After nearly three years with the Community Kollel of Kansas City, Rabbi Shaya Katz is moving on to become the rabbi of Young Israel of Oak Park, Michigan, an Orthodox synagogue in a suburb of Detroit.
His last day with the Kollel is June 27. At the time of this writing, no one had been hired to take his place; however, Rabbi Katz said several candidates are being considered, all of whom are “very good options.”
The Kollel board of directors is currently evaluating options for the coming year.
In addition to hiring a replacement for Rabbi Katz, one with the ability to teach, whether at Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy or independent classes, there are plans underway to expand programs at the Kollel.
“We have honed our unique contribution to the community into two areas,” said Rabbi Katz. “Number one is Ahoovim, which is a special needs informal Jewish education and programming. And then we also have a program called Senior Scholars where we go and teach at different retirement facilities and senior living centers.”
The Kollel board is planning an informal farewell event on Tuesday, June 18, at the Hy-Vee at 95th and Antioch. The entire community is invited. It will feature kosher pizza, and a family-friendly environment.
At the event, the Kollel will be offering copies of “Pearls of the Parsha,” a book it just published, featuring Rabbi Katz’s commentaries and discussion topics from each weekly Torah portion.
“Rabbi Katz and his family have been an asset to our community for the past three years,” said Jerry Bernard, president of the board. “Rabbi Katz has touched many lives and has fulfilled the Kollel’s mission of engaging Jews with Judaism and with each other. (His wife) Rikki has become a beloved teacher at the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. They have become friends to many within our community.
“We wish the entire Katz family only the best in the next chapter of their professional journey, and hope they will always cherish their time in Kansas City.”
Rabbi Katz said he’s looking forward to having a regular rabbinate position. Young Israel of Oak Park has about 170 members and, according to its website, prides itself on coming together as a community of Orthodox Zionist Jews committed to prayer, study and social interaction.
But leaving Kansas City is bittersweet. Rabbi Katz said he will miss the people here.
“We’ve made very good friends in Kansas and it hurts to leave, but we know we’ll stay in touch,” he said.
Rikki Katz is from Chicago, so she’s happy to be moving closer to home, Rabbi Katz said.
“She hopes to teach in the Farber Hebrew Day School in Detroit,” he said. “She’ll be a rebbetzin, so she’ll be at the service of the congregation also. It’s a new role, but she’s taking it in her stride.”
Rabbi Katz said he is most proud of getting people excited about Judaism while at the Kollel.
“It’s always good to feel like you’ve brought them something. If I get them excited then I’ve done my job,” he said. “I just want to thank the people of Kansas City for being so warm and so welcoming. Thanks to them for encouraging me to continue doing my work because of how much they took part in it.”
The Katzes have three children: Dovi, 4; Elka, almost 3; and Asher, 10 months.
