Rock Chalk Hillel

I enjoyed your extensive coverage in the Aug. 18 issue about KU Hillel under the spirited leadership of Jay Lewis.

Our daughter Melissa spent four very happy and productive years in Lawrence, thanks largely to Hillel and also KU Chabad. She was actively involved and served as Hillel’s student president. Jay was a wonderful mentor to Melissa and his teachings remain with her to this day.

The emblem of KU Hillel is a cartoon of a smiling Jayhawk, wearing a yarmulke and tallis. This is very appropriate — they do not take themselves too seriously, show love and appreciation for KU and proudly display their Judaism. Jay is a remarkable person and knows how to make a successful Jewish organization.

Jeff Horen
Overland Park, Kan.

Rapid response

On behalf of myself, Rabbi Mendy Wineberg of Chabad House, and all our clients I would like to thank you for bringing attention to the current needs of the Yachad Food Pantry. I also would like to give my gratitude to everyone in the community who has responded. The answer to the Jewish Chronicle’s call for action was immediate and generous. It really brought out the best of Kansas City’s Jewish community.

Dan Kass of KI organized a food drive by offering free drinks at a Kosher Country BBQ. Congregation Beth Torah, under the direction of Farrah Green, has already begun an emergency food drive. Last in line but not in importance are the individuals who have dropped food directly off to the pantry this week. Every single can makes a difference!

The donations began arriving within 48 hours of the paper’s publication. During the month of July Yachad gave food assistance to approximately 150 households. With the compassion of Kansas City and Hashem’s blessings we hope to be able to continue for a very long time.

Sherrill Parkhurst
Yachad Kosher Food Pantry