December 18, 2015

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

Voices of Beth El: Adam Kutler

December 18, 2015 6 Tevet 5776 Vol. 96 | No. 14

This Week

by BETH EL PUBLICITY The Voices of Beth El series profiles congregants with an abundance of love, affection and enthusiasm for Beth El synagogue. They want to tell their story, share their message and support the community conversation for synagogue life and involvement.

Adam Kutler counts himself at least a third generation Beth El congregant. His grandfather, Ben Kutler, was president of Beth El in the 1970s.

His mom grew up at Beth El, and Adam recalls being a member of the first Bar Mitzvah class in the “new” building on 144th Street.

Adam graduated from Burke High School and went on to attend the University of Kansas. Growing up, Adam was active in all kinds of sports, with frequent travel to games and tournaments. As he recalls, “I don’t remember my Judaism as being relevant at that time; I am sure many of my contemporaries would say the same thing. Yet, by junior year in high school, I got more involved in BBYO, strengthened Jewish friendships and went on the Federationsponsored ARTZA trip to Israel and my perspective really changed.”

Now, Adam is a member of Beth El’s Board of Trustees, a board member of Men’s Club and co-chairs the Beth El Young Adult Committee

Jews and democracy in Burma Page 5

Local Hanukkah celebrations Pages 6 & 7

with his wife Abigail.

Adam was asked, “What lured you back to synagogue life?” “I just have an affinity for the building... it’s a place where I see my family members’ pictures and names on the walls, it’s where I have celebrated great events and found support during times of mourning,” he said.

“After having our first child, Sam, a few years ago, we started taking him to Beth El’s Tot Shabbat programming, which he enjoys.

Patty Nogg has led Tot Shabbat for years and does an amazing job with the toddlers.”

“My wife and I also met other young families, largely facilitated through the efforts of staff who truly want to assist congregants with their interests, ideals and desires for synagogue life,” he said. According to Adam, Rabbi Abraham continues to change the culture at Beth El for the

BBYO’s Hanukkah Is it time to lift the ban on Spinoza?

Page 12

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Next Month Health+Wellness See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

8 10 11

by RACHEL MARTIN BBYO/Teen Director More than 40 Jewish teens dressed in their ugliest holiday attire on Tuesday, Dec. 8, to celebrate Hanukkah among fellow BBYO members. Max Goldberg and Josh Militti planned and led a meaningful and fun Hanukkah program held at the Alley V bowling complex.

The evening included a “Mystery Maccabee” secret gift exchange (think White Elephant), in which participants each brought a gift.

Militti drew names out of a kippah to decide the order Max Goldberg leads BBYO Omaha Council in the gifts were chosen. blessings on the third night of Hanukkah.

Once a gift had been chosen and un- Goldberg, dinner and bowling.

Everyone was surprised when the wrapped, it was available to be stolen screen above the bowling lanes or traded by other gift recipients showed a picture of the BBYO Midwhose names had already been America Region teens at last year’s drawn. Favorite gifts included Selfie International Convention.

With the Sticks, boxes full of candy, a live gerpicture, a message popped up conbil, live goldfish, and Amazon gift gratulating Omaha’s BBYO on hitting cards. The rest of the program contheir AZA midyear membership sisted of menorah lighting led by goal. BBG is also very close to hitting their goal. Way to go, Omaha BBYO! “We wanted to plan a program that would be a fun activity for everyone to participate in. We had a great showing of members there. We had a great time eating, bowling and hanging out. It was cool to light the menorah with everyone together. The gift exchange was super fun. People were clever and creative in their gifts. There Continued on page 3

Adam Kutler better. “He is understanding and always welcomes everyone to be involved and participate. It’s an inclusive

and non-judgmental place where my whole family feels comfortable.”

To illustrate his point, Adam described the recent outdoor barbeque Beth El hosted where over 90 people, mostly young families like his, were present, meeting each other and forming friendships.

He thinks Beth El is moving in the right direction and is looking forward to learning more as a new member of the Board of Trustees, which began last summer. “Rabbi Abraham has been so well received by the broader Jewish community and we see no reason for this not to continue. I want Beth El to retain its welcoming presence and keep pace with its activities and engagement for families.”

“It is great to walk through Beth El’s doors and see my grandparents names. I often reflect on the life cycle events my family has shared, and I want to see that for others. If I can be a small part in facilitating this, then I am happy to do it.”

Celebrate Shabbat with Chinese Food and a movie

by SCOTT LITTKY Program Director, Temple Israel We all know the answer when a Jewish person is asked what they will be doing on Dec. 25. Often, the answer will be: “Eating Chinese food and going to a

Credit: Shutterstock movie.” During the hearings to become a Justice on the Supreme Court, Elena Kagan was asked by Senator Lindsey Graham where she had spent the previous Christmas. She answered: “You know, like all Jews, I was probably at a Chinese restaurant.”

With this in mind, Temple Israel

is pleased to announce the “Celebrate Shabbat with Chinese Food and a Movie” at Temple Israel on Dec. 25.

Shabbat services start at 6 p.m.

This will be followed by a catered Chinese food dinner that will include two appetizers, five entrees, fried rice and white rice. The cost is $8 for those who are 13 years of age and older. It is free for children under 13.

While planning the evening, Dennis DePorte, Executive Director, said: “What better way to have our Temple Israel family be together on Dec. 25, than by celebrating Shabbat, eating good Chinese food and watching a movie?”

Aliyah Lasky, Director of Youth & Young Adult Engagement and movie buff, helped select Hook, which will be shown after dinner. Hook stars Robin Williams as Peter Pan, Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook and Julia Roberts as Tinkerbell. The film tells the story of an adult Peter Pan who has to return to Neverland after Captain Hook kidnaps his children.

In order to succeed, Peter Pan must Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | December 18, 2015

A celebration of PJ Library fun

B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz

by MARK KIRCHHOFF The Center for Jewish Learning “A Celebration of PJ Library Fun!” will take place 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. A light dinner will be provided. The evening is free, but reservations are required by Dec. 18. Contact Mark at 402.334.6463 or mkirchhoff@jewish omaha.org.

In addition to the “fun! fun! fun!” of the museum, the evening will have special “giveaways” and the “Whiz Bang Science Show.” Attendees are asked to bring kidfriendly toothbrushes, toothpaste, and/or shampoo as a donation to the Jewish Family Service who will distribute them to those in need. A cute note to accompany your gift would be an added bonus.

Rachel Shyken has registered her family to attend and says, “We have attended PJ Library events in the past and they are always fun. The ones at the Children’s Museum offer a great mix of Judaism, exploring, and fun for the kids. One of the really nice things about it is that this event brings the children together to play with their friends for an evening.”

If you are not familiar with PJ Library, this would be a good opportunity to learn more. PJ Library provides free children’s books with Jewish content 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 also made possible through the generous support of the Mort Richards Youth Program Fund,

by DEB MARBURG Administrative Assistant, B’nai B’rith Henry Monsky Lodge #3306 In another close contest that came down to the wire, the winners of the 30th annual Edward Zorinsky B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz were determined with a final bonus question.

Congratulations to Zev Krausman, who was tied, question

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 Foundation.

“We began participating in PJ Library when we lived in Seattle,” said Gabby Blair. “It is such a fabulous program – my kids look forward to the books arriving each month and check the mail every day to see if they’ve arrived.” Gabby does her part to spread the good word as well. “I tell everyone I know to sign up. If I see a pregnant

friend, I make sure she knows about it right away.” Gabby also commented that the books are of top quality, and ones that you probably couldn’t find anywhere else. In referring to the PJ Library event at the Omaha Children’s Museum, Gabby shared, “We always like these community events. We’ve attended them at the Children’s Museum in the past. It is wonderful to have the whole museum as a private party with the children playing together. The adults have the opportunity to talk together as well. I also like that it is held around Hanukkah. Oh, and the food is good, too!”

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.

Chinese Food and a movie Continued from page 1 reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his old enemy.

This Academy Award winning film was directed by Steven Spielberg and is appropriate for all ages.

To RSVP, please call Temple Israel at 402.556.6536. RSVPs are due by Wednesday, Dec. 23.

For questions or more information, please contact Program Director Scott Littky at Temple Israel.

Back row: Steve Riekes, Sam Kricsfeld, Gloria Kaslow, Maddee Rauhauser, Ari Riekes, Feigy Katzman, Josie Slovut, Zev Krausman and Josh Stein. Front: Heather Slovut and Ilana McNamara. for question, in the Final Round with eventual 3rd place winner Sam Kricsfeld. Zev won the 1st place prize of $700, which can be applied to college tuition, an approved trip to Israel or an approved camp or educational program sponsored by a Jewish organization, and a $50 cash prize.

Answering that last bonus question correctly, vaulting herself into a 2nd place finish and the $400 prize was Josie Slovut (last year’s winner.) Also competing in the Final Round were 4th place finisher, Feigy Katzman, and Maddee Rauhauser. Ilana McNamara, Heather Slovut and Josh Stein rounded out the field of competitors for the evening.

Participants all earned a $20 cash prize.

The Henry Monsky Lodge would like to thank Quizmaster Gloria Kaslow, judges Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, Rabbi Josh Brown and Marty Shukert, timekeeper Ari Riekes, Bible Quiz Committee chair Steve Riekes and the Bible Quiz Committee. Thank you to all the families, friends and educators who came out to support these amazing students.

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Send a check for $40, made out to the Jewish Press, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

For more information on how to connect your out-of-town relatives and friends, call 402.334.6448.

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December 18, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 3

Newman Supporting Foundation awards grants

by LINDA POLLARD Endowment Assistant/Staff Writer, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation The Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO) Foundation announced that the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation Board of Trustees, awarded ten grants to non-profit programs in the community.

“The Newman Supporting Foundation accepted grant applications from Jewish Federation agencies as well as other charitable organizations whose programs are consistent with the mission of the Federation,” said Howard Epstein, JFO Foundation Executive Director.

A grant was awarded to the Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations Committee for the 30th Annual Prejudice Elimination Workshop, scheduled for Nov. 2016. Over 300 high school juniors from approximately 40 schools will be invited to attend. School counselors, teachers and staff will receive educator training. Participants will learn to take responsibility for combating discrimination and prejudice, and become agents for change in their schools and elsewhere.

The B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) received a grant to support Shiputznick 2016, the annual Teen Mitzvah Day for Omaha Jewish teens. During this day of service and mitzvot, the teens will spend the afternoon doing service projects around Omaha and then share a meal and stories about their day. This program promotes Tikun Olam.

The Center for Jewish Life received a grant for PJ Library programming during 2016-2017. PJ Library is a Jewish family engagement program that provides high quality Jewish children’s literature and music to families with young children. Kid-friendly programs feature unique activities with Jewish themes.

Friedel Jewish Academy was awarded a grant to enhance the development of the school community by bringing students and teachers together for monthly guest speakers or all-school assemblies.

The Newman grant will help fund Inclusive Communities’ four-day leadership and skill building workshop, IncluCity. Each year a diverse group of 75 high schools students attend IncluCity. Objectives of the workshop include raising personal awareness, imparting personal and intrapersonal skills and developing a personal action plan.

The Institute for Holocaust Education received a grant for a keynote speaker for the annual Week of Understanding. Thousands of Omaha-area middle and high school students are given the opportunity to hear first-hand testimony from Holocaust survivors and liberators during the week.

Jewish Family Service (JFS) was awarded a grant to help support the agency’s Tzedakah Project for Passover, Rosh

Hashanah and Hanukkah in 2016. The project feeds the hungry, offers celebratory food for holidays and reaches out to Jewish community members in need. Volunteers will deliver gifts, visit with recipients and let them know they are remembered during the holidays.

With this grant, the Jewish Federation of Omaha will create a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (B.D.S.) Awareness Program focused on Jewish college students. The objective of the program is to educate college students and young adults about the possible anti-Semitism and anti-Israel efforts which may confront them on college campuses.

The Jewish Press received a grant to hire a college or high school student, who is an active member of Omaha’s Jewish community, to serve on staff as a summer intern for six weeks in June and July 2016. The intern will learn about research, composition, editing, interviewing, and other skills associated with producing the newspaper.

A grant went to Jewish Senior Outreach (JSO) for the Meals on Wheels (MOW) program, which delivers nutritious kosher meals to home-bound members of Omaha’s Jewish community. This program enables MOW recipients to maintain their religious observance, and provides opportunities for JSO employees to stay in touch and offer assistance when needed.

“These organizations offer worthwhile and necessary services to our community with the grants they receive from the Newman Supporting Foundation and other funds of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation,” noted Epstein.

“We are grateful to the Newman Supporting Foundation for their generosity.”

The Newman Supporting Foundation of the JFO Foundation was established in 1987 with an initial gift of $100,000 from Sharee and Murray Newman. Since then, the Newman Supporting Foundation has awarded over $410,000 in grants. The Board of Trustees are Board President Jeff Kirshenbaum, Sharee Newman, Lisa Lewis, Jamie Friedland, Jay Lerner, Murray Newman and Danielle Gordman. This year, two board members were able to join the meeting from remote locations using social media.

A supporting foundation is a separate legal entity with its own board that is created by a donor or family and enters into a relationship with the JFO Foundation. “We manage and invest the supporting foundation’s funds, administer operations and make disbursements as directed by the supporting foundation board,” explained Epstein. “The board focuses on reviewing annual grant applications and selecting the programs that will receive grants, and we take care of the rest.”

To learn more about establishing a supporting foundation with the JFO Foundation, please contact Howard Epstein at 402.334.6466.

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Continued from page 1 was everything from a gerbil to a bag of 1000 pennies. At the event we celebrated AZA’s mid-year membership goal. BBG is only four members away! Overall, it was a very successful program.”

Max Goldberg, Shaliach, Mother Chapter AZA #1 “Our Hanukkah party was an objective success. From the energetic lighting to the gift exchange (where gifts such as gift-cards, candies, and even pets were exchanged), we were able to bring more than 40 Jewish teens and advisors together to have fun and celebrate our victory more than 2000 years ago. This party also commemorated the reaching of the mid-year membership goal by the AZAs and the BBGs nearly reaching theirs. Over these past few months, the Omaha BBYO Council has grown dramatically and has, in turn, immensely strengthened the Jewish community.”

Josh Militti, S’gan, Mother Chapter AZA #1

Top: BBYO members celebrating Hanukkah; above: Omaha BBGs: Julia Brodkey, left, Emily Kutler, Amanda Simon, Julia Raffel, Raelyn Cherry and Rachel Hockfeld.

4 | The Jewish Press | December 18, 2015

Notes from the Volcano’s Edge

Serving Generations…

ly essential “roads”: the one leading from your bedroom to the kitchen and the one leading to your restroom.

In following these four rules, I do more than continue to live my life as I see fit--I also refuse to allow the terrorists to govern my life.

Full disclosure: The current period of “unrest” has been unique for me and my family because one of us was recruited to guard the people of Jerusalem. My son Elie’s army unit fanned out across the streets of the city for the first two weeks of November.

He was not necessarily supposed to interact with his family, but he would tell us where

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On Saturday morning Nov. 14, Paris was a ghost-town. The previous night’s terror attacks had left Parisians huddled in their homes; even those who lived far from the terrorized area were scared to go out. Here in Israel, we simply cannot shut down after each terrorist attack. My friend Michael, an attorney in Boston, likens our situation in Israel to people living near a volcano. With the everpresent possibility of a lava eruption, such people develop coping mechanisms in order to carry on with their daily lives. What follows are some of my guidelines for living on the edge of a volcano; unfortunately, you might want to keep them in a place where they can be easily reached.

Be realistic: Every day, My son Elie (he is the one wearing a kippa in the forefront to the millions of people in Israel left). It was taken toward the conclusion of difficult trekking all go to work, go to school, through the night, on the way to the traditional “beret ceremony.” walk in the streets, attend concerts, have fun. Over the last few months he was patrolling and one or more of the there have been several terror incidents family would “happen” to go by where he throughout the State of Israel. Realistically, was and visit with him. Passersby would give as I go about my daily business, the odds are Elie and his comrades all kinds of treats heavily in my favor that I am not going to (falafel, soda, candy), and we also made sure encounter a terrorist. that he did not go hungry (the army did Control your imagination: As I ride my right by the boys too, feeding them nicely at bike on the trail toward Mt. Scopus, as I exit the guest house where they were staying in my car in a Jerusalem parking lot to go to a Jerusalem). It was a bit surreal seeing our meeting, as I reach for the door to a restau- Elie in his IDF uniform and carrying a gun rant, a knife wielding terrorist could try to on the very same streets of his childhood skewer me. Such an event is within the (an experience made even more surreal by realm of possibility, and by focusing on it, I the type of uniform Elie was wearing: He can succeed in immobilizing myself. Yes, it’s was in his “B” uniform, his battle fatigues, possible to imagine all sorts of dangers lurk- whereas he is typically not allowed off his ing somewhere out there just waiting for me, base unless he is wearing his “A” dress unibut it is also possible to control my imagina- form). The army was helping to bolster the tion. It also would not hurt at this point to security presence in Israel’s cities, Elie is in recall rule #1. the army, and it was his turn. Pretty straightBe alert: Just because I, like most Israelis, forward, really, but I have to admit that “the get on with my life even during difficult situation” feels a little different when you times does not mean that I need to be total- have more “skin” in the game. ly oblivious to my surroundings. If I see Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 something or someone suspicious, I will with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, want to act both to protect myself and to and their five children. Their oldest four, alert the authorities.

Nathan, Rebecca, Ruthie and Ezra are vetHave faith in the security apparatus: To erans of the Israel Defense Forces; quote my Israeli friend Doobi: “If the road is Weinberger can be reached at weinross@ open, drive.” That is, if the authorities have netvision.net.il. said that it is safe to travel on a certain road, that should provide me with enough confidence to use this road. It’s their job to be cautious, it’s their job to keep me safe. I do not know how to do their job better than they do. Once you start second-guessing the B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS security authorities, it becomes very diffiSpeaker to be announced for Wednesday, cult not to keep introducing additional pro- Dec. 23, noon. For more information or to tective measures into your life--until per- be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 haps you are left with only the two absolute- or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

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by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg extended his support to the Muslim community in the United States and around the world, invoking his Jewish heritage.

The support in a Facebook post came Dec. 9 in the wake of Republican presidential contender Donald Trump’s call for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.” Zuckerberg does not specifically mention Trump.

The post received nearly 1.2 million likes in its first 17 hours online.

“After the Paris attacks and hate this week, I can only imagine the fear Muslims feel that they will be persecuted for the actions of others,” Zuckerberg wrote.

“As a Jew, my parents taught me that we must stand up against attacks on all communities. Even if an attack isn’t against you today, in time attacks on freedom for anyone will hurt everyone.”

Zuckerberg also said that Muslims are always welcome on Facebook, and that “we will fight to protect your rights and create a peaceful and safe environment for you.”

December 18, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 5

Jews and democracy in Burma

by OLIVER B. POLLAK I studied Burmese (now Myanmar) history in London in 1970. We planned to visit but the birth of our son and a teaching job at the University of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) interfered. I wrote a book about Burma, without going there.

Burma fell to military dictatorship in 1962 with a repressive closed country policy and censorship. As a Burma watcher of 46 years, I maintain a fondness for Burmese food and its people.

or so Jews in a city of 5.2 million people. The crowded sidewalks were treacherous, red splotches of betel were ubiquitous, free range dogs scurried at our feet. People sensed we were going to the synagogue and pointed us in the right direction.

There were about 2,500 mostly Sephardic Jews in Burma before 1940, described by Ruth Freedman Cernea in Almost Englishmen, Baghdadi Jew in British Burma (2007). Jews fled the Japanese invaders, some returned after the war.

Since the 1962 coup, they have been in steady decline.

Moses Samuels maintained the synagogue until his death in early 2015. His son, Sammy, a Yeshiva University graduate and owner of Myanmar Shalom Travel, keeps the Shul open. Today, they get more visitors than the size of their congregation.

Burma’s Buddhism is charming, but not completely inoffensive, and has dealt harshly with Muslim minorities in certain parts of the country, as well as some minority ethnic tribes. Omaha is the home for about 4,000 Christian

Burmese Karen refugees.

Tourism has picked up. Fancy riverboats transport visitors on the Irrawaddy. People tell you what they think about politics though they harbored suspicions that the military leaders would not give the popular vote full credit. This openness was unimaginable a few years ago. There was scant evidence of an armed military presence.

We observed the build-up to the Nov. 8, 2015 general election. Posters of “The Lady” were everywhere. If Burmese democracy is fortunate, it will follow Canada’s recent experience where Liberal Justin Trudeau assumed a position once held by his father Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.

Burma’s democratic leader, “The Lady,” is the daughter of the nationalist hero Aung San, assassinated in 1948.

Denying the democratic voice would be disappointing to the Burmese majority, the free world, and potential investors ready to improve Burma’s infrastructure. An open Burma would be good for Yangon’s Jewish tourist attraction.

Jerry Slusky named to Board of Trustees

Shul in Yangon The Burmese Democracy movement, led by 1991 Nobel Peace Prize winner “The Lady,” 69 year-old Aung San Suu Kyi; the stagnating effects of international sanctions prompting “opening up”; and transition to civilian rule, made Burma an attractive destination.

The Open Society Foundation sponsored by George Soros, President Obama’s 2014 visit, and Viking Cruises’ repeated blandishments as “proud sponsor” of PBS Masterpiece Theatre, convinced us that the time to strike Burma from our bucket list had arrived.

Our agenda included local cuisine, temples, pagodas and stupas, craft industries, and imagining George Orwell as a policeman in Burma, 1922-27, transformed into his 1934 novel Burmese Days. Our cruise on the Irrawaddy and visit to Yangon (formerly Rangoon), Bagan, and Mandalay were better than we could have imagined.

We walked from our Yangon hotel to Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue, built in the 1890s, that serves the remaining 15

The Dakota Real Estate Investment Trust (The Dakota REIT), which owns and manages commercial and residential rental properties throughout the upper Midwest, has recently named Omaha Attorney and property developer Jerry Slusky to its Board of Trustees. Slusky, a partner with Bob Batt in the real estate venture SB Communities, worked with The Dakota REIT in 2014, renovating and transferring ownership of three multifamily apartment complexes in the Omaha metro area: Pacific West (Omaha), Copper Creek (Council Bluffs) and Britain Jerry Slusky Towne (Bellevue).

The Dakota REIT (www.dakotareit.com), is a growing North Dakota real estate investment trust with greater than $300 million in commercial real estate holdings, and this property exchange is the beginning of a focused expansion into the Omaha-Council Bluffs market.

“This was beyond a good business deal. SB Communities and The Dakota REIT share in a caring view and focus on positive tenant relationships,” says Tammy Hauck, Chief Operating Officer of The Dakota REIT. “SB Communities managing partner Jerry Slusky and The Dakota REIT parallel the same standards, and we’re pleased to have a working relationship between the two.”

Jim Knutson, The Dakota REIT Executive Vice President, says Slusky was an obvious choice because of his

depth of knowledge as a real estate attorney and multifamily commercial developer. “The Dakota REIT is governed by highly successful, independent business people,” says Knutson. “Their professional knowledge, and insight into the real estate market enables us to recognize sound investment opportunities, and Slusky is exactly the type of individual we look for to serve on the Board of Trustees.”

Slusky says he’s honored to be asked to serve in this capacity. “The Dakota REIT is a highly respected Board of Trustees,” says Slusky. “I’m thrilled to be asked and look forward to working with such high caliber individuals.”

About Jerry Slusky During his 40-year career, Jerry Slusky has been recognized as one of the top real estate planning, zoning, development and financing lawyers in the region.

In December 2010, Slusky was inducted into the Midwest Real Estate News Hall of Fame, featuring 60 of the most accomplished commercial real estate professionals in the Midwest United States. Slusky has taught the next generation of lawyers as a former adjunct professor at Creighton University School of Law, and he continues to guide real estate professionals through the Commercial Real Estate Summit (CRE Summit) he founded in 1990.

CRE Summit attracts close to 700 real estate professionals from Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota and Kansas each year to discuss important industry issues.

Slusky has certification from the Nebraska Office of Dispute Resolution and earned an advanced degree in dispute resolution from the University of Notre Dame/University of Windsor, Toronto. For more information, access lawsgs.com, email jslusky@lawsgs.com or call 402.392.0101.

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6 | The Jewish Press | December 18, 2015

Snowbirds

December 18, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 7

Hanukkah C E L E B R A T I O N S

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8 | The Jewish Press | December 18, 2015

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

To our donors

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor It’s funny; I had been thinking about donors in our community for a few days when the letter from Michael Newman (see p. 9) appeared in my email. The Jewish Press received numerous grants as well as Jewish Press Club donations this year. In my personal life, I’ve benefited many times from grants for my children to attend camp and day school, and sometimes it feels I can never adequately express how grateful I am, as a professional and as a private person.

You can write thank you notes, tell people in person or over the phone how happy they’ve made you, how much of a difference their actions make in the lives of others. But there is something about opening that letter, often with the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation letterhead, that is difficult to convey. It’s a private moment, when you sit behind your desk, go through the mail, open that envelope and there it is. Someone has decided to say yes to your request. The way we feel in that exact moment is something we rarely share.

Donors need to know they really make a difference. They do so on many different levels, in ways big and small, and every time they do, they change the world for the better. And when I write ‘they,’ I really mean: ‘you.’ You make a difference. And since you’re rarely in the room when we on the receiving end open our envelopes, I want to tell you how it affects us when you build us up. It’s more than the dollars you send our way; it’s your vote of confidence that we will spend it wisely.

With incredible generosity, quite often, comes a humble attitude. Most donors don’t like to draw attention; some even prefer to remain anonymous. That’s understandable, because no one wants to be accused of bragging. At the same time, that’s a little unfortunate, because why shouldn’t donors get to brag a little? Or, at least, be allowed to feel pride in doing something kind and selfless? Oh, I know; there are rules about Jewish giving, levels that are clearly

spelled out. But I don’t think those rules include a prohibition on feeling proud when you’ve done a mitzvah.

Disclaimer: I’m not a rabbi, so I don’t know for sure. It’s probably one of those things we can debate endlessly.

The bottom line is: this community exists because of the kindness of a great number of people. From the $18 check to

the type of endowment that could pay off my entire mortgage and then some, the giving in this community is mindboggling. It’s a generosity that builds synagogues, that funds programming and sends children to day school. It pays for activities for the elderly and meals for the hungry. It supports Jews in Israel, and in Europe, and right here in Omaha.

It never ends. And I think, from time to time, we should stop and really think about it. I mean, really think about it. With

Hanukkah still fresh in our minds, and the wax not quite cleaned off our menorahs, we can take comfort in the fact that miracles not only happened to the Maccabees long ago, but every day, right here in our city.

Maybe that is the answer we should give when people from other places express their surprise at how functional our Jewish community is.

How, with a relatively small number of people, we’ve managed to maintain a Jewish Federation, a day school, three synagogues, a Chabad House and a daycare. How we have the best nursing home in the country and a working deli and a summer camp and after care and an indoor and outdoor pool and dance classes and a weekly newspaper and a theater group and an Institute for Holocaust Education -- are you dizzy yet? We should tell them: it’s our miracle, and we experience it every day.

So let me take this opportunity to say: Thank You. To credit: digital-pillbox.com all of you, for being gracious, and kind, and for sharing your wealth as well as your hearts. You know who you are. If you’ve ever written a check, large or small, take a moment and pat yourself on the back.

And when you walk into synagogue, or into the fitness center, or into the Kripke Library or anywhere in our community, look around you and see what we’ve built. It’s pretty cool, isn’t it? It’s because of you. You did this. And that really is something to be proud of.

Reform movement will continue to push for transgender rights

by BARBARA WEINSTEIN WASHINGTON (JTA) -- On Nov. 5, delegates to the Union for Reform Judaism’s 73rd biennial convention unanimously adopted a resolution on the rights of transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. It was a moment of great pride and celebration, tempered by the knowledge that just two days earlier -- and reflecting how much work remains to be done to ensure full inclusion and equality for the LGBT community nationwide -- Houston voters overturned an ordinance that had established nondiscrimination protections for gay and transgender people.

The URJ resolution was crafted and sponsored by the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism and the vote came after the adoption of a similar resolution by the Reform movement’s Central Conference of American Rabbis. It not only affirms the work our movement is doing to make people of all sexual orientations and gender identities feel included, but also makes a clear and unequivocal statement of the values that are a hallmark of Reform Judaism.

In the spirit of the deeply held belief that all people are deserving of dignity and respect, our tradition teaches that every person is created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of the divine. We are all God’s children, with special and unique gifts to share with each other and the world.

We are also informed by our own history and are acutely aware that our journey out of slavery from Egypt didn’t happen overnight. The implementation of this new policy will take time, though in many ways this resolution is a reflection of a reality we are already living in many of our congregations, at summer camps and among our clergy. That is

(Founded in 1920) Eric Dunning President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Jessie Wees Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Thierry Ndjike Bookkeeper

Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Andrew Boehm, Scott Farkas, Sandy Friedman, Paul Gerber, Alex Grossman, David Kotok, Debbie Kricsfeld, Abby Kutler, Pam Monsky, Paul Rabinovitz, Nancy Wolf and Barry Zoob.

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why the resolution calls on Reform movement institutions “to begin or continue to work with local and national Jewish transgender, lesbian, gay and bisexual organizations to create inclusive and welcoming communities for people of all gender identities and expressions.”

Rabbi Tsipi Gabai blessing newly named transgender teen Tom Sosnik at Tehiyah Day School in El Cerrito, Calif., March 13, 2015.

Credit: Misha Bruk The ordination of transgender rabbis, the cultural competency trainings for religious school staff, the education programs on gender identity and expression, the sermons on the topic of gender identity and gender expression, the act of ensuring to the extent feasible, the availability of genderneutral restrooms and other physical site needs that ensure ries and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishoma ha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

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dignity and safety for all and the use of language in prayers and in documents that ensures people of all gender identities and gender expressions are welcomed is already happening within many Reform movement institutions.

The resolution will be an added catalyst, supporting Reform movement communities in work that will make us stronger and more inclusive across North America.

We are intensely aware of the challenges ahead. As we marked Transgender Awareness Week, including the Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20, we memorialized lives lost due to violence and prejudice targeting transgender people. And we reflect with pain on the record number of murders of transgender people, the tragically, persistently high suicide rates among transgender people, the disproportionate likelihood of a transgender person to live in poverty and the setbacks in anti-discrimination laws such as that which we recently witnessed in Houston.

It is clear that our dedication to equality, inclusion and safety must extend beyond our synagogues or camps. The Federal Equality Act, a bill introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations. It is the most comprehensive piece of civil rights legislation for LGBT individuals proposed to date and the Reform movement will continue to advocate forcefully for its passage as we continue to work and pray to ensure that the dignity of every person is protected and celebrated.

Barbara Weinstein is the associate director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and the director of the movement’s Commission on Social Action.

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

The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

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December 18, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 9

Israel, a ‘green’ pioneer, is now falling short

by YOSEF I. ABRAMOWITZ ing his people to ever-lasting dependence on dirty power LE BOURGET, France (JTA) -- There is a Jewish blessing from Israel.

Curses. when one is in the rare presence of a national leader. But And what of ISIS? I was probably the only schmuck at the what is the blessing when the single largest gathering of world leaders in history -- 150 in one day -- come together conference this week lugging around my Israeli gas mask in outside Paris with soaring rhetoric and promises to fight the my backpack, having heard the warnings of the French leadership that chemical and biological attacks may be possible. devastating effects of climate change?

Paris is guarded and mourning weeks after the deadly Don’t judge me; I have a wife and five kids, and, as an Israeli, Nov. 13 terror attacks that killed 130, and yet the city was own a gas mask. ISIS is the best-financed terror group in histwinkling and alive as it plays host to this historic global cli- tory because it sells oil. Iran is the best-financed terror state mate summit. The gathering is a marathon negotiation because it sells oil. Saudi Arabia is the biggest exporter of fundamentalist Wahhabi Islam against a ticking carbon clock, because it sells oil. Oil is greasing whose alarm went off a decade ago the wheels of terror and somehow and yet only now the wary hand of we grieve as if we are innocent. humanity seeks to hit the pause Then there’s the Israeli Prime button. Among the diverse crowd Minister, the one whose visionof tens of thousands, I am, as far as ary fuel-alternative initiative I can see, the only one wearing a promises a world without oil. Yet kippah -- knitted and green, proud his government grants licenses to be on the official Israeli delegafor oil drilling in the Golan, tion of more than 50 people. Yet killed the national network to I’m ashamed that my instinct is to charge electric cars and can’t curse -- not to bless -- many of the even admit to an international leaders parading to the podium.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, climate audience that Israel is My journey to the Paris summit with French Prime Minister Manuel Valls at the failing at home. emerged from three years of living United Nations Climate Change Conference in Le Curses. with my family on Kibbutz Ketura, Bourget, France, Nov. 30, 2015.

As part of the Israeli delegation, in the Arava Desert in southeastCredit: Thierry Orban/Getty Images this is what I’m supposed to say: ern Israel, and co-founding the solar industry in Israel (of which I still have a stake). I Israeli innovation and technology can save the world, and remember one night watching Al Gore’s “Inconvenient please forgive our low targets on renewables because we live Truth” with Jordanian, Palestinian and Israeli students at the in a tough neighborhood.

As a Jew, however, I must curse and provide hope. And Arava Institute, on the kibbutz, and all of us realizing that climate change does not recognize borders, religion or here it is: Despite the Israeli government, the Arava region - stretching from Eilat to the Dead Sea -- is now powered 60 nationality identity. It is an equal-opportunity killer.

Each world leader paid their respects to the French people percent from the sun during the day and will achieve 100 in light of the recent terror wave. Jordan’s King Abdullah, percent daytime power by 2020. This is the model for Israel: among others, equated the war on terror with the climate daytime sun and nighttime natural gas. And this could be the model for the Palestinians, for our Arab neighbors, for battle. Both, he said, are epic challenges to humanity.

“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Africa, for the world over, and could drive development and You shall choose life, so that you and your offspring will really fight climate change.

I only wish the prime minister said this and not me. live,” said God, in Deuteronomy 30:19.

Yosef I. Abramowitz serves as CEO of Energiya Global Enter Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Paris climate summit broke the ice between Palestinian Capital, a Jerusalem-based solar and social development Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Netanyahu, with enterprise. He was named by CNN as one of the six leading their first handshake in five years. Netanyahu made the Green Pioneers worldwide, and won a Covenant Award for rounds among key world leaders, leveraging the atmosphere Excellence in Jewish Education. He’s on Twitter at @KaptainSunshine. to advance security and diplomatic matters.

There are two competing Israeli narratives for Paris, depending on one’s audience. There is the blessing of the Jewish state’s culture of innovation as the so-called “Start-up TO THE EDITOR Nation.” Israel is the only country whose founding visionary, Theodor Herzl, predicted it would be powered by green Dear Editor, energy. Israel’s founding prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, Long ago, I had a conversation with my father about phiwas a solar pioneer, imagining that the young country’s hot lanthropy. I questioned the need people have to be recogwater would be heated with the sun. I am in Paris, in part, to nized for their acts of generosity. I assumed this was due to wave the green Zionist flag. ego. He helped me understand that there is value in standYet my heart broke when the president of the Marshall ing up and being seen giving. It re-enforces the value of Islands, the most loyal ally Israel has ever had at the United maintaining giving as a habit. It reminds others to give, Nations and whose Pacific island nation sits barely 6 1/2 feet whether through encouragement or even by a sort of subtle above a rising sea, pleaded for the world to move quickly to shaming. Even as one's ego may benefit from giving, it's reduce carbon emissions before his people literally drown. possible that giving openly, rather than privately, can result Do I have the heart to tell him that only two percent of his in more generosity in the aggregate. beloved Israel’s power comes from renewables?

Telling you about my giving is not something I do in order German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that to be congratulated for it. It feels sanctimonious and it Germany will be at least 40 percent powered by renewables makes me uncomfortable. I only do so because if doing so by 2030 and is already at a whopping 27 percent. Standing in encourages anyone else to find their own way to spread the shadow of death, Germany is choosing life, while Start- some kindness, not doing so would be a mistake. up Nation, with double Germany’s sunlight, can only dream For a number of years I have devoted my entire holiday of reaching 17 percent renewables by 2030. Israel’s electric gift-giving budget to purchasing toys to donate to Toys For company, regulator, Finance Ministry and Energy Ministry Tots. The world is full of pain, uncertainty, want and fear. It's all mistakenly declare that what Germany has achieved is a tiny thing to make sure as many children as possible have actually not really possible. The truth is, Israel’s decision something to smile about on a day where they might othermakers overwhelmingly are intoxicated with natural gas -- wise be confronted by a celebration of abundance they don't as if somehow energy security is achieved by having 70 per- get to participate in. They don't make their circumstances. cent of your power dependent upon a water gas pipe more They shouldn't be punished for them. than 90 miles deep in a war and fault zone.

None of the people who would otherwise be on my shopCurses. ping list need "things." It's my job to show them how much And what of Jewish organizations? I know of not one I love them in ways that are meaningful, not simply by Jewish endowment or foundation that has decided to divest spending money on them. from carbon, even as college funds, pensions, sovereign The children that receive the presents I'll be dropping off wealth funds and mainstream foundations are actively at a collection location will never see me or know me. I don't divesting trillions. Not even the Reform movement, the con- need them to. science of American Jewry, has made a decision to divest; we I hope, at this time of year, others among you will considare light years behind our mainline Christian friends. er finding some way of sharing a little bit of whatever surCurses. pluses you enjoy, be they material, spiritual, emotional or By the way, the Palestinian leadership is no better. Abbas what have you, with those who might otherwise find this blamed the Israelis for their lack of climate action. Yet it is time of year especially difficult. mainly his own pen that refuses to sign solar licenses, rezonSincerely, ing requests and internationally bankable power purchase Michael Newman agreements with Palestinian solar entrepreneurs -- condemnTopeka, KS

Letter

Don’t let fear change our daily routines

by PAUL GOLDENBERG NEW YORK (JTA) -- With the recent shooting in San Bernardino, television and social media have yet again brought images of grief into our homes. For many Americans, and in particular the Jewish community, the constant streaming of these images may cause a diminished sense of security.

Individuals may seek to change their routines, modify their behavior or alter their perspective to remain safe and secure. In Boston, the marathon bombing led an entire city to shut itself down. In Belgium, an entire western European capital shuttered its stores, schools, houses of worship and government facilities, bringing everyday life to a virtual halt.

While the American public may change the way they view and assess their priorities, we must remind ourselves that loss of life, injury and property damage are often the least ambitious of the objectives of many terrorist organizations.

The greatest impact that terrorists seek is to strategically erode our public morale.

A memorial service in California for a victim of the shooting at the Inland Regional Center in San Berardino, Dec. 5, 2015.

Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images The 24/7 news cycle -- where terrorist attacks are breaking news, footage is played again and again, and victims and relatives are interviewed constantly -- sensationalizes the incidents. This is enhanced by the ability of social media not only to amplify the impact and message of terrorist organizations, but also convey them to larger audiences than ever.

If a terrorist organization believes that its attack on a particular community is not likely to create mass chaos and fear, it may have less reason to devote resources to such an attack. Citizens who are immunized against the psychological influence of attacks have a greater ability to resist such manipulation.

Fear and anxiety can be prevented. Homeland security efforts are enhanced by including a component to offset the psychological impact of terrorism. Adequately preparing our communities and the general public at large for the terrorist threat is essential to maximize not only the public’s confidence in their ability to weather a crisis, but also to understand the psychological manipulations of the terrorists and counter them by controlling their reactions to terrorist incidents.

In other words, strengthening the resilience of the American Jewish community should be a key goal in any homeland security strategy.

Timely and honest public messaging from senior officials is more critical today than ever and has become a fundamental pillar of our collective security efforts.

Empowerment comes through knowledge, awareness and better understanding of how to mitigate risk and threats to our communities and institutions.

The Secure Community Network, working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has been concentrating on efforts that strengthen the endurance of our communities and working to counterbalance terrorists’ manipulation of public opinion. Through training, information sharing, testing our response and emergency management protocols, we are empowering our community. Through knowledge comes power. Through preparation comes resolve and confidence. Our efforts -- working together -- not only reduce the level of fear and anxiety that some may experience in our communities, but make us safer and more secure.

Through SCN, and with the leadership and support of The Jewish Federations of North America, we’re leading a national homeland security effort to ensure vigilance is eternal and our communities and neighborhoods can remain safe from harm. We’re building a culture of awareness, not a community of fear. In doing so, we’re protecting our families, friends, neighbors and our way of life.

Paul Goldenberg is the national director of the Secure Community Network, the official homeland security initiative of the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

10 | The Jewish Press | December 18, 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.; Our Shabbat Tables in congregants’ homes.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Services/Minyan in the Round, 9:30 a.m. followed by a Kiddush Lunch; Junior Congregation, 10 a.m.; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:30 p.m.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: No BESTT Classes; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m.

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

WEDNESDAY: No BESTT Classes.

THURSDAY: Shanghai, 1 p.m.

Synagogue Office Closed, Friday, Dec. 25.

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

Chinese Buffet Shabbat Dinner, Friday, Dec. 25, 7 p.m.

No BESTT Classes or Torah Study, Sunday, Dec. 27.

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, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv & Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:39 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Parade and Shabbat Classes, 9:45 a.m.; 15 mins after Kiddush -- Mishna L’Neshamah and Teen Class; Monthly Simcha Kiddush, noon; Insights into Weekly Torah Portion, 3:50 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 4:20 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:44 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m.; Shavua Tov Israel, 1 p.m.; Caffe Ivrit, 2:30 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

Synagogue Office Closed, Friday, Dec. 25.

Chinese Friday Night Shabbat Dinner, Friday, Dec. 25, 6 p.m. ($12 Adults, $6 children 4-12 and children 3 and under are free).

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: Sha-ba-ba-bat Family Dinner and Service, 6 p.m. hosted by the Dishman Family. Please RSVP; Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Sara Friedman.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Vayigash; Game Night/ Potluck, 6 p.m. All Ages Welcome!

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan-Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel.

WEDNESDAY: No Hebrew classes.

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY: Intro to Judaism, Session #7, 6:30 p.m.

Temple Office Closed, Friday, Dec. 25.

No LJCS Classes, Sunday, Dec. 27 or Wednesday, Dec. 30.

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.

Candlelighting Friday, December 18, 4:39 p.m.

Shabbat will also meet on Saturdays, Jan. 30, Feb. 27, March 26, April 30, and May 28; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Haftarah Reader: Miles Remer.

SUNDAY: OTYG Board Meeting and Lunch, 12:30 p.m.

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

THURSDAY: No Adult Ed Class with the Clergy.

Celebrate Shabbat with Chinese Food & A Movie, Friday, Dec. 25, 6 p.m. Join us a Temple Israel for Shabbat services followed by a catered Chinese dinner and a family movie.

The cost is $8 and children under 13 are free. Please RSVP to Temple Israel by Wednesday, Dec. 23.

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: Tot Shabbat with Ms. Nancy, 6 p.m. Children ages 1-7 and their families are encouraged to join us as we welcome Shabbat through story, snack and song; Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a special deli style Kiddush lunch in honor of Ben Novicoff ’s 95th birthday and sponsored by Ben Novicoff.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan-Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel.

WEDNESDAY: No Hebrew classes.

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.

Tifereth Israel Office Closed, Friday, Dec. 25.

The Jewish Book Club, Sunday, Jan. 3, 1:30 p.m. at Marcia Kushner’s Home. The group will be discussing Guide for the Perplexed by Dara Horn. Please contact Stephanie Dohner with any questions.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Chef ’s Demo, 1:30 p.m. with Beth Israel.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Jim Polack and David Herzog.

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 Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet.

SATURDAY: Tot Shabbat, 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. Tot

To submit announcements: B’nai Mitzvah announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jew ishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 (with photos we will scan and return). Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

Readers can also submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Check the Jewish Press, however, for notices of early deadlines prior to secular and Jewish holidays.

Enjoy a Chinese Shabbat dinner at Beth Israel

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Publicity Chair, Beth Israel Synagogue No, it isn’t found in the Torah or discussed in the Talmud but enjoying Chinese has become a dietary tradition for thousands of Jews around the world on that “other” December holiday. Many a cartoon and joke have been penned in response to this repeated happening. It was even a part of the Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan’s 2010 confirmation hearing. During a rather tense series of questions posed by Senator Lindsey Graham, he paused to ask Kagan where she had spent the previous Christmas. To great laughter in the chamber, she replied: “You know, like all Jews, I was probably at a Chinese restaurant.”

With this in mind, the menu of the Dec. 25 Shabbat dinner menu at Beth Israel will look to the Far East for inspiration. The dinner menu will include soup, chicken, vegetable egg rolls, beef wontons, vegetable lo mein, fried and

white rice. Joey Shyken is spearheading and cooking for the dinner, along with other volunteers.

“Shabbat dinner is always great at Beth Israel,” reports Joey. “I enjoy planning the menu, cooking and working with the great Beth Israel volunteers. And there’s always the eating, too!” He continues “This dinner will have a special meaning to our family as this will be our final Shabbat dinner in Omaha before our move.” Joey, his wife, Rivka, and their children Akiva and Nava are moving to Jacksonville, Florida at the end of December.

The dinner cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children 4-12 years and free for those 3 and younger.

Reservations are needed by noon, Tuesday, Dec. 22 and can be made on the synagogue website at www.orthodox omaha.org, calling 402.556.6288 or via email to jnick els@orthodoxomaha.org. Please call the synagogue office with any questions.

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December 18, 2015 | The Jewish Press | 11

In memoriam ANN BELMONT Ann Belmont passed away on Nov. 27 in Overland Park, KS. Services were held Nov. 29 at Mt. Sinai Cemetery in Omaha and officated by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Krausman.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; and son, Barry.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Nini and Skip Rosenstock of Overland Park, KS, and Marlene and Hyman Sukiennik of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren: Brittany Sukiennik and Josh Blosveren, David Sukiennik, and Carly and Jesse Rosenstock.

Memorials may be made to LOVE or The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

Tifereth Israel’s Hanukkah Party

by NANCY COREN for Tifereth Israel Tifereth Israel was bustling with members and their families and friends who came to eat the best latkes in town on the 7th day of Hanukkah. This year the latke crew consisting of Bob Hutkins, Jeff Payne, Marlon Weiss, Mike Eppel, Gary Hochman, Charles Schoenkin, Ben Schoenkin, Charley Friedman, and Daniel Friedman made “traditional” latkes, lemony rosemary latkes, and garlic latkes.

Itzhak Perlman wins 2016 Genesis Prize

by BEN HARRIS (JTA) -- Itzhak Perlman, the Israeli-born violin virtuoso, was named the third winner of the Genesis Prize.

Perlman was named the winner on Monday of the annual $1 million prize that has been dubbed the “Jewish Nobel.”

He joins former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the actor-director Michael Douglas as recipients.

Perlman, 70, said he was mostly unfamiliar with the prize when he first learned he was being considered. Established in 2012 by a consortium of Russian Jewish philanthropists, the prize is presented annually to someone who has achieved international Itzhak Perlman renown in their Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images professional field and serves as a role model through their commitment to Jewish values.

Past winners have taken an ecumenical approach to disbursing the prize money. Douglas, the son of a Jewish father and non-Jewish mother, pledged to use the funds to promote outreach to the intermarried. Bloomberg initially said he wanted to promote Israeli-Palestinian business cooperation, but later backed away from that at the urging of the prize committee, instead funding nine projects “guided by Jewish values to address the world’s pressing issues.” More than half the recipients were nonprofit organizations based outside the United States and Israel.

Perlman said he is unsure how he plans to use the funds, though he indicated it would likely have some connection to music and helping those with disabilities. Perlman was diagnosed with polio at age 4 and gets around with a motorized cart.

Born in Tel Aviv in 1945, Perlman has achieved a level of celebrity rarely seen in the classical music world. Identified as a musical prodigy from a young age, he appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show as a teenager in 1958, and went on to study at New York’s Juilliard School. He has won 16 Grammy Awards, played for multiple heads of state and appeared in commercials and television shows.

Perlman also performed the haunting violin solo on the Schindler’s List soundtrack, which won both a Grammy and an Oscar.

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Top photo: Lorena Wachendorf takes part in “TI Has Talent,” bottom photo: Part of the Tifereth Latke Crew.

In addition to eating the gourmet latkes, those in attendance were treated to a talent show featuring dancing, gymnastics, skits, and instrumental music by members of the congregation. This year’s TI Has Talent 3 show featured: Jemma Coren, Samantha Aguilar, Sarah Aguilar, Sophia Aguilar, Oren Trainin, Neva Kushner, Evey Friedman, Lorena Wachendorf, Bob Hutkins, Andre Garivay, and Parker Garivay. TI proved once again that it is possible to bring members of all ages together for an enjoyable afternoon.

Omaha Salvation Army and Karen Sokolof Javitch partner On Dec. 19 at the Village Pointe Shopping Center, 200 Christmastime CD’s by Omaha’s Karen Sokolof Javitch will be given away to donors who give to the Red Kettles sites at the final Celebrity Bell Ringing Day. Karen Sokolof Javitch has raised over $350,000 for national and local charities though her original music.

To Submit obituaries to the Jewish Press: Email to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on Jewish Press and go to Submit Announcements.

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12 | The Jewish Press | December 18, 2015

Three centuries after excommunication, is it time to lift ban on Spinoza?

by CNAAN LIPHSHIZ offered a rare glimpse of the AMSTERDAM (JTA) -- More than 350 original writ, which is held in the years after this city’s Portuguese Jewish com- community’s library. An unusumunity excommunicated Baruch Spinoza ally long and vicious text, the writ and banned his writings for eternity, the philosopher’s books are for sale at the souvenir shop of the community’s synagogue.

Spinoza, a Dutch-born Jewish philosopher who laid the intellectual foundations of the Enlightenment and is sometimes referred to as history’s first secular Jew, was banished by Amsterdam’s Portuguese Jews in 1656 for heresy. The fact that his works Attendees at an Amsterdam symposium on whether to lift are now being sold by the the ancient order of excommunication against the philosovery community from which pher Baruch Spinoza examining a copy of the original writ he was once ostracized is Credit: Cnaan Liphshiz against him, Dec. 6, 2015. cited by some as evidence that the ban is effectively no longer operative. of banishment -- “herem” in Hebrew -- was But to the philosopher’s admirers, the fact read aloud in Portuguese, its citation of that it was never formally rescinded remains unspecified “evil opinions and acts” fola blot on the community and reinforces lowed by a string of curses against Spinoza, Spinoza’s view that Judaism is a narrow- who was then just 24 years old. minded, dogmatic faith.

“Cursed be he by day and cursed be he by That’s why hundreds of them gathered night; cursed be he when he lies down and here Sunday for a landmark debate on cursed be he when he rises up. Cursed be he whether to formally lift the ban and, per- when he goes out and cursed be he when he haps, even effect Spinoza’s symbolic rehabil- comes in,” it reads, adding: “The Lord will itation into the fold of the Jewish people. not spare him, but the anger of the Lord and “His ideas are a part of Dutch heritage,” his jealousy shall smoke against that man... said Ronit Palache, a secular Dutch Jew in [and] blot out his name from under heaven.” her 30s and self-described Spinoza aficionaFollowing the ban -- as well as an assassido who organized the symposium. “The nation attempt by a knife-wielding Jewish time to lift the ban is long overdue. It’s in a fanatic outside the synagogue -- Spinoza left way a black mark on Jewish history.” his native Amsterdam and the Jewish comThe symposium, a sold-out event that fea- munity. Devoting his life to the study of tured an address by the head of the Dutch optics and the development of his philosoPortuguese Jewish community and leading phy, he published his magnum opus “Ethics” Spinoza scholars from four continents, in 1677, the year of his death from lung dis-

ease at 44. Spinoza was buried in a churchyard in The Hague.

Why Spinoza was so passionately detested is a matter of some speculation, said Steven Nadler, an American professor of history at the University of Wisconsin and an international authority on Spinoza. The herem document does not specify Spinoza’s “evil” actions, but Nadler believes it derives from several of his assertions, including that God does not exist, the Jews are not a chosen people and the Hebrew Bible has no divine provenance.

Spinoza elaborated these ideas in “Ethics” and other writings, where he argued that Judaism and its scriptures were manmade constructs intended to exert control over the ancient Israelites. His criticisms were later seized upon by Immanuel Kant and Georg Hegel in some of their anti-Semitic writings.

At the symposium, Nadler argued that herem was imposed for Spinoza’s revolutionary philosophy, but he also proposed several political explanations.

One hypothesis concerns the fact that Spinoza appeared before Dutch courts to rid himself of his father’s debts at a time when members of his community were expected to appear only before a Jewish court.

Another theory suggests Spinoza threatened to invite revenge upon other Jews for his heresy, which was deeply resented by the state and the wider religious public. In 1678, the Dutch government also banned his writings and set heavy punishments against anyone selling his books. Disavowing Spinoza was a necessary public act for a community eager to avoid angering its generally tolerant hosts.

But while the Dutch state’s ban was rescinded long ago, the Jewish community has resisted repeated appeals to follow suit, including one from Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion.

Sunday’s symposium would not be a turning point on this issue, the chief rabbi of the Portuguese Jewish community, Pinchas Toledano, told the crowd. Noting the de facto disappearance of the ban and the lack of any limitation on freedom of thought (he cited the gift shop as proof), Toledano nonetheless said he had neither the authority nor the will to rescind the measure.

Lifting the herem “would clearly imply we share the views of Spinoza that state that God does not exist” and that “the law of Moses is no longer relevant,” Toledano said.

These ideas “tear apart the very foundations of our religion.”

Other Dutch Portuguese Jews disagree.

Nathan Lopes Cardozo, an influential Orthodox rabbi, began his address by holding up a portrait of Spinoza that Cardozo’s father, a secular Jew, had drawn in the 1940s while he was living in hiding from the Nazi occupation.

“He was our family’s only rabbi,” Cardozo said of Spinoza.

Cardozo said he opposes Spinoza’s observations on Judaism, which he said were “deliberately biased” and “ultimately based on Spinoza’s utter ignorance” of the Talmud. Still, lifting the ban “would remove a huge stigma from Judaism as being dogmatic and narrowminded, as Spinoza mistakenly argued.”

As the debate continued, Toledano became an unlikely interpreter of Spinoza’s own feelings about the herem.

He “never requested to rescind the herem,” Toledano said, and “probably even laughed at the whole concept of the herem and [at] the rabbis who imposed it.”

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