“May you live until 120" is a traditional Jewish blessing in remembrance of Moses’ long life. Jewish Family Services is celebrating the same numerical achievement of serving the Greater Kansas City community for 120 years.
To mark this milestone, and thank the community for its ongoing support, JFS is hosting a series of events to celebrate.
One of the biggest events will be the JFS Birthday Bash on Sunday, April 23, 2023. JFS recently announced that the entertainment for the free, family-friendly event will be Grammy Award-winning Jewish singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb.
Loeb, known for her string of hits in the 1990s, including her 1994 chart-topping song "Stay (I Missed You)" from the film “Reality Bites,” is also known for her five children’s albums and two illustrated children’s books with music.
Over the last three years, Loeb has released three children’s albums that are exclusively available on Amazon. Her family-friendly album, “Feel What U Feel,” won the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Children’s Album, along with positive reviews and The Parents Choice Award.
Among other shows, Loeb provides voice talent for the animated series “Creative Galaxy” and composes the original songs for the Emmy-nominated “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” series.
“We're very excited to have her come celebrate with us,” said Don Goldman, JFS Executive Director and CEO, in an email announcing Loeb’s upcoming appearance. The email included a video Loeb recorded inviting the community to the event.
The JFS Birthday Bash will include children’s activities, kid-friendly kosher food and an interactive performance with Loeb. JFS is working with area congregations to plan a morning of activities. The Isenberg family is chairing the event.
Earlier this year, JFS kicked off its year of celebration with its Wipe Out Campaign and open house at its Brookside location. Chaired by JFS supporters Aaron and Erin Berger, the Wipe Out event was attended by 200 people who enjoyed ice cream and popcorn, conversation, tours of the food pantry and assembly of Kesher KC Bags. Participants donated more than 3,000 rolls of toilet paper to stock the food pantry.
In September, longtime JFS supporters Bob and Phyllis Bernstein hosted a garden party on the grounds of their south Kansas City home for major benefactors and partners. During the event, JFS leadership unveiled upcoming events and introduced the four honorary families for the 120th anniversary, all of whom have deep connections to the agency: the White-Fried, Sosland, Krigel and Regnier families.
With the dedication of JFS supporters and staff, JFS has provided critical human services to the community for six generations — since before airplanes flew across the country and cars had become commonplace.
“I am so proud of the way that JFS has cared for our community for 120 years,” Goldman said. “JFS has continually reinvented itself so that it is as relevant today as it was 120 years ago. I am excited to celebrate this remarkable achievement with the whole community, including our generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and talented staff.”
JFS was the predecessor agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City (founded in 1933) and one of the eight founding agencies of the Heart of America United Way. In 1942, United Jewish Charities became United Jewish Social Services, then Jewish Family Service in 1958, and Jewish Family & Children Services in 1964 as adoption services became a focus.
In 2006, the agency took on its current name of Jewish Family Services. Regardless of its name, JFS’ mission of helping people in need, regardless of race or religion, has remained unchanged throughout its history.
In recent years, JFS expanded to meet the needs of the community with programs including Chaplaincy in 2006, Jet Express and Help@Home in 2008, and the opening of its first food pantry in 2012. JFS opened its Brookside location in 2017 and launched KesherKC in 2019.
In late summer of 2023, JFS will host a gala event with more details coming soon. The entire community is invited to participate in this celebration, as well.
More details and highlights from JFS’ 120-year-history can be found at www.jfskc.org.