“Discovery” — the art of finding something new. Those who participate in the annual Day of Discovery on Sunday, Aug. 23, will definitely find something new this year with the addition of several new instructors and classes. The annual day of learning, sponsored by the Rabbinical Association and a variety of other Jewish organizations at the Jewish Community Campus begins with registration at 8:45 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m.
“We are thrilled that the Day of Discovery has grown to become a beloved tradition here in Kansas City. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}We are always trying to improve on its excellent reputation and we continue to strive to make it something the Jewish community enjoys every year,” said BIAV’s Rabbi Daniel Rockoff, who serves as president of the Rabbinical Association and will be a presenter in the first morning session.
In addition to Rabbi Rockoff, more than 30 presenters will engage, stimulate and inspire attendees in hopes of making a difference in their lives. (A complete list of sessions, classes and class descriptions can be found on kcrabbis.org.)
First-time presenter Judy Hellman, former associate executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee, will lead a session on civil rights and the Jewish involvement in the historical movement called “Pursuing Justice, Standing Together.” The session will include a video presentation of local Jewish and black leaders talking about working together to make our community better.
“The video highlights former Kansas City mayor and current Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, former K.C. Mayor Richard Berkley, the Late Nelson “Fuzzy” Thompson, Ruth Schecter and others ‘who were there’… sharing their stories,” Hellman said.
She shared one particular story.
“Many years ago when Fuzzy was at the American Royal Parade with his mother, he wanted a hot dog. Upon buying it, he asked ‘Where can we sit?’ His mother answered, ‘We are not allowed to sit down … but someday,’ she continued, ‘when you grow up, you’ll change that!’ And he did!”
Two presenters who are new to Kansas City are Rabbi Daniel Kirzane and Jessica Kirzane. Rabbi Kirzane recently came on board at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. His presentation, called “The Torah of Fair Food: The Fair Food Campaign of the Coalition of Immokalee,” will focus on an initiative to involve Jews eating food that is ethically kosher.
“I believe that Jews have a vital role to play in the ongoing project to protect the human rights of our fellow Americans — in this instance, to bring security and dignity to the low-wage workers in southwest Florida’s agricultural fields. I look forward to sharing the importance of foods which are ethically kosher as well as the practical steps of advancing the cause,” Rabbi Kirzane explained.
Jessical Kirzane is also an educator. A doctoral candidate in Yiddish studies at Columbia University, she promises through lecture, reading and discussion to take “classic” works of Yiddish into a modern format during her second-session class.
If you ever wanted to touch a biblical artifact, “Dating Archaeology in the Land of the Bible: The 2015 Excavation of Tell-es Safi, Israel,” is for you. Taught by Dr. Eric Welch, a visiting assistant Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of Kansas, will show how the Bible and archaeology intersect. Participants may handle artifacts from the Canaanites, Philistines and Judeans that once inhabited the ancient city of Gath.
“This will be an excellent opportunity to discover how students and faculty from KU are actively engaged in cutting-edge historical and archaeological research in Israel,” Dr. Welch said. “I am excited to present a sneak peek of an exciting new discovery … the city’s gate of Gath, where our excavations have started to reveal a massive fortification system — including the gates that date to the time of David.”
Avila University will also be represented on the panel of presenters this year. Dr. Martin Shuster, chair of Religious studies and philosophy, will discuss the problem of evil.
“As Jews in the 21st century, we are unfortunately no strangers to suffering. For philosophers — Jewish and otherwise — in addition to the general problem that evil exists and is a source of suffering and pain, there is the specific religious and philosophical problem of evil: If God is all powerful, all knowing, and all good, then ‘why’ and ‘how’ does evil exist? This question and its related questions and concerns are the things we will discuss in my session,” Dr. Shuster explained.
Engaging young adults in the Jewish community is always a big concern and that will be the topic of the presentation by Jay Lewis, executive director of KU Hillel. Lewis said millennials also ponder how they will engage as they explored their own Jewish life.
“Everyone agrees it cannot be business as usual,” Lewis said, continuing that the Jewish community continues to look at research and the best way to engage millennials.
Annette Fish, administrator and program director of the Rabbinical Association, said since the brochure was mailed last week, interest in the new classes, as well as classes taught by experienced Day of Discovery presenters, has been high.
“We think we are offering a wide range of topics that will appeal to members of the Jewish community. As always we are grateful to all our presenters who graciously give their time and talents to make this an event that people look forward to every year,” Fish said.
More information regarding Day of Discovery and registration can be found at kcrabbis.org. Class and lunch payments must be received by Aug. l7; after Aug. 17 registration fees increase and classes open on a space-available basis.
Registration and continental breakfast are from 8:45-9:30 a.m., study sessions begin at 9:30 with lunch from 12:15 – 1:10 p.m. The cost to participate in “Day of Discovery” is $12 per person, which includes classes, a continental breakfast and dessert reception. Full registration is $20 per person with lunch provided by Rachel’s Café. Free child care is available for children 8 months to 3 years.
The program is sponsored by The Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City, Jewish Community Center’s Department of Jewish Life and Learning, CAJE/Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, Village Shalom and area congregations. Funding has been provided by the Community Legacy Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City.
For additional information, email Fish at or call 913-327-4622.{/mprestriction}