December 29, 2017

thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

this week

Annie: The Musical Page 5

JFO welcomes Carey Ellinghaus

T

Carey Ellinghaus Omaha,” CEO Alan Potash said. “I am excited to have someone of his caliber working for our community.”

He will be partnering with the team to become more efficient, provide even better services and strengthen the infrastructure for the long term.

“My initial task is threefold,” he said.

Tri-Faith update

Christmastime in Haifa means a celebration of Arab food Page 12

inside Viewpoint Synagogues

D ECEMBER 2 9 , 2 0 1 7 | 1 1 T EV ET 5 7 7 8 | V O L . 9 8 | NO . 1 2 | C a nd lEli g h Ti ng | FRID AY , D ECEMBER 2 9 , 4 : 4 5 P. M.

annETTE van dE KaMP Editor, Jewish Press he Jewish Federation of Omaha welcomed a new face this past month, as Carey Ellinghaus was named Chief Administrative Officer. Originally from Baltimore, Md., Carey has lived in the Omaha area for ten years. He and partner Merrilee Faubel have made their home in Elkhorn. ey are expecting their first child in early February.

Carey earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and his MBA at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School in Atlanta, GA. In his new role at the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Carey will lead the Central Services team, including Human Resources, Finance and Information Technology.

At JFO, he looks forward to working closely with CEO Alan Potash to develop the organization.

“Carey brings a unique skill set from the corporate world that will greatly benefit our vibrant Jewish Federation of

The Jewish Press will not publish next week, January 5, 2018.

9 10

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SPOnSOrEd by ThE bEnJaMin and anna E. wiESMan FaMily EndOwMEnT Fund

Kara SChwEiSS When land was purchased for the TriFaith Initiative in 2011, a fully-fledged campus with three houses of worship and an interfaith center still seemed like a distant dream. But as 2017 nears its end, Temple Israel has celebrated four years in its new location, American Muslim Institute’s mosque and educational center has been open since May, Countryside Community Church has broken ground, and the Tri-Faith Commons is only a few years from completion.

Rick MacInnes, the Countryside Relocation Committee chair, said construction partners Project Advocates and Vrana Construction and church leaders initially projected completion for late 2018.

Now that work is underway, they have re-

vised the construction deadline and are expecting the new church to open in the spring of 2019.

“We are not looking at this as a negative, but rather an even better time for us to open our new doors. As spring unfolds and brings about a feeling of renewal—this is an impor-

tant aspect of Christianity, the resurrection of Christ, Easter, and the season’s themes of rebirth and hope,” MacInnes said. “I received positive feedback from Countryside members... they liked the probable betterweather time of the year to move.”

Two other major elements are expected to be completed around the same time as the church, said John Waldbaum of commercial real estate company Colliers International. A road circling the Commons will provide vehicle access to all parking areas and buildings. Because Hell Creek bisects the site, a circular bridge will cross the creek in two places, adjoining walking paths that See Tri-Faith page 3

“Understanding the culture, understanding the agencies and get alignment about our priorities going forward.

As for Omaha, he’s gotten used to the wind and weather changes, he appreciates the lack of traffic, the College World Series, the quality of the Arts and the vibrance of the city. He misses being closer to his family and the ocean.

Of course, no introduction is complete without the food-test: what does he like?

He’s a self-professed health nut who works out six times a week. His favorite Jewish food is matzah ball soup; he doesn’t care for fried foods like kreplach. He hasn’t tried knishes, but it’s possible he once upon a time had kugel. He’s no fan of lox or Manischevitz and he prefers Turkey pastrami to beef.

What ultimately gets Carey excited is helping people, coaching staff and assisting with development and growth.

In short, when talking about ‘human resources,’ it is that human element that is most important.

Major Themes in the Minor Prophets OzziE nOgg As part of the ongoing Adult Education program at Beth El Synagogue, Professor Leonard Greenspoon and Rabbi Steven Abraham will present a series of classes titled: Major Themes in the Minor Prophets: Social Justice. The sessions begin on Jan. 10, run through March 21 and are open to the entire community.

There are several programmatic elements to the series. On Jan. 10, 17 and 24, Professor Greenspoon will talk about Amos; on Feb. 7, 14 and 21, he will lead a discussion on the prophet Hosea; March 7, March 14 and March 21 will feature the book of Micah as Greenspoon understands it. All of these classes are held at Beth El on Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and include dinner.

Rabbi Steven Abraham’s classes, which offer rabbinic insights on the prophets, are scheduled for Sunday mornings, 11 a.m. to noon, at Beth El. On Jan. 21 he will focus on Amos; on Feb. 18 the topic is Hosea; and on March 19, Micah.

According to Professor Greenspoon, the books of the 12 Minor Prophets — Hosea through Malachi See Minor Prophets page 2

The Prophet Malachi

by Duccio di Buoninsegna

2 | The Jewish Press | December 29, 2017

community

Russian Club celebrates Hanukkah

Russian Cultural Club Hanukkah Party sponsored by the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

Minor Prophets

Continued from page 1 — are little known beyond their names. “And even some of their names — Obadiah, Nahum, and Haggai, for example — are practically unknown, to say nothing of their message,” he said. “This is not surprising, given the fact that only one of these books — Jonah, which we read on the afternoon of Yom Kippur — is part of our liturgical cycle.

Maybe it’s the word minor that leads many people to assume we can ignore this material, even though it’s part of the Hebrew Bible.

“As this series demonstrates,” Greenspoon continued, “the writings of the 12 Minor Prophets contain a wealth of insights about beliefs and practices that are at the heart of Judaism. The books of Amos, Hosea and Micah embody powerful prophetic voices. Their words, and the themes they emphasize, are as relevant today as when they were first uttered: social justice, the relationship between God and humans, and proper —

as well as improper — ways to establish connections with God and with other humans. And, as these prophets make abundantly clear, all these themes and the actions that flow from them are interconnected.”

In Greenspoon’s view, this series will serve the community in three significant ways. “We will seek out and find authentic roots for social justice in its broadest application,” Greenspoon explained. “We will read and interact with an important portion of Scripture that is all too often overlooked; and we will have the rewarding opportunity to teach and learn from each other.”

Major Themes in the Minor Prophets sessions require online registration, available on the synagogue website: www.bethel-omaha.org. Cost for Professor Greenspoon’s Wednesday evening classes is $54.00 which includes the price of dinner. Rabbi Abraham’s Sunday morning sessions are offered at no charge. The entire community is invited to attend.

He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

Thousands attend funeral in Israel for victims of Brooklyn Hanukkah house fire

JERUSALEM | JTA Thousands of mourners attended a funeral in Israel for a woman and her three children killed in a house fire in Brooklyn started by a Hanukkah menorah.

The funeral was held in Holon, near Tel Aviv, where the mother, Aliza Azan, grew up. Her sons Moshe, 11 and Yitzah, 7, and a daughter, Henrietta, 3, also died in the early Monday morning blaze. Israel’s Sephardic chief rabbi, Yitzhak Yosef, spoke at the funeral.

New York fire and police officials confirmed that a menorah on the first floor of the 2 1/2-story house sparked the blaze at around 2:20 a.m. Dec. 18.

The father Yosi, three children and their cousin survived the fire, but were injured in the fast-moving blaze, Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said at a news conference. Yosi Azan and his daughter Shalit, 16, and son Daniel, 15, remain in critical condition at Staten Island University Hospital. Two younger boys were treated for minor injuries.

The New York Post, citing a family friend, reported Dec. 19 that Yosi Azan, who is credited with saving the injured children and reportedly attempted more than once to run into the burning home to save the rest of his family, remains unconscious in an induced coma and does not know about the death of four members of his family.

Aliza Azan came from a prominent family of Syrian Jews whose father was a well-known rabbi in the community. Several of her siblings, like her, had moved to the United States over the years. Yosi Azan is from a family of Moroccan Jews, most living in Bnei Brak.

Although the Holon cemetery is for residents of Israel, the country’s minister of religious services reportedly made an “irregular request” to the director general of Greater Tel Aviv’s burial society to allow the family to be buried there, which was granted.

On Dec 19, Gavriel Sassoon, who had seven of his eight children killed in a house fire in March 2015, sent a letter of support to Yosi Azam, the Jewish news website Vos Iz Neias reported.

“Yosef, now you are not of the regular people,” Sassoon wrote.

“You have to go higher. This is the rule by which you must live.

There is no other way to overcome the immense grief. How do you go higher? Just by loving. To accept the hardships with love. To love Hashem. To love every member of klal yisroel and to do for them.

And the strength of that love will give you the ability to triumph over the forces that pull you down and will bring you closer to Hashem.

Because love is life.”

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The Jewish Press | December 29, 2017 | 3

little Hands, big Hearts: A family day of caring

H

Jennie Gates beckman Director of Community Engagement & Education, JFO ow do we teach our children to make a difference? PJ Library is thrilled to provide a hands-on way for children 0-5 years of age to learn more about the importance of giving back to the community and how that connects to Jewish values.

Sunday, Jan. 7, parents and/or grandparents are invited to bring their little ones for a morning of service activities at Friedel Jewish Academy (on the JCC campus).

“Little Hands, Big Hearts” is strategically timed to allow parents to drop older siblings at religious school and then have a special time focused on “littles” from 10– 11:30 a.m. Beth El and Beth Israel tot programming will be meeting at this event instead of their regularly scheduled programming. is is an exciting opportunity to experience how even tiny hands can start giving back. e program will be formatted openhouse style with activity stations set up highlighting a different cra or service project teaching a related Jewish value. Children will learn about welcoming a stranger, respect for the elderly, and caring for the earth, among other Jewish values.

As an immediate act of providing for those in need, participants are encouraged to participate in a one-day winter clothing drive by bringing donations of new hats, gloves, scarves, or pajamas for children. ese items will be distributed directly to Omaha’s refugee population through

Lutheran Family Services Refugee Resettlement Program.

Sara Kohen has worked with professional staff to plan out the day. “We’re so excited that Friedel and PJ Library are collaborating on this event. It’s a natural fit, as both organizations are committed to the social, emotional and intellectual growth of kids in our community. is event will be both fun and educational, and I’m looking forward to bringing my own family.”

Snacks, water and coffee will be provided

in the commons area throughout the program. RSVP by ursday, Jan. 4 to Jennie Gates Beckman at 402.334.6445 or jbeck man@jewishomaha.org. Find the Facebook event to share with your friends by searching @PJLibraryOmaha. e PJ Library program is designed to strengthen the identities of families raising Jewish children and their relationship to the Jewish community. Nationally, the program is led by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, which provides age-appropriate books for children mailed to the child’s home each month. Locally, the Jewish Federation of Omaha designs programs like this one to bring participants together and foster stronger ties amongst families with young children.

Visit http://www.jewishomaha.org/educ ation/pj-library/ to learn more.

2018-19 Scholarship applications now available Gabby blair Staff Writer, Jewish Press Financial assistance may be available for qualified applicants planning to attend the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center, Friedel Jewish Academy, JCC summer camp, Jewish residential summer camp, Israel programs, college, vocational and technical schools, and adult Jewish education classes.

tri-Faith

continued from page 1 will unify all the buildings on the Commons.

“The walking paths and pedestrian bridge will physically connect members of the three faith groups,” said Bob Freeman, who serves on the Tri-Faith board of directors and is a member of the Temple Israel congregation. “The unique circular bridge will provide each congregation easy access to a beautifully landscaped common area in the middle of the grounds.”

The Tri-Faith Center will be the last building to be constructed after the Commons is completed. The TriFaith Board of Directors is in the process of bringing in an Executive Director who will begin providing leadership for the organization—and the evolution of the Tri-Faith Center—sometime next year.

Vic Gutman of Vic Gutman & Associates, which provides project management and communication services for the Tri-Faith Initiative, says the capital campaign for the Commons and Tri-Faith Center is now within $2 million of its $9.75 million goal. Ap-

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proximately 99 percent of all funds raised for the TriFaith Initiative have come from Omaha community members and local philanthropic foundations.

Community members are invited to support Tri-Faith with a financial gift, and they may designate their contribution specifically for the capital campaign, Gutman said. More information is available on the website (trifaith.org) or by calling 402.934.2955.

The Tri-Faith Initiative is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all monetary donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by tax laws.

“The first phase of our mission will be done when all the buildings are built; the first phase was to colocate,” Gutman said. “Beyond that, what impact we have will be through educational programs, social programs, things of that nature. The most important part will be how we all live and work together and share our model of trust and cooperation with the rest of the world.”

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calendar January 2018

all events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Pat Anson at 402.334.8200. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the events.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Temple Israel College Age TiYPE Winterfest Havdalah, 6 p.m. at Upstream Brewery.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Beth El Cooking/Serving at Stephen Center, 5:30 p.m. at Stephen Center, 2723 Q St. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3 Breadbreakers Luncheon and Speaker, noon at RBJH Choir Rehearsals, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Beth El Chesed Committee Visits Blumkin Home, 2 p.m. at RBJH FRIDAY, JANUARY 5 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Shulchan Ivrit - Hebrew Table with Yoni, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 Temple Tots Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Jr. Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Little Hands, Big Hearts: A Family Day of Caring, 10 a.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy Religious School, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El OTYG Board Meeting, noon at Temple Israel Omaha Artist Inc., 1 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 8 Jewish Press Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Exploring Judaism Class, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 Ethical Life Class with Rabbi Abraham, noon at Whole Foods Beth El Chesed Committee Visits Remington Heights, 2 p.m. at Sterling Ridge

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to You at Remington, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 Civil Rights Shabbat at Beth El with guest speaker, Thomas Warren, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nebraska Urban League Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Temple Israel & Omaha Symphony Community Concert, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El MONDAY, JANUARY 15 Exploring Judaism Class, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 16 Ethical Life Class with Rabbi Abraham, noon at Whole Foods Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17 JBL-Jewish Business Leaders, 7:30 a.m. at Champions Country Club Breadbreakers Luncheon and Speaker, noon at RBJH Beth El Chesed Committee Visits Sterling Ridge, 2 p.m. at Sterling Ridge Religious School, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew School, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hebrew High, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Choir Rehearsals, 6:30 p.m.

Adult Education Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Ethical Life with Rabbi Abraham, 7 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, JANUARY 18 Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Temple Israel Rosh Chodesh Event, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 Scholar in Residence: Abigail Pogrebin, 6 p.m. at Beth El

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10 Breadbreakers Luncheon and Speaker, noon at RBJH Religious School, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew School, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hebrew High, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Choir Rehearsals, 6:30 p.m.

Adult Education Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Ethical Life with Rabbi Abraham, 7 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Come Play Shanghai, 1 p.m. at Beth El

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Scholar in Residence: Abigail Pogrebin, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Jr. Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Bingo Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Religious School, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Book Club, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Temple Tots Sunday, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel OTYG Board Meeting, noon at Temple Israel Musical Theater Auditions for Willy Wonka, 1-2 p.m. for Adults and 2:30-4 p.m. for Kids JYG Program, 2 p.m. at Temple Israel

MONDAY, JANUARY 22 Exploring Judaism Class, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23 Ethical Life Class with Rabbi Abraham, noon at Whole Foods WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24 Breadbreakers Luncheon and Speaker, noon at RBJH Religious School, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew School, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hebrew High, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Choir Rehearsals, 6:30 p.m.

Adult Education Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Ethical Life with Rabbi Abraham, 7 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, JANUARY 25 Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel OTYG Lounge Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 Beth El USY hosts Emtza Region Winter Shabbaton Beth El Cooks/Serves Lunch at NE AIDS Coalition, 11:30 a.m.

Tot Shabbat, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El Shabbat Shira Service, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 Beth El USY hosts Emtza Region Winter Shabbaton Shabbat Shira, 9 a.m. at Beth El Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Jr. Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El 2018 FED Event, 7 p.m. at The Pella at Blackstone SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 Beth El USY hosts Emtza Region Winter Shabbaton Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Religious School, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel TED Talk, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel MONDAY, JANUARY 29 Exploring Judaism Class, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 30 Ethical Life Class with Rabbi Abraham, noon at Whole Foods WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31 Breadbreakers Luncheon and Speaker, noon at RBJH Religious School, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew School, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Adult Education Class, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew High, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Choir Rehearsals, 6:30 p.m.

Ethical Life with Rabbi Abraham, 7 p.m. at Beth El

The Jewish Press | December 29, 2017 | 5

The Jewish Community Center’s theater was fully booked Dec. 16 and 17 as the Musical Theater Community Acting Group performed the musical Annie.

The MTCAG’s next show will be Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka. At this time, all audition spots have been taken, but if you missed out, contact Dance and Cultural Arts Director Esther Katz at ekatz@jccomaha.org or call 402.334.6406 to see if a spot has become available.

Musical Theater Community Acting Group performances have been made possible by the following Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Funds: The Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Fund, the Morton A. Richards Youth Program Fund, the Samuel and Bess Rothenberg Memorial Endowment Fund and the JCC Theatre Program Endowment fund.

Nebraska Urban League CEO to speak at Beth El

6 | The Jewish Press | December 29, 2017

community ADL-CRC brings PEW to Kansas

PAm mONSKy In the fall, students were required to read To Kill a MockCommunity Development Liaison, ing Bird in English classes throughout the state. Using the Anti-Defamation League Plains States Region book as a way to frame bigotry of the past, Burrows felt this would be a great time to host a training – bringing students Recently, five representatives from the ADL-CRC Plains of diverse backgrounds together to learn about ways to States Region traveled to Satanta, Kansas, to present the “Promoting Empowerment in our World (PEW) workshop. combat hate in the present day. is idea sparked the concept for a PEW in SouthPEW, ADL-CRC’s flagship west Kansas. program, is a one-day genroughout the workeral anti-bias workshop shop, students participated with a 31-year history in in activities intended to Nebraska. Sixty-three stuheighten their awareness of dents from six schools atstereotyping and ways to tended the event overcome biases in themsponsored by the Southern selves and their peers.

Plains Iroquois Activities According to Boykins, Association.

The students, teachers and facilitators at the Satana, KS PEW “is was an amazing opUpon hearing a story broadcast on National Public Radio about the Antiportunity to reach students who oen don’t have access to Defamation League’s (ADL) work, nationally, with schools this type of experience. It was a pleasure to meet these incredthrough the “No Place for Hate” campaign earlier this year, ible students and educators to share our work with them.”

Satanta High School teacher, Ryan Burrows, contacted For more information about the PEW and other ADLADL-CRC Education Director, Ayanna Boykins, for more CRC educational programming, please contact Ayanna information.

Boykins at aboykins@adl.org or 402.334.6573

CDC celebrates Hanukkah with family

Numerous family members visited students at the CDC Hanukkah Family Shabbat in the JCC auditorium as well as during the re-

O

OzziE NOgg

mainder of rthe school day. Some of them even stepped into the kitchen to make latkes.

n Saturday morning, Jan. 13, Beth El Synagogue will observe Civil Rights Shabbat. During services, Mr. Thomas H. Warren, Sr., President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nebraska Urban League, will be the guest speaker.

Warren earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a second Major in Sociology and a Minor in Psychology from Morningside College, IA. He holds a Master’s of Science from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, with a Major in Criminal Justice and an Option in Public Administration. Prior to his appointment at the Urban League of Nebraska, Warren served 24 years with the Omaha Police Department, four as Thomas Warren Chief of Police — the first AfricanAmerican to serve as Chief of Police in the city. He is a graduate of the FBI’s Executive Institute Leadership Development Training Program, a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and a recipient of the National Public Service Award from the American Society of Public Administration. He received the Hubert Locke Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Public Administration and Community Service and is a Trustee of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln Board. Warren also serves on the Board of Directors of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Omaha Community Foundation, the Durham Museum and the Omaha Police Foundation and is a member of the University of Nebraska Foundation Board of Trustees. He is also a member of the 100 Black Men of Omaha and participates in the African-American Empowerment Network.

The Urban League movement began in New York in 1910. Its original purpose was to assist African-American migrants from rural and urban southern communities in adjusting to the social and economic problems of the North. Since 1927, the Urban League in Nebraska has advocated for economic self-reliance, parity, power, civil rights and equal opportunity for all. The vision of the Urban League of Nebraska is to lead the State in closing the social economic gap in the African American community and to help other emerging ethnic communities and disadvantaged families achieve social equality and economic independence and growth.

“We are pleased to welcome Thomas Warren to our pulpit on the Shabbat before Martin Luther King Day,” said Beth El’s Rabbi Steven Abraham. “The ties that bind the African American and Jewish communities go back generations, and their mutual attachment to the exodus as their communal narrative. As for the Jewish community, which should understand the harm caused by anti-Semitism and prejudice, we are uniquely positioned to help in the fight for justice and civil rights.”

“Your skin is the largest organ of the body.

It’s a part of your body that everyone sees, including you.

It’s not necessarily about vanity.

It’s about making people feel good about themselves.”

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The Jewish Press | December 29, 2017 | 7

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January 17 | 7:30-8:30 a.m.

FEATURED SPEAKER

Todd Simon, Senior Vice President, Omaha Steaks CHAMPIONS RUN - 13800 Eagle Run Drive RSVP by Jan. 12 at tinyurl.com/breakfastjan17 the official re-opening of the dundee theater Friday night dec. 15. Gary and karen Javitch, left, Mike halsted, Jenny Javitch and Mendy halsted.

JBL Bagels & Business kicks off with Todd Simon GaBBy Blair Staff Writer, Jewish Press The Jewish Federation of Omaha is pleased to present the Jewish Business Leader’s Bagels and Business breakfast featuring guest speaker Todd Simon, Senior Vice President at Omaha Steaks. Come eat, drink and learn with us at Champions Run (13800 Eagle Run Drive) on Wednesday Jan. 17 from 7:308:30 a.m. Reserve your space today by contacting Steve Levinger before Jan. 12 at 402.334.6433 or slevinger@jewishom aha.org.

Please be sure to mark your calendars for these future JBL Bagels and Business events: April 18 at Happy Hollow Country

Club: Harley D. Schrager retired President, COO & co-owner of the Pacesetter Corporation.

July 25 at Happy Hollow Country Club: Rachel Jacobson, Executive Director at Film Streams.

JBL Events are free with paid membership of only $100 per year.

Come, be a part of JBL and help us continue to build and strengthen the legacy of Jewish businesses in Omaha.

For more information, or to become a sponsor, please contact Steve Levinger at 402.334.6433 or slevinger@jewishomaha. org or Alex Epstein at 402.505.7720 or aepstein@omnepartners.com; join online at http://www.jewishomaha.org/about/ community-programs-and-events/ jewish-business-leaders/.

From the Mechitza to the Marriage Canopy

Mary sue GrOssMan Beth Israel Synagogue The roles and responsibilities of men and women in Judaism are often discussed. Is there gender equality? Is there a difference between separate and equal? Some commandments are exclusively for one gender or the other – why? If one is exempt from a mitzvah, is that a prohibition?

Sunday, Jan. 14 and 21 Rabbi Ari Dembitzer will explore gender roles and focus on three key areas during his class, From the Mechitza to the Marriage Canopy. Classes will meet from 10-11:15 a.m. at Beth Israel Synagogue.

“There has always been discussion and, unfortunately, misunderstanding, about gender roles in Judaism,” says Rabbi Ari. “This class will explore how the Torah describes the roles of men and women, and look at the concepts behind and the practical applications of these roles. No doubt there will be many questions and some great discussion during the sessions.”

After an overview on gender roles, Rabbi Ari will focus on three specific areas – the mechitzah, the mikvah, and the Jewish wedding. Why a mechitzah? What makes a me-

chitzah so important? What is the purpose of a mikvah? Do both women and men use a mikvah? What makes a Jewish wedding unique? What is the role of the ketubah?

What is marriage according to the Torah?

These are just a few of the questions that will be discussed.

From the Mechitza to the Marriage Canopy is open to the community, free of charge, however registration is requested.

To register, please visit the Beth Israel website at orthodoxomaha.org or call the synagogue office at 402.556.6288.

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@jewishom aha.org.

UPCOMING BAGELS & BUSINESS BREAKFAST EVENTS AT HAPPY HOLLOW COUNTRY CLUB

APRIL 18 | 7:30-8:30 a.m.

JULY 25 | 7:30-8:30 a.m.

FEATURED SPEAKER

FEATURED SPEAKER

Harley D. Schrager

Rachel Jacobson

retired President, COO/co-owner of the Pacesetter Corporation

Executive Director at Film Streams

Jewish Business Leaders of Omaha brings together the Jewish business community to showcase the entrepreneurs, founders, and change-makers in our community while creating opportunity to connect, teach and leverage each relationship.

BECOME A MEMBER JBL Membership $100/yr

Register online at tinyurl.com/JBL-membership to become a member or sponsor of Jewish Business Leaders

For more information please contact: Steve Levinger: 402-334-6433 slevinger@jewishomaha.org

Alex Epstein : 402-505-7720 aepstein@omnepartners.com

Celebrating Our History PASSOVER 2018

publishing date | 03.23.18

space reservation | 02.07.18 Promote your business in this very special issue.

Contact our advertising executive to advertise in this very special edition.

Susan Bernard

402.334.6559 | sbernard@jewishomaha.org

Beth Israel Rosh Chodesh Group

8 | The Jewish Press | December 29, 2017

Make your FED reservation today

aNNette VaN De KaMP-wRiGht Editor, Jewish Press e Jewish Federation of Omaha invites you to dinner Jan. 27, 2018 from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Pella at Blackstone. RSVPs are due by Jan. 12.

FED is a Jewish Federation of Omaha food-focused event, designed to engage the next generation of Jewish comunity members, leaders and philanthropist. e event, chaired by Kari Tauber and Danny Cohn, intertwines food, community building and philanthropy in an inovative way to highlight the work of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

has been featured by the New York Times, Food and Wine, Bon Appetit and New York Magazine. Outside of the kitchen, Molly is a Juilliard-trained percussionist. She lives on a farm on the North Dakota-Minnesota border with her fih-generation husband and their little flock of chickens. “is is a fun and unique way to engage Jewish Omaha’s next generation of members, leaders and philantrhopists,” Danny Cohn said. “It gives them a ‘taste’ of what the Federation is and what it does, in a new and appealing way.”

Cost for FED is $50 per person; adults only, please. Blue, red or white color-war attire is recommended. e Pella at

Molly Yeh has taken the food blogging world by storm with her bubbly personality and creative recipes.

Credit: Chantell Quernemoen

Yeh often incorporates family farm ingredients, such as rhubarb, into her culinary creations. She calls these Mini Rhubarb Princess Cakes.

Credit: Molly Yeh

Picture a pop-up restaurant in an unexpected space, showcasing a fun and whimsical summer camp experience created by chef Molly Yeh, with limited seating available, for one night only.

Co-chairs, nicknamed ‘camp counselors’ for this event, are Shira and Rabbi Steven Abraham, Jessica and Shane Cohn, Lindsay and Alex Epstein, Laurie and Jason Epstein, Jessica and Jamie Feingold, Amy and Andy Isaacson, Jaime and Brian Nogg, Maggie and Jed Ortmeyer, Shiri and David Phillips and Melissa and Matt Shapiro.

Star of the show is Molly Yeh, author of Molly on the Range: Recipes and Stories from an Unlikely Life on the Farm.

Her debut cookbook was selected by the New York Times as one of Fall 2016’s top releases and was the winner of the International Association of Culinary Professionals “Judge’s Award.” In addition, it was selected by NPR as one of their “Great Reads of 2016.”

She is the creator of the food blog My Name is Yeh and

Blackstone is located at 303 South 41st Street; free parking will be available in the Med Center garage on the Southwest corner of 41st and Farnam.

Ben-Gurion level donors to this year’s Annual Campaign are invited to a pre-reception and book signing with Molly Yeh at 6:30 p.m.

Make your reservation online at http://tinyurl.com/FED -2018 or contact Tammy Johnson at tjohnson@jewishoma ha.org or 402.334.6430.

Special thanks to the Staenberg Family Foundation Anything Grant and the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation for helping fund FED 2018.

jewiSh PReSS NotiCeS

The Jewish Press will be closed on Monday, jan. 1, 2018. There will be no Jewish Press on jan. 5. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

MaRY Sue GRoSSMaN Beth Israel Synagogue Each month, one of the Beth Israel women hosts a Rosh Chodesh get together. is month, welcoming the month of Tevet, Laura Dembitzer discussed the laws of Hanukkah, and everyone enjoyed kosher wine, desserts, and snacks.

Rosh Chodesh events are open to all Jewish women in the community. e next event, celebrating the arrival of Shevat, will be held Tuesday, Jan. 16, 7:30-9 p.m. Please contact Beth Israel at 402.556.6288 if you are interested in attending or would like to be added to the mailing list.

Parshat Vayechi: “The secret to redemption”

The rabbis tell us that Yaakov wanted to reveal the timing and path of the redemption of the world to his sons. G-d, however, didn’t want him to do so. Instead, Yaakov then gives his children individual blessings based on their unique character traits. We have to do the work based on who we are; it cannot be spoonfed to us. ReRabbi aRi demption is when all individuals DeMbitzeR actualize their unique roles in this Beth Israel Synagogue world to make this world a better place. May we all actualize our potential, and therefore light up the world.

Shabbat Shalom

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The Jewish Press | December 29, 2017 | 9

viewpoint thejewishpress

(Founded in 1920) Eric Dunning 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 Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Sandy Friedman, Treasurer; Alex Grossman; Jill Idelman; Andy Isaacson, Mike Kaufman; David Kotok; Debbie Kricsfeld; Abby Kutler; Pam Monsky; Eric Shapiro and Barry Zoob.

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, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

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

H

Out with the old, in with the new

ANNETTE vAN DE KAmP Editor, Jewish Press ere we are, another calendar year coming to an end and only one more Jewish Press to send out: you’re reading it. It has been a busy year, but more so, it has been a super-fast year. Or maybe I’m just getting old. Looking back in late December is something that many of us like to do, because the news cycles rapidly and we have short memories. If you’re into this sort of thing, the New York Times does a great Picture Review of 2017 here: https://www.ny times.com/interactive/2017/12/19/sunday-review/ 2017-year-in-pictures.html. Or try this: https://www. nbcnews.com/specials/year-pictures-2017 if you have a little more time on your hands.

What happens in other places can affect us as much as what we experience at home. For instance, there was the choice American-Israeli Michael Kadar made when he sent bomb threats to more than 100 Jewish institutions, including our very own JCC. It was a surreal time, especially for Jewish professionals, when week after week news would break about threats delivered to places that looked all-too familiar.

I imagine community members who visit the JCC regularly felt much the same way. When the news came that the perpetrator was an Israeli teen, relief mixed with a feeling of severe disappointment. Relief, because it wasn’t some crazy Nazi group who actually meant us harm, disappointment because this was fodder for the “you’re doing it to yourself”crowd.

This was also the year neo Nazis marched openly in Charlottesville, Virginia. If that feels like it was yesterday, it is because there were so many familiar sights and sounds tied to the march. With all the talking, reading and writing we do about how Nazism never really disappears, how we have

to be vigilant always, watching real people wave real on countless committees, attended services, concerts and swastika flags, wearing Klan robes, was sobering. We know luncheons and listened to speakers. It’s the ebb-and-flow they exist; how could we not? However, seeing them on the that makes our community a home.

In 2018, we get to do it all again. We’ll do it better, with evening news in vibrant color made it almost too real.

And then there was Harvey Weinstein. When his deviant even more passion and love for this community. And when behavior was addressed, it opened the floodgates. The discomfort we often feel when Jews are in the news for bad reasons quickly made way for the overwhelming sense that it is finally, finally time to openly address the sexual predators among us. As women, we can talk and share every incident when we were groped, catcalled, treated as objects rather than human beings. The hash tag ‘MeToo’ was born; I hope it sticks around and we can effect real change. I’m carefully optimistic. Carefully, From a wave of bomb threats at JCCs to a neo-Nazi rally in Charlottesville to Trump’s because just because we decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, 2017 was not a quiet year for Credit: JTA collage can, doesn’t mean we will. Jews.

Society has a long way to go before women will truly feel we are confronted with the Kadars and the Weinsteins of confident they won’t be accused of making things up or ex- the future, we’ll know we are just a little better equipped to deal with them because we have such a strong backbone aggerating. But: I think we took a small step forward.

But it wasn’t all doom and gloom. We saw our share of in our community.

The staff of the Jewish Press wishes you a happy 2018. simchas: we welcomed babies, celebrated engagements and There will be no paper on the first Friday of 2018; weddings and B’nai Mitzvah. We also said goodbye to loved ones, shared both the sadness and the wonderful memories. we’re skipping the Jan. 5th edition and taking some time We came together for community events, worked together off. Don’t worry; we’ll be back, fully rested, Jan. 12.

My Reform colleagues were wrong on Jerusalem AmmIEL HIRSCH JTA We were wrong.

As Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky pointed out, “The Reform response to the recognition of Jerusalem was terrible. When... a superpower recognizes Jerusalem, first you... welcome it, then offer disagreement. Here it was the opposite.”

Sharansky was referring to the Dec. 5 statement issued by all 16 North American Reform organizations and affiliates in response to President Donald Trump’s declaration recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The operative clause reads: “While we share the President’s belief that the U.S. Embassy should, at the right time, be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, we cannot support his decision to begin preparing that move now, absent a comprehensive plan for a peace process.”

There have been several attempts to clarify this position, but not by all of the original signatories.

It is still the official position of the entire North American apparatus of the Reform movement. If our movement’s affiliates have had a change of heart, all of them should say it through another statement: “We made a mistake.”

If not, and if we still stand by our original statement, I want the Jewish world to know that this position is not my position, nor does it reflect the views of multitudes of, perhaps most, Reform Jews.

We were wrong on the politics. With the exception of one small hard-left party, there is wallto-wall agreement among the Zionist parties in the Knesset supporting the embassy move. We have alienated the very people who support and defend us in our campaign for religious pluralism and equitable funding. Sharansky himself is the most dogged and prominent supporter of the Western Wall compromise.

More important, we were wrong on the merits.

We have yearned for Jerusalem for two millennia. It is the source of our strength, the place where our people was formed, where the Bible was written. Jews lived free and made pilgrimage

to Jerusalem for a thousand years. Our national existence changed the world and led to the creation of two other great faiths.

The world’s superpower finally did the right thing, and we opposed it – not on the principle, but on the “timing.” The timing? Now is not the right time? Two thousand years later and it is still not the right time? As if there is a peace process that the Palestinians are committed to and pursuing with conviction.

A view of the Knesset building in Jerusalem Credit: James Emery/Wikimedia Commons

There were critics who accused the civil rights movement of moving too quickly. The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s response: “The time is always ripe to do what is right.”

In his Letter from Birmingham Jail, King wrote: “For years now I have heard the word ‘wait’... that [our] action... is untimely. This ‘wait’ has almost always meant ‘Never.’ We must come to see that justice too long delayed is justice denied.”

King often reminded us that time is neutral, that it can be used constructively or destructively. Israel’s opponents have used time more effectively than we have. They have so distorted history that so many around the world question the very legitimacy of Jewish ties to Zion and Jerusalem. We have neglected teaching and conveying, even to our own children, our millenniaold love affair with the Land of Israel and Jerusalem as its beating heart.

Judaism without Eretz Yisrael is not Judaism.

Judaism without Jerusalem is not Judaism.

This is not to deny that others consider Jerusalem holy. It is not to deny that the Palestinians seek Jerusalem as their capital. I am in favor of two states for two peoples. For that to happen, some kind of accommodation on Jerusalem will be necessary. If and when it occurs, I will support it.

But let no one be fooled. Peace will never rise on foundations of sand. Any agreement will collapse under the weight of its own inconsistencies if constructed on a scaffolding of lies.

President Trump simply acknowledged reality.

It is about time. It should have been done decades ago, in 1949, when Israel declared Jerusalem its capital. Many presidents – Democrats and Republicans -- promised to move the U.S. Embassy.

The embassy will be in West Jerusalem. Who contests West Jerusalem? President Trump did not pre-empt the eventual borders of Jerusalem.

He did not preclude a permanent status agreement. He simply acknowledged a fact. Where do people meet Israeli prime ministers, presidents, parliamentarians and Supreme Court justices – in Tel Aviv? Where did Anwar Sadat speak when he wanted to convey, on behalf of the Egyptian people, a message of peace to Israelis: Tel Aviv?

It is for each country to declare its own capital.

What other nation declares a capital unrecognized by the nations of the world? What kind of special abuse is reserved for the Jewish nation?

At the same time, it is proper and necessary for us to remind ourselves and others that we are committed to a two-state solution that will require territorial compromises from both sides, including in Jerusalem. We should continue to urge the American government to help bring about a negotiated peace.

We should also urge the international community to disabuse the Palestinian national movement of its exaggerated expectations and its insidious efforts to undermine and erase our connection to Zion. Until that happens, peace is an illusion.

Ammiel Hirsch is senior rabbi of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York.

10 | The Jewish Press | December 29, 2017

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

Please join us for our upcoming events: Join us for our monthly Shabbat Speakers Series on Jan. 12, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker to be announced. 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, please contact any of our board members: Scott Friedman, Rick Katelman, Carole Lainof, Marty Ricks, Sissy Silber, Nancy Wolf and Phil Wolf.

BeTh el synagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. frIday: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Services, 9:30 a.m.-noon; MIni Minyanaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5 p.m.

Weekday serVICes: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sunday: No BESTT Classes; No Torah Study; Serving Dinner at Stephen Center, 5:30 p.m. monday: Morning Minyan, 9 a.m.

Wednesday: No BESTT Classes; No Hebrew High Classes.

Thursday: Chesed Committee visits The Blumkin Home, 2 p.m. frIday, Jan. 5: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. saTurday, Jan. 6: Shabbat Morning Services, 9:30 a.m.-noon; MIni Minyanaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5 p.m.

Weekday serVICes: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sunday: BESTT Classes, 9:30 a.m.-noon; Torah Study, 10 a.m.; Torah Tots, 10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at JCC; Kibbutz Chaverim Skating, noon-2 p.m. at Moylan Ice Rink; USY Board Meeting, noon; USY/Kadima Purim Prep, Off Site, 5 p.m.

Tuesday: Chesed Committee visits Remington Heights, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: BESTT Classes, 4:15-6:15 p.m.; USY/ Kadima Israel Program and Dinner, 5:15-6:15 p.m.; Minor Prophets—Amos class with Leonard Greenspoon, 6 p.m.; Hebrew High Class, 6:30-8 p.m.

Civil Rights Shabbat, saturday, Jan. 13, 9:30 a.m. with guest speaker, Thomas Warren, President and CEO of the Nebraska Urban League.

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

BeTh Israel synagogue

Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. frIday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Candle Lighting and Mincha, 4:45 p.m. saTurday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; December Simcha Kiddush, 11:30 a.m.; Insights into the Weekly Torah, 3:45 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 4:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:51 p.m. sunday: Shacharit, 9 a.m. monday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

Wednesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

Thursday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. frIday, Jan. 5: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Candle Lighting and Mincha, 4:52 p.m. saTurday, Jan. 6: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Insights into the Weekly Torah, 3:50 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 4:35 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:57 p.m. sunday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash, 10 a.m.; JYE BI—P.J. Library, 10:30 a.m. monday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

Tuesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

Wednesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Board of Commissioners Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.

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. frIday, Jan. 5: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. saTurday, Jan. 6: 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.

CongregaTIon B’naI Jeshurun

Services conducted by Rabbi Teri Appleby. frIday: Candlelighting, 4:50 p.m.; Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m.; Oneg, 7:30 p.m. hosted by Rich Lombardi and Johna Walker. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study on Parashat Vayechi, 10:30 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 6:20 p.m. sunday: No LJCS Classes; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 10 a.m. monday: Temple Office Closed Wednesday: No LJCS Hebrew Classes. frIday, Jan. 5: Candlelighting, 4:56 p.m.; Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m.; Oneg, 7:30 p.m.; Neva Kushner Bat Mitzvah, 7:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. saTurday, Jan. 6: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Neva Kushner Bat Mitzvah, 10 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Torah Study on Parashat Shemot, 10:30 a.m.; Havdalah (72 minutes), 6:27 p.m. sunday: No LJCS Classes; Purim Spiel Rehearsal, 10 a.m.; Adult Ed: Shabbat Prayer, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Intro to Judaism, Session #5, 7 p.m. led by Rabbi Appleby.

Wednesday: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m.

Our Chesed branch (Caring Committee) is looking for volunteers to provide transportation for Temple members and friends who aren’t able to drive themselves to doctor’s appointments and other commitments. Volunteers are also being sought to help caregivers in our Temple community when they need a little time to get things done for themselves. Contact Chesed Branch Head Vicki Edwards at vgrandma1947@gmail.com if you would like to help with this important mitzvah.

It’s time for our annual holiday drive for Clinic With a Heart!

Please help by donating over-the-counter medications and personal care items. Donations can be brought to the Temple Office any time the Temple is open.

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. led by Alan Shulewitz. saTurday, Jan. 6: Services, 9:15 a.m. led by Jim Polack.

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

Temple Israel

frIday: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. saTurday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m.; TiYPE’s Winterfest Havdallah, 6 p.m. Join TiYPE (ages 18+), for winter festivities and enjoy spending time with friends, for dinner at the Upstream Brewery in downtown Omaha, followed by hot cocoa and a Havdallah service at Sozo coffeehouse. RSVP required. sunday: No Religious School.

Wednesday: No Religious School. frIday, Jan. 5: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. saTurday: Temple Tots Shabbat, 9 a.m. Tot Shabbat concludes by 10:15 a.m. and includes singing, dancing, blessings and a short story told by one of our clergy. Please contact the Temple Israel office, rsVp@templeisraelomaha.com or 402.556.6536, to let us know you are coming; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. sunday: Grades PreK-6, 10 a.m.; Love and Logic Parent Training Class, 10 a.m. taught by Karen Gustafson MS, NCC, LIMHP, Executive Director of Jewish Family Service.Classes are sundays, Jan. 7, 21, 28 and feb. 4, 10 a.m. Cost is $10 per family for the course manual. To register, please contact Temple Israel, 402.556.6536. For any questions, please contact Religious School Director Sharon Comisar-Langdon, 402.556.6536; Social Justice Committee Meeting, 10:30 a.m.; Membership Committee Meeting, 11 a.m.; OTYG Board Meeting, noon.

Wednesday: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; T’filah for School, 4:30 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Guiding Principles for the Synagogue Community: Shefa: Believe that there is Plenty for Everyone, 6:30 p.m. taught by Cantor Wendy Shermet.

TIfereTh Israel

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. frIday: Services, 6:30 p.m. saTurday: Shabbat Morning service, 10 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 11 a.m.; Please join us after services for a light Kiddush Lunch. sunday: No LJCS Classes. monday: Tifereth Israel Office closed.

Wednesday: No LJCS Hebrew Classes. frIday, Jan. 5: neva kushner Bat mitzvah. Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by a dessert oneg in honor of Neva. saTurday, Jan. 6: neva kushner Bat mitzvah.

Shabbat Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by a lunch in honor of Neva sponsored by the Kushner Family. sunday: No LJCS Classes.

Wednesday: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m.

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.

If you'd like to host our next Shabbat Potluck Dinner at your home, please contact Nancy Coren. The date of the dinner will be on Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m. The host provides the space. The synagogue can provide paper goods, juice, and challah.

poland pledges $28 million for Warsaw Jewish cemetery restoration JTA NEWS STAFF Poland’s government pledged $28 million to restoring the Warsaw Jewish cemetery, making the preservation project one of the largest of its kind in European history.

Deputy Prime Minister Piotr Glinski told World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer about the funding on Monday following a Dec. 8 vote in the lower house of the Polish parliament, the Sejm, WJC wrote in a statement Monday.

More than 400 lawmakers voted in favor and only four opposed, with six abstaining, TVN reported.

Singer and several others from the WJC delegation to the country this week were joined in its visit to the Jewish cemetery on Monday by Anna Chipczynska, the president of the Jewish Community of Warsaw.

The government is expected to transfer the funds to Poland’s Cultural Heritage Foundation, which will implement the restoration in cooperation with the Warsaw Jewish Community.

The ruling Law and Justice party, which initiated the legislation, wrote in the law’s introduction that the absence of “systematic maintenance” at the cemetery and overgrown vegetation are causing “a gradual degradation of one of the most important historical complexes in Warsaw,” in reference to the cemetery, which has a surface area of 33 hectares.

Poland and Slovakia alone have approximately more than 2,000 Jewish cemeteries between them, many of them in disrepair. Just the fencing for all of Poland’s 1,400 Jewish cemeteries would cost approximately $32 million, according to the country’s chief rabbi, Michael Schudrich.

The European Jewish Cemeteries Initiative, a Germanfunded pilot program for protecting Eastern European Jewish cemeteries, has helped preserve at least 100 graveyards since 2015 on a budget of $1.35 million.

The Jewish Press | December 29, 2017 | 11

worldnews

In Montenegro, cornerstone laid for first synagogue in centuries JTA NEWS STAFF Montenegro’s foremost politicians joined their president and faith community leaders for the first laying in centuries of a cornerstone for a synagogue in the area that now comprises that Balkan nation.

President Philip Vujanovic was joined last week at the synagogue’s construction site by the acting and former mayors of the capital of Podgorica, Slavoljub Steipovich and Myomir Mugosha, and the heads of the country’s state-recognized religious streams and faiths, which include Catholicism, Easter-Orthodox Christianity, Islam and Judaism, the Balkan Pro news site reported.

Also in attendance at the ceremony, which took place earlier than scheduled, was the president of the local Jewish community Yasha Alfandari.

Montenegro has 400 Jews, according to the World Jewish Congress, “with maybe a tenth of that participating in actual Jewish spiritual life,” according to Ari Edelkopf, a Chabad rabbi who earlier this year became Montenegro’s first resident rabbi in over a century. e government of Montenegro, which became independent in 2006 aer breaking away from Serbia, gave the land for the synagogue in 2013. e opening of the Podgorica synagogue is set to be the second one this century in the Balkans, following the dedication of a new synagogue in Macedonia in 2000.

Milo Djukanovic, a former prime minister of Montenegro, said that the construction of the synagogue would begin next year during a speech that he gave last month at the annual Mahar conference for Balkan Jewry, which is held in Mon-

Ruben Pitman wins the guessing game

Hanukkah Extravaganza, which was re-named “Hanukkah for Houston,” held on Dec. 10 at the Jewish Community Center offered lots of fun and games for children and adults alike. One such game was guessing how much a jar of coins was worth. The person closest would win a prize.

You must be asking yourself, how much was in the jar? Drum roll please... it was a whopping $286.36! Ruben guessed $300 and Ruben Pitman was closest to the total. Ruben’s prize was a fidget spinner. Mazal tov, Ruben!

A huge thank you goes to Marty Ricks who donated the jar of coins.

tenegro with funding from the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress.

As he waits for the synagogue to be completed, Edelkopf is hosting worshipers at his home and holding prayers. He settled in Podgorica aer being forced to leave Sochi earlier this year. His staying permit was revoked on unsubstantiated claims that he represented a threat to Russia’s national security.

Edelkopf denied any wrongdoing and demanded a court review of the unspecified charges against him, but it never happened. Russian Jews protested his deportation as a miscarriage of justice.

In Podgorica, his role will be to “convert the local Jews to Judaism,” Alfandari said last month.

“What I mean is that we have a few hundred people who are Jews according to the definition of the word” – meaning those who have a Jewish mother, according to traditional Jewish law – “but they know very little about what it means to be Jewish.”

Right to Life?

JTA NEWS STAFF A 96-year-old former Auschwitz guard has challenged his prison sentence in Germany, arguing that it violates his “right to life.”

Oskar Groening was convicted and sentenced in July 2015 to four years in jail for his role in the murder of 300,000 Hungarian Jews at the concentration camp in Nazi-occupied Poland. A federal appeals court rejected his appeal a year ago. He had remained free while waiting for a determination of his fitness to serve time in prison after requesting that the sentence be suspended.

Last month, a regional appeals court in the northern town of Celle ruled that Groening “is able to serve his term despite his advanced age.” The court said Groening’s needs related to his advanced age could be provided in prison.

Groening had admitted to being tasked with gathering the money and valuables found in the baggage of murdered Jews and handing it over to his superiors for transfer to Berlin. He said he had guarded luggage on the Auschwitz arrival and selection ramp two or three times in the summer of 1944.

CaRd of Thanks

I would like to thank my family and friends from near and far for helping me celebrate my 105 yrs young birthday.

Thank you everyone for your cards and flowers.

Thank you to my step son Dennis and Annie Zavett for that beautiful song Young at Heart at 105 and their adorable 3 yr. old grandson Zev singing Happy Birthday Great Grandma Millie. His amazing guitar playing and singing of Oh Hanukkah made me smile.

Special thanks to the staff, especially Maggie Conti, at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home for their kind wishes, photographs and balloons.

Thank you to the students at the Buffet Middle School for those delightful hand written birthday cards. I enjoyed reading them.

Thank you Gabby Blair for that wonderful article about me in the Press.

It has been a fabulous birthday, one that I will remember for a long time.

It was wonderful visiting with all of you.

Thank you, Millie altman

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12 | The Jewish Press | December 29, 2017

worldnews

Christmastime in Haifa means a celebration of Arab food DebrA KAmIN HAIFA, Israel | JTA hey say that man’s heart can be reached through his stomach. And this Christmas, chef Nof Atamna-Ismaeel is hoping the same can be said for the heart of Israeli-Arab coexistence.

Atamna-Ismaeel -- a 37-year-old native of Baqa al-Gharbiya, a predominantly Arab town near the northern Israeli city of Haifa -- wowed audiences here during the 2014 season of MasterChef Israel with her creative amalgam of modern molecular gastronomy and traditional Palestinian recipes. She won the season, making her the first Arab contestant to take home the prize, and quickly set her sights on Haifa as the ideal setting to bring Israel’s Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities closer together through food. ree years ago, Atamna-Ismaeel launched the A-Sham food festival, an annual celebration of Arab flavors — from kadaif, a sweet cheese pastry, to kubbeh, a dumpling soup. is year’s event, from Dec. 13 to 15, drew a record crowd of nearly 50,000 to this city’s rapidly gentrifying downtown.

“Our heterogeneity is our beauty and the beauty of Israeli food in general,” Atamna-Ismaeel told JTA. “It’s not interesting when everyone is the same. And Haifa is the perfect setting for this.”

Haifa is considered a model for Arab-Jewish coexistence, with Jews and Muslims working and living side by side. Israel’s third largest city has been proudly celebrating its multicultural heritage every December since 1994, when the roving Muslim festival of Ramadan happened to fall smack in the center of the Christmas and Hanukkah holidays. at year Beit Hagefen, a local Arab-Jewish cultural organization, launched Holiday of Holidays, a festival to celebrate the unique trifecta. An annual Christmastime tradition was born.

For two consecutive weekends each December, Holiday of Holidays brings twinkling Christmas lights, street parties, cra workshops and concerts to both downtown Haifa, a recently spruced-up urban strip that hugs the industrial Haifa Port, and neighboring Wadi Nisnas, an artsy district populated mainly by Christian Arabs that’s known for its vibrant food market. e festival finale will be held Dec. 20-22.

Since 2015, however, the A-Sham festival — the name comes from the Arabic word for the Levant region, which spans the Eastern Mediterranean — has been the undisputed star of the show. “ere’s so much good food to be had in Haifa,” said Jes-

sica Halfin, a food and culture writer who lives in Haifa and also gives culinary tours. “e A-Sham festival is a great excuse for people of all backgrounds to come get to know the amazing downtown food scene that we have here while also having a chance to try new and unexpected dishes and flavors from the Arabic kitchen.” is year, Atamna-Ismaeel convinced more than 70 chefs to spend the weekend cooking and collaborating in Haifa.

Despite their varied backgrounds, the menus stayed true to the theme of Arabic cooking and the unique flavors of Levantine culture.

Tourkish Bourekas, and at Maafiyat HaBankim, a legendary pastry shop, the yellow-colored Khubais Asfar, or “Bread of the Dead,” a round golden pastry studded with bitter nigella seeds that is traditionally distributed in Arab cemeteries.

Uri Jeremias, the celebrated fisherman, chef and bon vivant behind Acre’s esteemed Uri Buri restaurant, also joined the festivities, creating a special hummus dish with wild chicory and sorrel in the kitchen of Hummus Eliahu. e time away from his own kitchen was well worth it, he said.

“I believe in coexistence,” he said over bites of his savory,

Nir Zuk shows his hummus dish with Jerusalem artichoke.

Credit: A-Sham food festival

Nof Atamna-Ismaeel is the first Israeli Arab to win on MasterChef Israel.

Credit: Ehab Shukha

Jewish, Muslim, Druze and Christian chefs were installed in the kitchens of local Haifa restaurants to create a special dish. Bright posters hung outside each participating spot and hungry visitors, armed with maps highlighting the ASham route, could purchase and taste each plate for 35 shekels (approximately $10).

Osama Dallal, the Akko-bred wunderkind behind Dallal Tapas and Tel Aviv’s Maiar restaurants, whipped up octopus makluba — steaming layers of fish, vegetables and rice — that his grandmother taught him to make. Nir Zuk, the celebrated chef behind Cordelia in Jaffa and the recent Mapu restaurant in Tel Aviv’s Prima City Hotel, created a special hummus dish with Jerusalem artichoke, while Omar Alwan, the Game of Chefs competitor from Haifa’s Ale Gefen and Jaffa’s Haj Kalil restaurants, led a workshop on preparing traditional Arabic desserts.

Several local restaurants also offered special dishes without partnering with an outside chef. e standouts included bourekas made in the Izmir, Turkey-style, with tangy jibneh cheese and sweet zaatar herbs at the downtown canteen

lemony dish, which was thicker than Eliahu’s traditional hummus and more satisfying. “But coexistence is something like the weather in England — everybody talks about it, but very few people actually do something about it.

“I’m here to support anybody who supports coexistence,” he added. “It’s the only way to guarantee a better future for our children and grandchildren.”

Next year, visitors can expect the festival to have grown even broader in scope, Atamna-Ismaael said, refusing to reveal much but hinting at the idea that chefs from beyond Israel’s borders would be involved.

Of course, even aer the holiday season draws to an end — and the Christmas trees, larger-than-life menorahs and twinkling lights are all put away for the year — Atamna-Ismaael points out that in Haifa, Jews, Muslims and Christians will still be living side by side. “ey’re not walking around with a sign that says ‘Coexistence is great!’ or ‘We want coexistence!’” she said, laughing. “ey’re just living it. Here in Haifa, it’s not a slogan. It’s actually happening.”

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