Bagel Bash, the party for young adults in their 20s to 40s held annually on Christmas Eve, has been around for nearly two decades. Once the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City took over planning the event several years ago, it became a springboard for more popular programming for young adults.

“We want as many people as we can draw. Our goal is to outdraw last year,” said Steven Levy, who is co-chairing the event with Roy Ben-Aharon, Rachel Nachum and Alan Widman.

Since the event is always a success, drawing about 200 annually according to Widman, that is a huge goal. Of course attendance is sometimes influenced by the weather.

“Two years ago when we had that huge Christmas Eve blizzard, we still had 90 people show up,” Widman said.

It’s always a fun night, said Widman, who has been involved with Bagel Bash for more than 10 years. He continues to help plan Bagel Bash for one simple reason. He likes putting on parties.

“I’ve always wanted to give everyone a party that they can expect is going to be great every year,” he said. “We’re going to give them everything they want. We’re going to give them a good location. Good food. Good price. We’ve got a band now. We’re giving them everything they could want so they can never complain.”

Widman said as long as he’s been involved, the party has been well received. Since it’s geared to people in their 20s through 40s, he points out that college kids are also invited, as long as they are over 21.

“We want them to start coming out to Jewish Federation events. Since they are always looking for things to do while they are home for break we want them to know they are welcome at Bagel Bash,” Widman said.

He said it’s good to introduce young people to Jewish Federation activities while they are still in college.

“When they get out of college and they are looking for something Jewish they can say, ‘Hey, Federation has a lot of good things to offer,’ ” pointed out Widman, who said he’s been involved in Jewish activities all his life beginning with BBYO in high school.

Levy is co-chairing Bagel Bash for the first time this year because he enjoyed the party last year. He’s only been in Kansas City for four years, and last year was his first Bagel Bash.

“It’s a great opportunity to gather young Jewish singles, couples, professionals. It will be a lot of fun and we’re meeting on a night when we’re typically not doing anything,” said Levy, who is from Dallas originally.

Nachum, who is also co-chairing Bagel Bash for the first time this year, agreed.

“I think it’s really important for our community to bring young Jews together and being a part of that movement is something I really enjoy doing,” said the 25-year-old Nachum.

“Bagel Bash and Federation Business & Professionals activities are a great way to meet other Jewish people in the community. I have met a ton of people through these various events that I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise. I think just meeting other young Jews is really nice and these types of events are a fun way to do it,” Nachum said.

Because fun events for young people are good ways to get people interested in Jewish Federation, Widman said the organization has made d big effort over the past few years to plan Business and Professionals programs, as well as other young adult-focused programs that can be considered “can’t miss events.”

B&P started planning good speakers at good locations. We want them to be events that you don’t want to miss because your friends are going to be there. It’s going to be a good place to meet people and get to know people,” Widman said.

Levy said he enjoys going to B&P events.

“They allow me to learn about some of the businesses in the city and in the area as well as meet other Jewish people who work at these businesses. I can create contacts for whatever purposes I may need in the future. I also make friends,” Levy said.

These events, Widman said, should not be confused with singles events. But they can be places for single people to meet each other.

“It’s just another place where young people can meet. You have a great mix of people, great happy hour and get to hear a great speaker. Who knows, maybe you can make a great connection for your future,” Widman said.

B&P events are also a good way to promote Jewish Federation.

“We obviously want to promote what Federation does and hopefully create people who want to be involved in Federation the rest of their lives. The only way you can connect people to Federation is to give them a reason to start attending events,” Widman said.

As for Bagel Bash, Widman reiterates that it’s simply a fun event.

“Maybe you’ll get to see some of your old friends from high school or college or someone you haven’t seen forever and then connect with some of your current friends. It’s just a good night out,” he said.

At 45, Widman is at the upper end of the age range for attendees.

“I always joke that I get grandfathered into all the young adult events forever since I’ve been involved for so long,” he said.

About Bagel Bash

Bagel Bash 2011 begins at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24, at the Record Bar, 1020 Westport Road, Kansas City, Mo. The cover charge includes open bar, heavy appetizers (Vaad supervised food available), and live music. Register online at jewishkansascity.org for a discounted price of $20 by noon on Dec. 23. Walk-ins are welcome for $30 at the door.
For more information, go to jewishkansascity.org, look up Bagel Bash on Facebook, or contact Vicky Kulikov at or 913-327-8112.

Bagel Bash is a collaborative effort among Jewish organizations in Kansas City. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, Bagel Bash is brought to the community in cooperation with AIPAC, BIAV, B’Not Or Hadassah, Congregation Beth Shalom, Congregation Kol Ami, Friends Next Dor (Congregation Beth Torah), Jewish Community Center, Jewish Federation’s Business & Professionals group, and Kehillah KC/The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.