a message from our president - bnaijehudah.org
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A message from our president... One Friday evening after services as I exited the building, a gentleman walking with his wife stopped me to ask a question. I answered his question and introduced myself to them. Although I had never met this couple, their name was very familiar. He had retired as a pediatrician four years ago at the age of 88. Our short conversation was inspiring.
This week I spent three fascinating, uninterrupted hours listening to the story of Joseph Kanarek, M.D. As with most successful people who have a strong support system, Dr. Kanarek’s wife of 64 years, Raquel, has stood by his side. Together they have five children and ten grandchildren. Their children and grandchildren have become physicians, teachers, and business professionals. They all enjoy successful lives. Although I cannot begin to share all that I learned within the confines of the space allowed, my goal is to do the best I can to convey Dr. Kanarek’s story. His is a story of hope, willpower, and perhaps an element of divine intervention. Dr. Kanarek was born in Plonsk, Poland (35 miles from Warsaw). His sister, three years younger, was his only sibling. Young Joseph attended private schools where he learned Hebrew, German, math, and science. Sleigh rides pulled by speeding horses on his grandfather’s farm were fun and thrilling. The town mayor even brought the German officer overseeing the town’s military presence to observe Rosh Hashanah. The soldier was Jewish and wanted a place to observe the holiday. From the time Joseph was a young boy, he dreamed of becoming a physician. Before WWII, Joseph’s father put money in a special bank account to pay for Joseph’s medical school when he was ready to attend. Then World War II broke out. Joseph, his parents, and his sister were sent to Auschwitz. He was separated from his family, whom he never saw again. While in Auschwitz, he was assigned to work on the roads and repair machinery. In what subsequently turned out to be good fortune, Joseph was taken to a camp hospital with an infected finger. Soon after the surgery on his finger was complete, a group of guards inspected the hospital to find out how long each prisoner had been hospitalized. Hospital officials, wanting fewer prisoners to be counted, issued Joseph a work uniform. He was counted as a worker, instead of a prisoner. His infected finger saved his life. Throughout the remainder of his stay in the camp, Joseph worked in the hospital sorting clothes and serving food.
The American bombs were reaching targets closer to Auschwitz, prompting the Germans to evacuate prisoners. Joseph and his fellow prisoners boarded cattle cars on a train headed to Nordhausen, Germany through Czechoslovakia. After five days with no food, water, or toilette facilities, the train arrived in Nordhausen. Joseph’s hospital experience served him well as he supported sick prisoners who were taken to the hospital and assigned to his barracks. Within months, he and his fellow prisoners were liberated. On May 13, 1946 Joseph left Europe and sailed to the United States. Almost eleven days later he reached New York where his cousins greeted him. They brought him bags of clothes and shoes to help him start his new life in the United States. Unable to speak English, Joseph began working for $25 dollars a week. The first words he learned in English were the names of food. His determination and persistence earned him a diploma from Dickinson High School in New York. Concurrently, he managed to find the time to work with a tutor to sharpen his English skills. Joseph took various classes at the Junior College. A professor at the college was so impressed with Joseph’s desire to learn, that he used his connections to refer him to Columbia University. Even though his English was still limited, Columbia admitted Joseph to the University. Never losing his desire to become a physician, he pursued a pre-med curriculum. After he and his friend completed college, they both discovered their path to becoming a physician was to attend the University of Mexico’s Medical School. Although Joseph’s academics qualified him to attend medical school, he did not speak Spanish. Exams required for admittance to medical school were another barrier. He understood the exam questions, but could not answer the questions in Spanish. Joseph explained that all he could do was answer in English. Recognizing Joseph’s eagerness to attend medical school, the examiner approved his request to answer the questions in English. While in Medical School, Joseph was required to send a letter to the draft board each year to confirm he was a student in good standing. During his second year of medical school, a draft board secretary failed to forward his letter before the deadline. He was ordered to report to the Colonel in charge of mobilization for the army. He gave Joseph an extension to meet with his local draft board and show them the letter. Four years later Joseph graduated medical school and fulfilled his dream of becoming a physician. He subsequently passed the required boards to earn the right to practice in both the United States and Mexico. Through an AMA process of matching physicians to hospitals needing residents in the States, the new Dr. Kanarek was matched with Menorah Hospital in Kansas City.
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B’NAI JEHUDAH BROTHERHOOD
Living and strengthening L’Dor V’ Dor with Family, B’nai Jehudah and Judaism
TRIVIA NIGHT SPONSORED BY BROTHERHOOD When: November 10 at 6:30 pm (begins with brief Havdalah service) Where: The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah Why: To have fun with a men vs. women point total for the 2nd annual “Kiddush Cup” Contest. “Special Prizes” for the men’s and women’s winning teams Who: Open to all Temple members and friends. Limit total 64 players with 32 per gender. We will again have a professional Trivia DJ and questions will be more gender neutral than last year …Light Snacks, coffee and desert will be served. Cost: None
First come first serve seating. To sign up (and based on last year’s fun, this will fill up fast!!)
RSVP Chuck at [email protected] for further information.
Dr. Kanarek excelled in his position as a resident. When he used a unique treatment to save the life of a patient with severe congestive heart failure, the patient and his family were indebted to him. A turning point for Dr. Kanarek was when the patient saw the tattoo of his number from the concentration camp on his arm. The patient said, “Dr. Kanarek, you were a victim of the Holocaust.” Dr. Kanarek’s his life was about saving lives and helping others. He never wanted to be looked upon with pity. Shortly after, he began the process to remove the tattoo. As I sat in his family room, listening to him recount the scene in the hospital room, Dr. Kanarek showed me his left arm. After two surgeries, the only remnant of his number was just a few ink spots. Along with joining a thriving pediatric practice after he completed his residency, Dr. Kanarek accepted a staff position at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He became a specialist in treating Cystic Fibrosis, which became the major focus of his medical career for the next 43 years. When Dr. Kanarek began working with these special children, the average life span for a child afflicted with this disease was 3-5 years. By the time he retired, the average life span was 30 years. He is often invited to the weddings of his former Cystic Fibrosis patients who have survived long past childhood.
While in Medical school Dr. Kanarek met and married Raquel, who grew up in Mexico. Raquel has been his wonderful life partner. Her strength, perseverance, and success have been a major factor in building a strong family. Both Joseph and Raquel have made special contributions to society and to the Kansas City community. They epitomize Tikkun Olam. Dr. Kanarek served as President of Menorah Hospital’s Medical Staff and served as Chair of the Pediatrics Department at Baptist Medical Center. He has also volunteered at the University of Kansas Medical Center to care for children without insurance or with insufficient insurance. Dr. Kanarek speaks English, Hebrew, Yiddish, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Ukrainian. The latest language he is studying is Chinese. They have been members of B’nai Jehudah for 58 years.
To my fellow congregants: I believe with my heart and soul that if every one of us takes a small amount of time to learn the story of someone you have never met, it will no doubt enrich your life and even inspire you.
Ken Sigman, President [email protected] 816-516-1001
A message from our president…, continued
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UPCOMING SERVICE TIMES
Friday, November 2 5:30 pm: Bisseleh Nosh 6:00 pm: Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, November 3 10:30 am: Shabbat Morning Service Parashat Chaye Sarah Friday, November 9 5:30 pm: Bisseleh Nosh 6:00 pm: Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, November 10 10:30 am: Shabbat Morning Service Bar Mitzvah: Charlie Greenstein
Parashat Toledot Friday, November 16 5:30 pm: Bisseleh Nosh 6:00 pm: Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, November 17 10:30 am: Shabbat Morning Service B’nai Torah Class Parashat Lech Vayetze Friday, November 23 5:30 pm: Bisseleh Nosh 6:00 pm: Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, November 24 10:30 am: Shabbat Morning Service Parashat Vayera
Friday, November 30 5:30 pm: Bisseleh Nosh 6:00 pm: Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, December 1 10:30 am: Shabbat Morning Service Bat Mitzvah: Marissa McLain Parashat Vayeshev
B’NAI MITZVAH
Charles Henry Greenstein, son of Lynne Greenstein and Andrew Greenstein, will celebrate becoming a Bar Mitzvah during the 10:30 am Shabbat service on November 10, 2018. Charlie is a 7th grade student at Indian Hills Middle School. He is passionate about basketball, football, tennis and enjoys spending time with family and friends. For his tzedakah project, Charlie volunteered at Independence Boulevard Christian Church, assisting people who come in once per month for food and clothing.
EARLY CHILDHOOD ACTIVITIES
On November 17 during our 10:30 am service we will honor the dedication and hard work of nine individuals who have chosen to become b’nai mitzvah as adults. Every Jewish adult is technically a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah, a person who is fully counted within the Jewish community. But not everybody had the opportunity to celebrate becoming a bat or bar mitzvah. And even many of those who did celebrate this lifecycle event when they were children recognize that the learning and commitments of a 13-year-old are very different from those of a more mature adult. We here at Congregation B’nai Jehudah seek to empower Jewish adults to become more competent in Jewish life and knowledgeable in Jewish history, thought, and tradition.
These adults will be called B’nai Torah (sing. bar Torah or bat Torah), and they will celebrate this milestone during a unique B’nai Torah Shabbat service on November 17, 2018.
We hope you will join us to celebrate these individuals as we celebrate Shabbat together.
FIRST FRIDAY SHABBAT FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Friday, November 2 5:15 pm Music 5:30 pm Service 6:00 pm Dinner Shabbat happens every Friday, and we hope you spend the First Fridays with us for this special experience for families with small children. Dinner will be provided for $5/person to a max of $20/family. To reserve a spot for dinner contact Dayna Gershon [email protected].
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RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
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Mitzvah Meal in Olathe Thursday, November 1 5:00 pm-7:00 pm Johnson County Food Ministry 520 Harrison, Olathe Micah Ministries – Serving Food Monday, November 19 5:00 – 7:00 pm 606 Gladstone Blvd, KCMO 64124 While we do not provide transportation, there are a group of dedicated volunteers who will give you the low-down on this particular Mitzvah.
Halloween Candy Drop Off On Sunday, November 6, bring your unwanted Halloween
candy to B’nai Jehudah and place it in the special drop box. The candy will be distributed to Truman Medical Center and Research Hospital. This is the third year of this Halloween Candy Buy-Back initiative.
Give Blood – Give the Gift of Life On Sunday, December 16, from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm, we will be holding the second of this year’s Blood Drives. It will be held during Religious School. Contact Gary Rogoff (913-522-5307; [email protected]) to sign up and for information.
SOCIAL ACTION
Daily Minyan Monday—Thursday 5:45pm,
Sunday 11:30am
Holiday Exceptions: Federal holidays, when the office is closed, minyan is held at 9:30am the morning of the holiday. For Jewish holidays, holiday services replace daily minyan.
Turn It and Turn It Again Jewish Texts Throughout the Ages Weekly Torah Portion With Rabbi Nemitoff and Rabbi Smiley Wednesdays at 10:00 – 11:30 am This seminar focuses on the weekly Torah reading with occasional excursions to other elements of Jewish life. Talmud Study With Rabbi Padorr Wednesdays at 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Yevamot: a discussion about procreation: is there an
obligation to raise children? How many? Gender? How do we take these Talmudic discussions and apply them to our community and lives today? Join the rabbis of the Talmud for a dynamic discussion of Judaism and Jewish law and behavior: a way of thinking and looking at the world then and now. We study in English and its relevance for today’s world. Please join us as we continue our stimulating discussions. For information please call Rabbi Beryl Padorr, Shared Vision Coordinator (913-663-1805; [email protected]). Or just show up!
ADULT LEARNING
WE WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS
Joseph and Natalie Gershon
Griffin and Sosie
Jamie Scheiman and Matt Reeder
Robyn Shopmaker
Dylan Sultzer and Janelle Cumro-Sultzer
NOVEMBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Celebrating 10 Years
Amy & Jeff Covitz Barbara & Tom Eisenach
Celebrating 40 Years or More
Vicki & Alan Bronfman Eva & Bill Cummings Ronna & Josh Garry
Shirley & Barnett Helzberg Beverly & Larry Mallin
Carol & Allan Robinson Judy & Bernard Rosenberg
Darlene & Gary Zimmerman
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PRE-HANUKKAH GATHERING FOR SPIRITUAL PEACE AND WHOLENESS SET FOR NOVEMBER 15
With the days getting shorter and nights cooler, our outdoor world continues to change with the oncoming winter season. Yet Hanukkah and the Jewish calendar propel us to prepare ourselves internally, moving towards wholeness with courage and understanding.
On Thursday, November 15, join this expressive and supportive gathering as we share traditional and contemporary prayers, songs, and readings, which include personal reflections from individuals looking for warmth and light. The Jewish Gathering for Spiritual Peace and Wholeness will focus on the miraculous power of hope and the need for all of us to feel some
light in times of darkness.
The evening gathering will be co-facilitated by Jewish Community Chaplain Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick and song leader Emily Tummons with guest facilitator Rabbi Sarah Smiley of Congregation B’nai Jehudah as well as Rachel Black, cantorial soloist. Sponsored by the Chaplaincy Program of Jewish Family Services, this sacred time and space will offer support and connection to those seeking comfort.
This service will take place at the Heritage Center at the Jewish Community Campus beginning at 6:30 pm. It is open to the entire community regardless of one’s level of observance. A light nosh will be served. Please make reservations by calling the JFS office at (913) 327-8250 or sending an email to [email protected].
B’NAI JEHUDAH SISTERHOOD - The benefits are never ending
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RABBI NEMITOFF'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
MEMORY
Morris Merker
Pola Firestone & Jon Henderson
Marilyn R. Strauss
Gayle Krigel
TZEDAKAH
Judith & Laurence Mayer
YAHRZEIT
Ida Sara Abraham
Janice & Sam Balot
Martin Bush
Leslee Price
Rebecca Cohn
Judy & Larry Mayer
Russell Klein
Dena Klein
Ellen Nissenbaum
JoAnn & Steve Seigel
Sam Rapschutz
Allen Rapschutz
CHESED FUND
MEMORY
Ruth Spielman
Elana & Nolan Goldberg
Caren & Marshall Movitz
YAHRZEIT
Rosalind Ginsburg
Sharon Greenwood
DEWITT FAMILY FLOWER FUND
TZEDAKAH
Kathy & Bob DeWitt
MOSSEL-MILLER DWORKIN EDUCATION FUND
YAHRZEIT
Meyer Fox
Bryon Fox & Cynthia Penner
GENERAL FUND
ANNIVERSARY
Robin & Bill Carr
Bonnie & Herb Buchbinder
Marshall & Freida Duny
Evelyn Harris
BIRTHDAY
Eileen Garry
Jackie Garry
HIGH HOLIDAYS
Appreciation
Dr. & Mrs. Ted Smiley
Hana & George Lefberg
Linda Sher
HONOR
Ellen, Larry and Jadyn Jacobs
Phyllis Greenberg
MEMORY
Mickey Adler
Barbara & Richard Atlas
Arlene & Dr. Richard Hart
Judy & David Jacobs
Alice & Tom Lewinsohn
David Epstein
Gail & Harry Himmelstein
Daniel Harris
Evelyn Harris
Jack Isreal
Betty Jo Mooney
Miriam Krantz
Michele & Harvey Kaplan
Irv Robinson
Merk Merker
Maxine & Julie Yukon
Jean Weill Nachman
Irv Robinson
Diane Robinson & Howard Wizig
Brooks Schwarz
Donna & Ward Katz
Barbara Sherman
Ellen Jacobs
Ben Strass
Evelyn Harris
Robert Weinstein, M.D.
Sibby & Mel Cosner
YAHRZEIT
Michael Aronoff
Heather Aronoff
Nelly Bendorf
Gen. Harry H. Bendorf
Herb Berman
Lindy Glass
Frances Bernat
Leslie Glassberg
Jackie Perlman
Daniel F. Bodney
Janese E. Bodney
Retha S. Bodney
Beatrice & Howard Bodney
Betty Freed
Dr. & Mrs. Melvyn Freed
Nate Goldberg
Trudie & Greg Goldberg
Sam Green
Michelle & Bruce Riesman
Saul "Shike" Izeman
Stacey & Dan Gotskind
Gustave Johl
Beverly & Justin Johl
Jay Randy Kaplan
Marlene & George Fry
Naum Kobzantsev
Elina & Vitaly Kobzantsev
William Koenigsdorf
William F. Koenigsdorf
Rudy Lange
Donna & Ward Katz
Betty Marie Levitt
Alexa & Michael Berman
Samuel Lobel
Marguerite Simons
Rose Maizel
Gertrude Stern
Milton Mnookin
Barbara & Scott Hecht
Joseph L. Mooney
Betty Jo Mooney
Yetta Newman
Lorraine & Gene Newman
Leo Ostrovich
Fayna Belzer
Max Perlman
Leslie Glassberg
Ben Planzer
Janet & Harold Price
Patricia Uhlmann Rich
The John Uhlmann Family
Wardell Roberts, Jr.
Barbara & Scott Hecht
Emil Rosenstock
Bev & Justin Johl
William Schlossenberg
Marty Schlossenberg
Delores Shaftal
Bev & Justin Johl
Edna A. Shaw
Robert Shaw
Abe Wizig
Howard, Marissa & Hayley Wizig
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DONATIONS
LIBRARY FUND
BAT MITZVAH
Eve Benditt
Irene & Howard Weiner
MEMORIAL & REMEMBRANCE FUND
MEMORY
Abraham Felman
Rose Felman
Rachel Kurz
CYRIL & ROWENA MILENS ENDOWMENT FUND
YAHRZEIT
Rowena Milens
Barbara & Richard Atlas
MITZVAH GARDEN
MEMORY
Mickey Adler
Gabrielle Handler
TZEDAKAH
Elizabeth Blackshire
Rabbi Mark Cohn, Temple Emmanuel
YAHRZEIT
Milton Steinzeig
Marilyn Steinzeig & Children
Curtis Alan Swim
Eric P. Swim
PRESCHOOL FUND
YAHRZEIT
Rose Handler
Janet & Lou Bordman
RENOVATION CAMPAIGN
ANNIVERSARY
Marsha & Chuck Levey
Marci & Mark Klein
Susan & Trey Peavler
BAT MITZVAH
Audrey Bryant
Donna & Harvey Thalblum
MEMORY
Jean Weill Nachman
Donna & Harvey Thalblum
SOCIAL ACTION/HUNGER FUND
APPRECIATION
Deb Rock
Claudia & Richard Sophir
MEMORY
Miriam Krantz
Irma & Jack Katz
YAHRZEIT
Stephen Laufer
Irma & Jack Katz
RABBI MICHAEL R. ZEDEK SOCIAL JUSTICE & EDUCATION FUND
MEMORY
Bernard Greenwald
Shirley Greenwald
Joy G. Mzcherone
SISTERHOOD FUNDS
RUTH KAROL LEADERSHIP TRAINING FUND
YAHRZEIT
Joseph Karol
Rabbi Stephen and Donna Karol
We Remember
Milton Adler
Husband of Marjorie Adler Father of Randy Adler
Cherished Member
Jean Weill Nachman Mother of David Nachman
Harold “Ace” Schneider
Father of Karen Rosenberg
Ron Shapiro Cherished Member
Lois Elaine Bodker Singer
Mother of Mara Singer Cherished Member
Stacey Aviva Soloman
Daughter of Ileene & Steve Simon
DONATIONS Donations to the synagogue are
always greatly appreciated. Due to the increased administrative and postage costs necessary to notify recipients of your generous gifts, we ask that each donation be $18
or more per requested notification. Thank You!
YEAR END DONATIONS
It is not too early to start thinking about making your year-end
donations. Please note that we will be moving
our office during the last two weeks of December. Please send
any donations that you would like to make in 2018 in November or
early December.
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12320 NALL AVENUE OVERLAND PARK, KS 66209
PHONE: 913-663-4050 / FAX: 913-906-9544 WEB: WWW.BNAIJEHUDAH.ORG
Dated material -do not delay. Return service requested.
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PAID Kansas City, Mo.
Permit No. 721
The next bulletin will be the December 2018 issue. The deadline for the Decemberbulletin is Nov. 5. If you have any questions about the Temple Bulletin please contact Jeanne Adler, at 913-663-2641.
RABBIS Rabbi Arthur P. Nemitoff, Senior Rabbi Rabbi Sarah Smiley, Rabbi
OFFICERS Ken Sigman, President Amy Bryant, Vice President Adam Cohen, Vice President Amanda Morgan King, Vice President Sharon Iseman, Secretary/Treasurer Jocelyn Fry, President-Elect ADMINISTRATION Jeanne Adler, FTA, Executive Director Michelle Cox, Music Director Dayna Gershon, Director of Formal & Informal Education Rabbi Beryl Padorr, Shared Vision Coordinator Emily Williams, Assistant Director of Education
EMERITUS Michael R. Zedek, Rabbi Emeritus