box. Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. we will offer a class titled All the News that is fit for the Jews. The class will focus on asking the question “Is it good for the Jews?”

How often do we hear or say: is it good for the Jews? The class will look at controversial news events and articles and analyze how they relate to us as Jews. This class will also meet Jan. 13, 20 and 27.

In February, Dr. Bruce Buehler will teach Was DNA God’s Way to Protect the Chosen People? This class will be offered Feb. 3, 17 and 24, at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Buehler described his class as follows: “DNA is the simplest and most complicated blueprint of life. It has the ability to

change and be changed by the environment. Why is it so complex and so simple?” Dr. Buehler’s unique approach to science and God will be fascinating to all in the class.

Thursday mornings in January at 10 a.m., Scott Littky will offer his course All the News that is fit for the Jews for those who are unable to attend on Wednesday evenings.

Beginning in February, our community Shaliach, Eliad Eliyahu will teach, Diversity in Israel: A Real Reality Show.

“Israel is the homeland of the Jewish People,” Eliad said.

“What does this mean? Israel is a diverse country with Jews from all over the world. As a result, there are issues and problems that are addressed daily to help create a country that is for all people. I hope to help those in the class come to an understanding of these questions and plenty of other ones.” Class dates are Feb. 4-25 and March 3, 10 and 24 at Temple Israel.

Our book club will meet again Jan. 10 and Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. in the Media Center. If you would like to join, please contact me. Our Temple TED Talks will meet on Sunday, Jan. 24, Feb. 28, also at 11 a.m., in the Media Center. On those dates, different congregants will share their favorite TED Talk, along with an engaging conversation. All TED Talks are open to the community and all are invited to attend.

For more information about our Adult Education classes and programs at Temple Israel, please contact Program Director Scott Littky at 402.556.6536.

In Paris, public Hanukkah ceremonies held despite security concerns

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Some 6,000 people gathered in Paris under heavy security for the public lighting of a Hanukkah menorah at the base of the Eiffel Tower, despite security concerns in the wake of last month's terrorist attacks.

French Chief Rabbi Haim Korsia lit the first candle of a 30-foot menorah on Sunday night, the first night of Hanukkah, in the Eiffel tower ceremony attended by French Jewish leaders and government representative and sponsored by Chabad-Lubavitch.

“This year, Hanukkah delivers a particularly relevant message,” Rabbi Chaim Schneur Nisenbaum of the Complexe Scolaire Beth Haya Moushka school system in Paris said. “In Paris, we very recently faced terrible attacks... intended to put an end to freedom of mind and opinions. In the historical times of Hanukkah, the invaders of the land of Israel, the Greeks, had the same intention. But the Jews did not submit."

The Eiffel Tower event is one of more than 30 public

menorah-lighting celebrations scheduled to take place across the city and in nearly 100 towns nearby. The public gatherings, which had to be approved in advance, are being held under heavy security, according to Chabad.org.

Rumors circulated last week that public menorah lightings would be canceled in light of the state of emergency in Paris initiated after the Nov. 13 coordinated attacks that left at least 130 dead.

Two of the menorah lighting venues of previous years, Republic Square and Bastille Square, both located near the Bataclan theater -- the site of one of last month's attacks -were not approved, Nisenbaum told Chabad.org.

Public Hanukkah celebrations in the French city of Marseille will be held indoors this year at the request of public security officials, according to Chabad.org. Marseille has been the location of several violent attacks against Jews in recent months and has a history of attacks on Jews.

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emerging voices

8 | The Jewish Press | December 11, 2015

Hey Jew: Judaism and the Beatles

No band has, or ever will, spark such a musical and cultural revolution like the Beatles did. The lives and music of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr became etched into modern culture at the height of Beatlemania in the 1960s.

Most people know that they were from Liverpool, that they had meshugina hair, and other basic facts.

What many people don’t know is the strong influence and guidance that Jews had on the Beatles.

From the band’s humble, chopped-Liverpool beginnings, to his untimely death in 1967 at the height of their popularity, Brian Epstein was the Fab Four’s manager. Born an orthodox Jew, he died from an overdose of sleeping pills and alcohol after a depression which intensified while sitting shiva for his father. But through his managing hand, the Beatles made records that will endure for centuries, played gigs that caused girls to plotz from excitement, and became the icons they deserved to be. He was so instrumental to the group’s rise to fame that McCartney called him the “Fifth Beatle.”

Other Jews who claimed to be the “Fifth Beatle” included NYC radio personalities Murray Kaufman, who conducted the Beatles’ first in-person American interview, and Bruce Morrow, who introduced the Beatles at the first arena concert in history at Shea Stadium. Iconic photographs of the Beatles were taken by Slovakian Jew Dezo Hoffman, a man who McCartney called “the world’s best photographer.” Richard Lester, the MTV-awarded “father of the music video” and director of the mishegas-filled Beatle films A Hard Day’s Night and Help! was born to a Jewish family, as was the producer of those films, Walter Shenson.

As important as those men are, no Jew has influenced a Beatle as much as Linda McCartney. Born as Linda Eastman, a strawberry blonde New Yorker, she caught the eye of Paul McCartney during a photoshoot. She soon became his wife, the source of SAM KRICSFELD countless hits (both with and without the Beatles) such as Maybe I’m Amazed, My Love, and Two of Us, as well as a leading member of Paul’s post-Beatles super-group “Wings.” Linda was an avid vegetarian, and published many cookbooks, in which almost all the recipes were kosher. Because she was a Jewish mother, her and Paul’s children, including legendary fashion designer Stella McCartney, can live and let daven.

Linda died in 1998 of breast cancer, and after a shaky second marriage that ended in divorce, Paul married his third wife, Nancy Shevell. He and Nancy attended the long and winding Yom Kippur services the day before their wedding. Paul supports peace in Israel, and said the following about staging an Israeli concert: “I got death threats, but I’m coming anyway. I got explicit death threats, but I have no intention of surrendering. I refuse to cancel my performances in Israel.” Paul wasn’t the only Beatle who suffered for his Jewish affiliations; Ringo Starr had to play a concert with an armed bodyguard during the height of Beatlemania. The guard was there not because of the threat of excited fans trampling him to death, but because Ringo received death threats for “being Jewish.” Ringo was not Jewish, and the reasoning

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behind the threat-maker’s claim that he was Jewish was because Ringo had a big nose. Oy gevalt.

But what is known and loved even more than the personal lives of the Beatles is their music. Everybody knows at least three Beatles songs, and chances are that at least one of them was influenced by Jews. And no, Hey Jude is not about Jews. John Lennon’s inspiration for much of his career was a man named Robert Zimmerman, better known as Bob Dylan. Lennon nearly worshipped Dylan, and wrote many songs in his style such as I’m a Loser, You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away, and In My Life.

There are countless Dylan references in Beatle songs just blowing in the ruach. Dylan also influenced McCartney’s I’ll Follow the Sun and Yesterday.

Lennon also said that he thinks that one of the Beatles’ best known songs, Let it Be, was inspired by the very Jewish Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water. With all the Jewish inspiration, it’s a surprise that Magical Minyan Tour, Shalom, Goodbye, and Yente Submarine didn’t make the cut.

Whatever the case may be, the major influences and catalysts of the Beatles’ career came to be because of Jews. From Epstein to Dylan, the Beatles have a doubtless connection to the Children of Israel. The Mop-Top-Menschs’ rise to cultural and musical immortality came to be with a little help from their Jewish friends. Looks like G-d had good taste in music.

Sam Kricsfeld is a junior at Millard North High School, an alum of Friedel Jewish Academy, and a member of Beth Israel Synagogue. His parents are Debbie and Alan Kricsfeld, and he has a sister, Rachel. He is passionate about cars and the Beatles.

He loves to write and plays piano in his free time.