Elul - the month leading up to the High Holy Days - is a time of self-reflection, forgiveness, and exploration. To make the most of this special time of year, The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah’s new senior rabbi, Rabbi Stephanie Kramer, is teaming up with the entire B’nai Jehudah staff for a month of learning, hands-on experiences and spiritual offerings.
Michael A. Taylor’s walk-off home run in extra innings wasn’t the only thing to celebrate at Kauffman Stadium the evening of July 28, 2021. The announced 13,626 fans in attendance were also treated to a celebration of Jewish Heritage, courtesy of Mensch on a Bench bobbleheads and participation from The J - Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City.
What says “holiday” better than a sweet challah? There are many in our community who face food insecurity and cannot afford challah, let alone the other traditional foods of the High Holidays.
A small ceremony was recently held at The J - Jewish Community Center to honor and thank the Polsky Family Supporting Foundation, the major donor toward the new splash pad project at The J’s outdoor pool.
From farmworkers to new mothers to first-time therapy patients — Kansas City mental health providers saw an increase in the number of people who sought counseling in 2020.
KU Hillel is excited to announce the election of Lon J. Lowenstein as board president for the 2021-2023 term. Lowenstein and his wife, Suzy, are parents to three KU graduates and eagerly support KU Hillel’s mission of developing the next generation of Jewish leaders.
For his Eagle Scout project, Alec Weiner wanted to honor his late grandfather, Stan Weiner, who was a board member of Harvesters — The Community Food Network.
The White Theatre at The J - Jewish Community Center will present the 21st annual Kansas City Jewish Film Festival (KCJFF) in a hybrid format with both virtual and in-person options. The public can enjoy this three-week festival, August 1 to August 21, from their homes on any electronic device (i.e. mobile phone, tablet, computer or television) or anywhere with wi-fi connection.
ROCKHOLD NAMED TO STATE COMMISSION
Jessica Rockhold, executive director of the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, has been appointed to the Kansas Holocaust Commission by Governor Laura Kelly and serves as a co-chair of the commission.
In January 2020, KU Hillel had a full Birthright Israel trip of college students, all excited about having spent 10 days in Israel. They had no idea how fortunate the timing of their trip would turn out to be.
Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City recently added two new employees to its team. Erin Heffernan Markowicz is the new director of strategic marketing and Sierra J. Debrow is the community planning associate.
Just 20 miles separate Congregation Beth Torah and Calvary Temple Baptist Church, although it feels like the two congregations got closer and closer during the pandemic.
You never know where you’ll find kindness.
Saturday marks another grim anniversary for the disaster at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, marking 40 years since two of the 32-ton elevated walkways collapsed during an evening tea dance, resulting in 114 deaths and an additional 200 injuries.
Two members of the Jewish community are spending their summer months memorizing lines, singing songs, and practicing rigorous dance combinations as part of Theatre in the Park’s (TIP) production of the original Broadway-bound musical “Half Time - Gotta Dance.”