Anyone interested in learning more about the Cairo Genizah can take the MeltonKC class “Exploring a Forgotten World: A Social History of Medieval Jewry as Revealed in the Cairo Genizah.” It will be taught by Rabbi Javier Cattapan of Congregation Beth Torah on Zoom from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for 10 weeks beginning Nov. 5.
By Marcia Montgomery
Associate Editor
What happens when a Jewish community’s genizah runs out of space? Is it really that important?
By Sam Kricsfeld
Contributing Writer
Historians believe that the events of Kristallnacht represented one of the most important turning points in the anti-Semitic policies of the German Nazi Party. According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, anti-Jewish policy after the pogrom was concentrated more and more concretely into the hands of the SS (elite military unit of the Nazi Party). Additionally, the passivity with which most German civilians responded to the violence signaled to the Nazi regime that the German public was prepared for more radical measures.
With the coronavirus continuing to challenge us all, Jewish Family Services has come up with creative ways for its annual Hanukkah Holiday Project to take place this year. You can play a pivotal role in making the Festival of Lights bright for local Jewish families who continue to struggle economically.
The following bowlers in Sunday Morning Kansas City B’nai B’rith Bowling League achieved high scores at Ward Parkway Lanes on Oct. 25.
Aniya Henson, a senior at Fort Osage High School, won the title of 2020 KC SuperStar in a virtual finals’ show. Aniya had been a past KC SuperStar semifinalist in 2019. As the 2020 KC SuperStar, Aniya receives the Edward and Ellen Rose $10,000 scholarship.
Back by popular demand, The Faith Always Wins Foundation/SevenDays will host a virtual Interfaith Panel at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. The topic: “Leaning on our faith for Inspiration & Hope” with a focus on healing in this post-election environment. A similar panel was part of SevenDays® 2020 virtual experiences in April.
Because of Rock Chalk Shabbat’s virtual setting on Friday, Nov. 6, students will not be able to share a festive dinner with their KU community at the Kansas Union like years prior. However, KU Hillel is providing students with to-go dinners to share with their friends while watching services.
By Larry Luxner
JTA
A virus forced the World Zionist Congress to go virtual for the first time since its founding in 1897.
As millions around the world are impacted daily by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health effects of the coronavirus are appearing in significant ways. According to a recent report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health issues or substance use as they try to cope with the various challenges of the coronavirus.
These concerns are magnified when we are dealing with young people and college students, as the CDC findings showed an overwhelming number of college students reporting declining mental health during the coronavirus, as they struggle to focus on school and work and have difficulty adjusting to a new normal.
It is with this in mind that KU Chabad has expanded its vital program called “ReJOYvination 360,” a multifaceted and broad initiative aimed at creating a full spectrum of emotional support for Jewish students at KU. This holistic, all-encompassing effort is aimed to provide students with the support, resources and skills to achieve mental wellness and fight the stigma of mental illness.
With their parents hundreds of miles away, students turn to the Chabad House when they are in crisis. The loving presence of co-directors Rabbi Zalman and Nechama Tiechtel are an effective stopgap measure, as very often they serve as first responders when a student is in a crisis.
“Being an out-of-state student, it’s tough not having family around to help me through rough times, so it’s good to have my Chabad family to fall back on whenever I need them,” said KU senior Sami Schechter. “It’s beyond heartwarming to know that no matter what pain is going on in your life, the Tiechtels are always just happy to embrace you for who you are.”
