History of Persecution Binds Black, Jewish Communities

In this undated photo, then-Kansas City Mayor Emanuel Cleaver (left) stands with Rabbi Michael R. Zedek of The Temple, Congregation B'nai Jehudah and Zedek's wife, Karen. Cleaver was the longtime pastor at St. James United Church. Zedek estimated the photo was taken in the early 1990s at B'nai Jehudah's former site at 69th Street and Holmes Road in Kansas City. Zedek and Cleaver had many pulpit exchanges during that period. (Photo courtesy of The Kansas City Star)

Kansas City icon Alvin Brooks knows more about the Civil Rights Movement here than almost anyone alive. And Brooks, former Kansas City mayor pro tempore, insists that progress for Blacks here would have been much more difficult without the consistent and persistent help of Jewish residents and leaders. “Jews in this community and across the…

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KC Families Share How Ramadan Changed This Year

Ramadan during a pandemic

This year, like almost everything, Ramadan looks and feels different than in years past.  At dusk on April 23, Muslims around the world and in Kansas City began the month-long spiritual practice of fasting. Every day, they refrain from eating, drinking and other activities from dawn to dusk. And once the sun sets, it’s time…

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Keeping The Faith in Kansas City

worship sign above sanctuary door

In the best of all worlds, religion fosters a common cause for self improvement and good works. Yet, as we have seen, harmony disintegrates when some followers espouse views that seem to contradict the basic tenets of their faith. Such divides led to this question posed to curiousKC: “How do the religiously devout reconcile their…

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