Menorah Heritage Foundation names Amy Gale new CEO
The board of directors of the Menorah Heritage Foundation (MHF) has announced that Amy Gale will become the organization’s new chief executive officer on April 1.
Rabbi Craig Lewis to be new rabbi of Congregation Beth Torah
Congregation Beth Torah has announced that Rabbi Craig Lewis will become the congregation’s new rabbi. Rabbi Lewis will return to his hometown to begin his new role on July 1.
Leawood City Council member brings Jewish heritage, community pride to new role
Recently-elected Leawood City Council member Rachel Rubin’s dedication to her work goes beyond just being a Leawood resident – it ties in with her Jewish heritage and identity, which she described as “rooted in a sense of justice and tikkun olam.”
Descendants of local Holocaust survivors share their experiences from MCHE trip to Europe
In 2025, the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education (MCHE) led a European study tour, which allowed community members the opportunity to see the historical locations that played a part in the tragedy of the Holocaust.
Federation, JFS launch interest-free loan program for those in financial need
Jewish Federation of Kansas City has partnered with Jewish Family Services to launch a new interest-free loan program designed to help those facing financial challenges in the Jewish community.
Jewish actress Sarah Bernhardt subject of exhibit at the Nelson-Atkins
Artwork featuring legendary Jewish actress Sarah Bernhardt will be on display at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in the exhibit “Mucha’s Muses: Sarah Bernhardt and the Spirit of Art Nouveau.” The pieces, all created by Czech artist Alphonse Mucha in the late 19th and early 20th century, often served as posters or advertisements for the French performer’s theatrical career.
Renowned Jewish advocate David Harris to speak to community in March
Jewish advocate David Harris will speak to the Kansas City community for the first time since 2024 in a series of events this coming March. The Jewish community will have four opportunities to hear from him between March 4 and 6.
Mahjongg being passed to the next generation in Jewish community
Mahjongg, the tile-based game that has entertained generations, is riding a wave of renewed popularity across the United States and beyond — and this time, it’s not just “grandma’s game.”
Federation celebrates record $5.6M campaign
Jewish Federation is celebrating its most successful Community Campaign in the organization's 92-year history, an accomplishment that Federation leadership attributes to the support and generosity of the entire Kansas City Jewish community. More than $5.6 million was raised for Federation's 2025 Community Campaign.
K.I. welcomes Robin Abramowitz as new executive director
The start of a new year brought the arrival of a new executive director for Kehilath Israel Synagogue.
Community institutions work to connect Jews across the metro ‘diaspora’
Across Greater Kansas City, Jewish life is not defined only by where synagogues, schools and community centers stand. Families live north of the river, in Midtown, in Olathe, in eastern Jackson County and far beyond the neighborhoods most closely associated with Jewish communal life.
A Metro ‘Diaspora' : Jewish life thrives beyond Overland Park
On a Friday afternoon each month, Andi Edwardson loads six packs of kosher chicken into her shopping cart at the Leawood, Kansas, Trader Joe’s, knowing it will be a few weeks before she again makes the 40-minute drive from her home in Parkville, Missouri.
Rabbi Steve Burnstein teaching about nuances of Israel while back in Kansas City
Rabbi Steve Burnstein, a Kansas City native and current rabbi in Kibbutz Gezer in Israel, is currently back in his hometown as a rabbi-in-residence at Congregation Beth Torah.
New kosher catering venture launches in Kansas City
Community members Brachie Perl and Chaya Niedzwiecki have launched Graze by Brachie and Chaya, a new kosher catering venture specializing in curated grazing boards and event spreads.
Jewish Kansas Supreme Court Justice Eric Rosen sworn in as chief of state’s highest court
Kansas Supreme Court Justice Eric Rosen formally stepped into the job of chief justice last Thursday by framing the delicate work of the state’s highest court as a crucial public service and proclaiming the citizenry’s diversity of perspective strengthened the rule of law rather than challenged it.