December 30, 2016

thejewishpress AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

this week There will be no Jewish Press next week. Our next paper will be January 13, 2017.

Hanukkah Extravaganza pages 6 & 7

Married couple to face off in major Bible contest in Jerusalem page 12

inside Viewpoint Synagogues Life cycles

9 10 11

WWW.JEWISHOMAHA.ORG

The impact of the March of the Living

SpOnSORed by THe benJaMin and anna e. WieSMan FaMiLy endOWMenT Fund

Margie Gutnik to step down

D ECEMBER 3 0 , 2 0 1 6 | 1 T EV ET 5 7 7 7 | V O L. 9 7 | NO . 1 3 | C a nd LeLi G H Ti nG | FRID AY , D ECEMBER 3 0 , 4 : 4 6 P. M.

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JuSTin zaCHaRy SpOOneR would like to first thank the Jewish Federation of Omaha for providing me with an Israeli experience Grant allowing me to participate in the 2016 March of the Living. I had the privilege to chaperone the students of Donna Klein Jewish Academy from Boca Raton, FL, on this two-week educational experience to Poland and Israel. The March takes Jewish teens through the lowest point in Jewish history (the Holocaust) and to the highest point in our history (the State of Israel).

It is one of the most impactful experiences I have ever had, reaffirming my commitment and dedication to the Jewish people and to Israel.

Rabbi Josh Brodi of Boca Raton secured three 250 year-old sefer Torahs that were stolen by the Nazis, then taken by the Soviets and had since sat in a basement somewhere. Unknown. When Rabbi Brodi recovered them, they were old and worn. As our group was at the oldest synagogue in Poland, scribes from Jerusalem were brought in to help refurbish and finish the scrolls.

As the scribes were working, holocaust survivors held their hands. It was as if these survivors were writing the Torah themselves. On the day of the March -- walking

Margie Gutnik

from Auschwitz to Birkenau -- I had the honor and privilege of carrying one of the Torahs as I walked through the gates of Auschwitz, surrounded by Jewish youth and survivors.

As we were walking down the railroad tracks, I was flooded with emotions. I see Polish soldiers holding their rifles and I couldn’t help but feel a combination of calm and fear. I was calm, because these soldiers were See March of the Living page 2

A New Year brings new Mainstreeters programs

Pictured from left: TriOmaha, Rabbi Shalom Hammer and Ruth Meints

MaGGie COnTi Director of Activities and Outreach Programs, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Free Community concert TriOmaha: Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 1:45

Ozzie nOGG For the past eleven years, Margie Gutnik has served as Program Director of Beth El Synagogue. Her recent decision to retire as of Dec. 31 prompted Rabbi Steven Abraham to say, “Since I arrived at Beth El five years ago, Margie has been my go-to person, not only for programming but whenever we needed a point person to get something done. It was Margie I emailed at 2 a.m. when I had a wacky idea, knowing she would get back to me before dawn.

Margie has been the face of Beth El.”

p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium. Join us for musical inspirations with Omaha Symphony Orchestra members Christi Zuniga, Alyssa Griggs, and Heather Baxter. This concert is composed of flute, oboe, and piano and is sponsored by the Ruth Riekes Richards Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. An Ice Cream Social will follow the show. There is no admission charge and all are welcome. For questions, call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521.

Free Community event with motivational speaker Rabbi Shalom Hammer will discuss When I Grow

Up, I Want to Be Old: Friday, Jan. 13, 1:30 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center Auditorium. Sponsored by the Ruth Riekes Richards Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

Why are songs often referred to as “golden oldies”? Why do we reflect upon the “good old days”? Rabbi Hammer explores the advantages of reaching the golden age and offers tips on how to keep them vibrant.

The Program begins with a humorous short film, a satirical look at “life as a senior citizen.” Rabbi Shalom Hammer has lived in Israel See Mainstreeters page 2

Gutnik took the Program Director job in September of 2005 after many years as a Beth El volunteer, chairing events and sitting on the Synagogue Board of Trustees.

She also held volunteer positions outside Beth El, serving as President of the Jewish Community Center Board of Directors and the Metro Omaha Medical Auxiliary. “My 12 years working at Cox Communications in marketing and public relations expanded my knowledge base,” Gutnik said, “so when a Beth El committee chaired by Sally Zipursky and Toby Schonfeld interviewed me for the programming position, I guess they figured I had the organizational background and know-how to plan events and activities and coordinate communication.

It’s been wonderful to work with volunteers of all ages, and one of many special things I walk away with is the close friendships I’ve developed at Beth El and in the larger community.”

Lisa Marcus, a veteran Beth El volunteer, is “constantly amazed by the amount and diversity of Beth El programming, and Margie was at the heart of it -- from inception to completion. Those of us who were fortunate to work with her witnessed a true professional who provided a great path for us to follow. We wish her the very best.” Larry DeBruin, former Beth El Executive Director, called Margie a “consummate team player” and praised her “extraordinary creative talents and skills. She will truly be missed.” Judy Tully, the Beth El office gatekeeper for many years until her recent retirement, said, “Margie’s contribution to our synagogue is immeasurable. Her mind was always thinking up innovative ways to attract new members and keep our younger families involved.”

Examples of programs that Margie either created or facilitated include: A See Margie Gutnik page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | December 30, 2016

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Continued from page 1 for 27 years. He served under the Rabbinate Division of the Israeli Defense Forces and he was officially received as a lecturer for the Israeli Army to help motivate troops in all divisions. He also lectures for the Menachem Begin Israel Government Fellows in Jerusalem. He has authored four books, is a contributing writer for the Jerusalem Post, and is a renowned guest lecturer for communities throughout the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia. There is no admission charge and all are welcome.

Luncheon with Ruth Meints, Executive Director of the Omaha Conservatory of Music: Monday, Jan. 16, at 12:30 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium. Ruth Meints has been the Executive Director of the Omaha Conservatory of Music (OCM) since 2005 and authored the Violin Sprouts curriculum launched in 2013. She currently teaches violin and viola at OCM and conducts various workshops around the country in violin pedagogy and music education, integrating current neuroscience findings into music teaching.

While at OCM, she has created many music education programs, such as OCM’s Summer Institute, Winter Festival Orchestra, a full music program at the St. Augustine Indian Mission School, on-campus classes such as Club Theory and Club History, as well as the Inside the Mind of the Artist recital and master class series. Her teaching experience has included being the head of the string department at Azusa Pacific University and faculty at Biola University in the Los Angeles area. Ruth will also bring students for a musical performance. For lunch, choose either meatloaf with mashed potatoes or baked salmon with rice pilaf, both served with mushroom barley soup, mixed vegetables, a challah roll,

Margie Gutnik

Continued from page 1 community-wide celebration of Tu B’shevat at Lauritzen Gardens; the BiAnnual Family Shabbaton at the Lied Lodge in Nebraska City; the Community Wide Sukkah Hop; and the Israel at Sixty production for Yom HaAtzmaut in 2008, attended by more than 450 people. “The program presented the history and love of Israel from the different points of view held by our congregants of all ages,” Margie explained. “They performed, they prepared Israeli food. It was a very special night.” Under Margie’s direction, Beth El also added Shabbat dinners to Tot Services and K-2 services for the High Holidays, developed PJ Havdalah for Families, and established the Young Adult Committee (YAC). “For several years we offered a series of Sunday programs led by Helen Epstein for young families entitled What’s Jewish About fill-in-the-blank,” Margie said. “Like What’s Jewish About Bugs or What’s Jewish About Music, or What’s Jewish About Ice Cream. It was crazy fun.”

When asked to name the most popular, best attended, ongoing program at Beth El, Margie answered, (in her rat-a-tat speaking style) “No question, Our Shabbat Tables. Caryn Scheer came up with the idea and together we figured out the logistics of how to match Beth El members -families, couples, individuals -- to share Shabbat meals in each others’ homes, with Kosher dinners prepared in the Synagogue kitchen -- and ready for pick-up on Friday afternoon -- which meant the host could also feel like a guest. Approximately 100-plus people of all ages participate, and the program continues to grow and expand. We even added a lunch at Beth El on the second day of Rosh Hashanah this year. Our Shabbat Tables program is funded by a generous grant from The Herbert Goldsten Trust of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, for which we continue to be very grateful.”

Picking her all-time favorite program is, according to Margie, “like picking your favorite child,” but her answer came without hesitation. “Our congregational Passover Second Seder in 2016, hands down. I mean, from setting up the room to look like a huge desert tent, to the live camel rides, to the 185 participants, to Rabbi Abraham and Hazzan Krausman dressing up like Moses and Aaron, to the entire Beth El staff being totally gung-ho in order to make the experience outstanding, that Seder is far and away my most memorable, favorite program.”

For Margie and her husband Bruce, trips to visit their children and grandkids top the What-to-do-in-Retirement list. The Gutniks’ daughter Andi (and husband Jason) Kaufman live in Chicago with their elevenmonth old twins, Ethan and Jonah; Allison (and husband Ashish) Aryal live in Dallas with Lola (3 1/2) and Zoey (2) who attend Temple Emanuel Preschool; Julie (and husband Michael) Levine live in Kansas City with their 10-year old twin girls Sofia and Noa, who are 4th grade students

cookies for dessert and beverage of your choice. Cost is $10 a plate. Reservations are appreciated by Monday, Jan. 9. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services and send reservation with full payment to Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154.

A Free Afternoon at the Movies: Sully Friday, Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. in the JCC Theater. No charge for the film or the bags of warm, delicious popcorn.

No reservations necessary. Invite a pal.

Tom Hanks stars in this thrilling portrait of heroic airline pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, reenacting his incredible successful emergency landing of an Airbus A320 full of passengers on the Hudson River. Rated PG-13 and the running time is one hour and 26 minutes. If you’d like to have lunch at the Star Deli in the Rose Blumkin Home Auditorium before the show, call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 to reserve a table. Lunch is on your own. The Star Deli starts serving at 11:30 a.m.

Mainstreeters welcomes all Jewish residents of the Omaha area age 60 plus. The group offers a mixed-bag of social events, speakers, musical entertainment and learning opportunities. No dues are required to be part of Mainstreeters, but a communication fee of $5 per person, $10 per couple, is appreciated to cover the cost of printing and postage. To ensure your name is on the mailing list for Jan. 2017 to Dec. 2017, please make your check payable to Jewish Social Services and send it to Mainstreeters, c/o Dr. Jim Wax, 1103 N. 93 Street, #350, Omaha, NE 68114. And thanks very much to everyone who has already paid.

Mainstreeters programs are supported in part by grants from the United Way of the Midlands and the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

at Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. “At one time, Michael was Youth and Program Director here at Beth El, so I work in his old office,” Margie said. “Ironic, right?”

Eadie Tsabari, Beth El Director of Congregational Learning, says she never could have succeeded in her job without Margie. “She helped me every step of the way and was an invaluable source of everything Beth El. I’ve had so much fun trying to keep up with her energy and working on so many programs together.”

Margie points to both Rabbi Abraham and Eadie Tsabari as unofficial mentors. “Their enthusiasm and dedication to our congregation is amazing. Couple that with what they’ve taught me about Judaism - perhaps without their even intending to do so - has encouraged me to strive for excellence.” To which Rabbi Abraham replied, “Beth El Synagogue owes Margie a huge debt of gratitude for the programming that took place over the past 11 years. Her creativity, thoughtfulness and professionalism will be missed around the building. I’m thankful she’s only a phone call away.”

March of the Living

Continued from page 1 there to protect us. However, I was fearful because all I could think about was 70 years prior, when the soldier’s gun would make sure I was dead rather than alive.

After our time in Poland we traveled to Israel with the Torahs. Students celebrated B’nai Mitzvahs with the Torah on top of Masada. We spent Yom Hazikaron with families of fallen soldiers and Yom H’atzmout at the Kotel, the 250 year-old Torahs never far behind.

Having seen first-hand the atrocities committed against Jews in Europe and then celebrating Israel’s 68th birthday on the streets of Jerusalem, my life was changed forever. I understand the importance of Israel to the Jewish people. Like those Torahs, Israel is there to preserve the legacy and continuation of the Jewish people. I, too, have the ability to help ensure the safety and security of Israel as Israel is there to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish people. This is why I am active in our Jewish community and why I’ve continued to dedicate my career to our cause.

i

interview with carolyn Dorfman YJO Hanukkah

Nate a. SHapiro Director of Development, Jewish Federation of Omaha Dec. 17, YJO held a small Hanukkah/Havdalah get-together in the Canteen at the JCC. Over 20 young Jews from Omaha braved the extreme cold to share in the ancient tradition of Havdalah and the not-as-ancient tradition of eating sufganyot. Rabbi Ari Dembitzer of Beth Israel led everyone in Havdalah and told a Hanukkah story. Adam Rosen accompanied Rabbi Dembitzer on guitar and led a sing-along of Hanukkah classics.

Attendees played dreidel and ping pong, and networked with each other.

Are you interested in future events from YJO? Contact Nate Shapiro nshapiro@jewishomaha.org or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/youngJewish omaha.

OTYG Lock-In

Scott Littky Program Director, Temple Israel Members of our senior youth group, otyG held a Shabbat Lock-in recently. Pictured above: Welcoming in Shabbat together and right: showing off Hanukkah sweaters.

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The STar-LedGer (reprinted with permission) n a sun-drenched studio in Manhattan, three female dancers are entwined in a close circle, working through the opening sequence of Carolyn Dorfman’s piece, “Cat’s Cradle.”

The sequence is deceptively simple. The dancers -portraying Dorfman’s mother and aunts who were imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp in Poland - open their circle and close it, unravel again and come carolyn Dorfman back together. Perched on a window seat, Dorfman quickly interrupts, looking for more extension, more tension, when they unwind.

“You go out, but you only go as far as you know you can get back,” Dorfman tells them.

And in that direction -- clarifying both the movement and its motivation -- lies Dorfman’s magic. Artistic director of the Union, NJ-based modern dance company that bears her name, Dorfman creates dances that have something to say.

“I feel like people who see my work see the world in a different way, in its beauty and its sadness and its possibilities,” says the 61-year-old Short Hills resident.

Dorfman is known for speed and athleticism, and a unison of movement and spirit that seems rooted in the very

BBYO Convention

eLiJaH MarburG BBYO Mid America Region’s Winter Regional Convention in Omaha is from Dec. 27 to 30. Jewish teens will gather at a hotel in celebration of Hanukkah and a successful first half of the BBYO year. The convention’s theme is “Paint this Town,” as Omaha Cornbelt Council prepares to splash some color on the Nebraska winterscape. One activity is Maccabiah, the timehonored Jewish summer camp tradition of splitting everyone up into groups designated by colors, where they compete in games requiring absolute teamwork.

As a tzedakah project, attendees will make ‘bottles of smiles’ care packages to donate to those in need. This project was started by a BBYO council in Texas and has grown to be utilized all over the country. All three nights of WRC, convention-goers will fulfill the mitzvah of lighting candles on a Chanukiah. Visiting Shlichim from Israel will lead unique and engaging forms of t’filah, with the help of the amazing Joshua Cohen, a BBYO song leader.

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breath of the dancers.

You watch Dorfman’s dancers, but you also feel their movement.

This connection with the audience is critical to her vision. Dorfman nurtures it in the studio -- a place of comCarolyn Dorfman Dance will be in Omaha Jan. 16-20 for an educational and artistic residency. The program is a collaboration of Omaha Performing Arts and the Institute for Holocaust Education.

The community is invited to attend an “Up Close & Personal” lecture/performance with Carolyn at the JCC Theater on Jan 17 at 7 p.m. A public performance of The Legacy Project: A Dance of Hope (including “Cat’s Cradle”) will take place at the Orpheum Theater on Jan 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at ticketomaha.com. munity and collaboration -- and with dance audiences around New Jersey and the world. A self-described problem-solver, she says her innate need to connect is the result of being the child of Holocaust survivors. Her mother was a concentration camp prisoner; her father was hidden and was part of the Polish resistance effort.

“That is the defining element of my life,” she says. “It created for me the need to build bridges, to connect, to share the stories -- not the pain but to look at the commonality of the human experience. It gave me an optimism (about) how the human spirit can survive.

“It gave me hope.”

The full interview/article from The Star-Ledger can be found here: http://blog.nj.com/iamnj/2007/12/carol_ dorfman.html.

This year’s Winter Regional Convention, like all MAR events, will be a valuable time for the Jewish teens involved to reconnect with their closest friends, and meet new people who will become their lifelong friends.

WRC will also feature creative, thoughtprovoking programming, meant to inspire the participants to take action in their community on any number of issues. All this combines to make a distinctly ‘BBYO’ experience of bonding and Judaic connection, an experience so special it cannot really be described to someone who hasn’t been through it themselves.

For two months, members of the steering committee of Alephs and BBGs (Emily Kutler, Kathleen Kirshenbaum, Julia Raffel, Charlie Cohen, Robert Osborne, Benjamin Brodkey, Elijah Marburg, and Brooke Wilczewski) led by convention coordinators Leo Norton and Max Kohll have worked tirelessly to ensure an unforgettable experience for all in attendance. MAR WRC 2016 is sure to be a convention to remember!

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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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Friday, deCember 30 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m at RBJH Hanukkah Service and Dinner, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel

Saturday, deCember 31 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Kids Night Out, 5:30 p.m.

Temple Israel TiYPE Program, 7 p.m. at Old Market Spaghetti Works tueSday, January 3 Ethics and Values-A Jewish Guide to Life, Noon at Whole Foods WedneSday, January 4 Breadbreakers, Noon at RBJH Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, Noon at RBJH Monthly Kids Learning Chabura, 3:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Ethics and Values-A Jewish Guide to Life, 6:15 p.m. at Beth El Musical Theater Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m. thurSday, January 5 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel

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Friday, January 6 Alzheimer’s Support Group, 11 a.m. at RBJH Star Deli, 11:30 a.m at RBJH

Saturday, January 7 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Temple Israel TiYPE Program, 10:30 a.m.

Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Sunday, January 8 BESTT Sunday School, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Book Club, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Religious School, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Temple Tots Sunday, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El

monday, January 9 IHE Governance Council Mtg, 11:30 a.m.

Jewish Press Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

Exploring Judaism Class, 7 p.m.

FJA Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. at FJA

tueSday, January 10 Ethics and Values-A Jewish Guide to Life, Noon at Whole Foods JFO Campaign Telethon, 6 p.m.

WedneSday, January 11 Breadbreakers, Noon at RBJH Religious School, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew School, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Ethics and Values-A Jewish Guide to Life, 6:15 p.m. at Beth El Musical Theater Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.

Adult Education Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El thurSday, January 12 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel

Friday, January 13 Temple Israel Youth Winter Chavurah in St. Louis through Jan. 16 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m at RBJH “When I Grow up I want to be Old”, 1:30 p.m.

Shabbat Services, 7:30 p.m. at B’nai Israel-Council Bluffs Saturday, January 14 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Junior Congregation, 10 a.m at Beth El Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Kids Night Out, 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 15 Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El

monday, January 16 Mainstreeters Lunch, 11 a.m. at RBJH Exploring Judaism Class, 7 p.m.

tueSday, January 17 Ethics and Values-A Jewish Guide to Life, Noon at Whole Foods Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company Lecture, Performance and Reception, 7 p.m.

Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel WedneSday, January 18 Breadbreakers, Noon at RBJH Dorfman Dance Workshop, 4 p.m.

Religious School, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew School, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Ethics and Values-A Jewish Guide to Life, 6:15 p.m. at Beth El Musical Theater Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.

Adult Education Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El

thurSday, January 19 Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Middle East Forum, Noon at UNO Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center Carolyn Dorfman Dance Company Legacy Project Performance, 7:30 p.m. at Orpheum Theater Friday, January 20 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m at RBJH

Saturday, January 21 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Shabbat’s Cool, 10 a.m. at Beth El Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Family Bingo and Game Night, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel Sunday, January 22 BESTT Sunday School, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Religious School, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel TED Talk, 11 a.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Kibbutz Chaverim, 12:15 p.m. at Beth El Musical Theater Auditions, Adults, 1 p.m.

Musical Theater Auditions, Kids 8-18yrs, 3 p.m.

monday, January 23 Exploring Judaism Class, 7 p.m.

tueSday, January 24 JSS Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Ethics and Values-A Jewish Guide to Life, Noon at Whole Foods WedneSday, January 25 Breadbreakers, Noon at RBJH Religious School, 4 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew School, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Ethics and Values-A Jewish Guide to Life, 6:15 p.m. at Beth El Musical Theater Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.

Adult Education Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El thurSday, January 26 ADL Educator Speaker Series, 7:30 a.m.

Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel JFO Campaign Telethon, 6 p.m.

Friday, January 27 Scholar-in-Residence, Bob Wolfson at Temple Israel Star Deli, 11:30 a.m at RBJH Mainstreeters Movie, 1:30 p.m.

Tot & Family Shabbat & Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El

Saturday, January 28 Scholar-in-Residence, Bob Wolfson at Temple Israel Temple Tots Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Junior Congregation, 10 a.m at Beth El Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Beth El YAC goes to Brix & Funny Bone, 7 p.m. at Brix - Village Pointe Sunday, January 29 Scholar-in-Residence, Bob Wolfson at Temple Israel Temple Israel Breakfast Service, 7:30 a.m. at Stephen Center Babies, Bigger Kids ‘n Bagels, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El BESTT Sunday School, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Religious School, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Sunday Speaker’s Series, 11 a.m. at Beth El OTYG Meeting, Noon at Temple Israel Women’s Tu B’Shevat Seder, 4 p.m. at Beth El monday, January 30 Federation Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Exploring Judaism Class, 7 p.m.

The Jewish Press | December 30, 2016 | 5

dorothy kaplan Book Group to discuss The Kommandant’s Girl

t

MaRk kiRcHHoff Program and Communications Assistant, Jewish Federation of Omaha he first meeting of the New Year for the Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group will be Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. The group will discuss Pam Jenoff ’s The Kommandant’s Girl. Jenoff was the featured speaker at the Nov. 12, 2015 Jewish Book Month Luncheon. She discussed her most recent novel at that time, The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach. That book is set in 1941 and tells the story of young Adelia Monteforte who flees fascist Italy for America where she is whisked away to the shore by her well-meaning aunt and uncle. She meets and falls in love with an IrishCatholic boy and their lives become entwined with the war and a tragedy that hits close to home.

Pam proved to be one of the most popular authors hosted by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, spending time after the luncheon

with book signing and a discussion with members of the book group. For additional information about Jenoff, visit her web page at www.pamjenoff.com.

The Kommandant’s Girl tells the story of 19-year-old Emma Bau. Emma has been married for only three weeks when the Nazis invade her native Poland.

After her husband Jacob is forced to disappear underground as part of the resistance movement, Emma soon finds herself imprisoned in the ghetto with her parents. There she meets one of the resistance leaders and with his help is able to escape the ghetto and live under an assumed, non-Jewish identity.

The group welcomes new participants at any of its meetings. Those who wish to participate occasionally and those who wish to become permanent participants are both welcome. For information about obtaining a copy of The Kommandant’s Girl, and for joining the group, contact Library Specialist Shirly Banner at 402.334.6462 or sbanner@jewishomaha.org.

Hanukkah celebration during Sunday Religious School Classes at Temple Israel Scott Littky Program Director, Temple Israel celebrating Hanukkah together at temple israel’s Religious School. teachers, Parents and Students all had an amazing time.

Shaliach visits Omaha

nate a. SHaPiRo Director of Development, Jewish Federation of Omaha The Jewish Federation of Omaha is pleased to announce that our first monthly

Sheliach (emissary from Israel) visit was a success. Yael Treger, the Shlicha in St. Louis, joined the Omaha community on Dec. 1315 to bring Israeli programming to our community. Yael visited with the residents at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, she taught the BBYO group how to make sufganyiot, she presented an Israeli short film to the Breadbreakers group, and she taught some songs and games to the children attending the child development center. The Jewish Federation of Omaha is appreciative of Yael for making time for us, and the St. Louis community for allowing her to join us.

As we are moving forward with the process of finding a permanent Sheliach for

our community, we will continue to have monthly guest shlichim from all over the Midwest, to promote ties with the Omaha community and Israel. Please contact Nate

Shapiro nshapiro@jewishomaha.org if you have any questions or comments regarding Shlichut.

organizations

B’nai B’RitH BReadBReakeRS

AIPAC area director, Craig Gardenswartz, returns from Denver to talk about Jews, America and the Middle East Wednesday, Jan. 4, noon.

For more information or to be placed on the email list, please call 402.334.6443 or email bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

6 | The Jewish Press | December 30, 2016

The Jewish Press | December 30, 2016 | 7

hanukkahextravaganza

T

he JFO Kids’ Campaign welcomed a large and enthusiastic audience during the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Hanukkah Extravaganza, Monday, Dec. 19. It’s all thanks to the tireless work of Senior Director of Community Impact and Special Projects Louri Sullivan, together with Kids’ Campaign chairs Stephanie, Matthew, Shalom, Judah and Eliana Beneda; Crystal, Aryeh, Nina and Josie Epstein; Lisa, Chuck, Makayla and Kori Lucoff; Jamie, Troy, Ainsley, Aiden and Audrey Meyerson; Melissa, Matt, Joshua, Evan and Lea Shapiro and Sonia, Alan, Adria and Asher Tipp. In addition, numerous volunteers came to help out in the various activity booths, ensuring kids as well

as the adults who accompanied them had a wonderful time. ere were cras, a photo booth, many active games and facepainting, as well as balloon animals. And what’s a Jewish Federation of Omaha kids’ party without a jumpy castle? Of course, there was food: Friedel Jewish Academy’s PTO organized their annual latke sale and fundraiser to coincide with the Hanukkah extravaganza. It was a great match: Friedel sold 850 latkes, and offered sufganyot as well.

To find out more about Kids’ Campaign or to volunteer for future JFO events, please contact Louri Sullivan at lsullivan@ jewishomaha.org, or 402.334.6485.

8 | The Jewish Press | December 30, 2016

Friedel celebrates Hanukkah

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in front of a theater filled with family, friends and alumni, the students at Friedel Jewish Academy performed their annual Hanukkah play. Afterwards, there were, of course, plenty of sufganiyot.

Commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Temple Israel Scott Littky Program Director, Temple Israel Tikkun Olam, the Jewish value of repairing our world, is central to us as a people. In the course of modern American history, we have seen many examples where individual Jews and Jewish groups have stepped forward to take action. The Civil Rights Movement for many served as a defining point in shaping who and what we stood for. Two events during this time period have lasted as permanent examples for us as Jews of our dedication to aid others.

First, the violent death and cover-up of Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Andy Goodman in Mississippi during the summer of 1964. Both Schwerner and Goodman were young Jewish men who went to Mississippi during the summer of 1964 to aid in voter registration. Second, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the march on Selma in 1965. Heschel believed that through our actions we learn to know and have a relationship with God. He was quoted as saying, “...morally speaking, there is no limit to the concern one must feel for the suffering of human beings, that indifference to evil is worse than evil itself, that in a free society, some are guilty, but all are responsible.”

As we all know, Martin Luther King, Jr. was an important civil rights activist. He was a leader in the movement to end racial segregation in the United States. His most famous address was the I Have A Dream

speech. He was an advocate of non-violent protest and became the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was assassinated in April of 1968.

In 1968, shortly after Martin Luther King, Jr. died, a campaign was started for his birthday to become a national holiday to honor him. After the first bill was introduced, trade unions led the campaign for the federal holiday which was endorsed in 1976. Following support from the musician Stevie Wonder with his single Happy Birthday and a petition with six million signatures, the bill became law in 1983. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first observed in 1986, although it was not observed in all states until the year 2000.

Many have chosen to mark the day or even the weekend with study about this time in history or do community service.

This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, Jan. 16. At Temple Israel, we will honor the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. and his work on civil rights during Friday evening Shabbat services on Jan. 13.

During our 6 p.m. Shabbat service held in the chapel, Jim Farber and Angie Krieger will speak on the topic of Life in Omaha before and during the Civil Rights Movement.

As always, Friday evening services are open to the entire community.

For more information, please contact Program Director Scott Littky at 402.556.6536.

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The Jewish Press | December 30, 2016 | 9

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(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 thierry Ndjike Accounting Jewish press Board Eric Dunning, President; Andy Ruback, Past-President; Sandy Friedman, Treasurer; Andrew Boehm; Paul Gerber; Alex Grossman; Jill Idelman; Mike Kaufman; David Kotok; Debbie Kricsfeld; Abby Kutler; Pam Monsky; Paul Rabinovitz and Barry Zoob.

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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.

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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.

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Happy 2017

ANNette vAN De KAmp-Wright anew in January to me kind of feels like cheating Editor of the Jewish Press the system. To grow as human beings, we have to oon, it will be 2017. We’re about to encounter a fresh acknowledge the things we are not very good at, new year, and the mythical promises that accompany we have to be fair to ourselves and be brutally honit. All over the world, people make their hopeful res- est in the process. olutions: lose weight, eat healthier, pick up after yourself and be nicer to your neighbor, even when he plays his country music too loud.

Personally, I’m not a big fan of the “I-mustdo-this-on-January-first” attitude. There is no Jewish law that requires us to get better at anything just because the secular calendar tell us so, and there are plenty of laws that say we should strive to be better all the time. There’s nothing special about this day. Plus, we tend to not stick with New Year’s resolutions very long.

I bet good money that the vast majority of people give up before the month is out, thereby setting themselves up for failure and certain misery. I’m not being negative; just realistic.

So why is it that we, as human beings, are so overly fond of “new beginnings?” Don’t we understand that putting a big fat X through At the stroke of midnight, synchronized firework disthe past and starting over is not necessarily plays fire off from at least 8 different casino resorts along the Strip, and continue for ten minutes or so. a good idea?

Credit: InSapphoWeTrust via Wikimedia Commons So maybe we did eat too much, yelled at all the wrong people, gossiped and refused to put It’s that brutal honesty that is especially hard. If the clean laundry away over the past year. Maybe it were easy, we’d all be thin, popular and very, very we didn’t make it to the gym as often, tipped our happy. There is nothing more difficult to accomplish waiters less than we should have and cut others off than putting yourself under the microscope, with or in traffic. Pretending that a random date on the cal- without the help of a good therapist. But when we endar gives us a blank slate is not what will help do, and we give ourselves a little love in the process, us become better versions of ourselves. All those we can arrive at a point where we are not only less-than-positive experiences cannot be simply aware of where we are lacking, but also find out erased; they make us who we are, and we have to what to do about it. take the bad with the good. Imagining we start Look at me, going all motivational speaker on you.

It’s what the New Year does to me; it makes me reflective and it makes me chafe at cultural conventions. So: no New Year’s resolutions for me. I absolutely, categorically, refuse.

“It’s not our holiday or even our New Year’s,” Marnie Winston-McKaulay writes on Aish.com. “Of course the secular New Year’s is hard to ignore when 99 percent of the world is staring at a ball, while screaming, blowing strange things and Auld Lang Syning it at midnight. The next day, after football and mega ham and cheese hoagies they face the dreaded task of making ‘resolutions.’ Do they keep them? I have a Gentile friend who makes the same ones every year. She’ll lose 10 pounds, eat healthy, and get rid of her desk job. She’s a trooper, that is, until Jan. 3rd where you’ll find her facedown in a chocolate layer cake under her cubicle. This, of course, is why she makes the same resolutions every year.”

And on Kveller.com, Rachel Wainer adds: “I am busy enough without the burden of trying to become a ‘new me.’ It makes me think about Rosh Hashanah, and how differently I feel during that holiday season. Maybe it is because the charge to reflect, repent, and become righteous feels like a more worthy cause to which I should resolve myself.

The idea of seeking forgiveness and symbolically casting away all the bad of the previous year is just the opposite of burdensome. It is liberating. Instead of creating a new me, the Jewish New Year says to return again to my true, authentic self.”

Ha! I knew it. I am not the only one who feels this secular holiday creates unrealistic expectations. So, to those of you who love New Year’s resolutions, go ahead; I wouldn’t want to stop you. But I am bringing my old self with me to 2017. Our old parts may not be perfect, but they deserve to stick around.

Kosovo. Aleppo. Did (will) any of the boys grow to be men?

Ozzie NOgg The Stari Most, Mostar’s spectacular 16th-century stone bridge and one of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s greatest architectural treasures, collapsed yesterday in a barrage of Croatian shells.

Built in 1566, supposedly with mortar made from egg whites, the Stari Most was once compared with a rainbow rising up to the Milky Way, but war turned it into a battle-scarred monument to the gap between the Croats and Muslims fighting for Mostar.

In Sarajevo, dead and wounded children littered a playground and classroom when mortars wreaked havoc on an infant school.

Source: Croats destroy Mostar’s historic bridge

by Robert Block and Christopher Bellamy for independent.uk, Nov. 9, 1993

rate the sufferings of people from the destruction of monuments of culture. The killing of memory is as great a tragedy as the killing of people”.

My memory of a trip to Kosovo is very much alive. I often flash back to 1972, to the time my husband and I visited there, and remember one rainy evening when we got lost on a dirt road in the mountains while trying to find a dot on the

Peć. The shepherd smiled and waved and we smiled and waved and even the sheep, I swear, smiled as we drove off towards Peć that evening in the mountains of Kosovo, before the war.

When the Taliban, in 2001, dynamited and destroyed two sacred 6th Century Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush, I flashed back to the morning we parked the red Fiat and walked to the the Old Bridge in Mostar.

Stari Most, the fabled, stone bridge that was the city’s treasure and to which we came like pilgrims to a shrine. In our jeans and fringed western jackets we walked on the bridge over the Neretva River alongside horse-drawn wagons piled high with cabbages. On top of the cabbages, Gypsy women rode like princesses in howdahs.

Unthinking, I lifted my camera. The women covered their faces with their goldThe 1990s conflict in Kosovo is old ringed hands, shielded their babies with news. Photos of ethnic Albanian refugees their shawls and turned their backs. stumbling barefoot across the border toOh, no. You will not capture our souls ward Macedonia in 1999 have morphed today. Oh, no.

Credit: Ozzie Nogg into TV footage of Aleppo residents run- School boys But one small girl, still too young to recning from death, streets littered with rain-soaked map spelled P-E-C. ognize danger, smiled at my camera. She smiled corpses, the sound of children crying out from Peck, we reasoned. Where the heck is Peck? and waved, but I could not bring myself to shoot. underneath rubble. The destruction of The Old Stymied, we sat in our rented red Fiat -- a pair Today, without leaving my condo in Omaha, I Bridge in Mostar by Croat mortar fire is mirof American tourists wearing jeans and fringed access social media and see the body of Aylan rored by Syrian Arab Army forces who flattened western jackets -- when out of the rain came our Kurdi, the 3-year-old Syrian Kurdish child the 400-year old Eliyahu Hanabi Synagogue in Messiah. A shepherd wrapped in an honest-towashed up on a Turkish beach. Youtube offers Damascus -- destroying thousands of irreplacegoodness sheep’s skin, its tail and four empty legs pictures of The Ambulance Boy -- five-year old able Jewish artifacts -- and the imminent loss of flapping in the wind. The shepherd’s flock Omran Daqneesh, injured in a Russian air strike the ancient Central Synagogue of Aleppo which pressed against our car as he peered inside. We on Aleppo, sitting stunned, covered with ash and served as one of the Jewish world’s oldest houses showed him the map. Pointed to blood. I read tweets from seven-year old Bana alof prayer.

P - E - C. But it was clear. The shepherd could Abed. “I am talking to the world now live from In his book, Killing Memory, Andras Riedlnot read.

East #Aleppo,” she writes. “This is my last momayer writes, “When a person dies, it is that perPECK! we shouted. PECK! ment to either live or die.” Are Bana’s messages son’s life, that person’s family that’s affected. When Finally, a look of blessed understanding came authentic or fake news? Who cares. Our eyes bear a culture is killed, it forecloses the future and deover the shepherd’s face. He grinned so wide we witness to the truth. Innocent civilians, innocent stroys the memory of the past. Even if the people could see his three remaining, tobacco-stained children, are caught in the Syrian slaughter. to whom those monuments and documents beteeth.

Such a leap from 1972, from the waterfalls and long survive, they’ve lost their anchor, their conAh, he laughed. Peh-TCH! Peh-TCH! glacial lakes near Uroševac, the mountain town nection to who they are, of how they belong to a Triumphantly, he pointed his stick towards in Kosovo where we bought plates of steaming See Kosovo. Aleppo. page 11 particular place... . I think that you cannot sepaPeć. The sheep pointed their wet noses towards

10 | The Jewish Press | December 30, 2016

synagogues b’nai israel synagogue

618 Mynster Street Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 402.322.4705 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

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. 13, at 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Mary-Beth Muskin, Regional Director of ADL-CRC Plain States Region on ADL-Now more than ever. Oneg to follow service. Everyone is always welcome at B’nai Israel! Our services are led by lay leader Larry Blass.

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: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. followed by New Year’s Toast at Kiddush; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5 p.m. weekday serViCes: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sunday: No BESTT Classes; No Torah Study. monday: Synagogue Office Closed; Morning Service, 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Rabbi Abraham’s Ethics & Values: A Jewish Guide to Life’s Most Difficult Questions, noon at Whole Foods. wednesday: No BESTT Classes; Rabbi Abraham’s Ethics & Values -- A Jewish Guide to Life’s Most Difficult Questions, 6:15 p.m. friday-Jan. 6: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. saTurday-Jan. 7: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush is sponsored by Aveva and Marty Shukert in honor of Marty’s birthday; Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5 p.m. weekday serViCes: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. sunday: Morning Service, 9:45 a.m.; BESTT Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 11:15 a.m.; USY Program at Lydia House, 12:15 p.m.

Tuesday: Rabbi Abraham’s Ethics & Values: A Jewish Guide to Life’s Most Difficult Questions, noon at Whole Foods. wednesday: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; USY Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.; Rabbi Abraham’s Ethics & Values -- A Jewish Guide to Life’s Most Difficult Questions, 6:15 p.m.; BESTT Hebrew High Classes, 6:45 p.m.

Thursday: Shanghai, 1 p.m.

Preschool Parent Night Out, saturday, Jan. 14, 5:30 p.m.

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

beTh israel synagogue

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Ari Dembitzer. friday: Shacharit, 6:45 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv & Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:47 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 4:47 p.m.; Hanukkah/ Shabbat Dinner, 6 p.m. saTurday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Insights in the Weekly Torah Reading, 3:45 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 4:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:52 p.m. sunday: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. monday: Synagogue Office Closed; Shacharit, 9 a.m.

Tuesday-wednesday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

Thursday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ethics Class with Rabbi Ari, 7:45 a.m.; Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Scholars Club, 4:30 p.m. friday-Jan. 6: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv & Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:53 p.m.; Candle Lighting, 4:53 p.m. saTurday-Jan. 7: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Insights in the Weekly Torah Reading, 3:50 p.m.; Mincha/Seudah Shlishit, 4:35 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:58 p.m. sunday-fast of Tevet: Shacharit, 8:30 a.m.; Bagels and Beit Medrash, 9:45 a.m. monday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Shlomo, 1 p.m. at the JCC; Friedel Alumni Club, 5 p.m.; Read Hebrew America Class, 7:30 p.m.

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

Thursday: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ethics Class with Rabbi Ari, 7:45 a.m.; Women’s Class, 9:30 a.m.; Scholars Club, 4:30 p.m.

Chabad house

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. friday: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing; Camp Gan Israel, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for ages 3-

10; Light seven lights on the menorah before 4:46 p.m. saTurday: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. followed by a kiddush luncheon. sunday: Shacharit, 8:30 a.m. followed by Sunday Secrets: Jewish Fun Facts class at 9:15 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: New Tanya Series -- The Anatomy of Your Soul: Who Are You?, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

Thursday: Advanced Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Mendel Katzman. friday-Jan. 6: Shacharit, 7 a.m. followed by coffee, treats, study and shmoozing. saTurday-Jan. 7: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. followed by a kiddush luncheon. sunday: Shacharit, 8:30 a.m. followed by Sunday Secrets: Jewish Fun Facts class at 9:15 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: New Tanya Series -- The Anatomy of Your Soul: Who Are You?, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

Thursday: Advanced Talmud Class, noon with Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

All programs are open to the entire community.

CongregaTion b’nai Jeshurun

Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. friday: Hanukkah: 7 candles, 4:50 p.m.; Candlelighting, 4:50 p.m.; Latke Dinner with Hanukkah Service, featuring Temple Choir & Star City Kochavim, 6:30 p.m. saTurday: Trainin Bar Mitzvah at Tifereth Israel -- No Services or Torah Study at Temple; Hanukkah: 8 candles, 6:21 p.m. sunday: No LJCS Classes. wednesday: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at TI. adulT eduCaTion wednesday: Intro to Prayer Hebrew, Session #10, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Beginning Conversational Hebrew, Session #8, 6:30 p.m. friday-Jan. 6: Candlelighting, 4:57 p.m.; Pre-neg, 6 p.m.; Shabbat Evening Service, 6:30 p.m. saTurday-Jan. 7: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Vayigash; Havdalah (72 minutes), 6:28 p.m. sunday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m. at South Street Temple. wednesday: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; The Lincoln Jewish Federation Presents: An Evening with Rabbi Shalom Hammer on Why can’t we get along? Interdenominational dialogue in Israel, 7 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. adulT eduCaTion Tuesday: Intro to Judaism, Session #7, 6:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Lewis. wednesday: Intro to Prayer Hebrew, Session #11, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Beginning Conversational Hebrew, Session #9, 6:30 p.m.

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 anytime the Temple is open.

South Street Temple is partnering with “We Can Do This” to provide weekend meals to the children of the F Street Community Center. Join us as we provide lunch on the third Sunday of every month. Food/monetary donations, meal preparation and assistance with setting up, serving, and clean-up are needed! We will serve our first meal on Jan. 15 at 2:30 p.m. For more information, email Sarah Beringer at sarah.m.beringer@gmail.com.

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

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

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

Temple israel

friday: Hanukkah Service & Dinner: Candle lighting and Kiddush in the Simon Community Court, 5:30 p.m., Services, 6 p.m. Dinner immediately following. Join us for a special, family-friendly, interactive Hanukkah service, followed by dinner and games for all ages. Menu: Brisket, Vegetables, Latkes with Applesauce & Sour Cream, Dessert. Bring your dreidels! Bring your favorite family menorah to decorate your holiday table!

Reservations required. saTurday: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Services, 10:30 a.m. Torah Reader: Dan Gilbert and Haftarah Reader: Miles Remer; TiYPE Chanukah Havdalah (ages 18+), 7 p.m. Join TiYPE, as we ring in the New Year for dinner in the Old Market at Spaghetti Works (appetizers are on us), followed by hot cocoa and a Havdalah service. Reservations required. sunday: No Grades K-6. wednesday: No Grades 3-6, Grades 7-12 or Family School.

Thursday: The Magic of Rituals, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Berezin. friday-Jan. 6: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. saTurday-Jan. 7: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Services, 10:30 a.m. Torah Reader: Miles Remer and Haftarah Reader: Denise Blake; TiYPE Eat, Pray and Schmooze, 10:30 a.m. Join TiYPE at Saturday morning services at Temple Israel. We will then be going to Swartz’s Deli for a great knosh (appetizers are on us). Reservations are required. sunday: Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Temple Israel Book Club, 10 a.m.; Temple Tots Sunday, 10:30 a.m.; OTYG Board Meeting, 1 p.m.

Tuesday: OTYG Spaghetti Prep Nights, 5 p.m. wednesday: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6:30 p.m.; Judah the Birth of a Hero: Uncovering the Wisdom of the Torah, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Crystal.

Thursday: The Magic of Rituals, 10 a.m. with Rabbi Berezin; Kol Rina Rehearsal, 7 p.m. at St. Paul; Movie Night: Sophie’s Choice, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel.

The Binding of Isaac: 2,000 Years of Struggle with the Torah with Rabbi Crystal, wednesday, Jan. 18, 6:30 p.m.

Amsterdam, Prague and Malta: A Jewish Journey with Cantor Shermet, Thursdays, Jan. 19 & 26 and feb. 2-23, 10 a.m.

Family Bingo Night, Havdalah & Dinner!, saturday, Jan. 21, 5-8 p.m. Please bring a dessert to share. We’ll enjoy an evening of Bingo! Prizes will be awarded to the winner of each game. Also, a great night to meet Rabbi Brian Stoller and his family. Please RSVP to Temple Israel, 402.556.6536 or rsVp @templeisraelomaha.com.

Let’s Meet our Tri-Faith Neighbors, wednesdays, Jan. 25 & feb. 1, 6:30-8 p.m. On Jan. 25, Rev. Eric Elnes, Ph.D., Senior Minister of Countryside, will help us gain an understanding of the beliefs and principles in their movement, the United Church of Christ. On feb. 1, a representative from the American Muslim Institute will aide us in learning more about the principles and practices of Islam.

TifereTh israel

Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: monday-friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. friday: Oren Trainin Bar Mitzvah, Services, 6 p.m. followed by an Oneg. saTurday: Oren Trainin Bar Mitzvah, Shabbat Morning Services, 9:30 a.m. followed by a Kiddush Luncheon in honor of Oren. sunday: No LJCS Classes; Sally Arenson Monument Unveiling, 10:30 a.m. at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Please join the Arenson and Bowers families for this ceremony so there will be a minyan present and kaddish can be recited. wednesday: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at TI. friday-Jan. 6: Simcha Shel Shabbat Birthday Celebration, 6:15 p.m. Join us for a Shabbat pasta dinner, candle lighting, kiddush, and ha-motzi. There will be no Friday evening services following dinner. All ages are welcome to join together. saTurday-Jan. 7: Shabbat Morning Services, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush Luncheon. sunday: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Gesher, 10 a.m. at South Street Temple. wednesday: LJCS Hebrew School, 4 p.m. at TI; Federation is sponsoring an evening with Rabbi Shalom Hammer on at 7 p.m. at the synagogue.

The Jewish Press | December 30, 2016 | 11

lifecycles mARRIAGeS

GeLLmAN/GOLdeNbeRG

Rebecca Leigh Gellman and Andrew Eric Goldenberg were married on Dec. 10 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin, TX. The ceremony was officiated by Rabbi Alan Freedman.

The bride is the daughter of Lynne (Friedel) Gellman and Steven Gellman, and the granddaughter of the late Phyllis and Leonard Friedel of Omaha and the late Cele and Saul Gellman of Austin, TX. Becca graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Southern California with a double major in Theatre and Spanish.

The groom is the son of Gail Goldenberg and the late Jeffrey Goldenberg, from Los Angeles, and the grandson of the late Jean and Lou Weiss of Pembroke Pines, FL. Andy is a graduate at the University of Miami with a degree in Theatre.

The couple resides in Valley Village, CA.

Yachad celebrates Hanukkah

Kosovo. Aleppo.

Continued from page 9 ćevapčići from a vendor in the park. Cevapčići-- those sausages of ground lamb -- skewered, charred -- shaped like fingers. We sat on the grass, eating, and watched a group of boys approach us. How old were they? Ten, perhaps 12.

School boys with book bags. Young boys in short, wool pants and thick, hand-knit socks. They came nearer, walked slower and tried not to stare at us in our jeans and fringed western jackets. I held out a pack of gum. Smiled. The boys stopped and the bravest of them, the tallest, inched towards me like a cautious puppy, sniffing at offered bones.

My smile said, Don’t be afraid. Nothing bad will happen.

You are safe.The boy smiled back.

Juicy Fruit, I said, still smiling. Juicy Fruit.

The boys gathered around us, another flock of sheep.

Ah, the brave boy said. Joo-cee Froo-dt. He took the gum and pointed at my fringed jacket.

John Wayne, he said, proudly. He pointed his index finger at me, his thumb up.

John Wayne, he said. Bang, bang!

The other boys pointed, too, and laughed. We all smiled and laughed and the brave boy pointed his finger and said, John Wayne, bang, bang! and all the boys pointed fingers at one another and said, Bang, bang! You’re dead! Bang, bang! and fell down, laughing, that day in Kosovo, before the war.

Stari Most has been rebuilt, and the New Old Bridge is considered, by some, the symbol of reconciliation and human solidarity. Bosnian political activist Predrag Matvejević might not agree. "When a bridge is broken,” he wrote, “there often remains, on one side or the other, a sort of stump. At first, it seemed to us that it had crumbled entirely with nothing left behind, taking with it a piece of the mountain, the stone towers on either side, lumps of Herzegovina's soil. We saw later, on both sides, real scars, alive and bleeding.”

I see pictures of Aleppo’s children and remember those school boys we met in Uroševac 44 years ago. Are they now grown men, albeit broken and scarred? Or do they lie buried in Herzegovina’s soil?

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Her attendent was her sister, Kaylea Larson.

The groom is the son of Cindy and Alan Shulewitz, and the grandson of Phyllis and the late Normand Roffman, and the late Anna and Norman Shulewitz. Chad works for Tradesmen International.

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NY’s 1st Hasidic female judge sworn in at ceremony featuring Yiddish God Bless America

JTA Rachel Freier of Brooklyn officially became the first Hasidic woman to be sworn in as a judge in New York state.

Freier, a mother of six and former lawyer who practiced commercial and residential estate law, was sworn in Thursday as the Civil Court judge in Kings County’s 5th judicial district, CBS reported.

She won the post in a September election. Her district encompasses the Brooklyn communities of Kensington, Sunset Park and Windsor Terrace, among others.

At the swearing-in ceremony, the Hasidic performer Lipa Schmeltzer performed the song God Bless America in Yiddish while wearing a white suit with colorful doodles, the vosizneias website reported.

Freier, 51, who is also known as Ruchie, worked as a legal secretary and paralegal to support her husband’s Talmudic studies. She is a graduate of Touro College and Brooklyn Law School, and founded the all-female EMT agency Ezras Nashim.

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12 | The Jewish Press | December 30, 2016

worldnews

Married couple to face off in major Bible contest in Jerusalem representing their respective countries -- Canada and Ben SAleS the United States -- in the International Adult Bible NEW YORK | JTA ome couples argue over movies, others Contest in Jerusalem. disagree about how to squeeze the The contest -- sort of a spelling bee, but with bibtoothpaste.

But one of the earliest debates Yaelle Frohlich and Yair Shahak had was over which biblical figure was the most tragic. Shahak chose Jeremiah, the ridiculed and ignored prophet of doom. Frohlich picked Leah, Jacob’s neglected wife.

Nine years later, on a chilly Monday night in Manhattan, the couple sat in the library at Yeshiva University engaged in another spirited discussion -- this time about Samson, the tragic hero in the Book of Judges. “You do not fall in love with a Philistine woman and tell her all your Yair Shahak, left, and Yaelle Frohlich, are married. They are also secrets after you killed a thousand competing against each other in the International Adult Bible ConPhilistines!� Frohlich exclaimed, test in Jerusalem on Dec. 28, 2016.

Shahak nodding in agreement.

Credit: David Khabinsky/Yeshiva University “That’s just ridiculous!�

Frohlich and Shahak, both 28 and living in Manhat- lical verses rather than words -- has the contestants tan, met in 2007 when they were studying at Y.U. answer the minutest of details about the most obThey soon bonded over their mutual love of the Bible. scure of biblical books. Contestants must locate or The couple married in 2012, and since then have complete fragments of biblical verses, identify who spent many Saturdays together poring over prophetic said which quotation to whom, or name geographical texts or reading verses aloud to each other. details of the ancient Land of Israel.

Recently they’ve been quizzing each other on the “The term ‘Holy One of Israel’ appears mostly in Bible’s obscure details. That’s because next week, Isaiah, but a couple of times in Jeremiah,� Shahak exFrohlich and Shahak will each be one of two people plained. “If you’re given a ‘Holy One of Israel’ and an-

other couple words, just because you’ve learned the entire material doesn’t mean you know anything.�

The contest draws 27 finalists from all over the world, ages 24 and up, who take a rigorous written exam. The competition ends in a final round of 16, where contestants are quizzed orally in front of an audience -- one that includes government ministers -at the International Convention Center on Dec. 28.

The winner receives a cash prize of $10,000. Shahak was one of the international competition’s final eight contestants when it was last held in 2014.

Shahak and Frohlich love the Bible for different reasons. Frohlich, who grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, enjoys its narrative and moral questions. She delved into the Bible during her post-high school year studying at Midreshet Harova, a seminary in Jerusalem’s Old City, where she took a Bible class that had her memorize details of chapter upon chapter of book after book. “Once it gets into your system, it’s there forever,� she said.

Frohlich is now a graduate student at New York University studying 19th-century Jewish intellectual history. Sometimes she will decipher a difficult biblical Hebrew word by looking at its translation in Yiddish, a language she uses for her graduate studies. She remembers details by writing a summary of each chapter by hand. Reading a new biblical book, she said, is “like a whole world opening up.� “Judges is a compilation of some of the most bizarre stories anywhere in the Bible, and it can be very difficult to read,� said Frohlich, recalling her days in seminary. “I would come back to my dorm at night and be so upset at the stories in Judges.�

Shahak, the son of Israeli parents, grew up in the

haredi Orthodox neighborhood of Borough Park, Brooklyn, and loved immersing himself in the Bible’s rich Hebrew. He has since enjoyed mapping Hebrew’s connections to other ancient Semitic customs and languages, like Akkadian. But his love of words extends beyond the Middle East -- a J.R.R. Tolkien buff, he once had a conversation in Middle Elvish on the New York City subway.

In addition to being a cantor, Shahak studies violin at the Aaron Copland School of Music. One of the ways he remembers biblical details is by putting them to song. He’s also a former professor of Hebrew at Y.U., his alma mater. “Something that bothers me is how little most Orthodox Jews know about Jewish history, and you can’t know Jewish history without knowing Bible,� he said. “Biblical history is not in a vacuum, that it maybe happened but we don’t really talk about it. I think it was real and it did happen, and we have to understand how it happened and what it means for us.�

The way the Bible contest finals are structured, Shahak and Frohlich must face off as two of the final eight contestants to compete directly against each other. Ultimately they are rooting for each other. “This is an amazing opportunity to do the contest together,� Frohlich said. “I’m excited, and I’m looking forward to finally going.�

But Shahak said that once you get up on stage, all of the reviewing, memorizing, singing and debating can only help so much. “At this point I think you just need to not drive yourself crazy, and get in there and do your job,� he said. “It is a crapshoot. You can be asked everything you know or everything you don’t.�

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