Q&A with Jewish storyteller and musician Alicia Jo Rabins 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.
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Bravo! New Jewish Theatre’s 2023 plays earn 24 St. Louis theater award nominations JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER
The St. Louis Theatre Circle announced their 2024 nominations on Friday and the New Jewish Theatre’s production of “Into the Woods” was among the top local productions with 11 nominations, including Outstanding Production of a Musical. In total, performances by NJT during 2023 earned 24 nominations. “I am blown away to see New Jewish Theatre’s productions and artists be honored with so many nominations from the See NJT on page 7
Scenes from New Jewish Theatre’s production of ‘Into the Woods,’ which earned 11 Theatre Circle award nominations. PHOTOS: JON GITCHOFF
Pro-Israel resolution’s hearing at Missouri Capitol draws strong turnout from Jewish students STORY AND PHOTOS BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
JEFFERSON CITY — A Missouri House of Representatives committee on Feb. 6 held a hearing on a pro-Israel resolution. Nearly 120 supporters of the resolution attended the hearing, including 100 students from Epstein Hebrew Academy and Torah Prep. The resolution, known as HCR30, expresses support for Israel and recognizes its special relationship with the United States. It was introduced by Rep. Dean Plocher, R-St. Louis County, who is also speaker of the house. Plocher began by Jewish day school students from St. Louis traveled to Jefferson City to show their support during a hearing for a pro-Israel resolution.
Jewish Federation President and CEO Brian Herstig (left) and Coalition for Jewish Values Chairman Rabbi Ze’ev Smason spoke in support of the pro-Israel resolution.
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introducing the resolution and stating that “Missouri’s ties to Israel go back a long time and I’m proud of that.” During the hearing, the Special Committee on Public Policy offered citizens the opportunity to share testimony, alternating pro and against the resolution. The first witness to speak was Jill Noble, a resident of Clay County, who noted that the Israeli flag was first flown at the 1904 World’s Fair.
Brian Herstig, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, offered testimony and said, “Over 70 Missouri companies have benefitted from doing business in Israel. Thank you for reaffirming the special relationship between Missouri and Israel.” Unlike bills, resolutions are not laws. They are expressions of the sentiments of lawmakers and must be passed by both the house and the senate. There are currently 44 co-sponsors of the resolution.
The hearing before the public policy committee was one step toward the final adoption of the resolution. The wording of the resolution was the result of collaboration between Plocher, the resolution sponsor, and Rabbi Ze’ev Smason, chairman of Coalition for Jewish Values in Missouri. Prior to the hearing, Smason noted that the show of support by the Jewish day school students was “a very powerful statement.”
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Best friends, IDF buddies leave honorable legacy Tall, lean and ever so handsome, Yakir Hexter had all the right moves, especially when it came to “popping and locking.” To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure what popping and locking looked like until Yakir’s grandfather, Chris Hexter of University City, showed me a video of his grandson in action. Apparently, Yakir, who grew up in Israel, had worked hard to perfect these staccato, very deliberate, body gyrations before sending a video to his aunt and uncle in St. Louis. The finished video shows off his prowess as he pops and locks — looking almost like a balletic robot — in time to Zara Larsson’s dance pop anthem “Ain’t My Fault.” “It shows one of his significant attributes,” said Chris, 79, a retired lawyer and member of Central Reform Congregation. “(He had a) willingness to explore new things, and the patience to steadily learn, and confidence that over time he would.” The truth is Yakir Hexter had many significant attributes. He was a barefoot runner and volunteered to help children with disabilities. His grandfather said he had taken part in a race across Jerusalem to raise donations for youngsters with special needs. The eldest of Joshua and Chaya Hexter’s three sons, Yakir was in his second year of an architecture program at Ariel University in the West Bank. He had studied at the same yeshiva as his father — Yeshivat Har Etzion — which integrates intensive Talmudic study with active military service. There, he met his best friend, Dovid Schwartz, who not only became Yakir’s study buddy but also served alongside him in the Israeli army. Later, the two best pals were in the same reservist unit. A day after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, Yakir and Dovid were called up to serve in Gaza. On Jan. 8, the two combat engineers died together in a rocket-propelled grenade attack during intense fighting in southern Gaza. Yakir Hexter was 26 years old, as was Dovid. Yakir’s father and Chris’ son, Josh, grew up in St. Louis
Above and at right, Yakir Hexter (on right) walks with his best friend, Dovid Schwartz, to a wedding. Both men, who were 26, died together Jan. 8 in a grenade attack during intense fighting in southern Gaza. Below right, Yakir with his family. From left to right, Ezra, Josh, Yakir, Chaya and Raphael. and attended Epstein Hebrew Academy and Block Yeshiva. Interestingly, neither Chris, nor his ex-wife and Josh’s mother, Elizabeth, grew up Jewish. Both were Episcopalian. But after they married, Elizabeth, whose good friend was Jewish, converted, and Chris followed suit. In time, Elizabeth became more observant, as did Josh. He celebrated his bar mitzvah at Bais Abraham Congregation. Josh first went to Israel after he graduated from Block, then returned there for his senior year of college after spending three years at the University of Wisconsin. He graduated in 1992 from both Hebrew
University and Wisconsin with degrees in Hebrew and U.S. history. Josh stayed in Israel and made aliyah. He met Chaya, and the two married in
May 1996. Yakir was born March 19, 1997. Nearly every summer, Josh, Chaya, Yakir and, eventually, younger brothers Raphael, now 22, and Ezra, 20, would come to St. Louis to visit Chris and his second wife, Shellie, whom he married in 1980. Josh also had a sister in St. Louis, Anna, whom Chris and Elizabeth had adopted at birth and is African American and Jewish. Shellie had three children that she brought to the marriage with Chris; two of them were adopted and multiracial. So, Yakir and his brothers had this large, extended, multiracial and multicultural American family in St. Louis whom they loved to visit, talk to on WhatsApp and amuse by sending the occasional video. On those summer visits, an outing to Busch Stadium to see the Cardinals play and a trip to Ted Drewes, whose frozen custard is kosher, were always on the schedule. So enamored was Yakir with baseball that Shellie, who is a miniaturist and makes tiny homes and furniture, helped him build a miniature Cardinals dugout out of balsa wood, complete with a bat rack, benches, a soda can or two and some baseball gloves. It took them three summers to finish. “That dugout is the only Cardinals dugout in Israel. It was taken back there,” said Chris, adding: “The thing about Yakir is that he was kind, competent, artistic, patient — one of the most central virtues you can have in life. He would take on See SCHMOOZE on page 9
NEWS & SCHMOOZE News and Schmooze is a column by Jewish Light Editor-in-Chief Ellen Futterman. Email Ellen at: efutterman@stljewishlight.org.
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Docuseries will kick off the J’s new Israeli Film Club ELLEN FUTTERMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The St. Louis Jewish Film Festival doesn’t start until April 7, but cinephiles — especially ones who enjoy short documentaries — as well as movie lovers will want to be part of the Israeli Film Club, led by Snir Dagan, the Israeli Shaliach (emissary) at the Jewish Community Center. The free club will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on consecutive Thursday evenings in February at the J’s Performing Arts Center. Three short documentary films will be shown on both Feb. 8 and 15. The first set of films will focus on the surprise and shock of the attacks by Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7. The second set, shown on Feb. 15, will look at the impact these attacks had on women and those taken hostage and their families. “I don’t want to say too much (about
Shir Dagan is the Israeli Shaliach at the J. He works to provide Israeli education, engagement and community building programs.
the films) because I want us all to watch them together, then talk about them and share our thoughts and opinions,” Dagan said, adding that all the short films were made on, or after, the Oct. 7 attacks. He went onto explain that these documentaries come from an Israeli show called “Uvda,” which means “fact” in Hebrew. Similar to our “60 Minutes,” “Uvda” has been on the air in Israel for the past 30 years and focuses on in-depth investigative reports and high-profile interviews as well as compelling documentaries. The last session of the Israeli Film Club, on Feb. 22, will feature “The Seam Line,” a docuseries that streams on the Israeli-based streaming platform IZZY, with its host and creator Avi Melamed. This docuseries about Jerusalem examines “the fragile threads that, woven together, create Jerusalem’s Christian, Jewish, and Muslim tapestry – simulta-
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neously connecting and dividing Israelis and Palestinians, religious and secular, sacred and profane,” according to the series’ description. Melamed, a former Israeli intelligence official and senior advisor on Arab affairs, will be at the J’s Staenberg Family Complex at 7 p.m. on Feb. 28 to talk about the war in Gaza, tackling questions such as: Do we really understand what this war is all about? How we got here? What does it all mean? Where are we going? And what does “the day after” look like? You can register for this free event at: jccstl.com/IsraelBriefing “I would suggest anyone going to Avi’s presentation come see ‘The Seam Line’ first to better understand what he is talking about and where his views are coming from,” said Dagan. “He will be happy to talk about ‘The Seam Line’ should there be questions.” Dagan also explained his goal in starting the club. “While Israelis are welcome to attend, I hope Americans will join me because I think what happened in Israel is such an important piece of history and we need to preserve and understand it. “I love the documentary series from ‘Uvda,’” he added. “They are very professional in what they are doing and the fact that this series is called “fact” in Hebrew makes it more much reliable and up to date. You can really rely on it to actually see and feel what really took place in Israel from Oct. 7 to where we are now.” To register for any, or all, of the Israel Film Club, go to https://jccstl.com/event/ israeli-film-club/2024-02-08/
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JCRC bids farewell to departing executive director From left: Cheryl Adelstein, JCRC’s Interim Executive Director; Lauren Abraham, Student to Student Director; Elyse Picker, Program Director; Maharat Rori Picker Neiss, Former Executive Director; Jennifer Swanson, Director of Operations; Rachel Bray, Communications and Engagement Coordinator; Rabbi Scott Shafrin, Deputy Director
Search for next director underway as Rori Picker Neiss leaves for JCPA post JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER
During her eight-year tenure as Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), Maharat Rori Picker Neiss regularly scheduled coffee meetings as a way to forge relationships, cultivate partnerships and build bridges. In late January, her final coffee meeting was attended by dozens of colleagues from the Jewish and interfaith communities to wish her well, as she begins a new journey. In November, Picker Neiss announced she was leaving her position at (JCRC) to become Senior Vice President for Community Relations at the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA). “Over the past eight years, she has deepened the St. Louis Jewish community’s roots in both the interfaith and intergroup communities,” said JCRC’s Board Chair Joel Iskiwitch in a Tu B’Shevat-inspired anecdote. “Just as different varieties of trees grow next to each other, we bear different scars, our branches carry different fruit and reach in different directions. But below the surface, we grow together.” Others who honored Picker Neiss
included Anna Shabsin, JCRC board vice chair; the Reverend Rodrick Burton, senior Pastor of New Northside Missionary Baptist Church, and Javier Orozco, the ecumenical and interreligious officer of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. In speaking of Picker Neiss’ leadership
qualities, Orozco said, “To be in her presence is to know that who you are and what you bring to the table will be respected and appreciated. To collaborate with Rori on a project is to experience inclusion, respect, a challenging voice, and a creative imagination—sometimes pushing us to
grow and see things differently.” As part of the leadership transition, Cheryl Adelstein is serving as interim executive director as the search a replacement begins. Visit jcrcstl.org/about/careers.html for more information.
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Holocaust Museum plans yearlong workshop on how to be ‘active allies’ in fight against antisemitism JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER
In response to the overwhelming increase of antisemitic incidents in the United States since the Hamas attack in Israel on Oct. 7, the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum is launching a year-long workshop on fighting antisemitism called “Change Begins with YOU.” “The museum gets lots of questions from visitors, parents and students on how to fight antisemitism, what to do with the lessons they have learned from visiting the museum, and how to communicate efficiently in crises,” said the museum’s Di rec tor of Ma rket i ng a nd Communications Amy Lutz. “Our team
got together, reviewed the common questions we received and discussed what topics the museum was best suited to engage with, and ‘The Change Begins with YOU series was born.” The series begins this month and runs through December. According to the Anti-Defamation League, in less than three-month, from the time Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7 to Dec. 31, 2023, more than 2,031 antisemitic incidents have been recorded, up from 465 incidents during the same period in 2022, representing a 337% increase year-over-year. This includes 40 incidents of physical assault, more than 337 incidents of vandalism and 804 incidents of verbal or written harassment.
According to the ADL’s online “Heat Map,” more than 30 incidents have occurred in the St. Louis region. “Change Begins with YOU is a reminder that we cannot do everything, but we can all do something to make the world a better place,” said museum Executive Director Myron Freedman. “These six workshops, led by the museum’s core staff team, will give each participant the tools they need to become an active ally and fight against hate and bigotry in their daily lives.” Each workshop costs $25; $15 for museum members. Participants who sign up for all six workshops will receive a complimentary branded notebook and pen and one workshop free. Those wanting to take advantage of the discount will need to use
the code BUNDLE at checkout. Change Begins with YOU includes the following workshop sessions: • Feb. 18 – 1 p.m. | How to Fight Antisemitism • Apr. 21 – 1 p.m. | From Genocide to Ethnic Cleansing: Why Our Words Matter • June 9 – 1 p.m. | Taming the Digital Wildfire: Media Literacy in the Internet Age • Aug. 18 – 1 p.m. | The Human Cost of Dehumanizing Language • Nov. 17 – 1 p.m. | The Pitfalls of Wokeness: The Pros & Cons of DEI • Dec. 8 -1 p.m. | Build Your Toolkit: How YOU Can Become an Active Ally For more information or to register, visit stlholocaustmuseum.org/change-beginswith-us.
Rabbi Josh Warshawsky bringing magic of Jewish music to St. Louis JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER
Music has played a significant role in Jewish life since ancient times and continues to be a crucial component of both religious and cultural experiences. Today, there is no shortage of what can be called “Jewish Music.” There is Israeli Jewish music, American Jewish music, Jewish a cappella as well as work from America’s greatest composers and songwriters such as Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Carole King, and Bob Dylan. But what perhaps links all Jewish music together is the common goal of helping people find a spiritual and meaningful home for themselves to live lives filled with purpose. This idea is what Jewish musician, composer and Rabbi Josh Warshawsky has dedicated his life and career to. Warshawsky is bringing his music and his teachings to B’nai Amoona during their “Musical Scholar in Residence Weekend,” on Feb. 16 and 17. The weekend of music is open to all Jewish music lovers and fans. B’nai Amoona is located at 324 S. Mason Road.
So who is Rabbi Warshawsky? “I am guided and motivated by my belief that human beings are spiritual seekers and meaning makers. We can find that meaning through Jewish sacred text and ritual,” said Warshawsky. “Through prayer, through song and harmony, through spirituality, through ritual, through community, and justice and fairness, the way is illuminated and becomes clear.” Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Warshawsky has shared his original melodies with more than 100 Jewish communities throughout the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Israel. He has released five albums of Jewish music. “Josh is an incredibly talented musician and teacher. When he is with us, he engages the audience to participate with him so that all of us are uplifted,” said Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham of B’nai Amoona. “Josh takes aspects from the prayers and teaches why he chose to utilize a certain melody or tune he wrote to that prayer. The connection behind the meaning of the prayer with the music is what makes Josh so special.” The highlight of the Musical Scholar in
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Residence Weekend is the Saturday, Feb. 17 evening concert “Magic of Music: An Evening with Josh” at 7 p.m. Warshawsky will be joined by Lior Shragg on percussion and Coleen Dieker on violin and vocals. “If you enjoy Jewish music and want to be inspired while learning some new melodies, coming to hear Rabbi Josh Warshawsky is for you. Anyone in the community is invited to come and be a part Rabbi Josh Warshawsky will serve as a musical scholof this meaningful and spiri- ar-in-residence Feb. 16 and 17 at B’nai Amoona. tual experience together,” said Abraham. 8:15 p.m.: Music as Midrash: Behind the Music Visit www.bnaiamoona.com/joshwarof Prayer shawsky for more information.
Musical Scholar in Residence Weekend at B’nai Amoona Friday, February 16 Music as Midrash: Behind the Music of Prayer 6 p.m.: Friday Night Services led by Rabbi Josh Warshawsky with Lior Shragg on percussion 7:15 p.m.: Dinner (Registration required below)
Saturday, February 17 9 a.m: Shabbat Morning Services with Rabbi Josh Warshawsky followed by Kiddush Lunch 4:30 p.m.: Minchah/Seudah Shlishit/Ma’ariv/ Havdallah with Rabbi Josh Warshawsky 7 p.m: The Magic of Music: An Evening with Josh
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NJT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 St. Louis Theatre Circle,” said Artistic Director of the New Jewish Theatre, Rebekah Scallet. “St. Louis has such a wonderful wealth of theatrical talent — I am proud that NJT’s work is being recognized next to the best in the city, and appreciate the efforts of the critics to evaluate and shine a light on all the great live theater happening here.” NJT received the second most nomi- Rebekah Scallet nations of any theatre in the city, only two fewer than the Muny, which received 26. The St. Louis Theater Circle consists of 11 local critics. The winners will be announced at a gala at 7:30 p.m. on March 25 at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the campus of Webster University. Tickets and more information can be found at repstl. org or by calling 314-968-4925. Below is the full list of NJT nominations:
‘Broadway Bound’ • Outstanding Supporting Perform in a Comedy, Female or Non-Binary Role: Christina Rios • Outstanding Supporting Perform in a Comedy, Male or Non-Binary Role: Chuck Brinkley • Outstanding Performer in a Comedy, Male, or Non-Binary Role: Jacob Flekier • Outstanding Director in a Comedy: Alan Knoll • Outstanding Ensemble in Comedy • Outstanding Production of a Comedy
Above, Chistina Rios in NJT’s production of ‘Broadway Bound.’ At right, Bryn McLaughlin and Dustin Lane Petrillo in NJT’s ‘The Immigrant.’ PHOTOS: JON GITCHOFF • Outstanding Ensemble in a Drama
Jayson M. Lawshee
‘The Immigrant’
• Outstanding Production of a Drama
• Outstanding Costume Design in a Play: Michele Friedman Siler
‘Into The Woods’
• Outstanding Set Design in a Musical: C. Otis Sweeney
• Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Drama, Female or Non-Binary Role: Mindy Shaw
• Outstanding Sound Design: Amanda Werre • Outstanding Musical Performer: Larry D. Pry
• Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Drama, Male or Non-Binary Role: David Wassilak
• Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Musical, Female or Non-Binary Role: Kristen Joy Lintvedt
• Outstanding Performer in a Drama, Male or Non-Binary Role: Dustin Lane Petrillo • Outstanding Director in a Drama: Rebekah Scallet
• Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Musical, Male or Non-Binary Role: Phil Leveling
• Outstanding Performer in a Musical, Female or Non-Binary Role: Molly Wennstrom • Outstanding Performer in a Musical, Male or Non-Binary Role: Kevin O’Brien • Outstanding Director in a Musical: Robert Quinlan • Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical • Outstanding Production of a Musical
• Outstanding Lighting Design in a Musical:
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LOCAL NEWS
NEWSMAKERS
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JEWISH LIGHT
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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.
Maxine Clark, founder and former CEO of St. Louisbased Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc., has joined the board of Venture for America. This national entrepreneurship group places recent college graduates into entrepreneurship-focused fellowships. Venture for America has placed more than 70 fellows in St. Louis since 2014. It plans to host its annual alumni reunion in St. Louis this year. Clark is currently the chief inspirator at the Delmar DivINe. John Wesley Posey, son of Karen Flotte and John Posey, has achieved Eagle Scout Rank. A senior at St. Louis University High School, his scout project was to plan and lead a group of volunteers in building three portable bookshelves for textbooks that are given to SLU families in need. Upon graduation, John will attend the University of Chicago majoring in physics. He and his family attend Central Reform Congregation. Chelsea Leon will be moving into the role of special events manager in the Development Department of the Jewish Community Center (the J). She will be the point person for J’la, J Associates, and other events for the Philanthropy team. Leon was most recently director of Nishmah, the Jewish Women’s Spirituality Project. The J announced that Avital Kadosh will expand her role as director of Jewish Experience & Innovation. She now has full oversight of Nishmah, programming, and fundraising efforts and activities. Kadosh was recently selected to join the spring cohort of Women in Leadership through FOCUS St. Louis. As one of 31 professional women, she will have the opportunity to refine her leadership competencies, gain a deeper understanding of the St. Louis region, and connect with women from diverse backgrounds. FOCUS St. Louis provides diverse leaders with the civic awareness and powerful connections needed to be collaborative changemakers who advance a thriving region for all. Emilie Brockman was promoted to manager of Jewish Community Engagement at the J. She will focus on developing and planning additional Jewish adult and family programming for Nishmah and the Jewish Life department while continuing to staff the STL JCC Maccabi Games delegation. Brockman is a member of Congregation Temple Israel.
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Maxine Clark, John Wesley Posey, Chelsea Leon and Avital Kadosh. SECOND ROW: Emilie Brockman, Doug Cockrell, Sarah Glasser and Judith Newmark. BOTTOM ROW: Alan Taxman, Matt Specter and Jordan Chervitz.
Doug Cockrell is the J’s new director of Buildings and Grounds.
designed her store to be the antithesis to the common smoke shop. Glasser wants shoppers to be able to ask questions and not feel uncomfortable if they’ve never used something before and leave the shop as more educated cannabis consumers. She is co-president and co-founder of We Are JAINE, a cannabis business organization for women in the cannabis industry that focuses on helping women advance through fellowship and mentoring. Glasser is a member of Congregation Shaare Emeth.
Sarah Glasser opened YENology, a retail boutique in Frontenac selling high-end smoking accessories and luxury goods for those seeking peace and wellbeing. Wanting to change the stigma surrounding cannabis, she
The St. Louis Media History Foundation honored former St. Louis Post-Dispatch journalist Judith Newmark for her years of dedication to the paper. Currently residing in Chicago, she continues to freelance for the Jewish
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Light. The St. Louis Media History Foundation researches and complies St. Louis media artifacts and memorabilia from radio, television and advertising. For the second consecutive year, the Taxman Specter Wealth Management Group of Merrill Lynch has been recognized on the 2024 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list. Alan Taxman, a member of Congregation B’nai Amoona, is senior vice president. Matt Specter, financial advisor, attends Congregation Shaare Emeth. Continued on opposite page
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LOCAL NEWS
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February 7, 2024
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SCHMOOZE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
Above, from left: Blake Berg and Evyn Levy Former St. Louisan Jordan Chervitz was the editorial production assistant on “Masters of the Air” (3rd installment after “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific”). It is a war drama streaming on Apple TV+ and stars Austin Butler. Chervitz is a filmmaker and founder of WLDWLF FILMS, a production company that created original works such as the animated miniseries “HOWIE!” Blake Berg’s business venture StockSwap was named one of 13 of the “Most Disruptive Business School Startups” according to PoetsandQuantsforUndergrads, a website and social network for those interested in undergraduate business school education. Berg describes StockSwap as Daily Fantasy Sports for the stock market. Users enter into contests by paying an entry fee, picking and weighting stocks, and competing on percent change to win a share of the prize pool based on their rank at the end of the contest. Berg, a member of United Hebrew Congregation, recently graduated from the Olin Business School at Washington University with majors in finance and financial engineering and a minor in computer science. Evyn Levy placed first in her audition for the principal clarinet position in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. She will receive her masters in music degree this May in clarinet performance and literature from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y.
things to learn and never get riled. He had a very high threshold for working through frustration.” Rabbi Moshe Taragin, who taught Yakir and Dovid at Yeshivat Har Etzion, wrote an essay after their deaths that appeared in several publications, including the Jerusalem Post and Baltimore Jewish Life. Taragin wrote of Yakir: “He was artistic and an original thinker, who exhibited broad intellectual sweep. Additionally, he possessed strong moral integrity and conscientiously donated charity from his various side incomes. As he deeply valued time as a commodity, he also allocated specific hours to support the needy. “Though he possessed strong moral fiber, he knew how to let loose with friends, be mischievous and have fun. He combined finesse, imagination, modesty, moral integrity, intensity and sensitivity.” By all accounts, Yakir Hexter personified what it means to be a true mensch. When I asked Chris if he’d ask his son to speak to me about Yakir, I received an email back from Josh politely declining, at least for now. “The pain and trauma surrounding this event are overwhelming for us and, at this moment, I find myself unable to engage in discussions about Yakir,” he wrote. Chris told me that both Josh and Chaya eulogized their son, in English, at his funeral at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery on Jan. 9. I looked for a video of the eulogies and and found only one: of Chaya. There she was, visibly distraught, choking back tears and her heartbreak but still managing to deliver such eloquence: “You made motherhood so easy, so fun. You are a mensch like no other person, like no other man. You are a hero, but you were always a hero … even before this war. … Your generosity of spirit and giving and
Yakir Hexter, as a boy visiting St. Louis, with his grandmother Shellie and the miniature Cardinals dugout they constructed together. understanding and sensitivity to make everyone feel heard and understood and loved. … “You never wasted a minute of your precious life. … You are a living example of chesed (kindness) mixed with understanding and sensitivity. So humble. I think that is one of your major major traits. … You stood for all that is pure and good.” Hamas’ attack on Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza has devastated so many peoples’ lives in Israel, in Gaza, in the United States and beyond. How long will this war continue? What will be the ultimate outcome? None of us know, but what we can do is to remember individuals like Yakir and Dovid, who stood by their convictions and fought and died for the country they so desperately loved and its people they wanted to protect. That is a legacy to be proud of and to honor. ADVERTISEMENT
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As a physical therapist specializing in the aging process, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of neuropathy on the lives of my patients. The stabbing, burning, and tingling sensations that accompany this condition often rob individuals of their ability to live fully and freely. However, amidst the challenges of neuropathy, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of Radial Shockwave Therapy. Until recently, treatment options were limited to medications like Neurontin and Lyrica, which offer limited relief and undesirable side effects. Enter Radial Shockwave, a revolutionary alternative that has been garnering attention for its impressive outcomes in reducing neuropathy pain. With a success rate of 90% of patients reporting decreased pain levels by 50% or more, Radial Shockwave is a game changer for those with neuropathy pain. Radial Shockwave works by stimulating microtears in nerve tissue and blood vessels. This results in increased blood flow to the area being treated and triggers the healing process in the blood vessels and the nerves.
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February 7, 2024
OPINIONS
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JEWISH LIGHT
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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
D’VAR TORAH: MISHPATIM
Repro Shabbat dedicated to ‘lifting up Jewish values of reproductive freedom and justice’ BY RABBI ANDREA GOLDSTEIN
This Shabbat, many congregations in St. Louis and across the country will be celebrating Repro Shabbat, a Shabbat dedicated to lifting up the Jewish values of reproductive freedom and justice. Repro Shabbat occurs annually when Jews around the world are reading Parashat Mishpatim, the Torah portion containing the verses that are seen as the foundation for Judaism’s approach to reproductive rights, specifically that abortion is not viewed as murder and that the fetus growing inside the womb does not attain the rights of full personhood under Jewish law until part way through the birthing process (Exodus 21:22-25). This means that Judaism’s main focus is on the health and rights of women and all people who are able to bear children. This week’s Torah portion actually contains 53 commandments legislating everything from worship and workers’ rights to personal property statutes and moral behavior. In many of these commandments we hear God instructing the Israelites to set up a society that will be the antithesis of Egypt. Instead of an economy in which people
are forced to work seven days a week without any guarantee of rest, the Israelites will work on six days, but the seventh day will be a complete rest for all people and animals (Ex. 23:12). Instead of a society where the poor are taken advantage of, the Israelites will create a place where the rights of those in need will be championed (Ex. 22:21, Ex. 23:6) and the poor will be treated with compassion (Ex. 22:25). All of these commandments are grounded in the Jewish value of kavod, the honor, dignity and respect we owe to one another — not because of our wealth or intellectual achievements or status within the community, but because each of us is created in the image of God. The word kavod, meaning dignity, honor and respect, comes from the Hebrew root meaning heavy or weighty. It’s opposite, k’lala, meaning curse, comes from the Hebrew root that means light or frivolous. When a society and legislators create laws grounded in kavod, it means that they have taken seriously the hopes, fears, aspirations and health of their citizens. When a society and legislators create laws grounded in kavod, it means that they
Rabbi Andrea Goldstein serves Congregation Shaare Emeth and is the founder and director of the Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis. Rabbi Goldstein is a member of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, which coordinates the d’var Torah for the Jewish Light. respect and trust the knowledge of medical professionals to treat patients with the care that they require and deserve. When a society and legislators create laws grounded in kavod, it means that they take seriously a respect for the bodily autonomy of all their citizens. But when a society and legislators attempt to control our bodies and abolish our ability to make responsible choices about our own lives, when they do not honor the values that Judaism teaches us to uphold, then they curse us. One way to reverse this curse in Missouri is to learn more about and then
advocate for the ballot initiative put forth by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, in which a constitutional amendment would “not deny or infringe upon a person’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom.” This amendment would guarantee reproductive freedom, including the right to an abortion, for all Missouri citizens. It would be a significant step toward a society that sees its members as created in the image of God, honors their autonomy and agency over their own bodies, and trusts in them to decide what is best for themselves, their families and their futures. On the Israelites’ way to the Promised Land, our people were gifted a set of laws to help them see what they were blinded to in Egypt: that all people are created in the image of God. May this week’s portion, our people’s story, and the essence of these commandments inspire us to see the image of God in each other, and to treat one another with dignity, honor and respect. On this Repro Shabbat, may we also hear in this portion a call to create a society in which people’s rights and freedom, including their reproductive freedom, are honored, legislated and upheld.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Submit letters to news@stljewishlight.org
Help the farmers of Israel I came home to Israel from University City over 41 years ago. As a child I remember in 1967 and 1973 U.S. Jews getting on planes to help Israel when there was a manpower shortage due to the war all the people called up to defend Israel. Today we are in the same situation. There is no one to help the farmers harvest their crops. I went yesterday to help. The average age of the volunteers was above 60. After I finished, I was exhausted but glad I had helped a farmer save his crop. Please come for two weeks and help the farmers of Israel. Aryeh Blumberg Maaleh Adumim, Israel
Support ballot measure to protect reproductive freedom in Missouri As we honor the Jewish value of reproductive freedom on Repro Shabbat this weekend, we also acknowledge that allowing Missourians to decide to protect a right to abortion through a ballot initiative put forth by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom is the Jewish thing to do. On our way through the wilderness, Moses becomes overwhelmed, and his father-in-law, Jethro, a priest of Midian, teaches him the invaluable lesson that he does not have to guide and lead others on his own. Moses has the spirit that empowers him with leaders to help him serve, and we learn that Eldad and Medad, who were
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hanging around outside the tent, also received the spirit. When Joshua sees that they are serving the people, he complains to Moses, who replies, “would that all of the people would speak!” And democracy is born as the voices of all the people are valued and counted. Through the democratic process, the people of Missouri should have the chance to reclaim the right to abortion as basic health care with a ballot initiative that would allow pregnant patients and their doctors, not politicians, to decide what’s right for their unique situations. While we can have compassion for people who are on different sides of this issue, the true test of laws is not theoretical. The true test is their impact, and the impact of restricting abortion access results in avoidable deaths and suffering. Defending access to affordable, legal and safe abortion is also about our broader ethical and spiritual obligations. We are taught to look for people who are most harmed, and to focus on their needs. Abortion bans deepen every structural inequality in our society. People who are denied access to reproductive health care are more likely to live in poverty and to remain in abusive relationships. Our maternal mortality rates, already unacceptably high, rise, and all of the divides continue to grow. Abortions will continue regardless of the reckless decision of the Supreme Court and bans in red states like Missouri that have already caused suffering and death. A majority of Americans continuously show that they want to restore access to safe and affordable abortions as a choice. We, the members of the Access Missouri Clergy Advisory Board, encourage all Missourians to gather signatures for and support this ballot initiative, and vote to keep the voice of the people and democracy alive and well
in Missouri. Visit the Missourians for Constitutional Freedom website (moconstitutionalfreedom.org) to learn more about this grassroots effort to restore reproductive health care in Missouri, read the proposed amendment, donate to the campaign, sign up to volunteer (collect signatures, make calls, host a house party) and to receive updates from the campaign. Rabbi Susan Talve, on behalf of the Access MO Clergy Advisory Board, whose members include: Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham Rabbi Michael Alper Rabbi Doug Alpert Rabbi Rachel Bearman Rabbi Jim Bennett Rabbi Daniel Bogard Rabbi Karen Bogard Rabbi Joe Davidson Rabbi Matt Derrenbacher Rabbi Amy Feder Rabbi Randy Fleisher Rabbi Dr. Andrea Goldstein Rabbi James Stone Goodman Rev. Gabrielle NS Kennedy Rev. Dr. Deborah Krause Rabbi Lori Levine Hazzan Sharon Nathanson Maharat Rori Picker Neiss Rabbi Janine Schloss Rabbi Scott Shafrin Rabbi Jeffrey Stiffman Rabbi Susan Talve Cantor Seth Warner
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JEWISH LIGHT
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FEATURES ARTS AND CULTURE
FOOD
HOLIDAYS
February 7, 2024
Page 11
LIFESTYLES
Q&A: Jewish storyteller, musician Alicia Jo Rabins An interfaith weekend with Alicia Jo Rabins
JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER
Internationally touring musician, poet and Jewish storyteller Alicia Jo Rabins has made a career out of bringing ancient Jewish legends to life, but you might remember her as a member of the klezmer-punk band Golem or from her widely praised musical project, “Girls In Trouble,” or her award-winning feature film, “A Kaddish for Bernie Madoff.” Now she is bringing her talents to St. Louis as part of a community-wide, interfaith event during the weekend of Feb. 9 and running through Feb. 11. We sat down with Rabins to find out more about her, her music, and her trip to St. Louis. Overall, what should the St. Louis audience expect to see and hear? This is my first time bringing my songs to St. Louis, after almost 20 years of traveling around the country performing, so I’m very excited to visit the community. My music interweaves musical traditions including bluegrass, indie-folk, classical and klezmer — using these American musical traditions to explore Jewish sacred texts. More specifically, I’m a fiddler, singer-songwriter and poet, and my work explores how ancient Jewish texts have surprisingly contemporary resonances with our own lives. So people who come to see me can expect to see and hear the intersection of American musical traditions with ancient Jewish texts and storytelling — fiddling, singing, playing guitar and delving deep into stories of women in Jewish texts. Explain “Girls In Trouble?” “Girls in Trouble” is one of my main musical projects; I’ve been working on it for almost 15 years. It’s a musical interpre-
All programs are free and open to the community. See below for details and registration information.
Kabbalat Shabbat
When: Friday, Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. Where: Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road More info: No registration required.
Torah Study Alicia Jo Rabins PHOTO: ALICIA J ROSE
tation of stories of women in Torah in the form of indie-folk songs about Biblical women, a different character for each song, investigating how their stories intersect with our own lives. The project began as my master’s thesis in Jewish gender studies at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City and has continued to grow since then. Since “Girls in Trouble” is a singer-songwriter project, the songs can be performed solo — as I’ll be performing them in St. Louis — or with a full band, as on the recordings. I play violin through a looping pedal on some songs, which allows me to build layers of violin and create orchestral textures. Anything else St. Louis needs to know before they go? While my music often focuses on stories of women in the Torah, it’s intended for all people, not just for women and not just for Jewish people. I think these stories speak to all of us, offering companionship and
context for our struggles and reminding us that we are not alone. I’m very grateful to JCRC for bringing me to St. Louis and so excited to meet your community I would also say, if folks can only come to one event, I’d suggest the concert because that’s when I’ll be set up to perform the fuller range of my songs, artistically speaking — the other events will be more like teaching sessions. And we’ll make sure to end the concert in plenty of time for you to watch a big football game I hear is also happening that day. Think of me as the pre-game show. This weekend of programs are co-sponsored by: the Newmark Institute at the JCRC, Shaare Emeth, The J & Nishmah, Kol Rinah, Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, The Episcopal Church of Holy Communion, and the Sh’ma Listen Speaker Series. Additional concert co-sponsors: NCJWSTL, Hillel at Maryville University and the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.
When: Saturday, Feb.10 at 9 a.m. Where: Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road More info: Registration required.at https:// bit.ly/3SN8ZWX
Havdalah and Learning
When: Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. Where: Kol Rinah, 7701 Maryland Ave. in Clayton More info: Registration required.at https:// bit.ly/3UuTkg3
Adult Forum at Holy Communion
When: Sunday, Feb. 11 at 9 a.m. Where: Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, 7401 Delmar Blvd. More info: No registration required.
Live In Concert
When: Sunday, Feb. 11 at 3 p.m. Where: Jewish Community Center, Arts & Education Building, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. More info: Free, but RSVP is required at www.showpass.com/aliciajorabins/
AMY FENSTER BROWN
My new journal vents rage in original flavor BY AMY FENSTER BROWN
Journaling is all the rage. That’s why I’m starting a Rage Journal. It’ll be healthy to get the anger out. Life always needs new coping strategies, so when I quickly glanced at an article about keeping a Hateful Journal, I was excited to try something new. The article seemed long, and I didn’t have time to read it, but the headline said it all: “Keeping a Hateful Journal is Good For You.” Bingo! I’m in. From what I gather after not reading the article, you write about the things you’re hateful for. It’s like my personal Burn Book where I just rip people and things and stuff to shreds, for my eyes only. Imagine the horror if someone got hold of my Hateful Journal. Do you recall the 1989 fiasco when Bryant Gumbel of the “Today” show wrote a mean manifesto about his co-worker Willard Scott? Gumbel wrote an internal memo meant
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only for the show’s executive producer but, lucky for the scandal loving public, it was leaked. NBC missed a great marketing opportunity for a live memo reading sponsored by Smucker’s. That won’t happen with my private Hateful Journal. No one will ever know how my skin crawls when a food flavor is called “original.” What does that mean? There is no description of … anything. Is it spicy, sweet, cheesy, tasteless? Sure, it’s the first flavor of the product the creators came up with, but it also says nothing. Nothing. How does that chicken taste? Original. Describe the flavor of that cookie. It’s just tastes original. No. Nope. Nothing. Because my Hateful Journal is secret, only I will know that when a speaker asks, “Are you ready to have a good time?” and the audience says, “Yes,” and then the speaker screams, “I can’t hear you! I said, are you ready to have a good time?” I’m secretly wishing I could slash his
tires. Nothing we do is ever good enough for the speaker, and he shames us into some fake cheering sequence thinking it is making us have more fun. It’s not. Dear Diary, It makes me mad. Mad, I say. Online recipes are great. What’s not great is having to read the blogger’s story about a recent trip to Wichita that sparked a memory about their late greatAunt Aggie who made a wicked chicken pot pie. You can’t force your chicken pot pie memories on me. I never even met great-Aunt Aggie, so why do I have to hear about your whole stupid weekend so I can learn how to make a buttery, flaky crust? And yes, I know there is usually a “jump to recipe” tab so I don’t have to read about great-Aunt Aggie’s favorite Wichita haunts, but that takes away the fun of getting myself all worked up, which I can now conveniently write about in my Hateful Journal.
It’s cathartic to vent to my Hateful Journal. Perhaps the article has more tips to really make this self-care practice worth my time. As I reopen the magazine, I come to realize one very important point: The article is about a GRATEFUL Journal, not a Hateful Journal. And I’ve been doing it all wrong. Dear Diary, I am grateful my readers don’t judge me … 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
February 7, 2024
STL
JEWISH LIGHT
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NANCY KRANZBERG — THE ARTS IN ST. LOUIS
Can horror films qualify as art? BY NANCY KRANZBERG SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Last fall, I interviewed Franki Cambeleta about horror films and the horror film festival at the Hi-Pointe Theater last October. Cambeleta is the owner of Shift Films and host of the “Haunted Garage” and the “Lost Boys of Hannibal” podcasts. I had never given much thought about horror films, podcasts or TV shows being part of the arts, but horror films are indeed a legitimate genre of film. Not only do these types of movies often cost the least to produce, but they’re also the genre that creates the most revenue. Wikipedia says horror is a film genre that seeks to elicit fear or disgust in its audience for entertainment purposes. Horror films often explore dark subject matter and may deal with transgressive topics or themes. Broad elements include monsters, apocalyptic events and religious or folk beliefs. Horror films have existed for over a century. I remember from my youth horror/really scary films, such as “The Blob,” “The Thing,” “Psycho,” “Dracula” and “The Exorcist” as well as TV’s “The Twilight Zone.” I started Googling and found that “the sky’s the limit” on books written about the horror genre. Just a sampling include
“Awful Awesome: Horror Volumes 1 and 2,” “Lost in the Dark: A World History of Horror Films” by Brad Weismann, “Robin Wood on the Horror Film: Collected Essays and Reviews (Contemporary Approaches to Film and Media,” “The Monster Show: A Cultural History of Horror;” Revised Edition with a New Afterward” and “Screaming for Pleasure: How Horror Films Make You Happy And Healthy.” The list goes on and on. The history of horror films is one that was described by author Siegbert Salomon Prawer as difficult to read as a linear historical path, with the genre changing throughout the decades, based on the state of cinema, audience tastes and contemporary world events. Horror films may incorporate incidents of physical violence and psychological terror — they may be studies of deformed, disturbed, psychotic or evil characters; stories of terrifying monsters or malevolent animals; or mystery thrillers that use atmosphere to build suspense. The genre often overlaps with science fiction and film noir. In the earliest horror films, which were influenced by German Expressionist Cinema, the effect of horror was usually created by means of a macabre atmosphere and theme. “The Student of Prague” (1913), an early German film
dealing with a dual personality, and “The Golem”(1915), based on a medieval Jewish legend of a clay figure that comes to life, were the first influential horror films. In the 1920s, German silent horror films such as “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920),”Nosferatu” (1922, the first filming of the Dracula story) and “Waxworks”(1924) were known throughout the world. The great popular success of Dracula (made in the United States in 1931) and “The Mummy” (1932) led to a long series of successful horror films including “King Kong” and “The Black Cat.” Certain actors also grew to prominence in this genre during its early years, including Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi and Basil Rathbone. In a 2021 article for Reporter magazine, Tommy Delp writes: “Horror has always been considered the seediest genre of film. From the monster movies of the 1930s to the slashers of the 80s, horror has been eliciting shrieks and opposition of the general public throughout its existence.” The 2017 movie “Get Out” showed that general audiences could accept a horror film that did much more than make people jump in their seats. The film won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay and opened the doors for a similar group of films looking for more intelligent ways to scare audiences.
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. Cambeleta talked about the last Horror Film Festival, explaining that there were a couple of panels in which mental health experts spoke. That reminded me of famous psychological interpretations by luminaries such as Karl Jung and Sigmund Freud, who often talked about nightmares and horror stories. Freud proposed the concept of “catharsis,” whereby a release of strong or repressed emotions are therapeutic. This is in and of itself an entire way of looking at horror films and one’s reactions to them. And then we can look at the directors and writers of horror films and stories such as Alfred Hitchcock, Vincent Price, Stephen King, Josh Malerman, Bram Stoker and Anne Rice, each of whom provides their own unique commentary on the genre. As you can see the horror film genre runs a lot deeper than one might imagine. That said, I for one have become a “fraidy cat” in my old age and have no desire to be scared, frightened or terrified. Yikes!
JEWISH CELEBRITIES
‘Capote and the Swans’ and more on ‘Masters of the Air’ BY NATE BLOOM SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
“Masters of the Air” premiered on Apple+ on Jan. 26. It follows the Allied air war over Europe during World War II. In an earlier January column, I discussed the series and focused on Robert Rosenthal, a Jewish Air Force bomber pilot who had an incredibly heroic record. Reviews say that Rosenthal (the character) has small role in the first half of the nine-episode series and is a major charac-
ter in the second half. This makes sense: Rosenthal didn’t get into combat until 1943 and he joined the fight as a replacement for a crew member who was rotated out or was killed. While we wait for the Rosenthal episodes, I thought I’d provide some morethan-fun facts that almost certainly won’t be in the series. Rosenthal (1917-2007) was an outstanding college athlete, a lawyer and war hero. But there’s more. His story about meeting his wife has a cinematic feel to it — but it’s
much more than a “meet cute.” Rosenthal was in the States when “the bomb” was dropped and WWII ended. As previously noted, he went back to Europe (1946), where he prosecuted lesser-known Nazis at the trials that took place in Nuremburg, Germany. He was waiting for his Europe-bound ship to leave when he saw another passenger (the future Mrs. Rosenthal) drive up to the ship in her jeep. Their son, DAN, described his father’s reaction, “She was the most beautiful woman he ever saw.”
february 7 – february 25 -
That woman was PHILLIS HELLER (1919-2011). She was a U.S. Navy attorney who was joining the same American legal team as Rosenthal. They fell in love almost instantly and were engaged in 10 days. They had their wedding in Nuremburg and honeymooned near the Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s notorious Alpine home. Their wedding and honeymoon made a statement: we Jews are here—as victors. The couple had three children, including Dan. He helped provide details of his late father’s life for the “Masters of the Air” filmmakers. “It Ends Here” is a film based on a best-selling novel about Lily, a woman whose father beat her mother and, to her shock, her husband, a doctor, turns out to be a wife-beater, too. Lily’s best friend, Allysa (played by JENNY SLATE, 41), is also Lily’s husband’s sister (opens Feb. 9).
performed at the loretto hilton center
“THE PERFECT BALANCE OF POETRY, MADNESS AND MUSCLE” – Chicago Sun Times
MAJOR PRODUCTION SPONSOR
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“Feud: Capote and the Swans” is an eight-episode, weekly series that began on Jan. 31 on FX and on Feb. 1 on Hulu. Reviews are all over the place but mostly very good. Here’s the capsule plot: Aauthor Truman Capote (Tom Hollander), who is gay, is close friends with six very attractive older women who move in the top of New York society. They are the “Swans.” Then, in 1975, Esquire publishes a Capote story that reveals nasty but true stories about most of them — names are changed, but everybody knows who he is writing about. Most of the “Swans” never talk to him again. Their reaction fuels Capote’s personal and professional decline. (All the “Swans” are now deceased, as are the real Continued on opposite page
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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.
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 from 11 a.m. to noon for an online Mirowitz Center discussion about 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.”
SATURDAY | FEB. 10 Prayer Lab: Thanks and praise
Join Rabbi Andrea Goldstein, Lucy Greenbaum and the Prayer Lab musicians for the Jewish Mindfulness Center’s monthly non-traditional Shabbat service combining poetry, participatory music, interactive teachings and time set aside for meditation and personal reflection. The theme for this month’s Prayer Lab is Thanks and Praise. The community is welcome to participate online or in-person, at 10:45 a.m. in the Kehillah Center at Congregation Shaare Emeth (use the north entrance). For more information, contact Stacy Jespersen at sjespersen@sestl.org or 314-569-0010.
Feb. 11 at Temple Israel. RSVP is required at: www.ti-stl.org/AdultEducation.
The Lost World of Jewish Life in Vienna and Prague
TUESDAY | FEB. 13 & 20 Jewish Mindfulness Center explores ‘The Sabbath’
During this three-week course, starting at 10 a.m., we will read, discuss and reflect on Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s most widely read book. Together we will learn how Shabbat can enhance and deepen our connection to the sacred and how Heschel’s insights are relevant to our lives today. Having one’s own copy of “The Sabbath” is strongly encouraged. For more information, contact Stacy Jespersen at sjespersen@ sestl.org or 314-569-0010.
WEDNESDAY | FEB. 14 A love letter to Frank Sinatra
From 2 to 3 p.m. at the Mirowitz Center, musician Robert Denison will perform Frank Sinatra’s timeless songs and share stories about the singer who left a lasting legacy in the hearts of millions. Co-sponsored by St. Louis NORC.
SUNDAY | FEB. 11
THURSDAY | FEB. 15
Yiddish Theatre-Chicago series
St. Louis County Library Book Club: “Demon Copperhead”
Speaker Ralph Graff will continue Kol Rinah’s Yiddish Theatre Chicago series from 4-5:30 p.m. on Zoom. Free, but registration is requested by Feb. 9, at www.kolrinahstl. org/form/yiddishchicago. Sponsored by the Verein Group.
Series at TI continues on Jews with tattoos and other taboos
Join the rabbis of Congregation Temple Israel for a two-part series looking at Jewish taboos. There are 613 mitzvot (commandments) in the Torah, but not all Jewish taboos are based on Jewish law. This series will look at tattoos, cremation, interfaith marriage and substance abuse — exploring the roots and reasons behind many of the things that “Jews just don’t do” and find out just how taboo, or not, they really are. The classes are 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. on Sunday,
Continued from opposite page Jewish characters mentioned below.) Here’s are Jewish angles: Playwright JON ROBIN BAITZ, 62, wrote the series. Naomi Watts plays Barbara ‘Babe’ Paley, a beautiful woman and Capote’s favorite Swan. Her husband was BILL PALEY (Treat Williams), the founder and owner of CBS. He constantly cheats on Babe, so Babe seeks solace from Capote.
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From 10 to 11 a.m. at the Mirowitz Center (and online), discuss February’s book selection, “Demon Copperhead,” by Barbara Kingsolver, about a boy born to a drug-addicted single mother in a trailer home who must overcome poverty, violence and systemic failures in the American South. Reference Librarian Hillary Peppers facilitates an online book club every third Thursday of each month. There is no cost to attend, but RSVP is required.
SUNDAY | FEB. 18
Mirowitz Center talk: ‘My Chart’ Author Stephanie Deutsch will discuss her book, “You Need a Schoolhouse,” during a Mirowitz Center discussion for Black History Month. will be available for those not able to attend in person. For more information and the Zoom link contact Post 644 Commander Ellis Frohman at 636-519-7512 (leave a message if no one answers).
TUESDAY | FEB. 20 The soul, the body & the afterlife
From noon to 1 p.m. at the Mirowitz Center, Rabbi Ze’ev Smason will look at questions including: What is a “soul?” What happens after you die? Does Judaism believe in the afterlife? Join for this four-part series on topics you may not have studied in Sunday School. Attend one or all sessions – prior attendance not required. The series includes: • February 20: Body & Soul (part 1) • March 19: The Afterlife (part 2) • April 16: Reincarnation & Resurrection (part 3) • May 21: Dreams – Messages from Afar? (part 4)
Current conditions in the economy & capital markets
From 10 to 11 a.m., Mike Ferman, a former partner at RubinBrown Advisors and the founder and managing director of its financial planning and investment advisory practice, will lead an online discussion about current conditions in the economy and capital markets, including the New York Stock Exchange and Wall Street. This Mirowitz Center program is provided with FEL (Friends Enjoying Life), the Mirowitz Center men’s organization.
WEDNESDAY | FEB. 21 Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Group
Jewish War Veterans Post 644 will meet in the Kaplan-Feldman Holocaust Museum at 10 a.m. on the third Sunday of each month (unless otherwise indicated). A Zoom option
This monthly group provides support, connection and education to women in the community who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer and are anywhere along their treatment path – before, during, or post-treatment. Facilitated by Clinical Social Worker Kathy Bearman, this group
The recurring Jewish characters are top film producer DAVID SELZNICK (“Gone with the Wind”); brothers and documentary filmmakers ALBERT and DAVID MAYSLES and renowned photographer RICHARD AVEDON. Selznick, like Paley, has a gentile, beautiful “trophy” wife (actress Jennifer Jones, who is also in a character) in the series. I don’t know much about Scott Zimmerman, who plays Selznick, except
that he’s usually cast in character roles. The Maysles brothers’ best-known documentaries are “Gimme Shelter” (1970) and “Grey Gardens.” (1975). The later film began with Lee Radziwell (Jackie Kennedy’s sister and a “Swan”), asking the brothers to briefly film her eccentric cousins for a film about herself. The cousins lived in wrecked mansion in the Hamptons (Long Island), where the rich play in the summer. The Maysles soon realized that
Jewish War Veterans meeting
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.
meets from 5:15 – 6:45 on the third Wednesday at the J near Creve Coeur. Newcomers are always welcome along with female family and friends. Light kosher dinner will be served. The Hamsa Wellness Community is a program at the J and a community partner of the national, not for profit Sharsheret organization. This program is free but pre-registration is requested to Debbi Braunstein at 314-442-3266 or dbraunstein@jccstl.org.
MONDAY | FEB. 12
The St. Louis German Literary Society presents “The Lost World of Jewish Life in Vienna and Prague” by Matthew Grad of Young Israel, a continuation of a talk given in 2023. The talk will focus on personal anecdotes of that lost world as lived and observed by Jewish literary and artistic figures. The presentation will be held at the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 6337 Clayton Road at 7 p.m. The talk and Q&A will be in German.
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From 11 a.m. to noon at the Mirowitz Center, Larry Edison will discuss the electronic health-record portal, MyChart. A Mirowitz Center trainer, Edison will help you learn about the portal’s privacy and security features. You’ll also hear how to keep information all in one place, communicate with healthcare providers, and conduct a virtual visit. No cost to attend, but RSVP is required.
THURSDAY | FEB. 22 Fighting bigotry & hatred
From 2 to 3 p.m. join a Mirowitz Center online discussion about “You Need a Schoolhouse,” a book about a Jewish businessman who joined forces with a Black educator to create thousands of schools for African American children in the segregated South. In recognition of Black History Month, join us for a conversation with author Stephanie Deutsch about Julius Rosenwald (president of Sears, Roebuck & Co.) and Booker T. Washington (founder of Tuskegee Institute), and their work to use education as a tool for social change and empowerment. The talk is part of the “Fighting Bigotry & Hatred” series, and co-sponsored by ADL Heartland, the American Jewish Committee, Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis, National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis, and St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, and The Campaign to Create the Julius Rosenwald & Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park.
WEDNESDAY | FEB. 28 ‘Israel at War’ briefing
At 7 p.m., Avi Melamed will discuss “Israel at War” at the J’s Staenberg Family Complex near Creve Coeur. Melamed is a former Israeli intelligence official and senior advisor on Arab affairs, as well as an analyst, author, educator and speaker. The current war between Israel and Hamas is a defining moment in the Middle East. We are all flooded with information. But do we really understand what this war is all about? How we got here? What does it all mean? Where are we going? This briefing, organized by the J and Jewish Federation, aims to help “make order” out of this overwhelming and complex moment. Register by visiting https:// formstack.io/97670.
the cousins were great subjects for a documentary. Radziwell is played by Calista Flockhart. A Polish-American “unknown” actor plays Albert. YUVAL DAVID, 38, an actor and filmmaker, plays David. Yuval went to a Jewish day school and is very active in Jewish organizations that represent the Jewish LGBTQ community.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
When Elie Wiesel came to my summer camp, and what he taught me about speaking the unspeakable BY RABBI DIANE ELLIOT
This article initially appeared in My Jewish Learning’s Shabbat newsletter Recharge. To sign up to receive Recharge each week in your inbox, visit www.myjewishlearning.com. (JTA) — It was August 1966, the summer before my senior year of high school, and I was attending a Reform movement summer camp in Wisconsin when Elie Wiesel came for a visit. Wiesel’s “Night,” a spare, searing memoir of the 11 months he spent in Auschwitz and Buchenwald, had been published in English just a few years before. Now Wiesel would come to a different kind of camp to meet with a bunch of American high-schoolers to get a taste of our experience and offer us a window into his. The day of his arrival, I saw him from afar walking with the rabbis, a thin, darkhaired man, chest concave — enwrapped, it seemed to me, in a mist of sadness, not fully of this world. I had not yet read Night, but I knew that he had lived through something unimaginable, and I was both drawn to him and vaguely horrified, as if I were about to approach someone bearing a grave, open wound. That afternoon we sat rapt, packed into the airless Quonset hut that served as our social hall, listening to Wiesel describe what he endured and barely survived some 20 years earlier, when he was the same age as his audience. He spoke in a
low voice, devoid of affect. I don’t remember the particulars, but I can still feel the reverberations in my body. You could have heard a pin drop as we strained to understand his Romanian-Yiddish accented English. I had been asked to write a poem expressing the essence of philosopher Martin Buber’s concept of I and Thou, the idea that one may experience the divine by being wholly present with another. That night I read my poem during the evening service in our outdoor chapel, stars shimmering above the treetops. Wiesel sat quietly at one end of a wooden bench, folded into himself. As the service ended, he approached me, gripped my arm with a ferocious strength and said with quiet intensity, as if to emboss the words on my soul, “Dat vas veddy gud.” Thrilled, I ran off by myself to lie beneath the stars and savor his praise. I wonder what it must have been like for this European refugee, a survivor destined for greatness as a writer, speaker, teacher, activist and eloquent witness to the destruction of European Jewry, to encounter a group of well-fed, comfortable American teenagers, enjoying our privileged suburban lives, just waking up to the racial injustices in our own country and to the war gathering steam in the jungles of southeast Asia, but mostly oblivious to the suffering in so much of the world, even to the traumas embedded in our own lineages. For me, meeting him was an initiation, a window into a world of religious piety,
S, S, CAMP ROGRAM R E P M SUM SCHOOL TIES R R E A AFT HDAY P T R & BI
Rabbi Diane Elliot is a spiritual leader and somatic therapist. She leads retreats, teaches nationally, and works with individuals in spiritual direction. Learn more about her work at www.whollypresent.org. human suffering and courageous resilience. I sensed in him a kindred poet-mystic, as perhaps he did in me. At his request I sent him my Buber poem and others. He sent back notes of encouragement, which I keep in a manila folder marked “Historical Materials,” and which I read from time to time, a memento of my younger yearning self, reaching for a connection backward in time, outward to the world, and inward to my own soul. Perhaps Elie Wiesel would have been less surprised than I to find myself, some 40 years later, being ordained as a rabbi. I have often reflected on the 10 years it took Wiesel to begin to write or speak
this summer
at Camp Emeth
about the horrors he experienced. Maybe like Moses, he had to spend time in the wilderness tending other flocks before the call to speak for the living and the dead flamed up in him like a burning bush, unquenchable. Perhaps his heart still needed to hold on to the boy he had been before the war, measuring the weight of his anger, shame and grief before he could speak the unspeakable. How much longer has it taken a shocked humanity to begin to process those devastating years of the Holocaust. Two decades of relative silence gave way to what has become, more than 75 years later, a flood of memoir, film, poetry, fiction, choreography, museums and monuments, mostly created and curated not by those who lived it, but by their children and grandchildren. It has taken lifetimes — generations of slow digestion and gradual openings of heart and mind. How much time, how much holding does it take for a collective nightmare to be felt through and digested? The prophet Ezekiel, speaking to his own vanquished people in exile nearly 2,500 years ago, offers God’s stunning promise of renewal: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” In this time of polycrisis, when images of horror and destruction flash across our computer screens hourly, I wonder how long it will take to revivify our hearts, how many generations to begin to feel, absorb and heal.
Jewish Day Camp JUN
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Registration Opens Jan. 30 at
CampEmeth.org
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SUMMER
AT SLU
K–12 CAMPS AND ACADEMIES summer@slu.edu | 314-977-3534 | summer.slu.edu
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Join our Chess Summer Camps!
STAGES PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY stagesstlouis.org
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
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.
Sign your child up now for a week of chess knowledge and fun!
• Daily lessons from Grandmasters • Full and half-day camps for ages 6-14 • Camps held weekly from June - August • Various locations throughout Saint Louis • Use code JLChess2024 to get 10% off
@stlchessclub
175 South Mason Road, St. Louis, MO 63141 314 · 434 · 5141
saintlouischessclub.org
Building Champions: In the Classroom and the Community It is the mission of the Saint Louis Chess Club, an educational organization, to maintain a formal program of instruction to teach the game of chess and to promote and support its educational program through community outreach and local and national partnerships to increase the awareness of the educational value of chess.
HERZL CAMP
The STLCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, and any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and grant programs, events, programs, or activities.
www.herzlcamp.org
S:
TION LOCA
ITY U. CH SP U &
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.
SUMMER AT SLU summer.slu.edu
What kind of summer do you want your family to have? Whatever your answer is, you’ll find it at Saint Louis University. SLU offers camps and academies for Pre-K through high school students. From diving into creative arts to immersive experiences in our STEM programs, there is bound to be something that sparks your family’s interest and leads to their best summer yet. summer@slu.edu 314 · 977 · 3534
952-927-4002 info@herzlcamp.org
Play. Learn. Create. Summer Arts Camps 2024 May 28–August 16 | Ages 3–20
. Age 3 - Grade 8 .. June 3 - August 9 . Dozens of full- and half-day options available . Experienced faculty and staff from partner organizations . All on Community’s beautiful 18-acre campus . Register online by May 12! communityschool.com/camp | 900 Lay Road | 314.991.0005
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BRICKS4KIDZ
www.bricks4kidz.com/stl Bricks 4 Kidz provides an extraordinary experience for kids to learn, build and play with LEGO® bricks! Bricks 4 Kidz summer camps combine the best of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education with unique motorized LEGO® model building for a fun, hands-on learning experience like no other. We offer building camps based on popular themes such as Harry Potter, Teenage Turtles, Minecraft, Mario Bros, Pokemon®, Star Wars and moreb at several locations! www.bricks4kidz. com/stl stlouis@bricks4kidz.com 314-930-9535
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CAMP BEN FRANKEL campbenfrankel.org
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!
At Herzl Camp,
Judaism is joyful and Israel
comes to life in the face of a new friend!
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J DAY CAMP
jccstl.com/daycamps 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.
jccstl.com/jdaycamps
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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.
SAINT LOUIS CHESS CLUB CHESS CAMPS stlchessclub.org/chesscamps
Chess Summer Camps are the perfect way to introduce the game of chess to new students, deepen understanding of the game for established players, or offer intensive instruction for aspiring chess masters. Grandmaster instructors provide daily lessons, puzzles, and play to help guide students through each session. With full and half-day options, the camps run weekly from June - August at various locations throughout Saint Louis. Use the code "JLChess2024" for a 10% discount. Learn more at stlchessclub.org/chesscamps.
6880 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63130 314 · 725 · 6555
CONGREGATION SHAARE EMETH
COMMUNITY SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS
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.
Play, learn, and create on Community School’s beautiful 18acre campus this summer. Camps are available for children age 3 through eighth grade and include full- and half-day options. Choose from dozens of activities led by experienced faculty and partners from STAGES, Mad Science of St. Louis, The Recreation Academy, and more. Programming also includes Community’s signature FUNdamentals camp to help children fight the summer slump in August. Camps have limited enrollment, so register today! Community School Summer Camps
shirleegreenpreschool.org campemeth.org
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141
Communityschool.com/camp
CAMP EMETH & CAMP MICAH SESSION DATES: JUNE 10 - AUGUST 2
900 Lay Road, St. Louis, MO 63124 314-991-0005
Camp Micah: 314.569.0048 • kadams@sestl.org Camp Emeth: LHorton@sestl.org 314.692.5362
Summer at Whitfield offers a variety of
ENGAGING and ENRICHING camp options for STUDENTS K-12 all summer long.
2024
SUMMER CAMPS! Registration opens February 1
Be it on the COURT , in the ART STUDIO , AMPS SPORTS C
Exploring OUTSIDE , or in the SCIENCE LAB ,
campers are guided by Whitfield’s
talented faculty and coaches through
NEW CHALLENGES , TEAM-BUILDING and FUN !
Visit our website for more info and to register today!
https://www.whitfieldschool.org/summer-programs
WHITFIELD S U M M E R P R O G R A M S A R E O P E N T O T H E P U B L I C 175 S o u t h M a s o n Ro a d • S t . L o u i s , M O 6 31 41 • 31 4 . 4 3 4 . 51 41 Whitfield_STL Jewish Light '24_Summer Camps.indd 1
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Harvey Kornblum Foundation at stljewishlight.org/simchas
DIAMOND-KORNMAN WEDDING PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOONFUL OF SUGAR PHOTOGRAPHY
Erica Diamond and Jacob Kornman were married Nov. 19, 2023 in New Orleans. Erica is the daughter of Marci and Ronn Diamond of Chesterfield, and the granddaughter of Jacquelyn and Dr. Allan (z”l) Kolker of Creve Coeur, Bertha and Max (z”l) Schertzer of Sunny Isles, Fla., and Raymond Diamond (z”l). Jacob is the son of Janice Kornman of New Orleans and Richard Kornman of Baton Rouge, La. He is the grandson of Mary and Jean Baptiste (z”l) Zeringue, and Charlie (z”l) and Janette (z”l) Kornman, all of New Orleans. Amanda Diamond, sister of the bride, served as Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids were Madeline Kornman and Emily Kornman, sisters of the groom, and friends Jessica Herman, Marissa Horvath and Allison Fogerty. The Best Man was Ted Horvath. Groomsmen were Rodney Schouest, brother-in-law of the groom, and friends David Rigamer, Colin Provensal and Lance Benedietto.
BAT MITZVAH: SAMANTHA GOLDENBERG
The bride’s uncle, Scott Kolker, escorted Erica’s grandmother, and the groom’s cousins, David and Joshua Walker, escorted Jacob’s grandmother. Rabbi Daniel Sherman of Temple Sinai in New Orleans officiated. Erica and Jacob enjoyed a honeymoon in Japan and Vietnam. They reside in New Orleans.
Samantha Goldenberg, daughter of Brad and Jen Goldenberg of St. Louis, became a bat mitzvah on Dec. 2, 2023 at Congregation B’nai Amoona. Samantha is the granddaughter of Gay and Larry Goldenberg, Mark Ragin and Gail Rose, and Richard Rose, all of St. Louis. She is the great-granddaughter of Bobbe Weintraub of St. Louis, the late Ted Krakover and the late Rose Ragin. Samantha has one sibling, Alexandra. A seventh-grade student at Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, Samantha decided to collect feminine products and money to donate to the St.
Louis Period Alliance for her mitzvah project. The organization works to help cut down on period poverty, providing feminine products to women and girls who cannot afford them so they don’t have to miss school and work because of something that is out of their control. In her free time, Samantha enjoys hanging with friends and playing volleyball and basketball. “She also loves to laugh at anything and everything and sometimes nothing at all,” her parents wrote. “She is fun, loving, caring, empathetic and compassionate. We could not be more proud to be her parents!”
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT: ELLIANA ROSE DORSHOW AND EMMA ESPERANZA DORSHOW
BARBARA (KANOFF) AND JERRY OPINSKY CELEBRATE 60TH ANNIVERSARY Barbara and Jerry Opinsky, who met as students at Syracuse University and later tied the knot on Groundhog Day in 1964, joyously mark their 60th wedding anniversary. From Connecticut to Georgia, then Maryland, their journey eventually led them to settle in St. Louis in 1973. Over the years, Jerry dedicated more than three decades to owning and operating an American shoe factory. Barbara finds delight in singing, acting, and engaging in activities like pickleball and maj, while Jerry is an ardent card player and Cardinals fan. Their family includes their children, Larry and
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Joyce Opinsky and Howard Opinsky and Colleen Connors, and they proudly cherish their four grandchildren: Sarah Margaret, Molly, Lilly and Sam. The couple will mark this milestone at a service at Congregation B’nai Amoona and will create cherished memories with their family throughout the weekend.
Sam and Rachel Dorshow of St. Louis would like to announce the birth of their daughters, Elliana Rose and Emma Esperanza, on Nov. 22, 2023, weighing 5 pounds and 11 ounces, and 5 pounds and 10 ounces, respectively. Elliana and Emma are the granddaughters of Gayle Dorshow of St. Louis, Richard Dorshow of St. Louis, William Voirol of St. Louis and the late Rebecca Voirol. They are the great-granddaughters of Harriet Levy of Eagan, Minn., the late Marvin Levy, the late Louis Dorshow, the late Elaine Dorshow, Lawrence Voirol of San Antonio, Texas, and the late Hope Voirol. PHOTO COURTESY OF JS PHOTOGRAPHY STL LLC
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OBITUARIES
STL
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
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OBITUARY NOTICES UPDATED DAILY AT STLJEWISHLIGHT.ORG/OBITUARIES
JUDY LITVAG ALLEN, January 25, 2024 Beloved wife of Stanley Allen; dear mother and mother-in-law of Jodi Allen (Rick Gordon) and Josh Allen (Melissa); dear grandmother of Seth Gordon, Jennifer Elfrink (Kyle) and Katie Gordon, Sophie, Molly, Lucy, Eliot and Emerson Allen; dear great grandmother of Walter Elfrink; dear sister and sister-in-law of Cathy Litow (Mark), Evelyn Cohen (Louis). Judy loved everything and everyone. She was active for many years on the board at the Humane Society of Missouri and her home was always filled with dogs, birds, candy, bubble gum and flowers, welcoming all. She lived her life by her version of the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote, “You can never do a kindness too soon because you never know when too soon might be too late.” A funeral service was held Sunday, January 28 at BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 9430 Olive Blvd. Memorial contributions preferred to the ALS Association and/or the Humane Society of Missouri. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
EMILY LYNN ALPER, May 27, 1986 – January 21, 2024 Cherished daughter of Steve and Ellen (Redler) Alper; older sister and best friend of Melissa and Wade Forrester and Andi Alper; doting aunt to Sara Rose Forrester; loving granddaughter of Shirley and the late Dave Alper and the late Sandy and the late Jules Redler; wonderful niece of Scott and Betsy Redler, Barry and Beverly Redler, Marla and Rand Brichta and Craig and Kerri Alper; great niece of Lenore and Edwin Pepper, Peggy and the late Elliott Alper, Alice and the late Alvin Redler, and the late Gladys Reeves and the late Al Kandel; cousin to Michael and Tressie Brichta, Julie Brichta, Zander, Carli and Sadie Alper, Katie and Camden Geiger, Kelly Redler and Andrew Hudis, Benjamin and Bailey Redler; affectionate dog mom of Izzy; dear and lifelong friend to many. Emily dedicated her life to helping others, both through her career in nursing and by taking care of her family and friends. She was a lifelong Blues hockey fan, a voracious reader, an avid watcher of cheesy movies, and Dr. Pepper’s number one customer. Her life was tragically and unexpectedly cut short, but the impact she left on those around her will last forever. A graveside service was held Friday, January 26 at Beth Shalom/Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Live stream available at www. rindskopfroth.com. Contributions in her memory may be made to the National Council of Jewish Women in St. Louis at www.ncjwstl.org. A Rindskopf-Roth Service
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BETTIJEAN BLUMOFF Betti, passed away suddenly and peacefully on January 25, 2024. She was 73 years old. Betti was kind, generous and very outgoing. Betti was born in St. Louis. Loving daughter of the late David and DeVera Blumoff, sister to the late Harvey (the late Marilyn) Blumoff and the late Rosellen Feinstein (Mark Feinstein). Betti was born into music, her mother taught her piano at a very early age. She attended University City High School and was already active in many musical programs there. She made many lifelong friends that were close to her today. Betti attended University of Missouri at Kansas City Conservatory of Music and received her bachelor’s degree at Webster University in Music Education. She then completed her Master’s Degree in Music Education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Betti was a passionate music teacher in the St. Charles City School District and at the Saul Mirowitz Day School. She won numerous awards for her teaching skills. She loved and was loved by all of her many adult and children private students. Betti created Kolot, a Woman’s Jewish Choir performing throughout St. Louis. She was a voracious reader and loved traveling, going on many trips. Betti was a wonderful and dedicated Wife, Mother, Sister and Sister-in-Law, Aunt, Grandmother and Great-Aunt to her family and to her son Neal Dubro and her daughter Lauren DuBro. She took great delight and passionately loved her children and grandchildren Violet Kent, Aiden DuBro and Ean DuBro, who fondly referred to her as “BB”. She was a wonderful aunt and great-aunt to her siblings, nieces and nephews and always kept in touch. Betti was not only an amazing devoted family member, but a friend to so many. There isn’t a person she met who didn’t become a close friend. To say she was loved by many is an understatement. Her untimely passing was unfathomable. Betti holds a special place in our hearts and minds. May her memory be a blessing for all that knew and loved her. A graveside service was held Sunday, January 28 at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery, 1601 North and South at Page. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making a donation to Gateway Music Outreach in her honor or the charity of your choice. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
KHASYA EPSHTEYN, February 5, 2024 Beloved wife of the late Mikhail Epshteyn; dear mother of Fanya Epshteyn; dear sister of Bluma (Late David) Dravin; dear aunt of Rekha Dravina and Greg Epstein; great-aunt of Sonia Aronson; cousin, coworker and teacher to many. Graveside Service Wednesday February 7, 4:00 PM at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery. 9125 Ladue Rd. 63124. Memorial contributions to Avalon Gardens Nursing Home or charity of your choice. Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service CYNTHIAPORTNOYKAGAN FROHLICHSTEIN, January 29, 2024 Beloved wife of the late Harvey Frohlichstein, Jr. for 37 years. Loving mother of Betty (partner; Martin Wice) Kagan and Michael (Sara) Kagan. Cherished grandmother of Eliah Kagan. Beloved sister of the late Shilah (the late Irv) Eisenberg and the late Stanwood (the late Dorothy) Portnoy. Dear sister-in-law of the late Eunice (the late Ralph) Kagan Horwitz. Beloved daughter of the late Simon and the late Ruth Weisman Portnoy. Our dear aunt, cousin and friend. Cynthia started her philanthropic giving in grade school, holding a war bond rally. She continued to do community service throughout her time at University City High School at Washington University, serving the community ever since. After graduating she began her many successful careers. She taught elementary school and at Meramec, worked as a fashion and photographic model, radio and TV emcee and acted at the Crystal Palace in Gaslight Square. After marrying Harvey, she earned her master’s at Webster, plus did travel writing for the Midwest AAA magazine. In 2007 she published her award-winning children’s book, The Perils of the Peanut Butter Kid. She wrote her second book, The Peanut Butter Birthday Party in 2013. People often refer to her as a “Renaissance Woman”. She volunteered for Press Club of Metropolitan St. Louis, and the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival. After surviving breast cancer in 1975, Cynthia worked with numerous local cancer charities. She developed “Press Club at The Gatesworth”, a monthly presentation by Press Club members for her fellow residents. Cynthia received the “Woman of Worth Award” from OWL, Women of Achievement “Lifetime Service Award”, Missouri Professional Communicators “Quest Award”, The Press Club of Metropolitan St. Louis “Catfish Award”, and was an Ageless Remarkable St. Louisan in 2014. Cynthia enjoyed fine dining, Sundays with Betty and Marty, The Fox, The Rep, Speakers’ Series and found out she really liked opera. Holidays spent with Marty’s extended family and Betty’s friends who called her “Mrs. Mother”. Thanks to her fur babies Paprika and Romeo, friends, and family she flourished in the final years of her “never boring life”. A graveside service was held Friday, February 2 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Contributions in Cynthia’s memory may be made to the NCJW-St. Louis, to Cancer Support Community-Greater St Louis, or to Planned Parenthood of the St Louis Region and Southwest Missouri. A Rindskopf-Roth Service
Emily Stein MacDonald
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BARBARA SAFRON GELLER, January 30, 2024 Beloved wife of Allen Geller; dear mother of Marc (Rachel) Geller and Alana (Brandon) Noffsinger; grandmother of Harrison, Solomon and Lincoln Geller; Max and Jackson Noffsinger; dear sister of Richard (Sharon) Safron, Terry (Barbara) Safron and Arlene (late Irwin) Goldstein; sister-in-law of Edward Geller; aunt, cousin and friend to many. Graveside services were held Thursday, February 1 at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery, 1601 North and South Rd. Memorial contributions preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice. Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
OBITUARIES
REGINA K. HERZOG, January 31, 2024 Beloved wife of Edward Herzog for 29 years; dear mother of Jonathan (Kristi Shultz) Herzog; daughter of John J. (Pat) Kennedy and the late Patricia Boozer; sister and sister-in-law of John P. (Robin) Kennedy, Charles Kennedy, Carol Young, Sean Herzog and Shayna Herzog; beloved aunt, cousin and friend. Regina had a lifelong love for the earth and the beauty and bounty it produces. She loved children and teaching and worked at the Linda Rotskoff Early Childhood Center (at B’nai Amoona) for many years. Her other great passion was knitting and creating beautiful garments to warm the body and heart. She will be profoundly missed by many. A Funeral Service was held Friday, February 2 at Congregation B’nai Amoona, 324 S. Mason Rd. The service was also livestreamed. Burial will follow at Beth Shalom Cemetery, 650 White Rd. 63017. Memorial contributions preferred to Congregation B’nai Amoona. Visit www. bergermemorialchapel.com to view the service and for other information. Berger Memorial Service
Commissioner at various points in his life. He even won the 360th Bronze Hornaday Award. He met Carla (Wilson) Isserman and married her in 1982 in a Jewish ceremony at Temple Israel. They had two beautiful children, Sam (Christine) Isserman and Becky (Brith) Isserman Gaudet, despite being told that a bout of Testicular Cancer would not allow it to happen. He spent most of his life after college serving the community through social action committees, at Central Reform Congregation, Holy Grounds, and Temple Israel. Additionally, when he saw that the St. Louis County Council would not allow the Muslim Community in South St. Louis County to rezone a piece of land to build a Mosque and Community Center for Bosnian Refugees, he and his friend Khalid Shah spearheaded the movement to overturn the petition. For 20 years, he spoke on behalf of the Isserman Family at the Rabbi Ferdinand Isserman Lecture and Annual Award Series at Washington University for the student chosen that year who had made a significant contribution in leadership and service to ecumenical or interfaith activities on campus. For over 20 years he worked for the USDA and retired as an Assistant Supervisor assisting Rural Homeowners receive loans. In 2013, he was presented with The Presidential Award for over 100 hours of Community Service by the Undersecretary of the USDA. He went on to win the same award the next year too. He went to Washington DC on multiple occasions to lobby for USDA workers’ rights representing the USDA AFGE Union to Representatives like Kit Bond and William Lacy Clay. He leaves behind his mother, Marilyn Isserman Morris, his loving wife and two children plus his sisters Kathi Miller and Nancy Isserman. His grandson Lucas Gaudet and his nieces and nephews, Rachel (Yoni) Horwitz Levinson, Nechama (Avi) Horwitz Bass, Gavi (Rachel) Horwitz, and Michael (Aviva) Horwitz plus many great nieces and nephews and friends. A service was held Tuesday, February, 6th at Rosehill Cemetery 5800 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60660. The family asks that any donations be made to the Isserman Award Series at: Washington University in St. Louis University Advancement MSC 1202-414-3100 One Brookings Drive St. Louis, MO 63130 Or https://wustl.advancementform.com/ campaign/gifts-wustl-edu/give?sc=GA 1. In the first drop down menu, click “WashU Student Experience” 2. The second drop down menu is not required 3. Under red box, there it says “I prefer to enter my own designation,” donors may write “Isserman Prize Fund”
RICHARD “RICK” ALAN ISSERMAN (70) of Pembroke Pines, Florida, formerly from St. Louis, died in his home peacefully on February 2nd after a two-year battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was born on February 1st, 1954 in St. Louis to Ferd Isserman and Marilyn Isserman Morris. He grew up in the city of Highland Park, Illinois and attended the University of IllinoisChampagne/Urbana, where he was the Track Manager under Gary Wieneke until his graduation. For 40 years he was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America serving as Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, and
RUTH “TOOTIE” KESSLER of St. Louis, MO and Pompano Beach, FL passed away peacefully Sunday, January 28, 2024 at the age of 93. She was the beloved wife of 63 years of the late Norman Kessler, mother of Farilyn Hale (the late Rand Hale), the late Linda Kessler and Barry Kessler. She was the grandmother of Marc Hale (Carmella), great-grandmother of Francesca Hale, and sister, sister-in-law, aunt and cousin to many. Tootie was born in Clinton, Iowa to Morris and Lena Turner. She attended Stephens College in Columbia, MO and moved to St. Louis after
HARRIS EDMUND GOLDMAN, January 27, 2024 As a deeply beloved member of his family and community, Harris’ larger than life character and even bigger heart will be truly missed everyday by those who knew and adored him. He is survived by his devoted wife, children, grandchildren, a great grandchild and of course loyal Lexi. Rest in peace, we love you.
February 7, 2024
graduation, where she met the love of her life in August, 1951. They were married shortly thereafter in October of 1951. Norman and Tootie had an absolutely wonderful life and traveled the world after Norman’s retirement. She had a deep love of family and friends and loved to entertain. She was a “Clover Garden” volunteer at Jewish Hospital, an avid reader and loved knitting and doing needlepoint. She will be missed by all who loved her. A graveside service was held Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road, Chesterfield. Contributions in her memory may be made to The National Council of Jewish Women in St. Louis at www.ncjwstl. org. Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service SHIRLEY LONDE, January 28, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Paul Londe; dear mother and mother-inlaw of Steven Londe, Sherry Londe-Phlaum (Steve Phlaum) and Rickie Londe-Swink (Clint Swink); dear grandmother of Marlyse (Adam), Morgana (Andrew), Tana and Sage; beloved great Baba to Caden, Adelaide and Carter; dear sister and sister-in-law of the late Stanley Barr (Frances) and late Annette Yaffe (late Morrie). Dear aunt and cousin. Shirley lived a beautiful, blessed life and loved her family dearly. She was fiercely independent, would beat the britches off anyone at bridge, and loved her knitting community the Knit Wits. She spent her life teaching the St. Louis community English As A Second Language. Private family service was held. Memorial contributions of your choice preferred. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service NAUM LUKASHEVSKY With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Naum Lukashevsky on December 31, 2023. A man of profound wisdom and many natural talents, Naum was a Chemical Engineer at Poleron Engineering in L’vov, Ukraine where over his multi-decade career he achieved the position of Head Economist. Naum’s hard working spirit, creativity, perseverance, and constant yearning for knowledge created a lasting mark on both his professional endeavors
and personal life. Beyond his professional achievements, Naum was a devoted father to Igor, a caring father-inlaw to Inna, and a loving grandfather to Vlad and Alina. His familial bonds extended to his sisters, Polya and Eva, creating a close-knit tapestry of love that defines the Lukashevsky family. His family looks up to him as the last patriarch for his never-ending curiosity, eagerness for learning, talents in poetry and narrative writing, fishing, and his encyclopedic knowledge of many topics. Naum’s longlasting life teaches us the power of family support, love, and connection throughout a lifetime. A funeral service was held on January 3 to honor and celebrate Naum Lukashevsky’s remarkable life. As we gather to pay our respects, let us remember Naum for his warmth, love, and guidance he shared with family and friends. We will always remember his curiosity, dedication to family, love of humanity, and joy for life. Berger Memorial Service REX REHFELD, of Lutherville Timonium, Maryland, passed away on Sunday, February 4th, 2024, at the age of 97. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ellen O’Brien; his loving children, Edward Rehfeld, and Dr. Andrew Rehfeld (Dr. Miggie Greenberg); his loving step-children, Dr. Carla Wolf Rosenthal (Dr. Alan Schwartz), and Lore Lyon Rosenthal (Michael Hartman), Pilar (Charles) Celeste, Caitlin O’Brien, Kenneth Rodriguez (Karen Wetzel), and Jamie Rodriguez (Noriko Matsumoto); his cherished grandchildren, Dr. Noah Schwartz (Dr. Hila Calev), Evie Schwartz (Adam Bean), Emma Rehfeld, and Hoben Rehfeld (Corbyn Sprayberry); and his former wife, Beverly Dawna Rehfeld. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ruth Wolf Rehfeld; his dear brother, Selwyn Jerome Rehfeld; and his devoted parents, Sara and Ezra Rehfeld. Services were held at Sol Levinson’s Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208, on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024. Interment Chevra Ahavas Chesed Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Contributions in his memory may be sent to R. Rex Rehfeld Endowment in care of the Towson University Foundation, P.O. Box 17165, Baltimore, MD 21297-0219 or online at www. towson.edu/supporttu. Obituaries continue on following page
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Obituaries continued from previous page GERALDINE P. SCHILLER, January 30, 2024. Beloved wife of Gideon Schiller for 65 years until his passing in 2011. Dear mother and mother-in-law of Patricia (Jerry) Padawer, Thomas (Helen Mary) Schiller, and Nancy (Alan) Stein; dear grandmother of Leah Gross, Lauren Padawer, Heidi (Max) Garfield, Michael Padawer, Daniel Padawer, Susie Shinn, Rebecca (Matt) Czekaj, Sarah Stein, Scott (Amanda) Schiller, and Melissa, Jeremy, Benjamin and Peter Schiller; dear great grandmother of eleven; dear daughter of the late Harry and Ida Soffer; dear sister and sister-inlaw of the late Milford (Joan) Soffer and the late Stanley (Bunny) Soffer; our dear aunt, cousin, and friend. A funeral service was held Thursday, February 1st at Congregation Temple Israel. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream information. Interment Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery. Memorial contributions preferred to the Schiller Confirmation Fund, Congregation Temple Israel, 1 Alvan D Rubin Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141. Berger Memorial Service
LAWRENCE HOWARD WELTMAN, May 31, 1943 – January 23, 2024 Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years Judy (Farkas) Weltman. Dear father of Andrew (Jill) Weltman and Josh (Gayle) Weltman. Loving grandfather of Natalie Weltman. Beloved brother of Joel (Esther) Weltman and the late Marsha Weltman. Dear brother in law of Jeff (Penny) Farkas. Larry graduated from University City High School where he was a sprinter and captain of the track team. He attended Washington University where he earned both BSBA and JD degrees. As an undergraduate he was a member of the ZBT fraternity. He then earned an LLM in taxation from New York University. Larry was the recipient of many academic awards including the Haskins and Sells award for excellence in accounting and Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society. He was an editor of both the Washington University and NYU Law reviews. After graduation he began working for the Lewis Rice Law firm where he was a partner for
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over 40 years and served as chairman of the tax department. He was selected by a jury of his peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers for over 25 years. Larry was an adjunct professor at Washington University School of Law where he taught Federal Tax Procedure and was on an advisory committee to the Missouri Director of Revenue. Larry served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 6 years. He was an avid golfer and longtime member of Meadowbrook Country Club where he served as president. He was also a member of the Evans Scholars board and was a staunch supporter of the Caddy Scholarship Program. A funeral service was held Sunday, January 28 at Congregation Shaare Emeth. Live stream available at www.rindskopfroth.com. Donations in Larry’s memory may be made to the Siteman Cancer Center or Evelyn’s House at the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive, Suite 140, St. Louis, MO 63110 or to the Western Golf Association – Evans Scholars Foundation (online at https:// wgaesf.org). A Rindskopf-Roth Service
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JEWISH CROSSWORD PUZZLE By Yoni Glatt koshercrosswords@gmail.com
Find answers to this puzzle online at https://bit.ly/0207-crossword
Across 1. Home of the NYR
36. Some kosher letters
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4. Winter toy 8. Admiral’s org.
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38. “Exodus” ideology
15. Part of a popular children’s game
41. “Exodus” ideology
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17. Gender-neutral Israeli name 18. Ericson, the mariner 19. “Exodus” writer 20. “Exodus” writer 23. Energy (literally and figuratively) 24. A few rounds, perhaps 25. “Exodus” soldier
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28. “Exodus” soldier 31. How a prank may be done, after “on” 33. Rec room fixtures
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42. Spanish dictator during World War II 43. Short chain 44. “”O Sole ___”” 45. Concur 46. Goalie’s “workplace” 49. Game breaks, briefly 50. This is one 52. “Exodus” leader 56. “Exodus” leader 59. Not a pleasant place for Jews? 62. Apple alternative 63. NYC org. or Yeshiva 64. Iconic character created by Bob Kane 65. Test option
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SARA RUTH “SISSY” ZWEIG, January 29, 2024 Beloved wife of the late Lawrence Zweig; dear mother of Elaine Zweig of Richardson, TX, Linda Leipziger of Richardson, TX, Leigh Zweig of Richardson, TX and Barry Zweig (Annalee) of Dallas, TX; dear Nana of Elizabeth Sutker (Michael), Jonathan Boski (Tori), Janet Altom (Billy), Melissa Berk (David), and Brian Zweig (Brandi); dear greatgrandmother of Landon and Madison Sutker, Barron and Goldie Boski, Shayna and Hanna Berk, and Ella and Carson Zweig; dear aunt, cousin, and friend. Also known as “Queen Mom,” Sissy was the matriarch of her family. She had a smile that lit the room and melted your heart. Her sharp wit and expressive eyes would tell you exactly what she was thinking. She was the life of a party and endeared herself to all who met her and knew her. Most of all, she loved her family. A graveside service was held Sunday, February 4 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Memorial contributions preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association and/or the American Cancer Society. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
14
Title: ‘Exoduses’ Difficulty: Medium
37. Edward Jacobson pushed this President to support Israel
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Down 1. Alcoholic beverages 2. He became an ally of Begin 3. Craftiness 4. Some Beta Israel believe he and his son started the Jewish community in Ethiopia 5. Hold on property 6. Fix a book 7. Swindle, in a way
8. Many Jews visit it in DC
does not support Israel
48. Quite a while
9. Coastal region
33. One way a notable holy city is spelled
51. Describes in words
10. Biggest parsha 11. Cookout leftovers? 12. Compete 13. It may be candied 21. Gibson of the Knicks 22. “Kill Bill” actress Thurman 25. Shfichut ___ 26. Words in a joke’s punchline 27. Zelle alternative 29. Meh 30. Not exactly sing 32. Lipa who
34. A neighbor of Leo
53. Brazilian dance, or its music
35. Does well, like a stock
54. Scarf down
37. Big instrument
56. Samson’s were powerful
39. Be’eri to 33Down dir. 40. Many of these brands will have a 36-Across on their labels 41. America’s top dog 43. What America is known for 46. Chicago athlete 47. Some sizes
55. Catches
57. Possibly insane Roman ruler 58. Bit of ocean treif 59. “Survivor” network 60. One of Miller’s Lomans, for short 61. Two ___ time (how some animals went on Noah’s Ark)
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STL
JEWISH LIGHT
stljewishlight.org
NUSACH HARI B ’NAI ZION
ANNIVERSARY DINNER
SP
February 7, 2024
Page 23
Above left, Drs. Susan Feigenbaum and Jay Pepose accepting their Guests of Honor Award at NHBZ’s 118th Anniversary Dinner in December at the Clayton Plaza Hotel. Above right, two of Rabbi Chaim Bogopulsky’s children entertain the entertainer Howard Sandler at NHBZ’s Anniversary Dinner. Below at left, Marcela Morgensztern (far left) and Nancy Rush (below center) received the congregation’s HaKaras HaTov Award. Below right, Stuart Klamen receives NHBZ’s Israel Advocacy Award from NHBZ Rabbi Emeritus Ze’ev Smason.
TLIGHT
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY
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. VIEW MORE ONLINE: stljewishlight.org/multimedia CONGREGATION B ’NAI AMOONA
SISTERHOOD AT SLAM
TORAH PREP
ROBOTICS COMPETITION Thirteen women from B’nai Amoona’s Sisterhood attended an interfaith tour at the St. Louis Art Museum. Docents provided in-depth insights into the museum’s collections of works from across the globe that tell stories of devotion, faith and culture, leading to conversations about the connections between art and faith.
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The Torah Prep Girls’ Robotics Team competed in the regional First Lego League competition and won the Champion’s Award, which qualified them to compete in the Eastern Missouri State Competition in February. They will also represent St. Louis in the STEM day in Jefferson City and show off their achievements to state representatives. Pictured are Tzofia Bloom, Nili Schuss, Rachelli Goldenhersh, Basya Miller, Tzivi Glickfield, Esti Botuck, Chaya Kass, Chana Sasportas and Malka Rosner
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February 7, 2024
Page 24
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MANY PIECES
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ONE COMMUNITY
JEWISH LIGHT
stljewishlight.org
ANNUAL RECOGNITION EVENT
Thursday, March 7, 2024 The J Staenberg Family Complex Gymnasium | 2 Millstone Campus Drive, 63146
10:45 am Doors open | 11:30 am-1:30 pm Program
Special Recognition of Michael Staenberg
Partnership Award Joe Pereles
Peer Awards Career Achievement
Chesed/Kindness
Pirchie Greenspon (EMBY)
Tanya Lin (Covenant Place)
Dedication
Educator
Mentor
Mentor
Pillar
Visionary
Penny Taylor (Jewish Federation)
Michelle Almengor (The J)
Erin Schaflein (Epstein Hebrew Academy)
Nancy Lisker (AJC)
Chesed/Kindness
Melissa Katz (JFS)
Lauren Abraham (JCRC)
Rabbi Chaim Landa (Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County)
Free of charge to staff (20+ hours per week) who work in the Jewish community $35 for guests
JFedSTL.org/JProStL24 Questions? Contact Marci Mayer Eisen, MEisen@JFedSTL.org, 314-442-3810 JProStL, an initiative of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, provides training, promotes networking, and shares resources for staff throughout the St. Louis Jewish community.
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