Listening Post

The Jewish community came together to spiritually prepare for the coming Days of Awe at a special program and service on Saturday night. Following presentations by participating rabbis about how they spiritually prepare for the holidays, a beautiful and inspiring Selichot service was led by area clergy and a community chorus. The ritual of changing the Torah covers to one specifically designed for the High Holy Days was led by each congregation’s designated leader. Pictured here are Rabbis Alan Londy (from left), David Glickman, Javier Cattapan, Daniel Kirzane, Cantor Sharon Kohn, Rabbi Art Nemitoff, Hazzan Tahl Ben-Yehuda, Rabbis Jonathan Rudnick, Beryl Padorr, Scott White and Linda Steigman.

YUMMY BLINTZ BRUNCH — For 51 years Temple Beth Shalom has sponsored a Blintze Brunch. This week The Topeka Capital Journal’s editors, in its Best of Topeka magazine, chose the event as the best Ethnic Event in Northeast Kansas. The annual event is held in April at the Reform congregation. In addition to a brunch buffet, it features a bake sale, gift shop and a silent auction. Here’s what the editors had to say about what must be a delicious way to spend a Sunday in Topeka:

“Many of the traditional Jewish foods at Temple Beth Sholom’s springtime brunch can’t be found any other time of the year in Topeka: matzah ball soup, knishes, kugels and, of course, the star — the abundantly filled blintzes. Get there early — they may run out! — and stay a while to take in the Jewish music and Israeli dancing.

FRIENDSHIP FAIR — Travel the world in an afternoon! Engage in crafts, learn a dance, watch a performance and enjoy a story. The purpose of the Friendship Fair is to highlight the beauty of the diversity in the Kansas City community and promote positive association and relationships. It’s a free, family-oriented event with presentations and activity booths from organizations around the city, throughout the day, featuring origami, coloring books, stickers and more, with a focus on “hands-on” activities and fun for all ages. The Tikvah Dancers will showcase Israeli dance at 1:30 p.m. Other scheduled performances include live music by Bohemian Dandelions at Friendship Yarn Game with Kara, international dance by World Dancers and stories by Brother John Anderson. The fair takes place Saturday, Oct. 8, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center at 6200 Martway in Mission, Kansas. For more information, visit www.culturalcrossroads-kc.org.