At BIAV, we believe strongly that our lives are interconnected beyond the walls of the sanctuary. We offer a number of different social groups meant to stimulate stimulate friendships, discussions, and tikkun olam. We invite you join us at a meeting or event. There is nothing like growing with family!

• Chesed
  
• This program was established to meet the ongoing or situational needs of our members and the greater community who are undergoing difficult times or have the need to personal contact beyond which their immediate family can provide.
  
  A Chesed Memorial Fund was established which provides anonymous funding for individuals who are in situations which require additional assistance.  This could range from shiva meals to helping purchase tefillin for a child whose family may not be able to at that moment.
  
  The committee has developed a unique tracking mechanism for their elderly and home bound members so as to allow an assigned members to visit or call on a regular basis to check on them.  Particularly in times of bad weather when many of our seniors cannot leave their homes even to buy necessities.
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• Synaplex
  The Synaplex initiative is a program of STAR – Synagogues Transformation and Renewal.  STAR is an initiative of major philanthropists Charles and Lynn Schusterman.  BIAV was selected to join other synagogues and temples around the country that have been selected to participate.  Synaplex seeks to connect Jews with their Jewish heritage, utilizing Shabbat, the natural rhythm of the Jewish people.  In Synaplex synagogues, Shabbat becomes a meaningful experience, not only for those who pray.
  
  On a local level, BIAV’s participation in Synaplex is designed to help us achieve our mission of “inspiring all Jews to deepen their commitment to live, learn and love Torah” by providing creative, meaningful, and halachic programming, designed to appeal not only to existing BIAV members, but also to all under-affiliated and non-affiliated Jews in Kansas City.
  
  
• Young Couples
  Program established to provide a social venue for our young couples and single adults to meet on a semi regular basis to socialize outside of the shul yet build a strong, life-long bond between them.  This is led by a dynamic young couple who create exciting and fun entertainment events.
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• Senior Living
• BIAV’s senior members are an integral part of our synagogue family. As our sages tell us “Al Tashlicheni Le’ait Ziknah” – do not forget me in my old age – it is the mission of our congregation to care for our elderly who are homebound or have special circumstances.
  
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• These congregants are paired with members of our Chesed committee who make regular visits and provide assistance when possible.  In addition, festive holiday packages are distributed to many of our senior members.
  
  Senior luncheons with the Rabbi have recently been instituted and were enthusiastically received. Long time member Irene Wurzberger revels in the fact that the synagogue is her extended family.  “I look forward to participating in the many activities at BIAV. I always feel like I am part of a larger family, full of warmth and compassion.
  
  
• Social Action
  Ongoing social action events are scheduled throughout the year to enhance our community and provide opportunities to our members to be a part of the bigger picture in life and to give back to those less fortunate.  This too is led by a dynamic lay leader who is actively involved in the Kansas City area in many aspects of social services.  Some of the few examples are regular blood drives, Habitat for Humanity programs, chesed awareness programs and the Darfur crisis.