Issuu

Volume 101, Number 15 www.kcjc.com April 15, 2021 3 Iyar 5781

jewish chronicle The KANSAS

CITY

New Reform Temple undergoing roughly $2.2 million renovation By Beth Lipoff Contributing Writer When members of the New Reform Temple decided it was time to renovate their building, the main thrust behind the project came from one goal: Making it accessible. Currently, the building has no elevators or handicapped accessible bathrooms, but that will all change with this new construction project. “Our primary philosophy is the issue of social justice, and how do you talk about social justice if you don’t have a building that is accessible?” said Rabbi Alan Londy. According to fundraising documents, the budget for the project is approximately $2.2 million. Although they’re starting to clear out some items from the building in preparation for the project, there isn’t a precise start date yet, because they’re hoping to raise 100% of the funds before getting going. Fundraising can be a challenge for a congregation with less than 300 families, but renovation committee chair Lynn Poskin said they’re roughly 90% there. Rising construction costs have been part of the issue. “We were hoping to start already, and that’s why we haven’t,” she said. The ideas have been in the works for two to three years, but the congregation started consulting architects last summer. The building, originally a Southwestern Bell telephone office, has remained largely the same since the congregation’s founding in 1967. In addition to the elevator and bathrooms, the project will also make the bimah accessible. Audiovisual upgrades will also allow for support to help anyone who is hearing impaired. “After the pandemic is over, we’re going to be doing hybrid programs forever. We’re never going to worship again without it being broadcast,” Rabbi Londy said.

The above renderings illustrate what the bimah and gathering space will look like once the renovation of the New Reform Temple in Kansas City, Missouri, is finished. Fundraising is about 90% complete. Looking ahead to the post-pandemic world, the rabbi is excited that there will be new areas where people can socialize. “We didn’t have a lot of gathering space, spaces where the congregation can get together and socialize. The renovation will provide that for us,” he said. Also part of the plan is redoing the sanctuary, which will face east and have new seating. The look will be less colonial, as it has been, and more contemporary. They’ll also be moving the office space and making other aesthetic changes. “I’m really excited about the openness of the gathering space and sanctuary. There will be a wall that will divide them, and then you can open that to make it all open,” Poskin said. “The wall of the bimah is going to be made out of this translucent onyx, and it’s going to get backlight, and it’s going to be beautiful.” For Rabbi Londy, the renovation is also a statement of the congregation’s intent to stay in Kansas City, Missouri. “We like where we are. Our synagogue is very committed to being where we are, to being in Kansas City.

We believe where we are is very accessible to many Jewish families who live in this area,” he said. That local pride also shows up in how the congregation has chosen to proceed, using both a Kansas Citybased architect, DRAW Architecture + Urban Design, and local artists for the new ark and ner tamid. The synagogue has already disposed of its old pews. Office manager Chris Fawley sold them on Facebook Marketplace. “I didn’t think anybody would buy one, but they went really quickly. Someone bought one to put in an old school bus he was renovating to be a motor home,” she said. A bride with no relation to the congregation bought 20 of them to use at her wedding. Rabbi Londy credits both Poskin and her committee as well as congregation president Tom Isenberg for getting the plan together. Tom and Carol Barnett also took charge of the renovation fundraiser. Although initial hopes were that the renovation could be done in time for the High Holidays, Rabbi Londy said he thinks that is unlikely at this point.

From Hate Comes Hope

SevenDays speaker will share his story of losing his daughters but finding a peaceful purpose By Lacey Storer Assistant Editor Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish has faced hardships that many of us could never imagine. He was born and raised in the Jabalia Refugee Camp in the Gaza Strip. He wanted to be a doctor from a young age and overcame poverty and violence to become the first Palestinian doctor to receive a staff position at an Israeli hospital. In 2009, he went through an unspeakable tragedy. Four months after losing his wife to cancer, Israeli shells struck his home in Gaza and killed three of his daughters, Bessan, 21, Mayar, 15, and Aya, 13, and his niece, Noor, 17. Instead of giving in to anger and hate, he called for tolerance and understanding and decided to dedicate his work to building peace and conflict resolution between Palestinians and Israelis. “I don’t want others to suffer or face

what I’ve faced,” he said. “I want them to learn from what I’ve experienced in life, to prevent it (from happening again).” Abuelaish wrote a book about his experience, “I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor’s Journey on the Road to Peace and Human Dignity,” and became internationally known as an educator and public speaker on peace and development in the Middle East, and an advocate for justice, health, and human rights worldwide. He’s been likened to Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi and has earned the nickname “Martin Luther King of the Middle East.” Abuelaish credits his strong faith for giving him the strength to overcome adversity. “Life is what we make it,” he said. “It stems from my faith that, in every bad thing, there’s something good.” Now a five-time Nobel Peace prize nominee, Abuelaish will be speaking

as part of the SevenDays Make a Ripple, Change the World events taking place April 13 to 25. He’ll share his story during a virtual event at 6:30 pm on April 22. The event will also include a panel discussion on promoting peace featuring Abuelaish, Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff from The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah and Pastor Adam Hamilton of United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. SevenDays is part of The Faith Always Wins Foundation, which was created following the murders of 14-yearold Reat Underwood, his grandfather Dr. William Corporon and Terri LaManno outside of Jewish facilities on April 13, 2014. “While our families will always remember, we are also healing and moving onward with passion,” said Mindy Corporon, Reat’s mother, Corporon’s daughter, and SevenDays Co-founder, in a press release. “Our passion is to help others through their own personal tragedy, to explore another faith and to find commonalities with their neighbor or co-worker through acts of kindness.” Abuelaish and Corporon met in 2019 and bonded over their similar experiences and how they responded, turning tragedy into action to help others.

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish “She is following the same path (as I am),” he said. Later in 2019, Abuelaish presented Corporon with a Courage and Inspiration Luminary Award at a gala for his Daughters of Life Foundation, which he established in memory of his daughters. “We want to expose (her) message,” he said. “The positive message, the inspiring, hopeful message is highly needed in our world.” See SEVENDAYS, PAGE 8

page 2

The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

jewish chronicle

April 15, 2021

The KANSAS CITY

a tradition since 1920

Mike Sherry Editor mikes@jewishkc.org

Lacey Storer Assistant Editor laceys@jewishkc.org

Jonathan Schwartzbard Sales Director jons@jewishkc.org

David Nevels Circulation & Technical davidn@jewishkc.org

Questions regarding subscriptions may be directed to 913-280-8515 or subscriptions@jewishkc.org Advertising space reservations are due by noon Thursday preceding the next week’s publication. Published every Thursday by

5801 W. 115th St., Ste. 201 Overland Park, KS 66211 Office hours by appointment only. Phone: 913-235-4474 Circulation phone: 913-280-8515 Website: www.kcjc.com ©2020 Jewish Federation. All rights reserved.

PUBLISHER NOTICE The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle (ISSN 0022-8524) (USPS 290-140) is published weekly throughout the year, plus four special editions in March, June, July and September each year by the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, 5801 W. 115th St., Ste. 201, Overland Park, KS 66211. Periodicals Postage paid at Kansas City, MO. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle at this address. Paid subscriptions are available annually; email subscriptions@jewishkc.org for rates.

Counting the Omer… Making Time Count By Helene Lotman Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City According to the Torah (Lev.23:15) we are obligated to count the days between Passover and Shavu’ot. Every night, from the second night of Passover to the night before Shavu’ot, we recite a blessing and state the count of the Omer in both weeks and days. The counting of 49 days is to remind us of the link between Passover, which commemorates the Exodus from slavery in Egypt, and Shavu’ot, culminating on the fiftieth day, which commemorates the giving of the Torah. This reminds us that the redemption from slavery was not complete until we received the Torah. This interim period is also known as sefirah. It is a holy, meditative time when certain practices are allowed and certain others are taboo. For instance, for the first 32 days, customs of mourning take place such as prohibition from shaving, cutting one’s hair, getting married, listening to (live) music, or purchasing a home. This is in remembrance of Rabbi Akiva and his thousands of students who died of a mysterious plague. However, on Lag BaOmer, the 33rd day of counting, we are given a 24-hour reprieve prior to descending back into our solemn moments. Dr. Michael Jacobson discusses Michael Jacobs’ and Eve Greenfield’s book, “Counting the Omer and Making the Omer Count,” which takes a Kabbalistic view on the function of counting the Omer. It is

a method for introspection and selfawareness and enabling us to transcend from our lower selves. In the Kabbalisstic Tree of Life there are seven spiritual attributes (sefirot or gateways) connecting humans with G-d. They are Chesed – loving kindness; Gevurah – judgement; Tiferet – beauty; Netzach – victory; Hod – glory; Yesod – foundation; and Malchut – kingdom. Each one of these pathways serves not only as a subject in itself for meditation, but also a context in tandem with another attribute. In addition to my readings by Dr. Michael Isaacson, I have been introduced to these sefirot through my meditation sits with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. The teachings have been fascinating, and the combination of attributes has revealed new insights into human nature as it is now and our potential for elevating and employing these revelations of ourselves for a higher calling. Isaacson suggests pondering on some basic questions each evening as you count the Omer. They include: Am I sooner to love and show kindness than find fault in my family and friends? When I judge others and myself do I come from a place of strength or weakness? Do I look for the beauty in my world or only its ugliness? When I am victorious do others win as well or do I win primarily at their expense? Do I seek glory at the expense of compassion for others or simply to bolster my own ego? Do I seek too easy, shallow solutions or opt for more challenging ones with firmer foundations for the future? Am I building a kingdom that is just for all or only for myself ? Do I encourage others to be insightful or remain aloof and separate myself from positive

growth? This probing each night brings greater depth to my understanding of life and purpose. Another powerful message shared by Rabbi Benyomin Weisz is that we can get trapped within time as time can constrict and weigh us down with stress, boredom or despair. He states, “Counting means forging a conscious, mindful relationship with time and its moments. It’s saying I am choosing today, in place of living passively. It enables even a difficult wait to become meaningful, because I receive what the present moment presents me with and I acknowledge its potential for growth.” The Counting of the Omer is a time to recognize that we are always on a journey forward and not controlled by luck, nature, or statistics. We are leaving the limitations represented by Egypt and building towards our connection to the eternal and to Torah. We have the power to use time wisely for productive purposes and fill our days with meaning and spiritual elevation. It is our choice. We need to choose to make this moment matter. I urge you to use this reflective time during the Counting of the Omer to make each moment matter. With each day, seek more meaning and know that there is a plan for us, even though at times it may be challenging. There is something we need to learn through each experience, like this pandemic, and we will come out the other side stronger and more cognizant of what is important in life. Helene Lotman is president and CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City

Temple Israel of Greater Kansas City to host talk by former Colombian priest who converted to Judaism Virtual event with Edgar Mendez is scheduled for April 17

Edgar Mendez of Neiva, Colombia, is a Jew by choice, a former Catholic priest and at one time a high-ranking official in his diocese. Therein lies a great story, which he’ll tell the evening of April 17 after virtual Havdalah services with Temple Israel of Greater Kansas City. Mendez has attended Temple Israel’s virtual Shabbat services since they began at the start of the pandemic, but his connection to the congregation’s Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn goes back well before that. Cukierkorn officiated at Mendez’s conversion, as he has for hundreds of Latin Americans through Brit Braja (covenant of blessing), a virtual congregation Cukierkorn founded in 2008. Born in Brazil, Cukierkorn’s rabbinical thesis was on Latin American crypto-Jews — descendants of Jews who hid their religion during the Spanish Inquisition. Spanish- and Portuguese-speakers who feel drawn to Judaism have sought him out to study

In this Chronicle file photo, Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn of Temple Israel of Greater Kansas City passes the Torah to Veronica Padilla, a pediatrician from Morelia, Mexico, during her conversion ceremony. (Paul Ross) online and to connect with others who feel the same calling. “Synagogues in Latin America are very closed,” Cukierkorn explained. “Their members are descendants of Holocaust survivors, and they don’t like to let new members in.” Those people who reach out to him

“have already been rejected and humiliated, so I tend to believe they are sincere in their wish to become Jews.” Although the rabbi travels to a few cities each year to perform conversions in person, most of his connections with members of Brit Braja are via the internet. “I am their rebbe in the old-world sense of it. We have conversations about religious issues and anything else.They really care what the rabbi thinks.” Cukierkorn has high praise for Mendez, who has a law degree and has run a school in Colombia. The Brit Braja leadership group in Mexico includes only one non-Mexican member: Mendez. “Everyone respects him,” Cukierkorn said. “He walks on water.” Temple Israel’s Havdalah service will begin at 7 p.m. April 17, on Zoom. Anyone interested in hearing Mendez’s story can contact Rabbi Cukierkorn at rabbi94@hotmail.com or 913-940-1011 to get the meeting’s entry codes.

April 15, 2021

The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

page 3

community news

Beth Shalom Sisterhood announces officers and board of directors In May, Shira Wajcman and Dini Freed will be installed as co-presidents of Beth Shalom Sisterhood. Shira is currently Sisterhood president and will continue in that role for a second term as co-president with Dini Freed. Previously, Shira served in many positions on the Sisterhood board. She received the Sisterhood Past Presidents Leadership Recognition Award in 2019. Shira is a native of Kansas City. She was married to Michael Wajcman until his death in 2011 and has three children, Jeremiah, Samantha , and Eitan. Currently, Dini Freed is co-vice president of programming. She also served in many positions on the Sisterhood board. Over the years, she was a solicitor for the congregational calendar and Sisterhood gift shop volunteer. In 2015 Dini was the recipient of Sisterhood Past Presidents Leadership Recognition Award. Dini learned about volunteering from her mother (z”l) as well as her

Financial Advisor: Linda Lessner Parliamentarian: Berenice Haberman Calendar Chairs: Arlene Shalinsky, Berenice Haberman, and Meg Adler Gift Shop Chair: Mary Weiner Gift Shop Treasurer: Connie Simon Torah Fund Chairs: Rita Shapiro and Toba Maslan Nominating Chair: Shira Wajcman Dini Freed

Shira Wajcman

bubbie. Her mother ran the gift shop at their shul — B’nai Israel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dini has lived in Overland Park for the past 17 1/2 years. She is married to Kansas City native Randy Freed and are parents of daughter, Evie. The complete Beth Shalom Sisterhood slate of officers and board of directors for 2021-2023: Co-Presidents: Shira Wajcman and Dini Freed

Community Service VP: Gloria Sher Education VP: Jill Goldstein Membership VP: Debi Rosenberg Program VP’s: Milisa Flekier and Kim Matsil Treasurer: Janna Rosenthal Financial/Retention Secretary: Donna Katz Recording Secretary: Suzanne Lange Historian: Beth Albee Long Range Planning Chair: Linda Lessner

Sisterhood Resources: Book of Remembrance: Maxine Grossman PrayerWorks: Rickie Haith Sunshine Chairman: Naomi Kauffman Board of Directors: 3-year term: Wendy Malyn, Joyce Shapiro, Connie Simon 2-year term: Phyllis Abrams, Staci Kahn, Nata Scharf, Sarah Stras 1-year term: Naomi Kauffman, Stephanie Kavanaugh, Rhea Salasche, Elaine Singer

Mizzou AEPi holding 52nd annual Rock-A-Thon

Brian Carter, a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi at the University of Missouri, will rock in a chair for 63 straight hours in downtown Columbia in an effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Carter will rock from today thru April 17. Started in 1969, the event house

has raised more than $1 million combined. This year, Rock-A-Thon will highlight lung cancer. Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, making up almost 25% of all cancer deaths. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than colon, breast,

and prostate cancers combined. Every donation counts. It’s a global priority to try to stop the spread of COVID-19. Yet, cancer patients still need you. They still need us. Because cancer research can’t stop. American Cancer Society’s 24/7 helpline can’t stop. Where we can,

we’re continuing our support to get patients the care they need. Because cancer doesn’t stop, neither do we. We need you to continue the fight against cancer. Donate today at 2021 AEPi Rock-A-Thon (https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/ aepirockathon)

Jewish Greeks celebrate Passover with KU Chabad Why was this year’s Passover different from all other years? According to the Pew Research Center, Passover is the most observed Jewish holiday in the United States, with some 70% of its Jewish population of 5.7 million usually participating in a Seder. This year, many restrictions remained in place, even as vaccination rates increased. The threat of infection remained real, and not everyone felt safe enough to venture out just yet. For the past 15 years, Chabad has been on the forefront of hosting Seders and making Passover accessible to Jewish students at KU. With the challenges of the pandemic in mind, Chabad hosted two outdoor Seders plus a number of special passover events at the Jewish Greek houses on campus. For the first time in the history of the KU Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity, a full blown Seder was hosted for all the brothers on the second night of Passover. The spirit of brotherhood was felt as everyone present participated in the songs, rituals and, of course, the eating of the matzah and delicious brisket dinner. “With the pandemic still going, it was unfortunate that many of us couldn’t celebrate Passover as we usually do, therefore when the idea was proposed to host a real Seder at the house we were ecstatic,” said Zac Cole, the master of the AEPi house. “It was so incredible to have close to 50 brothers singing, celebrating and enjoying the holiday together. We are so thankful to Chabad for providing us this

Pictured are the brothers of AEPi who live together in the same pod before Passover joyfully displaying the Matzah they received from KU Chabad. (KU Chabad) amazing opportunity.” During the week of Passover, a holiday dinner was also hosted at another Jewish fraternity, Zeta Beta Tau. Brothers joined together for a dinner, complete with engaging activities and fascinating discussions on the relevance of the story of the Exodus in our lives today. “Working with Chabad keeps us focused on our Jewish values and roots. We were excited to host the ‘Zeta Beta Seda’ as it provided the brothers the opportunity to connect with each other over our shared Jewish heritage. Chabad is always there for us to provide spiritual and college guidance, not to mention the amazing food,” said ZBT heritage Chair Ethan Geller. The relationship between Chabad and the Jewish fraternities on campus doesn’t stop at Passover. Both fraternities have Chabad programming on their calendars, among them Bagels, Lox, Tefilin (BLT), Shabbat Dinners and “Fra-

Torah’’ gatherings of Jewish fraternity students to discuss various topics while finding relevance from Jewish wisdom for their own lives. In addition to partnering with the two formal Jewish fraternities at KU, Chabad also has an outreach chair who focuses on engaging the Jewish Greeks who are part of other houses. “It is so important for every student to feel part of the community, which is why we are hosting events this semester at various fraternities and sororities across campus,” said Braden Siegel, the outreach intern at Chabad. “We want every Jew to know they have a home here at KU where they are part

of the family.” Many of the ideals that the Chabad House and Greek houses work towards are complementary, said Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, co-director of KU Chabad. “Today, college students can be extremely focused on themselves. Both Chabad and Greek organizations serve a similar important purpose: They show that there is value to being a part of something greater than oneself. Our message is to be a part of the tribe, be a part of the Jewish people.” To learn more about Chabad’s Greek programming, visit www.JewishKU.com or contact KU Chabad at 785.832.8672.

Welcome Home! Contact Sharon Sigman Today and start your search for

D oggone g ooD H omes !

DoggoneGoodHomes.com 913.488.8300

CRS-SRES-ePRO-Broker/Associate Serving Greater Kansas City, MO & KS

page 4

The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

April 15, 2021

celebrations BAR MITZVAH

Jake is the grandson of Suzy and Myron Goldstein and Barbara and Bruce Sherman of Des Moines. He has two siblings, Sam and Sadie.

BAR MITZVAH

Samuel Hertzfield Bruce and Lori Hertzfield announce the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Samuel Hertzfield, at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 24, at Congregation Beth Shalom. Samuel is the grandson of Norman and Clara Levine; the late Louis and Janice Katzberg; and the late Morris and Harriet Hertzfield. He has four siblings: Rachel, Louie, Melanie and Danny. Family and friends are invited to worship with the family via Beth Shalom livestream. Sammy enjoys playing baseball and basketball, is active in Scouts and is currently a life Scout. For his mitzvah project, he will be working on erosion in the Mitzvah Garden and has plans to build a shed to house electronics for the garden.

BAR MITZVAH Amy and Darren Goldstein will celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Jacob Ryder Goldstein, as he is called to the Torah at Congregation Shalom in Milwaukee at 10 a.m. on May 22, 2021.

Halley and Erich Goldstein will celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of their son Maxwell Lane Goldstein, as he is called to the Torah at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah at 10:30 a.m. on Shabbat morning, April 17, 2021. Max is the grandson of Suzy and Myron Goldstein, Marci and Mark Klein, Debbie and Mike Saferstein. He has one sibling, Zoey.

BAR MITZVAH

Max Laszlo Klopper Hal Klopper and Carole Maurel announce the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Max Laszlo Klopper, at 9:30am EDT on Saturday, April 24th, 2021 via Zoom through Kane Street Synagogue in Brooklyn, New York. Relatives and friends are warmly invited to share virtually in the service. Max is the grandson of Natalie and Harold Klopper of Kansas City and

Françoise and Charles Kovarski of Paris, France. Max was born and raised in Brooklyn, evidenced by his expert pronunciation of the words “cawfee” and “fergedaboudit.” He is passionate about cooking, aviation, his online gaming communities, and the Kansas City Chiefs, even though they practice on Shabbas. For his Bar Mitzvah project, Max is proud to raise money to benefit The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (https://www.gofundme.com/f/maxsbar-mitzvah-campaign-for-the-aravainstitute)

Ariel is a seventh grader at Overland Trail Middle School. In her free time, Ariel does competitive dance and also enjoys tumbling, cooking and baking, making videos and spending time with friends. For her mitzvah project, Ariel packed food and hygiene boxes at JFS throughout the spring and summer this year, helped stuff holiday bags and delivered food boxes to clients.

BAT MITZVAH

Ariel Rinae Palan David and Amanda Palan announce the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Ariel Rinae Palan, at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 8 at Congregation Beth Shalom. Ariel is the granddaughter of Robert and Barbara Palan; and Tylar and Carol Ann Hecht of Annapolis, Maryland. Ariel has one sibling, Jacob. Friends and relatives are invited to join virtually at bethshalomkc.org/ livestreaming.

Miriam Ava Cortes Emily and Marc Cortes announce the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Miriam Ava Cortes, on Saturday, May 1 at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. Miriam is the granddaughter of Eva and Bill Cummings; and of Gary Cortes and the late Debby Cortes. Miriam is a member of her middle school science olympiad team. She participates in equestrian sports and has won the Presidential Award for volunteer work. For her mitzvah project, Miriam partnered with The African Library Project. She organized a book drive, collected and sorted over 500 books to help create a library in Malawi.

community news

Double the fun for Lag B’Omer on April 29

The J and Chabad of Leawood present a family picnic and puppet show and an LGBTQIA picnic Is hosted by Jewish Experiences There are two special events celebrating Lag B’Omer, the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer. The first event is a family picnic and puppet show, presented by The J and Chabad of Leawood, on April 29 at 5 p.m. in The J’s parking lot (the White Theatre circle entrance). The second event is the first gathering of an all new LGBTQIA group for a picnic on April 29 at 5:30 p.m. at Antioch Park in Merriam. This event is part of Jewish Experiences, a collaboration between the Jewish Federation of

Greater Kansas City and The J. About the Family Picnic and Puppet Show Find a spot in The J’s parking lot and listen to Israeli music, play games and enjoy wildlife photographer Felicia’s look at bugs as part of StoneLion Puppets Backyard Buggin’. Chabad-supervised kosher prepackaged meals are available. The adult dinner is $8 and includes a hot dog in a bun, a bag of chips and coleslaw. The kid meal is $5 and includes a hot dog in a bun, a bag of chips and an apple-

HAVE A STORY IDEA FOR US? Email editor Mike Sherry at mikes@jewishkc.org.

sauce pouch. There also is a $15 fee per family for the puppet show and an activities kit, which includes sidewalk chalk, bubbles and ingredients for s’mores. For more information and to register, visit TheJKC.org/lagbomer. About the LGBTQIA Picnic and BBQ This gathering is designed to create

Kehillah among the Jewish LGBTQIA community and those that support them. Its aim is to show respect to one another, end under-visibility in the Jewish community and discuss the group’s future. The cost is $12 and includes a picnic dinner. For more information and to register, visit thejkc.org/bbq

B’nai B’rith Bowling Below are the results of the bowlers who participated in the 9 Pin Tap Tournament in the B’nai B’rith Men’s Bowling League on April 4, 2021: Top single game scores: Marion Potts 266; Robert May 265; Morty Rock 265; Ted Simon 263; Jeff Kivett 261 DIVISION A (AVERAGES 202-176) Marion Potts (266, 170, 234 — 670) Ron Rubin (209, 212, 235 — 656) Ted Simon (263, 179, 167 — 609) Tiger Johnson (155, 243, 209 —607) Al Elbert (187, 184, 205 — 576) DIVISION B (AVERAGES 174-169) Robert May (208, 265, 258 — 731) Jeff Kivett (261, 193, 253 — 707 Mike Altman (170, 242, 219 — 631)

Gary Gray (224, 221, 186 — 631) Morty Rock (184, 152, 265 — 601) Steve Greenberg (211, 171, 177 — 559) DIVISION C (AVERAGES 164-135) Bruce Singer (150, 230, 184 — 564) Steve Baraban (198, 177, 226 — 601) Jerry Shapiro (183, 183, 198 — 564) Scott Bronston (188, 188, 230 — 606) Scott White (193, 195, 197 — 585) Chris Elderedge (149, 151, 220 —520) If you are interested in friendly competition, a great social atmosphere, and lots of fun, please join the 2020-2021Sunday morning Men’s B’nai B’rith Bowling League by phoning Tom Balke- 913-6480326 or e-mailing- tombalke@ everestkc.net.

April 15, 2021

The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

page 5

community news

All about KU Hillel’s Passover

KU Hillel just finished its second (and hopefully last) pandemic Passover. Passover was celebrated by so many students through various KU Hillel programs over the holiday’s eight days. Before the holiday even started, students got a taste of Passover from their parents, who ordered Passover care packages. “These were created as a way for parents to send some love to their students while away at school. These care packages have quickly become a hit,” said Suzy Sostrin, KU Hillel executive director. The stress balls were favorites across the board, and senior Miriam Adler called this box a “100 out of 10.” Due to the pandemic, this year’s KU Hillel Passover Seder was held over Zoom, with meal pickups and delivery beforehand. The Seder is always free for all students, thanks to the generous support of the Kansas City Jewish community members like you and the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. “Attending the KU Hillel Passover Seder meant a lot to me because while I couldn’t be at home with my family, I could be with my Jewish friends from Hillel to observe this special holiday,” said junior Sam Haney. With the signups, students received a complete Seder meal and matzah, including the fixings for a Seder plate of their own. The kosher-for-Passover meals included honey pecan salmon,

Junior Ryan Speckman picks up kosher-forPassover meals for himself and his roommates before logging in to KU Hillel’s free virtual Seder. (KU Hillel) herb-roasted chicken and vegetarian options, plus a matzo ball soup that students continue to rave about. “It was so amazing to show up to the virtual Passover Seder to see so many KU Hillel students to celebrate with,” senior Ben Novorr. Rabbi Neal Schuster led the Seder, which mixed tradition with technology-friendly updates to make it engaging: Schuster even hid the afikomen on his screen.

Seniors Sarah Malakoff and Abrie Berkowitz celebrated Passover together with Hillel’s virtual Seder. The two loved seeing so many of their Jewish friends while enjoying a delicious kosher-forPassover meal. (KU Hillel) For Novorr, this Seder brought on a sense of nostalgia. “As a senior, it was especially meaningful to have my final Passover Seder at KU Hillel led by Rabbi Neal, who has been such an instrumental part of my time here,” he said. KU Hillel also held a virtual matzah pizza party during the week. Participants picked up the ingredients ahead of time and made them together that evening. KU Hillel ended Passover by bringing back chametz at Lawrence’s Papa

Keno’s Pizzeria. The outdoor patio meant students were able to gather at a safe distance and end Passover with huge slices of pizza — all happy to bring back bread again. “I had a good time at Papa Keno’s to bring back chametz at the end of Passover,” Haney said. “Coming to Hillel for food is always great, but getting to hang out with Jewish peers is a truly special part of my college experience and is something that I will always cherish.”

Jewish Community Study launches April 20 Researchers from NORC at the University of Chicago and Brandeis University will be contacting members of the community starting April 20 as part of a comprehensive Jewish community study project. This will go on throughout the spring and summer, and Jewish Federation asks members of the community who are contacted to please participate, in order to help provide the most accurate picture of our local

Jewish community and its needs and interests. Any information provided is completely confidential, and will not be shared outside of the research team. In aggregate, the data from the study will inform the work of local Jewish organizations and congregations. The study will be based on a stratified random sample representative of the Kansas City Jewish

community; the researchers aim to receive 750 responses in the primary sample, plus a few hundred responses in a secondary sample, totaling 1,000 to 1,250 responses. The goal is to have participation from a diverse cross section of Jewish households in the Kansas City area. Late in the year, data from the study will be shared with the community in a variety of ways.

The Heritage Center at The J Presents ‘Kreplach & Dim Sum — Yes, there are Jews in China!’ Join the Heritage Center at The J and celebrate the extraordinary presence of Jews in China with “Kreplach & Dim Sum – Yes, there are Jews in China!” on May 2 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Through stories, photos, videos, and music, Robyn Helzner shares her enthusiasm for the ancient and modern Jewish communities of Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Kaifeng and traces their emergence as the fastest growing Jewish region in the world today. Helzner served as the cantor for the United Jewish Congregation of Hong Kong and officiated at the first bar mitzvah ever held in Beijing. She also leads Jewish heritage tours to China. The cost is free, however, pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit TheJKC.

org/china. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the event. The program is presented in part by Beth Israel in San Diego, Califor-

Speaker Robyn Helzner will share her experiences about the extraordinary presence of Jews in China on May 2. Register for this free virtual program at TheJKC.org/china. (The J)

COMPASSION • CARE • LOVE COVID 19:

CDC GUIDELINES OBSERVED

nia, Congregation Ahavat Olam in Howell, New Jersey, Lake Success Jewish Center in Lake Success New York, Peninsula Sinai Congregation in Foster City, California, and Temple B’nai Israel in San Diego.

Thanks to the Jewish community for welcoming our care team into their homes.

816-377-1306

INFO@CARINGCOMESFROMTHEHEART.COM

Services • Assistance with daily activities • Individualized care Customized to meet your family’s situation • Respite care • Medication administration • Hygiene assistance • Meal preparation • Light house keeping/laundry • Provide transportation (ie – doctor’s appointment) • Open to any other special requests

page 6

The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

April 15, 2021

important dates Friday, April 16 Candle-lighting time 4 Iyar, 7:39 p.m. Erev Shabbat Service at B’nai Jehudah. Join us on Facebook or Vimeo http://facebook.com/ TTCBJ or http://vimeo.com/bnaijehduah. Service Time: 6:00 pm Shabala-La Welcome the beauty of Shabbat as a community with the musical talent of Coleen Dieker. Dance, sing and share Shabbat blessings with The J community via Zoom. Go to thejkc.org/Shabalala to sign up. 9:3010:30 a.m.

Saturday, April 17 K.I. Parsha of the Week An in-person class with Rabbi Moshe Grussgott. Enhance Shabbat by gaining deeper understanding of the weekly Parsha. This class will be taught between Mincha and Ma’ariv. 7 p.m. Beth Torah’s Sichat Shabbat This Shabbat, join Congregation Beth Torah to explore Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of Our Fathers. Please email connect@beth-torah.org to request the Zoom link. 9 a.m.

Sunday, April 18 Boker Tov Live! Get your morning off to a great start with B’nai Jehudah’s Sunday morning program family service via facebook.com/ttcbj. 9 a.m. Ohev Sholom Morning Minyan Call the synagogue office at 913-642-6460 for the Zoom link. 9:30 a.m. B’nai Jehudah Minyan Services B’nai Jehudah’s Sunday morning minyan services are held via facebook.com/ttcbj. To participate, join at 9:45 a.m. K.I. ‘Shmooze & Kvetch’ Everyone who logs on is encouraged to sit with their own brunch and a beverage. We’ll go around the “room” checking in with each other and giving everyone a chance to say what they’re thankful for that week. Email info@kisyn.org for the Zoom link. 11 a.m. Jewish Life in Poland: Part One Join B’nai Jehudah participants for a two-part series focused on Jewish life in Poland. “ReGeneration: A Portrait of Polish Jews 1975-2019” reflects on the most comprehensive photographic record of European Jewry in the second half of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st centuries, with award-winning photographer Chuck Fishman. Register here us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ tZUuc-CtrDMsG9C_97n6XwukB_XtYVG1iwgG. 1 p.m. K.I. Mincha/Ma’ariv Join K.I. on Zoom if you are unable to go to the synagogue. Contact info@kisyn.org and request the link to weekday Ma’ariv. 6:15 p.m.

JFS Food Pantry Drop off food for the JFS food pantry at the Jewish Community Campus, 5801 W 115th St., Overland Park. Drop off will be in the front circle drive. 10 a.m. to noon

Monday, April 19 Happiness Habits The Greater Kansas City Mental Health Coalition, based at Jewish Family Services, and the Kansas City Public Library are offering a free program to make your days better. Happiness Habits is a half-hour program held on Mondays via Zoom. The focus is how to manage the uncertainty of our daily lives with simple habits fostering happiness regardless of our circumstances. Each half-hour interactive program has a theme. The program is open to anyone, but registration is required through the library’s website, kclibrary.org/events-activities-calendar. 3 p.m.

Tuesday April 20 My Jewish Kitchen: Spain Join us for a virtual or in-person cooking class as we pack our bags and visit Spain to make kosher gazpacho. Virtual option: is $10 per household. In-person option: $20 per child/adult team for J members and $30 for child/adult for guests. TheJKC.org/mjk. 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Wednesday, April 21 JFS Jewish Grief Support Group Continues The Grief and Loss Support Group meets virtually the first and third Wednesday of each month. The group provides the opportunity to address issues of loss and grief within a Jewish spiritual context. Anyone is welcome to join. JFS and The Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City co-sponsor the group which is the only Jewish-based grief support group in the area. It is co-facilitated by Rabbi Mark Levin and JFS therapist Lauren Glass, LCSW. There is no charge to attend; however, if you wish to participate or would like additional information, contact Molly McGurk, JFS director of Mental Health Services at mmcgurk@jfskc.org or 913-327-8298. 11:30 a.m. New Melton Course “Social Justice: The Heart of Judaism in Theory and Practice” — Explore how social justice work goes beyond addressing short-term needs, looking at structural causes of injustice today. Topics include issues related to poverty, immigration and environment. Taught by Rabbi Doug Alpert on Zoom. Find more information and register at hbha.edu/melton/current-courses.cfm or contact Megan Pener at mpener@hbha.edu, MeltonKC director, with questions. 6:30-8 p.m. B’nai Jehudah’s Weekly Wednesday morning Torah study Start your day by delving into this rich and insightful text! Grab a cup of coffee and join our clergy for this always exciting exploration as we study the weekly Torah portion and learn from its many faceted lessons. Dropins welcome; no experience necessary! To participate,

please contact Damien Timms, rabbiadmin@bnaijehudah.org for a link and access to the Zoom meeting. 10:00 – 11:30am. Beth Torah’s Midweek Song Session Join Lezlie Zucker to take a deep breath and sing some songs together! Midweek Song Session is streamed on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CongregationBethTorah) and our Virtual Sanctuary (https:// beth-torah.org/virtual-sanctuary). 7 p.m.

Friday April 23

Bikur Cholim in the Time of COVID-19 North American Conference. Prominent teachers and rabbis from across the country provide an educational forum and a venue for exchange of ideas and concerns, assisting providers and volunteers in providing this essential service biweekly through May 10. For information about the Bikur Cholim conference and how to register, visit: jewish-funerals.org/2021-bikur-cholim-conference/. If you are interested in becoming a spiritual care giver and would like more information about this enriching program, contact JFS Volunteer Engagement at 913730-1410 or volunteer@jfskc.org.

Shabbat Stars at B’nai Jehudah Rabbi Rachael Klein Miller is one of the rabbis of Temple Emanuel in Atlanta. She grew up at B’nai Jehudah and was ordained from HUC-JIR in 2018. A photographer, Zionist, and foodie, she dedicates her days to helping individuals connect to Judaism, encouraging them to ask questions and seek their own answers. Join us on Facebook or Vimeo http://facebook.com/TTCBJ or http:// vimeo.com/bnaijehduah. Service Time: 6:00 pm

Happiness Habits The Greater Kansas City Mental Health Coalition, based at Jewish Family Services, and the Kansas City Public Library are offering a free program to make your days better. Happiness Habits is a half-hour program held on Mondays via Zoom. The focus is how to manage the uncertainty of our daily lives with simple habits fostering happiness regardless of our circumstances. Each half-hour interactive program has a theme. The program is open to anyone, but registration is required through the library’s website, kclibrary.org/events-activities-calendar. 3 p.m.

Parkinson’s Expo Join The J, the Parkinson’s Foundation, Soundscaping Source and Jewish Family Services for the Fight Back Against Parkinson’s Disease Expo in The J’s expansive Fitness + Sports + Aquatics lobby. TheJKC.org/ expo. 9 – 11 a.m.

Holocaust Commemoration Kansas holds its Holocaust Commemorative Service. Gov. Laura Kelly will present the Kansas Proclamation for the Days of Remembrance. The virtual event is available at https://www.facebook.com/ShoahKS. More information is also available at https://mchekc.org/ kansas-holocaust-commemoration/. 1 p.m.

Candle-lighting time Iyar 11, 7:21 p.m.

Saturday April 24 Beth Torah’s Sichat Shabbat This Shabbat, join Congregation Beth Torah to explore Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of Our Fathers. Please email connect@beth-torah.org to request the Zoom link. 9 a.m.

Sunday, April 25 Jewish Life in Poland: Part Two “Modern Polish Judaica/Mi Polin.” Seventy years after World War II, there are almost no traces left of the 3.5 million Jews who lived in Poland before the war. Along with their disappearance came the disappearance of mezuzot. Mi Polin, a Polish Judaica company, has cast the traces of mezuzot around the country to preserve and bear witness to the Jewish inhabitants of Poland. Register here us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUucCtrDMsG9C_97n6XwukB_XtYVG1iwgG. 1 p.m. SevenDays: Walk Come to The J and take a beautiful walk to show our support for one another and create our ripple of kindness in the world together. Meet in The J parking lot and walk about one mile. Free 12-1 p.m.

Monday, April 26 Bikur Cholim Kavod v Nichum and Neshama: The Association of Jewish Chaplains and several other groups including Jewish Family Services of Kansas City are sponsoring an innovative program about Bikur Cholim — visiting and caring for the sick and vulnerable — Renewing

Wednesday April 28 Kindergarten Roundup The Marion and Henry Bloch Religious School at The New Reform Temple holds a Kindergarten “Zoom” RoundUp. Parents, learn more about The New Reform Temple and our Religious School. Live presentation by members of our board, Rabbi Londy, our religious school director and our kindergarten teacher! To sign up for the RoundUp, please email the Temple at info@thenewreformtemple.com by April 27. You will receive a Zoom invite for the event. Questions? Contact Shelley Hedrick, Religious School Director, at sehedrick@gmail.com. 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 29 ‘Judaism and Dreaming’ As part of their collaborative Jewish Experiences programming, the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and The J will offer a three-part virtual course titled “Judaism and Dreaming” with Rabbi Howard Avruhm Addison. The series kicks off today, with subsequent dates on May 6 and May 13. The series costs $40. For more information and to register, visit TheJKC.org/ dreaming. 7-8:30 p.m. Lag B’Omer Picnic & Puppets Presented by The J and Chabad of Leawood, celebrate Lag B’omer with a family picnic and puppet show in The J’s parking lot. Listen to Israeli music, play games and enjoy wildlife photographer Felicia’s look at bugs as part of StoneLion Puppets Backyard Buggin’. For cost and to register, visit TheJKC.org/lagbomer. 5-7 p.m.

Outside the Kansas City area:

April 15, 2021

The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

page 7

spotlight BELOW: Scott Bronston of Jewish War Veterans Post 605 recently presented a photo collage of post member Irving Fudemberg to his daughter, Nancy, and widow Judy. Irv was a very long time active member and served our country in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters during World War II.

Happy return

ABOVE: The legendary “nook group” has now reconvened in the mornings at The J. From left to right: Gus Rappis, Ellen Green, Emily House, Delores Fiorella, Betty Rappis, Stan Singer, Marshall Widman, Devida Pessen, Larry Green & Mike Lerner. Not pictured: Gary McCullough, Debbi Winkel, Jeff Winkel, Linda Schlozman, Harold Schlozman & Paula Suroff

Veteran tribute

O TLIGHT SPO PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to mikes@jewishkc.org Please write spotlight photo in the subject line. BELOW: The J has been busy making progress on the construction of its new outdoor pool addition, a splash pad water feature, so it is ready in time for pool season.

Who’s ready for summer?

‘Chametz Havdalah’ ABOVE: Congregation Beth Torah concluded Passover together, during “Chametz Havdalah” in the CBT Parking Lot. We did — in fact — eat some chametz (delicious Minsky’s Pizza) and participate in Havdalah. We look forward to reconnecting with friends and competing in more Gaga tournaments later this spring!

Virtual wine tasting ABOVE:Kehilath Israel Synagogue’s Young Adult group, KI Next, held a late night virtual wine tasting on April 11. Sommelier Aaron Fry discussed the history of winemaking in Israel and Rabbi Moshe Grussgott discussed the laws of kosher wine. For more information on KI Next activities, contact the synagogue office at 913.642.1880.

page 8

The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

April 15, 2021

local news

SevenDays speaker turns tragedy into call for ‘positive tolerance’ from page 1 Corporon shared those sentiments in her acceptance speech. “Kindness, opportunity, and hope are much needed today,” she said. “You wonder how Dr. Abuelaish gets up every single day, and how did he start this foundation? I can tell you, he did it the same way I started our foundation. You do it to keep the spirit alive.” The Daughters For Life Foundation provides young Middle Eastern women of all faiths and backgrounds with

higher-education scholarships so they can become strong agents of change and advocates of peace. For Abuelaish, it is the empowerment of these young women that will help bring lasting peace in the Middle East. “In this way, I keep my daughters alive,” he said. Abuelaish views hatred as not just an emotion, but rather a chronic, contagious and destructive disease. His research focuses on promoting awareness about the impact of hatred on health and wellbeing, and how to pre-

vent spread of this “disease” through resilience, tolerance, compassion and reconciliation. He says the racism, discrimination, fear, incitement, violence, and poverty that society faces today are forms of social pandemics. “These pandemics, we created them and we practice them. These challenges we face, they’re man made,” he said. The fact that these challenges are man made gives him hope because we can learn how to unmake them. People need to practice what he calls “positive tolerance,” which is tolerance that

builds a bridge between two people, not just tolerating those who are different from you from a distance. “We can’t live in isolation from others, we are interconnected and interdependent on each other,” he said. “We need to look around, ask, learn, connect, and then you have to take action, because words are good but actions resonate more.” To pre-register for Abuelaish’s presentation and purchase a signed copy of his book, visit GiveSevenDays.org/ others.

With new initiative on changing school culture, Jewish schools focus on anti-racist education

By Larry Luxner JTA

After George Floyd was killed in May at the hands of Minneapolis police, and protests and demonstrations spread around the country, students at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, Maryland, found themselves upset, too. Many of the school’s 900 or so students, including a few who are Black, were asking questions about police brutality and systemic racism in American society. Rabbi Mitchel Malkus, head of the school, wanted to ensure those questions were encouraged rather than silenced or ignored. That’s one of the reasons the Charles E. Smith school decided over the winter to enroll in a unique initiative on race and school culture created by Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools. As a first step in what is envisioned as a multilayer, multiyear approach to help schools foster greater diversity, equity and inclusion, educators from about 40 schools gathered five times online over the course of a month for trainings focused on overcoming implicit bias, why equity work is important and how schools can create a welcoming climate for discussions on race. “One of our core values is that all people are created in God’s image and are to be treated with respect,” Malkus said. “We Jews have experienced thousands of years of persecution, so we feel we have an obligation to make the world better through tikkun olam. And it’s important for us to participate with other Jewish day schools that share those values in having that conversation — even though it can sometimes be an uncomfortable conversation.” The strong interest in Prizmah’s Race and School Culture Deep Dive is reflective of the increasing attention to matters of race and social equity among Jewish day school educators — and students. “This isn’t just a conversation that came and went in a few weeks when it was a hot topic,” said Prizmah CEO Paul Bernstein. “This has been an ongoing conversation for Jewish educa-

Jewish day schools have increasingly diverse student bodies, including at the Harkham Hillel Hebrew Academy in Beverly Hills, California. (Prizmah) tors, and with recent events raising the temperature on these issues, there was also a very strong groundswell from the students themselves as they begin to see themselves as the leaders of tomorrow.” The five initial sessions in Prizmah’s Race and School Culture Deep Dive, which ran in February and March, focused on continuing to build a culture and community of change; strategies for building a diverse Jewish community, including welcoming Jews of color; addressing implicit bias; learning about current successful anti-racism programs in Jewish schools; and mapping out ways to advance work in these areas that is already underway. Beyond those initial sessions, each participating school is working with a consultant to further the effort, and lay and professional school leaders are joining collaborative working groups to move their race and schoolculture work forward with specific, goal-oriented next steps. Those groups are focused on topics that include creating a professional development agenda on race and school culture for faculty; teaching about identity, bias and race in elementary school; and identifying interdisciplinary curricular resources on race and

equity. Prizmah also offers a peer-topeer professional development community for sharing resources, asking questions and celebrating successes related to race and school culture. “The urgency of this work cannot be overstated,” said Tonda Case, a professional on diversity, equity and inclusion working with Prizmah on the project. “How do we do the work of co-creating a world that holds at its core equity and justice? For our children, our elders and ourselves, how do we reframe our experience of ‘the other’ by coming to see all human beings as a different version of ourselves?” asked Case, who is a Jew of color. The primary funders of the Prizmah project are the Jim Joseph Foundation, Lippman Kanfer Foundation for Living Torah and Crown Family Philanthropies, which have partnered to fund the program for at least three years, according to Bernstein. Steve Freedman, head of the 415-student Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County in New Milford, New Jersey, said his school is taking part in the Race and School Culture initiative to help get guidance in making better decisions about how to teach children. “This is a complicated time we’re

living in. We’re facing complex issues, so we want the collective wisdom of different experts in the field to help us,” Freedman said. “We’ve been exploring these issues at Schechter for many years, dealing with the broader issue of race and discrimination using our own experience as Jews.” Years ago the school began examining its library and curriculum to make sure that students studying history and civics were hearing multiple voices — an approach informed by Jewish tradition, Freedman said. “Being human is to be messy,” Freedman said. “Our biblical heroes all contributed significantly to the betterment of civilization, and yet they were all flawed. The same goes for our own heroes of American history. We must not be afraid to teach kids honestly and help them think critically.” Tikvah Wiener, head of The IDEA School in Tenafly, New Jersey, a Modern Orthodox, project-based learning high school that opened in 2018 and now has 51 students, said that addressing racial justice issues is an integral part of the curriculum. In its first two years, the school ran a “justice and righteousness” curriculum that used Talmudic texts to show how Judaism is concerned with seeking justice. For next year, Wiener and her team are working with experts to design a curriculum that weaves together the history of American slavery and the Jewish experience in the Holocaust. The students will interview survivors and descendants of both horrors, Wiener said. “We will inevitably make mistakes and need to learn from them, but by providing us with information and resources, schools can then decide how they will start, continue and develop racial justice work and be there for each other,” Wiener said. She cited a well-known Jewish aphorism from a Mishna in Pirkei Avot: “You are not obligated to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” Aside from the 40 Jewish schools participating in the initiative, many more of the over 300 Jewish day schools in the Prizmah network are doing their own work in educational programming related to equity, diversity and inclusion.

April 15, 2021

The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

page 9

national news

J Street to present Jimmy Carter with peacemaker award at its annual conference

(JTA) — J Street, the liberal pro-Israel group, is presenting Jimmy Carter with a peacemaker award at its conference, recognizing the former president, who has frequently tangled with the mainstream pro-Israel community, for brokering the 1979 EgyptIsrael peace. “By helping to broker the incredible Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, President Carter demonstrated that determined American diplomacy can end decades of conflict and bring together even the most determined foes,” J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami said Monday in a release sent to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. J Street’s Tzedek v’Shalom award goes to “distinguished individuals who have made critical contributions in their lives to the cause of peace for Israelis, Palestinians and the wider Middle East,” the release said. The award is in line with the longstanding claim by J Street, itself a group that forcefully criticizes Israeli policies and pro-Israel orthodoxies, that doing good work on Israel’s behalf sometimes requires tough love. “With visionary moral clarity, he has emphasized that the well-being of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples are inextricably intertwined — and has never given up the hope that the occupation and their conflict can and must be brought to a just and peaceful end,” Ben-Ami said. Carter, despite brokering Camp David, Israel’s longest-lasting and most solid peace agreement, had fraught relations with Israel and the pro-Israel com-

Jimmy Carter (Wikimedia Commons) munity during his presidency. He sought to leverage arms sales to Israel to extract concessions, the third rail for pro-Israel groups, and he made it clear that he saw Menachem Begin, then the prime minister, as more recalcitrant than Anwar Sadat, then the Egyptian president.

The relationship between Carter and U.S. Jewish leaders, if anything, worsened in Carter’s postpresidency. Carter became more sharply critical of Israel, and in 2006 he published a book titled “Palestine: Peace not Apartheid,” stirring outrage in Israel and among its American friends for likening Israeli practices to the racist South African apartheid regime. Democrats kept Carter from speaking at their 2008 convention, which nominated Barack Obama for president, in part because the book had opened wounds between Jewish Democrats and the ex-president. He spoke in 2012, although mainstream Jewish groups were none too happy about it. Carter, more broadly, has enjoyed more popularity post-presidency than he did during his one term, living modestly, promoting peace and working for charitable causes. In 2009, Carter contacted JTA to apologize for using the word “apartheid” in the title of his book, saying it was meant to describe a possible outcome of Israeli policies and not the current reality. He used the Hebrew term “al het,” for seeking repentance. The April 18-19 J Street conference, which features speakers identified with the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, will be virtual in line with coronavirus pandemic restrictions. The 96-year-old Carter, who is frail, will not accept the award. Paige Alexander, the CEO of The Carter Center, an NGO founded by the ex-president to promote peace, will accept on his behalf.

in the key OF YOU.

RETIREMENT LIVING

Active, vibrant people of all faiths … a suite of new, first-class dining and entertainment amenities … new, modern, maintenance-free apartments … they all come together so you can orchestrate a lifestyle that hits all the right notes. Overland Park’s premier Life Plan Community has purposefully created new residences and opportunities in tune with the way you want to live. And now you can be part of it. Curious about composing your own masterpiece? Call 913-755-9610 to speak with someone about available residences.

5500 West 123rd Street, Overland Park, KS 66209 | VillageShalom.org | Open to all faiths | 913-755-9610

page 10

The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

April 15, 2021

national news

Biden’s new slate of aid to Palestinians comes under intense scrutiny By Ron Kampeas JTA A number of pro-Israel groups, Israeli officials and Republicans in Congress are stepping up their scrutiny of the Biden administration’s plans to resume funding for the Palestinian Authority and other groups aiding Palestinians. In the past two weeks, the Biden administration has rolled out pledges to deliver $75 million in assistance to Palestinian areas; $40 million for security assistance to the Palestinian Authority; $150 million to the U.N.’s Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA; and $15 million for COVID assistance. Also pledged is $10 million that goes to Palestinian-Israeli people-to-people programs. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have said the spending will comply with congressional restrictions, and comply with laws banning (with a few exceptions) direct assistance to the Palestinian Authority as long as it pays subsidies to the families of Palestinians who have killed Israelis or Palestinians — a longstanding PA policy. That’s not enough to assuage skeptics, who cite a government watchdog report released earlier this month that said that, from 2015 to 2019, U.S. aid officials did not sufficiently verify whether money meant to reach only nongovernmental organizations in fact ended up with terrorists. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, spearheaded a letter to Biden on April 8 from 18 Republican senators urging the Biden administration to pause the disbursement of assistance to the West Bank and Gaza Strip subject

to further congressional scrutiny. Cruz and the other senators want the Biden administration to assure Congress that “necessary aid being provided to the Palestinians, including as envisioned b Congress and described in the Taylor Force Act, is tightly targeted to ensure that it benefits the Palestinian people and not the PA or Hamas.” The Taylor Force Act, named for an American victim of a terrorist attack, is a law that conditions aid to Palestinians over whether the Palestinian Authority suspends funding for killers of Israelis and Americans. Sen. James Risch, R-Idaho, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, his counterpart in the U.S. House of Representatives, last week pledged “to scrutinize every proposed program to ensure the administration’s actions are in lockstep with the Taylor Force Act.” The Jerusalem Post reported that Risch and McCaul have used their positions on their respective committees to delay the disbursement of the funds. President Donald Trump suspended most aid to the Palestinians in 2018, in part because the Palestinians snubbed his moves to initiate Middle East peace and in part because of the payments that go to killers of Israelis and Americans. Biden campaigned on resuming funding to the Palestinians, saying it was critical for humanitarian reasons and to restore American credibility in the region. “UNRWA remains in desperate need of fundamental reform,” the American Israel Public Affairs Committee tweeted April 7. “Its waste, fraud, resistance to

reform & internal turmoil make it among the most inefficient UN agencies. Moreover UNRWA’s misguided definition of refugees directly contributes to prolonging the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” In a statement unusual for a diplomat, Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan denounced the resumption of funding to UNRWA — or the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees — absent reforms in the agency. The Orthodox Union also sent a letter to Blinken questioning the resumption of assistance to the West Bank and Gaza. The Zionist Organization of America has additionally objected to the new funding. Liberal pro-Israel groups, including J Street and Americans for Peace Now, have praised the resumption of assistance, as have Democrats who are known for their closeness to the pro-Israel community, including Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla. Deutch, who is Jewish, chairs the Middle East subcommittee in the House. “Despite my serious concerns about transparency and accountability at UNRWA, withholding assistance that provides healthcare & education to children during a global pandemic risks further deteriorating an already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza made worse by Hamas,” Deutch said on Twitter. The women’s Zionist organization Hadassah, the Anti-Defamation League and an array of other Jewish groups are rallying senators to sign a letter to the U.N. Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, urging him to reform UNRWA’s schools, which they say peddle antiSemitic slanders in textbooks.

Give a gift you can give every week.

For more information and to purchase, contact us today!

subscriptions@jewishkc.org $64.95/year. Inquire at subscriptions@jewishkc.org for snowbird and out-of-state pricing.

April 15, 2021

The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

page 11

national news

Inspired by the pandemic, Jewish musicians are rolling out a year’s worth of spiritual ‘healing songs’ By Shira Hanau JTA It was only about a week into lockdown last spring when Elana Brody took out her keyboard piano for a jam session. It was late at night, so it made sense that the new melody that came to her then was “B’shem Hashem” a part of the Shema. “It was kind of natural to want to sing this prayer because it’s a bedtime prayer,” Brody said, calling it an “incantation” of sorts. The words call on four angels to surround her — Michael to the right, Gabriel to the left, Uriel in front and Raphael behind — with God above her head. Brody imagined the angels surrounding the people of New York City, which she had left behind a week before when she drove to her parents’ home in Virginia to ride out the beginning of the pandemic, and protecting them as the first wave of the pandemic engulfed the city. For Brody, a Jewish singer-songwriter who also leads prayer services and runs spiritual retreats, the healing intention behind that song came to characterize her music throughout the pandemic year. Along with eight other Jewish singers and prayer leaders, Brody showcased the songs written during the pandemic during a concert Monday night timed to the release of the studio recording of her “B’shem Hashem.” For singers and musicians, the past year of canceled concerts has made the pandemic especially difficult. But for some it’s also been a year of expanded capacity to write new material. And for artists who focus on Jewish spiritual and

Shir Yaakov Feit sings the first of 70 melodies he wrote for the book of Psalms at the beginning of the pandemic. (Screenshot from YouTube) devotional music, much of the new material has drawn on the challenging shared emotions of the pandemic and transformed them into prayer. “We’re kind of hard-wired to digest grief and turn it into art or song,” Brody said of artists like herself. “I wrote an album’s worth of material through this last year, all transmuting loss into song.” When the pandemic began last spring, Deborah Sacks Mintz had been preparing for a series of concerts and prayer services to promote her new album of Jewish music released in May. When those concerts were canceled, it not only kept her at home. It also forced Mintz — someone who works as a prayer leader and educator teaching her songs and leading communal singing experiences — to rethink her approach to music. “It became clear to me pretty quickly that there was going to need to be a way

for me to be willing to encounter myself and my own voice,” she said. “I couldn’t just be thinking about communal singing and gathering.” While Mintz has typically drawn from the prayer book and the genre of niggunim, wordless melodies, that can be sung by a group, she found herself drawn to the poetry of Yehuda Amichai, an Israeli poet who died in 2000 and often infused his work with biblical imagery, and writing melodies for his poems. “That’s something I probably would not have spent time doing before the pandemic,” Mintz said. For Shir Yaakov Feit, a Jewish songwriter who leads Kol Hai, a Jewish Renewal community in New Paltz, New York, the beginning of the pandemic was the most prolific songwriting period of his life. Staying inside at his Hudson Valley home in March last year, he chal-

lenged himself to write a melody a day for a chapter of the book of Psalms. The book has 150 chapters. “I’m afraid of committing to writing a psalm a day for the next 150 days, but maybe that’s what’s happening,” Feit said in the video from his first psalm tune on March 21, 2020. Feit didn’t end up going through all 150 Psalms chapters, stopping at 70. But he’s proud of the melodies he wrote and hopes to return to the project someday to complete the second half. “I probably hadn’t written 70 songs in the previous seven years,” he said. Feit released his psalm melodies in YouTube live streams, with some racking up a few hundred views. While the videos were not a perfect substitute for the loss of in-person singing he normally leads at Kol Hai, he said the music was a way of touching people from afar. “I think the power and purpose of music became much more clear, that sound literally touches us,” Feit said. “So I think the music that we made during the pandemic was a form of medicine.” Brody is hoping to keep that ability for music to heal and connect at the front of her songwriting going forward. “I really hope that what has happened this year, with the focus being on healing and prayer and community, that my music kind of stays there,” she said. And Brody is already planning additional concerts to include more artists who wrote new material during the pandemic. “There are so many artists out there who have written a healing song this year, so now I’m excited to try to make a platform for even more artists,” she said. “For more healing songs.”

South Florida mayor’s proposal to add menorah to holiday display sparks outrage, debate (JNS) A proposal by the mayor of the South Florida community of Miami Shores to place a menorah in the village town hall during the holiday season has led to a major pushback from the village’s attorney and some members of the council. At the April 6 meeting, Miami Shores Mayor Crystal Wagar raised the idea of putting up a menorah during the winter holiday season, which seems long overdue to some who live in the heavily Jewish area. However, village attorney Richard Sarafan, who, according to The Miami Herald, is himself Jewish, argued that putting a menorah would open Miami Shores to a lawsuit. He went on to say that a Christmas tree is viewed as a holiday and not a religious symbol, so it is allowed. Just hours after news broke that their council “rejected” a plan to allow a menorah to be displayed, some council members have been suggesting that they didn’t have enough information and needed more time to study the matter. The request to revisit the issue comes after the council was criticized for its

decision—the same night that coincided with the start of Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. It also comes just days before a local council election. The meeting concerning the menorah also sparked outrage by outside legal groups and other South Florida Jewish officials. In a letter to the village, the American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists called on the council to “retable the proposal at the next meeting to ensure a proper, informed discussion can take place … .” Robert Garson, the group’s president wrote: “Particularly last night, at the beginning of Yom Hashoah, it was simply appalling to watch the nature and standard of the discussion on the issue of whether a menorah, the internationally recognized symbol of people of Jewish heritage, could be displayed by Miami Shores Village, during the winter season. “Even more troubling was witnessing the mayor’s palpable disbelief and frustration at the inarticulate and unreasoned purported analysis by attorney Richard Safaran,” wrote Garson, adding

that in this instance, the menorah would be allowed because the mayor’s “message of inclusion clearly is a secular objective, which can include a symbol with an undeniable historical meaning.” Southeast Florida has one of the largest Jewish populations in the United States with an estimated 650,000 Jewish residents, following New York City and Los Angeles. ‘Usual protocol for new agenda items was not followed’ Mayor Gabriel Groisman of nearby Bal Harbour, Fla., also expressed concern. In a post on Twitter, Groisman said, “last night, Miami Shores, Fla. rejected Mayor [Crystal] Wagar’s request to put a menorah at Village Hall for the season! Menorahs are displayed in public squares across our nation and country—from Miami City Hall to the governor’s mansion to the White House. This is simply unacceptable.” In response, Wagar tweeted back, “Celebrating the diversity of Miami Shores and making all our residents feel welcome is fundamental to me. Know

this … the work is not done, and this is not the first marathon I’ve run.” Meanwhile, according to reports, at least one council member says things aren’t as clear-cut as others are making them out to be. “To be clear, the council did not vote on the issue at the April 6 meeting,” council member Jonathan Meltz posted on a Facebook community page. “A motion was made to vote, but no council member seconded the motion. It was unusual for such an important issue to appear on the agenda without any memorandum or written documents. [The] usual protocol for new agenda items was not followed.” Meltz, who is Jewish and says he supports having a menorah on village grounds during the winter holidays, has suggested that the council revisit the issue on April 20. “This is an important issue and should be treated as such,” he wrote on Facebook. “There should be no rush to vote without the same consideration and information provided for every other issue presented to council.”

page 12

The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

April 15, 2021

global news

Report: Natanz blast was caused by a remotely detonated device (JNS) An explosive device that had been smuggled into the Natanz uranium enrichment facility in Iran was detonated remotely, destroying primary and backup electrical systems, The New York Times reported on Monday. The head of the Iranian Parliament’s Energy Committee, Fereydoun Abbasi, seemed to confirm that account when he told Iranian state television on Monday that “the enemy’s plot was very beautiful. I’m looking at it from a scientific point of view. They thought about this and used their experts and planned the explosion so both the central power and the emergency power cable would be damaged.” Atomic Energy Organization of Iran spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi said he had fallen into the large hole created by the blast, resulting in multiple injuries. Reuters also quoted Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei as saying that “Sunday’s sabotage occurred in a power cable duct leading to the centrifuge machines. This was not an external attack and the location of the sabotage has been clearly determined.” Intelligence officials cited in the Times report estimated that it would take “many months” for Iran to repair the damage. U.S. officials speaking on background told the Times they were concerned the attack would “drive the nuclear program more deeply underground, where it would be hard to reach.” Meanwhile, voices in Iran continued to call for revenge, a day after Iranian officials said the regime would retaliate against Israel. Criticisms have also grown inside Iran over the regime’s inability to safeguard its nuclear site; Natanz was the scene of a previous blast, widely considered to be an act of sabotage, in July 2020. Eshaq Jahangiri, Iran’s vice president, said it was

Uranium-enrichment centrifuges at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility. (Tehran Times) time to hold those guarding Natanz responsible, describing the attacks as having “catastrophic consequences” for Iran’s reputation, economy and security, the Times said. Reuters quoted Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif as saying on Tuesday that Israel had made a “very bad gamble” by attacking Natanz, adding that the blast would strengthen Iran’s position in its talks to re-enter the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. “Israel played a very bad gamble if it thought that the attack will weaken Iran’s hand in the nuclear talks,” he said during a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart in Tehran. “What happened in Natanz makes it possible for Iran to legally do whatever it takes to … compensate for this terrorist stupidity,” said Zarif. “I assure you that in near future, the Natanz site will move forward with more advanced centrifuges.”

Iran’s official MEHR news agency said on Tuesday that the country’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, had departed for Vienna to take part in a new round of talks with world powers, indicating that negotiations remained on track to continue despite the blast. On April 10, a day before the blast at Natanz, AliAkbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, told Iran’s Channel 1 that the Islamic Republic had activated a full chain of 164 IR-6 centrifuges at the site, according to MEMRI. Salehi added that the facility is scheduled to move deep into the mountains of Natanz by the end of the year. He added that Iran has surpassed a “technological threshold” and can now design centrifuges on its own, without resorting to reverse engineering. Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. (ret.) Amos Yadlin, a former head of IDF Military Intelligence, tweeted in Hebrew on Tuesday that when Israel takes action in an “enemy land,” it must always consider three central factors: “The expected achievement, the enemy’s response and escalation potential, and the impact on Israel’s relations with its vital ally.” Yadlin added that “48 hours after the explosion at the electrical system at the Natanz enrichment site, it is clear that the attack is not the end of the nuclear program, unlike the attacks on the reactors in Iraq and Syria. The distributed and ongoing Iranian project requires a lengthy campaign of operations that delay and disrupt it, thereby delaying Iran’s reaching the nuclear threshold.” Yadlin said international media reports linking Israel to the attack, as well as “irresponsible leaks from here,” lead him to expect a belligerent Iranian response, but added that he believed that “it will be measured, out of a desire to control the escalation.”

IDF veteran with PTSD in critical condition after self-immolation (JNS) An Israel Defense Force veteran was in critical condition at the Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer on Tuesday, after setting himself on fire at the offices of the Defense Ministry’s Rehabilitation Department in Petach Tikvah on Monday. Itzik Saidyan, 26, is suffering from burns all over his body. According to multiple Hebrew media reports, Saidyan, who participated in “Operation Protective Edge”—Israel’s 2014 war against Hamas terrorists and infrastructure in Gaza—has been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since then. Saidyan was recognized as having 25% disability as a result of his chronic PTSD, but his repeated requests that it be raised to 50% were reportedly

Itzik Saidyan, an IDF veteran who set himself on fire outside a Defense Ministry office, April 12, 2021. (Channel 12/Screenshot) rejected by the Rehabilitation Department.

The Rehabilitation Department’s mission is to assist disabled or injured veterans to return to civilian life. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said in response to the incident that he was praying for Saidyan’s recovery. “Among our sons and daughters who have returned from the battles, there are many—too many—who have not stopped fighting,” he said. “We see you. We share your pain. Even when physical wounds heal, when the physical pain dies down, there are those who return without rest to the battlefield of life. To Itzik, and to all of our children who are still fighting, we owe the existence of the State of Israel. We are responsible for their fate.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed shock at the incident.

At the start of the Cabinet meeting on Monday, he stated that he had spoken with Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization chairman Edan Kleiman and told him of his commitment to carry out a “comprehensive reform of the way we treat disabled and wounded IDF veterans.” Defense Minister Benny Gantz and the Defense Ministry Director General Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Eshel ordered an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and called for immediate lessons to be learned. Saidyan’s self-immolation took place a day before the country was set to mark the eve of Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism.

Delegation of American Jewish leaders to visit Israel in first post-pandemic travel (JNS) The Religious Zionists of America-Mizrachi announced a leadership delegation visit to Israel in late May, designed to be the first organized group of Jewish communal leadership to visit Israel since the coronavirus pandemic brought travel to a halt. The delegation is geared to send a message to American Jews that when they are comfortable traveling again, Israel should be their first destination. “As more Americans are getting vaccinated and contemplating travel, we wanted to send a strong message to the Jewish community that instead of visiting Dubai, the Caribbean or some other exotic

place, your priority should be to get back to Israel,” said RZA executive vice president Rabbi Ari Rockoff. “The startup nation has now also become the vaccination nation! As Israel relaxes its travel restrictions, we wanted to be the first organized trip back home.” Dubbed “A Journey Home,” the delegation will travel to Israel from May 26-31, during Memorial Day weekend in the United States. The group will be limited to 50 participants. They are slated to be briefed by Israel’s political and rabbinical leadership; meet with top physicians on Israel’s battle against COVID-19; hear from business

leaders who innovated during the last year to reach new audiences; and learn from NGO leaders on their work helping to alleviate the economic and social consequences caused by the pandemic. They will tour new Religious Zionist communities; dine with soldiers guarding Israel’s borders; and visit religious and other sites. The trip will also feature a Shabbaton with the group’s worldwide leadership, as well as Orthodox Israel Coalition delegates currently leading Israeli national institutions. It will close with a musical concert and the opportunity for attendees to spend time with family and friends.

April 15, 2021

The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

page 13

global news

Israel to begin receiving vaccinated tourists on May 23

(JNS) Israel will begin receiving vaccinated tourists from abroad through a phased plan that will begin on May 23, the Israeli Tourism Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. Israeli Tourism Ministry Orit Farkash-Hacohen and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein have agreed on a framework for receiving tourists, after a ban lasting more than a year due to the global coronavirus pandemic. “The agreements were reached following the work of the task force set up by the [two] ministries,” said

the statement. In the first stage, a limited number of tour groups will start to arrive on May 23. The number will then increase in line with the “health situation and progress of the program,” the statement added. Individual travelers will be allowed into Israel in the second stage, with health considerations determining the timeline. All visitors will have to take a PCR test before boarding flights to Israel, and after arriving at Ben-Gurion International Airport, will need to take

a serological test to prove that they have been vaccinated, according to the statement. “In the meantime, discussions will continue with various countries to reach agreements for vaccine-certificate validation, so as to cancel the need for the serological tests,” said the Tourism Ministry. A more detailed outline of the plan will be released in the upcoming days. “After opening the economy, it is time to allow tourism in a careful and calculated manner. Opening up tourism is important for one of the

fields most hurt during the COVID year. We will continue to look at easing regulations in accordance with the health situation,” said Edelstein. Farkash-Hacohen said, “Opening the skies to international tourism will truly revive the tourism industry, including restaurants, hotels, sites, tour guides, buses and others looking to work and provide for their families. I will continue to work for the full opening of tourism to Israel, which will greatly assist the Israeli economy and create work for many Israelis.”

A British-Israeli journalist was inducted into the Guinness World Records last week for being the oldest living journalist. Walter Bingham, 97, is also the current record holder of “oldest radio talk-show host (living).” A decorated World War II veteran, “Harry Potter” actor and Nazi-era survivor, Bingham hosts the weekly “Walter’s World” on Israel National Radio and “The Walter Bingham File” on Israel Newstalk Radio, both in English. Born Wolfgang Billig in 1924, he escaped Germany after Kristallnacht in 1939 by way of the “Kindertransport,”

which took unaccompanied children to Great Britain. In later years, he took part in the D-Day landings at Normandy in 1944, reported Jewish News. He moved to Israel in 2004, and when he turned 95, he skydived over northern Israel. He said he will “God willing” do it again for his 100th birthday. Bingham received France’s most prestigious award, the Legion of Honor, in 2018. Evan Cohen, Israeli Prime Minister

Benjamin Netanyahu’s foreign media advisor, said in 2020: “I think Walter is inspiring the new generations of journalists. Anyone who sees someone who’s been on the job for decades, and has spanned from the time when we were sending things by telegram to the time when we are tweeting one another, understands that the true nature of journalism is the people behind all of this tech and all of the communications. I think Walter is doing a fantastic job.”

Walter Bingham, May 7, 2018. (Wikimedia Commons)

Do you want to reach the Kansas City Jewish Community?

ADVERTISE WITH US

TODAY! Contact Jonathan Schwartzbard | jons@jewishkc.org | mobile: 732.841.0787

page 14

The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

April 15, 2021

commentary news

What You Do Is Who You Are

By Rabbi Mark H. Levin Congregation Beth Torah

“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react that matters.” Epictetus, Greek Philosopher. The horror that, thank God, we mostly experience in nightmares struck Overland Park Jewry on April 13th, 2014. In the midst of a sunny, family-time Sunday spring afternoon in prosperous Johnson County, my phone’s ring broke the reverie with a worried friend’s voice declaring, “Rabbi, there’s been shootings at the Jewish Community Center and Village Shalom. I just heard it on the police radio.” A terrorist attack! Against Jews, I thought. Against us! What to do? How to react? I drove to The J and found it surrounded by police at all the entrances. They said, “No admission.” I drove to Village Shalom and found a way in. A staff member asked if I might speak to some staff and residents. We imagined many things: Jews had

been murdered in places where Jews congregate. Holocaust memories flooded to my mind. But several Village Shalom staff remarked on different concerns. They worried about their residents, whom they cared for and actually loved. They worried for their families and what this might mean for coming to work. I heard personal concerns. I heard communal concerns. But from everyone I heard, “What does this mean?” Then, the picture dramatically shifted. A neo-Nazi came to murder Jews, but miscalculated and murdered religious Christians. Reat Underwood, headed to an audition for The J’s KC SuperStar singing competition; his grandfather, Dr. William Corporon, waiting to drive Reat home; and Terri LaManno, visiting her mother at Village Shalom, all murdered in cold blood. He came in hatred for us, and murdered god-fearing Christians. Hate overflows like a flooding river, overwhelming banks and boundaries. The Torah, in many places, declares all humans are God’s image. (e.g.-Genesis 5:1) When the Mishnah says the same (Avot 3:14) , commentator Ikar Tosaphot Yom Tov writes, “… the Children of Noah, not just the Children of Israel.” In

other words, many revered traditional commentators recognize our common humanity. Mindy Corporon, sandwiched between her father, William Corporon, and her son, Reat Underwood, was figuratively stabbed twice in the heart. But she did not walk away; she walked toward. She did not flee the disaster; she imagined the solution. Mindy Corporon transformed unimaginable pain for her into blessing for us. She did not ask, “Why did this disaster happen to me,” but “What do I do to make sure this disaster ends with me?” Mindy created the Faith Always Wins Foundation, and the SevenDays experience, which this year will cover 14 days online (April 13-25)rather than in person, because of Covid. We just observed Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. What would we Jews have wanted from the Christian world during The Holocaust? We would have wanted what we are privileged to have in Overland Park, Mindy Corporon. In seven activities over 14 days, Faith Always Wins will celebrate our common humanity in very specific ways. But as an example, I must highlight one particular activity featuring a con-

versation with Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish. This renowned Palestinian physician was the first Palestinian doctor from Gaza to treat all Israelis, of whatever background, in Israeli hospitals. Three daughters and a niece were killed by an Israeli tank shell in 2009. Yet, Dr. Abuelaish continues to work toward humane understanding and peace. That’s on Thursday, April 22; and the annual walk, this year virtual, will be Onward Day, Sunday, April 25. We Jews know the reality of blind hatred violently attacking innocent people. But what’s our reaction? Elie Wiesel, in his life-long suffering from the murder of his family, wrote: “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.” “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react that matters.” Join Mindy Corporon, Faith Always Wins Foundation, and SevenDays. What you do is who you are. Be the solution. Rabbi Mark H. Levin is the founding rabbi of Congregation Beth Torah

The Cold War is re-emerging in the Middle East By Sarah N. Stern JNS Like the tremendous labor pains that produced the birth of the modern-day Jewish state of Israel in 1948, this Yom Ha’atzmaut is a particularly bittersweet one. There is a tremendous amount of hope swelling from Israel’s new friends from the Gulf States, yet the dangers that have aligned seem nearly monumental. As I began writing these words, the U.S. special envoy to Iran Robert Malley was in Vienna trying desperately to engage directly with the Iranians. The Iranians are great psychologists and have refused to sit in the same room with the Americans. (They are actually in different hotels.) Instead, representatives of Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China were acting as intermediaries. The United States has been reduced to the little boy who has been left out of a party with his nose pressed against the windowpane, desperate to be let in. Predictably, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said that the United States “is prepared to lift sanctions on Iran to resume compliance with the Iranian nuclear deal.” One cannot turn back the clock to 2015. According to the International Atomic Energy Administration, the amount of highly enriched uranium in Iran’s possession is more than 10 times that which was allowed under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Since the signing of that nuclear deal, Iran has been developing a sophisticated ballistic-missile program that poses an enormous threat to Israel, the Middle East as a whole and the United States. It has tested those missiles at least 30 times. They have the material, and they have the delivery mechanism. While our State Department is beseeching the Iranian regime with greater offers to simply allow us into the room, the Iranians have already bro-

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and State Councilor of the People’s Republic of China Wang Yi at the signing of the Iran–China 25-year Cooperation Program in Tehran on March 27, 2021. (Erfan Kouchari via Wikimedia Commons) kered a $400 billion, 25-year military, defense and intelligence deal with Beijing. The ramifications of this huge sum of money are nothing short of terrifying. For the Chinese, it is a zero-sum game. They, as well as the Russians, are still fighting the Cold War. They see the Middle East as an essential arena in their ambitious “Belt and Road” strategy. They are seeking oil to fuel their rapidly growing population and economy, and to become a world dominant power. As for the Iranians, whose economy has been significantly impacted by U.S. sanctions, they see this as a quick and steady infusion of cash. And, of course, they share a common enemy: America. The Russians also seem determined to resurrect the Cold War. They, as well as their Chinese “frenemies,” see America’s retreat from the region as an opportunity to swoop in, fill the void and flex their muscles. In an alliance with Iran and their proxy, Hezbollah, the Russians have maintained a presence in Syria since September of 2015 and helped resuscitate the often moribund dictatorship of Bashar Assad. A very troubling story on April 6 in the Lebanese-based Al Akhbar news states that Russia has

spoken with Hezbollah leaders and has asked them to remain in Syria. According to this report, the Hezbollah delegation’s visit to Moscow last month, headed by Mohammad Raad, member of the Shura Council, was told that “in Moscow, Hezbollah’s military performance is highly respected—its professionalism, discipline and ability of its fighters to achieve its goals,” as is its “pragmatism.” The author added: “Russian officials were keen to deliver a clear message to Hezbollah leadership: Your presence in Syria is necessary, in politics, in the military. We count on you in the future in both fields,” and spoke of an appreciation of Hezbollah’s presence in Yemen, Iraq and other countries in the region, and discussed the possibility of Hezbollah opening an office in Moscow. Iran, Russia and China are intent on resurrecting the Cold War in the Middle East. While we are groveling to be let into the room with the Iranians, they are all enjoying a hearty laugh at how short a time it has taken to reduce the Biden administration to this state of obsequiousness. It is akin to arguing over the rules of shuffleboard on the deck of the Titanic. On Sunday, it was probably the Israelis who didn’t wait for the ship they are sailing to go, fullsteam ahead, into the iceberg. It knows that no one else will have the courage to do what has to be done to set back this major existential threat. So they were the ones who probably struck at Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, setting back production by about nine months. By so doing, tiny, dauntless Israel is protecting not only itself, but Europe, the Arab Gulf countries and the United States as well. Already, Jerusalem is tacitly being blamed in Vienna by the European Union for “attempts to derail the talks.” Israel has grown in so many ways: in military power, commerce, technology and medicine since it was a fledgling little state in 1948. However, the most daunting challenges remain. Sarah N. Stern is founder and president of the Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET), a pro-Israel and pro-American think tank and policy institute in Washington, D.C.

April 15, 2021

The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

page 15

obituaries ERROL ZAVETT Errol Zavett, age 83, died peacefully on April 10 following complications from heart surgery. Beloved husband of Mary (Fritzemeier), cherished father of Sarah (Peter) Beren and Rebecca (Greg) Cohen; doting, proud and very actively involved, loving grandfather of Rachel and Jake Beren, Charlie, Elsie, and Sadie Cohen; and dear brother of Dennis (Anne) Zavett. Errol grew up in Rock Island, Illinois, with his mother’s extended family. Both of his parents were immigrants and most of his parents’ generation did not attend college. Of seven cousins on his maternal side, four (including Errol) became lawyers. Errol received his undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Iowa in 1960 and his law degree from the University of Illinois in 1963. Errol worked his entire career in Chicago, practicing as a family law attorney from 1985 forward at the Davis|Friedman firm. With a legal practice spanning a half century, Errol earned the esteem of the family law community both in Illinois and nationally. Along with his notorious sense of humor and kind-heartedness, Errol was well-known for his expertise in high networth, contested and collaborative divorce, division of property, asset valuation, and complex child custody matters. Errol was a Fellow and Illinois Chapter President of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, chaired every family law organization in Illinois, taught law school, and lectured on many topics. Errol taught generations of family law attorneys his compassionate and understanding method for helping his clients through one of the most challenging experiences in their lives. Errol summed it up well: “Divorce may be a legal process, but at its core it focuses on individuals and their families. The dealing with hurt feelings, jealousy and anger, and the emotional stages that people go through, will never change.” It was this basic tenet that guided Errol’s career. Errol’s wry, perfectly timed, and subtle sense of humor and unfailing moral compass will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was gentlemanly, compassionate and consistently kind. He took pride in the written word and likely is upset to not have had the opportunity to edit this obituary. Nothing in Errol’s storied and commendable legal career came close to creating the pride in him that he unabashedly felt for his family. His wife Mary of 53 years and their daughters, Sarah and Rebecca, loved Errol for all his perfect im-

perfections and for his constant, stable support and love. His grandchildren considered him one of their best friends because of his active involvement in all aspects of their lives. Errol was the center of a beautiful family and he liked being nowhere more than in the middle of them all, taking a nap. Errol’s private funeral service was held on Tuesday, April 13th at 1:00 P.M. but it is available on Errol’s webpage at www.mitzvahfunerals.com live, or anytime after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to Temple Har Zion in River Forest, where Errol proudly served two terms as president. Info Mitzvah Memorial Funerals, 630-MITZVAH 630-648-9824. RONALD W. GOLDSMITH Ronald W. Goldsmith z”l, passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Ron, born in New York, became a Kansas City resident at age 3 and was a man known for his calm demeanor, patience and devotion to his family. Ron’s Jewish upbringing and lifelong respect for his culture’s customs, values and teachings served as the foundation that guided him throughout his life. Ron was born June 3, 1944, to Fred and Alice Goldsmith. Ron grew up as a smart, industrious and serious child. Ron met his lifelong love, Susan Baker Goldsmith, at the age of 17, and the pair went on to marry and spend 54 joyful years of marriage together. Ron graduated from Southwest High School and the University of Missouri with a degree in accounting, upon which he joined his in-laws’ cleaning business after serving in the Coast Guard. A dedicated father to his children, Jeffrey and Michelle, Ron valued his family above all else and made sure to impart many life lessons to his children. Chief among them, Ron exemplified the values of hard work, commitment, resilience and patience. This was particularly true as he and his brother-in-law Ronald Baker created a cleaning company, BG Service Solutions. Initially their hope was to find 10 buildings to clean in order to support their families. Over the course of the next 35 years, the company grew to have offices in 10 states and employ 6,000 people. During the course of his life, Ron generously and repeatedly gave back to his community. Philanthropy and tikkun olam, the Jewish philosophy for “repairing the world” through good deeds, were deeply ingrained in Ron’s soul. He served as the President of Congregation Beth Shalom, the Kan-

sas City Jewish Federation, the Jewish Community Foundation and as Chairman of the Board at Research Hospital. Ron poured hundreds of hours into the numerous charities and causes he loved and made generous donations, oftentimes anonymously, to support them. His commitment to developing future leaders, leading by example and putting the needs of his community first are all part of his legacy. Ron was a loyal Chiefs fan, with season tickets for more than 40 years, and loved rooting on his team. Attending the Super Bowl game in Miami in 2020 was a special event he shared with his daughter and wife. In addition, Ron loved playing poker with his son whenever they were together. Ron also enjoyed travelling with his family and visiting various cities while learning about cultures and traditions around the world. Ron is survived by his wife, Susan, his children, Jeff (Jessica) and Michelle, and his beloved grandchildren Miles and Violet. Ron’s burial took place on Tuesday, April 6, at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. To honor his memory, friends are invited to donate to the general fund at Congregation Beth Shalom (14200 Lamar Ave., Overland Park, KS 66223 or via www.bethshalomkc. org), Beth Tikvah (1459 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples, FL 34109-2139 or via www.bethtikvah.org), or Harvesters—The Community Food Network (3801 Topping Ave., Kansas City, MO 64129 or via www.harvesters.org) or a charity of your choice. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.louismemorialchapel.com (Arrangements entrusted to The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211) GRACE LYON LENK Grace Lyon Lenk LIVED her 88 years, 5 months and 27 days. Strong, feisty, spunky and a force of nature, Grace was the life of the party and a free spirit who always did things her way, and pretty much always got everyone around her to do them her way too. This made her well-suited for a sales career that included custom appliquéd denim shirts and jeans, Cadillacs and real estate. She believed passionately in women’s equality in every sphere of life. She was a teacher, not just by education with a degree from the University of Pittsburgh, but of the qualities needed for success in life — independent thought (“if everyone was jumping off the bridge, would you jump too?”) and hard work (“If you want to be a plumber, be the best plumber.”), which drove her to be a founding member and first religious school principal for the New Reform

Temple in Kansas City, Missouri. Always on the lookout for a new experience, she embraced technology like no one else her age and loved to travel, particularly when she got to use her Marriott timeshares. She was known for welcoming friends and acquaintances into her home, especially to celebrate the Jewish holidays. Grace loved her family fiercely — her husband Jim of 66 years who preceded her in death, her sisters Shirley and Mimi, son Franklin and his wife Martie, daughter Barbara and her husband Roger Harrington, and son David, as well her five grandchildren, Lyon, Adam, Mattie, Matthew and Elizabeth. She made friends everywhere, including her communities at The Bayshore and Sun City in South Carolina. A brief memorial service was held on April 7, 2021. Donations may be made in Grace’s honor to one of the following: Memory Matters of Hilton Head Island, The Democratic National Committee, or Hadassah ARNOLD PROBIN Arnold Probin passed away Feb. 25, 2021, at Overland Park Regional Hospital. A private family service was held on Feb. 26, 2021. Arnold Probin was born on Oct. 29, 1938, in St. Louis, Missouri, and moved to Kansas City in 1947 with his parents Lillian and Barney Probin, his sister Delores and his brother Donald. His immediate family is all deceased. His close cousin Devora Molitor of St. Paul, Minnesota, survives him. Arnold was a proud graduate of Boone High School. He met Patsy Gutovitz, the love of his life, at a Young Adults function at the Jewish Community Center. They got married shortly after. Arnold was very handy, and he enjoyed fixing things around their home and taking care of the yard. Most recently Arnold resided with his wife at Delmar Gardens of Overland Park. They enjoyed a loving marriage of nearly 50 years. Arnold was a Royals fan. He enjoyed watching baseball games on TV and spending time with Patsy. He also enjoyed visiting with family and friends. Arnold is survived by his wife and best friend Patsy Gutovitz Probin; his sister-in-law, Toby Gutovitz Levine (David); and brother-inlaw Sammy Gutovitz (Susan). Other survivors include nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We will always remember Arnold’s patience, kindness and love. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.louismemorialchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-3615211.

page 16

The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

April 15, 2021

Making Ripples of Kindness

April 13-25, 2021

We provide opportunities encouraging all people to increase kindness through knowledge, mindset, and behaviors. We accomplish this with our SevenDays® experiences held in April 2021. Each day, a new theme helps us practice kindness.

VIRTUAL FOR 2021

Please consider being a sponsor!

Check out all of these events!

Info at GiveSevenDays.org TUESDAY APR

TUESDAY APR

LOVE

CONNECT

10:30 a.m. CT | virtual

6:30 p.m. CT | virtual

Join women in the community as we CONNECT over tea and networking to make our world a better place through kindness, interfaith understanding and healing. Space is limited.

LOVE day is a celebration of our youth. We are honoring special Kansas Citians who are devoted to spreading kindness and positively impacting the lives of kids.

THURSDAY APR

DISCOVER

6:30 p.m. CT | virtual

SATURDAY APR

Tour a Hindu Temple, learn how to cook a favorite Indian dish and DISCOVER how a day in the life of a teenager living in India compares to a typical American teen’s day.

YOU

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish is our guest speaker on OTHERS day. Be inspired by his journey of peace and human dignity. Then enjoy his conversation with Pastor Adam Hamilton and Rabbi Art Nemitoff.

SUNDAY APR

10:30 a.m. CT | virtual We provide hands on activities that help you focus on taking care of your own mind, body and soul on YOU day.

ONWARD

Let’s find your ONWARD. Join us virtually for our Kindness Walk. Take time to consider how YOU will spread ripples of Kindness beyond SevenDays.

MONDAY APR

OTHERS

6:30 p.m. CT | virtual

6:30 p.m. CT | virtual Engage in an interfaith workshop and panel on GO Day with local representatives from four diverse faiths.

GIVE BLOOD! (not a virtual event) SevenDays is teaming up with Community Blood Center, encouraging all healthy individuals to donate blood at any of its seven metro locations during SevenDays, April 13-25. Appointments can be made online at savealifenow.org or call 1-877-468-6844. Please provide the code EF86 when you donate.