Champion Spotlight: Simon Abrahms on Jewish Traditions, Family, and Community at Village Shalom
Throughout Jewish American Heritage Month, Village Shalom is celebrating the traditions, values, and stories that continue to shape our community. As part of our Summer of Champions series, we are highlighting residents, families, and leaders whose experiences reflect the importance of connection, compassion, and preserving Jewish heritage across generations.
This month’s Champion Spotlight features Simon Abrahms, President at Village Shalom, whose lifelong appreciation for family, learning, and Jewish traditions continues to help guide the culture and mission across the community.
The Tradition of Passover Seder
When asked what Jewish tradition has stayed with him throughout his life, Simon’s answer came immediately: the Passover Seder.
“It’s a time when family comes together in one place no matter where they reside across the country,” he shared. “Those are memories children carry forward throughout their lives.”
For Simon, Passover has always represented more than tradition alone — it is about connection across generations, storytelling, asking The Four Questions (as the oldest child) and gathering together as family. He even laughed while recalling one childhood memory from Seders growing up: his first taste of sweet Passover grape wine, known as Manischewitz.
At Village Shalom, the annual Passover Seder continues to be one of the community’s most meaningful traditions, bringing residents and families together to celebrate faith, heritage, and shared memories.
Values Passed Through Generations
The values instilled in Simon by his family continue to guide both his personal and professional life today.
“Support one another no matter what,” he said. “Work together. Make progress and contribute with the highest degree of honesty and integrity, and proceed without being conspicuous.”
Those lessons expanded into principles he now hopes to pass on to future generations:
- Respect others regardless of an individual’s background or social status
- Be a lifelong learner
- Continue gathering knowledge about the world and its history
- Understand that respect is earned, not granted
- Well done is much better than well said
- Give more than you take and use all the hours that G-d sends
- Never take credit for work or accomplishments of others
These values are deeply connected to the culture of Village Shalom and reflect the strong sense of community found across the campus.
Preserving Jewish Traditions at Village Shalom
For many families in the Kansas City area, Village Shalom remains a place where Jewish traditions, community, and intergenerational connection continue to thrive.
From regular services to celebrating both major and minor Jewish holidays and life events, Simon believes Village Shalom plays an important role in preserving the traditions and values that connect generations. Maintaining these traditions can be seen throughout Village Shalom—from faith-based music and enriching cultural programming to the display of Judaica across campus and mezuzot adorning residents’ doorways. (Be sure to visit and explore the Klein Collection of Judaica featured throughout the community.) “We stay united and continue traditions from the youngest generation to the oldest,” he explained. “There’s a common thread that connects us all.”
Residents especially enjoy gathering with loved ones for familiar traditions like the Passover Seder, creating meaningful opportunities to celebrate together while continuing customs that have been cherished for decades.
Building Connection Across Generations
As we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month, Simon’s story serves as a reminder that champions are not only defined by titles or accomplishments but by the values they carry forward, the communities they strengthen, and the example they set for future generations.
At Village Shalom, these moments of tradition, learning, and connection continue to shape everyday life across the community.
This summer, we honor the champions who preserve Jewish heritage, foster belonging, and inspire connection across generations.
