Jewish Press, June 2008

On the evening of June 2^nd, approximately forty women from many different segments of the Omaha community came together at Chabad of Nebraska to enjoy a cooking demonstration by Susie Fishbein. Susie Fishbein is the author of the wildly successful Kosher by Design cookbook series. She has appeared on The Today Show with Katie Couric, Allie & Jack, Sheila Bridges Designer Living, on several network news show cooking segments, as well as an appearance on Martha Stewart Radio. She has taught at the prestigious Degustibus cooking school in New York, and was featured at Disneyworld at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

The evening started with a wine and cheese reception, and an opportunity to meet with Susie Fishbein. The public was then invited into the Chabad kitchen and dining hall, where Shani Katzman gave a short introduction. “Never expect to come to Chabad without learning something new,” she said, “and since it’s almost Shavuot, we can talk about the importance of dairy foods during this holiday. It’s also essential to remember that kosher calories don’t count”. She then went on to explain how, after receiving the Torah, the Jewish people are like newborn children, who need to be nurtured on milk. “In addition,” she continued, “The numerical value of the Hebrew word for milk, chalav, is forty, which reminds us of the forty days and forty nights Moses spent on Mount Sinai receiving the Torah.”

            During the demonstration, Fishbein proved that she is both a knowledgeable chef, and a very entertaining speaker. She started off by saying that “Shani Katzman could not be lovelier to work with,” and had many compliments for Kelly Kirk, who put the evening together. “I love to see how Jewish people live in other parts of the country,” she said, “ and giving these cooking demonstrations allows me to meet with many different communities.” Fishbein took questions form the audience as she demonstrated how to cook an attractive, Kosher, three-course meal. “Only a Jewish girl would think of filling a martini glass with hummus,” Fishbein admitted, as she showed the audience how to make her Middle Eastern Martinis, the recipe for which can be found in her “Short on Time” cookbook. She then went on to make a salmon entrée, as well as a crème brulee dessert, which was perfect for Shavuot. Visitors were given samples of all the food, which had been prepared ahead of time in the Chabad kitchen by a team of volunteers. “Without volunteer help, we never could have pulled this off,” Kelly Tichauer- Kirk said, “and I want to thank Shani, Estie and Shevi Katzman, as well as Cheryl Lerner, Devra Bram, Kim Novak, Sherry and Chelsea Taxman, Joanne Andresen, and Marty Tichauer for all the hard work they put in.”

            Fishbein doesn’t limit herself to writing for adults, but is adamant that children need to become familiar with all the kitchen has to offer. She even wrote “Kosher by Design for Kids”, which contains recipes that go far beyond the peanut butter sandwich, but are nonetheless easy to make for children of all ages. “The most heartbreaking comments I get during my presentations are those from newlywed people who come up to me and admit they don’t even know how to boil water,” she said. “Kids belong in the kitchen, and we as parents shouldn’t be afraid to let them help out. Children as young as three can pop the shells off of chickpeas, and besides, letting them cook something is the best way to make them eat and try something new.” When asked what the worst thing was she had ever tried in her test kitchen, she answered: “One time, I attempted to create a strawberry pretzel crust dessert. After about seven tries, my family begged me to stop. I never did figure that one out.” Fishbein spiced up her presentation by sharing anecdotes of what life is like for a celebrity cook: “When my cookbook Kosher by Design for Children came out, my children did some of the promotional work. It happened to be the Christmas season, so here were all the Fishbein children, being featured on a set decorated for Christmas brunch,” she laughed.

            Volunteer and attendant Kim Novak enjoyed herself immensely: “I always have such a great time at Chabad events, but this one was particularly nice. I was happy to be a part of it, and amazed at all the practical advice Susie Fishbein gave us. I will certainly use her tips in my own kitchen. I also enjoyed Shani Katzman’s introduction; she is always able to offer useful insights, as well as Jewish connections.”

            In addition to the volunteers, many different sponsors made the evening possible. Bag ‘n Save, Absolutely Fresh Seafood Company, Ideal Pure Water, Hy-Vee, United Rental, Nebraska Warehouse, Mike Sullivan, and Wal-Mart donated food as well as services.

Chabad Knows Kids

By Annette van de Kamp-Wright

Recently, another successful summer camp was brought to a close at the Chabad House.  According to Estie Katzman, who has served as one of the camp counselors for years, this was the most enjoyable Camp Gan Israel yet: “What we really liked this year was the fact that camp ran through the 4rth of July. We were able to incorporate a really nice Barbeque right in the middle of camp, and include parents and grandparents in the camp experience.” Parent involvement is key when it comes to giving children a meaningful time over the summer.  “Camp Gan Israel offers much more than merely a place to drop your children off,” according to Estie, “we encourage parents to be aware of the wonderful things their children learn during camp. The Kids bring what they learn home, and hopefully incorporate many Mitzvot into their daily life. It is a spiritually enriching time for the whole family.” The Gan Israel Camp was awarded a grant from the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation.

The campers enjoyed many different things, such as swimming, a visit to the Durham Western Heritage museum, and crafts. They went to Fun Plex, they went bowling, and had a fashion show. They learned Israeli dancing and many, many songs. They learned about Tzedakah and many other Mitzvot, such as saying Brachot and helping each other. Most importantly, they learned what it means to be a proud Jewish “superhero”.  “We want children and families to leave here with a sense of how joyful Judaism really is,” Shani Katzman says, “and we want them to come back, often.”

Coming back should not be hard, considering what Chabad has planned for this Fall.  September 5^th will mark the beginning of “Thank G-d it’s Wednesday”, a new program for parents with young children who are not yet in school.  One of the organizers is Tippi Denenberg, who has three young children of her own. “I think it is important to have a place and time for parents to get together,” she says. “We are trying to create an environment where we not only pay attention to the spiritual needs of our children, but also to those of the parents. Raising children is a challenge. Getting together with others, and exchanging experiences can create good discussions, and provide a sense of support.”             

In addition to the TGIW program, there will be more Mishpacha (Family) Mornings this Fall. Mishpacha Mornings are held most Sundays from 10:15 until 11:45 and are aimed at families with children age 6 and younger. “A real breakfast awaits you upon arrival, everyone noshes and chats, the kids and adults have quick separate meetings to discuss the daily topics at their level, and lastly everyone regroups to tie it all together or to finish an art project. It’s amazing how many meaningful, thoughtful, and useful Jewish ideas come out of just one morning at Chabad. Regardless of your level of observance, you are guaranteed to learn something for you and your children in a relaxed and fun atmosphere”, Denenberg says.  All Mishpacha University programs will officially kick off on September 12^th with an apple picking event. An afternoon outing to an apple orchard will be organized for all who are interested. Mishpacha Mornings will be receiving funding from the Esther K. Newman/Carolyn Kully Newman Foundation.

Another event planned for fall is the repeat of last year’s “Challah-thon”.  On September 10, anyone interested in baking, eating, or purchasing Challah is welcome to come to the Chabad House around 7 p.m. and join in the fun.  “This is more than just a baking class”, Shani Katzman says. “It will give people a chance to connect within a traditional context. We will have several recipes to share, and for anyone too busy to bake for Rosh Hashanah, fresh, home-baked Challahs are available for purchase.”   

Naturally, Chabad will have adult education available several times a week as well.  To find out dates and times for any of the abovementioned activities, and to register you family for the Fall semester, please call Chabad at 330 1800, or check out the program at www.ochabad.com.   

20 Years of Celebrating Tradition in a Modern World

By Annette van de Kamp-Wright

It was 1986, and Rabbi Mendel Katzman and his wife Shani had been married for a year and a half, when they and their newborn baby first arrived on the scene in Omaha, Nebraska.  “It was very exciting,” Shani says, “We knew absolutely nobody, and had never even seen the city of Omaha.”  Both Katzmans were prepared and hoping to be sent somewhere in order to operate their very own Chabad House. Rabbi Katzman explains that to be sent out by Chabad is not the same as coming to a pulpit:  “You have a specific mission, and you are asked to make a lifetime commitment to empower all Jews to become what they are meant to be.”  Both Katzmans acknowledge there was no specific reason to come to Omaha beforehand to see what they were getting themselves into; they would have said yes to any destination. Rabbi Katzman had traveled extensively for Chabad, and they had done some traveling as a couple before being sent to Omaha and asked to open up their own Chabad House.

Shani Katzman remembers the first days well: “Although we found a wonderful and warm community when we came, many people thought we were too old fashioned for these modern times, and saw us as having not much relevance. Little by little, we were able to convince people that traditional Judaism always has relevance; we focus on maintaining traditions while bringing new vitality and enthusiasm. We attempt to revive many elements that people may remember from their grandparents, certain practices and customs that have fallen by the wayside either because of assimilation, or for other reasons.”

According to Shani, the Bima at Chabad serves as a visual reminder that ‘new is not always better’: “The Bima was originally housed at the Kapulier Shul, but when we received it, it was covered in three layers of paint. It was painstakingly restored to its former glory; nowadays we often receive comments about how beautiful it is.”

The Chabad House is not a Synagogue, but an outreach organization. It requires no membership, and collects no dues. “Visitors of all different backgrounds can feel welcome here because they aren’t expected to live up to a certain standard,” Rabbi Katzman says. “We accept all Jews without asking them to fit a certain mold; we want to be a bridge that connects the finite with the infinite, the past with the present, and the deeply committed with the peripherally involved.”

Kelly Kirk is a regular presence at the Chabad house; she and her children take classes and attend special events whenever they can: “We always feel welcome at Chabad, and have grown tremendously as a family.”  Current programming includes Mishpacha Morning, which takes place on Sunday; while parents focus on that week’s Parsha or various holiday-related lessons, the children follow their own program, often accompanied by lots of screaming that can be heard throughout the entire building. “Mishpacha Mornings are great,” says Kelly Kirk, “It always starts off with a fantastic breakfast, and gives parents the opportunity to learn alongside their children, as well as connect with other parents from many different backgrounds.”

Another well-attended function is “Bedtime Storytime”, which is organized on a monthly basis by Shevi and Estie Katzman.  Children of all ages are invited to come to Chabad, dressed in their pajamas; ready for snack-and story time. They are encouraged to bring blankets and stuffed animals; after they do a craft, it’s time to spread out on the floor and listen to the storyteller.  Chabad also offers religious school, summer- and winter camps, adult education, and special holiday events, such as the March 21 Purim party that is currently being planned.

Excitement is building about Chabad’s Gala, which is scheduled for April 13, 2008: “We want to raise awareness of who we are,” Rabbi Katzman says, “and let people know how much we can contribute to their lives. Also, a large part of Judaism is feasting, partying, and gathering your friends together. We want to say thank you to our honored guests, Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum, and Mike and Gail Yanney, not via a Hallmark card, but in person.”

“Rabbi Katzman did not come into this community with a ‘heavy hand’, Joe Kirshenbaum explains, “and he quickly endeared himself to many members in the community. He is very good at motivating people to go that extra mile, without stepping on anybody’s toes. Rabbi Katzman has the time and freedom to go anywhere.  And he does, quietly, making a difference one on one.  He and Shani add a dimension to our community that’s critical.  More people need to know them.”

Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum have known the Katzman family since they first came to Omaha, and have been supportive of Chabad since the beginning, something Rabbi Katzman is grateful for: “It is very heartwarming to know people that are always ready to give advice, and support us in any way they can.” 

Rabbi Katzman has been equally impressed with Mike and Gail Yanney’s presence in the Omaha community:” Mike and Gail Yanney are all about rolling up their sleeves, and not farming things out to others. Both couples are so unassuming; in spite of their respective accomplishments, they have stayed the same. Being that humble is not a natural reaction to success. They represent many values Chabad stands for, such as concern for the individual and lack of complacency.”

After being part of the community for twenty years, Chabad will be saying ‘thank you’ in a big way; the Mitzvah and Music Gala promises to be big, innovative, and, most of all, extremely fun.            

The Gala will take place on Sunday April 13, from 5:30 until 8:30, at KANEKO, the exciting new creativity center on 11^th and Jones.  For ticket information, please call the Chabad House at 330-1800.

Kirshenbaum, Yanney, Chabad, and Music!

(Previously published in The Jewish Press, March 2008) 

 ‘Mitzvahs and Music’ is the theme of the upcoming Chabad gala that is planned for April 13, 2008.  Chabad of Nebraska will be honoring Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum, and Gail and Mike Yanney at an exciting event, to be held at KANEKO, a brand new creativity center located in downtown Omaha.  In addition, Chabad willbe celebrating twenty years of involvement in the Omaha and Nebraska Communities.  Event Chair Tippi Denenberg has her hands full masterminding everything; she and an army of volunteers are making sure that things will run smoothly. Denenberg explains, “It’s important to put societal emphasis where it belongs, and that is on the reinforcement of all that is good. Chabad is a wonderful organization. Its energy is spent doing good deeds and spreading Mitzvot; not only in Omaha, but the world over. The same can be said about the Yanneys and the Kirshenbaums. These are not people that sit around complaining about how bad the world is; they are ‘up and at it’, doing something to improve the world, help out others, and make a real, lasting difference.”

            Denenberg is excited about the location, as well as the entertainment that is currently being planned for the event.  KANEKO is an elegant new venue that occupies three-quarters of a block in Omaha’s Old Market area, and celebrates creativity in the arts, sciences, and philosophy. “KANEKO is going to rival the Aspen Institute. It is built to be a creative center, not a banquet hall. We are so lucky to have this exotic locale; to have cocktails among Jun Kaneko’s ceramic sculptures, or ‘Dango’, which will provide us with a great ambiance for the event. Also, we are bringing in world-class musical entertainment from Russia and Italy.”

            Denenberg is relying on the expertise of Hal France, a sought-after conductor who has conducted productions across North America and Europe to ensure that the evening will have excellent entertainment.  Not only does France have the final word on the entertainment, he has shown his dedication to the project by bringing a piano to Kaneko, to test the acoustics. He is just one of many extremely talented people making the Chabad Gala a reality.  Denenberg says: “It will be a fun but tightly run event. Our Program Director, Debbie Denenberg, is a former Broadway producer. We are planning to offer cocktails, dinner, and of course, our program, while keeping in mind that April 13^th is a Sunday;  Guests of honor at this time number the many friends of the Yanneys and the Kirshenbaums.  The entire community is invited to attend.  Ticket information can be found at Ochabad.com.”

            Denenberg continues, “This is a ‘never before’ event. It is a synergistic combination of honorees, location and entertainment. The location isn’t even done being built yet! Also, there isn’t a person in town that hasn’t somehow been positively affected by these honorees. This gala will bring together all factions of Omahans in the spirit of Tikkun Olam—repairing the world.  It makes me realize there is hope for the world- and it begins in Omaha.”

Chabad Celebrates Lag B’Omer

By Annette van de Kamp-Wright

There aren’t many things that will stop Rabbi Mendel Katzman and his wife Shani from opening their doors to the community. Therefore, the massive rain that pounded Omaha during the weekend of Lag B’Omer did not stand in the way of a joyous celebration, complete with a cookout.  While the Katzmans entertained -and educated- their guests, Bob and Kim Goldberg were kind enough to man the barbecues during the spare dry moments.  Joanne Andresen was responsible for the vast array of delicious foods.

            “This is a day of Jewish Unity”, Shani Katzman said, “and it is traditionally celebrated outside. It commemorates the relief of the tragedy that surrounded Rabbi Akiva’s students. Rabbi Akiva lived during Talmudic times. It also emphasizes the beauty of each individual. Lag B’Omer marks the day that the holy Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai passed away, and it was his request that his Jahrzeit be celebrated, not mourned. This should be a day of joy, a day to emphasize a meaningful relationship with G-d.”

            As Jews from different walks of life came together to enjoy the food and games, it was obvious that the spirit of Lag B’omer matches Chabad’s philosophy very well. “We attempt to spread a sense of community, since we are all one family”, Shani said, “and we love opening the Chabad House for anyone who wants to come, not in the least the children.” 

            Children will have a chance to experience one of the most important dates on the Jewish calendar on May 23, when Chabad hosts its annual Shavuot celebration, marking the giving of the Torah. Although Shavuot is not as widely known or celebrated, it is at the epicenter of Jewish tradition and identity. There will be a traditional dairy meal and ice cream social.  The day will start at 11:30 am with the reading of the Ten Commandments. This is a ceremony that is especially meaningful to children, since they are the keepers of the Torah. As always, everyone in the community is welcome.  Special lactose-free meals will be available.

Eighteen Questions with Kelly Tichauer-Kirk

An Evening with Susie Fishbein

By Annette van de Kamp-Wright

Note: This article was previously published in the Jewish Press on May 9, 2008

Kelly Kirk was born and raised in Omaha, and has been involved with Chabad for approximately three years. During that time, she has taken numerous adult education classes, chaired many events, assisted with holidays, organized cooking and craft clubs, spearheaded the recent pickle-making event, assisted with the recent Gala and helped run the Chabad Gift Shop. Currently, she is working to bring renowned cookbook author Susie Fishbein to Omaha for a cooking demonstration.

JP: When will Mrs. Fishbein be at Chabad?

KK: She’ll be here on June 2, and the evening starts at 7 pm, at the Chabad House on 1866 South 120^th.

JP: How long have you been working on this?

KK: Susie Fishbein’s visit was booked over a year in advance.

JP: Why is this a fabulous, not-to-be-missed event?

KK: This evening’s event is an exclusive and limited engagement. That said, the 50 lucky attendees will have the opportunity to come together with other women from the Omaha Jewish community to celebrate and be united in Yiddishkeit. What better way than through spiritually fit, and delicious food? Especially if it is created by a famous Jewish female chef.

JP: What should people expect?

KK: This event is more than an excellent opportunity to enjoy friends, fun and great food.  It is a chance to experience how possible it is to eat and cook gourmet kosher food in your own home. In addition, attendees will be able to see Susie work her magic and ask questions. Susie is a driving force in the kosher food world and it will be an honor to have her in Omaha

JP: I’m busy; how long will this take?

KK: We will be wrapping up around 9:30 PM.

JP: What is on the menu?

KK: Susie will be demonstrating a three-course meal, using recipes from her cookbook. She will discuss ingredients and technique, while offering helpful hints along the way. Every attendee will be able to personally sample all the items Susie prepares.

JP: Will she sign any books?

KK: Yes, and her Kosher by Design cookbooks will be available for purchase in our gift shop.

JP: Where can people find information about Susie Fishbein, if they want to ‘read up’ beforehand?

KK: I suggest they check out www.kosherbydesign.com.

JP: Why should people learn about kosher cooking?

KK: It think there are many misconceptions about kosher cooking, having to do with difficulty, taste, and quality.  We’re hoping to change that, and show people that this is something that you can do at home, even in Omaha.

JP: Do you sell any good cookbooks in the Chabad Judaica Boutique?

KK: Yes, and visitors are welcome to stop by and browse any time. We sell Susie’s Kosher by Design series, but also a variety of other popular cookbooks, such as Spice and Spirit, The Secret of Challah, and Kosher Delicious. In addition to that, the gift shop is full of Judaica of all kinds, for all events, and in all price ranges. The Chabad Judaica Boutique is your one stop shop for all things Jewish.

JP: Who are helping you set this up?

KK: The committee consists of Shani, Estie, and Shevi Katzman, Kim Novak, Cheryl Lerner, Marty Tichauer, and Tippi Denenberg.

JP: What will tickets to the event cost?

KK: Tickets will be $50 per person. However, we have scholarships available; so don’t let the price of the tickets deter you from learning about kosher cooking!

JP: Can people bring their kids?

KK: No; this is an adults-only event.

JP: Is this ‘women only’?

KK: Yes. Sorry, guys.

JP: How soon should people reserve their tickets?

KK: As soon as possible! We have limited space, so call us soon!

JP: Have you always been interested in cooking?

KK: As a matter of fact, when I moved out on my own at the age of twenty-one, I didn’t even know how to make a grilled cheese sandwich. I had to call my mother and ask; luckily, I’ve learned quite a bit since then.

JP: What are you hoping people will take home from this evening?

KK: Hopefully, during Susie’s demonstration, members of the community will be able to see for themselves that kosher cooking is not only possible, but also a great way to enhance Jewish life. Ultimately, we have to keep in mind that keeping kosher is a Mitzvah, and strengthens our connection to G-d.

JP: Are you going to take a break after this?

KK: I wish! Actually, I’m already busy with the next project, but I can’t share the details yet.

For those interested in attending the Susie Fishbein event, tickets can be ordered by calling the Chabad House at 330-1800.

Chabad 20^th Dazzles

By Annette van de Kamp-Wright

On Sunday April 13^th, more than 350 people attended Chabad’s 20^th anniversary gala honoring Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum, and Gail and Mike Yanney. The event was held at the new KANEKO creativity center at 1111 Jones. The gala, which was set to begin at 5:30 PM with cocktails among Jun Kaneko’s huge ceramic sculptures, was already brimming with people by 5:25. By six, a full house was noshing on Hap Abraham’s kosher hors d’oeuvres and enjoying the brand new facility.

A shofar signaled the move to the fabulous new Bow Truss room, where a sea of candles glowed amidst the table decorations. At the head of the event sat a colorfully lit stage, ready with two giant simcha challahs prepared by Susan Witkowski.  A concert grand piano was on loan from a very generous Joslyn. Hal France serenaded the guests as they entered. The perimeter of the room held four flat screen televisions, playing a slide show displaying pictures of two decades of Chabad’s involvement in Nebraska.

Honoree Maxine Kirshenbaum praised the committee for their dedication: “The evening was as professional as you can get. The venue was new and wonderful, it had a gala quality, and it was truly fun. The table, the centerpieces, and the flowers were beautiful. And the musicians were spectacular as promised. On a scale of one to ten, I give this one a twelve.”

Honoree Joe Kirshenbaum continued: “It was a fabulous evening, and it was done so professionally. I think Chabad has been very special to this community. I feel they respect me and I respect them. They don’t approach people demanding drastic change. They just inspire you to become one step better than you were before. They contribute many mitzvahs to this community, and I’ve always admired them.”

The evening’s theme, Mitzvah’s and Music, set the stage for the program. Bruce Simon recognized the honorees, and Master of Ceremonies Debbie Denenberg wove stories about Chabad throughout the program. “Tonight we’ve assembled people from very diverse places and backgrounds. An underlying theme for our evening is that there’s hope for the world, and it begins in Omaha. We must all stand together as one family of humankind.”

At one point, Denenberg feigned the beginning of a long speech only to be cut off by the grand entrance of William Shakespeare, in full period dress, played by area actor Michal Simpson. “I’m here for my festival! Where is it?” he demanded, referring to Mike and Gail Yanney’s role as  Co-Chairs of the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival.

With that trick, the program cut straight to the music. Stanislov Ioudenitch from Uzbekistan played pieces by Franz Liszt for fifteen minutes, demonstrating the technique and artistry that won him the prestigious 2001 Van Cliburn Piano Competition.

Next, Marcelo Guzzo from Uruguay serenaded the audience.  His striking stage presence backed a rich baritone voice. He began with an Italian aria, and two Broadway pleasers, To Dream the Impossible Dream, and Some Enchanted Evening. He concluded with Granada.  Marcelo Guzzo debuted at Carnegie Hall earlier this year. Both artists received standing ovations.

Tippi Denenberg, Program Chairperson, commented today: “We are so grateful for every one who supported or attended the gala. The energy that night was electric. I was thrilled to see how universally accepted the event was, and I was very excited that so many people value and support Omaha’s Chabad House.  The program was better than world-class because it was grounded by the spirituality of Chabad and their mission to tilt the world toward goodness. My email in-box is overflowing with raves. My hats of to the people that started it all–Chabad, the Kirshenbaums, the Yanneys–and to the people who made it actually happen: our extraordinary gala committee”.

Rabbi Mendel and Shani Katzman warmly thanked the community for a 20 year adventure. They moved here not knowing what to expect, but firm in their commitment to be “shlichim” or emissaries of the Rebbe’s teachings.

“I am so grateful to the remarkable honorees, Shani Katzman said.  “They are outstanding leaders in our community.  Their warm friendship and staunch support of Chabad is heartwarming and sincerely appreciated and valued.  What a fitting tribute to these stellar individuals who serve as role models in our midst!”

Shani Katzman continued by saying: “The Rebbe always encouraged us to take stock, celebrate, and then move forward with greater strength, determination, and focus.  We hope this event will serve as the impetus for the expansion and growth of Chabad in the numerous ways it serves our community.  We hope more people will take advantage of our services and the myriad educational opportunities we provide.  We pray that we will continue to inspire and teach, that people will take to heart the message of the ‘one Mitzvah that makes a world of difference’.”

The Torah is populated by many strong women. From Sarah to Tamar, from Rivkah to Bathsheba, they marry, have children, take care of their families and wander the desert. They cook meals, and welcome guests; they run, dance, pray, defend their husbands and children, they are under attack, they fight, and they conquer.  Reading the Megillah this Purim, we are once again reminded that no nation can survive without some very determined women in its midst, standing shoulder to shoulder with the men.  Esther is determined indeed; she single-handedly organizes a feast, and convinces Ahasvuerus that her people are not as bad as Haman makes them out to be. The underlying message is that Esther is in charge, she knows the choices she has to make and is willing to put herself at the forefront, rather than stand idly by.

            In his book The Jewish Holidays, Michael Strassberg writes: “Haman’s description of us as ‘a certain people scattered about and dispersed among the other peoples’ has had a deep resonance for each generation of Jews. The tale of a group of Jews living in the Diaspora at the mercy of the whims of their rulers has been often repeated. All too frequently, we have faced Hamans and the conclusion of the story has not been happy. Purim affirms the bright moments of victory and denies the long, bleak centuries of persecution.”  The story is an old one, but it’s as true today as it was then. “Don’t go to the feast,” Mordechai warned the Jews, as he saw the threat of assimilation into a culture that would ultimately attempt to swallow the Jews whole. They didn’t listen, and it took a woman like Esther to turn things around.

            Shani Katzman at Chabad knows all about strong Jewish women in general, and Esther in particular:  “We can learn from her that assimilation may seem benign, and nothing to worry about, but as Jewish women we need to be strong in our identity, and not let society infringe on our desire to be Jews. This is a challenge we all face, because Haman and Ahasuerus don’t exist only in the Megillah, but in modern society as well.” The story of Purim is so relevant today that the laws of Megillah actually forbid the reading of the story of Esther ‘backwards’, meaning, according to the Baal Shem Tov, that we need to read it as a current event rather than something that is just a piece of history and nothing more.

            When asked what she thought Queen Esther would say to Jewish women today, Shani Katzman said: “She would encourage us to immerse ourselves more Jewishly, through study, prayer, and by doing mitzvahs. We must fortify ourselves as Jews, as women, as families; she put herself on the line and would tell us to do the same.

The role of the Jewish woman is sometimes questioned, many still equate ‘traditional’ with ‘old fashioned’. But a Jewish man is obligated to love his wife as much as himself, and honor her more, and there is good reason for that. Women in Judaism take a leadership role all the time; they are not wallflowers, they are at the forefront. Unfortunately, we think of importance in terms of visibility.  A Jewish woman does not have to project her strength outward to make an enormous impact, her strength always comes from within.”

            Chabad heavily relies on the strength of women in organizing next month’s Fundraising Gala, titled Mitzvah’s and Music. Tippi Denenberg, who is chairing the entire event, continues to earn Shani Katzman’s admiration: “I am greatly impressed by Tippi’s spunk, love of life, and her fierce devotion to her family. She has the ability to extract the important things from life; she celebrates them and ignores the rest. We at Chabad are immensely grateful that she has shouldered the lion’s share of the work for this event; and she has done it with finesse and joy, professionalism, and unlimited energy.”

            The two couples that are being honored at the Gala are Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum, and Gail and Mike Yanney. Both Maxine and Gail would do Queen Esther proud; neither is the type to sit back and watch things unfold from the sideline. “Gail Yanney represents a beautiful balance between intelligence and compassion,” Shani Katzman says, “and it is an unusual balance. Gail Yanney has accomplished much in life professionally- but she never ceases to be concerned for the little things, for the ordinary, for the every day, making life better for others.  She is unassuming and down to earth. Our admiration and affinity is indicative of how the world can be unified, once we can focus on the bigger picture. Maxine Kirshenbaum is small in stature, but a giant when it comes to bringing about change.  She is passionate about Judaism and a great example for other women. I met Maxine soon after coming to Omaha, and throughout the years she has continued to amaze me.”

            Maybe if Queen Esther could visit today, she would be proud of what women have been able to accomplish, maybe she would tell us it is not quite enough; who knows? The Jewish woman today has as many faces as she had back then; it is for us to read the writing on the wall, and figure out where we could be headed.

For information about the Gala, or to order tickets, visit ochabad.com, or call the Chabad House at 330-1800. The Gala will take place at KANEKO, Sunday April 13^th, from 5:30-8:30.