Kansas City’s 2017 Jewish Film Festival (KCJFF) will feature six diverse films from Israel and beyond. Now in its 18th year, the festival is presented by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City. It opens Sunday evening, Jan. 8, and continues through Sunday, Jan. 22. All the films will be screened in The White Theatre at the Jewish Community Campus.
The family of Maria Devinki is sponsoring an appearance by Rabbi Simon Jacobson in recognition of the fifth anniversary of her death. Rabbi Jacobson will speak at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, at Kehilath Israel Synagogue. It is free and open to the community.
For years, Jewish organizations have been stumped when it comes to engaging the next generation — a group never clearly defined by age but often thought of as young adults between the ages of 22 and 45. The complaint has consistently been the same, this demographic most commonly called Millennials today (often thought of as those born between 1980 and 2004), aren’t interested in joining or regularly participating in established organizations, instead preferring to choose one-time causes and events.
Judy Sima found her voice as a storyteller almost 30 years ago. She says when she first heard storytellers she was “blown away” by their ability to capture the audiences’ imagination and attention. She immediately knew this is what she wanted to do.
This year’s Kristallnacht commemoration takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Congregation Beth Torah. It features Beth Torah member Steve Cole and his daughter Lauren. Steve and Lauren will discuss their recent trip to Germany, home of Steve’s parents, Walter and Ilsa Cole, both of blessed memory.
COATS FOR SUKKOT — Sukkot may be over, but The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah’s “Su-coat Drive” continues through Nov. 4. The congregation is collecting coats for JVS refugee clients. Refugees come to America with what they can carry. Many refugees are from warmer climates and have never experienced cold weather. Gently used coats can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at B’nai Jehudah.
Last week Kansas City Power & Light installed three electric car charging stations at the southwestern edge of the Jewish Community Campus parking lot, just west of the tennis courts. The stations are fully operational.
The United States Senate has lots of outsized Jewish personalities, from Al Franken to Chuck Schumer to Bernie Sanders.
The American Legion Band of Greater Kansas City was named 2016 National Champion at the American Legion Senior National Band Competition in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Aug. 29.
MAZEL TOV — Three dedicated staff members at Jewish Family Services are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year and the three together combine for 50 years of service to the social service agency.
