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Fascinating history National Jewish Book Award winner is compelling biography of Hadassah founder Henrietta Szold. PAGE 12
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Clean Speech targets power of hurtful words BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
LEFT: The Browns, Levines, Schechters, Pitlers pose at Cache River.
FAMILY TIES RIGHT: Visiting Amish Country in 1999
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARILYN BROWN
St. Louis ‘mishpacha’ group has been connecting participants for 40 years BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
In December, a St. Louis mishpacha (family) group created by the Jewish Community Center celebrated its 40-year anniversary. The 15-family group includes two original members. Through four decades, they’ve celebrated simchas and mourned losses together. The group has been meeting virtually because of COVID, but they’re planning in-person gatherings this year that will include travel, games and, of course, food. The group’s members offered a glimpse into what makes their bond special. What follows is an oral history of the group from its members.
The origins of the mishpacha group Ken Schwartz (former member of the J Family and Group Services Department): We had the idea of forming mishpacha groups that were similar to the congregation’s chavurot groups. We put an article in the “J. Journal” and said we were looking for people who were out-of-towners. Sharon Weissman: A lot of us had no other family here.
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Hence the name “mishpacha,” so we adopted the practice of meeting for several holidays every year. Usually there was a Hanukkah party, almost always a seder, and a break fast, and one year we did a Tu B’shvat seder. Marilyn Brown: Marilen Pitler and Carla and Jerry Rosen are the only two original members still here. I was the next one to join. Carla Rosen: I know exactly how old the group is. This little young man (pointing to her grandson) — his father, Mike Rosen, was born in August 1981, and the group first met on Hanukkah that year. I happen to remember because he was my baby. So that was a memorable occasion. Marilen Pitler: When we first formed, I said there’s only one way for us to become cohesive and that’s for us to think of each other as cousins. We’re all related. It’s like the old-fashioned family club dinners. We started inviting everyone to the brises, the b’nai mitzvot, weddings — we were there to celebrate those occasions. And when the kids all grew up, one of the members said, “Now what?” and I said, “Well, we’ll switch to adult activities.” See MISHPACHA GROUP on page 7
The Jewish value of Shmirat Halashon has ancient origins, but it’s never been more relatable than in the age of social media. It means “guarding one’s tongue” and essentially is a reminder that words matter. Whether it’s gossip, a snarky comment posted to someone’s Instagram or taking a stranger to task for not wearing a face mask indoors, the things we say have an impact. Thirty-eight local Jewish organizations are working to create kinder and less hurtful communications. The effort is called Clean Speech St. Louis. It will begin March 1 and provide online tools to educate, inform and raise awareness about the power of words, gossip and slander. Participants will get a short online video lesson and action item from a local community leader about mindful speech. The goal is to encourage people to choose their words wisely. Ideally, this will lead to avoiding gossip, minimizing arguments with loved ones and curbing rude comments on social media. Clean Speech is not about dirty or foul language, said Rabbi Yosef David, executive director of Aish St. Louis, one of the partnering organizations. “It’s about harmful and hurtful language,” David said. “We live in a world today where, unfortunately, words are so divisive and so harmful.” The Clean Speech initiative was started in 2019 by Rabbi Raphael Leban, managing director of The Jewish Experience in Colorado, after he witnessed families and communities torn apart by angry words. The Colorado Clean Speech program made a positive impact, according to a survey by the organization gauging its effectiveness. It showed 72% of participants said the campaign changed the way they speak. When the St. Louis campaign concludes, organizers plan to get feedback from participants. Rabbi David offered an example of how Clean Speech St. Louis tools can help in an everyday situation, such as a coworker whose workspace is disorganized and whose politics run afoul of colleagues. See CLEAN SPEECH on page 10
Rabbi Yosef David (left) and Rabbi Raphael Leban
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INDEX ChaiLights ................................................19
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COOKIN’ WITH KATESTER & JORDAN’S JOTS PLUS 8TH-GRADER JOINS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAM See page 14 - 15
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Kevin Spirtas’ return to daytime television.
Returning to “Days of our Lives” as Dr. Craig Wesley on ABC’s daytime soap. See Features on page 11
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SUBMIT YOUR NEWS Send story tips, news releases, calendar items and photos of recent Jewish community events to news@stljewishlight.org. For more information, call 314-743-3665.
NEWS & SCHMOOZE
America’s top rebbetzins podcast; Staenberg’s new art gallery; JNF’s anonymous STL donor America’s top rebbetzins Vera Kessler recently started a new Jewish podcast that covers a variety of different topics, including parenting, marriage and building a Jewish home. Called America’s Top Rebbetzins, it includes two local rebbetzins (a rabbi’s spouse) from St. Louis, D’Vorah Miller and Mimi David. “I feel passionate about connecting Jewish women to each other, to Hashem and to themselves,” said Kessler, a Jewish mother of three from New Rochelle, N.Y. “(The podcast) features inspiring and powerful interviews with wise Jewish women who share golden nuggets of wisdom and practical tips that we can put into place to make our marriages better, sharpen our parenting skills and build beautiful and spiritual Jewish homes. ATR (America’s Top Rebbetzins) is onestop shopping for Jewish learning geared specifically Mimi David (above) to women.” David, who is mar- and D’vorah Miller ried to Rabbi Yosef (below) David, said Kessler called her “out of the blue” to see if she was interested in participating. “I Googled her to see if it was legit, and it turns out it is,” said David, who said Kessler saw video lectures David had made for aish.com during the pandemic. “She asked me to think of a topic that is important to me, and I said women being proud of being women and embracing their femininity,” added David. “Being female means we have certain things that are unique as well as universal about us that are great.”
The Bris
by Certified Mohel
Rabbi Michael Rovinsky
Michael Staenberg’s Gallery at the District in Chesterfield features more than 300 pieces of art, including several by local artists. Since starting in October, Kessler said she has about 50 ATR podcasts available to listen to or watch on her YouTube channel. Below are a couple of links to the local ones: • America’s Top Rebbetzins with D’Vorah Miller, spouse of Rabbi Shmuel Miller, head of school at Epstein Hebrew Academy: https://bit.ly/rebbetzin1 • America’s Top Rebbetzins YouTube with Mimi David: https://bit.ly/rebbetzin2
thropist Michael Staenberg’s personal collection. “I had all this art and didn’t have anywhere to display it, which meant no one was enjoying it,” said Staenberg, president of the Staenberg Group, the developer behind the multi-entertainment complex, the District. “My goal is for people to enjoy it. “People ask if I like every piece of art I buy. No, I don’t like every-
Where art rocks on
NEWS & SCHMOOZE
If you need some cheer and color to brighten up a dreary winter day, look no further than the Gallery at the District in Chesterfield. The 6,000-square-foot space, which used to house a J. Crew outlet store, has been transformed into a wonderland of whimsy with roughly 300 pieces of art, nearly all from businessman and philan-
News and Schmooze is a column by Light Editor-in-Chief Ellen Futterman. Email Ellen at: efutterman@ stljewishlight.org
thing but what I do like are the emotions the art evokes. I like to see how people react to it – how they enjoy it. That to me that is the best part of collecting.” To that end, one of the coolest features of the gallery, besides the sheer volume of pieces, is the variety. Nearly all genres are represented, including painting, sculpture, pottery, glass, woodwork, mixed media, photography and more. And while some works sell for upwards of $30,000, there is plenty that’s affordable to the casual collector. Maneta Siegel, director of the Gallery, said that when the Factory concert venue opened at the District last year, she reached out to Staenberg — the two have known each other for years — to sugSee SCHMOOZE on page 5
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Washington University School of Medicine is seeking individuals with fatty liver disease who are interested in participating in a research study to determine if an investigational medication will treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease You may qualify if: • 18 or older • Not taking insulin • Not pregnant or breast feeding and not planning on being pregnant for the duration of the study and 1 month after • Do not have liver cirrhosis
What is involved if you participate: • Up to 7 years of participation • Medical history and participation • Combination of office and phone visits • Willingness to undergo blood draws, use a mobile phone application, and respond to phone calls from study personnel
If you are interested please contact the Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Unit to see if you qualify. 314-454-0058 or idcru@wustl.edu
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LOCAL NEWS Opening weekend events with Liturgist-in-residence Alan Solovy Friday, February 18 6:30 p.m. Shabbat Service Saturday, February 19 9 a.m. Torah Study 12:30 p.m. What is a Prayer to Us? What do we mean when we use the word ‘prayer’? Together with our Liturgist in Residence, we’ll explore our own ideas of the essential qualities of prayer, looking into our own hearts, as well as texts. This class will be held both in person and on Zoom.
Cantor Ronald Eichaker, Rabbi Brigitte Rosenberg and Alden Solovy at United Hebrew Congregation. Solovy will once again serve as liturgist-in-residence at UH.
Meet UH’s upcoming ‘liturgist-in-residence’ BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Alden Solovy is an author, poet and liturgist. Beginning Feb. 18, he will join United Hebrew Congregation for a sixweek stint as liturgist-in-residence. The Light caught up with Solovy in advance of his visit to St. Louis. (See sidebar for more information on programs with Solovy. ) What is a liturgist-in-residence? I’ll teach, I’ll give d’vrei Torah. The twist is I’ll do it with an emphasis on liturgy and prayer from a poetic perspective. I’ll add my poetry to our learning, and our worship together. My core mission is to inspire people to prayer, to pray in their own voice and to find a connection with prayer. How did you become a liturgist? I’m a widower. My wife passed away 12 years ago. After my wife died, I began a daily practice of writing prayers to save my own life, essentially to reconnect with joy and hope and to deal with grief and pain. I never considered myself poetic. I believe the liturgical poetry I write is a gift from G-d. This is your second United Hebrew liturgist-in-residency. What generated a repeat visit? Since my first residency Rabbi (Brigitte) Rosenberg has invited me back to teach on Zoom upwards of 10
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times. I now have an affinity for the congregants. There’s a deep yearning for connection to the inner voice of prayer. Rabbi Rosenberg and Cantor (Ronald) Eichaker and their team recognized that need and I’m honored to be part of helping them address it. Part of your agenda here will include working on a musical piece with Cantor Eichaker for the congregation. Is the process similar to a lyricist and composer creating a song for the stage? Exactly. And I’m new to writing lyrics. What I’ve learned is that each composer has a unique creative process and part of my job as lyricist is to enter their world with words that touch the heart of music within each of them. Can you provide a preview of your upcoming book? My next book will be released by CCAR Press in the fall. It’s called “These Words: Poetic Midrash on the Language of Torah.” It will be 70 poetic interpretations of individual words of Torah. The book will be laid out in spreads, with the left-hand page being a d’var Torah on the word, and the right-hand page being my poem. You’re a hiker. Does the solitude of hiking and communing with nature inspire any of your writings? Yes, some of my writing absolutely springs up from being outdoors, hiking,
Sunday, February 20 9 a.m. Build Your Jewish Toolbox: Israel Join the UH Clergy as we go back to the Jewish basics and sharpen the tools in our Jewish toolbox so we can “Do Jewish” together. Liturgist-in-Residence Alden Solovy will join us for this program on Israel.
Class Schedule
Writing Gratitude: Mondays, Feb. 21-March 28 6:30-8 p.m. Using both Mishkan T’fillah and This Grateful Heart: Psalms and Prayers for a New Day as sources of inspiration, the class will talk and write about gratitude. This class will be held both in person and on Zoom. Words of Torah: Wednesdays, Feb. 23-March 30 10:30 a.m. – noon Join Liturgist-in-Residence Alden Solovy for a six-week adventure in exploring Torah through deep examination of individual words of Torah drawn from the weekly Torah portion. Building on his work for his forthcoming book from CCAR Press – “These Words: Poetic Midrash on the Language of Torah,” the group will explore how one’s understanding of one word can impact both the simple meaning of the text, as well as the implications for Midrashic interpretation. This class will be held both in person and on Zoom. For more information on Solovy, visit tobendlight.com. To connect with United Hebrew, visit www.unitedhebrew.org. Solovy’s residency is made possible through funds from the Ruzena and Fred Levy Speaker Fund and the Helen C. Millstone Music Fund.
exploring. Other writing gets the spiritual boost from my time outdoors. I hike with a great set of friends. I love seeing the land. When we hike on Rosh Chodesh, the new month, a couple of us sing Hallel as we walk.
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LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
The J offers free Israel engagement programs with shlichah Roni Lavi The Jewish Community Center’s shlichah, Roni Lavi, continues to offer ways for the community to engage in Israeli culture. Among them: • Fauda Watch Club: Join an in-depth discussion about “Fauda,” the Israeli thriller on Netflix, about a top agent who comes out of retirement to hunt for a Palestinian terrorist he thought he’d killed, setting a chaotic chain of events into motion, while seeing the human stories on both sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Lavi, having served in the artillery corps, will share personal stories from her experience in the West Bank. Guest speakers who served in Roni Lavi similar units will join, too. Four sessions, three episodes every two weeks. (12 episodes) March 15, 29; April 12, 26 at 7 p.m. Register at jccstl.com/Israel to receive a Zoom link and a goodie pack while you enjoy the show. • Israeli Cooking Night: Learn to make burekas, couscous, Israeli biscuit cake, Israeli chocolate-covered cereal and more with Lavi. All ages welcome. Sunday, Feb. 27 at 4:30 p.m. Register: jccstl.com/Israel • Israeli Meet-up with Roni: Get to know Lavi who is here to share all about Israel and Israeli history, people and culture. She is happy to set up a time and place that works for you and your family in person, outside, or virtually. Pick any topic of discussion, learn some Hebrew, cook Israeli food together, listen to some great new Israeli music, play Israeli games, learn Israeli dances or more. Email Lavi for details: rlavi@jccstl.org
Kol Rinah Movie Club starts March 8 Join this group on Zoom at 7 p.m. to watch and discuss movies with a Jewish or Israeli theme. Similar to a book club, the movie club brings together a group of people interested in movies with themes that may relate to Judaism, Israel, social justice or other topics of interest. The group will select the movies to watch that are readily available on streaming services. The group will meet over Zoom and could move to in-person, to discuss the movies. The films may explore topics such as the Israeli Palestinian conflict and the Holocaust or be contemporary Israeli and Palestinian movies exploring a wide range of topics. The selections will be up to the group. The discussion group will be led by Repps Hudson, a journalist and Kol Rinah member who has written about and reported from Israel. He is also an adjunct instructor who has taught courses on the Israeli Arab conflict, including a Washington University course on understanding the Israeli Palestinian conflict through movies. For more information, contact the Kol Rinah office at 314-727-1747 or email office@kolrinahstl.org.
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STL native returns for Children’s Mitzvah Program Children’s Mitzvah Program
BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Dean Robbins fondly remembers growing up in St. Louis and playing softball at the Jewish Community Center. When he was rounding the bases, “I was thinking about Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, Lou Brock and all the great Cardinal stars in the late ’60s.” He never made it as a major leaguer, but Robbins, 64, now inspires and educates young readers about heroes like Jackie Robinson. A former editor of the Madison, Wisc. alternative weekly newspaper Isthmus, Robbins has written eight non-fiction picture books for kids. On Feb. 27 he’ll return to his hometown to speak at the J’s Children’s Mitzvah Program. During the event, which is part of the Jewish Book Festival, Robbins will read from four of his biographies, including his most recent, “You Are a Star, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.” The theme of his talk will be “How to be a real-life hero.” “I’m planning a funny, interactive multimedia show with video clips and lots of pictures,” Robbins said. “I hope the kids will learn about both well-known and little-known heroes, including Kitty O’Neil, who set the world land-speed record. She’s one of the lesser-known heroes. We’ll figure out what makes these people heroes
WHAT: Event with children’s book author and St. Louis native Dean Robbins WHEN: 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27 WHERE: Jewish Community Center’s Performing Arts Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive HOW MUCH: Free
Dean Robbins and how kids can follow in their footsteps.” Robbins started writing children’s non-fiction books after a career as a journalist. His son, who is now grown, became Robbins’ best audience and loved hearing stories about his father’s heroes. “I began telling him stories about all these heroes that I had since I was young,” Robbins said. “I had this whole pantheon of heroes that I’m passionate about, from Louis Armstrong to Jonas Salk, and tons of others. I was gratified by how powerfully he responded to these stories as a little kid and it occurred to me how fun it would be to do that on a grand scale by writing
MORE INFO: Registration information is available at https://bit.ly/0227-mitzvah. Held in partnership with the St. Louis County Library. Recommended for families with children ages 5-10. Proof of vaccine or a negative COVID test are required for all eligible attendees. Masks must be worn properly at all times. nonfiction picture books. So I wrote a manuscript about Babe Ruth. I sent it to a publisher at Harcourt and they accepted it. That’s what started the whole thing.” Often, Robbins selects a hero to profile because he or she is a source of Jewish pride. “Writing about Jonas Salk and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, my foundation of Judaism was hugely influential. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was imbued with the idea of equality and justice, and Jonas Salk was inspired by the idea of tikkun olam, repairing the world since he was a little kid. He
was determined to make the world a better place. And through my Jewish education I am deeply inspired by people like that.” The Jonas Salk biography, “Thank You, Dr. Salk!: The Scientist Who Beat Polio and Healed the World,” is especially timely because it deals with a life-saving vaccine. It was just published in 2021 but was not inspired by the pandemic. “I was actually inspired by a Google doodle that ran on the 100th anniversary of Salk’s birth and emphasized the joyous quality of his fight against polio in the 40s and 50s. He got the whole country to pull together to create an effective vaccine,” Robbins said. “He inspired faith in the scientific method and got millions of people to volunteer for this huge medical field trial. His is a good lesson to emphasize during the coronavirus period.” Robbins often gets positive feedback about his books from teachers, but one of his most gratifying compliments came from a child who attended one of his presentations. “I get notes and it’s absolutely wonderful to read some of them,” he said. “I was talking about Jackie Robinson during a presentation, and I got a note from a kid who said, ‘My two favorite heroes are Jackie Robinson and Dean Robbins.’ There’s a huge distinction between those two figures, but I was just glad that he became passionate about Jackie Robinson.”
Stan Soloman’s futuristic 3D carnival now on display at the new Staenberg art gallery
Schmooze: Staenberg’s new art gallery; JNF’s anonymous St. Louis donor CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
Now, hear this
gest that he open a gallery nearby that combines “rocker art” with pieces he had in storage that no one was seeing. “I probably bought 5,000 pieces of art over the years and I’ve given away about 1,500 pieces to nonprofits – JCCs, camps, synagogues, schools,” said Staenberg. “There was still a lot that wasn’t being displayed, which made no sense.” Siegel said she chose many “uplifting,” vibrant works to keep the Gallery’s vibe fanciful, fun and user-friendly. About a third of the artists are local while others like Stan Solomon, Jef Bretschneider and Judy Haas have international reputations. In the spring, Siegel is planning to launch gallery shows featuring the work of musicians performing at the Factory who also are visual artists. She notes that rockers such as drummer Rick Allen of Def Leppard; KISS frontman Paul Stanley and Michael Cartellone of Lynyrd Skynyrd are each accomplished artists in addition to being talented musicians. “What happens is when they are on tour, they have a lot of downtime waiting for concerts to start,” said Siegel. “Alice Cooper became a fabulous golfer because that’s what he would do with his downtime. Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones studied at the Ealing Art College in London. He would play guitar to fund his art.” Staenberg adds that acts at the Factory will often donate autographed instruments or other memorabilia to help area nonprofits. “Old Dominion donated a signed guitar to be auctioned off for KidSmart,” he said. “Every month we pick a different charity and try to help them with an auction online, or if they have an event. We collect the memorabilia from the band and (the charity) gets to keep the money.”
A generous St. Louis donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, is helping to fund technology that will create an interactive, accessible and autonomous experience for visitors with visual impairments at many of Israel’s museums. With support for the St. Louis Jewish community, and for the Jewish National Fund – USA’s (JNF-USA) affiliate in Israel, LOTEM: Making Israel Accessible, this donation is one of the most significant
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investments the donor has made in service of normalizing and improving life for Israel’s disabled. “We want to enable independence for people with disabilities; to provide them with the same ability to become immersed in a museum and enjoy it at their own pace,” the donor said in a statement. “When we create a more inclusive society, everybody wins, everybody’s quality of life increases, and we all benefit.” Launching at 10 major museums to start, the project allows for visually impaired
museum visitors to access exhibit films through the use of a portable, wireless audio set, synchronized by sensors, which allow the verbal description to be activated automatically. This allows the visitor to experience the movie completely and independently alongside their family and friends. Speaking of the donor, Kim Levy, JNFUSA’s director, Midwest, said, “This person is a pillar of the community who is deeply devoted to Israel, intensely committed to equality, and fiercely passionate about innovative solutions that normalize lives.”
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Students invited to enter 19th annual Holocaust Art and Writing Contest The St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum is seeking entries for the 2022 Art and Writing Contest. The national contest asks creative middle and high school students in grades 6 thought 12 to express the difficult and inspiring lessons of the Holocaust. Entries must be submitted through the online contest form no later than 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 25. This is the 19th year that the annual competition has been held in dedication to the memory of the 1.5 million children murdered in the Holocaust. Winning entries in each division will be awarded cash prizes and will be displayed at the newly expanded Museum during its grand re-opening events in late summer 2022. For the writing contest, students may write a poem, newspaper article, story, play/dialogue, or essay. Entries will be judged on content, originality, quality of expression and accuracy. For the art contest, students may create a sculpture, drawing, photograph, painting, poster, collage, or five-minute video. The work will be judged on creativity, excellence and content. The contest theme this year is inspired by a powerful quote from Anne Frank, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Frank family going into hiding in the “Secret Annex” in Amsterdam. Official rules, submission details and further information are listed on the entry form, which can be downloaded at ST L HolocaustMuseum.org / ArtandWriting.
An artist’s renderng of the new Crown Center building currently under construction.
JCA Charitable Foundation gifts $1 million to Crown Center Crown Center for Senior Living has received a $1 million grant from the JCA Charitable Foundation. The donation will help fund Crown’s construction project being undertaken to replace the original structure on their University City site. The project consists of building new, quality, affordable apartments for older adults who have limited financial resources, and includes community spaces where tailored programming is delivered to both residents and senior adults in the area. “Crown Center’s project aligns with the JCA Charitable Foundation’s mission to provide for the financial and emotional needs of older adults,” said Judy Mange, foundation director. Crown’s Board President Sally Altman added, “We are proud to have earned the trust of the JCA Charitable Foundation; and are extremely grateful for their generous gift to the capital campaign.”
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From left are Crown Center Counsel David Lang; JCA Charitable Foundation Directors Erin Schneider, Ken Rubin (President), Judy Mange and Stuart Zimbalist; and Crown Center Executive Director Nikki Goldstein. Steve Kamenetzky and Herb Schneiderman (not pictured) are Now available on three popularFoundation Directors. also JCA Charitable
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JEWISH LIGHT
February 16, 2022
LOCAL NEWS
Page 7
Mishpacha Group: Connecting St. Louis families for four decades CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Celebrating simchas
Sharon Weissman: There were two other mishpacha groups, and they fell by the wayside. I think we are the only one that still is functioning. Marilen Pitler: Members have moved away and have passed away, and we’ve accepted new members, and our family keeps growing. Carla Rosen: I think that was the loneliest time when people were away from their families during the holidays, so that was important. We had individuals like Marilen Pitler, who were really good at keeping things organized. Marilen Pitler: The Rosens belong to [United Hebrew] as I do. All three of us are from Chicago. I’m about 10 years older than Carla. We went to the first planning meeting at the J for this group and met Carla and Jerry. They asked, What congregation are you from? Carla said Beth Emet and I said Beth Emet. The same rabbi performed both of our marriage ceremonies 10 years apart, and here we are together as a family. Carolyn Schechter: Marilyn Brown, Judy Barnett and I met in college, and we’ve remained friends since then. So we knew each other before being in this group. Marilen Pitler: Gerry Moskowitz is our banker. He lets us know when we need to add money for get well gifts, shiva platters. We just do what we need to do as a family unit. Gerry Moskowitz: I have no financial background whatsoever, let me disclose that. I don’t take fees, I just dish it out.
Marilen Pitler: I think one of the earliest simchas was when we were at Carla and Jerry’s house for their son’s bris. Sharon Weissman: We had Hanukkah at our house, and they’d fry latkes and the oil got all over the walls, but nobody cared. We’d all bring our menorahs, and they’d all be lit up. It was fun for adults, but especially for the kids. Marilen Pitler: Marilyn Brown originally joined the group with her son Jonathan, and she had been divorced. All of a sudden, we noticed this new guy, Steve, show-
Jordy Pitler and some others were helping him cook Chinese food. Marilen Pitler: One of the things our kids would do on the last days we visited the state parks is form a pyramid. One on top of another. And it became the pyramid tradition. Marian Shapiro: I’ve been in two other groups from the J, and they fell apart. This group is different. It goes to plays or museums or trips, like to New Harmony, Ind. Carla Rosen: One year, a number of us went to Ste. Genevieve in the summer. It was so hot you could fry an egg on the
less time thanks to this group. Bruce Glatter: Since we were fairly new to St. Louis, we didn’t have friendships, and relationships have always been very important to both of us. What I like is that it’s brought us a lot of friends, and that’s what really made us feel like we were home. I lived in Columbus for 40 years and, after we became a part of this group and working with them on the Jewish Film Festival, I thought, “Yep, I’m home again,” and that was a very nice feeling. Marilyn Brown: Unlike normal families, there really have never been any con-
How the group helped with members’ health problems Marilen Pitler: I remember when Marian Shapiro was in rehab, we formed a calendar and one of us would visit her at the rehab facility. Carla Rosen: Unfortunately, we lost our son years ago, and many of the people in the group were there for us at a very hard time. Marilen Pitler: Judy and Malcolm Barnett host the break fast. We’ve had seders at Hannah Locks’ house and that was good because there was a time when Hertzl (Locks) couldn’t travel to other people’s homes. Hannah Locks: For us coming from out of town, it was just having a substitute family. That was a big deal for us. It really has functioned like a family, and for Marilen when Jordy Pitler was sick and later when my husband, Hertzl, got sick and there were a lot of places he couldn’t go. Some of the members took him to the Muny Opera, which wasn’t an easy thing to do, and those of us who didn’t like the opera were very relieved. Marilen Pitler: The support that this group has given me since Jordy passed away — everyone will call me and they’re going to dinner later or the symphony or the theatre and say, “Join us,” so it’s been a great boost to be a part of everyone’s lives.
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2013 road trip to Amana Colonies: Browns, Levines, Pitlers, Waldbaums, Schechters ing up [with Marilyn] and we knew something was up, and then they got married. Marilyn Brown: By that point we’d been seeing each other for a while, so we figured that Steve should meet the “family.” We’ve been married now for 37 years.
The road trips Marilyn Brown: We used to go away every year to the state parks, and that’s when our children were younger, and that was always a lot of fun. Sharon Weissman: I remember when we went to Washington State Park, and my husband, Allen, is a Chinese cook, and he brought his wok along, and he and
sidewalk. There were no big hotels, so we stayed at a few bed and breakfasts and some people lost the draw and stayed at a place without air conditioning.
What the group means to members Bob Germain: We moved here about six years ago, and Sharon and Alan Weissman are neighbors. We met Marilen and Marilyn and Judy and Carolyn through the Jewish Book Festival, which we’ve volunteered at since we moved here. So it’s been great. When you move to a new state, it usually takes about two years before you feel at home, and it took us a lot
troversies, which is kind of amazing. Everybody just gets along. Sophia Kent: I was born in Poland after my parents came back to the unclaimed territory that always went back and forth between Poland and Germany and whoever wins the war gets that territory. I was always looking for like-minded people. This is my Jewish connection — the group is my connection to the past and my parents. Ken Schwartz: They became friends, and they’ve been there for each other in happy times and sad times. They’re truly family for each other.
by Lydia Diamond directed by chanel bragg
PERFORMANCES FEB 11-MAR 6 A FAMILY TRIP, SIBLING RIVALRIES AND A DRUNKEN GAME OF SCRABBLE. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG? REPSTL.ORG | 314.968.4925
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PHOTO COURTESY OF MARILYN BROWN
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February 16, 2022
STL
OPINIONS
JEWISH LIGHT
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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
The good, the bad and the ‘most egregious’ of Missouri’s 2022 legislative session BY AMY HAMMERMAN & HILLARY HINZ
The 2022 Missouri Legislative session kicked off Jan. 5th and the National Council of Jewish Women-St. Louis has already been a consistent presence in the capitol advocating on behalf of our priority issues. Although we anticipate several difficult fights against harmful bills, let’s start off with the good news —our annual contraception legislation has been filed by Senator Jill Schupp (SB 641) and has garnered bipartisan support. For those not familiar, NCJWSTL has been championing legislation that would provide an annual supply of an uninterrupted contraception prescription for several years now. And we have a good feeling that this year might finally be its year. Why is this legislation so important? Timely and consistent access to affordable birth control is critical for ensuring that women can accurately and consistently use the birth control that meets their needs and one of the most successful, proven methods to increase birth control continuation and avoid unintended pregnancies is increasing the supply of contraceptives provided at one time. Please make sure to contact your legislators and encourage them to support annual contraception access. We are also excited about several other bills, including, but not limited to, HB 1737, the Missouri Non-Discrimination Act (MONA), which would remove the ability to deny employment, housing and/or public accommodation to LGBTQ+ Missourians, SB 730, which would allow for no-excuse absentee voting, SB 915, which would ban the antiquated practice of conversion therapy (any practice or
Amy Hammerman (left) is NCJW’s state policy chair and Hillary Hinz (right) is NCJWSTL vice president of advocacy.
A 2014 photo of the Missouri Capitol Building in Jefferson City. treatment intended to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity) and HB 2000, which would establish a Missouri Holocaust Education Week. Now for the bad news. There have already been several bills filed attacking reproductive rights, vaccine and mask mandates, education equity, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights and separation of religion and state. The most egregious of this legislation includes: • HJR 79 – This bill aims to attack our current citizen initiative process by making it more difficult to get a citizen initiative on the ballot and pass that initiative once on the ballot. This will make the process virtually impossible for many citizens’ grassroots efforts. HJR 79 also proposes
D’VAR TORAH — PARASHAT KI TISSA
Fueling good deeds with ‘fire and passion’ BY RABBI JEFFREY ABRAHAM
Parshat Ki Tissa opens with the admonition, “This is what everyone who is entered in the records shall pay …” (30:13) God’s command was for every male from 20 to 60, rich or poor, to be counted by their half-shekel contribution to the upkeep of the Tent of Meeting (Ohel Moed) and to raise the spiritual level of the contributors. Our foremost commentator, Rashi, tells us that this was to effectuate a census and that God showed Moses a coin that had an image of fire on it to actually accomplish the enumeration. Rashi teaches: “[The Holy One] showed [Moses] a coin of fire whose weight was a half-shekel and said, ‘Like this they shall give.’ ” Why did God show Moses a coin of fire? Why not show him a regular coin? This is the question. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1772-1810) explains that money and fire share qualities. Fire is one of the most indispensable elements known to man when used properly. When used improperly, it has the potential to destroy. The same is true for money. Wealth carries great danger if it falls into the wrong hands and, if mis-
2022-02-16 page 08-09.indd 8
Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham serves Congregation B’nai Amoona and is a member of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, which coordinates the d’var Torah for the Jewish Light. used, could lead to destruction. Moses was shown a coin of fire to emphasize that both fire and money carry incredible powers for good or for evil. When used properly, they bring great well-being to the world. In the wrong hands, they can cause pain, destruction and death. We can take several teachings from the seemingly straightforward and short admonition. Each of us, rich or poor, is equal before God. The “close” of this short admonition is the reference to “atonement.” Addressing that aspect, the Kotzker Rebbe (1787-1859) reminds us with a flourish: If one seeks atonement by giving, the good deed should be done with “fire” and passion. Shabbat Shalom!
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
increasing the threshold for a measure to pass from a majority to 2/3, among the most difficult in the country. This measure is both punitive and entirely unnecessary. • HB 1474 – This bill aims to ban any discussion in grade school curriculum of discrimination and oppression of people based on race, income, appearance, religion, ancestry, sexual orientation or gender identity. NCJWSTL believes that teaching our nation’s accurate history does not pit one student against another, but rather gives voice to those who have been previously ignored. There is likely to be another unintended consequence if HB 1474 is passed: Banning the teaching of CRT might lead to banning Holocaust education. • SB 781 – The so-called “Save Women’s
Sports Act” would require schools and higher education institutions in the state to designate “separate single-sex teams and sports for each sex.” The notion that trans children playing on the teams that align with their gender would somehow disadvantage non-trans children in competing, or would adversely affect the trans child, is a false and dangerous assertion. Studies have shown that despite initial fears, athletes that have transitioned to female are no more dominant than those who are born female. As a women’s organization, NCJWSTL also resents the implication that this bill is in any way designed to help women. Its sole aim is to punish trans children. NCJWSTL will be in Jefferson City testifying against any harmful bill, but we need your support. Keep your eyes open for information in our weekly Five Ways to Advocate email and on our website. If you would like more information on our legislative efforts, get involved, or sign up to receive our weekly Five Ways to Advocate email, please contact Jen Bernstein, NCJWSTL Advocacy Manager at jbernstein@ncjwstl.org.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Submit letters to letters@stljewishlight.org
St. Louis Friends of Israel denounces Amnesty report On Feb. 1, Amnesty International issued a report on Israel that labels Israel as an “apartheid” state. Use of the emotionally charged term “apartheid” is intended to stigmatize Israel, isolate it in the community of nations and, ultimately, delegitimize its existence. Additionally, Amnesty’s use of the term is not limited to the Israeli settlements in the West Bank or Israel’s housing policies in Jerusalem. Rather, it is applied to Israel’s founding in 1948, suggesting that the mere existence of Israel as a Jewish state is in itself anathema. St. Louis Friends of Israel (SLFI) denounces the Amnesty report in the strongest possible terms. There are nearly two million Arabs living in the State of Israel today, which is more than the total number of Jews in every Muslimmajority country combined. Arab citizens of Israel enjoy civil, religious, social, and political equality, and have equal access to property, work, healthcare, and education. Arab-Israelis hold positions in every sector of Israeli society: there are Arab doctors, lawyers, policemen, and even Arab diplomats. In 2021, the United Arab list – an Arab-
Israeli political party – made history by being the first Arab political party to join the ruling Israeli government coalition. Israel allows and funds Arabic language schools for its Arab minority and allows complete freedom of religion to nonJews. The same cannot be said about any other countries in the region, many of which deny certain rights and often persecute their minority populations. Is there inequality in Israel between the Jewish and Arab populations? Absolutely, just as there is in any democratic nation, including the United States. But to suggest that Israel’s open, liberal and pluralistic society is in any way akin to South Africa’s policy of apartheid is nothing short of a slanderous fiction. In response to numerous terror attacks, Israel has implemented security restrictions that limit the freedom of movement of Palestinians who live in the West Bank and Gaza. The Amnesty report ignores the reason why these security measures have been implemented, and ignores the fact that Hamas, a terrorist organization that rules Gaza, is sworn to Israel’s destruction and frequently launches missile attacks on Israel’s civilian population. The report also ignores that on several occasions, Israel has offered to withdraw from the territories captured in the 1967 See LETTERS on opposite page
2/15/22 5:50 PM
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JEWISH LIGHT
OPINIONS
Working through challenges helps to nourish our lives—and our children’s BY RABBI SHMUEL MILLER
“Yeshalem scharam…The Almighty rewards those who work for the Klal, the Jewish community.” This prayer that we recite on Shabbat is a comfort, a reminder and a charge for communal leaders: God notices your toil. Your work is important. Keep going. The Klal is understood as the community of individuals. In a sense, though, each individual is a klal — ‘a whole’ — as in the whole self. Even those who do not hold communal positions are charged to consider the many facets of their own needs and the needs of those around them.
Each of us is a child, a son or daughter, even if we are grandparents. Each child is a universe of emotions, thoughts, intellectual capacities, physical potential and a unique soul, which is plugged into God. For healthy development, which continues throughout our lifetimes, we need for our hearts, minds, bodies and souls to be nourished. We are also social beings. We thrive in environments that reinforce the reality of our worth, while encouraging us to think, take responsibility and grow. Most recently, all of us, we and our children, have been confronted with ordeals that have triggered unhealthy reactions and consequential side effects, which have
left us malnourished in some areas. Integral relationships have been strained and broken, some more silently than others. Hurtful words have been hurled that cannot be taken back. We have sometimes allowed fear to lead us and our children when we could have used our more adult faculties to meet each ordeal in a healthy manner. I firmly believe that ordeals have purpose. They are not about merely getting through. They are not only about finding medical cures, especially for those of us not directly involved in finding medical cures. Ordeals challenge us to not only emerge greater, but to be greater while
Jewish day school leader: We read banned books here BY CHERYL MAAYAN
The skills we teach at the Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School are many, but I’d be hard pressed to think any is more important than reading. Besides the obvious role of literacy in creating opportunities in life, literacy builds knowledge, perspective, language and leads to critical thinking. The number of minutes a child reads has an impact on their future academic and social emotional success. So naturally, we are not satisfied unless each student has developed not only reading skills, but also a love of reading both for pleasure and for information. So, when there is a movement in our country to ban books, purge public school libraries and censor content in schools, we take that very seriously. You may have heard that the Holocaust might replace it in schools, and why it is memoir “Maus,” by Art Spiegelman, was important to read books that make us recently banned in a public school dis- feel uncomfortable. trict in Tennessee. So…our Our goal is not to lead stueighth graders are reading it. dents to particular answers, “Maus” is a graphic membut to provoke deep thinking, oir. It’s based on a true story to stimulate conversations and the experiences of the and to leave room for diverse author’s Jewish family during perspectives. the Holocaust. In addition to During their years at integrating Jewish history Mirowitz, students read and exposing kids to a new “Farenheit 451” (a banned literary genre, it’s also an book about book banning), opportunity to explore freeShakespeare, “The Iliad” and Cheryl Maayan is dom of thought. Our students “The Odyssey” and yes, Head of School at will engage in Socratic diaTorah…all texts that broach Saul Mirowitz Jewish logue about book banning, on uncomfortable topics. We Community School. and explore why this particuallow them — safely and in a lar book, a memoir about the Holocaust, controlled setting — to grapple with disis being banned. They will consider what comfort because the grappling itself is
LETTERS CONTINUED FROM OPPOSITE PAGE Six Day War and to make peace with the Palestinians. In fact, at Camp David in July 2000, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak offered an Israeli withdrawal from 100% of Gaza and 95% of the West Bank, including parts of Jerusalem. However, this offer was rejected by Yasser Arafat, and the Palestinians subsequently launched a wave of violence that became known as the “Second Intifada” (uprising). Today, the Palestinian Authority administers some 39% of the West Bank; 61% of the West Bank remains under direct Israeli military and civilian control. Clearly, the Amnesty report is designed to sway public opinion against Israel. We sincerely hope that our local
2022-02-16 page 08-09.indd 9
St. Louis pro-Israel advocacy organizations will repudiate this vile report. Galit Lev-Harir and Traci Goldstein, Co-Presidents, St. Louis Friends of Israel
Kudos to senators’ literacy efforts Regarding “Missouri’s women senators unite for literacy” by Sen. Jill Schupp (Feb. 2 edition): Ever since Jill Schupp became involved in politics, first, as a Democratic state representative, and currently as a state senator for the 24th district, she has stepped up to the plate, and made Missouri a better state in which to live. In her latest venture she has joined with her fellow women senators, both Democrats and Republicans, to write a book on literacy, “You Can Too,” with the purpose of wanting every Missouri child
February 16, 2022
Page 9
Rabbi Shmuel Miller is head of school at Epstein Hebrew Academy.
we’re in them. To be resilient, grateful, compassionate. Alive! Sadly and understandably, we sometimes have lost our way through the maze of recent circumstances. With uncertainty as a resounding theme, we’ve been invited to lead ourselves and those in our charge, through a maze of conflicting news, ideas, experiences and recommendations. To maintain focus while we’re in the maze, we need to stay connected to others who See RABBI MILLER on page 10
MARTY ROCHESTER
Why do Jews flock together? BY MARTY ROCHESTER
essential for learning. Doing so allows them to engage with reading on an intellectual level, to develop their own perspectives and to understand the world they will be leading one day. When you have a minute, pursue lists of banned books. If you decide to read a book as a family, be sure to discuss not only the content, but what people found so disturbing in the book that they wanted to ban it. Discuss to what extent it was a product of its time or whether it defied social norms of its era. Discuss the concept of open access to idea. The bonus of this read aloud time will be the quality time they spend with you and the message you send through your actions that reading is something that provokes deep thinking and a skill they will enjoy for a lifetime.
to read on grade level by the end of the third grade. This, in light of fact that less than half of Missouri students scored at or above grade level in reading. What an extremely noble and altruistic endeavor Schupp and her women colleagues have undertaken. How can children hope to achieve any success in life if they are illiterate? Every parent, rich or poor, should be concerned with their child’s ability to read — no exceptions. America prides itself on being one of the best educated countries and hardest working people in the world , and to maintain this standard, being able to read is a must. I urge every Missouri politician, regardless of party, to join with the women senators in their fight to promote literacy in the Show-Me-state. Gene Carton University City
Most readers of the Jewish Light are Jewish, as I am. I am guessing that most of your friends are Jewish. Am I wrong? I would be willing to bet the house that I am right. I reflected on my own experience. My gut told me that most of the people my wife and I count as friends are Jews. As one test of this assumption, I decided to do an analysis of our address book, to see what percentage of the friends and acquaintances (excluding relatives) listed were Jewish as far as we knew. I determined that two-thirds of the names were members of the tribe. I had to ask myself why. After all, in my youth, I attended public schools where Jews were in the minority. As an undergraduate, I attended Loyola College in Baltimore, a Jesuit school where only a handful of Jews other than my twin brother were in my class. I went on to graduate school at Syracuse University, a very diverse, secular university. And then I spent half a century until my retirement in 2019 as a faculty member in the political science department at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. When I first arrived at UMSL, roughly a third of my 20-person department was Jewish, including the guy who hired me. By the time I left, I was the only Jew in the department. Along the way, I developed good relationships with many fine non-Jewish colleagues, but few with whom I socialized. When it came to fraternizing, whether at lunch or dinner or on other occasions, my associates inside and outside the department were almost entirely Jewish. My co-author on several books also was Jewish. And so it went. My wife, too. She worked in the Special School District. It See MARTY ROCHESTER on page 21 J. Martin Rochester, Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor of Political Science Emeritus at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, is the author of 10 books on international and American politics. Rochester has written a monthly Jewish Light column since 2014.
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February 16, 2022
Myth of ‘white Christian superiority’ is the issue, not Whoopi Goldberg BY RYIA ROSS-PETERSON
Whoopi Goldberg, a prominent Black actress, comedian and talk show personality, recently made some inaccurate comments about Jews and the Holocaust on “The View,” which she co-hosts. After some Jewish leaders, including the ADL’s Jonathan Greenblatt weighed in, she quickly apologized. But she was still attacked on social media, and ABC suspended her from her show for two weeks. The thing is, Whoopi Goldberg is not the problem. In fact, this latest controversy involving Jews and Blacks, two oppressed groups, is a distraction from the gigantic issue that is tearing our country apart and sets the stage for fights like these. The larger, more concerning issue is the myth of white Christian superiority in the United States. Whiteness and Christianity constitute the “wallpaper” of our lives in America. The wallpaper is there, we just don’t notice it. If you are a white Christian, everything seems normal to you because everything has been set up for you, fits with your vision of the world and confirms your values. It is hard to notice that anything is wrong. But if you are Black or a person of color,
STL
OPINIONS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
comment or argue with what they say, just listen and believe their experience. Work to change our laws to fight embedded racism. And don’t vilify other oppressed groups that make an honest mistake in your direction, or people such as Whoopi Goldberg, who apologized and tried to learn from the situation but was still vilified. We who are white have breathed in racism from our culture and we will make mistakes even while we desperately try not to pass on the racism we inherited. Those who were raised Christian may have absorbed antisemitic ideas from their well-meaning parents, church and community. This is not a personal failing, it is just something absorbed from our culture. We can overcome the racism or the antisemitism that was passed to us unknowingly when we were young. We will need education about each other and to know each other personally to understand how the world looks different when you are of a different skin color or of a different religion than the dominant culture. As Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” We can and we must do better. That is the world I want, with all of you by my side.
strive to maintain focus, too. We also need to recognize when we feel anxious and set aside the desire to find scapegoats to blame for our predicaments and discomfort. True leadership calls us to keep our heads and hearts as we simultaneously plant, build and respond to challenges. I believe that we can maintain equilibrium in the ordeal maze when we remember that there is purpose in the circumstances and that we each have a whole child to nourish through every circumstance. In discussions with institutional and organizational leaders, rabbis, mental health professionals and through my life experience, I’ve gathered a few nuggets of wisdom that may help fuel your child and the child within you. 1. Remind yourself of your intrinsic Godly worth. These reminders will keep you on track and bring you more swiftly to repair when you err. 2. Remind yourself of the intrinsic Godly worth of others. Look people in the eye and say with a smile, “It’s good to see you!” 3. Stay close to people who live in the solution rather than in the problem. 4. Make music part of your daily nutrition. 5. Pray. Yes, we are the “people whose strength is in our verbal expressions.” Talk to God. If you are having a setback, are in pain or want to express appreciation, might as well go to the source. 6. For a few moments each day, take full interest in one person, listening and acknowledging without trying to fix. One of my colleagues wrote to me recently: “Thank you for your note. Especially during these times, I can use all the chizzuk/inspiration I can get.” And I was thanking him for inspiring me. May we feel God’s pride and encouragement as we strive to lead our whole selves and our whole children through life’s challenges. God notices your toil. Your work is important. Keep going. And feel free to add nuggets of your own.
Clean Speech: Effort targets power of hurtful words CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “Instead of saying, ‘Yes, he is a slob! His desk is always a mess and he can’t find anything,’ or ‘His politics are so loony, no wonder he has no friends,’ our Clean Speech campaign urges participants to pause and think before speaking,” David said. “To think, ‘Would I want someone to say that about me? Is there any constructive purpose to this comment?’ ” Another potential conversational landmine is COVID, especially regarding face masks and vaccinations. Again, Clean Speech can help provide guidance on staying out of awkward situations. “There has definitely been a terrible slide into gossip, slander, and demeaning and hurtful speech due to some of the solutions and rhetoric surrounding COVID,” David said. “Discussions around mandates, masks and vaccinations have been destructive and damaging to relationships. “When people assume the worst in others and their judgment, it makes it impossible to communicate peacefully and con-
structively. Clean Speech is about learning how to have constructive, mindful conversations even about tough, controversial topics without hurting others through gossip and slander.” The initiative will be broken down into
The Clean Speech campaign is presented by Jewish organizations in St. Louis, but David said it is both relevant and applicable to members of any faith, and anyone can sign up. “The message of clean speech and of
“
When people assume the worst in others and their judgment, it makes it impossible to communicate peacefully and constructively. Clean Speech is about learning how to have constructive, mindful conversations even about tough, controversial topics without hurting others through gossip and slander.” — Rabbi Yosef David
four thematic weeks, beginning with an introduction to help participants recognize how much the words they choose affect themselves and others. Next comes lashon hara, or potentially harmful gossip. The third week will focus on being a good listener. The final week delves into speaking up to protect another person’s reputation.
stljewishlight.org
Rabbi Miller: Six nuggets of wisdom for parents
Ryia Ross-Peterson is a pediatrician at Clayton Pediatrics and is affiliated with Mercy Hospital St Louis. She is also chair of the Board of Cultural Leadership.
or if you are Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or some other religious minority, you may often feel that you are living in someone else’s house. You may feel “other” in your own country. The wallpaper is dangerous. It allows the institutional racism baked into our laws and customs to go unchallenged. It is dangerous because Christianity, just one faith of the many held by Americans, gets baked into our laws, holidays and societal customs. There are no human enemies. Our enemy is racism, antisemitism, sexism, anti-LBGTQ oppression and Islamophobia, and it will take all of us together to root out oppression and change this country from one that normalizes white Christian superiority to one that truly celebrates our diversity with amazing religions and cultures. We all lose when our unique contribution to society is not valued. What can we do? Challenge the myth of white Christian superiority whenever and wherever you see it. Stand up for each other. Make friends with people who are of a different skin color and religion than you. Follow these people on social media and don’t
JEWISH LIGHT
being mindful of one’s words goes far beyond any religious affiliations,” he said. “One of the most powerful tools to stop oneself from negative speech is to ask, ‘Would I want this said about me?’ ” For more information on Clean Speech St. Louis, email stl@cleanspeech.com or go to cleanspeech.com/stl.
The Roush Thompson Gitt Team JANUARY MARKET UPDATE
(636) 532-0200
1,474 HOMES SOLD
41
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HOMES LISTED
AVERAGE
SALE
PRICE
$300,204
Kathy Roush, Kate Thompson and Susie Gitt 314.924.KEYS | kate.thompson@cbgundaker.com
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Thinking about making a move? Call us! *Data includes St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County
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JEWISH LIGHT
Page 11
FEATURES ARTS AND CULTURE
FOOD
HOLIDAYS
LIFESTYLES
Kevin Spirtas’ return to ‘Days Of Our Lives’
BY DAN BUFFA
SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
The one thing that soap opera stars will always have on movie stars is that they can always drop back into their hit show and continue a character’s story. Most popular television shows do eventually end, and most movie series also hit a brick wall at some point. But with a soap opera legend like “Days of Our Lives,” recurring stars like Kevin Spirtas can return at just about any time — and make a splash immediately. That’s what the Jewish St. Louis native and 1980 Ladue Horton Watkins High School graduate saw happen last month when his beloved Dr. Craig Wesley reentered the world of Salem and all its overly dramatic inhabitants. After appearing on the show on and off from 1997-2009, Spirtas’ Dr. Wesley returned, and made a huge confession to his wife on the series, Nancy. After all their time together, which includes a daughter in Chloe, Craig Wesley told Nancy he was gay. Hardcore fans and even casual fans quickly took to social media to vent their frustration with the surprise plot thread. But for Spirtas, that was just what the script read. For him, the initial return was about seeing familiar faces for the first time in years. “Very excited to return to a show that I love and adore. I got to see all my friends, people I haven’t seen in a long time, before COVID-19,” Spirtas said in a phone interview this week. “I would see them at an awards show or gathering, and you say your hellos — but this was interesting.” But the return to the soap opera series carried a new look and schedule. Due to the ongoing pandemic, protocols and shooting schedules had things looking and feeling a little unorthodox. “It was very different than the way I knew it to be — and not just the storyline, which had Craig coming out as a gay man,” Spirtas said. “COVID-19 keeps you scheduled in a way that we aren’t doing all the shows one day at a time. All my scenes from one show may be spread out over the week or two, because they are trying to make sure people are in town and the set is up and running.”
When it came to the big plot reveal upon Dr. Wesley’s return to Salem, that was simply the script that Spirtas received to play. Once the doting husband and pillar of the community, Dr. Wesley now has to see life in a different light. In finding new love, he had to reluctantly break Kevin Spirtas with his on-screen “Days of our Lives” family, actors Nadia Bjorlin (left) another, more seasoned love. and Patrika Darbo (right) PHOTO: JPI STUDIOS How does an actor respond to that kind of twist, especially following nearly 13 years longtime wife that he is gay and shake up the show a little, it does give the show quite a few avenues to run down in away from the storyline and series narrative? The actor elaborated on the interesting (his words) its aftermath. question about settling back into a character’s shoes that he is familiar with, yet in no control of his future. The role of social media
Bringing Dr. Wesley back “You go in to do something and you may want to play it one way, but it’s not written that way. So, there’s that element to it,” Spirtas said. “In all honesty, even 20 years ago when I was on the show, I never felt like I was secure in my job. It wasn’t because I didn’t think I was good enough with the craft, but the storyline is always directed by the fans. They either have a liking towards something or if something is popular or not.” He’s not wrong. Pop culture has become a constant powder keg of reactions and spirited debate about what we think screenwriters and showrunners should do, and it’s no different for Spirtas. But for him, it was the guy on the supporting bench getting a taste of the bigger story threads on the show. “I was never an A storyline. I was a B storyline. So, when you’re in the B storyline, you don’t want to get thrown away. You want to keep doing good work and showing up. Be a professional. But now, I may not be an A storyline, but it’s bigger and it feels important.” Whatever you may think of the show’s head writer Ron Carlivati and his choice to have Dr. Wesley reveal to his
There’s one easy change to note with Spirtas’ career these days: social media. Before his return to “Days of Our Lives” a few weeks ago, he posted a tease on his Facebook page. Along with the new age manner of sharing and posting updates, to go with the fiery debate on Dr. Wesley’s confession, Spirtas welcomes the opportunity to connect with fans. It doesn’t take a long scroll through his page to see that he posts constantly about the show, his work and comments to readers as well. However, there is a limit to his status there. “I do the amount of social media that I feel the need to be current and up to speed or to announce something that I am doing. It’s the easiest, fastest and cleanest way to get it out there,” Spirtas said about his interactions on social networking. “I’m speaking from an older generation. Young kids come out of the womb now, and they’ve got hashtags and emojis. I’ve tried to surrender to it and make it more fun. For me, it serves its purpose when it is applied.” One thing is for certain: Spirtas’ return to Salem has sparked a fine debate, and he’s stoking the fire on social media all in the name of keeping the flame strong on his own career.
AMY FENSTER BROWN
Think going ham on teenspeak makes me tucked? Bet! BY AMY FENSTER BROWN
Just days ago, my older kid turned 16. Sixteen! That means in addition to driving us crazy, he’s driving himself and his little brother all over town. Said little brother will be 15 pretty soon. These two above-average mensches are full of thoughts and opinions, which lead to many a spirited family conversation. And I have no idea what they’re talking about half the time. These fine young gentlemen regularly share stories about this, that and the other random happenings in their world. Inevitably, a trendy teen word whizzes past, leaving me longing for the days of “gag me with a spoon” while trying to make sense of the modern-day lingo. I’m trying to keep up … and it ain’t working. Mama is just not hip. Even the word “hip” isn’t hip. I’m a 51-year-old nerd. Good news, though: Nerd is still OK to say. It’s a classic. Fortunately help has arrived. No, not from my kids. Because it’s not embarrassing enough for your mom to be writing this column on hot teen jargon, she will call your friends and ask their opinion when you roll your eyes at her, thus upping the embarrassment factor. Oh, well, at least they’ll have good stories for their therapists someday. I present you with my Teen Lingo Decoder, courtesy of the kids I didn’t give birth to who regularly raid my pantry. (Mama might not be hip, but she does buy the
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good snacks.) Bet — While not new, bet is still plugging along as a common term for yes or cool, used when you are too cool to simply say yes. “When asked by his talented mother if he was ready to leave for baseball practice, Leo replied, ‘Bet!’ ” Fit — Stand down if you think this means how easily your pants button at the waist. Fit is short for outfit in this case. Your look or fashion choice is your fit. Fit is so popular it has sprouted an offshoot in fit check, for when you model your outfit for your friend to rate. “When Davis requested an opinion on his fit, he asked Leo to do a fit check.” Drip — Nope, not the sound of water droplets escaping into the sink because your sons didn’t turn off the faucet properly due to their arms being tired after their WWE-style family room wrestling match. Drip is another term for a sharp or snazzy outfit. Conveniently, we can combine drip with fit and fit check. “Leo had such high ratings for Davis’ fit whilst doing a fit check he remarked, ‘Yo, I like the drip.’ ” Pressed — If you think this refers to the 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.
button-down shirt and suit your son wears every day to his thriving law practice, you would be wrong. For cool teens, pressed means ticked, pissed, agitated and all the other emotions a teen might feel when, say, their mom repeatedly asks them to help with this column. “After what seemed like the one-millionth time his loving mother gently requested just two freaking minutes of his attention, Leo got pressed and slammed his bedroom door.” Tucked — Could this be your son’s freshly pressed button-down shirt he wears daily to his successful dental practice? Not in this case. However, Dr. Wonderful could be tucked at the end of a grueling day of cavity filling and root canaling, because tucked means tired. “Leo fell asleep the second his keppele hit the pillow. Sweet boy was tucked!” Going ham — I would like to tell you this is the title of my journal entry about my brief, scorching hot summer fling with St. Louis’ own Jon Hamm. I cannot though, mainly because ham and Hamm are spelled differently. Going ham means giving your full gusto, going all in, no matter the activity. “With finals coming up, Davis and Leo’s non-helicoptering mom suggested going ham on their study guides instead of going ham on Xbox.” Mid — Not at the top nor at the bottom because it’s in the middle, or mid. It’s average, you know, just sort of medium. No sparkle or pizazz, and no garbage either, it’s just basic. “While Davis loves tacos, he thinks his mom’s homemade tacos, which include a myriad of toppings — for which she went to
three stores to make sure everyone had exactly what they wanted — are just mid, even with her secret ingredient: love.” Gas — In my house, this could mean a few different things. Fuel for the car or the grill. Results of mom’s homemade tacos. Or for the teens, good. Not too far off from the phrase, “It’s a gas,” used generations ago, meaning it’s a good and fun time. The modern-day gas is, like, really, really good. “When Jeff brought home Taco Bell for dinner, Davis and Leo gobbled it up and declared it was gas.” Fire — See gas Slaps — It’s a favorite pastime of siblings the world around, slapping an unsuspecting victim with whom you share an address. You don’t want to be slapped. But you do want to be a part of something that slaps. See the difference? To today’s teens, “slaps” is a term of great praise, often referring to food. This comes in handy when your teen eats six meals a day plus snacks. “Leo and Davis are incredibly lucky to have a mom who exclusively grocery shops while hungry because she always buys food that slaps.” Shmacked — This sounds suspiciously close to the word smacked. Interestingly, both words could really leave a sting. Shmacked is slang for drunk, wasted or three sheets to the wind. “Since Davis and Leo are way underage, their adoring mother has made it quite clear that if they get shmacked, they will get smacked.” Guess what? You’re cool now, practically an expert on the teen terminology. You’re welcome. I mean, you’re like totally awesome. Like, fer sure.
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February 16, 2022
FEATURES
STL
JEWISH LIGHT
stljewishlight.org
Biography chronicles fascinating story of Hadassah’s founder BY BURTON BOXERMAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
When Dvora Hacohen, professor and historian of modern Jewish history at Bar Ilan University in Israel, was looking for an inclusive biography of Henrietta Szold, she was unable to find one. She was surprised because Szold was considered the most famous Jewish woman in the 20th century in America. Hacohen then decided to write Szold’s biography herself. The 80-year-old Hacohen had written and edited nine other books on Jewish history. The resulting book, “To Repair a Broken World: The Life of Henrietta Szold, Founder of Hadassah,” was first published in Hebrew in 2019, and then translated to English and released in 2021. The book earned Hacohen two honors from the Jewish Book Council’s 2021 National Jewish Book Awards: Jewish Book of the Year and best biography. Szold was the oldest child of liberal-minded Rabbi Benjamin Szold and his wife, Sophie, who had come to the United States from Central Europe in 1859, a year prior to Henrietta’s birth. Although she was an outstanding student, Henrietta was often frustrated by limitations put on her
because she was a woman. She still played a national role in Jewish education by heading the Education Department of the Zionist Organization of America from 1918-1920. Even years later, she was not allowed to attend the Jewish Theological Center in New York until she signed a document indicating she had no aspirations to become a rabbi. Szold made two major contributions to Jewish life. In 1912, she created Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America. It ultimately became the largest and most powerful Zionist group in America, raising funds and establishing hospitals, food banks, nursing schools and social work programs. During the 1930s Szold involved Hadassah in a program to rescue Jewish youth from Germany, and later from Europe. This program, “Youth Aliyah,” saved more than 22,000 Jewish children from Hitler’s concentration camps. Jewish organizations were able to rescue thousands of Jewish children from the Nazis during the Third aReich, arranging for their resettlement in Palestine in either kibbutzim or youth villages that became their houses and their schools. Ironically, despite Szold’s love for chil-
“To Repair a Broken World: The Life of Henrietta Szold, Founder of Hadassah” by Dvora Hacohen (above right); Harvard University Press, 400 pages, $35. dren, she never married and had no children of her own. She did eventually fall in love, with a young Talmudic scholar, Louis Ginzberg. However, he proposed to another woman, leaving Szold heartbroken and causing her to become severally depressed. Eventually, Szold decided to recover by fighting for equal rights for all people. Although Szold did not fight for women’s rights per se, every cause she undertook benefited women. Szold died at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem on Feb. 13, 1945 at the age of 84
and was buried in Israel. Hacohen has written an excellent biography of an extraordinary woman. The book is scholarly and yet extremely readable. Hacohen has made full use of letters, newspapers and archival documents, and has included a detailed index and extensive footnotes. Despite all her success, Szold never achieved her desire for marriage and children. However, she left a lasting legacy in the Jewish world through her far-reaching efforts “to repair a broken world.”
JEWISH CELEBRITIES
Mrs. Maisel returns, Law and Order reboot and more five seasons, under Adam Schiff, the (Jewish) Manhattan District Attorney. Schiff was played by the late STEVEN HILL, an Orthodox Jew. The beautifully acted and well-written interplay between Schiff and McCoy was one of the highlights of the original series. In the reboot, the top assistant D.A.s are played by Hugh Dancy and ODELYA HALEVI, 30ish. Halevi was born and raised in Israel, the grandchild of Yemeni Jewish immigrants. After a year of military service, she moved to the United States at age 19. She’s had many small roles. Her “Law and Order” reboot role is a huge Camryn Manheim career break. CAMRYN MANHEIM, 60, a veteran well-known TV actress (“The Practice,” “Ghost Whisperer”), has snared a plum role as the detective in charge of the whole police squad room.
BY NATE BLOOM SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” the hit Amazon Prime series about a Jewish comedian, finally returns for a fourth, eight-episode season on Feb. 18 after the pandemic long delayed filming. New episodes of “Maisel” were last released in Dec. 2019. Two episodes will, as they say, be “dropped” on Feb. 18 and each following Friday, two more episodes will be released. Most of the “Maisel” main characters are supposed to be Jewish. Here, first, are the Jewish actors playing Jews: MICHAEL ZEGEN, 42 (Joel, Mrs. Maisel’s ex-husband); KEVIN POLLAK, 64 (Joel’s father); CAROLINE AARON, 64 (Joel’s mother); and ALEX BORSTEIN, 50 (Susie Myerson, Mrs. Maisel’s manager). I long wondered if Myerson is supposed to be Jewish. Then Borstein confirmed that Myerson was Jewish in a 2019 interview — noting that Myerson, unlike the other Jewish characters, comes from a working-class background. Here are the non-Jews playing Jews: Rachel Brosnahan, who plays Mrs. Midge Maisel (the title character); Marin Hinkle, who plays Midge’s mother; and Tony Shalhoub, who plays Midge’s father. Also worth noting: Real life ’60s comedian LENNY BRUCE, who had a big recurring role in Seasons 1-2, will have a big role in Season 4. Luke Kirby, who plays Bruce, isn’t Jewish. Reports say the comedic material that Mrs. Maisel uses on-stage will get more explicit and “hip” as the series timeframe moves further into the “culture-changing” 1960s. vvv “Lincoln’s Dilemma” is a four-part documentary that will be released in its entirety on Apple+ on Feb. 18. It follows Lincoln’s complex journey to end slavery and his evolving views about the status of African
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ABOVE: Alex Borstein (left) and Rachel Brosnahan in ‘The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.’ PHOTO: AMAZON PRIME
RIGHT: Zoe Kravitz in ‘Kimi.’ PHOTO: HBO MAX Americans. The story is told by a panel of distinguished historians, educators and journalists. Emmy-nominated actors Bill Camp and Jeffrey Wright provide the voices of Frederick Douglass and Lincoln, respectively. The documentary was directed by BARAK GOODMAN, 57. Over the last 30 years, he has directed and/or produced 34 documentaries, and has won two Emmys. Many of his films first aired on the PBS series “The American Experience.” His wife, RACHEL DRETZIN, 55, has also produced and/or directed many documentaries, including 14 PBS “Frontline” documentaries. Her mother is JOANNA MERLIN, 90, a busy character actress. She is the last living “credited” actor or actress in “The Ten Commandments” (1956). You might know her from 43 appearances on “Law and Order: SVU” as Judge Lena Petrovsky. vvv
vvv
The original “Law and Order” series ran from 1990-2010 and spanned several “spin-offs,” including “Law and Order; SVU.” A re-boot of the original series is set to premiere on NBC on Feb. 24 (7 p.m.). Sam Waterston is returning as Jack McCoy, Manhattan’s (head) District Attorney. He played that role for the last three seasons of the original. Before his promotion, McCoy was the top assistant district attorney for 12 seasons. Fans will recall that McCoy worked, for
“Kimi,” an original HBO film, began streaming on Feb. 10. ZOE KRAVITZ, 33, stars as Angela, an agoraphobic tech worker who works at home during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She discovers evidence of a violent crime while reviewing a data stream, but her discovery is ignored by her company. She realizes she may have to go outside to contact people who will take her seriously. (Next month, look for Kravitz as Catwoman in the new Batman movie series re-boot, entitled “The Batman.”) “Uncharted” opened in theaters on Feb. 11. Tom Holland (the newest Spiderman) and Mark Wahlberg co-star as partners who fend off bad guys as they go after a long-sunken Spanish treasure ship. The film was directed by RUBEN FLEISCHER, 47. He directed the two “Zombieland” films, which were critical and box-office smashes.
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February 16, 2022
JEWISH LIGHT
JEWISH LITE
1
JEWISH CROSSWORD PUZZLE
By Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com | ‘Schmearing’ Difficulty: Medium
Across
26. Persian product 29. Slovenly 1. Notable Rabbeinu 32. Dangerous wave 6. Important people in Isr. 35. Clapton title woman 9. Some sprays 36. When the Red Sea 14. Hawke of "Gattaca" was split 15. Gmail alternative, 37. iPhone problems preonce paring for Rosh Hashana? 16. Branch Sukkot 43. Pal 17. Take the first step 46. Craft and Logan 18. Articulate 47. Farm animal that 19. Long haulers sounds like a letter 20. What Elijah or Elisha 50. Jaffa might have them might use to tame a lion? in case of a famine? 23. "Madden" stats 55. Son of David and 25. You might schmear Abigail (Var.) 20, 37, 50, and 57 across 56. She said "I am six. I on it am a city child. I live at the
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2021-2022 Ohr Chadash Teen Page Staff Editor-in-Chief: Jordan Eisen Staff members: Idan Lerner Molly Levine Poppy Orchard Noah Sentnor Daniel Shanker Katie Silver Ryan Silver Avital Vorobeychik Advisor: Caroline Goldenberg
Eighth-grader joins high school basketball team BY DANIEL SHANKER FRESHMAN, YESHIVAT KADIMAH HIGH SCHOOL
In the name “high school basketball” exists a very helpful indicator: high school. That’s normally a useful clue, but not so with Jacob Genin, an eighth-grader at Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, a Bais Abe congregant and a player on the Yeshivat Kadimah basketball team. Clearly, playing at the high school level provides a different level of competition. “It’s a step up from what I [was] doing for basketball,” Genin said. “It’s a challenge, though, because lots of them are bigger than me. They’ve definitely hit the gym.” Genin approaches this challenge with a positive mindset, to which he credits his success. “I wouldn’t say it’s scary, but it poses a challenge to me,” he said. “It’s one of the Kadimah’s values that you don’t have to have certain traits just to be good. You just have to work hard.” A strong effort is Genin’s contribution to the team, but the fresh environment also provides him with another incentive to perform well. “I do try to perform exceptionally well when I’m not with a group of kids that I’m very closely knit with,” he said. “I feel like it helps me fit in when there’s a bunch of mutual respect for everyone.” That sense of mutual respect encourages Genin to come with his A-game. “When you go in and you perform well and you do well for the team, it brings that respect that you can give back,” he said. While Genin knew some other players going in, playing for a different school’s team has been a unique experience. “You can really find community with the team,” Genin
Mirowitz eighth grader Jacob Genin (center) stands with his Yeshivat Kadimah High School basketball teammates. said. “I don’t think that many people outside of Kadimah really can feel that.” Different schools have trademark atmospheres. For Genin, Kadimah’s inclusivity and welcoming environment make practices fun rather than burdensome.
“Just being around these types of people is really nice,” Genin said. “[It’s a great] opportunity to be with a bunch of other Jewish kids [my] age, and [both Kadimah] and I see it as a great way to connect with other high school kids.”
COOKIN’ WITH KATESTER
Quick and easy Avocado Toast BY KATIE SILVER LADUE HORTON WATKINS HIGH SCHOOL, SENIOR
Have you ever gotten up on a weekend only for your 18-year-old twin brother to offer you 50 cents for a meal that “will taste good and make me full.” No, just me? Regardless, this avocado toast will be your go-to in no time. Originally when I started taking part in the whole “avocado toast” trend I just added some toast, avocado, lemon, salt and pepper. And well, to be honest, I never got the hype. I thought that it was kind of… meh. As time went on, however, I felt like I could improve upon it. After all, I love avocados and bread. A lot. Today, I definitely lean towards being one of the more fancy “avocado toasters,” but with the roughly six minutes it takes me to prep, it’s completely worth it.
RIGHT: In just six minutes, avocado toast is a wonderful way to start the day with a healthy meal. PHOTO: KATIE SILVER
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RECIPE: AVOCADO TOAST Total Time : 6 minutes INGREDIENTS: 1 slice of bread of your choosing ½ avocado ½ tsp ground cumin seed 1/8 tsp red pepper 3/8 tsp garlic powder ½ lemon squeezed 2 dashes of salt 2 dashes of pepper 1/8 red onion 1 egg Dash of milk Black sesame seeds for garnish Sriracha for garnish (optional) DIRECTIONS: Start by making the avocado mixture. Combine the avocado, cumin, red pepper, garlic powder and lemon juice. Then, throw in a dash of salt and pepper. Mash until soft, or the consistency of guacamole. Cut onion into desired size (diced or in strips recommended). Next, put the bread in the toaster. While waiting for the toast, begin making the egg. (I usually make mine in the microwave, although if you prefer a pan, it works just as well.) In a microwave safe bowl, crack in your egg. Add a dash of milk, salt and pepper and combine. Cover with paper towel and place in microwave for two minutes (time may vary depending on how you like your egg). When toast is ready, place avocado mixture on top. Then, cover with the egg. Next, sprinkle on your black sesame seeds and put on enough sriracha for your liking. Add on your onions and there you go! Avocado toast!
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COMMENTARY: JORDAN’S JOTS
The GOAT — TB12 — retires BY JORDAN EISEN SENIOR, PARKWAY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
Tom Brady in 2019.
PHOTO: ALL-PRO REELS/FLICKR
After 22 seasons, Tom Brady has retired with 7,263 passing completions, 84,520 yards and 624 touchdowns, all topping the record books. Whereas other quarterbacks are comparable in terms of accumulating statistics, Brady has also raised the Lombardi Trophy seven times, which not only tops every player but also every NFL team. A couple of years — and a couple of Super Bowls — ago, there was some debate whether Brady was the greatest NFL player of all time. Now, after a few more MVP-caliber seasons, a couple more titles and successfully switching teams, the argument is now whether Brady is the best athlete of all time. It’s difficult to objectively compare him with the likes of Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretsky or Michael Phelps, but he certainly belongs in that list. Arguably more significant than his
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Camp Sabra is the perfect place for a joyous, Jewish summer camp. Our campers spend their days wakeboarding, ziplining, tubing and more. Now more than ever, our children need a place where they can connect with their friends. Whether it is singing around a campfire or getting out of their comfort zone on the ropes course, our campers make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Questions? Contact our director Kim Holtzman Sloan, 314-442-3151.
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statistics was his broader impact on the game. He was drafted in 2000, so by the time I was born, he was already established as a top quarterback in the league. For years, whether with the New England Patriots or Tampa Bay Buccaneers, when Brady came up on a team’s schedule, it was known that that game wouldn’t be much fun for that team’s fans. That’s just been part of football, and now it’s gone. And unlike Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, Brady retired while he was still playing at an elite level. In 20212021, he led the league in passing yards and touchdowns, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he won the MVP award for a sixth time this season. Now the NFL’s leader is gone, and the league will descend into anarchy, but in a good way. From his first Super Bowl in 2002 to his last in 2021, Brady represented his conference in half — 10 of 20 — of the championship games. With Brady gone, the likelihood of a
MORE ONLINE Listen to Jordan Eisen’s podcast “Field of Vision Sports” in which he interviews professional guests from ESPN, CBS, etc. wherever you get your podcasts or join 8,000 people in following @fov_sports on Instagram. non-Brady team making it to the Super Bowl literally doubles, allowing a much more diverse selection of teams to represent their conferences, which will make for a welcomed change of pace. More than anything, it’s strange to consider that the cornerstone of the NFL in my lifetime is simply no longer there. For as much pain and frustration you brought to so many teams and their fans, Tom Brady, you will be missed.
Join the Sabra Team & Have the Best Summer Ever! Sabra isn’t just a great place for campers – it’s great for staff, too! Get paid to play, make friends from all over the world & build skills for your future career. Now Hiring: • Counselors • Specialists • Unit Heads • Lifeguards • Ropes Staff • Ski Staff
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Apply now: campsabra.com/staff
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HEALTHWATCH
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BROUGHT TO YOU THIS MONTH BY:
Healthwatch is a monthly feature focusing on a health- or fitness-related topic with a Jewish angle. The feature is published the second edition of each month. Have a suggestion for a potential Healthwatch subject? Email news@stljewishlight.org.
At the Center of It All Jewish Federation: Mental health, well-being
‘one of our community’s top challenges’ Community mental health training series part of Federation’s COVID response BY JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER
As we move into the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all watching the seemingly never-ending seesaw of numbers caused by the Omicron surge, and now the “Omicron BA.2” variant. Add
to that the political divisiveness over vaccines, mask mandates, staffing shortages, overrun hospitals, overworked medical staffs and concerns about teacher and student wellness, and it’s no wonder a growing number of people are facing mental health challenges. Among Jewish groups, there continues to be increasing concern about how Jewish life is being affected by the pandemic.
President Donald Trump declared the safety of individuals within the Jewish novel coronavirus a national emergency, community.” Federation conducted a Community In the summer of 2020, Federation conI N F O RMAT N C Eits N T“Covid E R N OW O P EPhase N! Partner COVID-19 Needs Assessment. It I O ducted Response II Needs reached out to 69 Jewish organizations in Assessment,” and found 61% of responCALL 314-789-8173. St. Louis and surrounding areas to better dents reported that their constituents were understand their needs. experiencing mental health challenges. “All of this isolation and issues around That number is staggering and yet, not the pandemic have seen an increase in surprising with all of the stressors we have Independent Living ■ Assisted Living ■ Memory Care mental health concerns for many,” said all had to deal with since the COVID panAssessing community’s needs Community Jewish FederationInformation PresidentCenter and CEO demic began. Clayton Road “As such, 7700 Clayton #103and At the start of the pandemic, Jewish 7651 Brian Herstig. mentalRoad health ToClarendaleClaytonLIFE@ClarendaleClayton.com address these challenges, Federation Clayton, MO 63117 Richmond Heights, MO 63117 Federation of St. Louis made getting a well-being have become priorities and has ClarendaleClayton.com developed a multipronged approach that includes financial investments and program planning (see list below) to continue to meet and alleviate the mental health needs of our community: • Community Impact Investments to Jewish Family Services and BBYO • Supporting day school student needs - $50,000 • Young adult mini-grants for pilot programs - $6,000 • Request for proposals from local Jewish organizations – with $100,000 in funding available • Mental Health Access Fund Pilot to reduce cost - $10,000 • Community mental health training.
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It’s where you want to be. CALL 314-789-8173
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10-21
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Rising 13 floors at the corner of Clayton and Hanley, Clarendale Clayton is quite simply the place to see and be seen. Home of unforgettable moments and starting handle on just what the St. Louis Jewish emerged as one of our community’s top point for each day’s adventures in the heart of Clayton. community was up against a top priority. challenges for us within our Core Coming Summer 2021. On March 23, 2020, just 10 days after Commitment to secure the well-being and
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Where you want to be.
Jewish Federation offer mental health workshop series Earlier this month, Federation and its supporting partners made a variety of mental health training opportunities available. All focus on Jewish mental wellness. “We have invested $14,000 in this training for the community. We feel this investment will make an impact on the needs and help our community with this issue,” said Herstig. All training will be held virtually, and space is limited. Details are below. Community members can choose the workshop series that aligns with their role in the community and their schedule. A Jewish Mental Wellness Toolkit will be distributed to all participants prior to the first workshop (details on how and when to pick up the toolkit will be shared after registration). After completing the workshop, participants will receive a completion certificate and will have the option of being added to the Facebook alumni group of the Blue Dove Foundation, an organization that works to address the issues of mental illness and addiction in the Jewish community. Workshops started earlier this month. Below is a list of the remaining workshops available. To register, visit www.jfedstl.org/ events/mental-health-training.
WORSHOP SERIES FOR STAFF OF LOCAL JEWISH ORGANIZATIONS: • Option 1: Thursdays, Feb. 10 and 17, from 3-5 p.m. • Option 2: Wednesdays, Feb. 23 and March 2, from noon-2 p.m.
WORKSHOP SERIES FOR GENERAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS: • Option 1: Sundays, Feb. 6 and 13, from 2-4 p.m. • Option 2: Thursdays, March 3 and 10, from 6-8 p.m.
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Pandemic has brought renewed focus on mental health, local therapist says BY JORDAN PALMER CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER
To get a better understanding of the issues mental health professionals have been seeing as the pandemic continues, we sat down with licensed social worker Nikki Rauner from Emotional Health Therapy (www.ehtherapy.com) in Clayton to ask her some questions.
As we enter year three of the pandemic, what are you seeing overall as its impact on people’s mental health?
The mental health world is seeing a shift in prioritizing mental health. Isolation allowed people the time and space to look within and figure out where they want to go in life, assess friendships that were either very meaningful or not fulfilling. Many people, prior to the pandemic, would not have reached out to initiate a relationship with a therapist. We are seeing the stigma of mental health begin to chip away. That said, we have a long way to go. The other side of the effect of the pandemic is isolation. With quarantines, lack of events and fewer social plans, interpersonal relationships have taken a hit and this has created a lot of anxiety, sometimes even around leaving the house. This is a double-edged sword. If you go out, you take the risk of getting COVID and risk spreading it. If you stay in, anxiety and depression can be triggered and in turn, mental health conditions leave people feeling alone and hopeless with no end in sight.
What kinds of issues do you see among parents who have school-age children?
Parenting is an area that has become
increasingly difficult since the pandemic. Parents are forced to work or be home teachers, with virtual learning still in play even when kids have 10 days in quarantine. This leaves parents feeling an insurmountable amount of pressure to be a good parent, be a teacher, manage what class the kids should be in, and often the parent holds down their own job. Kids in turn can feel the pressure from school or their parent’s anxiety and the cycle begins. These parents are less likely to have time for therapy, and so the anxiety bubbles over and can turn into a system of anxious people. Anxiety can manifest in avoidance and shutting down or yelling and aggressive behavior. This has been difficult for many family systems to manage, but this is also the point they reach out for help. This is a good thing, as sometimes there were challenges that existed prior to the pandemic, but the crisis allowed them to see what they need to work on to grow as a family.
Are you hearing the words “mental fatigue” and if so, what does that mean?
Mental fatigue refers to the idea that prolonged stress can create a larger mental health condition such as depression. Depression and anxiety can look like frustration, a lack of ability to enjoy the small moments and that can be very difficult for a family living with someone experiencing this. Mental fatigue doesn’t need to look like crying or sadness — it can also look like someone is frustrated and angry. The fatigue worsens when these behaviors trigger interpersonal conflicts.
Is any type of person or profession
more likely to suffer “mental fatigue” than another?
Mental health spans socioeconomic lines, racial and cultural lines, and is something everyone can endure. Mental health, much like physical help, needs to be proactively treated for the best outcomes. Unfortunately, the stigma around mental health keeps people from using therapy or psychiatry proactively. Most people begin therapeutic relationships when they or someone they love is in crisis. Individuals who have anxiety, depression, bipolar or other mental health diagnoses in their family genetics might be more likely to experience mental fatigue because there is a genetic proclivity to mental health conditions.
Are you seeing any positives that you
can share? The pandemic has allowed therapy to be in person or virtual, which allows it to be more accessible to many ages. Our 65+ community is more likely to engage in therapy as their social outlets have been limited. The positive is that you have groups of people learning, reading, listening to podcasts on mental health, and that allows our community to better assess when someone should seek professional health. There is no shame in struggling, and the pandemic has given people permission to say they are struggling and reach out for help. I might add that COVID symptoms, such as losing taste and smell, have been reported as neurologic symptoms. These patients losing taste and smell for a prolonged period of time are often reporting mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Do you have a sense of what may be the lasting mental health effects after the pandemic ends?
Nikki Rauner of Emotional Health Therapy I have been seeing as many as 150-160 clients a month for most of the pandemic, and I can tell you that almost all of the people are becoming more and more resilient every minute. We refer to the brain as neuroplasticity, especially for the young, and this means that the brain has the ability of neural networks in the brain to grow and reorganize. As this happens, new pathways in the brain are being made. Experiencing a global crisis like the pandemic, as a universe, means that we can expect that people will come out of this more resilient. A lot of missed trips, long-distance breakups when travel was so difficult, jobs moving from a fun work environment to home with kids and spouses, people who lost loved ones with no funeral, or couldn’t visit a parent in a nursing home, and a lot of other potentially stressful, at-times devastating experiences. The brain naturally adjusts and neural pathways can be made allowing humans as a whole to be more resilient — allowing people to have a higher tolerance for struggles. So this can look like moving through life’s struggles much more smoothly than we likely would have three years ago. We are all impacted by COVID, and the mental health piece can be devastating and also very exciting when people move toward growth.
NAMI St. Louis provides peer-led mental health education and support groups to those living with a mental health condition, their family members and friends. Programs are provided at no cost.
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ne.you a r alo en ot
Mental health is health.
ne. you ar alo en ot
. you a lone re a n ot
Contact us: (314) 962-4670 Info@namistl.org Visit our website: www.namistl.org
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February 16, 2022
SIMCHAS BIRTHS
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WEISEL-DRIAN ENGAGEMENT Rachel Weisel, daughter of Marsha and Larry Weisel of St. Louis, and Joshua Drian, son of Marjorie and Allan Drian of Goshen, N.Y., have announced their engagement. Rachel is the granddaughter of Martin Gotlieb of blessed memory and Shirley Gotlieb Frankowitz, and Annabel Weisel and Jack Weisel, both of blessed memory. Joshua is the grandson of Florence and Sam Cohen, and Romola and Max Drian, all of blessed memory. Rachel graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania followed by a master’s degree from the George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. Rachel is a Senior Communications Manager at Pew Research Center. Joshua graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University followed by a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law. He is a partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. Joshua and Rachel met online in 2018. They had their first date at The Smith in Washington. Joshua proposed on October 2, 2021 on a beautiful bridge in a garden at the Hillwood Estates, one of Rachel’s favorite places in the city. An Oct. 2, 2022 wedding is planned.
GOLDSTICKER-ROSENBLATT ENGAGEMENT Laura Goldsticker, daughter of Robert and Cathy Goldsticker of St. Louis, and Zachary Rosenblatt, son of Michael and Linda Rosenblatt of St. Louis, have announced their engagement. Laura is the granddaughter of Frala and Aaron Osherow, the late Arnold Brown, and Ralph and the late Helen Goldsticker, all of St. Louis. Zach is the grandson of the late Peggy and Harold Rosenthal, and the late Rose and Edward Rosenblatt, all of St. Louis. Laura is a graduate of Clayton High School and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Boston University. She is a Senior Financial Analyst for Whole Foods Market. Zach is a graduate of Parkway Central High School and received a Bachelor of Science in Informatics and Master of Science in Information Systems from Indiana University. He is Senior Manager, Business Process & Controls, at Charter Communications. An October 2022 wedding is planned.
Let’s Celebrate! SHARE YOU GOOD NEWS WITH ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT TODAY! ENGAGEMENTS • BAR/BAT MITZVAHS • BIRTHS • WEDDINGS • ANNIVERSARIES • BIRTHDAYS • GRADUATIONS
SUBMIT A SIMCHA FOR FREE! stljewishlight.org/simchas FEBRUARY TRIBUTES IN HONOR OF JOEL SCHMIDT “ Hope you heal quickly dad!” -Betsy Schmidt BRUCE SANDWEISS Get well soon! - Betsy Schmidt LAURA GOLDMEIER “An Unsung Hero for 2021 Mazel Tov, Laura! So proud of what you have achieved! I never doubted that you would do so”. Your friend, - Phillis Cantor -
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IN MEMORY OF RON GREENSPAN FEBRUARY 12, 2021
Our dear, dear Husband and Father We love and Miss You. Our Thoughts are Full Of your Goodness and Memories. Our Hearts ache in your loss. Forever. Diane and Laura
JERRY & HERBY RASKAS “In memory of Jerry & Herby Raskas From friend and classmate Franklin.” - Franklin Sax SUSAN FADEM “Thinking of you at this difficult time.” - Ellen Futterman -
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JEWISH LIGHT
CHAILIGHTS
FEB
YOUR CALENDAR OF ST. LOUIS JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS
NHBZ Starting Points talk
There is only so much we can accomplish in just 24 hours, and sometimes it’s hard not to wish that we could add an extra hour to sleep, read a book or catch up on our favorite TV series. Join the discussion when Nusach Hari B’nai Zion Rabbi Ze’ev Smason asks “How Much Would You Pay for an Extra Hour Each Day?” at 10:15 a.m. NHBZ membership is not necessary to attend, and RSVPs are not required. For more information, call 314-991-2100, ext. 2.
STARTING | MARCH 8
NHBZ Chillzone Carnival
SUNDAY | FEB. 20 Jewish War Veterans meeting
Jewish War Veterans Post 644 meetings will take place via Zoom for the foreseeable future at 10 a.m. the third Sunday each month. For more information contact Post 644 Commander Ellis Frohman at 636-5197512.
TUESDAY | FEB. 22 Coffee Talk with SnL
At 8:30 a.m., NCJWSTL’s “Coffee Talk with SnL” will feature Anne M. Pokoski, owner of Fine Jewelry Consultants, a St. Louis-based fine jewelry advisory. The discussion will look at the latest news in fine jewelry today, including emerging design trends, how to style your jewelry and ways to properly care for your own collection. Pokoski will also delve into the recent technological marvel of laboratory-grown diamonds. NCJWSTL is offering a chance for one of its Coffee Talk guests to win a unique jewelry care gift bag that includes a onehour complimentary consultation with Pokowski. For more information and to RSVP visit: https://bit.ly/Feb22CT.
Hips: Pain and replacement
From 2-3 p.m. Dr. Ilya Bendich, assistant professor at Washington University School of Medicine in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, will discuss hip pain and replacement. Register for this free online program at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or by calling 314-733-9813 or via email to joliver@mirowitzcenter.org.
THURSDAY | FEB. 24 Dishing with Diane for Shabbat
Join Diane Packman, owner of L/A Baking and Catering, for a virtual cooking and learning session from the comfort of your home, while you learn how to prepare for a delicious Shabbat at 7:30 a.m. via Zoom. Recipes include balsamic chicken, bok choy salad, risotto with vegetables and hamantaschen for Purim. It’s free to attend and open to the community. RSVP by Monday, Feb. 21 at: www.ti-stl.org/Dishing Zoom link to attend and the grocery shopping list will be emailed to guests in advance.
FRIDAY | FEB. 25 Love at the Center: Receiving and extending love
In this Jewish Mindfulness Center event from 10-11:30 a.m., Rabbi Andrea Goldstein
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Local Jewish organizations and congregations can submit calendar items to news@ stljewishlight.org. All items received by 5 p.m. Friday will be considered for the following week’s edition.
tival will be held virtually this spring, March 6-13, presenting a selection of documentary and feature films from around the world. The Festival offers discussions with filmmakers and others associated with the films. A complete list of films and discussions, including trailers, can be found at stljewishfilmfestival.org. An all-Access Pass is $98 (plus fees) and individual films are $15 each (plus fees). Tickets are on sale and films will be available for purchase and viewing at community.jccstl.org, the J’s virtual platform.
SATURDAY | FEB. 19
Calling all kids: Don’t miss Nusach Hari B’nai Zion’s Chillzone Carnival at 7:45 p.m. Enjoy exciting games, prizes, swag and fun food. Plus, if you bring a friend who is new to Chillzone, you will get exclusive Chillzone swag. NHBZ membership is not required to attend this free event and RSVPs are not necessary. For more information, call Rabbi Avi Okin at 862-438-4094.
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New Melton Course starting Author Sam Cohen speaks at an event Feb. 27 planned by the Jewish Book Festival and MaTovu. will instruct us in a unique practice based on the teachings of John Makransky that allows us to experience the receiving and giving of chesed, lovingkindness, in our daily lives. Chesed, or lovingkindness, is a foundational mindfulness practice and a core tenet of Judaism. We are hoping to be in-person for this event, but will be flexible depending on COVID levels in the community. Email Stacy Jespersen at sjespersen@sestl.org if you have any questions. To register for this program, contact Stacy Jespersen at sjespersen@sestl.org.
SATURDAY | FEB. 26 Temple Israel holds trivia night
Congregation Temple Israel will hold “Frozen February Trivia Night: N’awlins Edition” at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6) at Temple Israel, #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive. The event is offered in person and virtually and may move to virtual only if deemed necessary. This event is open to the community. Masks are required in the temple building. General admission is $20 per person, $200 for a table of 10. Reserve seats or sponsor the event by Monday, Feb. 14. Visit www.ti-stl. org/Trivia to RSVP or for more information.
‘Bob Dylan and the Yiddish Poets: Purim Edition’
Join a musical havdalah and concert with Will Soll at 7:30 p.m. at Bais Abraham Congregation, 6910 Delmar Blvd., to sing into a new week and enjoy vegan refreshments. This program is funded in part by Shamayim’s Synagogue Vegan Challenge Grant. If you’re more comfortable attending this event virtually, you can do so at baisabe. com/streaming. For more information, got to www.baisabe.com/event/concertwithwill or email office@baisabe.com or call 314-7213030
SUNDAY | FEB. 27 Author Sam Cohen at MaTovu
The Jewish Community Center and MaTovu are teaming up to bring Sam Cohen, finalist for the Golden Poppy Award, and her book “Sarahland,” to St. Louis. Join at 4200 Blaine Ave. at 7 p.m. for drinks, appetizers and an author talk. Tickets are $20 and include a copy of the book. Masks and proof of vaccination will be required for entry. Buy tickets and learn more at https://www.showpass.com/sam-cohen-with-sarahland/.
Children’s Mitzvah Event at the J See related story on page 13.
STARTING | FEB. 27 Mental health support groups for young adults
In life, we’ve all been dealt surprises and may not have expected to find ourselves in
the lives that we are currently living. If this situation resonates with you, and you’d like to explore or make some changes but don’t know where to begin, these three sessions are an opportunity to take that first step. Three Sunday group sessions, led by licensed social worker and psychotherapist Joy Bassett, are being offered at no cost on Feb. 27, March 6 and 13 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Participants are asked to commit to all three sessions and the location will be shared after RSVPing. To RSVP or if you are interested in learning more, email Bassett at bcs.jbbstl@gmail.com. These sessions are presented in partnership by Congregation Temple Israel and Kol Rinah.
STARTING | MARCH 1 Yoga & mindful movement series with Dani Glassman
As spring approaches, join Dani Glassman (RYT-500 Yoga Instructor and Wellness Professional) on March 1, 8 and 15 at 7 p.m. as she leads us through gentle movements, grounding our bodies and minds as we reawaken to possibilities that are always there before us. This series is being offered as a hybrid model, both in-person and online. Registration is required. There are limited in-person spaces available and participants who would like to attend in-person must show proof of full vaccination when registering. The cost is $30 for the series. Scholarships are available if needed. For more information, contact Stacy Jespersen at sjespersen@sestl.org.
THURSDAY | MARCH 3 JProStL to present honors at Annual Recognition Event
Eight professionals and two community leaders will be honored for their work within the St. Louis Jewish community at “Treasuring Our Professionals,” JProStL’s annual recognition event. The event will take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in person at the Jewish Community Center and livestreaming. Mike and Debbie Lefton have been chosen as the recipients of the JProStL Partnership award. The 2022 Peer Honorees are: Sally Lang (Career Achievement), Pam Appelman (Chesed/Kindness), Theresa Dattilo (Dedication), Emily Bornstein (Emerging Leader), Itta Boyko (Educator), Beth Kodner (Mentor), Jessica Duneman (Pillar) and Rabbi Scott Slarskey (Visionary). The event is free for those employed at Jewish organizations. Guests are $25 for an in-person ticket and $18 to livestream. In-person participation will require proof of vaccinations and masks for all guests. For registration and tributes go to JFedSTL.org/JProStL22.
STARTING | MARCH 6 St. Louis Jewish Film Festival
The 27th annual St. Louis Jewish Film Fes-
Soul’s Cycles: A Ride Through the Chapters of Life will be taught by Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh on Tuesdays, from 7-8:30 p.m., March 8, 29, April 5, 12, 26 and May 3. This course will use a multi-access format, participants can attend class in-person at Temple Emanuel, 12166 Conway Road, or virtually over Zoom. This six-week course will lead you through a focused, high-intensity journey through the Jewish perspective on some of life’s milestones: birth, bar/bat mitzvah, marriage, divorce, mikvah, conversion – a fascinating ride that will deepen your understanding for when these moments happen to you, your family, or your friends. Register at testl.org/melton or email emily@testl.org for more information.
WEDNESDAY | MARCH 9 The spirituality of laughter with Rabbis Goldstein and Stiffman
In preparation for Purim, Rabbis Andrea Goldstein and Jeffrey Stiffman will explore why this holiday, with its emphasis on revelry and laughter, has always held a special place in the heart of the Jewish people. Stiffman will also share his perspective on how to find humor in almost any situation, why laughter is so important to our health and well-being and where he has been finding joy during these pandemic days. Whether you choose to join in-person at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road, or watch online, registration is required. Contact Stacy Jespersen to register at sjespersen@ sestl.org.
SATURDAY | MARCH 12 J Associates plans 2nd Annual Fabulous Feud Live
J Associates’ second annual Fabulous Feud Live will feature families from the community who will team up and square off against each other to play the Feud. Enjoy the show from the comfort of home as contestants battle it out while having fun and fundraising for the Jewish Community Center. An interactive Pre-Game Event will start the evening off at 6:45 p.m., followed by the Main Event at 7:30 p.m. Game show host for the evening is Ben Nordstrom. Six teams will compete during the evening, all comprised of five members. Tickets are $50 for Main Event Pass or $125 for both interactive Pregame and Main Event. Tickets may be purchased at jccstl.com/fabulousfeud or by contacting Beth Box, J Annual Fund Manager, bbox@jccstl.org or 314-442-3109.
ONGOING Enjoy Friends meetups
Enjoy Friends meetups for Jewish young adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s takes place on non-holiday Sundays at 2 p.m. at the St. Louis Bread Co. at 10550 Old Olive Street Road. Join for a friendly chat and a game of poker (the group is usually near the entrance).
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February 16, 2022
OBITUARIES
OBITUARY NOTICES UPDATED DAILY AT STLJEWISHLIGHT.ORG/OBITUARIES
LEONARD J. ADREON, Sept. 12, 1926-February 3, 2022. Husband of Audrey Adreon, father of Diane Adreon, Linda Morgan and the late Carol Grady, Grandfather of Rachel and Jason Gillman, Andrew and Adreon Morgan, Kelly Grady Lee and Thomas Grady Jr., Great Grandfather of Simone Ella Lee. Pre-deceased by brother, Merton Adreon, and parents, Irvan Adreon and Marie Adreon Morris. Leonard graduated from Soldan High School where he majored in football and basketball. He graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis, elected to Beta Gamma Sigma, national business school honorary society and lettered in basketball. He had a successful career for 36 years as Executive Vice President of The Siteman Organization in real estate development and management, headquartered in Clayton. He served as president of many organizations including the Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA), American Diabetes Association St. Louis Affiliate, Diabetic Children’s Welfare Association, Congregation Temple Israel, First Chairman of the Economic Development Advisory Committee of Clayton, Vice Chairman of the Regional Arts Commission. In 1976 he was awarded the Presidents award for outstanding service to the office building industry by Boma International. In January 2003 he received the prestigious Cornerstone Award from the Clayton Chamber for “dedication and devotion to the Clayton community.” Adreon was a co-founder of the Chamber’s Parties in the Park annual event. For many years he facilitated writing classes at the Life Long Learning Institute at Washington University in St. Louis. He was very proud of his military service as a Navy corpsman serving in combat with the First
Marine Division in Korea in 1951 and 1952. He wrote and published a memoir called Hilltop Doc, A Marine Corpsman Fighting Through the Mud and Blood of the Korean War. Leonard, above all else, was a devoted husband to Audrey for more than 69 years. He cherished his daughters and their families and spent many glorious hours with them. Services: A private family service will be held at the New Mt. Sinai Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers contributions to Congregation Temple Israel, #1 Alvan D. Rubin Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63141, will be appreciated. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service MYRNA H. (NEE MORGANSTERN) COHEN, born on October 7, 1929, passed away after a 10-year battle with dementia on February 2, 2022. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles G. Cohen to whom she was married for 65 years. She is the cherished mother of Dr. Raymond F. Cohen, Ruth M. (Dr. Brian) Kominsky, Edward A. (Carol) Cohen, and Stanley H. Cohen. She is the dearly loved grandmother of Ellen Kominsky (Alex) Koch, Amy Kominsky (Ryan) Crighton, Michael Kominsky, Sarah Cohen, Elizabeth (fiancé Julian Groover) Cohen and Andrew Cohen, and beloved great-grandmother of Liam Donaldson, Sloan Crighton, Atlas Crighton, Gabriella Koch and Charley Koch. Myrna was a beloved aunt, great-aunt, and step-grandmother. She was predeceased by her dear brother Kennard (Lee) Morganstern, and sister Rozelle Morganstern. We extend our deepest gratitude to her caregiver Clara Graham for her constant care, love, and devotion to Mom, and to the helpful team at Delmar Gardens West. Myrna was born and raised in University City, Missouri, graduating from University City High School in 1947. She received her B.A. from
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Washington University in 1951. Following her marriage to Charles, she moved to Jefferson City where she spent the bulk of her adult life. She taught at several schools, including Fatima High School, when her children were young. She then spent 26 years with the State of Missouri Division of Medical Services, where she was involved in drafting various nursing home regulations. In her later years, while living in a nursing home, she would sometimes smile and quip, “I hope I did a good job with those regulations!” Besides her children and grandchildren, Mom loved chocolate and her face still lit up whenever anyone brought her a bag of Hershey’s! She truly cherished her family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and the warm community at Temple Beth El. The funeral service took place via Live Stream on Sunday, February 6 at 4:00 p.m.; for details, visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com. A private graveside service will subsequently be held. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice. Berger Memorial Service PHYLLIS LEVENTHAL, February 1, 2022 Beloved daughter of the late Isadore and late Bluma Handelman; Dear mother of Judy Leventhal; Special cousin of Michael (Linda) Rosenblatt; Our deep appreciation to Maria Rodriguez for her countless hours of devotion and care to mom’s wellbeing. She is deeply loved. Phyllis was a true animal lover and mother to three miniature dachshunds, her beloved Andrew, Rufus and Rusty. She was always ready to lend a helping hand and was a true friend to many. Private Graveside services will be held at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in Chesterfield, Missouri. Memorial contributions preferred to Thistle Hill Rescue in Mountain View, Missouri. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service WILLIAM MACK, February 8, 2022 Beloved husband of the late Elizabeth Mack (nee Weintrop). Dear Father of David (Michelle) Mack and Ruth Mack. Loving grandfather of Jacob Mack, Oliver and Julian Fishman. Loving brother-in-law of Harry (Miriam) and Allen (Harriet) Weintrop. Our dear uncle, cousin and friend. A private graveside service will be held. Contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. A Rindskopf-Roth Service JACQUELINE ANN (JACKIE) MAYER, February 9, 2022. Beloved mother and mother-in-law of Douglas (Lisa), Peter (Kelly) and Rodney (Maria) Schiffer; dear grandmother of Austin, Allie, Coco, Cadie, Drew, Max and Ben Schiffer; dear sister and sister-in-law of Randall (Davey) Mayer; aunt to her adored nieces, Melinda (Jeff) Bierman, Anna (David) Poger, and Carin Mayer, cousin and friend to so many. Jackie was known for her incredible sense of humor and love of all festivities, and she was devoted to the arts as a phenomenal singer and artist. Jackie was happiest when spending time with her beloved children and grandchildren, and she will be dearly missed. A funeral service was held Feb. 13 at Berger Memorial Chapel, followed by private family interment. Please visit bergermemorialchapel. com for Live Stream information. Berger Memorial Service
JACK WARREN PALAN, (7/13/33 - 2/12/22) On the morning of February 12, 2022, Jack Warren Palan passed away after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. Born in St. Louis on July 13, 1933, Jack’s legacy is his dedication to his wife of 68 years, Susan Chorlins Palan, (whom he knew since age 12), his 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He will always be remembered as an extraordinary grandfather, a tireless provider, loyal, honorable, and devoted to his family. Jack attended University City High School, University of Missouri-Columbia where he earned a degree in journalism, and was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. He was a great patriot who served in the United States Air Force beginning in 1955. He was stationed in Wichita Falls, Texas, and Rabat, Morocco with the Strategic Air Command. He served 3 years of active duty with an honorable discharge at the rank of Captain with commendations for excellence. In addition to being a proud American, Jack was an avid horseman, marksman, and USO volunteer. After serving in the Air Force, Jack was an accomplished owner of Central Rebuilders where he worked until his retirement. He distinguished himself by the quality of his work, the loyalty to his friends, and his honorable conduct in every aspect of his life. Jack will be remembered for his dry sense of humor and honored always by his loving wife Susan Palan, sister Patricia Prejean, daughter Sheryl Kadmon (Dov), daughter Mindy Palan, daughter Beth Palan, son Manne Palan (Lynne Issacs Palan- Of Blessed Memory), (Margaret Wright, his fiancée), son Andrew Palan (Martha), daughter Amy Works (Michael); adoring grandchildren: Jonathon Kadmon, Harold (Claudine) Kadmon, Jessica Kadmon, Kathryn Becker (Eric), Griffin Palan, Broderick Palan, Tyler Palan, Janie Palan, Connor Works, Sophie Works; and great grandchildren: Barrett Becker, Brooks Becker, Beatrice Becker, Callie Kadmon, and Lily Kadmon. Jack was deeply loved and will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made to Lynne’s Legacy, ℅ JCC at 2 Millstone Campus, Creve Coeur, MO 63146 to benefit women and their families with breast & ovarian cancer, or Jewish War Veterans of the United States - St. Louis Post- 12 Millstone Campus, Creve Coeur, MO 63146. A funeral service was held February 15th at Congregation B’nai Amoona, followed by burial at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery. Berger Memorial Service SHIRLEY POTICHA, January 24, 2022 Dear mother of Linda Eason (Dan Kislinger), Paul Eason (Lenore) and Lorraine Eason; dear grandmother of Miriam Eason, Ariel Eason (Matt Belsky), Joe Eason and Emily Eason (John Stelljes); dear great-grandmother of Shoshana Eason-Belsky, Ella Stelljes and Andrew Stelljes; dear sister of the late Iona Poticha and the late Phyllis PotichaRosenthal. A funeral service was held Tuesday, February 8 at Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman. The service also is available via Live Stream; please visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream link. Private interment. Memorial contributions preferred to Central Reform Congregation or the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Berger Memorial Service Obituaries continue on opposite page
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ELLEN ANN RICH, formerly of St. Louis, passed away in Dallas on February 8, 2022. Beloved wife of William Rich; dear mother of Beth Elaine Wood (Ethan) and Jason Nathaniel Rich (Erika); loving grandmother of Asher and River Wood and Kyla and Claire Rich; dear daughter of the late Albert Smith and the late Bernice Resnick Smith. Dear friend to many. Ellen was born in St. Louis, Missouri on November 1, 1946. She graduated from University City High School in 1964. She later graduated from Wichita State University with a degree in Psychology and magna cum laude from the University of Texas at Dallas with an MS in Early Childhood Intervention. She met William (Bill) Rich in 1968 in St. Louis and they married on March 23, 1969. They would have celebrated their 53rd anniversary next month. They moved to Minneapolis in July 1969 then to Dallas in 1977, where they remained. Ellen spent many years as an educator working with families with children with developmental disabilities and was passionate about her work. She was devoted to her children and grandchildren – travelling to Los Angeles often to visit Beth and her family and locally in Dallas to visit Jason and his family. Two years ago, Ellen was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and also has been a Type 1 diabetic since childhood. She was actively involved with the ALS Foundation, the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Memorial contributions to those organizations are preferred. Private graveside service in St. Louis. Berger Memorial Service KENNETH D. SERKES, M.D. passed away on February 3, 2022 at the age of 95 in Santa Barbara, CA. Beloved husband of Margaret Bischel, M.D. for 47 years. Dear father of Jonathan M. (Sallie) Serkes of St. Louis, Elizabeth Ann (Curt) SerkesGranzow of Buffalo, MN and Laura Serkes of Easton, MD. Loving grandfather of Benjamin (Kacey) Serkes, Andrew (Sara) Serkes, Kathryn (Joey) Herrle, Nathaniel (Traci) Granzow and Kevin (Taylor) Granzow, David (Renae) Lazaroff, and Jess (Morgan) White. Dear greatgrandfather of Melanie, Sean and Letty Granzow, Quinn Serkes, Leo Herrle, Sloan and Rory Lazaroff. Beloved brother of Eleanor (the late Julius) Schainblatt. Dear uncle of Merry Schainblatt and Ellen Kortum. Kenneth was born in 1926 in St. Louis, MO to Freeda and Nathan Serkes. He graduated first in his Soldan High School Class and was awarded a full scholarship to Yale University in 1943. He joined the US Navy and served from 1944 to 1946 and returned to Yale after his service. In 1947 he entered the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, graduating in
February 16, 2022
OBITUARIES OBITUARIES INDEX Adreon, Leonard J. Cohen, Myrna H. Leventhal, Phyllis Mack, William Mayer, Jacqueline Ann Palan, Jack Warren Poticha, Shirley
Rich, Ellen Ann Serkes, Dr. Kenneth Solomon, Jeffrey David Sussman, Arnold “Arnie” Yawitz, Aubrey A.
1951. Training in General Surgery was completed at Jewish Hospital in 1956, where later he was appointed to a faculty position and as Assistant Director of Surgery. He spent 11 years as an educator of young surgeons in training, medical students, and as a member of a laboratory team investigating the problems of surgical shock and resuscitation. In 1968, he left academia for a career as Medical Director for the Artificial Organs Division of Baxter Laboratories and spent the next 20 years guiding the clinical development of devices in the fields of oxygenation for open heart surgery, dialysis devices for acute and chronic kidney failure, artificial heart valves and perfusion preservation of isolated organs for transplantation. After retiring from Baxter in 1988, he continued to consult, was a member of international professional societies, FDA consultant groups, and author or co-author of 49 articles. Private family service. Contributions in his memory may be made to Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Surgery. A Rindskopf-Roth Service JEFFREY DAVID SOLOMON, February 13, 2022 Son of the late Alan Solomon, Rochelle (Shelly) Solomon and Stephen Turner; loving brother of Michael Solomon (Betsy); loving uncle of Alexandra Solomon and Samuel Solomon; loving nephew of Mark Solomon (Becky) and Lawrence Goodman; and friend to many. Born in St. Louis, Jeffrey attended Parkway North High School and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He enjoyed a career in the retail industry and served in various capacities for Walmart in Kansas City, MO, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the St. Louis area. Jeffrey will be remembered for his keen sense of humor and a kind heart that was larger than life. He was a devoted fan of the St. Louis
Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis Rams and University of Missouri football and basketball teams. He attended and watched as many games as possible. An excellent chef, Jeffrey’s matzo ball soup was a staple at family gatherings during the Jewish holidays. He participated in a matzo ball soup awards competition sponsored by the St. Louis Jewish Light and received high recognition. Jeffrey loved his cats and always looked forward to traveling. He served as the trip navigator on family vacations. Graveside service Wednesday, February 16 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Please visit www. bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream details. The family has requested donations be made to the Humane Society of Missouri, att: Donations, 1201 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 or the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, 10601 Baur Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132. Berger Memorial Service ARNOLD “ARNIE” SUSSMAN entered eternal rest on February 1, 2022 at the age of 77. Loving husband of 54 years to Linda Sussman; proud father of Scott (Gretchyn) Sussman and Renee (David) Blomenkamp; cherished grandfather of Lauryn Sussman, Grant Sussman, Madison Blomenkamp, and Sydney Blomenkamp; devoted brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to many. Arnold is preceded in death by his parents Julius and Piri Sussman, his brother Norman Sussman, Thomas and Marjorie Craney (Linda’s parents), Fred Craney, and Jeff Craney (Linda’s brothers). Arnie above all loved and cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and a wonderful Pap to his four grandchildren. Arnie was happiest when he was surrounded by those he loved most. He was an avid sports fan and although he loved his St. Louis teams, his favorites to cheer on were always his kids and grandkids. Arnie spent most of his professional career at Edison Brothers which allowed him to travel all over the world for business. Beyond his business travels, he and Linda enjoyed exploring the globe for pleasure. Arnie will always be remembered for his kind heart and helpful hands, sense of humor, and bringing life to the party. He was a great friend to have and made many long and meaningful relationships in his life. Arnie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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AUBREY A. YAWITZ, January 31, 2022 The Yawitz family regrets to announce the passing of our beloved patriarch, Aubrey Yawitz. He was the husband of the late Juanita Yawitz; father and father-in-law of Carol Don (Irl), Joanne Yawitz Farkas (Gabriel) of San Francisco, Richard Yawitz (Alison Cannon) and Nancy Yawitz; grandfather of Laura Don (Rotem Brayer), Michael Don (Sophia Balakian), Kathryn Venn (Daniel) and Alysse Godino; brother of the late Bernard Yawitz (the late Jean) and the late Vivian Gross (the late Byron); brother-in-law of Ray Marglous (the late Sharon) and the late Sawyer Marglous (Jean); great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend to many. Aubrey, a long time St. Louisan, was born in 1916 and raised in University City. He attained his undergraduate degree from Washington University, and at age 60 completed an MBA at Webster University. As a true patriot, he served in the Army during World War II where he was primarily stationed in the Pacific region. He eventually retired having been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. On returning to St. Louis, he met the love of his life, Juanita Marglous, to whom he was married for 63 years. A true family man, he was devoted to his wife, four children and grandchildren. Aubrey had a varied career after serving in the Army, working in the retail furniture business before finding his real passion as an Operations Research Analyst for the Federal Government. When he finally retired at the age of 76, it was a proud moment to be proclaimed Older Worker of the Year by the Mayor of the City of St. Louis. His family describes him as an independent thinker, self-disciplined, highly intelligent, yet humble. Since he spent much of his later years in front of the newspaper, he was always wellinformed on current and world events. His family was blessed to have him for so long (reaching the age of 105 years) and was even more fortunate that he did so with his full mental and physical faculties intact. Up until last month, he resided in his family home in Clayton for 67 years. His warm heart, generous spirit, consistent presence and support will be greatly missed. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private funeral will be held. Memorial contributions preferred to the Jewish Federation of St. Louis or a charity of your choice. Berger Memorial Service
Marty Rochester: Exploring the sense of connection among Jews CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 didn’t really matter. We were very Jewcentric. Some of our closest friends were people we met initially as fellow parents of young children, who happened to be Jewish. We were not very active in our temple, so that would not explain the Jewish character of our friendship circle. When we moved from University City to Clayton, most of our neighbors were not Jewish, yet we gravitated toward the ones who were. One of the few exceptions to this pattern is a weekly breakfast group I belong to that consists of one other Jew, two Catholics and one agnostic. The only one my wife and I regularly socialize with is the Jewish member of the group. Is this because of implicit bias, because subconsciously I have wanted to limit my strong associations to fellow Jews? I dunno. I doubt it. At least, I have never consciously considered this in entering into friendships. Rising antisemitism notwithstanding, I have never sensed any antipathy toward me as a Jew on the part of colleagues or other acquaintances I have come into contact with that might
account for my failure to develop closer ties with folks of other religions. So I am left with explaining this puzzle simply as some instinctive attraction to other lantzmen. Perhaps it is no more than the old adage that “birds of a feather flock together,” what some researchers call the homophily principle: “Similarity breeds connection.” Still, I have a sneaking suspicion that such strong connectivity has been especially powerful among Jews. However, it is possible this is now at risk. In 1997, Alan Dershowitz wrote “The Vanishing American Jew: In Search of Jewish Identity for the Next Century,” raising questions about whether American Jews could survive their own success as greater security and affluence were accompanied by the threat of extinction through assimilation. A recent Pew Research Center study (“10 Key Findings About Jewish Americans,” May 11) found, in examining the approximately 7.5 million Americans who are Jewish, that: • “Like the overall U.S. population, Jews appear to be growing more racially and ethnically diverse.”
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• “U.S. Jews are less religious than American adults overall.” • “Among Jewish respondents who got married since the beginning of 2010, 61% have a non-Jewish spouse.” The survey did not look deeply into friendship-formation patterns. It is interesting to speculate whether, as Jews become more racially and ethnically
diverse and less religious, and as intermarriage increases, this will weaken tribal bonds among Jews. I greatly value my non-Jewish friends and welcome others who would befriend me. That said, I am convinced something would be lost if that certain feeling of Yiddishkeit were to dissipate, even if I cannot quite put my finger on it.
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DEATHS ELSEWHERE
Trude Feldman, 97, Jewish reporter who spoke to presidents and prime ministers, dies at 97 BY RON KAMPEAS JTA
WASHINGTON — The scene as I remember it is the outside of a Washington hotel, one of the stately luxury palaces Israeli leaders indulge when they’re here on business. A gaggle of Israeli and Jewish media is waiting for Ehud Barak. He gets out of an SUV. We shout out questions. He ignores us. But then he sees Trude Feldman, and he grins and he hugs her, squeezing her tiny frame close to his, her long coat scraping the pavement, her huge bun of gray hair popping out. Barak grins. “Trude Feldman!” he exclaims. That was the power of Trude Feldman, her ubiquity, her grandmotherly affect, and her relentlessly softball questions affording her the company of the powerful. I can’t remember exactly when the scene with Feldman and Barak played out — was it when he was prime minister, defense minister, was he in the opposition? One reason why it’s hard to pin down is that Trude Feldman was always there. Feldman, who freelanced for media outlets mainstream, marginal and Jewish, and who interviewed multiple Israeli prime ministers and every president from Jimmy Carter to George W. Bush, died on Jan. 23 in Washington. She was 97. She was famous for scoring presidential exit interviews, the final official media encounter. She also relished the Yom Kippur interview, which she would pitch as an opportunity for redemption. That’s what got her the first interview with Bill Clinton after he copped in 1998 to yes, having sex with that woman. The mainstream media mocked her for her softballs — Feldman didn’t mention Monica Lewinsky once, instead asking Clinton, “What would you say now to the children around the world who admire you and look up to you as a role model?” Clinton, a savvy media player, took the pitch. “What has been really helpful to me in the last few weeks is religious guidance that I have been given about atonement from the Yom Kippur liturgy, to remind me that while it is unusual for the president to be in a public situation like this, the fundamental truth is that the human con-
Reporter Trude Feldman interviews President Jimmy Carter in the White House in 1978. PHOTO: JIMMY CARTER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY
dition — with its frailties and propensity to sin — is something to I do share with others,” he said. “I can believe in the reality of atonement and ultimately of forgiveness.” Her soft approach was immortalized by “Saturday Night Live” player Victoria Jackson, her hair piled into Feldman’s chaotic bun, in a 1988 sketch in which Robin Williams played a befuddled President Ronald Reagan under siege because of the Iran Contra scandal and seeking to avoid hard questions. “Trudy! Trudy! Trudy!” an aide whispers to Reagan as he seeks refuge during a press conference. Williams calls on Trudy. “Mr. President this may seem like a lob,” says Jackson as Feldman. “But what would you enjoy talking about?” Her nephew, Rabbi Daniel Feldman of Teaneck, N.J., acknowledged in a remembrance for the Jewish Standard that his aunt’s approach drew mockery — but he said it also elicited truths. “The joke, however, was on everyone else,” he wrote. “Paired with her signature persistence, her style more often elicited not puff but profundity, more sincerity than sugar. The unique access she earned — baffling to some, understood to the astute, acknowledged by all — yielded memorable results.” She was beloved enough by the powerful that when George H. W. Bush celebrated his 75th birthday in 1999, Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., had read into the
congressional record what he termed “a wonderful story by the indefatigable White House Correspondent, Trude Feldman.” Her papers, including stacks of material documenting the famous and powerful she befriended and covered, are preserved by George Washington University in Washington D.C. “Don’t take notes, you’re making me nervous!” she told an aide to Ronald Reagan during a 1986 interview. “I’m not gonna hurt the guy!” Feldman was a fluid and engaging writer; she made learning nothing in an interview sound, well, momentous. “As President and Vice President (from 1981 to 1989), the two men ate lunch together every Thursday in the Oval Office and shared each others’ views on domestic issues and foreign affairs as well as personal sentiments,” she wrote in the 1999 paean to Bush, which included interviews with Bush and Reagan. “To this day, neither one has revealed those conversations.” The daughter of a rabbinical family, she launched her career covering the 1961 trial of Nazi mass murderer Adolf Eichmann in Jerusalem, where she put her training as a Hebrew teacher to use by teaching the language to the Nazi’s lawyer. (She also taught Hebrew to famed converts Sammy Davis Jr. and Elizabeth Taylor, and to Paul Newman on the set of “Exodus.”) The promise of friendly treatment
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Robert A. Cohn, editor-in-chief emeritus of the Jewish Light, said Feldman worked with the newspaper for many years. She was what Readers Digest would call (one of) “the most unforgettable characters I’ve ever met,” Cohn said. “Trude was relentless in her pursuit of stories and interviews. The St. Louis Jewish Light listed her as our White House correspondent for many years. Her persistence was repaid with numerous exclusive interviews, which we were pleased to publish for many years.”
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helped Feldman secure her interviews, but so did her persistence. George H. W. Bush’s spokesman, Marlin Fitzwater, in a 1995 memoir called her a “short, pleading little old lady in a floral print dress.” “Trude has perfected her coverage of the White House based on one simple principle,” The New York Times quoted Fitzwater as saying in his book. “No one wants to be rude to an old lady.” An anonymous White House insider was blunter in explaining to the Washington Post how she scored the Clinton interview. “She bugs people incessantly until someone breaks down and says yes,” he said. She was a constant presence in the White House — her press pass was suspended for 90 days in 2001 when a security camera caught her after hours snooping around a desk in the building. Jake Siewert, a Clinton spokesman, told Newsweek in 2003 that “I don’t think you could put five of us in a room for more than an hour without sooner or later the conversation circling back to Trudy Feldman.” The White House revoked Feldman’s press pass in 2007, but she continued to work the city, showing up at AIPAC conferences, outside hotels — until she didn’t. Her nephew, Rabbi Daniel Feldman, in remembering his aunt cites the commandment in Exodus not to bear false witness, and an interpretation of the commandment in the Talmud: “do not accept, or transmit, a negative report that is false, or purposeless.”
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February 16, 2022
JEWISH LIGHT
Page 23
BOY SCOUTS/UNITED HEBREW
United Hebrew Congregation hosted a Scout Shabbat service on Feb. 4. Pictured above are Rabbi Adam Bellows, Earl Binder, Rabbi Brigitte Rosenberg, Nathan “Nate” Daniels, Owen Daniels, Michael Ukman, Liam Daniels, Meredith Daniels and Kevin Daniels. Nate earned both his Maccabee Emblem and the Aleph Emblem, and Owen Daniels earned his Maccabee Emblem. In addition, Gavin Kornblum (not pictured) earned his Ner Tamid Emblem.
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PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to news@stljewishlight.org. VIEW MORE ONLINE: stljewishlight.org/multimedia
Abby Balaygorod
It was a nail biter for the Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School 4th-6th girls basketball team when they recently beat Principia 22-20. Hallel Arnow, grade 6, tied a Mirowitz girls basketball record with 16 points in the win. The team is 3-2 for the season. Above, Malaya Sheevam takes a shot.
MIROWITZ
Mirowitz student players included Abby Balaygorod (#1, at left), Orli Ross (#5, above), Lucy Rohlman (#22, below right) and Hallel Arnow (#4, below left).
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Page 24
February 16, 2022
STL
JEWISH LIGHT
stljewishlight.org
ST. LOUIS JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL March 6 – 13, 2022
27th Annual
Purchase Passes: 314.442.3179 or stljewishfilmfestival.org
Thank you to our 2022 Sponsors! Oscars Howard Lesser
Madeleine Elkins and Harvey Wallace
Golden Globes
Aurelia Konrad Charitable Foundation Ellen and Dr. Ronnie Gross Red Carpet Judith Gall Harvey Kornblum Foundation Elaine and Jeffrey Korn Nancy and Ken Kranzberg Sima and Phil Needleman Merle and Marty Oberman Adinah and Heschel Raskas Eileen and Larry Schechter Stacy and Greg Siwak Gloria and Sanford Spitzer USA Mortgage Two Thumbs Up Edward Balk Bank of Springfield Bernard and Myrtle Kornblum Changing World Fund Judy Berger B’nai B’rith St. Louis Missouri Lodge #22 Marilyn K. and Steven Brown Linda and Nathan Cohen The Delmar Gardens Jennifer and Jonathan Deutsch Eileen Edelman Irene Fox and Floyd Emert Rochelle and Stanley Ferdman Julie and Leonard Frankel
Kuhn Foundation Dorothy and Mel Lefkowitz
Diane Fredman Wilma and Harvey Gerstein Carole and Jay Goldstein Gladys K. Crown Foundation Joanne and Joel Iskiwitch Phyllis and Stephen Kamenetzky Aimee and Richard Korn Judith and Jerold Kreisman Law Offices of Leonard Komen, PC Merle and Richard Linkemer Jean and Stan Margul Sue Matlof Shirley Mosinger Sanford Neuman Mary and Sanford Pomerantz RubinBrown LLP The Rubin Family Foundation Judy Schenberg David Soshnik Patsy and Gershon Spector Karen and Thomas Stern Laurie and Lee Wielansky Mitzvah Sponsors Faith and Corey Berger Barb and Dan Bindler Harvey Brown Elissa and Paul Cahn Marla and Ed Cohen
Sam and Marilyn Fox Foundation
Dorette and Ed Goldberg Martin Gordon Deborah and Kent Hirschfelder Judith and Phillip Kaplan Alan Korn Nancy and Harvey Lehrer Susie and Steven Lowy Lucy Lopata Transportation Fund Frances and Charles Mannis The Harris-Newman Fund Hessie and Barry Needle Judy and Stan Plocker Judith and Paul Putzel Leslie and Jake Reby Peggy and Alan Schaffer Paula Sigel Ruth and Alvin Siteman Gianna Jacobson and Todd Siwak Helen and Dr. Cary Stolar Tannie Lewin Fund Jennifer and Nicholas Tompras Leslie and Harvey Wolf Judith and Gerald Zafft Co-Sponsoring Organizations AJC Anti-Defamation League Bais Abraham Congregation Central Reform Congregation
Congregation B’nai Amoona Sisterhood Congregation Shaare Emeth Congregation Temple Israel International Institute Jewish Community Relations Council Jewish Family Services Kol Rinah Sisterhood Maryville University Hillel Midwest Jewish Congress Miriam School National Council of Jewish WomenSt. Louis Section New Mount Sinai Cemetery Association Shaving Israel St. Louis Jewish Light St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association STAGES St. Louis Temple Emanuel United Cemetery Association: B’nai Amoona Cemetery United Hebrew Congregation Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged (WAF)
Sponsors listed as of February 9
A very special thank you to Jeffrey Korn. For more than a decade Jeffrey has helped grow the festival in every way possible. His passion and dedication is beyond measure. Thank you, Jeffrey, for all you have done and all you continue to do! We love you!
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