Over the past few years, a combination of the pandemic and changing needs in the local Jewish community inspired the Kansas City Community Kollel’s board to develop a new vision and strategy.
The plan was to relaunch the Kollel, a Jewish learning organization, to play a greater role in Jewish and Zionist programming in Kansas City, and ensure it has sufficient staff and resources to thrive.
“We wanted the person (or persons) to be able to promote a love of Israel and teach more about Israel — the land, the people and more conventional study — particularly in light of Oct. 7 and the growing antisemitism we’re feeling,” said Jerry Bernard, the KC Kollel board president.
After laying a strong foundational strategy, the KC Kollel board got to work finding the right people for the job. While exploring several recruiting sources in the United States and Israel, board members learned that Torah MiTzion, the international network of Zionist Kollels, had redesigned their Kollel model around the vision of a community-based beit midrash, or place of learning.
According to Bernard, board members also wanted to ensure the Kollel programs and events were community facing, accessible to the entire Jewish community (regardless of level of observance) and, most importantly, that it had the right staffing to successfully support their educational programs and the daily operations of the organization.
After a few months of conversation with Torah MiTzion, Benny and Tehilla Feldman emerged as outstanding candidates to become the shlichim (emissaries), Bernard said. The Feldmans felt the connection as well.
“We were looking for a warm and welcoming community that feels connected to Judaism and Israel,” Benny said, “and we really connected with the people we met from Kansas City. It was a natural fit.”
The Feldmans, who recently arrived in Kansas City from Israel, emphasize inclusivity and plan to offer diverse programs, such as community baking, children’s learning and an open community beit midrash space for all to study, wherever they are on their Jewish journey. Their goal is to foster a strong connection to Judaism and Israel through formal and informal activities, as well as provide learning opportunities for Jewish people of all walks of life. In addition to new programming, they will retain community programs like Torah study opportunities, Ahoovim (a program for Jewish adults with special needs) and Senior Scholars, a monthly Jewish program for residents at independent living centers in Johnson County.
Both Feldmans have backgrounds that are well suited to strengthening the revitalized Kollel. They bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for Jewish learning and Zionism. Tehilla is an organizational psychologist, and Benny is a military reservist rabbi, accountant and former teacher. Both of them hold advanced degrees from Bar Ilan University in Ramat Gan, Israel.
“[Benny] brings a great deal of patience, creativity, knowledge and thirst for knowledge to his teaching and the programs he develops,” Tehilla said. “He isn’t afraid to delve into things or do things a little differently.”
“Tehilla is really creative and enthusiastic about her work,” Benny said. “She is also musical and plays the guitar. She is passionate and knowledgeable and a great storyteller who has grown up very connected to her Judaism.”
“I think it’s an advantage to work as a couple,” Tehilla said. “We each bring our strengths, and we’re able to support each other and complement each other when needed.”
Most important to the Feldmans is making meaningful connections through their work, both people-to-people and by creating strong connections between individuals and their Judaism. At the time of the interview, they had already held their first Ahoovim program, created a weekly inspiration event to prepare for Shabbat and were planning special events around the High Holy Days. They also work with various local Jewish organizations to co-sponsor events and are looking forward to launching new events and programs once the Jewish holiday season is complete.
“Our programming is meant to engage everyone Jewishly, no matter where they are at,” Tehilla said.
“We really want everyone who joins us to feel welcome,” Benny said.
The Feldmans welcome new ideas for events and programs. Those interested in more information or connecting with the KC Kollel can go to communitykollel.org or email the Feldmans at .
