Community News

Last week, after a stampede at a Lag B’Omer festival in Israel resulted in the deaths of more than 40 people, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City released the following statement via email:

Aviva Okeson-Haberman, the KCUR reporter who was killed last month by a stray bullet, was a Jewish woman from Springfield, Missouri.

The White Theatre at The J will celebrate its 15th anniversary season with Best of Broadway, a virtual benefit concert, at 7 p.m. on May 15. The concert will feature performances from some of the finest local stars and best Broadway shows held on The White Theatre stage over its 15 seasons. The concert is free, however, donations to benefit The J’s Arts + Culture programs are welcome.

The trauma caused by COVID-19 is bringing increased awareness to the importance of mental health care. In the past pandemic year, Jewish Family Services (JFS) has seen a 50% increase in the number of counseling sessions. JFS has responded by providing more resources and information with a focus on preventive initiatives.

(JTA) — The white supremacist who murdered three people outside Jewish institutions in Overland Park, Kansas, in 2014, died on the same day that the daughter and mother of two of his victims published a book memorializing their lives.

The Jewish Community Relations Bureau|AJC seeks a talented and dynamic professional to serve as its development director, to help manage all aspects of JCRB|AJC’s development plan, including fundraising, special events, relevant fundraising communications, and donor development.

The community is invited to attend the installation of the officers and board of directors of the Beth Shalom Sisterhood. The theme is “still going strong.” The ceremony is May 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Retired Rabbi Michael Weisser, guest speaker at Temple Israel’s virtual havdalah on May 8, has the distinction of having turned a Ku Klux Klan Grand Dragon of Nebraska away from hate and onto a path that led to his conversion to Judaism.

Never has the 60-plus set been so active and determined to live life independently in their own homes and on their terms. Sometimes, an extra set of hands is just what’s needed to make this a reality. Jewish Family Services’ Help@Home program provides individuals more time to spend enjoying activities other than home repairs and household chores and helps prevent injuries for adults who are no longer able to perform such tasks.

Earlier this month, members of Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) Fraternity at the University of Missouri-Columbia participated in their biennial philanthropy, Rock-A-Thon, where one member is designated to rock in a rocking chair for 62 straight hours. All other members take to the streets of Columbia to collect donations in cans, with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.