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The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle
Diana Kander to speak about her family’s persecution in former Soviet Union
Jewish Vocational Service, in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Bureau|AJC and the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City is announcing the event, “Diana Kander: An American Dream.” Kander, along with her mother Maria Kagan, will speak about their family’s journey from persecution in the former Soviet Union to safety and prosperity in Kansas City. The event will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, at the Jewish Community Campus, with a light, Vaad-certified reception following. “As Jews, we are grateful for the ways in which America has allowed us to thrive,” said Gavriela Geller, executive director of JCRB|AJC. “We recognize that immigrants continue to contribute to the economic, social and cultural fabric of our country, and that all of our diverse experiences make up the story of the American Dream. We’re committed to building an America that welcomes those seeking refuge from poverty and persecution.” Kander is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, innovation specialist and Jewish refugee from the former Soviet Union.
Diana Kander, a New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, innovation specialist and Jewish refugee, will talk about her family’s persecution in the former Soviet Union and prosperity in Kansas City. “This is a moment to reaffirm that our communities are stronger when we all feel like we belong and the contributions of all are welcomed,” said Hilary Cohen Singer, executive director at JVS. “Every
day, JVS works to make Kansas City a place where diverse people from around the world feel valued and want to put down roots. Our community has been welcoming refugees and immigrants for decades, and we are excited to be able to share Diana’s story as a small example of the ways we are all enriched by being welcoming and inclusive.” This event is part of Welcoming Week, a nationwide movement to bring together immigrants and native-born residents in a spirit of unity to build strong connections across their communities and affirm the benefits of welcoming everyone. Rabbi Doug Alpert of Congregation Kol Ami and president of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City, states: “The immigrant’s story, the story of being welcomed as the stranger, is our story. As Jews we know what it means to be welcomed in places of refuge and protection during times of persecution and suffering. We also know what it means to be denied that welcome, to be turned away from the borders, and the suffering that ensued.” To RSVP to the event, go to kanderamericandream.eventbrite.com or call 816-629-8935.
Annual Bike for the Brain coming in September Bike for the Brain (B4B), a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization, will be hosting the 14th Annual Bike for the Brain, a community bicycle ride and walk event to raise awareness and funds for mental health in Kansas City. Funds raised are granted to Kansas City area agencies that enhance the lives of people with mental health challenges. The goal is also to raise public awareness that mental health disorders are brain-based, emotional and behavioral experiences that are both common and treatable. Bike for the Brain was founded in 2006 and continues to grow each year. The 2018 grant recipients include Amethyst Place, Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City, MOCSA, NAMI Johnson County, Operation Breakthrough, Reconciliation Services and The Children’s Place. B4B 2019 will take place on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2. On-site regis-
tration will start at 7 a.m. at Johnson County Mental Health Center, 6000 Lamar, Mission. Rides launch at 8 a.m. Participants are welcome to register online at bikeforthebrain.org to ride or to volunteer to help in a wide variety of ways. The routes are urban/rural on-road courses of 10, 33, 55 and 65 miles. There will be a flag ceremony followed by a group launch at 8 a.m. Six rest stops coordinated with Community Partners will be along the route every five to 10 miles. The free Walk for Recovery starts at 10 a.m. for people who prefer to walk a mile for mental health. Tricycle Races start at 10:30 a.m. Children of all ages are welcome to pit their child-size tricycle racing skills against one another. Delicious refreshments including fruit from Liberty Fruit Co., ice cream sandwiches and even “self-propelled smoothies” await riders at the finish.
Lisa Bernard (from left), Rob Tannenbaum, Kelly Jackson, Donna Oberstein and Jimmy Rosenblum celebrate completing their ride at Bike for the Brain 2018. Over 500 people usually participate in Bike for the Brain including more than 350 riders and 100 volunteers. The ride is $40 per rider at the event and $30 for sign up prior to Sept. 1. VIP parking is $35 in advance. For more information, to register or to donate for the event, go to bikeforthebrain.org.
August 22, 2019
Farbrengen held to commemorate completion of ‘Book of Mitzvot’ Women and girls gathered recently for an inspirational farbrengen (gathering) to commemorate the completion of the yearly study of Maimonides’ “Book of Mitzvot” studied by men, women and children around the world. “The study of Maimonides brings a level of unity so important for our people,” said Blumah Wineberg. Rabbi Sholom Wineberg shared words of wisdom connecting the idea of a siyum (completion of a course of study) with the siyum (completion) of life. The evening was in memory of Rebbetzin Esther Alpern, sister of Blumah Wineberg and veteran shlucha in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for 41 years. Rabbi Chaim Aharon Chazan, visiting son-in-law of the Winebergs, made an actual siyum, which was enjoyed by all present. Esty Perman led the group in an interactive discussion about the power of belief and faith in G-d in overcoming challenges and seeing the good in our challenges.
Simcha Gifts delivers holiday packages to Jewish seniors Simcha Gifts delivers holiday packages five times a year, before each of the major Jewish holidays, and works with the activity directors at area facilities to educate about the upcoming holidays. Simcha Gifts is preparing for the coming year. On behalf of the project, Blumah Wineberg is searching for volunteers who would like to help bring cheer to a Jewish senior living at home or in a facility by helping pack or deliver the gifts. Contact Wineberg at 913940-1113 if you are interested in volunteering or know of a Jewish senior, or someone who is unaffiliated, that would appreciate such a gift. Simcha Gifts also has dedication opportunities available for each Jewish holiday in honor or memory of a loved one. A new candle-lighting brochure for Shabbat and High Holidays, which includes the proper times for lighting the candles and instructions, will be available before Rosh Hashanah. It can be mailed to anyone who would like one by contacting Wineberg.