New Member Profile: Ari and Danny Lenz

BASICS: What are your names and any nicknames?

Danny, Ari (Klugman), Jack (8 almost 9), Zadie (6) and Apollo (4 almost 5) Lenz

YOU: Tell us about you and your family.

I grew up in Hopkins with my parents, Terry and Kathleen Klugman, and I have three sisters— Ginger, Jessi and Dani (my brother Jack passed away) who all went to Hopkins. Danny is from Lawrence, Kansas. You will frequently see someone in our family sporting a Jayhawk - Rock Chalk! Danny and I both work in local government.  Our three kids all attend Hopkins Schools and are in the Spanish Immersion program. We spend most of our time juggling between kids activities and spending time with family (I have three sisters who also grew up in Hopkins too). We also have two dogs Quill (Goldendoodle) and Muffin (Yorkie).

BELONG: What does belonging to a synagogue mean to you?

Finding a sense of community that will welcome us and support our family in learning and honoring our culture. Since joining, we have felt welcomed and our kids are learning so much at HaMakom! They love getting to do projects and play with their new friends!

HERE: Why did you choose Bet Shalom?

I have been a fan of Bet Shalom from afar for a long time. Our family is diverse in multiple ways and it was important to us that we find a place where we would feel welcome. Bet Shalom has a reputation for creating that type of culture.