JEWISH FEDERATION OF ST. LOUIS EVENT, EXHIBIT LOOKS AT ITS 120-YEAR HISTORY SEE STORIES AND PHOTOS ON PAGES 6A & 11B
A N O N P R O FIT, IN D EP EN D EN T N E W S S O U R CE TO I N F O R M , I N S P I R E , E D U C AT E A N D CO N N E C T T H E S T. LO U I S J E W I S H CO M M U N IT Y.
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SEDER INSPIRATION FROM ARTIST LOREN LUDMERER’S TABLE
DR. ETHAN SHUMAN TAKES HIS MATZAH BAKING OPERATION TO THE PERSIAN GULF
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Artist Loren Ludmerer created a Passover charcuterie board by reimagining the various components typically found on the seder plate.
FROM SEDER TO SEWING
Local artist Loren Ludmerer creates from what she collects
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I walked into Loren Ludmerer’s Ladue home on a recent Wednesday. Our meeting had been scheduled for 10 a.m. but that morning the rain was coming down hard. At 7:59 a.m. I got an email from Ludmerer asking if we were still on. Given the bad weather, she wanted to confirm that I was coming over before she cooked the baby lamb chops. Baby lamb chops? Did I read the email correctly? Sure enough, when I arrived at 10, a half dozen or so baby lamb chops, hot from the oven, had been placed just so on a charcuterie board that artfully displayed bouquets of radishes, sliced hard boiled eggs, nuts, dates, trail mix, an orange, charoset tucked into endive and a bowl with a green mixture, which Ludmerer described as “salty, parsley chimichurri.” “It’s a deconstructed seder plate,” said Ludmerer, 65, explaining how she took seder plate components and gave them a modern (and more appetizing) twist. The lamb chops, which were delicious by the way, stood in for the shank bone, while the chimichurri, perfect for dipping, represented the karpas. “The Wall Street Journal had a frontpage story on charcuterie plates being the next big thing,” she said. “While I’m reading it, my girlfriend texts me and asks, ‘Will you come for Passover?’ I took that as bam, a sign.” A sign, in Ludmerer language, means a reason to create, not that she ever needs one. Her welcoming home, as well as her persona, reflect so much of her artistry, be it the fanciful quilts she sewed hanging on her walls, the ornate jewelry she wears pieced together from vintage and heirloom beads, or the Passover-inspired centerpiece she crafted using sandpaper (as a stand-in for the desert), miniature soldiers (representing the Egyptians), miniature Guatemalan worry dolls
NEWS & SCHMOOZE News and Schmooze is a column by Light Editor-in-Chief Ellen Futterman. Email Ellen at: efutterman@ stljewishlight.org
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(Israelites) a red Power Ranger (Moses), matzah (from which she built pyramids), plastic vermin (the plagues) and the Red Sea, compliments of cherry Jell-O. There’s even a tiny plastic baby symbolizing the slaying of the first born. Let me just say I am stealing this centerpiece idea for my family seder. That said, my talents are nowhere close to Ludmerer’s artistic capabilities, so the pilfering stops there. As a child, Ludmerer liked to draw. From the age of 5, she planned her own parties and created invitations for them. Her Nana taught her to do needlework. Girl Scouts taught her how to use a sewing machine. In high school in Milwaukee, where she grew up, she won the Betty Crocker Future Homemaker of Tomorrow Award and the Kraft State Hostess Award, among others. “I embroidered my jeans, embellished my clothes and made jewelry — all very ’70s,” she said. “Those were the areas where my heart was, but not the way I would be able to support myself. In 1974, Ludmerer entered Washington University as an architecture student because she saw the field as a way to combine her interest in art with math, in which she excelled, and be able to support herself. But she transferred to the business school after freshman year because “I had the temperament of an artist,” she said. “If someone criticized my work, I was crushed. I was a very girly girl. I would have been chewed up and spit out in five minutes. I realized you can’t be like that.” After receiving both her undergraduate degree and MBA in five years, she worked for several Fortune 500 companies, including 3M and Tonka toys. “I did development work on Tonka GoBots, where I was paid to watch cartoons, assemble Star War sets and play trucks with preschoolers,” she said. “That was a great job.” She returned to St. Louis in 1984 to work for Purina, where she invented Ghostbusters marshmallow cereal, marketed Chex Snack Mix and worked on various dog food accounts.
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U City matzah baker brings his skills to Persian Gulf Jews BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Ethan Schuman is a dentist, collector of Judaica, violinist, woodworker and, at this time of year, a matzah maven. The earthen matzah oven in his University City garage was the subject of a 2016 story in the Jewish Light. Baking matzah from scratch is not easy. Kosher
matzah ranks up there with soufflé as one of the hardest foods for home chefs to master. That hasn’t deterred Schuman, 66, who last month traveled to Bahrain, Kuwait and Dubai, where he prepared matzah in a makeshift oven for
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Ethan Schuman (left) and Rabbi Eliyahu Birnbaum recently traveled to Bahrain, Kuwait and Dubai to make matzah for Jews living there. Jews living in those Muslim countries. He described the challenges and rewards of his crispy matzah mitzvah. “We possess skills that are very useful for Jewish c o m mu n i t i e s ,” Schuman said, referring to his fel-
low travelers, including a rabbinical judge/ scholar, who frequently provide services to Jews living in far flung areas around the globe. Schuman and his two cohorts (Ari Greenspan and Rabbi Eliyahu Birnbaum) are resourceful and can serve as sort of Jewish MacGyvers. “We can lead services,” Schuman said. “We can speak to a congregation. If there’s a bris to be done, we can do a bris. If there are chickens or meat to be slaughtered in a See SCHUMAN on page 9A
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Mischa Braitberg (left) and daughter Tova Braitberg perform during a past Yom HaShoah commemoration. FILE PHOTO: LISA MANDEL
2022–2023 Season at Powel l Ha l l
2022 St. Louis Yom HaShoah Holocaust Commemoration to take place virtually This year’s Holocaust commemoration, Yom HaShoah 2022: Faith & Healing, will be presented on Wednesday, April 27 at 7 p.m. As in past years, this program will honor the victims, remember the survivors, and educate the community about the history and lessons of the Holocaust. This virtual program will be hosted by Temple Emanuel. Yom HaShoah 2022 will feature stories and experiences of the Holocaust from survivors. This year’s featured speaker is former St. Louisan Scott Lenga, the author of “The Watchmakers: The Story of Brotherhood, Survival, and Hope amid the Holocaust,” which tells the story of his father, Harry Lenga, and the Lenga family. It is a first-person account of Scott Lenga’s childhood, the lessons learned from his own father, his harrowing tribulations, and his inspiring life before, during, and after the war. The program will include a candle-lighting service, liturgical readings, and prayers. Four St. Louis Shinshinim,
18-year-old Israel emissaries, who defer their army service for one year to volunteer with Jewish communities abroad, will also participate. Music will be performed by Mischa and Tova Braitberg of Aria Musicians. Mischa and Tova are the son and granddaughter of survivors Szyfra and Gregor Braitberg (of blessed memory.) This community-wide commemoration will be streamed on YouTube. “By commemorating Yom HaShoah each year, our community honors the survivors and the victims of the Holocaust.” said Helen Turner, director of education and interpretation at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. “It is important that we come together, even virtually, to mark this important, solemn occasion.” For further information, visit S t l H o l o c a u s t M u s e u m . o r g / Yo m Hashoah-2022. Special thanks to sponsors Sara and Leo Wolf (of blessed memory) and family.
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ADL’s Jonathan Greenblatt will speak at inaugural Staenberg Lecture series The inaugural annual Staenberg Lecture will feature Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and national director of the Anti-Defamation League. The annual lecture is a new partnership between Maryville University, philanthropists Michael and Carol Staenberg, the Staenberg Family Foundation and the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. The inaugural lecture takes place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19 at The Factory, 17105 North Outer 40 Road in Chesterfield, and is open to the public. Tickets are $12, available online at https://bit.ly/lecture0419. The lecture series will take a look at contemporary social issues Jonathan Greenblatt is CEO and national director of through the lens of the Holocaust, its the Anti-Defamation League. lessons and its historical significance. Greenblatt is also the author of the new ship with Maryville University to educate book “It Could Happen Here: Why the community about the legacies of the America is Tipping from Hate to the Holocaust and its relevant, contemporary Unthinkable—And How We Can Stop It.” lessons,” added Helen Turner, director of “Our Museum and this partnership with education and interpretation at the St. Maryville University is an important step Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust to broaden the outreach for learning how Museum. “We’re grateful to our longtime the events of the Holocaust and current partners and supporters Michael and issues weave together even today,” said Carol Staenberg and the Staenberg Family Michael Staenberg in a news release. Foundation for making this opportunity “We are delighted to forge this partner- possible.”
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Exhibit pays tribute to Federation’s 120-year history BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
A new exhibit that opened April 10 at the Jewish Federation traces the organization’s roots in the late 1880s through today. The exhibit, in the lobby of the Kaplan Feldman Complex, honors the Federation’s past and its contributions to the St. Louis Jewish community over 120 years. The goal of the exhibit is to honor those efforts and pay tribute to volunteers through a striking visual display, according to Brian Herstig, Federation president and CEO. “When you walk through the exhibit, you’ll see themes that come through really strongly,” Herstig said. “One is that we have been doing our work differently over 120 years, but we’ve been doing the same basic work of helping families, building a community and protecting people for 120 years. That’s not going to change moving forward either. “We’re lucky that we have significant partners in this community through Jewish Family Services, through the JCC, through our synagogues and others who have been there. And this ecosystem should always take an opportunity to celebrate the good, given everything that’s been going on. This is an opportunity for us to all reflect back on where we’ve come from, where we’ve been and what’s possible moving forward.” The exhibit traces the history of the Federation and illustrates how it has mobilized the St. Louis Jewish community to respond to issues and crises. For example, the Federation and its partners provided aid to refugees during World War II. More recently, the Federation-led Ukraine relief fund has provided food, medicine, first aid, and evacuation for refugees. “This is why this organization is here,” Herstig said. “For over 120 years, we’ve dealt with emergencies and crises. It is one of the reasons that we were built. And what we’re here for as a community is, anytime that there are Jews in need here, across the country or around the world, our job is to make sure that they’re taken care of.” The assembly of an exhibit to tell the Federation story over 120 years was not a simple undertaking. It began six months ago and was developed by Diane Everman, archivist at the St. Louis Jewish Community Archives. It was important for her to include highlights and honor past leaders. Equally significant for a display of this type was to engage visitors by telling compelling stories. “If you think back in just American history or world history for the last 120 years, a lot has happened,” Everman said. “I think that the Federation reflects those changes—good, bad, indifferent -- all of those things are reflected. It’s also good to see that the Federation diversified, changed, dealt with those specifics, whether it was a crisis or not, over time, and did it very well.”
A new exhibit in the lobby of the Kaplan Feldman Complex, honors Jewish Federation’s past and its contributions to the St. Louis Jewish community over 120 years. PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN
RELATED STORY Jewish Federation’s ‘Here. For Good’ event unveils exhibit, honors community leaders See story and photos on page 11B.
Everman developed several key themes to make sure that she was in there. I also for the exhibit, including the St. Louis wanted to make sure that the relationship Jewish community’s connection with Israel was featured. There’s a to Israel, Jewish education efforts little card with the Israeli flag flyand how women have played a ing at the 1904 World’s Fair. Those key role in the Federation and its kinds of things, they might start related causes. It features heroout as something much smaller, ines like Blanche Renard, a social but when you look back at them, worker who became the organithey’ve had a huge impact.” zation’s executive director during Everman hopes that visitors to the Great Depression. the exhibit pay attention to those “I think she’s a fascinating indidetails that show how the vidual who came to the Diane Everman Federation has been an incubator Federation as an executive director at a for the St. Louis community. very crucial time,” Everman said. “I wanted “The Federation is a mirror of the com-
munity, and it responds to the community—whether it’s immigrants or food insecurity or people just a little down on their luck at the moment who need a little helping hand—whatever the need is. That might mean helping with housing, it might mean a small loan, it might be assistance in fleeing a war-torn area. All of those things, the Federation steps up and does, and it’s because they are the community, they reflect the community, and that’s what they’re there for.” The public can view the exhibit in the lobby of the Kaplan Feldman Complex, located at 12 Millstone Campus Drive.
The Roush Thompson Gitt Team (636) 532-0200
We wish you a Happy and Healthy Passover. The Kathy Roush, Kate Thompson and Susie Gitt 314.924.KEYS | kate.thompson@cbgundaker.com
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YEARS
For 120 years, the Jewish Federation of St. Louis has been a lifeline for our community, responding to challenges of food insecurity, lifesaving care, and more. This Passover, add another family tradition and donate.
Scan the QR code or visit JFedSTL.org/passdm to donate.
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April 13, 2022
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Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged announces new guidelines for 2022 grants The Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged, a supporting foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, is now accepting applications for its 2022 funding cycle from St. Louis area 501(c)(3) organizations. Applications will be accepted from a professional employed by a St. Louis non-profit working in collaboration with organizations in the Jewish community.
Applicants for new investments are limited to requests of up to $15,000, though smaller grants will be considered as well. Collaboration across organizations is encouraged. Grant applications are due on Monday, May 23 by no later than 11:59 pm. In light of the increased needs facing older adults as a result of the pandemic, the Board has approved new guidelines
for 2022. Submissions this year should have a mission and priority of Jewish elderly in the community at large. Proposals must address one of the following two areas identified in the needs assessments conducted by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis: • Efforts to support the mental health & well-being of older adults. • Efforts to reduce feelings of isolation
among older adults through the use of technology. To fill out an application, visit J Fe d ST L .or g / Women s -A u x i l i a r yFoundation. Please complete the application named 2022 Women’s Auxiliary Fdt for Jewish Aged. If you have any questions, contact Lori Kabrun-Berry at 314-442-3828 or LKabrun-Berry@ JFedSTL.org.
Upcoming WashU lecture looks at ‘Squirrel Hill: The Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting and the Soul of a Neighborhood’ Washington University will host a public lecture by Mark Oppenheimer, who will speak about his recent book “Squirrel Hill: The Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting and the Soul of a Neighborhood.” The book offers a piercing portrait of the struggles and triumphs of one of America’s renowned Jewish neighborhoods in the wake of unspeakable tragedy that highlights the hopes, fears and tensions all Americans must confront on the road to healing. The lecture will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 19 at Emerson Auditorium in Knight Hall. Squirrel Hill in Pittsburgh is one of the oldest Jewish neighborhoods in the country, known for its tight-knit community and the profusion of multigenerational families. On October 27, 2018, a gunman killed 11 Jews who were worshipping at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill — the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history.
Many neighborhoods would be understandably subsumed by despair and recrimination after such an event, but not this one. In his book, Oppenheimer shifts the focus away from the criminal and his crime, and instead presents the historic, spirited community at the center of this heartbreak. He speaks with residents and nonresidents, Jews and gentiles, survivors and witnesses, teenagers and seniors, activists and historians. Oppenheimer is the author of five books and was the religion columnist for The New York Times from 2010 to 2016. The host of Tablet magazine’s podcast “Unorthodox,” he has taught at Stanford, Wellesley and Yale, where since 2006 he has directed the Yale Journalism Initiative. A reception is planned for all audience members immediately following the lecture. Local, independent bookseller Subterranean Books will have the speaker’s book for sale and signing. RSVP to
Mark Oppenheimer, author of ‘Squirrel Hill: The Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting and the Soul of a Neighborhood,’ speaks at Washington University on April 19. PHOTO: MISTINA HANSCOM, LOTTA STUDIO
rap@wustl.edu if you plan to join us in person. To attend via Zoom, register by following this link: https:// bit.ly/ Oppenheimer-April19
All guests are expected to follow current university public health policies, which can be found at https://covid19. wustl.edu.
“Let all who are hungry come and eat.”Passover Haggadah
Please help support Crown’s essential meal programs.
Donate today.
As Passover draws near, Crown Center is preparing to deliver Kosher for Passover meals to older adults, enabling them to observe the holiday. All year-round, Crown delivers fresh, kosher meals to residents and area seniors, helping to keep them healthy and nourished. YOUR GENEROUS GIFT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
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Schuman: St. Louisan brings matzah baking skills to Persian Gulf CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4A kosher manner, we can do that. We have these skills that are valuable to the community. It’s a great thing to be able to do this. You can play a utility player in any position on the field.” Matzah baking is one such specialized skill. It’s complicated because of the split-second timing involved. You may have seen competition baking shows on the Food Network in which chefs have to step away from the completed dish when time runs out. For matzah baking, seconds count. “The difference between kosher matzah and non-kosher matzah is literally seconds,” Schuman said. “The entire process from when you introduce water to flour into the oven is exactly 18 minutes. We did it in Bahrain, Kuwait and Dubai.” There are only a handful of Jewish families living in those predominantly Muslim countries. Most live there because that’s where their jobs placed them, although there are about 50 native Jews in Bahrain, Schuman said. In Bahrain and Kuwait, a number of Jews work at U.S. military bases there. Those nations have achieved a more peaceful co-existence with Israel in recent years, but for Jews living there, it often feels like being a stranger in a strange land. Hence, Schuman’s “Jewish mission” to perform the custom of matzah baking in the homes of Jews to prepare for Passover. Could prepackaged kosher matzah be ordered online? Certainly. But the point of baking matzah at home is as symbolic as eating it during a Passover Seder. It’s a very direct connection to the Jews who fled Egypt and subsisted on unleavened bread in the desert. Baking matzah in that very desert makes the process particularly meaningful for Jews there who are accustomed to worshiping and celebrating Jewish holidays covertly to avoid calling attention to the obvious differences between themselves and the vast majority of the population. “They were beyond thrilled,” Schuman said. “We made their Passover, and we engaged them in the process of baking matzah, which certainly ranks up there with iconic symbols. Every Jew, no matter how assimilated or how distant from the faith, knows what matzah is.” Since matzah baking is a precise and complex process, Schuman had to pack his luggage with rollers, bowls and kosher flour along with clothing. He and his fellow travelers are just one part of a substantial matzah distribution effort in the Persian Gulf region. The Association of Gulf Jewish Communities recently announced it would ship 775 pounds of matzah to Jews living in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, nations that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council. In those countries, it’s more complicated to get matzah than making a quick run to Schnucks or Dierbergs. While tensions have eased between
Israel and some of those Cooperation Council countries, the concept of baking matzah from scratch in the shadow of a mosque can be unsettling, even for a veteran baker like Schuman. “What was a little bit eerie while we’re doing it, the muezzin (call to prayer) was going on, calling out from a minaret,” he said. “It starts before dawn, and it goes into the night, four times a day. And while we were conducting services on Shabbos morning, three doors away is a very big mosque, and the muezzin was carrying on while we were baking matzahs. “Everywhere we baked, we took a lot of pictures. And our hosts said, ‘Don’t show our faces. Don’t speak of exactly where we are doing this. Don’t take pictures of the building.’ It’s for the same reason we didn’t wear a yarmulke on the street. There’s no need to advertise.” On the other hand, Schuman witnessed a touching scene of religious solidarity during his trip. “In Dubai during the prayers, in the middle of our services, the door opened and two Arabs walked in with full white gowns with the kafiya (Muslim head wrap), and it was a little bit shocking,” he said. “The rabbi goes over and gives them a nice
‘good Shabbos, Shabbat shalom’ welcome. “They had been there before. He escorts them to a seat. Then they read along and stayed with us for kiddush.”
ABOVE: Some of the homemade matzah Ethan Schuman and his travel companions made during their trip to the Persian Gulf.
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Schmooze: Artist creates from what she collects CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3A “During this time, I set elaborate tables for dinner parties with organically grown salads with edible flowers and wrote guests’ names in chocolate on dessert plates,” she added. Ludmerer is married to Dr. Ken Ludmerer, the Mabel Dorn Reeder Distinguished Professor in the History of Medicine and professor of medicine at Washington University. In 1995, when the couple adopted their eldest of two daughters — now 27 and 25 — Loren left corporate marketing to be a stay-at-home mother. As she explained: “I was 40 and we worked so hard to have children. I didn’t want to turn over their care to someone else.” A year or so later, she started making jewelry at home. “This is made from three necklaces I bought at the (NCJW) Resale Shop and took apart. And my grandmother’s old beads,” she said, pointing to one of the several necklaces she was wearing. “I deconstruct, then reconstruct, sometimes incorporating new beads.” Ludmerer had no intention of selling her jewelry, but friends and family decided otherwise. “The jewelry business really grew by demand,” she said. “It was not a deliberate business decision for me, but my jewelry was very well received. In St. Louis, my jewelry was sold in Barucci Gallery and at the St. Louis Art Museum.” She also volunteered at several local nonprofits including the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, Miriam Switching Post and the Resale Shop, where she saw many heirloom pieces being donated. “I started collecting them, knowing I would do ‘something’ with them, sometime,” she said. “I can find a purpose for most everything.” When the pandemic hit, she decided to sew masks. “I ordered all this fabric online and spent three hours trying to make what amounted to an unwearable mask,” she said, laughing. She gave much of the fabric to a neighbor proficient in mask making but kept some of the pieces. Pondering what to do with them, she created “COVID Pillow,” which she machine-quilted and embroidered with words and phrases such as “Zoom,” “social distancing,” “testing,” “PPE,” “antifa” and “WFH” (work from home). One of her creations, a blue jeans quilt, features jeans belonging to her father, husband and soon-to-be son-in-law. The back side of the quilt boasts a hand-crocheted and embroidered afghan that Ludmerer’s
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Nana made decades ago. Family, home and nesting are prevalent themes in Ludmerer’s artwork. “All the jean pieces have seams because where they come together, at the seam, it’s stronger. When families come together, they’re stronger,” she said. “Also, each (jean) pocket holds something different — a shell picked up at the beach in Florida, where we adopted the girls; a lucky penny; a quarter for shopping at Aldi’s. All of these things I happened to have, except the scroll from a mezuzah. I had to order that.” Another, even larger quilt, highlights Ludmerer’s enchantment with birds, which live in nests and often mate for life. More than a dozen birds in various shapes and sizes are patched together from textiles purchased on a trip to Africa, and other colorful fabric she collected over the years. The finished quilt, displayed over the hearth in the dining room, looks cubist in nature. “Making a quilt is a great way to express how I feel about my role in my family, my thoughts about making a home or nest, my thoughts about women in general and what they hold dear,” she said. “It makes me sad that everyday women’s contributions aren’t valued more. I think that’s universal across cultures and that’s what fascinates me. I wonder how did
things that are so similar appear in civilizations that are completely isolated from each other. Much of my work is influenced by cultural awareness and solidarity with universal gender identity.”
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Above, a recent quilt made by Ludmerer features birds in various shapes and sizes patched together from textiles she purchased on a trip to Africa, and other colorful fabric she collected over the years. At left, a close-up of the whimsical Passover centerpiece Ludmerer created, inspired by the telling of the Passover story.
HappyPassover May this season of renewal bring peace, comfort and healing to our community
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Sidni Weglarz will be the religious and Hebrew school director of Congregation Temple Israel beginning this summer. She is a teacher at the temple’s Deutsch Early Childhood Center and she and her husband, David, are co-owners of StilL 630 distillery. Lindsay Rich is the new director of Camp Shook at Temple Israel, a preschool camp for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. She is the daughter of Amy Rich and is a senior at the University of Kansas majoring in elementary education. Her family attends Temple Israel. Jennifer Deutsch is the incoming president of the J Associates, a support auxiliary of the Jewish Community Center of St. Louis. She attends Temple Israel. Vicki M. Friedman is among the 10 local leaders who will be honored among 2022 Women of Achievement. These women are being recognized for their commitment to the betterment of the St. Louis region through volunteer work and leadership. Friedman is the founder and executive director of Arts as Healing Foundation and is a member of Congregation Shaare Emeth. A luncheon will be held May 10 at the Ritz-Carlton. The National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis has announced its 2022 Section Awards recipients, who exemplify the values of the organization through their community service, advocacy work, leadership and volunteer efforts. They are Nina
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Sidni Weglarz, Lindsay Rich, Jennifer Deutsch, Vicki M. Friedman, Nina Needleman and Linda Dahl. SECOND ROW: Phyllis Langsdorf, Jo-Ann Goldstein, Cyndi Levin, Chris Bomze, David Wright and Haley Abramson. Mirowitz will honor the StiffmanMaayan family (at left) and Myron and Randee Jacobs at the school’s May 1 gala event in Forest Park.
Needleman, community service; Linda Dahl, the Fritzi Lainoff Advocacy Award; Phyllis Langsdorf, leadership; Jo-Ann Goldstein and Cyndi Levin, volunteer service; and Chris Bomze, emerging leader. The NCJWSTL board installation and section awards ceremony will be held virtually Thursday, May 26. David Wright has been selected to serve on the board of directors of the commercial division of the St. Louis Association of Realtors. Wright, a member of Congregation B’nai Amoona, is the
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Haley Abramson was one of three finalists — and the youngest and the only student — of the Johns Hopkins Medicine Women’s History Month Achievers Award. She is a biomedical engineering doctoral candidate. Abramson is the president of the Women of Whiting at Johns Hopkins University — an organization of graduate student and postdoctoral women and allies in STEM. She oversees the annual Women in STEM symposium. The Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School will honor Randee and Myron Jacobs with the Meyer and Marcelle Kranzberg Visionary Award. Arlene and Rabbi Jeffrey Stiffman, as well as Cheryl, Jon, Gabe and Ari Maayan, will be hon-
ored with Community Service awards. All will be celebrated at a May 1 gala at the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park. Continued on opposite page
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Dr. Seth Williams has opened MetroVet, a primary care veterinary practice in Clayton. Williams attends Temple Israel. Meredith Joseph, Sara Lander and Joanna Wolff were recently elected to serve two-year terms on Cultural Leadership’s board of directors. Joseph is a lawyer and Cultural Leadership alum. Lander, parent of an alum, is an internal medicine physician at St. Luke’s Hospital. Wolff is a creative and branding consultant at Joanna Wolff Consulting. Cultural Leadership works to create a more just and equitable community by educating middle and high school students to look at issues through the lens of the African American and Jewish experiences. Dr. Jeffrey Dalin was honored with a Distinguished Service Award during the Greater St. Louis Dental Society’s annual installation of officers and awards ceremony. He was recognized for leadership, dedication and commitment to ensuring that members had timely access to COVID-19 vaccinations. Dalin attends B’nai Amoona. Sarah Hirsch placed fifth in the 1 meter dive at the Missouri State High School Activities Association Girls State Championship. A senior at Parkway Central High School, Sarah is the daughter of Stacy and Steve Hirsch and attends B’nai Amoona. She will be attending Bradley University in the fall to study elementary education. Alyssa Weisenberg, daughter of Judy and Brian Weisenberg, placed in the top 30 in the swimming finals in both freestyle and individual medley. Alyssa is a sophomore at Parkway Central and attends B’nai Amoona. St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer has welcomed Jeffrey Spector as a vice president on the executive committee for a three-year term. He was also elected earlier this month to the Parkway Board of Education. Spector is head legal counsel at
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Dr. Seth Williams, Meredith Joseph, Sara Lander, Joanna Wolff, Dr. Jeffrey Dalin and Sarah Hirsch. SECOND ROW: Alyssa Weisenberg, Jeffrey Spector, Sarah Z. Levinson, Rabbi Lori Levine, Jessica Wax and Jeremy Goldberg. Delmar Mortgage and a Shaare Emeth member. JProStL has announced its new board for 2022-23. Sarah Z. Levinson continues as board president. Rabbi Lori Levine of Shaare Emeth and Jessica Wax of Jewish Federation of St. Louis are vice presidents. Incoming committee chairs include Jeremy Goldberg, Jewish Federation of St. Louis; Rabbi Chaim Landa, Chabad St. Charles; Mark Morgan, MERS Goodwill; and Stacy Smart, Jewish Light. At-large board memShira Swidler bers are Rachel Andreasson, Temple Israel; Jessica Duneman, NCJWSTL; Tamyka Perine, Cultural Leadership; Rabbi Janine Schloss, JFS/Shir Hadash; Ashley Stockman, the J; and Shira Swidler Torah Prep School. JProStL, an initiative of
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Rabbi Chaim Landa, Mark Morgan, Stacy Smart and Rachel Andreasson. SECOND ROW: Jessica Duneman,Tamyka Perine, Rabbi Janine Schloss and Ashley Stockman. Jewish Federation of St. Louis, is the professional association for staff who work at
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April 13, 2022
OPINIONS
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ABOUT THE OPINIONS SECTION Viewpoints expressed in letters, commentaries, cartoons and other opinion pieces reflect those of the writer or artist, and not those of the Light. We welcome submissions of letters and commentaries to: news@stljewishlight.org
D’VAR TORAH
Breaking matzah signifies oneness of Jewish people BY RABBI JEFFREY ABRAHAM
Passover is a time that accentuates the importance of oneness and unity. On seder night, we remember our historic roots and re-experience both the dark days in Egypt and our miraculous redemption from bondage. Jewish people across the globe feel a sense of closeness and connectivity to one another as we share common rituals, songs and a unique conversation. One of the first rituals we engage in at the seder is yachatz, the breaking of the matzah into halves. A beautiful explanation is offered by the Sages for this ritual,
Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham serves Congregation B’nai Amoona and is a member of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association, which coordinates the d’var Torah for the Jewish Light.
namely that the act of breaking the matzah re-enacts the manner in which the Israelite slaves conducted themselves during their enslavement in Egypt. An Israelite slave who was fortunate to have had a bit more means would break off a piece of their bread and share it with a fellow slave who may have had less (“The Night That Unites Passover Haggadah,” p. 64). The ritual of yachatz highlights the remarkable bond of brotherhood and sisterhood that was never lost within the Jewish people even when they faced most dire circumstances. As we celebrate our Passover seders this weekend, we are inspired to envision a world in which true peace can
be reality. Although we are living in a time of great uncertainty, it is important to remember that regardless of the many threats and obstacles we face, when we stand as one, in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel, Ukraine and around the world, we can achieve great things — perhaps even the serenity and peace we all long to realize. Shabbat Shalom and Chag Kasher V’Sameach (Happy Passover)!
PASSOVER
The themes of Passover, and the bonds of history, tie our struggles to those of Ukrainian Jews BY SHULY RUBIN SCHWARTZ
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PHOTO: CHRISTOPH SOEDER/PICTURE ALLIANCE VIA GETTY IMAGES
Exactly 100 years ago, in April 1922, my great-grandparents emigrated to the United States with their four children, fearing for their lives in Kremenets, a Russian city in present-day western Ukraine. My great-grandfather, Aaron Shimon Shpall, an educator and journalist, recorded his thoughts about leaving “the city that we were born in and that we spent years of our lives in,” acknowledging how hard it would be “to separate from our native land, and our birthplace and our father’s house.” But he was clear that the Russia he knew had “embittered our lives and saddened our souls. If not for the 3 million of our brothers who live there, it could be overturned along with Sodom and Gomorrah and the world would have lost nothing.” Finally, after months of grueling uncertainty, including one arrest and another pending, my great-grandfather was reunited with his family in Colorado before he and his family ultimately settled in New Orleans, where he served as teacher and then as assistant principal of the communal Hebrew school. The anguish of my family’s departure and, I can only imagine, the feelings of refugees all over the world in every era, is captured in my great-grandfather’s diary: “Nobody desired to go, but everybody had to go. We all run, or, to speak more correctly, we flee. And when somebody flees, there is no question: ‘Where to?’ Where your feet carry you! Where you have the possibility!” The Passover seder — the Jewish ritual observed more than any other — serves as a symbolic reenactment of the journey of the Israelites from slavery to freedom. The haggadah commands us to experience this journey annually as a way of developing historical empathy for all who are oppressed, enslaved and displaced, and who hope for liberation. As Jews, we have ritualized the recounting of our people’s enslavement and deliverance in part to cultivate a sense of moral responsibility toward those suffering in our own day.
Ukrainians who fled the Russian invasion queue outside the train station in Przemysl, Poland on April 10. This year, as we approach Passover, our focus includes Ukrainians fighting valiantly to defend themselves against Russian invasion. Outraged by the violence, heartbroken by the loss of life and appalled by the destruction, we feel an obligation to help the Ukrainian people by offering monetary support and help with resettlement. We are especially attuned to helping the tens of thousands of Jews among them. The bonds of history that tie our struggles to those of Ukrainian Jews and their proud Jewish president today are deep and, in many cases, including mine, quite personal. American Jewry has flourished thanks to ancestors like mine who realized their determination to seek freedom and escape oppression. Thanks to their courage and resolve, we are privileged to recount the Exodus from Egypt each year as citizens of a democratic state and
Shuly Rubin Schwartz is chancellor of The Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Her commentary was distributed by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA).
to develop the empathy needed at moments like this to help others who fear for their lives. For some, historical empathy for the plight of the Ukrainian people might be complicated by ancestors who suffered from brutal antisemitism at the hands of Ukrainian neighbors or whose ancestors’ murder at the hand of the Nazis was abetted by local Ukrainians. How can we square these complicated
emotions? In part, because we also know that countless other Ukrainians fought in the Russian army to defeat the Nazis, and that Ukraine has changed greatly over time. The Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial Center, on the site of the largest massacre of Ukrainian Jews by the Nazis, is in the process of opening and today, Ukraine is led by a Jewish president. Most important, we quell our doubts because the haggadah reminds us not to take our freedom for granted, pointing us instead to activate our sense of moral responsibility to help others who are fighting to secure their own. Our haggadah prods us to recall our history so that it will conjure up our best selves, so that we will do what we can to ensure that the future brings freedom, safety and security to all. It’s a sentiment I believe my great-grandfather would have shared.
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Like the Hebrew women of Egypt, try to focus on the bigger picture BY MIMI DAVID
How did she know That on this journey There would be Cause to sing — “Ashira Lashem” Morgenstern (1983)
by
Ashira
Sometimes, it’s about seeing the bigger picture. It’s about taking a step back and zooming our focus out, off the details, and getting the whole view instead. That does not mean ignoring the details. Those pieces are still there and still very much part of the picture, but they are not the focus right now. It’s the bigger picture that we are looking at. This is the story of Passover. Having been slaves to Pharaoh for 210 years, the
Jews in Egypt 3,334 years ago were very much focused on the details. Backbreaking labor was the story of their lives, and it was impossible to think of the future, let alone five minutes ahead in time. Just making it through the next few seconds of slave labor was all they could think about. Pushing themselves, one moment after the other, just to survive the hell they were living in was a tremendous physical and emotional challenge. It was almost impossible to believe that there was a bigger picture going on. Except for the fact that the women in Egypt believed just that. Somehow, with superhuman strength, they widened their view and saw bigger things, larger picture stuff that was happening. Let’s not have children, the men said, as all Jewish baby boys are being thrown into the Nile. Let’s not give in to that, the
women said, as they knew the breakdown of Jewish families would be the end of their nation. We are on our way out of this place of misery? Bring the tambourines, all the women said, there is undoubtedly going to be singing and dancing and celebrating soon! Thank G-d I never have had the experience of being a slave. But I do know what it is like to feel powerless or to have lost control — to desire for something, for instance, or to a negative character trait. Sometimes when that happens, we get stuck on the details. Trying to get through the next minute, just putting one foot in front of the other, takes all our attention. Trapped by the tendrils of the trait or desire, it is really hard to take that step back and see things from a wider view. A wider perspective would let me under-
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Mimi David is Director of Women’s Education at Aish St. Louis and she has been a longtime teacher at Esther Miller Bais Yaakov of St. Louis. She is also a certified Mikvah Mentor and a professional dating coach. stand why it is worth all the effort it takes to break out of those clutches. A wider perspective helps me realize that better times are ahead and that I better bring along my tambourine. Egypt of 3,334 years ago required seeing the bigger picture. The struggles we endure today require the same thing. Let’s use this Passover to learn the lesson from the women then, not to get stuck on the details, so that we can experience real freedom in our lives. Let’s widen our perspective, seeing ourselves in the bigger picture, so that we can have the energy we need to break through. And don’t forget your tambourine.
A sunflower for Ukraine? A tomato for farmworkers? Here’s why I’m sticking to the basics on my seder plate. BY RABBI SARI LAUFE
Olives. Tomatoes. Oranges. Artichokes. Dates. Cotton balls. And, now, sunflowers. This list might seem like a setup for a logic puzzle or a grocery run. But it is, instead, a (non-exhaustive) list that I have seen of additions to the seder plate, items to highlight and include stories and histories that are not, at least explicitly, part of the Passover seder. On its surface, it is a noble goal — why shouldn’t we consider the plight of Ukrainians in spring 2022 (sunflowers), or remember the American history of slavery (cotton ball)? Wouldn’t we want to honor the farm workers who put food on our tables (tomatoes), or intertwine the story of the Palestinians along with our own (olives)? In my own family, my mother insists on the orange on the seder plate, regardless of its apocryphal origin as feminist symbol. But I won’t be adding anything to my plate. As a rabbi, teacher and mother, I’m sticking with the traditional items. My decision to eschew seder plate innovation stems from the thinking about inclusion that I do all the time in my work. Both in encountering ancient text and modern community, I am always asking: Who is not in the room? Whose voices are not being heard? I know that the language I use, that we use, matters; I think carefully about the stories I tell, the translations I use, and the questions I ask. When I preach, when I teach, my hope is always that anyone, regardless of how they identify, sees themselves in the text and in the message. At the same time, I am always aware that by naming one story, or one identity, I might be excluding another. One of the great tensions of Jewish life in the 21st century is between universalism — the central themes and ideas of Jewish wisdom that speak to all of the human experience — and particularism, the doctrines and injunctions meant to distinguish Jewish practice and ritual from that of the rest of the world. And of all of our stories, it is perhaps Passover that best embodies this tension. It is a story embraced by Jews, by Black Americans, by Christians the world over. It is our story, to be sure. But it is also a story for anyone, and everyone, who has ever known bondage, who has ever felt constricted, stuck in a narrow place. It is a story for all who have sought the freedom to be their fullest selves, whether that freedom is physical, spiritual, or both. Bechol dor vador, chayav adam lirot et
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Over the course of the seder, we lift up the items on the seder plate and tell of their significance. Yet not everyone agrees on which items we should incorporate. DESIGN BY MOLLIE SUSS atzmo k’ilu hu yatza mi-Mitzrayim: In person who tells their coming out story every generation, we are obligated to see and lives their truth. I hope that we sit ourselves as if we, ourselves, had come out around our seder tables and talk about the of Egypt. Palestinian struggle for self-determinaCore to the seder, this statement is our tion, the ongoing struggle for farmworker directive — this is how we must experi- and immigrant justice here in the United ence and also teach the States, the shameful history Passover story and its lessons. of American slavery and its We experience it as our own lasting legacy of systemic story; it is not simply someracism, our own stories of thing that happened to our immigration and exile and ancestors, or a story of myth or whatever other stories you history. It is ours, regardless of and your families need to where we come from, who we tell. are now, or where we might be Over the course of the going or becoming. seder, we lift up the items Rabbi Sari Laufer is the The seder night is a night for on the seder plate and tell Director of Congregational telling stories, our own and the of their significance. What Engagement at Stephen ones we think need to be told. is this bitter herb, we ask? It Wise Temple in Los AngeBut to my mind, we do not is to remind us of the bitles. Her commentary was need more on our seder plate to terness of slavery, the bitdistributed by JTA. make that happen. In fact, I terness of being subject to a worry that, in this case, more is less — in power we have not chosen, the bitterness trying to include each particular story, we of being despised for who we are. What is lose the universal truths. I hope that we sit this shankbone, we ask? It is a reminder of around our seder tables and talk about the the power that can redeem us, the helping plight of today’s refugees, whether from hands that pull us out of our bondage, the Ukraine, Syria or Central America. I hope strength of conviction that we honor. that we sit around our seder tables and These are particular items, to be sure, but talk about the bravery of each and every they are telling universal stories.
Why do we need additional items, when these symbols allow us to tell the stories we want to tell? I worry that the more specific stories we attempt to include, the more we are excluding. What happens to people who do not see their specific story represented on a seder plate that is groaning with symbols of so many other stories? One of the core lessons of the Exodus is the impulse toward empathy. Over and over, the Torah returns to this narrative, reminding us to protect and love and be kind to the stranger, because we were strangers in the land of Egypt. The Torah is not specific; we do not name that we must be kind to the Ukrainian refugee, or the trans teenager, or the Palestinian farmer, or the African man who is enslaved. Because to name one, in this context, would be to exclude another. Our empathy, the Torah teaches, is meant to be boundless and inclusive. We are to welcome anyone — and everyone — who feels out of place, who feels unmoored, who has been oppressed or mistreated. To my mind, and in my understanding of the rites of Passover, each and every one of their stories is already represented on the seder plate and in the seder ritual. No additions needed.
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s s e n i p p a h e h t May s i h t e r you sha ain all m e r r e v ! Passo r a e y e h t h g u o thr YEARS
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FEATURES ARTS AND CULTURE
FOOD
HOLIDAYS
LIFESTYLES
Love in a lunch box
Tips to create a new Passover tradition BY SUZANNE EPSTEIN-LANG SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Though each of my children has gone through brief phases of packing her own lunch or buying at school, I am, for the most part, our family’s lunch packer-in-chief. I estimate that I have packed close to 4,000 so far. It is one of my most dreaded chores (laundry will always occupy the No. 1 spot, in case you were wondering). I must admit I sort of like the daily ritual of drinking coffee and packing lunches. I can check one thing off my list by 7 a.m., and I
don’t want to brag, but my lunches are kind of famous. This is due mostly to the fact during the last week of the school year, I plan an epic candy countdown to summer. I have triedand-true tips that I use through the year to jazz up healthy, regular lunches as well, although the great majority of the time they are pretty standard. During Passover, I really do try to make every lunch appealing and special to remind the children (and my husband) of all the fun, healthy things they get to have rather than what they are missing. Below you will find my five favorite tips for packing an amazing Passover lunch that you can use year-round. Please note that in recent years, our family has begun the practice of eating kitniyot (so if you see
my kids with peanut butter or hummus, mind your business). For the purpose of this article, I will adhere to the most traditional rules. Always consult your rabbi and your own comfort level about what you feel best packing! Here are my five tips to make Passover lunches feel special:
1. Contain yourself A clever container can go a long way in making lunch seem special, and because many Jewish families switch out dishes for Passover, this way you can be assured that you are using a vessel that has never carried a sandwich or crackers. I particularly like these, which were my girls’ elementary school favorite as they allow you to
make your own “lunchables.” (easylunchboxes.com) For a more streamlined bento box, after much experimentation, our family likes the 3-in-1 compartment Ozazuco Bento Box Japanese Lunch Box the best; the elastic strap is critical. (amzn.to/3LR5cSl) While I never advocate wasting plastic, inexpensive disposables also come in handy during the holiday and can easily be found at the dollar store. I particularly like plastic ramekins with lids.
2. Stick it As Fancy Nancy devotees, our family knows everything is better on a fancy See PASSOVER LUNCHES on page 7B
Stuffed cabbage rolls for Pesach STORY & PHOTO BY CHANIE APFELBAUM JTA
There’s nothing like Passover to remind us where we come from. In many Jewish homes, Passover traditions are carried down from father to son, establishing the family’s customs and setting the standards for their Passover pantry. Growing up, my family’s standards were quite stringent. We did not eat any processed ingredients, and we only used produce that could be peeled. My mother prepared simple syrup in place of sugar, and we seasoned our dishes minimally with kosher salt, no spices allowed. Thankfully, I married into a family whose customs were slightly more lenient. My in-laws allow a variety of fruits and vegetables, including cabbage, as well as some minimally processed foods, like tomato sauce. When I spent Passover with my in-laws last year, I decided to pay homage to my roots by adapting my grandmother’s stuffed cabbage recipe for the holiday. While my grandmother would never have made this recipe for Passover, to me, it signifies the union of my husband’s familial customs with my Eastern European heritage. And that is precisely how we celebrate Passover. Stuffed cabbage is popular in Ukraine and is known as holubtsi, which literally translates as “little pigeons.” Make some in solidarity with the Jews who were forced to flee their homes during this year’s Russia-Ukraine war. This article first appeared on The Nosher.
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Recipe: Stuffed cabbage rolls INGREDIENTS:
1 head of green cabbage 1 lb ground beef 1 heaping cup leftover mashed potatoes 1 small onion, grated 1 egg salt and pepper, to taste For the sauce: 2 15-oz cans tomato sauce 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated 1 large tomato, finely chopped 1/3 cup sugar Juice of 1 lemon salt and pepper, to taste DIRECTIONS:
Place the cabbage in the freezer overnight (about 12 hours). Remove and place in a colander in the sink to defrost. This makes the cabbage pliable for rolling and stuffing. Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and discard. Peel the remaining large leaves, taking care not to tear the cabbage as you go. Set the whole leaves aside and
chop up the remaining cabbage for later. In a bowl, combine ground beef, potatoes, onion, egg, salt and pepper. Set aside. Set up a stuffing station with your whole cabbage leaves and ground beef mixture. With a paring knife, trim the thick part of the stem off the base of the leaves, taking care not to cut through the rest of the leaf. Place the leaves upright so that they are curling upward like a bowl. Place a small handful of filling towards the base of each leaf and fold over the leaf from the left side. Roll the cabbage leaf up and using your finger, stuff the loose end of the leaf inward, pushing it into the center. Rolling the cabbage this way ensures that they hold together nicely during cooking. Continue with remaining leaves. If you
have any leftover filling, simply roll them into meatballs to place in the pot alongside the cabbage rolls. Place the stuffed cabbage rolls in a large pot and cover with sauce ingredients. If you had any leftover cabbage or meatballs, add them to the pot as well. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil over medium heat and reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot, leaving it slightly open so that the steam does not force the cabbage rolls to open. Cook for approximately 2 – 2 ½ hours, until cabbage is tender and sauce has thickened. VARIATION: for unstuffed cabbage soup, shred the cabbage and roll the meat into balls. Place everything into a pot and continue as above.
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STL native dives into Woodstock ‘then and now’ BY JUDITH NEWMARK SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
When Alex Ludwig was born in 1979, Woodstock was 10-year-old news. Of course, people remembered the festival, a counter-cultural phenomenon that drew some 500,000 kids to Max Yasgur’s dairy farm for three days of peace, love and music. And what music it was. Throughout the weekend, performances ran almost around the clock, showcasing a remarkably eclectic line-up. You heard everybody from British superstars The Who to a then-unknown guitarist called Carlos Santana; from the utterly individual Jimi Hendrix to the mutually resonant quartet of David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and Neil Young; from the witty retro style of ShaNaNa to the classic folk lyricism of Joan Baez. Music was never the whole story, though. Peace and love — easy to mock as a hippie credo but hard to top as personal and social values — have always informed Woodstock, from its start to its still-enduring legacy. But is that legacy . . . Jewish? Ludwig, co-editor with Simone Pilone of “Woodstock Then and Now: A 50th Anniversary Celebration,” has come to believe that there’s more to that idea than meets the “oxygen.” “Look at the people who organized Woodstock, which started with four young Jewish guys,” said Ludwig, assistant professor of liberal arts at the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston. “Look at the location, only about 100 miles from New York City. Look at the values. “There’s a very Jewish feeling to it all.” In particular, he says, look at Michael Lang. Lang, who died in January of cancer, appeared happy and in good health when he joined many of his Woodstock colleagues at Berklee for a 2019 symposium detailing and celebrating the festival. It was the first time they had all been in one place since their days on Yasgur’s farm. “We wanted to get the stories down while we could,” said Ludwig. He organized the symposium with Pilone, a Berklee dean; the book grew out of their event. Why an academic setting to examine an event that was indifferent, at best, to institutional stature? “As a music historian, my job is to take music and situate it in its historical context,” Ludwig explained. “Culture shapes
ABOVE: St. Louis native Alex Ludwig is co-editor of “Woodstock Then and Now: A 50th Anniversary Celebration.” He will discuss the book at Ferguson Brewing Company on April 19. BELOW: Woodstock organizer Michael Lang (left) confers with stage and lighting designer Chip Monck in Max Yasgur’s fields before the festival started. PHOTO: HENRY DILTZ
music and music shapes culture. “Woodstock, which took place right at the end of the ’60s, holds the key in many ways to what was going on then.” The locals were surprised by the youthful crowd that jammed the upstate roads, smoking grass and looking like the cast of “Hair.” Yet they seemed like nice kids, and there was very little trouble. Ludwig attributes much of that success to Lang and his we-can-work-it-out vibe.
He points to a photo of Lang that captures the Brooklyn boy, just 24 years old, sporting a curly “Jewfro” as he straddles a motorcycle in jeans and a leather vest. To Ludwig, it almost looks like a family snapshot. The black-and-white image that defines an era can seem oddly “haimish” to those who appreciate its milieu. Ludwig — who met his wife, Sandy, when they were both earning their doctorates at Brandeis University — grew up in
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Florissant, the son of retired educators and long time United Hebrew Congregation members Mark and Carol Ludwig. Describing his parents and their friends as “hippie-adjacent,” Ludwig spent his youth immersed in all kinds of music. There was classical music, of course. (Ludwig describes himself as “a cellist in a former life.”) There were the Broadway songs he played in all kinds of shows. And there were the rock sounds his family relished — the music that Michael Lang spent most of his life involved with as a promoter, producer and artistic manager. “Michael does these music festivals that are all financial disasters, but he picks himself up and keeps going,” Ludwig observed. “At Woodstock, he creates an open and inclusive space, set in rolling hills. “That’s welcoming, much more welcoming than some cold football stadium! And he brought on a security chief who was comfortable with the crowd. No one that I know of was arrested at Woodstock. There was no violence. “The vibe kept everyone cool — and it emanated from Michael.” Lang’s quartet of founders included his friend Artie Kornfeld, a songwriter who had a job keeping “the suits” at Columbia Records abreast of a rapidly evolving music scene; Polident heir John P. Roberts; and lawyer Joel Rosenman. Roberts and Rosenman, friends of each other, were young entrepreneurs looking to succeed in a business they might actually enjoy. In 1969, all four were in their 20s. Upcoming And they were author event all Jewish. So was official Woodstock WHO: Alex Ludwig, p h o t o g r a p h e r co-editor of Elliott Landy, long “Woodstock Then famed for his sem- and Now: A 50th inal photos of clas- Anniversary sic ’60s rock. So Celebration”
was Rona Elliot, WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. the music journal- Tuesday, April 19 ist who handled WHERE: Ferguson Woodstock public Brewing Company, 418 relations. (Elliot’s South Florissant Road canny, distinctive HOW MUCH: Free voice rings through the book, a highlight on page after page.) So, for that matter, was Max Yasgur. “Yasgur was conservative politically,” Ludwig says. “But he wanted to help these kids, who were willing to think big and roll with the punches.” One of the biggest punches came when size of the crowd — 10 times bigger than anyone expected — turned tickets into a joke. Lang made a quick decision: He declared the festival free. Come one, come all. Ludwig would never claim that Woodstock was a Jewish event. At the time, no one described it as Jewish at all. But he does detect a Jewish vibe that thrummed from the top on down. Are people hungry? Then you get more food and hand out sandwiches. After all, at Passover don’t we step into the street to summon strangers to our table, or (more realistically) invite people we suspect have no seder to attend? Do you need to enlarge relief stations? Then you redesign the sewage system and start digging. After all, didn’t Moses and Aaron organize the logistics of the Exodus in a hurry? “Michael knew how to pivot,” Ludwig observes. Is one of your performers on a “bad trip”? Then you sit and speak with him quietly for as long as it takes. That’s what Lang did. After all, don’t we recline at the seder? You want make people feel comfortable. Woodstock was all about “the idea of community,” Ludwig said. “It was a very open, very welcoming environment.” That feels somehow familiar to Ludwig. He’s bringing his wife and their son back here in time for the seder.
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NANCY KRANZBERG — THE ARTS IN ST. LOUIS
The under-appreciated history and artistry of the chair BY NANCY KRANZBERG SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
I am always inspired by exhibitions at the Palm Springs (California) Art Museum. Recently, I was inspired by an exhibition entitled “The Modern Chair” at the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center. It was a fabulous display of modern chairs that made me think of the origin of the chair and what a history it enjoys. The study of the history of the chair often has a Western focus since Asian cultures often have a preference for squatting, kneeling or sitting on the floor and sometimes on mats. However, the history of chair goes back five thousand years to ancient Egypt. Pharaohs, high priests and other dignitaries often sat on high thrones — e.g., your highness. The Romans and Greeks are often seen in works of art lounging on lounge type chairs or bench type chairs. The rise of religion and churches, of course, had bench-type seating. And the Industrial Revolution saw the production of mass made chairs. Did you know that Thomas Jefferson invented the swivel chair and Charles Darwin invented a chair on wheels which eventually lead to the creation of office chairs? The Denver Art Museum recently had an exhibition on modern chairs, which explained, “Chairs combine form and function in a way that is easy for consumers to digest, but is incredibly difficult for designers to perfect inasmuch as they encompass many of the challenges of design, engineering, material choice, production method, style, and functionality in one small package.” We can learn about culture as art and architecture evolve over time. We can learn the same from chair design. I read an article on chairs in which the seven most famous chairs in history were listed: 1. Three-legged stool from 7500 B.C.E. 2. Tang Dynasty sitting mat from the 6th century—used by Buddha 3. Chair of St. Peter created in 875 C.E. 4. Legendary Coronation Chair used by King Edward from 1200 C.E. 5. First chair with rolling casters created by Charles Darwin 6. In the 19th century Otto von Bismarck introduced chairs to the masses 7. First side chair to fit in a house by Frank Lloyd Wright Now, getting back to the “Modern Chair,” curator Brad Dunning says, “This exhibition follows the development of the modern chair, highlighting its evolution and progression from two outstanding early examples — a bent wood Thonet classic from the dawn of the 20th century and the first cantilevered chair by Mart Stam of the Bauhaus school — through the fertile and innovative mid-century years and concluding with contemporary specimens.
“During the last century, new industrial materials and technological and stylistic advances pushed chair design forward faster than at any previous time. Chairs illustrate our inventiveness and changing sense of fashion, as well as architectural trends, socioeconomic and societal concerns, symbolic content, and aspirational longings. This eclectic overview does not attempt to be comprehensive, authoritative, or rigorously academic but strives to illustrate how the challenge of chair design seems endlessly to ignite creativity and experimentation. More than any other piece of furniture, chairs reflect and express the way we live and have lived.” To mention just a few of the chairs doesn’t do the exhibition justice, but I will anyway. The Marcel Breuer, Wassily Chair is one of the most radical pieces of early modernist furniture. It deconstructs a traditional overstuffed club chair to its basic outline, “removing all the stuffed upholstery.” The Wassily Chair was an experiment in extreme reductivism. Finish architect and designer Alvar Aalto’s masterpiece is of
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. laminated wood construction. The single fluid line of the frame is both poetic and structurally supportive. Aalto was the first furniture designer to use wood for the modern cantilever principle in chair design. Richard Neutra’s Tremaine Chair was originally designed for the Tremaine house in Montecito, Calif. Neutra was so pleased with this design that he used it for years in his interiors. Jacque-Henri Varichon was an architect whose ingeniously engineered chair is secured in place by tension wires. This chair provides a striking example of aesthetic success in bridging the worlds of
sculpture, technology, and functional design. And this is just a taste of the fabulous exhibition. And our own St. Louis Art Museum has incredible modern chairs in its collection. David Conradson, Curator of Decorative Arts and Design says, “Chairs have so much to say — they’re loaded with information. “We recently created an installation at SLAM based on that most familiar kind of furniture--chairs--as an entry point to discuss the place of functional objects in an art museum. Using a range of chairs from different time periods and traditions, we invite viewers to reflect on their form, technology and style. The selection is always changing and there are many kinds of chairs to discover throughout the galleries, from wood to plywood to metal and the latest digitally printed resin. There’s even a paper chair by the Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshiota.” In my research on the chair, the best comment was about today’s problem in America with obesity: If you want to be fit, do not sit — too much, that is.
It’s not manna from heaven, but this Passover, provide something just as crucial to the survival of the Israeli people.
ONLINE ONLY Whether it’s a missile attack, a new Covid variant, or serious car crash, your gift to Magen David Adom ensures its 30,000 emergency medical technicians and paramedics have the supplies and resources they need to save lives. So this Passover, while you recount the story of the Jews’ redemption from slavery, your gift will help modern-day Israelis survive the threats they face today. Make a gift to Magen David Adom today. Pesach kasher v’sameach.
Jewish celebs column: Jake Gyllenhaal in ‘Ambulance,’ Ben Schwartz as Sonic and more Visit stljewishlight.org/jewish-celebs
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Chabad plans community Passover seders
As Passover approaches and the world grapples with the largest humanitarian refugee crisis in decades, the five Chabad affiliate centers in St. Louis region are joining Chabad centers in Europe and around the world in announcing that all are welcome at their Passover seders on April 15 and 16. All are welcome to join the community seders, regardless of Jewish affiliation or background. For a full listing of Passover community seders in the St. Louis region, and for making reservations, visit www. ShowMeChabad.com/Passover.
SATURDAY | APRIL 16 CRC’s Second Night Seder
Come eat gefilte fish and matzo ball soup during Central Reform Congregation’s Second Night Seder at 6 p.m.—CRC’s first in-person meal since the beginning of the pandemic (the seder can also be livestreamed). Tickets and details are available at centralreform.org/holidays. Registration and proof of vaccination required.
SUN./MON. | APRIL 17-18 Passover scavenger hunt for families at Kol Rinah
Families can sign up for a Passover scavenger hunt at Kol Rinah, featuring a series of stations families will go through together. The event is geared toward children 5 and
Interior design consultant Linda Kusmer will lead a Mirowitz Center discussion on April 20.
under and their families. RSVP required. For more information, email melissa@kolrinahstl.org or visit KolRi-nahStl.org.
TUESDAY | APRIL 19 Coffee Talk with SnL Features Companion Baking
At 8:30 a.m., join NCJWSTL for our virtual monthly coffee talks hosted by Past President, Susan Katzman, and Vice President of Membership, Lisa Gubernik. The event will feature a salute to Mother’s Day with Companion Baking, featuring several recipes that will turn an ordinary brunch into extraordinary. Guests will learn from Nancie Breunig, a French-culinary trained chef and the culture and development manager for Companion. There will be a raffle for a $50 Companion gift card. Must be present to win. For more information and to RSVP visit: https://bit.ly/Apr22CT
WEDNESDAY | APRIL 20 Interior designer presents ‘Refresh Your Decor’
At 10 a.m., join St. Louis interior design consultant Linda Kusmer, who will share her professional expertise and cover ideas and suggestions on how to refresh your decor by creatively thinking about what you already own. She will discuss the use of color in paint and fabrics as we think spring/summer. Register for this free Mirowitz Center virtual event by visiting http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or call 314-733-9813.
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Mirowitz Center plans diabetes discussion
From 2 to 3 p.m., Dr. Janet McGill, professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, will discuss “Got Insulin? Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms & Treatments.” McGill will look at prediabetes, interventions to delay disease progression, symptoms of diabetes and current disease management. Register for this free Mirowitz Center virtual event by visiting http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or call 314-733-9813.
Protest seder to protect trans kids At 5:30 p.m., join CRC at the STL Trans Memorial Garden (2800 Wyoming Ave, corner on California Avenue). The 60-minute service will be led by Rabbis Susan Talve and Daniel Bogard. Members of the community will create loving rituals for Passover and encompass a call to action to fight contemporary transphobia. Supplies needed for the service will be provided; bring a chair or blanket to sit in the green space at the garden. In the case of rain, this event will be
postponed. The service will be recorded and shared on social media afterwards. Details at centralreform.org/holidays.
Sharsheret’s Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Group via Zoom
This monthly group provides support, connection and education to women in the St. Louis Jewish community who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer and are anywhere along their treatment path – before, during, or post-treatment. Facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker, this group meets from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday via Zoom. Newcomers are welcome along with female family and friends. Free, but pre-registration requested to Debbi Braunstein at 314-442-3266 or dbraunstein@jccstl.org. Sharsheret Supports STL is a program of the J’s Nishmah.
THURSDAY | APRIL 21 NCJWSTL Lunch & Learn: Child Abuse Prevention
April is designated as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month to highlight and create awareness about the importance of strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect. NCJWSTL will welcome Jeff Dion from the Zero Abuse Project at noon for this month’s lunch and learn. Dion is an attorney, survivor, and nationally recognized victim advocate. Dion worked for more than 20 years with the National Center for Victims of Crime, where he served as the Director of the National Crime Victim Bar Association. For more information and to RSVP visit: https://bit.ly/Apr22LL
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THURSDAY | APRIL 21
WEDNESDAY | APRIL 27
Tech Tutor: ‘Think Before You Click, Social Media Safety
Yom HaShoah held virtually See related news brief on page 5A.
From 2 to 3 p.m., Jessica Mirowitz will discuss “Think Before You Click, Social Media Safety.” Mirowitz, marketing manager at Purina, leads this Tech Tutor program to learn social media safety tips. Tech Tutor is supported by a grant from the Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged. Register for this free Mirowitz Center virtual event by visiting http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or call 314-733-9813.
NCJW celebrates 125th year
Since 1895, NCJWSTL has confronted the most urgent social and economic challenges facing women, children and families. Sisters Act!, a special fundraiser that starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Ritz-Carlton, ensures that NCJWSTL continues this crucial work for years to come. NCJWSTL is proud to celebrate more than 125 years of strengthening the St. Louis community and excited to welcome actor and activist Kathy Najimy to help us build on more than a century of making a difference in our community. For more information, visit ncjwstl.org/luncheon/
Barbara Ballinger and Margaret Crane,co-authors of ‘Not Dead Yet: Rebooting Your Life After 50,’ will discuss their book Thursday, April 21.
‘Not Dead Yet: Rebooting Your Life After 50’
Join authors and former St. Louisans Margaret Crane and Barbara Ballinger for a signing and discussion of their book, “Not Dead Yet: Rebooting Your Life After 50” at 6 p.m. at the St. Louis Public Library - Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave. Ellen Futterman, editor of the Jewish Light, will serve as emcee at this free event. You can watch live on Left Bank Book’s YouTube channel or on Left Bank Books’ Facebook Live Page. RSVP for the in-person event https://bit.ly/ Schlafly-April21.
docent Dale Sharon for a look at African American Art, as represented in the museum’s permanent collection. Register for this free Mirowitz Center virtual event by visiting http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or call 314-733-9813.
ister online by April 22 at https://bit.ly/KolRinah-April24.
SUNDAY | APRIL 24
With the celebration of Passover fresh in our minds, this Jewish Mindfulness Center class will use themes from the Haggadah (freedom, redemption, renewal and hope) as we pause for a short time to reflect on ourselves and the world around us. Join Debra Solomon Baker at 7 p.m. as she guides us through writing as a spiritual practice. All are welcome. To register, call Stacy Jespersen at 314-569-0010
Jews in Science series looks at Ruth Bader Ginsburg
The Kol Rinah Verein Group’s monthly “Jews in Science” program on Zoom will continue at 4 p.m. with Larry Friedman’s discussion of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the first Jewish woman on the Supreme Court. Reg-
MONDAY | APRIL 25 African American Art
At 10 a.m., join St. Louis Art Museum
JEWISH LITE
ONGOING
TUESDAY | APRIL 26
Faces Not Forgotten quilt exhibit
Writing toward freedom
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From April 8 to 30, Central Reform Congregation is hosting an exhibit of the Faces Not Forgotten Missouri quilts, which paint portraits of children lost to gun violence to offer comfort and support to the families who grieve and raise awareness of the epidemic of child gun deaths in the U.S. For more information, visit www.centralreform. org/events/faces-not-forgotten.
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By Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com | ‘Seder Folk’ Difficulty: Manageable
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for a rebel in the Torah? 23. “Moses” is a controversial one in Rome 24. Sat follower 25. Listing for 45Down 28. Part of the Seder for a Mitch Albom title character? 32. State next to 33-Across 33. State whose first half is a superhero alter ego
1. Uber can give you one 5. Israeli 10. Israeli Abba 14. “Am ___ late?” 15. Beastly bunch 16. Part of Tevye’s simile 17. Friend 18. Make like a Rabbi, often 19. “___ take a miracle!” 20. Part of the Seder
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1. Guitarist’s lines 2. “Some Like ___” 3. Closing hour for many NYC bars (preCOVID) 4. Fruit or vegetable, depending on whom you ask 5. “Ha!” 6. Many moons 7. Bnei follower 8. Info-gathering missions 9. Guru habitat 10. A Trump 11. Noodged 12. Letters you don’t often see in emails, these days 13. Jets org. 21. Former baseball stars Schilling and Flood 22. Political Peron 26. It’s often misread in emails 27. They might be patronized
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46. Fancy word for alluringly disreputable 47. Jewish common sense 48. Enlists 49. Actress Sobieski with a repetitive first name 53. Nailing a serve
54. “Mary Tyler Moore Show” spinoff 56. King Arthur of the court 57. Host Kotb 58. Ink 59. Little kid 60. One of the last Biblical Judges
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SIMCHAS BIRTHS
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BAT MITZVAH: MALLORY JORDANA BIEDERMAN
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT: SLOANE WITTELS Mia and Danny Wittels of Philadelphia would like to announce the birth of their daughter, Sloane Wittels, on Nov. 1, 2021, weighing 9 pounds, 1 ounce. Sloane is the granddaughter of Amos and Rikki Weiss of Boston, and Lynn and Bud Wittels of St. Louis. She is the great-granddaughter of Eva
and the late Mordechai Weiss of Herzliya, Israel; Alvin (Bunny) and Faye Meisel and the late Nancy Meisel of Cincinnati; Ilene Wittels and Alan Gerstein of St. Louis; and the late Betty and Malcolm Wittels of St. Louis. Sloane has one sibling, Zac, who is 2.
Mallory Jordana Biederman, daughter of Rachel (Dalin) Biederman and Brandon Biederman of Parkland, Fla., became a bat mitzvah Feb. 26, 2022 at Congregation Kol Tikvah in Parkland. Mallory is the granddaughter of Debbie M. (Levin) Dalin and Gary Dalin of Delray Beach, Fla. (both former St. Louisans); and Joyce and Robert Biederman of Boynton Beach, Fla. She is the great-granddaughter of the late Lillian and Dr. Harry Dalin of St. Louis; the late Betty and Jerome Levin of St. Louis; the late Eleanor and Harry Koenigsberg of Dayton, Ohio; and the late Sally and Hyman Biederman of Dayton. Mallory has one sibling, Blake Harrison Biederman, who is 11. A n eighth grader at Westglades Middle School in Parkland, Mallory is on “Dance Team,” having performed many times at Miami Heat basketball games. Mallory participated in the Yad Vashem Twinning Program for her bat mitzvah readiness. For her mitzvah project, Mallory has raised money for
PHOTO: TONI JADE PHOTOGRAPHY
Orange Ribbons for Jaime, which awards college scholarships and works for gun safety. Jaime Guttenberg was one of the victims of a mass shooting on Feb. 14, 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the school Mallory will attend next year. Jamie was also a member of Mallory’s “Dance Team.”
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT: ZOE BERNADETTE MICHELSON Dann and Hannah Michelson of Ballwin would like to announce the birth of their daughter, Zoe Bernadette Michelson, on March 7, 2022 in Chesterfield, weighing 7 pounds 5 ounces. Zoe is the granddaughter of Boyd and Laura Bolter of Ballwin, and Jon and Edie Michelson of Wildwood. She is the
great-granddaughter of Betty Bolter (z”l), Howard (z”l) and Anne (z”l) Jacobs, Jerome (z”l) and Audrey (z”l) Michelson, and Ralph and Annette (z”l) Sonnenschein of Elmwood, Ill. Zoe has an extremely proud and excited big sister Amelia, who is 6 years old.
PHOTO: KATIE SEFFENS
IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORIAM
Ellis Mark Fischer JULY 8, 1951APRIL 10, 2017
Best Friend to Everyone He Met JACK COHEN “Sorry for your loss. Jackie was “Our family sends our condolences for your loss. We a very special person and we know his memory will live on will never forget him. Sending you love, Sonia and family.” in his children, grandson and - Sonia Heller all his many friends.” - Linda Wright “We are so sorry for your loss.” - Katie & Pete Nowikow “We will always remember Jack.” “May Jack’s memory be a -Stephen Newman blessing.” - C. Grant Masson - Franklin Sax-
2022-04-13 page 06-07.indd 6
TRIBUTES
DR. ALAN LONDE “Alan was a real friend. - Herb-
LEE BOHM “All of us here at The Jewish Light are so sad to hear of Lee’s passing. Her contributions to our community will always be remembered and appreciated.” - Board & Staff of the St. Louis Jewish Light HELENE SPETNER, AMY DOUGHTY & FAMILY “My deepest condolences on the loss of Robbie Spetner.” - Ellen Futterman DR. JILL POWELL “In tribute to the recent loss of her father, Dr. Robert Brouwer. Sending love and hugs.” - Ellen Futterman -
IN HONOR OF
ADIRA FRIEDMAN “Mazel Tov on your Bat Mitzvah! Love, Joan & Sherman” - Joan & Sherman Silber LUCY GREENBAUM “In Honor of Lucy Greenbaum’s Leadership of Prayer Lab.” - Anonymous -
MAKE A TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OR IN HONOR OF A LOVED ONE! www.stljewishlight.org/tribute
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Passover lunches: Tips for starting new traditions with inspired packed lunches MORE ONLINE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B toothpick or cocktail pick or bamboo skewer. When my children were small, they did not need huge portions of any one fruit or vegetable, but I did want them to have a variety so that they could “eat the rainbow.” By skewering our fruits, I am able to give them a good variety and make the food more attractive. It’s like a fancy party in your lunch box. On any given day you might find a fruit skewer with grapes and berries. Some families observe the tradition of only eating peeled fruits during Passover. Use your discretion; the possibilities are endless. Dried fruit that has been marked for Passover is also excellent on a skewer like this. While fruits and vegetables are wonderful as kabobs, so is meat. Imagine a sandwich on a stick with no bread at all. I “pick” these up at stores like HomeGoods and Tuesday Morning when available, but I also like these from Amazon: visit amzn.to/3ufDvN2.
3. Waste not, want not This one may seem obvious, but put those leftovers to good use. Roasted eggs from the seder plate make perfect egg salad or deviled eggs, while charoset becomes perfectly portable when stuffed in celery. On that note … PHOTO: JENNY DINKY PHOTOGRAPHY
4. Stuff it
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT: SHIRA RACHAEL MAZUR Abbi Marks-Mazur, originally from Kibbutz Yahel, Israel, and Joshua Mazur of Chesterfield would like to announce the birth of their daughter, Shira Rachael Mazur, on Jan. 29, 2022 at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. Shira weighed 6 pounds 4 ounces. Shira is the granddaughter of Anne Brafa-Mazur and Rick Mazur of Chesterfield, and Mitchell Marks (z”l), Gila Marks and Avshalom Babay of Kibbutz Yahel.
Passover is a perfect time to take notes from the low-carb movement and stuff it. Chicken, tuna and egg salad fit perfectly in avocado, hollowed tomatoes and cucumbers with the seeds removed. Whole leaves of Romaine or Boston lettuce and even entire bell peppers make excellent sandwich “buns” for cold cuts. These are great alongside composed salads and chips that have been marked for Passover. Our favorite are potato matchsticks.
Looking for Passover recipes? Visit us online stljewishlight.org/ passover-recipes
Some of my favorite inspirations: Tuna Salad Endive Wraps (bit.ly/3ufli20); Tomato Egg Salad (bit.ly/3O4pGZN); Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocados (bit.ly/3LMChhY); and a low carb, low calorie, grain free and paleo Bell Pepper Sandwich (bit. ly/3NUtOLs).
5. Got milk? Don’t forget that dairy meals are fantastic during Passover. A cheeseboard is always welcome at our house and in any lunch box we own. Simply substitute Tam Tams in place of crackers. I will be sending matzah crackers along with these beautiful smoked salmon “sushi” pinwheels from Skinnytaste (bit.ly/3DTUBmH). You can make yogurt parfaits with Passover approved yogurt or cottage cheese, fresh fruit or jam, and Passover granola such as this one from Jamie Geller ( jamiegeller.com/recipes/passover-granola). No matter what tips, tricks and recipes you use, in each lunch bag you will be packing love, and if all goes well, traditions they will remember for a lifetime.
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ELLEN S. ALTON, March 29, 2022 Beloved daughter of the late David and the late Cecile Alton; dear sister of Lawrence J. Alton and the late Gerald M. Alton; special cousin of Skip and Elaine Spielberg, Susan and Alan Flom, Marcia and Lenny Arky and the late Marcia and Norman Selner; dear niece, cousin and friend to many. Ellen was an Ophthalmic Technician, specializing in Glaucoma treatment and research at Washington University, and also a Social Worker. She loved horses and dogs, especially her beloved Golden Retriever, Stitch, and her canine neighbor, Stewie Goellner. A service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions preferred to the Humane Society of Missouri, 1201 Macklind Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110. Berger Memorial Service REBECCA BORTNICK-BELDNER passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Beloved wife of Brad Beldner. Devoted mother of Blythe (boyfriend Torin Montgomery) Beldner, Brock Beldner and Blaize Beldner. Dear daughter of Dr. Robert & Lyn Bortnick and adored daughter-inlaw of the late Mark (Terry) Beldner & the late Pam Brinkmeyer. Loving sister of Josh (Jen) Bortnick and dear sister-in-law to Howard (Theresa) Beldner, Leslie Beldner and Blake Beldner. Beloved niece of Nancy (Denny), Betty (Al), Jane (Jeff), Roseanne (Steve) and Janet (Bobby). Dear aunt of Will and Elizabeth Beldner, and Ben, Sammy and Livi Bortnick. A cherished friend to many. Rebecca received her high school diploma from Rolling Meadows High in Arlington Heights,
IL and she graduated from Stephen’s College in Columbia, MO with a bachelor’s degree in fashion design. Rebecca loved to draw anything fashion related with her passion being designing shoes. She absolutely adored spending time with her family and friends. She was an incredibly loving person and truly had the kindest heart. Rebecca left us way too soon and will be missed by all who knew her. A graveside service was held April 3 at Beth Shalom Cemetery, 650 White Road. Contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. A Rindskopf-Roth Service ISRAEL BROOME passed away on April 5, 2022 after a long and courageous battle fighting cancer, living a full life with gratitude. Beloved husband of Mia Broome, his wife of 67 years; dear father and father-in-law of Jesse Broome, MD and Leslie Yoffie (Barry); dear grandfather of the late Rachel Broome, David Broome, Alex Yoffie (Rebecca Altman) and Stephen Yoffie, who all inherited their “Papa’s” engineering mind; dear brother and brother-inlaw of Estelle Schaffer (late David); dear uncle, cousin and fiercely loyal friend. Israel continued to work at Precision Samplers, Inc., a company he started and loved until he was 86 and played golf until he was 90. He had a special passion for the continuity of Judaism and the State of Israel and made giving Jewishly a priority, including donating two ambulances to the American Friends of Magen David Adom in honor of his grandchildren and wife. Above all else he was so very proud of his wife,
children and grandchildren, their contributions to society through their chosen careers and the ethics and values by which they continue to live. A graveside service was held Friday, April 8 at United Hebrew Cemetery, 7855 Canton Avenue. Memorial contributions preferred to United Hebrew Congregation, 13788 Conway Road, 63141 or Congregation B’nai Jacob, 1599 Virginia St. E, Charleston, WV, 25311. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream info. Berger Memorial Service CHARLOTTE HERSKOVIC HIRSH CARON, April 10, 2022. Beloved mother of Rhonda Miller (late Toby), Debbie Yost (Wayne) and Judy Fleischer (John); dear sister of the late Arnold Hirsh and the late Rae Portnoy; dear grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and cousin. Charlotte was born in Czechoslovakia and came to the U.S. at the age of 13 with her brother. She lived to almost reach her 98th birthday. Charlotte was a quiet, soft spoken woman with an uncanny wit. She was a sun lover and could always be found basking in the sun whether outside or inside by a window or roaring fire. She persevered through several challenges and created a wonderful life for herself and her family. She will be forever missed by those who knew and loved her dearly. Graveside service Thursday, April 14, 2 p.m. at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery-White Road. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
LINDA “COOKIE” BRODDON DWORK passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on April 9, 2022. Linda was preceded in death by her loving parents, the late Jacob and Mercedes Broddon, grandparents, the late Harry and Pearl Goldman, and brothers, the late Norman and Alan Broddon. Beloved mother and mother-in-law of Kim (Darren) McChesney, grandmother of Ethan and Tess McChesney, dear sister of Rochelle (Late Norman) Karty, sister-in-law of Marcia Broddon and Suzie Broddon, aunt to over a dozen dearly loved nieces and nephews, and friend to many. Cookie was known by her community, in both St. Louis and Kansas City, as the most thoughtful of women, with a generous heart and an infectious smile. A graduate of Soldan High School, she worked as an administrative assistant throughout her life. Highlighted by a 20+ year career at Schneider Heating and Cooling, where she cultivated many professional and personal relationships. Cookie was an avid Mahjong player with a devoted circle of friends she played with until her final weeks. She adored the St. Louis Cardinals and was a lifelong fan of pro football, especially the Kansas City Chiefs, all of which lifted her up throughout her illness. She was a hands on grandma to Ethan and Tess, who called her “Gibbie,” spending weeks with them every summer and during holidays, attending Ethan’s marching band concerts and Tess’s theater and music productions. Even taking them on trips: Tess to New York and Ethan Obituaries continue on opposite page
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to Royal’s Spring Training in Arizona. Cookie’s greatest love was giving to others. She was always there with flowers, homemade apple pie or a kindly-worded card when a loved one was in need, or just for the hell of it. This kindness extended to strangers too, as she spent hours volunteering at the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry and the Ronald McDonald House. Cookie will be honored and missed, though her spirit will endure through her loved ones and the values she lived by. Funeral Service Thursday, April 14, 10 a.m. at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd 63132. The service will be livestreamed at www. bergermemorialchapel.com. Interment following at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in University City. Memorial contributions preferred to Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry and Ronald McDonald House. Berger Memorial Service GERALD WILLIAM COHEN, DPM, January 25, 1925 - April 10, 2022 Jerry Cohen, aka Footso-the Clown, known widely for his sense of humor, creativity and skills as a podiatrist, compassion, patience and magic routine died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family. He was 97 years old. Jerry was born in Brooklyn, New York, where he lived with his parents and younger brother Harvey. His family moved to Fairlawn New Jersey when he was a teenager. He left there to join the Navy during World War II. He was assigned to the South Pacific. He served as a rear turret gunner in a torpedo bomber. Though he was never deployed to the war zone, he sustained an injury during a bombing drill when the impact from a torpedo explosion shattered the turret glass. After the war he moved to St. Louis to study at Washington University on the G.I. Bill. Jerry joined chapter 644 of the Jewish War Veterans where he remained an active member well into his ’90’s. While at Washington U. he befriended a fellow student, Israel Zuckerman. Israel brought him home for shabbat dinner where he met Marion, Israel’s younger sister. Jerry and Marion hit it off and were married in 1951. Around the same time, Jerry became interested in pursuing a career in chiropody, later renamed Podiatry, so he transferred to the Chicago School of Chiropody. After finishing the program he was planning to move back east until Marion, who was now pregnant with their first child, told him in no uncertain terms that they would be staying in St. Louis. So they moved back to St. Louis where Jerry bought the practice of a retiring podiatrist located in South St. Louis. As Jerry’s podiatric practice grew, so did his family. Jerry and Marion had two more kids so they needed more space. They headed west to Olivette, where they built the house that would be their home for the next 50 years. At some point early on in his career, Jerry joined Toastmasters. This made him an excellent speaker. It was also where he first started dabbling in magic and where Footso-the-Clown was born. In pursuit of a way to spice up a talk for Toastmasters, Jerry learned a couple of magic tricks. And to these first tricks he added a few more until he was performing a 30 minute show. Seeing an opportunity to educate the public
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OBITUARIES about foot health, he began mixing foot care tips with his show. Pretty soon foot care tips dropped out of the show, but not his promotion of podiatry. As anyone who saw Footso perform knows, his magic word was “podiatry”. Every magician has a trademark trick. Footso’s was the paper tree. Jerry also had a strong social consciousness. He became an early and active advocate of handgun control after his good friend Jerry Schwartz was murdered at his place of business. He served on numerous boards throughout his life. He was particularly committed to his beloved morning minyan at the former Shaare Zedek synagogue, where he served as the gabbai for many years. If ever there was a Godwrestler, it was Jerry. But more than anything, Jerry believed in the power and value of community and each person’s responsibility to do their part. Jerry, believed his part was to show up and be counted, even if he couldn’t read the words or prayers or sing. It was important to him to be present. Jerry had a blessed life. He remained happily married for 71 years with his beloved, “she deary” Marion. He was a partner with her in every way raising their three children, Ellen (Howard), Joyce (Bob) and Howard (Gail). He was the perfect grandfather to his eight grandchildren, Lauren (David), Eric (Hilary), Yonit, Mayaan, Dovran, Ilana (Eitan), Moriah and Caleb and his four great grandchildren, Noah, Lila, Irving and Sully. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Ernest & Jean Cohen and his beloved younger brother Harvey. A funeral service was held Tuesday, April 12 at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Boulevard. Interment followed at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Please visit www. bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream details. Berger Memorial Service Editor’s note: The following obituary is being re-published due to a production error. STAN FELDMAN, March 23, 2022 Dearly beloved husband of Nancy Feldman; devoted and proud father of Michael Feldman (Jacob Laws) and Andrew Feldman; dear son of the late Florence (Voda) Feldman Fox and the late Morris Feldman; dear son-in-law of Lois and the late Wilbur Bender. Dear friend to many. After graduating from University City High School, Stan pursued undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Missouri, and it was while in veterinary school, that Stan met the love of his life, Nancy. Stan owned two animal clinics: his primary in Clayton, and his expansion clinic in Bridgeton. In addition, for many years he volunteered several days per week at the APA, spaying and neutering homeless (soon to be adopted) pets, often under the watchful eye of Michael and Andrew, who were thrilled about their frequent invitations to “watch surgery” while dressed in Stan’s well-worn surgical scrubs. Despite his sometimes grueling work schedule Stan always carved out time to devote to the people and the pastimes he loved. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed everything on the spectrum from tennis to rugby, and so many (exertion) levels
in-between. His passion for photography, both behind the lens and as an admirer and collector, was cultivated later in life, buoyed by his fine arts degree that he obtained in an effort to “jump start his learning” he said, to be able to hit the ground running when his retirement grew near. A lover of learning, an experimenter, a supporter where support was needed and a bolster when independence was called for, our family shares our grief and joins the world in mourning the loss of Stan Feldman, a man whose good nature is unequalled and whose kindness remains unmatched. A graveside service was held Monday, March 28 at United Hebrew Cemetery, 7855 Canton Ave. Memorial contributions of your choice preferred. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service SHIRLEY GUBIN, March 29, 2022 Shirley was the daughter of Cecile and Morris Peker and the widow of Stanley Gubin. She immigrated to the U.S from Poland in 1939, when her family missed the last ship back to Europe after visiting the World’s Fair in New York City. Shirley, her parents, and her three siblings soon moved to St. Louis to join her aunt and uncle, Abe and Libby Schwartz, who lived in Rolla, MO. Shirley attended Soldan High School, and married her best friend Edith Gubin’s brother Stan soon after graduating. She worked for many years in the grocery store she and Stan started together, while raising her children, Barry and Phyllis, as a working mom. After the store was sold in 1974, Shirley began working at Dillard’s Department Store in Misses’ fashion. She soon became the top salesperson in the Liz Claiborne Department, where she worked until her retirement. At that point, she and Stan moved to Sun City West in Arizona. Stan and Shirley loved living near their grandchildren and participating in their lives, loved volunteering at Beth Emeth Synagogue, even having a Bat Mitzvah in her 70’s, and enjoyed being a Dillard’s retiree. She and Stan made many friends and had a great final chapter in their lives. She leaves her sister, Ivonne Philips (late Marlowe) of Denver, son Barry Gubin (Jill) of St Louis, daughter Phyllis Bern (Ross) of Scottsdale, AZ. grandchildren Dayna Anderson (Zak), Justin
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Bern (Katie), Lauren McCune (Chris) and Staci Meltzer (Travis), Allison and Joanna Gubin. She leaves 9 great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Levi, Miles, Maerin, Ellis, Ezra, Oliver, Isaac and Shay. Contributions to Congregation Beth Emeth, 13702 W. Meeker Blvd. Sun City West, AZ. 85375. HEIDRUN U. HOLLAND, March 19, 2022 Beloved wife of Rabbi Dr. Michoel Dovid Holland; dear mother and mother in law of Timmy (Jamie) Rourk and Justin Rourk; dear grandmother of Damon and Deirdre. Heidrun was born in Germany in 1951. She came to the United States when she was 18. She attended Pattonville High School. She was in charge of housekeeping at St. Louis Community College at Meramec for 40 years before she retired. Heidrun was a lover of animals and life and everyone that ever met her, loved her. She was a true Eishet Chayil, A Woman of Valor. Private Graveside Services were held at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery on White Road. Memorial contribution preferred to Jewish Family Services www.jfsstl.org. Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service CONSTANCE “CONNIE” KRAUS, April 8, 2022 Beloved wife of the late Joel Seigel and the late Paul Kraus. Cherished mother of Robert (Sandra) Seigel, Linda Seigel and Ellen (the late Alan) Legow. Dear step-mother of Roberta Kraus Wyde. Loving grandmother of Emily and Aaron Seigel, Ryan Legow and Kayla (Kellen) Cohn. Dear step-grandmother of David and the late Ben Wyde. Doting great grandmother of Emmett Cohn. Dear sister of the late James (Judy) Chervitz. Beloved daughter of the late Frank and the late Frances Chervitz. Dear aunt, cousin and friend. A funeral service was held Monday, April 11 at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road with interment following at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Contributions in Connie’s memory may be made to the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, 12 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63146 or to Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO, 63141. A Rindskopf-Roth Service Obituaries continue on following page
In celebration
of tradition
and rebirth.
Berger Memorial Chapel wishes you and your loved ones the most joyous of Passovers. May happiness, peace and prosperity be with you this spring and the whole year through.
MONUMENT CO. A ST. LOUIS TRADITION
BERGER
MEMORIAL CHAPEL ST. LOUIS
115 YEARS SERVING ST. LOUIS FAMILIES
Richard W. Stein & Emily Stein MacDonald 9430 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63132
314-361-0622 BergerMemorialChapel.com
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Obituaries continued from previous page VLADIMIR LEVIN, April 3, 2022 Beloved husband of Lily Levin; dear father and father-in-law of Leana Levin (Greg Finkelstein), Max Levin, and Stephanie Klein (Jonathan); dear grandfather of Abram and Gideon Finkelstein and Ethan and Oliver Klein; dear son of the late Savely and the late Roza Levin; dear brother of the late Alexander Levin; dear brother-in-law of Jack Zlatin (Dina) and Nathan Zlatin (Dora). Friend to so many. A graveside service was held Thursday, April 7 at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery, 1601 North and South Road. Memorial contributions preferred to the MD Anderson Gastrointestinal Center. Please visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service RONALD DAVID LEVINE, 86, of Ashburn, Virginia, passed away on April 8, 2022 after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Ron was born on March 15, 1936 to Harry Levine and Dorothy (Levin) Levine in St. Louis, Missouri. He met his wife, Elaine (Cotler) Levine at the age of 16 and they married at his age of 20, and have celebrated their life and love for 70 years. After graduating from Soldan-Blewett High School in 1954, he was drafted into the US Army where he served in Korea and rose to the rank of Spec-5. He began his career in pharmaceutical sales in 1961, joining Purdue Frederick where he committed himself to learning and developing people. He was well known for a practical approach to solving problems, an innate ability to understand the core issues at hand, and his work ethic to apply himself to any challenge, no matter how unique. He grew to work in international markets and was credited with creating opportunities for women and racially diverse individuals through hiring and promotions. He grew to the position of Vice President with over 45-years of service to one company. His work brought him to Yonkers, New York, where he was blessed with his son, Mark Levine, and then to Danbury, Connecticut where his daughter, Terri (Levine) Micklin was born. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He believed highly in the value of education, encouraging his children to pursue advanced degrees and supporting them in their studies and career goals. He was unendingly proud of Mark, Terri, and granddaughters Jenna and Lindsey. Ron was well known for his fun-loving zest for life. He could often be found dancing in the kitchen, and celebrating simple joys — watching ducks, telling jokes about chickens that know how to play tic-tac-toe, playing ping pong, walking and petting his grandpups, and hiding and sneaking Oreo cookies. Ronald is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Elaine Levine; son, Dr. Mark Levine (Mike); daughter, Terri Micklin (Martin); grandchildren, Jenna Micklin, Lindsey Micklin; and grandpups, Lexi and Cappie. Ronald was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Dororthy Levine; and sister, Beverly Petty. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to www.pancan.org, an organization supporting the research towards a cure for pancreatic cancer. RITA SUE LIBRACH, April 8, 2022 Beloved wife of the late David A. Librach; dear mother and mother-in-law of Vicki Swider (Rick), Karen Librach-Varley and Stanley Librach, MD, DDS; Dear grandmother of Elysha Comer (Jason) and Michael Swider, Ian Varley (Kate), Steven Varley (Nicole) and Sarah Varley, Jenna and Alexa Librach; dear greatgrandmother of four; dear sister and sisterin-law of Alan Mostow, Richard Goldenhersh (late Barbara); our dear aunt, cousin and friend. A funeral service was held Tuesday, April 12 at Congregation Shaare Emeth Chapel, 11645 Ladue Rd. Interment at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery-White Rd. Memorial contributions preferred to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY, 10163. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
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OBITUARIES CAROLYN MATULEF, March 22, 2022 Beloved wife of the late Dr. Norman J. Matulef; dear mother and mother-in-law of Mark Matulef (Dolores Acquista) and Paul Matulef (Yoko Koyama); dear grandmother of Normandie Koyama-Matulef, Sam Matulef, Lydia Matulef and Simon Matulef; our dear aunt, sister-in-law, cousin, friend and member of St. Louis artist community. Funeral services were held on March 25th at United Hebrew Cemetery. Memorial contributions preferred to HIAS at act.hias.org. Please visit bergermemorialchapel. com for more information. A memorial service will be announced. Berger Memorial Service DR. JERROLD “JERRY” MICHAELS, DVM born in Chicago, passed away April 6, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marian Michaels; his two daughters, Vanessa (Arthur) Ehrlich and Wendy (Scott) Shanker and Grandchildren: Lital Ehrlich (Cole Leiter), Jonathan Ehrlich, Samantha Shanker, Ethan Ehrlich, Jenna Shanker and great-grandchild, Esme Leiter. He graduated from Hyde Park High School and received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He began practicing in Homewood and then established Fox Valley Animal Hospital in May of 1959 in Crystal Lake. During his early career he cared for both large and small animals. He continued practicing until his retirement in 2015. He was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Illinois Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Michaels was active in his community, serving on the board of the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce, Crystal Lake Kiwanis Club, and was a founding member of the Great Books Club. Services were held at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 10 at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 195 North Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove. Interment Shalom Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jerrold and Marian Michaels Veterinary Scholarship Fund at the University of Illinois, vetmed.illinois.edu/connect-with-us/ giving/give-now/, Please designate Jerrold and Marian Michaels Scholarship fund under Other or mail to University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Office of Advancement. Suite 3516, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802; or Ready Readers, https://www. readyreaders.org/donate/ or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Buffalo Grove Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com MICHAEL F. NEIDORFF (1943 – 2022) After a lengthy illness, Michael F. Neidorff passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022 surrounded by his family and friends. A private family service will be held. At a later date to be announced, there will be a memorial service for family and friends to celebrate his extraordinary life and legacy. Michael’s love and devotion for his family knew no bounds. He was a beloved husband to Noémi Neidorff, father to Peter Neidorff and the late Monica Neidorff, and brother to Susan Neidorff Reinglass and Robert Neidorff. Michael was Centene Corporation’s visionary leader for more than 25 years. He built a remarkable American business success story and his commitment to providing affordable, high quality health care to the most vulnerable people transformed lives across the globe. Michael Neidorff joined Centene as CEO in 1996 and led the company in its remarkable trajectory from a $40 million single health plan to a multinational $125 billion health care enterprise serving 25 million members. Centene is ranked #24 in the Fortune 500, #57 in the Fortune 500 Global list, and #7 on the 2019 Fortune Change the World list.
Centene has grown to nearly 76,000 employees serving all 50 states and 3 international countries. Michael made diversity and inclusion a central focus of his leadership, building an international corporation where women, people of color, LGBTQ, veterans, and people with disabilities all have opportunities to lead and excel. Thanks to his strong commitment, Fortune ranked Centene as the #2 company nationally for diversity and inclusion. In 2017, Michael was named Citizen of the Year by the St. Louis Post Dispatch for spearheading a $30 million investment in Ferguson, Missouri in the weeks following the racial unrest in the summer of 2014, bringing much needed opportunity and hope to the region and anchoring small businesses in the community. Michael Neidorff was one of the most philanthropic individuals in the country. His philanthropy and personal generosity transformed the non-profit landscape throughout the state of Missouri and across the nation. His continual support for hundreds of not-for-profit organizations was widely celebrated. He was dedicated to supporting arts and civic organizations. He served as chairman of the board of trustees for the National Urban League and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis. For more than 30 years, he served on the board of directors for the Greater St. Louis Boy Scouts of America and on the board of Concordance Academy. Michael served as chairman of the board of trustees for his alma mater, Trinity University, in San Antonio, Texas, and in 2021, Trinity University named its business school, the Michael Neidorff School of Business in his honor. Having had a love for the arts, Michael served on the board of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, as a trustee for the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and as Treasurer of the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees. Michael was raised in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Trinity University and St. Francis College with a Master of Arts degree. Memorial donations in his name may be sent to the Siteman Cancer Center, the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, or a charity of your choice. HERSCHEL PRICE, March 30, 2022 Beloved husband of Margie Price. Dear father of Dennis Price, Melissa Price Smith and Teresa Price Bomkamp. Loving grandfather of Luke and Grace Smith and William and Charlie Bomkamp. Dear brother of the late Darwin (the late Marilyn) Price. Beloved son of the late Al Price and the late Frieda Price Bolozky. Dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend to many. Herschel was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, attended U. City High and graduated from Washington University. After college he enlisted in the Army where he served for six years, which included one year in Japan. After leaving the Army, he returned to St. Louis to help his mother run the family business. Herschel was a true entrepreneur and he opened several different businesses including a toy company, coffee service, and finally, the St. Louis Playboy Club where he met his future wife, Margie Stafford. Herschel and Margie worked side by side for years, and after he sold his last company he joined her at her promotional products company, Premiums Plus, as the CFO. Herschel and Margie enjoyed many of the same things, live entertainment, music, the St. Louis Blues, fine restaurants and diners, theatre, reading, and travel. He learned shortly after they were married that Margie loved sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinals. While he didn’t feel as strongly as she did about baseball, he watched and attended games with her, and his love for the game became much stronger when they went to their grandchildren’s games. The grandchildren were a source of joy up until the very end and he enjoyed hearing his daughters, Melissa and Teresa, share stories of what the grandchildren said or did. While his greatest passion was his family, a close second was his devotion to the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer. Herschel and Margie devoted years to raising awareness, and financial support, for many deserving local and national cancer related charities through their efforts with the Men’s Group.
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Herschel will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him; and when you think of him, honor his memory by doing what Herschel would do, go out and try to make a difference. A memorial service was held Friday, April 8 at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road. Contributions in Herschel’s memory may be made to the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer, 12951 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO, 63141. A Rindskopf-Roth Service ROBBIE SPETNER, April 2nd, 2022. Beloved husband of Stacey Spetner; Loving father of Lainey Spetner; Son of Helene and the late Alan Spetner; Brother of Amy Spetner Doughty (Chad); Son-in-law of Greg and Julie Faupel; Brother-in-law of Laura Myers (John) and Gregory Faupel; Uncle to Lilly, Caleb, and Zachary Doughty, and Lucas Myers. Robbie has had amazing friends in all areas of his life. He loved people. Robbie’s greatest passion was for his work as the chief operating officer of St. Louis T-Shirt, which he was a part of his whole life of 45 years. He was active in the Bowling and business community of St. Louis. Robbie found his greatest joys with his family. He was an amazing fun loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend who never passed up an opportunity to make a joke or laugh. He will be deeply missed. A funeral service was held Wednesday, April 6 at Congregation Temple Israel, #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive (Ladue and Spoede Roads). No visitation prior to service. Interment Chevra Kadisha Cemetery. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream information. Berger Memorial Service DR. DAVID L. SUPER, March 28, 2022 Beloved husband of Melissa “Missy” Ceresia Super; loving father of Gabriele, Jacob and Maxwell Super; dear son of the late Richard “Dick” Super and Sandra “Sandi” Super; dear brother and brother-in-law of Wayne Super (Deborah) and Pamela Super (Tim Kramer); dear son-in-law of Barbara Ceresia; dear brother-inlaw of Elizabeth “Betsy” Ceresia (Tom Morton) and Vincent Ceresia; dearest uncle and friend to so many. David was a cherished physician who cared deeply for his patients. He was a dedicated surgeon, educator, and mentor with the MERCY system for nearly 30 years. David also was an extremely compassionate, loving, supportive, and sensitive father and only wanted the very best for his family and friends. A graveside service was held Wednesday, March 30 at Beth Shalom Cemetery, 650 White Road. Memorial contributions preferred to Donate Life America, 701 E. Byrd Street, 16th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219. Please visit www. bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service STEPHANIE ELLIS ZUCKER, March 18, 2022 Beloved daughter of Eugene Ellis (Karen) and the late Carolyn Ginsburg (Alan); dear mother of Ryan Zucker and Eric Zucker; dear sister of Jennifer Forlizzi (Jeff), Chad Michael Ellis (Dr. Alysa), Kathryn Ashley Ginsburg (Mitchell Goldman), Greg Ginsburg (Zora), Kenny Ginsburg and Jeff Ginsburg (Melissa); dear aunt of Brynn Forlizzi, Jake Forlizzi, Henry Ellis, Jack Ellis, Charlie Ginsburg, Olivia Goldman, Izzy Ginsburg, Marty Ginsburg, Mitchell Ginsburg, Heather Ginsburg and Jared Ginsburg. Beloved cousin, niece, and friend. A memorial service was held Sunday, April 10 at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road at Ballas. Please use Main Sanctuary entrance on the south side of the building. There is no visitation prior to the memorial service. Memorial Contributions preferred to Parkinson’s Association or the charity of your choice. Please visit www.bergermemorialchapel. com for more information. Berger Memorial Service
American Flag symbol denotes a United States military veteran.
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Above, Dalia Oppenheimer and Jeff Glogower. Oppenheimer and Abby Goldstein received Jewish Federation’s David N. and Roselin Grosberg Volunteer Young Leadership Award.
On April 10, Jewish Federation of St. Louis held its “Here. For Good” event honoring the organization’s 120-year history. Above, Past Jewish Federation Board Chair Patty Croughan (right) is pictured with Fred A. Goldstein Award winners Karen Sher and Patty Bloom. Below, Federation President and CEO Brian Herstig is shown with St. Louis County Executive Sam Page and Jewish Federation Board Chair Greg Yawitz.
‘Here for Good’ event honors Federation’s history, future STORY & PHOTOS BY BILL MOTCHAN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
SP
TLIGHT
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PHOTOS FROM RECENT JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS SUBMIT A PHOTO: Have a photo of a recent Jewish community event you would like to submit? Email the image and a suggested caption to news@stljewishlight.org. VIEW MORE ONLINE: stljewishlight.org/multimedia
When Karen Sher and Patty Bloom meet Thursday morning for their weekly five-mile run, the two longtime friends will share a new honor: the Fred A. Goldstein Professional Leadership Award, presented by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Sher, vice president of community leadership & engagement at Jewish Federation, and Bloom, director of admissions and marketing at Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, received the award Sunday afternoon, April 10, at the Federation’s 120th-anniversary celebration. “It’s more of a calling than a career,” said Bloom. “We’re both so moved to put our skills toward serving our community.” Other awardees recognized at the event were Abby Goldstein and Dalia Oppenheimer who received the David N. and Roselin Grosberg Volunteer Young Leadership Award. Donn and Michele Lux accepted the RubinBrown Corporate Leadership Award on behalf of Luxco. Over 250 attendees filled the Kaplan Feldman Complex to celebrate the milestone anniversary. “It’s a tradition that people say, ‘May you live to be 120,’” said Greg Yawitz, Federation board chair. “This gives us a way to celebrate all the things we’ve done over the past 120 years both in the Jewish community of St. Louis and the overall community and celebrate a number that’s something special to us as a people. I’m excited to be the board chair when it’s happened, because we’ve done so much, and I know we’re going to do so much more.” The event offered an opportunity for members of the Jewish community to view the Federation’s new exhibit (read more about the exhibit on page 6A) that highlights the organization’s 120year history. During the awards presentation, elected official offered remarks about the significance of the Federation’s contributions to the St. Louis community. Proclamations were presented to Federation by St. Louis County Executive Sam Page and a representative of St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones. Also presenting proclamations were Missouri State Senator Jill Schupp and Missouri State Representatives Doug Clemens and Ladonna Appelbaum. “We can come together now that cases (of COVID) are dropping, and we can do this safely,” Yawitz said. “Now is the time to emerge and celebrate all the people who came before me and our past executives and give out awards to Abby Goldstein, Dalia Oppenheimer, Luxco, Karen Sher, and Patty Bloom. We can bring everyone together to celebrate not just 120 years but also to celebrate current people who are doing things now who are part of our future. “We made a commitment 120 years to ensure a vibrant Jewish community, one in which every individual in our community can live their life with dignity, meaning, and purpose.”
Above, Jewish Federation’s 120-year anniversary event also introduced a new exhibit in the lobby of the Kaplan Feldman Complex, tracing the organization’s roots in the late 1880s through today (see page 6A for more information on the exhibit). At right, Ken Rubin presents the RubinBrown Corporate Leadership Award to Donn and Michele Lux on behalf of Luxco.
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