BICYCLING THROUGH ISRAEL — Seven people with a K.C. connection are taking part in the Arava Institute and Hazon Israel Ride Nov. 4-11. The ride begins in Jerusalem and ends in Eilat. Those planning to ride from the area include Jimmy Rosenbloom, Sheila Sonnenschein, Ken Sonnenschein, Ed Meltzer and Kay Grossman.
{mprestriction ids="1"}Another rider with a KC connection — Shira Sky (who is now Shira Golden), daughter of Zena and the late Cantor Hyman Sky who served at Congregation Beth Shalom for many years — is also riding with her husband, Rabbi Steve Golden. They live in New York.
The Sonnenscheins and the Goldens are riding tandem bikes through Israel. The ride is to raise money for two organizations: Hazon and the Arava Institute. Hazon is a Jewish environmental group in the United States. The Arava Institute brings Jews, Muslims, Christians, Israelis, Arabs and other students from around the globe to do environmental research together. To learn more about the ride or to sponsor a rider visit http://hazon.org/israel-ride/arava-institute-hazon-israel-ride/
BIAV’S ROYAL PLANS — We’ve all heard about the friendly wagers taking place between politicians and police departments and loads of other people throughout the Royals quest this month for the World Series pennant. Congregation BIAV is getting in on the fun as well. Rabbi Dani Rockoff tells us that Rabbi Joel Landau of Congregation Adath Israel, an Orthodox shul in San Francisco, has made a deal with BIAV, the only Orthodox congregation here in the Kansas City area. When the Royals beat the Giants, Adath Israel will provide a Kiddush lunch for BIAV members. And yes, if the tables are turned … BIAV will do the same. Everyone agreed that the cost of the Kiddush lunch would be capped at $250.We expect the Series to be over by the time you read this, but not before we had to go to press ... so stay tuned for an update!
The J HOSTS INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING DINNER — In April, faith communities from all over the community came to The J, sharing each other’s grief and lending support following a sudden tragedy. Now it’s time to gather with joy and gratitude. This year’s Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner will take place at the Jewish Community Center from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. The annual dinner is sponsored by the Heartland Chapter — Alliance of Divine Love, in cooperation with the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council and the interfaith community and is hosted by a different venue each year. This year’s program will focus on gratitude in community. Tickets are available at the door. To promote the concept of a family-friendly event, participants are asked to bring a "potluck" dish (side, salad or dessert) to share. The main course (turkey, kosher turkey and a vegetarian option) will be furnished, along with beverages and table service. (Note: No pork or shellfish products; no kitchen facilities are available, so dishes should be "table ready.") Donations of nonperishable items for JFS Food Pantry will be collected. For reservations, call 816-509-7984 or email . Additional information is also available on the following websites: www.HeartlandADL.org and www.kcinterfaith.org.
MEMORIAL SERVICE — Several members of the Jewish community are actively involved with Suicide Awareness Survivors Support (SASS). SASS will hold its seventh annual Holiday Memorial Service from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, at McGilley & Hoge, Johnson County Memorial Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kan. The service will include candle lighting and a slide show of loved ones lost to suicide. The event is free with donations welcomed. To confirm attendance, or to learn more about SASS or the service, call Bonnie Swade at 913-681-3050 or email her at by Nov. 11. More information about the organization may also be obtained at its website, www.Sass-MoKan.com.
PICTURES OF HOPE — Once again acclaimed photographer Linda Solomon came to Kansas City and taught photography skills to children from Sheffield Place. The children photographed their hopes and dreams and now those photos have been made into greeting cards. Chevrolet has made it possible for 100 percent of the proceeds of the poignant and self-esteem building "Pictures of Hope" cards to benefit Sheffield Place. The cards are immediately available for purchase through David Hanzlick at Sheffield Place, 816-483-9927 x113, email or online at www.sheffieldplace.org.{/mprestriction}