‘HELLRAISER’ FILM SCREENING — “I’m honored,” is all Sid Willens would say when his granddaughter, Sara Glass, said she aimed to write a documentary on her grandfather’s legacy to Kansas City.
That documentary, “The Hellraiser,” will be shown April 2 at 7 p.m. at the Uptown Arts Bar, 3611 Broadway. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}A panel discussion will follow with Rabbi Mark Levin, Alvin Brooks and Willens discussing policing in America and the recent attention National Public Radio has given Willens as the founder of the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department’s Office of Citizen Complaints.
“It all started with Sara,” said Greg Patterson, owner of Uptown Arts Bar. “I met Sid’s granddaughter and her performing arts group. When I was a young man working as a community organizer I saw Sid battle for justice so publicly. He’s been fighting injustice ever since. So I asked Sara to write the story of her grandfather’s legacy to Kansas City and I would hire a capable videographer to film the effort.”
MOST INSPIRING RABBI — The Forward once again has come out with its list of “America’s Most Inspiring Rabbis: 33 Men and Women Who Move Us,” and Amy Wallk Katz of Temple Beth El in Springfield, Massachusetts, formerly of Congregation Beth Shalom, is among those listed. According to The Forward, the newspaper has identified 33 of the most inspiring men and women from North America who are defining and redefining what it means to be a rabbi in the 21st century. Rabbi Katz was mention in 10 nominations. According to Marian Broder, the Conservative rabbi’s slogan, “ ‘Just show up,’ has changed the feeling of Shabbat morning services. Congregants are welcome at any part they wish to attend, dressed as they wish. Rabbi Katz meets each individual where they are and draws them into the synagogue community from there.” Read more about Rabbi Katz and the other rabbis at forward.com.
BRIDAL FAIR — Pinstripes, our partner in our upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah Jewish Life magazine, is having a Bridal Showcase today, Thursday, March 26. One lucky attendee will win $10,000 toward a memorable wedding celebration at Pinstripes. Anyone thinking about planning a wedding can enter as the prize is transferrable. Entrants must write a short essay, “Why you would like to have your wedding celebration at Pinstripes…” The winner will be announced at the event and must be present to win. The event takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. and is located at 13500 Nall Ave. in Overland Park. For more information, call 913-681-2165.
DONATE BOOKS AND PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS — Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy seventh-graders need your help. They are collecting books for Urban Scholastic Center’s after school program, and personal care items for reStart as part of their yearlong mentoring project. Bring books (for sixth-grade reading or younger) and personal care items to the art room through May 15.{/mprestriction}