30 | SEPTEMBER 3 • 2020 

power, but (the kids) are not 
just powerful martial artists,” 
said Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg, 
the founder and global direc-
tor of KKC known to kids as 
“Rabbi G”
. “They are breathing 
in light, pushing out darkness. 

So that’
s peace. And what’
s 
purpose? Ask any kid here and 
they’
ll tell you: to teach you to 
teach the world.” 
The international nonprofit 
KKC, serves more than 7,000 
children, some as young as 
3, in seven countries. Here 
in Michigan, approximately 

2,100 children are served by 
the organization. Worldwide, 
kids are involved at 93 hospi-
tals, and through community 
classes, family support involve-
ment, illness-based camps 
and school-based teaching 
programs, including at Farber 
Hebrew Day School. 
Funded by private donations, 
there is no cost for KKC mar-
tial arts classes and uniforms 
along with other programs, 
events, healthcare-professional 
workshops, and individual and 
family counseling.
In a collaboration with 
KKC’
s new virtually shared 
programming, the drive-
through was recorded on 
video with Ned Specktor, the 
organization’
s on-the-spot dig-
ital reporter, leaping from car 
to car, individually encour-
aging, chanting with and 
acknowledging the achieve-
ments of the kids.
In his role as social media and 
digital content director, Specktor 
has created new creative content 

that is shared online. “This is 
especially important during this 
time of COVID-19 where so 
many of us need ways to reduce 
stress and find ways to calm our-
selves,
” Cohen said. “Our Heroes 
Circle content can help anyone 
with breathing and relaxation 
techniques.
” 
Even with the benefits of 
KKC’
s virtual component 
— including podcasts, video 
interviews with kids, sensei and 
Rabbi G., and a TikTok presence 
— the staff found great value in 
the face-to-face drive-through.
“Knowing the kids were 
dealing with Zoom fatigue, we 
wanted to make the connection 
in person,
” Cohen said. 
“The kids overcome a lot day-
to-day. They were excited and 
really, really wanted to be there 
to celebrate each other. 
“The event exceeded all of 
our expectations. This is a really 
strong community with really 
strong connections, and seeing 
them all come together was 
heartwarming.
” 

For information
on KKC, go to: www.kids-
kickingcancer.org. To join 
the Heroes Circle program, 
access KKC’
s social media 
links on the website.

JOSH SCHWARTZ /ARJO PHOTOGRAPHY

Jews in the D

COURTESY OF LAUREN LESSON

On Aug. 23, 170 Hazon baskets, created in lieu of the canceled 
Jewish Food Festival, were picked up by happy foodies, raising 
$22,000 for the organization. 
The event also gave much needed support to local small 
businesses. 
“Thank you so much for supporting us small businesses!” said 
Kirsten Marie. “Dillicious Canned Goods would have struggled 
without your help!” 
The people on the receiving end of the baskets were pleased as 
well. “The basket exceeds expectations! Fantastic array and so many 
delicious goodies,
” said Kari Grosinger Alterman.
Judy Front added, “This was an amazing event. I tasted things in 
my basket that I never would have tried at the festival! Thank you, 
Hazon, for supporting local food makers and making us foodies 
more aware of what’
s in our own neighborhood!” 

Food Baskets Were a Hit

COURTESY OF SARI CICUREL

The Jewish Emergent Network, in partnership with Yavilah McCoy 
and Dimensions, launched Confessions of the Heart — Antiracism in 
Practice, a 30-Day Racial Equity Challenge for Elul. 
Based on an adaptation of the Al Chet liturgy by McCoy, the chal-
lenge is open to the public and engages participants with a full month 
of antiracism reflection, discovery, action and transformation.
Through weekly emails and web posts, a daily regimen of read-
ings, videos, podcasts and calls to action will aim to open hearts and 
deepen practices around dismantling racism. Across diverse entry 
points, the racial equity challenge will move folks to re-engage their 
emotions, inspire their belief, expand their mindset and recover their 
connections to the infinite. 
This journey offers four weekly emails, 20 daily prompts and two 
virtual communal conversations co-facilitated by McCoy and Jewish 
Emergent Network rabbis. To take the challenge, logon to 
jewishemergentnetwork.org/confessions-of-the-heart 

Drive-By Birthday

Faye Jacobs enjoyed a two-day, drive-by celebra-
tion to mark her 96th birthday. Organized by her 
three children, family and friends signed up for 
15-minute time slots when they could drive up to 
Faye and talk with her while she sat in the shade 
wearing her rhinestone mask. People came from 
as far away as Chicago to help her celebrate. 

Antiracism Challenge

continued from page 28

