The annual Day of Discovery will take place in person and virtually on Sunday, Aug. 21.
Registration is now open at dayofdiscoverykc.org, and those interested can learn about this year’s sessions and presenters online. This program provides the unique opportunity for the Jewish community to discover the richness and diversity of Jewish learning in Kansas City.
By offering classes in a variety of ways – in person, virtually or a hybrid of the two – the organizers sought to find a solution that led to a successful event that addressed comfort levels for presenters and attendees alike. The virtual option also allows presenters who are not located in the Kansas City area to share their unique topics with the Kansas City Jewish community.
“Understanding that we’re in an uncertain time, we want to provide opportunities that allow everyone to engage in this wonderful day of Jewish learning,” said Annette Fish, Administrator/Program Director of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City. “We are very excited to bring this program back in person for those who are comfortable connecting face-to-face while also offering virtual options for those who prefer online participation."
The versatility of this year’s programming allows for presenters near and far to share their insight in a diverse range of subjects.
Rabbi Mark Levin, Founding Rabbi at Congregation Beth Torah, and his co-presenter, Carol Beier, former Associate Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court, will be offering their session in person and virtually in a hybrid style. Rabbi Levin, who has been a regular presenter at previous Day of Discovery events, and former Justice Beier’s session is titled “Justice Shall You Pursue: The Importance of Fair and Impartial Courts.”
According to Rabbi Levin, this topic is especially important in today’s climate.
“Kansas has a politically independent, law based Supreme Court,” Rabbi Levin said when asked to explain what people could expect to take away from the session. “Elements in the state are attempting to replace that court with ideological judges who will rule on politics rather than apply the law. (We) will lay out the current facts and some Jewish background for pursuing justice.
“Current events demand that the Jewish community and Kansans of all persuasions be aware of the attempt to undermine our courts,” he continued.
In addition to topics especially important to the local community, by keeping the virtual component, Jewish learners can be introduced to topics from presenters outside of Kansas City. First-time presenter Rabbi Stephen Karol, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook, New York, and Kansas City native, will remotely present his topic “Embracing the Supernatural in Judaism: Signs from Our Deceased Loved Ones and Stories about the World-to-Come,” which is based on his recently published book.
After writing his first book, “Finding Hope and Faith in the Face of Death: Insights of a Rabbi and Mourner,” Rabbi Karol was often asked about feeling the presence of a loved one who had passed. To address this, his second book – and his session for Day of Discovery – deals with the subject of the afterlife in various ways. Those participating in Rabbi Karol’s session can expect to learn about some of the experiences he and others have had in feeling those presences.
“(Participants) can expect to gain greater knowledge about the Jewish views on the afterlife,” Rabbi Karol said. “They can also expect to be fascinated by the stories that those of us who have experienced ‘signs’ can share. And, hopefully, they can expect to be uplifted and comforted by these stories and the belief that the signs are blessings that I contend come from God.”
The deadline to register for this year’s Day of Discovery is Aug. 15, and participants are asked to register early, as some classes have limited space available. Registration fees increase after Aug. 15.
Day of Discovery, which is a partnership of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City and Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of Jewish Federation at The J.
Other co-sponsors include Jewish Family Services, Village Shalom and area congregations. This program is generously funded in part by the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.
For information, visit dayofdiscovery.org or contact Annette Fish, Administrator/Program Director of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City, at or 913-327-8226.