In June the Jewish Community Center launched its new Jewish Life and Learning program by offering a taste of its fall programming. The new classes are now in place, a brochure is in the mail and fall programming will officially begin on Monday, Aug. 29. The brochure, “Jewish Life & Learning for the Curious Mind,” can also be accessed online at www.jcckc.org.

Jill Maidhof, the director of Jewish Life and Learning, explained that the change in name and the larger variety of class offerings is the result of a survey conducted by the JCC last spring.

“We sent a survey probing every aspect of what was then called the Department of Adult Jewish Learning to participants, faculty and other stakeholders, like funders. We carried on personal conversations with a variety of those people as well as thought leaders across the country and colleagues at different JCC’s,” she explained.

From the survey and conversations, the JCC decided to expand the scope of programming it offered beyond adult Jewish learning.

“In addition to formal classes, lectures and presentations people thought informal venues, recreational programming that focused on Jewish values and traditions, family programs, spirituality and personal development workshops, things like cooking, cultural arts emerged as a very important priority for folks.”

Besides enlarging the focus of its educational programming in a variety of ways, Maidhof pointed out the JCC has embraced a more collaborative approach to programming.

The first effort was to meet with representatives of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, which occurred early this year.

“Basically we said we are seeking the same ends, we are working with the same target audience, heck we are even in the same building. We could be far more than the sum of our parts and we have a great opportunity to work closer together,” Maidhof said.

Since the initial meeting Maidhof, Federation Associate Executive Director Alan Edelman and their staffs have begun to work together in co-promoting and planning and implementing programs.

Edelman explained that this collaborative concept, similar to the saying “it takes a village!” is happening in Jewish communities throughout North America.

“Jewish communities are coming to appreciate the value of collaboration as an effective means of engaging more members of the community along a lifetime continuum of Jewish living and learning experiences,” he said.

One of the reasons for this, he explains, is that at various stages of life, individuals may or may not be affiliated with a particular Jewish institution.

“Therefore, every Jewish organization, including the Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Center and congregations must offer a variety of activities that will create a net wide enough to catch every member of the community at one time or another. Hopefully, that initial activity will be meaningful enough to engage the person for the rest of their lives,” Edelman said.

“This new and evolving collaboration is our community’s attempt at bringing professional and volunteer leadership together to brainstorm ideas and implement programming.

We encourage members of the community to share their ideas for engaging more people in Jewish living and learning,” he added.

One of the first things the JCC did was invite the congregations, agencies and organizations in the community to submit their programs for publication in the brochure which has just been published. To be included a program needed to meet three criteria:

It had to be focused on Jewish content

It had to be open to the community without regard to membership or affiliation

It must take place between mid-August and December of this year.

Maidhof said that invitation resulted in a 33-page document “that really shows the breadth of what’s available in this city.”

The brochure is not meant to be the only resource for community programs. For instance some plans weren’t finalized before publication.

“We are strongly encouraging people to see it as a companion to Planit Jewish, the online Jewish calendar. But it’s a great example of reaching out and taking a step in the direction of more and more collaboration and better and more efficient use of community resources,” she said.

A couple of classes organized by the JCC will be held at sites other than the JCC this year. For example an Ayeka class will be held at Congregation Beth Torah. A cooking class is scheduled to be held at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.

Maidhof is hopeful more and more collaboration will take place in the future.

“Right now we are in the stage of reaching out and looking at what’s possible,” Maidhof said.

Maidhof to lead JCC’s
Jewish Life and Learning program

After almost 25 years holding a variety of positions at the Jewish Community Center, Jill Maidhof has assumed the full-time position of director of Jewish Life and Learning.

Most recently she has served as the JCC’s associate executive director and served as interim director, along with Director of Finance Jim Sluyter, for an eighteen-month period before Jacob Schreiber joined the JCC in the fall of 2009.

Schreiber said what stands out about Maidhof is her love of Judaism and her passion for bringing its values, wisdom and sense of community to all people.

“That is what drives her. That is why she has served in just about every position there is in the JCC — because each one, when done correctly and with dedication, can positively impact the lives of so many,” he said.

In addition to her regular duties, Maidhof, who joined the JCC in October of 1986, had been serving as the interim director of Jewish Life and Learning since Jeff Goldenberg left the JCC in April. It was during that time that Maidhof decided she would once again enjoy a position that was more hands on and less administrative.

“I was reminded of how much I loved my years as a Jewish educator and the process of creating programs,” Maidhof said.

This new position allows Maidhof to return to a “long-time passion and leave a legacy of excellence in one focused area.”

“For many years, I had the privilege of learning first-hand about operations in many parts of the Center,” said Maidhof. “Now I’m excited to delve deeply into one area.”

Melton undergoes changes

Following an extensive study of adult educational programming at the Jewish Community Center undertaken last spring, the year one curriculum of the Florence Melton Adult

Mini School will be offered this fall in three 10-week units. In the past it has been offered as a year-long course. No changes are being made to the year two Melton curriculum this year.

Jill Maidhof, director of the JCC’s Jewish Life and Learning department, said the survey and one-on-one discussions with educators and students found that people unanimously believe that there is no better adult curriculum than Melton.

“It’s the best there is for the community setting,” she said.

However the survey did bring to light that on a local level repackaging Melton might better meet the needs of its target audience. One reason for that, Maidhof said, is people are becoming more resistant to making a commitment for an entire year.

“They may go out of town for several weeks at a time. It’s also a significant financial commitment,” she said.

The JCC worked with the international Melton faculty and will pilot the three, 10-week units this year. While the course has been designed by Rabbi Morey Schwartz, the curriculum developer for Melton, to stand alone Maidhof believes students will get the greatest benefit by taking all three sessions.

“Our hope is to hook people early and keep them in the system. We think with excellent teachers that’s exactly what will happen. But we also are very respectful that people have many concurrent priorities,” Maidhof.

Day of Discovery, now in its fifth year, gives adults in the Kansas City Jewish community a chance to discover what types of educational opportunities are offered through the year. In just one day, Sunday, Aug. 28, somewhere between 225 and 300 people will take the opportunity to learn, study and “discover” with some of the community’s finest Jewish educators, rabbis and cantors.

“Some of the people that I see at Day of Discovery are truly lifelong learners,” said Day of Discovery Task Force member Henri Goettel. “Others may be sticking a toe in for the first time.”

Goettel has been a part of Day of Discovery since its inception. A teacher at Congregation Beth Torah, she believes that identifying as a Jew is not something that a person does just once.

“I think it is incumbent on us to continue to learn and grow with the growth and changes that occur in our lives,” she said.

The program is co-sponsored by The Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City, Jewish Community Center’s Department of Jewish Life and Learning, CAJE/Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy and area congregations. Rabbinical Association President Rabbi Herbert Mandl of Kehilath Israel Synagogue said the association has been sponsoring Day of Discover from its onset because “it’s a great opportunity to launch the new Jewish year with study on a variety of topics.”

Annette Fish, who serves as administrator/program director of the Rabbinical Association and is the staff person who works with the Day of Discovery Task Force explained that a variety of topics are offered in an effort to appeal to all age groups.

“We would be delighted to see more people in the 20 to 40 age group participate. We hope some of the new topics that we have not offered in the past will appeal to them,” Fish said.

A total of 30 different classes are being offered by 29 different educators. Fish noted that many of the courses offered this year were chosen in response to the evaluations organizers received from last year’s participants. Two examples of that are “The Holocaust: From Persecution to Annihilation,” taught by Fran Sternberg, director of programming for the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, and two courses on genealogy to be taught by professional genealogist Steven B. Chernoff, Ph.D.

Goettel thinks this year’s course selections are the best so far because they include traditional topics as well as timely ones, such as anti-Semitism and the Tea Party movement.

While she is a dedicated learner, Goettel said the classes are very accessible “to people who have never tried a Day of Discovery before.”

Personally Goettel likes the fact that Day of Discovery gives her the opportunity to study “with folks that I either don’t take the opportunity to study with other times or I simply don’t have that opportunity at all.”

For instance this year Goettel hopes to take the class on “How Your Advocacy Can Make a Difference for Israel,” being taught by Marvin Szneler, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee.

“I know that there are all kinds of opportunities to learn through the JCRB|AJC, I just never take the time to put them in my schedule. So here he is basically coming to me,” Goettel pointed out.

She’s also looking forward to studying with Rabbi Benzion Friedman and Esther Friedman of Torah Learning Center.

“Studying with Rabbi Friedman is an opportunity that I normally would not have as a woman,” she said.

Opportunities are widely available to study with Rebitzen Friedman, but, Goettel said, it’s another one of those things that she “just never makes the time to do.”

Day of Discovery quick facts

Date: Sunday, Aug. 28

Time: 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Place: Jewish Community Campus

Cost: $20 per person includes classes, breakfast, deli lunch and dessert reception; $12 per person, classes only, no lunch (Fees rise on a space-available basis after Aug. 22)

Register online at http://tinyurl.com/dayofdiscovery2011 or mail registration form found in brochure.

For questions or to inquire about confidential financial assistance, contact Annette Fish, 913-327-4622, , or visit kcrabbis.org.

Recently, philanthropist and volunteer Stan Bushman asked Bill Carr, “What are you going to do now?”

A partner with the law firm of Lewis, Rice & Fingersh, L.C., Carr is wrapping up a two-year term as president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. What Bushman really was asking him was, “What are you going to do now that you won’t be spending so much time in one way or another dealing with just about every issue that affects our Jewish community?”

Carr says he honestly isn’t sure. Considering how much he and his board of directors accomplished in an economic climate arguably more challenging than any in the past 50 years, he’s likely to have a lot more spare time.

New strategic plan

When Carr became president, one of his top goals was to develop a new Strategic Plan for the Jewish Federation.

“I focused on setting a path for how we could improve,” he said. To do so, he created four task forces, whose efforts are now resulting in new and exciting approaches to achieving the Federation’s mission of sustaining and enhancing Jewish life here at home and around the world.

Take the Financial Resource Development Task Force, headed by Ward Katz.

“The Federation is by far the largest aggregate, year-in and year-out fundraiser in the Jewish community,” said Carr. “The more successful it is, the more funds we can allocate to our Jewish agencies to do the things they want to do. But we’re often so busy running the campaign that there isn’t time to sit back and analyze how it can be improved.”

A large proportion of gifts today come from a relatively small group of donors, many of whom are older. “Gifts will need to come from a larger group,” said Carr. “It’s not automatic. I believe engagement comes before any type of leadership or significant gifts, but I think the Federation is up to the challenge.”

Fundamental to enlarging the donor base and meeting that challenge are issues being tackled by the three other task forces.

The Education and Identity Task Force, led by Stacey Belzer, is analyzing the success of Federation-run programs, such as Learning for Life, and working closely with a task force of the Funders Council exploring how community education dollars can be spent most effectively.

The Engagement and Leadership Task force, led by Sarah Beren, is focusing on ways to encourage everyone, regardless of means, to feel ownership in the Jewish community and good about helping it to prosper.

Chaired by John Isenberg, the Israel and Overseas Task Force is designing new ways to share the excitement and impact of the Federation’s work in Israel, Eastern Europe and other areas around the world.

The unanswered question

In addition to launching the task forces, Carr also wanted to build upon successful endeavors already established in the community, like the Funders Council, which serves as a vehicle for collaboration among the Federation, Jewish Community Foundation, Jewish Heritage Foundation and Menorah Legacy Foundation.

Funders Council initiatives undertaken during Carr’s tenure that he believes are especially important include enhanced cooperation between the funders and the synagogues, establishment of a common grant application form to eliminate unnecessary duplication of effort by the Jewish agencies, and assistance in the development of a plan to ensure the financial security of the Jewish Community Campus.

“While I can’t say it was a personal accomplishment,” says Carr, “I feel very good about the spirit of cooperation that’s been present in the community throughout my term and have great confidence in Miriam Scharf, whose knowledge, experience and dedication will serve her well as the Federation’s next president.”

Still, that leaves unanswered the question Stan Bushman asked about what Carr is going to do now. Carr says he isn’t sure, but then gives it some more thought.

“Maybe the larger question,” he says, “is what do you do with a leader after their term has ended? Once they’ve acquired all that knowledge of the community’s political, economic and social interactions? Do you let them drift away, or is there a way to utilize them?”

In answering a question with a question, Carr may be giving us his answer. He cares too much to drift away.  

Annual meeting planned Sept. 7

The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City will hold its 78th Annual Meeting at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, at Oakwood Country Club, 9800 Grandview Road. Cost is $15 per person and it includes a Vaad supervised dessert reception.

Miriam Scharf will become Federation president that evening. The outgoing officers, directors and committee chairs will also be honored as well as the program of the year winners: KU Hillel and The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. Neal Schwartz will be recognized as the Dan Fingersh Young Leadership Award Winner as will Dayna Gershon as the CAJE Teacher of the Year.

Reservations are required by Aug. 31. RSVP at www.jewishkansascity.org, or call (913) 327-8103.

Mai and Aviv Bonomo moved to Kansas City from Israel with their parents, Anat and Yossi Bonomo, when they were just 4 years old. The twins graduated from Blue Valley High School in May. Each decided to return to Israel — Mai left in late July and Aviv is leaving this month — to begin the next chapters of their lives.

Mai’s year of service

Mai will spend her gap year as a volunteer for an underdeveloped community in Israel as part of Shnat Sherut, which translates to “A Year of Service.” Mai will live and work at Nir HaEmek, a youth village in the Afula, where her duties will include in-school and after-school activities for kids and projects for the community.

“I knew that I wanted to take a gap year,” Mai said. “My whole [extended] family is in Israel, and once I found this program I just knew that it was right because I am doing something good.”

Mai’s mother Anat Bonomo said she believes it was a good decision for Mai to take a gap year.

“I think at this age you don’t really know what you want to be when you are going to be old,” she said. “I don’t think you need to decide; I think it’s good that you take the time to see what life is, to work a little, to travel a little. I think at 18 you are not mature yet.”

She said she struggled at first with the decision of going to college or volunteering in Israel.

“I got way more excited for my program,” she said. “It hit me when I started applying for one college, and I was writing essays. I was like, ‘I don’t want to do this.’ So I stopped.”

While in Israel, Mai will live in a commune, similar to an apartment. She will live with approximately five other young volunteers.

“I feel like I am getting something so much better [than a dorm] because I am living in an apartment with these people,” she said. “I get way closer with them, so I am really excited for that.”

Mai said she is excited to be working in a very diverse area.

“You get all the kids from different backgrounds,” she said.

“I could be in an Ethiopian neighborhood. I could be in an Arabic neighborhood.”

While there, she will receive a monthly budget for food and living.

“It’s kind of like us getting paid, but we are only getting paid for our bare necessities,” she said. “We are not really getting extra.”

Mai speaks fluent Hebrew. To prepare for her journey to Israel, she read Hebrew children’s books. She also watched Israeli TV with her mom and practiced speaking Hebrew more often.

Mai said she is considering joining the Israeli army after her year spent with Shnat Sherut.

“In my eyes, it is helping people because it is a defense force,” she said. “College is in the future for me, but not the immediate future, which I like because I am kind of sick of school at this point.”

Before she left for Israel, Mai said the risk of danger wasn’t going to keep her from going.

“There’s always a chance of danger because you never know what is going to happen — crazy things happen,” she said. “The danger is more concentrated in one part of Israel, which I could be in. It doesn’t really scare me, but I know if I was in that situation, it would be scary because I know people who live in that area, and it’s scary for them. But it’s not going to stop me from going.”

Mai said the danger aspect will not affect the way she lives there.

“People don’t really take any extra precautions,” she said. “The only difference is instead of tornado warnings, there are bomb warnings, which is kind of different. It’ll be natural for me because I have already been to Israel and know what it is like. There will be things to get used to but not anything related to turmoil because the media kind of exaggerates it a little bit. I think it’ll be fine.”

Anat said she encouraged Mai to take her gap year in Israel.

“We really wanted her to make her connection to Israel and Judaism stronger,” Anat said. “We are extremely proud of her.”

It’s the army for Aviv

Even though Aviv is an Israeli citizen, he spent the past 14 years of his life in the United States. That qualifies him to officially make aliyah when he returns to Israel this month. He is also joining the Israeli Defense Forces through a program run by the Israeli Scouts called Garin Tzabar.

His first three months in Israel will be spent at Dgania Alef. It’s known as the “mother of all kibbutzim” in Israel and it sits by the beach of the Kinneret, also known as the Sea of Galilee. While there he will share a room with another new oleh (immigrant) in the program, get settled in Israel, work at the kibbutz and prepare for the army.

About three months after he arrives in Israel, and after taking tests to determine what jobs suit him best, he will officially join the army. He will be in the IDF for at least three years. As a lone soldier — a soldier without any parents in Israel — he will continue to have a room at the kibbutz during that time.

Aviv said he always wanted to move back to his birthplace.

“I have more of a natural pride toward Israel,” he said. “I know it is a draft, so you have to go to the army anyway. I would rather do it with people my age, so I will have the same experiences as everyone and will fit in well when I go there.”

Garin Tzabar is a program that takes Jewish teens from the United States who want to join the Israeli army.

He learned about the program through a close family friend who did it last year. Aviv said there is a lot of mental and physical preparation to do before be goes to Israel.

“I don’t think I am ready yet,” he said. “I think I am ready mentally, just not physically. I know it is going to be a challenge, but I think I am ready for the challenge.”

Aviv’s mother said she believes Aviv is brave to join the army.

“It is very much in the spirit of our family,” she said. “We think by all means we have to protect Israel and make sure because of anti-Semitism around in the world going on every day, we should keep Israel because we have no other place to go.”

Anat said she knows her son may be in danger depending on where he is stationed.

“If you will be in the active army service, and you will go outside into enemy territory, or you are going to be at the border of Israel with our enemies — because Israel is surrounded by all countries that are not so interested in peace — then, there is a chance that if there is a battle, something may happen,” she said.

Aviv said the Israeli army is different than the typical college experience because of all the choices students have at a university.

“In college, there is studying, but you still get a lot of free time,” he said. “You can do basically what you want. You just have to make sure you go to your classes and do your work. In the army, you are there 24/7. You don’t really have many options.”

Aviv said he will miss the freedom he had as a high school student once he begins training in Israel.

“I know I am going to be bussed around a lot,” he said. “I have free weekends sometimes, but not always. Doing everything I want to do versus doing everything I am told to do will be a change. But, it is something that I can get used to.”

Aviv said he knows he will change after going through IDF.

“I think I will be more physically attributed,” he said. “I will be mentally more mature. I think I will be more Israeli; I will be there for a while and more culturally adapted to Israel.”

Anat said she was happy Aviv chose to join IDF on his own.

“It came from him — it was his idea and decision — to go and volunteer with the army, to give what he can to help Jewish people and Israel to be there and exist,” she said. “There are many countries that do not believe Israel has the right to exist, and they say so all the time.”

Aviv said it was a difficult decision to join the IDF, but he knew he wanted to do it because his family has a history of being in the defense forces.

“A lot of people asked me why I am doing it; they thought I was crazy,” he said. “They don’t really understand what I am doing. But I know I have my reasons, and sometimes they are hard to explain. It is something I want to do, so it makes it a lot easier knowing that I want to do this.”

This is article is reprinted with permission from the Blue Valley High School Tiger Print, where Annie Matheis served as news editor when it was originally published in May. Updated information for this story was provided by Jewish Chronicle Editor Barbara Bayer.

“We have two choices in life,” said JoAnn Oppenheimer. “Cope or don’t cope.” This saying, that she learned from her father, Harry Oppenheimer, has helped her through many of life’s challenges. As Oppenheimer puts it, she has always chosen to cope!

A Kansas City native, Oppenheimer was the youngest of the six children of Harry and Rebecca Oppenheimer (who are all deceased). Now in her 70s and living in Las Vegas, she spent the first 50 years of her life in the Kansas City area, graduating from University of Missouri-Kansas City. She grew up attending Keneseth Israel-Beth Shalom Synagogue on 34th  & Paseo, but as an adult belonged to Beth Shalom at 95th and Wornall, where her children, Brent and Adrian Hershman, became Bar and Bat Mitzvah.

But Oppenheimer has faced adversity along the way. Her first husband, Stephen Hershman, died in the Hyatt Regency disaster 30 years ago. Although they were already divorced by that time, she and their two children, who were teenagers at the time, planned the funeral and sat shiva together. Years later, her son Brent died tragically in a car accident when he was 35.

These events, along with others, brought her back to her father’s words, and she continued to cope and move forward in her life. But she knows many others have also faced adversity and need to learn to cope. For this reason she wrote, “Potpourri For and About Women.” The book “came about because I wanted to produce a self-help book for people currently experiencing traumatic challenges in their lives,” she said.

In the book 41 women, including Oppenheimer, talk about their challenges and how they learned to live life again. The women from throughout the United States share their stories. She found the women through acquaintances and friends who gave her referrals. It took her 13 years to complete the book, finally getting it published in 2010.

Anyone interested in the book can go to her website at www.AuthorJoAnnOppenheimer.com.

Oppenheimer believes that being raised Jewish influenced her writing. “I was raised by compassionate parents in a Jewish home,” she said, “and I am sure my upbringing helped me to be the compassionate person I am.”

While she wrote her book, Oppenheimer continued other activities. She has always been active in both community and political activities. For 10 years she served on the Nevada State Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design Commission. In Las Vegas, she also served on the Jewish Community Center board, Women’s Philanthropy Jewish Federation and the Jewish National Fund.

Her writing skills were honed writing a “Single Again?” column for a national publication called “Affaire de Coeur” for two years. Now the column appears in each issue of the Las Vegas Israelite, the only Jewish paper in Las Vegas. She provides private coaching to help people with their transitions from couple to single again. She also has been a real estate agent for more than 20 years.

During her adult years in Kansas City, she owned JoAnn and Associates, an advertising specialty company that she had for 45 years. Her activities and work in the business world led to her being named the Outstanding Young Woman of the Year for Kansas in 1967 by the Outstanding Young Women Foundation. She also served on the UMKC Alumni Board for 25 years. One of her most unexpected honors was to be named Queen of the University of Missouri-Kansas City by the student body when she was a college junior in 1957. She believes she was the first Jewish Queen of UMKC.

Oppenheimer likes to stay active. “Even though I am in my seventh decade, I have no plans to retire,” she said. “Work stimulates me and helps me keep a healthy and positive attitude while I am helping people. To have goals, be productive and to help others is my way of life.”

PANTRY IS BARE — OK, so Yachad-The Kosher Food Pantry is not completely out of food, but the shelves are quite bare. I was there on Sunday and the pickings are slim for those who are in need of extra help. My friend Sherrill Parkhurst, who is the volunteer director of Yachad, said the pantry needs help in two ways right now. The first thing it needs ASAP is non-perishable protein, especially canned tuna and salmon and jars of peanut butter. Her second request is for more pairs of helping hands. This month volunteers delivered Simcha boxes filled with food, fresh bread and Shabbat candles to 97 Jewish families. Drivers are needed to help with this project and young, strong people are especially helpful when loading and unloading the vehicles. Yachad can’t wait until the High Holiday food drives to fill its shelves. You can help the pantry now by dropping food off at the pantry, which is located at Chabad House (6201 Indian Creek Dr.). A barrel is also located at Congregation Beth Torah. Parkhurst also will personally pick up donations. To volunteer or donate, contact Parkhurst at . Anyone needing a little extra help to get through these tough economic times can visit the pantry on the first Sunday of the month from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., no appointment needed. Help is available, no questions asked.

MILITARY HONOR — A memorial to those who lost their lives or went missing in the western waters of the Atlantic Ocean during World War II was dedicated by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, but somehow that information didn’t make it to all the families of those whose names appear on the memorial. Not too long ago when Pete Rosen was researching family history, he learned about the East Coast War Memorial, located in New York City’s Battery Park. This summer his father, Herb Rosen, a career Army officer who retired as a lieutenant colonel after serving 21 years, and his mother, Bonnie, visited the memorial because the name of Herb’s uncle, Charles Rosen, is one of the 4,600 names inscribed on it. The memorial is huge, featuring four 19-foot pylons, but Herb was able to find the name he was looking for, listed as Charles Rosen, Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Missouri. He was on a ship that was lost at sea in 1942. Charles Rosen’s youngest sister, Sue Singer, is his last surviving sibling and still lives in the Kansas City area. Serving our country runs in the Rosen family as Pete is a graduate of the Military Academy at West Point.

FUN EVENING — Leslie Mark reports that a fun night was had by all Aug. 4 at The Cheap Dates concert, part of the Thursday Night Summer Concert Series at Park Place. The band is made up of Toni Dodd, lead vocals; Max Berry, guitar/lead vocals; Dee Pack, guitar/vocals; Jimmy Rosenbloom, keyboards/vocals; Steve Cole, bass guitar/vocals; and Jeff Daniels, drums/vocals. “The best moment was seeing Skipper Feingold, with her nurse in tow, tapping her feet to the rock and roll — and then getting up and dancing,” Mark said. There’s only one more concert there this summer, from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight, Aug. 11.

Temple Israel of Greater Kansas City, the new Reform congregation which held its first service in Overland Park on April 1, has signed a lease with Congregation Ohev Sholom to hold worship services, classes and events at the synagogue’s building located at 75th Street and Nall Avenue in Prairie Village. Temple Israel will conduct its first Shabbat service at Ohev tomorrow evening (Friday, Aug. 5) at 6 p.m. The one-year lease has renewable options. Since its inception it has been holding services at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal church in Overland Park.

Members of TI’s interim board of directors have also been making plans for religious education classes to begin in the fall. TI already has a membership of 50-plus families.

Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn, TI’s rabbi, is happy with the arrangement.

“In my many years here in Kansas City, I always found Congregation Ohev Sholom to be warm and welcoming. Rabbi (Scott) White has been a colleague and a friend, thus I am thrilled that our congregations have worked out an agreement. I know this arrangement will be beneficial for both congregations and I look forward to not only sharing space but sharing activities as well,” Rabbi Cukierkorn said.

Ohev President Audrey Asher said the congregation is “very excited to have this shared relationship.”

“We look forward to having programs with them,” she continued.

Rabbi White agrees.

“When you measure Jewish demographic trends against the amount of bricks and mortar and staff that has to be maintained in this town, growing collaboration between congregations is the wave of the future. It’s already well under way in terms of holding combined programs, and I’m excited that my congregation is facilitating another stage,” Rabbi White said.

Interim Board Member Diana Resnick was in charge of finding a space for the congregation to meet. A realtor by profession, Resnick said the congregation was looking for a space in Kansas in a core area that is bound by 75th Street to the north, I-435 to the south, State Line Road to the east and Metcalf Avenue to the west.

Resnick said TI’s Erev Shabbat services will be held in Ohev’s sanctuary. Ohev will continue holding its Shabbat morning services in the sanctuary. Rabbi Cukierkorn will have office space at Ohev as well.

TI’s High Holiday services are scheduled to be held at Ohev’s Asner Hall, while Ohev conducts its holiday services in the sanctuary.

“Asner Hall is lovely and it can accommodate a lot of people,” Resnick said.

“They welcomed us with open arms,” Resnick continued. “It’s not easy to get another congregation to open their doors.”

Upcoming events

In addition to searching for a home, members of the TI interim board — including Resnick, Erin Margolin (president), David Seldner (secretary), Deb Trout (treasurer), Andrew Bergerson, Denisse Cukierkorn, Joyce Fulps and Linda Walts — have been preparing to have a full slate of programs beginning this month. The first will be a congregational trip to Joplin, Mo., on Aug. 12. TI congregants will worship and visit with members of The United Hebrew Congregation, who are still suffering the effects of the deadly May tornado.

“Joplin was one of my student pulpits (1991-92) while I was in rabbinical school. Although I am extremely saddened by the circumstances, I am pleased to be able to return with members of Temple Israel to Joplin and show our love and concern for the community by leading Shabbat services there,” Rabbi Cukierkorn said.

The congregation’s current plan is to leave Kansas City, via bus, at 2:30 p.m. and arrive in Joplin at 5 p.m. Following a tour of the area, the group will have dinner at a Chinese restaurant with members of The United Hebrew Congregation. Worship will begin at 7:30 p.m. The bus is expected to return here by midnight. For reservations and information regarding cost, contact Joyce Fulps at (816) 363-7000.

“The whole Jewish community is welcome to join us,” Rabbi Cukierkorn said. “Feel free to call me at (913) 940-1011 if you wish to join us or send things for people in need.”

Also on the agenda is a “Welcome Home Shabbat” planned for the end of August. The Reform congregation is planning its first official board meeting and election of officers on Sunday, Oct. 23.

Interim President Margolin is thrilled with how much progress the congregation has made in such a short time.

“We are seeking to be the area’s most inclusive and congregant-centric Jewish organization, where every member and family will feel needed and empowered as an integral part of our Jewish community,” she said.

Margolin believes TI is very lucky to have Rabbi Cukierkorn as its rabbi.

“He is a rabbi that knows all his congregants on a very personal level. He’s responsive and easily accessible. You don’t get that everywhere,” she said.

A new approach to Jewish education

Board Member Bergerson has been integrally involved in planning what TI is calling a new approach to Jewish education: the Jewish Morasha (Legacy) Program.

He explains that instead of conducting a weekly religious school on Sunday for children, TI will offer Jewish instruction through short, two-month courses. Margolin adds that classes will not be just for kids and they will be open to anyone, including entire families or individual adults, who want to learn more.

“We will have family learning days and other flexible learning options designed to allow our congregants to learn about Judaism in ways that meet the needs of busy families and their schedules,” Bergerson said.

“Learning is for everyone from small children through adults, no matter how much you know or do not know about the Jewish tradition,” he continued. “At the core of this education program stands direct access to Rabbi Cukierkorn for advice on all things Jewish. We call it concierge Judaism.”

TI’s plan, he said, is to make “Jewish education fun and relevant by basing instruction on what interests our congregants about Judaism.”

What kind of community do you want to live in?

Miriam Scharf has a vision of the kind of community she wants for her children and grandchildren, and she’s committed the next two years of her life to doing her best to make it a reality by serving as president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.

“I grew up in New York City,” she says. “There you have the luxury of participating or not. In a community like Kansas City, it’s up to us all to do our part, whatever that means, to have the kind of community we all want to live in.”

Three primary goals

Building on the work of task forces initiated by Bill Carr, her predecessor as president of the Federation, Scharf has set three primary goals.
“My number one goal is to engage the next generation in philanthropic endeavors in the Jewish community through leadership programs, involvement in decision making, educational programs, missions and whatever else it takes,” she said.

In tandem with that, Scharf understands the need to stay focused on financial resource development and to expand efforts to educate the community about the Federation’s role in sustaining and enhancing Jewish life at home and around the world.

She also wants to make welcoming interfaith families a priority.

“Studies show that in some communities as many as 50 percent of Jewish families are interfaith,” she said. “In a community like Kansas City, I think we can do a better job of addressing some of the needs that interfaith families have, engaging the interfaith family in Jewish community activities and making them feel welcome.”

Where some may see challenges in achieving progress toward these goals, Scharf sees opportunity.

“No question there are challenges,” she says. “The area’s Jewish population is shrinking and aging while organizations seeking philanthropic support in the general community continue to expand.

“On the flip side, we have this gem in Kansas City — this vibrant, energetic, interesting Jewish community. It’s large enough to have wonderful programs and activities, but small enough to be manageable. We need to build on programs like Imagine Jewish Kansas City and other efforts to encourage more young professionals to settle here. And for those who feel the future of our Jewish community is important, we need to provide more opportunities to endow their gifts.”

No fear of fundraising

Scharf comes to the presidency with years of communal experience.

Upon moving here in 1977 with her husband Dan and their young children, she connected almost immediately with the Federation through Women’s Division’s leadership training program, serving in subsequent years on a variety of committees and as Women’s Division campaign chair and president.
On the Federation board of directors, she chaired the Israel and Overseas Committee and most recently served as campaign chair, which, as she explains, had a major impact on her attitude toward fundraising.

“Years ago, I felt intimidated asking for money” she said. “Now I feel most people are and want to be philanthropic. It isn’t that they are giving away money they can’t afford. All you’re doing is sharing your passion about the organization and explaining to donors why you feel they should support it. The emphasis isn’t, ‘Oh, I’m going to ask this person for money,’ but rather, ‘Oh, here’s an opportunity to showcase this fabulous organization.’ You hope what you say strikes a chord, they see it the way you see it and are happy to support it.”

Scharf says it’s an honor and a privilege to serve the Jewish community and that she is humbled by the trust and responsibility placed in her hands. Her message in a nutshell: “We have this fabulous community and it is up to all of us to take care of it to make sure it continues.”

Annual meeting set

Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City
78th Annual Meeting
Wednesday, Sept. 7
6:45 p.m.
Oakwood Country Club
9800 Grandview Road
$15 per person, includes a dessert reception (under Vaad supervision)

Also Honoring:
Outgoing officers, directors and committee chairs
KU Hillel and The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, Community Program of the Year Award Winners
Neal Schwartz, Dan Fingersh Young Leadership Award Winner
Dayna Gershon, CAJE Teacher of the Year

Reservations required by Aug. 31. RSVP at www.jewishkansascity.org, or call (913) 327-8103

The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and Jewish Federation of St. Louis continue to help victims of tornado-ravaged Joplin, Mo., through emergency relief fundraising efforts. To date, the two Jewish federations have raised $226,000 — $176,000 by the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and another $50,000 by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.

Kansas City, which considers Joplin a neighboring community, raised funds from board allocations, individual donations and from Jewish federations and foundations across the country.

“Because our network of Jewish federations is uniquely situated to respond quickly during an emergency, within 24 hours of the tornado, donations started pouring in,” said Todd L. Stettner, executive vice president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Federation.

And donations continue to roll in from across North America.

The money raised has directly assisted residents of Joplin via partner agencies Heart to Heart International, which continues to provide medical assistance and basic care kits to tornado victims; and Salvation Army and United Way, which have provided everything from immediate basic necessities like food, shelter and clothing to ongoing assistance, including mental health counseling, job training, and money to help with rent, utilities and to help rebuild homes.

“The response to our Tornado Relief Fund has been unbelievable,” said Bill Carr, ‘resident, Greater Kansas City Federation. “On behalf of the Jewish federations in Kansas City and St. Louis, I personally want to thank all of the individuals — from all over North America — who stepped up to help our neighbors in Joplin.”

Once the tornado hit — the deadliest in American history with 139 deaths and thousands of homes and businesses damaged or destroyed — the two Missouri-based Jewish federations acted quickly to begin raising much-needed emergency assistance funds.

“Jewish Federation of St. Louis worked immediately and closely with the United Way of St. Louis, which provided excellent guidance regarding Joplin’s community needs,” said President Sanford Neuman. “Our St. Louis Jewish community response has been amazing. While Jewish Federation of St. Louis collected emergency donations, our agencies and congregations not only raised money but collected needed supplies. For example, Congregation United Hebrew sent a pickup truck, cargo van and UHaul truck to Joplin loaded with urgent supplies requested by the Joplin Jewish community. Just like our colleagues in Kansas City, we knew it was important to get emergency assistance money and supplies to those who needed them, as quickly as possible.”

Working together, Barry Rosenberg, Jewish Federation of St. Louis executive vice president, and Stettner discovered that the one Joplin synagogue was intact, and the five Jewish families in Joplin who lost their homes had the assistance they needed. However, both Jewish federations acted as their community liaisons, providing information to Jewish service organizations and synagogues in their cities, and linking community partner agencies and individuals together for concerted volunteer efforts.

“This was a no-brainer for us,” said Carr. “It was an easy decision for us to act in our continued role to mobilize the community and provide a local ‘Jewish’ response to the challenges they face now and in the future as they rebuild their lives.”

To donate to the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City tornado fund, go to www.jewishkansascity.org, or mail to The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, Attn: Kansas-Missouri Tornado Relief Fund, 5801 W. 115 St., Suite 201, Overland Park, KS 66211.

To donate to the Jewish Federation of St. Louis Joplin tornado relief fund, go to www.JewishInStLouis.org/JOPLIN or make your check payable to Jewish Federation of St. Louis – Joplin Relief and mail to 12 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146.

Jewish Federations of North America and its affiliate Jewish Federations are committed to care for victims of global natural disasters, and have emergency relief plans into place to aid those in need. Jewish Federations have so far raised more than $1 million to help those affected by the recent earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis in Japan, more than $30 million to help victims of Hurricane Katrina, and $10 million for those affected by the southern Asia tsunami in 2004.

For seven years Congregation Beth Torah has hosted a women’s retreat for Rosh Hodesh Elul. For five years, the same three women, along with Rabbi Vered Harris, have come together to plan it. The women — Hedy Goldman, Judy Kass and Maureen Salz — each play a different role in making the event a success.

The Rosh Hodesh Elul Women’s Retreat — “Return to Sacred Places,” will be a time for women to prepare for the High Holidays. It begins at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, at Congregation Beth Torah. It is open to the community, costing $18 for members and $22 for non-members.

The title comes from artwork that Salz saw in Arizona of a Native American woman walking in a field. She was so spiritually touched by the subject, she bought it. Now the title is the call to bring women together.

“For me this retreat is the beginning of the High Holiday season,” said Rabbi Harris. “It gives me the time to prepare for everything as a woman, rabbi, mother and wife, as well as a guest.”

“Rosh Hodesh is traditionally a holiday associated with women,” she said, “and Elul is the month for preparing our souls for the High Holy Days.”
She believes the artwork chosen for the invitation touches on this.

“It captures for us what we are doing in Rosh Hodesh Elul,” Rabbi Harris said. “We are returning to the essence of our souls in preparation for the New Year and the rebirth of Yom Kippur.”

The first retreat came about as a way to go back to the tradition of celebrating Rosh Hodesh for women and to ensure spiritual time for the New Year. Twenty-five women attended the first retreat, which was an all day event. Last year, more than 40 women attended. Originally it was an all-day event, but in 2009 organizers found that holding it in the evening made it available to more people. While the event is a little shorter, it still gives the women a chance to gain inspiration from each other as well as enjoy each other’s company.

“Taking it from daytime to evening seems to have really made a difference for women to be able to participate,” Rabbi Harris said.

Now the four women who plan the event have the program set, each one playing an important role.

“Hedy makes everything beautiful. She is the supreme hostess. Maureen keeps us on track; she keeps us organized. And Judy keeps us real and her art work keeps us inspired,” said Rabbi Harris. “We all bring to the table a lot of laughter and humor.”

While Rabbi Harris says it is the three volunteers who keep the event going, Salz sees it differently, “If not for Vered we would not have this event. She makes it!”

Three core elements are important to the retreat. The first is discussion among the women about topics that help them get to know each other. This is held over a festive meal. In the past a caterer prepared the meal, but this year the theme is Jewish foods from around the year. The meal will represent each holiday with a different food, some prepared in the Ashkenazi style, others in the Sephardic traditions. Volunteers are doing the cooking.

Second is gentle, meditative yoga, a way to sooth the body and mind as women get ready to prepare for the hectic time the holidays bring. Shanna Haun leads the yoga, which is designed so that everyone can participate, with some poses done while sitting in chairs. The yoga is optional, since it starts at 4:30 pm, but they are hoping everyone will be able to participate this year and realize that it is not intended to be strenuous, but relaxing.

Finally, the women participate in a prayer service led by Rabbi Harris and Linda Matorin Sweenie, Beth Torah’s music director.

“Worship is always a highlight for me,” said Rabbi Harris. “Although it is an evening service, and not a time when we would traditionally read Torah, we always include a Torah service at the women’s retreat. This is a time when women who have never worn a tallit are invited to … learn to put one on.”

“We raise our voices,” she said. “We pray, really pray, from the depths of who we are. It’s beautiful.”
For further information call Rabbi Harris at (913) 498-2212.