Celebrations

On Friday, March 15, Ray Davidson will be recognized at erev Shabbat services at Congregation Beth Torah, followed by a blessing for his 90th birthday, which occurs Sunday, March 17.

This will herald the beginning of an entire weekend of events planned by his daughter, Cathy Levin of Overland Park, and his son, Dan Davidson of Olathe, and their families, of which only they have knowledge.

Ray’s other children, Rabbi Josef Davidson, St. Louis, Martin Davidson, Portland, Ore., and Jerry Davidson, St. Louis, and their families, are also planning to be present for the weekend festivities, which would be a formidable group of 31 if they all make it in time.

Add to the above the many and varied friends that Ray has made in the more than five years since he moved to this community and there is a definite air of excitement.

Ray invites all his friends to join him in worship on Friday night.

David and Stacey Karty announce the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Micah Julian, at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 16, at Congregation Beth Shalom.

Micah is the grandson of Linda Weinberg Hammer, Allan Hammer, and Karen Karty of St. Louis. He is the great-grandson of Daniel Karty and the late Frances Karty, St. Louis; the late Morris and Rose Weinberg; and the late Harold and Lillian Hammer.

Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family and to attend the Kiddush following the service.

Drs. Shari and Michael Sokol announce the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Amanda Janine (Meira Yonina) at the 6:30 p.m. Shabbat Mincha service on Saturday, March 16, at Kehilath Israel Synagogue.

Amanda is the granddaughter of Harriet Baron and the late Dr. Philip Baron of Providence, R.I., and Edna Sokol and the late Eugene Sokol of Akron, Ohio.

Friends and family are invited to worship with the family.

Ralph and Gay Hartwich announce the engagement of their son, Ryan Brent Hartwich, to Rachael Rosenbaum, daughter of Katie Rosenbaum of Newport News, Va., and William and Darlynn Rosenbaum of Lathrop, Mo.

The bride-to-be is the granddaughter of Pearl Skolnick and the late Edward Skolnick and the late Dewey and Wilma Rosenbaum. She attended Yeshiva University and Research College of Nursing, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She is a member of Hadassah. She is currently employed as an emergency room nurse in Overland Park.

The future groom is the grandson of Eva Hartwich and the late Werner Hartwich and the late Bernard and Sophie Firestone. He attended the University of Kansas, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He is a member of Toastmasters International and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He is currently employed as a computer programmer in Kansas City, Mo.

An April wedding at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah is planned.

Kira Lillard and David Lowland announce the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Elias Samuel Lowland, at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 9, at Congregation Ohev Sholom. Elias also will celebrate his becoming a Bar Mitzvah at Temple Israel at 6 p.m. Friday, March 8 (service is held at Ohev Sholom).

Elias is the grandson of Dee Dee and Leonard Lowland and Patrick and Nina Lillard of Augusta, Ga. He is the great-grandson of the late Nathaniel and Betty Sharlip.

Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family.

Todd R. and Sarah L. Richman-Hill announce the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Anna Marie Hill, at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2, at Temple B’nai Sholem, St. Joseph, Mo.

Anna is the granddaughter of Arlan Richman and the late Annabelle Richman of Dallas, William and Patricia Jenkins of Platte City, Mo., and Clyde R. Hill of Platte City.

Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family and to attend the Kiddush following the service.

Judi and Larry Parnes announce the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Julia Rebecca, at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2, at Congregation Beth Shalom.

Julia is the granddaughter of Joe Karbank, Mary Parnes and the late Arnold Parnes, and the late Marika Karbank.

Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family and to attend the Kiddush luncheon following the service.

Abbie and Sam Brandao of New Orleans announce the birth Jan. 31 of a daughter, Clara Mae. They are also the parents of 2 1/2-year-old Henry.

Grandparents are Gloria and Eddie Feinstein and Edward and Rebecca Brandao.

Clara was named for her maternal great-grandmothers, Clara and Anita Mae (of blessed memory).

Traci and James Graves announce the birth Nov. 27 of a son, Colin Ray.

Grandparents are Alan and Eleanor Hoffman of Olathe, James Graves and April and Tim Cushing of Kansas City.

Rav Shmuly and Shoshanna Yanklowitz announce the birth Feb. 4 of a daughter, Amiella Rachel.

Grandparents are Rabbi Kenneth and Helene Stein of Teaneck, N.J., and Stephen and Sandy Yanklowitz of Chicago.

All congregants, friends and colleagues are invited to join the simchat bat 10 a.m.-noon on Sunday, Feb. 17, at Kehilath Israel Synagogue.