Community celebrates return of hostages
By Kevin Deutsch Special to The Chronicle
As footage from Israel showed surviving hostages reunited with their families after two years in terrorist captivity, Jews across Greater Kansas City gathered with relatives and friends to share in the historic moment — an impromptu act of collective joy and remembrance marked by
longtime captives at last walking free, people cried and held one another. For many local Jews, the faces flashing across their screens had become household names.
“I cried like a baby seeing them free, because they were back with their families, back after so much suffering,” said Elie Solomon, 69, of Overland
Guy Gilboa-Dalal, one of 20 recently-freed hostages, is welcomed home by his family. (Boaz Oppenheim/Government Press Office of Israel/CC BY-SA 4.0)
cheers, tears, hugs and a sense of belonging that spanned continents.
Some community members stayed up through the night, watching the releases unfold live alongside tens of thousands in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square. Others gathered the next day in synagogues and living rooms for prayer and remembrance, still carrying the grief of Oct. 7, 2023, and the excruciating two years that followed.
Transfixed by images of the
Park, Kansas, whose parents survived the Holocaust and Romanian Nazi concentration camps before meeting in Israel in 1949. “Whenever I’m trying to do something fun, my mind goes to those people underground. You imagine them there, in the dark, no food, no air. You can’t turn it off. Finally, they are home.”
For Solomon, the sight of reunited families evoked not only the horror and relief of Oct. 7’s long aftermath but also a deeply personal history of separation and survival. Perhaps, he said, that is why he’s so invested in
“My father was taken for slave labor by the Nazis. My
where they were hailed as national heroes.
“I was running from one screen to another,” Solomon said. “When they said a release might happen, we stayed up until the last of the 20 living hostages was released around four in the morning. After two terrible years of war and the hostages being captured, we can breathe again.”
Israel paid a heavy price for their citizens, releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees in
mother was in a ghetto for three and a half years,” said Solomon, a father of three. “My grandfather used to sneak out at night, looking for garbage, for the skin of a potato to feed the family.”
Eight decades later, Solomon and his wife, Nira, barely slept as the hostages crossed from Gaza into Israel,
return. The exchange was part of the first phase of a ceasefire deal based on a 20-point peace plan brokered by President Donald Trump and his negotiating team, which included Jewish-Americans Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Nearly 250 prisoners released by Israel in the deal were serving life or long-term sentences for security
See page 12
JCRB|AJC head recounts how Jewish community relations have changed since Oct. 7, 2023
Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee (JCRB|AJC) is often the first point of community advocacy responding to antisemitism. Since November of 2023, Executive Director Neta Meltzer has led the charge in managing the organization in the wake of Oct. 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israel-Hamas War.
Shortly after the release of the living hostages, The Chronicle sat down
with Meltzer to discuss how Jewish community relations have changed over the past two years and what the future could look like.
For the first few weeks after Oct. 7, 2023, there was seemingly a steady outpouring of support for the Jewish community. Was that true from JCRB|AJC’s point of view?
We did see a lot of support. In fact, we actually tracked all of the
messages of support that we received from various community partners and friends that we’d worked with in the past. I know a lot of people have this idea that we were completely isolated. When you look at some segments of the society, certainly there was more or less support depending on where you looked, but… there was support, certainly.
Neta Meltzer
Grand opening set for KU Chabad building
White Theatre to present “Hello, Dolly!”
Jewish War Vets to remodel museum
community news
Grand opening of new KU Chabad building set for Nov. 2
A new chapter for KU Chabad is beginning with the opening of its new 10,000-square-foot facility at the University of Kansas. The official grand opening celebration is set for Sunday, Nov. 2, at 12:15 p.m. at 1203 W. 19th St., Lawrence, KS 66046.
The new center is the first building in the state of Kansas constructed specifically to serve Jewish students. Organizers say the project represents years of planning and community partnership aimed at creating a lasting home for Jewish learning, wellness and connection.
The facility includes a student lounge, library, dining hall, wellness and mental-health spaces, synagogue,
study and reflection rooms and the first commercial kosher kitchen in Lawrence. The center will also serve as a community hub, offering classes, events, and programs for residents across northeast Kansas.
“This moment is truly historic for our community and for the state,” said Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, co-director of KU Chabad with his wife, Nechama. “For the first time, Jewish students in Kansas will have a permanent and welcoming space built just for them — a place of warmth, meaning and belonging.”
The opening comes at a time when Jewish communities across the country are confronting a rise in antisemitism. Nechama Tiechtel said that context gives the new center added significance.
“At a time when antisemitism is rearing its ugly head, this building stands as a beacon of Jewish pride and culture,” she said. “It promotes awareness of Jewish heritage and educates the broader community about Jewish faith, tradition and history. It’s a message of hope and light in difficult times.”
The center’s design reflects that message. Among its unique features is a 12-foot multicolored menorah that faces the KU campus and changes colors to mark holidays and celebrations. A large outdoor sculpture depicts the Ten Commandments, symbolizing enduring moral values, and in the front plaza a 50-foot mural by British-Israeli artist Solomon Souza celebrates the connection between Kansas and Jewish heritage. The artwork combines images of sunflowers, prairies and the Kansas landscape with Jewish symbols and scenes from Jewish history.
The building also includes a serenity garden known as “Sarah’s
Stream,” created in loving memory of Sarah Milgrim, a KU alumna who was tragically murdered in Washington, D.C., earlier this year in what authorities described as an act of hate and antisemitism.
The garden is designed as a peaceful space for reflection and healing.
“It’s a place to pause, remember and draw strength from love and faith,” Tiechtel said.
KU Chabad has been active in Lawrence since 2006, hosting Shabbat dinners, educational classes, community service projects and mental-health initiatives. The new building replaces smaller facilities that had been used for more than two decades.
This project became a reality thanks to numerous benefactors who collectively contributed over $5 million toward the campaign’s $6 million goal. To help reach the goal, KU Chabad has launched a crowdfunding campaign inviting KU alumni, parents, and friends to participate by visiting homeforkuchabad.com. Every gift made through the campaign is being doubled, making each contribution twice as impactful.
“While the building is new, the vision is timeless,” Tiechtel said. “It’s about joy, connection and education — a place where Jewish life can thrive and where the broader community can experience the beauty and richness of Jewish tradition.”
6:09 p.m. Havdalah: 7:06 p.m.
letter from the editor Cautiously hopeful
By Sam Kricsfeld Editor
It was wonderful to remove the names of the freed hostages from the list that The Chronicle has published on page two for two years. An emotional burden has been lifted from the Jewish people; there are no more Jews suffering at the hands of Hamas in Gaza.
And yet there are still names on the list in The Chronicle, because as of writing this, Hamas still has the bodies of multiple deceased hostages in Gaza. This is not what was agreed upon, but also not a surprise. Saying Hamas is untrustworthy is the understatement of the century.
The overstatement of the century comes from those hailing “peace in the Middle East” and acting as though all Israel’s troubles are over. Peace is not here, not in the hearts and minds of many. This is the end of a chapter,
not the book. The long-term effects of Oct. 7 will be felt for decades, because even though the living hostages are free, a deep and painful scar is still felt among the Jewish people. We knew it on Oct. 7, and we know it now — things will never be quite the same.
But the living hostages are home, and for now, there is much to celebrate. Thank G-d, we have Matan Angrest, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Elkana Bohbot, Rom Braslavski, Nimrod Cohen, Ariel Cunio, David Cunio, Eitan David, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Yosef-Haim Ohana, Alon Ohel, Avinatan Or, Matan Zangauker, Segev Kalfon, Bar Abraham Kupershtein, Omri Miran and Eitan Abraham Mor. May G-d grant them peace and speedy recoveries.
What comes next for Jews in both Israel and the Diaspora is hard — if not impossible — to predict. But we remain cautiously hopeful, as we have for millennia, that maybe, someday, we can live in peace.
A rendering of KU Chabad’s new building, the grand opening of which will be held on Nov. 2.
community news
Jewish War Veterans to remodel museum cases, call for memorabilia donations
Jewish War Veterans Mo-Kan Post 605 (JWV) announced plans to remodel and rotate items in its two museum display cases at the Jewish Community Campus. The two cases, located between Ram’s Cafe and Jewish Family Services off the lobby of the campus, contain historically important items and information from and pertaining to local Jewish war veterans.
was set up mostly with World War I and World War II memorabilia. The organization is now seeking donations to include the periods of the Korean, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Persian Gulf Wars.
In 1988, based on an idea by Chester B. Kaplan and Aaron Braeman, plans were set to create the Jewish War Veterans Museum. They felt that the Jewish Veterans of Kansas who fought for our country deserved recognition. JWV held fundraising events, including a phone-a-thon, looking for cash donations and memorabilia that could be donated or loaned for the cases. The physical space was provided by the Jewish Community Campus.
The original plan was to rotate the exhibit periodically and incorporate other items, according to Anita Loeb, the past museum director, in 1991.
Currently, JWV members have started to inventory the cases, and, with professional help, are planning to update the display.
JWV is now accepting donations for inclusion with emphasis on the Vietnam War era and beyond. The case
Those wishing to contribute a military memorabilia donation can email jwvpost605@outlook.com for more information. The organization hopes to incorporate donations into the cases whenever possible, but space is limited. Once donated, memorabilia becomes the property of Jewish War Veterans MO-KAN Post 605.
Monetary donations to help with the remodel can be made directly to the Jewish Community Foundation (5801 W. 115th St. #104, Overland Park, KS 66211), designated for the Jewish War Veterans Museum.
The J announces 2025–26 Acclaimed Author Series lineup
Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of the Jewish Federation and The J, has announced the lineup for its 2025–26 Acclaimed Author Series. This year’s series features nationally recognized authors and speakers who will explore themes of resilience, faith, creativity and history.
“This season’s lineup brings together powerful voices with unique stories that inspire, challenge and connect us,” said Molly Hess, director of Jewish Experiences. “From Liz Hirsh Naftali’s story of advocacy and hope to the humor and heart of our celebrated novelists, there’s truly something for everyone.”
Additional information about the Acclaimed Author Series is available at thejkc.org/AcclaimedAuthorSeries.
Liz Hirsh Naftali: “Saving Abigail: The True Story of the Abduction and Rescue of a Three-Year-Old Hostage”
Naftali will speak on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Campus in a discussion moderated by Sarah Markowitz Schreiber.
Naftali is the great-aunt of three-
year-old Abigail Mor Edan, who was held hostage in Gaza for 51 days. She will share her story of courage and advocacy in the aftermath of tragedy. Abigail was kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023, after her parents were killed in their home in Kfar Aza, Israel. Until the hostages were freed, Naftali continued to campaign for their safe return.
A businesswoman and creator of “The Capitol Coffee Connection” podcast, Naftali aims to provide a platform for leaders to share meaningful, nonpolitical conversations rooted in shared humanity. She has lived between Israel and the United States since 1992 and is the mother of five.
Naftali will be the keynote speaker for this year’s Day of Discovery event, a
change in format from previous years.
“We are thrilled to reintroduce Day of Discovery in this new format,” Hess said previously. “Liz Hirsh Naftali will deliver an inspiring message, and we are grateful for the opportunity to come together as a community to learn in meaningful ways.”
Registration is available online at thejkc.org/dayofdiscovery.
“Bring Your Own Bestie” Girls Night Out with Jean Meltzer and Sara Goodman Confino
Meltzer and Confino will speak on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Johnson County Museum (8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66212).
Meltzer, an international bestselling
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.
author known as the “Queen of Jewish Romance,” will present her fifth novel, “The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah.” Meltzer studied dramatic writing at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and earned a Daytime Emmy for her television work before transitioning to fiction.
Joining her is Confino, a friend and bestselling author of “Good Grief” and four previous novels. A former high school English and journalism teacher, Confino now writes full time from her home in Maryland, where she lives with her husband, two sons and two miniature schnauzers.
The event invites attendees to “Bring Your Own Bestie” for a night of mocktails, cocktails, prizes and snacks, plus a playful dress code encouraging guests to wear that special outfit they rarely get to debut, such as sequin pants to velvet jumpsuits.
Elizabeth R. Hyman: “The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto, The True Story of Five Courageous Young Women Who Sparked an Uprising” Hyman will speak on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Jewish continued on next page
One of the Jewish War Veterans Museum cases at the Jewish Community Campus, which JWV plans to remodel with new items.
community news
The J announces 2025–26 Acclaimed Author Series lineup
continued from previous page
Community Campus, in a discussion moderated by Dr. Shelly Cline, director of education and historian at the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education.
Hyman, a historian, blogger and descendant of Polish Jewish refugees, will discuss her work exploring Jewish identity and resilience. She holds dual master’s degrees in history and library and information science from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Michael Hirsh: “Animation Nation: How We Built a Cartoon Empire” Hirsh will speak on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Jewish Community Campus in a discussion moderated by Jonah Greene, director of Arts & Culture at The J. Hirsh, the Belgian-born son of Holocaust survivors, will close the series with reflections from his career in children’s entertainment. As a producer and media executive, Hirsh led Nelvana, Cookie Jar Entertainment and WOW! Unlimited Media, shaping generations of storytelling. His memoir, “Animation Nation: How We Built
a Cartoon Empire,” explores his journey building one of the most influential forces in children’s media.
“Here I come, Kansas City!” Hirsh said. “I am excited to share stories from my book ‘Animation Nation,’ which is about producing shows such as ‘Arthur,’ ‘Babar,’ ‘Care Bears,’ ‘Ewoks,’ ‘Droids,’ ‘Johnny Test,’ ‘Max and Ruby,’ ‘Braceface,’ ‘Castlevania,’ and ‘Bee and PuppyCat.’ I’ll also be reflecting on my childhood growing up with parents who were Holocaust survivors.”
More information is available at thejkc.org/AcclaimedAuthorSeries or by contacting Hess at jex@thejkc.org or (913) 327-8035.
JFS getting ready for annual Hanukkah Project
Even though the first Hanukkah candle won’t be lit until Sunday, Dec. 14, the Jewish Family Services (JFS) team is already gearing up for its annual Hanukkah Project — a tradition that brings gifts to hundreds of local individuals and families.
With the community’s help, each year JFS spreads Hanukkah spirit to 300 individuals and families, with ages ranging from young children through older adults, by presenting them with wrapped gifts and gift cards.
JFS invites community members to sign up to "adopt” an individual or family by completing an “Adopt a Recipient” form at form.jotform. com/252644287622158. Once adopters are matched to recipients, JFS will send the recipient’s wish. Adopters can shop at their convenience and then drop off the unwrapped gifts on Nov. 17 at the JFS office at the Jewish
Community Campus (5801 W. 115th St., Overland Park, KS 66211).
JFS is also asking for gift cards by Nov. 17. Gift cards allow clients, individuals and families to choose items for themselves, getting the correct sizes and styles, shopping for groceries or surprising a family member. Gift cards or funds can be dropped off at JFS offices, donated online, given through a donor advised fund or as checks mailed or delivered to JFS offices at the Jewish Community Campus or JFS Brookside (425 E. 63rd St., Kansas City, MO 64110) with “Hanukkah Project” on the memo line. JFS
Parents, grandparents learn about raising charitable children with JCF
The Jewish Community Foundation, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and Jewish Experiences, hosted Raising Charitable Children, a special event for parents and grandparents of children up to age 18. The session, which took place on Sunday, Sept. 14, in the social hall of the Jewish Community Campus, included a Vaad-supervised kosher brunch, a presentation by family philanthropy expert MiaLisa Millares and break-out groups where participants connected and learned together.
Millares is the executive director of Doing Good Together, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering families to raise kind children who contribute to their communities. The presentation offered eight core strategies for embracing family giving practices, including creating a family mission statement, engaging in volunteer projects and fostering meaningful conversations around kindness and giving. Millares also shared insights from research and real-life stories that highlighted the benefits of philanthropy for both families and communities.
Following the presentation, attendees broke into small group discussions based on the ages of their children or grandchildren. Guided by trained table hosts, these conversations allowed participants to share personal experiences, ask questions and brainstorm ideas. Some of the key takeaways included:
• Many participants expressed a desire to focus their charitable giving on Jewish organizations, emphasizing the sentiment, “Who else will support them if not us?”
• Families were inspired by the idea of weaving conversations about giving into everyday life — especially around mealtimes — to normalize generosity and service.
• Several attendees discussed the
asks donors to consider purchasing $25 gift cards from either Target, Walmart or Amazon and drop them off at the JFS offices.
Any questions about the Hanukkah Project should be emailed to hanukkah@jfskc.org.
JFS will host its annual Hanukkah Wrapping Party on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the social hall of the Jewish Community Campus. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Register is available at jfskc.org/jfshanukkah-project.
value of volunteering alongside their children, seeing it as a powerful way to model compassion and community involvement.
• Ideas like establishing regular family meetings to talk about kindness and giving were well received, with some families planning to start this tradition immediately.
• One table suggested keeping a “kindness journal” to record acts of generosity and service, helping children reflect on their impact over time.
• Creating a family mission statement around values like giving, empathy and justice was seen as a meaningful way to align family actions with shared beliefs.
• Parents and grandparents appreciated the reminder to intentionally talk with kids about moments of service, whether big or small, to reinforce the importance of caring for others.
“I learned so much from this program — more than I expected. MiaLisa’s ideas were not only inspiring, but also incredibly practical,” participant Lindsey Lipsky said. “The breakout sessions were especially helpful. Talking with other parents who are raising kids the same ages as mine gave me new perspectives and ideas I hadn’t considered. I’m already thinking about how to implement some of these strategies with my own young children. It’s empowering to know that small, intentional actions can make a big impact.”
The event concluded with opportunities to explore local resources for youth philanthropy. Exhibits from communal organizations provided additional information about ways families may get involved.
More information about engaging families in charitable giving is available by contacting Jewish Community Foundation Director of Philanthropy Suzanne Galblum Dicken at sdicken@jcfkc.org or (913) 327-8286.
Family philanthropy expert MiaLisa Millares sharing advice at the Raising Charitable Children event.
community news
‘Hello, Dolly!’ to launch White Theatre’s 21st season
The Lewis & Shirley White Theatre at The J will open its 21st season with the Broadway classic “Hello, Dolly!” The performances also celebrate the theater’s 20th anniversary.
Performance dates and times include Saturdays, Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 2 p.m.; and Thursdays, Nov. 6, 13 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at TheWhiteTheatre.org.
The show follows Dolly Gallagher Levi, a strong-willed matchmaker, as she travels to Yonkers, New York, to find a wife for the wealthy but miserly Horace Vandergelder while secretly planning to marry him herself. The role of Dolly will be performed by Kansas Citian Jennifer Renfrow,
whose past credits at The White Theatre include Mary Poppins in “Mary Poppins,” Sally Bowles in “Cabaret” and Baker’s Wife in “Into The Woods.” The role has been played over the years by celebrities including Carol Channing, Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler.
“I hope audiences walk away with a renewed appreciation for Golden Age musical theatre,” said Liz Golson, who plays Irene Molloy. “Even if older shows aren’t usually their favorite, I’d love for at least one person to feel the magic of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ the way I do.”
Reflecting on the anniversary, McCoy said, “There’s a great line in the title song of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ that says, ‘It’s so good to be back home where I belong.’ That perfectly captures how it feels to return to The White Theatre to direct this show. Having been part of ‘A Chorus Line’ when the theatre opened 20 years ago, it’s a true honor to now direct the first production of this memorable anniversary season.”
This production also marks the 20th anniversary of The White Theatre at
JULIETs to learn about neon museum from photographer Nick Vedros
Nick Vedros, a nationally-recognized Kansas City-based photographer, will present to Jewish Unforgettable Ladies Interested in Eating Together (JULIETs) about the LUMI Neon Museum, of which he is a founder.
The event will be held on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 12:15 p.m. at Congregation Beth Torah (6100 W. 127th St., Overland Park, KS 66209).
Vedros formed a nonprofit organization in 2017 to rescue, restore, preserve and display iconic neon signs, primarily from Kansas City area businesses. He formed the LUMI Board of Directors, and The LUMI Neon Museum was born. ‘LUMI’ is taken from the word ‘illumination’.
Neon signs are often regarded as a
form of urban art, and LUMI’s mission is to rescue, restore and illuminate the signs. Eventually, the goal is to have about 100 signs on display, and admission would be free to the public.
Women can reserve their seats by emailing Susie Klinock at Juliets.KC@ gmail.com by Thursday, Oct. 30. All Jewish women (and women of other faiths who have a Jewish spouse) are invited to this free event. No synagogue affiliation is required to attend, and attendees should bring their own lunch or snack. Beverages and paper goods will be provided.
Due to scheduling changes, upcoming JULIETs meeting dates are Nov. 2, Dec. 7, Jan. 25, Feb. 15 and March 29.
JULIETs with Nick Vedros
Sunday, Nov. 2, at 12:15 p.m.
Congregation Beth Torah, 6100 W. 127th St., Overland Park, KS 66209
The J, which opened in fall 2005 with “A Chorus Line.” The milestone is especially meaningful to “Hello, Dolly!” director Chris McCoy, who was a cast member in the theatre’s first production.
The White Theatre at The J will continue its 2025-26 season with two performances of “The Jewish Nutcracker” to celebrate the upcoming holiday season on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
High school student creates ‘Rubber Duck Raffle’ for JFS Food Pantry
High school student Hunter Brown decided to get creative and use rubber ducks to play a role in fighting hunger in the local community. Brown, a senior at Blue Valley Northwest High School, learned about Jewish Family Services’ (JFS) Food Pantry and its reliance on community donations and launched a “Rubber Duck Raffle.”
Brown is the president of his school’s new club, Northwest Fight Against Hunger, which helps support local food pantries. The JFS Food Pantry serves more than 500 local families with food, personal care items
B’nai B’rith Bowling Scores
The following bowlers achieved high scores in the
Oct. 5
If you are interested in bowling during the ‘25-’26
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
and household goods.
“It was important to help out at JFS and really any food pantry, because hunger in the community is a growing crisis,” said Brown, who became a bar mitzvah at Congregation Beth Shalom. “My friend Binhua and I wanted to do our part. Instead of just selling raffle tickets, we thought rubber ducks would be a fun and memorable way to raise money.”
Students who donated $3 received a numbered rubber duck and were entered into a drawing to win a $100 prize. The ducks were sold at several locations around the school, and students were encouraged to purchase more than one to boost both their chances of winning and their impact.
The fundraiser brought in $360 — equivalent to 864 cans of food for the pantry. JFS staff were enthusiastic about the students’ effort.
“We are always so honored when school groups and youth choose JFS as the beneficiary of their creativity,” JFS Director of Pantry Partnerships Jo Hickey said. “Creating the tradition of mitzvah — a good deed — early in life is a strong value that we love to see in action.”
Hickey encourages others to get creative when it comes to supporting the pantry. Those interested in hosting a drive can email fooddrive@jfskc.org.
Blue Valley Northwest High School Seniors Hunter Brown (left) and Binhua Sun put on a creative food drive benefitting Jewish Family Services Food Pantry.
Using The Chronicle’s archives and community submissions, here are some recipes for you to try out. Email samk@jewishkc.org with a recipe, and it might be published here!
Wacky Chocolate Cake
Mrs. Richard Durwood, 1974
• 2 cups sugar
Ingredients
• 3 cups flour (minus 2 tbsp.)
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ cup cocoa
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 2 tbsp. vinegar
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup salad oil
• 2 cups water
Instructions
1. Set oven to 350 degrees
2. Place all ingredients in one bowl, then blend on low speed
3. Bake in ungreased bundt pan for 50 minutes, test with pick
4. Cool for at least 1-2 hours on wire rack before emptying pan
5. If wanted, fill center of bundt cake with whipped cream flavored with Kahlua or Grand Marnier
• Acclaimed Authors (pg. 3)
• Charitable children (pg. 4)
• Freed hostages (pg. 1)
• Hanukkah Project (pg. 4)
FREEDHOSTAGES NETAMELTZER KUCHABAD JEWISHWARVETERANS ACCLAIMEDAUTHORS CHARITABLECHILDREN HELLODOLLY HANUKKAHPROJECT JULIETS RUBBERDUCKS LEONARDZESKIN MAHJONGG KIPPAHS
• “Hello, Dolly!” (pg. 5)
• Jewish War Veterans (pg. 3)
• JULIETs (pg. 5)
• Kippahs (pg. 12)
• KU Chabad (pg. 2)
• Leonard Zeskin (pg. 9)
• Mahjongg (pg. 9)
• Neta Meltzer (pg. 1)
• Rubber ducks (pg. 5)
Simcha Gifts brought the spirit and mitzvot of Sukkot to residents of area senior communities. Volunteers traveled around in a "Sukkamobile," a project spearheaded by Rabbi Mendy Wineberg of Chabad of Leawood. Pictured (left to right) are Levi Perman and Menucha Perman with Brookdale residents Norm and Judy Rosen.
Middle school teen students at Congregation Beth Torah’s Weiner Religious School Wednesday T.A.G. program had a visit from the community shalicha on Oct. 8 for a discussion on Israel and antisemitism.
Above: Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy celebrated Sukkot with trivia, ”Pizza in the Hut," celebratory dancing by the playground, a picnic and more.
Jewish Girl Scouts Troop 5871 and their parents recently got together to volunteer at the Mitzvah Garden.
Girl Scout Gathering
T.A.G. at Beth Torah
Simcha Gifts
Beth Torah congregants built their sukkah on Oct. 5, which students from Weiner Religious School then helped decorate.
Sukkot at Beth Torah
Oct. 7 Memorial
Sukkot at HBHA
Community members gathered at the Jewish Community Campus for a memorial service for the victims of Oct. 7, 2023, on Oct. 12.
celebrations and community news
Birth
Beau Alexander Block
Beau Alexander Block, son of Alexander and Katie Block of Leawood, Kansas, was born on Sept. 27.
Beau’s grandparents are David M. and Vicki Block of Mission Hills, Kansas, and Oscar Gonzales and Mary Gonzales of Fort Scott, Kansas.
Bar Mitzvah
Ari Joseph Beznovsky
Ari Joseph Beznovsky, son of Roman and Debbie Beznovsky, will become a bar mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 25, at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.
Ari’s grandparents are Myrna
Rosenthal and the late Herb Rosenthal; and Freyda and Vadim Beznovsky. He has three brothers: Noah, Sam and Asher.
Among Ari’s hobbies are playing flag football and basketball. He enjoys watching WWE.
He and his twin brother, Asher, collected donations and used money from a lemonade sale to put together 189 “Happy Kits” for patients at Children’s Mercy Hospital.
Bar Mitzvah
Asher Levi Beznovsky
Asher Levi Beznovsky, son of Roman and Debbie Beznovsky, will become a bar mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 25, at The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah.
Asher’s grandparents are Myrna Rosenthal and the late Herb Rosenthal; and Freyda and Vadim Beznovsky. He has three brothers: Noah, Sam and Ari.
Among Asher’s hobbies are playing flag football and basketball. He enjoys watching WWE.
He and his twin brother, Ari, collected donations and used money from a lemonade sale to put together 189 “Happy Kits” for patients at Children’s Mercy Hospital.
Engagement
Samantha David and
Alex Dimopoulos
Wendy and Rod David of Shawnee, Kansas, announce the engagement of their daughter, Samantha David, to Alex Dimopoulos, son of Linda Dimopoulos of Orlando, Florida, and Michael Dimopoulos (of blessed memory).
Samantha is the granddaughter of Lenita Strauss of Overland Park, Kansas, and Dr. Carl F. Strauss (of blessed memory); and Marvin David of Newport News, Virginia, and Judy David (of blessed memory). She works as the senior manager of digital programs at Vectra AI, having earned a degree in marketing and finance from the University of Denver.
Alex is the grandson of Stella Dimopoulos of Orlando and Elias Dimopoulos (of blessed memory); and Mary and Charles Wall (of blessed memory). He is the director of CFO services at PINE Advisor Solutions, having earned a degree in finance and international business from the University of Denver.
The couple first met in college. They lost touch after graduation, but reconnected in 2021 and dated long-distance for three years. They live in Denver with their Toy Australian Shepherd, Tini.
A wedding in Vail, Colorado, is planned for July 11, 2026.
fragility of the medium, many older papercuts have not survived, and the art nearly died out. American-Israeli artist and author Yehudit Shadur revitalized the medium by blending modern styles with traditional folk customs. Shadur also contributed significant scholarship to the field of Jewish art history by co-authoring several books with her husband, Joseph Shadur.
Maxwell Finnigan, son of Erin Finnigan and Timothy Finnigan (z”l), will become a bar mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Congregation Beth Shalom.
Maxwell’s grandparents are Dr. Alexander and Peggy Davis and Orville and Ann Finnigan, all of Overland Park, Kansas. He is the great-grandson of Phyllis Davis of San Antonio, Texas. He has one sister, Zoey (10).
A student at Lakewood Middle School, Maxwell enjoys swimming, reading, listening to music, playing the drums, riding his bike with friends and playing video games.
Zayleigh
Marie Hogan
Zayleigh Marie Hogan, daughter of Megan and Daniel Hogan of Eugene, Oregon, will become a bat mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Temple Beth Israel in Eugene.
Zayleigh’s grandparents are Cheryl (Bratt) and Dennis Hogan of Olathe, Kansas, and Joan and Dan Coovert of Manhattan, Kansas. She has one sister, Ruairi.
By Ellie Holsten
Papercuts are a traditional Jewish folk art that could have been lost to time without the efforts of Yehudit Shadur, the artist who created this piece.
Ever since the Middle Ages, Jews have created papercuts; from families making simple holiday decorations for their homes to skilled artists adding delicate designs to scrolls and marriage texts. Because of the
Shadur made this piece in 1979. Its central text reads “Hallelujah,” and its other text comes from Psalms. Jewish symbols including lions and eagles are expertly cut into it.
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.
A 7th grader at Kennedy Middle School in Eugene, Zayleigh enjoys playing violin and swimming with Team Eugene Athletics. She has placed at every state swim competition since she was 10 years old. Described by her family as “equal parts athlete, adventurer, scientist and mischief maker,” she has also been in a Chinese-language immersion program since first grade.
Bar Mitzvah
Maxwell Finnigan
Bat Mitzvah
Teach-in, celebration of life set for Leonard Zeskind
Jewish Kansas Citians will have a chance to honor the late antiracist author, activist and researcher Leonard Zeskind (z”l) at two upcoming events. For more than four decades in Kansas City and beyond, Zeskind was an internationally recognized expert researcher, author and lecturer on the threat to democracy posed by the antisemitic white-nationalist movement.
Obituaries in both the New York Times and Washington Post commented on Zeskind’s “prescient warnings” of the growing influence of white nationalism in American politics, noting that he “foresaw before almost anyone else that anti-immigrant ideologies would move to (the) mainstream.”
Teach-in on fighting white nationalism
The first event, titled “Conference & Teach-in: Time to Mobilize: Fight White Nationalism & Protect Democracy,” will be held from 1 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, at St. James United Methodist Church (5540 Wayne Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111).
The teach-in will feature a panel of Zeskind’s friends and movement colleagues who will discuss how to move forward in the struggle for human rights without Zeskind’s intellect.
The featured teach-in speakers include two men who each spent more than 30 years working with Zeskind: Devin Burghart and Chuck Tanner. They are the executive director and research director, respectively, of the group Zeskind founded in 1983, the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights (IREHR).
Another panelist will be Zeskind’s friend and IREHR board member
Daniel Levitas. Levitas is the former executive director of the Center for Democratic Renewal, which was founded as the National Anti-Klan Network and for which Zeskind served as research director. Levitas is an attorney and author of “The Terrorist Next Door: The Militia Movement & the Radical Right.”
Registration for the teach-in is free and available at actionnetwork.org/ events/time-to-mobilize-fight-whitenationalism-and-protect-democracy.
Celebration of life
The second event is a celebration of Zeskind’s life from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9, at Congregation Beth Torah (6100 W. 127th St, Overland Park, KS 66209).
The Celebration of Life will center on Zeskind himself, as colleagues from Kansas City and across the country honor his legacy as a pursuer of justice with a call to action in the present.
Celebration of life registration is free and available at actionnetwork. org/events/leonard-zeskindcelebration-of-life.
“Conference & Teach-in: Time to Mobilize: Fight White Nationalism & Protect Democracy”
Saturday, Nov. 8, from 1 to 5:30 p.m.
St. James United Methodist Church, 5540 Wayne Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111
Leonard Zeskin Celebration of Life
Sunday, Nov. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Congregation Beth Torah, 6100 W. 127th St., Overland Park, KS 66209
2026 mahjongg cards available through Hadassah
Hadassah Greater Kansas City has launched its 2026 mahjongg card sales, continuing a longstanding tradition intended to bring together players and community.
All players, from seasoned mahjongg enthusiast to new discoverer of the game, are invited to order their official 2026 card and renew their annual membership with the National Mah Jongg League. Standard and large print cards are available for purchase.
A game of mahjongg being set up.
Those interested in purchasing a card can email softballspouse@gmail. com for an order form. Online orders for Hadassah members are also welcomed for those with MyHadassah logins. Online orders should select the Greater Kansas City chapter and the Great Plains region as referrers. Proceeds from the cards support Hadassah, the largest Jewish women’s volunteer organization in America with a commitment to advancing medicine, strengthening ties to Israel and Zionism and driving social change.
Leonard Zeskind (z”l)
JCRB|AJC head recounts how Jewish community relations have changed since Oct. 7, 2023
continued from page 1
At what point did antisemitism start to flare up again?
Looking back, it was almost immediate. Even before Israel started responding to Oct. 7 with any kind of military operation, people were already reacting to what they knew would be coming.
What we have seen since that day is that Israel is being treated as an idea, as a concept. It’s not being engaged as if it is a real country with real human people in it… Oct. 7 really brought that [viewpoint] above the surface. So we saw the way people were talking about the hostages, the way they were talking about the war, the way they talk about the Israel Defense Forces, as if they are theoretical ideas and entities, not humans, not people, not a real country with its own political environment and its own nuances and complexities. What was so interesting about the response to Oct. 7 was that people were preparing themselves to blame Israel — not necessarily as a real place, but as the anchor of all the things that they
wanted to criticize.
One of JCRB’s teachings is that anti-Zionism is the same as antisemitism. Did this lesson have to be prioritized over others?
We did have to spend a lot more time on the idea of anti-Zionism, but really on the idea of Zionism as well. The idea of Zionism absorbed all of these other connotations and definitions that are really quite a stretch from what the actual concept of Zionism is, what the movement of Zionism fought for. What my grandparents fought for when they came to pre-state Israel and built their kibbutz — that’s Zionism.
state or Palestinian self-determination?” Zionism simply means that Israel has a right to exist, and for so many of us, that is not a controversial idea.
here in this community.
“We had to really go back to basics with a lot of our audiences and say, ‘What is Zionism?’”
That’s not what so many people understand to be Zionism today. We had to really go back to basics with a lot of our audiences and say, “What is Zionism? And if I tell you that I am a Zionist, what does that actually tell you about my views regarding a two-state solution, or regarding a Palestinian
A lot of people would argue that there is a distinction between antisemitism and anti-Zionism, and theoretically, perhaps there could be an argument to be made there. But the thing that we had to focus on over the last two years was the practical impacts of these ideas. We could argue perhaps there’s a distinction between these two concepts, but when a synagogue in Topeka, Kansas, has “Save Gaza” written on the sidewalk in front of it, it’s the context of where that phrase is being written that raises the alarm about antisemitism and anti-Zionism. If there is a distinction between antisemitism and anti-Zionism in theory, it’s not translating in practice. Things that are happening on the other side of the world are having a direct impact on the safety and security of Jews right
The other thing that I have been really trying to explain, when I work with the external community, is that we are a people. We are a nation. This is a concept that people are very unfamiliar with today. They don’t really know what sort of identity group we are. They say, “Oh, you are a group of people that follows a certain religion.” Well, sure, but it’s also more than that. There’s a connection. There’s a feeling of mutual responsibility that we don’t see in a lot of other cultures and societies today, that remains very, very powerful in the Jewish community.
Have you seen more problems in partnering with organizations outside of the Jewish community?
It’s hard to say from my perspective, because I’ve really only been with this organization since shortly after Oct. 7, but yes, we’ve gotten some pushback. We have seen — not from everybody — partners out there who either hesitate or want to bring in other continued on next page
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elements. It’s their attempt to sort of “equalize the narratives.” I think that when history looks back on this, it will be very obvious that there really isn’t equivalence to be had here. There’s not a way to justify Oct. 7. I’m not sure that’s clear to everyone today, but I think that’s going to be very clear in hindsight, when people start to reflect on everything that we’ve been through.
Has JCRB|AJC experienced any issues with its local or state government contacts?
Actually, one of the places I feel we’ve had the most support and understanding is from our elected leaders, and I’ll be very clear, it’s from both sides of the aisle. We’re very lucky that we have leadership in this community that really understands what happened on Oct. 7, that understands our community, that cares about our community and our feeling of safety. The vast, vast majority of our leadership in this region have been reliable and steadfast partners in our time of need.
what [JCRB|AJC does] is closed-door, sit-down, face-to-face conversations and relationships, because we really see the needle moving with that sort of activity. That’s community relations. That’s what we do.
Do you think public sentiment will improve over time?
October is ADHD and Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
“One of the places I feel we’ve had the most support and understanding is from our elected leaders, and I’ll be very clear, it’s from both sides of the aisle.”
Was there any time in the past two years when you’ve been shocked at an instance of antisemitism in our community?
[The murder of] Sarah Milgrim (z”l). You can look at that tragedy and draw a direct line to the war, to the rhetoric, to the environment that we’ve been in. We can’t overstate the impacts that the war has had.
Do you think Israel or the Jewish community’s reputation has been damaged in the past two years?
That certainly depends on who you ask, but I do think some polling will show that we and Israel are less supported by various sections of our society than in the past. I think that the challenge really lies in telling our story. I think that we are in an environment where social media is the primary means of communication and of news for so many people, and that makes it really challenging to break through some of that noise.
I found the most effective way to [tell our stories] is person-to-person conversation. I can scream and shout from social media all I want, but the reality is that people are seeking out content that affirms what they already believe. But if I sit down with you, and you let me tell you a story and we build a relationship, it complicates the narrative that you may have already absorbed just enough to where you are able to question and open up your mind a little bit. That’s why so much of
I mean, it has to, and here’s why I know that. Antisemitism, over the course of Jewish history, operates in waves. It escalates, and it gets to a peak, and then it de-escalates. I don’t know when that peak will be hit. I don’t know if we’ve hit it already. I don’t know when it will de-escalate, but I do know that’s been the trend over the course of Jewish history. We do have our challenging moments, and then we have our moments of quiet, and then another challenging moment will arise. That’s the unfortunate reality. So it has to shift, but there’s no telling how much time that will take. We’ve been in reactive mode just for so much time now, and it’s time to really pause. We spent a lot of time after Oct. 7 asking, “What does community relations look like after Oct. 7?” Now that question has changed for me a little bit — it’s, “What does community relations look like after the war?” They’re not exactly the same question, because after Oct. 7, we were in a war and were feeling the ripple effects of what’s happening in Israel and its impact on all of the Jewish communities worldwide, including ours.
Now when I approach a community partner, it’s a different conversation. Now it’s about what we went through, where they were, how we are all reflecting on this in hindsight, and then what does our partnership and our relationship look like moving forward?
Is there anything else you would like Jewish community members to know?
The reflection I have every time something happens, whether it’s in Israel or in our community, is that we are so good at coming together. I know this is a moment with a lot of division, with a lot of challenges, with a lot of questions, but the thing that has seen us through — and will continue to see us through — is the way we come together every time we need each other. If we can continue to do that and remember that we have each other, we will get through this no matter how long this part of the antisemitism cycle continues.
Don’t forget to stay united.
By Lindsey Lipsky Sasone
Yes, I know it feels like there’s a month for everything these days, but bear with me. As director of Sasone, our community program that advocates for access and inclusion for the one-in-four individuals with disabilities in Jewish life and learning, and as a mom of three, this month feels especially meaningful.
You see, while you may not always see it, ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder — yes, that name could use a little marketing help) and learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia and dysgraphia touch the lives of so many people we know and love.
Through the more positive and affirming lens of neurodiversity, we understand that people who think and learn differently bring unique gifts and perspectives. Learning about ADHD and other differences doesn’t just help the over 25% of our population who are neurodivergent — it helps all of us understand one another with a little more grace.
Here are a few ways we can better support parents, caregivers and individuals with ADHD and/or learning disabilities in our Jewish community:
Understand that we are not “less than.”
It may take extra effort for individuals with ADHD or learning disabilities to participate in Jewish life and learning, but accommodations, like allowing for movement, using clear directions and offering varied learning methods, can make a world of difference. When we plan for all learners, everyone benefits.
Try not to “shush” us.
Our kids might be louder, move more or have a harder time sitting still. Please know that showing up took a lot of courage and planning. A smile or a welcoming word means more than you can imagine. Try to look at behavior with curiosity, not judgment.
Build accessibility into your planning.
True inclusion means planning for diverse populations from the very beginning. A great first step is
to ask what accommodations (i.e. enlarged print, closed captions, ASL, fidget items, etc.) someone might need directly in registration forms before an event, service or program. Even just asking makes people feel more welcome.
Offer choices, not one-size-fitsall participation.
Provide options like movement, sensory tools, shorter activities or the ability to step in and out of a program or service without judgement. Listening and learning does not always look like sitting down, facing the speaker and keeping a still body — and that’s okay. When we give people choices, they’re more likely to participate fully and feel like they belong.
Keep learning.
Ask questions, attend trainings and keep an open heart. Inclusion isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress and presence.
If you’d like to learn more or get involved for the remainder of this month, there are several wonderful opportunities in our community. (This work would not be possible without the support of the White Family and the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City.)
• Oct. 26 – Day of Discovery at The J I’ll be leading a session on From Access to Belonging: Nurturing Inclusive Jewish Spaces. (thejkc.org/ dayofdiscovery)
• Nov. 3 – Going Beyond the Fidget: Sensory Skills for Building Inclusive Communal Spaces
Join us for a community conversation about supporting neurodiverse learners in all walks of Jewish life and living with Erin Beser from Jewish Learning Venture. (jewishkansascity.org/events/ sasone-beyond-the-fidget)
• Nov. 13-15 – ADHD Conference
Join Sasone, along with six local educators, at the international ADHD Conference right here in Kansas City (theadhdconference. org).
You can also support Sasone’s 2025 matching campaign at sasone. org/donate.
Visit sasone.org to explore our resources or schedule a training for your school, congregation or organization, because when everyone belongs, our entire community shines a little brighter.
Keeping of the kippahs
“Ready or not, here they come.”
Those are the words a friend used to finally reduce the collection of yarmulkes that had somehow made their way from synagogue to home. One day, after years spent wrestling them back into the underwear drawer where she stored them, she took each one out, noted the name embossed on the inside lining and sent them back to that person. “Whether or not they wanted them, they got them anyway.” Triumphantly, she recaptured her drawer for just bras and panties.
I wish I could do the same, but most of the more than 30 yarmulkes inadvertently brought into my home bear the names of complete strangers. There’s the one with gold letters announcing the 1997 wedding of Galit and Oran. Who are they? Are they still married? Are they even alive? Two of the black silk ones I own can’t be returned to a specific living person because they came from funeral homes.
I do want to keep the kippahs made for my daughter’s bat mitzvah in 2001. From the years listed on others, I assume she attended and knows who created the purple one for Rachael Ray, Ivy’s pink satin one, and the beige leather one for Richard Alexander. But there’s no way she was at Aron Moshe’s bar mitzvah in 1984. She wasn’t even born yet.
And how did I end up with six lacy mantilla-types, complete with bobby pins? I never wore them. Was my husband having an illicit affair with a religious woman? Is this like finding lipstick on his collar? Perhaps I was the culprit, stuffing them into my purse intending to use them someday. If so, what was I thinking?
No matter their provenance, all these head coverings are mine now. I’ve been assured from both A.I. and non-A.I. sources that they are not sacred items and can be stored anywhere. I
Community celebrates return of hostages community news
remember my mom used to toss them into the nightstand next to her and Dad’s bed. For quick access to late night praying, perhaps?
My original storage solution was a brown paper bag. When it crumpled and ripped, I transferred them to a more dignified holder: a Tupperware container. To upgrade from that, I could buy something called a Kippah Keeper (a lucite box designed especially for yarmulkes,) or a kippah bag resembling a mini laundry bag with a drawstring.
If I were crafty (which I’m not), I could make one out of an oatmeal box. Or, if I were a seamstress (which I’m not), I could turn the rounded fabric into a wearable item. Yarmulkes make handy face masks, and the shape lends itself to ear muffs. I’ve seen them turned into bikini tops, but that somehow seems inappropriate.
Instead of storing them, I could find alternative uses for them. Oven mitts, jar openers or fly swatters perhaps. I hear they make good frisbees.
Better yet, I could give them back from whence they came. After setting aside a few for hosting Shabbat dinners and Passover Seders, I could donate the rest.
Damien Timms, Congregation Beth Torah’s executive director, assures me that synagogues still provide congregants with yarmulkes.
However, he adds, “Most people do not use them because they think that they aren’t clean. And they actually are.”
Even if no one uses them, the box outside a synagogue sanctuary sounds like the perfect storage solution. If Galit and Oran want theirs back, they’ll know where to find it.
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.
continued from page 1
offenses, including some involved in deadly attacks, as well as some 1,700 Palestinians detained in Gaza during the war.
For Overland Park resident Yosef Silver, 41, the hostage releases felt like a collective exhale — a moment when the ache that had lived inside so many Jewish hearts for two years finally eased, if only slightly.
“I told my kids, ‘I hope this is the most significant thing you ever see — and that we never again need a moment like this in your lifetime,’” said Silver, a marketing entrepreneur and Jewish community organizer who previously lived in Israel.
Across multiple screens in the Silver household, joyful scenes of the kind he and so many others had prayed for were actually happening.
“Something changed after that; something felt lighter,” he said. “The uncertainty — when, if they’re alive, if they’ll come home — finally lifted. It was freeing, but there was sadness, too [for the slain and unreturned].”
Silver said he was especially moved by the return of the body of IDF Captain Daniel Perez, 22, who fell in battle Oct. 7 and was honored with a Sefer Torah cover at Congregation Beth Israel Abraham and Voliner on Simchat Torah in 2024.
Among those watching with the Silvers was Rabbi Eddie Shapiro, who’d dropped by to witness history with his neighbors. For months, he’d carried pictures of two hostages he had “adopted” in both his prayer book and on his phone, praying twice daily for their return.
Rabbi Shapiro had last seen one of his adopted hostages, Colombian-Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot, in a Hamas propaganda video pleading for help from Trump. Now, watching
the 36-year-old embrace his wife and little boy, the rabbi wept.
“I had their personalities, their identities, their souls on my mind at least twice a day, every day,” said Rabbi Shapiro, executive director of the Vaad HaKashruth of Kansas City and an expert on Jewish burial law.
Seeing the emotional reunions play out from Israel, Rabbi Shapiro — whose son serves in the IDF — couldn’t escape thoughts of those still unreturned: the murdered, the missing, the bodies still held by Hamas.
“I’ve spent 40 years caring for Jewish decedents, ensuring their honor and dignity,” he said, “so it offends me deeply to see the disgrace brought upon these bodies. I fear that, in our relief for the living, we may forget those whose families are still waiting to bury them.”
Some Greater Kansas City Jews have an even more personal connection to the hostages.
Devorah Klein, 30, of Overland Park, shared wine, laughter and communal life with some of the captives long before Oct. 7. She lived on Kibbutz Nir Oz for nearly two years as a lone soldier after making aliyah in 2016.
Around 120 people from her kibbutz were either murdered or taken captive in the Hamas-led invasion.
“These are people whose houses I would go to,” Klein said last week at a gathering of community members in Mission, Kansas, to mark the hostage releases.
Among Klein’s former neighbors kidnapped by Hamas were previously released hostages Sasha Troufanov, Iair Horn, Erez and Sahar Calderon, and David Cunio, whose brother Ariel Cunio was among the surviving captives returned to Israel last week.
The 20 remaining living hostages recently released are (from left) Matan Angrest, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman, Elkana Bohbot, Rom Braslavski, Nimrod Cohen, Ariel Cunio, David Cunio, Eitan David, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Yosef-Haim Ohana, Alon Ohel, Avinatan Or, Matan Zangauker, Segev Kalfon, Bar Abraham Kupershtein, Omri Miran and Eitan Abraham Mor.
Deborah Joy Agron
On Oct. 6, Deborah “Debby” Joy Agron, 75, died peacefully after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Debby was her dynamic, motivated, courageous and determined self until the very end. Her spirit, love and influence live on in the hearts and memories of her friends, family and loved-ones; including many people she touched through her decades-long involvement as both teacher and student of Jewish education.
Debby was born on May 29, 1950, in Sioux City, Iowa, to her parents, Robert and Lorraine Raskin (née Lipman). As an infant, Debby had charming green eyes and beautiful, thick red hair which eventually morphed into her well-known dark brown hue. She spent early childhood in Iowa, Texas and Missouri; but spent the majority of her childhood and adult life in Kansas.
Debby’s childhood and early teens were social, community-oriented and action-packed. She explored the world via avid reading, love of libraries, adventurous cooking, traveling, expanding her wide social network of friends and developing creative athletic pursuits — including baton throwing (and the occasional flaming baton!). Debby was captivating, capable and remarkably efficient. She was an excellent planner, and this allowed her to converse, learn and educate with wonderful ease. Debby was an active member of BBYO and established a strong connection to the Kansas City Jewish com-
Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, which led to her introduction to Steve Agron, her future husband, around the age of 11. Their relationship developed over time; starting as acquaintances, then becoming friends and eventually dating.
Debby graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School and pursued her B.A. in psychology and early childhood education at Washington University in St. Louis. Debby and Steve continued a long-distance relationship while Steve attended the University of Kansas. After graduation, Debby moved back to Kansas City and started her working career at Memorex. Debby and Steve married on Aug. 5, 1973, and celebrated their honeymoon in San Francisco, California. Upon return, they made their family home in Overland Park, Kansas.
As a newlywed, before Debby and Steve expanded their family, Debby developed a love for mahjongg and forged a decades-long playing group of friends. On a weekly basis, the ladies would gather around a card table while playing, gambling, snacking and socializing — loving life and enjoying each other’s company among the “Mah Jong Girls.”
Debby and Steve celebrated the births of their son and daughter, Jason and Lindsay. Debby transitioned to full-time parenting during their early childhood, for which Jason and Lindsay are forever grateful for. As the kids got older, Debby began teaching at B’nai Jehudah (as did her father). Several years later, she began working at Congregation Beth Shalom, where she developed a wonderful career as an administrator, secretary and assistant to Rabbi Alan Cohen. Debby con-
seminars, training and even teaching art, cooking and history classes at Beth Shalom.
In 2019, she celebrated the birth of her grandson, Isadore “Izzy” Robert Bohumil Agron. After retiring in 2021, Debby focused on socializing and enjoying life. She continued voraciously reading multiple books at a time. She constantly sought out adventure through cooking, finding and testing recipes and techniques from all over the world. She would master these techniques and recipes and would share her cooking with others, including routine mail deliveries of delicious home-made treats and desserts across the country. She loved spending time visiting with family and found joy and excitement as a “Bubs” to her beloved grandson.
Debby truly had a zest for life and a constant itch to live, love, cook, read, play, explore and socialize. Her spirit, memories and teachings will continue to live on with her friends, family and loved ones. While her time on Earth was cut shorter than anyone hoped or expected, she led an amazing life. She would encourage all of her loved ones to continue to do the same.
Debby is preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Lorry Raskin; and her beloved pets, Patches and Spunky. She is survived by her beloved husband, Steve; children, Lindsay and Jason; daughter-in-law, Julie; grandson, Isadore “Izzy;” brothers, Marty and Ben; and sister in law, Donna.
Graveside services were held on Oct. 10 at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel. com.
Shirley Kahn Browar
If you or a loved one would like to be featured, send an email to Assistant Editor Lacey Storer at laceys@jewishkc.org.
Shirley Kahn Browar, 102, of Overland Park, Kansas, died at home on Oct. 5 with her daughter and son at her side. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Elliott Andrew Browar.
Born in New York City on March 9, 1923, to Augusta Ida and Jacob Benjamin Kahn, Shirley was an accomplished student who graduated from high school at 16. She graduated from Hunter College, a member of the Class of 1943, with a degree in geography. Shirley immediately went to work as a cartographer for the Army Map Service, helping create maps used by Army Rangers at the Battle of Montecassino, the Battle of the Bulge and other European battles during World War II. In 1945, prior to the Japanese surrender, Shirley was mapping Manchuria in anticipation of the war’s continuation in Asia.
Shirley met Elliott on a blind date in 1943 several months before he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he served in the Pacific theater. After his return, they married in 1946. Together, they raised a family while pursuing their respective careers: Elliott as a labor economist for the US Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Shirley as a secondary school teacher.
Elliott’s career took the family from New York to Chicago to Cleveland and finally Kansas City in 1967, where he was appointed Regional Commissioner of Labor Statistics, retiring in 1986. Shirley retired from teaching several years prior and embarked on a second career as a volunteer for the Friends of the Johnson County Library, where she served as president, presiding over their successful used book sales. Shirley also volunteered as an English language teacher for Russian emigres in a program sponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City. Together, Shirley and Elliott traveled widely throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Israel and Mexico.
Shirley was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and a love of music which she passed along to her children and grandchildren, encouraging their own pursuits. And, like all the women in the Kahn family, Shirley was a skilled needlewoman who knitted and crocheted clothing for her children and grandchildren that has been lovingly preserved and handed down to her great-grandchildren.
She was an equally gifted baker whose recipes for Passover honey cake and other baked goods are cher-
Shirley is survived by her children,
continued from previous page Lisa and Jonathan (Lanie); grandchildren, Melissa Vandermark (Jason), Rebecca (J.P. Hinds) and Jason (Sarah Behnke); and great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Kennedy, Grayson and Lucy (due Nov. 6).
The family wishes to thank St. Luke’s Cardiology, St. Luke’s Home Care and Hospice and her caregivers for their care and compassion throughout Shirley’s final illness.
Graveside services were held on Oct. 10 at Mt. Moriah Cemetery.
Margaret Goldstein
Margaret Goldstein, 90, of Prairie Village, Kansas, died on Oct. 6.
Funeral services were held at Rose Hill Cemetery on Oct. 9. Kindly omit flowers; the family suggests contributions of one’s choice.
Margaret was born on Nov. 19, 1934, in Essen, Germany, to Julius and Beatte Windmüller. Her childhood was a brave and bold adventure. At the age of four, she traveled to the United States on the Holland America boat, arriving at Ellis Island in 1938. Their American sponsors were cousins in Kansas City. The remaining family members stayed in Germany.
Her father struggled to adapt to the new world while juggling learning English and working. He built a business selling sundries by having customers point to the picture in the catalog for items to purchase. After his passing, Beatte remarried into the Mason family, and Margaret gained a brother, Wayne Mason.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in business from Kansas City University (now known as UMKC).
After college, her life entered a new chapter with steadfast motherhood and unwavering resolve. She married her beloved husband, Lawrence Goldstein, and was married for 68 years. Larry was devoted to building a life for her. He worked endless hours to create successful businesses, a string of pharmacies, one-hour-photo, franchise businesses, and never waived providing for his family.
Together, they were steadfast. As a mother, Margaret embodied devotion
obituaries
in the everlasting carpool lines, driving to Hebrew school lessons and supervising the family activities. Her love of learning took her far and wide to the Nelson-Atkins Museum and every wondrous place in Kansas City that she could share with those she loved most.
She found her greatest joy in feeding the hearts of others. Every meal she prepared was more than food — it was an act of love, a way of gathering friends closely and reminding them they belonged. Her kitchen was always alive with the scent of flour and sugar, laughter spilling over simmering pots, golden pie crusts and fancy layered jellos. Her dinner parties became legendary — evenings filled with warmth, light and stories that lingered long after the plates were cleared.
She was known for her pies that could make anyone smile — her apple pie, a masterpiece of comfort and care, and her strawberry-rhubarb, tangy and sweet, forever a close second. To sit at her table was to be wrapped in love, one delicious slice at a time. Ever devoted to sharing her gifts, she spent several years at her synagogue, serving as the kitchen manager, a role that let her nourish the hearts of many.
She was a brilliant woman — curious, thoughtful, insightful and playful. Her passions extended far and wide. She delighted in the challenge of crossword puzzles. She cherished her time on the tennis court and carried a spunk for life that touched every soul.
Among her many responsibilities, she always carved out moments for whimsy, mischief and joy. Once, she towed a Hurst boat to Hebrew school pick-up that Uncle Bob, a dear friend, and Uncle Wayne, her brother, had bought as a fishing boat and left as a joke on their driveway. Her moxie and strong character are part of her cherished memory.
Margaret’s family spent summers at the lake on their Cruzer, nicknamed “Marla,” short for Margaret and Lawrence. Summers at the lake were a delight for the simple joy of drifting along the shoreline. Spring brought its own delight, a time spent planting flowers, tending to her garden and watching the season’s turn.
When the kids were almost out of high school, she went to night school
and received a master’s degree in quantitative forecasting. She owned ValPak of Kansas and worked in couponing for 40 years. She had a strong saleswoman’s spirit, carrying with her an aura of “no regrets.” Born to sell, many businesses tried to turn her away, but she never gave up. She used to say that “a closed door was just another opportunity.”
She is survived by her loving husband, Lawrence Goldstein; her brother, Wayne (Marilyn) Mason; her children, Janet Galapo and Jerry (Beverly) Goldstein; and five grandchildren, Samuel Galapo, Sara Galapo, Morgan Goldstein, Sydney Goldstein and Bailey McCrea.
Online condolences for the family may be left at louismemorialchapel. com.
Judith Marsha Samberg
Judy was also an animal lover, owning multiple dogs in her lifetime, but her passion was card and table games, such as bridge, pan and mahjongg. She relished the challenge on both an individual and team level, and while she didn’t outwardly show it, she was a driven competitor at heart. She was engaged with her synagogue sisterhood community as a young adult and generously supported causes and organizations that aligned with her beliefs in her later years.
Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.
The family wishes to express our sincere thanks to the team of caregivers from Agape Home Care and Wise Choices, who took exceptional care of Judy in her final months.
Judith Marsha Samberg (Simon), aged 83, passed away on Oct. 4 at her home in Overland Park, Kansas. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Judy was born on Feb. 1, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio. She cherished her early years with her parents, Rae and Albert Simon, and her younger brother, Kenny, all of whom preceded her in death. Judy is survived by a loving family: her sister, Debbie (Minnetonka, Minnesota); children, Amy (Tucson, Arizona), Robin and Corey; her granddaughter, Elli (San Diego, California); along with many nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Cleveland Heights High School in 1959, she attended Ohio University. Judy married Bernard Unger at 19 years old, and the two moved to Kansas City in 1963 and started a family. Judy was widowed with three young children in 1969. She eventually remarried to Stan Samberg, to whom she was married for 54 years until his death in 2024.
Judy was a devoted wife and mother. As her children grew, she joined the workforce as an office manager for various medical practices over a 20+ year career. Throughout her employment, she was a trusted, valued associate and was celebrated for her integrity and work ethic until her retirement in 2006.
Judy was committed to her family, finding joy in witnessing the growth and success of her children and granddaughter. She remained a steady source of guidance and support, offering her unwavering presence through every challenge her family encountered.
Graveside services were held for family and close friends at Mt. Carmel Cemetery on Oct. 6. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Wayside Waifs or to the animal shelter of your choice.
Online condolences may be left at louismemorialchapel.com.
This week in history
70 years ago
Community celebrates return of hostages
continued from page 12
“When I woke up on Oct. 7 and saw the videos coming in, it took me a second to realize that half the videos I was seeing were from the place I lived, and that I knew the people in them,” Klein said.
She recalled the terror she felt when
Hamas members used FaceTime to phone hostage families ahead of last week’s releases, calls some families answered while being filmed by news cameras.
“Watching people I care about FaceTime the people holding their loved ones captive — live on the news — was
scarier than any horror movie I’ve seen,” Klein said.
Oct. 7, she added, “ripped my world open” and “taught me, unfortunately, that if I were ever to die or be killed in a capacity in which I am identified as Israeli, people will cheer. And that’s something that I have to live with.”
Still, on the night of the releases, Klein said, she felt the same bond that united millions of Jews around the world: strangers holding their breath together, crying together, praying together.
“It was,” the former kibbutznik said, “truly amazing.”
Jewish Experiences and Jewish Federation hosted an event on Oct. 16 to celebrate the return of the hostages with sushi, snacks and Kansas City’s two Israeli emissaries. Fifty community members attended the celebration at Rockcreek Brewing Co. in Mission, Kansas.
“As we’ve grown older, we’ve realized that the greatest gift we can give isn’t just financial, it’s the opportunity to give. We decided to split our Donor Advised Fund into individual funds for each of our adult children. It’s our way of passing on not just resources, but a legacy of values, generosity, and responsibility. We hope this empowers them to shape their own philanthropic journeys and keep our family’s commitment to giving alive for generations to come.”
- Peggy & Zandy Davis
A Family Tradition of Giving
Create a legacy of generosity with a Donor Advised Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation. A Donor Advised Fund is a charitable giving account through which you can easily and efficiently support all of your favorite charities (Jewish AND secular). A fund offers significant tax and planning advantages, the ability to streamline your giving, and access to JCF’s philanthropic expertise and exceptional personal service.
Open a new Donor Advised Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation and we’ll match one charitable gift to your favorite nonprofit - up to $1,000!
To learn more, contact Suzanne Galblum Dicken at 913-327-8286 or sdicken@jcfkc.org.