Jewish Light Digital Edition: Feb. 21, 2024

CONFRONTING THE

LINDBERGH LEGACY

Aviation hero and outspoken antisemite: The region has yet to fully deal with the duality of this historic figure

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Shabbat

Torah reading: Ki Tisa

p.m.

February conjures up notions of love, romance and matters of the heart, both physically — as in heart health month — as well as emotionally. Smack in the middle of it comes Valentine’s Day, which may or may not be a bona fide Christian holiday or one invented by Hallmark, but regardless is often celebrated with flowers, chocolates and pretty much anything else that helps to say, “I love you” and/or “You’re important to me.”

It is in this vein that I’d like you to meet Herb and Nancy Seidel, childhood sweethearts who went their separate ways after dating in high school, only to find each other several decades later.

The two met at a Halloween party in 1950 when they were in ninth grade. “I guess you could say I was smitten,” Herb recalled. “There was something about Nancy I couldn’t help but love.”

The two dated throughout their years at Clayton High School; both graduated in 1953. Herb left St. Louis to attend college at University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia. Nancy hoped to go to University of Iowa, but her father wouldn’t allow her to attend unless she could secure dormitory housing. She could not.

“So, she decided to get a job,” Herb explained. “Being the very intelligent person she was, she got a job at Washington University’s medical school. Shortly after I left town, she found a fellow who was about to graduate from dental school and married him my sophomore year of college.

“I went to the wedding but not happily,” he added.

Eventually Herb met and married his first wife, who grew up in the Philly area. They raised two children while Nancy and her first husband raised their three kids.

Fast forward to years later when, on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend in 1981, Herb’s wife passed away at the age of 42 after suffering an arrhythmia. Two years after that, also on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, Nancy’s husband passed away after a sudden heart attack.

When Herb learned of the death, he reached out to Nancy and the two spoke briefly. He offered his phone number and Nancy took it, but months went by without her calling.

At the time, Nancy was working for a group of surgeons in St. Louis. One day, Herb’s uncle, who resembled Herb, came to the office to see one of the surgeons. Seeing this man’s likeness to her high school sweetheart — and that his last name was the same as Herb’s — triggered Nancy’s memory. She scoured to find the phone number Herb had given her.

“On March 5, 1984, the day before my birthday, I prayed for God to send me someone to love,” said Herb.

On March 6 — Herb’s 48th birthday — he

received an unexpected but most delightful gift.

“The phone rang, and when my secretary said who it was, I nearly jumped over her desk to get the phone,” said Herb, who will turn 89 . . . yup, on March 6.

“I called to wish him a happy birthday,” said Nancy, 88, still remembering the date even after 30 years.

“I told Nancy I was going to write to her and when she thought it was appropriate, I’d like to come to St. Louis and take her on a date,” said Herb.

And so, on April 17, 1984, the two went out after not seeing each other since they were 18. Herb moved back to St. Louis from Philadelphia and the two were married on Nov. 30, 1986, after Herb asked Nancy’s father for his permission.

“When we were planning to get married, both sets of parents were still alive,” said Herb. “I said to Nancy, ‘I think it would be appropriate for me to ask your father for your hand in mar-

riage.’ And she said, ‘That’s nice, but you don’t have to do that.’

“Still, I went to her father and said, ‘I’d appreciate it if you’d allow me to marry your daughter.’ And he looked at me and said, ‘What took you so long?’”

Today, in addition to five children between them (though one of Herb’s daughters passed away a year ago) the couple have six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. They live independently at Brookdale Senior Living in Creve Coeur. Herb reports that he and Nancy are relatively healthy and enjoy every day that they get to spend together.

When we spoke the day before Valentine’s Day, they weren’t sure of their plans, though Herb quickly added: “She can count on a kiss from me.”

Herb considers Nancy, who has been his wife for 37 years, the love of his life. She, too, feels similarly, calling him her “everything” and explaining his charisma, warmth and kindness make him so easy to love.

“My mother lived with us for the last two years of her life,” Nancy recalled. “And she always said that she liked him better than she liked me.

“She also said that those five children had to be born. That was God’s only reason that this happened the way it did.”

J Associates ‘Battle of the Stars’ event will support programs, services at the J

BY JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER

Nothing like a little friendly competition to bring an entire community together. On second thought, who are we kidding? The battle is on, bragging rights are up for grabs, and remember, there is no crying in the “Battle of the Stars.”

“Battle of the Stars,” which will pit participants against each other in a medley of mental and physical challenges, is the new event fundraiser from J Associates, the women’s auxiliary of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center. The event will take place on Saturday, March 2, at the J’s Staenberg Family Complex.

“Teamwork and competition are on a collision course. I cannot give anything away but think ‘minute to win it’ games and silly competitions that keep you

J Associates Battle of the Stars

WHEN: Saturday, March 2

WHERE: Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Family Complex

HOW MUCH: Tickets at $95 include dinner, dessert and one drink. A limited cash bar also will be available.

MORE INFO: For sponsorships, or to funda-need in advance, visit: jccstl.com/battle or contact Chelsea Leon, special events manager, cleon@jccstl.org or 314-442-3109.

laughing all night while raising money for the community,” said event co-chair Shana Singer.

Picture this: teams of all sizes, from dynamic duos to powerhouse squads, rallying together towards victory.

Whether you’re a solo competitor looking to make some new friends or a seasoned pro with a dream team, there’s a place for everyone at “Battle of the Stars.” All adults over 21 are welcome.

“This event offers opportunities for everyone to participate in any way they are comfortable,” said Singer.

But seriously, it’s not just about the competition, it’s about camaraderie and connection. Spectators are welcome to cheer on their favorite contenders and soak up the atmosphere. Proceeds support all the J’s programs, services and scholarships.

“We are so delighted to lead this important initiative that benefits the critical work that the J does,” said event co-chair Jennifer Rosenthal. “This will be an amazing, fun event and we hope the entire J community will join us.”

BY JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER

In a heartwarming story of generosity and life-saving intervention, former St. Louisan Dr. Irvin Pretsky’s gift to Israel has resulted in four new lives being brought into the world under unique circumstances.

In 2022, Pretsky, 88, an anesthesiology specialist in Encino, Calif. donated a Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) ambulance to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency medical service, in memory of his parents Jake and Dora Pretsky of University City. Jake Pretsky was a baker who worked at Lickhalter Bakery for more than 40 years.

“The unit was dedicated in Los Angeles in November of 2022. Then, it was sent off to Israel to be stationed, by my request in Efrat where my granddaughter and her family live,” said Pretsky. “My five great-grandkids there share bragging rights, as their names are emblazoned on the doors of the ambulance, along with names of my 21 great-grandkids, as well.”

Since Oct 7, Magen David Adom ambulances have been a symbol of hope. Now, Jake and Dora’ Pretsky’s ambulance is not only that but a symbol of new beginnings as well.

In January 2024, amidst ongoing tensions in the region, the ambulance came into the spotlight on four separate occasions.

In a letter, Dorin Esfahani, director of major gifts, western region for Magen David Adom, wrote to Pretsky: “Amidst these dark times, I am pleased to share some positive news.

“A baby boy was delivered on Jan. 16 by MDA teams in your Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) Ambulance, in the parking lot of Hadassah Ein Karem Hospital. Two hours later, a baby girl was delivered by MDA teams and transported in your MICU to Sha’are Tzedek Hospital.

“On January 21, a baby boy was delivered at home by MDA teams and transported in your MICU to Hadassah Ein Karem hospital. And, on January 30, a baby girl was delivered by MDA teams at home and transported to Sha’are Tzedek Hospital in your MICU.

“Four deliveries in two weeks – Mazal Tov! What a busy month! I hope this brings you and your family joy during these difficult times.”

Pretsky’s story reflects the power of individual acts of kindness in making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Before the Oct. 7 attack, the Jake and Dora Pretsky ambulance was one of 1,400 in service as part of Magen David Adom.

“Help is desperately needed to put more ambulances on the road and to replenish supplies for EMTs and paramedics and for MDA’s blood services division,” a MDA spokesman wrote in an email to the Light. “We thank everyone in St. Louis for your help.”

Mazel Tov

on your retirement from the J!

Lynn Wittels, President & CEO of the J

Thank you for your 18 years of service to the J and our community!

- The J’s Board of Directors and Staff

“Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don’t do it just for yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived.”

- Ruth Bader Ginsberg

NEWSMAKERS

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

At the recent Torah Prep School of St. Louis’ Double Chai 36th Anniversary Dinner and live concert, Dr. Dov and Tziona Zeffren were honored with the Pillars of Torah Prep Award. The Zeffrens exemplify a couple who embrace each day, fill it with energy, talents and desire to move the world up a notch. During their many years of activism in the St. Louis Jewish community, they have enhanced many organizations with their passion and knowledge. For the last seven years, Dov Zeffren served as board president of Torah Prep. The Zeffrins are members of Agudas Israel and Young Israel.

Sarah Kirschner is the new interim

BROUGHT TO YOU THIS MONTH BY:

executive director of Central Reform Congregation after holding many senior executive positions on CRC’s board of directors. She brings years of senior operations and human resources experience to this position. Most recently, Kirschner was vice president of human resources at Coolfire. Amy Gage has joined CRC as

director of Member Services and Engagement. In this role, she will oversee the membership process, create opportunities for new and current members to engage with the congregation through volunteerism and programming, and ensure that such experiences as donating time and money to CRC run smoothly. Gage is a past president of CRC’s board of directors.

If

Dr. Sherman Silber, a pioneer in microsurgery and infertility, has announced the opening of the Silber Infertility Center of St. Louis. Located in the Frontenac Surgery Center, it specializes in treating difficult infertility cases, vasectomy reversal, as well as simpler infertility cases. Silber has brought in state-of-the-art technology and medical equipment to ensure successful transfers.

Lee Wielansky was the winner of the pro-am portion of the PGA American Express Tournament in La Quinta, Calif. last month. At 72 years of age, he was the oldest amateur golfer in the 156-man field with a score of 34 under par. Wielansky is a member of both United Hebrew Congregation and Temple Emanuel.

Clayco announced the hiring of Elizabeth Zucker as president of the St.

Louis Region. Zucker will oversee all aspects of the local operations, including business development, marketing and sales, and serve as a mentor to the team working alongside her. She previously served as managing director at Interior Investments of St. Louis. Zucker also serves as the board president for Arch Grants, a non-profit committed to building the future economy in St. Louis by attracting and retaining entrepreneurs to the St. Louis community.

The Greater St. Louis Dental Society (GSLDS) awarded Dr. Craig Hollander its Gold Medal Award. It is the highest award the society gives to an individual for being a leader in the field of dentistry and dedicating their career to advancing the profession. Hollander is in practice with Pediatric Dentistry of Sunset Hills. He teaches at both the St. Louis University Pediatric Dental Residency program as well as the Department of Dental Medicine’s General Practice residency program at the Gertrude B. Busch Dental Clinic inside Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur. A member of Congregation B’nai Amoona, Hollander is the president of the St. Louis Give Kids a Smile program.

Continued on opposite page

The Gatesworth provides the perfect canvas to enjoy life your way. Living in an exquisitely appointed apartment surrounded by beautiful, lush grounds, you’ll feel inspired to pursue new interests, expand your knowledge, build friendships and embrace your independence. We invite you to discover The Gatesworth and experience exceptional senior living today. Call 314-993-0111. 314-993-0111

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TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Sarah Kirschner, Amy Gage, Dr. Sherman Silber, Lee Wielansky and Elizabeth Zucker. BOTTOM ROW: Dr. Craig Hollander, Natalie Kalmar, Becca Williams, Michelle Mufson and Ben Panet.

Dr. Dov and Tziona Zeffren

Natalie Kalmar’s new blog, fitnessfoodiestl.com, aims to offer a resource to help people have more fun with fitness and discover new places to work out and eat out in St. Louis. She would like to empower people to find ways to enjoy exercise through her fitness studio reviews. Kalmar will also share information about her favorite local restaurants. She is a member of Congregation Shaare Emeth.

Becca Williams has joined Therapy and Wellness Collective in Creve Coeur.

As a licensed adult and teen therapist, she provides therapy to those navigating anxiety, depressions, chronic illness, and life adjustments. Williams attends Congregation Temple Israel.

The board of directors of Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis (CSCSTL) recently elected Michelle Mufson as chair of its board. She had been the vice chair since 2021. Mufson is a vice president at Merrill Lynch and a member of Young Israel and Nusach Hari B’nai Zion.

The Jewish Community Center of St. Louis welcomes back Ben Panet as major gifts officer. His role is to steward, cultivate and solicit donor support for programs at the J and Camp Sabra. Panet will also assist donors in accomplishing their giving objectives, and work with the Camp Sabra Alumni Association and its efforts. Panet was previously with the Jewish Federation of St. Louis as the senior associate - Israel and Teen Engagement.

Hannah Wolkowitz

Hannah Wolkowitz, a junior at Parkway Central High School, was chosen from over 50 submissions worldwide as one of four winners of the 2023-2024 Community Music School of Webster University (CMS) Young Composers Competition. She placed first in her age bracket with the song “They are All Gone.” The winning compositions will be featured in a public concert with Chamber Project St. Louis on March 24 at 4 p.m. in the CMS concert hall. On March 2, Hannah will perform as a finalist in the U.S. Navy Band’s Young Artist Solo Competition alongside the U.S. Navy Band in the D.C. area. Hannah is the daughter of Jessica and Bob Wolkowitz. Hannah and her family attend United Hebrew Congregation.

Esther Miller Bais Yaakov High School plans its 28th anniversary dinner

Esther Miller Bais Yaakov High School (EMBY) with honor Rabbi Ze’ev and Chani Smason at its 28 th Anniversary Dinner on March 10 at the Clayton Plaza Hotel, starting at 5 p.m. In addition, Zahava List will receive the Rabbi Gershon Zefren (z’’l) Alumni Leadership Award at the evening’s festivities.

The Smasons each have a storied connection to the school, with Rabbi Smason serving as the school’s first history teacher and Chani Smason as its first English teacher. The Smasons came to St. Louis in 1988 under the auspices of Aish HaTorah where Rabbi Smason served as its first assistant director and Chani led many of the women’s programs.

After 11 years at Aish HaTorah, Rabbi Smason took over the pulpit at Nusach Hari B’nai Zion, and for 25 years he helped to build what is now a thriving Orthodox community in the heart of Olivette. In his role as rabbi emeritus, Smason continues to teach a variety of classes on daily, weekly and monthly basis. He also is currently blending his love of teaching and his passion for Israel advocacy in his role as regional vice president for the Coalition

for Jewish Values.

Like her husband, Chani Smason has taught at EMBY since its inception, growing and building her skills as an English teacher, receiving multiple graduate degrees. For decades, she infused her students with a love of great literature, helping them to develop the all-important skills of effective writing and presentation, while continually adjusting to the ever-changing climate of what is often defined today as “information literacy,” or as she puts it, “teaching them to be skeptics to prepare them for the world they are living in.”

Alumni Leadership Award honoree Zahava List was a student in one of the earliest classes of EMBY, distinguishing herself as a school leader and role model. Coming from a family of educators (her parents both taught at Epstein Hebrew Academy and her father was chaplain at the JCA for many years), List went on to found Chazkeinu, an organization designed to support women who are challenged with mental illness.

To make reservations and for more information, go to https://www.embystl. org/dinner

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LINDBERGH LEGACY CONFRONTING THE

Aviation hero and outspoken antisemite: The region

has yet to fully deal with

the duality of this historic figure

BY SHULA NEUMAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

This story was commissioned by the River City Journalism Fund.

On Dec. 13, 1930, about 2,000 people representing the elite of St. Louis society gathered at the Bridle Spur Hunt Club in Huntleigh Village to celebrate the dedication of a newly paved highway. What was once Denny Road was re-named Lindbergh Boulevard.

The luncheon at the club included speeches from state senators, representatives, judges and mayors. It was followed by two “processions of automobiles’’ that convened at Kirkwood High School where alumni of Kirkwood and Webster Groves High Schools played a game of football, according to the Naborhood Link News.

All that fanfare was in honor of Charles A. Lindbergh, the aviator who made history by flying solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927 in a plane named the “Spirit of St. Louis.” Lindbergh didn’t attend the dedication ceremonies in 1930. But his ties to the region come from his stint living here from about 1926 to mid-1927. It was in St. Louis that he nurtured relationships with a handful of wealthy aviation aficionados who ultimately provided the funding Lindbergh needed to buy the plane that would launch him into history..

Just 11 years after Lindbergh Boulevard was named, a new movement was afoot to change the name back to Denny. By 1941, the high regard Lindbergh had enjoyed for so long was besmirched by his opposition to entering World War II and by his open disdain for Jews.

That name change never happened. Nor

has there been any calls to do so since.

Yet the past few years, American society has re-examined how we think about the legacy of slavery, racism and the Native American genocide. There is little evidence that a similar examination has occurred with people who espoused a different kind of hate: antisemitism. As a result, Lindbergh — and many men like him — get to keep their legacy, and the broader culture doesn’t question it. His views are excused because he was simply a man of his time.

“I wouldn’t say that St. Louis has a love affair with Lindbergh,” said Frances Levine, former CEO and president of the Missouri Historical Society. “I’d say St. Louis has an unexamined relationship with Lindbergh.”

It’s relatively easy to scrutinize the legacies of Christopher Columbus, Andrew Jackson and even King Louis IX, St. Louis’ namesake. Each of those men’s accomplishments came at the violent expense of other people. But Lindbergh represents a different kind of hatred, one that isn’t as easy to villainize.

In a few years, the world will once again recall the amazing feat of a single person flying from New York to Paris, paving the way for modern commercial and private aviation. To mark the centennial anniversary of Lindbergh’s flight on May 21, 2027, there will probably be exhibits in museums, commemorative films and articles written about the aviator’s adventures and the tragic kidnapping and murder of his first-born son.

But Lindbergh’s legacy is complicated. He had great admiration for Nazi Germany

and Adolf Hitler. He was ardently opposed to U.S. involvement in World War II and was on the lecture circuit in the 1930s and early ’40s of the America First Committee, the foremost isolationist pressure group of that time. His unprecedented celebrity status meant he had a microphone and he used that microphone to subtly and, eventually, overtly voice antisemitic opinions.

Many years after his death, it was discovered that Lindbergh had at least two other families from affairs that started in the 1950s in Germany — ties that his American family knew nothing about.

Before the centennial commemoration of Lindbergh’s flight, it’s time to step back and take Levine’s advice: Examine our relationship with Lindbergh, understand his attitudes about Jewish people and reconcile what it means today that we aren’t questioning his legacy of antisemitism.

A very brief history lesson

Lindbergh was born in Detroit in 1902 and grew up in rural Minnesota, the son of a U.S. congressman. As a young man, he fell in love with aviation. He learned to fly and served in the U.S. Army Air Service. He worked as a barnstormer in the early 1920s, showing off his fearless flying capabilities to crowds across the Midwest.

In the mid-1920s, he landed a job with the U.S. Postal Service, establishing the first air mail routes between St. Louis and Chicago. The job based him in St. Louis where he befriended some of the city’s wealthy aviation fans, including at least one name still recognizable today: Albert Bond Lambert,

“

I wouldn’t say that St. Louis has a love affair with Lindbergh. I’d say St. Louis has an unexamined relationship with Lindbergh.”

FRANCES LEVINE FORMER CEO AND PRESIDENT OF THE MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Charles Lindbergh stands beside the Spirit of St. Louis in 1927. PHOTO COURTESY MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY

namesake of the city’s airport.

Aviation was a young, untested technology in the 1920s and there was a lot of anticipation to see who could be the first to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. There was, in fact, a literal competition for the feat: The $25,000 Orteig Prize.

Lindbergh was determined to win the prize.

He turned to the connections he had made in St. Louis. In all, nine men (none Jewish) footed the money Lindbergh needed to develop the airplane that would propel him into the history books and into a paparazzi-plagued celebrity status the likes of which the country had never seen before.

He called his plane the Spirit of St. Louis.

Lindbergh maintained ties with his St. Louis friends after he completed the transatlantic flight, but his direct connection to

the region mostly ends there. Still, it wasn’t long before the region’s leaders wanted to honor him — for the first time.

On Dec. 4, 1930, the St. Louis County Court (now the County Council) passed the resolution to rename Denny Boulevard, Lindbergh Boulevard.

Lindbergh and his wife, Anne Morrow, garnered even more fame when their firstborn child was kidnapped — and murdered — in 1932. The subsequent trial of the kidnapper in 1935 (and his execution, in 1936) grabbed the country’s attention in a manner akin to its obsession over O.J. Simpson’s trial 60 years later.

Lindbergh found the limelight of fame exhausting. After the kidnapping trial, he received threats against his family. So, in the mid-1930s, he moved to Europe, settling in a cottage about an hour outside London, where he worked with Pan American

World Airways and pursued other scientific interests.

At the behest of the U.S. State Department, Lindbergh accepted invitations to tour German airplane factories, test stateof-the-art fighter planes and review the country’s air force. He felt certain no other nation could compete against Germany’s air power. In 1936, he was the guest of Field Marshal Hermann Göring at the Berlin Olympics. Two years later, Göring gave Lindbergh, on behalf of Hitler, the Service Cross of the German Eagle — a medal that Lindbergh kept for years and later bestowed to the Missouri Historical Society, along with acres of correspondence, diaries and other mementos from his life.

He visited Nazi Germany six times between 1936 and 1938 and wrote effusively about how ordered the country was.

“I have come away with a feeling of

great admiration for the German people,” he wrote to his friend Truman Smith after his first visit. “The condition of the country, and the appearance of the average person whom I saw, leaves with me the impression that Hitler must have far more character and vision than I thought existed in the German leader who has been painted in so many different ways by the accounts in America and England.”

The Lindberghs enjoyed their time in Germany so much that they were planning to move to Berlin in 1938 and had even found a house to stay in. But the events of Nov. 9, 1938 — Kristallnacht — changed their plans. Lindbergh wrote to a friend that he didn’t want to take any actions “which would seem to support the German action in regard to the Jews.” Then, as Hitler’s aggressions into the Sudetenland and Czechoslovakia pushed Europe into war, the Lindberghs moved back to the U.S. in 1939.

Lindbergh and antisemitism

Once home, Lindbergh joined the debate over whether or not the U.S. should get involved in the European war. Lindbergh was firmly in the isolationist camp. He publicly sparred with President Franklin Roosevelt and fell in with the America First Committee, an organization known mostly for its isolationism, but also for its belief that white people were under siege. Lindbergh gave radio addresses and speeches all over the country advocating against involvement in the war. While America First had only 800,000 members at its height, Lindbergh gave the group both clout and visibility.

In his speeches, personal correspondence and diary entries, it is clear that Lindbergh believed and trumpeted ageold, antisemitic tropes. Sometimes, his antisemitism was merely a dog whistle.

“We must learn to look behind every article we read and every speech we hear,” he Continued on following page

LEFT: Charles Lindbergh and St. Louis Mayor Victor Miller drive in a flower decked car at Olive and Eighth streets during Lindbergh’s St. Louis reception on June 18, 1927.

ABOVE: Lindbergh hangs a wreath on the statue of Saint Louis at Art Hill during a public reception on June 19, 1927. PHOTOS COURTESY MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY

RIGHT: Field Marshal Hermann Göring presents a medal to Charles Lindbergh in Germany in 1936.

PHOTO: LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/ WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

said in a radio address on Sept. 15, 1939. “We must not only enquire about the writer and the speaker — about his personal interests and his nationality, but we must ask who owns and influences the newspaper, the news picture, and the radio station.”

Other times, as in this speech from June 15, 1940, the antisemitism was more direct: “The only reason that we are in danger of becoming involved in this war is because there are powerful elements in America who desire us to take part. They represent a small minority of the American people, but they control much of the machinery and influence and propaganda. They seize every opportunity to push us closer to the edge.”

For the thousands of people who attended America First rallies, heard Lindbergh’s speeches on the radio, or read them in the newspaper, this was familiar territory. Letters and postcards archived at the Missouri History Museum reveal that a lot of people found Lindbergh’s speeches inspirational, and they heard his dog whistles quite clearly.

Monday which was cut off of station W.O.R. New York

“I have listened to every one of your radio programs so far, the only one I failed to catch was your program last Monday which was cut off of station W.O.R. New York City,” wrote Albert K. Dawson of Jackson Heights, N.Y. “This station is run by a bunch of Jews who want to drag us into this war in order to take out their spite on Hitler — and I would appreciate very much receiving a copy of this speech if you have a spare available.”

— and I would appreciate very much receiving a copy of country lies in their large ownership and influence in our

America’s willingness to either endorse, tolerate or ignore Lindbergh’s antisemitism changed after the speech he delivered on Sept. 11, 1941, in Des Moines, Iowa.

“The three most important groups who have been pressing this country toward war are the British, the Jewish and the Roosevelt Administration.” Of the Jews, he said, “Instead of agitating for war, Jews in this country should be opposing it in every way, for they will be the first to feel its consequences. Their greatest danger to this country lies in their large ownership and influence in our motion pictures, our press, our radio and our government.”

Americans knew enough about what was happening to Jews in Germany and Nazi-occupied countries to know that Lindbergh’s comments went too far. The mainstream newspapers filled with letters to the editor decrying Lindbergh’s speech. Several newspapers had editorials condemning Lindbergh’s speech for its antisemitism.

“The assertion that the Jews are pressing this country into war is UNWISE, UNPATRIOTIC AND UN-AMERICAN” intoned an editorial on Sept. 15, 1941, in the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph. In Carthage, Mo., the Carthage Democrat’s editorial headline read “Farewell to Lindbergh,” and the author called Lindbergh a “sucker” for his admiration of the German Luftwaffe and a dupe who is being used by domestic groups, “elements whose interests are diametrically opposed to the United States.”

In the aftermath of the speech, St. Louis newspapers reported that there was an effort to return Lindbergh Boulevard to Denny Boulevard — albeit a fairly anemic effort. In an opinion piece in the St. Louis Star and Times, the writer noted that only 15 people showed up at a “rally” to advocate for the name change, noting one of the people at the meeting “walked out on the principal speaker, saying: ‘That’s a lot of boloney.’”

WWII seems to have obliterated the memory of Lindbergh’s rhetoric for most Americans. Yet when his name is mentioned today in Jewish circles, the first word that comes up is “antisemite.” But what does that really mean for someone living at that time?

Lindbergh in Lindbergh’s time

To be Jewish in America in the 1930s and ‘40s was to live with the understanding that you were never considered fully American. Whether a family could date its ties to the U.S. from the 17th century or if it was among the thousands who immigrated around the turn of the 20th century, Jews knew that they were accepted into American society conditionally.

To be Jewish in America at that time meant that elite universities had a cap on how many Jews they would admit; Jewish doctors couldn’t practice at many hospitals; country clubs wouldn’t accept Jews as members; and Jews were barred from certain restaurants and resorts.

In reaction to the systemic antisemitism, Jews created their own enclaves. They founded hospitals where Jewish doctors could work and law firms for Jewish lawyers. They created Jewish country clubs and resorts.

Many Jews had no choice but to live among fellow Jews. In St. Louis and around the country, housing deeds had restrictive covenants that prevented Black people and people of “Hebrew descent” from owning homes. As a

ABOVE, LEFT AND BELOW: Correspondence sent to Charles Lindbergh — part of the Missouri Historical Society’s collection.

result, where you lived determined the level of antisemitism you were exposed to.

Just take the disparate experiences of one married St. Louis couple, Lou and Evelyn Cohen of Clayton. Lou, 91, grew up in St. Louis County and recalls almost no brushes with antisemitism.

“I know there were quotas in schools and for getting jobs, which I never felt,” he said. “My first experience was in the army and it was only with one particular officer who had some pretty nasty things to say.”

Evelyn Cohen, 87, however, experienced life as a Jew very differently. She grew up across the river in O’Fallon, Ill., population 3,000 with one Jewish family.

Her father owned the dry goods store in town and was mostly well-respected. But every now and then, she said, people would call her family “dirty Jews” or spit at them on the sidewalk. And, in some cases, Evelyn said, they

were barred from participating at all.

“I couldn’t learn to swim,” Evelyn said. “They didn’t have a pool in O’Fallon, but they did in Lebanon. But there was a sign up at the pool in Lebanon: ‘No Jews or dogs allowed.’ ”

This is the zeitgeist in which Lindbergh lived. His diaries reflect what many Christian Americans likely felt about Jewish people. In one 1939 entry, Lindbergh reflects on a visit he had with one Dr. Flexner. “He is a wonderful old man, and one of those Jews who makes you wonder why his race has been persecuted throughout history — until you remember the other kind, the kind that crowd clothing stores, the refugee ships, and beaches and New York streets.”

Christian entry, old man, and one of those Jews who makes you wonder York streets.”

Or, as he wrote in his journal in August 1939: “Whenever the Jewish percentage of total population becomes too high, a reaction seems to invariably occur. It is too bad because a few Jews of the right type are, I believe, an asset to any country.”

The right kind of Jew is fine … in small numbers. This

Continued on following page

Lou and Evelyn Cohen

I couldn’t learn to swim...there was a sign up at the pool in Lebanon: ‘No Jews or dogs allowed.’ ”

EVELYN COHEN REFERRING TO GROWING UP IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS

“

We lived in a very Italian neighborhood where a lot of our neighbors were also immigrants. There was a high level of antisemitism. In school, I remember one nasty situation. A kid much smaller than I kept calling me a dirty Jew. He reached out and hit me and I smacked him back so hard. He fell down and his lip was bleeding.”

ELSIE SHEMIN ROTH REFERRING TO ANTISEMITISM SHE FACED WHILE GROWING UP IN AN AREA OF NEW YORK CITY WITH FEW JEWS

attitude was not unique to Lindbergh.

“Even if you associated with Jews during the day, there was a 5 o’clock shadow,” said Jonathan Sarna, professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University. “After work ended, you didn’t associate with them. This was true of Lindbergh, but it was true of many others as well, including [Harry] Truman.”

The “5 o’clock shadow” represents the genteel side of mid-century antisemitism. There was an ugly side as well.

“There were so many times my father came home bloody,” said Elsie Shemin Roth, 94, who now lives at the Brentmoor Retirement Community in Ladue. Shemin Roth, the daughter of a Russian immigrant, grew up in the Bronx in the 1930s. Even though New York City had (and still has) the largest Jewish population in the U.S, Roth said she didn’t live in a Jewish area.

“We lived in a very Italian neighborhood where a lot of our neighbors were also immigrants,” Roth said. “There was a high level of antisemitism. In school, I remember one nasty situation. A kid much smaller than I kept calling me a dirty Jew. He reached out and hit me and I smacked him back so hard. He fell down and his lip was bleeding.”

Roth recalled the park near her house that hosted American German Bund (group) rallies. “American citizens of German heritage would come in and there was terrible antisemitic rhetoric,” she remembered.

In St. Louis, a group called the Amerikadeutscher Volksbund, or the American German Nazis, had a meeting house at 2960 Oregon Ave., and a summer camp near the Meramec River off of Lemay Ferry Road. American and Nazi flags flew at the summer camp, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on Aug. 9,

1937. The group held at least one rally in Forest Park, parading with a Nazi flag to the Friedrich Ludwig Jahn monument on a Sunday morning.

The group claimed not to have ties to Germany’s National Socialist Party, according to the Post-Dispatch article. But the article also cites the organization’s German language newspaper, which stated the group’s philosophy clearly: “... the National Socialist dictatorship is the best possible government for present day Germany, that Hitler has regenerated Germany, that the Nazis and the people who believe in Nazi-ism are persecuted in foreign countries, that Communism and the Jews are evil…”

While there may have been distaste for flagrant Nazism, most Americans were fine with low-level antisemitism, said Eric Goldstein, associate professor of history at Emory University and author of “The Price of Whiteness: Jews, Race and American Identity.” However, people weren’t comfortable with the large number of Jewish immigrants who poured into the U.S. from the late 1800s through 1923, and Lindbergh’s views were reflective of most Americans. People were deeply concerned about the way Jewish immigrants would change the character of America, Goldstein said. In 1924, Congress passed new immigration laws aimed at southern and eastern European immigrants. Jews were particularly targeted.

“That was an antisemitic policy, but it also hastened Americanization of the Jewish community,” Goldstein said. At some point in the 1920s and 1930s, the majority of Jews in America were born here. And that created a new conundrum for America’s antisemitic streak.

“I characterize it as acculturation without integration,” Goldstein continued. “Meaning, the American born, second

generation were becoming American. They spoke English. Their dress and comportment were American. They were going to American public schools, consuming American fashion. From their exterior trappings, they were absorbing American culture.”

But this hardly led to greater acceptance.

The inter-war era in America was also a time of intense anxiety, Goldstein said. The emergence of communism and the success of the Russian revolution, labor unrest and the Great Depression combined to create a time of great uncertainty.

“People from all different classes and the leaders, they were all struggling with society and things that seem beyond their control,” Goldstein said. “And that is when antisemitism emerges. People are trying to blame someone for these problems in society.”

Sarna, from Brandeis, agrees. “Whenever a country or group experiences those kinds of rapid changes, there are going to be people — and Lindbergh was one of them — who worry that they

“If we want to fight antisemitism, let us walk tall and proud as Jews, and let us work with all humanity to banish hatred forever.”

Rabbi Dr Lord Jonathan Sacks This!

Jonathan Sarna, professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University.

are going to be displaced, that Jews are taking over.”

As the Jews — less than 2% of the country’s population — were blending into the larger society, other changes were occurring that deepened the country’s anxiety. Cars were becoming more commonplace, thanks in part to Henry Ford. Commercial aviation was beginning to seem like a possibility, thanks to national and international routes mapped by Lindbergh. And mass communication was moving into a new phase with the advent of the radio, a technology exploited quite successfully by a heretofore unknown Catholic priest, Father Charles Coughlin.

In 1919 Ford bought a newspaper, the Dearborn Independent, and used it to promulgate virulently antisemitic articles, frequently citing and promoting the “Protocols of the Elders of Zion.” The Independent’s circulation was second only to the New York Times in the 1920s.

Lindbergh was well acquainted with Ford and referred to him in his diaries as “one of the greatest men this country has produced.”

Coughlin began as a local broadcaster but by the mid-1930s his national radio show had an estimated 30 million listeners each week, according to a 1972 biography by Sheldon Marcus.

Following Kristallnacht, Coughlin gave a radio address in which he explained to his listeners that Jews were to blame for the attacks. “Jewish persecution only followed — only followed — after Christians were first persecuted,” he said.

While Lindbergh may not have been as blatant in his antisemitism as Coughlin or Ford, his views certainly aligned with theirs.

“Bad ideas are always in the atmosphere. The problem is that when people in high positions give voice to them, they do extraordinary damage,” said Ken Burns, a documentary filmmaker who created “The U.S. and the Holocaust.”

Burns said even if Lindbergh wasn’t the most virulent antisemite in America at that time, he had a megaphone that others did not.

“What happens when these ideas get in the hands of people who have broad followings? These ideas gain more traction when you substitute Kanye West for Charles Lindbergh,” Burns said.

Lindbergh’s radio addresses and speeches gave voice to the genteel antisemitism of the time. People generally didn’t take issue with his warning about an unnamed group having undue influence over the media.

“That was another great American speech you made Sunday afternoon. Hurrah for you!” wrote Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Hunter of Houston in 1940. “There are plenty of red-blooded Americans that believe in you and know that you are not a Nazi agent because you know enough about airplanes to get a medal from Hitler.

I feel proud that he thought enough of your ability to give you a medal.”

“What was important about Lindbergh — like Ford — he was a national hero,” Sarna said. “And when a national hero attacks Jews, that is very serious because

lots of people think he must know a lot. He is a hero. In that sense, it was more serious than Father Coughlin.”

A hero’s fall (temporarily)

In the fall of 1941, newspapers were filled with accounts of the blitzkrieg in London as well as Hitler’s invasions of more European countries — Denmark, Greece, the Netherlands and France, to name a few. And some news of how the Nazis were treating Europe’s Jews — as well as artists and intellectuals — was making its way across the Atlantic.

President Franklin Roosevelt, who was in public disagreement with Lindbergh about what role the U.S. should take in the

Excerpts of Lindbergh’s ‘America First’ speech in 1941

The three most important groups who have been pressing this country toward war are the British, the Jewish and the Roosevelt administration...

The second major group I mentioned is the Jewish.

It is not di cult to understand why Jewish people desire the overthrow of Nazi Germany. The persecution they suffered in Germany would be su cient to make bitter enemies of any race.

No person with a sense of the dignity of mankind can condone the persecution of the Jewish race in Germany. But no person of honesty and vision can look on their pro-war policy here today without seeing the dangers involved in such a policy both for us and for them. Instead of agitating for war, the Jewish groups in this country should be opposing it in every possible way for they will be among the first to feel its consequences.

Tolerance is a virtue that depends upon peace and strength. History shows that it cannot survive war and devastations. A few far-sighted Jewish people realize this and stand opposed to intervention. But the majority still do not.

Their greatest danger to this country lies in their large ownership and influence in our motion pictures, our press, our radio and our government.

I am not attacking either the Jewish or the British people. Both races, I admire. But I am saying that the leaders of both the British and the Jewish races, for reasons which are as understandable from their viewpoint as they are inadvisable from ours, for reasons which are not American, wish to involve us in the war.

We cannot blame them for looking out for what they believe to be their own interests, but we also must look out for ours. We cannot allow the natural passions and prejudices of other peoples to lead our country to destruction...

In selecting these three groups as the major agitators for war, I have included only those whose support is essential to the war party. If any one of these groups--the British, the Jewish, or the administration--stops agitating for war, I believe there will be little danger of our involvement.

I do not believe that any two of them are powerful enough to carry this country to war without the support of the third. And to these three, as I have said, all other war groups are of secondary importance.

TOP: Charles Lindbergh seated in a Messerschmitt Taifun cockpit with a German o cial to the left and the pilot beside him.

BELOW RIGHT: Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow Lindbergh in a riverboat on the Yodo river at Arashujama, Japan in 1931. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY

European war, had launched a strategic campaign to prepare Americans for what he thought was the U.S.’s inevitable participation in the war, said Daniel Greene, curator of the “Americans and the Holocaust” exhibition at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.

It was against that backdrop that Lindbergh gave his speech at the America First rally in Des Moines, Iowa.

“I also think something critical was coming to a boil,” Greene said of that evening. “The mood in the hall that night was already angry. Roosevelt gave one his fireside chats that same night. It was piped into the hall before Lindbergh spoke. Most of the negative reaction in the hall was when he talked about Roosevelt. People would jeer.”

But most people who heard the speech weren’t in the hall that night; they heard it over the radio. And somehow, to a broad swath of the public, Lindbergh crossed a line when he openly named Jews as one of three groups advocating for American involvement in the war.

It’s not that antisemitism went away as Americans became more aware of what was happening in Nazi-occupied countries. Rather, it’s that the tolerance level for what was acceptable changed.

“When you confront history, you also have to look for a sign of hope,” Greene said. “One sign is that mainstream America responded so critically. Even if they might believe some of the things (Lindbergh) believes — that Jews have undue influence in America — you didn’t side with the Nazis if you are in the mainstream. The response to that speech is that Lindbergh is a Nazi.”

A few months after Lindbergh’s Des Moines speech, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and America’s reluctance to join the war basically evaporated, and along with it, the memory of the role Lindbergh played in protesting American involvement in the war.

In the years since, neither the country’s reverence for Lindbergh nor the existence of antisemitism have gone away. Rather they morphed into a different flavor.

What’s old is new again

Lindbergh fought in the war, although in an unofficial capacity. During the years leading up to America’s entrance into World War II, Lindbergh’s spats with President Roosevelt and his ardent opposi-

tion to entering the war had prompted him to very publicly surrender his position as colonel in the Army Air Corps.

Once the war started, Lindbergh tried to convince his friends in the military to reinstate him. But the years Lindbergh spent as part of the America First movement undermined the administration’s faith in him. Even though he was not allowed back in, he managed to find ways to help the war effort.

According to A. Scott Berg’s seminal biography, Lindbergh worked for Henry Ford, advising his company on construction of its B-24 bomber. He also served as a guinea pig for scientists to advance their understanding of high-altitude flying. He eventually made his way to the South Pacific where he advised various air force commands and eventually, surreptitiously, joined numerous combat missions. Such activities were against regulation, but Lindbergh’s skills and charm caused even Gen. Douglas MacArthur to look the other way.

Once the war was over and the public learned of his contributions, Lindbergh was,

once again, receiving accolades and honors.

In St. Louis, a south county school district named its high school after Lindbergh in 1952.

According to the district history, last updated in 2014: “On September 14, 1952, the new Lindbergh High School was dedicated with the reading of a letter from Col. Charles A. Lindbergh and the presentation of his autographed portrait, which is currently displayed in the administration building.”

The high school students became the Flyers. Its yearbook, the “Spirit.” Its marching band, “The Spirit of St. Louis.” In 1957, the entire school district took on Lindbergh’s name.

In 2007, 50 years after its naming, the Lindbergh School District unveiled a 16-inch-tall bronze sculpture of its namesake by renowned St. Louis-based sculptor Don Wiegand. The sculpture and portrait sat outside the school’s auditorium until last year when it was removed for construction of a new auditorium. They haven’t been put back on display.

And yet, when repeatedly asked for an interview about how the district thinks of Lindbergh the man, or how it uses his legacy as an educational tool, the district wasn’t interested in talking.

“I’ve shared your email with our administrative team and the struggle we are having is that Lindbergh schools does not associate its identity with Charles Lindbergh at all and has not for many years,” the district’s communications officer responded in an email. “Anyone who would have been familiar with the district’s original decision to choose this name has long since retired. If people ask us how our district was named today, we tell them that it is a nod to the district’s location on and surrounding Lindbergh Boulevard.”

The school district wasn’t the only place that skirted talking about the problematic legacy of its namesake, although it’s the only one that wouldn’t engage at all. John Bales, the director of aviation at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport, insisted that the airport’s name is a reference to the city’s spirit of aviation.

In Godfrey, Ill., Pam Whisler, the town’s first clerk, organized the effort to relocate the hut that served Lindbergh’s relay station when he was working for the U.S. Postal Service from an out-of-the-way farm to the front lawn of the city hall. Whisler said there were some people in Godfrey who didn’t care for Lindbergh, but they recognized that the city was capitalizing on “good history” by preserving the tiny cabin, she said. They supported the move by buying inscribed bricks to fund the project.

‘Antisemitism is like a virus that mutates’

Being uncomfortable talking about antisemitism — or refusing to talk openly about the sentiments of a man whose legacy is imprinted all over the region — isn’t a sign that people harbor antisemitic beliefs. But it is a sign that society as a whole still hasn’t reconciled its relationship with the Jews in its midst. Since Oct. 7, 2023 — when Hamas attacked Israel, murdering more than 1,200 Israelis and taking more than 250 people hostage — it’s become even more clear that antisemitism didn’t disappear at the close of WWII — a fact that is not surprising to anyone who is

The Lindbergh Relay Station in Godfrey, Ill. PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

Lindbergh High School, located on Lindbergh Boulevard in south St. Louis county.

PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

well-versed in Jewish history.

“Antisemitism never goes away. It’s more like a virus that mutates. It hangs around for a long time and then it crops up,” said Rabbi Diana Fersko, author of “We Need to Talk About Antisemitism.”

“It’s an idea. And ideas have a way of lingering and returning,” Fersko added.

In many ways, antisemitism in the 21st century is still full of the tropes and assumptions that people in Lindbergh’s time held. But the war with Hamas demonstrates how it has morphed from a set of beliefs that mostly right-wing, white supremist groups espouse into an ethos that politically progressive people now embrace. It is easier to villainize Israel — and by default, Jews — than it is to learn about the complicated history of the Jewish people and of the conflict with Palestinians, Fersko said.

There was already an uptick in antisemitic incidents prior to Oct. 7. According to the Anti-Defamation League, 3,697 antisemitic incidents took place in 2022, the highest number since 1979 when the ADL started tracking it. They include things like vandalism at synagogues, harassment and personal assaults.

But there are other ways that antisemitism manifests itself, including attitudes. The ADL surveyed more than 4,000 Americans to gauge those beliefs in 2022 and found that 70% of Americans said Jews stick together more than others; 39% thought Jews were more loyal to Israel than to the U.S; and 20% thought Jews have too much power in the U.S.

“It’s fair to say that people are more aware of antisemitism in society than they have been in years. In some ways, this is due to increased reporting in the media and social media,” said Aryeh Tuchman, director of the center of extremism at the ADL. “But there’s also an increase in the number of incidents and the pervasiveness of attitudes. It’s facilitated by ways of communication, the spread of antisemitism in social media. We’re just one click away on Facebook into the fever swamp of 4chan.”

Even in the face of rising incidents of antisemitism, people are less likely to report it if nobody is bleeding, said Dara Horn, author of “People Love Dead Jews,” an exploration of the modern face of antisemitism. Horn said that since the publication of her book in 2021, people have been confiding in her about their own experiences. One person wearing a yarmulke in public told her about being slammed from behind with a grocery cart at the supermarket. Another person reported being pelted by pennies, she said. Still another recounted a boss taunting her for being frugal.

These aren’t the kinds of incidents that someone reports to police in part because no one was physically hurt and in part because Jews still feel powerless. Horn said there’s an embarrassment to reporting something seemingly minor when you feel that way.

“But there’s a bigger thing going on here,” Horn said. “American Jews have a profound belief in America as an exception to Jewish history. In some ways, they’re not wrong. There’s no state-sponsored violence and oppression. American Jews are not wrong to be grateful to this country compared to the rest of Jewish history.

“But this dynamic creates a very deep belief that America is an exception to Jewish history. When you have a deep belief like that and something happens to contradict that belief, you settle that cognitive dissonance by finding excuses to explain it away, saying, ‘This is an exception’ in order to maintain a belief that is important to you.”

That belief could explain why, when

Continued on following page

Where to see Lindbergh around the St. Louis region

• Lindbergh Boulevard

• Lindbergh School District

• Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield

• Spirit of St. Louis replica in St. Louis Lambert International Airport

• Spirit of St. Louis replica flown by Jimmy Stewart flew in the eponymous 1957 Hollywood movie is hanging at the Missouri History Museum.

• Lindbergh’s mail relay station, a small shack he used as a stopover between St. Louis and Chicago as part of his airmail route has been moved to stand now outside of Godfrey, Illinois’ town hall.

• The Racquet Club of St. Louis, a tony, historic private club on North Kingshighway houses the table upon which a cadre of wealthy St. Louis aviation enthusiast signed the contract to fund Lindbergh’s 1927 transtlantic flight.

• “Lindy Squared” adorned the side of a building at Chestnut and 10th from 1977 until the building’s destruction in 1981. The work’s creators, Robert Fishbone and his late wife Sarah Linquist, recreated the mural in the St. Louis Center, but that was also destroyed in 2011 when the mall underwent renovations.

• Opera Theatre of St. Louis premiered “Loss of Eden,” a tale about the infamous kidnapping of Lindbergh’s first born, Charles Jr.

• And in 2019, the Missouri History Museum put on an exhibit called “Flores Mexicanas,” inspired by and featuring a painting the president of Mexico gave to Lindbergh and his wife, Anne Morrow, as a wedding gift

ABOVE: The Spirit of St. Louis replica in the Missouri History Museum. BELOW: Signs for Lindbergh Boulevard and Lindbergh Park in Maplewood. PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

Jewish people experience antisemitism in any form, they are reluctant to call attention to the problem. The ADL surveyed Jewish college students in the wake of the Oct. 7 attacks and found that 55% did nothing after experiencing an antisemitic incident, mostly out of fear of backlash.

Antisemitism vs. racism

As the Black Lives Matter movement has grown, so, too, have workplace and campus workshops in equity, belonging, inclusion and diversity. More than half of college students surveyed by the ADL say they have taken such training where they learn, among other things, about white privilege, the fact that simply having white skin imbues a person with advantages that people of color do not have.

But what the training doesn’t explore is the status of Jews and white privilege because that same privilege has helped perpetuate antisemitism, said Goldstein, the Emory University professor and the author of “The Price of Whiteness: Jews, Race, and American Identity.”

“American Jews have benefited from white privilege. But at the same time, that’s not the whole story. It’s more complicated. Antisemitism relies on Jews having a degree of white privilege. It opens them up to projecting societal problems onto them,” Goldstein said.

In other words, Jews are dangerous because they can infiltrate the white race without people noticing; Jews surreptitiously lurk in plain sight. White nationalists cannot fall back on the idea that whites are inherently superior when they are beginning to see greater equality between racial groups, Goldstein said. To them, that doesn’t make sense. So, they rationalize it by blaming the Jews.

“It only could have happened if Jews were helping African Americans. Jews are moving within the corridors of white society and disrupting white society and are disloyal to it,” Goldstein said.

Structural antisemitism is gone. There are no restrictions on how many Jews can attend universities; Jews are partners in white-shoe law firms; they can join whatever country club they want. But, Goldstein said, the number of Jews who are U.S. representatives and senators is out of proportion to the number of Jews in larger society. Jews are also disproportionately represented in some professions, including education and entertainment. What’s more, Jews attain higher levels of education than the general population, according to Pew Research

This level of success is precisely the reason antisemitism is perpetuated, said Horn.

“The way antisemitism works is so different from the narrative in America about how racism works,” Horn said. “It’s not the same because racism is social prejudice

“Antisemitism never goes away. It’s more like a virus that mutates. It hangs around for a long time and then it crops up”

RABBI DIANA FERSKO AUTHOR OF “WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT ANTISEMITISM”

because you believe a group of people is inferior. But antisemitism is a conspiracy theory and it believes Jews are superior to you. Jews are evil geniuses manipulating things behind the scene. It’s that Jews are going to take my job. It’s Jews are bringing in immigrants and promoting Hispanics and getting those people to take my job. It’s a puppet master thing.”

Until Oct. 7, there was an assumption that when we talk about people who hold antisemitic beliefs, we are talking about the right wing, white nationalists. But since Oct. 7, it’s become clear that there is plenty of antisemitism to be found on the left and from progressives who seek justice for the oppressed.

The latest variant

It took less than a day, in some circles, for people to blame Israel for the attack. By the time the Israeli Defense Forces invaded the Gaza Strip and the world saw the brutality of Israel’s retribution, support and sympathy for Israel waned, even in circles where many American Jews thought they belonged.

For progressives, the framing of the Israel-Palestinian conflict has been one of settler/colonizer, said Rabbi Daniel Bogard of Central Reform Congregation. On the one hand, that lens reflects the reality of the power that Jews have in Israel. But to

use this “one lens to understand the entirety of Israel is distorted and distorting,” Bogard said.

There is also a whiff of hypocrisy in the settler/colonizer construct, said Michael Berenbaum, distinguished professor of Jewish studies at the American Jewish University.

Berenbaum refers to Natan Sharanksy’s “3D Test” to help people understand when criticism of Israel leaks into antisemitism. Delegitimizing the state of Israel’s right to exist; demonizing Israel’s actions as uniquely criminal or evil; and the double-standard of holding Israel responsible for actions but not applying that same standard to other countries.

While it is justifiable to object to Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, it is also necessary to acknowledge that the situation in Israel “sounds like the United States and Canada and Australia and 27 other countries.” It doesn’t make it right. But it is also a double standard to pretend like Israel is unique, he said.

The same framework explains why many people say calls for a cease-fire are antisemitic.

“If you call for a cease-fire now, where the outcome of the war is still in dispute, then you leave Hamas in place,” Berenbaum said. “Then you are saying that they have the right to attack Israel, but Israel doesn’t have the right to respond.”

Berenbaum added, “Anybody who sees the casualties of this war would like peace to be prevalent. But one of the problems is that Israel is in a lousy neighborhood to be unable to respond.”

What do we do about Lindbergh?

The Black Lives Matter movement prompted a long-overdue questioning of why we, as a society, commemorate some people but not others.

As Confederate monuments and statues came down, scrutiny over who we venerate turned to people whose legacies aren’t as clearly problematic as Confederate soldiers.

There is Thomas Jefferson, the man who authored a doctrine asserting that “all men are created equal” also enslaved hundreds of human beings. Christopher Columbus, the explorer whose “discovery” of America brought Europeans to this continent who went on to conduct a brutal genocide against Native Americans. King Louis IX, the city of St. Louis’ namesake, spent fortunes to create art and churches, but he also fought in the Crusades in northern Africa, convinced that violence would wipe out Islam.

said David Greene, the curator of the exhibition at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. It’s not comfortable to point out that individuals who are American heroes to so many people also both hated Jews and questioned whether Jews were real Americans.

“Multiple things can be true that make us uncomfortable,” said Greene. “It can be true that the U.S. is a land of opportunity to Jews and also a nation that closed its doors to Jews when they needed help. So, it can be true that Lindbergh is an aviation hero and the advances he helped create are a point of great pride. And also it’s true that he is someone who had a restrictive view of who should be an American and particularly hated the Jews.”

What’s the solution? Greene said the upcoming 2027 centennial of Lindbergh’s famous flight is “a chance to think about the past in a way that maybe could help us better understand the present.”

It’s unclear if that is going to happen. When asked what the Missouri Historical Society is planning for the 100th anniversary of Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight, Sharon Smith, curator of civic and personal identity, said the organization is tossing around ideas, but the plan is to keep things low-key.

“We might have a book featuring items from the Lindbergh Collection published for 2027,” Smith wrote in an email. “We will also be doing some small installation within our larger permanent gallery called ‘Collected’ that will feature items from the Lindbergh Collection.”

Even the Lindbergh Foundation doesn’t seem to have much planned to celebrate Lindbergh the man. Rather, its website is lauding its push to decarbonize aviation as part of 100th anniversary commemoration.

The St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum doesn’t have any plans to use the centennial as a launching pad for public discussion. But Turner said that given the increased reports of antisemitism and the conflation of anti-Zionism with antisemitism, there is an opportunity to change one aspect of the narrative.

“We keep talking about antisemitism being on the rise, or spreading, which makes it sound inevitable,” Turner said. “But antisemitism is not inevitable. We are seeing a man who made an uptick in antisemitic language and violence. These are choices made by human beings. Our language around antisemitism is not doing us a great service. Rather, if we re-couch it in terms of human choices that are changeable, therein lies our power.”

Guided by Jewish values, JCRC works to create a vibrant and secure Jewish community in a thriving and just St. Louis region.

Working in partnership since 1938

But for all the interrogation of historical figures for their racism, there is silence when it comes to historical figures who were antisemitic. The silence may come from Jews’ own discomfort with bringing attention to the issue. Or it might be a recognition that taking down a statue, or changing a street name, doesn’t solve the underlying problem, said Helen Turner, director of education at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum.

“If you cancel or simply erase someone, we are actually denying that history and letting ourselves off the hook,” Turner said. “A better approach would be to fold it into our history.”

However, this is easier said than done, Turner said, because of the emotional and intellectual work this requires.

“We wrap a national narrative around people we hold up as heroes. If we reevaluate them, we have to reevaluate ourselves. It’s the idea behind it and our value system that we have to examine. It’s a challenge to our national identity,” she said.

Perhaps the void of discussion about Lindbergh might speak to the uneasy place Jews still have in the United States,

Along with the River City Journalism Fund, Mont Levy and the St. Louis Jewish Light’s Bob Cohn Fund contributed to make this project possible. This story is being published simultaneously by the Riverfront Times in the hopes of informing a bigger and broader audience.

Evan Stewart provided research assistance.

OPINIONS

D’VAR TORAH: TETZAVEH

ABOUT THE OPINIONS SECTION

The holiness in our DNA

BY RABBI JOSEF DAVIDSON

Name tags: one either loves them or hates them; there is no in-between. Everyone, however, is in agreement that they serve a worthy purpose. Wearing a name tag alleviates the awkwardness that comes with recognizing the face but not the name. Name tags also remove the wearer’s anonymity. It turns a room full of strangers into “a place where everyone knows [one’s] name.”

In this week’s Torah portion, Tetzaveh, we read the following.

You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it the seal inscription: “Holy to HaShem.” Suspend it on a cord of blue, so that it may remain on the headdress; it shall remain on the front of the headdress.

.

. It shall be on Aaron’s forehead at all times, to win acceptance for the before HaShem. (Exodus 28:36-38) The High Priest, already distinguished from everyone else by his clothing, was further set apart by this “name tag,” as it were, which did not identify him by name but rather by The Name.

Did Aaron have to wear this “name tag”

in order that the people of Israel might recognize him? Was he not already well known to the people, if not by name, then at least by virtue of his office and his distinctive clothing, as described in this week’s Parashah? And the name on the tag was not even his! So, what purpose might this golden plate have served?

One possible response might be that the plate served to identify him to the people whom he encountered as one consecrated to Divine service. Placed as it was on his forehead, eye level, left no doubt in the minds of the people that the High Priest a holy person.

Another possible reason for this might have been to make the High Priest aware of his office and of the holy service to which he was to dedicate his life. He would literally have God on his mind. However, with the plate on his forehead, everyone could read the words except for the High Priest!

There may be a third response to the question of the name tag’s purpose. Perhaps it was that when people saw “Holy to HaShem” on Aaron’s head, it reminded them of the holiness with which they, too, had been created. In the very

first chapter of the Torah we learn that of all creatures human beings are created in the Divine Image. This extra element of holiness is part of our DNA and in our ability to determine right from wrong, in our search for meaning in our lives, and in our quest for holiness.

Too often, however, we encounter others in the course of our days, in our communities, in our cities, in our country, who are anonymous. We share the sidewalks, the streets, the resources, and the opportunities with them but forget that they, too, are created in the Divine Image, that they, too, are “holy to HaShem.”

February has been designated as Jewish Disability, Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month. During this month, we focus on the divinity and the holiness that resides within each person by virtue of being a human being. In the face of every person we are to see the tag, “Holy to HaShem.” That holiness is not dependent upon what a person is capable of doing, acting, communicating, hearing, seeing, or learning. It is not dependent upon a person’s sexual identity, sexual preference, or body. It is not dependent upon a person’s

Rabbi Josef Davidson serves Congregation B’nai Amoona and is a member of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, which coordinates the weekly d’var Torah for the Jewish Light.

skin color, ethnicity, status, religion or lack thereof. Despite the manner in which some may seek to classify people as “other,” each one is “holy to HaShem.” Every human being is worthy of respect and inclusion among their fellow human beings.

The High Priest was aware of his holiness and the responsibilities attendant to it when he wore the gold plate that proclaimed, “Holy to HaShem.” The people were aware of his special role in the community when they saw it on his forehead. They also saw those words reflected back on them. This sense of divinity and holiness in each and every Israelite invested them with the responsibility of being “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

(Exodus 19:6)

Shabbat Shalom!

Birthright Israel Educators Forum cohort comprised of 20 North American Jewish Educators, mostly campus professionals including WashU Hillel’s Silk Foundation Rabbi and Chief Experience Officer Rabbi Jordan Gerson and WashU Chabad’s Chana Novak, and 5 top Birthright trained tour guides.

Why Jewish education is more important than ever after Oct. 7

RABBI JORDAN GERSON

In the days immediately following Oct. 7, Jewish professionals around the world knew that the landscape of Israel education would change forever. As the full spectrum of the atrocities carried out by Hamas terrorists came to light and the Israeli response and rescue efforts began to take shape, this fact only became clearer. The world, as we knew it, had changed and therefore the way we educated about Israel would also have to evolve as well.

All the more so on college campuses around the United States. But before educators could begin to explore how we would make these changes or what those changes might look like, campus Jewish professionals had to respond to the immediate needs of our students.

Many of us worked with students who were mourning friends and family members lost; with those who worried for their friends and family members who had been kidnapped or who would be called into military service; with those who felt

isolated from those they believed were friends and allies on campus; and with those who could only guess what repercussions they might face from peers and professors for making their allegiance and support of Israel known.

The triage Jewish campus professionals undertook in the immediate aftermath of Oct. 7 has been inundating. Some of us are only now coming up for air. We are only just now able to look at the continuously

See RABBI GERSON on following page

The Repro Shabbat program (described in a Feb. 7 commentary) put forward the misleading message that Judaism allows abortion according to the discretion of the family. It would be tragic if a Jewish family chose abortion in circumstances forbidden by the Torah because they read this article in the Jewish Light and thought that the choice to abort was solely discretionary. Anyone facing such a situation should turn for guidance to an Orthodox rabbi.

Barbara Olevitch St. Louis

Let’s talk about antisemitism on college campuses

BY MARTY ROCHESTER

In the wake of continued pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses that effectively rationalize the Hamas atrocities of Oct. 7 against Israel, it is worth further examining the stunning testimony of the three college presidents of University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, and MIT before a House committee on Dec. 5 that exposed the antisemitism at those universities and academia at large.

Amazingly, the three women could not bring themselves to answer yes to Rep. Elise Stefanic’s question as to whether calling for genocide against Jews would be a violation of their school’s code of conduct. Instead, they said it would depend on “context.” Such equivocation shocked most observers, but anyone familiar with contemporary academic culture should not be surprised with their response.

Remember that the vast majority of faculty and administrators at universities, particularly elite institutions such as the Ivy League schools, are not only liberal Democrats (based on data on campaign donations and party affiliations) but also support a far-left narrative grounded in “post-colonialism,” “critical race theory,” “intersectionality,” and other such concepts that view the United States, Israel, whites, Jews and other “privileged” groups as “oppressors.” Thus, even if Hamas’s Oct. 7 actions were over-the-top- terrorism that provoked the current round of violence,

RABBI GERSON

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

evolving landscape and can begin to make a plan for how to move forward in an intentional way.

What is clear to each of us, however, is that the work of Jewish education and engagement in general and specifically in relation to Israel, has never been more important. It seems as if there are two fronts to this war, one in Gaza being fought with machine guns and munitions — and another on college campuses across the U.S., being fought with slogans and signs.

most of the professoriate and much of the student body tend to see a moral equivalency between the latter and Israeli killing of civilians in Gaza. Indeed, many accord the Palestinians the higher moral ground, never mind that Israel has the right of self-defense in resorting to armed force against aggression and has generally adhered to international humanitarian law as much as possible in trying to distinguish between combatants and noncombatants.

In being so preoccupied with defending free speech and academic freedom — being super-sensitive not to offend their left-leaning campus constituents engaged in pro-Palestinian protests — the main sin committed by the three presidents was not only lack of moral clarity but gross hypocrisy.

I am supportive of the First Amendment. I believe we should err on the side of maximizing free speech—the correct formula should be “censure, not censor,” that is, the primary guard against outrageous speech is to meet it with counter-speech criticizing it, not necessarily to ban it. However, if speech crosses a bright line, such as inciting to violence, it can and should be banned. Moreover, in exercising speech policing, universities should be consistent in the rules they apply.

It was almost comical how the three presidents refused to condemn genocide against Jews when their universities and other such institutions have been so quick to engage in cancel culture and ban

J. Martin Rochester, Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor of Political Science Emeritus at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, is the author of 10 books on international and American politics.

speech from conservative speakers delivering much less inflammatory language.

For example:

• In 2023 the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education ranked Harvard last on its “free speech” rankings among 248 universities.

• Dorian Abbot, professor of geophysics at the University of Chicago, had his lecture at MIT canceled in 2021 due to his having written an op-ed criticizing “woke ideology” and supporting “merit-based” hiring.

• Professor Amy Wax of the University of Pennsylvania law school has had disciplinary procedures instituted against her because she raised concerns about the academic performance of minorities.

• The chancellor of the University of California-Berkeley, on her webpage, urged faculty to avoid using such “microaggression” phrases as “I believe the most qualified person should get the job.”

On campus, we are not fighting for the security of the Jewish nation, rather we are fighting for the security of the Jewish future in America. Campus professionals have to provide simple and concrete evidence supporting our historical claim to Israel as our ancestral homeland and how to equip our students to have nuanced and informed conversations about the IsraelPalestine conflict.

In late December I was invited by Birthright Israel to be a part of their inaugural Educators Forum. This think tank was composed of 20 seasoned Birthright trip staff, mostly from college campuses across North America, and five Israeli tour educators.

We toured the site of the Nova music festival and I returned to Kibbutz Kfar Aza, one of the hardest-hit communities, which I had toured only months earlier. The devastation was horrifying and yet it was critical that we bear witness to the atrocities that were committed against these civilians.

We also visited the Civilian Command Center in Jerusalem, which helped to coordinate supplies for civilians displaced by rocket attacks in both the South and the North of Israel and Israel Defense Forces reservists.

• Faculty at many universities have been threatened with firing for refusing to use certain pronouns in class.

Suffice it to say, Harvard, Penn, MIT and other universities are very selective in limiting speech. Apparently committing genocide against Jews does not clearly qualify as speech that crosses the line, while far less outrageous speech does.

As noted above, the explanation is that antisemitism does not quite fit the dominant ideological narrative that tends to prompt university leadership to speak out more loudly in support of Black Lives Matter and LBGTQ folks, victims of Islamophobia, and other persons of color. The sad reality is that even the most savage, barbaric murders, rapes, beheadings, and other atrocities committed against Jews, including children and Holocaust survivors, does not yet quite rise to the level of obscenity worthy of unequivocal condemnation by leaders even at our most elite universities, some of whom are Jewish.

I might note that Yale’s current president, Peter Salovey, is Jewish. He has announced his forthcoming retirement. Yale is the only Ivy League university never to have had a female president. I am guessing, given current identity politics, his successor will be a woman, maybe Black, surely “progressive.” Never mind the gender or color or religion, unless as a society we commit to changing “the narrative,” universities will remain obtuse when it comes to antisemitism.

We saw a diverse society, banded together and standing in defiance of an enemy bent on its destruction. We witnessed Jewish and Arab Israelis unified against Hamas, working to support and care for the displaced, and saw Jewish and Arab Israelis from the north and south of Israel receiving comfort and supplies from their fellow Israelis in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

We also spent a great deal of time discussing potential changes we believed should be implemented to how we educate about Israel post-Oct. 7 and how we should educate about Oct. 7 during upcoming Birthright trip seasons. For campus professionals, the importance of this moment is crystal clear. There is so much at stake.

Students are feeling an immense sense of social pressure and are weaving through misrepresentations of facts from professors and peers alike. Some feel mistrust towards established Jewish institutions and leaders

because the picture that was painted for them during their time at Jewish summer camp and Hebrew school was oversimplified. Campus professionals hear complaints of students’ past Jewish educators portraying Israel as a utopian civilization and ignoring some of the complex social and political issues at play. While this is an appropriate approach for our youngest learners, we have to trust our older students with the ability to engage with Israel in a more nuanced way before they leave for college. We have to give them the tools to discern legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and antisemitism and the confidence, evidence and the sense of urgency to speak out against such bigotry.

In this moment, I urge you to support Jewish educators and organizations on college campuses. Our work has never been more important, and your help has never been more needed.

Rabbi Jordan Gerson is the Silk Foundation Campus Rabbi and Chief Experience Officer at Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis.

FAR LEFT: Remnants of a home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza destroyed by RPG and machine gun fire.

LEFT: An exhibit from Kikar Chatufim, Hostage Square, in Tel Aviv.

PHOTOS COURTESY RABBI JORDAN GERSON

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

BEVERLY BARRON, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on February 9, 2024.

A native of St. Louis, Beverly was born on August 2, 1936 to Irvin and Corinne Koplar. She attended Clayton High School and met the love of her life, Philip Barron in the early college years. After graduating from Boston University they moved to St. Louis to get married and start a family.

Rubin Drive St. Louis MO 63141 on Monday, February 12 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Planned Parenthood. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

DAVID I. BERLAND, M.D., 76, died peacefully in his home on February 18, 2024.

David was born in St. Louis on August 1, 1947 to the late Dr. Harry and Mildred Berland. He graduated from Ladue High School, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Missouri School of Medicine.

Beverly poured her boundless love, creativity, culinary skills and enjoyment of all things beautiful into her family and home. She was a lover of literature, theater, music, art and a lifetime learner at Washington University. She was a passionate collector of art and American craft. When her kids were grown, Beverly started a jewelry business showcasing her hand beaded designs alongside other craftspeople.

She and Phil traveled extensively, visiting friends and family coast to coast and exploring food and culture around the world. Bev’s generous heart extended into her philanthropic activity, as an ardent supporter of the rights of women and children. Beverly follows her husband Phil in death (February 24, 2023). She is survived by her four children Steve (Susan), Deana (Bruce) Darby, Ted (Kit Keith), Betsy Barron (Jason Bucky), her grandchildren, Zach (Steph), Max (Hillary), Sophia (Forrest), Elio, Isabel, Lincoln and Desmond, great grandchildren Charlie and Annie, sister Jan (Bob) Axel and brother David (Karine) Koplar.

Services were held at Temple Israel, 1 Alvan D

MARK BERGER , born in St. Louis, MO on February 25, 1941, passed away peacefully, bedside at his home in Las Vegas, NV on Sunday, February 11.

Mark leaves behind his three children, Brent Berger (Meredith), Marcy Fagin (Steve) and Wendy Jacobs (Wayne); his grandchildren Samantha Berger, Max Berger, Carly Berger, Ben Fagin, Jake Fagin, Lizzie Fagin, Michael Jacobs (Sahar) and Jason Jacobs; and his greatgrandson, Morgan Jacobs.

Mark has 3 siblings

Robert Braun, Janice Pinkus and Ellen Nadler; is the brother-in-law of Floyd and Sheila Jesgar; and is a beloved uncle.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalind Jesgar Berger, his parents Rose and Max Berger, his birth mother Esther Becker Braun, his sister Karen Hare, and his brother-inlaw Bill Hare.

A funeral service was held Friday, February 16 at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd. followed by interment at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery. Donations in Mark’s name can be made to the American Cancer Society. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

Dr. Berland devoted his career as a child psychiatrist to increasing access to high quality mental health care. He completed his residency training in Adult Psychiatry and a speciality in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the renowned Menninger Foundation in Topeka, KS. He then returned to St. Louis to establish the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry training program at the St. Louis University School of Medicine. He later opened a private practice in Clayton. Dr. Berland held leadership positions in the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry locally and nationally.

survived by his wife of 47 years, Elaine; his daughters Kate (Joe Shear) and Rachel (Todd Kiefer); his grandchildren, Eleanor (7), Josephine (5), Isaac (4), and Theodore (1); his sister Marilyn Collier (Richard) and sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and decades-long and new friends across the country and around the world who made up his tree of life.

Services will be held at Temple Emanuel, 12166 Conway Rd, St. Louis, MO 63141 on Wednesday, February 21st at 10:30 AM with visitation starting at 10 AM. Interment will follow at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery. 8430 Gravois, St. Louis, MO 63123.

The family asks that donations and advocacy be made on behalf of organizations of your choice, particularly those providing services to promote the well-being of children and their families and the disenfranchised, especially in his beloved St. Louis, such as the ACLU of Missouri.  Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

David’s friends and family will always remember the way he combined his irreverent sense of humor with kindness and empathy –and most of all his hard work to leave the world a better place. David was a political activist for peace and equality, beginning with his opposition to the Vietnam War. After retirement, he increased his role in St. Louis politics, extensively phone banking for multiple candidates, lobbying in Jefferson City for education and the needs of born children, and learning previously unexamined parts of the city’s turbulent racial history while inviting others to do the same.

David was a member of Temple Emanuel, a mentor and a mensch. He was an unwaveringly passionate, lifelong fan of the Cardinals and the Muny Opera, and he single-handedly raised the quality of wine drinking and jazz appreciation among his cohorts. Daily neighborhood walks, weekly breakfast club, monthly Bordeaux meetings and annual traditions like Christmas eggnog, Eckert’s peaches and lobster in Rhode Island always brought a smile to his face. The heart of his life was his family. He is

HENRY “HANK” DAVENPORT

With a heavy heart, we share the peaceful passing of an incredible man, Chief Henry “Hank” Davenport, June 22, 1943 – February 6, 2024. Hank leaves behind a tremendous legacy and a loving family, especially his beloved wife of 37 years, Jan.

Hank was born and raised in Eldon, Missouri. As a young man, Hank became a professional baker, training at the Forum Cafeteria in Kansas City and eventually transferring to St. Louis. His baking skills paid off when he enlisted in the army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany, where he became the head baker for the Colonels and Generals.

Upon his return to the States, he attended and graduated from the Police Academy. Chief Robert Cole hired him as an officer for the City of Olivette, where he served for 38 years. During Hank’s years with the department, he moved through the ranks until he was promoted to Chief of Police. He held that position for 13 years, retiring in 2006. During a portion of his time as Chief, he also held the positions of Fire Chief and City Manager. He graduated with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Webster University and was a member of the 166th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Chief Hank served his time in Olivette with kindness, respect, dignity, and selflessness. He was wellloved and respected by citizens, especially the young people and their families whom he helped in many ways. To say Chief Hank left behind a huge legacy of love and respect is an understatement.

Upon Hank’s retirement, he enjoyed traveling, gardening, baking, playing golf, “Lake Time,” sunsets, and long walks with his beloved dogs. Hank loved family time and creating countless memories with his grandchildren, who knew him as Pepe. His “Award Winning” apple pies were enjoyed at many celebrations

American Flag symbol denotes a United States military veteran.

with family and friends.

Hank is also survived by his sons, Brian Davenport (Jennifer), Adam Roberts (Beth), and Todd Roberts (Julie); his eight grandchildren: Hannah, Isabel, Mason, Ford, Nellie, and Henley Roberts, and Judah and Finley Davenport, his sibling Larry Davenport (Donna), his former wife Nancy Hartenbach, and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. Hank is preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Bernadine Cornwell Davenport, and his brother, Bill Davenport.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Hank’s team, who cared and supported him through his battle with Parkinson’s.

A Celebration of Hank’s life was held Thursday, February 15, 2024 at Five Oaks on Warson.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a Memorial Contribution in memory of Chief Hank Davenport to The City of Olivette Parks and Recreation, Five Oaks on Warson, 1200 North Warson Road, Olivette, Missouri, 63132.

Berger Memorial Service

BERTHA “BERT” MAE DICKER, November 3, 1927 - February 9, 2024

Bertha “Bert” Mae Dicker, age 96, of Chesterfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on February 9, 2024.

Bert was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and proud greatgrandmother whose wit and care touched all who knew her.

Bert was born on November 3, 1927 to Joseph and Yetta (Herskovic) Barg in St. Louis, Missouri. She is preceded in death by her sisters Anitha Becker and Nadine Schneider, brothers Samuel Katz and Jack Katz, and her beloved and cherished husband of 57 years, Jack Dicker. Together, Bert and Jack built a life filled with love, laughter, and the joy of raising their four children: Marc Todd Dicker, Dale A. (Kara)

Dicker, Ronald “Ronnie” B. (Patty Kennedy) Dicker, and Marsha Kay (Philip) Gogel. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Analee (Nicholas) Murray, SaraBeth (Chip) Fillingane, Jeremy (Holly) Gogel, Emily Gogel, Leah Hinkle, and Grace Dicker, along with her five great-grandchildren, whom she adored deeply.

Bert was a skilled home cook, known for her delicious cabbage rolls, coffee cakes, and other family dishes, as well as her ribs bathed in her extraordinary barbecue sauce. Bert and Jack sought out the beach, frequenting Cancun, Sanibel Island, and cruises. She enjoyed going to the movies, and spending time with her dogs and grand dogs. Bert was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, especially Yadier Molina. Above all, Bert instilled in her children the importance of education, a love for reading, and the pursuit of professional careers. Her guidance and support paved the way for a legacy of

achievement and pride.

OBITUARIES

Friends and family, old and new, were greeted with a kiss on the lips - whether you liked it or not - leaving both with a smudge of her favorite hot pink lipstick. She left her mark and will be deeply missed by her loved ones.

A graveside service to honor Bert’s life was held on February 12 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017. The family invited friends and loved ones to join in celebrating Bert’s remarkable journey through life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice, honoring Bert’s spirit of generosity and love for others. Please visit bergermemorialchapel. com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

ILLENE DARRISH EHRLICH, February 8, 2024

and possessed an unquenchable thirst for knowledge about people, places, and politics. He was an avid collector of labor art, donating over 500 works for The Bruce and Barbara Feldacker Labor Art Collection at the St. Louis Mercantile Library and serving as a docent at the St. Louis Art Museum.

A funeral service was held Sunday, February 18 at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road, followed by interment at New Mount Sinai Cemetery, 8430 Gravois Rd. St. Louis, MO 63123. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Saint Louis Mercantile Library Association, EIN: 43-0694564 or the charity of your choice. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

Jewish community groups as well as classical music groups.

During the 30 years Merle lived in San Diego he served on the boards of Jewish Family Services, and Temple Adat Shalom, 2 years as president; and on boards of several classical music organizations. He also published three poetry books, one book of short stories, and a memoir of technological changes he had experienced in his lifetime. In 2021 Merle returned to Honolulu, HI.

Merle was preceded in death by his first wife, Bernell Stein (1934-2017), his brother Alan (19372010), his son Benjamin (1972-2018) and his third wife Teresa Fischlowitz (1937-2023).

Illene was the beloved wife of the late Richard Ehrlich; the loving mother of Diana Ehrlich (Christos Papadopoulos) and Kari Ellis; the devoted grandmother of Jason and Alexander Papadopoulos, Chase and Maddox Ellis; the dear daughter of the late Ivan and the late Ethel Darrish; the sister of Saundra (Mark) Sobelman; the aunt to Lauren and Scott (Rebecca) Sobelman; the great aunt to Cecilia and David Sobelman; the dear cousin to many; and the affectionate and dedicated caregiver of her furry friend Gigi.

Illene was a Shabbat morning regular at CRC, and she loved sharing her joy of music through her longtime involvement with the synagogue choir. She enjoyed cooking and baking, the Red Hat group, and her many creative hobbies. Illene was not only a caring family member but a friend to so many. She never met a stranger. Illene will always hold a special place in our hearts and memories.

A graveside service for Illene took place on Monday, February 12, 2024 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

BRUCE S. FELDACKER, February 15, 2024

Beloved husband of Barbara Feldacker for more than 60 years. Dear father and father-in-law of Robert (Valerie Garver); Debbie (Rob) Granick; and Caryl Feldacker (Dan Grossman). Loving grandfather of Jacob, Amy, Talia, Rachael, Eowyn, Matai and Natan. Dear brother of Linda (Barry) Pass and uncle to Greg (Yukari) Pass and Kevin (Libby) Pass.

As a dedicated lawyer for union workers, Bruce sought justice for his labor law clients, embodying kindness and compassion throughout his career as advocate, attorney, and mediator. Bruce was a champion of his family and friends; a world-traveler in body and spirit;

MERLE FISCHLOWITZ, Ph.D., passed away peacefully at his Honolulu home, on January 31, 2024. Merle was born June 12, 1932, in St. Louis, MO, the first child of the late Bernard and Ruth Epstein Fischlowitz. Merle earned a BA degree at Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA. He received a master’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and his Ph.D. from St. Louis University.

Merle’s long career can be summarized in three stages. First, over 15 years as school counselor and director of psychological services in public schools in St. Louis and a community college in Washington, DC. Then 15 years as psychologist in private practice in Honolulu, HI. On his retirement in 1991 he moved to California. A resident of San Diego from 1993 -2021, the third part of his career was serving on the boards of his synagogue and

Merle is survived by his daughters Elodie McAllister and Dr. Sara F. Davis (Jimmy) and sons Arlen Fischlowitz (Patti), Richard Fischlowitz (Tammy) and Robert Fischlowitz (Tammy) along with his former wife Barbara Fischlowitz-Leong (Michael) and sister Sue Fischlowitz (David Roberts), grandchildren Elyssa (Ben) Holzer, Andrea Fischlowitz, (Brandon Weiss), Ross McAllister, Summer Rose Fischlowitz and Hannah, Delilah and James Kainoa Davis. Merle is also survived by 4 greatgrandchildren, Jude and Eden Holzer and Mika and Felix Weiss.

The family would like to extend their greatest thanks to all of the wonderful caregivers over the years in Honolulu and San Diego.

Donations in Merle’s memory may be made to the Camp Sabra Fischlowitz Scholarship fund c/o Jewish Community Centers, St. Louis, Mo. Graveside services were held on February 4, 2024 at Abrahams Gardens, Hawaii Memorial Park.

Obituaries continue on following page

Continued from previous page

MARILYN FOX , who brought a gentle but determined and down-to-earth touch to the leadership of many St. Louis organizations over a period of decades, died peacefully Sunday, Feb. 18 of natural causes, surrounded by her loved ones.  She was 89.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 20 at Temple Israel in Creve Coeur.

Beginning in the 1980s and continuing for more than 30 years, Mrs. Fox was a fixture atop more than a dozen St. Louis area cultural, educational and social service organizations, from the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Missouri History Museum to the Old Newsboys Day Campaign for Kids to the United Way of Greater St. Louis. The organizations with which she was perhaps most closely identified over the years, however, were St. Louis Variety, the Children’s Charity; Webster University; and the Jewish Community Center.

At St. Louis Variety, she chaired the annual fundraising gala for more than 20 years, raising millions of dollars on behalf of children with disabilities. At Webster she served for years on the board of trustees until stepping down about a decade ago.    At the Jewish Community Center, she was elected, in 1992, as the first female president, and later also chaired a successful $18 million capital campaign for a satellite facility in Chesterfield.  The Marilyn Fox Building, a fitness and education center, opened in 1997.

“She was everywhere, and she was always prepared to say ‘yes,’” said Barry Rosenberg, who, as chief executive of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, worked with her for many years.  “There was hardly a worthy cause in St. Louis, in the Jewish community or outside it, that she wasn’t prepared to get behind.  She had a vision for community.  And she was willing to get down in the trenches to see her efforts through.

“Her leadership was sound, humble, and moral,” he added. “She exhibited a very helpful skepticism. She’d ask a lot of good questions, and she could stand her ground. At the same time, she was extraordinarily gracious and inclusive. She’d talk to anyone.  She’d ask about your family. She truly cared about people.

“And she got results.”

That assessment was echoed by Peter Raven, president emeritus of the Missouri Botanical Garden, on whose Board of Trustees Mrs. Fox served in the 1990s.  “As she did for so many St. Louis organizations, Marilyn quietly and effectively made things happen,” he said.  “She was a consistent source of ideas – for collaborations with scientists in other countries, for example -- and she had the unusual ability to turn her ideas into realities.”

Born Marilyn Widman in St. Louis, she was one of three children of the late Arden Widman and Celia Bass, both Lithuanian immigrants. Her father was a general manager for a national retail store chain.  She grew up in the Delmar Loop, which she recalled fondly as a lively, friendly neighborhood where she made childhood friendships that lasted a lifetime. She graduated from University City High School.

During her senior year in high school, she met a recent Washington University graduate, Sam Fox, at a party.  At age 19, after just one semester of her own at Washington University, she married the young man, and left the university so she could get a job and contribute to the couple’s support.

The next year, however, she became pregnant with the couple’s first child.  Over the next decade, she and Mr. Fox became the parents of, in order, Cheri, Pamela, Jeff, Greg and Steven. All but Greg, who died in 2016, survive her.

About 15 years after the birth of her youngest, with the children established and her husband’s business, Harbour Group, thriving, Mrs. Fox found her way to community work, and never looked back.

For most of her life, she once said, she had not thought of herself as a leader.  But the more she got involved with community activities, and the more strongly she felt about them, the more capable she felt about putting herself forward.

And put herself forward she did.  Among the

other organizations she served over the years were the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, where she served as president and campaign chair of the Women’s Division as well as board secretary and a member of the executive committee; Jewish Family & Children’s Services; Central Agency for Jewish Education; the Girl Scouts, where she was vice president of the board and a member of the executive committee; the National Council of Community and Justice; Women of Achievement, where she was board chair for two terms from 2003 to 2005; and more.

To all of these organizations she brought a leadership style that was soft-spoken and humble but also firm. Adding to her effectiveness were her genuine interest in others and a lack of interest in self-promotion.

Mrs. Fox’s service brought her numerous awards and honors. She was a Woman of Achievement in 1993 and the Variety Club’s Woman of the Year in 1996. She received the Brotherhood Sisterhood Award from the National Conference of Community and Justice in 1998 and the Magen Ami “Star of My People” award from the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis in 2001. The Old Newsboys gave her their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. In 2009 she received the Thomas Jefferson Award from the Missouri History Museum; in 2012, the Visionary Award from Webster University; and in 2013 an honorary Doctor of Humanities from Washington University.

Along with her husband she received an honorary Doctorate of Public Service from St. Louis University in 2000 and the university’s Sword of Ignatius Loyola Award in 2009; the Excellence in Philanthropy Award in 2004 from the Arts and Education Council, and the Whitney and Jane Harris Community Service Award, also in 2004, from Washington University.

None of it went to her head.  She remained the same unassuming, gentle person she had always been, and kept her focus – despite all her community service – on her husband, her children, her grandchildren and her greatgrandchildren.

“I hope the theme of my life,” she said in a 2015 interview, “was living in happiness and teaching that to my kids.  I hope it was being part of the community and trying to help people and be kind to other people. I hope that’s what it was.”

Surviving are her husband, Sam Fox; daughters Cheri Fox and Pamela (Aba) Fox Claman of Israel; daughter-in-law Merle (the late Greg), of St. Louis; sons Jeff (Lotta) and Steven (Nan), of St. Louis; 15 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.

Berger Memorial Service

LINDA MEYERS, February 12, 2024

Passed away peacefully among family. Beloved wife of Dr. Jerry R. Meyers. Loving mother of Scott (Elizabeth) Meyers and Laura (Meyers) Callahan. Devoted grandmother of Branden Moser, Crimson and Chase Callahan and Evan Meyers. Oldest sister to Cathy (Goldstein) Schwarz and Robin ( Goldstein) Harris. Dear aunt, cousin, and friend to many.

A graveside service was held Thursday, February 15 at Beth Shalom Cemetery, 650 White Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017. Contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Berger Memorial Service

CELESTE ROSE “ROSALIE” NULL, February 16, 2024

to Jordyn Gibney and Jacob Clifford.

Rosalie graduated from Soldan High School and Miss Hickey’s Secretarial School. She was the bookkeeper for the family’s auto parts store, an avid gardener, a passionate reader, a skilled needle pointer, a terrible MahJongg player, an adept baker of cookies (much to the delight of those around her) and always had a dog by her side. Her strong belief in volunteerism led her to working with the AMC Cancer Research Center and Hospital for 40 years including a term as the president of the national auxiliaries. She also worked at the Jewish food pantry as well as helping out at a local nursing home. She spent much of her time as a volunteer at Missouri Baptist Hospital, where in later years she could be found in the gift shop wheeling around with her walker selling candy bars and sodas to health care professionals.

A graveside service was held Tuesday, February 20 at United Hebrew Cemetery, 7855 Canton Avenue. Contributions in Rosalie’s memory may be made to Animal Protective Association of Missouri (www.apamo.org ), the Missouri Botanical Garden (www.missouribotanicalgarden. org) or the charity of your choice. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at de Greeff Hospice House.

A Rindskopf-Roth Service

BETTY POLINSKY, February 6, 2024

Beloved wife of the late Allan “Big Al” Polinsky; dear mother and mother-in-law of Steven Polinsky (Dorothy) and Debbie Rothstein (Mark); dear grandmother of Brian Polinsky (Allie), Lauren Lifson (Max), Adam Rothstein (Ellen) and Amy Brown (Eric); dear great-grandmother of Ethan, Cole and Adley Rothstein, Shane and Blake Brown, Ari and Isaac Lifson and Kelly Polinsky; dear aunt, cousin and friend to many.

A Funeral Service was held Friday, February 9 at United Hebrew Congregation, 13788 Conway Road, followed by interment at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Memorial contributions of your choice preferred. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

KEVEN POSLOSKY, February 12, 2024

We mourn the death of Keven Joel Poslosky on February 12, 2024; beloved son of the late Evelyn and the late Carl Poslosky; dear brother of Scot Poslosky, Dale Poslosky (the late Debbie), Ron Poslosky, and Beth Poslosky; dear uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

Graveside service Wednesday, February 21 at 2 PM at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Memorial contributions preferred to the charity of your choice. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

MARIA SHAPIRO, February 6, 2024

Beloved wife of the late Yakov Shapiro.  Dear mother of Michael (Lana) Shapiro and Jenya Gritsan.  Loving grandmother of Elaine (Mark) Weingarten, Vlad (Andrea) Shapiro and Alina (Max) Simpson.  Cherished great grandmother of Ari Weingarten, Sammy and Isaac Shapiro and Saul Jacob Simpson.  Dear aunt, cousin and friend.

Schools and graduated from Coe College and Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He has held several positions at different banks such as at Mark Twain, Stern Brothers and Huntleigh Securities.

Bill’s life was full of his passions for golf, fishing, travel, and time with family & friends. He was an active member of Westwood Country Club where he had the pleasure of being one of their top golfers. He had many wonderful years traveling and loving life with his wife Laurie, especially trips to world class golf courses. They also wintered in Naples, Florida golfing and enjoying the sunny weather.

Whether at a dive bar or fine dining, Bill loved spending time with friends regardless of the location. He was always ready with a smile and a joke for any occasion. His kindness, wisdom, and genuine laughter will be fondly remembered by all those who knew him.

Services: Graveside service Thursday, Feb. 22 at 11:00 am. at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery, 740 Mason Road. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Memorial contributions preferred to The William and Laurie Stern Kidney and LiverFund at Barnes Jewish Hospital or a charity of your choice. Berger Memorial Service

GLADYS (SCHNEIDER) WEISS, 86, of Leawood, KS passed away peacefully February 11th, 2024. Born August 17th, 1937, in Montville, NJ, Gladys was the second of Sidney and Fannie Schneider’s four children.

Gladys grew up on farmland in Pine Brook, NJ. She displayed an aptitude for learning, becoming the first member of her family to attend college, matriculating to Fairleigh Dickinson University. At this time Gladys identified what would become her lifelong career—the new field of dental hygiene.

Gladys’s life changed in 1956 when she met Howard Weiss, an Air Force Serviceman and fellow student at Fairleigh Dickinson. Howard was instantly drawn to Gladys’s beautiful smile. On their first date he was smitten, when—arriving to pick up Gladys—he saw her through the front window in a red dress twirling her baton (Gladys was captain of her high school twirling team). They began dating immediately, and, upon his acceptance to a University of Buffalo master’s program, Howard said he would not depart without Gladys. They married just 10 days later in her parents’ backyard.

In following years, Gladys explored Buffalo and then Chicago when she and Howard moved for his post-graduate job. In Chicago they welcomed two daughters: Halene and Julie, before relocating to Kansas City.

Gladys’s career as a dental hygienist spanned more than 45 years. Current and former patients would greet Gladys with a hug whenever they saw her around Kansas City— quick to let her know that she was the best hygienist they’d ever had.

Gladys dearly loved animals—of all shapes and sizes, and prioritized adopting rescues.

Beloved wife of the late Victor Null for 52 years. Devoted mother of Donna, Michael (Patricia) and Steven Null. Cherished grandmother of Daniel and Jared (Tiffany) Meehan, Jessica (Patrick) Orbin, Melissa Null, Brian (Jeana) Gibbs, Jennifer (Chris) Gibney and Shawn (Astrid) McNeiley. Loving great grandmother of Soren Signaigo-Orbin, Belle Orbin, Leia Meehan, Gavin, Kalie, Gracie and Izzy Gibbs, Kaitlin (Gabe Clifford) and Christopher Gibney, Stella and Walker McNeiley. Dear great great grandmother

A graveside service was held Thursday, February 8 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road.  Contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

A Rindskopf-Roth Service

WILLIAM (BILL) MORRIS STERN, avid golfer, father, huband, and friend, died unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep on February 14, 2024. He was 78.

Bill is survived by his sister, Frances Berger; his sons, David (Scooter) Stern, Edward Stern, and Peter Stern; his grandson Gabe; and his nephews, Jim and Jeff Berger. He is predeceased by his wife of many years Laurie, and he is the son of the late Melvin and Jackie Stern.

Born June 16, 1945, Bill attended Clayton

Gladys’s greatest joy was family, seizing every opportunity to spend time with them. She shared the same smile that captured Howard’s heart years earlier and brought her biting sense of humor to every gathering. Among the gifts she gave to her family was her perspective—a rare ability to know when things were being taken too seriously, and when not enough.

Gladys is survived by her daughters Halene “Hali” Smith (Todd Miller) of Overland Park, Julie Ellis (Tim Sullivan) of O’Fallon, MO, and grandchildren, Danielle Ellis of St. Louis, Caleb Ellis (Molly McGreavy) of Brooklyn, NY, and Sydney Rose Ellis of Washington DC, her sister Elaine (Alan) Fisvitz.

Private graveside services will be held in Kansas City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to: KC Pet Project (kcpetproject.org/donate) or Wayside Waifs (https://waysidewaifs.org/donate), both no-kill rescue/adoption centers which reflect Gladys’s love of animals.

CHAI LIGHTS

YOUR CALENDAR OF ST. LOUIS JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS

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.

SUNDAY | FEB. 25

NHBZ Pizza Night

It may be chilly outside, but the pizza is nice and hot at NHBZ’s Pizza Night! Join from 5-7 p.m. for an all-you-can-eat delicious buffet of kosher pizza, pasta, salad and French fries plus a dessert and beverage. All food is under the supervision of Rabbi Chaim Bogolpulsky. Prices are: $15 for adults; $8 kids ages 3-12; free for kids ages 3 and under. Credit cards are accepted. For more information, call 314-991-2100, ext. 2.

Bais Abe hosts ‘A College Panel: Jewish on Campus’

At 7:30 p.m. Bais Abraham will present “A College Panel: Jewish on Campus.” The program is neither political nor religious, but will, in part, address the growing antisemitism-related stress for Jewish students. Panelists will talk about their personal experiences with other students and professors, both positive and negative, especially since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. They will also discuss their work with campus administrators. After the panel discussion there will be opportunity for informal oneon-one discussions with the panelists. RSVP online at www.baisabe.com/event/JewishOnCampus.

TUESDAY | FEB. 27

MindMatters at Covenant Place

From 10 to 11 a.m. (free and in person) on the fourth Tuesday of every month, this group is led by Rachel Elmore and Sharon Elliott, trained facilitators with Provident Behavioral Health. A safe, welcoming space to share experiences, feelings and thoughts with other adults experiencing the challenges of aging. The Mirowitz Center’s Mental Wellness Initiative is supported by a grant from the Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged.

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.

Mirowitz Center program on the latest iPhone

From noon to 1 p.m. join Mirowitz Center trainer Daniel Landsbaum and learn about the latest iPhone, its features and what to consider if you’re thinking of buying one. Note: this lecture will not teach you how to use your iPhone device. The Mirowitz Center

is partnering with Senior Planet from AARP to help older adults use technology to learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends. Mirowitz Center was the first organization licensed to teach Senior Planet from AARP curriculum in Missouri.

THURSDAY | FEB. 29

Presidential Legacies: Gerald & Betty Ford

Join the Mirowitz Center from 11 a.m. to noon for a free online program about Gerald Ford – who became President when Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 after the Watergate scandal – and the irrepressible First Lady Betty Ford, who once famously said that “being ladylike does not require silence.”

Attend all three sessions, or just one (prior attendance is not required). This three-part program is presented by Richard Weld, education specialist at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. The next parts are March 28 (The D.C. Years) and April 25: (After the White House). Part of the Mirowitz Center’s continuing “Presidential Legacies” series.

FRIDAY | MARCH 1

Living on a Prayer: A Monthly Series Exploring Personal Prayer

At 10 a.m. join Rabbi Andrea Goldstein for a Jewish Mindfulness Center program exploring the meaning, history, and development of traditional prayers that can be incorporated or adapted into a personal prayer practice. To register, call 314-5690010 or email Stacy Jespersen at sjespersen@sestl.org.

Comedy with a side of purple!

Enjoy a hilarious comedy performance (free and in-person) at the Mirowitz Center from 1 to 2 p.m. with Hani Skutch, a standup comedian who shares her views on life as an American Israeli cat loving, coffee drinking, purple-haired wife, mother, sister, friend and daughter.

SATURDAY | MARCH 2

J Associates Battle Of The Stars

See related news brief on page 4.

WEDNESDAY | MARCH 6

NHBZ women’s hamantaschen making event

NHBZ’s Chesed Committee invites all ladies in the community to attend NHBZ’s hamantaschen making social event from 2 to 4 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare a yummy batch of hamantaschen to take home and bake, and hear Purim insights from special guest Rebbetzin Chanala Rubenfeld from Chabad of Chesterfield. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free of charge and NHBZ membership is not necessary. Please RSVP by email or phone to: office@nhbz.org or 314-9912100, ext. 2.

Online Mirowitz Center program on Manet/Degas

Former St. Louisan Elana Kaplan, museum educator and lecturer for New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, is returning to the Mirowitz Center to discuss this unforgettable exhibition from 10 to 11 a.m. (free & online). Edouard Manet and Edgar Degas were friends, rivals, and at times, antagonists who helped define 19th-century French painting. Part 1 of a 2-part series second session follows on Wednesday, March 13.

FRIDAY | MARCH 8

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.

SUNDAY | MARCH 10

Purim Shpiel & Carnival at Temple Israel

Join Temple Israel for “A Very Muppets Purim Shpiel” performed by TI’s religious School students, written by TI religious school student Jonah Alper and co-directed by Jonah and Emily Trent, a professional theater actress and performer. An indoor Purim carnival — geared toward kids in grade 6 and below — follows, with games, prizes, entertainment, food, hamantashen, a costume contest and more. The Purim spiel

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.

(free to attend) is 10:30 to 11 a.m. in TI’s Gall Family Sanctuary. TI’s Purim Carnival follows from 11a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Isserman Auditorium. The cost for the carnival is $20 per wristband (price includes lunch) for kids ages 12 and under. Admission is free for adults. Additional lunches (must be purchased in advance) available for $5 each. Open to the community. Guests of all ages will receive a complimentary hamantashen just for RSVPing. RSVP and sponsorship required by Sunday, March 3 at: www.ti-stl. org/Purim.

Esther Miller Bais Yaakov plans

28th anniversary dinner

See related news brief on page 7.

ONGOING

Movies at the Mirowitz Center

On Fridays at 1 p.m., enjoy movies on the Mirowitz Center’s 14-foot screen. Call the Movies at Mirowitz Hotline (314-733-9812) for the film title and description each week. Free and open to the community.

Mirowitz Center Community Singers

Professional musician Robert Denison will lead Mirowitz Center Community Singers from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesdays. No experience is necessary. Learn from CDs (no printed music). Performance opportunities will be offered. Free and open to the community; register online at http://bit.ly/Register_ MirowitzCenter or call 314-733-9813.

Game on at the Mirowitz Center

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Mirowitz Center welcomes guests to play Mahjong, bridge, poker or Mexican Train dominoes – whatever games you like. The Mirowitz Center will provide complimentary coffee, tea and water (guests can bring their own snacks to enjoy and share). No RSVPs are necessary for these weekly games, held in the multipurpose room, but plan to coordinate your group’s schedule and any needed substitutions. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter, call 314-733-9813, or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.

Tech Tutor at Mirowitz Center

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

Mirowitz Center exercise classes

Join the Mirowitz Center for a variety of exercise classes, ($5 fee/class and in person) Mondays through Fridays, from 11:15 a.m. to noon. All techniques and combinations will be demonstrated both sitting and standing. Mondays: Fitness with an Edge with instructor Lucy Fox; Tuesdays: Music, Movement and Dance with instructor Rachel Gross, RPI; Wednesdays: Strength and Conditioning with instructor Rachel Gross, RPI; Thursdays: Tai Chi with instructor Scott Uselmann, RPI; Fridays: Chair Yoga with instructor Maxine Mirowitz. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or call 314-733-9813.

FEB

Temple Israel’s Purim Shpiel and Carnival are set for Sunday, March 10.

Neal & Susan Kalishman

Stephen & Phyllis Kamenetzky

Petie

Shelli

Nan Kelly

Marcia King & Norman Wol

Chad &

Jack

Joyce Kleban

Ken & Jackie Kleban

Myron & Billie Klevens

Marsha & Simon Koski

John Kozyak

Roy Kramer

Nancy & Ken Kranzberg

Linda Kraus

Nada & David Krauss

Alan & Karen Kretchmar

Dan & Gloria Kweskin

Stephanie Lalezari

Vicki Lander

Carl & Gail Lang

David Lang & Suzanne Epstein-Lang

Larry & Hannah Langsam

Ruby Lapin

Jenny & Jon Latz

Harold & Helena Law

Judy Lazerwitz

Mike & Debbie Le on

Judy Levin

Kenneth & Cynthia Levin

Alvah Levine & Karen Schechter

Sarah & Ben Levinson

Amy Bender-Levy & Rich Levy

Hedva & Don Levy

Marty & Mimi Levy

Mont & Karen Levy

Terri & Steve Leyton

Ming Chu Li

Liz & Larry Linkon

Susie Lippmann & Bill Rosenfeld

Jackie & Marty Lipsitz

Judy Lipsitz

Michael & Leslie Litwack

Jerri Livingston

Bill & Wanda Long

Carolyn Losos

Michael & Lecie Lowenbaum

Charles & Rosalyn Lowenhaupt

Steve & Susie Lowy

Heschel & Adinah Raskas

Miriam Raskin

Gary & Marilyn Ratkin

Jacob & Leslie Reby

Andrew Rehfeld & Miggie Greenberg

Beau Reinberg

Linda & Matt Renner

Sue Rich

Morty & Dina Rinder

Estelle Rochman

Carol & David Roe

Rabbi Neal Rose

Foundations, Corporate Gifts & Grants Aging Ahead Armanino, LLP

Memorial

K. Crown Foundation

Cruse Charitable Trust

Ephraim Block Charitable Trust

Max & Drew Erlich Charitable Trust

Ruth Greenberg Memorial Trust of the St. Louis Community Foundation

Sidney & Bobette Guller Family Foundation

JCA Charitable Foundation

Guy B. Ja e & Judy Schwartz Ja e

Charitable Foundation

Jewish Federation of St. Louis

Jossem Fund, a supporting fund of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis

Kahn Foundation of Temple Israel

Kopolow Family Fund

Edward and ea Lawton Foundation

Lopata Charitable Foundation

Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis

Marillac Mission Fund Meals on Wheels America

Patriot Fund

Regional Business Council

Rindskopf-Roth

Royal Banks of Missouri

Staenberg Family Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis e FS Foundation, Inc. e Pinkerton Foundation

e Martin Silk Foundation

e Trio Foundation of St. Louis

Veterans United Foundation

Waxman Associates

Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis

Michael Lyss & Carol Kaplan-Lyss

Jon & Cheryl Maayan

Kathy & Sidney Machefsky

Steve Malter

Sylvia & Stuart Manewith

Judy Mange

FEATURES

ARTS AND CULTURE FOOD HOLIDAYS LIFESTYLES

Looking to cut sodium? Longtime ‘Light’ food columnist has ideas

BY DOROTHY FIRESTONE

SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

I have been cooking all 73 years of my married life, and I know when something needs salt or when it has enough. But I knew little about sodium, a chief ingredient in salt.

Then I was introduced to Sue Picus, a semi-retired registered dietician and 2023 Jewish Light Unsung Hero. Sue teaches classes to older adults at St. Louis Oasis, including one on sodium in foods. I wanted to know: From babies on up to oldies like me, how much salt is too much? How much is enough? What are salt’s dangers? Is there such a thing as “good salt?” And are salt and sodium interchangeable terms?

Before I met Sue, I played a game in my kitchen. I randomly selected six items from my pantry, set them on the counter, put on my glasses and noted the amount of sodium in each, per serving. Here’s what I found:

Sue said that even though sodium does not bother some people, the average person, even with no health concerns, should be aware of salt (sodium) intake.

“A taste for salt is a learned taste,” she said, “and one cannot quit cold turkey. If you slowly reduce the salt, you will adjust to the taste. And you will learn to use other seasonings.”

MORE RECIPES

View Dorothy Firestone’s recipes for low-sodium chicken soup, turkey stock, lentil soup and split pea soup.

— Page 26

• 2 tablespoons Jif Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter, 110 milligrams,

• 1 cup prepared Lipton Extra Noodle Soup Mix with Real Chicken Flavor, 670 milligrams,

• 1 tablespoon Hellmann’s Mayonnaise, 110 milligrams,

• 1 cup Bush’s Best Canned Beans, 1,200 milligrams,

• Libby’s Pure Pumpkin, 5 milligrams.

One cannot live on canned pumpkin. I needed Sue.

She joined me and my husband, Billy, for lunch. We served Chinese chicken salad, which has almost no salt, and we asked her to define salt and sodium.

“Whenever I hear the word salt, I automatically think about the fact that salt has sodium and sodium is what I want to limit,” she said. “We all say that a food has too much salt, or I am eating too much salt, but really, it is sodium we are concerned with.”

Using little or no salt sounds dire, but a look at what occurs when there is too much salt in the diet is an alert. According to information from the Federal Drug Administration that Sue brought with her: “Diets higher in sodium are associated with increased risk of high blood pressure, which is a major cause of stroke and heart disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can raise the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney disease and blindness.”

The FDA info goes on: “Sodium is an essential nutrient. The body needs it to maintain a balance of body fluids to keep muscles and nerves running smoothly. Most of us, however, eat too much of it.”

Americans eat about 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day. Yet the dietary guidelines recommend adults limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day, equal to about 1 teaspoon of table salt. For children under 14, the limits are lower.

And where are we getting that much sodium? About 40% of the dietary sodium consumed by Americans comes from deli meat sandwiches, pizza, burritos and tacos, purchased soups and purchased cooked poultry, chips and burgers.

The same pamphlet offers 10 easy tips for reducing sodium consumption. They especially apply to the elderly for whom a lower salt diet is essential:

1. Read the nutrition fact labels on cans

Homemade Chicken Stock

This rich stock can be a base for many soups and includes no added salt. The chicken remains moist enough for salads or sandwiches.

INGREDIENTS: About 10 pounds of chickens, quartered or cut in pieces

4 quarts cold water

4 carrots, scrubbed and cut into chunks

2 celery ribs with leaves

2 large onions, unpeeled, halved

1 parsnip, scrubbed and cut into chunks

2 garlic cloves, unpeeled, halved

1 teaspoon dried thyme

2 bay leaves

6 sprigs fresh parsley

12 peppercorns

6 whole cloves

1 unpeeled fresh tomato, optional

DIRECTIONS:

1. Put the chicken into a stockpot; add the cold water, making sure the chicken is

immersed. Turn the heat to medium, partly cover the pot and cook until the stock begins to simmer.

2. When the stock is simmering, so-called “scum,” which actually contains nutrients, will rise to the top. If you wish clear broth, skim it with a small strainer.

3. Add the remaining ingredients. Simmer partly covered about an hour, until the chicken is tender when pierced with a sharp knife. Remove the lid, take the pot off the heat and let the chicken cool in the stock, keeping it moist.

4. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and bones and return them to stockpot. Wrap the chicken well and refrigerate or freeze it for later use in sandwiches or chicken salad.

5. Let the stock simmer uncovered about 2 hours. (Do not allow it to boil. Boiling will disperse fat throughout the stock, making it cloudy.)

Makes about 4 quarts.

Dorothy Firestone, former food columnist for the Jewish Light, serves up a bowl of soup at her home.

PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

and packages.

2. Prepare your own food when you can.

3. Add flavor without salt: Try non-salt seasoning blends.

4. Choose fresh poultry, meat and seafood, rather than processed.

5. Buy fresh or frozen vegetables or low sodium non-salt canned vegetables.

6. Rinse sodium-containing canned foods to get rid of some of the sodium.

7. Choose low sodium or no-salt-added snacks.

8. Check the labels on condiments.

9. Reduce your portion size.

Chicken Soup

INGREDIENTS:

6 cups chicken stock

2 carrots peeled and sliced

1 cup fine noodles, or ½ cup rice or ½ cup barley

Taste and add salt if needed

2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS:

1. Bring the stock to a simmer. Add the carrots and cook until they are tender.

2. Stir in the noodles, rice or barley.  Cook until tender.

3. Taste and add salt, if needed.

4. Serve the soup garnished with parsley. Serves 6.

Turkey Stock

Makes about 7-8 cups and includes no added salt

INGREDIENTS:

1 carcass from a 12-15 pound roasted turkey

Cold water to cover

2 carrots, scrubbed

1 celery rib

2 onions, unpeeled, halved

2 garlic cloves, unpeeled, halved

1 bay leaf

½ teaspoon dried thyme

6 peppercorns

10. Make lower-sodium choices at restaurants.

Sue also had 10 suggestions:

1. In the morning, measure out ½ teaspoon salt, put it on a plate and consider it your salt allotment for the day. If you did not use it all, try ¼ teaspoon the next day. “You get used to using less salt,” she said.

2. Take your reading glasses for reading the labels to the grocery store along with a pen and notebook.

3. Canned soups might range from 200 milligrams per serving to lots of variations.

4. Note the serving size on the label.

5. During the cooking process, add no salt. Wait and taste.

6. One of the joys of eating at home

DIRECTIONS:

Put the turkey carcass in a large stock pot.  Add cold water to cover.  Bring to a simmer.

2.  Add the vegetables and seasonings.  Simmer partly covered for 1 ½ hours.

3. Pour the stock through a colander into a large clean bowl, discarding bones, seasonings and vegetables.

4. Freeze in 2- and 4-cup containers.



Lentil Soup

INGREDIENTS:

3 tablespoons butter, extra virgin olive oil or a combination

2 celery ribs, diced

1 medium carrots, scrubbed and diced

2 medium onions, peeled and sliced

6 cups hot broth—chicken, turkey, beef or hot water

1 bay leaf

¼ teaspoon thyme

¼ cup diced turnip

1 ½ cups washed lentils

Kosher salt

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Heat the butter in a large saucepan; stir in the celery, carrots and onions and cook covered over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and just beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.

with home-cooked foods is that you can control your salt intake.

7. Kosher salt (with its large granules) is good because you use less.

8. Salt has been removed from baby food. It was put there to please the mother.

9. You can take a beloved recipe and lower the sodium: Drain and rinse canned beans. Use no salt during the cooking process. Wait and taste.

10. Homemade broth is best because the sodium is light.

I compiled a cookbook several years ago in which I advised “salt and pepper to taste” during the cooking process. Now, I strongly recommend the following: Wait until the dish is done, taste it and then if needed, add salt with care.

2.  Add the hot broth, bay leaf, thyme, turnip and lentils.  Simmer partly covered for 1 ¼-1 ½ hours until the lentils are tender.  Remove the bay leaf.

3. Puree the soup if desired, adding more liquid if it seems too thick.

4. Taste and add salt if needed. 

Simple Split Pea Soup with Mint

Makes about 8 cups and is good hot or chilled.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups green split peas, rinsed 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced 4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed ½ cup brown rice

6 cups no-salt chicken broth, homemade or canned

Salt and pepper

Fresh mint leaves to garnish

Directions:

1. Combine the peas with the onion, garlic, rice and broth.  Cover and simmer for 40 minutes.

2. Puree the soup.  Add salt if needed and pepper to taste.  For cold soup, chill overnight, adding more seasonings if needed.  (Cold soups require more seasonings than hot.)

3. Garnish with fresh mint leaves to serve.

AMY FENSTER BROWN

BY AMY FENSTER BROWN

Kids these days. The older mine get the less I understand what they’re saying. I hear the words and I know they are words, but when strung together and spoken, they just don’t make sense.

In the past, I’ve helped you de-code what in tarnation young people are talking about. A lot has changed in teen lingo over the last year. Here are some of the latest trendy terms you need to know to most effectively communicate with teens, including examples you can use in everyday situations:

Goated: You likely know “goat,” the acronym for Greatest of All Time. These would be your Michael Jordans (pro basketball), your Little Debbies (baked goods), your Mindy Cohns (actress who played the best sitcom character ever as Natalie Green on “The Facts of Life.”) “Goated” brings it down to a realistic level, when someone excels at an ordinary activity. Example - the yoga class is attempting a lotus pose, where your feet twist into your lap in a way best described as human origami. While most are just sitting crisscross applesauce hoping no one will notice, one girl is almost in full, real lotus, so you whisper to your friend “Dang, she is goated! Namaste.”

Cracked: This takes “goated” to the next level, where someone’s actions really make your jaw drop. Example – One week later at yoga, semi-Lotus Girl has upgraded herself to the actual lotus pose, both

Columnist Amy Fenster

Brown is married to Jeff and has two teenage sons, Davis and Leo. She volunteers for several Jewish not-for-profit 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.

CAMP + EDUCATION SUMMER PROGRAM GUIDE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CONGREGATION

SHAARE EMETH

shirleegreenpreschool.org campemeth.org

Congregation Shaare Emeth is a hub of learning and activity for children of all ages, home to Shirlee Green Preschool (six weeks to five years), Early Childhood Education programs, Shaare Emeth Religious School (Pre-K to Post-Confirmation), JQuest (tuition-free, no membership required

Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade Jewish education) Camp Emeth and Camp Micah (summer day camps for ages six weeks to 8th grade), youth groups, and a wide range of programs and events.

11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

CAMP EMETH & CAMP MICAH SESSION DATES: JUNE 10 - AUGUST 2

Camp Micah: 314.569.0048 • kadams@sestl.org

Camp Emeth: LHorton@sestl.org 314.692.5362

COMMUNITY SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS Communityschool.com/camp

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

900 Lay Road, St. Louis, MO 63124 314-991-0005

COCA SUMMER ARTS CAMP cocastl.org/summer-arts-camps/

Ignite your creativity at COCA Summer Arts Camps! Campers have the opportunity to learn and experience new things, build their skills, and—most importantly—have fun. Choose from camps in singing, dancing, acting, visual art, cooking, circus, filmmaking, fashion, and more, taught by our talented teaching artists who also work professionally as exhibiting artists or performers. At COCA, we pride ourselves on offering some of the most creative Summer Arts Camps for kids and teens. Join us at our campus in University City or in our second location at the University of Health Science and Pharmacy. 6880 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63130 314 · 725 · 6555

Summer at Whitfield offers a variety of ENGAGING and ENRICHING camp options for STUDENTS K-12 all summer long.

Be it on the COURT , in the ART STUDIO , Exploring OUTSIDE , or in the SCIENCE LAB , campers are guided by Whitfield’s talented faculty and coaches through NEW CHALLENGES , TEAM-BUILDING and FUN !

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.

175 South Mason Road, St. Louis, MO 63141 314 · 434 · 5141

Visit our website for more info and to register today! https://www.whitfieldschool.org/summer-programs

HERZL CAMP www.herzlcamp.org

Herzl Camp is a warm, welcoming Jewish community. Our camp is located on 150 acres on a crystal clear lake in Webster, Wisconsin. Herzl is a traditional camp experience where campers escape from technology to spend time outdoors, exploring nature, trying new activities while building friendships and self-confidence. A summer at Herzl builds independence and self-reliance as well as lifelong Jewish friendships and identity. Explore our website and call us to discuss your child’s interests. ACA accredited.

952-927-4002 info@herzlcamp.org

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

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

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!

618 · 235 · 1614 info@campbenfrankel.org

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.

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J DAY CAMP jccstl.com/daycamps

SIMCHAS

BIRTHS ENGAGEMENTS WEDDINGS MITZVOT

SUBMIT YOUR SIMCHA ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FREE!

BAR MITZVAH: DAVID JOSEPH LITVIN

David Joseph Litvin, son of Marina and Gene Litvin of St. Louis, became a bar mitzvah on Jan. 6, 2024 at Congregation Temple Israel.

David is the grandson of Paul and Lina Litvin, and Luba and Gregory Ofman, all of St. Louis. He is the great-grandson of Sima Ofman of Columbus, Ohio.

He has one sibling, Ariella Litvin, who is 9 years old.

A seventh-grade student at Ladue Middle School, David enjoys soccer, learning about cars, travel and spending time with friends. David has been following his dad’s work with the Ukraine Trust Chain (UTC) in their support of Ukraine’s humanitarian needs.

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

HKF Harvey Kornblum Foundation

HISE-ANDREASSON WEDDING

Andi Hise and Tyler Andreasson were married Oct. 7, 2023 at the Four Seasons St. Louis.

Andi is the daughter of Rosanne and Bill Hise of Fishers, Ind.

Tyler is the son of Rachel and Thomas Andreasson of Sullivan, Mo. He is the grandson of Lynn and Bill (z”l) Wallis of Cuba, Mo. and Bertil and Marlene Andreasson of Boca Raton, Fla.

Members of the wedding party included the groom’s brother, Jacob Andreasson, as Best Man, and the bride’s lifelong friend Alicia Peck as Maid of Honor. The bridesmaids and groomsmen were a collection of childhood, camp and college friends. Rabbi Amy Feder of Congregation Temple Israel officiated.

BAT MITZVAH: MACKENZIE SLOAN

Mackenzie Sloan, daughter of Kim and Ted Sloan of St. Louis, became a bat mitzvah Dec. 30, 2023 at Congregation Shaare Emeth.

Mackenzie is the granddaughter of Paula and Bobby Holtzman of St. Louis, Jim and Jane Prescott-Smith of Tucson, and Sally and John Christie of Phoenix.

She has one sibling, Kylie Sloan, who is 17.

A seventh-grade student at Parkway Northwest Middle, “Kenzie” loves to be social with her friends. She plays basketball, soccer, and softball and is on a cheer team. She loves Camp Sabra and loves visiting her camp friends in their cities to celebrate their b’nai mitzvahs.

The couple, who live in Denver, traveled to Italy for their honeymoon.

Andi and Tyler were introduced by a mutual friend at Indiana University. They share many milestones in life, such as the same birthday (day and year), graduating from IU, and many more.

To propose, Tyler convinced Andi their dog (Lucky) had gotten loose and they need to go catch her. When Andi showed up to the park that Lucky was supposedly running around at, she found a path lined by signs that highlight all the milestones Andi and Tyler have shared together. The final milestone was them getting engaged on May 20, 2022 (luckily she said yes, and the sign became accurate).

BIRTH: SARAH ELLA GOLDSTEIN

Jesse and Leah Goldstein of Miami would like to announce the birth of their daughter, Sarah Ella Goldstein, on December 10, 2023 in Miami, weighing 6 pounds, 9 ounces.

Sarah is the granddaughter of Cantor Rachelle Nelson and the late Harvey Saunders of Miami, and Rich and Isabel Goldstein of St. Louis.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VIDEO GATE STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY

ZUCKERMAN-BERMAN ENGAGEMENT

Rachael Zuckerman and Jason Berman have announced their engagement.

Rachael is the daughter of Lois and David Zuckerman of St. Louis, and the granddaughter of Morris (z”l) and Hortense (z”l) Zuckerman and Alice (z”l) and Lenny (z”l) Ruback, all of Denver.

Jason is the son of Gail and Mark Berman of Margate, N.J., and the grandson of Marlene and Herbert (z”l) Ozer of Springfield, Pa., and Edward (z”l) and Bernice (z”l) Berman.

Rachael attended Parkway North High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University, a Master’s of Public Health from Tufts University, and a Ph.D. from The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She is currently a Health Policy Analyst for the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Jason received a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s in Government from Reichman University. He is employed by the United States House Sergeant at Arms as an Emergency Management Specialist.

Jason and Rachael met online and shared their first drink at an outdoor bar in the middle of the pandemic. Rachael knew he was special when a couple of weeks later Jason volunteered to spend a weekend day helping to paint her house.

In December 2023, Jason brought Rachael to a local park and surprised her with the proposal.

A September 2024 wedding is planned.

SUBMIT YOUR FAMILY’S SIMCHAS

Thanks to the generous support of the Harvey Kornblum Foundation, members of the St. Louis Jewish community can submit simcha announcements for free. Submit an announcement for your family’s recent simcha (birth, bar/bat mitzvah, engagement, wedding or major anniversary):

stljewishlight.org/simchas

SIMCHAS

COMENSKYS CELEBRATE 60TH ANNIVERSARY

Susie and Jerry Comensky were married on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, 1964 at Congregation B’nai Amoona.

They celebrated their 60th anniversary with

family at Spiros to mark their special anniversary. They have two sons, Howard and Brent (Karen). The five of them will take a cruise in late spring to the ABC Islands to continue the celebration.

TRIBUTES

To make a tribute, visit stljewishlight.org/tribute

IN MEMORY OF

BEVERLY BARRON LARRY WELTMAN

Condolences on your loss.

— Todd, Judy, Josh, and Alexis Taylor

May Larry's memory be a blessing to your family.

— With love, Judy and Todd Taylor and Sharyn Essman JUDY ALLEN

May Judy's memory be a blessing to all of you.

— Todd, Judy, Aliyah, Jordan, Josh, and Alexis

BAR MITZVAH: SPENCER JULES LEVISON

Spencer Jules Levison, son of April and Matthew Levison of Creve Coeur, became a bar mitzvah Dec. 30, 2023 at Traditional Congregation.

Spencer is the grandson of Marilyn and Marty Levison of Chesterfield, and Sue and Jim Skorburg of Creve Coeur. He is the great-grandson of Barbara and the late Saul Mirowitz of Creve Coeur, and the late Dorothy and Jules Levison of Chesterfield.

Spencer has three siblings, Cole (16), David (16) and Evie (7).

An eighth-grade student at MICDS, Spencer enjoys playing lacrosse and basketball, and hanging out with his friends.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VIDEO GATE STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY

SIGN UP FOR THE JEWISH LIGHT’S FREE MONDAY-FRIDAY EMAIL NEWSLETTER

VISIT STLJEWISHLIGHT.ORG/ NEWSLETTERS

JEWISH

By Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com

‘Israel Supporters’ Difficulty: Easy | Find puzzle answers online: bit.ly/0221-crossword

Across

1. “Heroes” of classic TV

7. Rocking Rose

10. Strike caller

13. Exodus leader

14. Tsuris, so to speak

15. Biblical sister of Hoglah and Tirzah

16. Israel supporting 90’s TV star

19. Raw material for a smelter

20. Beginning of a fairy tale

21. Paul’s “Exodus” co-star

22. Beats in the ring, for short

24. Minim total

27. Israel supporting 90’s/2010’s TV star

31. Henri’s “Help!”

33. Aliens, for short

34. One and million divider?

35. Israel supporting 2000’s TV star

39. Chanukah need, perhaps

40. He raised Samuel

41. Push

42. Israel supporting 2010/2020’s TV star

46. “That ___ no concern to you”

47. Twelve, for short

48. Issuer of “12345-6789,” et al.

51. Disney villain with pet eels

54. Acts by the Maccabees or the IDF

57. Israel supporting 2000’s TV star

60. Has 61. “... rose ___

rose” (Gertrude Stein)

62. “Another song!”

63. Mets div.

64. Wrestling match ender

65. Kind of car

Down

1. Muslim pilgrims

2. “Gone With The Wind” heroine

3. NBA’s Marc or Pau

4. 13-Across in English, perhaps

5. “Don’t do that!”

6. Irritable

7. Emotion of those seeing the Torah being given

8. Hugs and kisses

9. Slim

10. Either of 51-Across’s eels,

e.g.

11. TV bartender

12. It may not be easy to shoot

17. Fifth-century pope called “the Great”

18. Hofstra org.

23. Pirate that’s a 10-Down

25. Watch a lot at one go

26. Letters for a thief, maybe

27. Hamas supporters might form one

28. Put on TV

29. K-pop group of note

30. Not allowed, in Judaism

31. Shalom, to Miguel

32. City that celebrates Chanukah in the summer

36. Drink in Jerusalem?

37. Care

38. Bother

39. Kenobi, for short

43. Great singer Haza

44. Department store eponym

45. Wicked queens of Yisrael

48. Son of Jacob with a temper

49. Cause to jump, in a way

50. Ed of “Up”

52. Send off

53. Rav of Talmud

55. Second city of Nevada

56. Killer in the ocean

57. Absalom to David

58. Hole punch, of a sort

59. Author Fleming

Amy Fenster Brown: Columnist offers latest lesson in teen lingo

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

feet folded onto her lap looking as though she might never walk again. With her third eye open and her chakras aligned, your friend whispers to you “Girl is cracked! Om Shanti Om.”

Him: It’s not the cute guy in yoga class with his leg behind his head. “Him,” usually pronounced “heem,” refers to someone who is both goated and cracked, with a sparkle that can only be rivaled by the Hope Diamond under a spotlight. Example – Full-fledged Lotus Girl is all the talk in yoga class after turning her feet into pret-

zels. She’s Him!

Glazing: Doughnuts are good, but glaze makes them great. Bakers swipe on the glaze to really make the doughnut extra special. Similarly, when you are glazing someone, you are trying to make them feel special, but it’s not really for them, it’s more for you. That’s because in this instance, glazing is like kissing up to someone, so they like you more. You glaze them, they sparkle, they like you more — poof. Now you’re cool. Example: Lotus Girl is rolling up her mat after class. You walk over on your jelly legs and say, “You’re, like, totally my new guru.” You’ve just glazed her, probably

hoping she’ll invite you to grab a Matcha Boba tea after class.

Gate keeping: When someone has knowledge that isn’t top secret, but won’t share it with you, they’re gate keeping. They’d rather make you feel like a dumdum. (We know this is their lack of confidence, feeling threated by your natural ability to shine brighter than the sun. Remember, we don’t trust these people.) Example – Lotus Girl is talking about Dani. You don’t know Dani, never met Dani, never even heard of Dani. Innocently you ask, “Who’s Dani?” Lotus Girl turns her nose up and says, “You wouldn’t need to

know.” Turns out, Dani is the most popular yoga instructor in town, but rather than share what is not a secret, Lotus Girl is gate keeping, because she’s threatened by how cute you look doing downward dog.

Push: While it sounds like “push” is what you want to do to Lotus Girl while she is standing on the edge of a cliff, it’s actually quite innocent. In this case, push is a teenage way to say this is what you’re going to do. Example – After class, some of the yoga crew says, “We’re pushing hot tub” as everyone deserves a therapeutic soak. Except for Lotus Girl and her negative aura. She’s not invited.

SP TLIGHT

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.

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

VIEW MORE ONLINE: stljewishlight.org/multimedia

JEWISH NATIONAL FUND

A NIGHT OF UNITY

The Jewish National Fund-USA hosted “A Night of Unity” on Thursday, Jan. 25 at the Frontenac Hilton to recognize St. Louis philanthropists for their support of Israel. The Century Council Award was presented to Ann and Harvey Tettlebaum, Leslie and Jeff Lewis and Susan K. Feigenbaum and Dr. Jay Pepose. Gloria Feldman received the World Chairman Council Award in recognition of her support for LOTEM, a training facility in northern Israel. Feldman was recognized for championing LOTEM’s “Computer for Every Child” project. The guest speaker at the event was Alon Ben Gurion, grandson of David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister. He told the audience he has the same hope as his grandfather, who said 50 years ago that Israel needs to be am segula, or a nation with higher virtue. The event was co-chaired by Rabbi Jeffrey and Lauren Abraham, Traci Goldstein, and Jenny and Rich Wolkowitz.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Jeff Lewis, Leslie Lewis and Susan Farber; Marci Rosenberg, George Gladis and Rachel Miller; Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham; Dr. Jay Pepose and Susan K. Feigenbaum; Liessa Alperin and Galit Lev-Harir flank Alon Ben-Gurion; Laurie Berger, Gloria Feldman and Maxine Mirowitz.

PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN

CROWN CENTER FOR SENIOR LIVING

FAREWELL TO NIKKI GOLDSTEIN

On Dec. 19, Crown Center came together in a heartwarming celebration to honor Nikki Goldstein who dedicated 23 years to the role of executive director. Heartfelt stories from residents, program participants, volunteers and staff captured the essence of Goldstein’s exceptional leadership. The event served as a touching tribute, acknowledging the profound impact she had on every aspect of the Crown Center Community.

ABOVE: Goldstein and Crown staff members

ABOVE: Crown Center Board President Mark Rubin addresses the crowd.

LEFT: Nikki Goldstein and Andy Thorp, Crown Center’s new Executive Director

ABOVE: Nikki Goldstein (second from left) and Crown residents (from left) Rongmei Zhu, Lina Melamed, Rise Gilliom. RIGHT: Goldstein and Sally Altman, Crown Center Council of Life member.

May her memory be a blessing.

In the spirit of Marilyn's legacy, let us remember the strength found in unity and the power of selfless giving. Her memory is a testament to the enduring impact one individual can make on the lives of many.

The J family and our entire community will be forever grateful.

Marilyn Fox z”l