Jewish Light Digital Edition: Dec. 7, 2022

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CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES

Shabbat begins Friday, Dec. 9: 4:22 p.m.

Shabbat ends Saturday, Dec. 10: 5:24 p.m.

Torah reading: Vayishlach

Shabbat begins Friday, Dec. 16: 4:23 p.m.

Shabbat ends Saturday, Dec. 17: 5:26 p.m.

Torah reading: Vayeishev

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Kohn’s is here to stay: Kosher deli finds a buyer

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

St. Louis can breathe a collective sigh of relief — it looks as if killer pastrami sandwiches are here to stay. Kohn’s Kosher Meat and Deli, the only free-standing full-service grocery in St. Louis, has been bought by two Orthodox businessmen on the East Coast for an undisclosed amount.

The 59-year-old business was listed by Lawyers Realty Co. LLC earlier this year for $875,000, while the property, situated on an acre lot at 10405 Old Olive Street Road, was going for $1.4 million. David A. Wright, chief deal officer for Lawyers Realty overseeing the sale, said the businessmen, who wish to remain anonymous, bought both the business and the property.

AJ Moll, a minority partner in the new business, will be taking over operations from Kohn’s current owners, Lenny Kohn and his sister, Rosemary Cooper. Moll, who most recently was the food service director at Missouri Torah Institute and before that, chef manager at Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, said he couldn’t be any happier or more excited about the deal.

“The reputation Lenny and Rosemary, and before them their parents, Bobbie and Simon Kohn, have built in terms of this business is well respected throughout the entire St. Louis community, not just among St. Louis Jews who keep kosher,” said the 44-year-old Moll, who says the new owners plan to keep the Kohn’s name. “I used to come with my grandpa to the old Kohn’s (at a different location) when it was next to my grandma’s beauty shop. She’d get her hair done and we’d go to Kohn’s for a sandwich. Never in a million years did I think (Kohn’s) is where I would end up.”

Lenny Kohn is delighted about the sale

keeps only getting better,” said Kohn, 64, adding that eventually he hopes to do something in food service, on a smaller scale.

“I won’t be able to do anything in the kosher field in St. Louis because of a non-compete agreement. But I will do something in food service eventually. My wife doesn’t want me sitting on the couch.”

As part of the sale, the new owners also bought Kohn’s share of the kosher cart stand at Busch Stadium, which operates during the baseball season.

Moll says he plans to do some “updat-

wants, so I’d like to start with a community survey,” he said. “We’re probably not going to change much of anything for at least six months.”

Among the possible changes Moll mentioned are adding kosher sushi and kosher pizza to the menu offerings, reinstating Sunday brunch, expanding the hours of operation to 7 p.m. (it currently closes at 4), putting in WiFi and adding a self-service meat case and cholov Yisrael kosher milk, whose milking was overseen by an observant Jew.

“I’m ready to hire an assistant manager

provided they want to stay.

“We need proven people,” he said. “Some Kohn’s employees have been there for upwards of 20 years. I’ll need their expertise and help.”

Moll explained that in addition to his culinary/food preparation background, he also has significant retail experience. He worked at Schnucks for 15 years, starting as a bagger at age 16. He rotated through the grocery’s various departments, though the majority of his time was spent in the deli area, and he also helped to open new Schnucks stores and ones being remod-

Lenny Kohn (at left) talks with AJ Moll in the kitchen at Kohn’s on Nov. 11. Moll was shadowing Kohn, learning about the day-to-day operations at the kosher deli and market.

PHOTO: MIKE SHERWIN

BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

A thorough Google search of the phrase “Hanukkah traditions” results in a laundry list of familiar activities, but you won’t find the Dreidel Magic game or a reference to the Hanukkah Fairy. These offbeat traditions are annual favorites among two St. Louis Jewish families.

Dreidel Magic was concocted years ago by Jewish Light food columnist Margi Lenga Kahn. Her husband, Michael, provided the game’s history.

“We played it first with our five kids and now with grandkids as well,” Kahn said. “During the weeks leading up to Hanukkah, Margi keeps her eyes open for potential fun gift items under $3 in the clearance section — scented candles, candy packages, kitchenware, tattoo stickers, etc.

“The goal is to have enough so that each player will eventually win three prizes. Then we gather around the table. Margi doles out poker chips in an equal amount for each participant for the mandatory ante. When the pot is empty, we take turns spinning the dreidel and either claiming our portion of the pot or having to contribute to the pot.”

Dreidel Magic has specific rules. When the timer goes off, usually after about an hour of spirited dreidel spinning, each player totals their chips. Each player selects their gifts in order from the biggest

said Jonathan Pollak, a photographer. “We always make sufganiyot and have a version of a gift snatching game.”

The doughnut making responsibility generally falls to his wife, Stephani Pollak, which makes sense because she’s a chef and food preparation social media influencer with 1 million Instagram followers.

Some Israeli-American families deviate from jelly doughnut-style sufganiyot and fry up a version that looks a bit like a sugar-glazed bagel.

“People who came to Israel from Morocco bake this kind of sufganiyot,” Orna Bitton Dar said. ”It’s called a sfinj. It has a hole in the middle and a different taste.”

Dar said it’s common for Israeli families in the United States to have dinner on each of the eight nights of Hanukkah at friends’ homes, where they consume sfinji.

Latkes are on the menu for Hanukkah at the home of Randi Mozenter and her husband, Larry Friedman. Friedman, a lawyer, favors Hanukkah-style formal attire.

“My husband has ugly Hanukkah ties,”

TOP: Benny, Henry, Joey, Lauren and Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham at home with some of their inflatable Hanukkah decorations. ABOVE LEFT: Larry Friedman wears a Hanukkah-themed tie. ABOVE RIGHT: One of Jessica Hentoff’s circus-themed menorahs. PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN

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TRADITIONS

CONTINUED FROM OPPOSITE PAGE

Mozenter said.

“Latkes are favorite foods. We have a tradition where the family goes to our sister-in-law’s home and everyone lights their own menorah. Then we eat mass quantities of homemade latkes. It’s big fun.”

Mike and Alana Minoff and their kids have also lighted multiple menorahs for more than a decade. It’s a great way to involve the entire family, but they now closely monitor the menorah lighting.

One year, the Minoffs were in another room opening Hanukkah gifts when they smelled something burning. One of the candles had fallen, burning through the tablecloth. There was no significant damage, and now the family retells the candle incident story as an annual tradition.

Jessica Hentoff, artistic/executive director and founder of Circus Harmony, has a couple of special menorahs.

“I don’t suppose you’d be surprised, but we have two circus- themed menorahs at our house,” Hentoff said. “My favorite Hentoff Hanukkah tradition is that whoever is lighting the candles — and we take turns each night — says something they are thankful for as they light each candle.”

Menorah lighting and latkes are also the order of the day at the Brodsky home.

Dennis Brodsky said:

“We meet at one of the three brother’s houses, light the candles, and say the prayers. The kids, the youngest now being 24, open their gifts. There are hugs and kisses and talk in the family room. Then somebody yawns and everybody goes home. Happy Hanukkah!”

The New Jewish Theatre has announced its 2023 season, which is also its 25th season of producing professional plays and musicals at the J. The season celebrates some of the NJT’s most beloved playwrights, productions and actors, while also bringing new works to St. Louis audiences.

The season will kick off on Jan. 19, with Neil Simon’s “Broadway Bound” (through Feb. 5). The third play in Simon’s “Brighton Beach Trilogy” picks up with the Jerome family nine years after the events of Brighton Beach Memoirs, which NJT produced to great acclaim in 2019.

Next, is the heart-wrenching and hilarious one-person play “Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe, running March 16 to April 2. It will feature NJT favorite Will Bonfiglio and is an immersive, interactive and imaginative journey following one man as he works to cheer his depressed mother by listing every brilliant thing in existence.

In June, NJT will present the regional premiere of “Gloria: A Life” by Emily Mann, from June 1-18. This is both a play and a conversation. The first act takes you on a journey through feminist icon Gloria

Steinem’s life, and the second invites audiences to share their own stories.

Following “Gloria,” the season will feature a classic story of culture clashes and kindness by showcasing Mark Harelik’s “The Immigrant” (Oct. 12-29). This will be the first play to be directed by NJT’s new Artistic Director Rebekah Scallet. The play tells the story of a Russian Jewish immigrant who struggles to create a new home for himself in a tiny Texas town in the 1900s while forging unlikely but lifelong friendships with its residents.

The season will conclude with the Stephen Sondheim musical “Into the Woods,” running Nov. 30 to Dec. 17, 2023. With music and lyrics by Sondheim, and a book by James Lapine, “Into the Woods” won Tony Awards for both its book and score when it first appeared on Broadway in 1988. This will be NJT’s first time to produce the work and will present a unique challenge for the theater, says Scallet.

“There is something for everyone to enjoy in New Jewish Theatre’s 2023 season,” says Scallet. “From the oh-so-familiar funny family squabbles of Broadway Bound to the stirring story of one of the most important women of our time, to a delightfully wicked musical theatre favorite. My thanks to my predecessor Eddie Coffield who largely assembled this season before his departure in August — I am thrilled with the productions he chose to celebrate Jewish authors and themes.”

The shows will premiere at The J’s Wool Studio Theatre, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. Season subscriptions and single tickets are currently and are available by phone at 314-442-3283 or online at newjewishtheatre.org.

NJT Artistic Director Rebekah Scallet

Ukrainian refugee finds peace in the home of a sponsor named Grace

BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

Every morning, Anastasia Kabanchuk wakes up in her Richmond Heights bedroom to the sound of birds chirping. Last spring, she was more likely to hear air raid sirens. Kabanchuk, 25, is a refugee from Ukraine who now calls the St. Louis area home as a guest of Grace Cohen.

Cohen, who is Jewish, connected to Kabanchuk through Uniting for Ukraine, a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services initiative. The program, announced April 21, provides a pathway for Ukrainians and their families to stay temporarily in the United States for two years.

The key component for Uniting for Ukraine to succeed is a U.S. sponsor who serves as a host. That’s how Cohen got involved.

“I heard on the news all the horrible things happening in Ukraine,” said Cohen, 28. “I felt very helpless, and I didn’t really know what I could do. I saw people posting about needing a sponsor. And I thought, ‘You know what, this is something I can do.’ I’ve got a spare room in my house, and I’ve got the time and I would love to take someone in.”

Sponsors must pass a security and background check and have a source of income

to provide room and board for a long-term houseguest. Reugees must confirm vaccination against measles, polio and COVID.

Refugees also are responsible for transportation to the U.S. After arriving, they receive Medicaid assistance and food stamps for two years.

Some sponsors and refugees find each other via North America for Ukraine, an organization that serves as a matchmaker.

Cohen found Kabanchuk through Facebook.

“Every day for a couple of weeks, I looked on the page, commenting occasionally on people’s sponsorship requests,” Cohen said. “I was ready to take someone right away. And Anastasia posted a little bit about herself, what she was interested in, and I said, ‘Hey Anastasia, why don’t you message me? I’m in St. Louis if you’d like to come here.’ So we started talking via Facebook Messenger.”

Afterward, they began regular FaceTime video calls. Cohen wanted to make sure Kabanchuk was a legitimate refugee and not an internet scammer. Satisfied that they were compatible, Cohen completed the paperwork to apply for sponsorship, which took about 45 minutes. One week later, she was approved, and Kabanchuk received confirmation of her

request for immigration status. She’d soon be on her way from Tyvriv, Vinnytsia Oblast, to St. Louis.

“I had everything I thought she would need,” Cohen said. “It almost felt like I was preparing for a child. So I got my spare room ready with towels and blankets, but

Hanukkah Celebration

Anastasia and Grace before a Fox Theatre show. PHOTO COURTESY GRACE COHEN Continues on

I was pretty much ready for her to come.”

Kabanchuk’s motivation to leave Ukraine was primarily because her parents persuaded her to go for her own safety. She regularly keeps in contact with her family, who are still in Ukraine.

“A couple of weeks into the war, the situation got worse with the nuclear power plant nearby,” Kabanchuk said. “My parents got really worried because the territory where we live is not under occupation, but nuclear power is something you can’t run away from.

“I live in central Ukraine. We had quite a few hits recently to the power station. And actually, the day I left for the U.S., I was already on the plane when my friend texted me saying that in the downtown area of the city, there was a missile attack, and it was bad, with multiple casualties. I was on the plane trying to reach everyone I know, making sure that everyone was safe.”

Initially, Kabanchuk went to Poland, where she had a job for a couple of months. That came to an end and she decided it was time to relocate.

“Getting a job in Poland was harder because I don’t speak Polish,” she said.

“Then I heard about this program, and I was like, ‘I’ll just go for it. If it works out, then good. If not, well, that’s life.’”

Fortunately, the arrangement has worked out well for both women.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Cohen said. “With any roommate, there can always be boundary issues and that kind of thing. But Anastasia has been so great. We both respect each other’s boundaries. She’s been so sweet. She cooks me dinner a lot. It’s just a really nice wholesome relationship.”

Another plus to the arrangement is that there’s no language barrier. Kabanchuk speaks nearly flawless English. She also has a good command of Russian, German, French and Spanish thanks to a college degree in translation. She’s looking for a job here and has had some promising interviews.

Kabanchuk also has been helped with job referrals from Betsy Cohen (no relation to Grace), the executive director of STL Mosaic Project, an organization that believes foreign-born individuals invigorate the region. Cohen, who attends Temple Emanuel, said immigrants are often successful entrepreneurs.

“Immigrants start businesses at a rate 50% higher than those born in the U.S.,” Betsy Cohen said. “And with a regional unemployment rate about 3%, they fill needed jobs that are both high-skilled and less-skilled.”

When she’s not job-hunting, Kabanchuk just enjoys being out of a war zone. She’s saving up for a car and already has passed the written DMV learner’s permit exam, scoring 100%.

But she misses her home and family, and Ukranian food. Asked whether she’s tried local delicacies such as gooey butter cake or toasted ravioli, Kabanchuk frowned and said, “I don’t think I’m really into that. You have a lot of fried food here.”

For Grace Cohen, hosting a Ukrainian refugee has been a positive experience.

“I didn’t realize quite how rewarding it would be,” she said. “Anastasia and I get along really well, and it’s been great having her around. I feel like we’ve enriched each other’s lives.

“Without the memory of my parents, I probably wouldn’t have taken this on. They were some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. They would always lend a helping hand to anybody in need. If they were around today, this is something they would want me to do. I’m honoring their memory by doing this.”

Information about sponsoring a Ukranian refugee is available on the Uniting for Ukraine portal.

Ukraine Refugees

BY THE NUMBERS

• Number of Ukrainians the United States has welcomed since March 2022: 204,000

• Submission requests from potential Uniting for Ukraine sponsors: 171,000

• Ukrainians authorized to immigrate to the U.S.: 121,000

• Number of Uniting for Ukraine authorized immigrants who have arrived in the U.S.: 85,000

• Ukrainians authorized to immigrate (not associated with Uniting for Ukraine): 118,000

• Metro areas with the most applications for Uniting for Ukraine sponsors: New York: 27,442

Chicago: 21,381 Seattle: 9,664 Philadelphia: 7,483

Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

This Chanukah, give the gift of life.

There are many ways to support Israel and its people this holiday season, but none is more transformative than a gift to Magen David Adom, Israel’s paramedic and Red Cross service. Your gift to MDA isn’t just changing lives — it’s literally saving them.

Donate today at afmda.org/support or call 866.632.2763.

A St. Louis Welcomes Ukrainians event Grace Cohen helped host. PHOTO COURTESY GRACE COHEN

BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

The New Jewish Theatre’s current performance of “Jerry’s Girls: The Jerry Herman Revue,” features the music of one of Broadway’s greatest Jewish composers. Jerry Herman wrote popular hits like “Mame,” “La Cage aux Folles” and “Hello, Dolly!”

The cabaret-style ensemble cast includes two members of the same family, Lisa Rosenstock and her daughter Greta. A former Jewish Star competition finalist, Greta Rosenstock, 26, is currently the choir leader at Rockwood Valley Middle School. She’s also a song leader at United Hebrew Congregation. Lisa Rosenstock, 58, is a talented singer as well. She toured with a college group and had lead roles in “Peter Pan,” “My Fair Lady,” and “Annie Get Your Gun.” The duo recently talked to the Jewish Light about working on stage together.

How did you get involved with “Jerry’s Girls?”

Greta: It was a little bit of a roundabout way that led to callback and casting. Through a couple of connections at the J and hearing about it and being encouraged by people we knew to audition, we both threw our names in the hat and then went through the audition process and we were fortunate enough to both get cast.

Is this the first time the two of you have performed in the same cast?

Lisa: We’ve done little cabaret shows in nursing homes and community theater, but this is the first professionally. We did a show together, Greta’s first, when she was 5 years old. Her older brother was in it, too. That’s when I learned it’s a lot of work to be in the show with your children. That’s not the case anymore. Now Greta helps me!

How does it feel being together on stage?

Greta: It’s really special, it’s really cool. I was away for college, and I was in New York City for three years, and then I lived in Spain. Getting to come back to the stage and to do it with my mom in our hometown, it heightens it.

Lisa: This is like a little dream that I don’t think I ever would have even dared

to dream. I keep thinking I have to remember this moment right now because this is so rare for us to get to do this.

Are there moments that are especially emotional for you?

Greta: We do this one duet together. We try to just go and have fun. And to get to sing that song, “The Best of Times is Now,” to sing that holding her hand at the end of the show is really special. And I wouldn’t be doing any of this if I hadn’t watched her doing it while I was growing up.”

Did you know much about Jerry Herman’s work before this project?

Lisa: I was in “Mame” years ago and grew up listening to “Hello, Dolly.” I was pretty familiar with his songs and his music.

Do you anticipate having friends and extended family members in the audience?

Greta: I think so. It’s not very often that

you have a mother-daughter duo that are doing this, so that’s really cool. And for it to be a whole family and family friend affair, it’s really special.

Lisa: I keep teasing friends that they get to see two Rosenstocks for the price of one.

Can you describe the vibe of the show?

Greta: It’s like you’re walking into a nightclub cabaret. It feels like a celebration, and it’s just a very upbeat show—fastpaced, great music, great people and intimate at the same time. Each of us connects to our own songs in our own way. There’s a lot of opportunity for the audience to do the same as each song is presented.

Lisa: The other three women in the cast (Molly Burris, Christina Rios and Kelsey Bearman) are incredible and fun and professional and great to work with, and Ellen Isom, the director, and Cullen (Curth), the young pianist. His parents have to be so crazy proud of him. He’s incredible.

Lisa, in addition to performing, can you share some of your work with 100 Women Who Care?

Lisa: It’s a giving circle. We get together four times a year and vote on a charity that we all write a $100 check to. Our last donation was $5,900 to St. Louis Help (a free health equipment lending program).

“Jerry’s Girls” runs through Sunday, Dec. 18 at the Wool Theatre, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. Tickets are available at www.showpass.com/jerrys-girls.

Above, from left are Kelsey Bearman, Lisa Rosenstock, Greta Rosenstock, Molly Burris and Christina Rios in the NJT’s production of ‘Jerry’s Girls.’ PHOTO: JON GITCHOFF

Mother and daughter cast members Greta Rosenstock (above left) and Lisa Rosenstock.

Cantor Sharon Nathanson, backed by a band, was the featured performer at Congregation B’nai Amoona on Sunday, Nov. 13 to celebrate her 16th year serving the congregation. The concert was billed as Cantor Sharon Nathanson’s Sweet 16+ concert because she celebrated 16 years in March 2020. The COVID-delayed concert included songs from Broadway (“Dear Even Hansen” and “A Chorus Line”) and Yiddish operas.

ALL PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN

BY ELLIE GROSSMAN COHEN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

Jonathan Perera calls himself an “unconventional dude” with a driven personality. Today, Perera, 28, is ready to embark on the ride of his life in the driver’s seat of a rolling, tiny home: a luxury school bus conversion called a “skoolie.”

Born and raised in a tightknit Jewish family in west St. Louis County, this bearded, free-spirited millennial takes his high-octane hobbies of snowboarding, skateboarding, scuba diving, hiking and climbing as seriously as his work hustle in sales, marketing and videography, which is why the modern-day nomadic lifestyle appeals to him.

And he’s not the only one who is hitting the road, as thousands of people across generations have traded in their cars for moveable “cribs,” making the tiny-home market a booming business, especially since the pandemic forced people to social distance, downsize and work remotely.

“For someone living in the United States, the average retirement age is 65,” Perera said. “The average life expectancy is 80.

I’m not interested in selling my time for 40-plus years to hopefully enjoy the last 15 years. That’s why I’m doing this. To challenge myself and push the limits of what’s possible. To bring my creative strengths to the forefront and show off this beautiful world for everyone to see. To hopefully inspire others to turn their own dreams into plans. To feel truly alive.”

In February 2019, he sold his 2007 Dodge Nitro SUV with more than 160,000 miles on the odometer for $5,000 cash. The next year, right before his 26th birthday when COVID hit, he bought a flatnose Bluebird school bus with a little more than 130,000 miles on it.

He recently made his way to his first stop on his skoolie adventure at Arapahoe National Forest in Colorado with his best friend, an 8-year-old Siberian husky named Skye, in the passenger seat.

“Skye is my adventure buddy and a constant motivator to be the best version of myself,” said Perera, who adopted Skye in the summer of 2014 when he was a sophomore at Bradley University. “She loves hiking, singing, road trips, belly rubs, sunbathing, snowstorms, swimming and pull-

ing me on my skateboard.”

In college, Perera served on the executive board of Alpha Epsilon Pi and considers his Jewish fraternity brotherhood lifelong friends. With degrees in television arts and interactive media, he broke sales records as a business development leader for custom apparel maker University Tees, traveling 5,000 miles across 11 states and supervising students on 12 campuses. One of his clients was the Shirlee Green Preschool at his family’s place of worship, Congregation Shaare Emeth.

With money saved, Perera bought the retired 2003 school bus for $7,000 and then spent six figures to deck out his first home with every amenity imaginable.

“The final product is more affordable than the average home, totally custom to my life and design taste, and has very few compromises other than the 250-square-footage,” said Perera, who plans to travel throughout the United States, Canada and Alaska, hitting ski resorts along the way as he continues to build his marketing, sales and consulting career.

The skoolie boasts a 20-inch raised roof,

a full-length rooftop deck with solar panels, robust climate control and off-grid utilities, heated floors, a tiny wood stove, a lofted queen-size bed, a couch that converts into a dinette, a full kitchen and bathroom, a twin-size guest bed, extensive fabrication work and a custom decorated interior that matches an earth tone exterior.

As an expression of his passion for the outdoors, the bus’ paint job features vibrant waves of green representing grass, mountains and the color of his watchband; yellow as an ode to the original bright yellow school bus and the bandana tied around his head; and orange for the color of sunrises and sunsets that he will document on his journey.

The bus conversion was to have been completed in fall 2020, but the pandemic slowed the project because of supply chain issues. Still, Perera says, it was totally worth the wait. He recently hosted a “bus voyage” party that raised $1,665, which will go toward planting 333 trees with the National Forest Foundation and 333 gallons of diesel

Happy Hanukkah

fuel for him to start his full-time road trip.

Perera’s roots are in the environment, having explored about a dozen national parks with his dad, Jaime, who also teaches scuba diving. His parents always have their son’s back, no matter how crazy his ideas.

“The very first time Jonathan told us he put a deposit down on an old school bus, we were like what the heck is he talking about,” said his mother, Beth Perera, who described how her son’s maiden voyage landed him on the side of the road

From millennials to retirees, modern-day

nomads fuel school bus conversion market

While it’s impossible to know for sure how many skoolies are out there, social media accounts with thousands of members have formed a real community and camaraderie. Bus Life Adventure on Instagram, for example, has 163,000 followers. Skoolie Planet has more than 62,000, even if some are living the dream vicariously.

Luke Davis is a welder and pipefitter who converted his first school bus in 2015 and is founder and owner of bus conversion business Skoolie.com.

“The COVID pandemic has certainly made skoolie living or a nomadic life in general much more appealing,” he said. “For a lot of folks, the missing piece of the puzzle is a remote job, which COVID unlocked for so many.

“I speculate that uncertainty around work, housing and economics also played a role in some deciding on a more nomadic and autonomous lifestyle. Making such a big lifestyle change like going on the road is very difficult for most of us, and I think the pandemic was just the nudge needed for a lot of those that were on the fence.”

By the way, there is a clear difference between someone purchasing an RV from a dealer and someone buying a bus to convert into a skoolie.

A skoolie is custom built from the layout down to the type of wood, screws and paint. RVs are mass-produced at an assembly warehouse in only a few different configurations per model. There are also significant differences in cost, financing options, durability and community.

“One of the ways I like to explain the difference between a skoolie and an RV is this: Skoolies are the Harley-Davidson of the motorhome world, whereas mass-produced RVs are more like Hondas,” Davis said.

what’s inside

The

in Marion, Ill., with blown-out tires and a severed brake line.

“I thought to myself, OK, we’ve got two doctors in the family (Rachel, 22, is studying to be an oncologist, and Jacob, 25, is doing his residency in physical medicine and rehab at Mayo Clinic). Now we’re going to have hippie Jonathan. Of course, I was joking about the hippie part but, seriously, we are so proud of Jonathan for following his dreams.”

Jonathan Perera is a dreamer and a doer.

“I imagine if I do this right, it’s going to take at least five years,” he said. “ Throughout my travels, I’m excited to push my limits physically, learn all sorts of lessons I can’t even predict at this point and connect with countless people along the way,” he said.

Cozy show-stopping interior of the tiny home on wheels includes all the amenities of home, including a full kitchen, bedroom, bath, heated floor, bookcases, wood-burning stove and a couch that converts into a queen-size couch for guests, and of course, a skateboard.

rustic interior complements the exterior of the Skoolie with earth tones of beige, orange, green, and brown.

Follow Perera on social media @homeonthehwy.

Perera in his Skoolie under construction.

NEWSMAKERS

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

TO YOU THIS MONTH BY:

On Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Factory in Chesterfield, the Jewish Student Union (JSU) will celebrate its 20th year at its annual gala. Honored with the Jewish Continuity Award are Jill and David Mogil, members of Young Israel. Diane and Paul Gallant, of Congregation B’nai Amoona, will receive JSU’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Paul Gallant is currently the board chair of JSU. Benjamin Singer, a Parkway Central ’06 graduate, will receive the JSU Alum of the Year. He is the CEO at Show Me Integrity and a member of both Bais Abraham Congregation and Kol Rinah.

Maxine Clark was one of five local entrepreneurs who were honored by the University of Missouri-St. Louis for their achievements and contributions to the region at the inaugural UMSL Accelerate Entrepreneur of the Year awards. She received the Social Entrepreneur of the Year award. Best known as the founder of Build-a Bear, Clark is also co-founder of the Clark-Fox Family Foundation, which supports the economic development of the St. Louis metropolitan region. Her current

venture, the Delmar DivINe, is a multi-purpose facility that serves as a catalyst for the transformation of north St. Louis neighborhoods and its residents.

Debra Klevens was honored as one of five journalism educators receiving the 2022 Medal of Merit award from the Journalism Education Association. She is the journalism adviser for the yearbook and online news at Parkway West High School. Klevens attends United Hebrew Congregation and serves on the Jewish Light’s Board of Trustees as secretary.

Jane Ballard Roth became the sixth permanent head of school at Thomas Jefferson School. A graduate of the school herself, she has served TJ for over 25 years

as a teacher, director of admissions, director of academics and most recently, associate head of school. Roth attends Traditional Congregation.

Shari Whay has joined the Central West End Association board. She is a realtor sales associate at Keller Williams Realty, Inc.

Lisa Gubernik and Debby Gold started Design + Deliver, a company specializing in logo design and branding for custom apparel and hard goods. Gubernik and Gold are members of Shaare Emeth. The company offers online ordering through Instagram and its website. The company’s D+D Swag Bar is available for onsite events.

Continues on opposite page

BROUGHT

Rabbi Janine Schloss of Temple Emanuel is the new president of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association (STLRCA), which includes clergy members from the Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Reform and Renewal movements.

ABOVE, FROM LEFT: Jill and David Mogil, and Diane and Paul Gallant

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Rabbi Janine Schloss, Maxine Clark, Debra Klevens and Jane Ballard Roth. SECOND ROW: Shari Whay, Lisa Gubernik and Debby Gold.

Benjamin Singer

Joe Pereles received the Lt. Governor’s Senior Service Award. He was nominated by State Sen. Jill Schupp for his dedication and service to the St. Louis Jewish community and 35 years of volunteer service to the American Red Cross and American Red Cross of Missouri. Pereles is a member of Congregation Shaare Emeth.

Mindee Fredman has joined the JDC/ Joint Distribution Committee, the leading global Jewish humanitarian organization, working in 70 countries to lift lives and strengthen communities. Her responsibilities as a senior development officer and part of the Global Resource Development team are to identify, research, cultivate, steward and solicit individual, foundation and corporate donors for new, renewed or increased major gifts, with a focus on specific geographic regions. She will also work on fundraising and strategy on behalf of JDC with a focus on new Ukraine donors. Fredman, a member of Young Israel, previously worked at Jewish Federation of St. Louis.

Harvey Brandvein has joined Reinsurance Group of America as a vice president, business development U.S. individual health. He is responsible for leading, directing and managing the sales and marketing efforts to insurers and non-traditional partner companies to develop new reinsurance relationships. Brandvein is a member of Shaare Emeth.

Author Jody Feldman’s first young adult novel has been released; “No Way Home.” In this new thriller, a high school student finds herself on a dream exchange program in Rome that turns into a living nightmare. Feldman’s previous four books were geared towards middle school grades. A member of Kol Rinah, Feldman’s books can be found locally and online.

Ted Koplar will be posthumously honored with the 2021 Polk Award from the Central West End Association’s board of directors. The 2022 CWEA Awards Party will take place on Dec. 9 at the Mahler

and will recognize honorees from the past three years. The Polk Award honors the impact and leadership of select individuals that have made consistent, long-lasting and positive contributions to the CWE. Koplar, the longtime CEO of KPLR (Channel 11), renovated Maryland Plaza and was the owner of Scape American Bistro. Koplar died April 4, 2021.

Kohn’s: Landmark St. Louis kosher deli finds a buyer

“I’m a pretty humble guy, but between my 15 years of retail grocery experience and 15 years on the restaurant/catering side, I feel confident I can do a good job and remain true to Kohn’s quality standards,” he said. “But right now I know I have a lot to learn.”

Both Kohn and Wright said that in addition to the current buyers, others from the East and West Coasts, as well as the Midwest, were interested. Wright said the current buyers first learned about Kohn’s during the pandemic and would buy large quantities of kosher meat from the deli and have it shipped.

“They do a buying co-op, where one person will make a big order and it will be split among a large group,” said Wright. “(Kohn’s) ships kosher meat to southern California, to New York, all over. (The new buyers) very much liked the quality of Lenny’s products.”

Wright, who is friends with Kohn, said he knew Kohn had quietly been trying to sell the business for several years.

“In March, we had a serious conversation and I told him the only way to sell was by going public. I then tried to target specific areas by using social media. We also advertised in The Jewish Voice, which reaches New York, New Jersey and Connecticut,” said Wright. “I mean, who’s going to run a Jewish kosher meat market? It had to be someone Jewish who was looking.”

Ballroom

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Mindee Fredman and Harvey Brandvein. SECOND ROW: Jody Feldman and Ted Koplar (z’’l).

Joe Pereles (right) recently received the Lt. Governor’s Senior Service Award. Shown with Pereles are (from left) Lt. Gov. Kehoe, Missouri Sen. Jill Schupp and Beth Elders, executive director of the American Red Cross St. Louis Chapter.

FILE PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

Jewish Federation of St. Louis welcomes Larry Gast as Vice President of Development and announces the internal appointment of Karen Sher to Vice President of Community Impact.

Gast joins Federation from Moishe House, a global organization focused on peer-led, pluralistic community building for Jewish young adults. There he served as the organization’s Vice President of Advancement, leading a global fundraising team and working closely with many of the organization’s largest supporters. Previously, he served the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee

Crown Center open waiting list for new Apartments Opening Early 2023

A waiting list is now open for apartments at Crown Center for Senior Living. Onebedroom apartments are $1,280 and two-bedroom apartments - $1,675 Crown Center for Senior Living announces that applications are now being accepted for 1 or 2-bedroom units in the Crown Center Phase I Building currently under construction at 8350 Delcrest Drive in University City. Apartments will be available beginning early 2023. The waiting list is for those 62 years of age or older.

(JDC) in New York City for nine years, helping launch JDC Entwine and serving as Director of Communications for the initiative for five years. Gast is a St. Louis native who lives here with his wife and three children.

Sher previously served as the Federation’s Vice President of Community Leadership and Engagement and will now lead as Vice President of Community Impact. She has been with Federation for more than 18 years and has been integral in the growth of the Millstone Institute for Jewish Leadership, JProStL, PJ Library, Teen Initiatives and the Israel Center. Sher

Application packets may be downloaded at www.crowncenterstl.org, requested via email at info@crowncenterstl.org, or by calling 314-991-2055 or visiting the management office Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jewish Mindfulness Center plans weekend of events

From Friday, Dec. 9 to Sunday, Dec. 11, Rabbi Andrea Goldstein and the Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis will present Chanukat HaNefesh/Dedicating our Spirits: A Weekend Dedicated to Practice, Learning, Hope and Joy. All experiences

will continue her work in the interim providing support to the Community Leadership and Engagement department.

“We are thrilled to have Karen and Larry share their talents with Federation and the communities we serve,” said Brian Herstig, Federation President and CEO.

are free of charge and will take place in the Kehillah Center of Congregation Shaare Emeth. Some experiences require registration. For more information and registration, visit mindfulness.sestl.org/ upcoming-programs/ or call Stacy at 314569-0010. Events include:

• Prayer Lab – Friday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m.: Goldstein, Lucy Greenbaum and the Prayer Lab musicians lead this non-traditional Shabbat service combining contemporary readings, poetry, participatory music, interactive teachings, and time set aside for meditation and personal reflection. Consider bringing canned or boxed food that you would use to prepare a meal that is special to you. All items will be donated to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry.

• Torah Study Through the Lens of Mindfulness – Saturday, Dec. 10: 9 a.m. –Breakfast Nosh / 9:30 a.m. – Study Begins. No previous experience with text or mindfulness necessary.

• Reimagining God – Saturday, Dec. 10, 3-5:30 p.m.: Based on Rabbi Toba Spitzer’s book, “God is Here: Reimagining the Divine,” this session will look new and ancient metaphors for God, expanding our awareness of the Divine Presence in our lives. Time together will include study, reflective practices and Havdalah. Copies of “God is Here” can be found in the Shaare Emeth Rubin Library, though knowledge of the book is not required to participate in the program. Registration required.

“Larry’s experience in cultivating relationships to support vital programs, coupled with Karen’s commitment to making a lasting impact in St. Louis is a powerful combination to help

lead us forward.”

Larry Gast and Karen Sher of Jewish Federation of St. Louis

Israel condemns Netflix movie about its 1948 War of Independence

BY ANDREW LAPIN JTA

Israel’s government has lashed out at Netflix over a new Jordanian movie that they say disparages the country’s military and their actions in the War of 1948 that led to Israel’s independence.

“Farha,” Jordan’s best international feature Oscar entry, is a historical drama about the “Nakba,” or “catastrophe,” the Palestinian term for the events that led to the founding of the State of Israel. In the film, a Palestinian teenager locked in a storage room witnesses a family being slaughtered by the Israel Defense Forces. Two small children and a baby are among the victims.

The movie debuted on Netflix recently, and Al Saraya Theatre, a theater in Jaffa popular among Arab Israelis, planned to screen it. Its director, Darin Sallam, has said she based the film off twice-removed real-life testimony from a Palestinian refugee of 1948 who ended up in Syria.

But Israel has attacked the film and its producers over what the government says is an unfair portrayal of the IDF.

“To me, it is ridiculous that Netflix chose to release a film whose entire purpose is inciting mockery against IDF soldiers,” Israeli Finance Minister Avidgor Lieberman told Israeli media.

Lieberman further suggested the treasury could withhold state funding from the theater unless it canceled plans to

Abe Foxman warns that new Israeli leaders may alienate U.S. Jews

BY RON KAMPEAS JTA

Abe Foxman, the past Anti-Defamation League leader who long has said that nothing could separate him from support for Israel, now says the leaders of an extreme party could do the trick if they get their way in coalition talks with incoming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“I never thought that I would reach that point where I would say that my support of Israel is conditional,” Foxman said in an interview published Friday by The Jerusalem Post. “I’ve always said that [my support of Israel] is unconditional, but it’s conditional. I don’t think that it’s a horrific condition to say: ‘I love Israel and I want to love Israel as a Jewish and democratic state that respects pluralism.’”

“If Israel ceases to be an open democracy, I won’t be able to support it,” he said.

Foxman said his outlook reflected that of the larger Jewish community — but added that he was optimistic Netanyahu would not let the leaders of Otzma Yehudit, the extremist party assuming a role in the incoming government, make drastic changes.

“I think he’s sensitive and smart enough to listen, to see the very serious concerns that [American Jews] have,” said Foxman, who retired from the ADL in 2015, 50 years after first joining the organization.

He pointed to an interview Netanyahu

screen the film, saying, “The choice of a cultural institution funded by the State of Israel to screen the above-mentioned film is already unacceptable.” Israeli law permits the finance minister to withhold funding from any cultural institution that recognizes the Nakba by commemorating Israel’s Independence Day as a day of mourning.

Outgoing Culture Minister Chili Tropper also criticized the film, saying it makes “false plots against IDF soldiers.”

In response, producers of “Farha” released a statement accusing the Israeli government of launching a disinformation campaign against the film.

“These attempts to silence our voices as Semite/Arabs and as women filmmakers to dehumanize us and prevent us from telling our stories, our narrative and our truth are against any freedom of speech,” reads the statement by Sallam

and producers Deema Azar and Ayeh Jadaneh.

Another film that has provoked controversy over its depiction of the events of 1948, the Israeli documentary “Tantura,” opened in United States and Palestinian theaters this week. “Tantura” plays oral testimony from former members of the Israeli military who recall

slaughtering hundreds of Palestinian residents of the village of Tantura and dumping their bodies into mass graves to pave the way for a kibbutz.

A theater in Ramallah in the West Bank is currently showing “Tantura,” which its distributors say marks the first time a theater in the Palestinian territories has shown an Israeli documentary.

“Farha” is Jordan’s entry into the Oscars. SCREENSHOT FROM YOUTUBE

OPINIONS

D’VAR TORAH

ABOUT THE OPINIONS SECTION

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

Vayishlach: Small vessels of light and hope

BY RABBI TRACY NATHAN

This is the season of long nights, so it is fitting that we are reading the story of our ancestor, Jacob, the patriarch most closely connected with the night. When Jacob first leaves home, he is running from the rage of his brother, Esau, and stops to rest when night falls. He dreams of a stairway with divine messengers going up and down, and he experiences God telling him: “Remember, I am with you: I will protect you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land.”(Genesis 28:15). This filled him with such awe that in the morning he made a pillar out of the stones he slept upon and poured oil over it as a ritual of sanctification.

In this week’s portion, Vayishlach, Jacob is returning home after many years, and he is filled with terror when he learns that Esau is approaching with 400 men. At night, he ferries his family across the Yaavok River, and the Torah tells us: “Jacob was left alone.” (Genesis 32:25) Our biblical commentators wondered how it came to be that Jacob was alone without his family at this moment, and Rashi brings a midrash from the Talmud to explain: “He had forgotten some small flasks, and he returned for them” (Chullin 91a). For me, this is Jacob facing the literal

and metaphorical night once again, returning for the ritual items that remind him of that first night when he left home alone and with great fear and found that God was with him. Our sages, however, see something even more miraculous, as they look backwards and forwards at the significance of these “small vessels.”

The Siftei Kohen on Genesis 32:25 explained that the flask of oil through which Jacob purified the pillar miraculously refilled itself, and Jacob realized the blessing of this vessel that should not be left behind. This oil later anointed the tabernacle, its vessels, the altar, Aharon and the priests, as well as the kings. He adds that this same replenishing oil served as a miracle for two women who were lifted out of their poverty with the help of the prophets Elijah and Elisha (I Melachim 17:14; II Melachim 4:1-5).

The Maharshal connected this same container with the miracle of Hanukkah, teaching that since Jacob concerned himself over these small flasks, God made a miracle for his children — the Hasmoneans — through the one flask of pure oil that would miraculously replenish itself for eight days as the Hasmoneans purified the temple and the altar ( Yeriot Shlomo on Genesis 32:25).

Perhaps Jacob gathered his strength and his faith to make it through a night in which he wrestled all night

Submit letters to news@stljewishlight.org

Stand up to book banning efforts

In Nazi Germany, 25,000 books were burned in one night in 1933, the beginning of a series of censorship actions during the Holocaust. Now 90 years later, we are seeing a worrisome rise in censorship attempts across the United States, including Missouri. Efforts to ban books have surged at a rate the American Library Association calls unprecedented.

Recently, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has proposed a rule that would eliminate state funding of libraries that don’t file written policies with the state librarian on how individuals can challenge a book or other material on the shelves. The focus is on books that might appeal to the sexual interests of minors and are supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.

Ashcroft’s proposal could be revised or it could go to a bipartisan panel of lawmakers who could vote to send it to the full House and Senate.

Missouri is already on the road to censorship; under a law passed last session, more than 200 books in the Wentzville School District are “under review,” and several other districts have removed books from school libraries. Among the removed books is “Maus,” an illustrated book about the Holocaust geared to young readers.

The Missouri Library Association calls Ashcroft’s proposal “an infringement on the professional judgment of librarians” and a threat to small and urban libraries, which rely on state funding.

Public comment on the proposal is open through Dec. 15 by e-mail to comments@ sos.mo.gov. Subject line must include “15 CSR 30-200.015.” Tell them you oppose this rule and why.

If you want our public libraries to continue offering a wide array of materials, without censorship and under the guidance of trained librarians, please let Secretary Ashcroft know. Nothing less than our fundamental right of free speech is at stake.

Lise Bernstein, Past President, National Council of Jewish Women, St. Louis Section

Readers react to recent columns by Marty Rochester

I found myself very much in agreement with Marty Rochester’s Oct. 19 column, “Have you had enough of crime?”

Rochester talks about liberal prosecutors who question the fairness of our legal system and the larger society. These prosecutors embrace what I like to call the “root causes” approach to crime control, that is, attacking the “root causes” of crime through social programs, making allowances for crime due to conditions such as poverty, and the like. The problem with the “root causes” approach is that it is long term in nature. It’s comparable to driving from St. Louis to Chicago by first driving out to Los Angeles, then up to Seattle, and finally driving back to Chicago.

Our society needs more immediate fixes to the problem of crime. Rochester makes reference to the 1990s, in which measures such as “stop and frisk” and enforcing the law against minor infractions were utilized to a greater extent. I would add, also, that offenders spent greater amounts of time in prison for their crimes. We need to reimplement measures such as these. I both worked in the criminal justice system and taught criminal justice, and, on the basis of my experience, strongly believe that most crime is calculating in nature and profit-oriented, and that measures to curb crime must take these realities into account.

I am not in opposition to social programs which address the underlying causes of crime, but I believe they are best justified as measures of social equity, as opposed to directly combatting crime.

Harry Toder, Ph.D. University City

Improving education in the United States should be a higher priority but it is more complicated than Marty Rochester suggests in his Nov. 16 commentary (“The systematic decline of our schools”). First, we should have better preschool and childcare. It is very expensive, educa-

long with a mysterious opponent with the help of his small precious vessels of oil. For me, this is part of the power of ritual. Soon, we will light our Hanukkah menorahs and remember the miracle of our ancestors as they sought to repair what had been physically and spiritually broken in those days in this season. When we do, I hope to recall that we need not enter the night and its darkness with fear, for we have the stories and rituals of our ancestors to turn to for warmth and light and to remind us that hope and possibility are renewable resources in our Jewish souls.

tors are generally paid less than fast food workers, and the data shows that students in these programs do much better with early education. Teachers are leaving in education in droves because of the harassment, low pay and threats by extreme conservative groups. Missouri is still near the bottom for teacher pay.

It is very difficult to teach American history with lies about cultural race theory, which is never taught in elementary or high schools. Book banning and curriculum changes are occurring throughout out the country. Educators are now going back to teach phonics as the most effective way to learn how to read, which should improve test scores in the future. If you want smart people to teach, we need to pay these people for their efforts. Spend one day in a school and you will appreciate what goes on.

Babs Shapiro

Retired teacher at University City High School and current docent at the St. Louis Art Museum

Marty Rochester’s commentary, “The systemic decline of our schools” is based on fundamentally flawed beliefs. He concludes that students are not challenged, and schools are failing because ACT scores have decreased. He uses polarizing language to over-simplify a highly nuanced matter.

Rochester neglects to mention that several states and esteemed universities, including the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University, recognize that standardized tests are biased against historically under-served groups and do not require them as criteria for admission. Further, standardized tests are one dimensional and not reflective of critical areas like empathy, compassion and emotional regulation.

Declining ACT scores do not reflect a problem with the educational system, rather a problem with a one-dimensional, antiquated tool that is losing relevance. Rochester asserts that we should argue for “higher, tougher standards.” I agree. We should petition for higher standards with regard to teaching essential life skills that support mental health like meditation and mindfulness. We should fight for tougher, multi-dimensional standards to evaluate our students that include relationship

skills, resilience and self-care.

As a parent and licensed clinical social worker, a decline in ACT scores does not alarm me. I am alarmed by the increase in anxiety, depression, stress, substance misuse and deaths from suicide that we have seen over the past three years. Our students are more than an ACT score. Our schools are not declining, they are expanding to meet the complex needs of our society.

Christine Schulze Chesterfield

Shining a spotlight on all of St. Louis’ women rabbis

On behalf of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, we want to thank Shula Neuman for her Nov. 2 article about the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women rabbis. This was a beautiful opportunity to highlight our colleagues and the excellent work that they are doing in our greater St. Louis community.

Unfortunately, Rabbi Jessica Shafrin and Rabbi Pamela Barmash were left out of the photos of women rabbis included on the front page. This is reflective of the way that the Jewish community often ignores or even excludes rabbis in non-congregational settings, all the more so when they are women.

Rabbi Shafrin is the manager of pastoral care at SSM St. Joseph Hospitals – St. Charles, Lake St. Louis and Wentzville. This is a role that has never before been filled by a rabbi, and as such, her work is groundbreaking.

Rabbi Barmash, known to her students as Dr. Barmash, is the professor of Hebrew Bible and Biblical Hebrew at Washington University. Among her many positions, she is also the first woman to serve as Chair of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly and as Dayan for the International Beit Din of the Conservative Movement. Barmash, too, is a trailblazer.

We celebrate these visionary women and honor their contributions to their fields, to the Jewish community, and to the greater St. Louis community.

St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association

Rabbi Tracy Nathan teaches Judaics at the Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School and is a member of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, which coordinates the d’var Torah for the Jewish Light.

There’s something reassuring, and at the same time, exciting about knowing that for generations before me, the St. Louis Jewish Light was a fixture in the homes of my ancestors. There have been articles about my great grandfather, the first Jewish professor at St. Louis University; my parent’s wedding announcement; my sister’s bat mitzvah announcement; and too many obituaries to count. It gives me a sense of history that I can’t find anyplace else.

What the Jewish Light also provides, for all of us, is a connectedness not only to generations of the past, but also to one another right now. In a rapidly changing world often filled with divisiveness and strife, being connected to a community of people who share similar core values — of giving back, of taking care of each other, of striving to make the world a better place — not only provides comfort but also offers hope and inspiration for the future.

The Jewish Light allows us to touch our Jewish roots and values every day. In addition to our award-winning print newspaper delivered to your home mailbox every other week, we deliver digital newsletters to your email account nearly every day, including ones dedicated to Israel, celebrations and obituaries as well as our

Morning Light, which brings you the latest news and features along with important happenings in our local community. The Jewish Light tells the stories of our lives and the lives of the people, places and things that make Jewish St. Louis unique, and we do this without charging for any of our products.

Here’s the catch: We need your support to continue to do this. As an independent, non-profit media outlet, we depend on readers like you to support us with a tax-deductible donation so we can keep on telling the stories that matter to all of us. You can make a donation online at stljewishlight. org/donate or you will also find a donation envelope inserted in this week’s edition.

As the saying goes, l’dor v’dor — from generation to generation. We need your help to ensure the St. Louis Jewish Light is

here for decades to come to share our stories and Jewish values from generation to generation.

With pride and gratitude,

Betsy Schmidt Chief Executive Officer

St. Louis Jewish Light bschmidt@stljewishlight.org

The feminist Hanukkah story I didn’t know I needed

BY ORA DAMELIN

This story was originally published on HeyAlma.

Most of the women in the Bible fall into a few distinct categories. There are the wise wives and mothers like Sarah, Rebecca and Yocheved, required to make hard decisions to protect their children. Then there are the tragic romantic damsels, the ready-for-soap-opera players: Rachel, Leah and Bathsheba. Silent sufferers who survive humiliation, poverty and assault with grace — like Tamar, Ruth and Esther — are credited with saving Jewish continuity and tradition. But supporting figures who speak their minds, women like Miriam and Michal, often pay for their unruliness, their misdeeds defined in the eternal text as a warning for generations to come.

And then there’s Judith.

Most people learn about Judith in art history class from Artemisia Gentileschi’s iconic Baroque painting, “Judith Beheading Holofernes” (1620). I learned about her in day school as a third grader. I must have been 8 or 9; my teacher, probably Rabbi Gold or Gordon, went over the story of Hanukkah for the umpteenth time. Greeks, Maccabees, teensy weensy bottle of oil — I’d been there before. But then he started to add in new details: a tyrannical Greek general named Holofernes, the sort of military leader who never rides out into battle but still claims his legion’s body count as a personal victory. The scale of his wickedness is rivaled only by that of his security detail. Somebody needs to kill him (and take his army down with him), but nobody can get

Ora Damelin (she/her) is a Los Angeles based writer, Hebrew School teacher, and amateur baker. She would like any Hollywood execs reading this to know that her Bais Yaakov sitcom pilot exists and is ready for prime time.

close enough.

Enter Judith. She sweet-talks her way into his tent, plies him with cheese and wine until he passes out, lops off his head and brings it back to the Jewish resistance on a pike.

I can pinpoint the exact moment my pre-adolescent heart short-circuited.

Growing up in a tight-knit Orthodox community and attending Jewish day school, I learned a lot of stories from Tanakh, the Hebrew bible. The ones I didn’t learn in school, I read on my own time whenever I ran out of children’s fiction. I quickly learned that the women in these stories were not — could not be — like the outspoken warrior-princesses of my favorite grade-school fantasy novels.

When Miriam dares to criticize Moses’ treatment of his wife, God infects her with a spiritual malady and she is forced outside of the camp, banished from the presence of God. Bathsheba does not play an active role in her relationship with King David: she neither protests when King David makes advances upon her, nor does she aid him in plotting to kill her husband. Ruth’s plan to save herself and her family from poverty hangs on the involvement of a man. These are stories of women existing, manipulating the rules of, and suffering through a man’s world. Either they live to support righteous men, or they need men to save them and act for them.

Judith is the exception.

In the storybook narrative fed to me as a child, she takes orders from no one but herself. She’s oddly detached from the male figures of the Hanukkah story, the Hasmoneans. There is no male military leader behind her assignation mission. Judith doesn’t have a husband; she’s a widow who never remarries. Even better, while she gains Holofernes’ trust by seductive means, she never actively seduces him. Unlike Yael, the other woman in the Jewish tradition to slay a general, the Sages do not hypersexualize her in their commentary. She’s never married off to

some righteous man as a reward or scolded by the midrashim for some mild infraction. She exists in her own right, independent of and unhindered by the men around her.

As an adult, I sought out Judith’s story at its source, “The Book of Judith.” In this version, Holofernes has besieged Judith’s city. Unable to watch his people die of thirst and starvation, the local leader,

Uzziah, makes a public demand that God help them or he’ll surrender the city to their enemies. It is Judith who criticizes Uzziah for this dangerous ultimatum, and it is Judith, portrayed as devout yet practical, who refuses to wait for God or to let desperate men decide the fate of her city.

In her painting, Artemisia Gentileschi

I had never heard of a biblical Jewish woman who wasn’t defined by her marriage and children — until I learned about Judith.

ABOVE: Judith Beheading Holofernes, 1617. Found in the Collection of Museo di Capodimonte, Naples. PHOTO: FINE ART IMAGES/HERITAGE IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

A letter from our CEO: My grandparents read the Jewish Light and I bet yours did, too

What the Jewish Light also provides, for all of us, is a connectedness not only to generations of the past, but also to one another right now.”

“

Betsy Schmidt

“No one can tell you what grief is until you have to say goodbye for the final time”

BY STACEY NEWMAN

Grief. A concept one can’t fully know until it snakes around and pierces your heart like a rabid animal.

I thought I was prepared for the inevitability of grief as I cared for my husband, Burt, with frontal temporal dementia (FTD) these past several years. But no one can tell you what grief is until you have to say goodbye for the final time. It’s like childbirth or wedlock. You can’t know its mystery or power until it comes to you.

Here’s the thing with a rarer form of dementia. Few understand it besides medical professionals who specialize in FTD and memory care. Most people have never heard of FTD, which tends to hit people even in their fifties, takes several years to diagnose and centers on poor judgment and behaviors as the frontal lobe of the brain atrophies.

Loving a spouse with FTD means grief appears in stages. Burt No. 1 disappeared a few years ago as his personality and outbursts altered the man I married nearly 34 years ago. He still knew me and was angry, but my caretaker role was confusing to him, as he could not understand his own brain disease.

Losing Burt No. 2, the man the disease ravaged, was more devastating because it

meant the entire bundle of memories we had collected, the good and not so good, were finally just that, memories. Surprisingly, Burt No. 1 reappeared in his last days, allowing us to enjoy him with the assurance he loved us as we loved on him back.

As someone who aims to be prepared for everything, no one had told me what grieving a life partner would look like. It is overwhelming, disabling and more painful than I had imagined.

Why wasn’t I told that the planet would continue spinning, as my own world crashed? Not yet a month later, I’m hanging onto every kind word and every warm hug. I’m replaying every word and embrace from his funeral, graveside and shiva in my head, in order to navigate this new life without the man I fell in love with, when grief seemed eons away.

Grief reared its head as soon as I saw Burt take his last breath, feeling that I would dissolve and disappear. I embraced him and then touched everyone too uncomfortably long, as if human touch would compensate for me letting go of my husband’s hand for the final time. Human touch grounded me, made me exist in the moment. In the first days, I desperately longed for it when I had to walk alone, like how could I possibly walk by myself?

Now I understand. The power of human touch keeps grief from its painful strangle-

hold, even for just a moment.

Grief means being alone, left behind. Not in the same way of living by myself this past year and a half, knowing Burt was close by and cared for. Grief highlights the finality of being alone, as grief does its best to shrink me, make me feel less of value to the planet.

In her soon-to-be published (posthumously) collection of essays, “Your Hearts, Your Scars,” Adina Talve-Goodman wrote, “We live in the crawl space between grief and gratitude.” Her mother, Rabbi Susan Talve, repeated her words at Burt’s burial, reminding us to fill that space with memo-

Judith: The feminist Hanukkah story I

depicts a mixture of the two stories, the fairytale and the ancient text. On the canvas, Judith holds down Holofernes with the help of a handmaid. Neither woman is beautiful, and neither is the murder being committed. Judith slowly saws through the general’s neck, her eyes filled with fury and determination. There is nothing gentle or modest or even heroic about her. This is a woman doing what she believes she has to do; she does not shirk her responsibility, but she also does not revel in the bloody act. Nobody showed me that

picture when I was eight. If they had, I would have known that Judith was more complex and more real than the sexy warrior princesses of my favorite novels.

Already, at 8, the idea that my influence on my world was limited to my influence on the men around me, that I could never directly alter destiny by myself, was frightening. The quiet message that you cannot just be, but must become a wife and mother, instead, followed me from my elementary school classroom into an ultra-Orthodox high school where I was taught that a woman’s role was to rule through whispers and hints, to lead only in the shadows,

ries to share for generations to come. Hearing friends tell stories of Burt, many escapades I did not know, pushes back against my grief, begging for a chuckle or a smile.

Cousin Rabbi Mark Shook whispered to me, “there are no rules,” amidst my gallons of tears as grief screamed while watching mourners cover his casket with dirt. I carried Mark’s words through the next days, particularly when I lost my torn black ribbon of mourning from my sweater. Grief tormented me as I frantically searched for the ribbon, because I had broken the traditional seven days of keriah. I punched back at grief and repeated Mark’s words over and over until they soaked in.

Now that I know what grief looks like, I want to attend every funeral, every shiva, of every friend, every acquaintance. I want to shout about grief from the mountaintops and mitigate its pain for others, to provide the same touch which saved me in all the minutes when I couldn’t breathe.

My rational mind understands that grief is part of the life cycle, that it is sure to show up in our lifetimes. But why so incredibly painful?

As the moon rises, the sun reappears and new life is promised on the horizon, I understand now.

That to know grief is to have danced with love.

didn’t know I needed

to speak through the men around whom her life revolves. One teacher told me that women were created in the image of God — but the version of God that did not perform open miracles, the God who preferred to let human beings believe they controlled the narrative.

And yet, still, there was Judith. Judith who takes no orders, who invades a man’s tent and walks out with his head on her pike. Judith who attacks alone, who is neither punished nor silenced. Judith, who alters the destiny of her people, my people, independently of her generation’s male heroes. Judith, who does the work of the

God of open miracles, the God who splits the sea — the God who does not merely influence, but acts.

Every Hanukkah since I learned her story, I do not just commemorate the victory of the small against the mighty, the miracle of a small bottle of oil lasting for eight nights. I celebrate the human miracle of a Jewish woman defined not by her marriage or children, but by her actions alone. And I pray that even in the ultra-Orthodox community of my youth, this may cease to be a miracle during my lifetime.

Stacey Newman, a former Missouri state representative, is the executive director of ProgressWomen, a statewide social justice group focused on justice and equality issues.

Stacey and Burt Newman. Burt Newman died on Nov. 5, 2022.

Editor’s Note: Hanukkah events

We have a roundup of Hanukkah events in the community on page 1B in this week’s edition.

FRIDAY | DEC. 9

‘On the Record’ with Bob Cohn

On the second Friday of every other month, join On the Record hosted by Bob Cohn, editor-in-chief emeritus of the Jewish Light, to discuss films, plays, articles, and books on issues of concern to our community from 11 a.m. to noon. This online program is provided in conjunction with FEL (Friends Enjoying Life), an organization supported by the Mirowitz Center. Register for this free, online Mirowitz Center program by visiting http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.

FRI.-SUN. | DEC. 9-11

Jewish Mindfulness Center plans Chanukat HaNefesh

See related news brief on page 14A.

SATURDAY | DEC. 10

Kosher snacks will be provided. Donors must be healthy, weigh at least 110 lbs., and be 17 or older (16 with a signed parent/ guardian consent). Hosted by Kol Rinah’s Tzedek Committee. Sign up at https://login. bloodcenter.org/donor/schedules/drive_ schedule/117944

Current conditions in the economy and capital markets

loss about what to do. Wechsler will help guide us in how to better make an impact. Visit https://bit.ly/Dec22LnL to register. Questions? Email Jen Bernstein at jbernstein@ncjwstl.org or call 314-993-5181.

Fighting bigotry & hatred: St. Louis Mosaic Project

stljewishlight.org.

p.m.

mah and a partner of the national, not for profit Sharsheret organization.

Winter holiday program with Cantor Murray & Joyce Hochberg

Get ready for a free holiday program you won’t want to miss with Cantor Murray and Joyce Hochberg from 3-4 p.m. in person at the Mirowitz Center. Celebrate the joy of the winter season. Register online at http://bit. ly/Register_MirowitzCenter, 314-7339813, or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.

SUN.-MON. | DEC. 25-26

Aish plans two-day event for the whole family

Adults, discover Jewish wisdom with classes on Jewish identity, parenting, relationships, marriage, intimacy and even lessons we can learn from superheroes, featuring guest speakers, Rabbi Leiby Burnham and Rabbi Cary Friedman. Kids, enjoy Hanukkah doughnut decorating and crafts, arcade trucks (ages 8+), an inflatable slide (kids 7 and under), and Mad Science presentation.

From

‘Pray to Play: Adult’s Night Out’ at B’nai Amoona

The next event in B’nai Amoona’s yearlong fundraiser welcomes adults to a special Havdalah and birthday celebration in honor of the Linda Rotskoff Early Childhood Center turning 50 years old. At 6:30 p.m. enjoy cocktails, appetizers and cake. Honorary co-chairs Harvey Greenstein and Linda Rotskoff will light the candles. There will also be an opportunity to view and purchase art created by preschoolers at the Linda Rotskoff Early Childhood Center.

SUNDAY | DEC. 11

JSU 20th anniversary gala

The Jewish Student Union (JSU) will celebrate its 20th year at its upcoming gala, which takes place at The Factory in Chesterfield. Honored with the Jewish Continuity Award are Jill and David Mogil, members of Young Israel. Diane and Paul Gallant of Congregation B’nai Amoona will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Gallant is currently the board chair of JSU. Benjamin Singer, a Parkway Central ’06 graduate, will receive the JSU Alum of the Year award. He is the CEO at Show Me Integrity and a member of both Bais Abraham Congregation and Kol Rinah. The gala will feature Noah Gardenswartz, a comedian and Emmy- and Golden Globe Award-winning writer of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” as well as comedian Ester Steinberg. For more information, visit www.jsustl.org/galarsvp. The event begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 5:15 p.m. and the gala program at 5:45.

MONDAY | DEC. 12

Mamas in Pajamas: Hanukkah!

Ladies, see Hanukkah in a whole new light this year. Join Mimi David at 8:30 p.m. on Zoom from the comfort of your home for this Jewish Women’s Society Event (for women only). Go to zoom.us/j/9699246316 or dial in to 312-626-6799 and enter meeting ID 9699246316.

TUESDAY | DEC. 13

Blood drive at Kol Rinah

Tzedek Team has partnered with Impact Life for a blood drive at Kol Rinah. Schedule your appointment to donate a unit of blood and save up to three lives. Masks and appointments are required for all donors.

From 10-11 a.m. Mike Ferman, a former partner at RubinBrown Advisors and the founder and managing director of its financial planning and investment advisory practice, will discuss the current conditions in the economy and capital markets. This program is provided in conjunction with FEL (Friends Enjoying Life), an organization supported by the Mirowitz Center. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter, 314-733-9813, or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.

The ABCs of Judaism

Judaism has its own “ABCs” - teachings to guide your life. On the second Tuesday of each month, from noon to 1 p.m., join the engaging and inspiring Rabbi Ze’ev Smason of Nusach Hari B’nai Zion for the ABCs of Judaism to discuss a different topic with a Jewish theme. The topic is “Chanukah: Do Miracles Still Happen?” Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter, 314733-9813, or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.

WEDNESDAY | DEC. 14

Whiskey and wisdom at United Hebrew

Come for the whiskey; stay for the Torah! Or the other way around. We’ll do a little bit of learning, enjoy some good whiskey and most importantly be in community starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Spielberg Chapel. Register on the United Hebrew website or call 314-469-0700

THURSDAY | DEC. 15

NCJW Lunch & Learn featuring Gail Wechsler

Gun violence is a leading cause of premature death in the U.S., killing more than 39,000 people and causing nearly 85,000 injuries each year. Just a few weeks ago, a 19-year-old former student at St. Louis’ Central Visual and Performing Arts High School used an AR-15-style rifle and more than 600 rounds of ammunition to kill a student and teacher and injure several others. National Council of Jewish Women’s December Lunch and Learn at noon will welcome Moms Demand Action’s Missouri State Communications Lead and NCJWSTL board member Gail Wechsler, who is an expert on legislative advocacy and school safety as pertaining to gun violence. Every time there is a school shooting, we all seem to be at a

The St. Louis Mosaic Project was launched as a response to an economic impact report outlining St. Louis as a city lagging in immigrant growth and highlighting the economic benefits of increasing its foreign-born population. Join Executive Director Betsy Cohen from 2-3 p.m. to hear how the St. Louis Mosaic Project is transforming our region into one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas for foreign-born people and promoting regional prosperity through immigration and innovation. Betsy also is the author of “Welcome to the U.S.A., You’re Hired! A Guide For Foreign-Born People Seeking Jobs,” a book discussing search strategies and career development for foreign-born job seekers. This program, part of our “Fighting Bigotry & Hatred” series, is co-sponsored by the St. Louis Mosaic Project, ADL Heartland, Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis, National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis, and Mirowitz Center. Register online at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter, 314733-9813, or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org

SUNDAY | DEC. 18

Jewish War Veterans Meeting

Jewish War Veterans Post 644 will meet in the Kaplan-Feldman Holocaust Museum meeting room at 10 a.m. on the third Sunday each month (please ask for directions at the desk). A Zoom option will be available for those who are unable to be at the meeting. For more information and the Zoom link contact Post 644 Commander Ellis Frohman at 636-519-7512 (leave a message if no one answers).

WEDNESDAY | DEC. 21

Sharsheret’s Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Group - via Zoom

This monthly group provides support, connection and education to women in the St. Louis Jewish community who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer and are anywhere along their treatment path –before, during, or post-treatment. Facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker, this group meets from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday via zoom until further notice. Newcomers are always welcome along with female family and friends. This program is free but pre-registration is requested to Debbi Braunstein at 314-4423266 or dbraunstein@jccstl.org. Sharsheret Supports STL is a program of the J’s Nish-

Everyone, dine on Chinese food on Dec 25 (what else?) and make your own sandwich and salad on Dec 26, with plenty of yummy snacks and drinks throughout.

The action takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days at Torah Prep Girls’ School, 8136 Groby Rd. Cost for seminar: $36 per adult for both days, $20 for one day. Free for kids 12 and under. Cost for Chinese lunch Dec 25: $20 per adult, $10 per child (ages 5 - 12), kids under 5 are free. Cost for sandwich and salad lunch Dec 26: $15 per adult, $7.50 per child (ages 5-12), kids under 5 are free.

For more information or to make reservations, call 314-862-2474 or email cwolff@aish.com

FRIDAY | DEC. 30

The last shabbat dinner of 2022

at Traditional Congregation

Join us for a celebratory Shabbat dinner prepared by Rabbi Seth Gordon. Kabbalat Shabbat/Arvit services begin at 5:45 p.m. followed by a soup-to-dessert dinner. $15/ age 10 & under; $21/age 11 & over if paid by 12/23, after that $25 per person. Register at: https://wix.123formbuilder.com/ form-6309690/form or call 314-576-5230.

ONGOING

Weekly Yoga with Ellie DesPrez

The Jewish Mindfulness Center at Shaare Emeth presents “Embodied Joy, Strength and Peace – Weekly Yoga with Ellie DesPrez” on Wednesdays, Oct. 19 and 26 and Nov. 2, 9 and 16, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Jewish Mindfulness of St. Louis (at Shaare Emeth) or online. Ellie DesPrez, an English teacher and certified and experienced yoga instructor, brings her sense of wisdom, curiosity, delight and calm to every class she teaches. A suggested donation of $10/class is appreciated. To register, email Stacy Jespersen sjespersen@sestl.org.

Saturday Morning Bible Study at Temple Israel is back!

Beginning this fall, Rabbi Emeritus Mark L. Shook continues his Saturday Morning Bible Study Class on the topic of “A Jewish Understanding of the New Testament.” The class will commence with an in-depth study of the Gospel According to Mark. Classes are Saturdays, Oct. 1 to April 2023 at 9:30 a.m.

in person at Temple Israel and on Zoom. Registration is required at: www.ti-stl.org/BibleStudy

Local Jewish organizations and congregations can submit calendar items to news@

All items received by 5

the Friday before the publication date will be considered for that edition.

DEC Betsy Cohen will discuss ‘Fighting bigotry & hatred: St. Louis Mosaic Project’ on Dec. 15 at the Mirowitz Center. Cohen is the executive director of the St. Louis Mosaic Project.

Charlie Jacob Mentle, son of Jenny Hoffman-Mentle and Robbie Mentle of St. Louis, became a bar mitzvah Aug. 13, 2022 at Congregation Shaare Emeth.

Charlie is the grandson of Barb and Bob Hoffman of St. Louis, and Jane and Henry Mentle of Boca Raton, Fla. He is the great-grandson of the late Harriet and Mark Hoffman of Chicago, the late Shirley and Alvin Weiss of Chicago, the late Edith and Philip Mentle of Queens, N.Y., and the late Sylvia and Ben Menn of Cincinnati. Charlie has one sister, Audrey Mentle, who is 15.

An eighth-grade student at Whitfield School, Charlie volunteered with Winterland Hockey for his bar mitzvah project. He worked as a referee and scorekeeper at the annual Friendship Games and coached the goalies in the summer hockey program. Winterland aims to expand access to hockey throughout St. Louis in a fun way.

University

The

Barbara Weiss Hoffman and Robert Hoffman celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Congregation B’nai Amoona on Aug. 20, 2022. They enjoyed the celebration weekend with family and friends.

couple met on Sept. 20, 1968 at a party at the AEPi House at the

of Illinois. Barb and Bob were married in Chicago in 1972 and moved to Saint Louis soon after their wedding. The couple lives happily in Creve Coeur where they now enjoy volunteering throughout their community and spending time with family and friends.

PHOTO COURTESY

PHOTO COURTESY OF SPOONFUL OF SUGAR PHOTOGRAPHY

ALVIN S. APPELBAUM, age 94, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Beloved husband of Esther Millstone Appelbaum for 68 years.

Dear father of Sheryl (Douglas) Weber, Dr. Murray (Gail) Appelbaum and Jeffrey Appelbaum of Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  Loving grandfather of Brian (Sarah) Weber, Bradley (Leslie) Weber, Lauren Appelbaum and Andrew (Maxine) Appelbaum.  Cherished  great grandfather of Anaelle Joy Weber and Ava Rose Weber.   Beloved brother of the late Libbia (the late Harry) Lite.  Dear brother-in-law of the late Burris (Marilyn) Millstone.  Beloved son of the late Michael and Anna Appelbaum.  Dear uncle, cousin and friend to all.

Alvin had a long career with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and he also served as an usher at St. Louis Blues Hockey and for the St. Louis Cardinals for 19 years.  In April of 2018, Alvin’s son, Murray, took him on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in recognition of his service to his country during the Korean War.  Alvin was an over 50 year member of the Benjamin Franklin Masonic Lodge and a 50 year member of the Jewish War Veterans.  He volunteered at the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry for 10 years.

A funeral service was held Sunday, November 27 at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road, with interment to follow at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Live stream available at https://www.sestl.org/. Contributions in his memory may be made to the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer, 12951 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO, 63141; Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO, 63141 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

A Rindskopf-Roth Service

RONALD A. (RONNIE) BROWN passed away peacefully on November 23, 2022.

Founding partner of Brown & Crouppen law firm who was loved by many.

Beloved husband of the late Susan C. Brown. Father of Jason Brown and Jill (Tim) Gumpenberger. Fatherin-law of Carolyn I. Brown. Grandfather of Mia Brown, and Drew and Alyssa Gumpenberger. Brother of Rick (Sally) Brown and Linda (Howard) Powers. Partner of Rebecca Mueckler.

Ronnie was outgoing, he genuinely cared about other people, and he never expected anything in return. He loved all sports, his friends, his horses, Motown music, and the Bee Gees.

Donations can be made to Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program, fltap.org.

GILBERT DOLGIN, November 30, 2022

Gilbert Dolgin, age 84, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2022 surrounded by his family.

Beloved husband of Sheila Dolgin for 64 years. Dear father of Cassandra Dolgin (Debra Richards) of Tallahassee, FL and Michelle Bachtel (Scott Atwell) of Key West, FL. Loving grandfather of Brandon Bachtel and stepgrandfather of Nicholas Richards, and Savannah, Lilly and Juliana Atwell. Beloved brother of the late Charlotte (late Louis) Nehmen, the late Joseph Jules Dolgin (late Letty), the late Harold Dolgin, Janet Crouppen (late Bernard), and Robert Dolgin (Deborah). Dear uncle, cousin, and friend.

Gilbert was a life-long St. Louisan who loved this city and the people in it. As a businessman from the age of 18, Gil worked tirelessly to grow the family business. Gilbert also cherished his family and friends, and throughout retirement,

enjoyed weekly lunches with his siblings and regular meetings and activities with former high school buddies.

A funeral service was held Sunday, December 4 at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Boulevard, followed by interment at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Contributions in Gilbert’s memory may be made to the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer, 12951 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63141 or to the charity of your choice. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

ABRAHAM JACOB “JACK” FINKELSTEIN, November 18, 2022

Best friend and beloved husband of the late Isabelle Finkelstein; Beloved son of the late Ike and Helen Finkelstein; Fabulous father and father-in-law of Karen Polishuk (Ronnie), Debbie Woolsey (Bob) and Sandy Finkelstein (Stefi); wonderful grandfather of Ashley Demoff, Michael and Ryan Woolsey, Logan (Christina) and Dustin (Nicole) Finkelstein; dearest greatgrandfather of 6; dear brother and brother-inlaw of the late Evelyn and Reinhold Stallmann.

Jack was always the life of the party. He truly never met a stranger and often knew your life story within 10 minutes of meeting you. His second career as a Real Estate Appraiser was perfect for him, as it enabled him to meet new people every day.

This carried on to his 12 years at Brookdale, where he performed his Musical Mondays for years.  Everyone there came to know and love him for his humor, warmth and generosity. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Private Services were held. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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

LEE GLASER

On Sunday, November 13, 2022, Lee Glaser, loving wife, mother and grandmother passed away at the age of 86.

Born and raised in Pasadena, Lee was a true California girl. Her passion for teaching, however, took her from the beach to Switzerland, New York and finally to St. Louis where she married the love of her life and raised her family.

While Lee would say her greatest accomplishment was raising her two daughters, she was an accomplished tennis player and skier, an avid reader, was passionate about traveling, the arts, adored entertaining in her home and made a mean Jello shot.

Lee was incredibly kind, caring and genuinely interested in the well-being of others and life’s simple pleasures brought her true happiness. She treasured her many friendships and the feeling was reciprocated.

Lee is the beloved wife of Louis Glaser and adored mother of Amy (Andrew) Weinstein and Robin (Kelly) Glaser Roy; loving grandmother to Hadley, Jack and Goldie; dear sister to Fred Hughes Jr. and the late Donna Kline; special aunt to Liz (David) Weinstein, the late Michael (Deb Dubin) Steinbaum, Richard (Lecie) Steinbaum, Lynn (Jim) Klein, Gary (Perri) Silversmith, Don (Debbie) Silversmith; Mark and Fred Hughes III; cherished daughter of the late Marshall and late Helen Hughes; loving daughter in law to the late Morris and late Edith Glaser.

A funeral service celebrating and honoring Lee’s wonderful life was held on Friday, Nov. 18 at Berger Memorial Chapel, followed by nterment at United Hebrew Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcome to Nine PBS. Please visit donate.ninepbs.org. Please specify donations are in memory of Lee Glaser. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

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

GOLDFARB, MARVIN AL, December 1, 2022

Beloved father and father-in-law of David Goldfarb and Julie (Eric) Nichols; dear grandfather of John and Ryan Nichols; dear brother and brother-inlaw of Ronald (late Judy) Goldfarb and the late Wesley (late Rose) Goldfarb; dear son of the late Al and Melba Goldfarb; dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.

A funeral service was held Monday, December 5 at Temple Israel, #1 Alvan D. Rubin Dr. 63141 in the main Sanctuary. The service is also available via live-stream www.TI-STL.org/watch. Interment followed at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery, 740 N. Mason Rd. 63141. Memorial contributions preferred to Boy Scouts of America, Humane Society of Missouri or a charity of your choice.

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

STEVEN ALEXANDER SKIÖLD HANLIN, 38, passed away at his home on November 16th. Sunshyneboy, MoonMan, and Stephenapolis are just some of the many nicknames he had among friends and family. Highly entertaining, and a Renaissance mind, he leaned heavily on science, artwork, and archaeology. He had the Irish wit from his late father and a cunning sense of humor. Despite his intelligence, charm, and endless curiosity, his life was cut short by his lifelong battle with depression, PTSD, and drinking. He was, and will always be loved by many, and saying he will be missed is an understatement.

Steven was preceded in death by his late father, C. David Hanlin, grandparents, Charles and May Hanlin, Morfar, Olof Skiöld, and Gomez.

He is survived by his mother, Lisa Skiöldhanlin, sisters, Sarah Skiöld-Hanlin, Jacquie Ortiz, and Vicki Salmone, Mormor, Marilyn Skiöld, and family in Sweden, Norway, and the United States. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Cahokia Mounds or other charitable organizations. There will be no funeral. A remembrance will be scheduled for some time after the new year. Due to COVID-19, shiva will be restricted to immediate family only. Weber & Rodney Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com.

PHYLLIS

(GINSBURG) HARBER, November 29, 2022

Beloved wife, life partner and best friend of the late Marvin Harber. Loving mother and mother-in-law of Harlan (Linda), Sheldon (Anne) and Andy (Tom), sister-in-law of the late Howard, sister of the late Gloria Cohen (Lester) and late Helen

Weisbrod, devoted grand-mother of Adam (Tessa), Josh ( Becca), Katie, and Julie (Sean).

Adoring great grandmother of Sadie, Mira, Patrick, and Maggie. Our dear aunt, cousin, friend.

A funeral service was held Friday, December 2nd at Congregation Shaare Emeth 11645 Ladue Rd., followed by interment at Chesed Shel Emeth CemeteryWhite Road. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Congregation Shaare Emeth, the Alzheimer’s Association or the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream and Shiva information. Berger Memorial Service

Obituaries continue honoring traditions, strengthening faith. BERGER Memorial Chapel 9430 Olive Blvd., St. Louis 314-361-0622 BergerMemorialChapel.com Richard W. Stein Emily Stein MacDonald M8778_4938_Berger_PNT_Traditions_5-1x7_C_v2.indd 1 9/29/17 9:46 PM

on following page

DOROTHY HERSHENHORN, November 25, 2022

Beloved wife of the late Isadore Hershenhorn; dear mother and mother-in-law of Robyn (Victor) Frankel, Bonnie (Michael) Kaufman, and Robert (the late Judy) Hershenhorn dear grandmother of Arik (Lauren Colling) Frankel, Aron (Kirsten) Frankel, Lindsay Hershenhorn, Alexis Ross and Sarah Hershenhorn; dear great-grandmother of 7. A graveside service was held at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Rd. 63124. Memorial contributions preferred to charity of your choice.

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

MILDRED “MICKEY” HOFFMAN, November 19, 2022

Beloved wife of the late Aaron “Harry” Hoffman; dear mother and mother-in-law of Howard (Merrily), Stuart (Rita Rothschild) and Dr. Eliot (Valarie) Hoffman; dear grandmother of David Hoffman (Sarah) and Emily Woodford (Chris), Alina and Adam Hoffman, Gregory and Sarah Hoffman; dear great grandmother of Benjamin, Asher and Adeline Hoffman, Chavahlynn and Hannah Woodford; dear sister and sisterin-law of the late Dr. Jules (late Shirley) and the late Genevieve Snitzer; dear aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend.

A graveside service was held Monday, November 21st at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road.

Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

OBITUARIES

RUTH FRIEDMAN ADLER KESSLER passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving morning, November 24, 2022. We are abundantly thankful for her life.

She was the eldest of Polish immigrants (Isadore Friedman and Dorothy Kornfeld Friedman) and is preceded in death by her younger brother Arthur Friedman (Beverly), whom she adored. She spent 17 wonderful years with Hy R. Adler and was widowed at age 39 with three young children. She stayed strong for her family, and utilized her shorthand skills when she had to return to work at Shaare Zedek as Rabbi Ephraim Epstein’s secretary, who introduced her to Sam R. Kessler whom she married.

She brought Sam tremendous happiness during their 18 years of marriage before he too passed. She did a wonderful job bringing two families together.

She had two different long-term companions, Babe Larner and Sam Tilzer, with whom she spent many joyful years. She attracted four loving men in her life who adored her, and she found joy in life despite these sorrows.

She is survived by her three children Robert S. Adler (Donna), Susie A. Lowy (Steve), and James F. Adler (Cathy), and her stepdaughter, June Behrmann (Michael). Two stepchildren predeceased her, Elaine Kessler Butterfield (Larry), and Darryl Kessler. She is survived by 13 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren, with one on the way.

Ruthie had many lifelong friends and some of her friendships spanned 85 years. Her favorite past times were dancing, playing bridge, golfing…and eating ice cream. She also loved reading and did so regularly until a few months before her passing. She never missed her daily crossword puzzles and became quite a whiz at solving them. She could do multiplication problems in her head up until her last days on earth. For the majority of her life, she never missed a birthday or anniversary as she faithfully copied the dates in her yearly calendar.

She was a classy stylish dresser and a beautiful woman. She was one tough lady who

graciously endured many hardships. At her 97th birthday, despite her frailties, she expressed how she wanted to live to 100.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, November 29th at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Boulevard, followed by interment at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. The funeral service is available via Live Stream.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions preferred to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry or the charity of your choice. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream and Shiva details.

May her memory be a blessing.

Berger Memorial Service

JEROME SAMUEL PETERS, at 98 years, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2022 in St. Louis, with his loving family by his side.

He was born in 1924 to Abraham and Anna Peters in St. Louis. After graduating from Soldan High School, in 1942, he worked at Emerson Electric detailing drawings for bomber turrets. In 1943, he was drafted into the US Army. He was eventually assigned to the 752nd Railway Operating Battalion. He rebuilt railroads across Europe, and was part of the occupation of Germany. In 1946, he returned to the US. Jerome’s service in WW2 was a defining moment in his life.

Post WW2, Jerome attended Washington University and graduated with a degree in Architecture and a US Army Reserve commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was recruited as a founding member of the newly formed Museum of Transportation, using his wartime experience to lay track and to maintain trains and railroad equipment. He remained in the army reserve but was transferred to Field Artillery where he wielded his mathematics skills to develop firing solutions for 8” guns. He was recalled to active service during the Korean War and taught Fire Direction Control at the Artillery School. During his service, he contracted a flu virus brought back from Korea by returning soldiers. He was gravely ill and sent to Ft. Sam Houston where he recovered from the lethal “Virus X”. He separated from the Army for the second time in 1963 as a Major.

Jerome met the love of his life, Carrie Lee, while working as a draftsman for Kramer and Harms. Eventually he founded his own Architectural firm. As his business grew he partnered with a talented young designer, Howard Koblenz. Later, a third partner, Melissa Kreishman, joined and the firm became Peters, Koblenz, and Kreishman. The PKK firm continued to operate for 40 years. At their busiest times they had as many as 30 employees. Over 200 people had worked there at various times over the years. Many young and later prominent architects started there and would later tell Jerome it was a fun place to work and the best training for their careers.

Jerome chaired the design of over 250 buildings. His office designed medical and office buildings, banks, senior housing, and residences. Amongst his most proud architectural achievements, PKK was the original architectural

firm for the Westport Plaza Development, begun in 1969, with work continuing into the 70’s. His clients found him to produce complete, high quality plans and specifications. He was frugal with their time and money. He was hardworking and honest. He was a great value and more agile than larger firms. He was known for his sense of humor and loved to tell jokes, both good and bad and some inappropriate.

Jerome spent his lunch hour exercising at the Brentwood YMCA a few blocks from his office. He jogged, walked, did calisthenics, played volleyball, and swam. He was a member for over 50 years and enjoyed his many friendships there. He recruited most of his office to play volleyball with him and even paid them, pioneering the concept of an employee fitness program.

As PKK was doing well, a meeting with an old Army Reserve buddy, Marvin Knoll, now a General, brought Jerome back into the Reserve.

He was an E-8 Master Sergeant. He traveled throughout the Midwest by Huey helicopter visiting every Army Reserve Facility. He developed plans for every facility based on existing conditions, and future needs and improvements. When the Army was ready to distribute funds, General Knoll was prepared with ready-to-build plans and received the lion’s share of funding. He always credited Jerome and his contribution to Army Reserve readiness cannot be minimized.

Jerome was awarded the prestigious Army Legion of Merit Medal.

His love of trains, railroads, and model railroads continued throughout his life. He was a member of several historic and model railroading clubs, organizations, and museums. One of his favorites was the Wabash Frisco & Pacific Railroad Club in Glencoe, Mo. He spent many weekends with his grandchildren riding the 12” gauge line along the Meramec River.

A prodigious life-long reader, all the staff at St. Louis County Library Headquarters knew his name. He was a huge consumer of fictional murder mysteries, detective stories, and spy novels, He also read every non-fiction book about WW2 in Europe, as well as every book by and about his favorite author, Saul Bellow.

Jerome was at his heart a family man. He provided a stable and successful life for his wife and children. He was especially proud of his four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was especially close to his grandson Tanner, who was the only person he would listen to later in life. Additionally, he had a core group of friends going back to high school and college; all preceding him in death. He was close with his large extended family as well.

He quietly helped many people financially over the years.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carrie (Lee) Peters, son Mitchell Peters (Nisa), daughter Penny Peters (Todd Kelly), and his brother Larry Peters (Dawn). Grandchildren Tanner Peters (Julie), Connor Peters (Mary), Emily and Jack Kelly, and his brother Stanley’s wife, Betty Peters. Three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Stanley Peters, brother Milton Peters (Sylvia), and sister Joyce Peters. Services:  Burial will be private. A celebration of life is planned in 2023.

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

ROSALIND ROSEN, November 30, 2022

Beloved wife of Irwin Rosen; dear mother of Gregory Rosen (Caryn), Sheryl Rosen Levine, and Shea Rosen (Susan Silber); dear grandmother of Noah Rosen, Caleb Rosen, Jonah Rosen, the late Nina Levine, and Luna Rosen; dear daughter of the late Hyman Orlovick and the late Goldie Orlovick; dear sister of Ralph Orlovick (Beverly) and Iris Norris (Blair); dear aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend to many.

A funeral service was held Thursday, December 1 at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Boulevard, followed by interment at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Memorial contributions preferred to a charity of your choice.

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

ELEANOR “ELLIE” SACHS, December 6, 2022

Eleanor Ruth Sachs (née Katz) died peacefully in her sleep December 6, 2022.

Wife of the late Phillip Sachs; mother and mother-in-law of Michael Sachs (Louvina Wong), Judith Farrell (Chris) and Douglas Sachs (Sharon); grandmother of Ben Sachs (Brooke Devenney), Sally Sachs, Casey and Jack Farrell, Dylan, Presley, and McKenna Sachs; greatgrandmother of Henry Sun Yat Sachs.

Daughter of the late Harry and the late Rebecca Katz; Sister of Ronnie Katz; Aunt of Barbara Bianco; Dear sister, aunt, great-aunt and friend to many.

Ellie was an avid tennis player, enjoyed her work at the Clayton Athletic Club and St. Louis ScholarShop. She was a longtime supporter of the Missouri Botanical Society and the St. Louis Zoo.

Per Ellie’s wishes, no services will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions preferred to the Jewish Federation of St. Louis or the Missouri Botanical Society. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service

KAREN SANDER, November 30, 2022

Karen was born on March 5, 1964 in St. Louis to Charleene (nee Gitel) and Joseph Sander and has been a Las Vegas resident for over 30 years. She is predeceased by her mother and is survived by her father, Joseph Sander (Barbara); daughter, Paige Donovan; and brother, Steven Sander. A memorial service was held Friday, December 2, 2022 at King David Memorial Chapel in Las Vegas, NV. The family requests that memorial donations be made to National Kidney Foundation.

OBITUARIES

HAROLD A. (HAL) TZINBERG, August 21, 1949 – November 16, 2022

Harold (Hal) Tzinberg, 73, of Clayton passed away on November 16, 2022. Born in Saint Louis, Hal was a fiercely devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother with a vibrant spirit and tireless love of helping others.

Hal’s dynamic and caring nature served as the foundation of a full life helping others. He was the rock of his family, doting on his daughters and grandchildren while creating a lifetime of memories through Sunday night family dinners and travel, especially to the family’s favorite destination, Sanibel Island. Hal was a highly respected real estate attorney for 48 years. A partner at Stinson LLP, Hal was consistently recognized among The Best Lawyers in America and served as a mentor for many younger colleagues throughout his career.

His colleagues, friends and family considered Hal a force of nature who was always there for the people he loved. He will be deeply missed and remembered with joy and great love.

Hal is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie; daughters Allie (Dan) Rossini and Emily (John) Caine; and grandchildren Dylan, Ryan, Cole, Zoey and Charlie and stepbrother Spencer Garland (Betsy). Beloved son of the late Erwin

OBITUARIES INDEX

Appelbaum, Alvin S. Brown, Ronald A. (Ronnie)

Dolgin, Gilbert Finkelstein, Abraham Jacob “Jack”

Glaser, Lee Goldfarb, Marvin Al Hanlin, Steven Alexander Skiöld Harber, Phyllis Hershenhorn, Dorothy

Hoffman, Mildred “Mickey”

Kessler, Ruth Friedman Adler

Peters, Jerome Samuel Rosen, Rosalind Sachs, Eleanor “Ellie”

Sander, Karen

Tzinberg, Harold A. (Hal) Weiss, Martin Louis

Tzinberg and late Sara Garland; dear brother and brother-in-law of the late Wendy (Peter) Nathan; cherished son-in-law of the late Adele Marshall and late Phillip Marshall and stepson of the late Abe Garland.

A funeral service was held Sunday, November 20th at Congregation Temple Israel, #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive (Ladue at Spoede). Private family interment. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

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

MARTIN LOUIS WEISS, November 22, 2022

Beloved father of Steven Weiss (Spring Weiss) and the late Lauri Jo Weiss; dear grandfather of Bella Alcala; dear son of the late Frida Weiss; dear brother of the late Morris Roth, the late Goldie Hogan (late John), Sherrie Zadok, and Matti Rosen; dear uncle of the late Ester Price, the late Rita Hogan, Martin Hogan, and Linda Fleshman; dear cousin of Zvi Weiss; special friend of Barbara Cupples.

A graveside service was held Wednesday, November 30th at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Memorial contributions preferred to Jewish Family Services or the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry.

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

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Joan Silber, Committee Chair

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Abe Foxman: Former ADL head warns that if Smotrich and Ben-Gvir get their way, Israel could alienate American Jews

had recently with Bari Weiss, the opinion journalist, in which the incoming prime minister said he would not allow the excesses counseled by extremist party leaders including Bezalel Smotrich, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Avi Maoz.

But Netanyahu has struck a deal with Ben-Gvir to give him authority over the country’s police and has made Maoz, the leader of the homophobic party Noam, a new role overseeing “National-Jewish identity,” while he is reportedly nearing an agreement to make Smotrich finance minister. The men have said they want to expel disloyal Arabs from Israel, ban LGBTQ pride parades and roll back rights for non-Orthodox Jews.

Already, Netanyahu has reportedly agreed to back legislation that would stop recognizing non-Orthodox conversions. The men also agree on a vision to limit the power of Israel’s judiciary.

Netanyahu told Weiss that people alarmed by such demands should not be so worried.

“This Israel is not going to be governed by Talmudic law,” Netanyahu said. “We’re not going to ban LGBT forums. As you know, my view on that is sharply different, to put it mildly. We’re going to remain a country of laws.”

Foxman’s concerns, he told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in a separate interview, are with proposals by the extremists to politicize the judiciary, to loosen open-fire regulations, to end recognition

of non-Orthodox conversions to Judaism and to ban open LGBTQ events.

“It’s not one thing. It’s a whole package of things, which is bringing us back to the Middle Ages,” Foxman told JTA. “So it’s undermining democracy in terms of the legal system. It’s cutting back on human or equal rights for all whether it’s LGBT or whether it’s a it’s the Conservative movement, or the Reform movement that have strides in Israel.”

Foxman, 82, is still called on to pronounce on Jewish matters. A Holocaust

survivor, he is on the board of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. His remarks are notable in part because he was of a generation, together with Malcolm Hoenlein, the executive vice president of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, and David Harris, who just retired as American Jewish Committee CEO, who said their top priority was keeping private differences between Israel and the U.S. Jewish community, and between Israel and the

United States. Open criticism was the taboo.

That won’t hold if Netanyahu gives in to the demands of Otzma Yehudit, Foxman told The Jerusalem Post

“If Bibi changes the nature of democracy in Israel, he will change the nature of Israel’s support in the U.S., certainly the American Jewish community, probably the general community and the U.S. government if it continues to be center-left,” he said.

Abe Foxman at an Anti-Defamation League event at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., May 8, 2014.

PHOTO: MICHAEL KOVAC/WIREIMAGE/GETTY IMAGES

Hanukkah in St. Louis

Here are 11 community events celebrating the Festival of Lights

There’s no shortage of in-person, free, family-friendly events this Hanukkah season to commemorate the Festival of Lights, which begins on the evening of Sunday, Dec. 18 and concludes the evening of Monday, Dec. 26. Here is a roundup of 10 communitywide happenings — please note that while most of these events are free, several ask for a RSVP in advance.

Wednesday, Dec. 14

Hanukkah at Schnucks Ladue Crossing: Hanukkah storytelling, STEAM activities for children and a singing presentation will be featured at the 27th Hanukkah Celebration from 6-7 p.m. at Schnucks Ladue Crossing shopping center, I-170 at Ladue Road. The free event will take place at the Barnes & Noble Booksellers and will be emceed by Rabbi Shmuel Miller, head of school at H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy. It features Hanukkah storytelling with educator Jackie Oppenheimer, Hanukkah songs and STEAM activities for children. All children will receive a free gift of traditional Hanukkah chocolate gelt.

Thursday, Dec. 15

Women’s Circle Hanukkah celebration: Join the Women’s Circle, a project of Chabad of Chesterfield, for “A Secret Maccabee Chanukah Celebration” starting at 6 p.m. at Chesterfield Mall. The evening kicks off with a Hanukkah shopping bazaar, along with cocktails and snacks, followed by a do-it-yourself Hanukkah tray workshop and a raffle and giveaways. A “Secret Maccabee” game will be played — bring a wrapped gift that is of $10 value or less and represents your initials. RSVP required by Dec. 12 at https://bit.ly/chanukahcircle

Sunday, Dec. 18

The Home Depot Chanukah Experience: After a COVID hiatus, this family-friendly Hanukkah event will be back in-person from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at The Home Depot at 1603 S. Hanley Road in Brentwood. Children (accompanied by an adult) will craft their own menorah from wood and other sup-

plies, while guests enjoy latkes, Hanukkah swag and holiday music. Sponsored by The Home Depot and Chabad of Greater St. Louis, the event is free to attend. RSVP at ShowMeChabad.com/HomeDepot.

Hanukkah at Missouri Botanical Garden: Kick off the first night of Hanukkah at Chanukah@Garden Glow. Special events in the Missouri Botanical Garden Visitor’s Center from noon to 4 p.m. include musical performances by Ha Shemesh, Shir Ami, Shakshuka and Alex Rich, as well as food and vendors. Then tour the Garden Glow starting at 4:30 p.m. This event, sponsored by the Jewish Community Center, offers special group rate tickets of $18 for adults, $10 for children. For tickets, go to www. showpass.com/missouri-botanical-gardens-garden-glow/

Hanukkah party at B’nai Amoona: From 3-5 p.m., Congregation B’nai Amoona will host a Hanukkah party for families, with “moving, grooving, games and other Hanukkah activities.”

First Night, First Light at CRC: From 4 -6 p.m., Central Reform Congregation will hold an afternoon of Hanukah celebration at First Night, First Light. All are welcome at this event, which will include crafts, dreidel, a latke snack, and a Hanukah program with the CRC

MORE HANUKKAH FEATURES INSIDE

• Ellen Futterman’s annual News & Schmooze Hanukkah Gift Guide: Page 2B

• Food columnist Margi Lenga Kahn’s tips on cookbooks as Hanukkah gifts: Page 3B

• Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Fritters are perfect for Hanukkah: Page 4B

• Browse gift ideas from local businesses in our special Gift Guide advertising section: Pages 6B-10B

rabbis. Bring your Hanukkah menorah from home to light with others as guests welcome the holiday as a community. For more information or to register, visit www.centralreform.org/ events/first-night-first-light

First Night Celebration at Kol Rinah: Join Kol Rinah from 4:30 to 8 p.m. for games, art, music, food and fun. There is a young families event from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., with Hanukkah songs, stories and sufganiyot with Ms. Karen. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. families and adults can enjoy an event featuring a Minute to Win It Tabletop Games and Spirit of Hanukkah Art Drawing. At 6 p.m. there will be a minyan, and from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Hanukkiah lighting fol-

Doing good and having fun doing it

BY AMY FENSTER BROWN

Editor’s note: Amy Fenster Brown was part of the Light’s 2015 Class of Unsung Heroes because of her outstanding volunteer contributions. Here, she writes about what she knows, though she isn’t one to tout her many achievements.

It’s our favorite time of year here at the Jewish Light with our Unsung Heroes Awards ceremony. This is a fabulous annual presentation to recognize outstanding local volunteers who live the value of tikkun olam or repairing the world.

You can read about this year’s Unsung Heroes in this very newspaper, and their work is impressive. They deserve to be sung. These folks stepped up and took on tasks and projects in our community just to be helpful. Mensches.

Cool things can happen when you give of your time.

Cute story about this one time I volunteered… I met my husband. Both of us were taking part in Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ Young Professional Division. We were young, energetic, and had some time to spare. YPD put on all kinds of great programs — some educational, some social and some volunteering to help around town. One of those programs involved an extra helping of bashert.

Turns out volunteering lets you learn stuff, hang out with people, and be a do-gooder all at the same time.

If you’ve ever volunteered, you know this is true. Going to lunch with your friends is fun. Spending time with them while accomplishing a task and helping others is just as fun, and very rewarding. When you consider how social volunteering can be, it might be more appealing to you.

If you’ve ever volunteered, you have probably met some terrific people along the way. Making new friends, business connections, and getting to know like-minded individuals are definitely bonuses to being a great helper. Teamwork makes the dream work after all.

Too busy you say? I hear you. We all seem to be meeting ourselves coming and going these days. You can’t do everything. But I bet you can do something. If you look closely at your calendar, you’ll likely find an hour here or there to volunteer… even making thank-you phone calls from home or ushering at High Holy Day services (you’re going anyway, make yourself useful).

Recently the Jewish Community Center hosted the Jewish Book Festival. It takes dozens of dedicated volunteers to put on this fabulous event. Volunteers were needed to pick up authors at the airport and bring them to the J.

Next thing you know, I’m driving around Food Network star Molly Yeh, host of “Girl Meets Farm,” and also the most adorable, sweetest person in the history of the world. Our

quickly turned to food,

conversation

AMY

As a St. Louis Jewish Book Festival volunteer, Amy Fenster Brown (right) drove author and Food Network star Molly Yeh to The J for her festival appearance.

Children work on a holiday craft at the Hanukkah at Schnucks Ladue Crossing event in 2018. This year’s event is Wednesday, Dec. 14.

Children light the candles of a menorah at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Hanukkah celebration in 2019. PHOTO: CLAIRE COHEN/ MOBOT

nce again, it’s time for my shopping superpower to shine as I bring you this year’s installment of Ellen’s Annual Hanukkah Gift Guide. I’ve lost track of how many of these I’ve done over the years, but as usual, I’ve tried to keep the focus on local businesses — some with Jewish ties — and included St.

Louis-centric experiences to consider as a way of sharing quality time with family and friends. After all, what better gift is there than making happy memories?

So let’s get started with this year’s offerings (one for each night of Hanukkah) and here’s to a healthy and happy holiday season and 2023.

There was a time when Judaica shops were plentiful in St. Louis. OK, maybe plentiful is a stretch, but there was the Source in Creve Coeur, which was my go-to for all my Judaica needs until it closed in 2013. Well, the good news is that two local synagogues have appealing Judaica shops, including the newly opened Gallant Family Judaica Shop at Congregation B’nai Amoona, which is beautifully curated.

Baker Brad Lamb has appeared on Food Network’s “Halloween Wars” and “Holiday Wars.” That means he knows something about baking. Lamb and the team at the Wedding Wonderland Cake Studio are offering Hanukkah-themed French macarons. Macarons (pronounced mack-a-RONS) are a confection made up of two round, flat, almond-flour-based cookies sandwiching an emulsified filling like ganache or jam. Available Dec. 13 through the end of Hanukkah, flavors are vanilla, gooey butter cake and sufganiyot/jelly doughnut. You can call (314-837-5015) to order the flavors you like ($2 each) or pick up a pre-packaged 8-pack at the bakery, for $16, located at 449 Dunn Road in Florissant. They make a great host/hostess gift.

Shop manager (and B’nai Amoona’s Director of Development)

explained that the emphasis is on “showcasing a variety of Judaica and Israeli

at a variety of price points.” Judaica works from several local Jewish artists like Cindy Larimore and Ilanit Michelson are featured among an eye-catching assortment of hand-crafted menorahs, kiddush cups, challah boards, jewelry, mahjongg memorabilia and so much more. If you’re in the market for a child’s menorah, the shop carries several of Israeli artist Emanuel’s whimsical ones, ranging in price from $84 to $120.

At United Hebrew, Hanukkah merchandise is so plentiful that it takes four long tables to display all of it, in addition to the synagogue’s small but well-stocked gift shop, Unique Treasures. It offers loads of Hanukkah-themed gifts for youngsters such as laser dreidels, travel games, coloring and sticker books, stuffed animals and more. Manager Iris DeWoskin says the shop’s Hanukkah slippers ($8-$9) are such a popular item she can barely keep them in stock. And the menorah drip trays, at $11, sell out every year.

For days and hours, go to bnaiamoona.com/ judaicashop and unitedhebrew.org/about/giftshop/

If macarons aren’t your thing, or you’re in the market for a sweet treat that can double as a crafts project, consider Haley Beth Organ’s paint-your-own Hanukkah cookies. A 4-inch custom cookie comes stenciled with a dreidel, menorah or sufganiyot. A mini paintbrush allows you to “paint” the cookies with a food-coloring palette, just like you would watercolor art. Organ’s yummy vanilla sugar cookies are both gluten and dairy free and can be made to be vegan. The Hanukkah cookie paint set costs $8 and can be ordered at mochimonstercookies@gmail.com. Pick up on Dec. 17-18 in Brentwood or south St. Louis.

As Gaga to a preschooler and first grader, I’m always on the hunt for unique toys that challenge their skill levels but don’t leave them frustrated. To that end, I need direction and help. That’s why I’ve come to rely on Happy Up Inc., with locations in Clayton and Edwardsville.

The downtown Clayton store is on the small side and can be overwhelming — every nook, cranny and shelf is packed with merchandise. I remember feeling anxious the first time I entered because there was so much to navigate. But thankfully owner Shawnta Ray and her incredibly knowledgeable staff take the time to walk customers around, listen to what you think you might want and offer up helpful suggestions. With toys, puzzles, books, costumes, games, instruments and more from over 300 companies, Happy Up has something — make that many, many things — for children of all ages that you aren’t likely to see in most big-box store toy departments. Oh, and Happy Up gift wraps, too.

For locations, hours and more information, go to happyupinc.com.

Gail Armstrong

artists

1 Judaica jubilee

Overwhelmed by glut of cookbooks? Here are suggestions for Hanukkah gifting—or keeping

BY MARGI LENGA KAHN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

Walk into any bookstore and you will be astonished by how much space is dedicated to cookbooks. Likewise, check out a library near you. The stacks are overflowing with cookbooks. It is wonderful and can be overwhelming.

So, what makes a good cookbook and how do you decide which cookbooks are right for you and which cookbooks will make the best gifts?

Bear in mind that a good cookbook can be enjoyable on many levels. If you are in search of new and exciting recipes in a specific genre, such as vegetarian, kosher, gluten free or ethnic cooking, that will certainly help narrow your options. Check out recommendations and reviews from The New York Times and any number of food magazines in print and online, such as Bon Appetit and Food & Wine. Some bookstores, especially the independent ones, have staff who are knowledgeable and happy to impart their knowledge of authors and books and make recommendations.

Consider visiting a library that has a great cookbook collection. Two of St. Louis’ finest library cookbook collections are at the University City Library on Delmar Boulevard in the Loop and the central location of the St. Louis Public Library on Olive Street downtown. Both have a section dedicated to new cookbooks. Give yourself time to browse the hundreds of titles. Plenty of cookbooks will connect with you and your tastes.

And the best part of a library, of course, is that you can check out cookbooks that appeal to you and test some of the recipes at home. (I’ve been known to home back from the library with a bagful of 10 books at a time.)

Ask yourself these questions about the recipes you test: Are the ingredients easily accessible, and are the measurements reasonable? Did whatever recipe you tested turn out well? If the dish in the cookbook was photographed, did your dish look anything like the picture? Are the recipes sufficiently different and inspiring that you would like to continue cooking through the book and/or give it as a gift?

There are some cookbooks whose recipes are part of a memoir. These cookbooks often make great gifts. A good example is the late Gourmet Magazine food columnist Laurie Colwin’s Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen,” a wonderful collection of her delightful columns based on her memories and time spent in the kitchen. Even if you are not a cook, you will love the book. Other examples of this genre of books I have enjoyed over the years are “Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table” by Ruth Reichl, and just about anything by the late prolific food writer M.F.K. Fisher. Two wonderful examples: “The Gastronomical Me” and “How To Cook A Wolf.”

And if you are in search of a cookbook of recipes with beautiful pictures, either for yourself or as a gift, there are plenty from which to choose. Food photography is having a heyday and, while the books can be inspiring for their recipes, the stunning photography automatically make them a good bet for you or as a gift.

One of my favorites in this category is “A Kitchen in France: A Year of Cooking in My Farmhouse, ” by Mimi Thorisson. I have enjoyed many of Thorisson’s recipes, and the stunning photography by her husband, professional photographer Oddur Thorisson, briefly transports me to the French countryside. I can relate to their houseful of kids and pets, and I just adore their country kitchen.

I have cooked through so many wonderful cookbooks this year that it’s difficult to choose which to feature in this column. Some of my favorites have been: • “A Good Bake: The Art and Science of

•

• “Baking With Dorie: Sweet, Salty & Simple” by Dorie Greenspan

• “The Wok: Recipes and Techniques” by J. Kenji López-Alt

• “What’s for Dessert: Simple Recipes for Dessert People: A Baking Book” by Claire Saffitz.

But for this Hanukkah season, I recommend the following four new cookbooks, all for their creative approaches and all written by Jewish authors: vvv

“Berber & Q: On Vegetables”

By Josh Katz (Kyle Books)

This cookbook is inspired by and reflects Josh Katz’s travels through the Middle East, the Mediterranean basin and North Africa. Before opening three restaurants in London, Katz trained at Ottolenghi, the eponymous restaurant that began Yotam Ottolenghi’s rise in the culi nary world.

Stunning photographs accompany most of the recipes in this cook book, which, I guaran tee, will make you want to cook just about everything in

the book. Trust me: You won’t regret it! “Sweetcorn Fritters With Slow Roasted Tomatoes & Persian Lime Yoghurt,” as well as “Beetroot & Carrot Rosti,” are fabulous and would be perfect for Hanukkah. “Risotto of Freekah with Confit Garlic & Sourdough Breadcrumbs” tastes sinfully rich and is a great excuse to try freekeh, an ancient wheat grain that is harvested while it is still green and then smoked. And “Grilled Broccoli with Pickled Red Onion, Rose Harissa & Pistachio” is a revelation. vvv

“Feeding Women of the Talmud, Feeding Ourselves”

By Kenden Alfond (Turner Publishing Co.)

This the second volume in a series called the Jewish Food Hero Collection, a community endeavor of 129 women, including rabbis, scholars, educators and food historians. All volunteered their time and expertise, and all proceeds from the sale of the books are donated to Jewish charities.

This volume consists of 61 stories of women in the Talmud, each paired with a

PASSIONATE PALATE

Margi Lenga Kahn is the mother of five and grandmother of nine. While teaching virtual cooking classes and preparing meals for the local “Meals on Wheels” program, she continues to work on a project to preserve the stories and recipes of heritage cooks. She welcomes your comments and suggestions at margikahn@gmail.com.

vegan recipe inspired by the story. With each story, the author talks about the context of the story, offers an aggadah (a modern commentary) and provides prompts or questions to consider or discuss.

It would make for a memorable book club discussion along with an evening of delicious food. The book is not religious. Rather it provides all women, regardless of their religion, with some interesting themes and perspectives on women’s lives when the Talmud was written between the third and sixth centuries CE. Oh, how our live and roles have evolved!

The recipes from the book are easy to follow, unusual and delicious. A few that I will make again and again: “Creamy Coconut, Red Lentil, and Apple Soup,” “Wild Red Rice Toasted Vegetable Platter with Pomegranate Molasses and Fresh Herbs” and “Golden Turmeric Lemon Cake.”

vvv

“Prep + Rally: An Hour of Prep, A Week of Delicious Meals”

By Dini Klein (Harvest Publications)

This is the first book for St. Louisan Dini Klein, daughter of Debby and Ethan Schuman.

The mother of three, Klein began as a private chef and then created the Prep + Rally meal prep service. Her book is the perfect gift for anyone pressed for time or in need of creative quick cooking ideas or who feels trapped in a cooking rut. The gist

Making Perfect Pastries, Cakes, Cookies, Pies and Breads at Home,” by Melissa Weller with Carolynn Carreno

“Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Extra Good Things” by Noor Murad and Yotam Ottolenghi

Try these Lemon Ricotta Fritters for Hanukkah

BY LEANNE SHOR THE NOSHER VIA JTA

This story was originally published on the Nosher.

I know that sufganiyot — jelly donuts — are traditional and beloved for Hanukkah. But I feel confident that once you try these easy and incredibly delicious ricotta fritters, you will be converted to these sweet fried treats.

And if I’m making a confession, I have actually never loved traditional sufganiyot. Sometimes our family made our own, or bought from local bakeries, but were usually left feeling kind of “meh.” They were always a bit too bread-y and heavy.

Around 10 years ago my sister enlightened us all with these perfectly crisp, round fritters. They’re

so light and creamy with a hint of fresh lemon zest. The batter comes together in just five minutes, and it is as easy as making pancakes! We love to warm up some of my mom’s homemade jellies and jams for dipping.

Since these babies are at their absolute best right when they’re fresh, I like to fry them up while I make tea after the holiday meal. The wow-factor of fresh fritters is incomparable! Our guests always really love the deconstructed sufganiyot because it’s unexpected and gets people talking. I love to serve a variety of warm jellies like pomegranate, peach, and blackberry.

Note: I doubt you will have any fritters left over, but if you do, make sure to store them in a paper bag for 1-2 days at room temperature.

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups all purpose flour

½ tsp kosher salt

4 tsp baking powder

2 tsp freshly grated lemon zest

4 eggs

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese

2 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract

4-6 cups canola oil, for frying ½ cup powdered sugar

1 cup jam or jelly (I love pomegranate, peach, and blackberry but feel free to use whatever jam you like)

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat the oil in a large pot on medium heat, until it reaches 365 degrees F.

2. In the meantime, in a large bowl combine the eggs, ricotta, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk to thoroughly combine. In a medium

bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder and lemon zest, whisk to thoroughly combine.

3. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir with a spoon until the batter just comes together, and there are no lumps of flour.

4. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can check if the oil is hot enough by placing a wooden spoon in the hot oil. If small bubbles form around the spoon immediately, the oil is hot enough. When the oil has come to temperature, use a #40 cookie scoop (2 tablespoons) to carefully scoop the batter into the hot oil, without crowding the pan.

6 Beary merry holidays

5. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until deep golden brown. Check the first fritter for doneness on the inside.

6. Use a slotted spoon or metal spider to remove the fritters and any excess oil, then transfer to paper towels to drain.

7. Dust with powdered sugar.

8. In a small pan, heat the jam or jelly until it becomes liquid, then transfer to a serving bowl. Serve immediately for best results.

On the subject of happy places, one of mine is the Hill. Not only does this south city neighborhood boast dozens of inviting bars, restaurants and Italian groceries, it also has some great specialty shops. Among them is a soap and gift store named Herbaria, which is co-owned by a nice Jewish guy named Ken Gilberg, who goes by the moniker Gino (hey, it’s the Hill, amici). Now in its 20th year, Herbaria offers fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly soaps ($6.49 a bar) and personal care products in more than 50 varieties such as almond green tea, chai spice, mojito, lime coconut aloe and my favorite, rosemary mint. Visitors can also tour the store, where soap, shampoo, lip balms, moisturizers and more are made on the premises. And while you’re there, say hi to Soapy, a Louisiana Catahoula (dog), who welcomes customers by snoozing in a chair near the front door.

With more than 400 stores and outlets worldwide, Build-A-Bear Workshop isn’t exactly local, but its roots certainly are. Founded by Jewish St. Louisan Maxine Clark 25 years ago, the company is headquartered here and opened its first shop at the St. Louis Galleria in 1997. Today, Build-A-Bear offers bears and cubs outfitted in Hanukkah garb that children can either “build” at the store, or parents can order online. One big seller is the Hanukkah Wishes Bear, which comes with a dark blue teddy bear, a plush menorah “wristie” that attaches to the bear’s paws, a box filled with kosher birthday cake cookies and another with robin’s egg caramels and a lemon sugar cookie scented candle. Available online only, it’s on sale for $48.10 (originally $75) at buildabear.com.

8 Music to your ears

A couple of years ago, I bought this gift for a newly divorced friend who wanted to get out more and try new places. Unfortunately, the pandemic put a kibosh on those plans.

And while I’m aware COVID is not over, I feel more confident about the 2023 EXP Book, a passport-style booklet that offers discounts and special offers to more than 80 “St. Louis experiences” at area shops, eateries, bars, breweries and entertainment venues. Recently acquired by a company called Date Ideas & Things to Do, owner Morgan Casey says the 2023 booklet is perfect for “people wanting to explore the city and try new places. It’s a great way to encourage people to get out and it gives them an incentive to do so.”

The booklet, on sale now for $30 (regularly $35), offers $45 off a “date night” at the Wheel Park at Union Station, with two rides on the Ferris wheel, two mini-golf rounds, two drink and two 6x8 pictures. Discounts on other experiences include Blues tickets, axe-throwing and rock climbing as well 2-for-1 glasses of wine at Herbie’s and $5 off any $25 purchase at Steve’s Hot Dogs. Booklet advanced orders are going on now, with all discounts and offers good until Dec. 31, 2023. To order or more information, go to experiencebooklet.com

If you’ve never been to the Brothers Lazaroff Hanukkah Hullabaloo, you truly are missing out. Its recent 12th annual installment at The Grandel in the Grand Arts Center featured band leaders Jeff and David Lazaroff, Rabbi Jim Goodman, vocalist extraordinaire Anita Jackson, the resplendent Eight Nights Orchestra and DJ Boogieman.

At one point, 18 musicians joined to perform a rousing, high-energy rendition of “Hava Nagila,” followed by Bob Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released,” including Jeff’s teenage daughter Daisy, singing and playing violin, and David’s 7-year-old daughter Laila, also on violin. Lazaroff spouses Julie and Gayle were also onstage frying up latkes. All proceeds went to Jewish Community Center in Krakow to support their efforts to assist refugees in Poland from the war in Ukraine.

Obviously, this isn’t a gift you can buy now, but set an alert for next November to visit brotherslazaroff.com for ticket information. And in the meantime, consider a show at the Blue Strawberry in midtown, where you enjoy drinks and dinner along with live music in an intimate setting, and be home by 10 p.m.

5 Soap star

PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

Schmooze: Hanukkah Gift Guide

Events: Hanukkah celebrations in St. Louis area

lowed by a light dinner along with “Music by Members.” A donation of $18 is suggested. RSVP at https://bit.ly/ KR-Hanukkah2022.

Hanukkah in St. Charles: Join Chabad of St. Charles for the Fourth Annual “Chanukah on Main Street” at Berthold Square Park. 221 S. Main St., St. Charles at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18 for a menorah lighting, gelt drop, hot latkes and Jewish holiday music. RSVP for this free event at https://bit.ly/2022-Main-Street

Bounce into Hanukkah at B’nai Amoona: Kick-off Hanukkah with a special family-friendly afternoon of moving, grooving, games, and other Hanukkah activities from 3-5 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 19

Celebrate Hanukkah in downtown St. Louis: Chabad of Greater St. Louis is hosting a number of Hanukkah events this year in locations around the St. Louis area. One of these, “Chanukah at The Arch,” takes place the second night of Hanukkah in Kiener Plaza Park downtown. Following a 6 p.m. menorah lighting ceremony, there will be Jewish holiday music and winter fun for families, including free ice skating and latkes. For more information about this or other Chabad events, visit www.showmechabad.com/chanukah.

Mascots and Menorahs at United Hebrew: Join United Hebrew Congregation at 6 p.m. in its parking lot for Hanukkah candle lighting with the UH clergy and Fredbird and Louie, mascots for the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues.

Tuesday, Dec. 20

Menorah Car Parade: Chabad of Chesterfield’s 10th annual Menorah Car Parade will feature 100+ menorah-topped car parade that culminates in a special anniversary celebration. The event will feature a public menorah lighting event with a 75-foot Hanukkah gelt drop (with eight lucky golden gelt winners), a laser light show, live Jewish music, glow up balloons, entertainment and Hanukkah treats. Everyone is invited to participate by driving in the car menorah parade. Each car will receive a swag bag with car decorations, a Jewish music radio program, treats and activities. Parade attendees are asked to meet at Chesterfield Central Park at 6 p.m. The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the special 10-year anniversary celebration at 7. RSVPs required at http:// bit.ly/menorahparade22.

Wednesday, Dec. 21

Rabbi and reverend discuss similarities between Hanukkah and Christmas: The Mirowitz Center will feature a free, in-person discussion from 10-11 a.m. on “Oy to the World: Similarities Between Hanukkah & Christmas” led by Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham of B’nai Amoona and Rev. Jim Poinsett of Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis. To register, visit http://bit.ly/Mirowitzregistration, call 314-733-9813 or email skemppainen@mirowitzcenter.org.

Thursday, Dec. 22

Young Couples Hanukkah get together: Young Couples are invited to celebrate the Festival of Lights at Congregation B’nai Amoona beginning at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy appetizers and drinks -- be sure to bring a “white elephant gift” for the gift exchange.

Saturday, Dec. 24

Chinese dinner and movie: To close out Hanukkah, join B’nai Amoona for a Chinese dinner followed by a movie beginning at 7 p.m. Locations TBA.

Hanukkah party at Traditional Congregation: Enjoy latkes, sufganiyot,

musical entertainment and more! Bring your family, friends, kids and grandkids and BAGTAG! - Bring a Gift, Take a Gift: Bring a wrapped gift to exchange with another family. The fun begins at 7 p.m. Suggested donation: $12/person ages 18 & over. Register at: https://wix.123formbuilder.com/form-6313452/form or call 314-576-5230.

Amy Fenster Brown: The joys of doing good

which is logical since she’s an expert at it and I am a fan of eating it. In discussing a recipe, she said, “Can you text that to me?”

Molly Yeh, who goes on television to advise people on how to cook, asked me, who sits in front of a television to figure out what to cook, for a recipe. I said to her, “Well, since you’re a Food Network star with a show and a restaurant and a few cookbooks, and I am a 52-year-old mom driving a minivan, that makes sense.” As you can see from the photo, Molly and I pretty much now are BFFs. No offense to my other BFFs.

There are so many great volunteer opportunities available. The Harvey Kornblum Food Pantry would love to see your pretty face while sorting stock. National Council of Jewish Women needs hundreds of people to put on events such as Back to School! Store, and they would be thrilled to put to you to work. Your house of worship could always use your friendly personality to help with many different tasks. No matter your interest or abilities, you are needed, and wanted, to give of your time and talents.

You’ve probably attended some sort of programming event at some point in your life, and you’ve probably left with a goody bag. You know who put that thoughtful little gift together? A volunteer. Next time, maybe that mensch could be you.

Columnist Amy Fenster Brown is married to Jeff and has two teenage sons, Davis and Leo. She volunteers for several Jewish not-for-profit groups. Fenster Brown is an Emmy Award-winning TV news writer and counts time with family and friends, talking and eating peanut butter among her hobbies. Contact her at amy@stljewishlight.org.

Compassionate Care

ABOVE: A scene from last year’s Mascots and Menorahs event at United Hebrew.

AT LEFT: Rabbi Chaim Landa lights the menorah at Hanukkah on Main Street in St. Charles in 2020.

PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

GIFTGuide 2022

CRAFT ALLIANCE Craftalliance.org

The Craft Alliance Gallery Shop is a must see! Experience artisan-made and handcrafted gifts in home decor, jewelry, textiles, and more from 150+ local, regional, and international artists. Each purchase supports contemporary craft artists, empowers creative entrepreneurs and highlights the value and quality of authentic handcrafted goods. Craft memories this season with gifts from the Craft Alliance Gallery Shop.

5080 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108 314.725.1177

STARRS Starrs1.com

Starr’s feature wines from around the world at very competitive prices along with a giant beer selection to fit every need. We also roast our own coffee, have a huge selection of artisanal cheese, fresh fish and meat. Stop in and enjoy personal service and let us help you make the holidays easier.

1135 S. Big Bend Blvd, Richmond Heights Mo. 63117 314. 781.2345

HAPPY UP INC. happyupinc.com

Happy Up Inc. is your toys and games. great grandparents, location is bigger, even more toys! 8103 Maryland Ave, 314.725.2455 6654 Edwardsville Edwardsville, IL 62025 618.656.9596

THE MUNY muny.org

Give an experience this holiday season. Giftcards and tickets now available for our captivating seven show lineup for its 105th Season.

1 Theatre Dr, St. Louis, MO 63112 314.361.1900 2023

SHOCK CITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC shockcityschool.com

Shock City School of Music provides a superior level of music instruction that is personalized, engaging, and fun. We empower students of all ages and abilities to create, explore, develop, play, and record by providing a safe, inspiring, and welcoming environment. All of our instructors are formally trained, degreed in music, and regularly perform locally and even internationally. Enroll today and enhance your love of music for a lifetime.

2743 Sutton Boulevard Maplewood, MO 63143 11548 Adie Road Maryland Heights, MO 63043 2200 Gravois Avenue St. Louis, MO 63104 314-750-9395 INC. happyupinc.com your source for unique and innovative We have gift ideas for your babies, grandparents, and everyone in between. Our new bigger, better, and filled to the rafters with Ave, St. Louis, MO 63105 Edwardsville Crossing Dr suite A, 62025

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (June 12 – 18)

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (June 22 – 30)

Chess makes its Muny premiere in July in partnership with the World Chess Hall of Fame and Saint Louis Chess Club (July 5 – 11)

West Side Story returns (July 15 – 21)

Little Shop of Horrors (July 25 – 31)

premiere of Rent finally arrives (August 4 – 10)

Sister Act (August 14 – 20)

YARNCOM Yarncomstl.com

We know that the world goes around because each of us has different interests. Yarncom is a creative hub for the community members to find beautiful, handcrafted accessories and home decor, fiber art supplies, class es, and notions. Most importantly, we look forward to finding community! We hope to see you soon.

Temporary Location: 291 Chesterfield Center, Ches terfield MO 63017 12772 Olive Blvd. Creve Coeur MO 63141 616.628.6784 info@yarncomstl.com

WHIMSY ROSE whimsyrose.com

Whimsy Rose provides the ability for you to pick your favorite prints to be created on your favorite styles with a little help from our carefully curated Whimsy Rose collections making you a part of the design process. The result is that your one-of-a-kind garment is individually produced by hand, making it truly your very own whimsy.

DUNAWAY BOOKS

Dunawaybooks.com

Dunaway Books is one of the premier independent bookstores in St. Louis. An absolutely necessary “on-line” stop for all bibliophiles, located on the South Grand strip.

Housed within a spacious former gallery, we carry an unparalleled selection of fine used, out-of-print, and rare volumes. Upon stepping into our store, you’ll find aisle after aisle of scrupulously collected books treating a broad variety of subjects.

111 S. Grand, St. Louis, MO 63118 314.771.7150

SERENDIPITY

Serendipity-icecream.com

Bon Bons are a customer favorite. Chanukah Bon Bon Packs contain 3 of each: Coffee, Cinnamon, Vanilla, and Chocolate. Don’t forget Ice Cream Pies: Regular or a Bird’s Nest with 2 flavors. Gift cards available both online and at our shop in The Grove. Scoopers and Pint Koozies pair with our holiday ice creams: Sufganiyot, Chanukah Cookie, Cinnamon, Peppermint, and more. Serendipity is a great place to stop at before or after the Garden Glow! 4400 Manchester Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 314.833.3800

PARKER’S TABLE

parkerstable.com

We blend global goods with local flavor to offer you the best of everything! Since 1995, Parker’s Table has been devoted to the customer who shares our belief that high quality wine and food are a daily necessity! We are a small, independent business, operating from a single location with a single principle - provide the best wines and specialty foods at the fairest prices to everyone who comes to our table!

7118 Oakland Ave. St. Louis, Mo 63117 314.645.2050

BOMBAY FOOD JUNKIES

bombayfoodjunkies. com

Our eGiftcard is the perfect gift for food lovers. Use the promo code “HAPPYHANNUKAH” for 10% off our eGiftcards thro Dec 25th.

12955 Olive Blvd. Creve Coeur MO 63141 314.685.7181

BLUST’S JEWELERS blustjewlers.com

Blust’s Jewelers is excited to show you our new jewelry and watch collections. Everyone’s favorite, Michou Jewelry, a unique sterling silver collection which is best described as “Everyday Elegance”. New Bering and Seiko watches, elegant bridal jewelry collections, lab created diamonds, and beautiful colored gemstone and diamond jewelry. Come in and let us help you find the perfect gifts, and see our well deserved facelift, after all, we are 107 years old!

12716 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141 314.878.6003

UNIQUE TREASURES

Located in United Hebrew Congregation unitedhebrew.org/about/gift-shop/ Looking for just the right present to mark a special occasion? Come browse the eclectic, carefully curated collection at Unique Treasures of United Hebrew Congregation. In our delightful shop, you will find gifts and books for all occasions, as well as ritual items for all holidays and life cycle events. Free gift wrapping, we ship anywhere in the continental U.S. 13788 Conway Rd. St. Louis, MO 63141

DIERBERGS FLOWERS & GIFTS

Dierbergs.com/floral

So many gifts, so little time! Let Dierbergs take the guesswork out of gifting. Shop beautiful floral arrangements and thoughtful gifts baskets at Dierbergs.com. Order online and pick them up at your nearest location. Or, get them delivered straight to their door.

GIFTGuide

DRUNKEN FISH drunkenfish.com

Voted Best Sushi and Favorite Japanese restaurant year after year, Drunken Fish is the most highly-regarded sushi & Japanese dining experience in the Midwest. With two locations in Saint Louis, our team remains committed to providing every guest with an extraordinary dining experience.

1 Maryland Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63108 314.367.4222

639 Westport Plaza Dr. Maryland Heights MO 63146 314-275-8300

Cookbooks: Suggestions for Hanukkah gifts

of the book revolves around prepping various foods at the beginning of the week in just one hour — sauces, vegetables and proteins such as chicken, beef and fish — and then using those elements to create easy, delicious meals every day of the week.

Some tasty examples of Klein’s meals are “Saucy Meat Stuffed Shells With Roasted Squash,” “Sunshine Kebabs With Hawaii-Spiced Cauliflower” and “Poke Bowls With Ponzu Sauce.”

Klein has come up with a creative approach for making weeknight meals doable and exciting.

vvv

Modern Table: Kosher Recipes for Everyday Gatherings”

“The

By Kim Kushner (Figure 1 Publishing)

Kim Kushner’s third cookbook turns kosher food on its head. No overcooked vegetables, no dry and dull meats and no heavy cakes. Instead, just fantastic food prepared with quality ingredients that are easy to find, and recipes that are easy to prepare for dinner party perfection.

Take, for example, “Arctic Char With Chili, Hazelnut and Dill Oil.” A side of arctic char, a trout native to Alaska and Canada, is roasted in the oven. While it roasts, you prepare the sauce: roasted chopped hazelnuts, fresh dill, orange zest, olive oil and chili flakes. Once the fish is ready, you pour the sauce over the fish and voila! Quick and easy, and a beautiful and delicious main course.

Kushner is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City and, in addition to writing cookbooks, is a popular culinary educator sharing her expertise through classes around the world. Some of my favorite recipes from her book, in addition to the arctic char are: “Leek, Lentil and Chickpea Tagine,” “Vegetable Ramen With Soy-Garlic Sauce and Peanuts” and “Orange Blossom Chiffon Cake With Rose Petals.”

I hope I have given you a helpful guide to choosing the perfect cookbook for yourself or a good friend. Delicious food is a wonderful way to connect with family and friends, to stay healthy and to make beautiful memories — truly a language of communication.

Happy Hanukkah!

The Mirowitz Center’s Trash or Treasure event with Kodner Gallery on Sunday, October 23 was a big success! We had 23 volunteers (including our committee) of community members and Covenant Place residents.

ABOVE: Nechama Bogopulsky was excited

Olivette Police Department Activity Book.

BELOW: Stella Vladimirov delivering a full Thanksgiving dinner to Olivette First Responders.

From left, Jessica Mirowitz and her son, Bonnie Solomon and Helene Mirowitz

NHBZ Congregant Stella Vladimirov, NHBZ Rabbi Chaim Bogopulsky, and his children Nechama and Yakov with Olivette First Responders.

The St. Louis Chabad centers are offering dozens of Chanukah celebrations across the region, including a menorah lighting near the Arch and on Historic Main Street in St. Charles, just a stone’s throw away from the Missouri River. In Chesterfield, 100 cars, crowned with menorahs, will dot the streets as they parade through Chesterfield Central Park. A public lighting will take place at the Market in the Loop in University City. And on the fifth night of Chanukah there will be a public celebration in front of St. Louis Public Library’s Schlafly Branch.

AFFILIATE CENTERS

Morris & Ann Lazaroff Chabad Center and Regional Office ∙ Chabad on Campus at Washington University Chabad of Chesterfield ∙ Chabad of the Central West End ∙ Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County

ST. LOUIS

Celebrating Jewish Living & Learning Rabbi Yosef Landa, Regional Director