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Passover is a fascinating holiday, pregnant with meaning and insight that goes well beyond the Seder.  By only observing the Seder we barely begin to scratch the surface of what this holiday can teach us. It captures our essence as a people, so much so that when we recite the Kiddush on every Shabbat, we say that “It is the…

On Family Learning Day on May 6th, Rabbi Cukierkorn will lead a Jewish Tour of Kansas City. We will visit historically Jewish sites, including former synagogues and Jewish Community Centers, in order to learn more about the historical significance of each site. Bring your cameras! Participants will board a tour bus (large enough to accommodate a bathroom) and have lunch…

Jewish educators from across Kansas City came together in early March for the annual Jewish Educators’ Network retreat. The group included our Rabbi Cukierkorn and Margaret Lange. The 2012 retreat focused on collaborative opportunities for Jewish agencies and synagogues who work with Jewish learners.

Temple Israel members saw items in the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art‘s collection from a new perspective during a tour led by Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn on January 7. Following a light lunch in Rozzelle Court, 25 people examined ancient artifacts from Egypt, Assyrian bas relief sculpture, 14th century medieval armor – even Chinese cricket cages – during an hour-long tour that began…

What is the big deal about Friday the 13th? The idea of 13 as an unlucky number has origins in both pagan and Christian traditions. In the Jewish tradition, however, 13 is not an inauspicious number.  

Dear Friends, The year 2011 has been one of life-changing transitions for my family and me. It also was a year of excitement, joy and growth. With the help and support of all of you that make up our congregational family, we were able to birth Temple Israel. I am pleased to share with you that, as the year ends, we…

Rabbi Cukierkorn dressed in ancient garb and taped this video inside the noisy exhibit hall during the “Maccabee town” event at the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park, Kansas. Temple Israel’s booth was a delicatessen to showcase how Jews ate 2,000 years ago.     The Rabbi discusses the tradition of reclining while eating during Passover.

The Rabbi discusses why Thanksgiving in America is an especially meaningful holiday to American Jews. He also discusses, in the context of the Jewish tradition of giving thanks, the prayer of Hallel.  

This Shabbat will be our oldest daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. When we asked her what she wanted as a special gift to remind herself of this special occasion, she answered without hesitation: a Star of David!  This got me thinking of how pervasive the Star of David is in Jewish life. The Star of David can be found around people’s necks,…