Local Jewish organizations, agencies reopening a bit as vaccinations increase
As COVID-19 vaccinations become more widespread, and with the relaxation of some governmental restrictions, The Chronicle asked local Jewish community organizations and agencies about their reopening plans. Their responses are summarized below. An update on congregational plans for in-person gatherings will be published in a future edition.
BBYO
BBYO is hosting virtual and in-person programming.
In-person programming is limited to 20 teens and two adults outside, masked when they are not socially distanced. As numbers continue to decrease in Kansas City, and more people get vaccinated, we will allow more than 22 people to attend, and we will be able to program inside safely.
All teen participants and parents must sign a waiver in order to attend in-person events. Pre-registration is also required to attend.
In the fall, our hope is that we will be able to program without a limit and be in person indoors as well, with the necessary precautions, i.e. masked.
The Jewish Community Center
The fitness center is open with safety precautions in place.The CDC is open and enrolling for the fall. J Camp will have more than 600 campers over the course of the summer with safety precautions in place. The Heritage Center reopened May 3 with limited numbers and safety precautions in place. The White Theatre performances remain virtual, although “Something Rotten” performers performed live on stage.
Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee
JCRB|AJC does not have any plans for in-person events or meetings at this time.
Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City
For now, both offices remain closed to the public. Most services and programming remain contactless, however some key services, such as counseling for young children, are now offered in person. The number of in-person services will expand during the spring and summer.
The agency continues to follow CDC guidance as it changes.
More than 90% of staff have been fully vaccinated, and all staff who interact with clients and volunteers will be vaccinated by June 30.
We are now recruiting more volunteers for in-person activities, such as JetExpress and the food pantry. We need more volunteers as we expand in-person activities.
Food distribution to clients and monthly community food drives at both locations continue to be curbside and contactless with the beginning of some in-person shopping expected this summer.
Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City
The Federation staff is returning to the office on a limited scale in June and July, as a pilot for moving forward beyond that. Staff will be split up between Monday-Wednesday and Tuesday-Thursday schedules in the office. Staff will have the option to work remotely, or in the office, on Fridays. The Federation offices will only be open to the public by appointment. In-office meetings will continue to follow COVID-19 safety protocols.
As far as programming, the Federation golf tournament on June 14 will mark the organization’s first in-person event since the last golf tournament, held in August 2020. Leadership is discussing the possibility of additional in-person outdoor events during the summer.
KC NCSY & JSU
KC NCSY and JSU are running their end-of-the-year celebration on June 3. It will be an in-person cookout event. We will be honoring our presidents and teen board members and recognizing all of our graduating teens.
KU Chabad
KU Chabad will continue hosting in-person events for the student community in a COVID-safe environment. All events will take place in a large outdoor tent with everyone masked and social distancing.
KU Hillel
While KU Hillel never closed for the pandemic, we are looking forward to a return to larger, in-person events. This fall we will continue to follow KU and CDC protocols and have a hybrid approach with both small group, in-person programming, and larger, outdoor events.
Now that the weather is getting warmer, we have outdoor Shabbats and plenty of social programming, including student-led volunteering projects (as part of our Serve the Moment initiative, where students work together to give back to their community) and outdoor hangouts.
Our mental health services include free therapy appointments with our Jewish Family Services therapist and those are continuing virtually until the fall, where we will have a mix of virtual appointments and in-person wellness programs.
MeltonKC
MeltonKC is transitioning to hybrid learning for its classes. Many students and instructors are looking forward to getting back together in person, while the program still welcomes and engages students who wish to stay physically distant. In addition, thanks to the Zoom classes that were available in the 2020-21 school year, MeltonKC has expanded to include students and teachers — including Rabbi Wallk Katz — from other cities.
Midwest Center for Holocaust Education
The MCHE office is currently open by appointment only, but our team is available and ready to help.
Our programming will remain online only through June. We will begin a shift toward small in-person and hybrid offerings in July, with our teacher trainings at Union Station offered in conjunction with the exhibit “Auschwitz: Not long ago. Not far away.”
Our first in-person public program is scheduled for September 1 at Union Station when Dr. David Marwell will give a presentation entitled “Mengele: Unmasking the ‘Angel of Death.’”
Village Shalom
Village Shalom is now open to visitors — we recommend no more than two at a time and also still encourage outdoor visits, if possible, or in a designated space. However, visitors are allowed to go to a person’s room or apartment in the health care areas. Independent living has had guests all along.
We have opened independent living dining venues with limited numbers and reduced hours. Hopefully the healthcare dining and assisted living will open early May.
Our Wellness Center is open again for weights and various classes with the pool to follow in a matter of weeks.
