OP NATIVE FEATURED IN JERUSALEM POST — According to The Jerusalem Post, “Asher and Ruthie Kaplan are something of an immigrant success story. They met in Israel and got married (in Israel) in 2014, and now run a successful wellness center together in Rehavia called Spark Body & Soul. Spark offers clients a myriad of high-quality massage and facial treatments, but also something intangible, something that can only be attributed to the couple who run it: heart.”
Our friend and contributing writer Sybil Kaplan clued us in on the story, which was published May 31. Ruthie is the daughter of Victor and Susan Bergman, “where she grew up in a very pro-Israel family, and she visited Israel often on family vacations.”
To learn more about Ruthie’s business, go to jerusalempost.com and search Ruthie Kaplan. One thing not in the article is the announcement the Kaplans had a baby girl in mid-May.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY — Earlier this week, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City wished “the wonderful Deborah Bretton Granoff a happy 30th anniversary.” During that time she has helped Jewish Federation as it works to inspire generosity, improve lives and strengthen our community, within a framework of Jewish values.
Here’s the post from Jewish Federation’s Facebook page: “Debbie, we couldn’t do it without you. Thanks for being our resident historian, our steadfast cheerleader and a lifelong supporter of Jewish Federation’s mission: To sustain and enhance Jewish life at home and around the world. You really are the best of the best!”
FEATURED IN THE NEWS PART II — On May 31 The Forward published “The Secret Jewish History Of The Happy Meal.”
“In June of 1979, 40 years ago, the world of picky eaters experienced a total game changer. That month, McDonald’s went national with a cardboard clutch containing a choice of hamburger or cheeseburger, a small drink, cookies, a small bag of fries and — of course — a toy.” Before getting to that point, the article notes that a couple of franchisees came up with their own kids’ meals and McDonald’s “commissioned the Kansas City advertising firm Bernstein-Rein to further develop it. The company’s founder and CEO, Bob Bernstein, took the idea to another level.” Read more by visiting forward.com.
MOISHE HOUSE HONORED — Moishe House has been awarded the $25,000 Jerusalem Prize for Unity in the international category. Moishe House received the prize for its worldwide success in engaging Jewish young adults in meaningful ways and empowering them to create their own vibrant communities. Kansas City has had a Moishe House since 2014 to engage young Jewish adults (22 to 30) by giving them a place to sustain their Jewish community. Moishe House hosts innovative programs that emphasize Judaism through cultural, religious, community service and social aspects.
“It is absolutely wonderful that Moishe House as an organization was awarded the Jerusalem Prize for Unity!” Michael Portman said. “As one of the residents in the Kansas City Moishe House, I am honored to be a part of such a great group that is able to engage and connect a growing and vibrant Jewish community! This is an honorable award that remembers Eyal Yifrah, Gilad Shaer and Naftali Fraenkel and truly is meaningful to what we do for our community.”
If you know anyone who would be interested in Moishe House programming, email or visit the Moishe House of Kansas City Facebook page (facebook.com/MHofKC/).