Leadership & Staff
Leadership at the LJCC
The LJCC is a lay-led, horizontally-constituted community. Our activities are powered by volunteer efforts aided by a handful of staff members.
The LJCC has a volunteer Board of Directors. The board, which meets regularly, and various committees oversee programming and the other matters relevant to daily congregational operations as well as the business of the B'nai Israel Cemetery.
For general questions or to get involved, contact Lara Giordano or call the LJCC front office at (785) 841-7636.
Officers of the Board:
Rita York Hennecke, President
Shelley Skie, Treasurer
Suzanne Sherr, Corresponding Secretary
Suzanne Sherr, Corresponding Secretary
Heather Frost, Recording Secretary
Robin Rosenberg, Past President
Members at large:
Rachel Benefiel
Sam Brody
Siobhán Kirchstein
Cameron Leader-Picone
Anne Schulman
Jordan Yochim
Staff

Lara Giordano, PhD
Director of Programming, Engagement, & Development
Lara came to the LJCC in January 2023 following a brief but happy enough career as an academic philosopher. Please reach out to Lara with any questions that you have about the LJCC or the pleasures of building Jewish community in NE Kansas - or to talk about how Judaism may (or may not) secretly inform the critical philosophies of secular Jewish thinkers such as Marx, Freud, Benjamin, Adorno.

Nixx Sandidge (they/them)
Office Administrator
Nixx moved to Lawrence from Middle Tennessee and is now a proud NoLaw Sandrat and DoCo Master Gardener.
Generally, Nixx staffs the office between 8:30am and 12:00pm. Appointments by request during this time.
Religious School Director
Learn more about the LJCC Religious School and its director.
Tue, September 2 2025
9 Elul 5785
All Events
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Thursday ,
SepSeptember 4 , 2025Jews and Baseball in America - a complicated relationship
Thursday, Sep 4th 6:00p to 7:00p
This presentation takes a closer look at the unique and evolving connection between Jewish life and baseball in America, beginning in the 1870s. While legendary figures like Sandy Koufax and Hank Greenberg often dominate the narrative, the Jewish impact on baseball extends far beyond the diamond — reaching into coaching, ownership, broadcasting, and even the creation of the World Series itself. At the same time, baseball has played a significant role in shaping Jewish identity, community, and culture in the United States. Through the stories of both well-known stars and lesser-known "cup-of-coffee" players, we’ll explore how baseball has reflected and influenced what it means to be Jewish in America. This is a story of mutual transformation — a look at how baseball and Jewish life have shaped each other over the decades. -
Friday ,
SepSeptember 5 , 2025
Friday, Sep 5th 7:00p to 9:00p
Join us for Friday Night services. Services will be followed by a potluck oneg. Let us know in the notes section what you might bring. -
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 Art Museum
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
Joing our Mailing List
Email lawrencejcc@gmail.com to subscribe!
Upcoming Events:
Tue, September 2 2025 9 Elul 5785
Lawrence Jewish Community Congregation
917 Highland Drive
Lawrence, KS 66044
785.841.7636
lawrencejcc@gmail.com
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