MeltonKC, powered by HBHA, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a Friends of MeltonKC dinner on Sunday, Nov. 3. This casual, kosher barbecue dinner will reflect on 25 years of Melton adult Jewish learning in Kansas City.
At A Glance
The celebration features special guests and former MeltonKC instructors Rabbi Morey Schwartz, the current international director of the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning and former spiritual leader at Congregation BIAV, and Rabbi Amy Wallk Katz, rabbi of Temple Beth El in Springfield, Massachusetts, former Congregation Beth Shalom clergy member and director of the Department of Adult Jewish Learning for the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.
“This will be a reunion of sorts for MeltonKC students, instructors and supporters from the past 25 years,” said Megan Pener, MeltonKC director. “The event — driven by our two incredible co-chairs, Robin Carr and Susie Goldsmith — is shaping up to be a very special evening.”
Both Carr and Goldsmith are Melton graduates who have continued their learning over the years through various MeltonKC offerings. They are looking forward to supporting the program in a new way.
“We feel fortunate to have been able to connect to our Jewish heritage and to other, like-minded adults in our community through our Melton learning experiences,” said Goldsmith. “MeltonKC has done a great job engaging young students, and it is wonderful to watch the program flourish and grow as it educates the future leaders of our community.”
Carr added, “In addition to showcasing Melton’s accomplishments in Kansas City over the past 25 years, and engaging MeltonKC supporters and students from years past, we are excited to generate support for the next cadre of adult learners for the next 25 years.”
While the Nov. 3 event focuses on Melton’s success in educating Kansas City-area adults, this reunion also kicks off the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning’s International Kallah 2019, “The Spirit of the Israel-America Relationship” Nov. 4-6. This event draws students, graduates and Melton staff from Melton schools worldwide.
“The celebration will be even more robust with the addition of many of the Kallah 2019 participants,” said Pener. “We have a great lineup of 2019-20 classes going on right now, and we are excited to showcase all that MeltonKC has to offer to our Kallah visitors from around the world.”
“It’s going to be a casual, fun evening — with excellent food — to sustain and support this important service in Kansas City,” Goldsmith said. “It’s a great feeling to be part of something that will benefit future Jewish leaders and learners in our community.”
The Friends of MeltonKC celebration takes place at Kehilath Israel Synagogue and features kosher barbecue from Steve Ellenberg. To become a Friend of MeltonKC, go to hbha.edu/melton, or contact Pener at , 913-327-8161. Each Friend of MeltonKC at the $180 or higher level receives two tickets to the Nov. 3 event.