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Awards, honors and career moves PA G E S 8 - 9
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“We decided this building just couldn’t be renovated and was becoming functionally obsolete. It’s still safe, but it just couldn’t be retrofitted for today’s standards and the way people live today.” —Nikki Goldstein, Executive Director of Crown Center
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‘Light’ wins 6 awards for Jewish journalism STAFF REPORT
A NEW CROWN RISES Major donations help fuel Crown Center construction BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
The 55-year-old Crown Center senior living facility in University City is well on its way to a major renovation, thanks in large part to several significant contributions. Those include a $1 million donation from Michael and Carol Staenberg, a $1 million grant from the JCA Charitable Foundation and, the most recent, a $1 million donation from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. The key initial component in Phase 1 of the renovation is the creation of a five-story, 52-unit residential building that will be completed in January. It will replace the original 10-story Tallin Building. Residents of Tallin will move to the new building, so none of them will be displaced. The Tallin Building will then be razed and replaced with a second five-story residential building in Phase 2. Another part of the project will be a modern community center called Staenberg Commons on the first level of the first building. It will connect to the existing Weinberg Building on the south See CROWN CENTER on page 9
At top, an artist’s rendering of the revamped Crown Center campus. IMAGE: CROWN CENTER Above, a view of construction work at Crown Center on July 11. PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN
The St. Louis Jewish Light had a victorious night at the 41st Annual Simon Rockower Awards for Excellence in Jewish Journalism. The Jewish media outlet, in the weekly and biweekly newspaper division, won six awards, which were presented by the American Jewish Press Association during the Rockower Award banquet held June 27th at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. “In my 13-plus years as editor, the Jewish Light has always done well at these awards but has never won six of them in one year,” said Ellen Futterman, editor-in-chief of the Light. “I am thrilled that the Light continues to tell the stories that reflect and connect our vibrant Jewish community and resonate with others.” Futterman earned the first-place award in weekly and biweekly newspapers for E xcel lence in Writing About Health Care for her story about two best friends, one of whom became a pregnancy surrogate for the other. The judges commented that the story was a “warm, Ellen Futterman feel-good human-in- (above) and Eric terest story about Berger won Simon friendship without Rockower Awards limits. Well-written for Excellence in Jewish Journalism. and well-paced.” The big Light winner of the night was former Associate Editor Eric Berger, who captured four of the newspaper’s six Rockowers. Berger won first place for Excellence in Education Reporting for “St. Louis Jewish community split on school choice tax credit program.” The award was sponsored by ORT, a global education agency inspired by Jewish values. The judges commented: “Kudos to Eric Berger for a thoughtful, well-balanced examination of a controversial subject. His article presents multiple viewpoints without allowing inflammatory rhetoric to interfere with the narrative. The reader understands why parties support and See AWARDS on page 7
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July 13, 2022
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EXECUTIVE Betsy Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief EDITORIAL Robert A. Cohn, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Mike Sherwin, Managing Editor
Shabbat begins Friday, July 15: 8:07 p.m. Shabbat ends Saturday, July 16: 9:11 p.m.
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Torah reading: Balak
PRODUCTION Erin Eason, Creative Lead
Shabbat ends Saturday, July 23: 9:06 p.m.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Eric Berger, Burton Boxerman, Barry Gilbert, Repps Hudson, Cate Marquis, Margi Lenga Kahn, Cathleen Kronemer, Bill Motchan
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Torah reading: Pinchas
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The ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT (ISSN 0036-2964) is published bimonthly by the St. Louis Jewish Light, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, PO Box 411487, St. Louis, MO 63141-9998. Periodical postage paid at St. Louis, MO. Copyright 2022. Postmaster: Send address changes to the St. Louis Jewish Light, PO Box 411487, St. Louis, MO 63141-9998.
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NEWS & SCHMOOZE
Two worlds don’t have to collide: A guide for grandparents of teens As a grandma with two amazing granddaughters, ages 6 and 4 (as of Monday), I’ve got to say, life doesn’t get much better. They’re at the ages when they are so happy to see me, especially if it’s for a sleepover because they love to play “interview” at bath time. I pretend to be a reporter — granted, not much of a stretch — and ask them all kinds of questions about everything and anything I can think of, and they happily answer, laughing and splashing in the tub. I even bought a plastic microphone at the dollar store, which I hold near their mouths to make our interview seem more official. It’s easy when they are this young. They adore you, and you adore them. I’m lucky that my granddaughters live in town, so I can see them often. But I wonder what it will be like when they become teenagers. Will it still be fun and cool to hang out with GaGa, as they call me, or will visits become more of a chore, especially when their friends beckon? Worse, will they look at me as irrelevant, as if I couldn’t possibly understand the pressures and demands of their busy teenage lives? I thought about these questions and more when I dug into a new book called “Where Two Worlds Meet: A Guide to Connecting With Your Teenage Grandchildren,” written by social worker/community activist Jerry Witkovsky and Deanna Shoss, a St. Louis native who has an intercultural marketing firm (more on what that is later). Shoss said they focused on the teenage years because that’s when youngsters face challenges of peer pressure and deciding who they want to be. They start formulating ideas and developing opinions. “It’s the time of their lives when they are figuring out who they are going to be as independent people out in the world,” said Shoss, who lives in Chicago but grew up in St. Louis, graduated from Parkway North and attended Congregation Temple Israel. “Developmentally, their
NEWS & SCHMOOZE News and Schmooze is a column by Light Editor-in-Chief Ellen Futterman. Email Ellen at: efutterman@ stljewishlight.org
about you.’ That’s a virtual hug, and those make a difference.”
Putting it all together
Authors Deanna Shoss and Jerry Witkovsky and the cover of their book. brains are fully online, but the logic and reasoning part of their brain isn’t fully formed, so it can be a hard time developmentally. “We also felt the timing of this (book) is especially critical now because of the mental health crisis among teenagers in the U.S.”
Relationship building during those crucial teen years The book, through a variety of action items spelled out in each chapter, urges grandparents to understand what life looks like through their grandchild’s eyes and suggests that grandparents also share their experiences with their grandchildren. “Experience the world as they see it, and don’t be afraid to let them into your world, too,” the authors write. Grandparents, they say, can assume an extremely supportive role in helping their teenage grandchildren realize that they aren’t alone and have a true partner. Each chapter includes activities designed to bring families together across generations, from how to engage in storytelling around life’s milestones to leaving a legacy of values. Sprinkled throughout are letters written by grandchildren who explain the lasting impact of what they learned from their grandparents. “There is no question that grandparents can have a transformational effect on their grandchildren,” Shoss said. The overarching theme of the book — where two worlds meet
— is about entering your grandchildren’s world and inviting them to enter yours, but doing so nonjudgmentally, she said. “It’s understanding that your teenager’s world really is different,” Shoss said. “The technology they use, the pressures that they face, the impact of the pandemic — you can’t be judgmental. “We would hear grandparents say, ‘Well they’re always on their cell phone.’ A grandparent who thinks that their grandchildren are the ones who need to change because they (the grandparent) didn’t do it that way in their day, and their way is better — that’s a nonstarter. “Meet your grandchildren where they are. Understand and accept that their world is different from the one you grew up in and find those doorways that allow you to enter theirs.” For example, Shoss says, follow your grandchild’s school website. Ask them to email their homework or college essays so you can discuss them. If you live close by, make a regular weekly dinner date. Share stories of lessons you learned growing up that are likely to resonate with them today, like a first date or a favorite vacation spot as a kid or the worst fight you had with a sibling. Write them down to pass them on. Use the same technology your grandchildren use like FaceTime, TikTok and Zoom. Follow them on social media (if they allow you). Send emails. Text, and if you don’t know how, learn. “Grandchildren may not respond to phone calls, but they always respond to texts,” Shoss said. “Even something as simple as, ‘Hi, sweetie. I love you. I’m thinking
Witkovsky, who is 94, worked for the Jewish Community Center in Chicago for 47 years, 18 as general director. He’s a grandparent of six, with two great grandchildren and one on the way. Since retiring in the late 1990s, his focus has been on programs designed to keep grandparents engaged with their grandchildren during their teenage years. Shoss, 59, said the two were introduced seven years ago by a mutual friend. She is fluent in four languages, and her expertise is helping people whose first language is not English — as well as people like Witkovsky who didn’t grow up with digital technology — adapt and communicate what they are doing to online platforms. Since working together they have created courses for grandparents, including a curriculum for schools that want to involve grandparents, and a program called Grandparents Write Your Story, in which grandparents receive writing prompts to tell stories from their lives to their families. More than 400 grandparents have participated in the program nationwide. “It’s really important to share stories,” Shoss says. “We all have these milestone events, albeit decades apart, but these experiences bond generations.” In the book, Shoss and Witkovsky talk about the importance of respecting boundaries, especially the ones their adult children create for their children. Grandparents are counseled to remember that they are not the parents. Strategies are presented for making amends if needed with the generation in between. It also outlines tactics grandparents can share with their children and grandchildren that better connect all three generations, including how to create a living legacy foundation. “It’s never too late to have a meaningful relationship with your grandchildren,” Shoss said. “Grandparents have an opportunity to have profound and meaningful relationships with their teenage grandchildren unlike the ones these teens have with their parents. Trust that your grandchildren love you and be that stable constant person in their lives, and always be there.” For more information on the book, go to grandparentsunleashed.com.
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LOCAL NEWS
July 13, 2022
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Holocaust education bill now law in Missouri BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Missouri has become the 20th state to require Holocaust education in curricula for secondary schools. Governor Mike Parson on July 1 signed Senate Bill 681, which establishes a permanent Holocaust Education and Awareness Commission and Holocaust Education Week. The newly enacted law designates the second week in April to focus on Holocaust education and age-appropriate instruction to Missouri public school students in the sixth grade and higher. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will be required to create a curriculum framework of instruction to study the Holocaust. The commission will consist of 12 members, appointed by the governor. Resources for the education component will include the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. Initially, the instruction will be a pilot program with 25 school districts. Those districts will collaborate with the Holocaust Education and Awareness Commission to implement the program for the 2023-2024 school year. It will include a professional development plan for teachers in the participating school districts. The pilot program will expand to all Missouri school districts by the
State Rep. Adam Schwadron (left) and Sen. Brian Williams announced the pre-filing of a Holocaust education bill during a visit to the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum on Dec. 17. Gov. Mike Parson signed the bill on July 1. 2025-2026 school year. The legislation was originally proposed by state Representative Adam Schwadron, R-St. Charles, as HB 2000. It was passed by the Missouri House and sent to the Senate. Sen. Brian Williams, D-St. Louis County, proposed SB 983 as bipartisan support for the legislation. When HB 2000 arrived in the Senate, it was incorporated into SB 681, a comprehensive education package, that was passed by the Senate
and sent to the governor. Schwadron said the legislation will be an important addition to school curricula. “I believe that the way we established this requirement in Missouri statute will make this state a leader not just in the educational aspect, but in the students understanding how the Holocaust happened and the lessons to be learned from it,” Schwadron said. Holocaust education is one part of the
bill, which addresses a wide range of education issues and initiatives. In 1985, California was the first state to enact Holocaust education. The most recent four states to require Holocaust education, in 2021, were Arkansas, Wisconsin, Arizona and Massachusetts, according to the Jewish Virtual Library. Additionally, in 2020, Congress adopted the Never Again Education Act, which expands the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s education programming to teachers nationwide. A 2020 Pew Research Center study of 13,000 Americans resulted in only 45% correctly responding that 6 million Jews were killed during the Holocaust. Of those respondents, 29% answered that they were not sure or had no answer to how many Jews were killed and 14% underestimated the number. A Claims Conference study on Holocaust knowledge also showed a lack of awareness of the Holocaust, particularly among young people. The study revealed that 49% of millennials couldn’t name a single Holocaust camp or ghetto. “The recent Claims Conference study on the lack of knowledge about the Holocaust was a sobering reminder that we have much work to do in educating people,” Schwadron said. “The Holocaust was one of the most atrocious acts in history and if we don’t learn from it, then sadly we may see an event like it in the future.”
Members of the Jewish community at PrideFest on June 26. PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN
Jewish community takes part in 2022 PrideFest BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
More than 80 members of the local Jewish community participated in the Grand Pride Parade in downtown St. Louis on Sunday, June 26. A heavy rain shower just before the parade began didn’t dampen the spirits of the colorfully-attired marchers. Many wore the special PrideFest St. Louis Jewish community T-shirts designed by Josie Talve-Goodman (they can be ordered online at https://bit.ly/pride-art). Rabbi Andrea Goldstein from Congregation Shaare Emeth said she was proud that the Jewish community was welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. “Our congregation has worked very hard to make sure people know that we are welcoming to all races, all genders, all sexual identities, and I’m happy to show the
Jewish community is part of the larger community at a really important time in our history where threats to minority communities are mounting, so a large turnout today is more important than ever,” she said. Harriette Kraus, a member of Congregation B’nai Amoona, said she came because “When I was growing up I spent so many years with friends who had to hide who they were and now it’s wonderful that people are proud of who they are and aren’t afraid to show it.” Lauren Lengyel, a member of Congregation Shaare Emeth, said she was marching because “I’m a counselor and I want to support all the LGBTQ+ youth and individuals I work with.” Brandon Rosen, a Jewish Federation staff member, said he was participating “To support the LGBTQ+ community. I’m happy to be an ally and supportive.”
Brandon Rosen, Randi Smith, Brian Smith, Ellen Alper, Jen Bernstein and Farilyn Hale at PrideFest. For a gallery of images from PrideFest, visit stljewishlight.org/multimedia.
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July 13, 2022
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Meet two St. Louis teens on Team USA at the 2022 World Maccabiah Games BY JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER
Two St. Louis Jewish teens are in Israel representing Team USA at the 2022 World Maccabiah Games in Israel. Joie Sandler, 14, who will be a freshman at Ladue Horton Watkins High School in the fall and Jake Brown, 17, who will be a senior this fall at John Burroughs School, are competing along with an estimated 1,200 athletes from the United States. Joie is a member of the USA U16 Girls’ Gymnastics Team. Jake is competing in U18 Boys’ Hockey. The St. Louis delegation also includes Guy Abend, participating in the men’s futsal competition; Steve Brown, competing in master’s squash; Bruce Michelson, master’s ice hockey; and Rabbi Carnie Rose of Congregation B’nai Amoona, a Maccabi Educator Fellow. Also playing on the U18 Boys Hockey team is Branson Appelman of Maple Grove, Minn., who has spent the last two years in St. Louis attending Kirkwood High School while Joie Sandler playing for the AAA program Carshield. The Maccabiah Games, which take place every four years in Israel, run from around the country, and all the lessons it’s July 12 to 26 this year, are the largest taught me. I can truly see gymnastics as Jewish sports event in the world. Also something that has shaped the person I am known as the “Jewish Olympics,” its main today. Gymnastics has given me many goals are to bring young Jewish athletes experiences that not everyone gets to have.” One of those experiences is representing from all over the world to Israel while her country this summer in maintaining the highest levels Israel. Joie says she recognizes of sport. The games also aspire MORE the honor that comes with this to strengthen the connection of ONLINE opportunity. the participants to the state of Read stories about “It feels amazing, unreal, and Israel and the Jewish people. exciting. To be able to represent Competitions are held in four 2022 World Maccadifferent categories: open, youth, biah Games athletes the USA in Israel, doing the sport that I love and the sport masters, and paralympic. The Steve Brown and I’ve put so much dedication, youth category is open to ages Branson Appelman. 15-18, the master’s category is for stljewishlight.org/ time, and work into, feels like a huge accomplishment,” said older people who want to partici- maccabiah Joie. pate in the competitions, and the This is Joie’s first trip to open category is for the most Israel. Before the competition begins, she senior and leading athletes in any sport. Before the games begin, Joie and Jake and all members of Team USA will enjoy will participate in Maccabi USA’s signa- several days of visiting sites around the country, to better instill the importance of ture program, Israel Connect. For six days of their visit, American ath- the games and Israel to each athlete. “I’m most excited for the experience of letes will enjoy an immersive cultural, educational and athletic experience unlike being in Israel since I’ve never been before, and also getting to be a part of Team USA any other programming offered in Israel. “For the first time since the program while I’m there,” she said. “I can’t wait for was created in the 1980s, we will be joined all the cool places we will get to go to, and by a cohort of specially recruited and to see what living in Israel is like. I’m also trained Maccabi Education Fellows to help the members of our delegation make meaning and deepen their connections to Judaism, Israel and each other,” said Deb Lichtenfeld, chair of Israel Connect. Athletes will work out and practice in the morning, followed by an afternoon of touring across the country, culminating with a visit on the final day to Yad V’Shem to learn about the Holocaust’s impact on the psyche of modern Israel. The Light caught up with Joie Sandler and Jake Brown before they left for the games.
Meet Joie Sandler On her first day at a “Mommy & Me” gym class, then 3-year-old Joie spotted a climbing rope across the gym. “She went over to play on the trampoline and went over to the rope and climbed to the top on her first try. She was always climbing something,” said her mother, Angela Sandler. A year later, Joie was learning the “ropes” at St. Louis Gymnastics Centre. Now, at age 14, she won the gym’s Level 9 “most improved” gymnast award and traveled to both state and regionals for competition with USA Gymnastics. “I love all the opportunities gymnastics gives me,” said Joie, whose her family belongs to Temple Israel. “From my being with my best friends, to being able to travel
Beth Manlin G l o ba l Rea l Esta te Ad vi so r
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Jake Brown very excited to meet lots of new people and make new friends.” For Angela Sandler, the years of being a gymnastics mom are paying off. “I am always proud of Joie for her ambition, drive and dedication to gymnastics,” said Sandler. “It’s been so fun over the years to watch her compete and work hard to achieve her goals, Maccabiah being one of them. To see her compete for Team USA will be a lifelong memory for her and for us.”
Meet Jake Brown Jake Brown was in skates and on the ice before he took his first baby steps. By age 6, Jake was in pads and working on his shot. “My dad wanted to start me young,” said Jake, a left-side defenseman, whose family belongs to Central Reform Congregation. Jake plays for the CarShield AAA team, which is among the highest levels available in St. Louis. To earn his spot on the team, he traveled to Philadelphia last summer to tryout with 100 of the best kids in the under18 category. At 6-feet-3, 205 pounds, Jake held his own, making the team as one of the few players from the Midwest. “What I love about hockey is the pace and grit of the game,” he said. “It’s a very fast
game in a relatively small space. It requires a lot of toughness and grinding not only during the game but also throughout a season of practicing too. Lastly, there is something unique and fun about walking into the cold rink and playing a game on ice.” As an American Jew, Jake is looking forward to the opportunity to see and experience Israel from this rare vantage point. “I am very excited to see some of the famous sights in Israel such as the Western Wall and other religious sights. I also am looking forward to seeing such a large and devout Jewish community. I hope to be able to immerse myself in their culture for some time while I am there,” he said. Jake will also be a part of Maccabiah history. For the first time, the games will begin before the opening ceremony when he and Team USA will take on Team Canada in front of 11,000 athletes from around the world. After the game, both teams and the crowd will march together to take part in the opening ceremonies. “I am very excited to play against kids from other countries. I have never played international teams and I look forward to it but also, I am hoping to meet many other athletes from other countries who are participating,” said Jake.
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July 13, 2022
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Longtime Creve Coeur deli Pumpernickles closes BY JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER
“We did not fail. It was the numbers,” said Harlan Levin, owner and chief kibitzer at Pumpernickles Deli, which officially closed its doors on July 4. “We could have stayed open, but the grind with no light at the end of the tunnel was too much.” Levin, 67, took ownership of the 100seat deli and catering hangout at 11036 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur in 2012. For a decade the family-run business weathered many storms, but eventually economic conditions brought on by COVID became too much to bear. “The last two years, neither myself nor my son took a salary. We worked to keep our employees working and pay our vendors,” said Levin. “But the restaurant business is a seven-day-a-week business even when you’re closed on a day. Weekends were picking up, but we depend on the weekday lunch rush from nearby offices. And since those offices remain empty, well it’s just the numbers.” While the decision to close was made earlier this month, the discussion regarding the deli’s future was one that Levin, and his son Bryan, 35, had discussed often over the last half-year. “We hoped things would get better, and in some weeks they would. We were consistent in our numbers, but that consistency was also around 40% less than before COVID,” said Levin. And unlike many other local businesses that have closed over the past year, rent and debt were not a factor in Levin’s decision. “Our landlord worked with us early on, as did our vendors, and everyone got paid,” said Levin. “Everyone got paid, our employees made money, but in the end, OFFERED AT $499,900 the decision to close was 100% based on the current business climate.”
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Ma Harlan Levin, owner of Pumpernickles Deli in Creve Coeur, takes an order from a customer in a file photo from 2012. With economic prospects remaining gloomy, Levin had to make business-minded decisions on how to close for good. “This is a family business, and our customers are like family. We would have wanted to say goodbye with a proper last day, but from a business perspective, we could not close with inventory and food not used,” said Levin. In the end, Levin alerted his staff at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 3. “Everyone was sad, but they all are professionals, and they understand the nature
of this business. They all seemed to appreciate that we made it as far as we did,” said Levin. “In the end, we ran through just about all of the inventory, so nothing is going to waste.” Despite not paying himself for two years, nor taking a vacation in 10, Levin says taking over Pumpernickles in 2012 was a godsend. “My wife passed away one year after we took over,” said Levin. “The deli helped fill the void in my life. It also helped keep my boys in town after they graduated from
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Lefty’s Bagels announces plans for new location BY JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER
In April of 2021, Scott Lefton, co-owner of Lefty’s Bagels, told the Jewish Light, “Judging how weekend sales go, we’ll see if we can grow it into weekday sales and then maybe have our own, brick-and-mortar dedicated place.” Well, it appears that Lefton and his partner Doug Goldenberg were successful in their endeavor. Since April 2021, Lefty’s Bagels has been making fresh, handcrafted boil-and-bake bagels and selling them on weekends at the Trolley Stop Bakery in Chesterfield. Last week, the company announced on Facebook it would be opening its own storefront location at 13359 Olive Blvd. in the Woodchase Shopping Center. An expected opening date had not been announced as of press time. Lefton and Goldenberg, the co-owners, are also brothers-in-law, best buddies and Temple Israel congregants. “Scott’s been making bagels from home for the last couple of years — it’s one of his passion projects,” explained Goldenberg, who is married to Lefton’s older sister Elizabeth. “He’d bake them for friends and
family, and every time people kept clamoring for more. When we found the Trolly Stop Bakery, it was like, well, we can get into this without a whole lot of risk and see how it goes. “Since opening, we’ve learned if you want to get good at something, do it about 25,000 times.” In just over a year, Lefty’s has produced more than that number of bagels. Goldenberg believes he and his partner have improved their skills with each one. “We’ve noticed that changes in temperature and humidity all have a really big effect on virtually all aspects of the bagel-making and baking process,” said Goldenberg. “We like to think we have gotten very good at sensing things like proof times and temperatures, all while trying to get a good feel on how to make a bagel.” Goldenberg and Lefton changed their bagel making methods several times, looking for the right one to maximize labor and scale while maintaining their creativity. “We’ve also learned a lot about our customers, what they expect and what they like,” Goldenberg continued. “For exam-
Scott Lefton and Doug Goldenberg, co-owners of Lefty’s Bagels, recently announced plans to open its own storefront location at 13359 Olive Blvd. PHOTO: FACEBOOK ple, our customers tend to prefer ‘savory flavors.’ Our everything bagel is one of our most popular and any time we make a new bagel flavor, the savory one tends to sell the best. We will definitely play to this in 2022 when thinking about new bagel favors. Currently, Lefty’s produces between 350 and 450 bagels for sale on Saturday, but plans to grow that by acquiring new equipment to scale well beyond those numbers. “While we believe it will take some time to ramp up, we are working towards hav-
ing bagels freshly baked each day, six days a week,” said Goldenberg. In addition to bagels, Lefty’s is hoping to make various bagel sandwiches and lox available as well. With the ability to scale up bagel production, they will be re-instating pre-order and offer catering services. “We think it would be great to offer bagel boxes and schmears for office meetings, parties, family gatherings, especially things like brunches, and everything from bris’ to bar/bat mitzvahs,” Goldenberg said.
Awards: ‘Light’ earns Jewish journalism honors Holocaust Museum seeks grant applications
From left, Jordan Palmer, Betsy Schmidt and Ellen Futterman of the Jewish Light hold the 2022 Rockower Awards the paper won during the American Jewish Press Association’s annual award banquet on June 27 in Atlanta.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Holocaust education projects can apply for up to $5,000 in funding The St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum has opened the fall funding cycle for the Rubin and Gloria Feldman Family Educational Institute. Individuals and organizations can apply for funds of up to $5,000 on the Institute’s online portal. The application cycle closes on Sept. 1 and award winners will be notified in the fall. The Feldman Institute supports projects that reject hatred, promote understanding, and inspire change using the history and lessons of the Holocaust. The Institute is especially interested in projects that benefit Missouri and the Midwest region. Institute funds will be dispersed to nonprofits and educational institutions. Individual educators may apply, but funds will be dispersed to the educational institute with which they are affiliated. The Institute funds programs of educational and artistic merit that do one or more of the following: explore the history and legacy of the Holocaust; use the lessons of the Holocaust to examine subjects of ethical, social, and political importance; facilitate dialogue between people of different ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds; combat antisemitism, racism, and discrimination based on disability, sex, religion, sexual-orientation, or age. The Institute does not fund capital improvements or operating expenses. “We’re excited to support important education projects through the Rubin and Gloria Feldman Family Educational Institute,” said Helen Turner, director of education. “We know that these projects will help to continue the process of transformational change in the St. Louis region and beyond.” To apply, visit STLHolocaustMuseum. org/Feldman-Institute.
oppose funding without knowing how Berger feels. That’s how good journalism works.” Berger also won second place in a new Rockower category — Award for Excellence in Writing about Jewish Summer Camp — for his story about the second summer of COVID challenges for camps. His article about the passing of Temple Emanuel cantorial soloist Malachi Owens Jr. came in second place for Award for Excellence in News Stacey Newman Obituaries. He also earned second-place honors in the Writing About Seniors category, for a story about what retirement looks like for St. Louis rabbis. Berger left the Light at the end of last
year to concentrate on his freelance career, though he remains a frequent contributor. Former Missouri legislator and executive director of ProgressWomen Stacey Newman won a second-place award for
Excellence in Single Commentary for “There isn’t always two sides to every issue, as the Holocaust demonstrates.” Including this year, the Light has won 42 Rockower awards over the last decade.
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NEWSMAKERS Newsmakers is a compilation of the Jewish community’s newsworthy professional and academic accomplishments. Submit your news to news@stljewishlight.org. Call 314-743-3669 for more information. Published the first edition of each month. Newsmakers is compiled by Elise Krug.
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The Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School has been awarded the 2021-22 Green Schools Quest Judges Choice Award for the middle school’s Tikkun Garden. Students worked to revitalize Mirowitz’s garden, growing garlic and rye. The award is given each year to encourage and celebrate sustainability projects in St. Louis schools. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has renamed its black box studio series for its beloved former artistic director of over 30 years, Steve Woolf, who passed away in July 2021 at age 75. The Steve Woolf Studio Series will return in the Rep’s 202223 season with a production of “Gruesome Playground Injuries” by Rajiv Joseph, running April 14 through May 7 at the Strauss Black Box Theatre at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. Anita Kraus has stepped into the role of executive director of Congregation B’nai Amoona. She was previously the congregation’s director of early childhood and young family programming. In addition to attending B’nai Amoona, Kraus is a member of Congregation Temple Israel.
FIRST ROW, FROM LEFT: Steve Woolf, Anita Kraus , Kerri Alper, Lori Sheinbein, Jan Abrams, Rabbi Mark Shook SECOND ROW: Matthew Bloom, Beckie Jacobs, Dr. Gil Vardi, Erica Abowitz, Alan Taxman, Tony Westbrook
Kerri Alper has been named director of B’nai Amoona’s Linda Rotskoff Early Childhood Center. She attends both B’nai A moona and United Hebrew Congregation.
Jan Abrams is retiring after 15 years as executive director of Caring for Kids, a St. Louis nonprofit that helps children with urgent needs by giving beds for safe sleeping, school supplies and uniforms to enhance learning, clothing and other necessities. Abrams said she has decided to retire to spend time with her family. She is a member of Temple Israel.
Lori Sheinbein is the new board chair of Washington University Hillel. A member of B’nai Amoona, Sheibein will serve a two-year term.
Rabbi Mark Shook of Temple Israel has written a novel, “Search for the Sacred Scroll: Book 1 — Discovery Under Fire,” a biblical thriller that starts in modern Iraq
and reaches back to ancient history to discover the origins of the Five Books of Moses. The book was published by Newhouse Creative Group on May 23 and has been released in both electronic and paperback editions. This is the first in a series of five books planned. Matthew Bloom, a St. Louis native, is now working for the Green Bay Packers in their sales and business development department. He previously had an internship with the NFL’s partnership activation team that manages relationships with corporate partners.
Beckie Jacobs, owner of Serendipity Handmade Ice Cream, has reopened her shop at 4400 Manchester Road in the Grove neighborhood. She will continue to serve ice cream as well as breakfast pastries, coffee, shakes and more. Jacobs is a member of Congregation Shaare Emeth. Dr. Gil Vardi has become the first cardiologist to implant the BAT-wire Barostim Neo CVRX device. The procedure was Continues on opposite page
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NEWSMAKERS munities to take action to pursue a just world, igniting a lifelong commitment to service,” according to its website. Westbrook was the assistant director of Hillel at Washington University.
FIRST ROW, FROM LEFT: Sari Gross, Sarah Malter, Sadie Rosenberg, Sasha Albright SECOND ROW: Simon Warner, Amelia Swier, Emma Malter
performed at Premier Surgical Center on the St. Louis Heart and Vascular campus in Bridgeton. The device includes a pulse generator implanted below the collarbone with a lead attached to the carotid artery, delivering electrical impulses to the neck’s baroreceptor cells, which sense the flow of the blood through the arteries. Erica Abowitz has been named Pattonville School District’s 2022 Support Staff of the Year. A member of B’nai Amoona, she is a social worker at the early
childhood center. Alan Taxman, senior vice president and wealth management adviser at Merrill Lynch, has been named a Forbes magazine Best-in-State Wealth Advisor for 2022. Taxman is a member of B’nai Amoona. Tony Westbrook has accepted an offer with the nonprofit Repair the World and will move to Chicago to join its team as director of Jewish service learning. Repair the World “mobilizes Jews and their com-
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Retired pediatrician Richard Lazaroff has published his second book, “Illumination.” It is a work of historical fiction about faith and Jewish immigration to America from Eastern Europe and Russia in the late 1800s. It shines a bright light on the trials, tribulations and triumphs of American Jews.
The B’nai Brith Youth Organization (BBYO) St. Louis Council board and chapters recently elected new officers for 20222023. Sam Deutsch, son of Lisa and Jimmy Deutsch, and Rylie Fine, daughter of Jennifer and Kevin Fine, are council presidents (AZA Godol and BBG N’siah). Zac Cantor, son of Amy and Mark Cantor, is president of Esperanto AZA chapter; Griffin Scissors, son of Jennifer and Irl Scissors, was named president of Ya’ad AZA chapter; and Sari Gross, daughter of Stephanie and Geoffrey Gross, will lead Shira BBG chapter.
B’nai Amoona USY (BAUSY) has been named the 2022 EMTZA Region USY Chapter of the Year, Chapter of Excellence, Best Social Action/Tikkun Olam Program of the Year and Best Social Media chapter. EMTZA covers Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, western Wisconsin and Manitoba. Stephen Rosenberg (not pictured) received the Junior Dugmah (positive role model) award. The 2022-2023 EMTZA Regional Executive Board includes Vice President Ilana Boyer, daughter of Marci and Marty Boyer, and Mitchell Smith, membership/ engagement vice president and son of Jennifer and Matt Smith. The new BAUSY president is Aydan Bricker, daughter of Jamie Bricker and Cory Bricker.
NFTY Missouri Valley has announced its 2022-2023 Regional Board officers. They are: President Sarah Malter for her second term, daughter of Felicia and Steve Malter; Sadie Rosenberg, religious and cultural vice president, daughter of Rabbi Brigitte and Lee Rosenberg; and Sasha Albright, membership vice president, son of Danna and Bill Albright. Simon Warner, son of Cantor Seth and Shayna Warner, is on the National NFTY Board as the religious and cultural vice president. On the local level, Amelia Swier, daughter of Rachel Goltzman and Paul Swier, is the Shaare Emeth (SETYG) president, and Emma Malter leads the United Hebrew NFTY group. She is the daughter of Felicia and Steve Malter.
Crown Center: Major donations fuel renovation, new construction An artist’s rendering of the new five-story, 52-unit residential building that will replace Crown Center’s original 10-story Tallin Building.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 side of the Crown Center property. That eight-story building, which opened in 1995, will also be renovated to bring its apartments up to current standards. The Baltimore-based Weinberg Foundation primarily funds initiatives in five priority communities. None of those are in Missouri, but Crown Center offered a setting that fit other criteria, said Jon Hornstein, the foundation’s program director. “The foundation considers capital projects from around the United States that align with its priority of aging in community,” Hornstein said. “National projects typically focus on the creation of new units of affordable housing or the implementation of best practices models. This project includes both elements.” Another important factor in awarding the grant to Crown Center was its dual role as a community resource and affordable independent living option for older adults on a fixed income, he said. “The fact that Crown Center will provide programs and services to the whole community, not just those living in the building, made this a very compelling project,” Hornstein said. “The foundation also gives strong priority to affordable housing projects that include comprehensive case management and supportive services. Crown Center’s services, from social workers who speak Russian and Mandarin to delivery of fresh and healthy meals, certainly meet this standard.” Plans for a capital campaign, construc-
tion and renovation were born out of necessity, said Nikki Goldstein, Crown Center’s executive director. “We decided this building just couldn’t be renovated and was becoming functionally obsolete,” Goldstein said. “It’s still safe, but it just couldn’t be retrofitted for today’s standards and the way people live today.” In the 1960s, a senior living apartment was efficient with few amenities. In 2022, residents want accessibility, architectural elements, and in-unit washers and dryers. The new Crown Center facilities will provide these. Staenberg Commons and the Circle@ Crown Café, which features a kosher kitchen, will continue to serve the needs of residents and neighbors in the community.
An artist’s rendering of the new Crown Center building’s lobby. IMAGES COURTESY CROWN CENTER
Goldstein said it’s an example of Crown Center’s focus on inclusion. “It’s not only Jewish people that can come here to live or to participate, but we have a unique place in U City,” she said. “We’re in a walkable neighborhood. We have people living here that are observant. Our new building will have a Shabbat elevator that will stop at all the floors and accessible stairways. There are things that demonstrate sensitivity and inclusiveness. “Our mission is to provide high quality housing and supportive services to older
adults, regardless of their financial situation. These changes mean we can continue to play that role in the community for the next 50 years.” In addition to the large donations mentioned in this story, the Crown Center board of directors and other members of the community have contributed to the renovation effort. The current and future costs of construction mean Crown Center is continuing to accept donations for its capital campaign through its online portal.
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After recent attacks, Jewish interest in active shooter training has soared Mitch Silber, executive director of the Community Security Initiative, runs an active threat training program at a U.S. synagogue.
BY ERIC BERGER JTA
When the newly established Community Security Initiative in New York began offering active shooter response trainings shortly after it was founded in February 2020, there seemed to be limited interest among synagogues and local Jewish institutions. Over two years, only about five area Jewish institutions underwent such trainings, according to Mitch Silber, executive director of the Jewish community program. But then one Shabbat morning this past January, a British Pakistani man took four people hostage at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, threatening their lives for over 11 hours before the rabbi orchestrated a daring escape. At an opportune moment, Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker yelled at the hostages to run and threw a chair at the perpetrator, enabling him and the two remaining hostages (one had been released hours earlier) to escape alive. An armed tactical team then entered the synagogue and fatally shot the terrorist. Afterward, Cytron-Walker said he and the other hostages survived because of the active threat safety training they received. “For the past few years, we’ve had training — it’s not training, it’s, I guess, courses, instruction — with the FBI, with the Colleyville Police Department, with the Anti-Defamation League, with Secure Community Network, and they really teach you in those moments that if you’re when your life is threatened, you need to do whatever you can,” he said in an interview with CBS TV. “To get to safety you need to do whatever you can to get out.” The Colleyville episode reverberated in the New York Jewish community. In the days that followed, the Community Security Initiative received about 75 requests for active threat training from leaders of synagogues, day schools and other Jewish institutions, according to Silber, who previously worked on an initiative assessing the threats to Jewish communities in Europe for Jewish businessman and philanthropist Ronald Lauder and as director of intelligence analysis for the New York City Police Department. Amid heightened worries about threats to the Jewish community, Silber’s organization — established by UJA-Federation of New York and managed in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations
COURTESY OF MITCH SILBER
Council of New York — has worked to meet that demand and provide those who work in and use Jewish institutions with the know-how to feel, and hopefully be, less vulnerable to such attacks. The deadly July Fourth parade shooting in the heavily Jewish Chicago suburb of Highland Park, Ill., underscores the dangers not just to Jews, several of whom were among the victims, but to Americans anywhere. The Community Security Initiative has eight people who provide trainings to synagogue leaders, clergy, teachers and congregants, among others. During a typical session, an instructor reviews past shooting incidents, such as the 2019 attack in California at the Chabad of Poway synagogue, where one woman was killed and three others were injured. “Among a number of issues, we discuss what have proven to be the behaviors and the actions, taken by people in these situations that have been predictive of a higher possibility of survival,” Silber said. The instructors discuss creating “a culture of security” — which means, for example, establishing a security committee that might include clergy, maintenance staff and local law enforcement. “When you think about your favorite athlete or team or musician, do they get good at what they do and then stop practicing? No, certainly not,” Bill Hayes, the Community Security Initiative’s Westchester and Bronx regional security manager, said during a recent virtual training. “Likewise, security is not a spectator sport. It requires the full involvement of the entire community.” Hayes and others also emphasize the importance of access control. That means considering how to scruti-
nize those who should be scrutinized while not impeding or interfering others or creating an environment that creates a negative vibe for those who should be inside the building, Hayes explained. If an assailant manages to enter the building, the choices are: “Run. Hide. Fight” and they are not necessarily sequential in their utility. The goal is to “buy time and save ourselves until police come,” said Liron Filiby, regional security manager for Long Island. Trainees also practice possible responses to an attack. “If you evacuate, where do you go?” Filiby said. “If you’re hiding, how do you do that? How do you close the door? Do you have a lock on the door? If you’re fighting, how do you fight? Now, we are not teaching people how to fight. We are teaching them the principle of where to position themselves against an attacker to delay his entrance to the safe shelter-in-place area.” UJA-Federation of New York decided to invest in the Community Security Initiative after the 2018 shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, which left 11 victims dead in what was America’s deadliest-ever antisemitic attack, as well as the attack against a Chabad in Poway, California, that left one dead. But those assaults didn’t result in the same demand for active threat trainings, Silber observed. He conjectured that perhaps the outcome in Pittsburgh was so horrific that Jews around the country didn’t realize the utility active shooter trainings can have. “Even though they had had some training,” Silber said of the Tree of Life congregation, “and even though that mitigated it from being worse, I don’t think the message that the broader Jewish community
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in the United States took from that was: Do this training. It will be helpful.” But in Colleyville the circumstances were different: The rabbi’s actions clearly made a difference. “I think that unfortunately being Jewish in 2022 in the United States means that you need to be prepared for events that that have, unfortunately, become way too common,” Silber said. In 2021, more than 2,700 antisemitic incidents in the United States were reported to the Anti-Defamation League and its partners, according to the group’s annual report, 34% more than the ADL tallied in 2020 and the highest number since the organization started tracking such incidents in 1979. The Community Security Initiative also monitors online threats, employing a threat intelligence analyst who scours both mainstream social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as darker corners of the internet. The analyst looks for postings that may merit alerting law enforcement about a possible threat — for example, if there appears to be a clear and present threat or if a specific institution is named. The public can also play an important role by reporting antisemitic posts to the Community Security Initiative. During an in-person training at The Community Synagogue in Sands Point, N.Y., Filiby showed staff safe places to hide and provided tips such as closing the blinds during an attack, recalled Jeff Rembrandt, the Reform congregation’s executive director. “Most shooters are looking for easy targets,” said Rembrandt, who has participated in several trainings. “They are not shooting into rooms where they don’t know what is going on. So close the window blinds, lock the door, and you make it a hard target.” At Kehillath Shalom Synagogue, a Reconstructionist congregation in the woods of Huntington, N.Y., participants of a training course asked Filiby whether they should run out the front or the back door during an attack, recalled Rabbi Lina Zerbarini. Filiby said recent assailants have entered through the front door, but the guidance, of course, is to run in the opposite direction of the attack. He also emphasized the importance of routinely conducting drills, Zerbarini said. Based on Filiby’s recommendation, the congregation placed shades on its front windows. “We are trying to work out the balance of not feeling like we are in a fortress,” Zerbarini said, “not feeling like we have to isolate from the world, not feeling like we have to exclude other people — but also being realistic.” This story was sponsored by and produced in partnership with UJA-Federation of New York, which cares for Jews everywhere and New Yorkers of all backgrounds, responds to crises close to home and far away, and shapes the Jewish future. This article was produced by JTA’s native content team.
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Harassment at a Western Wall bar mitzvah renews the fight over prayer spaces in Israel BY ANDREW LAPIN JTA
The video taken at the mixed-gender prayer space at Israel’s Western Wall is brief, but the incident it captured has left a lasting impact. A group of Jews are celebrating a bar mitzvah at the Kotel’s egalitarian prayer space. Dozens of haredi Orthodox men and teenage boys enter the scene and aggressively harass and intimidate the participants: shouting down the prayers, calling the gathered Jews “Nazis,” “animals” and “Christians,” and ripping up their prayer books. As one of the boys celebrating his bar mitzvah continues with his service, a haredi boy blows his nose with pages from the prayer books. The incident that took place June 30 was only the latest in an ongoing series of harassment of non-Orthodox Jews by haredi men opposed to egalitarian prayer at the Wall and Israel’s other holy sites. (Just prior to the bar mitzvah disruption, the activist group Women of the Wall had been blocked from bringing a Torah into the women’s plaza, as it seeks to do monthly.) Yet two things set it apart: its location, at the tiny, peripheral plaza that has been carved out as a safe haven for non-Orthodox Jews who want to pray in a mixed-gender setting at Judaism’s holiest site, and the crudeness captured on camera. Those details have prompted especially strong and lasting reactions — a denunciation from Israel’s prime minister and a fierce debate over whether the U.S. State Department should treat harassment of Jews by other Jews as antisemitism. “Israel is the only Western country in
which Jews don’t have freedom of worship,” Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said Wednesday from Paris in response to the incident, according to Israeli media outlets. Deborah Lipstadt, the Holocaust scholar and newly appointed State Department antisemitism monitor, suggested that what took place at the Western Wall was indeed antisemitism. “Let us make no mistake, had such a hateful incident — such incitement — happened in any other country, there’d be little hesitation in labeling it antisemitism,” Lipstadt wrote from the State Department antisemitism office’s official Twitter account. Lipstadt’s role carries no authority to penalize or otherwise act in response to antisemitism abroad. But her voice carries weight in public discussions of antisemitism, allowing others to cite a top U.S. government official in making their own cases. While Lipstadt hedged on actually labeling the Kotel incident itself antisemitic, a person familiar with her thinking told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that the encounter fit the International Holocaust Remembrance Association’s widely adopted definition of antisemitism, which could help determine how the international community responds to it. “It’s classic antisemitism under the IHRA definition, there’s dehumanizing, there’s Holocaust distortion — calling Jews Nazis falls under the scope of denial, denying the mechanisms and intentionality of the Holocaust,” said the person, who asked to remain anonymous to speak frankly. “Tearing pages of a siddur and blowing your nose in it is classic. The only thing that confuses people is that Jews are doing it. The IHRA definition doesn’t say it applies only to non-Jews.”
The IHRA definition of antisemitism has been controversial because of its inclusion of some forms of anti-Israel rhetoric and activity. Its invocation in fights among Jews could open another front for debate. Jews on both the right said Lipstadt should not wade into the Kotel dispute from her official position as antisemitism monitor. David Friedman, former U.S. ambassador to Israel under President Donald Trump, said Lipstadt should focus instead on threats posed by non-Jews. “The Jewish people need to fix this internally, it’s our collective problem — you should focus instead on external threats,” Friedman tweeted, adding that he found the harassment at the Kotel “deeply disturbing.” The Orthodox publication Ami Magazine also tweeted that Lipstadt’s office had “undermined the gravitas and significance” of the concept of antisemitism by using it to refer to “Jewish infighting.” On the left, Abe Silberstein, a progressive commentator on Israel issues, told JTA that dealing with the incident as antisemitism, as opposed to “Jewish extremism,” ignored a “difficult truth.” Since demonstrations against non-Orthodox Jews are routinely encouraged by haredi politicians and media who are opposed to egalitarianism, they require different tactics from dealing with outsiders who hate Jews, he said. (Silberstein works for a nonprofit focused on civil society in Israel but said he was speaking as an individual.) “By invoking antisemitism, I am afraid we bolster the illusion that this is something that can be disowned without con-
fronting it,” he said. “Calling the actions of these boys antisemitic is misidentifying the symptom while failing to diagnose the problem.” But others believe that treating haredi harassment of non-Orthodox Jews as a form of antisemitism is appropriate and important. “Is it antisemitic to attack Jews engaging in Jewish ritual at a Jewish holy site? When you phrase it that way, the answer is clearly yes,” David Schraub, a law professor at Lewis & Clark University who writes frequently on Jewish issues, told JTA. “The only reason why it wouldn’t be is if you think it gets some sort of exception because of who the attackers are.” Tensions surrounding prayer at the Western Wall have long drawn attention from non-Orthodox Jews, including from outside Israel. Arie Hasit, an influential Israeli Masorti/Conservative rabbi who was working with the American bar mitzvah celebrant, posted on Facebook that he was “broken” over the haredi youths’ treatment of the bar mitzvah group. “Some people hate me. Who are willing to hurt me. Because my Judaism is different from their Judaism,” Hasit wrote in Hebrew. Lapid, a longtime proponent of egalitarian prayer in Israel, condemned the harassment. “I am against all violence at the Western Wall against people who want to pray as their faith allows them,” he said. “This cannot continue.” Lapid’s statement followed pressure from American Jewish groups, both reliSee WESTERN WALL on page 19
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July 13, 2022
OPINIONS
STL
JEWISH LIGHT
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ABOUT THE OPINIONS SECTION Viewpoints expressed in letters, commentaries, cartoons and other opinion pieces reflect those of the writer or artist, and not those of the Light. We welcome submissions of letters and commentaries to: news@stljewishlight.org
As U. City cemetery ages, it needs our help to honor our ancestors
Faith Schwartz Comensky is retired and lives in Chesterfield with her husband, Larry.
BY FAITH SCHWARTZ COMENSKY
I’ve been going to Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in University City visiting the graves of my family’s ancestors for decades. Sadly, in more recent times, my husband and I visit the graves of some of our immediate family as well. I’ve always been pleased with the way the cemetery has been maintained. They do such a great job of weeding, mowing and just general maintenance and upkeep of the grounds of this wonderful, sacred, historic old cemetery. What can really be seen in this cemetery however, beyond the day-to-day maintenance, is vast deterioration due to its age. It is this that I wish to shine a light on. The front gates are in desperate need of repair and painting. The stone wall on Hanley Road is collapsing. The roots of old, rotting trees lifted monuments and buckled sidewalks, making them hazardous to walk on. It takes a lot of money for these kinds of repairs and restoration caused by sheer aging of the grounds and trees. This goes way beyond normal perpetual care. The Jewish community, at least those who have family/ancestors in this cemetery (which is just about every one of us), need to be concerned and I hope, offer to help. For more than 130 years, Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in U. City has been the final resting place for many of our beloved family members and ancestors. We owe it to them, our Jewish community and to ourselves to do something. This sacred Jewish burial site must be maintained for all time. This land is passed on from generation to generation. Even if we don’t go there very much or even at all, this land, this cemetery, is our responsibility. Our community should come together to assist Chesed Shel Emeth Society with the much-needed restoration. While every not-
A view of the entry to Chesed Shel Emeth cemetery in University City. for-profit organization needs our support, let’s add this historic cemetery to our list. If not us, then who? From rabbis making announcements from their pulpits to Jewish businesses that have the ways and means in construction and the like; from the commitment of Jewish philanthropists to something like a communitywide Chesed Shel Emeth U. City Cemetery Go Fund Me and, of course, individual online donations — let’s pitch in and help.
PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN
When I was little, my grandparents lived across the street from the cemetery at Hanley Road and Melrose Avenue. My grandfather cared so much about the cemetery that he would sit on a chair just inside the gates before the High Holidays and ask for donations … and he got them! I understand that a cemetery is not exactly foremost on everyone’s list as something to donate to. I also understand that not many “new” funerals even take place there anymore.
All the more reason for all of us to help out. It’s a part of our heritage and respect for our ancestors. The graves of our parents, grandparents and great grandparents are there. It was their “White Road” (the street where the newer Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in Chesterfield is located). Their final resting place. We owe them so much. Let’s come together to get this sacred cemetery in the best shape possible. It takes a village!
from the parade route. Several of them were in attendance at the parade with their own children and grandchildren and we were relieved that no one we knew had been injured or, God forbid, killed. I’ve been glued to news broadcasts and reading with interest the reports that the confessed shooter was able to legally purchase the high powered semi-automatic gun with large capacity ammunition magazines. These tragic events are leaving me frightened, in despair and wondering if anyone else who needs to take responsibility for their actions—or inactions—is feeling uncomfortable with their own culpability, including: 1. The shooter’s father, who co-signed for his son’s gun license after more than one incident where the boy’s mental state was in question 2. Law enforcement who approved the “legal” authorization of the boy’s license 3. The social media sites that posted the boy’s violent, threatening videos 4. The individual(s) who sold the shooter not one, but two, weapons of war, which may not have been illegal but certainly was illogical
5. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas who declared that “the overwhelming majority of citizens who own and use such rifles do so for lawful purposes” (for what, I can’t imagine) — I hope he’s losing sleep as well. I can see in my computer documents how many times I’ve written to Senators Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley when similar events have taken place. Their meaningless responses of “Second Amendment rights” and hypocritical claims of being “pro-life,” combined with their acceptance of campaign contributions from the NRA, make them complicit in these tragedies. And we are doomed to experience them again and again if we continue to elect people with such skewed values? Normally the expression “thoughts and prayers” that politicians offer after a tremendous loss makes me sick with anger over such a worthless response. That being said, I did suggest to our friends who came through the event physically unscathed but emotionally
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Submit letters to news@stljewishlight.org
Reader’s response to Rochester column I strongly disagree with the recent commentary by Professor Marty Rochester on Ukraine (“Some predictions about a postUkraine War world,” June 22). His editorial advocates a Neville Chamberlin approach to Vladimir Putin—namely, give him part of Ukraine and declare peace in our time. Putin is the Adolf Hitler of the 21st century. His action in Ukraine to destroy not only the nation of Ukraine but its people is genocidal. If the Ukrainians do not stop him in Ukraine, American troops will be dying trying to stop him in Lithuania. Let me add that China is watching very closely what America is doing and appeasing Putin will be a green light for China to attack Taiwan. The United States needs to provide the Ukrainian army with all the arms they request, with the stipulation that they are not used against Russia proper. As for our economic and political boycott of Russia, it must continue until Russia rids itself of
Putin, admits its genocidal behavior and pays Ukraine reparations. Like Marty Rochester, I will not predict the future, but I think there are lessons from the past that Rochester ignores that are very relevant to the present situation. Bernard Feldman St. Louis
Shooting hits ‘a little too close to home’ It seems hard to believe but here I am again, losing sleep over another horrific mass shooting. Only this time it hits a little too close to home. From 1975 until 1989 when we moved for my husband’s job, we were residents of Highland Park, Ill. I’ve just been looking through our photo albums at the snapshots we took at most of those annual Fourth of July events. Many of the people we met through our involvement in that community remain among our closest “friends holding history.” We visited them in early May and stayed with one woman who lives a block
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July 13, 2022
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Banning anti-Zionism: Feasible? Desirable? Depicting Israel as apartheid state is wrong and immoral, but it shouldn’t be illegal — banning certain types of speech is a gateway to further, unexpected restrictions. JNS
One of the main differences between the American and European systems of democratic government is the absence, on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, of a First Amendment-style guarantee of free speech. In the United States, for example, it’s perfectly legitimate for a neo-Nazi or an Islamist to deny the Holocaust and display hateful symbols at the same time, while in Europe such activities could theoretically land one with a prison sentence. Europe, in general, regards hate speech and hate gestures as a form of criminality; it eschews the American approach that such outbursts should be protected, however offensive the words or images might be. And so, it’s worth examining whether anti-Zionist expressions of antisemitism— denying Israel’s right to exist, comparing Israel with Nazi Germany and so forth— should also fall under the rubric of the European courts, rather than being tested by public opinion. Two distinct questions arise here: Are legal penalties for anti-Zionism feasible? And are they desirable? These issues are not entirely abstract. In Germany and the United Kingdom, for example, the annual “Al Quds Day” (“Jerusalem Day”) rally sponsored by the Iranian regime has been banned in recent years, largely because its open call for the destruction of Israel is invariably accompanied by vulgar antisemitic rhetoric. The last time the rally was staged in Berlin, in 2019, one of its organizers told a Jewish counter-demonstrator that “Hitler should come back and kill all the Jews.” Meanwhile, in London in 2017, calls for Israel’s elimination served as the perfect cover for one speaker, who told the crowd that “Zionists” were directly responsible for the devastating fire that tore through a public housing complex in the west of the city during the same year. After several years of lobbying and complaints from Jewish representatives, the authorities finally realized that, at least in the case of the “Al Quds Day” rally, anti-Zionism was
LETTERS CONTINUED FROM OPPOSITE PAGE scarred that they attend services at their synagogues and offer the Birkat Hagomel in front of their congregations: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, ruler of the world, who rewards the undeserving with goodness and who has rewarded me with goodness.” What’s more, I return to the lesson from the Jewish High Holiday prayer book that we read from each year: “Pray as if everything depended upon God; act as if everything depended upon you.” Please remember that when you enter the voting booth. Sherilyn Krell Olivette
not some liberal appeal for the human rights of Palestinians but a vehicle for attacking local Jews and the state of Israel simultaneously. That observation should serve as a reminder that the main victims of anti-Zionist activism, particularly the BDS campaign seeking to quarantine Israel from the international community, have not been Israeli companies, but Jews living in Diaspora communities. Especially in campus settings, calls to boycott Israel have frequently involved harassment of individual Jews who, while they might well sympathize with the Jewish state, are not its citizens. Since the 11-day conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas in May 2021, that harassment has increasingly taken on a violent form. On both sides of the Atlantic Ocean last year, the slogan “Free Palestine” became inseparable from the physical attacks on Jews, antisemitic chants and other horrors that accompanied these ostensible demonstrations of “solidarity.” What these examples suggest is that the boundary between anti-Zionist rhetoric and hate speech is blurred indeed, while the causal relationship between such rhetoric and anti-Semitic violence has, sadly, become firmly established. One European politician is now calling for anti-Zionist incitement to be prosecuted in much the same way as expressions of traditional antisemitism or racism. Meeting earlier this month with a group of visiting American Jews, the head of the city government in the Spanish capital Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, informed them that she had submitted an amendment to the European Union’s comprehensive strategy to combat antisemitism that would criminalize calls for Israel’s destruction. While the exact details of the proposal have not been explained, it’s reasonable to assume that a slogan like “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which is precisely a call for Israel’s destruction, would theoretically fall foul of the law.
Primary considerations August 2nd is the date of the Missouri primary elections. Some St. Louisans may not be aware that the lines were recently redrawn for the 1st Congressional District, and that this primary election has major implications for the pro-Israel community. The new map for Missouri’s 1st congressional district includes all of St. Louis City and much of northern St. Louis County, including significant areas of Maryland Heights, University City, Clayton and Creve Coeur. Currently, Cori Bush is the Congressional Representative for the 1st District. Bush is a member of “the Squad,” a group of six Democratic members of Congress who advocate for Progressive policies, such as defunding the police. Other prominent Squad members include
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BY BEN COHEN
Ditto with flags and banners showing Israel’s Star of David crossed out or replaced with a Nazi swastika. As we know from the “Al Quds Day” rallies and the pro-Palestinian demonstrations last year, wherever such slogans are visible, anti-Semitic violence is not far behind. Not every aspect of this problem is so easily analyzed, however. Should the organizations sponsoring these activities also be banned? Again, that is not an abstract question; in March, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin banned two pro-Palestinian organizations for promoting “hatred, violence and discrimination,” although that decision was later overturned through a legal appeal. Essentially, Darmanin was compelled to realize that his concerns about antisemitic incitement were matched by the concerns of others about freedom of speech and assembly. Those rights cannot easily be dismissed, even when the subject is something as outrageous as the BDS movement, which is built upon a series of fabrications about the nature of Israel—that it is a racist and colonial entity in which Jews segregate and oppress Palestinians through a framework Ben Cohen is a New York Citybased journalist and author who writes a weekly column on Jewish and international affairs for JNS.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.); Ilhan Omar (Minn.), and Rashida Tlaib (Mich.). To date, none of the Squad members have been defeated in a general election. Bush has called Israel an apartheid state, accuses it of committing war crimes and supports the vile, antisemitic Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Movement. She was one of only nine House members to vote against replenishing the Iron Dome after last year’s Gaza war. If her view had prevailed, Israeli lives would be defenseless from Gaza rocket fire. Bush faces opposition in the primary election from Missouri State Sen. Steve Roberts. A highly respected attorney, sixyear legislator, and the former chairman of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, Roberts currently serves as the Minority Whip in the Missouri State Senate. He also
of apartheid. Whether Díaz Ayuso’s proposal would criminalize those who advance this argument is unclear, but regardless, doing so is inadvisable. Those academics and pundits who demean Israel as an apartheid state, carefully making clear at the same time that they scorn antisemitism in all its forms, will not be silenced by such measures and will wear any bans or restrictions as a badge of pride. Rather than seeking to criminalize anti-Zionism in toto, European governments would be better off carving out those aspects that can uncomplicatedly be dealt with by the law, such as preventing the public display of Hezbollah or Hamas flags on the grounds that these incite violence and promote antisemitic organizations, and allow civil society to adjudicate the broader political debates. The depiction of Israel as an apartheid state is wrong and immoral, but it shouldn’t be illegal, for the simple reason that banning certain types of speech is a gateway to further, unexpected restrictions. Additionally, the cause of defending Israel would be severely compromised, perhaps fatally, by the shuttering of anti-Zionist associations. As we’ve discovered over the last two decades, debates and arguments with these groups are frustrating and often pointless, and yet there is no substitute for them. If the goal is to persuade the wider public that Israel’s existence marks a positive for the world, then clamping down on the free speech of Israel’s adversaries sends the signal, however much we might wish otherwise, that the Jewish state’s allies have lost the argument.
serves as a captain in the Missouri Air National Guard. In the recently passed Missouri state budget, Roberts won more than $19 million in new funding for projects in his community, including $5 million for the emergency resettlement of refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan. Moreover, Roberts is a strong supporter of Israel, and will support Congressional initiatives aimed at ensuring Israel’s security. I strongly encourage those who live in the 1st District and who are interested in supporting Israel to vote in the primary election on Aug. 2. It does not matter whether one is registered as a Democrat or a Republican. The best way to defeat Bush is to request a Democratic primary ticket and to vote for Steve Roberts. Galit Lev-Harir Wildwood
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LIFESTYLES
After 35 years serving airline passengers, Harlan Nissenbaum now soars at senior living complex BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
A few years ago, Harlan Nissenbaum catered to the needs of VIPs at St. Louis Lambert International Airport as an American Airlines concierge. After 35 years assisting celebrities such as Jon Hamm, Bette Midler, Marlo Thomas, Joe Buck and Nelly, Nissenbaum has traded in his Admiral’s Club wings. He’s still a concierge, but instead of assisting travelers, he’s now the answer man at Clarendale Clayton. The 13-story senior residence at Clayton and Hanley roads opened last fall and is quickly filling up with about a dozen people moving in every month. One of the first people new residents meet is Nissenbaum. “When they’re moving in, I help make them feel comfortable,” said Nissenbaum. “They like to see a familiar face. They may want to learn where the closest bank and restaurant are. I don’t know everything, but I do know pretty much.” Emma Harrison is one of the newer Clarendale residents. She called Nissenbaum “a sweetie pie. He’s very welcoming, he knows no strangers, and he knows a little bit about everything. Everybody loves him.” Clarendale Clayton is a $121 million complex with apartments starting at $3,495 per month for independent living and $5,950 per month for assisted living. It also has a memory care unit. The amenities, including a theater, art studio and a
Harlan Nissenbaum, concierge at Clarendale Clayton, checks on diners at the upscale senior living facility. chef whose last kitchen assignment was down the street at the Ritz-Carlton, make it seem more like a boutique hotel than a typical senior living community. Those amenities include a concierge with an encyclopedic knowledge of what’s going on in St. Louis. Nissenbaum — who when asked about his age said he was 47 — keeps up to speed on shows, hot restaurants and resources in the Jewish community for residents who request assistance or information.
Nissenbaum and Meredith Evangelista, Clarendale’s director of sales and marketing, are Jewish so they have a built-in bond with Jewish residents. They also do whatever it takes to satisfy a demanding clientele. In June, Clarendale Clayton began offering Shabbat services on Friday evenings, conducted by Rabbi Susan Talve of Central Reform Congregation. “The people here are intelligent and affluent,” Nissenbaum said. “They’re well read and active. Some are coming here
PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN
from a big house, and they wonder, ‘Did I make the right decision?’ It’s rewarding for me to see a smile on their faces when I make them feel comfortable, especially if they have any kind of anxiety. I make it a point to recognize them and get to know the relatives of the residents. That makes a lot of difference.” The facility is pet-friendly, Nissenbaum said. He even tries to learn the names of See CLARENDALE on page 17
NANCY KRANZBERG — THE ARTS IN ST. LOUIS
Exhibits focus on the role of sound in art BY NANCY KRANZBERG SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Lately I’ve found that the word “sound” appears in the titles of many art exhibitions that I have visited. The Missouri Botanical Garden, for example, currently has an exhibition entitled “Botanical Resonance: Plants and Sounds in the Garden” at the Stephen and Peter Sachs Museum located within MoBot. It runs until March 2023. Using collections from the garden herbarium, the William L. Brown Center and other lenders, the exhibition looks at the different plants used to create musical instruments in cultures throughout the world, as well as how different plants make unique sounds throughout their lifecycles in nature and at the garden. For the species used to make instruments, many often become jeopardized and threatened in their native environments due to the
increasing production and demand for the desirable plant material. Innovative and diverse works by Annika Kappner, Brooke Erin Goldstein and St. Louis artist Kevin Harris are on display. Accessibility initiatives for deaf and hard of hearing audiences are an integral part of the exhibition, including interactive installations and experiential/virtual programming. Currently, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University is featuring an exhibition by Nicole Miller entitled, “A Sound, a Signal, the Circus,” which runs through July 25. Meredith Malone, curator of the exhibition, says Miller’s 24-channel soundscape anchors the exhibition, directing the viewer’s attention in the gallery. It is composed of recorded and appropriated sounds, texts and music, along with edited excerpts from interviews that she conducted in St. Louis in the summer and fall of 2021.
Information about the exhibit goes on to explain that in these interviews, “poets, dancers, educators and teenagers of color share a wide range of perspectives — personal, political, philosophical, and creative— often drawing connections to their own bodies. Participants evoke the body variously as a repository of experience, and as a focus of joy and trauma.” Malone goes on to explain that Miller intentionally omitted her own voice from these conversations so that the viewer, like the artist herself, is positioned as an active listener, receiving these stories while contemplating their own body in the space of the gallery. The exhibition builds on previous video installations that examine how societal pressures and the violence of racism condition the experience of growing up in the United States, including how youth are perceived. Says Malone: “Through continuous transmutations — sound to light, light to text, text
For more of Nancy Kranzberg’s commentary, listen to KWMU (90.7) St. Louis on the Air the first Friday of each month at approximately 12:50 p.m. She also hosts a weekly Arts Interview podcast for KDHX (88.1), available at artsinterview.kdhxtra.org. to sound, sound to video — Miller troubles an easy faith in the notion of visibility as an antidote to erasure and exclusion, seeking to generate a different register capable of holding a multiplicity of stories and experiences in this immersive environment. Visitors are implicated as spectator and subject: we are questioned how we come to know what we know about bodies and the meaning attached. The sound of voices speaking and the sight of bodies moving through space set up the potential for a heightened attention to one’s own body while provoking fundamenSee KRANZBERG on page 22
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PHOTOS: BY AMY FENSTER BROWN
S ILY GEM M A F N BROW T T ER ED U H S E B T W ILL NO
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. They also say, “Amy, you talk too much.” Sometimes, you capture an image that is spectacular enough to be framed. Other times, you see the picture on your phone and hit delete. I think those are the real gems. Allow me to share some. As much as I want to let the pictures do the talking, I still have stuff to say.
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On vacation in Michigan, my husband, Jeff, and I didn’t realize we were wearing matching outfits until we saw pictures at the end of the day. Here we look like conjoined twins. Years ago, while on a road trip, Jeff thought it would be a good idea to make a bathroom stop. At Hooters. You can’t measure the immense love and pride a Jewish mother feels at her son’s bar mitzvah. You also can’t measure the immense annoyance a teenage boy becoming a man feels as his mother literally smothers him in that love and pride.
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A good wife helps her husband with household tasks, seen here as I spot Jeff during a very dangerous light bulb changing mission. Safety first.
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When art imitates what I wish I had in life.
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Someone always ruins the family picture.
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The Brown family often does acts of public service, like rearranging letters at stores to put smiles on the faces of strangers.
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Physical strength is impressive. Here, Davis, 16, does his homework like Gumby would, while Leo, 15, soars to new heights in the hallway.
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A funny photo op is a funny photo op. They’re hard to pass up.
Columnist Amy Fenster Brown is married to Jeff and has two teenage sons, Davis and Leo. She volunteers for several Jewish not-for-profit groups. Fenster Brown is an Emmy Award-winning TV news writer and counts time with family and friends, talking and eating peanut butter among her hobbies.
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In new book, Jason Kander gets candid about PTSD, mental health BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
In his new book “Invisible Storm: A Soldier’s Memoir of Politics and PTSD,” former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander shares his struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts following his service in Afghanistan. On July 14, the Jewish Community Center is hosting an “Evening with Jason Kander” in the form of a conversation with state Sen. Jill Schupp, D-St. Louis County. Schupp and Kander, both Jewish, are longtime friends and colleagues. The Jewish Light caught up with Kander last week during his book tour to discuss PTSD, seeking balance in life and whether he might run for office again in the future. How does the grind of a book tour compare to campaigning for elected office? It’s a little less chaotic than campaigning, but it is just similar enough to remind me that I’m really glad I don’t do this all the time. I’m having fun doing TV and radio and interviews. I think I’m good at it, and I like attention, but I’m not with my family right now. I’m not able to do the usual routines that I do at home. I missed a Little League game the other night, and I’m the coach. In your travels have you met veterans who have shared their own experiences with PTSD? Yes. One of the good things about being very open about your mental health is that you become for others a safe place for people to come to you and talk about their own struggles, and not just veterans, all sorts of people. Sometimes, they will ask me for advice, and I’m able to lend some encouragement that I think might be helpful to them. It’s nice to be able to do that on a one-on-one basis. About 8 million Americans suffer from PTSD. What motivates you to try and help them get treatment? This is just a continuation of public service. I feel that I’ve made a greater impact just by talking about my own mental health journey than I probably did at any point in office. I think there’s something really gratifying about when people come up and they frequently talk about some way that you and they have something in common and that you’ve been able to affect their life in a positive way.
‘Evening with Jason Kander’
Did opening up your private thoughts and issues come a little more naturally because of your experiences as a public official, or was it still tough? I think initially, actually, it made it harder because, as a politician, you’re sort of selling a package, like you’re trying to package up your persona and offer it to the public and say, “Look, don’t you want to buy this? Don’t you want to vote for this?” And that placed a lot of pressure on me over those years to convince myself, in order to convince others that I was fine, that I wasn’t. I think that everybody is trying to present a certain version of themselves to themselves and to the people around them. And as somebody who was in the public eye, I was
WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 14 WHERE: Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive HOW MUCH: $35-$40 MORE INFO: Presented in partnership by the St. Louis County Library and the J. For tickets or more information, visit https://bit.ly/ Kander-July14
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no different. It’s part of what caused me to take so long to have a reckoning with my reality and my symptoms. How did your Jewish education and upbringing inform your own governing philosophy? As I get older, I’ve become more involved with my own Jewish identity. But I think that it’s not difficult to track the energy of our household to tikkun olam, the idea that healing the world, repairing the world, is our responsibility. My parents were juvenile probation officers. My dad was also a police officer. I came from a family where the idea of serving others was highly respected, and it was certainly emphasized as a vocational goal, far above how much money I could make. Is there any chance that you might re-enter politics at some point in the future? Nothing is off the table for me. I just really like the job I have, and I like the life that I have at the moment. I think the assumption that people have often about me is that I am just itching to get back into running for office, but I just can’t get over this darn PTSD. The reality is I really am enjoying my life right now. I can be present physically and emotionally with my family, and I’m enjoying life, and I’m making a really serious impact in the world in a variety of ways. That’s why I just don’t have any desire to run for anything right now, because I like what I’m doing. But I don’t rule it out. Can you talk a little bit about your view of the future of democracy in the U.S. and how we can overcome some of the challenges to democracy? I’m really concerned about the country. That’s why I stay very involved politically through my podcast, and I’m on the board of Giffords [a group fighting gun violence] and Let America Vote. When I feel strongly about something, I speak up. I’m really concerned about the direction we’re heading in. Americans are really lacking shared experience right now, and that means that we’re lacking in national identity. When you lack in that common understanding of one another, that common bond, it makes it awfully hard to get anything done. I feel like Generation Z is frequently using technological platforms to reach out and build connectivity and build community with people who are not like them. They’re curious about people who are not like them. And that makes me feel more optimistic about the future. What can the audience at the J expect during your conversation with Jill Schupp? It will be a conversation between two friends who care about each other a lot, but any conversation hosted by Jill Schupp is going to be one in which she has done her homework, because that’s what she does. She prepares better than anybody else. And it will be probably one of my favorites of all of these events that I’m doing. All royalties from the sale of Kander’s book go to fund the Veterans Community Project online at (veteranscommunityproject.org).
Kol Rinah’s Verein Group Jews in Science Series Presents:
The Jewish Enlightenment The Jewish Enlightenment was the foundation of what we today call the Conservative Movement of Judaism. We will hear from Christina Feist, (Live from Paris, France) Christina is a PhD candidate/Research Fellow from the University of Potsdam and Paris-Sorbonne. Feist’s dissertation dives into the ‘Roots’ of the Jewish Enlightenment, and introduces the key “players” of this crucial group of thinkers. She will explain the role of the Jewish Enlightenment in today’s world. Register to join us on Zoom – Sunday, July 17 at 1:00 pm KolRinahStL.org (we will send you the link)
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Clarendale : The Sweetie Pie Concierge CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 pets, and he often connects residents with vetted, professional dog walkers and plant waterers. Nissenbaum grew up in Ladue and attended United Hebrew Congregation on Skinker Boulevard when he was a teenager. After earning a degree in education, he was hired by Famous-Barr in the department store’s executive training program. “I worked at Northwest Plaza in its heyday,” he said. “Then my family opened two clothing stores in the ’70s, called Jeans and Things.” Nissenbaum also sold men’s clothes at Nordstrom and Dillard’s. Working in retail led him to his airport concierge role, working in the Admiral’s Club for TWA, which eventually became part of American Airlines. He loved the people-pleasing part of the job, and he was a natural at assisting VIP travelers. Nissenbaum even became the regular flight announcer, aided by his deep baritone voice. Now, Nissenbaum is still helping people, but in a slightly different way. It could be guiding a resident who keeps kosher to find dining options. One new resident needed a corkscrew late in the evening so she could open a bottle of wine to toast her new home. Computer tech support is a regular need, such as connecting to a wedding ceremony via Zoom. Whatever the request, Nissenbaum takes on the challenge with a smile and can-do attitude, resident Muriel Weiser said. “He’s my best friend, he’ll get me anything I need,” she said. “He takes care of everybody, and he’ll do anything for the residents. And he never complains.” Evy Cohen is another Clarendale resident who
just enjoys chatting with Nissenbaum. “My friend and I were in the dining room and when we got through, Harlan was sitting behind the desk,” said Cohen, 91. “We enjoy his company and the stories he tells us.” Nissenbaum said one of the biggest rewards of his job is giving residents’ families confidence that their loved ones are being taken care of. “These families are going through so much, and it’s
ABOVE: Harlan Nissenbaum and Evy Cohen LEFT: Harlan Nissenbaum and Meredith Evangelista, Clarendale’s director of sales and marketing important for them to get some assurance,” he said. “I love creating relationships with people. It’s similar to being in the Admiral’s Club, except I don’t have to worry about helping someone re-route their luggage. It’s just helping people and smiling and not getting on edge. “You get all kinds of requests. Some are extreme, and you can only do so much, but you try to do what you can within the confines of your capabilities.”
BACK TO SCHOOL Community School is an independent preschool and elementary school serving families with children age 3 through grade 6. Students excel in an environment that balances intellectual challenge and nurturing support. The 7:1 student-teacher ratio allows for personalized attention and active, experiential learning. Community’s beautiful 18-acre campus provides a safe setting for exploration and a deeper understanding of concepts learned in the classroom. The school’s emphasis on service learning and character development helps build tomorrow’s leaders. https://www.communityschool.com (314) 899-2414 900 Lay Road St. Louis MO 63124
Superior Academics Research-based curriculum engages students in active, experiential learning.
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Leadership development and service learning programs at each grade level.
Expansive Green Space 18-acre campus with woods, trails, fields, pond, and Treehouse classroom.
communityschool.com | 900 Lay Road | 314.991.0005
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July 13, 2022
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SIMCHAS BIRTHS
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WALKER-BECKER ENGAGEMENT Keila Makamae Walker and Daniel Ryan Becker have announced their engagement. Keila is the daughter of Christine McKenzie-Walker and the late Mark Walker from Kailua, Hawaii. She is the granddaughter of the late Bruce and Phyllis “Tutu” Walker of Kailua, Hawaii; Frank Pender of Kailua; and George McKenzie and the late Patricia McKenzie. Daniel is the son of Steven and Kathy Becker of St. Louis. He is the grandson of Dolores Kling and the late Marvin Kling, the late Daniel Becker and Marjorie “Jeanne” Becker of St. Louis, all of St. Louis. Keila graduated from Le Jardin Academy and the University of Washington, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting and a Master of Public
Accountancy degree. She works a tax manager at Cloudflare. Daniel graduated from Ladue High School and Emory University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in international studies. He works as an engagement manager at Sprinklr. Dan and Keila met at random at a bar on 6th Street in Austin, Texas one evening while Keila was in town for the weekend with her friends. They had an immediate connection and chatted about music and the new hit mobile game, PokemonGo. They texted for a while after, but with Keila living in NYC at the time and Dan in Austin, the distance caused them to lose touch. About a year later, fate and their shared love of electronic music brought them back together at small music festival
Mussia Landa, age 3, lights her Shabbat candle, with the assistance of her mother, Bassy Landa, at her home in St. Charles County.
THIRD BIRTHDAY: MUSSIA LANDA Mussia Landa, daughter of Rabbi Chaim and Bassy Landa, of St. Charles County recently celebrated her third (Jewish) birthday, which marked a special milestone: she began lighting her very own Shabbat candle. Mussia is named for Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka (Moussia) Schneerson, of righteous memory, an extraordinary Jewish woman who – despite being the wife of the Rebbe Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory – led an intensely private life.
The Rebbe encouraged all Jewish girls to light their own Shabbat and holiday candles, with the assistance of their parents, a custom now widely observed in all segments of the Jewish community. The birthday celebration included the giving of extra charity, reciting passages of Torah, increasing in good deeds, visiting the Rebbe’s resting place in Queens, New York, among other birthday traditions. A special mazal tov to her grandparents, Rabbi Yosef and Shiffy Landa, of St. Louis County.
TRIBUTES
MILLER-BERTISH ENGAGEMENT Chloe Elizabeth Miller, daughter of Todd and Lori Miller of Lee’s Summit, Mo. and Jacob Daniel Bertish, son of Gerry and Jodie Bertish of St. Louis, have announced their engagement. Chloe is the granddaughter of Irving “Pudge” and Bonnie Miller of Algona, Iowa and Gordon and Judy Kane of Independence, Mo. Jacob is the grandson of the late Harley and Barbara Gordon of St. Louis and the late Irving and Mildred Bertish of St. Louis. Chloe is a speech language pathologist and Jacob is a software engineer. Chloe and Jacob met at Truman State University at a social event. They were engaged at the fountain on the Kansas City Plaza, where they had their first Kansas City date. Kaylee, Chloe’s sister, was hiding behind a tree to capture the sweet moment. Chloe’s mom, dad and sister came out from hiding behind trees to help celebrate the moment of their engagement. A May 2023 wedding is planned.
IN MEMORY OF
IN HONOR OF
NANCY BORNSTEIN “We are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. We are here for anything you need. May her memory be a blessing. Lots of love and hugs being sent your way.” - Bob & Sherri Berg, Zack Berg, Scott, Jess & Cooper Schatz -
- Kate Salsman - Linda & Phillip Dembo “In memory of Barry’s mom, Nancy. Kenny and I send love and wish you loving memories of your mom.” - Kenny & Anita Kraus -
in Washington state that they each happened to be attending. They’ve been inseparable ever since. Daniel proposed to Keila on May 18, at the summit of Koko Head Crater, a popular and challenging hike close to Keila’s hometown of Kailua, Hawaii. A late 2023 wedding is planned.
“In loving memory of your mom, Nancy Bornstein.” Love, - Faith & Corey Berger “With deepest sympathies.” - Michael Staenberg -
ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT STAFF “Congratulations to the St. Louis Jewish Light Staff for your individual and collective Simon Rockower awards! Your reporting informs us and binds our community together. Kol Hakavod!” - Joan Denison -
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July 13, 2022
JEWISH LIGHT
JEWISH LITE
CLASSIFIEDS
JEWISH CROSSWORD PUZZLE
By Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com | ‘What A Parsha’ Difficulty: Easy
Across
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1. ___ B’Tevet
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6. Big name in Israeli skin care
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11. ‘60s-’70s war site, briefly 14. Bowl or Mario
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17. In Parsha Chukat... Moshe ___ instead of talking to it 19. Jewish convert
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33. Lala Land NBA team 36. 23-Across says this line in Chukat, later made famous by Gandalf 42. Famous TV dog 43. Jane Austin heroine 44. Actress Kinsey of “The Office,” or her character 47. Deadly cobra 50. Handheld Sony console 51. Alan and Nathan 52. Extremely rare kosher animal in Chukat 55. In first place, vis-a-vis the standings 56. ___Bam (“Shabbat Shalom! Hey!”) 57. Director Judd 61. BBQ application 62. Serpentine structure made by Moses in Chukat 64. It’s mined 65. Helps a criminal 66. Prefix for structure or red 67. “The Legend of Zelda” console, for short 68. Notable chassidic book 69. Israel’s Sharansky
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Down 1. Talmudic Rabbi 2. Hearts or spades 3. City dwellings: Abbr. 4. Observes Shabbat 5. Belgian beer Stella ___ 6. Leave speechless 7. Marx brother who didn’t speak 8. Dress up 9. Smoking, gambling or drinking 10. Pose 11. Shomer ___ (Jewish physical contact law) 12. Chief deity of Egypt 13. Great Jewish leader who passes away in Chukat 18. Gossip or news, in Jewish slang 22. ___ Ramon, Israel (Var.) 24. Jerusalem has a lot of them 25. Legal matter 26. What blue sometimes denotes 27. Saucer in the sky, briefly 28. Master of minions 30. ‘90s General Motors brand 32. Not awake
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31. Haza who sings in “The Prince of Egypt”
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23. Bnai Yisrael defeat this mighty king in Chukat
30. Batman’s city
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43
51
29. Hit the slopes
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26. Insect
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20. “___ late to apologize” (One Republic lyric) 21. Prefix with caution or condition
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48. Surgical souvenir 49. Makes a quick visit 52. Become ready to harvest 53. Not full 54. “Ya ___ bet?” 56. Fett of sci-fi 58. Notably portly President 59. Cajun cook’s vegetable 60. Train to abstain 62. Common pet 63. ___ Einai
34. “Aladdin” alter ego 35. Prepare challah 37. Linden and Holbrook 38. Benevolent King of Judah 39. Rock show need 40. Text type 41. Fool 44. Great Jewish leader who passes away in Chukat 45. Powerful Mother 46. Earth models
PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWERS 1
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Western Wall: Incident raises tensions CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 gious and not, to take action against haredi influence in Israeli prayer spaces. Two separate letters, one from the heads of the Reform and Conservative movements and another from the heads of some of the United States’ most prominent pro-Israel Jewish groups, had called for the prime minister to respond to the harassment. “Mr. Prime Minister, we turn to you because this situation cannot go on,” Union for Reform Judaism head Rabbi Rick Jacobs and United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism head Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal wrote in their letter to Lapid. “We represent millions of Jews who cannot tolerate such behavior, who are tired of being treated as second-class citizens at the Wall.” Jacobs and Blumenthal called on Lapid to implement the so-called “Western Wall compromise”: a plan that would expand and make permanent the Kotel’s egalitarian prayer section, known as Ezrat Yisrael. The agreement has languished in the Knesset for years, because it is staunchly opposed by the country’s religious right. A planned implementation earlier
this year was put on hold after threats of violence. Lapid supports the plan, but his influence as a caretaker prime minister is limited until Israel holds new elections this fall (the country’s fragile ruling coalition recently dissolved, in part prompted by a different religious disagreement). The other letter — from the Jewish Federations of North America, the World Zionist Organization, the Jewish Agency and Israel fundraising network Keren Hayesod — also called on Lapid to condemn the harassment at the Kotel. The organizations’ letter did not make specific policy demands. It stressed that the latest incident was “not about the Kotel agreement,” and did not call on Lapid to advance the plan — only to more strongly enforce a prohibition on violence at the space. (Israeli police are seen in the video holding the parties back from each other but otherwise not acting.) But it did suggest that, on the eve of U.S. President Joe Biden’s first scheduled trip to Israel, the stakes of preventing another episode like the one that interrupted an American boy’s bar mitzvah last week are high.
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July 13, 2022
STL
OBITUARIES
JEWISH LIGHT
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OBITUARY NOTICES UPDATED DAILY AT STLJEWISHLIGHT.ORG/OBITUARIES
CELIA “CEIL” BECKER, June 20, 2022 Beloved wife of the late Albert Becker; dear mother and mother-in-law of Stanley Becker (late Jan), Harriette Pevnick (Gary), Randi Polinsky (Barry); loving grandmother of Tracey Wagner, Bobby Becker (Kate), Brian Becker (Jessica), Zachary Pevnick (Lauren), Erin Rubin (Andrew), Adam Polinsky, and Daniel Polinsky; dearest-great-grandmother of Tyler and Lindsey Wagner, Aubrey and Patrick Becker, Myla Becker, and Olivia and Jaxson Rubin. A private service will be held. Memorial contributions preferred to the St. Louis Jewish Community Center. Berger Memorial Service NANCY TABAK BORNSTEIN, June 18, 2022 Beloved wife of the late Bernard Bornstein for 61 years. Dear mother of Alan (Carol) Bornstein and Barry (Lisa) Bornstein. Loving grandmother of Claire Bornstein, Mitchell Bornstein, Natalie Bornstein, Jason (Jacob Prussky) Bornstein, Emily (Amy Pakett) Bornstein and Adam (fiancé, Giorgi Mombach) Bornstein. Beloved sister of the late Sylvia (the late Manuel) Kaplan. Dear sister-in-law of the late Robert (the late Florence) Bornstein and the late Ely (the late Dena) Bornstein. Beloved daughter of the late David
OBITUARIES INDEX Becker, Celia “Ceil”
“Larry”
Bornstein, Nancy Tabak
Lindecke, Elaine
Boxerman, Benita Weissman
Mange, Lawrence F. “Larry”
Majerowicz, Mory
Bremler, Irvin “Irv”
Moscowitz, Joan
Deutsch, Diane
Samuels, Katherine Rittenberg
Fudemberg, John Dennis
Schnitker, Eileen J.
Harris, Rochelle Kraines
Schwartz, Lillian Shifrin, Walter Goodman
Kandel, Lorraine R. Levy, Yvonne Librach, Lawrence E.
Sonn, Joyce Adelstein
and the late Pearl Tabak. Dear aunt, cousin and friend. Private family graveside services were held. Contributions in her memory may be made to the St. Louis Jewish Light, P.O. Box 78369, St. Louis, Mo. 63178-8369 or to WashUHillel, 6300 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO, 63105. A RindskopfRoth Service BENITA WEISSMAN BOXERMAN, June 30, 2022. Beloved wife of Burton Alan Boxerman for 63 years. Dear mother of Sanford (Cynthia) Boxerman and Arlene (Leonard) Rosenberg. Loving grandmother of Hannah and Robert Boxerman, Benjamin and Matthew Rosenberg. Dear sister-in-law of Susan Kessler Boxerman and the late Lawrence H. Boxerman, Susan Kramer Boxerman and Stuart B. Boxerman. Beloved daughter of the late Irma Wolf Weissman Silberman, the late Arthur O. Weissman and the late Fritz Silberman. Benita was born on August 10, 1939 and grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois. She attended Washington University on a full academic scholarship, where she majored in mathematics, was a member of Sigma Delta Tau sorority, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. After graduating from WashU, Benita taught for one year at Ladue High School, then took time off to raise her family before returning to the professional world. She worked for 21 years in the Investor Relations department at Fleishman Hillard Inc., rising to the position of Vice President. After retiring from Fleishman Hillard, Benita co-authored five books on baseball history with her husband Burton, including two volumes on Jews and baseball. She was also active in the Creve Coeur Township Democratic Club, the National Council of Jewish Women, and Kol Rinah. In her free time, Benita enjoyed reading mystery novels and historical fiction, taking in musical theater at The Muny and the Fox, caring for her pugs, and cheering on the Cardinals
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DIANE DEUTSCH of St. Louis, MO peacefully passed away on June 25, 2022 at the age of 75. Beloved wife of Ken Deutsch for 53 years. Devoted mother of Brian and Kevin; mother-inlaw of Stacey Deutsch and Sara Deutsch. Cherished grandmother of Jack, Grace, Brianna and Molly. She is survived by many loving relatives, friends and neighbors. Diane is remembered fondly as an educator of young children. She began her career teaching second grade for 5 years. She then took a break, had two wonderful sons, and when her youngest was ready to begin preschool, she began her preschool teaching career. She taught at United Hebrew’s preschool for eight years, and became the Director of the Saul Spielberg Early Childhood Center for the next 18 years. She distinguished herself during that time by writing and publishing songs for children, and participating in national Jewish education programs and organizations. She grew her school into one of the largest and most respected in the St. Louis area. She loved to travel all over the country and world with husband Ken, along with friends and family, and always brought love and laughter with her wherever she went. Diane especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and extended family, and was known for her cooking and hosting the most amazing Thanksgiving dinners. Many thanks to Debbie, Kendra and the staff at Dolan Memory Care for 6 years of love and caring for Diane. Funeral service Monday, June 27th, 1:30 PM at United Hebrew Congregation, 13788 Conway Road at 141. No visitation prior to service. Interment at Beth Shalom Cemetery-White Road Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
ROCHELLE KRAINES HARRIS. Born August 31, 1928. Died July 3, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Lester Harris. Dear mother of Sharon Harris Hadasi (Eli) of Arad, Israel, and David Harris (Margie Diekemper) of University City. Loving grandmother of Salit Hadasi (Shaun Benmoha), Maital Hadasi, and Robert Harris. Dear sister of the late Menucha Fastman (the late Shyke) and the late S. Nathan Kraines (Elly). Dear daughter of the late Morris and the late Celia Kraines. Dear aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend. Graduate of University City H.S. (Jan. 1945) and Washington University (1949). Retired St. Louis Public Schools librarian. Dedicated life member of Pioneer Women/Na’amat. Services were held Sunday, July 10 at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd. Interment followed at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Rd. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream information. Contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Berger Memorial Service LORRAINE R. KANDEL, July 3, 2022 Beloved wife of the late Sidney Kandel. Dear mother of Daniel A. (Diane) Kandel and Alan H. (Bryna R.) Kandel. Loving grandmother of Paul L. (Shoshana M.) Kandel, Benjamin M. (Yehudit) Kandel, and Shira D. (Rabbi Jeremy E.) Donath. Beloved greatgrandmother of Haggai Yaakov Kandel, Yedidya Yisrael Kandel and Aviad Kandel; Ezra Yonatan Kandel, Elan Aharon Kandel, Yonina Avigayil Kandel, and Naomi Hila Kandel; and Yael Tova Donath, Leora Malka Donath and Shmuel Dovid Donath. Dear sister of the late Jeannette Pfyl. Cherished partner of the late Jack Kwiatek. Our dear aunt, cousin and friend. A graveside service was held Tuesday, July 5 at United Hebrew Cemetery, 7855 Canton Avenue. Contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice. A Rindskopf-Roth Service
RHODA (KOTTLER) GRALNICK and HERBERT GRALNICK SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2022 10:00 AM
314-361-0622 BergerMemorialChapel.com
M8778_4938_Berger_PNT_Traditions_5-1x7_C_v2.indd 1
IRVIN “IRV” BREMLER, July 2, 2022 Dear father and father-in-law of the late Lorraine Bremler, Joshua Bremler and Jake (Charlin West) Bremler; dear brother of Norman Zalmanoff and Ron Zalmanoff. Served his country in the navy for 8 years. Lifelong Entrepreneur and independent thinker. Lover of dogs, crossword puzzles, and chocolate. Accomplished bridge player and avid reader. World Class sense of humor. Irv will be missed by all loved ones he leaves behind. A funeral service was held Thursday, July 7 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Memorial contributions preferred the Humane Society of Missouri (https://www.hsmo.org/). Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
JOHN DENNIS FUDEMBERG, 73, died at his home in St. Louis, Missouri on June 21, 2022 from pancreatic cancer. A lifelong St. Louisan, he was born March 26, 1949 and grew up in Ladue. He graduated from Ladue High School and attended The University of Wisconsin in Madison where he met his wife of almost fifty years, Annette Reiser. John earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. Upon graduation, he returned to St. Louis to join his family’s paper recycling business, Imperial Paper Stock Company, of which he ultimately became President. John is survived by his wife, Annette (Reiser) Fudemberg, his son Scott Fudemberg (Cara), daughter Marni Fudemberg Deutsch (Jeremy), his sister Gail Fudemberg Zugerman (Charles), and four grandchildren: Ella and Caroline Deutsch and Jack and Sloan Fudemberg. Funeral services were held Friday, June 24 at Congregation Temple Israel Memorial contributions may be made to Siteman Cancer Center – Dr. Lim Research Fund. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream information. Berger Memorial Service
A Monument Dedication For
9430 Olive Blvd., St. Louis
Richard W. Stein
(much to the consternation of her Cubs-fan husband!). She also enjoyed playing bridge and board games (particularly word games) with friends, and occasionally indulging in her favorite treats of ice cream and dark chocolate. Benita will be remembered for her warmth, graciousness, and intelligence. A graveside service was held Sunday, July 3 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Live stream available at www. rindskopfroth.com. Contributions in Benita’s memory may be made to Kol Rinah, 7701 Maryland Avenue, Clayton, MO, 63105; or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 9370 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO, 63132 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. A Rindskopf-Roth Service
CHESED SHEL EMETH CEMETERY-7550 OLIVE BLVD. UNIVERSITY CITY, MO 63130
Emily Stein MacDonald
Rosenbloom Monument Co.
9/29/17 9:46 PM
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A funeral service was held Friday, June 24 at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery Mausoleum, 8430 Gravois Rd. Contributions in her memory preferred to the charity of your choice. A Rindskopf-Roth Service
YVONNE LEVY, July 7, 2022 Beloved wife of the late John Levy; dear mother and mother-in-law of Janice Singer (Jonny) of Saint Louis, Sharon Levy of Cape Town, South Africa and Ruth Levy of Mullumbimby, Australia; Loving Granny of Jeff Singer (Kathryn), Jackie Halpern (Todd), Shawn Singer and Joseph Kahn; Adoring Great Granny of John Singer and Henry Halpern; Dear sister, aunt and friend. Yvonne led a fulfilling life with many interests. She was a dedicated remedial teacher in South Africa and St. Louis, who spent many hours doing yoga and listening to orchestral music. Funeral services were held Sunday, July 10, at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery. The service was livestreamed at www.bergermemorialchapel. com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions preferred to the Greater Missouri Chapter Alzheimer’s Association. Berger Memorial Service LAWRENCE E. “LARRY” LIBRACH, June 22, 2022 Beloved husband of Jane Leland Librach; dear father of Jennifer Librach Trimble (Timothy); dear grandfather of Olivia Christy Ingalls (Corey); dear son of the late Jerry and the late Lorraine Librach; dear brother of the late Saundra Scissors (Bob), Susan Heller (Stanley), and Caroline Weissman (the late Joel); dear brother-in-law of Cindy Leland Walsh (Thomas S Walsh) and Stephen J Leland (Joyce); dear uncle of Jack Leland Walsh; dear uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend to many. A graveside service was held Friday, July 8 at United Hebrew Cemetery, 7855 Canton Avenue. Memorial contributions preferred to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service ELAINE LINDECKE, (nee Goldring), passed away on June 19, 2022. She was the beloved wife of Fred Lindecke for over 65 years; dearest mother of Steven (Elizabeth) Lindecke of Cleveland, OH and Stacy (Snehal) Desai of Pittsburgh, PA; loving grandmother of Owen and Elliott Desai and Ryan, Kyle and Lucy Lindecke; devoted sister of Harlan (Katherine) Goldring of New York, NY and sister-in-law of Robert (Barbara) Lindecke; dear aunt and great-aunt. Daughter of the late Maurice Goldring and the late Rose Goldring. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in English Literature in 1953 from Washington University and she earned an MBA from University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1983. Her extensive professional career revolved around advertising and public relations, both as a writer and as an executive. She enjoyed reading, creative writing, bridge, “bleeding blue” for the St. Louis Blues, and for many years was a ticket holder at the Indy 500. A Monument Dedication For
DANIEL RUDMAN SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2022 5:00 PM
MORY MAJEROWICZ, June 29, 2022 Beloved son of the late Jacob and Faye Majerowicz; dear brother and brother-in-law of Sam (Deborah Schechter) Majerowicz and Rachel Majerowicz (Joseph) Cohen; special uncle and great uncle to Annette Majerowicz and family, Eyal Cohen and family, Tamar Zelieger and family, Talie Kaufman and family, Lior Cohen and family, Shirie Iluz and family; Dear friend to many. Mory was loved by his family and friends and they will miss him greatly. A graveside service was held Thursday, June 30 at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery, 1601 North and South Rd. Memorial contributions preferred to St. Louis Arc (www. slarc.org/donate/). Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service LAWRENCE F. “LARRY” MANGE, June 30, 2022 Beloved son of Franklin E. and the late Barbara Mange; dear brother of Joyce Mange, Martin Mange (Carole), and Emily Mange; dear uncle of Megan Mange, Erica Mange, and Scarlet Zell; dear nephew, cousin, and friend to many. Larry’s family is especially grateful to the Independence Center for the love, companionship, and support provided to Larry. A graveside service was held Tuesday, July 5 at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery. Memorial contributions preferred to the Independence Center, 4245 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service JOAN MOSCOWITZ, June 9, 2022 Beloved daughter of the late Annabelle and Daniel Moscowitz. Survived by her brother Charles (Myra), dear aunt, cousin, and friend. Volunteered at the Fox Theatre over 30 years. She loved her dog Chopin and her two birds. Donated her body to science. Donations to a charity of your choice. KATHERINE RITTENBERG SAMUELS, December 27, 1931 – July 2, 2022 Katherine “Kit” Samuels died after a brief illness in St. Louis, Missouri. She was 90. Kit was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Leon Hirsch Rittenberg and Katherine Polack Rittenberg. Kit grew up in New Orleans and started going to bars, as she liked to put it, as soon as she was old enough to reach the counter and pay her tab. Kit attended and graduated from Metairie Park Country Day School, and she attended Vassar College and Goucher College. Kit married Edward “Buddy” Samuels after their third date in October, 1953, and they were happily married for 62 years until his death in
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CHESED SHEL EMETH CEMETERY-WHITE RD.
Rosenbloom Monument Co.
June, 2016. Kit was a successful businessperson, and she started her career importing gumbo from fine restaurants in New Orleans. She then became a stockbroker, working for I. M. Simon and then for Stix and Company in St. Louis. Later in her career, she co-founded Going Places Travel, which she ran from 1974 to 1988 before selling the company. Kit had a love for golf, bridge, friends, family, travel, New Orleans, and Tanqueray, and a dislike for rules, regulations, and anyone who told her she couldn’t because she was a woman. She was known to give the pinky to people who deserved, but weren’t worthy of, the middle finger. She split her time between St. Louis and Naples, Florida. Mrs. Samuels is survived by four children: Ted (Lori) Samuels of St. Louis, Sallie Samuels of Atlanta, Kris Samuels (Jim) Holmes of St. Louis, Peggy Samuels of Union City, New Jersey, and eight grandchildren. Services were held on Wednesday, July 6 at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery with a reception following the service at Westwood Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Kit’s honor to The Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO, 63110; Metairie Park Country Day School in New Orleans, C/O Lori Gordillo, Director of Development, 300 Park Road, Metairie, LA 70005; or to the John Burroughs School, Office of Advancement, 755 South Price Road, St. Louis, MO, 63124. A Rindskopf-Roth Service EILEEN J. SCHNITKER, July 6, 2022 Loving mother of Jason Schneider; dear daughter of the late Ralph Benson and the late Ida Benson Pearlstone; dear sister of the late Irwin Benson and David Benson; dear aunt of Dr. Randall Benson, Cheryl Kaufman, and Jeffrey Benson; dear greataunt of Evan Kaufman, Ari Kenney and Brianna, Charles, Aaron, Amy and Michelle Benson; special friend to so many. Devoted rescuer and lover of all dogs. A private service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions preferred to a St. Louis based Yorkie rescue or another animal rescue organization of your choice. Berger Memorial Service LILLIAN SCHWARTZ, June 20, 2022, Passed away peacefully at the age of 102 ½. Beloved daughter of the late Louis and the late Rebecca Schwartz. Dear sister of Marilyn (Milton) Schraier and Florence (the late Paul) Rosenthal. A favorite aunt, great aunt, great great aunt and a dear friend to many. Lillian worked as an executive secretary at Jewish Hospital in St. Louis and then moved to Los Angeles for a similar role there. She enjoyed the warmth of California and made many friends. Lillian later moved back to St. Louis to be close to family that she dearly missed. A graveside service was held Monday, June 27 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Contributions in Lillian’s memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. A Rindskopf-Roth Service
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WALTER GOODMAN SHIFRIN, July 7, 2022 Beloved husband of Jennifer Tarleau Shifrin; dear father and father-in-law of Lisa Mooney (Robert H. III) and Jeffrey Shifrin (the late Marnie R.); loving grandfather of Robert H. Mooney IV, Margaret J. Mooney, Matthew A. Shifrin and Jacob T. Shifrin; dear brother of Jean Schneider; dear brother-in-law of Alison Bourey (Andrew).; dear uncle, cousin, and friend to so many. Walter graduated from Clayton High School in 1951, MIT in 1955, and completed his Masters in 1956. He was President of Shifrin & Associates for more than 30 years. Walter served on the Board of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, was an avid supporter of the Evans Scholarship Foundation, and past President of Westwood Country Club. Walter’s smile and good humor made him a friend to everyone he met. Memorial service held Tuesday, July 12 at Congregation Temple Israel, #1 Alvan D. Rubin Drive. Memorial contributions are preferred to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra or the charity of your choice. Berger Memorial Service JOYCE ADELSTEIN SONN died peacefully in her sleep Wednesday, June 22, 2022. Joyce was the daughter of the late Hyman Adelstein and the late Ruth Lander, dear sister of the late Gene Adelstein (Ellen), life partner of Bob Brandhorst, dear aunt, great-aunt, cousin, beloved neighbor, friend and teacher/job developer for 100s of young St. Louisans. She graduated from Clayton High School in 1963, obtained an Elementary School Teaching Certificate in 1971, and a Masters in City Planning from SLU. She lived in the Soulard neighborhood since 1968. She led the effort to prevent its demolition and create the Soulard Historic District while working to prevent the displacement of the neighborhood’s low and moderate income households. She was a leader of the Soulard Neighborhood Improvement Association, a founder of Youth, Education, and Health in Soulard (YEHS), the Soulard Girl’s Club, YouthBuild St. Louis, and the Soulard Senior Citizen’s Center. Joyce’s slogans “Soulard is its people” and “Preserve the Historic Economic and Ethnic Mix” truly embody her life passions. Joyce’s kind and caring nature resulted in her being loved by many people. Services: A celebration of her life will be held in September in Soulard, details to be announced in September. Charitable donations in her name can be made to YEHS, a 501c3 charity, att: Charlotte, 1924 South 12th St, St. Louis, Mo. 63104, 314-436-1400.
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Rosenbloom Monument Co.
July 13, 2022
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(314) 367-0438
www.rindskopfroth.com
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July 13, 2022
CHAILIGHTS
STL
JULY
Y O U R C A L E N D A R O F S T. L O U I S J E W I S H C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T S
SATURDAY | JULY 16 NHBZ Discussion: ‘How to Be a Modern-Day Mensch’
The term “mensch” is commonly understood to be a good person. However, this Yiddish term goes much deeper to include the Jewish concept of being an individual of great integrity. Join Nusach Hari B’nai Zion Rabbi Ze’ev Smason when he discusses “How to Be a Modern-Day Mensch” at 10:15 a.m. This talk is part of NHBZ’s weekly “Starting Points: Wisdom for Daily Living,” which features interactive discussions that explore relevant, contemporary topics. NHBZ membership is not necessary to attend and RSVPs are not required. For more information, call 314-991-2100, ext. 2.
Kol Rinah’s Tot Shabbat
At 10:30 a.m., join Morah Karen Kern for a short musical Shabbat service, perfect for kids ages 5 and under and their families and siblings. Service will be outdoors in the Kol Rinah courtyard or Guller Chapel (10:30 to 11:30 a.m.). Masks are required for ages 2 and up. Registration required. For more information, email office@kolrinahstl.org.
SUNDAY | JULY 17 Kol Rinah’s Jews in Science series In July, Kol Rinah’s Jews in Science series will be at a special time — 1 p.m., held via Zoom. The topic will be the Jewish enlightenment as the foundation of the Masorti/Conservative movement. Register online at kolrinahstl.org.
Jewish War Veterans meeting
Jewish War Veterans Post 644 meetings will take place via Zoom for the foreseeable future at 10 a.m. the third Sunday each month. For more information contact Post 644 Commander Ellis Frohman at 636-5197512
MONDAY | JULY 18 Dale Sharon discusses African American art
From 10 to 11 a.m. join Dale Sharon, a docent at the St. Louis Art Museum and an exhibited artist, for a look at African American art, as represented in the museum’s permanent collection. Free. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter, 314733-9813, or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.
TUESDAY | JULY 19 NCJW’s Coffee Talk with SnL
Our special guest this month is Cher Denny, Green Buyer at Blueprint Coffee, renowned seed-to-cup coffee program in St. Louis. Join virtual coffee talks hosts NCJWSTL’s Past President, Susan Katzman, and Vice President of Membership, Lisa Gubernik at 8:30 a.m. as we sip our favorite morning
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beverages and enjoy each other’s company while discussing light topics. In celebration of our two-year anniversary, we want to provide the first 60 Coffee Talk registrants with a free gift bag. To be eligible, register for Coffee Talk and you will be notified if you are within the first 60 and when to pick up your gift bag. For more information and to RSVP visit: https:// bit.ly/July22CT
WEDNESDAY | JULY 20 Ukuleles Unplugged at Mirowitz Center
From 2-3 p.m., hear four retired gentlemen – professionally known as the Jumping Fleas Ukulele Quartet – as they share their musical talents and sense of fun with the Mirowitz Center. Featured performers are Brad Griffith, Marvin Rennard, Bill Luppens, and Don Dempsey. The cost is $5. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter, 314733-9813, or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.
Sharsheret’s Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Group - via Zoom This monthly group provides support, connection and education to women in the St. Louis Jewish community who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer and are anywhere along their treatment path – before, during, or post-treatment. Facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker, this group meets from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday via Zoom until further notice. Newcomers are always welcome along with female family and friends. This program is free but pre-registration is requested to Debbi Braunstein at 314-442-3266 or dbraunstein@jccstl.org.
THURSDAY | JULY 21 Lunch & Learn: Abortion rights from interfaith perspective
By now, most of us are familiar with Judaism’s stance on abortion rights. However, many of us may not know is that several Christian denominations support abortion rights as well and have been instrumental in the interfaith movement that brings the moral force of religion to protect and advance reproductive health. To help us learn more, NCJWSTL and the JCRC welcome Rev. Laurie Anzilotti, Rev. Gabrielle Kennedy and Rev. Becky Turner for our July Lunch and Learn at noon to discuss abortion rights from an interfaith perspective. Rabbi Janine Schloss, who joined the clergy staff at Temple Emanuel on July 1, will be moderating. Register online at https://bit.ly/NCJWSTL-0721. For more information, email Jen Bernstein at jbernstein@ncjwstl.org or call 314-993-5181.
SATURDAY | JULY 23 NHBZ Discussion: ‘Finding Your Inner Compass’
Every one of us possesses a special tool that
The Jumping Fleas Ukulele Quartet preforms at the Mirowitz Center on July 20. helps us determine what is best for us -- an inner compass. Learn how to tap into yours when NHBZ Rabbi Ze’ev Smason discusses “Finding Your Inner Compass” at 10:15 a.m. This talk is part of NHBZ’s weekly “Starting Points: Wisdom for Daily Living,” which features interactive discussions that explore relevant, contemporary topics. NHBZ membership is not necessary to attend and RSVPs are not required. For more information, call 314991-2100, ext. 2.
Musical Shabbat service
The community is invited to Kol Rinah’s next musical Shabbat service, Kol Chadash, at 9:30 a.m. featuring music with acoustic instruments, bringing together new melodies and words of Torah to create a deep, moving prayer experience. Register online at www. kolrinahstl.org/shabbat-and-holiday-registration.html or call 314-727-1747.
WEDNESDAY | JULY 27 Everything You “Knee-d” To Know About Knee Replacement
Join this presentation at 2 p.m. by Dr. Ilya Bendich, assistant professor at Washington University School of Medicine in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Bendich’s practice focuses on caring for patients with debilitating hip and knee arthritis. For patients who have exhausted all non-operative measures and are ready for surgery, Bendich utilizes evidence-based, cutting-edge techniques, including computer-assisted and robotic technologies for improved surgical outcomes. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter, 314-733-9813, or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.
THURSDAY | JULY 28 Turning from loss to love – A Rosh Chodesh (new month) Celebration
the new moon and the new Hebrew month of Av at 7 p.m. at the Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis at Congregation Shaare Emeth. Av contains two little known, but fascinating observances: Tisha B’Av, where we remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and Tu B’Av, a day dedicated to the celebration of sisterhood and love. Together we will learn more about these times and how we can honor feelings of loss and love in our own lives. Wine, teas and desserts provided. To register, email Stacy at sjespersen@sestl. org. This program is co-sponsored by KeSHEr, Shaare Emeth’s Women’s Connection group.
SUNDAY | JULY 31 NHBZ All-You-Can Eat Pizza Night Returns
It’s what we’ve been waiting for -- the return of Nusach Hari’s all-you-can eat Pizza Night! From 4:30-6:30 p.m., enjoy a delicious dine-in buffet of kosher pizza, pasta, salad and 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. For more information, call 314991-2100, ext. 2.
ONGOING Tech Tutor – Hardware helper
On Mondays in May, sign up for a half-hour session with Larry Edison, who offers one-onone assistance in learning how to use one’s technology devices. Sessions are in-person at the Mirowitz Center (plan to wear a mask and maintain social distance). Tech Tutor is supported through a grant from the Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged. Free. Register at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter, 314-733-9813, or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.
Join with women of all ages as we welcome
Kranzberg: Sound focused art exhibitions around St. Louis CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 tal considerations of whose bodies are valued in society, whose voices are amplified, and whose lives are cherished.” “St. Louis Sound,” a continuing exhibition at the Missouri History Museum, curated by Andrew Wanko, is simply a spectacular look at many genres of music and their roots in St. Louis. The exhibition deserves more than a walk through. Wanko gives lots of credit to Steve Pick and Amanda Doyle for their book, “St. Louis Sound,” on which the exhibition is
based. The exhibition traces the history of music in our city from Native American works, to the music of the early French settlers, to today. Included in the exhibition is the history of technology in the music industry, a wonderful collection of meaningful musical instruments, the history of well-known music venues, and stories and histories of many of our world- famous musicians such as Chuck Berry, Nelly, Josephine Baker and Henry Townsend, but best of all if you put on your earphones, you can hear literally over 100 songs.
Of course, I could go on and on about sound in art. The Pulitzer Arts Foundation in Grand Center recently had several exhibitions featuring world-famous sound artists. Immersive sound installations by artist Susan Philipsz were recently featured at the museum as well as three decades of work by Terry Adkins (1955-2014). Adkins was a pioneer with work that blends sculpture, sound, performance, videos and printmaking. Colleen Hochberger talks about sound artists on the internet and quotes the American musician and soundscape ecol-
ogist, Bernice Krause: “While a picture might be worth a thousand words, a soundscape is worth a thousand pictures. The deeply emotional and vastly expressive nature of sound makes it a powerful art form. Like much contemporary art, sound art is interdisciplinary, spanning diverse genres from installation, film, and experimental music to interactive technology, and spoken word and poetry.” Just when I think I’ve covered all the art genres, I realize there’s always more to behold.
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July 13, 2022
JEWISH LIGHT
CENTRAL REFORM CONGREGATION
NUSACH HARI B’NAI ZION
Ladies enjoy a special event at Nusach Hari B’nai Zion benefitting the shul’s Rose Ragin Chesed Fund.
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Central Reform Congregation’s 2022 Confirmation Class poses for a photo with Rabbi Randy Fleisher of CRC. This year’s class includes (not in order of those pictured): David Goldstein, Beatrice Guller, Naomi Liebson, Bracha McCurry, Vera Rosenblum and Gabrielle Yudovich.
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PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to news@stljewishlight.org. VIEW MORE ONLINE: stljewishlight.org/multimedia
Above, Ebynee Parker received JCRC’s Milton I. and Merle K. Goldstein Scholarship. Below, Dan Friedman received the Michael and Barbara Newmark Emerging Leader Award.
J CRC TZE DE K AWA R D S The Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis held its annual Tzedek Awards on May 24. The annual event brings together the Jewish community together with interfaith, civic and political partners in St. Louis to celebrate their ongoing relationships and recognize those who have been catalysts for unity. Above, pictured from left, are JCRC Board Chair Deborah Price, JCRC Executive Director Rori Picker Neiss, Missouri Sen. Jill Schupp and Tzedek Awards Co-Chair Rabbi Jeffrey Stiffman. Event Co-Chair Tammy Arnow is not pictured.
At left, Rabbi Howard Kaplansky was awarded the Batya Abramson-Goldstein Legacy Award for his leadership and impact on the JCRC and the entirety of the Jewish community. He is pictured with JCRC Board Chair Deborah Price and JCRC Executive Director Rori Picker Neiss. Above, Rev. Rodrick Burton received the Norman A. Stack Community Relations Award for his ongoing interfaith work and partnership with the Jewish community.
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July 13, 2022
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