From left, Rama Subramaniam, Anasuya Subramaniam, 5, and Anitha Subramaniam pick up pastries from Loraine Lindenbaum during the Blintz Brunch at the Lawrence Jewish Community Center. The brunch is the center's main fundraiser.

Spinach, cottage cheese and beaten eggs were three ingredients that brought together a diverse cross-section of community members at Sunday’s Blintz Brunch, hosted by the Lawrence Jewish Community Center, 917 Highland Dr.

Susan Elkins, LJCC’s president, said the event was a chance for people of all faiths to embrace different ideas and learn about the Jewish community in Lawrence.

“It’s an opportunity for education and sharing,” she said. “It’s also a really important opportunity for our members to work together. It’s very invigorating.”

LJCC members worked all summer to make 5,000 blintzes, a traditional Jewish pastry, storing them in a local Hy-Vee freezer; the blintzes were then sold at the luncheon.

Similar to dumplings, blintzes are often stuffed with spinach and potatoes and topped with a fruit sauce. Elkins estimated that 400 to 500 people attended the luncheon, which included a silent auction of items donated by local merchants and members of the synagogue. She said LJCC hoped to raise $10,000 that the community center will use for educational projects. It also will donate a portion of the proceeds to local causes.

It is the community center’s lone annual fundraiser; Elkins said about 80 people belong to the synagogue, and having more than one event is too heavy a burden.

“We’re an aging community,” which makes it difficult for the small group to coordinate multiple events, she said.

LJCC member Jason Orwitz said people in Lawrence look forward to the annual event, now in its 44th year.

“It’s become more of a total community affair. Most of the people who attend are not Jewish,” he said. “If you don’t see someone throughout the year, you’ll see them here.”

Lawrence residents Ron and Donna Meyers were attending their first Blintz Brunch in 20 years. With empty plates in front of them, the Meyerses said they enjoyed the meal and were impressed with the turnout.

“It looks like everybody didn’t stay home to watch the Chiefs play,” Ron joked.

They said they came to the brunch 20 years ago to support local Jews after anti-Semitic graffiti appeared around town. This time, they came to support a neighbor who helped prepare the blintzes.

But more than anything the brunch was a way to create a common ground where Jews and non-Jews can learn about each other. Cheryl Lester, a synagogue member and Kansas University professor, said the event brought the Jewish community together but also welcomed anyone who wanted to learn more about the center’s offerings.

“It’s an occasion where the doors are open,” she said. “It’s a welcoming and neutral way to visit.”