Jewish themes, Israeli filmmakers step into spotlight at STL International Film Festival
BY CATE MARQUIS
SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Fall colors are finally here and so is the 33rd annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF), presented by Cinema St. Louis, which runs from Thursday, Nov. 7, through Nov. 17.
“Our theme this year [is] ‘The Great Escape,’ ” said Emmett Williams, Cinema St. Louis’ festival curation and education director. “Opening two days after the election means that everyone is going to be tense and nervous no matter the result. We wanted to provide a refuge for people to get away from reality and be part of a community. A movie theater is a great place to let go, be with others and share a common experience.”
Many of the festival films will be shown at the Hi-Pointe Theater, which nonprofit Cinema St. Louis bought last year. Others will be shown at Washington University’s Brown Hall, B&B Creve Coeur West Olive Theater, Webster University’s Winifred Moore Auditorium and the Chase Park Plaza Cinema.
The festival has a new executive director, Bree Maniscalco, and new staff presiding over international and U.S films, both feature length and shorts, including several Jewish-interest films with Jewish
themes from Israeli or Israeli American filmmakers.
“This year, SLIFF will have films from over 30 countries,” Williams said. “I hope that no matter where you’re from, you’ll be able to find a film that speaks to who you are.”
Three major films in the lineup
Six features and seven short Jewishinterest films come from the U.S., Israel, France and Germany. Three of the features are major studio releases already getting awards buzz.
The other three are documentaries: a look Civil Rights Movement connections between Jews and African Americans; an entertaining and thought provoking exploration by a Jewish filmmaker from St. Louis of the legacies we leave behind; and a study of mental health in the Jewish community by an Israeli American filmmaker. The latter two filmmakers will attend Q&A sessions for their films.
The shorts include documentaries, narratives and animated films on a variety of topics and from a range of countries. In addition to escapist entertainment, the movie lineup features many informative, thought provoking films, and glimpses into other cultures and lives.
A big studio release will open the festival.
The comedy/drama “A Real Pain” will be show at the SLIFF Opening Night Party at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Hi-Pointe. Written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg and partly inspired by his family’s history, “A Real Pain” follows two mismatched cousins (Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin) on a trip to Poland to honor their late, beloved
“My Missing Screw,” a documentary about an Israeli artist and his unique journey following a mental health crisis, will have its world premiere Sunday, Nov. 10 during the St. Louis International Film Festival. After the screening, Jewish Family Services will lead a panel discussion with the filmmaker and local mental health experts, including JFS Chief Program Officer Celeste Souza.
grandmother, a Shoah survivor. The film is getting raves from audiences and critics and is on track for upcoming awards. Adrien Brody is getting Oscar buzz for his lead role in “The Brutalist,” screening at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, at at the Hi-Pointe. It is an epic, four-hour film with intermis-
See FILM FESTIVAL on page 24
Last chance to purchase tickets or place tributes for 2024 Unsung Heroes
Nine individuals and one married couple will be recognized as the 2024 Jewish Light Unsung Heroes on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. This year’s 15th annual event will take place at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum
To purchase tickets or to place a tribute, visit: stljewishlight.org/ unsung-2024/.
Unsung Heroes, which began in 2010, shines a light on individuals of any background or faith who generously volunteer or go above and beyond to help the St. Louis Jewish community, and Jewish St. Louisans
who volunteer, either within the local Jewish community and/or the community at large. Since its inception, more than 130 St. Louisans have been honored.
This year’s honorees are:
• Wendy Flusser
• Hillary Friedman
• Barb and Rich Kramer
• Ram Lakshmanam
• Rachel Sanger
• Linda Sandmel
• Ellen Schapiro
• Peggy Cohen Voss
• Ken Weintraub
• Sharon Weissman
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JEWISH LIGHT PAST PRESIDENTS
Bernard Fischlowitz*, Milton I. Goldstein*, Morris Pearlmutter* (founder), Morris Moscowitz*, Melvin Newmark*, Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin*, Vivian Zwick*, Joseph Edlin*, Michael Newmark, Richard Stein, Yusef Hakimian*, Sanford Weiss*, Philip Isserman*, Linda Kraus, Richard Flom, Marvin Schneider, Barbara Langsam
Shuman, Terry Bloomberg, John Greenberg, David Grebler*, Milton Movitz*, Gianna Jacobson, Jenny Wolkowitz, Gary Kodner, Jane Tzinberg Rubin, Steve Gallant, Laura K. Silver, Bethe Growe
* Of Blessed Memory
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Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
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CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
Shabbat begins Friday, Nov. 8: Light candles at 4:35 p.m.
Shabbat ends Saturday, Nov. 9: 7:34 p.m.
Torah reading: Lech-Lecha
Shabbat begins Friday, Nov. 15: 4:29 p.m.
Shabbat ends Saturday, Nov. 16: 5:29 p.m.
Torah reading: Vayeira
J’la
fundraiser on Nov. 23 to honor Oberman family
J’la, an annual fundraiser for the St. Louis Jewish Community Center (the J), will honor the Merle and Marty Oberman family on Saturday, Nov. 23, at The Factory in Chesterfield. Proceeds from the event help maintain and expand the J’s many programs and make participation possible for hundreds of families who would not otherwise be able to afford it.
This year, the J’la: L’dor V’dor will focus on celebrating the St. Louis Jewish community. L’dor V’dor highlights the continuity of cultural values, traditions and wisdom from “generation to generation,” ensuring that the legacy of the past inspires and enriches the future. The Oberman Family exemplifies this multi-generational dedication to the J –
past, present and future.
The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception. Dinner by Butler’s Pantry will be served starting at 7:30, followed by the program, emceed by Steven Katz — auctioneer extraordinaire. This year a special surprise is in store: a unique and speedy guest entertainer that you may have seen on national television. Harvey Brown will serve as honorary chair, and Penny and Marc Alper and Tracey and Jeff Singer are co-chairs. Top sponsors include the Kuhn Foundation and Michael Staenberg.
Tickets are $250 and include open bar, dinner and entertainment for the evening. RSVPs are requested by Saturday, Nov. 9. For tickets, visit jccstl.com/jla.
of
Upcoming Olivette Turkey Trot will benefit Jewish Food Pantry
BY BILL
The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry will receive a cash donation on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, thanks to runners and walkers in the 11th annual Olivette Turkey Trot. More than 2,000 participants are expected in the 5K event, according to the city of Olivette. The Turkey Trot begins and ends in Stacy Park. Registration is now open.
In 2023, the Olivette Turkey Trot generated $19,254. Each year, 100% of the proceeds from the event go directly to the Kornblum food pantry. Since the inception of the Turkey Trot, it has raised $119,000 for the food pantry. Those funds help the organization provide food and personal care products to 6,000 children, adults and senior every month.
The Kornblum food pantry is the largest
food pantry in the St. Louis region, serving people from 72 ZIP codes. It has a farreach impact on families dealing with food insecurity, according to Mathew DeKinder, communications coordinator at Jewish Family Services, which oversees operations at the food pantry.
“The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry distributed four million pounds of food in 2023, thanks to our volunteers, and donations from grocery stores, food drives and the thoughtful generosity of our supporters,” DeKinder said. “The food pantry provides seven to 10 days of nutritious and fresh food to more than 19,000 families and individuals each year.”
On Thanksgiving morning, the Olivette Turkey Trot will open for packet pick-up at 7 a.m., with the run/walk start scheduled for 8 a.m. More information is available online at www.olivettemo.com/511/ Olivette-Turkey-Trot
The Jewish Light is a community partner of Jewish Federation of St. Louis.
Jewish Light is a member
the American Jewish Press Association
MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
The Oberman family
An image from the 2023 Olivette Turkey Trot.
on his Jewish identity, grief and humor
The same day Jewish filmmaker Jesse Eisenberg spoke with me via Zoom, he appeared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” where his rapid-fire delivery and neurotic jumpiness were on full display. The guy looked like a walking panic attack even though he was seated on Clarkson’s couch. Of course, it’s all just part of his enormous charm and genuine likeability.
Hyper-aware that he’s overly anxious by nature, Eisenberg, 41, wears his angst like a second skin. He is funny, even when he doesn’t mean to be, like when he admitted to Clarkson his first love is musical theater, then immediately beat himself up for saying so and embarrassing himself on national TV.
Why Eisenberg was on the show in the first place is the same reason he was talking to me: to promote his new movie, “A Real Pain,” which he wrote, directed and stars in, along with Kieran Culkin of “Succession” fame. Already garnering award buzz and the winner of best screenplay at the Sundance Film Festival, “A Real Pain” is slated to open in local theaters on Nov. 15. (It opens the St. Louis International Film Festival on Nov. 7).
In the film, the two portray mismatched Jewish cousins who travel together to Poland as part of a Holocaust tour before veering off to visit their recently deceased grandmother’s childhood home. Close in age, the cousins grew up like brothers but drifted apart in adulthood, and not just because of physical distance.
Eisenberg’s tightly wound, rule follower David has a secure job and family back home while Culkin, as single Benji, is a magnetic man-child who repels with wild mood swings and inappropriateness as quickly as he attracts admirers with his charisma. The result is a deft, thoughtful 90-minute dramedy that contemplates the impact family history, struggles and trauma have on our lives and how we connect to them –or don’t.
Eisenberg had thought about playing the part of Benji until his sister, actress Hallie Eisenberg, told him, “no other person on the planet” could do the role better than Culkin.
“My first thought was wait, does Kieran do drama or comedy?” said Eisenberg during our conversation, where he sported the same Indiana Hoosiers cap David wears throughout the movie. (Eisenberg, his wife, Anna Stout, and 7-year-old son, Banner, have lived in Bloomington, Ind., where Stout grew up, on and off over the last 10 years).
“This movie has to be both, funny but on the verge of tears — laughing through tears is the goal,” he continued. “And for this character (Benji) in particular — you want to slap him in the face and then get him an ice pack and give him a hug.
“There is no one who is funnier, wittier, sharper, more biting but also more loving than Kieran. He feels emotions at the drop of a hat. He’s had a tough life and yet he’s as sharp as hell and unsentimental about it.”
While Eisenberg said the film is not autobiographical, some of the experiences and characters were drawn from his own life as well as a trip he and Stout made to Poland in 2008. When he found himself in the village of Krasnystaw, where his beloved Aunt Doris lived before the Holocaust displaced her family, he remembers looking at her house and not feeling anything profound or cathartic. He started to wonder what was wrong with him.
By the same token, his relationship to his aunt, who lived to be 106, was greatly meaningful if not transformative. He spent Thursday nights with her from the time he was 17 and even slept on her couch during his thirties, when he and Stout were briefly living apart.
“She was the only person who yelled at me about things and not only my posture, but my diet, the friends I kept, my romantic life,” said Eisenberg. “She was tough on me, and I needed that. And for some reason I found myself gravitating towards somebody who was tough on me because I felt, as I do now, life is too comfortable and I’m suspicious of it. And she made life tough, and that’s what I needed to connect to.”
If toughness somehow equates with a tireless work ethic, Aunt Doris would be extremely proud. Eisenberg, who’s likely best known for his turn as Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg in 2010’s “The Social Network,” which earned him an Oscar nomination, has appeared in films and on television steadily over the past two decades, including a pair of Woody Allen movies and FX’s “Fleishman is in Trouble.”
Two days before our interview, he
wrapped up the third installment in the crime-thriller franchise “Now You See Me 3,” due out next year.
“A Real Pain” is Eisenberg’s sophomore directorial effort; his first was “When You Finish Saving the World,” which premiered at the 2022 Sundance festival. In addition, he has written four plays, including “The Revisionist,” about a Polish Holocaust survivor, in which he starred opposite Vanessa Redgrave.
He is writing, directing and likely acting in his next project but declined to provide details for fear of getting sued. “I’m just trying to stay busy because I’m in an industry that doesn’t care if you succeed or fail,” he said. “You could be suc cessful one day and the next day, no one knows your name. It’s such a fickle industry.”
He says the happiest he’s been was during the pan demic when he volun teered at the domestic violence shelter his mother-in-law runs, because there were no movies being made.
“I was painting the walls and fixing toilets and garbage disposals,” he said. “And I will say I’ve never been happier in my entire life. And then I go back to the movie industry and feel in a panic all day worrying about things not going well.”
Things, thankfully, went pretty well on location in Poland, he adds, which included being the first film crew to shoot at the former concentration camp Majdanek, near Lubin. Eisenberg became so connected to the country during the shoot that he applied for citizenship, hoping to foster better relations between Jews and Poles. He recently received notification of its approval and will be formally awarded with it later this month.
In the end, Eisenberg hopes that audiences will walk away from “A Real Pain” pondering the same questions he does.
“Which is how do we reconcile modern pain against the backdrop of historical suffering? How do we think about ourselves in our middle-class comfortable lives when there is suffering around the world now? And is our grief and modern-day discomfort valid when there are so many greater horrors in the world?”
He further explains: “I was never trying to think of the movie as some kind of broad meta commentary on my generation’s relationship to history. Everything in the movie is just how I feel about things — I’m a middle-class East Coast Jewish American who feels a little bit of meaninglessness in my life and a lack of connection to something greater than myself. Exploring my own family’s history gave me an access point to try to get greater meaning in my life. This movie is a reflection of that.”
NEWS & SCHMOOZE
News and Schmooze is a column by Jewish Light Editor-in-Chief Ellen Futterman. Email Ellen at: efutterman@stljewishlight.org.
Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin in ‘A Real Pain.’ PHOTO COURTESY OF SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES
St. Louis psychologist’s new book chronicles Vietnam veterans’ journey from war to healing
BY MEGAN RUBENSTEIN
SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
St. Louis native and clinical psychologist David Klein has released his first book, “A Veteran’s Toughest Fight: Finding Peace After Vietnam,” just in time for Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.
Klein, 55, has been working with veterans for nearly 27 years at the St. Louis VA Medical Center-Jefferson Barracks, where he started as an intern.
“I wanted to come home to St. Louis after my doctoral training in Chicago, and I had an interest in working with veterans due to my past interest in military history,” Klein said. “I started my internship in the mid-90s, and that’s where I found my calling, if you will. I discovered my passion for working with veterans, combat veterans and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) in particular, and I’ve been at the VA ever since.”
Over the last 20-plus years, Klein has heard many incredible stories that have stuck with him. He began writing stories down simply so he could remember them.
“From the beginning of my career, I had heard so many times, ‘You should write a book,’ and for all those years, I was never sure exactly how to write it,” Klein said. “I felt there was a book in me, and I had always enjoyed writing, but I just didn’t know exactly how I wanted to do it. I was scared to write something unoriginal that wouldn’t do honor to the veterans I was taking care of.”
When the pandemic hit, Klein, who lives in the Creve Coeur area, began writing down more stories in his newfound extra time. As the number of stories began expanding, he realized he had his book right in front of him.
“I don’t remember exactly when it hit me, but I realized the book would be this collection of short stories, and it wouldn’t only be about the veterans but about our journey together,” Klein said. “I found myself interwoven in the stories, so some
of them are about their experiences in Vietnam, but others take place in the context of treatment, in the therapy and group therapy I was conducting.”
Klein needed to be especially conscientious since the stories he collected were told in confidence, because of a clinical relationship. The veterans had to give written consent for their stories to be shared and were given a draft to ensure they were correct. For veterans who had passed away, their families were able to do the fact-checking.
“Most of the veterans were quite excited to have their stories included, and I think that’s for a variety of reasons,” Klein said. “Around 2.7 million men and women served in Vietnam, and certainly there’s a lot of books, but still the vast majority of people who have had those experiences, their stories will never be told.”
For some veterans, the book served as a way to communicate their experiences in the war to their own families.
“Some of them expressed to me that they felt they could not have told their own story,” Klein said. “For some of these veterans, this was their first opportunity to share anything that had happened.”
The book includes around 30 short sto-
ries that are all independent of one another. However, they are intentionally arranged. The first half of the book includes stories of entering Vietnam, and then transitions into stories of experiences during the war. The second half of the book follows stories of the return home and the struggles of trauma and PTSD that follow.
“They’re loosely arranged around the concept of the hero’s journey, the idea that a person goes from the known into the unknown, experiences some kind of ordeal and is transformed in the process, and then comes back a changed person and incorporates those lessons in their lives,” Klein said. “It’s designed to bring the reader full circle by introducing the reader into the world of combat and then following those veterans home.”
Klein pointed to an example of one story in the book, “Flower of the Heart,” which examines one Special Forces combat veteran’s contemplation of life, death and fate through multiple lenses. The story begins as this aging warrior struggles with his own presently failing health and loss of function. Then the story shifts to the lifelong heartbreak he endured after he tragically loses one of his cherished men to an
Wayne Kaufman inducted into Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame
For more than 30 years, Wayne P. Kaufman has been an advocate for veterans in Missouri. As the founder of The Kaufman Fund, he has dedicated his life to ensuring veterans and their families receive the support they need. His efforts have transformed countless lives, offering hope and stability to those who have served our nation.
Kaufman served as a sergeant in the 25th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1971, earning both the Bronze Star Medal and the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters for his bravery and leadership. However, his contributions didn’t end when he left the battlefield.
In 1990, he founded The Kaufman Fund in memory of his late brother, Ralph, also a veteran. What began as a tribute quickly became a lifeline for veterans across Missouri, providing essential resources
through programs like Food for Vets, Taxes for Vets, Trees for Vets and Expressive Art for Vets. By partnering with other service organizations, The Kaufman Fund extended its reach, offering dental, legal, mental health and chiropractic services to veterans in need.
Kaufman’s leadership style is rooted in humility and collaboration. When discussing his work, he often deflects praise, focusing instead on the veterans and volunteers who make the programs possible.
“This isn’t just about me; it’s about the veterans we serve and the community that supports our efforts,” Kaufman said.
His willingness to uplift others is a hallmark of his character, as seen in his nomination of Ken Weintraub for the Jewish Light‘s 2024 Unsung Hero Award.
“Wayne changed his focus to helping others, and it has made a significant impact,” Weintraub said. “His leadership style is rooted in humility and collaboration.”
accidental shooting by another American soldier.
Finally, the reader witnesses an intimate encounter with the enemy and firefight where this veteran wrestles with the decision to kill, or not, and takes the reader through a meditation of this complex choice.
Klein hopes his book will bring people into the world of veterans and allow readers to gain a greater appreciation for them while also understanding that their experience in the war does not end when they return home.
“There are so few people who go into the service compared to the population these days. It’s increasingly rare that someone has a family member or friend in the service, so there’s so few that represent so many,” Klein said. “I wanted to pull back the curtain for what is typically a very private exchange and allow civilian America to get a glimpse of not only what our veterans go through during the war, but the healing process, as well.”
For Klein, writing the book was a cathartic experience that brought further clarity and healing after so many years of working with veterans.
“It’s been helpful in terms of organizing and connecting the dots of my own journey of my career.” Klein said. “As I’ve looked back on my life, it seems very clear to me I’m exactly with the people I should be working with and doing the work I was destined to do.”
“A Veteran’s Toughest Fight” can be found on Amazon. To hear Klein talk further about his book, you can watch his feature on the video podcast “Believe in People” hosted by former NBC News correspondent Kevin Tibbles and Amy Goldberg. The podcast focuses on individuals creating positive change and hope in the world, and the recording can be found on YouTube
As Weintraub described, Kaufman, when asked to discuss his work, consistently deflects praise.
“I don’t do this for the recognition,” Kaufman said. “I just like helping people. It’s real simple.”
Kaufman’s commitment has been formally recognized by the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame, which inducted him into its 2024 class during a ceremony on Oct. 25 in the Missouri State Capitol Rotunda in Jefferson City. He was recognized for his military achievements but also his ongoing dedication to his community.
The Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame honors individuals who not only served honorably but also made exceptional contributions to their communities, the state and the nation. Kaufman was one of six veterans honored this year, alongside
Honorary Inductee General Omar Bradley, exemplifying the spirit, character, and dedication of Missouri’s veterans. The public is invited to the induction ceremony to honor Kaufman’s remarkable contributions and learn more about the inspiring journeys of all the inductees. Those interested in supporting veterans can learn more about The Kaufman Fund’s initiatives at thekaufmanfund.org.
JORDAN PALMER
Wayne Kaufman was recently inducted into the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame.
A food insecurity crisis is deepening in Israel: How a St. Louis connection is making a difference
BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Food insecurity affects millions of people worldwide. It is especially significant in Israel, where relief often comes from Leket Israel, the national food bank. Translated from Hebrew, leket means “gleanings.”
The concept of sharing a portion of the harvest with the poor comes directly from the Torah. Leket Israel was created in 2009, thanks to the efforts of a St. Louisan, the late Cheri Fox. In the aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, poverty and food insecurity have increased in Israel. The St. Louis Jewish community has continued to support Leket.
On Nov. 17, Sally Poolat, Leket Israel’s Southeastern U.S. director, will be in St. Louis to provide supporters with an update on her organization’s work. Poolat recently offered the Jewish Light a preview of what she will share during her upcoming visit.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 11% of Americans are living in poverty. What is the comparable statistic in Israel?
About 20% of the Israeli population is at the poverty line. They don’t have the ability to put nutritious, healthy meals on the table for the elderly, for Holocaust survivors and where children are being raised in socioeconomic deficiencies. They include our battered women’s shelters, homeless shelters and soup kitchens where people just
don’t have a hot, good meal every day. We feed all Israelis, regardless of religion, race, gender. They include Arabs, Jews and Christians. The Jewish population we cover is upwards of 80%.
Have you found Americans are surprised to learn that Israel has a significant poverty problem?
Yes, 100%. People are surprised that we have that amount of poverty here. We’re the ‘start-up nation,’ right? There is a population in Israel that is doing extremely well. To offer a sense of what we do, prior to Oct. 7, 2023, we were feeding about 240,000 people a week. That increased significantly when the war started by 41%. And we now feed 330,000 people a week.
Above, Sally Poolat, Leket Israel’s Southeastern U.S. director At left, Leket Israel volunteers pick produce for the needy.
How did the Hamas attack on Oct. 7 and subsequent conflict impact your ability to feed the hungry?
When the terrorists came in, they burned down farms, they burned down fields, they burned down tractors, they burned down all the equipment these farmers had to do their jobs. These farmers didn’t have access to their land. Once they did, their labor force was virtually gone. They were workers from Thailand and Palestinians. That stopped. Previously, our team would get the surplus from these farmers. They were unable to pick what they had and plant what they needed to for the next season. The first need was to get laborers, to get people to come down to help them. That’s one of the things that we did.
What type of food does Leket Israel focus on providing?
We specifically provide meals that are nutritious. We have a certified nutritionist who helps coordinate hundreds of programs a year to teach people how to eat properly and healthy, because typically people that don’t have enough money to buy fruits and vegetables. They typically buy things like pastas and chips that are filling, but not healthy. Our mission is to provide healthy and nutritious meal to those people that need them.
What can members of the St. Louis Jewish community do to support Leket Israel’s mission and work?
It would be very generous of the people of St. Louis if they could donate money to Leket. Ninety cents goes of every dollar goes towards helping the poor. That’s very high for a non-profit. The other 10 cents goes to keeping the lights on and the trucks fueled. Donations are important for us. Also, come to Israel to show your support or volunteer at Leket.
The 2023 Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ community impact investment in Leket Israel was $24,000. Another $3,600 allocation to Leket came from the Staenberg Family Foundation and $18,300 came from endowments and other grants. For more information on Leket, visit www. leket.org/en.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEKET ISRAEL
Women’s Philanthropy celebrates a decade of impact: 10th annual L’Chaim! raises record funds
Renee Sigel-Hearst, Ellen Alper, Alec Rothman, Lenore Pepper, Fran Poger, Elizabeth Welsh and Dana Windsor. The community service part of this year’s L’Chaim was for attendees to bring new or gently used jewelry to benefit NCJWSTL’s Resale Shop.
On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Jewish Federation of St. Louis Women’s Philanthropy celebrated a milestone with the 10th annual L’Chaim! event at the RitzCarlton. The evening brought together more than 700 women for a night of laughter, connection and generosity. With special guest comedian Carol Leifer, the event not only featured her unique humor but also highlighted the spirit and unity of St. Louis Jewish women.
L’Chaim! raised more than $450,000 for the 2024 Annual Campaign, contributing to a total of more than $1 million pledged by attendees. Since its inception, L’Chaim! has brought together over 2,000 women and raised more than $11 million.
The celebration began with a VIP reception, giving attendees a chance to meet Leifer in an intimate setting. Guests then enjoyed an elegant dinner and program, where the contributions of event chairs Dalia Oppenheimer, Michelle Rubin and Leslie Yoffie were warmly acknowledged. This year’s event also welcomed the Lorraine Allen and Rita Mae Allen Family Foundation as its first-ever presenting sponsor, with Michael Karasick serving as director.
The Federation expressed gratitude for jewelry donations, with proceeds supporting the National Council of Jewish Women-St. Louis Resale Shop. Additionally, a campaign video premiered, illustrating the profound impact of community contributions.
are Jewish Federation’s Annual
paign Co-Chairs, Warticovschi is Federation’s Vice Chair of Development.
ABOVE: Celebrating 10 years of L’Chaim chairs.
ABOVE: Marlene Hammerman, Susan Witte, Sherri Goldman and Donna Segal.
BELOW: Jodi Blucher, Shana Singer and Julie Yawitz
ABOVE:
ABOVE: Galia Movitz, Toby Warticovschi and Janie Roodman Weiss. Movitz and Roodman Weiss
Cam-
ABOVE: Carol Blinder, Michelle Rubin, Leslie Yoffie, Carol Leifer, Dalia Oppenheimer and Amy Garland. Leifer, an award-winning comedy writer, best-selling author, and proud Lion of Judah, was the event’s keynote speaker. Michelle, Dalia and Leslie were the L’Chaim Co-Chairs. Carol Blinder and Amy Garland were the VIP Pre-Event Co-Chairs.
BELOW: Stacy Abeles, Julie Leeds, Meredith Berger, Morgan Meyers, Abbey Small, Jill Settler, Lauren Murov, Courtney Swillinger, Emily Cherry and Julie Abeles.
BELOW: Sheila Greenbaum, Carol Leifer and Rubyn Wasserman.
NJT closes out its 2024 season with musical comedy ‘First Date’
New Jewish Theatre will close out their 2024 season with the romantic musical comedy “First Date,” with a book by Austin Winsberg, and music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner. Running Nov.21 through Dec. 8, performances will take place in the Jewish Community Center’s Wool Studio Theatre.
The idea for a musical that chronicles the highs and lows of a blind date was hatched in the L.A. coffee bars where the three writers and friends gathered to commiserate about their love lives. The show’s world premiere in 2012 at Seattle’s ACT Theatre was so successful that it transferred quickly to Broadway, where a production starring Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez appeared in 2013. This will be its first production in the St. Louis area.
The story follows blind date newbie Aaron (Mitch Henry-Eagles), who is set up with serial-dater Casey (Molly Wennstrom). They meet for a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant that turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. As the date unfolds in real time, the couple quickly finds that they are not alone on this unpredictable evening.
In an unexpected twist, Casey and Aaron’s inner critics take on a life of their own when other restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, who sing and dance them through icebreakers, appetizers and potential conversational land mines.
“First Date” is directed and choreo-
graphed by Lee Anne Mathews, who previously directed “Raging Skillet” and “Imagining Madoff” for NJT. Musical director is Larry D. Pry, who won the 2023 St. Louis Circle Award for Best Music Direction for NJT’s “Into the Woods.”
The cast is led by Henry-Eagles (making his NJT debut) and Wennstrom (returning to NJT after appearing in “Into the Woods,” “Dear Jack, Dear Louise” and “Jerry’s Girls”). Will Bonfiglio is making his way back to the NJT stage as the waiter after his recent one-man performances in “Every Brilliant Thing” and “Fully Committed.” The ensemble features Jayson Heil from “All My Sons,” Greta Rosenstock from “Jerry’s Girls” and
from left) Drew Mizell, Grace Siedel Woman, Greta Rosenstock, Jayson Heil, (second row) Mitch Henry-Eagles, Molly Wenstrom and Will Bonfiglio.
finally, Grace Siedel and Drew Mizell each making their NJT debut.
The design team includes John Stark as set designer and Michele Friedman Siler as costume designer as well as Amanda Werre as sound designer and Denisse Chavez as lighting designer.
Performances are on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., except for Thanksgiving weekend, where there will be no Thursday show, but a special “Black Friday Getaway Matinee” at 2 p.m. on Nov. 29. Individual tickets are $27- $58. Tickets are available by phone at 314-4423283 or online at newjewishtheatre.org.
Shir Hadash plans Veterans Day Shabbat
Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community will commemorate Veterans Day with a special edition of its monthly Shabbat Learning program at 10 a.m. on Nov. 16, in the Beit Midrash of the Jewish Community Center’s Arts and Education Building in Creve Coeur. Guest speaker will be Dr. Monroe M. Ginsburg, Col., USA (ret), who will discuss the history of Jews serving in defense of our country. The program is free and open to the community.
Ginsburg was a career U.S. Army dental officer. He currently serves as president of the Jewish Veterans Memorial Center of St. Louis. Previously, he was the Jewish War Veterans Department of Midwest commander for the states of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. He has also served as commander of St. Louis JWV Post 644.
Ginsburg is a member of Kol Rinah Congregation and the St. Charles Jewish community. For more information, contact Carol, stlshirhadash@gmail.com.
The ‘First Date’ cast includes (top row,
Dr. Monroe Ginsburg will be the guest speaker at Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community’s Veterans Day Shabbat.
NEWSMAKERS
Newsmakers is a compilation of the Jewish community’s newsworthy professional and academic accomplishments. Submit your news to news@stljewishlight.org. Call 314-743-3669 for more information. Newsmakers is compiled by Elise Krug.
Among the 14 2024 inductees of the Parkway Alumni Hall of Fame are Julie Gibbs (Central, 1984) and Roberta Solomon (West, 1971). They will be honored on Nov. 9 at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in Creve Coeur.
Gibbs is a development professional having worked in the Jewish community and with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. A member of United Hebrew Congregation, she is currently the chief philanthropy officer at the St. Louis Jewish Community Center and is taking the renovation of the J’s Marilyn Fox building project across the finish line.
Solomon is a voiceover artist who has been heard on promos and programs for every major television network, and narrates documentaries for A&E, History Channel, NBC Sports, ESPN, National Geographic and Smithsonian Channel. Currently residing in Overland Park, Kan., she is the voice for TV and radio stations around the U.S. and is heard during football season as the sponsorship voice of the Kansas City Chiefs Radio Network.
Beth Saltzman and Edward Herzog were celebrated as the Bride and Groom of the Torah at Congregation B’nai Amoona on Oct. 25 during Simchat Torah services. They were chosen because of the time and dedication they give to B’nai Amoona. Saltzman, a lifelong member, has been volunteering since she was a teenager. She has chaired several fundraisers and celebrations and currently serves as a member-at-large on the executive committee and is the volunteer coordinator. Saltzman was a 2023 Jewish Light Unsung Hero for all that she does for B’nai Amoona. Herzog has held a variety of volunteer positions; greeter, floor gabbai, Men’s Club secretary, treasurer and president. He is currently secretary of the executive committee and continues to serve as a greeter, floor gabbi (synagogue official who helps run services) and a bimah officer.
Talia Wolkowitz joined Husch Blackwell as a private wealth attorney. Her main focus is tax-advantaged estate planning with an emphasis on ultra-high net
SECOND ROW: Talia Wolkowitz, Matt Goodman, Lois
and Wendi
THIRD ROW: Susan Bindler, Gary Growe, Rick Eisen and Gerald Greiman.
worth individuals and family offices.
Wolkowitz also works on charitable planning, closely held business succession planning and the drafting of trusts, wills
and powers of appointment. She is a member of Congregation B’nai Amoona.
Matt Goodman has written a new book
on opposite page
titled “Saint Lois: The Resurrection of the Smile.” It is a follow-up to the 2016 Jewish Continued
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Julie Gibbs, Roberta Solomon, Beth Saltzman and Edward Herzog.
Severin
Alper-Pressman.
Light story about his organization, Smilocracy, and his friend, Lois Severin and her smile campaign for president, A Candidate To Smile About. The book explores Severin’s extraordinary life and culminates in her becoming the 47th president of the United States. While the premise may sound unusual, the narrative highlights this remarkable 90-year-old woman and the profound impact she has had on many lives. Goodman says that much of the story takes place in St. Louis, and all the characters are inspired by real people “from our lives and our time spent spreading joy.”
Area lawyers who have been chosen for inclusion in the 2025 edition of “The Best Lawyers in America” and/or “Missouri Super Lawyers 2024” publications include: Wendi Alper-Pressman (Armstrong Teasdale), Susan Bindler (Haar & Woods), Gary Growe and Rick Eisen (Growe, Eisen, Karlen, Eilerts), Gerald Greiman (Spencer Fane), Michael S. Geigerman (United States Arbitration & Mediation), Steven C. Drapekin (Lewis Rice), Jeffrey A. Cohen (Capes, Sokol, Goodman & Sarachan), Jeffrey Glogower (Polsinelli), Richard Tishler, (Riezman Berger), Leonard Frankel, Mark Rubin, Mayer Klein and Rachel Shenker (Frankel, Rubin, Klein, Payne & Pudlowski).
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TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Michael S. Geigerman, Steven C. Drapekin, Jeffrey A. Cohen and Jeffrey Glogower.
Richard Tishler, Leonard Frankel, Mark Rubin, Mayer Klein and Rachel Shenker
Above, the cover of Matthew Goodman’s book, ‘Saint Lois: The Resurrection of the Smile.’
BBYO plans Centennial Pop-up Museum
BBYO welcomes friends, family, alumni and the St. Louis Jewish community to join in celebrating a century of the organization’s incredible legacy on Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center’s Early Childhood Education Center.
Explore an absorbing collection of memorabilia, artifacts and photos that tell the stories shaping the BBYO movement at this BBYO Centennial Celebration Pop Up Museum.
Tickets are $18, with proceeds benefitting St. Louis BBYO operations, programming and scholarships.
Email stl@bbyo.org for more information.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 5
BOOK LAUNCH
Books on sale NOW in the Missouri History Museum gift shop!
5pm: Happy hour and activities • 6:30pm: Mainstage event Food for purchase, cash bar, pop-up activities FREE admission
The authors will discuss this complex and fascinating event in St. Louis history, delving into visual culture and technology at the Fair, and more challenging subjects such as the Filipino, African American, and Chinese people who faced prejudice, exploitation, and arrest.
Veteran’s Day Shabbat at Temple Israel
At this Shabbat on. Nov. 15, Temple Israel will take the opportunity to highlight and honor our veterans who have given so much to community and country. Following services, those in attendance are welcome to join for a special presentation by Jordan Palmer of the St. Louis Jewish Light: “Etched in Stone: Honoring St. Louis’ War Heroes at Temple Israel.”
A pre-oneg will take place at 6 p.m. followed by Shabbat services at 6:30 p.m. followed by a dessert oneg and presentation by Palmer. He will delve into the powerful stories behind the memorials at Congregation Temple Israel.
“These stone markers, which I was fascinated by even as a young boy, honor the valiant Temple Israel congregants who fought and died in America’s conflicts since World War I,” said Palmer. Join him to explore the intersection of local history and personal heroism, shedding light on these heroes whose names are etched in stone and memory.
Reservations are required for in-person services at: www.ti-stl.org/Shabbat
Chabad of Chesterfield plans class for women
A new course for women, “ONE WOW MOMENT: 7 Biblical Women Who Used 1 Moment to Change Everything,” will explore how, by following the lead of these biblical women, we too can successfully empower ourselves to make courageous and meaningful decisions effectuating lasting, positive, universal change.
This month the Rosh Chodesh Society (RCS) — the educational division of Chesterfield’s Jewish Women’s Circle — launches the course, which takes a scholarly peek at pivotal moments of personal decision within the lives of six women of biblical fame, and investigates the psychology and internal strengths that propelled these women
The course will be taught once per month on Thursdays for seven consecutive months starting on Nov. 21 from 6:30-8 p.m. and is designed for women at all levels of Jewish knowledge. The other sessions are Dec. 12, Jan. 23, Feb. 27, March 27, April 24 and May 22.
Register at JewishChesterfield.com/ WOW. For more information, call 636-7784000 or email chanalar@gmail.com.
Seeing the Good: A 21-Day Practice to Cultivate Gratitude
Receive a daily email from the Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis beginning on Nov. 8 through Nov. 28. In numerous interviews over the past year, Rachel Goldberg-Polin spoke about the grounding power that Judaism’s daily prayer of gratitude, Modeh Ani, had for her while her son, Hersh (z”l), was being held in captivity.
Goldberg-Polin’s words inspired Rabbi Andrea Goldstein of Congregation Shaare Emeth to create Seeing the Good, a 21-day practice to encourage others to take up the tradition of reciting Modeh Ani each morning.
By signing up for Seeing the Good, you will receive a brief email for 21 days in November introducing the wisdom of Judaism and other traditions, supporting us as we try to incorporate a new ritual of prayer into our lives. For more information, email Stacy Jespersen at sjespersen@ sestl.org.
BBYO members play baseball in this undated file photo.
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Viewpoints expressed in letters, commentaries, cartoons and other opinion pieces reflect those of the writer or artist, and not those of the Light. We welcome submissions of letters and commentaries to: news@stljewishlight.org
Amid unimaginable loss, a family’s legacy of kindness shines through
BY MARSHA SCHUMAN
This is not a happy story, but it is one of truth Three years ago, our 15-year-old grandson Noah Arnold was hit by a car in Beverly Hills, Calif. and ultimately died from his injuries. I never believed that lightening could or would strike twice but it did.
On Oct. 9, the day after Rosh Hashanah, Noah’s father, Scott Arnold, had a massive heart attack and died at age 50. Our daughter, Lisa Schuman Arnold, is now a young widow who in a period of three years has lost half of her family
Her family is Orthodox, and she took extreme measures to try and save her beloved husband and father of her children medically and religiously. But all of it was to no avail in not preventing Scott from dying.
There was the supposed messianic tallit, the holy oil from the Jerusalem’s Ner Tamid, and the shofar that was blown in the ICU at Scott’s bedside. Thousand of prayers were recited around the world in multiple yeshivahs but Scott died, and his children have no father, and my daughter has no husband.
I asked myself “why.” As I said before, there are no words. I have no answers and, in my opinion, nor did the multiple rabbis with whom I spoke.
If you ask if I am angry, the answer is “yes.” I do not understand why Scott, who had such integrity, love in his heart, and did multiple acts of kindness on a daily basis was taken so young. As Lisa used to say, “Scott is a sleeper. People don’t know all the kind things he does to help others every day.”
Both Scott and Lisa exemplified the true meaning of the word chesed
I believe the truest tribute were the words spoken at this funeral by his frater-
Prepping a late parent’s
nity brothers from around the country, his rabbi, his children and his wife telling of his impact on others that Scott’s life personified. His 9-year-old daughter Gigi spoke with amazing poise and grace well beyond her young years. She talked of “the impact her father had on her life” and his son Shaine spoke of him being “his hero.” They had formed a tight bond after he lost his brother who was two years his senior.
I must share that while friends and family waited each moment of news from
home for sale?
the ICU patio, I watched a moment of what I consider the most chesed act I have personally ever seen. My daughter Lisa was brought kosher food to the hospital in Agoura Hills. Some of her friends drove two hours from the city just to help. They brought a lot and when the Jewish contingent had finished eating there was a huge amount of leftover food.
Lisa who had just stepped away from leaving the bedside of her gravely ill husband immediately thought of the other family group of Hispanic people in the waiting room. She said, “You have been here all day as well, I am sure you are hungry. Please come and eat the rest of our food.”
Even at her own darkest hour her heart thought of the needs of others. That is the way of the Scott and Lisa Arnold family. In addition, Lisa has been strapped with multiple sclerosis for the last 17 years and is a committed volunteer at the organization Race to Erase MS.
Should you wish to make a tax-deductible contribution in memory of Scott and the Arnold family and help the Arnold family her and surviving children. All funds go directly to Lisa and her children. Here is the link: https://www.bethjacob.org/form/Bereavement
There are no words.
Here are a few tips and resources I found useful
BY NINA NEEDLEMAN
I’m not an accountant, and don’t play one on TV. However, over the past six months, I’ve become a project manager, preparing my parents’ house for sale. Part of that work included identifying charities I could donate to on their behalf, and other places I could donate that would keep items out of the landfill. Just counting the nonprofits, I’ve identified 15 charities so far.
So then the question becomes, how do you “count” this for tax purposes and maybe a deduction?
Internal Revenue Service guidelines can be found in IRS publication 561 ( “Determining Value of Property and Form 8283 for tax deductions over $500”). I didn’t find these terribly enlightening, so I kept looking.
A few helpful tools included:
• Salvation Army’s Donation Value Guide: https://satruck.org/home/donationValueguide This was helpful for furniture, pictures, housewares and technology paraphernalia.
• Accounting for In-Kind Donations to nonprofits: www.accounting-for-in-kind-donationsto-nonprofits — Although this is for nonprofits that receive gifts, I liked the record keeping tips here.
• Goodwill: https://www.amazinggoodwill.
com/donating/donor-guidelines - Clothing, books, cookware, electronics, sporting goods and toys.
• National Council of Jewish Women-St. Louis – Pricing Guide: https://ncjwstl.org/ wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Donation-ReceiptREV-1-4-2021.pdf. I like this because it provides a range for different quality of clothes: budget, moderate, better and designer.
Additional general tips I’ve picked up from accountants and others:
• For more valuable items like art or high-end furniture, statues or sculptures, clothes etc. worth more than $5,000, you need an appraisal;
• The St. Louis Art Museum does not do appraisals but had several referrals: To find a qualified appraiser, contact the American Society of Appraisers, 800-272-8258, www. appraisers.org; the Appraisers Association of America, 212-889-5404, www.appraisersassoc. org; or the International Society of Appraisers, 312-981-6778, www.isa-appraisers.org.
• Silver and gold coins, silverware, silver pitchers, serving pieces etc. — go to Scotsman Coin & Jewelry. It’s easiest to take items to evaluate to the Creve Coeur store at 11005 Olive Blvd. They pay cash or write a check on the spot if you want to sell to them.
• Selkirk’s does appraisals for a fee: https:// www.selkirkauctions.com/buy-sell/
request-evaluation/
• For other types of items, look for current market value on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or other appropriate digital market places.
On the topic of tax deductibility, here’s a good introductory article: https://www.nerdwallet. com/article/taxes/tax-deductible-donations-charity. But the best practice is to ask your tax preparer what applies to you.
In addition, here are two more recommendations of places to donate:
• Walkers, canes, wheelchairs, commodes, etc. can go to Paraquad. This 53- year-old agency champions equity and independence for people with disabilities through services, partnerships, education and advocacy. Its Assistive Tech Reuse program provides used durable medical equipment to persons with disabilities. The organization also accept donations of used equipment and offers it for open-ended loans. www. paraquad.org, 314-289-4200, 5240 Oakland Ave.
• Luggage, backpacks and messenger bags to My Life in a Bag Foundation, which empowers youth in foster care and residential group homes by providing luggage and essentials, pooled from community resources, to enhance self-worth and resilience. To arrange for a pickup, call BizKitt (Charles) Smith at 833-9092020.
Nina Needleman is a Retired Financial Planner. She spent the first three-decades of her career in the financial services industry. Now she uses her business skills to help nonprofit organizations with Capacity Building and more importantly-- as an educator, teaching people about personal finance and philanthropy.
The last family photo of the five members of the Arnold family, from December 2021.
Marsha Schuman is a retired travel company owner and lives in Creve Coeur.
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Cookbook author Joan Nathan will share life, kitchen memories at Jewish Book Festival
BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
When you open up Joan Nathan’s new book, “My Life in Recipes: Food, Family and Memories,” don’t be surprised if you quickly become hungry.
Many of the recipes are accompanied by stunning photos. After viewing the mouthwatering images of her genius latkes with chives or rugelach, you might immediately start gathering ingredients and prepping your kitchen. Nathan is an accomplished and award-winning cookbook author, so the cooking instructions are easy to follow.
In 1994, her celebrated cookbook “Jewish Cooking in America” won the James Beard Award and the Julia Child Cookbook of the Year Award. “My Life in Recipes” is Nathan’s 12th cookbook and continues a familiar theme of sharing classic Jewish dishes, often with a modern twist.
One big difference in her latest work is that it doubles as a memoir. Each chapter traces a key period in Nathan’s life and travels and is paired with a recipe. She describes the experience of working for such diverse leaders as Jerusalem Mayor Teddy Kollek and New York City Mayor Abraham Beame.
Nathan will be a featured author Nov. 16 during the 2024 St. Louis Jewish Book Festival, where she will sit down for a conversation with St. Louis restaurateur Ben Poremba.
Recently, the Jewish Light talked to Nathan about the art of creating a cook-
book and important skills any home chef should have.
What is the greatest reward of your work?
I found all these old recipes and I was
able to update them for the next generation. I get great gratification when people come up to me and the recipes are still living. My work is living on in other people.
How long did it take to write “My Life
in Recipes” and how much introspection did it require?
Most of my books are about seven years in development. But I started this before
St. Louis Holocaust survivor’s story part of new podcast ‘The Man Who Calculated Death’
BILL MOTCHAN
SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
A new podcast, “The Man Who Calculated Death” is the story of a person coming to terms with an ancestor who worked for the Third Reich. It is scheduled for release on Wednesday, Nov. 6, and is already generating positive buzz. The trailer alone has pushed it to number 63 on the top 100 history podcasts.
On May 16, the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum hosted an unusual conversation between a Holocaust survivor and a descendant of a Nazi scientist. The event matched an unlikely duo to tell their respective stories.
Oskar Jakob is a Jewish St. Louisan who still has vivid and frightening memories of his childhood during World War II when he was a prisoner at the MittelbauDora concentration camp. During the May conversation, Jakob sat alongside Suzanne Rico, an actress and journalist. Rico’s grandfather, Robert Lusser, was one of the creators of the V1 flying bomb,
the world’s first cruise missile.
Several years ago, Rico sought out a survivor and offer an apology on behalf of her grandfather and she found Jakob. After numerous conversations, the two became friends. Rico initially became interested in researching her grandfather’s past when her mother Gabriele disclosed the family secret. Rico’s mother had been working on a memoir about her childhood in Europe during World War II. Gabriele was dying and her last request to Rico was to “finish what I started.”
Rico, an experienced researcher, dove in with the assistance of her sister Stephanie. What they discovered was shocking.
“We had to follow a trail that was not easy to find or stay on,” Rico said. “So many conflicting, forgotten and unknown stories, which happens when you go 80 years back in time. But at every stop along the way, we dug into our own history, sometimes finding ugly truths squirming around in the dirt.
“And while sometimes we felt like covering them back up again, instead we took
a long, hard look,” she said. “Finding out about my own ancestry proved to be one of the most difficult yet fulfilling things I have ever done. Not only did it bring some closure to my mother’s death, but it connected me to people on the other side of history, from whom I could learn and grow. People like Oskar Jakob.”
Jakob’s story is featured in episode five of “The Man Who Calculated Death.” The nine-episode podcast will initially be available exclusively on the Wondery+ platform for three months (which is available for $5.99 per month at wondery.com). The podcast will then move to a free platform.
Oskar Jakob and Suzanne Rico
See JOAN NATHAN on page 16
AMY FENSTER BROWN
Don’t fade on this teen lexicon, it’s raw. Skibidi.
BY AMY FENSTER BROWN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Last week I visited my older son, Davis, at college. We had lunch, went shopping and enjoyed four glorious hours of mom and son time. He brought along one of his new buddies for lunch, the adorable and sweet Tommy.
During their bro talk I heard a word used in an unfamiliar context. My ears perked up like a dog hearing his master say “outside.” Tommy was happy to give clarification, mainly because he’s not my own son who is probably sick of his mother using conversations to search for topics to write about.
I bring you Part 2 of the ever-popular Teen Lingo Decoder — The College Edition, thanks to my new best friend, Tommy. No offense to my actual best friend.
Raw — Some foods, like carrots and cucumbers, are great raw. Others, like chicken and pork, are dangerous raw. Fresh and unpleasant emotions can be raw. In teen lingo, raw is sort of hard core and awesome, or as my fellow ’80s lovers would say, totally awesome.
“At mahjongg, Amy won with a closed hand that consisted of no fewer than four jokers. The girls declared her mahj skills were raw!”
Chalked — The outline of a dead body at a crime scene? The hands of Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik as he mounts the pommel horse? The blackboard after Bart Simpson writes what he’s not going to do? If you said yes to any of these, you’re old and don’t know the young people definition of chalked.
If something is going wrong and it’s not going to work out, it’s chalked. It ain’t happening anymore. Give up, it’s over.
“When Amy tried to play another closed hand at mahjongg, she realized you can’t call on any tiles, so she chalked it and went with a classic consecutive run.”
Skibidi — This is a fun nonsense word teens just utter on a whim, with no context needed. Skibidi is a very flexible word, as it can mean cool or dumb or silly or just be a random filler word used with no reason or rhyme. That’s convenient because nothing rhymes with skibidi.
Faded — This one is like a BOGO — buy one, get one free. That’s because faded has two popular meanings with the kids these days. If you’re drunk or high, you’re faded. And if you skip out on something, you faded.
There is huge potential for cross-referencing here, like if you skip out on the girls’ dinner tonight because you drank too much wine at lunch, you faded because you were faded. Skibidi.
Bop — This refers to a woman who has many special friends with varying degrees of specialness. She’s known to bop from dude to dude, no judgment. Similar to Samantha Jones from “Sex and the City” and Blanche Devereaux from “The Golden Girls,” a bop likely has an unapologetic revolving door of suitors. The word itself sounds cute and peppy, lighthearted and charming.
The bop your teen is referring to might carry those traits, which is why her dance card is always full. However, the only dance she’s likely doing is the horizontal mambo.
Boys — We know what they are by definition but, in this case, boys describes the closeness of a relationship. If you’re boys with someone you are close chums, tight pals, good friends.
“Oh you know Tommy? Yeah, we’re boys!”
The jury is still out on whether girls can
Columnist Amy Fenster Brown is married to Jeff and has two teenage sons, Davis and Leo. She volunteers for several Jewish not-for-profit groups. Fenster Brown is an Emmy Award-winning TV news writer and counts time with family and friends, talking and eating peanut butter among her hobbies.
be boys, but you know what they say: You can be anything you put your mind to.
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loved one has l within the last probably already ering it can be
Once you fall, your whole world changes Where you once felt comfortable and confident, you now start to doubt your abilities To avoid having another fall, you start to give up the things you love to do When this happens, you become less mobile, and your strength and independenc e start to decline You begin to lose your confidence and everyday tasks such as going out to the grocery store can become too much to handle
If you or a loved one are caught in this downward spiral, you’re not alone There are ways to take control of your balance and regain your active lifestyle, again Even though it's normal to experience some declines as you age, it is NOT normal to lose your balance and fall Fortunately, no matter what your age, physical therapy can help to improve your balance and make you more steady on your feet
If you're ready to live a life without the fear of falling, we can help Our Physical Therapy Team has helped hundreds of people right here in St Louis improve their balance and get back to doing the things they love
Unsure if Physical Therapy can actually help you to improve your balance? Then I invite you to attend our upcoming FREE Community Talk “Better Balance"
During This Workshop You'll Learn:
Why people think falling is a "normal" part aging, when it's not
What you can do to decrease your risk of a fall right away
The 4 phases of the falling cycle
How to decrease your risk of injury with a fall
The top 6 balance exercises you can do at home
Consequences of not being able to get up from the floor
When: Friday, Nov 15th at 2:30pm Where: 3809 Lemay Ferry Rd, 63125
*Attend in-person or join us online from your home Call (314) 939-1377 to register Space is limited
PHOTO: STOCK.ADOBE.COM
BY: DR BETH TEMPLIN PT DPT GCS
GERIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPIST
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Comparing British and American theater styles
BY NANCY KRANZBERG
I recently had the privilege of meeting and talking with Robert Ashton, artistic director of Albion Theatre in St. Louis.
Albion refers to ancient and historical times when Britain was referred to as Albion, which makes perfect sense considering the plays presented are mostly from across the pond. Ashton says these plays are meant to not only entertain but also to inform audiences of the social, political and cultural influences of the times.
We began talking about British and American drama and the differences and similarities between the two as well as how one is often influenced by the other.
British theater often leans towards classical works with a strong emphasis on Shakespearian plays and other canonical texts. The West End in London is renowned for its high-quality productions ranging from timeless classics to innovative new works. British theater is also known for its repertory system, where a company of actors performs a variety of plays in rotation, fostering a strong sense of ensemble and continuity.
In contrast, American theater tends to be more commercially driven, with Broadway in New York City being the epicenter of this vibrant industry. American theater is characterized by its focus on musicals and large-scale productions that appeal to a broad audience. The American approach often emphasizes entertainment value and spectacle, with a significant influence from Hollywood and the entertainment industry.
Regional theaters across the United States also play a crucial role in nurturing new talent and experimental works, contributing to a diverse and dynamic theatrical landscape. While both traditions value high-quality performances and storytelling, the British approach is often seen as more traditional and text-focused, whereas the American style is viewed as more innovative and commercially oriented.
British and American theater share several key similarities, reflecting their com-
JOAN NATHAN
my husband passed away. It took one year to go through all my files and put them in chronological order so that I could figure out what I wanted to write about. Then the pandemic came, and then Allan passed away. And I realized that I wanted to write a book that was inclusive of his life, rather
mon roots and mutual influences. Both traditions place a high value on quality storytelling and performance. Whether it’s the grandeur of Broadway or the historical charm of the West End, audiences in both countries appreciate well-crafted narratives and compelling characters. This shared emphasis on storytelling is evident in the popularity of both classic and contemporary plays, as well as musicals that captivate audiences with their engaging plots and memorable songs.
Another significant similarity is the commitment to innovation and experimentation. Both British and American theaters are known for pushing the boundaries of the art form, whether through avant-garde productions, new interpretations of classic works, or the incorporation of cutting-edge technology in stage design and special effects. This spirit of innovation ensures that the theater remains a dynamic and evolving art form on both sides of the Atlantic.
However, digging a little deeper, I found a 2018 article in “History Today” by Robert Davis entitled, “Britain and America’s Theatrical Wars.” The article starts by stating that in the 19th century, American theaters provided the stage for a war between high and low culture, the elite and “know nothings” and Britain
than thinking about his death.
Do you think our food memories from years ago are impactful because of both the taste of the dishes and the friends and family we dined with?
Yes, and I do remember tastes. I remember my mother’s beef stew, and I remember her rugelach and her matzo balls. Those are the taste memories. Tastes and smells. Very, very unique smells. Those recipes are from my family. The role you
and the U.S. In 1849, events turned bloody.
“In the years before managers could dim auditorium lights and keep audiences in darkness during a performance, culture and politics met head-on in 19th century American theatres,” Davis writes. “Endowed with a conviction in their ‘natural right’ of self-expression, audiences would attack bad acting, poor plays and, more commonly, English actors.”
In 1831 and 1832, rioters in New York attacked the actor Joshua Anderson, who had reportedly made anti-American remarks on his way to the United States. Two years later, when New York stage manager William Farren was overheard cursing the “Damn Yankees,” audiences disrupted performances at his theater
For more of Nancy Kranzberg’s commentary, listen to KWMU (90.7) St. Louis on the Air the first Friday of each month at approximately 12:50 p.m. She also hosts a weekly Arts Interview podcast for KDHX (88.1), available at artsinterview.kdhxtra. org.
have as a parent is to create memories for your children. It’s one thing to have a three-star meal in France, and I do remember my first three-star meal. Family memories are a different kind of memory.
What are some key skills a home chef should master?
The best skill a home cook can have is to learn to cook in stages so that putting a meal on the table is less chaotic, like making salad dressing in advance, washing greens as soon as you get home and keeping them in a dry towel, slicing meat in advance for brisket, reducing the gravy in advance, and of course having great knife skills, which I am still aspiring to!
You’ve met many fascinating and significant individuals. Is there one person you’ve encountered who stood out in your memory?
One person in particular touched me: Ada Baum Lipchitz, whom I met when she was in her 80s. She used baking challah as therapy for arthritic hands and as a window to people to whom she gave her challah in later years. For Ada, baking was a window to humanity and to life. I have
until he came on stage bearing an American flag and apologized.
According to the article, theater going in the United States in the mid-19th century more closely resembled Elizabethan than Victorian London. All classes of people attended the same theaters, co-existing in a shaky peace. The readiness to riot empowered the rough-and-tumble, self-styled “common man” to rule the theater. When an actor or manager did something to elicit their displeasure, criticism might include harsh words and chants as well as various missiles like eggs, vegetables and on occasion animal carcasses or furniture.
Broadway’s origins dates back to the mid-18th century, but it was in the 1940s that it began to truly flourish. The golden era saw the birth of musical theater, with show-stopping productions like “Oklahoma” catapulting Broadway to international fame. Broadway evolution has been deeply influenced by American societal changes with productions often reflecting the nation’s mood of the times.
On the other hand, London’s West End’s history is steeped in tradition, stemming from the late 16th century when the first permanent public playhouse, “The Theatre” was established. Over centuries the West End has evolved, embracing different genres from Shakespearean classics to modern musicals while maintaining its quintessential British charm. When shows transfer across the pond, they are often adapted to suit the cultures of the new audience. The scripts are often slightly modified to ensure that the narrative resonated with overseas audiences and often, some of the cast members are replaced.
These cultural contexts and adaptations are not just mere nuances; they are what give Broadway and the West End their unique identities and deepen the universal appeal of theater.
Notice, I did not include Irish theater which is another subject in itself. Ashton does, however, sometimes include Irish plays in Albion’s season.
Joan Nathan
Part of the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival. The Joan Nathan event will feature the author in conversation with St. Louis chef and restaurateur Ben Poremba
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
WHERE: Jewish Community Center in Creve Coeur
HOW MUCH: $45 or included with Jewish Book Festival All-Access passes MORE INFO: Tickets are available at https://www.showpass.com/joan-nathanmy-life-in-recipes-food-family-and-memories
tried to have her same good attitude.
One of the memories you share in the book was when the publicity department of the publishing house Little Brown used a photo of the decidedly non-kosher dish shrimp sukiyaki on a promotion for your book “The Flower of Jerusalem.” What was your reaction when you saw it? I just couldn’t believe it. I was like, what? On the cover? Crazy. But it sold 25,000 cookbooks, so maybe they knew what they were doing.
JEWISH LITE
JEWISH CROSSWORD PUZZLE
By Yoni Glatt,
koshercrosswords@gmail.com | ‘The Life of Abraham’ | Difficulty level: Manageable
Find answers to this puzzle at stljewishlight.org/1106-crossword
Across
1. Brother of Abraham
6. Brother of Abraham
11. Common car item, once
14. Torah scholar Brown
15. Like Elijah when he wandered the desert
16. Bar order, initially
17. Skater Katarina and actress Alicia
18. Make yourself a double?
19. Cruz or Sanders, for short
20. Wife of Abraham
21. Wife of Abraham
23. Not a good way to be caught
25. Armani competitor, briefly
26. Son of Judah, in Genesis
29. Creature seen in “Rings of Power”
30. Using one to cut challah is probably a bit much
32. “Star Trek II: The ___ of Khan”
33. Mail submission accompaniment, briefly
34. “Chi” preceder
36. City where Abraham lived
37. City where Abraham lived
40. City where Abraham lived
43. Yeshiva title, perhaps
44. What it doesn’t hurt to do
47. Righteous brother in Numbers
48. Righteous sister in Numbers
50. Option for 7
51. What many do spiritually when spending time in Israel
52. 40-Across to
JEWISH CELEBRITIES
37-Across dir.
55. Grievance
57. Son of Abraham
60. Son of Abraham
61. Coolidge, familiarly
63. “The Treasure of the Sierra ___”
64. Colin who played King George VI
65. Part of I.O.U.
66. “The West Wing” actor Milo
67. “Come on, ___ you!”
68. It’s often made in the morning
69. Lesser known son of Abraham
70. Lesser known son of Abraham
Down
1. New York set musical that’s been performed at Yeshiva University
2. Huffington of “The Huffington Post”
3. Measure for sales, search, or at bats
4. Pertaining to eight
5. Some Kosher wines
6. Unoriginal comedian
7. Urban cat’s home, maybe
8. Heritage
9. Declare “That never happened”
10. “Do-well” start
11. Written collection associated with Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi
12. Gorilla, for one
13. Move while filming
22. Major heart valve
24. Already dined
27. Already dined
28. Org. of pucks and Ducks
31. Deborah led the Jewish people into one against Sisera
32. Arachnid’s network
35. Canaan now, for short
36. ’40s jazz style
37. Eye features
38. 1 billion years, in astronomy
39. Common kosher bird
40. “Macbeth” cauldron stirrer
41. Item lent to Antony
42. Used the grill
44. Major (Israeli)
Marvel producer
45. “New York, New York” singer
46. Busy locale on Friday in many a Jewish home
49. Former popular Israeli TV show set in the “Gnoth” school
52. Big hit
53. Hindu clergy member
54. “If I ___ Rich Man”
56. Tevye addressing the audience, e.g.
58. Managed care orgs.
59. She married a son of 60-Across
61. Holder of kernels
62. Impress, and then some
Streaming highlights and Jewish cast members in ‘Miller’s Point,’ coming soon to theaters
BY NATE BLOOM
SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
A few weeks ago, I came across “The Levys of Monticello” (2021), a remarkably good documentary now streaming on Amazon Prime. It is also available on YouTube for a $3.99 rental fee. It is one of the best documentaries about American Jewish history I’ve ever seen — at the level of a Ken Burns documentary.
Monticello, of course, was the beautiful, stately home of Thomas Jefferson (17431826). It’s located on a hill near Charlottesville, Va., the home of the University of Virginia, founded by Jefferson. He also designed Monticello, which was inspired by Italian architecture. It was finished in 1772.
One of the documentary’s strong points is that weaves in the story of slavery at Monticello and that information is largely presented by African American historians and descendants of Monticello slaves. Most of the work on the building was done by Jefferson’s slaves; he had between 100 and 200 (at any one time) at Monticello. Jefferson died heavily in debt. Monticello was in poor shape. It deteriorated further in the hands of the first buyer. In 1834, URIAH P. LEVY (1792-1862), a Sephardic Jew and great admirer of Jefferson, bought Monticello and spent his money to bring the home back to its original shape. Sadly, Levy also bought most of the Monticello slaves. (Several Levy descendants are interviewed in the film. They are proud of Uriah Levy, but the “shine,” they
say, is diminished by Levy owing slaves.)
Side note: Uriah Levy was a fifth-generation American. He was a war hero who fought antisemitism as he rose in the ranks of the U.S. Navy. He was the first Jewish Commodore (an admiral) and stayed loyal to the Union in the Civil War.
The film, written and directed by STEVEN PRESSMAN, 69, lays out a complex series of events following Uriah Levy’s death, which lead to a court battle for Monticello. It ended in 1879 with the purchase of Monticello by JEFFERSON MONROE LEVY (1852-1924), Uriah’s nephew.
Jefferson Levy was a wealthy man who poured about $1 million dollars of his own money to restore the run-down (again) Monticello. (Like his uncle, Jefferson Levy admired Thomas Jefferson’s central role in the existence of freedom of religion in America.)
The film has several asides detailing the growth of the American Jewish community and the rise of antisemitism in America. In the early 20th century, antisemites agitated to take Monticello away from the “alien” Levys. This campaign failed, but financial reverses forced Jefferson Levy to sell Monticello (for a loss) to a private association.
The Monticello association “hosts” virtually “blanked-out” the history of Levy family ownership — and how they saved Monticello twice. Finally, in 1985, new association leadership changed everything and visitors to Monticello are told (in various ways) about the Levys’ stewardship
— and about slavery.
vvv
“Freedom” is an original Prime Video movie that began streaming on Nov. 1. It’s inspired by Bruno Sulak, a real-life outlaw in France in the 1970s who masterminded daring heists without firing a single shot. Sulak was pursued by George Moreas, a dogged police commissioner. YVAN ATTAL, 59, a prominent French actor and filmmaker, plays Moreas. Attal was born in Tel Aviv. His parents were Algerian Jews.
French actress and director MELANIE LAURENT, 41, directed “Freedom” and co-wrote it. She’s best known in America as a star of two really good flicks: “Inglourious Basterds” (2009) and “Beginners” (2011).
vvv
Although “Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point,” a dramedy set to open in theaters on Nov. 15, focuses on a Christmas celebration, this film is worth noting because of its cast and Jewish connections.
Here’s the film’s premise: On Christmas Eve, an Italian-American family gathers for what could be their last holiday at their ancestral home on Long Island. As the night wears on, tensions between the generations arise, before two teenage girls “rebel” and sneak out of the house to meet up with their friends.
Francesca Scorsese, 24, who plays Michelle, one of the teen girls, is the daughter of director Martin Scorsese. Another major cast member also has an
equally famous director father: SAWYER SPIELBERG, 32. He’s the son of STEVEN SPIELBERG, 77, and actress KATE CAPSHAW, 70.
“Miller’s Point” was directed by Tyler Taormina, 40, who co-wrote the script. One critic speculated that these two children of famous directors got their parts because Taormina is a great admirer of the directors. (Sawyer and Francesca are “seasoned” actors and casting them wasn’t a big risk.)
Taormina got good reviews for his first film, “Ham on Rye” (2020) and “Millers’ Point” got good reviews at the Cannes Film Festival.
So, here’s the 411 on Sawyer: He is one of the five children of Steven and Kate (three biological and two adopted). Steven has a son from his prior marriage to actress AMY IRVING and Capshaw has a daughter from a previous marriage.
Sawyer began his acting career as a young teen. At 18, he began studying at a school affiliated with a New York repertory company. In most of his stage roles he’s used his middle name, Sawyer Avery. Sawyer married actress RAYE LEVINE SPIELBERG in 2018 and the couple have two children. Raye has only a few credits and I couldn’t find out, for sure, if she is Jewish, though it’s highly likely.
BEN SHENKMAN, 56, plays Lenny, the Italian father of “teen rebel” Michelle. Shenkman has tons of TV and movie credits (almost all are supporting roles). Next year, he will celebrate his 20th anniversary with his Jewish wife.
SIMCHAS
BIRTHS ENGAGEMENTS WEDDINGS MITZVOT
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BLOOM-LETWAT WEDDING
Rebecca Bloom and Jacob Letwat were married Sept. 7, 2024 at Westwood Country Club.
Rebecca is the daughter of Patty and Jonathan Bloom of St. Louis. She is the granddaughter of Joel and Risa Bloom of Houston Texas; Alice (z”l) and Howard (z”l) Handelman; and Peggy Bloom (z”l).
Jacob is the son of Sheryl and David Letwat of Arlington Heights, Ill. He is the grandson of Marvin and Laurel Letwat of Morton Grove, Ill; Sy Shiminovsky (z”l) and Rodna Mathus (z”l).
Rebecca and Jacob met in 2016 when both were counselors at Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) in Oconomowoc, Wis., where they led countless hiking, biking, canoeing and climbing trips together. They continued dating through college, and then moved to Chicago together.
Last September, Jacob surprised Rebecca with a trip to Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin, where the couple had led many hiking and climbing trips when they were counselors. This has remained a special place where they return with friends each year. While on a hike, he proposed on a bluff overlooking the lake.
Among their wedding guests were dozens of OSRUI friends who brought lots of ruach, Jewish joy and love for Rebecca and Jacob.
The officiants, Rabbi Andrew Terkel and Rabbi Joshua Scharff, are dear friends of the couple, and their stories and blessings were especially meaningful. Rob Aronson led vocals for a spirited Tish and B’deken.
Members of the wedding party included Micah Scharff, co-maid of honor; Abby Hirshman, cousin of the bride, co-maid of honor; Noah Letwat, brother of the groom, best man; Matthew
brother of the bride; Danielle Brockstein, Mitch Cohen; Jaylyn Fayhey; Max Gendler; Lexi Hilton; Rachel Krug; Hannah Lichtenberg; Jake Liu; Liora London; Audrey Neussbaum; Jarrett Rovner; Ross Schneider; Sam Shabsin; Bilal Sheriff; and Samuel Tavakoli. Ada and Celia Vredenburgh served as flower girls, and Avi and Micah Terkel were ushers.
The wedding decor included nods to
camp (including a canoe bar and beaded friendship bracelets) and to Rebecca’s Grammy Alice, who loved flowers, especially those designed by Tony Montano of Buds.
After the wedding, the couple took a short trip to Oregon where they visited wineries, hiked to Crater Lake and explored Bend. They are planning to take a multi-week international adventure next summer.
60TH ANNIVERSARY: HARRIET & BYRON CRECELIUS
Harriet Korman & Byron Crecelius were married October 25th, 1964 and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at Paul Manno’s with friends.
Harriet and Byron grew up in University City and both graduated from University City High School. Harriet graduated from St. Louis Community College, and Byron studied at Washington University. Byron spent his career in sales. Harriet spent her career as a Travel Agent at Brentwood Travel and Sachs Library.
Harriet enjoys reading and playing mahJongg, while Byron enjoys golf.
The couple have three married children: Michael, Scott and Michelle. They have five grandchildren: Tyler, Payton, Amber, Rylie and Dylan. Harriet and Byron reside in Creve Coeur.
Justin and Melissa Tesser of Forest Hills, N.Y., would like to announce the birth of their son, Brady Hudson Tesser, on Sept. 11, 2024 in Queens, N.Y., weighing 7 pounds, 8 ounces.
Brady is the grandson of Lori and Paul Tesser, Theresa Needles and the late Martin Needles, all of St. Louis. He is the great-grandson of Barbara and the late Martin Cohn of West Palm Beach, Fla.; Sydell and the late Herbert Tesser of Merrick, N.Y.; the late Jack and Mondell Needles of St. Louis; and the late Eugene and Barbara Pieper of St. Louis.
Brady joins his two-year-old sister, Marty Joy.
Allie and Jeremy Gutovitz of Kansas City, Mo., would like to announce the birth of their daughter, Talia Blaire Gutovitz, on Oct. 23, 2024, weighing 7 pounds, 12 ounces.
Talia is the granddaughter of Cheri and David Winchell of Chesterfield, and Susan and Sammy Gutovitz of Overland Park, Kan. She is the great-granddaughter of Rose and Warren Becker of Chesterfield; the late Gilda and Buddy Librach of St. Louis; the late Oscar (Wyn) Winchell of St. Louis; the late Bena and Abe Gutovitz of Kansas City, Mo.; and the late Celia and Sylvester Sher of Kansas City, Mo.
Bloom,
PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE CASSIMATIS
CHAI LIGHTS
YOUR CALENDAR OF ST. LOUIS JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS
Editor’s note: All Mirowitz Center events are free unless otherwise noted. To register for a Mirowitz Center event, visit http://bit.ly/ Mirowitz-registration, call 314-733-9813 or email info@mirowitzcenter.org.
SUNDAY | NOV. 10
Antisemitism, social media and our kids
From 9:15-10:15 a.m. Kol Rinah is hosting a workshop open to all KoREH parents and the Kol Rinah community run by Helen Turner, director of education at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. She will share insight on the complexities of current antisemitism in social media and good practices to follow. No RSVP needed.
MONDAY | NOV. 11
Veteran’s Day documentary
At 2:30 p.m., Crown Center will screen “The Ghost Army,” a PBS documentary based on the book by the same name, telling the true story of American G.I.s who tricked the enemy with rubber tanks, sound effects and carefully crafted illusions during WWII. For more information or to RSVP, call 314-991-2055.
TUESDAY | NOV. 12
The Week in Review
Moderated by Harvey Gerstein and Marilyn Alton, this is a forum for thoughtful discussion about the most pressing stories of the week from 10-11 a.m. No cost to register, but RSVP required.
The ABCs of Judaism
Join Rabbi Ze’ev Smason, from 12-1 p.m., at his monthly in-person program at the Mirowitz Center. No cost to register, but RSVP required. This month is about Thanksgiving: Mastering the gratitude attitude.
Caring Together Support Group
Caring for a loved one and finding it isolating? Led by Joan Hirst and Sarah Levinson of NORC-JFS St. Louis at the Mirowitz Center, this monthly group from 2-3:30 p.m. offers a safe space for connecting with others. No cost to register, but RSVP required.
WEDNESDAY | NOV. 13
Lunch & Learn with Mimi David
From 12:15-1:15 p.m., join your friends in a Lunch & Learn for Torah’s timeless wisdom for living, held at the Circle@Crown Cafe at Crown Center for Senior Living, 8350 Delcrest Dr. Call 314-412-4350 to place your lunch order.
Oasis art class@Crown Center
At 11 a.m., join instructor Kathy Walsh-Piper as she explores creations by renowned manufacturers such as Roseville, Newcomb, Grueby and others, highlighting their distinctive styles, forms and glazes. For more information and to register, visit: stloasis.org or call 314-862-4859, ext. 24.
Gratitude with Cyndee Levy at Crown Center
Join educator Cyndee Levy at 3 p.m. for a discussion on the important topic of gratitude. For more information or to RSVP, call 314-991-2055.
Grief Support Group
Led by licensed social worker Nikki Adams – a trained facilitator with Provident Behavioral Health – this monthly group from 10-11 a.m. at the Mirowitz Center is a compassionate and supportive space for older adults to navigate the journey of grief. No cost to register, but RSVP required.
THURSDAY | NOV. 14
Women’s class at NHBZ
At 2 p.m., the Jewish Women’s Society of St. Louis present a NHBZ women’s class on “Masquerade with Mimi David,” taking a deep dive into the book of Esther. This textbased class will reveal the secrets of this famous story and uncover what really happened then and how it resonates until today. NHBZ is located at 650 North Price Road. For more information, please call 314-8622474 or email mimidavid@aishstl.com. Participants need to purchase their own book through Artscroll.com, The Megillah.
Broadway tunes concert
The Over the Hill Singers will perform a Broadway Tunes Concert at 3:30 p.m. at Crown Center. Enjoy refreshments while you listen. For more information or to RSVP, call 314-991-2055.
Jewish values in the theater
This Mirowitz program, from 1-2 p.m., includes insights from the New Jewish Theatre’s artistic team, discussions with a rabbi and a discount on play tickets. No cost to register, but RSVP required. Guest speake: Rabbi Lori Levine of Shaare Emeth.
Great American road trip
From 2:30-3:30 p.m. at the Mirowitz Center, rediscover the joy of roadside attractions, regional foods and the Great American road trip. Errol McLendeon is part of this year’s 45th annual St. Louis Storytelling Festival hosted by the St. Louis County Library. Refreshments will be served after the storytelling session concludes. No cost to register, but RSVP required.
FRIDAY | NOV. 15
Family Shabbat dinner
At 4:30 p.m., bring your family and friends to U City Shul, 700 North & South Road, to experience Shabbat. Enjoy good company, a special dinner featuring homemade challah, lots of l’chaim’s and more. RSVP by Nov. 13 to 314-862-2474 or to cgoldstein@aishstl. com. Candle lighting at 4:30 p.m.; interactive learners’ service with Rabbi Shmuel Greenwald at 5:15 p.m. followed by dinner at 6. The cost: $25/adult $12/child(ren) ages 5-12 (under 5 free). This event is part of the Shabbos Project.
Prayer Lab at Shaare Emeth
At 6 p.m., join Rabbi Andrea Goldstein and the Prayer Lab musicians for these non-traditional Shabbat services at Congregation Shaare Emeth, combining contemporary readings, poetry, music, interactive teachings and time set aside for meditation and reflection. November’s theme is tikkun/ repair. For more information, email Stacy Jespersen at sjespersen@sestl.org.
Veteran’s Day Shabbat at TI
See related news brief on page 10.
NOV
SATURDAY | NOV. 16
Shir Hadash Veterans Day Shabbat
See related news brief on page 7.
Sephardic Shabbat at Bais Abe
Join Bais Abe for a Sephardic-themed lunch and learn from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Sol Laudon about Jewish language in the Sephardic/Mizrahi world. Lunch includes classic Sephardic cuisine with vegetarian and vegan options. Free but RSVPs are requested. Visit www.baisabe.com/event/ SephardicShabbatLunch to RSVP.
At 7 p.m., join Bais Abe for Motzei Shabbat and musical Havdalah with Rabbis Susan Talve and James Stone Goodman. Desserts and drinks will be served and a $5 donation per person is suggested. Visit www.baisabe.com/event/SephardicHavdalah for more information.
The Sephardic Shabbat is sponsored in memory of Sassoon Isaac and Sarah Ezekiel.
SUNDAY | NOV. 17
Hanukkah Pop-Up Craft Fair
Works by local artists will be featured, as well as a Kol Rinah Hanukkah booth, from noon to 3 p.m. at Kol Rinah, 7701 Maryland Ave. Food will also be available for purchase. No RSVP needed. For information about the artists/crafters featured visit www.kolrinahstl. org/event/hanukkah-pop-up-craft-fair.html
Jewish War Veterans meeting
Jewish War Veterans Post 644 will meet in the Kaplan-Feldman Holocaust Museum at 10 a.m. For more information and the Zoom link contact Post 644 Commander Ellis Frohman at 636-519-7512.
TUESDAY | NOV. 19
Aish welcomes Rabbi Ken Spiro
At 7:30 p.m., Aish Hatorah welcomes Rabbi Ken Spiro of Aish Jerusalem for a discussion of “On the Edge: Getting clarity before the climax of His-story!” Stay after for refreshments. Suggested donation is $18. For more information, call 314-8622474 or email cgoldstein@aishstl.com. The Aish Firehouse is located at 457 North Woods Mill Road.
Giving thanks with healing sounds
The Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis welcomes Olga Gorodetsky, a sound meditation and healing facilitator, to lead a special sound bath experience focusing on gratitude. While this session, which starts at 7 p.m. is free, spaces are limited, and registration is required. For more information, email Stacy Jespersen at sjespersen@sestl.org.
Exploring Jewish spirituality
Dive into thought-provoking topics, while gaining insights and wisdom from Jewish tradition at Rabbi Ze’ev Smason’s four-part series on Jewish spirituality from 12-1 p.m. at the Mirowitz Center. Sign up for each session you plan to attend. No cost to register, but RSVP required.
Theater class with Rebekah Scallet
Whether you’re new to improvisation, or have some experience, this class from 2-3 p.m. at the Mirowitz Center, offers a supportive and playful environment with the New Jewish Theatre’s Rebekah Scallet – a
Local Jewish organizations and congregations can submit calendar items to news@ stljewishlight.org. Items must be received by 5 p.m. the Friday prior to publication to be considered for inclusion (see a list of remaining 2024 publication dates on page 2).
stage director, educator and arts leader who has over 20 years of experience. No cost to register, but RSVP required.
WEDNESDAY | NOV. 20
Folk song favorites
Led by Robert Denison, the Mirowitz Center Community Singers perform folk songs you remember from Joan Baez, Carole King, James Taylor and the New Age movement from 1-2 p.m. at the Mirowitz Center. No cost to register, but RSVP required.
Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Group
This monthly group provides support, connection and education to women in the community who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer and are anywhere along their treatment path – before, during, or post-treatment. This group meets from 5:15 – 6:45 at the J near Creve Coeur. Free, but pre-registration is requested to Debbi Braunstein at 314-442-3266 or dbraunstein@jccstl.org.
THURSDAY | NOV. 21
AJC Netzach Awards dinner
AJC St. Louis will honor Drs. Joan and Sherman Silber during the AJC Netzach Awards Dinner, at 6 p.m. at the St. Louis Zoo. Register online at www.ajc.org/stlouis/ silberdinner. Contact kalmest@ajc.org for more information.
STARTING | NOV. 21
Chabad of Chesterfield plans new class for women See related news brief on page 10.
FRIDAY | NOV. 22
Friday night with Staam At 6 p.m., Kol Rinah invites the community to Friday night services and Israeli Shabbat dinner followed by a concert with Staam, Wash U’s Jewish a cappella group. RSVP at https://www.kolrinahstl.org.
SUNDAY | NOV. 24
NHBZ Pizza Night -- now with a full salad bar
NHBZ Pizza Nights are always a treat and now participants can enjoy a complete salad bar, along with the all-you-can-eat pizza, pasta, dessert and beverage. Join from 5-7 p.m. Prices: $15 for adults; $8 kids ages 3-12; free for kids ages 3 and under. All food is certified kosher under the supervision of the Vaad. Credit cards are accepted. For more information, call 314-991-2100, ext. 2.
ONGOING
St. Louis Jewish Book Festival — through Nov. 17
Bridgerton and Lemony Snicket authors, Happy Days’ writers/producers, Leonard Nimoy’s son and more will be part of the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival. Most events take place at the J’s Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus Dr. For a complete schedule and more information, visit jccstl.com/ festival-events-schedule/.
OBITUARIES
MYRON JULES BERNARD died October 26, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents Adolph and Anne Koplowitz Bernard and brother Burton Bernard.
By his side for the last two decades of his life and throughout his final days in Kansas City was special friend Audrey Rothbarth of Clayton, MO. Audrey’s family treated Myron with love, kindness, and respect. Myron was grateful to his cousins Dorothy and Billy Firestone for introducing him to Audrey. His life was enriched by the close relationships he enjoyed with his extended family and friends.
Myron is survived by his son Jerry Bernard (Lisa Bernard, wife) of Overland Park, Kansas, and his daughter Risa Sibley Berke (Greg Berke, husband) of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Myron leaves behind 6 grandchildren: Daniel Bernard of Paradise Valley, AZ; Rachel and Gavi Horwitz of Overland Park, KS; Shira Bernard and partner Derek Jobst of San Francisco, CA; Dr. Benjamin Bernard and fiancé Stephanie Heimler of San Diego, CA; Brett Sibley and partner Lindsey Ruff of Indianapolis, In, and Erica Sibley and fiancé Jarrett Logan of Oceanside, CA. His great joys are his 3 great-grandchildren: Mia, Eli, and Noa Horwitz of Overland Park, KS
Myron was born in St Louis and raised in Granite City, Illinois. He attended Granite City Community High School and the University of Illinois- Champaign Urbana, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering and played football. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
In 1957, he married Beverly Karsh. The couple had two children Jerry and Risa. They divorced in 1983.
From 1956-2020, Myron worked as an electrical construction executive and consultant to the construction industry. He was involved in major projects in the St. Louis area and well as national and international locations.
He started his construction career as a laborer on the river locks in Granite City. After college graduation, he joined the Sachs Electric Company in 1956, and later served as senior vice president.
Among his many construction assignments were the original Chrysler Corporation Fenton Assembly Plant; AmerenUE Unit #3 at the Meramec Plant; United States Post Office in Downtown St. Louis; High Rise Office building in Clayton, MO; Scullin Steel; Monsanto Corporate Offices and Corporate Research Facility in Creve Coeur MO; McDonnell Aircraft: office, hanger facilities, cement plants, and fertilizer plants; the St. Louis Gateway Arch; Ralston Purina Pet Food: cereal, protein, plants, and mushroom growing facilities throughout the United States
and international.
While serving as a construction consultant, he worked on gas turbine electrical generating facilities; oil refineries; steel mills; breweries; a rocket assembly building; automobile plant expansions. He enjoyed his close working relationship with PayneCrest Electric during his final years in the construction industry. He also served as an adjunct professor at Washington University, teaching construction scheduling and estimating for the master’s degree in engineering program.
In his later years, he worked with Kansas City Audio-Visual’s St. Louis office as its logistics manager. He enjoyed imparting his vast knowledge of large project construction and general business acumen to the St. Louis staff.
He was a past president of the St. Louis Engineers Club and Rainbow Village. He served as a board member for the St. Louis Jewish Community Center; Metropolitan Employment and Rehabilitation Service; and B’nai Amoona Congregation. He also served on the allocation committee for Variety and as a mentor for the Center of Emerging Technologies.
A Funeral Service (Also Available by Livestream) was held Monday October 27 at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd. 63132. Interment followed at B’nai Amoona Cemetery, 930 North and South Rd. 63130.
Donations to the Bernard Fund at Barnes Jewish; JCC of St. Louis Day Care; Variety; Rainbow Village; KC Hospice House; or a charity of your choice.
Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com to view the livestream and for more information. Berger Memorial Service
SUBMITTING AN OBITUARY
Families may submit an obituary for a loved one through the funeral home they work with or by using a form on the Jewish Light’s website: stljewishlight.org/submit-obituary
MIMI FISZEL, October 26, 2024. Dear mother of Aaron Williger; beloved daughter of the late Sam and the late Bess Fiszel, both Holocaust survivors; beloved sister and sister-in-law of Rosemary Nochlin (Steve) and the late Jacqueline Fiszel; dear aunt of Brian Nochlin (Melissa), Erica Mandy (Dan) and Benjamin Fiszel.
RUTH BENSON NOVACK ALPER, October 27, 2024
Mimi loved mahjong and played frequently. She was very involved with her synagogue, Nusach Hari B’nai Zion and also was involved with and supported Shaving Israel. Mimi was a supporter of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum and a member of the Legacy of Light Founders Society of The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. She was a part of the Children of Holocaust Survivors Group. Mimi was a life long volunteer for many other community organizations.
A graveside service was held Monday, October 28th at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Memorial contributions preferred to the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. Please visit bergermemorialchapel. com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
LINDA KAY SMITH GUELBERT, November 3, 2024
Ruth Benson Novack Alper was born on Sept. 30, 1927 to Harry and Anna Benson (Faber), who owned a dry goods store in East St. Louis. As a teenager Ruth lost her older brother, Martin, to pneumonia, which left her as an only child. Ever since that time she hoped for a big family. After she married Joe in 1949, she had four children in five years and a fifth child four years later. By the time, Joe passed away in 1989, the lonely years she spent without a sibling were mostly forgotten. Ruth remarried Irvin Alper in 1993 and was thrilled to inherit a bonus family of three more adult children and lots of in-laws.
After graduating from East St. Louis High School, Ruth attended what was then called business school, focusing on bookkeeping. She finished the course in record time and took a job keeping books for a liquor distributor. Her bookkeeping was so meticulous that she pinpointed the exact spot in the company’s process flow where a longtime employee was skimming product. Later she used these same detail-oriented skills to help her husband Joe build the family construction company.
FLORENCE BLEICH, November 3, 2024; beloved wife of the late Edward “Buddy” Bleich; dear mother and mother-in-law of Gail Lapin and Peggy Pearline (Rod); dear grandmother of Michelle and Steve Lapin, Samantha Zadikoff (Adam) and Carly Pearline; dear great-grandmother of Asher and Shya Zadikoff; dear sister of the late Harold Fishman and Joyce Berger (late Ben); dear cousin and friend.
Graveside service Wednesday, November 6, 11:00 am at B’nai Amoona Cemetery, 930 North & South Road. Memorial contributions preferred to National Council of Jewish Women. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
Beloved wife of Lee Charles Guelbert; dear mother of Andrea Raymond and Adam Vera (Sam Reardon); dear grandmother of Sebastian and Maxwell Raymond. “She lived to love, and she loved to live” Private family service was held. Berger Memorial Service
ERIC T. HERSHKOWITZ
Ruth loved being around people and had lots of friends. She loved parties--both attending them and throwing them. For many years she enjoyed meeting her friends weekly to socialize and play Rummy Que or a game of cards. She loved volunteering and spent many years serving on the executive boards of various groups at Nusach Hari-B’nai Zion. She also volunteered for many years with Meals on Wheels.
Family remained the most important thing to her throughout her life. And all holidays—Jewish holidays as well as holidays like Thanksgiving— were great times to share with family. Despite some losses along the way, Ruth lived a long life and a happy life that exceeded her most optimistic expectations.
Our family mourns the loss of Eric “Ricky” Hershkowitz, who passed away on September 22, 2024 at the age of 67. He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, the late Jerome and Dorothy Hershkowitz, and survived by his sister, Paula Hyman, his brother-in-law, Dr. Henry Hyman, and his nephews, Scott Golubock, and Dr. Jason Golubock
A graveside service was held Sunday October 27 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Rd. 63017. Donations can be made to Stray Rescue of St. Louis, www.strayrescue.org, (314771-6121) Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. May his memory be for a blessing.
Berger Memorial Service
She passed away on Oct. 27, 2024 at age 97. Beloved wife of the late Joseph Ephraim Novack and the late Irvin Alper; dear mother of Marlene Novack (Barry Strauss), Aaron Novack (Nancy Jo Novack), the late Neal Novack (Cindy Novack), Janice Parker (Michael Parker) and Sheri Novack (Kerry Meyer); loving stepmother to Lenny Alper (Fran Alper), Carolyn Satz (Larry Satz), and Gloria Schonbrun (Scott Schonbrun). Devoted grandmother to 17 grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren.
A Funeral Service was held Wednesday, October 30 at BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 9430 Olive Boulevard. Interment followed at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. If you are so inclined, donations can be made to Crown Center for Senior Living or an organization of your choice. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
Obituaries continue on opposite page
JILL EVANS PETZALL
On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Jill Evans Petzall passed away at the age of 82.
Born May 23, 1942, to Willard Levy and Marjorie Schlesinger, she was a filmmaker who wrote and produced over forty documentaries. Her work won numerous awards, including four Emmys, a Corporation for Public Broadcasting Award, a CINE Golden Eagle Award, and the Golden Reel Award from ITVA. She was Washington University’s Arts & Sciences Distinguished Alumna in 2006, and University of Missouri – St. Louis School of Social Work’s Outstanding Person of the Year in 1997. She was also a published poet and a photographer whose work was shown at the Sheldon. Always a strong supporter of causes that benefit women and children, she served as the chairwoman of the Square One Foundation.
OBITUARIES
MORRIS “MARTY” ROTHMAN, born December 25, 1944, passed on November 3, 2024, age 79. Loving husband of the late Helene (London) Rothman for 44 beautiful years. Devoted father of Lisa Raskin, Jennifer (Vincent) Mancuso and Tony (Sophia) Raskin. Dear brother of Larry (Marsha) Rothman and brother-in-law of the late Marsha (Harry) Bunn. Grandpa Moat of Cassie (Josh) Dawalt, Gabe Raskin, Adrianna Mancuso, Gabby (Mike Zee) Mancuso and the late VJ Mancuso. Dear uncle of Robert (Jolene) Rothman, Beth (Bobby) Kodner, Brian and Jessica Bunn. Great uncle of Michael, Will, Sarah, Isaac, and Evan.
As a mother, she modeled a fierce independence and courage to build a life according to one’s own vision. She insisted on using the dining room and cloth napkins even when it was just family because she believed in bringing beauty into their lives and surroundings. When it came to aesthetic living, no detail was irrelevant. But what her kids remember most is her laughter; you could hear the joy in her voice. She spent the last 32 years married to Claude Evans: the love of her life; the co-host of their parties; the subject of much of her poetry, the man who supported her through art projects, illnesses, and adventures of all kinds. The smiles on their faces when they looked at each other, and the deep affection and respect they showed one another, serve as a model to her children and grandchildren of what love can be.
She is survived by her loving husband, Claude Evans; her sister, Elma Kanefield; her stepsiblings David (Phyllis) and Elizabeth Levy; her three children, Julie Simpher (Jeff), Jenny Petzall, and Guy Petzall (Sarah); her six grandkids, Jamie, Jacob, Kepler, Jasper, Ben, and Kaya; as well as her beloved dog, Jack; and an enormous chosen family.
In lieu of a formal service, if you are looking for a way to show love and support, please consider a contribution to the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery to honor Jill’s lifelong dedication to helping local women and children.
Berger Memorial Service
Treasured cousin, jokester, and friend of many. Marty had a special love like no other for his wife, Helene, and is reunited with her again. Graveside service Friday, November 8, 11:00 AM at B’nai Amoona Cemetery, 930 North and South Road. Immediately following the service will be a Shiva Luncheon at Temple Israel, #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marty’s memory may be made to the VJ Mancuso Memorial Fund (vjman.org), 1734 Clarkson Road, Suite 121 Chesterfield, MO, 63017 or to the charity of your choice.
Now, this jokester will go to rest. In his final words as a comedian, like Rodney Dangerfield – “There goes the neighborhood.”
A Rindskopf-Roth Service
ROBERT E. SHAPIRO, October 21, 2024
Beloved husband of Marcia Shapiro; loving father of Lori Goldberg (Steve) and Lisa Lieberman (Steve); devoted grandfather of Ryan Lieberman (fiancée Kourtney Brown) and Blake Lieberman; dear son of the late Nancy and Harry Shapiro, Jr.; dear brother of the late Norman J. Shapiro; dear brother-in-law of Sandra Fogel; dear uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
relationships Bob fostered throughout his life. Bob’s sense of partnership, both in work and family, reflected his deep belief in the power of connection and working alongside those he loved. His kindness, his attention to detail, his attention to his family and his love for those around him are the legacies he leaves behind. Bob always said his most prized accomplishment was as a husband, father and grandfather of his family whom he loved and admired beyond measure.
Bob was very philanthropic of many charities and was especially supportive of the Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College. A graveside service was held Sunday, October 27 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions preferred to the Marcia & Robert E. Shapiro Endowed Nursing Scholarship at the Goldfarb School of Nursing (Mail: The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West, Suite 140, St. Louis, MO 63110-1337; Call: 314-286-0445; Visit: foundationbarnesjewish.org). Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
SAMUELLA “SAMMY” SHOSS (nee Austin), October 30, 2024
89, Beloved wife of the late William “Bill” G. Shoss; loving mother and mother-in-law of Brenda Shoss and Dr. Graydon Ballard III, Deanna Shoss and Eugenio Bonaventura, and Cara Shoss and Adam Klass; super-extraordinary grandmother of Elijah Ballard, Lucca Bonaventura, and Aiden Klass; sister of the late Arlyn Katims (late Dr. Robert Katims) and David Austin (Jennifer); sister-in-law of Barbara Grossman (Stan) and aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend to many.
OBITUARIES INDEX
Bernard, Myron Jules
Bleich, Florence Fiszel, Mimi
Guelbert, Linda Kay Smith
Hershkowitz, Eric T.
Novack Alper, Ruth Benson
Petzall, Jill Evans
Rothman, Morris “Marty”
Shapiro, Robert E. Shoss, Samuella “Sammy” Simpson, Joseph Rogers, Sr. Thompson, Marcia Leuchter
Trilling, Gerry Halpern
school class valedictorian, a Girl Scout troop leader, PTA president, census taker, story lady, and volunteer in a pet therapy program.
Sammy lived and died by her promise to pursue equity and compassion for all.
After a near-death experience many years ago, she awoke with one thought, “if all I want is my life, perhaps other creatures do too.”
She kept her promise to all living beings, as a vegan, humane educator, and animal rights activist.
Memorial Service Sunday, November 10, at 3 pm (visitation at 2:30) at Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman at Kingshighway. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Kinship Circle, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, or Central Reform Congregation.
Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for Livestream, Shiva and other information. Berger Memorial Service
Bob was a graduate of University City High School Class of 1953 and the University of Missouri, where he received a Business degree. Upon graduation he married his college sweetheart, Marcia, and they were married for 67 years. He proudly worked alongside his father and brother for more than 60 years at Harry Shapiro, Jr. Realty & Investment Co. Together, they built something lasting and strong, like the
Known for her great beauty and famous hourglass figure, Sammy (Sally) Shoss will be remembered as an animal rights advocate, vegetarian, and educator, serving the Jewish community with a combined 80 years of teaching religious education at Temple Israel and Central Reform Congregation. An influencer before there where influencers, she was her high
Obituaries continue on following page
When you make your final arrangements in advance, you can plan a memorial that truly reflects your faith and passions. Whether planning for yourself or a loved one, rely on us to help you design a funeral that honors the customs and rituals you cherish.
American Flag symbol denotes a United States military veteran.
OBITUARIES
hours. Joseph was on the WHHS Eagles football team, ran cross-country, and played trumpet in the marching band.
Joseph met Eleanor, his wife of nearly 56 years, at the University of Chicago; they married on June 16, 1968. Joe and Eleanor welcomed their first-born son Joseph Rogers Simpson, Jr. on July 13, 1969; their second son Michael Paul Simpson on April 16, 1971; and their third son Allan Kenneth Simpson on November 27, 1978.
JOSEPH ROGERS SIMPSON, SR., MD, PhD of Creve Coeur, Missouri died at the age of 83 on October 24, 2024. He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Eleanor P. Simpson and their son Michael P. Simpson. He is survived by sons Dr. Joseph R. (Monica) Simpson, Jr. of Reno, Nevada and Allan Kenneth (Dr. Tiffany) Simpson, J.D. of Leawood, Kansas. Joe Sr. was the loving grandfather of Aidan, Brooke, Caroline, Elizabeth and Catherine Simpson. He was the beloved brother of Juanita (the late Dr. Ronald) Temple, J.D. and dear brother-in-law to Dr. Roger (Dr. Joan) Perlmutter and Rosanne (the late Karl) Garrett. Joe Sr. was a dear uncle to the late Ronald J. Temple, Jr., Karyn Temple, J.D., Randall (Lola, J.D.) Temple and Noah and Lillian Perlmutter; great uncle to Lauren Michelle Claggett, and Abisola and Dara Temple; and cousin to John W. Rogers, Jr. and Victoria Rogers. He was a dear cousin, colleague, mentor and friend to many.
Joseph Rogers Simpson, Sr., MD, PhD was born on October 21, 1941 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the oldest child of Geraldine Rogers Simpson and Joseph Simpson, and big brother to Juanita Temple. They grew up on 3239 Harvey Ave in Cincinnati, Ohio and he attended Columbian Elementary School. Joseph then attended Walnut Hills College Preparatory High School from 19541959. He was a Scholar Athlete who excelled in science and math, and studied Russian independently, arriving before the regular school
Rabbi Walter Jacob, 94, helped revive Reform Judaism in Germany
PITTSBURGH — Rabbi Walter Jacob, who 60 years after he left Germany as a refugee returned to help revive its Liberal Jewish community, died Oct. 20 at his home in Pittsburgh. He was 94.
The longtime rabbi of Pittsburgh’s Rodef Shalom Congregation, a Reform synagogue, Jacob descended from a line of rabbis in Germany that extended back 400 years. In 1999, he honored that legacy by founding the Abraham Geiger College at the University of Potsdam, the first Liberal, or Reform, rabbinical seminary in continental Europe to open since the Holocaust.
Bucking an Orthodox establishment in Germany that was reluctant to extend recognition to non-Orthodox congregations, as well as internal schisms among Liberal congregations, Jacob helped the Reform movement in Germany grow from just a handful of member communities to more
Joseph was awarded the Presidential Scholarship to attend Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where he was a Member of Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and played Cornerback on the Cornell football team; Joseph was both fast and strong. He graduated from Cornell University in1963. After Cornell, he attended the University of Chicago where he was awarded his PhD in psychopharmacology in 1967. After completing his PhD, he worked on his Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut 1968-69. After completing his post-doctoral fellowship, he graduated from Harvard University Medical School in Cambridge, Massachusetts and his eventual specialty was radiation oncology.
He did further training at Michael Reese Hospital, in Chicago, Illinois as well as at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. After completing his training, he started at Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes Jewish Hospital St. Louis in 1978 as a radiation oncologist. His career at Barnes and Washington University in St. Louis was from 1978-2014 where he specialized in the treatment of head and neck cancer. He became a full professor in radiation oncology; expertise with Gamma knife, including studying in Sweden.
A graveside service was held Sunday, November 3 at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Contributions in his
memory may be made to Walnut Hills High School Alumni Foundation, 3250 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45207 or to the charity of your choice.
A Rindskopf-Roth Service
MARCIA LEUCHTER THOMPSON, November 2, 2024
Beloved mother of the late David L. Thompson and the late John S. Thompson. Daughter of the late Herbert and Blanche Leuchter. Dear cousin and friend.
Marcia was a proud math teacher for 58 years with St. Louis City Schools, St. Louis Community College Florissant Valley and St. Charles Community College. She truly enjoyed teaching and loved all of her students. Marcia received her Bachelors from the University of Illinois-UrbanaChampaign and her Masters from SIU Edwardsville. She was an avid reader and collected as many books as she could, particularly mystery novels.
Graveside service Wednesday, November 6, 1:30pm at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery, 8430 Gravois Road. Contributions in Marcia’s memory may be made to Hadassah-St. Louis Chapter, 12 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 or to the charity of your choice.
A Rindskopf-Roth Service
GERRY HALPERN TRILLING, 79, passed away Oct 27, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 22, 1945, daughter of the late Siegmund and Helene Halpern. Gerry leaves behind her loving husband of 57 years, Howard, her three children Micah (and spouse Ortal), Abby, Sara (and spouse Matt), and her five grandchildren, Harvest, Josephine, Audrey, Helene, and Stella. She was proceeded in death by her sister Karen Silverman Techner and Abby’s daughter Cordelia. Gerry was very proud of the entire family and
than 30 by 2023.
Jacob served as rabbi of his Pittsburgh congregation for 42 years, and for the last 27 years as its rabbi emeritus. From 199294 he was chair of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the organization of Reform rabbis, and from 1990-94 the vice president of the World Union for Progressive Judaism.
A prolific writer, he edited three volumes of Reform responsa, or rabbinical guidance on practical applications of Jewish law and theory, for the CCAR Press.
Jacob was born in 1930 in Augsburg, Germany to Annette Loewenberg Jacob and Rabbi Ernst Jacob. According to “The Seventeenth Generation: The Lifework of Rabbi Walter Jacob,” a 2018 biography commissioned by his synagogue, Jacob was the grandson of the noted Bible commentator Rabbi Benno Jacob (1862-1945), whose works Jacob translated into English.
The family fled Nazi Germany to London in 1939 and then to Missouri where his father worked as a rabbi starting in 1943. Walter Jacob earned a bachelor’s degree from Drury College in Springfield, Missouri in 1950, and his ordination and a master’s degree from the Reform movement’s Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in 1955. He received a doctorate from the same institution in 1961.
Jacob and Irene Loewenthal were married in 1958. The two were cousins; her family, from Hamburg, was able to flee to London in 1938. The couple’s oldest daughter Claire was born with a disability, and the Jacobs established a facility for children like her, Horizon Home, that is now part of Mainstay Life Services in Pittsburgh.
Irene Jacob died in 2012. They were predeceased by their children Claire, Kenneth and Daniel.
Jacob was hired at Rodef Shalom by Rabbi Solomon Freehof in 1955 and served as a chaplain in the United States Air Force in the Philippines from 1955 to 1957, return-
their accomplishments. She was a member of Congregation Beth Shalom since moving to Kansas City in 1986. A graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute, Gerry was a talented career artist, showing her work nationally in galleries and maintaining studios for over 45 years. She began as a fiber artist and over the course of her career Gerry moved into painting, sculpting, mixed media, paper making, and crochet. During her career, Gerry was awarded multiple residencies. Along with her visual art, Gerry’s other creative outlets included a passion for cooking and gardening. Gerry also spent time on the boards of the Jewish Family Services, AJC/ JCRB, and Passages, an organization for LGBTQ youth. Gerry had many other interests in life. She was an avid reader of fiction and appreciated great films. Another of memorable activities was her time at Camp Thunderbird, teaching the campers to make paper by hand. Gerry and her husband were worldwide travelers – spending three months in Israel for their honeymoon and living in London and Sidney later in her life. Of all the places she visited, Iceland was her most favorite destination.
In lieu of flowers, the Trilling family requests donations to Jewish Family Services Food Pantry, Congregation Beth Shalom, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.louismemorialchapel. com(Arrangements entrusted to The Louis Memorial Chapel, 816-361-5211)
ing to Pittsburgh to work at Rodef.
In 1986, Jacob and his wife established the Biblical Botanical Garden at Rodef Shalom, a project that received national and international attention. Jacob performed interfaith work; among his 43 books is “Christianity Through Jewish Eyes: The Quest for Common Ground” (1984). He taught at Chatham College and the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and served as president of the Religious Education Association of America from 1981-85.
In 1996, Jacob returned to Germany and served as honorary rabbi of the Liberal Jewish congregation Beth Shalom in Munich. Noting that the country did not have its own seminary for Liberal rabbis, he vowed to establish one, and named it for the 19th-century German rabbi considered the father of Reform Judaism.
In 2015, the college he founded awarded then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel its Abraham Geiger Prize. In her remarks, Merkel noted “what a great gift it is that there is once again a diverse and rich Jewish life in Germany.” Its founding rector was among the speakers at Jacob’s funeral at Rodef Shalom on Oct. 22.
Among the honors Jacob received in Germany was the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany as well as a professorship from the State of Brandenburg. He was also made a Commander of the Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great by Pope John Paul II.
Jacob’s interest in responsa, said Schiff, was that it “produced results in the real world,” adding, “Responsa is the intellectual side of Judaism that most speaks to the Jewish people.”
— By Beth Kisseleff, JTA
Rabbi Walter Jacob
SP TLIGHT
PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS
SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to news@stljewishlight.org.
COMMUNITY GIVING
Rabbi Chaim and Bassy Landa of The Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles and Larry Gast of Jewish Federation St. Louis were part of M1 Bank’s unveiling ceremony on Sept. 26 for its national headquarters, located at 7801 Forsyth Blvd. in downtown Clayton. Chabad and Federation were part of a “giving grove” at the event, highlighting St Louis legends whose stories have challenged and defined the history of our city and nation, several of whom will be joining us for the evening. Each of the organizations received a donation from M1.
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY
VIEW MORE ONLINE: stljewishlight.org/multimedia
PARTNERS IN TORAH
On Oct. 7, Partners in Torah (a program run weekly by The St. Louis Kollel, Aish Hatorah and Ignite YP), hosted a special memorial program to commemorate the victims of Oct. 7 and to pray and do mitzvot for those that are still held in Hamas captivity. The evening started out with participants learning Torah as usual and was followed by a meaningful message from Rabbi Menachem Tendler of U. City Shul. Afterwards, the lights dimmed and all embraced in a heartfelt Kumzitz led by Rabbi Avi Roberts and Rabbi Yitzchak Yellin.
FILM FEST
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
sion that follows a fictional HungarianJewish architect, famous in his home country before World War II, trying to build a new life in America. While coping with the impact of the Shoah on his life and family, he must face the reality of the American Dream.
Another major studio release, “September 5,” is the SLIFF Saturday Centerpiece Film at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Hi-Pointe. It is a pulse-pounding thriller about the ABC Sports team covering the 1972 Munich Olympics that suddenly got thrust into news coverage of the terrorist attacks on Israeli athletes.
Docs focus on legacy, race, health
While the big studio films probably will return to St. Louis theaters for a longer run, this may be your only chance to see other excellent Jewish-themed films, such as documentaries “Forever Endeavor,” “Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round” and “My Missing Screw.”
“Forever Endeavor,” a documentary from directors Mary Anne Rothberg and Jonathan Mann, examines our legacy: what we leave behind, and how and whether we will be remembered. But it does so with a lighthearted approach.
Rothberg, who hails from St. Louis, will be in town to present her film at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at 4 p.m. at the Chase Cinema.
“I was over the moon to have ‘Forever Endeavor’ selected by SLIFF to premiere in my hometown,” Rothberg said. “While coping with the death of my parents, Beatrice and Joseph Rothberg, St. Louisans for over 60 years and active in the Jewish community, I wondered what they left behind. This provided motivation for my documentary, an exploration of legacy and remembrance.
“As I get older, I am increasingly curious about what ‘leaving a legacy’ is all about. Is it passing along possessions, money and values to my children? Or is it about leaving a more permanent mark? Very few people, even ones who did amazing things, are remembered long after they are gone.”
The film follows co-director, Mann, an Abraham Lincoln expert and collector of Lincoln memorabilia, as he explores the topic. Starting with Percy Shelley’s poem “Ozymandias,” Mann explores what it takes to get an obit into The New York Times, talks to a sculptor who creates busts of living people he feels should be honored, and more as it takes its intrigu-
ing look at being remembered.
Inspired by a poem
“Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round” (1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Chase) looks at a civil rights protest in 1960, when a group of Black students from Howard University were arrested after sitting on a segregated Maryland amusement park carousel. Their protest was joined by Jewish residents of the neighborhood, many of them union members and many who lost family in the Shoah.
A hopeful and uplifting film, it is filled with present-day interviews with participants as well as archival footage and materials tying that protest to the Civil Rights Movement and tolerance today. The title comes from Langston Hughes’ 1994 poem “Merry-Go-Round” about longing to ride a carousel in the Jim Crow South: “On the bus we’re put in the back — / But there ain’t no back / To a merry-go-round!”
The film’s Emmy-winning director Ilana Tractman will be on hand for a Q&A after the film.
Have a screw loose? “My Missing Screw” is a feature-length documentary focused on the subject of mental health in the Jewish community and the power of art to heal. Recovering after a suicide attempt, a sculptor begins work creating a 10-foot screw. He plans for a worldwide tour with the sculpture in honor of the suffering of his family in the Shoah.
The film, in English and Hebrew, will have its world premiere at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at the B&B Creve Coeur. IsraeliAmerican director Nitsan Tal will attend for a Q&A after the film.
Short on length, not substance
Israeli-American director Chen Drachman will be in St. Louis to premiere her short film “But I’m a Shoe,” a mix of animation and live-action, as part of the
Peter Sarsgaard stars in ‘September 5,’ which is part of this year’s St. Louis International Film Festival. The film is set during the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics.
Narrative Shorts 8 program. The Israeli narrative short “The Source of All Beauty,” about an ultra-Orthodox young woman with a secret, will be shown as part of the Narrative Shorts 1 program.
Short documentaries “13 Driver’s Licenses,” about a German high school project sparked by the discovery of driver’s licenses confiscated in 1938 from Jewish residents of their town, and “The President’s Tailor,” about a Shoah survivor who went on to work in the White House, are both in the Documentary Shorts 15 program (1:10 p.m. Sunday Nov. 10 at the Chase).
“Curls” is a film about an Orthodox boy contemplating a haircut, in the Narrative Shorts 6 program (5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11 at the Chase).
Two shorts have Israeli directors. “Via Dolorosa” from Jerusalem-born French director Rachel Gutgarts, is an animated film in French and Hebrew tat follows a woman as she wanders the streets of Jerusalem in search of her youth. The film plays in Narrative Shorts 15 (9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at the Hi-Pointe).
Jacob Arenber’s Israeli short “Center Of Life” is a more challenging film, in Hebrew and Arabic, that follows a Jerusalem Arab man applying for an Israeli passport. It will be shown in Documentary Shorts 6: Centering the Middle East (5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at the Chase).
The St. Louis International Film Festival takes place Nov. 7-17. Information on films, showtimes and venues, and tickets are available from the Cinema St. Louis at sliff.cinemastlouis. org/2024 or at the Hi-Pointe Theater.
‘The Source of All Beauty’
PHOTO COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES