News & Events


Bar Mitzvah: Eli Solomon
May 28
Garrett Matthew Solomon announces the Bar Mitzvah of his son, Eli Gabriel Solomon on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. Eli is the son of the late Stacey Aviva Solomon, grandson of Dr. Steven and Ileene Simon and Celia and Bruce Solomon. Eli loves participating in sports, especially football and soccer. He excels in school at HBHA, and enjoys listening to music and reading. His Mitzvah Project is collecting clothing and shoes for the less fortunate as an HBHA fundraiser.


Spotlight on Maria Barton
Saying l'hitraot to Maria is difficult. And not just because Maria has been at B'nai Jehudah for 40 years, and (in our opinion) has more institutional knowledge than anyone else at the congregation. The challenge lies in the fact that Maria has become an integral part of many of our lives at B'nai Jehudah. When Maria retires on May 26, we will miss her warm welcome, her great work ethic, her attention to detail, and her perseverance. More important, we will miss her kind, compassionate and generous nature. Maria, thank you for showing us how it is done - with goodness and grace.

Never one to seek out the spotlight, Maria has been making things happen for 40 years at B'nai Jehudah. Feel free to call in and say farewell to Maria before May 26. We know she would enjoy hearing from her beloved B'nai Jehudah family!

Note from Maria:
"To my B'nai Jehudah family: Thank you. I have truly enjoyed getting to know each one of you, watching your families grow and thrive, and being here when you needed a listening ear. Each of you has a special place in my heart. Thank you for trusting me to serve the congregation. I have so many memories I will treasure."
L'hitraot Rabbis Smiley & Leighton
Friday, June 10 | 6:00 pm | B'nai Jehudah
We will also give a fond farewell to two other members of our B'nai Jehudah team - both of whom have had an incredible impact on our congregation. Join us for a farewell Erev Shabbat service on June 10 for Rabbi Smiley, Rabbi Leighton, and their daughter Eliana. After the service, we'll enjoy their favorite desserts at a festive Oneg Shabbat!
Upcoming Events

B'nai Jehudah Annual Meeting
Wednesday, May 25, 2022 | 5:30 pm | via Zoom

B'nai Jehudah's Annual Meeting is just 2 days away! Please list the name of all attendees from your household who will be in attendance at the meeting. Click here for more information and supporting documents.

RSVP here for the Annual Meeting or call 913.663.4050. 
You will receive an emailed Zoom link to connect to the Annual Meeting once you have registered.
Erev Shabbat Guest Speaker
Friday, May 27 | 6:00 pm | B'nai Jehudah
Join us to hear special guest speaker, Major Cantor David Frommer, and his timely topic: Can Reform Judaism save Memorial Day?

After volunteering as a Lone Soldier in the Israel Defense Forces, serving with distinction in the West Bank, he received his ordination as Chaplain from the New York Army National Guard in 2011. He then deployed overseas as the first cantor to serve as a chaplain in the U.S. military, providing theater-wide religious support for Jewish personnel stationed in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Jordan and Qatar. He has served as cantor of Shomrei Torah in Santa Rosa and Sherith Israel in San Francisco, CA, and now serves as the Jewish Chaplain at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. 
Celebrating Women Rabbis & Board Installation
Friday, June 3 | 6:00 pm | B’nai Jehudah
with special guest speaker, Rabbi Sally J. Priesand
We are excited to bring together our Board Installation and a very special special Erev Shabbat service, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Rabbi Sally J. Priesand, the first publicly ordained female rabbi.

The service and installation will be immediately followed by a free congregational dinner, sponsored by Sisterhood.

Family Havdalah at the Nelson!
Saturday, June 4 | 3:00 – 5:00 pm | Nelson-Atkins Museum
Bring your own picnic dinner and blankets and enjoy dinner al fresco! We'll have lawn games, fun family-friendly activities and a beautiful outdoor Havdalah with the music of Ms. Laura on the lawn at the Nelson. This event is geared toward younger families, but all are welcome!

Sisterhood Arboretum Walk & Luncheon
Sunday, June 5 | 12:30 pm | B’nai Jehudah

Please join Sisterhood for a meaningful Installation, led by Rabbi Kramer, at the OP Arboretum. We'll welcome 7 new Directors to the Board! The afternoon begins with a complimentary Panera lunch & wine, followed by the installation ceremony and a stroll in the Monet Garden with your 'sister.' This event is free of charge, courtesy of Sisterhood!

Volunteer with Us!
Want to create meaningful moments and connections for yourself or your family?
Do you enjoy supporting your B'nai Jehudah family?
Now is the time to volunteer! 
We are expanding our volunteer opportunities and are seeking dedicated volunteers like you. Volunteers are vital to our inner workings and we look forward to adding you/your family members to the mix!

Sisterhood Father's Day Cards Sale
Click here for information about the Father's Day Card and Flower Bulbs sale!
Contact Pam Auerbach at [email protected] or Marcia Soltz at [email protected]
Shabbat & Shavuot Happenings
May 27
6:00 pm: Erev Shabbat Service, with guest speaker Maj. Cantor David Frommer, who will discuss: Can Reform Judaism save Memorial Day?

May 28
10:30 am: Shabbat Morning service, celebrating the Bar Mitzvah of Eli Solomon
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June 4
6:00 pm: Shavuot/Confirmation Service

June 5
10:30 am: Shavuot Morning/Yizkor Service

Please join us in worship in the building or virtually on Facebook Live or on Vimeo
Another fun Mitzvah Day 2022 moment: Hundreds of KesherKC bags were put together to help feed Kansas Citians dealing with homelessness and food insecurity. The bags were delivered to JFS, where they will be distributed to volunteers across the city.
Community News
Nationwide Virtual Shavuot Study Sessions
You are invited to take part in a free nationwide Tikkun Leil Shavuot program taking place on Zoom. A coalition of URJ small congregations is offering 28 free study sessions - in one-hour blocks - to mark Shavuot on Saturday, June 4-Sunday, June 5. We are taught that Moses received the Torah at Mount Sinai on Shavuot. And the mystics encouraged us to make use of this opportunity by studying with one another. That is the essence of Tikkun Leil Shavuot. You are invited to register for free and choose from the variety of courses offered that evening and early the next morning. Engaging in text study, connecting with Israel, modern politics, and discussing Jewish themes in films are just a few of the many topics that will be offered. Throughout the evening, there are numerous classes to select from. Simply click the link below to peruse the classes, register your name, and you will receive a document with all of the links necessary to participate in the free Zoom classes that evening. Click here to register
Career Assistance Available through Career Skills and Connections
Looking for career assistance, Jewish Vocational Services (JVS) and Jewish Family Services (JFS) can help. Career Skills and Connections is a joint program offering comprehensive job search guidance to professionals in the Kansas City Metro area. Providing executive coaching and employment assistance to individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds with a variety of work histories and experiences. Services include one-on-one career coaching addressing issues such as building your resume, mastering interviews, creating a compelling LinkedIn profile, and access to JVS’s network of local employers. Services are available virtually and in person at the JVS Office.

To join the program, individuals must be 18 years old or older, eligible to work in the United States, and have a high school diploma or GED. For more information and to register, contact Sabrina Simon at [email protected] or 816-895-2764.
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