3
6
New leader of Bushman Foundation
Jewish Heritage Night returns Sept. 8
14
New Etz Chayim mural at LJCC
kcjc.com | Volume 106, Issue 18 | August 27, 2026 | 14 Elul 5786
A new chapter for The Chronicle The Chronicle is changing, and stories and information you count We’re not going away. We’re we’re excited to share what’s on from The Chronicle. You’ll still growing. next. find the people and stories you love, We know this is a big change, Beginning this fall, The Kansas along with many of the features that and we also know change can be City Jewish Chronicle will evolve have become regular parts of The hard. For generations, The Chronfrom a traditional newspaper Chronicle. We’ll simply have a new icle has been part of your homes, into a monthly magazine de- format and new opportunities to your routines and your connection signed to better reflect the vibrant, make our community’s stories even to the Jewish community. We know growing and changing Jewish com- more engaging. some readers will miss receiving munity we serve. their newspaper, and we This moment gives us an This decision was not made understand that this pause lightly. For many months, exciting opportunity to build in publication is an unanwe’ve been carefully considticipated adjustment that something even better. ering what the future of The we’re asking you to make. Chronicle should look like — lisTo make the transition from newsBut we believe this moment tening, researching, planning and paper to magazine, The Chronicle gives us an exciting opportuthinking about how we can best will take a brief pause following the nity to build something even serve our readers and our communi- Sept. 10 issue. Our next print pub- better. ty for years to come. lication is planned for November. Thank you for being part of The We believe a magazine format We’ll be working behind the scenes Chronicle’s story, and for coming will give us new opportunities to tell to create a fresh new magazine, along with us as we begin this deeper stories, showcase more of strengthen our digital presence and next chapter. We can’t wait to the people and organizations that find new ways to connect our com- show you what’s ahead. make our community special, and munity with the people, stories, orcreate a publication that is engaging ganizations and events that make for our long-time subscribers while Kansas City’s Jewish community so e 2 also attracting a new generation of special. or e e m th ag readers. The Chronicle will not be going n p r ut a n Although the print format of The quiet during this time. We’ll conLe bo s o a e Chronicle is changing, there’s one tinue publishing new stories ng a thing that’s staying the same: and community news on our ch our commitment to telling the website, kcjc.com, and our substory of Kansas City’s Jewish scribers will continue to receive community. weekly emails with the latest The magazine will continue to news, events and information bring you the community coverage, from the community.
Coming November 2026
August 27, 2026 | Page 2
kcjc.com
community news
What you need to know about The Chronicle’s transition from newspaper to magazine We understand that the announcement of The Chronicle’s print transition from a newspaper to a magazine creates a lot of questions. Here are some answers as to what this new chapter means for our readers. What is changing? The Chronicle’s print publication will transition from a 16-page bi-weekly newspaper to a 32-page monthly glossy magazine.
Why is this change happening? Evolving from a traditional newspaper to a magazine is the best way to ensure that The Chronicle continues its 106-year legacy. It allows us to create a publication that is appealing to both our long-time subscribers and future generations of readers.
every month. It will still include Jewish community coverage and events, features of community members, celebrations and obituaries, and many of the regular Chronicle features you love. That’s not changing. What will be different will be the look and feel, as the magazine will have a more visual, editorial-magazine design. Think more pictures, bigger graphics, brighter colors and other fun features that don’t work as well in newsprint.
How long will the pause in printing last?
We are planning for The Chronicle’s What can we expect break from printing to last approxifrom the magazine? mately two months. The last issue of the newspaper will be published on Sept. The Chronicle magazine will be 10, and the first issue of the magazine a 32-page glossy magazine delivered will be launched in mid-November.
During the weeks in between, stories, events and community information will be delivered via email and updated on the website, kcjc.com. We will also use this time to create a thoughtful and beautiful new print product.
community stories, Spotlight photos, celebrations, etc., is still the same! You can submit your items online at kcjc.com/chronicle-submissions. Feature story ideas can be emailed to chronicle@jewishkc.org.
How can I get my Kansas City Jewish community news until then?
What happens to my subscription?
All current subscriptions will be The Chronicle will still publish honored. To make up for the interrupcommunity stories, news, events, cel- tion in printing, we will extend subebrations and obituaries on our web- scriptions by two months. site, and subscribers will still receive their weekly email updates. We will also continue posting on our social What if I have more media channels. questions? We’re happy to answer them! Please If I have something to email chronicle@jewishkc.org with submit, what do I do? any questions, comments or concerns you have about this transition. The submission process for
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kcjc.com
August 27, 2026 | Page 3
letter from the editor
Goodbye, and thank you so, so much By Sam Kricsfeld Editor I bring some news of my own to this week’s issue of The Chronicle. In addition to the news of the transition to a magazine that you saw on the front page, I want to let you know that I am embarking on a new chapter in my career and have accepted a role in content strategy at another organization. This announcement is bittersweet, as it has been my honor and pleasure to serve this community as editor of The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle for five important years of its 106-yearlong history. I’m sad to leave, but I’m looking forward to seeing what’s ahead for The Chronicle — the beginning of its new chapter as a magazine, a culmination of months of planning. Upon reflecting on my job here, I was shocked when I realized I’ve been the editor of The Chronicle for nearly 20% of my life. Now 26, I started in
this role as the newspaper’s 14th (and youngest-ever) editor in September 2021, during the late days of COVID-19 lockdowns. For my first six months as editor, I was working remotely from Omaha, Nebraska, while also working for both the Omaha Jewish Press and the Jewish Federation of Omaha. I would drive down to Overland Park every two weeks and join Assistant Editor Lacey Storer to assemble the now-biweekly newspaper. Suffice to say, this arrangement was not a recipe for low blood pressure. The operation of The Chronicle was very different when I started. Lacey (who only worked part-time on The Chronicle) and I were helped by an advertising salesperson and a circulation/business manager. Page layout and design were initially outsourced, but because I had experience from my time in college, I offered to take that aspect of the newspaper over. Soon, both the salesperson and business manager moved on, and The
community news Bailey Nakelsky named executive director of Bushman Supporting Foundation By Jewish Community Foundation
Jewish Federation, Hillel and JCC movements and has a comprehenThe Stanley J. Bushman sive understanding of Charitable Supporting the Jewish communal Foundation of the Jewish ecosystem and the philCommunity Foundation anthropic partnerships (JCF) has hired Bailey Nathat sustain it. She most kelsky as its executive direcently served as chief rector. Nakelsky will work philanthropy officer of closely with members of The J, where she led adBailey Nakelsky the supporting foundavancement strategy. Her tion board to honor Bushman’s legacy dedication to relationship-building, through bold, strategic philanthropy purposeful vision and thoughtful that strengthens Jewish life in Kansas stewardship are qualities that make City. A major focus of her work will Nakelsky a natural fit for the role of be creating collaborative partnerships executive director of the Bushman with communal organizations to iden- Supporting Foundation. tify opportunities, shape promising “We are delighted that Bailey is ideas and invest in initiatives with the our executive director,” said Meripotential for meaningful impact. lyn Berenbom, Bushman SupportNakelsky has more than two de- ing Foundation president. “She has cades of experience in Jewish com- an outstanding skill set that will not munal leadership and a vast network only enhance our board, but the enof colleagues and professional con- tire Jewish community. One of Stan’s nections around the country. She has continued on next page served in leadership roles across the
This week: Parashat Ki Tavo
Shabbat times (Overland Park):
Candlelighting: 7:37 p.m. Havdalah: 8:35 p.m.
Chronicle staff became just Lacey and me. Federation COO Derek Gale took me to lunch and offered me a fulltime position with the title of “Editor and Business Manager.” With only two weeks’ notice, I moved into my uncle’s basement in Overland Park, set up my office in a converted workspace in the Federation suite and got to work. We were a small, “streamlined” team — I used to say that short of printing and bringing the paper to your mailbox, The Chronicle’s one-and-ahalf employees were responsible for everything. But with our size came nimbleness, allowing us to execute fun ideas without delay, such as completely redesigning the newspaper in 2023. I also had the honor of covering incredibly impactful stories over the past few (very eventful) years. Memorable stories include the coverage of Oct. 7 and its aftermath on our community; honoring the memory of Sarah Milgrim; the return of the remains of fallen World War II soldier Sgt. Simon Garelich; the end of “Big Sonia” Warshawski’s tailor shop; and the merger of historic synagogues Congregations Ohev Sholom and Beth Shalom. I also was fortunate to have the resources to do in-depth research for the 105th anniversary of The Chronicle and about former community synagogue buildings. Recently, The Chronicle has had some more help. Alexis Greenberg, my close friend and Federation’s digital marketing specialist, manages The Chronicle’s website and social media (she is also a really, really good
Sam Kricsfeld Editor and business manager
writer). Talented freelancers helped us cover stories that I alone didn’t have the bandwidth to write. Volunteer columnists helped fill The Chronicle with witty and fun perspectives, and dozens of community members sent The Chronicle articles about their organizations and events. So many people have supported me throughout my time here. I especially want to thank my parents and grandparents in Omaha; my wonderful fiancée, Sarah Navran; my sister, Rachel Kricsfeld; my aunts, uncles and cousins here in Kansas; my mentor, Omaha Jewish Press Editor Annette van de Kamp-Wright; and Lacey and all Federation staff who’ve supported me over the past five years. I know this is a lot of change all at once, but rest assured The Chronicle is in good hands. Lacey will be guiding this transition from newspaper to magazine, and she cares deeply about The Chronicle, its subscribers, its coverage and its future success. Thank you for trusting me with your stories and announcements, and thank you for supporting me in leading our community’s only Jewish news source. It was an incredible experience to steward this newspaper, meet so many great people and really become part of the Kansas City Jewish community. I hope to see you around! Sincerely,
Sam Kricsfeld
Lacey Storer Assistant editor
Alexis Greenberg Digital marketing specialist
chronicle@jewishkc.org | (913) 327-8116 kcjc.com | @kcjewishchronicle
Published by
The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle (ISSN 00228524) (USPS 290-140) is published bi-weekly throughout the year by the Jewish Federation of 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; visit kcjc.com/subscribe for rates.
Proud member of the
August 27, 2026 | Page 4
kcjc.com
community news
KC SuperStar organizers prepare for finals By The J The J’s KC SuperStar finals competition will take place on Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. at Yardley Hall, located inside the Midwest Trust Center at Johnson County Community College (12345
College Blvd., Overland Park, Kansas 66210). Individual tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at jccc.edu/ midwest-trust-center/events. Each year, KC SuperStar features young, aspiring artists from across the
Friendship Circle to host Friendship Festival, 5K race and 1K fun run By Friendship Circle of Kansas City The Friendship Circle of Kansas City, a program of Chabad of Kansas City centered on inclusion for people with disabilities, will host a festival, 5-kilometer race and 1-kilometer “Run, Walk or Roll For Inclusion” fun run. The event will be held on Sunday, Aug. 30, at Southcreek Office Park (7200 W. 132nd St., Overland Park, KS 66213), with the race beginning at 8 a.m. and the fun run beginning at 9 a.m. Everyone of all ages and abilities is welcome, including children and spec-
tators. A community photo will be taken beforehand, and beyond the finish line will be the Friendship Festival, featuring live music, face painting, inflatables and cotton candy. Those interested in more information or to register can go to runsignup.com/ Race/KS/OverlandPark/ FriendshipCircleKC5kRace. Every registered participant will receive a custom race‑day t‑shirt and a “Finisher Medal” as a wearable reminder of their accomplishment and support for inclusion.
Run, Walk or Roll For Inclusion
Kansas City community in an “American Idol”-style competition. Now in its 17th year, the event showcases talented high school singers from across the metro area. Finalists spend the summer preparing for a professionally produced show. During the event, judges select the top four performers, then leave it up to the audience to decide who will take home the grand prize. As The J’s largest fundraising event of the year, KC SuperStar helps provide financial assistance so that members can participate in a wide range of services, including the Child Development Center, J Camp, Heritage, health and fitness programs and arts offerings. A portion of the funds raised also supports the Reat Griffin Underwood Rising Stars Fund, which provides performing arts education and training for youth ages 14-21. Contestants are competing for a $15,000 scholarship, with more than $30,000 in total scholarships awarded to the top 10 finalists. Over the years, hundreds of teen singers from across the region have participated in KC SuperStar, and several have gone on to perform professionally.
The finalists are Chace Curtis, Sutton Claycamp, Sabine Federlein, Addy Gardner, Corbin Newberry, Cameron Ritchie, Jocelyn Salter, Molly Sheeley, Teagan Sullivan and Desmond Walker III. Broadway star Micaela Diamond is set to host the event. Known for her acclaimed work on stage and onscreen, Diamond has earned recognition for her versatility across theater, television and film. She received Tony and Grammy Award nominations for her portrayal of Lucille Frank in “Parade.” When asked what advice she has for KC SuperStar high school auditioners, Diamond said, “My advice is to love your material with a passion to want to sing it 100 times and never tire of it.” Leading this year’s event as cochairs are Alana Muller and Marc Hammer, longtime Kansas City leaders known for their contributions to the Jewish community. The KC SuperStar finals are presented by Bonnie and Herb Buchbinder, Danielle and Sam Levine and Stifel. More information about the competition is available at kcsuperstar.org or by contacting Tammy Ruder at (913) 981-8878 or tammyr@thejkc.org.
KC SuperStar finals
Sunday, Aug. 30 at 9 a.m.
Sunday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m.
Southcreek Office Park, 7200 W. 132nd St., Overland Park, KS 66213
JCCC Yardley Hall, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, Kansas 66210
New executive director of Bushman Supporting Foundation continued from previous page favorite words was ‘resilient.’ With his foundation, he has enabled us to make resilience, connection, vibrancy and relevance key variables in our investments. Bailey’s wide national network will be beneficial for looking at best practices around the country. Her creativity and focus will result in opening new doors as we look forward to a promising new vista for our Jewish community.” In 2005, Bushman established the Stanley J. Bushman Charitable Supporting Foundation and hand selected a trusted board of trustees to serve as stewards of his philanthropic resources. For 20 years, the supporting foundation was used as a vehicle for supporting the many causes close to Bushman’s heart, such as caring for youth and the elderly, combatting antisemitism and supporting the arts, among others. In 2008, the supporting foundation made a significant grant to the Jewish Community Foundation to establish the original Bushman Community Endowment (BCE) program, a high-quality, results-
oriented initiative in which JCF collaborated with professional and lay leadership from more than a dozen communal organizations to establish bequests and other planned gifts. Thanks to these efforts, more than 1,000 planned gifts have been established by community members, including $89 million in realized planned gifts and another $165 million in future commitments. After Bushman’s passing last year, the supporting foundation trustees identified an impactful funding opportunity which reimagined a planned giving program at JCF that built on the tremendous success of the original BCE. The supporting foundation honored Bushman’s charitable intentions through its first major grant which was awarded to JCF to create a new Bushman Community Endowment program, an effort which will continue Bushman’s vision of ensuring a strong and vibrant community for future generations. The program will include substantial financial incentives to motivate best practices for securing legacy gifts and for donors to help realize their ability to make an impact.
Kara Kahn Bush was hired by JCF this spring to lead the program. “Bailey brings a depth of talent and a strategic approach to grantmaking that will increase the bandwidth of the Supporting Foundation Board in furtherance of Stanley Bushman’s philanthropic legacy. Her hire enhances the Supporting Foundation’s accountability, transparency and vision, attributes valued by Stan,” said Josh Stein, president and CEO of JCF. Nakelsky will help the board identify additional funding opportunities that align with the supporting foundation’s vision to boldly change the trajectory of Jewish life in Kansas City by making catalytic investments that increase engagement, develop leaders and build a vibrant, connected and resilient community. The three primary funding areas are: • Growing Jewish engagement by supporting efforts that expand participation in Jewish life while deepening identity, connection and belonging. • Building community capacity by investing in programs to strengthen organizations and effective leaders, helping build a sustainable, thriving
community. • Supporting special projects that reflect Bushman’s vision and have the potential to create significant community impact. These efforts are primarily focused on emerging community needs, innovative or time-sensitive opportunities and collaborative initiatives with broad community impact. While the Bushman Supporting Foundation accepts formal proposals by invitation only, Nakelsky welcomes opportunities to engage with organizations, community leaders and philanthropic partners throughout the community and looks forward to connecting with interested representatives to explore potential areas of collaboration. Supporting foundations are one of many types of funds JCF offers to help individuals and families give smarter and build charitable resources for our future. More information about the Bushman Supporting Foundation is available at jcfkc.org/BushmanFoundation. Nakelsky can be reached at bnakelsky@jcfkc.org.
kcjc.com
High Holiday service schedules
August 27, 2026 | Page 5
The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle reached out to area synagogues to share their High Holiday service schedules and information with the community. Due to early deadlines, some schedules are incomplete or were not sent to The Chronicle. If your congregation is not listed below, or to get more information about services, please contact your synagogue.
Erev Rosh Hashanah Sept. 11
Rosh Hashanah Sept. 12-13
Erev Yom Kippur Sept. 20
Yom Kippur Sept. 21
If you are not a member of the synagogue you’d like to go to services to, contact the synagogue before the High Holidays to ensure you know the guidelines/permissions required to attend. Chabad of Overland Park and Leawood
6201 Indian Creek Dr., Overland Park, KS 66207 Chabad | (913) 228-2770 | kansasjewish.com
Erev Rosh Hashanah • Service: 7:30 p.m. at The Venue, 4800 W 135th St, Suite 108, Leawood, KS 66224 Rosh Hashanah Day 1 • Morning service: 10 a.m. at The Venue • Evening service: 7 p.m. at The Venue Rosh Hashanah Day 2 • Morning service: 10 a.m. at The Venue • Evening service: 7 p.m. at The Shul Erev Yom Kippur • Evening service: 7:30 p.m. at The Venue Yom Kippur • Morning service: 10 a.m. at The Venue • Yizkor: 12 p.m. at The Venue • Afternoon service: 6 p.m. at The Venue • Neilah: 7 p.m. at The Venue
Congregation Beth Shalom
14200 Lamar Ave., Overland Park, KS 66223 Conservative | (913) 647-7279 | bethshalomkc.org
Erev Rosh Hashanah • Traditional Service: 6 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Day 1 • Traditional service: 8:30 a.m. • Instrumental service: 10 a.m. • Musaf service: 11 a.m. at Roe Park Pavilion, 10400 Roe Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66207 Rosh Hashanah Day 2 • Traditional service: 8:30 a.m. • Rosh Hashanah Experience: 9:30 a.m. • Musaf service: 11 a.m. at Roe Park Pavilion, 10400 Roe Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66207 Erev Yom Kippur • Pavilion service: 5:30 p.m. at Roe Park Pavilion, 10400 Roe Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66207 • Kol Nidrei: 7:05 p.m. Yom Kippur • Traditional service: 8:30 a.m. • Instrumental service: 10 a.m. • Musaf service: 11 a.m. at Roe Park Pavilion, 10400 Roe Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66207 • Mincha/Neilah/Ma’ariv: 5:30 p.m.
Congregation Beth Torah 6100 W. 127th St., Overland Park, KS 66209 Reform | (913) 498-2212 | beth-torah.org
Erev Rosh Hashanah • Service: 6:30 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Day 1 • Family Tefilah: 9:45 a.m. • Morning Service: 10:30 a.m. Erev Yom Kippur • Kol Nidre: 6:30 p.m. Yom Kippur • Family service: 9:30 a.m. • Morning service: 10:30 a.m. • Yizkor: 2 p.m. • Creative afternoon service: 4:30 p.m. • Neilah: 6 p.m.
Congregation Kol Ami
4501 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64111 Non-affiliated | (913) 642-9000 | kolamikc.org
Erev Rosh Hashanah • Services: 7:30 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Day 1 • Services: 10:30 a.m. Rosh Hashanah Day 2 • Service: 10:30 a.m. at Westwood Park Erev Yom Kippur • Kol Nidre: 7:30 p.m. Yom Kippur • Morning service: 10:30 a.m. • Meditation service: 2:15 p.m. • Minchah, Yizkor and Neilah: 3:30 p.m.
Kehilath Israel Synagogue
10501 Conser, Overland Park, KS 66212 Traditional | (913) 642-1880 | kisyn.org
Erev Rosh Hashanah • Mincha/Maariv: 6:05 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Day 1 • Shacharit: 8 a.m. • Mussaf: 10 a.m. • Mincha/Maariv: 6:50 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Day 2 • Shacharit: 8 a.m. • Mussaf: 10 a.m. Erev Yom Kippur • Kol Nidre: 7:05 p.m. Yom Kippur • Shacharit: 9 a.m. • Yizkor: 12 p.m. • Mussaf: 12:30 p.m. • Neilah: 6:20 p.m.
Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation
917 Highland Dr., Lawrence, KS 66044 Non-affiliated | (785) 841-7636 | ljcc.shulcloud.com
Erev Rosh Hashanah • Services and Oneg: 7 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Day 1 • Services: 9:30 a.m. Rosh Hashanah Day 2 • Services: 9:30 a.m. Erev Yom Kippur • Kol Nidre: 7 p.m. Yom Kippur • Services: 9:30 a.m. • Yizkor: 1:15 p.m. • Mincha and Neilah: 5 p.m.
The New Reform Temple 7100 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64114 Reform | (816) 523-7809 | thenewreformtemple.com
Erev Rosh Hashanah • Service: 6 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Day 1 • Morning service: 10 a.m. • Family service: 1 p.m. Erev Yom Kippur • Kol Nidre: 8 p.m. Yom Kippur • Morning service: 10 a.m. • Family service: 1 p.m. • Afternoon service: 3:30 p.m. • Yizkor and concluding service: 4:30 p.m.
Temple Beth Sholom
4200 S.W. Munson Ave., Topeka, KS 66604 Reform | (785) 272-6040 | tbsgiving.com
Erev Rosh Hashanah • Services: 7:30 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Day 1 • Morning Service: 10 a.m. Erev Yom Kippur • Kol Nidre: 7:30 p.m. Yom Kippur • Morning service followed by Yizkor: 10 a.m. • Afternoon service, Mincha, Neilah and Havdalah Services: 5 p.m.
The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah
12320 Nall Ave., Overland Park, KS 66209 Reform | (913) 663-4050 | bnaijehudah.org
Erev Rosh Hashanah • Services: 7:30 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Day 1 • Family puppet service: 8:30 a.m. • Morning services: 10:30 a.m. Rosh Hashanah Day 2 • Shofar in the Park-ing Lot: 2 p.m. Erev Yom Kippur • Kol Nidre: 7:30 p.m. Yom Kippur • Family puppet service: 8:30 a.m. • Morning services: 10:30 a.m. • Afternoon service: 2:30 p.m. • Yizkor: 3:30 p.m. • Neilah: 4:30 p.m.
Temple Israel
In Rolling Hills Presbyterian Chuch, 9300 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, KS 66207 Reform | (913) 940-1011
Erev Rosh Hashanah • Services: 7 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Day 1 • Services: 10 a.m. Erev Yom Kippur • Kol Nidre: 7 p.m. Yom Kippur • Morning service: 10 a.m. • Yizkor and concluding services: 4 p.m.
Torah Learning Center
8800 W. 103rd St., Overland Park, KS 66212 Lubavitch | (913) 385-5770 | torahkc.org
Erev Rosh Hashanah • Mincha: 7:15 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Day 1 • Shacharit: 10 a.m. • Mincha: 7:15 p.m. Rosh Hashanah Day 2 • Shacharit: 10 a.m. • Mincha: 7:15 p.m.
Chag Sameach, and G’mar Chatimah Tovah!
August 27, 2026 | Page 6
community news
Jewish Heritage Night returns to The K on Sept. 8 By The J The Kansas City Jewish community is invited to celebrate Jewish Heritage Night at the K on Tuesday, Sept. 8, as the Kansas City Royals take on the Arizona Diamondbacks. The evening will serve as a post-Maccabi Games celebration recognizing the donors, volunteers, host families and athletes who helped make the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games possible. As a thank you to all JCC Maccabi Games 2026 host families, volunteers and athletes, The J, Jewish Federation of Kansas City and Jewish Community Foundation will provide complimentary tailgate access to everyone who participated in the Games. The evening will honor various community members, including the on-field honorees: Diane and Steve Azorsky, Erin and Aaron Berger, Sondra and Frank Friedman, Danielle and Sam Levine, and Beth and Michael Liss. The First Pitch and First Catch honorees are Larry and Jonathan Fry; the Play Ball Kid is Theo Buchbinder; and the Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat is Rita Cortes. 2025 KC SuperStar Winner Rayna Key will sing the national anthem. A valid game ticket must be purchased to access the tailgate. Registration to the tailgate will close on Thursday, Sept. 3. The celebration begins with a Vaad-supervised kosher tailgate at 5 p.m. in the Hall of Fame Tent inside the stadium. Guests should enter through Gate A. The menu, catered by Kim’s Kreations, will feature a nacho bar with Impossible chili meat served in a Royals nacho helmet, along with water and soft drinks. Game tickets and tailgate tickets must be purchased separately. To purchase Jewish Heritage Night theme tickets, tailgate tickets or register for complimentary Maccabi participant access, those interested can visit thejkc.org/royalsgame. Groups of 15 or more can purchase tickets together, sit with friends and family and avoid processing fees. For group ticket assistance, those interested can contact Addison Angel at (816) 504-4233 or addison.angel@royals.com. Fans who purchase a Jewish Heritage Night theme ticket will receive an exclusive Jewish Heritage Royals hat. Hats will be distributed only
kcjc.com
Cooking with Bubbe program connects grandparents, grandchildren through Jewish cooking By The J
inside Gate A to guests who present an eligible theme ticket purchased through the event link. Gate A opens at 5 p.m., and attendees must pick up their hats before the end of the second inning. Theme ticket prices will gradually increase as game day approaches, so guests are encouraged to purchase early for the lowest available price. Discounted parking passes may be purchased at the same time as game tickets. Guests attending the tailgate are encouraged to select a reserved parking pass for access to the lots closest to Gate A and the tailgate location.
Jewish Heritage Night at The K Tuesday, Sept. 8 Kauffman Stadium, 1 Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129
Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of Jewish Federation and The J, and Heritage are hosting Cooking with Bubbe, a new series of handson, intergenerational cooking experiences. The series is designed to explore Jewish culture, traditions and values through the universal language of food. In each class, grandparents and grand-friends along with their elementary-aged grandchildren will cook, learn and create meaningful memories together while celebrating the rich heritage that connects generations. The first class is themed around Rosh Hashanah. Participants will bake homemade challah and learn the customs, symbolism and traditions of the Jewish New Year. Led by Heritage Executive Chef Leah Kusaeva and Director of Jewish Experiences Molly Hess, this hands-on program will combine cooking and storytelling to connect families with Jewish traditions. “For me, this is more than just a cooking class,” Kusaeva said. “It is an opportunity to pass love, family stories and traditions from one generation to the next. I especially love the idea that children will not only learn new recipes but also develop a deeper connection to their family
and their culture." Upcoming programs include:
Rosh Hashanah Challah, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 5-7 p.m Participants will bake homemade challah and discover the customs, symbolism and traditions of the Jewish New Year.
Hanukkah Latkes, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 5-7 p.m. Participants will make crispy, delicious latkes while learning about the traditions behind this festive holiday food.
Purim Hamantaschen, Tuesday, March 9, 5-7 p.m. Participants will bake and fill hamantaschen while discovering the story, traditions and fun of Purim.
Shavuot Blintzes, Tuesday, June 8, 5–7 p.m. Participants will make homemade blintzes while learning about Shavuot and the holiday’s connection to dairy foods. Registration is required for each class, and grandchildren attend free. More information and registration are available at thejkc.org/cookingwithbubbe or by contacting Molly Hess, director of Jewish Experiences, at (913) 327-8035 or mollyh@thejkc.org.
JFS to host High Holiday food drive By Jewish Family Services
the place of worship for drop-off As rising food costs continue to deadlines. strain household budgets, nearly Shop online with your favorite 500 local families rely on the Jewish food vendor and ship them to JFS Family Services (JFS) Food Pantry (5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, each month for groceries, personal KS). Browse the JFS Amazon Pantry care items, and household essenWish list at jfskc.org. tials. JFS is asking our community Make a financial donation and to come together and help ensure let JFS do the shopping. Donations that every family can celebrate the can be made online at jfskc.org/doseason with dignity, comfort, and JFS staff members distribute bags of fresh nate or mailed to JFS. the food they need. JFS is partner- produce during the 2025 High Holiday Meal In addition to the High Holiday ing in the food drive with the Rab- distribution for JFS clients. Food Drive, JFS is providing Rosh binical Association of Greater Kansas wash as well as kosher items. Hashanah meals for about 200 client City. There are three ways to participate households, ensuring they enjoy a During the High Holiday season, in the food drive: sweet New Year. Households will refrom Sept. 10 through Oct. 8, JFS asks Fill a grocery bag with items for sev- ceive prepared holiday meals, challah, the public to fill a grocery bag and eral healthy meals and drop them off apples and honey, juice and produce. help feed a family. in the JFS barrel at your local Jewish JFS is accepting financial donations to The most needed items in the congregation, at the Jewish Communi- underwrite the cost of meals. Those pantry are canned tomato products, ty Center or JFS Brookside during busi- wishing to donate for these meals can pasta, rice, soup, canned chicken and ness hours. Those who are members visit jfskc.org/donate or call (913) 327tuna, shampoo, conditioner and body of congregations should check with 8250.
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August 27, 2026 | Page 7
community news
B’nai Jehudah to hold new celebration, Shofar in the Park-ing Lot, with Challah Bake-Off By The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah welcomes the entire Kansas City Jewish community to Shofar in the Park-ing Lot on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. This exciting new Rosh Hashanah celebration promises an afternoon filled with fun, connection and Jewish joy for all ages. Families, friends, neighbors and community members of every generation can gather at the event to usher in the year 5787 with live music, food trucks, raffle baskets, hands-on holiday activities, special treats, dedicated adults-only spaces and plenty of surprises along the way. Open to the entire community, this unique event is an opportunity to celebrate the sweetness of a new year, strengthen connections with one another and create meaningful memories. B’nai Jehudah will also host a Challah Bake-Off at the event, with a panel of judges, each of whom has
a personal connection to the rich tradition of the Jewish neighborhood bakery, where recipes, relationships and community were passed from one generation to the next. Challah judge Debby Winkel is the daughter of Wilbert Gale, co-owner of Kansas City’s Cake Box Bakers. What began as a family bakery grew to seven locations throughout the metropolitan area, with two locations also housing Jewish delicatessens. For generations, Cake Box Bakers provided breads,
cakes, pastries and holiday favorites to Kansas City families, making Winkel part of a cherished chapter in the city's Jewish culinary history. Challah judges Judy Jacks Berman and Alice Jacks Achtenberg are the daughters of Holocaust survivor Bronia Roslawowski, who rebuilt her life in Kansas City and, together with her husband, Mendel, owned M&M
Bakery & Delicatessen. Originally established as a kosher bakery and deli serving the Jewish community, M&M became a beloved neighborhood institution and a gathering place for families across the city. Their family’s story reflects resilience, entrepreneurship, and the enduring power of food to bring people together. Challah judge Rita Sudhalter brings an East Coast Jewish bakery legacy to the judges’ table. As the daughter of the owners of Pastry Land in Brookline, Massachusetts, she grew up surrounded by the aromas, traditions and recipes of a vibrant Jewish community. Her family bakery experience gives Rita a special appreciation for the craftsmanship and love that go into every loaf. B’nai Jehudah requests people register in advance for security purposes at bnaijehudah.org/events/ shofar-in-the-parkinglot.
Shofar in the Park-ing Lot Sunday, Sept. 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. B’nai Jehudah, 12320 Nall Ave., Overland Park, KS 66209
August 27, 2026 | Page 8
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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!
Ribbon Jello Mold
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Created with TheTeachersCorner.net Word Search Maker
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Mrs. Larry Mallin, 1970
Cryptogram Puzzle A Jewish Cryptogram
Ingredients • 2 cups sour cream • 2 pkgs. strawberry Jello • 1 can crushed pineapple • 1 pkg. frozen strawberries • ½ cup nuts • 1 ½ cups water • ½ cup drained fruit juice
Instructions 1. Make Jello using drained fruit juice and water 2. Add drained pineapple, strawberries and nuts to Jello 3. Line oiled mold with small amount of Jello mixture; chill until firm 4. Cover layer with sour cream 5. Add more Jello and continue to make layers, congealing Jello after each layer, then adding sour cream 6. Cut into slices and serve
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Due to advertising, the celebrations and Spotlight pages have been moved to pages 19 and 20, respectively.
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Answer for the Aug. 13 issue: “When in your war against a city you have to besiege it a long time in order to capture it, you must not destroy its trees, wielding the ax against them.”
kcjc.com
August 27, 2026 | Page 9
Thank you to the following generous donors who have made legacy gifts to ensure a vibrant community for generations to come.
Smarter Giving. Your Way. jcfkc.org
These individuals and families have made legacy gift commitments through their estates or other gift arrangements to a local Jewish organization or synagogue, or currently supported their endowment. We invite you to join them. The following is a list of donors who have made legacy gifts, future and realized. JCF will publish a list of Donor Advised Funds in the Chronicle on September 10th.
Lauren S. Aaronson Evelyn R. & Charles L. Abrams Eveyln Abrams Phyllis & Erwin Abrams Renana & Michael Abrams Alice & David Jacks Achtenberg Bertha S. Adelson Ida E. Adelson Herbert Adler Jeanne & Dan Adler Janet & Allen Agron Cathy & Jeff Alpert Helen & Abe Alport Brenda Althouse & Paul Fingersh Meredith & Jon Angrist Danielle and Jeremy Antes Elizabeth Appelbaum Gail & James Appelbaum Elisabeth & Hans Archenhold Audrey Asher & Michael Lerner Barbara & Richard P. Atlas Diane & Steve Azorsky Gloria & Michael A. Azorsky Dierdre & Ronnie Baker Janet Davis Baker & Bruce Baker Ruth & Harry Baker Li Balanoff Ida & Albert Bamberger Dorothy Freiden Baraban Jack Baraban Carol & Thomas Barnett Ann & G. Kenneth Baum Bernice & Sol Baum Christopher Beal Jacklyn Rae Beaulieu Stacey & Rick Belzer Sarah & Peter Beren Merilyn & Loren Berenbom Carol & Lewis Berey Carole & Jim Bergh Susan & Victor Bergman Joan & Bert Berkley Marcia & Eliot Berkley Maureen & William Berkley Anita Berkowitz Marian & Harold Berkowitz Estelle Berman Lisa & Jerry Bernard Doris Bernhard Phyliss Bernstein Irene & Leonard Bettinger Mary & Arnold Birnbaum Muriel & Jack Blackman Rita Blitt
Gloria & Allen Block Sharyn & Irwin Blond Sherry & Michael Blumenthal Cindy & Fred Bodker Harvey S. Bodker Anna & Abe Bograd Elizabeth & Jack Bohm Laurie Bomba & Andy Fromm George G. Bornstein Karen & Jerry Borowick Brooks H. Bower Cathy Boyer-Shesol & Ron Shesol Aaron Braeman Family of Aaron Braeman Betty Brand Clara & Hyman Brand Laura & Roman Breitberg Daniel Brenner Stevi & Jeffrey Brick Betty & L.H. Brickman Joan Briman Brian Brockman Charlotte & Richard Brockman Jean & David Brockman Marla Brockman & John Goldberg Mark Brodkey Scott Bronson Carol Brooks Frances & Jack Brown Helen & Martin Brown Peedee & Phillip Brown Regina & Morten Brown Bonnie & Herb Buchbinder Betty & Jordan Bushman Stanley J. Bushman C. Charles Cantor Cathy & Craig Caplan Phyllis Carozza & Frank Loeffler Robin & Bill Carr Carol & Arnold Caviar Ed Christophersen Ann Morse Cohen Debra L. & Howard E. Cohen Donna Gould Cohen Gloria & Steven Cohen Jeannette & Jerry Cohen Joseph Cohen Linda & Rabbi Alan L. Cohen Lisa & Leonard Cohen Lynn Cohen Mary Davidson Cohen & Barton P. Cohen
Miles A. Cohen Nancy Sher Cohen & Robert Cohen Phyllis G. & Barton J. Cohen Barbara & Sanford Cohn David Cohn Robert G. Cohn Celine & Todd Coppaken Denise & Ronald Coppaken Debby & Gary Cortés Rita Cortés Dorothy & Louis Cumonow Cutler Family Foundation Robert S. Cutler Sadie & Joseph Danciger Ann L. Darke Diane & Mark Davidner Sheryl & Ron Davidow Gregg S. Davidson James H. Davis Lainie & Jim Decker Barton G. Deleve Devinki Family Maria Devinki Allison DeWitt Kathy & Robert DeWitt Dreiseszun Family Irene & Sherman Dreiseszun Selma Dreiseszun Janet & Daniel Dubrava Marvin Dunn Marian Durbin Stanley H. Durwood Dora & Ben Edelbaum Doris & William Edelman Rhonda & David Eigenberg Joan & Alvin Einbender Elinor & Gustave Eisemann Sandy & David Eisenberg Sandra & Martin L. Eisenman Jessica & Michael Ellis Ann R. Elyachar Fran Emmer Meredith Farnan Ann & Isak Federman Diane & Arthur B. Federman David Feingold Harry C. Feingold Gloria Baker Feinstein & Eddie Feinstein Selma & Milton Feld Cynthia & Robert Feldman Nicole & Jack Feldman & Family JoAnn S. Field
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Legacy Giving Donors continued Beatrice & Steve Fine Pella & Jack N. Fingersh Beverly & Herbert Fishman & Family Doris & Paul Flam Dora Fox Bari Freiden Sandi & Ed Fried & Family SuEllen & Harvey Fried Elaine & David Friedman Friedman Family Jacob Friedman Morris Friedman Sondra & Frank Friedman Bernie Fromm Kristen & Daniel Fromm Rhonda & Jeff Fromm Lawrence (Larry) D. Fry Amy & Derek Gale Louise Garfinkle Albert Gerecht Frances Wang Gershon Phillip L. Gershon Susie & Paul Gershon Gloria Gershun Martha Gershun & Don Goldman James S. Gerson Karen & Jeffry Gerson Lynn & John Gerson Chuck Gilbert Noreen E. Gilmore Cheryl & B. William Ginsberg Annie & Rabbi David Glickman Karen Glickstein & Don Swartz Henri & David Goettel Geraldine & Stan Goldberg Goldberg & Intrater Families Solomon Goldberg Vita & Nathan Goldberg Jeff Goldenberg Hildy & Joel K. Goldman Lila Goldman Madeline & Barry Goldman Michelle Goldsmith Susan & Ronald W. Goldsmith Adelle & Marvin Goldstein Carol & Marvin Goldstein Debra & Stuart A. Goldstein Margaret & Larry Goldstein David R. Goodman Roz & Fredric Goodman Gorlin Family Foundation Evelyn Gorten Karen & Michael Gortenburg Arvin Gottlieb Foundation Shirley Gottstein Lucy & Sam Gould Marlis Grad Evie & Bob Grant Phyllis & Rudy Green Marvin “Buddy” Greenbaum Joel D. Greenberg Sidney Greenberg Susan & Bob Greenberg Sharon & James Greenwood
Amy & Lee Greif Megan & Michael Grossman Guckenheimer Family Charlotte Gumowitz Gail & Allen Gutovitz Berenice Haberman Hortense & Joseph J. Haith Randi & Larry Haith Rickie & Edward E. Haith Natalie & Hanan Hammer Susan & Steve Hammer Hammontree Family Flo Harris Hannah B. Harris & Jerald S. Enslein Regine & Max Harwick Judy & G. Richard Hastings Shanna & Matt Haun Kathy Krigel Hawley Barbara & Scott Hecht Judith & Lloyd Hellman Bush Helzberg Charles M. Helzberg Shirley & Barnett Helzberg, Jr. Karen & Mike Herman Betty & Lenny Hershman Milli Hershman Cathy & Joe Hiersteiner Jean Hiersteiner Gail & Harry Himmelstein Louise C. Hipsh & Neil W. Breslow Liz & John Hjalmarson Chris & Heather Hobbs Judy & David Hochman Bernard Hoffman Kathy & Elliott Hollub Lauren & John Hoopes Lynn Hoover Brita Horowitz Amy Hurst Carolyn Iob Laura & Tim Intfen Lynn & Bill Intrater Ann & Tom Isenberg Jenny & John Isenberg Mark Isenberg Vera Isenberg Sandra & Lawrence Jabenis Alan & Cyndie Jacobs The Jacobs Family Cory & Daniel Jacobs Harry Jacobs Judy & David Jacobs Phillip Jacobs Sherri & Jonathan Jacobs Ann R. Jacobson Rosalyn & Howard T Jacobson Trudy & John Jacobson JAZ-MD Donna & Baruch Kaelter Don Kahan Norman Kahn Harold Kain Gina Kaiser & David Gale
James F. Kanally David Kaplan Florence Kaplan Marian & Marcus Kaplan Michele & Harvey Kaplan Sheryl & Andrew Kaplan Karbank Family Marcia Karbank Rose & Barney Karbank Dr. Anne Karty & Mr. William Silverman Arlene & David Kaseff Barry Kaseff Miriam & Eric Kaseff Donna & Ward A. Katz Linda & Barry Katz Marlene & Stanley A. Katz Marvin Katz Leon Katzberg Leibert Kaufman Lynn & Andrew B. Kaufman Stephanie & Kurt Kavanaugh Andrea Kempf Gordon Kingsley Suzanne Kingsley Marc Kingston Melissa Kingston Margaret & Clarence Kivett Lori Silvers Klarfeld Carla & Tiberius Klausner Betty & Richard Klein Lisa & James Klein Michael Klein Jan & David Knopke Sol Koenigsberg Joy & Stewart Koesten Amanda & Brad Koffman Phyllis & Ronald Kogan Shirley & Alfred Kohlman Cantor Sharon R. Kohn & Richard Simon Kolkin Family Ellen & Stephen Kort Regina & William Kort Robert A. Kort Judy & Alan Kosloff Marlene Krakow Polly Kramer Miriam & Harry Krantz Rachel B. Krantz & Edward J. Goldstein Nicole Krein & Gerald W. Lyons Barbara & Edwin Krigel Erlene & Sanford P. Krigel Gayle & Bruce Krigel Family Marsha & Seymour Krinsky Mildred “Millie” S. Kritzler Barbara & Sandy Krug Emma Landie William Lee Barbara & Allen Lefko Doreen Leifer Fannie & Morris Lerner & Meyer Lerner Paul Lerner
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August 27, 2026 | Page 11
Linda & Larry Lessner Carol & Richard M. Levin Emelie Levin Gayle & Ronald Levin Kacy Childs Levin & Rabbi Mark Levin Julie, Michael, Sofia & Noa Levine Robin Levine Jane & James Levitt Molly & Tom Levitt Judith U. & Martin Levy Nicole & David Levy Nita Levy Kim & Jay Lewis Margery Lichtor Floriene & George Lieberman Lillian & David N. Lieberman Colleen & Craig Ligibel Sharon & Jerry Lindenbaum Lilian & Norbert Lipschuetz Beth & Michael Liss Myra Litman Dorothy & Julius Loeffler Karen Loggia & David Spizman Christa & Stanley Louis Lowenstein Brothers Foundation William Lowenstein Gail & Richard Lozoff Jill & Jim Maidhof Gwenn “Babe” Mallin Lore & Mel Mallin Sharon & Jeffrey Mallin Jack Mandelbaum Barbara & Rabbi Herbert J. Mandl Sylvia Manko Aaron March Florence & Abraham E. Margolin Bernard A. Margolis Janet Mark & Frank Lipsman Leslie Markowitz Esther Markus & Weber Ingersoll Henry Massman Kim & Adam Matsil Golda & Ernest Mayer Vicky & Howard Mayer Sue McCord-Belzer & Irv Belzer Michael McCune Mary Kay McPhee & William Pfeiffer Jerome Medol Doris & William Mendel Diane Merkadeau Pamela Merkadeau Carol Meyers Rowena & Cyril Milens Jill Zeldin Miller Shirley & Stanley Morantz Morgan Family Foundation Shanny & Eric Morgenstern Shelah & Jim Mueth Alana Muller & Marc Hammer Marsha Murphy & Robert Morantz Marlene & Jack Nagel Leah, Jerry & Jonah Nash Jennifer Neill & Howard Barewin Susan & Lewis Nerman Javid & Lori Noorollah Linda & Skip Nottberg Elizabeth & Sam Nussbaum Ronna & Larry Nussbaum
Donna Oberstein & Ace Allen Helen & Julius U. Oelsner Robin Onikul Brad Ordo Marvin Orlovick Maggie Osgood-Nicholls & Jake Nicholls Susan & Steve Osman Joyce & Dee Pack Karen & Steven Pack Sheila & Lawrence Pakula Amanda Palan Barbara & Robert V. Palan Janice Panknin Jean & Allen Parelman Edis & Sid Parkans Jennifer & Steven Paul Roslyn Braeman Payne Brenda & Joel Pelofsky Dorothy & Julius Peltzman Millie & Robert Peltzman Shirley Pener Debby & Joseph Pfefer Barbara & Oscar Pinsker Gloria Pitler Rita & Larry Poisner Sharon Lowenstein Poisner & Alan Poisner Elaine & Norman Polsky Carol & David Porter Dianna & William Porter Karen & Ed Porter Harry Portman Charitable Trust Ruth Pozez Betty Price Janet & Harold Price Mary Jo & Barry Price Sara & Ted Prince Aaron Rabinovitz David A. Raffel Betsy & Scott Redler Jessica & Adam Rich Nathan Rieger Ellen & Irv Robinson Jessica & John Rockhold Michael E. Rogovein Mary Beth Rohlf Ellen & Edward S. Rose Gerald Rose Rosanne & Howard Rosen Fern & John Rosenberg Gerald Rosenblum Sylvia Rosenstock Brenda & Howard Rosenthal Susan & Ernest Rosenthal Dorothy Rosenwald Sally & Miles Ross Eunice & Ben Ruben Arlene & John Rubenstein Anna & Charles Rubins Julie & David Rudman Esther & Cy Rudnick Gerean Rudnick Bobbie & Paul Russell Joseph & Sarah Rutlader Rhea Salasche & Harold Kaseff Scott A. Samuels Andrea G. Schaechter Orven Schanzer Miriam & Daniel Scharf Fani & William Schifman Lisa & Ken Schifman
Gloria Rosenbloom Schlesinger & Stanley Schlesinger Marjorie & William Schlosberg Vivien & Daniel L. Schlozman Janice Schonwetter Cathy & Michael A. Schultz Sonia & Sam Schultz Rabbi Neal Schuster Janet & Andrew Schwartz SLS Maron Charlotte & Isadore Shafton John E. Shamberg Amy & Peter Shapiro Lillian Shaw Barbara Shear Marian & Brad Shear Ruth & Nathan Shechter Scott I. Sher Beth & Mike Sherry Judy & Steve Sherry Clara & Ben Shlyen Stevie & John Shuchart Marian Shultz Bonnie & Matthew Siegel Lynette & Norman Siegel Myra & Lester Siegel, Jr. Merna & Sylvan Siegler Pearl B. Silverman Aletha & Bob Simon Connie & Richard Simon Lisa & David Skolnick Denise & Scott M. Slabotsky Rachel & Noah Slabotsky Patricia & Daniel Slosburg Elaine & Myron Slotsky Joanna & David Slusky Julie & Jim Sluyter Beth K. Smith Eva & Jason Sokol Joseph Solsky Kelly & Dan Somberg Sosland Family Blanche & Neil Sosland Estelle & Morton Sosland Jane & L. Joshua Sosland Sosland Family Rachel Pase Sosland & David Sosland Vivian & Hymie Sosland Charitable Trust Debbie Sosland-Edelman & Alan S. Edelman Gwendolyn & Joseph Speyer Staenberg Family Foundation Leah Starr Alice & Harry Statland Carly & Louis Stein Esther & Stewart Stein Sheryl & Josh Stein Lydia DeWitt Steinberg Ann & Dan Stern Clare Stern Elaine Feld Stern Charitable Trust Ruth Stern Frank Sterneck Robin Sterneck Shirley & Todd Stettner Reverend Lisa Gay Stevens & James H Stevens Phyllis & Bill Stevens Lorraine Stiffelman
August 27, 2026 | Page 12
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Legacy Giving Donors continued Jennifer & John Stolte Kay & Ira Stolzer Anna Strauss Gerre & Eugene Strauss Bonnie & Mickey Swade Evelina & Steve Swartzman Frances & Louis Swinken Marvin Szneler Doris Taube Ten Ten Foundation Tension Envelope Foundation Donna & Harvey Thalblum Evy & Lowell Tilzer Ruthie & Harold Tivol Susan & Thomas S. Tivol Sally & Don Tranin Helen & Ben Trillin Patricia Werthan Uhlmann Paul Uhlmann, Jr. Sue & Joel D. Vile
Sara & Danny Wajcman Alfred Wallach Nicole & Myron Wang Janice & Alan Wasserman Judith Wasserman Wallace N. Weber Dolores & Hanan Wedlan Gail & Gary Weinberg Felicia & Seymour Weiner Irene & Howard Weiner Larry Weinstein Civia & Rabbi Scott White Shirley & Lewis White Gail & Bill Wien Leonard Wilk Family Leonard S. Wilk Marsha & Mark Williams Susie & Donald Wilson B.D. Winyard & Norman B. Kahn, Jr.
Heim Wolberg Ellen & Jerome T. Wolf Kelly Duffy Wolf & Gregory Wolf Marcia & Bob Wolff Irene Wurzburger Fanny Yarmo Susan Zale Pamela & Michael Zanders Linda Zappulla Karen & Rabbi Michael Zedek Jean & Bob Zeldin Joyce & Stanford A. Zeldin Laura Ziegler-Davis & Gard Davis Lezlie & Dave Zucker Julie & Joe Zwillenberg
To discuss how to create a legacy gift, or if your name was inadvertently omitted, please contact Suzanne Galblum Dicken at (913) 327-8286 or sdicken@jcfkc.org.
Foundation For Our Future A Community-Wide Celebration of Legacy Giving
These legacy donors will be honored at the Jewish Community Foundation’s Foundation for Our Future, a complimentary event on September 24. The event will feature keynote speaker Bret Stephens, an award-winning journalist and thought leader in world Jewry, and the Endowment Book of Life signing ceremony. We will also share an exciting announcement about the new Bushman Community Endowment program. If you’ve made a planned gift to our community, we’d love for you to join the celebration! Contact Kara Kahn Bush at kbush@jcfkc.org or (913) 327-8120 to learn more.
kcjc.com
August 27, 2026 | Page 13
community news
KU Hillel announces Jay Lewis, Rabbi Neal Schuster as co-chairs of 21st Rock Chalk Shabbat By KU Hillel On Nov. 13, 21 years after helping create Rock Chalk Shabbat, Jay Lewis and Rabbi Neal Schuster are reuniting for a special celebration. When Lewis helped launch KU Hillel’s Rock Chalk Shabbat more than two decades ago, the idea was relatively simple: create a Shabbat dinner that brought as many Jewish Jayhawks together around the same table as possible. Rabbi Schuster, meanwhile, helped shape what happened around that table. As a rabbi and mentor, he worked with students to lead Kabbalat Shabbat services, explore their Judaism and create educational experiences that made Jewish life at KU feel both meaningful and accessible. Over the years, that dinner grew into one of KU Hillel’s defining traditions, drawing students, parents, alumni, families and community members together each fall. Since then, Rock Chalk Shabbat has helped build generations of Jewish leadership on campus and deeply rooted engagement in the community. “Together, Jay and Neal created more than an annual event,” KU Hillel Executive Director Ethan Helfand said. “These two giants in the history of our organization seized the opportunity to foster a culture of connection at KU Hillel, where every student was welcomed and had a place at the table.” For Lewis, returning to Rock Chalk Shabbat is an opportunity to celebrate both the tradition and the organization that has remained important to him long after his student days. “I am so excited to join Neal as honorary co-chair for Rock Chalk Shabbat this year. For over 20 years, Rock Chalk Shabbat has been the centerpiece of Jewish life at KU, bringing together students, parents, alumni and community members,” said Lewis, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Kansas City. “It is a very special event for a special organization at a special university. From my time as a college student until now, KU Hillel has given me so much. To be in this role alongside Neal is one of the greatest honors of my life.” Rabbi Schuster, now rabbi at Temple B’nai Israel in Des Moines, Iowa, sees the anniversary as a chance to revisit some of the people and experiences that made those early years so memorable. “Rock Chalk Shabbat is 21! Being asked if I’ll be an honorary co-chair with Jay Lewis is like getting a call that ‘We’re gettin’ the band back
Jay Lewis (left) and Rabbi Neal Schuster (right) together with former KU Hillel staff members and current KC Jewish community professionals Carly Stein and Melissa Kingston. together!’” Rabbi Schuster said. “What an amazing opportunity to reach back into the archives of memory: how many superstar students were shaped into superstar grown-ups through KU Hillel and Rock Chalk Shabbat.” The students Lewis and Rabbi Schuster remember are now alumni, parents, community leaders and supporters of KU Hillel, many of whom will return to Lawrence for this year’s celebration. They’ll sit alongside current students experiencing Rock
Chalk Shabbat and the power of the KU Jewish community for the first time. That connection between generations may be the most fitting part of this 21st anniversary. The KU students who are now 21 years old were born the same year Rock Chalk Shabbat began. As a community, Rock Chalk Shabbat will host three or four generations of Jewish Jayhawks, sitting side by side and finding common ground in a shared love of KU Hillel.
“Twenty-one years behind us have absolutely shaped and defined the Jewish community in the present,” Rabbi Schuster said. “And I look at the 21-year-olds at KU now — they were born the same year as Rock Chalk Shabbat, and they are just poised, ready to leap into the future. They’re going to shape Jewish life and community in ways we can’t even imagine.” For Lewis and Rabbi Schuster, November’s celebration offers a chance to look back at what they helped create, reconnect with the people who came through KU Hillel along the way and see what the next generation of Jewish Jayhawks will do with the community they inherit. “I can’t wait to work with Jay again and be in Lawrence for this event,” Rabbi Schuster said. In addition to joining KU Hillel for the special occasion on Nov. 13, KU Hillel is seeking alumni to share their favorite memories and photos from their time on campus. Those interested can contact Megan Pener at meganpener@kuhillel. org with questions or to share their stories. To reserve seats, they can register online by going to kuhillel.org/ rcsrsvp.
B’nai Jehudah’s Hanukkah-themed art fair to return for second year By The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah Community members of all ages are invited to enjoy B’nai Jehudah’s Hanukkah Bazaar on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature handcrafted artwork, Judaica, seasonal shopping, food vendors and unique holiday gift ideas. The Kansas City Chiefs game will also be playing for guests who want to watch and shop. Local artist Terri Miro will return for a second year to sell her vintage-inspired leather bracelets and accessories. “I was thrilled that B’nai Jehudah decided to take on the challenge of putting on a Hanukkah Bazaar last year,” Miro said. “It was so much fun seeing local artists and makers together in one space. The success of the Bazaar, which brought together more than 400 people last year, is a testament to both Kansas City’s creative community and its thriving
Jewish community.” Last year’s event featured 34 vendors, and organizers expect even more participants this year. The Bazaar aims to showcase artists and makers whose work is inspired by Jewish culture, tradition and Hanukkah, while also offering a variety of unique gifts and handmade goods for the holiday season. Guests will have the opportunity to browse one-of-a-kind pieces, discover meaningful holiday gifts and connect with local creatives while celebrating the beauty and joy of the Festival of Lights. Designed to be festive and family-friendly, the event offers attendees a chance to gather, shop and prepare for Hanukkah while supporting local artists and small businesses. “My Nana gave me my first sewing
machine when I was 16, and little did I know it would lead me to Tmiro Designs,” Miro said. “Growing up, I loved pottery, knitting, sewing, painting and scrapbooking, but I began making my vintage-inspired leather bracelets 25 years ago after receiving a pair of sparkly shoe clips. Today, I create bracelets, purses, and card holders and participate in both local and out-of-town art shows.” Miro previously participated in the KC Jewish Culture Festival and has been a vendor at the Boulder Jewish Festival for the past eight summers. Admission is free and open to the public. Additional information about B’nai Jehudah’s Hanukkah Bazaar and applications to be a vendor can be found at bnaijehudah.org or by contacting Abby Magariel at (913) 663-4050.
Hanukkah Bazaar Sunday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. B’nai Jehudah, 12320 Nall Ave, Overland Park, KS 66209
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community news
Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation celebrates new Etz Chayim mural
Above: The new mural of the Tree of Life on the facade of the Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation. Right: Muralist Dave Loewenstein during the painting of the mural.
By LJCC The Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation (LJCC) has a new look thanks to the work of the Lawrence-based muralist Dave Loewenstein. Where previously a plain beige exterior greeted the passers-by on 9th Street, there is now a vibrant, multicolored mural of Etz Chayim, the Tree of Life. This new artwork came about when Dave Loewenstein approached LJCC Executive Director Lara Giordano about helping the community by creating a mural that could communicate its story and beautify its building. Although Loewenstein was not raised Jewish, he discovered as an adult his family’s “crypto” Jewish roots — his grandfather
had disavowed his Jewishness in favor of assimilation and never looked back. Loewenstein was interested in working with the LJCC as a way of honoring his own connection to the Jewish people. Volunteering his talent and time, Loewenstein spent a year working with community members to help them reach consensus on an image that could capture the diversity and depth of the Lawrence Jewish community, its struggles and aspirations — and be plausibly painted on the corrugated metal exterior of the building, a true challenge even for a seasoned muralist. The LJCC, which has been in existence for more than 70 years, is lay-led and unaffiliated, as well as the only egalitarian synagogue in all of
Douglas County. “Our community really prides itself on its ‘big tent’ Judaism,” LJCC Executive Director Lara Giordano said. “Serving a diverse constituency of religious and secular Jews as well as their Jewish-adjacent loved ones is fundamental to our mission. We have strong ties to KU, and we’ve rendered both intellectual enrichment and social engagement central to who we are and what we do. Moreover, our members care — not just about being Jewish, but about bettering the community in which we live. “LJCC members believe that this pursuit of mutual enrichment is part of what defines their Judaism,” Giordano said. “Accordingly, we’ve cultivated partnerships and connections with
Heartland Racewalkers excel at USATF Masters track meet By Heartland Racewalkers
and humid on the track. But it Heartland Racewalkers and was safe enough to race under community members Alan Poisthe circumstances, so the race ner and David Eisenberg attendproceeded. ed the USA Track & Field (USATF) A substantial thunderstorm Masters Outdoor Track and Field rolled in early Saturday evening, Championships in Geneva, Ohio, bringing plentiful rain and strong from July 16-19, racing in the breezes, which worked wonders 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter race for the air quality, and Sunday walk competitions. morning’s 10k race took place Poisner earned two gold in clear skies, pleasant temperamedals in his age group, posttures and a light breeze. ing “all-American” times in both The event was a great success events. Eisenberg likewise earned for both competitors. gold medals in both the 5k and Heartland Racewalkers, which Alan Poisner and David Eisenberg at the USATF 10k, winning the 10k by an almost includes Poisner as a founder in Masters Outdoor Track and Field Championship. 5-minute margin. 1989, is based in Overland Park Geneva is about 60 miles east of because of air quality, and Day 3 starts at the Jewish Community Center and Cleveland, which was experiencing were delayed two hours. The 5k race is one of the nation’s leading racedreadful air quality resulting from was supposed to take place outdoors walking clubs. Its members meet for widespread Canadian wildfires around on Friday morning but was moved to weekly clinics at the JCC throughout that time. The track meet was sched- an indoor track on Saturday morning. the year and compete in a wide variuled for Thursday through Sunday, The indoor venue was still laden with ety of events, locally, nationally and but the first two days were canceled some greyish smog, and it was warm internationally.
other institutions central to the social and intellectual vibrancy of Lawrence — places like the Lawrence Interdenominational Nutritional Kitchen, the Watkins Museum of History, the Lawrence Interfaith Network, the Douglas County Community Foundation and other civic organizations, religious and secular.” According to Giordano, representing this diversity, depth and the place-based Judaism that the LJCC has cultivated over the years was a fundamental structuring element of the mural. Objectively, the mural depicts a sprawling tree, an elder, whose wisdom and experience are gathered in colorful facets between its branches. The image invokes the Tree of Life, a central figure within Jewish tradition, appearing in the Torah and moreover serving as an emblem of it — the Torah said to be the “Tree of Life to all who grasp her.” “The tree is an emblem of intergenerational relation and succession,” Giordano said, “signalling what, in Judaism, we refer to as ‘L’dor V’dor,’ from generation to generation, signalling our indebtedness to the past and our hopes to thrive into the future, continuing to provide a shelter of peace for all who wish to worship within our synagogue.”
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community news
‘Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar’ celebrates 15th anniversary Jacob Elyachar, community member and Overland Park, Kansas, native, is celebrating the 15th anniversary of his brand, “Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar,” which includes a successful podcast of the same name. Among his guests have been celebrities such as Cyndi Lauper, Dolly Parton and Howie Mandel. “Since the launch of ‘Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar,’ I have welcomed many guests from the U.S. and from across the world,” said Elyachar, the brand’s chief content producer, writer and host. “Proudly, I have released over 435 regular episodes, 25 exclusive episodes, six anniversary episodes and four Halloween shows.” In 2025, the podcast welcomed listeners from more than 75 countries. “Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar” originated as a blog, jakes-take.com, in which he gave his take on comics, film, music and television. In November 2019, Jacob launched his podcast, which allowed him to expand upon his in-depth interviews, allowing the
audience to listen in on conversations with guests. “I have visited the sets of both ‘American Idol’ and ‘American Ninja Warrior’ reality TV shows,” Elyachar said. “I covered several editions of Kansas City Fashion Week and Planet Comicon Kansas City.” Elyachar has also appeared as a guest on several other podcasts, including “AGT Time Pod,” “Challenge Mania,” “Getting Real with Jon & Beth” and “The Quinn Spinn.” In 2025, the American Business Awards presented him with their national “Silver Award” in the Interview/Talk Show Podcast category. “I am a passionate storyteller with experience covering entertainment news and conducting in-depth conversations with iconic entertainers and media personalities, and producing content,” he said. More information about “Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar” is available at jakes-take.com or by emailing Elyachar at jacobelyachar8@gmail.com.
commentary 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.
Village Shalom asks, ‘Who’s your everyday champion?’ By Village Shalom Sometimes being a champion has nothing to do with a title, an award or a grand gesture. Sometimes it is simply noticing what someone needs and finding a way to help. At Village Shalom, those moments happen every day. One recent example came from John Gilbert, Village Shalom’s Volunteer Coordinator, whose connection to the community goes back nearly three decades. John first volunteered at Shalom Geriatric Center from 1998–2000 as an assistant art therapist. Years later, he returned as an employee, serving Village Shalom in several roles before retiring in 2025. But retirement didn’t last long. John returned in 2026 as Village Shalom’s Volunteer Coordinator, bringing with him the same long-standing compassion and willingness to help. Recently, that meant finding a way to bring comfort to a resident named Sonja.
John Gilbert and Village Shalom resident Sonja. When Sonja was hospitalized, John knew how much she missed the companionship of her cat. It was something that weighed on him, and he began looking for a way to help. Through Mo-Kan Pet Partners, John arranged a special visit with Hazel, a therapy cat, and her handler, Julie. For Sonja, spending time with Hazel provided some much-needed comfort and joy during a difficult time. For John , it was simply something he felt called to do. continued on next page
Beyond apple picking By Bridey Stangler PJ Library It’s hard to believe that we’re already here: it’s the High Holidays! The season’s electrical bill makes me feel like they’ve come early this year, but as I’ve heard a rabbi say, “The holidays always come exactly on time!” Be that as it may, it’s 90 degrees outside, and I can think of few things I want to do less than go apple-picking. This particular Jewish new year’s tradition is beloved by parents and children alike. What better to pair with your Rosh Hashanah honey than locally grown fruit that you harvested yourself? And it’s the perfect way to spend a brisk fall afternoon wearing sweaters! The problem, though, is that it isn’t fall. But the holidays always come exactly on time, so here are just a few ways to help your children celebrate the new year – and for these, there’s no charge per bushel.
Bake a round challah Explanations for round challah at the High Holidays vary widely depending on who you ask. Some say it symbolizes the nature of God’s unending generosity, others that our challah should be as round as the wheel of the year, and my favorite: a round challah looks like a crown (put it on and you’ll agree), and such a great year as the one to come deserves to be treated like royalty. Even more manifold than reasons for the shape of our challah are the recipes for said challah. Go find one. Better yet, ask for help in the kitchen and learn something new from a loved one, a neighbor or a friend. Whether an elaborate weave or a simple curlicue, just make sure your round challah can roll like time itself — and don’t forget the raisins for a sweet new year!
Celebrate with simanim I love a good pun, so imagine my delight when I first uncovered the severed front half of a trout, glassy eyes staring up at me from ice in a crystal bowl. “May you be the head – and not the tail! Who wants to eat the eye!?” Thank you, no. The head of a fish is but one of the simanim, the symbolic foods, to be consumed at the new year, and so many of them are just like the first:
pure and beautiful wordplay! Eating, praying and exercising your child’s symbolic thought processes all at once? That’s win-win-win! Break out the dates, leeks and heads of ram: it’s shofar time!
And speaking of shofars… This is the perfect moment to buy a kazoo. Between the internet and your own lived experience, you could be teaching your children the shofar calls on kazoo before the day is out. What a delightfully irritating activity. But don’t worry: you and your littles will break down in giggles long before your ears start to hurt.
Teshuvah through teamwork Rosh Hashanah marks not only a fresh start for the year, but a fresh start for our souls, our nishamot. The order of the day is Teshuvah. It is the word for a deep and transformational repentance – a return to the path of holiness. It only starts with saying “I’m sorry.” Invite a conversation with your family about who you are – as individuals and as a unit – and who you want to become in the new year. Check out the Jewish Federation of Kansas City’s PJ Library page. You’ll find a beautiful and practical question-by-question guide for getting started.
Write your own “Al Chet” (confession of sins) This sounds like heavy stuff, but sitting shoulder to shoulder with your child as you work your way through an alphabet of sins is actually a real bonding experience. The A to Z list of ways we missed the mark can feel more personal than “for the sins we have committed against you…” There is tremendous power and vulnerability in showing your children that you know you do things wrong. And what is this season about if not power and vulnerability? Start with A and work your way to Z. Perhaps you “Avoided a needy co-worker,” “Bragged about my raise,” or “Cursed at another driver in front of my kid.” Your child probably “Annoyed my sister,” “Bragged about kickball” or “Cursed at my chores.” Yes, apple-picking will just have to wait until Sukkot. After all, everything comes in its own time – it’s right there in Ecclesiastes. With the holidays coming exactly on time this year, I wish you and yours happy Rosh Hashanah.
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Aliyah-phobia Most synagogue members would be delighted with the phone call I got last year. “I’m calling to offer you an aliyah at High Holiday Services,” said the committee chair in charge of distributing these honors. Being called up for an aliyah (literally meaning to ascend) to recite a blessing, do a reading or open the ark during services is a highly sought-after privilege. I was honored to be asked and without giving it much thought, agreed. My two-sentence passage arrived a few weeks before Rosh Hashanah. By the holiday’s arrival I knew it by heart. But, on the day of my performance, my heart began racing the moment I pulled into the parking lot. By the time I sat down, my ears were pounding, knees wobbling and armpits schvitzing. When called up I somehow managed to make my way to the bima and delivered my reading without flubbing any words. But upon returning to my seat, I kept replaying what I had done. At the service conclusion, I realized that I hadn’t paid any attention to the proceedings, having obsessed over that aliyah the whole time. I promised myself that next time I wouldn’t accept any honor. Not even a non-speaking role. I could just imagine tripping on the way to open the ark or getting my fingers tangled up binding the Torah. Fact is, I’m uncomfortable with any situation where people look at me. At Zumba class, I would position myself in the back row to avoid anyone glancing at my dancing. As an author, I should be delighted by invitations to speak about my writing. Instead, I grasp any excuse to decline. “So sorry. I have a prior commitment for that day,” I’ll say, staring at the calendar entry that says, “Pay bills.” Or, “I’m afraid I’ll be out-oftown,” as I invent a destination to escape to. I’m aware that many people enjoy being seen. My own daughter chose a career in theater, which puzzles me no end. She actually likes being the center of attention. She’s far from alone. An invitation to come before the congregation for an aliyah is coveted by most congregants. So much so that some will even pay for the privilege
through an auction. I was first made aware of this practice from an Aliyot auction/sale sign on display at the Michael Klein Judaica collection. This 1900 brass and wooden holder resembles an oversized paint roller, but with rotating slots with numbers. By holding up the device, bidders could announce the amount offered for a designated aliyah. Some synagogues continue to hold auctions, either through silent bidding beforehand or — more controversially — at the time of the service. Either way, thousands of dollars can be raised. Which gives me an idea. Maybe synagogues should hold an auction to not be awarded an aliyah. I’ll bet my cousin would have paid dearly to avoid the aliyah she was given at my daughter’s bat mitzvah. Though not a drinker, she was so nervous she hid a flask with Manischewitz wine in her tallis bag. Before being called to the bima, she dashed to the bathroom and chugged down several slugs. Imagine how much she — and I — would have paid to avoid our honors. Let’s find out. I’ll open the bidding at $18 to not get an aliyah this year. Now do I hear $36? Nancy Kalikow Maxwell is a Kansas City native and awardwinning author. Her book, Typically Jewish, is available through the Jewish Publication Society or Amazon. Her website is kaliwellinc.com and email is nancykalikowmaxwell@gmail.com.
“I just couldn’t sleep until I found something to help Sonja,” he said. That is what an everyday champion looks like.
The people behind Village Shalom Throughout this summer, Village Shalom has been celebrating the people who make a difference in the lives of our residents through our Summer of Champions. They are nurses and CNAs, dining team members, housekeepers, maintenance staff, therapists, receptionists, activity professionals, administrative staff and many others. Their responsibilities may be different, but each has an opportunity to make someone’s day a little better. Sometimes that means providing exceptional care. Other times, it is knowing a resident’s favorite meal, taking an extra few minutes to listen, sharing a laugh, solving a problem or recognizing when someone simply needs a little extra kindness. Those moments may seem small at the time. To residents and their families, they have memories that last and are shared through the years.
Who do you remember? That is why, as part of this year’s Employee Appreciation Fund, Village Shalom is asking a simple question: “Who’s your ‘Everyday Champion?’” You don’t have to live at Village Shalom today or currently have a loved one in our care to have an answer. Perhaps your mother or father lived at Village Shalom years ago, and there was a caregiver who always made them
smile. Maybe there was a nurse who helped your family through a difficult time, a dining team member who knew exactly how your loved one liked their coffee, or a receptionist who greeted them by name every morning. If there is someone that made an impact, we would love to hear about them. Tell us their name and, if you’d like, share a few words about what made that person a champion for you or your family. John’s story is one example. We know there are many more.
A chance to say thank you The Village Shalom Employee Appreciation Fund provides another way for residents, families and friends to recognize the people behind the care. Each year, contributions to the fund are pooled and distributed as year-end appreciation gifts to eligible Village Shalom employees. It is a meaningful way for our community to collectively say thank you to the people who give so much of themselves throughout the year. But recognizing an “Everyday Champion” doesn’t require making a gift. Sometimes simply sharing a name and telling a story is a powerful way to let someone know that what they did mattered — and that it is still remembered.
Who’s your “Everyday Champion?” Visit villageshalom.org/donate/employee-appreciation-fund to share your “Everyday Champion” story, learn more about the Employee Appreciation Fund or make a gift in appreciation of the people who make Village Shalom such a special community.
Charitable giving: Eight ways teens can get involved and fostering a lifelong commitment to community. Teens are old enough In my new role to understand community challenges, as coordinator of form opinions about issues they care the Jewish Commuabout, and make thoughtful decisions nity Foundation’s about how they want to help. B’nai Tzedek proWe understand that getting teens gram, I have the involved is often easier said than done. privilege of workThe team at the Jewish Community ing with young people who want to Foundation is happy to help. Here are make a difference in our community. eight suggestions for simple ways to Talking with teens can be tricky, but start the process. the teenage years are an especially important time to begin conver- 1. Ask what they care about sations about philanthropy. These Many adults begin by talking about discussions are essential to passing charities they support. Instead, start along values, encouraging generosity, by asking your teen what issues matter
By Lauren Levy
to them. They may be passionate about animals, the environment, education, healthcare, mental health or helping neighbors in need. Listening first can create a stronger foundation for future conversations and ultimately deeper community engagement.
2. Volunteer together Giving involves more than writing checks. Spending even just an hour volunteering as a family can help teens see firsthand how nonprofit organizations serve the community and why charitable support matters. continued on page 19
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Martin Lee Eisenman Martin Lee Eisenman, 78, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on Aug. 18 at Menorah Medical Center. Services were held on Aug. 21 at Louis Memorial Chapel, followed by burial at Kehilath Israel Blue Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Children’s Mercy Hospital or JewishGen, The Global Home for Jewish Genealogy. Marty was born on Sept. 30, 1947, in Kansas City to Ruth and Eugene Eisenman. Marty graduated from Southwest High School in 1965 and then earned a degree in accounting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves. After working as an accountant throughout the 1970s, Marty joined the family box business, All Packaging Company, and worked there until the mid-1990s in several capacities, including as partial owner. At the age of 19, Marty met the love of his life, Sandra Goldstein, on a blind date. They married on Nov. 26, 1969, in Kansas City and were happily married until Sandy’s far-too-early passing in January 2012. During Sandy’s long illness, Marty was her constant caretaker, advocating for her tirelessly and rarely leaving her side. During their daughters’ childhoods, Marty was a softball coach, school volunteer and chief tickler. He and Sandy loved to take the girls on trips all over the country with Marty driving, Sandy navigating and everyone playing the license plate game. As a family, they visited national parks (especially visitors’ centers), historic sites and many baseball stadiums. He was proud to have visited 46 states in his lifetime. Marty’s three grandchildren were the highlight of his life. He loved being Papa to Elena, Max and Noah and believed wholeheartedly that his grandchildren were the smartest, most beautiful and most accomplished children in the whole world. Everyone who met him knew all about their activities and accomplishments. Marty enjoyed learning about and researching his family history and genealogy. He spent time piecing together the family story and meeting distant relatives along the way. Marty was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandy; his parents, Ruth and Gene Eisenman; his in-laws, Rhetta and Nathan Goldstein; and his niece, Emily Perlstein. Survivors include daughters and son-in-law, Marjory Eisenman of Overland Park and Lynn and Lauren
obituaries Mandell of Takoma Park, Maryland; grandchildren, Elena and Max Mandell of Takoma Park and Noah Eisenman of Overland Park; siblings, Donald and Rosalyn Pelles of Silver Spring, Maryland, Scott and Pam Eisenman of Omaha, Nebraska, Franci and John Massey of Overland Park; in-laws, Elliott and Linda Goldstein of Overland Park and Cheryl Kasson of Denver, Colorado; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Donald Cohen for a lifetime of friendship and care. Online condolences may be left for the family at louismemorialchapel. com.
Sharon Ann Glickman On Aug. 19, Sharon Ann Glickman, beloved wife of the late Frederick Glickman (z’’l) and daughter of the late Betty and Morris Elbaum; devoted mother of Michelle (Eric) Chudow and Joshua (Allison) Glickman; loving sister of Joy (Paul) Elbaum-Rezendes; and cherished Bubby of Ross, Jonathan and Aviva Chudow, and Ryan, Maya and Asher Glickman. Sharon was a native of the Bronx and Queens, a true New Yorker. She and Rick met while they were both working at NYU Medical Center and started a family in New Jersey in the late 1970s, welcoming Michelle. After a few years in Salt Lake City, Utah, where Josh was born and Rick taught at the University of Utah, Sharon and Rick moved back to the East Coast and settled in Maryland, where they instilled strong Jewish values in their family through their involvement at B’nai Israel Congregation and the Jewish Community Center in Rockville. Sharon was a lifelong educator, teaching in early childhood classrooms across the state of Maryland for many decades, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. While losing Rick to cancer in 1999 left a hole in her heart that was never truly filled, Sharon shared a truly endless amount of love with her six grandchildren, who always made her smile. She enjoyed music, reading and sitting on the beach listening to the waves. The daughter of a Holocaust survivor, Sharon was a fighter to the end, surviving for almost nine years after her melanoma diagnosis, treasuring all the time she was able to spend at family mitzvot, holidays and celebrations. She leaves behind a legacy of love for family, support for Israel and Jews around the world, and memories for her children and grandchildren that they can carry into the
rest of their lives. Funeral services were held on Aug. 21 at B’nai Israel Congregation in Rockville, Maryland, followed by burial at Judean Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation or the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism.
Lawrence Goldblatt Lawrence “Larry” Goldblatt, beloved partner, father, grandfather, brother, architect, planner, developer, writer, advocate and friend, passed away peacefully at home on July 30 at age 77, following complications from a devastating stroke in January. Born on Feb. 28, 1949, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Larry knew from age six, after seeing a construction site, that he wanted to design buildings. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture with honors from North Carolina State University in 1972 and master’s degrees in architecture and city planning from MIT in 1975. Soon after MIT, Larry closed his eyes, placed his finger on a map and landed on Kansas City. He believed it was where he was meant to be. For nearly 50 years, Kansas City became his home and the canvas for his life’s work. In 1977, Larry founded Lawrence Goldblatt Architecture, Planning & Development, and later The National Architect Corporation, envisioning a collaborative network of architects long before remote professional collaboration became commonplace. He devoted his career to integrating architecture, planning and development to strengthen communities and expand opportunity. Larry designed homes, synagogues, churches, schools, commercial buildings, neighborhoods and master plans throughout Kansas City and beyond. His work included projects for Chabad, Congregation BIAV, churches of many denominations, the Islamic Foundation of Kansas City, affordable housing developments, historic preservation initiatives and neighborhood redevelopment. He fought tirelessly to protect unmarked slave graves threatened by Kansas City International Airport construction, believing those whose lives had gone unrecognized deserved dignity and remembrance. He also played a pivotal role in preserving and advancing the Mutual Musicians Foundation and Kansas City’s historic jazz district. As a longtime Kansas City Business Journal columnist, Larry challenged readers to think differently about ar-
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chitecture, planning and public policy. He also served as speechwriter and planning advisor to then-Kansas City Mayor and now U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver. His commitment to justice extended beyond design. Representing himself, Larry successfully brought two cases to the docket of the United States Supreme Court — an accomplishment many attorneys pursue their entire careers without achieving. A member of Mensa, Larry possessed a remarkable intellect, but those who knew him best remember his kindness, generosity, humor and ability to bring people together. Grounded in his Jewish faith and strengthened through years of tefillah, he formed lifelong friendships across races, religions, neighborhoods and professions. Larry never saw labels. He saw people. One story captured his heart. During a fundraising presentation at a Baptist church he designed, a young boy asked what he could personally do to help with the renovation. Larry stopped, pulled the only $20 bill from his wallet, handed it to the boy, and told the congregation, “This young man is the leader of the attitude we must all possess.” That was Larry. He gave freely of his time, intellect, compassion and heart. At the center of his life was a simple conviction: every life mattered. Whether protecting forgotten graves, advocating for affordable housing, preserving historic neighborhoods, helping a friend solve a problem or thanking the person delivering his hospital meal, Larry believed every person possessed inherent dignity and immeasurable worth. That gratitude remained with him through his final months. Despite repeated hospitalizations, Larry thanked everyone who cared for him, from environmental services and dietary staff to nurses, physicians, therapists and caregivers. His humor endured too. When a doctor asked whether he was in pain, Larry answered yes. Asked where it hurt, he replied, “My wallet.” For all his accomplishments, Larry’s greatest joy was his family. He lovingly cared for his mother in her later years, encouraged curiosity in his children, and adored being “Saba” to his grandchildren, who knew him as the grandfather who read books, played games, listened intently, told dad jokes and made them feel deeply loved. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Selma Goldblatt. He is survived by his beloved partner, Paula Fesenmeyer; sister, Ruth G. Nolan, and brother-in-law, Bruce McKenna; son, Aaron Goldblatt, and daughter-in-law, Marjorie Marchin; continued on next page
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continued from previous page and grandchildren Phoebe and Flynn Goldblatt; daughter, Leah Goldblatt, and her fiancé Yisroel Tzvi Zalman Meyers; and grandson, Jack McCormack; and countless cousins, friends, colleagues, neighbors and community partners. Larry’s legacy cannot be measured by the buildings he designed or plans he drafted. It lives in the people he encouraged, neighborhoods he strengthened, history he helped preserve, friendships he forged across boundaries, and his enduring belief that communities become stronger when people choose cooperation, truth, dignity and honesty. Memorial contributions in Larry’s honor may be made to the Mutual Musicians Foundation or Chabad of Leawood. Online condolences may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.
Arnold G. Kratchman Arnold G. Kratchman, affectionately known as “Arnie” to friends and family, passed away at the age of 91 on Aug. 14, 2026. Arnie lived a life characterized by love, dedication and an unyielding quest for knowledge. Born on May 23, 1935, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Helen and Alex Kratchman, Arnie spent his entire life as a proud resident of the Kansas City area. His journey was a testament to resilience and the pursuit of personal growth, from his early education at Paseo High School, through his time at the University of Missouri, to his service as Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, and later his successful career in business. After the Army, Arnie went into business with his father, operating several apartment buildings, but knowing that this was not what he wanted as a permanent career. He joined Dun and Bradstreet, and after years in the reporting department, his on-the-job training took him into new and innovative fields in the company, from training new employees to Trade Tape Specialist, utilizing business and bank computers for customer payment records. He was
obituaries on the ground floor of this new system and was totally successful. That was Arnie: a dedicated man, a thorough man, a researcher and innovator. After 27 years, he took an early business buy-out to care for his wife, Nancy, who was terminally ill — he remained the same thorough and dedicated person, and added to this loving and caring skills. He loved his children and was always available to them, encouraging them to make their own life choices. His skills became enhanced with the love and devotion he showed to his second wife, Joe Ann, and her children. He had a tough exterior, demanding perfection; his true character comprised his quest for knowledge and his warm heart. His second wife, Joe Ann died on April 18, 2020, of cancer after 26 years as a loving wife to Arnie, at Kansas City Hospice House, as Arnie stood by her bedside. She had saved his life after Nancy had died and had given him a new life. His retirement years were spent enjoying life with his family; his friends; his passion for cars, mostly new (and always clean); and utilizing yet another set of skills at home; repairing things; and keeping up the yard — doing all this with a smile and the warmth of perfection he demanded of himself and others. Arnold was preceded in death by his wives, Nancy in 1994 and Joe Ann in 2020; his parents; his brother, Niles, and his wife, Terri; and his sister, Norma Bradley. He is survived by his children, Jeff Kratchman of Overland Park, Kansas; Jill Roberts (Mike) of Grandview, Missouri; and Jamie Himpel (James) of New York; stepchildren Terry Levine (Julie) of Leawood, Kansas; Marcie Meyer (Michael) of Omaha, Nebraska; and Robyn Schwartz (Ron) of Chicago, Illinois; grandchildren, Mackenzie (Stefan) Miller, Phil (Phoebe) Roberts; Brady and Reiley Himpel and one great-grandchild, Coraline Miller; Adam, Samantha and Elliot Levine; Steven and Rachel Meyer; Evi, Noa, Mati and Shai Schwartz; as well as his brother, Steve (Carmen). Funeral services were held on Aug. 17 at Louis Memorial Chapel, followed by burial in Rose Hill Cemetery. Contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left for the fami-
ly at louismemorialchapel.com.
Elizabeth Glass Loggia Elizabeth Glass Loggia (Betty), a devoted spouse and mother, accomplished attorney and lifelong learner, passed away on July 15 at home from cancer. She was 83. Betty was born in 1943 to Lucille, a social worker, and Abraham Glass, an attorney. She started her life in Carteret, New Jersey, and moved to Plainfield, New Jersey, before kindergarten. Betty excelled academically. In high school, she was editor of her high school newspaper and enjoyed Latin, even earning an honorable mention during one of the Baird Memorial Latin Contests at New York University. She was valedictorian of her high school class before attending Pembroke College at Brown University, where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. While at Pembroke, Betty built enduring friendships which lasted decades. After college, Betty began her career with IBM at the Pentagon as a computer programmer for its data management system. There she met her husband, Tom. They were married in 1967, forging a partnership that would last the rest of her life. Betty worked during the day and attended classes at Georgetown University Law Center at night. She earned her J.D. in 1969 and later that year had her first child. In 1974, Betty and Tom moved from Alexandria, Virginia, to Darnestown, Maryland, with their two children, soon to be expecting a third. They built the home where they would live until 2023. During those years, they were happy to count many of their neighbors among their close friends. No matter the weather, nearly every day you would see Betty walking in the neighborhood. Eventually the neighborhood book club was formed, where Betty was always ready with an insightful comment and easy laugh. After her three children were born, Betty was ready for her next challenge. She began working at Sallie Mae in Washington, D.C., commuting to and from Georgetown during a time when there were limited resources to support career women. In 1992, she decided to pursue a solo private practice, citing her father as inspiration and the importance of having the freedom and flexibility of being her own boss. Networking and community building remained a cornerstone of her approach to a successful practice.
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In 2002, she proudly served as the president of the Women’s Bar Association of Maryland, helping to support and advance women in the legal profession. In 2006, Betty was named one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women, an annual awards program created by The Daily Record. Betty became a bat mitzvah in 1992, an opportunity that was not available to her in her teens. For years she enjoyed chanting Torah during High Holy Day services and attending regular Torah studies, first at Temple Beth Ami in Rockville, Maryland, and later at Congregation Beth Torah in Overland Park, Kansas. Throughout their marriage, Betty and Tom shared a love of travel, visiting all but one continent. There were frequent family trips to the Outer Banks and longer trips around the world. In 2007, on a trip to Africa, she ascended Mt. Kilimanjaro. She later described the trip as the “thrill of a lifetime.” In addition to her professional accomplishments, Betty had a passion for music and played the piano throughout her life. After retiring from her day-to-day law practice in 2017, she further pursued her musical interests by attending classes at Montgomery College, earning a certification in music theory in 2019. In 2023, Betty and Tom moved to Overland Park, Kansas. Betty continued her commitment to the community through volunteer work and forming new friendships. Shortly after moving, she was admitted to the Kansas State Bar Association and continued pro bono work at a nearby courthouse. Even though she was living hundreds of miles away from the East Coast, she stayed connected to the many people who knew and loved her from sleepaway camp, elementary school, high school, college, dinner club, numerous book clubs, synagogue and beyond through Zoom meetings, texts, phone calls and emails. Betty is survived by her husband, Tom Loggia, of Overland Park; her brother, Michael Glass (Judy), of New York City; and her three children of whom she was immensely proud: Andy (Michelle Cades) of Herndon, Virginia; Karen (David Spizman) of Leawood, Kansas; and Jackie of Seattle, Washington. She was a loving grandmother to Ari, Noah, Aviva, Shaefer and Elliot. She will be remembered for her intelligence, warmth and the love she had for her family and friends. Betty’s funeral service was held on July 17 at the Louis Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Audubon Society, Congregation Beth Torah or Kansas City Hospice.
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August 27, 2026 | Page 19
celebrations and community news
Engagement
Elisburg and Nathan Berger of Floyds Knobs, Indiana, and the granddaughter of Alan and Debby Berger of Potomac, Maryland, and Nancy and Donald Elisburg of Key Biscayne, Florida. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina in Columbia and a member of the Young Adults Division of Jewish Federation of Kansas City and the KC SLAPS Dragon Boat team. Joshua is the son of Mark and Sari Winick of Deerfield, Illinois, and the grandson of Alfred and Barbara Winick of Chicago, Illinois, and Diane Rosenfeld and Martin Rosenfeld (z”l) of Skokie, Illinois. He is a gradElana Berger and Joshua Winick uate of Carnegie Mellon University of Overland Park, Kansas, announce in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. their engagement. The couple plan to marry on Sept. Elana is the daughter of Michelle 5, 2027, in Kansas City, Missouri.
Elana Berger and Joshua Winick
Engagement
Leora Cohn to Dovid Lichter, son of Joseph and Estee Lichter. Leora lives in Jerusalem, Israel, and is the granddaughter of Les Cohn and Linda Cohn (z”l). She works as both a doula and coordinator of research at Hadassah Ein Karem Medical Center, and she has a Bachelor of Art in business administration and a minor in Judaic studies from Touro College in New York City. Dovid lives in Haifa, Israel, and is formerly of Far Rockaway, New York. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in evolutionary biology from the University of Haifa. Todd and Naomi Cohn announce The couple plan to marry on Nov. the engagement of their daughter 30, 2026, in Israel.
Leora Cohn and Dovid Lichter
Engagement 65th Anniversary
Dr. Norman and Beverly Burk
The former Beverly Rae Hyken and Norman Burk were married on Aug. 27, 1961, by Rabbi Marshall Miller at the Muehlebach Hotel in Kansas City. They are longtime members of Kehilath Israel Synagogue. Their children are Steven Burk of Bozeman, Montana, and Ronald Burk of Prairie Village, Kansas. They have three grandchildren.
Above right: Photo of Beverly Burk Dr. Norman and Beverly Burk (née Hyken) used in her engagement will celebrate their 65th wedding announcement in The Chronicle in 1961. anniversary on Aug. 27.
Sarah Navran and Samuel Kricsfeld Lawrence and Cynthia Navran of Overland Park, Kansas, announce the engagement of their daughter Sarah Jessica Navran to Samuel Gabriel Kricsfeld, son of Dr. Alan
and Debbie Kricsfeld of Omaha, Nebraska. Sarah is the granddaughter of Martin (z”l) and Shirley Rich of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Roger Navran (z”l); and Roseanne Navran (z”l). She is the communications and events specialist at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation and has a Bachelor of Science in entertainment business from Oklahoma City University. Sam is the grandson of Jakob and Susan Besser; Richard and Cheryl Diamond; and Dr. Barry and Barbara Kricsfeld, all of Omaha. He is the editor and business manager of The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle and has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas. The couple, who live in Shawnee, Kansas, plan for a 2027 wedding.
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a lasting impression and helps young people understand the impact of char3. Empower them to give itable giving. Again, this does not need their own money to take a lot of time. Even a 20-minute JCF’s B’nai Tzedek program encour- visit can be eye-opening. The JCF team ages teens to become involved in tze- is happy to offer suggestions and make dakah by inviting them to establish connections. their own fund for Jewish charitable giving. Opening B’nai Tzedek funds 5. Encourage teens to give teens the chance to play a part in research charities improving the Jewish community and Ask your teen to identify a cause the world. Families contribute a mini- they care about and jump online to mum of $125 and the Jewish Commu- learn more about organizations adnity Foundation adds $375 to their gift dressing that issue. This can help deto establish a personal B’nai Tzedek velop critical thinking skills and infund. Once a year, 10% of the fund may troduce concepts such as nonprofit be granted by the teen fundholder to missions, effectiveness, and commuany Jewish charity in Kansas City or nity impact. Feel free to ask the JCF Israel. team to suggest websites, books and other educational resources if your 4. Visit local nonprofits teen wants to learn more. Many nonprofit organizations welcome visitors and offer tours or infor6. Talk about family mational meetings. Seeing an orgavalues nization's work in action often leaves Charitable giving often reflects
deeply held beliefs and priorities. Sharing stories about why your family supports certain causes can help teens understand that philanthropy is about more than money — it’s about making a difference. For example, if your family has supported a particular nonprofit for many years because of a personal connection, take the time to explain to your teen the history and original connection.
7. Introduce teens to community leaders This suggestion surprises many parents and grandparents who wish they would have thought of it sooner! Think of all the people you know who are making a difference every day in the community, whether working at a nonprofit, serving in a civic leadership position or leading philanthropy efforts for a business. These conversations can inspire teens by showing them how individuals —
real people — can create meaningful change.
8. Focus on progress, not perfection To state the obvious, there is no single right way to raise charitable children and grandchildren. The goal is not to create experts overnight. Instead, focus on creating opportunities for curiosity, learning and participation. Small — even very small — experiences can help teens build lifelong habits of generosity and civic engagement. One of the greatest gifts you can give the next generation is an understanding that they have the power to make a difference. The Jewish Community Foundation would be delighted to help. For more information about youth philanthropy or the B’nai Tzedek program, contact me at bt@jcfkc.org or (913) 327-8166.
August 27, 2026 | Page 20
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Jackie Stiles at The J
Left: The J hosted Kansas native and former WNBA and NCAA star Jackie Stiles for a special youth girls’ basketball camp on Aug. 16 with more than 60 students attending.
LOJ High Tea Jewish Federation’s Lions of Judah gathered for a High Tea at Oakwood Country Club on Sunday, Aug. 16. Pictured are (from left) Lion of Judah Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award winner Beth Liss with past winners Karen Pack and Trish Uhlman; Marsha Friedman, Sondra Friedman, Lynn Schweig and Annie Glickman; Catherine Singer and Abigail Milan; and Stephanive Cavanaugh, Jennie Stolper, Barb Wright, Robyn Frieden, Bari Frieden, Amanda Palan and Lynn Schweig.
By Natalie Goldman Klein Collection Intern The Traubenpokal — German for “grape-shaped cup” — is a style of metal drinking cup whose origins date back to the late 16th century in Nuremberg. Because Nuremberg is located at the crossroads connecting the North and the South, it was very economically prosperous from the Middle Ages to the time of the Traubenpokal’s origin. The cup is a particular example of Nuremberg’s prosperity because it was created during the peak of the region’s metalworking craft. A metalworking technique called repoussé reached its peak in Nuremberg around the year 1600, and gold- and silversmiths used this technique to achieve the Traubenpokal’s bunch-of-grapes design. The cup’s raised texture was made by hammering the metal from the reverse side. This Traubenpokal-style kiddush cup and matching lid were probably
NCJW Maccabi Volunteers
made in Nuremberg in the early 17th century. Although the Traubenpokal was originally a secular style, it was also adapted to serve religious ceremonial purposes. This one is silver and gilt and has an inscription on its surface in Hebrew that refers to blooming flowers. 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.
NCJW members volunteered to serve lunch during the Maccabi Games. Pictured are (top, from left) Susan Pittell, Hannah Harris, Sunni Rosenblum, Terri Miro, Lynn Schweig and Bonnie Buchbinder, and (above) Deborah Klein and Harris.