FEATURES
This Hanukkah, try these Japaneseinspired latkes PAGE 1B
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November 22, 2023
STL
JEWISH LIGHT
stljewishlight.org
INSIDE THIS WEEK’S STL JEWISH LIGHT The Newspaper of the Jewish Community of Greater St. Louis — Founded 1963
CONTACT US PHONE 314-743-3600 EMAIL news@stljewishlight.org
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INDEX ChaiLights Event Calendar .................... 9B
Newsmakers ..................................10A-11A
Classifieds ............................................. 10B
Obituaries.......................................14A-15A
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Features............................................. 1B-4B
Opinions ........................................ 12A-13A
OFFICERS Michael Staenberg, President Bethe Growe, Immediate Past President Kara Newmark, Vice President Ryan Rich, Vice President Justin Krachmalnick, Treasurer Todd Taylor, Secretary
Gift Guide ..........................................6B-8B
Simchas ................................................... 5B
Jewish Lite Crossword Puzzle.............. 10B
Spotlight Photos ....................................11B
OUR BOARD AND STAFF
DIRECTORS Caroline Goldenberg, Mia Kweskin, Debbie Lefton, Steve Rosenzweig, Adam Schneider and Alan Spector JEWISH LIGHT PAST PRESIDENTS Bernard Fischlowitz*, Milton I. Goldstein*, Morris Pearlmutter* (founder), Morris Moscowitz*, Melvin Newmark*, Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin*, Vivian Zwick*, Joseph Edlin*, Michael Newmark, Richard Stein, Yusef Hakimian*, Sanford Weiss*, Philip Isserman*, Linda Kraus, Richard Flom, Marvin Schneider, Barbara Langsam Shuman, Terry Bloomberg, John Greenberg, David Grebler*, Milton Movitz*, Gianna Jacobson, Jenny Wolkowitz, Gary Kodner, Jane Tzinberg Rubin, Steve Gallant, Laura K. Silver, Bethe Growe * Of Blessed Memory
CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
STAFF EXECUTIVE Betsy Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content Officer EDITORIAL Robert A. Cohn, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Mike Sherwin, Managing Editor
Shabbat begins Friday, Nov. 24: 4:25 p.m.
BUSINESS AND ENGAGEMENT Stacy Wolff Smart, Director of Business Development and Communications Terri Green, Administrative Assistant
Shabbat ends Saturday, Nov. 25: 5:25 p.m.
SALES Angie Rosenberg, Senior Account Executive Kelly Morris, Account Executive Elaine Wernick, Account Executive
Torah reading: Vayetzei
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bill Motchan, Amy Fenster Brown, Patricia Corrigan, Barry Gilbert, Margi Lenga Kahn, Nancy Kranzberg, Elise Krug, Cate Marquis, Eric Mink, Judith Newmark, Martin Rochester, Megan Rubenstein
PUBLISHER'S STATEMENT
PUBLICATION DATES FOR 2023
The ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT (ISSN 0036-2964) is published bimonthly by the St. Louis Jewish Light, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, 7201 Delmar Blvd. Suite 201, St. Louis, MO 63130. Periodical postage paid at St. Louis, MO. Copyright 2023. Postmaster: Send address changes to the St. Louis Jewish Light: 7201 Delmar Blvd. #201, St. Louis, MO 63130.
The Jewish Light will publish print editions twice a month in 2023, on the following upcoming dates:
Shabbat begins Friday, Dec. 1: 4:22 p.m. Shabbat ends Saturday, Dec. 2: 5:23 p.m.
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Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America with Heather Cox Richardson
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STL
JEWISH LIGHT
LOCAL NEWS
November 22, 2023
Page 3A
From a 4-month courtship to a 73-year marriage As regular readers may remember, I’m a sucker for a good love story. And I was pretty sure I had found one when over lunch earlier this month, my friend Dorothy Firestone happened to mention that she and her husband Billy were getting ready to celebrate their 73rd wedding anniversary. Seventy-three years! As my late, great father would say, “That’s nothing to sneeze at.” Also nothing to sneeze at: Dorothy is 94; Billy is 96. The two met at the best place to meet a potential spouse: a wedding. In this case, it was the wedding of Ruth Korngold and Mike Travis, which took place on June 24, 1950, at the bride’s parents’ home in the 6900 block of Delmar Blvd. If you’re wondering about these details, both Dorothy and Billy have amazing recall, despite being in their nineties. They share a gorgeous condo in Clayton, where Dorothy likes to cook, entertain and write, including a recent food story for the Jewish Light, while Billy, who ran his own paper shredding business for 69½ years (from ages 22 to 91) and still drives, is known to enjoy a good cigar on the condo balcony. But I digress. As the couple tells it, Dorothy and Billy were both friends of the bride. Dorothy had gone to the University of Illinois with Ruth, and Billy knew her as part of a larger group of friends he socialized with after returning from 1½ years of serving with the U.S. Coast Guard. “At the wedding, a friend of mine who went to school with
2023-11-22 page 02-03.indd 3
Dorothy and Billy Firestone in 1950 and on their 73rd anniversary on Nov. 11. Dorothy said to me, ‘Do you know Dottie Peskind?’” recalled Billy. “I said, ‘No. Trot her out here and I’ll take a look.” “Can you believe that?” countered Dorothy, laughing. “So he trotted her out, we met and
NEWS & SCHMOOZE News and Schmooze is a column by Jewish Light Editor-in-Chief Ellen Futterman. Email Ellen at: efutterman@stljewishlight.org.
we talked, and I told her I would be glad to take her home,” continued Billy. Home for Dorothy was Belleville, where her family ran I. Peskind & Sons, a clothing and shoe business, on Main Street. But that night, because of the wedding, she was staying at the home of a friend named Lovie who lived in Clayton. “Do you know the meaning of a bad hair day?” Dorothy asked. “That’s how hot a day it was when the wedding took place. It was a very bad hair day.” Regardless, Billy was eager to take
Dorothy home, if only to get to know her better. But first, because of the heat, he wanted to stop at his home to change his shirt. He lived just a few blocks west from where the wedding was taking place. “I sat on the porch and waited for him because his parents weren’t home,” said Dorothy, proudly. (Usually when she tells this story, her daughter Amy Rosen and her daughter-in-law Marilyn Firestone, applaud.) See SCHMOOZE on page 11A
11/20/23 3:30 PM
Page 4A
November 22, 2023
LOCAL NEWS
STL
JEWISH LIGHT
stljewishlight.org
300 St. Louisans find unity among 290,000 others at ‘March For Israel’ in Washington JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Before roughly 100 plus pro-Israel activists from St. Louis could board their 6:28 a.m. American Airlines flight on Nov. 14, they encountered a slight technical issue. “We regret to inform you that our computer is down and we will proceed with our boarding process manually,” said an irritated American Airlines gate agent over the intercom. Luckily for those eagerly awaiting to attend the “March For Israel” in Washington, D.C., the airline’s computer issue was just a minor hiccup en route to what many hoped would be a powerful day of unity and collective community.
‘March for Israel’ The Nov. 14 rally aimed to visibly demonstrate the growing broad support for Israel’s war effort and to call for the release of the hostages, in addition to condemning antisemitism. The rally’s organizers — the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations — applied for a permit for 60,000 people, but most recent estimates put the crowd at 290,000, according to William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, making it one of the largest gatherings of Jews in U.S. history at a time when an ongoing war in Gaza has sharply divided public opinion around the world. An additional 250,000 people watched the event through a live stream, organizers added. Other Jewish marches that gathered over 100,000 people include one in 1987 in support of Soviet Jews and one in 2002 in support of Israel during the second intifada.
On our plane The energy of what was to come was palpable on the plane. A moment that must be shared came shortly after the flight crew announced we had achieved our cruising level. The flight attendants turned the cabin PA over to Rabbi Michael Rovinsky, the director of NCSY (formerly known as the National Conference of Synagogue Youth) and the Jewish Student Union. Rovinsky led a group of 49 high school students to the rally and led the airplane in singing “Hatikvah” and “Am Yisrael Chai” (see a video online at stljewishlight.org/ multimedia).
Why they went
St. Louisans shared their photos from the journey to the March for Israel in Washington, D.C. Images were contributed by Debbie and Mike Lefton (top and above), Benjamin Aronov (below right), Alana Minoff (below left) and Mindy and Rabbi Brad Horwitz (at left). In the image above, Rabbi Michael Rovinsky leads passengers from St. Louis in singing ‘Hatikvah’ on the way to Washington, D.C. View a video of the song at stljewishlight.org/multimedia.
Approximately 300 Jewish St. Louisans made the journey to Washington, D.C., according to the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. The reasons why are plentiful, but with many commonalities. For Debbie Greenberg of Creve Coeur, criticism of Israel on social media after its military response to the Oct. 7 Hamas attack played a role in her decision to attend the rally. “I think the arc of sympathy for Israel is slanted and it’s important that we all come together to show support for Israel, and Jews everywhere,” said Greenberg. Elliana Makovsky, a junior at Washington University, attended the rally as a representative of the university’s Jewish Student Association (JSA). For Makovsky, pride played a huge role in her decision to head east. “I feel so proud to be Jewish. I think See MARCH FOR ISRAEL on page 6A
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STL
JEWISH LIGHT
November 22, 2023
Page 5A
11/20/23 3:30 PM
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LOCAL NEWS
November 22, 2023
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JEWISH LIGHT
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March for Israel: St. Louisans travel to historic rally in Washington CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4A what I’m most excited about and most proud of is that I think there’s been a lot of divided fronts on individual college campuses. But today we’re going to show that Jews everywhere are unified, like on a global scale,” said Makovsky. “Being with tens of thousands of people like me and unlike me just makes me so proud.” Aleyal Ben Abraham, an Israeli living in St. Louis, echoed what many of the tens of thousands in attendance wrote on signs, and banners and shouted at the top of their lungs all day long. “I’m here to show solidarity for the state of Israel and stand with Israel during this tough and difficult time. I think Israel is fighting for humanity, so all people around the world, not just Israelis, not just Jews, but all people around the world should stand with Israel against this evil.”
What they saw. What they heard and ‘overcrowded politeness’ The experience of being within a mass of humanity equaling nearly 300,000 people could be intimidating. But the experience at the rally was anything but. Despite the immensity of the crowd, there was an uncanny awareness that everyone around you was thinking as you were and there was an overwhelming sense of what can only be described as an “overcrowded politeness.” Imagine thousands of happy, smiling people pinballing around, bumping into and onto each other, flags twirling in faces, signs blocking views, talking and shouting about war, terror, hostages and even beheadings, but all with a shared camaraderie, or “overcrowded politeness.” During over three hours of speeches, various figures, including politicians, actors, musicians, activists and U.S. college students, strongly supported Israel. They discussed the global rise of antisemitism since the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas and Israel’s subsequent Gaza war. Most, if not all speakers, also called for the safe release of over 200 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. For Washington University Israel Fellow Ayala Hendin, the constant messaging and crowd chants to “bring them home” was pivotal. “I think that for me it’s been very lonely being away during this war and I’m excited being with hundreds of thousands of Jewish people,” said Hendin, who grew up in Israel and now lives in St. Louis,. “For me, it’s important to be in a big crowd with a very clear message. To bring them home.” In a live feed from Jerusalem, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said, “we will heal, we will rise again and we will rebuild.” Natan Sharansky, the former Soviet refusenik and Israeli statesman who spoke at the 1987 rally in support of Soviet Jews, spoke Nov. 14 during the “March for Israel.”
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Above, young people in the St. Louis contingent to Washington pose for a photo at the airport.
The Russian dissident called the Jewish people “one fighting family, a family that is so strong, which has so much love. And know that there is only one outcome in this battle: Our victory.” Minor variations in messaging were evident among prominent figures from both the Democratic and Republican parties, as well as between the Biden administration and Israel. Mike Johnson, the recently appointed Republican speaker of the House, garnered loud cheers when he firmly stated that the United States would dismiss widespread calls for a ceasefire, deeming them “outrageous.” On the Democratic side, Senator Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both representing New York, refrained from mentioning a ceasefire. The Biden administration, while sharing the overall goal of dismantling Hamas with Israel, diverges on the extent to which there should be pauses in the conflict to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
What it all means The rally started and ended with cries of “Bring them home,” and “Am Yisrael chai”— “the people of Israel live.” For those in the St. Louis delegation, the powerfulness of the experience will hopefully carry forward back home, as the war rages on. “For me, the highlight of the march was that one in 20 Jewish Americans gathered on a Tuesday afternoon with a shared pur-
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALANA MINOFF
At left, Grants Associate Brandon Rosen, President and CEO Brian Herstig and Vice President-Community Impact Karen Sher, all of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, are shown at the March for Israel in Washington on Nov. 14. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGIE ROSENBERG
pose,” said Rabbi Hershey Novack, co-director of the Chabad on Campus Rohr Center for Jewish Life at WashU. “Let’s hope that this powerful force will drive meaningful impact in all aspects of Jewish life long after the terror of Hamas has ended, the hostages are free, and the scourge of antisemitism is only written about in history books.” “We’ve all been walking around with
this dread since Oct. 7th. This kind of ‘I can’t believe this is happening’ feeling. But for a few minutes today, I felt joy,” said Ellen Alper, executive director of the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis. “Joy being together as a group. Joy being together as a community. Joy at knowing that we were all there supporting each other during this difficult time. And that was amazing.”
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Rally in St. Charles draws crowd of 500
Nearly 500 Israel supporters gathered in Frontier Park in St. Charles on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 19 to call attention to the hostages held by Hamas and demand their safe return. “Bring them home” was the rallying cry at the event, which moved from the park to a march down Main Street. Speakers included Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham from Congregation B’nai Amoona, Rabbi Chaim Landa from Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles and Missouri State Rep. Adam Schwadron. For more images from the rally, visit stljewishlight.org. ALL PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN
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NHBZ to celebrate its 118th anniversary dinner Nusach Hari B’nai Zion is hosting its 118th Anniversary Dinner on Sunday, Dec. 3 at the Clayton Plaza Hotel. Hors d’oevres will be served at 5:30 p.m., and the dinner and program will begin at 6:30 p.m. The guests of honor are Drs. Jay Pepose and Susan Feigenbaum. The HaKaras HaTov Award recipients are Marcela Morgensztern and Nancy Rush. The Israel Advocacy Award recipient is Stuart Klamen. Pepose and Feigenbaum have proven themselves to be active members and strong supporters of NHBZ and have also helped to grow the Chabad of Chesterfield. In addition, Feigenbaum helped create a Hillel chapter both at Maryville University and at University of Missouri St. Louis. The couple are ardent advocates for Israel and have been stalwart contributors to many Israeli educational political and medical organizations. Pepose has a B.S. and M.A. degrees in biology from Brandeis University, and an MD and Ph.D. from University of California Los Angeles. He trained in ophthalmology at the John Hopkins Medical Center. In 1999, he established the Pepose Vision Institute, a world-class organization offering “tomorrow’s treatments today” through its commitment to clinical studies. Feigenbaum holds dual degrees in economics and Near Eastern and Judaic studies from Brandeis University. She also has a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her professional career began as a member of the faculty at Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, Calif. In St. Louis, she was a professor of economics at UMSL, where she was named a Curators’ Distinguished Professor. The couple has been married for 44 years and are the parents of four children: David, and triplets Max, Sam and Morissa. Marcela Morgensztern and Nancy Rush are both recipients of the HaKaras HaTov Award. This award is presented in gratitude of the good that they have done for NHBZ and the Jewish community at large. Morgensztern has made major contributions to NHBZ through holding various positions, including as a current co-chair of the Chesed Committee where she has been instrumental in planning community lectures. She has also served as a member of the synagogue’s board and as Chair of the Outreach Committee. She and her husband Daniel are the parents of three boys: Alan, David and Michael. Rush is also a current co-chair of the Chesed Committee where she has been greatly appreciated for delivering shiva trays and meals for the sick. She is also a member of the synagogue’s board and has served as a board member of Aish HaTorah. A licensed realtor, she and her husband Jason are the parents of four children: Melanie Rush, Ethan Belau, Adam Rush and Noah Belau.
From left, Nusach Hari B’nai Zion will honor Drs. Jay Pepose and Susan Feigenbaum, Marcela Morgensztern, Nancy Rush and Stuart Klaman at the congregation’s 118th anniversary dinner on Sunday, Dec. 3. Stuart Klamen is one of the most visible supporters of Israel both within NHBZ, but also in the St. Louis community. His efforts have led him to work with many organizations, including the NHBZ Israel Committee, the Bergson Group and St.
Louis Friends for Israel. He also serves as the congressional liaison for Christians United for Israel. Klamen brings pro-Israel events to the Missouri region, including arranging for nationally recognized speakers. His lobbying activities resulted
in one of his biggest accomplishments to date: the passage of the very important Anti-BDS legislation in Missouri. For more information about NHBZ’s Anniversary Dinner, call 314-991-2100, ext. 2.
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Newsmakers is a compilation of the Jewish community’s newsworthy professional and academic accomplishments. Submit your news to news@stljewishlight.org. Call 314-743-3669 for more information. Newsmakers is compiled by Elise Krug.
Dr. Jane Gelfand, a concierge primary care physician and integrative medicine specialist, joins the team at PALM Health in Ladue. With a focus on personalized, proactive care she empowers her patients to reach optimal health in mind and body. She is now accepting new patients. For her work to stand up for Israel and against antisemitism, llana Boyer was recognized as a Campus Champion at the StandWithUs Campus Champions Gala in Chicago. Daughter of Marci and Marty Boyer, Ilana is a freshman at Elon University studying sports management and strategic communications. While attending Whitfield School, llana Boyer was a StandWithUs Kenneth Leventhal High School Intern. She and her family attend Congregation B’nai Amoona. StandWithUs is an international and non-partisan Israel education organization that inspires and educates people of all ages and backgrounds, challenges misinformation and fights antisemitism. Debra Klevens is one of six journalism educators who was recognized as a recipient of the Pioneer Award, the National Scholastic Press Association’s highest honor for journalism educators. A member of United Hebrew Congregation, Klevens is the newspaper adviser at Clayton High School and is secretary on the Jewish Light’s Board of Directors.
Top row, from left: Dr. Jane Gelfand, llana Boyer and Debra Klevens. Second row: Dan Glazier, Becca Levine and Jillian Thomadsen. Above right: Alyssa Weisenberg and Mollie Nathanson Dan Glazier was recognized as one of the Top Fifty Missourians by Ingrams, a business publication in Missouri and Kansas that covers business, industry and economic development trends. Individuals are chosen for their business achievement, philanthropy, civic engagement and community service. Glazier, executive director of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, uses his skills as an attorney to help address homelessness, poverty, domestic
violence and need in 21 counties in Missouri. He attends Central Reform Congregation and was a Jewish Light 2010 Unsung Hero. Former St. Louisan Becca Levine was promoted to development and impact officer at the Jewish Federation of greater Kansas City. She and her team are responsible for the financial resource development of the Federation’s annual campaign
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to sustain and enhance Jewish life at home and around the world. Jillian Thomadsen will release her sequel to “All the Hidden Pieces” in December. “Movie Stars Shine Brightest in the Dark” is another detective Roberta Hobbs suspense novel where the protagonist investigates the sudden death of a famous actress. Thomadsen is a member of B’nai Amoona. B’nai Amoona USY (BAUSY) recently elected its 2023-24 board. Co-presidents are Alyssa Weisenberg and Mollie Nathanson. Alyssa is the daughter of Drs. Judith and Brian Weisenberg and is a senior at Parkway Central High School. Mollie, also a senior at Parkway Central, is the daughter of Cantor Sharon and Michael Nathanson. Katie Harris and her goldendoodle, Moxie, prevailed against hundreds of other service dogs for the title of National American Hero Service Dog in the 2023 American Humane Hero Dog competition. Moxie was also one of five finalists for the overall Hero Dog title. Moxie is a service dog who faithfully assists Harris with everyday tasks in addition to providing support while Harris works as a wheelchair tennis coach and clinical social worker. Moxie is also the inspiration
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Above: Katie Harris and Moxie. Above right: Linda Fine Hunt behind Moxie’s Mission. Founded by Harris, the nonprofit helps share knowledge of service, therapy and emotional support dogs and provides financial assistance for veterans, first responders and others in need of service dogs. Former St. Louisan Linda Fine Hunt has published a Jewish historical fiction book, “Particular Place and People.” The book recounts a quirky, bold Jewish girl growing up in University City from 1954 to 1966. It is a love story about a place that changes over time, where everything beloved becomes foreign, resulting in personal growth. The book is available online in both paperback and
Kindle formats. Area lawyers who have been chosen for inclusion in the 2024 edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” and/or “Missouri Super Lawyers 2023” publications include: David Lacks (Law Offices of David B. Lacks) and Wendi AlperPressman (Armstrong Teasdale). Alvin Wolff, of Wolff Trial Lawyers, has been added to America’s HighStakes Trial Lawyers – 7 Figure Litigators. This recognition comes from the settlements and verdicts he has generated on behalf of his clients.
From left: David Lacks, Wendi Alper-Pressman and Alvin Wolff
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November 22, 2023
But the thing was Billy really wanted Dorothy to meet his parents, who were at a nearby party. So he took her there. “Billy was definitely smitten,” said Marilyn, who has been dubbed the family historian. “It really was love at first sight.” At that first meeting, they learned that Dorothy’s father had once taken out Billy’s mother. The day after the wedding, a Sunday, Dorothy’s parents held a graduation party in her honor. Billy still hasn’t forgiven her for not inviting him. “I remember at the party my Aunt Rose asking if I had met any nice men,” said Dorothy. “And I said, ‘Yes. I met one last night.’” Despite not being invited to the graduation party, Billy called on Monday, asking Dorothy out for the following weekend. “I told him I was busy that Saturday, so he asked for Friday, and I was busy then, too,” said Dorothy. “So we settled on Thursday night. Then he called on Tuesday and said was it OK if he made a trial run.” “I didn’t know where Belleville was,” said Billy, laughing. “I needed a practice run.” When he came to Belleville that Tuesday, he didn’t come empty-handed. He walked into the Peskind home carrying an entire watermelon. No big deal except that Dorothy’s mother, whom Dorothy described as “quite bright and intelligent” was a firm believer in fortune tellers, who were ubiquitous back then. “The fortune teller told my mother, who never told me this (at the time), that she would know (the man I would marry) because he’s going to walk into your home carrying something like this,” said
Dorothy, stretching out her arms and palming her hands as if she were carrying a whole watermelon. Two weeks after that first date, Billy asked Dorothy if she would go steady. “I said, ‘No. I’m 21. I’m too old to go steady,’” said Dorothy. “Then he said, ‘If I asked you to marry me, what would you say? And I said, ‘Yes.’” Three weeks after they met, they were engaged. Roughly four months after that, they were married at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel by Rabbi Julian H. Miller of B’nai El Congregation. The date was Nov. 11, 1950. Together, they raised three children and now have four adult grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. And while both agree that theirs is not only an enduring love but also a deep friendship, it hasn’t been without tragedy. Their middle child, son Jim, a neonatologist, passed away from Non-Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 32. He was married but had no children. Yet true to Firestone fashion, Dorothy and Billy and their adult two children, Fred Firestone and Amy Rosen, and their spouses, still keep in close touch with Jim’s wife, who is remarried to a man each describes as terrific. In fact, during the summer they all met up in St. Louis. When I asked Billy and Dorothy what they most appreciate about the other and what has kept them interested in each other after all these years, Billy had a bit of trouble finding the right words. “I can’t give you an answer,” he said. “I can’t say this or that. It’s the whole package. We still just really enjoy spending time together.” Dorothy struggled less with my questions and was much more direct. “I think there has to be an enormous physical attraction and an enormous degree of actual friendship,” she said. “And it helps if you both like to eat the same things.”
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OPINIONS
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D’VAR TORAH — PARASHAT VAYETZE
The place where it all began BY RABBI JANINE SCHLOSS
We are in the midst of such a difficult time, when the narratives of different peoples and cultures clash and conflict. We often tell stories about the same places and events, yet our understandings of those places and events can be completely divergent. As it turns out, this week’s Torah portion, Vayetze, helps us understand one of the key stories of the Jewish people, our ancestral connection to the Land of Israel, but it does so in a surprising and unexpected way. In this week’s portion, Jacob runs away from Beersheva, trying to vfind refuge with his Uncle Laban in Haran. His first night away from home, he gathers stones together to make a pillow, lies down, and dreams about a ladder with angels going up on and down on it. When he wakes up, he says: “Surely God was in this place and I did not know it!” He continues: “How awesome is this place! It is none other than the abode of God, and the gateway to heaven.” (Genesis 28: 16-17) He uses the stone he had been sleeping on to create a pillar, blesses it, and names it Beth-el – the House of God. The word “the place,” or ha’makom in Hebrew, is used six times in the passage describing Jacob’s dream. This is unusual by any standard. This becomes even more intriguing when you look at the first time the word “place – makom” is used in the Torah. On the third day of creation, God says, “Let the water below the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” (Genesis 1:9) In the Kabbalistic Book of Splendor, we learn more about this incredible moment when dry land is created. “The world was not created until God took a particular stone… and from it the earth spread out. And this is the central point in the settled world, and on this point lies
the Holy of Holies. And this is the stone that Jacob stood up as a pillar.” This passage draws a remarkable connection. It teaches that God took a stone, used it to create the very first dry land, and this place became the center point of the world. But the text doesn’t stop here. The same stone God used to create dry land was the very stone that Jacob used as a pillow and set up as a pillar to God. Our tradition also teaches that this is the exact same spot where Abraham was tested in the story of the binding of Isaac. Now we come to the ultimate association: This, too, is the exact place — ha’makom — where the Holy of Holies, the most sacred spot in the Temple Mount, was constructed 3,000 years ago. What these commentaries and Midrashim about “the place – ha’makom” illustrate to me is the deep connection that our people have had to Jerusalem and, by extension, to the Land of Israel throughout our history. When we were unable to walk the land, we didn’t just pine for it. We imagined our relationship to Jerusalem going back to the very days of our ancestors, Abraham and Jacob, and even further back, to the moment that God created the very earth beneath our feet. That is how essential our connection to the land of Israel is. It is truly ha’makom – the place where it all began. It is important to remember that Muslims also view this same place — ha’makom — as sacred, as well. The Quran teaches that the Dome of the Rock was built in the 7th century CE over the stone where Abraham almost sacrificed Ishmael, a story very similar to our story of the binding of Isaac. Muslims also teach this is the same place where Muhammad took his night journey, traveling with the Angel Gabriel to heaven where he met other prophets, including Moses and Jesus, and eventually saw God and the angels.
Rabbi Janine Schloss is Rabbi Educator at Temple Emanuel and is President of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, which coordinates the d’var Torah for the Jewish Light.
The story of “the place — ha’makom” reminds us that Jews, Muslims and even Christians have such powerful and ancient connections to the Holy Land. We have passed these stories down from generation to generation, sharing our love for this miraculous place. At this moment especially, however, it is essential that we also understand the narratives of those among whom we live. It does us no good to deny the power of their stories. They tell us so much about what is important to other people, religions, and cultures. Our narratives may sometimes conflict, but we must honor them nonetheless. My prayer for us during this week of Vayetze, then, is that our stories and our neighbors’ stories of the Holy Land might be heard by God, and that God might help us intertwine them together like the wicks of a beautiful Havdalah candle. Then one day soon we will be able to live together ba’makom – in the place where it all began, walking the land hand in hand together in peace, honoring what makes us unique, and celebrating what brings us together as human beings, all made in the image of God. May peace come soon. (With thanks to Susan Afterman, “Gateway to Division or Unity,” The Jerusalem Report, Nov. 28, 1996.)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Submit letters to news@stljewishlight.org Foxhole mentality I was hoping that participation in the community Shloshim at Congregation Bnai Amoona on Nov. 7 memorializing the 30-day period since the Hamas massacre would provide clarity and inspiration for me to move-forward in a just, appropriate and impactful manner. It did just that. But, like many, I still feel gutted, hollow, lost, confused, angry, sad, outraged, bitter, unsure, isolated, spurned, betrayed, fooled, etc. There is no time to truly mourn or deeply reflect; all lifecycle events and simchas appropriately move forward, but they have been naturally cheated during this period of slaughter, constant blood libel and open and celebrated Jew hatred ... with calls for more slaughter and antisemitism on a global basis, even in the streets of St. Louis. There is an inbound flow of hatefilled, uneducated and distorted information and data that our brains are continuously processing and deciphering. Leaders and heroes have emerged from both expected and unexpected corners; while other leaders, universities, and organizations have failed by epic proportions, even after multiple attempts to dialogue. Many of those that we have supported for decades have gone silent or turned against us. As I sat with the community listening to leaders speak about the 1,400 humans slaughtered and the 240+ names, ages, citizenships, and places humans were “taken” from, I kept my eyes closed intently listening, digesting, and processing…still searching within myself. I continued to process all night until I heard the profound words of my son, Liam (my son-in-law but I refer to him as my son), call out to me when he once told me that sometimes life circumstances help you to understand your “foxhole” and to develop “foxhole mentality.” His concept could not be more just and correct for this time. Taking Liam’s concept of “foxhole mentality” means to know who you can unequivocally count on for support. Conversely, “foxhole mentality” also helps identifying those who you thought were in your foxhole but have shown by their actions that they are opposed to you,
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silent, or have gone MIA – and you can never count on. There will come a time when the dust settles to both thank, confirm, and acknowledge who is in your foxhole; simultaneously, there will come a time of reckoning and accounting for those who have failed us and our community. Richard J. Wolkowitz Creve Coeur
Kudos to rabbi’s column Bravo to Rabbi Ze’ev Smason who, ever more eloquently, articulated what I say to my children when they ask “Mom, why do they hate us so much?” Antisemitism easily precedes the death of Jesus and the Catholic Church. It goes back well over 3,000 years to the time when we, as a people, accepted monotheism and a G-d that has a direct, personal relationship with each and every one of us. Each and every Jew has personal responsibility and accountability for their actions. No intermediary to whom to confess and receive absolution; no intermediary to suffer for our sins; no last-minute confession to gain entry into the world to come; no anonymity when it comes to HaShem. Even G-d will not absolve us of our sins against another human - we must seek forgiveness from that person alone. Whether we have been rich or poor; shtetel or cosmopolitan Jews; fully assimilated or living in a ghetto; dispersed in Galut or having a Jewish nation; we have always been despised because we have been given an absolute morality (Torah) to follow. We are not permitted to live by the relative morality of the times. And yes, we may be seen as «stiff-necked» because of this absolutism, which has given us a foundation by which to recognize evil, speak out against it and fight it with all of our might. To be a light unto the nations is an unenviable responsibility amidst the darkness that envelopes the world. As recent events make clear, we and our faith-based non-Jewish friends have a long way to go to bring
G-dliness in this world. Am Yisrael Chai! Susan K. Feigenbaum, Ph.D. Town and Country
Cease-fire only after hostages’ release Count me as one who believes there should be a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War. However, such a cease-fire should not be implemented until all of the militant members of Hamas have been killed and all of the hostages freed, and the terrorist organization has been wiped completely off the face of the earth. Truth be told, Hamas’ cowardly and butcherous attack on Israel was not to gain a territorial advantage upon the Jewish state, but simply to kill as many Jews as possible in an attempt to ignite another Holocaust. No doubt, Israel, which has the strongest military in the Middle East, will win this war against Hamas, and the other proxies of Iran — for example, Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah — as its successes against its enemies are unparalleled. However, what is undeniably disturbing and disconcerting is the wrath and condemnation of so many in the United States, including a large vocal number of students from more than 50 college campuses, who have rallied in support of the Hamas and Palestinian cause to the detriment and fear of Jewish students who attend these colleges and universities. Apparently, these antisemitic and anti-Israeli students need a lesson in civics and history. They seem to be oblivious to the fact that Israel has tried on numerous occasions in the past many years to reach a peace accord with the Palestinians, but to no avail, as I submit, that the majority of the Palestinians are not interested in a two-state solution, but a Palestinian state only, with the exclusion of Israel. What a sad commentary that so many, including the overwhelming members of the U.N., fail to acknowledge this glaring fact. Gene Carton Clayton
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“March for Israel” was a great response Stopping antisemitism needs The to pro-Hamas mobs. But ending the source of a rising tide of Jew-hatred requires more than a successful rally opposing the woke ideology that created it. BY JONATHAN S. TOBIN JNS
After the Hamas atrocities on Oct. 7, followed by more than a month of antisemitic rallies and incidents including violence against Jews on the streets of American cities and on college campuses, American Jewry needed a feel-good moment. And that is exactly what the Nov. 14 “March for Israel” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., provided. Attended by as many as 300,000 people, the rally was the largest pro-Israel event in American history and offered a contrast to the smaller anti-Israel mass protest that took place in Washington the previous week, held to show support for a ceasefire that would allow Hamas to get away with mass murder and its modus operandi of wiping Israel from the map. Unlike that event, by all accounts, there was no violence, vandalism, arrests, thuggish wearing of masks to conceal the identities of the attendees, anti-Americanism or chants for the mass slaughter of other groups. The presence of leaders on both sides of the aisle—congressional Democrats and Republicans—as well as a representative of the Biden administration also showed that Israel and the Jewish community retain the support of America’s political establishment, even if that’s no longer true for a considerable segment of the Democrats, including its future leaders. Though the rally provided a powerful example of the strength of the pro-Israel community and the refusal of Jews to be silent in the face of antisemitism, by itself it is an insufficient response to a much larger problem. Unless Jews and supporters of Israel of all faiths attack the source of the surge in Jew-hatred, the rally will have accomplished nothing. What’s needed are not just expressions of solidarity with the Jewish state, calls for the return of the hostages or even the necessary opposition to calls for a ceasefire to the military operation begun by Israel following the mass murders of its citizens. The only way to deal with the rising tide of Jew-hatred is a concerted effort to roll back the conquest of American institutions by toxic theories about intersectionality and critical race theory, which have provided a permission slip to the post-Oct.
7 surge in antisemitism. At no point in living memory have Jews felt as vulnerable and isolated as they have been in the last weeks as mobs in cities and at the country’s elite academic institutions rallied in favor of the Hamas slogan “from the river to the sea.” That means wiping Israel off the map and the genocide of its population. This shocking response of the political left and Muslim Americans to the largest mass slaughter of Jews since the Holocaust created a massive uptick in violence against Jews, along with the demonization of the one Jewish state on the planet. This animus has made itself felt in a variety of ways including the fact that certain bus drivers refused to drive Jewish rally-goers to the march site. Yet acknowledging this reality requires an understanding of what could possibly have created a constituency for Hamas and its genocidal goals. Why do leftists bear such animus for Israel—which, by contrast, is a bastion of the liberal societal values they purportedly uphold, as well as a remarkable success story in settling displaced Jewish refugees from around the world? Add to that its enormous contributions to science and technology that have been sought internationally, including by Arab countries. And how could such a vile, regressive movement as Hamas, coupled with other variants of Palestinian nationalism and Islamist ideology that stand in opposition to everything that American progressives claim to hold dear, such as the rights of women and gays, become a cause embraced by the American left? The answer lies in the ideological left’s war on the West that has promulgated ideas like intersectionality that falsely analogizes the Palestinian war on Israel’s existence to the struggle for civil rights in the United States. Toxic ideas like critical race theory (CRT) that divide humanity into two perpetually warring groups— oppressors and victims defined solely by race and ethnic origin—have led to the widespread belief among left-wingers in the myth that Israel and the Jews are “white” oppressors of Palestinian people of color. In the face of such ideological determinism, Israel’s achievements or even the fact that it remains the one true democracy in the Middle East—and its foes advocates of
a disturbing mix of Islamism and fascist authoritarianism that has revived a Nazistyle belief in the genocide of the Jews— become meaningless details to be ignored and/or shoved aside in order to focus on the broader goal of intersectional victory against white Jewish oppressors. By inaccurately defining all of Israel— and not just Judea and Samaria or Jerusalem—as a “colonial” enterprise could so many academics and the generation that has been indoctrinated in their neo-Marxist lies about the world be led to believe that the one Jewish state has no right to exist. The lunacy required to believe that Islamist terror is part of a necessary process to “de-colonize” the world is entirely dependent on a willingness to swallow the CRT mindset that erases the fact that the Jews are the indigenous people of the land of Israel. Only the left’s war on the West could allow the obliteration of Jewish rights and history necessary for the Jonathan S. Tobin is belief that Israel, editor-in-chief of JNS alone among all (Jewish News Syndithe nations, is the cate). Follow him: @ one country on the jonathans_tobin. planet that must be destroyed. Yet sadly, much of the organized Jewish community, including many of the groups that helped organize the rally for Israel and against antisemitism, has acquiesced in or even aided the left’s long march to foist such lies on American society. Desperate to stay in sync with their traditional liberal allies, as well as groups purporting to represent minority groups, organizations like the Anti-Defamation League and the liberal religious movements failed to defend the interests of the Jewish community and that of American society in general. They not only endorsed the antisemitic Black Lives Matter movement but also the woke catechism of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) that is an integral part of the new secular leftist religion being imposed on the country. Indeed, the ADL even incorporated some
Giving thanks where it counts BY NINA NEEDLEMAN
Many of us have stories of how a nonprofit helped a family member or a friend. My friend Maureen gives to the Salvation Army (salvationarmyusa.org) because it gave her dad a hand up when he was struggling after he returned from World War II. My grandma’s family fleeing Russia in the early 1900s landed in San Francisco and were rejected by immigration officials. HIAS (hias.org), a Jewish American nonprofit that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to refugees, helped them get to the acceptable port of entry at the time — Ellis Island. HIAS continues to provide vital services for refugees and asylum seekers today. At this time of year, when we’re encouraged to give thanks, why not reach back into your family and friend history to think of nonprofits that helped and supported you and your loved ones? There are many wonderful agencies that support people with illness and their families and/or also do research for a cure. Cancer Support Community (cancersup-
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portstl.org) offers support groups for those with cancer and their families as well as more targeted therapy and special exercise and nutrition classes. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation (aafastl.org) provides uninsured and underinsured children with life-saving asthma and allergy medications, equipment, education and support, and their RESCUE program provides equipment and medication to schools. The Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) offers in-person, online and phone support, including care consultations, tips and information on caregiving and education programs. VOYCE – the St. Louis Long Term Care Ombudsmen (voycestl.org) is a terrific resource for families with a loved one in nursing or memory care facilities. They act as a sounding board and offer information about what facilities are required to provide, by Missouri law, as well as give tips on how to develop support groups and much more. If you are a veteran, or have a family member who’s a veteran, three valuable agencies can be particularly helpful: • Fisher House (fisherhousestl.org) pro-
vides food, shelter and transportation to families whose loved one is being treated by the Veteran’s Administration. • Folds of Honor (foldsofhonor.org) provides scholarships to spouses and families of veterans and first responders. • Veterans Business Outreach Centers (vetbiz.com) offer classes, counseling and resources for new and more established veteran entrepreneurs. For persons with disabilities, St. Louis has many resources: Mind’s Eye (mindseyeradio.org) is an impactful, decades-old agency for the sight-impaired offering audio programs, adaptive athletics, arts and more. Paraquad (paraquad.org), established in 1970, offers a broad range of services, education and advocacy for persons with disabilities. At Artists First (artistsfirst.org) teaching artists empower persons with disabilities to express themselves and build equity and equality through art. Did your family come here from another country? Great St. Louis resources for immigrants include The International Institute (iistl.org), Bilingual International (biasstl.org) and the St. Louis Mosaic Project (stlmosaicproject.org). The
of the same toxic ideas about “white privilege” that are used against Jews and Israel in its “No Place for Hate” educational programs. Every Jewish group that upholds the DEI mantra that is antithetical to equality is both undermining Jewish rights and empowering a movement that has provided the ideological foundation for the hatred for Israel and the Jews on display on the streets and on campuses since Oct. 7. As Bari Weiss recently wrote in The Free Press, DEI does nothing to advance minority rights. Rather, it is a power play by the hard left that threatens Jews as well as American liberty. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt was correct this week to declare that the response to Oct. 7 must be rooted in policy and law. But his advocacy for enshrining the Biden administration’s national strategy to counter antisemitism into law by Congress is profoundly mistaken. Biden’s proposal didn’t unequivocally endorse the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)’s working definition of antisemitism that rightly labels anti-Zionism as antisemitism. It also reflected the obsession of liberals with far-right extremist loathing of the Jewish people. While right-wing antisemitism exists, it lacks the power of the leftwing variety seen on display during the war on Hamas. The mainstreaming of Jew-hatred is now primarily a leftist problem and a strategy that ignores the need to abolish the DEI bureaucracies that are legitimizing antisemitism will do more harm than good. The rally for Israel proved a strong political statement and comforted a community desperately in need of reassurance in the face of an aggressive antisemitic movement that can count on the support of much of the corporate mainstream media and academia. But until the intersectional lies are driven back to the fever swamps of American political life where they belong, leftist antisemitism will continue to flourish. Only by banning CRT from the classrooms and firing the woke DEI commissars proliferating throughout the worlds of politics, business and the arts can we begin the process by which American Jews and Israel will be made safer.
Nina Needleman is a retired financial planner. She spent the first three-decades of her career in the financial services industry. Now she uses her business skills to help nonprofit organizations with capacity building and more importantly-- as a volunteer to teach people about personal finance and philanthropy. International Institute provides English lessons, resettlement, career services, microloans and other economic development. Bilingual International offers access to healthcare and mental health and social services for all, regardless of national origin or language ability, through advocacy, education and direct multilingual services. The St. Louis Mosaic Project attracts and supports immigrant entrepreneurs, businesses and international students and their families, providing resources to welcome and integrate them into the community. So, what organizations supported you and your family over time? Think about it and in this season of gratitude, consider adding them to your donation list.
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OBITUARIES
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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
SHIRLEY INEZ APPEL, November 12, 2023, Age 104 Beloved wife of the late Eli Appel for 62 years. Dear mother of Larry (Lisa) Appel, Richard Appel and Adrienne (Jay) Magner. Cherished grandmother of Rodney Appel, Dawn (Ronnie) Thomas, Michael & David Appel, Keith (Karen) Appel, Nicole (Matthew) Perry, and Emma & Arielle Magner. Loving great-grandmother of Brandon Appel, Sam, Elliot & Griffin Thomas, Cameron & Olivia Perry and Nolan & Evan Appel. Beloved sister of the late Herman (Anita) Finkel, and the late Melba (Morris) Shapiro. Loving sister-in-law of the late Ben & Dora Appel and the late Ben & Sophie Balber. Cherished daughter of the late Alfred and Rose (Goldberg) Finkel. Our dear aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend. Shirley was born in St. Louis, MO on April 15, 1919. As a youth, she and her family lived in Paducah, KY for several years. She played saxophone and was the only female member in her high school band. She was employed as a saleswoman in women’s fashion and thoroughly enjoyed working with her customers and fellow employees. Shirley was proud that she was a centenarian and let everyone know it. She had a witty sense of humor, maintained a positive attitude and a love for life. She loved music, dancing, plants, flowers and birdwatching. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother. Shirley will be dearly missed by her family and friends. A Funeral Service was held Monday, November 20 at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road, followed by interment at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery, 1601 North and South Road. For more information or the link to the live stream, please visit www.rindskopfroth. com. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), 200 Vesey Street, 28th Floor, New York,
OBITUARIES INDEX Appel, Shirley Inez
Oberman, Aaron
Cohen, June
Optican, Richard Alan
Finkelstein, Leslie Allen Gordon, Martin E. Hardcastle, Jan Korn, Jeffrey Moog, Donna Lee
Packman, Bella Ruth Reinert, Kevin Trachtman, Marshall Irving
NY 10281 or to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. The family of Shirley Appel wishes to say thank you to BJC Hospice. A Rindskopf-Roth Service JUNE COHEN, November 14, 2023 Beloved wife of the late Julius Cohen. Dear mother and mother-in-law of Rosemary (the late Marty) Goldstein, Marshall (Carla Scissors) Cohen and Paula (Kenny) Goldman. Loving Mema of Jake, Maxwell (Jessi) and Brianna (Matthew Schlossberger) Goldstein, Sophie and Trudy Cohen, Gabriella, Julia and Scott Goldman. Beloved great-grandmother of Marty Goldstein and Jade Schlossberger. Dear sister of Jerry (the late Dottie) Bleiweiss. Loving sister-in-law of the late Sylvia (Sam) Tessler, Bernard (Alberta) Cohen, Abe (Mary) Cohen, Albert (Rose) Cohen, Isadore (Jenny) Cohen, Rose (Ted) Rubin, Joe (Mollie) Cohen and Louis (Hilda) Cohen. Our dear aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend. June always welcomed everyone into her heart and her home. A graveside service was held Thursday, November 16 at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery, 1601 North and South Road. Live stream available at www.rindskopfroth.com. Contributions in her
Taking care of each other is what
community
is all about.
memory may be made to Jewish United Fund, Ben Gurion Way, 30 S. Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60606 or to the charity of your choice. Special thanks to June’s caregiver, Dana Carter, of Home Care/The Key. A Rindskopf-Roth Service LESLIE ALLEN FINKELSTEIN, November 14, 2023 Leslie Allen Finkelstein did not pass away due to wet socks, sitting in a draft, or having wet hair. Rather, he died peacefully, surrounded by family after a years-long battle with Alzheimer’s. Les was born on September 4, 1941 in St. Louis, Missouri and grew up pumping gas at his dad’s Sinclair station. In high school, he was the class clown. He went on to become a cook in the US Army, and fondly told his family stories of hot dog fights in the kitchen. He spent nine years driving through small towns in the midwest as a traveling salesman, and personally sold garments to Sam Walton, who at the time was running three small retail stores in Arkansas. One of his proudest accomplishments was sneaking into a press conference with a Brownie camera, and spending the day photographing the Beatles during their first US tour in 1962. He met his wife-tobe of 54 years, Ruth Marchick, at Washington University. Tired of driving 50,000 miles a year, he settled down in St. Louis and started Sunshine Drapery & Interior Fashions, which he ran for over 40 years. Les loved his three children, Jeffrey, Daniel and Lisa, and talked to them at least every day. On the weekends, he spent endless time with them, building a two story treehouse that spanned three trees and had a fireman’s pole and miniblinds. He loved reading stories to his two grandchildren, Sadie and Jay, when they were little, taking them on Disney princess vacations and always making them smile. When it was time to retire, they moved to San Francisco to be closer to Ruth’s family. Les couldn’t stop talking - he always had a story or a joke at the tip of his tongue - so he decided to become a licensed City Guide, and gave walking tours of the neighborhoods of San Francisco. Les grew up very poor, and always wanted to help others. He hated injustice, and proudly served on the board of the Anti-Defamation League - even after being threatened by neoNazis. He marched for gay rights, served on the board of Hillel at Washington University, helped dozens of fresh immigrants get settled in the United States, and mentored hundreds of people in business. Please consider honoring his memory by making a donation to the ADL of San Francisco (https://sanfrancisco.adl.org) or the San Francisco City Guides (https://sfcityguides.org).
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 MARTIN E. GORDON, 102, died peacefully on November 9, 2023. Born in Kyiv in 1921, Marty arrived in the U.S. at Ellis Island, just 8 months old, with his mother and two sisters, after his father died. He grew up in Akron, OH, attended Kent State University, and made a leap east to Yale Medical School, where he discovered his passion for gastroenterology. Marty built a private practice in New Haven and went on to develop awardwinning clinical aids and educational materials, while also avidly mentoring students as a clinical
BERGER Memorial Chapel 9430 Olive Blvd., St. Louis
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professor at Yale Medical School. He also became an expert in travel medicine, having developed a talent for diagnosing the mysterious ailments that students and faculty brought back with them from their travels far afield. He retired as a clinician after 40 years and embarked on a second career at Yale University as chair of the Cushing/Whitney Medical Historical Library Associates’ board of trustees, where he became well-known for his unusually creative exhibits. At the age of 89, after the death of his beloved wife, Evelyn, he moved to St. Louis, where he dove into his next career studying medicinal plants—filming a documentary, conducting interviews far and wide, and, at the age of 97, publishing a book on the subject, Plants R Cures. Marty made friends wherever he went and was known for his generosity, everlasting curiosity, love of learning, enthusiasm, humor, and good cheer. He will be deeply missed. Predeceased by his wife Evelyn of 61 years, he is survived by son Jeffrey Gordon (Deborah d.), daughter Judy Dienstag (Jules), four grandchildren (Brian Gordon, Alison Haar [Kevin], Josh Dienstag [Kate Peachway], and Jonathan Dienstag [Grier]), eight greatgrandchildren, and longtime partner Madelon Price. Donations can be made in Dr. Gordon’s honor to St. Louis Arc (https://www.slarc.org), Pathways to Independence (https://ptistl.org), or Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community (https://www.shirhadashstl.info/donate). Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. JAN HARDCASTLE, November 10, 2023 Beloved wife of Robert B. Hardcastle; dear mother of Jody Weis (James) and Scott Hardcastle (Sharon); dear grandmother of Jordan Wiles (Truman), Ally Weis, Rachel Saito (Joe), Ashley Mejia (Nick), and David Hardcastle; dear great-grandmother of Evan and Wyatt Saito; dear sister of Gale Lanzone (Frank); dear sister-in-law of Tom Hardcastle. Dear aunt, cousin, and friend to many. Jan truly loved her family above all else. A Funeral Service was held November 14, 2023 at BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 9430 Olive Boulevard, followed by interment at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery, 740 N Mason Road. Memorial contributions preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association, 11433 Olde Cabin Rd, St. Louis, MO 63141 or JNF-USA Trees for Israel, (https://shop.jnf.org/products/trees-for-israel.) Berger Memorial Service JEFFREY KORN, November 6, 2023 Jeffrey Korn, 86, passed away peacefully in his home on November 6th. Jeffrey was born in 1937 in South Africa and came to St. Louis in 1956. Jeffrey was a beloved husband to Elaine Korn and Letty Korn (deceased), father and stepfather to Alan Korn (Claudia Simon), David Korn (Karen), Richard Korn (Aimee), Emily Corson, Jessica Ginsberg (Andrew), and Michael Hamburg (Lauren). Loving grandfather to Benjamin, Rachel, Sophie, Sam, Jacob, Spencer, Chase, Sloane, Julia, Elliot, Graham, William, Turner, and Caroline. Jeffrey was a legend in the shoe business for over 40 years and, upon retirement, was a docent at the St. Louis Zoo, and a dedicated volunteer of the Jewish Film Festival. He loved playing golf and fishing, was an avid St. Louis sports fan, and always knew how to light up a room. Jeffrey will be missed by many friends and others he touched in the community through his warm smile and sense of humor. A funeral service was held Friday, November 10th at Congregation Temple Israel, #1 Alvan D. Rubin Drive (Ladue and Spoede Roads). Private interment. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Jewish Film Festival or Siteman Cancer Center. Berger Memorial Service American Flag symbol denotes a United States military veteran.
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DONNA LEE MOOG On November 4, 2023 Donna Moog passed at the age of 77. She is survived by her husband Leonard Landsbaum; children Lee Nussbaum (Glenn McQuaid), Linda Nussbaum (J Swofford), John Landsbaum (Mindy Harmon), and Amy Hummell (Brian); brothers Jim Moog (Mary) and Tom Moog (Liz) and seven grandchildren. Born December 2 in St. Louis, MO to Hubert C. and Dorothy (née Ross) Moog. A daughter to pillars of the community who herself became a pillar with her devotion to the arts, passionate activism and love of her family, children and grandchildren. Donna served many St. Louis community organizations including the Scholarship Foundation; the Contemporary Art Museum; the Repertory Theatre; Jewish Hospital Auxiliary; and in 2005 was honored at the Women of Achievement Gold Anniversary celebration. An artist with a great eye for color, Donna worked in mediums including needlepoint, knitting, photography and quilting. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna’s memory can be made to Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, Homeward Bound (Arizona), or the organization of your choice. A service was held in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday, Nov. 7. A memorial was held at Temple Emanuel on Friday, Nov. 10. Beloved by her family always. May her memory be a blessing. AARON OBERMAN (known to friends as “AJ”) was born August 29, 1933 and passed away November 7, 2023 at the age of 90. Beloved son of the late Joseph and Fannie Oberman; dear brother of the late Sandra (Marvin) Schram; dear uncle of Julie Schram; dear cousin and friend to many. As per his wishes, Aaron donated his body to Washington University. Memorial contributions preferred to a charity of your choice or the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information RICHARD ALAN OPTICAN, lovingly known as “Dick” to family and friends, peacefully passed away at his residence of the past decade, Village Shalom, in Leawood, Kansas, on Thursday, November 9, 2023. He was born on December 4, 1932, in St Joseph, Missouri, to Joseph and Lillian Rosenthal Optican. Richard was an only child but shared an extraordinary bond with his first cousins, including Gary, Robert, Jamie Rosenthal, Don Kaufman, Elaine Kaufman Kranitz, and Harriet Rosenthal Gross. He was particularly close to his special aunt and uncle, Molly and Barney Burnett, who treated him as their own son. For most of his adult life, he also enjoyed a special “older brother” in Herb Gross, Richard’s friend and neighbor. A proud graduate of St Joseph Central High in 1950, Richard was an exceptional athlete, serving as the starting shortstop for the Central High
school baseball team during his senior year. He continued his academic journey at the University of Missouri, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business in 1954. At the university, he held the esteemed position of President in his college fraternity, Zeta Beta Tau. After marrying his childhood sweetheart, Sarilee Herman, Richard embarked on a new chapter of life, moving to Texas in 1954, where he served as a lieutenant in the United States Air Force at Kelly AFB in San Antonio. Following his military service, he joined the family business, Joe Optican Jewelry Company, in 1957. Starting as Secretary, he became President. His downtown store at 7th and Felix became a landmark in the city until his retirement in 1991. Richard also established a second store as a cornerstone tenant in the newly constructed East Hills Mall in St Joseph in 1965. Richard was a prominent figure in the community, dedicating his time and efforts to various organizations. He served as the former President of Temple Adath Joseph and Temple Adath Joseph Brotherhood. Additionally, he held board positions at St Joseph Hospital (later Heartland Hospital), the Salvation Army, Kiwanis Club, United Jewish Appeal, Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art Museum, the St. Joseph Symphony, the St. Joseph School District Foundation, and North American Savings Association. His passion for sports stemmed from his early days as a bat boy for the Western Association St Joseph Cardinals. He remained a devoted fan of the St Louis Cardinals, the Kansas City Royals, and Duke basketball. One of his other passions was Sunday golf, relishing the time spent with whatever foursome he could muster. He took pride in his 24 handicap, enjoying the sport and camaraderie it offered. He also enjoyed tennis, a sport he learned to play from his wife, Sarilee. Alongside his passion for sports, he cherished annual family trips, especially family visits to the Elms in Excelsior Springs, Lake of the Ozarks, Colorado Springs, and their tradition of attending the summer Cardinals-Cubs weekend series. He and Sarilee also loved exploring Mexico with their good friends, Mary and John Thompson. Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Sarilee, his parents, Joseph and Lillian Optican, and Sarilee’s parents, Marye and Louis Herman. Richard is survived by his cherished family: daughters Julie Optican Mathes (Steve) of St Louis, Joan Optican Herman (partner Tommy Sight) of Prairie Village, KS, son Rob Optican (Luann) of Durham, NC; grandchildren Andy Mathes of Atlanta, Joe Mathes (Kaitlin) of St Louis, Kelsey Herman of Portland, OR, Brian Herman (Jessica) of Leawood, KS, Kaley Herman of Denver, Grant Optican of Denver, Grace Optican of Prairie Village, KS; greatgrandchildren Catherine and Julia Mathes of St Louis, Mason and Charlie Herman of Leawood, KS; brother and sister-in-law Ed and Marsha Herman of Overland Park, KS; niece Cindy Sugar of Houston, TX; nephews, Gregg Herman of Westwood Hills, KS, and Jeff Herman of Overland Park, KS. The family is deeply indebted to the exceptional caregivers who were a source of steadfast support and comfort during Richard’s final years: Yirgalem Yemer, Solomon Abiel, Bereket “Beki” Nune, and Firealem “Faith” Demissie. Richard’s enduring legacy of love, unwavering dedication, and active community engagement will forever resonate in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have been touched by his presence. He will be profoundly missed, and his memory will be fondly cherished by all who were privileged to have called him a friend. Instead of sending flowers, the family kindly asks that contributions be directed to one of the charitable organizations close to Richard’s heart, such as the Sarilee Herman Optican Memorial
November 22, 2023
Scholarship Fund within the St. Joseph School District Foundation, a cause he passionately supported during his lifetime. ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL DISTRICT FOUNDATION, 1415 NORTH 26TH STREET, ST. JOSEPH, MO 64506 or https://www.sjsdfoundation.com A memorial service to celebrate Richard’s life was held at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, November 12, at Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Shaare Sholem Cemetery. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. May his memory be a blessing, and may it teach us to cherish each other, serve our community, and never lose our love for the game. BELLA RUTH PACKMAN, November 7, 2023 in Springfield, VT Beloved wife of the late Jerrold “Jerry” Packman. Dear mother of Aaron (Jennifer) Packman and David (Bevin) Packman. Loving grandmother of Diella Packman, Ariel Packman, and Rona Packman. Dear sister of Chava (Yoel) Nesson and sister-in-law to Marlene Switzer (late George). Beloved daughter of the late Monie and Elka (née Netel) Sper. Dear aunt, cousin and friend. Bella was born on August 18, 1942 in what is now Petrovsk, Russia while her family was hiding from the Nazis. When the war ended, they moved to a displacement camp in Hallein, Austria until it was discovered her father was alive in Bamberg, Germany. Bella and her family moved to different displacement camps around Germany until 1951 when her father decided they would immigrate to the United States. At the end of November 1951, Bella and her family had arrived in St. Louis. In June of 1964, Bella married her beloved Jerry Packman. Both she and Jerry worked tirelessly for their entire careers as civil servants for the State of Missouri. Bella had a love of gardening, volunteering, and playing mahjong. After retirement, you could find Bella every Tuesday working at the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, every Wednesday playing Mahjong with friends, and every weekend as an usher for the Fox Theater. Bella enjoyed traveling, often visiting her family in Israel, as well as China, Turkey, New Zealand and more. If you couldn’t find Bella participating in one of her beloved activities, she was making matzo ball soup and playing Uno with her family. On July 11, 2021 Bella moved with her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter to Springfield, Vermont. When she moved she still played mahjong with friends every Wednesday and always talked about how beautiful the state of Vermont was. A graveside service was held Thursday, November 16 at United Hebrew Cemetery, 7855 Canton Avenue. Livestream available, please visit www.rindskopfroth.com. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. N.W.,Washington, DC 20036-3278, to Planned Parenthood, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., Attn: Online Services, P.O. Box 97166, Washington, DC 20090-7166, or to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, 10950 Schuetz Road, St. Louis, MO 63146. A Rindskopf-Roth Service
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KEVIN REINERT, November 4, 2023 Our big hearted guy, Kevin Reinert, passed away on November 4, 2023. Our “Gogi” was beloved and is survived by his incredible wife Emily, children Leah (Autumn) Reinert, Tara Reinert, Lauren Becker, David (Cali) Becker, grandchildren Hadley and Easton Becker, and granddogs Stella, Harry, Snack Pack, and Joxer. While Gogi stands for grumpy, old guy, he was our warm and loving protector. Kevin was predeceased by his mother, Jacqueline Jean Lanman Reinert, his dogs Tyke, Jordan, and JT, and granddog Gracie. While Kevin was born in Valparaiso, Indiana, he lived most of his life in Illinois and Missouri, he truly loved the beach, and being warm on the water. His wishes are to be laid to rest in the waters off San Diego. Having grown up in northwestern Indiana, Kevin was an avid Chicago sports fan. We are thrilled he was able to see his beloved Cubs win a World Series during his lifetime (though his children were smart enough to be Cardinals fans…). Kevin spent the last 20+ years crafting and creating by designing and building decks and fences throughout the community. He had a talent for design and craftsmanship and enjoyed working for himself (no one to boss him around). He preferred to start his day with his favorite meal, two eggs, sausage patties (not links) and white toast (lots of butter) along with a coffee (or pot) with friends and family. To further support Kevin’s love of four legged friends, please send any donations to the Stray Rescue of St. Louis at www.strayrescue.org/ kevinreinert. Once the family is ready, a Celebration of Life event will be held at a future date. MARSHALL IRVING TRACHTMAN, November 11, 2023 Beloved husband of the late Janice Trachtman. Dear father of Alec Trachtman and Seth Trachtman; dear grandfather of Isabella and Liam Trachtman; dear brother of Idell Goldstein of Wichita, KS, and Charlene (Larry) Eidelman; dear brother-in-law to David (Janice) Rifkin; son of the late Ruth and Sol Trachtman; son-in-law of the late Louis and Anna Rifkin; dear uncle, cousin, and friend to many. Marshall had a special place in his heart for his dog, Bruno, and grand dog Arnold. Born in Kansas City, Marshall moved to St. Louis and worked as a project analyst for McDonnell Douglas, General American, MetLife, and Great West, and was a diehard fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Mizzou Tigers. He was an avid fan of music, namely The Beatles. A funeral service was held Thursday, November 16 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Rd. Memorial contributions preferred to the American Heart Association and The American Diabetes Association. Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
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LIFESTYLES
Hanukkah classic with a Japanese twist These okonomiyaki-style latkes use cabbage, carrot, green onions (and daikon, if desired) to delicious effect STORY AND PHOTO BY SONYA SANFORD THE NOSHER VIA JTA
This recipe was first published on The Nosher (online at thenosher.com) The Japanese word “okonomiyaki” is derived from two words: okonomi (how you like it) and yaki (grill). Okonomiyaki is a customizable Japanese savory vegetable pancake. Like a latke, it gets cooked in oil in a fritter formation. Unlike a latke, it’s usually made into a large plate-sized pancake comprising mainly cabbage. Food historians have linked the rise in popularity of okonomiyaki in Japan to World War II, when rice was more scarce and this recipe offered a filling meal or snack with a wheat-based starch. Throughout Japan there are regional differences and countless variations of okonomiyaki, but the most common form of the dish involves a batter made of flour, a variety of mountain yam, eggs, shredded cabbage, green onion, dashi and often the addition of pork belly. It gets topped with its own tangy sweet sauce, Japanese mayonnaise and bonito flakes (katsuobushi). I first fell in love with okonomiyaki on a trip to Japan. You can find it there in restaurants that specialize in the dish, but
it’s also something that is prepared in home kitchens. The cabbage gets slightly crisp, tender and sweet when seared in oil on a flattop or skillet, and then it gets generously slathered with an umami-rich sauce, along with a welcome drizzle of creamy mayo. The richness, sweetness and tanginess of these components all work perfectly together. A few months after I got back from Japan, I ended up eating at Brooklyn’s Japanese Jewish restaurant, Shalom Japan. I didn’t hesitate to order their Jewish-influenced spin on okonomiyaki. They’re known to top it with pastrami or corned lamb tongue and sauerkraut. It became clear there that okonomiyaki, with its base of humble cabbage and onion, is a perfect fit on a Jewish table. The fried pancake part of it all called out “Hanukkah.” I am a fan of all pancakes and fritters, and I set out to modify the classic Japanese version for a recipe that didn’t require access to a specialty food store, and that could be made with kosher ingredients. Full disclosure: My version lacks authenticity. If you’re going for the real deal, you’ll need a batter made with an okonomiyaki flour mix, or nagaimo yam; this special kind of yam is added in pow-
Recipe: Japanese-Style Latkes for Hanukkah
Start by making the batter. Whisk together the flour, starch, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the eggs and ½ cup of water to the flour mixture. Whisk until smooth. You want a fairly thin, crepe batter-like consistency. If you find it too thick, add another ¼ cup of
water. Try not to over-mix; you do not want to overdevelop the gluten. Allow the batter to rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. While the batter is resting, prepare the vegetables. Remove the thick core from the cabbage half, then cut the halved cabbage in two. Thinly slice or shred the cabbage. Thinly slice the green onions. Grate the carrot and daikon if using. Make the okonomiyaki sauce: Combine the ketchup, Worcestershire, soy sauce and honey/agave in a bowl. Taste and adjust to your liking. The sauce should be tangy, savory and a little sweet. Combine the batter with the vegetable mixture. Heat a cast-iron skillet or a nonstick skillet with about 3 Tbsp oil over high heat. Once the oil is glistening and hot, lower the heat to medium low and add some of the cabbage mixture to the pan, gently nudging it into a circle shape. I like to make each pancake with about 2 cups of the mixture. For me, that makes an ideal-sized pancake that isn’t too hard to flip, and one that will hold together. Cover the skillet with a lid for 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip over the pancake, and cover it with a lid for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until browned on both sides and cooked through. Make sure not to cook on too high of a heat or the pancake might burn on the outside while remaining raw in the center. Serve hot topped with a generous spread of the okonomiyaki sauce, mayo if desired, sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Slice and serve!
dered form to the flour mix, or gets grated fresh into the batter. The toppings should include bonito flakes, and the batter should be made with dashi. These ingredients can be found at most Japanese markets. Instead of nagaimo yam, my version uses a batter of flour and potato starch, and instead of dashi I use water. I’ve also included a recipe for homemade traditional okonomiyaki sauce that can be made simply with easy-to-find ingredients, but you can also buy a premade bottled sauce. You can make these pancakes large-sized and cut into wedges like the Japanese do, or slightly smaller à
la a large latke. I wouldn’t go too small with this, as the vegetables tend to hold together better en masse. This recipe doesn’t need to be too exact, and it works as a blank canvas for additional vegetables like kale, mushrooms and/or daikon. In the spirit of Hanukkah, these okonomiyaki get cooked in oil, but they’re not heavily fried. The oil used to fry the okonomiyaki gives a loving nod to the miracle of the oil glowing in the Temple for eight days instead of one, but the heap of vegetables and addictive sauce make this a nutritious and satisfying addition to any Hanukkah meal.
INGREDIENTS
For the pancakes: ¾ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose mix ¼ cup potato starch or cornstarch 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp kosher salt 2 large eggs ½-¾ cup water ½ shredded green cabbage, about 4½ packed cups 3 green onions, sliced thin, plus more for garnish if desired 1 carrot, peeled and shredded 4-5 inches daikon, peeled and shredded (optional) oil, as needed (sunflower, canola or peanut) sesame seeds, for topping (optional) mayonnaise, for topping (optional) For the okonomiyaki sauce: ½ cup ketchup ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce 2 Tbsp soy sauce 2 Tbsp honey or agave syrup, or to taste INSTRUCTIONS
ONLINE
Hanukkah recipes online View a collection of the most visited Hanukkah recipes — sweet and savory — on the Light’s website, including these Sweet Potato and Zucchini Latkes.
Visit stljewishlight.com/Hanukkah-recipes
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FEATURES
November 22, 2023
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The Hanukkah merch market has exploded. But are Jews feeling more represented? Nicholas Wymer-Santiago takes a selfie showing off his menorah collection, mostly acquired at his local Target in Austin, Texas.
BY PHILISSA CRAMER JTA
Last November, Nicholas WymerSantiago walked into his local Target in Austin, Texas, and realized it was beginning to feel a lot like Hanukkah. Instead of an endcap with a limited array of Hanukkah basics, as he had seen in past years, there stretched out a whole aisle of holiday products: pillows; dreidelshaped pet toys; window decals; menorahs in the shape of lions, corgis and whales; and so much more. Even the $5-and-under impulse-buys section filled with seasonal products had a supply of Hanukkah goods, including a Star of David-shaped bowl and a set of dishes labeled “sour cream” and “applesauce.” “In a good way, it was overwhelming at first, because there’s so much and I kind of want to buy it all,” Wymer-Santiago recalled feeling as he stood in the holiday section, looking up at a large photograph of a Hanukkah celebration alongside others showcasing Christmas. The higher education administrator at the University of Texas decided to limit himself, at first taking home just a tea towel and a matching mug printed with a Hanukkah motif. “And then I came back twice, maybe three times and each time I bought more and more items that I know I probably don’t need,” he said. “I think I’ve just had so much excitement about the novelty of it all, and having the ability to purchase these items, many of which I’ve never seen before.” Wymer-Santiago is hardly alone in loading his cart with Hanukkah merchandise. Across the United States, big-box stores
PHOTO COURTESY OF WYMER-SANTIAGO
appear to be stocking more Hanukkah products than ever — and while off-color items such as Hanukkah gnomes and “Oy to the World” dish towels have raised eyebrows, the real story might be that American retailers have decked their shelves with menorahs, tableware and other items that are appropriate, affordable and often downright tasteful. For many American Jews, the result is a sense of inclusion at a time of unease — although some are wrestling with what it means to have access to a fast-fashion form of Judaica. “It is very exciting to go into Target or Michaels or a Walmart and to see
Hanukkah merchandise,” said Ariel Stein, an influencer who shares crafting and holiday content for Jewish families on Instagram, where she has more than 20,000 followers. “The feeling is almost like pride and like we’re being seen and represented,” Stein added. “In a sea of Christmas … it feels really great, even if it’s a much smaller representation, that the Jewish holiday is there also, and the Jewish community is being acknowledged and represented.” The idea that retailers have stocked up on Hanukkah goods to make Jews feel represented is tempting, but it’s probably not the only reason for a shift in the mar-
ket, according to Russell Winer, deputy chair of the marketing department at New York University’s Stern School of Business. He said that while an endcap — the small set of shelves at the end of an aisle — might sometimes be given over for symbolic purposes, the devotion of an entire aisle at the busiest time of the year is purely a business decision. “These stores are very sophisticated in what they put in them,” Winer said. “They’re not going to put stuff on the shelves, especially at the holidays, if they don’t think they’re going to sell.” Continued on opposite page
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There are signs that the Hanukkah market might be much wider than the proportion of Americans who identify as Jewish, 2.5%, would suggest. Numerator, a respected consumer trends polling firm, found in a survey of 11,000 consumers conducted in January 2022 that 14% of respondents said they were “definitely” or “probably” celebrating Hanukkah this year, compared to 96% for Christmas. More than half of the Hanukkah celebrants said they expected to spend more than $50 on the holiday — suggesting that retailers can expect hundreds of millions of dollars in Hanukkah spending this year. Part of that marketplace is the growing number of families in which Hanukkah is celebrated alongside other holidays, usually Christmas. Most American Jews who have married in the last decade have done so to people who are not Jewish, according to the 2020 Pew study of American Jews; most of them say they are raising their children exclusively or partly as Jews. They may want to have products that allow Hanukkah to share the stage equitably with the other celebrations in their family. “I’m not terribly surprised from a cultural standpoint that there’s more merchandise,” said Winer, who is Jewish. He said he and his wife had purchased Hanukkah stockings for their grandchildren, who are being raised in two faith traditions. (Evangelical Christians and Messianics, those who adopt Jewish practices while believing in the divinity of Jesus, also represent an emerging market for Jewish ritual objects.) Stein offered another theory to explain the uptick in interest in Hanukkah products: the fact that social media and Zoom meetings have made home lives more transparent than ever. “The communal sharing of lives, whether you’re an influencer or even my friends on Facebook showing what their display is this year or taking a picture of a recipe they were really proud of, making latkes
from scratch — there’s just more visibility than there has been in the past,” she said. “And that’s probably a factor.” Whatever the reasons, shoppers are noticing. Like Stein and countless other Jewish influencers, Rabbi Yael Buechler, a devoted observer of Jewish consumer trends, has offered tours of Hanukkah merchandise to her social media followers. Wearing Hanukkah pajamas that she designed and sells, Buechler has posted videos to TikTok showcasing the Hanukkah collections of national retailers and assigns each store a “yay” or “nay” based on several metrics, including whether items display accurate Hebrew or appear to be generic blue-and-white items being passed off as made for the holiday. The videos, which have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times, have given her a broad view of what’s available to the Hanukkah consumer. “I see a lot more products this year than any other year,” said Buechler, who works at a Jewish school outside New York City. “I see a lot of new prints. I see more creativity in the market. I see more humor in the market.” Like Wymer-Santiago, Buechler said Target, which has 2,000 locations across the United States, stood out as offering the widest array of products and the lowest proportion of “fails,” or products that miss the mark religiously, culturally or aesthetically. “They have really stepped it up,” Buechler said. “Target also carries the Nickelodeon ‘Rugrats’ Hanukkah sweatshirts that are just brilliant. … I would definitely say they get the biggest ‘yay’ for this year.” Target, which has a track record of using inclusive imagery in its advertisements and in-store promotions, declined to answer questions about its offerings, including how much bigger its Hanukkah collection is this year than in the past and how widely the products for Jewish buyers have been distributed. But a spokesperson
said the feeling Wymer-Santiago and Stein described after visiting their local stores is exactly what the company is trying to cultivate. “Target is committed to creating an inclusive guest experience in which all guests feel represented,” the spokesperson wrote in an email. The spokesperson noted that Target’s Hanukkah assortment “was developed in collaboration with Jewish team members and input from our Jewish employee resource group” and crosses several of the retailer’s in-house brands. One of those lines, Opalhouse by Jungalow, was created by a Jewish artist, Justina Blakeney. Last year, Blakeney’s first Hanukkah collection included plates and pillows, as well as a gold menorah shaped like a dove. This year, Blakeney added new pillow designs and a clay menorah. “If I could go back in time and tell elementary-school-aged Justina (or ‘Tina’ as I was called back then) that I would have a chance to design a Hanukkah collection for Target, I would have lost my mind,” she wrote in an October blog post revealing the collection. Hanukkah goods have always been widely available through Jewish merchandisers and at synagogue bazaars — but those products have been available only to people who already engaged in Jewish communities. Amazon and other online retailers have increased access, but only for people who are hunting for Hanukkah supplies. A Hanukkah aisle at Target, in contrast, reaches the many Jews who may not already have robust holiday traditions. Stein, who said she particularly regretted not snapping up a marble dreidel sculpture that quickly sold out at Target, said she saw only benefits in promoting major retailers’ Hanukkah offerings, even if doing so has made her something of an unpaid advertiser at times. “Right now, especially with the rise of
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antisemitism, if there are ways that we can spur Jewish joy — and for me, that’s by sharing and inspiring people with different kinds of Hanukkah merch and home decor and jewelry — I think that’s great,” she said. Not everyone is thrilled by the shift in the marketplace. The sweeping Hanukkah displays are drawing criticism from those who have long lamented that the American primacy of Christmas has caused Jews to focus too much on a minor holiday, while leaving holidays with more religious significance relatively uncelebrated. “I think: What would it feel like to see a giant Shavuot display?” Wymer-Santiago said. The fast-fashion aspect of the big-box retailers’ offerings, many of which are imported from China, also raises concerns about whether easy access to trendy Judaica comes at environmental and cultural costs. “How about we don’t extract fossil fuels to make crap that no one needs and that makes Jewish communities less distinctive?” asked Dan Friedman, a writer and longtime climate activist, though he emphasized that systemic change, rather than tweaks to purchasing decisions by Jewish consumers, is needed to avert climate catastrophe. For Buechler and others, the benefits of a mass-market Hanukkah merchandise boom outweigh any possible drawbacks. “As a rabbi, I am all for anything that will make Hanukkah celebrations more engaging and potentially lengthen a family celebration,” said Buechler. One of her favorite purchases was of a Hanukkah sweater for lizards that she bought for a friend’s guinea pig. “I really do believe that owning different kinds of Hanukkah merch, whether apparel or otherwise, will increase the likelihood that a family will celebrate with friends with family for more nights than they would have last year,” she added.
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November 22, 2023
FEATURES
THE ARTS IN ST. LOUIS
Take a road trip to explore the arts BY NANCY KRANZBERG SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
This year’s summer road trip was planned so that we would wind up in Lexington, Ky. to see our granddaughter in an equestrian event and oh, were we wowed by the Midwestern art scene. Our first stop was Indianapolis, and I won’t stand for anyone calling it Indian “No Place” anymore. What a wonderful art museum is located there and on its grounds is a beautiful botanical garden and the home of Lilly of the pharmaceutical company. We also loved the Eiteljorg Museum of Native American and Western Art. The museum itself is a spacious new building located in the White River State Park. The diverse collection includes photography, beadwork and works on paper and canvas, to beaver fur, hides and large installations that display these powerful works in a new and fresh, contemporary way. We went on to Cleveland to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and I “boogied” through all the floors. We entered through the special Hip Hop exhibition where we anticipated our own St. Louis Art Museum’s “The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century.” That exhibition is currently on display at SLAM until Jan. 1. And of course, the Cleveland Museum of Art is
hands-down terrific. We veered off the course and went to the Akron Museum of Art, which had wonderful displays of art and just opened an “African American Art and Folklore” exhibition, which runs through March 24. These stories teach about culture, the mysteries of life, and the survival of a race of people bought and sold who continue to thrive in various aspects of an unjust society. Pittsburgh was our next stop, which has numerous, high- quality museums such as the Andy Warhol Museum, the contemporary Mattress Factory, the Carnegie and more. However, we were in for a real treat when we found out about the City of Asylum, which serves as a temporary safe house for writers in exile from around the world. Here writers can continue writing and express their thoughts. Apart from a temporary residence, the writer benefits from medical coverage, a stipend and further assistance. Book readings are regularly held. The center is also known for hosting the annual Jazz Poetry Concert in September on the Sampsonia Way in the city’s Northside neighborhood. Another surprise treat awaited us in Charleston, W.V when we ventured out to the State Capitol Museum. Not only were there fantastic displays of a historical nature, but we also saw the works of the Sesquicentennial Artists’ Invitational.
From 1894 to now, art has always been an integral part of the state museum. The mission is dedicated to inspiring, educating and enriching the lives of the public by instilling a deeper understanding and sense of pride through the collection, preservation and exhibition of diverse cultural and historic traditions, says the wall text. Charleston also has the Clay Art Center, which houses a small gallery of visual arts, a state-of-the-art theater and inviting spaces for all kinds of art classes. And finally, after this wonderful ride to art-filled cities, we were back in Lexington to watch our granddaughter ride and still managed to fit in another museum and what a museum this one was — the International Museum of the Horse. Located at the Kentucky Horse Park, IMH is the largest and most comprehensive museum in the world dedicated to exploring the important history of all horses and their impact on human civilization. Through the ever-growing museum and archives, it also serves as a resource for scholars and researchers throughout the world. Our last stop was Louisville where we visited the Speed Museum of Art on the University of Louisville campus. This was yet another museum filled with gems. There were works by today’s top African American artists such as Amy Sherald, who did a portrait of Michelle Obama and
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For more of Nancy Kranzberg’s commentary, listen to KWMU (90.7) St. Louis on the Air the first Friday of each month at approximately 12:50 p.m. She also hosts a weekly Arts Interview podcast for KDHX (88.1), available at artsinterview.kdhxtra.org. Yinka Shonibare, a British-Nigerian artist, and there was a gallery of works by the recently deceased Sam Gilliam. I noticed all of these exciting museums and art spaces had a message to the visitors about acceptance and diversity of all peoples and I felt thrilled to be a part of this evolving art world. We stayed in 21c Museum Hotels both in Lexington and Louisville. These museum hotels are actually multi-venue, contemporary art museums coupled with a boutique hotel and are now located in eight cities. Collectively, they are one of the largest contemporary art museums in our country and North America’s only collecting museum dedicated solely to the art of the 21st century. The museum was founded in 2006 by Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, philanthropists, preservationists and collectors committed to expanding access to contemporary art. Now downtown St. Louis has its own 21c Museum Hotel, at 1528 Locust Street, and I’m going to see it next week.
JEWISH CELEBRITIES
Joaquin Phoenix stars in ‘Napoleon’; Natalie Portman featured in ‘May December’ BY NATE BLOOM SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
“Napoleon,” a big budget biopic about Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), opens in theaters on Nov. 22. Advance publicity says it is “primarily” about his rise to power and his relationship with Josephine, his first wife. I imagine the “bookends” of his life will be covered quickly. The first bookend, I assume, is his youth on the island of
Corsica. The Bonaparte family was of Italian nobility ancestry and vehemently against the King of France’s takeover (1769) of Corsica. So, it’s no surprise that Napoleon was an early supporter of the French Revolution (1789). The other bookend: the end of Napoleon’s marriage to Josephine (1810) in favor of a spouse who could “give him” an heir as well as a series of military losses that ended with Napoleon’s permanent exile (1815) from France.
Joaquin Phoenix stars in director Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon.’ PHOTO: APPLE TV+ But before 1812, Napoleon was a phenomenon. He trained at a French military school and was only 15 when he became
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an artillery officer. In 1793, he devised a plan to blast British ships out of a major French harbor and it worked. This put him on the map—but he became really “big” when, with his cannons, he put down a major royalist counter-revolution in Paris in 1795. The same year, he began seeing Josephine, a widow who was six years older than Napoleon. In 1796, he was named the head of the new “Army of Italy.” I’ll return to the Army of Italy and Napoleon, because it is important, to this day, to Jewish history. From 1796 to 1812, Napoleon’s career had few setbacks. France did lose important naval battles. But, on land, Napoleon’s brilliant tactics defeated all his enemies: Britain, Austria, Prussia, Russia and others. By 1810, he controlled, directly or indirectly, most of Europe. In 1799, he became the de facto dictator of France. In 1803, he crowned himself as Emperor of the French and he crowned Josephine as his Empress. JOAQUIN PHOENIX, 49, plays Napoleon. Over the years, Phoenix has established himself as one of the leading actors of his generation. He has earned five Oscar nominations, winning once for “The Joker.” Phoenix’s mother was Jewish. His father was not. When he was a child, his parents were members of a Christian cult. He’s been secular as an adult and, a few years ago, described himself as a “secular Jew.” See CELEBRITIES on page 10B
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JEWISH LIGHT
SIMCHAS BIRTHS
ENGAGEMENTS
WEDDINGS
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CHERVITZ-MEROZ ENGAGEMENT Sammy Chervitz, son of Marc Chervitz and Vicki Redler Chervitz of St. Louis, and Devora Meroz, daughter of Eli and Risha Meroz of Montreal, have announced their engagement. Sammy is the grandson of Rayna and Larry Chervitz of Chesterfield, and Alice and the late Al Redler of St. Louis. Devora is the granddaughter of Bracha Demercur of Montreal, Shlomo Meroz of Winnipeg, and Abraham and Eve Boyarsky of Montreal. Sammy, a graduate of Yeshivat Kadimah High School in St. Louis and Concordia University in Montreal, works as a financial consultant. Devora works as a marketing manager. An April 2024 wedding is planned.
BAR MITZVAH: NOAH PIERCE SANDERS
WEDDING: SARAH SHERER-KOHLBURN & BENJAMIN DOUGLAS SINGER
How they met Benjamin and Sarah were b’shert, meant to be. God tried putting them together many times. They both attended summer camp at Camp Ben Frankel and performed in the USY production of “The Music Man” at Brith Sholom Kneseth Israel. Still, they didn’t see the light. They grew up and re-met after they had both moved back to St. Louis. They shared values and interests in dancing, using law for social good, and musicals, of course. They became good friends...but it took a few years to get the timing right. When they finally dated, they knew they had found true love and the mutual desire to build a loving family together. Benjamin proposed on a cold, rainy day in December. He made one of Sarah’s family recipes for dinner, but unfortunately he didn’t fully read the recipe before 6 p.m. Dinner took three hours, but at least they enjoyed dancing around to the playlist he’d
PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY FANARA OF YOUR STORY
Sarah Sherer-Kohlburn and Benjamin Douglas Singer were married Sept. 3, 2023 in St. Louis. Sarah is the daughter of Barbara Sherer and William Kohlburn, and the granddaughter of Arlene Sherer (z”l), Martin Sherer (z”l), and David Schnur. Benjamin is the son of Pamela Singer, Marc Singer and Tricia Wiedemann and the grandson of Arnold Singer (z”l) and Esther Singer (z”l). Members of the wedding party included bridesmaids Elana Singer Feinstein (sister of the groom), Colleen Hunter (sister of the bride), Susan Esrock, and Kathleen Wang. Groomsmen included John Singer (cousin of the groom), Raphael Feinstein (brotherin-law of the groom), Benjamin Shay, and Seva Rodnyansky. Rabbi Noah Arnow of Kol Rinah officiated.
made. Sarah went to change and Benjamin set a candlelit table. After finally finishing the main course at 10 p.m., Benjamin innocently said, “Let me grab dessert!” Instead of dessert, he brought out Sarah’s cats, Oscar and Mabel,
Noah Pierce Sanders, son of Jodi Becker of St. Louis and Samuel Sanders of Marlborough, Mo., became a bar mitzvah Nov. 4, 2023 at United Hebrew Congregation. Noah is the grandson of Barbara Kopperman Becker and the late Dr. Martin Becker, and the late Sterling and Lorraine Sanders, all of St. Louis. He is the great-grandson of the late Henry and Mariam Kopperman, and the late Jane and Manuel Becker, all of St. Louis. A seventh-grade student at Pattonville Heights Middle School, Noah plays cello in the school orchestra. He likes to sing, play soccer and baseball, and is on the school’s Lego league team. He likes to watch all sports and enjoy watching trains. For his mitzvah project, Noah donated eyeglasses to the Lions Club.
dressed as a groom and bride. Sarah already knew what was happening. Benjamin told her: “God has tried putting us together many times, and I never want to leave your side. Will you spend your life with me?” She hugged him and said, “Yesssssss!”
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November 22, 2023
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THE MUNY
2023
GIFT
Guide
As the nation’s oldest, largest outdoor musical theatre, now celebrating 106 seasons in St. Louis, The Muny produces seven world-class productions and welcomes more than 350,000 theatregoers to Forest Park each summer. From our accessible seating and interpretive services to the 1,500 free seats available at each performance, our mission is to make theatre accessible to all, regardless of physical or socioeconomic ability. The Muny is proud to be rooted in our community. Visit The Muny online at muny.org.
“PROUD, HAPPY, AND THANKFUL TO BE JEWISH” “Proud, Happy, and Thankful to be Jewish” is based on 25 years of discussions Jack Cohen had with students while he was a Sunday School Teacher, paired with a unique perspective from 18 guest authors. Some things that make us proud, happy, and thankful include our belief in One God, our traditions, music, symbols, survival, and liturgy. Every Jewish and Christian family should own a copy of this book. Great gift idea — available on Amazon! Scan the QR code for more information.
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November 22, 2023
JEWISH LIGHT
STAGES ST. LOUIS
“COME FLY WITH ME: THE RISE AND FALL OF TRANS WORLD AIRLINES”
STAGES St. Louis is the region’s foremost not-for-pro�t company committed to preserving and advancing the art form of Musical Theatre through excellence in performance and education. In 2023, STAGES celebrated its 37th Season of producing Broadway-quality theatre, presenting 140 performances from June to October to nearly 50,000 patrons.
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2023
PROUD, HAPPY, AND THANKFUL TO BE JEWISH By Jack Cohen
GIFT
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Proud, Happy, and Thankful to be Jewish is based on 25 years of discussions Jack Cohen had with young and adult students while he was a Sunday School Teacher. Some of the things that make us proud, happy, and thankful include our belief in One God, our traditions, music, symbols, survival, and liturgy. After reading this book, all Jews will be proud, happy, and thankful to be Jewish. In addition, all Jews will learn something new about our religion.
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“FUNNY GIRL”
FUNNY GIRL is coming to the Fabulous Fox Theatre January 23- February 4. The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade” and “People.” Introducing Katerina McCrimmon as Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Against the odds, she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway. Visit www.fabulousfox.com.
How Charles Lindbergh, Howard Hughes, and Carl Icahn shaped the history of TWA and ultimately destroyed an American icon.
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November 22, 2023
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. 25
NHBZ Rabbi Emeritus Ze’ev Smason returns with “Starting Points” discussion
NHBZ is thrilled that NHBZ Rabbi Emeritus Ze’ev Smason will be presenting a special “Starting Points” discussion at 10 a.m. Don’t miss it when he discusses “Resilience: How Do You Bounce Back from Setbacks?” This special presentation is free and open to the community. No RSVP is required. For more information, call 314-991-2100, ext. 2.
TUESDAY | NOV. 28 NCJWSTL November Coffee Talk: A Secret Revealed
This month, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., hear from two St. Louis natives — Angie (Mestman) Offstein and Karri (Offstein) Rosenthal — who will discuss their captivating podcast series, “Held.” The two friends and sisters-in-law tell a story you won’t forget about a secret “held” for 35 years. Through a twist of fate and modern science, the secret revealed changed everyone’s life. Register for the November Coffee Talk at https://bit.ly/NCJWSTL-Nov28. For more information, contact Alec Rothman at arothman@ncjwstl.org or 314-993-5181.
Jewish Light’s 14th annual Unsung Heroes event
Join the festivities as the Jewish Light honors nine individuals and one married couple at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30) at its 14th annual Unsung Heroes event at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. The hourlong program is followed by a kosher champagne & dessert reception. Free valet parking. The cost is $36, and tickets can be purchased at stljewishlight.org/unsung-2023/
Mind Matters at Mirowitz Center
Led by licensed professional counselor Rachel Elmore and licensed social worker Sharon Elliot, both with Provident Behavioral Health, MindMatters is a safe, welcoming space to share experiences, feelings and thoughts with other older adults experiencing the challenges of aging and all that comes with it. The group meets monthly from 10 to 11 a.m. – come as often as you wish to discuss information and tips on improving mental wellness. This Mirowitz Center program – part of its new Mental Wellness Initiative – is supported by a grant from the Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged. Free but RSVP at http://bit.ly/ Register_MirowitzCenter.
A Jewish state of mind: ‘Building a Life of Joy and Happiness’ Join the engaging and inspiring Rabbi Ze’ev Smason from noon to 1 p.m. in-person at the Mirowitz Center – and learn how Judaism guides us to craft a life of joy and happiness.
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Local Jewish organizations and congregations can submit calendar items to news@ stljewishlight.org. All items received by 5 p.m. Friday will be considered for the following week’s edition.
to 8:15 p.m. on Tuesdays, Dec. 5, 12 and 19, as well as Jan. 2 and 9. For more information, contact Marian Gordon, traditionalcong@gmail.cong or 314-576-5230.
Reading and book signing with Rabbi Mark Shook
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. join Rabbi Emeritus Mark Shook at Temple Israel for a book launch event for his latest novel, “Search for the Sacred Scroll - Book 2: The Secret of the Crowns.” Temple Israel will host the discussion and book signing with Shook. The book is a biblical thriller that starts in modern Iraq and reaches back into ancient history to discover the origins of the five books of Moses. Researched extensively by a former rabbi of 50 years, “Search for the Sacred Scroll” will readers into a journey throughout history. A light lunch will be served; the event is free and open to the community. RSVP is required at www.ti-stl.org/AuthorEvent. Books are available to pre-purchase when you RSVP. $10 each or both book 1 & book 2 for $20. Proceeds benefit Temple Israel’s Learning Fund.
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FRIDAY | DEC. 8 Potluck Shabbat for 20-, 30- and 40-somethings
The young adult chapter of SPARKS MATCH! is hosting another potluck Shabbat (and Hanukkah) dinner at 6 p.m. Bring something vegetarian to share. RSVP to Daphne at daphnekoalabear@gmail.com
SATURDAY | DEC. 9 The Jewish Light’s Unsung Heroes event will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at the Missouri History Museum (see entry below for more details). Part of the Mirowitz Center’s new Mental Wellness Initiative – and supported by a grant from the Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged. Free but RSVP at http://bit. ly/Register_MirowitzCenter.
WEDNESDAY | NOV. 29 Mirowitz Center, AARP partner for tech program
The Mirowitz Center is now partnering with Senior Planet from AARP to help older adults use technology to learn new skills, save money, get in shape and make new friends. Everyone talks about “the cloud.” Sure, it’s the future of data storage, but what is it, really? From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., trainer Larry Edison discusses the basics of cloud storage – a technology that stores documents, images and other media files remotely, while also providing greater accessibility, reliability and protection for your important data. RSVP at http://bit.ly/ Register_MirowitzCenter.
THURSDAY | NOV. 30 The Beatles: ‘The White Album’
Beneath the white-on-white cover art “The White Album” features 30 tracks of mostly stripped-down material, spread across two vinyl records. Join university instructor Neil Davis from 2 to 3 p.m. to delve into this 1968 release, a stark contrast to The Beatles’ previous album (“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”). From the cover art to its eclectic music tracks – including the revolutionary “Helter Skelter,” the retro “Back in the U.S.S.R.,” and the orchestral “Good Night” – this studio album was the ninth for The Beatles and is still regarded as one of the greatest of all time. RSVP to this free, in-person talk at http://bit. ly/Register_MirowitzCenter.
SATURDAY | DEC. 2
TUESDAY | DEC. 5 28th Schnucks Ladue Crossing Hanukkah celebration
Hanukkah storytelling, STEAM activities for children and a singing presentation will be featured at the 28th Hanukkah Celebration from 6 to 7 p.m. at Schnucks Ladue Crossing shopping center, I-170 at Ladue Road. The event, which will take place at the Barnes and Noble Booksellers, will be emceed by Rabbi Shmuel Miller, head of school at the H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy and include Hanukkah storytelling with master educator Jackie Oppenheimer, and Hanukkah songs. All children will receive a free gift of traditional Hanukkah chocolate “gelt” (gold coins). This free event is open to the public and sponsored by the merchants at Schnucks Ladue Crossing. For more information, call Solomon/Turner at 314-2050800.
Hanukkah Glow Party at Congregation Shaare Emeth
Families with children ages 0-5 can celebrate the Festival of Lights at Shaare Emeth with a lively dance party from 3 to 4:30 p.m., complete with Hanukkah treats and glow sticks galore. Free and open to all. RSVP: sestl.co/glow23. Contact Emily Cohen at ecohen@sestl.org or 314-692-5323.
SUNDAY | DEC. 10 Hanukkah Celebration at Traditional
Traditional Congregation invites the community to a Hanukkah celebration at 5 p.m. with delicious Hanukkah treats, musical entertainment, games and BAGTAG (Bring A wrapped Gift, Take A Gift). The cost is $18/ adult, free for 17 and under. Registration is required at https://bit.ly/3QHkL2J or mail names of attendees with payment to Traditional Congregation, 12437 Ladue Rd. For more information, contact Marian Gordon, traditionalcong@gmail.cong or 314-5765230.
STARTING | DEC. 5
ONGOING
New Zoom series with Rabbi Seth D Gordon: ‘The Amazing Story of Modern Israel’
Movies at the Mirowitz Center
Traditional Congregation invites the community to learn with Rabbi Seth D. Gordon about the amazing history of modern Israel, beginning with the 19th century settlers and Herzl and concluding with the first decade of the 21st century and Gaza. Over five sessions online via Zoom, participants will learn about modern Israel and WWI, the British Mandate years, and WWII, culminating in the 1947 UN Partition and Israel’s 1948 independence. Additionally, the class will explore the subsequent history and international and domestic political, social, economic, and religious challenges that Israel faced and still faces today. There is no fee but registration is required: https://bit.ly/ Traditional-Zoom. Classes take place from 7
On Fridays at 1 p.m., enjoy movies on the Mirowitz Center’s 14-foot screen. Call the Movies at Mirowitz Hotline (314-733-9812) for the film title and description each week. Free and open to the community. Upcoming films include “A Man Called Otto” (2022) on Dec. 1 and “Funny Girl” (1968) on Dec. 8. No film on Nov. 24.
Mirowitz Center Community Singers
Professional musician Robert Denison will lead Mirowitz Center Community Singers from 2 to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays. No experience is necessary. Learn from CDs (no printed music). Performance opportunities will be offered. Free and open to the community; register online at http://bit.ly/Register_ MirowitzCenter or call 314-733-9813.
Classical guitarist Adam Levin
Jewish American guitarist Adam Levin will perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Pillsbury Theatre at the 560 Music Center (560 Trinity Ave. in University City), part of the St. Louis Classical Guitar Masters Series. Tickets are $35 general admission, $28 for members, seniors and military, $20 for students, available at www. stlclassicalguitar.org/performances/adamlevin. Or call the Edison Box Office at 314935-6543. A master class with Levin will be held the following day (Sunday, Dec. 3) at 10 a.m. at the 560 Music Center recital hall. Local area guitar students will perform.
SUNDAY | DEC. 3 NHBZ to celebrate its 118th anniversary dinner See related news brief on page 9A.
The 28th Schnucks Ladue Crossing Hanukkah Celebration takes place from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5. Above, Rabbi Shmuel Miller, Head of School of Epstein Hebrew Academy, leads Hanukkah songs at a previous event.
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November 22, 2023
STL
JEWISH LITE
17
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JEWISH CROSSWORD PUZZLE
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By Lana and Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com | ‘Genesis Twins’ Difficulty: Medium 32. Ball of thread (whose name lent itself to a word meaning “hint”)
6. Blackens 10. Coup d’___
33. Word to reference 14. Much loved fictional H.E.R. anti-Semite 36. Source for 15. Mother of Romulus 24-Across being twins in Genesis and Remus 16. Site of Moses’ last stand? 17. Twins in Genesis
38. Notable relative of all the twins in this puzzle 41. “Absolutely!”
59. They’re needed to properly solve this puzzle
8. Summer Olympics city after London 9. Rest day: Abbr.
11. They bite 12. Lessen, as a storm
65. Growing need?
13. He’s known for “Tradition”
36
37
41
42 45
38
39
43
52
53
54
40
44
46
47
50
51 56
55
57
45. Played it safe
53. 39-Down is one
34. Long-lasting Chinese dynasty
46. Sleep-___ (insomnia medication)
54. Major loss
35. Need for mincha and maariv?
47. “M*A*S*H” co-star Jamie
37. Bit of hair
48. Jabs with the finger
30. March of fiction
39. Kashrut parsha
31. Engage in a coverup
40. Gardner of Tinseltown
49. Technically Ramban was living in it when he lived in Israel
3. Web users?
26. Second ballot line
7. Prohibition’s prohibi-
32
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25. Amati and Bocelli
57. Uriah of Fiction
35
29
51. Regret feelers
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6. Disney princess from New Orleans
28
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43. Audibly censored
47. Cause of goosebumps
56. Switz. setting
25
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30. One from a galaxy far, far away
34
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67
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55. Rust, for one
33
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45. Significant zionist
5. Classic Stephen King novel, with “The”
13
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29. Real first name of Storm of the X-Men
12
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27. “Hud” Oscar-winner Patricia 52. Nittany Lions sch.
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44. Chris best known for playing Rogers
48. Twins in Genesis
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21. Wife of Lennon
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7
stljewishlight.org
58
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30
48
67. He died for making peace with Israel
19. Lop a crop
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5
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27
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63. Post baggage claim pickup, perhaps
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23
58. Ahab or Amon, e.g.
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Across
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JEWISH LIGHT
60
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28. “I do not see why I should ___ turn back”: Frost
32. Palminteri of “A
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50. Wash mode
Celebrities: Notes on Ridley Scott’s new epic film ‘Napoleon’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4B Now for the Jewish angle: In 1796, Austria, a monarchy that was at war with the new French republic, controlled much of northern Italy. There were also some smallish Italian states. The Pope, himself, controlled a big slice of central Italy. Napoleon and his Army of Italy defeated them all (including the Pope) and enforced two major principles of the French revolution: all men were equal and all religions were to be tolerated. He tore down the walled ghettoes Italian Jews had lived in for centuries, and he made Jews legally equal to Christians.
Prior to Napoleon, Jews had to live in crowded, often fetid, walled-in neighborhoods (ghettoes). Jews had to return to the ghetto at night, and they were barred from working in most jobs. Napoleon tore down the ghetto walls in every other place that he later conquered, and he made Jews equals. He emancipated Jews across Europe and, while emancipation often didn’t outlast Napoleon’s downfall, it never ended in France. Scholars say that Napoleon said some “unkind” remarks about Jews in private. But, overall, he was a friend of the Jews. Go to YouTube and search these words: “Napoleon and the Jews.” There are sever-
al videos on this topic. But one stands out: Entitled “Napoleon and the Sanhedrin,” it’s a 30-minute gem that weaves together Napoleon and the Jews with the “big picture” about European emancipation. It’s simply terrific — folksy and scholarly. “May December,” a dramedy, opened in a handful of theaters on Nov. 17 (so it will be eligible for Oscar nominations) and begins streaming on Netflix on Dec.1. This film is loosely based on the late Mary Kay Letourneau, a schoolteacher, who was 34 when she began (1996) an affair with a 12-year-old student. She had two children
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2023-11-22 page 10-11.indd 10
GENESCO
SCRUBBY
choose the perfect father & son team
with him—one before she went to jail (1998) and one after she was released (2004) and married him (2005). NATALIE PORTMAN, 42, plays an actress/journalist who travels to Georgia to interview Gracie Yoo (the “Letourneau” character) and Joe Yoo (Gracie molested him as a child and, now, he’s her husband of 20 years). Gracie (Julianne Moore) and Joe have adult, twin sons. Advance reviews are very good. The film was directed by TODD HAYNES, 62 (“I’m Not There,” “Far from Heaven”). His mother is Jewish, and he identifies as Jewish.
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congregation sha are emeth
CELEBRATING SUKKOT During Sukkot, Congregation Shaare Emeth held a variety of events, including a Sukkot Open House, a Sunrise Sukkot Awe Walk, Sunset Sukkot, a Senior Sukkot at Brookdale and a Shaare Emeeth Religious School Sukkot event.
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PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to news@stljewishlight.org. VIEW MORE ONLINE: stljewishlight.org/multimedia washu hillel
SUKKOT ON CAMPUS During Sukkot, WashU Hillel hosted several events in their community sukkah for the students of Washington University, including dinner in the sukkah with kosher Indian food from Gokul, a Senior Night Paint and Sip in the Sukkah; Jewish Learning Fellowship with Silk Foundation Campus Rabbi Jordan Gerson; and Shakshuka in the Sukkah with shaliach Snir Dagan.
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Page 12B
November 22, 2023
STL
JEWISH LIGHT
stljewishlight.org
Congratulations to Nikki Goldstein on her retirement
During Nikki’s 23 years of leadership at Crown Center for Senior Living as Executive Director, Nikki added services such as nutrition programs, volunteer opportunities, counseling and translation services. She led a capital campaign that replaced an outdated building with new community space and offices, in addition to 120 new affordable apartments for seniors.
We are grateful to Nikki for her leadership! from the Staenberg Family Foundation and the whole Jewish community.
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