The annual Day of Discovery will take place in person on Sunday, Aug. 20, offering unique experiences and opportunities to engage in Jewish learning locally.
This year, the event will include an opportunity to view The Michael Klein Collection, which was unveiled at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah in 2019.
According to Abby Magariel, educator and curator of The Michael Klein Collection, the display is a combination of fine art, ritual items and folk art that teach about Jewish life, some of which date back almost 2,000 years.
Magariel will share her knowledge and expertise in two sessions this year: “The Meaning of Tashlich” (co-taught with Rabbi Stephanie Kramer) and “Celebrating Life Cycle Events in the Klein Collection,” (co-taught with Joann Kinney and held at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah).
“The tour of life cycle events at B’nai Jehudah gives participants a closer look at objects that celebrate special days in Jewish life,” Magariel said. “These works come from four continents and illustrate the similarities and differences in traditions around the world. The Tashlich session with Rabbi Kramer will shed some light on the tradition and its place within the High Holy Days. Attendees will get special access to see objects from the Klein Collection that are used during the holidays, including handwritten prayer books, unusual ritual objects and other pieces brought out from storage for this program.”
Magariel is presenting for her third time at Day of Discovery, enjoying sharing her knowledge with others.
“It’s always been a delightful way to meet people from across the Kansas City Jewish community, to share the Klein Collection and the treasures it holds,” she said. “I’m constantly in awe of the stories told through these objects and am always excited to share new things I’ve learned.”
For those unable to attend Day of Discovery, the collection is open for self-guided tours during B’nai Jehudah’s open hours.
Late registration for this year’s Day of Discovery has been extended to Sunday, Aug. 13 at 11:59 p.m. Registration and more information is available at thejkc.org/dayofdiscovery. Accommodations will be made for walk-ins on the day of the event; however, “Celebrating Life Cycle Events in the Klein Collection” requires registration ahead of time.
Day of Discovery is a partnership between the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City and Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of Jewish Federation at The J. Over 25 different courses will be offered this year. The program is funded in part by the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.
Questions can be directed to Megan Pener at or (913) 327-8163.
