Archived News

‘GOOD TO BE ALIVE, RIGHT ABOUT NOW’ — Thanks to the Andy Grammer song, “Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah),” my resolution for 2016 is being thankful for all the good things in my life. I read earlier this year that as Jews we are lucky to have two New Years, the Jewish New Year for our spiritual self and the secular New Year that gives us yet another chance to start anew. So my wish to all of our loyal readers is for you to have a happy and healthy 2016 and may you feel, “it’s good to be alive right about now!”

Celebrate New Year’s on Jan. 3 with the Kinnor Philharmonic Orchestra, which has something else to celebrate as well — its fifth anniversary. The concert will be held at the philharmonic’s regular venue, Congregation Beth Torah.

In 1966, a vision became reality in Kansas City: the school that is now known as Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy opened its doors. While there were previous attempts to start a Jewish day school in Kansas City, for a wide variety of reasons it wasn’t until 1966 that The Hebrew Academy was successfully established.

As 2016 approaches, many people will be popping the corks on bottles of champagne. However, now the festivities on Dec. 31 can also include a unique offering in the local beer scene.

Women’s Philanthropy, a department of Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, recently honored Shirley Helzberg as a leading philanthropist in 2015. Helzberg made a commitment this year to invest with Jewish Federation at the Prime Minister’s Council Lion of Judah* level ($100,000) — an act of generosity that has incredible impact on Jewish life here in Kansas City and around the world. Through her generosity, Helzberg leads the way in aiding the vulnerable, preserving human dignity and building Jewish identity. She is a woman who truly embodies the spirit of altruism.

Twelve years ago, Gayla Brockman was in the right place at the right time when she accepted the position of executive director of The Menorah Legacy Foundation. MLF had just been formed following the purchase of Menorah Medical Center by HCA, a for-profit health care company. Before she was hired, a few decisions had been made regarding the establishment of MLF — such as the creation of the name and a location for the office. Brockman was charged with the most important thing, transforming the organization from a supporting foundation of Menorah Medical Center to a foundation that supports programs that foster the delivery, quality or affordability of healthcare or healthcare-related social services and proactively improves health and wellness by fostering transformational change in individual or community behaviors.

Kosher consumers in the Kansas City area will be faced with some changes over the next several months. The Leawood Hen House located at 117th and Roe — the grocery store that houses several kosher departments including a fresh bakery and deli — will be closed for several months beginning Dec. 25 for extensive remodeling. 

We’re all familiar with 12-step programs for alcohol and drug addiction recovery (see box). But many Jews feel that Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step recovery groups are just for Christians.

Rabbi Lazer Gurkow of Congregation Beth Tefilah in London, Ontario, Canada, will kick off what is intended to be the first annual Jewish Book Fair at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at Chabad House Center, 6201 Indian Creek Drive, Overland Park.

After postponing the Kansas City Jewish Film Festival (KCJFF) in support of the Royals quest for the World Series Crown, the rescheduled dates and expanded line-up of critically acclaimed films have been announced.