Judy Roitman
Judy Roitman
When I moved to Lawrence in 1978 (the way back times) I hadn’t set foot in a shul — except for the random bar/bat mitzvah or to please my parents or grandmother — in over a decade. To be honest, I started regularly showing up with my ex-Catholic husband in order to prove to the adoptive services division of Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Kansas City that we would raise our hoped-for child in a Jewish home. I have always felt Jewish. I just never cared for congregational life as I, a cantor’s daughter in a semi-suburban Conservative shul, had known it.
But from the minute I walked in I could see that the LJCC was different. It felt like family. Sure, people would bicker at times — all families do — but people were there for each other, in good times and bad. The LJCC was mishpochah. It still is.
The LJCC is unaffiliated. It is lay-led. Its resources are its community; its community is its resource. And this community creates a full Jewish life in Lawrence — learning and worship, kid programs and adult programs and family programs, hanging out together, casting our bread into the waters (Tashlich) and staying away from bread (Pesach); a community that is truly inclusive, truly egalitarian; a community that rejoices in its members’ joys, grieves with them in their sorrows, and steps forward to help when help is needed. On the rare occasions when I find myself in another town in another shu,l I am so grateful that the LJCC is my shul. Our shul. The shul we build together.
Our community has changed over the decades, the way we do. So many things are different than they were back in 1978, but that heimishe feeling is a constant. As is the need for financial support (you knew I was going to get around to this).
The need for this support won’t go away when we do. I believe in this community long-term, and want to help sustain it past my lifetime. Which is why the LJCC is a beneficiary on my retirement accounts. I don’t know how the LJCC will morph over the next many decades. But I know that its wonderful, quirky, welcoming spirit will remain as long as the resources are there to sustain it.
Fri, September 5 2025
12 Elul 5785
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Sunday ,
SepSeptember 7 , 2025Blintz Rolling!
Sunday, Sep 7th 10:00a to 12:00p
Participate in one of the longest running and deepest LJCC traditions: rolling blintzes together for the Annual Blintz Brunch! Come work with chef extraordinaire Michael Hennecke to prepare this special treat for sale at our annual fundraiser. -
Sunday ,
SepSeptember 7 , 2025On-site Historical Tour of Beni Israel Cemetery with Dr. David Katzman
Sunday, Sep 7th 4:00p to 5:30p
We are delighted to again have the expertise of Dr. David Katzman, KU Professor Emeritus of American and Jewish Studies, to share with us the fascinating story of the founding, near abandonment, rededication and expansion of the Beni Israel Cemetery in Eudora Kansas. Beni Israel is listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. This event is made possible by the Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council. Participants are invited to gather in advance of the event at 2:30pm at the LJCC for refreshments and carpooling. -
Saturday ,
SepSeptember 13 , 2025
Shabbat, Sep 13th 10:30a to 1:30p
Join us for Saturday Morning services led by Sam Brody & Anna Yonas. -
Sunday ,
SepSeptember 14 , 2025Board Meeting (Hybrid)
Sunday, Sep 14th 9:30a to 11:30a
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Friday ,
SepSeptember 19 , 2025
Friday, Sep 19th 5:30p to 7:30p
The Dubinsky family welcomes you to their home for a backyard BYO-picnic and candlelighting. Bring a blanket for the grass or extra chairs. We'll have wine, grape juice, and challah on hand. The Dubinsky’s home address will be provided day-of via email. -
Sunday ,
SepSeptember 21 , 2025Guided tour at the Spencer Museum of Art
Sunday, Sep 21st 12:00p to 1:00p
In advance of Reverse Tashlich on Sept 28, we will visit the KU's Spencer Art Museum for a guided tour of its special exhibit "Soundings: Making Culture at Sea". All ages are welcome. -
Monday ,
SepSeptember 22 , 2025Erev Rosh Hashanah Services & Dessert “Potluck” Oneg (Hybrid)
Monday, Sep 22nd 7:00p to 9:00p
Please register at ljcc.shulcloud.com/hh -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 23 , 2025Rosh Hashanah Day 1 (Hybrid)
Tuesday, Sep 23rd 9:30a to 1:00p
Please register at ljcc.shulcloud.com/hh -
Tuesday ,
SepSeptember 23 , 2025Tashlich at Burcham Park
Tuesday, Sep 23rd 3:00p to 4:00p
Tashlich at Burcham Park South Powerhouse Rd Lawrence, KS 66044 -
Wednesday ,
SepSeptember 24 , 2025Rosh Hashanah Day 2 (Hybrid)
Wednesday, Sep 24th 9:30a to 1:00p
Please register at ljcc.shulcloud.com/hh
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