Kansas City Jewish Chronicle 07.16.2026

Local, national and global teams preparing for JCC Maccabi Games

Community invited to attend Opening Ceremony

By The J

The JCC Maccabi Steering Committee invites community members to experience the start of the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games at its Opening Ceremony on Monday, Aug. 3. This evening will bring athletes, families and the community together to celebrate the spirit of the Games.

“The Opening Ceremony will be a memorable event for athletes, coaches, host families, spectators and community members alike,” said Samantha Hammontree, Opening Ceremony committee chair. “We are creating a world-class production designed to unite and energize everyone in attendance while showcasing the spirit and significance of the Games.”

Registration is available at jccmaccabikc.org. All attendees must register by July 27 to attend the Opening

Athletes from Gezer Region have special tie to Kansas City

By Michael Sudhalter Special to The Chronicle

Kansas City has its largest ever delegation

By The J

When hundreds of Jewish teens from across North America and around the world arrive in Kansas City for the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games, one group will have the unique honor of competing on its home turf. This summer, Team Kansas City will have its largest delegation in program history, bringing together athletes, coaches and volunteers who will not only compete but also welcome visiting delegations to the Heartland.

For Co-Delegation Heads Maggie Osgood Nicholls and Ilan Lakritz, building this year’s delegation has been about much more than filling team rosters. As full-time staff members

in The J’s Arts & Culture and Fitness, Sports and Athletics departments, they have worked to build a welcoming community of athletes, volunteers, families and supporters.

“I love hearing about what people are proud of when it comes to Kansas City,” Osgood Nicholls said. “This is the largest delegation Kansas City has ever had, and I am very proud to have a number of Maccabi alumni serving as coaches for the Games this year. It just goes to show how much Maccabi means to people.”

Osgood Nicholls is especially excited about Kansas City’s largest ever

See page 13

A decades-long partnership between Kansas City and the Gezer Region of Israel will take center stage at the JCC Maccabi Games from August 2-7. Gezer, a sister city of Leawood, Kansas, and Jewish Federation of Kansas City have collaborated for more than 30 years.

For the first time, a delegation of teams from Gezer will travel to Kansas City to compete in the games. They will compete as part of the local delegation in 15-and-Under boys 5-on-5 basketball, 15-and-Under boys 3-on-3 basketball and 17-and-Under baseball.

“We are so incredibly excited to welcome athletes from our sister city,” said Taly Friedman, Jewish Federation of Kansas City director of community impact and partnerships. “The Jewish Federation has a longstanding relationship with Gezer, and our relationship is personal. Members of the Gezer community have welcomed Kansas Citians to their community over the past 20-plus

years, sharing their Jewish community with us.”

The Gezer mayor and rabbi have both visited Kansas City, as have a delegation of teenagers, but this is believed to be the first time that teens will compete athletically in the city.

“Having the Gezer teams compete [with us] unites us in the deep tradition that connects people across the world,” Friedman said. “This is one way we can say that their teens are our teens. Their Jewish community is also uniquely part of our Jewish community.”

The Maccabi Games will feature Jewish athletes traveling to Kansas City from across the United States as well as Gezer, Bulgaria, Romania, Panama, Mexico and Ukraine.

Jewish Federation established its formal partnership with Gezer in 1996. Alan Edelman, who was associate executive director of Federation at the time, has traveled to Israel nearly 40 times, often with Jewish students. Edelman said while visiting religious and historic sites is significant, it is even more important for the students to build long-lasting relationships with Israelis.

Kansas City, Gezer and baseball

In Gezer is a “Field of Dreams,” a baseball field where many of the Israeli teens coming to the Maccabi Games have been playing and training. This venue and its quality is a direct result of efforts made by Kansas City back in 1997.

While basketball is incredibly popular in Israel, baseball has not caught on in the same way. The notable exception is in Gezer, thanks to the efforts of David Leichman, who made

Remembering Blanche Sosland, community pillar, educator and advocate

By The Chronicle Staff

Blanche E. Sosland (z”l), one of the Kansas City Jewish community’s most prolific supporters, educators and anti-bullying advocates, died on July 5 at age 90.

Originally from New Jersey, Sosland joined her husband, Neil Sosland, in his hometown of Kansas City in 1958. For nearly 70 years, Blanche Sosland was a pillar of the community.

Sosland was involved in the start of two of the community’s most prominent and education-focused institutions — Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA) and the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education (MCHE).

She and her husband were among the founding six families of the Hebrew Academy of Greater Kansas City in 1966, which would later become HBHA. She served for decades on its board and executive committee, and all her children and many of her grandchildren have graduated from HBHA. Upon the school’s 50th anniversary, she and Neil Sosland were recognized with the school’s Civic Service Award.

The daughter of two immigrants who had fled Nazi Germany, Sosland was drawn to the mission of MCHE and was one of its founding board members. She would later become its president. She also supported Jewish Federation of Kansas City, the National Council of Jewish Women – Greater Kansas City, Hadassah Greater Kansas City, the Kansas City Chapter of AMIT Women, and Congregation Beth Shalom and its Sisterhood. She was involved with or received awards from national organizations such as the Jewish Education Services of North America, National Youth Commission of United

Peace of mind is pricele . v

Take a look inside Village Shalom to see our remarkable Long Term Care community. Private suites and the finest in comprehensive skilled nursing services give peace of mind to you and your loved ones.

Learn more at VillageShalom.org or call Lori Carter, Admissions Coordinator, at 913-636-8888 to tour our welcoming senior living community. We look forward to showing you what peace of mind looks like. Welcome to The Village.

Synagogue of America (now the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism), National Conference of Christians and Jews and Jewish Theological Seminary.

Sosland also served as a director of the Sosland Foundation, a nonprofit which distributes millions of dollars each year to organizations working to bolster civic, cultural and Jewish life across the greater Kansas City area.

Her public service also included serving on various education committees for both the state of Missouri and museums such as the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

After earning her Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1983, she spent the following decades sharing her knowledge and teaching, including at Park College (now Park University) for 21 years. She was an expert in teaching educators how to recognize children with reading problems and teach children who are both gifted and learning-disabled. Sosland used this expertise to write her 2022 book, “Identification and Intervention for Twice and Thrice

Exceptional Students.”

Sosland’s experiences in academia led her to witness the effects of bullying. To help people learn how to combat what she described as an “epidemic of bullying,” Sosland joined with fellow anti-bullying advocate SuEllen Fried (z”l) to coauthor “Banishing Bullying Behavior: Transforming the Culture of Pain, Rage, and Revenge” in 2009 and “Banishing Bullying Behavior: Transforming the Culture of Peer Abuse” in 2011. Sosland wrote the third book in the series, “Banishing Bullying Behavior: A Call to Action,” in 2019.

In her retirement, Sosland continued to work on behalf of her community. She led the “Minyan Maker” initiative at Beth Shalom for 15 years. The program, which continues to this day, ensures there will be enough adults to make a minyan at the synagogue’s daily prayers so that mourners can recite Kaddish.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to HBHA at hbha.edu/support-us or by mailing a check to 5801 W. 115th Street, Overland Park, KS 66211.

Seepage14forthefullobituary.

Where Arks Once Stood

U.K. Advisor on Antisemitism Lord John Mann speaks to JCRB|AJC board, community leaders

By Sam Kricsfeld Editor

Lord John Mann, the United Kingdom’s independent advisor on antisemitism, recently spoke to community leaders and board members of the Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee (JCRB|AJC) about his experiences advocating for the Jewish people of Britain.

Mann, a member of the House of Lords, was appointed as the government advisor on antisemitism by former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2019 and has since served four prime ministers: Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak and the outgoing Keir Starmer. He was a long-time member of the Labour Party and served as a member of Parliament from 2001 to 2019.

JCRB|AJC Executive Director Neta Meltzer interviewed Mann at the Jewish Community Campus in front of about two dozen people on July 3, while he was visiting Kansas City to attend a FIFA World Cup soccer match. Mann shared his perspective about advocating for the Jewish people as both a government official and someone who is not Jewish himself.

When asked about how he approaches combatting antisemitism, Mann said that it has to be dealt with first “in your own backyard, in your own family and in your own neighborhood.” He emphasized that efforts must first be directed at your own community, and then systems to eradicate antisemitism can go beyond it.

A Jewish teenager “exist[ing] with no hassle” is Mann’s “barometer” measuring whether government policies against antisemitism are successful. He emphasized the importance of speaking with Jewish student leaders

Independent

and teaching all students about not just Holocaust education, but also “living Jews.”

Meltzer asked Mann about what he thinks the Jewish community should focus on. Mann said there are too many Jewish organizations that are not working together. There needs to be one Jewish voice meeting with government leadership, he said, not many.

Mann also recommended that positive stories and publicity should be emphasized — stories about Jewish pride, gatherings and celebrations — above bad publicity, and not to “embarrass people if they’ve sorted out anti-Jewish racists in their own organization.”

When Meltzer asked why Mann, who is not Jewish, is so dedicated to Jewish advocacy, he replied, “I was well brought up… I don’t give special privilege to Jewish people. I was just asked.”

Despite playing down his dedication, Mann told attendees that not only had Jewish employers hired his parents in a time of economic depression, but that his hometown of Leeds was the site of one of England’s most overt stands against antisemitism,

Chronicle submission deadlines

The following are the deadlines for articles, celebration announcements, Spotlight pictures, advertisements and editorials for upcoming Chronicle print issues. If you have any questions, please contact Sam Kricsfeld at samk@jewishkc.org.

July 30 issue..........................................July 23 noon deadline Aug. 13 issue..........................................Aug. 6 noon deadline

To submit news to The Chronicle, go to kcjc.com/chronicle-submissions!

the “Battle of Holbeck Moor.”

On Sept. 27, 1936, the British Union of Fascists, led by Sir Oswald Mosley, marched through the city center of Leeds to the area of Holbeck Moor. The intent was explicitly to intimidate the Jewish community – Leeds was the city with the third-most Jews in the U.K. at the time. In opposition, 30,000 anti-fascist demonstrators met Mosley’s march. He was struck by two

cobblestones, and 40 of the fascists were injured.

“Normal people don’t accept this stuff,” Mann said, referring to fascism and antisemitism.

At the conclusion of the discussion, Mann told attendees not to underestimate the importance of what they are doing to combat antisemitism, because “the Jewish community doesn’t recognize how good it is.”

Multiple congregations partering for Tisha B’Av film screening

By Kehilath Israel Synagogue

Rabbi Craig Lewis of Congregation Beth Torah

Kehilath Israel Synagogue (KI), in partnership with the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education (MCHE) and The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, have announced Congregation Beth Torah as an additional partner for the Tisha B’Av screening of the documentary “Among Neighbors.”

Beth Torah’s Rabbi Craig Lewis will moderate a discussion panel

following the screening on Thursday, July 23, from 6 to 8:15 p.m.

The moderated panel discussion will feature panelists Rabbi Rachel Rothstein of B’nai Jehudah, Rabbi Moshe Grussgott of KI and Shelly Cline, historian and director of education at MCHE.

After the program, attendees are invited to stay for Mincha, starting at 8:15 p.m., followed by light refreshments.

This event is open to the entire Jewish community and is free of charge. Registration is required for security and available online at kisyn. eventsmart.com/tisha-bav.

Tisha B’Av screening of “Among Neighbors” Thursday, July 23, at 6 p.m.

Kehilath Israel Synagogue, 10501 Conser, Overland Park, KS 66212

Village Shalom celebrates Weissman Place dedication and Dreiseszun Neighborhood renaming

By Village Shalom

Village Shalom celebrated an enduring legacy on June 30 as residents, family members, donors, board members and staff gathered to dedicate Weissman Place, the newly-named skilled nursing memory care neighborhood honoring former Shalom Geriatric Executive Director Melvyn “Mel” Weissman. The organization also recently named the Dreiseszun Neighborhood in honor of longtime supporters Sherman and Irene Dreiseszun. Together, these recognitions celebrate the vision, leadership, and generosity of individuals whose contributions helped shape Village Shalom into the community it is today.

Mel Weissman was honored for his leadership that transformed senior care in Kansas City and established a legacy that continues to influence Village Shalom’s person-centered approach to memory care.

Several of Weissman’s family members participated in the dedication, including his stepdaughter Marty Devins-Horvath and Kevin Horvath; stepson Dr. Sidney and Sally Devins; grandchildren David Chaplick, Dr. Skylar Devins and Deko Devins; and other family members Janis and Jeff Steimer.

Village Shalom President Simon Abrahms reflected on Weissman’s journey during the ceremony. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Weissman came to Kansas City after serving

significant growth and innovation. Under his leadership, Village Shalom expanded its campus, strengthened its commitment to person-centered care and became a recognized leader in senior living. According to Abrahms, the memory care program Weissman established was the first of its kind in the Kansas City region, making the naming of Weissman Place a fitting tribute.

of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City, whose support continues Village Shalom’s commitment to innovative memory care programming.

in the U.S. Army’s counter-intelligence corps. Although his academic background was in business and sociology, his true calling emerged when he joined the Jewish Home for the Aged in 1963 as assistant director before becoming executive director in 1968. (The Jewish Home for the Aged became Shalom Geriatric before becoming Village Shalom.)

Abrahms shared a quote from a 1986 interview in which Weissman described the moment he realized senior care would become his life’s work: “From the first interview, I was touched by the residents. I knew that this was not just going to be a vocation but an avocation. There’s such a feeling of warmth and caring from them.”

Over the next three decades, Weissman guided the organization through

JCRB|AJC hiring director for Better Together initiative

By JCRB|AJC

Jewish Community Relations Bureau

| American Jewish Committee (JCRB|AJC) is seeking a director of Better Together and special programs to lead the growth of Better Together, an innovative community-building initiative that equips participants with the skills to engage across differences through dialogue, curiosity and respect.

The position will focus primarily on expanding Better Together through strategic partnerships, facilitator training, program implementation and community engagement, while also supporting the development of additional organizational initiatives. The

ideal candidate will have experience in program management, nonprofit leadership, education or community engagement, along with strong relationship-building and organizational skills.

JCRB|AJC offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities and a hybrid work environment. This grant-funded position is supported in partnership with the Menorah Heritage Foundation. Those wanting more information or to apply can visit jcrbajc.org or email a resume and cover letter to jcrbajc@jewishkc.org.

Following the dedication remarks, Marty Devin-Horvath shared heartfelt reflections about her stepfather, offering attendees a personal glimpse into the compassion and humility that defined both his personal life and professional career. Surrounded by family members, she then joined Village Shalom leadership for the ceremonial ribbon cutting, officially dedicating Weissman Place.

As Abrahms noted during the dedication, “By naming this neighborhood Weissman Place, we are ensuring that Mel’s spirit remains an active part of our daily mission.”

The celebration also included the unveiling of the new Sensory Room within Weissman Place. Guests toured the thoughtfully designed therapeutic space, experiencing firsthand how its specialized equipment and calming environment will support residents living with dementia by providing a dedicated space that helps reduce anxiety. The Sensory Room was made possible through the J-LEAD giving circle

In addition to the Weissman dedication, Village Shalom recognized the naming of the Dreiseszun neighborhood in honor of Sherman and Irene Dreiseszun, whose generosity and commitment helped lay the foundation for the Village Shalom community.

Original supporters of Village Shalom, the Dreiseszuns believed deeply in providing compassionate care for older adults and invested in a vision that continues to enrich lives today. Sherman Dreiseszun was widely respected throughout Kansas City for his civic leadership and philanthropy, while Irene Dreiseszun’s quiet strength reflected the values that defined their lives together. Following her husband’s passing, Irene Dreiseszun became a cherished resident of Village Shalom, experiencing firsthand the community she and her husband helped build.

By renaming the traditional, longterm care skilled nursing neighborhood for the Dreiseszuns, this recognition serves as a lasting tribute to their enduring legacy of generosity, leadership and compassion. This also ensures their contributions will continue to be remembered by residents, families, staff and visitors for generations to come.

JULIETs to learn about bioidentical hormone replacement therapy

By JULIETs

The Jewish Unforgettable Ladies Interested in Eating Together (JULIETs) will meet for a seminar on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), an individualized approach to managing hormone-related symptoms.

The event will be held on Sunday, July 26, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Location will be provided upon reservation, which can be done by emailing Susie Klinock at Juliets.KC@gmail.com by Thursday, July 23.

Registered pharmacist Karen Butler will speak to the JULIETs about BHRT and how hormone changes can affect energy, sleep, mood, memory

and overall quality of life.

Karen Butler

Attendees will learn about common symptoms of hormone imbalance; the difference between bioidentical and synthetic hormones; the differences between perimenopause, menopause and surgical menopause; and what to expect from hormone testing and consultations.

All Jewish women (and women of other faiths who have a Jewish spouse) are invited to this free event. No synagogue affiliation is required to attend, and attendees should arrive 15 minutes early.

JULIETs seminar on BHRT

Sunday, July 26, from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Location provided upon registration

Jewish gubernatorial candidate, state constitutional amendment on ballot for Kansas primaries

By The Chronicle Staff

On Aug. 4, Kansans and Missourians will have the opportunity to vote in their states’ primary elections. In Kansas, a Jewish community member is running for governor, and a proposed constitutional amendment would modify the state’s Supreme Court justice selection process.

Kansas leadership

Kansans will be selecting their new governor, the successor to Gov. Laura Kelly. Among the gubernatorial candidates is Jewish community member and State Sen. Ethan Corson, a Democrat from Fairway, Kansas, who was endorsed by Kelly. Corson is a Johnson County native and became a bar mitzvah at Congregation Beth Shalom in 1995. Since his election to the State Senate in 2020, Corson has been involved with or

supported several state government initiatives combating antisemitism. Corson also voted for Kansas to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism in 2022 and to declare May Jewish American Heritage Month in 2023. In January of 2024, Corson was one of 17 senators who sponsored SR 1729, a resolution expressing support for Israel and condemnation of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas on Israel.

“I’m running for governor to ensure our public schools are fully funded, including special education, expand Medicaid and stand up to the failures of the federal government,” Corson told The Chronicle. “If elected, I would be the first Jewish governor of Kansas, and I would be honored to earn your vote. Voting is one of the most meaningful ways we can shape the future of our communities and ensure our values are represented... I encourage every Kansan to make a plan to vote and participate in this important election.” Corson will be competing against

Republicans Ty Masterson, Charlotte O’Hara, Nick Reinecker, Stacy Rogers, Philip Sarnecki, Vicki Schmidt and Scott Schwab; Democrats Cindy Holscher and Curt Skoog; and independent Sharilyn Ray. The winner of the election will replace Gov. Kelly in 2027.

Kansas constitutional amendment

Kansans will also be voting on a new state constitutional amendment which would give voters the power to directly pick Kansas Supreme Court justices rather than being chosen through merit-based nominations.

In April, Jewish community member and Kansas Supreme Court Justice Melissa Standridge shared with the Greater Kansas City Section of the National Council of Jewish Women how the current selection process works: Each of the four congressional districts has one lawyer and one non-lawyer. The lawyers are elected by their peers, and non-lawyers are appointed by the governor. There is an additional lawyer who chairs the commission

The J introduces Girls Flag Football League and Boys Premier Soccer programs

By The J

The J is expanding its youth sports programming this fall with the launch of its inaugural Girls Flag Football League and the introduction of J Premier Soccer, a year-round competitive soccer development program.

The Girls Flag Football League is open to girls in 1st-through-6th grade and welcomes athletes of every skill level, including those who have never played football before. Practices begin on Aug. 16, registration closes on Aug. 3 and games will be played on Sundays throughout the fall season. Participants are divided into grade-based divisions to create balanced competition and age-appropriate instruction, while volunteer parent coaches help foster a positive team culture and mentor young athletes.

“We launched the Girls Flag Football League because we’ve seen tremendous growth and interest in the sport, both nationally and within our own community,” said Mitch Martin, a manager of sports and recreation at The J. “More girls are looking for

opportunities to play football at a level designed specifically for them. Whether they’re stepping onto the field for the first time or already have experience, our goal is to create a welcoming environment for these young athletes.”

In addition to flag football, The J is launching J Premier Soccer with inaugural U10 and U12 boys teams competing in the Heartland Premier Soccer League. The year-round program includes two practices each week located at The J, weekend league matches and participation in both a fall and spring tournament. Built around the philosophy of “Confidence before pressure. Development before outcomes. Team before self,” the program is designed to help young athletes grow both on and off the field.

The program focuses on long-term player development through high-level coaching and local competition, allowing families to balance school,

family and other commitments. The program was intentionally launched with two boys teams to establish a strong foundation and deliver a high-quality experience, with plans to expand and offer girls Premier teams as early as next year. Although tryouts have concluded and the U10 roster is full, limited evaluation opportunities may still be available for select U12 boys. More information and registration is available at jsportskc.org.

“At The J, we believe youth sports are about much more than learning how to pass, shoot or win games,” said Aaron Childers, a manager of sports and recreation at The J. “If our players leave J Premier Soccer with stronger character, greater confidence, lasting friendships and a lifelong love of the game, we will consider that a success.”

Those interested in girls flag football can contact Martin at MitchM@thejkc.org or (913) 327-8011, and those interested in boys Premier Soccer should contact Childers at AaronC@thejkc.org or (913) 327-4693.

who is elected by the lawyers statewide. This group reviews all the nominations, and they select three candidates. The governor then selects the judge.

In the proposed amendment, voters would decide on the new judges.

“We can understand that voting ‘No’ for Amendment 4 reaffirms choosing Supreme Court justices on merit, as practiced for the last 68 years,” said Mary M. Greenberg, Ph.D., a community member and advocate. “Choice by merit means that each justice will be voted on in following elections to retain her/his seat. In contrast, voting ‘yes’ for Amendment 4 would mean changes. Court justices would be elected. The ban would end on politicians running for the court. Career politicians could run for court seats.”

“As Americans, we each owe it to ourselves to exercise our Constitutional right to vote,” she said.

More information about your local elections are available on your state’s website: sos.ks.gov/elections (Kansas) or sos.mo.gov/elections (Missouri).

JFS collecting toilet paper for Food Pantry

as part of her

project for her recent bat mitzvah.

By JFS

Throughout July and August, JFS is collecting toilet paper to stock its pantry shelves. Packages of toilet paper can be dropped in the JFS barrels in The J lobby and at JFS Brookside during business hours.

Toilet paper and hygiene items are not covered under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The JFS food pantry supports clients with this everyday necessity and distributes nearly 2,000 rolls per month.

Those interested can visit jfskc. org to learn how they can purchase items for the JFS Food Pantry online or make a donation.

This week in history

70 years ago

Find more community history at kcjc.com/archive.

Using The Chronicle’s archives and community submissions, here are some recipes for you to try out. Email samk@ jewishkc.org with a recipe, and it might be published here!

Calla Lily Dessert

KCJC, 1932

Ingredients

• 3 eggs

• 1 cup sugar

• 5 tbsp. water

• 1 cup flour

• 1 tsp. baking powder

• ¼ tsp. salt

• 1 tsp. flavoring

• Confectioners’ sugar

• 1 cup whipping cream

• Yellow candy

Instructions

1. Beat eggs until very light, then continue beating as you add sugar and then water

2. Sift flour, baking powder and salt together, then add to egg mixture and beat until well-mixed

3. Add flavoring and spread in a layer less than ¼” thick on a greased 18”x12” baking pan lined with paper

4. Bake for 12 minutes at 375 degrees

5. When baked, turn upside down on a cloth sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar, then remove paper and cut edges off cake

6. Cut cake into oblong pieces about 4”x5” and roll each into a cornucopia to represent calla lily

7. Tie with a piece of string or fasten with toothpick to hold lily in shape until cool

8. When cool, remove string and fill center of each lily with sweetened whipped cream

9. Place a piece of yellow candy in the center of the cream to represent stamen of lily

• Bar mitzvah jacket (pg. 9)

• Baseball (pg. 1)

• Flag football (pg. 5)

• Gezer Region (pg. 1)

JCCMACCABIGAMES GEZERREGION BASEBALL BASKETBALL SOCCER FLAGFOOTBALL

• Lord John Mann (pg. 3)

• MGKC mural (pg. 9)

OPENINGCEREMONY LORDJOHNMANN FILMSCREENING WEISSMANPLACE DREISESZUNNEIGHBORHOOD BETTERTOGETHER

• Jackie Stiles (pg. 8)

• Basketball (pg. 8)

• Better Together (pg. 4)

• Dreiseszun Neighborhood (pg. 4)

JACKIESTILES KCTEEN MGKCMURAL SUPPORTGROUP BARMITZVAHJACKET Name:

• Opening Ceremony (pg. 1)

JULIETS KANSASELECTIONS TOILETPAPER

• Film screening (pg. 3)

• JCC Maccabi Games (pgs. 1, 15)

• JULIETs (pg. 4)

• Kansas elections (pg. 5)

• KCteen (pg. 8)

• Soccer (pg. 5)

• Support group (pg. 9)

• Toilet paper (pg. 5)

• Weissman Place (pg. 4)

Bubble Shabbat is an oppor tunity for grandparents and grandkids to share the magic of Shabbat! This free event is open to families with Jewish grandparents or grandchildren.

BUBBLE SHABBAT

FRI | AUG 21

celebrations and community news

Birth

OIivia Ruth Graham

OIivia Ruth Graham, daughter of Becca and Ryan Graham of Olathe, Kansas, was born on June 7.

Olivia is the granddaughter of Leiba and Ken Levine of St. Louis, Missouri, and Shelly and Steve Graham of Overland Park, Kansas.

The J to host former WNBA star Jackie Stiles for basketball camp

By The J

KCteen brings 100 together for Shabbat experience

The J will welcome former WNBA standout and Kansas basketball legend Jackie Stiles to Kansas City for her special “Jackie Stiles Basketball Camp” on Sunday, Aug. 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Fitness Center at The J. Open to girls entering 2nd-through-6th grade during the 2026–27 school year, the camp will give participants the unique opportunity to learn from one of the most accomplished players in women’s basketball.

Stiles is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished players in women’s basketball history. A native of Claflin, Kansas, Stiles became a national basketball standout before playing at Missouri State University. There, she became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and led the Lady Bears to the 2001 Final Four. Stiles went on to play professionally in the WNBA with the Portland Fire and was named WNBA Rookie of the Year. Since then, Stiles has dedicated herself to mentoring the next generation of athletes through camps, clinics and speaking engagements across the country.

“Basketball gave me so much more than a game,” Stiles said. “It taught me

confidence, hard work, discipline, resilience and how to overcome adversity. If I can help just one girl believe in herself and her dreams a little more, then every minute I spend at camp is well worth it.”

Throughout the camp, participants will learn shooting, ball handling, footwork, finishing and game skills in a high energy environment. Along with developing their basketball fundamentals, campers will gain knowledge, learn the value of teamwork and build the mindset needed to pursue their goals both on and off the court.

Registration and payment is available online at jsportskc.org. Campers should wear athletic shoes, bring a water bottle and bring their own basketball if they have one. A limited number of basketballs will be available.

“Partnering with Jackie Stiles was a natural fit for The J,” said Emmiley Hendrixson, manager of sports and recreation at The J. “Not only is Jackie one of the most accomplished players in the history of women’s basketball, but she is also passionate about teaching, encouraging and inspiring young athletes.”

More information is available at jsportskc.org or by contacting Hendrixson at emmileyh@thejkc.org or (913) 327-8002.

By KCteen

KCteen welcomed 100 participants to its Shabbat 100 earlier this summer.

The event was co-hosted by KCteen Co-Presidents Ethan Hobbs and David Wasserman, both members of the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy Class of 2026, who played leading roles in outreach, planning and event setup.

Shabbat 100 was designed to strengthen Jewish identity and create meaningful connections through

the beauty of Shabbat while bringing together teens from across the Kansas City community.

Guests arrived dressed in elegant attire for a cocktail hour featuring a strolling magician, sushi and hors d’oeuvres, a photo booth and an interactive “100 Faces” art project, where attendees created self-portraits that became a visual representation of everyone who participated.

As sunset approached, participants gathered to welcome Shabbat with traditional blessings before a threecourse homemade dinner under the stars in an outdoor tent.

“As our last KCteen event that Ethan and I planned together, we wanted to do something special and memorable, something that had never been done before in the history of Jewish youth groups in Kansas,” Wasserman said. “Shabbat 100 definitely accomplished that goal.”

Hobbs reflected on the evening, saying, “The atmosphere was electric. Seeing teenagers from all Jewish backgrounds come together for a one-of-akind Shabbat experience was incredible. The food was amazing, the singing was energetic, and we feel honored to have been part of making it happen.”

40-foot mural painted on Mitzvah Garden pavilion

By Alexis Greenberg Special to The Chronicle

KU graduate Clara Rozmaryn recently completed a five-day mural project at the Mitzvah Garden KC (MGKC). Spanning over 40-feet, the mural aims to beautify the garden space ahead of peak volunteer season.

Rozmaryn found inspiration for the mural through spending time in the Mitzvah Garden and learning about its impact. The hill in the foreground of the mural was inspired by MGKC being up on a hill behind The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.

Rozmaryn created the mural over the span of a week as Mitzvah Garden staff members, including founder and chairman Ken Sonnenschein and Farm Manager Nick Smith, as well as a rotating cast of volunteers worked nearby on mulching, weeding, planting and more.

“I was able to come and volunteer for two hours one Sunday morning, and I took a bunch of pictures of all

By Ellie Holsten

The size of this jacket and its Hebrew text, “May God bless you and keep you,” implies that it was worn by a child, likely for his bar mitzvah. When this piece was made in Persia in around 1890, block-printed fabric with Hebrew blessings was commercially available. So someone, most likely a woman in the boy’s family, picked out this fabric and sewed it into a garment for protection on a very important moment of the child’s life.

The earliest records of block-printed fabrics in Persia come from 17thcentury travelogues, but, based on other evidence of block-printing from around the world, it’s likely that the tradition’s history in Persia predates

the flowers that I saw. I talked to Nick [Smith] and Ken [Sonnenschein] and some of the people that run the garden, and they told me about all the bees, pollinators and all sorts of things about the plants and trees and fruits and vegetables, and really the whole story of everything.”

Mitzvah Garden volunteers and staff members shared their thoughts about the project.

“I think this mural is exactly in line with the theme of the Mitzvah Garden KC. Part of it is beautifying the space we’re in, and taking tikkun olam and tikun haadamah literally,” Smith said. “The majority of people up here at the garden are here for peace and relaxation. This new mural beautifying the area just goes well along with it and makes the garden as pretty as possible.”

“It’s a beautiful addition to highlight the countless hours and dedication that our many volunteers and individuals bring to the garden every year, every month, every day,” Mitzvah Garden

Bar mitzvah jacket

those journals. It is unsurprising to see fabric block-printed with a Hebrew blessing: Persia’s textile industry was predominantly run by Jewish artisans.

More information about the Michael Klein Collection at the Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah can be found at kleincollection.org or by calling (913) 663-4050 to schedule a tour.

volunteer Mackenzie Morse said. Rozmaryn recently graduated from the University of Kansas’ School of Design and Architecture with a degree in industrial design and will go on to work as an assistant furniture designer at Anthropologie Home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While her educational background focuses on product design, Rozmaryn has completed several mural, sewing and graphic design projects.

“I’ve always loved doing all kinds of art, and painting at a big scale is a really fun way to paint, because it makes a big impact,” Rozmaryn said. “You don’t have to focus as much on the small details, and you can have more fun with the bigger picture of it all.”

MGKC is the third organization Rozmaryn has provided artwork for, but the first in Kansas. In the past, she has completed murals in preschools and churches in Indiana.

“All the murals I’ve ever done have been in community spaces,” she said, “and something that I really like about

it is that the feedback that I hear from everyone is more meaningful to me than the work itself. It brings people together and gives people something fun to talk about. It also adds a new, fun, colorful, creative element to a space that they might not have had otherwise.”

The mural is available for anyone to see on the Mitzvah Garden grounds, and more of Rozmaryn’s work can be viewed at clararozmaryn.com.

The entire community is invited to volunteer at MGKC throughout the season, March to November, on Sunday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. MGKC welcomes volunteers of all ages, faiths, cultures and backgrounds, including individuals, families, Girl Scouts, high school clubs and more.

Those interested in more information about MGKC or joining its email list can email Ken Sonnenschein at kensonnenscheinmd@gmail.com.

Jewish Family Services to host grief support group

By Jewish Family Services

Navigating Grief: A Support Group is for individuals impacted by loss and grief, with a focus on the Jewish experience of grief. JFS Clinical Director Keslie Redel and Rabbi Mark Levin will provide support and create a communal space for participants to process their loss and grief’s impact on mental health

“Being human involves a level of loss and grief that we all have in common. When that loss and grief is prolonged or affects our ability to function, it’s so important that we seek connection and support,” Redel said. “Connecting with others who have shared experiences; connecting with art, music, nature and other

things we love; and connecting within a space that feels safe are some accessible ways for us to sit with and work through what is challenging us.”

Navigating Grief: A Support Group will meet on a bi-weekly basis from August to December 2026. Participants can expect group discussion and hands-on activities using art materials. Spots are limited — those interested in participating can contact JFS Clinical Director Keslie Redel by email at kredel@jfskc.org or by phone at (913) 391-4584 by July 31.

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle staff, the Jewish Federation of Kansas City, or the Kansas City Jewish Community as a whole.

A seat at tables that don’t exist

By Alexis Greenberg

Jewish preschool: the perpetual Passover commentary

There’s this saying, “there is a seat waiting for you at tables you haven’t even seen.” People say this when you’re going through a tough time, having trouble finding your place, feeling alone, or lacking connections or deep friendships.

I think it’s a beautiful image to picture. It’s so transferable! The table could be for a leadership meeting, a Shabbat dinner, a Sunday morning brunch, a board game night — the possibilities are endless. Whatever community you’re imagining, it’s out there, and you just haven’t seen it yet.

But I also think it’s unrealistic. With social media these days, any table that exists, you can search for. You can Google “board game cafe near me” and walk in and join a table. It might not be the right table, but you can join one. You have seen hundreds of tables, in your city and around the world.

The online era is tricky. It leads you to believing you haven’t been invited to the tables that are out there, that you’re not desired, that you’ve done something wrong. If every scroll leads you to another table you can picture yourself at, it becomes impossible not to think this way.

In college, I had a very miserable first semester. I was 17 years old, holed up in my college dorm room, trying several clubs and not finding my place. Then, in my second semester, I worked together with two other students to create the KU Taylor Swift Society.

It might sound silly, but it brought so many people together. Our first meetings were miraculously successful, and the club still exists and hosts events today. It was a beautiful lesson in creating the table I desired, and in turn, making other people’s community-finding experience easier.

I’ve shifted my mindset about community building through that experience and a few others. Instead of thinking “there is a seat waiting for me at tables I haven’t even seen” and waiting for those tables to seek me out or reveal themselves, I’ve been taking a front-seat role in community building. Sometimes, when you can’t find the right table to join, you have to create it. You have to do the hard work (it’s not easy, believe me) of laying out the tablecloth, setting spaces for everyone and preparing the food. I don’t mean this literally; you don’t have to cook. You can host a walk at a park, a board game night at an already-established community space or a movie night.

“There are tables for me to set” or “there are people willing to bring their chairs to my table” or “If I provide the table, the seats will be filled” are more accurate analogies for me in this stage of my life. I have been so pleasantly surprised by the amount of Jewish young adults in Kansas City that join my table when I invite them.

So far this year, I have hosted seven events for young adults, totaling around 54 guests (though some people came to more than one). I’ve been approached by a few people who told me they made new friends at those events and hang out with them and keep in contact outside of what I’m hosting, and that makes my heart burst. Not only am I having fun setting the table and connecting with new people, but others are making connections as well.

I hope this story encourages you to set your metaphorical table sometime this year. Start the book club, invite others over to bake together, learn a new hobby that will connect you to others or even set an actual dining table to share a meal.

Collaborate with a friend, host in a public space, order catering, do whatever you need to do to get past the “I can’t cook” and the “My place is too small” and the “I don’t know enough people” roadblocks. If I can do it, so can you. Happy table-setting!

Alexis Greenberg is a recent KU graduate with a master’s degree in project management. She is currently Jewish Federation of Kansas City’s digitalmarketingspecialist.

By Bridey Stangler PJ Library

In March, Rafy, our three-year-old son, started talking about Mitzrayim (Egypt). I was awfully proud. A poster child for Jewish preschool, I thought. Like many parents, we keep track of the holidays by the art projects or new vocabulary words our kids bring home. Clearly, Passover was coming.

The season rolled in on a wave of paper frogs and references to Moses, Miriam and Pharoah (though at Rafy’s school, they use the Hebrew pronunciation, “Paroh,” which in my estimation is much better). The questions and allusions were constant and adorable:

“Is that where Paroh lives?” (Castle in Robin Hood book.)

“Is that Miriam?” (Disney heroine, Moana.)

An Exodus of dinosaurs, Playmobil and army guys the Red Sea made of sidewalk chalk, leaving behind the ruins of Magnetile pyramids.

And one of my favorites: “Ah –darkness. Just like in Mitzrayim.” (Lights out at bedtime.)

What a gift to the family is Jewish preschool, I thought. Not only do we get top-notch early childhood education, we get a whole season’s worth of topical discussions!

But the season, it seems, just keeps on rolling.

We thought it peaked with the third day of Passover, when Rafy burst out the front door and called to the whole neighborhood, “I am Paroh! Welcome to Mitzrayim! Jews, please come in!”

We thought it was petering out when a month later, Rafy came running across the library, Egyptian picture book in hand, demanding, “But where are the Jews?!”

“Surely this is the last gasp,” we thought in June, when Rafy pointed at every shirtless angler spotted during the annual family fishing trip in southern Missouri: “Look! Jews!” (Because according to the

movies, slaves are shirtless.)

Rafy’s enthusiasm has thrown our family into a state of perpetual Passover.

This is unlike the annual Passover celebration, which is defined by the crumble of our matzah and the grumble of our bellies for bread; the fine dishes and choreographed meal; and the long story, all to remind us that once we were slaves and — by God — now we are free. Free to pray and sing, to eat our meals sitting straight or lounging, to dip our vegetables just as many times as we please.

But for the Stanglers, the discussion of Exodus is ongoing. Our family life is punctuated by thoughtful, hilarious, often ill-timed Passover references, and, in the moment, they are a source of bewilderment. What did that preschool do that our three-year-old is so into Passover so many months later?

If I’m unusually reflective, though, I manage something else: gratitude. Every single day, Rafy’s fascination forces me to consider questions trivial and profound. Last week, a hot pool deck sparked a debate on how well Israelite sandals would hold up in the desert. Yesterday, he asked why we’re still here while the pharaohs are gone.

It’s not a meditation on freedom every time Rafy asks if a shirtless jogger is running from Paroh, but never in my life have I so frequently thought about the Exodus.

And if that’s not freedom, then what is? Children can ask questions and loudly proclaim their Judaism, and parents are free to hush them only a little bit and only sometimes. We’re free to find answers.

We sing the Shema at night without fear and send our children to Jewish preschool.

What a miracle it is to be free.

Deuteronomy 16:3 says “zachor et yom ha’yetzi’ah.” We should “remember the day of [our] departure from the Land of Egypt as long as [we] live.”

Thanks to Jewish preschool, Rafy will make sure that we do.

Don’t do that

“You’ll have the lab results in a few days,” the dermatologist tells me after scraping off a funky looking mole from my neck. “But in the meantime, don’t go on the internet and look this up,” she warns.

What do I do when I get home? Quicker than you can say, “Do I have skin cancer?” I’ve fired up my computer and am Googling away.

Why am I doing this? I’ve evidently fallen prey to a human compulsion that goes all the way back to our very beginning. As we Jews are aware, Genesis 3:6 recounts how G-d told Eve she could eat the fruit of any tree in the garden except one. Which one does she go for? Crunch. The rest, as they say, is history.

This alimentary forewarning reminds me of the time I was a child helping my mother make brownies. The saucepan with melting chocolate and butter smelled delicious, but my mom explained, “It’s still very bitter. Don’t taste this, Nancy.” What do I do the minute she turns her back? I dip my finger into the mixture, place it on my tongue and gag at the ghastly taste. She had been absolutely correct.

Those same fingers find themselves reaching out to any surface bearing the sign “Wet Paint.” Evidently, I have plenty of company. This temptation is so universal that psychologists even have a name for it: “Wet Paint Syndrome,” the irresistible urge to touch, do or experience something you were told not to.

As any parent knows, children come equipped with this desire in droves. Author and illustrator Bill Cotter has turned the impulse into a best-selling children’s picture book. “Don’t Push the Button” features a tantalizing red button on the center of each page, accompanied by an admonition against pushing it.

The need to do what is told not to do gets intensified in teens. Were my parents oblivious to this phenomenon when they prohibited me from dating non-Jewish boys? Of course, I fell madly in love with the Catholic boy I worked with at a bookstore during high school. How I enjoyed sneaking away to meet him after work under the guise of meeting a girlfriend.

Having learned the futility of

such prohibitions, years later I extended no such dating restrictions upon my own daughter. I did, however, forbid her to dye her hair. What was the first thing she did when she went away to college? You guessed it. She ditched her original locks to become a redhead. She has continued coloring her hair to this day. I must admit it looks pretty good. But I still stand by my earlier edict. Likewise, I have come to appreciate my dermatologist’s caution against online research. After subjecting myself to sickening images of melanoma and basal cell carcinoma, I was relieved to receive my results. The mole was benign. Maybe next time, I’ll listen to my doctor. Or maybe not.

Nancy Kalikow Maxwell is a KansasCitynativeandaward-winning author. Her book, “Typically Jewish,” is available through the Jewish Publication Society or Amazon. Her website is kaliwellinc.com and email isnancykalikowmaxwell@gmail.com.

Victor Allen Applebaum

Victor (Vic) Allen Applebaum, age 75, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on June 29, at Village Shalom.

Vic was born on March 15, 1951, at Menorah Hospital and grew up in Kansas City, graduating from Southwest High School in 1969 and the University of Missouri–Kansas City with a B.A. in sociology in 1973.

Vic was a salesman at heart and never failed to strike up a conversation everywhere he went. His career started at the Jones Store in downtown Kansas City, where he was the furniture buyer for all area Jones Store companies. He traveled to the major furniture manufacturers in North Carolina twice a year to make selections that he knew would sell.

Vic met Adrianne on a blind date in the fall of 1974. “It was love at first sight.”

They were married just nine months later, on Sept. 21, 1975, and celebrated 50 years together in September.

After leaving the Jones Store, Vic went on to work for Colonial Clocks,

Women’s Philanthropy hosting Maccabi Games volunteer shift

By Jewish Federation of Kansas City

Jewish Federation of Kansas City’s Women’s Philanthropy invites women from across the community to volunteer together during the JCC Maccabi Games this August.

On Wednesday, Aug. 5, Women’s Philanthropy will lead a group of 20 volunteers assisting with JCares service projects. Giving back is one of the values of the Games, and throughout the week, every athlete will participate in a service project that will directly benefit Kansas City Jewish communal organizations.

Women’s Philanthropy volunteers will help the athletes with their JCares projects. This volunteer opportunity is open to all women in the community ages 18 and older.

“We’re excited to create an opportunity for women to come together in service while welcoming hundreds of Jewish teen athletes to Kansas City,” said Barbara Bloch, Jewish Federation’s major gifts officer. “It’s a meaningful way to support the Maccabi Games while strengthening our own

community connections.”

Bloch said volunteering as a group reflects the spirit of Women’s Philanthropy.

“We as women, and as Jewish women specifically, can come together and take care of our own by giving back something of ourselves,” she said.

She added that getting to interact with the Maccabi athletes is a special part of the volunteer opportunity.

Women’s Philanthropy is one of several Jewish Federation groups volunteering during the JCC Maccabi Games. Federation’s Young Adults Division (YAD) will volunteer at the Opening Ceremonies on Monday, Aug. 3, while Ben Gurion Society members will assist with the Closing Celebration on Thursday, Aug. 6.

Together, these groups will join more than 1,000 volunteers – from host families to scorekeepers to greeters –helping to make the Games a success.

Registration for the Women’s Philanthropy volunteer shift, as well as the other Federation volunteer opportunities, is available at JewishKansasCity.org/Events.

Women’s Philanthropy Maccabi Games Volunteering Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 1 to 5 p.m.

The J, 5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, KS 66211

obituaries

selling grandfather and assorted clocks on the road. This career path led to the opening of his own store, Accents Plus, at 75th and Wornall. The store expanded to 79th and Metcalf, where he sold furniture, clocks, music boxes and ceiling fans. He was one of the first retail store owners to introduce ceiling fans into the Kansas City marketplace. Retail business was hard, and Vic decided to close the stores and move everything to a storefront on Southwest Boulevard. A major flood from Turkey Creek wiped out the store and led to a new career path.

He started selling residential real estate in 1985, designing and developing neighborhoods on both sides of the state line until he retired in 2022. Vic earned numerous sales awards with RE/MAX, Prudential and Realty Executives.

He went on to earn multiple awards from the Greater Kansas City Home Builders Association for Best Design, Best Tour Home and Pick of the Parade many years in a row.

Vic named his building company American Dream Homes, Inc. He always felt that owning a home you could be proud of was the American Dream.

Family always came first. Vic loved all the Jewish holiday family

celebrations, the traditional foods, family vacations, cruises and the beach. He was especially proud of his children, Jeremy, Amy and Michael, and did his best to offer advice and help whenever he was called upon.

Vic was a member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah and a founding member of Congregation Beth Torah.

Vic was predeceased by his parents, Alex and Ida Applebaum.

He is survived by his loving wife, Adrianne; sons Jeremy (Liron) Applebaum and Michael (Setareh) Applebaum; and daughter Amy Applebaum (Michael Novorr). Also surviving are his brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Sheri Applebaum; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Roger and Jo Ellen Lewis (of St. Louis, Missouri); his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Steven and Rochelle Kohn; plus nieces, nephews and cousins.

“Papa” will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, whom he deeply loved and adored: Elliana and Ari (children of Jeremy); Isabelle and Sasha (children of Michael); and Alexander, Noah and Henry (children of Amy).

Vic will be forever known for his

continued from page 1

community news Community invited to support athletes at Maccabi Games Opening Ceremony

to attend only the ceremony can register as spectators. Additional event and location details will be provided upon registration.

The Opening Ceremony will feature a variety of unique moments that celebrate the spirit and tradition of the JCC Maccabi Games. Sports broadcaster Jake Eisenberg will serve as emcee, helping guide attendees through the evening.

The evening will begin with the Parade of Athletes. This Olympic-style presentation will focus the spotlight on athletes from more than 30 delegations from around the world.

Representing the international spirit of the Games, three national anthems will be performed during the ceremony with an honor guard from Boy Scout Troop 61 presenting the colors. “The Star-Spangled Banner,” will be performed by Alisa Meireis, a member of Congregation Beth Shalom. Canada’s national anthem, “O Canada,” will be performed

obituaries

continued from previous page

bigger-than-life personality, strong love of family, determination and grit. His memory will live on through the stories and one-liners that we will continue to share and smile over.

The family is grateful for the support of Dr. Donald Cohen and his staff for over 30 years; the nurses, CMAs and CNAs at Village Shalom; and the staff of Evergreen Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the JFS Food Pantry, Kosher Meals on Wheels, or Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy.

Funeral services were held on July 2 at the Louis Memorial Chapel, followed by burial at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.

Mark Rafsky

Mark Rafsky, 74, of Southfield, Michigan, died on July 7. Graveside services were held at Mt. Carmel Cemetery on July 13.

Mark was born on Oct. 1, 1951, to the late Alfred Rafsky and Alla

continued on next page

by Gabrielle Dubin, a member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. Israel’s national anthem, “Hatikvah,” will be performed by Logan McNay, a member of Congregation Beth Shalom.

Ruby Sokol has been selected to lead the torch relay on behalf of the Kansas City delegation, carrying the Torch of Light as a symbol of Jewish pride, leadership and unity. A senior at Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, Sokol serves as Student Council president, has danced at Encore at The J for 15 years and is the 2026–27 regional president of B’nai B’rith Girls.

The torch relay ceremony will symbolize the passing of the JCC Maccabi legacy from one generation to the next. Kansas City Maccabi alumni who previously represented the community at the Games will carry the ceremonial torch alongside their children and family members who are participating in the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games.

The Berger, Buchbinder, Schlozman and Schroering families will take part in the torch relay ceremony.

“Planning the lighting of the torch for the Kansas City Maccabi Games was important to the committee,” said

Tammy Ruder, JCC Maccabi Opening Ceremony producer. “The torch represents the enduring legacy of the Jewish people and the passing of traditions from one generation to the next. The committee felt the best way to represent this concept was to recognize past Kansas City Maccabi athletes whose children are now competing. This powerful moment kicks off the JCC Maccabi Games.”

Closing out the celebration, a special guest will share reflections on their connection to Israel, their Jewish heritage and the importance of community, as well as offer encouragement to athletes as they compete in the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games.

With registration now open, community members are invited to be part of a memorable evening that will showcase Kansas City’s role as host to one of the largest Jewish youth sporting events in the world. Questions can be directed to Tammy Ruder, JCC Maccabi Opening Ceremony producer, at TammyR@theJkc.org or (913) 9818878.

Kansas City has its largest ever Maccabi Games delegation

continued from page 1

dance delegation. “We’re going to put dance on the map,” she said.

Lakritz said one of the most rewarding parts of preparing for the Games has been seeing the community rally around the athletes.

“My favorite part has been getting acquainted with so many people who were once just familiar faces around The J and are now colleagues and partners in a shared mission,” Lakritz said. “It’s been rewarding to build new relationships while working together toward something that will have such a meaningful impact on our community and our teens.”

personal connections to Maccabi as former athletes, coaches or parents. They volunteer because they want to create those same opportunities and memories for the next generation.”

march alongside 32 delegations from across North America and around the world in front of family, friends and the community. All attendees interested in joining the Opening Ceremony festivities must register through RegPack by July 27. Community members who are not already registered as volunteers or host families and wish to attend only the ceremony may register as Spectators. Registration is available at jccmaccabikc.org.

Additional event and location details will be provided upon registration

Recruiting athletes and volunteer coaches has been a community-wide effort. That effort has resulted in Kansas City’s largest delegation to date, made possible by strong support from the community. Lakritz said the unique experience of the JCC Maccabi Games continues to draw athletes and families year after year.

“One of the great things about Maccabi is that it truly has something to offer every teen,” Lakritz said. “Many of our coaches also have

For returning athlete Evan Schlozman, who will compete in the Boys 15U Basketball division, the experience extends far beyond the court.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new friends, hosting athletes, competing against other Jewish athletes and, hopefully, winning a gold medal,” Schlozman said.

Many athletes like Schlozman look forward to making new friends and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Those memories begin at the Opening Ceremony on Monday, Aug. 3, where Team Kansas City will proudly

“Outside of the Games themselves, this is the moment when the Kansas City delegation is cheered and celebrated by their families and the local community,” said Tammy Ruder, Opening Ceremony producer. “Seeing our hometown athletes march in representing the Jewish community of Kansas City creates memories that last a lifetime.”

Community members are encouraged to attend and support the athletes as they begin an unforgettable week of competition, friendship and Jewish pride. Questions can be directed to Tammy Ruder, JCC Maccabi Opening Ceremony producer, at TammyR@theJkc.org or (913) 981-8878.

continued from previous page

Ruben in Kansas City, Missouri. After graduating from the University of Kansas, he began his professional journey in sales, which took him to Michigan, where he raised his family. Later in his career, he started a payroll services company where he used his sales background to build and expand his business.

In his younger years, Mark enjoyed playing sports, especially golf. He always enjoyed spending time on the golf course with friends and appreciated the challenge the game offered. He also found great satisfaction in home improvement projects, always willing to take on a new task and create something with his own hands.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Errol Rafsky and Louis Rafsky. He is survived by his daughter, Alaesha James, and son, Joshua Rafsky; his brother Steve (Greta) Rafsky; and his granddaughter, Tahlia James.

Condolences may be shared at louismemorialchapel.com.

Barbara Marilyn Schwartz

obituaries

ily and friends and vacationing at Myrtle Beach. Despite years of living with cancer and other serious health challenges, she treasured time with her five grandsons — attending their ballgames, celebrating holidays and birthdays and cheering them on in all their pursuits. Barbara also deeply valued her lifelong friendships and played mahjongg multiple times a week. A devoted dog lover, she doted on many family dogs throughout her life.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Alan. She is survived by her daughters, Amy Schwartz and Tracy Tankard (Frank); her grandsons, Weston, Crosby, Jacob, Jonah and PJ Tankard; her brother, Morty Rock (Taena); and several nieces and nephews.

Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel. com.

Blanche E. Sosland

and was quoted in a New York Times article for her comments opposing an overly restrictive immigration policy.

In 1958, Blanche graduated from Barnard College and Columbia University with a degree in German language and literature, and only weeks later she and Neil N. Sosland married in a ceremony at Park Avenue Synagogue in New York. After honeymooning in Jamaica, Neil and Blanche moved back to his hometown of Kansas City, their home base for the next 68 years.

thor SuEllen Fried) and “Banishing Bullying Behavior: A Call to Action.” Her third book, “Identification and Intervention for Twice and Thrice Exceptional Students,” reflected her longstanding passion for helping educators and families better understand children with exceptional abilities and learning challenges. Through her writing, teaching and speaking, she shared her expertise with educators, parents and students throughout the United States and beyond.

Blanche participated in several Missouri State Department of Education evaluation teams and served on the education committee of the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. She was a member of the Truman Library Education Committee during the creation of the White House Decision Center.

Barbara Marilyn Schwartz, 75, of Lenexa, Kansas, passed away on July 5. Funeral services were held on July 9, at Louis Memorial Chapel, with burial following at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family suggests contributions to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in lieu of flowers.

Barbara was born on Dec. 21, 1950, to William and Hannah Rock. She graduated from Center High School in 1968 and married the love of her life, Alan Schwartz, in 1972. They were married just shy of 50 years when Alan passed away in December 2021. Barbara spent decades working as a paraeducator at Blue Valley North High School, where she was beloved by students and staff and made a lasting impact on many lives.

Barbara cherished Alan deeply and was a devoted mother to their two daughters, Amy and Tracy. She enjoyed time spent dining with fam-

Blanche E. Sosland died on July 5 at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas, following an extended illness. She was 90 years old.

Born on March 10, 1936, Blanche was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, teacher and friend, blessing many in her wide orbit with love, kindness and treasured guidance.

The daughter of Moses and Kate Eisemann, who had settled in the United States two years earlier after fleeing from Nazi Germany, Blanche grew up in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where her father had secured a job as a chemist for the American Smelting and Refining Co.

At a time when bar mitzvah ceremonies were held only for men, Blanche was the third woman in the United States to mark her coming of age with a bat mitzvah, held at Congregation Beth Mordecai in Perth Amboy. She was active in synagogue activities throughout her formative years and was elected a national vice president of United Synagogue Youth in high school. As a member of her high school debate team, Blanche participated in a televised 1953 event

Committed to providing their five children a rich Jewish education, Blanche and Neil were part of a small group of young Jewish parents in Kansas City who in 1966 decided to launch a Jewish day school, originally named the Hebrew Academy of Greater Kansas City (now, Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA)). Eventually, all five of their children graduated from HBHA, as well as eight of their grandchildren. Another two grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren currently attend the school. Blanche was closely involved in school affairs during the Academy’s early years.

While raising five children, Blanche pursued several interests. She was a Great Books facilitator and an enthusiastic amateur painter. She was active in numerous organizations, including at Congregation Beth Shalom in Kansas City, serving as president of its Sisterhood for two years. She was a founding board member and past president of the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education. Blanche served on the board of the Jewish Federation of Kansas City for several years, including a term as vice president.

In the early 1970s, when her youngest child entered school, Blanche enrolled in graduate school to study reading education and graduated with a Ph.D. in education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1983. While in graduate school, she joined the faculty of Park College (now Park University) in 1979 and served as a faculty member there for 21 years, starting as an adjunct professor, rising to full professor and eventually to chair of its education department. At Park, she prepared generations of aspiring teachers to effectively instruct children how to read.

Her areas of expertise included diagnosis and remediation of reading problems in the classroom and creating instructional strategies for twice exceptional children, students who are both gifted and learning disabled.

Blanche was the author of three books, two focused on the need to address bullying: “Banishing Bullying Behavior” (two editions with coau-

Even as she loved her adopted home of Kansas City, Blanche missed the time she spent at the beach growing up, and after retirement, she and Neil enjoyed many winters on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands and summers in Cotuit on Cape Cod, where she was an avid fan of the Cotuit Kettleers (while remaining a faithful follower of the Chiefs and the Royals). Blanche and Neil also took adventurous trips later in life to destinations that included Antarctica, Russia, Turkey, Greece and China. At home, she was a formidable Scrabble foe in hours-long games against her children and grandchildren. In later years, she enjoyed playing Words with Friends with a small army of opponents.

For 15 years following her retirement, Blanche spearheaded a program at Congregation Beth Shalom aimed at reviving the synagogue’s daily services, helping ensure the requisite 10 adults were present to allow mourners to recite the Kaddish prayer. Thanks to her relentless efforts and the dedicated work of others on the Minyan Maker program, the daily minyan at Beth Shalom continues to thrive.

Survivors include her husband, Neil; children Debbie (Alan), Josh (Jane), Abby (Mark), Jeffrey (Mindy) and David (Rachel); grandchildren Alex, Katja (Ari), Jonathan, Sam, Max (Joanna), Zachary, Leah, Henry, Kate, Sophie, Lily, Ethan, Gabrielle, Jacob and Juliet; great-grandchildren Noa, Kobi, Rahm and Nili; sister Ruth Fost; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on July 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Louis Memorial Chapel (6830 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO) with burial to follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (5801 W. 115th Street, Overland Park, KS 66211).

Baseball players from Israel’s Gezer Region to compete in Maccabi Games in Kansas City

aliyah from New York City to Gezer and brought his love of baseball to the Jewish state.

(He also passed it on to his son, Alon, who grew up to play college baseball in California. Earlier this year, Alon Leichman made history when he became the first Israeli to work as a head pitching coach for a Major League Baseball (MLB) team, the Colorado Rockies, who will host the Kansas City Royals from July 31 to Aug. 2.)

In 1979, Leichman initiated the construction of a baseball field in Gezer, which was used by local kibbutzim as well as visiting Americans. By the time Israel was prepared to host the Maccabiah Games in 1997, however, the field was in disrepair.

Leichman reached out to Edelman and then-Federation Executive Director Bob Gast, who connected him with George Toma, the legendary Royals and Chiefs groundskeeper known as “The Sodfather,” “The Nitty Gritty Dirt Man” and “The Michaelangelo of Grass.”

community news Support

Toma traveled to Israel to work on the field, restoring it for the Maccabiah Games. Even after that, the field was of such high quality that the kibbutzim could use it.

“George Toma brought a shovel and a rake with him,” Gast said. “He started working on the field by himself, and the kibbutzim asked, ‘George, what can we do to help?’”

Toma, who is now 97 years old and retired, was in his mid-60s when he

traveled to Israel for this project. He and Leichman traveled across Israel to find just the right combination of dirt for the field. He utilized his knowledge of turf management, seed germination and soil dynamics to build a professional-grade field.

“Whenever George saw dirt he wanted, he told Leichman to stop,” Gast said. “He’d say, ‘Stop, I want this dirt.’ George built the field of dreams for Kibbutz Gezer. Maintaining a ma-

jor league-caliber turf field under the blazing Middle Eastern sun required world-class expertise.”

Because of the Kansas City-Gezer connection, many in the kibbutzim are Royals fans. In fact, the first MLB game that a young Alon Leichman attended was a Royals-Tigers matchup.

“Today, the ‘Field of Dreams’ stands as a testament to what happens when community planning meets worldclass passion,” Gast said.