TLC GETS SUNDERLAND GRANT
The Torah Learning Center (TLC) recently received a $250,000 grant from the Sunderland Foundation, which will help it reach its $1.2 million capital campaign goal, as reported by its fundraising consultant Byrne Pelofsky + Associates. TLC is raising funds for the expansion of its KC Kosher Meals on Wheels facility to support its rapidly growing meal delivery program.
TLC had a long-term plan to upgrade its KC Kosher Meals on Wheels facility, however, when demand for their services doubled in the wake of the pandemic, the organization decided to accelerate the campaign. The addition will include a large kitchen, storage, multi-purpose room, classrooms, offices, and a small library. A larger, more functional space will allow the program to double the number of clients served through both delivered meals and on-site programs.
BRIDGING THE DIVIDE
A New Way, a non-governmental organization in Israel that is supported by Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and operates in its partnership city of Ramle, was recently chosen by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev to receive the Berelson Prize for the promotion of Jewish-Arab understanding.
A New Way works to bring together Jews and Arabs in “mixed” cities — including Ramle, Lod, Haifa, Acre and others — to reduce fears, prejudices and hostility and foster tolerance, trust, respect and understanding between the groups. One of the organization’s main objectives is to build lasting relations between local communities and strengthen their ability to contribute to a shared society.
The award committee noted that it chose A New Way for its wide national work and an action model that promotes collaboration between Jews and Arabs and builds long-term relationships between authorities, schools, and communities. This model gives thousands of students, teachers, and people in key positions a strong basis for discourse and joint action.
SPEAKING OF RAMLE…
During the recent violence in Israel, Federation sent a letter of support to the citizens of Ramle, via its representative Hannah Soltz Aharony. The letter included pictures from the community gathering in support of Israel; both were posted on the Facebook pages of Ramle Mayor Michael Vidal and the city of Ramle.
Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas also expressed interest in supporting Ramle, and he and Vidal are setting up a phone conversation so that Lucas can be updated on the situation in Ramle. They will explore ways in which the Kansas City community can assist with current challenges.
ISRAEL EXHIBIT AT THE TRUMAN LIBRARY
A $37-million renovation project at The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum in Independence, Missouri, is nearing completion.
The library, which has been closed since July 2019, is set to reopen this year. The expansion features an additional 3,000 square feet of space and reimagined exhibits, including the exhibit on Truman’s support of the founding of Israel.
Visitors will be able to follow the events leading up to Truman’s controversial decision to support the newly-formed state, watch videos of debates around the topics, and see gifts that Truman received for his support, including a Torah scroll from Chaim Weizmann, the first president of Israel.
KUDOS TO HBHA
Amidst the craziness of teaching during a pandemic year, Jewish Studies teachers Michal Luger, Leah Nash, Nira Solomon and Civia White completed 30 hours of professional development with iTaLAM, the Hebrew curriculum of the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy.
They brushed up on how to utilize the curriculum to help shape students’ Jewish identity. They also got familiar with a method for differentiated learning, using the Learning Management System to design individualized learning for students, and to hone teaching methods for successful distance- and classroom-learning.
FOR YOUR READING LIST
Robert L. Bloch has written a new book, “The Warren Buffett Book of Investing Wisdom: 350 Quotes from the World’s Most Successful Investor.” It was published by Skyhorse Publishing earlier this month and is distributed by Simon & Schuster.
The book features a collection of business quotes and advice from Buffett that were compiled by Bloch, quotes he personally found valuable for financial success. You can order it online at www.BarnesandNoble.com.
