Jewish Light Digital Edition: June 21, 2023

summer vacation! we’ll be back with a new edition on july 12

Julia Goldstein’s lifetime of championing kids

BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

Just north of the University City Loop on Kingsland Avenue sits a modern brick building that has been a welcoming, innovative center of learning for preschool age children for 27 years. The Julia Goldstein Early Childhood Learning Center has 12 classrooms, a kitchen and a developmentally appropriate 27,000-square-foot playground.

The two-story center specializes in a free program known as Parents As Teachers that empowers parents as their children’s first teacher. The program provides home visits and learning activities for families with children up to 5 years old.

The program was the specialty of a noted Jewish St. Louisan for whom the building is named. On June 13, 1996, the University City Board of Education officially approved naming the building in honor of Julia Goldstein.

An education power couple

Julia Benjamin was born in 1900 in New York City. She graduated from Teacher’s College in New York and moved to St. Louis in 1923. In 1930, she founded the McKnight Nursery School, one of the first preschools in the area, and operated it for nearly 50 years.

In 1924, Julia married Albert Goldstein, who taught chemistry at Washington University and went on to become dean of the upper division of the College of Liberal Arts. The Goldstein family attended Congregation Shaare Emeth.

While Albert Goldstein spent his career in collegiate education, Julia focused on preschool. She was convinced that early childhood learning could make

a huge difference in how a child progressed from kindergarten on. After retiring from McKnight Nursery School at age 85, she persuaded the University City school district to let her begin a tutoring program at Flynn Park Elementary School.

The program began with 10 pupils who met once a week with an adult volunteer who served as a tutor/ counselor. That program was effective in its objective and now, nearly 40 years after its inception, the Parents As Teachers concept is considered highly effective at promoting early childhood development.

Goldstein’s work was praised by then-Missouri Gov. John Ashcroft and Vice President Dan Quayle, who visited U. City in 1989 to meet her. At age 90, she was recognized in President George H.W. Bush’s “thousand points of light” program. She met and befriend-

ed actor Tony Danza, who featured her on a TV show he produced. She was also profiled on “CBS Sunday Morning” by Charles Kuralt.

Who was Julia Goldstein?

Through her work running a preschool, Julia Goldstein was always a proponent for early learning. Her idea for implementing a public school tutoring program likely came after she visited her great-grandson Evan’s kindergarten class to observe it. Evan’s mother (and Julia’s granddaughter) Nancy Margulies said Julia noticed something amiss.

“She observed a couple of kids who weren’t paying See JULIA GOLDSTEIN on page 6

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Torah reading: Korach

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UNLOCK THE SECRETS TO ETERNAL YOUTH: YOUR ULTIMATE WHAMMY GUIDE TO DEFYING AGING!

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Unfortunately not enough people are out there sharing the true benefits and the importance of staying physically active and prioritizing exercise to the aging population

Bill Motchan, Amy Fenster Brown, Eric Berger, Patricia Corrigan, Barry Gilbert, Margi Lenga Kahn, Nancy Kranzberg, Elise Krug, Cate Marquis, Eric Mink, Judith Newmark, Martin Rochester

Friday, July 6: 8:11 p.m.

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Torah reading: Pinchas

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Clayton third grader sparks ripple effect against antisemitism after ‘blue square’ presentation

JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL

CONTENT OFFICER

On March 27, Season 23 of “The Voice” officially kicked off its “battle rounds” shows, when each celebrity coach begins to whittle down their teams. But what many watching also saw was the presence of a small blue square on their TV screen. At the first commercial break, host Carson Daly explained what the blue square meant.

“The blue square you saw while watching ‘The Voice’ means that the show is participating in a national campaign called Stand Up to Jewish Hate, which was founded by Robert Kraft, an American businessman who is the CEO and chairman of the Kraft Group and owner of the NFL’s New England Patriots,” said Daly. “The purpose of utilizing the blue square emoji, which is built into every smartphone keyboard, is to mobilize Americans of all ages to stand up against antisemitism.”

One third-grade teacher in the Clayton School District got the message.

“I happened to be watching ‘The Voice’ when they aired a PSA for the blue square campaign,” said Crystal Chodes-Squibb, a teacher at Meramec Elementary School. “I immediately thought of my student Sasha and did just a bit more research that night. That’s when I learned about www.standuptojewishhate.org.”

The student Chodes-Squibb thought of is Sasha Growe, 9, who from the first week of third grade had expressed her love of Jewish culture.

“When we started learning how to say ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ in different languages, Sasha taught the class how to say it in Hebrew. She wrote about experiences at a Jewish summer camp and shared about Jewish holidays and how it’s an important part of her identity,” said ChodesSquibb.

Knowing this about Sasha, ChodesSquibb thought the new campaign and learning more about it would be an empowering experience for her.

“Children do not always believe in the power of their voice and I wanted Sasha to know that her voice is capable of creating change within our school,” said Chodes-Squibb.

The next day, Sasha was in the middle

of her math lesson when her teacher pulled her aside and gave her several sheets of paper explaining what Stand Up to Jewish Hate was about, as well as a news article about Kraft and his inspiration for helping to start the blue square campaign. The two talked about how Sasha’s sharing the blue square campaign could create a “ripple effect” of empathy and prompt others to be more inclusive.

“I simply nudged Sasha, but what she created was beyond powerful and inspirational to so many students and teachers,” said Chodes-Squibb.

According to her father, Jason Growe, Sasha has always had a strong interest in social justice issues. So when she decided to create a multimedia presentation on her own, explaining Jewish hate and antisemitism and how we can combat it, he wasn’t surprised.

“She even conducted an interview with Rabbi Amy Feder at Temple Israel, where we belong, as part of the slide show,”

said Growe.

When her presentation was complete, she presented her work to the class.

“If I simply created the slideshow and didn’t share it with anyone, it wouldn’t do anything to fight Jewish hate,” said Sasha.

From there, it just grew. The two other third-grade classes invited her to present, and when the school counselor, Anthony Henderson, learned about Sasha’s presentation, he offered to help her schedule presentations for other grade levels. By the end of the school year, Sasha had presented to every grade level at Meramec.

“Most of my classmates had questions. For example, why did antisemitism start and why has it lasted for so long?” said Sasha. “In one of my presentations, a student shared a time when he witnessed antisemitism. I was able to help that student and the others in that class know how to handle this if it happens again.”

The ripple effect of Sasha’s work has been impactful. After her presentations, other students were inspired to be a part

of the movement.

“One of my students created a presentation about stopping Asian hate. Another third grader was inspired to create a video about including all students at Meramec,” said Chodes-Squibb. “Another student started a presentation to add more inclusive playground equipment to Meramec’s playground.”

Sasha explained that her goal was to make people more aware of antisemitism and how it is not OK.

“I hope my classmates tell their parents about the blue square campaign so more people can help spread the word,” said Sasha.

“I don’t think that Sasha completely understands the power of her voice to inspire others,” said Chodes-Squibb. “However, I fully expect that as Sasha grows, she will begin to understand that she doesn’t need to wait to grow up to make a positive impact in our community –she has the power she needs within herself even as a third grader.”

Clayton third grader Sasha Growe created and delivered a slide show presentation about the Stand Up to Jewish Hate campaign.

Five questions with J Street Israel’s CEO

Nadav Tamir visited St. Louis on June 13

BILL MOTCHAN

SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

Nadav Tamir, the executive director of J Street Israel, visited St. Louis on June 13 to speak on the topic of “Israel at a Crossroads.” Tamir was previously Israeli consulate general to New England and advisor to the late Israeli President Shimon Peres.

Before his presentation, Tamir sat down with the Jewish Light to offer his perspective on the political climate in Israel.

What brings you to St. Louis?

I’m based in Israel and a few times a year they bring me here to tell people what’s happening on the ground and to get people to support J Street. We’re trying to have presence all over the United States. I started this tour in Houston, then I was in Atlanta, Maryland and Boston. Tomorrow I’m going to Chicago. I’m also going to Philadelphia and Denver.

What kind of responses have you received from audiences you’ve met with?

Many people were very affected by the way J Street has been attacked as an anti-Israeli organization. And now they’ve come to realize that we are the answer when they see this awful government that we have, and they see the people protesting in the streets and they understand. I find much more openness also in people that for years were supporting the more mainstream Jewish organizations because they thought they had no right to criticize. Now they understand it’s not only their right, it’s their duty, and it’s the way for them to do tikkun olam as Americans.

Do you believe most Israelis are committed to a democratic state?

We know from surveys and polls that the majority of Israelis are liberal. When you ask them about their positions on the

Shaare Emeth plans Pride Month events

Nadav Tamir, the executive director of J Street Israel, visited St. Louis on June 13

Israeli-Palestine conflict, when you ask them about their positions on the separation between state and religion, about gay rights, about so many things, they are liberal. But for many years this liberal majority was asleep, not active politically. They were waiting for the next startup and enjoying the great culinary scene of Tel Aviv and ignoring politics and in denial. And now they’re out on the streets.

What can Jews in America do to stay informed about political events in Israel?

I think that the reason why I’m in J Street after being an Israeli diplomat and an advisor to the president. For too long, Jews in America were told that the only way to support Israel is to agree with the Israeli government. And sometimes it makes sense to agree with them. But sometimes no, just like the U.S. And if we want to keep American Jews connected in Israel and find a way to balance between their love for Israel and their Zionism with their liberal values, we have to create a space where they can do that.

Is it accurate to say that the protests are unprecedented in the history of the state of Israel?

Absolutely. And it’s their constitutional right. It’s a free state and I think that Americans by and large support Israel. And the goal of J Street is to keep Israel a homeland for the Jewish people, we need an active foreign policy by the American administration. And this is exactly what J Street is trying to do.

Congregation Shaare Emeth’s Keshet Committee is hosting a series of events to honor Pride Month. All programming is free, but registration (online at http:// sestl.co/pride23) is required for Saturday’s Torah study and workshop.

A Pride Shabbat service at 6 p.m. Friday, June 23, will offer inclusive readings and music by Shaare Emeth’s Keshet Committee, as well as music from BandTogether’s Woodwind Ensemble, a volunteer music organization in the greater St. Louis area, open to performers of all abilities, providing performance opportunities to members of the LGBTQ+ community in a safe and relaxed setting.

On Saturday, June 24, Rabbi Rachel Bearman will lead a Shabbat morning Torah study (9 a.m. nosh, followed at 9:30 with the Torah study) on “Following the Rainbow Thread: Celebrating Jewish LGBTQ+ History.”

From 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., national speaker Ben Greene will lead a workshop on “LGBTQ+ Inclusion: What it Means, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do.” Greene is a public speaker and fierce advocate for the transgender community. After coming out at 15 years old, he built a career based on spreading storytelling and education to individuals, corporations, government groups, hospitals and schools around the world. He is publishing a book about supporting transgender youth.

On Sunday, June 25, Shaare Emeth will take part in the PrideFest Grand Pride Parade at noon, beginning at 8th and Market downtown. For more infor-

mation, or to join Shaare Emeth’s contingent in the parade, email Michele Siler at psiler@aol.com. The community can also order T-shirts created by Shaare Emeth’s Keshet Committee by visiting bonfire.com/se-pride-2023-love-is-love.

Center for Israel Education, Emory University offer Israel@75 online workshop in July

Educators will engage with the state of Israel’s past, present and future at the 22nd annual Enrichment Workshop on Modern Israel, held online by the Center for Israel Education and the Emory University Institute for the Study of Modern Israel from July 23 to 25.

With the theme of “Israel@75: Challenges, Successes and a Look to the Future,” the workshop will build on CIE and ISMI’s experience training more than 3,500 teachers. All participants will receive a package of resources for classroom use and will be entered into a raffle for a gift card from bookseller Steimatzky USA. Institutions are encouraged to send at least two people to maximize the impact, and the $150 application fee is waived for cohorts of three or more. A bonus gift is available for referrals.

The program is for Israel educators at Jewish day schools, synagogue schools, supplemental learning programs and adult education providers. The workshop also suits Jewish professionals whose organizations educate about Israel. The sessions will cover content and pedagogy so educators can thrive from the start of the school year, whether they bring modern Israel into observances of the fall holidays or open factbased, nuanced discussions of Israel’s proposed judicial overhaul.

Sessions will run from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST every day and from 7 to 8:30 p.m. EST the first two days. Visit israeled.org/workshop for more information.

Rabbi Rachel Bearman and Ben Greene

Longtime Crown Center director plans to retire by year’s end

Nikki Goldstein is retiring after 23 years as executive director of the Gladys and Henry Crown Center for Senior Living, a non-profit affordable housing resource and community center in University City for older adults.

Over the course of her tenure, Goldstein has:

• Expanded Crown’s impact as a neighborhood hub, community center and resource for older adults,

• Led a $7.5-million capital campaign that will replace an outdated building with new community space and offices, in addition to 120 new affordable apartments for seniors.

• Created strategic partnerships with Washington University, Aging Ahead, Oasis and AW Healthcare that helped a vulnerable population of older adults meet the challenges of aging.

“Crown Center is a community led by Jewish values that aims to serve a diverse group of people of various ethnicities, religions and cultures,” said Crown’s board chair Sally J. Altman, “and it took someone like Nikki with her passion, skill, and integrity to bring that to fruition. We are grateful to Nikki for her leadership.”

In recognition of her achievements, Goldstein was selected in 2018 to receive Washington University’s Harvey A. and Dorismae Hacker Friedman Award for Excellence in Service to Older Adults.

Goldstein hasn’t entirely mapped out what she will take on in her next chapter, but she says she will spend some part of it giving thanks to the people she worked with over nearly a quarter of a century.

“I am so grateful for having the opportunity to help grown and sustain a welcoming, inclusive community for older people of all backgrounds, and to also meet the particular needs of Jewish older adults,” she said. “I am particularly proud of how our team has been able to raise Crown’s visibility and credibility at the local, regional, and national levels. In a world that is often topsy turvy, we have maintained a stable, fiscally sound agency and deployed our financial resources effectively.”

Goldstein expects to be at Crown Center through the end of the calendar year while the board engages a firm to aid in the search for her successor.

For two weeks, June 30 and July 7, Chana’la Rubenfeld, co-director of Chabad of Chesterfield, will offer her fresh challah for pre-order.

Rubenfeld’s love for making and sharing with others how to make challah through Chabad of Chesterifeld’s Loaves of Love Workshops started more than 18 years ago when she moved back to St. Louis with her husband, Rabbi Avi Rubenfeld, and 1-year-old son, Mendel. As a new mom, she wanted to recreate her childhood memories and the Friday afternoon aroma of freshly baked challah that her mother, Shiffy Landa, co-director of Chabad of Greater St. Louis, used to bake every week.

The challenge was that the recipe that her mom used called for a 5-pound bag of

flour. That made six challahs, which was way more than her small family could eat. So, every week she would share her challahs with her new neighbors and friends. Before long she began to receive several requests to share her techniques and tips of how to make challah. And that is how the Loaves of Love workshops came to be.

“To me, food is a way to connect Jewishly. I make a lot of Jewish foods because it feels powerful to use food as a means to connect to my grandparents, great grandparents and to my Jewish identity” Rubenfeld explained. “It makes me so happy to be able to share that with others and encourage them to connect, explore and taste their Jewish heritage as well.”

2023 St. Louis Senior Olympics

More than 1,200 athletes participated in the 43rd St. Louis Senior Olympics, held at the J and other venues over Memorial Day Weekend. Above left, the torch lighting ceremony kicks off the Senior Olympics at the J. Above right, Alice Mohr and Steve Frei are shown on the badminton court. At right, Sylvana Airan and Beverly Manning display their medals. For a gallery of images from the St. Louis Senior Olympics, visit stljewishlight.org/multimedia

Rubenfeld’s challahs will be available for preorder for two weeks only, on June 30 and July 7, at a challah pop-up. She will offer a variety of flavors to choose from such as: plain, everything bagel, sesame seed, zaatar, cinnamon and sugar and sweet crumble. All proceeds will benefit Chabad of Chesterfield’s Bowl of Love program, sending bowls of chicken soup to those that are in need of a dose of a physical or emotional boost.

Pick up will be on June 30 and July 7 between 4 and 6 p.m. at Chabad of Chesterfield’s temporary location in Chesterfield Mall (use the Cheesecake Factory main entrance). Pre-order is required. The cost is $7/challah and there is a limit of three challahs per person. Place orders at bit.ly/challahpopup.

PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN

Nikki Goldstein

Julia Goldstein: Rebuilding the foundation of early education

attention to the teacher,” said Margulies, 75. “She sat with one of them and tried to help her with one-and-one-equals-two. And the little girl didn’t seem to understand it. So Julie — she insisted I call her Julie, not ‘grandma’ — she went to the principal and said, ‘You’ve got some kindergarten kids who are not really ready to learn in school. What do you do when that happens?’ ”

The principal told her the kids would likely have to repeat kindergarten. Goldstein had a better idea.

“She said, ‘Would you give me an hour with each child that the teacher believes will not graduate?’ ” Margulies said. “Julie sat in the hall at a little table and chair with a few of the kids that she worked with, and she brought some books for them to learn to read. And then when they were able to read the book, she gave it to them to take home to show their parents. She also required that the parents come in to meet with the teacher and learn more about how their child was doing.”

Goldstein also made it clear that if the parents had to take time from work to meet with the teacher, they should not get their pay docked. And if their employer didn’t agree to those terms, Goldstein would visit their workplace and strongly suggest they do so.

She was equally direct and unequivocal when it came to recruiting volunteer tutors. Retirees were prime targets.

“She would literally stand in line at the post office and turn to the people around her and say, ‘Are you retired? Do you have some free time? Do you like children? Do you have an hour a week to spend helping a child?’ ” Margulies said. “And she would get volunteers. She would go into a doc-

tor’s office waiting room even when she didn’t have an appointment, just so she could see if she could get some volunteers from people sitting there.”

Eventually, Goldstein was named director of the University City School’s Partners Education Excellency Program. It matched 50 retiree tutors to meet with first- and second-grade pupils who needed additional instruction and encouragement.

Goldstein also served as fundraiser to secure resources, including books and other education materials. The program benefitted both the children and the adults.

“These relationships were very important to the older adults, many of whom were living alone and not feeling productive,” Margulies said. “It was great for the

kids. They formed really good bonds. And the kids that Julie and the other volunteers worked with did not have to repeat kindergarten. They really got much better at paying attention and appreciating learning.”

Julia Goldstein died Aug. 12, 1994, after suffering a stroke. In her 90s, she didn’t slow down in her efforts to improve the lives of others and, mentally, she showed no signs of deterioration.

She participated in a research program at Washington University on brain research because she fit the profile of having a healthy brain. The doctor conducting

the study said: “Mrs. Goldstein, we’re ready for you. Do you have to go to the bathroom first?” She replied: “No. Do you?” Then she turned to the other people in the waiting room and said of the doctor, “I toilet trained him.”

Margulies now lives in northern California, but she grew up in U. City and lived there for many years. She formed a closeness with Julia Goldstein and said of the early childhood learning center, “I think it’s wonderful that her name lives on through that building, but it also lives on through a lot of people.”

NEWSMAKERS

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

BROUGHT TO YOU THIS MONTH BY:

Erin Grossmann, originally from St. Louis, started a new job as manager of American Collee of Emergency Physicians in Washington, D.C. She is responsible for responding to federal regulations on behalf of the college and managing relationships between the college and external organizations.

Rachel Bray is the new communications and engagements coordinator at the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). In this newly created role, she will plan and implement communications strategies, enhance JCRC’s visibility and promote positive community partnerships. Bray previously served as director of communications at Congregation B’nai Amoona where she is also a member.

Dr. Doug and Barbara Gaponoff Berson, Nikki and Paul Goldstein and Joe and Florence Schachter were recently honored for their continued support to Traditional Congregation and ongoing contributions to the greater St. Louis community. They were recognized at a special Shabbat service at Traditional.

Former St. Louisan, Rob Friedman, was recently promoted to the rank of Major (0-4) in the United States Air Force. He served many years on active duty and is currently an active drilling reservist with the 913th Airlift Group (Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas) where he serves as deputy staff judge advocate. Friedman was also recently awarded the Armed Forces Service Medal (with two service stars) for his work protecting the Constitutional rights of service members during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his civilian capacity, Friedman serves as corporate counsel for a regional public utility company based in Tampa, Fla.

Cindy Larimore, owner of Art by Lari, was selected to join Michael Grey’s Collaborative Artist’s Capsule, which takes individual artists’ work and displays them on Birkenstock sandals manufactured by the Michael Grey Sandal Factory. Larimore is the only Missouri artist selected to participate in this collaboration.

Zach Hearst’s film “Pineapple” swept the University of Arizona’s Magic Hour Awards with Best Film and Best Acting Ensemble. The 2023 Magic Hour was a free screening of 11 short fiction films made by students in the School of Theatre, Film & Television. Hearst, child of Renee Sigel-Hearst and Ken Hearst, will be a senior in the fall. His family attends Congregation B’nai Amoona.

Daniel Hearst joined the staff of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis as development officer for the Young Professionals Division (YPD). He is responsible for creating a thriving community of Jewishly engaged young adults who are empowered and committed to leadership, philanthropy, outreach, inclusion and ensuring the vibrancy of the Jewish community for the future.

Alec Baris has joined the staff at the Jewish Federation of St. Louis as a community campaign associate in the develop-

ment department. He will be working with donors giving less than $1,000 to develop donor relationships and encourage increased fundraising, as well as supporting online marketing/communication efforts. Baris is a member of United Hebrew Congregation.

Andrew Fredman, wealth management adviser and portfolio manager with Merrill Lynch in Clayton, has been named a Forbes Best-in-state Wealth Advisor in 2023. He is a member of Congregation B’nai Amoona.

Vince DeBlasi was selected by West Newsmagazine as the 2023 Excellence in Education Teacher of the Year. He just finished his 17th year of teaching at Lafayette High School, where he taught sociology, economics and personal finance, Civil War and world history. A Congregation Shaare Emeth congregant, DeBlasi was recognized by colleagues, administrators, parents and mostly by his students for making a positive impact on their lives.

Debra Klevens will begin teaching at Clayton High School in August as the newspaper teacher. She will be working with other teachers to converge the newspaper, yearbook and broadcast programs. Klevens attends United Hebrew Congregation and is secretary on the Jewish Light’s board of trustees.

Nancy Giannasi was selected by the Ranken Jordan Bridge Hospital board as their first volunteer to be featured on Making a Difference, a segment on KSDK with Mike Bush. After retiring after 30+ years as an occupational therapist, she began volunteering at Ranken Jordan, most specifically with the OZ program (Optimization Zone). Giannasi was also recognized at Rankin’s May gala, Dreaming Beyond Today. And she was one of six Ranken volunteers, out of over 100, to receive the Presidents’ Volunteer Service Award. Giannasi attends Shaare Emeth.

Dr. Craig Zimmerman has a new book, “Unlocking the Chronic Pain Code: An Effective Pathway for Chronic Pain Relief.” The book looks at five common causes of chronic pain, why prior treatments may not have been effective, and new approaches to chronic pain relief. A former St. Louisan, Zimmerman is a chiropractor in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Leo Burnett Chicago art director and former St. Louisan Naomi Frankel was part of the team that worked on Wingstop’s Chicken Sandwich Split ad campaign; encouraging consumers to break up with their other chicken sanwiches. The campaign helped Wingstop sell a million sandwiches in six days. The team won a Silver Addy (American Advertising Awards) and a Silver Effie that honors effectiveness in marketing and spotlighting ideas that work.

TOP ROW: Debra Klevens, Andrew Fredman, Nancy Giannasi, Dr. Craig Zimmerman, Naomi Frankel

BOTTOM ROW: Dr. Doug and Barbara Gaponoff Berson, Nikki and Paul Goldstein and Joe and Florence Schachter

TOP ROW: Rachel Bray, Rob Friedman, Cindy Larimore, Zach Hearst BOTTOM ROW: Daniel Hearst, Alec Baris, Erin Grossmann, Vince DeBlasi

ANNUAL TZEDEK AWARDS

The JCRC’s annual Tzedek Awards ceremony on May 11 recognized members of the St. Louis community whose work embodies the organization’s mission. Anissa Smith, a senior at Soldan International Studies High School, received the Milton I. and Merle K. Goldstein Scholarship. The Michael and Barbara Newmark Institute for Human Relations Pluralism Awards were presented to The Rev. Mike Angell, Caroline Fan, Rev. Gabrielle NS Kennedy, Ram Lakshmanan and Guillermo A. Rodríguez. Nancy Solomon Desloge received the Michael and Barbara Newmark Emerging Leader Award. Donn Rubin received the Joel and Joanne Iskiwitch Israel Award. Marie A. Kenyon received the Norman A. Stack Community Relations Award. The Batya Abramson-Goldstein Legacy Award was presented to Dr. Arlene and Rabbi Jeffrey Stiffman.

VIEW MORE ONLINE: stljewishlight.org/multimedia

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.

PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN

Nancy Lisker, Tzivia Levin Kalmes, Arlene Stiffman and Rabbi Jeffrey Stiffman Lynn Lyss, Judy Garfinkel, Dr. Carl Lyss and Joanne Iskiwitch

State Sen. Jill Schupp and Mark Schupp

Joel Iskiwitch, Deborah Price, Nancy Solomon Desloge and Maharat Rori Picker Neiss

Tzedek Awards co-chairs, Rick Abrams and Dr. Holly Bernstein

From left: Deborah Price, Maharat Rori Picker Neiss, Guillermo A. Rodríguez, Rev. Gabrielle NS Kennedy, Ram Lakshmanan, Caroline Fan, the Rev. Mike Angell and Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh

Anissa Smith, Joel Goldstein and Deborah Price

New JCRC Board President Joel Iskiwitch, Deborah Price, Marie A. Kenyon and Maharat Rori Picker Neiss

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OPINIONS

D’VAR TORAH — KORACH (JUNE 24 SHABBAT)

Is it the right time…yet?

BY RABBI JAMES STONE GOODMAN

We are taught that our ancestor Joseph hid three treasures in Egypt. One was revealed to Korach; one to Antoninus, son of Asviros; and one was hidden away for the righteous in the world to come (Talmud, Pesachim 119a).

I went searching for the third treasure. In my dreams, I was directed to Prague. When in Prague by a bridge, I began to dig — you probably know the story:

A guard by the bridge sent me home but not before I asked him, do I qualify?

As righteous? No way, he said, first get humble and go home, look for your treasure at home. Your treasure is in your backyard.

I went home, dug up my backyard and found a document written in Hebrew with a little Arabic. It read:

“Ten miracles created bein hashemashot, bayna shumus, between the suns at twilight, outside of time as it were, built into creation at the end of the first day before Shabbat, between time, created for the world to catch up, so to speak, to appear at the right time.

“The mouth of the Earth that opened, the mouth of the prophetic donkey, Miriam’s well, the rainbow, the manna, the staff of Aaron, the shamir (that little worm that worked so hard carving pyramids), the writing and the pen and the tablets. Some say the evil spirits/the jinn, and the grave of Moses and the ram of Abraham. Some also say the tongs made from tongs (technology built from technology) (Mishnah Avot 5:9).

I recognized this teaching as the treasure it was. I showed it to my friend the surgeon. Science, she said, technology where technology has not yet matured, present in some sense but not yet realized, the arc of discovery that we follow with hope because it means the saving of lives in ways that may not yet manifest. The word is “yet.”

The world is spinning fast, and what we know will catch up one day with our aspiration. Knowledge will pursue anyway, sometimes even outspin the world in the future, then we will know what we could not know until then. When? At the right time, the right time. We will call it the right time.

The mouth of the Earth will open and we will assume: Discovery We pray for that. Soon we will come to the hidden moon of Tammuz, by legend concealing the future, all the hidden possibilities that could save one of us, or all of us, someday.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Balance needed in coverage

I respectfully take issue with your reporting (June 7) on President Biden’s plan to combat antisemitism. To meaningfully combat antisemitism, antisemitism must be defined.

The “gold standard” for the definition of antisemitism is the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) working definition. The IHRA definition has been adopted worldwide by over 1,100 entities, including 70 countries, 30 states in the United States, and several U.S. governmental agencies. Unfortunately, the Biden plan falls did not adopt the IHRA standard.

The 2023 U.S. National Strategy to Counter Anti Semitism states that “the United States has embraced”—but not adopted—the IHRA definition. It goes on to state the following: “In addition, the Administration welcomes and appreciates the Nexus Document and notes other such efforts.”

What does the Nexus Document say? It specifically exempts many or most forms of antisemitic speech and actions targeting Israel and pro-Zionists: “As a general rule, criticism of Zionism and Israel, opposition to Israel’s policies, or nonviolent political action directed at the State of Israel and/or its policies should not, as such, be deemed antisemitic.”

This single statement provides a “virtue-washing” for Nakba commemorations,

BDS actions implemented against Israel, and the type of delegitimization of Israel that has become increasingly heard on college campuses and the halls of Congress.

Alan Kandel University City

I’m writing to express my disappointment in the Light’s coverage (June 7) of the White House plan to combat antisemitism. Noticeably absent from your two lengthy articles on the topic was even a minimal representation of the many concerns I and many in our community have.

One concern is the inclusion of the antisemitic organization CAIR, an organization that has peddled antisemitic tropes and has ties to extremist, anti-Israel groups, as an advisory agency to the White House strategy. A second concern is the “welcome and appreciation” of the Nexus and Jerusalem Document definitions of antisemitism. These documents exempt many forms of antisemitic speech and actions that target Israel and pro-Zionism. Additionally, among the many organizations and individuals cited in the JTA article that gushingly praised the White House strategy at length, only three “right-wing” organizations were mentioned in passing, absent an even cursory explanation of their concerns.

I respectfully suggest that it’s not too late for the Jewish Light to print an article or op-ed from among the many Jewish organizations, media outlets and commenta-

ABOUT THE OPINIONS SECTION

Viewpoints expressed in letters, commentaries, cartoons and other opinion pieces reflect those of the writer or artist, and not those of the Light. We welcome submissions of letters and commentaries to: news@stljewishlight.org

D’VAR TORAH — BALAK (JULY 1 SHABBAT)

Touched by an angel

BY RABBI RACHEL KAY BEARMAN

As a teenager, I would sometimes (often) turn on the television while I enjoyed a post-school snack. At that time in human history, my options were to watch whatever show was on… or to dig through the cabinets in our living room, hoping that I would be able to find whatever VHS tape I was looking for. More often than not, I took my chances with basic cable, and that is how I discovered “Touched By An Angel,” a show which aired on what was known at that time as the PAX network.

For those who weren’t fortunate enough to experience “Touched By An Angel” firsthand, it was a deeply ernest, overtly religious show where angels, including my favorites, Tess and Monica (played by Della Reese and Roma Downey respectively), were sent to earth to interact with mortals in various ways.

The best part of every episode was the big reveal, i.e. the moment when the humans at the center of the episode’s arc learned that their lives had been touched by an angel (or sometimes multiple angels… depending on the humans’ angelic needs) These reveals were expertly produced, and even though I haven’t seen a single minute of the show in more than 20 years, I can still remember the way that the music would shift and the angel would suddenly take up the majority of the frame while a warm, “heavenly” light cascaded down on them. The mortals would stare at them as the angels explained that God had been present all along and that they had simply

tors who have serious concerns about the White House antisemitism strategy. A semblance of balance in your reporting on this issue will be appreciated by myself and many in our community.

Howard Loiterstein Chesterfield

Remembering Joyce Margulis

The National Council of Jewish Women – St. Louis section is over 125 years old. Twenty-five years ago, the president of our section was Joyce Margulis. Joyce was instrumental in changing the meeting time and demographic makeup of our Board of Directors. I was on the Board, at 25 years old, as the president of the Young Women’s Council (we had two separate boards then). Joyce asked me how to get younger people on the board, so we discussed moving the meetings to the evenings instead of the daytime so that working women could attend. Joyce spearheaded this change, and since then, our board meets at 5:30 p.m., and babysitting is offered as well. Today, at least half the NCJW Board is women under 55 years old. At a time when some NCJW sections are having difficulties finding future leaders, I am happy to say that this is not the case with the St. Louis section, partially thanks to Joyce. Joyce is remembered fondly by many members of NCJW for her leadership and dedication during her term as President and in subsequent years.

Michelle Brooks Treasurer, NCJW-St. Louis

missed all of the signs. These reveals were always played so seriously by the actors, and I remember being very moved as I watched the characters put together the puzzle of clues that the episode had presented them with and then (inevitably) come to believe that God had placed angels in their path to act as guides and comforters.

I always think of those long-ago “Touched By An Angel” viewings when I read next week’s Torah portion, Parashat Balak. In the parashah, Balaam is hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse his enemies, the Israelites. What Balak doesn’t know is that Balaam is in contact with Adonai, the God of the Israelites, and has been told by God that he should not do what Balak has demanded. There is some back and forth in the story as Balaam repeatedly turns down Balak’s request (order) to curse the Israelites until finally God tells Balaam that if he is “invited” again, he should go with Balak’s

See BALAK on page 22

Global issue needs attention—and action

In her June 7 d’var Torah “‘We can surely do it’: Working to create a world of compassion, justice and peace,” Rabbi Andrea Goldstein addresses the despair many of us feel when the world’s problems feel too daunting to even start fighting. I used to feel this way about global issues like HIV/ AIDS. In the early 2000s, it was a horror I heard about in news about Africa, devastating families and even economies. It seemed too big and far away for one person to tackle. But then I discovered thousands of Americans could add voices together to demand that our nation’s leaders do something about it.

The persistence of everyday citizens reaching out in non-partisan ways led to President George W. Bush creating the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). It has been a driving force in fighting HIV/AIDS. Since its creation 20 years ago, PEPFAR has helped save 25 million lives and played a critical role supporting prevention, treatment, and care programs in over 50 low-income countries.

I ask readers to join me in asking our U.S. members of congress — Sen. Josh Hawley, Sen. Eric Schmitt, Rep. Cori Bush, and Rep. Ann Wagner — to co-sign the upcoming reauthorization of the PEPFAR program. Together, we can end AIDS in our lifetime.

Cynthia Changyit Levin Town and Country

Rabbi James Stone Goodman serves Central Reform Congregation and is a past president of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, which coordinates the d’var Torah for the Jewish Light.

Rabbi Rachel Kay Bearman serves Congregation Shaare Emeth and is a member of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, which coordinates the d’var Torah for the Light.

Celebrate, expand Judaism as means of fighting antisemitism

BY RABBI YOSEF LANDA

Despite significant progress in fighting antisemitism over the past decades, recent years have borne witness to an alarming increase in antisemitic incidents.

Jews around the world and across the United States have been targeted by acts of violence, vandalism of synagogues and a surge in online antisemitic rhetoric. This age-old prejudice continues to rear its ugly head, posing a not insignificant threat to Jewish communities around the world.

In response to this, the White House last month released the “U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.” The 60-page report advocates for increasing awareness and understanding of antisemitism, strengthening laws against hate crimes, and improving the safety and security of Jewish communities and institutions around the United States.

While the many well-intentioned efforts, both public and private, in response to the problem of antisemitism are much needed and applaudable, I’d like to suggest taking a deeper look at the underlying strategy being employed and to introduce a complementary strategy that would advance a more productive and more positive and uplifting response to the otherwise ugly and wholly negative phenomenon of antisemitism.

For the most part, the approach being followed is largely outward directed. It addresses antisemitism by focusing primarily on the source of the hate, namely the adversaries of the Jewish people. The goal is to identify the haters, call them out, condemn and shame them and do whatever we can to neutralize them.

While this approach makes perfect sense, I suggest that we think about this issue more deeply and gently pivot our collective response toward the problem. In addition to focusing on the haters of the Jewish people, let us direct our greatest

MARTY ROCHESTER

attention to focus inward, toward our own Jewish selves, with the goal of strengthening Jewish identity and promoting Jewish pride, knowledge and practice.

Thursday, June 22, marks the yahrzeit of the passing of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. As one of the most influential Jewish leaders in modern history, the Rebbe transformed a small Hasidic group that barely survived the horrors of the Holocaust into a worldwide movement — arguably the largest in Jewish history —

Jewish knowledge among our people.

Rather than shake our fists at the stubborn darkness, we must increase the light, as the well-worn adage says, “a little bit of light dispels a great deal of darkness.” We need to encourage Jews to grow and celebrate their Jewishness more fully, more robustly and with unabashed pride.

I recall that in the 1970s, a number of Jewish organizations launched a national campaign urging Jewish families to leave an empty chair at their Passover Seders as an expression of solidarity with the

People who engage in antisemitism have a very clear and specific goal in mind: to diminish Jews and Judaism. Our response to that can either be one of fear and reluctance to openly celebrate Jewish life, or to add and expand our activities and our Jewish engagement.

that today serves the Jewish people with more than 5,000 emissaries and institutions spanning 100 countries.

The Rebbe was an extraordinarily prolific teacher, with an output, both written and spoken, that staggers the imagination. Yet, across the thousands of hours of his public talks and hundreds of published volumes, it is hard to find an instance when the Rebbe spoke out against antisemitism directly. This certainly is not to suggest that the issue was not a top priority for him. Every sentence of the Rebbe’s talks reverberates with his passionate concern for Jews and Judaism and surely, as well, the threat of antisemitism. It is just that his approach was not conventional.

Instead of tangling with the negativity of haters who seek to diminish Jews and Jewishness, the Rebbe taught that the best antidote to antisemitism is an affirmative one. That we take positive action to direct our energies inward, toward increasing

oppressed Jews of the communist Eastern Bloc who were unable to properly celebrate Passover.

When the Rebbe was told about this idea he responded: “The intent is a good one, but instead of leaving an empty chair, the chair should be filled.”

Instead of highlighting the Jews who are missing from the seder table, let us encourage Jewish families to find a Jew who otherwise would not be attending a Passover seder and invite them to fill an additional chair at the table.

The oppressors want fewer Jews and less Passover, the Rebbe was saying. Our most effective response would be to bring about the exact opposite: Get more Jews, as many Jews as possible, to celebrate Passover.

This was the Rebbe’s way of combating antisemitism. Rather than highlighting the pain of our suffering, he sought to elevate the celebration of our rich heritage. This is an altogether positive and refreshing

approach that goes to the heart of how Jews ought to address the issue of antisemitism.

Instead of wrestling with the darkness and the evil, we should strive to increase the light and the goodness. People who engage in antisemitism have a very clear and specific goal in mind: to diminish Jews and Judaism. Our response to that can either be one of fear and reluctance to openly celebrate Jewish life, or to add and expand our activities and our Jewish engagement. The former works to benefit the goal of our haters, the latter undermines it.

The measures detailed by the White House’s report of additional security and added awareness of hatred towards Jews are important. But equally and even more important is increasing our own engagement with and celebration of Judaism. More Jewish learning and more Jewish doing and creating increases opportunities for both.

For so many years, Jewish identity has been shaped by an attitude that places antisemitism and Jewish suffering at the forefront of how we see ourselves. No doubt, that is also how we are seen by others.

It is time that we shape our Jewish identity and not allow the unfortunate normalization of Jew hatred to define us. We are not victims of an oppressed past. We are the scions of a proud tradition and the champions of a bright Jewish future.

Return to merit system is best path to fairness, equity

BY MARTY ROCHESTER

“Diversity is wonderful. It enriches our lives. The problem is it has become the new God — it trumps all other values, including merit.”

— My statement at a Jewish Community Relations Council-sponsored town hall meeting on the Ferguson Commission Report, 2015

Standardized tests were introduced in China between 200 BC and 200 AD. The goal was to recruit the best and the brightest to the Chinese civil service, including boys from poor families who had been excluded. The Chinese had a novel idea that merit, grounded in objective measures of ability rather than class or family influence, should be the basis for employment in the bureaucracy.

The merit principle also gradually made its way to America, as Thomas Jefferson famously proposed the creation of “an aristocracy of merit,” although it took a while for it to fully blossom. Aside from the obvious problems of slavery, racial discrimination and sexism, there was into the 20th century the ongoing privilege accorded white Anglo-Saxon Protestants (WASPS), most notably in admission to elite Ivy League universities.

As one commentator wrote: “There was no diversity. They were all white, all male, all Protestant, all rich. … Then along came the College Board Entrance Exam in 1901.

The predecessor to the SAT.” (Shefali O’Hara, “The SAT, Jews and the Ivy League,” medium.com, Aug. 7, 2020)

Suddenly, among the main beneficiaries of the new merit system at Harvard and elsewhere, were Jews. Realizing the “horrors” of the unintended consequences of the use of standardized testing, including the admission of “too many Jews,” the overseers of Harvard and Yale instituted quota systems and “holistic” criteria such as personality characteristics to weed out Jews and other “undesirables” (Jerome Karabel, “The Chosen: The Hidden History of Admission and Exclusion at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton”).

It took James Conant as Harvard’s president in the 1930s to add the SAT exam as a key admissions requirement and to move toward a merit-based system. Almost a quarter of all Harvard freshmen were Jewish at one time.

Today, there are fewer Jews in the Ivy League than there were 20 or 30 years ago. The main concern for current admission officers is not “too many Jews” but “too many Asians.” Because of the current obsession with having racially, ethnically diverse student bodies and the disproportionate success of Asians on the SAT exam relative to African Americans, Ivy League schools have decided to deemphasize the SAT and restore the holistic criteria that once were used to discriminate against Jews. (Expert Report of Peter S. Arcidiacono, Students for Fair Admissions,

Inc. v. Harvard)

Is this fair? Equitable? Hardly, yet under the prevailing liberal regime, this is where we are at today. And the decline of merit extends well beyond college admissions into almost every sector of American life.

Nobody does a better job of documenting the contemporary attack on merit and excellence than Heather MacDonald in her new book, “When Race Trumps Merit.”

Based on a large volume of empirical evidence, she writes: “The driving concept behind this revolution is disparate impact. Under this ideology, any standard … which negatively and disproportionately affects Blacks is presumed to be a tool of white supremacy. If academic admissions standards for colleges and high schools result in a student body in which the percentage of lack students is less than that of the national population (13%), then those standards must be lowered for the sake of racial equity. If the enforcement of crimi-

nal law results in a prison population that is more than 13% Black, then that enforcement must be unwound. If hiring and promotion criteria mean that a workplace is not proportionally ‘diverse,’ then those criteria must be abandoned.”

Given that the average SAT score for Blacks is 934, compared with 1,112 for whites and 1,239 for Asians, roughly 2,000 colleges now have banned the admission of SAT (as well as ACT) test scores or made submission optional. Likewise, graduate programs have been dropping the GREs because of their disparate impact.

“In a sample of eight STEM disciplines at 50 top-ranked universities, the percentage of programs requiring the GRE General Test dropped from 84% in 2018 to 3% in 2022,” according to MacDonald.

Liberals attribute the racial gap in test performance to bias, thus justifying the elimination of the tests. However, MacDonald more convincingly traces the gap to mediocre Black educational skills in K-12. She writes that on the 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) exam, “only 7% of Black 12th-graders were proficient … in math,” compared with 32% of whites and 52% Asians. In reading, half of Black 12th-graders were below basic, compared with 21% of whites and 21% of Asians.

Similarly, MacDonald writes, “the gap between white and Black scores on the

Rabbi Yosef Landa is regional director of Chabad of Greater St. Louis.

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.

AND CULTURE FOOD HOLIDAYS LIFESTYLES

Synagogue book club to shine light on titles banned in schools

BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

Missouri is among a handful of states where book banning is most prevalent, according to the reading advocacy group PEN America.

On June 27, Congregation Shaare Emeth will launch a Banned Book Club for participants to discuss important books that have been banned by some school districts in Missouri and across the country.

Synagogue member Michael Sherberg, a Washington University professor of romance languages, will lead the sessions. Sherberg, 66, shared with the Jewish Light his thoughts on book banning.

What are some of the dangers of preventing students from reading certain books?

Some of these books (like Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye”) give young people a chance to recognize and articulate what is happening to them if they are being sexually abused. It gives them a means to recognize what is happening to them or to friends as a problem that needs to be addressed. In a culture that too often wants to look the other way about the sexual abuse of young peo-

AMY FENSTER

BROWN

ple, you need to have vehicles, have these conversations, because it’s a very disturbing problem.

You led a class of Washington U undergrad students that was similar to the Shaare Emeth book club. What kind of feedback did you get from your students?

The 24 students were often stunned to learn that some of the books that I had chosen for them to read had been banned, because they often seemed so innocuous. One of the books was “Of Mice and Men,” which is a terribly sad novel, but not one that presents any immediate reason for it to be banned.

Educators point out that one consequence of book banning is students with a narrow worldview. What impact could that have for a child?

Many of the books some people want to ban treat the experience of, say, Black people in the United States. The experience of minorities in the United States is often a tortured and painful experience. The other problem is that these books often test our own moral compass. If you want to insist that the world is a certain way, you don’t want to have to confront ways of thinking about the world.

Art Spiegelman’s “Maus” was banned twice last year in Missouri, in the Ritenour and Wentzville school districts. Do you see some irony in the fact that the Missouri Legislature passed a Holocaust education bill in 2022?

Why school districts would ban a book like “Maus” is a mystery to me. Their reasons don’t stand up to any kind of interrogation. “Maus” is a beautiful account of not just a Holocaust survivor’s experience, but the effort of his son, Art Spiegelman, to learn about his father’s experience in the Holocaust. It’s a very painful book to read, but again, it’s a wonderful vehicle for young people

RELATED ADL, the J partner on lending library

In November, ADL Heartland and the Jewish Community Center partnered to establish a new lending library with “Maus” and other books about the Holocaust geared toward young readers that had been banned at some schools. To get an updated list of available books or to check one out, call 314-442-3294 or email Hdinkel@jccstl.org.

to understand what happened during the Holocaust, and it belongs on library shelves.

What are some tools for parents to discuss banned books with their kids?

Parents need to remind their children that we enjoy certain freedom in the United States, and one of those is the freedom to read, and no one can take that away from us. There’s also the question of the specific content of these books. Parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles and older friends need to be ready to talk with young people about what they’re reading, particularly when they read something that they find troubling. That’s one of the things that we’re going to talk about as a group: What do we do when a child says, “I just read a book in which an 11-year-old girl was raped by her father.” How do we engage in a conversation on a topic like that?

The Shaare Emeth Banned Book Club will discuss Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” on June 27, Alison Bechdel’s “Fun Home” on July 5 and Art Spiegelman’s “Maus” on Aug. 16. Register online by visiting: congregationshaareemeth.shulcloud.com/ form/banned-book-club.html.

It’s never too late to give up on your dreams

BY AMY FENSTER BROWN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

This is a true story.

Several years ago at a school awards assembly, a teacher/administrator/principal type gave an opening speech. Said educator was known for being nervous when addressing big groups. That, combined with too many notecards, produced this priceless gem: “It’s never too late to give up and stop believing in your dreams.”

Um, what? That’s what they said. It was supposed to be an inspirational quote like, “It’s never too late, (PAUSE) so don’t give up, (PAUSE) or stop believing in your dreams.”

Kids were confused, parents were confused, and one dad whispered to his friends, “Oh, good! I was worried it was too late for me to give up but now I know I still have the option.”

We’re told to never give up and to see that message on cheesy inspirational wall hangings in gift shops right by the “live, love, laugh” plaques. But … never? Is that even realistic? Sometimes there are situations when giving up is actually a good idea.

Bad habits. Chasing perfection. Getting self-tanner off your white bedsheets.

I crowdsourced like crazy on this one, getting perspective from several people on when it’s “OK” to throw in the towel.

It’s definitely smarter to have a new job lined up before you quit the current one. Yet there are situations in which walking out in a huff midshift with a dramatic “I quit!” is fully warranted.

Most agree that quitting a team in the middle of the

season, just because you’re not enjoying it or doing well, is a terrible idea. Work hard, finish your commitment and learn from it. However, if you’re stuck with a coach or instructor who is treating you poorly or it’s really affecting your mental health to the point of being truly miserable, stepping away seems more justified.

Most also said the wording makes a difference. Saying “quit” or “give up” could be replaced with “moving on” or “walking away.” Perhaps the negative connotations of some words suggest you didn’t try hard, while the positive feeling of other words signify that you gave it your all and realized when it just wasn’t working anymore.

It can take a lot of chutzpah to know when to walk away.

“Maybe don’t call it giving up. Look at it more along the lines of reevaluating certain things or situations,” one of my “tough guy” friends said.

“Look at it more as moving on or adjusting your goals when you realize what you are trying to do is unrealistic or harmful. Giving up should be a last resort after trying anything and everything to be successful,” my very driven, goal-oriented friend said.

In toxic friendships, when the friend is tak ing so much more than they are giving, it’s

time to give up and focus on people who make you feel good when you are with them. When a person or pursuit is causing you more harm or pain than good, it is time to switch gears.

My crowdsourcing led me to Rabbi Amy Feder of Congregation Temple Israel, who said, “Judaism never suggests you should just keep doing something forever if it isn’t working, even something as sacred as a marriage. That’s why you sign a ketubah (Jewish marriage contract), with the understanding that if it doesn’t work, the ketubah will no longer be valid and you obtain a get (Jewish bill of divorce). Giving up on something that isn’t working isn’t failure. It’s ending a chapter and moving on to the next one.”

Whether you walk away or stick it out, you are going to learn from the experience. Sometimes things are not achievable, but trying your hardest to work through a challenge, even if you quit, can help you grow as an individual. I’ve heard two pieces of great advice that work in this debate on if and when to quit.

One: Ask yourself, is your current course of action taking you to the place where you want to be?

Two: When you are ready to give up, just take one more step. It can be a little baby step. And if you cannot take another after that, then it’s probably time to sit down.

There is, however, a time in life that we can all agree upon, where giving up is the only feasible option: assembling Ikea furniture.

As the wise prophet Kenny Rogers of blessed memory famously said, “You got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em.”

Columnist Amy Fenster Brown is married to Jeff and has two teenage sons, Davis and Leo. She volunteers for several Jewish not-forprofit groups. Fenster Brown is an Emmy Award-winning TV news writer and counts time with family and friends, talking and eating peanut butter among her hobbies.

Michael Sherberg, a Washington University professor of romance languages, will lead Congregation Shaare Emeth’s Banned Book Club.

Biography of Maimonides— the GOAT—is essential reading

BY ROBERT A. COHN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS

Almost every day, some personage is described with the title GOAT — the Greatest of All Time. Tom Brady of professional football; Serena Williams, women’s tennis; Muhammed Ali, boxing; Wayne Gretzky, hockey. You get the picture.

But beyond athletics are other towering figures — in scientific, religious and sheer intellectual brilliance. As Jews, we are justly proud that a disproportionate number of Nobel Prize winners, such as Albert Einstein, Elie Wiesel and Milton Friedman, have been Jewish. Then there are the polymaths, unique individuals who are among a handful of historic figures whose intellectual gifts encompass multiple fields, such as Leonardo da Vinci, the artist who painted the Mona Lisa. He also was centuries ahead of his time in medicine, engineering and other learned endeavors.

Moses Maimonides (1138-1204), the great Medieval rabbi, physician and philosopher, belongs on the very short list of figures in the same lofty level as Leonardo.

Thanks to Alberto Manguel, a highly regarded scholar and former director of the National Library of Argentina, we have access to an elegantly written and multilayered biography of the most influential rabbinic authorities of all time.

We learn that Maimonides was born Moses ben Maimon in Cordoba, Spain. He was the gifted son of a judge and mathematician. He fled Spain with his family to escape persecution of non-Islamic faiths by the Almohads. The family fled to Morocco, where he lived in the city of Fez, where his home still stands. He later settled in Egypt and then in Palestine, where he died. His tomb in Tiberias, Israel, serves as a shrine to Jews from the world over to this day.

Maimonides was respected by Muslims, Jews and Christians. He was renowned as a physician and was named the personal physician of the Egyptian Sultan Saladin’s Court.

Manguel credits Maimonides with using his scholarship to synthesize the totality of Jewish law: the Torah,

the Jerusalem and Babylonian Talmud and the Pirke Avot.

His works include “The Guide of the Perplexed” and “The Mishnah Torah.”

The Rambam, as he was known, reconciled faith and reason and directly influenced St. Thomas Aquinas, who embraced Maimonides’ concept of the “unknowable nature of God.”

Manguel’s well researched biography is an excellent introduction to the life and works of the Greatest Rabbi of All Time. The book belongs in the library of every Jewish home.

JEWISH CELEBRITIES

New and coming soon: ‘No Hard Feelings,’ Indiana Jones and a Stan Lee documentary

BY NATE BLOOM SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

“No Hard Feelings,” a comedy-drama, opens in theaters on June 23. Here’s the plot: Maddie (Jennifer Lawrence) is broke when she answers a very unusual ad. A wealthy couple are concerned about their son, Percy, who is a brilliant high school student, but is not interested in people—no friends, no dates. They hire Maddie, to quote the film, to “date Percy’s brains out.”

The “No Hard” trailers are quite amusing, and, of course, Lawrence is a terrific actress, equally good at drama or comedy. She has a sharp eye for good scripts and almost all her films are critical and box-office hits. Her presence alone makes me high on the film.

MATTHEW BRODERICK, 61, plays Percy’s father, and EBON MOSS-BACHRACH, 46 (“Girls” on HBO and “The Bear” on Hulu) plays Gary, a family friend.

ANDREW BARTH FELDMAN, 20, who plays Percy, is making his feature film debut. He has an amazing track record, already, as a musical stage actor, on and off Broadway. In 2019, he played the title role in the long-running Broadway show “Dear Evan Hansen.”

Normally, I have some difficulty “verifying” that a young actor is Jewish. However, the New York Times made it easy for me. They did a long profile of Feldman when he was 16 and was about to play Evan Hansen. The profile noted that his bar mitzvah project was to put on a cabaret-night at his school with the box-office receipts going to autism research. The cabaret was such a hit that it became an annual event.

“No Hard Feelings” was co-written and directed by GENE STUPNITSKY, 45. He was born in Kyiv, and grew-up in a Chicago suburb. He was a longtime writer for “The Office,” and he wrote and directed

See CELEBRITIES on page 14

WHAT DOES THE GATESWORTH MEAN TO YOU? opportunity

If you are always open to meeting new people, exchanging ideas and sharing enthusiasm – if you keep your eyes, ears and minds open, this can be the best time of your life. — JOHN LESSER

”

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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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Exceptional People. Exceptional Living.

‘Maimonides: Faith in Reason’ by Alberto Manguel; Yale University Jewish Life Series, 230 pages, $26

JEWISH LITE

JEWISH CROSSWORD PUZZLE

By Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com

‘Looks Like He Made It’ Difficulty: Medium Find answers to this puzzle online at https://bit.ly/0621-crossword

Across

1. Two Presidents

6. Jonathan Pollard, once

9. Make challah, e.g.

13. “American Pie” destination

14. Romantically pursue

15. Neglect to mention

16. Insurance company with a very well known jingle by 47-Across

18. Bad points

19. Very capable

20. #1 hit by 47-Across

21. New York hometown of 47-Across

25. I, at ulpan

26. Poetic palindrome

27. Toothpaste-pushing org.

28. Former Swedish cars

30. Possible class for native Swedish speakers, for short

32. Common can material

35. Apt #1 hit for 47-

39. Either of two books of the Apocrypha: Abbr.

40. Forensic focused TV show

41. Repeal a levy

42. Amtrak listing, briefly

44. Dominate, to gamers

46. Frankfurt freezer cubes

47. Singer born June 17, 1943 (with the last name Pincus)

50. Spoof of 20-Across, as sung by Homer Simpson

52. ___ Steve (spelling instruction, three words)

53. “The Time Machine” people

54. Where 47-Across might celebrate his birthday?

58. Chess word

59. It can be behind the eightball

60. More secure

61. What the words

“dungeon” and “crustacean” have, when spelled correctly

62. Stat. for Mahomes

63. The Ari’s city

Down

1. Michaels and Roker

2. Lions or Tigers, on scoreboards

3. Classics star Gardner

4. It can be precious or heavy

5. Furthest from posh

6. Organized bartering

occasions

7. Haifa and Eilat, e.g.

8. Start of many Israeli holidays

9. Southern home of many (former) Jewish New Yorkers

10. “A Stranger ___ Us” (Lumet film)

11. Protein bar brand

12. Crafts site

17. It’s the path to the Dark Side

20. What a cancelled name often becomes

21. “Now, where ___?”

22. How the Israelites

were left after the Torah was given

23. Makeup artists?

24. He played Batman

29. Says “Shalom”, in Western Europe 31. Kirk and Spock, e.g., on the Enterprise

CELEBRITIES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

“Good Boys” (2019), a hit comedy film.

I hope Stupnitsky hits a home run with this film. It’s been a long time since Hollywood has released an intelligent, “coming-of-age” film that amuses teen and adult audiences, alike.

”Stan Lee,” a new documentary, is now streaming on the Disney+ channel. Of course, it is about the “father of the Marvel Universe” STAN LEE (1920--2018). The film has got rave reviews from critics.

Opening June 30 is “Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny.” It is the fifth and final “Indiana Jones” movie and everybody associated with series, like STEVEN SPIELBERG, swears there will be no more “Indy” films.

You can find the plot of this almost-certain blockbuster anywhere. So, I will omit it here. Of course, it wouldn’t be an Indiana Jones film if HARRISON FORD, 80, wasn’t playing archeologist Indiana Jones. As I have noted before, Ford, 80, is the son of an Irish Catholic father and a Jewish mother. He’s always been very secular.

45. Start a Shabbos meal, perhaps

47. G major’s middle 48. An “Evolution of Jewish Music” singer 49. Ancient Americans

50. Bit of office correspondence

51. Israeli hero Ramon

54. Pretend to be someone else

one

Here’s a Ford “fun fact” I recently came across. He serves as a general trustee of the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA). It’s the oldest and largest American organization devoted to archaeology. Ford informs the public about three of the AIA’s missions: public awareness of archaeology, the prevention of looting, and stopping the illegal antiquities trade.

“Dial of Destiny” was directed by JAMES MANGOLD, 59, and he co-wrote the script. Mangold has directed a lot of hits, including “Walk the Line,” “The Wolverine,” “Logan,” “3:10 to Yuma” and “Ford v. Ferrari.”

Mangold’s father, artist Robert Mangold, 85, isn’t Jewish. His mother, artist SYLVIA PILMACK MANGOLD, 84, is Jewish. It is fairly clear that James is secular, and a UK Jewish paper says he’s referred to himself as “half-Jewish”

HEALTHWATCH

Healthwatch is a monthly feature focusing on a health- or fitness-related topic with a Jewish angle. The feature is published the second edition of each month. Have a suggestion for a potential Healthwatch subject? Email news@stljewishlight.org.

Parents: Be intentional, careful in teaching your child resilience

BY DR. RICHARD LAZAROFF SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

Raising a child is both a great opportunity and a great challenge. Landmines abound. Many parents are looking over shoulders, awaiting judgement by family members, friends or society at-large. Many are also looking over their child’s shoulder, hovering (helicopter parents) in an attempt to recognize moments when it might be necessary to intervene to prevent harm or hurt.

Intention is a critical characteristic for successful parenting. Many assume their instincts will be good enough and result in good outcomes for their children. However, though this strategy can work, I prefer parents approach their “job” with a more developed plan.

What personal characteristics do you wish for your child to possess? The one I’d like to focus on here is resilience.

It’s always best to define our language before moving on to examples. With chil dren, we are talking about the ability to “bounce back” from adversity and disap pointment. The concept of “growing up” infers and acknowledges that we learn from life’s experiences. And this is not confined to learning from our mistakes. One can compete in class, on the athletic field or for a job and not “win” despite not erring.

At preschool ages, it is important that children feel safe. But this does not mean adults should attempt to prevent their children from having disappointments. It does mean that children aren’t to be left to “deal with it” on their own. This is quite different from safety and physical injury.

Once in school, look for opportunities where your child can connect to others their age. They can help each other with assigned school tasks. Such teamwork teaches a child that we are never alone when struggling or too good to lend a helping hand to others. Excelling in one area but having some weakness in anoth er is more the norm.

I have discovered that there is more than just a perception of safety when parental help, often invasions, are sup planted by having other adults such as coaches, uncles/aunts or grandparents step in. What these adults bring to the table is love, experience and less personal shame than a parent might when their

child fails.

Disaster and loss strike all of us over a lifetime. Teach by example. Have a positive, glass-half-full outlook yourself. As adults, when we “lose,” we can reset our goals and chart another course toward personal success. Kids can be taught to do this with some guidance, but they will not learn when an adult in their life takes ownership of the issue.

Children must have the opportunity to solve their own problems. It may require a child to step back, take a break and

So, how can you be intentional? If raising a child with a spouse, get on the same page. Build your child’s self-confidence and not with participation blue ribbons or false praise over simple, expected task completion. But do remind your child of how they successfully tackled a problem in the past, building them up in the process, and then, after giving them time to reflect, listen to their plan for tackling whatever new challenge they are facing.

If you are looking to read more on this topic from a Jewish perspective, consider

Dr. Richard Lazaroff is a retired pediatrician who practiced in St. Louis County for nearly 40 years. Married for 42 years, he is the

2023 GRADUATES

Congratulations to all of the 2023 graduates! Wishing you the best of luck on the next chapters in your life.~The St. Louis Jewish Light

Parents: Jennifer & Doug Patchin

Aunt: Debby Schultz

Congregation: Temple Israel

Special message: We are so proud of you Tyler!

TYLER PATCHIN

Pre-K - Deutsch Early Childhood Center

Farmer School of Business

Parents: Debbie & Mike Lefton

Grandparents: Late Marlene & Morris Lefton

Congregation: Shaare Emeth

JACOB LEFTON

Miami University - Ohio

Special message: Your family is so very proud of you Jacob! Congratulations

Parents: Michelle & Gary Brooks

Grandparents: Maggie & Jerry Brooks and Louise Mass and Loren Landau

Congregation: Shaare Emeth

Special message: Congratulations on your

Parents: Michelle & Jeffrey Cohen

Grandparents: Marla & Ed Cohen and Lois & Bill Leith

Special message: Jane will be attending Wake Forest University. We are so proud of you!

Parents: Jodi & Mark Blucher

Congregation: Shaare Emeth

Special message: We are so proud of all you have accomplished so far and the person you have grown into and we cannot wait for your next adventure at Purdue!

Parents: Dana & Vince DeBlasi

Grandparents: Ann & Alan Spector

Congregation: Shaare Emeth

Special message: We are proud of you for what you have achieved, ad we look forward to your upcoming accomplishments at West Point.

Parents: Becca & Seth Near

Grandparent: Angie Rosenberg

Congregation: Young Israel

Special Message: Mazel Tov to Dr. Sammy Near on the first of many graduations to come! Bubbe loves you and is so proud of you!

Parents: Susie & Jonathan Sachs

Grandparents: Kathy & Howard Sachs and Marilyn Steinback

Congregation: Shaare Emeth

Special message: It’s been a ride to see you grow. You’re always leading and demanding excellence. We cannot wait to see you thrive at University of Miami! Go Canes!

Bachelors of Science: Engineering

Parents: Nancy & Glenn Goldberg

Grandparents: Estelle & the late Bruce Kidder and Phyllis & the late Allan Goldberg

Congregation: Shaare Emeth

Special message: We are SO proud of your accomplishments! We love you! Boiler up!

MACY DANIELLE BLUCHER Ladue Horton Watkins High School

AARON MICHAEL DEBLASI Parkway West High School

JESSICA GOLDBERG Purdue University

SAMMY NEAR Pre-K - Epstein Hebrew Academy

JANE COHEN MICDS High School

GRADUATES A to Z

OLIVIA BROOKS

MACY DANIELLE BLUCHER

EMMA COHEN

JANE COHEN

AARON MICHAEL DEBLASI

LUCY FLETCHER

CLAIRE AVA FREDMAN

JESSICA GOLDBERG

JACOB LEFTON

MADISON FAY MARKS

HALEY MYERS

SAMMY NEAR

Parents: Jami & Jason Cohen

Grandparents: Jolinda & Sanford Cohen and Denny & Mark Berstein

Congregation: Shaare Emeth

Special message: We are so proud of you and excited for your next chapter at Tulane.

Parents: Sara & Scott Tegman

Grandparents: Merle & Bob Tegman and Dr. Greg & Mary Kwasny

Congregation: United Hebrew

Special message: We are so incredibly proud of your accomplishments. Have fun. Be curious. Stick to a schedule. Take initiative. Travel. Do things out of your comfort zone. Meet new people. Above all: Call Home. We love you!

TYLER PATCHIN

JESSICA SACHS

JOEY SOKOLIK

MAYA BETH TEGMAN

SIMON ELI WARNER

ITS NOT TO LATE TO CELEBRATE YOUR GRADUATE!

Missed the deadline to submit a graduation announcement? We’ll run additional 2023 graduation announcements in our July 12 editions. To submit an announcement, visit: stljewishlight.org/graduation

Parents: Julie & Steven Sokolik

Grandparents: Jo Linda & Sanford Cohen and Susan & Richard Sokolik

Special message: Congratulations Joey! We are so proud of you and can wait to see what you accomplish next at the University of Iowa.

Parents: Melanie & Jonathan Marks

Grandparents: Gary & Karen Epstein and Floryne & The Late Murry Marks

Congregation: United Hebrew

Special message: Madison graduated Summa Cum Laude from P.C.H.S. She will be attending Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in the fall to pursue her life long dream of studying fashion design.

Parents: Lisa Hirshberg & Jeff Fletcher

Congregation: Temple Israel

Special message: Lucy - We are so proud of you. We can’t wait to see what your future brings. Good Luck at Lehigh!

Parents: Shayna Warner & Cantor Seth

Congregation: Shaare Emeth

Special message: Congratulations to Parkway Central High graduate Simon Eli Warner! Proud parents, Cantor Seth and Shayna Warner, can not wait to see all you will do in the world. Good luck in Washington, D.C. at George Washington University!

Parents: Katy & Andy Fredman

Grandparents: Dayle & the late Jerry Friedman and Arlene & Irwin Fredman

Congregation: B’nai Amoona

Special message: Congratulations Claire on your high school graduation! We are very proud of you and your strength and spirit towards academics and life. We love you SO much! Love, Mom, Dad, Avery, Sophie, Graham, Lola & Charlie

University

Iowa - Carver College

Bachelor of Science in Radiation Sciences

Parents: Bonnie & Steve Myers

Grandparents: Suzie & Bob Fuch and Sheila & Gary Myers

Congregation: Shaare Emeth

Special message: We are so incredibly proud of your accomplishments! Lurie Children’s Hospital is lucky to have you as their newest sonographer! We love you, Mom & Dad

MADISON FAY MARKS Parkway Central High School

MAYA BETH TEGMAN Marguette High School

LUCY FLETCHER Ladue Horton Watkins High School

EMMA COHEN MICDS High School

JOEY SOKOLIK Whitfield School

CLAIRE AVA FREDMAN

Ladue Horton Watkins High School

HALEY MYERS

of

SIMON ELI WARNER Parkway Central High School

CHAI LIGHTS

YOUR CALENDAR OF ST. LOUIS JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS

FRIDAY | JUNE 23

Pride Shabbat at TI

Kick off Pride weekend and show support for the LGBTQ community by wearing a bright, colorful outfit to Shabbat services at Congregation Temple Israel. During the sermon, the Rabbis will speak about inclusion and why supporting all our fellow human beings is an essential part of our Jewish beliefs. There will be a pre-oneg at 6 p.m., followed at 6:30 by Shabbat services, ending with a dessert oneg. Attend in person: Details and RSVP at www.ti-stl.org/Pride. Attend online by visiting www.ti-stl.org/Watch.

Jewish War Veterans picnic in Stacy Park

Jewish War Veterans Post 644 will hold their annual picnic in Stacy Park at 3 p.m. For more information and the Zoom link contact Post 644 Commander Ellis Frohman at 636-5197512 (leave a message if no one answers).

Ignite YP Shabbat dinner

Ignite YP is hosting a Shabbat dinner geared towards Jewish young professionals ages 22-30. This program will include an open bar and a Shabbat dinner menu featuring Rabbi Avi Roberts’ smoked brisket. Ignite YP is a young professional organization dedicated to enriching the lives of young Jews in STL through Jewish learning and living and incredible experiences and trips. For more information about Ignite YP contact Shani Roberts at sroberts@igniteypstl.org or visit their website www.igniteypstl.org.

Pride Community Beach Party at the J

The Jewish Community Center is inviting all who identify, their allies and families of all kinds to join a community-wide event with special concession snacks, games, music and a photo booth at the outdoor pool starting at 5:30 p.m. Bring a towel and enjoy the “beach.”

Sponsored by the Helene Mirowitz Center of Jewish Community Life Fund and the J, Jewish Federation of St. Louis, Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School and PJ Library.

Pride Shabbat service at Shaare Emeth

See related news brief on page 4.

SATURDAY | JUNE 24

Torah study and LGBTQ+ Inclusion workshop at Shaare Emeth

See related news brief on page 4.

SUNDAY | JUNE 25

PrideFest Grand Parade

Wear a blue T-shirt and join members of Federation and the Jewish community for the parade, beginning at noon, and walk as a group. Meet at Chestnut between 7th Street and Broadway (look for Federation’s banner). Email Michele Siler at psiler@aol.com and let her know if you’re joining to walk. If you are interested in carpooling, email Siler and let her know if you can drive or need a ride.

NHBZ All-You-Can Eat Pizza Night

From 5-7 p.m. NHBZ invites the community to a dine-in, all-you-can-eat buffet of kosher pizza, pasta, salad, garlic bread plus a dessert and beverage. There are even movies for your kids. Prices are $15 for adults, $7 for kids ages 4-10, and free for kids ages 3 and under. The pizza cheese is Cholov Yisroel and pareve crusts are available upon request. Charge cards are accepted. For more information, call 314-9912100, ext. 2.

TUESDAY | JUNE 27

June Coffee Talk with SnL welcomes Tamara Keefe of Clementine’s

At 8:30 a.m. join the virtual monthly coffee talk hosted by NCJWSTL’s Past President, Susan Katzman, and Vice President of Membership, Lisa Gubernik. The special guest this month is Tamara Keefe, founder of Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Ice Cream. Special drawing and a treat for everyone in attendance. Register online at https://bit.ly/NCJWSTL-June27. For more information, email Alec Rothman at arothman@ncjwstl.org.

WEDNESDAY | JUNE 28

Gender Identity and Judaism

Speaker Series at Bais Abraham

From 7 to 9 p.m. Joy Ladin will discuss “Ivrim, the people who pass over: What being Jewish can help us understand about gender and transgender identities.” Although Ladin will be joining via Zoom, this is a live event taking place in person at Bais Abe. Free, but registration requested at www. baisabe.com.

THURSDAY | JUNE 29

Mirowitz Center presents ‘Who’s Protecting Our Healthcare Supply Chain?’

From 2 to 3 p.m. Kevin Webb, chief operating officer of API Innovation Center, will lead a free, online discussion on “Who’s Protecting Our Healthcare Supply Chain?” Learn how one innovative St. Louis non-profit is working to increase our country’s supply chain of market-competitive “active pharmaceutical ingredients” for the long term. Register online at http://bit.ly/ Register_MirowitzCenter or call 314-7339813.

WEDNESDAY | JULY 5

Jewish Women’s Society

Challah Club with Mimi David

At 7 p.m. Mimi David will lead a Jewish Women’s Society (for women only) Challah Club event. Join your friends to make challah and have a blast. Meets the first Wednesday of each month. The fee is $15. For more information or to register, please call 314-862-2474 or email mimidavid@aish.com. Location: Aish Firehouse, 457 N. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield.

JUNE

SUNDAY | JULY 9

Play Street Museum playtime and lunch with Temple Emanuel and PJ Library

From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. join Temple Emanuel and PJ Library for playtime and lunch at the Play Street Museum in St. Charles (1650 Beale Street #138). The event is free and open to the community. The group will have the whole museum to themselves, and a pizza lunch will be provided. RSVP by Friday, July 7, to rabbijanine@testl. org, with the number of adults and the number of children and their ages.

MONDAY | JULY 10

Holocaust Survivors and Descendants meet and greet

The St. Louis Holocaust Survivors and Descendants group is having a pizza lunch at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum at noon. The group welcomes all survivors and descendants. This is a “meet and greet” meeting since the group has not met in a long while. New members can share their experiences at the meeting if they wish. RSVP to either of the group’s co-facilitators by July 7: Helene Gottesmann at 314-578-5875 or Sofia Kent at 314-8788405.

TUESDAY | JULY 11

Mirowitz Center presents the

‘ABCs of Judaism’

From noon to 1 p.m. Rabbi Ze’ev Smason will lead a free, in-person Mirowitz discussion on “Are you a Jewish American or an American Jew?” The talk is part of the ongoing “ABCs of Judaism” series, held the second Tuesday of each month about different topics with a Jewish theme. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or call 314-733-9813.

THURSDAY | JULY 13

Mirowitz Center Tech Tutor event

From noon to 1 p.m. join tech expert Larry Edison for “Getting the Most Out of Your iPhone,” a Mirowitz Center program. Did you know your iPhone can help you remember where you parked, track how many steps you take in a day and tell you the title of a song on the radio? Edison will show this and more. Tech Tutor is supported by a grant from the Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or call 314-733-9813.

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.

SUNDAY | JULY 16

Jewish War Veterans Meeting

Jewish War Veterans Post 644 will meet in the Kaplan-Feldman Holocaust Museum meeting room at 10 a.m. on the third Sunday each month (ask for directions at the desk). A Zoom option will be available for those who are unable to be at the meeting. For more information and the Zoom link contact Post 644 Commander Ellis Frohman at 636519-7512 (leave a message if no one answers).

ONGOING

NHBZ youth programs now on Shabbat mornings

NHBZ invites kids of all ages to join the fun every Saturday morning from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Children enjoy age-appropriate learning and games that are divided into the following age groups: ages 3-6; ages 7-12; and ages 13 and older. Babysitting is always available for children ages 3 and under. These programs are free of charge and NHBZ membership is not necessary for families to participate. RSVPs are not needed. For more information, call 314-991-2100.

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. Upcoming films include “Fences” on June 23, “1776” on June 30 and “Father Stu” on July 7.

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.

Mirowitz Center Community Singers

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

Get your game on at the Mirowitz Center

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Mirowitz Center welcomes guests to play Mahjong, bridge, poker or Mexican Train dominoes – whatever games you like. The Mirowitz Center will provide complimentary coffee, tea and water (guests can bring their own snacks to enjoy and share). No RSVPs are necessary for these weekly games, held in the multipurpose room, but plan to coordinate your group’s schedule and any needed substitutions. Register online at http://bit.ly/ Register_MirowitzCenter, call 314-7339813, or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.

Many Jewish community groups will again take part in the PrideFest Grand Pride Parade, taking place this year on June 25. Pictured here is a photo from last year’s parade.

PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

WOLK-ADLER WEDDING

Chaim Yonah Adler and Kate Wolk married May 28, 2023 at Nusach Hari B’nai Zion.

Chaim is the son of Richard Adler of St. Louis. Kate is the daughter of Michael and Susan Wolk of Collinsville, Ill.

Rabbi Levi Shemtov of Chabad of Washington, D.C. officiated. Rabbi Yitzy Ceitlin of the Chabad East DC Jewish Center in Washington, D.C. and Rabbi Levi Raichik of Chabad on Campus at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio were the Eidei Kiddushin. Rabbi Hershey Novack of Chabad at WashU read the Ketubah. Rabbi Yosef Landa of Chabad of Greater St. Louis read the Rebbe’s Letter.

Kate and Chaim were introduced by Chana Novack of Chabad at WashU. The couple reside in St. Louis, but will move to Houston at the end of the summer.

MICHAEL STAENBERG

“Thank you for generous contribution towards the Israel Newsletter published in honor of his friend Milton Movitz.” - St. Louis Jewish Light Board & Staff -

BAT MITZVAH: SOPHIA (SARAH) O’SHEA

Sophia (Sarah) O’Shea, daughter of Michael and Jenna (Bracha Gevurah)

O’Shea, of O’Fallon, Mo., recently celebrated her bat mitzvah with family and friends. Rabbi Chaim and Bassy Landa, of the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County, conducted the ceremony.

A student in the seventh grade at Classical Academy de Lafayette, Sophia plays soccer, participates in theater club and plays the violin. Sophia likes to spend her free time with friends and family, reading and riding her bike.

In honor of her bat mitzvah, Sophia chose “Sarah” as her Jewish name. Sarah was the first of the four matriarchs of the Jewish nation and is widely referred to as “Sarah Our Mother.” A special mazel tov to her grandparents, Timothy and Carol (Chava) Larson, and Timothy and Diane O’Shea. Sophia’s mitzvah project included lighting Shabbat Candles each Friday before sunset and supporting The Gan St. Charles Preschool, St. Charles County’s first and only Jewish preschool. Sophia joined the

IN HONOR OF

“Happy Birthdays! Many happy returns.” St. Louis Jewish Light Board & Staff

SHOW YOUR LOVE WITH A TRIBUTE TODAY!

inaugural class to bake challah and play Jewish songs on her violin, and raised funds to buy new art supplies for their classroom.

TRIBUTES

RABBI ANDREA GOLDSTEIN

“Mazel Tov on receiving your PhD. What an accomplishment. I can’t wait to see how it will help our community.” With love, - Betsy Schmidt -

IN HONOR: stljewishlight.org/tribute/

IN MEMORY: stljewishlight.org/memorial-tribute/

MICHAEL & BARBARA NEWMARK

OBITUARIES

SOFIA ROSE BALK was born February 19, 2006, in Bogotá, Colombia, and passed away unexpectedly on June 9, 2023, in Nashville, TN.

She is survived by her parents, Matt Balk of Chesterfield, Mo., and Donna Balk of Villa Ridge, Mo., her grandparents John and Sandi Wilds of McAllen, Texas, and (Papa) Doug Thompson of Kansas City, Kan. She is preceded in death by grandparents Edwin and Rose Balk, (Nina) Charlene Johnson, and Peggy Wilds.

Sofia would have been a senior next year at Fern Ridge High School. She was a free spirit and a beautiful soul. She had many aspirations and dreams she is leaving behind, along with many heartbroken aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and strangers whose lives she touched.

Details on a celebration will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, hug your children as often as you can.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, photos, fond memories, and condolences online at simplecremationtn.com

JAMES HOWARD COHEN, June 11, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Howard Cohen. Born in St. Louis on Sept. 30, 1946, Jim Cohen, the fourth generation of his family to head the pioneering Central Hardware retail chain, passed away at his home in St. Louis on June 11, 2023. Jim graduated from University City High School and attended the University of Missouri before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served 13 months in Vietnam before being honorably discharged.

Upon his return from military service, Jim began a successful two-decade career, or love affair as he often referred to it, at Central Hardware. Jim worked almost every job at Central Hardware, from the warehouse to the retail sales floor to store management, before succeeding his Father as president.

After leaving the company, Cohen ventured into entrepreneurship before opening his own Sears Olive-Hometown store in St. Louis County, which he operated for five years.

He ended his career like it began, on the sales floor dealing with customers daily, working for Best Buy until shortly after his leukemia diagnosis.

Jim was a true pillar of his community, serving on the boards of St. Louis Children’s Hospital, the St. Louis Arts and Educational Council, Whitfield School, Paraquad (an independent senior living center), the Jewish Community Center Association, and was both a sponsor and director of the Senior Olympics. Jim’s dedication and hard work were recognized in 1986 when he received the AMVETS (American Veterans) Silver Helmet Award for a patriotic display of U.S. flags at all Central Hardware stores.

Jim is survived by his four cherished children, Nancy Cohen Anderson (Shawn) and Jamie L. Cohen (Amber) of Kirkwood, MO, Julie Cohen Kenney and Andrew C. Malley of St. Louis, and his four treasured grandchildren - Carson Anderson, Lilly Anderson, Madelyn Cohen, and Harper Cohen. He is also survived by his three beloved brothers: Richard A. Cohen (Sharon) and Kenneth B. Cohen (Sue) of St. Louis, and Thomas S. Cohen (Lesley Wroughton) of Simon’s Town, South Africa.

Visitation and funeral services were held Friday, June 16 at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes gifts supporting the Shirley W. and Stanley M. Cohen Palliative Care Fund, The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Memorial contributions may be sent to 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West, Suite 140, St. Louis, MO 63110 or submitted online at www.foundationbarnesjewish.org

Berger Memorial Service

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

EDITOR’S NOTE: A version of the obituary below for Raymond Cohen originally ran in 2020, but is being republished with information about a memorial service planned for July 9, 2023:

RAYMOND COHEN, PhD, Engineer, Professor, and Author, died 9/21/2020 at his home in Valparaiso, Indiana, at age 96.  He donated his body to the Indiana University Medical School.

Born in St. Louis to Leah and Benjamin Cohen November 30, 1923.  After High School he enrolled at Purdue University. His education was interrupted by WWII. He volunteered for the U.S. Army Specialized Training Program in mechanical engineering and saw combat in Germany in General Patton’s 89th Infantry Division.

Cohen returned to Purdue where he received bachelors, masters, and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering.  He spent his career at Purdue, teaching machinery design, bringing computers into the curriculum, and establishing a research program.  He was an international leader in the field of compressors and authored approximately 100 technical papers and book chapters.  He was Director of the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories for over 20 years.  He established the International Compressor Conferences.  Cohen retired in 1999 as Herrick Professor Emeritus of Engineering.

He was active in many professional engineering organizations, and was the founding editor of a research publication.  He received many awards including an Engineering Distinguished Fellow Award and an award by the Indiana Governor.

Cohen married Katherine Elise Silverman, also born and raised in St. Louis, in 1948.  She was the daughter of Louis J. Silverman and Bernadine Sara Samuels Silverman.

He was beloved by all who knew him for his kindness, integrity and wit.

He was president of his fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu, and played on Purdue’s varsity squash team.  He continued playing competitive squash until he was 80.

Cohen was President of Temple Israel in West Lafayette, IN and President of the Jewish Community Religious School.

Several years after his beloved wife Kathy died in 1985, Cohen remarried Lila Lakin Cagen of Chicago.  They were married for many years until Cohen’s passing in 2020.  He is survived by his 3 children:  son Dr. Richard Cohen, daughters Deborah Elise Cohen and Dr. Barbara Beth Cohen (George Dillmann), 3 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.  He was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Jacqueline McDade Cohen.

a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirley’s memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

A Rindskopf-Roth Service

ANNE ZARETSKY COHN (February 5, 1922June 5, 2023)

On the 5th of June, Anne Cohn passed away at the age of 101. Anne was a loving wife, sister, mother and grandmother. She was married to the late Floyd Cohn for 66 years. Anne was an avid reader with a special interest in history. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to excel academically. She was an enthusiastic homemaker, talented cook and baker, and master seamstress, designing clothes and teaching others a skill that is being passed on to her great-grandchildren. Anne shared her love of animals with her son Kenneth, who later became a veterinarian. Anne was an avid Bridge player well into her nineties.

Anne was born in Chicago in 1922, the daughter of Harry and Ida Zaretsky, both newlyarrived immigrants who had fled pogroms in the Ukraine. She grew up in a Yiddish-speaking home and only learned English when she began grade school. Though she was never able to attend university, Anne loved to learn, took numerous community classes, and could always be spotted with a book or a newspaper.

Even in her late nineties she was diligently taking notes in Spanish classes that she attended at the assisted living facility where she resided.

Gifted musically,

Anne studied the piano seriously as a child and when she finished high school she could have pursued the instrument as a professional career if such a path had been open to her. Anne spent most of her adult life in St. Louis, where she was active in numerous community organizations. She was an active member of the St. Louis chapter of ORT, or the Organization for Rehabilitation and Training; which was an international Jewish organization that served to train refugees after World War II. She was a Life Member of Hadassah, a volunteer at the Jewish Center for the Aged and a Patient Advocate at Jewish/Barnes/Baptist Hospital. Her father was a cantor and both of her parents were traditionally practicing Jews. Many of Anne’s community activities, and her own love of Jewish tradition, which she passed to a number of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, followed in their footsteps.

Ev honoring traditions, strengthening faith. BERGER Memorial Chapel 9430 Olive Blvd., St. Louis 314-361-0622 BergerMemorialChapel.com Richard W. Stein Emily Stein MacDonald M8778_4938_Berger_PNT_Traditions_5-1x7_C_v2.indd 1 9/29/17 9:46 PM

A graveside service to bury Cohen’s ashes next to his wife Kathy in the Louis Silverman burial plot will be held on Sunday, July 9th, 10:30 am at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery, 8430 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123.

A Rindskopf-Roth Service

SHIRLEY (FLEGEL) COHEN passed away peacefully on June 12, 2023 surrounded by her family.

Beloved wife of the late Dr. Jay N. Cohen for 65 years. Dear mother of Carolyn (Derk) Ralls and Michelle (Noel) Mitchell. Loving grandmother of Dustin (Natalie) Ralls and Morgan (fiancé, Nathan Spain) Mitchell. Cherished great grandmother of Daniel Ralls. Dear sister of the late Joseph “Joey” Flegel. Beloved daughter of the late Isadore and Minnie Flegel. Dear aunt, cousin and friend.

Shirley never met a stranger and always had a cute smile to greet them. She led an adventurous and amazing life and will be greatly missed.

The family will hold a celebration of her life at

After the death of her husband of more than six decades, Floyd Cohn, she moved to Tucson, Arizona in 2010 to be closer to her younger son. In her new community of residents in Tucson, she quickly made friends with many of the staff and fellow residents. Indeed, wherever she went, Anne could always find the best in people. She is remembered by all who knew her for her determination, energy, intelligence, kindness, and loving spirit. She held strong opinions about many issues, but also remained curious and open-minded throughout her life, always eager to learn new things and consider new perspectives.

Anne is survived by her sister Barbara Zaretsky, as well as her children Alan (Dee Wirak) Cohn, Nancy (Allan) Katz and Kenneth (Sharon) Cohn, 9 grandchildren, and many greatgrandchildren. Our dear aunt, cousin and friend.

Graveside service Wednesday, June 14, 12:00pm at B’nai Amoona Cemetery, 930 North and South Road. Contributions in Anne’s memory may be made to Hadassah, 40 Wall Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10005 (Hadassah.org) or to Chabad, 770 Eastern Parkway, Suite 405, Brooklyn, NY 11213 (chabad. org).

A Rindskopf-Roth Service

American Flag symbol denotes a United States military veteran.

SARA LEE FITTER, June 17, 2023

Beloved wife of the late Lawrence Fitter. Dear mother of Wendy Fitter and David (Amy) Fitter. Loving grandmother of Spencer (fiancé, Eugenia de la Haza Carbajosa) Fitter and Kendall Fitter.  Dear sister of the late Leon Spritz.  Beloved step-sister of Vicky Fenster and Richard (Micheline) Rothman.  Dear aunt, cousin and friend.

A graveside service was planned for Wednesday, June 21 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 9370 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132.

A Rindskopf-Roth Service

SONNY FRIEDMAN, June 8, 2023

Beloved wife of the late Mel Friedman. Longtime companion of the late Herb Greenberg. Dear mother of Craig (Stacey) Friedman, Brian (Aimee) Friedman and Chuck (Dennis Crook) Friedman. Dear grandmother of Alex and Brittney Friedman. Beloved sister of the late Arnold Powell. Dear daughter of the late Charles and Bessie Powell. Dear aunt, cousin and friend.

A graveside service was held Thursday, June 15 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer, 12951 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141.

A Rindskopf-Roth Service

FLORA GARFIELD, June 17, 2023.

Beloved wife of the late Bernard W. Garfield; dear mother and mother-in-law of Robert (Gail) and Scott (Bari) Garfield; dear grandmother of Joshua Garfield (Esther), Michelle Chaitman (Clifford), Andrew Garfield (Vicky), Lauren Garfield (Eric Westhus) and Douglas Garfield (Natasha Zerjav); dear great-grandmother of David and Evan Garfield, Jordan, Jonah and Ezra Chaitman, Mia, Henry and Adam Garfield and Samuel Garfield-Westhus; dear sister and sisterin-law of the late Wilbert Levy (late Ruth), late Jeanette Goldberg (late Ben) and late Ruth Lourie (late Henry); dear aunt, cousin and friend.

A graveside service was held Tuesday, June 20 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery-White Road. Memorial contributions of your choice preferred. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information.

Berger Memorial Service

JUDITH GERBER, June 7, 2023

Beloved wife of the late Albert Gerber; dear mother and mother-in-law of Elaine (Jimmy Reina) Gerber and James Gerber; dear grandmother of Hillary Gerber and Ava Reina; dear sister of the late Erwin Rubin and Howard Rubin; dear aunt, cousin and friend to many.

Judy lived her life to the fullest!

A graveside service was held Friday, June 9 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Rd. 63017.  Memorial contributions preferred to St. Louis County Library Foundation, https://foundation.slcl.org

Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information.

Berger Memorial Service

OBITUARIES

ZACHARY FLYNN KASNETZ, May 4, 2023

Zack passed away on May 4, 2023, suddenly and unexpectedly of natural causes. Zack was the son of Teresa Flynn and Andy Kasnetz and the brother of Alex Kasnetz. He was 34 years old.

Zack graduated from Clayton High School in 2007 and from the University of Maryland in 2011. He thereafter attended law school at the University of Missouri where he graduated in 2016. At Mizzou Law he was a published member of the Law Review and the winner of three CALI awards connoting the top grade in the class. He also served as a teaching assistant for his evidence professor.

After law school Zack was an associate at Growe Eisen, a St. Louis based litigation boutique. Thereafter he was an associate with two national law firms, Tucker Ellis and Litchfield Cavo, in their respective St. Louis offices. Zack handled complex litigation in the areas of product liability, mass torts, and commercial litigation including class actions and multidistrict litigation. In 2021 and 2022 Zack was named by Best Lawyers in America as a “One to Watch” an award given to up-and-coming young lawyers of note.

Zack was a true intellectual with many and varied interests. He was also a sports fan having played football and lacrosse in high school.

When he returned to St. Louis after law school, Zack developed a broad and interesting array of friends. Zack was open to all and embraced people from all walks of life and belonged to a wide variety of social and charitable organizations. We have learned from his friends that he often brought his diverse friends together.

Zack is survived by his parents, brother, grandmother Jackie Kasnetz, stepmother Holly Kasnetz, stepbrother Tristan Finazzo, and aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends too numerous to name. He was the beloved grandson of the late Marvin Kasnetz and the late Edward and Edna Flynn.

A memorial service was held for Zack at The Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Road, on June 17, 202. Contributions in Zack’s memory can be made to The Zachary Flynn Kasnetz Memorial Law School Scholarship at the University of Missouri.

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

MARTIN CHARLES KURLANDER, passed away on May 30th, 2023, at the age of 76, in Lubbock, TX.

Loving husband to Nancy Osmulski Kurlander;beloved father to sons Joshua and Marc Kurlander and stepdaughter Amy (Osmulski) Cook;cherished PaPa to grandkids: Matilda Kurlander, Conner Cook, and Teddy Cook.

He was born on July 8th, 1946, in Saint Louis, MO, to Arthur Kurlander and Mary Cohen Kurlander. Martin was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother, Fred Kurlander.

Those who knew Martin will always remember him for his loving, loyal, and tenacious personality. He enjoyed attending his grandkids’ baseball games, reading, playing poker, and rock & roll.

A memorial service will be held at Lake Ridge Chapel in Lubbock, TX on Monday, June 19th where family and friends will gather to celebrate Martin’s life. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Hospice of Lubbock.

Rest in peace, Marty Kurlander. You are deeply loved by all who knew you.

OBITUARIES INDEX

Balk, Sofia Rose Cohen, James Cohen, Raymond Cohen, Shirley   Cohn, Anne Fitter, Sara Lee Friedman, Sonny Garfield, Flora Gerber, Judith Kasnetz, Zachary

Kurlander, Martin Kusmin, Stanley Melman, Joy Metzger, Jean Senior, Dr. Robert Simon, Barbara Tash, Rae Ellen Wolff, Harriett R. Zwibelman, Lonnie

STANLEY KUSMIN, 89, died June 17, 2023, in the comfort of his home surrounded by family.

Stanley was born May 10, 1934 and raised in Brooklyn, New York. The family relocated to St. Louis in 1963 when Stanley was given the opportunity by his employer, Pakula Jewelry Company, to expand his sales territory. He later would go on to be one of the top sales representatives for 1928 Jewelry Company. For the last 15 years of his career, Stanley worked and traveled sideby-side with his wife of 66 years, Arlene, representing numerous lines and providing services and support to businesses ranging from major department store chains to Mom-andPop shops across the Midwest. He made many life-long friendships during his time on the road.

Stanley had a great passion for golf and he played weekly into his 80s. For many years, he enjoyed leisurely weekends with friends and family at their place at Lake of the Ozarks. In retirement, he developed a love of oil painting and even sold some pieces at a few art shows. When his wife Arlene was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, his passion became caring for her and in this capacity, he was most successful of all!

Stan was proud to have served his country during the post Korean-war era. But he was especially proud of his status, year after year, as a Grand Champion Fundraiser for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Arlene and Stan are recognized as two of the largest “private” fundraisers for their efforts over the last 20 years.

Stanley is survived by his children; Bruce (Carolyn), Lisa, Michael (Beth); their grandchildren; Ryan (Tom), Caylin (Robert), Daniel (Shea); sister Vickie; sister-in-law Libby, three great grandchildren and his nieces and nephews with whom he had very special relationships.

A graveside service was held Tuesday, June 20 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery-White Road.

You can support Stan’s dream of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s by making a donation here: https://bit.ly/Stanley-Kusmin

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

JOY MELMAN, June 13, 2023

Beloved wife of the late Albert “Al” M. Melman; dear mother and mother-in-law of Robin Feder (Gary), Ken Melman, MD (Kathy, Ph.D.) and Mark Melman, MD (Felicia); dear grandmother of Jessica Gamlin (Jeremy), Rabbi Amy Feder (Rabbi Michael Alper), Jenna Melman (Dolphy Jordan) and David Melman (Rachael); dear greatgrandmother of Mackenzie, Parker and Miles Gamlin, Jonah and Molly Alper, Maya and Eliana Jordan, Kaia, Sonya, and Zoe Melman; dear sister of the late Neil Werner; dear sister-in-law of the late Leonora Koggan (the late Dr. David); our dear aunt, cousin and friend to many.

Joy was deeply dedicated to her community. She was on the board of many organizations, including the Arts and Education Council, KETC, the St. Louis Symphony and Dance St. Louis. She chaired KETC’s Camelot Auction and NCJW‘s Couturier Sale, and was proud to be honored as a Woman of Achievement. She taught at Central Institute for the Deaf and inspired her children and grandchildren to serve their communities in a variety of ways.

She had a wide circle of friends and loved travel, cooking, and entertaining, but her deepest love was for her family. She was the matriarch of our family and will forever be missed.

A funeral service was held Thursday, June 15 at Congregation Temple Israel, #1 Alvan D. Rubin Drive. Interment followed at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery, 8430 Gravois Road. Contributions in Joy’s memory may be made to Congregation Temple Israel, #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive, 63141, CID-Central Institute for the Deaf, 825 South Taylor, 63110 or to a charity of your choice. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

JEAN METZGER died peacefully at her home in Clayton on May 29, 2023, three months short of her 98th birthday.

Jean was the loving spouse of Robert Stanley Metzger, and mother of Robert Streicher Metzger and Janet Lee Metzger. Jean was born and raised in San Diego, where she retained friendships lasting decades. Jean was sister to Leona and Edward, and beloved Aunt to five nieces (Susan, Jeannie, Patty, Elise and Anne) and two nephews (John and David) in the Streicher family.

A graduate of UCLA, Jean was an energetic community leader in St. Louis, with ScholarShop, the Nursery Foundation, and BookFair. Always a woman with great style, she opened Provence Boutique in Clayton. Jean was well informed on politics and world affairs, admired for her strength, appreciated for her humor, and respected for her intelligence. Jean Metzger was a friend and source of good counsel to persons of many generations, in St. Louis, San Diego, and elsewhere.

Memorial contributions preferred to Doctors Without Borders or the charity of your choice. Berger Memorial Service

Obituaries continue on following page

DR. ROBERT SENIOR, devoted husband, father, grandfather, physician, scientist, and teacher passed away on June 8, 2023. He is survived (with great grief in their hearts) by his wife Martha of 64 years and children: Jocelyn (George Sim), Rebecca (David Mandelbaum), Devra Bram (Ross Bram), David (Diane Senior) and grandchildren Joseph and Sophia Sim, Joshua Mandelbaum, Zachary Bram (Alex Halevi) and Jonathan Bram, Isabel and Audrey Senior, as well as great grandchild Eli Bram and loving sister Joan Gregory.

Dr. Robert Senior, born in White Plains, NY to William and Lilly (Weber) Senior on February 14, 1937, was a committed St. Louisan, who remembered his New York roots. He wanted to be a doctor from a young age. At 20 years old, he graduated with an A.B. from Oberlin College, where he met native St. Louisan, Martha Orenstein. He continued his education at George Washington University Medical School, residency training in internal medicine at Barnes and Jewish Hospitals, and a fellowship in cardiorespiratory physiology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Senior then served in the U.S. Army as chief of the Pulmonary Function Laboratory at Walter Reed Army Medical Center before joining the Washington University faculty in 1969. Known internationally for his groundbreaking research and contributions to the field of lung disease, particularly emphysema, he published more than 250 scientific articles and served on numerous National Institutes of Health (NIH) committees and editorial boards. For the American Thoracic Society, he co-founded and edited the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology, now a leading journal. Dr. Senior was also a distinguished professor of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis Medical School, working at Barnes-Jewish Hospital for 47 years. His patients and patients’ families were grateful for his care and remember him fondly. Dedicated educator at Washington University of Medicine, he was chosen by his students as Teacher of the Year.

OBITUARIES

A lifelong learner, in 1997 Dr. Senior received a Masters in Liberal Arts from Washington University, where he enjoyed studying literature and humanities. A keen runner, he competed in multiple marathons. He carried a love of Judaism and concern for people. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation and funeral services were held for Robert on Sunday, June 11, 2023 at United Hebrew Congregation, 13788 Conway Rd 63141. The service was livestreamed at www. bergermemorialchapel.com. Interment followed at United Hebrew Cemetery, 7855 Canton Ave, University City, MO 63130. Shiva Minyan held Sunday evening and a Memorial Service held Tuesday, June 13 in Club One at The Gatesworth.

Donations can be made in his name to United Hebrew Congregation and Forest Park Forever. Berger Memorial Service

BARBARA SIMON, June 17, 2023

Beloved wife of the late David Simon. Dear mother and motherin-law of Alan Simon (Devorah). Dear grandmother of Menachem Simon (Leeba), Aharon Simon, Zehava Cohen (Aaron Dov), Naitoli Simon, Yitzy Simon, and Shlomo Simon. Dear great-grandmother of Naami, Esther Faiga, Hadassah Raizel, Dovid Leib, Yehudis Chaya, Rivka, and Eliezer Yosef.

A graveside service was held on June 18, 2023 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

RAE ELLEN TASH (08/22/1939 – 06/15/2023)

Rae Ellen Tash, age 83, of Columbia, Missouri passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023.

Beloved Mother and Mother-in-Law of Aaron and Adam (Katie) Dushoff; adored grandmother of Addison Knudsen, Lincoln, Monroe and Kennedy Dushoff; dear sister of Steven Tash; dear aunt of Adam Tash.

A graveside funeral service for Rae was held Monday, June 19 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road in Chesterfield.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rae’s memory may be made to OSHER Lifelong Learning Institute, Washington University, 9 Jackson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63105, https://osher.wustl.edu/gifts; and City of Refuge, 10 N. Garth Ave, Columbia, Missouri 65203 US, https://cityofrefugecolumbia.org/donate Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BergerMemorialChapel.com for the Tash family. Berger Memorial Service

Commentary: Return to merit system is best path to fairness

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Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is large,” leading the American Bar Association to call for the elimination of the test as a law school admission requirement by 2025. Because almost a quarter of Black law school graduates never pass the bar exam after five tries, the ABA has even considered calling for the elimination of bar exams. Because law school admissions reflect “vast racial preferences” favoring Blacks, the result is that “51% of black law students at the end of the first year end up at the bottom 10%” with “twothirds at the bottom 20%.”

Nowhere are the consequences of the attack on merit more potentially devastating than in the field of medicine. MacDonald discusses how liberal DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) pressures are “changing the direction of medical research, the composition of medical faculty, the curriculum of medical schools, the criteria for hiring researchers … and

the standards for assessing professional excellence.”

Last year, the Medical Licensing Exam Step 1, traditionally used by residency programs to evaluate applicants, shifted to pass-fail from a graded system.

On the absurdity of diversity bean-counting, MacDonald comments: “In Baltimore, which is over 60% Black, only 10% of Black eighth-graders can read proficiently. Should Johns Hopkins’ comprehensive cancer center nevertheless have 60% Black physician-administrators?”

Racism remains a real concern in America. MacDonald’s views are not only compatible with fighting racism but are essential to that struggle, as affirmative action has perversely morphed into racial preferences inviting reverse racism and denigrating Black achievement itself.

The merit system will never be perfect, if only because some people are born with more advantages than others, but it is the best we can aim for if one is truly serious about equity.

CLASSIFIEDS

HARRIETT R. WOLFF passed away in Newton, Massachusetts on June 17, 2023, at the age of 98.

Born in St. Louis, MO on October 11, 1924, she graduated from Soldan High School, St. Louis just before World War II. During the war she corresponded with Jack Wolff, a brother of one of her close friends. When Jack returned from the Pacific, they married and raised 4 children.

Harriett was predeceased by her sister, Anita R. Appelman. Harriett is survived by her children Gail Smith (the late Donald Smith), Harvey Wolff, Steven Wolff (Gwen Wolff), and Robyn Wolff (Brad Goodman) as well as by Robyn’s children Sarah and Jack Goodman. Later in life, Harriett moved from St. Louis to Boston, to be near her daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, June 22, 2023 at noon at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery in Ladue MO.  Donations in Harriett’s memory may be made to Na’Amat USA (formerly Pioneer Women) which Harriett supported throughout her life, to a local food bank or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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

LONNIE ZWIBELMAN, June 17, 2023

Beloved wife of the late Wallace Zwibelman; dear mother of the late Stephanie Holley (Dave) and Jeffrey Zwibelman (Liz); dear grandmother of Rivka Zwibelman, Sean Holley, Austin Zwibelman (Sydwell Hajicek), and Maia Zwibelman; dear sister of the late Jerome Feldman (Arline) and Harvey Feldman; dear aunt, cousin, and friend.

Lonnie was always a teacher at heart and she taught first grade at Daniel Boone School from 1955 through 1959.  She continued her teaching career throughout her lifetime in the Ladue School District.

A graveside service was held Tuesday, June 20 at United Hebrew Cemetery, 7855 Canton Avenue. Memorial contributions preferred to the Lifeline Aid Group (www.lifelineaidgroup.org). Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information.

Berger Memorial Service

D’var Torah: Touched by an angel

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emissaries. Balaam follows God’s instructions, and when he is once again asked to curse the Israelites, he saddles his donkey and follows the Moabite dignitaries.

On Balaam’s journey, his donkey begins to act oddly, shying away from something, swerving off of the path, and then collapsing onto the ground rather than continuing. Each time this happens, Balaam dismisses the animal’s instincts and treats her horribly before trying to force her to move forward. After Balaam repeats this pattern for a third time, God allows the donkey to speak, and she chastises him for his cruelty to her. Then, God orchestrates a “big reveal,” and suddenly Balaam is able to see that his animal has been reacting to the presence of an angel who is standing in the middle of the path, holding a mighty sword, and blocking the way forward. (Numbers 22:28-31)

The angel that was put in Balaam’s path was much less warm and comforting than those on the show, and yet, in that moment of revelation, Balaam

learns the same lesson as the characters did at the end of every episode:

That ordinary creatures- human or otherwise- can be messengers of the Divine, and, if we walk along our path with humility, acknowledging that there are forces outside of our control and aspects of the world that we do not yet understand, we will be more likely to see the Divine shining through the eyes and hearts of those around us.

I am not sure that I believe in angelseither as they are portrayed in the Book of Numbers or on “Touched By An Angel,” but I find great inspiration in this lesson which our ancestors and these particular TV showrunners used the angels to teach.

May we be open to the glimpses of the Divine that are scattered throughout our existence.

May we strive to keep our hearts and spirits ready to encounter the Divine in all the people (and animals) that we meet. May we be blessed with communities and loved ones who make us feel as if our lives have been touched by angels. Amen.

mirowitz center

The Big Muddy Dance Company wowed a full house at Mirowitz Center with a fantastic performance on Tuesday, May 23.

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the j & kol rinah

Lag B’Omer Celebration

The Jewish Community Center and Kol Rinah celebrated Lag B’Omer at Shaw Park on May 9. From music to fire juggling and a bonfire, the Lag B’Omer celebration was fun for the whole family.

Karen Kern leads Israeli songs

Dave Cooperstein juggled fire for guests.

Scott Kaar and his son fly a kite

Rabbi Noah Arnow of Kol Rinah and Rabbi Brad Horowitz of the J.

Kol Rinah Brotherhood members Bob Olshan (above) and Jim Singman (below) build the bonfire at the Lag B’Omer celebration.

Month and Every Month,

NCJW Works For LGBTQ+ Rights

We stand as allies, testifying, marching and educating others This year the Missouri Legislature passed devastating bills for trans people. It's time for you to take action.

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Arst - Fran Axelbaum - Alyssa Banford - Barbara Barnholtz - Leslie Becker -

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June R Bierman - Sharon Blaine - Hon Susan E Block - Drs Nanci & James

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