With its lush greenery, fragrant Midwest breeze, and a skyline dotted with parks and schools, Olathe has blossomed into a thriving, family-friendly city just thirty minutes outside of Kansas City. Now, for the first time in its 168-year history, the city welcomes its first resident Rabbi: Rabbi Mendel and Sheina Wenger, who, along with their two young daughters, are breathing a new chapter into Jewish life in Olathe.
By Anash.org reporter
Once a stop along the Oregon Trail, Olathe has blossomed into a thriving, family-friendly city just thirty minutes outside of Kansas City. With its lush greenery, abundant parks, top-rated schools, and growing job market, it’s no wonder Olathe is one of the fastest-growing cities in the region, attracting many young families. As the city expands, so too does the need for Jewish infrastructure.
Rabbi Mendel and Sheina Wenger, along with their two young daughters, have joined the city’s 1,200-strong Jewish community—becoming the first resident rabbinic family since Olathe was founded 168 years ago. From their cozy two-story home, the Wengers have begun building community: hosting weekly Shabbos meals, launching a vibrant Jewish Kids Club, organizing holiday events, and offering a unique weekly “Wine and Wisdom” gathering, where participants explore Torah insights over wine and cheese.
Looking to the future, the Wengers envision a dedicated Chabad center—a warm, welcoming space that will serve as a shul, educational hub, and community gathering place. Plans include a Hebrew school, a Mommy and Me program, and personalized Torah study sessions.
“Our goal is to grow as the city grows,” says Rabbi Wenger. “There’s a lot of Jewish potential here, and we want to help bring it to life.”
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