L'dor V'dor Endowment
L'dor V'dor Endowment Fund

Anita Herzfeld (1932-2021), long-time resident of Lawrence and Professor Emeritus of Linguistics and Latin American Studies at the University of Kansas was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1932. Her parents, Walter Herzfeld and Emmy Fischbein de Herzfeld, immigrated from Germany a decade after World War I. Anita earned a bachelor’s degree in sciences in Buenos Aires and studied both in Wales and England to pass the Cambridge University English Certificate examination. She returned to Buenos Aires to teach English.
In 1961, Anita obtained a Fulbright grant to study American literature at the University of Kansas. She earned a Master’s Degree in English with a strong emphasis in Linguistics. Anita returned to Buenos Aires and became Director of Modern Languages at the University of Buenos Aires. These were turbulent political times in Argentine--military police intervened daily in campus affairs, sometimes using tear gas.
At the suggestion of KU’s Dean of the College, George Waggoner, who had become a close friend, she left Argentina and directed groups of KU Junior Year Abroad students at the University of Costa Rica from 1968-1970. The years when Anita taught Linguistics at the University of Costa Rica (as part of the exchange agreement) were happy ones for Anita and
her parents. The students became members of their “extended family,” and the Herzfelds were graciously welcomed by Costa Rican professors and students.
Dean Waggoner advised Anita to return to KU to pursue a Ph.D. in the newly created Department of Linguistics. Her parents returned to Argentina. While studying, she worked both as advisor in the then-called “Foreign Study Office,” and as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Linguistics. In 1977, she became Director of the Office of Study Abroad and
later (1981-85) became Associate Director of International Programs. Her parents joined Anita and lived with her until their deaths, in 1980 and 1983. She had lost most of her other relatives in the Holocaust.
Because of parental illness and death, Anita took a leave of absence from KU. In 1985, she took a position at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. as Executive Director of Central American Peace Scholarships. For five years, she trained Central American students for middle-level careers at U.S. technical colleges. Hundreds of students were first trained in
English, while they learned about life in the U.S. Later, they received practical training and attended regular courses at 10 community or technical colleges nationwide. When the U.S. training grant came to an end, Anita moved back to KU.
She worked at the Center of Latin American Studies for 20 years as an advisor to majors and minors and as Director of Undergraduates. She also taught Latin American sociolinguistics. Anita was awarded more than 10 teaching and research international grants, including Fulbrights. As Director of Study Abroad, she established more than 40 student KU exchange
programs.
Teaching, music, and travel were her passions. Anita retired in 2012 but continued teaching in the Honors Program. She often came to services as well as to many social events at the LJCC. If we saw a bright red car parked outside, we knew Anita was there. She loved to socialize and travel for pleasure. Anita was much-admired, and she was always impeccably
dressed and coiffed. She is buried in B’nai Israel Cemetery, in Eudora, Kansas, along with her parents.
Sat, September 6 2025
13 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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