Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of Jewish Federation and The J, has announced a new date for Day of Discovery, moving from August to Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Jewish Community Campus. 

This year’s program features a new format, offering two sessions in the morning, followed by keynote speaker Liz Hirsh Naftali, an author and great-aunt of a child who was held hostage in Gaza, in a discussion moderated by Sarah Markowitz Schreiber, manager of Hillel International’s Campus Impact Advisors program. Participants will hear from community educators, clergy and leaders through the morning sessions. Each session is designed to blend tradition and new perspectives to create a reimagined Day of Discovery experience.

“We are thrilled to reintroduce Day of Discovery in this new format,” said Molly Hess, director of Jewish Experiences. "This year’s keynote speaker, Liz Hirsh Naftali, will deliver an inspiring message, and we are grateful for the opportunity to come together as a community to learn in meaningful ways.”

The reenvisioned format brings new and returning speakers to the day.

“The Day of Discovery is always a highlight of my year,” said Rabbi Mark Glass, senior rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel Abraham and Voliner. “The opportunity to learn with such diverse members of our community united in an enthusiasm for the vast depths of Torah is something I find inspiring and enriching.” 

Following coffee and registration from 8:30 to 9 a.m., the first session will be from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m., and the second from 10:45 a.m. to noon. Lunch will be from 12:15 to 1 p.m., and Naftali will speak from 1:15 until 2:30 p.m.

Interested participants can register for just the morning sessions or for the entire day, including a kosher lunch provided by Kim Matsil of Kim’s Kreations and a copy of Naftali’s book, “Saving Abigail.” 

Registration opens Tuesday, Sept. 2. The deadline to register is Oct. 21, after which only walk-in registration will be available at an increased price. Early registration is encouraged, as some sessions have limited space. Information about sessions, presenters and registration is available at dayofdiscoverykc.org. 

Day of Discovery is supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.

More information is available at dayofdiscoverykc.org or by contacting Megan Pener, manager of Jewish Experiences, at or (913) 327-8163.