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Community Health Clinic offered at Livingston Plaza and Blumkin Home Page 5
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DECEMBER 20, 2019 | 22 KISLEV 5780 | VOL. 100 | NO. 11 | CANDlElIGHTING | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 4:39 P.M.
Scholarship Fund to deepen engagement of Omaha Jewish Community DIANE WAlkER summer camps, Friedel and Scholarship Administrator the CDC are available through the 2020/2021 academic year, amp Sabra, Friedel two of which have already Jewish Academy and the Pennie Z. been awarded. Davis Child De“Camp Sabra is my home velopment Center away from home,” Zev Gordall played instrumental roles man says whenever he is asked in Harper and Zev Gordman’s about his camp experiences. lives. Those experiences led to “Sabra has been influential in their family’s recent creation making me who I am - Jewof the Ahava Dan Omaha ishly and otherwise.” Similarly, his sister Harper says, “For Jewish Community EngageZev, camp really opened his ment Fund. Named using eyes to Judaism, but for me it their children’s Hebrew was my four years at Friedel. names, Jeff and Danielle My love of languages began Gordman wanted to help prothere, as did my desire to visit vide significant Jewish experiZev and Harper Gordman and eventually live in Israel.” ences to others with the hope Danielle noted “We felt so fortunate to be able to send our of increasing Jewish identity and engagement. A total of 18 $5,400 scholarships to Jewish overnight See Scholarship fund page 2
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The doors are open! Page 9
Bak exhibit at UNO has powerful impact on Omaha
Food: Onion and chickpea Indian fritters Page 16
Lewis Family Garden beautification project
inside Spotlight Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles
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DR. JEANNETTE GABRIEl Director, Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies The exhibition WITNESS: The Art of
Samuel Bak, which was sponsored by and paid for by the Sam and Frances Fried Holocaust and Genocide Academy and the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies at UNO, set record numbers for attendance and community engagement. 5,000 people viewed the seventy works of art that were displayed in the UNO Art Gallery between Sept. 3 and Nov. 14, 2019. The exhibit featured over five decades of Bak’s work that offered powerful imagery depicting his experiences in the Holocaust and Jewish life and history. One of the goals of the program, which was initiated by Dr. Mark Celinscak, Louis See Bak exhibit page 2
SHEllY FOX Director of Admissions & Community Outreach, RBJH The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home was recently blessed with a generous donation from the Roland Lewis estate. Through the Lewis family’s generosity, the main courtyard has been transformed into a gorgeous oasis – specifically designed for the comfort and enjoyment of our residents and their families and friends. On Sept. 11, residents of the
Blumkin Home, along with their families and staff, celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated area. The courtyard space now includes beautiful new landscaping and plantings and a custom designed pavilion. All the new patio furniture is durable and appropriate for use by seniors. It is modern, handicapped accessible, very sturdy and green -- made from recycled milk and water jugs with a 35 year See lewis Family Garden page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | December 20, 2019
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Anne & Alan Cohen Marty & Kathy Cohen Tish Selk Marty Cohen | 402-690-1591
Lewis Family Garden 1308 S. 91st Avenue | $995,000 Exceptional setting, location, and build quality from SL Jensen in the picturesque One+ in the heart of Westside/District 66. Hardwood floors throughout, soaring smooth ceilings, elaborate crown molding and trim detail. Open kitchen with walkin pantry, and drop zone-utility room. MBR with gorgeous all-ceramic bath and walk-in closet. Secondary bedrooms all feature private bath access on 2nd floor with a bonus room and washer/dryer hookups. Walkout basement. Road repair planned for spring 2020.
Environmental Chelm 2 Sponsored Content: #003 in the Series Growing Community, Not Just Plants, since 1999
Dear Friends of the Environment, Not to worry: there are no Chelm jokes this time like two weeks ago. And, yes, I acknowledge the kind suggestions that future columns be more like #002 rather than #001. But I return to the spirit of #001 due to the disturbing news on PBS NewsHour of another environmental disaster brought on by our inability to process our plastic waste. Since China closed her doors to America’s recyclables, Indonesia and other far eastern countries are awash in plastic we thought was being recycled responsibly, only it’s not. They’re burning it. Thus toxic fumes are raining down and entering the food chain. In the past ten years scientists have documented in the eggs of chickens a dramatic increase of heavy metals and other poisonous matter now 70 times greater than that allowed by EU standards. The consequences of such exposure guarantees health problems among as yet unborn generations of children. Yet our Beloved America, which ought to be in the vanguard of those nations banding together to craft solutions to our mounting environmental problems, is instead in the rear guard of climate deniers. It’s shameful. As was said in #001, none of us can do much about burning forests in Brazil or burning plastic in Indonesia, but we can do something about green spaces in Omaha and the most proper manner of disposing of our collective waste, organic and inorganic. Benson Plant Rescue specializes in the reduction of organic waste, but we acknowledge the urgency of confronting the ways plastics are working their way into the global food chain, with unknown future consequences for us and future generations. *** Like I was saying in #002, the Benson Plant Rescue came into being quite by accident. Only that’s not exactly right either. Being the hopeless Romantic that I am, that initial “accident” was occasioned by my trying to please my then recent bride. She, being the hard-headed Israeli she is, thinks I’m a sentimental old fool, which I no doubt am. But she does admit that the Benson Plant Rescue has become a blessed place. Good things happen here regularly. It’s not just information which flows freely, but love—for and around the plants and people who find peace with them. *** Thanks for your kind attention. We look forward to visiting again next week. Until then, believe in a Miracle and it might just come true. Continued warm wishes for a HAPPY HANUKKAH. by Dr. D, Co-Founder & President
Benson Plant Rescue / Community Produce Rescue (BPR-CPR)
Donations by January 6 get a 25% match. Mail to: Benson Plant Rescue, 7224 Maple, Omaha, NE 68134. Thank You!
Continued from page 1 warranty. There are plenty of shaded areas and also opportunities to sit in the sunshine. The walkways are wider to safely accommodate wheelchairs, walkers or side by side walking. The Lewis Family Garden Beautification Project includes two custom electric fireplaces, which were specifically gifted by and in honor of Bert and Leonard Lewis. There are also two beautiful water features, and even a large screen TV in one of the covered patio areas... not a detail was missed! Comments from the Lewis family indicate how pleased they were to make the contribution to upgrade the gardens. Bert Lewis said, “My mother, Mary Wine, was a volunteer at both the Rose Blumkin Home and its predecessor, the Dr. Sher Home. She spent her final days at the Blumkin Home, as did
my Aunt Bess Weinstein and my Uncle Dave Wine.” Stephen Lewis, the oldest child of Bert and Leonard Lewis, added “My Uncle, Roland Lewis, was a supporter and brief resident of the Rose Blumkin Home. He tasked Norm Veitzer, who was married to my late cousin Joodi Lewis Veitzer, and me, to use funds from his estate to try to make a difference in the quality of life at the Home, and my immediate family supplemented that gift with funds from my Dad’s estate. Norm and I thought the garden project was perfect, and we are all grateful to those that suggested it.” The Omaha Jewish community continues to be so generous and supportive of our elders and their quality of life. We couldn’t be more grateful to the Lewis family for their thoughtful generosity. Please come enjoy our revitalized courtyard at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home when spring has sprung again!
Bak exhibit
Continued from page 1 and Frances Blumkin Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and executive director of the Fried Academy, was to make Bak’s work accessible to middle and high school students. In order to achieve this goal, the Fried Academy, Schwalb Center, Humanities Nebraska, and the Nebraska Arts Council all offered funding for busing and substitute teachers so that any school group that wanted to could visit the exhibit and take a docent led tour. There was an overwhelming response from districts in Omaha, Council Bluffs, and schools throughout southeastern Nebraska. Nearly 2,000 middle and high school students experienced the Bak exhibit over an eleven week period. Samuel Bak spent several days in Omaha in Sept. 2019 meeting with students and giving a public lecture about his life, which was attended by nearly 400 university and community members. Students who met with Mr. Bak asked him questions about his personal experiences in the Holocaust and the imagery in his paintings. Bak was accompanied by Bernie Pucker of Pucker Gallery in Boston that represents Bak’s artistic work. Mr. Pucker trained the community and student docents who led tours of the exhibit. In connection with Bak’s visit, the Goldstein Center for Human Rights held a symposium on the intersection of contemporary art and human rights. A special Goldstein Lecture on Human Rights featured former South African judge, the Honorable Richard Goldstone, who was a Chief Prosecutor of the United Nations’ International Criminal Tribunals. In addition to these events, hundreds of community members and UNO students attended tours, receptions, lectures and literary readings. Each of these events engaged different constituent groups and provided a forum for dialogue between students and community members. The support that Omaha’s Jewish community provided for the Bak exhibit has been critical to its overwhelming success. Hundreds of community members attended events, helped promote the exhibit, and worked as docents for tours. The legacy of the exhibit on UNO and the broader Omaha community is that Bak’s messages about the difficul-
ties of rebuilding destroyed communities and the challenges of seeking justice have struck a deep chord within the Omaha community and beyond. It is our hope that his work will inspire and rededicate all of us to build a better world for the next generation.
Scholarship Fund Continued from page 1 children to the CDC, Friedel and Camp Sabra, all of which were instrumental to the formation of their extremely strong Jewish identity.” Jeff added, “These Jewish experiences inspired Zev to assume a leadership role in BBYO and motivated Harper to co-found the Young Jewish Giving Teen Foundation. In addition, they have both made lifelong friendships from their overnight summer camp experiences.” “Study after study has shown the significant correlation between a strong Jewish identity and Jewish experiences like day school and summer camp. The Ahava Dan Omaha Jewish Community Engagement scholarships provide an opportunity for our youth to enjoy these experiences and strengthen their Jewish identity,” said Alan Potash, Federation CEO. The application deadline for the six overnight summer 2020 camp scholarships is Feb. 17, 2020, the deadline for the 10 Friedel and CDC scholarships (for the upcoming 2020/2021 academic year) is March 2, 2020. While there are some eligibility requirements, financial need is not a consideration for these scholarships. Please contact Diane Walker (dwalker@jewishomaha.org, 402.334.6407) for further details.
The Jewish Press | December 20, 2019 | 3
Celebrate Hanukkah at Beth Israel: Shop, learn, play, and eat
B
MARY SUE GRoSSMAn experience. The carnival is open to the eth Israel Synagogue will be community, free of charge. Sponsorships are brimming with special happen- available and donations are always welcome. ings in December to celebrate • Beth Israel’s annual Hanukkah Lunch Hanukkah 2019. The Festival of will be held Saturday, Dec. 28, immediately Lights begins Sunday evening, following Shabbat morning services. Enjoy Dec. 22. • As you are making your Hanukkah preparations, make the Beth Israel Sisterhood Gift Shop your first stop. A wide variety of Hanukkah decorations, books, games, menorahs, candles and more are ready and waiting for your shopping pleasure. The gift shop is open during regular office hours, MondayThursday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. • On Sunday, Dec. 22, join Rabbi Ari Dembitzer for his class, The True Lights of Hanukkah, beginning at 10 a.m. “While we Focusing on fun during the 2018 Beth Israel Hanukkah tend to focus on the bright lights Carnival. of the Hanukkah candles, the true light is a delicious Hanukkah lunch prepared by something quite different” shares Rabbi Ari. Nancy Mattly featuring brisket, potato “Join me and learn about the illumination kugel, salad, applesauce, challah rolls, and this holiday brings.” The class is open to the desserts. Vegetarian meals available by recommunity, free of charge. quest. The cost is $15 for adults, $8 for chil• The popular Beth Israel Hanukkah Car- dren 6-12 years, $5 for children 4-5, and free nival will be held Sunday, Dec. 22 from 5- for those under 3. The reservation deadline 7 p.m. A part of the Jewish Youth is Monday, Dec. 23. Register at orthodox Experience at Beth Israel – JYE BI - the car- omaha.org or call 402. 556.6288. As always, nival will have fun for kids of all ages in- Beth Israel never wants finances to get in cluding a bounce house, face painting, the way of someone’s attendance. If assiscarnival games, crafts, and a wide variety of tance is needed, please contact the office. great prizes plus a trivia game for the entire For additional information on Hanukkah family. Enjoy a “McMaccabeas” dinner with happenings at Beth Israel, please call the hamburgers and fries to complete the fun synagogue office at 402.556.6288.
community URJ’s award winners include interfaith trailblazers LAUREn THEoDoRE Several Jewish and interfaith global leaders received Reform Judaism’s highest honors at the 75th URJ Biennial in Chicago, Illinois, this month. The Tri-Faith Initiative of Omaha, Nebraska, Julie Fisher and Ambassador Daniel Shapiro and Cantor Barbara Ostfeld received special recognition and were among the featured speakers at the URJ’s Biennial General Assembly, which is North America’s
Bringing together into permanent residency a Reform synagogue, a church, and a mosque, the TriFaith Initiative is a unique and ambitious project in the field of interfaith relations. By its very model, the interfaith center, located on a 38-acre campus in the middle of America’s heartland, challenges people of faith and goodwill to be conscious and proactive about the assets of faith in civil life in a religiously pluralistic society.
largest Jewish gathering, attracting some 5,000 Reform Jewish leaders over five days. “Not only do these renowned leaders personify Reform Judaism’s core values, they all identify the Reform Movement as a pivotal influence toward accomplishing their change-making work,” said URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs. “We could not be more proud or more inspired by the powerful activism and advocacy of these pioneering award-winners.” The Tri-Faith Initiative received the Maurice N. Eisendrath Bearer of Light Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Reform Movement.
Addressing the URJ Biennial audience, the TriFaith Initiative’s rabbis and spiritual leaders shared how they are creating a more inclusive culture that celebrates religious pluralism. The Eisendrath award’s namesake, the dynamic Rabbi Maurice N. Eisendrath, served as president of the URJ (then called the UAHC) from 1943 to 1973. During Rabbi Eisendrath’s tenure, Reform congregations more than doubled in number and the Reform Movement’s emphasis on social action began in earnest, culminating with the founding of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.
Biblical TOUCHSTONES
For emergency medical care, who do Israelis depend on? They depend on you. Magen David Adom (MDA) is Israel’s official ambulance, blood-services, and disaster-relief agency, serving the nation’s 9 million people. But like every other Red Cross agency around the world, MDA doesn’t receive regular government support. That’s why it relies on people like you. Since the 1930s, generous Americans like you have provided the vehicles, training, and equipment that’s kept Israelis healthy and strong.
Hallelujah: Psalm 150
There are many ways to support Israel, but none that has a greater effect on its people and its future than a gift to Magen David Adom. Your support isn’t just changing lives — it’s literally saving them.
Best of Show Award at JCC Gallery, December 1-29
Make an end-of-year donation to Magen David Adom at afmda.org/chanukah today.
Duane J. Pieper
And our best wishes for a joyous Chanukah and New Year.
402.253.1414 www.biblicaltouchstones.com | btouchstones@yahoo.com
4 | The Jewish Press | December 20, 2019
Burke Outstanding Alumni winner: Mike Sophir
community Journey to Poland
HAzzAn MICHAEl kRAUSMAn You are invited you to join Laurel and me for an extraordinary journey to Poland guided by the unrivaled educators of the Ramah Institute from July 13-19, 2020. We will trace the splendor of important Jewish communities in our history: Warsaw, Lublin, Krakow, and more. Exploring the richness of the Jewish life that existed in Poland over 70 years ago will enhance your understanding of the enormity of the Shoah. Together, we will experience first-hand the remnants — and in some cases the revival — of the Jewish communities in Poland. We will learn not only about the period during the Holo-
caust, but also explore what life was like for the Jews of Poland before the war and what the Jewish community is like today. For me, one of the most intriguing aspects of the trip is the opportunity to breathe new life into synagogues that have become a museum due to the murder of all of those who once worshiped there before the Shoah. Drs. Rich and Audrey Weiner are the lay leaders of our journey. Feel free to contact me at any time to talk about the trip. For more information visit http://rii.ramah.org.il/polandjourney-adults/. Register and pay a deposit before Jan. 1, 2020 to receive an early-bird discount of $75!
Schwalb Center at UNO hosts Spring 2020 courses
DR. JEAnnETTE GABRIEl Director, Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies The Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies is pleased to announce our Spring 2020 affiliated classes and invites Beth El members to participate in the classes. Spring classes at UNO begin on Jan. 13 and run through May 2, 2020. The two core classes being offered by the Schwalb Center are Judaism on Netflix and Amazon taught by Dr. Jeannette Gabriel and Apocalypticism taught by Dr. Curtis Hutt. Judaism on Netflix and Amazon will be taught on Tuesday evenings from 6-8:40 p.m. and will cover popular shows such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Spy, Shtisel, The Good Life, and Russian Doll. Students will examine issues of Jewish identity, belief, history and practice and consider the Jewish experience as a cultural and religious phenomenon that has shaped the larger society. Apocalypticism will be taught on Monday afternoons from 1-3:40 p.m. and will examine apocalyptic and millenarian movements in a wide variety of cultures in the past and present with a special focus on visions of the end of the world found in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Other courses affiliated with the Schwalb Center in the spring semester include U.S. Immigration and Ethnic History taught by Dr. Danielle Battisti on Monday and Wednesdays from 10-11:15 a.m. This class will include a Service Learning Project where students will collect oral histories from members of Omaha’s Muslim community. Julien Fielding is offering a course on Anime and Religion on Tuesdays
and Thursdays from 10-11:15 a.m. followed by Dr. Ramazan Kilinc’s course on Government and Politics of the Middle East on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. and The Modern Middle East will be taught by James Clark on Tuesday and Thursdays from 2:30-3:45 p.m. There are also two on-line courses: Biblical Cities taught by Dr. Rami Arav and Conflicts, Peacebuilding, and Ethics taught by Dr. Rory Conces. There are two main ways for the Jewish community to participate in UNO classes – the first is that community members can join the Senior Passport Program if they are over 65 and the second is they can audit classes. The Senior Passport Program allows students 65 and older to take undergraduate classes as a passive learner for a cost of $25 per year (or 3 consecutive semesters) and can take up to 2 classes a semester. Community members who are under the age of 65 can audit a class for $850. The Schwalb Center welcomes community members into our affiliated classes, we are pleased to offer opportunities where community members and students can engage around important issues and build personal relationships. When you sign up for a course please keep in mind you are not obligated to attend all the classes but can drop in and out at your own convenience. For more information and assistance on registering for Schwalb affiliated classes, please contact Kendall Panas at 402.554.2788 or kpanas@unomaha.edu.
After graduating from Burke High School in 1981, Mike Sophir attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. While obtaining his undergraduate degree, he served in numerous leadership positions and was awarded Greek Man of the Year. As a member of the chapter, he co-founded “Do It Sober,” a campus- and community-based alcohol awareness program that remains an SAE initiative today. He also served as an undergraduate member of the 50th anniversary of the Mike Sophir National Leadership School Planning Committee. Sophir graduated from the University of Nebraska with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and with minors in history, English, speech and Portuguese. Mike Sophir first joined the SAE Fraternity Service Center staff in 1986, where he served as a member of the field staff and later as Director. After leaving the fraternity in 1992, his career focus was on marketing and strategic development. He has worked both on the agency and client side of business, including fortune 500 companies and with musical artists such as Tony Bennet. He spent several years with his family’s business and later with the Foundation of the Children’s Hospital in Denver. From 2009 until 2017, he was a principal member of a Denver-based marketing firm. In May of 2017, he was hired by the headquarters of Sigma Alpha Epsilon National Fraternity in Evanston Illinois, as the 14th Chief Executive Officer in the organization’s history. As CEO, along with a talented staff and volunteers, he sets course for over 200 undergraduate SAE chapters in the United States and Canada.
Organizations
B’nAI B’RITH BREADBREAkERS
B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers meets weekly on Wednesdays at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium from noon to 1 p.m. For specific speaker information, please email Gary.Javitch@Gmail.com, Breadbreakers chairman. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA
THANK YOU We want to thank the Jewish community for your outpouring of interest for the exhibit,“Witness: the Art of Samuel Bak.” Your support of the exhibit and corresponding events helped make it a great success.
Contemporary and Ethnic Inspired Clothing, Exotic Jewelry and Gifts
1018 Howard St. 402-342-2972 www.souqltd.com Follow us on Facebook
The Jewish Press | December 20, 2019 | 5
Community Health Clinic offered at Livingston Plaza and Blumkin Home
J
ozzIE NoGG ewish Senior Outreach is offering a Community Health Clinic once a month at both Livingston Plaza and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Kathy O’Connell, R.N. will provide services at the Livingston Plaza on the second Thursday of the month from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the facility’s clinic. The Livingston Plaza health clinic is for Livingston residents only. Services are available at the Blumkin Home on the second Monday of the month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the RBJH Clinic Room by appointment only.
Health, Bloom Companion Care’s sister company. Gretchen Radler, Chief Executive Officer of Bloom, explained, “In 2012, when the health clinic at the Blumkin Home opened, another company was providing the foot care. When that company closed, we were given the opportunity to participate in providing the service to the community, which we really appreciate. Kathy O’Connell was already in place, and we’re glad to now be part of her team.” Jewish Senior Outreach links seniors, caregivers and family members with available resources, while at the same time helping clients navigate a maze of information, forms and ap-
plications to help them live safely in their own homes as long as possible. “Our goal is to keep our community members independent and active,” said Shelly Fox, JSO Director of Community Outreach. “The Community Health Clinic is just one example of our intent to keep you happy and healthy.” The Community Health Clinic is provided through generous support from the Ed and Sally Malashock Jewish Senior Outreach Fund. For more information, contact Shelly Fox, 402.334.6532. To make an appointment with Kathy O’Connell, call 402.490.7919, or email hawaiiko@aol.com.
2933 S. 108th Street Omaha, NE 68144 402-343-9406 christiannobel.com
Kathy o’Connell, R.N., left, with Vera Dobin, a Health Clinic client from the community.
O’Connell worked in hospital settings with all age groups for forty-two years and managed the Health Maintenance Clinic at the Blumkin Home for seven years. “For the last ten years or so, I’ve focused on senior citizens,” O’Connell said. “I’ve always enjoyed working with the elderly. They’re special. I’m here to give them the attention they deserve.” When clients visit the Livingston Plaza clinic, O’Connell will take their blood pressure, listen to heart and lungs, check their weight and give a foot assessment. “I’ll also set up their medicines, answer general health questions and look for problems that might have arisen since their last visit. If there is an area of concern in my assessments, I’ll inform the client and request they followup with their physician. There is no client fee for these services.” Visitors to the Blumkin Home clinic receive these same services, plus a toe-nail trim for $15.00. Nursing services for the Community Health Clinic are staffed through Bloom Companion Care and Arial Home
Netanyahu can keep prime minister’s post mARCY oSTER JERUSALEM| (JTA Benjamin Netanyahu may remain prime minister of Israel despite his indictment on corruption charges. Responding to a lawsuit seeking Netanyahu’s ouster, Israel’s Supreme Court said it was not practical to rule on the issue because a prime minister’s resignation would bring about new elections, which are already scheduled. During the run-up to the election, the court noted, the outgoing prime minister remains in his job. Also Thursday, Netanyahu told the high court that he would resign his other ministerial posts by Jan. 1. He also serves as minister of agriculture, Diaspora affairs, health and welfare. Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit said he would force Netanyahu to resign the ministerial positions if he did not voluntarily. Under Israeli law, a sitting prime minister charged with a crime is not required to step down. Resigning from other ministerial posts became requisite in 1993 when the Supreme Court ruled that then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin needed to fire minister Aryeh Deri after Deri was accused of taking bribes and having an indictment filed against him.
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6 | The Jewish Press | December 20, 2019
Potash Twins coming to Omaha
Snowbirds
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.
Mark your calendars for a unique opportunity to kick off your Hanukkah celebrations. The Potash Twins, Adeev and Ezra Potash, with their friend celebrity chef, podcast host, restaurateur Richard Blais, in partnership with Kum and Go, will be cooking latkes and performing Saturday night Dec 21 from 6-8 p.m. at Kum and Go on 72 and Pacific. There will be free food! RSVP required sign up at rsvp@kumandgo.com. Perhaps most recognizable as the winner of Bravo’s Top Chef All-Stars, Richard Blais is a successful chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and television personality. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, he went on to train at The French Laundry, Daniel, Chez Panisse, and el Bulli. Blais has appeared on Top Chef, Top Chef AllStars, Iron Chef America and Chopped All-Stars as a competitor. He is a recurring judge on Top Chef and Master Chef and has also judged episodes of Guy's Grocery Games, Cutthroat Kitchen and Cooks vs Cons. Blais has particularly enjoyed his hosting duties for the shows Burger Lab, Cook Your A$$ Off and Food Network’s Halloween Baking Championship. He currently owns and operates Trail Blais, a forward-thinking culinary company that has consulted on, designed, and operated popular eateries including multiple outposts of Flip Burger Boutique located in the Southeast and most recently, Crack Shack and Juniper & Ivy in Southern California. Adeev and Ezra Potash are labeled by NPR as the Twin Horns of Joy, they are musicians, entertainers and the hosts of Bravo TV’s Beats + Bites and Travel Channel‘s Southern
Adeev and Ezra Potash
Richard Blais
Road Trip with The Potash Twins (from Executive Producer Andrew Zimmern). Named the Musicians of the Food World by the Miami Herald, with a passion for food and the culinary community, the twins have become well known in the food scene by chefs and foodies alike. Adeev and Ezra are the sons of Amy Nachman and Alan Potash.
Beth Israel offers cooking and parenting classes MARY SUE GRoSSMAn Beth Israel Synagogue is offering two new classes, both which are open to the community, in addition to its wide variety of weekly classes. Cooking with the Parsha is both educational and tasty as Master Chef Yoni Dreyer leads an interactive food expo related to the weekly parsha. Classes are held each Monday at noon at Beth Israel. No advanced reservations are needed. “Food is an integral part of Jewish life,” shares Yoni who adds that food is a bit of a passion for him. “While relating food to our weekly Torah study may sound new to many, there is always a natural way to relate the feeding of our bodies to the feeding of our intellect as we study the parsha.” Yoni, a professionally trained culinary chef, his wife, Shiran, and their four children arrived in Omaha from Ariel, Israel, in late October. Working at Beth Israel and Freidel Jewish Academy, they have quickly become a part of Omaha’s Jewish community. Keeping “Relate” in Your Parent-Child Relationship will take place Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30, from 8:15-9:15 p.m., also at Beth Israel. De-
signed for parents of young children, Danielle Bettmann, an early childhood educator and parenting coach, will discuss every day parenting strategies and practical advice
Yoni Dreyer
Credit: Elyasaf Photography
for effectively raising 1-7 year olds. Danielle’s business, Wholeheartedly, offers “in-home coaching for overwhelmed families.” Her website describes her goal as transforming families from overwhelmed and surviving to equipped and thriving. The cost is $30 per couple or $10 per class. Registration is needed by calling 402.556.6288. For additional information on these classes or any other educational offerings at Beth Israel, please call the synagogue office at 402.556.6288.
The Jewish Press | December 20, 2019 | 7
UNMC to continue Educational Sessions at the JCC Jennifer Cera, an assistant professor in the UNMC College of Nursing and a nurse practitioner for the Olson Center for Women’s Health, will continue her series of educational sessions on pelvic floor health at the JCC this winter. With a one-year, $26,000 grant from the Olson Center for Women’s Health, Dr. Cera is excited to bring her educational series to the community. The winter series of talks will focus on tips and tricks for bladder health. Each talk will review pelvic floor disorders. Those in attendance will learn the risk factors and how they differ at various stages of life, behavioral strategies, self-help techniques, and treatment options. In August 2019, Dr. Cera began a revolving educational series on health promotion and prevention of pelvic floor disorders. Dr. Cera has 25 years of experience and is passionate about teaching women how to take control of their bladder health with simple lifestyle/behavior changes and one-on-one consultation. Individuals can be referred for continence screening and evaluation if needed. Dr. Cera stresses that people don’t have to live with bladder leakage or ongoing issues related to pelvic floor health. “Women just need a little education,” she said. She noted that self-help and behavior modifications can often reduce or eliminate symptoms entirely. “There are so many non-surgical treatments out there that women just don’t know about,” she said. “As a medical community, we don’t do enough education and prevention. It’s our job as providers to give the best care possible to our patients, and that includes simply educating them to make decisions that are right for them.” The next series of talks will be held at the Jewish Community Center. Please contact Member Services at 402.334.6426 to confirm the classroom location. The talks will be Friday, Jan. 10 at 9 a.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 21 at noon; and Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. All talks are free and open to the community. Those interested may attend the time that works best with their schedule. They do not need to attend each session. There is no requirement to sign up ahead of time. For more information on these talks and future talks, contact Dr. Cera at 402.559.2717.
community Soviet dissident Natan Sharansky named 2020 Genesis Prize recipient
for his pro-Zionist, pro-democracy efforts and spent nine LAURA E. ADkINS NEW YORK | JTA years in Soviet prison. A child chess prodigy, he kept himself he Genesis Prize Foundation has announced that sane in solitary confinement by playing chess in his mind. “I played thousands of games, and I won them all,” he told Natan Sharansky, a Jewish refusenik, prolific leader in the Soviet Jewry emigration movement The New York Times in 1996, the year he also managed to beat chess champion Garry Kasand former Israeli parov. politician, will be Through the efforts of his awarded the 2020 Genesis wife, Avital, who lobbied govPrize. ernments around the world, The Genesis Prize, dubbed Sharansky was released in the “Jewish Nobel,” was started 1986 and immigrated to Israel, in 2013 and is financed where the couple raised two through a permanent $100 daughters. As a politician and million endowment. The anlater as the head of the Jewish nual award honors “extraordiAgency for Israel, Sharansky nary individuals for their advocated for the rights of Isoutstanding professional raeli immigrants, religious miachievement, contribution to norities and women. humanity and commitment to “Even in democracies our Jewish values.” freedoms cannot be taken for Sharansky was selected to granted,” said Stan Polovets, honor “his extraordinary lifeco-founder and chairman of long struggle for political and the foundation. “Natan’s ideals religious freedoms, emphasizand vision are as relevant ing the relevance of his work Natan Sharansky, a former Soviet refusenik and Israeli lawtoday as they were in the 1980s in today’s world,” the Genesis maker, was named the 2020 Genesis Prize laureate. Credit: Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket when he took on the totalitarPrize Foundation said in a via Getty Images ian Soviet regime – and won.” news release. Sharansky will be honored in Jerusalem on June 18. In 1977, Sharansky was jailed by the communist authorities
T
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The Jewish Press | December 20, 2019 | 9
The doors are open!
The community came to celebrate the unveiling of Phase 2 of the JCC Campus Building Project with the completion of the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Community Engagement Venue and the Marlene and Martin Staenberg Arts & Education Corridor. Donald Goldstein spoke on behalf of his sisters, Gail Raznick and Kathy Goldstein, who funded the space as a tribute to their parents. Their dream was for a comfortable gathering place to honor the home that they grew up in where the front door was always open and everyone was welcome. Michael Staenberg thanked all of the team that brought Phase 2 to completion and humbly announced that the Arts and Education Corridor would be named in memory of his parents. The state of the art space is beautifully done with neutral finishes along with artwork that makes the space welcoming and bright. Upgrades to the audio/visual technology, acoustics, lighting, and tables and chairs make this venue attractive for a variety of programs and rental opportunities. Patty Nogg then announced that Phase 3 and the Alan J. Levine Performing Arts Theater will start construction in the next couple of weeks.
10 | The Jewish Press | December 20, 2019
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A non-kosher latke is actually the perfect symbol of American Hanukkah
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LAURA E. ADkINS NEW YORK | JTA Eight unassuming gourmet latkes have become the latest controversy on Jewish Twitter. A recent holiday issue of Food & Wine magazine featured a piece titled 8 Ways to Make the Best Potato Latkes of Your Life. The problem? Two of those luxe latkes featured decidedly non-kosher toppings. One latke calls for both shrimp and squid, foods that are biblically forbidden to kosher-keeping Jews. The other features a combination of brisket and creme fraiche — these ingredients can be kosher on their own, but consuming dishes containing both meat and dairy is also a kosher no-no. I retweeted a photo of the article asking (rhetorically) what the big deal was, given most Jews don’t keep kosher and the prominence of Jewish chefs like Ina Garten, whose A latke topped with caviar tender preparation of roasted shrimp cocktail louis recently had me salivating on a long flight even though I keep kosher (and consuming shellfish would send me straight into anaphylactic shock). Though I’m an Orthodox Jew and no stranger to Jewish traditionalism, I greatly underestimated how deeply this article would resonate with many Jews across the religious spectrum, for better or worse. The responses to my tweet quickly poured in: Some were deeply offended by the presence of treif in recipes for a Jewish holiday all about fighting assimilation; some rejoiced that a secular American magazine featured Hanukkah at all; some didn’t quite know what to think. Dozens of these thoughtful comments and one insistent colleague later, I decided to do some actual journalism and call the man behind the latke mischief himself. Marcus Jacobs, 34, is the chef at Marjie’s Grill in downtown New Orleans and the man whose recipes and traditional latke prep techniques are featured in Food & Wine. Marjie’s food is, in the restaurant’s words, “inspired by Southeast Asian bar food and the local bounty of the Gulf South” — and a casual observer will notice that the treif practically leaps off the menu, so to speak. On Monday, I spoke to Jacobs between his afternoon errands. The Ohio native, who grew up in a Reform Jewish household, has been working in kitchens since age 14 and has lived in New Orleans since 2009. He also sports a Hipster or Hasid-worthy beard, adding to the delicious irony. Jacobs described latkes as “not something that would typically fit within our mission statement” at his BBQ-centric restaurant, which changes often based on “whatever is good at the market.” But when Marjie’s Grill opened three years ago on Dec. 20, Jacobs, his business partner Caitlin Carney, 35, and another Jewish cook they employed started frying up latkes as a familiar comfort food for themselves. The crew even put out menorahs to mark the holiday, and once the word spread, as Jacobs puts it, “it kind of developed a life of its own.” Both Carney and Jacobs were raised Jewish — like most Jews, they never really kept kosher. “We’re maybe not the most heavily practicing folks,” Jacobs said. “You come in this very casual setting and have latkes, a bit of familiarity and a nice nostalgia.” And while the food certainly isn’t kosher, Jacobs said the tradition has gone a long way toward building community in the Big Easy. “Moms of Tulane kids began calling to order a dozen for their kids,” he told me. Jacobs said he hadn’t seen any of the Twitter ire. “New Orleans is such a casual town in so many ways that
locally we haven’t had any backlash. We are not in a synagogue, we are a restaurant that serves shrimp and crawfish and fried pig feet,” he said. “Any argument that we are supposed to be kosher [is missing the point].” “I always engage with people if they want to talk or complain, that’s my job as a person in hospitality. But people need to lighten up. We’re not doing anything to affront the Jewish people.” “Once people became aware that we were lighting candles, doing the prayers and serving latkes, we got this really big boost of support; the New Orleans Jewish community is generally underserved,” Jacobs told me, and the sense of community the decidedly nonkosher restaurant began to foster was palpable. To me, if a Jewish chef wants to adapt traditional recipes from his culture to fit a more secular palate, more power to him or her. Credit: Getty Images But this whole controversy perfectly illustrates the ancient debate of who owns Judaism and its traditions. The first Hanukkah, after all, was a bloody battle between the religious fundamentalist Maccabean minority and the Hellenized majority, which included many Jews. Who does Judaism ultimately belong to today — the secular majority of Jews or the religiously fundamentalist minority? If Judaism is primarily a religion, then Orthodox Jews like me might most easily make the case that they are the sole authentic heirs of tradition — and the latke naysayers are thus right in finding treif-laden latkes an affront. But if Judaism is just as much a culture, a history, a people and an idea, then the 90 percent of American Jews who aren’t Orthodox — the majority of whom don’t keep kosher — have just as legitimate a claim to the Jewish legacy. And that includes tinkering with traditions, even when some might take offense. According to the American Jewish Population Project, Greater New Orleans, where these controversial latkes originated, is home to approximately 15,000 Jews. Due to a variety of economic and cultural factors, that community has long been dominated by Reform and secular Jews: As early as 1842, a visiting Jewish journalist surmised that “although the political atmosphere is so liberal that a Jew could win unanimous election to the legislature, only four homes kept Kosher, only two followed the laws of Shabbas, and two-thirds of the boys were not circumcised.” The city’s first philanthropist, Judah Touro, donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Jewish institutions, but was often more interested in supporting local churches while he lived than in helping build the city’s Jewish community. NOLA’s very tolerance has both allowed Jews to flourish in a climate often unfriendly to outsiders and assimilate with ease. Was the trade-off worth it? Hanukkah is full of contradiction. It was a bloody fight for the soul of Judaism that required killing other Jews. It’s a holiday celebrating divine intervention and anti-assimilation — and has long been the holiday most widely celebrated by secular Jews. I know many will bristle at my conclusions. But in America, insisting on Hanukkah originalism would be like insisting that American Christmas revolves around the sacred birth of Jesus Christ. Maybe in original intent, but certainly not in common practice. Laura E. Adkins is JTA’s Opinion Editor. She was previously Deputy Opinion Editor at the Forward, where she wrote about data, orthodoxy, kosher wine, and built interactive maps. Laura has also served as the editor of Jewish Insider and an assistant blogs editor at The Times of Israel. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, SELF, the New York Observer and elsewhere.
jEWISH PRESS NoTICES The Jewish Press office is closed Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 24 and 25. There will be no Jewish Press on jan. 3, 2020. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
The Jewish Press | December 20, 2019 | 11
Officials believe Jersey City shooters were motivated by anti-Semitic and anti-police views
JoSEFIN DoLSTEN JTA ew Jersey officials believe the two shooters at a kosher supermarket in Jersey City were motivated by bias against Jews and the police. “We believe that the suspects held views that reflected hatred of the Jewish people as well as a hatred of law enforcement,” the state’s attorney general, Gurbir Grewal, said at a news conference Thursday. Four people died in the attack Tuesday at the kosher store, in addition to the gunmen. The victims include Mindy Ferencz, 32, the market owner with her husband, and Moshe Deutsch, 24, who are Jewish, and a store employee, Miguel Douglas, 49. A police officer, Joseph Seals, 39, was killed at a nearby cemetery. After shooting Seals, the suspects, who have been identified as David Anderson and Francine Graham, drove a van a mile away to the JC Kosher Supermarket and entered firing, according to local law enforcement officials. Police arrived on the scene and a shootout began that lasted more than an hour. When it was over, police found the bodies of three civilians and the gunmen. Police also found an active pipe bomb in their van. Grewal said the incident was being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism. “The evidence points towards acts of hate,” he told reporters. “I can confirm that we are investigating this matter as potential acts of domestic terrorism, fueled both by anti-
N
Semitism and anti-law enforcement beliefs.” U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said the suspects targeted only people in the store as well as the police, and that a video showed that they had not shot at passersby. “They were clearly targeting that store.
“We have evidence that both suspects expressed interest in this group, but we have not definitely set any formal links to that organization or any other formal group,” Grewal said. He added that investigators believe that
A police officer stands in front of the crime scene near JC Kosher Supermarket in Jersey City, N.J., the site of a deadly shooting, Dec. 11, 2019. Credit: Laura E. Adkins/JTA They were clearly targeting the New Jersey Police Department,” he said at the news conference. Grewal said investigators were looking into social media posts that allegedly were written by the suspects. He said they were also probing possible ties with the Black Hebrew Israelites, a movement of AfricanAmericans who believe they descended from the biblical Israelites. Some adherents hold anti-Semitic views.
the shooters were acting on their own. Ferencz and Deutsch were among a number of haredi Orthodox Jews who recently made Jersey City their home. Some 100 families moved to the area from Brooklyn because of increasing rents. Community members say the Jews got along well with other residents in the Greenville neighborhood, which has a significant African-American population.
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community American Red Cross Training at the J
The JCC offers a variety of American Red Cross Trainings and classes. Certification is obtained upon passing the necessary test put forth in the American Red Cross guidelines. Full payment is due at the time of registration. An administrative fee of $35 will be retained for all cancellations and/or if participant is unable to complete the training. And: we can bring Red Cross training to you! If you own or work for a local business interested in holding CPR classes, we can travel to your location to hold a class. Call 402.334.6410 for inquiries. The JCC also offers Lifeguard Certification for members and non-members (ages 15+). Learn the skills needed to be a professional lifeguard. Topics covered include teamwork, rescue and water surveillance skills, First Aid, and CPR/AED. Participants must be 15 years old and pass the pre-course to obtain certification. The pre-course will be held one week prior to certification classes.To pass the pre-course participants must swim 300 yards continuously, tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs, complete timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds: starting in the water swimming 20yds, surface dive to a depth of 7-10 ft, retrieve 10lb object, return to surface, swim 20yds on back to return to starting point, exit water without steps or ladder. Finally, Babysitter Training for members and nonmembers, Ages 11+ will be available in December. This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care for children and infants. Participants will also learn about basic child care and basic first aid. Participants will not be certified in First Aid, CPR or AED. For more information, please visit https://www.jccomaha.org/aquatics/red-cross/.
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Above: Participants in this year’s B’nai B’rith Bible quiz: Eli Lopez, left, Ethan Finkelstein, Julia Weill, Brittney Clignett, Julian Witkowski, Sophia Mavropoulos, Spencer Gordman, Ben Kutler, Ari Finkelstein and Jake Lucoff.
Above: Residents and family members enjoyed a special evening on Main Street with a special autumn dinner and music by Deborah Greenblatt with 160 guests attending. Family Night was generously sponsored by the Julius Froom and Phil and Minnie Freeman Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Pictured are Marvin Parilman and his sister Barb Widman.
Above and right: Tuesday, Dec. 10, staff at the Jewish Federation of Omaha made cookies to benefit Operation Grateful Goodies.
Above: Rabbis Steven Abraham, Mendel Katzman, Ari Dembitzer and Brian Stoller at the recent Community Beit Midrash panel. Below: A love of reading starts early at Friedel Jewish Academy.
Below: Grandson Noah and daughter Amy Levine, left, and niece Louri Sullivan came to support Nancy Rips during the launch of her new book, Noah and the Eight Trucks of Hanukkah.
SP O TLIGHT
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY
PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish Community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org.
Above: Rabbi Yoshi Zweiback, second from left, at Comedian Tiffany Haddish’ Bat Mitzvah. Credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Netflix
Above: Just in time for Hanukkah Volunteer Seamstress Diane S. made a beautiful fidget blanket with lots of interactive items for RBJH Residents to rearrange, slide, and touch. The idea is giving the fingers and hands something to do.
The Jewish Press | December 20, 2019 | 13
viewpoint thejewishpress (Founded in 1920) Abby Kutler President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Susan Bernard Advertising Executive Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Gabby Blair Staff Writer
Jewish Press Board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex-Officio; Danni Christensen, Candice Friedman, Bracha Goldsweig, Jill Idelman, Andy Isaacson, Natasha Kraft, Andrew Miller, Eric Shapiro, Shoshy Susman and Amy Tipp. The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations Committee, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Life, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: wwwjewishomaha.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. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org; send ads (in TIF or PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishom aha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $40 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.
Stars
AnnETTE VAn DE KAmP-WRIGHT Editor, Jewish Press few weeks ago, the mayor of the Norwegian town of Strand, Irene Heng Lauvsnes, told a local church to change its Christmas decoration. Each year, the Klippen Pentecostal church holds a celebration in a city park where church members light a large neon Star of David. There had been complaints, because the Star of David is “a national symbol both for the Jews and for the State of Israel, and therefore does not fit in the public space.” (JTA) Displaying a Star of David is not an odd thing to do, by the way—all over Europe, the Star of David can be found in Christmas trees, on top and hanging from the branches, in windows and on greeting cards. Quite often, they are prominently displayed inside churches, either as part of the nativity scenes or on their own. For the mayor of Strand to suggest it is too political a statement is not normal, especially when she requested they replace it with a “traditional Christmas star.” The Star of David, in many European countries, is the traditional Christmas star. Whatever other star Ms. Lauvsnes has in mind, I don’t know. Does she think the Christmas story originated elsewhere? Does it make her uncomfortable, this undeniable connection to the land of Israel every time she hears the Christmas story? Would she rather skip that part of her bible? The editor–in-chief of the Dagen newspaper, Vebjorn Selbekk, took offense and wrote an op-ed titled ‘Merry Jew-free Christmas:’ “Municipal Christmas bureaucrats obviously do not want a Jewish or Israeli mark on their Christmas. Then we almost have to remind them of some key facts about why we celebrate Christmas at all. That holiday is marked by the fact that a Jewish boy was born to a Jewish mother in a Jewish stable in a Jewish city in a Jewish country.” It’s a little bizarre, but also strangely fascinating, to hear how verklempt some people can get when it comes to Jewish stars. The symbol itself has a complicated history and depending on the context can make us feel at home or make us feel extremely uncomfortable. One of the earliest uses of the Star of David was in 1354, “when Charles IV, King of Bohemia, granted the Jews of Prague the right to bear a red flag depicting the
A
Star of David and Solomon’s Seal (a Star of David within a circle).” (Haaretz) The Magen David only became widespread as a symbol in 17th century Europe, when it became customary to display it on synagogues, in order to distinguish them as Jewish houses of worship. Then, in 1897, the Zionist movement adopted it as its emblem.
mitic. Besides, first, you culturally appropriate our symbol for your own celebrations all over the continent, and now, when we’ve taken it back and put it on our flag, you act as if it’s toxic? It points at a larger problem: the notion that there are people out there who would rather pretend we didn’t exist. Why that is, I can’t answer. I doubt any of us can.
A Star of David stands in the nozyk Synagogue, Warsaw's only surviving synagogue from before World War II and located in the city's former ghetto, April 12, 2018 Credit: Sean Gallup/Getty Images Of course, the Nazis used it for their own purposes. However, during the decades since the Holocaust, the Star of David has been reclaimed, first when it was placed on the flag of Israel, and subsequently on everything from fighter jets to the Israeli version of the Red Cross. We find it in art, on religious objects, on jewelry, in our synagogues and in our homes. It’s an important expression of our identity and in that light, it seems less than pleasant that some people, regardless of who they are, want to remove it from sight. Because when you really think about it, the reason that little Norse church can’t light up its Star of David is because it makes people feel uncomfortable. And why is that? When I first saw the story I mostly thought it was silly, but the longer I think about it, the more irritated I get. After all, Selbekk is right: you can’t have a “Jew-free Christmas;” erasing a Jewish symbol from your celebration is just plain anti-Se-
But it’s a reality we continue to brush up against— whether it pertains to Israel as a Jewish State or the existence of Jews elsewhere. Fortunately, it takes more than unplugging one Christmas decoration to make a dent. Maybe Mayor Lauvsnes just wanted to silence the critics, maybe the anti-Israel and anti-Jewish voices were louder than the voices for peace and coexistence. But what she effectively ended up doing is replacing that Star of David with a different sign, one that says: “Jews are not welcome here.” It was never about the Star itself, it was always about what it represents. 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.
You can wait for hate, or, you can educate Throughout history, humans have believed that other people were naturally kind. That respect and fairness were the hallmarks of a modern civilization. That is not to say that social equality was naively expected. It has been, however, that the human characteristics of op- GARY nACHmAn timism, justice and fair treat- Regional Director, ADLment were desirable and Plains States Region hoped for when crossing paths with others. Oh, to live in such a nearly perfect world! The reality is that most people are kind and treat people as they would hope to be treated themselves. However, there are those who fear “the other”. They show their fear in the forms of hatred, bigotry and anti-Semitism. They take pleasure in the misfortune of others (schadenfreude). Some take these fears and act out in violent ways. Throughout history, we have seen how these acts of violence have been perpetrated on a number of minority groups. This has been true in Western culture of Jews, who have been labelled “different”
because of religious belief, dress and other customs that precede Western history. In the last millennium, Jews have experienced crusades, inquisitions, blood libel accusations, pogroms and within the past 80 years, a new word has entered our vocabulary, “The Holocaust” where 12 million lives were lost of which half were Jews. The attempt to wipe out an entire people through genocide can only be expressed as the most vile characteristic of our species. In 1913, The Anti-Defamation League was created to “stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all”. Today this organization continues to share the most vital roles of education, social justice and being the Jewish 911. Our goal today is to get in front of hate. To prevent future acts of violence by teaching tolerance, justice and fair treatment to all. The education we provide ranging from pre-kindergarten to college students to businesses, provides exercises in vital life skills in cooperation, tolerance and understanding. By the time hate rears its ugly head, in most cases, it is too late to undo. It is for that reason that I say, you can wait for hate, or you can educate. As
a member of the ADL family, I am proud to support the effort of eradicating bias, bigotry and hate. We cannot do this alone however. It takes not just a village, it takes a world of willing, open arms. Please support this cause in your daily lives by living a life of fairness and justice. Teach your children to dream of and live in a world without fear. Please support the ADL. For more information, please contact Gary Nachman at gnachman@adl.org or call 402.334.6437. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) was founded in 1913 “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Now the nation’s premier civil right/human relations agency, the ADL fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects civil rights for all Locally, the ADL-CRC office was established in 1950. In a unique relationship, the ADL also serves as the Community Relations Committee (CRC) and is the central resource for information on social issues and problems affecting the local Jewish community in Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas. The ADL-CRC attempts to foster conditions conducive to creative Jewish living in a free society.
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14 | The Jewish Press | December 20, 2019
synagogues B’nAI ISRAEl SYnAGoGUE
B’nAI ISRAEl SYnAGoGUE
618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705
BETH El SYnAGoGUE
Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Street Omaha, NE 68154-1980 402.492.8550 bethel-omaha.org
BETH ISRAEl SYnAGoGUE
Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street Omaha, NE. 68154 402.556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
CHABAD HoUSE
An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street Omaha, NE 68144-1646 402.330.1800 OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
ConGREGATIon B’nAI JESHURUn
South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org
oFFUTT AIR FoRCE BASE
Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 email: oafbjsll@icloud.com
RoSE BlUmkIn JEWISH HomE
323 South 132 Street Omaha, NE 68154
TEmPlE ISRAEl
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive Omaha, NE 68144-1206 402.556.6536 templeisraelomaha.com
TIFERETH ISRAEl
Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 402.423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on Friday, Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Ron Lugasy, Omaha Community Shlicha. Our service leader is Larry Blass, and as always, an Oneg wil follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! For information on our historic synagogue, contact any of our board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Howard Kutler, Carole Lainof, Wayne Lainof, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf, or email nancywolf16620@gmail.com. Handicap Accessible.
BETH El SYnAGoGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. FRIDAY: Pre-Neg, 5:30 p.m.; Six-String Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Bar Mitzvah of Brandon Raffel. WEEkDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUnDAY: Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Yiddish Class, 11 a.m. with Hazzan Krausman. monDAY: Miriam Initiative Grateful Goodies Baking Day, 9 a.m. TUESDAY: Grateful Goodies Sorting Day, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel; Mahjong, 1 p.m. WEDnESDAY: Office Closed; Morning Minyan, 9 a.m.; Grateful Goodies Delivery Day, 10 a.m. — Pick up at Temple Israel. THURSDAY: Brachot and Breakfast, 7 a.m. BESTT Winter Break, Saturday, Dec. 21-Tuesday, Dec. 7. There will be no BESTT or Hebrew High classes or Jr. Congregation during Winter Break. NE AIDS Coaltion Lunch, Friday, Dec. 27, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Joan Marcus serves lunch once a month at the NE AIDS Project, and she needs baked goods for dessert. Contact Joan if you can help by donating baked goods. Chesed Committee Visits the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Join members of the Chesed Committee as we visit with residents of the Blumkin Home on the first Thursday of the month.
BETH ISRAEl SYnAGoGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer FRIDAY: Laws of Shabbos, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 7:40 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Lights of Teshuva, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Moshe; Mincha/Candle Lighting, 4:40 p.m. SATURDAY: Open Beit Midrash — All welcome to learn the Torah and Dance, 8:30 a.m.; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Tot Shabbat, 10:50 a.m.; Insights into the Weekly Torah Portion, 3:40 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 4:25 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:45 p.m. SUnDAY: Erev Hanukkah; Shacharit, 9 am.; Works of Maimondies, 9:45 am.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at RBJH; Hanukkah Carnival, 5 p.m. monDAY: Hanukkah; Laws of Shabbos, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 7:40 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Lights of Teshuva, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Moshe; Cooking the Torah: Learning Torah through the Palate, noon with Rabbi Yoni; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at RBJH. TUESDAY: Hanukkah; Laws of Shabbos, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 7:40 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Lights of Teshuva, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Moshe; Torah Tuesday, 1 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at RBJH. WEDnESDAY: Hanukkah; Office Closed; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at RBJH. THURSDAY: Hanukkah; Laws of Shabbos, 6:45 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Nach Yomi — Daily Prophets, 7:40 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Lights of Teshuva, 8 a.m. with Rabbi Moshe; Character Development, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at RBJH.
CHABAD HoUSE Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. WEEkDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee,
treats, study and shmoozing. SUnDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Sunday Secrets, 9:15 p.m. following Minyan; Share Your Light, 10 a.m. Join Tots (and their favorite adult) from throughout the community for this fun, interactive Hanukkah event! monDAY: Hanukkah Celebration, 3:30 p.m. at The Boys Town Great Hall, 13747 Flanagan Blvd. Menorah lighting and Car Parade! Delicious homemade Hanukkah treats and warm beverages provided with help from Boys Town residents. Special guests will lead songs, teach dances and provide instrumental musical entertainment. Be sure not to miss this special family friendly Chanukah Event! All programs are open to the entire community. For more information call 402.330.1800 or visit www.ochabad.com.
ConGREGATIon B’nAI JESHURUn Services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby. FRIDAY: Erev Shabbat Service, 6:30 p.m. with music by Steve and Nathaniel Kaup; Oneg, 7:30 p.m.; Candlelighting, 4:43 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:45 a.m. on Parashat Vayeshev; Potluck Dinner and Game Night, 6 p.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 6:14 p.m. SUnDAY: Erev Hanukkah; No LJCS Classes; Candlelighting for Hanukkah — 1 Candle, 6:14 p.m. monDAY: Hanukkah; Candlelighting for Hanukkah — 2 Candles, 6:15 p.m. TUESDAY: Hanukkah; Candlelighting for Hanukkah — 3 Candles, 6:15 p.m. WEDnESDAY: Hanukkah — Office Closed; No LJCS Classes; Candlelighting for Hanukkah — 4 Candles, 6:16 p.m. THURSDAY: Hanukkah; Candlelighting for Hanukkah — 5 Candles, 6:16 p.m. There will be no LJCS Classes, Sunday, Dec. 22-Wednesday, Jan. 1. Classes resume on Sunday, Jan. 5. Hanukkah Dinner, Friday, Dec. 27, immediately following the 6:30 p.m. service with Star City Kochavim. Reservation deadline is Dec. 21. Seating is Limited to the first 80 who RSVP. Call the Temple Office (402.435.8004) or e-mail off ice@southstreettemple. org to sign up. Cost is $12 for adults (age 19 and up), $8 for youth (age 13-18) and $5 for children (age 5-12). Pre-payment with your RSVP would be appreciated. No charge for active military, college students, and children 5 and under.
oFFUTT AIR FoRCE BASE
RoSE BlUmkIn JEWISH HomE SATURDAY: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Larry Debruin. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
TEmPlE ISRAEl FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 5:45 p.m.; Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SUnDAY: No Youth Learning Programs WEDnESDAY: No Youth Learning Programs Hanukkah Service & Dinner, Friday, Dec. 27: Candle lighting and Kiddush in the Simon Community Court, 5:30 p.m. Services, 6 p.m., Dinner immediately following. Join us for a special, family-friendly, interactive Haunkkah service followed by dinner and games for all ages. Bring your dreidels and your favorite family menorah to decorate your holiday table! RSVPs required for dinner.
TIFERETH ISRAEl Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. FRIDAY: No Shabbat Service; Candlelighting, 4:43 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Service, 10 a.m. followed by a light kiddush lunch; Junior Congregation, 11 a.m. followed by a snack; Havdalah (72 minutes), 5:44 p.m. SUnDAY: No LJCS Classes; Hanukkah Celebration on the First Night of Hanukkah, 4:30 p.m. We’ll have a hot dog and latke dinner, and light the menorah and sing Hanukkah songs. Come with your family or a friend or two! Bring your own menorah (if you desire); Please note, the pickle ball group will not meet in the synagogue social hall this week. The group will resume Sunday Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. WEDnESDAY: Office Closed; No LJCS Classes. There will be no LJCS Classes, Sunday, Dec. 22-Wednesday, Jan. 1. Classes resume on Sunday, Jan. 5. Join us for the Ugly Sweater Havdalah gathering, Saturday evening, Dec. 28, 5:45 p.m. at the home of Lucy and Kirk Bowers. Wear an ugly sweater (if you have one). Bring your own menorah (if you have one) and Hanukkah candles to light for the 7th night of Hanukkah. Bring a dairy or pareve appetizer to share with the group. Sweet treats will be provided. Let us know if you can join us.
FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.
Definitely not kosher: Haifa overrun by wild boars
Credit: Screenshot (youtube) SAm Sokol JERUSALEM | JTA Wild boars are stalking the streets of Haifa these days, and some residents say they feel like they “live in a jungle.” It all started when the northern Israeli municipality halted efforts to keep down the pigs’ population. While some city residents told the French news agency AFP they were unconcerned, others are worried about having the animals in their urban environment. They say the animals, which used to come out only after dark, have been spotted in full daylight.
“They come to our houses and gardens. We’re scared for our children,” one resident said. “Some kids might scare the piglets, which might aggravate” their parents “and make them attack children.” Mayor Einat Kalisch-Rotem recently halted the practice of allowing hunters to curtail the boar population, leading to their expansion into the city. “The wild pigs rip up vegetation and rummage through bins, sparking a fierce debate between animal rights defenders and those in favor of driving them out or killing them,” according to TimesofIsrael.com. Coincidentally, the local rugby club goes by the name of “Haifa Wild Boars.”
The Jewish Press | December 20, 2019 | 15
lifecycles mARRIAGE mUSkIn/RATHnER Emily Muskin and Jesse Rathner were married Saturday, Aug. 17, 6:30 pm at The Living Room in Omaha. The ceremony was officiated by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. Emily is the daughter of MaryBeth and Bruce Muskin of Omaha. She is the granddaughter of Betsy Davidson and the late Arthur L. Davidson of Omaha, Bettie Muskin and the late Stuart E Muskin of Omaha. Her attendants were her sister, Anne Muskin Brower (Matron of Honor), Kylie Zacharia O'Connell, Lizza Piper Smith and Carmella Krupicka. Emily graduated from the University of Kansas with a BA in Latin American Studies. She is an Account Director at Hey Now! Media. Jesse is the son of Jan and Jeff Rathner of Bethesda, MD and the grandson of Golde Lubman Feldman and the late Melvin Lubman, the late Samuel Feldman, the late Honey Helen Rathner and the late Albert Rathner. His attendants were his brother, Zack Rather (Best Man), Zac Slusser and Ram Viswanathan and brother-in-law, Zach Muskin. Jesse earned his BS in Entertainment and Arts Management from Drexel University and his M.S. in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Temple University. He is the Service Excellence Coordinator for the Cleveland Indians. Following the wedding, the couple will honeymoon in Hawaii. They will reside in Cleveland, OH.
In mEmoRIAm GERRI RAE PHIllIPS Gerri Rae Phillips passed away on Dec. 9 after suffering a lengthy illness. Private Family Services were held Dec. 11 at Braman Mortuary, Southwest. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Anne Ellis, and her sister, Ruth Rawson. She is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Jim Phillips; daughter, Cheryl Phillips, daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy and Merv Schmidt, Jill and Tim Wood; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; niece and her husband, Sharon Rawson Secor and Rich Secor; other loving family and friends. Gerri's family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the entire Blumkin Home staff for the wonderful care she received this past year as a resident. Gerri was born and raised in Omaha. She was devoted to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home having served as a volunteer for over 30 years. In 1992 she was honored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha as being named the volunteer of the year by the Blumkin Home League Offering Volunteers to the Elderly. Memorials may be made to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home L.O.V.E. auxiliary.
Beverly Hills synagogue vandalized on Shabbat
BEn SAlES JTA A synagogue in Beverly Hills was vandalized in what police are investigating as a hate crime. At approximately 2 a.m. Saturday, according to a statement from the Beverly Hills Police Department, a suspect described as a white male entered the Nessah Synagogue, a Persian Jewish congregation, and vandalized the sanctuary. Photos posted to Twitter show a Torah scroll unrolled, crumpled and torn at the seams, as well as broken glass and a torn page from a prayerbook. The police statement said the vandal “moved throughout the sanctuary, heavily ransacking the interior.” The statement said the vandal overturned furniture and caused very limited structural damage. No one was in the synagogue at the time. The police statement said the suspect left no “markings or other overt signs of antiSemitism.”“This cowardly attack hits at the heart of who we are as a community,” said Beverly Hills Mayor John Mirisch, according to the police statement. “It is not just an attack on the Jewish community of Beverly Hills; it’s an attack on all of us.”
Mayor Fulop didn’t wait to call the shooting anti-Semitic. Here’s why joSEFIn DolSTEn JTA Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop was one of the first New Jersey officials to describe Tuesday’s shooting at a kosher market as a hate crime motivated by anti-Semitism. He did so on Wednesday, a day before the state’s attorney general did.“Had I said that we were unsure of the motives or the reasons or whether it was a hate crime, I feel like it would’ve jeopardized my relationship with the community, the trust I’ve built, and at the end of the day we would have looked very foolish,” he told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in a phone interview Friday. “So I knew at the time, based on the circumstances, that it was a hate crime.” On Friday, Fulop added another chilling piece of information about the shooting that left six people dead, including the two assailants: He believes the suspects had been targeting the yeshiva next to the store where 50 kids were studying. Police also found an active pipe bomb in the van they drove from a cemetery, where they shot and killed a police detective, to the JC Kosher Supermarket, the scene of a shootout that lasted more than an hour and resulted in five more deaths. Along with the 39-year-old officer, Joseph Seals, the victims in the attack were two members of the city’s small Orthodox Jewish community — Mindy Ferencz, 32, the market owner with her husband, and Moshe Deutsch, 24 — and a store worker, Douglas Miguel Rodriguez, 49. Rodriguez was shot after helping to save a wounded Jewish man.“Had the police not responded how they responded, this it could’ve been far far worse,” Fulop told JTA. “So as I said, even in all the darkness, there’s a little bit of light on that front.” The attack hurt Fulop both as the mayor of the city and as a Jew. “Any time there’s hate or targeting of one religious or racial group, I’m saddened by it,” he said. “It’s obviously personal for me in this situation because [it was] targeting the faith that I am part of.” Following the attack, Fulop worked with the Met Council, a Jewish charity organization, to distribute kosher food to the Orthodox community surrounding the market for Shabbat. The community, in Jersey City’s diverse Greenville neighborhood, is made up of nearly 100 families who have moved from Brooklyn in recent years. Fulop, 42, has an eclectic background. He grew up in Edison, New Jersey, and though his parents were not religious, they sent him to study at Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva, a nearby Orthodox school, through sixth grade. He also attended the Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union, a Conservative Jewish school, for two years. His parents thought it important to instill a strong sense of Jewish culture in their son because of his family’s Holocaust history — 35 members of his mother’s family were sent to Auschwitz and only seven survived. After World War II, his mother’s parents returned to their native Romania before moving later to the United States. His father’s family also came from Romania but settled in Israel, where his father served in the army before coming to the U.S. Fulop says that having attended day school and studied Jewish texts “guides a lot of my principles and judgment.” Today he belongs to Temple Beth El, a Reform congregation in Jersey City, with his wife, Jaclyn, who converted to Judaism, and their son, Jaxon. What’s most important to Fulop is building trust with his Jersey City residents. That’s one of the reasons he has been quick to share his assessments of the attack with the media. This article was edited for length.
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16 | The Jewish Press | December 20, 2019
food Onion and chickpea Indian fritters make a nice fried nosh for Hanukkah
EmAnUEllE lEE This recipe originally appeared on The Nosher. t’s not every day you’re actually encouraged to indulge in a deep-fried afternoon snack, so I feel obliged not to pass up that opportunity when Hanukkah comes along. I’m all about celebrating for the sake of it, whatever the occasion may be. Halloween: costumes and pumpkin soup it is. Taco Tuesday: Do I even have to say it? Hanukkah: Host as many family members and friends in my apartment as possible to light the menorah and cathartically pander to the tradition of deep-fried doughnuts and potatoes. This year, I thought I’d change it up a little — after all, no one ever said doughnuts and latkes were the mandatory way to fulfill our oil quota, right? These Indian fritters, called bhajis, are hot, crispy and still send that endorphininducing smell of oil around the house, but the zesty accompanying yogurt dip cuts the calorific guilt a little with its cool freshness.
I
OnIOn AnD CHICkPEA InDIAn FRITTERS Ingredients: For the fritters: 2 small white onions, finely sliced 120 grams cooked or canned chickpeas 1 cup chickpea flour 1/4 tsp. chili powder 1/4 tsp. ground turmeric 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. sea salt 1 tsp. red wine vinegar vegetable oil, for frying For the yogurt dip: 1/2 cup natural yogurt juice of 1 lime 1/2 cup fresh parsley, washed 1 small clove garlic, peeled salt To serve: fresh parsley, chopped 1 Tbsp. pomegranate molasses 1-2 limes Directions: Slice the onions finely and rinse them under warm water in a colander or sieve. Drain and leave to drip dry. If the chickpeas are canned, drain and rinse them, too. In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, baking powder, turmeric, chili powder and salt. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Add 1/2 cup water to the mixture and mix well to form a thick, pasty batter. Add the vinegar and mix again. Add the onions and chickpeas to the batter and mix to coat everything.
Credit: Emanuelle Lee In a large frying pan, heat 1 inch oil on medium to high heat. Drop a pea-size amount of batter into the oil. If the batter bubbles and floats to the top, the oil is hot enough for frying. Using a tablespoon, scoop heaped spoons of mixture and gently place in the oil. Repeat with the remaining mixture, working in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. You should leave about an inch between each fritter. Allow the fritter to become golden on the bottom, then turn over to repeat on the other side, about 2 minutes on each side. Lower the heat if they start to burn. When the fritters are crispy and golden, transfer to a
paper towel-lined plate to dry off excess oil. Season with a pinch of salt and chili powder (optional). Enjoy the fritter immediately or refrigerate and eat up to 4 days later. To reheat, place the fritters on a baking tray and heat for 20 minutes at 350 F. To make the yogurt dip, combine all the ingredients in a small food processor and blend until smooth. (You can also finely chop the parsley and combine all the ingredients by hand.) This can be made up to 3 days in advance. To serve, sprinkle with fresh parsley, drizzle the yogurt with the pomegranate molasses and serve with lime wedges. Serves 6.
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