Opinions

I’ve never felt more like a spy than when I was handed two folders of alien case files at the National Archives in Kansas City. 

Someone wrote we should not call ourselves second generation children of Holocaust survivors. I disagree. 

Jewish Family Services invites its Emerging Leaders – and those interested in joining this new professional development group – to learn more about its 120 years of service to the greater Kansas City community at its 120th Anniversary Celebration on Aug. 24.

In Israel, we use different words for goodbye. In most one-on-one conversations, we just say “bye,” like the wannabe Americans we are. The more common phrase, “yalla bye,” is a true testament to the Israeli nature of direct and hasty goodbyes, very unlike the Midwestern goodbyes I’ve become accustomed to here in Kansas City. 

On Saturday, June 24, as I walked to our synagogue for prayers [in Cobb County, Georgia], I was greeted by the horrific sight of massive swastika flags. There was a group of agitators shouting antisemitic taunts and holding signs that promoted nasty anti-Jewish conspiracy theories.

“La tefila, la tefila” — the Judeo-Spanish call to worship echoed through the cobblestone streets. The caller’s reminder to the faithful mingled with a whispering sea breeze and the first chirps of bird melodies. 

I am passionate about preserving the memory of the Holocaust — but not in the way it’s been done in the past.

I am thrilled to be interning with The Chronicle this summer. I am excited to be part of staff and know that combining my background of Judaism with my passion for storytelling will give me many exciting opportunities.

Over the last six months, I realized that I needed to expand the work I do as a spiritual care volunteer (SCV) for Jewish Family Services (JFS).