Small Groups

Connect. Belong. Grow.

Small Groups are convened by volunteers and the goal of them is to deepen relationships among our congregants. Each group has eight to fifteen participants and each person may join only one group. Group membership is first-come, first-served. Conveners work hard to plan events and volunteer their personal time to help the Temple build meaningful connections so please respond to their emails and texts so we can make sure groups are as successful as possible!

Film Club

Convener: Keith Russell
Watch classic or current films and discuss with other film fans. We will either screen ahead of the discussion or occasionally go to see a movie together. Meets every second Tuesday of the month at 6:00pm, beginning in September. 

Breast Cancer Club

Convener: Julie Rudman
This club is for anyone who has ever received a Breast Cancer diagnosis and is looking for camaraderie, friendship and support from others who have been through it, or are currently receiving treatment. Meets on select Wednesdays (October 14 and 28, November 11 and 18, December 2) at 6:30pm. 

Parents Who Are Jews by Choice
Convener: Abby Lane 
Even though we all choose Judaism every day, this group is specifically for parents who converted to Judaism. Meets every third Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm, beginning in September.  

Fantasy Sports
Convener: Jeff Goodman
Talk fantasy football and play on our temple fantasy football league. This is meant to be low-stakes so anyone can play, even if you have never been on a team before! Draft date TBD. Meets every fourth Monday of the month at 7:00pm, beginning in August. 

Business Networking
Convener: Dan Adler
Are you a business owner or senior manager? Join this group to share common issues and solutions such as sales, marketing, financing, HR, insurance, etc. Retired people are also welcome to share their experiences and expertise. First meeting will be on August 30 from 10:00am-11:30am and every first Sunday beginning in October.

Nelson Atkins Art Museum
Conveners: Joann Kinney and Bruce Appel
Explore the many treasures of the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum with docents Joann Kinney and Bruce Appel. At each interactive, 90-minute session, a different collection will be highlighted (i.e., Chinese, Impressionism, American, contemporary and more). Meets every fourth Monday at 1:00pm (with an optional 11:30am lunch in the museum’s Rozzelle Court Restaurant).

Flight Crew
Convener: Jesse Plous 
This group encourages congregants to channel their inner “maverick” coming costumed (encouraged, not required) as we ‘find that loving feeling’ visiting different Kansas City establishments for a flight of their signature spirits or adult beverages. Here is the plan for fall: August – Viva (tequila); September- Weston Orchard (citrus); October – Belvoir at Oddfellows (wine); November – Union Horse (liquor); December – Boulevard (beer). Meets every first Thursday of the month at 6:00pm. 

Cafe Lovers
Convener: Laura Gilman
For people who love coffee shops, hot beverages and/or want to work side by side with other people who work from home! Meets every third Friday at 10:00am, beginning in September. 

Families with Kids on the Spectrum
Convener: Kate Bender
Connect with other parents of children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD. This group will be focused on parents. Meets every fourth Sunday at 10:00am, beginning in September.

Have other ideas for group themes? Click here to email Rabbi Rothstein.

Thank you to the following coffee shops for hosting our coffee-themed Small Group! We are grateful for your generosity, and the inclusive, community feel that pervades your shops. They do a wonderful job of bringing community together!

Marwan Chebaro of Nour’s Coffee at 3855 Warwick

Amante Domingo of Le Champion Coffee at 4140 Pennsylvania

Shelly Grahm of Summer Moon Coffee at 9127 Metcalf

Travis of Odyssey Coffee at 5247 W 95th

David Bedasso of Revocup at 11822 W. 135th