JDC organizes interactive Europe forum spotlighting young adult activists

By Derek Gale
Contributing Writer

On Monday, the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City participated in a Europe Forum that brought together young activists and leaders from across that continent to share their ideas, hopes and visions for Jewish life moving forward. The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee hosted the forum.

Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick

Open to all who care for the sick

Kavod v’Nichum and Neshama: The Association of Jewish Chaplains, in conjunction with other sponsoring organizations, including Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City, are presenting an innovative program — “Renewing Bikur Cholim in the Time of COVID-19 North American Conference.”

Susan Kivett and her family regularly volunteer for JFS, shown here with her son Gabe during a pre-COVID delivery.

Jewish Family Services is blessed to have dedicated and passionate volunteers. Among its volunteer heroes are Susan Kivett and her 18-year-old son, Gabe. A longtime JFS Food Pantry volunteer, Kivett and Gabe have both spent volunteer time with JFS’ various holiday projects including making Hanukkah Project deliveries.

For her Eagle Scout project, Nina Baran gathered medical items and assembled 30 first aids kits, which she donation to Jewish Vocational Service.

By Lacey Storer
Contributing Writer

Nina Baran, a senior at Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, made history this year. Last month she became one of the first females in the country to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout in Scouts BSA (formerly Boys Scouts of America). Not only that, she reached this achievement – which some Scouts work towards throughout their grade school and high school years – in just 18 months.