Almost four years ago Rabbi Binyomin Gonsher, a Kollel rabbi, saw a need in the local Jewish community. He and Allan Gonsher, who happens to be his father, started Ahoovim, a group for Jewish adults with special needs to enjoy social events and to learn more about Judaism.
“Ahoovim is open to anyone 18 and older who would like to get together to not only learn about Judaism, but also to make social contacts with other young Jewish adults,” said Nan Kanter, the program’s community liaison.
The group’s name, Ahoovim, means beloved ones. Kanter helps to coordinate Ahoovim’s monthly programs along with Rabbi Elchanan Schulgasser, the Kollel rabbi who took over leadership of the program after Rabbi Gonsher moved to Florida a couple of years ago. Then they seek volunteers to help at each event.
“We wanted to address an important need in the community of young adults with special needs to connect in a positive Jewish way with other young adults,” Rabbi Schulgasser said. “They are involved in other programs, like Special Olympics, but this involves a Jewish component. We wanted it to involved Jewish identity in their peer group.”
The programs sometimes have a tie in to a Jewish holiday, like a sukkah hop for Sukkot. But when there is not a holiday, events are still held.
The events are usually held in the homes of volunteers and sometimes at the homes of relatives of the members, who are young adults in their 20s and 30s. For Purim, the group made hamantaschen at Rabbi Schulgasser’s home. But sometimes they go outside of homes, making seder plates at Paint, Glaze and Fire; or taking a nature hike.
This summer, the group hopes to hold a barbeque and a games day.
Ken Malashock has been active in the group for the past two years. His mother, Gina Malashock, says, “Every program is planned around a Jewish holiday or a Bible story. They do the blessings before they eat; all the food is kosher; and it is great exposure for Ken. He has gotten so much out of it!”
That’s exactly what Kanter and Rabbi Schulgasser would want for the 16 members on their mailing list. An average of eight to 12 people attend each event.
“Each of the participants look forward to the events that we plan,” Kanter said.
“We vary the events from month to month hoping to spark the interest in a variety of settings. The participants all enjoy learning more about their Jewish faith.”
“I think it gives them a sense of belonging,” she added.
Malashock would agree.
“Ken loves to go. This has really enhanced and continued his religious studies,” she said. “He was not able to find a situation where he could learn when he was younger. He was diagnosed with Asperger’s 10 years too early. Now there is so much more experience, as well as ideas to help him.”
“We are dedicated to doing a fun program with Jewish content,” Rabbi Schulgasser added.
Both Kanter and Rabbi Schulgasser hope that others will join the group. “I think there are other individuals in the Jewish community who would benefit from our program and enjoy the many activities that we offer,” said Kanter.
“I would recommend this program for others, 1,000 percent,” Malashock said. “I am thrilled it is here.”
Ahoovim is supported by both the Kansas City Kollel and the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. Ahoovim does give information to the synagogues to be passed along to families who might be interested.
For more information about Ahoovim, contact Nan Kanter at 913-486-1881 or .