GRATITUDE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE — The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City held its 83rd annual meeting and what it characterized as its first annual gathering last week.
The night showcased the Federation’s gratitude for all its volunteers and supporters, as well as highlighted outstanding programs and leadership. As President John Isenberg said, the agency is in charge of collecting the financial resources to sustain and ensure Jewish life at home and around the world everywhere, everyday. In particular, he is proud that the 2015 Annual Campaign reached the $5 million mark for the first time since the 2007 financial crisis. With that campaign’s success, $4.2 million was distributed to more than 75 programs including eight new projects. In her presentation, new president and CEO Dr. Helene Lotman pointed out that we — meaning the Jewish Federation, its partner agencies, supporters and volunteers — are stronger together. “Together we can do anything.” Among Jewish Federation’s focuses for the near future will be a new initiative to ascertain the interest and needs of millennials, our future leaders, and to help make Kansas City the No. 1 destination for Jewish professionals. To sum up the vibrant mood of the evening, Karen Pack said during her “Mitzvah Moment,” one of five on safety net services highlighted at the gathering, “We bring miracles all over the world.”
MINYANAIRES NEEDED — If you work or live downtown, the downtown minyan needs you! The downtown Mincha Minyan, located at 1150 Grand Blvd, Suite 700, has lost a number of regulars within the past year and is now looking for fresh faces and new people that can help this vital institution. Mincha services are held at 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and are led by volunteers. They are not looking for a big time commitment but would love to hear from anyone who can commit to at least one afternoon a week. Questions can be directed to Paul Blackman at or Rabbi Yitzhak Itkin at 816-070-1751.
