Community News

During the 2021 fall semester, KU Hillel moved locations and introduced multiple new classes and Shabbat services.

Jewish Family Services has helped more than 10,000 people facing life’s daily challenges made even more difficult by the pandemic. Those people include Leah Aviel, who uses a wheelchair and lives on a limited income.

Phil Johnson is used to the stage – the actor, writer, artistic director and producer has performed his entire life in musicals, at nightclubs and in theatres across the United States. But there’s something different about being the only person on stage throughout an entire performance. 

“Not long ago. Not far away.” is a sadly accurate subtitle for the Auschwitz exhibit at Union Station, reminding all visitors of not only the importance of Holocaust education but also the current realities of antisemitism– that it persists today, even right here in Kansas City. 

Jewish Family Services recently announced several staff promotions enhancing its relationships with key stakeholders and partner programs.

Formerly the JFS Director of Volunteer Engagement, Taly Friedman has been named Director of Corporate Relations. Friedman joined JFS eight years ago and has significantly grown the agency’s volunteer program.

“Light Up Their Nights” was a campaign started by KCteen in the weeks before Chanukah. KCteen is a community of empowered Jewish teenagers who find fun, meaningful ways to give back to their community. 

Help stock the Jewish Family Services pantry as part of its Communitywide Food Drive from 10 a.m. to noon, Sunday, Dec. 19, at the Jewish Community Campus, 5801 W 115th St., Overland Park, Kan. Drop off will be in the front circle drive where JFS volunteers and staff will take items directly from cars.

Congregation Ohev Sholom will present its Shem Tov (Good Name) Award to member David Friedman during Shabbat services on December 25, 2021.

Since it was established last year, one of the main goals of Jewish Experiences, a collaboration between Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and The J, has been to reach members of the Jewish community who have been underrepresented or marginalized. That includes members of the LGTBQIA+ community.

KU Chabad hosted 17 holiday programs over the eight days of Hanukkah. The celebrations ranged from a community Hanukkah celebration in downtown Lawrence, Kan., to a Menorah lighting at the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka.