ISRAEL DAY IN TOPEKA — Kansans who support Israel will gather at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka on Tuesday, March 19, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to “let our representatives know that Kansans love Israel.” This event is being supported by diverse communities in Kansas that are working together to speak out against hate, anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias. More information can be found on the Kansans for Israel Facebook page (facebook.com/kansansforisrael).
ICONIC PIECES AT HOME IN TEMPORARY SPACE — While The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah’s building on Nall is being renovated, its Shabbat services are taking place in the MAC Room of the Jewish Community Campus. The podium B’nai Jehudah is using is the same one the congregation used each week in the Nall building. But it also has a rich history. Rabbi Nemitoff explained that some may not know this podium was the same one that was on the bima of the sanctuary at B’nai Jehudah’s Linwood and Flora building, which predated the 69th and Holmes building in Kansas City, Missouri.
“Rabbi Samuel Mayerberg preached from this podium,” Rabbi Nemitoff said. “It is but a podium, of course. But the words that have been spoken from this podium in the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s and then again in the 21st century in our Nall building have inspired, challenged, comforted and delighted. It serves — during this transition time outside our building — as one of twin cornerstones that keep us rooted in our B’nai Jehudah tradition.”
Many people may recognize the ark in the MAC Room, as well. It has graced Classroom 1, which is sometimes used as a secondary chapel, in the Nall building. It, too, held places of honor at B’nai Jehudah’s other two buildings. The next most recent place would have been the Social Hall at the building at 69th and Holmes, where it was used when services were held in that room. For those whose memories go back to Linwood and Flora, this was the congregation’s ark there.
Rabbi Nemitoff said, “We have placed these two iconic pieces of B’nai Jehudah history in the MAC Room to firmly establish this space as ours — at least for Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.” He added, “While we have moved a mile or so north, you will find our service familiar and inspiring. And be sure to join us on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. for a bisseleh nosh before our Erev Shabbat services.”
SHELDON ADELSON BEING TREATED FOR CANCER (JTA) — Casino magnate Sheldon Adelson has lymphoma and plans to continue working through treatment, according to his firm, Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Adelson, a longtime Jewish and Republican megadonor, is dealing with side effects from medication he is taking to treat the disease, the statement dated Feb. 28 said, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Adelson, a funder of the Taglit-Birthright program for young Jewish adults, has “side effects [that] have restricted his availability to travel or keep regular office hours,” the statement said. “They have not, however, prevented him from fulfilling his duties as chairman and CEO.”
When the treatment is over, Adelson, 85, will return to his regular schedule, according to the statement.
Adelson was a major giver to President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign.