In the Community

2024-25 Community-wide Course: “Judaism for Conversion Candidates”
Begins in August

Do you know someone considering conversion to Judaism and seeking a comfortable forum to learn more about the fundamentals of Jewish thought and practice? Interested candidates are asked to contact the Rabbinical Association to learn how they can register to participate in this year’s community-wide course, “Judaism for Conversion Candidates” which begins August 15.

The comprehensive year-long course is designed for adult individuals and taught on a rotating basis by rabbis from the Reform, Conservative, Orthodox and non-denominational movements. Classes are intended to acquaint those considering conversion to Judaism with what it means to live a Jewish life. This program allows future Jews-by-choice the opportunity to meet one another and to learn not only about Judaism but also about the Kansas City Jewish community. Each student is required to secure a congregational rabbinic sponsor by November 15 and meet the conversion requirements developed by their rabbinic sponsor.

Classes will take place virtually via zoom on Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:00 p.m. and some sessions will be held in person and may rotate among the synagogues and Jewish Community Campus.

An orientation session is scheduled for August 8, 7:00-9:00. Visit kcrabbi.org for information. To register, contact Annette Fish, Rabbinical Association Administrator/Program Director, by email at afprogram@aol.com or 913-327-8226.

Funding for this Rabbinical Association program is generously provided by the Menorah Heritage Foundation and the National Center to Encourage Judaism. This course is taught through a collaborative educational partnership with the Miller Introduction to Judaism Program of American Jewish University.

HERE TO HELP-SPECIAL NOTE

JFS is here for our community, either during times of everyday need or incredible crisis such as our Jewish community is currently experiencing. We’re working to bring additional resources and support services to members of our community. If you need support, please contact the JFS Navigator at (913) 730-1433. For a list of services JFS provides, visit us at www.jfskc.org.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES FOOD PANTRY NEEDS FOR MAY

The two locations of Jewish Family Services Food Pantry provide food and other essentials for more than 500 families monthly. Now, we need the public’s help to keep shelves stocked. Please consider donating items to the pantry; the most needed this month are multipurpose cleaners, dusting cloths and dish soap. Any and all items are appreciated. Items can be dropped off in designated barrels at the Jewish Community Campus and JFS’ Brookside Office (425 E. 63^rd St.) during business hours.

Donors may also purchase items for the food pantry directly through the JFS Pantry Wish List on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3XH5v7Z) or make a financial contribution to the pantry at jfskc.org/donate.

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OFFER A VARIETY OF SUPPORT GROUPS:

• SPECIAL NEEDS PARENTING GROUP

Special Needs Parenting Peer-led support group is adjusting, though the monthly groups will certainly welcome families of children that have any special need, whether it be dyslexia, anxiety, or anything really, we’ve come to realize that can include almost 100 percent of parents.

The group will continue to meet on the second Thursday of the month alternating between a support group for conversation and hosting a special speaker or workshop that is inclusive for all parents. Please register at:  https://www.jfskc.org/event/parenting-with-healthy-boundaries/?instance_id=12688

Below is the schedule for the coming months:

• July 11-Group

For more information, please contact Jodi Perelmuter at jperelmuter@jfskc.org or call (913) 327-8259.  

MINDFUL MONDAYS CONTINUES WITH HELPFUL TOPICS

Jewish Family Services offers a free and easy and opportunity to stay focused and help put things in perspective to meet the challenges of everyday life. Mindful Mondays is a free, virtual weekly program providing tools and tips to enhance your well-being every Monday from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

Led by Julia Billquist, LMLP, JFS therapist, these sessions use the Zoom platform and are, but registration is required at this link https://www.jfskc.org/event/mindful-mondays-virtual/   or on the JFS website, at www.jfskc.org. Once registered, participants will receive a link to join each session; participants can attend one or all sessions.

For more information about Mindful Mondays, including a list of each week’s themes, visit www.jfskc.org or contact Billquist at jbillquist@jfskc.org.

GIVE BACK! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN VARIOUS JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES EFFORTS

Looking to give back to your community? Jewish Family Services has lots of volunteer opportunities and will work with your schedule. Volunteer opportunities include:

• KesherKC Food Pantries Shopper: The Food Pantry Shopper Volunteer will work with the Food Pantry Coordinator to serve the needs of our guests/clients through weekly food distribution. This volunteer will be helping guest/client identify and select items for their households according to food distribution guidelines.
• KS Food Pantry Delivery Drivers: The KS Food Pantry Delivery Driver will work with the KS Food Pantry Coordinator to serve the needs of our guests/clients through monthly food distribution. Many homebound individuals in the Kansas City Metro region rely on JFS to provide food and our delivery drivers help make this happen!  If you have two hours a month to serve others and make a real impact—we have a job for you!
• JET Express Drivers: Jet Express drivers utilize their personal vehicle to provide rides for older adults and other community members. Volunteers provide safe and reliable transportation ensuring members of our community remain active, healthy, and connected to their community.
• Spiritual Care Volunteers: These volunteers work with the Jewish Community Chaplain to extend care to those in need. These volunteers visit people in the Jewish community who are experiencing health and healing challenges. After receiving training, volunteers visit people in area hospitals and eldercare facilities and sometime home visits.

For more information visit https://www.jfskc.org/volunteer/ or email volunteer@jfskc.org or call 913-730-1410. 

JOIN THE JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES TEAM: POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Jewish Family Services has several openings, and one might be a perfect fit for you!

• Children Therapist: The Child Therapist plays a pivotal role in growing our children’s therapy program with therapeutic services for children ages 2-18 grounded in trauma-informed, evidence-based treatments. They will conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and collaborate with parents or caregivers to promote the child’s well-being. Learn more about joining the JFS team and apply here.

To learn more, please visit https://www.jfskc.org/employment-opportunities/.