Listening Post

Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy students had an extra special first day of school as they kicked off HBHA’s 50th Anniversary. Pictured here are HBHA parents Daniel and Sara Wajcman, escorting their kindergartener Kira (far right) into her very first day at school, along with sisters Maya and baby Shayna. Dad Daniel Wajcman also happens to be one of 47 HBHA alumni who currently have students attending the school.

ACCUSED KANSAS CITY SHOOTER OPENS TRIAL WITH ANTI-SEMITIC ALLEGATIONS (JTA) — The white supremacist on trial for murdering three people at two Jewish communal institutions here said in his opening statement that he plans to prove that white people are the victims of genocide at the hands of the Jews.

At his capital murder trial that began Monday in Johnson County District Court, Frazier Glenn Cross Jr. said he will also prove that Jews control the media, and that he has photos and videos to prove his claims, KSHB 41 Action News reported.

Cross, 74, who is also known as Frazier Glenn Miller, is representing himself in the trial. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}He is charged with murdering three people on April 13, 2014. None of his victims were Jewish. The crimes were committed outside the Jewish Community Campus and in the parking lot of Village Shalom.

During his opening statement, Miller also said to the jury, “If you believe that our people have a right to survive on the earth, and the right to preserve our heritage and our culture and Western civilization itself, and the right to ensure a safe future for white children, then I’m confident that your consciences and your love for our people will cause you to find me innocent of all charges.”

Judge Thomas Kelly Ryan interrupted Miller’s statement and sent the jury out of the room, telling Miller that his ideas about Jews are not relevant in this phase of the trial, according to Reuters.

“If I can’t explain why I did it, then I have no chance of being found not guilty,” Cross responded.

The prosecution in its opening statements, which preceded Miller’s, focused on the three victims: William Corporon and his 14-year-old grandson, Reat Underwood, and Terri LaManno. The prosecution also noted that in a phone call to a friend six months after the shooting, Miller said, “I did it and I’m proud of it. I planned it, I plotted it, I schemed it.”

If convicted, Miller could receive the death penalty. The trial is expect to last two to three weeks.

ROSH HASHANAH CHALLAH BAKE PLANNED — In September of last year, more than 180 Jewish women gathered together to participate in Kansas City’s first ever Mega Challah Bake. The women enjoyed making their own challah dough as well as watching demonstrations of various challah recipes and techniques. I’m told the response was overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic, so back by popular demand the three local Chabads — Chabad on the Plaza, Chabad of Overland Park and Chabad of Leawood — are offering a Rosh Hashanah Challah Bake on Wednesday, Sept. 9, just in time to be inspired for the New Year. This year will feature a buffet of challahs and dips and I’m told no bread-baking experience is necessary to enjoy socializing and sharing insight that evening. It will be held at The Shul of Leawood’s new location at 5051 W. 134th St. Those who reserve a spot by Sept. 4 will receive a homemade mini honey cake souvenir. To learn more or RSVP, email , call Esty Perman at 913-991-2321 or visit Chabadkc.org/challah.{/mprestriction}