The 86th annual Matzo Ball Dance will return on Saturday, April 18, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of BBYO’s Nordaunian AZA #22.
The dance will take place from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Hosted annually by Nordaunian, the Matzo Ball remains one of the oldest Jewish dances in Kansas City. This year’s event is held in honor of the chapter’s current queen, Norah Pabst.
“For the second year in a row, it is our great honor to bring back an 86-year tradition that has been a centerpiece of the BBYO and Kansas City community calendar,” said junior Naftali Tilove, the chapter’s president.
The Matzo Ball, which first began in 1936, originally served as a benefit dance to raise funds for underprivileged Jewish families by providing Passover Seder food baskets. Over the decades, it evolved into one of the largest and most anticipated Jewish social events in Kansas City.
Six candidates from local BBG chapters are vying for the title of Matzo Ball Queen. This year’s Matzo Ball candidates are Betsy Erenberg, Heart of America BBG; Chloe Hersch, Heart of America BBG; Ella Perelmuter, Saadia BBG; Sabra Bergh, Saadia BBG; Naama Reem, Saadia BBG; and Kyra Nussbaum, Saadia BBG.
“This year's Matzo Ball is especially important because it falls on Nordaunian’s 100th birthday,” Tilove said. “On April 18, 1926, teens gathered for the first-ever meeting of their new chapter, and now 100 years later, the chapter is thriving more than ever. We want to welcome you to celebrate with us on the special day to crown the next Matzo Ball Queen and celebrate over 100 years of tradition, connection and brotherhood.”
In 1936, Nordaunian held its first annual Matzo Ball. Ruth (Greenbaum) Kern was the first “hostess,” an honor that later became known as the “Matzo Ball Queen.” The inaugural dance was held at the Plaza Hall at 47th Street and Broadway, where couples paid 75 cents to enjoy an evening of ballroom music performed by Al Vin and His Orchestra.
Over its 100-year history, Nordaunian has produced multiple international board members, earned numerous Henry Monsky Chapter Excellence Awards and captured the 1999 international AZA basketball championship.
Current members emphasize that the centennial celebration is not only about honoring the past but also about building the future.
“I’m so excited for everyone to experience what we have put together,” said sophomore Zach Reif, Aleph S’gan. “We have been working so hard on this to make sure everyone has so much fun. This is going to be Nordaunian’s biggest event in a long time and I’m so glad to be a part of this and to have it on our birthday.”
The chapter currently has 41 members and is advised by Brayden Cardozo. At BBYO’s International Convention in February, Tilove was elected to the International Board as the 38th Grand Aleph Shaliach.
The Matzo Ball Dance is open to the community. Those interested in more information about Kansas City BBYO, the Matzo Ball or supporting Nordaunian AZA can contact Amy Ravis Furey at or (917) 690-6946.
Tickets are currently available for purchase at tinyurl.com/y4ct9vca.
