December 21, 2018

thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

this week

Hanukkah at the Capitol Page 6

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home ageNCy ProFile

JFO Scholarships

Israeli Hanukkah Page 8

inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

D ECEMBER 2 1 , 2 0 1 8 | 1 3 T EV ET 5 7 7 9 | V O L . 9 9 | NO . 1 1 | C a ND leli g H ti Ng | FRID AY , D ECEMBER 2 1 , 4 : 4 0 P. M.

aNNette vaN De kaMP-WrigHt Editor, Jewish Press he beautiful new Rose Blumkin Jewish Home website states: “In a time when the need for truly personal services has become vitally important – particularly in long-term care – you’ll find a nursing home in Omaha, Nebraska, that will change your mind about what’s possible in skilled nursing, memory care and rehabilitation therapies. It’s a uniquely special place built on timeless Jewish values. We bring the sights and sounds of children at play, the comfort of family, and a loving, personal touch into the lives of residents every day. And as you learn more, you’ll see how we’ve been quietly making a difference for 35 years and counting. Welcome to Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.”

We know this place. We know its Residents, its staff and volunteers, because they are part of our family. And that ‘loving, personal touch’ mentioned above deserves closer attention.

“We show respect in our total approach,” says Executive

Beth El teens examine their roots Page 5

9 10 11

WWW.JEWISHOMAHA.ORG

sPoNsoreD By tHe BeNjaMiN aND aNNa e. WiesMaN FaMily eNDoWMeNt FuND

It is time to start planning for next year’s adventures! Are your kids ready to get back to camp? Do you have little ones at the CDC or Friedel? College students? Thanks to the generosity of our community, a variety of funding sources are available to Omaha’s Jewish families to help with the financial burden of residential camp, JCC summer camp, Israel programs, the Child Development Center, Friedel Jewish Academy, and youth group activities. Assistance is also available for undergraduate, graduate, vocational, technical, professional or yeshiva studies.

Grant programs, funded by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, are available to any Omaha Jewish family meeting the program requirements, regardless of the family’s financial situation.

Jewish Experience Grants provide

up to $2,000 for Jewish children in the metro area to attend a residential summer camp. Grants are paid over two years with no more than $1,000 per summer.

Israel Experience Grants provide up to $1,500 to students in grades 9 – 12 or young adults aged 18 – 26 for an Israel peer program. An additional stipend of $1,000 is provided for the bi-annual community teen trip to Israel.

Scholarships, awarded by the Financial Aid Committee of the JFO, see jFo scholarships page 3

Cheryl and sonia Director Chris Ulven. “The Residents are our first priority, always. What makes us different? We say ‘yes,’ often, to people’s wants and needs.”

For instance, when Chris and his staff encountered a Resident who researched how specific foods interacted with see the rose Blumkin jewish Home page 2

Never is Now event sparks community action

Dr. Mary Beth Muskin and Bud Heckman PaM MoNsky Pittsburgh at the Tree of Life Synagogue Community Development Liaison, ADL-CRC and the club in Thousand Oaks, CaliforOn Nov. 27, The Anti-Defamation nia. More than 200 people attended the League-Community Relations Council event at Temple Israel.

(ADL-CRC) and the Tri-Faith Initiative The event was focused on in-depth hosted a community call to action prodiscussions and sharing ideas toward gram following the horrific shootings in see Never is Now page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | December 21, 2018

community

Never is Now

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Continued from page 1 that Resident’s condition, they had special food brought in. It helped extend that Resident’s life, he lost weight and it even allowed him to drop certain medications.

“The feel of this place is the key,” Chris says. “It feels welcoming from the second you walk in the door. It’s a real home and we go above and beyond to keep it that way. We are very blessed to have endowment funds that allow us to be creative in our events and activities.

Affordability is never our first question.”

Another example was the Eclipse party the Home hosted in the JCC parking lot.

“It included Residents, staff from the rest of the building, and community members,” Chris says. “We see the same thing when we host the Country Fair, or the end-of-summer party outside — it’s not just the Residents; the community shows up. We have children from the Pennie Z. Davis CDC who join in the Residents are in the middle of it all.

Same thing with the Friday Deli: whether you have relatives living here or not, there are many reasons to come to the Home, and having that element means Residents feel much less isolated.”

Going ‘above and beyond’ can mean many different things. “One staff member,” Charge Nurse Lisa Nasim, RN, says, “drove a Resident several hundred miles to visit family graves. We celebrate Husker games by decorating and playing the game in each lounge. The kitchen makes special snacks and brings in beer.

It doesn’t get too rowdy, but it’s a party.”

And: one of the nurse’s aides made pompoms in her spare time. If someone wants McDonald’s and it’s okay with their diet, they’ll bring in McDonald’s. Aides often make CDs’ with Residents’ favorite music and take them places when the family members aren’t available. They’ll do extra laundry, hair appointments,

make-up, shop at a favorite store.

“I work in geriatrics because this is life,” Lisa said. “It’s part of the cycle and being there is worth it. I like to be there for all of it, and nobody dies alone. Employees will be there, even if their shift has ended. Not every Resident has family, but we are always there.”

Director of Social Services Bert Benson started at the Home in 1985.

“A friend, with whom I taught CPR, suggested I apply to become part of the family,” she says. “And it was such a great fit from the very beginning. My position just evolved over the years, from part-time in activities to a fulltime position in Social Services. There is something here you don’t find anywhere else, a feeling of community that

is difficult to express.”

Over the years, employees like Bert see more than one generation come to call RBJH home. “Working here, you become part of the community, part of the family,” she says. “It’s so much more than a job and oftentimes we get to know families so well, when somebody comes to live with us there is already a relationship. Few Residents walk in the door as strangers; instead, they’re coming home. This is our community; from employees to volunteers, community members, lay leaders and donors, we all take enormous ownership.”

“If they want blue ice, we figure it out.” Staffing and Transportation Coordinator Shana Hester often repeats that See Rose Blumkin Jewish Home page 3

Continued from page 1 practical solutions to combatting the rise of anti-Semitism and hate that we currently face as a nation and a community. Community leaders, law enforcement officials and social justice activists led small group discussions and came together on a panel with the entire group to discuss solutions to the growing problem of hate and bigotry in our community.

The panel included Dr. Mary-Beth Muskin, Regional Director ADLCRC; Ayanna Boykins, Education Director ADL-CRC; Tom Reinwart, Special Agent FBI; Bobby Brumfield, Security Management Advisor; Franklin Thompson, Director Human Rights and Relations, City of Omaha; Dr. Ramazan Kilinc, Scholar, Islamic Studies, UNO; Dr. Patricia Newman, Director RESPECT; Ben “Felix” Ungerman, District Director, Deputy Chief of Staff for Senator Don Bacon; Alexis Steele, Immigrant Legal Center; Mary Newman, Retired OPD; Captain Ken Kanger, OPD; and John Carl Denkovich, GLSEN Omaha.

The evening began with small groups tackling big questions such as “What keeps you up at night?”, “What experiences have you had with hate incidents or as an ally?”, and “Who do you reach out to in the community if you encounter a hate incident or crime?”

During the large group panel discussion, tough questions were asked and a spirited discussion followed. “What stood out to me was the fact that everyone in the community had an opportunity for their voice to be heard,” said Mary-Beth Muskin, ADL-CRC Plains States Regional Director. “There was tremendous collaboration from the community and we had a great balance of people from both the Jewish and secular communities,” she added. “This is just the beginning of a dialogue in our community, region and country that will grow and continue to address these pressing issues we are all facing.”

“This event was a positive step forward for interfaith cooperation in Omaha. The diverse audience gained a few new tools to defend the type of world we want to see. We each need to speak out and up at the earliest signs of hate,” said Wendy Goldberg, Tri-Faith Initiative Associate Director.

For more information about joining future events, please contact Pam Monsky, ADL-CRC Community Development Liaison, 402.334.6572, pmonsky@adl.org, or sign up for our e-news at Omaha.adl.org./get-involved/.

Visit us at jewishomaha.org

The Jewish Press | December 21, 2018 | 3

Children from across the US send Hanukkah cards to soldiers

F

BeTH CoHen ish military communities at bases in the U.S from Head of School, Friedel Jewish Academy New York to California or the 12th year, Jewish (including West Point and service members servthe Naval Academy) reing our country around ceived care packages as the world celebrated the well. Each package conFestival of Lights with tained: Hanukkah baked the help of children’s cards and goods, dreidels, chocolate care packages from the Jewish Solgelt, menorahs/candles and diers Project. This year, the project dozens of the children’s truly went nationwide as it excards. panded from its roots in Rochester, The Hanukkah project New York, to include 10 other is the latest in a year-round states from Rhode Island to Arieffort by the Jewish Soldiers zona and Nebraska to Alabama.

Project to serve Jewish solFriedel Jewish Academy, diers both overseas and in Omaha’s Jewish day school, particthe U.S. Each year, the Jewipated in creating some of the over ish Soldiers Project sends 1300 handmade cards used in the care packages for Purim, Hanukkah care packages. As part Pesach, Rosh Hashanah of the learning taking place and Hanukkah. If you around Veteran’s Day, Friedel stuwould like to contribute to dents prepared cards to send on to the Soldiers Project please be part of this national project. send a check made payable More than 100 Hanukkah care Top: Children’s Soldiers Hanukkah Cards 2018 and below: to Temple Beth David packages were sent to 20 nations Hanukkah at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. The large silver (place Soldiers Package including: Afghanistan, Kuwait, menorah was donated by the JSP. Iraq, Syria, Korea, Japan, Djibouti, Germany, England, Italy, Project on the memo line) to the Temple at 2131 Elmwood Sicily, and several ships at sea. In addition, over a dozen Jew- Ave., Suite 204, Rochester, N.Y 14618.

JFO Scholarships

Continued from page 1 are funded by a number of endowments established through the JFO Foundation, outside entities, and through the JFO’s Annual Campaign. Scholarships are available for JCC summer camp, residential Jewish summer camp, Israel peer programs, Friedel Jewish Academy, the Child Development Center, and youth group programs. Jewish students, who are residents of the Omaha metropolitan area, can apply for scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, vocational, technical, professional or yeshiva studies programs. While the majority of scholarships are based on financial need, some college scholarships are merit-based.

The revised ‘Scholarship and Grants’ booklet and applications are available on the Jewish Federation of Omaha website. The deadline for applications is Friday, March 1, 2019. The ‘Scholarship and Grants’ booklet will be available as an insert in the Jan. 11 issue of the Jewish Press.

I would like to highlight a few funds: Jacob Friedman & Betty Tarnoff Friedman College Scholarship Endowment Fund was created to enable Jewish residents of the Omaha metropolitan area to attend college as undergraduate or graduate students. One third of the award

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home

Alan Cohen | 402-677-2524 Anne Cohen | 402-850-4161 Marty Cohen | 402-690-1591 3140 N. 59th Street 5152 N. HWS Cleveland Blvd.

9315 Drexel Street 1433 N. 131st Avenue Circle 7814 Pierce Circle 9959 Rockbrook Road 1308 S. 91st Avenue

FOR SALE $129,950 1.5 Story Benson Charmer outstanding updated 2nd floor bath, new roof, siding and windows. $189,950 NEW LISTING Sweet starter in Elkhorn Schools with forever views of the common area. $260,000 Dramatic 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 2 Story in Turtle Creek, Ralston Schools, Over 2400 sq. ft. $329,950 Ridgefield 1.5 Story remodeled kitchen open to sunroom overlooking in-ground pool. Main floor master suite. $625,000 Amazing combination of classic and new.

Remodeled District 66, over 5200 sq.ft on 1+ acre. $695,000 Rockbrook, Westside/District 66. Outstanding 2 Story, 4 bedroom, 5 bath, 3 car, 4600 sq.ft. $975,000 District 66 Custom 1.5 Story under construction

by Jensen Construction.

Associated Counseling P ro f e s s i o n a l s G l e n F i n e m a n , L I C S W, L I M H P C l i n i c a l S o c i a l Wo r ke r

will be available to a Creighton University student, one third to a University of Nebraska Omaha student, and one third to a student enrolled at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA. Albert & Eleanor Feldman Family Israeli Foundation Fund was created to honor and perpetuate the philanthropic goals of Albert & Eleanor Feldman. This fund will provide scholarship funds for Birthright Israel trips for young adults, teen trips to Israel, and for assisting Jews from the Metropolitan Omaha area make Aliyah to Israel.

There are also several scholarship programs outlined in the ‘Scholarship and Grants’ booklet which are outside the realm of the Financial Aid Committee. These include the Sokolof Honor Roll scholarships, the Fellman/Kooper scholarships, the A.A. and Ethel Yossem scholarships for Creighton University and the Bennett G. Hornstein Endowment Fund. Sources for additional information on these scholarships are included in the booklet.

Omaha’s Jewish families are encouraged to take advantage of these funding opportunities. All financial information is kept completely confidential. For any questions, please call Diane Walker at 402.334.6407 or via email at dwalker@ jewishomaha.org.

Continued from page 2 as individuals, yes, but it’s more than that: Residents are family mantra. She has been at the Rose members.”

Blumkin Jewish Home for 18 “Technology has become a years; her colleague, Director of must,” Shelley adds. “We arrange a Nursing Shelley Cash, has worked lot of contact with family memhere since 1992. bers who don’t live exactly next “This is a family,” they agree. door. There often are Residents “Everybody knows everyone and who have relatives abroad and it’s we watch each other’s backs. The important they see their faces and Nurse’s Aides take total ownership hear their voices.” of their neighborhoods and we don’t take shortcuts.”

Over the years, they have become members of the community When one Resident lost her themselves, they add. husband, Shana’s dog Bella “We continue to learn more stepped up and kept her company. about the community; that never From that moment on, Bella was a stops.” regular at the Home and a constant companion to the Resident.

Chris adds: “We have good peoRose and Shalom “The longer you work here,” ple taking care of good people.

Shana says, “the more you learn about each Resident’s likes Each time a Resident smiles, it makes us feel good. It means and dislikes. For instance, one aide will make a special choco- we are doing what we are supposed to be doing. Like watching late cake for one Resident; another will arrange a Skype call a Resident get up and dance when our Elvis performer is in with a spouse so the Resident can see their dog. We treat them the house: bringing joy each and every day is our mindset.”

Family & Children Issues Marriage Counseling Depression | Anxiety | Grief & Loss

2255 So. 132nd Street | Suite 200 | Omaha 402-334-1122 | fax: 402-334-8171 www.acpcounseling.com

Changing your address?

Please give us the following information: Your name, old address and new address and when you want the address change to go into effect.

Call 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org

thejewishpress

4 | The Jewish Press | December 21, 2018

Tritz Plumbing Inc. 402-894-0300 www.tritz.com repair • remodel

commercial • residential

family owned and operated since 1945

Aretha Franklin died without a will.

Are you better prepared?

A

retha Franklin, “The Queen of Soul,” passed away on Aug. 31st. One of the most recognized vocalists of the past half century, she will long be remembered for her soul music. During her lifetime, she gave generously to her church, to her community, and to causes near and dear to her. She had children and fam- HOwARD EPSTEin ily she loved.

Executive Director, Despite urging from her attorney JFO Foundation and advisors, Aretha Franklin failed to plan for her demise. She never wrote down her wishes to leave anything to her loved ones or to the causes she so lovingly supported. In fact, she didn’t even make a will, even though her estate will likely be valued at tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions of dollars. Will those closest and dearest to her remember her for her music and her love? Or will they remember her for the mess she left upon her death – a mess they will have to clean up in probate court? Consider the following: Franklin’s four sons filed pleadings as “interested persons” with the Oakland County, Michigan, probate court. Her son, Kecalf Cunningham, noted in the pleading that Aretha Franklin “died intestate” (meaning without a will).

The probate process is now proceeding in Oakland County, Michigan. Franklin owned three homes in Bloomfield Town-

ship, Michigan, and one home in Detroit. However, her biggest asset was her intellectual property, including over 100 single recordings, 18 Grammy Awards, other musical compositions and her likeness.

Her four sons are likely to be in a contentious dispute over the valuation of the intellectual property with the IRS. There will be creditor claims, and the need to negotiate contracts and licenses for Franklin’s intellectual property. There is no will, so the property will pass to children and possibly other heirs under Michigan law. With tens of millions of dollars in estate value, and millions likely owed to the IRS for estate taxes, there will likely be brutal and ugly court battles. If Aretha Franklin had signed a will and/or living trust and done proper estate planning, she would have avoided high estate taxes, given generously to her favorite charities, taken care of her children, and most importantly, preserved family harmony.

Please do yourself and your family a favor. Get with your attorney and financial advisors and do some estate planning.

Prepare and sign a will and/or a living trust. And when you prepare your will and/or trust, please remember to include gifts to your favorite charities, including the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. We’ll be happy to work with you, your attorney, accountant, and other professional advisors. We can even recommend bequest language and prepare a future fund agreement for you so that your charitable goals will be met.

For more information, please contact Howard Epstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, at 402.334.6466 or hepstein@jewishomaha.org today.

As has been the case for the past 21 years, this year I will be amazed again at the absence of Christmas in Israel.

Having grown up in America, the idea that Christmas can disappear from my cultural sight is still remarkable. It’s not just that December 25th is a regular day here; it’s that as they get up in the morning and go about their business, Israelis will not even be con- TEDDY This publication ismany available from ProQuest scious that the day is Christmas. wEinBERGER I My friend Krista Gerloff, a religious Christian, is very much aware of Christmas. Krista, a native Czech, moved to Israel in 1994 from Germany with two small children and her German husband. Three more children were born in Israel. Here is what Krista shared with me about her experience of Christmas in Israel: When I first came to Israel and observed and experienced the Erev [eve of] Shabbat celebration I thought: That’s like Christmas every week. You start to plan it in advance: What you will cook and bake (and according to that you do your shopping), and how you will arrange your time so that the house is clean before the Sabbath. The whole family comes together on Friday night and everybody is neatly dressed. But it is not only the planning, it is the expectation of the Shabbat to come. It is a family celebration every week as we Czech Christians have on Christmas Eve once a year.

When I was in Ulpan learning Hebrew I also started to learn to understand the Jewish people. Once our teacher Rivka asked the students what was their reason for coming to Israel. Roger, an American Jew, said that he couldn’t stand the Christmas rush any more: Already in October there were Christmas carols in the shopping malls. I have to tell you that I understand him completely. Once I saw on the internet an American Christmas show and I couldn’t believe my eyes: Dozens of dancers dressed as Father Christmas were jumping around to the sound of Jingle Bells. This whole figure of a good-natured grandpa with a red hood annoys me anyway.

What does he have to do with the Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem?

I am happy that I live in a country that calls Christmas by its publishing date | 02.15.19 real name--Chag ha-Molad: the Celebration of the Birth.

But of course there is no celebration of Christmas in the space reservation | 02.06.19 Jewish state except the celebrations in the Galilee (where Arab Christians mainly live) and especially in Bethlehem in the Contact our advertising executive to advertise Palestinian Authority. In my European home Christmas is so in this very special edition. much a part of people’s life that I was asked: “What do Jews do on Christmas?” My answer was: “Nothing--they live their everyday life and also my children go to school.”

So what is there on Christmas for Christians in Jerusalem?

There are those Christmas cypress trees that the Jewish National Fund generously offers every year, and there are just two services on the night of the 24th of December in the Old City, in the Anglican Christ Church and in the Protestant Church of the Redeemer. They are so overcrowded by Christians and curious Israelis that the Pastor begs his friends not to come. Can you imagine? The Pastor asks the believers not to come to church on Christmas Eve! Of course he doesn’t want anybody to be trampled down.

Many traditional Christians are used to a liturgical silence, but those Christmas services are full of Israelis who walk around, talk, and sigh with pleasure over the Silent Night that the church choir sings bravely into the general chaos.

Since I live in Israel I remind myself daily that Yeshua was a Jew--he was neither Czech nor European and He must have been very different from what I always imagined. So if you really and truly want to escape the Christmas rush, come to the land where Yeshua was born.

Teddy Weinberger, Ph.D., made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Jane Ross, and their five children, Nathan, Rebecca, Ruthie, Ezra, and Elie, all of whom are veterans of the Israel Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@netvision.net.il.

How is this publication thinking about the future?

By becoming part of the past.

This publication is available from ProQuest Information and Learning in one or more of the following ways: • Online, via the ProQuest® information service • Microform • CD-ROM • Via database licensing

Electronic Databases

Microform & Print

Chadwyck-Healey

For more information, call

1-800-521-0600, ext. 2888 (US) or 01-734-761-4700 (International) www.il.proquest.com From

The experience of Christmas in Israel

Russian celebration

women’s guide

Susan Bernard

402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

The Russian Cultural Club Chanukah Celebration sponsored by the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. Participants enjoyed a STAR Deli luncheon with musical entertainment

by Anna Mosenkis.

The Jewish Press | December 21, 2018 | 5

community Beth El teens examine their roots: More fun than Ancestry.com OzzIE NOGG This past Oct. 25th to 28th, ten Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah teens travelled to New York City for their historypacked, fun-packed Roots trip. According to Eadie Tsabari, Beth El Director of Congregational Learning, “Our aim is to enrich high school students’ Jewish identity and instill pride in their Jewish heritage, by exploring the history of their ancestors’ arrival in the United States and recreating the immigration experiences.” Tsabari, along with Rabbi Steven Abraham, chaperoned the teens on their visits to synagogues, Jewish museums, kosher restaurants and a Broadway play.

“The kids got a look at the richness of Jewish life in New York, both past and present,” Rabbi Abraham said. “It was a very positive experience.”

expected and very moving.”

According to Ari and his parents, Steve and Margo Riekes, the woman in the candy store was a neighbor of Samuel and Dora Riekes, Ari’s great grandparents. “Her name was Marion Bondarin,” Margo said. “Evidently, Dora Riekes helped the Bondarin family by giving them money from her ‘pushka’ which was a sugar bowl. Samuel and Dora came to Omaha in around 1905 from Kapulya in what is today Belarus. There are so many immigrant stories, and they seem so similar and connected. Marion Bondarin’s meeting with Ari in the candy

store is a perfect example of six degrees of separation.”

Sponsors of Roots 2018 were Sharon and Howard Kooper, Carl and Zoe Riekes and Margo and Steve Riekes. “AfterSponsors of Roots 2018 were Sharon and Howard Kooper, Carl and Zoe Riekes and Margo and Steve Riekes. “After dinner on the final night of the trip,” Eadie Tsabari said, “the kids wrote thank you notes to the families who financially support the Roots trip. All of us at Beth El are very grateful for their generosity that allows our teens to experience Jewish continuity, firsthand.”

Jimmy D Robinson, Inc. International Art Brokerage Firm

The Roots tour of New York’s lower East Side included a stop at the Pickle Guys.

Beth El teens who participated in Roots 2018 were Spencer Gordman, David Kay, Lauren Kirk, Zach Krausman, Ariel Rife, Ari Saltzman, Melanie Schwarz, Hannah Stein, Joshua Stein and Gabby Witkowski. Highlights of the itinerary included tours of Ellis Island and the Lower East Side Conservancy; visits to the Tenement Museum, the Jewish Museum, 911 Memorial, the United Nations and Romanu Synagogue where the group ran into Beth El’s former student and youth director, Robert Mosenkis, plus Shabbat morning services at Park Avenue Synagogue. The group also enjoyed a walk through Central Park plus kosher meals at 2nd Avenue Deli, Talia’s Steak House and Mocca Burger. As part of the trip, participating teens agree to take the Roots class at Beth El’s Hebrew High.

Helen and Tuffy Epstein chaperoned the first Roots trip in 1987. “While we were touring Williamsburg we stopped in a candy store,” Helen recalled, “and the woman who owned the store asked where we were from. When I said Omaha, the woman said she had lived in Omaha when they first came to America as holocaust survivors, and a family named Riekes took wonderful care of them. Well, Ari Riekes — who was a high school freshman at the time — was one of the kids on the trip, so of course we introduced him to her. It was so un-

Brokering and or consigning great Art & Sculpture for the past 17 years to clients worldwide

Jimmy D Robinson 561.602.1400 | JimmyDRobinson@comcast.net | Hours: 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Jimmy D. Robinson, Inc. International Art Brokerage Firm

Jimmy D. Robinson, Inc. specializes in brokering exquisite examples of contemporary, modern, and impressionist art to an extensive variety of private clientele, five-star hotels, and corporations worldwide. Some notable sales include works by: Kim TschangYeul, Lee Ufan, Yayoi Kusama, Adolph Gottlieb, Helen Frankenthaler, Pablo Picasso, Robert Rauschenberg, Paul Jenkins, Frank Stella, Paul Klee, Mel Ramos, Gerhardt Richter, Andy Warhol, Leonard Janklow, Karel Appel, Roy Lichtenstein, Alexander Calder and many others.

Jimmy D. Robinson, Inc. welcomes any consignments and purchases and prides itself in maintaining client confidentiality for collectors worldwide in the viewing, purchasing, and sale of important artworks from all regions and stylistic periods.

Jimmy D. Robinson is a fine art appraiser and a member of the Association of Online Appraisers (AOA) as well as the International Fine Art Appraisers (IFAA).

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Visit us on facebook:

ps://www.facebook.com/ShalomahaPress

Passover We’re Happy In The Neighborhood!

There’s something for everyone KHULWDJH FRPPXQLWLHV FRP 402-504-3111 | WK 3DFL¿F LQ 2PDKD

Spinning dreidels at Friedel

6 | The Jewish Press | December 21, 2018

community it’s never too late to add your light: Hanukkah at the Capitol

o

gabby blaiR Staff Writer, Jewish Press n Thursday, Dec. 6, Rabbi Katzman received a phone call from Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts. The Governor wanted to wish the Rabbi and his family a Happy Hanukkah. The Governor also asked if there might still be time to host Hanukkah festivities at the state capitol, to which Rabbi Katzman responded, “Of course! It is never too late to add to the light of Hanukkah!”

“It was a wonderful event and I am very thankful to Rabbi Katzman for putting it together,” said Rabbi Steven Abraham, of Omaha’s Beth El Synagogue, who made the trip down to Lincoln with his children. “It was an honor to light the eighth candle with the Governor and his wife. I appreciated his welcoming Jewish community members into the State capitol with such hospitality and hearing his thoughts about the holiday.”

By working together, Chabad and the Governor’s office were able to put together a last minute afternoon of joy and cele-

A Hanukkah surprise

Rick EiREnbERg Long ago, I read a story called What is your Name? by Harold Friedman. This Hanukkah, I feel as if I am living the story and I like it!

The story is about two boys, exploring Judaism with their class. One knows little of his religion, Judaism, as he was raised in a secular household. The other boy, Dan, has fairly good knowledge; he was raised in a practicing household.

Their teacher, Mrs. Stater, asks Jimmy, the secular boy, a question. She asked if he could tell the class something about his people, where they came from and how they helped build up our country, just as she had asked all the students. Poor Jimmy wasn’t able to answer and felt really embarrassed, a bit scared and lost. He felt as if he had no identity.

Mrs. Stater then asked Dan the same question. He told the class all about the great deeds of the Jewish people and about

bration. “The Governor is today’s Shamash,” explained Rabbi Katzman who was appreciative of the Governor’s heartfelt effort to help celebrate our festive holiday. As such, Governor Ricketts had the honor of lighting the Shamash, or helper candle, followed by Jewish leaders and community members who took turns adding light to the candles. As the fully lit menorah shone, the participants joined in lively music, energetic dancing and delicious donuts during this special celebration.

many of the holy days. He talked about how they worshiped G-d and mentioned many of our country’s great men and women who were and are Jewish.

This story made me think of the Torah blessing I have read these past two weeks. On the first Hanukkah Shabbat, my reading was halting. I felt like Jimmy. During the second Shabbat, my reading was much improved. I felt more like Dan, our knowledgeable student.

I am learning about our people and our history, and I feel proud to be part of it. I feel like I have discovered my “name.”

I am learning about these things for the first time in my life, and I am loving the process.

“You can’t be afraid when you know your name.

You can’t get lost when you know your name.

You’re somebody, when you know your name.”

bEth cohEn Head of School, Friedel Jewish Academy Friedel Jewish Academy participated in the International Dreidel Competition, a project of the Straus-Amiel Program at Or Torah Stone in Israel. Thanks to everyone who liked and shared the Facebook post over Hanukkah, Friedel Jewish Academy won fourth place, only three votes shy of third place community Philadelphia.

From their website, “The Straus-Amiel Practical Rabbinics Program is committed to the spiritual continuity of the Jewish people everywhere, training rabbis to effectively strengthen Jewish identity and existence in communities across the Diaspora. Participants in the Straus-Amiel Program are some of the most motivated, charismatic and idealistic rabbis in the field today; they enroll in this program to acquire the specific tools which will enable them to most effectively awaken in their future students a knowledge and love of their heritage, to inspire in their adoptive communities an enthusiasm for and pride in being Jewish, to spread the message of unity, continuity and social justice and to promote the continuity of a Judaism which is warm, welcoming and profoundly relevant to daily life.” Rabbi Moshe and Hadar Nachman, two of Friedel Jewish Academy’s Jewish Studies teachers, are among the 150 shlichim in placements around the world who completed training through Straus-Amiel, with Moshe in the Rabbinics program and Hadar in the track for teachers.

snowbirds (left to right)

Omaha’s premier provider of medical and surgical eye care.

Dean Arkfeld, M.D., F.A.C.S. Brandon Menke, M.D. Michael Goldstein, M.D. Camilla Parson, M.D.

At ilumin, our mission is to see eye to eye with each one of our patients. We want to know what makes your life beautiful, and to protect your ability to continue enjoying it! Call today to schedule an appointment, meet our team, and clearly see what we see in you!

Call 402.933.6600 to schedule your next eye exam ilumineyes.com

Lakeside 16820 Frances Street Regency 450 Regency Parkway

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.

The Jewish Press | December 21, 2018 | 7

JBL welcomes Jeff Gordman

annette van de kamp-Wright Editor, Jewish Press Jewish Business Leaders will host its next community event Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, from 7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. at the Happy Hollow Club.

Breakfast will be served and the featured speaker will be Jeff Gordman, former President and CEO of Gordmans Stores, Inc. Jeff will share the Gordmans story as well as a few of the key lessons learned over his 18 year tenure as CEO. Koley Jessen Attorneys is sponsoring the Jan. 23 meeting. In addition, JBL is in part made possible through our generous Platinum sponsor, First National Bank and the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Read it and eat

For more information or to become a member, please visit http://www.jewishoma ha.org/Post/sections/103/Files/JBL%20 2018-2019%20Brochure.pdf or contact

Steve Levinger at 402.334.6433 or slevinger@ jewishomaha.org or JBL President Alex Epstein at 402.505.7720 or aepstein@omnepart ners.com.

Solo | anita lo | Knopf, $28.95

For those of you who want alternatives to going out to dinner but really don’t like to cook, the grocery stores are advertising the convenience of quick and easy meals solutions, “grab & go” meals and single servings of ready-tocook meals. For those of us who do like to cook and putter around in the kitchen, but find the recipes in most cookbooks make too many servings: check out this cookbook.

Written as the “ultimate guide to self love,” how to take care of yourself and celebrate solitary moments and a party of one, this award winning/Michelinstarred chef/restauranteer (the NYC, Greenwich Village annisa), has gathered from her childhood and international hands-on cooking experiences, including the White House, 101 recipes for single servings that can be easily multiplied if needed.

Chef training, her cultural background and learning to be careful about waste all influenced these recipes. “Cooking and dining alone can be one of the most blissful and empowering experiences you can have.”

Work schedules, family functions and travel circumstances may find you solo and open the door to cooking something you crave to eat! Lo describes her food/travel generated experiences with the recipes and includes easy directions and incorporates reasons for eating solo. Recipes are listed in the chapters pages: Vegetable-Focused Mains, Noodles & Rice, Fish & Shellfish, Poultry, Meat, Sides & Basics and Sweets.

If you find yourself alone, try this popular item from the annisa tasting menu.

Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadIt AndEat@yahoo.com.

Fennel Salad With Za’atar

Ingredients: 1/2 small bulb fennel, browned ends removed, thinly sliced from frond end to root end, then halved lengthwise (note: fennel will oxidize and turn brown if you leave it too long without mixing in the lemon before using.) a pinch of chopped fronds (optional) one thin slice red onion, halved

1 tsp. lemon juice 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 small clove garlic, finely chopped (optional) 1/2 tsp. za’atar spice mix Salt and black pepper to taste.

Directions: Mix all ingredients together. Taste and adjust seasonings.

toFu Salad

Or this recipe created for a customer who only ate white food!

Ingredients: 1/2 package silken tofu 1 tbsp. soy sauce 1 tbsp. rice wine vinegar 1 tbsp. vegetable or other non-flavored oil such as canola

in the news

1/2 tsp. sesame oil

pinch toasted sesame seeds (optional) 1 tbsp. scallion green, sliced Directions: Place block of tofu in a shallow bowl and top with the other ingredients.

danielle Christiansen graduated from UNMC’s College of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. A commencement ceremony was held Friday, Dec. 14, in the Witherspoon Concert Hall at Joslyn Art Museum for 327 University of Nebraska Medical Center students. The students graduated from the colleges of nursing, public health and allied health professions as well as the Graduate College.

8 | The Jewish Press | December 21, 2018

!"#"$$" %&'(&)*+,$-&./01&2(&

israeli hanukkah

sunday, dec. 9, omaha shlicha ron Lugasy hosted an israeli hanukkah party in the Jewish Federation of omaha’s Kripke Library. More than 30 people attended, grownups as well as kids, and the party was a big success. “we lit candles for the final night,” ron said, “decorated donuts, did trivia about hanukkah and mostly enjoyed some good israeli company!”

*2-,3(45'+6,(&21&7,08-20-7&9,17/8 -8&2,1-,(-::*2/1;,:&:6&70 <*2&,=,>,?@A,=B?C D88+;,6;,E'2*'7;,==A,=B?C D88+;,'1F,41180FGG*2-:'4'HI/'>17:H(-: )-7,:-7&,/2)-F,0(45'+6,(&21&7 *2-0(45'+6(&21&7J*2-:'4'H&9* *2-01*9;'67-'9J*2-:'4'H&9* KB=>LLK>=MNN

Kaplan book group reads The Heist

health+ wellness

Created by: Karissa Brehmer, karissabrehmer.com

publishing date | 01.18.19 space reservation | 01.09.19 Contact our advertising executive to advertise in this very special edition.

Susan Bernard | 402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

KripKe Jewish Federation Library staFF On Jan. 17 the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group will be discussing the Daniel Silva book e Heist. While the group has not read a Daniel Silva book in several years, they felt it was time to reconnect with the elusive Gabriel Allon and his exploits once again.

While working on restoring the Italian work, Virgin and Child in Glory with Saints, Gabriel Allon is recruited to discover who and why former English diplomat Jack Bradshaw (a man known for his questionable art ownership dealings) was brutally murdered. Coerced into accepting this mission is to free Allon’s friend Julian Isherwood who has been detained in connection with Bradshaw’s murder by General Ferrari. A deal is struck; Isherwood’s release for Bradshaw’s murderer and what Bradshaw’s connection to the long lost priceless Caravaggio painting, Nativity with St. Francis and the St. Lawrence was. Gabriel leaves his pregnant wife and his restoration project in Venice to travel to various locations in Europe and the Middle East in search of accomplishing this mission.

Along the way, Gabriel uncovers multiple murders and ultimately a connection to stolen art being used to hide billions in stolen assets by Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

“Sometimes the best way to find a stolen masterpiece is to steal another one….”

Gabriel steals Van Gogh’s Sunflowers in an attempt to relieve Bashar al-Assad of his illgotten funds. Gabriel, with the help of Jihan Nawaz, an account manager for a private bank in Austria being used by Bashar al-

Assad to hide assets, is able to right the wrongs perpetrated by this tyrant. e Heist is another successful Daniel Silva novel that exemplifies his skills as a writer of high-stake political intrigue, crime, mystery, and international espionage through usage of moves and countermoves. Silva’s e Heist, as is the case in all of his books, has a timeless underlying commentary about current situations in the Middle East and the impact it has on the State of Israel; this 2014 published book is as relevant today as it was when it was first published.

Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon series of novels are more than simply spy thrillers; they are works that introduce his readers to the realm of art history, artists and the artists’ famous works. Much like previously-read Barbara Shapiro’s novel e Muralist, the world of art is center stage and adds much insight into the novel’s characters. e Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion group meets on the third ursday of every month at 1 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. New members are always welcome. e group receives administrative support from the Community Engagement & Education arm of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. For information about the group, contact Shirly Banner at 402.334.6462 or sbanner@jewishomaha.org. To view books discussed by the group over the past several years, go to www. jewishomaha.org, click on the “Community & Education” pulldown tab and navigate to “Kripke Jewish Federation Library,” then to “Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group.”

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.

The Jewish Press | December 21, 2018 | 9

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 Thierry Ndjike Accounting Jewish Press Board Abby Kutler, President; Eric Dunning, Ex Officio; Laura Dembitzer; Candice Friedman; Jill Idelman; Andy Isaacson; Michael Kaufman; David Kotok; Natasha Kraft; Debbie Kricsfeld; Eric Shapiro 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.

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press As- National Newspaper sociation Association Award winner 2008

W

Time is running out ANNETTE vAN dE KAMP-WRIGhT Editor, Jewish Press e all know that feeling. You look at the calendar and think to yourself: “How can it be December? Where did the year go?” Time plays tricks on us, we think. It speeds up when we’re having fun and it slows down when we’re not. Of course, neither are true; the calendar moves at its own incorruptible speed and pays no attention to our needs and wants.

Still, for some, time is running out.

Take Johann Rehbogen, for instance. He is 95 years old, confined to a wheelchair and in poor health. He is also “accused of being complicit in the mass murders of several hundred prisoners at the Stutthoff Nazi concentration camp.” (JTA.com) Currently on trial for charges of aiding and abetting in the murder of hundreds of prisoners, including with the use of Zyklon-B, Johann Rehbogen was a teenager when he was stationed at the camp in Poland. He maintains he was aware of the great numbers of bodies cremated in the camp, but claims to have known nothing about the murders. He also prepared a statement, part of which read: “I am not a Nazi. I have never been one. Even in the little time I have left, I will never be one.”

But here’s the thing: he was a Nazi. He wore the uniform, he was stationed in Stutthoff. And, perhaps the most telling: his statement in court did not include an apology to either victims or survivors.

Due to his declining health, his trial has been postponed—Rehbogen was recently hospitalized with heart and kidney problems. His doctors don’t think he has much time left. Maybe, by the time you read this, he will already be gone—who knows?

There are very few of them left- these Nazis who, like Oskar Groening and Gerhard Sommer, lived unremarkable

lives for decades, feeling they had merely been “a cog in the machine” and were therefore getting away with it.

They after all, just did what they were told. And when the war ended, they never spoke of it again.

Then, in 2011, John Demjanjuk was jailed for his involvement in the killing of 28,000 Jews at Sobibor. The judge at his trial was Ralph Alt; he spoke these important words:

A former Nazi SS guard seen at a regional court in Muenster, western Germany, Nov. 13, 2018. Credit: Guido Kirchner/AFP/Getty Images

“Mr. Demjanjuk knew he was part of an organization with no other purpose than mass murder.” Suddenly, surviving death-camp personnel could be charged with complicity. It not longer mattered how insignificant one claimed his or her role during the War was. There was no more “just a cog in the machine, just following orders” argument. And it only took 66 years to get there.

There are multiple reasons why it took that long. The German post-War justice system, the police force and the political world was still full of former Nazis—they were unlikely to prosecute their own. Now that enough time

has passed to create both distance and more objectivity (which is often only possible within later generations) it is, of course, too late for most war criminals.

Before his death in March of this year, Oskar Groening spoke at length about his experiences. After training as a bank teller, he volunteered for the Waffen SS in 1941. He then ended up at a desk in Auschwitz, tallying “the cash and personal valuables seized from Jews transported to Nazi-occupied Poland.” (NYTimes.com) An old photo shows him as a serious young man, dressed in the Waffen SS uniform.

Groening recalled encountering a Holocaust denier in later years. He claimed to have written a note to the man, saying: “I saw everything—the gas chambers, the cremations, the selection process. One and a half million Jews were murdered in Auschwitz. I was there.” He also wrote a detailed memoir to his sons and recorded nine hours of taped interviews for the BBC. At his trial in 2015, he told the judge: “It is beyond question that I am morally complicit. This moral guilt I acknowledge here before the victims with regret and humility.” Yet, later that year, he told Der Spiegel: “Guilt really has to do with actions and because I believe that I was not an active perpetrator, I don’t believe that I am guilty.”

I am not convinced any of these last-minute trials have, in the end, made a difference. Because we still don’t understand what can make a man stand up in court, in the face of overwhelming evidence, and declare himself morally complicit, but not guilty. And although German prosecutors have certainly intensified the search for any war criminals that may still be hiding in plain sight, time is running out. Time for accountability, for punishment; those days are almost gone for good. But the need to understand what made an entire regime go so dark will always be there.

As rabbis of all denominations, we say it is time to abolish Israel’s Chief Rabbinate

RuACh hIdduSh JERUSALEM | JTA Israel’s Chief Rabbinate holds absolute power in key areas over the religious definition of what – and who – is Jewish. This monopoly — empowered, funded and perpetuated by the state — has given the haredi Orthodox-controlled body the license to exclude major segments of the Jewish community within and outside Israel, including adherents of varieties of Orthodoxy, such as Modern Orthodoxy, of which they disapprove.

In the latest example of such power, the Chief Rabbinate has issued a list of criteria for the overseas rabbinical courts that it recognizes in the areas of divorce, conversion and Jewish status. While some praised the Chief Rabbinate for transparency, critics said the list is outdated and omits rabbinical courts that operate in Modern Orthodox communities. The Chief Rabbinate’s new initiative is intended, among other things, to undermine Modern Orthodoxy by denying recognition to conversions performed by some of the leading lights of that stream of Orthodoxy.

In reaction, some Orthodox critics have committed themselves to fight via legal and public avenues until the Chief Rabbinate becomes more inclusive of the broad swath of present-day Orthodoxy.

We offer a radically different, more inclusive response. As rabbis representing the full spectrum of Jewish denominational life, including the nonOrthodox denominations long excluded by the Chief Rabbinate, we no longer expect any flexibility, decency or inclusiveness from a body controlled by a monopoly that represents such a small, fundamentalist sliver of the Jewish rainbow. .

Further, we view it as inappropriate to seek relief through the civil court system. Diverse interpretations of Jewish law are natural. Using civil law to force religious authorities to validate procedures against their religious conscience is an act of religious coercion. Recent developments underscore the need to move on to a different model of religion-state relations — and abolish the Chief Rabbinate as an arm of the state.

The existence of the Chief Rabbinate as an arm of the state violates the core principles of democracy. It is rejected by the overwhelming majority of Israeli Jews. No contemporary democratic Jewish community would submit itself to a monopolistic Orthodox rabbinic authority. Only in today’s Israel, under the pretense of maintaining Israel’s identity

A huppah awaits the wedding couple at a site on the Mediterranean Sea in central Israel.

Credit: Mendy Hechtman/Flash90 as a Jewish state, has the government put a system of religious exclusivity in place. This allows the Chief Rabbinate to impose its will on the religious practices of Jews in Israel and now abroad.

A number of months ago, an alternative model was proposed – one that is unifying, Jewish and democratic in character. “A Vision Statement: Israel as a Jewish and Democratic State” was written by a Reform rabbi and an Orthodox rabbi and signed by rabbis and communal leaders of all denominations and diverse political views. It addresses all the key areas of contention regarding matters of religion and state. It is anchored in love, support and commitment to Israel’s well-being and Jewish peoplehood.

The Vision Statement proposes the following: “Those who wish to convert to Judaism must have the right to undergo this process with rabbis of their choice, by rabbis who are duly ordained and recognized by their respective major religious movements. These conversions must be accepted as valid proof of Jewishness by the State of Israel, even as we respect the prerogative of the different religious

groups to apply their own criteria for conversion.

“Those who wish to adjudicate their cases before religious courts may do so on a private basis, with no governmental participation or interference.”

“The State of Israel must grant its citizens the right to choose their own religious leadership so that they are not compelled to adhere to a Statesponsored religious establishment.”

“The State should not grant governmental authority to ‘Chief Rabbis’ — whether on the national or local levels. Rather, each Jewish community must be free to employ the rabbis of its choice.”

A section devoted to marriage and divorce illustrates how responsible and inclusive this model is.

It lays out a process — already supported by Modern Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, Renewal and secular groups and leaders in Israel and in the Diaspora — by which Israelis may choose between a religious and a civil avenue for marriage and divorce. If they choose a path in accordance with halacha, or rabbinic law, the dissolution of their marriage will be conducted according to halacha. Those who choose a civil path will not be subjected to a rabbinical court’s authority.

We hold that it is high time that a broadly defined coalition of Jews across the world, representing the rich Jewish spectrum that reaches from Modern Orthodoxy to the unaffiliated, joins together in recognizing that for Israel to be truly Jewish and democratic, for Jewish peoplehood to be respected, and for Jewish unity to be strengthened, Israel must move away from a coercive religious model of a Chief Rabbinate to one that celebrates religious freedom and equality.

Rabbi Prof. Michael Chernick (Chair), Orthodox, Rabbi Lester Bronstein, Reconstructionist, Rabbi Pamela Frydman, Renewal, Rabbi Elliott Kleinman, Reform,, Rabbi Mark H. Levin, Reform Rabbi Asher Lopatin, Orthodox, Rabbi Gordon Tucker, Conservative, Rabbi Elyse Wechterman, Reconstructionist and Rabbi Uri Regev, Hiddush The signatories are the members of the executive committee of Ruach Hiddush–Rabbis and Cantors for Religious Freedom and Equality in Israel.

10 | The Jewish Press | December 21, 2018

synagogues B’NAi isrAel syNAgogue

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

Beth el syNAgogue

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

Beth isrAel syNAgogue

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

chABAD house

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

coNgregAtioN B’NAi jeshuruN

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

offutt Air force BAse

Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road Offutt AFB, NE 68123 402.294.6244 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

B’NAi isrAel syNAgogue

Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on jan.

11, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker Ron Lugasy, Community Shlicha. Our service leader is Larry Blass, and as always, an Oneg to 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.

Beth el syNAgogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. friDAy: Six String Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. sAturDAy: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha following guest speaker. weekDAy serVices: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. suNDAy: Morning Minyan, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10 a.m.

MoNDAy: Operation Grateful Goodies Sorting Day, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Linda Saltzman’s home. tuesDAy: Office Closed; Morning Minyan, 9 a.m.; Operation Grateful Goodies Delivery Day, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Linda Saltzman’s house. weDNesDAy: Chesed Committee visits Sterling Ridge, 2 p.m.; BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; USY Program — Midterm Elections, 5:15 p.m.; Hebrew High, 6:30 p.m.; Talmudic Arguments Class, 7:15 p.m. with Rabbi Steve Abraham.

BESTT Winter Break, Dec. 22-jan. 5, 2019. During Winter Break there will be no BESTT, Hebrew High or Jr. Congregation.

Nebraska AIDS Coaltion Lunch, friday, Dec. 28, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Joan Marcus serves lunch once a month at the Nebraska AIDS Project, and she needs baked goods for dessert. Contact Joan if you can help by donating baked goods.

Chesed Committee Visits the Blumkin Home, jan. 3, 2 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

Become a Soulful Parent, sundays, jan. 27, feb. 24 and March 31 at 10 a.m. Join us for an exploration of parenting challenges against the backdrop of Jewish ideas and texts.

Beth isrAel syNAgogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. friDAy: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 4:40 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 4:40 p.m. sAturDAy: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Sponsored Kiddush, 11:30 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: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

MoNDAy: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Jewish History — Your History, noon with Rabbi Shlomo; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. tuesDAy: Office Closed; Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Tuesday, 3 p.m. with Rabbi Ari; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. weDNesDAy: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. thursDAy: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Connecting with Our Faith, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Ari; Jewish Ethics wtih Rabbi Shlomo, noon at UNMC; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

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, 7 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.

MoNDAy: Personal Parsha class, 9:30 a.m. with Shani. weDNesDAy: Mystical Thinking, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Katzman. thursDAy: Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Katzman.

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: Candlelighting, 4:44 p.m.; Erev Shabbat Service, 6:30 p.m. with music by Leslie Delserone and Peter Mullin; Oneg, 7:30 p.m. hosted by Kent and Lupe Malcom. sAturDAy: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:45 a.m. on Parashat Vayechi; Havdalah (72 minutes), 6:15 p.m. suNDAy: No LJCS Classes; Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. All equipment furnished. Wear comfortable clothing. For questions, call or text Miriam Wallick at miri am57@aol.com. tuesDAy: Temple Office Closed. weDNesDAy: No LJCS Classes thursDAy: Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m.

Scholar-in-Residence: Prof. Margaret Gurewitz-Smith and Dr. Zachary B. Smith, saturday, jan. 12, 10:45 a.m. on Christianity and Anti-Semitism: Theological Roots.

It's not too soon to be thinking about summer camp! All Federation families are eligible for Camp Incentive Grants of $300 per camper to pay the initial camp registration deposit.

Application packets are available in the Temple office and on the Temple website.

offutt Air force BAse

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

rose BluMkiN jewish hoMe

sAturDAy: Services, 9:15 a.m.

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

teMple isrAel

friDAy: Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m. sAturDAy: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Torah Reader: Scott Goodman and Haftarah Reader: Miles Remer. suNDAy: No Religious School.

MoNDAy AND tuesDAy: Office Closed. weDNesDAy: No Religious School. thursDAy: No Thursday Symposium.

5th Sunday Breakfast Service at the Stephen Center, sun-

day, Dec. 30, 8:30 a.m.–noon. To sign up, visit our online form: bit.ly/2NkpdXl. Beginning Prayer-Book Hebrew for Adults with Carmela Kramer, sundays, 9 - 10 a.m. on jan. 6, 13, 27; feb. 3, 10, 24; March 3, 10, 24, 31; April 7, 14, 28; and May 5. Would you like to learn Hebrew or strengthen your Hebrew knowledge? Do you ever find it challenging to follow along with services or wish you knew the meaning of the words?

Master Hebrew teacher Carmela Kramer, a native Hebrew speaker, will guide you in learning to read and understand the language of the prayer book. This class is for beginners and those with basic Hebrew-reading ability. Registration is $140 for 14 sessions. Register today by contacting Temple Israel, rsVp@templeisraelomaha.com or 402.556.6536.

Nebraska Appleseed at Temple Israel, sunday, jan. 6, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Staff from Nebraska Appleseed will give a presentation on writing effective advocacy letters, how Nebraska's Unicameral system operates, and what to expect in the upcoming legislative session. Nebraska Appleseed's legislative update last year was informative and well-received, and we are excited to add the letter-writing workshop this year. Start 2019 with new information and skills to engage with your representatives on local and national issues!

tifereth isrAel

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. friDAy: No Services; Candlelighting, 4:44 p.m. sAturDAy: Shabbat Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a light Kiddush luncheon; Got Shabbat, 11 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 5:45 p.m. suNDAy: No LJCS Classes; Come learn and play Pickleball, 7-9 p.m. All equipment furnished. Wear comfortable clothing. For questions, call or text Miriam Wallick at miriam57@aol.com. tuesDAy: Office Closed. weDNesDAy: No LJCS Classes.

It's not too soon to be thinking about summer camp! All Federation families are eligible for Camp Incentive Grants of $300 per camper to pay the initial camp registration deposit.

Application packets are availible in the Tifereth Israel foyer.

jewish press Notice

The Jewish Press will be closed on tuesday, Dec. 25.

There will be no Jewish Press on jan. 4, 2019. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

parents of baby who died after shooting attack say he united the jewish people

MArcy oster “I feel like the blood of the entire Jewish people JERUSALEM | JTA is flowing through me, strengthening me with Amiad Yisrael, the premature baby born to a every step. The Jewish people is strengthening young couple caught in a West Bank terror at- me physically. The blood of the entire Jewish tack, united the Jewish people, his father said.

“Our baby, Amiad Israel, managed to unite the Jewish people in the three days he was alive, something most people never manage to do during their entire lives,” said Amichai Ish-Ran on Sunday during a news conference at Shaarey Tzedek hospital in Jerusalem, one week after the attack at a bus stop near the West Bank settlement of Ofra.

The baby was delivered from his inCredit: Yonatan Sindel/FLASH90 jured mother at 30 weeks, but died after shira and Amichai ish ran three days. His parents were able to hold him people is coursing through my veins right now – right before he died but were not able to attend not my [blood] at all – and it gives me a great his funeral on the Mount of Olives. deal of strength,” she said.

Amichai Ish-Ran noted that Israelis from all She also thanked her doctors and the parawalks of life ranging from secular to haredi Or- medics, who are credited with saving her life. thodox offered their prayers and help and gifts.

She is scheduled for additional surgery on MonHe called on Jews everywhere to remain united. day. Her doctor, Dr. Alon Schwarz, told reporters “They can stab us, shoot us, run us over, throw that she will need a long recovery period and is stones at us, murder us, murder our children, but expected to be able to bear children in the future. they cannot break us, we won’t let them,” he said.

She reportedly said shortly after her baby died His wife, Shira, who lost massive amounts of that “I will prove to them, I will show them. I will blood after being shot in the abdomen during the bring many more babies into this world. Am Yisdrive-by shooting attack requiring many trans- rael chai.” fusions, thanked those who donate blood and Amichai Ish-Ran was shot three times in the noted that: “Most of my blood is not my blood.” leg and is expected to recover fully.

The Jewish Press | December 21, 2018 | 11

lifecycles BIRth

DOv ALexAnDeR yAnKOvIch

Tiffany and Mordy Yankovich of Plainview, NY, announce the Dec. 4 birth of their son, Dov Alexander.

He is named for his paternal great-grandfather, Aharon Dov and his maternal great-aunt Sandra.

He has a sister, Rifka and a brother, Nathan.

Grandparents are Sam Eisenman and Scott Eisenman of Omaha, and Hennie and Zvi Yankovich of Livingston, NJ.

And the winners are...

In MeMORIAM

DOnnA D. nOeL

Donna D. Noel passed away peacefully on Dec. 11 at age 68. A memorial mass was held on Dec. 15 at the Mother of Sorrows Church in Murrysville. There will be no visitation.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Margaret Sharbel DelCotto, and brother, Ronald DelCotto in 2016.

She is survived by loving husband of 38 years, Simon Noel of Sewickley, and her adoring daughter, Stephanie Noel of Pittsburgh; brothers, Dennis DelCotto and Steven DelCotto; and many nieces, nephews, sistersin-law, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

She was born Dec. 23, 1949 in Wilkinsburg.

Memorials may be made in Donna's name to Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, or the Hillman Cancer Center at Development UPMC Cancer Pavilion Suite 1B, 5150 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.

Rare Jamaican Jewish ketubah to be sold at auction

JTA A Jewish marriage contract, or ketubah, from 1884 made for a couple married in Kingston, Jamaica will be auctioned as part of a sale of “Important Judaica.” e Sotheby’s catalogue calls the item “An Exceedingly Rare Ketubah from Kingston, Jamaica, 1884.” It is estimated to sell for $8,000 to $12,000 in Wednesday’s auction. e ketubah marked the marriage of David ben Abraham Nunes Henriques and Amy bat Alfred Delgado in Kingston on Wednesday night, 23 Menahem Av 5644 — or Aug. 14, 1884. e bride’s grandfather, Moses Delgado, was a major figure in the history of Jewish Jamaica. President of the Kaal Kadosh Shahar Ashamaim, the Sephardic synagogue of Kingston, he was responsible for the successful 1831 campaign to grant full civil rights to the country’s Jews.

Jews from Portugal began settling in Jamaica in the first half of the sixteenth century, but since the island was a Spanish colony, they could not practice their religion. Aer the British occupied the island in 1655, Jews were granted religious freedom and the local Jewish population grew. By the close of the eighteenth century, Kingston was an important center of commerce with two functioning synagogues.

Kingston was mostly destroyed in an earthquake in 1907, making the document “a rare and historically valuable relic of nineteenth-century Caribbean Jewish life,” according to the auction catalogue.

Other Judaica items being sold include Torah shields and crowns, seder plates, mezzuzot and menorahs, as well as rare Jewish books.

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

1439 So. 13th 402-341-2452

Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.

neBRAsKA stAtewIDe cLAssIfIeDs

RABBI DAnIeL ALLen

Rabbi Daniel Allen, a pioneering Jewish professional, passed away on Dec. 16 after a prolonged illness.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Mary Lou (Frishberg) Allen, children: Sarah, Rabbi Uri and Sari, Noah and Rena; grandchildren: Doron, Aderet, Yedidyah, and Livya; mother Annie Allen of Jerusalem; siblings, Dr. Joel and Debbie Allen, Dr. Miriam and Avram Kluska, Rabbi Morris Allen and Dr. Phyllis Gorin.

Rabbi Allen was born in Reno Nevada, and is a graduate of the University of Nebraska with a bachelors degree in political science. He holds a masters degree and Rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College.

Rabbi Allen had a long and distinguished career in the forefront of the crucial issues facing Jews around the world, in Israel as well in the diaspora. He served as a trusted and vital advisor to lay and professional leaders alike in the world Jewish community. Most recently he served as Executive Vice Chairman of United Israel Appeal and Senior Vice President of Jewish Federations of North America.

In tribute to his sage council and leadership his colleagues appointed him as president of AJCOP and most recently as an active board member of JPRO Network.

Memorials may be made to The Israel Religious Action Center – www. irac.org click on donate button, or Herzl Camp – www.herzlcamp.org click on donate button.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

cLAssIfIeD ADveRtIsInG works! Place your 25 word ad into thousands of Nebraska homes for $225. Contact the Jewish Press or call 1-800-369-2850.

AffORDABLe PRess Release service. Send your message to 164 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details.

DentAL InsURAnce. Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details. Not just a discount plan, Real coverage for 350 procedures. 855-490-4149 or http://www.dental50plus.com/81 Ad#6118.

Mazal tov to the Kohen family for winning the #OmahaIsLit18 event. It was great to see so many families light so many candles. thanks to the anonymous donor who generously provided a giftcard to the winners! stay tuned to see what yaakov Jeidel comes up with next.

Rabbi Daniel Allen, philanthropy executive and Zionist activist, dies at 69

MARcy OsteR JTA Rabbi Daniel Allen, a noted expert on Jewish philanthropy who led the United Israel Appeal and the Reform movement’s Zionist association, has died at the age of 69.

Allen, who lived in West Orange, N.J., died on Sunday night surrounded by his family. He had suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the neurodegenerative condition known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

From 2012-2015 he was senior vice president of Jewish Federations of North Rabbi Daniel Allen America and executive vice Credit: Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi chairman emeritus of its United Israel Appeal, a subsidiary which acts as a conduit for Jewish humanitarian philanthropy in Israel. He held top leadership roles at UIA beginning in 1988, before it merged with other philanthropies to become part of the JFNA. Allen also served as the executive director of ARZA, the Reform movement’s Zionist arm, and as the rabbi of the Emory University Hillel.

Born in Reno, Nevada, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1971 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master’s of Hebrew letters from Hebrew Union College in 1973. He was ordained at Hebrew Union College in 1976.

Allen served as the CEO of the Greater Hartford Jewish federation for two years until 2003, and as CEO of American Friends of Magen David Adom for nearly six years until 2009.

Allen, known by nearly all as “Danny,” was a noted proIsrael activist and one of the leading experts on American Jewish philanthropy and its impact on Israeli society. He was still working on several projects to help Israel and friends at the time of his death. A close friend, Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, said he helped her when she launched e Israel Project and later RespectAbility, a disability rights organization. She described Allen, her former Hillel rabbi at Emory, as “a leaders’ leader – a Rabbi’s Rabbi. When Jewish organizations denied access to my child due to disability issues, Danny was a calming voice…. He was also a constant feminist inside Judaism, Jewish groups and Israel.” He told Haaretz in 2016 that he had visited Israel six to seven times a year for more than 25 years.

enJOy 100% guaranteed, delivered to-the-door Omaha Steaks! Makes a great Holiday gift! Save 75% Plus get 4 Free Burgers! Order The Family Gourmet Feast - Only $49.99. Call 1-855-993-6208, mention code 55586EXR or visit www.Omaha Steaks.com/excellent14.

vIAsAt sAteLLIte Internet. Up to 12 mbps plans starting at $30/month. Our fastest speeds (up to 50 mbps) & unlimited data plans start at $100/month. Call Viasat today: 1-877-255-9312.

cOMcAst hI-Speed Internet - $39.99/month (for 12 months). No term agreement.

Fast downloads! Plus ask about our Triple Play (TV-Voice-Internet) for $89.99/month (lock in 2 years!). Call 1-888-605-0242.

DIRectv chOIce All-Included Package. Over 185 Channels! Only $45/month (for 24 months). Call Now - Get NFL Sunday Ticket Free! Call 1-855-977-3794. Ask us how to Bundle & Save!

DIRectv nOw. No Satellite needed. $40/month. 65 Channels. Stream Breaking News, Live Events, Sports & On Demand Titles. No Annual Contract. No Commitment.

Call 1-855-554-2311.

DIsh tv $59.99 for 190 Channels, $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-877-6884784.

A PLAce For Mom. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is Free/no obligation. Call 1-855-441-8821.

cRAftMAtIc ADJUstABLe beds for less! Up to 50% off leading competitors. #1 Rated Adjustable Bed. Trusted over 40 years. All mattress types available. Shop by phone and Save! Call 1-877-745-9515.

MOBILeheLP, AMeRIcA’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether you’re home or away. For safety and peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure!

Call today! 1-888-506-0793.

sLeeP APneA Patients - If you have Medicare coverage, call Verus Healthcare to qualify for CPAP supplies for little or no cost in minutes. Home delivery, Health Sleep Guide and more - Free! Our customer care agents await your call. 1-866-812-5374.

stAy In your home longer with an American Standard Walk-in Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-888-332-9560.

stOP stRUGGLInG on the stairs. Give your life a lift with an Acorn Stairlift. Call now for $250 off your stairlift purchase and free DVD & brochure! 1-877-652-8506.

fcMh In Franklin, NE, is seeking a full-time radiologic technologist position. Offering competitive wages and excellent benefits. Please contact Heather McClain, 308-4256221 or hmcclain@fcmh.biz.

LAB tech: MT/MLT full-time position shares call with three other staff members and includes a comprehensive benefits package. Applications can be submitted via the hospital web-site or contact Deb Weiss or Lisa Fischer for further information, 402-387-2800. E-mail dweiss@browncountyhospital.org or lfischer@browncountyhospital.org.

cOMPUteR IssUes? Free Diagnosis by Geeks On Site! Virus Removal, Data Recovery! 24/7 emergency service, In-home repair/On-line solutions. $20 off any service!

877-774-3624

BecOMe A published author! Publications sold at all major secular & specialty Christian bookstores. Call Christian Faith Publishing for your Free author submission kit. 1866-807-0505. fReOn R12 Wanted: Certified Buyer will Pay Ca$h for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. 312-291-9169; www.refrigerantfinders.com.

GOt LAnD? Our Hunters will pay top $$$ to hunt your land. Call for a free info packet & quote. 1-866-309-1507, www.BaseCampLeasing.com.

12 | The Jewish Press | December 21, 2018

usnews

h

what radical Jewish feminists never talked about

Penny schwartz BROOKLINE, Mass. | JTA eather Booth, Amy Kesselman, Vivian Rothstein and Naomi Weisstein. The names of these bold and influential radical feminists may have faded in recent years, but they remain icons to students of the women’s liberation movement of the early 1960s and to generations of women activists since.

The Gang of Four, as they dubbed themselves, were among the founders of Chicago’s Women’s Liberation Union. They were disillusioned by their less-than-equal status — among the men in their leftist political circles and in society at large. Eager to confront the patriarchal norms and systemic sexism around them, they began meeting in a West Side Chicago living room, talking about all aspects of their lives.

Over weeks, months and years, no subject went unturned, from the political to the sexual to the personal. They were “ready to turn the world upside down,” recalled Weisstein, an influential psychologist, neuroscientist and academic who died in 2015.

But one subject never came up: the Jewish backgrounds of the majority of the group.

Until Joyce Antler came calling — 45 years later.

About seven years ago Antler, a pioneering scholar in American and women’s studies and professor emerita of Brandeis University, reached out to Weisstein and others in the collective and asked what role their Jewish identities played in their early activist days as radical feminists.

The prevalence of Jews in leftist groups and the women’s liberation movement was embarrassing and something to hide, Weisstein elaborated in lengthy phone conversations with Antler. To claim a Jewish identity countered the universalist vision and the broad social and political causes embraced by their movement.

The story of the Gang of Four is told in the opening pages of Radical Jewish Feminists: Voices from the Women’s Liberation Movement (New York University Press), a captivating and timely new book by Antler that brings to light, for the first time, the ways in which feminist trail-

blazers were influenced by their divergent and often unspoken Jewish backgrounds.

Antler’s book has expanded the Jewish story, according to Judith Rosenbaum, executive director of the Boston-based Jewish Women’s Archive.

“The book creates context for understanding Jewish women’s activism in secular American feminism,” she wrote in an email. “It also provides important historical context for current struggles around feminism and antisemitism.”

“It is shocking, isn’t it?” Antler observed about the fact that this story has gone under the radar for so long. “But not to talk about that is just a failure to see why Jewishness is so important to their lives,” said Antler.

The Brooklyn-born Antler taught at Brandeis, her alma mater, for nearly 40 years, chaired the school’s American Studies department and founded its Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies program.

Among her books are six focused on Jewish women, including The Journey Home: How Jewish Women Shaped Modern America and America & I: Short Stories by American-Jewish Women Writers.

Her new book tells two related stories: of Jewish women who looked outward to address universal feminist causes, and of Jewish women who, beginning in the 1970s, confronted male-dominated Jewish institutions, both religious and communal. The latter subjects include Blu Greenberg, founder of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, and Irena Klepfisz, a child Holocaust survivor and noted poet and academic who was among the founders of Di Vilde Chayes, the New York-based lesbian feminist collective.

It wasn’t easy for the women who challenged the traditional Jewish hierarchy.

“They often had to turn against their so-called allies and mentors,” Antler said, “and their struggles were often very difficult.”

Universal feminists faced their own struggles. Among the reasons the early radical Jewish feminists avoided the subject of their Jewish identity was that as young women, many in their 20s, they were rebelling against identities they associated with their mothers, Antler

said.

On the political end, they put personal identities aside in order to help liberate all women, including those who were oppressed minorities or from poor and working class backgrounds. Anti-Semitism also was a factor, especially among those who lumped Jews among their white oppressors.

In 1975, Susan Schechter, who became a prominent leader in the battered women’s movement, wrote movingly about the disapproval she faced for forming a Jewish caucus at the 1975 National Socialist Feminist Conference. She described being torn between her leftist and Jewish identities.

That same year, Letty Cottin Pogrebin would be outraged when a women’s conference in Mexico was hijacked by anti-Israel activists who declared that Zionism was racism — a foreshadowing of current debates that have pitted anti-Zionists in the anti-Trump resistance against Jewish women who feel ostracized as a result.

“They weren’t harassed, but to name yourself as a Jew in the women’s movement, sadly, was not a positive experience,” Antler observed.

Anti-Semitism has been present in the women’s movement to varying degrees across many decades, she said, but it must be called out.

“Silence is not a good strategy,” she said.

Antler estimates that two-thirds to three-quarters of the women in some collectives were Jewish.

“That is history. And it wasn’t being told,” she recalled thinking.

In 2011, she convened a conference, “Women’s Liberation and Jewish Identity,” another first, that brought together 20 women from the secular radical feminist movement and the same number from the Jewish religious and communal organizations.

“It was electrifying,” Antler recalled of the two-day program at New York University, where she was a visiting scholar. The participants “were googly-eyed,” she said, noting that many of the women from across the divide had never met.

Their stories form the core of Antler’s book.

Ed. note: This story was edited for length.

The greatest breakthrough in senior care?

Mom’s cozy cottage.

We help aging parents stay at home, whether they’re dealing with Alzheimer’s, arthritis or anything in between.

402.498.3444

HomeInstead.com/100 PERSONAL CARE | 24-HOUR CARE | MEMORY CARE | HOSPICE SUPPORT | MEALS AND NUTRITION Each Home Instead Senior Care franchise is independently owned and operated. © 2017 Home Instead, Inc.