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Pictured are KU AEPI brothers Ryan Speckman and Jared Katzen during a recent JewishU class as they explore the meaning of relationships using the metaphor of two flames merging into one.

Over the last few months, as students went through their fall semester in college, they faced many new learning environments, and with them, many challenges. While they put their best efforts forward to succeed, it definitely was an uphill battle for some. It is with this in mind that the men of Alpha Epsilon Pi, a vibrant and active Jewish fraternity at the University of Kansas, were excited to partner with KU Chabad for a special learning program that provides a much-needed boost and support during these challenging times.

While there won’t be an official wrapping party this year for the annual Hanukkah Holiday Project, JFS staff, including Taly Friedman, Melissa Kingston and Vicki Johansen, are ready to wrap gifts for clients who will receive them in December.

In just about a month, families will gather together to mark the start of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. This year Hanukkah begins at sundown Thursday, Dec. 10.

Yet there are hundreds in our Jewish community facing difficult times financially who will struggle to make the holiday bright.

Kosher Shabbat and holiday curbside “Meals-to-Go” will be available for purchase on Fridays, Nov. 20, Dec. 18 and Jan. 15. Meals will be prepared on a rotating basis by kosher caterers Kim Matsil — Kim’s Kreations; Cathy Levin of Kosher Connection; and Steve Ellenberg, Ellenberg Experience Catering under supervision of the Vaad HaKashruth of Kansas City.

The following bowlers in Sunday Morning Kansas City B’nai B’rith Bowling League achieved high scores at Ward Parkway Lanes on Nov. 1.

‘Latke Road’ by Danielle Freiden was the People’s Choice Award winner for 2019. (Denise Elam)

This year the 24th Chanukah Art Contest will go virtual. Contestants will upload a photo or a PDF of their project along with a video (up to one minute in length) describing the submission and its relevance to Chanukah. Instructions about how to submit artwork will be available soon on The J’s website, thejkc.org. Submissions must be uploaded by Monday, Nov. 30.

As the days get shorter and our temperatures grow colder, we journey into winter with its longer periods of darkness and the potential for downward slopes in our emotional and spiritual paths. Hanukkah and the Jewish calendar provide the opportunity to consider our responses to the darkness, including the light we can yet make and find in our world.

In a year as unpredictable as this one, generosity brings people together. Generosity gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others.

The small virtual classrooms of the Ofek Hub program encourage interaction between students and teachers, as well as among students. (Courtesy of Israeli American Council)

 

By Michele Chabin/JTA

 When the first wave of coronavirus infections reached the American South, Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker of Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, knew the synagogue’s religious school’s classes would have to move online.

The lobby of the new Staenberg Family Recreation Complex features a beautiful, backlit J logo and subtly displays The J’s five values — Welcoming + Inclusive, Building Community, Enriching Mind + Body + Soul, Passing on Jewish Culture + History and Treat Others As You Wish To Be Treated — on a white backdrop. The lobby provides access to the indoor turf field, new gym, plus the hot yoga and dance studios on the left and the racquetball courts, gym and fitness floor to the right of the Membership Experience Desk.

By Barbara Bayer
Contributing Writer

Wow!

That’s the reaction people have when they see the expanded and renovated Jewish Community Center — The J.

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