PLANTING THE SEEDS OF OUR FUTURE — “As my ancestors planted for me before I was born, so do I plant for those who will come after me.”
Those words from the Talmud (Ta-anit 23a) were so appropriately used at the Jewish Community Foundation’s “Foundation for our Future,” event last week. The evening featured the conclusion of the Bushman Community Endowment Program and kicked off the Create a Jewish Legacy initiative, a new ongoing program to promote planned giving to partner agencies and strengthen their endowments, many of which the Foundation manages (see page 4 for more details). The evening was a wonderful tribute to those who have made permanent commitments to the future through their estate plans and an inspiration to others who have yet to do so. Kol hakavod — way to go!
HAPPY 85th ANNIVERSARY MENORAH MEDICAL CENTER — Although it is Jewish in name only now, it’s important to note that Menorah Medical Center opened its door as Menorah Hospital on Sept. 7, 1931. According to Joseph P. Shultz’s book “Mid-America’s Promise: A Profile of Kansas City Jewry,” the purpose of the hospital was to serve all mankind, “Jew and non-Jew alike.” It was also a place for the younger Jewish physicians, who had no standing on the staffs of other Kansas City hospitals, to practice. Sadly, there is little mention of the hospital’s history on its website today. It only states it was open as Jewish Memorial Menorah Medical Center, (which according to my research is incorrect. The name was changed to Menorah before it opened “in keeping with its nonsectarian purpose”) in 1931 in Kansas City, Missouri, before moving to Johnson County, Kansas, in 1996. The hospital is now owned by HCA Health Midwest, a for-profit health care network.
HELZBERG ENTREPRENEURIAL MENTORING PROGRAM ANNOUNCES THE CLASS OF 2016 — Jeremy Antes of Prism Real Estate is a member of the Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program (HEMP) class of 20 entrepreneurs for its 2016 program. Antes is also a member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City’s 18 Under 40. HEMP has helped more than 300 entrepreneurs over two decades.
The program was founded in 1995 by Barnett Helzberg Jr., former owner and president of Helzberg Diamonds. Inspired by Helzberg’s 23-year mentoring relationship with Ewing Kauffman, HEMP matches seasoned, successful entrepreneur mentors with less-experienced, entrepreneur mentees.
“The HEMP class of 2016 is comprised of some of Kansas City’s finest entrepreneurs,” Helzberg said. “I feel very fortunate to have been mentored throughout the various phases of my business career, and HEMP is one way for many of us to give back to the entrepreneurial community.”
To be eligible for the program, entrepreneurs must have been in business three or more years and be the sole ultimate decision maker of the business, generate revenues between $1-$100 million, have at least five full-time employees and have a desire to significantly grow their business. Prospective HEMP participants must complete an application and pass additional hurdles, including a comprehensive self-assessment and site visit.
The Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program is dedicated to strengthening entrepreneurial leaders through excellence in mentoring. For more information about HEMP, visit the website at www.hempkc.org.
ISRAELI WINES FEATURED — Israel’s wines are featured (and praised!) in the cover story of Wine Spectator magazine’s October 15 issue, which hit newsstands Sept. 13.
The piece, titled “The Wines of Israel,” examines how fine wine production is now part of a rich cultural tapestry as a generation of modern-minded winemakers explore what is possible on their arid land.
Also in the story: Wine Spectator reviews more than 100 Israeli wines for a list of the country’s best bottles, and provides an in-depth guide to the country’s top wineries, the best restaurants and lodgings. Additionally, a new video posted at WineSpectator.com takes a look at the history of wine in Jewish life.