Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

A decades-long partnership between Kansas City and the Gezer Region of Israel will take center stage at the JCC Maccabi Games from August 2-7. Gezer, a sister city of Leawood, Kansas, and Jewish Federation of Kansas City have collaborated for more than 30 years. For the first time, a delegation of teams from Gezer will travel to Kansas City to compete in the games.

When hundreds of Jewish teens from across North America and around the world arrive in Kansas City for the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games, one group will have the unique honor of competing on its home turf. This summer, Team Kansas City will have its largest delegation in program history, bringing together athletes, coaches and volunteers who will not only compete but also welcome visiting delegations to the Heartland.

The JCC Maccabi Steering Committee invites community members to experience the start of the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games at its Opening Ceremony on Monday, Aug. 3. This evening will bring athletes, families and the community together to celebrate the spirit of the Games. “The Opening Ceremony will be a memorable event for athletes, coaches, host families, spectators and community members alike,” said Samantha Hammontree, Opening Ceremony committee chair.

On Aug. 4, Kansans and Missourians will have the opportunity to vote in their states’ primary elections. In Kansas, a Jewish community member is running for governor, and a proposed constitutional amendment would modify the state’s Supreme Court justice selection process. Kansas leadership Kansans will be selecting their new governor, the successor to Gov. Laura Kelly. Among the gubernatorial candidates is Jewish community member and State Sen.

On Aug. 4, Kansans and Missourians will have the opportunity to vote in their states’ primary elections. In Kansas, a Jewish community member is running for governor, and a proposed constitutional amendment would modify the state’s Supreme Court justice selection process. Kansas leadership Kansans will be selecting their new governor, the successor to Gov. Laura Kelly. Among the gubernatorial candidates is Jewish community member and State Sen.

The J will welcome former WNBA standout and Kansas basketball legend Jackie Stiles to Kansas City for her special “Jackie Stiles Basketball Camp” on Sunday, Aug. 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Fitness Center at The J. Open to girls entering 2nd-through-6th grade during the 2026–27 school year, the camp will give participants the unique opportunity to learn from one of the most accomplished players in women’s basketball.

KCteen welcomed 100 participants to its Shabbat 100 earlier this summer. KCteen welcomed 100 participants to its Shabbat 100 earlier this summer. The event was co-hosted by KCteen Co-Presidents Ethan Hobbs and David Wasserman, both members of the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy Class of 2026, who played leading roles in outreach, planning and event setup.

Throughout July and August, JFS is collecting toilet paper to stock its pantry shelves. Packages of toilet paper can be dropped in the JFS barrels in The J lobby and at JFS Brookside during business hours. Toilet paper and hygiene items are not covered under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The JFS food pantry supports clients with this everyday necessity and distributes nearly 2,000 rolls per month.

The J is expanding its youth sports programming this fall with the launch of its inaugural Girls Flag Football League and the introduction of J Premier Soccer, a year-round competitive soccer development program. The Girls Flag Football League is open to girls in 1st-through-6th grade and welcomes athletes of every skill level, including those who have never played football before. Practices begin on Aug. 16, registration closes on Aug.

The J is expanding its youth sports programming this fall with the launch of its inaugural Girls Flag Football League and the introduction of J Premier Soccer, a year-round competitive soccer development program. The Girls Flag Football League is open to girls in 1st-through-6th grade and welcomes athletes of every skill level, including those who have never played football before. Practices begin on Aug. 16, registration closes on Aug.