In this issue...
Shalom
event
Community members launch virtual pulmonary rehabilitation company
By Sam Kricsfeld Editor
Dr. Micah Levine and Josef Loeffler, two community members acutely aware of the effects of lung diseases, recently cofounded PulmaCare, a virtual pulmonary rehabilitation company. They, along with third cofounder Eric Vargas, launched the company in April with the goal of improving the quality of life of patients suffering from lung diseases. They aim to make PulmaCare the premier organization of its type in the Midwest.
ourselves, ‘Why is that?’”
There turns out to be many reasons, mainly surrounding accessibility and availability — many pulmonary rehab patients are elderly and might have unreliable transportation, and in many cases, there is a lack of in-person options, according to Dr. Levine. Virtual pulmonary rehabilitation, on the other hand, offers the same services remotely at a lower cost and with double the patient retention rate.
Community shlicha says goodbye to KC
Parashat Eikev
Shabbat times (Overland Park): Candlelighting: 7:55 p.m. Havdalah: 8:54 p.m.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is intended for people with chronic lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and proven to be effective in helping patients. Dr. Levine, a pulmonologist at Saint Luke’s, was therefore disappointed to learn that most people eligible for pulmonary rehab don’t do it.
“When people do a [pulmonary] rehab program, they have less shortness of breath,” he said. “They stay out of the hospital more, so they have less flare-ups of their disease. They’re able to walk farther. Their depression and anxiety scores get better… but when I looked at the data, only two-to-five percent of people that are eligible end up doing it. So we asked
He approached Loeffler, a longtime friend and philanthropist, and Vargas, a physical therapist, with this situation, and the idea of PulmaCare began forming.
For Loeffler, the importance of pulmonary rehab is personal. His father, Frank Loeffler (z”l), suffered from lung disease, but would always feel better after a rehabilitation session.
See page 2
One Big Beautiful Bill Act will impact Jewish community safety net, philanthropy
Compiled by the Jewish Community Foundation
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, includes several provisions that impact nonprofit organizations and charitable giving. The Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) has compiled information on how the community will feel its impact.
Impact on community’s safety net
Two community organizations who
financially assist those in need, Jewish Family Services (JFS) and Village Shalom, are preparing and enacting plans to deal with ramifications of the OBBBA.
The OBBBA cuts and restricts access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often referred to as “food stamps.” It also adds more work requirements for able-bodied adults and tightens eligibility for certain immigrant and refugee households who have previously accessed food assistance.
Individuals and families — especially older adults and single-parent households — may lose food benefits, even if they are struggling to make ends meet. Since many children rely on SNAP benefits to qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, many may also lose their automatic eligibility for school meals. With more households facing hunger and food insecurity in the community, food pantries and kosher meal programs will likely see higher demand and possible waitlists. Refugees and recent immigrants supported by nonprofit organizations may be particularly affected.
“The recent changes to SNAP and Medicaid benefits will directly impact many of the individuals and families we serve at JFS,” said Angela DeWilde,
executive director of JFS. “While the full implications will remain unclear for many months, we do know that essential support services our community relies on are at great risk of being reduced or altered. Furthermore, the already
Village
to celebrate 25 years on Helzberg Campus
Federation
to feature Lily Kanter
PulmaCare founders Eric Vargas, Dr. Micah Levine and Josef Loeffler.
President Donald Trump enacts the One Big Beautiful Bill on July 4, 2025.
Community members launch virtual pulmonary rehabilitation company community news
“Even though it wouldn’t cure his interstitial lung disease, [his reported pain] would go down,” Loeffler said. “His pain would be less, his stress would be less, and to just provide that compassionate care without drugs, without any crazy interventions, is incredible.”
PulmaCare’s virtual services include cardiovascular and resistance-training exercises, education and psychosocial support and counseling. Group therapy sessions allow patients to share their experiences with each other and bond. PulmaCare also offers access to an app that provides resources such as lectures and exercise information.
“We really try to not just give that in-person support for a periodic visit once or twice a week, but also some online resources so people can really continue to do the work,” Loeffler said, “because unfortunately, with some of these diseases, the work’s not going to stop. You’re going to have to keep going, and that’s going to make you better off.”
Patients can be referred to PulmaCare by their medical providers or self-refer at pulmacarerehab.com. The
rehabilitation is covered by Medicare and other insurers, and the only equipment the patient needs are a pulse oximeter and blood pressure monitor.
Both Loeffler and Dr. Levine emphasized that their Jewish values and ethics were paramount in their decision to create PulmaCare. Both grew up in the Jewish community and attended Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. Their shared motives strengthened their business partnership.
“For me, doing business with Micah, there’s a deep sense of shared values and purpose from a deep love of Israel; with our advocacy; with groups like AIPAC; and his leadership with [the American Jewish Committee]… as well as lots of commonly shared values of how to treat people with human dignity and trying to take care of them,” Loeffler said. “In a time when antisemitism is high… doing acts like this, taking care of our neighbors, is really important.”
They also stress that this business was created with the goal of helping people over making a significant profit.
“We love doing business together, because we believe when you create value, you make money. And if we
were trying to do things just for profit, I don’t think we’d make any money,” Dr. Levine said.
“We’re not going to be the richest people for doing this, but it’s the right thing, and maybe from doing that, we’re going to get rewarded in other ways,” Loeffler said.
Though profit was not the main goal, since April, PulmaCare has grown far beyond what its team expected. The company’s operation manager originally planned for five or 10 patients in the first few months, but Dr. Levine said they’ve added 57 patients in just the past month. He also has written multiple articles touting the effectiveness of virtual pulmonary rehabilitation.
“It’s growing leaps and bounds, way faster than we anticipated. We’ve had to keep hiring and hiring, which is a good problem to have,” he said.
Both Loeffler and Dr. Levine are confident in the future of PulmaCare, with the possibility of eventually expanding to other Midwestern states.
“We are going to be the premier virtual care pulmonary rehab company in the Midwest,” Dr. Levine said. “I think we probably set the standard, because it’s so brand-new. There’s only a few companies that are doing it, and I’m confident we’re doing it better.”
“Hopefully, we help give [patients] a chance just to enjoy their lives a little bit more, to be with their loved ones a little bit longer and feel empowered to take care of themselves,” Loeffler said. Those interested in learning more about PulmaCare can visit pulmacarerehab.com or call (913) 3465688.
community news
Rabbi Mandl bids farewell to Kansas City
Although Rabbi Herbert J. Mandl retired from Kehilath Israel Synagogue (K.I.) on Aug. 1, 2012, he had no immediate plans to move. N now, after being retired for 13 years, Rabbi Mandl and his wife, Barbara, are moving to New York City to be close to their children and grandchildren. They have lived in the Kansas City area for more than 48 years.
Rabbi Mandl has been a resource for K.I.’s current Rabbi Moshe Grussgott and was instrumental in bringing him to K.I. and Kansas City.
Current K.I. Board President Joseph Adamous said the entire board is “so deeply appreciative of Rabbi Mandl’s commitment to the congregation and
Chronicle article announcing the
the entire local Jewish community.”
Rabbi Mandl was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York City in 1969 and
Pre-High Holidays Service of Spiritual Renewal announced
The Jewish Community Chaplaincy Program, housed at Jewish Family Services (JFS), will offer its Service of Spiritual Renewal on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 4 p.m. in the social hall at Village Shalom. (Rosh Hashanah begins on the evening of Monday, Sept. 22.)
This gathering will be led by Jewish Community Chaplain Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick and Lezlie Zucker, music coordinator for Congregation Beth Torah. They will be joined by Rabbi Monica Kleinman, assistant director of programs for the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. The one-hour service will include traditional and contemporary prayers, songs and readings to usher in the High Holiday season and words of hope for the year ahead.
"As a Jewish people contending with the still unfolding post-Oct. 7 trauma that continues in Israel and its reverberations across the Jewish world, getting ready to begin a new year on the Jewish/Hebrew calendar can be both hopeful and uncertain," Rabbi Rudnick said. “As we gather for our next Service of Spiritual Renewal, let us remind
the upcoming Pre-High
days Service of Spiritual Renewal.
each other that hope endures, and the remaining pages of our Books of Life are still unwritten and await our stories. Please join us in community to offer and receive the strength of Jewish human connection.”
Those interested in attending should RSVP by emailing their name and the number of people planning to attend with them to Moshit Snir at chaplaincy@jfskc.org or by calling (913) 327-8250. The Service of Spiritual Renewal will be recorded and made available for viewing after the event at jfskc.org/jewish-resources.
Service of Spiritual Renewal
Aug. 31,
rabbis with the longest tenure in Kansas City history. Among his many achievements are being a founder of Vaad HaKashruth; serving as president of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City three different times; conducting research at the Vatican; teaching at Rockhurst University; and attending almost every Shabbat service when he’s been in town for nearly 50 years.
obtained an Orthodox ordination in 1974. His first job in the rabbinate was in Edmonton, Canada. Prior to coming to Kansas City, he worked as an assistant rabbi for six years in Montreal, Canada.
His 35 years as rabbi of K.I., not counting his time as rabbi emeritus, makes him one of the congregational
“The entire board and congregation cannot thank Rabbi Mandl enough for all that he has done and wish him and Barbara much love as they depart for their new life in New York City,” said Shelley Palmarine, K.I. executive director.
Although he will be moving to New York, he still plans on coming back and checking in on the congregation that he has served for so many years.
Peace of mind is pricele . v
Take a look inside Village Shalom to see our remarkable Long Term Care community. Private suites and the finest in comprehensive skilled nursing services give peace of mind to you and your loved ones.
Learn more at VillageShalom.org or call Lori Carter, Admissions Coordinator, at 913-266-8473 to tour our welcoming senior living community. We look forward to showing you what peace of mind looks like. Welcome to The Village.
The 1977
hiring of Rabbi Mandl at K.I.
Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick and Lezlie Zucker will lead
Holi-
Rabbi Herbert and Barbara Mandl
celebrations and community news
Birth
Zoe Frances Portnoy, daughter of Lara and Zak Portnoy of Holon, Israel, was born on July 30.
Zoe is the granddaughter of Jay and Ellen Portnoy of Overland Park, Kansas, and Efraim and Linda Weigensberg of Zichron Yaacov, Israel.
50th Anniversary
Stephen and Toba Maslan
Stephen and Toba Maslan of Overland Park, Kansas, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Aug. 17.
They are the parents of Shira Wajcman (Michael Wajcman, z”l) and Sarah Stras (Dan Stras), and they have four grandchildren.
Alan Poisner wins four medals at the biannual National Senior Games
Dr. Alan Poisner, a race walker for 40 years, recently won four medals at the biannual National Senior Games. At the competition, held this year in Des Moines, Iowa, Poisner set records for the 90-to-94 age bracket.
Poisner has now been to 16 of the last 17 biannual National Senior Games. He has won many gold medals and holds records in four different age divisions.
At this year’s games, his first medal was won on July 21 in a 5K road race at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. All participants except Poisner were runners. He racewalked the entire course and placed second with a finishing time of 40:05. He was faster than 25 younger athletes participating in other age brackets.
The following day, Poisner won the gold medal in his age division for the “Mile for the Ages Race” around the Iowa State Capitol. This inaugural event was open to the community, and Poisner came in ahead of 70 people in younger divisions.
The second week of the Games was held in Ames, Iowa. On July 28, Poisner won another gold medal in the 1500-meter race walk at the Iowa State University football stadium. All racewalkers had qualified by winning medals in their home states. Poisner’s time of 11:41 was a new record for his age division and faster than 12 younger men in other divisions.
Poisner won his fourth medal, another gold, in the 5K racewalk around the football stadium on July 29. Having held the record for 85-89 division, he set a new record for his current 9094 division with a 43:09 time.
In 1989, Poisner co-founded Heartland Racewalkers and continues with the organization to this day. More information about it is available at heartlandracewalkers.com.
Nico Aaron Rose, son of Joshua Rose and Maria Landoni, will become a bar mitzvah on Saturday, Aug. 16, at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.
Nico’s grandparents are Stephen and Carol Rose of Prairie Village, Kansas; Stella Maria Solanas of San Martin de los Andes, Argentina; and Hilda Paiuk of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
An incoming 7th grader at Indian Hills Middle School, Nico enjoys tennis, horseback riding and golf.
For his mitzvah project, Nico is packaging food for families in need.
Village Shalom invites community to celebrate 25 years on Helzberg Campus
Village Shalom will hold an open house celebration for its 25th anniversary at its current location, the Helzberg Campus. Community members are invited to the gathering on Sept. 7 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Shirley and Barnett Helzberg, Jr., whose leadership and funding helped bring the campus to life, will be celebrated as honorary chairs. The afternoon will include live music, gallery talks, legacy family exhibits, resident engagement stations, food, drink and a video tribute that reflects on the past while looking toward the future of Jewish senior care. The event is free, but for security and spacing, RSVP is required.
Village Shalom’s anniversary celebrations, which honors both 25 years on the Helzberg Campus and more than 100 years of Village Shalom’s mission to care for elders and enrich Jewish life, have been multifaceted. Celebrations began with the annual Father’s Day Run and Anniversary Block Party, where 409 participants ran to benefit memory support.
On June 20, the anniversary of
Village Shalom’s opening day, team members wore commemorative t-shirts and ate scoops of Cherry Jubilee Surprise, a limited-edition ice cream flavor created by Summersalt Ice Cream especially for Village Shalom. All residents were offered the ice cream during dinner, adding a sweet touch to the milestone.
The festivities to honor 25 years on the Helzberg Campus will culminate with the open house. Shirley and Barnett Helzberg, Jr. will be joined with many other celebration committee families who have helped shape Village Shalom’s story.
Those interested in reserving a spot can visit dub.sh/25th-Anniversary by Aug. 18.
Village Shalom Helzberg Campus anniversary Sunday, Sept. 7, 3 to 6 p.m.
Village Shalom, 5500 W. 123rd St., Overland Park, KS 66209
Zoe Frances Portnoy
Bar Mitzvah
Nico Aaron Rose
Alan Poisner at the 2025 National Senior Games.
Community leaders cutting the ribbon to open The Helzberg Campus for Jewish Living at Village Shalom in June of 2000.
community news
Rabbi Amy Wallk, Nina Katz to speak at B’nai Jehudah Shabbat
The Temple Congregation
B’nai Jehudah invites the community to an evening featuring Rabbi Amy Wallk and her daughter, Nina Katz, on Friday, Aug. 22. This Shabbat event, one of the synagogue’s “Rabbi’s Table” gatherings, will include a catered dinner and conversation as an opportunity to welcome Shabbat through learning and connection.
Attendees will hear from Nina Katz, who will share her personal journey as a lone soldier serving in the Israel Defense Forces. Her mother, Rabbi Amy Wallk, will reflect on the emotional experience of parenting a child in active service from afar. This edition of “Rabbi’s Table” replaces B’nai Jehudah’s traditional Shabbat service, though the Mourner’s Kaddish will
still be recited.
Rabbi Wallk is known in the Kansas City Jewish community, having lived in the area from 1995 to 2008. She was the founding director of the Department for Adult Jewish Learning (1996 to 2006) and later as associate rabbi at Congregation Beth Shalom (2006 to 2008). Rabbi Wallk also continues to teach Melton classes, sharing her love of Jewish learning with adults across the community.
Seating is limited, and advance registration is required for dinner. More information, registration and payment is available at bnaijehudah.shulcloud.com/form/ August22Rabbi'sTable.
Rabbi’s Table with Rabbi Wallk and Nina Katz
Friday, Aug. 22, 6 p.m.
B’nai Jehudah, 12320 Nall Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66209
Overland Park police officer to present to JULIETs
All Jewish women are invited to attend the next Jewish Unforgettable Ladies Interested in Eating Together (JULIETs) event, which will feature a presentation by Officer Wes Griffith of the Overland Park Police Department. Griffith was recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice for an innovative program that he created and implemented to increase safety and security in residential neighborhoods. The event will be held on Sunday, Aug. 24, from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Congregation Beth Torah (6100 W. 127th St., Overland Park, KS 66209). This month’s JULIETs event is a week earlier than usual due to Labor Day weekend. Griffith will speak to participants
about how to protect themselves and prevent crime. Topics to be addressed include the effectiveness of video doorbells; dealing with solicitors; how to deal with others’ road rage; how to detect a scam and more.
Women can reserve their seat by emailing Susie Klinock at Juliets. KC@gmail.com by Aug. 21. Admission is free, but each woman must have a reserved seat.
Attendees should bring their lunch and arrive by 12:15 p.m. to check in so the event can begin promptly. No synagogue affiliation is required to attend, and attendees should bring their own lunch or snack. Beverages and paper goods will be provided.
JULIETs with Officer Wes Griffith
Sunday, Aug. 24, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Beth Torah, 6100 W. 127th St., Overland Park, KS 66209
Raising Charitable Children
For Parents & Grandparents of Children Up to Age 18
Sunday, September 14 9:30-11:30 am Social Hall of the Jewish Community Campus 5801 W. 115th Street, Overland Park, KS
Join us for a complimentary event featuring MiaLisa Millares, executive director of Doing Good Together and an authority on family philanthropy, volunteering as a family and parenting with purpose.
Childcare available upon request.
For more information and to register, visit jcfkc.org/children
Officer Wes Griffith of the Overland Park Police Department.
This week in history
35 years
45 years
ALANPOISNER
• Alan Poisner (pg. 4)
FINANCIALLITERACY INTROTOJUDAISM
• Lily Kanter (pg. 9)
JEFFUDELL JWVSCHOLARSHIPS LEIBAESTRIN
• Police officer (pg. 5)
• Financial literacy (pg. 9)
LILYKANTER NINAKATZ POLICEOFFICER
• Intro to Judaism (pg. 8)
• Micah Levine (pg. 1)
• PulmaCare (pg. 1)
• Mika Kislanski (pg. 13)
• Rabbi Mandl (pg. 3)
RABBIMANDL RABBIWALLK SPIRITUALRENEWAL
STUFFOFDREAMS VILLAGESHALOM MIKAKISLANSKI
• Jeff Udell (pg. 8)
• Josef Loeffler (pg. 1)
• Nina Katz (pg. 5)
• Rabbi Wallk (pg. 5)
DRMICAHLEVINE JOSEFLOEFFLER PULMACARE ONEBIGBEAUTIFULBILLACT
• JWV scholarships (pg. 8)
• Leiba Estrin (pg. 8)
• One Big Beautiful Bill Act (pg. 1)
• Spiritual renewal (pg. 3)
• “Stuff of Dreams” (pg. 9)
• Village Shalom (pg. 4)
The Chronicle included a special section highlighting women leaders in the community. Among the featured leaders were Mollie Zoglin, Joan March, Rayma Dines and Evelyn Campbell.
Community members and leaders attended the Jewish Community Foundation’s Create a Jewish Legacy Ice Cream Social where they connected with communal colleagues and learned about JCF’s planned giving programming. Pictured are (from left) Derek Gale, Suzanne Galblum Dicken and Cindy Bodker; Annie Glickman and Roberta Goller; and Jeff Udell, Elizabeth Peden, Hilary Singer and David Spizman.
a blood drive at Kehilath Israel Synagogue on July 29. Pictured are (front row, from left) Scott Bronston, Bill Greenberg, Julie London and Mark London with blood donors and blood drive workers.
Right: More than 60 Ben Gurion Society (BGS) members joined Federation for its annual Big Ben Event at the Museum of BBQ. The Big Ben Event serves as an opportunity for BGS members to celebrate their shared impact on our community, while exploring all Kansas City has to offer. Pictured are (top) Scott Susman, Jared Levy, Larry Silver, David Katz, Neil Miller, Bradley Friedman and Joseph Dieker; and Shoshy Susman, Alyson Dieker, Lauren Levy, Renee Polsky Silver, Baree Nottberg and Melanie Soltz.
School Supplies
Left: Israel Days at JCamp were a celebration of Israeli culture and spirit. Throughout the day, they explored life in Israel through stories, games, and shared experiences with Israeli emissaries. Many of the campers participated in an Israeli Shuk, to which families donated toys, stuffed animals, books and other items. Campers used shekels (Israeli coins) and had to bargain. The programs were funded by the Mit-Habrim Yamim grant and Josef Loeffler.
Above center: Jewish Family Services and NCJW recently provided backpacks filled with school supplies and to students whose families are JFS clients. Recipients were invited into the Jewish Community Campus to enjoy some light refreshments and create buttons, make coloring sheets and pick up a pair of JFS sunglasses. JFS Social Worker Moshit Snir (far right) helped make buttons while recipient families enjoyed coloring.
Above right: Members of Cub Scouts Pack 3153 participated in a KC Kollel event at the Mitzvah Garden. They helped harvest produce and pull weeds and then participated in a learning session presented by Kollel. So far this growing season, the Mitzvah Garden has harvested over 4,000 lbs. of produce that is donated to low income communities in the Kansas City area.
Above: Jewish War Veterans held
Ice Cream Social
JWV Blood Drive
Big Ben
Cub Scouts
Copper plate
By Ellie Holsten
This copper plate is one of the few examples of Judaica produced by Danish artist Mogens Ballin. Ballin (18711914) was born into a wealthy Jewish family in Copenhagen. While studying French from a woman named Mette, he became familiar with the work of her husband, known post-impressionist painter Paul Gauguin. Ballin later met up with Gauguin in Paris and joined the Nabis artists’ group. Later, Ballin opened a metalwork workshop and created pieces inspired by the Art Nouveau movement. This plate was made in that workshop.
Jewish symbols on this plate include Kohen hands, the Ten Commandments, pomegranates and a pair of shofars. The plate also features a bird with a cluster of grapes in its beak. These designs were made with repousse work, meaning that the designs were pressed outward from the back of the piece. Engravings reference names of angels. Other known Judaica pieces created by Ballin include other plates, a Hanukkah menorah and a tzedakah box, but this sort of work from him was very rare.
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.
JCF welcomes Jeff Udell and Leiba Estrin as new staff
The Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) recently hired two new staff members to join its accounting team.
At the end of June, JCF welcomed Jeff Udell as its new accounting professional. In this role, Udell processes donations, assists with the database and special projects and supports overall accounting operations. This new position was created as the Foundation has grown to help continue providing the highest quality of service to its fundholders.
Udell is a Kansas City native and active member of the Jewish community. He has a background in accounting operations, team leadership and process improvement across both hospitality and software-as-a-service startups. He and his wife, Farrah, have two children.
"I am excited to join the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City because it plays an important role in supporting the Jewish community and a wide range of philanthropic efforts," Udell said. "The op-
portunity to help individuals and families give to the causes they care most about is incredibly meaningful and rewarding."
To succeed Roberta Goller, who will retire this month after nearly 21 years of dedicated service to the Foundation, Leiba Estrin was hired in July as JCF’s new grants manager. She is responsible for processing grants and supporting fundholders. Estrin recently relocated to the area from Florida through the Jewish Federation's SeeKC program. She and her husband, Srulie, were looking for a welcoming place in which to raise their two children and were impressed by Kansas City's vibrant Jewish community.
cations, with a primary focus on nonprofit organizations. She has worked extensively in community building and advocacy efforts to support Jewish causes.
"Supporting people in their philanthropic endeavors is extremely meaningful to me as the impact is far-reaching and can be felt right away," Estrin said. "My goal as JCF grants manager is to make a difference for both donors and recipients, to make sure they realize the extent that they are partnering to grow the Jewish community and secure its future."
Estrin's professional background includes marketing and communi-
The Foundation encourages the community to stop by its office in Suite 104 of the Jewish Community Campus to say hello and get to know Udell and Estrin.
Jewish War Veterans awards scholarships
Jewish War Veterans MO-KAN Post 605 announced that it has awarded academic scholarships to seven local students.
“Students were selected from a large pool of applications based on demonstrated academic ability, extra-curricular involvement and
overall application quality. We had many impressive applicants this year,” said Josh Goldfarb, Post 605’s Vice Commander and this year’s scholarship committee chairman.
Scholarships were awarded from post funds and honored the names of long-time post members Aaron Braeman, Marvin Denton,
Meyer “Mike” Katzman and Marvin Korn. Funding was also supplemented by funds made available by deceased post member Sam Pasmanik under the Gertrude Pasmanik Scholarship Fund. MO-KAN Post 605 meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Jewish Community Campus. JWV membership information is available by contacting the post via email at jwvpost605@outlook.com.
Intro to Judaism program launching this month
Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of Jewish Federation and The J, is launching the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program, an 18-week course designed for anyone who is Jewish or curious about Judaism. This course will be held weekly at The J and is open to participants of all backgrounds, regardless of age, faith or experience.
Led by Jewish clergy, the program will provide participants with a foundational understanding of Jewish history, culture, values and traditions. It’s a supportive environment where
participants can learn, grow and connect with the community.
This course will be held at The J, with room locations shared upon registration. Sessions will take place on Thursday evenings across the following dates: Aug. 28; Sept. 4, 11 and 18; Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30; Nov. 6, 13 and 20; Dec. 4, 11 and 18; and Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29.
The full cost of the program includes access to weekly class materials, a textbook and exclusive bonus content from the Maas Center at American Jewish University. “On One Foot,” the official
companion book of the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program, is included in the tuition fee. Need-based scholarships are available upon request.
Introduction to Judaism will include topics ranging from “Torah: Our People’s Story” to “Jews and Food” and more. No prior knowledge is needed. This course is taught through a educational with the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program of American Jewish University.
More information is available at tinyurl.com/2vbmxmsp.
Jeff Udell and Leiba Estrin
‘Stuff of Dreams’ to premiere at White Theatre
“Stuff of Dreams,” a new musical, will have its world premiere at The Lewis and Shirley White Theatre at The J on Sept. 13.
Co-writer Barbara Nichols directs, while fellow co-writer Krista Eyler stars as one of the show’s leads. The show tells the story of a small-town theatre group given the chance to put on a hit Broadway musical. “Stuff of Dreams” is a “show within a show” that celebrates the grit and heart behind every curtain call.
Developed over the past two years, “Stuff of Dreams” is a tribute to community theatre and the people who keep it alive.
“This show is our love letter to local theatre,” Nichols said. “We want to show what it takes to keep grassroots theatres going — including the constant financial struggles, collaboration and dedication of all involved. Many of the characters and situations come from our combined experience of working in community theatre for the past 30+ years.”
Nichols and Eyler initially set out to write a musical version of the cult classic film “Waiting for Guffman,” but when that project stalled, the
pair decided to craft their own story drawn from decades of real-life experiences.
“It’s a hilarious, heartwarming musical written specifically for fans of community and musical theatre,” said Jonah Greene, The J’s new arts and culture director. “With its original story and local roots, ‘Stuff of Dreams’ captures the passion, humor and resilience that define small-town theatre, and we’re thrilled to premiere it on our stage.”
Tickets for “Stuff of Dreams” are available now at TheWhiteTheatre. org. Performance dates and times include Saturdays, Sept. 13 and 20, at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, Sept. 14 and 21, at 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m.
“Stuff of Dreams” marks the end of the season at The White Theatre. The 2025–2026 season will kick off with “Hello, Dolly,” running from Nov 1 to 23, 2025. The new season also features a full lineup of productions, including “Rent,” “The Play That Goes Wrong” and “Disney’s Frozen.” For show details, performance dates and tickets, visit TheWhiteTheatre.org.
KU Chabad, KU Jewish Business Club offer financial literacy course
A new KU Chabad course led by the Jewish Business Club is aiming to equip students with tools to build a strong financial future. Last semester, a new six-week financial literacy course was launched to give students practical skills in money management, investing and long-term financial planning. Sessions are held in the KU School of Business.
A partial view of the students participating in the financial literacy course this past semester at the KU School of Business.
leadership development, and now, practical financial education.
Lily Kanter to be featured at Federation Women of Strength event
Entrepreneur, philanthropist and home design expert Lily Kanter will be the featured speaker at Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City’s 2025 Women of Strength event.
The event will be on Monday, Oct. 20, with Ora Reynolds serving as the honorary chair. Registration will open in September.
provide direct aid and support on-the-ground. Along with her husband, Marc Sarosi, she founded the Sarosi-Kanter Charitable Foundation.
The course is part of the Jewish Business Club (JBC), an active and growing community of Jewish students within KU’s School of Business. Led by Chabad student interns, the club brings together students for networking, mentorship,
The course is led by KU Chabad alumnus Jordan Herwig, now a financial advisor at Gen4 Wealth Advisors. Drawing on the principles of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, the course aims to build students’ financial confidence as they prepare for life after KU.
This course is one of more than 53 programs KU Chabad offers throughout the year.
“We know that different students
Kanter, a native Kansas Citian, established the successful home furnishing company Serena & Lily, known for coastal inspired, “breezy California style” home décor, alongside Serena Dugan. She has also cofounded and served as the CEO of Boon Supply and Mill Valley Baby & Kids Home.
Though Kanter’s career in the home design industry continues to be widely successful, her story did not start with home design. Before starting a family, Kanter worked in accounting and technology, holding high-level positions at Microsoft and Deloitte. She was awarded the Frontier awards from Bill Gates after work on Microsoft’s first retail presence in San Francisco, California.
In 2002, she was featured on the cover of Time Magazine alongside other influential individuals for the story “The New Philanthropists” for her work sponsoring and mentoring disadvantaged young adults into technology careers.
Kanter is known for her support of Jewish and Israeli organizations, with a focus on grassroots movements that
connect in different ways, some through Shabbat dinners, some through social events and others through leadership opportunities or practical life skills,” said Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, co-director of KU Hillel. “That’s why we are always expanding our offerings, creating multiple gateways for students to plug in and feel connected as part of the community. Whether it’s academic pressure, social struggles, mental health or planning for life after college, KU Chabad strives to be a trusted source of support at every step.”
Dori Jezmir, past co-president of the
In 2018, Kanter opened Boon Supply. Through the sale of more than 200 products, including reusable totes and sustainable kitchen tools, Boon Supply merged Kanter’s love of giving back with her eye for design and product. Donating 40-to-50% of its proceeds, the venture gave $102 million to schools and educational organizations.
Most recently, Kanter founded Averylily, a design studio focusing on supporting female artists and creators from across the globe, and Empower Her, and investing collective impacting female-led ventures.
About her upbringing in Kansas City, Kanter told the Jewish United Fund in Chicago, “Both of my parents devoted their lives to helping other people. My father was a physician and ran the Kansas City public health department, and my mother taught public school in a very disadvantaged area of the city. They were very much about opening the doors to others, including Soviet Jews. My father instilled in me a very serious dedication to the continuity of the Jewish community.”
Kanter attended Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy through middle school. She graduated from Center High School in Kansas City, Missouri, and currently serves on the board of the Bay Area Jewish Federation.
JBC, said that “We’re incredibly grateful to Jordan Herwig and Gen4 Wealth Advisors for partnering with us in launching this transformative course, one that empowers students not just for the classroom, but for life. It was amazing to see the impact of this course and how much the students enjoyed it.”
This financial literacy course was made possible through the Kehilah Initiative, a program supported by the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. Kehilah is focused on reaching Jewish students who may feel underengaged or disconnected.
Lily Kanter
Ingredients
• Pastry
• 1 cup of grated pineapple
• Sugar
• Butter
• Deep fat
• Powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Roll pastry thin and cut into 4-inch squares.
2. Drain the syrup from the cup of grated pineapple.
3. On the center of each square, place 1 tbsp. of the drained pineapple and 1 tsp. each of sugar and butter.
4. Moisten the edges of the pastry and fold together in the form of triangles, pressing the edges firmly together.
5. Fry until brown in deep fat.
6. Drain on brown paper.
7. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act will impact Jewish community safety net, philanthropy
continued from page 1
complex and bureaucratic process to access these benefits is expected to become even more confusing, which will result in people not receiving the help they need.”
The OBBBA also cuts more than $1.2 trillion from Medicaid over 10 years, rolls back Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and narrows eligibility and imposes stricter work requirements.
Thousands in Kansas City may lose Medicaid coverage, including older adults, people with disabilities and low-income families. Social service nonprofits may face an influx of uninsured individuals needing help accessing mental health care, addiction services, and case management (also basic medical services, prescription drugs and home health care — even though no Jewish agency directly provides these services, many see clients whose wellbeing will be impacted by this loss).
Schools and senior programs may see ripple effects — such as people will be less healthy, impacting their ability to learn, thrive, enjoy life and contribute to the community — as more families experience financial instability tied to healthcare costs.
“At JFS, we are preparing to step up our support for individuals and families, including older adults, who may be affected,” DeWilde said. “However, the uncertainty surrounding these changes makes it difficult to plan effectively, especially as the timeline and details continue to shift. We are monitoring developments closely.
“We understand how unsettling this uncertainty is, especially when it touches the most basic needs of our neighbors,” she continued. “JFS is grateful to be part of a community that has stood together in difficult times for over a century, and we remain committed to stand with you as a source of support for our community, no matter what lies ahead.”
The OBBBA reduces federal Medicaid reimbursement for nursing homes, narrows eligibility for long-term care benefits, and disincentivizes homeand community-based services for older adults and people with disabilities. Medicaid funds more than 60% of longterm care nationally; cuts will hit nursing homes and in-home care services hard. Seniors relying on Medicaid for long-term care — either in facilities or at home — may face reduced access or experience wait times. Family caregivers may bear more practical, financial and emotional burdens, increasing demand for caregiver support services offered by nonprofit agencies.
“Based on local and national funding trends, we know that the future includes more Village Shalom residents requiring financial assistance,” said Simon Abrahms, CEO of Village Shalom. “By operating as effectively as possible and through careful planning, we’re ensuring that residents and their families continue to benefit from evolving programs and services. Village Shalom invites donors, volunteers and community partners to join us in sustaining a vibrant, compassionate village, where local seniors thrive — with the comfort of knowing that no one has had to leave Village Shalom due to lack of funds.”
For those who regularly support charities, JCF says there are many good
reasons to continue to do so, whether or not they are benefiting from a tax deduction for those gifts.
“Our community needs you, now more than ever,” Suzanne Galblum Dicken, JCF director of philanthropy, said. “We know that philanthropy is an important value for many families regardless of tax incentives. As always, we encourage you to consult your tax advisors to assess how these changes may impact your personal financial situation.”
The Jewish Community Foundation is working with communal organizations to understand these challenges and ensure our community’s safety-net stays strong. They suggest the following actions for how people can continue to support the Jewish community:
• Open a JCF donor advised fund, which simplifies giving and offers tax and planning advantages. (For new JCF DAFs, JCF will match the first donation to the nonprofit of the donor’s choice, up to $1,000.)
• Donate appreciated stock.
• Donate to JCF’s Community Legacy Fund.
• Contact JCF to connect with local nonprofits in need of support.
• Consider accelerating payments for multi-year commitments.
• Create a planned gift for the future.
• Volunteer at community organizations, such as staffing the JFS Food Pantry, delivering meals to seniors through Kansas City Kosher Meals on Wheels, or helping support refugees at Jewish Vocational Service.
Tax implications on charitable giving
Community donors and philanthropists will also be affected by the OBBBA’s tax policies.
For standard tax deductions, The OBBBA makes permanent the increases under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), increasing the standard deduction for 2025 to $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for taxpayers who are married and filing jointly. The new law also expands the “bonus” deduction for taxpayers 65 and older through 2028, based on filing status and modified adjusted gross income.
Under the new law, individuals who itemize may take charitable deductions only to the extent the charitable continued on next page
community news
continued from previous page
deductions exceed 0.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI) and only on the portion of contributions in excess of 0.5% of AGI. Furthermore, taxpayers in the top bracket can only claim a 35% tax deduction for charitable gifts instead of the full 37% that would otherwise apply to their income tax rate. The final bill also extended the 60% of AGI contribution limitation for cash gifts made to certain qualifying charities.
With even fewer taxpayers eligible to itemize and deductions capped for high-income earners, JCF predicts a continuation of a “chilling” effect on charitable giving that occurred in the wake of the TCJA. For some donors, it may make sense to accelerate charitable giving into donor advised funds during the remainder of 2025.
For non-itemized deductions, the OBBBA includes a provision, effective after 2025, allowing non-itemizers to take a charitable deduction of $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for taxpayers who are married and filing jointly. As has been the case in the past, gifts to donor advised funds are not eligible. After the TCJA went into effect, the number of households in the U.S. that itemized deductions dropped to under 10%. Over the last 20 years, the number of U.S. adults who give to charity in any given year has dropped from nearly two-thirds to less than half, according
to some studies. Against this backdrop, the OBBBA’s deduction for non-itemizers has the potential to re-motivate charitable giving among a significant number of households.
The OBBBA also makes permanent the increase in the unified credit and generation-skipping transfer tax exemption threshold. The 2025 exemption is $13.99 million for single filers and $27.98 million married filing jointly. In 2026, these numbers will increase to $15 million and $30 million respectively.
Purely estate tax-based incentives to give to charity continue to apply only to the ultra-wealthy, likely resulting in a continuation of the taxpayer behavior triggered by the TCJA. In other words, most people will give to charity during their lifetimes and in their estates for reasons other than a tax deduction. There is no guarantee that the estate tax exemption will stay high forever. As families work with their tax and estate planning advisors, many are viewing the next two years as an important window to plan ahead. The upshot of the new law is that high net-worth taxpayers now have more time to consider estate planning strategies, including charitable giving.
Suzanne Galblum Dicken can be contacted for more information about JCF or how the OBBBA affects philanthropy at (913) 327-8286 or by email at sdicken@jcfkc.org.
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.
Who’s the immigrant in your family?
By Mary M. Greenberg, Ph.D.
“You look so American!” What an awkward welcome upon my return to Greece, my homeland. I was intensely attached to my birthplace and wanted to blend in and belong.
This season, we read in the Book of Numbers that the Israelites had embarked on demanding journeys for decades. So, too, we modern day immigrants have journeyed from the known to the unknown and from the past into the future.
Upon returning to my homeland, I had to face both the sorrow and joy of memory. I lived a happy childhood but left my beloved home when I was only
six years old. Being a youngster didn’t matter because deep rooted impressions of home traveled with me. Sure, I needed reminders like snapshots of my family and me wearing travel clothes. They were woolen. A ship crossing the North Atlantic Ocean in March required a warm snug hat, long heavy coat and matching pants. With gloomy skies of heavy clouds, the roiling waves made for a dark forbidding crossing.
To begin back home, something noteworthy happened. My parents took in a family of renters. Though the small house was crowded, both benefited. continued on next page
By Molly Hess Jewish Experiences
I don’t know about you, but this summer was one of the fastest and most full summers I have ever experienced. It was full of sunshine, community, family and so much more. This summer was a big summer of change and learning. Previously, I was a part-time worker, mostly stay-at-home parent. For the first summer in seven years of parenthood, I worked fulltime. Here are the things I learned: It’s okay to let go, to let your kids drive the schedule (to some extent). It’s okay to skip a bath and spend long afternoons at the pool. In comparison to the school year, summer can be so fulfilling by not doing anything and providing space to relax. In our house, I noticed that by stepping back and letting go, our kids found creative ways to play and create their own experiences. Yes, our house was left a mess most days, but they could pick up the next day where they left off and continue their imaginative play. Letting go and leaving room for mess was an integral part of our summer.
You don’t have to create core memories; you just have to be present. This summer I learned to put my phone down and to just be present with my kids. They created their own core memories by sliding down the “big slide” at The J and having spur-of-the-moment play dates with the neighbors. The things we look back at together are dance parties, pool time and eating hot dogs with extra ketchup. Oh, and ice cream… lots of ice cream.
This summer we had the honor of hosting a camp shlicha (emissary) from Israel. Shir lived with us for three weeks, teaching us about Israel from the inside out. This gave our family a connection to Israel that is deeper and more meaningful than we could possibly explain. While we were hesitant to have an extra person in the house, it turned out to be one of our best decisions all summer. This experience taught me to open my door literally and
metaphorically to new people and new experiences.
Jewish joy and community is fundamental to who I am. I went to summer camp for 15 years and as an adult have rarely experienced that level of enthusiasm, joy and ability to go “full Jewish” in a long time. I had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Maccabi Games in Tucson, Arizona, where I witnessed Jewish teenagers from around the world engage in Olympic-style sporting events. I saw teens who are the only Jewish kids at their schools competing alongside teens from Israel. I listened as they talked about what is important to them as Jewish youth and learned about what they care about when thinking about tikkun olam. To be in an environment where teens felt comfortable, safe and embraced for their Jewish identity felt transformative to witness. I can only imagine how it felt to be on the inside and feel it as an athlete. I am more motivated than ever to host the Maccabi Games here next summer.
Going back to school is hard… even for me. I can’t believe this summer has flown by, it has been full in every way possible. We have experienced very high highs this summer and the lowest of lows. Backto-school anxiety is real. We have been talking a lot about how you can be nervous and excited at the same time, and when I am giving a pep talk about second grade to my kiddo, I kind of feel like I am giving a pep talk to myself as well. The unknown of who your teacher is and if you will have friends in class is hard to grapple with. For grownups, we worry for our kids and how the new school year will treat and challenge them. We also worry about all the other things we are being dealt with in this world. I keep reminding myself that back to school is also a new beginning and try to ground myself in the excitement of new beginnings.
I’m not ready to say goodbye to summer, late nights, sleepy mornings, fireflies and ice cream. I’m sad that our house will be a little less messy and we will have to follow a routine, but such is life, and another summer will be here soon enough.
Lofty prayers commentary
After hearing about all the airplane near-misses (which should more accurately be called nearhits), I often pray before boarding. “Please let me arrive safely. And may the flight be on time, the plane not be full, and my luggage not be lost. Amen.”
I usually offer these pleas silently while waiting at the gate. But if time allows, I’ll make my way to the space designated in many airports for this purpose: the airport chapel. More than two-thirds of American airports provide these dedicated praying places. The Dallas-Fort Worth airport has five. Atlanta has three. But good luck finding one in Las Vegas. They have zero.
The first airport chapel, Our Lady of the Airways, opened in Boston in 1951 so Catholic employees could attend daily mass. Our Lady of the Skies at Idlewild in New York came next, followed by Protestant establishments at various airports. The first airport synagogue, International Synagogue, opened at JFK Airport in 1967. Continuing to this day, it serves as a place to daven, study and find kosher food — top priorities for many of us.
Over time, most of these religious spaces morphed into interfaith chapels for contemplation and meditation along with (or more likely instead of) prayer. Whenever I travel, I visit as many of these spaces that I can and have found that — as sociologist Wendy Cadge noted in a Smithsonian article — no two look alike.
Starting here in Kansas City, the new airport does not offer a chapel per se, but provides three “Specialty Rooms” for decompressing. The Quiet Room offers padded benches and foot rests for quietly relaxing and escaping all the tumult. The Sensory Room is intended to calm overwhelmed and overstimulated travelers (aren’t we all?), especially passengers with autism or dementia who need a dark, soothing environment. And nervous passengers can make an appointment at the KC Air Travel Experience Room, where an airplane simulator lets them practice flying before boarding.
San Francisco Airport (SFO) describes their Reflection Room as “a center for quiet self-reflection and meditation,” which sounds very apt for California. And because it is located outside of security, you can pray for short lines and minimally-invasive body searches.
In Chicago’s Midway chapel, the ceiling displays a compass so Jews and Muslims will know which direction to face for prayer. A Dallas chapel hangs prayer rugs on what look like bathroom towel racks. In the Houston chapel, I counted one copy of the Bible in English, three in Spanish and a single copy of the Hebrew Tanach, which was emblazoned in one-inch font with the donor’s names — L. and E. Lerner — on the cover.
Speaking of giving, the Houston chapel provides a slot for placing donations and prayer requests — please don’t fold the envelopes — and a QR code for making tax-deductible donations. Or you can send money via Venmo.
As a sign of the times, in the Albany airport chapel, guests are respectfully asked to “refrain from using laptop computers or cell phones.” Likewise, the Christian Science Reading Room at SFO welcomes all and promises, “If you stop by to be quiet, that’s what we’ll let you do.”
In one chapel I visited, someone had positioned the kneeling bench to face a blank wall so when you genuflect, you appear to be praying to the electric outlet directly in front of you. I found this particularly appropriate because when I fly, I always pray for technology to work. Please, G-d. May the electricity and all the computer systems on theplanefunction.Andmaytheair traffic controllers be wide awake whentheyaccessthem.Amen.
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 www.kaliwellinc.com and email is nancykalikowmaxwell@gmail.com.
Who’s the immigrant in your family?
continued from previous page to Greece recently, I was reminded of my treasured girlhood adventures and experienced the heartaches of separation and loss.
My parents collected rent, and the family had a place to live in what remained of a war broken country.
The mother and father, with two young sons, became an extended family of dear ones for me. They embraced me as one of their own. The white-hot sun, verdant grass pulsing with flowers of upturned faces, and picnic food of farm fresh vegetables and phyllo turnovers completed the much-loved outings. I was their guest, too, at celebrations of weddings and birthdays, and even infants’ baptisms. Even taking a child on visits to cemetery graves, surprisingly, were not out of bounds. These are childhood memories of a good life. A life so good that nothing else mattered, or so it seemed. Suddenly, I watched my parents packing suitcases and eventually selling the house without explaining anything to me. They had decided to flee Europe by turning toward the West, to America. For me, it was the saddest of times. There is no leaving a beloved life without sorrow. We immigrants, by necessity, leave those loved ones who had made life whole for us. The separation from family hurts deeply, be they close or distant relatives, or in our special circumstance, dear friends. Returning
Mine is but one example of an immigrant's life; one etched with sorrow at having to leave a place called home. A home filled with love and cherished moments. Moments that can only be remembered but never relived. Difficult as it was for my parents, they had decided to leave, filled with hope, for a fresh start in a new land.
I am happy for you, if your relatives were the immigrants in your family. You see, you are the beneficiary of the long-ago trauma of some family member leaving home to start anew in an unknown place with an unknown future. Fresh starts, but with longing for a life that had vanished forever.
I trust you are making the most of your own life by loving this country and always acting to protect its freedoms.
Mary M. Greenberg, Ph.D., serves on the State of Kansas Holocaust Commission. Her speaking engagements on preventing antisemitism are based on her research that advances the study of the Jewish people in the Diaspora. She is dedicated, also, to writing about how a Jewish perspective enriches our contemporary lives.
Air raid sirens are not the music to labor through
By Ellen Portnoy
I had an out of body experience. My body was in Holon, Israel, with my husband, as my daughter and son-in-law were at a hospital where my daughter was in active labor. But my heart was with them. We had been awaiting the arrival of our newest granddaughter with excited anticipation.
As we waited for news, a different sound interrupted our reverie. It was not the buzzing of a cell phone with information or pictures. Instead, it was the sounds of sirens as the Houthis sent another ballistic missile towards Israel.
As we ran to the mamad (saferoom), I panicked. I have lived through sirens in Israel before. But now my thoughts were on my daughter delivering a new life into the world. Was the birthing room in a safe place? My son-in-law reassured me. At the same time, my cousins also started texting to make sure we were okay. They also let me
know that the birthing rooms were safe from rockets.
My granddaughter was born in the early morning hours of the next day. Her arrival being heralded by air raid sirens led my mind to wander. What will it be like for her to grow up in a country where there are air raid sirens weekly? Where you never know who will attack next? I honestly believe that all residents of Israel have a little PTSD, and I am sad that my granddaughter will have to live with the sounds of sirens in her life.
But at the same time, I have to think about pregnant mothers in other areas of the world that are not safe. I cannot imagine how a pregnant mother feels who lives in Yemen, Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, the Druze community of Syria or Iran.
How do those women cope?
Here in Israel, there is the security
A farewell to the Kansas City Jewish community
By Mika Kislanski Kansas City Community Shlicha
Two years ago, my arrival in Kansas City was a whirlwind of anxiety and plans for how I’d bring Israel to life in this community. I was excited to teach, share stories and culture, build bridges and talk openly about the wonders and complexities of Israeli society. Having gone through extensive Jewish Agency for Israel training — and being the daughter of a former shlicha, having spent several years of my life in the United States — I thought I knew what I was signing up for.
Less than three weeks into my time as shlicha, the entire purpose of my role shifted. Oct. 7 shattered every assumption I had, not just about my job but also about the kind of emotional and communal labor it would require. Suddenly, I had to do what no one prepares you for: grieve both publicly and privately while helping a community do the same. I became a translator of loss, representative of a country in crisis and space holder for fear, confusion, solidarity and pain.
As difficult as those days and months were, they also revealed the deepest purpose of this work. In the aftermath, the Kansas City Jewish community showed up. You asked hard questions. You leaned in, even when it hurt. Together we lit candles, sang songs and
stood together in moments of silence and defiance. I saw what peoplehood looks like — not in theory, but in practice. I felt what it means to be held by a community, and I hope I was able to offer that same sense of connection in return.
Despite my rocky start, these two years have also held a lot of creativity, learning and joy. There was the deep honor of partnering with PJ Library to bring artist Hanoch Piven to Kansas City and watching students and adults alike explore identity and memory through art. There were conversations sparked by Irene Shavit’s visit and our
collaboration with Herzl camp — conversations about resilience, survival and overcoming trauma. There was the launch of our teen Israel leadership fellowship, where we tackled the hard questions about advocacy, identity and nuance with some of the most thoughtful young people I’ve ever met. There were the songs sung at CDC Shabbats and the long, intricate conversations with KU Hillel students. There were Israel days at camp, shuk simulations, food, dance and endless, beautiful mess.
Throughout my time here, I’ve had the absolute privilege to work with nearly every corner of the Kansas City Jewish community – from Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy to KU Hillel, JCamp to the CDC, adult learners to preschoolers, and regular visits to all five religious schools in the area. I’ve cooked, danced, debated, mourned and celebrated alongside you. I’ve helped teens ask tough questions about Israel, and I’ve painted anemones with kids too small to reach the table. And through it all, I’ve seen a community that deeply cared about both me and Israel.
Being a shlicha means carrying a lot at once: the pride and the pain of Israel, the joy and the frustration of representing something deeply personal to people who see it differently than you. It’s about building bridges — but also,
S T R E N G T H S T R E N G T H W O M E N W O M E N of
Sav e the Date
& Lil y Monday e v ening, October 20
sometimes, standing in the middle of them during a storm.
Kansas City has shown me what Jewish life looks like when it's intentional and reminded me that Israel-Diaspora connection isn’t a slogan — it’s something real, human and alive. This work, whether through art, conversation, ritual or education, has shown me just how deeply people here want to connect with Israel. And yet, I’ve also felt the tension: the fear that engaging with Israel’s complexity might fracture that connection. But I’ve found the opposite to be true. It’s the willingness to sit with the hard questions, to explore the gray areas, that creates the strongest and most lasting relationships.
That’s exactly why how we teach Israel matters so much. If we want future generations to stay connected, we have to offer them the full picture. We have to stop pretending that love and critique can’t exist in the same sentence. Our kids are capable of understanding nuance — they live in a complex world already. If we teach only a flat or idealized version of Israel, we risk losing them when that image cracks. But if we invite them into the layered, emotional and sometimes painful truth, we give them something worth holding on to. We need to raise our youth to love Israel not because it’s perfect, but because it’s theirs, and they have a role in shaping it. Israel education that embraces complexity doesn’t weaken connection — it deepens it. I’d like to encourage you to lean into that.
As I return home, I carry this community with me. I’ll be telling the story of Kansas City — the Jewish community in the middle of America that showed up not just for Israel’s 76th birthday but also for its darkest days. A community that reminded me why the shlichut program matters more now than ever.
with featured speak er co-founder
Lil y Kanter
of Serena
I’d hate to end with the cliché of “L’hitraot” — it feels too formal for a goodbye to a community that’s been home for the past two years. Instead, I’ll leave you with the word I’ve used every single day on my way out of the office or a meeting. It’s casual, warm and a little silly, but it carries connection, familiarity and the assumption that we’ll see each other again. So to all of you, from the bottom of my heart: “bye-ush.”
Thank you for everything. Truly.
Kansas City Community Shlicha Mika Kislanski
obituaries
Carolyn Goldman
Carolyn Goldman passed away on Aug. 3 at the age of 95 in Leawood, Kansas.
Carolyn was born on June 3, 1930, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Morris Cohen and Rose (Burgheimer) Cohen. She lived a long and meaningful life, guided by an open mind, a curious spirit and a love for exploring new places. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and traveling, and she was an accomplished artist in watercolor, clay and wood carving.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Stanley Lyle Goldman.
She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, William and Emily Goldman and Lawrence and Silvia Goldman; her daughter and son-inlaw, Linda and Scott Wolpert; her beloved grandchildren, Evan Goldman, Elizabeth and Christian Morales, Michael and Angela Cherman, Cynthia Levin-Goldman, Max Levin, Brian Goldman, Fernanda Reyes, Alexander Goldman, Erin Wolpert, Elana and Moaz Mian and Kira Wolpert; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Amelia and Leo Morales, Liana and Jonah Cherman and Sophia and Lily Levin.
Known for her warmth and kindness, Carolyn welcomed people from all backgrounds and walks of life with an open heart. Above all, she cherished her family, surrounding them with unwavering love and support. Her presence will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.
A funeral service was held on Aug. 8 at the Louis Memorial Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Harvesters Community Food Network, Kansas City Symphony or the Nelson Atkins
Art Museum.
Condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.
Joseph Levy
Joseph (“Joe”) Levy, born on Oct. 21, 1930, in Trier, Germany, passed away peacefully on Aug. 3, with loving family nearby.
Joe is survived by son, Michael Levy; four grandchildren, Monica Levy, Michaella Rekowski (Kevin), Marjorie Hunt (Jacob) and Matthew Levy (Megan); three step-grandchildren, Ryan Breitenbach, Trevor Breitenbach and Katie Breitenbach; five great-grandchildren (Evelyn, Aubrey, Addison, Victoria and Gabriel) and numerous other friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (“Bobbie”) Levy; his parents, Leopold and Martha Levy; and brother, Warner Levy.
Joe was a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to the United States during a tumultuous time when he was 7 years old. He was later raised in Omaha, Nebraska. He joined the U.S. Army in 1952 and was assigned to the Pentagon. He later became a member of the Jewish War Veterans.
He was a devoted husband to Bobbie for 63 years. He picked his sweetheart from a yearbook and never looked back. They shared many great memories including traveling to Sint Maarten in the Caribbean with her sister and husband.
He was a founding member of Congregation Beth Torah. His faith was his guiding light and the foundation of his life.
Joe had many interests, including
cheering for the Chiefs from section 101 at Arrowhead Stadium; yelling at the Royals from the comfort of his living room; coordinating and attending ROMEO lunches for decades; and reading the daily newspaper while completing the jumble word game. Other hobbies included warning his grandchildren of the “whooping tack rack” and telling fish stories after the many fishing trips on his boat, “Bobbie B.”
His smirk that indicated an ornery comment was coming and the genuine giggle to generally follow will be missed.
Funeral services were held at Beth Torah on Aug. 5, followed by an interment service at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Jewish War Veterans (jwv.org) or to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund at Congregation Beth Torah.
Joel Herbert Resnick
Joel Herbert Resnick, a visionary leader in the motion picture industry and a devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 30 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Joel was the son of Murray and Hilda (Klein) and the brother of Joan Savitt, all of whom preceded him in death. Born in Manhattan and raised in Lawrence, Long Island, New York, Joel’s early years were marked by a deep curiosity and drive that led him to the University of Pennsylvania, where he completed his undergraduate studies. He later earned both a J.D. and an L.L.M. in constitutional law, laying the foundation for a career that would span law, entertainment and
commentary
international business.
Joel moved to Kansas City in 1970, where he met the love of his life, Diana Frischer. They married in 1972 and built a life rooted in partnership, family and shared values.
Joel’s career flourished in the motion picture industry, where he held leadership roles on both the film and theater sides. He served as executive vice president of AMC Entertainment, helping grow the company from a small regional chain to the largest theater chain in the world by the time he departed in 1986. He later served as chairman and chief operating officer of Orion Pictures Distribution Corp., and as president and chairman of the National Association of Theatre Owners. Joel was a proud member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Later in his career, Joel played a pivotal role in expanding Cinemark’s presence in Brazil and across South America, bringing his passion for cinema to new audiences around the globe.
Joel is survived by his beloved wife, Diana Resnick; his son, Mark Resnick, daughter-in-law, Erin Hanas, and grandson, Oliver; and his daughter, Alison Hadavi, and son-in-law Marcus Hadavi.
He was deeply committed to Jewish tradition and values and believed strongly in the importance of supporting charitable causes throughout his life. One of Joel’s most cherished honors was receiving the American Jewish Committee William J. German Human Relations Award in 1983 in recognition for his philanthropic endeavors associated with the film industry. Joel was also recognized by the Will Rogers Memorial Fund for Outstanding Service in 1992.
A funeral service was held at Louis Memorial Chapel on Aug. 1, followed
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Air raid sirens are not the music to labor through
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that the sirens will alert us of a missile, that the mamad or bomb shelter will keep us safe. In these other places, there are no shelters to protect them. There are no birthing rooms built to keep missiles out. What goes through their minds when bombs fall?
The world is not a pretty place right now. Jew-hatred has an intensity that has not been so bad since the Nazis. There is gun violence in the
U.S. Hundreds of mass murders each year. There is conflict throughout the world. There are storms of unusual intensity. There are major earthquakes all around the Pacific Rim. There is political unrest and uncertainty and regional and international tensions. As a grandmother, I want that new generation to know a little of the peace that my children and I had. But with social media and the biased narratives of the news and bots that twist reality
and challenge what is the truth, I am not sure the world will return to an equilibrium for decades. What I believe is that women should not have to give birth in a bomb shelter. Sirens should not disturb the concentration and focus of labor. No woman should have to give birth in fear of war. You would think by now people would realize that we really are one world. And that major events that happen anywhere in the world impacts everyone.
Just like the earthquake in Russia impacted the world as countries sounded their tsunami warnings and volcanoes erupted throughout the world.
I believe we are getting a message from nature. We are one. We need to work together to give the next generation a safe place to live.
Ellen Portnoy has a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. She is an active community volunteer who has traveled to Israel many times.
by interment at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Joel will be remembered for his intellect, generosity and unwavering dedication to his family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to Jewish Vocational Service of Kansas City, an organization that reflects his commitment to helping others build meaningful lives.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel. com.
Steven George Sherry
arrested and temporarily imprisoned Steve’s uncle in Dachau.
Steve and his parents sailed to the U.S. thanks to the generosity of American sponsors who had encountered Steve’s grandfather years earlier. The couple stopped in the store because they shared the same last name as Mr. Felberbaum, and through the business card they left at the store, Otto Serebrenik secured their assistance.
As a Holocaust survivor, Steve had a strong connection to Judaism. He celebrated his bar mitzvah and confirmation as a lifelong member of Congregation Beth Shalom.
David Henderson, Clay Cubbage, Leah and Gabe Sherry — will also remember him lovingly.
The family would especially like to thank Steve’s caregivers, Sylvia, Lorna, Dee and Joseph, who cared for him with kindness and compassion. Hospice staff members LuAnn and Chelsea also provided warmth and understanding.
Funeral services were held on Aug. 13 at Louis Memorial Chapel. Burial followed at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.
Edna was a gracious and sociable woman. In Akron, she enjoyed accompanying her many friends to the opera, symphony, movies, plays and other activities. She was an avid bridge and mahjongg player and hosted or attended gatherings at least once a week. Additionally, she was a community volunteer.
Born in Vienna, Austria, on May 18, 1938, Stefan Georg Serebrenik arrived in New York City aboard the RMS Aquitania in January of 1939 and became known as Steven George Sherry. Steve passed away at home on Aug. 11 at the age of 87.
Son of the late Otto and Lilly Sherry, Steve graduated from Southwest High School in 1956 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Missouri - Columbia.
Steve’s high school and college days were some of his happiest times. He enjoyed himself so much with his Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity brothers that summer classes were needed to stay on track to graduate. His sloughing off paid great dividends: during summer school, Steve courted Judy Lyons of Chicago. They married in September of 1960.
The early part of Steve’s career was in marketing and advertising, serving as editor of the Plaza Magazine, which covered happenings at the Country Club Plaza.
Steve ultimately became part of Kansas City’s thriving garment industry, joining his father in business. O & S Sherry sold fabric, buttons and other notions to some of the most successful manufacturers in the city. Judy accompanied Steve on many enjoyable market trips to New York City.
Steve’s experience with the Nazis was a seminal moment in his life. It was only because he had blonde hair and blue eyes as an infant that his nanny convinced officers that he was not Jewish when they stopped her on a Vienna street. During the anti-Jewish pogrom of Kristallnacht in November 1938, rioters destroyed the shop, Bruder Felberbaum, owned by his maternal grandfather. That same day, authorities
This dedication to his faith, along with his commitment to assist new Americans following in his footsteps, combined in his work helping resettle refugees from the former Soviet Union. These efforts earned him the Volunteer of the Year award from Jewish Family & Children Services (now Jewish Family Services) in 1992 and the President’s Award from the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City in 1993.
Ukrainians Vladimir and Alla Drut and their daughter, Inna, were one of the families Steve assisted. He and Judy welcomed the Druts to Kansas City in 1991, and they became part of the Sherry family, sharing many years celebrating holidays, birthdays and other simchas.
Steve’s volunteerism extended to Beth Shalom, which honored him in 1998 with its Kovod Award for outstanding service. His contributions to the synagogue included writing press releases and taking pictures.
Steve also donated his time outside of the Jewish community. In one role, he tutored students at Red Bridge Elementary School in the Center School District (where his children attended). He and the teacher he assisted stayed in touch for many years.
Steve and Judy also travelled abroad extensively, including a return to see his early home in Vienna.
Travel allowed them to spend time with longtime friends Irwin and Cookie Shaw and college friend Bruce Copilevitz, and his wife, Kay. Steve indulged his passion for photography on those many trips, with several of his framed photos hanging in his home office.
Steve leaves behind his devoted wife of almost 65 years, Judy; his daughter, Jannie, and son-in-law, Patrick Cubbage; and son, Mike Sherry, and daughter-in-law, Beth. Also mourning his passing are his brother-in-law Phil Lyons and his wife, Carol.
Steve’s grandchildren — Carly and
The family suggests contributions to JFS (5801 W. 115th St. #103, Overland Park, KS 66211), MCHE (5801 W. 115th St. #106, Overland Park, KS 66211), Congregation Beth Shalom (14200 Lamar Ave., Overland Park, KS 66223) or a charity of your choosing.
Edna K. Sokol
Edna K. Sokol, 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of July 23 at Care Haven Homes in Prairie Village, Kansas, where she resided for the past nine years.
Born on Jan. 21,1931 in Akron, Ohio, to parents Charles D. and Fanny P. Katz, Edna was the twin sister of Edith. Edna graduated from high school at the age of 16 and attended the University of Akron, where she earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in education. She was an elementary school teacher in the Akron public schools for 41 years.
Edna married Eugene M. Sokol in 1951. They were the proud parents of Dr. Michael S. (Dr. Shari) Sokol of Leawood, Kansas. Despite being widowed at the age of 61, Edna remained active in her community and with her family. Along with her sister, Edith, she spent 12 years shuttling back and forth between Akron and Los Angeles, helping raise her twin grand-nephews, Perry and Adam Weinstein.
She was a life member of Hadassah and served on many committees at Beth El Congregation in Akron, where she was a member for more than 70 years. She was a life member of Hadassah and active in her youth with Young Judaea, where she made lifelong friends. She was a member of the Sigma Delta Tau sorority and enjoyed the company of her sorority sisters during her college years. Edna was also the former director of the Akron Jewish Center Day Camp.
Edna was an excellent cook. Her grandson Alexander remarked that she was “the queen of the kitchen” and always prepared delicious Shabbat and holiday meals for her family and guests. Her home was filled with guests nearly every weekend.
Edna was preceded in death by her parents, Fanny and Charles; her husband, Eugene; and her twin sister, Edith. She leaves her son, Dr. Michael Sokol (Dr. Shari); her grandchildren, Alexander, Felicia and Amanda Sokol; her nephew, Joel Weinstein (Deborah Eisen) of Los Angeles, California, and their twin sons, Perry and Adam, to cherish her memory.
Donations in Edna’s memory may be sent to Kehilath Israel Synagogue (10501 Conser, Overland Park, KS 66212, or kisyn.org); Beth El Congregation (750 White Pond Drive, Akron, Ohio 44320, or bethelakron.com); Hadassah (900 Skokie Blvd Suite 295, Northbrook, IL 60062, or hwzoa.networkforgood.com/ projects/256449-mw-gp-in-memoryof-edna-sokol); or the charity of your choice.
May the memory of Edna’s well-lived and well-loved life inspire all to perform acts of lovingkindness and charity and to enjoy the pleasure of spending time with family, friends and loved ones.
