Listening Post

The cast of the City Theatre of Independence’s production of Mel Brooks musical ‘Young Frankenstein’ includes two Jewish people. Ruth Bigus plays the role of Frau Blucher and Sam Gershman portrays Victor Frankenstein and ensemble. Larry Bigus is assistant stage manager for the show. It runs March 24-March 26, and March 31-April 3. Cast members in this photo are Ruth Bigus (from left), Christopher Murrell as Dr. Frederick Fronkensteen, Chad Burris as Igor and Landis Merrell (seated) as Inga. More information is available at www.citytheatreofindependence.org.

THINKING OF DAYS GONE BY — Every now and then I hear people tell me they miss the old 25 Years Ago column. As we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (see more page 6), Joan March sent us a copy of the column, published March 22, 1996, about an event originally published in the March 26, 1971, issue.

At that time the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy Thrift Shop, which was located at 7341 Prospect in Kansas City, Missouri, was holding its grand opening. It was accompanied by a photo featuring store manager Mrs. Owen Schwertfeger, Hyman Brand and Mrs. March, who at the time was past president of the Academy PTA and general manager of the thrift shop.

ENJOYING THE FRUIT OF THE VINE —Kosherwine.com is partnering with the Vaad for a pre-Passover wine tasting in support of the Vaad at 9 p.m. Saturday night, April 2. The event is hosted by the Horesh family. The evening will feature new wines that are available for delivery in time for Passover. The event is free but limited to 30 people. For reservation information, visit .

DONATE A PRAYER BOOK TO A SOLDIER — In 2014, JWB Jewish Chaplains Council published a unique siddur for military personnel —the only siddur approved and fully endorsed by the three major Jewish denominations — and distributed nearly 10,000 of these prayer books. But 10,000 were not enough and there are no more. The demand continues for a second printing. A Siddur in all Pockets (ASAP) campaign has been launched to raise $7,500 in 30 days. Your gift will help provide prayer books and inspiration that our Jewish military men and women can carry with them now, and far into the rest of their military career and life. To learn more or to make a contribution, contact www.jcca.org/jwb.

Ellen Hershkin

NATIONAL HADASSAH PRESIDENT TO VISIT K.C. — Ellen Hershkin, Hadassah’s national president, will visit the area next month. She will greet Hadassah members and associates at an open house from 3 to 5 p.m. April 10 at the home of Gail Goldstein, 9736 Craig, Overland Park, 66212. All Hadassah members are encouraged to attend this special event. Reservations are required; call Gail Goldstein at 913-314-9254.

Now in its second century, Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is a volunteer organization that inspires a passion for and commitment to its partnership with the land and people of Israel. It enhances the health of people worldwide through its support of medical care and research at the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem. Hadassah empowers its members and supporters, as well as youth in Israel and America through opportunities for personal growth, education, advocacy and Jewish continuity.