Registration is now open for this year’s annual Day of Discovery taking place August 22. Visit the Rabbinical Association’s website, kcrabbi.org, for information, a complete listing of classes and topic descriptions, and a link to registration.
The deadline to register is August 16 and participants are asked to register early as some classes have limited spaces. Registration fees increase after August 16. Zoom links for each session will be sent a few days prior to the program.
Day of Discovery is an opportunity for the entire Jewish community to discover and explore the richness, diversity and joy of Jewish learning in Kansas City. Participants will be able to discover some of the community’s finest Jewish educators, rabbis, professors, experts and cantors who will lead sessions on a wide range of topics throughout the day beginning at 9:30 a.m. Nearly 20 classes will be offered.
This year’s program will take place using Zoom and a new and improved online platform. A limited number of adult and family-oriented sessions will be offered in person.
Volunteers are available by phone to assist with registration and technology assistance will also be offered the day of the program. A lunch and discussion featuring the popular radio show Religion on the Line co-hosts Rabbi Michael Zedek, Dr. Bob Hill and Deacon Bill Scholl from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Two family-oriented service projects will take place for youth and parents in the morning and are coordinated by Frank Tankard, a member of the Day of Discovery task force.
Taly Friedman, director of volunteer engagement for Jewish Family Services, will lead an interactive session and hands-on projects focused on the JFS food pantry, and Ken Sonnenschein and his team will facilitate a discussion and tour of the Mitzvah Garden with an opportunity to work in the garden. Each program has limited space.
Planning for the Day of Discovery began eight months ago and includes a task force with professional and lay representatives from congregations and partnering agencies.
“It is a delight to work with this remarkable group of dedicated and committed individuals who work tirelessly over the summer to make this event possible,” said Annette Fish, Rabbinical Association administrator/program director. “Several task force members have been part of the planning for this event since we began offering the program over 12 years ago. Each year we are pleased to welcome new members to our team.”
Task force members include Mari Anne Birnbaum, Lainie Decker, Annette Fish, Joel Fish, Elliott Franks, Marti Fry, Joyce Fulps, Ben Gaddert, Henri Gaddert, Dayna Gershon, Clint Gillom, Cristi Gillom, Jody Gittleman, Lauren Gladish, Henri Goettel, Molly Hess, Linda Hyken, Marian Kaplan, Simon Kass, Sam Matier, Pat McKenna, Vicki Mooney, Peter Pizor, Teri Smith, Frank Tankard and Felicia Weiner.
This program is co-sponsored by The Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City in partnership with The J KC, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, Jewish Family Services, Village Shalom and area congregations.
For information, visit kcrabbi.org or contact Annette Fish, administrator/program director, Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City, by email at or by phone at 913-327-8226.
