SPECIAL WELCOME — Kansas Citians Alana Gaffen and Mai Bonomo are making aliyah and were on a special flight of 350 North American olim (new immigrants) that landed in Israel Tuesday. Immediately after becoming an Israeli citizen, Alana and Mai will be joining the Israel Defense Forces as part of a record high 127 soon-to-be IDF soldiers. The special Friends of the Israel Defense Forces–Nefesh B’Nefesh flight was organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption, the Jewish Agency for Israel, Keren Kayemeth Le’Israel and Tzofim Garin Tzabar.
The soon-to-be-soldiers, along with the other olim were greeted in Israel by PM Benjamin Netanyahu as part of a special ceremony at Ben Gurion airport.
Nefesh B’Nefesh is celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer, marking a decade since its inaugural charter aliyah flight in 2002. The milestone comes as the organization prepares to welcome more than 2,500 North American and British Jews making aliyah this summer on two charter and seven group aliyah flights, in cooperation with the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption and The Jewish Agency for Israel. In 2012, Nefesh B’Nefesh will bring 4,800 newcomers to Israel.
JAZZ-ROCK CONCERTS — Jazz-rock band Marbin will be in town soon for two different performances. The first show is at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at the Buzz Pub & Perk in Overland Park. The second is at 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19, at the Longbranch Saloon in Lenexa. Marbin boasts a unique blend of rock, jazz and blues — even a hint of bittersweet, melodic Eastern European folk that draws on guitarist Dani Rabin and saxophonist Danny Markovitch’s Israeli origins. Marbin, an all-original and all-instrumental band, is touring across the country for most of the year. Marbin has played with or recorded with many well-known, well-respected musicians including multiple Grammy Award-winners Paul Wertico and Steve Rodby (both members of the Pat Metheny Group), Allan Holdsworth, Mike Clark (Headhunters), Jamey Haddad (Paul Simon), Jeff Berlin (Yes), Scott Henderson (Tribal Tech), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets) and Virgil Donati (Planet X).
JEWELRY EXHIBIT — Local artist Leah Carol Reichman’s One-of-a-Kind Jewelry Designs are being exhibited at The Buttonwood Art Space, 3013 Main Street in Kansas City, Mo., now through Sept. 7. In addition there will be two receptions at the gallery: from 5 to 9 p.m. First Friday, Sept. 7, and again from 10 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8. The artist describes her jewelry designs as organic shapes, created by hand using semi-precious gemstones, silver and gold. “The ideas behind the design work is coordinating shapes and colors to form wearable art: earrings, necklaces and bracelets.” She said each piece is unique and she always tries to entertain the viewer as well as provide good feelings and enjoyment to the individuals who buy them. RSVP to the receptions by emailing Kathy@ButtonwoodArtSpace or calling the gallery at 816-285-9040. The show is sponsored by Kansas City Volunteer Lawyers & Accountants. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, visit www.ButtonwoodArtSpace.com