Upcoming/Recent B’nei Mitzvah

One of our time-honored traditions is welcoming young members of our community into adulthood during their Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. Students enrolled in our  B’nei Mitzvah Program attend either our Polsky Religious School or Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy.

Submit your student’s information here. 

For more info on our Bar/Bat Mitzvah program, visit HERE

Daniel Weisberg

April 6, 2024

Daniel is the son of Emily and Alec Weisberg. He is the older brother of Nathan, Benjamin, and Joseph. He is the grandson of Cheryl and Bill Ginsberg and Laurie and Leon (of blessed memory) Weisberg. Daniel loves swimming and is a member of the Kansas City Blazers swim team. Daniel attends Lakewood Middle School. He is very active and enjoys playing tennis, biking, reading, playing the clarinet, and spending time with his friends. 

Eli Antes

March 30, 2024

Eli is the son of Jeremy and Danielle Antes, the oldest brother of Jonah, Gabriella and Caleb Antes. He is the grandson of Carl Antes and Sue Rogers, Barbara Bernstein and Saul Erlich and Donald and Debbie Rose. Eli enjoys learning new things about technology, playing video game, and hanging out with friends. Eli attends Prairie Star Middle School. Eli’s Bar Mitzvah project will be collecting old used electronics to recycle.

Miriam Haller

March 16, 2024

Miriam is the daughter of Leah Haller and Valiant Haller who currently reside in De Soto, Kansas. She is the eldest daughter of two, her sister is Veronica. Her grandparents on her mother’s side are Jim and Barbara Schallheim from Salt Lake City, UT. Her father’s side are Lawrence and Thais Haller who reside in Cavetown, Maryland. The rest of her family live all over the world. Miriam attends Lexington Trails Middle School. Miriam’s hobbies and interests are cats, music, musicals, and TV. She also likes books, swimming, and playing in the snow. She wants to be an author, singer, or fashion designer when she grows up. “I’m sweet, I love my friends because they are my besties, and being a tween is tiring 24/7.” Miriam’s Bat Mitzvah project is helping cats (and maybe dogs).

Garett Van Buskirk

January 20, 2024

Garett is the son of Joseph and Melisa Van Buskirk, and the brother of Simone. He is the grandson of Barbara Glasberg and Barry Glasberg (z”l), Nina Alvan-Martinez and Thomas Van Buskirk. Garett attends Leawood Middle School. He enjoys playing bass and guitar, riding his bike, hanging out with friends and playing video games. He also loves attending Camp Sabra in the summer. Garett is active in USY Gesher, BBYO Connect and is a member of Boys Team Charity. For his Bar Mitzvah project, Garett is collecting shoes for Soles 4 Souls. He also plans to plant trees in Israel.

Honora Osman

November 25, 2023

Honora is the daughter of Lindsey and Dan Osman. She’s the older sister to Leonie. She’s the granddaughter of Susan & Steve Osman and Jill Quinn. Honora has spent six years in practicing and competing in Taekwondo where she’s working diligently towards her second degree black belt. Last year she started up volleyball and has played with several rec leagues and clubs in the area. She’s a fantastic, creative writer and has a gift for art. Honora volunteers every week at Taekwondo, mentoring younger students as they progress in the sport. She’s also working to provide donations and supplies to a local cat cafe so that kittens and cats alike can find their forever home.

Dahlia Feinberg

November 11, 2023

Dahlia Gavrielle Feinberg will be called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah on Shabbat morning, November 11, 2023.  Dahlia is the daughter of Samantha Daniels Feinberg and Samuel Feinberg, and sister to Eva and Avichai.  Proud grandparents are Bruce Daniels, Lynne Feinberg, and Marsha Rubin, all of the Greater Kansas City area, as well as Jason Feinberg, of Blessed Memory.  Dahlia attends Indian Hills Middle School.  She enjoys competitive dance, reading, and attending Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. 

Daniel Hertzfield

October 28, 2023

Daniel Hertzfield is the son of Lori and Bruce Hertzfield. Daniel is the grandson of Norman and Clara Levine and the late Morris and Harriet Hertzfield and Louis and Janice Katzberg. He attends Blue Valley Middle School. Daniel enjoys baseball, basketball and football. Daniel is also a member of Scouts BSA Troop 61.

Alexandra DeBruin

October 14, 2023

Alexandra DeBruin is the daughter of Sarah and Benjamin Baellow and Steven DeBruin. She is the granddaughter of Monte and Sonia Cotton, z”l of Olathe, KS and Hanna and Larry DeBruin of Omaha, NE. Alexandra is the step-granddaughter of Shari Baellow of Overland Park, KS and David Baellow of Spring Hill, KS. Alexandra is the older sister to Joseph and Zachary Baellow of Olathe. Alexandra attends Frontier Trail Middle School. She plays trumpet in the Frontier Trail Band. Alexandra’s tikkun olam project consisted of assembling 150 snack bags for families staying at the Ronald McDonald houses.

Sara Garry 

September 2, 2023

Sara Garry is the daughter of Michael Garry & Rebecca Green-Garry and sister of Shoshanna and Meyer Garry. Sara is the granddaughter of Josh and Ronna Garry of Leawood, Kansas and Jeff and Caryn Green of Glenview, Illinois. She attends The Barstow School. Sara is found on the volleyball courts, babysitting, reading a book or hanging by a body of water. For her bat mitzvah project she volunteered on Tuesday nights at the Ronald McDonald House of KC.

Maya and Ryan Glickman

August 26, 2023

Maya Glickman and Ryan Glickman are the children of Josh and Allison Glickman and big siblings to Asher Glickman. They are the grandchildren of Sharon Glickman and Rick Glickman (z”l) originally of Potomac, MD and Miriam and Daniel Scharf of Kansas City. Maya and Ryan attend Overland Trail Middle School. Ryan enjoys playing all sports but particularly soccer and Maya enjoys playing basketball, skateboarding, and playing the guitar. They both love to hang out with friends. For their b’nei mitzvah projects, Ryan participated in the S.T.A.R.S program through his soccer club KCSG, which provides accessible soccer programming for children with special needs while Maya volunteered with the KC Pet Project and plans to continue to work with animals throughout the coming year. 

Logan McNay

August 12, 2023

Logan is the son of Dawn Gale and Doug McNay and is the brother of Nina McNay. He is the grandson of Bob and Barbi McNay of Overland Park, Kansas, and Marshall and Pam Gale, z”l of Overland Park. Logan attends Oxford Middle School, where he was in the school musical, serves on Student Council, and is a member of the newspaper, Show Choir, Community Service Club, Johnson County Youth Court, and Sources of Strength. Logan is a second degree black belt in taekwondo, enjoys taking piano and voice lessons, and loves musical theatre and performing in different area theatre camps and classes. For his bar mitzvah project, Logan sold snacks at PRS to raise money for Beth Shalom’s Sasone fund. He also looks forward to having a direct service experience as a peer mentor at OMS during the upcoming school year. 

Asher Manning Steinberg

June 17, 2023

Sivan Asher Manning Steinberg is the son of Adryan & Brian Steinberg. He is the grandson of Shellie & Steve Gordon, of Lancaster, PA and Sheila & Irv Steinberg of Boynton Beach, FL. Asher attends Aubrey Bend Middle School. He enjoys ice hockey, acting, writing plays, and Lego construction. For his Bar Mitzvah project, Asher organized a food drive for the JFS food pantry. His tremendous efforts brought in 392.4 pounds of food. Including all of the generous online donations, Asher was able to contribute a total of 902 meals for hungry families in Kansas City.

Lila Singer

June 10, 2023

Sivan Daughter of Hilary Cohen-Singer and Jeremy Singer.

Kyra Rose Nussbaum 

May 13, 2023

Kyra Rose Nussbaum May 13 /Kyra Rose Nussbaum is the daughter of Corey & Jered Nussbaum, and is the sister of Sam and Mari. She is the granddaughter of Cathy & Jeff Alpert and Ronna & Larry Nussbaum. She is the great-granddaughter of Elizabeth Nussbaum. Kyra attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. She is on the Danceworks KC Competition team, plays basketball at HBHA, enjoys babysitting and baking. Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family and attend the kiddush luncheon following the service which is being hosted by Beth Torah.

Samantha Nicole Reich

May 6, 2023

Samantha Nicole Reich is the daughter of Erica & Jay Reich. She is the granddaughter of Marilyn Reich of Westbury, NY, and Avryl & Mike Beck of Boynton Beach, FL. Samantha attends The Barstow School. She enjoys playing volleyball, theater/acting, attending summer camp at Camp Echo in New York, and spending time with friends. For her B’nei Mitzvah project, Samantha is collecting toys for sick and injured children being treated at rural and community emergency departments. 

Jeremiah Asher Wajcman

April 15,2023

Jeremiah Asher Wajcman is the son of Shira Wajcman & Michael Wajcman, z”l . His siblings are Samantha, Eitan and Briella. He is the grandson of Stephen & Toba Maslan, Simon Wajcman, Rochelle Wajcman. Jeremiah attends the Overland Trail Middle School. He enjoys Baseball, playing video games and playing his baritone. Jeremiah is helping JFS for his
Bar-Mitzvah project. Jeremiah’s bar-mitzvah at the Sheraton, Overland Park, on April 15.

Saphire Neve Hobbs

April 1,2023

Saphire Neve Hobbs is the daughter of Chris and Heather Hobbs, and is the sister of Ethan and Sammy. She is the granddaughter of Mira Mitchell, of Kibbutz Nirim, Israel, and Pauline & Peter Hobbs, of Englan. Saphire attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. She enjoys playing basketball and volleyball and spending time with her friends. For her B’nei Mitzvah project, Saphire is crocheting hats for woman who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy. The charity she is donating the hats to is called ‘The Believe Bag project’.

Shefer Rudnick

March 25,2023

Shefer Rudnick is the daughter of Jonathan Rudnick and Marcelle Mariani, and is the sister of Sagi
and Shir-el. She is the granddaughter of Esther and Cy(z”l) Rudnick, and Tzipora Lugasi of Harish,
Israel. Shefer attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. Shefer loves basketball, volleyball and soccer,
art, drawing in particular, playing and cuddling with her dog, Frank. For her B’nei Mitzvah project,
she is working with volunteering in Canine Behavior Center of Wayside Waifs.

Jacob Benjamin Sosland

March 18,2023

Jacob Benjamin Sosland is the son of Rachel and David Sosland. His siblings are Ethan (17),
Gabrielle (15), and Juliet (9). He is the grandson of Blanche & Neil Sosland, and Sharon &
Stuart Pase. Jake attends the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. He plays basketball, soccer,
baseball, and flag football. He enjoys hanging out with his friends and family, gaming, movies,
and traveling. Jake’s Bar Mitzvah project is helping the Kansas City Girls Preparatory Academy
by collecting and raising money for sports equipment for their physical education program.
Jake’s Bar Mitzvah will be held at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel. Relatives and friends are
invited to worship with the family and attend the Kiddush Luncheon following services.

Jacob Levi Palan

March 4, 2023

Jacob Levi Palan is the son of David & Amanda Palan. He is the grandson of Robert & Barbara
Palan, Overland Park, KS, and Tylar & Carol Ann Hecht, of Annapolis, MD. He is the brother
of Ariel Palan. Jacob attends Overland Trail Middle School. Jacob plays tennis and soccer and is a
second degree Black Belt in taekwondo. In his spare time, he enjoys hanging out with his friends,
playing Xbox, and swimming at the lake. For his Mitzvah Project, Jacob is raising money for the
Celiac Disease Foundation. Celiac disease is one of the world’s most prevalent genetic autoimmune
diseases, affecting an estimated three million Americans, 70-80% of whom are undiagnosed. The
Celiac Disease Foundation supports research, advocacy and education initiatives to accelerate
diagnosis, treatments and a cure. He is also collecting food donations for JFS Food Pantry, including
gluten free items for clients with special dietary needs

Eitan Jacob Gerson

February 9, 2023

Eitan Jacob Gerson is the son of Karen & Jeffry Gerson. He has an older brother Gilli Gerson.
He is the grandson of Jay & Francie Gerson of Dyer, IN. He is the great-grandson of Al & Barb
Herstig of Naples, FL. Eitan attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. He is a competitive soccer
goalie for Puma Futbol Club, plays soccer & basketball for HBHA Middle School, loves spending
his summers at Camp Ramah in WI, and hanging out with his friends and dog Skeye. When the
war broke out in Ukraine, he learned about kids, who just like him, have been attending summer
camp at Ramah. However, in the summer of 2022, these campers were not able to attend camp
in Western Ukraine. The organization Midreshet Schechter safely moved the camp to Romania.
He used his earned tzedakah money to help get these kids to attend camp. One of the biggest
differences between him and these campers is they are afraid for their lives. He wants them to have
the same opportunity to go and be with their summer friends and to forget about their troubles.
He would like to continue supporting Midreshet Schechter and Camp Ramah in Ukraine. He is
collecting new and gently used blankets. These Ukrainian campers will feel the love from us all
wrapped in a soft donated blanket.

Will Eli Widman

December 10, 2022

Will Widman is the son of Vicki and Andrew Widman and is the brother of Reece Widman. He is the grandson of  Sherry Widman & Marshall Widman of Leawood, KS, Sharon & Michael Milens of Overland Park, KS.  He attends Pleasant Ridge Middle School. Will enjoys baseball, gaming, hanging out with his friends! He also plays the trumpet and looks forward to marching band next year in high school. For his bar mitzvah project, he is volunteering and working on special projects for Midwest Transplant Network to help spread awareness around organ, eye, and tissue donation. Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family and attend the nosh between the evening services.

 

Sarah Abigail Gold

November 19, 2022

Sarah Abigail Gold is the daughter of Brodie and Daniel Gold and is the sister of Jacob Gold, and Hanna Gold. She is the granddaughter of Barbara Herman, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and Risa Gold, of Manalapan, NJ.  She attends Blue Valley Middle School. Sarah loves theater, horseback riding, and singing. Sarah loves to celebrate birthdays! For her Mitzvah project, she partnered with Jewish Family Services to provide dozens of Birthday Party in a Bags for kids who may not have otherwise been able to have cake or get a present on their birthday. She wanted to ensure that everyone is celebrated and never forgotten on their special day! Additionally, she volunteered with JFS to deliver Chanukah gifts and Rosh Hashanah meals.

Isabella Kroll 

November 12, 2022

Isabella Grace Kroll is the daughter of Jessica and Aaron Kroll and is the sister of Madelyn Kroll, Victoria Kroll, and Emilia Kroll. She is the granddaughter of Marcia Karbank, of Leawood, KS and Patti Kroll, of Overland Park, KS. She attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. Isabella loves playing volleyball, basketball, soccer, and riding on her longboard. In her free time, she also enjoys drawing and painting. Bella’s love of animals helped guide her to select her b’nei mitzvah project. Bella decided to participate in the Waifs Day Out program at Wayside Waifs animal shelter. Bella visits the shelter and takes a dog out for two hour field trips. They go for car rides, walks in the park and enjoy pup-cup treats! She loves that she is able to help the dogs get a break from “shelter-life” and give them lots of love and attention. Bella and her family (along with some of her aunts, uncles and cousins) also teamed up to raise money and walk in the Wayside Waifs “Strutt With Your Mutt” 5K in September 2022.

Dylan Ari Freiden

October 22, 2022

Dylan Ari Freiden is the son of Robyn and Seth Freiden and is the brother of Kara Freiden. He is the grandson of Anne Jacobs, Bari and Floyd Freiden. He attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. Dylan loves golfing, computer gaming and playing the guitar. For his b’nei mitzvah project, he raised money and volunteered for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

Miles Jack Tarjan

October 15, 2022

Miles Jack Tarjan is the son of Aaron Tarjan and Elizabeth Willens Tarjan and is the brother of Noah Tarjan. He is the grandson of Peter and Susanna Tarjan of Miami, FL and Jules and Froma Willens of Baltimore, MD. Miles attends Accelerated Schools of Overland Park. Miles loves tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons and Warhammer 40K, drawing, painting, history, science. For his b’nei mitzvah project, Miles is building picnic tables at his school so students can congregate outdoors when the weather is nice.

Gabriel (Gabe) Owen Sherry

September 3, 2022

Gabriel (Gabe) Owen Sherry is the son of Beth & Mike Sherry and is the brother of Leah Sherry. He is the grandson of Henry Katz & Helen Katz, z’l, of Ada, Oklahoma and Judy & Steve Sherry, of Kansas City.  He attends Indian Hills Middle School. Gabe is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing basketball, video games, and spending time with friends. For his Bar Mitzvah project, he is volunteering with Special Olympics.

Joshua Ari Snitz

August 20, 2022

Joshua Ari Snitz is the son of Ian and Wendy Snitz and is the brother of Leah Snitz. He is the grandson of  Lou and Vicki Asner, of Overland Park, KS. He is great-grandson of  Irwin and Sandy Snitz, of Overland Park, KS and  Louisa, z’l and Myles Levin,  of Kensington, MD. He attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. Joshua enjoys golf, computer coding and camping. For his Bar Mitzvah project, Joshua raised money and collected food for the JFSKC Food Pantry. After purchasing food with the money and with the food collected, Joshua donated more than 500 pounds of food.

Hannah Elizabeth Poe

July 23, 2022

Hannah is the daughter of Helaine Cohn & Eric Poe and is the sister of Rachel. She is the granddaughter of Karen & Glenn Poe. Hannah is a 2022 Shawnee Mission South graduate. Her hobbies include Crochet & knitting, baking, and reading. For her Bat Mitzvah project, Hannah has been a volunteer across many projects and organizations over the last several years including teaching computer programming skills to kids at CoderDojoKC, setting up art projects at Hallmark’s Kaleidoscope, greeting congregants at Beth Shalom on Shabbat, crocheting blanket squares for the Beth Shalom Sisterhood’s Warm-Up America project, and additional hours through NCSY, honor societies at school, and the Overland Park Teen Council.

Avi Jacob Spiegel

May 28, 2022

Avi is the son of Aaron and Jennifer Spiegel and is the brother of Isaac Spiegel, Benjamin Spiegel, and Nathaniel Spiegel.  He is the grandson of Herb Spiegel, of Leawood, Ron Brown of Olathe, Linda Filippone of Lutz FL, and Margaret Glen. Avi attends Blue Valley Middle School. Avi takes Drums, Vocals and is in a Rock Band at Music House. He is in Hip Hop at JPDC, Scouts with Troop 48, and in all his free time he decided to compete in track as well!

Naftali Amichai Tilove

May 21, 2022

Naftali is the son of  Marni Thompson-Tilove and Adam Tilove and is the brother of Raviv and Yakir. He is the grandson of Cantor Stephen Thompson, of Waltham, MA, Shelly Greene and David Jacobson, of Newton, MA, Ann Gundersheimer of Sarasota, FL, David and Carolyn Tilove of Pittsburgh, PA. He is great grandson of Barbara Greene, of Palm Beach, FL.  Naftali attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. His hobbies include playing sports, playing video games, and reading. For his Bar Mitzvah project, he volunteered at the local post of the Jewish Veteran’s Association.

Sabra Merideth Bergh

May 14, 2022

Sabra is the daughter of James and Carole Bergh and is the sister of Noah, Rylee, Ashton, and Shannon. She is the grand daughter of Jan Lehman, and Bob and Mary Bergh, of Overland Park, KS, and Steve Zimmerman, Scottsdale, AZ.  Sabra attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. She plays on a competitive softball team, and she also enjoys playing basketball and soccer for her school. For her Bat Mitzvah project, Sabra has been collecting sports equipment for underserved communities.

Evan Micha Albee

May 7, 2022

Evan is the son of Lee and Beth Albee and is the brother of Danny and Rivka. He is the grandson of Ted and Jill Goldstein. Evan attends Indian Woods Middle School. His hobbies include scouting, wrestling, taking special care of his animals and has a special nack for keeping his sibs on their toes. For his Bar Mitzvah project, Evan made cat boxes/homes for feral cats, and donated to KC Pet Project. 

Mark Benjamin Kricsfeld   

March 26, 2022

Mark Benjamin Kricsfeld is the son of Anya and David Kricsfeld. He is the grandson of  Cheryl and Richard Diamond,  and Barry and Barbara Kricsfeld of Omaha, Nebraska. He is great grandson of Mara Sukholutskaya of Ada, Oklahoma, and Igor Berdichevsky of Kiryat Shmona, Israel. Mark  attends Oxford Middle School. His activities and hobbies include violin, history, geography. Mark’s Bar Mitzvah project involved serving meals to the elderly immigrants. The community is invited to worship with family and friends and attend the Kiddush following services.

Daniel Garrison Galler

February 26, 2022

Daniel Garrison Galler is the son of Joshua and Laura Galler.  He has an older brother Owen Benjamin Galler. He is the grandson of Debbi Galler, of Overland Park, Kansas, and Karen Sunde of Lenexa, Kansas.  Daniel attends Oxford Middle School. His activities and hobbies include 2nd Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwan Do, Troop 61 Boy Scouts, theatre in middle school, strings and band in middle school, playing Minecraft, Fortnite, and Legends of Zelda on Nintendo Switch, and reading. Daniel’s Bar Mitzvah project involved Collecting cat and dog non perishable food and treats along with other items on Wayside Waifs wish list. https://waysidewaifs.org/donate_or/wish-list/Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family.

Leslie Jenna Hankin

February 19, 2022

Leslie Jenna Hankin is the daughter of Jonathan & Denise Hankin. She has a younger brother Ari.  She is the granddaughter of  Marvin Rogolsky (step), Martin Leitner, and Marvin Hankin, of Jerusalem, Israel. Leslie attends Lakewood Middle School. Her activities and hobbies include theater, cheer, choir and travel. Leslie’s Bat Mitzvah project involved volunteering at the KC Mitzvah Garden and helping with gardening, honey harvesting, and making beeswax candles.

Jackson Paul Cowman

January 8, 2022

Jackson Paul Cowman is the son of Kelley Cowman and Kurtis Cowman & Mandy Sohosky (stepmom).  He has two siblings, Gracie and Rhys.  He is the grandson of Bernie and Helene Fried, of Overland Park, KS, Steve and Cheri Cowman, of Paola, KS, and Leanne and Dennis Bova of Palm Coast,  FL.  Jackson attends Oxford Middle School.  He enjoys playing percussion, comedy, video games, archery, and spending time with friends and family  Jackson’s bar mitzvah project involved donating fresh eggs to the JFS food pantry for those in need. Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family at the Minchah service starting at 5 pm.

Noah Louis Frenkel Muller

December 4, 2021

Noah Louis Frenkel Muller is the son of Shawn and Rachel Muller. He has an older sister, Maya Muller. He is the grandson of Max and Charlene Muller, and Shari Baellow, of Overland Park, KS, and David Baellow, of Palm Springs, CA. Noah attends Indian Woods Middle School His activities and hobbies include Computer Coding. reading, gaming, playing trumpet, fencing, and fishing. He is currently has a Blue Belt rank at Code Ninjas and is an active member of his middle school coding club. Noah’s Bar Mitzvah project involved visiting with Village Shalom residents. Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family.

Eric Jacob Fine

October 16, 2021

Eric Jacob Fine is the son of Steve and Beatrice Fine and is the brother of Benjamin Fine. He attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. His hobbies and activities include Boy Scouts, swimming, and tennis. For his B’nei Mitzvah project, last summer, Eric and friends from his Boy Scout troop collected over 1,200 pounds of food for the Jewish Family Services Food Pantry, and this summer, Eric attended Ma’assim Tovim where he participated in community service activities for Harvesters, the Humane Society, the Mitzvah Garden, Scraps KC, Catholic Charities, etc. Please join the family via livestream (bethshalomkc.org/livestreaming) to share in their simcha

Ayla Liana Williams

October 2, 2021

Ayla Liana Williams is the daughter of Stefanie Williams and Ryan Williams and is the sister of Amos Williams. She is the granddaughter of Arlene and Jeff Misler, and Christy and Ronnie Williams, of Alva, Fl, and the great granddaughter of Gigi Betty Misler, of Cary, NC. Ayla attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. Ayla loves soccer, basketball and art. For her B’nei Mitzvah
project, she is working with Unleashed to provide toys, food and items needed to make the animals’ stay there better. Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family. There will be limited in-person attendance, and anyone may join online at bethshalomkc.org/livestreaming.

Benjamin (Ben) Rosenthal

September 4, 2021

Benjamin (Ben) Rosenthal is the son of Janna and Daniel Rosenthal.  He has an older sister, Emma.  He is the grandson of Susan & Ernest Rosenthal of Overland Park, KS, Susan & Kenneth Cohn of Arlington, VA and Theresa and William Schuster of Aiken, SC.  Ben attends the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy.  He enjoys playing soccer, basketball, golf, video games, traveling, and spending time with family.  Despite not having a pet of his own, he also has a real love for animals.  One of his favorite things to do is spend time with our neighbors and friend’s pets.  Ben’s Bar Mitzvah project involved raising money for Wayside Waifs of Kansas City, a no kill animal shelter

Orli Rose Zigler

August 14, 2021

Orli Rose Zigler is the daughter of Scott and Shira Zigler, and is the sister of Raya Zigler She is the granddaughter of Marsha Krinsky and Seymour Krinsky z”l”, Lawrence and Sheryl Zigler of Chesterfiled, Missouri. She attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. Orli enjoys art, dance, soccer and basketball. Orli combined her art skills and desire to help others to draw custom coloring books. She donated these coloring books and crayons to Children’s Mercy Hospital. “My hope is that I gave them the opportunity to find something that they love, or just find joy in.” Please join the family via livestream (https://bethshalomkc.org/donate/livestreaming/) to share in their simcha.

Jonah Ethan Stein

June 12, 2021

Jonah is the son of Joshua and Sheryl Stein and is the brother of Leora Stein. He is the grandson of Stewart and Esther Stein of Leawood, Kansas and Marilyn Rosen of Dunnellon, Florida and the late, Marc Rosen. Jonah attends Leawood Middle School. Jonah is an avid athlete who enjoys soccer, track and baseball and is a big fan of the Royals and Chiefs. He plays trumpet in school and is active in Jewish student organizations. He loves to explore and travel and spending his summers at his favorite place, Herzl Camp in Wisconsin. Jonah wanted to make a difference when he saw the incredible food insecurity during the pandemic so for his Bar Mitzvah project he created MASKerAIDs as a way to raise money for the Jewish Family Services Food Pantry. MASKerAIDs are beaded lanyards that attach to face masks allowing them to hang around your neck readily accesible when not being used. He sold the MASKerAIDs with 100% of the proceeds going to JFS and has sold over 1,000 of them, raising $20,000 to help the hungry in our community. Jonah looks forward to continuing to serve the community through volunteerism and his B’nai Tzedek Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation.

Elia Ellis

May 22, 2021

Elia Remi Ellis is a 7th grade student at the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy.  Her hobbies include, dancing, cooking and spending time with friends both locally and at Camp Ramah.  For her Mitzvah project, she will be collecting food for the JFS Food Pantry.  If you would like to make a donation we are doing a food drive at our home on May 9th from 9am-11am at 6240 W 121st St OP KS 66209.  Or a donation can be mailed to JFS (Attn Jo Hickey) in honor of Elia at 5801 W 115th St, Suite 103 Overland Park, KS 66209.

Moran (Molly) Soloman

May 15, 2021

Molly is the daughter of Meir & Julie Soloman and is the sister of Meron (Jeff) Soloman. She is the granddaughter of Simon Soloman, of Ashdod, Israel. Molly attends Delta Wood Middle School. Her hobbies include piano, martial arts, crafting, and Etsy business . For her Bat Mitzvah project, Molly wants to make bags with essentials and give them to people in need and buy food for them
and donate money to a homeless shelter.

Ariel Rinae Palan

May 8, 2021

Ariel is the daughter of David and Amanda Palan and is the sister of Jacob Palan. She is the granddaughter of Robert and Barbara Palan, and Tylar and Carol Ann Hecht, of Annapolis, Maryland. Ariel attends Overland Trail Middle School. In her free time, Ariel does competitive dance and also enjoys tumbling, cooking and baking, making videos and spending time with friends. For her Bat Mitzvah project, Ariel packed food boxes at JFS throughout the Spring and Summer this year, helped stuff holiday bags, and delivered food boxes to clients. Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family virtually.

Samantha Rae Sandler

May 1, 2021

Samantha is the daughter of Debra and Jeremy Sandler and is the sister of Emma Sandler. She is the granddaughter of Michael and Janice Sandler, of Overland Park, Kansas and Arthur and Marjorie Levitz, of Boca Raton, Florida. Samantha attends Prairie Star Middle School. Her hobbies include Basketball, Volleyball, Performing arts, choir, baking. For her bat mitzvah project, Samantha raised $1000 for Unleashed Pet Rescue.

Samuel Alan Hertzfield

April 24, 2021

Samuel Alan Hertzfield is the son of Bruce and Lori Hertzfield, and is the brother of Rachel, Louie, Melanie and Danny Hertzfield. He is the grandson of Norman and Clara Levine. Sammy attends Blue Valley Middle School. Sammy plays baseball and basketball. He is a Life Scout and enjoys camping. He loves his big dogs Brandy and Wesley. Sammy plays the trombone in the school band.. For his Bar Mitzvah project, Sammy has been working on erosion repair and building a small shed for the Mitzvah Garden. Friends and relatives are welcomed to join Samuel’s Bar Mitzvah on the Beth Shalom livestream.

Hunter Matthew Brown

April 10, 2021

Hunter Brown is the son of Stacy and Steve Brown, and is the brother of Miller Brown. He is the grandson of Carole and Bernard Ellis. Hunter attends Harmony Middle School. His hobbies include baseball, basketball, hanging out with friends, and gaming. For his B’nei Mitzvah project, Hunter will be collecting gently used sports equipment to donate to local organizations. Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family virtually by using the Beth Shalom link.

Charlotte Elizabeth Shafton

March 20, 2021

Charlotte Elizabeth Shafton is the daughter of Alan and Tracy Shafton, and is the sister of Ari Shafton. She is the granddaughter of Gail Shafton and Nancy Coates of Overland Park, Kansas. Charlotte attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. Charlotte loves riding her horses. She competes in ranch riding and cowboy racing. Charlotte also enjoys playing basketball, tennis and video games. She can’t wait to attend Herzl again this summer. Relatives and friends are invited to virtually worship with the family. 

Ariel Keshet

March 18, 2021

Ariel Keshet is the son of Sharon and Fredy Keshet, and is the brother of Linoy and Danielle Keshet. He is the grandson of Shoshi & Moti Gavrieli, of Nordia, Israel, and Catherine & Jack Kachkoch, of Netanya, Israel. Ariel attends Oxford Middle School. His hobbies include sports, basketball, soccer, video games, and playing the clarinet.

Justin Parmet

March 6, 2021

Justin Parmet is the son of David and Mindy Parmet, and is the brother of Maya Parmet. He is the grandson of Mike and Anne Jacobs, Herb and Idie Parmet, and great-grandson of Sylvia Jacobs of Denver. Justin enjoys playing basketball, playing the guitar, and spending time with friends and family. Justin loves going to Camp Sabra over the summers. For Justin’s Bar Mitzvah project, he will be creating a B’nai Tzedek fund for JFS food pantry. Family and friends are invited to join Beth Shalom for their streaming services.

Daniela Glickman

January 30, 2021

Daniela Glickman is the daughter of Rabbi David and Annie Glickman, and is the sister of Gavi and Ellie Glickman. She is the granddaughter of Ken and Karen Glickman, of East Lansing, Michigan, Dr. David Kanofsky z”l, Sallie Kanofsky Rietmann z”l and Paul Rietmann, all of Tacoma, Washington. Dani enjoys cooking, baking, reading, playing piano, dance, gardening, and outdoor activities. Dani loves going to Camp Ramah Wisconsin over the summers. She takes dance at the J. For Dani’s Bat Mitzvah project, she has been volunteering at the Jewish Community’s Mitzvah Garden. She will also be creating a B’nai Tzedek fund for tzedakah. Family and friends are invited to join Beth Shalom for their streaming services.

Samuel Ari Nussbaum

January 16, 2021

Samuel Ari Nussbaum is the son of Corey and Jered Nussbaum, and is the brother of Kyra and Mari Nussbaum. He is the grandson of Cathy and Jeff Alpert, and Ronna and Larry Nussbaum. He is the great-grandson of Elizabeth Nussbaum. Samuel attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. His hobbies include baseball, basketball, soccer, creating and producing digital music. For his Bar Mitzvah project, Samuel has been donating new and gently used sports equipment to kids who cannot afford.

Maya Sal

January 7, 2021

Maya Sal is the daughter of Tami and Shai, and is sister of Re’em Sal, Yahav Sal. She is the granddaughter of Itzchak Sal, Arie Yosef, Andrea Sheaf, and Sima Sal, z”l and is the great-grand daughter of Tzviah Chagbi, Estelle Cliff, and Donald Sheaf. Maya attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. Her hobbies include playing with her dog, playing the guitar, playing on the computer with friends or playing games and competing with her older brother. For her B’nei Mitzvah project, Maya has been volunteering at a local dog shelter.

Samuel David Darling

December 19, 2020

Samuel David Darling is the son of Gretchen and Paul Darling, and is the brother of Ben Darling, Rachel Darling and Jakob Darling. He is the grandson of Jerry Litton of Maryville, Tennessee, and Donald and Phylis Darling of Port Angeles, Washington. Samuel attends Pleasant Ridge Middle School. His hobbies include swim team, Boy Scouts, reading and riding his bike. For his Bar Mitzvah project, Samuel collected food and volunteered with Harvesters to put together grocery packs for community members in need. Relatives and friends are welcome to virtually join us as we celebrate Sam’s Bar Mitzvah ceremony.

Gabrielle Dora Sosland

December 12, 2020

Gabrielle Dora Sosland is the daughter of Rachel and David Sosland, and is the sister of Ethan Sosland, Jake Sosland and Juliet Sosland. She is the granddaughter of Sharon and Stuart Pase, of Leawood, Kansas, and Blanche and Neil Sosland, of Kansas City, Missouri. She is the great granddaughter of Gertrude Epstein, of Overland Park, Kansas. Gabrielle attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. Her hobbies include dance, basketball, soccer, art, playing guitar, hanging out with family and friends, and traveling. Gabrielle’s Bat Mitzvah project involves delivering food for Jewish Family Services. Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family via Beth Shalom Livestream service.

Sidney Tyrone Linafelt

December 5, 2020

Sidney Tyrone Linafelt is the son of Tom Linafelt and Julia Shapiro, and is the brother of Jed Linafelt. He is the grandson of Patti Shapiro, Jerry and Elizabeth Madden of Beaver, Pennsylvania. Sidney attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. His hobbies include drums,
guitar, keyboards, tennis, and basketball.

Drew Liss  

November 5, 2020

Drew Ilan Liss is the son of  Beth & Michael Liss, and is the brother of Zachary Liss. He is the grandson of Michele & Harvey Kaplan, of Kansas City, Leah & Alan Liss, of Philadelphia and great-grandson of Pauline and Murray Hendel of Naples. Drew attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. His hobbies include gymnastics, basketball, dance, travel, Herzl Camp. His Bar Mitzvah project has been undecided due to Covid.  Relatives and friends are invited to virtually worship with the family.  

Claire Victoria Langer

October 31, 2020

Claire Victoria Langer is the daughter of Stewart and Linda Langer, and is the sister of Greyson, Hunter and Adam. Claire attends Walden Middle School. Claire plays on the Walden Volleyball Team and will be starting on a competitive team in the Fall. In addition, she plays lacrosse, takes modern dance lessons at a popular school (is a great dancer), plays the violin, is active in girl scouts and loves craft, including painting. For her Bat Mitzvah project, Claire has been active in charitable initiatives including making food and distributing meals to the homeless, and preparing and distributing care packages as well. We invite you to celebrate Claire’s special day as may be possible via Zoom or other means to be announced by Congregation Beth Shalom.

Avi Brodie Coppaken  

October 29, 2020

Avi is the son of Celine and Todd Coppaken, and is the brother of Maya Coppaken. He is the grandson of Ron and Denise Coppaken of Overland Park, Kansas and Annie Brossard and Brian and Lisa Eaton of Scottsdale, Arizona. He is the great grandson of Helen Coppaken and Vicki Eaton. Avi attends Indian Woods Middle School. He enjoys video games, scootering, gymnastics and keeping his family in the know. For his Bar Mitzvah project, Avi is volunteering at Great Plains SPCA, ensuring the facility is clean, animals are safe and happy, so that they can find their own forever home.

Maya Leia Muller

October 22, 2020

Maya Leia Muller is the daughter of Shawn and Rachel Muller, and is the sister of Noah Muller. She is the granddaughter of Shari Baellow, Max & Charlene Muller of Kansas City and David Baellow of Palm Springs, California, and great-granddaughter of Rose Carr. Maya attends Indian Woods Middle School. Her hobbies include swimming for the Kansas City Blazers, writing and reading. For her Bat Mitzvah project, Maya volunteered for the KC Pet Project. To celebrate becoming a Bat Mitzvah, Maya will be leading the Thursday morning Zoom services from home

Daniel Jean Albee

October 18, 2020

Daniel Jean Albee is the son of Lee and Beth Albee, and is the brother of Evan and Rivka Albee. He is the grandson of Ted and Jill Goldstein. Daniel attends Indian Woods Middle School. His hobbies include scouting, rock and fossil collecting, and computer coding. For his Bar Mitzvah project, he is walking and caring for dogs at KC Pet project. Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family and congregation on Zoom. Daniel will be leading services at the Sunday morning Zoom service outside in the Beth Shalom parking lot.

Ethan Benjamin Hobbs

September 3, 2020

Ethan Benjamin Hobbs Frank is the son of  Chris and Heather Hobbs, and is the brother of Saphire and Samuel Hobbs. He is the grandson of Mira Mitchell of Tel Aviv, Israel and Pauline and Peter Hobbs, of Wales, UK. Ethan attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. His hobbies include listening to music, making videos, and riding his bike.

Noah Bergh

August 20, 2020

Noah Bergh is the son of Carole and Jim Bergh. Noah attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy where he is an 8th grader. He is an avid outdoorsman with a love of nature. In his spare time, Noah can be found fishing, hiking, horseback riding and camping.

Frankie Goldstein

June 4, 2020

Our very first Zoom Bar Mitzvah, Frank is the son of Gina and Elly Goldstein. He is the grandson of Ted and Jill Goldstein of Overland Park, Kansas and Katie Burasco, of Independence, MO. Frank attends Overland Trail Middle School where he is active in the drama program, having both acted and worked as a member of the crew. When Frank is not at school, he can often be found playing or practicing baseball. He is currently playing his third season as a member of a Natural Baseball Academy AAA team. Frank also loves traveling to any destination with a beach and enjoys fishing—especially deep sea fishing! For his Bar Mitzvah project, Frank organized and executed a neighborhood food drive, having collected over 200 food items from 100+ homes he dropped off bags to in his neighborhood.

Nina Eliana McNay

February 29, 2020

Nina is the daughter of Dawn Gale and Doug McNay, and is the sister of Logan McNay. She is the granddaughter of Bob and Barbi McNay of Overland Park, Kansas and Marshall Gale, z”l and Pam Gale, z”l of blessed memory. Nina attends Oxford Middle School where she serves on Student Council and is a member of the newspaper, show choir, Community Service Club, Students Helping Students Club, and cast of the school musical. She is a second degree black belt in taekwondo and also enjoys art, reading, Girl Scouts, piano and voice lessons. For her Bat Mitzvah project, Nina is organizing a food drive for the Jewish Family Services (JFS) Food Pantry after which she will visit the pantry to help sort and organize the food she collects. She is also doing monthly food deliveries for the JFS Pantry with her family.

Aaron Scott Dworsky

December 28, 2019

Aaron is the son of David and Jennifer Dworsky, and is the brother of Evan Dworsky. He is the grandson of Joanne Fixman of Fountain Hills, Arizona, and Rochelle “Rocky” Dworsky. Aaron attends Harmony Middle School. His hobbies include swimming, soccer, and being with his friends. For his Bar Mitzvah project, Aaron volunteered at Wayside Waifs, an animal shelter. Aaron’s participation included, making peanut butter treats to freeze for the dogs. Other duties included folding clean towels and blankets for the cages and collecting more blankets.

Andrew Dylan Gershon

December 14, 2019

Andrew is the son of Dayna and Danny Gershon, and is the brother of Max Gershon. He is the grandson of Susie and Bob Greenberg of Leawood, Kansas, and David Gershon and Susan Shepherd of Kansas City, Missouri. Andrew attends Kansas City Academy. His hobbies include Cosplay, writing, and watching Anime. For his Bar Mitzvah project, Andrew is providing compassion and play with animals at various places in the Kansas City area.

Owen Benjamin Galler

November 16, 2019

Owen is the son of Joshua Aaron Galler and Laura Elizabeth Galler, and is the brother of Daniel Garrison Galler. He is the grandson of Debbi Galler of Overland Park, Kansas, and Karen Sunde of Lenexa, Kansas. Owen attends Blue Valley Middle School. His hobbies include Special Olympics Basketball, Special Olympics Track and Field, Special Olympics Swimming, Special Olympics Soccer, Sporting Blue Valley Team Soccer. For his Bar Mitzvah project, Owen has been helping his parents raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Special Olympics, and JDRF. Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family for the Minchah, Ma’ariv and Havdalah services.

Hannah Gabrielle Gold

November 2, 2019

Hannah is the daughter of Brodie and Daniel Gold, and is the sister of Jacob and Sarah. She is the granddaughter of Barbara Herman of Overland Park, KS, and Robert and Risa Gold of Manalapan, NJ. Hannah attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. Her hobbies include dancing, lyra hoop, drama, sewing, diamond dotz, traveling and spending time with friends. For her Bat Mitzvah project, Hannah has been collecting new and gently used dancewear on behalf of Donate2Dance. The items will then be delivered to Kansas City Young Audiences, a nonprofit organization providing arts education to children in the Kansas City metro area.

Leah Gabrielle Snitz

October 26, 2019  

Leah is the daughter of Wendy and Ian Snitz, and is the sister of Joshua. She is the granddaughter of Louis and Vicki Asner of Overland Park, KS, Irwin and Sandy Snitz of Sun City, AZ, and Myles and the late Louisa Levin of Rockville, MD. Leah attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. For her Bat Mitzvah project, Leah is volunteering at Melissa’s Menagerie Second Chance Animal Shelter assisting dogs and cats until they are adopted and NextStep Paralysis Recovery Center, along with her dog Max, to offer support to patients undergoing rehabilitation treatments.

Gracie Ryan Cowman

August 31, 2019

Gracie is the daughter of Kelley (Fried) Cowman and Kurt Cowman. She is the granddaughter of Helene and Bernie Fried of Overland Park, KS, Cheri and Steve Cowman of Paola, KS, and LeAnne and Dennis Bova of Spring Hill, KS. Gracie attends California Trail Middle School and loves to read, write stories, play the viola and spend time with family and friends. For her Bat Mitzvah project, Gracie is building a playhouse to be donated to the Rose Family Early Childhood Education Center.

Eli Jacobson

August 17, 2019

Eli is the son of Beth Jacobson and Eric Jacobson. He is the grandson of Sharon and Alvin Cohen and Greg Zellhofer of Overland Park, KS. He attends Overland Trail Middle School. He enjoys being a member of Boy Scouts – Troop 61, attending Herzl Camp, and participating in Musical Theater through The Culture House. His Bar Mitzvah project is volunteering for ScrapsKC – their mission is to care for Kansas City’s environment, education and homeless through creative reuse.

Evie Freed

June 1, 2019 

Evie Freed is the daughter of Randy and Dini Freed. She is the granddaughter of Sam Shutzberg of Pittsburgh, PA, and the late Ettie Shutzberg, Ronald Freed and Valerie Freed. She attends the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. She enjoys art, drama, video games, bike riding with her dad and will attend Herzl Camp in Wisconsin in the summer. Evie’s bat mitzvah project is packaging food items and delivering them to Jewish seniors, and putting together birthday bags with the National Council of Jewish Women. Relatives and friends are invited to the service and kiddush luncheon.

Sofia Levine & Noa Levine

May 25, 2019  

Sofia Levine and Noa Levine are the daughters of Michael and Julie Levine. They are the granddaughters of Margie and Bruce Gutnik of Omaha, NE, and Teddy and Roy Levine of Highlands Ranch, CO. Sofia and Noa attend the Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. Sofia loves playing competitive soccer, video games and spending time with friends. Noa loves dance, summer camp and spending time with friends. Sofia is volunteering at Free Hot Soup KC supporting the hungry and homeless. Noa is volunteering at Unleashed Pet Rescue by interacting with stray dogs and cats until they are adopted.

Olivia Davis

March 30, 2019  

Olivia Davis is the daughter of Matthew and Karen Davis. She has two older siblings, Noah and Abbie. She is the granddaughter of Steve and Mary Davis of Kansas City, Mo; Bob and Marsha Polster of Columbus, OH. Olivia attends Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. She enjoys art, horseback riding and babysitting. Olivia’s bat mitzvah project involved giving bags of necessities to the homeless. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family in Mincha, Ma’ariv and Havdalah services.

Emma Rosenthal

February 16, 2019

Emma Rosenthal is the daughter of Janna and Daniel Rosenthal. She has a younger brother, Benjamin. She is the granddaughter of Susan & Ernest Rosenthal of Overland Park, Kansas; Susan & Kenneth Cohn of Arlington, Virginia; and Theresa and William Schuster of Aiken, South Carolina. Emma attends Leawood Middle School. She enjoys playing soccer, basketball, traveling, babysitting and spending her summers at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin. Emma’s bat mitzvah project involved raising money for, and volunteering at, the Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City.

Reece Widman

January 26, 2019  

Reece Widman is the son of Vicki and Andrew Widman. He has a brother, Will. He is the grandson of Sharon and Michael Milens and Sherry and Marshall Widman. Reece attends Pleasant Ridge Middle School. He enjoys playing the clarinet, gymnastics, art and hanging out with his friends. Reece’s bar mitzvah project is to raise money to create snack bags for the families who utilize the Ronald McDonald family room at Children’s Mercy Hospital. He also went to the Ronald McDonald house and prepared freezer meals and snacks for the families living there. Relatives and friends are invited to worship with the family for the Minchah, Ma’ariv and Havdalah services.

Congregation Beth Shalom

14200 Lamar Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66223
Phone - (913) 647-7279
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5529 Ditzler Road, Raytown, MO 64133
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