Novy Goad

Israel Spirit assisted the new representative from Israel, Daniel, in putting on the first Novy Goad (Russian New Year) celebration at the JCC.  We made malabi, and other people made the Israeli and Russian food.  We did all the serving (except for the salads on the tables):  Erin and TJ served the Israeli food (hummus, pita, salads, vegan quiches and the malabi), and Regina and served the Russian food (caviar on blini/crepes).

Deb and Maria kept the tables supplied and did cleanup in the kitchen when it was over.  It was a well-attended event, and Daniel was ecstatic with its success.

Missouri Extension/4-H outreach

Deb did some outreach at the MU Extension office in Harrisonville, MO for their 4-H group.  The kids were doing a global foods program, and I did a little food demo and provided malabi (with lemon or pomegranate syrup, and pistachios or coconut topping) for the kids.

Deb demonstrated the stable emulsion that lemon and olive oil forms.  Did the kids understand?  At least the teachers did!

And she brought an information table and talked to kids and parents about Israel.

The kids then made their foods from around the world and we all had supper.  Of course, they had dessert first (the malabi).

Linden West Elementary School Ethnic Fair

We participated in a small event in Gladstone, MO.  Deb set up the table and Maria took over.  We were sited next to an Israeli couple with Hanukkah things, and had some nice interactions.

Israeli Game Night

We held our second Isreali game night.  Our games included Jerusalem Monopoly, Hebrew Scrabble, a jigsaw puzzle from Samaria, and two Israel place card games.  We offered light refreshments, but had light turnout (there was another significant event at the JCC that night (unknown when we scheduled)).  But we had fun anyway.

St. Peter's School Ethnic Fair

Maria and Deb brought taste of Israel (halvah) and an information table (with free coloring pages) to the St. Peter's School in KCMO. 

Ethnic Enrichment Festival report

We implemented a number of labor-saving practices this year, and our volunteers loved them.  Of course, it raised our costs a little, but that's ok.  The problem was the rain on Sunday of the festival which affected our (and everybody else's) sales.  The attendance estimates were quite high (by the Festival staff), but traffic to our booth seemed more relaxed than the past few years (maybe we were just more efficient?).

Greg stamping passports

Sallie taking orders (and wearing the Independence Day t-shirt)

Teddy Bear Picnic

Deb helped other EEC commissioners with attendee registration at the 2018 Teddy Bear Picnic that was sponsored by KCMO Parks & Recreation and the KCMO Police Department.  It's a charming, free event that was held this year in Roanoke Park (between Westport and State Line).

Shiran's going-away party

Deb attended our shliacha Shiran HaCohen's going away party at the JCC.

Memorial Day at Liberty Memorial

Efi represented Israel at the Memorial Day observance at the World War I Museum, and presented the Israeli flag.

EEC Diplomatic Ball

Five of us attended the Ethnic Enrichment Commission's Diplomatic Ball at Crown Center:  TJ & Erin, Deb, Maria and Ying.  The Ball was hosted by Indonesia, India and Thailand.

Yom HaAtzmaut - Israel's 70th Anniversary

Israel Spirit was busy helping host Yom HaAtzmaut at the JCC.  We produced the official logo t-shirts, hosted a craft table, and provided the food (falafel, two salads, fish sticks, Bamba, potato chips, marzipan and dates from Israel!).  Lots of wonderful volunteers, and lots of wonderful Israeli food.

Israeli X Factor singer, Megior Biton!

Our wonderful cashiers:  Stacey and Gayle

KCKCC Ethnic Festival

We brought a craft/information table to the annual festival at Kansas City, KS Community College.  Mary (from Tikvah) joined Deb for a while (it's a long day).

Northland Ethnic Festival

This year, we decided to only have a craft/information table so that we could actually talk to people about Israel.  Although people really loved the lentil soup we made over the past three years, we really didn't get to talk to the attendees.  The Tikvah Dancers had a wonderful, lively performance, as well.

Summit Christian Academy International Night

This event was rescheduled twice because of freezing rain.  Deb brought the Israel table with halvah samples and coloring pages:

and dreidels and flags for the kids (Israel was located in the international game room):

(They played with beans, not chocolate gelt).  The winner from each group got to take the dreidel home.  Deb got to talk about Israel with lots of the parents.