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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.

Jewish community member and active volunteer Hadas Moshonov-Cohavi is working to make the transition to college, and to college-level math classes, easier for students — and her work is paying off.

Congregation has raised more than $12 million to pay for construction and ongoing operating costs

Congregation Beth Shalom has exceeded its initial $12 million fundraising goal to pay for a planned sanctuary, despite a pause on the fundraiser caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.