FALL ARTS GUIDE
A NONPROFIT, INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE TO INFORM, INSPIRE, EDUCATE AND CONNECT THE ST. LOUIS JEWISH COMMUNITY.
NCJW’s Couturier turns 60
Resale Shop/Couturier by the Numbers:
87,000: Donations a year
BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As if devotees of this fashion extravaganza needed another reason to get excited, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the annual Couturier sale at the Resale Shop, a key initiative of the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis. In honor of this milestone anniversary sale, which takes place Sept. 25-28, we’re bringing out the “big guns,” or in this case some longtime, experienced Couturier shoppers to talk scope, strategy and sustenance. Honestly, you need to understand — and perfect — all three to accomplish a clothing and accessories haul that will likely prove amazing, or at the very least, really, really good.
But before we consult our experts, let’s
thread the needle and stitch some facts together.
The annual Couturier sale showcases an impressive selection — as in more than 25,000 curated pieces this year — of gently used, high-quality designer clothing and accessories for women, men and children, as well as home décor items. Designers highlighted at the sale include Burberry, Kate Spade, St. John, Lululemon, Gucci, Ferragamo, Eileen Fisher and Michael Kors.
Shoppers can find these brands and many more at about a third, or even less, of their original retail prices. This event features the best of a year’s worth of donations, saved exclusively for this fourday occasion. All proceeds from the Couturier sale support NCJWSTL’s community service and advocacy projects
35,000: Customers a year
200,000 items: Items the shop sells over
3,000 hours: Given by volunteers each year
25,000: Items curated for Couturier
8,972: Social media followers
aimed at enhancing the lives of women, children and families in the St. Louis area.
The first day of the sale, Wednesday, Sept. 25, is basically for those who want first dibs and don’t mind paying to shop for bargains. This year, in honor of 60 years, NCJWSTL is starting the sale ear-
How local colleges are supporting Jewish students
JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER
Jewish students returned to several St. Louis-area universities in August with both anticipation and concern. The past year has seen a rise in antisemitic incidents on college campuses nationwide, affecting institutions like Washington University (WashU) and St. Louis University (SLU). From inflammatory protests to hostile rhetoric, Jewish students face increasing challenges. In response, universities across St. Louis, along with campus organizations like Hillel and Chabad, have acted to support Jewish students and ensure their safety.
The climate on campus
The spring semester of 2024 saw a rise in antisemitic activities, with campuses like WashU and SLU experiencing several incidents, including confrontational protests. Despite these challenges, Tim Mellman, a junior at WashU, remains optimistic about the upcoming year.
“At the start of summer, I was hopeful a ceasefire would be reached before we returned to campus. As time went on, it became clear that wasn’t the case, but I remained optimistic. The Jewish community at WashU is more united than ever in fighting antisemitism, and we have a strong relationship with the university administration.”
Jackie Levey, CEO of WashU Hillel, emphasized the importance of these connections: “Last year’s events underscored the need for strong relationships with campus colleagues and the administration. These ties were crucial for open communication on everything from safety to timely information sharing.”
At SLU, the administration has taken steps to address Jewish students’ concerns and enhance campus safety.
“We strive to ensure that every student, including those of Jewish faith, feels safe and that their spiritual identity is respected,” said Donney K.M.
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CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
Shabbat begins Friday, Sept. 13: 6:54 p.m.
Shabbat ends Saturday, Sept. 14: 7:50 p.m.
Torah reading: Ki Teitzei
Shabbat begins Friday, Sept. 20: 6:43 p.m.
Shabbat ends Saturday, Sept 21: 7:38 p.m.
Torah reading: Ki Tavo
Friends Saperstein and Troy to debate Jewish values and politics at Shaare Emeth program
BY JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER
At a time when political discourse feels more divided than ever, Congregation Shaare Emeth’s Jewish values and politics debate offers the St. Louis Jewish community an opportunity to come together for civil dialogue.
On Sunday, Sept. 15, the congregation will host “Eilu v’Eilu: A Debate on Jewish Values & American Politics” featuring Rabbi David Saperstein, former U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom under President Barack Obama, and Tevi Troy, a presidential historian and former senior aide in the George W. Bush administration. This debate, part of Shaare Emeth’s “Eilu v’Eilu” series, is rooted in the Jewish tradition of principled disagreement.
Jewish Light is a member of the American Jewish Press Association
Although Saperstein and Troy do not agree on many policy issues, they share a strong friendship, demonstrating that civil discourse can flourish despite political differences. Attendees can expect to hear Saperstein and Troy share their views on pressing issues such as Israel, abortion, civil rights, religious freedom and climate change. Both will also draw on Jewish law, history and values to provide context and insight into these contemporary challenges.
A notable lineup: Saperstein and Troy take the stage
Saperstein’s role as a longtime advocate for civil rights and religious freedom makes him a compelling voice in today’s heated political landscape. His career includes working with major figures in the American Civil Rights Movement, such as Martin Luther King Jr., and his tenure at the Religious Action Center solidified his status as one of the most influential figures in Jewish public policy.
Meanwhile, Troy’s extensive experience in the Bush administration and his role as a historian provide a conservative counterpart to Saperstein’s progressive stances. Troy has written extensively on presidential history and Jewish political engagement, making him a knowledgeable and seasoned participant in the discussion.
Looking ahead to the weekend of thoughtful dialogue
In addition to Sunday night’s debate, the weekend will offer other opportunities to hear from Saperstein. On Friday, Sept. 13, he will give a D’var Torah during Shaare Emeth’s Kabbalat Shabbat services, reflecting on the lasting impact of Oct. 7 and the ongoing war in Gaza. On Saturday morning, Sept. 14, Saperstein will lead a Torah study focused on the resurgence of antisemitism, a topic that is deeply personal to many in the Jewish community.
For those interested in attending, registration for the Sept. 15th debate is required and can be completed online at http://sestl.co/debate.
Eilu v’Eilu is generously co-sponsored by Congregation Temple Israel, Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis (JCRC), Jewish Federation of St. Louis, MaTovu, NCJWSTL, Temple Emanuel, United Hebrew Congregation, and WashU Hillel.
The programs with Rabbi David Saperstein and Dr. Tevi Troy are also supported by the Fred and Elsie Deutsch Endowment Fund of Congregation Shaare Emeth. The congregation would like to thank Roberta and Jim Deutsch, Judy and Larry Deutsch, and their families for their generous support for the Scholar-in-Residence program.
Rabbi David Saperstein (left) and Tevi Troy will take part in a debate on Jewish values and American politics’ at Congregation Shaare Emeth on Sunday, Sept. 15.
Rabbi David Saperstein and Tevi Troy are friends, but disagree on many policy issues.
St. Louis native receives prestigious French prize
Formally inducted as a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, Jeffrey Zuckerman will return to St. Louis on Sept. 19 for book signing event
BY CAROL WOLF SOLOMON SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Good things do indeed come to those who wait. After a four-year delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, native St. Louisan Jeffrey Zuckerman finally was formally inducted as a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) at a recent special ceremony in New York City.
The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres was established by the French minister of culture in 1957 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to furthering the arts, literature, and culture in France and beyond. Zuckerman, who had been selected for the honor in 2020, was recognized for his achievements as a translator of French literature.
A 2006 graduate of Parkway North High School, Zuckerman earned his bachelor’s degree in English, cum laude, from Yale University. He lives in New York City, where he works as an editor, writer and translator. He started his own translation business in 2013, specializing in translating literary fiction from the French, including books by the artist Jean-Michel
Basquiat; filmmaking brothers brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne; texts by gay writers Jean Genet, Hervé Guibert and Kevin Lambert; and novels by the Mauritian authors Ananda Devi, Nathacha Appanah, Shenaz Patel and Carl de Souza.
In remarks during the medal presentation ceremony, Judith Roze, deputy cultural counselor of the French Embassy and deputy director of Villa Albertine, said of Zuckerman: “At only 36 years old, your career has already been defined by remarkable achievements and significant literary contributions.
“Through your passion for exploring a wide range of literary perspectives, you help to enrich the anglophone understanding of francophonie, facilitating cross-cultural dialogue and the promotion of literary innovation.”
Zuckerman is no stranger to accolades. His work was recognized previously with the French Voices Grand Prize and was shortlisted for the PEN Translation Prize, an annual award for book-length prose translations from any language into English, and for the French-American Foundation Translation Prize.
The international acclaim that
Zuckerman has received for his translation work is laudable by any measure. What makes his success even more remarkable is that he is profoundly deaf. Zuckerman has Usher syndrome type 1F, an inherited disease that causes profound hearing loss from birth and impairs vision beginning in adolescence.
According to the genetic testing website Jscreen.org, Usher 1F is more commonly found in Ashkenazi Jews. From 0.7 to 2.5 in 100 Ashkenazi Jews are carriers of the mutation that causes Usher 1F, making it one of the more commonly carried diseases among Ashkenazim.
In his acceptance speech, Zuckerman acknowledged the challenges of learning to speak not just one, but two languages as an individual born deaf. He credited his parents, Lois and Dave Zuckerman of Creve Coeur, for sending him to Central Institute for the Deaf and Moog Center for Deaf Education to learn to speak English before mainstreaming him into Parkway public schools in third grade. He also became a bar mitzvah and was confirmed at Congregation Shaare Emeth. His parents are members of Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community.
Zuckerman also paid tribute to Parkway French teachers Lisa Haugen and Sarah Berk for teaching him to speak a language that is extremely difficult to lipread and for making French “not only a language I wanted to learn, but something I wanted to claim
just as deeply as I already do English.” Haugen traveled to New York to attend the ceremony; Berk participated virtually. Zuckerman’s latest translated work is “Jellyfish Have No Ears” by Adèle Rosenfeld, an autobiographical novel of a woman who is losing her hearing.
Zuckerman will be in St. Louis on Sept. 19 for a book signing at Left Bank Books.
St. Louis native Jeffrey Zuckerman is inducted as a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) at a recent ceremony in New York City.
Burroughs sports field honors ‘Coach Katter’
BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
The knuckle curve is a potent weapon for a pitcher. It dips and dances, baffling hitters. In 1985, it was Andy Katzman’s go-to pitch. With a 10-2 record, he helped John Burroughs School to its first state championship. Katzman is now the assistant coach of the Burroughs Bombers, where he’s been instrumental in leading the team to 10 district titles and three state championships over the past 38 years.
Next spring, when the Bombers play their first home game, it will be played at the brand new Katzman Field, named for “Coach Katter.”
When he learned of the honor earlier this year, Katzman, 57, said: “It was both overwhelming and humbling.”
At Burroughs, he started as a shortstop and outfielder, eventually moving to the pitcher’s mound. After spending two years playing baseball at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, Katzman transferred to St. Louis University. He graduated with a degree in political science and joined the Burroughs faculty in 1989 as a coach.
“I wanted to continue to fulfill my love of baseball and transfer it to coaching,” said Katzman, who attends Congregation B’nai Amoona. “They welcomed me with open arms, and the rest is history. It’s been great. I tell you, springtime rolls around, and it really is the greatest time of year.”
The transition from player to coach was natural for Katzman, said Steve Brown, his friend and one-time competitor.
“I think we all knew at some point Andy was going to be a coach,” said Brown, a member of Temple Emanuel. “It was just in his DNA. You could tell by the way he played and everything that he was, he was going to be a coach. But it was more about learning the lessons of life through baseball.”
To be sure, Katzman did a good job of teaching baseball skills. He’s had several players move on to play Division 1 ball. Katzman coached all four of the sons of former Cardinal Andy Van Slyke, including Scott, who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
One important aspect of Katzman’s coaching style is his focus on positivity, said to Dan Kodner, who played for him in 2005.
“He was a positive motivator,” said Kodner, who attends Temple Israel. “He’s got a very good baseball mind, and he’s a big heart. He’s fun, and it was a work hard, play hard, be nice to each other kind of culture.
“I remember one time, and this really
stuck with me, it was a baseball lesson, but really more of a life lesson,” Kodner said. “I was pitching, and I got a bad call. I uttered something that I shouldn’t have, a little too loud.
“It wasn’t the ump that pulled me out of the game. It was Coach Katzman. He didn’t yell or scold me. He calmly sat me down and said, ‘Listen, perhaps you haven’t considered, there’s a ton of little kids
here watching and learning and looking up to you. You can’t be saying expletives.’
That made him a role model to me. It was an illuminating moment.”
Katzman said he always tried to use sports as an entry point to prepare kids for adulthood.
“Baseball has always been a vehicle for me to use to teach bigger things,” Katzman said. “The important thing I can do is have an impact on these kids and have them hopefully be a little bit better than they were when they showed up. I think I’ve been successful at that.
“The most rewarding part of the job is
In the photo above of the Burroughs 1985 state championship baseball team,
the interaction that I have with the kids on a daily basis, the ability to have an impact on them and have them walk away with the knowledge of what it means to be a good person, what it means to treat other people fairly, to be nice to other people, to be nice to your teammates.”
Katzman Field will be used for more than baseball. A new artificial turf can accommodate soccer and fall sports. A new scoreboard also is being installed.
Katzman learned of the honor during a donor event in May. The school kept it a secret until they raised enough money to renovate the field.
“I was speechless, which is really difficult at times for me to ever be,” he said. “I almost dropped to my knees. I was so touched by it.
“I’ve been doing something that I love for 35 years, and I guess I’ve left a good impression on a lot of families and a lot of kids I’ve coached. That really from the start of all of this has always been my goal. And hopefully teach kids not only baseball, but more important things like the next chapter in life, in college, and what happens after that.
“I always wanted the game that I coached to be fun. If they responded to me that way, I knew I had done my job.”
John Burroughs School is naming its baseball field for Andy Katzman (left), assistant coach of the Burroughs Bombers, who was also a star student athlete at the school in the 1980s.
Katzman is holding the trophy.
COLOR PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN
United Hebrew dedicates renovated sanctuary
BY BILL MOTCHAN
SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
United Hebrew Congregation dedicated its renovated Millstone Sanctuary during the Shabbat service Friday, Sept. 6. The floor space has been redesigned and painted a lighter shade to accentuate the reflection of sunlight from its room’s stained glass.
It was the first major work done on the sanctuary since it was built in 1989, said Jim Susman, president of the congregation’s board of trustees.
“It’s a fresh new look,” he said. “We put in all new carpeting in the sanctuary and the chapel, we took out permanent seats and put in new chairs that can be moved to make it a more versatile space, and we extended the bimah out into the sanctuary so everybody can be closer.”
The renovation began in June and and took three months. Supplies were ordered ahead of the closing of the sanctuary so construction could be accomplished quickly. The project was made possible by a gift from Eva Ashner, as a tribute to her late husband, Fred, Rabbi Brigitte Rosenberg said.
“Fred loved the congregation and loved the sanctuary,” she said. “Fred and Eva came here one Shabbat when they were
Rosenberg said a notable feature of the renovated space is the lower bimah “I love the lower bima that brings us closer to everybody,” she said. “That’s my favorite thing, and it’s so much brighter. I’ve wanted a lower bimah for so long, it felt like we were far away from everybody before, and now we’re right there with them.”
looking for a home and, from that moment, Fred and Eva embraced United Hebrew
and United Hebrew embraced them. Fred knew the importance of supporting the
synagogue and of being an active participant in the synagogue community.”
Eva Ashner (left) and Rabbi Brigitte Rosenberg speak on the bimah at United Hebrew Congregation during a Shabbat service Sept. 6 dedicating the newly renovated Millstone Sanctuary — the first renovations done since it was built in 1989. PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN
Cantor Shirel Richman of United Hebrew takes part in the service.
STUDENTS
Moroney, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students. SLU’s University Counseling Center now offers “The Healing Collective,” a support group for students facing racial, political and social tensions.
At the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), the administration has been proactive in maintaining an inclusive campus. “Fortunately, we have not seen a rise in antisemitism this past year,” said Steve Walentik, UMSL’s director of public relations. “However, we continue to promote a safe and welcoming environment. At the start of the year, we reaffirmed our commitment to freedom of expression, emphasizing civility and mutual respect.”
Across town, Webster University continues to foster a welcoming environment through proactive measures and educational programs.
“Our efforts include academic programs and student-led initiatives, such as Dr. Warren Rosenblum’s course, which includes visits to the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum to deepen students’ understanding of Jewish history,” said Vincent Flewellen, associate vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion.
University responses
In response to last year’s events and current rising tensions, WashU is taking steps to safeguard Jewish students and uphold their commitment to an inclusive campus environment.
Chancellor Andrew Martin reinforced the university’s zero-tolerance policy for hate speech, stressing that swift action will be taken against anyone disrupting the community’s ability to learn and work. In a recent email to the university community, Martin introduced Cultivating Connections, an initiative aimed at fostering meaningful learning and constructive discourse across diverse viewpoints.
“The program is a work in progress, designed to be organic and responsive to the evolving needs of our community,” said Rebecca Brown, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and university governance at WashU. “It serves as a landing spot where we can consolidate resources and communicate the various efforts happening across campus.”
Mellman appreciates the university’s efforts, noting, “Last semester, WashU took major instances of antisemitism seriously, acting swiftly and decisively. WashU set a precedent that antisemitic rhetoric will not be tolerated, making me feel safer and more at ease.”
In addition to Cultivating Connections, WashU promotes Dialogue Across Differences, an eight-week course exploring perspectives around politics, religion, race, gender and socioeconomic identity.
“Dialogue Across Differences is about bringing together people with differing ideologies to find common ground, even if they don’t change each other’s minds,” said Brown. “This program is foundational for all incoming students, setting expectations for discussing difficult topics on campus.”
Moroney said SLU has strengthened efforts to prevent antisemitism, particularly during times of heightened tension following major international events.
“During these times, we intensify outreach to ensure all students, including our Jewish community, feel supported. SLU collaborates closely with students to address concerns and promote restorative practices that encourage understanding and respect,” Moroney said.
The role of Hillel, Chabad and campus initiatives
Hillel and Chabad are key to supporting Jewish students across St. Louis-area universities, especially during crises. They’ve ramped up efforts to provide mental health resources, religious services and community-building activities while educating the broader campus on Jewish culture and the impact of antisemitism.
“Our role hasn’t changed. We’re always here to support our students and the campus Jewish community,” said Levey. “Last year’s challenges struck at our core identity as Jews, highlighting Hillel’s essential role during the crisis.”
Recently, Chabad welcomed the Class of 2028 with over 200 students and their families at a Shabbat dinner, where Chancellor Martin delivered a powerful statement against antisemitism. “If more college presidents had this level of clarity, American higher education would be much stronger,” noted Rabbi Hershey Novack, Co-Director of Chabad on Campus.
Mellman praised the support from Chabad and Hillel: “The WashU Chabad and Hillel have been our most reliable allies. After Oct. 7, they provided free mental
health resources and used their platforms to support the student-led effort against the student government’s BDS campaign.”
At SLU, the Department of Campus Ministry supports Jewish students by working with Chabad on Campus, St. Louis Hillel, and the Jewish Student Association. Moroney noted that SLU is also piloting a new partial kosher meal plan in response to student requests.
Taking proactive measures
As the new academic year begins, St. Louis-area universities are enhancing security measures. Universities are increasing patrols at key areas, particularly where Jewish students gather, and adding resources to monitor and address hate speech and vandalism.
“Our goal is to deescalate situations through dialogue and clarify our policies. This approach allows students to express themselves while maintaining our educational environment,” said Brown.
SLU is monitoring and responding to antisemitic incidents, with the Bias Incident Reporting system in place. “We carefully review, investigate, and address all reports of discrimination, including
antisemitism,” said Moroney.
Webster University and UMSL are also regularly reviewing and updating their policies to address emerging concerns and ensure a safe, respectful environment.
Looking ahead
The support from university administrations, combined with the efforts of Hillel, Chabad and other campus organizations, provides a strong foundation for Jewish students to build resilience and solidarity. Rabbi Novack noted that while students focus on adjusting to campus life, parents often have heightened safety concerns.
“The difference in anxiety levels highlights the need to address both groups’ concerns,” he said, emphasizing the importance of reassuring parents while supporting students.
Mellman expressed the importance of maintaining his Jewish identity despite the challenges: “I feel safest in the Jewish community at WashU. I spend most Fridays, Saturdays and much of my free time with them because we’re all in this together. I wear my kippah and Bring Them Home tag because I’m proud of my people and refuse to hide my identity.”
COUTURIER
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lier than ever before, at 10:30 a.m., for 30 people who paid $100 in advance for this VIP Preview. At 1 p.m., another 40 shoppers who paid $60 will be let in. If this sounds cray cray, bear in mind that those 70 tickets sold out in under five minutes.
Another VIP preview on that Wednesday, from 4-8 p.m., costs $10 and is on a first-come, first-served basis.
To be clear, shoppers entering at 10:30, 1 or 4 can stay until close at 8 if they choose. And while Rasheedah Furqan Clay isn’t sure she’ll need all that time, she also isn’t sure she won’t.
“Oh, I’ve stayed until they’re asking us to leave,” says the effervescent Furqan Clay, who posts fashion finds on her Instagram account, PoshSheShe. “I upgraded this year and paid $100 because this is just the best sale. I geek out about it. My pile (of clothes and accessories she amasses) is so
2024 Couturier schedule
Sept. 25 | 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | $100 VIP Preview/Sold out
Sept. 25 | 1–4 p.m. | $60 VIP Preview/ Sold out
Sept. 25 | 4-8 p.m. | $10 Preview Night
Sept. 26 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | No entry fee, open to the public
Sept. 27 | 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. | No entry fee, open to the public
Sept. 28 | 10a.m.-5 p.m. | 25% off storewide
large at Couturier. There is just so much high-quality designer and vintage merchandise that really appeals to me.”
As a Couturier veteran, Furqan Clay has strategies. Regardless of her 10:30 a.m. early entry ticket, she plans to get to the Resale Shop, at 295 N. Lindbergh Blvd., at least 45 minutes beforehand to secure a
prime spot in line. It’s not uncommon on any day of the Couturier sale to spot a sea of shoppers, often 50-to-75 deep, waiting to get in.
Some get there hours in advance to line up, and wind up striking up conversations, making new friends while they wait. Everyone’s in a good mood — they’ve come to shop for deals, for goodness sake — and the atmosphere feels festive.
Once she’s through the door, Furqan Clay plans to beeline it to the St. John rack.
“I just love those classic knits. I love them for work,” she says, explaining that she is director of an agency that contracts therapy services, like speech pathology, occupational therapy and physical therapy. “My husband is in banking, and we’re invited to a lot of galas. So I also head to wherever the gowns are because I need gowns for all the different events we go to.”
Typically, on VIP day, shoppers must decide which to check out first, jewelry or handbags. Since those two “stations” can get super crowded, organizers limit the
number of shoppers there at any one time by handing out numbered tickets.
This year, Furqan Clay will first be on Team Handbag, hoping to snag a Chanel purse. “That’s a dream, you know,” she says laughing. “My fingers are crossed.”
Michelle Hark, another Couturier enthusiast and insurance broker from Florissant, says she’s been going to the annual sale since the Resale Shop was located on Olive Boulevard in University City. Her aunt introduced Couturier to her and her mom, and now Hark likes to go by herself.
That’s another strategy, by the way: shopping the sale solo.
“I like to look at everything. Some people don’t,” says Hark, who counts a Gucci handbag and Chanel sandals as two of her best finds at Couturier. “This way, I don’t have to leave when they want to. I’ve been known to spend four or five hours there, maybe more. I look at everything. There is so much (merchandise) that you can walk the store and not see everything, so you have to go around a couple of times. And I’m like, how did I miss that?”
Which brings us to another strategy that both Hark and Furqan Clay, and other Couturier aficionados mentioned: return on Saturday. That’s the day all the merchandise left from Couturier is marked down 25%. You very well could find pieces
Above, Rasheedah Furqan Clay wears a St. John knit dress she snagged at a previous Couturier sale on a night out with her husband, Stacy Clay. Below, Gina Slingerland models a Kate Spade bag, one of her favorites, that she found at the Resale Shop.
Above, an impressive crowd gathers at Congreagation Temple Israel for the 1976 Couturier Sale.
To mark the 60th anniversary of Couturier, we have a list of 60 achievements and fun facts about the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis. Below are a sampling, but to see the full list, visit stljewishlight.org/ncjw-timeline
1895 Oct. 14, St. Louis Section of NCJW is established with 34 members.
1919 St. Louis Section pioneers a Free Milk Program in the St. Louis public schools.
1940 Establishes the Council Shop, a resale store, now located at 295 N. Lindbergh Blvd. Profits provide funding to support NCJW projects.
1964 The first Couturier Sale is held in a member’s home. This sale continued as an annual event and source of funding
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you passed over initially that are discounted even more.
No question Couturier takes stamina, between perusing the racks, trying on and the hardest of all, decision-making.
“I pack a thing of nuts in my fanny pack in case I get hungry and bring a bottle of water,” says Furqan Clay, noting two other important strategies: go with your hands free and bring a snack. “I dress for it, too, with a tank top and bik-
for NCJW community service projects. 1964 NCJW initiates plans to build the Delcrest Apartments, a 144-unit housing facility and activities program for low-income seniors.
1980 Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is founded to advocate for the rights of abused and neglected children under the jurisdiction of the St. Louis County Juvenile Court. Becomes an independent agency, Jan. 1, 1996.
2000 The Back-To-School! Store™ is developed as a one-day event to provide clothing, school supplies, and personal care items for deserving children in the St. Louis area and get them excited to head back to school. The first event was held in August 2001.
ing pants so I can try on clothes over what I’m wearing. I don’t have time to go into a dressing room This is serious for me.”
Yes, Couturier is serious. And a whole lot of fun no matter when you go.
As longtime Couturier and Resale Shop shopper Gina Slingerland says, “Not only is the quality of the merchandise so good, but you feel good shopping because there’s a bunch of really wonderful women working there and (the proceeds) benefit so many good programs.”
Rabbi Mark and Carol Shook, shown with Ranken Jordan patient Colson Bourbon, will receive the Mary Ranken Jordan Service to Children Award at the hospital’s upcoming gala on Sept. 21 at The Ritz
Rabbi Mark Shook recognized for nearly 30 years of service
Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital has announced Rabbi Mark Shook, and his wife, Carol, will be the honorees for this year’s Mary Ranken Jordan Service to Children Award.
Given annually, the Mary Ranken Jordan Service to Children Award honors those who selflessly serve Ranken Jordan and the St. Louis community, and by their example, encourages others to do the same. The award also recognizes individuals demonstrating commitment to the ideals and vision established in 1941 by the hospital’s founder, Mary Ranken Jordan.
The award will be presented to the couple at the Beyond Gala Sept. 21 at The Ritz Carlton in St. Louis.
Shook has worked with Ranken Jordan since 1995, when he was the
senior rabbi at Temple Israel. He went on to join the board, eventually becoming board president. Shook led Ranken Jordan through tremendous transformation and the birth of a new facility in Maryland Heights, as well as the shift from being a nursing home to a pediatric specialty hospital.
In 2004, a new 62,000-square-foot, 34-bed facility opened its doors. The Shook Circle in front of the facility is named in his honor.
Nearly 30 years later, Shook remains on the Ranken Jordan board and continues to guide the organization as it evolves today. For more information about Ranken Jordan, visit rankenjordan.org. To learn more about the Beyond Gala or to purchase tickets, go to rankenjordan.org/ beyondgala.
Carlton in St. Louis.
NEWSMAKERS
Newsmakers is a compilation of the Jewish community’s newsworthy professional and academic accomplishments. Submit your news to news@stljewishlight.org. Call 314-743-3669 for more information. Newsmakers is compiled by Elise Krug.
Laura Whalen is the new board chair of Hillel at Washington University. Although her two-year term has officially started, her era will be ushered in at Hillel’s Evening in the Sukkah on Oct. 21. Whalen is a member of Temple Emanuel.
Ashley Herman has joined the Jewish Federation of St. Louis as annual campaign associate. In this role she will work with donors and communicate how they can make an impact in the Jewish community as well as collaborate on creating marketing strategies for the Jewish Federation brand and message.
The St. Louis Jewish Community Center (the J) welcomes Robyn Hartley as the new Youth Theatre director. The Youth Theatre Program is an all-inclusive educational theatre program for grades K-9. The upcoming production this fall is “Shrek, Jr.”
Samantha Wendling was promoted to director of operations at Congregation Temple Israel. She is responsible for the synagogue’s business operations, including finance and accounting.
Former St. Louisan Rebecca Katzman’s new book, “Your Vote Matters: How We Elect The US President,” was recently published by Scholastic. Geared towards children in grades 2-5, the book walks readers through
the ins and outs of voting in America, how elections work and why it’s important to participate in every single one. Katzman is a senior editor in licensing at The New York Times
Gail Wechsler’s article, “Expanding Access to Justice: One Public Law Library’s Approach,” is in the July/August issue of the American Association of Law Libraries’ AALL Spectrum magazine. She is the library director at the Law Library Association of St. Louis.
Rob Aronson will have two of his original compositions, “Havah NaShirah” and “Bar’chu,” included in the new Shireinu: The Complete Jewish Songbook published by the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ). He is a financial advisor and a member of Congregation Temple Israel. “Adonai S’fatai,” by Lucy Greenbaum, director of music engagement at Congregation Shaare Emeth, was also included.
Avi Adler received the David B. Truman Alumni Award. This award is presented to the Columbia College
student who has made the most distinguished contribution to the academic affairs of the college. He also received Columbia’s Bridges and Sturtevant Prize, given to a graduating senior whose experimental or computational research is deemed to have been both highly original and fruitful by a committee of faculty selected by the chair of Biological Sciences. Adler is currently working in the Barnhart Lab at Columbia as he applies to Ph.D. programs in the biological sciences.
Continued on opposite page
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Laura Whalen, Ashley Herman, Robyn Hartley and Samantha Wendling.
SECOND ROW: Gail Wechsler, Rob Aronson, Lucy Greenbaum and Avi Adler.
AT LEFT:Former St. Louisan Eitan Kantor received the Michael Staenberg Young Jewish Agency Professional Award at JEWISHcolorado’s annual meeting.
Rebecca Katzman
Former St. Louisan Eitan B. Kantor received the Michael Staenberg Young Jewish Agency Professional Award at JEWISHcolorado’s annual meeting for his passion for community building and social change. He is launching a major initiative to make the synagogue more inclusive for multi-heritage families. Kantor is the music director at the conservative congregation, Hebrew Educational Alliance, in Denver as well as a freelance musician, video editor and audio engineer.
Jillian Wolfman’s first job since graduating college is a first-grade teacher at Mount Hope Elementary School in
Swimmer Alyssa Weisenberg was awarded the Martin Kodner JCC Maccabi Sportsmanship Award, which is usually given annually to one male and one female St. Louis athlete who has best displayed qualities of sportsmanship and fair play. Alyssa is a freshman at the University of Maryland studying public health science and is the daughter of Judy and Brian Weisenberg. They belong to Congregation B’nai Amooona.
Sam Donald, son of Heidi and Jeremy Donald, also received the Martin Kodner JCC Maccabi Sportsmanship Award. A basketball player, he is a senior at Columbia High School in Illinois and has committed to attending
Transform Your Downtime Into Meaningful Time
Support the Jewish community by spending time with our youngest members.
St. Louis’s Jewish early childhood centers are part of a groundbreaking initiative to train new teachers and provide mentorship opportunities to established teachers. This program requires participants to step out of the classroom to learn from national educators.
That’s where you come in!
We’re looking for paid volunteers to come in as substitutes and play, learn, and connect with the wonderful children and staff at our Jewish early childhood centers.
Contact Laura Fields at lfields@jfedstl.org or 314-442-3827 to learn more.
Bellarmine University in Louisville. Sam was selected to Team USA Maccabi open basketball team, open division (age 18 and above) that will compete in July 2025 in Israel.
The Art Gallery at Congregation B’nai Amoona will exhibit the artwork of ceramist Ilanit Michelson, and photographers Ann Aurbach, Karen Kotner, Rick Rovak and Scott Rovak. The show will run from Sept. 15 through Nov. 30, with an artist reception on Sept. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. B’nai Amoona is located at 324 S Mason Rd, Creve Coeur.
April 13–June 24, 2019
the Fort Zumwalt School District.
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from opposite page TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Jillian Wolfman, Alyssa Weisenberg, Sam Donald, Ann Aurbach.
SECOND ROW: Karen Kotner, Rick Rovak and Scott Rovak.
RIGHT: Ceramic artist Ilanit Michelson
Chesterfield Chabad plans TED-style ‘TENTalks: Jewish Ideas Worth Doing’
On Sept. 25 at 7 p.m., Chabad of Chesterfield will host its first annual event: TENTalks: Jewish Ideas Worth Doing. The event will take place at Meadowbrook Country Club and will feature a series of 10 live TED-style power talks by local professionals, artists and businesspeople. These speakers will share their stories and showcase important Jewish ideas and values that change attitudes and lives. These personal talks are designed to educate, challenge and inspire.
Doors open and refreshments will be served at 7 p.m., with the program starting at 7:30. Ten people. Ten stories. Ninety minutes. Come be inspired.
Taking place before the high holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Rabbi Avi and Chanala Rubenfeld, co-directors of Chabad of Chesterfield, believe that life-changing messages are best when they come from a friend or neighbor. With TENTalks, the Rubenfelds hope to provide a platform to reflect and the opportunity to think about how ordinary people have been able to incorporate Jewish values into their lives to live extraordinary lives.
Tickets are $18 and are available online at JewishChesterfield.com/tentalks. Space is limited.
‘The Artist Who
Captured Eichmann’
to open Sept. 19 at Holocaust Museum
This special exhibition focuses on artist and spy, Peter Malkin, a key player in the takedown of Nazi Adolf Eichmann
A unique tale of art and espionage will arrive in St. Louis this fall in the form of a new special exhibition at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum.
“The Artist Who Captured Eichmann” is the Museum’s first special exhibition since reopening in November 2022.
This compelling exhibition shares the exciting exploits of Peter Malkin, an artist and Mossad agent who played a pivotal role in apprehending Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1960. During his threeweek mission, Malkin sketched and painted on the pages of a South American travel guide, creating a unique artistic chronicle of his experiences. This exhibition features several silkscreen prints of Malkin’s original artwork.
The exhibition opens on Sept. 19 and runs through June 1, 2025. For tickets or more information, visit stlholocaustmuseum.org.
Un-prayer over leaving
BY RABBI JAMES STONE GOODMAN
Ki Teitzei means when you leave. When we leave our expectations over the messes great and little, some we have made, some made for us. When we cease to compare the what-it-is to the what-wewanted or the-way-it-was-supposed-to-be. When we leave behind all the supposed-to’s of our existence. For most, it didn’t happen that way.
In the portion, Ki Teitzei means, in one sense, if you go out. Then what follows are a couple of not so lofty examples. The words may have entered your vocabulary as when you leave. If you leave — it means that too.
In an early example in the portion, the story turns to a rebellious kid and what to do about that rebellious kid. There is a threat of sending that kid to juvenile hall. Did anyone ever get sent to juvenile hall, or was it a way for parents to try and cajole their kids into better behavior? The Talmud preserves the argument (Bab. Sanh. 71a).
The language here is what happens when we try to push, convince, cajole behaviors around us when they will not be moved. What to do with our expectations when our expectations of how people should behave are showing?
we leave — our expectations where they belong, in a shoebox under the bed, then we are free to deal with people or events the way they are, not the way we think they were supposed to be.
The great what-it-is, I call it. We have ki teitzei’d, we have left the supposed-to-be and have entered the holy way-it-is. Now we are free to be alive to life in its complexity, its messiness, independent of our efforts to manage, cajole, contain.
We are alive to existence as it presents itself to us, not as we would have had it.
We are now co-creators with G*d in the full catastrophe of existence, as Zorba and the Buddhists say, and (somewhat) free.
Forgive us O holy G*d our lofty strategies and less lofty strategies. We are all learning, studying the world so we may receive the merits.
When we ki teitze, when we leave — if
We’re doing the best we can. Amen.
Valeria Luiselli
Adam Kinzinger
Jamelle Bouie
Rabbi James Stone Goodman serves Central Reform Congregation and is a Past President of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, which coordinates the d’var Torah for the Light
OBITUARIES
OBITUARY NOTICES UPDATED
JANIS
LEE
BERRY
, August 29, 2024
Beloved wife of Scott Berry; mother of Jill Berry and Jeffrey Berry; mother-in-law to Núria Montero; adoring grandmother to Noah and Uri Berry; sister to Judy Zimmerman. Dear aunt, cousin and friend to many.
Janis loved her family unconditionally and supported so many others. She was gentle and mild-mannered. Everyone who knew her remembers her deep kindness and shares a bonding memory with her. She was an avid reader, an unwavering Cardinals fan, and a clever Sudoku puzzle solver. She will be dearly missed.
Memorial contributions preferred to Evelyn’s House in Creve Coeur, Missouri.
DR. DOUGLAS ROBERT BERSON, a beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, died on August 23rd at 65 years old after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Douglas was known in the community as an honorable physician and generous friend, with unmatched love for life and a deep commitment to intellectual under-standing.
Douglas was born on July 2nd, 1959 in Philadelphia, PA, to Irving and Lillian Berson. He completed his undergraduate studies at Lehigh University and went on to earn his medical degree at Medical College of Pennsylvania. He moved to St. Louis to do his residency in Internal Medicine and then fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Barnes Jewish Hospital. Douglas traveled and volunteered at clinics with his wife, Barbara, for a year in India, Nepal, Israel, and throughout Europe. He then established his medical practice, dedicating his 31 year career to compassionately caring for patients in St. Louis and underserved areas in southern Illinois.
donate (please include evberson@gmail.com) or to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, https://tinyurl.com/BersonMemorialSloanKettering.
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MARCI BLUESTONE, August 30, 2024
Beloved wife of Dr. Kenneth Bluestone; loving mother of Madeline and Charlotte Bluestone; dear daughter of Phil and Nina Radman; dear sister of Matt Radman (Norma); dear daughterin-law of Ellen and the late Daniel Bluestone; dear sister-in-law of Cindy Bushue (Jerry) and Linda King (Ken); dear aunt, niece, cousin, and friend to many.
Marci Bluestone meant so much to so many. She cherished her daughters, Madeline and Charlotte, and her husband, Ken. Her family meant the world to her. She was truly amazing.
There are so many ways to describe how Marci touched people’s lives. She was incredibly thoughtful, genuine, kind, supportive, empathetic, generous, compassionate, selfless, humble, funny, and patient. She made others feel valued and important - always putting others first and taking care of everyone.
Her friends and family were always welcomed by her beautiful smile, she always knew the right thing to say, and she brought joy and laughter to everyone she interacted with. Marci had many talents. As a skilled designer, she was passionate about her career and this showed in her work. She was also an extraordinary event planner and hostess. Marci made everything more beautiful.
Families may submit an obituary for a loved one through the funeral home they work with or by using a form on the Jewish Light’s website: stljewishlight.org/submit-obituary
engendered great trust. Ben loved teaching, and he served as a mentor and role model to young doctors throughout his career. He also loved learning, and he remained an enthusiastic student of science, medicine, history, and other subjects long after he retired from active practice.
In his personal life, Ben placed devotion to family above all. He shared everything with his life partner, Radine, especially their mutual enjoyment of music, travel, the arts, and nature. With his sons, Ben found tremendous pleasure in sports (especially Cardinals baseball), bicycling, and the great outdoors. He committed time and energy to community programs involving education, social justice, the advancement of science, and other causes.
A funeral service was held Thursday, August 22nd at BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 9430 Olive Blvd, followed by interment at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis and the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry.
Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
BENITA DELORES BRIMER, 11/30/1933 –08/22/2024
American Flag symbol denotes a United States military veteran.
OBITUARIES INDEX
Berry, Janis Lee
Berson, Dr. Douglas
Robert Bluestone, Marci
Borowsky, Benjamin Arthur Brimer, Benita Delores
Brown, Roberta “Bobbie”
Elkin, Meredith “Mer Mer” Ann Fredman, Yoseph Gubernik, Sanford Jay Miller, Bette Wolens
Prell, Gerry Yalem Schneiderman, Milford Schultz, Isabelle Smith, Carl H. Sterneck, Norton
Surinsky, Allen H. Tart, Lori Jo Towerman, Michael
marrying Selwyn C. Barohn.
Douglas was involved in many communities: judaically in his synagogue, Traditional Congregation; professionally as medical staff at Washington University and multiple hospitals around St. Louis; and recreationally as a longtime member of a local running group. He devotedly lived the Jewish values of tzedek (justice), tikkun olam (repairing the world), and derech eretz (dignity and respect for all).
A bright light and a gift to all those who knew her, Marci made a tremendous impact on so many people’s lives. Simply put, Marci made the world a better place. Above all, Marci loved her family more than anything and she will be sorely missed forever.
A funeral service was held Sunday, September 1, 2024 at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road, followed by interment at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road.
Douglas was a spirited student of life who delighted in the pursuit of knowledge and engaging with the world. He was an avid hiker, fisherman, mushroom foraging enthusiast, voracious reader, self-taught winemaker, and photographer. He was fascinated by the natural world — from tree identification to outer space, his love of science was unwavering throughout his life. He had a strong presence, experienced largely through his wit, humor, and felt sincerity. He always demonstrated remarkable strength of character and persistence in times of need.
Beloved husband of Barbara Gaponoff Berson for 36 years; father of Joshua Berson, Dr. Benjamin (Dr. Jenna) Berson and Elizabeth Berson; grandfather of Lilah Berson; brother of Bonnie (Dr. Marc) Zimmerman and Diane Berson; brother-in-law of the Gaponoff siblings: Mark, Sharma, and Yelena; dear uncle, cousin, physician and friend.
A funeral service was held Monday, August 26 at Traditional Congregation, 12437 Ladue Rd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141, followed by interment at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017. Contributions in his memory may be made to Reel Recovery, https://www.reelrecovery.org/
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions preferred to Evelyn’s House – BJC Hospice: 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West, Suite 140, St. Louis, MO 63110-1337 or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN): 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream details. Berger Memorial Service
BENJAMIN ARTHUR BOROWSKY passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024, at the age of 90.
Beloved husband of 67 years to Radine; cherished father and father-in-law of Steven (Iris), Larry (Heidi), and Mark (Leila); adoring grandfather of Hannah (Chris), Naomi, Jonathan, Daniel, Samuel, and Cate; loving brother to (late) Colman, Fruma, and Les; supportive uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend.
Ben was a dedicated physician and compassionate caregiver to innumerable patients over many decades. He practiced medicine with a human touch and deeply reassuring manner, combining medical skill with personal warmth and integrity that
Benita Delores Brimer, at age 90, passed peacefully surrounded by family August 22, 2024. Dear first born daughter of the late Louis D. Spritz and the late June Passer Spritz; beloved wife of the late Marvin J. Brimer; dear mother and mother-in-law of Richard J. Barohn, M.D. (formerly Nancy Barohn), Gary A. (Kathryn) Barohn; stepmother of Jeffrey Brimer, Edward (Sheri) Brimer, and Joan Martin; dear sister and sister-in-law of Aileen (the late Edgar) Wallis, Gail (Gerald) Tullman; dear grandmother of Joel (Niniane) Tozzi Barohn, Alycia Barohn, Ryan Barohn, Joshua Reeves, Ben, Andrew, and Matthew Brimer, Jessica and Brian Martin; loving great grandmother to Indra June and Rielle Bastienne Tozzi Barohn; dear niece, aunt, great aunt, cousin, sister-in-law, and friend.
Early in life, Benita lived in East St. Louis, Illinois. After moving to St. Louis, Missouri she attended Emerson Elementary School and Soldan Blewett High School for three years and graduated from University City High School. She attended University of Missouri, prior to
They had two children, Richard and Gary. Benita was a homemaker and also worked in retail at various venues such as Garland’s and Saks. Benita enjoyed Mah Jongg and crocheting and made Afghan blankets and scarves for many family members and friends. Benita was the matriarch in a large extended family based in St. Louis County. Late in life she married Marvin Brimer and became a loved member of the Brimer family as step mother and grandmother. Benita was very social sharing her passions for decades with her many lifelong friends. She held lifetime memberships and supported many charitable organizations. Benita was a voracious reader, devouring a book a night, a life-long lover of art and music, sophisticated and cultured, well-traveled, curious, a life-long learner. Benita was always stylish and beautifully attired. She was open minded and ever welcoming to everyone who came into the family. She will be missed by many.
A funeral service was held Monday August 26, 2024 at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63132. Interment followed at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery, 1601 North & South Rd., St. Louis, Missouri 63130. Memorial contributions to United Hebrew Congregation or a charity of your choice. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
Obituaries continue on following page
ROBERTA “BOBBIE” BROWN, beloved wife of the late Philip P. Brown z”l, died peacefully on August 18, 2024 in Delray Beach, Florida. Born and raised in Steubenville, Ohio, she recently celebrated her 95th birthday.
Synagogue in St. Louis, MO and Yehuda Moshe Synagogue in Lincolnwood, IL.
Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
MEREDITH “MER MER” ANN ELKIN, August 26, 2024
SANFORD JAY GUBERNIK, August 31, 2024
Dear father and father-in-law of Mark (Lisa) Gubernik; dear grandfather of Melanie Gubernik and Amanda Gubernik; dear brother of Marlene (late Alan) Green and Sandra (Avrum) Reiss; uncle, cousin and friend to many.
Dear mother of David Brown (Luna), Darla Grossberg (George) and Gayle Patrice Ostro; dear grandmother of Jonathan Grossberg (Akanksha), Annie Hodes (Jacob), Aviva Grossberg (Karim Mohsen), Jason Ostro (Daisey), Jeffrey Ostro (Noelle), Ilana Silver (Zolly), Aliza Grossberg (Jeff Rausch), Taire Brown (Kyle Giddens), Naor Brown, Jeremy Grossberg, Ronen Ostro, Nicole Ostro and Natan Ostro. Bobbie was also the proud greatgrandmother to 12 great-grandchildren.
Bobbie met her husband of 67 years, Philip Brown in Pittsburgh. She will be remembered for being a devoted daughter to Annie and Paul (Pinkie) Sigesmund z”l, a caring wife, mother and grandmother who placed her family above all else.
Bobbie was actively involved in the Steubenville Jewish Community as B’nai Brith and Sisterhood president and with her husband Phil in Lion’s Club International.
A life-master in duplicate bridge, an avid golfer and coffee-lover (percolated only). She was famous for her secret apple pie recipe. A fan of classical opera and musicals-she often read a book daily. Bobbie and Phil enjoyed taking family on road trips and taking cruises all over the world.
Roberta “Bobbie” Brown was a brilliant, caring, elegant, beautiful woman who will be fondly remembered and missed by those who knew and loved her.
A funeral service was held Wednesday, August 21 at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd., followed by interment at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Memorial contributions preferred to Bais Abraham
Cherished mother of Brian “B.B.” (partner Sydney Boyd) Elkin. Dear sister of Bess Anderson, Shelby (Jenny) Anderson IV, and the late Lindsay (John) Rybenski. Beloved daughter of Donna and Shelby Anderson III and the late Robert Houze Elkin. Loving aunt of Chris, Madison, Triston, Shelby V, Mia, Carter, Asia, Wyatt, Carmody, Dallas and Brooklyn. Our dear cousin and friend to many.
A funeral service was held Friday, August 30 at Congregation Temple Israel, #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive, followed by interment at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery, 8430 Gravois Road. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Ehlers-Danlos Society, 447 Broadway 2nd Fl #670, New York, NY 10013 (https://www.ehlersdanlos.com/donate/).
A Rindskopf-Roth Service
YOSEPH FREDMAN, August 18, 2024
Beloved husband of the late Freyda Fredman. Dear father of Rena Fredman (Marty Friedlander), Zev Fredman (Mindee), Giela Fredman and Tamar Fredman. Dear grandfather of Zvi (Hallel), Neil and Etai Friedlander; Chaya (Maayan) Teper; Daniel, Eitan and Nadav Fredman. Dear great-grandfather of Ruth, Bezalel and Shlomit Friedlander and Alma Teper. Dear brother, brother-in-law, cousin and friend.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, August 20 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Memorial contributions preferred to Young Israel of St. Louis, Friends of the IDF (FIDF) or Boys Town Jerusalem.
Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
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Sanford was an entrepreneur and an inventor of many things, including the Spork for Kentucky Fried Chicken and helped create prizes for Alphabet Cereal. He spent many years in the eyeglass industry in South Florida.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, September 3 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Rd. 63017.
Memorial contributions preferred to the NCJW St. Louis or Congregation Shaare Emeth. Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
BETTE WOLENS MILLER, age 91, known as “Mom” and “BeBe” by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully on August 25th, 2024. Bette’s courage, determination and grace were on full display right to the end of her 14-month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). She was passionate about her family, dedicated to serving others, and characterized by her humility, strong will and deep kindness.
Bette was born in Corsicana, Texas, on December 31st, 1932, to her parents, Joe and Marie Wolens. She graduated from Hockaday School in 1950, and attended the University of Texas, Austin. She and her husband of 61 years, Bennett I. Miller (d. 2013), started their family in New York City before moving to Corsicana, and eventually Dallas, where she lived for the majority of her life. Bette’s family describes her as a nurturer, lifelong volunteer, mentor to many, always caring for others, disciplined and compassionate. In 2020, she moved to St. Louis at age 87.
Bette dedicated herself to family, her community and countless organizations and causes. Throughout her life, she carried on her parents’ legacy of supporting and giving her time to organizations and causes dear to her heart. Her strong work ethic and quiet determination had a profound impact on a local, national and international level. Bette held board positions with a long list of organizations. Her most impactful work was with the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and the Kalman and Ida Wolens Foundation. She was a recipient of six non-profit awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award with the NCJW Greater Dallas Section, recognizing more than 50 years of leadership and service. Her example will continue to serve as an inspiration for her family and friends.
Bette is preceded in death by her husband, Bennett Miller, sisters Dorothy Block and Marjorie (“Sissie”) Milkes, and grandson, Samuel Miller. Bette is survived by her children, Kerry Miller (Leslie), Jennifer Hillman (Tom), Elka Kopp (Alex); grandchildren Amber Winter (Jason), Adrienne Miller, Alyssa Miller, Max Hillman (Abby), Ben Hillman (Claire), Natalie Hillman; and great-grandchildren Dylan, Evan, Carlito, Cameron, Lucas, Sam and Jack; as well as sisterin-law Betsy Landis, brother-in-law Martin Miller, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends.
Bette was profoundly grateful for her care team, led by Dr. Ramzi Abboud, at Washington University Siteman Cancer Center, in St. Louis. In lieu of flowers the family requests
contributions be made to: 1) NCJW Greater Dallas, 16910 Dallas Pkwy #104, Dallas, TX 75248, 2) Blood Cancer Research Fund at Siteman Cancer Center at WashU Medicine, MSC 1082-414-2555, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105. Please indicate the gift is to the Blood Cancer Center Fund in memory of Bette Miller by writing a memo on your check, or online at giving.wustl.edu/bettemiller. Gifts will be utilized at the discretion of Bette’s AML oncologist Dr. Ramzi Abboud, or 3) the charity of your choice.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, August 27th at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 West Northwest Hwy., Dallas, TX 75225, with private family burial.
GERRY YALEM PRELL passed away peacefully at home on Monday, August 19, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Arthur Prell and the late Richard Yalem. Dear mother of Susan (Richard) Weitzer, Laura (Maryanne Gallen) Yalem, Patricia Cornett and the late James P. Yalem. Loving grandmother of Benjamin Weitzer, Rachel (Micah) Katcher, and Jacob and Joshua Cornett. Cherished great-grandmother of Evan and Nathan Katcher. Adored sister of the late Adrian (Carol) Ettlinger. Beloved daughter of the late Eli and the late Ruth Ettlinger. Our dear aunt, cousin and friend.
Gerry lived a long and joyous life, full of world travels, mah-jongg and bridge with life-long friends, reading, and community service. She was a treasurer of Miriam School for many years. Gerry loved both of her husbands and was a source of great support to them at the end of their lives. Most of all she was incredibly proud of her children and their spouses and utterly adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.
A graveside service was held Friday, August 23 at United Hebrew Cemetery, 7855 Canton Avenue. Contributions in Gerry’s memory may be made to Churchill Center & School for Learning Disabilities, 1021 Municipal Center Drive, Town & Country, MO 63131 or to Planned Parenthood, 4251 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108. A Rindskopf-Roth Service
MILFORD SCHNEIDERMAN passed away on August 17, 2024 at his home in Boca Raton, Florida. He was 87 years old. He is survived by his beloved wife, Natalie Moel Schneiderman, his children, Brian (Karen) Schneiderman and Karen Schneiderman Slater (Adam), as well as his grandchildren Jocelyn Naide, Jared Naide, Dylan Schneiderman, Zachary Schneiderman and Lauren Schneiderman. He is also survived by his brothers Steven Schneiderman (Jimmie) and Herb Schneiderman (Eilene) as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Dora Schneiderman. Milord was born in St. Louis, Missouri and grew up in University City raised in a large extended family. He played center on the baseketball time at U. City High School. He attended the St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Allied Services, and served for 6 years in the U.S. Army reserves. He married Natalie Moel on May 15, 1960 and
recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. In 1963, he moved to Huntington, WV, and in 1972 he opened Saver-X Pharmacy, which eventually expanded to include other health care ventures, Saver-X Nursing Services and Saver-X Health Care.
Milford was always an involved, respected member of the Huntington community, and a member of B’Nai Sholom Congregation in Huntington. He and Natalie lead a full and productive life in Huntington until they moved to Boca Raton, FL in 2002. His life was full of family, travel and he was known for his love of Duke basketball, politics and the financial world.
Most of all, he was known as a pillar of his family. Nothing was more important to him than his family, especially his wife, children and grandchildren, ensuring they all received educations and were able to be independent and successful. He was kind, friendly, generous, always willing to lend a hand (especially to his family) and left a legacy of love and success. He loved his morning trips to kibbitz and chat with his buddies at “bagels” at Broken Sound, working out at the gym, and avidly following the news throughout the day. He also enjoyed keeping in touch with his family and friends, especially the grandkids, to whom he was a beloved Papa. He will be incredibly missed!
Milford made a difference in the lives of so many people and touched so many hearts. Services were held at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel and followed by a graveside service at Eternal Light Memorial Garden. Donations in his memory can be made to the Friends of the Israeli Defense Force, Jewish National Fund or the Magen David Adom.
ISABELLE SCHULTZ (nee Balk), peacefully passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at the age of 100.
Isabelle was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt who treasured her family above all else. A proud and observant Jew, she upheld the traditions of her faith, keeping kosher throughout her life. Her greatest joy came from bringing people together for dinner parties and holidays, serving her famous classic Jewish recipes passed down from her mother, which are still celebrated by family and friends.
CARL H. SMITH, November 18, 1934 – August 30, 2024
Beloved husband of the late Lee Sue Smith and the late Molly Smith (June 1969 – June 1996). Loving father of Lillian McCrady and Joshua (Serena) Smith. Dear stepfather to Rick (Lisa) Gans, Jim (Tracey) Gans and the late Joanne Dyvig. Beloved grandfather of Tifani (Chris) Hulsey, Jordyn Bowers, Benjamin Bowers, Margaret McCrady, Carl Smith, Jacob Smith and Abigail Smith. Dear son of the late Carl and Margaret Smith. Loving brother of the late Christine Smith. Our dear uncle, cousin and friend.
Carl was a physician for 65 years, spending 40+ years as Director of Pathology at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and as a professor at Washington University. He was a proud graduate of Swarthmore and Yale Medical School. He was also an active member of Central Reform Congregation.
Carl enjoyed many summers in Ely, MN on his island with family and many friends he met along the way.
A graveside service was held Monday, Sept. 9 at Valhalla Cemetery, 7600 St. Charles Rock Rd., St. Louis, MO 63133. Contributions in Carl’s memory may be made to the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation, 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West, Suite 160, St. Louis, MO 63110.
A Rindskopf-Roth Service
NORTON STERNECK, August 26, 2024
It is with great sadness that the family of Norton M Sterneck announce his passing. If you were walking down Main Street St. Charles or later through Chesterfield Mall, you surely were greeted with a “hello there” and a wave from Norton as you approached the shoe store. He never knew a stranger and was always willing to lend a hand or smile to everyone. Norton was a reserved and unassuming man for which family was the priority. He was a diligent worker and doting grandfather. He was a man of honor and integrity.
ALLEN H. SURINSKY, September 5, 2024
Beloved husband of Edna Surinsky; dear father of Terry Surinsky (Mike Duncan), Wendy Surinsky and Andrew Surinsky (Ingrid); dear grandfather of Noah, Rosa and Nadia Duncan (Kevin Wilson) and Rejato Surinsky; dear brother of the late Jack Sherwyn, the late Harriett Suffian (late Milton) and the late Shirley Goldenberg (late David); dear brother-in-law of the late Bertha Pritzker (late Alex), the late Eli Seidel (late Lil), the late Ida Berland (late Harry), the late Sam Seidel (late Evelyn) and the late Max Seidel; dear uncle of many loving nieces and nephews; dear step-grandfather of Kate Hallman, cousin and friend to many.
Allen, a local attorney, began his legal career as a law clerk for Judge Roy Harper. He continued to practice law for more than 70 years and also was a volunteer for the ADL and Lions Club. Allen was a racquetball champion and an avid swimmer who could swim one mile into his early 90s. He was a great storyteller and an exuberant, generous lover of life.
A graveside service was held Monday, September 9 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Memorial contributions preferred to the ADL or the ACLU. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
LORI JO TART, a resident of St. Louis, MO, died peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her family, on August 20, 2024, at the age of 66.
Lori was preceded in death by her father, Lester R. Tart, her stepfather, Joseph P. Brandmeyer, and her maternal and paternal grandparents. Lori is survived by her mother, Bernice Brandmeyer of St. Louis, her sister, Sue Tart (Shannon R. Trahan) of New Orleans, LA, her nephews, Jeremy L. Schwab (Leah), of Loveland CO., and Daniel J. Schwab (Amber) of New Orleans, LA., grandnephew, Loki E. Schwab and grandniece, Olivia G. Schwab, beloved cats, Jasper and Sophie, as well as many loving family and friends..
advertisements for various travel magazines; Lori particularly loved Oregon and its Pacific Coast. She also worked for Hallmark, Inc and Enterprise Rental Cars. Lori was a breast cancer survivor and underwent extensive treatment with grace and fortitude.
Lori was creative, bright, and quick-witted. As an accomplished artist, Lori created many paintings of her favorite subject, cats. Lori was also a talented photographer. Before the days of cellphones, Lori would sneak her camera into rock concerts, taking amazing photographs of famous rock and roll stars, including, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Bruce Springsteen, Steve Winwood, and Sting. She was once chased out of a Bob Dylan concert by security after being caught taking photos of the musician. Lori loved discussing politics, movies, and, above all, cats. Lori collected precious stones and was active in various Birman cat organizations.
Lori will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.
A memorial service was held at Sept. 2, 2024 at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd 63132. Memorial contributions preferred to St. Louis ASPCA.
Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
MICHAEL TOWERMAN, June 14, 1958 –September 5, 2024
Michael Towerman passed away on September 5, 2024, surrounded by family. Beloved husband of Barbara; loving father of Matthew (Amanda), Alison (Brent), and Katelyn (Jonathan); devoted grandfather of Ella and Easton; dear brother of Craig Towerman (the late Karen) and Robyn Weiss (Dr. Michael). Uncle, cousin, and friend of many.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, September 8th at United Hebrew Congregation (13788 Conway Road).
Interment was at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery (650 White Road). Visit bergermemorialchapel. com for more information.
At just 19 years old, Isabelle married the love of her life, the late Abraham Schultz. Together, they built a beautiful family, which she nurtured with endless love and care throughout their life together. In addition to her cooking skills, Isabelle had a passion for gardening. She cultivated vibrant flowers and vegetables that became the envy of her neighborhood. In the summers, neighbors would often stop by to admire and photograph her stunning gardens. She also had that special “magic” with indoor plants—her Christmas Cactuses, Orchids, and African Violets were always in full bloom and a topic of conversation for anyone who visited. Whether through her delicious meals or her thriving plants, Isabelle created a warm and inviting home that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
Isabelle was the dear mother of Dan Schultz, Steve Schultz, and Susan (Jeff) Gitt. She was a cherished grandmother to Brian (Kirsten), David, Rebecca (Zach) Berg, Jacob (Rachel), Mick (Jessica), Alexandra (Kevin) Kalwerisky, and Whitney (Kelyn) Guthrie, and a proud greatgrandmother to Adam, Josh, Zoe, Zane, Leo, Oliver, Spencer, Harlow, Gemma, and Simon. She was also a loving sister to Marian and a treasured friend to many.
Isabelle was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Rose Balk; her dear sister, Ann Baum (late Irvin); her brother, Joseph Balk (late Ruth); and her brother-in-law, Irv Zeid.
A private family graveside service was held on Friday August 23rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri Botanical Garden.
For more information, please visit bergermemorialchapel.com. Berger Memorial Service
He was the faithful husband of Barbara Sterneck for 61 years; dear father and father-inlaw of Sharon (David ) Kaiser, Steven (Michelle) Sterneck, Robert (Hiroko) Sterneck and Jill Holmes; grandfather of Andrew, Alex, Adam, Emily, Lauren, Elyssa, Addison, Justice, Taylor and Easton; dear brother and brother in law of Patty Beck, the late Barry (Carol) Sterneck, and Ina Landsbaum; Loving uncle to David, Staci, Steven and Ryan; caring brother-in law, cousin and friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A funeral service was held Thursday, August 29 at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd. 63132. The service was Livestreamed. Interment followed at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Rd. 63017. Memorial contributions preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.
Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com to view the Livestream and for more information.
Berger Memorial Service
Lori was born in Davenport, IA., on August 22, 1958. She graduated from Parkway North Senior High School in St. Louis, MO., and the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS., with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in graphic design and photography. After college, Lori traveled extensively throughout the Northwest selling
Donations may be made to The Towerman Family Scholarship Fund for Youth Education at United Hebrew Congregation, to Aish HaTorah, or to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Berger Memorial Service
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Galia Movitz & Janie Roodman Weiss, 2024 Annual Campaign Co-Chairs
Toby Warticovschi, Vice Chair of Development
Bob Newmark, Board Chair
FALL ARTS GUIDE
BY PATRICIA CORRIGAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Opportunities to engage with the arts this fall are as vibrant as the season’s autumn leaves.
Theaters have scheduled comedies, dramas, mysteries and musicals. Other entertainment venues invite you to hear Chris Botti, Ann Hampton Callaway, Billy Joel, Graham Nash and Sting. Assorted symphonies, cabarets, operas and jazz concerts also are booked.
Additional cultural options include dance performances, art fairs, fun seasonal outdoor events, museum
exhibits, an annual balloon race and a beloved annual book festival.
Looking for laughs? David Sedaris, Kathy Griffin, Tig Notaro, Patton Oswalt and Sarah Silverman all are coming to town. For the kids, options include shows featuring Mickey Mouse and friends, the gang from Sesame Street and a special concert for children.
Here’s a wild idea: Go where you always go and do what you always do — and then experience something entirely new!
SEPTEMBER
Classic songs from Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, Alberta Hunter, Jimmy Cox, Ida Cox and more can be heard in The Black Rep’s production of Sheldon Epps’ “Blues in the Night.” The musical is on stage now through Sept. 22 at the Edison Theatre on the Washington University campus. For times and tickets, go to theblackrep.org
New Line Theatre opens its 33rd season with Green Day’s “American Idiot,” which centers on three friends in post-9/11 America looking for meaning and substance in their lives. At the Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr., through Oct. 5. Tickets range from $20-$30 and are available at metrotix.com
THE 2024 FALL ARTS GUIDE IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF:
More than 100 arts events you can look forward to between now and December
Works by five prominent Jewish artists are featured in “The Work of Art: The Federal Art Project 19351943,” on display now in Galleries 234 and 235 at the St. Louis Art Museum The 58 pieces in the exhibit showcase the creative efforts of artists “working under difficult circumstances.” For details, see slam.org/exhibitions/thework-of-art-the-federal-art-project-1935-1943/
Stages St. Louis presents “Ragtime: The Musical,” with performances now through Oct. 20 at the Ross Family Theatre at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. The poignant, Tony Award-winning show expresses a belief in “not only the American dream, but the promise of tomorrow,” Continues on page 18
Katie Frieden as Roxie in the national tour of ‘Chicago,’ which comes to the Fox Theatre Nov. 29-Dec. 1. PHOTO: JEREMY DANIEL
FALL ARTS GUIDE
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told in an array of musical styles. For performance times and tickets, see stagesstlouis.org/ragtime
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Now through Feb. 2, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation presents the first comprehensive retrospective in the U.S. of the art of Scott Burton. “Shape Shift” includes sculptures, photographs, drawings, ephemera and a rare video. In conjunction with the Burton exhibit is “In Two,” site-specific sculptures and performances choreographed by artist Brendan Fernandes. For details, see pulitzerarts.org/ art/current
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“The Great Rivers Biennial” exhibit — featuring St. Louis area artists Saj Issa, Basil Kincaid and Ronald Young — is currently on display through Feb. 9, 2025 at the Contemporary Art Museum. The event, featuring ceramics, paintings, video, textiles and sculptural assemblage, is a collaborative initiative between CAM and the Gateway Foundation since 2004, recognizes and fosters local talent. For hours, see camstl.org/exhibitions/ great-rivers-biennial-saj-issa-basil-kincaid-ronald-young
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In this 120th anniversary year of the 1904 World’s Fair, the Missouri History Museum claims their long-running free exhibit shows the fair as “grand and shameful” and also “full of fun and full of indignity.” Check the schedule for special related programs at mohistory.org/exhibits/worlds-fair
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See “Trayf” at the New Jewish Theatre, on stage Sept. 12-29 in the Wool Theatre at the Jewish Community Center’s Arts & Education Building. Described as a “roadtrip bromance,” the show is billed as “a funny and heartwarming ode to the turbulence of youth, the universal suspicion
that we don’t quite fit in and the faith and friends that see us through.” Tickets cost $27-$59. For performance times, see showpass.com/trayf vvv
Gather up the kids and grandkids! Disney On Ice presents “Mickey’s Search Party” Sept. 13-15 at the Chaifetz Arena Expect “an adventure filled with worldclass skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts,” starring a plethora of Disney characters. For show times, tickets and more information (including rules about costumes), see chaifetzarena.com/
events/detail/disney-on-ice-2024 vvv
The Kranzberg Arts Foundation presents “Music at the Intersection,” celebrating “the great spirits of blues, jazz, soul, R&B, hip-hop and rock n’ roll” Sept. 14-15 “in the streets and greenscapes of Grand Center.” Expect St. Louis-based musicians and national acts as well. For information on ticket packages, see musicattheintersection.org vvv
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis opens the 2024-25 season Sept. 18 with Frederick Knott’s suspense thriller “Dial M for Murder,” on the main stage through Oct. 13. The Rep promises “audiences will be at the edge of their seats as they delve into the deception and betrayal of this timeless classic.” Tickets cost $35-$90. For performance dates, see repstl.org vvv
Wednesday Night Jazz Jam, presented by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 18 — and many another Wednesday evening — is “free and family-friendly,” for all ages and backgrounds.
DeBoo is the
for
cert in The Dark Room at The Grandel, 3610 Grandel Square. Food and drinks are available for purchase. See kranzbergartsfoundation.org/wednesday-night-jazz-jam vvv
“The Artist Who Captured Eichmann” opens Sept. 19 and runs through June 1, 2025 at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, 36 Millstone Campus Drive. The exhibit “tells the exciting exploits of Peter Malkin, an artist and Mossad agent who played a pivotal role in apprehending Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1960.” Admission is $8 for the general public, $6 for seniors/students/veterans and kids 10-17 and $5 for museum members. For tickets, see stlholocaustmuseum.org/malkin
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Pack a picnic and bring a blanket for the St. Louis Symphony’s annual free concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 19 on Art Hill in Forest Park. Stéphane Denève will conduct. For details, go to shop.slso.org/7805
Continued on page 20
Bob
host
each live con-
From left, Spencer Sickmann as Jonathan, Jacob Schmidt as Zalmy and Bryce Miller as Schmuly in the New Jewish Theatre production of ‘Trayf,’ which runs Sept. 12- 29. PHOTO: SARAH ROGERS
Trombone Shorty is one of dozens of artists scheduled to perform at the Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s Music at the Intersection.
PHOTO: EMILY BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Above, the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum will present ‘ The Artist Who Captured Eichmann,’ an exhibit on artist and Mossad agent Peter Malkin, opening Sept. 19.
FALL ARTS GUIDE
Continued from page 18
Comedian, TV star, movie star and podcast maven Sarah Silverman will share her show “Postmortem” at 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Stifel Theatre. Tickets cost $35.75$75.75. See stifeltheatre.com/events/ detail/sarah-silverman-postmortem
The annual Balloon Glow in Forest Park starts at 5 p.m. Sept. 20 on Emerson Central Fields. At 9 p.m., the Army Golden Knights Parachute team takes flight, followed by fireworks. The next day, the field opens at 1 p.m. for activities that lead up to the Great Forest Park Balloon Race.
The opening ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m. and the “Hare” is expected to launch at 4:30. Both events are free. For details, see greatforestparkballoonrace.com
The Old Webster Jazz & Blues Fest will fill downtown Webster Groves from 1 to 11 p.m. Sept. 21, promising non-stop jazz and blues from two stages, food and drink from area restaurants, street entertainers and events for kids. Admission is free. See oldwebsterjazzfest.com
Take part in PorchFest, a “community concert walk” on the afternoon of Sept. 22 in the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood. Bands will perform on more than two dozen front porches, followed by a mainstage concert in the early evening at Greg Freeman Park (aka Four Corners). For details, see porchfeststl.com
Grammy-winning trumpeter and composer Chris Botti, now celebrating the release of his first album in more than a decade, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at The Factory in Chesterfield. Tickets start at $59. See thefactorystl.com/event/ chris-botti/
The 16th season of the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis kicks off with “Open Strings,” featuring Mendelssohn’s “Octet,” at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave., University City. For tickets, call 314-9416309.
For a blast from Marty McFly’s past, consider “Back to the Future: The Musical,” winner of the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical. The show roars onto the stage at the Fox Theatre for a run from Sept. 24-Oct. 6. Tickets range from $32 to $105. See fabulousfox.com/events/detail/ back-to-the-future
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees and Grammy Award winners Billy Joel and Sting hope to hit it out of the park with a concert that starts at 7 p.m. Sept. 27 at Busch Stadium. For tickets, see mlb.com/ cardinals/tickets/concerts/billy-joel-sting
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra opens the season with Hector Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique,” with performances at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 and 3 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Stifel Theatre. Music director Stéphane Denève conducts. Tickets range from $20-$145. See shop.slso. org/8069
Nationally acclaimed cabaret artist Ann Hampton Callaway will sing for you at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27-28 at the Blue Strawberry, 364 North Boyle. A Tony Award nominee and recent inductee into The Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, she’ll share songs from her new CD and more. Tickets cost $30-$45. For more info, see bluestrawberrystl.com/show/detail/1422
Beck, the Killers, Billy Idol, Jane’s Addiction, Todd Rundgren, Elle King, Killer Mike and Son Volt are among the eclectic talent featured at this year’s Evolution Festival in Forest Park Sept. 28-29. Weekend passes start at $189.50 and can be purchased at evolutionfestival.com
The Tower Grove Pride Festival will take place Sept. 28-29 in Tower Grove Park. Expect local artists, businesses, two music stages, drag performances, games, a parade and plenty of food booths and trucks. For a schedule, see towergrovepride.com/
Sababa, St. Louis’ premier Jewish Arts and Culture Festival, will showcase “the vibrancy of contemporary Jewish culture” from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 29 at the
Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Family Complex. Expect “local, regional and national visual art exhibitors, culinary experiences and musical performances, as well as activities from local Jewish organizations.” For details, see sababastl.com
On Sept. 29, the St. Louis Chamber Chorus performs “The Sound of Silence” at 3 p.m. at Chapel of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood, 204 N. Main St. O’Fallon. The a capella choir’s concert is part of the group’s 69th annual season, which includes performances at religious and secular venues (including a season closer in May at Congregation B’nai Amoona). Tickets are $30 (or $10 for students). For more information, call 636458-4343 or visit chamberchorus.org
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The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will perform on Art Hill in Forest Park on Sept. 19. Pictured are images from the symphony’s 2023 concert in the park.
PHOTOS: BRENDAN BATCHELOR
Performers at Sababa, the Jewish Arts & Culture Festival, will include (from left) Charlie Kramer, Gili Yalo, Greta Rosenstock, Joe Buchanan and Lucy Greenbaum.
FALL ARTS GUIDE
Continued from page 20
OCTOBER
On deck Oct. 3-13 is “Now Playing Third Base for the St. Louis Cardinals… Bond, James Bond,” by The Midnight Company founder Joe Hanrahan. Root for the one-man show (nominated as Outstanding New Play by the Theatre Circle) at the Greenfinch Theater and Dive, 2525 S. Jefferson. For more info, see midnightcompany.com
On Oct. 4 — and the first Friday of every month — museums and galleries in the Grand Center Arts District are free and stay open until 9 p.m. For participating locations at First Fridays each month, see grandcenter.org/firstfridays/
Don’t miss the annual Best of Missouri Market, where 120 of our state’s vendors will offer arts, crafts, food and beverages Oct. 4-6 at the Missouri Botanical Garden. For ticket prices, hours and other details, see missouribotanicalgarden.org/ events-classes/signature-events/ best-of-missouri-market
Just across the street from the Garden, on Oct. 5-6, the 32nd annual Shaw Art Fair will take over Flora Place at Tower Grove Ave. You’ll meet artists from around the country. Admission is $8 in advance or $10 at the gate for adults and free for children 14 and under when accompanied by an adult. At-the-gate ticket is $1 off with a
canned food donation. For hours and more details, visit shawstlouis.org/attractions-amenities/historic-shaw-art-fair/
The kids and grandkids (age 5 and up) may enjoy “Dan Brown’s Wild Symphony,” presented by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at 4 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. The 45-minute concert promises “a wonderous whale and impatient ponies, busy beetles, and an eager elephant—each with a special secret to share.” Tickets cost $15-$20. See
shop.slso.org/8403
Experience dobro master and 16-time Grammy winner Jerry Douglas leading his band through a fusion of bluegrass, folk, Americana and jazz at the City Winery, at 3730 Foundry Way in midtown. Tickets, from $38-$65, are available at citywinery.com/st-louis
“Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe”
Louis Ballet presents ‘Western Symphony & Serenade’ on Oct. 12-13 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.
combines “haunting music and poetic storytelling” to chronicle Poe’s life and explore events “that shaped Poe’s character and career, blurring the lines between fact and fiction.” See Stray Dog Theatre’s production Oct. 10-Nov. 2 at Tower Grove Abbey. For show times and ticket prices, see straydogtheatre.org/nevermore
Comedian, TV star and author Kathy Griffin will bring her “My Life On The PTSD-List” tour to town at 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at The Pageant. Tickets range from
Discovery
St.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SAINT LOUIS BALLET; PHOTO BY KELLY PRATT
$49.50-$99.50. See thepageant.com/ event/kathy-griffin-101024
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Headed by 40-year veteran Wayne Nelson, Little River Band and the Night Owl Orchestra will take the stage at 8 p.m. Oct. 12 at The Factory. Tickets start at $59. See thefactorystl.com/event/little-river-band/
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The St. Louis Ballet will present “Western Symphony & Serenade” — an homage to George Balanchine’s iconic ballets — Oct. 12-13, with evening and matinee performances at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $36-$84. See metrotix.com/events/detail/slb-western-symphony
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Enjoy “A Soulful Jazzy Night with Jeanette Harris” at 8 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Sheldon Concert Hall. Classically trained in sax and piano, Harris is known as the “scintillating saxtress of smooth jazz.” Tickets cost $36-$66. See thesheldon.org
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Now in its 16th season, the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis celebrates “Works of Italian Composers” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Pillsbury Theatre, 560 Trinity Ave. The program will feature mezzo-soprano Benedetta Orsi. For details, see chambermusicstl.org
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Graham Nash! Just the legendary singer/songwriter’s name sparks indelible musical memories (you’re singing your favorites already, right?) — and the man himself is coming to town at 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at The Pageant. Tickets cost $80.50$211.75. See thepageant.com/event/graham-nash-101724
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Former Disney star turned pop singer/ actress Sabrina Carpenter brings her musical prowess to the Chaifetz Arena on Oct. 17 for a 7 p.m. show, with special guest GRIFF. Tickets, from $30.50 to $150.50 are available at ticketmaster.com
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Hear the Jazz St. Louis Big Band directed by Victor Goines at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17-19 at the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz at 3536 Washington Ave. “Long known for their annual celebration of the Ellington & Strayhorn Nutcracker, the band has been heralded for its many collaborations within the St. Louis region.” For ticket prices and parking passes, call 314-571-6000 or see my.jazzstl.org/3068
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A tad far from their neighborhood, the stars from Sesame Street will present their interactive show “Say Hello” at 2 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Stifel Theatre. Tickets cost $29-$69, and all children 2 and over must have a ticket. See stifeltheatre.com/ events/detail/sesame-street-live-say-hello
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The laconic funnyman himself will read to you at “An Evening with David Sedaris” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Stifel Theatre. He’ll also take questions and sign copies of his books, which are available that evening. Tickets cost $40-$75. See stifeltheatre.com/events/detail/an-evening-with-david-sedaris-2
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FALL ARTS GUIDE
Jen Silverman’s play “The Roommate” is “an uproarious journey of self-discovery, secrets and revelations” when two strangers agree to share a home, and you can see it Oct. 23-Nov. 17 in the studio theater at The Rep. For performance dates and ticket prices, see repstl.org vvv
Saint Louis Dance Theatre (known for the past 14 years as the Big Muddy Dance Company), will kick off its (RE)Imagine Season with programs Oct. 24-27 at the
Catherine B. Berges Theatre at COCA, 6880 Washington Ave. For details, see saintlouisdancetheatre.org/reimagine vvv
Be part of “Slatkin’s Legacy: A Birthday
Celebration” at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 25 or 3 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Now 80, Leonard Slatkin will conduct Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5,” pairing it with music by Cindy McTee, Daniel Slatkin, and Domenico Scarlatti. Tickets cost $20-$68. See shop.slso. org/8174
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The St. Louis Independent Comics Expo, “an exposition of zines, chapbooks, lit mags, poetry, comics, small press authors, indie publishers and print culture” is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 26 at The Sheldon. Expect workshops and panels as well. See slicexpo.org vvv
Technically, it’s not the sing-along version, but you may be tempted at “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical,” coming to the Fox Theatre Oct. 29-Nov. 10. The show is billed as “the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chartbusting, show-stopping American rock icon.” Tickets cost $37$135. See fabulousfox.com/events/detail/
Continued on page 24
The Jazz St. Louis Big Band directed by Victor Goines performs Oct. 17-19.
PHOTO: JAZZ ST. LOUIIS FACEBOOK PAGE
FALL ARTS GUIDE
Continued from page 23
a-beautiful-noise
The Women’s Philanthropy Board at the Jewish Federation of St. Louis will present comedy legend Carol Leifer at the 10th anniversary of “L’Chaim!” on Oct. 30 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Clayton. Leifer will tell her story, highlighting “the importance of preserving Jewish traditions and values for future generations.” For tickets to the VIP pre-event and the main event, see donate.jfedstl.org/event/lchaim-registrations-2024/e593213
NOVEMBER
The Arianna String Quartet brings their “Goodbye, Hello” concert” to the stage at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. A pre-show talk begins at 6:45 p.m. Tickets cost $30. See touhill.universitytickets.com
The 46th annual St. Louis Jewish Book Festival is set for Nov. 2-17 at the Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Family Complex. Mickey Bergman, Julia Quinn, Joan Nathan and Daniel Handler are among the featured authors. For a schedule plus tickets and information about passes, call 314-442-3294 or visit jccstl. com/festival-events-schedule
The 33rd Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival will take place Nov. 7-17. Expect in-person and virtual
Some of the featured authors at St. Louis Jewish Book Festival include (above, from left) Mickey Bergman, Joan Nathan, Julia Quinn and (at left) Daniel Handler.
events plus independent films, documentaries, international films and short films, all screening at the Hi-Pointe Theatre. For details, ticket prices and available packages, see cinemastlouis.org/sliff/festival-home
Sail away on Winter Opera St. Louis’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, 210 E. Monroe Ave. For single ticket prices and more info, call 314-865-0038 or see winteroperastl.org/hm-s-pinafore-by-gilbert-sullivan/
Dance St. Louis presents “Pilobolus re:CREATION,” where the boundaries of gravity and creativity blur, at the Touhill
Performing Arts Center on the campus of UMSL on Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, from $50-$89, at metrotix.com
On Nov. 10, the St. Louis Chamber Chorus continues its season with “Classic Pop” at 3 p.m. at The Sun Theater in Grand Center, 3625 Grandel Square in Midtown. For tickets or more information, call 636-458-4343 or visit chamberchorus.org
The main event of the 7th annual Flyover Comedy Festival (flyovercomedyfest. com/lineup) will feature comedy legends Patton Oswalt and Tig Notaro, on stage at 8 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Stifel Theatre. You must be 18 or older to attend. Tickets start at $39.50. See stifeltheatre.com/events/ detail/patton-oswalt-tig-notaro
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s annual Garden Glow will light up the night Nov. 16 through Jan. 4 with displays featuring more than two million lights. Plan to spend about 1.5 hours. (Closed Nov. 25, 28 and Dec. 24–25.) Prices vary for special events and also for members and nonmembers. For tickets, see missouribotanicalgarden.org/events-classes/signature-events/garden-glow
SEPTEMBER 29, 2024 | 3PM
Sun Theater in Grand Center
Grandel Square, St. Louis, 63108 DECEMBER 22, 2024 | 3PM
Next up at the New Jewish Theatre is the musical comedy “First Date,” on stage Nov. 21 through Dec. 8 in the Wool Theatre at the Jewish Community Center’s Arts & Education Building. A couple meeting for dinner finds themselves accompanied by “supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, who sing and dance them through icebreakers, appetizers and potential conversational land mines.” For performance times and tickets, see newjewishtheatre.org
With his trio, renowned jazz piano phenom Emmet Cohen will perform Nov. 20-24 at the Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz, 3536 Washington Ave. For performance times, ticket prices and parking passes, see my.jazzstl.org/2773 or call 314-571-6000.
636.458.4343
song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.” The show is on stage Nov. 29-Dec. 1 at the Fox Theatre. For tickets and show times, see fabulousfox.com/events/detail/chicago
Budding ballet dancers will thrill to St. Louis Ballet’s annual production of “The Nutcracker,” on stage Nov. 30 through Dec. 23 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Younger fans may appreciate the shorter version, presented at 11 a.m. Dec. 2. also at the Touhill. For performance times and ticket prices, see stlouisballet. org/thenutcracker
DECEMBER
In conjunction with the Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum’s exhibit “The Artist Who Captured Eichmann,” at 6 p.m. on Dec. 4, the museum will mark the anniversary of the 1961 verdict against the war criminal. The program, “Behind the Glass in Jerusalem,” will feature a presentation by Edna Friedberg, an historian at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. Admission is free. To register, see tickets.stlholocaustmuseum.org
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and Stages St. Louis will collaborate on “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas,” which brings Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins back together for a festive jam session. This lively sequel to the original Broadway hit runs Dec. 4-22 on the mainstage at The Rep. Tickets cost $55-$105. For performance dates, see repstl.org
“SLSO: Live at The Sheldon - Fanfares and Festivals” is billed as a “unique chamber music series curated and performed by St. Louis Symphony Orchestra musicians,” with a repertoire of new and treasured music “masterfully brought to life in a dynamic lineup of instruments and players.” Be in the room when it happens at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Sheldon Concert Hall. Tickets cost $36-$46. See thesheldon.org/events/slso-live-at-thesheldon-fanfares-and-festivals
Stray Dog Theatre will present John Van Druten’s “Bell, Book and Candle” Dec. 5-21 at Tower Grove Abbey. For show times and ticket prices for performances of this vintage story of spells, supernaturalism and love, see https://www.straydogtheatre.org/bell-book-and-candle
Saints’ Catholic Church 7 McMenamy Rd., St. Peters, 63376
FEBRUARY 16, 2025 | 3PM
Kirkwood United Methodist Church 201 W. Adams Ave, Kirkwood, 63122
APRIL 6, 2025 | 3PM
Roots,
S. Mason Rd., Creve Coeur, 63141 HEAR THE CHORUS CRITICS HAVE CALLED THE BEST A CAPPELLA CHOIR IN THE MIDWEST.
Blooms First Presbyterian Church of Saint Louis 7200 Delmar, University City, 63130 MAY 25, 2025 | 3PM
and
Congregation B’nai Amoona
Led by a gifted Jewish singer, songwriter and bandleader, the Adam Ezra Group will perform at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Blue Strawberry. Word has it that the group is “establishing a connection with their fans unlike any other.” Tickets cost $25-$30. See bluestrawberrystl.com/ show/detail/1454
Gather the troops and have some fun with Peter Schikele’s PDQ Bach, hosted and narrated by Maestro Leonard Slatkin, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 25 at the 560 Music Center in University City. Tickets, at $42, are available at chambermusicstl.org.
Start the car and time travel to times gone by in the Windy City at “Chicago,” the award-winning musical that has thrilled Broadway audiences for 27 years. This is “a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one show-stopping
Formed in Birmingham, England more than five decades ago, the English Beat continues to make relevant music, fusing Latin, ska, pop, punk rock, soul and reggae. The band comes to City Winery at the Foundry on Dec. 11 for a 7:30 show. Tickets, from $50-$70, are available at citywinery.com/st-louis
See “The Prince of Pop” Justin Timberlake’s “Forget Tomorrow World Tour” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Enterprise Center. Tickets start at $55. See enterprisecenter.com/events/detail/justin-timberlake-1
Ring in the new year with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Stifel Theatre. Expect surprise selections of classical and popular favorites, conducted by Stephanie Childress, former assistant conductor at the SLSO. Tickets cost $47-$127. Visit shop.slso. org/8199
FALL
St. Louis brothers set for two hometown concerts
BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
In the mid-1980s, teenagers Michael and Rob Silverman were captivated by music, especially jazz. The Jewish brothers used to sit on the steps leading to the lower level of Cicero’s restaurant in the University City Loop. They were too young to go downstairs to Cicero’s Basement Bar, but from the stairs they could hear the innovative jazz sounds being played below.
The artist they especially loved listening to was pianist Ptah Williams. Forty years later, the Silverman brothers will play alongside Williams on Sunday, Sept. 15, at Music at the Intersection in Grand Center.
And on Saturday evening, Sept. 28, the Silvermans’ jazz fusion group Bach to the Future will precede Williams onstage at the Clayton Jazz Festival along with their frequent collaborator Tracy Silverman, who is not related to the Silvermans.
Michael Silverman, 53, who plays keyboards, said he has a special affinity for low key, neighborhood music events like the Clayton Jazz Festival.
“I really like festivals that are focused around one stage, where everyone is all at the same party, enjoying the same musical energy,” Silverman said. “That big, one stage, party feel is so much simpler logistically. That’s one of the reasons we do it. All the sets are fairly short, so you will hear lots of music.
“Music styles cross over, too. Classical meets rock, classical meets jazz, and there are all those kind of fun, eclectic things. When young people hear it, I get really excited, because that’s the kind of music that excited my imagination when I was younger.”
Silverman is a University City High School 2023 Hall of Fame inductee. He is one of the most downloaded solo pianists in the world, with 6 billion downloads.
His brother Rob is a master of percussion. Their Bach to the Future is a genre bending group that combines Bach, Beethoven and Mozart with modern jazz and African and Latin rhythms.
It’s a style that attracts attention, as do their unusual instruments. These include a Drumitar, a synthesizer invented by drummer Roy Wooten that looks like a futuristic guitar but produces drum sounds from snares and kicks to bongos and congas.
“We have strange instruments that most people haven’t seen, like the electric violin with six strings, electronic percussion and synthesizers,” Silverman said. “Some of them are one of a kind, so it’s really fun for us to play this music with these instru-
ments.”
The casual vibe of the Clayton Jazz Festival also lends itself to artists interacting with music fans after their sets, Silverman said. It’s not uncommon for young music fans to come up to them and check out their instruments after a set.
“It happens at most of our concerts,” he said. “We always let them try playing our instruments. That’s really fun for us. And when we travel around the country, we’ll do preshow performances and clinics for schools, and let the kids try out the instruments.”
Tickets for Music at the Intersection can be purchased from Metrotix. Admission is free for the Clayton Jazz Festival. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The festival runs from 5 to 10 p.m. on North Brentwood Boulevard between Forsyth Boulevard and Maryland Avenue.
Opening October 19
The upcoming exhibition Narrative Wisdom and Africa n Arts explores how historical and contemporary African arts make v isible narratives rooted in collective and individual memory and know ledge. Follow @STLArtMuseum on social media and scan the Q R code for more details.
Bach to the Future, a jazz fusion band that includes brothers Michael Silverman (on keyboards) and Rob Silverman (on drums), will perform with Ptah Williams at Music at the Intersection on Sunday, Sept. 15, and at the Clayton Jazz Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28. FILE PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN
Gosette Lubondo, Congolese, born 1993; Imaginary Trip II: #3, 2018; inkjet print; image: 19 5/8 x 29
1/2 inches, sheet: 22 x 32 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, The Helen Kornblum Fund for Women
Photographers, and Gift of August A. Busch Jr., by exchange 40:2021; © Gosette Lubondo, work produced as part of the photographic residencies of the Museum of Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac One Fine Arts
‘Back to the Future’ — in song
U. City writer at controls as time-traveling DeLorean materializes on Fox stage
BY BILL MOTCHAN
SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
In 1985, “Back to the Future” was Hollywood’s highest grossing film. The story about a time-traveling DeLorean is set in the fictional Lyon Estates neighborhood of Hill Valley, Calif., which pays homage to the lions atop the University City gates and in front of City Hall. That was a creative wink by writer Bob Gale, a Jewish U. City native, who developed the film with director Robert Zemeckis.
One year ago, Gale brought “Back to the Future: The Musical,” to Broadway. And Sept. 24, the musical retelling of the McFly family story will arrive here at the Fabulous Fox Theatre for a run through Oct. 6.
Gale, 73, now lives in Southern California, but he’ll be back for the local opening. He’ll also be a special guest at a “Back to the Future” theme night at Busch Stadium on Sept. 16.
During his visit, Gale said, he also plans to “make one or two trips to Ted Drewes and gorge myself on toasted ravioli.”
The musical version of “Back to the Future” includes a school fight song that takes the form of a bulldog chant. Like the U. City lions in the movie, it’s another St. Louis Easter egg.
In the 1960s, Gale was a student at Brittany Woods Middle School when the sports teams were the Bulldogs (now Eagles). Twice a week after class, Gale went to Hebrew school at United Hebrew Congregation. His carpool mate Roy Wagman recently recalled Gale sitting in the back seat 60 years ago, drawing comic book characters in a binder.
During the summer between the sixth and seventh grades while he was at Camp Taum Sauk, Gale’s extensive comic book collection was tossed out. His father was the
Jóia brings Latin sounds, rhythms to local festivals
BY KATHLEEN LEES
SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
One constant in Rick Kramer’s life has been music, specifically percussion.
Kramer credits this to his time in South America as a teenager. While his father was doing agricultural research for Monsanto in Brazil, Kramer learned Portuguese and explored South American music.
“The music was all around,” he said.
In Brazil, performances were easy to come by, and bars, many of which had live concerts, were easy to access. Kramer had played the drums in a junior high band in St. Louis. Now, he was performing with samba groups on the streets of Latin America.
“This is really where my passion for world rhythms took off,” Kramer said, who was 15 at the beginning of the move.
At 18, his family moved back to St. Louis. Several years later, he graduated from Webster University with a degree in media communications. By 1993, he was working for KSDK-TV (Channel 5) as a floor director and teleprompter operator. However, music was never far from his mind.
“Music was always in my soul,” said Kramer, 60. “There was just no escaping it.”
Jóia World Percussion
By the early 1990s, Kramer and friends were forming the musical group Jóia World Percussion. Jóia, which means “jewel” in Portuguese, incorporates Brazilian, Cuban, African and Japanese styles that explore rhythmic patterns.
The ensemble performs at numerous local events, including Festival of Nations, Tower Grove Pride and the Webster
Groves Blues and Jazz Festival. Unlike many bands that require a stage and a microphone, Jóia World Percussion can pick up and perform anywhere. The lively, quick rhythms stand by themselves.
In performance, Kramer leads the group through a combination of whistles, hand signals and drumbeats. He often encourages the audience to pick up one of the group’s instruments, such as a tambourine
or shaker. Then, after one person finishes playing an instrument, they can pass it on to another.
“The point of Jóia World Percussion is really to make music accessible to everyone,” Kramer said.
Kramer also uses his music to help others. He works as a teacher at Hope Creates, a local nonprofit that assists children and young adults in the juvenile court system through expressive arts. He also works at Springboard to Learning, another area nonprofit that teaches children to create and collaborate through meaningful experience and expression, such as music.
“You see youth who’ve experienced significant trauma become confident and proud of their art skills,” he said. “It’s just wonderful.”
Jóia
Tubes
About the time Jóia World Percussion was forming, the idea for Jóia Tubes was born.
Kramer’s college roommate was vacuuming out the metal resonator pipes of a marimba, a percussion instrument that creates sound by striking wooden tone
See JÓIA on page 30
At left, writer and University City native Bob Gale (at left) developed the 1985 film ‘Back to the Future’ with director Robert Zemeckis. More recently, he worked on creating the musical version, which comes the Fox Theatre Sept. 24-Oct. 6.
PHOTO: PHIL TRAGEN
Above, Don Stephenson and Caden Brauch of the stage version of ‘Back To The Future Tour.’
PHOTO: MATTHEW MURPHY & EVAN ZIMMERMAN
Above, Bob Gale in a high school photo.
See BOB GALE on page 30
St. Louisan Rick Kramer (bottom left) of Jóia World Percussion.
PLEASE JOIN US
September marks a major milestone at Nine PBS as we celebrate 70 years serving St. Louis. Join us at our home in Grand Center for food, kids’ activities, and an opportunity to meet PBS icon Sonia Manzano, best known for her longtime role as “Maria” on Sesame Street.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 1-4 pm
NINE PBS PUBLIC MEDIA COMMONS 3653 Olive Street St. Louis, MO 63108
RESERVE YOUR FREE TICKETS Visit ninepbs.org/events to reserve your spot. Don’t miss the celebration!
CHAI LIGHTS
YOUR CALENDAR OF ST. LOUIS JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS
Editor’s note: All Mirowitz Center events are free unless otherwise noted. To register for a Mirowitz Center event, visit http://bit.ly/ Mirowitz-registration, call 314-733-9813 or email info@mirowitzcenter.org.
STARTING SEPT. 12
‘Trayf’ at NJT
New Jewish Theatre presents the regional premiere of “Trayf” by Lindsay Joelle. It is the story of two young men excited to drive their first Chabad “mitzvah tank” around 1990s New York City and perform good deeds, but find their lives irrevocably changed by exposure to the secular world. This is a funny and heartwarming ode to the turbulence of youth, the universal suspicion that we don’t quite fit in and the faith and friends that see us through. For more information, visit newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283. Performances take place at the J’s Wool Studio Theatre, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, running through Sept. 29.
Friday | Sept. 13
Broadway hits at Mirowitz
From 1 to 2 p.m. the Mirowitz Center Community Singers, led by professional musician Robert Denison, are taking center stage to perform iconic Broadway showtunes. Free, but RSVP required.
SUNDAY | SEPT. 15
B’nai Amoona gallery reception
There will be an artist reception at B’nai Amoona from 2-4 p.m. featuring the fine art photography of Ann Aurback, Karen Kotner, Rick Rovak and Scott Rovak and the ceramics of Ilanit Michelson. Light refreshments will be served. The exhibit will continue through Nov. 30. The reception and exhibit are open to all.
Jewish War Veterans meeting
Jewish War Veterans Post 644 will meet in the Kaplan-Feldman Holocaust Museum at 10 a.m. on the third Sunday of each month (unless otherwise indicated). A Zoom option will be available for those not able to attend in person. For more information and the Zoom link contact Post 644 Commander Ellis Frohman at 636-519-7512 (leave a message if no one answers).
WEDNESDAY | SEPT. 18
Preparing for the Jewish High Holidays
From 11 a.m. to noon, join the Mirowitz Center for a private tour of the outdoor Grace Taylor Broughton Sculpture Garden at the St. Louis Art Museum, led by docent Bill Sitzer. This one-hour tour will feature extraordinary works from a Jewish perspective, including the museum’s recently reinstalled masterpiece by Mark Di Suvero, “Praise for Elohim Adonai.” Participants must arrange their own transportation to the Museum. Free, but RSVP required.
Oasis class at Crown Center
At 10 a.m. at Crown Center, historian and curator Nick Sacco from the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site will discuss the importance of St. Louis to Ulysses S. Grant. The class will be held in the Wellness Center at Staenberg Commons. Discover how this city played a pivotal role in shaping the man
SEPT
Local Jewish organizations and congregations can submit calendar items to news@ stljewishlight.org. Items must be received by 5 p.m. the Friday prior to publication to be considered for inclusion (see a list of remaining 2024 publication dates on page 2).
who would become one of America’s most notable figures.
Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Support Group
This monthly group provides support, connection and education to women in the community who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer and are anywhere along their treatment path – before, during, or post-treatment. Facilitated by Kathy Berman, a licensed clinical social worker, this group meets from 5:15 – 6:45 p.m. on the third Wednesday at the J near Creve Coeur. Newcomers are always welcome along with female family and friends. Light kosher dinner will be served. The Hamsa Wellness Community is a program at the J and a community partner of the national, not for profit Sharsheret organization. This program is free but pre-registration is requested to Debbi Braunstein at 314-442-3266 or dbraunstein@jccstl.org.
THURSDAY | SEPT. 19
D’vorah Miller class prepares women for Rosh Hashanah
Don’t miss this opportunity to attend a women’s-only class led by D’vorah Miller titled “Sharpening Our Saw” at NHBZ at 7 p.m. This timely class will divulge the seven habits one must acquire to prep for Rosh Hashanah and how to lead ourselves throughout the new year. NHBZ membership is not necessary to attend this free class, and RSVP’s are not required. For more information, call 314-991-2100, ext. 2.
Chocolate around the world
From 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Mirowitz Center, join Marcie Handler of Marcie’s Cocoa Life for an exploration of cocoa’s global secrets, from the history of chocolate in ancient Mesoamerica through Europe, Asia, South America and today’s delectable varieties. Complete with delicious samples – but space is limited, so register today ($5 fee).
TUESDAY | SEPT. 24
Gravesite ceremony for U.S. airman downed during WWII
The Olde Towne Fenton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will host a commemorative gravesite ceremony in memory of First Lieutenant Frank I. Yawitz, U.S. Army Air Forces, at 11 a.m. at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 7550 Olive Blvd. Yawitz was co-piloting The Baby Doll III
on Sept. 24, 1944, when it crashed in Essex, England, killing all four airmen aboard. A private, invitation-only lunch reception will be held following the ceremony.
Current economic conditions
From 10 to 11 a.m. join Mike Ferman for an online discussion of current conditions in the economy and capital markets. Ferman is a former partner at RubinBrown Advisors and the founder and managing director of its financial planning and investment advisory practice. No cost to register, but RSVP required. Program is provided with FEL (Friends Enjoying Life), the Mirowitz Center men’s organization.
MindMatters
From 10-11 a.m. every fourth Tuesday at the Mirowitz Center, take part in a monthly group led by Provident Behavioral Health facilitator Nicole (Nikki) Adams. This is a safe, welcoming space to share experiences, feelings and thoughts with other adults experiencing the challenges of aging. No cost to register, but RSVP required. Program supported by a grant from the Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged.
A Jewish perspective on secrets of successful relationships
From noon to 1 p.m. join Rabbi Ze’ev Smason to discuss ways to build long-lasting and successful relationships based on Jewish values and teachings. Gain unique insights on nurturing deeper interactions, respect, and peace in evolving relationship. No cost to register, but RSVP required. TOPIC: How to Get Along With Difficult People.
WEDNESDAY | SEPT. 25
The Rabbi is IN!
Every fourth Wednesday 3 to 4 p.m. (free and online Mirowitz Center program), join Rabbi Neal Rose for an online discussion with a Jewish theme. No cost to register, but RSVP required.
TENTalks: Jewish Ideas Worth Doing
See related news brief on page 12.
OASIS Jazz Ensemble at Mirowitz Center
From 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the J’s Performing Arts Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, enjoy a jazz performance by the OASIS Jazz Ensemble, presented by the St. Louis NORC and the Mirowitz Center. The ensemble performs
music of the ’30s and ’40s, and works by Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and more. Free, but RSVP required. Email lpressmillner@ jfsstl.org, or call 314-812-9345 to register.
Mimi David continues women’s class at NHBZ: “Masquerade!’ Women, this is your chance to join a women’s-only class that takes a deep dive into the book of Esther. This ongoing class titled “Masquerade” is led by Mimi David at NHBZ on Thursdays at 2 p.m. This exciting textbased class reveals the secrets of this famous story and uncovers what really happened then, and how it still resonates today. Participants, please bring your own copy of the ArtScroll Megillah. You can join this free class at any time, and NHBZ membership is not necessary to attend. RSVPs are not required. For more information, call 314991-2100, ext. 2.
FRIDAY
| SEPT. 27
NHBZ community Shabbat dinner
Join us for a lively musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service at NHBZ at 6:20 p.m. and then sit down to a delicious Shabbat dinner. This special community event invites friends and families to experience the festive joy and beauty of Shabbat. To inquire about pricing and to make reservations, email office@ nhbz.org or call 314-991-2100, ext. 2.
Potluck Shabbat for young adults
The young adult chapter of SPARKS MATCH! is hosting an-other potluck Shabbat dinner for people in their 20s, 30s and 40s at 6:30 p.m. Bring something vegetarian to share and celebrate Shabbat together and meet new people. RSVP to Daphne at daphnekoalabear@gmail.com
SUNDAY | SEPT. 29
Sababa Jewish Arts & Culture Festival
The Sababa Jewish Arts & Culture Festival will take place at the Staenberg Family Complex near Creve Coeur on Sept. 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Jewish Community Center, in collaboration with the St. Louis Jewish Federation, promises a day filled with rich cultural experiences, headlined by four musical acts and amazing Jewish-style food and art. The festival will include music from Gili Yalo, Joe Buchanan, Charlie Kramer, Lucy Greenbaum, Greta Rosenstock and Klezundheit! The festival will include family activities, food catered by Zelda’s and a variety of artists with a connection to the Jewish community. For more information, visit sababastl.com.
MONDAY
| SEPT. 30
Pre-Rosh Hashanah babka workshop
At 7 p.m., Chabad of Chesterfield will host an interactive and hands-on pre-Rosh Hashanah babka baking workshop at Total Wine & More, 1781 Clarkson Road in Chesterfield. Chanala Rubenfeld will lead participants in this interactive workshop while teaching the mystical and ancient significance behind this delicious treat. Adults and children welcome. Tickets are available for $45. For more info and tickets, visit JewishChesterfield.com/babka or email chanalar@ gmail.com.
A file photo from the stage at the 2018 Sababa Jewish Arts & Culture Festival.
FILE PHOTO: ZACH DALIN PHOTOGRAPHY
SIMCHAS
BIRTHS ENGAGEMENTS WEDDINGS MITZVOT
SUBMIT YOUR SIMCHA ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FREE!
CHELIST-GRIFFIN ENGAGEMENT
Andrea Chelist and Michael Griffin have announced their engagement.
Andrea is the daughter of Melissa Chelist of Chesterfield and Barry Chelist of Chesterfield. She is the granddaughter of Myra and the late Robert Perlman of St. Louis, and Cliff and the late JoAnn Chelist of St. Louis.
Michael is the son of Donna and John Griffin of Chicago. He is the grandson of the late Fred and the late Mary Amend of
Chicago.
Andrea is a high school social studies teacher in Dallas. Michael is a senior major account manager at a staffing firm.
Michael surprised Andrea with a weekend getaway to New Orleans, where he proposed in the middle of Jackson Square.
A May 2025 wedding is planned in Dallas.
BOB AND AUDREY RUBIN CELEBRATE 60TH ANNIVERSARY
Bob Rubin and Audrey Fineshriber were married August 30, 1964 and they recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.
Bob and Audrey both grew up in University City and graduated from U. City High School.
Bob spent time at Washington University and the U.S. Army and then joined a CPA firm. Following that, he served at several companies as CFO
and maintained his own tax business.
The couple have two grown children, Dawn and Phillip. They have seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Two more grandchildren have weddings planned, one this month, and another for May 2025.
SYLVIA AND WILLY BRANDT CELEBRATE 70TH ANNIVERSARY
Celebrating a 70th anniversary and Willy’s 96th Birthday
Sylvia and Willy recently marked their 70th wedding anniversary with a joyous family dinner at Meadowbrook Country Club. Surrounded by loved ones, they were toasted for their unwavering love, dedication and a lifetime of memories —
including a few funny stories that had everyone laughing. The celebration continued as Willy turned 96 the very next day, making it a weekend filled with love, laughter and lasting memories. Their incredible journey together is an inspiration to all who know them.
BIRTH: ARI BENJAMIN KELLER
The photo of the couple is from their honeymoon in Miami Beach, Fla.
Jason Keller and Sara Hung of New York, N.Y., would like to announce the birth of their son, Ari Benjamin Keller, on May 11, 2024 in New York, N.Y., weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces.
Ari is the grandson of Cheri and Robert Keller of St. Louis, and the great-grandson of the late Frances and Lawrence Cohen and Philip and the late Corinne Keller, all of St. Louis.
JEWISH CROSSWORD PUZZLE
By Yoni Glatt,
koshercrosswords@gmail.com | ‘Second to Last’
Difficulty: Medium
Find answers to this puzzle online at stljewishlight.org/0911-crossword
Across
1. Prophet afraid of giving a prophecy
5. Suf, for one
8. Israel Prize winner Dinstein
13. Race site
14. Make ___ dash for 16. “Home Alone”
actress Catherine
17. Prophet who warned the Jews about Bavel
19. Rings a bell
20. Some black and white entertainers
21. Moldovan money
23. John or Jane
24. She was known as “The Soldiers’ Singer”
29. 1948 and 1967,
for ex.
32. It comes every year, sometimes twice
33. Chalav option
34. Ump call
35. Like a lot of Ribo or Ben Ari’s work
37. Fairly large, as a sum
40. Soft balls
42. Common question...or an alternative title to this puzzle
43. Easy-to-play instrument
44. Concept, as a prefix
45. Thane of ___ (one of Macbeth’s titles)
47. Sha’arei Hesed to Mount Zion dir.
48. “___ ‘acte”
50. U zi Gallery hanging
51. Keyboard neighbor of Insert
52. A Chief Rabbi
56. Ending for “alarm” or “bass”
57. Flight letters
58. Bridal accommodations
62. “___ coffee?”
64. Navi that (sorta) features zombies
68. Legendary gaming character
69. Moab’s neighbor
70. Greek “Z”
71. Funny Smirnoff
72. ___ Yerushalayim
73. Ivanka’s Hebrew name
Kramer said.
plates with a mallet. While doing this, the two realized that the pipes create their own sound.
“Then we thought it would be interesting to make an instrument just from that,” Kramer said.
Tube type instruments developed from marimba resonators have been around since the 1930s and were later used to create sound effects in Disney cartoons,
BOB GALE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26
culprit, thinking they’d warp his son’s mind. “He took it on himself to purify me by throwing away my collection,” Gale said. “I spent many hours of my misspent youth reading comic books, and it paid off. Not only did I write comic books for several years, but I was hired to do one of the first adaptations of ‘Doctor Strange’ as a motion picture, and I made $250,000 off of that script, so there you go.”
Gale’s first film project was an extremely low-budget science fiction production. He wrote and directed the 20-minute-long “1969: A SPACE ODDITY,” the U. City class of ’69 senior film.
Down
1. Toy that “sleeps”
2. “Message complete”
3. D.E.A. agent
4. Revlon cosmetics brand
5. “Woohoo!”
6. Dr.’s org.
7. “What?”, to most people in this puzzle
8. It might be Greek, even though it’s made in America
9. “And what’s this!?” 10. Like lottery results
11. Odorless, colorless, inert gas
12. Often doubled-up parsha
15. Deposition word with “sworn”
Flash forward to the 1990s, and Blue Man Group was using an instrument similar to Disney’s. But instead of bamboo, the tubes were made of PVC pipe
“The idea behind Jóia Tubes was to develop a more orchestral sounding instrument,” Kramer said.
Jóia Tubes are primarily used by children in a classroom setting. However, they’ve also been used by performers such as Patrick Moraz of the Moody Blues and St. Louis Symphony percussionist Rich O’Donnell.
The tubes made in St. Louis and sold in
The plot centered around U. City High School teachers — who were actually aliens from the planet Krapton. The aliens had difficulty controlling students in the school cafeteria, so they kidnapped the cafeteria’s real-life disciplinarian, Charley the bouncer.
“The students of U. City banded together to stop the aliens,” Gale said. “The great thing was that we made these ridiculous tie-dyed sheet costumes for the faculty who graciously consented to participate. They all had a really good sense of humor. The very idea that I got to tell the faculty, including [principal] Dr. [Mark] Boyer, what to do, that was pretty great.”
Until the musical version of “Back to the Future,” Gale’s career had focused on the screen. To prepare for the adaptation, he
18. Asimov and Mizrahi
22. Uncomplicated
25. Govt. watchdog
26. Islamic ruling
27. Curved entrance
28. Martial arts sequence
29. Operation Thunderbolt hero
30. Was sorry
31. Slang
the United States and various places around the world including Australia, England and Germany.
The ‘Jóia’ of Judaism
Growing up, Kramer’s family attended Temple Israel and Central Reform Congregation. In 2004, Jóia World Percussion performed at CRC during the installment of “Tikkun,” a sculpture by local artist Ilene Berman. The group has also performed at CRC for World Peace Day.
Like music, Kramer’s faith has been a
had to think about how to stage action sequences differently.
“One thing that actually came in handy, it turned out, was the Shakespeare units that we had in U. City English class,” he said. “I didn’t realize how much that stuff stuck with me. The biggest thing to deal with was how do you use the stage for what it does best? We didn’t want the musical to look like a mediocre version of the movie. We couldn’t do the skateboard chase or the terrorist chase. That had to go away.
“We had to figure out when we input dates into the time machine, how do we communicate that to the audience? In a movie, we can do a closeup. So I came up with the idea of, let’s have the DeLorean talk. Doc says, ‘Set the time for Nov. 5, 1955. And then you hear the car go, ‘Nov.
36. Electricity source, for short
38. Portion of a potion
39. One of the Trei Asar
41. Winkler part
life constant.
43. “Cobra Kai” villain
45. Political su x
46. 10th-inning counterparts, briefly
49. Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik
52. Singer Spinner
53. “___ little silhouetto of a man...”
54. “Hans Christian Andersen” star Danny
55. Like a teddy bear
59. Company that was put together in Älmhult, Sweden
60. Head of the Seine?
61. Consistent option for travelers to Israel
63. Prefix with meter
65. Surname on ice cream cartons
66. Dove sound
67. “Good question...”
Judaism “lets me know I’m doing the right thing,” he said.
As for Jóia World Percussion, one thing’s for certain, Kramer said: “It won’t end with me. We’ve been playing for over 30 years and still are.”
Jóia will perform at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Old Webster Blues & Jazz Festival (oldwebsterjazzfest.com) and at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at Tower Grove Pride in Tower Grove Park (towergrovepride.com). Admission to both is free. Visit joiaband.com for more information.
5, 1955.’ Then the audience knows. It was just thinking about how you tell the story with a different set of paintbrushes and different colors in your paint box.”
Besides a talking DeLorean, a major part of the stage adaptation is music, which also featured prominently in the original movie.
“We didn’t have to think long or hard about it,” Gale said. “We’ve got to have these four songs: ‘Johnny B. Goode,’ ‘Earth Angel,’ ‘Power of Love,’ and ‘Back in Time.’ Somebody explained to me that a song is sort of the musical theater equivalent of a closeup. So if you really want to make a big deal out of something, turn it into a song.”
For tickets or more information, visit fabulousfox.com.
(314) 567-9175
2456 Adie Road, 63043
GenescoWindowProducts.com
CHABAD JEWISH CENTER OF ST. CHARLES
Nearly 3,800 visitors attended the fourth annual St. Charles Jewish Festival on Aug. 25. They were treated to food, music, crafts and other examples of Jewish culture. Above, Dan Borgmeyer, mayor of the city of St. Charles, welcomed fair-goers and presented a special gift to Rabbi Chaim Landa, co-director of the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles. “This is the key to the city of St. Charles,” Borgmeyer said. “It represents the key to the success you’ve had and the growth of the Jewish community in St. Charles, which is ever expanding and we’re very, very proud of your efforts.”
At top right, Monroe Ginsburg sounds the shofar. At right, the Rogers Park band performs. PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN
SP TLIGHT
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CONGREGATION TEMPLE ISRAEL
On June 28, Congregation Temple Israel hosted a gala following Shabbat services to honor their Senior Rabbis, Amy Feder and Michael Alper. This celebration was held to commemorate their spiritual leadership of the congregation together for the past 13 years, as well as to celebrate Rabbi Michael’s recent promotion to Co-Senior Rabbi alongside Rabbi Amy. Guests dined and danced throughout the evening to The Fabulous Motown Revue, with members of the temple and greater St. Louis community. The event raised funds for the temple community.
