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Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy plans to start construction soon to improve security features at its main entrance and finish the work by the end of September.

Last year, as the pandemic forced the Jewish community to celebrate the High Holidays differently, members were certain that this year, they would be able to go to temple or synagogue and pray the usual way. But the resurgence in COVID-19 cases and the rise of the Delta variant has many people on edge, and local congregations are adapting to make sure they offer safe High Holiday services.

Kansas City-area Jewish teenagers will soon have a new way to blend fun, friendship, community outreach and spiritual study.

Although a house-hunting trip Rabbi Stephanie Kramer and her husband Adam made in February was the first time she had ever visited Kansas City, she grew up hearing about the vibrance of the Jewish community here. Her mother’s best friend had lived in Kansas City for years, and always talked about the wonderful Jewish community here.

Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy started its school year Wednesday with a requirement that all students, faculty and staff wear face masks while indoors other than when eating or drinking to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The restrictions also apply to visitors, who will be allowed into the building by invitation only.

Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of Jewish Federation and The J, has announced that MeltonKC is moving under its umbrella, to expand the program’s adult Jewish education offerings.

Several COVID-19 vaccines under development in Israel hold out promise for their ability to protect against variants of the virus that are challenging existing vaccines.

Sasone, a community-wide program that provides support for Jewish children with special needs, has named a new director. Lindsey Lipsky has taken over the role from Perry Hilvitz, who served in the position for 13 years.

Keeping kosher can be especially challenging for homebound elderly and disabled people. Since its founding in 2013, KC Kosher Meals on Wheels has been trying to make keeping kosher easier for these populations: The program delivers free kosher meals in the Kansas City area on both sides of the state line; most of its clients live at or below poverty level.

Children in need at two Kansas City, Missouri, elementary schools will have year-round access to new clothes starting this fall through Stacey’s Closet, a new program of the Kansas City section of the National Council of Jewish Women.