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A message from our president... One Friday evening after services as I exited the building, a gentleman walking with his wife stopped me to ask a question. I answered his question and introduced myself to them. Although I had never met this couple, their name was very familiar. He had retired as a pediatrician four years ago at the age of 88. Our short conversation was inspiring.

This week I spent three fascinating, uninterrupted hours listening to the story of Joseph Kanarek, M.D. As with most successful people who have a strong support system, Dr. Kanarek’s wife of 64 years, Raquel, has stood by his side. Together they have five children and ten grandchildren. Their children and grandchildren have become physicians, teachers, and business professionals. They all enjoy successful lives. Although I cannot begin to share all that I learned within the confines of the space allowed, my goal is to do the best I can to convey Dr. Kanarek’s story. His is a story of hope, willpower, and perhaps an element of divine intervention. Dr. Kanarek was born in Plonsk, Poland (35 miles from Warsaw). His sister, three years younger, was his only sibling. Young Joseph attended private schools where he learned Hebrew, German, math, and science. Sleigh rides pulled by speeding horses on his grandfather’s farm were fun and thrilling. The town mayor even brought the German officer overseeing the town’s military presence to observe Rosh Hashanah. The soldier was Jewish and wanted a place to observe the holiday. From the time Joseph was a young boy, he dreamed of becoming a physician. Before WWII, Joseph’s father put money in a special bank account to pay for Joseph’s medical school when he was ready to attend. Then World War II broke out. Joseph, his parents, and his sister were sent to Auschwitz. He was separated from his family, whom he never saw again. While in Auschwitz, he was assigned to work on the roads and repair machinery. In what subsequently turned out to be good fortune, Joseph was taken to a camp hospital with an infected finger. Soon after the surgery on his finger was complete, a group of guards inspected the hospital to find out how long each prisoner had been hospitalized. Hospital officials, wanting fewer prisoners to be counted, issued Joseph a work uniform. He was counted as a worker, instead of a prisoner. His infected finger saved his life. Throughout the remainder of his stay in the camp, Joseph worked in the hospital sorting clothes and serving food.

The American bombs were reaching targets closer to Auschwitz, prompting the Germans to evacuate prisoners. Joseph and his fellow prisoners boarded cattle cars on a train headed to Nordhausen, Germany through Czechoslovakia. After five days with no food, water, or toilette facilities, the train arrived in Nordhausen. Joseph’s hospital experience served him well as he supported sick prisoners who were taken to the hospital and assigned to his barracks. Within months, he and his fellow prisoners were liberated. On May 13, 1946 Joseph left Europe and sailed to the United States. Almost eleven days later he reached New York where his cousins greeted him. They brought him bags of clothes and shoes to help him start his new life in the United States. Unable to speak English, Joseph began working for $25 dollars a week. The first words he learned in English were the names of food. His determination and persistence earned him a diploma from Dickinson High School in New York. Concurrently, he managed to find the time to work with a tutor to sharpen his English skills. Joseph took various classes at the Junior College. A professor at the college was so impressed with Joseph’s desire to learn, that he used his connections to refer him to Columbia University. Even though his English was still limited, Columbia admitted Joseph to the University. Never losing his desire to become a physician, he pursued a pre-med curriculum. After he and his friend completed college, they both discovered their path to becoming a physician was to attend the University of Mexico’s Medical School. Although Joseph’s academics qualified him to attend medical school, he did not speak Spanish. Exams required for admittance to medical school were another barrier. He understood the exam questions, but could not answer the questions in Spanish. Joseph explained that all he could do was answer in English. Recognizing Joseph’s eagerness to attend medical school, the examiner approved his request to answer the questions in English. While in Medical School, Joseph was required to send a letter to the draft board each year to confirm he was a student in good standing. During his second year of medical school, a draft board secretary failed to forward his letter before the deadline. He was ordered to report to the Colonel in charge of mobilization for the army. He gave Joseph an extension to meet with his local draft board and show them the letter. Four years later Joseph graduated medical school and fulfilled his dream of becoming a physician. He subsequently passed the required boards to earn the right to practice in both the United States and Mexico. Through an AMA process of matching physicians to hospitals needing residents in the States, the new Dr. Kanarek was matched with Menorah Hospital in Kansas City.

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B’NAI JEHUDAH BROTHERHOOD

Living and strengthening L’Dor V’ Dor with Family, B’nai Jehudah and Judaism

TRIVIA NIGHT SPONSORED BY BROTHERHOOD When: November 10 at 6:30 pm (begins with brief Havdalah service) Where: The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah Why: To have fun with a men vs. women point total for the 2nd annual “Kiddush Cup” Contest. “Special Prizes” for the men’s and women’s winning teams Who: Open to all Temple members and friends. Limit total 64 players with 32 per gender. We will again have a professional Trivia DJ and questions will be more gender neutral than last year …Light Snacks, coffee and desert will be served. Cost: None

First come first serve seating. To sign up (and based on last year’s fun, this will fill up fast!!)

RSVP Chuck at csiegel@pobox.com for further information.

Dr. Kanarek excelled in his position as a resident. When he used a unique treatment to save the life of a patient with severe congestive heart failure, the patient and his family were indebted to him. A turning point for Dr. Kanarek was when the patient saw the tattoo of his number from the concentration camp on his arm. The patient said, “Dr. Kanarek, you were a victim of the Holocaust.” Dr. Kanarek’s his life was about saving lives and helping others. He never wanted to be looked upon with pity. Shortly after, he began the process to remove the tattoo. As I sat in his family room, listening to him recount the scene in the hospital room, Dr. Kanarek showed me his left arm. After two surgeries, the only remnant of his number was just a few ink spots. Along with joining a thriving pediatric practice after he completed his residency, Dr. Kanarek accepted a staff position at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He became a specialist in treating Cystic Fibrosis, which became the major focus of his medical career for the next 43 years. When Dr. Kanarek began working with these special children, the average life span for a child afflicted with this disease was 3-5 years. By the time he retired, the average life span was 30 years. He is often invited to the weddings of his former Cystic Fibrosis patients who have survived long past childhood.

While in Medical school Dr. Kanarek met and married Raquel, who grew up in Mexico. Raquel has been his wonderful life partner. Her strength, perseverance, and success have been a major factor in building a strong family. Both Joseph and Raquel have made special contributions to society and to the Kansas City community. They epitomize Tikkun Olam. Dr. Kanarek served as President of Menorah Hospital’s Medical Staff and served as Chair of the Pediatrics Department at Baptist Medical Center. He has also volunteered at the University of Kansas Medical Center to care for children without insurance or with insufficient insurance. Dr. Kanarek speaks English, Hebrew, Yiddish, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Ukrainian. The latest language he is studying is Chinese. They have been members of B’nai Jehudah for 58 years.

To my fellow congregants: I believe with my heart and soul that if every one of us takes a small amount of time to learn the story of someone you have never met, it will no doubt enrich your life and even inspire you.

Ken Sigman, President kens@millercares.com 816-516-1001

A message from our president…, continued

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UPCOMING SERVICE TIMES

Friday, November 2 5:30 pm: Bisseleh Nosh 6:00 pm: Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, November 3 10:30 am: Shabbat Morning Service Parashat Chaye Sarah Friday, November 9 5:30 pm: Bisseleh Nosh 6:00 pm: Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, November 10 10:30 am: Shabbat Morning Service Bar Mitzvah: Charlie Greenstein

Parashat Toledot Friday, November 16 5:30 pm: Bisseleh Nosh 6:00 pm: Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, November 17 10:30 am: Shabbat Morning Service B’nai Torah Class Parashat Lech Vayetze Friday, November 23 5:30 pm: Bisseleh Nosh 6:00 pm: Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, November 24 10:30 am: Shabbat Morning Service Parashat Vayera

Friday, November 30 5:30 pm: Bisseleh Nosh 6:00 pm: Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, December 1 10:30 am: Shabbat Morning Service Bat Mitzvah: Marissa McLain Parashat Vayeshev

B’NAI MITZVAH

Charles Henry Greenstein, son of Lynne Greenstein and Andrew Greenstein, will celebrate becoming a Bar Mitzvah during the 10:30 am Shabbat service on November 10, 2018. Charlie is a 7th grade student at Indian Hills Middle School. He is passionate about basketball, football, tennis and enjoys spending time with family and friends. For his tzedakah project, Charlie volunteered at Independence Boulevard Christian Church, assisting people who come in once per month for food and clothing.

EARLY CHILDHOOD ACTIVITIES

On November 17 during our 10:30 am service we will honor the dedication and hard work of nine individuals who have chosen to become b’nai mitzvah as adults. Every Jewish adult is technically a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah, a person who is fully counted within the Jewish community. But not everybody had the opportunity to celebrate becoming a bat or bar mitzvah. And even many of those who did celebrate this lifecycle event when they were children recognize that the learning and commitments of a 13-year-old are very different from those of a more mature adult. We here at Congregation B’nai Jehudah seek to empower Jewish adults to become more competent in Jewish life and knowledgeable in Jewish history, thought, and tradition.

These adults will be called B’nai Torah (sing. bar Torah or bat Torah), and they will celebrate this milestone during a unique B’nai Torah Shabbat service on November 17, 2018.

We hope you will join us to celebrate these individuals as we celebrate Shabbat together.

FIRST FRIDAY SHABBAT FOR YOUNG FAMILIES Friday, November 2 5:15 pm Music 5:30 pm Service 6:00 pm Dinner Shabbat happens every Friday, and we hope you spend the First Fridays with us for this special experience for families with small children. Dinner will be provided for $5/person to a max of $20/family. To reserve a spot for dinner contact Dayna Gershon education@bnaijehudah.org.

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RELIGIOUS SCHOOL

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Mitzvah Meal in Olathe Thursday, November 1 5:00 pm-7:00 pm Johnson County Food Ministry 520 Harrison, Olathe Micah Ministries – Serving Food Monday, November 19 5:00 – 7:00 pm 606 Gladstone Blvd, KCMO 64124 While we do not provide transportation, there are a group of dedicated volunteers who will give you the low-down on this particular Mitzvah.

Halloween Candy Drop Off On Sunday, November 6, bring your unwanted Halloween

candy to B’nai Jehudah and place it in the special drop box. The candy will be distributed to Truman Medical Center and Research Hospital. This is the third year of this Halloween Candy Buy-Back initiative.

Give Blood – Give the Gift of Life On Sunday, December 16, from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm, we will be holding the second of this year’s Blood Drives. It will be held during Religious School. Contact Gary Rogoff (913-522-5307; grogoff3@gmail.com) to sign up and for information.

SOCIAL ACTION

Daily Minyan Monday—Thursday 5:45pm,

Sunday 11:30am

Holiday Exceptions: Federal holidays, when the office is closed, minyan is held at 9:30am the morning of the holiday. For Jewish holidays, holiday services replace daily minyan.

Turn It and Turn It Again Jewish Texts Throughout the Ages Weekly Torah Portion With Rabbi Nemitoff and Rabbi Smiley Wednesdays at 10:00 – 11:30 am This seminar focuses on the weekly Torah reading with occasional excursions to other elements of Jewish life. Talmud Study With Rabbi Padorr Wednesdays at 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Yevamot: a discussion about procreation: is there an

obligation to raise children? How many? Gender? How do we take these Talmudic discussions and apply them to our community and lives today? Join the rabbis of the Talmud for a dynamic discussion of Judaism and Jewish law and behavior: a way of thinking and looking at the world then and now. We study in English and its relevance for today’s world. Please join us as we continue our stimulating discussions. For information please call Rabbi Beryl Padorr, Shared Vision Coordinator (913-663-1805; sharedvision@bnaijehudah.org). Or just show up!

ADULT LEARNING

WE WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS

Joseph and Natalie Gershon

Griffin and Sosie

Jamie Scheiman and Matt Reeder

Robyn Shopmaker

Dylan Sultzer and Janelle Cumro-Sultzer

NOVEMBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Celebrating 10 Years

Amy & Jeff Covitz Barbara & Tom Eisenach

Celebrating 40 Years or More

Vicki & Alan Bronfman Eva & Bill Cummings Ronna & Josh Garry

Shirley & Barnett Helzberg Beverly & Larry Mallin

Carol & Allan Robinson Judy & Bernard Rosenberg

Darlene & Gary Zimmerman

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PRE-HANUKKAH GATHERING FOR SPIRITUAL PEACE AND WHOLENESS SET FOR NOVEMBER 15

With the days getting shorter and nights cooler, our outdoor world continues to change with the oncoming winter season. Yet Hanukkah and the Jewish calendar propel us to prepare ourselves internally, moving towards wholeness with courage and understanding.

On Thursday, November 15, join this expressive and supportive gathering as we share traditional and contemporary prayers, songs, and readings, which include personal reflections from individuals looking for warmth and light. The Jewish Gathering for Spiritual Peace and Wholeness will focus on the miraculous power of hope and the need for all of us to feel some

light in times of darkness.

The evening gathering will be co-facilitated by Jewish Community Chaplain Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick and song leader Emily Tummons with guest facilitator Rabbi Sarah Smiley of Congregation B’nai Jehudah as well as Rachel Black, cantorial soloist. Sponsored by the Chaplaincy Program of Jewish Family Services, this sacred time and space will offer support and connection to those seeking comfort.

This service will take place at the Heritage Center at the Jewish Community Campus beginning at 6:30 pm. It is open to the entire community regardless of one’s level of observance. A light nosh will be served. Please make reservations by calling the JFS office at (913) 327-8250 or sending an email to healing@jfskc.org.

B’NAI JEHUDAH SISTERHOOD - The benefits are never ending

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RABBI NEMITOFF'S DISCRETIONARY FUND

MEMORY

Morris Merker

Pola Firestone & Jon Henderson

Marilyn R. Strauss

Gayle Krigel

TZEDAKAH

Judith & Laurence Mayer

YAHRZEIT

Ida Sara Abraham

Janice & Sam Balot

Martin Bush

Leslee Price

Rebecca Cohn

Judy & Larry Mayer

Russell Klein

Dena Klein

Ellen Nissenbaum

JoAnn & Steve Seigel

Sam Rapschutz

Allen Rapschutz

CHESED FUND

MEMORY

Ruth Spielman

Elana & Nolan Goldberg

Caren & Marshall Movitz

YAHRZEIT

Rosalind Ginsburg

Sharon Greenwood

DEWITT FAMILY FLOWER FUND

TZEDAKAH

Kathy & Bob DeWitt

MOSSEL-MILLER DWORKIN EDUCATION FUND

YAHRZEIT

Meyer Fox

Bryon Fox & Cynthia Penner

GENERAL FUND

ANNIVERSARY

Robin & Bill Carr

Bonnie & Herb Buchbinder

Marshall & Freida Duny

Evelyn Harris

BIRTHDAY

Eileen Garry

Jackie Garry

HIGH HOLIDAYS

Appreciation

Dr. & Mrs. Ted Smiley

Hana & George Lefberg

Linda Sher

HONOR

Ellen, Larry and Jadyn Jacobs

Phyllis Greenberg

MEMORY

Mickey Adler

Barbara & Richard Atlas

Arlene & Dr. Richard Hart

Judy & David Jacobs

Alice & Tom Lewinsohn

David Epstein

Gail & Harry Himmelstein

Daniel Harris

Evelyn Harris

Jack Isreal

Betty Jo Mooney

Miriam Krantz

Michele & Harvey Kaplan

Irv Robinson

Merk Merker

Maxine & Julie Yukon

Jean Weill Nachman

Irv Robinson

Diane Robinson & Howard Wizig

Brooks Schwarz

Donna & Ward Katz

Barbara Sherman

Ellen Jacobs

Ben Strass

Evelyn Harris

Robert Weinstein, M.D.

Sibby & Mel Cosner

YAHRZEIT

Michael Aronoff

Heather Aronoff

Nelly Bendorf

Gen. Harry H. Bendorf

Herb Berman

Lindy Glass

Frances Bernat

Leslie Glassberg

Jackie Perlman

Daniel F. Bodney

Janese E. Bodney

Retha S. Bodney

Beatrice & Howard Bodney

Betty Freed

Dr. & Mrs. Melvyn Freed

Nate Goldberg

Trudie & Greg Goldberg

Sam Green

Michelle & Bruce Riesman

Saul "Shike" Izeman

Stacey & Dan Gotskind

Gustave Johl

Beverly & Justin Johl

Jay Randy Kaplan

Marlene & George Fry

Naum Kobzantsev

Elina & Vitaly Kobzantsev

William Koenigsdorf

William F. Koenigsdorf

Rudy Lange

Donna & Ward Katz

Betty Marie Levitt

Alexa & Michael Berman

Samuel Lobel

Marguerite Simons

Rose Maizel

Gertrude Stern

Milton Mnookin

Barbara & Scott Hecht

Joseph L. Mooney

Betty Jo Mooney

Yetta Newman

Lorraine & Gene Newman

Leo Ostrovich

Fayna Belzer

Max Perlman

Leslie Glassberg

Ben Planzer

Janet & Harold Price

Patricia Uhlmann Rich

The John Uhlmann Family

Wardell Roberts, Jr.

Barbara & Scott Hecht

Emil Rosenstock

Bev & Justin Johl

William Schlossenberg

Marty Schlossenberg

Delores Shaftal

Bev & Justin Johl

Edna A. Shaw

Robert Shaw

Abe Wizig

Howard, Marissa & Hayley Wizig

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DONATIONS

LIBRARY FUND

BAT MITZVAH

Eve Benditt

Irene & Howard Weiner

MEMORIAL & REMEMBRANCE FUND

MEMORY

Abraham Felman

Rose Felman

Rachel Kurz

CYRIL & ROWENA MILENS ENDOWMENT FUND

YAHRZEIT

Rowena Milens

Barbara & Richard Atlas

MITZVAH GARDEN

MEMORY

Mickey Adler

Gabrielle Handler

TZEDAKAH

Elizabeth Blackshire

Rabbi Mark Cohn, Temple Emmanuel

YAHRZEIT

Milton Steinzeig

Marilyn Steinzeig & Children

Curtis Alan Swim

Eric P. Swim

PRESCHOOL FUND

YAHRZEIT

Rose Handler

Janet & Lou Bordman

RENOVATION CAMPAIGN

ANNIVERSARY

Marsha & Chuck Levey

Marci & Mark Klein

Susan & Trey Peavler

BAT MITZVAH

Audrey Bryant

Donna & Harvey Thalblum

MEMORY

Jean Weill Nachman

Donna & Harvey Thalblum

SOCIAL ACTION/HUNGER FUND

APPRECIATION

Deb Rock

Claudia & Richard Sophir

MEMORY

Miriam Krantz

Irma & Jack Katz

YAHRZEIT

Stephen Laufer

Irma & Jack Katz

RABBI MICHAEL R. ZEDEK SOCIAL JUSTICE & EDUCATION FUND

MEMORY

Bernard Greenwald

Shirley Greenwald

Joy G. Mzcherone

SISTERHOOD FUNDS

RUTH KAROL LEADERSHIP TRAINING FUND

YAHRZEIT

Joseph Karol

Rabbi Stephen and Donna Karol

We Remember

Milton Adler

Husband of Marjorie Adler Father of Randy Adler

Cherished Member

Jean Weill Nachman Mother of David Nachman

Harold “Ace” Schneider

Father of Karen Rosenberg

Ron Shapiro Cherished Member

Lois Elaine Bodker Singer

Mother of Mara Singer Cherished Member

Stacey Aviva Soloman

Daughter of Ileene & Steve Simon

DONATIONS Donations to the synagogue are

always greatly appreciated. Due to the increased administrative and postage costs necessary to notify recipients of your generous gifts, we ask that each donation be $18

or more per requested notification. Thank You!

YEAR END DONATIONS

It is not too early to start thinking about making your year-end

donations. Please note that we will be moving

our office during the last two weeks of December. Please send

any donations that you would like to make in 2018 in November or

early December.

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12320 NALL AVENUE OVERLAND PARK, KS 66209

PHONE: 913-663-4050 / FAX: 913-906-9544 WEB: WWW.BNAIJEHUDAH.ORG

Dated material -do not delay. Return service requested.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Kansas City, Mo.

Permit No. 721

The next bulletin will be the December 2018 issue. The deadline for the Decemberbulletin is Nov. 5. If you have any questions about the Temple Bulletin please contact Jeanne Adler, at 913-663-2641.

RABBIS Rabbi Arthur P. Nemitoff, Senior Rabbi Rabbi Sarah Smiley, Rabbi

OFFICERS Ken Sigman, President Amy Bryant, Vice President Adam Cohen, Vice President Amanda Morgan King, Vice President Sharon Iseman, Secretary/Treasurer Jocelyn Fry, President-Elect ADMINISTRATION Jeanne Adler, FTA, Executive Director Michelle Cox, Music Director Dayna Gershon, Director of Formal & Informal Education Rabbi Beryl Padorr, Shared Vision Coordinator Emily Williams, Assistant Director of Education

EMERITUS Michael R. Zedek, Rabbi Emeritus