Congregation Beth Israel Abraham & Voliner is proud of its young members who have come from near and far and the contributions that they have made. That’s why it has chosen to honor this next generation of Kansas City’s Jewish leaders on Sunday, Jan. 27, at the annual Purim Gala. The event will be held at Oakwood Country Club, starting at 5 p.m. with cocktails, musical entertainment, with an elegant kosher dinner at 6 p.m. The speaker will be Dr. Rona Novick of Yeshiva University. Dr. Novick is a nationally recognized expert in the fields of psychology, parenting, education and family life. She is a much sought speaker because of her wit, warmth and engaging style.
The young leaders will be receiving the annual Mordechai Award for their essential contributions to the congregation and the community. According to verse 10:3 of the Scroll of Esther, Mordechai “sought the good of his people and was concerned for the welfare of all his posterity.”
Daniel Rosenthal and his wife Hilary are two of the congregation’s young leaders who will be honored that evening. Daniel serves as vice president–programming on BIAV’s board. He also serves as the gabbai, helping to run the services. He and his wife Hillary enjoy spending time with the local NCSY youth group.
In her free time, Hillary uses her talents styling sheitels (wigs for Orthodox women), enabling them to be stylish while keeping frum. The Rosenthals have actively recruited many friends and contacts from out of town to explore the possibility of moving here, telling them that “Kansas City has good jobs and cheap housing. You can live well and still lead a full traditional Jewish life.”
Daniel grew up here and is the son of BIAV members Howard and Brenda Rosenthal. He is the marketing coordinator at NetStandard, an outsourcer of technology solutions. Hillary is a speech pathologist and the daughter of Arlen and Holly Simon of Buffalo Grove, Ill. The Rosenthals have a 13-month-old daughter Brooke.
Another young member who serves on BIAV’s board as recording secretary is Joseph Megerman. He volunteers for the congregation because “the community has done so much for us, we want to give something back.” Megerman is the son of Charles and Esther Megerman and is a public defender in Jackson County. His wife, Alice, the daughter of Bob and Arthea Wasson, serves on Village Shalom’s auxiliary board. Joseph and Alice are the parents of Golda, who is 6 months old.
Adam and Alison Kaye are among the many young leaders at BIAV who moved to Kansas City. Adam is a trauma surgeon at Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Alison is a pediatric plastic surgeon at Children’s Mercy Hospital. The Kayes headed BIAV Pizza Night, are involved in many other BIAV activities, and also support the Kansas City Kollel. Originally from New York, they moved to Kansas City from Philadelphia in June 2009 and have two children, Abigail, 3, and Asa, 2.
“We created Pizza Night because we like to make good food, help people keep kosher, and benefit the shul,” Adam said.
Rabbi Daniel Rockoff, spiritual leader of the modern Orthodox congregation, noted that “The congregation and the community at large are proud to have such fine young leaders.”
“It says a lot for our youth, their parents, the congregation, and the vibrant Jewish community of Kansas City. My family and I were fortunate to move here a few years ago and we appreciate it more every year,” Rabbi Rockoff said.
The gala will also include a silent auction featuring Judaica, framed art, jewelry, sports memorabilia, tickets to local events and more. Tickets begin at $180 per person. To place a message of support in the tribute journal, add names and photos of children or grandchildren or purchase tickets, call Barry Rubin in the BIAV office, 913-341-2444, email , or visit www.biav.org/purimgala.