News

Shira Brudoley, Kansas City’s new NCSY and Jewish Student Union (JSU) director, already feels like she is at home after just two months on the job. Her passion to help middle and high school students “experience, explore and be empowered by their Judaism” is a driving force behind her work, and she expressed sincere gratitude to the many students, parents and donors who have already shown an incredible amount of support to her and the local organization.  

For many, school is a stepping stone. For some, it’s a place to return home. At Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA), four alumni have found their way back — this time as teachers and mentors. Three new teachers join the faculty, and one longtime teacher is celebrating 12 years in the classroom, marking 24 years at HBHA as both a student and educator. 

Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City’s Women’s Philanthropy will host a philanthropic event featuring Brooklyn-based jewelry designer Freida Rothman on Wednesday, Oct. 30. 

Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City will host a pickleball tournament at Chicken N Pickle Overland Park on Sunday, Nov. 17. 

On Simchat Torah, Congregation Beth Israel Abraham and Voliner (BIAV) will honor the memory of Israel Defense Forces soldier Daniel Perez (z”l).

The City of Leawood, Kansas, and the Leawood Arts Council hosted a dedication event for “Reaching,” a public art piece created by Jewish artist William Nemitoff. Nemitoff, a native of Leawood, is the son of Leslie and Rabbi Arthur P. Nemitoff, rabbi emeritus of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.

KU Chabad has expanded its staff to meet increased demand to support Jewish students this year, bringing on Rabbi Ariel Brudoley as assistant rabbi and engagement intern for the 2024-2025 school year.

Local Jewish community member and author Deborah Shouse is partnering with First Call and Crafted: A Fair Trade Collective for an event aimed at raising awareness about addiction, mental health and the impact of grief.

More than 150 community members came together at the Jewish Community Campus for Foundation for Our Future, the Jewish Community Foundation’s (JCF) biennial celebration of planned giving.

For weeks after the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, Neta Meltzer of Overland Park, Kansas, struggled to sleep, eat and cope with the images flashing across her TV: Footage of young Jews massacred at a music festival, bloodied rape victims being carried off by Hamas terrorists, and photos of once-joyful families who’d been murdered in their homes.