Listening Post

Rabbi Paul C. Silbersher

RABBI PAUL C. SILBERSHER RETIRES — On Oct. 5, Rabbi Paul C. Silbersher retired from Temple Sinai. After serving the members of Temple Sinai for three and one-half years, Rabbi Silbersher notified President Larry Gelb and the board of directors that he was retiring. After 62 years of service, as a student cantor to the present time, Rabbi Silbersher has served thousands of individuals as a cantor, rabbi and social worker. Gelb says, “The congregation was able to enjoy and find meaningful his skills and knowledge as a cantor and a rabbi.” To show how much his service to Temple Sinai was appreciated, the congregation is conferring on their spiritual leader the title of rabbi emeritus. Temple Sinai is continuing on with lay leaders, as the congregation searches for a new spiritual leader. Shabbat services are held every Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. at Colonial Church, 71st Street and Mission Road. Torah Study meets on Thursday morning at the same location at 10:30 a.m.

YACHAD NEEDS YOUR HELP — Yachad Kosher Food Pantry, the only completely kosher food pantry in the Kansas City community, is in need of donations. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}Founded in 1999 by Rabbis Mendy and Zev Wineberg, Rabbi Zev Wineberg has recently been appointed as its executive director.

“It is so heartwarming for me to see the constant generosity of Kansan City’s Jewish community!” Rabbi Wineberg said. “Throughout the past 15 years under the able leadership of Rabbi Mendy, together with skilled volunteers, the food pantry has served over 10,000 people. We are proud of the fact that we serve all clients, regardless of race, religion or creed.”

Anyone in need is encouraged to call for an appointment, 913-649-4853 (ask for Rabbi Zevi.)

The pantry is accepting kosher food — whatever you think others may need — at the food pantry, located at the Chabad House, 6201 Indian Creek Drive.

HELP CELEBRATE BBYO’S SUCCESS — A group of BBYO alumni are preparing to celebrate the 90th anniversary of AZA in 2016. As you may know, Kansas City is home to AZA #2, the second oldest chapter in the country originally called Philip Klutznick AZA. (He was AZA’s second grand aleph gadol.) This group is collecting names of local BBYO alumni to start a database. The contact information gathered will be used to contact alumni and promote upcoming alumni programs. To learn more about getting your name on the list, email Peter Loftspring at

TALKING SCRIPTURES — What do a Yankee Jewish feminist, a Rhodes scholar, a Baha’i law professor, the pastor of an inner city church and an Imam all have in common?  They will all be on the stage for American Public Square’s “Talking Scripture: Dialogue, Discussion and Disagreement?” tonight, Oct. 22, at Pierson Auditorium on the UMKC campus.

Professor Amy-Jill Levine, Dr. Molly Zahn, Professor Brian Lepard, the Rev. Dr. Wallace S. Hartsfield, II and Imam Sulaiman Z. Salaam, Jr. will join a panel moderated by Brian Ellison for the first event in American Public Square’s new “Faith Fellowship” series. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and the panel will present from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The panel will discuss the nature, role and application of scripture and sacred text in a modern, pluralistic society from the points of view of a diverse group of academics and clergy.

The event is presented by American Public Square in partnership with the Oppenstein Brothers UMKC Judaic Studies Outreach Program Fund. Registration for the event is required by calling 816-235-5067.

WEINBERGER ANNOUNCES NEW EXHIBITION — Weinberger Fine Art announces a solo exhibition from Mark English Nov. 5 through Dec. 30. The opening reception is Nov. 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Crossroads Arts District.

We’re told being in a room with Mark English’s work is akin to being surrounded by dreamlike figments of one’s own imagination and memory. His diaphanous portraits have just enough detail to recall a beloved character from a novel. His expansive and romantic countrysides seem to be snapshots from a childhood road trip you almost remember. English is a master of the visual narrative and the unique beauty of his work lies in the fact that each viewer is left to finish the story for themselves. 

While other artists work to conceal their processes, English invites viewers to see the evolution of his work. “This is what is so special about Mark,” says Kim Weinberger, “he is always challenging himself to make exciting new work and he leaves evidence of his artistic journey in every piece.”

Weinberger Fine Art offers a range of services for the established collector and the first-time buyer. Owner Kim Weinberger strives to be the critical link between artists and patrons. Visit the gallery Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday noon to 5 p.m., and First Fridays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Also available, private viewings anytime to see the work of Mark English and other represented artists.{/mprestriction}