News

One year ago, community members Julie and Jeremy Krashin decided to transform their event decoration skills into Party Krashin.

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) President Annie Sandler recently visited Kansas City to speak to Jewish Federation of Kansas City donors and community leaders about JDC’s impact.

The J is hosting a Maccabiah Games opening ceremony watch party on Wednesday, July 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the social hall at the Jewish Community Campus.

Kehilath Israel Synagogue, in partnership with the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education and The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, will host a special Tisha B’Av screening of the documentary “Among Neighbors” on Thursday, July 23 at 6 p.m., open to everyone in the Jewish community.

This summer, more than 1,000 Jewish teen athletes, coaches and delegation heads will travel to Kansas City for the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games.

The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre at The J and The Coterie Theatre will present Disney’s “Frozen,” the Broadway musical based on the Academy Award-winning animated film, from July 8 to 26. It will be the final production of The White Theatre’s 21st season.

“Disney’s ‘Frozen’ was an exciting choice for the next co-production between The Coterie Theatre and The White Theatre, bringing together two organizations dedicated to creating memorable theatrical experiences for families,” said director Kacy Lane. “Having worked with Disney Theatrical Group while the show was on Broadway, I saw firsthand the joy it brought to audiences and was excited to collaborate with artists from both theater communities to bring that experience to Kansas City.”

Tickets are available now at thewhitetheatre.org or by calling the box office at (913) 327-8054. Performance dates and times include:

• Tuesdays: July 14 and 21 at 6 p.m.
• Wednesdays: July 8, 15 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.
• Thursdays: July 9, 16 and 23 at 7:30 p.m.
• Saturdays: July 11, 18 and 25 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sundays: July 12, 19 and 26 at 2 p.m.

Set in the kingdom of Arendelle, Disney’s “Frozen” follows sisters Anna and Elsa as they navigate family, identity and the power of love. When Elsa’s hidden magical abilities are revealed, Anna sets off on an epic journey to bring her sister home. Full of magic, humor and music, Disney's “Frozen” follows Anna and Elsa as they discover that the greatest power of all is the love they share as sisters.

“For me, Elsa’s journey is about learning that strength is not found in concealing her true self, but in vulnerability,” said MaryAnn Traxler, who plays Elsa. “Ultimately, Elsa’s motivation has always been the deep and real love she has for Anna. I hope that shows in my portrayal of her as she navigates the sacrifices that true love demands of us.”

Along the way, audiences will encounter characters including Olaf, Kristoff and Sven, whose humor, heart and friendship help bring the story to life.

“Olaf, although very naive to the world around him, is very wise when it comes to love,” said Travis Mendoza-Holt, who portrays Olaf. “His child-like innocence reminds Elsa and Anna what their relationship once was before fear drove them apart. He’s also unabashedly himself, which I deeply admire. I think people of all ages can connect with that feeling of authenticity and being true to yourself.”

Disney’s “Frozen” concludes The White Theatre’s 2025–2026 season. More information about 2026-2027 season tickets and the full season lineup can be found at TheWhiteTheatre.org.

Like a fair number of graduates with an MA from the Jewish Theological Seminary’s William Davidson School in New York City, Elana Goldberg teaches Tanakh, in her case at the middle school of the Leffell School in Hartsdale, New York.

The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre at The J officially announced its 2026–2027 season schedule, showcasing a mix of audience favorites and newer productions.

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art has announced a $1 million gift from the Stanley J. Bushman Foundation. This new gift will establish the Stanley J. Bushman Fund for Youth Education, ensuring sustained support for the museum’s education initiatives serving local youth.