Elizabeth and Sam (z”l) NussbaumCongregation Beth Israel Abraham & Voliner (BIAV) is gearing up for its annual gala, scheduled this year to take place Sunday, March 3, at The Gallery Event Space in the Power & Light District. The Orthodox congregation’s annual fundraiser will honor Elizabeth and Sam (z”l) Nussbaum and Drs. Alison and Adam Kaye. For tickets or sponsorships information, call the BIAV office at 913-341-2444 or email . The community is invited to celebrate with BIAV as it honors these two couples.2019 Community Builders AwardWith the true belief they survived the horrors of the Holocaust for a reason, Elizabeth Weiss Nussbaum has lived a life of dignity and grace. Along with her dear husband Sam Nussbaum (z”l), they remained firm in their belief in G-d’s presence and the profound goodness of people. Together they built a life in Kansas City giving back to the community. Now, her years of volunteering and his legacy will be honored by BIAV as the first recipients of the Community Builders Award.Elizabeth met her soul mate Sam Nussbaum in Italy after the war. With a twinkle in his eye, Sam won her heart, and they began a new life together with a deep belief in G-d and the persistent need to honor those in their families who did not survive. After spending three years in Italy, the Nussbaums immigrated to the United States in 1948 with their newborn child, Larry, and Mel on the way. Elizabeth said it wasn’t easy for them in the early years, but they made a home for themselves in Kansas City and thrived, creating a family when there was nothing left of their own.Immediately upon arriving in Kansas City, Sam and Elizabeth became active members of the local community. Sam had learned the plumbing business while in Europe and continued his trade after arriving in Kansas City, eventually becoming a partner in Tip Top Plumbing and Heating. His handiwork became known throughout Kansas City.Elizabeth raised a beautiful family and was active in the Chevra Kadisha, kashrut initiatives and the community mikvah, where she served unselfishly for many years. Along with their children, Larry, Mel, David and Bonnie, Sam and Elizabeth were blessed with multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Sam’s keen sense of justice found him back in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1992 to testify against Josef Schwammberger, the SS commandant who liquidated the Jewish population of Przemysl, Poland, Sam’s hometown. In remembrance of those they lost, they were strong supporters of the JNF, planting forests in Israel in memory of those who passed away during the Holocaust. They were also early supporters of the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, where some of their great-grandchildren are currently enrolled.BIAV, though, remained a steadfast mission for them and their unwavering belief in G-d. Until his untimely passing in December 2002, Sam would often lead services at BIAV and was known for his beautiful reading of Jonah every year on Yom Kippur. No matter what the weather, Elizabeth continues to attend services and joyfully hands out candy to the young children who greet her with a “Shabbat Shalom.”
