ST. LOUIS
JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL PAGE 1B
A N O N P R O FIT, IN D EP EN D EN T N E W S S O U R CE TO I N F O R M , I N S P I R E , E D U C AT E A N D CO N N E C T T H E S T. LO U I S J E W I S H CO M M U N IT Y.
8 C H E S H VA N , 5 78 3
N OV E M B E R 2 , 202 2
VO L . 75 N O. 2 2
PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN
S T L J E W I S H L I G H T.O R G
EXPANDED MUSEUM REOPENS AT A ‘CRITICAL JUNCTURE’ IN HISTORY
PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN
3A
TAKE A LOOK INSIDE THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE AT THE MUSEUM
PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN
4A
LOCAL THEATER TELLS TRAGIC STORY OF THE MS ST. LOUIS
PHOTO: U.S. HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM
2B
2A
CO M M EM O RAT IVE ISSU E | NOVEMBER 2, 2022 ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENING
stljewishlight.org
INSIDE THIS WEEK’S STL JEWISH LIGHT INDEX
The Newspaper of the Jewish Community of Greater St. Louis — Founded 1963
CONTACT US
OUR BOARD AND STAFF BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PHONE 314-743-3600 EMAIL news@stljewishlight.org
MAILING ADDRESS For payments P.O. Box 790372, St. Louis, Mo. 63179-0372 For general correspondence please email news@stljewishlight.org
CONNECT WITH US FACEBOOK facebook.com/stljewishlight
TWITTER @stljewishlight
INSTAGRAM @stljewishlight
Connect with us on all our social media using #STLJEWISHLIGHT
OFFICERS Bethe Growe, President Laura K. Silver, Immediate Past President Laurie Chod, Vice President Beth Manlin, Vice President Ben Weiss, Vice President Justin Krachmalnick, Treasurer Debra Klevens, Secretary Joan Silber
ChaiLights.................................................7B
Newsmakers...................................... 4B-5B
Classifieds.............................................. 10A
Opinions................................................... 6B
Features............................................. 1B-3B
Simchas.................................................. 10B
Holocaust Museum Opening...........1A-16A
Spotlight Photos.....................................11B
STAFF EXECUTIVE Betsy Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content Officer
TRUSTEES Dan Bindler, Jerry Ehrlich, Richard Flom, Mark Gershenson, Caroline Goldenberg, Mia Kweskin, Debbie Lefton, Lauren Murov, Kara Newmark, Ryan Rich, Steve Rosenzweig, Bruce Sandweiss, Adam Schneider, Alan Spector, Todd Taylor, Dan Winograd
EDITORIAL Robert A. Cohn, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Mike Sherwin, Managing Editor
JEWISH LIGHT PAST PRESIDENTS 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 * Of Blessed Memory
SALES Angie Rosenberg, Senior Account Executive Kelly Morris, Account Executive Elaine Wernick, Account Executive
BUSINESS AND ENGAGEMENT Stacy Wolff Smart, Director of Business Development and Communications Angela Jolly, Administrative Assistant
CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
Shabbat begins Friday, Nov. 4: 5:40 p.m. Shabbat ends Saturday, Nov. 5: 6:38 p.m. Torah reading: Lech-Lecha
PRODUCTION Erin Eason, Creative Lead
Shabbat begins Friday, Nov. 11: 4:33 p.m.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bill Motchan, Amy Fenster Brown, Eric Berger, Burton Boxerman, Patricia Corrigan, Barry Gilbert, Margi Lenga Kahn, Nancy Kranzberg, Elise Krug, Cate Marquis, Eric Mink, Judith Newmark, Martin Rochester
Shabbat ends Saturday, Nov. 12: 5:32 p.m.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
ShowMeChabad.com
Torah reading: Vayeira
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY
PUBLISHER'S STATEMENT The ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT (ISSN 0036-2964) is published bimonthly by the St. Louis Jewish Light, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, PO Box 411487, St. Louis, MO 63141-9998. Periodical postage paid at St. Louis, MO. Copyright 2022. Postmaster: Send address changes to the St. Louis Jewish Light: 7201 Delmar Blvd. #201, St. Louis, MO 63130.
The Jewish Light is a community partner of Jewish Federation of St. Louis.
The Jewish Light is a member of the American Jewish Press Association
ADVERTISEMENT
TOP EXERCISES TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST YOUR PARKINSON'S BY: DR. BETH TEMPLIN, PT, DPT, GCS GERIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Parkinson Wellness Recovery, otherwise known as PWR! is an exercise program that specifically targets Parkinson's symptoms. PWR! was created by Dr. Becky Farley, a leading expert in helping people living with Parkinson's Disease. PWR!Moves are exercises designed to help overcome some of the most common and debilitating symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. People living with Parkinson's often suffer from increased stiffness and slowness of movements. Other common symptoms include poor coordination and loss of automaticity. This means that normal every day movements take much more concentration and effort for a person living with Parkinson's Disease compared to someone who is not. These specialty PWR!Moves are designed to specifically help people with Parkinson's fight back against all of these common issues to delay the progression of the disease as much as possible. PWR!Moves consists of 4 basic moves that can be performed in 5 different positions: sitting, standing, on your back, on your belly and on hands and knees. This allows for customization of the program to help each person work on their particular issues.
The physical therapy team at HouseFit is certified in these specialty PWR!Moves and we are the only clinic in the St. Louis area providing these services. We are excited to be able to use this knowledge to serve our patients better. The best part is, it does not matter where you are on your Parkinson's journey, these moves can help you stay active and independent for many years to come. Want to learn more about these specialty exercises and other great exercise tips for people living with PD? Want to learn how to take an active role in delaying the progression of this disease? Attend our “Parkinson's and Exercise” Free Community Talk at HouseFit. When: Friday, Nov 11th at 2:30 pm Where: 3809 Lemay Ferry Rd, 63125 Attend in-person or join us online from your home. Call (314) 939-1377 to register. Space is limited. I look forward to seeing you there, Dr. Beth
HouseFit
3 80 9 Lem a y Ferry Rd . Sa i nt Lou i s, MO 63 1 2 5 (3 1 4 ) 9 39 -1 3 77 i n fo @h ou sef it stl .c o m www .h ou sef it stl . c om
jewishemployment@mersgoodwill.org
COMMEMORATIV E IS S UE | NOVEMBER 2, 2022 ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENING
stljewishlight.org
3A
‘Breaking the cycle of hate’
PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN
Expanded Holocaust museum renews mission at a ‘critical juncture’ in history BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
The St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum officially re-opens to the public at 1 p.m. Nov. 2 with many more resources to continue its mission to reject hatred, promote understanding and inspire change. Following a 2½-year, $25 million renovation and expansion, the museum features a wide range of exhibits and education tools to achieve those goals. In recent months, museum staff and volunteers have been preparing for this day as construction crews put the finishing touches on the structure. The building design and entrance strike a balance that is both solemn and welcoming. With 36,000 square feet of space, the museum is already booking school outings and group tours. Those opportunities to educate students and adults are key to making sure the lessons of the Holocaust don’t fade from memory. The museum’s reopening comes at an important time, said Frances Levine, interim executive director. “I think we’ve opened this museum at a really critical juncture when the rhetoric and conspiracy theories have brought so many issues home to us,” said Levine, who holds a doctorate in anthropology and is former CEO of the Missouri Historical Society. “I think that we couldn’t have opened at a better time in our history.”
An asset for the community The new Holocaust museum will take on the crucial task of education and fighting hatred, said Carol Staenberg, who spearheaded the museum’s capital campaign. “The previous museum was pretty outdated,” Staenberg said. “And with the rise of antisemitism all over the world, we built a place that is so beautiful and impactful on the outside, but also inside. We raised a lot of money for the capital to build it, and then we started to talk about what was going to happen inside and what people would take away from visiting the museum. That was
Guests tour the new St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum during a pre-opening event for Holocaust survivors and their families. PHOTO: MIKE SHERWIN
my motivation and why I really thought it was important to be a part of this project.” Staenberg says that for our region — and our community — the chance to have a safe environment like the museum to learn about the Holocaust, and infuse those lessons into our daily lives, will be both crucial and impactful. “It’s going to be big enough for when students come, they Carol Staenberg don’t have to just get right back on the bus and go back home,” Staenberg continued. “They can actually sit and debrief with their teacher, maybe with a survivor, and be able to have conversations.”
Importance of Holocaust awareness Education efforts about the Holocaust are particularly important based on studies that track awareness. A September 2020 survey conducted by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany revealed a significant lack of knowledge of the Holocaust among U.S. millennials. The survey showed that 63% of respondents did not know that 6 million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust, and that 36% thought “2 million or fewer Jews” were killed. More than 40,000 camps and ghettos existed in Europe during the Holocaust. But 48% of survey respondents couldn’t name a single one. The survey broke down results See REOPENING on page 8A
MORE INSIDE Designing the museum’s visitor experience—page 4A Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting the Museum 101—page 6A Museum provides tools, space to preserve Holocaust artifacts—page 7A Oral history project preserves stories of St. Louis survivors—page 10A St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum by the numbers — page 9A Remarks from Gloria Kaplan Feldman (page 14A) and Cheryle Feldman Atkin (page 11A) Interim director Frances Levine shares her family’s story—page 12A
4A
CO M M EM O RAT IVE ISSU E | NOVEMBER 2, 2022 ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENING
stljewishlight.org
What does the reopening of the museum mean to you?
ALL EXHIBIT PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN
RACHEL MILLER HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR
“
It means that the Holocaust will be remembered for many, many, many, many years.”
vvv
MYRNA MEYER LONGTIME ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM VOLUNTEER:
“
I’ve been part of the museum since day one and seeing this come to fruition is one of the most exciting and meaningful things that’s happened to me. I can’t wait to share this entire experience with the community.” PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN
Design maximized expanded space for an impactful visitor experience BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Walking through the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum is a solemn experience. After viewing the artifacts and exhibits, visitors will have a better understanding of the events leading up to the Holocaust, and how hate and mistrust can quickly spiral out of control. The expanded museum offers much to view, and one trip may only scratch the surface for those who enter. There are some ways to maximize your time and get the most out of the visitor experience. According to Haley Stodart, manager, volunteers and visitor services, a good place to start is the main exhibit, accessible from the main lobby. “It allows for a self-guided experience, so you can spend as much or as little time as you like in there and take as READ MORE deep of a dive as you are able,” Stodard said. On page 15A, read “If you have more time, a Design Statement we have the downstairs from Jordan Tull of area, which includes Gallagher & Assoour archives (available ciates, the museum on Tuesdays and planning and design Thursdays by appoint- firm that worked with ment), and a space for the St. Louis Kaplan special exhibitions Feldman Holocaust when they’re available. Museum. We will also have our Impact Lab as an additional experience.” The Impact Lab, located on the upper level of the museum, will use the Holocaust as a reference point to consider contemporary issues, like what it means to be a bystander when a person is targeted by hate because of ethnicity or gender and the importance of becoming an active ally. Specially trained museum volunteers staff the Impact Lab. Reservations are required for its use and advance registration is recommended (stlholocaustmuseum.org). The main exhibit provides a history of the events leading up to the Holocaust, including the aftermath of World War I (“A Gathering Storm”), the history of antisemitism, the power of propaganda, life in the ghetto, and the systematic state-sanctioned murder of six million European Jews by the Nazis and their collaborators. The timeline continues See EXPERIENCE on page 15A
stljewishlight.org
COMMEMORATIV E IS S UE | NOVEMBER 2, 2022 ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENING
Thank you Gloria Kaplan Feldman for your Vision, Time, Talent & Generosity.
Gloria Kaplan Feldman is a Holocaust survivor who has been integral in the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum and the Gloria and Rubin Feldman Family Education Institute. Gloria is a visionary who has given a tremendous amount of her time and talents to assure that survivors are remembered, and their stories are told. The new St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum wouldn’t have been possible without Gloria’s generosity and her vision to make the world a better place.
Your community thanks you!
5A
6A
CO M M EM O RAT IVE ISSU E | NOVEMBER 2, 2022 ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENING
How does the museum reopening impact the St. Louis community?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Visiting the Holocaust Museum 101 What are museum hours?
Where should I park?
The museum will be open 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday.
Free, on-site parking is available in front of the museum, off Lindbergh Boulevard at Schuetz Road (36 Millstone Campus Drive). The lot has electric car charging stations available on a first come-first-serve basis.
How much does it cost to enter the museum? Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $10 for students with a valid student ID, $10 for veterans, $6 for young adults (10-17). Survivors, members, and children under 10 are free. For the Impact Lab, admission is $3 for adults (18+), $2 for young adults (10-17), and $2 for members. Impact Lab admission is included in All Access memberships and above. Children under 10 are free.
Can I take pictures of the exhibits? KAREN MEIRINK, DIRECTOR OF VISITOR AND VOLUNTEER SERVICES, EXPLORE ST. LOUIS
“
We are very excited. We’ve missed the museum being open from our visitors and our local audience. The museum is a very important component for school groups, and also people who enjoy world history, and it’s an important story, particularly now—to make sure people are aware of what happened to the Jewish community.”
stljewishlight.org
The museum allows photos without flash. Selfies and selfie sticks are prohibited.
How long should I plan for my visit to the museum? The museum exhibition is self-guided unless you book a guided tour. If you choose to do a guided tour, expect your visit to last anywhere between one hour to an hour and a half.
Can I bring my children to the museum? The exhibition was designed for ages 10 and up; parent/ guardian discretion is advised.
What is the mask policy for the museum? At this time, masks are encouraged, but not required.
ticket required. To enter the main exhibition or Impact Lab, you will need a ticket.
When is the Archive & Research Center open, and do I need an appointment? The Archives & Research Center will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment. Schedule an appointment by emailing Diane Everman at DEverman@STLHolocaustMuseum.org.
Is there a coat check? Will I be required to show proof of vaccination when I visit? Not at this time.
What are your security protocols? All visitors will pass through a security screening overseen by professional security personnel prior to entering the lobby. This includes a bag check. All purses, bags, and jackets must pass through security. Large bags are prohibited within the Museum.
Is there a museum gift shop? Yes and it’s open during the museum’s opening hours and during public events/ programs.
Can I just visit the gift shop, without paying the museum admission fee? Yes. You may browse the gift shop, located to the left of the front desk, no
No. The museum encourages all guests to leave coats, jackets, backpacks, purses and bags in their vehicle. Though purses, bags, and jackets will be allowed within the building after being passed through security, large bags are prohibited within the Museum.
Are water bottles and snacks allowed within the museum? Food and drinks are allowed after they have passed through security. However, large bags are not permitted in the building, and food (including chewing gum) and drinks are not permitted in the Main Exhibition, Impact-Lab, Special Exhibition and Archives & Research Center.
Is there a place to eat at the museum? There are vending machines located on the lower level. However, there is no dining space or café.
Heart felt appreciation to the entire staff teams at the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, the Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum and all our vendors and partners for your above and beyond hard work and dedication. You have created something that will benefit our community for decades and honors the memory of the victims and survivors. We could not have done it without you. Thank You!
Julie & Greg Yawitz
COMMEMORATIV E IS S UE | NOVEMBER 2, 2022 ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENING
stljewishlight.org
7A
New museum provides tools, archive space to preserve Holocaust artifacts BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
The St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum displays many timeless, sobering artifacts. Those visual reminders of the Holocaust provide visitors with a sense of history and offer a glimpse into Europe during the early 1940s. The museum has been collecting and displaying artifacts since its 1995 opening. Among the items are a Jewish ghetto police stamp, displaced persons camp tags, a U.S. Signal Corps camera and a child’s shoe. Protecting priceless artifacts is a challenging job that falls to archivist Diane Everman and associate curator Jillian Howell. The recently expanded museum offers them tools and space to ensure the safety of those items. “We have an 80% increase in space for both the Jewish community archives and the Holocaust museum archives,” Everman said. Those items are housed in the lower level of the museum in the archive area, Howell said as she turned the lever on a compact mobile shelving unit. “These shelves are really cool because they’ve expanded our storage space,” she said. The logistics of preserving artifacts also require special handling, Everman said. “Everything has to be in acid-free housing when it’s processed, and everything is in an acid-free box and enclosures,” Everman said. “Environmentally, we set everything at 40 to 45% relative humidity and 65 to 68 degrees in temperature.” That environment is a happy medium for paper, photographs and audio-visual materials, she said.
Diane Everman (left) and Jillian Howell stand in the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman’s archives. Everman said the new building offers the archives an 80% increase in space for both the Jewish community archives and the Holocaust museum archives. PRIMARY LOGO
PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN
PUBLISHER’S SOCIETY ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN L’Dor V’Dor – a gift today will ensure we are here for generations to come LOGO VARIATION HORIZONTAL
STL
JEWISH LIGHT
LOGO VARIATION VERTICAL
STL JEWISH LIGHT
Which lessons of the Holocaust are BRAND IDENTITY particularly VISUAL GUIDELINES pertinent in 2022? A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish Community. SUBMARKS
Since 1947, the St. Louis Jewish Light has been a cornerstone of our community, telling our stories and connecting us by offering a local Jewish perspective on moments that matter. We recently moved from paid subscriptions to completely free subscriptions. Our award-winning print newspaper is mailed to over 10,000 households and our digital newsletter, The Morning Light, is delivered to over 6,000 inboxes each weekday morning. Several thousand in our community also receive our topical digital newsletters, in addition to staying connected through our strong social media presence. As a completely independent, not-for-profit organization, we depend on donor support to continue serving our community. Only through your generosity can the Light continue its mission to inform, inspire, educate, and connect our St. Louis Jewish community and shine brightly for generations to come. We thank you for your generous support, Bethe Growe President
Laurie Chod Vice President, Development
Betsy Schmidt
THE PUBLISHER’S SOCIETY LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION
CONTRIBUTOR under $250
BYLINE
$250 & above
FEATURE
$1000 & above
HEADLINER $1800 & above
EDITOR
$3600 & above
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF $5000 & above
Chief Executive Officer
BOARD OF TRUSTEES REV. RODRICK BURTON MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCHES:
“
Disinformation and hate speech. . . if you don’t put the brakes on that and call it out, it’s entirely possible that this could happen again.”
officers
trustees
Bethe Growe, President Laurie Chod, Vice President Beth Manlin, Vice President Ben Weiss, Vice President Justin Krachmalnick, Treasurer Debra Klevens, Secretary Laura K. Silver, Immed. Past President Joan Silber, Committee Chair
Dan Bindler, Jerry Ehrlich, Richard Flom, Mark Gershenson, Caroline Goldenberg, Mia Kweskin, Debbie Lefton, Lauren Murov, Kara Newmark, Ryan Rich, Steve Rosenzweig, Bruce Sandweiss, Adam Schneider, Alan Spector, Todd Taylor, Dan Winograd
L’Dor V’Dor
A gift today will ensure we are here for generations to come
TO SUBMIT A DONATION VISIT STLJEWISHLIGHT.ORG/DONATE
8A
CO M M EM O RAT IVE ISSU E | NOVEMBER 2, 2022 ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENING
What does the reopening of the museum mean to you?
OSKAR JAKOB HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR
“
It means a lot to me because people— especially children—who have no idea can learn what went on, so I think it’s a wonderful thing. I and other Holocaust survivors are not going to be here much longer, so the museum will teach young people of the horrors that took place.”
vvv
RABBI MARK SHOOK RABBI EMERITUS, CONGREGATION TEMPLE ISRAEL
“
It means that a larger outreach can be performed, not just the St. Louis community but the entire region, because now this is world-class, and the way it’s laid out, as far as educational value is incredible, and the ability to bring in larger groups really expands the reach of the museum.” PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN
REOPENING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3A by state. In Missouri, among millennials: • 64% did not know 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust. • 37% did not know what Auschwitz was. • 50% couldn’t name a concentration camp or ghetto. One positive statistic emerged from the Claims Conference study. Most respondents, including 85% in Missouri, said it’s important to continue teaching about the Holocaust, in part so it doesn’t happen again. Marci Rosenberg, former chair of the museum who has worked with Steven Marci Rosenberg Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation, said the lessons of the Holocaust must continue to be provided to future generations to fight hatred in any form. “There is still so much antisemitism, racism, bigotry, propaganda, lie and hatred in this world of what one human being can do to another,” she said. “It hasn’t stopped. We’ve been teaching these lessons for over 80 years. People have been telling their stories of what was done to them because they were Jewish. That’s why this museum is here.”
Key features The first significant design element at the museum is a sculpture of a red flame in front of the entrance. The sculpture was donated by developer and philanthropist Michael Staenberg. The image of a flame is significant because the definition of the word Holocaust is “destruction by fire.” Visitors to the museum will enter through a light-filled main lobby. Ceiling panels and the front façade are uneven and distorted, inspired by Kristallnacht. That design merges on a flat, nonbroken, dark gray wall on the north side of the lobby. That design element symbolizes a feeling of hope. The expanded facility is three times bigger than the previous museum’s 8,000 square feet and will make St. Louis a major destination for Holocaust learning. The additional space allows curators to more effectively preserve and share survivor sto-
“I didn’t even know the museum had that,” Holocaust survivor Walter “Wally” Mayer said to his wife, Rosalie Rotenberg, about a family document from 1937 on display. The couple toured the new museum on Oct. 30. PHOTO: MIKE SHERWIN
stljewishlight.org
ries and challenge visitors to role-play as collaborators, bystanders, upstanders and liberators. In the main permanent exhibit area, visitors enter through a room that looks like it’s been covered in damask wallpaper. It is decorated with prewar family photos that show the vibrancy and diversity of Jewish life. Within the exhibit area are galleries that focus on the history of antisemitism before the Holocaust, the history of the Holocaust, choices people made during the genocide, and survivors. Some of the other noteworthy features are an expanded learning center, a larger auditorium, classrooms, and flexible space that allow visitors to gather for self-reflection and discussion.
Impact Lab interactivity A section of the museum will challenge students and visitors to reject hatred, promote understanding and inspire change. Known as the Impact Lab, this interactive space offers an opportunity to learn more about current issues such as genocide and hate crimes viewed through the lens of the Holocaust. Within the Impact Lab, each station will be staffed by a volunteer. The volunteers are preparing for opening and getting an education of their own, said Brayden Swathwood, coordinator of programs and events. “The training is quite extensive,” Swathwood said. “I was involved in theater for many years, and even I would say there’s a lot for volunteers to remember. But what’s interesting is each group is going to have its own set of knowledge about events. Each of the volunteers will have an opportunity to work with that group.”
A top-tier Holocaust museum There are other Holocaust memorials and small museums around the country, some in university settings. Susan Myers, president of the Association of Holocaust Organizations (AHO), said: “Our records indicate that there are 16 museums, including the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Museum, with two more getting ready to break ground in Orlando and Boston. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, our national museum, is the largest. We put all the other museums in the second category, which are state, public and privately supported museums.”
Myers said the AHO doesn’t rank those 15 other museums in order of size or dollar amounts spent on construction and renovations because “they are all important to our mission.” The St. Louis museum was already tracked by AHO and, with the expansion, will be a destination for travelers, including students of history and those who study World War II.
Law enforcement and society The St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum is among a small group of Holocaust museums that participates in the Law Enforcement & Society program,
COMMEMORATIV E IS S UE | NOVEMBER 2, 2022 ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENING
stljewishlight.org
Holocaust survivor Marie Cuttler tour the new St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum during a pre-opening event for survivors and their families. PHOTO: MIKE SHERWIN
9A
What do you hope visitors will take away from their visit to the museum?
GREG YAWITZ BOARD CHAIR, JEWISH FEDERATION OF ST. LOUIS
“ which teaches law enforcement officials how police responded during the Holocaust and how to apply those lessons in their work today. It is one of the first institutions to pilot the program, which has trained thousands of law enforcement personnel. The program is held in conjunction with the AntiDefamation League.
Holocaust Museum by the numbers
vvv
What part of the museum resonates most with you?
Separation from Jewish Federation An Aug. 1 announcement that the museum would separate from Jewish Federation of St. Louis signaled the beginning of a new era for the museum, a 25-year-old institution. It was driven by Federation’s strategic plan. Jewish Federation President & CEO Brian Herstig, said running a museum of this size and scope is best handled by museum professionals. “It will be its own institution with its own board and its own budget,” he said. “The Holocaust museum will be a partner to make sure a very specific part of the mission of our community is met. We will fund them and support them and have a formal relationship with them.” The decision to separate was the result of two task force studies over six months, Jewish Federation Board Chair Greg Yawitz said. “Task Force 1 looked at the macro concept of independence,” Yawitz said. “Task Force 2 did the hard work of figuring out what that actually meant and how it would potentially work, and recommendations around structures and governance. It was a painstakingly thought out decision because of its significance.” Over the next several months, the Federation board will draft bylaws and policies for the museum. It will also apply for 501c3 (nonprofit) status and select an initial board of directors. After the official separation, some services and security will continue to be shared between the two institutions.
Looking to the future The reopening of the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum marks a significant milestone in Holocaust remembrance. The facility will be a major destina-
“I hope that visitors who come to the museum will take away an understanding of what can happen when hate goes unchecked, learn from the atrocities of the Holocaust, realize that we as a people can be better and learn from it and help reduce hate around the world.”
RABBI JANINE SCHLOSS: TEMPLE EMANUEL
tion for history and learning. What does the future hold for the museum? Levine, the interim director, said it has the potential to be a partner in education throughout the region and the country. “I really see us breaking the cycle of hate and violence,” Levine said. “You have to keep at it every day. I feel strongly that this museum sits at the confluence of trauma-informed education, which so many young
people and older people now need. They need that sensitization.” The museum will also be a beacon of hope and a positive influence, Yawitz said. “It’s my hope that the museum will open people’s eyes and make them more thoughtful about what’s possible and set people on a more positive trajectory in how they treat others, how they see the world through the lens of others,” he said.
“
I love the focus on not just the history of the Holocaust but the choice to highlight the experience of survivors from the greater St. Louis area and the families who lost loved ones in the Holocaust. That makes it such a personal and evermore-moving experience.”
10A
CO M M EM O RAT IVE ISSU E | NOVEMBER 2, 2022 ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENING
stljewishlight.org
How do you think the new museum honors the vision of the former museum?
MICHAEL STAENBERG PHILANTHROPIST AND COMMUNITY LEADER
“
What I hope people realize is that this (new museum) is an extension of what three trailblazers (Bill Kahn, Tom Green and Leo Wolf, all of blessed memory) put together when the first St. Louis Holocaust museum opened in 1995. We were able to utilize their platform and create something better and more relevant for today’s audience. I want people to realize they had the vision, and we have to honor the past.”
vvv
ABOVE: Some of the photos of St. Louisans whose stories are preserved in the Holocaust museum’s Oral Histories Project, available on the museum’s website: stlholocaustmuseum.org.
Oral history project preserves survivors stories in online archive BY JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER
Since 1979, Vida “Sister” Goldman Prince has been Chairman of the Oral Histories Project, at the St. Louis Holocaust Center (which became the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center In Memory of Gloria M. Goldstein in 1995 and is now the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum). “I bless the day in 1979 when I read a small article in the St. Louis Jewish Light about the Holocaust Center that had been established in 1977,” said Goldman Prince. “I quickly became interested and phoned Alex Grobman, the center’s director. We met, and Alex tutored me over the next couple of months and supplied me with different periodicals to learn more about the Holocaust.”
What she read affected her deeply. She became in awe of people who endured so much emotional and physical pain. “I knew I had found something I wanted to do for as long as I was able. Little did I know then that the survivors’ lives would become so much a part of my life,” said Goldman Prince. Goldman Prince shared her feelings and visions with members of what was then called the Holocaust Commission, and the Oral History Project was created. The project is dedicated to recording and preserving audio interviews of not only Holocaust survivors, but also liberators of Nazi concentration camps and other non-Jewish witnesses living in Europe during World War II. The archive of oral histories is available on the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum’s website, stlholocaustmuseum.org.
In partnership with the Jewish Light, the Holocaust museum is allowing the Light to republish a portion of this oral histories project as a celebration of life and a crucial part of honoring and remembering the past. Over the past year, the Light has shared these stories with the community through its website and email newsletters. Visit stljewishlight.org/survivor-stories to view stories such as these: • How soup helped St. Louisan Oskar Jakob survive the Holocaust • Helena Schonfeld met Mengele, fooled the Nazis and survived • How Morris Gutterman survived five camps and was forced labor on the Autobahn • Erika Schick Goldburg survived the Nazis and then Communism • Leslie Ilies survived a Nazi death march as Russians drew near.
The Bris
by Certified Mohel
WE ARE HERE TO HELP.
Rabbi Michael Rovinsky “Where Care & Concern Make A Difference”
Trained by Pediatric Urologists Over 15,500 + Procedures Performed Serving All of the Jewish Community
(314) 727-BRIT (2748) 1-800-85MOHEL www.brismilah.org
We offer a wide range of support services, from daily medication management and meal preparation to companion care, light house keeping, and transportation. HOME CARE SERVICES In-Home Care
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care
Parkinson’s Care Support
Contact Us Today
Respite, Overnight, and 24-hour Care
636-582-0334 | uniquelyunforgettablecare@gmail.com
SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY NEWSLETTER WWW.STLJEWISHLIGHT.ORG/NEWSLETTERS
COMMEMORATIV E IS S UE | NOVEMBER 2, 2022 ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENING
stljewishlight.org
11A
COMMENTARY: CHERYLE FELDMAN ATKIN
An obligation to ‘Never Forget’ and build Holocaust awareness BY CHERYLE FELDMAN ATKIN
(Editor’s Note: Cheryle Feldman Atkin, the daughter of Gloria Kaplan Feldman and Rubin Feldman, for which the new Holocaust museum is named, delivered these comments at a ribbon cutting for the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum on Nov. 2, 2022.)
“tikkun olam.” With every future generation of the Jewish population, she is “dancing on Hitler’s grave.” Yes, we are honored to have our family name on this transformational museum, however, we believe that the museum stands not because of us, but because of so many people: • The survivors and their families • Our founding families who had a vision for a museum more than 30 years ago • The leaders in the Jewish Federation and the Holocaust Museum team, past and current; who dared to dream of a more expansive building • The donors who answered the call • The architects who designed the dream
On behalf of my mother, Gloria Kaplan Feldman, my late father, Rubin Feldman, my children Sara and Brian, my brother, Steven, my Uncle David Kaplan, and my nephews, I thank you for joining me here on this momentous day, the ribbon cutting of the Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. While I firmly believe that my mother, Gloria Kaplan Feldman, should be standing here addressing all of you, I stand here out of obligation. I am obligated to tell the story of my family and their unexplainable survival of the Holocaust as well as the accounts of others who either survived or have CELLULAR family members who survived the SONNETTE ROLLER SHADES horrific atrocities. I also stand here because I am able. I am able to speak Increase while others are notand able your comfort help lower your energy bills to stand and speak their truths and their year-round with insulating Hunter Douglas shades. histories because they are either no longer Rebate savings available with us or because they do not have now. the Ask for details. capability to speak about their unending suffering.
• The crafts people who physically built the structure • And everyone here who recognizes the importance of this museum As the prominent ner tamid (eternal light) in the logo reminds us, the impact of the museum’s teachings will never be extinguished. The history of the Holocaust will never be extinguished. The Jewish people will never be extinguished. I say to all of you, you are now obliged to keep Holocaust education ever-present and to strive to eliminate hatred in our world. My family is elated to be part of this impactful Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. AT RIGHT: Cheryle Feldman Atkin (left) with her mother, Gloria Feldman, and her daughter, Sara Atkin.
April 13– June 24, 2019
®
This museum stands as a vessel to fulfill our obligation to teach about the Holocaust to make certain that no other individuals are subjected to the same injustice and attempted destruction. Together and through the visitor experience at this Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, we can make the world a place where antisemitism, bigotry and hatred are eliminated.
100
Rebates starting at
$
*
on select styles March 12– June 20, 2022
® LUMINETTE® PRIVACY ® SHEERS & SILHOUETTE WINDOW SHADINGS®
LUMINETTE PRIVACY SHEERS & SILHOUETTE SHADINGS LUMINETTE PRIVACYWINDOW SHEERS & SILHOUETTE WINDOW SHADINGS ®
®
REBATES STARTING AT
Victor Shade Company 10100 Page Ave Saint Louis, MO
100 100 this
* beauty andincomfort of and home this of$home this Invest the beauty comfort
REBATES STARTING AT
Invest in the holiday season with Hunter Douglasof shades. Investseason in the beauty and comfort home holiday with Hunter Douglas shades. ON QUALIFYING PURCHASES
$
*
ON QUALIFYING PURCHASES
SEPT. 10–DEC. 5, 2022
holiday season with Hunter Douglas shades. SEPT. 10–DEC. 5, 2022
NEW LOCATION APRIL 1 11477 PAGE SERVICE DR. April ST LOUIS, MO13– 63146
Victor Shade Company Victor Shade Company 11477 Page Service Dr Saint Louis, MO 11477 Page Service Dr Saint Louis, MO (314) 428-7979 www.victorshadecompany.com (314) 428-7979
1
$
ON QUAL
NEW LOCATION!
June 24, 2019
REBAT
SEPT.
www.victorshadecompany.com
11477 Page Service Dr. | St. Louis, MO 63146 Victor Shade Company (314) 428-7979 STARTING 11477 PageREBATES Service Dr AT Saint Louis, MO www.victorshadecompany.com *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made September 10, 2022–December 5, 2022 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Offer excludes HDOrigins and Nantucket Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette Window $ (314) 428-7979 Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a Virtual Reward Card emailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim approval. Subject to applicable law, a $3.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance* 12 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with Virtual Reward Card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2022 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made September 10, 2022–December 5, 2022 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Offer excludes HDOrigins and Nantucket Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette Window www.victorshadecompany.com respective owners. Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a Virtual Reward Card emailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim approval. Subject to applicable law, a $3.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 12 months after card issuance and each month thereafter.
LUMINETTE PRIVACY SHEERS & SILHOUETTE WINDOW SHADINGS (314) 428-7979 www.victorshadecompany.com ®
®
Invest in the beauty and comfort of home this holiday season with Hunter Douglas shades. ®
™
100 ®
™
®
®
*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made September 10, 2022–December 5, 2022 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Offer excludes HDOrigins® and Nantucket™ Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette® Window Shadings. See complete terms distributed with Virtual Reward Card. Additional limitations may emailed apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2022 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein areON the QUALIFYING property of HunterPURCHASES Douglas or their * Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made March 12 – June 20, 2022 from participating dealers in be the issued U.S. only. will of be aissued in the form ofCard a Virtual Reward Card 6and within 6claim weeksapproval. Subject to applicable law, a $3.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 12 Rebate will inRebate the form Virtual Reward emailed within weeks of rebate months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete respective of rebate claim approval. Subject to applicable law, a $3.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 12 months cardowners. issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with Virtual Reward Card. SEPT.are10–DEC. terms after distributed with Virtual Reward Card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2022 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein the property5,of2022 Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2022 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.
April 13– June 24, 2019 Company Victor Shade
Victor Shade Company 10100 Page Avestyles about rebate select *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made September 10, 2022–December 5,Ask 2022 from participating dealers in the U.S.savings only. Offer excludeson HDOrigins and Nantucket Window Shadings, a coll Nothing Compares. Saint MO Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a Virtual Reward Card emailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim approval. Subject to applicable law, a $3.00 monthly fee will beLouis, assessed against card balance 12 months after card issua today. See complete terms distributed with Virtual Reward Card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate ©2022 rights S OT Hform. E B YS R E AHunter LT Y.CDouglas. O M | All 3 14 .7 2reserved. 5 .0 0 0 All 9 trademarks used herein are the prop 314-428-7979 respective owners. Ask abou www.victorshadecompa Hunter D com 11477 Page Service Dr Saint Louis, MO (314) 428-7979 www.victorshadecompany.com
®
™
Perf
*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made September 10, 2022–December 5, 2022 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Offer excludes HDOrigins and Nantucket Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette Window This museum stands as a vessel to fulfill Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a Virtual Reward Card emailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim approval. Subject to applicable law, a $3.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 12 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with Virtual Reward Card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2022 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their our obligation to teach about the Holocaust respective owners. to make certain that no other individuals *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/13/19 – 6/24/1 are subjected to the same injustice and participating dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid rewa attempted destruction. Together and and mailed within 4 weeks of rebate claim approval. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicab through the visitor experience at this Victor Shade Companya $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance an Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, we month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with reward card. Additional limitations ma 10100 Page Ave Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2019 Hunter Douglas. All rights reser Ask about rebate savings on select styles can make the world a place where Saint Louis, MO trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 19Q2MAG today. antisemitism, bigotry and hatred are elim10937 Brooktrail Court 314-428-7979 inated. Ask about rebate savings on select light-diffusing CREVE COEUR, MO www.victorshadecompany. Hunter Douglas styles today. We are obliged and able to focus on the com tagline of the museum, which is the most *Manufactur *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 4/13/19 – 6/24/19 from Victor Shade Company important to my family. In honor of theparticipating dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card participatin mailed within 4 weeks of rebate claim approval. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, and mailed 10100 Page Ave survivors — because they have been ableand Ask about rebate savings on select styles a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each a $2.00 mo Saint Louis, MO to recount the unfathomable horrors andmonth thereafter. See complete terms distributed with reward card. Additional limitations may apply. today. month there Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2019 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All 314-428-7979 triumphs of their experiences before,trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 19Q2MAGLUC1 Ask particip www.victorshadecompany. trademarks during and after the Holocaust. In memo1032 Medoc Court com ry of the victims — because they cannot *Manufacturer’s TOWN mail-inAND rebate offer valid COUNTRY, MO for qualifying purchases made 4/13/19 – 6/24/19 from speak for themselves so we must speak for participating dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 4 weeks of rebate claim approval. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, them and retell their experiences. a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with reward card. Additional limitations may apply. Only my parents, my grandparents, my Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2019 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 19Q2MAGLUC1 uncle and a small portion of my extended GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR family survived the Holocaust through determination, creativity and a lot of luck. C. 314.954.3999 My mother has been steadfast in her 12 Terry Hill Lane 16481 Wilson Farm Drive BETH.MANLIN@DIELMANNSIR.COM actions to contribute to the community, ST. LOUIS, MO CHESTERFIELD, MO here and abroad, to help repair the world, ®
™
Exceptional Year-to-Date 2022 Sales Perfect Light. For Less.
Beth Manlin
®
12A
CO M M EM O RAT IVE ISSU E | NOVEMBER 2, 2022 ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENING
stljewishlight.org
COMMENTARY FROM THE MUSEUM’S INTERIM DIRECTOR
We were the Zelaznys from Kalushyn BY FRANCES LEVINE
I grew up in Bridgeport and Fairfield, Conn. surrounded by father’s family — the Levines. My grandmother Anna and my grandfather Isaac Levine lived across the street from my elementary school, and right next to the candy store. I saw them nearly every day, and we spent most weekends with some combination of aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, and relatives of my grandmother’s three sisters. We were then, and still are, remarkably close. Though now, several cousins and I are the only ones left who know some of the history and the fun of growing up in that noisy band of “mishpocheh.” My grandmother and her sisters were the matriarchs of the family, the Zelazny sisters. They had all emigrated from Kalushyn, Poland between about 1900 and 1910. I knew that they had a brother Avram Tsal, who once came to the United States, but returned to Poland to remain in the family business of scrap iron. I think today we would call that a recycling business. That’s all I knew about him, a name and the position as one who remained in Kalushyn. What I did not know until I was grown, and raising my own family, was that Avram Tsal, his wife Shaindel, and their daughters Richel and Gittel died in Treblinka in 1942. Their son Zelig had enlisted in the Polish Army in 1939, and then joined the Russian Army. Zelig’s first wife was killed in the Holocaust, but I know nothing else. After the war Zelig’s second wife and their family emigrated to Israel in 1948. Why didn’t my Grandmother
Frances Levine is the Interim Director of the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. PHOTO: DANIEL QUAT PHOTOGRAPHY
Caption: Zelazny Sisters at family reunion circa 1953 and their children with their spouses, Bridgeport, Conn. Their brother Avram Tsal died at Treblinka in 1942. Anna tell me these stories? She certainly told me many other stories and made me, no doubt, the woman I have become. Every year our family gathered twice a year with all the cousins, in-laws and outlaws. Summertime was a picnic in a park and winter was in a hotel in Connecticut or New York City. While the kids ran wild and played in the woods or the river, our aunts and mothers talked for hours while our uncles and fathers pitched horseshoes and grilled the hotdogs and hamburgers from Great Uncle Herman’s slaughterhouse. Then it was time for the “family circle” business meeting. They even took minutes for several years and they started a collection to help Zelig buy a truck and start his business in Israel. As the historian and museum person in the family, I was given many of the documents and photographs of our family. The one I treasure the most is Grandma Anna’s Naturalization application signed by her in May 1941. My grandmother became a citizen after 35 years of living in New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut with my grandfather and their seven surviving children operating
bakeries to support the family and their communities. She became a citizen during World War II while one of her sons was serving in the United States Air Force, another son served in the U.S. Navy, and a son-in-law was fighting with the U.S. Army in Europe. We — myself and my 12 cousins — heard so much about what my grandmother and our mothers did to support the war efforts, but she didn’t often talk about why she left Poland in 1907, why Avram Tsal returned there, or what she knew about her family in Poland during the war. And she never, ever told us about the death of Avram Tsal and his family. Anything I have learned about the pogroms in Kalushyn, the Nazi occupation in 1939, and the round up and deportment of Jews from there to Treblinka in September 1942, I learned from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, or from reading and research of my own. Several times I asked my grandmother to take me back to Poland so that I could see Kalushyn, the town where she was raised. She always said to me, “I did not leave anything there.” But now, as an adult
and a historian, I understand that she left everything there, her mother and father, her brother, and her community, her childhood memories, and the earliest memories of her happy marriage to my grandfather. She started all over here in the United States, and those were the memories she was building. She protected me and nurtured me. And just maybe she herself could not yet confront those truths of what she left behind. This year, maybe better than ever, I understand what her choices were, even if she did not say them in words. The photos of war that we now see daily from Ukraine have made us all keenly aware of the power and the dread of displacement. This year, too, I understand more about the resilience that brought so many Holocaust refugees to embrace a new life in the United States. And this year, I join with the staff of the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum so that all our children and their children, your grandchildren and great grandchildren will learn your stories and learn from the history of this museum.
303 N Meramec Ave. #302 Clayton, MO 63105
Jump Start Your Fitness
Join in November with no dues until January 2023* Call today: 314-442-3124 BUYING SELLING RELOCATING REAL ESTATE ADVICE
BUYING SELLING
OPEN 1-3 PM SUNDAY, NOV. 6 BUYING
RELOCATING
Thomas Lynnsie Belk GIVE$649,000 US A •CALL! Top floor condo in KingsburyCraig Terrace with almost Burfield
Everyone is welcome at the J.
Creve Coeur • Chesterfield
*Requires 6-month dues commitment. Call or stop in for details. Offer expires November 30, 2022.
jccstl.org
Kantor
2800 sf of living space including 3SELLING bedrooms, 2.5 baths, updated REAL ESTATE HOME MARKETING SPECIALISTS kitchen/hearth room and primary bath, incredible storage, and ADVICE Lynnsie Balk Kantor RELOCATING in-unit laundry 314.997.7600 room. Enjoy 2 parking spots and & Craig Burfield 314.406.1214 a pool, all stepsinfo away@from downtown Clayton! .com Office: 314-997-7600 REAL ESTATE burfieldkantorgroup See pictures at ADVICE BurfieldKantorGroup.com GIVECell:US 314-406-1214 A CALL! Thomas Craig A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliactes LLC Info@BurfieldKantorGroup.com Burfield A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC 8077 MARYLAND AVENUE, CLAYTON
GIVE US A CALL! Thomas Craig Burfield
HOME MARKETING SPECIALISTS
Lynnsie Balk314.997.7600
314.406.1214
Kantorinfo@burfieldkantorgroup.com
HOME MARKETING SPECIALISTS
314.997.7600
Lynnsie Balk Kantor
314.406.1214
A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC
8077 MARYLAND AVENUE, CLAYTON
COMMEMORATIV E IS S UE | NOVEMBER 2, 2022 ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENING
stljewishlight.org
13A
13TH ANNUAL
We are excited to announce our 2022 Unsung Heroes celebration will once again be an in-person event.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7
ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM Doors Open at 6:30pm Program begins at 7:00pm Followed by a celebratory reception unsung heroes chairs faith berger | galia movitz | sheri sherman | jane roodman weiss
INTRODUCING OUR 2022 HEROES
olivia adams
tamar adler
sam deutsch
julie frankel
nathan goldstein & ben horwitz
matovu founders
jewish light’s ohr chadash teen page advisors
dr. craig reiss
michele siler
$54 PER TICKET
Includes event entry, a sneak peek of select museum exhibits, dessert & champagne reception and a copy of our Unsung Heroes magazine
FOR TICKETS, TRIBUTES AND DONATIONS VISIT: WWW.STLJEWISHLIGHT.ORG/UNSUNG-2022
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
DR. ALAN & VILMA LEVI
SHERI & DON SHERMAN
|
DR. JON ROOT & DEBBIE ZIMMERMAN
|
JANE ROODMAN WEISS & JOHN WEISS
|
|
BETHE & GAARY GROWE
BRUCE & KAREN SANDWEISS
GET A SNEAK PEEK OF THE NEW KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM
14A
CO M M EM O RAT IVE ISSU E | NOVEMBER 2, 2022 ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENING
What parts of the new museum are you most impressed with?
stljewishlight.org
COMMENTARY: GLORIA KAPLAN FELDMAN
Museum shows what community can do when it comes together BY GLORIA KAPLAN FELDMAN
(Editor’s Note: These comments were delivered at a special event Nov. 1 at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum for major donors)
LISE BERNSTEIN ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM VOLUNTEER:
“
The scope of how they tell the story, starting with just the history of antisemitism over the ages and then moving it through time to what happened and why it happened. It’s a good combination of factual information combined with a lot of personal artifacts and personal stories, the voices of survivors.”
vvv
I often think, “How or why did I survive?” I had diphtheria, an open infectious wound in my chest, shivering from a high fever. I did not die. A neighbor told the SS that my parents, Abraham and Bessie, brother David and I were at another neighbor’s home. We were hiding in the chicken coup. We saw the SS through the wire, but they did not see us. We did not die. When the SS marched us through the ghetto just to humiliate us with our frozen bare feet and empty stomachs, we survived. The day before liberation, the SS were patrolling the field where we were covered with branches and leaves. We saw their rifles inches from our bodies as they walked by. The SS did not see us. Again, we survived. So why? Similarly, my late husband, Rubin, also survived the war with his parents, Joseph and Bella, in their own unexplainable and unknown way. How did we triumph over the darkest days? There must be a reason that we were not told. Therefore, I came to believe that I must give back to my community to make life better for others, make the world a place where antisemitism, bigotry, atrocities and hatred are eliminated. Even more importantly, if you would permit me to tell you another reason for our incomprehensible and unlikely survival—my family. I have revenge on those who stole my childhood — my children, Steven and Cheryle, and my grandchildren, Sara, Brian, Nick, Pat and Chris. Our family did not get erased despite unending attempts. Many survivors talk about “dancing on Hitler’s grave.” As my family grows and multiplies, I, too, dance on Hitler’s grave. Our family will make a difference so the world will be a better place for future generations. We are here to celebrate this extraordinary, transformational building. Yes, we all deserve the appreciation and a good pat on the back. Each of you in this room is the reason we are here. Together, we made a dream reality. You’ve all heard the saying “it takes a village.” Well, together we are a strong, determined, successful village. • For me, it started with a conversation with (former Jewish Federation President and CEO) Andrew Rehfeld discussing the possibility of a museum. • This conversation continued with (developer and philanthropist) Michael
LOOKING BACK • Leo Wolf (in background, at podium), then-chairman emeritus of the St. Louis Holocaust Museum and Learning Center, looks on as local Holocaust survivors light six candles in memory of the six million Jews of the Holocaust at the groundbreaking ceremonies for the museum in 1994. Taking part in the candlelighting ceremony include (from left) Claire Daniels, Werner Daniels, Erica Goldburg, Pieroskia Hacker, Jerry Koenig and Lili Levi. Staenberg who further nurtured the dream. • Carol Staenberg took the reins and gave her heart and soul to the dream. • The cabinet responded to the call and joined in the dream. • Each of you in the room answered the call with your own vital contribution. • The prior (Holocaust) museum staff rallied: Jean Cavender, Dan Reich, Andrew Goldfeder, Don Hannon, Lory Cooper and Diane Everman. • They were later joined by the energetic and experienced (current Holocaust museum staff ) Helen Turner and Amy Lutz. • Greg Yawitz (chair of the Federation board) boldly led us through the planning Gloria Kaplan and building. Feldman • Brian Herstig (current Federation president and CEO) joined the team with his leadership and dedication. • Gallagher and Associates designed the museum beyond our wildest imaginations • The building team used their skills and muscle to bring the museum plans to reality. • We will always remember the groundwork set by our founders and visionaries: the Wolfs, Greens and Kahns, who will forever be our role models. May their names be for a blessing. However, our work does not end here. In fact, our work just begins now. To make an
analogy with our beloved baseball Cardinals, we are in the seventh- inning stretch. We’ve accomplished so much. Now we need to close the game. You are the closers. Every time we look at the logo, we will see the ner tamid. This museum, its teachings, its impact will never be extinguished. We have already made an impact by educating the community; from the prior museum, continuing through the communications for the new museum. During the hard hat tours, the builders talked to me about all that they learned while building walls, hanging wallpaper, installing sound systems and meeting supporters. Throughout the war and the years after, I always choose to look forward. This is true now. We have a magnificent museum to educate, impact, influence and enlighten. Let’s use it to its fullest. We need to teach so that the lives of the survivors, the victims, the righteous and the liberators were not in vain. We will use this opportunity to eliminate discrimination, hate and genocide. I used to dream about a piece of bread to fight hunger and shoes to protect my frozen feet during the marches. Now I can dream about the impact this museum will surely have on visitors — to educate about the Holocaust, to preserve the history of the Holocaust and to inspire a world of respect, peace and love. As some of you know, I like to end on an optimistic note, one of hope. I invite you to join me in making this museum fulfill its mission and the reason it was built.
The real estate market is changing. (636) 532-0200
Are you Wondering if it's a good time to Buy or Sell? The answer is Yes-with proper guidance. Call us-We can guide you through this market.
THE ROUSH THOMPSON GITT TEAM 314.924.KEYS | kate.thompson@cbgundaker.com
Scan Here for an instant valuation of your home.
Call Us: 314-924-KEYS (5397)
COMMEMORATIV E IS S UE | NOVEMBER 2, 2022 ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENING
stljewishlight.org
EXPERIENCE
St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum Design Statement from Jordan Tull of Gallagher & Associates
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4A through the present day. “Visitors will be coming in with different goals and expectations,” Stodard said. “The permanent exhibition can provide a resource for all of the goals that they have. For someone looking for a general overview, following that chronology is a really great start.” The main exhibition of the museum is where a visitor may spend the most time, to absorb the chronological narrative of the Holocaust. It is also where many artifacts are on display, like a Torah fragment, prewar shofar and Kiddush cups from Poland. There is also a bell bearing the swastika—a souvenir of the 1936 Olympic Games, and further in the timeline, a striped prison uniform, a stark reminder of life in concentration camps. A number of interactive displays are located throughout the exhibition, including a full wall-size map of Europe that illustrates the camps, killing centers, and full Nazi sphere of influence. Visitors will also be able to listen at various points in the main exhibit to survivor’s stories. For example, survivor Jerry Koenig describes life in the Lodz Ghetto, where some 160,000 Jews were crowded into a small area of the Polish city. Only about 10% of Lodz Jews survived the Holocaust. In this section of the exhibit, there is also a detailed replica of the ghetto. “We also have a section called ‘Perspectives and Roles,’ which is a great spot to focus on. Then we have a section that’s specifically dedicated to St. Louis survivors and the community that’s grown here. If someone is particularly interested in that, we can take them to that section.” In addition to a chronological account
Aly Abrams Hon. Robert Adler Ellen Alper Steve Alper Darien Arnstein Gerald Axelbaum Bryan Babitz Judy Babitz Anne Bader Jack Bader Dr. Fred Balis Joy Balis Sally E. Barker Alex Berger Susie Berger Holly Bernstein Marc Bernstein Lee Bernstein Lise Bernstein Curtis Billhymer Jessica Brown Billhymer Hon. Susan E. Block Jonathan Bloom Patty Bloom Dr. Gordon Bloomberg Terry Bloomberg Dr. James Bobrow Dr. Nanci Bobrow David Bohm Joan Bohm Rob Bohm Sue Bohm Mark Bronson Susan Bronson Jean Cavender Arlen Chaleff Maxine Clark Emily Coen Matt Coen
15A
HOLOCAUST MUSEUM
SECTIONS BY SECTION The museum is divided up into five sections: Auditorium – With 224 seats, this space will host various programs, including film series, lectures and student programs. Impact Lab – Using the Holocaust as a core case study, this conversation-based experience follows the museum’s mission to reject hatred, promote understanding and inspire change. Permanent Exhibition – This section highlights the history and lessons of the Holocaust through the voices of St. Louis survivors. It follows the chronology of the Holocaust from pre-war to the present day. It goes beyond names and dates to explore the choices and decisions of human beings. The exhibition culminates with survivors, sharing the testimonies of those who created a life in St. Louis. Research Center – Available to visit by appointment. Special Exhibition Hall – The area of museum is on the lower level. It features rotating exhibits from traveling exhibitions and the museum’s own archives. of events in Europe, the exhibit includes a number of interactive displays, and oral histories of Holocaust survivors. These are also available for review on the museum’s website, https://stlholocaustmuseum.org/learn/testimonies/. For groups or individuals who want a more detailed museum experience,
Evelyn Cohen Laura T. Cohen Lou Cohen Roger Cohen Teri Cohen Dr. Barbara Cohlan Linda Cohn Patty Croughan Philip Deitch Alex Dubinsky Roslyn Dubinsky Alissa Duel Dr. David L. Eisenberg Charles Elbert Karen Berry Elbert Madeleine Elkins Toby Epstein Jane E. Fedder Hon. Beth Feldman Harvey Ferdman Marti Ferdman Sue Fischlowitz Julie Fleck Bob Fox Robbye Frank Lenny Frankel Iain Fraser Dr. Charles Friedman Eric Friedman Karen Friedman Hon. Kim Gamel Betsy Garland Spencer Garland Jonathan K. Glassman Susan Glassman Jonathan Goldberg Richard Goldberg Lanie Goldenberg Milton Goldenberg
Marilyn Goldman Sid Goldstein Hon. Judy Goodman Mark Goodman Nancy Green Randy Green Sheila Greenbaum Debbie Greenberg Laura Greenberg Melissa Greenstein Gerry Greiman Hon. Jason Growe Rebecca Growe Bethe Growe Hon. Gary Growe Farilyn Hale Stewart Halperin Dr. Harley Hammerman Marlene Hammerman Amy Kuo Hammerman Zachary Hammerman Karen Handelman Ellen Harris Julian Hess Debbie Hirschfelder Kent Hirschfelder Marc Hirshman Frank Jacobs Adam Jaffe Neil Jaffe Wendy Jaffe Dr. James Jenkins Cindy Jenkins Dr. Morris Joftus Mary Joftus Maureen Michel Jordan Lynnsie Kantor
walking through the exhibit space with a docent can offer additional insight. Group tours can be arranged by using an online tool, available at https://stlholocaustmuseum.org/school-groups/. Individual requests for docent-led visits can be made by emailing HStodart@ STLHolocaustMuseum.org
Myra Katz Dr. Erin King Laura Kipnis Dick Klein Dr. Jacob Klein Shari Talley-Klein Harriet Kopolow Hon. Jeff Kopolow Karen Kotner Larry Kotner Judy Leonard Diane Gershman Levine Marc G. Levinson Karen Levy Mont Levy Joan Lipkin Andrea Lubershane Dr. Carl A. Lyss Lynn Lyss Alan Mandel Hon. Annette Mandel Marylen Mann Marcia Mellitz Susan Meltz Dr. Gina Michael Steven Miller Teri Miller Nina Needleman Lainie Neiman Rhoda Kahn Nussbaum Henry Ordower Hon. Ilene Ordower Hon. Judy Pass Rick Pass Brenda Pereles Joe Pereles Debbie Polinsky
Nov. 9-10, 1938, marked a transition in Nazi persecution of the Jewish people from policies of exclusion to violence. This Nazi-organized campaign that occurred across Germany and extended into neighboring countries became known as “Kristallnacht” or Night of Broken Glass. The name derives from the shards of broken glass that littered the streets from Jewish businesses and synagogues that were vandalized or destroyed during the night of violence. Ninety-one Jews were killed and over 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and placed in concentration camps as part of these events. Historically, the Night of Broken Glass is often referred to as the start of the Holocaust. With the Night of Broken Glass as its inspiration, the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum exterior form captures the moment of impact when innocent lives were shattered by evil. The disruption of the jagged vertical “knife wall” breaks and bends the exterior then carries through into the interior space expressing disorder and chaos. Moving though the museum, the visitor learns and explores the precursors and events of the Holocaust along with the experiences of St. Louis area survivors. The survivor stories establish a relatable human context for connecting the historical events to today’s museum visitor in the community that they live. In addition to preserving and communicating the history of the Holocaust, the museum serves a purpose to inspire people to stand up to hate, bigotry, racism, antisemitism, and injustice in their everyday lives. Jordan Tull is with Gallagher & Associates, an internationally recognized Museum Planning and Design Firm that worked with the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum.
Dr. Michael Polinsky Hava Polinsky Rebecca Polinsky Leigh Pratter Norman Pressman Wendi Alper-Pressman Judy Putzel Dr. Gary Ratkin Marilyn Ratkin David Roberts Marian Rosen Marissa Berkow Rosen Dr. Jake Rosenfeld Ann Ross Sandy Rothschild Louise Rovak Rick Rovak Ken Rubin Jane Tzinberg Rubin Sharalyn Saks Ben Samuels JoAnn Sanditz Ted Sanditz Dana Sandweiss Barry Sandweiss Diane Sanger Hon. Bryan Sanger Hon. Harold Sanger Rachel Sanger Andi Schankman Ellen Schapiro Andy Schlichter Pam Schlichter Pam Schneider Mark Schupp Senator Jill Schupp Dana Schwartz Joanne Schwartz Jennifer Scissors
Irl Scissors Jack Seigel Cynthia Seltzer Hon. Garry Seltzer Erin Seltzer Hon. Kevin Seltzer Joan Seltzer Joy Seltzer Babs Shapiro Hon. Linda Sher Sheri Sherman Miriam Singer Steve Singer Alvin Siteman Ruth Siteman Stephen W. Skrainka Dr. Jennifer Smith Jeff Smith Matthew Smith Rose-Lynn Sokol Susan Spiegal Peter Strauss Eileen Tamsky Patti Teper Debbie Vines Lenny Vines Harvey Wallace Dr. Jerry Wallis Lisa Wallis Marc Wallis Dr. Gary M. Wasserman Rubyn Wasserman Marilyn Wechter Dr. Ed Weisbart Miriam Wilhelm Stefanie Sanger Woollen Hon. Jake Zimmerman Alan Zvibelman Jalie Zvibelman
16A
CO M M EM O RAT IVE ISSU E | NOVEMBER 2, 2022 ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM OPENING
Let the light shine bright on the ST. LOUIS KAPLAN FELDMAN HOLOCAUST MUSEUM
stljewishlight.org
stljewishlight.org
STL
November 2, 2022
JEWISH LIGHT
FEATURES ARTS AND CULTURE
FOOD
HOLIDAYS
LIFESTYLES
ST. LOUIS
JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL
Back in person with something for all literary tastes
Page 1B
St. Louis Jewish Book Festival WHEN: Nov. 6-13 WHERE: Most festival events take place in the Arts & Education Building of the Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, Creve Coeur. HOW MUCH: Ticket prices vary from free to $45 (see website/schedule for costs). Some author events include a copy of the book in the price. All Access Passes to the festival are $118. MORE INFO: Call 314-442-3299 or visit stljewishbookfestival. org COVID-19 PROTOCOLS: Masks will be required at festival events.
BY CATE MARQUIS SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
After two years as a virtual event, the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival returns to an in-person format this year. The festival, set for Nov. 6-13, will feature authors and panel discussions on wide-ranging subjects, from cooking to true crime, history to romance. The keynote speaker for this year’s festival is former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, who will discuss her book, “Lessons From the Edge: A Memoir,” on Sunday, Nov. 6. A day earlier, on Saturday, Nov. 5, a pre-festival “Bookend Event” with Phil Rosenthal, creator of the TV comedy “Everybody Loves Raymond” and star of the Netflix series “Somebody Feed Phil,” could draw a record-setting crowd to the Jewish Community Center, festival organizers say. “We are thrilled to present this year’s Jewish Book Festival as a fully live event,” said James Bogart, a festival co-chair. “The festival is loaded with terrific authors, fascinating panel discussion and a compelling keynote speaker, Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch. Her memoir is a wonderful read.” Festival co-chair Louise Levine said one of the festival planning committee’s goals was to provide a mix of authors that would appeal to a broad swath of the community. “I believe our schedule has done that, because so many people have come up to me and said that this year’s book festival has an exciting lineup of authors and a wide range of topics,” she said. The festival will feature a mix of serious and fun, fiction and nonfiction as authors talk about and sign their books. Food and sports are always staples of the festival, and food writers of all types are especially abundant this time — including one that mixes baseball and food. Barry Weinberg’s “Eating my Way Through Baseball: Legendary Stories with a Major League Bite” tells tales of dining with the famous. Also plentiful are memoirs and biographies of various types, along with novels and books about business and history. “There is truly something for everyone,” said the new director of literary arts at the J, Hannah Dinkel, who came to her new
Some of the books included in the 2022 St. Louis Jewish Book Festival, which takes place Nov. 6-13, with ‘Bookend Events’ on Nov. 5 and 16. job in August from a research job at country and global network,” Dinkel said. Washington University. In general, festival organizers worked to Yovanovich’s keynote (7 p.m. Sunday, offer more panel discussions and theme Nov. 6) is an event Dinkel is particularly nights. These include a cookbook panel looking forward to. Yovanovitch, the featuring Food Network’s Molly Yeh; a daughter of survivors of the Shoah and the Sports Night; a Women’s Night featuring old Soviet Union, is a Netflix star Julia Haart; a retired diplomat with a historical fiction panel; a long, distinguished career. romance panel; and an She has received multiple annual Kristallnacht event, awards, twice including the put on in collaboration with Presidential Distinguished the St. Louis Kaplan Service Award, and the Feld ma n Holo c au st Secretary’s Diplomacy for Museum. Freedom Award. Some of this year’s festiShe gained wide public val events include (see full attention by testifying schedule on the festival’s during U.S. House hearings website, stljewishbookfestiin the first impeachment of val.org): former President Donald • Monday, Nov. 7, at 1 Trump, who asked Ukraine Former U.S. Ambassador to p.m.: “Historical Fiction to interfere in the 2020 elec- Ukraine Marie Yovanovich Panel” with Lisa Barr and tion. her novel “Woman on Fire” “The ambassador [will] and Rachel Barenbaum and reflect and comment on relevant, current her novel “Atomic Anna.” “Woman on Fire” events, which have shaped our nation, is a thriller about a hunt for a painting stofrom the unique lens of a retired diplomat len by the Nazis — expressionist artist whose family originates from a war-torn Ernst Engel’s most famous work, “Woman country [Ukraine], which has horrified, on Fire” — in a race against a ticking clock captivated, and even unified a very divided with international intrigue. “Atomic Anna,”
a science fiction tale that involves time travel, a nuclear scientist, a graphic novel and three generations of women, in a race to prevent the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. vvv • Monday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m.: Charles Bosworth and St. Louis lawyer Joel Schwartz talk about their nonfiction crime book “Bone Deep: Untangling the Betsy Faria Murder Case,” which explores the real facts about the strange case of murderer Pam Hupp, a story dramatized in the miniseries “The Thing About Pam” starring Renee Zellweger See FESTIVAL on page 3B
Joel Schwartz (left) and Charles Bosworth
Page 2B
FEATURES
November 2, 2022
STL
JEWISH LIGHT
stljewishlight.org
Tragic tale of the MS St. Louis takes the stage Upstream offers ambitious, modern take with new play ‘Good Ship St. Louis’
‘The Good Ship St. Louis’ Upstream Theater WHEN: Nov. 3-6, 10-13, 17-20 WHERE: Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive HOW MUCH: $25-$35; all seats $10 on Bohemian Thursday, Nov. 10 MORE INFO: www.upstreamtheater.org
BY JUDITH NEWMARK SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Among the myriad Holocaust narratives we tell, which almost always end in tragedy, the fate of the passengers on the MS St. Louis exerts a particular hold on our imagination. Of course, it does. The juxtaposition of strong, conflicting emotions — say, enormous relief and unspeakable terror — can have that kind of effect. When the luxury cruise ship sailed to Havana from the port of Hamburg in May 1939, the 937 passengers — nearly all Jewish refugees — surely believed that they had escaped the Third Reich. On arrival, however, they learned that the Cuban government had canceled their landing permits. They would not be allowed to disembark. The United States would not admit the refugees either, even though the St. Louis sailed close enough to Florida to put the lights of Miami in view. The MS St. Louis went back to Europe. Strong conflicting emotions? In its new production, “The Good Ship St. Louis,” Upstream Theater explores the whole range. The drama is written and directed by Philip Boehm, Upstream’s founder and artistic director. “This is a big show for us,” Boehm said, explaining that it involves 10 actors, most
in multiple roles. Original music is by Houston composer Anthony Barilla, and a stage design involves projections to establish a historical perspective. Boehm, an award winning, prolific translator of books and plays in German and Polish, has run workshops on translation for the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Mass. His translation last year of “The Passenger” brought international
attention and success to the novel, which had been largely ignored since its 1939 publication. Written at breakneck speed in the weeks after Kristallnacht by 23-yearold Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz, “The Passenger” details the arc of Jewish persecution in Hitler’s Berlin. Originally from Texas, Boehm naturally wrote his new play in English. But through music, he includes snippets of Yiddish, Ukrainian, Bosnian and Arabic, all lan-
guages of the refugees. They are all part of “The Good Ship St. Louis.” Set in a contemporary frame, the first act deals with the passengers on the St. Louis, some of whom were taken in by England, the Netherlands and France. More than 250 of them were killed by the Nazis. The second act introduces the stories of refugees from other countries, also desperate, also looking for help from strangers. “It’s not just what they have lost, it’s whom they have lost,” Boehm said. “(Even the most fortunate) had to remake their lives. Maybe they don’t speak the language, maybe they are elderly, maybe they are alone. “And, in many cases, their stories are still open-ended. They suffered degrees of loss and displacement that we can never know.” For that reason, Boehm feels especially pleased by a timely coincidence: the nearly simultaneous opening of “The Good Ship St. Louis” and the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, which was scheduled to open a day before the play’s opening Nov. 3. “Holocaust museums are about more than not forgetting,” he said. “They are about taking that perspective into today and tomorrow.”
ST. LOUIS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
STL film festival features animated Anne Frank movie Acclaimed Israeli director Ari Folman brings Frank’s diary to life in modern-day Amsterdam
‘Where Is Anne Frank’ reimagines the famous diarist’s life in animated form, with Israeli director Ari Folman partnering with the foundation that holds the copyright to her diary.
BY CNAAN LIPHSHIZ JTA
A disoriented teenage girl lies on Anne Frank’s bed as people swarm the family house. But these people are not Nazis; they’re modern-day tourists. And the girl on the bed isn’t Anne, but Kitty — the imaginary friend to whom she addressed her now world-famous diary. Magically resurrected from the page and transported into modern-day Europe, Kitty is appalled by how society has fetishized her best friend Anne, hawking cheap merchandise and endless inaccurate reinter-
‘Where is Anne Frank’ Part of the St. Louis International Film Festival WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 WHERE: Washington University’s Brown Hall Auditorium HOW MUCH: Free MORE INFO: Running time: 1:39. Visit cinemastlouis.org/sliff/where-anne-frank for more information. There will be a Q&A with director Ari Folman. The film screening is Sponsored by the Adam Cherrick Lecture Fund and the Department of Jewish, Islamic, & Middle Eastern Studies at Washington University
PHOTO COURTESY OF PURPLE WHALE FILMS
pretations of her words. Eventually she takes it upon herself to reclaim Anne’s legacy, by any means necessary. This is the bold reimagining of Anne Frank’s story found in the animated film “Where is Anne Frank,” will be included in the 2022 St. Louis International Film Festival. The 2021 film was made by acclaimed Israeli director Ari Folman, best known for his 2008 Oscar-nominated animated documentary hybrid “Waltz With Bashir,” about the lasting memories of Israel’s first Lebanon War. Now Folman has tackled what many consider the sacred text of the Holocaust — rewriting Anne Frank in order to interpret her true lasting legacy. Made in partnership with the Anne Frank Fonds, the Swiss nonprofit founded by Anne’s father, Otto, that holds the copy-
right to her diary, the film is aimed at younger audiences. But it also enters surprising political territory, as Kitty comes to understand Europe’s modern-day immigration crisis and begins to consciously relate the continent’s millions of asylum seekers to Anne’s story. “The main goal of the film is to help young audiences today connect with Anne Frank’s story the way that previous generations connected with the diary,” Yves Kugelmann, a member of the Fonds board and a key producer of the film, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “Frankly, that’s mostly how I look at the film. If this objective is achieved, then it’s a success.” A fiery redhead with rosy cheekbones, Kitty is not just a silent observer — she speaks her mind, loudly, about the creep-
ing commercialization of her best friend as a brand. “Anne did not write this diary so that you can worship her,” she tells Dutch police in a climactic scene, following an incident in which she heckles a stage production of the diary. “Or name bridges and schools and theaters and train stations after her.” Kitty also begins dating a boy who pickpockets tourists at the Anne Frank House and later becomes a pro-immigration activist. As he did with “Bashir,” Folman blends spectacular fantasy sequences with a factually grounded narrative. Kitty’s journey through 2021 Amsterdam and a meticuSee FILM on page 5B
stljewishlight.org
STL
FEATURES
JEWISH LIGHT
November 2, 2022
Page 3B
Festival: St. Louis Jewish Book Festival fully back in person for 2022 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
“Sports Night” featuring basketball and baseball. Dan Grunfeld discusses “By the Grace of the Game: The Holocaust, a Basketball Legacy and an Unprecedented American Dream,” his memoir of becoming an Olympic gold medalist and an NBA player and executive. Then Barry Weinberg will talk about “Eating My Way Through Baseball: Legendary Stories With a Major League Bite,” about dining with Yogi Berra, Stan Musial, Red Schoendienst and Jack Buck, as well as with Neil Armstrong, Charles Barkley, Bob Knight and more.
• Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 10:30 a.m.: “Jewish Lives Biography Program,” with Julian E. Zelizer, speaking about his book, “Abraham Joshua Heschel: A Life of Radical Amazement,” about the rabbi who combined faith and social justice to become an icon of the Civil Rights era and who marched with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma. vvv • Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m.: Cookbook authors panel with Cathy Barrow, author of “Bagels, Schmears, and a Nice Piece of Fish: A Whole Brunch of Recipes to Make at Home,” and Molly Yeh, author of the cookbook/memoir “Home is Where the Eggs Are.” vvv • Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 10:30 a.m.: A “Romance Fiction Panel” featuring Amanda Elliot and her book “Sadie on a Plate,” and Lynda Cohen Loigman and her novel “The Matchmaker’s Gift.” Elliot’s book is about a Seattle chef trying to restart her career on a contest show but finding herself cooking up love, too. “The Matchmaker’s Gift” centers on a divorce lawyer who discovers her grandmother’s secret matchmaking books, which spark new feelings and questions about love at first sight. vvv • Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m.: The free “Kristallnacht Program” with Scott Lenga’s “The Watchmakers: A Story of Brotherhood, Survival, and Hope Amid the Holocaust.” The books tells a compelling story about how Lenga’s father, Harry Lenga, and Harry’s brothers survived the Shoah in Poland with the help of their specialized skills. In 1949, Harry Lenga immigrated to St. Louis, where he married and had three sons and three granddaughters. vvv • Thursday, Nov. 10, at 1 p.m.: Gregory Zuckerman will discuss “A Shot to Save the World: The Inside Story of the Life-orDeath Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine,” a thriller-like account of the race to save lives and the unconventional path to the lifesaving vaccine. vvv • Thursday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m.: “Women’s Night” will feature Julia Haart and her memoir “Brazen,” detailing her journey as an ultra-Orthodox woman in the world of high fashion. Her talk will be preceded by a “Boutique Bazaar” at 5 p.m. vvv • Saturday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m.: “Music Night” with Broadway pianist Paul Ford and his memoir, “Lord Knows, at Least I was There: Working with Stephen Sondheim,” which details his years working with Sondheim and as accompanist to Mandy Patinkin and others.
vvv
Cathy Barrow make the case that this is a time for Judaism to grow and evolve. vvv • At 7 p.m., the festival wraps up with
The post-festival “Bookend Event” will be the annual “Missouri’s Own” author showcase at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16. The panel will include seven authors: Missouri State University professor Mara W. Cohen Ioannides (author of “Jews of Missouri: An Ornament to Israel”); Larry E. Swedroe (“Your Essential Guide to Sustainable Investing”); Richard Lazaroff (“Illumination”); Cynthia Changyit Levin (“From Changing Diapers to Changing
Jessica Radloff the World: Why Moms Make Great Advocates and How to Get Started”); Diane Bleyer (“The Second Chance”); David Henschel (“The Art of Old Time Black and White Photography”); and Jessica Radloff (“The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series”).
Grow your portfolio with a Raise Your Rate CD All the benefits of a CD + flexibility to raise the rate & add funds * 18 - MONTH CD
2.85
% APY*
24 - MONTH CD
2.90
% APY*
Secure this rate today at a branch near you or online at
midwestbankcentre.com/cds
* Restrictions may apply. Rates are effective as of 9/30/22 and are subject to change without notice. Fees may reduce earnings. Minimum balance of $10,000 to earn APY on 18-month and 24-month Raise Your Rate CDs. Penalty for early withdrawal. Visit midwestbankcentre.com/cds for a full list of benefits and CD offers.
Member FDIC NMLS#685869
st. louis estate buyers store
jewelry buying event
vvv
November 17 - 19 11am - 4pm
The festival concludes Sunday, Nov. 13, with two events. • At 1 p.m., Rabbi Benjamin Spratt discusses his book “Awakenings: American Jewish Transformations in Identity, Leadership and Belonging,” co-authored by Rabbi Joshua Stanton, in which they
west county mall LOWER LEVEL NEAR JCPENNY
get paid cash for
gold | silver | diamonds | watches | costume jewelry | coins we also buy antiques, art, paintings, swords, china, crystal, collectibles & rarities. Julia Haart
f or p r i vat e or i n - hom e a p p oi n t m e n t s , c a l l 314.691.2888
Page 4B
November 2, 2022
NEWSMAKERS
STL
JEWISH LIGHT
stljewishlight.org
BROUGHT TO YOU THIS MONTH BY:
Newsmakers is a compilation of the Jewish community’s newsworthy professional and academic accomplishments. Submit your news to news@stljewishlight.org. Call 314-743-3669 for more information. Published the first edition of each month. Newsmakers is compiled by Elise Krug.
The Ladue Distinguished Alumni Awards recently took place at the Ladue Horton Watkins Performing Arts Center. The awards are presented once a decade and originated in 2002. Recipients are chosen for significant achievements in their respective fields, usually with a national or global influence. The following Jewish alums were among the 29 people honored:
ARTS • Susan Schmidt Whiddington ’66 (philanthropy in the arts, music and theater) • Nancy Siegel Burson ’66 (artist and photographer) • Hollye Levin-Lichtenstein ’72 (singer-songwriter, composer and playwright) • Ingrid Jacoby ’77 (concert pianist and recording artist)
BUSINESS • Jerry Held ’66 (technology, corporate management, startups) • Scott Redler ’78 (restaurateur, cofounder of CXO)
EDUCATION • Debbie Schwartz Garden ’60 (foreign translation and interpretation)
GOVERNMENT, POLITICAL SCIENCE & LAW • Dr. Elizabeth Losos ’81 (tropical rainforest ecology and environmental policy) • Miriam Estrin ’04 (tech policy, foreign policy)
JOURNALISM • William Greenblatt ’72 (photojournalist) • Ben Solomon ’06 (documentary film-
maker, cinematographer and correspondent) • Ariana Tobin ’07 (engagement reporting and investigative journalism)
MEDICINE
®
DOES YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR PROVIDE YOU PEACE OF MIND? INDIVIDUAL & CORPORATE RETIREMENT PLANNING
• Dr. Elissa Newport ’65 (cognitive neuroscience, research in language acquisition and pediatric stroke) • Dr. John D. Hirsch ’66 (deceased, accomplishments in the field of medicine) • Dr. Joan Rosenberg ’73 (psychology, confidence building, relationship expert, corporate wellness consultant) • Dr. Andrew Bremer ‘90 (endocrinology with a focus on nutrition and development)
PHILANTHROPY • Carol Weisman ’67 (writing, speaking, facilitating, fundraising, governance and philanthropy) • Sally Sachar ’77 (organizational leadership with focus on mission-based nonprofits and issue advocacy)
SCIENCE • Richard Rothschild ’61 (astronomer and astrophysicist)
No obligation • Minimum Portfolio $500K
Independent Fiduciary and Certified Financial Planners
Brian I. Pultman, CFP® CorrectCap.com • 314.930.401k (4015) 130 S. BEMISTON AVE. I STE. 602 CLAYTON, MO 63105 Investment advice and portfolio management offered through Correct Capital Wealth Management, a registered investment advisor with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Susan Schmidt Whiddington, Nancy Siegel Burson, Hollye Levin-Lichtenstein, Ingrid Jacoby and Jerry Held SECOND ROW: Scott Redler, Debbie Schwartz Garden, Dr. Elizabeth Losos, Miriam Estrin and William Greenblatt THIRD ROW: Ben Solomon, Ariana Tobin, Dr. Elissa Newport, the late Dr. John D. Hirsch and Dr. Joan Rosenberg
• Dr. Jonathan Losos ’80 (evolutionary biology and research) vvv Phil Ruben is the new senior associate director of advancement at Washington University’s Division of Student Affairs department. He is responsible for the athletic department’s fundraising. A member of Congregation Temple Israel, Ruben most recently was the development manager of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center. Continued on opposite page
stljewishlight.org
STL
JEWISH LIGHT
NEWSMAKERS
Page 5B
November 2, 2022
Continued from opposite page Andrew Fredman, a wealth management adviser and portfolio manager with Merrill Lynch in Clayton, has been named a Forbes magazine Best-in-State Wealth Adviser. A member of Congregation B’nai Amoona, he was ranked No. 12. Former St. Louisan Alan Scher Zagier was named vice president of Cooley Public Strategies in Nashville. He will help oversee the firm’s full portfolio of clients while also leading and executing community engagement projects and driving comprehensive media and digital communications campaigns. Zagier most recently worked at Tightline Public Affairs in St. Louis. Former Camp Sabra campers, Molly Helm (14 years) and Joshua Rudman (8 years) have assumed new positions with the camp. Helm is the assistant director of staffing. Rudman, a member of United Hebrew Congregation, is the assistant director of programming. Victor Shade’s showroom has moved from its Overland location to Maryland Heights on Page Service Drive. Owners Scott and Rachel Segall said the new showroom is more state-of-the-art and includes additional interactive displays. They are members of Congregation Shaare Emeth.
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: • Dr. Andrew Bremer, Carol Weisman, Sally Sachar, Richard Rothschild and Dr. Jonathan Losos SECOND ROW: Phil Ruben, Andrew Fredman, Alan Scher Zagier, Molly Helm and Joshua Rudman THIRD ROW: Scott Segall, Rachel Segall and Cindy Larimore
Three pieces by abstract artist Cindy Larimore, owner of Art by C. Lari, are included in Angad Arts Hotel’s 7th bi-annu-
al exhibition. The juried show featured Larimore’s Kaleidoscope Hearts, Life’s a Beach and Calypso Dreams. Artwork will
be on display and for sale in the midtown hotel’s public spaces through April 2023.
Film: St. Louis film fest will include animated Anne Frank movie CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2B lously detailed Anne Frank House is paired with allusions to Greek mythology and the Roman Empire, both of which fascinated Anne. In flashbacks, the Nazis are portrayed as robot-like ghouls wearing death masks, patrolling the streets of Amsterdam with neither hate nor pity for the people they hunt and victimize — a reference to how Anne herself never met a Nazi prior to her capture and wrote about how she had trouble visualizing them. Folman told the Hollywood Reporter that his own mother, a Holocaust survivor from Lodz, Poland, was eager for him to take the project. “I actually didn’t want to do it at all,” Folman said. “I thought there were too many adaptations and she was too iconic. But I read the diary again, the first time since I was a teenager, and I also went to visit my mother — both my parents were Holocaust survivors. She said, ‘Look, we never interfered in your choices, but if you don’t take this project, I will die over the weekend, you can come and collect my body on Sunday. But if you do it, I will stay around until the premiere.’” Another twist Folman learned while doing research for the project: His parents arrived in Auschwitz the same week as Anne’s parents, Otto and Edith. Though Kitty continually decries the endless modern-day reinterpretations of Anne’s story that exist to burnish her staIn ‘Where Is Anne Frank,’ Anne’s imaginary friend Kitty comes to life and has a chilling adventure in modern-day Amsterdam. The St. Louis International Film Festival will screen the film on Nov. 12 at Washington University. PHOTO COURTESY OF PURPLE WHALE FILMS
tus as a symbol rather than a person, it could be argued that the film in which she appears is another such effort, keen on drawing simplistic parallels between the Holocaust and the modern refugee crisis. The film differs from the text in other ways, too: Although Anne’s diary contains a good deal of humor, the film has at least one character in distress in every scene, be it in modern-day Amsterdam or during the Holocaust. “Where Is Anne Frank” also alleges, without proof, that Auguste van Pels, who also hid with the Franks, concealed an expensive vase in the house, conceivably to avoid having to sell it for food. But then Folman’s vision for the film was never about merely relaying the facts of the story. “I was looking for a new dimension, a new way to tell the story,” he told the Hollywood Reporter. “And I tried to figure out how to bring it to the youngest audience I could. And when you start a movie with a miracle, like with this creation of Kitty, you build the fairy tale.” In addition to the film, Folman also collaborated with the Anne Frank Fonds on a graphic novel adaptation of Anne’s diary, illustrated by David Polonsky and published in 2017. The film and the book will be part of a new educational package that the Fonds will share with hundreds of schools worldwide to which it provides Holocausteducation programs and materials. In keeping with the charter of the nonprofit and Otto Frank’s wishes that none of
the Fonds projects be commercial, any proceeds from the film will go to supporting the Fonds’ work, which includes many educational programs and projects with UNICEF, the United Nations agency for
children’s welfare, Kugelmann said. In Kitty, the project hopes it has found its newest ambassador to a younger generation — straight from the 80-year-old pages of Anne’s diary.
Get local help for your Medicare questions.
As a local licensedhelp sales agent, I can your answer yourMedicare questions about Medicare and help you find a plan Get local for questions. that fits your needs and your budget. When you choose an AARP® Medicare Advantage plan from
Get local help for your Medicare questions. Get local help for your Medicare questions.
As a local licensed sales agent, I can answer your questions about Medicare and help you find a plan UnitedHealthcare®, you can take advantage of benefits and features that may include: that fits your needs and your budget. When you choose an AARP® Medicare Advantage plan from As licensed sales agent, I can answer your questions about help you find a plan •a local Primary care • Medicare Medicare Network UnitedHealthcare®, youvisits can take advantage of benefits and features that and mayNational include: that fits your needs and your budget. When you choose an AARP® Medicare Advantage plan from •UnitedHealthcare®, caredentist visits • Medicare National Network •Primary See any for dental services • Low insulin copays you can take advantage of benefits and features that may include: As a local licensed sales agent, I can answer your questions about Medicare and help you find a plan
fits your dentist needs and budget. When you choose AARP® Medicare Advantage plan from •that any foryour dental services •Medicare Low copays ••See Primary care • an National Networkfitness Credits forvisits over-the-counter products • insulin Renew Active® for body and mind UnitedHealthcare®, you can take advantage of benefits and features that may include: • •Low insulinActive® copays fitness for body and mind Renew • Primary care visits • Medicare National Network • Credits for over-the-counter products • Renew Active® fitness for body and mind • See any dentist for dental services • Low insulin copays
See anyfor dentist for dental services • • Credits over-the-counter products
• Credits for over-the-counter products • It’s time to take advantage.
Renew Active® fitness for body and mind
It’s timenew tototake advantage. If you’re Medicare, I can help. Call me today. take advantage. If It’s you’retime new toto Medicare, I can help. Call me today. If you’re new to Medicare, I can help. Call me today.
It’s time to take advantage. Edward Pevnick
Edward Pevnick If you’re new to Medicare, I can help. Call Agent me today. Licensed Sales Edward Pevnick
Licensed Sales Agent Licensed Sales Agent 3146080591,
TTY 711
3146080591, TTY 711 Edward Pevnick
3146080591, TTY 711 lissinsurance@gmail.com lissinsurance@gmail.com Licensed Sales Agent lissinsurance@gmail.com MyUHCagent.com/edward.pevnick MyUHCagent.com/edward.pevnick 3146080591, TTY 711 MyUHCagent.com/edward.pevnick lissinsurance@gmail.com MyUHCagent.com/edward.pevnick
If you have this card,
you this havecard, this card, If youIfhave call me today. calltoday. me today. call me If you have this card, call me today.
Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply. You will pay a maximum of $35 for a 1-month supply of Part D select insulin drugs during the deductible, Initial Coverage and Coverage Gap or “Donut Benefits, features devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply. You will paystage. a maximum of $35 foronly a 1-month supply of Part during deductible, Initial Coverage Coverage Gap or Benefits, and/or vary exclusions apply. You will a maximum of $35 tofor a 1-month ofinsulin PartforDdrugs insulin drugs thedrugs deductible, Initial Coverage and“Donut Coverage Gap or “Don Hole” stages features ofand/or your benefit. Youdevices will pay 5% ofby theplan/area. cost of yourLimitations insulin in theand Catastrophic Coverage Thispay cost-sharing applies members whoDsupply doselect not qualify aselect program thatthehelps payduring for your (“Extra and Help”). OTC Hole”andHole” stages of Food yourofbenefit. You will pay 5% ofpay the5% costofCall oftheyour insulin in the Catastrophic This cost-sharing applies toonly members do not Ancillary qualify thatforhelps pay2021. for your drugs (“Extra OTC (“Extra Help”). OTC stages your benefit. You willtimeframes. oforyour insulin in the Catastrophic Coverage stage. This only cost-sharing applieswhotoProduct members whoforNetwork doa program not 360 qualify a program that helps pay for Help”). your drugs Healthy benefits have expiration thecost plan refer to your Evidence ofCoverage Coveragestage. (EOC) for more information. Based on UnitedHealthcare Research, May Renew Active® and includes Healthy benefits have expiration timeframes. Callprovided the plan orthe refer to your Evidence ofEvidence Coveragepurposes foronlymore information. onConsult UnitedHealthcare Product AncillaryanProduct Network 360 Research, May360 2021. Renew aFood standard fitness membership. The information through Renew istofor informational and is notformedical advice. your doctor prior to beginning exerciseAncillary program or making changes to your Active® and Healthy Food benefits have expiration timeframes. Call plan orActive refer your of(EOC) Coverage (EOC) moreBased information. Based on UnitedHealthcare Network Research, May 2021. Renew Active® includes a standard fitness membership. information provided through Renew Active isand forActive informational purposes onlyvary andbyislocation notonly medical advice. Consult your doctor priorand toexclusions beginning an exercise program orexercise making changes or to your lifestyle or health care routine. Themembership. RenewThe Active program varies by plan/area. Access to gym fitness location network may and plan. Network size advice. varies byConsult market may apply. Plans are an insured through includes a standard fitness The information provided through Renew is for informational purposes and is not medical your doctor prior to beginning program making changes to y Benefits, features and/or devices varyorbyone plan/area. Limitations and apply. Youtowill pay a maximum ofa$35 fornetwork a 1-month ofMedicare-approved Part D select insulin drugs during deductible, Initialand Coverage and on Coverage Gap or “Donut lifestyle or health careInsurance routine. The Renew Active varies by exclusions plan/area. Access gym and fitness location maysupply vary location andby plan.Part Network sizethe varies by market exclusions mayand Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Company of itsprogram affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with Medicare contract and aby D sponsor. Enrollment in size these plans depends theapply. plan’s contract lifestyle care routine. Renew Active varies by Access to location network may vary Network varies byaremarket exclusions Plans are insured throu Hole” stages ofhealth your benefit. You will The 5% theaffiliated cost ofprogram your insulin in the Catastrophic Thisand cost-sharing only applies to and members whogeneral dolocation not purposes qualifyand forofaplan. program thatEnrollment helps for your drugs (“Extra Help”). renewal withorMedicare. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company pays royalty toplan/area. AARP forCoverage the useorganization ofstage. its gym intellectual property. These are used for the AARP and Ditspay affiliates not insurers. You doOTC not may need apply. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company orpayone ofoforits companies, afees Medicare Advantage withfitness a Medicare acontract Medicare-approved Part DAARP. sponsor. in these plans depends on the plan’s contract UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company one affiliated companies, aselecting Medicare Advantage organization withcontract afees Medicare and ageneral Medicare-approved Part sponsor. Enrollment inproducers these plans onneed the plan’s contract Healthy Food benefits have expiration timeframes. the plan your or refer to your Evidence ofthe Coverage (EOC) fornot more information. Based on UnitedHealthcare Product Ancillary Research, May 2021. Renew Active® toand bewith an AARP member to enroll. AARP encourages youofCall toitsconsider needs when products and does make specific product recommendations for individuals. AARPNetwork does not360employ or endorse agents, or depends renewal Medicare. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company pays royalty fees to AARP for use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the purposes of AARP. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. You do not renewal with Medicare. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company royalty AARP for the ofonly its intellectual property. These feesyour aredoctor usedforprior for the general purposes ofprogram AARP.orAARP and its affiliates are not insurers. You do not includes standard fitness membership. TheInc. information through Renew Activefees is fortoinformational purposes and is not medical advice. Consult to beginning an exercise changes to your ©a 2021 United HealthCare Services, All Rights Reserved. to bebrokers. an member toroutine. enroll. AARP encourages you toprovided consider yourpays needs when products anduse does notmay make specific product recommendations AARP does not ormaking endorse agents, lifestyle or health care Renew Active program varies Access toselecting gym and fitness location network vary by not location andspecific plan. Network sizerecommendations variesindividuals. by market and exclusions mayemploy apply. arenot insured through to AARP be an AARP member toThe enroll. AARP encourages youbytoplan/area. consider your needs when selecting products and does make product for individuals. AARPPlans does employ orproducers endorseoragents, producers or Y0066_210713_104808_M SPRJ64119 brokers. © 2021 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. UnitedHealthcare Insurance or one of its affiliated a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract 004D041D brokers. © 2021 United Company HealthCare Services, Inc. Allcompanies, Rights Reserved. Y0066_210713_104808_M renewal with Medicare. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. You do not need SPRJ64119 SPRJ6 004D041D toY0066_210713_104808_M be an AARP member to enroll. AARP encourages you to consider your needs when selecting products and does not make specific product recommendations for individuals. AARP does not employ or endorse agents, producers or brokers. © 2021 United HealthCare Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Y0066_210713_104808_M
SPRJ64119 004D041D
004D
Page 6B
November 2, 2022
STL
OPINIONS
JEWISH LIGHT
stljewishlight.org
ABOUT THE OPINIONS SECTION Viewpoints expressed in letters, commentaries, cartoons and other opinion pieces reflect those of the writer or artist, and not those of the Light. We welcome submissions of letters and commentaries to: news@stljewishlight.org
D’VAR TORAH — PARASHAT LECH LECHA
Our journeys forward must respect tradition but still be our own Rabbi Amy Feder serves Congregation Temple Israel and is a past president of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, which coordinates the d’var Torah for the Jewish Light.
BY RABBI AMY FEDER
This week marks the 30th anniversary of my becoming a bat mitzvah at Temple Israel. I’m a bit embarrassed to say that my memories of the event are rather cloudy. I remember my Laura Ashley dress with the row of pink bows at the waist, I remember slow dancing for the first time (with a boy!!) at the party in our finished basement, I remember being proud and relieved when it was all over … and that’s pretty much it. Several photo albums housed on my parents’ bookshelves attest to a wonderful time being had by all. But for the most part, the memories are a blur. Except. Except for one thing. I do remember my Torah portion. Not the Hebrew itself, though I’m always struck by how many b’nai mitzvah parents can still chant the Torah and Haftarah portions they learned decades ago. But I remember fervently believing that this portion, Lech Lecha, had a special message just for me. Lech Lecha begins with God telling Abram to leave his parents’ home and everything he knows. Even at 12, I found it so contradictory that the story of the first
Jew would begin in such a way. My own Judaism was inextricably linked to my family. My father’s family, who escaped from Germany during the Holocaust; my mother’s family, who seemed to be within two degrees of separation from nearly all of Jewish St. Louis. Judaism was about roots and history and connection. How could it have started with the story of Abram appearing to sever ties with his family and homeland? Yet God doesn’t just tell Abram to go and leave his family behind. God says the odd, untranslatable phrase lech lecha; it says not just that Abram should go, but that he should go “for” or “to” himself. I pondered that phrase a lot, wondering what it would mean to make a decision
A bat mitzvah photo of Amy Feder at Congregation Temple Israel, where she is now senior rabbi. about my faith that would be just for me and that would somehow be internalized and lead me to the most authentic version of myself. I realized that, in fact, that’s what becoming a bat mitzvah was all about. I wasn’t necessarily leaving my parents’ or grandparents’ Judaism behind, but there were aspects of that experience that were very much my own: my friends from Jewish summer camp who traveled to celebrate with me, the hours listening to my Torah portion on my Walkman, singing Debbie Friedman’s “Lechi Lach” with my friends at the end of the weekend.
Lech Lecha’s message to me at 12 was to find my own path to faith, and it has shaped my Jewish journey ever since. My message to the b’nai mitzvah students I work with now, as well as to their family and friends, is to take that Lech Lecha message to heart. At every age, we are called upon to hear that call to “lech lecha,” not just to follow the path our parents and community set out for us, but to make it our own. May we each be inspired to make the journey forward one that enriches not only our own lives, but those of the generations to come.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Submit letters to news@stljewishlight.org
Warm, welcoming experience at St. Louis synagogues
Shining a spotlight on all of St. Louis’ women rabbis
I have read with much interest the recent contributions that have called out synagogues for their unwelcoming environment. As someone who migrated to St. Louis just 34 years ago, I am unable to rely on the usual ice-breaker (“Where did you go to high school?”) when meeting new groups of people. Yet, in all of my interactions with St. Louis area synagogues — including TICK, Traditional Congregation and NHBZ — I have felt seen and warmly embraced by my fellow congregants and their rabbis. I attribute this to my attitude, behavior and expectations. For example, I make a concerted effort to always smile when I walk into shul: A smile signifies a willingness to open ourselves to others. I try to make it a point to ask people about their lives - children, parents, health, work and travels - and listen in a focused, caring way. I commiserate with the tsuris of others, realizing that my troubles pale by comparison. I try to attend shul on Shabbos and have found that this small cadre of “loyalists” immediately bond with each other; likewise for study groups and synagogue sponsored activities. While newcomers to any group often remain on the sidelines awaiting an invitation, my advice is not to stand on “ceremony.” Your generosity of spirit and enthusiasm for shul life will inevitably bless you with a wonderfully supportive, welcoming prayer community! Susan Feigenbaum Chesterfield
I’m writing regarding the Oct. 19 cover story 50 years of women in the rabbinate, which is a milestone to celebrate. I noticed that the cover and article photos and text did not include Rabbi Jessica Shafrin or Rabbi Pamela Barmash. I saw the caption read “Some of the women rabbis serving in the St. Louis area include,” but it appeared that almost all of the other women rabbis in St. Louis Rabbi Jessica Shafrin had been included in the article. As an architect, not a traditional- (above) and Rabbi ly female profession, I know how Pamela Barmash important it is that “a generation grew up seeing someone in a high-profile job who proved that women could be leaders and wives and mothers” (page 5A), and it is also important, as you showed with Maharat Rori Picker Neiss, that women rabbis can serve the community in many different ways and roles. Being inclusive can also show these academic and pastoral care work roles. Rhiannon Kaye Maplewood
We were very interested to see the article highlighting women clergy in St. Louis. However, you omitted Rabbi Jessica Shafrin from your list and we are very disappointed. Apparently, your search didn’t extend beyond the superficial. Hope you repair your misstep. Amos and Barbara Shamir Olivette
Election day approaching The constituents of MO-1 deserve competent representation in Congress. In a district whose inhabitants number over 700,000, 65,000 democrats voted to keep Cori Bush as the democratic nominee in the congressional race. Cori Bush does not reflect our values, nor does she represent her party’s agenda. Instead of MO-1 being considered “overwhelmingly democratic,” I suggest that MO-1 is overwhelmingly in favor of good leadership and safe streets. Cori Bush advocates defunding the police while increasing her private security. She has brought nothing to this region in the two years that she has been in congress, other than grandstanding in the constant search for the spotlight. People succeed and their businesses flourish when the streets are safe and when people can conduct their lives without fear of violence. The core metropolitan area is awash, with empty storefronts and shuttered offices. I believe that MO-1 should look beyond party and look for an alternative. There is one alternative for the ballot; can we overlook the “R” next to his name — and just set back to a functioning representative? Nathan S. Cohen St. Louis
POLITICAL COVERAGE AND ADVERTISING POLITICAL COVERAGE POLICIES: The St. Louis Jewish Light covers political campaigns, and neither supports nor opposes candidates in any way. We report campaign news in as balanced a way as possible. We may publish
political analysis, opinion pieces and letters from independent authors that do not reflect the position or viewpoint of the Jewish Light, and in doing so we endeavor to provide a balanced variety of viewpoints and perspectives.
POLITICAL ADVERTISING: The Jewish Light runs political advertisements that are paid for by third parties. We offer political parties, candidates and their supporters equal
opportunity to purchase advertisements. No political advertising reflects endorsement of or opposition to a candidate by the Jewish Light.
stljewishlight.org
STL
November 2, 2022
JEWISH LIGHT
CHAILIGHTS
NOV
Y O U R C A L E N D A R O F S T. L O U I S J E W I S H C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T S
SATURDAY | NOV. 5 Beshert 101: A class for the engaged and soon-to-be engaged
If you are engaged or anticipate being engaged soon, then you’re invited to Beshert 101 — a workshop that will introduce the many Jewish customs that can add meaning to your wedding and your marriage. Open to the entire St. Louis community. The workshop takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Kehillah Center at Share Emeth. For more information, email Rabbi Rachel Bearman at Rbearman@sestl. org. Register online at https://congregationshaareemeth.shulcloud.com/form/ Beshert
The Conservative movement: Today and tomorrow
Join three Rabbinical Assembly professionals for a panel conversation on the present and future of the Conservative movement, from noon to 1 p.m. at Kol Rinah, 7701 Maryland Ave. Rabbis Sheryl Katzman, senior director of member engagement, and Ilana Garber, director of global rabbinic development, will also participate in the Torah conversation during Kol Chadash. The panel also features Max Arad, director of member development and engagement. No RSVP needed, but masks are required. Firsttime service goers can register at https:// bit.ly/KR-Nov5
SUNDAY | NOV. 6 NHBZ Family Game Day
Get your game on and have fun with other families! All ages are invited to NHBZ’s Family Game Day from 1 to 4 p.m. There will be plenty of games to choose from or you can bring your own. Enjoy door prizes and yummy snacks. Raffle tickets for great prizes are available. Free and open to the community. For more information call 314-991-2100.
Movie afternoon at Kol Rinah
Join the community for a screening of the documentary “Code Name: Ayalon” followed by a Zoom Q&A with one of the film’s producers from 2-4 p.m. at Kol Rinah. This hour-long documentary shares the untold story of 45 young Jewish men and women who worked in an underground munitions factory in Ayalon following WWII. Their service and courage played a critical role in the statehood of Israel. The program is sponsored by Kol Rinah, Bais Abe, Traditional Congregation, United Hebrew and Temple Israel. The cost is $10, refreshments will be served at no additional charge. RSVP at https://bit.ly/KR-Nov6
MONDAY | NOV. 7 Mamas in Pajamas: Lessons for ladies from the Torah
Learn something meaningful and inspiring from the weekly Torah portion with Mimi David at 8:30 p.m. in the comfort of your home. Go to zoom.us/j/9699246316 or dial in to 312-626-6799 and enter meeting ID 9699246316.
SUNDAY | NOV. 6 & 13 Two-part discussion on voting through a Jewish lens
Rabbi Amy Feder and Rabbi Michael Alper of Congregation Temple Israel will hold a two-part series on voting through a Jewish lens, taking place from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6 and 13. The events will take place in person at Temple Israel, 1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive in Creve Coeur. The first part is “How to vote Jewishly: A
discussion on supporting Jewish values through our right to vote” on Nov. 6. The second, on Nov. 13, is “So what happens now? Jewish teachings about how we abide by the law of the land while continuing to fight for what we believe.” Participants are asked to try to attend both class meetings. RSVP by Friday, Nov. 4 at: www.ti-stl.org/ VotingJewishly.
TUESDAY | NOV. 8 The ABCs of Judaism
Rabbi Ze’ev Smason will continue his “ABCs of Judaism” series from noon to 1 p.m. during this in-person talk at the Mirowitz Center. Free and open to the community. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or call 314-733-9813.
Democracy and elections
Meet and hear from Israeli emissaries, including the new shinshin, at the Yitzhak Rabin Memorial Lecture and Discussion Debate from 7-8 p.m. at Kol Rinah. For more information, contact rabbishafrin@kolrinahstl.org.Sign up at https://www.kolrinahstl. org/event/democracy-and-elections.html
WEDNESDAY | NOV. 9 Challah club with Mimi David
Join your friends once a month to make challah and have a blast at the Aish Firehouse, 457 N. Woods Mill Rd. This women-only event meets the first Wednesday of each month September through May at 7 p.m. Fee for the year is $136. Join anytime. If joining late, the fee will be prorated. For more information or to register, call 314862-2474 or email mimidavid@aish.com
THURSDAY | NOV. 10 Learn about Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry and OFS
From 2 to 3 p.m. hear from Kristen Wild, president and CEO of Operation Food Search (OFS), and Erica Steen, director of the JFS Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, as they share their unique perspectives, focusing on how food banks and food pantries partner to help meet the nutritional needs of thousands of local families, children and older adults. This in-person Mirowitz Center event is free and open to the community. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or call 314-733-9813.
FRIDAY | NOV. 11 Veterans Day 2022 salute
From noon to 1 p.m. join the Mirowitz Center community at its annual Veterans Day celebration. Monroe Ginsburg, commander of the Midwest Department of the Jewish War Veterans, will speak and salute those who have served. At 1 p.m. there will be a screening of the PBS documentary, “GI Jews,” about Jewish Americans who served in World War II. Co-sponsored by the Mirowitz Center, Jewish War Veterans and the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. This in-person Mirowitz Center event is free and open to the community. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_ MirowitzCenter or call 314-733-9813.
SUNDAY | NOV. 13 B’nai Amoona plans Cantor Sharon’s Sweet 16 celebration
Join B’nai Amoona at 7 p.m. for Cantor Sharon Nathanson’s Sweet 16 musical celebration. Contact gail@bnaiamoona.com for more information.
TUESDAY | NOV. 15
Page 7B
Local Jewish organizations and congregations can submit calendar items to news@ stljewishlight.org. All items received by 5 p.m. the Friday before the publication date will be considered for that edition.
Arizona State University Associate Emeritus Professor Mark Stern will lead a free online discussion about November’s results and discuss the portents for 2024 from 10-11 a.m. Stern’s talk is part of a two-part series, which continues Nov. 15, with a post-election analysis and a look ahead to the 2024 elections. This program is provided in conjunction with FEL (Friends Enjoying Life), an organization supported by the Mirowitz Center. Register online at http:// bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or call 314733-9813.
7-8:30 pm. Speakers will discuss how important it is to educate about hereditary cancer risk and the psychological and emotional challenges that come with a diagnosis, especially when having to share the information with close family and friends. Speakers include Oncology Clinical Psychologist Teresa Deshields, Certified Genetic Counselor Erin Beaver, Certified Genetics Counselor Suzanne Mahon and Clinical Psychologist Lynne Kipnis. Guests will hear from the speakers, as well as hear the words of a woman who has been faced with these challenges. Doors open at 6:45pm for light refreshments at the J’s Performing Arts Center at the Staenberg Family Complex. To register for this event, visit https://bit.ly/ Sharsheret-Nov17.
WEDNESDAY | NOV. 16
SUNDAY | NOV. 20
Fighting bigotry & hatred: Center for Bosnian Studies
15th Annual Blumenthal Memorial Concert
Mirowitz Center discussion offers election analysis
Recently opened on the Fontbonne University campus, the new Center for Bosnian Studies is establishing an enduring record of the experiences of Bosnian genocide survivors and their families. Join Director Adna Karamehic-Oates and Senior Researcher Benjamin Moore for a presentation from 10-11 a.m. about the Center’s growing collection of digital oral histories of survivors and their families, special rare items, and other unique resources related to Bosnia and its diaspora. This program is part of the Mirowitz Center’s “Fighting Bigotry & Hatred” series. Register online at http://bit. ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or call 314-7339813.
Sharsheret’s Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Group
This monthly group provides support, connection and education to women in the St. Louis Jewish community who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer and are anywhere along their treatment path – before, during, or post-treatment. Facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker, this group meets from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday via Zoom until further notice. Newcomers are always welcome along with female family and friends. Free, but pre-registration is requested to Debbi Braunstein at 314-442-3266 or dbraunstein@jccstl.org. Sharsheret Supports STL is a program of the J’s Nishmah and a partner of the national, not for profit Sharsheret organization.
THURSDAY | NOV. 17 Sharsheret Supports STL hosts hereditary cancer risk & family discussion Sharsheret Supports STL is hosting a free, opento-the-public discussion on hereditary cancer risk and its effects on families at
The annual Blumenthal Memorial Concert, performed by pianist Fred Blumenthal and Cantor Linda Blumenthal, will take place at 2 p.m. both in person at Congregation B’nai Amoona and streamed live at www. bnaiamoona.com. This concert is free to attend with a suggested donation of $18 going to Mitzvah Corps at B’nai Amoona.
Jewish War Veterans meeting
Jewish War Veterans Post 644 meetings take place via Zoom at 10 a.m. the third Sunday each month. For more information, contact Post 644 Commander Ellis Frohman at 636-519-7512
MONDAY | NOV. 21 Mamas in Pajamas: Lessons for ladies from the Torah
Learn something meaningful and inspiring from the weekly Torah portion with Mimi David at 8:30 p.m. in the comfort of your home. Go to zoom.us/j/9699246316 or dial in to 312-626-6799 and enter meeting ID 9699246316.
STARTING | DEC. 1 New Jewish Theatre’s ‘Jerry’s Girls’ celebrates women in theater The New Jewish Theatre continues its season with “Jerry’s Girls,” a Jerry Herman musical revue from Dec. 1 to 18. The musical brings together composer/lyricist Jerry Herman’s “greatest hits” - from his many smash productions to some of his lesser well-known musicals. From “Mame” to “Milk and Honey,” “Hello Dolly!” to “La Cage Aux Folles,” “Jerry’s Girls” lovingly revisits the shows and their music. NJT’s’s production features an ensemble cast of five local female performers: Kelsey Bearman, Molly Burris, Christina Rios, Greta Rosenstock and Lisa Rosenstock. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the J’s Wool Studio Theatre, 2 Millstone Campus Dr. Individual tickets $49-$54. Tickets are available by phone at 314-442-3283 or online at newjewishtheatre.org.
B’nai Amoona will hold a ‘Sweet 16’ celebration for Cantor Sharon Nathanson on Sunday, Nov. 13.
Page 8B
November 2, 2022
OBITUARIES
STL
JEWISH LIGHT
stljewishlight.org
Families may submit an obituary for a loved one through the funeral home they work with or by using a form on the Jewish Light’s website: stljewishlight.org/submit-obituary
OBITUARY NOTICES UPDATED DAILY AT STLJEWISHLIGHT.ORG/OBITUARIES
LOIS KRAVIN CHAIT, October 28, 2022 Beloved wife of the late Marvin S. Chait; dear daughter of the late Minnie and the late Nathan Kravin; dear mother of David M. Altman (Nancy) and the late Gail F. Altman; dear sister of the late Harold Kravin (late June); dear aunt of Fonda Christopher, Jeff Kravin, and Drew Kravin; dear great-aunt of Daniel and Samuel Kravin, Jessica and Sara Kravin and Michaela Christopher; former wife of the late Warren M. Altman; dear friend to many. Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 1st at BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 9430 Olive Boulevard. Interment followed at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Memorial contributions preferred to The Gateway Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Central Reform Congregation, or St. L u ke’s Ho s p i c e . Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com to leave an online condolence or for Shiva and Live Stream information. Berger Memorial Service LENORA RACHEL CITRIN passed away peacefully in her sleep on 9/11/2022, 4 days after she celebrated her 100th birthday on September 7. Born in St. Louis to Morris Maltzman and Erna Mueller, the oldest of 4 – Sidney, Eddie, and Geraldine (Geri) who all predeceased her. Rachel met the love of her life, Morrie Citrin, while teaching Morse code at Scott Field (now Scott Air Force Base) close by St. Louis in Belleville, IL. Morrie invited himself over for Passover; Lenora was elated- she had no idea this blue eyed, light haired New Yorker was Jewish. When he arrived on Goodfellow Avenue for the seder, his future father in law, took one look and declared in Yiddish to his wife, “She brings a shagitz to Passover?”. Morrie heard the comment, made his way to the piano in the parlor, sat down and started playing Yiddish songs! They were married in November of 1946, and in time had 3 boys- Bruce, who passed away October of 2021, Billy, and Jeffrey. In December of 1976, Morrie passed away, suddenly, while dancing with his wife, Lee, or Rachel, as she was now known. With no attachments to St. Louis, she was free to explore the world. Her travels took her to Esalen Institute in California where she learned the Five Tibetans- exercises to keep you fit and flexible for life; Puna, India to study under an Indian mystic, Raj Neesh. In 1979, son Billy called and invited her to come on a ‘magic carpet trip’ to Jamaica. Rachel fell in love with Jamaica. When the week at the 5 star in Montego Bay was over, Rachel announced – I like it here, I’m staying. I’m staying. Billy, ever the dutiful son said ‘Ok- no problem’. Rachel rented a cottage on the beach in Negril. In time, she met a Rasta with dreadlocks, Sydney
Munroe, and they moved to Spring Garden- back in the hills- off the grid. She and Sydney opened a health center where Rachel did massage, her partner did Reiki- energy healing. Clients would stay on the grounds of their healing center. In the early 1980s Cedella Booker stayed at Spring Garden for a week to help deal with grief from the early death of her 36-year-old musician son, Bob Marley. Rachel eventually left Sydney and Jamaica and found a new home in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico. Rachel lived in SMA for many years; at 6000 ft elevation — winters were cold. To avoid the cold, mom traveled during winter to warm climates all over — to Bali living in hut on an island only accessible by boat, to Tibet where she spent 2 weeks in silent retreat at a monastery, to a back country tour of Cuba, when it was still closed to Americans. She got tired of taking long winter trips, and discovered a paradise just 8 hours away by bus- Barra de Navidad on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Rachel loved living in Barra- yoga, dancing to Gabriel Roth’s Five Rhythms, sea food caught fresh that morning, the powerful ocean with huge waves and glorious sunsets. She had found another Yavneh, a paradise, like 78th Street in University City — where you actually knew (and liked!) your neighbors. About 5 years ago, son Jeffrey said, Mom- I ‘m going back to Jamaica. I’m in! she said. Mom spent the last years of her life living in Negril. Swimming in the warm Caribbean sea, riding on the back of Jeffrey’s moped at age 99 - laughing and singing in tongues. Did I mention she had her eyes opened - she had a vision of Jesus while in Spring Garden. I’m a Jewess she’d say, but I believe in Jesus. Fine Momma, works for me. In January of this year, she called from Negril… my legs are swelling and I’m short of breath. The water pills, or pee pills, could only do so much. No Mom- no need to see a doctor in Mo Bay, it’s time to come home. In May she returned to St. Louis. The swelling turned out to be heart disease (Mom didn’t like the word heart failurewho wants to be a failure!). She often said, I’m living a fairy tale life… I’m living my “happily ever after”. Surrounded by family and dear friends, she spent the last few months living in Jeffrey’s light filled guest room, receiving visitors from near and far who’d come to say their goodbyes and spend one last time with her. She was very happy and present right up to the end. She had peace and knew she was going to a good place- to be with her Morrie, and mom and pop- and dear sister Geri. A favorite song of hers was by gospel singer Carole Robinson- ‘ I can honestly say, if I were to die today- I’ve lived a wonderful life!’ Amen Momma. I know you’re up there having a great time- miss you the world- but how comforting to know I’ll see you and be with you again. Thanks to God for that blessed hope. Oh grave where is
The oldest Jewish Funeral Home west of the Mississippi
Owned and operated by the same family for five generations
thy sting, Oh death where is thy victory. Rachel was blessed with a loving family Bruce’s widow- Joan and two grandsons- David and Sara (Benton) with great-granddaughter Eliana; Bryan and soon to be bride Chelsea (Perry); son Billy Citrin and grandson Nicholas, son Jeffrey with granddaughter Miriam and Daniel Hetzel, with Clark and Violet, granddaughter Abby and John Kowalik with Lena, Nora, Diana, Cece and Rosemary, and grandson Jonathan, who loved playing violin for his granny, and so many other loving nieces, nephews and dear friends in St. Louis and beyond. (Thank you also to grandniece Eve Maltzman who’s put together a wonderful tribute on TikTok/Rachel’s Wisdom). Memorial contributions can be made to Nusach Hari B’nai Zion or St. Louis Family Church. Berger Memorial Service SEYMOUR GREENWALD, age 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Naples, Fl., on October 20th, 2022. Harriet Sue (Litzman), his wife of nearly 62 years, along with their 4 boys, were with him as he passed. Seymour is survived by his wife, Harriet, their 4 sons and daughters-in-law: Steven (Heather), David (Alicia), Brian (Lisa) and Craig (Beth), and 9 grandchildren, Samuel, Joshua, Jonathan, Alexis, Lauren, Leah, Mathew, Jacob and Emerson. Seymour was born in St. Louis on June 4th, 1933, to Herman and Molly Greenwald. Seymour was a loving husband, father and Zeda who looked forward to spending time with friends and family. He was especially happy when his grandchildren would come to town for a visit. Seymour was a hard-working business man and the owner of a large newspaper distributorship for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Seymour has touched many lives but is in a much better place now and will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Chabad Naples Community Hurricane Relief Fund. Make a donation to the Chabad Naples Hurricane Relief Fund online at https://bit.ly/chabad-naples-fund or you can mail a donation in memory of Seymour Greenwald: Chabad Naples, Community Hurricane Relief Fund, 1789 Mandarin Rd., Naples, FL 34102-5004 RONALD L. HELLER, October 10, 2022 Beloved husband of Geraldine Heller for 69 years; dear father and father-in-law of Denise Heller and Mark (Suzi) Heller; dear grandfather of Ethan and Eliana Heller; dear brother of the late Melvin (late Dolores); dear brother-in-law of Elaine (late Charles) Ginsberg and Phyllis (Steve) Bender; dear uncle, cousin and friend. Ron epitomized the word “mensch.” Through his creativity, compassion, commitment and drive to convert ideas into results, thousands of people are recipients and beneficiaries of the many programs he created. By becoming an active member and leader in Toastmasters International, including stints as Lt. Governor and President of the Missouri chapter, he learned how to define problems and needs, develop practical solutions and work with people to build consensus. For instance, he started the Toastmasters program in the Missouri State Penitentiary and received recognition by Governor Warren Hearnes. As an early board member of the Jewish Foundation for Retarded Children, then changed
A Monument Dedication For
(314) 367-0438
www.rindskopfroth.com
to Life Skills and now merged with Easter Seals, he located the building used for conducting workshops to assist young adults with developmental disabilities. He subsequently located the property and was able to convince University City to approve the 1st residential home for habitation, learning and development of Life skills clientele. In 2003 while planting trees in Israel with his wife Gerry to support the JNF, they were inspired to start a program that they named Plant a Tree of Life. This program memorialized the passing of B’nai Amoona members by planting a tree in Israel. This expanded to include simchas and other honors. When his father passed and he began attending B’nai Amoona services he realized it was difficult to ensure a minyan daily. The Minyanaires program was an idea he conceived and implemented to address this critical need. The program has expanded, is stronger than ever and replicated at many congregations across the country. Another need that surfaced while visiting his father and others at Delmar Gardens West was the absence of a Jewish Friday night service. He organized a group of volunteers and trained them on conducting the service which remains in force today. Upon his retirement as a real estate broker (Heller Realty) he worked in the Chaplain’s office as a volunteer at Missouri Baptist Hospital and created a program to visit mostly Jewish patients 3 full days a week. Because of the success of the program, there was a request to have someone speak to patients 5 days a week. He organized and expanded a team to 5 people that would be able to accommodate this need on a daily basis. Ron was musically gifted, a fine pianist taught by the best in St. Louis. He loved sports and had season tickets over the years to all the STL major league teams. As an advent sports fan he volunteered as a coach and then team manager for his son’s Khoury League baseball team for 8 years; winning many awards As evidenced above, Ron thought of others before himself. He was selfless, humble and loved his family fiercely. He never wanted credit and it was the family’s wish to ensure others knew of his contributions that will remain for generations to come. He was a devoted husband, son, brother, father, uncle and cousin. The Funeral Service was held Sunday, October 16, at B’nai Amoona Congregation, 324 S. Mason Rd. 63141. Interment followed at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Rd. 63017. Memorial contributions preferred to B’nai Amoona Congregation, Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice. Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service BARRY EDWARD IKEN, October 24, 2022. Beloved husband of Sharon Iken; dear father and father-in-law of Allison Lyons (Adam) and Corey Iken (Michelle); Poppy to Rachel Lyons and Seth and Ryan Iken; dear brother of Barbara Rubin (Don), dear brother-in-law of Shelly Fradin (Mike), and Barb Blount (Randy); son of the late Arthur and the late Sylvia Iken. Dear uncle, cousin and friend to many. A graveside service was held Thursday, October 27th at Chesed Shel Emeth, 650 White Road. Memorial Contributions preferred to Humane Society of Missouri, JDRF or Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service Continued on opposite page
A Monument Dedication For
EVELYN FEDERBUSH SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2022 2:00 PM
GERTRUDE HULBERT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2022 12:30 PM
Rosenbloom Monument Co.
Rosenbloom Monument Co.
BETH HAMEDROSH HAGODOL CEMETERY
B’NAI AMOONA CEMETERY
stljewishlight.org
STL
OBITUARIES
JEWISH LIGHT
ELIZABETH “LIZ” ANN MEYER of Creve Coeur passed away on October 24, 2022, at age 91 after a brief illness. Liz was born October 5, 1931, in Ludwigshafen, Germany. She and her family fled Germany by train on Kristallnacht in 1938. Liz grew up in Stuttgart, Arkansas and then graduated from Washington University with a degree in Business, where she met her husband. She married Harvey B. Meyer in January 1954. Liz and her husband, an Army Judge Advocate General Corps Colonel, completed a 24-year military career living everywhere from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii to Heidelberg, Germany. They then settled back home in Creve Coeur where they lived for 42 years and shared a 66-year marriage. Liz was a highly competitive duplicate bridge player and director, a Red Cross volunteer, and a charter member and volunteer at the St. Louis Lambert Field USO. Elizabeth was also very active with the Shaare Emeth sisterhood, interfaith council, and a frequent usher. She is survived by her younger brother, Hans (Marcia) Oberdorfer, sister-in-laws, Eileen (Alan) Fleischer, Theo Meyer; son, Samuel Meyer (Pam Gwaltney), daughter, Suellen Meyer, beloved son-in-law Ralph Koppel; grandchildren, Julie (Joshua) Goldman, Michael Meyer, James Koppel (Jing Yu) and great-grandchildren Jason and Rebecca Goldman. The funeral service was held on October 27, 2022 at BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 9430 Olive Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the USO. Burial will be private. Covid safety protocols will be in effect. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream information. Berger Memorial Service NIKI NYMARK, October 19, 2022 Beloved wife of Marvin W. Foster and the late Donald L. Fendelman; dear mother and motherin-law of Margaret Fendelman, Jane Fendelman, James Fendelman (Elana), Daniel Fendelman (Lori King); dear grandmother of Zach and Ross Fendelman, Phoebe King, Jake Fendelman, Julia (Ilan) Field, Noam, Amichai and Avishai Fendelman; dear daughter of the late Saul and the late Lillian Nymark; dear sister of the late Catherine Steen (late James); our dear aunt, cousin, and friend to many. A graveside service was held Friday October 21 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Memorial contributions preferred to Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry. Please visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
A Monument Dedication For
OBITUARIES INDEX Chait, Lois Kravin
Nymark, Niki
Citrin, Lenora Rachel
Tandler, Paul
Greenwald, Seymour
Vaenberg, Marta
Heller, Ronald L.
Venn, Sr., David Lee
Iken, Barry Edward
Weinberg, Marilyn
Meyer, Elizabeth Ann
Zimmerman, Tova
PAUL TANDLER passed away peacefully on October 12, 2022 in his Tiburon, CA home in the company of his loving family. Paul was a great man, admired by all and he will be dearly missed. Born in Vienna, Austria in 1925, Paul was the son of Rudolph and Jenny Tandler. Paul’s parents and his wife Iris preceded him in death. Paul is survived by his loving family, sons Bob (Valli), Alan (Cynthia), Jon (Susan) Tandler and his grandchildren Michelle, Jaclyn, Jeffrey (Kristen), Danielle, (Josh), Ryan, Ari, Talia, and his great -grandchildren, Audrey, Marisa, Madeline and Nicholas. A young Paul and his parents fled Austria to escape horrific religious persecution. With no possessions other than the clothes they wore, they incredibly made their way to St. Louis, MO. They made new friends and settled in to begin their new life with freedom for all in America. Paul had to grow up quickly in his new surroundings. He learned his way becoming a model student and U.S. citizen. He eventually graduated from Washington University with a degree in Engineering, served in the U.S. military and at a dance, met Iris, the girl who would be the love of his life. They married, embarking on a 71-year journey together, raising three boisterous boys. Paul made every day count as he advanced his professional career, served as an elected official in his community and along with Iris, took very good care of his family. As the Patriarch, there was nothing more important to Paul than his family. His family knew this and loved him dearly. After 45 years in the Copper industry with one company, Paul retired as Vice President of Environmental Affairs. Never idle, Paul decided to pen his thoughts and authored a two-volume autobiography about his amazing life. He served on the College of Marin board and as a neighborhood Trustee. Paul was a true gentleman, known and highly respected for his broad intellect, humility, humor and compassion. He liked travelling and enjoyed corresponding with friends globally. He took numerous photos of his trips with Iris and categorized albums and slides for showing and narrating to family and friends. Paul loved opera, was a voracious reader, was well versed on most any topic and was a very accomplished Bridge player. Paul’s accomplishments in life were vast and he created an enviable legacy. Paul has been an inspiration and enriched the lives of everyone who knew him. The Tandler family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to his caregivers Alexandra and Josefina who have been like angels for Paul as they were for Iris and the extraordinary nurses from By the Bay Health. A Monument Dedication For
TILLIE E. BERGER & MAXINE WIGGS SUNDAY, NOV. 13, 2022 9:30 AM
SANDRA LEE (HAEFFNER) GARSON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2022 12:30 PM
Rosenbloom Monument Co.
Rosenbloom Monument Co.
B’NAI AMOONA CEMETERY
November 2, 2022
Paul’s life was celebrated with a Family gathering at his graveside and shiva in accordance with Jewish tradition and custom. Donations in his memory may be made to By the Bay Health (Larkspur CA), HIAS and/or the Technion in Israel. MARTA VAENBERG, age 92, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 17th in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on November 19, 1929 to Pablo and Miriam Shofer. Marta was preceded in her death by her husband Gregorio Vaenberg. Marta immigrated to the United States (Chicago, IL) in 1963 and moved to St. Louis in 1990 to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Marta worked as a dressmaker when she first arrived in this country until she earned enough money to open her own boutique shop in Long Grove, Illinois. Marta will be long remembered for her passion for cooking and her devotion to family. She is survived by her two sons Mario (Rebel) Vaenberg and Alejandro Vaenberg, her three grandchildren, Gaby Vaenberg, Alexandra (Michael) Sommer and Allie Sobczak, and her great grandson, Eli Sommer. A graveside service was held Sunday, October 23 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Rd. Live stream information available at www. rindskopfroth.com. Contributions in Marta’s memory may be made to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, 10950 Schuetz Road, St. Louis, MO, 63146. A Rindskopf-Roth Service DAVID LEE VENN SR., October 26, 2022 Dearly beloved husband of Jeanne Venn, much loved father of David Venn Jr., loving grandfather of Paloma Venn-Chew and Laura Venn, brother of the late Arthur Venn Jr. (Betty) and the late Doris Van Ronzelen (Bill). Dear brother in law of the late Marlene Stone (Lyle). Treasured uncle, great uncle, cousin and dear friend to many. Much admired pianist to many. Deeply loved by family and friends, and appreciated by many who enjoyed his music.
Page 9B
MARILYN “MEME” WEINBERG, October 30, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Melvin Weinberg. Dear mother of Randy, Allen and the late Barry Fendelman. Beloved step-mother of Dale (Bud) Pessin, Denny (Allyson) Weinberg, Cindi (Keith) Guller and the late Gail Weinberg Tobin. Dear sister and sister-in-law of the late Norman (Arlene) Jaffie and Burton (Helaine) Fendelman. Beloved mother-in-law of Judy Fendelman and Anne Martone. Loving grandmother of Greg (Samantha), Andrew, Matt, Jordan, Jamie, Chase and Cole Fendelman and Abby Martone. Adored great-grandmother of Jade and Jacob Fendelman. Dear aunt, cousin and great friend to many. Private family burial services will be held. A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held at a later date. Contributions in Marilyn’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, NY 10016. A Rindskopf-Roth Service TOVA ZIMMERMAN, October 27, 2022 Beloved wife of Carl Zimmerman for 64 years; dear mother and motherin-law of Daniel Zimmerman (Janice), David Zimmerman (Helen), Sally Molho (David) and Andrew Zimmerman (Susanne Slater); dear sister of Marion Ingber and the late Sandy Neuman; dear grandmother of Theodore, Madison (fiancé Mike Farrell), Henry, George, Jack and Oliver. A graveside service was held Sunday, October 30th at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Memorial contributions of your choice preferred. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
American Flag symbol denotes a United States military veteran.
Taking care of each other is what
community
is all about.
BETH HAMEDROSH HAGODOL CEMETERY
Sign up for email updates with the latest obituaries published online Visit stljewishlight.org/newsletters
We’re proud to serve the friends and families of our Jewish community with personal, compassionate care. You can rely on us to help you create a meaningful memorial that truly honors the life it represents. > Personal Planning Guide > The Compassion Helpline® > Veterans Benefits > National Plan Transferability > Bereavement Travel Assistance > 100% Service Guarantee
BERGER Memorial Chapel 9430 Olive Blvd., St. Louis
314-361-0622 BergerMemorialChapel.com Richard W. Stein
M8334_4938_Berger_PNT_Comm_5-1x7_C.indd 1
Emily Stein MacDonald
8/23/17 5:26 PM
Page 10B
November 2, 2022
STL
SIMCHAS BIRTHS
ENGAGEMENTS
WEDDINGS
JEWISH LIGHT
stljewishlight.org
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY
MITZVOT
SUBMIT YOUR SIMCHA ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FREE!
at stljewishlight.org/simchas
Receive Jewish Light simcha announcements by email
SHAPIRO-WEINSTEIN ENGAGEMENT Amy Shapiro, daughter of Cindy and Lon Shapiro of St. Louis, and Jake Weinstein, son of Suzy and Steve Weinstein of St. Louis, have announced their engagement. Amy is the granddaughter of the late Arleen and the late Floyd Emert, and the late Ruth and the late Jack Shapiro, all of St. Louis. Jake is the grandson of Dolores and the late Fred Weinstein of St. Louis, and Eva and the late Maury Rydell of Overland Park, Kan. A September 2023 wedding is planned. The future bride and groom are pictured with their mini labradoodle, Rex.
Sign up for the Light’s new Simchas email newsletter—and other customized emails:
stljewishlight.org/newsletters
Submit your family’s simcha announcement Thanks to the generous support of the Harvey Kornblum Foundation, members of the St. Louis Jewish community can submit simcha announcements for free. Submit an announcement for your family’s recent simcha (birth, bar/bat mitzvah, engagement, wedding or major anniversary):
stljewishlight.org/simchas
PHOTO COURTESY OF REBEKAH ELSASSER
TRIBUTES
IN MEMORY OF
IN HONOR OF
JUDY KAPLAN - Robert & Helen Bushman -
BETSY SCHMIDT - Jack and Ellen Deutsch -
“In memory of Judy Kaplan” - Dale & Ellie Huff -
THE ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT “In honor of the outstanding staff at the St. Louis Jewish Light!” - Nikki Goldstein -
- Michael & Barbara Newmark -
LEEANN AND CLIFF ANCIER “Refuah Shlema for Chaim Moshe ben Leah. Sending prayers and hugs to you...” - David and Diane Friedman ROBERT COHN - Arthur Albert -
SHOW YOUR LOVE WITH A TRIBUTE TODAY!
IN MEMORY OF : STLJEWISHLIGHT.ORG/MEMORIAL-TRIBUTE/
IN HONOR OF : STLJEWISHLIGHT.ORG/TRIBUTE/
CLASSIFIEDS “ServiceYou Can Trust”
Tali Stadler (314) 680-4799
tstadler@cbgundaker.com
Remodel & Repair • Rotted Wood • Floors • Painting • Electrical • Tile • Carpentry • Drywall • Plumbing • Power Washing
Insured - Free Estimates 40+ Years Experience
Don Phillips 314-973-8511
Town & Country #1 Office in Missouri (636)394-9300
EXTENDED HANDS LLC
GENESCO
In Home Service
SCREEN REPAIR (314) 567-9175
“Le
af the • Repairs clean ing to • Gutter Cleaning me.” • Gutter Guards • Roofing • Drainage Solutions • Fascia Repairs or 30+ Years Experience Replacements
Call Tony:
314-413-2888
"Trusting Hands for Your Peace of Mind"
2456 Adie Road, 63043 GenescoWindowProducts.com
BERYL DENISE BROWNING, RN
24 Hour Private Duty Care Bonded and Insured
www.yuckos.com
314-521-4100
Your Poop Scoop’n Ser vice
314-291-POOP
STL Jewish Light classifieds are an inexpensive way to connect our readers to the businesses and services they are looking for.
GET THE WORD OUT!
SPECIAL ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
UPCOMING SPECIAL SPECIAL ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE BUNDLE
BUY ONE PRINT AD FULL PRICE
GET ONE DIGITAL AD
2023 WINTER
ARTS + EATS
50% OFF
PUBLISHES:DEC. 7, 2022
DEADLINE: NOV. 30, 2022 stljewishlight.org
STL
JEWISH LIGHT
ANNUAL NEW S
ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY Holiday purchases start (and finish!) with our Annual Holiday Gift Guide and our subscribers look to the St. Louis Jewish Light in
& SCHMOO ZE
ART & DINING GUIDE
DEADLINE : JANUARY 4, 2023
PUBLISHES : JANUARY 11, 2023
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 314.743.3672 November 17, 2021
W
e will have barely cleared dishes from the Thanksgiving, local Jewish tie-ins, when Hanukka so there’s that. The amount few days later h — in Novembe shows up a Louis Jewish of artistic talent in the St. If like me, r, no community you’re behind less. is truly astounding, and while Hanukkah space here in your shopping — precludes all from being or started! — reflected in of perhaps some haven’t even tuned this gift guide, it for upcomin Light’s News things in the stay g stories & about local Guide will strike Schmooze Annual Jewish creative in the Light Gift you as the perfect types. So, sit back, for a friend see what present or eight selection relatives. All of this year’s and hope that should strikes your fancy, s (one for you decide your gifts shipped, each day) have home delivery makes to have by the time it to your Hanukkah ends Dec. 6.
1
Bobbing and weaving
Artist Jeane Vogel, a member Congregation, may be best-knowof Central Reform award-winning n for her photography, equally as compellin but her fiber artwork is g. Using of cotton and bamboo, Vogel organic cotton or a mix guitar and camera weaves straps, dog leashesscarves, belts, make for great and price from $65 one-of-a-kind gifts. Scarvesmore that to range in Vogel said she $110 while guitar straps go for $69. has been we kid
2
Laying our cards
on the table
Jim and Barbara Winnerman, been married who have for 53 years and Congregation Shaare Emeth, belong to some note cards make handular at various that have been quite popfairs around farmer’s markets and craft town. Barbara is a professional and artist who calligrapher note cards for has been hand-painting 20 ize them with years. She can personala desires. Each name if the buyer so card rately and there is hand-painted sepais no printing She also hand-pai involved. A pack of five nts on the envelope. $20 plus $1.25 cards without a name is postage (per name to be pack). For a added $25, plus $1.25. to each card, the pack is You can check styles at https://its out her five aw
Page 3B
ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY The St. Louis Jewish Light’s Winter Arts Guide is the go-to spot for our readers to get a look at what’s hot on the St. Louis arts and entertainment scene this winter.
Page
2B
August 24, 2022
FALL
ARTS
GUIDE
ARTS + EATS STL
JEWIS H LIGHT
stljew ishlight.org
stljewishlight.org
STL
November 2, 2022
JEWISH LIGHT
Page 11B
T S E F H A K K SU
a Congreg
t
me E e r a a h ion S
th’s
Congregation Shaare Emeth hosted SukkahFest on Sunday, Oct. 9, Erev Sukkot. The event included an Iron Sukkah competition and hayrides provided by St. Louis Carriage Company, and the Shaare Emeth clergy. Below far left: Shinshinit Inbar Bloch talks with guests at SukkahFest at Shaare Emeth. Below far right: Rabbi Rachel Bearman of Shaare Emeth speaks during SukkahFest.
SP
TLIGHT
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY
PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to news@stljewishlight.org. VIEW MORE ONLINE: stljewishlight.org/multimedia
SUKKAH CITY B’nai Amoona’s
A group of Congregation B’nai Amoona members took exactly one hour to build an entire city on Sunday, Oct. 9. The “sukkah city” also used the construction talents of all grades of the congregation’s religious school. Ten teams erected one sukkah each. The sukkahs can be reused and will be offered to members to use to celebrate Sukkot in 2023. Sukkah City was supported in part by the Oscar & Elaine Goldberg New Idea Fund. PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN
Page 12B
November 2, 2022
STL
JEWISH LIGHT
stljewishlight.org
NOBODY’S SENATOR BUT
YOURS
In the Senate, she’ll work to help Missourians by:
VOTE FOR
Lowering prescription drug prices and healthcare costs Defending a woman’s freedom to make her own healthcare decisions on abortion and birth control Supporting the people’s initiative on legalizing marijuana Opposing Senators trading stocks while holding office
ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2022
Not taking any corporate PAC money Opposing the sale of Missouri family farms to corporations owned by the Communist Chinese government
TEXT “TRUDY” TO 23299 TO JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN TRUDYBUSCHVALENTINE.COM
PAID FOR BY TRUDY BUSCH VALENTINE FOR SENATE