Kansas City Jewish Chronicle 02.27.25 by jewish-kc

Parashat Terumah

Shabbat times (Overland Park): Candlelighting: 5:53 p.m. Havdalah: 6:51 p.m.

New Chabad of Olathe brings city’s first resident rabbi

By Kevin Deutsch Special to The Chronicle

For the first time in Olathe’s 168year history, the city has a resident rabbi. Rabbi Mendel Wenger and his wife, Sheina, arrived in late November on a mission to build a Jewish communal network in a city where no synagogue or Jewish institution previously existed.

The couple are part of the global Chabad movement, which places emissaries — known as shluchim — in communities around the world (including Kansas City, Overland Park and Leawood) to strengthen Jewish identity and engagement. Chabad welcomes Jews from all walks of life and backgrounds, a seemingly ideal fit for Olathe’s diverse, growing community of some 1,200 Jews, Rabbi Wenger said.

“We really enjoy the people and the vibe here in Olathe,” said the 26-yearold native of Montreal, Canada. Rabbi

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Wenger studied Torah and Jewish theology in Israel as well as in Baltimore, Maryland, and, most recently, Chabad’s home base of Brooklyn, New York.

Roughly three months since moving from Brooklyn, the Wengers have personally met with around 70 of Olathe’s

Jews to hear about their lives and needs, learn about their connections to Judaism and provide them with a welcoming space to gather. Their work has taken on added significance in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, which set off a troubling wave of antisemitism plaguing Jewish communities worldwide.

The Wengers are currently using their two-story home as a base for outreach work, transforming parts of the property into spaces for gatherings, study sessions and Shabbat dinners. They plan to rent a standalone property in the near future with an eye toward establishing a larger, dedicated Chabad center to serve as a synagogue, educational hub and communal meeting place.

“The goal is to grow as the city grows,” said Rabbi Wenger, who with his wife has two daughters, aged two years old

Jewish folk icons to perform this spring

KC BBYO attends International Convention

Village Shalom names 2024 award winners

Rabbi Mendel and Sheina Wenger, Chabad emissaries to Olathe, with their two daughters.

It is important to remember and stand in solidarity with those still held hostage by Hamas:

JCRB|AJC creates toolkit for combating antisemitism

The Jewish Community Relations Bureau|American Jewish Committee (JCRB|AJC) has announced “Leading from the Heartland: Regional Toolkits to Combat Antisemitism,” a collection of resources and recommendations for different sectors based on insights from the symposium aspect of JCRB|AJC’s 2024 Regional Summit on Combating Antisemitism.

The collection includes toolkits for local/state elected and government officials; workplac-

es; schools and universities; and interfaith and intergroup allies, as well as additional resources and recommendations such as a calendar of Jewish holidays and how to report and respond to antisemitism. It is available for downloading at jcrbajc.org.

“We invite you to explore the

recommendations and resources outlined for your specific sector,”

JCRB|AJC Interim Executive Director Neta Meltzer and Director of Education and Programs

Sarah Markowitz Schreiber said in an email to community members. “Each of us plays a role in the fight against antisemitism, and these tools will help us ensure Jewish inclusion in the workplace, support Jewish students of all ages, advance legislation that keeps all of us safe, and so much more.”

Lester Goldman art

and legacy exhibit on display

Rinthalak Tal Chaimi

Sharabi

The Leedy Foundation has announced “The Essence of Joy: Celebrating the Art and Legacy of Lester Goldman,” the first exhibition in the newly established Leedy Foundation Legacy Series. This inaugural exhibition honors the impact of local Jewish artist Lester Goldman (z”l), whose four-decade career spanned from early realism to a blend of abstract expressionism, installation and performance art. The show will run from March 1 to May 30 at the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center (2012 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, Missouri 64108) and is curated with special input from Goldman’s family.

Goldman’s work is celebrated for its “vibrant, childlike energy, emotional depth, and playful yet profound exploration of artistic boundaries,” the Leedy Foundation’s press release said. “This exhibition not only showcases his remarkable artistic evolution but also serves as a tribute to his nearly 40-year ca-

reer teaching at the Kansas City Art Institute. On the 20th anniversary of Goldman’s passing, this exhibition provides a rare opportunity to revisit his most iconic works and reflects the lasting impact of his artistic and educational contributions.”

The exhibition’s opening night will feature a live performance by music group Alter Destiny performed to echo Goldman’s spirit of exploration alongside an auction of selected works. It will be held at the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center from 6 and 9 p.m.

More information is available at leedy-voulkos.com.

Lester Goldman’s 1995 artwork “Vision for Glenn.”

community news

Our Giving Kitchen created to combat hunger, build community

A new initiative, Our Giving Kitchen Kansas City, has been founded to merge community service with team building by engaging groups in meal preparation for those in need. Our Giving Kitchen was founded on the experience and success of the long-standing KC Kosher Meals on Wheels program, led by Torah Learning Center.

Launched in 2013, KC Kosher Meals on Wheels works to combat hunger amongst Jewish seniors and adults living with disabilities in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Our Giving Kitchen will have a broader focus on combating hunger throughout Kansas City, serving all denominations, demographics and age groups. The organization works to address food insecurity and declining interpersonal connections by bringing people to prepare meals under the guidance of experienced chefs, package them for distribution and contribute directly

to local organizations serving community members in need. Opportunities are not limited to adults – school and youth groups are also encouraged to book a team building event.

Our Giving Kitchen features a dedicated kitchen space for routine use and a team building program with an elevated cooking experience. This setup enables large volume and consistent meal production for partnering charities.

“Our Giving Kitchen is about more than just cooking — it’s about community, connection and compassion,” Program Director Levi Perl said. “By working together to prepare meals,

participants not only help fight hunger but also strengthen bonds with colleagues and friends. Our program’s value extends beyond feeding our community members in need. It provides an immeasurable altruistic feeling for participants.”

According to Harvesters — The Community Food Network, 12.3% of individuals and 17% of children in Kansas are at risk of hunger. According to the United Way of Greater Kansas City’s 2023 Community Needs Index, 182,950 people in the Kansas City metropolitan area are food insecure. Based on data from Meals on Wheels America, 8% of Kansas seniors face hunger, and 27% live alone. Rising grocery prices and economic challenges further exacerbate food scarcity.

This information, paired with data showing that workplace collaboration and interpersonal connections have declined; evidence that team building activities benefit employees through

increased interdependence and job satisfaction, improved working relationships, conflict resolution and effective communication; and research suggesting cooking can enhance wellbeing all inform Our Giving Kitchen’s goal and mission.

To offset costs, Our Giving Kitchen requests a contribution for participation, which is customizable based on each group’s individual needs. Additional event options include (but are not limited to) a provided buffet lunch where participants can sample the food they’ve created, a group happy hour, and/or meeting spaces.

Businesses, organizations and community groups looking for a way to give back while enhancing teamwork are invited to participate in Our Giving Kitchen’s cooking sessions. Those interested in learning more, donating or scheduling a group experience can visit ogkkc.org or contact info@ogkkc.org.

Jewish folk icons Bob Dylan, Paul Simon to perform locally

Two of the 1960s’ most iconic folk singer-songwriters, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, will perform locally on their upcoming tours.

Dylan’s “Rough and Rowdy Ways” world tour will stop in Topeka, Kansas, on March 30, and Simon’s “A Quiet Celebration” tour will stop in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 26. Though neither artist has associated themselves with Judaism in years, their roots are well known among the Jewish community.

Dylan, who last performed nearby in October 2023, was born Robert Zimmerman and raised Jewish. By the 1960s, he’d established himself as a folk icon with songs such as “Blow-

in’ in the Wind” and “Like a Rolling Stone,” and his iconic status has continued throughout his career. In 2016, he won the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Dylan’s Topeka concert will take place at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, at the Topeka Performing Arts Center (214 SE 8th St., Topeka, KS 66603). Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, and more information is available at bobdylan.com/on-tour.

Simon, who last performed in Kansas City in 2016, is famous for his partnership with Art Garfunkel as Simon & Garfunkel, which produced songs such as “Mrs. Robinson” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Both he and

Chronicle submission deadlines

The following are the deadlines for articles, celebration announcements, Spotlight pictures, advertisements and editorials for upcoming Chronicle print issues. If you have any questions, please contact Sam Kricsfeld at samk@jewishkc.org.

Garfunkel were raised Jewish in New York City. Simon’s solo career also produced hits such as “Kodachrome” and “You Can Call Me Al.”

Simon’s Kansas City concert will take place at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at the Midland Theatre (1228 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64105). Tickets are available through AXS, and more information is available at paulsimon. com/events.

Both octogenarian artists have been featured prominently in pop culture in the past year: Dylan was played by Timothée Chalamet in the critically acclaimed 2024 biopic “A Complete Unknown,” and Simon opened the “Saturday Night Live” 50th anniversary show earlier this month with a duet with pop star Sabrina Carpenter.

Bob Dylan (left, pictured in 2019) and Paul Simon (pictured in 2018) will perform nearby this spring. (Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)

celebrations and community news

Engagement

Carolyn Hamburg and Matthew Frischer

Dr. Mitchell and Lisa Hamburg of Leawood, Kansas, announce the engagement of their daughter Carolyn Hamburg to Matthew Frischer, son of Phil and Helene Frischer of St. Louis, Missouri.

Carolyn is the granddaughter of the late Eleanor and Jerry Abrams of Over-

Engagement

Kara Kahn and Jonathan Bush

Sherri and Fred Kahn of Bucyrus, Kansas, announce the engagement of their daughter Kara Kahn to Jonathan Bush, son of Erica and David Bush of Leawood, Kansas.

Kara is the granddaughter of the late Sybil and Norman Kahn Sr., Gene Hahn and the late Patsy Hahn. She is the director of development for the

Birth

Adam Herman Schuster

Adam Herman Schuster, son of Sarah and Raphi Schuster of Prairie Village, Kansas, was born on Feb. 5.

Adam is the grandson of Mark and Vicki Herman of Overland Park, Kansas; Brian and Carol Schuster of Bellevue, Washington; and Terri Schuster of Newcastle, Washington.

land Park, Kansas, and the late Natalie and Alan Hamburg of Mission, Kansas. She serves as a talent acquisition manager for the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, having received a bachelor’s degree with distinction in environmental studies and political science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Matthew is the grandson of the late Bob and Sue Blatt of St. Louis and the late Bobbie and Melvin Frischer of Kansas City, Missouri. He is a pricing program manager at Lime, having received a Bachelor of Science in marketing (with a minor in Spanish) from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington.

The couple, who currently live in Denver, Colorado, met through NFTY in 2011. They are planning a wedding on May 24 at Oakwood Country Club in Kansas City, Missouri. Rabbi Caitlin Brazner of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, will officiate.

Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy Foundation and holds an undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Kansas.

Jonathan is the grandson of Ken Bush and the late Victoria Bush, and Ann Tannebaum and the late Lenny Tannenbaum. He is a power trader at Solea Energy in Overland Park, Kansas, with undergraduate degrees in math, physics and astronomy from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in physics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The couple met in middle school through mutual friends and their involvement at the Jewish Community Center. They started dating at the end of their senior year at KU in 2018. They currently live in the Power and Light District in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Their wedding is planned for Dec. 13 at Oakwood Country Club in Kansas City, Missouri.

Hadassah Greater Kansas City to install new president, board

Liz Bamberger will become president of Hadassah Greater Kansas City at the installation of the 2025 local chapter board.

The installation will be held on Tuesday, March 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Johnny Cascone’s Italian Restaurant (6863 W 91st St, Overland Park, KS 66212). A meet-andgreet will start at 5:30 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed by the installation.

Incoming Hadassah Greater Kansas City President Liz Bamberger.

Hadassah Great Plains Region President Sharon Star of Springfield, Illinois, will serve as installing officer (Greater Kansas City is part of the Great Plains Region).

Bamberger is carrying on the tradition of her paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Sklov (after whom she was named), who was president of Hadassah in Atlantic City, New Jersey, from 1952 to 1955.

A Hadassah Life Member, Bamberger is a past recipient of the Hadassah National Leadership Award from the local chapter. She has served as treasurer at the group (Aviva Hadassah), chapter and regional levels, most recently serving as treasurer of Hadassah Greater Kansas City. Bamberger is also the current Great Plains Region Treasurer.

Professionally, Bamberger received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, followed by additional education at both St. Paul Technical Institute and Northwestern Medical School to become a registered respiratory therapist (RRT). Subsequently, she worked at both United and Children’s Hospital in St. Paul and the University of Kansas Medical Center as an RRT. Later, Bamberger worked as a pulmonary rehabilitation specialist at the former Baptist Medical Center in Kansas City.

Bamberger and her husband, David Bamberger, M.D., an internist and infectious disease specialist at University Health in Kansas City, are the par-

ents of two daughters, both Life Members. Emily Bamberger, a M.D./ Ph.D. candidate, passed away in 2017. Elissa Bamberger, who recently completed a master’s degree in social work, lives in Denver, Colorado.

Bamberger and her husband are members of Congregation Kol Ami.

The following members of the Greater Kansas City Hadassah executive board will be installed:

• President: Liz Bamberger

• Treasurer: Julie Spiegel

• Recording secretary: Dara Granoff

• Corresponding secretary: Gail Goldstein

• Membership chair: Roberta Goller

• Evolve liaison: Adryan Steinberg

• Education and advocacy chair: Diane Haner

• Records administrator: Marian Kaplan

• Immediate past president: Debbie Goodbinder

There will be four dairy choices for dinner, one of which is fish. Kosher meals are available on request.

RSVPs are required by March 3. Payment and registration can be done online at events.hadassah.org/ GKCinstallation. Payment by check must be payable to Hadassah and mailed to Marian Kaplan, 3909 W 101st Terrace, Overland Park, KS 66207.

Donations to help support Hadassah Medical Organization, which includes the Gandel Rehabilitation Center at Hadassah Hospital Mount Scopus, are encouraged.

Those who would like to make a donation in honor of the new board should write out separate checks and indicate event fee or donation in the memo line.

All attendees will be required to sign a Hadassah Event Participation Release to attend Hadassah in-person events. There will be no exceptions to this policy.

Questions should be directed to Marian Kaplan at mkhadassah@gmail. com or (913) 642-5252.

Hadassah board installation

Tuesday, March 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. JohnnyCascone’sItalianRestaurant,6863W91stSt.,OverlandPark,KS66212

Local teens join 3,500 for BBYO International Convention

About Jewish 3,500 teens from 50 countries assembled in Denver for BBYO’s International Convention, with 46 of them hailing from Kansas City. Organizers call the convention the largest annual gathering of Jewish teen leaders worldwide.

Convention delegates were encouraged to celebrate their Jewish identities, explore social issues and engage with speakers and influencers.

Of the 46 teens from Kansas City who attended the convention, 25 were from the Saadia BBG #40 chapter, 11 from Nordaunian AZA #22 chapter and 10 from Greater Kansas City AZA #2 chapter.

“At BBYO’s International Convention, we come together in a celebration of Jewish joy, a step away from the reality of the world around us,” said Amy Ravis Furey, senior regional director of BBYO’s Mid-America Region. “Here, each connection and moment reminds us of the vibrant future ahead for the Jewish people. Here, the next generation of Jewish leaders gather, filling me with hope and endless possibilities.”

During the five-day retreat, delegates participated in AZA/BBG sports tournaments; attended music performances by Swae Lee, Galantis and DJ SASI; and explored entertainment, cultural and historical sites around Denver. In all, delegates represented 480 North American and global chapters; 73 regions/communities; 50 North American states, districts and provinces; and 48 countries.

“It was truly incredible to see so many Jewish teens from Kansas City branch out and meet with Jews from across the world,” said senior Noah Bergh, Kansas City Council Godol.

This year’s convention theme was “Limitless Horizons.” Among the lineup of influencers and activists were Asher Angel, actor and musician; Lani Anpo, Native American and Jewish advocate and anti-propagandist; Giancarlo Esposito, award-winning actor, director and producer; Eden Golan, Israeli singer and 2024 Eurovision contestant; Jake Goldberg, actor and content creator; Samantha Harris, TV host, author and certified health coach; Natan Levy, professional MMA fighter; Avi Mayer, former editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post; Jake Retzlaff, quarterback of the BYU Cougars; Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall, Olympic and Paralympic gold medalists; and Ellie Zeiler, influencer and activist.

It was a memorable convention for Kansas City Council N’siah Sami Sandler, who was attending her second International Convention. Sandler participated in executive business meetings, captained the Oneg Shabbat steering committee and ran for International Board.

“I spent the months leading up to IC planning and leading a team of 50 teens, and on Friday night, we showed up and put on 30+ wonderful programs,” Sandler said.

Sandler’s favorite parts of the convention included reuniting with friends she made during BBYO summer programs and “the amazing moments I got to spend with Kansas City and Mid-America Region as a whole.”

It was the first International Convention for Will Widman, a sophomore from Greater Kansas City AZA #2.

“It was so cool to be able to meet people from all across the country and the world,” Widman said. “Being able to openly express myself around thousands of other Jewish teens was truly an amazing experience.”

Founded in 1924 by Sam Beber and Kansas City chemist Nathan Mnookin, BBYO has opened chapters in 63 countries over the last 20 years and is now engaging 70,000 teens internationally.

Outside of the U.S., nearly 50 chapters have been added since COVID-19, including in the United Arab Emirates, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, South Africa and Japan.

“It is incredible to see the transformation of this organization – which started right here in the heart of the Midwest over 100 years ago,” said David Wexler, adviser of Greater Kansas City AZA #2, who attended his first International Convention. “This incredible growth is a testament to the power of leadership, community and the shared commitment to building a future where young

leaders can thrive, connect and inspire change across the globe.”

Wexler noted that when Kansas City hosted the BBYO National Convention in July of 1925, there were only 150 delegates representing 13 chapters.

“We take immense pride in the elevated role our teen leaders play in bringing IC to life, reflecting our core belief in their power and potential,” BBYO CEO Matt Grossman said. “More than ever, Jewish teens need to find strength in unity while building re-

lationships they will take to the next stages of their lives.”

Kansas City Council received the following International Awards at the event:

• Greater Kansas City AZA #2: BBYO Stand Up Gemilut Chasidim Award

• Greater Kansas City AZA #2: BBYO IC Film Festival – People’s Choice Award (Runner-Up)

• Judah Bassin, Greater Kansas City AZA #2: Rising Leader Award

• Eli Nathan, Greater Kansas City AZA #2: Tree of Life Recruitment Award

• David Wexler, Advisor of Greater Kansas City AZA #2: David Bittker Unsung Hero/Advisor of the Year nominee

• Jonah Stein, Nordaunian AZA #22: Arevut Explore Israel Award

• Saadia BBG #40: Miriam Albert Chapter Excellence Award

• Sami Sandler, Saadia BBG #40: Gold Star of Deborah Award

• Sami Sandler, Saadia BBG #40: Silver Star of Deborah Award

• Sami Sandler, Saadia BBG #40: Eternal Light of Recruitment Award

Delegates from chapters in BBYO’s Mid-America Region (including Kansas City) gathered at BBYO’s 2025 International Convention.

KC SuperStar sets audition dates

KC SuperStar organizers are launching the 16th year of its high school singing competition with two nights of preliminary auditions.

Students interested in participating in the “American Idol” style competition are invited to audition on Sunday, March 2, from 1 to 5 p.m. or Tuesday, March 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at The J (5801 W. 115th Street, Overland Park, KS).

Participants in KC SuperStar compete for the first-place prize of a $10,000 scholarship, and additional scholarship money is awarded to all finalists.

Students are encouraged to register ahead of time, although walk-ins are welcome. Those interested should prepare one song of their choice to sing a cappella. Students can register at kcsuperstar.org and will receive a confirmed audition date and time.

“We are so excited to see what tremendous talent our Kansas City-area teens have to offer again this year,” said Tammy Ruder, KC SuperStar producer and director. “We are looking for any high schooler who loves to sing. In auditions, our judges are looking for potential, and those who make it through to the semifinals and finals will be offered vocal coaching and more.”

This year, the judges for the preliminary auditions are Lisa Burns, Kristin Hetzenberg and Byron Hyde.

Those selected from the two days of auditions will perform in KC SuperStar semifinals on Thursday, June 5, at The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre at The J. Finals will be held at Yardley Hall in the Midwest Trust Center at Johnson County Community College on Sunday, Aug. 24.

“One of the highlights of KC SuperStar each year is watching these teens grow from auditions through to the finals,” Ruder said. “The improvement in our participants’ singing, stage presence and even confidence is incredible, and it always makes finals such a top-notch event.”

As The J’s major fundraising event, KC SuperStar provides financial assistance to members so they can participate in its services, including the Child Development Center, J Camp, health and fitness and programming, meals and transportation for Heritage, The J’s Lifelong Learning program for Adults 55+. A portion of funds raised goes to The Reat Griffin Underwood Rising Stars Fund supporting performing arts education and training programs for youth ages 14-21.

KC SuperStar’s 2025 co-chairs are J members and community volunteers Steven and Jennifer Paul.

• BBYO Convention (pg. 5)

• Bob Dylan (pg. 3)

• Chabad of Olathe (pg. 1)

• Chrysler LeBaron (pg. B8)

• HBHA Diversity (pg. 7)

• KC Kollel (pg. 22)

• KC SuperStar (pg. 6)

• Lester Goldman (pg. 2)

TOOLKIT LESTERGOLDMAN VILLAGESHALOM HBHADIVERSITY BBYOCONVENTION LIZBAMBERGER BOBDYLAN PAULSIMON KCSUPERSTAR OURGIVINGKITCHEN SEVENDAYS PURIMSPIEL KCKOLLEL FORDMODELA MGMIDGET FORDMUSTANG CHRYSLERLEBARON DESOTOFIREDOME NASHMETROPOLITAN STARTYOURENGINES CHABADOFOLATHE

• Our Giving Kitchen (pg. 3)

• Paul Simon (pg. 3)

• Purim Spiel (pg. 10)

• SevenDays (pg. 19)

• DeSoto Firedome (pg. B5)

• Ford Model A (pg. B3)

• Ford Mustang (pg. B2)

• Liz Bamberger (pg. 4)

• MG Midget (pg. B3)

• Nash Metropolitan (pg. B3)

• Toolkit (pg. 2)

• Village Shalom (pg. 8)

the quote by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks using the cipher below

2024 KC SuperStar finalists pose after Magdalena Nguyen was announced as winner.

JBIZ Networking Super Students

Above: During HBHA’s recent Chiefs Spirit Week, HBHA students, families and staff took part in the Souper Bowl of Caring. They collected 424 items for JFS. Students Evan Schlozman and Eli Flacks delivered the items to the food pantry.

HBHA works to enrich Jewish education for diverse student body

By Amanda Birger HBHA

At Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA), the concept of diversity extends beyond cultural, racial or religious differences. While HBHA is an all-Jewish school, its diversity takes many forms, from neurodiversity to linguistic variety and differing levels of Jewish observance.

Supporting neurodiverse learners

multi-sensory math techniques to ensure a strong foundation in both literacy and numeracy.

Federation's Jewish Business Professionals Networking Group (JBIZ) recently gathered at The J to enjoy breakfast and coffee and make connections. Pictured are (from top, from left) Jacob Elyachar, Andrew Widman, Seth Freiden and Aaron Elyachar; Emily Hirsekorn, Julie Cortes, Nicole Abrahamson and Ruth Feldblum; Marc Hammer, Scott Zigler, and Janice Pinson; Aaron Rittmaster, Chad King and Ron Cardozo.

J-LEAD

Shabbat Discussion

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how people think, learn, behave and process information. HBHA supports neurodiverse learners, and its Student Services team works collaboratively with educators and families to provide personalized support tailored to each learner’s needs.

HBHA’s flexible classroom spaces are designed to enhance student learning by accommodating diverse needs. These spaces promote movement and sensory breaks while offering differentiated seating options to support individual learning styles. Lower school classrooms may include quiet areas for self-regulation and multi-sensory learning stations, and middle and upper school students benefit from quiet study spaces and access to technology that aids in executive functioning and independent learning.

HBHA also works to enrich students across the learning spectrum, including gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) students — those who are both highly capable and face learning or developmental challenges. The enrichment coordinator works closely with teachers to provide differentiated instruction, advanced coursework and project-based learning opportunities that challenge and inspire high-achieving students.

Recognizing that best practices in education benefit all learners, HBHA has invested in research-based training for its faculty. All lower school general studies teachers are trained in Orton-Gillingham, a structured, multisensory approach to literacy instruction that is especially beneficial for students with dyslexia. Additionally, teachers have received training in

“At HBHA, we are committed to providing a Jewish education that meets the diverse needs of our students,” Lower School Student Services Director Wendy Snitz said. “We recognize that learning differences are not barriers but opportunities to teach in new and meaningful ways.”

HBHA employs a range of best practices, including 504 plans, differentiated learning plans, executive functioning coaching, and pull-out and push-in services. These strategies are implemented to collectively support the academic, social and personal development of students. Lower school students receive targeted literacy interventions and sensory support, while middle and upper school students have access to additional resources such as time management coaching and study skills development to foster greater independence.

“As students progress through middle and upper school, their academic and personal needs evolve,” Middle/Upper School Student Services Director Laura Severin said. “Our goal is to work closely with students and teachers to ensure every individual has the resources and tools they need to become confident, independent learners.”

HBHA’s commitment to supporting neurodiverse students is strengthened by its partnership with Sasone, which provides professional development grant funding for the Student Services team. This team consists of a lower school director of student services; a middle/upper school director of student services; a K-12 child development and wellbeing specialist; an enrichment coordinator; an Eng-

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HBHA Lower School Student Services Director Wendy Snitz.

HBHA Middle/ Upper School Student Services Director Laura Severin.

Above: Members of J-LEAD, the Jewish Community Foundation’s young adult giving circle, and their families came together for a volunteer experience repackaging products for the JFS Food Pantry.

Above: Rev. Dr. Matthew Silvers from Lee's Summit Christian Church recently led a Shabbat discussion at Congregation Beth Torah about the history of White Christian nationalism and efforts to resist the movement.

Spoon Amulet

By Ellie Holsten

This spoon is an amulet, an object ascribed mystical properties of protection. Amulets are often made to be worn as jewelry or hung on clothing to provide protection wherever their bearer goes. Others are meant to stay in the home and guard its inhabitants against danger. This one has a different purpose. Shaped like a spoon, it can be used to feed a sick person to help them heal. Its inscription reads: “May what we eat and drink be to our satisfaction and have medicinal effects.”

This object was made in Iran in the 19th century and it has an engraving of a lion against a rising sun, the national symbol of Iran. Its handle is carved to look like a fish, a symbol of prosperity in Judaism.

There is record of Jewish amulet use dating back to Biblical times, though religious scholars have debated their use for centuries. Some, like the medieval Jewish philosopher Maimonides, argued they are inappropriate for Jews; others have cited the Talmud when defending their use. Exposure to other cultures’ use of amulets led Jewish communities to seek the protections offered by these folk talismans; we see many more Jewish amulets coming from regions with a tradition of this type of mysticism.

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.

community news

Village Shalom honors staff, including recognition from Charley Helzberg

Four Village Shalom employees received the top awards given out annually at the organization’s staff holiday party in December.

“We are honored to have support of the Helzberg, Block and Wolff families that enable Village Shalom to recognize and reward individuals that demonstrate unmatched talent and commitment to providing support to the residents and the entire community,”

Village Shalom CFO Mark Campbell said.

The Employee and Rookie of the Year awards are made possible through the Charles M. Helzberg Recognition Fund. Helzberg established the fund in 2000 to recognize exemplary Village Shalom staff members by honoring 12 Employees and Rookies of the Month throughout the year, serving as the nomina-

tion pool for the year-end honors.

“You all make such a big difference,” Charley Helzberg said to the employees. “The impact that you have on residents’ lives and their families is phenomenal.”

“Village Shalom is so fortunate to have team members so committed to resident care, and we are proud to

honor their passion and tenure at making a difference each day,” Campbell said.

As someone deeply connected to the business world, Helzberg is confident in his long-lasting relationship with Village Shalom.

“There’s no question this institution has a culture that is unique and better than others around,” Helzberg said. “I have been a businessman all my life and made a lot of investments. This is the best investment I’ve ever made.”

Simon Abrahms, president of Village Shalom, said, “I want to express my deepest appreciation to the generous donors who make it possible to recognize outstanding individuals through these awards. Their support plays a vital role in boosting morale and strengthening work ethic

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HBHA works to enrich Jewish education for diverse student body

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lish Language Learner specialist; resource educators and principals.

Language

diversity: Supporting English language learners

Another aspect of diversity at HBHA is language. While English is the primary language of instruction, several students come from homes where English is not the native language, and Hebrew, Russian or French are.

HBHA introduced English Language Learner (ELL) support through Student Services in 2024. The program provides individualized instruction and small-group interventions to help students strengthen their English reading, writing, speaking and comprehension skills while maintaining their connection to their home languages. Teachers work with the ELL specialist to implement research-based strategies that integrate language development

into all subject areas.

Beyond formal instruction, HBHA embraces linguistic diversity in daily school life. Hebrew is infused throughout the curriculum, from early childhood through upper school, to help students — regardless of their home language — engage with Jewish texts, traditions and Israeli culture.

A Jewish community that celebrates many paths

A wide range of Jewish observances and practices are represented in the school community. HBHA welcomes students from Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, interfaith and secular backgrounds.

The Judaic studies curriculum introduces students to a variety of perspectives, encouraging them to explore different customs, halachic interpretations and historical narratives. In addition to classroom learning, students engage in daily prayer, celebrate Jewish holidays together and participate in school-wide Shabbat experiences,

all while respecting individual family traditions.

“Our students don’t just learn about different Jewish traditions — they experience them firsthand,” Head of School and HBHA parent Annie Glickman said. “By growing up in a school where classmates and teachers practice Judaism in different ways, they develop a deep appreciation for the richness of Jewish life. It is this richness of Jewish life that enhances our entire community.”

“At HBHA, I’ve grown up celebrating Shabbat, holidays and traditions in so many different ways — sometimes in ways that are different from what I do at home,” middle school student Talia Freeman said. “It’s helped me understand that Judaism itself is diverse, and that’s something to appreciate, not divide us. I love that my friends and I can have different traditions but still share the same sense of community.”

More information about HBHA is available at hbha.edu or by emailing info@hbha.edu.

Village Shalom President Simon Abrahms, major donor Charley Helzberg and Village Shalom Employee of the Year Allison Bolin.

Auto Issue

Celebrating our community’s connection with cars

Why an auto issue?

“Why is The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle doing an automotive issue?” is a question you might be asking yourself. It was my question, too, when I looked at the fourth-ever issue of The Chronicle from Jan. 30, 1920 — the ﬁrst auto issue — and subsequent ones dotted throughout the decades. Why should a Jewish community newspaper concern itself with cars?

Back then, those issues were mainly focused on advertising, sponsorships and ﬁnancial incentives. This time, we changed the automotive issue to focus instead on The Chronicle’s mission to inform and connect this community. We asked you all to submit your car stories and how your life was shaped by what you drove, and we reached out to community members who have interesting cars, dealerships and stories.

A personal perk of creating this issue is that I had lots of fun writing, designing, collecting and assembling content for it. I am a car enthusiast — when I was a kid, I wanted to be an automotive designer. I am content with my hundreds of toy cars, dozens of automotive books and single 2018 Mazda, but other people in this community go above

and beyond in their passion for cars. I am honored to have been able to speak with them for this issue.

Finally, you’ll notice a few cut-out cars on the cover of this section — they are taken directly from Chronicle ads over the course of more than 10 decades.

Thank you to Sam Devinki; Bobby, Brian and Zachary Sight; and Adam and Brad Berman for being extremely welcoming and gracious during the interview and photography processes; and to Ace Allen, Andi Milens, Debbie Granoﬀ, Debbie Baron Greenberg, Mark Herman and Marshall Widman for sharing stories and photos about their automotive experiences. Support and content from readers and community members is what keeps The Chronicle going.

We hope you enjoy this special section and remember it next time you get behind the wheel. Keep an eye out for our next special section celebrating 105 years of The Chronicle this summer!

-Sam Kricsfeld, editor

The Milens Mustang

My grandparents bought the car for my mother for her 1966 graduation from Northwestern University. She told me she was given the choice of a convertible or a car with A/C. She wisely chose the convertible and installed an aftermarket A/C later. She drove that car until 1978, when I was 8 years old.

To my great fortune, they kept the car in storage until 1986, when they had it re-

stored in time for my 16th birthday! I loved driving that car — even though it leaked in the rain, only had an AM radio and the center of the steering wheel fell oﬀ in my lap once. It also took leaded gasoline and only got eight miles to the gallon… on the highway… on a good day.

After graduate school, when I moved to Cleveland, I intended to bring the car, but then I moved to New York City. Once there, there was no chance they were going to keep it for me, and eventually it was sold. I still miss it.

-Andi Milens, Overland Park, KS

Above: Automotive issues of The Chronicle from 1920, 1977 and 1987.

Ace Allen’s Model A

When I was 16, my mother came across a crumbling 1929 Model A Ford behind the barn of her friends, a farm family in Nevada. I’d been taking auto shop class in high school, and it seemed like a great restoration project, so I put it on a trailer and hauled it back to my home in California. It took about a year to bring it back to life. I drove it to the East Coast via Texas and Florida, and ultimately sold it in Boston. It was a great adventure. It has been fun sharing stories about it with Richard Brockman here in Overland Park, who himself has a Model A!

-Ace Allen, Overland Park, KS

Marshall Widman’s Nash Metropolitan

This is my 1959 Nash Metropolitan convertible at home in its custom garage. In nice weather, I often drive it to the JCC in the mornings to work out and enjoy meeting with friends in the coﬀee nook.

“Baby,” as I call it, went through a ground-up restoration in the mid-1980s, and I have owned it ever since. It is an American car, but it was actually built in Great Britain with an Italian design. Because it is so rare and cute, it has been used in many photo shoots for Hallmark, KSHB, the Kansas City Star and a fast food ad campaign.

I live in a mid-century modern home built by Don Drummond in 1959 — the

same year my car was born. The ﬁrst owner of my home was a Formula One driver named Masten Gregory, the ﬁrst American to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965.

-Marshall Widman, Overland Park, KS

Debbie Granoff’s MG Midget

Without a doubt, I don’t have to think twice about it, my favorite car was my 1962 ﬁre-engine-red MG Midget! The price of $2,199.55 included seat belts and special wheels along with a lighter and mirror. To say I loved driving it is putting it mildly.

My son Joel was 3 years old and knew he had to wear a seat belt, as did all passengers when they rode with me. There was no back seat, only a ledge to sit on. Toward the end of 1964, my daughter Lauri was born. Joel was 5, so what was I going to do when both were with me – put Joel on the back seat ledge or Lauri in her infant seat? So, we sold the Midget. I don’t remember what we replaced it with, but shortly afterward my second favorite car came along — a 1966 Mustang fastback, also ﬁre-engine red.

-Debbie Granoﬀ, Kansas City, MO

The original bill of sale for Debbie Granoﬀ’s 1962 MG Midget

A 1962 MG Midget similar to Debbie Granoﬀ’s, with the exception of the wheels.

Fourth generation of Sights continue the family dealership dynasty

By Sam Kricsfeld Editor

The similar names of Bob Sight Ford and Rob Sight Ford are no coincidence — both businesses are part of a dealership dynasty stretching back more than a century.

The fourth generation of Sight men — Brian and Zachary of Bob Sight Autogroup (including Bob Sight Ford) and Bobby Sight of Rob Sight Ford — continue sellings cars in the same vein as their great-grandfather Jack Sight, who started Sight Brothers Chevrolet with his brothers, Harry and Dave Sight, in 1923.

In a Kansas City Jewish Chronicle article from Aug. 10, 1923, Jack Sight said, “We feel conﬁdent that our business venture will prove highly successful… We are also going to pay special attention to our service department, thus assuring all our purchasers service second to none in Kansas City.”

This stated dedication to customer service and success continued through the generations. Jack Sight’s sons, Bob and Bill Sight, continued the business, with Bob Sight starting a Lincoln/Mercury dealership in the 1960s. Bob Sight’s sons, Rob and Tom Sight, followed in his footsteps.

In May of 1987, The Chronicle honored Rob and Tom Sight for being two of Ford Motor Company’s “Men on the Move” with a proﬁle. Both brothers shared their dedication to giving customers a positive experience and employees a positive workplace at Bob Sight Lincoln Mercury.

In 2006, Rob Sight moved Bob Sight Lincoln Mercury to south Kansas City, Missouri, before changing the dealership to sell Fords as Rob Sight Ford. Meanwhile, Bob Sight Ford in Lee’s Summit continued, with the organization expanding to add a Kia dealership in Independence, Missouri, in 2005 and two dealerships (Honda and Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/RAM) in Lawrence, Kansas, in 2024.

Today, the two branches of the Sight family continue the car-selling tradition. Rob Sight and his son Bobby Sight work at Rob Sight Ford, and Tom Sight’s sons, Brian and Zachary, work at the Bob Sight Autogroup.

“The honor to be able to continue to have four generations in our family do this is probably the greatest thing that we have,” Zachary Sight said.

The three fourth-generation Sight men recall spending countless hours at their fathers’ dealerships when they were little.

“[Rob Sight Ford is] a family business, and it was already treated as such,” Bobby Sight said. “I would spend a lot of my time as a kid — whatever time I could get — at the dealership.”

“I can remember just hanging out with staﬀ, who were like family, and going to help wash cars or whatever little ins and outs we could do on a daily basis,” Brian Sight said.

For Bobby Sight, growing up around Rob Sight Ford and learning about meaningful relationships led him to join the dealership after graduating from college. Brian and Zachary Sight also said that while there was never any pressure to join Bob Sight Ford, they were interested in doing it nevertheless. Brian Sight called it “a way of life that just progressed naturally.”

“It wasn’t even a conversation to be in or to be out [of the business],” Zachary

Sight said. “This is what our family does… We just kind of chose the path to go here as we got older.”

As for how one family can maintain a dealership dynasty lasting more than 100 years, all three Sights shared the same reason: taking care of customers and staﬀ.

“It’s always been the underlying lesson — you take care of your people,” Bobby Sight said. “The customer is the be-allend-all boss.”

“It’s all about your people,” Zachary Sight said. “That’s always been the most important thing.”

“People are everything, and our people mean so much to us,” Brian Sight said. “...I can picture our father walking around the store, even when we were young, talking to all the employees, knowing all the employees’ ﬁrst names, knowing their family, knowing their kids. That’s something that I think about almost every day when I walk through the door.”

At Bob Sight Ford, the sentiment is epitomized on a sign on the front door reading, “The best employees and customers in the world walk through these doors everyday. Thanks for being you.”

In addition to their time spent at the dealerships, the Sights cite their Judaism as a crucial part of their upbringing and their business practices.

“[Being Jewish] has always been the glue that holds the Sight family together,” Bobby

Bobby Sight of Rob Sight Ford with his 1946 Ford Coupe Deluxe.

Brothers Zachary and Brian Sight of Bob Sight Ford with Zachary Sight’s 1996 Ford Bronco (left) and a new Ford Bronco.

Sight said. “Tradition and faith are key pieces to how we were raised and were a key element to the foundation of our business.”

“We’re Jews from Leawood, and I think we take a lot of pride in our Jewish history, our Jewish traditions within our families,” Zachary Sight said.

Brian Sight said that Bob Sight Ford used to be “one of the few dealerships that didn’t really have a Christmas tree or anything, because we were the Jewish dealer.”

Running car dealerships is not without its challenges — the Sights must deal with both the interests of customers and car manufacturers. Zachary Sight said that selling cars is “the manufacturers’ game. They set a lot of the rules… We have to adapt to them more, whereas [dealing with] customers has always been such a straight-up business and transparent business.”

Despite this, all the Sights say the diﬃculties are outweighed by the positives.

“You see some of the craziest stuﬀ you could have ever imagined, but you also deal with some of the most amazing people and the most loyal customers that you could ever envision,” Bobby Sight said. “Nothing is without challenges, and sometimes the challenges in the moment can be trying and maybe even exhausting. It is really, truly, what makes it all worth it… [It’s the hard] times that make you so appreciative of times when it’s not so hard.”

As for the ﬁfth generation of Sights, it’s a bit early to tell if they’ll join the family business.

“My wife and I have deﬁnitely talked about it,” Zachary Sight said about their children joining the family business one day. “We have the same kind of ideas as [my parents did] growing up… It’ll be there if it’s an option they want, and if they don’t, that is absolutely great too.”

“It might be ‘Scarlet Sight Ford’ by the time [my daughter] is my age,” Bobby Sight joked about his eight-month-old daughter. “But I know that if she isn’t working here, she’ll be a great representative for the place.”

More information about the Bob Sight Autogroup is available at bobsight.com, and more information about Rob Sight Ford is available at robsightford.com.

Mark Herman’s

DeSoto Firedome

My car story starts early. In 1967, at the age of 12, I became the proud owner of a 1955 Pontiac station wagon (below). I won the car as an attendance prize at the Lions Club Fireworks Festival, an annual Independence Day celebration in Jeﬀerson City. But alas, I could not keep the car. Dad said I was too young. If I was 14, maybe, but 12, no. We ended up selling the car to a neighbor for $150, and I used the proceeds to buy a trombone.

Fast forward to 1974. I was back home from college and had a summer job as a replacement teller at the Exchange National Bank in Jeﬀerson City. The bank was closing out an estate which included an old car, a 1955 DeSoto Firedome fourdoor sedan. As I already had experience with a 1950’s vehicle, I jumped at the opportunity to purchase the DeSoto. It was the proverbial $100 car.

The DeSoto was my loyal companion through college and law school with trips to Chicago, New York, Louisville, Nashville and Atlanta. It was still my mode of transportation when I moved to Kansas City in 1980. But the DeSoto grew tired. I could not send it to that great junkyard in the sky, so I parked it under the carport, and there it sat.

As the DeSoto sat, I thought how fun it would be to have a DeSoto convertible. So I started a quest to ﬁnd one. It would not be easy. There were only 625 DeSoto Firedome convertibles made in 1955. I even put a want ad in the newspaper.

About three months after I placed the want ad, I received a call from a gentleman in Lee’s Summit. He had a 1955 DeSoto convertible that he had started restoring and given up. He agreed to transport his DeSoto and my DeSoto to Columbia, where I would have the convertible restored utilizing what parts were needed from the sedan.

My goal was to have the restoration done in time for our wedding in 1991. That goal was achieved, as Vicki and I cruised our way from the Hyatt through the Plaza on the way home. I have treasured the DeSoto since that time. Our girls loved to take it out for ice cream. I have shown the DeSoto in many car shows, and the car has been a trophy winner at National DeSoto Club conventions. But the best treat of all was chauﬀeuring our daughter Sarah and her husband, Raphi, in the DeSoto away from their wedding two years ago (below).

-Mark Herman, Overland Park, KS

Sam Devinki’s collection of “garage art”

By Sam Kricsfeld Editor

Community member Sam Devinki’s car collection resembles a museum or art exhibit — almost 20 cars, seemingly ﬂawless, sit in a spotless, climate-controlled garage with hand-written placards describing their importance.

Among Devinki’s collection are automotive icons such as the Chevrolet Bel Air, Jaguar E-Type, Ford Thunderbird and two 1950s Corvettes. His cars range in age from more than a century old — such as a 1912 Ford Model T truck once used to transport donuts from a bakery — to less than a decade old — such as a deep blue 2016 Rolls-Royce Wraith.

Devinki acknowledges that his collection is eclectic, mostly because his acquisitions are based more on aesthetics than performance.

“To me, cars are what I call ‘garage art,’” Devinki said. “I don’t care about the engines; I care about the bodies, what they look like… I look at them the same way you’d look at a painting.”

A majority of the cars have been meticulously restored, either before or during Devinki’s ownership. Devinki trusts two local restoration companies that do “outstanding work” and have years-long waitlists for new restoration projects.

car was disassembled and refurbished to better-than-factory standards.

Two of Devinki’s most unique cars are a 1980 Allen Pursuit and a 1977 Clénet Series I, custom-built cars known as neoclassics because of their designs inspired by cars from the 1920s and 1930s.

Devinki said the Allen Pursuit is one of only four cars built by a Californian man named Jerry Allen. Although the Allen Pursuit is essentially a rebodied Corvette, “it’s a strange car… you’re not going to ﬁnd [another one] anywhere,” Devinki said.

The Clénet is one of only around 250 ever built and is based on a Ford Torino. Clénets were popular among celebrities of the day, with owners including Farrah Fawcett, Rod Stewart and Wayne Newton.

“When they ﬁrst came on the market, all the movie stars out in California wanted one,” Devinki said about the Clénet. “When I ﬁrst saw it, I was kind of fascinated by it

“The most interesting [restoration] was probably the 1930 Lincoln, and it took almost two years,” Devinki said. The Lincoln’s restoration was also the most expensive; it underwent a “rotisserie” restoration, during which the whole

because they’re made to look like a 1930s Mercedes… but because it’s a Ford Torino chassis, it’s very easy to drive.”

Maintaining a pristine and varied collection poses challenges, and Devinki hires a professional to care for the cars regularly. Devinki’s garage includes a lift that the cars can be raised on if they need mechanical work.

“You have to start [the cars] up, and you have to move them, because otherwise they start to leak on you as the seals dry out… and the tires get ﬂat spots in them,” Devinki said. “With 18 cars like I have, it’s really quite a chore.”

Despite this, Devinki is not done collecting — his most recent additions are a red 1954 Kaiser Darrin sports car and a restored 1930 Packard convertible.

“I certainly enjoy [my collection], and I enjoy showing it to people who are interested in cars,” he said.

1977 Clénet

1980 Allen Pursuit

1954 Kaiser Darrin

The Berman brothers’ KC Classic Auto

By Sam Kricsfeld Editor

Brothers and community members

Adam and Brad Berman co-own KC Classic Auto, a classic car dealership in Lenexa, Kansas. The business was founded in 1986, and the brothers purchased it in 2022 after decades of being involved with it.

The brothers’ father sold imported cars, and because of his connections, they spent a lot of time at the business. At age 15, Brad Berman started working for the original owner, eventually turning it into a part-time job while he was in high school and college. He managed the business in his late 20s before switching careers, but had been connected to it in some way for more than three decades. Adam Berman would do “odds and ends” such as photographing and washing the cars over the years too.

In 2022, the former owners were planning on closing KC Classic Auto. For both business and sentimental reasons, the Berman brothers decided to purchase and run the business themselves.

“We didn’t want to see it go away, because it was part of our [lives],” Adam Berman said.

“We basically grew up here,” Brad Berman added.

The brothers had worked together on various projects over the years, but running KC Classic Auto is particularly special to them. Though they say it’s difficult work, the brothers find the job fun and have the ability to buy and sell the cars they enjoy. They both have a soft spot for Chevrolet Camaros, which were both their first cars. (Currently, there is a 1971 Camaro similar to Brad Berman’s first car in the dealership undergoing upgrading.)

“We hand-select all the cars,” Brad Berman said. “I drive all over the place and try to ﬁnd good ones.”

Adam Berman runs “ground operations” such as marketing and sales, having done extensive work bringing the business’s website and social media up to date.

Both brothers agree that being transparent and descriptive is crucial when sell-

ing cars. Building new relationships and maintaining ones from before their ownership is important to them, and they work hard to maintain the business’s reputation.

“We’re very descriptive,” Adam Berman said about the information they provide when selling cars. “We don’t like feeling like something was misrepresented… I over-describe stuﬀ because I’ve been on the opposite end of someone either lying or leaving out things and having buyer’s remorse.”

“The biggest compliment we can get is someone referring someone else to us,” Brad Berman said.

The brothers have been working to modernize and improve both the business and the facility it is in. They purposefully delayed getting a dealer’s license until they could clean and polish the 22,000-squarefoot warehouse’s ﬂoors, which Brad Berman said hadn’t been polished since 1987. Due to poor circulation, three decades of car exhaust fumes had stained the walls of

the oﬃces black, and Adam Berman said they had to wear “hazmat suits, replacing all the ceiling tiles and all the insulation. It was nasty.”

Now, the dealership is in working condition, and the brothers plan to further improve it by installing new garage doors and a rotating platform on which they can photograph cars for online sales. They also plan to hire more staﬀ so they can buy, restore and sell cars more eﬃciently.

“Right now, we want to increase our productivity and our output,” Brad Berman said. Down the line, he also hopes to open a showroom and keep the warehouse for storage and repair work.

Last month, to spread the word about their business, the brothers took two of their customized classic cars to the World of Wheels Kansas City car show. The intent, Brad Berman said, was simply to gain recognition for their business, meet new people and show their cars. They were therefore surprised when their cars won second and third place in their respective classes, serving to further cement the business’s reputation.

As for the long term, Brad Berman hopes that he can mentor another generation — possibly his children — to keep the business going. Adam Berman appreciates the family and intergenerational connections too.

“I was the little kid putting ﬁngerprints on cars, and now I’m yelling at kids not to put ﬁngerprints on cars,” Adam Berman said. “It’s a fun business to be in.”

More information about KC Classic Auto and its inventory is available at kcclassicauto.com.

Brad and Adam Berman, owners of KC Classic Auto, in front of a 1960 Chevrolet Impala.

The Green(berg) LeBaron

When I was about 10 years old, my father, Frank Baron, purchased a black 1982 Chrysler LeBaron hardtop. It was Dad’s car until I was about 14, when my older sister turned 16, and he handed down the car to her. I learned to drive in that car, but one week before my 16th birthday, my sister totaled the car in an accident (there were no injuries, so I was allowed to be angry). My parents did not purchase another car for my sister, and in turn, that meant no car for me to share with her upon turning 16. I was devastated by not having a car, but more so because I wouldn’t have a car with my name on it — LeBaron! 1995 was the last year the LeBaron was made. I was ﬁnishing college and had for-

gotten about my yearning for a LeBaron. My father always said if Walter Chrysler was a better businessman, he would’ve named the car the “LeSmith,” and there would’ve been so many more people invested in the purchase. Years went by, and I became more and more obsessed with spotting classic LeBaron convertibles on the road.

During the summer I turned 40, I was very pregnant with our youngest daughter. The older kids knew of my fascination with the LeBaron, and my husband Greg surprised me with a green 1994 LeBaron convertible (my married name is Greenberg Baron) with only a few thousand miles on it that had only one owner, an older wom-

The ﬁnest of 1920

Some of the highlighted cars from the 1920 Automotive Issue of The Chronicle included (from top) an Elgin, a Dort, a Kissell, a Nash and a Paige. Other advertised cars included Hupmobiles, Buicks, the Lexington Minute Man Six and the Cole Aero-Eight. Of all the manufacturers listed in the 1920 issue, only Buick remains in production today.

an in Michigan who rarely drove the car. The looks I get when we drive the now infamous “ice cream car” to Baskin-Robbins in the summer are priceless.

-Debbie Greenberg Baron, Overland Park, KS

Greenberg Baron and her two eldest daughters in her 1994 Chrysler LeBaron upon receiving it in 2014.

continued from previous page

across our team. By celebrating the hard work and dedication of these team members, the awards inspire everyone to continue striving for excellence. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact we can all have, and we are truly grateful for the donors’ continued commitment to honoring the Village Shalom team.”

Employee of the Year –Allison Bolin

Independent living residents at Village Shalom have their own concierge, Allison Bolin, who can be found helping residents with questions, setting up events in the theater or dining room and being a friendly face in the halls who is known to joke around with the residents.

“Allison plays an instrumental role in the organization as a whole. Her commitment to the residents of Village Shalom goes well beyond her responsibilities as the independent living concierge,” said Jamie Paredes, chief operating officer. “Allison brings with her a pleasantly sarcastic wit that improves the morale of those living and working with her. We are so fortunate she chooses to utilize her talents here.”

Bolin received a check for $5,000.

Rookie of the Year – Justin Cudnik

Ensuring proper nutrition for approximately 130 residents at Village Shalom in skilled nursing, long-term care, memory care and assisted living, Nutrition Care Manager Justin Cudnik has made significant changes since joining Village Shalom in Febru-

community news

ary 2024.

Megan Sova, the general manager over Village Shalom’s dining services said, “It has been an absolute delight to watch Justin grow in his role, and I can think of no one more deserving of the Rookie of the Year award. His dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence have truly set him apart. He has quickly become a vital part of our team, and his contributions have made a lasting impact. We’re lucky to have him, and I’m thrilled to see his hard work recognized.”

Cudnik received a check for $1,500.

Allen and Gloria Block ‘Champion of Culture Change’ – Monica Cook

This award recognizes and rewards an outstanding employee who demonstrates a dedication to the concept of “culture change.” In the senior-living environment, this term refers to improving the quality of life by creating a home-like environment, where the voices of elders and those working with them are considered

and respected.

Monica Cook, facilities technician at Village Shalom, received the award because of her warmth and ability to connect to residents.

“Part of the reason that she took this job is because it appealed to her emotions as she has a heart for our population, and especially our residents,” said Tim McFarland, director of facilities. “She often says that her cup is full, and a significant part of that is working with our residents.”

Cook tailors her approach to the residents, and her positive attitude is noticed among all of her co-workers.

“Monica is always the first person to volunteer for any assignment and always accepts the most difficult task with a great attitude,” McFarland said.

Cook received a check for $1,000.

Joseph and Eleanor Wolff ‘Excellence in Care Giving’ – Adam Alfaro

Candidates of this award actively “live the mission” of Village Shalom by consistently exhibiting kindness, patience, compassion, understanding and the ability to gain trust in all personal interactions with residents, families and staff. Adam Alfaro, an occupational therapist at Village Shalom, received the award.

“He has an unwavering dedication and incredible resilience in putting the needs of his patients before his own, often facing challenging situations with grace and compassion, making a profound positive impact on the lives of his patients,” said Dena Moss, director of rehab.

Alfaro received a check for $750.

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 Feb. 16 and 23.

Feb. 16

500 Series

Mark Newton 656 (206 206 244)

Hunter Thomas 649 (186 206 257)

Michael Sokol 594 (214 200 180)

Stuart Pollack 593 (169 243 181)

Nick Meyers 569 (158 232 179)

Steve Thomas 562 (191 168 203)

Ryan Thomas 543 (136 206 201)

Morty Rock 543 (185 201 157)

Bill Sloan 541 (158 187 196)

Steve Eisman 530 (183 151 196)

Steve Baraban 529 (182 178 169)

Tom Balke 516 (155 158 203)

170 Game

Larry Katzif 185 Ray Kopek 176 Jeff Martasin 176

Feb. 23

500 Series

Ryan Thomas 706 (268 236 202)

Hunter Thomas 635 (239 204 192)

Scott Hecht 625 (180 220 225)

Steve Baraban 556 (193 170 193)

Michael Sokol 546 (186 168 192)

Mark Newton 545 (176 174 195)

Nick Meyers 541 (143 197 201)

Morty Rock 531 (168 173 190)

Irwin Snitz 519 (176 190 153)

Michael Altman 518 (161 178 179)

Christopher Eldredge 516 (181 167 168)

Jerry Shapiro 512 (167 186 159)

170 Game

Stuart Pollack 186

Steve Eisman 179 Ray Kopek 170

If you are interested in bowling during the ‘24-’25 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.

JFS honors donor Linda Lyon

Jewish Family Services (JFS) is one of many organizations that Linda Lyon has dedicated her time, passion and philanthropy to.

What drew Lyon to JFS was that it serves Jewish and non-Jewish people as well as people of all ages, cultures and identities. She loves the fact that it addresses their physical and mental health needs. Lyon was also quite impressed with how JFS pivoted during the pandemic, through Don Goldman’s leadership, to accommodate urgent needs in our community.

In recent years, Lyon was a committee member for JFS’ 120th Anniversary Celebration held in 2023 and Bright Night fundraiser in 2024.

“It was easy serving on these committees,” she said. “JFS staff make it easy with only a couple of meetings virtually or in-person.”

Lyon recruited the Berkley Family to join her in being the presenting sponsors for an upcoming JFS celebration.

“Pairing with another family created synergy… two plus two equals five,” Lyon said. “Anytime an organization can make it easier for donors to participate, it creates a win-win for everyone.”

Because Lyon believes in JFS’ mission and programs, she’s always ready to help whenever asked.

“JFS makes a critical impact,” she said. “JFS changes lives. I want my giving to make a difference. Additionally, it’s satisfying working with JFS’ staff. They are very caring and professional.”

Lyon also likes that there are many ways to get involved with JFS.

“It’s nice that people can get involved however they’d like,” she said. “Individuals and families can volunteer in the food pantry or as a JET Express driver. Or serve on a committee, make a donation.”

JFS will soon celebrate its b’nai mitzvah – a party for the Pantry Annual Fund Campaign occurring from March to June 2025 celebrating the pantry’s 13th birthday. Lyon will be a part of this project. She will also host a JFS 360 information session and lead tours for donors and prospects.

Major donor Charley Helzberg and Village Shalom Rookie of the Year Justin Cudnik.

Linda Lyon

community news

Chabad of Olathe established, doing outreach

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and six months. “We saw an opportunity to create something meaningful for Jews in Olathe, where they wouldn’t have to travel to Overland Park or other parts of Greater Kansas City to engage with their Jewish identity… There’s a lot of Jewish potential here, and we want to help unleash it.”

The Wengers’ early success in community outreach is, in part, a tribute to Sheina Wenger’s challah. The rebbetzin recently baked five to 10 challahs a week for the couple to deliver to local homes.

“We used it as an opportunity to introduce ourselves and hear from people about what they wanted to see in their Jewish community,” Rabbi Wenger said.

Sheina Wenger, a Brooklyn native who has a background in early childhood education, said she believes children are the future of the Jewish people.

“The values, traditions and warmth we instill in them today will shape the Jewish homes of tomorrow,” the

27-year-old said. “I also believe that the key to people’s souls is through good Jewish food — there is nothing like the aroma of freshly baked challah or a simmering pot of chicken soup to bring hearts together.”

Hosting a Shabbat meal is one of the rebbetzin’s greatest joys, she said, allowing her to “share the beauty of Jewish life in the most tangible way.”

“To me, the center of Judaism is not just the synagogue, but the home — where mitzvot are lived, songs are sung and Jewish identity is nurtured with love. My passion is to share this warmth with others, inspiring them to create their own vibrant Jewish homes filled with light, joy and connection,” she said.

While still in its early stages, the Wengers’ work has already made an impact. Some local Jews, who had not been actively involved in Jewish life for years, have reached out to learn more.

“We want to meet people at whatever level they’re at and help them get more comfortable with their Jewish identity,” Rabbi Wenger said. “We want them

to feel like they have a Jewish community in their city and serve them however we can.”

Olathe has long been home to Jewish families, but they’ve lacked a dedicated space for prayer, education, cultural and community events. Until now, those seeking services or Jewish programs had to drive to Overland Park, Leawood or Kansas City — far enough to deter some Olathe Jews from driving in for services and events.

The Wengers are slowly changing that dynamic with weekly “Wine and Wisdom” Torah study sessions, where they serve cheese and wine; a new Olathe Jewish Kids Club, which helps children connect with Jewish life and holidays; and a festive Hanukkah bash, along with other Jewish holiday parties. More activities, events and gatherings are planned as the Wengers learn more about the needs and interests of Olathe’s Jews.

“We’re just getting started,” Rabbi Wenger said.

The couple’s interest in Olathe — Kansas’ fourth largest city — began with an initial visit to the Sunflower State three years ago. The Wengers traveled from Brooklyn to spend time with their close friends in Kansas: Mushka and Avremi Baron of Overland Park, the daughter and son-in-law of Chabad of Overland Park and Leawood Director Rabbi Mendy Wineberg.

The Wengers enjoyed Kansas so much they took several trips back, visiting Olathe’s parks, neighborhoods and a city library branch in 2024. Rabbi Wineberg had spoken glowingly to them of Olathe and the potential he saw in its growing Jewish community.

“We felt that there was a need, and

we felt that the numbers would be there to match,” said Rabbi Wineberg, who has seen more Olathe residents signing up for Chabad programs. “I was looking for someone to start up in Olathe, and I thought they would be a very good fit. So far they have proven me right.”

As the first rabbi dedicated to serving the Jews of Olathe, Rabbi Wenger is now part of Kansas Jewish history — a saga that began when the first Jewish settlers arrived in the territory in the mid-1800s.

The 2021 Kansas City Jewish Community Study estimated that Greater Kansas City is home to 22,100 Jews living in 12,600 households, two thirds of them in Kansas.

Like Chabad adherents across the globe, the Wengers follow the example of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson (z”l), who stressed the importance of outreach to unaffiliated Jews and taught the importance of loving the Jewish soul in every Jew. The Rebbe grew Chabad-Lubavitch into the largest Jewish organization in the world, inspiring thousands of emissary families to relocate for Jewish outreach in more than 100 counties and all 50 U.S. states.

Rabbi Wenger, who’s made extensive study of the Rebbe’s writings and public talks, said it’s the love taught by the Rebbe that drives his and the rebbetzin’s work.

“It’s through him that we developed a great passion for Jewish continuity and true love for every Jew,” he said. “We’ve turned that love into dedicating our lives to the Jews of Olathe.”

More information about Chabad of Olathe is available at Jewisholathe.org.

Kehilath Israel Synagogue invites the community to a Purim celebration featuring Persian food and a spiel based on the music of ABBA. The celebration will be held on Sunday, March 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the synagogue (10501 Conser, Overland Park, KS 66212).

In addition to the Persian meal, the Purim spiel “The Megillah According to ABBA” will be performed by community members. The spiel is directed and choreographed by Carolyn Goldwasser.

Registration and payment information is available at kisyn.org.

K.I. Purim celebration Sunday, March 15, at 6:30 p.m.

K.I. Synagogue, 10501 Conser, Overland Park, KS 66212

By Bridey Stangler PJ Library

“Purple” by Alexis Rotella

“In first grade / Mrs. Lohr said / my purple teepee / wasn’t realistic enough / that purple was no color for a tent… that my drawing / wasn’t good enough to hang / with the others.”

Rotella goes on to describe the “black crayon nightfall” that was scribbled all over the purple tent in – what? – shame? Anger? Decades later, the poet wrote “since the day Mrs. Lohr told me my artwork wasn’t good enough to hang above the blackboard with the other kids’ stuff, a door in my heart closed shut.”

(By the way, when I imagine a Mrs. Lohr saying such a thing to my own child, my imaginary self steps uncomfortably close to the woman and growls something like “say that again – I dare you.”)

Let’s step back a moment to look at Mrs. Lohr. She’s a full-time working adult. She’s responsible for meeting deadlines and benchmarks and for overseeing the development of other people’s children. She has concerns and challenges that have nothing to do with the classroom. She makes a teacher’s salary.

Mrs. Lohr is exhausted. Mrs. Lohr, decades later, almost certainly doesn’t remember this exchange. Mrs. Lohr was just trying to do her job.

In the very next stanza, Rotella remembers Mr. Barta, her second grade teacher, and an encounter of equal but opposite weight.

“In second grade / Mr. Barta said draw anything, / he didn’t care what. / I left my paper blank and when he came around / to my desk / my heart beat like a tom tom. / He touched my head / with his big hand / and in a soft voice said / the snowfall / how clean / and white / and beautiful.”

Can’t we assume that Mr. Barta, too, felt the pressures of the workplace? The needs of his family? The strain of the everyday? Can’t we

guess that there’s nothing so very special about Mr. Barta but that he took a moment to truly see this child?

Because child-rearing is almost always something we do while doing other things, it seems easier to demand our children fit into proper boxes. It’s hard to listen to why the flower my son is drawing for my mother has fangs and villain eyebrows while I’m taking a work call and making sure the pasta doesn’t boil over, for example. It would be easier if he could just draw a normal flower, and I snappishly and peevishly say so. I am exhausted and overwhelmed. I am Mrs. Lohr. What if, instead, I put down my phone and turn down the burner? What if I sit down next to my son and find out the story behind the carnivorous flower?

Just a few hours from the publication of this column, our community will host an artist who specializes in seeing – and helping others see – everyday items in unexpected ways. Hanoch Piven has made a career of creating portraits of famous characters from found objects.

“As I was drawing that great dictator, Saddam Hussein, a box of matches appeared next to the illustration. This was the fall of 1990; Saddam and Iraq had just conquered Kuwait and the whole world was getting ready for the Gulf War. These matches not only looked perfect as a mustache but also seemed a perfect metaphor for the imminent war/fire coming,” Piven said.

Matches for moustaches, bananas for beards, microphones for mouths — with such a unique way of seeing the world, I wonder how many Mr. Bartas it took to outweigh the thoughtless (see: impatient and exhausted) Mrs. Lohrs of Hanoch’s upbringing.

Time with Hanoch Piven this weekend should be seen as a gift. It is a couple hours to spend with your child without multitasking and discover how they see the world. (What do we learn, for example, when they suggest we use old earbuds as our ears?) It is a rare chance to be a Mr. Barta: a person who takes a moment to truly see our children – to look at things through their eyes.

community news

SevenDays 2025 enters second decade; names award winners

Now entering its second decade, SevenDays is a Kansas City-based nonprofit organization that overcomes hate by promoting kindness and understanding through education and dialogue. SevenDays will take place in the Greater Kansas City region beginning Monday, March 31, and continuing through Tuesday, April 8. Each day has a special theme reflecting the overall spirit of kindness.

SevenDays was founded after a White Supremacist murdered Dr. William Corporon, his grandson Reat Underwood and Teresa LaManno outside of Jewish facilities in Overland Park in 2014. Reat Underwood’s mother and Dr. Corporon’s daughter, Mindy Corporon, is co-founder.

“As we step into our 11th year of spreading kindness, I am both humbled and amazed,” said Mindy Corporon, SevenDays co-founder. “Eleven years ago, I didn’t think I could survive 10 days after losing my son Reat, my father Dr. William Corporon, and Terri LaManno. But here we are, honoring their lives through this mission of love and understanding. SevenDays exists to remind us that kindness has the power to bridge divides, heal hearts, and inspire change. By educating and fostering dialogue in schools, workplaces, and communities, we’re showing that kindness isn’t just a virtue — it’s a ripple that, when set into motion, can truly transform the world.”

SevenDays 2025 will also include a Cultivate Kindness Breakfast taking place at the Resurrection, A United Methodist Church (Building B, the Foundry) in Leawood on Wednesday, April 2, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. During the event, 12 individuals will be recognized with the Ripple of Kindness Award. SevenDays established this award to recognize people whose impact in the community is apparent but with no expectation of reward or return. The 12 individuals are:

• Sisters Amber Schreiber and Lindsey Krumbholz, founders of The Golden Scoop

• Carol Barnett, a Hospice caregiver (and co-owner of Mid-America Merchandising)

• Courtney Boyle-Smith, co-founder of KindCraft

• Gayle Packer, philanthropist (and president and CEO of Terracon)

• John Nonnemaker, veteran and ex-

ecutive director of Veterans Without Orders

• Rev. Adam Hamilton, senior pastor at Resurrection, A United Methodist Church

• Rev. James Harper, social justice and community activist and longtime chaplain

• Rosilyn Temple, founder of Mothers in Charge-Kansas City

• Sammie Magee, founder of Sammie’s Toy Drive

• Shuryce (Niqui) Hill, an early childhood educator

• Will and Senia Shields, former KC Chiefs player and Pro Football Hall of Famer and co-founders of the Will to Succeed Foundation

Joining SevenDays as honorary co-chairs are Dana Wright, and Dr. Michelle Robin. Wright is a career broadcaster and storyteller and is the co-host of the popular talk/radio “Dana and Parks Show” on KMBZ-FM. Robin is founder and chief wellness officer of Your Wellness Connection. Sponsorships and limited individual tickets are available on the website.

Seven Days KYLT

This year, 43 area high school students from across the region are serving on SevenDays Kindness Youth Leadership Team (KYLT). The youth group is made up of students from a variety of schools, grades, faiths and ethnicities. Jewish community members Bea Colbert, Dani Glickman, Abby Hill, Mia Mondry, Sophia Naronov, Sam Sandler and Jonah Stein are KYLT members. KYLT members meet monthly during the school year to work on various aspects of SevenDays including planning events and activities. They receive mentorship from adults involved with SevenDays and go out in the community performing community service for other nonprofit organizations. KYLT members also work to increase participation in SevenDays activities by students at their schools.

Volunteer opportunities are available for SevenDays; those interested are urged to regularly check the website for details and registration.

More information about SevenDays is available at sevendays.org or by contacting Ruth Baum Bigus at (913) 7077746 or at ruth@sevendays.org.

Names of additional SevenDays contest winners are available at sevendays.org.

Battle of the Booth

I have a friend I’ll call Linda (because that’s her name) who is famous for her restaurant ritual.

Upon entering a restaurant, she will bypass the front desk, survey the dining area to locate her desired location, then return to the entrance and inform the hostess of her selection. On one such occasion she informs the gawky teenage girl at the reception desk, “We’ll take the booth over there,” pointing to a secluded corner alcove.

Noting that our party included just the two of us, the hostess says, “I’m sorry, that’s reserved for parties of 10.”

“No problem,” counters Linda. “We promise we’ll move if a big party comes in.”

“Um, I really can’t do that,” she says, beseeching me with her eyes, pleading for support. I could only shrug in return, having witnessed countless such encounters.

“Why not?” Linda continues. “Look. There’s an empty table right there next to the booth. We’ll move there if we have to.”

“Let me go ask my manager,” she says.

“That’s ok,” I say, taking pity on her. “We’ll take that table near the corner.”

I shoot Linda my own pleading look.

“Fine,” she says.

We follow the hostess to the table, sit down, and open our menus. Not more than two minutes pass for Linda to glance at the ceiling and say, “I think I feel a draft.”

“Don’t you dare.” We both laugh.

Jews objecting to restaurant tables is so common it has been incorporated into theatrical works. In his Broadway show, the late Jackie Mason included a shtick about how Jews and gentiles enter a restaurant. “The non-Jew says to the maître-de, ‘How do you do? May I sit down? How long should I wait? Nine years? Why not?’

The Jew demands, ‘Let me see my table! You call this a table…?’ The gentiles have eaten four meals while the Jews are picking furniture.”

Writers Bryan Fogel and Sam Wolfson attribute the Jewish penchant for rearranging restaurant

furniture to history. In their play, “Jewtopia,” they explain, “We’re always moving. We are a nomadic people.” Then there’s the classic joke about a waiter who approaches a table of Jewish women having lunch and asks, “Is anything alright?”

Yes, yes. I hear you screaming already. These are simply stereotypes. Just because someone — or several someone’s — of a certain group performs a certain action doesn’t mean all of them do.

Even so, a non-Jewish friend I’ll call Christine (because that sounds like a good name for a Christian friend) noted the stereotype the time we went for lunch with a group of friends — some Jewish and some not. Two of the Jewish women in our group kept turning down the tables offered — too noisy, too close to the door, too sunny. Finally, after several refusals, we were offered a location they deemed acceptable and were seated.

Scooching into the booth, I shook my head in disapproval. Christine had a different reaction, “I admire how those gals handle these situations. But it’s easy for them because they’re Jewish.”

“What?” I asked incredulously.

“I mean that in a good way,” she quickly added. “I can’t quite explain it, but you seem to possess this sense of self-assuredness that leads you to speak up. All of the Jewish women I know are like that.”

Well, not exactly all. Unlike those two Jewish finicky friends, I will accept the first table or booth offered in a restaurant. I pretend not to notice when I’ve been seated inches from the kitchen door. And I ignore the drunken fraternity guys yelling in the next booth. But I will admit that when I’m seated right outside the bathroom, and the flushing toilet drowns out our conversation, I wish I was dining with Linda.

Nancy Kalikow Maxwell is a Kansas City native and awardwinning author. Her latest book, “Typically Jewish,” is available through the Jewish Publication Society or Amazon. Her website is kaliwellinc.com and email is nancykalikowmaxwell@gmail.com.

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 Jewish Community Foundation makes philanthropy accessible and impactful

By Suzanne Dicken JCF Director of Philanthropy

As director of philanthropy of the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF), I am honored to work with many generous individuals and families who’ve established funds to support the causes they care about and the needs of our community both now and in the future. I’m also inspired by those of you who are getting to know the Foundation and considering how we can help enhance your own philanthropic efforts and achieve your personal giving goals.

Wherever you are in the stages of your philanthropic planning, the JCF team is here for you. That’s why we welcome the opportunity to meet in-person with our fundholders and prospective fundholders. Here are a few insights into what those meetings are all about.

You can expect personal, dedicated service. Unlike corporate donor advised fund (charitable giving account) platforms where the help of a dedicated donor services team can be rare, the staff at the Foundation is here to help you every step of the way along your charitable giving journey. Our team is happy to meet with you oneon-one, and we are also glad to join a meeting with you and your legal, tax or financial advisor to assess your current situation and determine the best charitable tax strategy for you. This includes evaluating the best assets to give to your fund at the Foundation, including publicly-traded stock and even other noncash assets such as real estate or closely-held stock.

We care about your intentions. The JCF team wants to understand the areas of interest that are a priority for you, whether that’s the arts, health care, social services, the environment, education, your synagogue, community development or something else. We also want to understand the role you envision for your children, grandchildren or other family members in your giving.

We make the paperwork a breeze. The paperwork to open a JCF fund is straightforward and not at all cumbersome. As we’re exploring updating your fund or setting up a new fund, we’ll prepare simple documentation to capture your wishes, collect important contact information and address your vision for your fund both during and after your lifetime.

We’re always here to strategize about your giving options. As you periodically review your assets and financial situation with your advisors, keep an eye out for appreciated assets that could be ideal to give to charity because of the potential capital gains tax savings. The Foundation can work with you and your advisors on contributions of a wide variety of assets to help you achieve your tax and estate planning goals.

We’ll let you know about educational opportunities and gatherings with other fundholders. During our meeting, we’ll share a calendar of upcoming events and ways you can learn more about the causes you care about and what’s going on in the community overall. Our team is here to help you stay up-to-date on the various ways you can support the community by working with the Foundation and partnering with other fundholders.

If you’re already a JCF fundholder, we are grateful for your partnership and are here as a continued resource. If you’re considering learning more, we look forward to a simple and confidential conversation! I may be reached at sdicken@jcfkc.org or (913) 327-8286.

Suzanne Dicken, right, with JCF fundholders Steven Krigel and Ilana Silverstein.

Audience Award Winner at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival

BAD SHABBOS is here to prove that even Shabbat can go haywire in this oﬀ-beat comedy This chaotic "one-night-in-New-York" stor y turns family dinner into a sidesplitting disaster

"An entertaining, fast-paced comedy about a Sabbath dinner gone terribly awry." - Alissa Simon, Variety

MARCH 18

7 P.M.

KC Kollel wants to help answer your Jewish questions

Community members can ask anonymous questions about Judaism to KC Kollel at tinyurl.com/kckollel.

By Tehilla and Benny Feldman

KC Kollel

The KC Torah MiTzion Community Kollel is a vibrant, community-centered organization, directed by the Feldmans. We arrived from Israel just a few months ago, and we’re dedicated to serving the entire Jewish community in Kansas City. Our mission is to provide meaningful Jewish and Israel-related programs for everyone. In Judaism, there is great value in asking questions.

On Passover, which is coming up in a couple of months, we talk about the Four Sons — the wise, the wicked, the simple and the one who doesn’t know how to ask. After each son’s question, an answer is given, yet the response to both the wicked son and the one who doesn’t ask is the same: “You are to be taught.” This teaches us that someone who doesn’t ask questions is considered to be spiritually distant. Asking questions is a vital part of learning and growth — expressing curiosity opens the door to deeper understanding.

Judaism is rich and multifaceted, and we want our programs to be as relevant as possible to the community we serve. To help us better understand your needs and interests, we’ve created a simple one-question survey where you can submit any questions you may have — anonymously. This survey will guide us in designing programs that speak to your needs and, we hope, provide answers to some of the burning questions you’ve been wondering about. Your curiosity matters, and we’re here to help explore those questions with you. To submit your questions, follow this link: tinyurl.com/kckollel.

Elinor Charlotte (Rickles) Eisemann

Elinor Charlotte (Rickles) Eisemann died at home in Prairie Village, Kansas, on Feb. 22.

Born on Aug. 24, 1932, in New Brunswick, New Jersey,

Elinor was the only child of Nathaniel Rickles, a diesel fuels engineer with Esso, and Lillyan (Mezei) Rickles, a former hat designer. She grew up in Roselle Park, New Jersey, visiting her Eastern European immigrant grandparents in the Bronx and Brooklyn and developing a quiet but steadfast connection to her Jewish identity. This foundation guided her choices — from declining a summer job that required turning away Jewish customers to knowing that Gustave Eisemann was someone with whom she could build a life, even if it meant moving to Kansas City.

Salutatorian of her high school, Elinor was a talented pianist and glockenspiel player. Attending Wellesley College was transformative. While majoring in music, a non-credit seminar titled “The History of the Book” ignited a passion for book collecting that would shape her life’s work.

During her senior year, a blind date arranged by a babysitting client introduced her to Gus Eisemann, a hematology fellow at New England Medical Center. Their first date — a visit to Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, dinner near M.I.T., and a Bruins game — sparked a romance that altered Elinor’s plans for Teachers College at Columbia.

Elinor and Gus married in New York City on Nov. 7, 1954, and settled in Kansas City, where their first major purchase for their tiny apartment was a used piano. Within five years, they welcomed three sons — Joel, Mark and Allan. Family life was rich and active. Summer vacations meant long road trips out to Estes Park, Colorado — and Elinor entertained her boys by reading classics like “Gulliver’s Travels,” “The Iliad,” “The Odyssey,” and the dense “Microbe Hunters” along the way. Though not naturally athletic, she happily packed sandwiches for the family’s daily hikes, valuing the shared experiences and the beauty of the mountains.

Elinor embraced her roles as wife, mother and civic leader — engaging with the Pembroke-Country Day School Parents Association, Menorah Medical Center Auxiliary, Kansas City Wellesley College Club and Congregation Beth Shalom Sisterhood. Yet, her true passion lay in the world of books. An 1815

edition of Flavius Josephus, discovered while antiquing with her mother in Maine, piqued her curiosity and set her on a lifelong journey of collecting.

She deepened her expertise at Columbia University’s Rare Book School, became a professional paper marbler and studied book conservation at UMKC. In 1976, she acquired a Josephus incunabulum printed in 1481, transforming her personal hobby into a serious collection. Over decades, Elinor amassed more than 6,000 volumes, chasing rabbit holes of knowledge with intellectual joy.

The crown jewel of her collection — rare editions of Flavius Josephus — became a scholarly resource. In 2019, she donated the bulk of this collection to Yale University’s Divinity Library in memory of her father, Nathaniel Rickles. She also donated unusual engineering and technology books to Kansas City’s Linda Hall Library, where she volunteered for years, and contributed Judaic art books and ritual objects to the Klein Collection at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.

Beyond her scholarly pursuits, Elinor embraced life’s smaller wonders — gardening alongside Gus, nurturing flowers while he tended vegetables and fruit trees. Their home, surrounded by wandering paths, feeders and sculptures, became a haven for birds, grandchildren and neighbors. Traveling together for international hematology conferences, they made time for rare book dealers, local synagogues and family visits.

For her 75th birthday, Elinor’s family commissioned “Essentially Elinor,” a handmade book by artist Andi Arnovitz. It captured her breadth — her love of family, books, music and hands-on creativity, whether baking gingerbread houses, marbling paper with grandchildren or exploring her garden.

Elinor’s family and friends will miss their eclectic, engaging, sometimes enigmatic, but always elegant, Elinor. She left a legacy that continues to be an inspiration to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Elinor was preceded in death by her beloved Gus in 2019. She is survived by her sons, Joel (Maggie), Mark (Leslie Mark) and Dr. Allan (Dr. Marisa); eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The family thanks Senior Helpers and KC Hospice for their care and suggests contributions in Elinor’s memory be made to Linda Hall Library, Congregation Beth Shalom or Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. See complete version of Elinor’s obituary online at kcjc.com/obituaries.

Carmeline Helen Hakan

Carmeline Helen Hakan died on Jan. 27. Thanks to the care of the medical team at Menorah, her passing was peaceful. Her family held her hands and told her how much she was loved.

Carmeline was born on June 12, 1942. Her parents, Josephine and Tony, promised each other and their daughter that they would work and save so their baby would be the first in their families to graduate from college. She was a precocious child and studied hard. She went to Holy Rosary Grade School, Glennon High School and St. Teresa’s College, then was the first woman to earn a master’s degree from Rockhurst College.

She went on to work as an English teacher at the Loretto Academy. She loved teaching and inspiring writers and readers. This passion was a through line for all her days.

Then, Carmeline got married and gave birth to little Tony. She then got remarried to the love of her life, Bart Hakan. They were great at being in love, working together in business and making home life fun and interesting. Carm, Bart and Tony lived together and celebrated wonderful times with family from all sides in their home near Loose Park and later at the Crestwood Condominiums.

Carmeline loved entertaining, cooking, tennis, traveling, reading and writing. Her passion for life inspired us all. She is missed dearly.

A celebration of her life will be at the Crestwood Condominiums. If you are able to join, please come in whatever outfit Carm would have appreciated most on March 22nd from 2 p.m to 5 p.m.

Online condolences may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.

Robin Scott Hawley

Robin Scott Hawley was born Oct. 8, 1953, and passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at home on Jan. 31. He was a scientist, teacher, scholar, friend and a romantic, loving and profound poet.

He is survived by his loving wife,

Kathy Krigel Hawley; children, Christopher Hawley and Alison Baum, Jennifer Stone and Jessica and Jonathan Stone; grandchildren, Ethan and Carter Stone; as well as many others he was proud to call family and friends. Scott will be deeply missed.

A memorial service was held on Feb. 4. For a more detailed obituary, please visit louismemorialchapel.com.

The family requests no flowers. Contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

Mitchell Kranitz

Mitchell Kranitz, 94, of Overland Park, Kansas, died on Feb. 11. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, at Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations go to The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.

Mitchell was born on May 16, 1931, to the late Meyer and Ethel Kranitz in Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from Paseo High School. He married Janet Kranitz in 1963 and was a lifelong Kansas City area resident.

Mitchell enjoyed playing bridge and poker and was a certified scuba diver. Earlier in life, Mitchell was an avid runner, followed by race-walking in his later years. Mitchell was in the United States Navy from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1955.

Mitchell is survived by his brother-inlaw, Martin Pfefer, and his two daughters, Ericka Kranitz and Marcy Gelfand. He is also survived by his nieces, a nephew and many special friends.

Online condolences may be shared at louismemorialchapel.com.

Lynn Kuluva

Lynn Kuluva was born in Kansas City on Dec. 6, 1942, to Harry and Phyllis Kuluva and died on Feb. 23.

Lynn attended Southwest High School, the University of Michigan, the University of Missouri and the University of California, Berkeley. Lynn was a true pioneer in computer technology, studying computer engineering at UC Berkeley at the dawn of the comput-

er age, 1964 to 1966. After graduation and during the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, achieving the rank of first lieutenant. After service, Lynn joined Booz Allen Applied Research as a research analyst. Subsequently, he served as a project manager for Computer Science Corporation and a project manager for Arthur Andersen & Co. In 1983, he joined his brother, Chuck, as co-owner and operator of the Kuluva’s Furniture and Appliance Stores. In 1991, he and Chuck co-founded Rental City, a furniture, appliance and electronics rental company. After the sale of the business, Lynn joined the faculty of Park University in the Computer Science Department, where he passed along his knowledge of information systems gained from decades of experience to countless aspiring computer professionals.

Lynn’s first love was always his family, consisting of his wife and best friend for over 60 years, Renee, his children and his grandchildren. He particularly enjoyed family vacations when the children were young, especially the long trips in the motor home when he could share with them the many wonders of America from coast to coast.

Lynn was a man of many interests and talents. He was an active and avid pilot for more than 50 years, holding a commercial pilot’s certificate. During that time, he served as a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight, enabling many patients to obtain needed medical treatment from out-of-town specialists. Lynn was also an active amateur radio operator for more than 60 years holding an Extra Class License. Through ham radio he made hundreds of friends throughout the Kansas City area, across the country and around the world. He was a regular tennis player throughout his adult life.

Lynn was actively involved in the community. He has served on the Boards of Directors of Kehilath Israel Synagogue, Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, The J and the Downtown Shareholders of Kansas City, Kansas. He led the effort to establish the Municipal Improvement District of Downtown Kansas City, Kansas, and served as chairman of its board for eight years. After surviving leukemia, Lynn became involved in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, serving as an ambassador and volunteer on the Society’s First Connection Network through which he counseled many newly diagnosed leukemia patients. Lynn also volunteered as a mentor with The Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship of the Henry W. Bloch School of manage-

ment helping numerous aspiring entrepreneurs achieve their ambitions.

Lynn is survived by his beloved wife, Renee Kuluva; son, Mark Kuluva; son and daughter-in-law David and Kerry Kuluva; daughter and son-in-law Deborah Kuluva and Mark Rousso; daughter Leslie Kuluva and partner John Bacon; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brother and sister-in-law Chuck and Arlyn Kuluva.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the charity of your choice.

Funeral services and burial were held on Feb. 25 at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Online condolences may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.

she often made dresses and bonnets for them which became prized possessions. She was an ardent gardener. She loved planning and planting her gardens. When they came into bloom, they brought her much joy. She played golf and tennis into her 90s.

Oakwood Country Club, which she and Ralph joined in 1949, was the center of their social life due in great part to their association with their dear Bogey Bums, couples who celebrated everything together — birthdays, anniversaries, children’s weddings and any other excuse they could find. Paula also looked forward to spending time with the Tennis Girls, the Book Babes, the Hawthorn Hotties and her mahjongg group.

Paula Rose Zarr died peacefully in her home on Feb. 15 at the age of 101. She was born in Kansas City to Pauline and Jake Cohn on July 11, 1923.

“Little Rosie” was raised in a loving home with her brothers, Cyrl and Max. She attended Paseo High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and won an academic scholarship to Lindenwood College.

She met her future husband, Ralph, at Congregation Beth Shalom when they were both in their teens. They married in 1944 and were each other’s best friend for 68 years. Their house was always filled with love, laughter and chocolate.

Paula was active in her community, supporting her children’s activities at Hale Cook Elementary School’s PTA and Cub Scouts. The Sisterhood of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah’s Gaslight Antiques Show, Menorah Medical Center Surgical Representatives and Brandeis Women’s Book Sale were other places she donated her time. She did needlepoint and she smocked beautifully. When good friends and family had grandchildren,

Paula was a gracious hostess and enjoyed having friends and family around her dinner table, which was always set with linen cloths and napkins and silver flatware. Even Halloween treats were often served on a silver tray.

Her ladylike demeanor belied her enormous inner strength. She was the “caretaker” in her extended family. She was the first to come to the aid of an ill relative or friend and would often reorganize her life to make herself available to meet their needs.

To quote a dear friend of hers, “if everyone who loved Paula were to gather, it would take a stadium to hold them all.”

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Judy Kahn (Bud), John Zarr (Joey) and Jim Zarr (Ann); her grandchildren, Audrey Zarr (Ryan), Amanda Zarr, Emily Henschel (Rich), Erin Zarr and Elyse Newth (Conner); and seven great grandchildren. She had a warm place in her heart for nieces Ellen Merrill and Jackie Combs and cousins Janet Leeds and Karen Leeds. Special thanks to her caregivers, especially Mandy Malm, for their dedication and loving care.

The family held a private burial. Celebration of life for Paula will be held in the spring, her favorite season. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left for the family at louismemorialchapel.com.

Paula Rose Zarr