Rabbi's Week in Review
There are times when a confluence of conflicting events leaves us in a state of emotional limbo, if not turmoil. This past week seemed to be such a time.
I was saddened and somewhat in despair over the diminished prospects for passing meaningful voting-rights legislation, particularly as we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Among Dr. King’s achievements was his instrumental role in getting the original ... Click here to read the rest of Rabbi Doug's blog post.
This Week's Torah Portion
This week’s Torah portion is Parashat Yitro (Shemot/Exodus 18:1-20:23). We read the Aseret Dibrot, the Ten Commandments, and enter into a covenant with G-d at Mt. Sinai. We learn that, to be in relationship, it is not only about meeting our needs but also about being needed. Even by G-d.
Worship Event of the Week
This Saturday, January 22, at 10 a.m., we celebrate the bat mitzvah of
Norah Pabst as we celebrate Shabbat. This special life-cycle event is by invitation only to family, guests and Kol Ami members. The service is also available via livestream — click here. We wish Norah and the Pabst family mazel tov!
Weekly Feature
Winter Soups to Savor
By Wynne Begun
When the days are cold and the nights still long, what most of us want for lunch and dinner are comfort foods such as soups and stews. We have assembled a few for you to consider, with links for the recipes below.
Beef and Barley Soup — from Wynne Begun
This is a soup that was basic to many Ashkenazi families. It is hearty and becomes more of a stew than a soup. It is easy to assemble and a good soup to come home to, as it can be made in a crockpot. Get recipe here.
Moroccan Chickpea and Lentil Soup — from Ellen Karp
Lentil soup might not typically strike you as the most exciting of dishes, but when you add in chickpeas and warm Moroccan-inspired ingredients, suddenly things get a lot more interesting. This recipe is a vegetarian version and will warm you up from the inside out! Get recipe here.
Black Bean and Pumpkin Stew With Pasta — from Deborah Hirsch
This soup is another hearty vegetarian option. It is easy and quick to make, and will provide comfort and lots of flavor on a cold night. Get recipe here.
Kol Ami Event
Decode Hebrew in 6 Weeks — a Free Class
Brendan Howard teaches Hebrew basics in an upcoming six-week Hebrew class. Commit to 30 minutes online, 6:30-7 p.m. Wednesdays on the following dates — 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/2, 3/9. Thanks to generous support from Congregation Kol Ami, this six-week course is completely free. Don't put this off for another year. Read a little Hebrew next Shabbat or Pesach!
The first step is learning — and practicing — the sounds that the Hebrew letters and vowels make. Register here now, and when it's class time, you'll receive a link to the online practice text as well as links to Brendan's recordings for practicing and comparing between sessions. (Students may continue in private paid lessons with Brendan after this free course.)
Community Event
Acclaimed Author Series — Virtual Event February 9
Jewish Experiences, a collaboration of Jewish Federation and The J,
presents Golem Girl: A Memoir, by Riva Lehrer, online at 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 9, moderated by Rabbi Doug Alpert, with assistance from Kol Ami book-club coordinator Lee Merrill. Co-presenting this event are Kol Ami, the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City and the Jewish Book Council.
Lehrer, born with spina bifida, tells a story of parents, family members and doctors who are determined to “fix” her. Enduring countless surgeries and interventions, Lehrer eventually joins a group of artists, writers and performers who build the disability culture. This illustrated memoir of an artist born with disabilities shines a light on physical identity and the socially challenged body.
Registration is free for Kol Ami community members — click here. Those who register in advance will receive a Zoom link prior to the event.
