$1.00 The KANSAS CITY Volume 91, Number 39 www.kcjc.com September 22, 2011 jewish chronicle B’nai Jehudah, Beth Torah plan joint worship service

By Barbara Bayer Editor

In the spirit of cooperation and collaboration, the two largest Re- form congregations in town —The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehu- dah and Congregation Beth Torah — will worship together for the first time at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, at B’nai Jehudah. The service will follow B’nai Jehudah’s ritual and, at the invitation of B’nai Jehudah’s Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff, Beth Torah’s Rab- bi Mark Levin will give the sermon. Rabbi Nemitoff always invites a Photo by EdméE RodRiguEz guest speaker to share the pulpit on Congregation Beth Torah’s Rabbi Vered Harris reads to a class of preschoolers at Congregation Beth Shalom’s Rose Family Early Child- Shabbat Shuvah, the Shabbat that hood Education Center. Shown sitting on the rug is teacher Vicki Diamond, and in the chair next to Rabbi Harris is Judy Jacks Berman, the falls between Rosh Hashanah and preschool’s director. Yom Kippur. He said it is not an ac- cident that the joint service is tak- ing place on that Shabbat. “This first-ever event speaks Rabbis believe collaboration key to future directly to the themes of our High Holidays: joining as one people with By Barbara Bayer Kansas City. The local rabbis want to night, Sept. 24, (For more information, common hopes and dreams,” Rabbi Editor take that support for each other a step see Page 6) the all-night Shavuot pro- Nemitoff said. further and begin finding ways for their gram and the Day of Discovery which “It’s not about repentance, it’s Rabbis in Kansas City are proud congregations to collaborate more in kicks off the education season. just about a new beginning,” Rabbi of the fact that across the board they an effort to build a more vibrant Jew- The idea of collaboration is becom- Levin said. get along well. Many will tell you it’s ish community for the future. ing more important, according to sev- As Rabbi Nemitoff explained, highly unusual for rabbis of very dif- The concept of collaboration is not eral local rabbis, because of the chang- Beth Torah and B’nai Jehudah have ferent spiritual beliefs — from Chabad new said Rabbinical Association Presi- ing Jewish community. to Reform to Orthodox — to support see Reform, page 8 dent Rabbi Herbert Mandl of Kehilath “Nobody knows how many Jews each other in one organization such as Israel Synagogue. there are in this city, but we know that the Rabbinical Association of Greater “The whole concept of collabora- the current situation is very different tion between synagogues began at than it has been in the past,” said Beth the Rabbinical Association of Greater Torah Rabbi Mark Levin. “There isn’t Kansas City. It is my hope that many a religious school in the city that has as synagogues will have joint ventures be- many kids in it as it once did and we tween them in the year ahead,” he said. think there are fewer Jewish kids over- Over the years the Rabbinical As- all.” sociation has planned communitywide Todd Stettner, Federation executive events to help bring the community vice president and CEO, echoed Rabbi together, most notably the upcoming Levin’s comments that the community Selichot service which will be held at see Cooperation, page 7 Congregation Beth Torah Saturday page 2 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle September 22, 2011

Th e KANSAS listening post CITY jewish chronicle a tradition since 1920

By Barbara Bayer, Stephen F. Rose Chairman Editor [email protected]

David Small BRAVO — The opening events President of the Kauffman Center for the Per - [email protected] forming Arts were the talk of the Barbara Bayer town this weekend and early this Editor week. It was designed by Israeli ar - [email protected] chitect Moshe Safi, and the buzz is it’s magnificent. Many local Jews Marcia Horn Montgomery were involved in opening-weekend Community Editor activities. One was Hyman Brand [email protected] Hebrew Academy junior Avery Amy Cohn Parkhurst, who plays violin in the Advertising Manager Kansas City Youth Orchestra and [email protected] performed Sunday in Helzberg Hall. Greg Azorsky had a booth outside Barbara Lewis Godfrey the Kauffman Center during the Account Executive open house Sunday selling one of his [email protected] KC Cool shirts, which is an expan - Judy Lanes sion of his Meshugge Shirts featured Account Executive in the paper earlier this year. The de- [email protected] sign, “Move Over, Sydney,” sold well. Describing the design, Azorsky said Mike Bennett that “the Sydney Opera House has Production Director been such an iconic building for the Michael Stern (right) purchased a ‘Move Over, Sydney’ shirt from Greg Azorsky [email protected] performing arts and now we have (background to the left). Heather Swan this new building here that may very By 1931, its name had changed to Me- uate and graduate programs among Special Sections Editor well become another such building. norah Hospital and ground was bro - the top 25 entrepreneurship programs [email protected] I had a lot of people come up to our ken on 14 acres south of Brush Creek in the country. Only 11 schools nation- tent who said ‘That is just what I was from Troost to Holmes and north of wide have both undergraduate and Delivery Problems? thinking.’ ” Even Kansas City Sym - 50th Street. Sixty-three years later graduate programs included in this phony Music Director Michael Stern in 1994 the complex called Menorah ranking. Call (913) 951-8425 Or e-mail purchased a shirt! If you didn’t get a Park opened at 119th and Nall to [email protected] chance to see Kauffman Center last take advantage of the Jewish migra - TWEETING WITH THE WHITE weekend, check it out when Marvin tion to southern Johnson County. In HOUSE — Earlier this month Kan - Published every Thursday by Hamlisch performs Nov. 3 in honor 1996 the Missouri location was closed sas City native Chloe White, who of the Midwest Center for Holocaust entirely as a new Menorah Medical now lives and works in Washington, Education’s 18th anniversary. Center opened in Kansas. We salute D.C., was selected to attend the White everyone who was instrumental in House Tweetup briefing with Press MENORAH MILESTONE — Me- getting the hospital open and making Secretary Jay Carney. Those inter - 4210 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 314A norah Medical Center hasn’t been Fairway, Kansas 66205-2532 it an institution the entire city can be ested in attending applied and White Chronicle Offi ce: (913) 951-8440 a Jewish hospital since it was pur - proud of. was one of only 12 people selected to Facsimile: (913) 674-5379 chased by Health Midwest in 1994. attend. Members of the group were Website: www.kcjc.com Now a for-profit hospital owned by UMKC’S BLOCH BUILDING given the opportunity to ask questions E-mail: [email protected] HCA Midwest Health System, we feel — Henry Bloch has donated $32 mil - about President Obama’s speech on it would be in poor taste for us not lion — the largest outright gift in creating jobs and growing the econ - ©2011 MetroMedia. All rights reserved. to recognize the hospital’s rich Jew - UMKC’s history — to fund a state-of- omy. They also got to take a tour of ish history as it celebrates its 80th the-art building to house the Henry the White House and had a chance to PUBLISHER NOTICE anniversary. It opened its doors on W. Bloch School of Management’s meet with other White House officials. The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle (ISSN 0022-8524) (USPS Sept. 7, 1931, but Jewish doctors be - (Bloch School) graduate and ex - After the event, the group was encour- 290140) is published weekly throughout the year, plus gan calling for a Jewish hospital way ecutive programs. Bloch has been a aged to tweet all about it. White said one special edition in June and another in September, by back in 1882. Funds became available lifelong advocate of education and MetroMedia, 4210 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 314A, it was a fantastic experience to get the Fairway, Kansas 66205-2532. Subscription $54.95 per to start building the hospital in 1917, began supporting the UMKC School opportunity to go behind the scenes of year in area (includes sales tax), $64.95 per year outside but other things in the community of Business Administration when he the White House and talk to senior of- the area. Periodicals Postage paid at Shawnee Mission, took precedence and the Jewish Me - endowed the school in 1986. Most re- ficials about the issues of the day. She Kansas Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Kansas morial Hospital Association wasn’t cently The Princeton Review recog - City Jewish Chronicle, 4210 Shawnee Mission Parkway, even got to pet Bo! Suite 314A, Fairway, Kansas 66205-2532. formed and incorporated until 1926. nized the Bloch School’s undergrad - September 22, 2011 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 3 65th wedding anniversary testament to KC’s welcoming spirit

By Barbara Bayer the agencies that were responsible for Editor us, and the entire Kansas City Jewish community, outdid themselves taking Today (Thursday, Sept. 22) is Ann care of us.” and Isak Federman’s 65th wedding an- niversary. The two moved to Kansas Their sTory City only months before they married. Coming to the center of the Midwest- Ann Warszawski Federman is from ern United States is still one of Ann’s Bendzin, Poland. In 1942 she was sent most treasured memories of their 65- to a labor camp in Czechoslovakia plus years together. along with her sisters, Gertrude and “Coming here and being free after Lola. Ann was 20 when she was liber- the horrors of the Holocaust was ab- ated in 1945. solutely wonderful,” she said recently Isak hails from Wolbrom, Poland. from their home in Prairie Village. During the war he was imprisoned in 17 Ann and Isak credit respect for one different concentration camps, includ- another as just one of the many reasons ing Bergen-Belsen. Sick and weighing they’ve lived a happy life together. She only 80 pounds, Isak left Bergen-Belsen said the warm welcome they received following the liberation. from the Jewish community when they A Jewish doctor in the British army arrived helped get them started on the took Isak under his wing. After spend- right track. ing a couple of months in a British hos- “We were on the second ship out pital, Isak decided to return to Bergen- Photo by ben Mccall of Germany,” she recalled. “We didn’t Belsen. Ann and Isak Federman know what we were doing or where Following the war, Ann, Gertrude we were going to go and after we got to and their brother, John Warszawski, survive the Holocaust. Both of Ann’s John that Isak met his beloved Ann. New York, they sent us to Kansas City.” also went to the Bergen-Belsen Dis- parents died shortly before the Holo- “We became acquainted, and I think “The Jewish Federation, HIAS (He- placed Persons Camp to search for caust.) Isak and John had met during we sort of liked each other,” Ann said. brew Immigrant Aid Society) and all other family members. (Lola did not the Holocaust, and found each other see Couple, page 8 again at the DP camp. It was through

village shalom 82311JL5 4c x 5” page 4 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle September 22, 2011 Back in the Swing: More than retail therapy By Ellen R. Portnoy Bob said funding from the events will go to two Contributing Writer tracks — oncology nurses and survivors. Back in the Swing has provided the initial funding for a Just as a caterpillar spins her cocoon and slowly new curriculum entitled “Delivering Survivorship changes into a beautiful butterfly, Back in the Swing Care” as part of the “Cancer Survivorship Train- is undergoing a major metamorphosis as it emerges ing for healthcare Professionals.” It will address 12 from its first decade of retail therapy and enters its survivorship nursing care content areas, including: second decade with a revised program of parties and Emotional Issues and Cancer, Exercise and Energy learning. Balance, Fatigue and Cognitive Difficulties, Fertility When Back in the Swing was founded in 2000 by Preservation, Genetic issues and others. Members of Barbara Unell, her focus was on raising funds to help The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, the Unells breast cancer survivors answer simple questions are aware of the importance of understanding your like, “How should I exercise? What should I do to help genetic situation to help prevent breast cancer. my immune system? What do I do to get back to life?” The parties will kick off with a special event from 8 At the time there were very few resources for breast a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Dean and Deluca cancer survivors. in Leawood. There will be discounts throughout the “People did not talk about the survivors 11 years “Retailers are creative,” Bob said. “For example store as well as free samples to taste from the “Back ago,” said Barbara, “now we can. An almost unthink- Crate and Barrel is calling their event ‘Crate Big in the Swing Cookbook: Recipes for Eating Great and able gap in care existed then. They (medical system) Pink Party.’” They plan to have 10 stations around Living Well.” (To be published by Andrews McMeel.) cared for cancer but not the survivor.” the store with food, demonstrations, decorating and Although the cookbook will not be published until But Back in the Swing changed that in the Kan- education. People will buy tickets with the proceeds fall of 2012, it is an important part of the future plans sas City area. Over the years “retail therapy” was going to Back in the Swing. Crate and Barrel could of Back in the Swing. Written by Barbara Unell and embraced by many supporters throughout the area, never participate in the shopping cards, but they can Judith Fertig, the book will feature not only 130 reci- raising more than $2 million. Today there are several have a party for the survivorship celebration. pes, but will be a resource for nutrition, exercise and post-treatment centers for breast cancer survivors in Home parties will also be held. A teacher is hav- relaxation for the breast cancer survivor. the area. ing one to honor her fellow teachers who have sur- “The book is not talking just of cancer,” said Bar- “It was exciting,” said Barbara, “People knew vived breast cancer. She is inviting staff and parents. bara, “but of improving and protecting health … get- about our organization, but they thought we only did The school is coming together to support Back in the ting back in swing. We focus on wellness, not the ill- shopping cards. When we did research about people’s Swing. People will make a donation to come to the ness of it. knowledge of what we did, they did not know about party. In return they will get treats and party favors, The cookbook will be helpful for people who have the care we give.” as well as education about survivorship programs. been through the experience as well as those who “Two things have changed in 10 years,” said Bob Finally there are corporate parties. One law firm want to keep healthy. “ Unell, who helped found the organization with Bar- invited clients, partners and staff and is having EBT They hope that the book will become a major fun- bara. “When we started we were the only card…. It restaurant provide food. Representatives will come draiser for Back in the Swing as it will have interna- was unique. But now a shopping card is not unique. and talk about how Back in Swing has helped them tional distribution and a part of all profits will go to And dynamics have changed for everyone because get healthy. “The young man who organized it is so the organization. of the economy. So retail therapy had to change as excited about doing something that will bring his As Back in the Swing changes, Barbara said, “This well.” company together and raise money for the cause,” shows that our organization is not only interested Bob said. in breast cancer, we are interested in wellness and ‘A CAuse for CelebrAtion!’ People will learn about the parties through special health and healthy living.” They would like an end sections in two local newspapers. There will be 200 to breast cancer reoccurrence and improved health Back in the Swing Parties will focus on “provid- parties in 20 days … and these parties are open to the for all. ing access to cutting-edge, survivorship education public. “Everyone can come to any event,” Barbara Just as a butterfly brings beauty to the world, they for local oncology nurses, as well as clinical care and said. “They are not private, they are open to the pub- hope the book and the parties will bring healing and research,” according to promotional materials about lic. You don’t need to be invited.” joy to women throughout the world. the change. Instead of purchasing discount shopping cards, this year more than 200 parties will be held throughout the Kansas City area. “We saw things happen at the grassroots level,” assets with Nazi authorities, including his art collection of 106 said Bob. “People had parties or shopping events. Jewish-owned painting assorted Renaissance masterpieces and Impressionist works. We were given time to come up with a program and restituted to heirs Evading internment at a concentration camp, Sommerguth fled provide education. So we thought, ‘Wow if we want to (JTA) — A painting sold under duress by its Jewish owners Germany to Cuba in 1941. He eventually moved to New York, educate and celebrate … could and would the parties during the Nazi era was restituted to his heirs. where he died in 1950. work?’” The painting, “Madame La Suire” by Albert von Keller, was re- The painting, which was located in the Zurich Kunstgesell- Thus the theme for the parties this year is “A turned last week to the estate of Alfred Sommerguth with the schaft Museum in Switzerland, will remain in the collection as Cause for Celebration!” Over the winter the Unells help of New York’s Holocaust Claims Processing Office. It was a donation, with its provenance indicating that Sommerguth spoke to their supporters and individuals about hold- sold by Sommerguth under duress on Feb. 7, 1939, at the Hans was deprived of the painting by the Nazis in 1939. ing parties where people could sometimes shop, but W. Lange auction in Berlin. It was the fourth painting returned The Holocaust Claims Processing Office, created in 1997, is a always gain education about breast cancer survivor to the Sommerguth estate in the past three years. joint venture of the New York State Banking Department and services. Sommerguth, director and co-owner of the tobacco company the New York State Insurance Department. Three types of parties will be held. The first are Loeser & Wolff, was an official of the Ministry of Interior in retail parties. Most of these will be held between Oct. Berlin in charge of city planning when the Nazis came to

10 and 16. power. In the late 1930s he was forced to register all of his September 22, 2011 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 5

BRGR Bread & Butter Concepts 81811JL26 4c x 10” page 6 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle September 22, 2011 Jewish Family Services names new president

A longtime community volunteer, Stewart Koesten has taken on yet an- other important job — that of president of Jewish Family Services. Koesten took the helm following JFS’ Annual Meeting last week. “I am naturally honored to be asked to fill this role for JFS,” Koesten said. “I’ve had the pleasure of sitting on the JFS board of directors and work- ing with some of the best not-for-profit leaders I’ve known. I hope I can rise to their level of leadership,” he said. During the Annual Meeting Er- lene Krigel, and the late Peggy and Sevi Krigel were honored with the Al- fred Benjamin Friend of the Family Award. The Krigel women all served JFS as president during three differ- ent decades. Outgoing Board President Aaron March was also recognized for his service to the agency. In addition, Sandi Fried was introduced as the agency’s new president-elect and Brad Koffman was introduced as the newest JFS board member. Additional honors were announced during the meeting: John Stolte and Mark Hammer, recipients of the Rob- David Eisenberg (front row, from left); Sandi Fried, president-elect; Aaron March, immediate past president; Stewart Koesten, president; ert E. Rosenwald Outstanding Direc- Sally Friedman; Amanda Morgan; Bill Lieberman, vice president; Ann Stern. Back row: Jim Mueth; Lon Lowenstein, secretary; Marc Hammer, tor Award; Amy Breashears and Dawn vice president; Brad Koffman; David Kaseff and Steve Greenberg. Other members of the board include Fay Balk, Arnold Caviar, Cary Fox, Herbet, recipients of the Emelie Levin Ellen Goodman, Rich Hastings, Amy Shapiro, Rabbi Alex Shuval-Weiner, Beth Sherry and John Stolte, treasurer. Associate of the Year Award; and Jim Miller, winner of the Community Vol- Koffman, a physician, grew up in unteer of the Year Award. Kansas City’s Jewish community. Af- Koesten is president and CEO at ter completing college and medical KHC Wealth Management and he has school, Koffman returned to his home- Selichot program prepares Jewish been involved in numerous profession- town and got involved. al organizations. Outside of the busi- “I joined J-LEAD because I wanted ness world, Koesten has given a con- to develop an understanding of how community for High Holy Days charitable organizations work,” Koff- siderable amount of time to nonprofit The Jewish community will join Director Linda Sweenie, Cantors Sha- man said. “I now feel I am ready to organizations including JFS, the Hel- together to prepare for the Days of ron Kohn and Rob Menes, and a com- take the next step in my philanthropic zberg Charitable Leadership Fellows Awe at the annual community-wide munity choir. life, and JFS is a good match in that it program and the Bushman Communi- Selichot program and service Satur- Selichot services also take place supports the entire community, with ty Endowment program. Koesten’s oth- day, Sept. 24, at Congregation Beth at 12:15 a.m. at Kehilath Israel Syna- a focus on the Jewish community, in a er current volunteer activities include Torah. gogue and 1:10 a.m. at Beth Israel variety of manners from crises to daily The Folly Theater, The Investment The evening will begin at 8 Abraham and Voliner. living.” Management Consultants Association p.m. with a dessert reception and Selichot is a Hebrew word mean- In addition to JFS’ board, Koffman and the Heart of American Council of Havdalah will follow at 8:30 p.m. Six ing “forgiveness” and refers to the is a member of the Ben Gurion Society Boy Scouts of America. sessions exploring the theme of spiri- special prayers recited by Jews dur- of the Jewish Federation of Greater Koesten, who is a member of Kehi- tual preparation and repentance will ing the High Holy Day season. Kansas City and The Temple, Congre- lath Israel Synagogue, said his priori- be offered from 8:50-9:50 p.m. and The Selichot service is designed to gation B’nai Jehudah. Professionally, ties at JFS are threefold. those in attendance may choose a ses- help worshipers begin to spiritually Koffman serves on the Medical Advi- “I want to follow Gail Lozoff’s sion when they arrive. prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom sory Committee for The Breast Center lead and continue to evolve our JFS Selichot worship services will be- Kippur. Selichot is an opportunity to at Menorah Medical Center as well as Friend’s campaign. There is a lot of po- gin at 10 p.m. The service will be led examine one’s deeds of the past year, chairing its Cancer Committee. tential in that program,” Koesten said. by Rabbis Alan Cohen, Mark Levin, directing one’s heart and mind to the “I want to lead the organization in the Alan Londy, Arthur Nemitoff, Jona- process of teshuvah, and seeking for- development of a JFS signature event. than Rudnick, Alexandria Shuval- giveness. And finally, I want to develop a formal Weiner, Linda Steigman and Scott Visit kcrabbis.org for more infor- campaign of planned giving and en- White and Spiritual Leader Doug mation. dowment.” Alpert, along with Beth Torah Music September 22, 2011 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 7 Cooperation and collaboration will strengthen community’s future from page 1 “In a way it’s saying not only do we approve of their programs, but we are is smaller than it is in the past. Because encouraging our members to attend fewer people are joining congregations them,” Rabbi Cohen said. and affiliating with Jewish agencies and organizations, there is also less Moving ahead money to go around. He said the Fed- eration agencies have been working There are several collaborative together for a while to find ways to ventures already taking place. For ex- Y cut expenses and collaborate as a way ample, beginning this fall Beth Shalom to continue to offer high-quality pro- and Beth Torah entered into an agree- grams and services to the community. ment that allows Beth Torah families Rabbi Levin said most experts don’t to enroll their children at Beth Sha- believe the Jewish future will look like lom’s preschool at a reduced rate. As the Jewish past. Because of that, the part of the agreement, Beth Torah’s Jewish community will have to have Rabbi Vered Harris now has an official a new vision to make the Jewish com- presence at the preschool. In August the city’s newestCK Reform ONL munity “the most creative and vibrant Jewish community it can be.” congregation, Temple Israel, began As The Temple, Congregation B’nai renting space from the Conservative Jehudah’s Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff sees Congregation Ohev Sholom. The two it, congregations here can no longerB af- rabbis,LA Scott White and Jacques Cuki- ford to be isolated silos “who are only erkorn, have both publicly stated they looking out after what makes us the expect to plan activities together. best and what makes everybody else be “When you measurePAGE Jewish demo- !!! less.” graphic trends against the amount of “We have to change that way of bricks and mortar and staff that has Participants in the Day of Discovery session led by Congregation BIAV’s Rabbi Daniel Rock- thinking into one of how can we make to be maintained in this town, growing off and his wife, Ayala Zoltan Rockoff, Ph.D., had the opportunity to learn, discuss and ask this community the strongest, most vi- collaboration between congregations questions about the laws, traditions and customs in Orthodox Judaism. brant Jewish community that Kansas is the wave of the future. It’s already City has ever seen,” he continued. “We well under way in terms of holding make that happen.” CAJE, will continue to collaborate on need to get rid of our institutional egos combined programs, and I’m excited Indeed the first step toward that has more than just brochures in hopes of and we have to begin work together that my congregation is facilitating an- been taken by the Jewish Community expanding the educational offerings in that will ensure not just the survival other stage,” Rabbi White said. Center and the Federation this sum- Kansas City. of the Kansas City Jewish community, While many rabbis point out that mer when they produced a brochure, Rabbi Levin said successful collab- but help it thrive.” combined worship between congrega- “Jewish Life & Learning for the Curi- orative efforts will take time and won’t Rabbi Alan Cohen, who is serving tions of different movements is unlike- ous Mind,” which they call “Your KC happen overnight. as interim rabbi at Congregation Beth ly, the two largest Reform congrega- Guide to Jewish Events and Classes.” “When it does happen there will be Shalom, believes that community is tions — B’nai Jehudah (1,050 families) It was done because staff members much greater variety and great exper- strengthened by groups working to- and Beth Torah (650 families) — plan to from both organizations agreed “that tise at less citywide expense,” Rabbi gether, as opposed to working at oppo- worship together on Sept. 30. we could accomplish more by working Levin said. “How we get that done is site ends or at overlapping or compet- Adult education appears to be one together than we do alone.” another question, but I think that’s ing purposes. of the first avenues where collabora- Stettner said that the JCC and Fed- something that we can all look forward “Additionally the state of the econ- tion will be heavily explored because, eration, through its educational arm to.” omy means we can use our resources as Rabbi Cohen explained, “we all have a fundamental commitment to Jewish better, not just monetary resources but “Casual anti-Semitism gave way to contrition,” learning.” Jewish creators fare well, human resources as well if we work the weekly wrote. “The Day of Discovery is a beauti- Sheen contrite at Emmys collaboratively,” Rabbi Cohen said. Jewish creators did well, as “Modern Family” ful example. We’ve been successfully Working together, Rabbi Cohen be- and “Mad Men” came away with awards. working together on adult Jewish edu- NEW YORK (JTA) — Charlie Sheen offered a lieves, is a great way to strengthen the “Modern Family,” co-created by Steven cation for many, many years,” he said. contrite message, Jewish creators and writers community. Levitan, dominated in the comedy categories, “It is something that would be very fared well, and Jon Stewart won as usual at “We will strengthen each other if including Emmys for outstanding series, best beneficial to the community where we the Emmy Awards. we have one program with 15 people supporting actor and actress, and outstanding can take advantage of the demograph- Sheen said he was speaking from “the bot- attending rather than three programs writing. “Mad Men,” created by Matt Weiner, ics and the shrinking economic re- tom of my heart” when he wished the best that attract five people each,” Rabbi Co- won outstanding drama series for the fourth sources.” to his former colleagues on “Two and a Half hen said. consecutive year. “I think there’s no doubt that we will Men,” the CBS sitcom from which he was As we move toward more collabora- “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” won for have combined study for all the institu- fired following a rant against its executive tion, Rabbi Cohen said we will have to outstanding variety, music or comedy series for tions in the city and in all likelihood producer and co-creator, Chuck Lorre, in which overcome the issue that members of the ninth year in a row. led by the Jewish Community Center,” he derogatorily called him “Chaim.” one congregation are often reluctant Leonard Nimoy, the Jewish actor best known noted Rabbi Levin. “I don’t think that’s The Jewish Journal of Los Angeles labeled to attend programs at other congre- for his portrayal of Spock on “Star Trek,” going to be too hard to achieve and I the message notable for its lack of “a single gations. He hopes that the rabbis will performed in an opening skit. begin promoting as many Jewish pro- would hope that the city would provide offensive slur.” grams in the city as possible. some sort of funding for it so we can page 8 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle September 22, 2011 Couple celebrates 65th anniversary with community from page 3 the day or the happy times that would be ahead for the couple. It was Isak’s idea to come to the United States. “The rabbi gave a eulogy at our wedding,” Ann Ann, on the other hand, thought they were going to said. go to Palestine. Their past was indeed horrendous. All of Isak’s “We didn’t think anyone wanted us. After all, we immediate family — two sisters, one brother, his went through hell,” she said. mother andY his stepfather — perished in the Holo- Isak, Ann and their traveling party — totaling 10 caust. Several members of Ann’s family did survive people — were on the second ship to the United States the Holocaust and eventually two brothers and a sis- after the war. The voyage took about 10 days. HIAS ter — John (whose wife, Sonia, still lives and works and the Joint Distribution Committee welcomed in Kansas City), Aron (who changed his name to them when they arrived in New York. Warren) and Gertrude (who married and became “They took the 10 of us to a hotel, and they told Wolowski), moved to Kansas City. All of Ann’s sib- us that we were going to Kansas City because Kansas lings are now deceased. City is a nice place,” Isak said. Together Ann and Isak had three children. Ar- “They felt the community would be really welcom- CK ONLthur and his wife, Diane, live in Kansas City. Rachel, ing to us, and I have to say they turned out to be just who is married to Avrom Altman, and Lorie live out wonderful,” Ann said. “The Jewish community was of town. Their children have blessed them with five very helpful with housing and with jobs and every- grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. thing that was necessary.” BLA As an effort to give back some of what they re- In fact the Jewish community helped find Isak a ceived, the Federmans became hard-working volun- job in the furniture business. Eventually he opened teers in the Jewish community. Isak co-founded the his own business, Superior Upholstery Furniture Co. PAGE!!!Midwest Center for Holocaust Education in 1993, along with his friend Jack Mandelbaum, who trav- He sold it several years ago and is now retired. An article announcing the wedding of Ann Warszawski and eled with him to Kansas City some 65 years before. “We came here in June 1946 with gornisht (noth- Isak Federman appeared in The Chronicle on Sept. 13, 1946. Among those organizations that benefitted from ing),” Isak explained. “We were taken care of so The headline reads ‘Concentration Camp to Altar.’ beautifully.” the Federmans’ devotion were Kehilath Israel Syna- community was invited to the wedding. More than gogue and the Jewish Federation. The wedding 500 people attended the ceremony on Sept. 22, 1946, “The Federmans have been a wonderful addition three months after they arrived here. Ann was 21 to the Jewish community of Kansas City these past 65 Soon after they arrived in Kansas City, Isak be- years old; Isak was 24. years. Both Isak and Ann have been leaders at Kehi- came friendly with Rabbi Tibor H. Stern of Kerem “So it’s our special privilege to invite the commu- lath Israel Synagogue,” noted Rabbi Herbert Mandl. Israel Synagogue. (Kerem Israel eventually merged nity to celebrate this special anniversary of our wed- Isak said it’s been wonderful being married 65 into Kehilath Israel.) Within a couple of months, the ding with our family,” said Ann, referring to the Kid- years and it’s been especially joyous raising a beauti- rabbi suggested to Isak that it was time to marry Ann. dush luncheon the family is sponsoring in honor of ful family. As Ann remembers it, it was the rabbi who actu- their anniversary at KI on Saturday morning, Oct. 1. Together, Isak and Ann built a beautiful life in ally proposed to her. The ceremony itself wasn’t as joyous as the couple Kansas City and they are grateful to the Kansas City “He called me and asked me when is a good time had hoped. In fact, Ann doesn’t even like looking at Jewish community for it. to get married. I said anytime. So we did,” Ann said. her wedding photo, because she always remembers “We are grateful for so many here for their friend- Because they were set to be the first Holocaust people were crying tears of sadness at the wedding. ship and support in the years since we arrived,” Ann survivors to marry in Kansas City, the entire Jewish That’s because Rabbi Stern chose to focus his speech said. “Coming to Kansas City turned out to be the on the horrors of the Holocaust, not the happiness of best thing to ever happen to us.” Reform congregations make plans to worship, work together from page 1 they were two decades ago. board had gathered together. belong to the same movement, and we “That’s 23 years ago. That’s a very, Based on the comments the rab- have many of the same values, so why a very interesting history. Rabbi Levin very long time ago,” Rabbi Levin said. bis heard after that meeting, the joint aren’t we doing things together?” Rab- began his rabbinical career as assistant “It is history, but the facts are very board session was a success. The re- bi Nemitoff said. rabbi of B’nai Jehudah in 1976. In 1988 much the facts of the past. I don’t think sult has been the creation of smaller Rabbi Nemitoff firmly believes this he left B’nai Jehudah and became the there is any emotional context to those groups who have been meeting to find is the perfect time for the two congre- spiritual leader at Congregation Beth facts at all anymore.” more ways to collaborate. Already the gations to begin their collaborative re- Torah, a congregation he helped start The two Reform rabbis have thought congregations have gotten their youth lationship in earnest. and where he has served ever since as about doing things together for a while. groups together for planning sessions “I asked Rabbi Levin if he would its only pulpit rabbi. They felt the perfect opportunity arose and programs. honor us by speaking and giving this Rabbi Nemitoff grew up at B’nai Je- when Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman was “We’re talking about what we can do important message. Then I asked the hudah and returned as its senior rabbi tapped to speak at the communitywide for other things as well,” Rabbi Levin more difficult question — would you in 2003. He said it has been incredibly Shavuot service this spring. Rabbi said. be willing to have your congregation important to him since that time to find Hoffman, a big supporter of the power Rabbi Nemitoff noted that the point come and pray with us. He was incred- ways for the two congregations to col- of collaboration, was asked to share of these collaborative talks is not to ibly gracious and said absolutely on laborate and move beyond that history. his thoughts on that issue, and North merge the congregations. both counts. We are very, very excited Rabbi Levin points out that the con- American Jewry in general, to a joint “My sister congregation is one-half about it.” gregations, as well as the entire Jew- session of both congregations’ boards mile away. We do the same things, we ish community, are very different than of directors. It was the first time either pray from the same prayer book, we September 22, 2011 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 9 As U.S. stands with Israel at U.N., some warn of looming rift By Ron Kampeas tinians, with Israelis skeptical of the JTA News & Features likelihood of an accord and Americans seeing such a settlement as vital to the WASHINGTON (JTA) — In recent interests of both countries. months, the tensions that have charac- Dov Zakheim, a former top Penta- terized relations between the Obama gon offi cial in Republican administra- administration and the Netanyahu gov- tions who also is deeply involved in the ernment have largely receded into the Jewish and pro-Israel communities, background. also expressed concern about the state The Obama administration is pre- of the U.S.-Israel relationship. paring to stand virtually alone with “The biggest problem Israelis have: Israel at the United Nations in oppos- Israelis think they know the United ing the Palestinians’ statehood push. States — they really do, especially the A consensus is emerging within the ones with American accents,” he said administration that Turkey is more to at the Sept. 16 release event for Malka’s blame than Israel for the crisis in their report in an apprarent reference to relations. And offi cials in the United Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, States and Israel are basking in the af- who was educated in the U.S. terglow of Obama’s intervention with “This peace process is a major pri- Egypt to facilitate the rescue of six Is- ority for the United States across the raelis during the storming of their Cai- board,” Zakheim said. “It is not just ro embassy earlier this month. realist Republicans, not just liberals, Yet amid this fl owering of good feel- but the national security community. ings, some observers are pointing to Israelis are having diffi culty coming to American what they see as deeper undercurrents terms with that.” of disquiet in the U.S.-Israel relation- Indeed, discontent with the current ship. state of the Israel-U.S. relationship has The Center for Strategic and Inter- been in evidence increasingly in the Red Cross national Studies, a respected Washing- last couple of years in Washington’s ton think tank that has been consulted defense establishment — usually a re- in the past by offi cials of both coun- doubt of pro-Israelism: 91911JL36 tries, published a paper last week sug- • Anthony Cordesman, a former gesting that their ties may be changing top U.S. intelligence offi cial who has — and not for the better. consulted a number of times with the “The United States and Israel have Israeli government, last year penned 2c x 10” changed and continue to change, but a paper for the CSIS titled “Israel as a the two countries’ relationship has not Strategic Liability?” kept pace,” said the report by Haim • Gen. David Petraeus, the new CIA Malka, deputy director of the CSIS’s chief and former head of the U.S. Cen- Middle East program. “For years the tral Command, testifi ed before the U.S. growing differences have been papered Senate last year that the failure to re- over, but continuing to do so is both un- solve the Arab-Israeli confl ict “foments sustainable and counterproductive.” anti-American sentiment, due to a per- The strains transcend any single ception of U.S. favoritism for Israel.” administration, Malka says, and have • Robert Gates, the recently retired resulted in deep-seated disagreements, defense secretary who is the architect particularly over the necessity of ar- see U.S., page 22 riving at an agreement with the Pales-

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Hairst1232y Westling 103rd Street 8911JKansasL City,40 Missouri 64114 2cwww.jOhnnyshairstyling.com x 2” page 10 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle September 22, 2011 celebrations Village Shalom volunteer coordinator named Engagement Bat Mitzvah Chris Burgos has been named volunteer coordinator for Village Shalom. Burgos, who Lisa and Barry Robinson joined the staff in February 2011, is assuming announce the Bat Mitzvah of the post in addition to his current duties as their daughter, Ashley Rob- Villa concierge. inson, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Burgos will manage the activities of volun- Sept. 24, at The Temple, Con- teers from within Village Shalom as well as the gregation B’nai Jehudah. Ash- many volunteers from the Kansas City area ley’s grandparents are Allan who generously contribute their time and skills and Carol Robinson, Liz May to the continuing-care retirement community. and Cliff Horseman. Relatives As volunteer coordinator, he will provide guid- and friends are invited to wor- ance, support and the resources necessary to ship with the family and to at- facilitate volunteer involvement in life at Vil- tend the Oneg Shabbat follow- lage Shalom. ing the service. In his role as Villa concierge, he also handles a broad range of services and requests for resi- dents in Village Shalom’s independent-living Villas. Those responsibilities include coordi- Isak and Ann Federman birth nating programs, delivering meals-to-go and Ann and Isak Federman assisting with other resident needs as they Rabbi Alan and Linda Co- are celebrating their 65th wed- arise. hen announce the birth of ding anniversary today, Sept. The transition to a dual role was a natural fit their grandson, Tal Jonah 22. Please join them and their for Burgos, explained Eileen Miller, director of Cohen, son of Rabbi Rafi and family for services at Kehilath Resident Services. Michele Cohen of Dallas. They Israel Synagogue on Saturday, “There is a lot of overlap in the two posi- are also the parents of Benja- Oct. 1, as well as for the Kid- tions, and Chris has managed to handle them min. dush luncheon being held in both very skillfully,” she said. “In fact, Chris Chris Burgos their honor at the conclusion has already increased the number of volun- social gerontology at the University of Central of services. teers among our Villa residents. And because Missouri. he is already familiar with the range of activi- “I am very excited to be working with Village ties across the campus, he can easily match a Shalom’s volunteers,” said Burgos. “We are so volunteer’s skills and interests to needs as they thankful that our volunteers put their time, en- honor come up.” ergy and talents into making Village Shalom a Burgos has a bachelor’s degree in music quality place to be. I invite anyone interested from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, in volunteering at Village Shalom to call me at Conservatory of Music and Dance. He is cur- 913-266-8310 or email me at volunteer@village- Seventh grader attends rently working toward a master’s degree in shalom.org.” D.C. leadership conference Stephanie Krutz, a sev- Kollel does sukkah building enth grader from the Bar- stow School, spent Sept. 10-15 The KC Kollel will be servicing the commu- shape that you want,” Dr. Robinow said. “We in Washington, D.C., as a part nity this year by supplying and building sukkot bring all the parts, do all the labor, and leave of the Junior National Youth for those who don’t have a sukkah or those that with a wonderful new sukkah ready for the fes- Leadership Conference. want an upgrade. tival.” Stephanie was nominated Kollel President Jay Robinow, M.D., has A new sukkah, regardless of size or shape is for this honor by one of her been building sukkot in Kansas City for more $300, not including the schach (roof covering), teachers, David Beier, middle than a decade, and he usually builds five to 10 which can be ordered separately if needed. school science teacher and new sukkot a year for Kansas City residents Supplies are limited, so interested parties NASA consultant, and she throughout the city. This year, together with are advised to ensure their new sukkah by call- was one of 205 students in this Kollel rabbis and friends, he expects to hit a re- ing Rabbi Binyomin Davis at 913-481-5842, or session representing schools cord with the number of new sukkot. email www.kckollel.org today. from all over the country. “The sukkah can be made to the size and She had sessions on lead- ership, presented a leader- ship project and toured Halls Ferry, Va., and monuments “The habit of loving-kindness is necessary to saintliness. The Hebrew on the Mall in Washington, word that connotes saintliness comes from the same base word that im- D.C. Stephanie and her par- plies kindness. Conducting oneself with loving-kindness toward others is ents, Michael and Kimberly Krutz, are members of The Stephanie Krutz poses next to a one of the three foundations wherein the world, according to our sages, is Temple, Congregation B’nai statue of Eleanor Roosevelt in Wash- premised.” Jehudah. ington, D.C. — Moses Luzzatto September 22, 2011 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 11 Jewish clergy take part in Mental Health Coalition seminar The Jewish Community Mental Health Coalition, a joint project of Jew- Coalition leaders felt it was ish Family Services and The Rabbini- cal Association of Kansas City, recent- imperative that our Jewish ly held a special training for Jewish clergy ... know the steps to clergy on the topic of mental illness. The Coalition is working on many take to respond e ectively. fronts to address mental health con- cerns in our community. Clergy are of- in helping in the mental health arena. ten viewed as “fi rst responders” when Clergy were also asked to share in- individuals or families are struggling formation with their respective staff with mental illness. members to broaden the effort. This seminar provided clergy with Coordinated by Susie Hurst, JFS skills enhancement and the opportu- Family Life Education director. Pre- nity to network on this very important senters included Rabbi Alex Shuval- subject sharing experiences and how Weiner, Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick, Joy they can support one another. Some of Koesten and Richard Odium. the topics covered included: Complexi- The Coalition has also distributed ties of Mental Illness, Emotional Im- suicide prevention information cards pact on Families, Understanding Sui- to area congregations and Jewish agen- cide-Risk and Response, and Resource cies listing “Suicide Warning Signs” Among the Jewish clergy who participated in the mental health seminar were Rabbi Alex and Referral information. and resources for help. This informa- Shuval-Weiner, Congregation B’nai Jehudah; Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, Chabad House-Univer- Coalition leaders felt it was impera- tion is also posted on the JFS website sity of Kansas; Rabbi Yitzchak Itkin, Chabad House-Plaza; Rabbi Mark Levin, Congregation tive that our Jewish clergy have the (www.jfskc.org) and other agency sites. Beth Torah; Rabbi Scott White, Congregation Ohev Sholom; Doug Alpert, Congregation Kol background, resources and know the For more information on the coali- Ami; Cantor Sharon Kohn, Congregation B’nai Jehudah; Richard Odiam, JFS Clinical Services steps to take to respond effectively. In tion’s effort, contact Jewish Family director; Joy Koesten, lecturer at the University of Kansas and research consultant; Rabbi addition, the session allowed clergy to Services, (913) 327-8250 (Kansas offi ce) Vered Harris, Congregation Beth Torah; Rabbi Alan Cohen, Congregation Beth Shalom; become aware of the resources Jew- or (816) 333-1172 (Missouri offi ce). Rabbi Linda Steigman; Cantor Paul Silbersher, Congregation Kol Ami; Rabbi Jonathan Rud- ish Family Services has to offer them nick, Jewish Community Chaplain and Susie Hurst, JFS Family Life Education Director.

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Mention the ad and Chronicle subscribers receive 10% off their meal page 12 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle September 22, 2011 Belger Art Center/Red Star Studios collaborate for exhibition GKCIC Table of Faiths In October, the Belger Arts Center will join with Red Star Studios to present an exhibition of works from one of the most revered ceramic artists of our set for Nov 10 time. “Richard Notkin,” opening Thursday, Oct. 6, The Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council will and running through Saturday, Dec. 31, will feature host the seventh annual Table of Faiths Luncheon large-scale wall murals comprised of small carved on Thursday, Nov 10, at Kansas City’s Hyatt Regency- tiles. Crown Center Hotel. Notkin’s sculptural teapots and tiles can be found This year’s theme, “Bridging Faiths and Com- in the permanent collections of the Victoria and Al- munities,” will highlight the Council’s focus on pro- bert Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the grams that build relationships constructively engag- Los Angeles County Museum of Art and many more ing faith communities in strengthening the social of the world’s leading cultural institutions. One of fabric that exists in our neighborhoods, schools and his signature teapots, with a skull and pyramid motif, other institutions. The council invites everyone’s is currently on display locally in the Bloch Building participation in the luncheon and most importantly of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. in the work of building a stronger, more cohesive Notkin is a 1970 graduate of the famed ceramics de- community. partment of the Kansas City Art Institute. He studied The council will honor Donna Ziegenhorn with with Robert Arneson of the University of California- the Council’s Steve Jeffers Leadership Award for her Davis, while earning a Master of Fine Arts degree. work authoring and promoting the play “The Hindu Arneson and Notkin are linked not only through and The Cowboy.” It has been performed before thou- their Cal-Davis days, but also through their tendency sands of people in the Kansas City area, revealing a to utilize social commentary as a base for exquisitely profound emotional impact and infl uence that coor- constructed ceramic forms. Notkin maintains a stu- dinate perfectly with the goals of the Council. dio in Helena, Mont., and travels extensively through The Kansas City Missouri Public Library will be the year conducting workshops on various ceramic presented with the GKCIC’s Table of Faiths Award techniques. for the library’s exceptional support of and collabo- Notkin was a featured speaker during the Archie ration with the Council’s book clubs, programs and Bray Foundation’s 60th anniversary celebration in events. Helena earlier this summer. The event drew more As in past years, there will be faith exhibits from than 500 ceramic artists and collectors to the Helena Council members both before and after the luncheon Civic Center’s auditorium. Concurrently, Notkin’s (11 a.m.-2 p.m.). The luncheon, awards and other ac- work was featured in a three-person exhibition in tivities will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. Helena, along with works from fellow KCAI grads One of the goals of this interfaith event is to raise Kurt Weiser and Akio Takamori. awareness and operational funds for the Council’s In addition to the three-month exhibition in the Richard Notkin’s tile mural, ‘The Last Syllable of Recorded programs and to educate the community about the third fl oor East Gallery of the Belger Arts Center, Time,’ completed in 2010, with white earthenware, glaze, mission and history of the Greater Kansas City In- Notkin will conduct a two-day workshop Oct. 8 and 9 watercolor and pastel. Dimensions are 77½ inches tall, by terfaith Council. Sponsor levels are: Gold ($5,000) of- in the ground fl oor studio space of Red Star Studios. 51½ inches wide, by 2½ inches deep. fering premier seating for 20 guests in addition to a Belger Arts and Red Star share space at 2100 Walnut full page ad in the program and website links; Silver Street in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District. For at 2011 Tracy Avenue in the near future. The Ware- ($2,500) seating for 15, program recognition with a more information on the workshop, visit Red Star’s house Complex already serves as home base for the half-page ad and website links; Bronze ($1,000) seat- webpage at www.redstarstudios.org. Lawrence Lithography Workshop print house and for ing for 10, program recognition and a quarter page The Belger Arts Center was founded in 2000 and a metalwork facility run by Asheer Akram. Akram ad; Table Host ($500) for 10 seats and program recog- since that time has hosted more than 40 exhibitions fabricated one of the new “Shuttlecarts,” which were nition; Individual Sponsor ($300) seating for two and of two- and three-dimensional artworks. The exhibits recently unveiled at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of program recognition; and $50 for individual tickets have attracted more than 60,000 visitors from six con- Art. The carts were designed by Peregrine Honig. For seating one. tinents. The Belger merged with Red Star Studios, more information on the Richard Notkin exhibit, or Honorary co-chairs are Mayor Sly James of Kan- a ceramics collective, in the spring of 2010. The two the Belger Arts Center, contact Mo Dickens, gallery sas City and Dr. Charlotte Shelton, president and groups are currently sharing a building, but Red Star assistant, at [email protected], or 816- CEO of Unity. Event co-chairs are Rev Jennifer Studios will move to the Belger Warehouse Complex 474-3250. Holmes and Sunil Prabhu. Gwin’s Tile Co., LLC Since 1977 Gwin’sShower Bases T• Walls ile& Seats • New Tub/Shower Faucets MID AMERICA New Shower Doors • Bathtub Replacement • Floor Tile Installation • Floor Warming Systems • Countertop CompanReplacement: Corian,y Onyx, Granite & Tile COACH New Cabinets • Porches & Patios • Prefinished Hardwood JL1Insured for your protection. 82411JL5 REASONABLE PRICES WORK GUARANTEED AS LONG AS YOU OWN IT 913-649-90602c • xwww.gwinstile.com 2” 2c x 2” September 22, 2011 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 13 B’nai B’rith Bowling scores The following bowlers on the B’nai 181), Chuck Berlau (514: 141, 174, 199) B’rith Men’s Bowling League achieved 170 Game: high scores on Sunday, Sept. 18. Mike Katzman (213), Aaron Klein 510 Series: (200), Carl Herman (190), Jeff Shnid- David Grodowitz (636: 227, 240, 169), erman (189), Doug Stone(189), Steve Steve Weissman (616: 180, 235, 201), Ron Greenberg (187), Morty Rock (186), Rubin (601: 159, 225, 217), Larry Cohen Steve Eisman (184), Gary Friedman (600: 210, 176, 214), Ben Nathan (577: 184, (181), Mark Lehr (177), Brad Fried- 193, 200), David Katz (545: 166, 191, 188), man (174), Marvin Orlovick (172), Phil Stuart Pollack (537: 184, 159, 194), David Goode (171) Lehr (534: 186,137, 211), Marion Potts Anyone interested in joining, con- (522: 178, 199, 145), Scott Hecht (522: 191, tact Tom Balke at 913-648-0326 or tom- 172, 159), Steve Schorr (518: 186, 151, [email protected].

B’nai Jehudah madrichim

A group of KU’s Sigma Delta Tau women participating in KU Hillel’s Jewish holidays last year. KU Hillel hosts Erev Rosh Hashanah services in Lawrence On Wednesday, Sept. 28, KU Hillel KU sophomore. will be hosting Erev Rosh Hashanah Students truly enjoyed last years’ services at their offi ce on 722 New services and are looking forward to Hampshire Street in Lawrence. Ser- having KU Hillel’s Rabbi Neal Schuster vices begin at 7:30 p.m. and are open to lead the services this year. all students and community members. “It meant so much to still be able to Last year KU Hillel hosted its fi rst Erev celebrate the holiday on a hectic school Rosh Hashanah services, which result- day, going to KU Hillel really made me ed in a remarkable turnout and an en- feel at home,” said Marissa Gedis, KU thusiastic response from students. sophomore. “Being able to go to services in Law- For more information about Erev rence last year really made a differ- Rosh Hashanah services or any other ence, it was an accessible and comfort- holiday, contact Carly Brown at Carly@ able environment, “ said Sarah Jacobs, kuhillel.org or 785-749-5397. The madrichim at Congregation B’nai Jehudah had their fi rst workshop of the year with Susie Hurst, director of Family Life Education. She led the group through self-refl ection activities, which they found to be very helpful in beginning their year as role models for “When we die and appear to answer for our lives in heaven, students and assistants to the faculty. Pictured are Josh Rock (bottom row, from left), Ethan Stone and Misha Smith; (middle row) Fannie Berlau, Kylie Bold, Emmaline Lorenzo, Missy God will not ask ‘Did you believe in Me?’ but ‘How have you Stasi, Ariel Mittleman, Shaina Stasi, Carolyn Hamburg and Paige Waldberg; (back row) Ian dealt with those around you?’ ” Roozrokh, Ben Levin, Tommy Poskin, Sarah Green, Piper Bold, Max Herman, Josh Herman, — Talmud Hayley Wizig, Naomi Grant, Bryan Bailey, Whitney Radar-Wexler and Liz Waldberg. You Belong Here Ellie Callison Bank of Prairie Village-KOL AMIJOIN US AD 82511JL38 During the High Holidays! 110916BWarmG - Welcoming22 - Open 2c x 2” NO TICKETS NEEDED Non-members, call2c for reservationsx 2” • 913-642-9000 page 14 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle September 22, 2011 Volunteers wanted for JFS CBT’s fi rst day of religious school older adult programs Andrew Kaufman, M.D., has made a day or a few hours a month. his living as a skilled neurosurgeon, of- Help@Home volunteers assist with ten saving the lives of his patients. minor home repairs and chores such as He now uses other valuable skills hanging pictures, changing light bulbs, to help older adults as a volunteer for fi xing leaky pipes and helping with Jewish Family Services’ Help@Home computer issues like setting up a new e- program. mail account or connecting new hard- Help@Home and ware. You don’t have to be an expert. JET Express are two For JET Express, volunteers drive JFS programs de- older adults to the places they need to signed to assist older go, including doctor’s appointments, adults so they may grocery shopping, hair appointments, live independent, ac- Shabbat services and social events. Vol- tive lives. unteers may drive weekdays, evenings With Help@ or weekends, depending on their avail- Home, older adults ability. get assistance from Andrew Those who volunteer may attend a both staff and vol- Kaufman, M.D. training session or receive individual unteers to do minor training, whichever fi ts their sched- Students in June Crane’s class at the Beth Torah’s Weiner Religious School share mitzvot chores and repairs. Volunteers also ule. After Help@Home’s training, Dr. every Sunday during circle time. Pictured Chaya Nemiccolo (from left), Sarah Gordon, June help with computer troubleshooting Kaufman began volunteering regu- Crane, Emma Hess and Sandy Brand. and training issues. larly. He’s fi xed stuck doors and leaky Dr. Kaufman is among a cadre of faucets, moved furniture and repaired volunteers who spend some of their plumbing. time helping others — when it fi ts his “I’ll tackle almost anything — I like schedule — and he loves the work. a challenge,” he said. “I fi nd it immensely rewarding to And it’s more than making repairs. NCJW hosts help people,” he said. “I’ve always been “I do chat with these folks,” he said. handy and can fi x just about anything. “I’ll tell them a little about my life and I get a real kick out of fi xing something they tell me about theirs. It has a social Nerman Art Museum reception and seeing it work again.” aspect to it for some people.” You, too, can make a difference in For more information on how you The National Council of Jewish tioned later in the month to benefi t the the lives of older adults here in our can become a volunteer, contact Adri- Women, Greater Kansas City Section museum. community. JFS is actively seeking 50 enne Kizer at 913-327-8257 or akizer@jf- will host a special wine and art recep- NCJW members have received their new volunteers by the end of the year skc.org. Those interested in volunteer- tion to preview “Beyond Bounds: Bril- invitations. The public is welcome. to help with its older adult programs. ing may also check out the JFS website liant,” a collection of exciting and live- Your check for $10 by Oct. 10 serves There’s no shortage of ways you can for more information at www.jfskc.org. ly works of art by locally, regionally; as your reservation. Please remit to help the 65-plus generation to live inde- nationally and internationally known NCJW, 5311 W. 75th Street, Prairie Vil- pendently, and keep them mobile and artists. lage, KS 66208. engaged in the community. And volun- The event is from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, teering for these programs can be done Oct. 16, in the Atrium of the Nerman on your time, when it is convenient for Art Museum, Johnson County Com- you. You can volunteer for a few hours munity College. The items will be auc- CHIMNEY REPAIR • WATERPROOFING JohnJOHN M aMARRrr KobelHarvey KoRESTORATIONbel BOBCAT SERVICE, INC. • Sodding & Seeding • Trees Planted & Removed • Downsprouts Buried 4 GENERATIONS EXP. • GeneralBo Landscapingbc • Top Soilat Picked Up or DeliveredSe (3,r 6 & 10vi yard loads-Freece Deliveries) Tuckpointing, Caulking,82411J Chimney Repair andL Covers,36 Water Repellants • Rock Retaining Walls lrg/sm • French Drains • Mulching • Verti-Cutting FREE ESTIMATES • Slump82611J Grinding • Swimming PoolsL Tear Out51 & Filled In 2c x 2” (913) 484-5000 20 Years Experience2c • Free xEstimates 2” • Drainage Specialist Harvey (Butch) Kobel • 816.356.5966 www.kansascitytopsoilman.com September 22, 2011 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 15 Chabad o ers free High Holiday services As we approach the Jewish New pangs associated with being left out of lom Wineberg, executive director of Yom Kippur services this year at three Year 5772, the regional Chabad Cen- the holiest days of the Jewish calendar. Chabad of Kansas and Missouri. “The different locations: ters of Kansas and Missouri have an- The area Chabad Centers of Kansas least we can do is to open our doors as • In Overland Park at the Chabad nounced a special campaign of sharing and Missouri, the local branch of the well to the entire community. We be- House Center at 6201 Indian Creek the special joy and inspiration of these largest Jewish outreach organization lieve that Judaism should be accessible Drive. Visit www.ChabadKC.org. auspicious days with all Jews in the in the world, has presented its own to all. During the Jewish High Holi- • At the Country Club Plaza, hosted Heart of America. High Holiday services option — that days, accessibility can translate into by Chabad on the Plaza at Plaza Point, Although Rosh Hashanah and Yom of providing free Rosh Hashanah and different factors for different people, 4901 Wornall Rd. Visit www.PlazaCh- Kippur are soon at hand, there are still Yom Kippur services in a warm and in- such as a non-judgmental atmosphere, abad.com. many Jews who have not made plans clusive setting. affordability or the ability for a begin- • In Lawrence and KU, hosted by to attend synagogue services. Some Chabad’’s services are “user-friend- ner to actively participate. Our goal is Chabad at KU at the Burge Union on of them are unaffi liated with a syna- ly,” making it enjoyable and meaning- to remove these barriers of entry and the KU campus. Visit www.JewishKU. gogue, others are away at college and ful for all, from synagogue novice to afford each and every individual to com. many have simply never become accli- synagogue veteran. Song, commentary take part in these most holy and intro- For more information, contact the mated to a synagogue setting. Another and the use of English-Hebrew prayer spective days.” regional headquarters of Chabad alarming issue, particularly in light of books, enable all attending to actively Rosh Hashanah begins this year af- Lubavitch at 913-649-4852 or visit the today’s fl ailing economy, is that many participate in the services. ter sundown on Sept. 28 and Yom Kip- respective websites of the regional cannot afford the cost of synagogue “According to Jewish tradition, pur begins this year after sundown on Chabad centers. membership or the price of tickets. on the Jewish New Year, the doors of the eve of Oct. 7. Whatever the reason, many of these Heaven are open. G-d accepts prayers The three regional Chabad Centers would-be worshippers are feeling the from everyone,” said Rabbi Sho- will be holding Rosh Hashanah and Family education NRT’s fi rst day of religious school

Children of all ages and their parents attended Temple Israel’s fi rst Family Education Day Ninth-graders Riley Brennan (from left), Sarah Epsten, Walter Fromm and Ben Davis enjoyed on Saturday, Sept. 3, at Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn’s home. Barbecue was provided and there pancakes at the opening day of religious school at The New Reform Temple. While the was a magician to demonstrate ‘The Magic of Prayer.’ students caught up with their friends, parents took in the new Krasne Garden before the start of classes.

Robert and Ian Sokol Boresow’sAerating, Lawn Verticutting, includingRo Shlomo,ber Raizel,t Moshe,So kand olYitzchak Seeding and wish our family, friends, and the community 7711JL33Leaf Removal 72711JL2 2c x 2” L’Shanah2c x 2” Tova. page 16 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle September 22, 2011

Happy 104th! This will wash off, right?

The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah’s Senior Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff toasts Anita Berkowitz’s 104th birthday on Sunday, Sept. 11, the day before her actual birth date of Sept. 12. A small group of friends and family helped commemorate the occasion. SAFEHOME presentation

Shirley Rose, the former owner of The Chronicle and the mother and grandmother of the newspaper’s current owners, gets a temporary tattoo last weekend at her great-grandaugh- ter’s Bat Mitzvah party. Send us your snapshots We offer a forum here for your pho- each week. All we ask is that the pho- tos that depict the life of the Jewish tos be high quality, sharply focused community. and that you include identifying in- Please e-mail us photos of your formation for everyone shown. youth-group activity, family celebra- Send those e-mails to our main JHF Executive Director Ellen Kort (right), presents a Core Agency Support check to SAFE- tion or holiday observance, for ex- address: chronicle@metromediapub- HOME Volunteer Manager Susan Lebovitz (left) and Executive Director Sharon Katz. ample, and we’ll publish the best ones lishers.com, September 22, 2011 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 17

ACT NOW! OFFER ENDS SEPTEMBER 30TH! Everything you can fi t in a box

$199 differentIf you havemedia been waiting for the perfect time to stop in to Something Different, then your wait is over! We are offering our biggest sale, the box sale....bring in your 8mm/16mm Film, 012011BVideoG Tapes,36 Photos, Slides, LP Records, and Audio Tapes and we will transfer them to CD or DVD. Preserve your memories. Offer ends September 30, 2011. Some restrictions may apply. 4C X See10” store for details or visit www.theboxsale.com. This is our biggest sale of the year.

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• Box Sale $199 (Some Restrictions www.theboxsale.com) • • DVD Transfer of VHS, MiniDv, Hi-8, D8 $10 • • DVD Duplicates $2 (Quantity of 10) •

• Scrapbook Photo Video 40% off with ad • • Slides to Video 50¢ • • Old 33/45 Records to CD $10 •

• Web Site Development for all budgets • OLATHE: 109 S MUR-LEN (SW CORNER SANTA FE & MUR-LEN BY PRICE CHOPPPER)

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• Event Video Taping as low as $150 • PRAIRIE VILLAGE: 7510-B STATE LINE RD (SW CORNER 75TH & STATE LINE) • Commercials on CNN, USA, TBS, start at $2 • • HD (Hi-Def) TV Commercial Production • page 18 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle September 22, 2011 important dates Thursday | Sept. 22 the music of the High Holy Days. 7:30 p.m.

Pre-Rosh Hashanah luncheon Friday | Sept. 23 Gather with your friends to usher in the season of the Jewish New Year with apples and honey Candle-lighting time and a delicious traditional holiday meal hosted by Elul 24, 6:56 p.m. the Heritage Center at JCC. Doug Alpert, spiritual leader at Kol Ami, will be the featured speaker. The Plaza Art Fair cost is $7.50 per person. Prepaid non-refundable The Plaza Art Fair, Kansas City’s fall festival cel- reservations are required by Friday, Sept. 16. The ebrating art, music, cuisine and humanity, will take luncheon will be held in the Social Hall at the Jew- place tonight through Sunday. Several Jewish art- ish Community Center. For more information, call ists will be featured in the show, including Bruce the JCC at 913-327-8046. This luncheon is partially Reinfeld, who presents a whimsical display of self- underwritten by Paul Flam in memory of Doris Flam reflective photography, culled from miles of driving and Sol Flam. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. through backwater towns and along interstate highways. Reinfeld is a Philadelphia photographer, Citywide repentance service songwriter, artist and designer. He calls what he Jews and Christians will come together at Kehi- does “analog style for a digital world.” In working lath Israel Synagogue and stand together for truth with 35mm film bodies and $25 plastic Brownie and acts of righteousness. Christians will repent to cameras, along with infrared film and black and the Jewish people for failing to bless, comfort, serve white stock in 35mm and 120mm format, Reinfeld and pray for Israel and Jerusalem at this Third City- captures the everyday, as does his music. For more wide Repentance Service. The service has been en- information on Reinfeld, visit www.hifidisco.com. dorsed by Rabbis Alan Cohen and Herbert Mandl, The art fair will run tonight, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, Bishop Michael Davidson, Pastor Don Ellis and Pas- 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. tor Bill Newby. 7 p.m. Early service ‘The Music of Paul Simon’ Eve Levin will lead a child-friendly Shabbat ser- Jewish Community Center’s Performing Arts vice with a High Holiday story at the Lawrence Jew- Series presents “Feelin Groovy-The Music of Paul ish Community Congregation. 5:45 p.m. Simon.” Three local performers — Dustin Cates, Jeff Martin and Jake Borowski — star in this multi- Ohev Shabbat dinner media production along with several musicians Join Ohev Sholom congregants and guests at a and members of the Shawnee Mission South High Shabbat dinner to inaugurate the new machzor, Lev School’s Heritage Singers. For ticket information, Shalem, and honor those who have contributed to call 913-327-8054 or purchase online at jcckc.org/ the acquisition. Dinner follows the service. For res- boxoffice. 7:30 p.m. Bill Gallas shows off one of his still life paintings from 2005. Gallas is just one of the many ervations, call 913-642-6460. 6:30 p.m. ‘amateur’ artist students of the Heritage Center whose paintings have been on display in Elul Institute the gallery/lobby of the Jewish Community Campus. This year’s exhibit will run through Oct. The Elul Institute will be presented at Beth Sha- 28. Works are by students under the direction of Patricia Caviar. Admission is free. The gal- lom Lamar campus. The program will be devoted to lery is open during JCC hours. directory of congregations

CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL ABRAHAM & VOLINER | 9900 Antioch • Overland Park, Kan. 66212 | (Orthodox) | Rabbi Daniel Rockoff | (913) 341-2444 | www.biav.org CONGREGATION BETH SHALOM | 14200 Lamar Ave. • OP, Kan. 66223 | (Conservative) | Rabbi Alan Cohen, Hazzan Robert Menes | (913) 647-7279 | www.bethshalomkc.org CONGREGATION BETH TORAH | 6100 W. 127th St. • OP, Kan. 66209 | (Reform) | Rabbi Mark Levin, Rabbi Vered Harris | (913) 498-2212 | www.beth-torah.org THE TEMPLE, CONGREGATION B’NAI JEHUDAH | 12320 Nall • OP, Kan. 66209 | (Reform) | Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff, Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner, Cantor Sharon Kohn | (913) 663-4050 | www.bnaijehudah.org CHABAD HOUSE | 6201 Indian Creek Drive • OP, Kan. 66207 (Lubavitch) | Rabbi Sholom Wineberg, Rabbi Mendy Wineberg | (913) 649-4852 | www.chabadkc. org KEHILATH ISRAEL | 10501 Conser • OP, Kan. 66212 | (Traditional) | Rabbi Herbert Mandl, Rabbi Jeffrey Shron, Cantor (913) | 642-1880 | www.kisyn.org CONGREGATION KOL AMI | 7501 Belinder • Prairie Village, Kan. 66208 | (Reform) | Doug Alpert, Spiritual Leader | (913) 642-9000 | www.kolamikc.com THE NEW REFORM TEMPLE | 7100 Main St. • KCMO 64114 | (Reform) | Rabbi Alan Londy | (816) 523-7809 | www.nrtkc.org CONGREGATION OHEV SHOLOM | 5311 W. 75th St. • Prairie Village, Kan. 66208 | (Conservative) Rabbi Scott White | (913) 642-6460 | www.ohev-sholom.com TORAH LEARNING CENTER | 8800 W. 103rd St. • OP, Kan. 66212 | (Lubavitch) | Rabbi Benzion Friedman, Rabbi Chonie Friedman | (913) 385-5770 TEMPLE ISRAEL | Meets at Congregation Ohev Sholom, 5311 W. 75th St. • Prairie Village, Kan. 66208 | (Reform) Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn | (913) 940-1011 VILLAGE SHALOM | 5500 W. 123rd St. • OP, Kan. 66209 | (Non-denominational) | (913) 317-2600 | villageshalom.org DOWNTOWN MINYAN | 1102 Grand Blvd., 20th floor conference room • KCMO 64106 | Mincha services, 5 p.m., Mon.-Thurs., led by volunteers | (816) 471-1060 or (816) 695-3930| e-mail: [email protected] Outside the Kansas City area: TEMPLE ADATH JOSEPH | 102 N. 17th St. • St. Joseph, Mo. 64502 | (Reform) | Aaron Neilsenshultz, Para-rabbinic | (816) 279-3179 TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM | 4200 SW Munson Ave. • Topeka, Kan. 66604 | (Reform) | Rabbi Debbie Stiel | (785) 272-6040 | www.templebethsholomtopeka.org LAWRENCE JEWISH COMMUNITY CONGREGATION | 917 Highland Drive • Lawrence, Kan. 66044 | (Non-denominational) | (785) 841-7636 | www.LawrenceJCC.org September 22, 2011 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 19 important dates Saturday | Sept. 24 Cost is $10 per person. RSVP online to www.to- Book review with Marlene Katz rahkc.org/events.html, by email at info@torahkc. Discussion of “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and org or by phone, 913-948-2200. Program times are Sweet” by Jamie Ford, a novel about the love and September celebrations 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and are open to the public. friendship of a Chinese American boy and Japanese Join Ohev Sholom and celebrate your Septem- American girl during the Japanese internment in ber birthday and/or anniversary at a special service. Honey Cake Day World War II. Gerson Social Hall at Village Shalom. Enjoy a Kiddush following services in honor of the The community is invited to participate in the 3 p.m. September celebrities. 9:30 a.m. Honey Cake Day program at Ohev Sholom. Sister- hood will answer the question, “Why do we eat Women’s Lunch Group Tuesday | Sept. 27 honey cake on Rosh Hashanah?” There will be bak- The Women’s Lunch Group will meet at Mar- ing stations ready for you to bake your own honey isco’s, 4821 W. 6th St., Lawrence. 12:30 p.m. Contemporary Jewish Issues cake using Ohev Sholom Sisterhood’s recipe for $7 Alan Edelman leads this weekly discussion group per honey cake. Or you can order them for $8 each. ‘The Music of Paul Simon’ on current affairs in Israel and other topics of Jew- Lunch will be served. Call Mary Birnbaum for res- Jewish Community Center’s Performing Arts ish interest. Appleman Synagogue at Village Sha- ervations and questions at 913-894-0588 or 816- Series presents “Feelin Groovy-The Music of Paul lom. 11 a.m. 896-4414. 11:30 a.m. Simon.” Three local performers — Dustin Cates, Jeff Martin and Jake Borowski — star in this multi- Lunch and Learning with Community Kollel The Music of Paul Simon’ formation, call the synagogue office. Services both media production along with several musicians Study with some of Kansas City’s resident Jew- Jewish Community Center’s Performing Arts nights are at 8:30 p.m. and members of the Shawnee Mission South High ish scholars at this monthly session. Bring a pareve Series presents “Feelin Groovy-The Music of Paul School’s Heritage Singers. For ticket information, lunch or purchase a kosher lunch in Rachel’s Café. Simon.” Three local performers — Dustin Cates, call 913-327-8054 or purchase online at jcckc.org/ Reservations are required by calling 913-266-8431. Friday | Sept. 30 Jeff Martin and Jake Borowski — star in this multi- boxoffice. 7:30 p.m. Gerson Social Hall at Village Shalom. Noon. media production along with several musicians Candle-lighting time and members of the Shawnee Mission South High Community Blood Drive Conversational Yiddish Tishrei 2, 6:45 p.m. School’s Heritage Singers. For ticket information, Congregation Beth Torah’s quarterly blood drive Yiddish speakers or those wanting to learn are call 913-327-8054 or purchase online at jcckc.org/ saves lives. Donate with your friends and join CBT’s invited to this casual conversational language ex- Shabbat Shuvah boxoffice. 2 p.m. growing group of regulars who provide this vital change led by Skipper Feingold. Appleman Syna- For the last eight years, guest clergy have joined service to local hospitals. Schedule online today at gogue at Village Shalom. 3 p.m. Congregation B’nai Jehudah on Shabbat Shuvah. www.esavealifenow.org (click on “find a drive” and Monday | Sept. 26 This year, Rabbi Mark Levin, spiritual leader of Con- sponsor code “bethtorah,) or call the synagogue of- Wednesday | Sept. 28 gregation Beth Torah, will be the guest speaker. In fice. 2:30-7:30 p.m. More tools for Jewish unemployed addition, Beth Torah will join B’nai Jehudah for Erev Jewish Employment Services helps members of Shabbat services that evening. This first-ever event PrayerWorks the Jewish community find jobs. JES is a partnership speaks directly to the themes of our High Holidays: Sunday | Sept. 25 PrayerWorks meets at the Lamar campus of Con- of Jewish Family Services and Jewish Vocational joining as one people, with common hopes and gregation Beth Shalom. Are you ready for the High Service. One of JES’s services is twice-monthly Job dreams. The community is invited to join both con- Preschool Playgroup Holy Days? For information or to leave a name for Club sessions that meet on the second and fourth gregations at 6 p.m. The LJCC Cooperative Preschool Playgroup someone who needs emotional, spiritual or physical Mondays at the Jewish Community Campus. All ses- will meet at Googles of Learning, 500 Rockledge healing, call Rickie Haith, facilitator, at (913) 341- sions are free. Job counseling and coaching is also Road, Lawrence, to celebrate the High Holidays. The 8707. 10-11 a.m. Saturday | Oct. 1 available through JES. For more information about playgroup is for Jewish and interfaith families with JES and what it has to offer, contact Gayl Reinsch children ages birth to 5. You do not have to be a ‘Discovering and Sharing Joy Part I’ at 913-327-8278 or [email protected], or go to Thursday | Sept. 29 member of the center to participate. 10 a.m. An exhibition opens at the Cultural Arts Center http://www.jfskc.org/services/jewish-employment- at Metropolitan Community College-Longview, 500 services. Open house Torah study S.W. Longview Road, Lee’s Summit, Mo., featuring Rabbi Arthur and Leslie Nemitoff will welcome The Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation the works of Kansas City artist Rita Blitt. A VIP re- congregants to their home at 12617 Sherwood is having a Torah class. Join them for a discussion of ception with the artist will be held in the gallery Street, Leawood, to enjoy some sweets while wel- Nitzavim-Vayelech. 10 a.m. from 5:30-6:30 p.m. From 7 to 8 p.m., there will coming a New Year. Everyone will share in the tradi- be a public reception with the artist in the theater tion of Tashlich. 3:30 p.m. Memorial service at Sheffield adjacent to the gallery. Blitt will speak about her Rabbi Daniel Rockoff will lead this annual ser- exhibit. The exhibit will be open Wednesdays-Satur- Tashlich in the Park vice at Sheffield Cemetery in advance of the High days through Nov. 12. Congregation Beth Shalom will hold its annual Holidays. The service will be at the War Memorial Tashlich service at Tomahawk Park, 114th and Tom- located in the Northwest corner of the cemetery. ahawk Creek Parkway. Join the congregation for Call the synagogue office with any questions. Mincha and the Tashlich service at 4 p.m. Ma’ariv 10:30 a.m. services will begin at 6 p.m. at Beth Shalom-Lamar. Toot your own shofar Paul Mesner Puppets are back Torah Learning Center will be taking you on a Paul Mesner and his delightful puppet friends journey of creating a shofar from start to finish. will join The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah Learn how to clean, carve and polish a shofar that for High Holiday family services (designed for fami- actually is kosher to be sounded in synagogue on lies with children ages 0-7) on both Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah. Rabbi Benzion Friedman has been and Yom Kippur (Saturday, Oct. 8). These services conducting this program for years and has taught are open to the entire Jewish community. No tickets hundreds of people how to make a shofar. Each or advanced registration are required. For more in- participant gets to keep their handmade shofar. page 20 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle September 22, 2011 Retirement planning KI kicks off Grand Givers On Wednesday, Aug. 30, Kehilath Israel Synagogue kicked off the 35th annual Grand Givers fundraising sea- son with a cocktail party at the home of Sam Devinki and Mary Stahl. Des- serts were served and guests were en- tertained by local Elvis impersonator Frank Cherrito. Kehilath Israel Synagogue will pres- ent the 2011 Grand Givers Gala “Elvis will be in the Building” on Saturday, Nov. 12. Mel’ s Drive-in will reappear as you remember it. Great songs of the 1950s and ‘60s will be performed by “Harry as Elvis” — direct from the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, Nev. The hop begins at 7 p.m. Kosher Jack Stack Barbecue will be served, along with cocktails and des- serts. Prizes will be drawn throughout the evening, including the grand prize Photo by Ed blEnd of $10,000. Silver tickets are $200 per Pictured here are Rachel and Scott Macek A weekend celebration in honor of Rabbi Herbert Mandl’s 33 years of service and retire- couple, and gold tickets are $400 per dancing to the music at Kehilath Israel ment from Kehilath Israel Synagogue will be held June 29 to July 1, 2012. The steering couple. Contact the synagogue office at Synagogue’s kick off to the 35th annual committee, led by Rochelle Kanter, Felicia Weiner and Sam Devinki, met for the first time 913-642-1880 for additional information. Grand Givers fundraising season. on Sept. 14 to start planning for the events honoring both the rabbi and his wife, Barbara. Any community member who would like to serve on one of the many committees should contact Kanter at [email protected]. All of the weekend events will be open to anyone in the community whose life has been touched by either Rabbi or Mrs. Mandl.

BBUUSSIINNEESSSS SSPPOOTTLLIIGGHHTT Brian Roby joins Equity Bank in Kansas City BY BRIAN ROBY of building on our contacts and getting I was recently named as the President the word out to the Kansas City market. of Equity Bank’s Kansas City region. I We also have a full line of products want to introduce myself and share why to fi t all of your banking needs (personal I decided to join Equity Bank. and business) with the technology to give As a 29-year banking veteran in the you access to your cash 24/7, including Kehilath Israel Synagogue’s Religious School, KESHER KI, started a new school year with Kansas City market, I have experience in Mobile Banking, Bill Pay and Online students and families on Sunday, Sept. 11. Pictured here are Bob Gast, Hazzan Jeffrey Shron, both small and large banking institutions. Banking. For our business customers we Gevura Davis and Rabbi Herbert Mandl with some of the students. After orientation and I chose Equity Bank because it’s a growth- also have Treasury Management tools brunch, students enjoyed playing ‘Stump the Rabbi’ with Rabbi Mandl and ‘Name That Tune’ minded banking organization that has to help you save time and money so with Hazzan Shron. done a great job building a high-quality you get the most out of your cash fl ow! customer base and group of experienced And all Equity Bank® customers get commercial bankers. FREE Nationwide ATMs — we pay all Equity Bank is in a unique position ATM surcharges! That saves our average KESHER KI begins — we are well capitalized and ready to customer over $400 per year! lend! We completed a $20 million capital But the most important advantage of Kehilath Israel Synagogue’s KES- through seven can still join. Classes are raise in the last quarter of 2010 and we banking at Equity Bank is the team of HER KI Religious School gives students on Sundays from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. for were one of the fi rst banks in Kansas to banking professionals who are committed the basic tools to live their lives as Tra- grades K-7 and on Tuesdays from 4:15 be approved to participate in the Small to giving you focused personal service. At ditional Jews. The curriculum offers to 6:30 p.m. for grades 3-7. Business Lending Fund. This strong Equity Bank, we value our customers! We instruction in Hebrew, prayer and rit- Registration information is available ual; Jewish history and cultural heri- on the website or by calling the syna- capital base allows us to be outwardly work hard to earn and keep your business! tage; Torah studies and ethics; Israel, gogue office at 913-642-1880. For details focused versus dealing with problems like I hope you will join me in making the politics and current events; and Jewish regarding the school, contact KESHER so many banks in our area. We are anxious move to Equity Bank…Simple Choice, © music and arts. KI Director Bob Gast at dovgast@aol. to deploy our capital…it’s simply a matter BIG IMPACT! Students in grades kindergarten com or 913-642-1880, ext. 203. September 22, 2011 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 21 book review Kansas International Film Festival offers Jewish flavor By Keith D. Cohen Checkpoint Watch. Filmmaker Terje Contributing Writer Carlsson filled the roles of producer, director and cinematographer. He is Cinema lovers in Greater Kansas also credited for the original musi- City do not need to travel to Cannes, Ycal score. The movie brings up the Toronto or Jerusalem to attend a first- issues of nationalism versus religion class film festival. Opportunity knocks and differentiates between the state starting next weekend when local of Israel and the biblical land of audiences can find their very own slice Israel that God promised to the Jewish of film nirvana in Overland Park at people in perpetuity. The excellent the 11th annual Kansas International cinematography takes you to places Film Festival (KIFF). KIFF will take that you will not see on your tour place Sept. 30-Oct.6 at the Glenwood CK ONL when visiting from the United States. Arts Theatre located inside the Met- The hatred is most evident in Hebron calf South Shopping Center. where soldiers are constantly demand- This year’s festival will premiere ing that the camera be turned off. The more than 50 films over seven days. BLA movie is slanted toward those oppos- The lineup contains an eclectic mix of ing what the government is doing and dramatic features and documentaries the extreme security precautions. It with many filmmakers in attendance PAGE!!! pushes for territorial compromise and for question-and-answer sessions fol- moral behavior that treats human life lowing the presentation of their films. as holy. The documentary is partially Three films will have a distinctive Karoline Herfurth as Gretel Bergmann, the Jewish high jumper from Germany, featured in in Hebrew with English subtitles and Jewish flavor. ‘Berlin 36.’ has a running time of 58 minutes. It “Berlin 36” is a drama based on the screens on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 2, relatively unknown story makes me emulate “Schindler’s List.” The sub- true story of German Jewess Gretel at 3:45 p.m. and you are encouraged to appreciate as a Jew the freedom to plot involving Jana being half-Jewish Bergmann, one of the best high jump- stick around afterwards to meet Carls- compete in sports competition. It will and their marriage a violation of the ers of her day. Berlin is the host city son, who will be in attendance. be shown on Monday night, Oct. 3, at Nuremberg Laws enacted to protect for the 1936 Olympic Games. America My rating 3 1/2 stars. 7:25 p.m. I highly recommend this film German blood and honor takes a back is threatening a boycott if no Jewish Higher profile major studio re- with my rating of 3 stars (out of 4). seat, becoming almost inconsequential athletes are included on the German leases premiering at KIFF before their “Habermann” (Saturday, Oct. 1, at to the friction between the Germans team. regular fall openings include: “Take 3 p.m.) is a fictitious wartime drama and Czechs. The movie gets confusing Gretel has mixed emotions when Shelter,” the Critics Week Grand Prize based on a true story. August Haber- with so many characters to keep track invited to the German training facility. winner at the 2011 Cannes Film Fes- mann is a fourth-generation German of and goes off on several tangents. She doesn’t want to win a medal as she tival; “We Need to Talk About Kevin” residing in the small Sudetenland vil- The movie ends with brutal mob is opposed to Hitler’s racial policies. A starring Oscar winner Tilda Swinton; lage of Eglau (standing in for Bludov). scenes representing Czech vengeance renowned Jewish sports official tells “Like Crazy,” Grand Jury Prize win- Habermann is the wealthiest person which ultimately resulted in 3 million her that she would undermine talk ner at the 2011 Sundance Film Festi- around employing most of the Czech Sudeten Germans being expelled from of a superior Aryan race by setting val; and “Dirty Girl,” a comedy about a population either in his flour mill or their country. The actor playing the a world record. The scheming Nazis troubled and promiscuous Oklahoma sawmill. The movie opens in 1937 with Nazi antagonist stands out for the best feel they have found a better athlete high school student in the 1980s. his marriage in the Catholic church performance. The passionless lead in Marie Ketteler. Gretel and Marie Full festival passes which cover to the beautiful Jana, an orphan who character is rather bland and fails to become roommates and good friends. admission to all KIFF films along with grew up in a monastery following her curry much sympathy. The dialogue The very intelligent Gretel has to en- special advance seating privileges mother’s death. We learn at the outset is in German and Czech with English dure taunting and ridicule from other are priced at $60. Individual tickets that Jana’s birth certificate indicates subtitles. The movie won the Jewish female team members. The replace- are $6.50 before 5 p.m. and $8.50 for her father’s surname was Silberstein. Eye for Best Feature Film at the 2010 ment trainer makes her run more laps evening shows. Seniors 60 and over The bulk of the movie spans the World Jewish Film Festival. My rating in an effort to get her to drop out. He pay $6.75 anytime. Discounts are avail- seven-year period from 1938-1945 when 2 ½ stars. even separates her from the others by able for Film League members. Tickets the Third Reich occupies the area. “Israel vs. Israel” is a powerful making her eat alone. Gretel makes may be purchased at the Glenwood August is continually hounded by documentary that will stir up dis- a surprising discovery, but threats Arts. For more information, call 913- Major Kurt Koslowski for his saint- cussion and debate. It follows four directed at her and her family force 642-4404 or visit www.kansasfilm.com. her to keep silent. Black and white like morals and fair treatment of his Israeli peace activists who oppose the archival footage and authentic photo- predominantly Czech workers. The military occupation in the West Bank graphs are seamlessly inserted into movie gets off to a promising start, but and want more humane treatment for the narrative. The real-life Gretel runs out of steam with a violent third the Palestinians. The protest groups appears in an interview at the conclu- act. It turns into a long and tiresome represented in the film are Breaking sion of the movie. The dialogue is in soap opera with made-for-television the Silence, Anarchists Against the German with English subtitles. This production values after trying to Wall, Rabbis for Human Rights and page 22 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle September 22, 2011 national and international news U.S.-Israeli relationship continues to show strain from page 9 “Unfortunate errors by the Obama administration have encouraged the of what both sides see as the closest Palestinians to take steps backward Israel-U.S. security ties in recent his- away from peace,” Republican presi- tory, reportedly suggested over the dential contender Rick Perry wrote summer that Netanyahu was an un- Yin a Jerusalem Post Op-Ed. Perry, the grateful ally who gives nothing in re- governor of Texas, wrote that Palestin- turn for American support. According ian leaders perceive a “weakening of to Bloomberg News columnist Jeffrey relations between Israel and the United Goldberg, Gates’ assessment, delivered States, and are trying to exploit it.” to Obama’s national security team, met Meanwhile, the Emergency Com- with no objections. Gates, significantly, mittee for Israel, a conservative group, is that increasingly rare Washington has launched a campaign describing breed — a technocrat admired by Dem- CK ONL Obama as unfriendly to Israel. ocrats and Republicans. Many pro-Israel Democrats fume David Makovsky, a top analyst at that such attacks have the potential to the pro-Israel Washington Institute Photo by Ron KamPeas harm the U.S.-Israel relationship. Is- for Near East Policy, said he does not Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Obama speak in the Oval Office at rael’s best asset is bipartisan support, believe there is a major rift on the hoB- what wasLA considered a low point in relations between the two governments on May 20. they say, and attacking Obama and the rizon, but he added that the Middle Democrats on the issue could indeed East’s current volatility introduces an the United Nations and now directs the Mahmoud Abbas. lead to deeper divisions. element of uncertainty into the alli- CSIS’s Program on Crisis,PAGE Conflict and The U.S. also has tried!!! to help Is- “It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy,” a top ance. Cooperation, said “there has been very rael in its increasingly acrimonious congressional Democrat told JTA. “The Arab Spring is the new X fac- little change between the Bush admin- diplomatic fight with Turkey. Sources Netanyahu and his team, for their tor,” he said, referring to the unrest istration, the Obama administration in frequent contact with the Obama part, have been sounding positive sweeping the region. “We’re in a new and generally across administrations” administration say that while officials notes about the administration lately. period, and it’s hard when you’re in in voting against resolutions on the express frustration with Netanyahu’s The prime minister lavished praise on the middle of something to analyze the Israeli-Palestinian issue and trying to refusal to apologize for the deadly May Obama for his Cairo intervention, say- relationship, and we have to admit that keep it off the Security Council’s agen- 2010 Israeli raid on a Turkish-flagged ing that Israel owed Obama “a special it’s fluid.” da. ship aiming to break Israel’s Gaza measure of gratitude.” A top European diplomat who is The Obama administration has said blockade, they are quick to acknowl- “We’ve enjoyed a period over the last charged with monitoring the U.S. it will veto the Palestinian statehood edge that such an apology would not four months of very close coordination Middle East posture dismissed talk of bid if it comes to a vote in the Security have changed the Islamist Turkish gov- with the administration, probably the a U.S.-Israel rift as “very theoretical.” Council, and the U.S. will likely stand ernment’s determination to ratchet up best coordination that we’ve had over The diplomat, who asked not to be fur- alone with Israel and a handful of other confrontation with Israel. the last two-and-a-half years over the ther identified, said the United States countries should the Palestinians seek Conservative critics of the Obama range of issues,” Netanyahu aide Ron was “covering” for Israel at the United enhanced status through the General administration say the president’s pol- Dermer told Politico. “I think that Nations, which is its “traditional role.” Assembly. As the General Assembly icies in the Israeli-Palestinian arena we’re definitely in a good place, with Mark Quarterman, who spent 12 begins its session Wednesday, Obama have fueled the Palestinians’ push at the U.S. administration and us seeing a years as part of the U.S. delegation to is slated to meet with Netanyahu but the United Nations. lot of things eye to eye.” not Palestinian Authority President AJC slams pro-Israel group’s attack on Obama

WASHINGTON (JTA) — The Amer- ian Authority is pushing for statehood nounced its intention, come what may, thority; that he recommit to not divid- ican Jewish Committee slammed a recognition. to block Palestinian ambitions in the ing Jerusalem; that he says that the pro-Israel group for its ad campaign It accuses the president of having Security Council and work against a 1967 lines and the “right of return” of questioning President Obama’s Israel “built a record that is not pro-Israel,” Palestinian-initiated resolution in the Palestinian refugees are non-starters commitment. citing Obama’s criticisms of Israel’s General Assembly, makes us wonder in talks; and that he visit Israel. “This ad is highly objectionable, in- settlement policies among other fac- what are the true goals of the sponsor- “In his statement, David Harris deed counter-productive, to its stated tors, and makes five recommendations ing group,” Harris said. says that the AJC ‘endorses policies aim of supporting Israel,” David Har- that it says would redress that assess- The Emergency Committee for Is- we agree with and opposes those we ris, the AJC’s director, said in a state- ment. rael, ostensibly a nonpartisan group, don’t,’” Pollak said. “So we at ECI were ment Monday after the Emergency Harris said the ad was inappropri- last year targeted only Democrats in curious which of our five suggestions Committee for Israel’s full-page ad ap- ate because the Obama administration the congressional election. for President Obama Mr. Harris op- peared in The New York Times. was in fact ready to forcefully defend Noah Pollak, the group’s spokes- poses.” The ad, headlined “Tell President Israel this week. man, suggested that Harris focus on the Harris’ comment was in the context Obama: Enough. It’s time to stand with “As the U.N. session begins and high five recommendations in the ad: that of emphasizing that the AJC is a non- Israel,” urges the president to defend diplomatic drama is expected, to choose Obama refrain from criticizing Israel profit organization uncommitted to Israel this week at the United Nations this moment to assail the Obama ad- at the United Nations; that he threaten any political party. General Assembly, when the Palestin- ministration, when it laudably has an- to cut off funds to the Palestinian Au- September 22, 2011 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 23 high holidays Furious With God By Rabbi Harold S. Kushner alone. And you shall love the Lord your God with all JointMedia News Service your heart….” We had previously been commanded to obey God, to revere and honor God, to walk in His Is it a sin to be angry at God? ways, but never before to love Him. Zornberg’s expla- I have been a rabbi for 50 years. For the last 30 nation: You cannot truly love someone with all your of those years, I have been known as the author of heart if you are afraid to be angry at them. Anger “When Bad Things Happen to Good People,” a book need not terminate a relationship. It need not shatter that suggested a different understanding of God’s a relationship. Anger, disappointment are a part of role in all the misfortunes that occur in our world. an honest, healthy relationship. Between those two roles, I have had countless For years, I wondered why the Kaddish, a hymn of conversations with people who had reasons to be praise to God with no mention of death or loss, was angry at God, some because of tragedies and disap- the prayer we asked mourners to recite at services. I pointments in their own lives, some because of the have come to understand that asking the one person Holocaust, some because of famines, floods or geno- in the congregation with the most reason to be angry cide in other parts of the world. I have spoken to any at God for what has happened in his or her life to pub- number of people who have stopped believing in God licly praise God is not to demand an act of hypocrisy. altogether because of all the terrible things that keep It is to recognize that a prayerful relationship to God happening (it’s interesting how angry people get at remains even at a time of pain and anger. Ultimately I God for not existing), and others who still believe in would like to think that the mourner will come to see Him but refuse to pray to him. God not as the source of his grief but as the source of In the opening chapters of the book of Deuterono- his resilience in the face of grief and the inspiration my, last of the five books of the Torah and the one we behind the efforts of friends and neighbors to com- read in synagogue during the weeks before the High fort him. Holy Days, Moses does something completely out of PHoTo By DouGLas sPRoTT I would like to believe that God is not offended by character. He expresses anger at God. He complains A man is grief-stricken after the earthquake and tsunamis our righteous anger at the world’s unfairness nor that God has treated him unfairly. Moses has spent devastate Japan in March. does He need our flattery. Just as in our personal lives, his entire life, at considerable personal sacrifice, there are few moments more reassuring than the ex- bringing the word of God to the Israelites. He has the subject of Moses’ anger at God. She suggests that perience of getting angry at someone we care about endured their complaints and their deviations from Moses did that deliberately as a way of giving the Is- and discovering that our love is genuine enough to God’s ways, and instead of rewarding him for his ef- raelites permission to vent their anger at God, which survive the anger. We should find it reassuring that forts, God has decreed that the people who have made they promptly do. “God must hate us to have made we can get angry at God because we expect so much his life miserable for all these years will get to live us wander in this desert for 40 years. If God loved us, from Him, and at the same time recognize how much in the Promised Land and Moses himself will never He would have let us remain in Egypt and sent the we need and rely on Him. even set foot in it. Egyptians into the desert.” Whenever I would read that surprising outburst Zornberg goes on to note that, immediately after Harold Kushner is Rabbi Laureate of Temple Israel in Natick, Mass., and the on Moses’ part, I would attribute it to his advanced the people express their anger toward God, we find author of 12 books, notably “When Bad Things Happen to Good People.” age and fatigue. But a few years ago, I heard a lec- something in the Torah that we have never seen be- ture by Professor Aviva Zornberg of Jerusalem on fore: “Hear O Israel, the Lord is your God, the Lord Domestic violence misheberach prayer released for the holidays

Washington, D.C. – A reality of Jew- spectrum through rabbinical bodies eral — praying for a complete healing May the One who blessed our ances- ish life is that synagogue attendance and other channels. It is written in of body and spirit, without specifying tors Sarah, Rebecca, Leah and Rachel, swells during the High Holidays. Jew- both English and Hebrew, and is avail- a particular illness,” says JWI Clergy and Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, pro- ish Women International (JWI)’s Cler- able, along with other domestic vio- Task Force co-chair Rabbi Marla Horn- vide protection, compassion, care and gy Task Force wants to take advantage lence prayers and resources for Jew- sten of Temple Israel in West Bloom- healing for all those who have known of this pivotal time of year to encour- ish clergy, including JWI’s new guide, field, Mich. “In this new prayer, we violence and abuse within their fami- age rabbis to raise awareness of do- Embracing Justice: A Guide for Jewish are actually directing the healing mo- lies. May those who have been harmed mestic abuse, and has created a mishe- Clergy on Domestic Abuse, at www.jwi. ment to the victim of domestic abuse. find pathways to understanding and berach prayer that calls attention to org/clergy. I imagine it might be uncomfortable wholeness and those who have caused families touched by domestic violence. “When rabbis mention something to the mainstream population at first. harm find their way to repentance and The Clergy Task Force hopes rabbis in public, it signals that they are ap- But I believe it is important that we are peace. May our community be a source will use the prayer during the High proachable and available to talk about uncomfortable. This prayer brings the of support for those who have suffered Holidays, which this year take place the issue,” says Rabbi Richard Hirsh, topic to the fore and reminds us that in silence or shame. May those whose just before and during October, which executive director, Reconstructionist we can’t simply sit by when people are homes have become places of danger is National Domestic Violence Aware- Rabbinical Association and co-chair not safe in their homes. It also high- find their way to a sukkat shalom, a ness Month. of the JWI Clergy Task Force. “It may lights the need for healing for victims shelter of safety. The prayer was created to be multi- help someone who may be ambivalent of abuse, which is really what our pur- Amen. denominational, and is being distrib- to step forward.” pose is, after all.” uted to rabbis from across the Jewish “Usually the misheberach is gen- The misheberach reads: page 24 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle September 22, 2011 national and international news Kosher BBQ competition is a hit among Jews — and some Muslims, too By Martin Rosenberg with friends from around town. Some JTA News & Features 45 teams participated in the cooking contest, with each paying a $125 en- MEMPHIS, Tenn. — If there’s any- trance fee in addition to buying all thing that can bring the Jews of Ten- the kosher meat and ingredients they nessee together, it would be barbecue. needed. With smoke from the grills This past weekend, the 23rd annual hovering over the parking lot, the scene Kosher BBQ Contest and Festival drew had the air of a Civil War reenactment. thousands of Jews from Tennessee and Stuart Lazarov, an anesthesiologist around the country. and past president of Anshei Sphard- It attracted a group of Muslims, too. Beth El Emeth, said sponsors of the Turns out they’re not bad at cooking event this year included a medical kosher brisket: The Memphis Islamic center, a property-management firm, Center’s team, the “Halal Smokers,” a bank, a casino, law firms and a fro- won a third-place award for their bris- zen yogurt store. In a humorous nod, ket entry. a group of gastrointestinal specialists The commingling of Jews and Mus- sponsored a pickle-eating contest. lims among tables heaped with baked The grand prize winners, and vic- beans, hamburgers and ribs provided tors of the ribs competition, were the a counterpoint to anti-Muslim protests “Pickering Potchkers.” The best bris- in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and death ket went to “Grills Gone Wild.” The threats aimed recently at mosques baked beans of the “Cow Towers” took elsewhere in this state. first place in the beans category. “This is what America is all about,” The Memphis Islamic Center’s Adam Itayem, who manned the Halal booth drew a lot of curious Jews who Smokers’ booth, said during the event. chatted with the cooks about the simi- Itayem is also the owner of Tom’s Bar- larities and differences of the laws gov- B-Q in Memphis. erning halal and kosher meat. “People from all over the commu- Aside from meat, the main draw of nity feel comfortable coming year after the day was a basketball tournament in year,” observed Rabbi Joel Finkelstein, which 40 teams competed for trophies the rabbi of Anshei Sphard-Beth El in three-on-three competition. The Emeth, the Orthodox synagogue that power forward for the University of organizes the annual event and holds it Memphis men’s basketball team, Tariq in its parking lot. Eli Rosenberg, a graduate of the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy and a television reporter Black, chatted with fans of his team. Every May, this Mississippi River for the ABC affiliate in Memphis, was one of the celebrity judges invited to officiate at the Of the food, Black said, “They have city hosts the famed World Champion- cooking contest. the best salami I have ever tasted.” ship Barbecue Cooking Contest, held each year on a Saturday. That contest whose local branch sells kosher meat. For the crowds this weekend, Sun- Martin Rosenberg, a Kansas City-based editor and has an overwhelmingly porcine char- Warren Binderman, an accountant day was an opportunity not just to journalist, is a member of BIAV and a board member of acter. whose “Grillin Tefillin” teams had tantalize the taste buds, but also to pet the Kansas City Vaad HaKashruth. The synagogue cooked up its contest baked beans bubbling on the grill in goats, shoot some hoops and meet up more than two decades ago so that its Memphis, said he’s trying to start a Shabbat- and kosher-observant mem- similar contest in Atlanta. iTunes labels Jewish music Some albums by the artists, however, were bers could get in on the barbecue ac- Marvin Rembo, of Jericho, N.Y., a as ‘Christian & Gospel’ filed under “Singer/Song Writer” and “World.” tion. chemical wholesaler, was sent by his “Why would they put Jewish and Chasidic mu- NEW YORK (JTA) — Apple’s iTunes has put “It is the only event I know that synagogue to scout out the Memphis sic under the ‘Christian and Gospel’ category? some of the most well-known Jewish and brings the entire Jewish community competition. His mission, Rembo said, It makes no sense,” Fried told the Post. Hasidic singers in the online music store together,” said Steve Kaplan, a long- is to launch a Long Island-wide kosher “I don’t understand where they are coming “Christian & Gospel” section. time organizer of the event. He esti- barbecue competition next June that from and what the point is of doing this,” he The Jerusalem Post reported Sunday that mated that 3,000 people in all came to will be sanctioned by Anshei Sphard- said. “I would hate to think this is an attempt musicians such as Avraham Fried, an Orthodox the festival. Beth El Emeth. The winner will get to bury Jewish music under a Christian or Jew; Mordechai Ben-David; and Rabbi Shlomo The kosher barbecue contest has to compete in Memphis — which can Gospel label.” Carlebach all have some album’s categorized become so popular that attendees from make the uncontested claim, at least Fried told the Post that iTunes should create a in iTunes’ “Christian & Gospel” genre section. far and wide are trying to copy the for now, of hosting what has quickly Jewish Music section. Fried’s “Yiddish Gems Volumes 1 & 2,” “My Memphis model. evolved into North America’s world se- Apple’s iTunes is the largest online music Fellow Jew” and “The Baal Shem Tov’s Songs”; Longtime participant Bruce Downs ries of kosher grilling. vendor in the world, with 10 billion songs Ben-David’s “Just One Shabbos” and “Yerush- of Birmingham, Ala., said he has “Eisenhower invaded Europe with purchased between 2003 and February 2010. alayim Our Home”; and Carlebach’s “Shaarei helped launch a similar kosher compe- less preparation than these guys did to JTA’s requests for comment by Apple went Shabbat-Songs and Blessings For Your Jewish tition back home, sponsored in part by get ready,” Rembo said of the organiz- unanswered. the Piggly Wiggly supermarket chain, ers of the Memphis barbecue. Home” — all fit into Christian categories. September 22, 2011 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 25 commentary Torah commentary Jewish books

By Rabbi Alan L. Cohen, Congregation Beth Shalom By Nathaniel Goldman, Contributing Reviewer Connect the dots Holocaust-related novel falls short Nitzavim — Deuteronomy 29:9- prehension, there are many others of greatness 30:20 that require our interpretation and “Siegfried Follies” by Richard with which he imbues his ques- action. Alther (Regent Press, 2010) tions into plot and prose is in- We have all played the game of The text in chapter 30 is at the heart consistent. At times, the conflicts connecting the dots to reveal a picture of a famous Talmudic account of a In his second novel, “Siegfried as played out in the characters’ or image. I think of this game when debate among sages over the cleanli- Follies,” Richard Alther explores minds and actions are vivid and reading the verse in Nitzavim (29:28) ness and status of an oven. One of the nature of cultural and reli- compelling: in one quiet, elegant “Concealed acts concern the Lord our the disputants continually calls upon gious identity. The novel follows scene, J ponders the importance of God; but with overt acts, it is for us divine intervention through miracu- the intertwining community and ritual as and our children ever to apply all the lous occurrence to prove his position lives of blonde, he transforms a Jewish- provisions of this Teaching.” Above only to be rejected by the other sages. blue-eyed Franz and American family’s tool the words in the Torah text are a When, in the end, he calls upon God’s J, a Jewish boy, in shed into a sukkah. But series of dots. This occurs 15 times in voice (the “bat kol”) to substantiate Nazi Germany. The often the questions come the Bible and is thought to be a scribal his position and the “bat kol” does, the plot spans nearly out murky, the conclu- way to call attention to an unspecified other sages reject the voice with the 30 years, but the sions preachy or pedan- problem in the text. words “it is not in heaven.” This is of- novel’s scope is far tic. Save for a few poetic The Etz Hayim Humash commen- ten understood to underscore the role broader; it reaches gems (empty guard tow- tary on this verse provides a Targum that we must play in initiating law and back to the begin- ers described as “gaping interpretation to the meaning of these making changes. nings of German scarecrows”), the prose dots — “God will punish secret sins, It is this mystery that the dots are and Jewish culture is lucid but unremark- but society must punish sins com- calling our attention to that may also and asks fundamen- able. Sex, one of the mitted openly” — and one from Meir be at the heart of Rabbi Akiva’s line tal questions about novel’s frequent topics, Yehiel of Ostrowiec — “We should from Pirke Avot (3:19) — “everything nation, race and is addressed bravely but be reluctant to judge others, for only is foreseen, yet freedom of choice is family, drawing from not deftly, and the few God can see into a person’s heart granted. The world is judged favor- sources as disparate truly tender, human and know that person’s motivation, ably, yet all depends upon the prepon- as Wagner, “Mein Kampf” and the moments are counterbalanced by whereas we can only see the person’s derance of good deeds.” Akiva’s words Torah. an abundance of awkward genital deeds.” This is, of course, a particu- are often seen as contradictory and, The novel opens with a young metaphors and a general sense of larly good thought to keep in mind at yet, he may be articulating what the Franz working diligently at a Mu- trying too hard. Franz and J are on this time of the year. Torah is stating — there are certain nich hospital, where he struggles the whole believable protagonists Whatever the actual meaning of mysteries beyond our comprehension with conflicting feelings of na- whose motives ring true, but too these words, there was good reason for that is God’s domain but we are tionalist pride and horror at the frequently they come off stilted to consider them unclear. These dots capable of making choices, initiating mistreatment of the hospital’s pa- and predictable, like props whose provide not a conventional picture but action and probing ours deeds and tients. His life is given a clear and sole purpose is to ask the ques- a “drawing” that draws us deeper into those of our fellow human beings. We sudden purpose when, after barely tions and address the conflicts that the words and what they may actually must not simply withdraw from the escaping an air raid on Munich, interest the author. The flow of mean. process with resignation — not all is he rescues J and takes it upon him- events in the narrative is choppy, I would also suggest using those in heaven and beyond our reach. Con- self not only to nurse the boy back and though it is easy to become dots to connect other parts of this first necting the dots provide us the picture to health, but also to create a new engrossed in an individual scene, of the two portions read this week to guide us. family with him. The novel follows overall the pacing is uneven. It can (Nitzavim and Vayelekh are com- Nitzavim concludes with the words their life together and their lives become easy to forget that this is bined). In the next chapter (30), we “I call heaven and earth to witness apart as unlikely brothers after the all one story. read, “It is not in the heavens . . . No, against you this day: I have put before war’s end. Franz plays the part of Despite its missteps, “Siegfried the thing is very close to you, in your you life and death, blessing and curse. the ambitious breadwinner while Follies” is notable for being unlike mouth and in your heart, to observe Choose life!” The dots may reveal the J takes on the role of artist and any Holocaust-related book I have it.” There may, indeed, be things secret to this mystery — that there is scholar, and each is ultimately read. Neither polemic nor maud- beyond our comprehension and un- mystery and there are matters beyond driven to deep introspection that lin, it is academic in scope and derstanding but there are many other human comprehension. But there are leads to thorough exploration poetic in tone. The story is a good matters that are well within our grasp actions and choices within our pur- of the cultures from which they one, even if the telling is at times and we are challenged and mandated view. We must make the correct ones came. pedestrian. The novel reaches to seek meaning and application for in order to live and live well. What a Alther’s probing into the mean- toward being a grand literary these matters. These are the overt acts wonderful message to carry with us ings of brotherhood, race and statement; this it falls short of, that concern us. While there may be into our preparations for 5772. national identity is thoughtful and but it remains an interesting story certain matters beyond human com- Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova. thought provoking, but the facility plainly told. page 26 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle September 22, 2011 commentary Community: How it has changed, what it looks like today

By Todd Stettner During this era, ity to one another makes it an ever-present challenge to Special to our donors willing- We have to be more nimble is now guided by remain current and relevant. The Chronicle ly supported these the personal cause newcomers, many as organizations ... and make of the month. what does all oF this I recently returned of whom were new technology work for us. We believe in Mean? from a conference relatives. The new- individual donor with colleagues comers, in turn, choice. Which To meet the vastly changed land- from similar-sized supported later waves of immigrants, means umbrella, and therefore, Jew- scape of community, the Jewish world Jewish Federations and fed the growth of our synagogues ish Federation giving, have lost favor. and those of us who work within it, around the country. and organizations. So what does this mean as we move are compelled to do what we do differ- We continued some difficult conversa- Fast forward to the beginning of the forward? Can we still have a commu- ently. We have to be more nimble as tions about how the Jewish world has 21st century: The children, grandchil- nity? Is mutual responsibility dead? organizations, embrace groups outside changed and how Jewish Federation dren and great-grandchildren of these Can we experience a meaningful our usual circle and make new tech- can manage that change. immigrants are making their mark. Jewish peoplehood? Does support for nology work for us. Some institutions All 19 communities represented in They are inhabiting a different world the particular mean no support for the will not survive these times. Others our group are dealing with change: — one in which they have economic greater? may become dramatically different. Change coming harder and faster than means, social stability and a society History has shown us to be a remark- we have ever seen before. It is driven (at least in North America) that is Moving Forward able people. Despite slavery in Egypt, by economic and political instabil- totally open to them. In Israel, which exile in Babylonia, pogroms, the Holo- ity and technological, demographic is still threatened by conflict, there At issue, for all Jewish organiza- caust and attacks by numerous Arab and generational shifting. Some old is a high-functioning technological tions, is how we do what we do, when armies and terrorists, we go on. We institutions are beginning to crumble. economy that has influence far beyond we do it, and how we derive our com- have shared in the birth of a modern New organizations are struggling to the Middle East. Rather than working munity support. And how it fits into Jewish state and have, despite our exist. And a change of thinking and to Americanize Jews (as in the past), today’s society. challenges, developed Jewish educa- behavior for those under 45 is envelop- we are working to make them more As I stated earlier, Jewish Ameri- tion and culture to a level no one ever ing us all. Jewish. There are very few threatened cans have become American Jews. We thought possible. At one time, the Jewish Federation’s populations which require a whole- succeeded in what we set out to do. So We will meet these challenges of primary focus was raising dollars to sale move to the promised land. And the purpose of our organizations and today with the same intellect, creativ- rescue and resettle Jews in the United major conflicts between Israel and the the resulting programs need to change ity and sense of purpose and in the States and Israel. Many of our insti- Palestinians are no longer garnering for us to stay relevant. But change now end we will provide a rebirth of our tutions were created to handle the universal Jewish support. happens overnight. This, combined community in the 21st century. immigrant influx: JFS, JVS and JCCs We are a culture defined by individu- with the fact that Jews are free and which served as the hub of “Ameri- alism. A philosophy of philanthropy welcome to participate almost every- Todd Stettner is executive vice president & CEO of Jewish canization,” grew from these needs. once guided by a feeling of responsibil- where, including the virtual world, Federation of Greater Kansas City. letters to the editor Courting the Jewish vote and doubtless that is exactly what he Respect President Obama him, many not of his own making. I will do. In fact, the process has already will continue to support him in every Republicans are of course ecstatic started. I am frustrated by hearing many way I can, while respecting the opin- that the New York 9th Congressional That’s excellent. Israel’s situation Jewish people voicing their opinion ions of others who do not share my District voted Republican for the first now is extremely perilous, and it will that President Obama does not sup- conviction. However, as Bill Clinton time in almost 90 years, despite its more than ever need total support port Israel. I have even heard some said on ABC News recently, EVERY being the district with the largest per- from the United States. It doesn’t say they will not vote for him because United States president will always centage of Jewish voters in the coun- matter why it will now get that sup- of this misconception. I have never support Israel, so I believe we as Jew- try, having a 3 to 1 Democrat advan- port; the critical factor is that it will been a one -issue voter, and am sad ish voters can afford to take a broader tage in registered voters, and having be there. If this means Obama will that many people are, but in this case, view of the administration, review an Orthodox Jew running against a thereby manage to retain many Jew- the perceptions (and concerns) are its accomplishments, appreciate its Catholic. Paradoxically, Jewish Demo- ish votes, so be it. misplaced. Just last week (Sept. 15), support for Israel and think about the crats should be equally ecstatic. It is my personal hope and expecta- the Chronicle included a short article values of the Democrats and how they This outcome shows that Obama is tion that Obama will be a one-term about AIPAC and AJC lauding Obama differ from those of the Republican hemorrhaging Jewish votes. Trying to president. But if the result of the for the immediate U.S. intervention on candidates. As many have said before spin the results any other way is futile. election in New York’s 9th District is a behalf of Israel’s besieged embassy in me: “Be careful what you wish for!” Obama is suspected by some of being a wake-up call that leads him to be un- Cairo. Israeli Prime Minister Netan- closet Muslim; now he will be required equivocally supportive of Israel at this yahu also expressed gratitude for our Judy Sherry to become more Jewish than Moses. In critical time, it is an outcome devoutly quick and decisive assistance. Kansas City, Mo. order to stem this tide, from now until to be wished. Though I am disappointed in some election day he will have to go to any aspects of his administration, I respect length to convince Jewish voters that Lee Levin President Obama for his handling of he is unreservedly on Israel’s side, Overland Park, Kan. the myriad problems that have faced September 22, 2011 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle page 27 obituaries MYRTLE COHN her beloved husband Frank and her 10 or charity of one’s choice. www.louismemorialchapel.com. siblings. She is survived by many lov- Jacqueline graduated from Paseo Arr: The Louis Memorial Chapel, Myrtle Cohn, 105, passed away Mon- ing nieces, nephews and other extend- High School. She met her future hus- 816-361-5211. day, Sept. 19, 2011, in Overland Park. ed family. band at the Jewish Community Cen- Graveside services were held Online condolences may be shared ter while attending a USO dance while Wednesday, Sept. 21, at Rose Hill Ceme- at www.louismemorialchapel.com. still in high school. They continued tery. The family suggests contributions Arr: The Louis Memorial Chapel, their courtship while she attended the to the American Cancer Society, 1100 816-361-5211. prestigious Julliard School of Music in Unveiling Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO New York City, where she studied op- 64105 or www.cancer.org. JACQUELINE RUTH KAUFMAN era. They later married in 1952. In memory of Ricky Covitz at 9:30 Mrs. Cohn was the youngest of 11 Jacqueline was an avid reader, loved a.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at Mount Carmel children and a lifelong Kansas City Jacqueline Kaufman, 83, formerly classical music and was a supporter of Cemetery. resident. She attended Central High of Overland Park, passed away Mon- the arts. She was involved in multiple School and then received a two-year day, Sept. 12, 2011. charity efforts, including teaching illit- degree from Lindenwood College near Grave- erate adults to read, and improving the St. Louis. She met the love of her life, side services lives of others. Frank. They were married 40 years, were held She was a lifetime member of Ha- until Frank’s passing in 1980. Thursday, dassah and was active in the Beth Sha- Kansas City Mrs. Cohn was a homemaker and Sept. 15, at lom Sisterhood. was active in the community, serving Mount Car- She was preceded in death by her MonumenKC t as a volunteer at Menorah Hospital for mel Cem- parents, Harry and Ednah Sheskin, of Company more than 25 years. She also enjoyed etery. The Kansas City, and a brother, Joel R. She- playing bridge with her friends. When family sug- skin, of Dallas. MONUMENTThe Monument Specialist asked a few years ago the secret to her gests dona- Jacqueline is survived by her devot- 816-333-0075 long life she said “I feel … I have main- tions to the ed husband, Robert Kaufman, and chil- 82311JL10 tained a positive and happy outlook on Alzheimer’s dren, Bruce Kaufman and wife Emen- Serving the Jewish Community Since 1888 life.” She also had a wonderful sense of Association, da, Neal Kaufman, David Kaufman, Jeffrey & Sarah Miller humor. Jewish Fam- Elisa Kaufman and Kristen Penny. 1c6842 x Troost 2” Mrs. Cohn was preceded in death by ily Services, Online guestbook is available at Kansas City, MO 64131

Frances Bay, 92, ‘marble rye’ Sascha Franzel, 19, Colorado victim on ‘Seinfeld’ State University student Actress Frances Bay, the elderly woman Sascha Franzel, a student at Colorado State “mugged” for a marble rye by Jerry Seinfeld, University who had been planning to become placed into a nursing home by Happy Gilmore a pediatric surgeon, died Sept. 10 at 19. Her and “Fonzi’s” Grandma Nussbaum, died in death, possibly related to a severe asthma Los Angeles on Sept. 13 at 92. attack and inhaler use, was mourned by hun- From the 1978 Goldie Hawn-Chevy Chase dreds at the university’s Fort Collins campus. film “Foul Play” on, Bay “hit her stride play- At a candlelight vigil two days later attended ing the role she became known for: an often by more than 200, Franzel was described as doddering, mostly sweet elderly woman,” a “singer, skier and sushi eater with an infec- The New York Times said. IMDB credited her tious laugh and onesie pajamas.” Louis with more than 150 appearances in TV shows and films. She acted through 2011, nine years Shifra Goldman, 85, after losing part of her right leg after a car longtime Latino Memorial accident. Her last recurring role was as Aunt Ginny in the ABC sitcom “The Middle.” art advocate Art historian Shifra Goldman, who fought for acceptance of Latin American, Mexican and 82311JL53X Suzy Eban, 90, widow Chicano art when it was not taken seriously of Abba Eban by the academic or art worlds, died Sept. 11 Suzy Eban, more known as the wife of early at home in Los Angeles. She was 85. 2c x 5” Israeli diplomat Abba Eban, but whose rich Goldman’s academic writing, political activ- family history and experiences had their own ism and personal mentoring of young Latin resonance and impact, died Sept. 15 at 90. artists over four decades made her one of the Her nephew, Israeli Knesset member Yitzhak most important figures in that world. Artists Herzog, described her life as “the personifica- and others lauded her as a “visionary,” “pio- tion of the Zionist story. Throughout her life, neer” and “outspoken advocate.” she demonstrated a deep commitment to the establishment of the state and to its welfare, and did so in an awe-inspiring manner.” page 28 The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle September 22, 2011

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