2023 Guide to Jewish Life - St. Louis Jewish Light
LOCAL COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Agewell St. Louis
Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County
October 10-22 COME FROM AWAY November 3-5
TINA-The Tina Turner Musical November 14-26
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… by Cirque du Soleil® November 29 - December 10 Disney’s ALADDIN December 12-17
RUDOLPH The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical • December 23
MRS. DOUBTFIRE
December 26 - January 7
JAGGED LITTLE PILL January 19-21
FUNNY GIRL January 23 - February 4 MAMMA MIA! February 13-18 COMPANY February 27 - March 10 THE BOOK OF MORMON April 9-14
MOULIN ROUGE! The Musical April 30 - May 12
MJ May 28 - June 9
The Newspaper of the Jewish Community of Greater St. Louis — Founded 1963
MAILING ADDRESS
Address for general correspondence:
Email the Jewish Light at news@stljewishlight.org
Address for payments: P.O. Box 790372, St. Louis, Mo. 63179-0372
PHONE 314-743-3600
EMAIL news@stljewishlight.org
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OFFICERS
Michael Staenberg, President
Bethe Growe, Immediate Past President
Kara Newmark, Vice President
Ryan Rich, Vice President
Justin Krachmalnick, Treasurer
Todd Taylor, Secretary
TRUSTEES
Caroline Goldenberg, Mia Kweskin, Debbie Lefton, Steve Rosenzweig, Adam Schneider and Alan Spector
JEWISH LIGHT PAST PRESIDENTS
Milton I. Goldstein*, Morris Pearlmutter* (founder), Morris Moscowitz*, Melvin Newmark*, Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin*, Vivian Zwick*, Joseph Edlin*, Michael Newmark, Richard Stein, Yusef Hakimian*, Sanford Weiss*, Philip Isserman*, Linda Kraus, Richard Flom, Marvin Schneider, Barbara Langsam Shuman, Terry Bloomberg, John Greenberg, David Grebler*, Milton Movitz*, Gianna
Jacobson, Jenny Wolkowitz, Gary Kodner, Jane Tzinberg Rubin, Steve Gallant, Laura K. Silver, Bethe Growe
* Of Blessed Memory
Founder Morris Pearlmutter (1913-1993)
STAFF
EXECUTIVE
Betsy Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer
Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content Officer
EDITORIAL
Robert A. Cohn, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
Mike Sherwin, Managing Editor
BUSINESS AND ENGAGEMENT
Stacy Wolff Smart, Director of Business Development and Communications
Terri Green, Administrative Assistant
SALES
Angie Rosenberg, Senior Account Executive
Kelly Morris, Account Executive
Elaine Wernick, Account Executive
PRODUCTION
Grace Cohen, Graphic Designer
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bill Motchan, Amy Fenster Brown, Patricia Corrigan, Barry Gilbert, Margi Lenga Kahn, Nancy Kranzberg, Elise Krug, Cate Marquis, Eric Mink, Judith Newmark, Martin Rochester, Megan Rubenstein
The Jewish Light is
New Mount Sinai is the only Jewish cemetery in St. Louis with a community mausoleum and forty-two acres of forested grounds. It’s a short drive to honor your ancestors from the 19th - 21st Centuries, and celebrate Jewish contributions to St. Louis for 172 years. Call or Email
a community partner of Jewish Federation of St. Louis.
2023-2024 St. Louis Jewish Community Directory
LETTER FROM THE
Editor Guide to Jewish life
ou’d think after nearly 15 years as editor of the Jewish Light, I would no longer be surprised by the number of organizations, institutions, programs and services that populate our St. Louis Jewish community. Yet it never fails to amaze me, year in and year out, the breadth and depth of what our community has to offer to the roughly 65,000 Jews who call St. Louis home.
If you think I’m exaggerating, take a deep dive into this 2024 Guide to Jewish Life magazine, which boasts hundreds of listings to help Jewish St. Louisans find local resources and opportunities designed to make life easier and more enjoyable. All of these listings are carefully indexed and contain brief descriptions and contact numbers and emails. We designed this comprehensive Guide for you to keep throughout the year, with easy-tofind information in one place. If, for some reason, you cannot locate something or we inadvertently left any listing out, please contact me at efutterman@stljewishlight.org or 314-743-3669.
While I have your attention, I’d like to encourage you, if you haven’t already, to sign up for our digital newsletters, which like our printed paper, is free of charge. You can easily subscribe to our Monday through Friday “Morning Light,” a carefully curated newsletter that combines engaging local content with informative news and features from across the globe at stljewishlight.org/newsletters. In addition, we offer newsletters that focus on Israel twice a month as well as the latest obituaries (once or twice a week) or Simchas/celebrations. You can sign up for any or all of these at stljewishlight.org/newsletters; each of these newsletters will be delivered directly to your email address. Hopefully, New Year 5784 will be one filled with peace, happiness and good health for each of you and the people you love.
Shana tova, Ellen Futterman Editor-In-Chief
TABLE
Jewish Traditions & Life Cycle Resources
Community Services
Cemeteries
Kosher Dining Congregations
Judaica Shops
Education
Early Childhood Education
Youth
Summer Camps
Senior Services & Housing
Arts & Culture Organizations
Index
Jewish traditions and life cycle resources in St. Louis
Mikvah
Meaning “gathering of waters,” a mikvah is a Jewish ritual bath facility. Built and maintained to certain specifications, the mikvah is meant to contain or have a connection to natural water as from a spring or rain and is used in a variety of functions in Jewish life. Conversions are completed in mikvaot and observant married women take monthly immersions after menstruation. Women bathe after nightfall.
A man may also use the mikvah during certain times such as important holidays or on his wedding day. Some men also bathe at a mikvah weekly or even daily. New dishes are also immersed in the mikvah before use.
Area mikvaot
Note: Please contact the mikvah directly to confirm availability, cost and to make appointments as necessary.
St. Louis has three mikvaot in the area. The Vaad Hoeir-administered Staenberg Family Mikvah is on the Millstone Campus. Usage is by appointment and appointments are staggered in such a way as to preserve privacy. The other Vaad mikvah is housed at Young Israel where it is generally in use for women only on Shabbat and holidays. Appointments can be made by calling 314-569-2770 x114 or visit stlmikvah.org.
The Staenberg Family Mikvah on the Millstone campus was renovated fully in June of 2020 for improved, modern functionality and a beautiful updated user experience. It is open by appointment every evening except Shabbat and Jewish holiday evenings.
The Vaad provides its halachically valid mikvah to rabbis of all streams of Judaism for conversions though the officiating rabbi is in charge of the conversion process itself. The Vaad does not judge or endorse the validity of any particular conversion. For current pricing and policies, please visit stlmikvah.org or call the mikvah
The third area mikvah is at Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha in Chesterfield. Opened in 2002, the facility is a full-service mikvah and appointments can be made by phoning 314-469-6160. Usage is by appointment. For current pricing and policies, call 314-469-6160.
Eruv
Since traditional Jewish Law prohibits carrying things outside the home on the Sabbath, some Jewish communities set up an eruv in order to legally allow carrying of certain small items outdoors. An eruv essentially creates a private domain out of multiple public spheres by recognizing an unbroken border, often composed of fencing and wire, surrounding the area in question. An eruv must be inspected carefully before Shabbat in order to ensure it is intact or it is not considered valid.
The St. Louis area has two eruvs
St. Louis Community Eruv
The St. Louis Community Eruv covers a number of congregations in the area and runs a complex route from Warson Road on the west to as far north as the railroad line and Page Avenue on the north while touching as far east as Skinker Boulevard at one point and as far south as Interstate-64. A map is available online at stleruv.org. The eruv is inspected weekly and those wishing to know its status may phone a special hotline at 314-863-1811 after 12:30 p.m. Friday. To become a volunteer for this eruv, call 314-368-4446.
Chesterfield Eruv
The Chesterfield Eruv, at points, runs as far north as Olive Bouelvard and as far west as White Road with an eastern limit running as far as Woods Mill Road. The eruv is maintained by Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha. A map is available at www.tickstl.com/eruv-ofchesterfield.html. Call 314-469-7060 for more details.
Mohels
In Judaism, mohels perform Jewish ritual circumcision. Carried out during a ceremony known as a bris, the circumcision takes about 10-15 seconds with minor discomfort, persisting for several hours. The ceremony itself is about 20-30 minutes long. Complete healing can take up to three days. In most instances, for healthy babies, the bris is performed on the eighth day of life.
• Rabbi Michael Rovinsky Phone: 314-727-BRIT (2748) or 1-80085MOHEL; Website: brismilah.org
• Rabbi Moshe Shulman
Phone: 314-725-6130; Website: milah.net
Get
A Jewish divorce is known as a get. The get process, which takes about an hour, involves a qualified rabbi and a document written by a scribe and signed by two witnesses. The get parchment is then cut by the supervising rabbi.
Gets in St. Louis • The Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis can help to facilitate this process. Call 314-569-2770 for more information.
Community chaplaincy
Jewish Family Services provides chaplaincy services (see listing on page 49) to persons living in out-of-home settings who are in need of spiritual support, a connection to the Jewish community, and/or assistance in addressing end of life issues.
The program offers private individual visits, contact with family members, Shabbat and holiday celebrations, Jewish study groups and education on Jewish topics for facility staff. Assisted by a team of volunteers, chaplains provide spiritual care and comfort to those who might otherwise not find a Judaic presence in their lives.
Individuals wishing a visit from the program may phone 314-913-1000 during regular business hours to ask for services; however, the family or the facility itself can also make
SYNAGOGUES IN THE ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY ERUV:
1. Agudas Israel of St. Louis
2. Bais Abraham Congregation
3. Chabad of St. Louis
4. Chabad on Campus at Wash. U.
5. Hillel at Washington University
6. Kol Rinah
7. Nusach Hari B’nai Zion Cong.
8. U. City Shul
9. Young Israel of St. Louis
CHESTERFIELD ERUV
the request.
Jewish funerals
Traditionally, burials in the Jewish com munity take place within 24 hours of death unless Shabbat or a Jewish holiday intervenes. Aspects of a Jewish funeral and burial can include traditional washing or bathing of the deceased, watching over the body of the deceased to honor them until burial and the tearing of the outer clothing of grieving relatives before burial. The deceased is often buried in a simple white shroud to symbolize equality before the Creator. Caskets are generally made of wood with no metal. Mourning takes place over a seven-day period known as shiva, which can include
the use of a traditional candle, reminiscences of the deceased and the covering of mirrors.
Ahavas Chesed Society
Locally, the Ahavas Chesed Society prepares the deceased for burial according to Jewish customs. Call 314-726-1021 for more information or see directory listing on page 11.
Volunteers of this organization assure the dignified preparation of our loved ones for burial in accordance with the tenets of Jewish law and tradition.
Pnina Glassman is President.
ADL Heartland
314-627-1330 (816-471-2028 from Kansas City) email: heartland@adl.org website: heartland.adl.org
Jordan Kadosh, Regional Director
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact.
A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism, and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all.
ADL Heartland serves Missouri, Eastern Kansas, and Southern Illinois. On Twitter @ ADLHeartland and on Facebook (ADL. Missouri).
Tzivia Levin Kalmes, Senior Associate for Communications and Development
AJC Mission: To enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel; to advance democratic values around the world. AJC’s diplomatic and legislative advocacy seeks to influence policy and public opinion to promote Israel’s rightful place in the community
of nations, combat the scourge of antisemitism, counter the spread of Hate and Extremism, and advance Pluralism. Follow AJC on Twitter at Twitter.com/ AJCGlobal andFacebook at Facebook. com/AJCGlobal.
Rabbi Michael Rovinsky, Executive Director Awarded #1 Mohel in the United States, Rabbi Mike Rovinsky provides information on ritual circumcision through personal meetings, brochures and classes. The association provides the services of a mohel as a community service, regardless of financial ability. The association works closely with community rabbis of all denominations to insure a quality and meaningful brit milah procedure and ceremony for all members of our community. In addition to the St. Louis area, Rabbi Rovinsky, C.M., travels throughout the United States providing the association’s services. Over 20,000 procedures performed.
Association of Reform Rabbis 314-469-0700
The Association of Reform Rabbis brings together Reform rabbis in the St. Louis area to share ideas and coordinate collaborative programs of the local Reform congregations and the national Reform movement, the Union for Reform Judaism.
Nancy Lisker
Rabbi Michael Rovinsky
Jordan Kadosh
This is what extraordinary looks like.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
Christian Hospital
Hospitals across BJC HealthCare are recognized among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. From nationally ranked hospitals and specialty services for adults and children, to a variety of common conditions and procedures, BJC hospitals deliver extraordinary care, every day, throughout the region we call home.
Discover what health care can be when it comes from people who truly believe that you deserve extraordinary care.
Learn more at bjc.org/us-news
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
One Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza
St. Louis, Mo. 63110
314-747-3000
website: BarnesJewish.org
Barnes-Jewish Hospital at Washington University Medical Center is a nonprofit, 1,638 licensed-bed, tertiary-care, teaching hospital that is consistently ranked among the best hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital’s 1,700-member medical staff is supported by a house staff of more than 800 residents, interns and fellows, in addition to nurses and other health care professionals. BarnesJewish Hospital’s unique services for the Jewish community include the presence of a rabbi to attend to the diverse religious and spiritual needs of affiliated and unaffiliated Jewish patients, families and staff. Kosher meals are available upon request, and BJC HealthCare’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Language Services teams provide case consultation and interpreter services to all refugees and immigrants that come to Barnes-Jewish Hospital for care.
Dr. John Lynch is hospital president. Rabbi Laurence Glestein serves as Chaplain Rabbi and Jewish Care Coordinator of Barnes-Jewish Hospital through the Spiritual Care Department. vvv
Bikur Cholim Visitors Network
314-724-7444
Contact: Miriam Florans
Volunteers for Bikur Cholim Visitors Network visit sick, elderly and incapacitated individuals in hospitals and nursing homes in the St. Louis area. We are a resource for outof-towners visiting for medical purposes and can assist those in medical need in the way of transportation and hospitality.
Ohel Rina & Michael (Michael and Rina’s “Open Tent”), a project of the Staenberg Family Foundation & The Vaad Hoeir, is helping to create a home away from home for Jewish families visiting St. Louis for medical reasons. For more information, please visit www.bcstlweb.com or call 314-569-2770 x113.
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Care Connect — JFS
10950 Schuetz Rd. St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-993-1000
website: jfsstl.org
email: info@jfsstl.org
To access JFS services, even if you’re not sure what you are looking for, call the Care Connect phone line at 314-993-1000. You will reach a knowledgeable and experienced staff member who will connect you with JFS resources or a care manager to meet your individual needs.
The Care Connect staff can also provide you with information, referrals, guidance and advocacy. JFS assists all callers access a range of services including government benefits (such as supplemental security income,
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP], and Medicaid) and support resources for socialization, housing, finances, counseling, and long-term legal and care planning. JFS staff also make referrals, if necessary, to other community organizations.
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Community Rabbinic Service at Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Jewish Care Coordinator, Spiritual Care Service Mail Stop 9075590, COH 621 St. Louis, Mo. 63108 314-574-8239 • fax: 314-362-0149 email: lxg2324@bjc.org
Rabbi Laurence Glestein, Board Certified Chaplain, is Jewish Care Coordinator at BJH and is available Sunday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry — JFS
See listing for The JFS Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry on page 14.
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squash and tennis courts. Each building offers specialty fitness studios (cycling, reformer Pilates, yoga and performance training) and all memberships include free group exercise, yoga, cycling and mat Pilates classes.
While health and wellness is our mission, the J isn’t just about fitness. Hundreds of programs educate and challenge people of all ages and abilities. The Early Childhood Center (both locations) offers childcare and award-winning curriculum for children 6 weeks through 5 years. The Adult Day Center (SFC) provides the highest-quality care for seniors and young adults with physical and cognitive challenges. The J’s 613 Catering provides catered and homedelivered meal services to seniors.
The Shalom Task Force confidential Abuse Hotline will refer callers to professional and rabbinical help in the community.
Holocaust Museum and Learning Center
See “St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum” listing on page 20. vvv
Jewish Community Center (The J) 314-432-5700 website: jccstl.org Lynn Wittels, President & CEO
• Staenberg Family Complex (SFC) 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146
• Marilyn Fox Building (FOX) 16801 Baxter Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63005
The Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur and the Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield offer a world-class fitness experience to members of the J. Each features the latest in equipment technology, full gymnasiums that can accommodate basketball, volleyball and badminton; indoor running tracks; three indoor pools, including a recreational pool in the Staenberg Family Complex, and two outdoor pools. The SFC also offers racquetball, pickleball, handball, international
The J also serves people of all ages with disabilities through various programs including fitness, theatre, camp and social experiences.
The J hosts a variety of summer day camps at both locations, and Camp Sabra provides a residential sleep-away camp experience on the Lake of the Ozarks. Professional cultural programming, including the St. Louis Jewish Book and Film Festivals, live theater from the renowned New Jewish Theatre and children’s theater round out offerings that serve the minds, bodies and souls of the Jewish community and the community at large.
• Staenberg Family Complex 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3271
• Marilyn Fox Building 16801 Baxter Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63005 314-442-3454
The JCC Center of Jewish Life furthers the J’s Jewish mission by providing Jewish engagement, education, cultural, Israel and community outreach services and programs for the St. Louis Jewish community. Young family programs include parent/toddler classes, open play, Jewish holiday programming, playgroups and more. Community programs offered include Sababa: Jewish Arts & Culture Festival, Yom Ha’atzmaut, family Israel trip, Israel Education and Engagement
Lynn Wittels
Rabbi Brad Horwitz
DELMAR GARDENS OF CHESTERFIELD
636.532.0150
DELMAR GARDENS OF CREVE COEUR
314.434.5900
DELMAR GARDENS OF MERAMEC VALLEY
636.343.0016
DELMAR GARDENS OF O’FALLON
636.240.6100
DELMAR GARDENS ON THE GREEN
636.394.7515
DELMAR GARDENS NORTH 314.355.1516
DELMAR GARDENS SOUTH 314.842.0588
DELMAR GARDENS WEST 314.878.1330
Shlichah, Community Garden of Eden and Songleader Boot Camp, a national Jewish leadership program. In partnership with B’nai B’rith, the center also provides programming for Jewish active adults. Staff members include Rabbi Brad Horwitz, Avital Kadosh, Debbi Braunstein, Emilie Brockman and Snir Dagan. vvv
Jewish Community Relations Council
12 Millstone Campus Drive
St. Louis, Mo. 63146
314-442-3871
email: jcrcstl@jcrcstl.org website: jcrcstl.org
Maharat Rori Picker Neiss, Executive Director
The Jewish Community Relations Council works within the Jewish and broader communities in St. Louis to enhance cooperation with other religious, racial, ethnic and civic groups; foster a just, democratic and pluralistic society; and promote the security of Israel and Jews everywhere. Guided by Jewish values, the JCRC advocates, educates, collaborates and mobilizes action on issues important to the Jewish community. Comprised of 35 local Jewish organizations and 10 atlarge members, JCRC’s Council provides a forum for discussion and coordinated action on public policy issues of concern to the Jewish community at the international, state and local levels.
JCRC also engages constituents through a variety of programming.
• The Jewish Fund for Human Needs, cosponsored by the JCRC and the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, is a discretionary fund to support emergency, social service relief in the Greater St. Louis Area on behalf of the Jewish community.
• The Bohm Social Justice Initiative educates and engages the Jewish community on a broad range of activities focused on social justice.
• The Michael and Barbara Newmark Institute for Human Relations is dedicated to advancing pluralism by organizing, supporting and promoting programs and activities that foster good human relations between people of diverse backgrounds including the Student to Student program.
Joel Iskiwitch is Board Chair.
JFS St. Louis
10950 Schuetz Rd. St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-993-1000
email: info@jfsstl.org website: jfsstl.org
Miriam Seidenfeld, CEO
JFS provides high-quality social services to help St. Louisans lead vibrant, healthy lives. Through a comprehensive range of services, JFS supports families and seniors, alleviates hunger, and improves mental health. Services are provided at reduced cost or free of charge to make high quality care and community connection available and accessible to all. To connect to services, call 314-993-1000.
JFS Chaplaincy Program
See listing under Senior Services on page 44.
The JFS Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry
10601 Baur Blvd. St. Louis, Mo. 63132 314-513-1672
Volunteer: 314-812-9347
email: info@jfsstl.org
website: jfsstl.org
Miriam Seidenfeld, CEO
The largest food pantry in the region, JFS’s Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry (HKJFP) provides food, including kosher options, to more than 15,000 individuals each year. Staff and volunteers work with guests to identify additional areas of need and provide referrals and on-site services to address issues beyond hunger, including unemployment and lack of healthcare access.
A staff and a volunteer workforce of more than 100 people ensure its smooth operations. The pantry anticipates the need for food to increase, as individuals and families continue to face the rising cost of food, gasoline, and essential goods. The HKJFP will continue to provide a consistent source of nutritious food and support to children, families, and older adults throughout our community.
Jewish Federation of St. Louis
Kaplan Feldman Complex 12 Millstone Campus Drive
St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-432-0020
website: JFedSTL.org
Brian Herstig, President & CEO
Emily Bornstein, Chief of Staff
Karen Sher, Vice President, Community Impact
Amanda Miller, Vice President, Communications
Mindy Sharp, Vice President, Finance and Administration
Larry Gast, Vice President, Development Jewish Federation of St. Louis is the Jewish community’s central communitybuilding, philanthropic and planning organization. We build community by connecting people, resources and funding that supports and protects a vibrant Jewish life.
Founded over 120 years ago, Federation is one of the region’s most respected and effective nonprofit organizations. Jewish Federation of St. Louis supports more than 85 agencies, programs and services in St. Louis and around the world to ensure a thriving Jewish community, care for the needy and respond to emergencies. Funds are raised through the Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ annual campaign, targeted campaigns and planned giving opportunities.
Bob Newmark is Board Chair.
Federation’s Core Commitments
1. Expand and strengthen an engaged, vibrant and flourishing St. Louis Jewish community.
2. Secure the well-being and safety of individuals within the Jewish community.
Jewish Loan Association
3. Strengthen our connection to Israel and the Jewish people worldwide.
The Jewish Loan Association (JLA) offers general needs, interest-free loans to the Jewish community of St. Louis and surrounding areas. Learn more and apply confidently and confidentially online at STLJLA.org. JLA is generously supported by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and the Lubin-Green Foundation. Visit www.stljla.org.
Please visit the JFS website for hours of operation and closure.
4. Develop the financial and human resources and infrastructure needed by our community.
What Federation does:
Federation’s mission is to mobilize the Jewish community and its human and financial resources to preserve and enhance Jewish life in St. Louis, in Israel and around the world.
Community Impact
Each year, the Jewish Federation of St. Louis works with our volunteer and profes-
Maharat Rori
Picker Neiss
Miriam Seidenfeld
Brian Herstig
WHAT DOES THE GATESWORTH MEAN TO YOU?
The Gatesworth is like a self-contained city –whatever you want or need, they’ll get it for you. No matter what your question is, their answer is always ‘yes.’ I love it! — CAROL MAX
Discover Senior Living Your Way
Exceptional People. Exceptional Living.
314-993-0111 | T he G aT eswor T h . com Facebook.com/TheGatesworth One McKnight Place, St. Louis, MO 63124
The Gatesworth is an independent senior living community conveniently located north of Highway 40 just off I-170
The Gatesworth provides the perfect canvas to enjoy life your way. Living in an exquisitely appointed apartment surrounded by beautiful, lush grounds, you’ll feel inspired to pursue new interests, expand your knowledge, build friendships and embrace your independence. We invite you to discover The Gatesworth and experience exceptional senior living today. Call 314-993-0111.
sional community leadership to assess the needs of our community and establish strategic plans to sustain our vibrant Jewish ecosystem. Through our partnerships with thousands of donors, we raise funds to meet those needs.
Our volunteers then lead a community investment process to get those funds working to fulfill our mission and achieve outcomes through agencies, congregations, organizations and programs. Our team evaluates those investments based on the impact they are having here in St. Louis, in Israel and wherever there is a need.
Development
The philanthropic team of the Federation builds relationships with donors to raise the funds to support the greatest needs in our community.
• Professional Society: The Professional Society convenes, connects and catalyzes individuals committed to the work of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis based on industry (i.e.financial services, healthcare, legal, business and real estate fields), shared interests and involvements through high-level social, networking and educational opportunities.
• Women’s Philanthropy: Engaging women of all ages and backgrounds, Women’s Philanthropy enhances Jewish life through special events like L’Chaim!, community service projects, education, leadership opportunities and philanthropy. Together, we make an impact in our diverse community.
• Young Professional’s Division (YPD): Our young adult initiative builds and sustains an inspired, thriving community of Jewish, engaged young adults who are empowered and committed to inclusion, leadership, philanthropy and outreach.
• Ben-Gurion Society: An outlet for young philanthropists in the community who want to express their philanthropic generosity, volunteer, enhance leadership skills and come together to make a difference.
• Major Gifts Society: From generation to generation, having philanthropic leadership in our community is imperative to enhance our ability to make impactful community investments.
Opportunities for Engagement
Federation offers the following programs to engage individuals and support our local Jewish ecosystem:
• Israel Center: Israel Center promotes Israel engagement by coordinating and promoting Israel travel experiences, people-topeople connections through our Shinshinim/ Israeli Emissaries program and administers programs and grants to support travel experiences for teens and young adults.
• Millstone Institute/JProStL: A community-wide approach to engaging, strengthening and inspiring professionals and volunteer leaders in our community through workshops, seminars, institutional governance
training and Jewish learning opportunities.
• One Happy Camper: One Happy Camper grants up to $1,000 to first- through 12th-graders who have never been to Jewish overnight camp. The grant can be applied toward a minimum 19-day session at one of 150+ nonprofit Jewish summer camps.
• PJ Library: Jewish family engagement program is designed to strengthen the identities of Jewish families and their relationship to the Jewish community through free Jewish books.
Supporting Jewish community organizations
Finally, the Federation also offers the following services to organizations:
• Community Security: Federation supports a Community Security Director to consult with all Jewish organizations. The director facilitates training, security reviews and incident response. The director also oversees our RAVE/Security Support Platform, an emergency communications platform used to increase situational awareness in case of a natural or human-caused emergency.
• Jewish Community Insurance Pool: The Pool helps organizations by providing cost savings and competitive rates for group insurance.
MERS Missouri Goodwill
• Headquarters 1727 Locust St. St. Louis, Mo. 63103 314-241-3464
• Mid-County Lippman Center 2545 S. Hanley Road St. Louis, Mo. 63144 314-647-7453
website: mersgoodwill.org Mark Arens, President/CEO
MERS Goodwill is proud to offer Jewish Community Employment Services out of the Mid-County Brentwood location. This program is funded by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and provides job preparation and placement assistance to individuals who are unemployed or underemployed in the Jewish community.
MERS Goodwill is an employment rehabilitation agency that provides vocational services including career counseling, vocational exploration, skills training and job placement to individuals with disabilities or barriers to employment at more than 45 locations in 93 counties in Missouri and Illinois. The agency also offers specialized programs for persons with specific disabilities such as autism, brain injury and those who are deaf/hard of hearing.
In addition, MERS Goodwill offers adult high school programming at six locations (including headquarters) through the Goodwill Excel Center. The Excel Center offers free high school classes for Missouri residents
over the age of 21 in order for students to obtain a high school diploma.
MERS Goodwill operates 44 resale stores throughout the bi-state area to assist with funding and support for their mission of “Changing Lives Through the Power of Work.”
George Phillips is Board Chair. vvv
National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis
295 N. Lindbergh Blvd. St. Louis, Mo. 63141
314-993-5181
email: info@ncjwstl.org website: ncjwstl.org
Ellen Alper, CEO
• The Resale Shop (A charitable project of NCJW St. Louis)
295 N. Lindbergh Boulevard Creve Coeur, Mo. 63141
314-692-8141
email: jduneman@ncjwstl.org
website: theresaleshop.org
The National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis (NCJWSTL) is inspired by Jewish values to advance social and economic justice for all women, children and families. The Jewish value of tikkun olam inspires NCJWSTL to work through programs of education, advocacy, community impact and philanthropy to improve lives. We strive for social justice by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Ellen Alper
The Resale Shop, a charitable project of NCJWSTL, helps fund community impact and advocacy projects. Donations of clothing for the entire family, household items, collectibles, jewelry, shoes and housewares are accepted MondaySaturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds from the Resale Shop support local community impact projects like the Back to School! Store, Kids Community Closet, the Jean Stein Bloch Wife Widow Woman support group, the Healing Hearts Bank, a microlending program for underserved women and families, Project Renewal and advocacy efforts directed at local, state and national issues.
For over 127 years, NCJWSTL has identified unmet needs in the St. Louis community and developed innovative, hands-on projects that have positively affected thousands of lives.
Many of these projects today are independently run nonprofit organizations in the areas of child protection, education, domestic violence, and elder care and include Crown Center for Senior Living, Legal Advocates for Abused Women, Crime Victim Service Center and Court Appointed Special
United Hebrew Cemetery 7855 Canton Ave. | 314-427-5900
Rabbi Binyomin Mazer, Director
FUNERAL HOMES
Berger Memorial Chapel
9430 Olive Blvd.
314-361-0622
Rindskopf-Roth Funeral Chapel 5216 Delmar Blvd.
314-367-0438
MONUMENTS
Rosenbloom Monument Co.
7511 Olive Street Road
314-721-5070
Advocates of St. Louis County. NCJWSTL is recognized as a leader in the St. Louis community and has established numerous partnerships with organizations working to achieve mutual goals.
Powered by the Jewish imperative to ensure dignity for all, NCJWSTL confronts today’s most urgent social and economic challenges facing women, children and families by impacting policy, advocating for justice and supporting the community. Your voice has never been more essential, and our voices together make a meaningful difference in the world. Join us!
Forty-two forested acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, and the only Jewish cemetery in St. Louis with a Community Mausoleum. Cremations and nonJewish burials are accepted. Established by Shaare Emeth and Temple Israel, serving the entire Jewish community. Family lots, single lots and mausoleum spaces are still available.
Established in 1850 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open dawn to dusk.
On Facebook at NewMtSinaiCemetery. On Instagram at new_mount_sinai_cemetery.
Richard Brickson is Board President.
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No Shande/No Shame (formerly
Jewish Attention to Mental Illness
St. Louis)
c/o Central Reform Congregation 5020 Waterman Blvd. St. Louis, Mo. 63108 314-361-3919
email: james@centralreform.org
Rabbi James Stone Goodman, Director
Convened by Rabbi James Stone Goodman, Jewish Attention to Mental Illness (JAMI StL) began with a program called Falling Through the Cracks, a series of community forums at Congregation Neve Shalom to secure mental health—and problems occasioned by mental illness—in the center of the community’s agenda. It continues with a series called Shande—There Is None, Jewish resources for mental health, now led by Rabbis Susan Talve and James Goodman. JAMI StL began with a commitment to teaching and embodying the Jewish commit-
ment to community and to the place of the stranger, overcoming the shande (shame) aspect of mental illness by bringing the stranger into the community with compassion.
We teach that there is no one outside the camp — that we are all in the Jewish community tent. It is a big tent, and we owe it to those who may not advocate well for themselves to advocate for them.
Our goal is to teach by embodying the compassionate values that Judaism extends to all individuals in the big tent approach to Jewish community, overcoming the stigma that attaches to mental illness.
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Pathways Hospice & Palliative Care
14805 North Outer 40 Road, Suite 160 Chesterfield, Mo. 63017
636-733-7399
website: pathwayscomfort.com
Pathways Hospice & Palliative Care is accredited by the National Institute for Jewish Hospice and is part of the Delmar Gardens Family, dedicated to providing quality care to the members of our Jewish community. Through a process which helps identify essential hopes and needs, we enhance end-of-life care by drawing on traditional wisdom and guidance to enhance quality of life choices consistent with personal beliefs. The Pathways’ team is available to provide comprehensive support in partnership with patients and families. It is a sacred obligation to care for those we serve by contributing to wholeness, comfort and peace.
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St. Louis Circle of Jewish Music
P.O. Box 410404
St. Louis, Mo. 63141 314-277-9977
The St. Louis Circle of Jewish Music was founded in 1970 as an association for area cantors and other musicians professionally involved in Jewish congregational music to enhance the level of Jewish music in St. Louis, provide concerts, and aid young musicians with financial scholarships.
Hazzan Howard Shalowitz of Beit Shira is President.
Don Meissner
Hazzan Howard Shalowitz
Rabbi James Stone Goodman
Our specialty is you.
At St. Luke’s Heart and Vascular Institute, you’ll find a full range of state-of-the-art procedures, treatments and services to keep your heart strong and healthy. Whether you’re dealing with a history of heart disease, need follow-up care, or are simply seeking a second opinion, our diagnostic tools and surgical expertise are second to none.
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In alliance with Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute.
Convenient locations plus same-day second opinions. Schedule your appointment at StLukesCare.com/Heart
• Address for general correspondence: Please email news@stljewishlight.org
• Address for payments: P.O. Box 790372
St. Louis, Mo. 63179-0372
The St. Louis Jewish Light is the media outlet of the Jewish community of St. Louis, serving its audiences with a print newspaper, 24/7 website and email newsletters delivered directly to readers’ inboxes. In addition to publishing a daily (Monday through Friday) email newsletter called The Morning Light, the Jewish Light offers newsletters dedicated to local obituaries, Israel news and simchas. The Jewish Light publishes local, national and worldwide news,
feature stories, commentaries, and book, theater and film reviews. The Jewish Light also publishes the Ohr Chadash (‘New Light’) teen page once a month during the school year. The community is encouraged to share their viewpoints through letters to the editor and commentary submissions.
Subscriptions to the Jewish Light and its newsletters are free. To subscribe, visit www.stljewishlight. org/subscribe for print subscriptions or www.stljewishlight.org/newsletters to sign up for our email newsletters.
The Jewish Light is an active member of the American Jewish Press Association, the International Jewish Media Association and the Press Club of Metropolitan St. Louis. Michael Staenberg is President.
St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum
36 Millstone Campus Drive
St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3711
website: STLHolocaustMuseum.org
Myron Freedman, Executive Director
Amy Lutz, Marketing and Communications Manager
Helen Turner, Director of Education
Amy Moorman, Director of Archives & Collections
Haley Stodart, Associate Director of Education
The St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum is dedicated to using the history and lessons of the Holocaust to reject hatred, promote understanding and inspire change.
The Museum contains a permanent collection of educational exhibits on the Holocaust including artifacts, photographs, text and audiovisual displays as seen through the
KOSHER DINING
Locations are certified by the Vaad Hoeir. For questions about the kashrut status of local establishments, call the Vaad at 314-569-2770 or visit ovkosher.org/food. See “Vaad Hoeir” listing on page 22.
BAKED GOODS
Breadsmith Artisan Bread Bakery 10031 Manchester Road, 314-822-8200
When residents take in the breathtaking view from our penthouse, rooftop terrace, or their private balcony, they feel on top of the world, and now you can too.
At Clarendale Clayton, you’ll discover unmatched hospitality met with exceptional amenities and endless opportunities to thrive. Our active lifestyle is all about delivering five-star service, whatever your interests or needs.
Experience fine dining, art exhibits, and other enriching activities fit for those who’ve set their sights on true worry-free living. Call 314-789-8173 or visit ClarendaleClayton.com to learn more.
eyes of St. Louis’ local Holocaust survivors, liberators and witnesses. The unique Impact Lab encourages Museum visitors to consider contemporary events and issues through the lens of the lessons of the Holocaust.
The Museum is open Wednesday-Monday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets, memberships, and group tour reservations are currently available. Learn more at STLHolocaustMuseum.org.
Carol Staenberg is Board Chair. vvv
St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association
314-265-6956
email: stlrca18@gmail.com
The St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association (STLRCA) brings together rabbis and cantors from the Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Reform, and Renewal communities in the greater St. Louis area. The association serves to teach and inspire the Jewish community, embodying Jewish values and ideas through learning, tzedakah, community building, interfaith dialogue, and support for Israel. The STLRCA provides leadership in interfaith, social service, and advocacy organizations, and maintains a presence for the Jewish community in local media. The STLRCA also cosponsors the Rabbi Robert P. Jacobs Jewish Fund for Human Needs with the Jewish Community Relations Council.
Shalom Baby welcomes newborns or newly adopted children into the St. Louis Jewish community. The program is a wonderful way for parents to find support and build a social connection during this special time in their lives. This free program is open to all Jewish and interfaith babies under the age of 1 year. It is partially funded by the Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis. In addition to a home visit and goody bag, Shalom Baby hosts events for babies 0-1 years of age (older siblings are welcome). Please let us know if you or someone you know has given birth or adopted a baby within the last year.
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The Shalvah Program: Outreach on Addictions
c/o Central Reform Congregation
5020 Waterman Blvd.
St. Louis, Mo. 63108
314-361-3919
email: james@centralreform.org
Rabbi James Stone Goodman, Director Shalvah (“serenity” in Hebrew) is dedicated to teaching strategies to help individuals, their families, friends and communities work themselves free of the problems associated with addiction. Shalvah teaches an integrated approach, combining spiritual and psychological resources, acting as a bridge between the recovery model and the daily spiritual remedies of Judaism and other traditions.
The purpose of the meeting is to connect traditional spiritual resources with the 12-Step model. Confidentiality is always respected.
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United Cemetery Association
1601 North and South Road
St. Louis, Mo. 63130
314-427-5900
Rabbi Binyomin Mazer, Executive Director
The United Cemetery Association manages the three Jewish cemeteries centrally located on North and South Road in University City: Chevra Kadisha Cemetery (Orthodox) at Page Avenue, B’nai Amoona Cemetery (Conservative) at Blackberry Avenue and United Hebrew Cemetery (Reform) at Canton Avenue.
All cemeteries are open to the entire Jewish community and follow a range of Jewish burial practices. Each cemetery upholds its own ritual requirements pertaining to traditional Jewish burial, Jewish conversion, acceptance and burial of interfaith family members and cremated remains. The association was established in 1998.
Under the supervision of the Rabbanim Achrayim of St. Louis, the Vaad Hoeir, the United Orthodox Jewish Community, provides kosher certification to retail stores, hotels, restaurants and community institutions, and also kosher certifies industrial manufacturing of both raw materials and finished goods.
The Vaad also maintains the Taharath Israel Mikvah, located on the Millstone Campus for ritual immersion and conversions. A second Shabbat and Yom Tov mikvah is maintained at Young Israel in University City.
The annual Maos Chitim Fund Drive before Passover provides kosher-for-Passover items for those in need. The Barbara Mendelson Tomchei Shabbos Fund assists those in need for Shabbos and Yom Tov. vvv
Myron Freedman
Left: Associate Medical Director Dr. Lenise Cummings-Vaughn, Administrator Kathy Kelley, and Medical Director Dr. David Carr meet with a resident.
A village of expert memory care clinicians. A village of highly-skilled nurses and staff for every stage of dementia—from assisted-living to skilled-nursing care. What’s more, we’ve designed Parc Provence to function as a village—with five levels of care provided in a household setting. Plus a greenhouse, ice cream parlor, library, art gallery, chapel and more, all nestled amongst private pathways and gardens exclusively for residents and their visitors. Putourvillagetoworkforyourfamily.
CONGREGATIONS
Agudas Achim Beth Israel
225 N. High Street, at “C” Street Belleville, Ill. 62220 618-558-8641
email: alanmaryandich@gmail.com
Agudas Achim Beth Israel serves the Belleville-Metro East area as an independent unaffiliated congregation. It is a community shul offering traditional monthly services the second Friday of every month at 7:30 p.m., led by members of the congregation. Additionally, AABI offers High Holiday services that include Erev Rosh Hashanah, first day services for Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre services on Erev Yom Kippur and Yom Kippur services. A break-the-fast potluck follows the evening Yom Kippur service. A Second Seder is typically hosted at the synagogue.
Annual membership dues are $350. Individuals and families of all backgrounds are welcome. This congregation supports the local B’nai Israel cemetery which was consecrated in 1894. AABI was established in the late 1980’s when two Metro East congregations merged, Agudas Achim of East St Louis (est. 1903) and Beth Israel of Belleville (est. 1913).
Agudas Israel of St. Louis is a growing, vibrant Orthodox synagogue and Jewish learning center located in the heart of University City. Home to over 150 families, the Agudah offers an expansive program of educational services, including classes in Talmud, Jewish Law and Torah, ranging from the daily Daf Yomi, classes for women and children, and a full evening beis medrash learning program.
Agudas Israel is also the home for the fulltime learning and classes at the St. Louis Kollel/Institute for Advanced Talmudic Research. A women’s division, N’Shei Agudah, is active and sponsors a wide variety of social, educational, and family and fundraising activities
throughout the year.
Brian Glazer is President.
Bais Abraham Congregation
6910 Delmar Blvd.
St. Louis, Mo. 63130
314-721-3030
email: office@baisabe.com website: baisabe.com
Rabbi Garth Silberstein
Ruth Schachter-Cohen, Executive Director Bais Abraham Congregation, located near the University City Loop and Washington University, is a diverse and welcoming Modern Orthodox synagogue offering a wide array of programming, including Shabbat services, weekday morning minyan, holiday celebrations, Torah-learning groups and classes, Shabbat and holiday meal hospitality and children’s activities.
Bais Abe welcomes individuals and families of all backgrounds and levels of observance. The congregation is home to many single young professionals, couples and families, as well as many emptynesters and retirees, who all contribute to the enriching diversity of our community.
Bais Abe offers a wide variety of classes that meet weekly, programs and speakers. For more information about upcoming programs and Torah study opportunities, visit our website and click on “The Shmooze,” Bais Abraham’s weekly e-newsletter.
Dan Vianello is President.
SECTION INDEX
Agudas Achim Beth Israel (Belleville, Ill.) 24 Agudas Israel of St. Louis 24
Congregation Bais Menachem is a community synagogue offering traditional services within a friendly and inviting milieu. It strives to be “everyone’s Shul” that would be comfortable for attendees at whatever level of Jewish knowledge or practice. Bais Menachem offers complete Shabbat and holiday services, which include a children’s program. Shabbat
services are followed by a delightful kiddush. The Sunday morning “royal minyan” at 8:30 a.m. and the year round 9 p.m. weekday Maariv services are popular features. There are no membership dues. Individuals and families of all backgrounds are welcome.
Bais Menachem was established in 1995 as an affiliate of Chabad of Greater St. Louis and meets at the Morris & Ann Lazaroff Chabad Center. The congregation shares adult education classes, outreach and youth programs with the local Chabad center.
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Beit Shira
P.O. Box
beitshira@yahoo.com
Beit Shira (House of Song) was founded on the eve of Shabbat Shira in 2011 as a synagogue and learning center devoted to quality Jewish music with no membership dues or
Rabbi Menachem Greenblatt
charges for programs offered. Beit Shira welcomes Jews of all ages regardless of their level of observance, education, or affiliation. Our goals are to enrich lives through music; teach songs for Shabbat and Holy Days; educate in all aspects of Jewish music; and enhance services with quality Jewish music.
Hazzan Howard Shalowitz
Beit Shira offers free lectures, classes, concerts, and ba’al t’fillah lessons. For over 45 years, Beit Shira’s hazzan has taught children and adults of all ages and has worked in conjunction with hundreds of synagogues throughout North America by leading services, teaching classes, and holding workshops.
Senior Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham Cantor Sharon Nathanson
Senior Rabbinic Scholar, Rabbi Neal Rose Congregation B’nai Amoona is a large, fully egalitarian Conservative Synagogue where spiritual experiences, educational opportunities and warm fellowship are the lifeblood of this Congregation. Spearheaded by our Klei Kodesh (clergy) and staff, we aim to create, plan support and implement a myriad of exceptional programming for every age. Preschoolers to senior adults are experiencing spirituality, education and programming as never before.
B’nai Amoona strives to create a warm, friendly and spiritual atmosphere. Jews by
DO JEWISH WITH US AT
UPCOMING EVENTS 2023-20 24
Dates subject to change. For most up-to-date schedule visit jccstl.com/jewish-life
Charcuterie Board
Tu B’Shevat
Adults (21+)
Thursday, January 25 Israeli Film Club Adults (18+) February 8, 15, & 22 (Thursdays)
Prince of Egypt in the Pool
Community Kabbalat Shabbat & Tashlich in the Park Everyone Friday, September 22
Clockwise from top left: Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham, Cantor Sharon Nathanson, Rabbi Neal Rose of Congregation B’nai Amoona.
birth and by choice, as well as Interfaith couples are invited to affiliate as members and be a part of the B’nai Amoona Experience.
B’nai Amoona is proud of its Minyanaires program which guarantees Minyan twice
Safari in the
Kids & Families Wednesday, October 4
Havdallaween
Kids & Families Saturday, October 28 St. Louis Jewish Book Festival Everyone November 4-20 Hanukkah at Garden Glow Everyone Sunday, December 10
St. Louis Jewish Film Festival Everyone April 7-18 Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays Yom HaZikaron Ceremony
Kids & Families
Sunday, March 31 (Film Rated PG)
Everyone Sunday, May 12 Yom Ha’atzmaut Everyone Thursday, May 14 Community Celebration Nishmah Lag B’Omer
Adult Women Thursday, May 23 Bonfire & Drum Circle Family Passover Seder
Kids & Families
Tuesday, April 23 Spark in the Park Kids & Families Saturday, May 11 Activities & Havdallah ShavuART
Art Workshops Thursday, June 6
Kids & Families
daily, in the morning and evening. Shabbat Services are especially welcoming as there are at least three services to choose from each week.
We offer many engagement opportunities for our members. For generations, our Sisterhood and Men’s Club have offered vibrant programming throughout the year. Our Shomrei Amoonim group focuses on tikkun olam, increasing awareness and bringing everyone together to help those in need. We also have a very active and growing group of young adults and young couples that meet monthly for social gatherings.
Children in kindergarten through 12th grade attend the Meyer Kranzberg Learning Center which combines Hebrew and religious studies in an integrated program. The Linda Rotskoff Early Childhood Center offers programs for infants through pre-kindergarten. Our summer camps, Camp B’nai Ami and Camp Ramot Amoona, are modeled after Camp Ramah and keep children in preschool through eighth grade busy all summer with a nurturing innovative Jewish learning experience.
Gail Feldstein serves as President.
Central Reform Congregation
5020 Waterman Blvd.
St. Louis, Mo. 63108
314-361-3919
email: info@centralreform.org
website: centralreform.org
Rabbi Susan A. Talve
Rabbi Randy Fleisher
Rabbi Karen Kriger Bogard
Rabbi Daniel Bogard
Rabbi James Stone Goodman
Sonya Vann, Executive Director
Maxine Weil, Director of Congregational Learning
Since 1984, this urban Reform congregation has followed principles that include commitment to Jewish spirituality and values; flexibility in liturgy using language that is creative, non-sexist and non-hierarchical; and responsible moral action in the Jewish and non-Jewish community. Shabbat services, held every Friday night and Saturday morning, are open to all. The religious school aims to instill a positive Jewish self-image. The congregation has more than 750 households. Paul Wagman is President. vvv
Kol Rinah
7701 Maryland Avenue
Clayton, Mo. 63105
314-727-1747
website: kolrinahstl.org
Rabbi Noah Arnow
Cindy Kalachek, Religious School Director
Jonathan Belsky, Baal Koreh
Liz Collins, Monica Lynne Neidorff Early Childhood Center Director
Stacey Hudson, Executive Director
Nancy Green, Executive Assistant
Meir Zimand, Operations/Accounting
Karen Kern, Engagement Coordinator
Kol Rinah Welcomes Everyone: We are a
Clockwise from top left: Rabbi Susan Talve, Rabbi James Stone Goodman, Rabbi Randy Fleisher, Rabbi Karen Kriger Bogard and Rabbi Daniel Bogard of Central Reform Congregation
dynamic and forward-looking congregation where all generations come together to experience Judaism in innovative ways. We are a diverse congregation, proud to be made up of Jews and the Jew-curious, singles, couples, families of all shapes and sizes, multi-faith/multicultural households, people who identify as LGBTQ+, people of color, of all abilities and more.
Vision: A dynamic and forward-looking congregation where all generations come together to experience Judaism in innovative ways.
Rabbi Noah Arnow
Judaism.
Mission: Create a welcoming community that embraces Torah, meaningful worship, lifelong learning, music, Israel, and tikkun olam, guided by the tenets of Conservative
Kol Rinah is proud to offer:
• A convenient location in mid-county St. Louis, close to Washington University
• Egalitarian services
• Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat musical services with instrumental accompaniment with 1st Friday Family Services
• Daily morning and evening minyanim
• Fun and friendly family programs with the Young Families group
• Highly respected Early Childhood Center
• Learning opportunities for all ages
Monica Lynne Neidorff Early Childhood Center
Accepts children from all religious and eth-
nic backgrounds with a focus on Jewish education (6 weeks through pre-K). Our small class sizes and low student-teacher ratios allow for each child to receive individualized instruction and attention. We are proud of our reputation as a warm, nurturing, family style school, providing an environment that encourages physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth. A child’s developmental and selfesteem needs are met in a loving, caring and relaxed atmosphere.
Kol Rinah Education Hub (KoREH) Sunday morning religious school for pre-K through 7th grade and Weekday afternoon Independent meetings, tutoring and discussions. KoREH students experience what it means to be Jewish in the modern world. Parents and students learn in an engaging and meaningful way, in a social environment, developing a strong, positive sense of Jewish identity. Our mission as a school community is to create an experiential learning environment where learners of all ages and abilities can take ownership of Jewish texts, Hebrew language, their community, their spiritual life and their own Jewish identity.
Engagement
• Active Sisterhood, Brotherhood, and Women’s Social Group
• Community Learning: lifelong learning opportunities, including prominent scholar-inresidence speakers and educational speakers series
• KR Circles: Small groups of people that come together over a common interest aligned with our mission. Our circles cover a range of topics and are an opportunity for our members to meet and get to know each other. KR Circles include Softball team, book clubs, movie club, garden club and much more.
• Tzedek Team Social Action Committee
Services:
(Check website for Zoom links, live service times)
• Sundays 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday evenings (check website for times)
• Saturday Morning Shabbat Services: 9 a.m.
• Shabbat Mincha Service, Seudah Shlishit (third meal) and learning, Havdalah Service (Check KolRinahStl.org for times).
Leadership
Barbara Shamir is the Kol Rinah President, Gary Kodner is the Board Chair. vvv
Nusach Hari B’nai Zion
650 North Price Road
St. Louis, Mo. 63132
314-991-2100
email: office@nhbz.org
website: nhbz.org
Rabbi Chaim Bogopulsky
Rabbi Ze’ev Smason, Emeritus
Nusach Hari B’nai Zion is one of St. Louis’ most treasured and established family synagogues. We are a Modern Orthodox congregation, although our members have wide and
varied levels of personal observance and Jewish education. We welcome Jewish families, singles and seniors of all backgrounds and levels of religious knowledge and observance. We are a warm, welcoming, caring and nonjudgmental community with a commitment to traditional Judaism and support for Israel.
NHBZ rabbinic leadership provides outstanding spiritual, ethical, and educational guidance. We strive to give every Jew the resources to develop a vibrant Jewish life at his or her own pace.
NHBZ offers a full plate of services, including a wide variety of religious, social and educational opportunities. We conduct daily minyanim, Lunch and Learns, special Synaplex Shabbats, and programming and classes on a variety of topics. We also offer a myriad of programs produced by our active Sisterhood, as well as numerous social events and festive holiday celebrations that will enliven your
Jewish heart. Our growing and thriving population of young families creates a kaleidoscope of programs for young parents and children’s activities.
Located in Olivette, our facilities include a main sanctuary, a chapel, social hall, a children’s room, teen lounge, kosher facilities, plus rooms for educational programming. Our building is eco-friendly, built in 2011, with 65 solar panels on the roof, and a geothermal heating and cooling system.
Services are conducted using the Tehillat Hashem Siddur, Nusach Ha’Ari. On Shabbat, NHBZ hosts regular and learners’ services, as well as a standalone program for adults entitled “Starting Points.”
Prayers at regular services are generally in Hebrew, although all sermons and special prayers are recited in English.
Transliterations and extensive explanations of prayers are provided. Membership at NHBZ is open to the entire Jewish community. Membership includes seating for the High Holidays.
Kenny Bressler is President.
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Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road
St. Louis, Mo. 63141
Main office: 314-569-0010
Religious School: 314-569-1273
Preschool: 314-569-0048
email: info@sestl.org website: sestl.org
Rabbi James M. Bennett
Rabbi Andrea Goldstein
Rabbi Rachel K. Bearman
Rabbi Educator Lori Levine
Cantor Seth Warner
Rabbi Jeffrey Stiffman, Emeritus Rosalie Stein, Interim Executive Director
Congregation Shaare Emeth is a compassionate and inclusive community that makes Judaism relevant, meaningful, and joyful. We are proud to be one of the leading Reform congregations in North America. Whether celebrating Shabbat, exploring the insights and wisdom of Torah, or making a difference in our community, we are a congregational family dedicated to deepening and enriching our connection to Judaism. Our egalitarian services and programs are always open to all — members and non-members, LGBTQ individuals and allies, interfaith families, children and adults of all ages, two-parent and singleparent families, empty nesters, and singles. We are fully inclusive to those of all abilities.
Our clergy, staff, and lay leaders welcome you to enrich your life through Reform Jewish worship, holiday celebrations and education, social programs, programs for interfaith couples, social action and advocacy, music, mindfulness practice, and more.
Our outstanding Religious School strives to be a laboratory for Jewish learning and living, creating memorable Reform Jewish learning experiences that are radically inclusive of all learners, unabashedly joyful, and deeply meaningful. Opportunities for lifelong learning start in pre-kindergarten and go all the way
Rabbi Chaim Bogopulsky (left) and Rabbi Emeritus Ze’ev Smason
through Post-Confirmation in 12th grade. Families with children in pre-K, kindergarten and first grade are encouraged to sign up for our new, experiential learning JQuest program. There is no cost for JQuest and all are welcomed (no synagogue membership required).
Our acclaimed Jewish youth education also includes Shirlee Green Preschool and other early childhood engagement programs, Camp Emeth and Camp Micah, summer day camps for children ages six weeks to 13 years, as well as our innovative B’Mitzvah and two-year, clergy-led Confirmation programs. Our nationally recognized youth groups for those in grades 3-12 offer informal youth activities throughout the year.
Programs for adults include our adult choir, 20s and 30s community, Baby Boomer’s group, older adult programs, our knitting group, Torah study classes, and more. Our Tzedek Committee organizes and leads the congregation in tzedakah collections, advocacy campaigns, and social justice initiatives for all ages. We are also proud to be home to the Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis.
We invite you to visit our Temple and to join our Shaare Emeth family. Membership is open to all and our voluntary membership responsibility is respectful of all. Shaare Emeth is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism. Bill Remis is President.
Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community
Physical Location:
The J’s Staenberg Family Complex, Arts and Education Building
Welcome to Shir Hadash, the only Reconstructionist community in St. Louis. You will receive a warm welcome the first time you walk through our door or log into Zoom. We are small, inclusive and easy to get to know. All of our worship services and programs are interactive and multi-access, so you can participate fully whether you’re joining us onsite at The J or online via Zoom.
At Shir Hadash you will find a progressive, modern approach to worship and Jewish living that integrates a respect for tradition with the insights and ideas of contemporary social, intellectual and spiritual life.
Our musical and spiritual Shabbat and holiday worship will uplift you. Our egalitarian Shabbat and holiday services, observances and celebrations express the best of progressive Judaism. If you don’t read Hebrew, you’ll be fine; everything is transliterated.
Learning is central to who we are and is a part of everything we do. Our Shabbat morning services and Friday night potluck Shabbat dinners include lively Torah-based discussions. At our monthly Shabbat morning learning we explore Jewish history, ethics, the arts, current events, Jewish history and culture, and everything in between. Our popular monthly TaNaK-Bible Study, led by our beloved Rabbi Emeritus Lane Steinger, regularly attracts both congregants and community members.
We take our food seriously. Enjoying great meals with good company is a highlight for many. We love to break bread together at our monthly Shabbat potlucks, as well at holiday gatherings throughout the year.
Come see for yourself! Check our online event calendar for service and program dates and time or e-mail stlshirhadash@gmail.com to subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter.
Allen Karlin and Jaye Shyken are Co-Presidents.
Temple Emanuel
12166 Conway Road
St. Louis, Mo. 63141
314-432-5877
email: office@testl.org
website: testl.org
Senior Rabbi: Elizabeth B. Hersh
Rabbi Educator: Janine C. Schloss
Executive Director: Andrew Goldfeder
Temple Emanuel is a warm congregation built upon the tenets of Reform Judaism including inclusivity, education and tikkun olam. People of various backgrounds and a wide variety of experiences are represented among our 250 member families. Our worship services include our own custom Shabbat Service Booklets, Union Prayer Book Chicago Sinai Edition, and Mishkan T’filah. We celebrate our approach that as individual, Reform Jews, we are welcoming to all people. TE is a spiritual home for all seeking a personal and meaningful Jewish experience. Our intimate scale allows us to meet the needs of our members and know each personally. We are committed to lifelong Jewish learning by providing opportunities for children as well as adults during Sunday morning Religious School and at other occasions during the week and throughout the year. Our doors are open. Please join our nurturing community. Warren W. Davis is President.
Congregation Temple Israel
#1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive
St. Louis, Mo. 63141
314-432-8050
email: writeus@ti-stl.org
website:
General information:
• www.ti-stl.org
Education Center websites:
• Preschool: www.ti-stl.org/DECC
• Camp Shook: www.ti-stl.org/Camp
• Religious & Hebrew School: www.ti-stl.org/TIRS
• Youth Group: www.ti-stl.org/Tifty
Amy Feder, Senior Rabbi
Michael Alper, Rabbi
Mark L. Shook, Rabbi Emeritus
Rachel Wallis Andreasson, Executive Director
Congregation Temple Israel is an inclusive community that supports our members’ unique Jewish journeys. We are committed
From left, Rabbinic Intern Shira Singelenberg and Rabbi Lane Steinger
From left: Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh and Rabbi Janine Schloss
Top row: Rabbi James M. Bennett and Rabbi Andrea Goldstein. Second row: Rabbi Lori Levine and Cantor Seth Warner. Third row: Rabbi Jeffrey Stiffman and Rabbi Rachel Bearman.
to living Reform Judaism through our vibrant, music-filled Shabbat worship; our dedication to educating future generations at our Jack & Ellen Deutsch Family Education Center, which houses our dynamic preschool and religious and Hebrew school programs; our wide range of adult learning opportunities; our emphasis on interfaith dialogue; and our dedication to tikkun olam (repairing our world).
Our Shabbat worship services are welcoming and participatory, and include
prayers, music, both contemporary and traditional—and a meaningful reflection on the weekly Torah portion. Our Deutsch Early Childhood Center (DECC) meets the needs of today’s families with flexible hours and a variety of programs for children ages 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten, and builds relationships that foster each child’s social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth in a safe, nurturing Jewish community.
Our Temple Israel Religious School (TIRS) develops community relationships and Jewish identity through active and engaging learning for students in grades K through 12. We create opportunities for every person to find his or her place and be an active
part of our learning community. Many of our teachers are longtime TI members who love to share their Jewish experience and knowledge with all of our learners.
We also encourage lifelong learning by providing a variety of adult education opportunities, including classes that delve into the basics of Judaism, Jewish culture and history, and Torah study and discussion groups with varying themes to meet the diverse interests of each and every generation. Tl embraces tikkun olam, supporting causes dear to congregants and by sponsoring programs such as social justice & equity education and initiatives; community volunteering opportunities; food, clothing and personal care item collection drives; and a Thanksgiving dinner for those in need.
Temple Israel welcomes individuals and families at any stage of their Jewish journey, whether they are new to Judaism or highly engaged. From toddlers to seniors and every age in-between, and from interfaith,
From left: Senior Rabbi Amy Feder, Rabbi Michael Alper and Rabbi Mark Shook of Congregation Temple Israel
LGBTQ, and every ability level, our congregants comprise an eclectic, diverse and welcoming community.
Find TI on Facebook at templeisraelstlouis, on YouTube at youtube.com/TIStl and on Instagram @CongregationTempleIsrael.
Louise Losos is President.
Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha
14550 Ladue Road
Chesterfield, Mo. 63017
314-469-7060
email: tick613@sbcglobal.net website: tickstl.com
Rabbi Moshe Winter
Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha (TICK) in West County is an Orthodox Judaic center for spiritual growth in Torah Judaism. TICK’s emphasis is on Jewish outreach and education in a warm environment.
There are daily morning and evening minyan services and an educational program that includes Torah classes throughout the week. There is a Shabbos eruv in Chesterfield as well as a full-time mikvah. The synagogue provides lectures, annual Jewish holiday gatherings, an active women’s group, chesed committee and Shabbos children’s programs.
A newly established Chesterfield Kollel, composed of six scholars and their families, assure that Torah learning graces the synagogue at all times and provides the opportunity for personalized partnerships of learning.
All fellow Jews are welcome to join us for Shabbos services, Torah classes or holiday events.
Rooted in Creve Coeur for 57 years, Traditional is a warm and friendly congregation dedicated to Torah and mitzvot in an encouraging, nurturing environment where people can grow at their own pace.
Our Shabbat services are lay-led, offering many in the congregation the opportunity to participate and are followed by delicious kiddushim for socializing and speaking with Rabbi Gordon or asking questions of him. We support daily traditional minyanim for shacharit (morning), minchah (afternoon, March through October) and arvit (evening) throughout the year. We provide both mechitzah (separate) and mixed seating
sections. Tickets are not needed for Rosh HaShanah or Yom HaKippurim services, and seating is open.
We are especially proud of our strong education programs. Rabbi Gordon teaches classes in Jewish history, Torah, Talmud and Hebrew language to adults and to teens. He also teaches a number of classes for the community at large. During the pandemic, he initiated several new classes via Zoom that have been very well received and attended and are still ongoing; see our website for more information.
Each bar/bat mitzvah is given the opportunity to lead services, chant the haftarah and present a d’var Torah.
Our youth actively participate in our services. Our Graduation Shabbat is a highlight each spring, as is our Rededication Shabbat, where we acknowledge and honor congregants who are volunteers extraordinaire.
Throughout the year we sponsor excellent social and educational programs and events for all ages, including: a Scholar-inResidence Weekend, Knosh ‘n Knowledge brunch programs, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Purim and other holiday programs, dinners for Shabbat and other occasions, “First Friday” Shabbat Dinner Experiences, environmental initiatives, and ongoing chesed support for the hungry and poor.
Our renovated facility includes a lounge area with coffee bar; meeting space and classrooms are available to the community to use for social, educational and youth programs.
Traditional Congregation is affiliated with the Union for Traditional Judaism (UTJ), which espouses “genuine faith with intellectual integrity.” We are proud to be “big enough to serve you, but small enough to know you.”
The U. City Shul, (Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Sha’arei Chesed) is a communityfocused, family-oriented shul, where Jews of all backgrounds and levels of observance are welcome.
Two services are offered every Shabbos: a complete traditional service at 8:50 a.m. and a beginner’s service for both men and women starting at 10 a.m. Daily services take place every morning and evening. The U. City Shul offers holiday programs, special dinners and
Jews from all backgrounds and/or religious affiliations are welcome, in the spirit of an open community shul and Rabbi Tendler is available for all who call on him.
Rabbi Howard G. Kaplansky, Emeritus Cantor Murray W. Hochberg, Emeritus Cori Neidenberg, Executive Director
No matter where you are on your Jewish journey, there is a place for you at United Hebrew. We provide innovative and inclusive opportunities to participate in Jewish life through worship, music, education, social events, community service opportunities, and youth and family programs. Our congregants cherish the fact that United Hebrew has been their home for generations and celebrate the ability to stay involved as their own families grow. We embrace traditions that help us maintain the depths of our roots,
Clockwise from top left: Senior Rabbi
Brigitte S. Rosenberg, Cantor Ronald D. Eichaker, Rabbi David Reinhart,
Rabbi Howard G. Kaplansky and Cantor Murray W. Hochberg
Rabbi Moshe Winter
Rabbi Seth D. Gordon
while seeking innovations that keep our offerings relevant to 21st-century living. Our programs provide opportunities to connect in conversation and to build lasting relationships with other United Hebrew members. Our congregation is a family, moving through the world together, supporting each other in times of celebration, in times of mourning, and at all times in between.
Our Saul Spielberg Early Childhood Center provides full-day, year-round childcare, curriculum-based preschool education and summer day camps for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years in a warm and nurturing environment.
Our Millstone Religious School serves children from kindergarten to 12th grade with Hebrew study integrated into each grade level.
Rick Recht is artist-in-residence.
The congregation operates a full-service Jewish cemetery on 20 acres of land at 7855 Canton Ave., in University City. Burial plots available to all members of the community; cremains accepted; Jewish and non-Jewish family members may be buried next to one another in all sections of the cemetery.
Sheryl Bauer is President.
Young Israel of St. Louis
8101 Delmar Blvd.
St. Louis, Mo. 63130
314-727-1880
email: info@youngisrael-stl.org
website: youngisrael-stl.org
Rabbi Moshe Shulman
Young Israel of St. Louis invites the community to our warm and vibrant Modern Orthodox shul. At Young Israel, we are committed to the eternal mission of the Jewish people: upholding and safeguarding Torah values, advancing the principles and wisdom of Torah and Western civilization, transforming the inner life of the soul, and putting Israel, the land and the state, at the heart of our national aspirations.
In addition to daily and Shabbat services, we have multiple learning opportunities each week in both formal and informal settings, and ongoing activities for individuals, young cou-
JUDAICA SHOPS
• Gallant Family Judaica Shop at B’nai Amoona: 324 S. Mason Road, 314-576-9990, ext. 201
• United Hebrew: 13788 Conway Road, 314-469-0700
ples, families and seniors. We endeavor to engage all in our programming, and all are active participants in our Young Israel family. Rabbi Moshe Shulman received his rabbinic ordination from the Jerusalem Chief Rabbinate, and is a graduate of the Rabbinic Kollel and Sha’al Institute for Rabbinic and Educational Training of Yeshivat Sha’alvim. Before joining Young Israel, Rabbi Shulman served as the rabbi of congregations in Calgary and Toronto. His special interests include Tanach, and the interaction of science, medicine and halacha
At Young Israel we try to live by the principles of g’milut chasadim and hachnassat orchim, and we welcome the St. Louis Jewish community to come visit our congregation. Located in the heart of University City, join us for Shabbat or for any of our many classes and activities. Shabbat and Yom Tov guests are welcome to arrange for home hospitality through our hospitality committee. Contact our office for more information.
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Rabbi Moshe Shulman
EDUCATION
Aish HaTorah
457 N. Woods Mill Road
Chesterfield, Mo. 63017
314-862-AISH (2474)
email: stlouis@aish.com website: aishstlouis.net
Rabbi Yosef David, Executive Director
Rabbi Shmuel Greenwald, Education Director
Mrs. Mimi David, Director of Women’s Education
New classes are offered on a continual basis along with home study programs and weekly Shabbat learners’ services in two locations. Aish HaTorah offers a Hebrew school experience for adults as well as children, Shabbat dinners, trips to Israel, and the Discovery Seminar, where you are invited to discover and explore your Jewish heritage.
The Gloria & Rubin Feldman Aish HaTorah West Center for Jewish Studies (“The Firehouse”) welcomes Jews of all ages and backgrounds. Aish is part of a worldwide Jewish educational network headquartered in Jerusalem (check out aish.com) and not affiliated with any synagogue, temple or other organization.
Our women’s division, The Jewish Women’s Society, offers programs geared just for women: a monthly Lunch & Learn and online Torah class, a challah baking club, holiday classes, hikes, Israel trips and more.
Check out our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/AishHaTorahStLouis and/or our website, aishstlouis.net, for all of our current programs.
Adam Herman is Board President.
Bais Yaakov
See “Esther Miller Bais Yaakov” entry on page 35.
Chabad of Greater St. Louis
8124 Delmar Blvd.
St. Louis, Mo. 63130
314-725-0400
email: info@ShowMeChabad.com
website: ShowMeChabad.com
Rabbi Yosef and Shiffy Landa, Regional Directors
Chabad of Greater St. Louis is the regional center of the worldwide Chabad movement, and is located in the Morris & Ann Lazaroff Chabad Center. Chabad’s doors are open to every Jew, regardless of background or affiliation. It offers a place where questions are embraced and Judaism is celebrated meaningfully and joyfully. Chabad believes that every Jewish person is equally endowed with an enduring Jewish spark, and seeks to tap into this reservoir of Jewishness by offering an array of innovative programming and educational opportunities for adults, children and families. By promoting an inspired commitment to Judaism and a deepened awareness of its teachings, Chabad aims to create a more unified and robust celebration of Jewish life in St. Louis.
Among Chabad’s programs are community holiday events such as the Menorah Workshop at The Home Depot; the Jewish Learning Institute, which offers fall, winter and spring courses for adults; weekly classes; the Jewish Women’s Rosh Chodesh Society; the annual Jewish Law and Ethics Symposium; a series of hands-on workshops, including the Shofar Factory, Olive Oil Press, Matzah Bakery and Torah Factory; the Jewish Living & Learning Speakers Series; and a Prison Chaplaincy program for Missouri and southern Illinois. Our affiliate institutions include Chabad on Campus serving Washington University, Chabad of Chesterfield, Chabad of the Central West End, and the newly established Chabad Jewish Center
Chabad in the Central West End 314-448-0927
website: www.chabadcwe.org
Rabbi Yossi and Goldie Abenson, Co-Directors
Chabad Central West End is a hub of Jewish engagement serving people who live, work, and study in the CWE, as well as young Jewish adults across the greater STL area. Our mission is to foster meaningful, personal connection to the Jewish community and to Jewish heritage.
Who We Serve: We’re here for every single
we can help, with a focus on:
Rabbi Yosef David (above) and Rabbi Shmuel Greenwald
Rabbi Yosef and Shiffy Landa
community of young adults and graduate students across the Saint Louis area.
• Serving nearby medical centers, including Barnes Jewish Hospitals and the Saint Louis University Hospital, by engaging Jewish medical staff and providing pastoral care for patients and their families
Chabad in the Central West End is an affiliate of Chabad Greater St. Louis.
Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County
Jewish. Done Joyfully!
119 S. Main St. St. Charles, Mo 63301 314-503-2148
Rabbi Chaim A. Landa, Director Bassy Landa, Director
“When two people meet, something good should result for a third.” — The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory
The Chabad Jewish Center aims to create a space where every Jew in St. Charles County feels at home. With nearly 6,000 Jews living in the county, the center offers family Shabbat and Holiday celebrations, children’s programming, and adult education classes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Among its flagship programs is “The Gan St. Charles,” the first-ever Jewish preschool in the County (see listing on page 35) and the “St. Charles Jewish Family Network,” a warm and childfriendly community for Jewish families with young children. For the third annual “St. Charles Jewish Festival,” the organization is expecting more than 3,000 attendees, and “Chanukah on Main Street” brought together more than 500 people for the kindling of a 9-foot Chanukah menorah. The Chabad Jewish Center is an affiliate of Chabad of Greater St. Louis.
Chabad of Chesterfield is community that’s family!
Serving the Chesterfield, Ballwin and
Wildwood areas, as one of five local centers of the worldwide Chabad movement. Dedicated to help ensure Jewish continuity by fostering Jewish pride and practice through accessible education and social
services. Programs include a range of ongoing classes, Jewish Learning Institute, Women’s Chai Circle, holiday programs, cooking classes, holiday events, weekly and holiday services and so much more. Rabbi
Rabbi Yossi and Goldie Abenson
Rabbi Chaim A. Landa and Bassy Landa
Rabbi Avi Rubenfeld and Chana’la Rubenfeld
Avi and Chana’la Rubenfeld direct the organization, striving to ensure that each Jew, be it a passerby or a committed community member, gets personal, caring and individual attention in a non-judgmental environment that requires nothing more than your birthright to feel at home.
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Chabad of MU and Mid-Missouri
313 E. Brandon Road Columbia, Mo. 65203 573-442-5755
website: www.jewishtigers.com
email: rabbi@jewishtigers.com
Rabbi Avraham and Mrs. Channy Lapine, Directors
Chabad at MU is a warm, non-judgmental, fun, lively and comfortable place where Jewish students can meet one another to socialize and explore their Judaism, regardless of background or affiliation. Our program reflects a tolerant, non-judgmental environment, where open dialogue is welcome, and is a hallmark of Chabad’s inclusiveness. At Chabad we want you to feel safe to be yourself and thus enable you to seek guidance with respect to any social, educational or spiritual issue. The Chabad House also serves as a resource for anything Jewish for the Mizzou Jewish community and the entire mid-Missouri area.
Chabad on Campus — Rohr Center for Jewish Life
Chabad House 7018 Forsyth Blvd. St. Louis, Mo. 63105 314-721-2884
Rabbi Hershey Novack, Director Chana R. Novack, Director Eden Yair, Israel Fellow
Lindsay Eichhord, House Manager
Chabad on Campus is where Jewish life happens for hundreds of students and young adults.
Chabad nurtures Jewish students by providing accessible and meaningful Jewish experiences to students and faculty at Washington University and other local and
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Linda Rotskoff Early Childhood Education at B’nai Amoona
324 S. Mason Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63141 | 314-576-3688 | Director: Kerri Alper, kerri@ bnaiamoona.com
Deutsch Early Childhood Center of Temple Israel
1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63141 | 314-432-8076 | Director: Lesley Goldenberg, lgoldenberg@ti-stl.org
The Gan St. Charles 636-233-9338 | Director: Bassy Landa, info@jewishstcharles.org
H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy 8645 Old Bonhomme Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63132 | 314-994-7856 | Director: Jessie Lefton, jlefton@eha.org
J Early Childhood Services
• 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63146 | 314-442-3224 | Site Director: Ellen Scholten, escholten@jccstl.org
regional schools, including St. Louis University and Webster University. One of more than 250 full-time Chabad student centers at campuses throughout the world and under the aegis of Chabad of Greater St. Louis, the program strives to make Jewish life on campus more relevant for young people facing important Jewish identity choices. Among the programs offered are home-hospitality Shabbat dinners, volunteer opportunities, learning experiences such as a Jewish Medical Ethics series at the Washington U. School of Medicine (and a similar program at the Washington U. School of Law) and the JGrads initiative for area graduate students and recent grads. In the fall of 2017, Chabad launched a new outreach and communitybuilding initiative called “The Network,” which serves students at STLCC, SLU, UMSL and Webster U. The organization employs a full-
The Nest at Central Reform Congregation 5020 Waterman, St. Louis, Mo. 63108 314-361-1564 ext. 115 | Director: Kimberly Tolbert, kim@centralreform.org
Shirlee Green Preschool at Shaare Emeth 11645 Ladue Road St. Louis, Mo. 63141 | 314-569-0048
Monica Lynne Neidorff Early Childhood Center at Kol Rinah 7701 Maryland Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63105 314-727-2565 | Director: Liz Collins, eccdirector@KolRinahStl.org
Saul Spielberg Early Childhood Center at United Hebrew 13788 Conway Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63141 314-434-3404 | Director: Lauren Lourie, LLourie@unitedhebrew.org
time campus rabbi for education, guidance and counseling. The organization is a leader within the Birthright Israel program and has sent more than 1,000 young adults to Israel. vvv
Deutsch Early Childhood Center (DECC)
#1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63141 314-432-8076
email: lgoldenberg@ti-stl.org website: www.ti-stl.org/DECC Lesley Goldenberg, Director of Family Education
At DECC, every teacher knows your child’s name, and you’ll feel the sense of relief that you are not alone along the journey of parenting a preschooler. Our entire team is here to support you, to have your back on those days when you feel overwhelmed, and to celebrate those little milestones and magic moments with as much enthusiasm as you feel as a parent.
Our certified teachers and specialists engage children ages 6 weeks through Pre-K (age 6) in activities that inspire experimentation and stimulate students to recognize problems and create their own solutions. Students develop positive self-esteem through a wide variety of hands-on activities which encourage play, develop natural curiosity, stimulate creative thinking and encourage empathy for and acceptance of peers and adults.
Rabbi Avraham and Channy Lapine
Rabbi Hershey Novack and Rabbi Chana Novack of Chabad on Campus
Students will develop their Jewish identity by celebrating Shabbat and holidays with the rabbis and their school community, by learning Jewish songs and prayers, and through making and tasting traditional Jewish foods. DECC also accommodates your family’s changing daily schedules. We are open Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with flexible scheduling to meet your needs.
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Esther Miller Bais Yaakov
700 North and South Road
St. Louis, Mo. 63130
314-863-9230
email: office@embystl.com
website: www.embystl.org
Rebbetzin Tova Greenblatt, Menaheles
Rabbi Avi Feigenbaum, Executive Director
Pirchie Greenspon, General Studies Principal
Esther Miller Bais Yaakov offers a comprehensive dual program in Jewish and General Studies for 9th through 12th grade girls. A firm commitment to Torah ideals qualifies students to pursue seminary and college upon graduation. Extracurricular activities promote leadership, community involvement, and personal development. Located in U.
City Shul, Esther Miller Bais Yaakov houses six classrooms, the Frankel Rubin Science Lab, four offices and a dining room/social hall, which also serves as a student lounge. Byron Cohen is President.
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The Gan St. Charles Preschool email: info@jewishstcharles.org website: ganstcharles.org
Bassy Landa, Director and Teacher
Bridget Jacks, Lead Teacher
The Gan St. Charles — a boutique early learning center — unites children (18 mo. to five years old), teachers, family and community in a positive and constructive experience. Our Jewish values drive the curriculum, environment and school culture. We model and encourage kindness, respect, compassion, confidence and responsibility. As true to our name, at The Gan — which means “the garden” in Hebrew — a child is viewed as a seed that we nurture with the utmost care. A seed that is most impressionable in its first years, since the seed’s every experience will shape and color the quality of its matured self. The Gan is a division of the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County, an affiliate of Chabad of Greater St. Louis. vvv
H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy
8645 Old Bonhomme Road
St Louis, Mo. 63132 314-994-7856
email: info@eha.org website: eha.org
Mrs. Itta Boyko, Principal
Rabbi Jonathan Fruchter, Assistant Principal - Judaic Studies
Mrs. Caroline Goldenberg – Development
Associate
Ms. Liz Redler – Business Office
Mrs. Jessie Lefton, ECC Director
Rabbi Simcha Cohen, Director Student Support Services
Mr. Ariel Kielmanowicz, Hebrew Language Director
Mrs. D’vorah Miller, Jewish Studies
Curriculum Coordinator
Rabbi Shmuel Miller, Head of School
Rabbi Shmuel Miller
Epstein Hebrew Academy is a preschool through 12 Jewish school that celebrates Jewish learning and living fused with an engaging and challenging academic curriculum. We nurture life-long learners, future contributors, and leaders who succeed while anchored in our timeless Torah.
Our dedicated, expert faculty love teaching
and bring their whole selves to their classrooms each day to provide each child focused and personalized support. They keep current of the most effective educational practices and draw on technology, projectbased learning, and experiential learning models to grow each student’s understanding of the awe-inspiring world around us. The Jewish role models who drive our Judaic studies department position our students to be the next link in the unbroken chain of our mesorah (heritage). We strengthen these links daily as we learn and rejoice through textual study, prayer, observance of Jewish holidays, halachot (laws) and minhagim (customs). We celebrate and support the people and Land of Israel.
Our high school students are offered AP and college preparatory courses, perform at or above the top schools in St. Louis, and attend the university of their choice.
At Epstein, our welcoming and respectful community guides every interaction. Students build friendships across grades and with an appreciation that families come to our school at different stages of their Jewish journeys. Character education is inseparable from the educational experience we impart.
Our learning environment is designed to help every child realize their potential and build their confidence. Small class sizes, student support services and in-class differentiated instruction allow us to offer an individualized approach to education and form meaningful connections with our students that will inspire them for life.
We are committed to helping families that need financial assistance and do so while preserving dignity and privacy.
Epstein Hebrew Academy is accredited by the Cognia Global Commission and is associated with both the Torah Umesorah and Prizma.
We would love to show you around and share with you the Epstein family experience!
Jeffrey Glogower is Board President.
Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis
6300 Forsyth Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63105 314-935-9040 website: washuhillel.org
Jacqueline Ulin Levey, Executive Director & CEO
Rabbi Jordan Gerson, The Silk Foundation Campus Rabbi
Hannah Rubin-Schlansky, Assistant Director
WashU Hillel has enhanced the lives of thousands of college students throughout St. Louis and helped Washington University cultivate one of the most vibrant campus Jewish communities in the country. We are honored to play an important role in advancing the University’s goal of “knowing every student by name and by story,” and are the only organization that fosters Jewish pluralism on campus.
We have a beautiful home on Forsyth, but
Jacqueline Ulin Levey (left) and Rabbi Jordan Gerson
we are more than just our building and the programs that take place there. WashU Hillel seeks to support and empower Jewish students along their own unique paths…wherever they are and in whatever ways are most meaningful to them.
Through social justice programs, Birthright Israel trips, Shabbat and holiday meals, Israel engagement, Jewish learning, social events, religious services, our popular DIY opportunities (helping students gather among friends for a Shabbat or holiday meal on their own) and so much more, we are committed to helping students make lasting friendships, find community, and develop their own enduring Jewish traditions.
As a result of the pandemic, rising antisemitism, and the ongoing mental health epidemic — we’ve learned to support students through all kinds of challenges.
Our Hillel currently serves approximately 1,850 Jewish undergraduates attending Washington University. Students from other universities throughout the St. Louis region enjoy our programming as well, and we engage over 1,000 Jewish students annually.
We’ve also taken hundreds of students to Israel — our trips are open to all undergraduates in or from the St. Louis area and their friends ages 18-22. Our next trips will take place Dec. 26, 2023-Jan. 5, 2024 and May 2024. More information about our Birthright Israel program can be found at washubirthright.com.
WashU Hillel is a community partner of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and is affiliated with Hillel International, connecting our organization to a vast network of Jewish college students throughout the world.
To learn more about our Hillel or for information on how you can get involved or join one of our Birthright Israel trips, visit our website or find WashU Hillel on Instagram (@ washuhillel) or Facebook (fb.me/washuhillel).
Maryville University Hillel provides a dynamic and inclusive space to learn, grow, and engage Jewishly. We serve students of all backgrounds, regardless of religious and familial backgrounds. Students who attend Hillel events leave more confident in their
Jewish identity or allyship and feel part of a community. Maryville Hillel adapts to the unique needs of each student with accessible programming and a growing online presence.
Staple events at Maryville Hillel include: monthly Shabbat dinners; an annual Holocaust survivor speaker attended by over 500 students and community members; Sukkot celebrated with a Sukkah in the middle of the quad; a weekly Jewish Learning Fellowship with topics shaped to the interests of students; co-programming with other campus clubs; and creative holiday celebrations. Maryville Hillel was awarded the 2022 Student Organization Program of the Year Award for the beloved event “Shabbatukkah! A Celebration of Shabbat and Hanukkah.” Hillel students are encouraged to take charge of their Jewish journeys and are empowered with leadership opportunities within the organization.
Maryville Hillel supports the growing Jewish population at Maryville University while advancing the University’s driving mission of making education accessible to all students. Please see the Hillel website for scholarship information, and contact our staff for information or a campus tour. Maryville Hillel is a space to shape your Jewish journey — it would be a pleasure to welcome you into our community!
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Hillel at Mizzou
See “Mizzou Hillel” entry on page 38. vvv
Ignite YP
314-623-9557
email: info@igniteypstl.org
website: www.igniteypstl.org
Director: Shani Roberts
Rabbi and Educator: Rabbi Avi Roberts
Target age range: 22-30
Ignite YP is an organization for young Jewish professionals in the greater St. Louis area. Regardless of your Jewish background, we are here to inspire a lifelong love of Jewish learning and living through discussion-based classes, one-on-one mentoring, immersive interactive Shabbat and holiday
Joey Abeles
Rabbi Avi and Shani Roberts
programming and networking and career opportunities. We aim to create a community of young Jews who are growth-oriented and want to have a personal connection to their Judaism.
Jonathan Spetner is Board President vvv
The J Early Childhood Center
• Staenberg Family Complex
2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146
314-442-3224
website: jccstl.org/ecc
email: escholten@jccstl.org
Ellen Scholten, Site Director
• Marilyn Fox Building 16801 Baxter Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63005 314-442-3450
email: dporfidio@jccstl.org
Debi Porfidio, Site Director
Fully licensed and accredited, the J Early Childhood Center is dedicated to preparing each child for a bright future and a solid start to any kindergarten program. Our mission, in partnership with our families, is to provide quality care and education that embraces the development of your child’s mind, body and soul. Starting as young as 6 weeks, professional educators provide a caring and nurturing environment along with an age appropriate, structured curriculum. Children participate in a wide variety of activities including sensory exploration, peer connection and motor skills. Our preschool-age children also take advantage of exclusive program opportunities, including swimming, sports and intergenerational connections. Students experience Jewish holidays, traditions and values in a meaningful and relevant way.
• Two locations: Creve Coeur and Chesterfield
• Open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Year-round care, including summer camps for pre-school age children
• Full and part-time schedules available
• The J’s curriculum is based on two progressive models; the Reggio Emilia Approach and the Conscious Discipline Curriculum
• Accredited by Missouri Accreditation & licensed by the Missouri Dept. of Health and Senior Services.
Fees are based on the age of the child as well as the number of days/hours per week a child attends. Support from the United Way of Greater St. Louis and the Jewish Federation
provides scholarships for families with need.
J membership is not required for participation; however, members receive a discounted rate.
Visit jccstl.com/ecc for more information.
Jewish, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (JIMES)
at Washington University Campus Box 1121
1 Brookings Drive
St. Louis, Mo. 63130
314-935-8567
website: http://jimes.wustl.edu
Jewish, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies (JIMES) is a multi-disciplinary department
devoted to the study of Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern languages, histories, literatures and cultures. Whatever their interests— literature, politics, religion, history—students will find in our courses a way to deepen their appreciation and understanding of the complex and diverse societies and cultures of the Middle East and their diasporas.
Students will also be inspired to explore the interaction of Jews and Muslims with neighboring societies and cultures in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa and other parts of the world. The department’s integrated curriculum offers a focal point for crosscultural intellectual exchange, one that highlights the shared experiences and mutual influences of the two civilizations while paying close attention to historical context, move-
Ellen Scholten (left) and Debi Porfidio
ment, and change.
Undergraduate students can major or minor in a variety of areas: Arabic, Hebrew, Comparative Jewish and Islamic Studies, and Modern Middle Eastern Studies, as well as a minor in South Asian Languages and Cultures. The department also offers a master of arts in Jewish Studies and a master of arts in Islamic and Near Eastern Studies. Visit the website for more information. Many of the department’s events are open to the public.
Kit Wellman, Professor of Philosophy, is Department Chair.
Missouri Torah Institute-Mesivta D’Missouri
1809 Clarkson Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63017
636-778-1896
email: office@missouritorah.org
Rabbi Dovid Fromowitz, Rabbi Avroham Goldman and Rabbi Shmuel Wasser: Deans Rabbi Menachem Wachsman, Principal Rabbi Shimshon Gewirtz, General Studies
Principal
Rabbi Josh Bregman, Director of Development
MTI is a Jewish boys high school and bais medrash. Its goal is to offer an exciting, intensive program of Torah study together with an outstanding college preparatory general studies program. Our job is not merely to impart knowledge, but to instill a love of learning and to develop high moral character in our students. We recognize that today’s world presents many distractions for Yeshiva students and that the expectations of society often differ from the rigorous demands placed upon our students from home and school. By working closely with parents, by providing a warm, supportive and nurturing environment, and with the care and commitment of our faculty, our students strive to overcome these challenges and to serve as role models for others. Our school has a dormitory for out-of-town students. Dr. Craig Reiss is Chairman.
Jeanne Snodgrass, Executive Director Mizzou Hillel is a place where Jewish students come to meet each other and get involved in Jewish life in mid-Missouri. We are committed to creating a pluralistic, welcoming and inclusive environment. Mizzou Hillel offers holiday observances and vibrant programming that builds Jewish identity and community, celebrates culture, and engages with Israel. Our Hillel staff and student leaders are a resource and a sup-
port and work to maintain a safe and supportive campus environment for Jewish life and learning.
Our Hillel serves the approximately 800 Jewish students that attend University of Missouri, Columbia, as well as working with the broader campus and local communities. We provide internship, mentorship, and leadership opportunities to students and engage with students as they explore their Jewish identities. vvv
St. Louis Kollel
8200 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, Mo. 63124
314-726-6047
email: office@stlkollel.com
website: stlkollel.com
Rabbi Menachem Greenblatt: Founder and Rosh Kollel Emeritus
The purpose of the St. Louis Kollel is to perpetuate the study of Jewish ideals and to provide genuine Jewish experiences and educational opportunities for Jewish men and women of all ages, backgrounds and affiliations. Kollel members endeavor to foster Jewish unity, ensure continuity, build leaders, strengthen the community and inspire a sense of Jewish identity to a broad range of individuals at all ages and stages through its myriad classes and programs. There are no membership dues and all Jews are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The Kollel’s full range of educational classes, social programs and special events include classes and programs in local synagogues, one-on-one chavrusa learning, home study groups, lunch and learn, daily classes in Jewish law and Mishna, as well as classes in Talmud, Chumash and more
For the past several years, in collaboration
with Aish HaTorah, the Kollel has run a “Partners in Torah” program held weekly at the JCC along with an expanded “Eishes Chayil” Women’s Division program under the direction of Mrs. Yael Farkas.
Torah & Turf (for football lovers), now in its 15th year, combines weekly Torah study with a competitive game of flag football culminating in an annual National Tournament, hosted in St. Louis.
Senior Kollel offers weekly learning programs, monthly wellness events and social activities specifically designed with the “over 50” crowd in mind.
The “Yarchei Kallah” Learning Program provides an opportunity for men, women and teens to experience intensive in-depth Torah learning and special guest lectures.
Social programming includes Shabbat and holiday celebrations, Hanukkah and Purim parties, melave malka and summer BBQs.
The Kollel publishes a weekly newsletter, “Kollel Family Torah Journal,” which is distributed to synagogues and via email to hundreds of individuals in St. Louis and throughout the country.
The Kollel also houses a small store stocked with basic items for your Jewish home including newspapers, magazines, tzitzit, kippot, mezuzot, candles and kosher wine.
Now in its 32nd year, St. Louis Kollel was founded by Rabbi Emeritus Menachem Greenblatt.
Mayer S. Klein is President. vvv
Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School
348 S. Mason Road St. Louis, Mo. 63141 314-576-6177 email: pbloom@mirowitz.org website: mirowitz.org
Raquel Scharf-Anderson, Head of School
Patty Bloom, Director of Marketing and Communications
Abbi Marks-Mazur, Director of Admissions
Ben Nordstrom, Director of Development
Mirowitz students have it all: a hands-on, academically rigorous curriculum, lessons in social responsibility and meaningful Jewish learning.
During their nine years (K-8) at Mirowitz, students travel nearly 18,000 miles to restore prairies, lobby elected officials, test water
Clockwise from top left: Rabbi Dovid Fromowitz, Rabbi Avroham Goldman, Rabbi Shmuel Wasser
Jeanne Snodgrass
Rabbi Menachem Greenblatt (left) and Rabbi Dovid Miller
quality of streams, pick vegetables on a kibbutz and walk in the footsteps of MLK. As they do so, they joyfully connect with their heritage and with Israel, and develop skills for a lifetime of leadership.
Our integrated general and Jewish studies curriculum aims for the infinite potential of elementary and middle school education. Nine outdoor learning labs — including an amphibian pond, butterfly gardens, nature trail, prairie and vegetable garden — offer opportunities to think deeply, strengthen teamwork skills and understand our Jewish responsibility to care for the earth. Music, art, physical education and drama complement the academic program. More than half of our students play on one or more of our 22 athletic teams.
Mirowitz students consistently exceed both public and independent school norms on standardized tests. They graduate prepared for the most competitive high schools and with a moral compass that will guide them throughout their lives. Our alumni say the feel informed about Israel and are able to confidently take a stand. Community rabbis
often rely on our alumni to teach religious school classes, to lead youth services and to serve as youth ambassadors.
Our pluralistic community represents the diversity of the Jewish community. With an enrollment of 170 students in grades K-8, Mirowitz is committed to a small studentteacher ratio to maximize individualized attention. Lunches are prepared in a kosher kitchen using only the healthiest locally sourced or organic foods — some grown in the school’s own garden.
Mirowitz is accredited by ISACS, and offers a full-day kindergarten, as well as pre-care and post-care. Financial assistance is available.
Sara Lander is Board President.
Torah Prep School of St. Louis
Rabbi Tzvi Freedman, Executive Director
Rabbi Binyamin Travis, CEO
Rabbi Yossi Golombeck, Judaic Studies
Principal-Boys’ Division
Mrs. Racheli Staum, Judaic Studies
Principal-Girls’ Division
Mrs. Macy Hahn, General Studies Principal Mrs. Chanie Wasser, Early Childhood Director
• Boys’ Division: 609 North and South Road St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-727-3335
Rabbi Tzvi Freedman
Torah Prep School is a traditional Jewish day school that offers a comprehensive curriculum of both traditional Jewish studies and secular studies to children in pre-nursery through eighth grade. Classical and contemporary texts, Hebrew language and Jewish history are taught along with a full curriculum of English language, math, history and science. Computer skills, arts and crafts and choral and dramatic performance skills are developed. Torah Prep is accredited by the Central Agency for Jewish Education and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Enrollment is open to the entire Jewish community. Scholarship aid is available.
BBYO provides programming for 8th-12th graders. The leading worldwide pluralistic Jewish youth organization, BBYO is shaping the lives of thousands of teens each day by providing them with leadership opportunities and by fostering friendships and meaningful Jewish experiences. In BBYO, teens engage in activities that promote growth and development through youth-led programming, community service and a chance to interact with participants around the world. Check out BBYO’s St. Louis Council, where you will have the chance to make new friends, discover new interests and talents and have fun. There is a one-time membership fee, which lasts until the teen graduates from high school.
BBYO St. Louis Council – Weekly meetings and programs may occur at either JCC. Please contact Gabe for more details.
There is weekend programming each month. Chapter meetings run August through May. Membership is $249, which covers all four years of high school. For more information and to view upcoming events please visit our website.
Cultural Leadership is a non-profit committed to empowering social change in greater Saint Louis through immersive learning and empathy building, rooted in the strengths and oppressions of the Black and Jewish experiences. Our curricula fosters social and emotional learning while training participants to lean into challenging conversations surrounding racism, antisemitism, and many other forms of inequity and injustice. We provide tools necessary to create systemic change, promising a brighter future for our region. Key methodologies include exploring activism through art, mentorship, experiential learning and participant-led advocacy projects.
SECTION INDEX
Shevet
TEDY-Temple
We work to eradicate oppression in a divisive world by developing leaders and changemakers; connecting youth via immersive educational programming; building cross-cultural understanding through humility; and welcoming diverse allies and partners.
PROGRAM SUMMARY:
High School Leadership Program
Cultural Leadership’s High School Leadership Program is designed to educate and train rising 10th and 11th grade students to become the next generation of civic leaders and social changemakers. Students receive over 400 hours of advocacy and identity-based learning while improving public speaking skills and gaining confidence to take action. Cohorts are composed of a racially and economically diverse group of 28 students from public and private high schools across the greater St. Louis region. Our award-winning curriculum includes overnight retreats, monthly meetings and our 21-Day “Transformational Journey,” which includes stops in Washington, D.C., New York, Philadelphia and noteworthy southern sites significant to the Civil Rights movement. Students visit museums, meet with national policymakers and thought leaders, who enrich their experience and provide hands-on opportunities for advocacy. Other highlights include our School Swap, Holiday Swap and Courageous Conversations.
Emerging Changemakers
This new year-long experiential learning program caters to seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students from across the region, and introduces them to history, culture and identity through the Black and Jewish lens. We place emphasis on experiential learning, identity exploration, relationship-building,
and identifying and advocating against bullying. Students meet monthly in different locations across the region and embark on a three-day Changemaker Immersion Trip to Chicago in the summer.
Camp Cultural Leadership
Launched in 2014, Camp Cultural Leadership is a two-week summer camp for rising sixth through ninth graders. Our Camp introduces and reinforces social justice concepts and ties them to leadership skills in a way that challenges our participants to have “Courageous Conversations.” As a capstone to their camp experience, the students participate in a Changemaker Immersion Weekend in Memphis, Tenn., visiting noteworthy civil rights museums and meeting local change agents.
College Summer Internship Program
Cultural Leadership supports college-age students interested in equity work through cohort-based training and summer internship placement with corporations, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations. We teach the importance of the diversity, equity, and inclusion lens in all career fields, and make placements in an effort to encourage talent retention in St. Louis. We are currently seeking placement opportunities for summer 2024.
External Programming & Partnerships
Cultural Leadership has significantly expanded our impact by partnering with local school districts and organizations to provide targeted programming and equity training. Our external programming includes immersive school experiences, Informative Workshops on delicate topics, Courageous Conversations to encourage understanding, and Cross District partnerships to engage students with spatially diverse perspectives. We arm participants with the tools to identify inequity, advocate for positive action, and leave them with sustained commitment to improving their community at large through creating a “culture of change.”
Jewish Student Union
8251 Maryland Ave., Suite 15 Clayton, Mo. 63105 314-498-6279
email: info@jsustl.org website: jsustl.org
Rabbi Michael Rovinsky, Director
During the last academic year, the Jewish Student Union (JSU) met with 401 unique teens, 4,012 times, at 539 events. JSU’s mis-
sion is to connect Jewish public high school students to something Jewish. JSU facilitates weekly club meetings in public and private middle and high schools, meeting after school or during lunch, providing food for the body and soul.
Programs include speakers, discussions on timely topics of interest to the participants and interactive activities. In addition to the weekly school club meetings, JSU sponsors activities outside of school and school hours including Friday night gatherings (Oneg Shabbat), the annual President’s Day Trip to provide disaster relief and The Jerusalem Journey, a month-long trip to Israel for as low as $999.
Each club is governed by elected officers who meet to discuss program topics, outside activities and calendars. Clubs meet at Clayton, Crossroads, Ladue, Lafayette, Marquette, MICDS, Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, Parkway North, Parkway Central, Parkway West, Pattonville, Whitfield and Wydown Middle School. There are also two clubs (JSU East and JSU West) that meet in the evening for students in other schools or those who couldn’t attend their school meeting.
JSU also has the Galia and Milton Movitz Senator John Danforth Israel Scholars Program, a 15-week intensive Israel education program that is both college and high school accredited, Jewish Scholars Program and the Anne and Andrew Rauchman Holocaust Studies Course. All courses are accredited.
JSU serves students in grades 7-12. JSU is funded in part by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, the Kranzberg Foundation, LubinGreen Foundation, Staenberg Foundation, the Silk Foundation and NCSY. To establish a club in a school near you, contact the JSU office.
JSU now offers JSU for Parents. To learn more, contact the JSU office.
National Conference of Synagogue Youth
8001 Gannon Ave.
St. Louis, Mo. 63130
314-498-NCSY (6279) website: ncsy.org
Rabbi Michael Rovinsky, Area Director Sam Zitin, Chapter Advisor
NCSY’s mission is to inspire Jewish youth to realize their potential as Jews and as human beings and become active members in the Jewish community through a variety of social and educational experiences, including several leadership retreats. Opportunities exist for interested older teens to mentor elementary school-age NCSYers. NCSY runs 10-12 events per month. NCSY, in cooperation with YACHAD, also helps facilitate social programs and retreats for children with various developmental challenges.
Summer programs include a variety of Israel experiences, study programs, tours of the U.S. and Europe and camps. St. Louis NCSY programs reach more than 200 teens from all affil-
iations of Judaism. Junior NCSY is for grades 5-8; senior NCSY is for grades 9-12. vvv
NFTY-Missouri Valley Region
212-650-4070
website: https://nfty.org
NFTY, The Reform Youth Movement, is an organization for Jewish high school students. The Missouri Valley Region provides programming for members from Missouri, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, southern Illinois and Wyoming and is a part of the Union for Reform Judaism. NFTY-Missouri Valley hosts regional events for 9th-12th graders and several community-wide or regional events for 6th-8th graders (NFTY678).
Additionally, NFTY and the Reform Movement offer summer or semester long programs in Israel, Justice Fellowships and Community Organizing training and support, and opportunities for teen leadership and engagement.
Shevet Keshet, Friends of Israel Scouts
email: keshet@israelscouts.org
Parent Co-Chairs: Rachel Bezalel-Buch, 314-288-6378, and Sagit Krieger 314-6055789
Treasurer: Merav Kielmanowicz
Tzofim - The Friends of Israel Scouts (FOIS), Inc., formed in 1995, is a non-political,
non-sectarian organization whose goal is to develop and maintain a connection between the scouting movement in Israel and North American Jewry. Its objectives are to:
• Strengthen relationships between Israel and North American Jewry
• Project Israel in a positive light
• Promote brotherhood, tolerance and respect among people of all faiths
• Form strong bonds of friendship between Israeli youth and their American counterparts
• Strengthen scouts’ knowledge of Hebrew
• Provide support for the Tzofim movement in Israel.
Shevet Keshet (“the Arch troop”) is the St. Louis troop of FOIS. Shevet Keshet is open to youth in grades 1-12. Meetings are held every Sunday from 4:30-6 p.m. at Congregation B’nai Amoona, 324 S. Mason Road in Creve Coeur. In addition, there are a number of special events throughout the year, including outdoor field trips, camping trips, ceremonies and celebrations. All activities are held in Hebrew.
Our opening activity will be in the Pavilion behind Saul Mirowitz school and B’nai Amoona at 4:30pm on October 15th, 2023.
Enrollment is at the following link: https:// keshet.israelscouts.org/.
Find us on Facebook under Shevet Keshet and on Instagram under Shevetkeshetstl. vvv
Book Your Next Event at
Photos courtesy Festive Couture Floral and Zoe Life Photography
SUMMER CAMPS
The Alfred Fleishman Summer Camps at B’nai Amoona — Camp B’nai Ami & Camp Ramot Amoona www.bnaiamoona.com | Camp B’nai Ami contact: Kerri Alper, 314-576-3688; Camp Ramot Amoona contact: Kyla Gersten, Director, 314-576-9990, ext. 109.
www.guci.org | Contact: Jeremy Klotz, Director, 317-873-3361
One Happy Camper
A partnership between Jewish Federation of St. Louis and the Foundation for Jewish Camp, One Happy Camper provides non need-based grants of $1,000 to 1st through 12th graders who have never been to Jewish overnight camp and will be at camp for a minimum of 19 nights. Grants in the amount of $700 are available to first time campers attending for 12-18 nights. These grants are available at over 150+ nonprofit Jewish summer camps.Visit onehappycamper.org or call 314-432-0020.
TEDY-Temple Emanuel Youth
12166 Conway Road
St. Louis, Mo. 63141
314-432-5877
email: rabbijanine@testl.org
website: testl.org
Rabbi Janine Schloss, Rabbi Educator Leadership, community and joyful Jewish experiences are at the core of TE’s youth and teen programs. A teen board plans and leads a variety of programs throughout the year. Past programs have included everything from a Maccabiah color war to a Havdalah service to a racial justice dialogue. TEDY members can also participate in NFTY-Missouri Valley regional programs which bring together teens from seven midwestern states.
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Teen Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program
Jewish Federation of St. Louis 12 Millstone Campus Drive
St. Louis, Mo. 63146-5776
314-442-3881
email: bpanet@gfedstl.org
website: JFedSTL.org/Teen-Tzedek
Ben Panet, Sr. Associate – Israel and Teen Engagement
The St. Louis Teen Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program empowers teens to improve the world by launching them on a personal and engaged relationship to life-long giving and action.
Teen Tzedek provides local teens with the opportunity to create their own philanthropic funds, and each year they allocate money from their fund to a charity of their choice. In addition, teens can participate in hands-on learning and volunteer opportunities. Teens in the program learn about different Jewish and nonJewish nonprofits in St. Louis as well as work on community service projects.
Teen Tzedek is funded by a generous grant from the Kranzberg Family Foundation.
Teen Tzedek Objectives
• To empower Jewish teens to change the world through philanthropy and volunteer work.
• To cultivate the next generation of leadership for our congregations and community agencies.
• To provide the chance for Jewish teens to experience an allocation process for non-profit organizations.
Additional Benefits
• Excellent addition to a college resume.
• Opportunities to complete service hours. How does Teen Tzedek work?
Teens learn how to become philanthropists by starting their own philanthropic accounts. The St. Louis-based Kranzberg Family Foundation provides a generous grant to match student contributions. An initial contribution of $500 ($300 from the Kranzberg Foundation and $200 from the student) per student allows teens to create their own philanthropic fund. The monies are invested and managed by the Jewish Federation.
New Program – Honeycomb
Honeycomb is a cohort of high school teens
looking to expand their knowledge and experience with philanthropy. This cohort will meet monthly, when they will learn about philanthropy and Jewish values, visit and work directly with a variety of Jewish non-profits from around the St. Louis area, and work together to raise funds and decide how to allocate these funds at the end of each semester. To join, contact Ben Panet bpanet@jfedstl.org 314-442-3881. When can I enroll in Teen Tzedek?
You can enroll in the program once you are in seventh grade. Our program is for both middle schoolers (7-8th grade) and high schoolers (9-12th grade).
H. Lee Rosenberg, Director of Education and Engagement
United Hebrew coordinates many vibrant groups for our youth for kindergarten through 12th grade. We encourage everyone to DO Jewish in whatever manner is the best fit for them. We encourage and partner with programs as diverse as PJ Library, NFTY, BBYO and JSU as well as working in our Religious and PreSchools. We have a strong, welcoming, and inspired community enhanced by our teen-powered engagement — rooted in Reform Judaism. All youth members of United Hebrew are automatically members of our youth groups and our programs are open to all.
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United Synagogue Youth-B’nai Amoona (BAUSY)
324 S. Mason Road
St. Louis, Mo. 63141-8029
314-576-9990
email: chots@bnaiamoona.com
website:www.bnaiamoona.com
Brad “Chots” Chotiner, Director of Youth Education and Engagement
United Synagogue Youth is the International organization sponsored by United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Local chapters are supported by congregations in the region. B’nai Amoona is a part of the EMTZA region of USY. USY activities are designed for students in grades 9-12. We open these activities to 8th graders in the spring.
USY members learn to build community through social action, tzedakah and education, all in a social atmosphere.
B’nai Amoona offers Youth Groups/Youth Programming for all ages beginning in third grade.
BAUSY meets every Wednesday night from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Programs are planned by the elected BAUSY Teen Board. We invite you to come to a program and join the BAUSY (banana) bunch!
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SENIOR SERVICES & HOUSING
Adult Day Center at the J
2 Millstone Campus Drive
St. Louis, Mo. 63146
314-442-3248
Ashley Stockman, MSW, Director
Kristen Conard, Associate Director
Adult Day at the J (ADJ) offers quality programming by promoting cognitive stimulation, physical engagement and socialization, while also encouraging individual growth in an inclusive and supportive environment. ADJ offers two unique tracks: IN (aimed at supporting young adults with disabilities) and CONNECTIONS (aimed at supporting aging adults with cognitive impairments, physical impairments, or just looking to increase opportunities to socialize). Each program is expressly designed to assist participants with achieving individual goals through interactions within a group setting. Offering a broad range of activities throughout the day our programs operate within the ADJ facility, and expand throughout the J’s Staenberg Family Complex as well as the greater community. In addition to the benefits experienced by participants, our services provide critical respite and support for caregivers and families.
Covenant Place offers 358 one-bedroom, affordable, independent, senior living apartments, conveniently located on the Jewish Community Millstone Campus. Enjoy up-todate apartment amenities, ample closets, full kitchens, convenient laundry facilities, resident social and recreation areas, transportation to grocery and outings, and beautiful outdoor patios and courtyards.
Your worry-free living experience includes:
24/7 emergency monitoring, on-site night and weekend staff coverage, affordable housekeeping and laundry services, and service coordinators to connect you with community resources and services.
Covenant Place residents may participate in the many programs, classes and resources offered at the Mirowitz Center, located on the first floor of the Covenant Place II Cahn Family Building. An array of exercise classes, art, music, lifelong learning and entertainment provide opportunities for engagement and fun! Also located at the Mirowitz Center: Washington University Physicians Primary Geriatric Care Clinic, RPI Therapy Services, Royal Banks of Missouri, and St. Louis NORC.
Residents may participate in the Aging Ahead, subsidized weekday meal program and enjoy delicious, affordable weekday meals in a social setting.
Covenant Place Resident Ambassadors welcome new residents and help you to integrate into the community.
Housing is open to adults aged 62+. Income eligibility limits apply. A new wait list for the fully renovated Covenant Place III building is now open! For more information, please visit our website, call or email: info@ covenantplacestl.org.
Start your next chapter of engaged living
Joan Denison
in this warm and welcoming community. We look forward to meeting you!
Crown’s Meals on Wheels provides freshly prepared, nutritious, and delicious kosher meals. This affordable program is for those 60 and older who either reside at Crown Center or live in the area and require or prefer kosher food. Home delivery and pickup options may be available for those who are eligible. Funding is provided by Aging Ahead, Meals on Wheels America, Jewish Federation of St. Louis, and Friends of Crown Center. For more information about enrolling, please contact Rachel Hensold at 314-991-2055.
Crown Center is a vibrant and engaged community where older people live, connect, and stay active. A wide variety of engaging programs and classes are offered in the Staenberg Commons, and available to both residents and non-residents alike. Have you considered experiencing a fitness class, learning to write a short story, joining a current events discussion group or exploring a Jewish study topic? Please join us. Looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity? Give us a call. All programs are “barrier free,” available for a minimal fee or at no cost, in a warm, welcoming environment. Contact Kate Massot at 314991-2055 or visit crowncenterstl.org for monthly programming options.
The beautiful, new Crown Center Phase 1 Apartments are now open. Waiting lists are available for one and two-bedroom apartments, all with contemporary, comfortable décor, fully equipped with washers/dryers and dishwashers. Rental Plan information is available at: www.crowncenterstl.org/leasing or contact Randi Schenberg at 314-991-2055.
Also see Crown Center’s Kosher Dining and Home Delivery Program listings below.
Mark Rubin is Board President. vvv
Crown
Center
Kosher Dining
Under supervision of the Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis Circle@Crown Cafe
8350 Delcrest Drive
St. Louis, Mo. 63124 314-412-4350
Dairy, Open Mon-Thurs 8 a.m.-2 p.m. website: www.crowncenterstl.org/cafe
Liz DuBro, Café Manager
Circle@Crown Cafe is open to all, offering a seasonal menu of fresh, tasty, dairy breakfast and lunch options that can be enjoyed dining in, or takeout. It’s the ideal location for a business meeting, or a casual lunch with friends.
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Crown Center Kosher Meals on Wheels Program
8350 Delcrest Drive
St. Louis, MO 63124
314-991-2055 www.crowncenterstl.org
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ElderLink St. Louis — JFS
10950 Schuetz Rd. St. Louis, Mo. 63146
314-812-9300
email: info@jfsstl.org website: jfsstl.org
ElderLink is a free information and referral phone line staffed by JFS case managers trained to help older adults and caregivers navigate new stages of life. Available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., we provide a comprehensive phone assessment for all callers in order to identify resources that best meet your individual needs. Through our network of referral partners, we can connect you with information and referrals for a variety of services, including in-home support, transportation resources, food assistance, housing options, utility assistance, case management, socialization opportunities and more.
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HJ’s Café
8 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 2000 St. Louis, Mo. 63146 website: www.HJCafe.org
Joan Denison, President & CEO
HJ’s Café, located in the Mirowitz Center on the first floor of the Covenant Place II Cahn Family Building, offers food, friends, and fun – made to order!
The casual, relaxed setting at HJ’s Café makes it the perfect place to enjoy a coffee, attend a cooking class, or meet-up with friends for a meal. Amenities include: patio dining, counter seating and TV screens. Catering and carry-out are available. Note: at the time of the printing of this Guide to Jewish Life, the café is temporarily closed. Watch for reopening in early 2024! Howard Rosen is Board Chair.
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JFS Chaplaincy Program
10950 Schuetz Rd. St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-993-1000
email: info@jfsstl.org website: jfsstl.org
The Chaplaincy Program provides spiritual care for the Jewish community of the greater St. Louis area, offering connection, compassion, and support during both joyful and difficult times.
JFS’s community chaplains provide a com-
forting presence and a listening ear, offer end-of-life support and bereavement care, and build bridges to Jewish tradition. They create relationships through individual visits and spiritual counseling as well as through Shabbat celebrations, holiday gatherings, discussion groups and study sessions.
Chaplains visit the diverse members of the Jewish community, especially reaching out to those who are unaffiliated, isolated, and disconnected from Jewish life. JFS supports residents in a variety of eldercare settings including nursing care, assisted living, memory care and rehabilitation centers, retirement communities, hospitals, and home hospice. JFS also supports residents living in group homes for adults with varying intellectual and developmental abilities.
JFS chaplains help to reconnect residents with their synagogues and they build strong relationships with the staff in congregate care communities, helping them to become more culturally sensitive to Jewish residents and their needs.
Mirowitz Center
8 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 2000 St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-432-1610
website: www.mirowitzcenter.org
Joan Denison, President & CEO
The Mirowitz Center, located on the first floor of the Covenant Place II Cahn Family Building, is your place to connect with programs, classes, events and services that enrich your life. Open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., with some evenings and weekend programs, the Mirowitz Center focuses on meeting the interests of baby boomers and older adults.
Stop in and meet-up with others, enjoy health and exercise programs, interesting speakers, and multi-generational activities. Learn to use technology, make use of a game table to play with friends, attend a musical program, sing in the community choir, watch films on our 14-foot movie screen, pick up a new read or video from the St. Louis County mobile library, try your hand at an art class and meet people with similar interests! Classes and programs are offered on-line and in person at nominal fees or at no cost and there is no required membership fee to participate.
Also located at the Mirowitz Center: Washington University Geriatric Primary Care Clinic, Washington University Weight Management Program and Clinic, RPI Therapy Services, Royal Banks of Missouri, and St. Louis NORC.
Howard Rosen is Board Chair.
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Pathways Hospice & Palliative Care
See entry under Community Services on page 18. vvv
Randi Schenberg
ARTS & CULTURE
Ha-Shemesh
c/o Michael Lyss
#12 High Acres Drive
St. Louis, Mo. 63132
314-452-7477
email: mslyss@sbcglobal.net
Ha-Shemesh (The Sun) has provided audiences in St. Louis, Kansas City and various cities in Illinois with music from our Jewish tradition since the mid-1970s. Musical offerings include songs of our people from liturgy and folk songs in Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino and English.
Private performances include weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, birthday and anniversary parties, and other private celebrations.
Public events include city-wide festivals such as the International Institute’s Festival of Nations, holiday events such as the Missouri Botanical Gardens Festival of Lights, Jewish agency fundraisers and annual dinners, programs at the JCC and senior citizen residential facilities.
Ha-Shemesh has performed at synagogue religious and community-engagement functions, programs with the Circle of Jewish Music and Shabbat St. Louis’ annual community-wide Shabbat service.
For many years Ha-Shemesh has played for High Holiday services, Shabbat and other holiday services as well as confirmation services at several St. Louis congregations. The group has performed with many nationally known Jewish musicians visiting St. Louis for synagogue and other concert events.
Members of Ha-Shemesh are Bob Barth (guitar), Rob Birenbaum (doumbek), Judi Furman (flute), Carol Kaplan-Lyss (piano), Michael Lyss (mandolin) and Carin Thyssen (vocals).
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Klezundheit!
email: gutahleah@yahoo.com
phone (or text): 314-882-2788
Contact: Lauren Buchsbaum
Klezundheit! is the only klezmer big band in Missouri. Founded by bandleader Bob Herman in 1998, the band has been featured on Classic 99’s From the Garden Live! series, at Sababa Jewish Arts & Culture Festival, and at concerts and festivals in St. Louis and South America. Klezmer has never sounded so exuberant than in the hands of a big band. View video clips at http://bit.ly/Klezundheit, http://bit.ly/ Klezundheit2 and http://bit.ly/ Klezundheit3. vvv
Kolot
5 Willowyck Court
St. Louis, Mo. 63146
314-757-6683
email: bettiblumoff@gmail.com
website: kolotchoirstl.wixsite.com/mysite
Kolot is a community Jewish women’s choir founded in 2005 by Jackie Gerson. The choir has been directed for the past 18 years by music educator Betti Blumoff. Kolot’s 30 members represent all branches of Judaism and multiple generations.
The group performs a variety of Jewish music in Hebrew and English, as well as popular selections and Broadway show tunes. Kolot has appeared at Circle of Jewish Music Concerts, the Jewish Federation Women’s Philanthropy L’Chaim event, and at Yom Hazikaron and Yom Hashoah commemorations. They have also performed at Covenant Place, The Brentmoor and Crown Center for Senior Living.
If you are interested in joining us for a season of Jewish, Hebrew and Secular Women’s choral music, please contact Betti Blumoff at bettiblumoff@gmail.com. vvv
New Jewish Theatre
Marvin & Harlene Wool Studio Theatre 2 Millstone Campus Drive
Providing award-winning professional theater in an intimate setting, the New Jewish Theatre (NJT) produces a season of five productions each calendar year. The New Jewish Theatre is dedicated to the exploration of Jewish themes, issues and writers as well as
the examination of the full range of the human experience.
Season subscriptions and individual tickets are available. Visit our website to purchase tickets online. Or purchase by phone at 314442-3283. NJT is a program of the J. vvv
The New Jewish Thinker
314-283-2081
email: info@thenewjewishthinker.org
website: https://thenewjewishthinker.org/ Richard Gavatin, Webmaster
The New Jewish Thinker is a not-for-profit online publication featuring works from writers on various Jewish topics. We’ve been around since 2018 and started publicizing in 2019. The contributors are mostly St. Louisans. Some of the writing expressions are prose, poetry, short stories, educational articles and memoirs as well as interviews, commentaries, book reviews and more. This online magazine is an eclectic collection of work from various Jewish writers expressing their experience as a Jewish person, or with Judaism in general. The New Jewish Thinker currently has 110 pieces and is growing! We would love new contributors and readers. If you would like to contribute a piece, please send them this address: info@thenewjewishthinker.org. If you would like to read some of the wonderful articles, please visit https://thenewjewishthinker. org. As we are a not-for-profit organization, donations are always welcome and appreciated. We also accept advertising submissions. vvv
St. Louis Israeli Folk Dancing
email: occasionsbyrachy@yahoo.com
Facebook: Israeli Folk Dancing – St. Louis MO USA
Join us for Israeli Folk Dancing! We dance regularly from 7:30 to 11 p.m. on Monday evenings in the Mirowitz gym (up the steps behind the school building).
Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School is located at 348 S. Mason Road in Creve Coeur. Come join our fun circle! Open to all ages and skill levels. The group dances to popular Israeli hits, oldies and classics. New dances are reviewed and taught each week, and newcomers are always welcome. For more information, please request to join the group’s Facebook page: “Israeli Folk Dancing – St. Louis MO USA” or call Rachel Persellin-Armoza at 314-706-7149, or email occasionsbyrachy@yahoo.com.
Now in its 45th year, the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival features Jewish authors and books in every genre this Nov. 5-19. Events are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. daily, and the full lineup with details about the authors will be available on the website beginning in late August. Festival events are coordinated through the J’s Cultural Arts Department, with the help of a committee of community volunteers. The festival is co-sponsored by more than 40 local organizations and supported by corporate and individual sponsors throughout the bistate region. Funds raised from the Festival and year-round literary events go to J scholarships and Cultural Arts programming.
Barb Kramer and Barb Raznick are the 2023 Festival Co-Chairs.
The J’s St. Louis Jewish Film Festival showcases national and international cinema that explores universal issues through traditional Jewish values, opposing viewpoints and new perspectives.
The Jewish Film Festival will take place April 7-18, 2024, at Creve Coeur West Olive 10 B & B Theatres. The films are produced all over the world — features, documentaries, dramas and shorts.
Marilyn Brown, Jeffrey Korn and Paula Sigel are Co-Chairs. vvv
Shakshuka is St. Louis’ newest Jewish music group, featuring keyboard, guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, percussion, and vocals. The group offers new and original arrangements of Jewish music from around the world. The band has performed at Festival of Nations, the St. Charles Jewish Festival, the Botanical Garden’s Hanukkah celebration and Kol Rinah’s Summerfest.
Congregation Shaare Emeth features Shakshuka as its house band, and the group plays for services at other congregations in St.
Louis. Shakshuka has entertained residents at The Willows, The Crown Center for Senior Living, The Brentmoor and The Gatesworth. The band’s name, Shakshuka, literally means “all mixed up” and is also the name of a popular Israeli breakfast dish. The band plays a mixture of music in culture and style. Follow the group’s Facebook page (visit https://bit.ly/Shakshuka-band) to see upcoming appearances and recordings from previous shows.
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Shir Ami
c/o Carol Kaplan-Lyss 12 High Acres Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63132 314-997-2887
email: kaplanlyss@aol.com
Shir Ami (Song of My People) is a spirited, freelance troupe of six with a joy of performing Jewish music. For decades, Shir Ami has been committed to keeping alive beloved Yiddish, Hebrew/Israeli, Jewish/American, Hassidic and Ladino songs. The singers are accompanied by guitar, mandolin, accordion and Middle-Eastern drum. They perform annually at the Hanukkah Festival of Lights at the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Festival of Nations at Tower Grove Park, and many regional, community and private events. Each program is tailored to requested themes.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Friends of Magen David Adom
Midwest Region
3175 Commercial Ave., Suite 101 Northbrook, Ill. 60062
888-674-4871
AFMDA is an authorized tax-exempt organization and the sole support arm in the United States of Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s official emergency medical service. Magen David Adom provides a rapid and skilled emergency medical response, including disaster, ambulance and blood services, to Israel’s 9.4 million people. MDA is the only organization mandated by the Israeli government to serve in this role, but it’s not funded by the government. Instead, MDA relies on funding from donors around the world.
American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)
AIPAC Midwest Regional Office P.O. Box A3996
Chicago, Ill. 60690
312-236-8550
email: manderson@aipac.org
Michael Anderson, AIPAC Area Director
The mission of AIPAC is to encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has 10 regional offices nationwide and an office in Jerusalem.
The AIPAC Midwest office empowers the advancement of the pro-Israel agenda in the Missouri congressional delegation and beyond.
For more than a century, the TechnionIsrael Institute of Technology has pioneered in science and technology education and delivered world-changing impact. Proudly a global university, the Technion has long leveraged boundary-crossing collaborations to advance breakthrough research and technologies. Now with a presence on three continents, the Technion will prepare the next generation of global innovators. Technion people, ideas and inventions make immeasurable contributions to the world, innovating in fields from cancer research and sustainable energy to quantum computing and computer science to do good around the world.
The American Technion Society supports visionary education and world-changing impact
SECTION INDEX
American Friends of Magen David Adom 47
American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) 47
American Technion Society 47
Ashrei Foundation 47
Citizens for a Just and Lasting Peace 47
Coalition for Jewish Values Missouri 47
Crime Victim Center’s LAAW Program 48 Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Garden of Eden at the J 48 The Hamsa Wellness Community (formerly Sharsheret Supports STL) 48 Israeli American Council (IAC) – St. Louis
Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis
Jewish National Fund (JNF)
Jewish Special Interest Group of St. Louis
Ashrei Foundation
Office location: The Hub, 3000 E. Prairie Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63107
Mailing address: 5020 Waterman Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. 63108
Call or text: 314-252-8060
website: www.ashreifoundation.org
Rabbi Susan Talve, Founder, CEO
Sara Ruiz, Executive Director
Ken Goldman, President, Board Chairman
The Ashrei Foundation, a non-profit of Central Reform Congregation, exists to empower and activate the St. Louis community and partners throughout the state of Missouri to promote economic justice, to relieve suffering and interrupt cycles of poverty. Our flagship program is the North City Photo ID Project, where volunteers provide financial and logistical assistance for Missourians to obtain a photo ID. Learn more about our programs, subscribe to our email updates and discover ways to get involved on our website and social media. Join us in moving our region forward on the path towards justice and equity.
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Citizens for a Just and Lasting Peace
9666 Olive Blvd., Suite 215 St. Louis, Mo. 63132
314-397-5230
Richard Senturia, Director
Citizens for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Middle East supports the legitimate rights of Israel and all citizens of the Middle East to live in peace, freedom and security.
St. Louis Chapter Hadassah
St. Louis Friends of Israel
St. Louis Holocaust Survivors & Descendants
Taharath Israel (St. Louis Mikvah Association)53
through the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. For more than 75 years, our nationwide supporter network has funded new Technion scholarships, research, labs, and facilities that have helped deliver world-changing contributions and extend Technion education to campuses in three countries. Our investments in the Technion’s growth and innovation advance critical research and technologies that serve the State of Israel and the global good.
We offer speakers who can provide indepth information about Israel and the Middle East and actively co-sponsor informative events about the Middle East with other St. Louis area groups. Our newspaper ads and letter-writing group provide information not usually covered by the national or local print media.
We offer an insightful 45-minute multimedia presentation, “The Illustrated History of Israel,” at no charge (including live narrator) to Jewish and non-Jewish groups of five or more within 100 miles of St. Louis. Call 314-397-5230 or 314-606-6061 to arrange a presentation.
Coalition for Jewish Values Missouri (CJVMO) is the first state chapter of the largest
national rabbinic public organization in America, Coalition for Jewish Values. CJVMO serves as the voice of authentic, traditional Jewish values handed down from time immemorial. A non- partisan action group, CJV-MO, addresses issues including the protection of children, the sanctity of life and marriage, fundamental fairness in education and society at large, responding to the rise of anti-Semitism, and responsible policies toward the state of Israel.
Rabbi Yonason Goldson is President.
Crime Victim Center’s LAAW Program
A Crime Victim Advocacy Center program 539 N. Grand Blvd., Suite 400 St. Louis, Mo. 63103
Founded in 1986 as a project of the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis Section, Legal Advocates for Abused Women (LAAW) served the St. Louis community as an autonomous agency for more than 16 years. LAAW became a program of the Crime Victim Center (CVC) in 2012, allowing LAAW’s programs to remain intact with support for administrative costs. CVC was founded in 1972 and is the oldest victim services agency that helps victims regardless of the status in the criminal justice system. The LAAW program is dedicated, specifically and solely, to helping victims of abuse in times of crisis, working within the legal system, law enforcement and the courts. LAAW combines expertise in legal remedies and domestic violence issues to help victims end abusive relationships. LAAW helps victim regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. All services are free of charge and include the crisis intervention/legal helpline, free legal representation at Order of Protection hearings, safety planning, extensive referrals, immediate and ongoing crisis support, legal and court advocacy and other critical services.
At The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, gratitude inspires us every day. Our mission is to help donors enrich lives, save lives, and transform health care through charitable gifts.
With the help of our compassionate donors, we do more to help researchers find better treatments for the diseases affecting us most, pay it forward to a new generation of
health care providers, and improve the health and well-being of our patients, our families and our communities.
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Garden of Eden at the J
Located on the grounds of the Jewish Community Center in Creve Coeur
The Garden of Eden endeavors to provide the clients of the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry with fresh fruits and vegetables. Each year, the garden grows more than 4,500 pounds of about 35 different fruits and vegetables, with a value of more than $10,000.
The garden provides a variety of opportunities for volunteering. In a typical year, close to 2,000 hours are volunteered to help feed the hungry with fresh, nutritious food. Volunteers consists of individuals as well as church mission groups, synagogue social justice groups, religious school groups, business groups, youngsters wishing volunteer credit for their schools and many others. The garden relies on the efforts of volunteers who weed, harvest, clean, water and care for the garden.
The garden is affiliated with Seed St. Louis. It has been recognized by St. Louis County as a Pollinator Pantry.
The garden has a Table to Garden project whereby individuals and families can obtain a bucket to put their food waste into. They can exchange a full bucket for a clean bucket at their convenience. The food waste is added to the garden’s compost bin and eventually the compost is added to the garden. Interested individuals can contact Myra Rosenthal at myrasuer@gmail.com or the volunteer coordinator at the J.
The garden follows the Jewish calendar in when it is open or closed and garden representatives often talk to volunteer groups about how the garden’s efforts mirror that of our biblical ancestors and about Jewish values such as tikkun olam, social justice and mitzvot.
For more information on volunteering, either as an individual, or for those with a school, corporation, team or other group who would like to give back to the community, contact Stephanie Rhea at 314-442-3164 srhea@jccstl.org. Times are available throughout the week and on the weekends.
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The
Hamsa Wellness Community (formerly Sharsheret Supports STL)
Jewish Community Center/Nishmah 2 Millstone Campus Drive
Debbi Braunstein, The Hamsa Wellness Community Director
The Hamsa Wellness Community is a program at the J and community partner of the national nonprofit Sharsheret organization. The Hamsa Wellness Community educates individuals in the Jewish community regarding their increased risk for developing a hereditary cancer and supports those facing a breast or ovarian cancer diagnosis, any-
where along their journey. All programming is free, individualized and confidential. The Hamsa Wellness Community welcomes the full spectrum of diversity within our community and supports all who reach out.
Lynne Kipnis, Ph.D., is The Hamsa Wellness Advisory Committee Chair. vvv
Israeli American Council (IAC) – St. Louis Chapter
website: www.israeliamerican.org
314-378-4484
Email: odar@israeliamerican.org
Orna Dar, Program Director
The Israeli American Council (IAC) is an American nonprofit organization to represent and serve the approximately 125,000 IsraeliAmericans living in the United States. Its mission is to preserve and strengthen the Israeli and Jewish identities of future generations, strengthen the American Jewish community, and strengthen the relationship between citizens of the United States and the State of Israel. The St. Louis chapter offers a variety of programs, including leadership development (Gvanim); Shishi Yisraeli (Friday night dinners) and holiday programming; programs for young children and families (Keshet); entrepreneurship programs for middle school and high school age youth (Eitanim); online Hebrew lessons (Ofek); parenting seminars; Israeli culture; and social activities, such as sing-a-long evenings, games nights, etc. To learn more, contact Orna Dar at odar@israeliamerican.org or 314-378-4484.
J Associates
JCC Staenberg Family Complex 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3109
email: kpetersen@jccstl.org
Kim Petersen, Special Events Manager
The J Associates is the women’s auxiliary of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center. They support the J by promoting public awareness and fundraising through activities that foster camaraderie, develop leadership and inspire Jewish values. The J Associates began in 1985 and this group of caring women has continued to grow over the years and is currently 500 members. They are known for their fun, informative and entertaining programming events. Their executive committee and general board members are the driving force behind these programs, and committee participation often results in instant friendships.
The women of the J Associates take pride in their fundraising efforts and have been proud to allocate over $2.2 million to various departments of the J including: Cultural Arts, Adult Day at the J, Early Childhood, Inclusion, Day Camps, Camp Sabra and more.
For more information, contact Kim Petersen at kpetersen@jccstl.org or 314-442-3109.
Jennifer Deutsch is President of the J Associates. vvv
Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis
Located in the North Lobby of Congregation Shaare Emeth 11645 Ladue Road
St. Louis, Mo. 63141
314-569-0010
To view classes and offerings, visit www. mindfulness@sestl.org
Rabbi Andrea Goldstein, Founder/Director
The Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis offers classes and worship experiences that incorporate mindfulness practices into daily life and expand our experiences of the spiritual, all within a uniquely Jewish context. Together, participants and leaders seek to deepen awareness, create a welcoming space for exploration of practices and foster connections within a vibrant spiritual community.
The Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis is open to anyone who is:
• Curious about the connections between Judaism and mindfulness practice
• Hoping to deepen their personal practice
• Seeking a supportive community with whom to engage in practice.
To learn more, contact Stacy Jespersen at sjespersen@sestl.org.
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Jewish National Fund (JNF)
60 Revere Drive, Suite 725 Northbrook, Ill. 60062 612-315-9900
website: jnf.org
Kim Levy, Executive Director, Midwest (klevy@jnf.org)
Unparalleled in the Jewish philanthropic world, Jewish National Fund-USA’s strategic vision has been and always will be to ensure a strong, secure, and prosperous future for the land and people of Israel. Everything we do — every project, initiative and campaign we take on — is integral to our vision of building and connecting to our land.
We plant trees, build houses and parks, source water solutions, buy fire trucks, and improve the lives of people with disabilities and special needs. We boost tourism, support Aliyah (immigration to Israel), promote Zionist education and engagement, build medical centers and trauma centers, fund agricultural and culinary research, and run Alexander Muss High School in Israel, an American semester abroad school. We do all these things because each project, each program, each partnership, is consistent with our strategic vision: population growth in the north and south, connecting the next generation to Israel, infrastructure development, ecology, forestation, heritage site preservation, and more — all for the land and people of Israel.
Jewish National Fund-USA: We are unique, we are strategic, we are visionary, and we have been that way since 1901. Join us.
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Since 1905, the Rosenbloom Monument Family and Staff have been serving the Jewish Community ...the tradition continues. We are proud of our continued mutual support of each other.The partnership of the Jewish Community, its cemeteries, and Rosenbloom Monument stands strong.
www.rosenbloommonument.com
Jewish Special Interest Group of St. Louis Genealogical Society
4 Sunnen Drive, Suite 140
St. Louis, Mo. 63143-3814
314-647-8547
email: jewishSIG@stlgs.org website: stlgs.org
Phyllis Faintich, Carol Waggoner, Ilene Murray and Diane Everman, Co-Leaders
The Jewish Special Interest Group (JSIG) is sponsored by the St. Louis Genealogical Society and by the St. Louis County Library. It is a member of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies and the National Federation of Genealogical Societies. This group will provide speakers on genealogy for local organizations and groups. Free membership is open to all researchers of Jewish genealogy.
Jewish War Veterans - Heritage Post 644
12 Millstone Campus Drive
St. Louis, Mo. 63146
email: contact@jwvstl.org
Ellis Frohman, Major, USARET, Commander
The Jewish War Veterans of the United States (JWV) was founded in 1896 by Jewish Civil War veterans to counter the myth that Jews did not serve our nation. JWV is the nation’s oldest congressionally chartered veterans’ organization.
Heritage Post 644 is the St. Louis arm of the JWV. Our purpose is to:
• Preserve and honor the memories of the military service of greater St. Louis Jewish men and women who served our country.
• Support those currently serving along with their families.
• Fight antisemitism in the military and our communities.
Heritage Post 644 meets monthly in the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. Activities and ceremonies are held throughout the year.
Membership is available to Jewish men and women who have been honorably discharged from military service during war and peace time. Service overseas or in a combat zone is not required. Patron membership is available to those who did not serve in uniform but wish to support the work of the JWV. Applications for membership may be obtained from the national JWV website, www.jwv.org. vvv
Jewish War Veterans — Grave Site Search & Record Program
12 Millstone Campus Drive
St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-567-1226
email: birenbauml@sbcglobal.net
Les Birenbaum 314-518-3413, Jack Lite 314-740-4242, Co-Presidents
An ongoing gravesite search program seeks to identify deceased Jewish Veterans’ gravesites in the greater St. Louis Jewish cemeteries. The Veterans Administration
marks the gravesites of our Jewish Veterans at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. When gravesites of Jewish Veterans in the Jewish cemeteries are identified, the JWV medallion and American flag are installed along with the JWV decal. Jewish War Veterans Post 644 administers the issuing of the medallions and flags for a suggested donation of $36 (double chai); a donation is not required.
New flags are placed each year by our local Boy Scouts during Memorial Day weekend. Any request by families to either install or replace the medallion or flag will be honored. Families can also pick up a medallion and flag from Les Birenbaum or Jack Lite. In addition, medallions and flags are available online at the JWV store at www.jwv.org for a reasonable cost.
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Jewish War Veterans Memorial Center of Greater St. Louis
Jewish War Veterans of Greater St. Louis 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-432-0020 (Jewish Federation of St. Louis)
email: birenbauml@sbcglobal.net
Les Birenbaum 314-518-3413, Jack Lite 314-740-4242, Co-Presidents
The Memorial Center commemorates hundreds of years of service by Jews in the United States Armed Forces. It is located in the new St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. Its exhibits are a tribute to the St. Louis area Jewish veterans killed in action, as well as non-combatants who served our veteran community. Military artifacts, weapons, decorations and awards contributed by returning veterans or their families are on display. Jack Lite, 314-740-4242, has been curator for more than 40 years.
Photo albums containing pictures of Jewish military men and women in uniform are in many of our photo albums; most are identified by wars and conflicts. New photos are welcome at any time with accompanying data.
The Jewish Veterans Memorial Center also honors all Jewish veterans who are interred in the greater St. Louis Jewish cemeteries. The JWV medallion and American flag are placed on the grave sites of identified Jewish military veterans. St. Louis-area Boy Scouts and their leaders, working with St. Louis Jewish War Veterans Post 644, replace worn flags each Memorial Day. Family members of deceased veterans can submit a request for a medallion and flag by contacting Les or Jack. Donations are appreciated.
Jewish Women International
Jewish Women International (JWI) advocates for a safe world for women, children and families and strives to break the cycle of violence through education and action.
Locally, JWI originated the Humor Cart Project at Shriner’s Hospital’s Outpatient Clinic and has serviced hundreds of children needing a “laugh” while awaiting their treatment.
JWI provides a Thanksgiving Day feast to the Ronald McDonald House, sponsorship for the Wings of Hope program, and a generous donation to Camp Rainbow as well as volunteer help for the campers who otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience the program. The largest portion of the JWI fundraising dollar is generated through the longtime gift-wrapping project now held at West County Mall, sponsored through Macy’s. Membership in JWI allows women to belong to the leading Jewish organization that empowers women and girls through economic literacy, community training, healthy relationship education and the proliferation of women’s leadership. In addition, they will receive the nationally acclaimed and awardwinning JWI magazine. JWI provides community service to any and all who need help.
For further information, please contact Diane Lieberman (Treasurer) at 314-4062328 or Marcene Tockman (Counselor) at 314-363-6881.
Jews United for Justice (JUJ) is a membership organization that was organized over 20 years ago to be a Jewish voice in the progressive community and a progressive voice in the Jewish community.
JUJ has worked on advocacy for the economically disadvantaged Jewish elderly in nursing homes, for workers’ rights and for racial equity in public schools and on raising awareness of the plight of the Jewish poor and the services available to them.
After the events in Ferguson, JUJ created four work groups based on the structure of the Ferguson Report: Youth in the Center, Opportunity to Thrive, Diversity Training and Education, and Justice for All. Our Payday Lending taskforce, in conjunction with the National Council of Jewish Women focused on the issue of Payday Lending, or in Yiddish, Shanda. We made progress and accomplished tangible results in the cities of St. Louis and Florissant and also worked to encourage employers to offer to their employees one of several possible better alternatives to payday loans.
Between 2006 and 2012, JUJ celebrated both the Yahrzeit of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and the anniversary of the birth of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. JUJ recalled their extraordinary work together by honoring individuals in the St. Louis’ Jewish and African American communities who worked together for social justice and peace. Pictures and speeches from these events are available at jujstl.org/heschelking.html.
For more information about our work, local and national coalitions, and social justice related source materials, please visit our regularly updated website, jujstl.org. The site features a collection of Resources for activists, where interested quickly can find connections
to a wealth of over 130 activists links. We would love to have you join us.
JProStL
12 Millstone Campus Drive
St. Louis, Mo. 63146
314-442-3810
email: meisen@jfedstl.org
Staff: Marci Mayer Eisen
JProStL, an initiative of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, is the association dedicated to supporting professionals working at all Jewish organizations, schools and congregations
throughout the St. Louis Jewish community. Its mission is to provide training, resources and networking opportunities in order to strengthen staff members, their organizations and the community as a whole.
Noah Finkelstein, Midwest Regional Director J Street St. Louis is the local chapter of J
REAL ESTATE & SERVICES
Street, a Washington, D.C. based organization, which organizes and mobilizes pro-Israel, pro-peace and pro-democracy Americans who want Israel to be secure, democratic and the national home of the Jewish people. Working with our members of congress and the St. Louis Jewish community, we advocate for policies that advance shared U.S. and Israeli interests and sponsor community events promoting Jewish and democratic values.
MaTovu is an inclusive Jewish space in St. Louis City that fosters connection by enriching our community’s spiritual, cultural and social life.
MaTovu — an inclusive Jewish “neighborhood center” — opened in October 2018 as a Jewish space for the first time in 75 years. From 1929 to 1944, the South Side Hebrew Congregation met at this location at 4200 Blaine Ave. in the Botanical Heights neighborhood. While few records remain of the congregation, its distinctly Jewish character has been maintained in the windows and façade. MaTovu is established and run by a volunteer board of entrepreneurs to build inclusive connections that enrich the community’s spiritual, cultural, and social life. MaTovu joins existing synagogues and other Jewish organizations in developing the City’s visible Jewish infrastructure while establishing itself as a neighborhood center open to everyone, and welcoming the challenge of how to be a space accessible to many communities.
To be in touch with our team, email hello@matovustl.org or visit www.MaTovustl. org for more information. vvv
Midwest Jewish Congress
email: bcohn@stljewishlight.org or steven.puro@slu.edu phone: 314-452-9716 or 314-862-3980
The Midwest Jewish Congress is the successor local organization of the former St. Louis Council of the American Jewish Congress, and respects the values of its founder, Rabbi Stephen Wise. As a member in good standing of the Jewish Community Relations Council, the all-volunteer MJC works in concert with sister human rights and anti-bigotry organizations, advocates for legal services for the elderly, seeks to protect and expand minority rights regarding race, religion, gender and sexual identification. We support the State of Israel and its right to live in peace and security with the Palestinians and its other neighbors.
Steven Puro is Chapter President. Bob Cohn is JCRC Council Representative.
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Millstone Leadership Initiatives
Jewish Federation of St. Louis 12 Millstone Campus Drive
St. Louis, Mo. 63146
314-442-3810
email: meisen@jfedstl.org
Staff: Marci Mayer Eisen
The Jewish Federation of St. Louis works with Jewish organizations to advance the work of board leaders and professionals, cultivate new leaders and strengthen the sense of connection among leaders. Millstone
Leadership Initiatives for volunteer leaders include Millstone Fellows, Presidents’ Circle, and Levy Fellows. Marci Mayer Eisen is available for personalized board and staff training and leadership coaching. See JProStL for professional staff.
Miriam School and Learning Center
1138 N. Warson Road
St. Louis, MO 63132
314-968-3893
website: Miriamstl.org
Miriam has a proud history of more than 100 years of service in the St. Louis community. The organization was originally chartered as “Miriam No. 17,” a local chapter of the national organization United Order True Sisters, Inc. (UOTS) and focused on community service. Today, Miriam is the most comprehensive resource for children with learning differences. Miriam School, serving grades K-12, and Miriam Learning Center annually serve more than 1,200 St. Louis area students.
For more than 60 years, Miriam School has provided an independent special education for students with a broad range of learning differences. In 2016, Miriam expanded to also offer a high school. While the K-8 building and the Learning Center remain at the campus in Webster Groves, the high school is located on North Warson Road in Olivette. Miriam’s business office is also located at the Olivette campus.
Miriam School focuses on personalized curriculum, with small student-to-teacher ratios and integrated occupational and speech/language therapies. Students thrive both academically and socially. Miriam Learning Center opened in 2007 to provide services to students ages 2-18 who wish to remain in their current educational environment but need specialized in-school or after-school support services to meet their potential.
The Miriam Switching Post, an upscale resale shop in Brentwood, sells gently used furniture and household goods. Proceeds directly benefit Miriam families through tuition assistance.
Andy Greenberg is president of the Board. vvv
NA’AMAT USA
PO Box 594 Highland Park, Ill. 60035 312-815-9083 email: midwest.area@naamat.org website: www.naamat.org.
NA’AMAT is one of Israel’s oldest and most essential organizations, with its early leaders —including Golda Meir — playing a vital role in the country’s establishment. In 1925 NA’AMAT was founded as the “Women’s Organization for the Pioneer Women of Palestine,” to advocate for the pioneering women living, working, and establishing families in what would become the modern state of Israel.
Today, NA’AMAT continues to be at the forefront of improving the lives of thousands
of women, children, and families in Israel each day.
NA’AMAT is the largest provider of daycare in Israel. Several of these centers provide extended services for at-risk children. Our daycare centers offer a warm, welcoming, safe environment where pre-school age children can grow and thrive. We also operate technological high schools which provide a wide range of training for at-risk youth. Their studies combine theoretical studies with technological and vocational training. Our two youth villages, Ayanot and Kanot have residential high schools for children that cannot live at home. Among the areas of study offered are an architectural program at Ayanot and a police academy at Kanot, both in conjunction with, and in preparation for, those tracks in the IDF.
NA’AMAT House for Women in Tel Aviv provides a shelter and resources for victims of domestic violence. We have Legal Aid Bureaus that help women navigate issues related to such things as domestic violence, and employment discrimination. Our Women and Family Rights Centers help women deal with issues such as single parenthood, and legal issues. NA’AMAT awards two hundred scholarships and research grants per year so that women can attend undergraduate and graduate studies in STEM, gender studies and law. NA’AMAT’s Women’s Healthcare Centers focus on providing wellness education to women. We also developed our groundbreaking Abba Program that helps men become better fathers.
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Nishmah: The St. Louis Jewish Women’s Project
Jewish Community Center 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3111
email: cleon@jccstl.org website: nishmah.org
Chelsea Leon, Director
Nishmah, a program of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center, inspires, educates, engages and supports Jewish women. Through inspirational programming, Nishmah brings together Jewish women from different denominations who may have otherwise never met. Together, these women learn from each other, connect and form bonds through faith and friendship.
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Project Backpack
2151 Welsch Industrial Court Maryland Heights, Mo. 63043 314-993-3033
website: backpackstl.org
Judy Pearlstone, Executive Director
Project Backpack fills a necessary niche in social services for St. Louis and surrounding areas. A nonprofit organization, Project Backpack helps local children who are taken from their homes due to domestic violence and other crisis situations. Backpacks—filled
with age- (infant to 17 years old) and genderappropriate necessities and comfort items— are provided to social workers, shelters and police to distribute “on-the-scene” and at the moment of need. There is no other organization in the St. Louis area addressing children’s immediate needs for emergency items such as sleepwear and toiletries during their first hours and days of transition. When frightened and insecure children are taken from their homes, receiving one of the filled backpacks helps alleviate some of their inner turmoil and lets them know that somebody cares. Started in 1999, Project Backpack now distributes over 250 backpacks per month throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and parts of Illinois. We work only with volunteers, and most donations come from private drives and devoted supporters.
St. Louis Chapter Hadassah
Hadassah Midwest
900 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 295 Northbrook, Ill. 60062
Hadassah is the largest Jewish women’s organization in the United States.
Since 1912, Hadassah has brought hope and healing to those in need around the world. Through our world-renowned hospitals in Jerusalem and our cutting therapies and treatments, our physicians and researchers are offering hope for those with ALS, MS, cancer, diabetes and more. At-risk children are schooled, sheltered and nourished physically, emotionally and academically at our Youth Villages in Israel, where they learn to become contributing citizens of Israel and the world. In the United States, we promote Jewish camping through Camp Young Judaea, leadership skill development, Jewish education, community-building, advocacy for women and children and much more.
St. Louis Hadassah has over 1,500 members who engage in activities that range from advocacy and Jewish learning to health care and book groups. Each member finds her place in Hadassah and can share, grow, learn and lead. We look forward to seeing you at a Hadassah event soon.
St. Louis Friends of Israel is a pro-active, non-denominational, bipartisan, 501c3 nonprofit organization, whose mission is to educate the St. Louis community about the issues Israel faces and to advocate for Israel. Find us on Facebook under St. Louis Friends of Israel. Traci Goldstein and Galit Lev-Harir are coPresidents.
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St. Louis Holocaust Survivors and Descendants
We are people who, in spite of our history, come together to celebrate our lives and find joy in participating in social, cultural and learning experiences.
We invite those who feel connected to their family’s Holocaust experience to join us. We meet the second Monday of the month at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum.
In an atmosphere of camaraderie and understanding, we enjoy listening to speakers and presenting other programs that connect us to our mutual history.
Our purpose is to learn, listen, commemorate, preserve and honor the memories of our families and to educate our community about this monumental event in human history.
For more information, contact Sofia (314-8788405 or slkent@sbcglobal.net) or Helene (314578-5875 or gottesmannhelene@ymail.com).
Sharsheret Supports STL
See The Hamsa Wellness Community listing on page 49.
Shaving Israel raises funds in the United States to purchase toiletries, personal items and other necessities from Israeli suppliers to help members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) who are in need or deprived of family support. We educate U.S. citizens about the IDF as well. Our organization has raised and distributed over $500,000 in recent years and assisted over 9,000 IDF soldiers with needed items.
Shaving Israel is an entirely volunteer 510c3 organization with all funds raised going to the IDF. We have a Platinum Transparency Seal from GuideStar/Candid, which rates nonprofits. This is the highest level of transparency and measures how much money goes to the intended recipients. Shaving Israel scores over 99%.
Find our group on Facebook under Shaving Israel or visit our website.
Rachel Miller is our founder. Joel Levy is President Emeritus. Laura Goldmeier is President. vvv
Sparks! is a division of Sparks Services, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to serving unmarried Jews of all ages in St. Louis and beyond.
Sparks! hosts dynamic programs for individuals who seek a long-term relationship and a happy and fulfilling marriage. Hone skills for improving yourself and find a relationship. Discover our Jewish heritage and meet new people who share goals and values. vvv
Taharath Israel (the St. Louis Mikvah
Association)
4 Millstone Campus Drive
St. Louis, Mo. 63146
314-569-2770, ext. 114
website: stlmikvah.org
Taharath Israel provides a friendly, safe and clean space for all women to participate in the mitzvah of ritual immersion in observance of Taharat Hamishpacha. We make sure to adhere to the Halachic standards so all women are comfortable using our beautiful space.
The Staenberg Family Mikvah on the Millstone campus was renovated fully in June of 2020 for improved, modern functionality and a beautiful updated user experience. It is open by appointment every evening except Shabbat and Jewish holiday evenings. A satellite location, located at Young Israel, 8101 Delmar Blvd., is open on Sabbath and Holiday evenings.
The mikvah is under the auspices of the Vaad Hoeir and the Rabbinic oversight of Rabbi Menachem Greenblatt and Rabbi Yosef Landa.
INDEX OF LISTINGS
Ahavas Chesed Society 10
ADL Heartland. 10
AJC St. Louis 10
Association for Advancement of Brit Milah 10
Association of Reform Rabbis 10
Barnes-Jewish Hospital 12
Bikur Cholim Visitors Network 12
Care Connect—JFS 12
Community Rabbinic Service at Barnes-Jewish Hospital 12
Jewish Community Center (The J) 12
JCC Center of Jewish Life 12
Jewish Community Relations Council 14
Jewish Family Services (JFS) 14
JFS Chaplaincy Program 14
JFS Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry 14
Jewish Federation of St. Louis 14
MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries 16
National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis 16
New Mt. Sinai Cemetery Association 18
No Shande/No Shame (formerly Jewish Attention to Mental Illness St. Louis) 18
Pathways Hospice & Palliative Care 18
St. Louis Circle of Jewish Music 18
St. Louis Jewish Light 18
St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum 20
St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Assoc. 22
Shalom Baby 22
Shalvah Program: Outreach on Addictions 22
United Cemetery Association 22
Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis 22
CONGREGATIONS
Agudas Achim Beth Israel (Belleville, Ill.) 24
Agudas Israel of St. Louis 24
Bais Abraham Congregation 24
Congregation Bais Menachem - Chabad 24
Beit Shira 24
Congregation B’nai Amoona 25
Central Reform Congregation 26
Kol Rinah 26
Nusach Hari B’nai Zion 26
Congregation Shaare Emeth 27
Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community 28
Temple Emanuel 28
Congregation Temple Israel 28
Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha 30
Traditional Congregation 30
U.City Shul — Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol
Sha’arei Chesed Shul 30
United Hebrew Congregation 30
Young Israel of St. Louis 31
EDUCATION
ARTS
CULTURE
YOUTH
SENIORS/SENIOR HOUSING
ORGANIZATIONS
Dineo Khabele, MD Chair, Obstetrics and Gynecology
