A SPECIAL HONOR FOR JUDY HELLMAN — Judy Hellman has received several honors over the years because of her tireless efforts to improve interfaith and racial relations as part of her service with the Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee. Through the efforts of her granddaughter, Sarah Hellman, a junior at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and in honor of her 80th birthday, Hellman was recently inducted as an honorary initiate into the Chi Delta chapter of the Phi Alpha National Honor Society at the University of Missouri. She was also presented a medal, which is traditionally given to active lifetime members for service to the community. Hellman still works on behalf of JCRB|AJC, where she holds the title of special projects director.
SAVE THE DATES FOR SHLOMO KATZ — Rabbi Shlomo Katz will be at BIAV for Shabbat the weekend of Dec. 18 and 19. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}All the way from Eretz Yisrael, he will lead a Carlebach Style Kabbalat Shabbat Service on Dec. 18, attend a Shabbat dinner that same night, lead Musaf on Shabbat morning, Dec. 19, and give a concert at 8 p.m. Saturday night. The community is invited to all events; there is a cost for dinner and the concert. For more information contact BIAV at 913-341-2444. Stay tuned for more complete information.
THANK A SOLDIER — There’s been ongoing campaigns to send a holiday card to American soldiers thanking them for their service for many years. That can be done through the American Red Cross.
There is also a campaign to thank Israeli soldiers as well. One way is to thank the young men of the Shayetet 13 (Israeli Navy Seals), the unit which boarded the Flotilla, and Israeli soldiers everywhere. They are risking their lives to protect Jews and democracy in Israel and around the world every day.
I’m told our letters of support are more meaningful to them than can be imagined — strengthening their hearts, bodies and souls. Consider sharing your love and encouragement with them through letters from you, your family and friends while spending time with family during Hanukkah.
You can send a letter and package through the website thankisraelisoldiers.org. Letter may also be emailed to or mailed to TIS, 5185 MacArthur Blvd NW, Suite 636, Washington, DC 20016.
All letters will be personally delivered. One hundred percent of all donations received goes to pay for packages for the soldiers.{/mprestriction}