Nemitoff sculpture dedicated in Leawood
Shabbat and Yom Kippur
Candlelighting and Fast Begin: 6:27 p.m.
Havdalah and Fast Ends: 7:23 p.m.
Sukkot
Candlelighting (Oct. 16): 6:20 p.m.
Candlelighting (Oct. 17): 7:16 p.m.
Jewish community marks one year since Oct. 7
By The Chronicle Staff
Jews across the world marked the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 terror attacks, and Kansas City’s Jewish community organized a commemoration and a temporary art installation for the victims.
These are two of the myriad services, prayers, sermons and artworks by Jewish organizations and congregations to mark the anniversary that have taken place across the Kansas City area.
Commemoration Service
The community commemoration service took place on Monday at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, where the community’s initial gathering in
solidarity took place on Oct. 9, 2023. The event was organized by Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee (JCRB|AJC), Jewish Experiences (a collaboration of The J and Jewish Federation), Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City.
“Unfortunately, the Jewish people have a lot of experience commemorating tragedy, from Tisha B’av to Yom Hashoah
Shira Brudoley leads students as KC’s new NCSY and JSU director
By Jane Martin Contributing Writer
Shira Brudoley, Kansas City’s new NCSY and Jewish Student Union (JSU) director, already feels like she is at home after just two months on the job. Her passion to help middle and high school students “experience, explore and be empowered by their Judaism” is a driving force behind her work, and she expressed sincere gratitude to the many students, parents and donors who have already shown
support to her and the local organization.
“Stepping into this role has felt natural and supportive — natural in the sense of my familiarity of NCSY and Kansas and my passionate appreciation for both,” Brudoley said. “On the supportive end, there’s no way I could do this without the incredible support here.”
ers, and Brudoley attributes much of its success to her supporters, including students helping coordinate and develop program ideas, parents volunteering to host meals and house students, and generous funding to help support these types of events where students can connect, learn and develop leadership skills.
to Yom Hazikaron, and we now add Oct. 7 to the list,” Federation President and CEO Jay Lewis said at the gathering. “But, only one year removed from that horrific day, the feelings are intensified because Israel is at war with Hamas in Gaza, under attack from Hezbollah and Iran, over 100 hostages are still in captivity and antisemitism continues to
See page 2
Coming full circle
HBHA alumni return as educators
By Amanda Birger Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy
For many, school is a stepping stone. For some, it’s a place to return home. At Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA), four alumni have found their way back — this time as teachers and mentors.
NCSY recently held a “Shabbat Shabang” mini-retreat for high school-
A Minneapolis, Minnesota, native, Brudoley developed close friendships with many Kansas City high schoolers during her own high school NCSY regional experiences. She still has many
Three new teachers join the faculty, and one longtime teacher is celebrating 12 years in the classroom, marking 24 years at HBHA as both a student and educator.
Shira Brudoley
BSA Troop 61 to celebrate 100 years
Left: Community Shalicha Mika Kislanski speaks at the Oct. 7 commemoration next to a yizkor candle and empty chair draped with an Israeli flag (Photo by Alexis Greenberg). Right: Lezlie Zucker, Laura Payne, Rabbi Larry Karol, Cantor Sharon Kohn and Cantor Aron Hayoun singing “Eli, Eli.”
community news
Jewish community
rise throughout the world.”
Rabbis and representatives of nearly every community congregation either spoke, led a prayer or read a poem, including: Rabbi Caitlin Brazner, Rabbi Stephanie Kramer and Rabbi Rachel Rothstein of B’nai Jehudah; Rabbi Mark Glass of Congregation Beth Israel Abraham and Voliner; Rabbi David Glickman and Rabbi Talia Kaplan of Congregation Beth Shalom; Rabbi Moshe Grussgott and Rabbi Herbert J. Mandl of Kehilath Israel Synagogue (K.I.); Rabbi Alan Londy of The New Reform Temple; and Rabbi Sam Stern of Temple Beth Sholom in Topeka, Kansas. Also speaking were Rabbi Elizabeth Bonney-Cohen of Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA); Rabbi Larry Karol of Temple Beth-El in Las Cruces, New Mexico; Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick of Jewish Family Services; and Rabbi Linda Steigman.
Psalms, songs and prayers were sung by Cantor Aron Hayoun and Arthur Hayoun of K.I.; Rabbi Karol; Cantor Sharon Kohn; Laura Payne of B’nai Jehudah; and Lezlie Zucker of Congregation Beth Torah.
The Kansas City Israeli community was represented by Moshit Snir, who lit a yizkor candle in memory of the victims, and Mika Kislanski, the Kansas City community shalicha.
“This past year has been one
of unimaginable pain and uncertainty. One year ago today, on Oct. 7, our lives changed forever,” Kislanski said. “The brutal attacks that unfolded that day and the war that followed has impacted so many families, including many of you here tonight. Each day since has been marked by heartache as we witness the toll these events have taken on our brothers and sisters in Israel.”
Kislanski also directly addressed the Israeli community in Kansas City, saying “You have faced your own unique challenges this past year, and your pain is palpable. We stand with you in solidarity, recognizing the weight of your experiences. Your stories, your fears and your hopes matter to us. I urge our larger community to embrace you, to listen to your voices and to provide the support you need during this difficult time. You are not alone, and we are here for you.”
The service ended with everybody reciting “Hatikvah,” the Israeli national anthem.
Art Installation
From Oct. 1 through 8, “A Year Without” — an art installation of nearly 1,200 stones each hand-painted with a name of a victim of the Oct. 7 attacks — was placed in the lobby of The J. Surrounding the stones were photographs, each depicting a local community member and their story of how they were impacted by the attacks. Visitors were also welcome to add their responses and stories to a display.
Dozens of staff from organizations located at the Jewish Community Campus and Jewish students at HBHA and the University of Kansas helped paint hundreds of the memorial stones. Attendees of the installation’s opening had the opportunity to paint a rock to help complete the artwork.
Organizations involved with the exhibit included JCRB|AJC, Jewish Experiences, the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education (MCHE), The J and HBHA. The artwork’s debut was attended by
Hundreds gathered at the Oct. 7 commemoration. (Photo by Alexis Greenberg)
continued from previous page both Jewish and non-Jewish community leaders, clergy and elected officials.
“Today, our local Jewish community is telling our story in our own words,” said Neta Meltzer, JCRB|AJC interim executive director, at the installation’s debut. “[The exhibit includes] written testimonies of members of our community — people who grew up here, have family and deep connections here, who were directly impacted by the attacks on Oct. 7… I want to thank them for sharing [their] stories. Reflecting on that day, even a year later, remains fraught and painful.”
One of the driving forces behind the stone artwork was Kislanski, who painted hundreds of the stones herself. She came to Kansas City in September of 2023, just one month before the attack in Israel.
“The events of this past year have been profoundly challenging, not only for me, but for the entire Jewish community here and in Israel. Each day I find myself grappling with the weight
of these realities,” she said at the artwork’s debut.
As the community shalicha (emissary), Kislanski’s focus is to help people understand that Israel, its people and its government are multifaceted, multicultural, diverse and complex.
“We must remember that criticism of a government does not necessitate the vilification of an entire people,” she said. “In this context, my role as an emissary has become even more vital. I
BIAV to honor memory of Oct. 7 victim on Simchat Torah
On Simchat Torah, Congregation Beth Israel Abraham and Voliner (BIAV) will honor the memory of Israel Defense Forces soldier Daniel Perez (z”l).
BIAV is participating in World Mizrachi’s Simchat Torah Project, “a global project to unite the Jewish world and honor the memory of the 1,200 souls lost on Oct. 7 and the many hundreds since,” according to the project’s website.
The project’s motto is “a time to cry, a time to dance,” a phrase from King Solomon’s writings in Kohelet (Ecclesiastes). According to the Simchat Torah Project, 1,600 synagogues have received Torah covers dedicated to a victim of Oct. 7. On Simchat Torah, congregants will dance with the Torah, which “will symbolize the Jewish people’s resilience, our ability to find hope in the face of tragedy.”
On Sept. 2, the Simchat Torah Project held a ceremony at the Kotel in Jerusalem during which the Torah covers were distributed to representatives of communities around the world.
BIAV representatives Mark and Roberta Weinstein Cohen received the cover for Daniel Perez.
Perez, a platoon commander in the IDF’s 7th Armored Brigade’s 77th Battalion, was murdered on Oct. 7. He was thought to be alive as a hostage for 163 days until the IDF confirmed in March that he had been killed defending Kibbutz Nahal Oz. Rabbi Doron Perez, Daniel Perez’s father, is the executive chairman of World Mizrachi, the organization facilitating the Simchat Torah project.
More information about the project is available at thesimchattorahproject. org.
am here to engage in constructive conversations, to promote understanding and to foster solidarity, not just among Jews, but with all those who cherish human dignity and peace.”
Jessica Rockhold, executive director of MCHE, spoke about the effect that Oct. 7 had on Holocaust survivors.
“The human impact of Oct. 7 and the year of incidents which followed is undeniable for survivors,” she continued.
“It comes late in their lives. It’s tested their faith in the value of having spent decades sharing their testimonies and their suffering in the hopes of creating a safer world for their families.”
Rockhold shared that despite the
antisemitism, MCHE has seen “an unprecedented number of requests for information about antisemitism” and outreach in good faith for credible, educational information.
“What we at MCHE have learned this year is that over 30 years of Holocaust education, predominantly serving the non-Jewish community, has created a public that recognizes a problem and wants to address it,” she said. “...Our survivors taught us to face and embrace the pain, but then to use that experience and to shift our focus outward to creating a better world. We can draw strength from their example, for there is much work ahead for each of us to do.”
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BIAV representatives Mark and Roberta Weinstein Cohen received a Torah cover in honor of deceased IDF soldier Daniel Perez in Jerusalem on Sept. 2.
Left: Nearly 1,200 stones with names of victims of the Oct. 7 attacks comprised a recent art installation at the Jewish Community Campus. Right: An attendee of the art installation’s debut writes the name of a victim of the Oct. 7 attacks on a stone to be added to the artwork. (Photos by Rachel Kaseff)
Leawood dedicates William Nemitoff sculpture inspired by Gezer region
The City of Leawood, Kansas, and the Leawood Arts Council hosted a dedication event for “Reaching,” a public art piece created by Jewish artist William Nemitoff. Nemitoff, a native of Leawood, is the son of Leslie and Rabbi Arthur P. Nemitoff, rabbi emeritus of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.
“Reaching” is located at 10760 Lee Boulevard, Leawood, KS 66206. The sculpture, which is being added to Leawood’s public art collection to celebrate the city’s 75th anniversary, was dedicated at sunset on Sept. 26. It also commemorates the long-lasting partnership between Leawood and the Gezer region in Israel, one of Leawood’s two sister cities.
“A symbol of peace and friendship, the olive tree is one of the longest-harvested crops in the ancient region of Gezer,” Nemitoff said in his artist statement. “In honor of Leawood’s 75th anniversary, the tree is composed of 75 curved aluminum branches. The limestone-clad foundation takes its shape from the six-chambered gate found at the ruins of the historic region of
Gezer. The unique twisting shape of ‘Reaching’ creates interactive spaces within, resembling ruins hewn out of native stone. The stone base provides a timeless anchor to the past, while the dynamic shape and modern lights at the tips reach upward toward the future.”
The Chronicle interviewed Nemitoff in August of 2022, shortly after the sculpture was chosen by the city council out of many submissions. He said that the sculpture was influenced by the Gezer Region’s olive trees, the Israeli tech industry and the solomonic gates of the biblical city of Tel Gezer, and said, “Unlike the [Tel Gezer] gate, where you’d want to defend, [‘Reaching’] has these open strands so you can actually see through, and there are no worries about anyone hiding. Obviously, kids are going to play in it… I think that it’s very important for art to be accessible to everyone.”
The sculpture weighs 15,000 pounds and is 27 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Its lights are programmable, and the city plans to change its colors to align with different seasons, initiatives and celebrations.
“This sculpture not only celebrates Leawood’s 75 years as a thriving city but also reflects the ties that connect Leawood to the Gezer region,” Leawood Mayor Marc Elkins said. “It reflects the spirit of our community — living with distinction and reaching across borders and cultures to build lasting friendships.”
Reaching was chosen as part of Leawood’s commitment to enhancing the city’s public spaces through its Art in Public Places Initiative.
“I’m incredibly honored to have been chosen to do this in my hometown for its 75th anniversary,” Nemitoff told The Chronicle in 2022. “It’s really something special to me.”
The Leawood Arts Council aims to make art accessible to everyone while promoting cultural exchange and understanding.
More information about “Reaching” and the Leawood Arts Council is available at leawood.org/reaching.
KU Chabad welcomes new assistant rabbi with KC roots
KU Chabad has expanded its staff to meet increased demand to support Jewish students this year, bringing on Rabbi Ariel Brudoley as assistant rabbi and engagement intern for the 20242025 school year. Rabbi Brudoley will focus on connecting with students and building relationships with Jewish students this year.
Rabbi Brudoley lives in Overland Park, Kansas, with his wife, Shira, and their two children. He was born and raised in the area in a family with deep roots in the Kansas City Jewish community — his grandparents, Howard and Ro Jacobson, are respected community leaders. Rabbi Brudoley is a graduate of Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy.
He will join the staff at KU Chabad to boost Jewish life on campus during a time when Jewish students nationally have come under attack and when Jewish pride and practice is at an all-
time high in response.
“In the months since the Oct. 7 attacks, Jewish students have made clear to us that what they need is more opportunity for Jewish connection and engagement,” said Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, who directs KU Chabad with his wife, Nechama. “Rabbi Ariel will bring an added dimension of Jewish engagement to the ‘Jewhawk’ community this year, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him.”
When not busy teaching, Rabbi Brudoley enjoys flying drones, playing the drums and playing soccer. He looks forward to spending the year getting to know many of KU’s 1,300 Jewish students.
“For a long time, it has been my dream to work with the students at KU,” Rabbi Brudoley said. “Chabad on Campus is doing work that is so important to the future of the Jewish community. I can’t describe how exciting
it is to work with such dedicated and selfless people.”
Rabbi Brudoley will often table for KU Chabad, creating an accessible way to connect with Jewish resources
and mitzvot on the go. He will meet one-on-one with students for study, discussion and conversation, offering a listening ear for whatever students might be going through. He will also visit students when they are under the weather, bringing chicken soup.
This new appointment comes as ground has been broken on the construction of a new 10,000-square-foot KU Chabad center. The center will include spaces dedicated to mental health and wellness, as well as a lounge, library, dining area and commercial kitchen that will enable KU Chabad to expand its kosher food offerings on and off campus.
“We are constantly striving to take Jewish life at KU to the next level,” Nechama Tiechtel said. “That is the driving force behind the construction of the new Chabad House, and it is why we’re so excited to be welcoming Rabbi Ariel to join the team at Chabad.”
William Nemitoff’s sculpture “Reaching,” pictured illuminated at night, was dedicated on Sept. 26. (The City of Leawood)
Rabbi Ariel Brudoley
Gather KC to celebrate fifth anniversary with Sukkot event
This year’s Gather KC Sukkot party will also celebrate the Jewish, volunteer-led young adult organization’s fifth anniversary.
Gather KC’s “Sippin’ in the Sukkah” event will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. Tickets must be purchased at gatherkc.org/sippin. The location will be sent to those who sign up via email.
The party, only for adults over 21 years old, will feature cocktails, mocktails, desserts (including s’mores),
backyard games (including oversized Jenga and cornhole), a firepit and a Middle Eastern mezze.
Gather KC is a volunteer-led organization supported by Torah Learning Center for Kansas City Jews in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. Those interested in learning more about Gather KC can go to gatherkc.org and join the group’s WhatsApp (chat.whatsapp.com/ IUiHl2fV5ueCyVDVO77ggq).
Gather KC’s Sippin’ in the Sukkah Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. Location information sent after registration
Federation’s Women’s
Philanthropy to host Women of Strength event
Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City’s Women’s Philanthropy will host a philanthropic event featuring Brooklyn-based jewelry designer Freida Rothman on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
The event will be held at The 1900 Building in Mission Woods from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Rothman will be participating in a Q&A, and attendees will have the opportunity to view and shop her creations.
Members of Federation’s Lions of Judah giving society are invited to a pre-event VIP reception starting at 5:30 p.m. Each VIP ticket includes a meet and greet with Rothman and a custom-designed necklace.
Rothman is a second-generation jeweler and a mother of five. All her grandparents were Holocaust survivors, and Rothman attributes her inspiration for many of her contemporary pieces to the strength and resiliency of their stories.
Pieces from Rothman’s collection,
including a custom-designed necklace for the event, will be available for purchase. Ten percent of jewelry sales will benefit the Shavot program in Federation’s partner city of Ramle, Israel. Shavot is a program that aims to help Jewish and Arab girls strengthen their sense of self-worth and provides tools that will allow them to reach their full potential.
More about this event and registration information is available at jewishkansascity.org/events/womenof-strength.
Freida Rothman philanthropy event
Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The 1900 Building, 1900 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Mission Woods, KS 66205
Local author Deborah Shouse raising awareness on addiction and grief
Local Jewish community member and author Deborah Shouse is partnering with First Call and Crafted: A Fair Trade Collective for an event aimed at raising awareness about addiction, mental health and the impact of grief. The event will feature a short reading and brief discussion of Shouse’s new book, “Letters From The Ungrateful Dead: A Grieving Mom’s Correspondence With Her Deceased Adult Daughter.”
book, the event will include conversation about the shared goals of First Call in addressing the root causes of addiction and supporting those in recovery. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Shouse, purchase signed copies of her book and learn more about how they can contribute to First Call’s mission.
The event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Crafted (formerly known as Ten Thousand Villages), 7947 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204.
Several years ago, Shouse’s older adult daughter passed away from an overdose of meth and fentanyl. This profound loss inspired “Letters From the Ungrateful Dead.” A grief therapist advised Shouse to write letters to her daughter and have her “write back” — these correspondences comprise her book.
In addition to featuring Shouse’s
First Call is a nonprofit organization whose mission is reducing the impact of alcohol, drugs and other addictions by providing quality resources to individuals, families and the community.
“I value the important role First Call plays in our community,” Shouse said. “Too many people have experienced situations similar to my own. I’m hoping my book will help those dealing with loss, as well as those whose loved ones struggle with addiction and mental health issues.”
Fifteen percent of the profits made during the event will go back to First Call. More information about the event and First Call is available at firstcallkc.org.
Addiction, Mental Health and Grief Awareness Event
Sunday, Oct. 27, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Crafted, 7947 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204
Email Sam Kricsfeld at samk@jewishkc.org
Freida Rothman
JVS gets office update
Volunteers from The Church of the Resurrection recently gave Jewish Vocational Service an office makeover. Members of the church painted the JVS board room, a newly renovated office space and a mailroom.
KU represented at summit
Hillel International, American Jewish Committee (AJC) and American Council on Education hosted the College and University Presidents Summit on Campus Antisemitism in Washington, D.C., from Sept. 22 to 23.
More than 80 college and university presidents spent the two days exploring the relationship between free speech imperatives and creating a safe campus for Jewish college students.
Representing the University of Kansas at the summit were KU Chancellor Doug Girod, Provost Barbara Bichelmeyer and KU Hillel Executive Director Ethan Helfand.
B’nai Jehudah gets new desks
Thanks to parents and donors, The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah was able to purchase 115 new desks for its religious school students. The new desks have dry erase tops, which allow students to take notes and practice their Hebrew writing skills on the desks.
Volunteers needed
Volunteers are needed from 12 to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, to help clean up Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 5529 Ditzler Rd. Volunteers will help paint, clean, weed, rake and more.
This is a good opportunity for groups or individuals to earn community service credits. For more information or to sign up, contact Bruce Luchen at bluchen0731@gmail.com or David Herbet at easttomid@gmail.com.
ARIELBRUDOLEY
• Ariel Brudoley (pg. 4, 10)
DEBORAHSHOUSE FREIDAROTHMAN
GATHERKC HBDMOM JUDENSTERN
• Deborah Shouse (pg. 5)
• Freida Rothman (pg. 5)
• Matthew Kavanaugh (pg. 10)
• Reaching (pg. 4)
MATTHEWKAVANAUGH MICAHMARGOLIES PICKLEBALL REACHING SAMMATSIL SHIRABRUDOLEY TROOPSIXTYONE
• Gather KC (pg. 5)
• Judenstern (pg. 8)
• Sam Matsil (pg. 10)
• Shira Brudoley (pg. 1)
• Troop Sixty-One (pg. 12)
The words you’ll be searching for are all subjects of articles in this week’s Chronicle! The words can be forward or backward, oriented up and down, left and right or diagonal.
B’nai B’rith Bowling Scores
The following bowlers achieved high scores in the Sunday Kansas City B’nai B’rith Men’s Bowling League at Ward Parkway Lanes on Sept. 29 and Oct. 6.
Sept.
29
500 Series
Ryan Thomas 688 (192 259 191)
Steve Thomas 627 (217 252 158)
Hunter Thomas 609 (216 192 201)
Mark Newton 607 (205 220 182)
Michael Sokol 583 (181 216 186)
Irwin Snitz 577 (182 192 203)
Scott Hecht 542 (149 180 213)
Morty Rock 532 (174 178 180)
Steve Baraban 508 (157 158 193)
Larry Katzif 501 (167 175 159)
170 Series
Bruce W Parker 194
Jerry Shapiro 193
Nick R Meyers 184
Ray Kopek 178
Kent Verden 178
Larry Katzif 175
Marion Potts 173 Christopher Eldredge 173
Oct. 6
500 Series
Hunter Thomas 696 (210 277 209)
Ryan Thomas 623 (188 223 212)
Stuart Pollack 571 (173 205 193)
Kent Verden 562 (224 148 190)
Bill Sloan 556 (166 215 175)
Michael Altman 544 (189 161 194)
Steve Thomas 542 (173 190 179)
Steve Baraban 539 (181 158 200)
Michael Sokol 530 (201 178 151
Irwin Snitz 526 (160 155 211)
Bruce W Parker 515 (161 161 193)
Steve Greenberg 504 (186 158 160)
170 Series
Chris Eldredge 193
Morty Rock 180
Marion Potts 174
Nick R Meyers 170
If you are interested in bowling during the 2024-2025 season for a competitive, fun, social atmosphere, you can contact Tom Balke at (913) 244-7010 or balketw@yahoo.com or Stuart Pollack at (913) 957-3716 or skp28@aol.com.
The ROMEOs steering committee gathered on Sept. 27 at Revels Sports Tavern after a presentation by Kansas City Jewish Chronicle staff. Pictured (top row, from left) are Richard Hart, Allan Kaufman, Herb Simon, Bob DeWitt, Bill Schlosberg, Howard Noah; (bottom row, from left) Jack Nagel, Bob Becker, Howard Eichenwald, Marshall Widman and Vic Suroff.
Jewish War Veterans Post 605 members greeted their longtime benefactor, Roslyn Baeman Payne, at the group's monthly meeting on Sept. 19. Pictured with her is Commander Bill Greenberg.
Chef Kim Matsil and her team prepared more than 350 Rosh Hashanah meals for Jewish Family Services families to help them celebrate the new year.
Brought together by the Jewish Community Foundation, communal leaders participated in a day of continued education at the Mid-America Charitable Gift Planners Building Blocks Conference. Pictured are Josh Stein, Allison DeWitt, Cristina Cowan, and Harold Kaseff; and Tracie Holley, David Spizman, Suzanne Galblum Dicken and Lara Giordano.
Rabbi Scott White led Heritage members through a pre-Rosh Hashanah luncheon at The J on Thursday, Sept. 26.
HBHA student Molly Soloman shared her experiences as a Simcha Gifts volunteer, organized by the women of Chabad House of Overland Park, with juniors and seniors at school. Pictured (from left) are Noah Bergh, Molly Soloman, Alex Rubin, Avital Mullokandova, Elia Ellis and Sam Matsil, HBHA athletic director.
Judenstern
By Ellie Holsten
In Europe in the Middle Ages, starshaped lamps provided light in many people’s homes, both Jewish and non-Jewish. The long troughs of oil allowed the flames to burn for a long time, reducing the amount of maintenance required to keep a house lit.
Eventually, these lamps lost their popularity among non-Jewish households. Jewish families, however, still had a reason to use a light that would stay burning for a very long time: Shabbat. These star-shaped lights could be lit before the beginning of Shabbat and provide illumination for the entire Friday evening. As only Jewish families continued using this style of lamp, the light came to be called a “judenstern” (“Jewish star”).
This brass judenstern was made in Germany in the 19th century. Its bottom portion was used to burn oil on Shabbat. Its top portion holds candles for illumination throughout the rest of the week. The Klein Collection is also home to a judenstern that was later electrified, further simplifying its lighting.
More information about the Michael Klein Collection at the Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah can be found at kleincollection.org or by calling (913) 663-4050 to schedule a tour.
The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle and the Klein Collection are partneringtoshareandhighlightsomeofthe collection’suniquepieces.
Jewish Community Foundation celebrates legacy donors
By Trudi Galblum Jewish Community Foundation
More than 150 community members came together at the Jewish Community Campus for Foundation for Our Future, the Jewish Community Foundation’s (JCF) biennial celebration of planned giving.
The Sept. 18 event, which was sponsored by the Sam and Lucy Gould JCF Program Fund, honored the more than 1,000 donors, past and present, who have made planned gifts to a Jewish communal agency or synagogue. Their collective generosity and foresight have generated $89 million in realized planned gifts and another $125 million in future planned gifts for the community.
and Robin Carr; Sam Devinki; Martha Gershun and Don Goldman; Kathy Krigel Hawley; Judy Jacobs; Norman Kahn, Jr. and Diana Winyard; Andrea Poisner-Corchine in memory of Larry Poisner; Mary Beth Rohlf; Lisa and Ken Schifman; David Spizman and Karen Loggia; and Wallace Weber.
The evening began with dinner and drinks, followed by remarks of gratitude from JCF President Frank Lipsman and Executive Director Josh Stein. The evening continued with the Foundation’s signature Endowment Book of Life signing ceremony, which recognizes donors who have made permanent commitments of $10,000 or more to local Jewish organizations. The evening concluded with the option to attend a private production of Victor Wishna’s “Tree of Life” play in The J’s White Theatre.
The Endowment Book of Life was created in 2003 under the leadership of former JCF Executive Director Susie Goldsmith. For more than 20 years, the Foundation has periodically held signing ceremonies where individuals and families who have invested in the financial sustainability of Jewish institutions and programs sign the book and add to it their stories and remembrances of love, connection and inspiration.
At this year’s event, 13 new Book of Life signers brought the total number of individual signers to 328. The 2024 signers included Elizabeth Appelbaum; Lewis and Carol Berey; Bill
Martha Gershun’s mother, Gloria Gershun, was one of the first signers of the Book of Life 21 years ago.
“Back then,” Gloria Gershun said, “we didn’t have $5,000 in a lump sum to open a donor advised fund. A few years later, when I was working for Eddie Feinstein at H&R Block, I mentioned that Don and I were going to sell some stock for charity and pay the related taxes. Eddie said, ‘What do you mean pay the taxes? You need to open a donor advised fund at the Jewish Community Foundation.’”
Gershun and Goldman have plans for a gift upon their death to the Foundation to be distributed to charities they have chosen.
“Don and I would like to use some of our financial resources to make the world a better place,” she said. “We feel that the Foundation is most resonant with our values and our interest in efficiency, tax management and legal compliance.”
David Spizman, currently the director of philanthropy and community engagement at Village Shalom, was serving on its board of directors when he and Karen Loggia first learned about the Bushman Community Endowment Program, a 10-year initi-
ative to promote legacy giving that identified hundreds of donors and millions of dollars in planned giving commitments. The Create a Jewish Legacy Initiative, supported by the Sam and Lucy Gould JCF Program Fund at the Foundation, has made the creation of many additional planned gifts possible.
“Karen and I are big supporters of teaching our kids about the value of community,” Spizman said. “The Foundation provides a concierge service which helps us be more planful in our philanthropy.”
For Andrea Poisner-Corchine, signing the Book of Life was an opportunity to honor her father Larry Poisner, whose kindness and generosity shaped her values.
“My father supported the Jewish Community Foundation so that he could contribute at the highest level to make the broadest impact,” she said.
Before adjourning for the play, playwright Victor Wishna shared some of his writing inspiration and provided context for how the play fit into the Foundation for Our Future event. He told the audience, “The play — whose themes revolve around the idea that we are all part of a larger Jewish story — is a good fit for tonight. We never know what form our legacy will take, which is why we build it.”
More information about planned gifts is available by contacting Suzanne Dicken at the Jewish Community Foundation at (913) 327-8286 or sdicken@jcfkc.org.
Pictured (from left) are Jonathan Fink, Reggie Fink, Sam Devinki, Mary Stahl, Andrea Poisner-Corchine and Robert Corchine at the Jewish Community Foundation’s planned giving celebration, Foundation for Our Future.
Federation to host pickleball tournament fundraiser
Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City will host a pickleball tournament at Chicken N Pickle Overland Park on Sunday, Nov. 17.
The tournament will have two sessions, the first running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the second playing from 12 to 3 p.m. Players of all skill levels are encouraged to participate.
“We hope everyone will join us for connection, community and celebrating Federation’s collective impact,” said Taly Friedman, Federation’s director of community building.
In past years, Federation has hosted a golf tournament as part of its annu-
al fundraising and added a pickleball component to the past two tournaments. This year, it decided to focus only on pickleball.
“As pickleball has risen in popularity over the past few years, and from
adding pickleball as an option to last year’s golf tournament, we have seen it is a fun new way of connecting our community to the work of Jewish Federation,” said Jon Schwartzbard, Federation’s director of transformational giving. “We are so excited and enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring together both our corporate community and benefactors through a pickleball tournament.”
Team registration is $180 for two people. Teams will receive admission to the tournament, a catered lunch and access to all beverages, including a Bloody Mary bar.
For those who want to watch the matches and cheer on the players, spectator tickets are available for $36. The spectator passes include lunch and access to the tournament.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at levels ranging from $500 to $10,000. Many of the sponsorship packages come with tournament entry for teams.
More information and registration for the tournament is available at JewishKansasCity.org/events/pickleballtournament.
Federation Pickleball Tournament
Sunday, Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12 to 3 p.m.
Chicken N Pickle, 5901 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS 66223
Brudoley leads students as new NCSY and JSU director
continued from page 1 study.”
close friends in Kansas City and is now married to one of them: Rabbi Ariel Brudoley, with whom she has two children.
“My mother and siblings were all involved in NCSY, and so was I,” she said. “I made very good friends at regional conferences… I always felt connected to Kansas City due to the deep friendships I made with people from Kansas City.”
Brudoley is excited to be a part of an organization that gave her so much during her own tween and teen years. She began in Junior NCSY in sixth grade and took on local NCSY leadership positions in high school.
“I have the purest memories of connecting to others, to Judaism and to myself through these [NCSY] programs,” she said.
She also participated in NCSY Give in high school, an summer program in Israel that helped shape her future.
“I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take a year in Israel or go to college at that point,” she said. “One of my advisers and I connected during my time in Israel, and that connection helped me form my path in life. My NCSY Give experience ultimately brought me to Sha’alvim for Women in Jerusalem to
After studying in Jerusalem, Brudoley returned to the United States to attend Stern College for Women and University of Minnesota, where she earned a BA in psychology with a minor in biology.
“Growing up, I wasn’t sure how much of my life I wanted to focus on secularism or Judaism,” she said, “but NCSY and going to seminary made me realize you don’t have to choose one or the other. You can form a meaningful life of Judaism in everyday life.”
Brudoley is passionate about taking on the role as local NCSY and JSU director. She is excited to step into the program and has already worked with several past Kansas City directors to strengthen her network of support and further enhance the organization.
On the horizon, Brudoley envisions revitalizing and reinstituting programs such as JSU Shabbat dinners, more “Shabbat Shabang” retreats, NCSY and JSU volunteer opportunities, “Pizza in the Hut” (where students make their own pizzas in the Sukkah) and more consistent programming for NCSY students, including the ever-popular weekly “Ice Cream and Inspiration” gatherings. Her goals are
to create consistency, and to “connect with the students outside of school and make them feel like this isn’t just a club, it’s part of something in their daily lives.”
Leadership development is another priority. At the time of this interview, Brudoley was focused on facilitating an NCSY event on Oct. 6 to commemorate the events of Oct. 7.
“All of the ideas came from the teens. I’m just facilitating,” she said. “A big part of NCSY is to help teens develop leadership skills. I want to make sure I’m here to provide support but that I’m not the only one running the show.”
Junior NCSY for fifth-througheighth graders is another area for growth.
“I want to work on strengthening [Junior NCSY] this year and make the
tweens feel that they have a place with ice cream events and more regular holiday programming,” she said.
Brudoley is also extending the reach of JSU into more local high schools and middle schools. With chapters in eight local high schools and two middle schools, Brudoley is currently in the process of setting up two new JSU chapters — one in high school and the other in middle school.
To aid with the expansion, Brudoley invites KC area parents and/or grandparents to contact her at BrudoleyS@ ncsy.org or (952) 228-9428 with interest in creating new JSU chapters.
“It is helpful to connect me with the school administration, so they know there’s interest at the school. Then I can work with the school to find a teacher sponsor and a date for our first meeting,” she said.
Serving All Cemeteries BEFORE YOU BUY-SHOP & COMPARE
Jewish community members playing pickleball at a past Jewish Federation fundraising event.
Coming full circle: HBHA alumni return as educators
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Ariel Brudoley: Rediscovering Torah at home
Ariel Brudoley, a 2017 HBHA graduate, credits his time at the school for igniting his passion for Torah study, a journey that began in Rabbi Berel Sosover’s class.
“Being in Rabbi Sosover’s class was transformative for me,” he said. “He introduced me to a world of Judaism I hadn’t seen before.”
Brudoley said that this experience, along with the values instilled at HBHA, shaped him into the person he is today.
“More than anything, HBHA made me a mensch,” he said. “The culture and values I grew up with here taught me to always respect everyone and be kind, even when that wasn’t common practice elsewhere.”
After graduating from HBHA, Brudoley studied at a yeshiva in Israel, continued at Yeshiva University in New York and eventually transferred to the Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, New Jersey. He credits HBHA teachers like Rabbi Meshulam Twersky and Rabbi Avi Weinstein for pushing him to step outside of his comfort zone and pursue these experiences.
“My teachers at HBHA always encouraged me to challenge myself in supportive ways, which prepared me for big decisions, like choosing to go to yeshiva, an environment I had never been part of before,” Brudoley said.
Following his studies, Brudoley worked as a Judaics teacher and administrator at Heilicher Jewish Day School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This experience deepened his appreciation for the hard work and passion it takes to succeed in education.
“I realized how rewarding and intense this job can be — it’s not easy, but it’s incredibly fulfilling,” he said.
Now, as HBHA’s Talmud teacher,
Brudoley hopes to inspire his students just as he was inspired.
“It’s disorienting to return as a teacher — my responsibilities have completely shifted, and my old teachers are now my colleagues — but it also feels like home,” he said. “HBHA is where I became who I was when I left for yeshiva, and now I’m bringing all I’ve learned since then back to help my students.”
In addition to teaching Talmud, Brudoley is also involved in Jewish curriculum-building. As a writer for the Jewish Learning Institute’s curriculum department, he is currently developing a course on prayer for high schoolers. BrudoleyalsoworkswithKUChabad (seepage4).
Matthew Kavanaugh: From science student to teacher
Matthew Kavanaugh, a 2014 HBHA graduate, took a different route, one rooted in science and academia. After earning his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, he entered a dual M.D.-Ph.D. program at the University of Kansas Medical Center. Now, in the final stretch of his Ph.D. in anatomy and cell biology, Matthew has returned to HBHA to teach upper school chemistry.
“HBHA taught me the work ethic that prepared me for medical school,” he said.
Kavanaugh points out that many early college students suffer in silence, not taking advantage of available resources.
“HBHA gave me the confidence to advocate for myself, not just when I’m falling behind, but to seek out further opportunities,” he said.
As a former tutor for HBHA students, Kavanaugh discovered his passion for teaching. As he transitions from tutoring to teaching full classes, he is discovering the nuances of classroom
dynamics and finding ways to connect through shared experiences with his students.
“I’m finding common ground and building rapport with the students to create a strong foundation for learning,” Kavanaugh said.
He hopes to spark students’ curiosity about the world around them.
“I want my students to look at everyday phenomena, like bread rising, and ask, ‘Why?’” Kavanaugh said. “Science is everywhere; you just need to learn to see it.”
Like Brudoley, Kavanaugh reflects on the strange feeling of being on the staff side of the HBHA experience.
“It’s exciting to be a part of the school as it evolves. It has changed, but it’s still HBHA,” Kavanaugh said. “It’s enlightening to see all the work my teachers put in behind the scenes to create my HBHA experience — I love and appreciate HBHA and what it did for me. So when I had the opportunity to give back, I thought, ‘Why not?’”
Sam Matsil: Returning as athletic director
For Sam Matsil, a 2016 HBHA graduate, athletics has always been a defining part of his life. Now, as the school’s new athletic director, he’s come full circle, returning to lead the same program that shaped so much of his high school experience.
“Some of my best memories from HBHA were on the court,” Matsil said. “I’ll never forget the senior night when we won one of our few basketball games that season. It was one of the best games of my life.”
Matsil credits HBHA’s inclusive athletics program with giving him opportunities he may not have had elsewhere.
“At another school, I might not have been able to play basketball, but at
HBHA, the athletics program welcomes all students who want to participate, and that inclusivity gave me confidence,” Matsil said. “Those experiences on the court weren’t just about the games — they were about building friendships, learning teamwork and gaining leadership skills.”
After graduating from HBHA, Matsil pursued a degree in sports management and business administration at the University of Kansas, where he honed his skills in event management and sports administration. His career path has taken him through various roles in the sports industry, but the opportunity to return to HBHA to lead its athletic programs was one he couldn’t pass up.
“I always knew I wanted to stay connected to sports, but the chance to give back to HBHA felt special,” Matsil said. “This place played such a huge role in shaping who I am, and I want to pass that experience on to the next generation of students.”
Now, as athletic director, Matsil is looking forward to helping students experience the same personal growth that he did, both on and off the court. He hopes to build an athletics program that not only strengthens students’ physical abilities but also instills values like resilience, teamwork and leadership.
“For me, athletics is about much more than winning games. It’s about building character and community,” Matsil said. “I’m excited to be back at HBHA, and I can’t wait to see how the students grow both as athletes and as individuals.”
Micah
Margolies: Celebrating 12 years of teaching
Micah Margolies has been teachcontinued on next page
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ing at HBHA for 12 years, the same amount of time he was a student at the school. After graduating from HBHA in 2008, Margolies earned a degree in secondary English education from the University of Kansas. Although his initial plan was to teach in a public school, a serendipitous opportunity brought him back to his alma mater.
“Howard Haas, the former head of school, reached out to me when I was finishing my student teaching,” Margolies said. “He even came to watch me teach at Overland Trail Middle School and offered me a job. It was really special that he kept tabs on what graduates were doing.”
As he celebrates 12 years of teaching, Margolies reflects on how quickly time has passed. “It’s wild to think I’ve been here as a teacher for as long as I was a student,” he said. “Now I’m teaching seniors who were in kindergarten when I started. Watching them grow up has been incredible.”
Although it happened years ago,
community news
Margolies recalls the same excitement Brudoley, Kavanaugh and Matsil felt when they were able to experience HBHA as a staff member instead of a student.
“When I started teaching here, my childhood teachers were my colleagues, and now there are teachers here who I taught when they were students. That full-circle moment is something special,” Margolies said.
When reflecting on his teaching philosophy, Margolies notes the importance of interactive learning, a hallmark of his own experience as a student at HBHA.
“Everything here is highly interactive, and that’s how I run my classroom,” he said. “If my class is going well, the students are leading discussions or activities, and I’m just facilitating. My most memorable experiences as a student were all about those interactive projects, and that’s what I try to replicate for my students.”
One of Margolies’ proudest mo-
ments as a teacher involved a unique project born out of an English lesson on Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.”
While discussing the novel, a student made a connection to the Passover song “Dayenu.” This sparked an idea, and together, the class created “Frankenseder,” a parody Seder that wove the story of “Frankenstein” into Jewish traditions.
“It was an organic idea that tied into Jewish themes, and we ran with it,” Margolies said. “It’s a great example of what we can do here — make learning both fun and deeply meaningful.”
Looking ahead, Margolies is committed to continuing his work in the classroom and exploring ways to innovate within education.
“I want my students to leave here feeling like they had a meaningful, immersive experience,” he said. “My goal is for them to stay connected to the HBHA community and look back on their time here with fondness.
“HBHA shaped me into the person I am today,” he continued. “It’s mean-
ingful to give back and help the next generation of students grow.”
Full circle: Evidence of HBHA’s legacy
The return of these alumni as educators highlights HBHA’s influence not only on academic achievement but also on character and community. Two other current staff members — one (Alexa Cohen) a graduate and another (Elisa Pener) who attended for many years — further emphasize connections some alumni and former students feel to the school.
These individuals have all come back not only because of the school’s academic rigor but also because of the opportunities and sense of belonging they experienced as students, they said. The shared traditions and community values continue to inspire them as teachers.
HBHA alumni are invited to share stories about their meaningful connections to the school by emailing Cristina Cowan at ccowan@hbha.edu.
BSA Troop 61 to celebrate 100 years
Boy Scouts of America Troop 61 will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding this month.
The centennial celebration will take place on Oct. 26 and 27. All former scouts, as well as their families and friends of Troop 61, are welcome to join.
Troop 61 has been affiliated with Congregation Beth Shalom since 1925.
According to Beth Shalom, more than 1,400 scouts have been members of the troop since its founding.
“Scouting instills values that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else,”
Brian Bell, Troop 61 scoutmaster, told The Chronicle in November of 2023. “I have worked with hundreds of boys now, and it teaches a love of the outdoors through campouts and
hikes. It instills leadership and life skills with the help of a community of adult mentors.”
Troop 61 also participates in Scoutreach, a BSA program aimed at expanding scouting to youth in underserved communities.
Looking toward the future, Troop 61 has regular meetings and recruiting events where new members are wel-
Top Row:
• Dec. 12, 1925: The first mention of Troop 61 in The Chronicle.
• Dec. 27, 1935: Announcement of Troop 61’s Hanukkah drive.
• Aug. 5, 1949: Troop 61 welcomes younger boys to join as Boy Scouts lowers its entry age.
Second Row
• Feb. 1, 1952: Troop 61 scouts helped with Shabbat services at Beth Shalom, and Lee Barewin, Arnold Kort and Jay Shapiro received the Ner Tamid award.
comed.
Those interested in learning more about the 100th anniversary event can email bsatroop61.100years@gmail. com to share their contact information and receive updates about the event.
Pictured below is one Chronicle article or photo from every decade of Troop 61.
• July 9, 1965: New Eagle Scouts Jerry White, Fred Greenstein, Mike Rainen, Rick Dreiseszun and David Hakan.
• Feb. 7, 1975: Troop 61’s steering committee met to plan for its 50th anniversary. From left are Dr. Alan Poisner, Morris Hertzfield, Harvey Bodker, Robert Hoffman, Alvin Beitchman, Ralph S. Passman (standing), Marvin Gibian, Henry Gutentag, Paul Bayzman and Stanley Davis.
Third Row
• Aug. 17, 1984: New Eagle Scouts Jordan Zeldin, Neil Newman,
Frank Portnoy and David Fishman
• Dec. 18, 1992: Jonathan Dubinsky practices CPR while earning his first-aid badge as peers Aaron Miller and Andrew Zimmerman watch. The CPR instructor is kneeling to help.
• May 25, 2007: Eagle Scouts Ben Tannenwald, David Winston, Andrew Kershenbaum, Greg Dubinsky, David Cohen, Dan Shapiro and Jacob Elyachar.
Fourth row
• June 24, 2011: Troop 61 at Bartle Scout Reservation.
Night
Jacobson, Sherri Jacobs
By Rabbi Stephanie Kramer, Rabbi Caitlin Brazner and Rabbi Rachel Rothstein
The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah
commentary
Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle staff, the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, or the Kansas City Jewish Community as a whole.
The Days of Awe
Since Oct. 7 and the increasing amount of antisemitism that ensued, it can be difficult to find the light in the darkness, but something neat happened at the beginning of September that made the rabbis at B’nai Jehudah feel a genuine sense of awe that we bring into these 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
One of our students recently started high school and made her varsity tennis team! Her teammates are depending on her to take them to State this fall.
This student is a dynamo. She’s not only an athlete, but she’s patient, kind and asks wonderful questions that indicate how deeply she wrestles with topics and just how much she cares.
She also hit it out of the park at her bat mitzvah, so we invited her to chant Torah during the High Holy Days. This is an honor we offer many students, but it’s not so easy to find teenagers willing to chant in front of hundreds of people. When she said yes, we knew one more aliyah would be in good hands.
At the beginning of the school year, she was faced with a difficult decision: her team not only had the opportunity to play at Regionals, but if they won, they would make it to the State tournament, and a lot of this rested on her shoulders. However, the tournament for Kansas City high schools was to be held on the morning of Yom Kippur, and she was incredibly torn.
She was forced to decide between her two teams, both of which depended on her. Not just her tennis team, but also her Jewish team — her rabbis and her community, who were relying on her to chant Torah on the holiest day of the Jewish year. After brainstorming with her parents how best to handle this scheduling challenge, we determined that multiple people would need to be contacted to change the tournament date. We weren’t confident it would be, but it was important for the Jewish calendar to be factored into the schedule so other students wouldn’t be forced to make this difficult decision, too.
The light at the end of the tunnel is that the date was changed, thanks to a team effort between parents, the school, our rabbis and the staff from the school district’s athletics department who advocated to the Kansas state athletic organization that they would only host the tournament if the date was changed.
Now, our student no longer has to choose between her Jewish team and her athletic team, and, hopefully, Jew-
ish students won’t be put in this position in the future so that they can have it all: be Jewish and star tennis players! This accommodation feels like a light in the darkness right now, and the way these groups came together fills us with a sense of awe and optimism. During these difficult times, as we wrestle with rising antisemitism and heartbreak over the devastating loss of life in Israel and Gaza, we’re thankful for an opportunity to share a positive story of hope and good outcomes. We will continue to pray for more understanding in the world and a continued sense of hope, when it’s otherwise so easy to despair. As we transition from 5784 to 5785, we’re grateful that this new year has brought something brighter. We hope that this “glimmer at the end of the tunnel” kindles your own sense of brightness and optimism as we embark on this new year together and also serves as a reminder that when we act together and advocate for ourselves, we can relish in all that it means to be Jewish in our world today. G’mar chatimah tovah.
Fourth quarter jitters: Charitable giving tips to reduce your stress
By Suzanne Galblum Dicken Jewish Community Foundation
You are not alone if you begin to feel a little anxious when October rolls around. Many people experience year-end stress, whether because of looming deadlines at work, tax-related cut-off dates, anticipating a busy season of travel and social engagements, or simply the realization that another year is coming to a close and there’s not a lot of time left to check off items on the 2024 to-do list. To top it all off, many families do a lot of their charitable giving at year end, too. But that’s one area that does not need to be stressful. Here are three tips for alleviating fourth-quarter stress and still be able to hit your charitable goals for 2024.
• Charitable giving through a donor advised fund at the Jewish Community Foundation makes giving very convenient. By giving through one source, you can easily track your giving history, reduce paperwork and eliminate the administrative burden of saving individual tax receipts.
• Your late-year timing could actually be useful for the organizations you care about, given the pronounced need for support during the gift-giving time of year, whether that’s to an organization seeking to achieve its own year-end goals or an organiza-
tion that provides food or utility bill relief during the cold winter months. According to National Giving Month, 31% of charitable giving occurs in December; 12% of giving typically occurs between Dec. 29 and 31; and 28% of nonprofits raise as much as 50% of their funding in December.
• By the end of the year, you will likely have a better idea of your financial situation, ideal target amount for charitable tax deductions and the performance of stock in your portfolio. If you contribute highly-appreciated stock to a donor advised fund, you can avoid capital gains and reduce your taxable estate. The proceeds of that stock will hit your donor advised fund tax free, so the full amount of the sale price is available to support your charitable giving priorities.
Completing your 2024 charitable giving can reinforce philanthropy’s winwin value proposition: You can check a task off your list by supporting causes and organizations that are important to you and receive key tax benefits, and those in need will appreciate your generosity while feeling a greater sense of the season’s spirit. The Foundation is also a great resource for helping to ensure your giving has the desired impact.
For more information about smart charitable giving at year-end or any time, contact me at (913) 327-8286 or sdicken@jcfkc.org.
Kudos to The J
By Jill Maidhof Community Member
Kudos to the Jewish Community Center for stating a clear and thoughtful message regarding support for Israel. Rather than joining so many Jewish organizations by stating “We Stand With Israel,” its banner states: We Stand With The People of Israel. This editing, which I understand followed thoughtful discussion by the executive team, distinguishes The J by communicating its sympathy for and desire to help Jewish and non-Jewish citizens of Israel while choosing not
to lend unconditional support, that is, “standing with” the government’s conduct regarding its full range of political, humanitarian and religious issues. This is the wise position of an organization that represents a diverse membership and is under constant public scrutiny.
I applaud The J — not only because of its keen awareness that words matter, but because the leadership thought critically about the message they wanted to send and did something by changing their banner. I urge organizations large and small to follow its example.
By Bridey Stangler PJ Library
In just a few weeks, we will fill the pews to hear Parshat Vayeira, the Torah portion in which Abraham, aged and childless, sits in the entrance of his tent when he sees — what’s that? Three strangers? Abraham, we read, now 100 years old, runs — yes, runs — to offer them his finest hospitality, complete with a foot bath and his fattest calf.
Now I ask you, one parent to another: would Abraham have been so eager to welcome in these strangers (famously, angels of the Almighty) if, say, LEGOs were scattered across the tent floor like landmines? Or muddy shoes were left to dry in the desert air? Or a toilet seat had been left up?
No. I know it and you know it. The key word, of course, is “childless.” Abraham and Sarah were not parents — as is the point — to any little agents of chaos.
In 2022, the Kansas City Jewish Community Study revealed something uncomfortable: ours is not a welcoming group. This study, conducted by Brandeis University, explained that Jewish Kansas Citians are certainly nice to newcomers, but that doesn’t extend to opening our homes, our friendship circles and, by extension, our hearts. This does not jive with our self-image. Not only are we nice, we’re the nicest. We’re Midwestern, for heaven’s sake.
As a native Kansas Citian, I have dedicated significant thought to this, and I have a few theories: one, Midwestern humility makes us wonder why strangers would want to hang out with us; two, time is limited and we want to spend it with people we already know and
love; and (here’s the biggest one) three, preparing for company is hard.
My parents are coming over for the holiday, and I see a shoe on the dining room table, a tall and messy stack of books by the couch, an errant bag full of cookie cutters that I’ve never used but that my toddler loves, two wooden swords sticking out from under the couch and socks (clean) on the kitchen counter (they’re mine, for the record). I’m not ready to host people who love me, much less people I’ve only just met.
Enter: scruffy hospitality. Coined by Anglican priest Jack King, “scruffy hospitality means you hunger more for good conversation and serving a simple meal [than] in the impression your home makes.” Scruffy hospitality assumes that even guests know that, best-case scenario, your child doesn’t remember where the forks go in a place setting and, worst-case scenario, your child really was wearing all his clothes only a moment ago. Scruffy hospitality remembers that people love pizza even if you didn’t make it from scratch. Scruffy hospitality means that you let people see who your family really is, and, in turn, you give them permission to be their own true selves.
This is the spirit of hachnasat orchim, welcoming the stranger.
Abraham set a high standard by washing the feet of his guests, and I daresay that those newest to our community wouldn’t accept (or appreciate) the same treatment. If this is where the bar is set, who among us is eager to meet it? Let us instead welcome strangers — the newcomers — into scruffy homes in which our families are happiest and safest. Let us show our children that people are welcome to see us for all we are: flawed and messy, warm and welcoming, and completely human.
Marc Evan Caplan
Marc Evan Caplan passed away at the age of 76 on Sept. 27.
Marc, from an early age, had a passion for music, particularly the drums. For over half a century, he was a celebrated drummer in the area, sustaining his enthusiasm and talent for playing until just recently. A great brother; friends, too many to count. Add a scathing wit, critical thinking, a love of Kansas City history, and there you have Marc.
He is survived by his brothers and sister-in-law Rick Caplan, Daniel and Puongtip Caplan; his nephews Ben Caplan and Daniel Clark, and nieces Erin Caplan and Lilli Caplan.
The family is grateful for the excellent care and concern he received by friends and staff at St. Lukes and Kansas City Hospice House.
At Marc’s request, there will not be a funeral. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Marc, please consider Kansas City Hospice House (kchospice.org; or the John Booth Legacy Fund that offers end-of-life care for local musicians (kc-jazz-ambassadors.square. site/product/john-booth-legacyfund/38?cs=true&cst=custom).
Edward Baker Feinstein
obituaries
leadership. He gave of himself without hesitation to people he knew and those he didn’t. He was a volunteer extraordinaire.
But Eddie simply wanted to be remembered as a good guy who always tried to do the right thing.
Edward Baker Feinstein was born 74 years ago in Detroit, Michigan, to his beloved parents, Avrum and Clara (of blessed memory). Along with his older sister, Sunnie (of blessed memory), and older brother, David, Eddie lived an idyllic 1950s childhood. He was a happy kid who loved hanging out with friends and spending time with his large, close-knit, extended Romanian family.
Eddie was curious. He learned how to use tools and fix things by watching his dad and how to cook by spending time in the kitchen with his mom. He was industrious, starting his first business in his basement when he was 12. For years he schlepped couches, tables and chairs in his dad’s furniture store. He sold clothes at Junior Gentlemen’s and was a delivery boy at Lou’s Delicatessen.
After graduating from Wayne State University, he made his way to Madison, Wisconsin. Within a few weeks, he started hanging out with Gloria, an overall-clad college freshman from Kentucky. It was magic from the start. In no time at all, they fell head over heels in love.
On Sept. 27, they celebrated the 52nd anniversary of their first date.
extensive training, he became part of a group that assisted rabbis with congregational work. He joyfully conducted baby-namings and weddings. He also served as a member of the Chevra Kadisha.
He was Gloria’s best cheerleader, always happy to carry her camera equipment, sing her praises at art fairs and gallery openings and spread the word about her projects. He was the wind beneath her wings.
Eddie retired early at 55 so he and Gloria could travel and hang out together full-time. In 2008, they bought a place in Portland, Oregon, where they eventually moved.
Eddie loved his family most of all. Abbie and Max, their spouses Sam and Pooja, and his three granddaughters, Hazel, Clara and Lucy, filled his heart with love and pride. All you had to do was mention them, and his whole face lit up. He considered Gloria’s sister Bobbie his own sister, and he couldn’t get enough of his little pup, Charlie.
A gentle, reverent, handsome, humble, funny, thoughtful, wise and highly ethical man, “Steady Eddie” leaves a void that will never be filled. He was the ultimate mensch. He made the world a better place. And everyone who knew him was made better by being in his orbit.
children: Jeffrey (Sherry), Paula (Brad) and Marc (Camille). SuEllen adored her seven grandchildren, known as “miracles.” SuEllen is survived by her children and grandchildren, as well as her brother Gary, her nieces and nephews, cousins and many close friends.
SuEllen attended Washington University and graduated from Park University with an M.A. in dance therapy and creative arts. Her pioneering work using dance as an expressive form at Osawatomie State Hospital for 17 years led her to become a charter member of the American Dance Therapy Association. SuEllen was the 100th registered dance therapist in the U.S. SuEllen served on the Governor’s Commission on Education for Parenthood and was involved with mental health associations at local, state and national levels. In 1969, SuEllen was appointed to President Richard Nixon’s task force on mental health. Later, SuEllen was asked to create a national network of state chapters and served on the board of what is now called Prevent Child Abuse America. Additionally, SuEllen spoke to over 90,000 students, educators, administrators, parents and professionals at schools across 37 states to prevent bullying. She authored or co-authored seven books about bullying.
When Eddie was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in August of 2023, he drew upon the Jewish tradition of “choosing life” and opted for a bone marrow transplant. The transplant gave Eddie many good months, but eventually failed. Eddie died early in the morning on Oct. 3.
According to Jewish tradition, a person who dies before worship begins on Rosh Hashanah is considered “tzadik,” a title given to the righteous. Some would say that his fate was sealed last year at this time, but that G-d waited the entire year for Eddie to die because of his goodness.
Please note: Eddie did not lose a battle. He won at every turn, including his decision to end medical treatment on his own terms.
He was on lots of boards and a member of many professional organizations. He held impressive positions of
Gloria and Eddie lived in Kansas City for 38 years. It’s where they raised Abbie and Max, had many friends, were active in the community and became fans of both the Royals and Chiefs. They created a warm and welcoming home, all while continuing to nurture a love affair filled with tenderness and devotion. Years of Jewish holidays were celebrated with friends in their home, and Eddie’s brisket was always a highlight.
Eddie worked his way up to a vice president at H&R Block, where he was beloved and highly respected. He valued hard work but also knew how to have fun. He became the go-to emcee for HRB roasts, retirements and special events and gave lectures on the benefits of humor in the workplace. He was the legendary “Rapid Refund Man,” a guy in a cape and tights who frequently made appearances at national Block meetings.
Eddie’s faith was a centerpiece of his life. One of his favorite volunteer roles was that of Para Rabbinic at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. After
To honor Eddie’s commitment to helping others, contributions in his memory can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Avrum and Clara Feinstein Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation in Kansas City.
A memorial service/celebration of life will be held in Kansas City later this fall.
This obituary has been edited for length in print. The full obituary is availableatkcjc.com/obituaries.
SuEllen Fried
SuEllen Fried, 92, of Prairie Village, Kansas, died on Oct. 3, surrounded by her family.
SuEllen was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1932 to Sidney and Adeline Sapin Weissman and led an extraordinary life of service, love and dance. She served as class president of University City High School and danced in the St. Louis Muny Opera from 1949 to 1951.
SuEllen married Harvey Fried, the love of her life, in 1952, and had three
SuEllen founded the Metropolitan Kansas City STOP Violence Coalition, and this ignited her passion for prison reform. In 1982, SuEllen co-founded Reaching Out From Within (ROFW), an incarcerated-led program empowering residents to transform themselves and heal each other, which operates in Kansas, Missouri and North Carolina. SuEllen served as president emeritus and lifetime board member of ROFW. SuEllen’s belief in dance as a transformative experience lives on in Ailey Camp, a program she co-founded that helps urban youth build self-esteem and creativity through dance.
SuEllen’s hard work led to numerous recognition and awards, including the American Red Cross Humanitarian Award (1982), Brotherhood Sisterhood Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews (1984), National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse Mary Ellen Award (1984), named the 900th Point of Light by President George H.W. Bush (1991), Johnson Countian of the Year (1993), KC Friends of Alvin Ailey Service Award (1994), UMKC Alumni Distinguished Service to Education Award (1997), Edward A. Smith Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership (1998), Sigma Delta
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Tau Alumna of the Year Award (2004), William Jewell College Yates Medallion for Distinguished Service (2004), University City High School Hall of Fame (2005), ROFW Award of Appreciation (2009), Strength Through Unity Award (2010), Diplomatic Courier’s 100 Top Women of the Global World (2012), KC Chamber ATHENA Award (2013), Park University Marlowe Sherwood Memorial Service Award (2014), L’Oreal Paris USA Women of Worth (2015), Consensus Civility Award-Lifetime Achievement (2015), Starr Women’s Hall of Fame (2017), Kansas City Junior League Branton/Hall Community Collaborator Award (2020), Prevent Child Abuse America Power of Kindness Award (2022), American Public Square at Jewell Founder’s Civility Award (2023) and the SevenDays Ripple of Kindness Award (2024).
SuEllen was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey; her parents; and her brother Ronny Weissman. SuEllen’s family remembers her as a strong, caring woman who was passionate about bringing people together, as founder of the Watering Hole, by giving heart-to-heart hugs and making connections with people wherever she was. SuEllen spread her commitment to doing good in the world by wearing a “Power of Kindness” pin; she pinned the button on anyone she observed doing a kind deed, then asked them to recognize anyone they observed being kind to someone else. It was a daily practice consistent with her belief that we can make the world a better place, one person at a time.
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There will be a celebration of life on Nov. 9, with more details provided at a later time. Thank you to everyone who cared and showed love for SuEllen in her final months, including Terry and countless friends and family. SuEllen asked that contributions in her memory be made to any of the following organizations: Reaching Out From Within (630 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS 66101, rofw. org/donate); Prevent Child Abuse America (Attn: Development, 33 N. Dearborn St. Ste 2300, Chicago, IL 60602, preventchildabuse.org/donate); and Uncornered Inc., 218 Adams St., PO Box 220605, Dorchester, MA 02122, uncornered.org/donate).
This obituary has been edited for length in print. The full obituary is availableatkcjc.com/obituaries.
Leonard Milton Glass
Leonard Milton Glass, 97, died on Sept. 30.
Born on Sept. 19, 1927 in Kansas City, Missouri, to Herman and Dorothy Glass, Leonard grew up in Kansas City. He attended four years at the Univer sity of Missouri and was a member of Phi Sigma Delta fraternity. His first job was executive director of Congre gation Beth Shalom for 10 years. He served in the National Guard and was a Boy Scout of Troop 61. He was also the scoutmaster of Cub Scout Troop 3153.
In 1955, he married Carol Lee Peltzman. They were married 57 years until her passing in 2012. In 1957, he opened Arrow Auto Parts, which became Arrow Speed Warehouse. That business was sold in 1985, and he and Carol opened A-Z Office Supply and Carol’s Cards and Gifts. Later, he owned Mission Road Auto and Chic-A-Dees Trophy and Engraving. He loved all sports and anything automotive.
He and Carol loved to travel and traveled the world. They loved to attend the symphony and other live performances. After Carol’s passing, he met the second love of his life, Ann Stern, and spent 12 years with her. They moved together to Village Shalom, where he developed many new friendships.
Ann and Leonard loved to travel and would travel to attend film festivals. They enjoyed the symphony, jazz, music and dining with friends and family. Until this year, he attended ROMEOs regularly. Leonard enjoyed searching the web and would send out informational emails, jokes and facts of life. Celebrating was important to him; he never forgot a birthday or anniversary or other important family events.
He is preceded in death by his par
He leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Norman and Adina Glass; David Glass; Allen and Donna Glass; and Bramford Glass; grandchildren, Sara Glass; Adam and Nadia Glass; Courtney and Josh Simmons; Netanel Kass; and Asher Glass; great-grandchildren, Carter and Anderson Glass; nephews, Ron Coppaken and Howie Coppaken; and cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Village Shalom or a charity of your choice. Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.
Barbara C. Kahn, 86, of Leawood, Kansas, died peacefully on Sept. 21 in Rancho Mirage, California, where she maintained a winter home for many years.
Barbara was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Bud and Bertha Cortez on
Barbara C. Kahn
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June 10, 1938. She went to Southwest High School and graduated in 1956. She attended The Ohio State University, where she was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority.
Prior to raising her children, she worked for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, translating greeting cards into Spanish. She enjoyed traveling the world with her husband of 65 years, Ronnie; playing bridge and canasta; and spending time with her grandchildren.
During her life she was engaged in a number of charitable organizations, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (Kansas City), the Lions of Judah of the Jewish Federation of North America (Kansas City and Los Angeles), the Mayo Clinic (Phoenix, Arizona) and Beit T’Shuvah (Los Angeles), which recently granted Barbara and Ronnie the Harriet Award for their long-standing charitable efforts.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Ronnie; her children, Michael L. Kahn and Shelly Kahn Tessel; her grandchildren, Alexander (Sasha) Kahn, Lucie Tessel, Jonah Tessel and Teddy Tessel; her brothers Edwin (Susan) and Larry; and numerous nieces and nephews.
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She is preceded in death by her parents.
A private family burial was held at Rose Hill Cemetery on Sept. 25, with Rabbi Stephanie Kramer of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to Beit T’Shuvah (8831 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034) or beittshuvah.org/support/donate. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to her loyal healthcare aides, Jessica, Crystal, Rosemary and Jennifer; her physician, Dr. Christopher Flores; and Serenity Hospice.
Shirley Ann Kranzberg Nelkin
Shirley Ann Kranzberg Nelkin passed away peace fully on Sept. 28, surrounded by her loving family.
A graveside me morial service was held at Rose Hill Cemetery on Oct. 1, at 2:30 p.m. In honor of her memory, contributions may be made to an or-
ganization of one’s choice.
Shirley was born Dec. 14, 1934, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Rose and Louis Look. Shirley’s grandmother Alena Wein played a significant role in her upbringing. Shirley referred to her grandmother as her cherished companion. Shirley’s parents owned a clothing store; her grandmother took on much of the childing rearing responsibilities while Shirley’s parents minded the family business. As a child, one of Shirley’s fondest memories is going to market with her father and helping him select merchandise for the clothing store.
Shirley’s brother, Larry, was 12 years younger and was born with Down’s syndrome. Shirley worked diligently and lovingly to give Larry many opportunities to live a life rich in experiences, such as social activities, travel and precious time spent with family.
Shirley graduated from Wyandotte High School and attended the University of Missouri-Columbia. Throughout her adult life, Shirley volunteered for many organizations. When living in St. Louis, Missouri, Shirley was a member of the Human Relations Commission, Hadassah, American Field Service, and the Ladue School Board
of Education.
In 1981, Shirley returned to the Kansas City area, living in Overland Park, Kansas, and then Leawood, Kansas. Shirley owned and managed Summerset Plaza Shoppes, a shopping center in Prairie Village, Kansas, which her parents developed and owned. Shirley continued to make volunteering a passion in her life, becoming a member of the Rainbow Hospital Auxiliary, Menorah Medical Center Auxiliary Board, a buyer and co-chairman of the Menorah Hospital gift shop, B’nai Jehudah Sisterhood, Brandeis and National Council of Jewish Women.
Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Rose and Louis Look; her brother, Larry Look; her children’s father, Chuck Kranzberg; and her second husband, Nedwyn Nelkin. Surviving her are her children, Sheldon Kranzberg, Lynn Kranzberg Shafton, Brian (Pamela) Kranzberg, Ken (Teresa) Nelkin and Joy (Scott) Wieder; grandchildren, Perry and Alex Kranzberg, Adam and Daniel Shafton, Taylor (Samantha) Kranzberg, Ryan (Savannah) Nelkin, Melissa (Travis) Dietrich, Cory (Namita) Nelkin, Shira (Zack)
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Hinden, Seth (Kelsey) Wieder and Carley Wieder; and great-grandchildren, Ella and Avery Nelkin, Cora and Eve Dietrich, Mia and Claire Nelkin and Hope Hinden.
Shirley lived a life devoted to her family. Celebrating Jewish holidays with family brought great nachas (pride) to Shirley. In addition, Shirley cherished her close friendships. She knew no strangers; she extended an outstretched hand to new acquaintances and sought out opportunities to engage others. She loved to travel and was proud of her first adventure to Israel, going solo and navigating all aspects of her journey. She also traveled to France, London, Russia, Scandinavian countries and Ukraine. A life well lived, Shirley will be remembered for her love, kindness and caring.
The family is grateful for the compassionate care provided by Kristin Metz, Patrisha, Carletta and Bernita with Vitas Hospice and caregivers Chris, Kim, Teamika and Pamela with Always There Health Care. Online condolences may be left for the family at louismemorialchapel.com.
Karen Dorothy (Cohen) Porter
Karen Dorothy (Cohen) Porter died peacefully at home on Sept. 26.
Karen was born on Feb. 8, 1939, in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Jack and Rachael Cohen. She attended Colfax Elementary School and graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School.
At just 18 years old, she was exceptionally organized, highly skilled at taking shorthand and could type 80 words a minute, which led to a job that she loved: executive secretary for the president of a large insurance company in Pittsburgh.
In 1959, she went on a blind date with Edward Porter, and on Oct. 2, 1959, at just 19 and 21 years old, they were married.
Karen loved to play canasta and was a proud Lion of Judah through the Jewish Federation of Kansas City.
Karen never met or saw a baby that she didn’t fawn over, but none so much as her beloved grandchildren: Rachel and Lindsay Gill, Sophia and Joseph Porter, and Alec and Jaden Hill.
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Karen is also survived by her husband, Ed; her children, Debra (Porter) Gill (George) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, David Porter (Carol) of Leawood, Kansas, and Barbra (Porter) Hill (Ron) of Leawood; and her sister, Lois (Cohen) Zwibel (Barry) of Pittsburgh. She was preceded in death by her sister, Charlotte (Cohen) Grossman, of Boca Raton, Florida.
The family held private graveside services.
Donations may be made to kcpaws. org or the The J’s Child Development Center (CDC).
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel. com.
Marvin Rogolsky
son Rogolsky, in 1990, after he had begun to think he might remain a bachelor forever. Their connection was instant and profound, a relationship characterized by deep conversations and shared laughter. Marvin and Barbara were married in 1994 and remained committed to each other until he lost Barbara to lung cancer in 2006. In his final months, Marvin showed remarkable strength and grace. He maintained his appreciation for life and the people around him, reflecting on his love for his wife and the joy of being a father. His deep love for Barbara and the pride he felt for his stepchildren will be a lasting testament to his character.
man and the late Blanche Feiman). She passed the love along to new generations in both celebrations and observances in her warm home and in her work and career spanning 32 years as director of education at Congregation B’nai Torah in Highland Park, Illinois. She liked to say that she had joined the “family business.” Prior to her work at B’nai Torah, Jokie served as children’s program director at the Mayer Kaplan JCC in Skokie, Illinois.
Marvin Rogolsky, a beloved husband, stepfather and microbiologist, passed away on Sept. 16 at the age of 87. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom and love that touched the lives of everyone he encountered.
Marvin was born in Passaic, New Jersey, on April 17, 1937, and remained, in his heart, a Jersey Boy all his life. The first in his family to go to college, Marvin attended Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. After his undergraduate education sparked his interest in microbiology, he traveled to Northwestern University for a masters degree in microbiology, and then to Syracuse University for a Ph.D. in microbiology. He then completed postdoctoral work at the Scripps Institute in La Jolla, California.
After completing his training, Marvin’s first job as a professor was at the University of Utah. As a respected microbiologist, he traveled the country, inspiring countless students and colleagues with his passion for science and his dedication to mentorship. His work was celebrated, and his impact resonated deeply within the medical community, particularly among those he guided into their own successful careers.
In addition to his professional life, while living in Utah, Marvin discovered a lifelong passion for the landscape of the Southwest, as well as Native American history, culture and art, becoming an avid collector of Native American artifacts, an interest that continued throughout his life.
Marvin met his wife, Barbara Jacob-
Marvin is survived by his three stepchildren, Vered Hankin of Chicago, Illinois, Jonathan Hankin of Overland Park, Kansas, and Abigail Hankin-Wei of Chevy Chase, Maryland; as well as his brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Judy Rogolsky of Randolf, New Jersey; and his niece Lisa Tynes of Dripping Springs, Texas; who will carry forward his lessons of kindness and resilience. Marvin was predeceased by his parents, Reuben and Ruth Rogolsky, and his wife, Barbara Rogolsky. He will be deeply missed by his extended family, friends and colleagues, all of whom were touched by his gentle spirit.
Josephine Kleiman Solomon
Josephine Kleiman Solomon, 97, of Highland Park, Illinois, left this world peacefully at home, in the loving care of her four children, on Sept. 19.
Josie, aka Jokie, was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on Sept. 4, 1927, to the late Saul and Esther Kleiman, Kansas City’s leading and innovative Hebrew and religious educators. They instilled a love of Jewish tradition, learning and culture in Jokie (and her two beloved older siblings, the late Morton Klei-
Possessing an uncommonly large and open heart, Jokie loved people — her devotion to and interest in family and friends was unbounded, and her love for humanity overall was an unshakeable principle. She was an accomplished pianist whose fingers miraculously continued to find music at the keyboard even as Parkinson’s disease restricted her motor abilities. She respected and nurtured the individuality of her adored four children and embraced each of their partners wholly. Her grandchildren brought her great joy, as did her beloved nieces and nephews and her treasured friends.
Jokie loved music, theater, cooking, listening to birds singing, telling jokes, reading the New York Times and doing its daily crossword puzzle, and especially chocolate. Anyone who knew her is the better for it.
She is survived by her four children, Debby (Bob) Simon of Overland Park, Kansas, Alisa Solomon (Marilyn Neimark) of New York City, Michael (Diane Scarpace) Solomon of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Rena Solomon (Mark Bandy) of Evanston, Illinois; and three grandchildren, Benjamin Simon of Chicago, Alex (Rachel Shanberg) Simon of Chicago and Jorie Simon of Overland Park.
Graveside services were held on Sept. 23 at Shalom Memorial Park in Arlington Heights, Illinois. The service was also streamed and will remain available on Josephine’s webpage at www.NTFunerals.com.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances to Har Shalom Synagogue (Har-Shalom. com) or the Michael J. Fox Foundation would be appreciated.
We are so grateful to use the matching incentive from the Jewish Community Foundation to support our daughter’s new school. We are aligned with Académie Lafayette’s mission of educating children to become globally minded, locally active, critical thinkers through immersion in world languages and cultures. In an effort to carry that mission forward, we were able to support an underfunded after-school tutoring program.” - Ilana Silverstein & Steven Krigel
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