Once a stop along the Oregon Trail, Olathe has blossomed into a thriving, family-friendly city just thirty minutes outside of Kansas City. 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. 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.”
