This week we were all distraught day in day out with the kidnapping of the three Israeli teenagers, Gilad Shaar, Naftali Frenkel, and Eyal Yifrach.   Each one is a well-rounded teenager, involved in activities both mundane and lofty.  They have such futures ahead of them.   We take life for granted until we […]

This weekend will be an exciting one at BIAV!  We are hosting Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz, world renowned author and speaker.  Rabbi Tatz has authored many popular books including Living Inspired and the Thinking Jewish Teenager’s Guide to Life that we give to Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrants. On that note, we are also celebrating […]

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 […]

Earlier this week I attended the AJC World Forum in Washington DC.  The AJC (American Jewish Committee) advocates for Jews around the world, addressing issues relating to anti-Semitism, Israel, and justice.  I am a member of the board of our local JCRB-AJC chapter in Kansas City, and I was proud to represent our city alongside […]

This past Tuesday night I was in Willamsburg, NY to participate in a Rabbinic Panel at the dinner for an organization called Mikvah USA.  Our community Mikvah benefited from the generosity of Mikvah USA as part of the gorgeous renovation. I was asked, along with three other Rabbis, to share with the donors and attendees […]

This past week I attended a very important seminar presented by the Genetic Jewish Disease Consortium.  It is an umbrella organization representing a number of organizations that work with assisting in the research, treatment, and prevention of Jewish Genetic Diseases. This new initiative seeks to provide education about this important issue. One of the presenters […]

Looking back… It’s amazing to think that Pesach is behind us! There is much to reflect on from the last two weeks.  Our KC Jewish community came together in an incredible way following the horrid shooting at the JCC and Village Shalom, an interfaith solidarity gathering, a teen vigil on Friday afternoon, and just getting […]

It is difficult to believe that it has been less than a week since the tragic shooting last Sunday.  So much has happened, yet it is all still so fresh, and heartbreaking.  Sitting around our Seder tables I hope that we all gained a newfound appreciation for all that are dear to us on this […]

Dear Members, As we enter the final stage of preparations for Pesach, and in light of yesterday’s events,   I wanted to share some thoughts with you, including some important information for the Yom Tov and the coming week. 4 Questions: How will we recline at our Seder tables tonight, enjoying the festival of our freedom? […]