Jewish Federation’s Young Adults Division (YAD) recently launched Well Fed, a dinner series that aims to connect Jewish Kansas Citians ages 21-45.
Attendees meet at different locations across the metro area each month to share a meal and make new friends.
Every event since the program’s launch last November has been filled to capacity. The largest Well Fed was in January, where 50 young adults gathered at Westport Flea Market.
Julia Osburn, Federation’s YAD engagement associate, hosts the events alongside YAD Community Connector Rabbi Rachel Rothstein.
Community Connector Rabbi Rachel Rothstein lights the menorah at YAD’s Well Fed dinner at Tannin Wine Bar on December 14.
“I think it’s popular because it really is for everyone within our demographics,” Osburn said. “It can serve everyone in different life stages. It’s great for people who are new to the community or people who are trying to get reconnected.”
One of the defining features of the dinner series is that it is free of charge. Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, the program is fully funded for at least 12 months.
“To have this opportunity to provide consistent programming at no charge to our community is incredible,” Osburn said. “We’ve removed a barrier of cost and [it has] allowed for people to get to know Jewish Kansas City and get to know each other in a public space, on common ground.”
Osburn said Well Fed has brought in fresh faces to YAD. People who have never attended a YAD event are attending Well Fed get-togethers because they’re looking for connection.
Osburn assigns seats at Well Fed based on common interests, age or what area of the city attendees are from. She’s seen firsthand how friendships have been formed through Well Fed.
“At the second Well Fed in December, I sat two girls together that hadn’t met, and they really hit it off,” she said. “They have been hanging out almost weekly, going to museums and little outings and getting coffee together.”
Osburn said the people attending Well Fed have varied connections to the community. Attendees run the gamut from those who moved from another state and are new to the community to those who have lived in Kansas City their whole lives but are just beginning to get involved in Jewish life.
“YAD for me is a community and friends,” she said. “What I love about it is that it can be for everyone, no matter if you are super outgoing or a little bit more of a wallflower. I’ve watched beautiful friendships and relationships flourish from just making the step to come to one event.”
YAD’s next Well Fed dinner is on March 8. More information and registration is available at jewishkansascity.org/events.
