Last Shabbat my family traveled to Omaha to spend the weekend with our friend and colleague Rabbi Jonathan Gross, of Beth Israel Synagogue. It was Rabbi Gross’ farewell weekend after ten years of service as he now moves on to a position in Baltimore. Rabbi Gross and family were regular visitors to KC, and we will miss them! You can read his blog here: http://www.amerabbica.com/
One of Rabbi Gross’ innovative programs was Good Shabbos Nebraska. After the Torah is put away on Shabbat morning, he sets up a ‘talk show’ that he hosts, with regular skits such as “Celebrity Rashi” and “Leo’s High Five,” as well as guest speakers who are interviewed on the show. His first show was with Shmuley Boteach, and after twenty eight consecutive shows, it concluded its run with Rabbi Ari Rockoff (my brother) who works for YU and helped bring Rabbi Gross to Omaha, and me. Check out– http://www.goodshabbosnebraska.com/
In local news:
I wanted to extend a couple of unique Mazel Tov wishes to members who do not seek the spotlight but deserve it!
Mazel Tov to Netta Krashin (an Omaha native) for receiving the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Educator of the Year award from Jewish Federation. Only six winners from around the country were nominated for the national award, and Netta is one of them! Well deserved!
Mazel Tov to Sherri Jacobs for receiving the Distinguished Service Award by the American Art Therapy Association for her service to the community. Such talented members!
Looking ahead:
Rabbi Tatz SIR: Next weekend we have our special Scholar in Residence weekend with Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz! In partnership with the KC Kollel, Rabbi Tatz will spend Shabbat at BIAV. Rabbi Dr. Tatz will address us four times over Shabbat, and at the JCC on Sunday morning. I have heard Rabbi Tatz speak and read several of his books. I’m looking forward to an inspirational weekend!
Shavuot: It’s just around the corner! The Rabbinical Association is sponsoring a community wide Tikkun featuring Rabbi Tovia Singer who will speak on the topic, “The Battle for the Jewish Soul! Are the Missionaries Winning?” I will serve on a panel discussion after his talk.
BIAV will host its own Tikkul Leil Shavuot learning, featuring a children’s learning program for grades 2-5, a shiur by Rabbi Schulgasser, and an interactive learning program with our YU summer fellows.
YUCKSE: BIAV will once again host the Yeshiva University Kansas City Summer Experience program for the month of June. The six students will be here from June 1st-29th. During the day they will be engaged in a variety of internships, and in the evenings and weekends they will be available for learning and programming with our community. More information to follow soon!
This Shabbat we begin reading Sefer Bemidbar. Jerry Bernard will deliver the D’var Torah Shabbat morning (and a shout out to Ben Bernard for delivering the Farewell Address at his SMS graduation!)