The annual Day of Discovery will take place in person and virtually on Sunday, Aug. 21.
Registration is currently open at www.dayofdiscoverykc.org, and those interested can learn about this year’s sessions and presenters online. This program provides the opportunity for the Jewish community to discover the richness and diversity of Jewish learning in Kansas City. Over 30 different courses will be offered in 2022.
In addition to more traditional course offerings, Day of Discovery is bringing sessions that engage learners through music, movement and dance.
Yoga therapist Sharon Friedman will encourage learners to use their breath and gentle movements in her session “Modeh Ani Embodied.” Friedman chose to present this year because of her desire to share “this beautiful practice of movement and spirituality.” She encourages learners to come with an open mind and open heart.
“The poses are simple and done gently to find the body-mind-soul connection by bringing focused awareness to our deepest connection to HaShem, the Neshma HaChayim (our breath),” Friedman said.
Rachel Downs-Doubrava and Bailey Kivett, educators and artists, are preparing to present their session called “The Journey of my Jewish.” Downs-Doubrava and Kivett encourage participants to come into the class with flexibility, an open mind, and focus.
“[We want people to] work towards owning your Judaism in a way that is consistent, reflective, constructive, and beautiful in this artistic and spiritual session,” Downs-Doubrava said. “We will make books, dive into Jewish and personal content, express our spirit creatively, and intuitively discuss our life patterns, struggles and achievements.”
Another class, Lezlie Zucker’s “Beyond Eileh Ezk’rah: Music of a Tikkun Service,” encourages learners to experience a rich well of traditional melodies and inspiration when looking a little more deeply into the text of a discrete Eileh Ezk’rah service.
In addition to the sessions offered, Day of Discovery will bring a community-wide Family Program from 10-11:30 a.m. Families will have the opportunity to engage in a hands-on workshop followed by breakout sessions later in the morning. Participants can enjoy music in the Sukkah, a story time snack with PJ Library, and take part in a JFS Pantry and Scavenger Hunt.
The deadline to register for this year’s Day of Discovery is Aug. 15, and participants are asked to register early, as some classes have limited space available. Registration fees increase after Aug. 15.
Day of Discovery is a partnership of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City and Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of Jewish Federation at The J. Other co-sponsors include Jewish Family Services, Village Shalom and area congregations. This program is generously funded in part by the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.
Information can be found at dayofdiscoverykc.org or by contacting Annette Fish, Administrator/Program Director of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City, by email at or by phone at 913-327-8226.
