Rabbi Monica Kleinman (she/her)
MAHL, M. Ed Admin, RJE
LEADERSHIP & ADMINISTRATION
I have served as head of the religious school for two congregations, and I take immense pride in the communities I helped cultivate into sacred spaces. Below are a few highlights of the work I've been privileged to do in congregational and community settings.
"Monica is an amazing person and Rabbi with an array of skills and care and compassion that are unending. My son has Autism and she did so many things to help make sure he was getting the Jewish education he deserves. She is awe-inspiring and would be a blessing to any family or group she works with. She touched out family in ways I'll never forget." -Shari W
After our trip to the Religious Action Center was cancelled, I created a lobbying trip to Topeka where our 10th graders spoke with our elected leaders about why Medicaid should be available to more residents of our home state of Kansas.
Pre-Covid I worked with a medical professional to craft a vaccination policy for religious school students. The board unanimously passed it in December 2018. Click here for an article I wrote in the synagogue newsletter explaining the connection between vaccinations and Jewish values.
Learners in the Jewish world come with many talents, skills, and ideas to contribute. It is important to find a way to include adults and young people of all abilities in synagogue life.
This academic year necessitated creative programming that emphasized relationships through the screen and Jewish experiences at home. Some families even attended all of our electives in addition to their own time with their coach!
I created this alternative to traditional religious school to help meet the diverse needs families have in the 21st century.
"Rabbi Monica Kleinman is a caring, loving individual. I am grateful not only for her knowledge of Torah but also for her commitment to live justly and kindly. My daughter has special needs, and Rabbi Kleinman communicated regularly with me about how she was doing. I appreciate how extremely supportive Rabbi Kleinman has been of her journey." -Anna G
Connections in the Kansas City Community
Teens from CPS and the Jewish community had their own "Meet a Muslim" event and learned how much more they have in common than they previously thought! I was honored to accept the 2018 Community Outreach Award on behalf of Congregation Beth Torah.
I was the guest speaker many times for a comparative religions course and shared basic information about Judaism, our traditions, and our people.
The congregations' youth groups shared a number of events together, learning about each other's communities and how their faith traditions play a role in their everyday lives.
While the Auschwitz exhibit was at Union Station (2020-2021) I worked with JCRB-AJC to bring interfaith clergy on a tour and dialogue with Jewish clergy afterwards. It was an incredibly rewarding experience.
I oversaw Voter to Voter initiatives for at least four election cycles, urging individuals to vote and urging those in their social circle to vote.
Teens engaged in a conversation about mental health and wellness, and walked away knowing there are many adults in their community who care about them and their wellbeing.
I took high school students on a tour of a synagogue and served as a safe person to whom they could ask Jewish questions. I also helped prepare and facilitate a Holocaust mini-unit for an upper-class ethics course.
I served as one of the lead organizers for the 2019 Refugee Birthday Party, which gave refugee families a reason to celebrate during the winter. During the pandemic I helped facilitate a collection drive of two pack n' play's worth of diapers for little tushies that needed them!
I served as a Jewish representative on the clergy calls during the spring and summer of 2022, as well as was a signatory on a clergy letter opposing the constitutional ban on abortion on the August ballot.
I worked with CASA employees and volunteers to create a virtual evening learning session about the organization and how it helps advocate for children in Jackson County.
Many groups over the years collected funds and supplies to support animals looking for their "furever" home and the people who support them.
For two years I've talked with students from various backgrounds about the similarities between our faith traditions and how we all are working to build a better world.
I led faculty in Sunflower House's Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness training, as well as facilitated a collection drive of stuffed animals for children utilizing the organization's resources.
I led a group of teens as we lobbied for Medcaid expansion throughout the state of Kansas. We met our elected officials and urged them to help ensure every Kansan has access to affordable and quality healthcare.