St. Louis J Winter 2020 Jewish Life

Jewish Life Winter 2020

Your all-in-one guide to Jewish programs and activities!

1

jccstl.org

The J’s mission is to provide meaningful, Jewish experiences for our community, and we are proud to provide so many varied, Jewish programs for all ages and interests.

In our effort to better serve this mission, we offer this guide, which features myriad Jewish programs offered by the J in one place. Everyone is welcome, regardless of faith, denomination, knowledge or background. Please try something new, spread the word and participate in one or many of the great Jewish experiences that we offer at the J!

New Jewish Theatre 2019-2020 Season

Performances at the Staenberg Family Complex Marvin & Harlene Wool Studio Theater

Performance Times Thu 7:30pm Sat 4pm & 8pm Sun 2pm Subscription Options!

Flex Pass

Classic

Enjoy total flexibility with five tickets to use at your discretion

One ticket to each of the four shows

Individual Ticket Prices

Members $180 Public $196

Members $180 Public $196

J Members/Seniors General Admission

$49 $54

Contact NJT Box Office, 314.442.3283 or newjewishtheatre.org for more information.

2019-20 Season Fully Committed

By Becky Mode 12/5-12/22

We Are the Levinsons

By Wendy Kout 3/19-4/5

My Name is Asher Lev

By Aaron Posner adapted from the novel by Chaim Potok 1/23-2/9

Stephen Sondheim’s Putting It Together

By Stephen Sondheim 5/7-5/24

2

Special Events

Save the Dates!

Z3: American Jews & Israel Navigating Our Shared Destiny

Adults and Teens Join us for the first ever St. Louis one-day Zionism conference to learn and deepen our understanding and connection to Israel. Conference will include several expert speakers from around the US and Israel highlighted by keynote Natan Sharansky, Jewish human rights advocate, Israeli politician, and author. Registration includes lunch, opening and closing keynotes and two break-out sessions of your choice. Conference is run in partnership with St. Louis Jewish Federation Center for Jewish Learning and the Jewish Community Relations Council.

Presented by The Ruth & Harold Sher Center of Jewish Life Contact: Diane Maier, 314.442.3190, dmaier@jccstl.org SFC Sun 5/17 10:00am-4:00pm $36

Jewi s h Ar t s & C u l t u re Fe s v a l SAINT LOUIS

Sababa is St. Louis’ premier Jewish Arts and Culture Festival – an outdoor festival showcasing the vibrancy of OCTOBER 14, 2018 contemporary Jewish culture. The Festival features local, regional and national visual art exhibitors, culinary experiences and musical performances, as well as activities presented by local Jewish organizations.

Contact: Diane Maier, 314.442.3190, dmaier@jccstl.org Washington University in St. Louis Sun 10/18 11:00am-6:00pm

33

Featuring Jewish themed art, spiritual, health and wellness workshops. Join us for unique experiences that nourish the mind, body and spirit.

Generously funded in part by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.

Presented by The Ruth & Harold Sher Center of Jewish Life.

Contact: Amy Bornstein, 314.442.3152, abornstein@jccstl.org Follow @thejstl_arts on Instagram

Ceramic Challah Platter

Celebrate the warmth of family, food and Shabbat as you create your own ceramic challah platter. You will be taught how to form the platter and then hand-decorate with patterns, textures or images. The completed dish will be fired for you.

SFC Thu 12/19 6:30-8:30pm $30

Terrariums for Tu B’Shevat

Celebrate the Jewish New Year for Trees! Make a terrarium at Bowood Farms. Learn the art and science of these miniature glass greenhouses. Registration includes all materials to leave with your own terrarium. Arrive early to enjoy Bowood’s nursery, home and garden shop, or Café Osage.

Bowood Farms (4605 Olive St, 63108) Sun 2/9 2:00-3:30pm $30

The Flavors of Purim

Explore the flavors of Purim with local baker Michal Koshner as we discover new takes on the classic hammentaschen - both original and gluten free! Leave with your own selection of freshly baked Purim treats and the recipes to recreate them at home.

SFC Thu 3/5 6:30-8:30pm $25

A Painting of Peace

Learn from local artist Jeff Kapfer, who combines his graphic design influence with his childhood obsession with birds to create vibrant light-hearted paintings inspired by friends, family and everyday life. His work has been shown throughout St. Louis including Houska Gallery, SIBA Gallery and the Saint Louis Art Fair in Clayton, Mo. Drawing on Jeff’s love of birds, participants will receive their own canvas with a dove illustration to paint, taking inspiration from themes of peace and hope, which the dove represents in Judaism.

SFC Thu 4/21 6:30-8:30pm $30 4

Nishmah What is Nishmah?

Nishmah inspires, engages and supports girls and women through educational, spiritual and social programming.

Through a collaborative model, Nishmah strengthens the St. Louis Jewish community. nishmah.org Contact: Larisa Klebe, 314.442.3111, lklebe@jccstl.org

Nishmah Women’s Retreat

Our biennial Shabbat Retreat brings together women of many generations, phases of life and affiliations.

Join us as we explore what it means to live with intention. Stay tuned for more information, and to register!

Contact Larisa if you would like to join the retreat committee.

Pere Marquette Lodge (Grafton, IL) Fri-Sat 5/1-5/2 Price varies based on number of roommates

Ilene Joseph Salon Series

Nishmah’s Salons are intimate, facilitated discussions on topics of interest to Jewish women. Preselected media, such as articles or videos, start and frame the conversation. The program is named for Ilene Joseph z”l, one of Nishmah’s founders and a passionate supporter of the Salon Series.

Discussions are free to attend; donations to Nishmah are welcome.

Facilitators: Afternoon sessions at SFC – Larisa Klebe Evening sessions at private homes (address provided to registrants) – Carly Sparks, MSW, LCSW

December: Immigration…It’s in Our Roots Tue 12/10 12:00-1:30pm Wed 12/11 7:30-9:00pm

March: Broken Friendships, Repairing or Letting Go Tue 3/3 12:00-1:30pm Wed 3/4 7:30-9:00pm

5

Nerot: Young Women of Nishmah

Women in their 20s & 30s Nerot offers enhancements to existing Nishmah programming. Join Nerot and Nishmah for a dinner and discussion preceding our program, Ilene Joseph Salon Series: Immigration…It’s in Our Roots. Learn more about Nishmah and Nerot, enjoy a delicious meal, and meet and engage in conversation with other young Jewish women in the community.

RSVP to Larisa.

Wed 12/11 6:00-7:30pm FREE, donations welcome Takes place at a private home (address provided upon registration)

Immerse: St. Louis Mikvah Project

Nishmah’s trained, volunteer Mikvah Guides facilitate welcoming, transformative and compassionate immersions for Jewish women seeking mikvah experiences of all forms. We look to honor profound changes and acknowledge new stages of life by helping you connect spiritually to the ancient Jewish tradition of the ritual bath. Visit nishmah.org to submit a Mikvah inquiry form.

By appointment

Banot Buddies

2nd-4th grade girls Banot Buddies pairs girls in elementary school with the young women of Nishmah’s Teen Banot Board to take a closer look at relevant topics through a Jewish lens. The relationships between the groups foster leadership skills, self-esteem and a life-long connection to Jewish ideals.

SFC Sun 12/8, 2/16, 4/12 2:30-4:30pm $15 per event

6

Sharsheret Sharsheret Supports is a collaborative project of Nishmah and the national, not-for-profit Sharsheret organization.

Sharsheret, Hebrew for “chain,” provides meaningful support to women and their families facing a diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer, and critical education for the Jewish community regarding increased hereditary risks. With our free resources and educational programming, individuals can better manage their needs and potential risk factors. Sharsheret recognizes and embraces the full spectrum of diversity within our community.

Contact: Debbi Braunstein, 314.442.3266, dbraunstein@jccstl.org

Sharsheret Supports Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Group

This monthly group provides support, connection and education to women in the St. Louis community who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer and are anywhere along their treatment path—before, during, or post treatment. Session are facilitated by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, creating a safe and open space. Newcomers are always welcome, along with female family and friends.

A light kosher dinner is served.

SFC Third Wed/monthly 5:45-7:30pm Free, RSVP requested

Sharsheret Supports Peer Connection

This one-on-one peer support system connects individuals who are diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, those at increased risk, and family members with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences and can offer support and advice. Connections can be made locally and through Sharsheret’s national, extensive peer support program.

By appointment

Seeking Sharsheret Supports Ambassadors!

Ambassadors are the local face and voice of Sharsheret Supports and our link to the community. They connect with individuals who can direct women and families impacted by breast and/or ovarian cancer to Sharsheret’s educational and support programming. They seek opportunities to raise awareness of the increased risk of hereditary cancers in the Jewish community. Ambassadors do not need to be experts but must be willing to learn about the issues and help spread the word. Ambassadors will be trained, and work in partnership with local staff.

7

Community Programs Presented by The Ruth & Harold Sher Center of Jewish Life

Ester and Eric’s One Woman Show A Performance to Benefit New Jewish Theatre

Thanks to a double booking, two frenemies are forced to perform their solo shows on the same stage at the same time. See what TimeOut New York says is an “uproarious event” featuring two “narcissistic actors.” Come for the comedy, stay for the drama.

SFC Sat 1/11 8:00pm $25 General Admission $75 VIP - preferred seating, cocktail reception, meet the actors

Plant for the Future: A Multigenerational Tu B’shevat Celebration!

Families w/children 6 and under (siblings welcome) Be a part of the New Year for the Trees at our Tu B’shevat celebration! In partnership with PJ Library and the Mirowitz Center, we’re throwing a birthday party for trees, including making family trees, planting seeds, eating fruits, creating earth friendly crafts and more!

Contact: Emilie Brockman, 314.442-3267, ebrockman@jccstl.org Mirowitz Center (8 Millstone Campus, St. Louis, 63146) Sun 2/9 4:00-5:30pm Free, RSVP requested

Songleader Boot Camp National Conference

Teens & adults Songleader Boot Camp (SLBC) is an intensive leadership training program for rabbis, cantors, educators and all others interested in offering a profound exploration of the physiology, psychology, strategy and execution behind inspirational Jewish teaching and song leading. SLBC participants experience a powerful three-day immersion program.

Presented by The Ruth & Harold Sher Center of Jewish Life More information: songleaderbootcamp.com or call 314.991.0909.

SFC Sun-Tue 2/16-2/18 8am-9pm $395 (for St. Louis participants)

8

Becoming a Soulful Parent

Parents w/children 5 yrs and younger Grounded in Jewish wisdom, this six-week session guides participants to reflect on the kind of parent (and partner) they want to become and gives participants room to be honest about their struggles as an important first step in experiencing more joy as a parent. If you’d like to be less concerned with how your children behave, and more concerned with valuing your children as they are, then join us on a journey of Becoming a Soulful Parent.

Need a babysitter? You’re covered! KidZone Babysitting is available; must register in advance. Space is limited.

Call KidZone, 314.442.3168, to reserve your spot.

Contact: Michelle Almengor, 314.442.3436, malmengor@jccstl.org SFC Wed 2/26-4/1 6:30-8:00pm Free

Reading Rabbis Does Purim

Families w/children 5 and younger (siblings welcome) Reading Rabbis is back! A special guest Rabbi will join us for a Purim celebration! Come dressed up to celebrate this fun holiday and hear the story of Purim and enjoy a special treat!

Contact: Emilie Brockman, 314.442.3267, ebrockman@jccstl.org SFC Thu 3/5 4:00-5:30pm Free, RSVP requested

Passover in the Matzah Aisle

Families w/ children 6 and under (siblings welcome) What’s in the matzah aisle at Whole Foods? A Passover celebration! Join us for a Passover treat while we learn about the holiday!

Contact: Emilie Brockman, 314.442.3267, ebrockman@jccstl.org Location TBD Sun 4/5 11:30am-1:00pm Free

Family Passover Seder

Families w/children ages 5 and up (siblings welcome) A fun and interactive Passover seder dinner led by Rabbi Brad Horwitz and catered by Simon Kohn’s. Avoid all the cooking and cleaning and come to the J with your whole family for the sixth annual family Seder filled with music, food, activities and more.

Contact: Rabbi Brad Horwitz, 314.442.3271, bhorwitz@jccstl.org SFC Thu 4/9 6:00pm $25/adult • $15/child (age 13 and under)

9

Yom Hazikaron Israel Memorial Day Ceremony

Adults and children ages 10+ Join the St. Louis Jewish community as we honor and remember those soldiers and victims of terrorism who have fallen in the defense of the State of Israel. Program features readings, performances, songs and poems in both Hebrew and English.

Contact: Ariel Milo, 314.442.3137, amilo@jccstl.org SFC Mon 4/27 7:00pm Free

Yom Ha’Atzmaut Israel Independence Community Celebration

All ages Celebrate with the St. Louis Jewish community Israel’s 72nd anniversary in grand style. Save the date for a great time!

Contact: Ariel Milo, 314.442.3137, amilo@jccstl.org SFC Tue 4/28 6:00pm Free

Yom Ha’Atzmaut Family Celebration

It’s a Birthday Party for Israel! Join us for a party you won’t want to miss and stay for Open Play in the Family Center.

Contact: Emilie Brockman, 314.442.3267, ebrockman@jccstl.org Fox Fri 5/1 10:00-11:00am Free, RSVP requested

10

JCC Maccabi 2020 JCC Maccabi Games® & JCC Maccabi ArtsFest® 12-16 yrs (Games); 13-17 yrs (ArtsFest)

Tryouts and Informational Meetings

The JCC Maccabi Games® offer Jewish teens a unique social, cultural and life shaping experience. The Games bring athletes from around the world together and serve a larger purpose than athletic competition, promoting Rachmanus (Compassion), Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), and Amiut Yehudit (Jewish Peoplehood).

JCC Maccabi ArtsFest® is a weeklong arts experience for creative Jewish teens, featuring workshops in a variety of specialties with some of the leading artists in each field and incorporating community service, social activities and themes of Jewish heritage, community and Israel. The program culminates in an exciting final showcase.

• Pre-registration is required for all athletes and artists interested in participating • Visit jccstl.com/maccabi to register • Closer to the tryout dates, visit jccstl.com/maccabi for specific sports available, arts specialties and tryout times A St. Louis delegation will participate in the 2020 JCC Maccabi Games® & ArtsFest® from August 2-7 in San Diego.

Contact: Craig Neuman, 314.442.3434, cneuman@jccstl.org Fox Sun 1/12 & 1/26 Times vary Free to try out Fees will apply to participating athletes and artists

11

BBYO BBYO

8th-12th grade BBYO, the leading worldwide pluralistic Jewish youth organization, is shaping the lives of thousands of teenagers by providing them with leadership opportunities, fostering friendships and creating meaningful Jewish experiences. In BBYO, teens engage in activities that promote growth and development, through youth led programming, community service and interaction with participants around the U .S. and the world. Become a part of the St. Louis Council of BBYO where you will have a blast while making new friends, discovering new interests, and realizing new talents!

Contact: Jake Price, 314.292.9009, jakeprice@bbyo.org Chapter Meetings Fox Tue Aug-May 7-8pm SFC Wed Aug-May 7-8pm $149/membership valid through high school graduation Special Events Locations, times and fees are on a per event basis. Additional activity fees may be required..

BBYO Connect

6th-8th grade Are you ready for BBYO, but not quite old enough? If you’ve had or are about to have your Bar/Bat Mitzvah and are looking for opportunities to meet new teens, experience fun events or hang out with others your own age, explore BBYO Connect. Build long-lasting friendships with your camp, school and synagogue friends as you enter high school and BBYO. Begin experiencing the privileges and obligations of being a member of the Jewish and general communities, as you focus on Judaic, service and social programming. BBYO Connect builds a network of teens across North America at a critical age when kids begin to strengthen their identities.

Contact: Jake Price, 314.292.9009, jakeprice@bbyo.org Locations, times and fees are on a per event basis

12

Jewish Film Festival The Jewish Film Society returns in 2020 just in time to continue the celebration of 25 years of the St. Louis Jewish Film Festival! We will bring back some of the best of the best as we look back at several memorable films since the beginning of our festival. Become a member and get ready to be entertained.

Contact: Zelda Sparks, 314.442.3169, zsparks@jccstl.org Member Benefits • Films are free with membership • Guest tickets are $10 per film • 2020 film dates: 3/8, 4/12, 5/3 • Membership is tax deductible Join Today! $36/individual $54/couple $18/students All films begin at 3:30pm

Jewish Book Festival

Physician and award-winning author Louise Aronson’s Elderhood is an essential, empathetic look at a vital but often disparaged stage of life. For more than 5,000 years, “old” has been defined as beginning between the ages of 60 and 70.

That means most people alive today will spend more years in elderhood than in childhood, and many will be elders for 40 years or more. Yet at the very moment that humans are living longer than ever before, we’ve made old age into a disease, a condition to be dreaded, denigrated, neglected and denied. Geriatrician Louise Aronson uses stories from her quarter century of caring for patients to weave a vision full of joy, wonder, frustration, outrage and hope about aging, medicine and humanity itself.

SFC Wed Free

Sponsored by Barnes-Jewish Hospital. In partnership with the Jewish Community’s Aging Services Collaborative.

13

3/25

7:00pm

J Day Camps: A Camp for Every Kid!

Why J Day Camps?

• Pre- and Post-Care: Arrive as early as 7:00am and pick-up as late as 6:00pm • Two convenient locations: Creve Coeur and Chesterfield • On-site swim lessons and free swim • Camper-choice activities: 3rd graders and older can choose their afternoon adventures • Inclusion support: everyone can camp at the J • Caring, well-trained professional and summer staff • Registration is by the week: no long-term commitment!

Camp options • • • • • • •

Traditional “Little Bit of Everything” Sports Gymnastics Arts Teen Pre-K Teen Skills, for campers with developmental disabilities

14

What’s Jewish About J Day Camps?

Singingorning

We begin each m with Hatikvah and end every lunch with Motzi

Judaica

We have Is rae straight fro li staff m Israel who plan a ctivitie throughout s the week

Shabbagatther

Each Friday, we ity as a camp commun to sing songs and celebrate

Jewish Va lues We integrate th rou camp such ghout as welcoming strangers, caring for o thers, and protec tin our environ g ment.

Full Camp Details • Weeks of May 26 – August 17 • Early Bird prices save $20 per week and run through March 5 • 1:1 Inclusion support is available, 314.442.3295 • Scholarship support is available • Full camp schedule and registration information at jccstl.com/daycamp

15

Registration Form Return: The J, Attn: Registrar, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 We cannot complete registration without payment.

Program Information Program_________________________________________________________ Bldg___________ Day_______________________ Time_____________________ Fee ______________ Program_________________________________________________________ Bldg___________ Day_______________________ Time_____________________ Fee ______________ Program_________________________________________________________ Bldg___________ Day_______________________ Time_____________________ Fee ______________ Program_________________________________________________________ Bldg___________ Day_______________________ Time_____________________ Fee ______________ Program_________________________________________________________ Bldg___________ Day_______________________ Time_____________________ Fee ______________ Program_________________________________________________________ Bldg___________ Day_______________________ Time_____________________ Fee ______________ Participant Information Name_________________________________________________________________________ o Member o Public Age __________________________ DOB ____________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________ State _________________ Zip _________________ Home Phone ___________________________________________________________________ Alt Phone (emergency) ____________________________________________________________ Email ________________________________________________________________________ Signature _____________________________________________________________________ Payment Information Total Enclosed $____________________________________ Check # ______________________

(payable to the J) o Charge my credit card on file o Place my credit card on file* Card # ___________________________________________ Exp __________________________ Signature _____________________________________________________________________ *Name as it appears on card ____________________________________________ *Billing address (if different) ____________________________________________

jccstl.org