Kansas City Lodge #184, B’nai B’rith has announced the 2023 Margolis Memorial Essay Contest.

The prize is $2,000 in cash. The competition is open to students who are graduating from a Kansas City area high school at the end of the spring semester of 2023 and plan to start college in the fall semester of 2023. This scholarship is not based on financial need.

The $2,000 prize will be awarded to the applicant who, in the sole opinion of the judges, submits the best essay on the subject, “The Importance of Interfaith Dialogue Between Christians and Jews.” 

An underlying focus of the essay competition is that peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding of different groups is critical for the survival and flourishing of human beings. The scholarship fund was established to stimulate discussion of this important topic and encourage future leaders of the community to make this topic a priority in their social agenda.

While any form of communication is respected, this contest requires the composition of an essay. Poems, short stories, photographs, and drawings will not be considered. Judging will focus on the development of a theme related to the topic. 

Participants are required to submit their essay together with an application form on or before Thursday, June 1, 2023, to:

Mark D. Wasserstrom, Chair

Margolis Memorial Essay Contest

Kansas City Lodge #184, B’nai B’rith

6624 Tracy Ave.

Kansas City, MO 64131-1419

If possible, a copy is also requested by e-mail to

The suggested length for the essays is four or five typewritten pages with double spacing. While attribution of direct quotes is expected, formalities of citation of publisher, publication date, etc. are not required. Submissions will not be returned, and only the winner will be notified. Those wanting further information can contact Mark Wasserstrom at 816-523-4243 or by e-mail at .