On Sunday, March 1, approximately 250 students, alumni, parents, grandparents and community supporters gathered for “A Night of Mensches & Memories,” a fundraiser and celebration of the impact of Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (HBHA). The school raised $425,000 from the event.
Founded in 1966 and serving approximately 200 students today, HBHA is the only Jewish day school in the Greater Kansas City area. For nearly six decades, it has provided students with a dual curriculum in general and Jewish studies while working to cultivate character, leadership and a commitment to Jewish life.
The evening featured a kosher buffet, a video highlighting alumni and current student reflections and (for the first time) a multigenerational alumni panel. Panelists, each graduating in a different decade and now working across varied industries nationwide, reflected on how their HBHA education shaped their academic paths, professional journeys and Jewish identities.
Though their careers spanned industries and generations, the alumni spoke with alignment about HBHA’s influence — a foundation of confidence, ownership of learning and community that has endured long after graduation.
HBHA Seniors David Wasserman, Elia Ellis, Avital Mullokandova and Gabrielle Sosland.
Alumni spanning decades were in attendance, including members of HBHA’s earliest graduating class.
“HBHA does not simply prepare students for their next step,” Head of School Annie Glickman said. “It shapes who they become — as leaders, as professionals and as engaged members of the Jewish community.”
HBHA leadership said the $425,000 demonstrates the community’s support of its mission to strengthen the community, cultivate future leaders and ensure access to a Jewish education for students from all backgrounds.
That commitment reflects a broader national shift. Jewish Federations of North America recently identified Jewish day school education as a central communal priority, with Federations and philanthropic leaders across North America increasing their coordinated investment in day school sustainability and affordability.
Those interested in contributing to HBHA can contact Cristina Cowan at .