SENDING PRAYERS — As we were putting together the paper Wednesday morning, we learned of a terrorist bombing in Jerusalem, the first since 2004. Now we’re hearing from Federation Israeli Shlicha Lilach Nissim that rocket attacks on the south of Israel are being launched from Gaza. Our correspondent in Jerusalem, Sybil Kaplan and her husband, Barry, were not near that bus stop in Jerusalem that was bombed, but they use it often. So today we send prayers for peace, comfort and healing to all who are suffering and grieving in Jerusalem and throughout Israel.
WRITE YOUR OWN HAGGADAH — About 20 years ago I met a man who put together his own Haggadah. Before that time I assumed a Haggadah had to be written by a rabbi or someone who was considerably more knowledgeable than I. Soon after, I compiled my own Haggadah and then continued to revise it every couple of years with ideas I borrowed from other people. So I was intrigued this year to learn about ways to put together a Haggadah using the Internet. Behrman House Publishers has a custom Haggadah you can personalize online and get professionally printed. Jess Gurtman of Berhman House said it’s easy to use and allows you to upload and place photos to use along with the basic text from the “Family Haggadah,” a popular and child-friendly Haggadah that guides you through a seder of 30-45 minutes. Time to order for this year is running out. For more information go to www.behrmanhouse.com.
PERSONALIZED HAGGADAH PART II — I did get a chance to check out the new website Haggadot.com. It allows individuals or groups to create customized Passover Haggadot. The site pools non-copyrighted texts and graphics, inviting Jews of all backgrounds and from all over the world to share their traditions and carve their place in the Passover conversation through the seder’s central text. It is the brainchild of Eileen Levinson, a Los Angeles designer and artist. The seed money was provided by ROI Community of Young Jewish Innovators, the project of philanthropist Lynn Schusterman.
SAVE THE PLANET — If you are interested in helping your congregation save the earth, check out a Green Teams Rally on Thursday, March 31, sponsored by the Sustainable Sanctuary Coalition. David Nachman, a member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, and Barry Dicker, a member of Kehilath Israel Synagogue, both serve on the board of SSC, an interfaith nonprofit that helps congregations care for the earth. The rally will be at Unity Church of Overland Park located at 103rd and Antioch. The purpose of the rally is to build community and collaboration among green teams from area churches and synagogues. The free program includes networking, sharing of resources and green initiative ideas, problem-solving about challenges, a prayer ritual, snacks and door prizes. To register, contact Kate Becker at or call (816) 223-2101.
A NEW THEATER EXPERIENCE — Spinning Tree Theatre will premier its first production April 1 called “Make Me A Song.” One of the two founders, Michael Grayman, is Jewish and relocated here from New York City in the fall to open the theater with Andy Parkhurst. My friend Ruth Bigus, who is a theater aficionado, reports that Spinning Tree plans to produce a variety of works, including ethnic and Jewish pieces. You can learn more at http://www.spinningtreetheatre.com/Spinning_Tree_Theatre/Home.html.
SEDER CD — Paul Zim, who at one time sang at Congregation Ohev Sholom, called last week to suggest our readers purchase his new CD called “Let’s Make A Seder.” It’s a one-hour recording that teaches the important highlights of the Passover seder. The CD contains the music of the seder and brief explanations in the same format as the Passover Haggadah. He said it is available locally at synagogue gift shops.
FEATURING SETH RUDETSKY — When Betty Buckley performs “For the Love of Broadway,” at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at the Music Hall, she will be accompanied by musician and comedian Seth Rudetsky. As a pianist, he has performed in more than a dozen Broadway shows, including Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera. He is also the host of Seth’s Big Fat Broadway on Sirius Satellite Radio. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com and the Music Hall box office. For more information, check out www.PianeProductions.com.