News

Strangers No More, a group of Christian and Jewish women whose goals are to construct paths to understanding and build bridges through developing relationships, announces a discussion series based on a new book by Professor Amy-Jill Levine, “Sermon on the Mount, A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven.” SNM members are familiar with Levine, whose book, “The Misunderstood Jew-The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus,” was studied during SNM’s first series.

It was a fast-paced 36 hours as the KU Chabad Center raised more than $260,000 through the #JewhawkMatch campaign. Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, who co-directs Chabad at KU along with his wife Nechama, said he hopes these additional funds help “support the students during these vulnerable times, with mental health programming, Shabbat dinners, outreach and a welcoming community”.

In these unprecedented times of COVID-19, stress, isolation, and pressure, Kehilath Israel Synagogue is excited to announce the resumption of our PrayerWorks program. Rather than meeting in person, as it has in the past, we gather virtually. K.I. member Sharon Friedman facilitates each session. 

Jewish Family Services recently welcomed Bruce Broce and Karen Massman VanAsdale to its management team. Broce is now chief advancement officer and VanAsdale has joined JFS as director of marketing and communications for the 119-year-old social service agency.

By Rabbi Moshe Grussgott
Kehilath Israel Synagogue

This week marks the shloshim - completion of 30 days of mourning - for Cantor Daniel Gildar, of blessed memory, a man who had great influence on my Jewish development as a child.

By Sam Kricsfeld
Contributing Writer

The world seems to desperately need repair. As 2020 ends, many are reflecting on its awfulness. Widespread pain and suffering, combined with political upheaval and social justice issues, prompted Michael Crane to recall the term “Tikkun Olam” – Hebrew for “repairing of the world.”

After George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in May, Alli Hearne found herself looking for a way to make a difference. Hearne, who grew up in Overland Park, and now lives in Plymouth, Minnesota, just outside of Minneapolis, visited the memorial site where Floyd died, which was “a very moving experience.”