Kansas City
Last weekend the Kansas City Jewish community graciously welcomed me as I came to visit Kansas City NCSY. Kansas City NCSY coordinator Todd Cohn and his wife Naomi demonstrated true hachnasat orchim during my stay as I met with various Jewish agencies, addressed the community during shul, and presided over an oneg teaming with NCSYers. I was gratified to see what a wonderful, bustling Jewish community thrives in Kansas City and the dedicated young Jews they are raising.
I was particularly struck by two admirable NCSY teens, Rachel and Daniel, whose devotion to their Yiddishkeit and personal growth is truly inspiring. Since Rachel and Daniel attend Shawnee Mission South (a local public high school) they determined they would augment their Jewish education by studying Tanach in preparation for the annual Chidon HaTanach, International Bible Contest that takes place in Israel. While this initiative alone seems admirable, their dedication is far more impressive once you learn that their studying entailed meeting each morning at 6am to prepare with a teacher in Israel through a webcam.
I am proud to write that Rachel and Daniel flew to Israel to attend the competition and placed highly, a fitting accomplishment for the profound commitment. Of course, one of my favorite parts of their story was when Shimon Peres read through the list of competitors at the competition and reached Rachel and Daniel’s names and said, “Ma zeh Shawnee Mission South?”.
Rachel and Daniel’s zeal and devotion to Judaism exemplify the dedication and growth we are all capable of achieving if we are willing to put in the time and effort, no matter where we live, or what obstacles and limitations we face.
If anyone wants to find out more about the Bible contest (each year 2 spots are reserved for students studying on only a part-time basis like Rachel and Daniel) - feel free to email or call the education department of the Jewish Agency for Israel, New York office.
Posted by Chidon Ha-tanach on 05/28 at 10:44 PM
Next entry: www.negiah.org
Previous entry: An Act of Supreme Sacrifice