Recent Opinions

In September 1864, in the midst of the Civil War, something remarkable happened in Leavenworth.

I have had the privilege over the past two years to serve as the president of the Jewish Faculty Staff Council at the University of Kansas, one of ten faculty staff councils for those based primarily on the Lawrence campus.

A few weeks ago, I was given the incredible honor of addressing the University of Kansas School of Professional Studies graduates, families and supporters at the Master’s Hooding Ceremony at KU Edwards Campus.

I went to the University of Kansas with Sarah Milgrim. Sarah was present throughout much of my Jewish life at KU, and though we were never close, I did admire her.

Last Wednesday, the Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee team gathered at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum to host a program for nearly 20 elected officials representing various levels of government. Our goal was to illustrate for them, through a tour of the museum, an overview of history, and a panel discussion, the historic and enduring connection of the Jewish people to the land of Israel.

On April 30, I sent this letter to our [Kansas] Junior Senator Dr. Roger Marshall. As of publication, I have not received a reply. I feel the Jewish community should know.

Since my experience with the air raid sirens going off my second day in Israel, I have a new obsession: bomb shelters.

Did you know that Jewish Family Services of Greater Kansas City is part of a robust network of Jewish social service providers across the United States and Canada?

Economic turbulence, inflation concerns and a general sense of financial instability have made 2025 a challenging time for donors and nonprofit organizations. In times like these, supporting the causes you care about may feel more complicated — but also more important than ever.

I find there are many joys and equally as many “oys” in Jewish parenting. At this time, the rapidly approaching end of the Sunday school year has me reflecting on what my children have learned, how we as parents go about Jewishly educating our children, and what we do outside of Jewish learning environments that reinforce or augment what children hear, do and process in those places of learning.