News

Living with new roommates, stressing over finals and deadlines, and feeling homesick have always been sources of stress for college students adjusting to life away from home.

One of the best experiences I had during our months of social isolation was enjoying the music of our Kansas City Symphony, which we have a close connection to here at Kol Ami. Alex Shapiro, the symphony’s vice president of development, with his husband, Ray Berger (Kol Ami board vice president), are members of our kehilah.  

Elul - the month leading up to the High Holy Days - is a time of self-reflection, forgiveness, and exploration. To make the most of this special time of year, The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah’s new senior rabbi, Rabbi Stephanie Kramer, is teaming up with the entire B’nai Jehudah staff for a month of learning, hands-on experiences and spiritual offerings.

Michael A. Taylor’s walk-off home run in extra innings wasn’t the only thing to celebrate at Kauffman Stadium the evening of July 28, 2021. The announced 13,626 fans in attendance were also treated to a celebration of Jewish Heritage, courtesy of Mensch on a Bench bobbleheads and participation from The J - Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City.

What says “holiday” better than a sweet challah? There are many in our community who face food insecurity and cannot afford challah, let alone the other traditional foods of the High Holidays.

A small ceremony was recently held at The J - Jewish Community Center to honor and thank the Polsky Family Supporting Foundation, the major donor toward the new splash pad project at The J’s outdoor pool.

From farmworkers to new mothers to first-time therapy patients — Kansas City mental health providers saw an increase in the number of people who sought counseling in 2020.

As part of the Sweet & Sacred Series, B’nai Jehudah is offering a virtual Elul Boot Camp with three special guest teachers on August 18, 25 and September 1.

Whether you plan to observe the approaching Jewish High Holy Days alone, in person, in small groups, or virtually with family and friends, make it special and enjoy a holiday meal together. Orders are now being accepted for High Holy Day meals to go and early ordering deadlines should be noted.

The annual Day of Discovery will bring the community together for a day of Jewish learning and study from 9:30 a.m. to  3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 22.