Pella Fingersh and Marcia Karbank lead busy lives, but between their hectic schedules the women are dedicated to planning the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, Kansas City’s only Jewish day school.
The anniversary celebration takes place Monday evening, April 11, at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, with an exclusive Kansas City Symphony concert conducted by Michael Stern. Neil and Blanche Sosland will receive the prestigious Civic Service Award during this special event.
For Fingersh and Karbank, working on behalf of HBHA is a labor of love. Both women’s children attended HBHA and now their grandchildren attend.
“Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy is an extraordinary milestone,” Karbank said. “We proudly honor the founding families for their vision and dedication, and congratulate those who carry on their important legacy.”
Karbank’s two grown children, Jessica Kroll and Gregory Nerman, reaped the benefits of HBHA’s dual curriculum. Kroll married fellow HBHA grad Aaron Kroll and their daughter Isabella is now a kindergartener at the school.
“HBHA provided excellence in both secular and Jewish education; it was a school which provided a variety of opportunities, and, woven through all were a sense of community, strong values and richness of tradition,” said Karbank when asked why she chose to send her children to HBHA. “Now, I am thrilled to see my granddaughter flourishing there.”
Fingersh, a native of Israel, also made the decision to send her children to HBHA.
“Growing up in Israel, where Judaism is in the air, I felt it was important to nurture my children’s Jewish identity and connection to Israel not only at home but outside as well,” Fingersh said. “I believe their positive experience at the Hebrew Academy set the tone when it came to their decision about their own children’s education. All four of our grandchildren have attended Hebrew day schools and consider Israel their second home.”
Both Karbank and Fingersh have given numerous hours helping HBHA in many ways. Fingersh served as an HBHA board member, volunteered as a Hebrew teacher in both her children and grandchildren’s Hebrew classes and was involved with many previous Civic Service Award Dinners. She was also a past recipient of HBHA’s Civic Service Award at the 33rd annual dinner which was co-chaired by Karbank. Karbank actively served on the school’s board, numerous Civic Service Award committees, and has been an active long-time volunteer. Both women are frequently seen around the school today in various capacities.
Walking in their footsteps
Just as Fingersh and Karbank worked to support HBHA over the years, so have many women who came before them. These other women who diligently provided both moral and financial support to the school, include founders Bea Firestone and Joan Puritz Greenberg, both of blessed memory, Joan March who ran the HBHA thrift store, Beryl Silberg and, of course, Blanche Sosland.
One woman in particular who helped financially sustain HBHA for more than two decades was “Auntie” Sarah Ozar. She was president of HBHA’s Women’s Auxiliary, a vital fundraising organization for the school. Ozar organized more than 300 women to raise funds in various manners. But her influence went beyond women: Toward the end of her 25 years leading the Women’s Auxiliary, she opened up the group to men who also wished to volunteer.
“She was a business woman,” said Ozar’s daughter-in-law, Marilyn Brand Ozar. “She led by example. If the school needed something, the Women’s Auxiliary provided it.”
Karbank and Fingersh — along with the many other women who helped make HBHA a thriving school — take great pride in all the school has accomplished in its 50 years and are looking forward to the big event on April 11.
“The incredible milestone of a small Jewish day school in Kansas celebrating 50 years in a way mirrors the Israel story,” Fingersh said. “I believe that Jewish day schools play a very important part in strengthening and perpetuating Jewish identity.”
Karbank agreed.
“Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy provides its students with a strong, well-rounded foundation for life. Our community is reaping the rewards for having this remarkable school in its midst,” Karbank said.
To learn more about the event, go to www.hbha.edu and click on the 50th Anniversary logo or contact Kerry Cosner, director of development at HBHA at , 913-327-8156.