Jewish Light Digital Edition: Jan. 11, 2023

BY PATRICIA CORRIGAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

Henry VIII’s wives are coming to town to entertain you in “Six,” a new award-winning Broadway musical. Wynton Marsalis, Liz Callaway, Lizzo, Béla Fleck, Wynonna Judd and Trevor Noah all are booked here as well. Richard Thomas will be onstage as Atticus Finch in Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” — and reviews from other cities are all raves.

Museums will offer exhibits on local music legends, historic armor and (Claude) Monets paired with (Joan) Mitchells. Colorful floral displays imitating art will be on display for just three days, but exquisite orchids will have their own monthlong show.

Patrons of the cultural arts also can expect additional plays, concerts, operas, dance performances, exhibits and art fairs (indoors and out) through May.

For kids, the legendary Metro Theater Company will present two plays that also will captivate the adults who love those kids, Mickey Mouse and his many friends will skate into town, the Paw Patrol will endeavor to protect the community, and a magic show ideal for all ages is scheduled.

More Good News: If — in spite of all the fabulous entertainment options available for the next five months — you find you yourself with a case of the blues, an antidote is at hand. Blue Man Group will

out-blue you and then leave you astonished, delighted and laughing out loud.

See our Winter/Spring Arts Guide listings on pages 11-16, where you’ll find dates, times, venues and links where you can buy tickets. Now, go!

A real ‘mensch’ on the bench

Retired county judge celebrates 100th birthday

BY ELLEN HARRIS SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

“Pull in the garage so you don’t get wet in the rain,” retired St. Louis County Judge Arthur Litz writes in an email. At the appointed time, he stands there in his signature bow tie and jacket. He opens the door to his immaculately kept home in Olivette, where he lives alone.

Sitting on a hardback chair, he reminisces with total recall. No surprise there. In his 90s, the judge still was driving around Missouri hearing arbitration and mediation cases. And he held a class of Washington University students spellbound for two hours speaking in detail without notes.

“This is a man you don’t play Trivial Pursuit against,” says his son, Howard Litz.

After his 100th birthday Jan. 9, which will be celebrated with a party, Judge Litz will continue his third career in law. For 56 years, he’s been a writer, reviewing books for the St. Louis Bar Journal.

For fun, he needlepoints pictures, a

New Jewish Theatre will present Neil Simon’s ‘Broadway Bound’ from Jan. 19 through Feb. 5. Pictured are Jacob Flekier, Jenni Ryan and Spencer Kruse.

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Dance St. Louis presents Giordano Dance Chicago on Feb. 25 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.

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Judge Arthur Litz

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Autumn Dennis, who works at Central Reform Congregation, skates with the St. Louis’ Arch Rival Roller Derby league and will be joining with Jewish Roller Derby next month.

MEET ‘CHAI Y’ALL’

St. Louisan skates

on international Jewish Roller Derby team

By day, 31-year-old Autumn Dennis works as director of communications and online hospitality at Central Reform Congregation. But outside of work, Dennis, who identifies as non-binary and completed their conversion to Judaism in October 2021, is known in the world of roller derby as Sin or Chai Y’all (depending on which team Dennis is playing).

Dennis plays for Arch Rival Roller Derby, a St. Louis league which in 2020 was ranked fifth among more than 400 worldwide members in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), roller derby’s international governing body.

In November, Dennis learned that Jewish Roller Derby was looking to draft more players. Jewish Roller Derby, created in 2018, is an international roller derby team made up of 30 women/non-binary Jewish skaters who travel and compete nationally. For the tryout, Dennis was instructed to get video recorded at a scrimmage as well as executing a few basic roller derby skills. They didn’t think they had much of a chance at making the team, but they

“I didn’t know if I was good enough. I had never skated at that level,” said Dennis, a self-described introvert who seems to exude positivity and energy. “I didn’t know if my body was ready for it after all the surgeries I had (more on that later). But I also know you only live once so why not go for it? I tried out not on a total whim, but it felt like a longshot. Then they reached out to me and said, ‘We would love to have you.’ ”

Southern Skate Showdown in Thibodaux, La., one of a handful of tournaments the Jewish team will compete in this year. Jewish Roller Derby will face other state- and nation-based teams in the tournament Feb. 24-26.

Dennis explained that they first got into roller skating — what they call quad skating — as a youngster growing up in Nashville, Tenn.

“I was not athletic at all as a kid,” said Dennis. “My sister was a softball star, but I loved roller skating and rollerblading. Most Friday nights I was at the roller rink or skating around the neighborhood. When my sister would have softball, I would be on quad skates skating circles around the softball park.”

When Dennis was 18, their father suggested they try out for Nashville’s roller derby league. “To find out that there was a sport for people like me on skates. It changed my life,” said Dennis, who skated with Nashville Roller Derby for two-and-a-half years before moving to St. Louis in 2017 and joining Arch Rival.

The rules of roller derby are fairly straightforward. Five members from each team take the oval track at one time, where they skate counterclockwise. Four of those players

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Dennis, aka Chai Y’all, will meet their new Jewish teammates (Challah Back Girl, Mazel Tough?) next month when the team competes at the Y’Allstars

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Arthur Litz: Retired county judge celebrates his 100th birthday

hobby he picked up in his 80s.

Several pieces of his handiwork hang near his wall of photographs. These include his class reunion photographs from Washington University, Class of ’44, and from Harvard Law School, Class of ’47. He and his roommate are the only ones left.

“I don’t have a lot of peer pressure these days,” Litz says.

In a front-page story in July, Missouri Lawyers Weekly proclaimed Litz the “Oldest Living Missouri Judge.”

“How old do you feel?”

“Seventy,” Litz answered. Until the pandemic, he worked out in a

gym twice a week. He looks like he did 30 years ago, when state law required him to retire.

Litz was appointed to the bench in 1975 by then-Gov. Kit Bond; prior to that he had a general practice for 28 years, which included civil, criminal, family, estate and trust cases.

“I wanted to be of service to the state and the community,” Litz says, referring to his appointment as a judge. “I’d always looked up to and admired judges like Noah Weinstein, who became a mentor. I learned a lot about people sitting on the bench. I enjoyed being with them and solving their problems within the law. I was like an umpire in a ball game.”

One early ruling was unusual for the time.

Centenarians and ‘cognitive super agers’

Judge Arthur Litz is among the less than 1% of Americans who celebrate their 100th birthday, according to the U.S. Census 2020.

“Judge Litz is the Tom Brady of judges,” says Dr. Eric Lenze, the chair of the psychiatry department at Washington University School of Medicine, referring to the NFL quarterback Tom Brady who remains competitive at age 45. Lenze, a geriatric psychiatrist, calls the judge a “cognitive super ager,” a person over the age of 80 who retains good cognitive and functional abilities and is in good mental health. That means he can look forward to more good years, according to research from Vrije University in Amsterdam. Lenze defines: “A successful ager as a person 65 to 80 who lives independently and works or volunteers which gives his or her life purpose. And they’re free of cognitive problems, mainly depression, and free of dementia.”

Successful agers have three things to accomplish in order to enjoy what Lenze calls “a health span,” living free of major health problems such as depression. One must exercise, practice good nutrition and prepare for surgery.

“The average older adult will have nine major and minor surgeries in his or her lifetime,” Lenze says. “One out of

“A young couple had nothing but a beautiful 3-year-old girl,” Litz says. “The mother, a convicted prostitute, and the father, a convicted drug dealer, fought over custody. I could have given the child to foster care. But the case haunted me. A week later, I recalled the mother’s testimony. She said she got along well with her mother-in-law, who often babysat. So, I awarded the grandmother custody of the toddler.”

The judge was ahead of his time in rec-

seven older adults dies within a year after major surgery from complications or underlying causes. If they survive post-op, they can develop delirium or suffer an injurious fall.”

Lenze studies the new field of perioperative mental health. That’s the time period from preoperative to the operation itself to post-op recovery.

“We raise the alarm on preoperative health to improve the outcome of surgery,” he says.

Judge Litz may have had a genetic boost from his mother, who lived alone until her death at 102 and was mentally in good condition. But good genes aren’t enough, says Dr. Ellen Binder, a geriatrician at Washington University School of Medicine.

“While there are going to be more and more Americans living into their 90s and more centenarians, half the people over 80-85 have dementia. It’s important to be proactive,” she says.

“Lifestyle interventions help us do better. The earlier and longer we do them, the better the outcome. Eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep and exercise.”

Most elderly worry about developing Alzheimer’s. “One of the most treatable risk factors is exercise,” Lenze says.

— Ellen Harris

ognizing women as equals. In 1975, only 6.6% of American lawyers were women. Fewer were trial attorneys. Only a handful litigated cases in the county courthouse.

“Unlike the other judges who didn’t want us there and made that very clear, Judge Litz was always encouraging and treated us equally to men,” says Pat Simons, a former female litigator who went on to establish Ready Readers.

Continues on opposite page

•

Retired St. Louis County judge Arthur Litz (right) talks with guests at a 100th birthday celebration held

PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

Litz became known for helping all young lawyers, says Lawrence Mooney, retired from the Missouri Court of Appeals-Eastern District.

“He was the smartest circuit judge on the bench, yet very unassuming,” Mooney says.

U.S. District Judge John A. Ross, who then was an assistant county prosecutor, recalls Litz as “lighthearted, which eased the tension between lawyers while still maintaining judicial decorum. All of the judges, lawyers and litigants respected him.”

Litz once had to referee his own brethren.

“In the 1980s, there were factions among the county judges with a lot of fighting, which caused the Missouri Supreme Court to intervene,” Ross says. “Through all of that, Judge Litz was a stabilizing force and part of the solution.”

What keeps Litz going is his sense of purpose. He developed that after he was rejected for service during World War II.

“The first artillery shell to go off, you’ll be totally deaf,” he recalls an otolaryngologist telling him. “Stay in college and make something of yourself.”

The judge went home and wept. He continued in college and graduate school, taking every history course Washington University offered before starting Harvard Law School.

Upon graduation, the State Department recruited the young lawyer to work on the Nuremberg war crimes trials after WWII. His mother became hysterical; the Holocaust had wiped out her family in Eastern Europe.

“You go there, the Germans will kill you,” she wept.

Litz reluctantly turned down the historic assignment.

With his passion for history, Litz founded the St. Louis County Historical Society, sat on the County Historic Buildings Commission and served as president of the County Law Library.

For 20 years, Litz and his wife, Adele, who died last spring, taught Sunday School at Temple Emanuel.

“We developed a program,” Litz says, “where we asked the kids, ‘Who would you like to talk to?’ They chose Dr. Jonas Salk (who developed one of the first polio vaccines), and we interviewed him by phone.”

The Litzes would have been married 70 years this year. Both came from New York. The judge’s family moved here when he was 16. Adele Fern Ravitz visited a girlfriend in St. Louis, Litz’s sister-in-law.

“We met in February, became engaged in April, and married in June,” Judge Litz says.

Their family includes sons Howard Litz, who is retired and lives in K’Far Saba, Israel, and Robert Litz, a lawyer here, and daughter Gwen Litz, who raises Australian shepherds in Minneapolis. The family includes three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Each year, Litz travels to Israel by himself to visit Howard and his family.

Sixty-nine years of matrimony is a something of a milestone. So is the judge’s officiating at more than 700 marriages.

Litz recommends to newlyweds, “Keep the flame going. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Be a good companion as well as a lover and a friend. Don’t lose your sense of humor.”

His wit came in handy when he served on a committee of judges and prosecutors who spent four years in the late 1970s rewriting the Missouri criminal code.

“We eliminated the crime of bestiality because no one had ever been prosecuted for it. Years later, one state legislator pitched a fit after a man was found in the act. She wanted a penalty,” recalls retired Cole County Circuit Judge Byron L. Kinder. “I called and told Art.”

Judge Litz’s response: “Wouldn’t she think getting caught would be punishment enough?”

Jewish Federation, JCRC welcome rabbi for ‘Courageous Communities’ talk

The SH’MA: Listen! Speaker Series and Courageous Communities presents a Jan. 26 discussion from 7 to 8:30 p.m. by guest lecturer Rabbi Shoshana Cohen on “Who Didn’t Know Joseph – Navigating Questions of Jewish Power and Vulnerability Across Generational Divides.”

Cohen is a senior faculty member at the Shalom Hartman Institute and serves as rabbi and scholar-in-residence for the Hevruta Gap Year Program.

Cohen’s talk will address how the last century has seen unprecedented lows and highs when it comes to Jewish power.

While older Jews today may have memory of Jewish vulnerability in the form of the Holocaust and be able to recall the ecstasy that came with the Six Day war, younger Jews today cannot recall a time when Jews, both in Israel and the United States, did not have power. How does this difference in perspective affect the way each generation approaches Israel, Judaism and Jewish identity? How do past lessons learned about power inform

the new reality in which Jews live today? What narratives from our tradition can help us navigate contemporary dilemmas about power and vulnerability in Israel and the United States?

Registration is required; visit www.jfedstl.org/events/shma-listen-speaker-series-courageous-communities/

This series of speakers are planned through the Courageous Communities initiative, designed and facilitated by the Shalom Hartman Institute in partnership with Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Relations Council.

Courageous Communities is designed to cultivate serious community discourse with the intention of continuing to build a vibrant St. Louis Jewish community in a way that allows for differences and that strengthens communal resilience. The series is made possible by the Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Federation, and

the Chris Jacobs and Hank Webber Ideas and Culture Fund.

B’nai Amoona art gallery announces show schedule

The Congregation B’nai Amoona art gallery has the following shows in progress or coming up:

• Running through Jan. 16 is Hanukkah-themed artwork from fourth grade students at Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School.

• From Jan. 23 through March 17, the gallery will feature work by artists Mark Koritz, Jill Naasua, Jonathan Levy, Lenore Pepper and Dganit Moreno. An artist’s reception is planned for 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 12.

• From March 27 through May 19, the gallery will feature fine art photography by Robert Denlow, David Capes, David Schval and Neshama Roash, as well as ceramic work by Sandy Kaplan.

For more information, contact B’nai Amoona at 314-576-9990. B’nai Amoona is located at 324 S. Mason Road in Creve Coeur.

Rabbi Shoshana Cohen

Senior faculty member at Shalom Hartman Institut

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NCJWSTL launching grief support group for men who have lost life partners

National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis is expanding its Jean Stein Bloch Wife Widow Woman (WWW) program by launching a grief support group for men who have lost life partners. Like WWW, this new group seeks to bridge the gap between grief and growth as participants strive to meet life’s new challenges.

Linda Sher, volunteer coordinator of the WWW program, explains: “The NCJW Grief Support Groups offer a non-judgmental atmosphere where feelings may be freely expressed in a group setting. The program creates a support system in a safe, confidential, and nurturing space where common realities and challenges can be explored.”

With existing groups open to participants from any age, race or religious background, NCJWSTL looks forward

to broadening the program’s reach in providing men with a grief support network that WWW has offered to women for over 45 years. Each men’s group session will be 90 minutes and meet weekly over a three-month period. As they recognize their emotions and share with others who have experienced similar loss, participants can begin to figure out their own paths forward in this new chapter of life.

The first men’s grief support group session will be held in late January or early February 2023; updates will be communicated via the NCJWSTL website and social media as they become available. For more information on the program, including how to join the men’s group, contact Renee SigelHearst, director of community impact, at rsigel-hearst@ncjwstl.org or by phone at 314-993-5181.

Local Jewish groups partner for 5th annual winter outreach donation drive for the unhoused

As temperatures drop across the St. Louis region, those experiencing homelessness bear the brunt of the brutal cold. For the past four years, the Jewish community has come together to gather winter clothes, warm outerwear and shoes to donate to those in need. In January and February 2023, you can participate in the 5th annual Winter Outreach, a joint project of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association (STLRCA) and the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis.

Desired donations include coats, hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, socks, underwear, blankets, towels, washcloths, boots, men’s hoodies and men’s sweatshirts. Donations can be dropped off at the participating congregations and community centers listed below:

• Bais Abraham Congregation

• Congregation B’nai Amoona

• Central Reform Congregation

• Jewish Community Center

• Jewish Federation

• Kol Rinah

Crown Center welcomes new staff

Crown Center for Senior Living has welcomed Dawn Eddins as leasing manager, Erika Cotton as administrative assistant and Jill Beyder as community engagement coordinator.

Eddins brings experience with property management and affordable housing programs. Her work history includes the St. Louis County Housing Authority and Beyond Housing. Her responsibilities include working with residents and applicants seeking to access subsidized and affordable rental programs while meeting agency occupancy and reporting standards.

Cotton served more than 10 years in the local nonprofit community, including work with University of Missouri-St. Louis, ALIVE and Nurses for Newborns. Cotton will provide administrative support and customer service to residents, community members, staff and vendors.

Beyder began her career at Crown Center in customer service at Crown Center’s Circle@Crown Cafe and recently moved to the position of community engagement coordinator. Her responsibilities include providing support to applicants interested in Crown Center’s market rate rental plan and assisting in the lease process for Crown Center’s new building opening in January 2023.

• Congregation Shaare Emeth

• Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School

• Temple Emanuel

• Congregation Temple Israel

• Traditional Congregation

• Nusach Hari B’nai Zion

• United Hebrew Congregation

• Young Israel.

All collected donations will be transported to and distributed through the new non-profit, TheBridge, a project of the MerryStarkey Charitable Foundation.

There are several volunteer options to become further involved. Email Elise Krug at stlrca18@gmail.com for more information. To volunteer at TheBridge sorting donations or staffing the store, visit https://calendly.com/themerrystarkeybridge.

The donation drive runs through Feb. 28. For more information and a map of participating donation drop off sites, visit www.jcrcst.org/take-action/winter-outreach.

Dawn Eddins (left) and Erika Cotton

Jill Beyder

Bris by Certified Mohel Rabbi Michael Rovinsky

NEWSMAKERS

Newsmakers is a compilation of the Jewish community’s newsworthy professional and academic accomplishments. Submit your news to news@stljewishlight.org. Call 314-743-3669 for more information. Published the first edition of each month. Newsmakers is compiled by Elise Krug.

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Doug Waxman has joined GadellNet Consulting Services LLC as an account manager. He serves as the primary contact for immediate and long-term technology solutions and is the liaison between the company partners and their technical team, assisting in planning for their futures. GadellNet is an IT solutions firm providing small business IT support, help desk, and cyber security. Waxman attends Congregation Shaare Emeth.

Jenna Abrams has joined the Audiology Center as a clinical audiologist. She is taking new patients, ages 5 to adult, at the St. Peter’s, Creve Coeur and Florissant locations. She specializes in hearing aids including comprehensive evaluations, troubleshooting as well as cerumen (ear wax) removal. Abrams attends U. City Shul.

Sarah Beth Matt is the new PJ Library Shalom Baby parent connector. Her goal is to connect parents to each other and with

the Jewish community through get-togethers and events. Matt is a member of Nusach Hari B’nai Zion and Congregation B’nai Amoona.

Jillian Reppy was recently named the 2022 recipient of the Ida Stack Award at Shaare Emeth’s Religious School. The award was established in 1997 and is given annually to a sixth grader who has demonstrated dedication and enthusiasm for Jewish learning. Jillian, daughter of Allison and Justin Reppy, is a student at Parkway Central Middle School.

Elana Hertel is the new director of experiential events and marketing at Syxsense, the world’s first IT and security-solution provider to offer patch management, vulnerability scans and endpoint security in a single console. A member of Shaare Emeth, Hertel was previously the director of programs and rabbinic services at Central Reform Congregation.

Cultural Leadership’s program director, Jeremy Brok, was recently awarded eLATION Honors’ Servant Leadership Award in the nonprofit field for his work with youth programming. eLation Honors is a St. Louis-based radio and media company that recognizes outstanding servant leaders for their accomplishments, contributions, and differences they make in their communities.

Connie Flachs has accepted a position as program coordinator at Washington University Department of Psychiatry’s Center for Healthy Weight and Wellness. She will be working on a project funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to improve early detection and prevention of eating disorders in adolescent girls in Missouri by implementing the Body U program in schools throughout the region. Flachs, most

recently with the Jewish Community Relations Council, regularly attends events at Central West End Chabad and MaTovu.

Michael Lourie has been selected by FOCUS St. Louis to join its 2022-2023 Leadership St. Louis cohort. The immersive nine-month curriculum explores issues such as economic development, racial equity, education, criminal justice, poverty, immigration and arts and culture, across the region. Lourie is the director of marketing and communications at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and attends United Hebrew Congregation.

Tzivia Levin Kalmes is AJC St. Louis’ new senior communications and development associate. She will be responsible for the execution of meetings and events, act as a point of contact for AJC lay leaders and community partners and manage board and donor relations. Kalmes is a member at both B’nai Amoona and Congregation Temple Israel.

Richard Gavatin received the St. Louis Press Club’s highest honor, the Catfish Award, at its recent annual meeting. The award recognizes his contributions to the field of communications and to the club, and for being their long-time treasurer. The honor is called the “Catfish” in recognition of the long-gone Catfish & Crystal restaurant in downtown St. Louis, where the club’s founders met in the 1950s. Gavatin attends Kol Rinah.

Howie Sher recently collaborated with a college friend to form Burchtree, a sports marketing company committed to helping companies strategically incorporate sports imagery or content marketing into their brands. A member of Shaare Emeth, Sher works as the strategic partner managing their clients from a creative and strategic standpoint.

BROUGHT

row, from left: Doug Waxman, Jenna Abrams, Sarah Beth Matt and Elana Hertel.

Row: Jeremy Brok, Connie Flachs and Michael Lourie

Row: Tzivia Levin Kalmes, Richard Gavatin and Howie Sher

From left, Jerry Stack, Jordan Stack, Jillian Reppy, Rachel Stack, Cheryl Stack, and Rabbi Andrea Goldstein. Jillian received Congregation Shaare Emeth’s Ida Stack Award.

United Cemetery Association appoints new director

The United Cemetery Association (UCA), manager of the B’nai Amoona, Chevra Kadisha and United Hebrew cemeteries in University City, has announced the appointment of Rabbi Binyomin Mazer as its new executive director.

He stepped in as its longtime director, Barry Needle, retired at the end of December. Needle served as the UCA executive director since its inception, a total of 24 years.

Mazer, originally from northern California, earned his B.A. degree at Yeshiva University in New York. He has also studied in Israel and most recently served as community chaplain for Jewish Family Services and SSM Health in St. Louis. He is known for his sincere care for others and his ability to guide individuals and families during challenging transitions. Earlier employment experience includes serving as a sales manager and mashgiach

Mazer and his wife, Tziporah, reside in University City along with their five children.

These are the names; we probably know them

BY RABBI JAMES STONE GOODMAN

These are the names. Stop there. These are the names. That’s how the Torah story at the beginning of the book of Exodus begins. That’s what we call the book of Exodus in Hebrew, v’eileh shemot — “and these are the names.”

Then our book mentions the names of the children of Jacob/Israel, who came down into Egypt by the invitation of Joseph, the lost brother. The story: Joseph sold out into Egypt, Joseph ascending to power, Joseph reconciling with his brothers, the invitation for the family to come and join him. Now: the dark story, the story of exile.

Within 10 verses, they arrive, a new regime arises over Egypt, we become enslaved. That’s a lot in a few verses. That’s also the nature of Torah-StoryTelling, a form I practice. I mention the names. I turn now to names I do not mention.

Let’s start over, “these are the names,” the names of Jacob’s children who came down from the land into Egypt, the decline into exile. Exile will become a fundamental part of the Jewish story, a

story we continue to tell, with names. Along with exile: freedom from exile, a story taking up a lot of megabytes in our tale as a people. We mention names.

“These are the names,” and there are names I do not mention. In my TorahStory-Telling, the names I do not mention are those that have suffered or are suffering with mental illness or with addiction, or who are incarcerated. I don’t mention those names, though I know many of them. For many, exile is more permanent; redemption is elusive and distant.

I know names. I don’t mention names, though I am tempted to because we are in an epidemic. If you’re paying attention, surely you know we are suffering in epidemic occurrences of mental illness, and drug and alcohol abuse. These are the names I don’t mention out of respect for suffering.

We are also ill-prepared, our responses as a community inadequate to the names I know are suffering in this epidemic. We are deficient in “we.”

I say, let’s call out our leadership, wake up to the challenges of people suffering at the top of every street. That’s from the

Rabbi James Stone Goodman serves Central Reform Congregation and is the founder of Shalvah Means Serenity Support on Addictions and No Shande/No Shame Responses to Mental Illness. He is a past president of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, which coordinates the d’var Torah for the Jewish Light.

Book of Lamentations (2:19), lamenting that we aren’t doing enough for the problems here, at the top of every street.

That’s the Prophet Jeremiah in the book of Lamentations telling us, wake up, we’re pretty good identifying problems there, not so good getting at the problems here, the top of every street. We’re suffering here. The “we” is suffering.

Where are the names? Here. I know them. You probably know them, too.

For more information about Shalvah Means Serenity Support on Addictions and No Shande/No Shame Responses to Mental Illness, email Rabbi James Stone Goodman at james@centralreform.org or call 314-361-3919.

Rabbi Binyomin Mazer is the new executive director of the United Cemetery Association, which manages the B’nai Amoona, Chevra Kadisha and United Hebrew cemeteries in University City

Barry Needle Recently retired after serving as the UCA executive director since its inception, a total of 24 years.

St. Louis native co-produces documentary looking at death penalty ‘In the Executioner’s Shadow’

BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

Missouri gained national attention Jan. 3 when Amber McLaughlin became the first transgender woman executed in the United States.

In early February, another execution is scheduled in Missouri, one of 29 states with the death penalty.

Rick Stack, a Jewish St. Louis native, is committed to abolishing capital punishment. He co-produced a documentary on the subject, “In the Executioner’s Shadow,” that will air at 10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, on KETC-TV (Channel 9 PBS).

The Jewish Light recently spoke with Stack, 70, to get a preview of the upcoming showing of his documentary.

When did you first take an interest in advocacy against capital punishment?

After graduating from law school at UMKC (University of Missouri-Kansas City), I worked in the public defender’s office in Jackson County, Missouri, and I saw mistakes made large and small every day in the criminal justice system. And it brought home to me, how can we take life based on such a flawed system?

How did “In the Executioner’s Shadow” come about?

My collaborator was Maggie Burnette Stogner, an award-winning filmmaker. She heard me give a book talk on “Grave Injustice,” one of two books I’ve written on the subject (the other is “Dead Wrong”).

She came up to me and said, “Your research and your work is the stuff of documentaries. Do you want to collaborate?”

And in a heartbeat, we had a partnership.

Have there been unexpected reactions from audiences who have seen the documentary?

One gentleman at a town hall meeting in Oregon sat quietly through the question-and-answer session afterward. He stood up and said, “I came here tonight very much pro-death penalty.” Then he added:

“My brother was recently murdered, and my family is still in great pain, but after seeing this documentary, now I’m conflicted.”

Elyse Max, co-director of Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, calls the climate in the state “a killing spree” and said your documentary is important because it gets up close with people affected by the death penalty who aren’t the victims. How did you create that tone?

Our title character (a former executioner), this poor soul is doing the dirty work for all of us. So we all live in his shadow. That sets it in context, whether you’re prodeath penalty or anti-death penalty.

During production, you had a chance to meet with Sister Helen Prejean (author of the bestseller “Dead Man Walking”). What did you learn from her?

She’s one of my heroes. It was like interviewing (retired Cardinals slugger) Albert Pujols. I asked her about her greatest take-

away from the filming of her book. She said Tim Robbins, who wrote the screenplay, taught her the difference between art and propaganda. Propaganda tells the audience what to think, hits them over the head. Art asks the right questions.

All of the major Jewish denominations oppose how the death penalty is carried out in the United States. Can you talk about Jewish values and your work?

It’s at the core of my values. My favorite rabbi, Yitzhak Hankin, who is also my cousin, is retired now but served in a congregation in Eugene, Oregon. He gave me a wonderful perspective on Jewish faith and the death penalty. He said the death penalty just creates more victims, more mourners and that it would be much more humane if we looked at the punishment from a civil perspective rather than a criminal perspective.

How do you decompress after working on a very sobering, often grim subject?

Rick Stack, a Jewish St. Louis native, co-produced a new documentary on the death penalty, “In the Executioner’s Shadow,” which will air at 10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 on KETC-TV (Channel 9 PBS).

AMY FENSTER BROWN

No-stress resolution: Be better in ’23 at something you’re already good at

BY AMY FENSTER BROWN

Happy New Year! Because this is my first column of 2023, I probably should be saying something motivational about starting fresh or taking advantage of the clean slate of a new year or making positive changes and resolutions.

It seems like there is so much pressure when the calendar changes to January from December. We are supposed to use the date as the reason to do great things. If I’m not motivated the other 364 days of the year (assuming it’s not a leap year), why would I suddenly be ready to drink kale smoothies and run without someone chasing me on Jan. 1?

Our good friends at Google say that more than half of the people who make New Year’s resolutions give up pretty quickly. It’s like making grand plans to set

yourself up for failure because of the pressure of the calendar. I can beat myself up about my nonhealthy choices any month, not just in January.

Don’t you feel like we are all balancing so much and doing the best we can, that we’re exhausted? Please say it’s not just me. Sure, we all have room for improvement. But does putting pressure on ourselves at the new year make that improvement happen? Usually it comes with a big serving of guilt on the side when we abandon resolutions before February.

There’s a lot of talk about manifesting your dreams and goals. We’re all supposed to manifest things. What is that? Is that just thinking about it so hard that it actually just happens, like what’s-his-name who said he could bend spoons with his mind? Or does manifesting mean good, old-fashioned, putting in the work to achieve the

goal? It seems like a buzzword, like when something great happens it’s because you manifested it. As soon as I win the lottery, I’ll report back to you, because it’s been on my mind for years. Manifesting.

What if we gather a bunch of people who believe in manifesting and have a festival? We could call it the Manifest Festival or, to be cute, ManiFestival.

On a side note: If we remove the “i” from manifest we have ManFest, which would be an awesome name for a gay bar. You can’t tell me that’s not a great name. What about a gay bar and restaurant that only serves breakfast foods called the Mancake House?

You’re welcome.

Back to the resolutions. I think I’ve got a motivational idea to make changes while still being realistic. What about doubling down on an activity you know you’re

I try to live a good life, helping other people. I’ve got a wonderful family. I’ve a got a beautiful wife, two adult children, and I’m rich with friends and friendship. I play ping pong, and I’m still playing softball.

Last year, you were inducted into the University City High School Hall of Fame. What was that experience like? It was a thrill and really gratifying. When I met the other inductees, I thought, “Whoa, these people have made really wonderful contributions to society.” At the end of my remarks, I refuted the words of one of my favorite philosophers, Groucho Marx, who once said “I wouldn’t want to be a member of any club that would have me as a member.” The U. City Hall of Fame is a group that I’m very proud to be a part of.

Rick Stack’s next book will be a comparative study of how different religions, ethnicities and cultures comfort their mourners.

Fenster

already good at? Then you’re focusing on something you already do well, and now you’re going to do it more or better or with extra steps.

My resolution is going to be overthinking things. I’m amazing at it. To be even more amazing, I’m going to overthink things, worry about overthinking those things and then overthink why I worry in the first place.

It’s like a superpersonalized lather-rinse-repeat cycle. I know I’ll be successful.

Year 2023 personal crisis averted.

Columnist Amy Fenster Brown is married to Jeff and has two teenage sons, Davis and Leo. She volunteers for several Jewish notfor-profit groups.

Brown is an Emmy Award-winning TV news writer and counts time with family and friends, talking and eating peanut butter among her hobbies.

winter/spring

JANUARY

Through Jan. 22, you can take in “St. Louis Sound” at the Missouri History Museum, a free exhibit that introduces visitors to worldrenowned musical legends linked to the Lou. You can listen to a playlist of St. Louis artists on your smartphone as you explore the display. Another featured exhibit is “Coloring STL,” a chance to learn about and actually color more than 50 images of significant local structures. See mohistory.org/society/exhibits.

BY PATRICIA CORRIGAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

THE 2023 WINTER/SPRING

ARTS GUIDE IS MADE POSSIBLE

BY THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF:

Attention must be paid! The Black Rep brings salesman Willy Loman’s story to the stage in Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,” which explores the death of the classic American dream in one family’s life. See it Jan. 11-29 at Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For performance times and ticket prices, see theblackrep.org/season-46-lineup.

“Macbeth” was the first Shakespeare play that Giuseppe Verdi adapted for the opera stage (wait, did he say the title aloud or cautiously refer to it as “The Scottish Play?”), and now Winter Opera St. Louis will present the four-act version Jan. 20-22 at the Kirkwood Performing

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Sydney Parra (center) in The North American Tour Boleyn Company of ‘Six,’ which comes to the Fox Theatre Jan. 24 to Feb. 5. PHOTO: JOAN MARCUS

Ron Himes (top) stars as Willy Loman in the Black Rep’s production of ‘Death of a Salesman.’ The cast also includes Velma Austin (bottom left) and Christian Kitchens (bottom right).

Arts Center. Expect some toil and trouble — and enchanting music, of course. Tickets range from $20-$65; see winteroperastl.org.

Now celebrating its 25th season, New Jewish Theatre brings Neil Simon’s “Broadway Bound” to the stage Jan. 19 through Feb. 5. The third part of Simon’s acclaimed autobiographical trilogy follows Eugene and his older brother Stanley as they try to break into show business as comedy writers while coping with their parents’ breakup and eventual divorce. See the show at the Jewish Community Center’s Wool Studio Theater in the Staenberg Family Complex. For single tickets, season tickets or a Flex Pass, call 314-442-3283 or see newjewishtheatre. org/current-productions.

She plays classical and flamenco music in a Spanish romantic style; he’s an American baritone who draws on gospel and jazz influences. St. Louis Classical Guitar presents Virginia Luque with Jubilant Sykes at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at The Sheldon. Tickets range from $20 for students to $45. See thesheldon.org/ events/duo-virtuosi.

What are the chances that comedians Chris Rock and Dave Chapelle would be on the same bill? If you answered 100%, pass go and pick up tickets, ranging from $76.50 to $296.50 (no one said it would be cheap!), at Ticketmaster.com before these two powerhouses come to the Enterprise Center at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22. BTW, the show event will be a phone-free experience.

You can see “Six” right now on

Broadway — or you can head to the Fox Theatre and rock out to this hot new musical Jan. 24-Feb. 5. In the show, the six

wives of Henry VIII “take the microphone to remix 500 years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st century girl power!” The musical won 23 awards in the 2021/2022 Broadway season, including a Tony award for best original score. Tickets cost $29-$110. See fabulousfox.com/events/detail/six.

The annual Orchid Show at the Missouri Botanical Garden lasts a glorious blooming month, from Jan. 28-Feb. 28, with plants on display from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Emerson Conservatory at the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center. (Or, you can visit on Orchid Nights from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 9 and 23.) The show is included with general admission, which you can learn more about at missouribotanicalgarden. org/tickets.

Welcome Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to St. Louis at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at The Sheldon. Naseer Shamma — Iraqi oud virtuoso, composer, educator, musicologist and UNESCO Artist for Peace — is part of this special

tour that features world premiere performances of “Middle East Meditations.” Tickets range from $46$150, and the concert benefits Sheldon Educational Programs, which last year served more than 70,000 St. Louis-area students. See thesheldon.org/events/jlcowynton-marsalis.

Stephen Sondheim Fans: Emmy winner and Tony nominee Liz Callaway brings her critically acclaimed show “To Steve With Love” to town at 7 p.m. Jan. 24 and 25, onstage at the Blue Strawberry, 364 North Boyle Ave. Broadway World called the performance “the most important Sondheim show right now, and … one that cannot be missed.” Tickets are $30-$40. See bluestrawberrystl.com.

Hear a special talk at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Contemporary Art Museum on the “Great Rivers Biennial Exhibit,” on display through Feb. 12. The exhibit includes sculptures, large scale paintings, and an installation featuring video and photography selected by artists Yowshien Kuo, Yvonne Osei and Jon Young. For more information and hours, go to camstl.org.

A second Sondheim celebration: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis pays homage to the legendary composer and lyricist with “Putting It Together,” a musical revue onstage Jan. 29-Feb.19 at the Berges Theatre at COCA. The show includes numbers from Sondheim’s “Follies,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Company,” “A Little Night Music,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and more. Tickets cost $23-$92. See repstl.org/events/detail/putting-it-together.

Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performs at The Sheldon Jan. 29.

PHOTO: LAWRENCE SUMULONG

Missouri Botanical Garden’s Orchid Show is Jan. 28 through Feb. 5. PHOTOS: MIKE SHERWIN

Cast members of The Rep’s tribute to Stephen Sondheim, “Putting It Together,” include (clockwise from top left) Paul HeeSang Miller, Phoenix Best, Saidu Sinlah and Amy Spanger.

FEBRUARY

“Confederates” is on the main stage Feb. 10-March 5 in the Loretto Hilton Center at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Dominique Morisseau’s play tells the stories of an enslaved rebel turned Union spy and a tenured professor in a modern university who experience institutionalized racism. Morisseau, a MacArthur Genius Award winning playwright, “brilliantly bends the continuum of time and weaves together the stark realities of racial and gender bias both women face in this illuminating drama.” Tickets cost $23-$92. See repstl. org/events/detail/confederates.

The Mouse is in the house (and Minnie is with him!) Feb. 2-5 when Disney on Ice presents “Into the Magic” featuring Moana, Coco and other beloved characters from many popular Disney shows, all on skates at Enterprise Center. Ticket prices vary depending on performance times and dates. For more information, see enterprisecenter.com/events/detail/ disney-on-ice-presents-into-the-magic.

Fans of Rey, Poe, Finn and Kylo Ren will want to head to Powell Hall on Feb. 3-5 for afternoon and evening performances to hear “Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert” when the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic score live to film. Tickets range from $42$115. Visit shop.slso.org/7472/7474 for tickets or more information.

Wynonna Judd headlines “The Judds: The Final Tour,” a celebration of the life

and legacy of Naomi Judd, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Chaifetz Arena. Tickets range from $29.50-$399.50. Reviewers report that at earlier concerts, generations of Judds’ fans sang along. See thechaifetzarena.com/events/the-judds.

Gather up the kiddos age 8 and older for Metro Theater Company’s production of “Spells of the Sea,” a new musical about a 15-year-old fisherwoman and a grumpy old lighthouse keeper who team up to find the Elixir of Life. They encounter “mermaids and pirates, whirlpools and their worst fears, and finally a new understanding of the meaning of family, friendship and

trust in yourself.” This world premiere is onstage Feb. 5 through March 5 at the Grandel Theatre. Tickets cost $20-$36, and a streaming option is available. See metroplays.org/spells-of-the-sea

If you missed Blue Man Group the last time they were in town, you’re in luck: “Blue Man Group on Tour” introduces an all-new show Feb. 9-12 at the Fox Theatre Expect “signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity and quirky comedy.” (And yes, the men are still blue.) Kids’ Night is Feb. 9 — buy an adult ticket and get a kid’s ticket (17 and under) for free. For the rest of the run, tickets range from $29-

$100. See fabulousfox.com/events/detail/ blue-man-group

Funnyman and actor Adam Sandler brings his special brand of comedy and more to the Enterprise Center at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10, for what promises to be a very adult evening (no one under 16 will be admitted). Tickets range from $36.50 to $166.50 and are available at ticketmaster.com.

If your honey is a jazz fan, sweeten February 14 with tickets to “Valentine’s Day with Anita Jackson,” the versatile singer/actress. Jazz St. Louis presents shows at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at the

St. Louis Art Museum presents “Age of Armor: Treasures from the Higgins Armory Collection at the Worcester Art Museum” Feb. 17 through May 14. Pictured are (above) a “Corinthian Helmet” from about 600–550 B.C., and (right) Pompeo della Cesa; “Field Armor from a Garniture,” from about 1595. Both are from John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection. IMAGES © 2021 WORCESTER ART MUSEUM

Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz (formerly Jazz at the Bistro), 3536 Washington Ave. Tickets cost $32-$37. See my.jazzstl.org/events

Though no actual knights will be present, you can see historic armor at “Age of Armor: Treasures from the Higgins Armory Collection at the Worcester Art Museum” Feb. 17 through May 14 at the St. Louis Art Museum. Treasures from the collection on display comprise “a major survey of defensive armor in Europe from its origins in the 1300s to today,” including full suits produced by Renaissance craftsmen in the 1500s. The public preview Feb. 17 is free; after that admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $6 for children ages 6 to 12. See slam.org for details.

Playwright Neil LaBute’s adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya” will be onstage Feb. 17- March 5 at the Gaslight Theatre, a presentation of the St. Louis Actors’ Studio. The play explores a MayDecember marriage, potential property transfers, rural ennui and a dash of unrequited love. Tickets cost $35-40. See stlas.org/play/uncle-vanya.

Widely known as America’s original jazz dance company, Giordano Dance Chicago takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Dance St. Louis is bringing in the iconic company — now celebrating its 60th anniversary — as part of the organization’s 57th season. Long live dance! Tickets cost $45-$69. See dancestlouis.org/season-overview-2223.

Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning masterwork “To Kill a Mockingbird” opens Feb. 28 at the Fox Theatre and runs through March 12. Richard Thomas will play the role of Atticus Finch, and Rolling Stone gives the show five stars, calling it “an emotionally shattering landmark production of an American classic.” Tickets cost $29-$110. See fabulousfox.com/events/detail/mockingbird.

MARCH

The Midnight Company returns to the Blue Strawberry March 1, 8 and 15 with “Just One Look,” a new show by artistic director Joe Hanrahan. He plays a journalist who tracks down Linda Ronstadt (Kelly Howe) in present time and interviews her about her early career. Expect well- loved songs! For ticket prices and show times, see midnightcompany.com.

Fans of Federico Fellini’s semiautobiographical film “8½” really must see “Nine,” a lively musical that follows Fellini avatar Guido Contini as he grapples with a midlife crisis sparked by turning 40. Music and lyrics are by Maury Yeston, with a book by Arthur Kopit. New Line Theatre brings the show to the Marcelle Theater in Grand Center on March 2-25. Tickets, from $20 to $30, are available by calling 314-534-1111 or at metrotix.com.

The Arianna String Quartet presents “Heaven and Earth” at 7:30 p.m. March 3 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. The program includes Gaspar Cassado’s “Suite for Solo Cello,” Carlos Simon’s “Elegy” and Franz Schubert’s “String Quintet in C Major.” Tickets cost $10-$29. See touhill. universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=1388.

Comedian Trevor Noah brings his “Off the Record” comedy tour to town March 3-4 at the Stifel Theatre. You know Noah as the host of the Emmy winning “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central and as the author of the poignant “Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood.” Tickets start at $36.50 at ticketmaster.com.

Up for an operetta with music by Sigmund Romberg and book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Otto Harbach and Frank Mandel? “The Desert Song” will suit you perfectly. Winter Opera St. Louis will present the show March 3 and 5 at the Kirkwood

Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $20-$65; see winteroperastl.org.

“Art in Bloom,” the St. Louis Art Museum’s annual celebration of flowers and fine art, will be on display March 3-5, when regional florists will interpret dozens of works from the museum’s collection through creative botanical designs. For information on the exhibit, special ticketed events, family activities,

dining and shopping, see slam.org/event/ art-in-bloom-2023.

Described as “a life-affirming play,” Duncan MacMillian and Johnny Donahoe’s show “Every Brilliant Thing” opens at New Jewish Theatre on March 16 and runs through April 2. The play acknowledges that we all go through challenging times and suggests that the practice of gratitude is a powerful response that helps us move forward. See

the show at the Jewish Community Center’s Wool Studio Theater in the Staenberg Family Complex. For single tickets, season tickets or a Flex Pass, call 314-442-3283 or see newjewishtheatre.org.

Mystery Buffs: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Ken Ludwig’s stage adaption of Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” March 17-April 9 on the main stage in the Loretto Hilton Center. Hercule Poirot is at the center of Christie’s “plot-twisting masterpiece,” and Broadway World gives it a rave: “Everything you could want — broadly drawn characters, exotic settings and a spectacular murder.” Tickets cost $23$92. See repstl.org/events/detail/murderon-the-orient-express.

“Monet/Mitchell: Painting the French Landscape” opens at the St. Louis Art Museum on March 25 through June 25 at the storied institution in Forest Park. Monet, of course, is Claude, and Mitchell is Joan Mitchell, an American abstract expressionist painter who was active in the New York School of artists in the 1950s. Both lived and painted in France, and now you can compare their styles in 24 paintings. A public preview May 24 is free;

Cast members Molly Burris, Hannah Geisz and Mitchell Manar rehearse Metro Theater Company’s ‘Spells of the Sea,’ running Feb. 5 through March 5. PHOTO BY JENNIFER A. LIN

after that, admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $6 for children ages 6 to 12. See slam.org for more information.

Dorrance Dance taps into town at 7:30 p.m. March 25, thanks to Dance St. Louis MacArthur “Genius Grant” winner, choreographer and tap dancer Michelle Dorrance and her company of dancers and musicians has earned raves from audiences across the country. See for yourself at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. Tickets cost $45-$69. See dancestlouis.org/season-overview-2223.

“Skeleton Crew,” the third part of playwright Dominique Morisseau’s Detroit cycle trilogy, explores how the Great Recession threatens the future of one of the last auto stamping plants in the Motor City. The Black Rep presents the show March 29-April 16 at COCA’s Berges Theatre. For performance times and ticket prices, see theblackrep.org.

Champions of Magic will bedazzle you with everything from small-scale wizardry to grand illusions in their show at 7:30 p.m. March 30 at the Factory in Chesterfield. The team of five’s “original, phenomenal ensemble illusions” are suitable for all ages. Tickets, from Ticketmaster, start at $25. See thefactorystl.com/event/champions-ofmagic/

Banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck brings “My Bluegrass Heart” to Powell Symphony Hall at 7:30 p.m. March 31. Tickets range from $40-$68 for this show by the 15-time Grammy winner. (Note: The St. Louis

Symphony Orchestra is not part of this performance.) For details, slso.org.

For the 44th year, Greater St. Louis Artists presents the Art Fair at Queeny Park. The juried fine art and fine craft show, featuring up to 130 artists from 20 states, is scheduled March 31-April 2 in the Greensfelder Recreation Complex at the park in Ballwin. Tickets are $6 at the door for adults; free admission for kids under 18 accompanied by an adult. For details, see artfairatqueenypark.com.

APRIL

Metro Theater Company will perform “Go, Dog. Go!” April 2-16 at the Big Top, 3401 Washington Ave., presented by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation. Adapted from P.D. Eastman’s classic children’s book about busy dogs of all colors, shapes and sizes, the show is a perfect introduction to

theater for children ages 3 and older. Tickets cost $25-$36 for adults; $20-$28 for children. See metrotix.com/events/detail/ metro-theater-company-go-dog-go.

Max and Louie Productions brings the thought-provoking “What the Constitution Means to Me” to the stage April 6-23 at the Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s Marcelle Theatre. Heidi Schreck’s memoir play — nominated for two Tony awards and winner of an Obie and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award — traces “the profound relationship between four generations of women in her family and the founding document that shaped their lives.” Tickets cost $45-$50. See maxandlouie.com.

The 15th annual Gateway Blues Festival will fill the stage at 8 p.m. April 7 at the Stifel Theatre. The 2023 Blues Is Alright Tour features performances by blues legends Tucka, Pokey Bear, King George, J-Wonn, Calvin Richardson and Ronnie Bell. Tickets start at $59. See ticketmaster. com/event/06005D1A98282D08.

Neil Gaiman writes novels, poetry, song lyrics, plays, comic books and screenplays, so it’s fitting that the St. Louis University Library Associates will honor the author at 7 p.m. April 13 at the Sheldon with the 2023 St. Louis Literary Award. Tickets go on sale in February at slu.edu/library/ library-associates/index.php.

The Mavericks recently debuted their first ever all-Spanish album, which represents a diversity of musical styles and cultural traditions, from soothing boleros to lively mariachi to reconceived AfroCuban classics. Hear them live at the Pageant in the Loop at 8 p.m. April 13th Tickets, from $40 to $65, are available at the box office or at ticketmaster.com.

In his play “Gruesome Playground Injuries,” Rajiv Joseph, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, creates “a hilarious and heartbreaking love story” that the Washington Post calls “mystical, arresting and quirkily amusing.” See it April 14-May 7 in the Studio Theatre at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis in the Loretto Hilton Center. For ticket prices and more information, see repstl.org/events/ upcoming-performances.

“John Mellencamp: Live and In Person” brings the singer/songwriter’s heartland rock right to the heartland April 21-22 at the Stifel Theatre. Tickets start at $46.50. See ticketmaster.com.

The mesmerizing Melissa Viviane Jefferson, aka Lizzo, is an American singer, rapper and flutist — and she’s bringing her “The Special 2our” to Enterprise Center at 8 p.m. on April 25 with special guest Latto. Tickets start at $66 at enterprisecenter.com/events/detail/lizzo.

Looking ahead to the next season already? The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents “The Rite of Spring” on

April 29-30 at Powell Symphony Hall. You’ll hear Gabriela Lena Frank’s “Apu,” Béla Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 3 and Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring.” Tickets cost $15-$86. For details, see slso.org.

MAY

Our town’s Josephine Baker ran off to New York about a century ago to perform in Eubie Blake’s “Shuffle Along,” and though it’s way too late to see that show, you can enjoy “Eubie!” a lively musical revue from the 1970s about Blake, a groundbreaking American musician and composer. See it at the Black Rep May 3-21 onstage at Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For performance times and ticket prices, see theblackrep.org/season-46-lineup.

The Midnight Company presents “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey” by Celeste Lecesne on May 4-21 at the Kranzberg Black Box. In this one-man show about the disappearance of a flamboyant teenager, artistic director Joe Hanrahan plays eight characters. “I don’t like message shows, but this one has a message: Be yourself, be all of yourself, and it will be amazing the people you influence in your best ways,” Hanrahan says. “A lovely show.” For more information, see midnightcompany.com.

If your youngsters are fans of Paw Patrol, consider treating them to “Paw Patrol Live! Heroes Unite,” with four performances May 6-7 at the Stifel Theatre. What’s up? “Mayor Humdinger has dognapped Robo-Dog and cloned him, causing chaos all over the world. It’s up to the pups to catch those clones, rescue Robo-Dog and show that when the going gets ‘ruff,’ lending a paw makes you the ultimate TOP HERO!” Tickets start at $20; $145 gets you a VIP experience. Every child that has celebrated a first birthday must have a paid ticket. See ticketmaster. com/venue/50474?attractionId=2734991.

Opera Theatre’s 48th Festival Season opens with “The Road to Freedom” a special program honoring the 61st anniversary of the Freedom Riders. The one night only performance begins at 7:30 p.m. May 12 at a venue yet to be named. Admission is free. The operas this season, presented at the Loretto Hilton Center, include a new version of Scott Joplin’s “Treemonisha,” Puccini’s “Tosca,” Mozart’s “Cosi Fan Tutte,” and Carlisle Floyd’s “Susannah.” Single tickets cost $15-$139. See opera-stl.org/whats-on/ road-to-freedom.

The 36th annual Laumeier Art Fair, scheduled for May 12-14, features up to 150 artists from across the country displaying their juried work at Laumeier Sculpture Park. Expect local food and beverage vendors, hands-on activities for kids and live music throughout the weekend. Admission is $10 for ages 11 and up; free for kids 10 and under. For hours and more information, see laumeiersculpturepark.org/artfair.

Wine! Music! Enjoy both at “Grapes in the Garden” from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 12 at Missouri Botanical Garden. More than 250 international and domestic wines will be available for tasting, and wine specialists will be on hand to answer questions. You must be 21 to attend, and advance tickets are required. For details, see missouribotanicalgarden.org/grapesin-the-garden-1274

Dance St. Louis will present two days of nonstop dance by nationally touring professional companies May 26-27 at the 15th annual Emerson Spring to Dance Festival 2023 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the University of MisouriSt. Louis campus. Tickets will be available at metrotix.com later this year. For more information, see dancestlouis.org/ emerson-spring-to-dance-festival-2023.

Dance St. Louis welcomes Dorrance Dance on March 25 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on the UMSL campus. PHOTO: STEPHANIE BERGER

SIMCHAS

Nova Berger will become a b’mitzvah on Jan. 28, 2023 at United Hebrew Congregation.

Nova’s parents are Eric and Stacy Berger of Maryland Heights. Their grandparents are Ray and Sandy Davis of Warrensburg, Mo., and Judy and the late Leslie Berger of St. Louis County.

A seventh-grade student at Parkway Northeast Middle School, Nova enjoys roller skating, reading, video games and playing with their pets.

Nova has one sibling, Abigail Berger, who is 11 years old.

Sari and Daniel Levy, Chesterfield would like to announce the birth of their daughter, Emilia Marigold Levy, on Aug. 30, 2022, weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces.

Emilia is the granddaughter of Marcy and Rick Cornfeld of Creve Coeur, and Marjie and the late Dr. Robert Levy of Creve Coeur.

She is the great-granddaughter of the late Goldie and Dr. Marlin Jackoway, the late Martha and Dave Cornfeld, the late Evelyn and Willard Orenstein, and Constance and the late Monroe Levy, all of St. Louis.

Emilia was named for her great-grandparents Evelyn Orenstein and Goldie and Dr. Marlin Jackoway. Her Hebrew name is Ronit Alexandra for her grandfather, Dr. Robert Levy.

Emilia has one sibling, Davina Wren, who is 2 years old.

HKF Harvey Kornblum Foundation

Laura and Ben Wildman of St. Louis would like to announce the birth of their son, Mason Parker Wildman, on June 30, 2022, weighing 7 pounds, 12 ounces.

Mason is the grandson of Kathi and Stuart Rosenberg of St. Louis, and Mary Jo and Jan Wildman of Chicago.

He is the great-grandson of Sandra and

the late Mendel Rosenberg of St. Louis, Jerry and the late Sondra Kootman of St. Louis, Rochelle and the late Paul Wildman of Boulder, Colo., and Joyce and the late Joe Bernstein of Chicago.

Mason was named after his great-grandfather Mendel Rosenberg, who everyone loved and looked up to.

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

any people living re always looking control your pain y e idea of taking pain pills every day or waiting months to get painful injections that don't always work Maybe you're trying to put off a joint replacement because you don't want surgery

Or you've waited too long and now you are no longer a surgical candidate and feel doomed to live with arthritis pain for the rest of your life If you feel this way, you re not alone

What if there was another way? A way to manage your arthritis without pain pills, injections and surgery? What if you could reduce your pain and get your strength and independence back? Or avoid losing it in the first place The good news is you have options

The first step in being able to successfully manage your arthritis long-term is to have a better understanding of what causes arthritis in the first place and what makes it worse

Unfortunately, there is so much misinformation out there about arthritis pain and this often leads to not knowing about all of your treatment options If you're ready to learn more about the causes and treatments for your arthritis pain,

I invite you to attend our upcoming FREE workshop “Arthritis & Aging". During This Workshop You'll Learn:

What osteoarthritis is and what actually causes it.

The myths of arthritis that keep you from enjoying life.

The most highly recommended treatment options for arthritis. Why "wear and tear" should be replaced with "wear and repair".

Is it safe to do an exercise that is painful?

And More!

When: Friday, September 23rd at 2:30pm Where: 3809 Lemay Ferry Rd, 63125

*Attend in-person or join us online from your home. Call (314) 9391377 to register. Space is limited.

I look forward to seeing you there, Dr. Beth

At HouseFit, we help adults 55+ maximize their independence and fitness, so they can continue to enjoy a full and active life.

BIRTHS ENGAGEMENTS WEDDINGS MITZVOT

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT: MASON PARKER WILDMAN

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT: EMILIA MARIGOLD LEVY

PHOTO: CIEARA RUESS PHOTOGRAPHY

CHAI LIGHTS

SUNDAY | JAN. 15

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra & Kol Rinah celebrate MLK Day

From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Kol Rinah will hold a special SLSO & KoREH program in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision that “We are Better Together!” Arrive early as the event begins promptly at 10:30 a.m. For more information, email karen@kolrinahstl.org. Visit https://bit.ly/KR-SLSO for more information.

Kol Rinah’s ‘Jews in Science’ Session 21

From 4 to 5:30 p.m. Kol Rinah Verein Group’s “Jews in Science” series continues with a Zoom discussion of “Jewish Penicillin” by Mark Silvermintz and Ralph Graff. The program is in three parts: 1) about the BSKI Edith Mazur library; 2) Recollections by the library’s founder’s grandson; and 3) the Jewish connection to penicillin. For more information Contact Richard Gavatin: richardjrgavatin@gmail.com. Registration on the Kol Rinah website is required by Friday Jan. 13: visit www.kolrinahstl.org/form/ jewishpenicillin.html.

Jewish War Veterans Meeting

Jewish War Veterans Post 644 will meet in the Kaplan-Feldman Holocaust Museum meeting room at 10 a.m. on the third Sunday each month (please ask for directions at the desk). A Zoom option will be available for those who are unable to be at the meeting. For more information and the Zoom link contact Post 644 Commander Ellis Frohman at 636-519-7512 (leave a message if no one answers).

THURSDAY | JAN. 19

NCJW Lunch & Learn: Shopping Ethically with David Cook

At noon, David Cook, President of UFCW Local 655, will discuss ethical shopping and how to “vote with your dollars.” He will look at why making ethical purchases is well worth the benefits it can bring to one’s local community and the world at large. Visit https:// bit.ly/Jan23LnL to register for the January Lunch and Learn. Questions? Email Jen Bernstein at jbernstein@ncjwstl.org or call 314993-5181.

STARTING | JAN. 19

New Jewish Theatre presents ‘Broadway Bound’

See Winter/Spring Arts Guide, pages 11-16.

TUESDAY | JAN. 24

Discussion on The Beatles’ album ‘Rubber Soul’

University instructor Neil Davis will lead a free, in-person Mirowitz Center discussion from 2 to 3 p.m. on The Beatles’ 1965 album “Rubber Soul,” which many consider to be one of the bands’ best. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter, call 314-733-9813, or email skemppainen@ mirowitzcenter.org.

NCJW Coffee Talk with Lefty’s Bagels

There’s a buzz going around St. Louis about delicious bagels and a new bakery/café opening in the next few months. Join NCJW for a fun and informative discussion at 8:30 a.m. with Doug Goldenberg and Scott Lefton, founders and owners of Lefty’s Bagels. Visit https://bit.ly/Jan23CT to register. Questions? Email Chrissy Bellizzi at CBellizzi@ncjwstl.org or call 314-993-5181.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY EVENTS

Mirowitz and PJ Library partner for ‘Small Hands... Big Difference’ event

Families with pre-school aged children are invited to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at an event filled with meaning, music, stories and some messy hands-on fun. Activities begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 16 at Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, 348 South Mason Road in Creve Coeur. The event is presented by Mirowitz and PJ Library.

The event, now in its 15th year, will be inside and in person this year after two years as a drive-through event.

JAN

Local Jewish organizations and congregations can submit calendar items to news@ stljewishlight.org. All items received by 5 p.m. the Friday before the publication date will be considered for that edition.

SUNDAY | JAN. 29

A Jewish Case for vegetarianism

Does the Torah talk about vegetarianism? What do Talmudic and modern-day Jewish scholars have to say? Knowing that processing animals for food causes human and animal suffering and contributes to climate change, is there a Jewish case for vegetarianism? Join Temple Israel’s Rabbis Amy Feder and Michael Alper to dig in. Their talk is from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. at Temple Israel. Visit www.ti-stl.org/ AdultEducation for more information.

SUNDAY | FEB. 19

A Taste of Soup! at Traditional Congregation

After a three-year hiatus, A Taste of Soup is back! Meat & Vegetarian soup buffet, bread for dunking and sweet treats. The cost is $14/ person in advance ($16 walk-ins); no charge for kids under 5. Register by Feb. 8 at: https://wix.123formbuilder.com/form6332873/a-taste-of-soup-2023, or mail payment with names to Traditional Congregation, 12437 Ladue Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63141 or call 314-576-5230.

ONGOING

Children enjoy a previous ‘Small Hands...Big Difference’ event at Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School.

School! Store. They also will have an opportunity to create relevant artwork, learn Hebrew words for justice and peace, enjoy a healthy snack and have a chance to get their hands messy in gooey fun.

Get your game on at the Mirowitz Center

In addition to singing relevant “freedom” songs with Rabbis Scott Slarskey, Daniel Bogard and Andrew Terkel, children will assemble packages for unhoused persons, treats for the Humane Society and school supplies for the National Council of Jewish Women Back to

The program is free, and the first 75 families to RSVP will receive a free book from PJ Library. The event is also supported by The Jewish Federation of St. Louis, NCJW and Israeli Scouts.

For more information or to RSVP, visit mirowitz.org/admissions/mlk-small-handsbig-difference/, or contact Patty Bloom at 314-576-6177 or pbloom@mirowitz.org.

Jewish Book Festival author event looks at ‘The End of Bias’

The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival will welcome author Jessica Nordell for a special Martin Luther King Jr. event discussing her book, “The End of Bias: A Beginning: The Science and Practice of Overcoming Unconscious Bias.”

Nordell digs deep into the cognitive science, social psychology and developmental research that underpin current efforts to eradicate unintentional bias and discrimination. She examines diversity training, deployed across the land as a corrective but with inconsistent results. She explores what works and why: the diagnostic checklist used by doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital that eliminated disparate treatment of people in disease prevention; a preschool in Sweden where teachers found ingenious ways to uproot gender stereotyping; a police unit in Oregon where the practice of mindfulness and specialized training has coincided with a startling drop in the use of force.

The event takes place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 at the Jewish Community Center’s

WEDNESDAY | JAN. 25

Discussion on self-care strategies

Jessie Brown, director of programs at NAMI St. Louis, will discuss “Unwind My Mind: Self-Care Strategies” from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Mirowitz Center. Brown will look at

facts and statistics about anxiety and stress, how to address stress, and self-care activities like meditation, breathing exercises, and creating a self-care plan. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter, call 314-733-9813, or email skemppainen@ mirowitzcenter.org.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Mirowitz Center welcomes guests to play Mahjong, bridge, poker or Mexican Train dominoes – whatever games you like. The Mirowitz Center will provide complimentary coffee, tea and water (guests can bring their own snacks to enjoy and share). No reservations are necessary for these weekly games, held in the multipurpose room, but plan to coordinate your group’s schedule and any needed substitutions. (If you want game instruction or already know how to play but are looking for other players, drop in during game days to see what groups are available for instruction and/or need participants.)

Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_ MirowitzCenter, call 314-733-9813, or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.

Tech Tutor at Mirowitz Center

For those looking for one-on-one assistance with their technology devices and those who are wanting to acquire new skills, free, in-person 30-minute appointments are available at the Mirowitz Center. Tech Tutor’s in-person classes will be led by an extraordinarily qualified instructor, Larry Edison. Tech Tutor is supported through a grant from the Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter, call 314-733-9813 or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.

Saturday Morning Bible Study at Congregation Temple Israel

Beginning this fall, Rabbi Emeritus Mark L. Shook continues his Saturday Morning Bible Study Class on the topic of “A Jewish Understanding of the New Testament.” The class will commence with an in-depth study of the Gospel According to Mark. Classes are Saturdays, Oct. 1 to April 2023 at 9:30 a.m. in person at Temple Israel and on Zoom. Registration is required at: www.ti-stl.org/BibleStudy

Rabbi leads weekly meditation

Join Rabbi Andrea Goldstein at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and 5 p.m. on Thursdays for mindfulness meditation sits. It incorporates lessons from the weekly Torah portion, as well as stories, rituals and symbols of the season. No meditation experience necessary. Questions? Contact Stacy Jespersen at sjespersen@sestl.org.

Staenberg Family Complex. The event is free, but registration is required; visit stljewishbookfestival.org.

Families may submit an obituary for a loved one through the funeral home they work with or by using a form on the Jewish Light’s website: stljewishlight.org/submit-obituary

MARVIN BECKERMAN of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on December 26, 2022.

He was the beloved husband of Muriel Beckerman; devoted father of Lori Raskin (Stephen) and Staci Falk; proud grandfather of Brandon and Ashley Raskin; attentive brother of Rita Beckerman and Carole Mann (Zachary); precious uncle, cousin and friend.

As the son of David and Viola Hoffman Beckerman, Marvin was instilled with a strong sense of family. He was a loving and protective older brother to his sisters, Rita and Carole. Shared adventures and priceless memories with cousins continue to entertain and delight the family.

Marvin was a steadfast source of advice, support and love for his wife, Muriel, and daughters, Lori and Staci. He was thrilled to be known as “Papa” by his grandchildren, Brandon and Ashley. He had a quick wit and was always ready to be a comfort in good times and not-sogood ones.

He was a humble young man with a passion for playing violin, consuming knowledge, following his beloved St. Louis Cardinals and being a loyal friend – all which remained important in his adult life.

Marvin graduated from Soldan High School during the desegregation ruling. In college he met Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. forever solidifying his beliefs in civil rights, social action, and activism and influencing how he approached the world with an open mind and heart.

His academic achievements included an undergraduate degree from Harris Stowe Teacher’s College, a master’s degree from Washington University, and a Doctorate in Education Administration from Syracuse University. Marvin’s career as an educator led him from the classroom to not-for-profit, inspiring students both young and old, to learn. Likewise, he himself continued to seek knowledge and be a student of life.

Marvin strongly believed in Tikkun Olam. Whether it was voting or volunteering, he was ready to heed the call. He was recognized as a 2014 Unsung Hero. Just a few of the many organizations he worked with were Kids Voting Missouri (CECH), OACAP, Midwest Jewish Congress, Missourians Against Handgun Violence, and Upward Bound. He was very active at BSKI, Kol Rinah, and Traditional synagogues.

Marvin is dearly missed by all who loved him and whose lives he forever transformed. May his memory be a blessing and inspire others to continue to repair the world.

Services were previously held. Memorial contributions preferred to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, the ADL, or a charity of your choice.

ROGER M. BERENT, prominent St. Louis businessman and insurance broker, passed away surrounded by his loving family on December 31st, 2022 at the age of 81.

Roger was born and raised in Queens, New York. He earned a swimming scholarship to Bradley University.

Roger graduated with an Industrial and Electrical Engineering degree. While at Bradley, Roger met and married his wife of 58 years, Susan. After graduation they moved to St. Louis, called it home, and raised their children there.

Roger’s business acumen was recognized and sought after by younger entrepreneurs. He was a mentor and lifelong friend to several. He was the Alderman for Crystal Lake Park. Roger was very generous. He was happy to help anyone from friends to strangers. Roger loved Italian food “You twirl your pasta-never cut it” was his mantra.

Roger is survived by his wife Susan; daughter Jody (Dan Jones); son Ian; and granddaughter Alivia. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.

A funeral was held on January 5th, 2023 in

Florida. A celebration of life is being planned for a future date. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice or to Salvation Army, P.O. Box 21787, St. Louis, MO 63109, CHAMP Assistance Dogs, 1968 Craig Road, Suite 200, St. Louis, MO 63146.

Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

MARY BOEGER, December 29, 2022

Beloved wife of the late Marvin Cummins. Dear mother of Ed Harris, Jean Sokora, and Michael Boeger.  Loving grandmother of Willow, Rachel, and Miriam Sokora, and Kieran Boeger.  Dear sister of Sue Smith.  Beloved daughter of the late Alan Lewin and Jeane Susman.  Dear aunt, cousin and friend.

Mary was most recently retired from CenterPointe Hospital as a marketing consultant; she was an original founder of CenterPointe, the first private psychiatric hospital in the St. Louis area.  Mary spent most of her career as the Director of marketing at Hyland Center at St. Anthony’s Hospital. Mary was President of The National Council on Alcoholism, a member of the NCADA National Board and honored in 1978 as a Woman of Achievement for Social Responsibility.

Mary was a believer that gratitude and kindness would change the world and in teaching this to her children and grandchildren created a legacy of love that will ripple for generations to come.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date. Contributions in her memory may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous World Service Office, P. O. Box 2407, James A. Farley Station, New York, NY 10116-2407 (www.aa.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association, 9370 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO, 63132 (www.alz.org).

A Rindskopf-Roth Service

ANN EPSTEIN, November 2, 1935 - December 29, 2022

Ann Epstein passed away Thursday afternoon, December 29th at the age of 87. Ann was known for her warmth and possessed an unshakeable kindness and a contagious smile that was noticed by every person who ever came into contact with her. She brought joy to everyone she met.

Ann was born to Radine and Irven Dubinsky on November 2, 1935, in Saint Louis. Alongside her beloved sister Ruth, Ann grew up in Clayton where she was an avid camper and often spoke of her summers at Burr Oak camp where she made lifelong friendships that remained for the entirety of her life.

Ann graduated from Clayton High School and while she did not graduate college, returned to Washington University to take art history classes in her adult life.

Ann met the love of her life, Leo Epstein at age thirteen. Leo spotted Ann in front of Glaser’s Drug Store on the corner of Hanley and Wydown and proclaimed to his friend that he was going to marry her – a story Ann and Leo loved to tell their family. Leo and Ann married in 1955 and had three children - Jim, Tom and Jane. Leo and Ann had a deep love for each other, and a relationship filled with laughter. Everyone wanted to be around them – the Epstein house in Ladue was a magnet for Jim, Tom and Jane’s friends in their teenage years which is attributed to the fun they had hanging around the kitchen counter with Ann.

Leo and Ann’s life was full of adventure – they were prolific travelers and when Leo took up marathoning in his 40s, Ann was at every finish line. They initially retired to Phoenix where they spent many wonderful years and once Leo’s running days were over, found their forever home in Durango, CO on the Animas River. Lovingly named “The Dandelion Ranch,” their home in Durango became the site of many family vacations. Leo and Ann built a wonderful community in Durango, and it remains a special

memory for the entire family.

Ann was an avid reader who always had a stack of books on her nightstand. She loved Tab soda and Diet Coke. She was a collector of southwestern art and turquoise jewelry and was known to send her granddaughters home with any bracelet or ring they liked.

Ann is survived by her three children, Jim (Kendra), Tom (Debbie), Jane (Kirby), ten grandchildren, four great grandchildren as well as many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Radine and Irven Dubinsky, her sister Ruth Dubinsky Ring, her husband Leo Epstein, and her sister-inlaw Lily Ann Abraham.

A graveside service was held Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 7550 Olive Blvd. In lieu of flowers, we kindly request that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Assocation or a charity of your choice.

A Rindskopf-Roth Service

MILDRED “MILLIE” FEINBERG, December 21, 2022

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Mildred “Millie” Feinberg; beloved wife of Morris Feinberg (z”l); mother of Halbert Feinberg and Barry Feinberg; grandmother of Benjamin Feinberg, Helene Feinberg, Megan Feinberg, Rivka Feinberg, and Tova Feinberg; daughter of Harry (z”l) and Fannie (z”l) Weiss; sister of Saul Weiss (z”l) and Ned Weiss (z”l); dear aunt, cousin, and friend.

A funeral service was held in New York on Tuesday, December 27th.

HARVEY FENSTER, age 91, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2022 with his family by his side.

For 72 years, he shared his life with his beloved wife, Jackie, who he met in high school. Beloved father of Neal Fenster (Dana), Debra Roberts, Cindy Peters, and the late Randee Roberts. Father-in-law of Michael Roberts (Lisa). Very proud grandfather (PawPaw) of 8 grandchildren, David Roberts (Donelle), Daniel Roberts, Stephanie Goette (Bradford), Jeffrey Guenzburger (Kelly), Jason Guenzburger, Jourdan Fenster, Grant Fenster, and Shelby Brett (Simon). Cherished great-grandfather of 10, Audrey, Noah and Jonah Roberts, Trysten, Davia, Jameson and Caden Goette, Alfie and Margaux Brett, and Jack Winters. Brother of the late Aaron Fenster (Sandy) and the late Hilda Markowitz (late Bernie). Son of the late Sam and the late Mildred Fenster. Dear uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

Harvey was a fierce and tireless worker having

OBITUARIES INDEX

Beckerman, Marvin Berent, Roger M.

Boeger, Mary Epstein, Ann Feinberg, Mildred Fenster, Harvey Fine, Anita Sue Frank, Edmond Jay Goldberg, Allan Herwitz, Mark Holland, Natalie S. Kornblum, Ronald Lass, Kathryn Levinson, Marvin

Litz, Vicki Loomstein, Lois Lyss, Edward C. Matusofsky, Gertrude Midows, Lucille Zvibleman Rich, Miriam Rosenberg, Neal Scheuer, Ilse Stein Spitzer, Sanford Jay Titchen, Jeffrey Lynn Torgove, Barry Warren, Rita R. Weissman, Sanford

joined his dad after high school at S. Fenster and Sons in the scrap metal business. Later his brother, Aaron joined and together they built Fenster Steel into one of the significant fabricators of steel. Many buildings in St. Louis now have Fenster Steel at their core, and a majority of homes in St. Louis have steel in their basements supporting their houses. Like his company, he was the support of his family. Harvey deeply believed “family is everything.” He will be greatly missed!

A private graveside funeral was held for the immediate family. There was a celebration of his life Thursday, Dec. 15 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

Donations honoring Harvey’s memory are welcomed for the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund or the Brain Tumor Center Fund at the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Memorial contributions may be sent to 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West, Suite 140, St. Louis, MO 63110 or submitted online at www. foundationbarnesjewish.org.

Berger Memorial Service

ANITA SUE FINE, 08/31/1941 - 1/1/23

Anita Fine passed away on January 1, 2023. She was the devoted wife of Allan Fine; beloved mother of Joseph (Jacki) Fine, Jay (Michelle) Fine, Jill Fine (James Griffith); dear sister and sisterin-law of Gary (Sharon) Cutter; loving grandmother of Ryan, Megan, Devon, Carley, Cole and Taylor.  Anita was known for her sincerity and generous heart.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, January 4 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Rd.  Memorial Contributions may be made to a cancer charity of your choice.

Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information.  Berger Memorial Service

EDMOND JAY FRANK, December 27, 2022.

Beloved husband of 50 years celebrated on December 23, 2022 of Janet Chinsky Frank; dear father and father-in-law of Jennifer Frank and Eric (Brandy) Frank; dear grandfather of Isaac “Leo” Frank and Simon Frank; Son of the late Sidney and the late Madeline Frank; Brother of the late Cynthia Frank Huseman; Son-in-law of the late Dr. Murray and the late Eileen Chinsky; dear uncle, cousin and friend.

A graveside service was held Friday December 30 at United Hebrew Cemetery, 7855 Canton 63130. Memorial contributions preferred to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Tourette’s Syndrome Association.

Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

ALLAN GOLDBERG, December 27, 2022

Beloved husband of Phyllis Goldberg; dear father and father-inlaw of Michael Goldberg (Lisbeth), Keith Goldberg (Alejandrina), and Glenn Goldberg (Nancy); dear grandfather of Ileana Goldberg, Alec Goldberg, Nicolas Goldberg, Celia Goldberg, Jessica Goldberg, and Andrew Goldberg; dear son of the late Sam and the late Gertrude Goldberg; dear brother  of Maxine Goldberg (Murrel), Elaine Flaherty, and Bonnie Mullinax; dear uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend.

Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all. Allan served his country for over 27 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, retiring in 1989 as Commander, Second Coast Guard District.

A Funeral Service was held Thursday, December 29th at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road. Interment followed at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream and Shiva information. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions preferred to American Cancer Society. Berger Memorial Service

MARK HERWITZ, January 1, 2023

Beloved husband of Helene Ashkenaz Herwitz for 34 years.  Loving father of Sam Herwitz.  Beloved brother of the late Roxanne (late Barry) Rubin.  Dear brother-in-law of the late Larry (Judie) Ashkenaz.  Beloved son of the late Sam and the late Frieda Brown Herwitz.  Dear uncle, cousin and friend.

Mark never met a stranger. He was friendly to everyone, whether he knew them or not.  Mark rarely went anywhere without knowing someone or without running into someone he knew. It became a joke among his friends.

Mark was born in St. Louis and grew up in Joliet, landing back in St. Louis as an adult. It was here where he continued his dad’s legacy of working in the shoe industry. He transitioned into the car business where he quickly became a leader in sales performance, retiring just a few months ago.

Mark loved golfing with his friends, racquetball, fishing, and playing poker in his spare time, but most of all he loved his family, his wife Helene, son Sam, and his many cousins.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, January 4 at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road, followed by interment at Beth Shalom Cemetery, 650 White Road.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Siteman Cancer Center, MSC 1247-4142100, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105 (siteman.wustl.edu/tribute);  Evelyn’s House, C/O The BJC Foundation for Hospice, P.O. Box 790369, St. Louis, MO, 63179; American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. #550, Chicago, IL, 60631 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Live stream of the service available at https:// sestl.co/mark_herwitz

A Rindskopf-Roth Service

OBITUARIES

NATALIE S. HOLLAND, 93, formerly of St Louis, died December 22, 2022 in Overland Park, KS.

Natalie was born October 24, 1929 to the late Henrietta (Schultz) and S. Arthur Brown, in Waterloo, IA. Her father died when she was 4, so she and her brother Jim grew up in St Louis and Bowling Green, MO. She told stories of riding to her one-room school on a donkey. She moved to St Louis for college at Washington University and she later met and married Herb (Red) Holland of Sioux City.

Natalie and Red were married 47 years until his passing in 2000 from complications of Multiple Sclerosis.

Throughout her life

Natalie could fix or build anything, volunteered for community organizations, including a food pantry, played bridge and golf, created beautiful stained glass pieces and helped wherever she was needed. She even once caught a 7 ft. sailfish! She was an inspiring mother and grandmother and aunt, and a true and loyal friend and cousin.

She is survived by daughters Stephanie Katzif (Larry) Overland Park KS and Nancy Holland, White Bear MN, and son Dana Holland, Kansas City, MO, grandchildren Michael Katzif, Washington DC, Elise Walker (Ben), Overland Park KS, and Anna Laroque (Donnyves), San Diego CA, great grandchildren Adam and Abigail Walker, caring cousins and friends.

Many thanks to the caring staff of Westchester Village and Ascend Hospice.

A private ceremony commemorating her life will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a food pantry or charity of your choice.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.louismemorialchapel.com (Arrangements entrusted to The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211).

RONALD KORNBLUM, December 27, 2022

Beloved husband of Joyce Kornblum; dear father and father-in-law of Steven Kornblum (Susan), Renita Goldstein (Morton), and the late Michael Kornblum (Monica); dear grandfather of Harvey, Lily, Hannah and Abigail Kornblum and Andrew (Emily) and Jennifer Goldstein; dear great-grandfather of Hailey and William Goldstein; dear brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

A graveside service was held Thursday, December 29th at B’nai Amoona Cemetery, 930 North and South Road.

Memorial contributions preferred to the charity of your choice.

Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

KATHRYN LASS

Kathy left us on December 31, 2022 at the age of 80. She is survived by her beloved husband and partner, Larry Willard, who was her caregiver for her last years. He did everything he could to help her. She is also survived by three nephews: Alan Korn (Claudia Simons), David Korn (Karen), and Richard Korn (Aimee). Also surviving are cousins Linda and Ivan Blumoff and Mark and Kathleen Reynolds and their families. She was predeceased by her loving parents Sarah Gross and Ben Lass and her deeply-missed sister, Letty Korn.

A great lover of classical music, she attended the symphony with her dad (a refugee from Poland) from a very early age and continued throughout her life. She was always a strong supporter of the arts.

Kathy attended Northwestern University and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Missouri in Columbia with a BA in Sociology. She received an MA in Sociology from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard University.

She had a keen intellectual interest in many things. She was a young woman with an adventurous spirit and lived with a family in Argentina for a semester in high school. She also lived on a kibbutz doing farm work in Israel. She was committed to many issues of social justice, trying in a small way to leave the world a better place, She spent the summer of 1965 as a volunteer with Dr. Martin Luther King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference, where she registered voters in the South. The experience was forever in her memory. She was passionate and humane. She lived in Washington, DC

working with the US Department of Labor, and in Boston where she worked with the early antipoverty programs.

She returned to St. Louis and worked at Psychological Associates for several years. Through her last job as Director of International Services with the American Red Cross in St. Louis, she was grateful to have been able to help refugees and guide them through the maze of being newcomers. She worked with Holocaust survivors to help them find out what happened to their loved ones, which took her to Poland, Germany, and Israel. She was honored to be a part of the Missing Persons Project from BosniaHerzegovina.

Her body was donated to the Washington University School of Medicine at her request. She was so grateful for her supportive friends. If desired, memorial contributions can be sent to the International Institute in St. Louis

MARVIN LEON LEVINSON, December 27, 2022

We mourn the death of Marvin Leon Levinson, 1925-2022, on December 27, 2022. Marvin was married to Marilyn Yezner Levinson for 71 years and together they had three daughters, Carol Levinson Waggoner (Max), Joan Levinson (Mitchell Abidor), and Stacey Levinson Hudson (Repps). Marv had three grandchildren Nicola, Eliana, and Daniel Hudson. He was the son of Arthur and Clara Levinson and was a beloved cousin, uncle, and friend to many.

Marv grew up in Chicago and proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II, awarded a Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart for his action during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. Following his military service, Marv returned to Chicago and earned a BS in zoology at Northwestern University, an MS in microbiology at the University of Illinois, and later a JD at St. Louis University.

Shortly after Carol was born, Marv and Marilyn moved to Marilyn’s hometown of University City, settling in Olivette. He worked as a research microbiologist at Anheuser Busch until his retirement and then began practicing family law. Marv loved to read, particularly books on Jewish history, World War II, and biographies. The Levinson family took many road trips to the Southwest, and Marv and Marilyn also loved to travel to Europe, Israel, and the Pacific Northwest. The Levinsons have long been active members of Temple Emanuel and participants in the arts and music community. Marv loved his family, his home, and his gardens.

Services were held at Temple Emanuel, 12166 Conway Road, on Friday, December 30, 2022, followed by internment at New Mount Sinai Cemetery, 8430 Gravois Rd. Shiva and Live Stream details are available at bergermemorialchapel.com.

Donations can be made to Temple Emanuel, the International Institute St. Louis (www.iistl. org), or the organization of your choice.

Berger Memorial Service

VICKI LITZ, age 87, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on December 28th.

Vicki graduated from Clayton High School, where she excelled outside the classroom and was crowned football queen in 1953. She spent one great day attending Washington University before continuing her education at Miss Hickey’s School for Secretaries.

Vicki was many things; a yo-yo champion, a local newspaper mogul, and one of the funniest people you would ever meet. She was a loyal fan of the teams she loved and the teams that the people she loved loved. But Vicki cheered hardest for her family.

She is the wife of the late Norman Litz; beloved mother and mother-in-law of Michael Levitt (Lori), Susie Kopp (Gary) and step-mother of the late Michael Litz (Sohaila) and Tom Litz (Melanie); dear grandmother of Mark Levitt (Paige), Jeffrey Levitt (Jordyn), Elizabeth Levitt, Adam Kopp, Annie Kopp, and step-grandmother of Cameron Litz, Julia Litz, Sam Litz and Eric Litz; dear great grandmother of Olivia Scott Levitt; daughter of the late Sam and the late Pauline Chaleff; sister of Arlen Chaleff.

A graveside service was held Sunday, January

1st at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Memorial contributions preferred to the JCC Levitt Family Scholarship Fund. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

LOIS LOOMSTEIN, January 7, 2023

Beloved wife of the late Jack Gerald Loomstein; dear mother and mother-in-law of Steven M. Loomstein (Theresa Elafros) and Jerry Loomstein (Karen); dear grandmother of Joshua; former mother-in-law of Pat Loomstein; dear daughter of the late Jack and the late Bessie Yakovitz; dear sister of the late Elaine Kline (late Wilbert); dear aunt of Michelle (Gary), Roxanne (Dean), Louis (Mary); cousin and friend to many.

Lois was an enthusiastic member of Central Reform Congregation, a dedicated and active volunteer for the St. Louis Zoo (Lois loved giraffes), the OASIS tutoring program, and the Scottish Rite Walker Clinic.

A graveside service was held Tuesday, January 10 at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery, 1601 North and South Road. Memorial contributions preferred to the St. Louis Zoo’s Zoo Parents Program (targeting giraffes), 1 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110.

Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

EDWARD C. LYSS, December 19, 2022

Beloved husband of Jane Litwin Lyss; dear father and father-in-law of Sam Lyss, Rebecca (Shmuel) Lieberman, Alex (Bexley) Lyss, and Jack (Shoshana) Lyss; dear grandfather of Daniel Lieberman, Raizy Lieberman, Leib Lyss, Avrumi Lyss, Rachel Leah Lyss, Ariella Lyss, and Yehuda Lyss; dear brother of Alan (Chris) Lyss and Michael (Carol) Lyss; dear brother-in-law of Anne Litwin (Mike Willard), Debbie (Jim) Exum, and the late Rick Litwin; dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, December 20th at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Memorial contributions preferred to Nusach Hari Bnai Zion Synagogue or Torah Prep School

Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

GERTRUDE “GERT” MATUSOFSKY, April 3, 1917 -December 17, 2022

Beloved wife of the late Albert “Al” Matusofsky,  mother and mother in law of Marilyn (Mike) Kugman, Janet (Wally) Canis, the late Mindy (Harry) Diament,  and Don (Nancy) Matusofsky, dear grandmother of Lori Kugman (Justin Eaton), Corey Canis, David Kugman (Farrah), Robin Moll (AJ), Michelle Diament (Shaun Heasley),  Steve Diament, Dr. Joel Diament (Dr. Karen Wong), Alison Matusofsky, and Andrew Matusofsky; great grandmother of Noah and Michaella Moll, Ari and Mira

Diament Heasley, Benjamin Diament and Vera Kugman; dear sister and sister in law of the late Ruth (L. Sam) Finn, the late Esther (L. Simon)

Muchnick, the late Irv

Figus, the late Lester (L. Pearl) Figus, the late Martin (Norma) Figus, the late Sylvia (L. Dave) Kottle, the late Helen (L. Sam) Wool, the late Isabelle (L. Mickey) Kravitz;  dear aunt, cousin and friend.

Family is what made her the happiest.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132.

Berger Memorial Service

Obituaries continue on opposite page

American Flag symbol denotes a United States military veteran.

LUCILLE ZVIBLEMAN MIDOWS, January 1, 2023

Beloved wife of the late Harry Midows; dear sister of the late Leonard (the late Elma), the late Marvin “Babe,” and the late Harry (Marcella) Zvibleman; dear sister-in-law of the late Sidney Midows (the late Florence) and the late Elsie Strauss (the late Joseph); dear aunt of Larry Midows (Nancy), Nancy Sturgis, Eleanor Smith, Deann Rubin (Michael) and Jana Zvibleman (the late Bruce Marbin); dear great-aunt, greatgreat-aunt, cousin and friend to many.

A funeral service was held Thursday, January 5th at BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 9430 Olive Boulevard. Interment followed at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery, 1601 North & South Road at Page. Memorial contributions preferred to the Harry and Lucille Midows Religious School Fund at Congregation Shaare Emeth. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream and Shiva information. Berger Memorial Service

MIRIAM RICH, December 28, 2022

Preceded in death by her beloved husband Jerome Rich; dear mother and mother-inlaw of Norman Rich (Elise), late Robert Rich (late Carol), Caryn Rosen (Greg), and Ellyn Bender (Michael); dear grandmother of A.J. Rich (Ashley), Alex Rich (Annie Burkard), Harrison Rich, Noah Rosen (Bethany Sebben), Caleb Rosen, Jonah Rosen, Ashley Bender (Steven Kirsch) and Austin Bender (Andrea Lange); dear great-grandmother of Hudson, Sloane and Brooks Rich.

A graveside service was held Friday, December 30 at 3:30 PM at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Memorial contributions preferred to the charity of your choice. Berger Memorial Service

NEAL (BUDDY) ROSENBERG, 93, passed away on December 28, 2022, following a brief illness.

Devoted husband of Aralyn Rosenberg for 71 years; father and father-in-law of Scott Rosenberg (Rachael Pine) and Mindy Schlansky (Steven); grandfather of Hayden and Elana Rosenberg, Brian Schlansky and Jamie Evans (Curtis); brother and brother-in-law of the late Theodore (Ted) Rosenberg (late Lorraine); dear uncle, cousin and friend.

Neal graduated from University City High School, and attended Washington University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University. Neal’s career of nearly 40 years with Union Electric (now Ameren), began at the plant in Venice, Illinois. He retired from the company’s headquarters in 1992 as superintendent of fossil fuels. With his retirement came a new chapter in his career for seven more years as a consultant to power plants around the country, where he applied new methods he had devised for weighing coal.

He married the love of his life, Aralyn, in 1951. Together they raised two children, and enjoyed traveling across the globe to 15 different countries—from England and France, to Hong Kong, Singapore, Africa, Russia, Israel and more. In their later years, Neal and Aralyn built their dream condominium in Naples, Florida, where

they returned year after year to reunite with friends and escape the St. Louis winters.

Neal also launched a third “career” as president of condo associations in both St. Louis and Naples. At one time he was president of three condo boards concurrently, including an association of multiple condominiums in Naples. Upon his final “retirement” from the board in Naples, he was presented with a plaque for the “longest serving president,” with the inscription, “Always the gentle and patient leader.”

His greatest pleasure, however, was his family—who loved and cherished him; and will miss his ever-present smile, his subtle humor, his steady hand and his exuberant joy of life.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, January 3 at Congregation Temple Israel, #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive), followed by interment at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery. Memorial contributions to charity of your choice.

Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

ILSE STEIN SCHEUER, March 15, 1917 –December 21, 2022

Ilse was born in Tuchel, West Prussia (Germany) to Isidor and Paula Stein. She had a twin sister Ruth and older brother Siegbert. When the twins were five years old, the family moved to Wolgast, Germany where they were one of five Jewish families.

After high school and an apprenticeship at the Day Home for Babies and Infants in Berlin, Ilse trained to become a Registered Nurse at the Jewish Hospital in Breslau. When Ilse graduated in October 1938, she was the last Jewish nurse allowed to graduate under Hitler’s regime.

In April 1939, Ilse and Ruth fled Germany for England to work as nurses in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, regrettably leaving behind their mother. In June 1940, when war broke out, all alien nurses were dismissed from English hospitals.  Ilse then worked as a domestic in a private home.

In 1943, Ilse was allowed to return to nursing. While working at the Birmingham and Midland Eye Hospital, she studied for her English nursing degree.

On February 16, 1946, Ilse and Ruth arrived in New York City fortunate to have been sponsored by the Littmanns who soon welcomed them to St. Louis. Ilse began working at Barnes Hospital in the Eye Surgery Dept. and again prepared for State Board Exams. Ilse would then have earned German, English, and American RN degrees. She went on to be the head nurse and supervisor for the Eye Operating Room.

Ilse married Milton Scheuer June 1, 1952 and they had daughter Peggy a year later. Her focus then shifted to being a wife and mother.

Ilse returned to Barnes-Jewish Hospital for 36 years and accumulated over 12,000 volunteer hours. She was admired and appreciated by all. The opportunity to continue working in support of the Eye Operating Room staff filled Ilse with immense pride.

In 2012, when macular degeneration impacted Ilse’s ability to volunteer, play mahjong, and knit and crochet caps and blankets for children with cancer, Peggy moved her to San Diego.

Ilse is the wife of the late Milton Scheuer and survived by her daughter Peggy (Michael Hammond) and grandchildren Eric and Lori.

A funeral service was held Sunday January 8, at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery in the Mausoleum, 8430 Gravois Rd. Burial followed afterward in the cemetery. If you wish to make a donation, please consider contributing to The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital: Visit https://bit.ly/ Ilse-Stein-Scheuer

Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

SANFORD JAY “SANDY” SPITZER died peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, January 5, 2023.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Gloria (nee Fishgoll) and their four children, Linda (Richard) Gavatin of St. Louis, Dr. Michael (Rita) Spitzer of Laguna Niguel, CA, Dr. Sheryl (Jeff) Spitzer-Resnick of Madison, WI and Jeffrey (Rabbi Miriam) Spitzer of Scranton, PA. The couple also have eight grandchildren, Amy (Geoff) Anfuso of Laguna Niguel, CA, Sarah (Nick Spicer) Spitzer of Santa Monica, CA, Brad (Caroline) Spitzer of Long Beach, CA, Rabbi Rafi (Rachael Besser) Spitzer of Niskayuna, NY, Gabriella (Sandy Johnston) Spitzer of Boston, MA, Leora Spitzer of Ithaca, NY, Joshua SpitzerResnick of Minneapolis, MN and Arielle Spitzer of Scranton, PA. They also have eight greatgrandchildren, Carson and Kaitlyn in Laguna Niguel, Ellie, Jonah and Zakai in Niskayuna, Shane and Dean in Santa Monica and Asher in Long Beach. He is also survived by a sister-inlaw, Elaine (Ronald,z”l) Lending and brother-inlaw, Herbert (Adrienne,z”l) Sobelman, both of St. Louis and close cousin Lottye (Bobby) Lyle of Dallas, TX, special friend Susan Kelter, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Sandy was predeceased by his brother Norman (Bette) Spitzer and his sister Adele (Melvin) Roman.

Sandy graduated Washington University with a degree in Business Administration and was a BMOC (Big Man on Campus). He was very active in his fraternity, Pi Lambda Phi and served as Treasurer, Vice-President and President. He also served on the Interfraternity Council and was Vice-President of Hillel. He co-chaired freshman orientation and was honored by ThurtenE and Scabbard & Blade. As a member of ROTC, he also graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant. Sandy continued his service in the Army Reserves and retired as a Lt. Col. after a total of 20 years.

After college, he married his high school sweetheart, Gloria. After serving two years active duty, he returned to St. Louis and worked in the family finance business as the executive vice president, expanding the company to 15 locations and then selling the company in 1967.

He then went to work with Mark Twain Bank where he was an executive opening new accounts. The company grew and he became a senior vice president helping to open new branches on Ladue Road, Creve Coeur, and downtown. After multiple acquisitions, Mark Twain banks eventually became part of US Bank. He retired in 1999.

Sandy’s winning personality helped him maintain lifelong friendships from his childhood, college and his fraternity, golf, bridge and social

clubs (including the “Odd Couples”), friends he made through business and even his children’s friends.

He was an avid golfer and bridge player and recently became a life master. He loved attending and watching sports games and golf events. He and Gloria were big Cardinals fans. They loved traveling, especially cruising, which he shared with his family.

Sandy Spitzer led when leadership was needed. He co-chaired all of his college reunions. He served as President of the Missouri Consumer Finance Association. He served on the United Way’s Management Assistance council. He was elected alderman of the city of Crystal Lake Park where he and Gloria lived.

He co-created the CUREator’s Society for the local American Diabetes Association as a fundraising campaign. He later served on its national board and solicited one of their largest donations ever.

At the behest of his Rabbi, Bernard Lipnick, he chaired the local campaign for the Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York and was so successful that he was asked to serve on the Chancellor’s Council and the Board of Overseer’s of the Rabbinical School. He and his wife Gloria and sister Adele Roman founded the Rabbi Bernard Lipnick Foundation for Conservative Judaism at Congregation B’nai Amoona which he co-chaired with Gloria.

Among the numerous honors he has received was the Big Pi award in 1992 by Pi Lambda Phi fraternity for Community Service. In 1993, he was given the President’s Award by the Missouri Affiliate of the American Diabetes Association and in 1999, he was awarded the Addison Scoville Plaque by the National Diabetes Association for outstanding volunteer service. Although he had previously been a strong believer in public school education, he grew to value day school education and was honored with Gloria in 2010 by the Solomon Schechter Day School with a distinguished service award. In 2014, he was honored by Lift for Life Academy along with Gloria with the Founder’s Award. That same year, they were also honored as the Bride and Groom of the Torah by Congregation B’nai Amoona.

To really know Sandy, you need to know about the values that guided his life. Most came from

his parents, Margaret(z”l) and S. Barney(z”l) Spitzer and from his in-laws, Lillian(z”l) and Eugene(z”l) Fishgoll, who he also called Mom and Dad. More than anything, family means everything. He and Gloria have made sure that even though their family of multiple generations is spread around the country, they are all close. Education was of paramount importance, and not just book learning, but taking opportunities to grow and change. He was also raised to believe firmly that all men and women are created free and equal. That served him well in the service, in business and in all his life. Sandy believed in living an honorable life and doing things for family, in business and the community in the best way possible. And, finally, Sandy and Gloria were both raised to give back, both with their time and with their treasure. One of Sandy’s favorite quotes was by Winston S. Churchill, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” There is no doubt that Sandy Spitzer led quite a full life. He was truly loved and will be missed by many.

A funeral service was held Monday, January 9 at Congregation B’nai Amoona, 324 S. Mason Rd. followed with military honors and interment at B’nai Amoona Cemetery, 930 North and South Rd. The link for the live stream at Congregation B’nai Amoona is as follows: http:// bit.ly/Sanford-Spitzer

Sandy and Gloria were quiet philanthropists supporting many organizations without fanfare. They particularly supported underprivileged youths, seniors, education and health related causes. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in his memory to Lift for Life Academy (1731 S. Broadway, 63104), Covenant Place (8 Millstone Campus Dr., 63146) or Evelyn’s House (1000 N. Mason Rd., 63141), the hospice which Sandy and Gloria supported and where Sandy spent his final days. The family is most grateful for the incredible loving and supportive care by the entire hospice staff at Evelyn’s House.

A Rindskopf-Roth Service

OBITUARIES

JEFFREY LYNN TITCHEN, December 23, 2022

Beloved husband of Jo Anne Titchen; Dear father and father-inlaw of Christopher Anders and Michael (Bobbi) Kennedy; Dear brother and brother-in-law of Jay (Janet) Titchen and Helene (Mark) Hall. Dear uncle, cousin and friend to many Jeffrey was a Vietnam Era Veteran who served in South Korea.

A Graveside Service was held Wednesday, December 28 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125.

Memorial Contributions preferred to the Jewish Federation, American Cancer Society or the Heart Foundation.

Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

BARRY TORGOVE, December 24, 2022

Beloved husband of Diane Zucker Torgove.  Dear step-father of Scott (Sheri Mead) Sandler and the late Billy Sandler.  Beloved brother of the late Lois Schrier (Edward) Richman. Dear brotherin-law of Les (Marilyn) Zucker.  Dear uncle, cousin and friend.

A celebration of Barry’s life will be held at a future date.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, 10950 Schuetz Road, St. Louis, MO, 63146 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

A Rindskopf-Roth Service

RITA R. WARREN, December 22, 2022

Rita Warren died peacefully in her sleep in Oklahoma City with her sons Steven and Matthew (thanks to technology) by her side. It was the day after what would have been her 70th anniversary to Lionel G. Warren (of blessed memory), the love of her life. In addition to Lionel, Rita was preceded in death by her son David Warren (of blessed memory).

Rita is survived by her sons Matthew (April) of Gig Harbor, WA and Steven (Cherisse) of Oklahoma City and David’s widow, Rhona Lyons of St. Louis.

Rita’s memory will be treasured by her 4 granddaughters, Ariel, Abra (Jonathan Fischer), Mital, and Pardes LyonsWarren and her 4 grandsons, Austin, Adam, Marcel and Ethan Warren and her 2 greatgranddaughters, Amalia and Ayla Fischer-LyonsWarren.

Rita lived in many places: NYC, Baltimore, Houston, St. Louis, Venezuela, New Orleans, Spain, Israel, and Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. She spent the last 4 months of her life Oklahoma, just a few minutes away from her son, Steven. A lifelong learner and teacher, Rita made and kept friends from all over the world and will be greatly missed.

SANFORD  “SAFE” WEISSMAN, 98, passed away in his hometown of St. Louis, MO, January 2, 2023, surrounded by loving family.  “Safe” was born in St. Louis on March 12, 1924, the youngest of seven to the late Samuel Weissman (born 1883 in Russia) and Sarah Julia Rosinsky (born 1887 in Lithuania/Russia). He was preceded in death by his siblings Selma, Dorothy, Daniel, Leona, Jane, and Jerome.

A lifelong St. Louisan, he graduated from Soldan High School and St. Louis University.  Immediately after graduating from high school, Safe began military service as an Army rifleman in the 359th Infantry in the 90th Division. In WWII he saw action in the Rhineland, the Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes Offensive), and Central Europe. He was wounded in Luxembourg and was briefly hospitalized before returning to action. Sanford always deflected conversation about his wartime in Europe; the family discovered his commendations only after receiving his official Army record showing that he was awarded three Bronze Stars and a Purple

Heart for his service.

Safe began his career working for the City of St. Louis before his long career as a synagogue administrator at Temple Israel. He was a founding member of the B’nai B’rith HarrisonEagle Lodge. In retirement, Safe continued to support his community, volunteering at the Missouri Historical Society. He loved his hometown and supported the zoo, art museum, Muny, Shaw’s Garden and the Cardinals. In later years, he spoke of his surprise meeting soldiers who grew up without parks or museums or zoos.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey “Honey” Weissman, née Schuman.  He was a devoted caregiver to his wife later in life as she contended with chronic medical conditions. Sanford was a devoted father to his three daughters: Paula Weissman (the late Joseph Sadowsky), Susan (Gary) Rundblad and Debra Weissman (Frank McAlister). He was a dear grandfather to Janine Rundblad, Barrett (Anne Phelps)

Rundblad, Scott (Abigail) McAlister, and Elizabeth McAlister; and a cherished great grandfather of Miles and Audrey Rundblad and Jayden and Bodie McAlister. He was a loving companion to Lucille Goffstein and her son Gilburt.

The origin of his nickname “Safe” remains an enigma; no definitive explanation was ever discovered although there were several theories. His family and friends remember him for his dry wit that left the recipient either grinning or groaning or both.  He is also remembered for his kind, gentle nature and loyalty to friends and family. He quietly lived and acted with love.

A graveside service was held at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road on January 6, 2023 at 11:30am. A reception followed the service at The Mansions on the Plaza, 8300 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63124. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Veterans Administration at John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks and Mercy Hospital for their excellent care for Safe. Special heartfelt thanks go to the caregivers at Brightstar who provided exceptional personal attention for Safe in his home over many months.

A Rindskopf-Roth Service

American Flag symbol denotes a United States military veteran.

Hanukkah Party

PHOTOS

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Hanukkah Holiday Party

FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

Shir Ami entertains at Crown’s Hanukkah party

Crown Center board members and volunteers helped Crown residents and community neighbors celebrate Hanukkah with a holiday party, Shir Ami concert and a latke making class.

Jon Hoffman from Papa Mark’s Catering conducts a class in latke making

Crown Center board members and community volunteers serve latkes, sufganiyot and Hanukkah cookies-(L-R) Alan Spector, Max de la Paz, Erin Schuver, Essie Rochman, Ann Spector, Nancy Novack, Mickey Waldman, Jody Waldman

Crown Center board members and residents celebrating Hanukkah (L – R) Ninel Kogan, Erin Schuver, Nancy Novack, Galina Dega

crown center ’ s

Liora Zaragoza in the Bounce House

Michelle, Seth, and Ryan Iken playing Bingo

Lielle Haluf, Joey Abraham and Wolf Spezia with Louie from the Blues

Rabbi Abraham and Corey Iken in Hanukkah costumes outside with Louie

On Sunday, Dec. 18, Congregation B’nai Amoona held its “Bounce into Hanukkah Party” with a family-friendly afternoon of moving, grooving, games and other Hanukkah activities.

congregation b ’ nai amoona

Schmooze: St. Louisian ‘Chai Y’all’ skates on national Jewish roller derby team

are blockers, and the remaining player is the point scorer, known as the jammer, which is the position Dennis plays.

Blockers simultaneously try to stop the opposing jammer while making way for their own. Each pair of hips the jammer passes earns a point. Matches are an hour broken up into 30-minutes halves.

It’s a fast-paced, aggressive contact sport, but there are many rules to keep gameplay clean and the skaters relatively safe. Still, says Dennis, in roller derby, it’s not a matter of if you’ll get hurt, but when. And how?

In addition to a broken nose and separating both shoulders in the same season, Dennis has undergone two major surgeries in the past five years, both related to roller derby. The first, roughly five years ago, came after they tore their ACL, playing with Nashville Roller Derby.

Then in May, they had surgery to repair chronic exertional compartment syndrome, an exercise-induced muscle and nerve condition that causes pain, swelling and sometimes disability in the affected

TRIBUTES

IN HONOR OF

ARTHUR LITZ

“In honor of Arthur’s 100th Birthday.”

- Arthur Litz- Robert LitzWINOGRAD FAMILY “Mazel Tov on Ben’s Bar Mitzvah!”

- Bethe & Gary -

MEMORY

SUSAN KAPLANSKY

“Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time.”

- Ruth & Barry KesslerDOLLY NEWPORT

- Godofredo Herzog -

NEAL (BUDDY) ROSENBERG

“In honor and memory of Neal (Buddy) Rosenberg” Love, - Joan & ShermanMARK HERWITZ

“Mark was a doll! I’m so sad for your loss - I know he adored you.He sold me 2 cars and was a great advertiser in the Jewish Light. May his memory be for a blessing.”

- Betsy Schmidt -

muscles.

“I had that for several years without it being diagnosed,” Dennis said. “My legs wouldn’t give out, but I couldn’t point and flex my foot anymore because my nerves were so compressed. I walked around flat-footed, and in incredible pain.

“There were complications with the surgery, so I was basically immobile for three weeks, but I was able to return to skating in July. I was off skating for six months with my ACL.”

Despite their injuries, Dennis says roller derby gives them so much more than it takes.

“When I first moved to St. Louis, I came to Arch Rival and immediately had like 100 new best friends,” said Dennis, who practices with the team one or two nights a week. “The derby community is so tightknit and welcoming across the world. They are family. I didn’t feel this huge gap of loneliness because they immediately took me in.”

Dennis looks forward to a similar camaraderie when they play with Jewish Roller Derby. They explained that since most

teams are non-profit, players are expected to pay for their transportation to tournaments, accommodations and meals, as well as the cost of their gear. Dennis estimates travel to the Louisiana tournament will cost about $500.

Regardless, they say playing with Jewish Roller Derby is a huge honor.

“The opportunity to skate with Jewish Roller Derby means so much to me,” Dennis said. “In the broader culture, there’s unfortunately still antisemitic tropes and stereotypes that get circled around. Lots of people still don’t understand that Judaism doesn’t just include religious practices, but also shared cultural practices and peoplehood.

“I think there’s something to be said for our existence as a team. Being strong, ath-

letic and loudly Jewish is a conduit to learn more about our people and its diversity. To be able to represent our people with pride on a national stage, to show the diversity of what it means to be Jewish, is an honor that I don’t take lightly.”

IN HONOR OF www.stljewishlight.org/tribute/

IN MEMORY OF www.stljewishlight.org/memorial-tribute/

Autumn Dennis shows off the Jewish Roller Derby team logo featuring the 12 tribes of Israel and the lion of Judah.

“I just can’t imagine any place I’d like more.”

—John Drew