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Jews across the world marked the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 terror attacks, and Kansas City’s Jewish community organized a commemoration and a temporary art installation for the victims.

Shira Brudoley, Kansas City’s new NCSY and Jewish Student Union (JSU) director, already feels like she is at home after just two months on the job. Her passion to help middle and high school students “experience, explore and be empowered by their Judaism” is a driving force behind her work, and she expressed sincere gratitude to the many students, parents and donors who have already shown an incredible amount of support to her and the local organization.  

For many, school is a stepping stone. For some, it’s a place to return home. At Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA), four alumni have found their way back — this time as teachers and mentors. Three new teachers join the faculty, and one longtime teacher is celebrating 12 years in the classroom, marking 24 years at HBHA as both a student and educator. 

For weeks after the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, Neta Meltzer of Overland Park, Kansas, struggled to sleep, eat and cope with the images flashing across her TV: Footage of young Jews massacred at a music festival, bloodied rape victims being carried off by Hamas terrorists, and photos of once-joyful families who’d been murdered in their homes.  

Members of the Jewish community are invited to a service commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel. 

Congregation Beth Shalom welcomed its newest clergy member, Assistant Rabbi Talia Kaplan, this summer. A recent rabbinical school graduate, Rabbi Kaplan joins Senior Rabbi David Glickman and Hazzan Tahl Ben-Yehuda as a spiritual leader at Beth Shalom. 

Congregation Beth Shalom has completed its new sanctuary, concluding a yearslong endeavor to provide the synagogue a permanent prayer space.

Molly Hess has been announced as the new director of Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of the Jewish Federation of Kansas City and The J, having joined the team at the end of August. 

After more than 10 years of dedication to The J, DD Gass, director of camps and school-age services, has announced her retirement.

More than six years ago, Victor Wishna found himself in Ottumwa, Iowa, writing a story about a small synagogue in the process of decommissioning.