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< Back Rainforest Action Initiative This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Power in Numbers 30 Programs 50 Locations 200 Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Desert Wildlife Conservation This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Power in Numbers 30 Programs 50 Locations 200 Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next

Projects Desert Wildlife Conservation This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More Rainforest Action Initiative This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More Renewable Energy Program This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More Zero Carbon World This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More

< Back Renewable Energy Program This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Power in Numbers 30 Programs 50 Locations 200 Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next

< Back Zero Carbon World This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. You can create as many collections as you need. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own, or import content from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, videos and more. You can also collect and store information from your site visitors using input elements like custom forms and fields. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Preview your site to check that all your elements are displaying content from the right collection fields. Power in Numbers 30 Programs 50 Locations 200 Volunteers Project Gallery Previous Next

Our Mission Ahavath Achim Congregation (AAC), affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, is the only egalitarian Conservative congregation in Wichita, Kansas. We are committed to perpetuating Jewish life for our members and the larger Jewish community by: 1 Providing religious, educational, community service, and cultural events ​ 2 Nurturing a sense of belonging to the local and worldwide Jewish communities, and the State of Israel 3 Growing connections to God ​ ​ ​ Our Vision To provide a meaningful Conservative Jewish experience through worship, education and social events throughout all stages of life. Our Core Values Talmud Torah Jewish Learning Engaging in lifelong Torah study and transmitting a contemporary Jewish approach to living. Avodah Service to God and Humanity Offering meaningful experiences that develop individual and communal spiritual growth. Gemilut Chasadim Acts of Lovingkindness Caring for each other in times of joy and times of sorrow. Chavurah Togetherness Fostering a close-knit and supportive community. Hachnasat Orchim Hospitality Creating welcoming and inclusive Jewish experiences open to everyone.

Get Involved at AAC What does it mean to get involved at AAC? ​ Being involved at AAC means engaging in Jewish living whether that means doing mitzvot, learning, coming to services or simply participating in building community. By helping create meaningful events or volunteering behind the scenes to keep AAC a vibrant congregation, you can connect with Jewish life at AAC. The Joan S. Beren Jewish Community School The Joan S. Beren Jewish Community School is a joint effort of the two Jewish congregations in Wichita, Ahavath Achim Congregation and Congregation Emanu-El, to provide a broad and comprehensive Jewish education for our children from pre-K through 9th grade. Read More Volunteer Your Time Volunteers hold a community together. Volunteering connects you to your community and makes it a better place. Currently we have congregants volunteering in the kitchen, participating in services, hosting group events, and helping with set-up and tear down of activities. Where do you fit in? Do you have something different you can offer? We will be stronger with you. Read More Adult Education Ahavath Achim Congregation offers a variety of opportunities for adults to study Torah together and learn more about Jewish living. Read More Sponsor a Kiddush Please consider participating as a co-sponsor of a Kiddush to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and any other happy events in your family, or maybe just to make Kiddush extra special. Read More Chesed Gemilut Chasadim/Acts of Lovingkindness is one of the core values that we strive to embody at AAC. Every act of kindness matters. Read More Become Part of our Community We want you to be part of Jewish life at AAC and in Wichita! In a small Jewish community like ours, every single person matters. Click below to learn how to become part of our congregation. Read More

Volunteer Your Time Volunteers hold a community together. Volunteering connects you to your community and makes it a better place. Currently we have congregants volunteering in the kitchen, participating in services, hosting group events, and helping with set-up and tear down of activities. Where do you fit in? Do you have something different you can offer? We will be stronger with you. Kiddush lunches are a tradition at AAC. We gather for food and conversation after Shabbat Services Saturday morning which is a great way to connect with our community. Consider preparing or sponsoring one of these lunches. ​

Meet Our Team Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone's rabbinate is devoted to: meeting people where they are collaborating with partners balancing tradition and innovation cultivating a multiplicity of pathways into Jewish learning and living centering on our relationships with each other, Torah, and God ​ Rabbi Pepperstone received his rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary (New York City) in 2002, where he also studied Jewish Education at the Davidson School of Jewish Education. Following his ordination, he served as rabbi in various capacities in Louisville, KY, including director of their local USY chapter, director of the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School, and Assistant Rabbi for Youth and Education at Keneseth Israel Congregation. From 2008 to 2011, Rabbi Pepperstone served as the first Rabbi-in-Residence at the Gross Schechter Day School in Cleveland, OH. From 2011 to 2020, Rabbi Pepperstone served as the rabbi of Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas in Syracuse, New York, where in addition to serving his congregation, he also was involved in Syracuse's interfaith community, both in the areas of dialogue and education, as well as social action and justice. He holds a BA in Linguistics with a Minor in Hebrew Language from the University of California in San Diego. ​ During the past two decades, Rabbi Pepperstone has made professional development a cornerstone of his growth as a rabbi, including non-profit management, davening leadership, and pastoral care. Rabbi Pepperstone is married to Cantor Paula Pepperstone, who served Keneseth Israel as their first female cantor between 2002 to 2008. They have three children who arrived in Wichita in 2020: Hadar, Aviyah, and Matan. In addition, Rabbi Pepperstone is an avid cook and bread baker. A board game enthusiast, he aspires to develop a series of role playing games based on the Jewish lifecycle and festival calendar. Rabbi Pepperstone is a Hebrew grammar guru, stand-up comedy aficionado, Star Wars expert, and pop culture trivia master. ​ Rabbi and Cantor Pepperstone and their kids were excited to arrive in Wichita in summer 2020, and are enjoying the Jewish community of Wichita and the greater community of Wichita and Kansas. rabbipepperstone@gmail.com Cantor Paula Pepperstone Cantor Paula Pepperstone grew up in New Jersey singing in her synagogue’s children’s choir and reading Torah. Encouraged by her rabbi and cantor to attend the Jewish Theological Seminary’s H.L. Miller Cantorial School, she did so after graduating from Indiana University’s School of Music, and serving on the Hillel board and leading High Holiday services at IU. ​ After cantorial school, she and her family moved to Louisville, Kentucky where she was the cantor of Keneseth Israel. After six fulfilling years there, including three years on the Cantors Assembly's Executive Council, the five Pepperstones moved to Cleveland, Ohio where Cantor Pepperstone focused on pedagogy. The Pepperstones spent nine years in Syracuse, New York. While there, she worked side-by-side with her husband (a rabbi) at Congregation Beth Sholom-Chevra Shas, was the Director of the Rabbi Jacob H. Epstein High School of Jewish Studies, and taught in the Syracuse Community Hebrew School. Her community work there spanned serving on the Syracuse Jewish Family Services/Group Residence Board and on the Education Committee at the Syracuse Hebrew Day School to co-founding a monthly Jewish chant group. ​ In 2020, Cantor Pepperstone and her family moved to Wichita, Kansas, where she is the cantor for Congregation Ahavath Achim - Hebrew Congregation, and her husband is the rabbi. The Pepperstones have discovered the warmth of this community and the beauty of the Plains. cantorpepperstone@gmail.com Ellen Beren, AAC President president@aacwichita.org Hannah See, Administrator Hannah.See@jsbwjcc.org (316)-685-1339 Denise Bassett, Bookkeeper denise@jsbwjcc.org (316)-685-1339 AAC Board Members President: Ellen Beren First VP: Jeff Greenberg Second VP: Buma Fridman Secretary: Dan Chocron Treasurer: Lisa Klaskin ​ Gabbai: Jan Hoffman ​ Board of Directors of Ahavath Achim Congregation 2022-2023 Joyce Bachus Andi Bannister Cliff Bayne Laura Black Matt Conrad Ludmilla Fridman Jenn Gipson Debbie Hoffman Susan Mandlebaum Cynthia Walker Stephen Zacker Tiffany Zacker ​ ​

AAC Third Place Events AAC is also about being your “third place.” “First place” is your home and being with those you live with. “Second place” is your workplace. “Third place” is where community is built, where you relax, see familiar faces and make new acquaintances. For AAC’s Third Place events, we meet either at the WJCC, a pub, or someone’s home, and mainly focus on more playful Jewish learning, light conversation, and good food and drink. As with all AAC events, everyone is welcome! Bring a friend! ​ Click on each icon to learn more! ​ ​ Poker and Parshah Torah on Tap Mifgash Game Day Poker and Parshah Each month on a Sunday evening from 7-9pm, we get together at the WJCC to play poker (mostly Texas Hold’em and all for fun), enjoy each other’s company, and pause during the play for some Torah study about the coming week’s Torah portion. At the end of the evening, we give our trophies for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and First Out. ​ The cost of the event is $10, which covers refreshments and also contributes to Rabbi Pepperstone’s discretionary fund, which enables him to help people in need. We announce the date at the beginning of the month. Torah on Tap Each month, generally on a Thursday from 7-9pm, we meet at a local pub, bar or eatery, enjoy the local fare (we ask that in the spirit of Jewish dietary practice, we ask that everyone order dairy or vegetarian food), and engage in discussion about a topic of Jewish learning that is a little off the beaten path. We have discussed Jewish sources on beer, gambling, the afterlife, and the real reasons behind Hanukkah. We have met at the River City Brewery, Wichita Brewing Company, and Pour House ICT. We announce the date and location at the beginning of the month. Mifgash Each month, either on a Sunday or Thursday evening, we meet in someone’s home, relax in their living room or dining room, enjoy light refreshments, and engage in a topic that Rabbi Pepperstone and the host have developed together, based on the hosts’ interests. This past year, we have looked at why Yom Kippur is one of the most joyful days on the Jewish calendar, a kabbalistic take on Abraham and Lot’s relationship, and looked how we construct memories by looking at an AAC Video from our 90th anniversary celebration and Jewish sources. We have almost all of our hosts lined up for the Winter and Spring of 2022. If you would like to host a Mifgash evening at your home, contact Rabbi Pepperstone! Game Day Each month, we meet on a Sunday afternoon for three hours to spend time together playing games - Board games, card games and any kind of games! We have a small game library for you to find something to play, or you can bring games to teach, share and play. We enjoy a few hours of game play, light refreshments and the company of others around the tables. PP TOT Mifgash Game day Future Third Space Events If you have an idea for a Third Space event or a venue we should check out, contact Rabbi Pepperstone

ABOUT US With a history spanning over 100 years, our congregation has many members who are third and fourth generation. Many more recent member families and individuals of all ages, from Wichita and other areas of the country, are active in our congregation. Our name, Ahavath Achim, means "brotherly love," which is the essence of our congregation. We strive to create a warm and friendly atmosphere. We consider everyone family and try to meet the needs of all members and their children. OUR HISTORY read more SERVICES read more EDUCATION read more GETTING INVOLVED read more OUR FACILITIES read more OUR COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE read more

C Weekly Email>> Monthly Newsletter>> Become a Member>> Facebook>> Calendar>> We'd love to hear from you! Contact our Office Name Email Message Submit Thanks for submitting! Subscribe Become a Member To become a member of AAC ​ fill out our application ​ ​ and contact us if you have any questions ​ Become a Member Connect with AAC on Facebook Facebook Monthly Our Monthly Newsletter: The Shofar View our monthly issue of The Shofar: ​ The Current Issue of the Shofar ​ We distribute the Shofar via email every month. You can subscribe to all of our email in our Subscribe form.