In a year as unpredictable as this one, generosity brings people together. Generosity gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others.
The small virtual classrooms of the Ofek Hub program encourage interaction between students and teachers, as well as among students. (Courtesy of Israeli American Council)
By Michele Chabin/JTA
When the first wave of coronavirus infections reached the American South, Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker of Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, knew the synagogue’s religious school’s classes would have to move online.
The lobby of the new Staenberg Family Recreation Complex features a beautiful, backlit J logo and subtly displays The J’s five values — Welcoming + Inclusive, Building Community, Enriching Mind + Body + Soul, Passing on Jewish Culture + History and Treat Others As You Wish To Be Treated — on a white backdrop. The lobby provides access to the indoor turf field, new gym, plus the hot yoga and dance studios on the left and the racquetball courts, gym and fitness floor to the right of the Membership Experience Desk.
By Barbara Bayer Contributing Writer
Wow!
That’s the reaction people have when they see the expanded and renovated Jewish Community Center — The J.
As the Jewish community advocate for combating anti-Semitism and pursuing justice representing the Jewish communities in Kansas and Western Missouri, Jewish Community Relations Bureau|AJC knew that Jewish students in the region reported facing anti-Semitism in their schools. However, JCRB|AJC did not know how widespread this experience was, nor what anti-Semitism looked like day-to-day for students.
A string art menorah by sisters Aviya and Noya Matta won the Judges’ Grand Prize in the 2019 Chanukah Art Contest. (Denise Elam)
By Barbara Bayer Contributing Writer
The pandemic has cancelled a lot of things in 2020, but not the annual Chanukah Art Contest. For the 24th year The Shul-Chabad of Leawood, along with the Jewish Community Center (The J) and The Chronicle will sponsor the contest for students in grades pre-K through eighth grade. The winning entries will be revealed on the first night of Chanukah in the Dec. 10 issue of The Chronicle.
These are tough times. Experts say between the lingering coronavirus pandemic and the toxic political environment, there has been an uptick in both anxiety and depression.
Due to the pandemic Kehilath Israel’s Grand Givers was held drive-in movie style in the K.I. parking lot, featuring Neil Berg and Friends.
Despite these unusual times, K.I. Synagogue’s 44th Grand Givers, held on Sunday, Oct. 18, was a great success. Co-chairs Drs. Shari and Michael Sokol donned their creative hats and designed a “Grand Givers Like Never Before.” Grand Givers is Kehilath Israel’s largest fun and fund raiser of the year with entertainment, food and prizes.
Faced with an ongoing pandemic, and in possession of hundreds of beautiful Judaica pieces that speak to the history, culture and art that explains and defines Judaism across centuries and around the globe, The Michael Klein Collection at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah is expanding its offering of virtual tours. The tours, which are free of charge, are available both to the public and to private groups and focus on education through the stories that lie behind each piece in the collection.
Pictured is KU Junior Daniel Wachsberg with matzah ball soup and tea bags being delivered to a KU student who is feeling sick.
When a student is far from home and their parents are miles away, who do they turn to when they’re sick? A parent could console them through the phone and tell them things will be alright. Watkins Health Center could help diagnose the issue and get the student some medicine. But only a dedicated Rabbi and Rebbetzin can be there to deliver the best cure: a steaming hot bowl of fresh matzah ball soup.
