These are tough times. Experts say between the lingering coronavirus pandemic and the toxic political environment, there has been an uptick in both anxiety and depression.
Due to the pandemic Kehilath Israel’s Grand Givers was held drive-in movie style in the K.I. parking lot, featuring Neil Berg and Friends.
Despite these unusual times, K.I. Synagogue’s 44th Grand Givers, held on Sunday, Oct. 18, was a great success. Co-chairs Drs. Shari and Michael Sokol donned their creative hats and designed a “Grand Givers Like Never Before.” Grand Givers is Kehilath Israel’s largest fun and fund raiser of the year with entertainment, food and prizes.
Faced with an ongoing pandemic, and in possession of hundreds of beautiful Judaica pieces that speak to the history, culture and art that explains and defines Judaism across centuries and around the globe, The Michael Klein Collection at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah is expanding its offering of virtual tours. The tours, which are free of charge, are available both to the public and to private groups and focus on education through the stories that lie behind each piece in the collection.
Pictured is KU Junior Daniel Wachsberg with matzah ball soup and tea bags being delivered to a KU student who is feeling sick.
When a student is far from home and their parents are miles away, who do they turn to when they’re sick? A parent could console them through the phone and tell them things will be alright. Watkins Health Center could help diagnose the issue and get the student some medicine. But only a dedicated Rabbi and Rebbetzin can be there to deliver the best cure: a steaming hot bowl of fresh matzah ball soup.
KU Hillel gets together for some pre-Rock Chalk Shabayit challah baking. Watch the video at kuhillel.org, featuring Kaycee Krell, KU freshman; Sarah Glaser, KU senior and Development coordinator intern; Savannah Kannberg, KU Hillel Development & Marketing director; and Suzy Sostrin, KU Hillel executive director.
KU Hillel is excited to bring Rock Chalk Shabayit to living rooms across the country on Friday, Nov. 6. Their famous Rock Chalk Shabbat has adapted to its online format this year, hence the new name, combining Shabbat and “bayit,” which is Hebrew for home. Hundreds of alumni, parents, students and friends of KU Hillel plan on tuning in and opening their Shabboxes together to celebrate Jewish life at the University of Kansas.
We are living in difficult times filled with divisive conversations through this election season. Many are dealing with isolation, illness and loss of life due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
JFS volunteer Ron Altman makes a call to check on one of the agency’s older adult clients.
At Jewish Family Services, volunteers play a key role in helping its clients meet life’s challenges, including older adults. JFS is committed to providing its volunteers with numerous opportunities to help and the best training to do so.
‘Shofar’ by artist James Michael Smith; acrylic on metal.
Bold, vibrant and unique artwork, valued at more than $250,000, will grace the walls and hallways of The J’s new expansion and in the existing Fitness + Sports area. More than two-thirds of the pieces came from the personal art collection of philanthropist Michael Staenberg. The J purchased the remainder of the collection, designed specifically for the facility by Sara Jo Fischer, an art curator in Denver, who assists Staenberg. In total, there are more than 75 pieces of art.
A new program already has provided hundreds of Jewish community professionals around North America with career support and resilience building. (GeorgiNutsov / Getty Images)
By Michele Chabin JTA
“Blindsided.”
That’s how Melissa Engelberg felt after being laid off in April due to COVID-19 cutbacks.
