News

Rabbi Sarah Smiley, of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, was recently appointed as a new member of Planned Parenthood’s national Clergy Advocacy Board.

On a warm evening with weeks to go until graduation, KU Hillel seniors gathered on the patio of Pedestrian Cheese for a seniors-only happy hour. As one of the many ways they are celebrating the class of 2021, this event was an opportunity to take a break from capstone projects and thesis papers.

The Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) and The J have partnered to offer a special promotion to members of the community. Anyone who opens a new Donor Advised Fund at JCF in the month of May will be eligible to win a one-year complimentary family membership to The J. The winner will be selected in a drawing by JCF and will be announced at the beginning of June.

Mazel tov to Peter Spears, a co-producer of “Nomadland,” which stars Francis McDormand and won best picture at the Academy Awards held April 25 in Los Angeles.

Macie Clawson, a KU grad, KU Hillel alum and former participant in Jewish Federation’s Leadership Tomorrow internship program, recently had her first essay published on HeyAlma.com. Hey Alma is a popular online publication that publishes pieces on Jewish identity and culture.

A post on the Big Sonia Movie Instagram account (@bigsoniamovie) recently announced that, thanks to a generous donation, they are now a third of the way to raising the funds needed to make an interactive hologram of the film’s star, Sonia Warshawski.

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.