After 22 years of service as administrator and program director for the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City, Annette Fish has retired, concluding her 48-year career as a Jewish communal professional in Kansas City.
Her retirement marks the culmination of a meaningful and fulfilling professional journey, which she describes as “profoundly gratifying and an honor to have experienced.” Prior to her work with the Rabbinical Association (RA), Annette served in numerous roles at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, including teaching in the religious school and later coordinating programming for congregants ranging from preschoolers to older adults during her 14 years as the congregation’s program director.
Her next chapter began with the RA, where she took on a role that would shape the next two decades of her career.
“When I began working for the RA, I was tasked with helping grow the organization in collaboration with the board of rabbis,” Fish shared. “Over the years, our efforts blossomed into a wide array of engaging community initiatives that not only enriched Jewish life in Kansas City but also created meaningful opportunities for individuals from different congregations to meet, interact and build connections — often with people whose paths they might not have otherwise crossed.”
Rabbi Herbert Mandl, rabbi emeritus of Kehilath Israel Synagogue, said, “I was president of the Rabbinical Association for six years — three two-year terms; and the longest in the history of the Association. I had the privilege of working with Annette as our executive director. When we hired her, we were in disarray — we had no community programming scheduled. It was a mess.
“[Fish] organized the association, and we began offering programming,” he continued. “She developed the S’lichot program and the all-night Shavuot program, just to mention a few. We developed an amazing all-night Tikkun Shavuot program and had Rabbi Joseph Telushkin as our keynote speaker two different times, which drew over 500 people from every congregation in the community. Most of this success was due to her efforts. She will be missed.”
Fish’s responsibilities at the RA were extensive. She oversaw day-to-day operations, supported rabbinic study and clergy meetings and coordinated countless community-wide programs and holiday observances. Among the many events she helped bring to life was the community Passover Seder, the annual Day of Discovery—Day of Jewish Learning, an erev and day Tisha B’Av observance, the community Purim Seudah, a series on medical ethics and the Issues of Our Day forums, and many more.
“Volunteering to serve on the Day of Discovery task force is a commitment of time and energy, yet every year when Annette asked, I jumped at the chance,” said Lainie Decker, a community volunteer and longtime member of the Day of Discovery task force. “The event, which brings together the entire community to learn, explore and celebrate the richness of Judaism, is a true asset. From its inception and even through the pandemic, Annette was the driving force for its success. She is a remarkable leader who facilitated each meeting, each question and each annual event with poise, preparation, respect for others and a hefty dash of humor."
One of Fish’s most enduring contributions was her leadership of the community “Judaism for Conversion Candidates” program. Over her 22-year tenure, more than 650 students enrolled in the yearlong course, with approximately 12 to 24 new Jews-by-choice welcomed into the Jewish community each year. Fish managed most aspects of the program, from recruitment and registration to implementing the rabbinic-designed curriculum and facilitating hands-on experiences that helped candidates connect with Jewish life. She worked closely with program staff, including the weekly course coordinator and Hebrew instructors, ensuring the program’s consistency and lasting impact year after year.
Rabbi Amy S. Wallk (known as Rabbi Katz during her Kansas City tenure), who formerly served as associate rabbi of Congregation Beth Shalom and is currently Rabbi of Temple Beth El in Springfield, Massachusetts, said, “The Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City has always been an important organization for the broader community. When we hired Annette Fish, the Association transformed. We still gathered monthly, but now we had someone who ensured our ideas became reality. From the community conversion class to the August Day of Learning to the community Passover Seder, Annette listened carefully, asked thoughtful questions and brought creativity and precision to every project.”
Fish also served as staff liaison to numerous community initiatives and task forces, including those focused on indigent Jewish burials, partnerships with the Jewish Family Services Food Pantry and the Mental Health Coalition, and the coordination of annual professional development programs for religious school faculty. Her efforts fostered cross-institutional collaboration, streamlined planning and helped prevent duplication, ultimately saving time and resources across the community.
Fish’s leadership enabled local rabbis to focus on their congregational responsibilities while benefitting from a centralized hub for shared community programs and services. Those who worked with her cite her professionalism, reliability and attention to detail as strengthening the RA’s role as a unifying force within the Kansas City Jewish community.
“During my time as both a member and president of the RA, it was a joy to work with Annette,” Rabbi Doug Alpert of Congregation Kol Ami said. “She was always focused on strengthening Jewish life in Kansas City. Her work made my role as RA president far more effective. She always went above and beyond, and while she will be deeply missed, her retirement is well-earned. I wish her all good things in this next chapter.”
The RA, representing Reform, Conservative, Progressive and Modern Orthodox rabbis, has long served as both a spiritual and civic voice for the Jewish community. Under Fish’s leadership, the RA further strengthened its role in interfaith dialogue, civic engagement and communal collaboration. She contributed significantly to the planning and coordination of major initiatives, including six years of The Gathering — a citywide celebration of hope and prayer for the peace of Jerusalem that drew nearly 2,000 participants.
“I’m especially proud of helping to create opportunities for connection across denominations and faiths — through education, holiday celebrations, social justice work, and communal observance,” Fish said. "These experiences affirmed my belief that we are always stronger when we come together with mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose.
“The connections and professional relationships I’ve formed over the years hold a special place in my heart,” Fish continued. “I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to have been part of this esteemed organization and will always cherish the friendships and shared commitment to Jewish life that emerged from this work.”
As she enters retirement, Fish is looking forward to spending more time with family and friends, engaging in meaningful volunteer work and continuing to use her strengths to help build a brighter world.
“As I begin this new chapter, I want to continue learning — through study, reflection, and connection with others — as I strive to live each day with meaning and purpose,” she said.
