Day of Discovery 2022, which was hosted at the Jewish Community Center on Sunday, Aug. 21, brought learners and educators together, both virtually and in person.
More than 250 people from the community participated in the day’s events.
Thirty-one classes covered a wide range of topics taught by 35 presenters. Participants had the opportunity to learn and study with some of the community’s finest Jewish educators, rabbis and professors.
Day of Discovery included a family program spearheaded by Jewish Family Services Family Life Educator Jodi Perelmutter and her team, including Sondra Wallace; Wendy Anderson; and Kerry Scott; Kaitlin Birnbaum, director of family engagement at The J; and Bridey Strangler, Jewish Federation’s PJ Library and Events Coordinator.
More than 40 parents and children enjoyed a day of crafts, Jewish learning through play, snacks and storytelling, music in the Sukkah led by HBHA music teacher Breanne Jeffries, and a scavenger hunt at the JFS Food Pantry.
As part of this year’s Day of Discovery program, a community-wide interactive faculty professional development workshop designed for religious school faculty — including teachers, teaching specialists, madrichim and clergy — also took place. Dr. Nancy Parkes, an educational consultant and lecturer from New York, facilitated a morning session, “Social and Emotional Learning Is Just What We Need!”
In the afternoon, artists and teachers Bailey Kivett and Rachel Downs-Doubrava led activities and conversations that embrace, challenge, and guide mental health through people’s worlds, identities, and lives. Thirty-five religious school teachers participated in the day.
Village Shalom hosted watch parties throughout the day and livestreamed classes for all residents who wished to participate, serving attendees a special breakfast and lunch. An afternoon class was held at Village Shalom followed by a dessert reception for those in attendance.
Participants brought non-perishable food items and/or made monetary donations to the community High Holy Day Food Drive benefiting the Jewish Family Services Food pantry.
Planning for the annual Day of Discovery began eight months prior to the event and is made possible by a team of volunteers and professionals from congregations and partnering agencies.
“It is a delight to work with this remarkable group of amazing and dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to make this event possible,” said Annette Fish, administrator/program director of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City. “A very special thank you to the following team members — it truly takes a village to implement an event of this nature.”
Day of Discovery, a partnership of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City and Jewish Experiences (a collaboration of Jewish Federation and The J) was a unique opportunity for the entire Jewish community to discover and explore the richness, diversity and joy of Jewish learning in Kansas City.
Other co-sponsors included Jewish Family Services, Village Shalom and area congregations. This program is generously funded in part by the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.