Jewish Light Digital Edition: Oct. 10, 2024 by stljewishlight

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The Jewish Light will publish print editions twice a month in 2024, on the following dates:

• Oct. 23

• Nov. 6 • Nov. 20 • Dec. 4 • Dec. 18

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The Newspaper of the Jewish Community of Greater St. Louis — Founded 1963

OUR BOARD AND STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Michael Staenberg, President

Bethe Growe, Immediate Past President

Kara Newmark, Vice President

Ryan Rich, Vice President

Justin Krachmalnick, Treasurer

Todd Taylor, Secretary

DIRECTORS

Caroline Goldenberg, Mia Kweskin, Debbie Lefton, Steve Rosenzweig and Adam Schneider

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY

JEWISH LIGHT PAST PRESIDENTS

Bernard Fischlowitz*, Milton I. Goldstein*, Morris Pearlmutter* (founder), Morris Moscowitz*, Melvin Newmark*, Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin*, Vivian Zwick*, Joseph Edlin*, Michael Newmark, Richard Stein, Yusef Hakimian*, Sanford Weiss*, Philip Isserman*, Linda Kraus, Richard Flom, Marvin Schneider, Barbara Langsam Shuman, Terry Bloomberg, John Greenberg, David Grebler*, Milton Movitz*, Gianna Jacobson, Jenny Wolkowitz, Gary Kodner, Jane Tzinberg Rubin, Steve Gallant, Laura K. Silver, Bethe Growe

* Of Blessed Memory

CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES

YOM KIPPUR

Friday, Oct. 11: Light Shabbat/holiday candles at 6:10 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 12: Shabbat/holiday/fast ends 7:06 p.m.

SUKKOT

The Jewish Light is a community partner of Jewish Federation of St. Louis.

Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0

4. Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g., First Class Mail®):

Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding

12 Months, 0; No. Copies of Single Issue

Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0

C. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 9,136; No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 9,127

D. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail)

1. Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0; No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0

2. Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0; No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0

3. Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0; No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0

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E. Total Free or Nominal Rate (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3), and (4)): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 141; No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 150

F. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 9,277; No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 9,277

G. Copies not Distributed: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 76; No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 75

H. Total (Sum of 15f, and 15g): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 9,353; No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 9,352

I. Percentage Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 98.48%; No. Copies of Single Issue

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Mike Sherwin, Managing Editor

STAFF

EXECUTIVE

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief

Stacy Wolff Smart, Chief of Revenue Growth and Community Engagement

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content Officer

EDITORIAL

Robert A. Cohn, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

Mike Sherwin, Managing Editor

BUSINESS & ENGAGEMENT

Jill Ragan, Bookkeeper

after 6:59 p.m. from a pre-existing flame

SHABBAT, INTERMEDIATE DAYS OF SUKKOT

Friday, Oct. 18: Light Shabbat candles at 6 p.m. from a pre-existing flame

Wed., Oct. 16: Light holiday candles at 6:03 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 17: Light holiday candles

Saturday, Oct. 19: Shabbat ends at 6:56 p.m.

SALES

Angie Rosenberg, Senior Account

Executive

Kelly Morris, Account Executive

Elaine Wernick, Account Executive

PRODUCTION

Candice Evers, Designer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bill Motchan, Amy Fenster Brown, Patricia Corrigan, Barry Gilbert, Jeffry Greenberg, Margi Lenga Kahn, Nancy Kranzberg, Elise Krug, Kathleen Lees, Molly Levine, Cate Marquis, Eric Mink, Shula Neuman, Judith Newmark, Martin Rochester, Megan Rubenstein

SHEMINI ATZERET

Wed., Oct. 23: Light holiday candles at 5:53 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 24: Light holiday candles after 6:50 p.m. from a pre-existing flame

CHESED SHEL EMETH SOCIETY memorial wall

Reserve a spot on the memorial wall located in our new pollinator garden. Each panel can be used to remember or honor the people you cherish. CONTACT THE OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION. 314-469-1891 | info@chesedshelemeth.org

Front: 28 panels Back: 28 panels

Panel size: 10in. x 5in

What your high school says about you—50 years later

I used to think St. Louisans’ fixation on where they went to high school was specific to St. Louis. As someone who didn’t grow up here, I just figured the proverbial, “Where’d you go to high school?” question was as provincial as kids telling jokes on Halloween. In other words, it was something unique to St. Louis.

But as the date approaches for my 50th high school reunion on Oct. 19, I’ve started to think a lot about those days and the lasting impact high school has had on me over the past five decades. Just maybe, I’m beginning to realize, the “Where’d you go to high school?” question absolutely matters because it can say much about us without us saying a word.

I graduated from Westbury High School in Westbury, N.Y. in 1974. Westbury is located on Long Island, in Nassau County, which is immediately east of New York City. Within Nassau County there are two cities, three towns, 64 incorporated villages and 63 unincorporated hamlets. Westbury is one of the incorporated villages in the town of North Hempstead.

So why the geography lesson?

Because Westbury, at least growing up there in the 1960s and early ’70s, was strikingly different from most (pretty much all) of the other villages in Nassau County given its racial and ethnic makeup. As hard as I tried to find precise demographic information from that time, I came up short, other than landing on numerous references to the white flight that took place as African Americans began moving into certain parts of Westbury and

white families began moving out.

I lived in one of those white flight subdivisions. In 1953, when my parents bought our modest, split-level house that looked pretty much like all the others on Frances Drive, our neighborhood was mostly Jewish and Italian. A decade or so later, we were one of a handful of white families still living on the block; the majority were Black.

In those days, I suppose Westbury High wasn’t all that different than University City High. The majority of students in my graduating class were white but counting the portraits of fellow seniors in our 1974 yearbook, “Wing and Spur,” 134 were Black, 160 white, and a few others Asian or Hispanic.

Back then we didn’t really talk about diversity, we just lived it through circumstances. Yes, most of the Black kids sat together in various groups at lunch in the cafeteria, as did the white kids. But we had classes together and after-school activities. We rode the bus to school together and played on sports teams. Many of us became friends with one another — some even dated — though it wasn’t always easy.

Navigating race relations as a teenager during that time had more than its fair share of challenges. I remember one Black friend in junior high taking me aside to say she couldn’t associate with me in public — meaning at school — because her Black friends were giving her a hard time about hanging with white girls. She didn’t want them to

NEWS & SCHMOOZE

News and Schmooze is a column by Jewish Light Editor-in-Chief Ellen Futterman. Email Ellen at: efutterman@stljewishlight.org.

call her “Oreo.”

Most of the time, we all got along well: Black, white, brown, Jewish, Christian, Italian, Irish — Westbury was like a colorful tapestry woven from multicultural thread. Still, at times during high school the hallways seemed thick with tension. Students were protesting the Vietnam War, Blacks were pushing back against decades of discrimination and women were demanding equal rights and legalized abortion.

Fights sometimes erupted along racial lines. The Black Power movement had gained traction, emphasizing pride in Black identity and culture, encouraging students to embrace their heritage. An outgrowth was the formation of Black Student Unions, and at Westbury High, ours seemed robust. I didn’t really understand the need for one at the time, but now I can see how the BSU provided a platform for Black students to organize, support one another and address specific issues they faced, including more Black representation among administrators, faculty and staff, and changes in curriculum that included more

One year later: More than 1,500 gather to remember victims of Oct. 7 attack

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN & JORDAN PALMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER

More than 1,500 people came together Monday night, Oct. 7, at the Jewish Community Center near Creve Coeur, while others joined remotely, to remember the thousands of Israelis murdered and the 101 hostages still in captivity as a result of the brutal attack by Hamas on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Prayers, songs and a commitment to Israel’s defense

The event featured prayers, songs and poems, along with a moving video that paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the attack and its aftermath. Attendees reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Israel and its efforts against Hamas and Hezbollah, expressing a collective resolve not to back down until all the hostages are safely returned.

“Tonight, we will pray for the survivors and the family members of those lost,” said Bob Newmark, president of the board of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. “We will dare to dream of a better day. And we will do all of this together, pulling strength from one another as our people have done through the ages.”

Naomi Elbaz reﬂects

One of the most moving parts of the hour-long gathering was hearing from Naomi Elbaz, The J’s Shlichah (Israel Engagement Coordinator). She choked back tears as she spoke of waking up to the “sounds of sirens” in Tel Aviv on Oct. 7, 2023, and soon learning of friends who had been murdered at the Nova Music Festival, as well as others she had served with in the Israel Defense Forces.

“I have never felt so helpless in my life,” she said, adding that soon after, she established a missing persons command center to collect and disseminate information about those taken hostage or reported missing. She also talked of the strength she and other Israelis feel knowing they are supported by the Jewish community worldwide.

“To make your voices heard, saying ‘We stand by Israel,’ meant so much,” she said. “It gave us the strength to focus on the good and start rebuilding what has been destroyed.”

Why people came

Among those in attendance, Randi Davis shared her feelings of devastation over the attack on Israel, despite not having personal connections there. “Israel has to exist, it just has to,” she said. “I’m here tonight because these are my people. I had to be here.”

The theme of solidarity extended across communities, with Diane Perry, 75, attending in an NAACP T-shirt.

“I came out of friendship between the NAACP and the Jewish people,” said Perry, who lives in Pagedale. “The Holocaust was similar in many ways to our slavery, but we never knew the numbers. I worked with a gentleman who was in a concentration camp, and I feel like his history and ours, we have something in common. We have to stop the enemy, the terrorists.”

Another attendee, Jason Turkin, reflected on the importance of showing up: “If we

audience at

Oct.

don’t show up for ourselves, who will? The people who didn’t survive the Oct. 7th massacre need us to stand up for them, to raise our voices, and to make it clear that this is not OK.”

For others, the event was about finding strength through community. Deborah Asher described how, over the past year, her need for community has grown exponentially. “I’ve found that community through my synagogue, Temple Israel, my rabbi and new friends,” she said. “It’s been tragic, but it’s also brought so many of us together.”

At left, from top to bottom: Greg Yawitz and Rachel Miller; Shirley Wise and Randi Davis; Michael Staenberg and Rabbi Shmuel Miller.

At right, Creve Coeur Mayor Robert Hoﬀman, Barbara Hoﬀman, Galit Lev-Harir and Tsila Schwartz. Below: Shinshin Ziv Shalev and Rick Recht.

Honoring Israeli lives lost

In a moving video assembled through a partnership between the Jewish communities of St. Louis and Atlanta, 29 Israelis were remembered, including Gili Adar z”l, a beloved counselor at Camp Ben Frankel near St. Louis. Adar, who was 24, was among the 260 Israelis attending a music festival near Gaza who were murdered by Hamas terrorists.

In one of the more emotional moments, Rick Recht, executive director of Judaism Alive, shared his wife’s connection to the

family of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, the young American hostage killed in Gaza. His parents have become symbols of the anguish endured by hostage families. Elisa Recht and Hersh’s father, Jon Polin, attended Jewish summer camp together.

“We have a picture of Hersh in our kitchen, so we can remember him and his family at every meal,” said Recht, who performed a song he wrote for Hersh called “Habayta.”

“Survive! this mother cries, know that the sun above you still shines,” sang Recht.

The

the community event

7 at the J stands to sing ‘Hatikvah.’ ALL PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN

St. Louisans reflect on personal changes sparked by Oct. 7

One year ago, Jews around the world awoke to learn of a horrific event. The Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, accounted for the largest number of Jews killed in a single day since the Holocaust. The following 12 months have been a period of mourning and attempts to reconcile the shock and violence of that day.

The memory of Oct. 7 is especially painful for Americans and Israeli Americans with friends and relatives who perished or were captured at the Nova Music Festival. But it also has affected every Jewish person, young and old.

As we approached this solemn anniversary, the Jewish Light asked a very broad swath of St. Louisans — who are either Jewish or working in the Jewish community — the same question:

How have the events of Oct. 7 changed or affected your life?”

The opinions expressed are those of the respondents and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Jewish Light.

Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh — Senior rabbi, Temple Emanuel

I shall never forget the horrors and atrocities committed against our brothers, sisters and children in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. As a Jewish soul, I feel vulnerable. Both the rise of antisemitism and anti-Zionism are symbolized in the shattering of glass, shards scattered around the world, waiting to be repaired.

I am hyperfocused on my Jewish presence in the world and the loneliness I feel. I wonder why “friends” and faith leaders have not expressed outrage about the hostages or rise of antisemitic acts. To borrow the image from the poem “Jigsaw” by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, where each of us is a piece to the puzzle, I am missing an important piece to my puzzle.

My bond with all Jewish souls is stronger. When one of us hurts, no matter where they are, we are required to respond. I find myself discussing why I am proud to be Jewish. I want to encourage

my Jewish family to stand proud; to engage in study, prayer and acts of chesed, loving kindness.

My heart hurts for all the innocent lives lost. Life is precious. Life is sacred. I cannot, I will not lose hope. But hope means action. As I collect each piece of broken glass, I must be part of the repair, not the destruction. In my own way, my heart is even more open to the vulnerabilities of souls around me. I must push up my sleeves to work with the Jewish people, the greater community, to reach understanding and wholeness.

Scott Biondo — Jewish Federation of St. Louis community security director

The events have and continue to change the way we mitigate security issues for the community. Protection of our Jewish university students, though always a concern, has been forced to the forefront. Being prepared to respond in the U.S. when new activities surrounding the war in Israel occur has become paramount to our mission as well.

Micah Lotsoff — Student, Clayton High School

Unfortunately, in the almost 18 years I’ve been alive, I haven’t been able to go to Israel. But the events of Oct. 7 made me feel more connected than I ever have.

Never before have I kept myself as updated on Israeli current events. Never

before have I realized how important it is for Israel as a homeland to exist. Never before have I seen my family suffer the way they have this past year. Never before have I seen so much antisemitism and hate toward my people and their home.

To answer your question, the events of Oct. 7 and those that have followed this past year have shown me how ugly and hateful people can be.

Rabbi Brad Horwitz — Chief Jewish engagement officer, Jewish Community Center

This year on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, I find myself filled with reflection and sorrow. Given the events that have transpired this past year, specifically the rise of antisemitism and the harrowing events and continuing aftermath of Oct. 7 our hearts carry much weight. Our community has suffered enormous loss and trauma, and it seems like there is no end in sight.

And yet, within this somber context, I am also filled with hope and optimism. Maybe it is a coping mechanism, but I honestly believe we will overcome and persevere.

The source of this positivity comes in large part from the Jewish tradition. In the liturgy of Rosh Hashanah, we recite the story of Abraham and Sarah, who, in their old age, were blessed with a child, Isaac. This narrative is not merely a tale of

miraculous birth; it embodies the essence of hope against all odds.

Abraham and Sarah’s journey was filled with trials, yet their faith and perseverance ultimately led to the birth of a new generation, one that would carry forward the legacy of monotheism and justice.

Just as our ancestors faced adversity, we too confront a world that feels hostile. The events of this past year can seem overwhelming, but we must remember that our response is rooted in resilience and hope. Hope does not deny the reality of our struggles; rather, it compels us to rise above them, to envision a future where love and understanding triumph over hatred.

Helen Turner — Director of education, St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum

For me, there is before Oct. 7 and after Oct. 7. I’ve been in Holocaust education for over a decade and not since Oct. 7 did I fully comprehend the importance of the idea of Israel in terms of safety for Jews, but I also didn’t fully comprehend the threat of violence as intimately as I do now. This was the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

Sitting in a synagogue days after the attack hearing the reading of the names of those held hostage, that history felt shockingly close. 10/7 is now part of the fabric of centuries old antisemitism and part of the narrative of post-Holocaust consciousness. Oct. 7 has reshaped how I understand the proximity of Holocaust history to today. It has forever changed how I engage with and teach the concept of genocide, particularly as director of education at a Holocaust museum. It has also heightened my awareness of the fragility of a destabilized world.

Since Oct. 7, my beliefs have been challenged, both my anxiety and empathy has deepened, and my understanding of the necessity of Holocaust and genocide education has solidified in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Oct. 7 changed Holocaust education, it changed the world, and it changed me.

Kalanit Chappell — Adminstrator of “Jews in the Lou” Facebook group

Since Oct. 7, I feel like my heart has been ripped open. The pain and devastation of the attacks have been overwhelming, and I’ve been forced to confront a reality that I never anticipated. My eyes have been opened to who truly supports us and who doesn’t, both within my circle and in the broader world.

It has been heartbreaking to witness some individuals and groups I once trusted remain silent or even oppose us in this critical time. As a result, I’ve had to reassess my involvement with certain social action groups, recognizing that I can no longer align myself with organizations that do not stand by us in our time of need. In response, I’ve sought deeper connection and solidarity within my own community. I’ve found that turning inward, toward the people who share my values and experiences, has provided the support and

From left: Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh, Scott Biondo and Micah Lotsoff

From left: Rabbi Brad Horwitz, Helen Turner and Kalanit Chappell

understanding I so desperately needed.

It hasn’t been easy, but in the midst of the pain, I’ve found strength in recentering my activism and my relationships around those who are unequivocally committed to our safety, well-being and future. This period of loss has also been one of growth, as I continue to build new alliances and strengthen old ones that reflect my deepest beliefs.

Paul Sorenson — Board member, MaTovu

The past year underscored for me just how deeply people from across our Jewish community are connected to each other — and how profoundly intertwined our well-being and safety is with all people in Israel and Palestine, in St. Louis and across the world.

Emma Malter — President, NFTY Missouri Valley

Since Oct. 7, I’ve felt like there’s been a huge weight on my chest. No matter what, it just will not go away. My heart hurts for all the families of the hostages. There’s no way to describe it other than to say it feels like a dark cloud is constantly over my head. My happy moments, my sad moments and everything in between feels so small compared to what is happening in Israel.

Robert Newmark — Board chair, Jewish Federation of St. Louis

The brutal attacks Oct. 7 dramatically impacted me personally. For one thing, as board chair of the Jewish Federation, our work shifted overnight.

We have sponsored numerous vigils and gatherings, coordinated the community response to increasing antisemitic attacks, advocated for the safe return of the hostages (including a community awareness billboard campaign), and we raised (and then invested) millions of dollars through an Israel Emergency Campaign.

We did all of this while we have continued our “regular” work on providing community security, funding social safety net services and building community. So it has been a very busy time for Federation.

Our community trip to Israel last October to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Israel’s founding was unfortunately canceled, but I was able to visit friends and family in Israel last April. Sharing solidarity with our extended community in Israel was incredibly meaningful for me, as was seeing first-hand the places where Hamas committed its atrocities and talking with survivors and family members of hostages.

On an even more personal side, I have witnessed the impact of lost friendships, and insecurity about safety, that so many of us in our community have experienced. I am truly grateful for the way our community has come together to support one another in this challenging time.

Raquel Scharf-Anderson — Head of school, Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School

Since the tragic events of Oct. 7 and with

the developments that have followed, our Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School kehillah has felt a profound and lasting impact. While the tragedy remains ever-present in our minds, we are intentional in how and when we address it with our students, ensuring it is done in age appropriate and thoughtful ways.

From the first day back at school, we gathered students by age group to inform them of the news and provide a space for their questions and concerns. We have also established ongoing support for our faculty and staff while extending care and communication to our Israeli families.

We aim to provide a safe, supportive environment where community members can access accurate information, express their emotions and take meaningful action. We have dedicated time and space, within our building, classrooms, prayer spaces and curriculum, for learning, memorializing and fostering hope for the future.

At the same time, we remain sensitive to our students’ diverse maturity levels and knowledge, ensuring we respect their ability to process and understand the situation without overwhelming them.

Our community continues to stand together, offering strength, compassion and support for all those affected.

Michael Berg — Member of St. Louis Palestine Solidarity Committee and Jewish Voice for Peace

When I first gained some awareness of the scope of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel, my heart sank — in mourning for the Israeli victims and with a recognition that the state of Israel would soon make life a living hell for every man, woman and child in Gaza.

Israeli atrocities began immediately and, one year later, they have not stopped. The entire destruction of Gaza’s universities,

schools, homes, hospitals, greenhouses, bakeries — everything necessary for society to function. The targeting of poets, doctors, journalists and aid workers. The rape of detainees. The sniping of children, one by one, in their heads. The intentional starvation of a population.

My friends from Gaza tell me of their family fleeing bombs and bullets multiple times and yet still losing dozens of family members, including elderly grandparents and small children. It keeps me up at night.

For the most part, St. Louis Jewish leaders and institutions, including the Jewish Light, have responded with either callous disregard for Palestinian suffering or outright denial of reality. Whether you acknowledge it or not, the State of Israel is committing a genocide, and the world sees it. When people plead to stop the atrocities, there is a knee jerk reaction from Jewish leaders and institutions to accuse them of antisemitism, wielding the accusation as a political weapon. Let’s do better.

Open your eyes. Open your heart. Israelis cannot bomb their way to peace and security. Only full rights and justice for Palestinians can bring that.

Lester Goldman — Past president, Congregation B’nai Amoona

The horror of what happened that day, the continual despair for the plight of the hostages, the bewilderment of how unprepared Israel was, are, even today, still churning my gut in a whirlwind of emotions. And on top of it all, I am depressed by the irrational, undeserved, hatred of Israel, Zionism and world Jewry by so many people and nations.

Even so, I am profoundly hopeful, perhaps unrealistically, but hopefully and prayerfully, nevertheless, that a resolution of this terrible conflict, on the battlefield and in the minds and hearts of so many, will

speedily come to a just and merciful end.

Riva Stern — Senior, John Burroughs School

You never expect to feel completely at a loss. You never expect a communitywide panic. I had always been proud of my Jewish identity. On Oct. 7, my life and the life of every other proud Jewish person changed.

Every day post-Oct. 7, my days were filled with people hiding behind their screens, reposting colorful infographics and hurtful misinformation, and sitting among my community in the U.S. feeling awful about being so far removed and seemingly incapable of helping. Reports of young people camped out on college campuses and calling for the “second intifada.”

I’ve had countless long debates-turned explanations where it was my job to explain why what Hamas has done and continues to do are acts of terrorism. If you had told me I would be doing that a year ago, I would have called you crazy. However, most importantly, the world denied me, my friends, my family and any other Jewish person the ability to feel our pain and work through our grief.

Now, nearly a year later, being Jewish for me is a sense of pride, as well as one of fear. When I say I’m Jewish, I look weird, like I’ve personally done something wrong. I’ve had to decide where I’m going to college in part based on whether I will be safe on campus.

However, if anything, this past year has made my identity as a Jewish person more important to me and brought me a larger understanding of what being a Jewish person actually means.

We feel each other’s pain, we are here for each other, and we are resilient.

— Compiled by Ellen Futterman, Jordan Palmer and Bill Motchan

Above, from left: Paul Sorenson, Emma Malter, Robert Newmark, Raquel Scharf-Anderson, Michael Berg, Lester Goldman and Riva Stern

PHOTO: JORDAN PALMER

The J names Steven Rosenzweig as new CEO

BY JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER

The St. Louis Jewish Community Center (the J) has named Steven Rosenzweig as its new president and CEO, effective in late November. A longtime leader in the St. Louis nonprofit sector, Rosenzweig returns to the J after previously serving as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) from 2006 to 2015. He takes over from Lynn Wittels, who retired in February.

Rosenzweig, who most recently served as CFO of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His connection with the J spans nearly two decades, including six years on the board, where he contributed to the organization’s growth and community-building efforts.

“Our search for the next president and CEO of the J was wide, deep and long. Our patience for the ideal candidate paid off,” said Monte Sandler, board chair of the J. “(Steven) is passionate about our mission and believes strongly in ensuring that the J remains the town square of the St. Louis Jewish community. As board chair, I look forward to working with Steven to set the strategic direction for the agency and then executing to make sure we accomplish our goals.”

Immediate focus

As Rosenzweig takes on his new role, he says his first priority is to listen and engage with the community.

“My immediate priority is to listen and learn from staff and the broader community,” Rosenzweig said. “I’m eager to hear firsthand what the J means to people and how we can best serve their needs. While my experience as CFO and COO has provided valuable insights, I approach this role with a fresh perspective.”

Rosenzweig said he’s fortunate to be joining an already vibrant, well-supported organization, which gives him the time to shape his leadership approach.

Leadership approach

Rosenzweig said working under Wittels at the J and Marie-Hélène Bernard at the Symphony Orchestra gave him a deeper understanding of mission-driven organizations and prepared him for this new role.

“I believe in leading by example, prioritizing open communication, honesty, empathy, team empowerment and adaptability,” he said. “I anticipate a shorter ramp-up period because I’m already familiar with many staff members, board members and donors. But I recognize the

J has evolved since I left, and I’ve grown professionally over the past decade.”

Challenges and opportunities for the J

One of the key challenges Rosenzweig sees for the J is adapting to the changing needs of the Jewish community. He views the J’s role as a cornerstone of Jewish life in St. Louis and is eager to work with the board and community leaders to strengthen those bonds further.

“Serving the entire Jewish community

amidst shifting demographics and evolving interests is one of our biggest challenges,” he said. “But this also presents an opportunity. The J’s programs and facilities are unmatched and we play a vital role in bringing the community together.”

Vision for the future

In his first 90 days, Rosenzweig plans to focus on connecting with members, staff and the wider community.

“I plan to spend time in our facilities, interacting with members and gaining insights into their experiences,” Rosenzweig said. “I want to be a visible presence in the community. The J aims to be the town square of the Jewish community, and it’s essential we continually assess who is and isn’t represented in that space.”

He plans to focus on strengthening community ties, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring the J’s long-term sustainability.

“As I step forward in this exciting new chapter, I look forward to reconnecting with long-time staff, meeting new team members and working closely with the board to ensure the J continues to enrich lives, build community, promote inclusivity and create meaningful Jewish experiences,” said Rosenzweig, who also is a Jewish Light board member.

Steven Rosenzweig. PHOTO: JOAN FISHER

Interfaith Partnership event to honor Rabbi Mark Shook

On Oct. 29, Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis will gather over 31 religious traditions to celebrate vibrant relationships, renewed commitments to one another and friendship as well as honor two distinguished leaders of diversity from the St. Louis region. They will be recognized for their commitment to promoting peace, justice and understanding across lines of religious difference.

At the organization’s 32nd Annual Interfaith Dinner and Celebration, Dr. Humayun Quadir, an advocate of Interfaith Partnership since its earliest beginnings, and Rabbi Mark Shook, emeritus rabbi at Temple Israel, will receive The Interfaith Lifetime Achievement Award 2024.

Called “CommUNITY,” the event is hosted this year by the Baha’i community. This event will be the year’s largest interfaith gathering in the St. Louis metropolitan area, with an anticipated 500 clergy, leaders and lay members of St. Louis’ faith communities gathering for dinner, robust dialogue and more.

According to Shook, “A mere glance at the daily headlines on any given day makes a strong case for the mission of the Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis. For more than three decades, instead of turning away from the real problems that beset us, racism and

hatred, the IP has faced them straight on. The Interfaith Partnership is bringing faith communities of St. Louis closer to one another, to make a difference. I am humbled and proud to receive this recognition from the IP with my friend Dr. Quadir.”

The public is invited and encouraged to attend this event, which will be held at the Busch Student Center at St. Louis University. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the dinner and program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Free garage parking will be available to guests. Tickets can be purchased and/or donations made online by visiting www.Interfaithstl.org/celebrate

Chaim Bloom will be the Cardinals general manager after next season

BILL MOTCHAN

SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

The St. Louis Cardinals announced on Sept. 30 that Chaim Bloom will succeed John Mozeliak as president of baseball operations following the 2025 season. Bloom, who is Jewish, has worked for the Cardinals as an advisor since January 2024.

Bloom attended a Jewish day school in his native Philadelphia. He also attended Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy (which was then known as Akiba Hebrew Academy), where he graduated in 2000. In a Barrack Hebrew Academy alumni spotlight, Bloom called his time there an important educational experience.

“My years at Akiba were critical to my development, both academically and personally,” Bloom said in the bulletin. “More important than any specific pieces of knowledge that I received was in fact learning how to read, how to parse things, and how to think critically. Akiba also tries to make students aware of how to treat others and of their responsibility as citizens of a larger world, and that’s a mindset that stays with me in my work and my life.”

In 2005, Bloom joined the Tampa Bay Rays as an intern. He began working fulltime for the team in its minor league operations later that year and was promoted to assistant director of the same unit in 2008. In 2014, he was named director of base-

ball operations of Tampa’s major league team, and senior vice president of baseball operations in 2016.

During his tenure in Tampa Bay, Bloom was credited with creating a competitive, winning team despite working with a lower-tier payroll. He was an early innovator of analytics and the use of shifts.

In 2019, Bloom joined the Boston Red Sox as chief baseball officer, where he inherited another low-payroll team. His first full season in Boston was 2020, which was shortened by Covid. He was fired by Boston after the 2023 season and joined the Cardinals in 2023.

Bill DeWitt II, chairman of the Cardinals, announced that the team has agreed to a five-year contract with Bloom.

The St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum recently announced the opening of the fall funding cycle for the Rubin and Gloria Feldman Family Educational Institute. Interested individuals and organizations can apply for funds of up to $5,000 on the Institute’s online portal. The application cycle closes on Oct. 29, and award winners will be notified later in the year.

The Feldman Institute supports projects that reject hatred, promote understanding, and inspire change using the history and lessons of the Holocaust. The Institute is especially, but not exclusively, interested in projects that benefit Missouri and the Midwest region. Institute funds will be dispersed to nonprofits and educational institutions. Individual educators may

apply, but funds will be dispersed to the educational institute with which they are affiliated.

The Institute funds programs of educational and artistic merit that do one or more of the following: explore the history and legacy of the Holocaust; use the lessons of the Holocaust to examine subjects of ethical, social, and political importance; facilitate dialogue between people of different ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds; combat antisemitism, racism, and discrimination based on disability, sex, religion, sexual-orientation, or age. The Institute does not fund capital improvements or operating expenses.

To apply, visit STLHolocaustMuseum. org/Feldman-Institute.

Chaim Bloom speaks at a St. Louis Cardinals press conference Sept. 30.

Rabbi Mark Shook

NEWSMAKERS

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

At the Oct. 19 Heart & Soul Gala, Jubilation, Congregation Shaare Emeth will honor Debbie and Mike Lefton with the Harris Frank Community Service Award, which recognizes congregants who have demonstrated exemplary service to the congregation, St. Louis Jewish and greater St. Louis communities. Debbie Lefton currently serves as an officer on the executive committee at the Jewish Community Center and co-chairs the Fox Building capital campaign; began an eight-year term on the National Jewish Federations Women’s Philanthropy board; is a member of the Jewish Light board and St. Louis Children’s Hospital Friends board. Mike Lefton has spent his career at Metal Exchange where he serves as executive chairman. He is currently board president of Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis and regional president of the American Jewish Committee-St. Louis. They both serve on other boards of many organizations in St. Louis.

Chabad at Washington University, Rohr Center for Jewish Life, honored Simone Picker as Alum of the Year. She was recognized for her leadership in spearheading a strategic initiative to support Jewish faculty and staff at WashU. Picker’s dedication has played a pivotal role in enhancing the Jewish community on campus and fostering a more inclusive environment. Picker is the Beyond Boundaries program coordinator at Washington University in St. Louis. She is a member of Bais Abraham Congregation and Young Israel of St. Louis.

Miriam School and Learning Center welcomed Josh Hutkins, Karen Teitelbaum and Marla Wild to its board of directors. They will support the nonprofit’s work to empower unique learners. Hutkins is an attorney at Sandberg Phoenix, Teitelbaum is a retired educator and Wild has over 30 years of service in social work.

Jill Delston was selected by the University of Missouri–St. Louis to receive the 2024 Gerald and Deanne Gitner Excellence in Teaching Award at the Chancellor’s State of the University Address. The award recognizes a first or second-year tenure track faculty member for outstanding and innovative teaching. Delston is an assistant professor of philosophy at UMSL and a member of Congregation Temple Israel.

Bonnie Frank is the new director of operations of the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis.

The National Press Club announced that NPR won two awards: for its coverage of the early days of the war sparked by Hamas’ attack last October on Israel and for investigative reporting on the harvesting of blood from horseshoe crabs for pharmaceutical use. The Middle East team, led by veteran foreign correspondent and former St. Louisan Daniel Estrin, was awarded the Breaking News Award (Broadcast) for its coverage of the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.

Maxine Clark wrote the forward for Rebecca Now’s new book, “In HER Power, In HER Wisdom: A Woman’s Guide to Overcoming Challenges and Growing into Your Power.” This book features the stories of 23 remarkable women who have overcome significant challenges and emerged stronger and wiser. Clark is the visionary behind

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TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Simone Picker, Josh Hutkins, Karen Teitelbaum and Marla Wild.

SECOND ROW: Jill Delston, Bonnie Frank, Daniel Estrin and Maxine Clark.

THIRD ROW: Josh Taylor, Gabi Kruger and Les Sterman

Debbie and Mike Lefton

Build-A-Bear, the chief inspirator at Delmar DIVINE and CEO and president of Clark-Fox Foundation.

Josh Taylor has joined the St. Louis office of law firm Husch Balckwell’s Private Wealth group. His focus is estate planning and offering personalized guidance that helps clients plan for the future and define their legacies.

Gabi Kruger will take the stage as Pilar in “Legally Blonde: The Musical” at the Alfresco Performing Arts Center in Granite City. The show is described as a “fabulous evening of laughter, music and inspiration.” Tickets are on sale at www.alfrescoproductions.org and performances run from Nov. 8-10 & 15-17. Kruger, a member of Congregation B’nai Amoona, is an analytical scientist at Millipore Sigma where she specializes in the development and analysis of Antibody-Drug Conjugates. Following in the footsteps of Elle Woods, she is also preparing to take the LSAT.

The Consumers Council of Missouri will present its Directors’ Award to Les Sterman for his contributions to the organization as board director from 2015 through 2024. The award recognizes Sterman’s leadership, persistence and dedication throughout his board tenure and will be presented at a reception Sunday, Oct. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Exodus Gallery. The event, themed “Building Equity and Healthy Communities,” includes a panel discussion and refreshments. Tickets start at $50 per person and can be purchased at moconsumers.org. Sterman is a member of Central Reform Congregation.

SCHMOOZE

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Black history and perspectives.

At age 17½, when I left Westbury to attend college at Washington University, it was as if I had stepped into an alternative universe. I came to the university — and St. Louis — sight unseen; the farthest west I had been was Lancaster, Pa. All I saw at WashU — in my dorm, in my classes, on campus — was a sea of white faces. What minority students matriculated seemed to be Asian; Black and brown representation was scarce. The transition from multiracial to more homogeneous felt strange. Fast forward to present day, where for the past year I’ve been part of the Westbury High School 50th Reunion planning committee. We Zoom most Wednesday nights, me in St. Louis; David in California; Eddie and Craig in different parts of Jersey; Liz in Minnesota; Yvonne in Florida; Donna in Chicago; Claudette in Westbury; and Gary from far-flung locales throughout the world. This committee is like a microcosm of our high school grad-

LEAD STL appoints new executive director

LEAD STL, formerly Cultural Leadership, a nonprofit dedicated to igniting “transformative social change” in the greater St. Louis area, with a special focus on the Black and Jewish experiences, has appointed Chyna Bowen as its new executive director. With a distinguished career in equity and inclusion, program implementation and philanthropic strategy, Bowen brings experience and a passion for empowering communities through leadership development and education.

“On behalf of the Board, I am thrilled to welcome Chyna Bowen to LEAD STL,” said Rodney White, board vice chair. “Chyna brings a wealth of experience, passion, and vision to our organization. We are confident that under her leadership, LEAD STL will continue to grow and make a significant impact on our community.”

Chyna Bowen

Bowen previously served as Organizational Development and Inclusion Leader at BarryWehmiller, where she led the diversity, equity and inclusion strategy for a

12,000-person enterprise. Prior to that, she was the regional director of network for teaching entrepreneurship and held various philanthropic roles with organizations including TEDx St. Louis.

“At a time when we need culturally intelligent and empathetic leaders, now more than ever, I’m beyond honored to build upon this 20-year legacy and help shape the next generation of inclusive leadership,” said Bowen.

For more information about LEAD STL, visit LEADSTL.ORG or contact info@leadstl.org.

Travel on a learning adventure as we explore the impact of collective memory on our Jewish identities and the preservation of memories of specific Jewish communities around the world.

“Jewish Journeys: Collective Memories through Place and Time” with Senior Rabbi Elizabeth B. Hersh will take place on Thursdays (and one Wednesday) from 7-8:30 p.m. both in person at Temple Emanuel or on Zoom. The six sessions are: Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14, 20 (Wednesday, not Thursday the 21), Dec. 5, 19 (no class Nov. 28 and Dec. 12). Classes are recorded, and can be viewed by students who miss a class.

uating class: half white, half Black and gender-wise, split pretty even. What fun it has been to reconnect with my fellow Dragons. While my time at WashU was nothing short of fantastic, I have come to realize over the years how thankful I am for my Westbury High experience. Growing up in a multiracial, multicultural environment profoundly shaped who I am today, both personally and professionally. Being surrounded by classmates from diverse backgrounds at a young age taught me the importance of listening and understanding different perspectives. I learned to appreciate the richness that comes from cultural differences,

The cost is $179. However, if you have taken this class before, please contact Rabbi Janine Schloss at rabbijanine@ testl.org before registering. For those taking this class for the first time, register at www.meltonschool.org/st-louis

Print books are no longer included with the registration. Print books cost an extra $30 per book and must be ordered no closer than two weeks before the start date of the class or there will be an additional charge of $20 for shipping.

Ebooks are included with every registration and will be delivered one week before the start of class.

Confidential scholarships are avail-

which has been invaluable in my career as a journalist.

One of the things our planning committee sought to do was make the price of the reunion affordable so as many of our classmates as possible could attend. We started a GoFundMe account to underwrite the cost of the Saturday night ticket and were able to reduce the price by 52%.

We also worked like Sherlock Holmes trying to track down classmates who aren’t on social media or LinkedIn through every channel possible. While it’s still a couple of weeks away, it looks as if at least 60 out of our class of 330 will be attending (sadly, 40-plus have passed

able. In addition, a special tuition rate of $50 is available for any full- or part-time professionals working at Jewish organizations, including teachers and staff in St. Louis Jewish preschools, religious schools, day schools and youth groups. Scholarships and special tuition rates are thanks to the Borow Endowment for Jewish Education and the Libby Needle Memorial Fund, managed by Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Email rabbijanine@testl.org for the coupon codes before registering. Scholarships cannot be applied to the cost of the print books.

away and will be honored at a tree planting ceremony at the high school).

Some can’t make the 50th because of health reasons, or scheduling glitches, or the time and money involved in traveling from faraway destinations. Others have no desire to reconnect with high school classmates for whatever the reason.

Me, I can’t wait. I feel so much pride being a Westbury Dragon and graduating at the time I did.

And as for the question, “Where’d you go to high school?” heck yes, it absolutely matters. Because the way I see it, where I went to high school is part of my DNA and speaks volumes about me.

OPINIONS

D’VAR TORAH: ON YOM KIPPUR

ABOUT THE OPINIONS SECTION

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

A collective ‘Cheshbon Hanefesh’ (accounting of our soul) for Yom Kippur

BY RABBI JAMES M. BENNETT CONGREGATION SHAARE EMETH

Growing up, I dreaded Yom Kippur. Not merely the frightening and guilt-evoking liturgy of sin and repentance, not only having to go 24 hours without food, but also for the mood and the obligations of this challenging day itself.

Our family spent the whole day at temple. My father would insist that we join him in the congregation while my mother sang with the temple choir. For a time, my siblings and I willingly sat with our father, pretending to remain interested in the words and prayers and music and sermons, much of which was above our heads or felt irrelevant to us.

As we grew older and more rebellious, though, we would slip away, with or without permission, to join our friends and the other teens of the congregation wandering the halls or congregating outside, wreaking mild havoc but rarely reaching the point of needing to be disciplined. One year, for example, I recall discovering the temple break-the-fast being set up in the temple basement during the Yizkor service, presenting a unique challenge.

While our wanderings from the sanctuary were more or less tolerated throughout the day, my parents actually banned us from sitting with them during Yizkor services in the afternoon, telling us that “one day you’ll need to go to Yizkor, but for now you shouldn’t be here saying these prayers.” Only many years later did I understand.

Yom Kippur, you see, has countless memories for me, revolving around sin, forgiveness, “thou shalt nots” and “thou

D’VAR TORAH: ON SUKKOT

shalts” and more. Over the years, I have made peace with the psychology and theology of the Day of Atonement, the need for teshuvah (atonement) and particularly as I have been granted entry into the club of those for whom Yizkor is permissible. In fact, I have come to look forward to this day each year. In need of times of self-reflection and contemplative prayer, I welcome the opportunity to spend a day focused on such an introspective accounting of my life — known as Cheshbon Hanefesh (accounting of the soul). From the large attendance that Yom Kippur inspires for so many of us, I suspect this is a widely shared perspective.

This Cheshbon Hanefesh, however, is not merely for each of us as individuals. Our tradition couches most of the prayers of the Vidui, or Confessional Prayer, in the

“

Rabbi James M. Bennett is senior rabbi of Congregation Shaare Emeth and is a past president of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, which coordinates the d’var Torah for the Jewish Light.

merely all responsible for the sins that we permit by our own behavior or by our complicity, or even by our negligence. We are also all responsible for our collective sins — the shortcomings that we have allowed to flourish in our community,

We are not merely all responsible for the sins that we permit by our own behavior or by our complicity, or even by our negligence. We are also all responsible for our collective sins — the shortcomings that we have allowed to flourish in our community, together, by our collective failures.

plural, to teach, in part, that we are all responsible for the sins of humanity, whether we personally have committed each sin or not. “Al chet shechatanu lefanecha….For the sin that we have committed before You…” we intone again and again throughout Yom Kippur. If some have sinned, then we all have sinned.

This communal sense of responsibility teaches an important lesson. We are not

together, by our collective failures. This demands a complicated calculus. As we each seek to do our own teshuvah, which includes the sins we ourselves have committed and those others have committed, we also must think about the times we remained silent when witnessing injustice or harm coming to others, or the times we justified such injustices on the basis of our own self-interest.

The past year has provided ample opportunity for us all to do just this. Countless examples abound, locally and throughout the world, of us our own sense of being wronged, our own hurt, our own fear, our own pain, our own sense of being the victim of injustice. There is no doubt that we have been the victims, that we have been wronged. This is a slippery slope, for we when we construct definitions of injustice or wrongdoing only on the basis of our own experience, we risk coming to the conclusion that what is hurtful to me justifies doing what is hurtful to others. Our tradition, though, we must remember, teaches, in the familiar words of Rabbi Hillel, that “what is hurtful to you, do not do to others. This is the whole Torah — the rest is commentary. Go and learn it.”

Yom Kippur is about all of this. When we have been wronged, when we recognize our own pain, we are challenged to forgive those who have wronged us. Doing so is often unbearable, seemingly impossible, yet ultimately necessary. And when we realize that we have wronged others, we are commanded to change our ways, to do teshuvah, and to return to the essence of our values and our faith.

I no longer dread Yom Kippur. I welcome it, with the painful yet sweet opportunity it prevents for us to feel that we may begin again, inscribed for blessing for another year.

G’mar Chatimah Tovah…May we all be inscribed for a good year — a year of individual and collective cheshbon hanefesh, a year of blessing for all.

‘We must learn to create a meaningful life in a world where we cannot always make sense of our surroundings’

BY RABBI ELIZABETH HERSH TEMPLE EMANUEL

Autumn fills my soul with beauty. I take delight in the crisp air, and the artist’s array of beautiful leaves. The audible crunch of leaves under my boots is an old familiar sound.

I welcome dusk at an earlier hour. The long evening stretches ahead of me like a red carpet filled with opportunity to read, talk, stream and just to be. It is a gift to finish my day under the protective embrace of a cozy homemade knitted blanket.

Autumn ushers in Sukkot, my thanksgiving. Sukkot is one of the three harvest festivals. What is a harvest? It is an ingathering of crops, and may I suggest, blessings? Sukkot is also referred to as “Zeman Simchateinu,” the time of our happiness.

We rejoice and remember. We feel a deep connection to the earth as well as the moon whose fullness is a metaphoric reminder of the bounty of our harvest.

While I do not consider myself a gardener, I believe I reap the harvest of the blessing in my midst. After the Days of Awe, my heart and soul are ready to rejoice. There is a tradition that each of the species represent a part of the human body. The willow, the lips; luluv, the spine; the myrtle the eyes, and the etrog the heart. All are brought together to serve God in joy. There is a tradition that “When God measures a human being, God puts the tape around the heart not the head. The human heart that responds to the sound of the heart of the world is the truest index of a person’s humanity.” (Sidney Greenberg Lessons for Living. ) Sukkot and Simchat Torah are the culmination of a sacred peri-

od in our lives that utilizes every aspect of our bodies to celebrate and worship God.

And perhaps one of the greatest blessings is a lesson that Sukkot teaches. A sukkah is temporary. During this festival we eat, read, study and sleep in this hut that may easily be destroyed with a gust of wind. We learn to rely on God, and may I add, our relationships, not what may be temporary or fleeting? God is permanent in our lives, if only we welcome the Divine Presence.

We turn to the author of Ecclesiastes for guidance on this Festival of booths. This book of wisdom, believed to have been written by King Solomon reminds us that life is transitory. Moreover, we are constantly confronted with contradiction. There is a strong Greek or philosophic influence in this book.

We are challenged to open our souls and

Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh is senior rabbi at Temple Emanuel and is a member of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, which coordinates the d’var Torah for the Jewish Light.

look deep within ourselves and consider what makes us vulnerable. Success is never guaranteed, but we should always work to make this a better world. The author finds great satisfaction in love and

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BOB NEWMARK REFLECTS ON OCT. 7

One father’s journey through personal and communal grief

BY BOB NEWMARK

Oct. 7 is an important day in my life, but not for the reasons you are thinking. You see, 26 years ago today, my daughter Isabella was born. Her sweet smile was contagious from the very beginning. She was our first child, and as a result I did not really have any idea what I had gotten myself into. But I knew my life had changed, and that it had been changed for the better.

A strange thing happened on the morning we were to leave the hospital, notwithstanding my wife Kara’s and my pleas that we were not sufficiently prepared for parenting and that it would be criminal for them to send us home with a newborn. As Kara took a shower I had a few private moments with Isabella. Curled up on the hospital bed, I remember promising to always look out for her and keep her safe. These were the sweet sentiments of a firsttime dad, not realizing how complex the world truly was, and how much such a promise was out of my control.

I never imagined the horrors that befell our community on Oct. 7, 2023. That it happened on Isabella’s 25th birthday only exacerbates the cruelty of it all. We have all felt many emotions over the last year, from sorrow and outrage to vulnerability and fear. We have wept and prayed with our friends and family, and we have supported one another to carry on – to make the most of our world around us, whatever condition it happens to be in.

But the hardest part for me personally has been seeing the impact of recent events on my children. Isabella is a fierce defender of the truth. She cares passionately for the well-being of those around her, for the Jewish community and also the wider community. Social justice runs deep within her.

So when some of her non-Jewish friends refused to speak with her in the days following Oct. 7, Isabella felt isolated, abandoned and confused. Not confused about what she believed in, but confused about how important it was to some people to simply be “right” in their perspective, and to not be willing to hear another one. I think she was also a bit scared in seeing first-hand how the brutality of the mob could be turned against innocent people.

Of course, we all had this experience over the past year in different ways. And we have all dealt with it in our own ways, too.

I took note early on that so many people

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friendship. Even if life is unfair, life is good. Life is worth living. We must learn to create a meaningful life in a world where we cannot always make sense of our surroundings.

The Festival of Sukkot represents a lesson in conducting a meaningful approach to life. Be grateful. Count your blessings and recognize the harvest comes in many shapes and forms. Enjoy the pleasures of life as well as love and friendship. The real freedom comes from within. You have control over your heart. Look for ways to live with purpose. Modesty. Life with bal-

in the broader community were genuinely concerned for what had happened, and the toll it was taking on our Jewish community. I heard from civic leaders, business leaders and ordinary people who are just friends.

I know the vast majority of St Louisans (and Americans for that matter) recognize Hamas for what it is, and find the proHamas protests absurd. I know that most of these people fervently believe in Israel’s right to defend itself. I even had a Catholic colleague stop me recently to ask for a primer on why Israelis were protesting in the streets – he thought it was obvious that Israel was within its rights to continue prosecuting this war.

We need to remind one another of this regularly, and not be so taken in by the headlines made by the protestors and the messaging from the fringe. For sure, we can — and must — all care deeply for the well-being of Israelis and Palestinians without showing any support for Hamas and what they have done. And we must speak out against antisemitic messaging and tropes being deployed with reckless abandon. I am encouraged by this widely held sentiment in our Jewish community and among our wider circles.

year where our annual campaign grew, as did our endowment and other restricted funding. This is truly a generous and supportive community, and I am grateful to so many in this community for their efforts in this regard.

Watching the St Louis community come together to support one another, and to raise millions of dollars to support our friends and family members in Israel, has been uplifting and inspiring. For those keeping score, we raised $4.3 million through Federation, and when we stopped counting we noted over $3 million more that went directly to causes in Israel from our community members. We did that in a

ance. The author of Koheleth (Ecclesiastes) tears down but also builds up. We learn about the cycle of life.

Ecclesiastes chapter 3 teaches that there is a time for everything. Yehuda Amichai wrote that often we cry and laugh at the same time. It is not one or the other. From the poem, “A Man Doesn’t Have Time In His Life,”

A man doesn’t have time in his life to have time for everything.

He doesn’t have seasons enough to have a season for every purpose. Ecclesiastes Was wrong about that.

A man needs to love and to hate at the same moment,

Submit letters to the editor to: letters@thejewishlight.com

Iran is clear and present danger to Israel

After Iran’s recent launch of 180 ballistic missiles against Israel, the Jewish state is now pondering how it’s going to conduct a retaliatory response against its arch enemy.

In my judgment, this is a no brainer.

Israel should hit all of Iran’s nuclear facilities, in an effort to wipe out the evil empire’s ability to make war and to eliminate the destructive havoc Iran has wreaked on the world for many years.

How many times have Israel and the U.S. stated unequivocally that Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons? Well, this is the opportune time to do it.

Federation has been convening many of our partners on a consistent basis with extra emphasis on our partners who are building community relations and fighting antisemitism. Our community’s rabbis have coordinated together too, even across the various movements of practice. This coordination and shared purpose have given us strength as we do our work. I am hopeful it will continue, making our community better. We truly need each other. That the war started by Hamas on Oct. 7 is not over is disappointing. That so many hostages remain in captivity, that Hamas remains capable of inflicting suffering and death on so many still today, that Palestinians and Israelis seem so far apart from a lasting peaceful resolution of their conflict — these things all worry us. That Iran and its proxies know their power and influence in the region is challenged by a more hopeful vision of the future embodied in the Abraham Accords and desire in the Arab world to simply move on is also encouraging, though obviously the danger posed by them is real and concerning too.

But just as we as a people have overcome threats against us through the ages, I truly believe we will overcome the threats of today as well, so that my daughter, and yours, and indeed all of our people, can celebrate future birthdays unencumbered by hatred, fear and isolation.

to laugh and cry with the same eyes, with the same hands to throw stones and to gather them, to make love in war and war in love. And to hate and forgive and remember and forget,

To arrange and confuse, to eat and to digest

What history Takes years to do…

Chag Sameach! May your harvest be one of joy and your inner moon shine deeply through the days and nights of your thanksgiving.

The world will thank Israel immensely if such a response were to come to fruition.

The ball is now in Israel’s court, and I’m sure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet are conjuring up the best way to inflict the most damage to Iran for its heinous attack.

The Jewish state continues to fight for its survival and existence, but due to its resilience and commitment, Israel will always continue to be a beacon of light for all peace-loving nations in the world.

Gene Carton St. Louis County

Response to recent commentary

In a recent op-ed (Jewish Light, Sept. 25), Rabbi Ze’ev Smason correctly notes that younger American Jews are drifting from the support of Israel. There are many reasons. The first that comes to my mind is that fewer Americans believe in the foundation myths of the religion in which they grew up.

I have few friends who believe the stories in Exodus yet alone the ones in Genesis. On the other hand, as an 11 time visitor to Israel starting in 1961, I am a proud Jew who recognizes the success of our tribe against all odds for hundreds of years.

There are many reasons young Jews turn away from Israel and so-called Jewish tradition. Included in that list are practices of some ultra-Orthodox who believe in arranged marriages, metizah b’peh during circumcisions, kosher practices that are a stretch from the few passages in Leviticus and customs such as the eruv Rabbi Smason would do well to ask himself what he could do to make our young people realize that they are part of a family like my ancestors in Poland and Germany who, from what I can determine, never belonged to a shul.

Norman Pressman Clayton

Bob Newmark is Board Chair of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.

PHOTO: STOCK.ADOBE.COM

HONOR OUR 2024 HEROES

Unsung

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20 ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM

TICKET

DOORS OPEN AT 6:30PM | PROGRAM BEGINS AT 7:00PM FOLLOWED BY A CELEBRATORY RECEPTION | CERTIFIED KOSHER EVENT

RECEPTION | CERTIFIED KOSHER EVENT

(LIMITED AVAILABILITY. TICKETS SHOULD BE PURCHASED PRIOR TO DAY OF EVENT TO ENSURE ENTRY) INCLUDES EVENT ENTRY, DESSERT RECEPTION + 1 COPY OF OUR UNSUNG HEROES MAGAZINE. All funds raised from this event will directly support the St. Louis Jewish Light - a nonproﬁt, independent news source with a mission to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

Unsung Heroes shines

Unsung Heroes shines a light on individuals of any background or faith who generously volunteer within our community.

Wendy Flusser

Rachel Sanger

Ram Lakshmanan

Ken Weintraub

Hillary Friedman

Ellen Schapiro

Linda Sandmel

Sharon Weissman

Barb and Rich Kramer

Peggy Cohen Voss

Unsung Heroes shines a light on individuals of any background or faith

Unsung Heroes shines a light on individuals of any background or faith who generously volunteer within our community.

FEATURES

ARTS AND CULTURE FOOD HOLIDAYS LIFESTYLES

Leonard Slatkin’s musical legacy, celebrated on his 80th, through the lens of the ‘Jewish Light’

BY JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER

As the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) prepares to celebrate Leonard Slatkin’s 80th birthday with a series of concerts this October, it’s fitting to reflect on the profound impact the maestro has had both on the world stage and within the St. Louis community. Over the years, the Jewish Light has covered Slatkin’s journey, often highlighting not only his musical prowess but also his connection to his Jewish roots. From his early days with the SLSO to his return for emotionally resonant performances, Slatkin’s story is one to remember.

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1970: Slatkin first mentioned

In December 1970, Leonard Slatkin made his first appearance in the Jewish Light in an advertisement for an upcoming St. Louis Symphony Orchestra concert at Powell Hall.

At the time, Slatkin was serving as the assistant conductor, and this concert marked an early public role within the St. Louis community. Slatkin would work in St. Louis until 1974 when he left to take over as conductor of the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra summer series in Chicago.

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1978: A new era begins

The headline “Leonard Slatkin Appointed Principal Conductor of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra” appeared on page three of the July 19, 1978, issue of the Jewish Light, marking Slatkin’s return to St. Louis. The article highlighted that Slatkin, son of renowned Jewish musicians Felix Slatkin and Eleanor Aller (founders of the Hollywood String Quartet), was deeply rooted in a Jewish family with a rich musical legacy.

The article mentioned Slatkin’s distinguished career prior to St. Louis, including conducting roles with the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra. His background as an American-born conductor of Jewish descent set him apart as he became the first American to lead the SLSO.

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1984: Building a bridge to the community

By October 1984, six years into his tenure, Slatkin’s impact extended far beyond St. Louis. That year, he traveled to Israel to conduct, an experience that was both personally and culturally meaningful. For Slatkin, the trip was an opportunity to connect with his heritage on a deeper level. This milestone highlighted his dedication to fostering connections between Jewish communities worldwide through music.

In recognition of his contributions, the Jewish National Fund (JNF) honored Slatkin. In its Oct. 3 issue, the Jewish Light celebrated this achievement, viewing Slatkin’s international involvement and community engagement as points of pride.

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Slatkin’s Legacy: A Birthday Celebration with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25

WHERE: Touhill Performing Arts Center on the UM-St. Louis campus

HOW MUCH: $20-$68.

MORE INFO: Purchase online at SLSO.org Tickets or call the box office at 314-534-1700.

1986: Slatkin goes global

By the mid-1980s, Slatkin’s reputation had spread internationally, and in April 1986, the Jewish Light covered the release of a documentary film about Slatkin’s life and career.

The film delved into his Jewish heritage and his personal reflections on the role that identity played in his artistic life.

vvv

1992:

A personal and musical triumph

In February 1992, the Jewish Light highlighted another landmark in Slatkin’s career—his performance of Bernstein’s “Kaddish” Symphony.

This deeply personal work, rooted in Jewish prayer and themes of faith and doubt, became a signature piece for

Leonard Slatkin conducdts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. PHOTO: ST. LOUIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA-DILIP VISHWANAT

It’s our silly, embarrassing sins we just can’t forgive FEATURES

BY AMY FENSTER BROWN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

Yom Kippur, which begins at sundown Oct. 11, is the Day of Atonement when we ask God to forgive us for our sins. We just celebrated Rosh Hashanah 5785, the Jewish New Year, and released our tashlich, casting off the sins of 5784. We are supposed to reflect over the 10 days until Yom Kippur and get our list of sins ready to ask forgiveness.

Yet many of us have silly things we regret that we haven’t let go of. God will likely forgive us this week, so why can’t we forgive ourselves for doing something dumb years ago?

Let’s start big with fashion mistakes. We all have the pictures to prove it. When you posed for that photo, your outfit was all the rage. Or was it? Some of the trends we followed were pretty brutal, though I would pay big money for Units and Esprit to come back with no changes. I could whip out an add-a-bead necklace, a Swatch watch and some neon jelly flats before going to town on my big hair.

As luck would have it, the trends that were misses are the ones we have the most photos of, and certain parents who thought we were adorable still have those photos framed and hanging where guests gather. Much to the dismay of my sister Susie, I’ve included one with this column for your viewing pleasure.

Maybe some outfits didn’t look great on you because you put on a few pounds, or maybe more than a few. Calm down, you

still looked darling. So you ate carbs with reckless abandon and considered cream sauce a food group. There was more of you to love. Tummy rolls and chubby pulkes are so cute on babies and Shar-Peis, why aren’t they cute on me? Bubbe and Zayde will never take those pictures down, either. Can’t we agree to just do our best and not scrutinize the number on the scale all the time?

Is it just me, or do you call yourself stupid every time you can’t solve the New York Times’ Connections game? That’s mean. It’s a game. We’re not New Yorkers, so we can’t be expected to solve it every time.

Bad dates and bad relationships can create lingering bad feelings, even many years after they’ve ended. That failed love interest probably seemed charming and fun, until it wasn’t, and then you look back and think, “Why did I keep dat ing the Bacon Cheeseburger?” (Nickname explanation: He kept kosher at home but literally went hog wild at restaurants.)

You tell yourself, “I should have stayed just friends with the Special Friend, but I escalated the degree of specialness and it ended in disaster.” If you kicked them to the curb at any

point, ya done good, kid. Tell yourself that you didn’t waste the time, you used the time to research what doesn’t work for

has two teen-

and

volunteers for several Jewish not-for-profit groups. Fenster Brown is an Emmy Award-winning TV news writer and counts time with family and friends, talking and eating peanut butter among her hobbies.

you. It’s like a scientific experiment. You had a hypothesis, you did a full data analysis and the breakup was your way of presenting the results.

Honorable mentions for self-induced guilt include binge watching your shows instead of cleaning the house, binge watching your shows instead of exercising and binge watching your shows instead of solving the world’s problems. Add extra guilt points if you watched “bad” TV instead of quality programming. I happen to find it healing and therapeutic to rewatch “Melrose Place” because it takes my mind off the news.

Yom Kippur is the perfect time to finally let that emotional tashlich go. Not just sins and wrongdoings, but the regret you might carry. It’s very heavy and doesn’t have handles, so let that sh*t go! Let it fly like a balloon released in the wind, which in literal terms is bad for the environment, but the proverbial version is good for your soul.

I hope Susie keeps this in mind when she sees the photo I have included here and forgives me when 5786 rolls around.

Columnist Amy Fenster Brown

married to Jeff and

age sons, Davis

Leo. She

NANCY KRANZBERG — THE ARTS IN ST. LOUIS

Celebrating the legacy of innovative puppeteers

BY NANCY KRANZBERG

We were in Nantucket, Mass. this summer and were told not to miss the Whaling Museum — which we didn’t. We learned a lot and were thrilled to enter an exhibition featuring the work of Tony Sarg.

A pioneering puppeteer and illustrator, Sarg was known for his innovative work with marionettes and parade balloons. He spent summers in Nantucket for over 20 years and was greatly influenced by the lighting and beauty of the island.

I never knew that Sarg was the creator of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade enormous and creative high-flying balloons. His contributions to puppetry were groundbreaking and influential. Some of the key aspects of his work are:

• Marionette performances. Sarg is often credited with reviving the art of marionette puppetry in America. He established a national traveling troupe, Tony Sarg’s Marionettes in 1917, which brought high-quality, story-based marionette theater to audiences across the United States.

• Educational contributions. Sarg wrote and illustrated numerous children’s stories and “how to” publications on marionettes, making it possible for children to engage in puppetry as a home or school activity. He also offered summer courses in puppetry starting in 1922.

• Innovative productions. Some of his notable marionette productions included “Alice in Wonderland,” “Sinbad the Sailor,” “Robinson Crusoe” and “The Mikado.” His production of “Alice in Wonderland” was

especially popular and played at the Century of Progress World’s Fair in Chicago in 1933.

• Influence on future generations. Sarg inspired and trained a new generation of puppeteers in the United States. His work laid the foundation for modern American puppetry and continues to be celebrated for its creativity and innovation.

Some of those influenced by Sarg were Bill Baird, a Sarg protege who became a renowned puppeteer in his own right. He is best known for his work on “The Sound of Music” and his own television show, “The Bill Baird Show.”

Rufus and Margo Rose were also influenced by Sarg and went on to become prominent puppeteers. They worked on various projects, including the very famous “Howdy Doody” television show.

Jim Henson came later, and his work with the Muppets revolutionized puppetry in a way that echoes Sarg’s innovative spirit. Henson’s creations have become iconic in both television and film.

And Norman Rockwell, although primarily known as an illustrator, shared a similar era and some thematic elements with Sarg’s illustrations. Both of these artists contributed significantly to American visual culture in the early 20th century.

Of course, puppetry is an ancient form of theater which probably originated as long as 3,000 years B.C. The earliest recorded use of puppetry was in ancient Greece. Puppetry takes many forms, but they all share the process of animating inanimate performing objects

Mazel Tov to board member Debbie Lefton and her husband, Mike Lefton, for being honored with the Harris Frank Community Service Award at the upcoming Congregation Shaare Emeth gala. You both are so deserving of this honor!

— The St. Louis Jewish Light board of directors and staff

For more of Nancy Kranzberg’s commentary, listen to KWMU (90.7) St. Louis on the Air the ﬁrst Friday of each month at approximately 12:50 p.m. She also hosts a weekly Arts Interview podcast for KDHX (88.1), available at artsinterview.kdhxtra.org.

to tell a story.

During the Middle Ages in Europe marionettes were used to depict biblical scenes, with the Virgin Mary being a popular character. The term marionette actually comes from the French for “little Mary.”

From the Renaissance and beyond, the Italian commedia dell’arte of the 16th century contributed to the popularity of marionettes. These performances often featured stock characters and comedic plots. By the 18th and 19th centuries, marionette shows were very popular in France and England. Thomas Holden’s marionettes were particularly influential.

There were cultural variations in places such as Asia where countries such as India, China and Japan had their own unique traditions and in different regions of Europe there are distinct manners of manipulating the puppets.

There are many different types of puppets such as hand puppets, rod puppets, string puppets, shadow puppets and finger puppets. There are puppet museums in

the U.S. and all over the world such as:

• The Northwest Puppet Center in Seattle, which includes a puppet theater, museum and library. It presents performances by the Carter Family Marionettes and guest artists, and offers educational outreach programs.

• Bob Baker Marionette Theatre in Los, Angeles, which is one of the longest running puppetry theaters in the U.S. It has been delighting audiences since 1963 with its collection of over 2,000 handmade marionettes.

• Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry in Storrs, Conn., which is located at the University of Connecticut.

• Bob Kramer Marionettes of St. Louis, which tragically closed due to a fire and death of Kramer. He and his partner Dug Feltch delighted audiences for decades with their creative and educational performances in their studio. They will be remembered and missed by people of all ages in St. Louis.

There are other puppet museums around the world such as the Lübeck Museum of Theatre Puppets in Lübeck, Germany. This museum showcases a wide variety of puppets from different cultures and historical periods. The Museo del Titere in Cadiz, Spain, dedicated to the art of puppetry, features a collection of puppets from around the world and offers workshops and performances.

I feel remiss in not including masks and ventriloquism in this piece, but that would be an entire topic very closely related to puppetry that has a history in and of itself.

FEATURES

Can deconstructing books create art? This St. Louis artist proves it can

JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER

For over 40 years, Buzz Spector has been reimagining the book as an artistic medium. More than just sources of knowledge, he sees books as canvases for artistic expression. His work involves altering books through methods that many might see as destructive, yet the results are deliberate and far from violent. His latest exhibition, “verso/recto,” opened at Bruno David Gallery on Sept. 20 (running until Dec. 21), continuing his journey into the world of book alterations, framed and mounted with meticulous care.

Books are at the center of Spector’s artistic universe. For him, they aren’t just objects to be read but vessels of memory. In a process that might shock book lovers, Spector tears books apart—literally—removing sections of pages in a deliberate sequence, revealing what remains and what’s lost.

“Books are metaphors for memory,” Spector says. “Books with missing portions are metaphors for forgetting.”

This philosophy has guided his work since the early ’80s. His method often involves tearing out decreasing portions of pages, creating a wedge-shaped cross-section of the text. The remaining fragments, whether slivers of letters or images, echo the randomness of memory itself.

One of his seminal works, “A Passage” (1994), encapsulates this approach. The altered book consists of torn leaves where, despite the damage, the text is miracu-

SLATKIN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Slatkin. The Kaddish, a traditional Jewish prayer for the dead, resonated deeply with both the conductor and the Jewish com-

lously readable.

“The illusion of accident is furthered by a text that apparently begins mid-sentence, with a page number—181—clearly from the middle of a text block.” The torn edges and fractured narrative evoke the idea that memory is always fragmentary, always incomplete.

As you walk through “verso/recto,” you confront not only altered books but also homages to other artists and creators who have influenced Spector over the years. From the films of Michelangelo Antonioni to the conceptual works of Lawrence Weiner, Spector weaves references to his influences into his alterations. But these homages are not literal. Instead, they invite viewers to consider the broader themes of

munity. For Slatkin, conducting the piece was more than a performance; it was a reflection on his journey and the ongoing dialogue between his Jewish heritage and his career in music.



artistry, memory and perception.

“Only a few of my altered books make reference to specific persons,” Spector explains. “These are homages to those men or women—artists or otherwise—who have influenced my creative practice.”

One notable piece in “verso/recto” transforms a book about the films of Antonioni, reflecting Spector’s love for the director’s work, which he first encountered over 50 years ago. Such tributes underscore the deep, personal connections between the books he alters and the creators who inspire him.

The process itself is highly methodical. While Spector’s work may appear destructive at first glance, the care and deliberation behind each tear are crucial to its cre-

2019: ‘Kaddish’ at Powell

Decades later, Slatkin’s return to conduct Bernstein’s “Kaddish” in April 2019 was a full-circle moment.

The Jewish Light once again covered this event, noting how the themes of faith,

ation. “One’s history as a reader is that of treating books well,” he says. “But my interaction with pages has only one descriptive word, ‘tear,’ which usually connotes a random act of violence.” Yet, in his hands, this act of tearing becomes a means of creation, transforming destruction into beauty.

Each book he alters is unique, not only in its content but in its physical properties.

“Not all books are printed with the same kinds of paper, nor sewn with the same quality binding,” Spector notes. “It’s appealing to me that I must work with these differences in fashioning the finished work.”

For Spector, every tear, every missing fragment, is deliberate. And that deliberation extends to how he hopes his audience will perceive the work. His art challenges viewers to confront the damage done to books—a symbolic gesture of destruction that carries with it the weight of history, memory and loss. For the upcoming show, Spector envisions an audio tour that, in addition to commentary, will include the sound of paper being slowly torn, reinforcing the visceral nature of his work.

belief, and spiritual conflict in the symphony took on new meaning as Slatkin revisited the piece in the later stages of his career. He reflected on his interpretation of a lifetime of experiences, both personal and professional, and how he wrestled with the same spiritual questions Bernstein posed in the symphony.



2024: Celebrating an iconic legacy

Now, in October 2024, the SLSO will honor Leonard Slatkin’s 80th birthday with a weekend of concerts and events celebrating his legacy. The program features works close to Slatkin’s heart, including a U.S. premiere by his son, Daniel Slatkin, and a composition by his wife, Cindy McTee.

The orchestra will also perform Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, a piece that became synonymous with Slatkin’s tenure as music director. His connection to Jewish composers and themes, as well as his influence on the St. Louis musical community, will be front and center.

Buzz Spector

314.469.6622

The Fulton School is an independent, co-ed, Montessori school serving children 18 months old through 12th grade. Located in Chesterfield along the Hwy. 40 corridor, we offer a homelike environment where students enjoy small class sizes and an engaging curriculum. We teach students to think critically, write and speak effectively, collaborate, exercise initiative, and display good character. Strong college-prep academics alongside community service, travel, entrepreneurship, athletic, and farm opportunities create excited, responsible, confident kids.

1100 White Road Chesterfield, MO 63017

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Community School fosters the intellectual, emotional, and creative growth of young learners (age 3 through grade 6) and encourages their development as leaders of the next generation.

Register for Community’s Open House on Saturday, November 16 to hear from teachers and administrators, ask questions about the admissions process, and tour the school’s beautiful 18-acre campus. Families can also attend Connect with Community admission events or arrange a personal tour. Learn more at communityschool.com.

900 Lay Road St. Louis MO 63124

SCHOOL & ACTIVITIES GUIDE

Since 1913, The Wilson School has led the way, offering outstanding education to generations of children from age 3 to grade 6. Students benefit from the best classic and innovative instructional methods. An accelerated curriculum and a strong focus on character and social-emotional development mean that Wilson graduates can matriculate to and excel in the most competitive secondary schools. Centrally located near WashU and Forest Park in the historic DeMun neighborhood. Call today for more information.

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MO 63105

Your Neighborhood Music School! Shock City School of Music provides a superior level of music instruction that is personalized, engaging, and fun. Whatever it is you want to learn, we have a teacher for you! We empower students of all ages and abilities, offering group classes and private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, bass, ukulele, drums & more. Enroll Today to enhance your love of music for a lifetime!

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Forsyth School fosters a spirit of curiosity and joy, empowering children age 2 through Grade 6 to pursue challenges with confidence. Located in the Wydown-Forsyth Historic District, Forsyth’s one-of-a-kind campus consists of six historic homes; walkable resources include Forest Park and Washington University. The challenging and engaging curriculum promotes age-appropriate independence and prepares students to thrive in secondary school and beyond.

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THE cOMMUNITY mUSIC sCHOOL OF WEBSTER UNIVERSITY

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The Community Music School of Webster University has been offering outstanding music education and performance opportunities to students of all ages and skill levels since 1925. Individual lessons are the foundation with over 90 faculty teaching all instruments of the band and orchestra, guitar, piano and voice. Other programs include early childhood classes, a Suzuki Strings program, String Ensemble, String Orchestra, two full orchestras (YPCO & YPSO), chamber music, summer camps, and Young Composers Competition.

470 E. Lockwood Ave. St. Louis MO 63119

THE COLLEGE SCHOOL

thecollegeschool.org

314.962.9355

Celebrating more than 60 years of dynamic academics and outdoor education in St. Louis and beyond, students at The College School (PreK-Eighth Grade) learn by going off campus, collaborating with experts, and creating solutions to real-world problems. Come be inspired by students’ purposeful learning that pushes beyond the boundaries of a traditional classroom. It’s school as it should be. Register for our Admissions Open House on Saturday, November 16 at 9 AMat thecollegeschool.org.

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THE Whitfield SCHOOL

www.whitfieldschool.org 314.434.5141

Whitfield, an independent, coeducational school for grades 6-12 in St. Louis, offers engaging, active learning through an experiential liberal arts curriculum. Here, we marry challenging coursework with transformative experiences to instill citizenship, critical thinking, and leadership skills—and to prepare students for college and everything after.

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Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School

Mirowitz is an ISACS accredited K-8 Jewish independent school for families who want the best of everything: a world-class academic experience, meaningful Jewish learning and lessons in social responsibility. At Mirowitz, the world is our laboratory, and learning adventures offer opportunities to think deeply, to strengthen teamwork skills and gain a deeper understanding of our collective responsibility to better the world. Learn more at our virtual Open House, October 29.

Head of School: Raquel ScharfAnderson Board President: Scott Levine Director of Curriculum and Instruction: Shannon Rohlman Interim Director of Jewish Life: Val Toskin

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OBITUARIES

Obituary of CHARLES MARSHALL FRIEDMAN (“MARSHALL”): A Legacy of family, advocacy and warmth (1940–2024) [*U.S. Coast Guard Veteran] Charles Marshall Friedman (“Marshall”), a renowned trial attorney, community leader, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2024, at the age of 84, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Marshall was known for his tireless legal advocacy, integrity, energy and warmth. He left an indelible mark on both the St. Louis legal community and Jewish community.

His dedication to justice extended beyond his legal practice. Legal education was always near to his heart. He served as an adjunct Professor at Washington University in St. Louis School of Law sharing his Trial Practice/Procedure craft to law students for over 30 years.

OBITUARIES INDEX

Friedman, Charles Marshall

Goldberg, Rachel Tara Harris, Rita

Kaplan, Veniamin Yuryevich

Levy, Elaine S. Sabath, Sandra Silberstein, Gerhard

the niece of beloved uncle, Michael Kohn “Uncle Mikey,” granddaughter of Etele Kohn, the late Judge Louis Kohn, Susan Isackson, Robert Isackson, and Herbert Goldberg, and dear friend of an amazing group of close friends from across the globe.

Stoliar, Greta Szus, Linda May Twin, Robert Wiesman, Judge Melvyn Zeffren, Rabbi Burton

Shifrina and Vladimir Kaplan, and lived in marriage 66 years, until Irina passed away.

Born in 1940 in St. Louis, Missouri, Marshall was the youngest of three first-generation children (older brothers Irvin and Arthur). After serving on active duty with the United States Coast Guard, he attended Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned both his undergraduate degree and his law degree (J.D. 1965). His commitment to zealous advocacy of the injured and downtrodden laid the foundation for a legal career spanning over five decades, during which he became one of the most respected trial attorneys in the Midwest. One particular area of specialty and love was railroad labor law where Marshall was actively engaged in the railway labor movement and in the representation of injured railway employees for over 40 years.

Throughout his career, Marshall was a fierce advocate for his clients, and his legal acumen earned him widespread respect among colleagues and peers. His meticulous preparation, legendary oratory skills, combined with his genuine care for those he represented, led to many notable and sizeable jury verdicts.

Marshall was not only recognized for his professional achievements but also for the kindness and empathy he showed to all. His clients frequently spoke of his compassionate nature, recounting how he treated them with dignity, listened with patience, and fought tirelessly for their rights. The law was not just a profession to Marshall -- it was a calling to help others.

Above all, Marshall’s love was for his family. He is survived by his five children -- Scott (Simi), Mark (Tammy), Michael (Deborah), Lisa and Rob (Kate) -- and his 20 grandchildren, the apple of his eye. A cherished “Zaida,” he was a source of wisdom, love, and support, with the uncanny ability to make each of his grandchildren feel uniquely valued. He also cherished the memory of his late wife Carol (Ross) Friedman, of blessed memory, as well as wonderful memories with Bonnie.

A graveside service was held on Tuesday, October 1st at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery-7500 Olive Blvd.

Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

RACHEL TARA GOLDBERG, August 11, 1988 to September 30, 2024

After a two- year battle with Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Rachel passed away peacefully with her parents by her side. She is survived by her beloved mother Linda Dembo (Dr. Phil) and beloved father Dr. Richard Goldberg (Stacy). Rachel is the beloved sister of Madison Goldberg, the late Jonathan Goldberg and Adam Goldberg, aunt of Calvin Goldberg, and step-sister of Elizabeth Dembo and Justin Dembo. Rachel also is

Rachel lived as she passed, fighting beyond the unfairness in life she felt. Rachel’s father, Rick, focused all his love and attention to keep Rachel in her courage and positive energy. And most remarkably, she and her mother Linda faced this disease every day together cementing their special bond for always. May she finally rest in peace.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, October 1 at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Rachel Goldberg be made to one of the two special programs in her life: The Shalom Institute in Malibu, California (shalominstitute.com, click “Inclusion Initiatives Program”) and Evelyn’s House in St. Louis, Missouri (foundationbarnesjewish.org, click “Support Hospice” then “Evelyn’s House.”) Please visit bergermemorialchapel.comfor Live Stream and other information. Berger Memorial Service

RITA HARRIS, September 24, 2024

Beloved wife of the late Allen Irl Harris; dearest mother of Tricia Bastean (Michael); loving grandmother of Ryan and Kyle Bastean; dear sister of Dennis Wolff (Francie); dear aunt, cousin, and friend to many.

Rita graduated from University City High School in 1960 and a started her career as a teacher in the Pattonville School District. Once Tricia was in school, she worked as an office manager at a medical office for the remainder of her career. Rita also volunteered as a parent, and then as a citizen, for the Parkway School District and also was a board member at Shir Hadash. Rita had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. Most of all, Rita adored her family and loved her grandchildren with all of her heart.

A graveside service was held Sunday, September 29 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Memorial contributions preferred to Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community, 2275 Schuetz Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63146 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 11433 Olde Cabin Road, Ste. 100, St. Louis, MO 63141.

Berger Memorial Service

VENIAMIN YURYEVICH

KAPLAN, October 2, 2024

Beloved husband of the late Irina Shifrina; dear father of Nadia (Nadezhda) Shifrina and Vladimir Kaplan; dear brother of Maria Kaplan; Uncle of Eugenia Luchinkina; Cousen of Inna Bolkovsky and Alex Ezrakhovich; friend to many.

Born March 18, 1932 in Novgorod Oblast (Novgorod District), Borovichi, Russia, former USSR. He graduated from Borovichi High School with honors and went to Leningrad to continue his education.

In 1949, Veniamin entered the Peter the Great Leningrad Polytechnic University, Faculty of Electric Drive, from which he graduated with honors in 1955.

There, at the University, he met the love of his life, classmate Irina Shifrina, and they married on March 12, 1955. They had two children - Nadia

Veniamin worked for many years as the head of the research and development department of the Welding Institute based on the “Elektrik” plant named after N.M. Shvernik. He was always at the forefront of scientific thought and received 17 patents for his inventions and the sign . He was respected and loved by his colleagues and friends, who kept in touch with him until his last days.

His interests and knowledge were broad and deep - travel, history, politics, painting, music, he wrote poetry, had great sense of humor, always stayed in contact with his friends and family, knew German at a very good level and had been successfully studying English since his arrival in the United States in 1999.

When his wife Irina went blind, he took full care of her. With the sudden death of his wife during COVID, he lost all interest in life and three years later he passed away at the evening of Rosh Hashanah, on the hands of his daughter Nadia, who took full care of him for all that time.

He is survived by his daughter Nadia Shifrina and son Vladimir Kaplan.

A graveside service was held Monday, October 7 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Rd. 63124.

Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

ELAINE S. LEVY passed away on September 22, 2024 at the age of 90.

Elaine lived a long, prosperous, and rewarding life. She met her beloved late husband, Jerome (Jerry) on a blind date upon his return from the Korean War, the man who would be her soulmate for the 66 years. Inseparable in love and marriage, they were inspirational to friends and family. As a couple, they made their children and grandchildren a priority.

A lifelong St. Louisan, Elaine was born July 23, 1934 to Anna and Jack Beckman and was raised with her sister, Shirley. Elaine was a proud graduate of University City High School where she developed and maintained lifetime friendships. She was primarily a homemaker, but also worked part-time as a secretary for various companies. Elaine had many hobbies and always kept busy, especially playing Mahjongg. She also loved to knit, cook and read. She and Jerry enjoyed many years of wonderful travel with family and friends. Elaine was a beautiful, and caring woman who will be fondly remembered and missed by those who knew and loved her.

Elaine is survived by her children Judy (Bob) Bierman and Marty (Mimi) Levy; grandchildren Ashley (Jim) Kinnett, Matt (Jessica) Bierman, Sara Lynn (Jeremy) Braslow, Jeremy Levy (fiancée Lauren Cohen), great-granddaughter Hailey Bierman, sister-inlaw Eleanor Levy; nieces, nephews, and many friends.

A graveside service was held on Thursday, September 26th at Chesed Shel Emeth CemeteryWhite Road. Contributions in Elaine’s memory may be made to Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, American Cancer Society, Crown Center for Senior Living, or a charity of your choice. Berger Memorial Service

W. Stein & Emily Stein

SANDRA SABATH, October 5, 2024

Beloved wife of the late Sheldon R. Sabath; Dear mother and mother-in-law of Debbie Trink (Larry), Ellyn Wallen (Mark) and David Sabath (Cheryl); Dear grandmother of Rachel and Daniel Trink, Nikki Wallen, Stephanie, Justin and Kyle Sabath; Dear sister of the late Sidney Brichta (late Elaine) and the late Ira Brichta (late Vivian); Dear aunt, great-aunt, cousin, and friend.

Private family service. Memorial contributions preferred to a charity of your choice. Berger Memorial Service

GERHARD SILBERSTEIN, September 30, 2024, age 90

Beloved husband of the late Erna Heymann Silberstein. Dear father of Janice (David) Rifkin and Jody (Kenneth) Martin. Loving grandfather of Brandon (Brittany Diedrich) Walden and Stephanie (Daniel) Cantrell. Cherished great grandfather “Papa” of Noah, Avery and Emmie Cantrell. Beloved brother of Rita (George) Heymann, Lot (the late Marie) Silberstein and Zilla (the late Ronald) Pohle. Dear uncle, cousin and friend.

Born in Berlin, Germany in 1934, Gerhard was the eldest of four siblings, all Holocaust survivors. He was one of the earliest to have his Bar Mitzvah in Berlin after World War II, a testament to his resilience and faith.

In the early 1950s, he emigrated to the United States with his family, where he met the love of his life, Erna, on the family’s first day in St. Louis. Together, they built a beautiful life, blessed with two lovely daughters. He opened a TV and radio repair shop in Wellston, Missouri, and served honorably in the United States Army as an electronic technician in Europe, where he became fluent in two foreign languages. Known for his bright spirit and humor, he always brought joy to those around him. He later worked for the 3M Company as a background music installer and later retired from Potter Electronic Signal Company. In 1999, he lost the love of his life to Cancer. He was comforted by his close family, Clergy, and friends for the remainder of his life.

In his spare time, he was known for his generosity, often fixing bicycles to give to children in need. His legacy of kindness and community service will be remembered by all who knew him. He was also known for his ability to fix or creatively repair most anything. His dedication to service extended to his role as an auxiliary police officer for the University City Police Department for many years.

Gerhard’s one wish after Erna passed was to continue to live in his castle. With help from family, caregivers and the claims conference, it made it possible to him to feel like a king at his passing. A graveside service was held Tuesday, October 8 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Live stream available at www.rindskopfroth. com. Contributions in his memory may be made to the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, 36 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 or to the charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Jill and the staff at AW Healthcare for their exceptional kindness and compassion. A Rindskopf-Roth Service

OBITUARIES

Klamen (Kelly) and Scott Stoliar (Joellyn); Baubi of Ryan (Chelsea) Chad (Lauren) and Jake Klamen (Mikey), Michael (Robyn) and Lauren Stoliar, Nikki Lloyd; great, great grandma Baubi to Nora Stoliar and Winnie Klamen; step-grandmother of Sydney Greenberg, ( Josh) and Sony Oliff; loving aunt and great-aunt, cousin and friend to many.

Greta graduated from University City Senior High School and Washington University where she received her B.A. degree in Education. Greta accompanied her husband Jerry when he was transferred by the U.S. Navy to the Pacific Island of Guam where she taught school for the 5th grade. She later became the Director and Co-Founder of the First Child Care Center and Kindergarten at the Naval Base. Greta enjoyed traveling, trail hiking and reading. She also loved her home away from home at the Lake of the Ozarks.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, October 8th at United Hebrew Temple, 13788 Conway at Woodsmill. Interment at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery-White Road.

Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are preferred to Alzheimer’s Association and Siteman Cancer.

Berger Memorial Service

LINDA MAY SZUS, October 1, 2024

Our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of our dear Linda May Szus, née Bressler, who left us on October 1, 2024.

Linda was born in St. Louis, on May 9, 1951 to the late Leo and Geraldine Bressler. She has a twin brother, Larry Bressler, married to Risa, and a younger brother, Kenny Bressler, married to Barbara.

Linda was married to Menachem Szus for fortysix wonderful years, during which time she brought into this world and raised three remarkable children: Eli, Micky, and Dana.

Eli Szus is married to Josephine, and Dana is married to Elie Sutton. Doctors Dana and Elie have three children: Sammy, Jane, and Linda.

All of these are Linda’s greatest pride. She was unwavering in her support of her family.

ROBERT TWIN

Ninety-eight years young, Bob died reluctantly on October 2, 2024. He was preceded in death by his sweetheart and wife, Seva Kretchmar Twin, who he “loved with every cell in his body” for 72 years and every day after. Bob was the devoted son of his late parents, Lena and Louis Twin. He was the loving father of Nan Twin, Christy Twin and her husband, Larry Rudolph. Affectionately called “Geeko,” he was the adored and proud grandfather of Samantha Rudolph and Jared Miller and Philippa and Adam Loewy. His greatest joy was doting on great-grandsons Exton and Oden Miller and Clayton and Lochlan Loewy. Bob was the dear brother of the late Dr. Edward and Margaret Twin and honorary big brother of Richard Wolf. He was the cherished uncle of Stephanie Twin and Richard Smuckler.

juvenile division and administrative judge for the family court.

He met Marcia, daughter of the late Edward and Dorothy Polinsky, on a blind date. After taking almost 3 weeks to call her again, they quickly fell in love and were married in 1963. They lived in St. Louis their entire lives where they raised their family.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road. Interment followed at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery.

Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions preferred to the Shaare Emeth Jacquelyn Wiesman Artstein Camp Scholarship Fund (https://sestl.org) or Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation (bradcohentourettefoundation.com). Berger Memorial Service

Bob was a World War II veteran, a Washington University graduate and a business owner of S & K Sales. He thought he was the luckiest man alive. Bob never complained, was fiercely independent and remained an eternal optimist. He was smart, funny, generous, kind and charming. Bob’s genuine goodness, twinkle in his eyes and boyish enthusiasm drew individuals of all generations to him. He often joked “trouble was his middle name.” An avid Cardinals fan, Bob also enjoyed traveling, golfing, bowling and solving word jumbles.

Above all else, he dearly loved his family. Bob believed, “The key to growing old was having brilliant grandchildren and great grandchildren.” Bob died as he lived, the quintessential gentleman and mensch. Always grateful, Bob thanked every family member and treasured friend for sharing their lives with him.

To honor Bob’s request, there will be no service, visitation or monetary remembrance tributes. Please only celebrate his life with an ice cream and a smile.

RABBI BURTON ZEFFREN (Rav Binyomin Mordechai) passed away September 24, 2024 in Brooklyn, NY at the age of 91. Born in St. Louis in 1933 to the late Israel and Jean Zeffren. Brother of the late Dr. J. Lester Zeffren and beloved Uncle to Jacob (Yak), Dov, David and the late Rabbi Gershon Zeffren, their wives, children and grandchildren. He received his B.A. ineducation from Roosevelt University, an M.A. in American history from St. Louis University and semicha from the Hebrew Theological College of Chicago. He taught in the HF Epstein Hebrew Academy as well as the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County (New York) for over 30 years. He was the founding principal of the Torah Academy High School for Girls in St. Louis from 1966-1971. He lived in Israel in both the early 1950’s and 1970’s where he learned at the Mir Yeshiva, took courses at Hebrew University and taught in several institutions of higher learning with renowned colleagues such as Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz and Dr. Pinchas Peli. He also worked for Israel’s Misrad HaChinuch (Department of Education).

Linda graduated from Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. She worked for many years as a graphic designer both in the USA and in Israel. When she returned to the USA, she worked as a preschool teacher at Epstein Hebrew Academy where she was lovingly referred to as Morah Linda and is remembered for her impeccable classrooms. Amongst the many lessons with which she imbued her students was the strength to be undaunted by the sight of insects. Linda was very involved in her community, always willing to lend a helping hand. She was known for her cake decorating skills, her photography, especially of babies, her affinity for entomology, her various extensive collections, her party planning and her exceptional skills as a quilter.

One of Linda’s favorite pastimes was visiting the St. Louis Zoo where she enjoyed visiting the Butterfly House and riding the zoo train.

Linda is also survived by her nephews and nieces, Jamie Bressler, Joshua Bressler, Jonathan Bressler and Matthew Bressler and her brother-inlaw, Henry Szus in Australia.

She enriched the lives of all who came close to her.

JUDGE MELVYN W. WIESMAN passed away on September 30, 2024 at the age of 85. He passed peacefully surrounded by his loving wife of 61 years Marcia (Polinsky), his son Mark Wiesman (Kathy), his daughter Michelle Beilenson (Larry), and grandchildren Seth (Shira Simon), Aaron, Elyssa and Devin.

He grew up in Granite City IL to parents Dr Irvin and Esther Wiesman along with his brother Dr. Gary Wiesman and his late sister Jackie Artstein. Melvyn graduated from Washington University with an AB in English and earned his JD from University of Missouri Law School. After engaging in private law practice for a short time, he began a 42 year judicial career spanning St. Louis County Magistrate, Circuit Court and stints as head of the

He left behind a legacy of hundreds, if not thousands of students and friends who warmly remember him as a brilliant Talmid Chacham (Torah Scholar) who personified humility and could relate to everyone warmly, with a big smile and sense of humor.

A graveside service was held on Thursday, September 26th, at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery. Berger Memorial Service

GRETA STOLIAR, October 6, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Jerry Stoliar. Born in St. Louis, MO Dec. 26, 1932 at the old Jewish Hospital. Daughter of the late Ben Schwartz and the late Sylvia (Spelky) Schwartz; daughter-in-law of the late Nathan Stoliar and the late Belle (Salz) Stoliar; sister of the late Birnadine Birenbaum (the late Paul) and Jeanie Pollock (Neil); beloved sister-in-law of Eunice Reichman (John); devoted mother of the late Robin Lloyd (Mike), Suzy

A graveside service was held Wednesday, October 2 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Contributions may be made in Linda’s memory to Nusach Hari B’nai Zion Congregation, The St. Louis Zoo, H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy and the Crown Center Kosher Meal Program.

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

CHAI LIGHTS

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.

THURSDAY | OCT. 10

Presidential legacies: The Reagan years

From 11 a.m.-noon, join this online Mirowitz Center class about President Ronald Reagan and his beloved First Lady Nancy, presented by Leslie Flynn, education specialist at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley, Calif. (part one of three). Free, but RSVP required.

Senior Planet from AARP: Intro to translation tools

From 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Mirowitz Center, learn how to automatically translate websites and live conversations with trainer Larry Edison (including digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate). Free, but RSVP required.

TUESDAY | OCT. 15

Sukkot: Harvesting joy & spiritual insights

From 2-3 p.m., join Rabbi Jim Bennett of Congregation Shaare Emeth as he explores the joyous Jewish festival of Sukkot at the Mirowitz Center. Discover Sukkot’s deeper spiritual meaning, beauty, and wisdom –and leave with a renewed sense of gratitude and awareness. No cost to register, but RSVP required.

WEDNESDAY | OCT. 16

What’s new for Medicare in 2025?

From 2-3:30 p.m., Wilma Schmitz, St. Louis region liaison and trainer for Missouri’s state health insurance assistance program, provides an update on the latest in Medicare and what kinds of revisions will be taking effect Jan. 1, at the Mirowitz Center. This year’s Open Enrollment Period – when you can make changes to existing Medicare coverage – runs Oct.15 through Dec. 7. No cost to register, but RSVP required.

Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Group – The Hamsa Wellness Community

This monthly group provides support, connection and education to women in the community who have been diagnosed with

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). OCT

breast or ovarian cancer and are anywhere along their treatment path – before, during, or post-treatment. Facilitated by Kathy Bearman, licensed clinical social worker, this group meets from 5:15 – 6:45 p.m. on the third Wednesday at the Jewish Community Center 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 | OCT. 17

Between the Covers book club

Reference Librarian Hillary Peppers facilitates an online book club every third Thursday of each month from 10-11 a.m. through the Mirowitz Center. Book selection for October: “Killers of the Flower Moon” by David Grann.

SUNDAY | OCT. 20

Spirits in the Sukkah ushpizin

At 7 p.m. at Kol Rinah enjoy a Brotherhood sponsored dinner, discussion and scotch tasting. Learn more and RSVP at www.kolrinahstl.org/event/steak--spirits-in-the-sukkah-with-a-taste-of-talmud.html. Kol Rinah is located at 7701 Maryland Ave.

Sukkah party with Aish

At 2 p.m. Aish will hold a Sukkah party for families with Rabbi Yosef and Mimi David. The party will feature a bounce house, face painting, Sukkah crafts and barbecue dinner. For the location, call Aish at 314-862-2474

or email cgoldstein@aishstl.com

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).

MONDAY | OCT. 21

Safari in the Sukkah Kids and adults, join the Family Center, the J’s Early Childhood Center, PJ Library, and all the J’s friends for a special Sukkot spectacular from 5-7 p.m. at the Staenberg Family Complex/ Creve Coeur. Gather for a Sukkot open house with a petting zoo and activities, both family-friendly and exciting for adults alike. Shake the lulav and etrog, sing and schmooze with many special animal guests. Free event.

TUESDAY | OCT. 22

Night of learning in the Sukkah

The community is invited to a Hoshana Rabba Night of Learning in the Sukkah at Bais Abraham, 6910 Delmar Blvd. The evening begins at 7:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the sukkah followed by three sessions of learning led by Rabbi Noah Arnow, Rabbi Daniel Bogard, Rabbi Micah Buck, Rabbi Eli Finkelstein, Cyndee Levy and Becky Nelson Zoole. This event is part of the National Jewish Outreach Program’s Sukkot Across America Initiative. Co-sponsored by: Bais Abraham Congregation, Central Reform Congregation and Kol Rinah. Register at

www.baisabe.com/event/HoshanaRabba24.

Supper in the Sukkah

Enjoy a Sisterhood sponsored dinner with musical entertainment by Will Soll at 6:30 p.m. at Kol Rinah, 7701 Maryland Ave. Learn more at www.kolrinahstl.org/event/sisterhood-supper-in-the-sukkah3.html

MindMatters Support Group

From 10-11 a.m., joint this monthly group led by Provident Behavioral Health facilitator Nicole (Nikki) Adams. This Mirowitz Center program offers 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.

Fall fling concert

Barrelhouse-blues and ragtime pianist, Ethan Leinwand, wowed the Mirowitz Center last year with his amazing Boogie Woogie & All That Jazz program. Now he’s back with his wife, Valerie Jo Kirchhoff (“Miss Jubilee”) – and their autumn concert from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Mirowitz Center promises to be even more memorable. No cost to register, but RSVP required. Co- sponsored by the St. Louis Jazz Club.

WEDNESDAY | OCT. 23

The Rabbi is IN!

On the fourth Wednesday of every month, join Rabbi Neal Rose from 3-4 p.m. for an online discussion with a Jewish theme. No cost to register, but RSVP required.

THURSDAY

| OCT. 24

Simchat Torah Dinner at Kol Rinah

The community is invited to a Simchat Torah Dinner at Kol Rinah at 5:30 p.m. RSVP for the dairy dinner by Oct. 16 at www.kolrinahstl.org/event/simchat-torah-dinner. html. There will be Maariv, Hakafot and dancing afterward.

Senior Planet from AARP: Intro to chatting with AI

Curious about using ChatGPT or Gemini, but not sure where to start? From 12-1:30 p.m., Mirowitz Center Trainer Daniel Landsbaum explains how to write questions that are specific enough to prompt useful andeffective responses. Explore tips for using generative AI chat programs to help them work for you – and also learn best practices that enhance privacy and security. No cost to register, but RSVP required.

SUNDAY

| OCT. 27

Beyond Pink at the J

This free special day of exercise, wellness and education is a great way to become educated on all of the different types of hereditary cancers and commit to being the healthiest version of you, whether you have a cancer diagnosis or not. Join us at the J’s Fitness Center for Zumba+, Tai Chi, Yoga for Cancer, a family-friendly class (children aged 6-12 and parents), Intro to Strength Over Cancer (a new fitness class geared toward those impacted by cancer), and more. From 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Staenberg Family Complex/Creve Coeur.

Kol Rinah will hold a Brotherhood dinner on Oct. 20 at 7

Sisterhood

On Sept. 29, St. Louis celebrated arts and culture at the Sababa Jewish Arts and Culture Festival near Creve Coeur. Held at the Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Family Complex, the festival featured a diverse lineup of music that engaged attendees with sounds from Jewish and global traditions. Art enthusiasts explored a wide range of Jewish-style artworks, while food lovers delighted in both traditional and contemporary Jewish cuisine. View more photos online at stljewishlight.org/multimedia. PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN

Faces from Sababa Jewish Arts and Culture Festival

SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a

and a