News

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.

By Michele Chabin
JTA

“Blindsided.” 

That’s how Melissa Engelberg felt after being laid off in April due to COVID-19 cutbacks.  

By Lacey Storer
Contributing Writer

For 12 years, PJ Library has helped families with young children in Kansas City connect to their Jewish identities, traditions and values. Now, the establishment of the Polsky Family PJ Library Endowment will ensure that the program continues to provide free books and music to Jewish children in our community for years to come.

By Marcia Montgomery
Associate Editor

What happens when a Jewish community’s genizah runs out of space? Is it really that important?

By Sam Kricsfeld
Contributing Writer

Historians believe that the events of Kristallnacht represented one of the most important turning points in the anti-Semitic policies of the German Nazi Party. According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, anti-Jewish policy after the pogrom was concentrated more and more concretely into the hands of the SS (elite military unit of the Nazi Party). Additionally, the passivity with which most German civilians responded to the violence signaled to the Nazi regime that the German public was prepared for more radical measures.

With the coronavirus continuing to challenge us all, Jewish Family Services has come up with creative ways for its annual Hanukkah Holiday Project to take place this year. You can play a pivotal role in making the Festival of Lights bright for local Jewish families who continue to struggle economically.

Aniya Henson, a senior at Fort Osage High School, won the title of 2020 KC SuperStar in a virtual finals’ show. Aniya had been a past KC SuperStar semifinalist in 2019. As the 2020 KC SuperStar, Aniya receives the Edward and Ellen Rose $10,000 scholarship.