JOPLIN IS STILL IN OUR HEARTS AND ON OUR MINDS — We have more information about the Jewish community in Joplin in today’s issue. Joplin is the focus of Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn’s regular column this week. The main focus of the other article is on an effort being organized by blogger Mara Strom Sachs. But I need to point out that many, many members of the Jewish community — both professionals and volunteers — are working tirelessly to help both the Jewish community and all the Joplinites that have been affected by the killer tornado. When you read these articles, you might think that they are somewhat contradictory. It reminds me of the often quoted saying if you have three Jews, you’ll have three opinions. (By the way, Rabbi Scott White will be teaching such a class at the Jewish Community Center this fall!) One person says the best way to help is this way. Another expert says you should help another way. There’s still a lot of confusion in Joplin and the bottom line is there is more than one way to help in this situation. If you like to give money, it will be appreciated and there are many different avenues in which you can do so. If you feel better donating goods, do that. If you prefer a hands-on approach, I’m sure there will be an organized Jewish effort for that sometime soon as well. (Maybe there already is and we just don’t know about it.) The bottom line is you should do whatever it is that makes you feel good. As the Nike commercial says, just do it!
A HAIRCUT TO REMEMBER — Gabrielle Fulford, who will be a second-grade student at the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy in the fall, recently cut at least eight inches of her hair and donated it to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program. The hair will be used to create a real-hair wig, which will be distributed for free through American Cancer Society wig banks across the country.
Gabrielle is the daughter of Michelle Cohen and Mark Fulford. Cohen said this is the second time her daughter has done this and probably will do it again in the future. “We talk about doing mitzvot and it’s not necessarily donating money and donating your time but it’s donating something that you have that can benefit someone who needs it. It’s a relatively easy thing to do and a very meaningful thing for her to do,” Cohen said. Meanwhile Gabrielle is getting a lot of compliments on her new short do.
JCF NOW ACCEPTS ONLINE DONATIONS — The Jewish Community Foundation, which generally specializes in long-term and not emergency funding, now accepts credit card donations through its website, www.jcfkc.org. Donations may be made in any amount to any of JCF’s 700 funds, including agency and congregational funds, Donor Advised Funds and B’nai Tzedek Funds. Virtually every Kansas City Jewish agency has a fund at the foundation and now it’s even more convenient to give tzedakah to the causes close to your heart. J-LEAD membership may also be paid online. MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover are all accepted. Secured charitable gifts can be made by visiting www.jcfkc.org.