CELEBRATING 85 YEARS — “We don’t try to do it. We do it.” That’s what outgoing board chair John Isenberg said about the Jewish Federation’s mission to “sustain and enhance Jewish life at home and around the world.” His can-do attitude was contagious that night as those who attended the Jewish Federation’s 85th Annual Meeting last week were excited to celebrate the good works Jewish Federation does locally and globally. As new chair Michael Abrams accepted the challenge to lead the organization, he echoed Isenberg’s optimism by saying it is now his job to “help ensure Kansas City is a place where people can live rich and full Jewish lives.”
After the meeting portion of the event, guests enjoyed a special 85th anniversary celebration, complete with food, drinks and klezmer music. In case you missed who was honored:
Merilyn Berenbom, Earl J. Tranin Distinguished Jewish Community Service Award
Paul Himmelstein, Dan Fingersh Young Leadership Award
Zohar Flacks, Grinspoon Jewish Educator of the Year
And Congregation Beth Shalom and KU Hillel, Community Programs of the year for Beth Shalom’s annual Purim party (called Megillah Madness) and KU Hillel’s Challah for Hunger
A great video about the Federation was also shown. Check it out at https://vimeo.com/287293239.
WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR TODAY? — I’ve been known to tell people as editor of The Chronicle that I feel I am a member of all the congregations around town and in the surrounding areas. I enjoy, and feel privileged, to read the various eblasts and newsletters I receive from these congregations. Last week I was touched by an article in the Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation newsletter. It was a printed version of a commentary given by Neil Salkind, who passed away in November 2017, at last year’s Yom Kippur service. He concluded his remarks with this:
“Let me end this short talk with a Talmudic proverb which asks, ‘Who is rich?’ and then answer with, ‘Those who rejoice in their own lot.’ Rejoice. As we move toward closing the book once again, may you have a year filled with happiness, peace, good health and of course, gratitude.”
I didn’t know Neil, but I can tell he was a very wise man and know he is missed by members of the LJCC. As I borrow his words, I’d like to add I am grateful for the opportunity to do what I do, to help share the stories of the good things happening in the Kansas City Jewish community. I love talking to those people who play a role in those stories and invite you to continue contacting me about them (913-951-8425, ).
All of us at The Chronicle wish you a deeply meaningful Yom Kippur. May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life for a good year.
