Best Picture Oscar nominee ‘Zone of Interest’ opens in St. Louis See page 11
A N O N P R O FIT, IN D EP EN D EN T N E W S S O U R CE TO I N F O R M , I N S P I R E , E D U C AT E A N D CO N N E C T T H E S T. LO U I S J E W I S H CO M M U N IT Y.
S T L J E W I S H L I G H T.O R G
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Ladue junior slides up ranks of elite amateur hockey players BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Marking 100 days since Oct. 7
Nearly 200 people gathered Sunday evening, Jan. 14 at the J’s Staenberg Family Complex for a ceremony to mark 100 days since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. Bitter cold temperatures outside didn’t deter the large group from joining for a solemn ceremony. As participants entered the auditorium, they attached a piece of tape to their clothing marked with the number 100. The event also paid tribute to Gili Adar (z”l), a former Camp Ben Frankel counselor who was among the 260 Israelis who attended a music festival near Gaza and were murdered by Hamas terrorists. PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN
At top, Rabbi Brad Horwitz addresses the audience with a slide remembering Adar. At left, St. Louis’ Shinshinim light candles at the ceremony. For more images from the ceremony, visit stljewishlight.org/ multimedia.
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Nelson Vickar always puts on his left sock before his right one. It’s a routine, and a superstition that’s common for an elite hockey player like Vickar, who first put on a pair of ice skates when he was 2 years old. Vickar, 17, is now a top goalie prospect and last year was named one of Jewish Telegraph Agency’s 36 Jewish student athletes to watch for the 2023-2024 school year. Vickar currently plays for the St. Louis Blues’ AAA amateur hockey team. It’s supported by the NHL team but has no official affiliation. His .867 save percentage in 16 games in the 20222023 season led to him being drafted by the Madison Capitals of the United States Hockey League, the top junior ice hockey league under USA Hockey. In addition, Vickar has earned a “trending up” rating from Scouting News, which ranks promising athletes. A junior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, Vickar enjoys being the last line of defense and being on the ice for the entire game while his teammates rest every few minutes between shifts. Being a goalie is not just physically demanding, he said. “You have to be mentally tough,” Vickar said. “Sometimes, mid-game, if we’re playing a not-so-good team or I go a long time without a shot or any action, I will make imaginary saves in the net. The worst thing to happen is the other team comes down on a two-on-one break and scores, and then you feel like See ATHLETE on page 9 A junior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, Nelson Vickar is a top goalie prospect and last year was named one of Jewish Telegraph Agency’s 36 Jewish student athletes to watch for the 2023-2024 school year.
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January 24, 2024
STL
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PUBLISHER'S STATEMENT The ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT (ISSN 00362964) is published bimonthly by the St. Louis Jewish Light, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, 7201 Delmar Blvd. Suite 201, St. Louis, MO 63130. Periodical postage paid at St. Louis, MO. Copyright 2024. Postmaster: Send address changes to the St. Louis Jewish Light: 7201 Delmar Blvd. #201, St. Louis, MO 63130.
OFFICERS Michael Staenberg, President Bethe Growe, Immediate Past President Kara Newmark, Vice President Ryan Rich, Vice President Justin Krachmalnick, Treasurer Todd Taylor, Secretary DIRECTORS Caroline Goldenberg, Mia Kweskin, Debbie Lefton, Steve Rosenzweig and Adam Schneider JEWISH LIGHT PAST PRESIDENTS Bernard Fischlowitz*, Milton I. Goldstein*, Morris Pearlmutter* (founder), Morris Moscowitz*, Melvin Newmark*, Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin*, Vivian Zwick*, Joseph Edlin*, Michael Newmark, Richard Stein, Yusef Hakimian*, Sanford Weiss*, Philip Isserman*, Linda Kraus, Richard Flom, Marvin Schneider, Barbara Langsam Shuman, Terry Bloomberg, John Greenberg, David Grebler*, Milton Movitz*, Gianna Jacobson, Jenny Wolkowitz, Gary Kodner, Jane Tzinberg Rubin, Steve Gallant, Laura K. Silver, Bethe Growe * Of Blessed Memory
february 6 – february 25 performed at the loretto hilton center
PUBLICATION DATES FOR 2024
STAFF
The Jewish Light will publish print editions twice a month in 2024, on the following dates:
EXECUTIVE Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief Stacy Wolff Smart, Chief of Revenue Growth and Community Engagement Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content Officer
• Feb. 7 • Feb. 21 • March 6 • March 20 • April 3 • April 17 • May 1 • May 22
• June 5 • June 19 • July 10 • July 24 • Aug. 7 • Aug. 21 • Sept. 11 • Sept. 25
• Oct. 9 • Oct. 23 • Nov. 6 • Nov. 20 • Dec. 4 • Dec. 18
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The Jewish Light is a community partner of Jewish Federation of St. Louis.
EDITORIAL Robert A. Cohn, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Mike Sherwin, Managing Editor SALES Angie Rosenberg, Senior Account Executive Kelly Morris, Account Executive Elaine Wernick, Account Executive BUSINESS & ENGAGEMENT Terri Green, Administrative Assistant CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bill Motchan, Amy Fenster Brown, Patricia Corrigan, Barry Gilbert, Margi Lenga Kahn, Nancy Kranzberg, Elise Krug, Cate Marquis, Eric Mink, Judith Newmark, Martin Rochester, Megan Rubenstein
The Jewish Light is a member of the American Jewish Press Association
CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
scan for ticket details Shabbat begins Friday, Jan. 26: 4:58 p.m. Shabbat ends Saturday, Jan. 27: 5:59 p.m.
MAJOR PRODUCTION SPONSOR Cast, MOBY DICK ,Photography by Liz Lauren. Photograph courtesy of Lookingglass Theatre Company.
REPSTL.ORG/MOBYDICK 0124-24 pages.indd 2
Torah reading: Beshalach Shabbat begins Friday, Feb. 2: 5:06 p.m. Shabbat ends Saturday, Feb. 3: 6:06 p.m. Torah reading: Yitro
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January 24, 2024
Page 3
At 95, Betty Levy (aka Bubbles the clown) has spent decades refining her shtick It’s 4:45 p.m. at the Brentmoor and the nightly comedy show is about to begin. It commences after the soup or salad course, which kicks off the dinner meal at 4:30 for residents of this retirement and assisted-living community in Ladue. Betty Levy pulls her chair back from the table where she is seated with three friends, grabs ahold of her Rollator Walker, and makes her way from table-totable to do her thing. That thing would be joke telling. She moves among the half dozen or so tables telling her joke of the day to diners seated at each. Make no mistake: Betty is a masterful joke teller. Now here is where I would insert one of Betty’s jokes for you to enjoy. But the thing is that many of them — or at least the four or five she told me — are not exactly fodder for a family publication. As a jokester who favors storytelling with a punchline rather than one-liners, Betty’s repertoire leans toward off-color more than dirty, and sometimes revolves around members of the clergy, or makes mention of certain body parts. Regardless, her jokes are laugh-out-loud funny and delivered with crisp precision and impeccable timing. A few other things about Betty — she not only performs tableside and on-stage doing stand-up but also as a clown named Bubbles. And on Saturday, Jan. 27, she’ll turn 95 years old. She plans to mark the occasion with a three-day celebration, including a pajama-themed night at Blueberry Hill and a joke night Saturday at a restaurant in St. Charles County. She instructed each of the 19 family members attending that they must tell a joke, preferably one that’s humorous. At 95, Betty shows no signs of slowing down. She lives independently, walks daily for a half-hour either outside or on a treadmill and makes sure to eat healthy and drink plenty of water. Five years ago, she needed a heart valve operation but there was concern about the surgery
Betty Levy, aka Bubbles the Clown. because of her age. “Doctors examined me and said it was OK because I was so healthy,’” she recalls. “I came home a day after the surgery. A year later, they put in a pacemaker, and I came home that very same day. I got through both without any pain or problems.” Her balance, she says, can be a little off, which is why she uses a walker, though ambling about in her apartment she seems to move just fine without it. It was during one of these ambles she retrieved her Bubbles costume, which she sewed 40 years ago. A self-described shy child growing up, she got into clowning by accident, when she was in search of other volunteer work. “I was reading this article in the Light
one day and it says, ‘Become a clown and entertain the sick, the young and the old.’ They had a class at the J, so I signed up.” Eventually, she and others from the class volunteered by entertaining at hospitals, nursing homes and daycare centers in full clown regalia. Betty also performed magic tricks as Bubbles, which required her telling stories, a skill her son thinks she honed then, and which has helped with her golden years comedy career. When she moved into the Brentmoor nearly 10 years ago, a resident named Adele would go from table-to-table at dinner welcoming everyone. Adele enlisted Betty to join her. “One day I said to her, ‘We’re going to do something different;
NEWS & SCHMOOZE News and Schmooze is a column by Jewish Light Editor-in-Chief Ellen Futterman. Email Ellen at: efutterman@stljewishlight.org.
we’re going to tell jokes.’ She said, ‘I don’t know how to tell jokes. I said, ‘You can read them.’ So that’s how it started. After she passed away, I continued telling them.” Betty’s jokes aren’t original. She finds them on the internet. But she works to make each one her own, even down to the rhythm of the delivery. She was making her rounds at dinner one night when a Brentmoor resident and his visiting son found themselves enthralled by her mannerisms and delivery. So enthralled, in fact, the son asked Betty if she would perform at his upcoming gay bachelor party in the Central West End. “She was in front of 200 people and nailed it,” says Betty’s son, Stan Levy, 71, who lives in Cottleville. “I have videos of her in action on YouTube.” From there, more gigs followed. Stan, who frequents a cigar bar in Cottleville, See SCHMOOZE on page 24
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January 24, 2024
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Two longtime friends and Pallet Partners help Jewish Food Pantry to keep filling needs Above, Earl Kessler and Al Siwak, the cofounders of Pallet Partners, are shown at the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry.
BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Just before the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry opens each day, a line of cars appears. The drivers wait patiently for their turn to pick up food. The pantry, operated by Jewish Family Services, helps alleviate food insecurity in the St. Louis area, and the need is significant. The pantry provided food to 19,500 people in 2022 and was tracking to assist the same number in 2023. Food insecurity is increasing, too. The food pantry saw an average of 197 new families each month in 2023. Inside the building, staff and volunteers gear up to serve their clients. Another critical component of the food pantry and its mission is a program known as Pallet Partners, founded by Earl Kessler and Al Siwak, a pair of old friends who quietly and effectively form a fundraising dynamic duo. The name comes from the wooden frame found in warehouses to hold dry goods. Pallet Partners is an important asset for the food pantry, said Miriam Seidenfeld, chief executive officer of JFS. “Al and Earl recognized that there was this real need for food and that the food pantry was growing,” Seidenfeld said. “Earl had a lot of connections through his business and was able to get pallets of food really inexpensively, so they solicited all of their friends to give money.” Since Pallet Partners originated nearly 25 years ago, Kessler and Siwak have raised close to $400,000. To get a sense of the impact of those funds, $1,500 provides
PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN
one year of food to 160 older adults living on fixed incomes. To maximize its efficiency, JFS looks for opportunities to buy food in bulk, said Stephanie Grant, chief operating officer. “Bulk discounts have really allowed the pantry to procure a higher volume of food than we would be able to purchase in the general retail market,” Grant said. “We allocated a larger amount of donor dollars
to food purchases this past year due to the high need in the community, and the bulk discounts offered by our partners has certainly translated to more guests served at the pantry in a meaningful way.”
Earl and Al’s big idea Siwak, 90, a member of Central Reform Congregation, said,
“Earl knew a place where he bought pallet loads of closeout canned goods. And one day he told me about it. So I said I’d be his partner.” Kessler’s contact was Mark Bailey, the owner of Bailey’s Discount Center in Judson, Ind. Kessler and his wife, Essie, took a trip there, and Bailey loaded up their Continued on opposite page
The Nest Seeks Full Time Teachers and Part Time Teacher Assistants The Nest Early Childhood Center, a Jewish ECC located in the Central West End, is seeking full time teachers and part time teacher assistants for infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms, Monday-Friday. Compensation is based on education and experience. Will have to clear background check before employment.
Full Time Teacher Job Highlights Qualifications: • Meets all requirements of childcare regulatory agency • Works well as a part of team and flexible to support Director, teachers as needs arise • Willingness to take direction and feedback • Strong communication skills • Positive approach to work and co-workers • Has received Covid, Pertussis vaccinations • Passion for early childhood development and learning • Have infant/child CPR certification or be willing to become
certified • Knowledge of Jewish traditions and holidays a plus Responsibilities: • Follows all rules and regulations set by the Director, the local, state or national regulatory agencies governing health, safety and care of children • Attends all required staff meetings, workshops, and/or school functions • Supervision of group of children, ranging from ages 8 weeks to 5 years old • Develops and provides handson activities for children to ex-
plore, learn and make decisions • Communicates daily with parents verbally and digitally • Document and share important milestones, activities for each child Benefits: • Salary: $16-$18 per hour (based on experience) • Full-time schedule: Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week • Pay: $16-$18 per hour • Paid-time off • Paid holidays • 401K • Dental insurance • Health insurance
Part Time Teacher Assistant Job Highlights Morning and afternoon shifts are available (6 am-1 pm and 1-6 pm respectively). Qualifications: • Meets all requirements of childcare regulatory agency • Works well as a part of team and flexible to support Director, teachers as needs arise • Willingness to take direction and feedback • Strong communication skills • Positive approach to work and co-workers • Has received Covid, Pertussis vaccinations • Passion for early childhood development and learning
• Have infant/child CPR certification or be willing to become certified • Knowledge of Jewish traditions and holidays a plus Responsibilities: • Follows all rules and regulations set by the Director, the local, state or national regulatory agencies governing health, safety and care of children • Attends all required staff meetings, workshops, and/or school functions
• Supervision of group of children, ages 8 weeks to 5 years old, especially during drop off and pick up hours Benefits: • Salary: $15-$17 per hour (based on experience) • Part-time schedule: Monday-Friday, 25 hours per week • Pay: $15-$17 per hour • Paid-time off
Contact Kimberly Tolbert at Kimberly@centralreform.org or 314-361-3919 ext 115
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car with food to bring back to the pantry. “I said, ‘How much do I owe you?’ He said, ‘No, it’s on me,’ ” said Kessler, 89, a member of Temple Israel “The next day, we were unloading the car, and who do we see? Al Siwak. He said, ‘Where did you get that food?’ I told him story and he said, ‘Well, I’ll pitch in and I’ll help.’ And that’s how it started.” Kessler and Siwak began paying Bailey for food by the pallet at a deep discount for the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry. It was a great deal, and they decided to increase their buying, asking everyone they knew to help out by donating money. The two formed an effective fundraising team because it was for a good cause and because, Kessler said, “We made it simple.” One way they kept things simple was to make accounting efficient by requiring minimum monthly donations of $100, payable in two annual installments. Since the two created Pallet Partners, they transitioned from acting as the middlemen to acquire the food from wholesalers to strictly fundraising. Now they leave the buying to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry’s manager, Leo Gliedt. Kessler and Siwak met nearly 75 years ago, hanging out at the Jewish Community Center where they played basketball. Kessler is a Clayton High School alum. Siwak graduated from University City High School. Kessler eventually ran the family business, Artistic Furniture Co. Siwak headed up Paramount Headwear Co. The two have remained close friends over the years. They finish each other’s sentences. They poke fun at each other. And they continue to raise money for Pallet Partners. “We take a lot of pride in what we’ve done,” Kessler said.
January 24, 2024
Page 5
Jewish leaders react to St. Louis aldermen’s support of a cease-fire JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER
Some St. Louis Jewish leaders are reacting to the recent vote by the St. Louis Board of Aldermen calling on President Joe Biden to work toward a cease-fire in Israel’s war with Hamas. The unanimous vote on an updated version of Resolution 137 occurred on Friday, Jan. 12. Alderman Rasheen Aldridge of the 14th Ward introduced the original resolution on Oct. 20, 13 days after Hamas terrorists killed 1,200 Israelis, but made no mention of Hamas. The resolution that passed last week was revised to condemn both the Hamas attacks and Israel’s response. Before the vote, the Legislative and Rules Committee met via Zoom on Jan. 9. Nancy Lisker, regional director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), talked on the Zoom about AJC’s opposition to the resolution. “I am disappointed that none of the people today that have given testimony, or have made mention of Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization and whose founding charter calls for the destruction of the state of Israel. (Hamas) broke the long-standing ceasefire on Oct. 7,” said Lisker. Lisker invited the members of the committee to meet with AJC, no matter if the
Nancy Lisker (left) and Jordan Kadosh resolution passed or not, to discuss factual information that was not being discussed during the committee meeting. After the committee meeting, Resolution 137 was submitted without changes for a full vote of the St. Louis Board of Alderman. After Jan. 12’s vote, the AJC issued the following statement: “The passage of this resolution is deeply disappointing. Its final language does not acknowledge the origin of the Israel-Hamas War or Israel’s unequivocal right to self-defense. Israel is not fighting against the Palestinian people but against Hamas, a terrorist organization sworn to annihilate Israel. “A premature cease-fire without dismantling Hamas’ capabilities will only prolong its tyranny over the people of Gaza, perpetuate its threat to Israeli citizenry, and doom any prospects of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. “It is Hamas that bears responsibility for the loss of life and suffering of
Palestinian civilians in Gaza, just as it is responsible for breaking a cease-fire on October 7, when it slaughtered more than 1,200 men, women, children, and babies, committed monstrous rapes of women and girls, and kidnapped more than 240 people, more than 130 of whom are still held hostage. “Hamas opposes Israel’s existence. St. Louis should not. “The Board of Aldermen has done a grave disservice by passing a resolution that will inflame tensions and potentially put the St. Louis Jewish community and the city’s Jewish institutions at risk, especially at a time when antisemitism is surging across the nation.” In a response sent to the media, ADL Heartland regional director Jordan Kadosh said the resolution is inaccurate. “The St. Louis Board of Alderman cease-fire resolution (Resolution 137) is riddled with inaccuracies and fails to address the ongoing threat of Hamas terrorism,” said Kadosh. “Additionally, municipal cease-fire resolutions are performative and divisive; unnecessarily distracting them from the growing challenges in our region. To instead spend time articulating the position of a terrorist group that broke the last ceasefire is disturbing and disappointing from otherwise inspiring leaders like Alderman Aldridge.”
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January 24, 2024
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BROUGHT TO YOU THIS MONTH BY:
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. Newsmakers is compiled by Elise Krug.
Emily Bornstein, chief of staff at Jewish Federation of St. Louis, has been recognized as a one of 15 Jewish professionals across North America for Class 8 of the Wexner Field Fellowship. Bornstein, who is the first St. Louisan to receive the fellowship, will participate in a three-year intensive program learning from experienced faculty to develop tools for enhancing leadership while addressing pressing issues in the St. Louis Jewish community. Brian Herstig, president and CEO of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, is one of 17 to join the new Leading Executives cohort of senior-most executives leading Jewish nonprofits. From January through June, these leaders will learn dynamic leadership practices to help them navigate this time, receive constructive personalized feedback to speed and deepen their growth, and connect with a cohort of peer leaders for mutual support long after the formal program is complete. Leading Executives is an executive training program by Leading Edge. Simpara founder and president Adam Berkowitz has expanded his company by launching a new insurance plan for small businesses. Level Health seeks to improve health care while reducing costs for companies and their employees. Simpara is an employee benefits broker that works with medium-sized firms to customize their health plans. Chaney Jewell has joined the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum as its development director. Her responsibilities include fundraising, grant management, and individual and corporate donor relations. Chrissy Laycob, Vera Emmons and Steve Gallant have been named to the Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum’s board of directors. Laycob is a third-generation descendant speaker, who frequently tells the story of her grandparents, both Holocaust survivors, to large groups. She is also the co-chair of the museum’s Lutz Humanitarian Award program. Emmons is a long-time museum educator and second-generation descendant speaker, who often shares the testimony of her mother, a Holocaust survivor. Gallant serves as
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Emily Bornstein, Brian Herstig, Adam Berkowitz and Chaney Jewell. SECOND ROW: Chrissy Laycob , Vera Emmons, Steve Gallant and Randi Chervitz. THIRD ROW: Coauthor Mariel Brechner, illustrator Joe Rohlman and the cover of their book, “Leo and the New Baby Challenge”
executive vice president, general counsel of Maritz and is a past president of the Jewish Light. Randi Chervitz, an independent jewelry designer, has added estate specialist to her resume. She works at National Rarities, a local business that sends teams of buyers around the country to assist customers in divesting of their unwanted treasures,
such as precious metal jewelry, sterling flatware, watches, art, and other items. Chervitz recently completed her Diamonds and Diamond Grading course through the Gemological Institute of America, part of her company’s and her personal quest for continuous education. In addition to her diamond specialist designation, Chervitz, a member of Congregation Shaare Emeth, serves her company as its specialist in
Why is it a great time to sell in winter? •
Less Competition: With fewer homes on the market, your property will have higher visibility to more buyers.
•
•
designer handbags. A new children’s book, “Leo and the New Baby Challenge,” explores the joys and challenges of becoming a big brother. Written by Mariel Brechner and her sister, Jacqueline Brechner Vaisman, and illustrated by Joe Rohlman, the book follows Leo Continued on opposite page
Featured listings COMING SOON
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•
Faster Time to Close: With lower inventory, your property might spend less days on market before selling.
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January 24, 2024
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Melton Course: ‘Pray It Forward: God, Gratitude, and Gathering Together’
ABOVE, FROM LEFT: Jonathan Perera, Karen Aroesty and Josh Horwitz as he adjusts to his new role, from feeling jealous of the attention his baby brother gets to learning how to be a good role model. The book is intended for parents and older siblings to read together after a new baby arrives. Brechner, a member of Congregation B’nai Amoona, is a senior product advisor at Evernorth. Rohlman, a freelance artist and musician, attends Central Reform Congregation. The book is available at www.leoandthenewbaby.com. Jonathan Perera started Keep Going Coaching and Consulting. A “certified life coach, mindset mentor and small business consultant,” Perera said he serves a wide variety of clients via Zoom to help them reverse engineer the version of themselves they want to be. His mission is to give clients “strategies and tools to design their dream life, cultivate more presence in the day-to-day and feel empowered to keep going,” according to his website. Aroesty Allied LLC, founded by Karen Aroesty, assists with change management programs for elected leaders, community institutions and corpo-
rations seeking to build or improve efforts in how staff and partners work together to achieve goals and build community. The services offered include leadership coaching and board development and moderated conversations with executive teams and organizations to address high performing leadership, continuous improvement and conflict resolution. A member of Kol Rinah, Aroesty most recently was the director of administration of the department of administration for St. Louis County Government. Former St. Louisan Josh Horwitz is the new program director for KING Hoops NYC, a New York City nonprofit youth basketball organization. He is responsible for fundraising to support the organization and managing 10 coaches and a group of volunteers. KING Hoops NYC offers seven competitive travel basketball teams for boys ages 11-17 with the goal of sending all players to college. With program participants from all five boroughs of NYC and different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, it strives to integrate New York City’s diverse populations and build community through basketball.
The St. Louis community has a new opportunity for adult learning beginning in February: Pray It Forward: God, Gratitude, and Gathering Together, a sixweek course offered through the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning. The course will be taught by Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh on six Thursdays (Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and March 7) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. It will be offered in a hybrid format: in person at Temple Emanuel (12166 Conway Road) or online via Zoom. Classes are recorded so students can also watch missed classes later. The course will follow the development of prayer, from the Tabernacle in the wilderness of Sinai, to the Temple in Jerusalem, to the synagogue of today. The course will also explore some of the concepts behind prayer and blessings, as well as the power of meditation. The cost is $179. However, if you have taken this class before, please contact Rabbi Janine Schloss at rabbijanine@testl.org before registering. For those taking this class for the first time, register at www.meltonschool.
Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh org/st-louis. Confidential scholarships are available by contacting Schloss. In addition, a special tuition rate of $50 is available for any full- or part-time professionals working at Jewish organizations, including teachers and staff in St. Louis Jewish preschools, religious schools, day schools and youth groups. All scholarships and special tuition rates are thanks to the Borow Endowment for Jewish Education and the Libby Needle Memorial Fund, managed by Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Email rabbijanine@testl.org for the coupon codes.
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January 24, 2024
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JEWISH LIGHT
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St. Louis Jewish Community Blood Drive returns to make another lifesaving impact BY JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER
In 2005, Dr. Robert “Bob” and Judy Hellman were moved by the Passover sermon from a visiting spiritual leader at Young Israel. The visiting rabbi was their son, Rabbi David Hellman, and his sermon inspired Bob and Judy to create a chesed project that could benefit the entire community. In January 2008, the Hellmans hosted the first Jewish Community Blood Drive. Today, countless people have been affected by that decision without even knowing it. That’s because the blood drive they started has collected thousands of units of blood. For their efforts, the Hellmans were the recipients of the Jewish Light’s annual Unsung Heroes award in 2014. Now, as we enter 2024, the Hellmans and the blood
Judy and Dr. Robert Hellman outside Young Israel. FILE PHOTO: LISA MANDEL drive are back. Since 2008, the St. Louis Jewish Community Blood drive has been held annually to help ensure the region’s blood supply is strong during the critical time frame after New Year’s Day. Due to COVID, the blood drive was canceled in
Torah Prep School plans Double Chai Anniversary dinner, concert Torah Prep School of St. Louis will celebrate its Double Chai (36th) Anniversary with a dinner and and live concert on Sunday, Feb. 4 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. The event will honor Dr. Dov and Tziona Zeffren with the school’s Pillars of Torah Prep Award, and Jonathan Browne (of Novus Companies) with the Michael Staenberg Heart of Gold Award. This year’s theme will be “The Hidden Gems of Torah Prep School.” Guests can enjoy an elegant buffet spread and a performance by nationally acclaimed Jewish singer Baruch Levine. The Zeffrens are being recognized for their many years of activism in the St. Louis Jewish community, working with a variety of organizations including Epstein Hebrew Academy, Young Israel, Agudas Israel, NCSY, Aish HaTorah (where Tziona continues to be an active board member), Block Yeshiva High School and the St. Louis Kollel, as well as Torah Prep, where Dov has served for the last seven years as board president. Dov has been “an integral part of helping to navigate Torah Prep School’s successful transition from the purchase of its previous property to its move to a new campus location,” according to a news release. Browne and Novus Companies also played a key role in the school’s move to the former McNair building on Groby Road. “Torah Prep tried unsuccessfully for a decade to obtain the former McNair building located on Groby Road. “When Jon Browne approached the school and asked what it would take for leadership to cede the school’s old property on Olive Boulevard to NOVUS (to make room for the new Costco that now is located on the property), the natural request was for his assistance in securing the coveted McNair plot,” the school said in a statement. “Jon was up for the challenge, and successfully petitioned the relevant parties to sell the building to Torah Prep School. He has been a supporter and friend of Torah Prep ever since.” Since the three years since the move, the school has increased enrollment from 250 to 330 students. All buffet dinner, concert reservations and submission of dinner journal ads can be completed at www. torahprep.com/dinner.
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2021 and 2022, but returned in 2023. This year’s blood drive is set for Sunday, Feb. 4 at Young Israel of St. Louis, 8101 Delmar Blvd., from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Donors may schedule appointments by calling 800-747-5401, or online at www. bloodcenter.org. Use sponsor code: 11448 For Bob Hellman, the impulse to help in this way seems a natural one. As an anesthesiologist, he’s well aware of the dearth of donated blood that isn’t just necessary for trauma victims but also many others, including those in chemotherapy treatments. “We can’t emphasize enough the need, the shortage of blood,” he said. “Everyone, male or female, young or old, can participate and help someone in their fight against cancer or as a surgical patient. There is no substitute for blood, and the only way for a person to receive blood is from another human.”
Added Dr. Daniela Hermelin, chief medical officer for ImpactLife: “Taking the time to donate blood, to help others in need, and giving of yourself, is such a tremendous act of chesed and I am so proud to be part of a community that makes this a priority. “Patients receive blood transfusions in settings that range from the NICU to oncology, surgery, trauma, and obstetrics. Blood donations help save lives every day, and we need donors to step forward every day to support not just routine blood needs, but for emergencies as well.” ImpactLife provides blood and blood components to SSM Health Hospitals and other institutions in the region. All persons ages 17 and up (or 16, with a signed parental permission form) who weigh at least 110 pounds and are in general good health meet the basic eligibility requirements for blood donation.
Holocaust Museum to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day ‘Pay as you wish’ weekend, memorial name reading, inaugural Rachel Miller Lecture planned for Jan. 26-28 Each year on Jan. 27, the world commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day on the anniversary of the 1945 liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet soldiers. This year, the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum is planning a weekend-long commemoration beginning on Friday, Jan. 26, and ending on Sunday, Jan. 28. All weekend, Museum admission will be “pay as you wish” (at least $0.01), meaning visitors will be able to purchase admission to the permanent Holocaust exhibition for any amount they deem appropriate. All Pay as You Wish tickets must be purchased at the Museum Welcome
Desk during the museum’s open hours on Jan. 26-28. On Jan. 28, the museum will mark Inter nationa l Holocaust Remembrance Day with a 5-hour memorial name reading. During the reading (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.), museum staff, board members, supporters and civic leaders will read the names of hundreds of Holocaust victims. The reading will be live-streamed on the museum’s YouTube page. Visitors are welcome to witness the name-reading in person by registering at https://bit.ly/4b5PvUG. On Jan. 28, the museum will welcome Michael Berenbaum for the annual Rachel Miller Lecture enti-
tled “The World Must Know: Antisemitism in the Wake of October 7.” Berenbaum, a renowned Holocaust scholar and former project director for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, will speak about the rise in contemporary antisemitism. The Annual Rachel Miller Lecture, named in honor of Holocaust survivor Rachel Miller, is made possible with the generous support of Carole & Kenneth Adashek. Museum members receive discounted tickets to the program. Those interested in attending can register by visiting the museum’s website, stlholocaustmuseum. org.
The J plans Used Book Sale Jan. 28-Feb. 1 The St. Louis Jewish Community Center’s biannual Used Book Sale returns to the Staenberg Family Complex Arts & Education Building from Sunday, Jan. 28 – Thursday, Feb. 1. Patrons can once again stock up on a new selection of used reading materials of every genre— including mysteries, general fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and much more. Book lovers, collectors, and avid readers all anticipate this event which benefits the Cultural Arts Department of the J. Thousands of titles include novels, biographies, politics, religion, sports, cookbooks, history, animals, art, science, science fiction, business, women’s issues, foreign languages, gardening, poetry, psychology, self-help,
humor…the list goes on. Parents and educators can hunt through a large selection of books for children and youth as well as educational materials for homeschoolers. Multiples of titles are available for book club reading along with miscellaneous videos, books on tape/CDs and DVDs. Books are priced from 50
cents to $3. Special items— collectibles, antiques, DVDs and more—are priced as marked. It’s important to note that each Sale consists of an entirely new collection as leftover books from the previous sale are donated. The dates and admission prices for the St. Louis Jewish Community Center’s Winter Used Book Sale are: • Preview Day –Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $10 at the door – all proceeds fund future Used BookSales. • Free General Admission –Jan. 29 –Jan. 31 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. • Bag Day –Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to – 7 p.m. Fill a bag for $5 For updated and complete information visit jccstl.com/programs/ used-book-sale.
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LOCAL NEWS
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January 24, 2024
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Athlete: Ladue junior slides up ranks of elite amateur hockey players CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 you just let down the team. You really have to focus on controlling what you can control and not focusing on what you can’t.” After a rough outing, Vickar has the benefit of a sympathetic ear at home. His dad Aaron was also a standout hockey player in college and played professionally for several years. Aaron, like his son, was a goalie. “A lot of hockey parents are known for being a little crazy,” Nelson Vickar said. “I’m lucky because not only is he not crazy, he was a goalie, and he played at the same level and same trajectory that I’m headed on and he knows what he’s talking about. He’s not going to lie to me or say that I was better than I was. I have a built-in therapist, advisor, and coach.” Aaron Vickar was a very good goalie. In 1997, he was a member of the North Dakota Fighting Hawks team that won the Father and son: Aaron (left) and Nelson Vickar. PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN NCAA Division I national championship. He also played for Team USA in the first fortunate enough to do it myself.” es and tournaments, where they can catch ice hockey competition at the Maccabiah The elder Vickar eventually traded in his the eyes of NHL scouts. Nelson Vickar’s Games. As good as he was, Aaron Vickar goalie pads for a desk job. He’s a financial goal after completing high school (where thinks Nelson has surpassed him already. advisor for Buckingham Strategic Wealth. he carries a 4.0 average in advanced class“I don’t need to coach him on the ice— Nelson’s mother Cynthia is an interior es) is to improve his skills and potentially he has great coaches,” said Aaron Vickar. designer. He has an older sister Ansley and make the Madison Capitals team. Longer “He’s better than I was. I have the knowl- a twin sister Isabelle. The Vickars live in term, he hopes to play for a top tier NCAA edge, so we can talk about the mental side Olivette and attend Kol Rinah. college program. of the game. It’s exciting because I know The St. Louis Blues AAA team is in a tier Professional hockey is not a given, even what the future could look like, but I think one elite league with 34 other teams for an amateur player in the upper echelon New Tax CreditThey on play in official of the sport. However, the Blues AAA what’s better is, it’s his path.with I don’tahave to Federal around the country. live vicariously through himEnergy-Efficient because I was league games, Douglas “friendly” games, showcasteam has an impressive line-up of former * Hunter Shades
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January 24, 2024
OPINIONS Make an impact with NCJW’s ‘Healing Hearts’ program BY MARILYN RATKIN
The National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis is expanding their Healing Hearts Bank microlending program, and are looking for more volunteers. This community service project provides microloans to underserved women and families to help them further their financial independence and improve their credit scores. Partner agencies refer clients in need to NCJW, which works with them to help process and make the loans. Since opening our first Healing Hearts Bank Branch in 2011, these loans have helped borrowers find safe housing, start businesses, improve their credit scores, find/support employment and fulfill goals to help them achieve financial independence. The program now serves more than 15 agencies. What does it take to be a volunteer—just an interest in helping others. NCJWSTL will train you, and the majority of the time commitment is flexible — about one hour a month. The program is chaired by Patti Teper and Arlene Baer. It’s the perfect place to get involved and know that you are immediately making a difference in someone’s life. You’ll learn how to review loan applications and speak to/support borrowers on a monthly basis. No prior knowledge is needed. Contact Renee Sigel-Hearst at rsigel-hearst@ ncjwstl.org or call her at 314-993-5181 for more information. Anyone can volunteer—you don’t have to be a member of NCJWSTL nor do you have to be a woman!
Story from a Borrower Better Family Life Borrower, Brenda Smith, Owner of A Little Something Sweet (Kakes): Smith decorated cakes for years, dreaming of how to make it her full-time career. She attended an entrepreneurial class at Better Family Life in
Defeat campus antisemitism with education BY NATI SZCZUPAK JNS
What can be done to combat and defeat antisemitism on North American college campuses? It is daunting to come up with a concrete plan for doing so, especially when antisemitism is surging amid the fallout from the Israel-Hamas war. It is less daunting, however, to deal with the task of combating ignorance and indifference. The first step towards doing so is education. Far too many students, including Jewish students, do not possess sufficient knowledge of antisemitism or how to identify it when they are targeted. For example, on a Virginia campus, a Jewish Agency Israel Fellow named Dana saw “Ye is right” (referring to antisemitic remarks made by Kanye West) written in a dormitory lobby. When Dana asked a student why the graffiti was not reported to campus authorities, it became clear that the student had no idea that the message was antisemitic. If students cannot identify bigotry, how can they prevent it? In partnership with Hillel on campuses across
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order to learn the skills she would need to start her own bakery. Her instructors encouraged her to apply for a Healing Hearts Bank loan in order to buy a piece of equipment that would help her decorate cakes faster. After paying off her loan, Smith took the leap and quit her job as a school bus driver to focus on developing her business called In 2011, Marilyn Something Sweet (Kakes). Today, her dream is a reality, and by payRatkin founded ing back her loan, she has helped of NCJWSTL’s other Healing Hearts Bank parHealing Hearts Bank program.` ticipants’ dreams come true.
Story from a client contact Y WCA client contact and Economic Empowerment Manager, Olivia Adams, is extraordinarily energetic and quite supportive of her client Borrowers. The past fiscal year she counseled them on 29 loans for a total of $15,000. Adams was honored as an Unsung Hero by the St. Louis Jewish Light in 2022.
the continent, Jewish Agency Israel Fellows substitute curiosity for indifference and education for ignorance. Along with providing students with the opportunity to form a real relationship with the true, authentic Israel, this is the primary task of Jewish Agency Israel Fellows—and why their work is more important than ever. After providing education on how to recognize antisemitism, Israel Fellows help students regain a sense of safety and confidence. Through building relationships and trust, Fellows create a space where students can share their experiences and report antisemitic incidents to relevant authorities. When a student on a California campus found Nati Szczupak is director antisemitic writing on a of the Jewish Agency whiteboard outside her Campus Israel Fellows. dorm room, the first person she called was Orit, the Jewish Agency Israel Fellow on her campus. She asked Orit: “Can you please come help me remove the mezuzah from my door?” Instead of doing so, Orit provided the student with the guidance necessary to understand that the appropriate course of action was to report the incident and urge the campus administration to ensure that Jewish students feel safe making such expres-
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ABOUT THE OPINIONS SECTION Viewpoints expressed in letters, commentaries, cartoons and other opinion pieces reflect those of the writer or artist, and not those of the Light. We welcome submissions of letters and commentaries to: news@stljewishlight.org
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Submit letters to news@stljewishlight.org
‘You cannot make peace with people who do not want peace’ No doubt, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen believed sincerely in their own good intentions when they passed their resolution last week calling on President Joe Biden to work toward a ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas. But there is a famous road paved with good intentions. And the distinguished aldermen have already traveled a long way down it. The first point they overlooked is that there was a cease-fire on Oct. 6. Hamas violated it when they launched an unprovoked, relentless missile barrage, breached the security barrier, murdered over 1,200 Israelis, committed atrocities against civilians, women, and babies, and took over 200 hostages. At present, over 100 hostages remain unaccounted for, over 100,000 Israelis remain displaced as Palestinian rockets continue to rain down on Israeli cities, and the Palestinian people support Hamas leadership by an astonishing majority. The purpose of a cease-fire is to open an avenue toward peace. But Hamas (as well as the Palestinian Authority) has repeatedly and unequivocally rejected one peace proposal after another for decades. Those who cry out for peace refuse to acknowledge this simple truth: You cannot make peace with people who do not want peace. This is why the only thing a cease-fire will accomplish is to enable and embolden Hamas and its terrorist allies to regroup and renew their crimes against humanity — which includes oppression of their own people as well as violence against Israelis. It is also why a two-state solution will never succeed until the Palestinians are willing to live in peace alongside their Jewish neighbors. By calling for a cease-fire, the St. Louis aldermen make themselves complicit in the ongoing acts of inhumanity perpetrated by Hamas. For all their good intentions, their resolution delays the cause of peace rather than advancing it and perpetuates unconscionable human suffering on both sides. Rabbi Ze’ev Smason, Chairman, Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV) Rabbi Yonason Goldson, CJV President
‘Unconscionable’ charge of genocide against Israel That South Africa has brought charges of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, is totally unconscionable. The militant, terrorist, organization, Hamas, initiated the unprovoked war against the Jewish State, and unfortunately, thousands of innocent Palestinians have been killed in the crossfire. Israel has tried to mitigate the number of casualties, but it’s an impossible task when Hamas has used these innocent civilians as human shields. War is hell, and I defy any nation to state that in wars throughout the ages wherein innocent people weren’t killed or injured. What was Israel supposed to do when it was brutally attacked on Oct. 7 and more than 1,200 mostly Israeli citizens were massacred and 240 were taken hostage? Israel has every right to defend itself, and so far is doing what Israeli prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to do-obliterate Hamas from the face of the map. What if the U.S. or one of its allies had been the victim of such an attack? Wouldn’t they have fought back in a like manner, inflicting as much damage as possible against their enemies, knowing that innocent civilians would be maimed or killed? Israel and Jews are being scapegoated only because of their religion, and the fact that anti-Semitism is currently running rampant throughout the world. Damn South Africa and the International World Court for the egregious, nefarious, travesty and injustice that is being perpetrated against the Jewish state. Gene Carton Clayton
See COMMENTARY on page 12
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January 24, 2024
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LIFESTYLES
‘Ordinary’ people do monstrous things in film focused on Nazi commandant BY CATE MARQUIS SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
“The Zone of Interest” is the euphemism the Nazis used to describe the area around the Auschwitz concentration camp, including where the SS Nazi commandant Rudolf Höss and his wife Hedwig lived with their children, in a house right next to the camp. We see Höss and his wife going about their ordinary-seeming private life, while determinedly ignoring the horror that was happening right next to them. This chilling embodiment of Hannah Arendt’s phrase “the banality of evil” is at the center of the powerful historic drama. In a house in the so-called zone of interest outside the Auschwitz concentration camp, SS Nazi Commandant Rudolf Höss, his “The Zone of Interwife, Hedwig, and their chilest,” in German with dren go about their private lives English subtitles, while determinedly ignoring opens Friday, Jan. 26, the horrors happening next at Landmark’s Plaza door. This chilling embodiment Frontenac Cinema. of Hannah Arendt’s phrase “the banality of evil” is at the center of “The Zone of Interest,” a powerful historical drama written and directed by Jonathan Glazer. The film won the Grand Prix at Cannes and has been nominated for five Oscars (including best picture, director and adapted screenplay). Glazer, who was born in London to a Jewish family, loosely adapted the film from Martin Amis’ 2014 novel. German actress Sandra Hüller (“Toni Erdmann,” “Anatomy of a Fall”) stars as Hedwig, the wife of Commandant Höss (Christian Friedel), who raises her family in deliberate ignorance in the shadow of the concentration camp walls. Glazer shot this German-language historical drama on location at the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. The commandant’s house still stands next to the camp but, due to restrictions at the protected historic site, the director had to re-create the house interiors and garden in an officer’s barracks adjacent to Auschwitz.
Amis based his book’s commandant on Höss, and Glazer did additional research to deepen that link. He set the film near a time when Höss received a promotion that might mean having to relocate to Berlin — upsetting Hedwig, who did not want to leave behind the family’s house and garden. A couple reluctant to relocate for a job has a human ordinariness to it, but we quickly are reminded that Rudolf Höss’ job is killing. That sense of the banality of evil pervades this brilliant, artistic film, which takes a very different approach to making a film about the Shoah. The private life of the Nazi commandant and his family is the focus, as we watch them doing ordinary things: swimming and picnicking on the banks of a river, throwing a birthday party for the father, the children See FILM on page 12
The historical drama ‘The Zone of Interest’ focuses on the SS Nazi Commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss (portrayed by Christian Friedel, shown at left), who lives with his family in a home next to the concentration camp. PHOTOS COURTESY OF A24
AMY FENSTER BROWN
Bingo! Here’s some free advice to teens from Aunt Amy BY AMY FENSTER BROWN
Dear Teens and Young People, You are special and wonderful and perfect just the way you are. But there are some things you need to know to be even better. Well, good news! Aunt Amy has got your back with some advice you didn’t ask for. It’s easy for adults to say, “Enjoy being young.” But we mean it. Enjoy it. Your back doesn’t hurt when you wake up, your skin is dewy, you have energy. You might be in the 2% of the population who can wear leggings and a crop top and look amazing. But one day, you’ll blow out 50 candles on your birthday cake and think, “It is so weird being the same age as old people.” Enjoy your skin elasticity while you’ve got it. One day things will look different, lower and less firm. You’ll end up with “bingo arms.” That’s when your upper arm skin just hangs and. if you wave them at
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the nursing home while yelling “Bingo,” you could knock someone out. Not today, though. Your arms are taut, and your upper eyelid isn’t blocking your view. You lucky, lucky kid. Neither of your parents is named Bro. And don’t get me started on Bruh. It’s OK if your parents are weird and embarrassing. It’ll make for some fun stories later in life. You’re weird and embarrassing, too. When someone texts you, text them back. Kids these days. They don’t respond in the native language of their youth … the text. They prefer to communicate on Snapgram or InstaWorld or Tiketty Tocketty. How about a plain, simple, no bells and whistles text? Texting my sons is basically the same as texting a guy who doesn’t like me. Will he answer? Did he see it? Oh, wait, three dots! No, they disappeared. He hates me. You can talk to your parents about the
things you think you can’t talk to them about. It’s easy to forget they were young once. It’s very likely they’ve been in similar situations as you. Maybe start by saying, “I just need you to listen, not to try and fix anything.” That cue could make the difference between a conversation that is helpful and a conversation that becomes a fight. And now, right after telling you to communicate more, I’m going to tell you to communicate less … sometimes. This just means you need to know when to quit yapping. Think before you speak. I’m planning on learning this myself someday. We all need to learn the value of the unexpressed thought. Some things are better left unsaid. I usually figure this out right after I say those things. It’s OK if everyone doesn’t like you. You probably don’t like everyone. It’s time to stop caring about other people’s opinions. Too bad for them if they don’t like a flawless angel like you. And me.
When someone asks what you want to be when you grow up. you don’t have to answer with a career. That’s what you want to DO. Not what you want to BE. You want to be a good, happy person. Looking back, when someone asked me, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I should have answered, “Not anxious.” Never give up on your dream, Bro. Love, Aunt Amy. Columnist Amy Fenster Brown is married to Jeff and has two teenage sons, Davis and Leo. She volunteers for several Jewish not-forprofit groups. Fenster Brown is an Emmy Award-winning TV news writer and counts time with family and friends, talking and eating peanut butter among her hobbies.
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FEATURES
January 24, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
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JEWISH LIGHT
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‘Genius of Israel’ touts nation’s diversity and ‘surprising resilience’ in building a thriving state BY ROBERT A COHN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS
In the midst of the Hamas-Israel war caused by the horrific terrorist massacre of residents of kibbutzim near Israel’s border with Gaza and young Israelis at a music festival, a book celebrating the uniqueness of the Jewish state might seem ill-timed. But just after reports of the murder of 1,200 Israeli civilians and the kidnapping of more than 200 hostages Oct. 7, Dan Senor and Saul Singer published “The Genius of Israel.” It is a sequel to their 2009 bestseller, “Start-up Nation,” about Israel’s astounding economic growth from a failed socialist command financial structure into a market driven success story akin to one of the “Asian Tigers.” In view of the Hamas pogrom, they should revise future editions of “The Genius of Israel” to take into account the current conflagration. That can come later. But in the meantime, both of these books are valuable compilations of Israel’s amazing economic achievements. Senor, a veteran political adviser and a Wall Street Journal columnist, and Singer, a former editor of the Jerusalem Post, write in a fact-filled style that makes their books essential for journalists, scholars and others seeking a clear understanding of Israel’s economic turnaround. Senor and Singer note the months of mass demonstrations of Israelis against a divisive judicial reform package pushed by
‘The Genius of Israel: The Surprising Resilience of a Divided Nation in a Turbulent World’ by Dan Senor (right) and Saul Singer (left); Avid Review Press, 316 pages, $30. SENOR PHOTO: DOR MALKA; SINGER PHOTO: SHIMON GAL/ISRAEL-ASIA CENTER Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his ultranationalist and Haredi coalition. They ask: Has “one of Israeli society’s great strengths, its sense of solidarity, and caring for the country — been overtaken by events?” In their splendidly crafted book, Senor and Singer make the case that Israel’s core values will survive the current crises. The authors also take note of the deeply divided nations of the world, including Western democracies such as Spain, Sweden and the United States, and ask: “So how is Israel different?” In 13 crisply written chapters, the
authors show how Israel’s diverse population, made up of soldiers and entrepreneurs, ultra-Orthodox and secular and techies, manage not only to function but to thrive as a strong nation-state. In peacetime, Israel scores among the top few in the “happiness index,” resilient and positive with low levels of depression and suicide rates. An increasing number of ultra-Orthodox women have joined the workforce, becoming skilled in technology, business and commerce. Israel’s economic growth has been astonishing with a proliferation of scientific and technological innovation, tech sec-
tor start-ups and initial public offerings exceeding those of many nations. Even in the midst of conflict, increasing numbers of Israeli Arabs are graduating from Israeli universities and joining the workforce. The 2020 Abraham Accords were a step forward, bringing together Arab wealth and Israeli know-how. Once Hamas is driven from power in Gaza and the war ends, reconstruction — physical and political — can commence. Then Senor and Singer can update “The Genius of Israel,” which provides a positive and practical outlook for the future of the Jewish state.
Film: Best Picture nominee ‘Zone of Interest’ opens in St. Louis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 going off to school. Their life is comfortable, with the large house and its garden, stables and fields, forests and a river nearby. But the house shares a high wall with the concentration camp, just steps away from the front door. When Höss leaves for his work, we stay with his wife as she goes about her day. The sense of horror comes from knowing what is happening in the camp. We do not see the violence on the other side of the wall, but we hear gunshots and
shouting, and we see smoke rising from the chimney. While the couple block out what is happening right next to them, one of the children becomes upset by the sounds. When Hedwig’s mother comes for a visit, she is unable to ignore the horror and cuts her visit short. The tone of the film is deliberately cool and distant. Scenes were shot in an observational style, with few closeups. Huller as Hedwig, who is more the film’s main focus, and Friedel, as Höss, play their characters in an emotionally restrained manner, with dead eyes and cold smiles.
Hedwig and Höss compartmentalize, so they can block out the horror and their responsibility for it. The couple don’t talk about Nazi ideology; their conversations are about their personal ambitions and living in material comfort. In one scene, they talk about becoming farmers after the war, in a creepy fantasy of Ayran prosperity. The style of the film is artistic rather than a more conventional drama, using surveillance-like footage, tamped-down performances and some surreal moments, which might not be to the taste of some audiences.
Glazer underscores the ordinariness of the Hösses private lives to show that seemingly ordinary people perpetrated the Nazis’ atrocities. But as we watch, their flawed characters, emotional coldness, selfishness and their embrace of an evil belief system are revealed. And we see that murder is the business Höss is pursuing in such a businesslike manner. The film reminds us that the potential for inhumanity can lurk in the most ordinary person; that we must be vigilant about “never again”; and that the possibility of evil is not something safely in the past, but within human nature still.
Commentary: Combat antisemitism on campus with education CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 sions of religion in their dorms. That is exactly what happened. In this way, Israel Fellows help Jewish and pro-Israel students feel that they are not alone and are not ostracized by their peers for simply being Jewish or due to their views on Israel. Education and awareness breed a sense of confidence. With confidence, students
can be proactive. They can not only handle challenges but also create opportunities to educate their peers. Briana, a student on the aforementioned Virginia campus, shared, “Dana [the Israel Fellow] is not afraid to share who she is and where she comes from, and that courage has rubbed off on me and given me confidence and a support system to fight BDS, have uncomfortable conversations and truly embrace diversity on campus.”
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While “combating” antisemitism tops the agenda for most Jews and supporters of Israel at the moment, it is also crucial to ensure that students do not miss opportunities to openly and authentically explore their Jewish identity and relationship with Israel. They need to be able to celebrate, explore, ask difficult questions and have meaningful conversations. Ultimately, most Jewish students are typical college students who want to use
their years of study to determine the values and principles that will guide their lives as adults. We need to continue providing them with opportunities to be proudly Jewish, celebrate their history and traditions, and be unapologetically pro-Israel. This commentary was originally published by JNS.org.
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Hospitality and impressive art mingle at these hotels BY NANCY KRANZBERG SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
There are hotels all over the world famous for their art collections. Some of these collections boast mostly contemporary works while others feature works from many different time periods going back to classical and up to modern. Some of these artsy hotels include curators who will take guests on tours of the art works and will even design art tours around the city. Some have art openings featuring exhibitions that change periodically. The Millennia in Singapore has 4,200 works on display, luxury lodging and is in the running for the world’s largest hotel and art collection. The Rome Cavalieri has an incredibly prestigious art collection with works by old masters such as Tiepolo, famous tapestries, a commode from the king of Poland and works by Andy Warhol. Le Royal Monceau, one of the famous hotels designed by Philippe Starck, is a fantastic melding of old world and modern Paris. The hotel is home to an art concierge who informs interested guests on what’s happening in the current art news and will design custom art tours of the city and the hotels’ private art collection. The Villa Copenhagen, The Watson in Adelaide, Australia and The Silo Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa are at the top of all the famous art hotel lists. There are many of these incredible places all over the world.
The lobby of the 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis. PHOTO: 21CMUSEUMHOTELS.COM/STLOUIS And the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas will knock your eyes out with the sparkle of the Chihuly glass collection and the other exhibitions of contemporary art. Closer to home, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Clayton has works by Frank Stella, Henry Moore and David Hockney, to just skim the surface. The Angad Arts Hotel in Grand Center not only displays contemporary art curated by professionals but it’s the only hotel I know where you can choose the color of your room according to your mood. The hotel features the works of mostly local artists that are for sale. And downtown St. Louis’ recently opened 21c Museum Hotel is one of 10
museum hotels nationwide, and North America’s only collecting museum dedicated to art of the 21st century. Each of these properties features exhibition space open free of charge to the public, combined with a boutique hotel and first-class restaurants. The concept was begun in Louisville in 2006 by Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson: philanthropists, preservationists and collectors committed to expanding access to contemporary art as a means of catalyzing revitalization and civic connection. The 2lc presents a range of arts programming curated by museum director/chief curator Alice Gray Stiles, including both solo and group exhibitions that reflect the global nature of art
today, as well as site specific, commissioned installations and a variety of cultural events. I have been to four of these incredible museum hotels, which also feature unique culinary experiences with fine and casual dining, art-filled lobbies and incredible rooms for rest and sleep teeming with exciting contemporary art. On our way home from a road trip through the Midwest last summer, I got to thinking about how St. Louis was about to open its own 21c Museum Hotel and wondered how it would compare to the others. At the opening, I literally burst into tears at the masterpiece museum hotel located in the rearranged, remixed and refurbished historic YMCA building. Founders Brown and Wilson also were teary-eyed at the opening, and I was lucky enough to shake their hands and thank them for what they’ve given to so many people. Now St Louis has another jewel in its crown to share with visitors from all over the world. For more of Nancy Kranzberg’s commentary, listen to KWMU (90.7) St. Louis on the Air the first Friday of each month at approximately 12:50 p.m. She also hosts a weekly Arts Interview podcast for KDHX (88.1), available at artsinterview.kdhxtra.org.
JEWISH CELEBRITIES
Looking at ‘Masters of the Air,’ Fargo and a Hulu whodunit BY NATE BLOOM SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
“Masters of the Air” is a “major” Apple+ limited series (nine episodes) that begins streaming on Friday, Jan. 26. New episodes are released on successive Fridays. The series is based on an acclaimed 2006 historical study entitled “Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought and The Air War Against Nazi Germany.” It was written by Donald L. Miller, a Lafayette University history professor. STEVEN SPIELBERG, 77, and Tom Hanks are the main producers of “Masters.” I guess they have great confidence in “Masters.” It cost more than $250 million to make. There are over 70 members in the cast list. Almost all of them have very few credits. Clearly, the series’ creators wanted “newbies” rather than famous faces. Two “name” (British) actors are in the
series — Austin Butler, who was Elvis in the bio-musical “Elvis” (2022), plays an important British officer and BEL POWLEY, 31 (“King of Staten Island”) has a guest role. I’ve read Miller’s book and can tell you that U.S. Army Air Force bomber pilot ROBERT “ROSIE” ROSENTHAL (19172007) is prominent in the book and is a star character in the Apple series. Rosenthal entered the service as a lieu-
tenant and left as a lieutenant colonel. He became a squadron leader and his men proudly called themselves “Rosie’s Riveters.” Rosie won every U.S. medal for heroism that can be awarded, other than the Medal of Honor and many of his heroic acts were so extraordinary that they make great drama. No doubt, some of these heroic acts will be in the series. I could stop right here and leave it to you
to read more about Rosenthal online. Or you might choose to be surprised as you watch the series. But I want to entice everyone to subscribe to Apple+ just to see Rosenthal scenes. So, here’s part of why Rosenthal is so “special”: Born in Brooklyn, he was a newly minted lawyer when he enlisted right after Pearl Harbor (Dec. 1941). He See CELEBRITIES on page 22
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Pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, is a hit at Jewish camps, sports tournaments would all fill up. “People are clamoring for it,” she added. Camp Bauercrest, a Jewish sports As head of programming for camp 40 miles north of Boston in Maccabi USA, Shane Carr is used to Amesbury, Mass., did add more having people ask him to add sports courts for this summer. to the organization’s many Jewish Director Ken Cotton said the sports tournaments around the world. camp had invited an alum to host But since 2019, one sport has been pickleball clinics last year, and “the suggested above all others: pickleball. kids ate it up.” So when it came time Widely considered the fastest-growto repair the camp’s tennis courts ing sport in America, pickleball is a before this summer, Bauercrest sort of condensed court tennis and added four outdoor pickleball courts pingpong hybrid that has attracted to go along with two indoor courts. millions of new fanatics since the outThe familiar “pop” that echoes break of the COVID-19 pandemic, from pickleball courts — which has from middle schoolers to the likes of caused real problems for those who Bill Gates and LeBron James. live near them — has also become a Originally created in 1965 in common sound at numerous camps Bainbridge Island, Washington, the run by the Union for Reform sport adapted well to the quarantine Pickleball has exploded in popularity at Jewish summer camps. PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMP AVODA; DESIGN BY Judaism and the Conservative era with its short learning curve and MOLLIE SUSS Ramah movement. low-cost equipment. Ruben Arquilevich, the URJ’s vice One study estimates that 5 million peo- pandemic. And after years of conversa- included convincing the global Maccabiah president who oversees its 14 camps, told ple played pickleball in 2021, while the tions about the sport’s popularity and body. He said the popularity of racket JTA the sport is now offered at multiple Sports & Fitness Industry Association potential — plus Carr getting “tired of say- sports in Argentina helped their case, and camps, adding that it is “very popular.” found that participation in the sport nearly ing no” — pickleball was officially played that the Hacoaj sports club in Buenos The J’s Camp Sabra offers pickleball doubled in 2022 and has increased 158.6% at the Pan American Maccabi Games in Aires — where Jewish-Argentine tennis and several other sports depending on over the past three years. Buenos Aires in December. star Diego Schwartzman got his start — camper interest at its nearly 10,000 squareThe Jewish world is no exception to the “The great part about pickleball is it’s so hosted a pickleball open house to help gen- foot open-air Beren Sports Pavilion, trend. The sport is a frequent sight at approachable, and people can pick it up so erate interest. according to Sabra’s website. Jewish community centers and camps quickly,” Carr told the Jewish Telegraphic Delegations competed in pickleball at At Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, across the country, attracting players of all Agency. “It’s a great opportunity to build the Pan Am Games and included tradition- Mass., one of the camp’s tennis instructors ages. community, especially Jewish community.” al men’s and women’s singles and doubles, has also started teaching pickleball. Camp Carr said the requests to add pickleball Carr explained that adding a sport to the plus a team event and a “Pickle Palooza” Newman in Santa Rosa, California, lists to Maccabi events “blew up” during the tournament was a multi-step process that offering for anyone who wants to play. pickleball among its many offered activiCarr also said Maccabi USA is hoping to ties, and the URJ’s 6 Points Sports include pickleball in the full 2025 Academy in Asheville, N.C., offers it as an Maccabiah Games in Israel. elective. The demand for pickleball has also skyPickleball is also now offered at the rocketed at Jewish summer camps across Ramah movement’s day camp in Nyack, this summer the United States. N.Y., and its overnight camp in Wisconsin, at Camp Emeth At Camp Avoda, a Jewish sports camp according to Ramah’s national director about 50 miles south of Boston, Director Amy Skopp Cooper. Ronni Guttin estimated that about 40 of the At the Ramah camp in Ojai, Calif. — camp’s 140 campers are playing pickleball. about 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles JUN It’s offered as an elective alongside tennis, — pickleball has become “the sport of the and campers can also play during free summer,” said Molly Auerbach, the camp’s time. Guttin lauded the sport’s accessibility, program director. noting that it’s especially popular among Ramah California offers pickleball TO kids who may find tennis too difficult. during its sports period, taught by a pickAUG Guttin said Avoda brought in a group of leball coach, as well as during free time pickleball players to run a clinic for the and a weekly Shabbat pickleball tournafirst time last summer, and “it took off like ment. crazy.” They brought the instructors back “I would say it’s become one of the this summer, too. themes of the summer and most people Registration Opens Jan. 30 at The camp has two pickleball courts, but have tried it, if not become obsessed with Guttin said that if they had five courts they playing it,” Auerbach told JTA.
BY JACOB GURVIS JTA
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STAGES Performing Arts Academy offers an exciting variety of Musical Theatre camps, workshops, and productions for students of all ages and abilities. Act, dance, and sing all Summer long while learning new skills and techniques. Classes include Musical Minis, STAGES Stars, Act It Out, Improv: On the Spot, Ace Your Audition, and more! And don’t miss out on the Broadway Performance Workshops of Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS, The Spongebob Musical: Youth Edition, Dreamland, and Head Over Heels. It’s all at STAGES Performing Arts Academy this Summer. Call or visit our website to register today! 1023 Chesterfield Pkwy E, Chesterfield, MO 63017 636 · 449 · 5775
visiting y b e r o m tl Find out z.com/s id k 4 s k ic www.br CAMP BEN FRANKEL campbenfrankel.org
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Camp Ben Frankel is a small camp that welcomes campers from all Jewish backgrounds. We have a reputation for high quality: programming with 100+ activities, experienced counselors (avg age 21), and award-winning leadership. CBF is located less than two hours from St. Louis in the picturesque Shawnee National Forest near Carbondale, IL. We value being welcoming and inclusive while creating a warm Jewish environment full of fun. Ask us about grants of up to $1000 for first time campers! 618 · 235 · 1614 info@campbenfrankel.org
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Make new friends and learn new skills! J Day Camps gives campers options on their activities: sports, arts, gymnastics and more. Plus, ON-SITE SWIMMING! Celebrate Israeli culture, food and songs with us! We’re at two convenient locations – Creve Coeur and Chesterfield. ELEVEN weeks of camps and programs for kids ages 3-8th grade. Lunch option available as well as AM and PM care. Early Bird registration through March 8. ACA accredited. More at jccstl.com/daycamps.
Ignite your creativity at COCA Summer Arts Camps! Campers have the opportunity to learn and experience new things, build their skills, and—most importantly—have fun. Choose from camps in singing, dancing, acting, visual art, cooking, circus, filmmaking, fashion, and more, taught by our talented teaching artists who also work professionally as exhibiting artists or performers. At COCA, we pride ourselves on offering some of the most creative Summer Arts Camps for kids and teens. Join us at our campus in University City or in our second location at the University of Health Science and Pharmacy.
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Make Music This Summer! Band • Chamber Music • Composition •Flute Kindermusik • Songwriting • String Orchestra NEW! Saxophone • Individual Lessons
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WHITFIELD SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMS
www.whitfieldschool.org/athletics/summer-camps Camp Whitfield day camp is conveniently located on Whitfield School’s campus at the corner of Mason and Ladue Roads. Children entering kindergarten through seventh grade are invited to camp June through August, partial-day to full-day sessions, with before care and after care available. Campers will engage in science,creative art, technology, games, sports, and leadership activities. Led by Whitfield faculty members and alumni counselors, campers enjoy hands-on activities, projects, and experiments each day. 175 South Mason Road, St. Louis, MO 63141 314 · 434 · 5141
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webster.edu/cms Make music this summer! Little ones 6 months – 5 years can play and sing at our weekly Kindermusik® family camp. Older children can choose from flute camp, string orchestra camp, chamber music encounter, band camp, popular songwriting, summer composition intensive, and the Clazz String Intensive. The Community Music School also offers a 6-week summer session of individual lessons for all ages - a great way to start a new instrument! 314 · 968 · 5939 cms@webster.edu
Herzl Camp is a warm, welcoming Jewish community. Our camp is located on 150 acres on a crystal clear lake in Webster, Wisconsin. Herzl is a traditional camp experience where campers escape from technology to spend time outdoors, exploring nature, trying new activities while building friendships and self-confidence. A summer at Herzl builds independence and self-reliance as well as lifelong Jewish friendships and identity. Explore our website and call us to discuss your child’s interests. ACA accredited. 952-927-4002 info@herzlcamp.org
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grandcenterartsacademy.org Okay, I like it Picasso! Grand Center Arts Academy’s summer arts camp is a one-ofa-kind opportunity for students to explore their creativity in the heart of Grand Center Arts District. Industry professionals teach interactive courses in instrumental and vocal music, theater, dance and visual arts. Choose between one- or two-week camps. ALL students entering grades 5 - 12. $40 materials fee. SESSION DATES: JULY 8 - 19
711 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103 314 · 533 · 1791
COCA SUMMER ARTS CAMP
cocastl.org/summer-arts-camps/ Ignite your creativity at COCA Summer Arts Camps! Campers have the opportunity to learn and experience new things, build their skills, and—most importantly—have fun. Choose from camps in singing, dancing, acting, visual art, cooking, circus, filmmaking, fashion, and more, taught by our talented teaching artists who also work professionally as exhibiting artists or performers. At COCA, we pride ourselves on offering some of the most creative Summer Arts Camps for kids and teens. Join us at our campus in University City or in our second location at the University of Health Science and Pharmacy. 6880 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63130 314 · 725 · 6555
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CONGREGATION SHAARE EMETH
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Congregation Shaare Emeth is a hub of learning and activity for children of all ages, home to Shirlee Green Preschool (six weeks to five years), Early Childhood Education programs, Shaare Emeth Religious School (Pre-K to Post-Confirmation), JQuest (tuition-free, no membership required Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade Jewish education) Camp Emeth and Camp Micah (summer day camps for ages six weeks to 8th grade), youth groups, and a wide range of programs and events. 11645 Ladue Road St. Louis, MO 63141 CAMP EMETH & CAMP MICAH SESSION DATES: JUNE 10 - AUGUST 2
Camp Micah: 314.569.0048 • kadams@sestl.org Camp Emeth: LHorton@sestl.org 314.692.5362
JULY 8-19, 2024 $40 FEE FOR MATERIALS
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BIRTH: SARI ROSE NEAR Becca Near and Seth Near would like to announce the birth of their daughter, Sari Rose Near, on Jan. 8, 2024 at Missouri Baptist Hospital, weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces. Sari is the granddaughter of Angie Rosenberg of St. Louis, and Bill and Diane Near of Buffalo Grove, Ill. She is the great-granddaughter of the late Bill Rosenberg of St. Louis, the late Gail Hawkins of St. Louis, and the late Sally and Melvin Zuckerman of Niles, Ill. Sari has two big brothers, Sammy, who is 5½ years old, and Gabe, who is 2 ½.
BAT MITZVAH: MAYA JANET NEWMAN Maya Janet Newman, daughter of Margo and Drew Newman of Creve Coeur, became a bat mitzvah on Nov. 18, 2023 at Congregation Shaare Emeth. Maya is the granddaughter of Stacey and Burt (z”l) Newman of St. Louis, Janet Fishman Newman (z”l) of St. Louis, and Alice and David Gantz of Rockville, Md. She has one sibling, Joshua Newman, who is 10. Maya is a seventh-grade student at Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School. For Maya’s mitzvah project, she collected new socks to help bring a little warmth, coziness and love to patient families at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. During her speech, Maya shared that when she was a baby, she spent some time in the hospital and her parents were those people who needed a little extra love and support — and so this was her way of paying it forward.
RUSH-WEINERMAN ENGAGEMENT Melanie Rush and Judah Weinerman have announced their engagement. Melanie is the daughter of Jason and Nancy Rush and the late Cynthia Rush, all of St. Louis. She is the granddaughter of Dr. Robert and Rochelle Rush of Delray Beach, Fla.; Susan Harris of Denver; and Marty and Chris Newman of St. Louis. Judah is the son of Stuart and Naomi Weinerman of Lawrence, N.Y., and the grandson of Florence and the late Harold Weinerman of Atlantic Beach, N.Y.; and the late Henry and Tema Wolfson of Lawrence, N.Y. Melanie is a graduate of Ladue High School and Brandeis University, and a current Ph.D. student in history at the CUNY Graduate Center. Judah is a graduate of Brandeis University and a current J.D. candidate at New York University School of Law. A January 2025 wedding is planned.
WALKER-LUKENS ENGAGEMENT
BAR MITZVAH: LEO BROCKMAN Leo Brockman, son of Emilie and Joe Brockman of St. Louis, became a bar mitzvah at Congregation Temple Israel. Leo is the grandson of Ron Zetcher, Debbie Pulley and Maria Brockman, all of St. Louis. He has two siblings, Luke, who is 18, and Annabel, who is 16. A seventh-grade student at Parkway West Middle School, Leo loves and plays hockey and baseball. He loves all sports, being with family and friends and his dog Rocky. His mitzvah project was volunteering and donating to the food pantry.
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Isaac Walker and Gabrielle Lukens have announced their engagement. Isaac is the son of Susan and Peter Walker of St. Louis; Gabi is the daughter of Jennifer and Charles Lukens of Kansas City, Mo. Isaac and Gabi are both graduates of the University of Missouri-Columbia and met during post-grad life through mutual friends in Chicago, where they currently live. An October 2024 wedding is planned.
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OBITUARIES
STL
JEWISH LIGHT
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
stljewishlight.org
American Flag symbol denotes a United States military veteran.
OBITUARY NOTICES UPDATED DAILY AT STLJEWISHLIGHT.ORG/OBITUARIES
RICHARD BENKOF, January 11, 2024 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Richard Benkof, husband of Phyllis Cucchi Benkof, brother of Barbara Bianco, Nancy Benkof (Paul Pletka), Debbie Trevisano (Mark), step-father of Christine Cucchi Evans (Scott), son of Alice Katz Benkof and Julius Benkof. Richard was a talented children’s and wedding photographer and leaves behind a legacy of thousands of treasured photographs on the walls of homes of families throughout the community. He also was often called upon to photograph visiting dignitaries and even United States Presidents when they came to town. A memorial service will be held later in the year. Memorial contributions preferred to the Humane Society or a charity of your choice. MARIE CORI, January 14, 2024, Born in Paris, France, April 4, 1934 Loving mother of Steve (Debbie) Cori and David Cori. Beloved daughter of the late Issak and Kayla Kolkowiz. Cherished grandmother of Jason (Theresa) Cori, Bryan Cori and Kayla (Jason) Christopher. Dear great grandmother of Jameer King Cori, Bruce Cori, Amya, Jordan, Kaylee, Jaxin, Jason Jr., Lincoln, and Zoey Christopher. Beloved sister of the late Eda (Jack) Capsuto, the late Rachel (Charles) Goldkind, the late Marcel (Helen) Kolkowicz, the late Simon (Monique) Kolkowicz, Ginette (Georges) Piorowicz and Nicole Kolkowicz. Dear aunt of Sandie Capsuto, Michel (Jan) Goldkind, Alain
Goldkind, Muriel (Bruno) Levy, Carole (Gharib) Piorowicz, Anthony (Eve) Piorowicz, Nathalie Kolkowicz, Sonya Kolkowicz, Serge Kolkowicz, Sam (Sandrine) Chikley, Sarah (Paul) Beekmans, the late Marshall (Sheryle) Trayber, the late David Kolkowicz, and the late Sandra Kolkowicz. Beloved great aunt of Becki Trayber, Illana Trayber, Simone (Alex) Fine and many other dear nieces and nephews. Marie was one of seven children. She came to this country in the early 1950’s when she was seventeen. She lived on the West side of Chicago with her sister Eda for a time while she was working. She met her husband Leon while attending English Learning classes. They married then moved to the South Side of Chicago where they raised their sons Steve and David. In the early 70’s they moved to Niles, IL. By the end of the 70’s they bought into the Car X business, where they became very successful. She and Leon bought a condo in Tel Aviv Israel, where she spent many, many wonderful vacations and reconnected with distant family members. She was always very drawn to the land of Israel. It was not easy for many Holocaust survivors to open up and speak of their experiences. When Marie joined a Hidden Children during the Holocaust group, she really began to open up. Not only did her family gain more knowledge; she went to several schools to speak about her experiences with students. She became very involved with the Holocaust Center in St. Louis. Frequently, students where she spoke at their schools recognized her in the store
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and always approached her. Family was very important to Marie and she developed friends easily. Her cute French accent and personality always drew people to her. Marie very willingly took people under her wing and loved to give motherly advice to everyone whether they wanted it or not!!! All the way up until the very end of her life, she had a very wry sense of humor. She was so loved by many. A graveside service was held Thursday, January 18 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Live stream available at www. rindskopfroth.com. Contributions in her memory may be made to the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, 36 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 or to Pathways Hospice Foundation, 14805 N Outer 40 Rd #160, Chesterfield, MO 63017. A Rindskopf-Roth Service LORETTA DOBKIN, January 14, 2024 Dear daughter of the late Morris and the late Sarah Dobkin; Dear sister of Ronald (Joan) Dobkin; Dear aunt of Julie and Jeff Keeling and Kelly Schumaker; Dear great-aunt of Zach Keeling, Kaitlyn Keeling, Tristan Schumaker and Torrin Schumaker; Cousin and friend to many. A Memorial Service was held January 19 at at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Boulevard. Memorial contributions preferred to NAMI St Louis or Humane Society of Missouri. Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service GERALD KRAFT INDIANAPOLIS–Gerald Kraft, age 92, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 26, 1931 to the late Philip and Bessie (Bauer) Kraft. He was a 1949 graduate of Shortridge High School before attending University of Michigan and Indiana University. Following his graduation, he served a two-year tour of duty as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Gerald married Adele “Cookie” (Tamler) Kraft on June 28, 1953. They enjoyed 67 years together, spending winters in Boca Raton, Florida. They traveled extensively from 1982 through 1986 when he was elected the International President of B’nai B’rith. Kraft visited over 50 communities during his 28 trips to countries on six continents-including a number of state visits. In this capacity, he met with 24 heads of state dealing with a variety of issues. One of the major events of his term was in 1984 when, at the request of the Israeli Government, Kraft went to Ethiopia for the initial air lift of Ethiopian Jews from the Sudan to Israel. He was intimately involved in subsequent air lift operations to complete the mission. Another major event occurred in 1986 when he was instrumental in getting the U.S. Senate to ratify and the president to sign the Genocide Treaty after a delay of some 37 years. He is a past president of the Jewish Community Center and Congregation Beth-El Zedeck. In 2018, he was named a Hoosier Jewish Legend by the Indiana Jewish Historical Society. For his contributions/volunteerism locally and throughout the state, Kraft was also awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by the Governor of Indiana. Professionally, Kraft grew up working at his father’s bakery (Kraft Baking Company & Deluxe Cake & Pastry Shops). He later left the family business to become a realtor, casualty insurance agent and certified property manager. In 1966,
OBITUARIES INDEX Benkof, Richard
Nussbaum, William
Cori, Marie
Popkin, Alan
Dobkin, Loretta
Rader, Norma Lee
Kraft, Gerald
Scissors, Michael
Lehrman, Betty
Stopsky, Dr. Fred
Levine, Myra
Watel, Jr., James Lee
Kraft joined Melvin Simon & Associates as Executive Vice President. Over the next 24 years, he joined Mr. Simon in their pursuit of a number of diverse businesses. He retired from the firm in 1990. Gerald is survived by his daughters Karen Yoffie of St. Louis, MO and Leslie Katz of Indianapolis, his son Paul (Sherri) Kraft of Indianapolis, his grandchildren Lauren Yoffie, Dr. Benjamin (Lili) Katz, Kyle (Carrie) Katz, DPT, Meredith Katz, Ariana Katz, Melissa Kraft and Valerie Kraft, and great-grandsons Avi Katz and Asher Katz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife “Cookie” Kraft, his sisters Mildred Ashkenaz and Leanora Asrow, and his granddaughter Julie Yoffie. Funeral services were held at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, 600 W. 70th St, Indianapolis, on Sunday, January 14th. Memorial contributions may be made to Kraft Commons Assisted Living, 7001 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260. Friends may share a memory or condolence at www.arnmortuary.com. BETTY LEHRMAN, January 13, 2024 Beloved wife of Arnold Lehrman for 62 years. Devoted mother of Debbie (Jerry) Alexander, Gary (Sally) Lehrman, Joan (Robert) Denison, and Robyn (Scott) Meyer. Cherished grandmother of Stephanie (Aaron Sherman) Alexander, Missy (Mike) Sgarbossa, Rachel Denison, Zach Denison, Brandon Lehrman, Spencer Lehrman, Brooke (Jared) Frisby, Ben Meyer (fiancé Rachel Troutman), and Adam Meyer. Loving great-grandmother of Eli Sherman, Kylie and Maddie Sgarbossa. Dear sister of the late Arlene (late Barney) Landers and the late Harriet (late Alec) Dardick; sister-inLaw of Gloria (late Bob) Hoffman. Loving aunt, great-aunt, and friend to many. Betty’s devotion to family and friends was central to her life. Working with her husband, Arnold, they created the retail specialty clothing store chains, The Children’s Fair, and The Fashion Fair. Betty was playful and creative with her children and grandchildren, she enjoyed attending their performances, sporting activities and was inquisitive and interested in their various pursuits. She enjoyed preparing for the Jewish holidays, creating rich traditions for her extended family. Betty was an accomplished artist, and a life-long friend to many who shared her love of family and MahJongg. For many years after retirement, Betty volunteered at United Hebrew Congregation working with Arnold to produce the temple variety shows and help with the senior lunch programs. A funeral service was held Wednesday, January 17th at United Hebrew Congregation, 13788 Conway Road. Contributions in Betty’s memory may be made to Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, 10950 Schuetz Road, St. Louis, MO 63146; Covenant Place Foundation, 8 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 2000, St. Louis, MO 63146; United Hebrew Congregation, 123788 Conway Road, St. Louis, MO 63141; or the charity of your choice. A Rindskopf-Roth Service
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MYRA IRENE LEVINE, January 18, 2024 Beloved wife of the late Robert Levine; dear mother of Lisa Levine, Michael Levine (Licia Terranova), and Scott Levine (Margaretta Mendenhall), and Paula McMaster; dear grandmother of Isabel, Gabrielle, Charles, and Eliana; dear daughter of the late Frieda and the late Sol Stetin; dear sister of the late Sondra Gash (Ira); dear sister-in-law of Arthur Levine (Marilyn) and the late Richard Levine (Joanne); dear aunt, cousin, and friend to many. Myra cared deeply for her family and she had an especially great love of children, working in childcare settings where she touched the lives of many families in her community. She had a rare gift for making each person feel welcome and at home—and that gift came out of her commitment to inclusivity, and her genuine interest in others. Her smile was absolutely infectious, and she smiled often, lighting up the world around her. We will miss her dearly. A Funeral Service was held Sunday, January 21 at the Mausoleum at New Mt Sinai Cemetery, 8430 Gravois. Graveside interment followed. Memorial contributions preferred to Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108 or the American Labor Museum, 83 Norwood Street, Haledon, NJ 07508. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service WILLIAM LEE “BILL” NUSSBAUM passed away on January 12, 2024 in Pompano Beach, FL at the age of 83. He is survived by his sister Betty Kerman, and his 2 children: William Lee Nussbaum, Jr. (Glenn McQuaid), and Linda Beth Nussbaum (J Swofford). Bill was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, son of Howard E. Nussbaum and Hope Levy Nussbaum. He attended University City High School, received his AB from Princeton University and his JD from Washington University. He served for 3 years in the US Navy, after which he returned to his hometown of St. Louis. He was actively involved in several local organizations throughout the years. He served on the board of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, was treasurer of the board for Food Outreach (as well as a dutiful dishwasher most Sundays for years), and served a term as president at Temple Emanuel. After moving to Pompano Beach, FL in 2005 he joined the Ft. Lauderdale Bridge Club and Quick Tricks bridge club, where he served as treasurer of the board until late 2023, and became an integral part of that community. In addition to his love of playing bridge, Bill was an eager and avid traveler. Whether visiting his kids in NY and Portland, spending summers with his sister in Colorado and volunteering regularly at the BRAVO! music series in Vail, or making his way on adventures to Southeast Asia and cruising just about everywhere across the globe, he always had another trip planned on the horizon. A passionate traveler, collector of art, and raconteur, Bill’s vivid tales and love for the arts left lasting impressions. May his memory be a blessing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Food Outreach (foodoutreach.org) or an organization of your choice.
OBITUARIES ALAN POPKIN passed away peacefully on January 20, 2023 at his home in St. Louis, Missouri. He was 89 years old. Alan believed strongly in being honest, accepting others for who they are, and going after what you love. He was born in New York City to Estelle and Murray Popkin and moved to St. Louis as a young boy. He attended Country Day School where he made many lifelong friends. He then attended Yale University but left before graduating to pursue a career as an actor. Alan appeared in a Broadway show, but then decided to move back to St. Louis to be with his beloved mother when his father passed away. Shortly thereafter he met and married his first wife Rochelle Popkin. Alan attended Washington University Law School where he graduated first in his class and became Editor of the Washington University Law Review. He had an illustrious career as a lawyer. He argued a case in front of the United States Supreme Court and became a member of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers. Alan had a gift for uncovering hidden truths and expressing them with clarity and compassion. He believed deeply in the American system of justice, despite its faults. Alan loved the game of bridge and achieved the rank of Grand Life Master, a title only currently held by one other person in St. Louis. He enjoyed playing with many friends and especially with his second wife Nancy Popkin. Alan also loved to fish and many of his happiest moments were on a lake far away from civilization on a fishing boat. Whenever he would catch a fish, he would kiss it, instruct it on how to be more careful next time it saw a hook, and then throw it back in the water. Alan also loved spending time with his dogs. His dogs never begged at the table because they didn’t have to—he would feed them from his own fork. Alan felt extremely grateful for the life he lived and all of the people (and animals) he loved: his beloved wife Nancy Popkin, his daughters Maureen Chiquet, Suzanne Popkin and Andrea Main, his stepchildren Brook Spear and Michael Blake Morris, his grandchildren Pauline and Mimi Chiquet, Dmitri, Ezra and Nadia Gaskin, Savannah and Isabella Main, his first wife Rochelle Popkin, his many friends from bridge, fishing, wine tastings, and Country Day, his many colleagues and clients, and most importantly, his beloved dogs, Georgie, BoBo, Bella Lulu, Scout and Sixty. There will be a Visitation on Thursday January 25th after 11:30 AM at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd. 63132. The Funeral service will begin at 12 PM and interment will follow at United Hebrew Cemetery, 7855 Canton Ave. 63130. Memorial contributions preferred to the APA of Missouri (apamo.org). Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service NORMA LEE RADER (nee Hollander) passed away on January 13, 2024, at the age of 89. In her final moments, she was surrounded by family and close friends. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 9, 1934, to Kalman and Elsie Hollander, the second of two daughters. Growing up, she was outgoing, involved, smart and hard-working. She earned an academic scholarship to Washington University, studying social work. In 1955, she married Edward Stanley Rader, leaving college to work and earn enough to support them both as he finished medical school.
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Between 1958 and 1964, Norma and Ed had three children – Nancy, Jeff and Dan. In addition to her fierce love and unwavering support for her husband, Norma dedicated her life to her three children, teaching them important life lessons and encouraging them to find and pursue their passions. After the children left the nest, Norma turned her creative talents to knitting. Over time, she assembled a small team of knitters who, over the course of 18 years delivered more than 15,000 hand-knit scarves, hats and gloves to children in need. Norma will be remembered for her courage, her kind heart, and her giving nature. She was a voracious reader and a lifelong learner. And she was an exceptional friend. She’ll be missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing her. She was preceded in death by Kalman and Elsie Hollander and her sister Betty. She was survived by her husband Edward Rader, her daughter Nancy Inhofe, her sons Jeff Rader (spouse Sarah) and Dan Rader (partner Hoai Huynh), and her grandchildren Glade Inhofe, Cole Inhofe and Anna Rader. Services were held at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Rd, on Wednesday, January 17. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Norma’s memory to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Washington University in St. Louis or the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service MICHAEL SCISSORS, loving husband of Lori Scissors, passed away surrounded by his family on January 16, 2024. He is the father of Benjamin Scissors and Jacob Scissors (Brigid); son of Judi Scissors and the late Philip J. Scissors; and brother of Melinda Scissors Conley (Reed). Dear uncle, brother-in-law, nephew, cousin, and friend. A graveside service was held Thursday, January 18 at Beth Shalom Cemetery at Chesed Shel Emeth, 650 White Road. Memorial contributions preferred to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service DR. FRED STOPSKY, aged 93, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 21, 2023 with his dear wife, Kate, by his side. Fred was born to Rubin and Gertrude in the Bronx, New York, and remained a Bronx boy at
heart throughout his life, telling stories of the neighborhood often. Fred served his country in the Army during the Korean War years. His connection to the armed services led him to start a program for returning Vietnam veterans to become teachers in later years. He was laid to rest with military honors, as was his wish. When asked recently what he was most proud of, Dr. Stopsky mentioned three things - helping to found the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum; his teaching; and his children and grandchildren. He said he was proud of the work for the Holocaust Museum, as it was the culmination of a life dedicated to educating people about the ravages of discrimination, in the belief that it is only through education and understanding one can promote peace. Dr. Stopsky was so proud of being a teacher. He taught in high schools, and at Webster University for decades. When asked if one should call him “professor” or “teacher,” he said, “Teacher!” and that his joy was in helping each student to find their unique gift. He taught Social Studies, American History, and Teacher Education. He was a brilliant teacher and his dedication to educating the teachers of the St. Louis area lives on through them. He was especially proud of the teachers he taught in southern Missouri, where he taught about the Holocaust. This once earned him the attention of, and a meeting with, Elie Wiesel, a high point in his life. But most of all, Fred was proud of his children and grandchildren, who were the light of his life. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen, his son David (Lucy) Stopsky, his three daughters, Rina (Pete) Cooper, Deborah Stopsky, and Elizabeth (Justyn) Howard, his stepchildren, Kathleen Justmann and Ronnie (Kathy) Henerfouth, and his grandchildren, Mia, Henry, and Emmett, who brought him special joy. Fred was laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. Memories can be shared at: https://www.newcomerstlouis.com/ obituaries JAMES LEE “JJ” WATEL JR. passed away peacefully on January 15, 2024. Son of the late Esther and Jim Watel, brother of Lucie Watel, Jenny Watel, and Abby Watel Nellans. JJ had struggled with mental health issues for many years and is fondly remembered for his wicked sense of humor and his passion for music and sports. A small private gathering of family and friends will be held at the Seven Gables in Clayton from 2 to 4 on Sunday, Jan. 28. Contributions in James’s memory may be sent to NAMI St. Louis, 1810 Craig Rd, Ste 124, St. Louis, MO 63146; or the Humane Society of St. Louis, 1201 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110.
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JEWISH LITE JEWISH CROSSWORD PUZZLE By Lana and Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com | ‘On a Plane’ Difficulty: Easy
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young man?
1. Great Rabbi Baba 33. CWS and CHI sports org. 5. Great artist 34. Indonesia’s ___ Chagall Islands 9. Major zionist org. 35. Arrive, as darkness 14. Hazeh or Haba 15. It intersects Utica and E. 49th st. in Brooklyn 16. Org. often at odds with 9-Across 17. Disappointing sign at the shochet for those wanting pastrami or lox? 19. Ice cream serving 20. Yid alternative 21. Big burden 23. Hamas rival, for short 24. Zilch 26. Holding it in Risk is impressive
52. Guarding ___ 28. Moses made (1994 MacLaine one from Egypt as a film)
54. Bathroom scale meas.
4. Protected, as from disease
33
57. Director Besson and former NBA champ Longley
5. Post-spat activity
37
59. Blows, as a volcano
7. Vegas alternative
6. MPEG alternative
9. They celebrate Chanukah in summer 10. Ltd. alt. 11. Groucho’s cigar, e.g. 12. Illegal mil. status
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27 31
39
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45 49
36 42
46
50
47 51
52
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53 57
58 65
64
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60
61
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38. Cardinal’s home
50. Get away
40. Edinburgh girl
51. Delighted
60. Change in Chihuahua
30. Indian flatbreads
41. Pfeiffer who played The Wasp
54. See 43-Across
31. Grocery-cart contents
44. Name in TV ratings
25. Most common crossword fish
32. Scrabble pieces
27. Fired
33. He played a Rocky foe
46. “Help” signal fired from a gun
22. Jewish org. for teens
29. Current King of Wakanda
49. Sch. in eastern
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32
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stljewishlight.org
16
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53. Fake
2. “Vera” lead-in
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5
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Find answers to this puzzle online at https://bit.ly/0124-crossword
Across
4
STL
55. The only place the Jews ever colonized, per Bill Maher (for short)
61. Dances like Hines or Teicher 62. Sore for sight eyes?
56. Male elk
64. “Her ways ___ ways of pleasantness” (Prov. 3:17)
58. Today’s
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Celebrities: ‘Masters of the Air,’ Fargo and a whodunit with Patinkin CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 flew the standard 25 missions and then volunteered to fly another 27 missions. In 1943, 13 planes took off to bomb the Nazis. Rosenthal, on just his third mission, piloted his shot-up plane and brought it back to England. His plane was the only one to return.
In early 1944, he bailed out over France and made his way back to England with French partisan help. In Feb. 1945, Rosenthal led a mission that bombed Berlin (a bomb his squadron dropped happened to kill the most notorious Nazi judge). After the bomb-drop, Rosenthal flew his shot-up plane to nearby Russian lines and supervised his crew as they parachuted down, oneby-one. He got out seconds before his plane blew-up.
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After the war, Rosenthal was a Nuremburg trials prosecutor. His tasks included interrogating Herman Goering in advance of Goering’s trial. Nate Mann, who plays Rosenthal, is far from famous. Here’s what I could find out about him. He’s 24; went to high school in Pennsylvania; is a Juilliard Drama School graduate; plays cello and sings (baritone); he’s been in one Broadway play (2020); and has had two small film roles. I’m pretty sure Mann is Jewish, but I can’t confirm that now. “Fargo” is a Hulu anthology series that is inspired by the hit COEN BROTHERS’ 1996 movie of the same name. Each season runs 10 episodes, but has a different premise and its own cast. The first two seasons and the just-concluded fifth season got the best reviews. Juno Temple is just marvelous as the lead character, Dorothy, in the fifth season. Watch the first episode of the fifth season — and just 10 minutes into the second episode — and you’ll see how surprising, and interesting Dorothy is. JENNIFER JASON LEIGH, 61, is great as Dorothy’s very rich and very nasty mother-in-law. Also on Hulu is the original series “Death and Other Details” (which began on Jan. 16). This 10-episode series is an old-fashioned “whodunit” mystery. A murdered body is found in a locked room on a luxury ocean liner. The main suspect is Imogene Scott, a very attractive woman and a known thief. On the ship is famous detective Rufus Coteworth (MANDY PATINKIN, 71). Of course, he is drawn into solving the murder.
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congregation temple israel
HOLIDAY MITZVAH TI’s annual Hanukkah mitzvah hosted a holiday store for Monroe Elementary parents/caregivers. Located in south St. Louis, Monroe Elementary has 200+ students ranging from ages 3-12, all of whom are living in poverty, and nearly half of whom experience housing insecurity. To ensure that each child had a holiday gift during the winter season, the co-chairs created a holiday gift store at Monroe so parents or caregivers could select an item and have it beautifully wrapped by Temple Israel volunteers.
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PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to news@stljewishlight.org.
Temple Israel collects new store-bought toys geared toward children in preschool through grade five, which include remote control cars, transformers and robots, sports balls, large dolls of color, arts and crafts kits for older kids (bracelet making and nail kits), and anything in a big box so it’s more exciting. The congregation also called for monetary donations to fill in with certain gift items where needed. The holiday store has become an important offering for the school community, and TI is honored to be able to provide this for parents/caregivers for our eighth year in a row. The Holiday Store Co-Chairs are Jenny Abeles, Karen Smoller, Amy Weiss and Linda Wielansky.
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Editor’s note: All Mirowitz Center events are free unless otherwise noted. To register for a Mirowitz Center event, visit http://bit.ly/ Mirowitz-registration, call 314-733-9813 or email info@mirowitzcenter.org.
SATURDAY | JAN. 27 Lunch and Learn at Bais Abe
more well-known texts including beloved haftarot. RSVP: baisabe.com/upcomingevents
Scholar to address rising antisemitism in Holocaust Remembrance Day Lecture See related news brief on page 8.
Join Bais Abe following morning services for a light lunch and learning with Rabbi Joe Ozarowski. He will speak on Israel at war – a firsthand report. He will offer thoughts and comments from his recent trip to Israel and the RCA/World Mizrachi Rabbinic Mission. RSVP: baisabe.com/upcomingevents
STARTING | JAN. 28
Singing Seudah with Rabbi Joe
Mirowitz Center program on Google Maps
At 4 p.m. Rabbi Joe Ozarowski will begin his Seudah Shlishit learning series: “Zmirot Yisrael – Songs of our People.” Each week we will look at the history, content and structure of one of the Shabbat Zmirot, plus we will learn a tune and sing it. RSVP: baisabe.com/upcomingevents
SUNDAY | JAN. 28 NHBZ Pizza Night Returns
NHBZ is excited to announce the return of its Pizza Night. Join NHBZ from 5 to 7 p.m. for an all-you-can-eat buffet of kosher pizza, pasta, salad and French fries plus a dessert and beverage. All food is under the supervision of Rabbi Chaim Bogolpulsky. Prices are: $15 for adults; $8 kids ages 3-12; free for kids ages 3 and under. Credit cards are accepted. For more information, call 314991-2100, ext. 2.
Minyan, breakfast and learning with Rabbi Joe
Join Bais Abraham for minyan at 8 a.m. followed by a light breakfast and some text study with Rabbi Joe. “Profiting from the Prophets” – a look at the lives and texts of the Nevi-im. We will focus on some of the
The J to host used book sale See related news brief on page 8.
TUESDAY | JAN. 30
From 1-2 p.m. Mirowitz Center Trainer Jim Salih will teach how to use Google Maps for satellite imagery, street maps and streetview perspectives.
THURSDAY | FEB. 1 Fighting bigotry & hatred: Integration of U.S. military
In recognition of Black History Month, learn more about the integration of the U.S. military with Mark Adams, education director at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, at this Mirowitz Center program online from 2-3 p.m.
SUNDAY | FEB. 4 Torah Prep School plans Double Chai Anniversary event See related news brief on page 8.
TUESDAY | FEB. 6
Mirowitz Center program from 10-11 a.m. with a community that values knowledge, respect and the art of informed opinions. Moderated by Harvey Gerstein and Marilyn Alton, this is a forum for thoughtful discussion about the most pressing news stories of the week.
The ABCs of Judaism
Rabbi Ze’ev Smason will discuss “Five Habits of Incredibly Interesting People” at the Mirowitz Center from noon to 1 p.m.
THURSDAY | FEB. 8 How to Choose a New Computer From noon to 1 p.m. Mirowitz Center Trainer Daniel Landsbaum addresses some common questions surrounding how to choose a new computer from 12-1 p.m. at the Mirowitz Center.
FRIDAY | FEB. 9 Potluck Shabbat for 20-, 30- and 40-somethings
The young adult chapter of Sparks Match! is hosting another potluck Shabbat dinner at 6 p.m. Bring something vegetarian to share and celebrate Shabbat together and meet new people. RSVP to Daphne at daphnekoalabear@gmail.com.
On the Record with Bob Cohn
Join Bob Cohn, editor-in-chief emeritus of the Jewish Light every other month – on the second Friday from 11 a.m. to noon – online through the Mirowitz Center to discuss films, plays, articles, and books on issues of concern in our community. This month’s topic is “Current Happenings: U.S. Strikes on Yemen’s Houthis, Biden’s Pressure on Iran, and the Israel/Hamas War.”
JEWISH LIGHT
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Local Jewish organizations and congregations can submit calendar items to news@ stljewishlight.org. All items received by 5 p.m. Friday will be considered for the following week’s edition.
ONGOING ‘Sing for a Cease-fire’
Learn Jewish songs, teachings, prayers and melodies of peace, resistance and hope during “Sing for Cease-fire” on Zoom, presented by Hineni STL. Held every Thursday at 7 p.m. until there is a ceasefire. Visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8115063693.
Movies at the Mirowitz Center
On Fridays at 1 p.m., enjoy movies on the Mirowitz Center’s 14-foot screen. Call the Movies at Mirowitz Hotline (314-733-9812) for the film title and description each week. Free and open to the community.
Mirowitz Center Community Singers
Professional musician Robert Denison will lead Mirowitz Center Community Singers from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesdays. No experience is necessary. Learn from CDs (no printed music). Performance opportunities will be offered. Free and open to the community; register online at http://bit.ly/Register_ MirowitzCenter or call 314-733-9813.
Get your game on at the Mirowitz Center
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 RSVPs are necessary for these weekly games, held in the multipurpose room, but plan to coordinate your group’s schedule and any needed substitutions. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter, call 314-733-9813, or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.
The week in review
The news can be upsetting and concerning – so join the conversation online at this
Schmooze: At 95, Betty Levy (aka Bubbles the clown) has spent decades refining her shtick CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 suggested to his mother that she perform her stand-up during a break at a Texas hold ‘em tournament the establishment was hosting. “What was supposed to be a five-minute break between rounds ended up being 30 minutes because the audience didn’t want her to stop,” says Stan, who also had his mother perform at his 70th birthday, in front of 100 people. Stan admits that he’s more than a little surprised at his mother’s comic prowess, especially since she was so serious-minded when he and his two sisters were growing up. He said their father, Harvey, who was married to Betty for 60 years before he died in 2010, was the comical one. “I never thought in my wildest imagination Mom would wind up doing this,” says Stan, who along with his parents and sisters grew up attending United Hebrew Congregation. “This is how meticulous and organized mom was,” Stan continues. “When we were growing up, we each had chores of cleaning our room and another room in the house. If we did not clean them to her standards, she When she performs her stand-up act, Betty Levy says she sometimes draw her fashion inspiration from the late, great comedian Phyllis Diller.
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pro-rated our allowance.” Betty says she’s “mellowed” with age and has learned to live each day fully. “My wisdom is ‘don’t worry, be happy.’ I talk to myself if I start to dwell on anything. If it’s something I have no control over I just talk myself out of it and go count my blessings. I enjoy life so much I want to keep on living.” More than anything, Stan says, he and his siblings, as well as Betty’s 10 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, marvel at her independence and joie de vivre. “She has been proactive in every major decision of her life, which has made it very easy for her children,” says Stan. “When she was living (in Creve Coeur) after my father passed, she was really tired of cleaning the place and cooking. So on her own she looked to find a place where she would feel comfortable. She researched it and then afterwards she made an announcement, ‘I’m going to go to the Brentmoor.’ She has loved it and never looked back.” Stan says she did the same thing when she decided to stop driving at age 90. “She sold her vehicle through Craigslist to the first person,” Stan says. “The only thing that surprised us and really made us nervous is that when the gentleman came by to test drive the car, she insisted that she go with him. And we were like, ‘Mom, are you really serious that you would get into a stranger’s car?’ And she said, very clearly, ‘He was a minister. How bad could it have been?’ ”
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