Rabbi's Week in Review
I recently was on a call co-led by two organizations — T’ruah: the Rabbinic Call for Human Rights and J Street, an organization committed to peace between Israel and Palestinians via a two-state solution. While the discussion generally addressed our desire for peace and the end to violent conflict, the more specific focus was on a bill introduced in Congress.
The bill, H.R. 5344, seeks to increase the chance for effective ... Click here to read the rest of Rabbi Doug's blog post.
This Week's Torah Portion
This week’s Torah portion is Parashat Terumah (Shemot/Exodus 25:1-27:19). We read this week about building the Mishkan, the Holy Tabernacle that accompanied B’nai Yisrael, the Children of Israel, as they wandered in the wilderness. Even during our moments of being figuratively Bamidbar, in the wilderness, we create space for the sacred and the spiritual.
Worship Events of the Week
Join us this Friday, February 4, at 6:45 p.m., as we welcome Shabbat with wonderful music in our worship and Torah. Our service will either be in-person with proof of vaccine and masks or via livestream. For livestream, click here.
On Saturday morning, February 5, at 9:30 a.m., we dive into study with why we pray our prayers. We continue to gather only by Zoom until we get further past the latest Covid variant. Click here.
Weekly Feature
Member Spotlight: Brian Weinberg
By Wynne Begun
It has been said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" (Chinese proverb). It can also be said that saving the earth begins locally. Brian Weinberg’s work is focused on what we can do in Kansas City to affect the future of our planet.
WB: What brought you to Kansas City?
BW: I came to KC by way of Dallas; Washington, D.C.; New York; and the Bay area, partnering with Bob Berkebile of BNIM to start the Foundation for Regeneration, which focuses on economic development and ecological health.
What specifically are you working on as director of the foundation?
Two of the major projects are the restoration of the Blue River Valley, and increasing the size and scope of the Heart Forest. The Blue River Valley includes the land adjacent to the Blue River, which runs north through Johnson and Jackson counties into the Missouri River. Much of the northern area of the valley was a major industrial center, most of which has been abandoned. The valley also served the area as a major recreation site.
The Heart Forest is a heart-shaped forest near the airport. The plans are for this forest to be increased in size, used as a recreational site, and to serve as a landmark that will represent Kansas City as the Heart of America for air passengers flying into KCI. The planting of trees is recognized as an effective conservation strategy, one strategy that is accessible to almost everyone.
What drew you to Kol Ami?
I was drawn by the social justice work the rabbi and congregation engage in. I live in the urban core and believe that Kol Ami can be a small but mighty force in the area.
What would you like to see happen at Kol Ami in the near future?
I would like to get to know more members. Also, a tzedakah fund, administered by a committee, could be used to support worthy projects throughout the community. I have participated in the Jewish Renewal movement, and I appreciate some of its practices and teachings. I would like to explore the idea of Kol Ami incorporating some Jewish Renewal ideas.
For more information on the work that Brian is doing, click on the following sites:
regeneration.us
blueriverkc.com
brianweinberg.com
Kol Ami Events
Meditation With Lara Steinel
Meditation helps focus more of one’s mind on the present moment. In a virtual session Sunday, February 6, at 2:15 p.m., participants learn and practice the basics of Jewish meditation, with an introduction to the session’s theme by Rabbi Alpert. For the Zoom link, click here.
Decode Hebrew in 6 Weeks
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 free.
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 my recordings for practicing and comparing between sessions. (Students may continue in private paid lessons with Brendan after this free course.) Don't put this off for another year. Read a little Hebrew next Shabbat or Pesach!
Community News
Manheim Gardens Receives Grant
The Charlotte Street Foundation and David Hughes Jr., the group’s founder, have awarded Manheim Gardens one of their Cultural Producer Grants, designed to help small artist-run organizations and projects. KC Studio reports (January 20, 2022) that “the gardens’ grant will help support local artists and connect them with new communities and audiences.” Click here to read the KC Studio article about the Cultural Producer Grants recipients.
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.
Registration is free for Kol Ami community members — click here. Those who register in advance will receive a Zoom link prior to the event.
