Opinions

There’s something new happening in the Kansas City Jewish community. Can you feel the excitement mounting? I certainly can! To my knowledge, for the first time, the Jewish community has the opportunity to recognize our up-and-coming young adults, aged 21-39, who are making a difference in the Jewish and/or the secular communities through innovation, involvement and creative input. Whether engaged in the activities or leadership of their synagogues, Jewish agencies, secular charities, companies, universities or the like, their contributions are important and appreciated.

Near the end of World War II, the United States bombed Sofia, Bulgaria, in hopes it would break the Bulgarian alliance with the Nazi regime. But when a bomb fell into the third oldest synagogue in Europe, it failed to explode.

Jews should take more words out of their vocabulary

In accord with Larry Haith’s correct position regarding the use of the term “Old Testament,” by Jews (Letters to the Editor, Feb. 11), there are other words that Jews should not utter.

In a political season with second-rate candidates who stoke fear, spew hatred and push for quick fixes to complex problems, we can rely on the strengths of leaders in American history to guide us.

Jewish people should know better

I read something in the Jan. 14 edition of The Chronicle (“Poet attaches meaning, significance to events of everyday life”) that drives me crazy. It bothers me when Jewish people use the term “Old Testament” and that term was used in the article.

To decide on a single way to describe my Birthright experience would be nearly impossible. Was it exciting? Yes. Eventful? Yes! Impactful and life-changing? Most definitely. Before my trip to Israel with KU Hillel, I had been once before when I was 12 years old. The difference between going on a family trip and going on a college trip is incredible, and I am grateful for the opportunities to have been both times. It’s difficult to say what my most favorite part of Birthright was, but there were a couple of instances that truly stood out.

Religious freedom in Israel still needs addressing

Insulting attack

When I created Rabbis for Romney prior to the 2012 election, I was attacked by 1,600 Rabbis for Obama. Liberal rabbis are doing so again following the article “Rabbi for Trump seeks ‘like’-minded Jews” published in this paper on Dec. 31, 2015. Such is the case of the letter written by Rabbi Alan Cohen (Jan. 4, 2016), in which he stated “the content is an embarrassment to the rabbinate.” He is entitled to his opinion, but that comment is personally insulting. This article was picked up by Jewish newspapers around the world, including Israel, because it is newsworthy.

There are more than 100 Jewish film festivals in the United States. Seen as a way to provide an authentic connection to Jewish heritage, the popularity of Jewish film festivals has grown in recent years. Now in its 17th year, The Kansas City Jewish Film Festival (KCJFF), put on by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, has also grown.

“Now Everyone Will Know: The Perfect Husband, His Shattering Secret, My Recovered Life (A Memoir)” by Maggie Kneip. (Garden Street Books, 2015).