Commentary

Editor’s note: Eitan Gerson and 14 other North American high school students attended USY Chidush’s first volunteer trip to Israel in December 2024.

In memory of Greenberg’s cousins who died in 2024.

Kansas Citians grow up with tornado warnings and snow days. I grew up in Northern California with fire danger warnings and earthquakes.

This issue of The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle marks its 105th year of publication, and we’re going to make a big deal out of this anniversary.

The Chronicle is in the unique position of walking the line between the past and present on its way to the future.

America has always had a divide between the Democrats and the Republicans. Over the past few decades, we have witnessed our country split to extremes similar to both the 1860s and the 1960s. 

In December, my 20-year-old son Gilli and I traveled to Israel to volunteer through an agricultural farming experience called Israel Food Rescue (IFR).

So much is at stake. Our vision of a just, safe and equitable democracy hangs in the balance in this upcoming election.

Since Oct. 7 and the increasing amount of antisemitism that ensued, it can be difficult to find the light in the darkness, but something neat happened at the beginning of September that made the rabbis at B’nai Jehudah feel a genuine sense of awe that we bring into these 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. 

You are not alone if you begin to feel a little anxious when October rolls around. Many people experience year-end stress, whether because of looming deadlines at work, tax-related cut-off dates, anticipating a busy season of travel and social engagements, or simply the realization that another year is coming to a close and there’s not a lot of time left to check off items on the 2024 to-do list. 

Kudos to the Jewish Community Center for stating a clear and thoughtful message regarding support for Israel. Rather than joining so many Jewish organizations by stating “We Stand With Israel,” its banner states: We Stand With The People of Israel.