HIGH HOLIDAYS VIA SKYPE — When Rabbi Paul Silbersher, spiritual leader of Temple Sinai, needed to take an unscheduled trip to the emergency room on Rosh Hashanah morning, the congregation’s lay leaders had to lead the High Holy Day services. So Sam Matier suggested, “If you can’t bring the rabbi to the service, why not take the service to the rabbi.” He did just that, setting up a Skype hookup so the rabbi was able to see and interact with those who were attending the services, all while recuperating in the comfort of his own home. As Temple Sinai members say, hooray for technology!
I VOLUNTEERED, DID YOU? — The Jewish Arts Festival is a little more than two weeks away and the festival is in need of volunteers that will make this year’s event the best ever. I love this event and mentioned the need for volunteers in this column already, but VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED! There are several shifts to choose from that will fit into your schedule. Sandra Greason, volunteer chair for the festival says, “The Jewish Arts Festival has been extremely successful through the years due to the efforts of our great volunteers. We need ticket takers, help with set up and tear down and other jobs within the festival.” So, if you would like to help, get a chance to experience the festival and most of all, receive this year’s free T-shirt, please go online to jcckc.org/jaf and click on the volunteer link to sign up. Or, call Sandra Greason at 913-327-8042.
WARM UP AMERICA! — Congregation Beth Shalom Sisterhood’s Warm Up America! Project has donated more than 50 afghans in the last few years to JFS, SafeHome, Ronald McDonald Family Room and American Veterans. If you would like to be a part of this project, but you don’t know how to knit or crochet any of the 36 rectangles that are required for a completed afghan, you can underwrite this project by contributing $5 to cover the cost of yarn needed to make two rectangles. Send a check payable to Beth Shalom Sisterhood for the amount of rectangles you would like to sponsor. On the memo line of the check, note ‘for WUA Project.’ Mail to Carol Yarmo, 6212 W. 147th Street, Overland Park, KS 66223.
DIABETES DASH FOR LIFE 5K — Several of our Jewish friends at Panera Bread are working hard preparing for the very first Diabetes Dash for Life 5K, which is billed as encouraging everyone to lead a healthy lifestyle through healthy eating choices and regular exercise. All proceeds from the event, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 22, will be donated to JDRF to help improve lives and find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. The race takes place at the Panera Bread located at Town Center at 119th and Nall. It begins at 8:30 a.m.; registration opens at 7 a.m. with same-day registrations available. For more info visit diabetesdashforlife.com or call Brian Cole at 913-549-2962.
JOIN THE TORCH RELAY — Be a part of history by being a part of the upcoming Torch Relay! In just a few weeks, the JCC begins its 100-year anniversary celebration and it’s recruiting 100 runners for a once-in-a-lifetime-event!
The JCC is hosting a Torch Relay Run on Sunday, Oct. 6. There will be an 18-mile run, beginning at the River Market area where the JCC concept was born. The route will wind its way to the current JCC Campus.
Runners are still needed to complete the 10 teams that will run the relay. Each participant will run a “leg” of the course, not the entire 18 miles. The relay will culminate with a special torch-lighting ceremony at the Jewish Arts Festival at 11:30 a.m.
Even if you are not a runner, you can still be a part of this memorable event as a volunteer. If you are interested in participating or volunteering, contact Erika Aanestad, associate director of Fitness & Sports, at 913-327-4693 or .
