A MOVING TRIBUTE — There were a few tears in the audience more than once Sunday during the community’s annual Yom HaShoah Holocaust Memorial Service at the Lewis and Shirley White Theatre. This year’s event, chaired by Sharon Mandelbaum Barber, the daughter of the late Shirley Mandelbaum and survivor and MCHE co-founder Jack Mandelbaum, commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Memorial to the Six Million, which now sits on the grounds of the Jewish Community Campus. Rabbi David Glickman of Congregation Beth Shalom reminded the full house of more than 500 people that commemorations like Sunday’s are more important today as we move further away from the actual events of the Shoah. Barber noted that those survivors who settled here believed the United States was a land of freedom and opportunity. “They didn’t ask for sympathy or charity. They rolled up their sleeves and worked hard.” She continued to note that it is now the responsibility of the children and grandchildren of these survivors to carry on their legacy, always being mindful of the blessings and responsibilities of freedom.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK — “Last year’s drought seriously damaged agricultural production around Kansas, but in Lawrence, the tree of Judaism has been well nourished and is bearing marvelous fruit” — Jonathan Paretsky, president of the Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation in the April newsletter.
HOORAY FOR BASEBALL SEASON — Hallelujah, the Royals won their home opener this week! According to The Forward, there are four Jewish baseball players in the major leagues this year. Only one, however, is in the American League and will find his way to Kauffman Stadium this year. Kevin Youkilis signed with the New York Yankees in December and is slated to be here with the team May 10, 11 and 12. The other three players in the National League are Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers, the first Jewish player to be named Most Valuable Player since Sandy Koufax in 1963, Paul Goldschmidt of the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Mets first baseman Ike Davis.
YOM HAZIKARON — This year’s community Yom HaZikaron Memorial Service will feature Yoona Kolfina, a lone IDF soldier from Belgorod, Russia. It is taking place at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at the Jewish Community Campus. Kolfina joined the IDF Karakal unit and served as a combat lone soldier, as well as a paramedic during her army service. Her speech, along with a moving memorial service, will be an unforgettable experience.