CAMP & EDUCATION
Camp’s impact Lucy Greenbaum of Congregation Shaare Emeth writes that for her, camp proved to be a life-changing experience.
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Jewish groups look to bolster security in wake of Texas shul attack BY ERIC BERGER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
ST. LOUIS GROUP BLENDS FILM & FRIENDSHIP FOR 20 YEARS (AND COUNTING) BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
As the new president of PROMO, Missouri’s statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization, Dr. Ken Haller recalls being on a panel at Webster University’s LBGTQ film festival in 2016 discussing a documentary about marriage equality in Massachusetts. There were about 30 people in attendance, including, as Haller tells it: “This very nicely dressed woman with a nimbus of black hair and a Mary Tyler Moore smile asking all these really thoughtful questions and taking notes.” After the panel discussion, the woman approached Haller, 67, introduced herself and said, “I really loved your answers to the questions that were raised. I’m part of a group we call the movie salon, and we meet once a month. We pick a film to see, then we all go back to my place and discuss it. I was wondering if you’d like to join us.” Haller, a pediatrician, thought for a second. Movie salon participants dress for the occasion during a ‘Downton Abbey’ film viewing and discussion in 2019.
“It sounded like fun, so I went, and never looked back. I’ve been part of movie salon ever since.” The woman with the billowy cloud of dark curly hair Haller describes is Susan Fadem, who started the movie salon 20 years ago. If her name sounds familiar it’s because Fadem, an award-winning journalist who considers herself a “cultural Jew,” used to be a frequent contributor to the Jewish Light, among other publications. She also was the subject of a 2019 story in the Light that celebrated her marriage to Richard Andersen — the two met on Match.com in 2011, a year after Fadem’s first husband, Rod, passed away. But that was that story.
The start of the salon This story begins in 2002, when Susan Fadem and her husband Rod, would regularly go to the movies together, though rarely talk about them afterwards. “Rod didn’t like discussing them with anyone who didn’t agree with him,” recalled Fadem. “He was very funny about it, but we did not agree on movies. I would hate a movie and he would love it or vice-versa. And he would manage to talk first and tell me all the reasons he
Susan Fadem hated the movie. Then I’d say, ‘But I think,’ and Rod would — I kid you not — turn on the radio in the car.” Fadem grew frustrated. In her universe, if you can’t discuss something, it’s just not worth doing. A close friend, Ethel Dimont, who was quite a bit older than Fadem, would regale her with stories about a time when friends took streetcars to the St. Louis home she shared with her husband, Max, a notable Jewish history author. According to Ethel, they’d all sit around a long dining room table and have heady discussions or listen while See MOVIE SALON on page 19
Rabbi Amy Feder of Congregation Temple Israel attended rabbinical school with Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and recalls him having a “nonanxious presence.” So Feder wasn’t surprised to hear that Cytron-Walker remained calm while he and three others were held hostage by a gunman Jan. 15 at Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in Colleyville, Texas. A few hours into the crisis, the gunman released one hostage. Four hours after that, Cytron-Walker threw a chair at the assailant, which allowed him and the two other remaining hostages to escape. He told CNN that he and the others are alive because of security Rabbi Amy Feder training he and his congregation received from law enforcement, the Anti-Defamation League and the Secure Community Network, which secures Jewish institutions across the country. While Feder and other local rabbis also feel well prepared because they received similar security training, the Texas incident has prompted congregations to introduce or consider additional security measures, and rabbis to engage in soul-searching over whether, if faced with a similar threat, they would act as calmly as CytronWalker did. “Every time I get on the bimah, I think about it,” Feder said of the pulpit at the Reform synagogue in Creve Coeur. “That’s sort of just the reality, that we are always aware of who is in our community and who is walking in the doors and who we need to be keeping an eye on. So even though this was a very stark reminder (of the risk Jewish institutions face), it’s not a new thing.” In addition to the Colleyville attack, the American Jewish community has over the past decade faced several attacks that attracted international attention, including shootings at the Chabad of Poway in California; the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh; and at a kosher grocery store in New Jersey. The World Zionist Organization and the Jewish Agency recently released their annual See AFTER TEXAS ATTACK on page 6
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February 2, 2022
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INDEX Camp & Education...................................13
Newsmakers.............................................16
ChaiLights................................................. 17
Obituaries............................................20-22
Classifieds.................................................18
Opinions...............................................10-11
Features...............................................12-14
Simchas.....................................................18
Heart Health.............................................15
Spotlight Photos.......................................23
Local News..............................................3-6
World News............................................8-9
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Sign up for the Jewish Light’s newly revamped Israel newsletter The Light’s twice-monthly Israel email newsletter was relaunched last week, with a new look and more stories about Israel and its connections to St. Louis. Thanks to the generosity of several funders, including Galia Movitz, the Israel newsletter is dedicated to the memory of her husband, Milton Movitz, a former Light Board of Trustees president, whose love of the Jewish state was unsurpassed. Sign up for the Israel newsletter — and other Jewish Light newsletters, including the daily (except Shabbat and Jewish holidays) Your Morning Light — online at stljewishlight.org/newsletters. There is no cost to sign up for any of the newsletters and they will be sent directly to your inbox — it’s as easy as that.
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Native St. Louisan looks back on 20+ years in Jerusalem Hatikvah: “Our hope is not yet lost/ It is two thousand years old/ To be a free people in our land/ The land of Zion and Jerusalem.” Another great perk of living here is that at the age of 80, citizens are given a P’tor M’tor Card, meaning we are free to go to the head of the line. I have used my card at the airport, the post office, a restaurant, a department store dressing room and when waiting for an elevator. I truly miss this perk when I’m out of the country.
BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
In 1998, native St. Louisan Leah Elbaum Hakimian and her husband, Yusef, left St. Louis for Israel, where they made aliyah and settled in Jerusalem. They had been living in Clayton and raising four daughters. The family was a member of B’rith Sholom Kneseth Israel. Hakimian, 81, graduated from Washington University and earned a doctorate in education from St. Louis University. During her years here, she served as principal of Solomon Schechter Day School and associate executive director of Central Agency for Jewish Education. She also was founding director in 1995 of Connections St. Louis, a community-sponsored Jewish matchmaking program. Yusef Hakimian, a former president of the Board of Trustees at the Jewish Light, passed away in 2014. Leah continues to live in Jerusalem, where she volunteers at her synagogue and writes a column for the Jewish Week and contributes to the Jerusalem Post. She also is an active savta (grandmother); eight of her grandchildren and two great grandchildren live in Israel, as do two of her daughters. The other two are in the United States, along with two grandchildren and one great grandchild. We caught up recently with Hakimian to see how she was faring by asking, of course, a few questions.
Leah Hakimian is shown at a site overlooking the Golan Heights in November 2021. Hakimian is a former St. Louisan who made aliyah in 1998. You’ve been living in Israel for more than 20 years. What’s the best part? I really enjoy the “feel good moments.” When the extended Elbaum family gathers for a barbecue each year at a national park to celebrate Israel Independence Day. We are blessed to have in Israel 60-plus children/spouses/ grandchildren/great grandchildren of mine and my late sisters, Nancy Makovsky and Ruth Shane. (Our mom was born in Jerusalem and our dad in Safed. Their memory lives on.) Also, what continues to remain so meaningful is when I sing the words of the
How long did it take before you felt fully acclimated? What helped that process? Having so much family here helped us, but I would suggest trying to learn Hebrew. In truth, it is possible to live comfortably in Jerusalem without speaking Hebrew. But to be truly acclimated, it is important to speak the language. Even after 20-plus years, I still speak Hebrew with an American accent. But so did Golda Meir, Israel’s fourth prime minister. Any advice/suggestions to folks in St. Louis thinking of making aliyah? What’s the best way for them to prepare? Carefully choose the neighborhood where you want to live. In the most general of terms, Yusef and I both knew we wanted to live in Jerusalem and be part of a warm and active community. We didn’t want to live in a high-rise. We chose the neighborhood of French
Hill and, 23 years later, I’m happily living in the same home. And though I drive, I like walking: two minutes to the synagogue; three minutes to the supermarket, bank, three coffee houses and a bus stop; eight minutes to the post office and light rail stop; and 20 minutes to Hebrew University. As it turned out, there are three other women in the neighborhood who are from St. Louis and have lived here for more than 20 years: Rachel Majerowicz Cohen, Robbie Burman Shibi and Sasha Tamarkin Sedan. Interestingly enough, we didn’t know each other in St. Louis but met here in French Hill. I met Sasha when we were both doing civil guard rounds. Besides friends, what do you miss most about St. Louis? The Clayton Library, now known as the St. Louis County Library Mid County Branch. Until the age of 8, I went to Hempstead School on Minerva Avenue, and my mom would take us to the library every week — I think it was called the Wellston Library. Years later, as a mom, I’d take my daughters to the Clayton Library. Israel has great universities, but it does not have a great system of public libraries. In 1889, Andrew Carnegie wrote: “A library outranks any other thing a community can do to benefit its people.” And between 1886 and 1919, he paid for 1,679 library buildings. In my opinion, Israel today needs an Andrew Carnegie.
Kranzberg Family Foundation awards $74,000 to Jewish youth, young adult programs in St. Louis The Kranzberg Family Foundation, a supporting foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, is awarding $74,000 in grants to 17 local Jewish organizations. The Foundation received requests totaling over $166,000 this cycle. Established through a generous commitment from Ken Kranzberg, the Foundation’s purpose is to provide funds to benefit the Jewish community of St. Louis, specifically focused on the outreach to and engagement of future generations and creation of a vibrant, embracing, local Jewish community that will help retain and be attractive to young adults and fam-
ilies with young children. Applications are open to St. Louis areas 501(c)(3) organizations and congregations that align with the Foundation’s purpose. The 2022 recipients are: • Aish Hatorah St. Louis: Clean Speech St. Louis • BBYO: General Support, St. Louis Council • Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County: St. Charles Jewish Family Network • Chabad on Campus: Jewish Graduate Student Association / JGrads • Epstein Hebrew Academy: General Support for High School Division
• Hillel at Maryville University: General Support • Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis: Jew It Yourself • Jewish Community Center: Nishmah’s Girls and Young Women Programming • Jewish Community Relations Council: Student to Student General Support • Jewish Federation of St. Louis: PJ Library • Jewish Rock Radio: JKids Radio • Jewish Student Union: General Support • Next Dor STL: General Support • Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School: Mirowitz MLK Event - Small
Hands Big Difference • Shevet Keshet - Friends of Israel Scouts: Spring Camp & Community Outreach Program • St. Louis Jewish Light: Israel Through the Eyes of the Next Generation • St. Louis Kollel: Torah & Turf 2022 The Foundation has been active since 2008 and has given almost $900,000 to organizations in the St. Louis Jewish community since inception. The Kranzberg Family Foundation is overseen by a board composed of members of the Kranzberg family as well as Federation and community representatives.
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Jewish Federation and partners plan mental health trainings Jewish Federation of St. Louis and supporting partners will be presenting workshop opportunities focused on Jewish mental wellness. The workshops are part of Federation’s efforts to improve our community’s ability to respond to mental health challenges during the pandemic and beyond. Consistent with local and national trends, mental health and well-being has been one of the most persistent challeng-
es in the local Jewish community during the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent survey of our community organizations’ leadership found that mental health is the biggest need among their constituents right now, across many age groups and populations. The workshops will be facilitated by the Blue Dove Foundation and are targeted to staff of local Jewish organizations, rabbis and clergy, and general community mem-
bers. At these workshops, participants will learn how to make mental wellness a part of their community’s culture and Jewish practice and identify mental health concerns and how to address them. The workshop series agenda includes: • What it means to be inclusive, holistic, and responsive. • Applying Jewish values to conversations about mental wellness. • Recognizing when someone is in
need of help. • Offering support effectively. • How to share this information. All trainings will be held virtually and space is limited. For more information and to register, go to JFedSTL.org/ Mental-Health-Training. Supporting partners in the workshops are the Lubin-Green Foundation, JProStL, JFS, the J, and the Blue Dove Foundation.
LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS
27th Annual St. Louis Jewish Film Festival begins March 6 The 27th annual St. Louis Jewish Film Festival will be held virtually this spring, March 6-13, presenting a selection of documentary and feature films from around the world. While all films depict a piece of the Jewish experience, the themes are universal and are meant to appeal to all, regardless of faith. In addition to 13 compelling films, the Festival offers discussions with filmmakers and others associated with the films. A complete list of films and discussions, including trailers, can be found at stljewishfilmfestival.org. An all-Access Pass is $98 (plus fees) and individual films are $15 each (plus fees). Tickets are on sale and films will be available for purchase and viewing at community.jccstl.org, the J’s virtual platform. Festival co-chairs are Marilyn K. Brown, Jeffrey Korn and Paula Sigel. The festival is a program of the Jewish Community Center.
TI, Kol Rinah partner for mental health support Groups for adults ages 18-30 In life, we’ve all been dealt surprises and may not have expected to find ourselves in the lives that we are currently living. If this situation resonates with you, and you’d like to explore or make some changes but don’t know where to begin, these three sessions are an opportunity to take that first step. Three Sunday group sessions, led by licensed social worker and psychotherapist Joy Bassett, are being offered at no cost on Feb. 27, March 6 and March 13 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Participants are asked to commit to all three sessions and the location will be shared after RSVPing. To RSVP or if you are interested in learning more, email Bassett at bcs.jbbstl@gmail.com These sessions are presented in partnership by Congregation Temple Israel and Kol Rinah.
Crown Center hires new staff member Crown Center has hired Kate Massot as program coordinator. Massot comes to Crown Center after working as a service coordinator at the Brentmoor Retirement Community and most recently at Covenant Place, where she also coordinated resident programming and meal deliveries. She began work at Crown as program coordinator in December 2021 and is responsible for programming for Crown residents and Kate Massot senior adults living in the surrounding community.
Top row, from left: Beth Kodner, Emily Bornstein, Itta Boyko, Theresa Dattilo and Sally Lang. Bottom row, from left: Jessica Duneman, Debbie and Mike Lefton, Pam Appelman and Rabbi Scott Slarskey.
JProStL will present honors at March 3 event, with in-person and virtual options Eight professionals and two community leaders will be honored for their work within the St. Louis Jewish community at “Treasuring Our Professionals,” JProStL’s annual recognition event. The event will take place on Thursday, March 3, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in person at the Jewish Community Center and livestreaming. JProStL, an initiative of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, is the professional association for staff who work at 50 non-profit organizations, schools, and congregations affiliated with the St. Louis Jewish community. Mike and Debbie Lefton have been chosen as the recipients of the JProStL Partnership award, recognizing them as volunteer leaders who exemplify the laystaff relationship through commitments to the Jewish community and St. Louis region, ethical leadership, Jewish values, and acts of kindness. The 2022 Peer Honorees are: • Career Achievement: Sally Lang,
Director, Community Relations/HR Manager, St. Louis Jewish Community Center (the J) • Chesed/Kindness: Pam Appelman, Administrative Assistant at the Linda Rotskoff Early Childhood Center, Congregation B’nai Amoona • Dedication: Theresa Dattilo, Office Manager, Crown Center for Senior Living • Emerging Leader: Emily Bornstein, Director of Community Investment and Evaluation, Jewish Federation of St. Louis • Educator: Itta Boyko, Academic Principal, Epstein Hebrew Academy • Mentor: Beth Kodner, Director of Camp Emeth, Congregation Shaare Emeth • Pillar: Jessica Duneman, Director of Retail Operation at the NCJW Resale Shop, National Council of Jewish Women-St. Louis • Visionary: Rabbi Scott Slarskey, Director of Jewish Life, Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School. Recipients were chosen by a commit-
tee of JProStl leadership and former honorees, representing colleagues from across the community. Jessica Wax of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis is JProStl Special Events Chair. Sarah Z. Levinson of NORC is JProStl President, and Vice Presidents are Scott Berzon of Congregation Shaare Emeth and Liz Collins of Kol Rinah. Peer Awards co-chairs are Ellen Futterman of the St. Louis Jewish Light and Ashley Stockman of the J. Partnership Awards co-chairs are Rabbi Scott Shafrin of Kol Rinah and Heather Silverman of NCJWSTL. The event is free of charge for those employed at Jewish organizations. Guests are $25 for an in-person ticket and $18 to livestream. In-person participation will require proof of vaccinations and masks for all guests. For registration and tributes go to JFedSTL.org/JProStL22. For additional information, including sponsorships, contact Marci Mayer Eisen at 314-442-3810 or MEisen@JFedSTL.org.
NJT extends postponement of season opener, ‘Laughter on the 23rd Floor’ The New Jewish Theatre is extending the previously announced postponement of performances for “Laughter on the 23rd Floor.” The new dates for the production are March 24 to April 10. This further change in the schedule will result in the complete rescheduling of “Every Brilliant Thing,” which was to have been the second show in the NJT season. “I am disappointed to delay the opening of our 24th season however, in our
ongoing monitoring of the situation with the Omicron variant numbers it became clear that to continue to ensure the safety of our audience, artists and staff the right choice was to delay the production further,”said Edward Coffield, NJT artistic director. Current ticketholders will be contacted about the change in dates. NJT performs at the J’s Wool Studio Theatre, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. Individual tickets are $47-$54. Season
tickets and Flex Passes (a five-ticket package customized to the ticket holder’s preference) are available at the box office, online at newjewishtheatre.org or by phone at 314-442-3283. All NJT productions require proof of vaccination (both doses of Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or one dose of Johnson & Johnson). Vaccination card or photo accepted, plus photo ID. Masks must be always worn properly over nose and mouth by everyone.
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Covenant Place meal program receives $25,000 JCA grant Many older adults are advised by their physicians and children to eat more nutritiously but how the older adult is going to get to the grocery, afford the food, safely prepare it and meet all the food group requirements when cooking-for-one, is not addressed. For decades, Covenant Place, along with the Jewish Community Center and Crown Center for Senior Living, have been providing affordable meals to community older adults with support of federal funds disbursed by the Missouri organization, Aging Ahead. Government funds only partially cover the cost of the program. Annually, funds must be raised to support the affordable meals and to meet growing demand. The Jewish Federation of St. Louis has long been a strong supporter of the program. Over the past years, there has been an increase in the number of people seeking this food support, as COVID-19 has made vulnerable seniors wary of going to the grocery and as costs of food and labor have dramatically increased. “This $25,000 donation from the JCA Charitable Foundation means that we can manage the increase in costs over the next year and keep the program open to new participants,” said Covenant Place President and CEO Joan Denison. Currently, due to the pandemic, packaged fresh meals are delivered to Covenant Place residents’ apartments and are available at curbside pickup for seniors who reside in the greater community. “We’ve seen an uptick in request for kosher meals and an increase in participation from seniors from the greater community. Some are picking up meals for friends and neighbors that no longer drive,” Denison said. “We often hear how people are afraid to grocery shop during this time. As one program participant shared, “These meals are truly a mitzvah!” For more information on the program, call 314-2927693.
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J Associates plans 2nd Annual Fabulous Feud Live on March 12 In the same spirit as the popular television game show “Family Feud,” J Associates’ second annual Fabulous Feud Live on Saturday, March 12 will feature families from the community who will team up and square off against each other to play The Feud. Enjoy the show from the comfort of home as contestants battle it out while having fun and fundraising for the Jewish Community Center. An interactive Pregame Event will start the evening off at 6:45 p.m., followed by the Main Event at 7:30 p.m. Game show host for the evening is Ben Nordstrom, who has emceed several J Associates fundraising events. Six teams will compete during the evening, all comprised of five members (see photos of the teams on this week’s Spotlight photos page (page 23): • The Bald & the Beautiful: Andy Sandler, Julie and Monte Sandler, Lisa and David Moons • The Matzah Ballers: Rachel & Bryan Sanger, Diane Sanger, Stefanie & Bryce Woollen • Growe for the Gold: Gary Growe, Jennifer Growe Soshnik and Danny Soshnik, Rebecca and Jason Growe • The Baris Necessities: Judy and Keith Grosz, Rob Baris, Melissa and Jon Baris
• The Sabra Shabbat Playahs: Jenny Hoffman-Mentle, Terri Grossman, Steve Chorlins, Julie Shanker, Larry Opinsky • The Arbor Roots: Will Goldstein, Nancy Goldstein, Elizabeth Snidman, Susan and Jonathan Goldstein Proceeds from Fabulous Feud Live are allocated to various departments of the J. The J Associates support many of the 250+ J programs and services, including kosher Meals on Wheels, delivered to homebound seniors; Adult Day Services; Theatre Unlimited (for adults with disabilities); and various scholarships, which offer opportunities for children to attend the J’s Early Childhood Center, J Day Camps and Camp Sabra, the J’s residential camp. Fabulous Feud Live is co-chaired by Lisa Gubernik and Elise Krug with assistance from J Associates Vice President of Development, Amy Bennett and President, Debbie Lefton. Tickets are $50 for Main Event Pass or $125 for both interactive Pregame and Main Event. Sponsorship opportunities also remain. Tickets go on sale January 17 and may be purchased at jccstl.com/fabulousfeud or by contacting Beth Box, J Annual Fund Manager, bbox@jccstl. org or 314.442.3109.
Chabad on Campus ‘warmline’ aims to help students register for Birthright Israel trips To help make it easy for local students to register Chabad has opened a telephone ‘warmline’ (available during waking hours). The line will be answered by local trip experts who will help with the trip registration process and answer questions. Call or text 314-827-2525. “We anticipate extra demand this summer as there is a large group of applicants who were unable to travel during the height of the pandemic,” said Rabbi Hershey Novack of Chabad on Campus. Birthright Israel trips are available to Jewish young
adults who have never been to Israel on an educational tour with their peers. The program includes flights to Israel, accommodations at quality hotels, meals, a private bus, licensed tour guides, entry fees, emergency medical insurance, and more. A $250 deposit is required to secure a seat and will be returned after the trip. The 10-day trip has two scheduled departure options for area students on May 16 and 23. Additional dates may be added based on need. To register for the trip, visit www. mayanot.me.
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After Texas attack: Jewish groups look to ways to bolster security CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Antisemitism Report, which declared 2021 the worst year for antisemitism in a decade. The attacks and increased concerns about antisemitism have prompted Jewish organizations to invest additional money in security. In 2017, Jewish Federation of St. Louis hired Scott Biondo as community security director on a parttime, interim basis. He now works full time for the organization, which also allocated $350,000 in December 2019 to enhance security at local Jewish facilities. Biondo said he thinks Cytron-Walker received the same training as St. Louis rabbis — and that it worked. The rabbi remained close to an exit, which provided him with options, and tried to deescalate the situation by continuing to talk with the attacker. “The options-based training that we use provides the person with the ability to evaluate the threat based on the proximity to them and then [determine] what option makes the most sense,” Biondo said. Rabbi Ze’ev Smason of Nusach Hari B’nai Zion, an Orthodox congregation in Olivette, said Federation helped the synagogue by providing funding to improve security at the building and by making Biondo available for training and to answer questions. That has “given us a much greater feeling of security and confidence, although ultimately one can never be too secure, nor should one ever let one’s guard down,” Smason said. “I am filled with admiration from the way that [CytronWalker] responded.” Feder said that at a Jan. 25 Temple Israel board meeting, the head of the security committee discussed the state of the congregation’s safety measures and “really just reminded us that we are in pretty good shape. We feel that that we have spent the time and money and resources to do everything we can.” Despite the confidence that the local rabbis feel because of the training and security upgrades in recent years, they
Jewish Federation’s Community Security Director, Scott Biondo, speaks during a panel discussion on ‘Keeping Religious Communities Safe’ at Central Reform Congregation on Jan. 20. The event, planned by Interfaith Partnership of St. Louis and CRC, was broadcast via Zoom. PHOTO: PHILIP DEITCH
are still trying to bolster their systems. Five Jewish organizations are scheduling security training, Biondo said. At the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association meeting Jan. 25, members decided to seek training that is specific to clergy. Since the Colleyville incident, Central Reform Congregation has added security officers to work during drop-off and pickup for the congregation’s preschool and is considering whether it needs to have safety drills during the synagogue’s religious school on Shabbat, Rabbi Daniel Bogard From left: Rabbi Ze’ev Smason of Nusach Hari B’nai Zion, Rabbi Noah Arnow of Kol Rinah and Rabbi Daniel Bogard of Central Reform Congregation.
said. “The Jewish world that we grew up in, that I grew up in in St. Louis, certainly no longer exists when it comes to antisemitism,” Bogard said. “I think we need to have some really strategic conversations about how we respond to this new reality. … What are the proactive things that we could be doing?” Since the Colleyville incident, Kol Rinah has provided the Clayton Police Department with a floor plan for its new building to help law enforcement should the Conservative congregation find itself in a similar situation. Rabbi Noah Arnow of Kol Rinah said the recent terrorism “doesn’t make me more nervous but, of course, it’s made me think about whether I would have been able to do what Rabbi Cytron-Walker did if I were in his place. I can’t imagine anyone acting with more kindness and patience and heroism than he did. I hope I would do half as well.” While the local rabbis said they don’t
think the attacks in recent years have kept people from coming to synagogue, many people have stopped coming to synagogue because of another threat: COVID-19. NHBZ is open for services but requires all attendees to wear masks. The synagogue has a quarter to a third as many attendees as it did before the pandemic, Smason said. “There are people who are scared and understandably so,” Smason said. But with regard to the threat posed by terrorism, Smason said that in addition to taking security precautions, the best thing the Jewish community can do is to come to synagogue more often. “Our response to hate and antisemitism is: You’re not going to beat us. You’re not going to beat us,” Smason said. “And on the contrary, whenever something like this happens, we are going to respond by strengthening our commitment to Judaism and our participation in Jewish communal life.”
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February 2, 2022
WORLD NEWS
JTA
Despite the continuing COVID chaos and the mounting protests about China’s human rights record, the 2022 Beijing Olympics are proceeding on schedule, just six months after the delayed Tokyo games — and we have your guide to the Jewish athletes who are on their way. In Tokyo, dozens of Jewish athletes competed, and many clinched medals. The Winter Olympics are typically a smaller affair, with fewer sports and fewer countries participating. Nevertheless, we’re excited to cheer on these Jewish athletes from the United States, Israel and Canada. The Beijing games begin Feb. 4 and run through Feb. 20, and the Paralympics will be held March 4 through March 13.
Jason Brown, figure skating, US The most well-known Jewish athlete competing in Beijing is 27-year-old figure skater Jason Brown. He competed in the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, winning bronze in the team event with team USA, but narrowly missed competing in 2018 in Pyeongchang (he went as the team’s first alternate). But Brown is back, and qualified after skating to the theme from “Schindler’s List” at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships this month. “My background, obviously, is Jewish, and the story is so touching,” he said about his decision to skate to the Holocaust movie’s theme. “I grew up learning about the Holocaust and about Now available on three popular
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From left to right: Alexei Bychenko, David Warsofsky, Jason Brown, Mollie Jepsen, Emery Lehman.
Hailey Kops and Evgeni Krasnopolski, pairs skating, Israel
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A year ago, 19-year-old New Jersey native Hailey Kops was studying in a Jerusalem seminary on her gap year before heading to nursing school, thinking her competitive skating days were over. Israel’s team gave her a call and an opportunity in June, and just over six months later, she’s heading to Beijing. She teamed up with Evgeni Krasnopolski, a 33-year-old Olympic veteran who was born in the Soviet Union and moved to Israel when he was three years old. He will be Israel’s flag-bearer at the opening ceremony on Feb. 4. This is the first Olympics for Kops, who is Modern Orthodox — an extreme rarity in Olympic competition — but skates on Shabbat. “From a young age, I integrated the two. It is definitely normal for me,” she said. DUETTE HONEYCOMB SHADES “When there’sona three will, popular there’s a way,” she WITH DUOLITE Now available told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Hunter Douglas window fashions, the Duolite® design option seamlessly combinesspeed two shades Emery Lehman, skating, US inEmery one. It provides softly diffused Lehman’s first love was hockey, Rebates starting at Rebates starting at light when you want it, six andyears room-old, growwhich he picked up at REBATES STARTING AT *up in the darkening privacy need it. ing Oakwhen Parkyou Chicago suburb. A
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few years later, his Jewish mom — who as of 2018 was a development executive for the American Friends of the Hebrew University of Israel — convinced him to give speed skating a try, and he excelled. (He hasn’t given up hockey, either — in college at Marquette University, he played defense for their club hockey team.) At age 13, he became a national champion, and at 17, he qualified for the 2014 Winter Olympics. He competes in the 5,000 and 10,000 meter races. At the 2018 Olympics, he also competed in the Team Pursuit race. As he wrote on Instagram after qualifying for Beijing, “About time I’m one of the old guys on the team.” He’s only 25.
Taylor Gold, snowboarding, US Taylor Gold is going for gold at the Beijing Winter Olympics. How many times do we think he has heard that joke? For Gold, 28, this is his second Olympics — he competed in Sochi, and got injured during the 2017-2018 season, which forced him to miss Pyeongchang. At the 2018 Games, his younger sister Arielle Gold — also a snowboarder — won bronze in the women’s halfpipe event. Arielle retired and won’t be competing this Olympics cycle.
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The third Jewish player on Canada’s hockey team is Jason Demers, a 33-yearold defenseman who spent time in the NHL but currently plays in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League. He discovered his Jewish roots later in life on his father’s side of the family. Demers made his NHL debut back in 2009, playing for the San Jose Sharks, and represented Team Canada for the first time in 2013 during an NHL lockout. Thanks to Demers, Ho-Sang and Levi, Canada men’s hockey team will be the most Jewish team in Beijing.
Josh Ho-Sang, hockey, Canada
Mollie Jepsen, Para-Alpine skiing, Canada
ABOVE: American snowboarder Taylor Gold competes in the Men’s Halfpipe Qualification Heats during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Feb. 11, 2014. PHOTO: CAMERON SPENCER/GETTY IMAGES
BELOW: Israeli skier Noa Szollos during the Women’s Alpine Combined Slalom at the 3rd Winter Youth Olympic Games, at Les Diablerets Alpine center, Switzerland, Jan. 11, 2020. PHOTO: XINHUA/WU HUIWO VIA GETTY IMAGES
Alexei Bychenko, figure skating, Israel Bychenko was born in Kyiv, Ukraine and represented his native country in international competition until 2009. But in 2010, he became an Israeli citizen and started skating under the Israeli flag, becoming the first Israeli skater to win a medal at the European Championships — a silver in 2016. Bychenko competed for Israel in the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics, and the 33-year-old is set to return to the Olympic stage this February. In 2018, Bychenko served as Israel’s flag bearer at the Pyeongchang Opening Ceremonies and placed 11th in the men’s competition. He’s looking to place higher this time around — he will skate to “Words” by Israeli singer-songwriter Harel Skaat for his short program and the theme from “Pirates of the Caribbean” for his free skate.
Devon Levi, hockey, Canada Joining Josh Ho-Sang on the Canadian men’s hockey team is Devon Levi, a 20-year-old goalie from the Jewish Montreal suburb of Dollard-DesOrmeaux, where he attended Hebrew Foundation School, a Modern Orthodox Jewish day school. He currently plays for Northeastern University Huskies, and his spot on the Olympic squad makes him the first men’s hockey Olympian from the Boston school. In the words of the Northeastern Hockey blog, “Levi is in the midst of the greatest goaltending season in Northeastern program history, and one of the greatest seasons in NCAA history. He has played every minute of every game for the Huskies.” He has notched nine shutouts so far this season, helping the Huskies achieve a 16-5-1 record. This isn’t Levi’s first time representing Canada — most recently, he played in the
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Jason Demers, hockey, Canada
The Golds come from a sporty Jewish family: born and raised in Steamboat Springs, Colo., their father, Ken, was a professional moguls skier. In Beijing, Gold will be one of 14 athletes from Colorado. He’s involved in Protect Our Winters, a nonprofit working to fight climate change.
This season, Canadian Jewish hockey player Josh Ho-Sang had an impressive debut with the Toronto Marlies, the top affiliate team of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Ho-Sang, 26, is Jamaican and Chinese on his father’s side and Russian-Jewish and Swedish on his mother’s side. “I’ve grown up Jewish,” Ho-Sang once said in an interview. “I have always celebrated the Jewish holidays like Hanukkah and the High Holidays with family and friends.” Since the NHL announced that its players will not participate in the Games, it has left Olympic roster spots open for rising stars like Ho-Sang. According to one analysis, “It’s entirely possible that following his Olympic appearance that the Leafs will get him under contract.” Could Beijing be the start of Ho-Sang’s NHL career?
February 2, 2022
Mollie Jepsen is a phenom: she medalled in four out of the five events she competed in at the 2018 Pyeongchang Paralympics. The West Vancouver, British Columbia native was born missing fingers on her left hand, and competes under the LW6/8-2 classification, for skiers with an upper extremity issue. This means she skis with only one pole. Since her Paralympic debut, she was also diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, and missed an entire season. But she has had a remarkable comeback season ahead of the 2022 Paralympics, so don’t be surprised to see Jepsen on the podium in Beijing.
David Warsofsky, hockey, US Warsofksy, 31, has played for four different NHL teams, but currently plays in Germany for ERC Ingolstadt — he’s another player benefiting from the NHL’s decision not to let their players enter the Games. The former captain of the U.S. Under-18 national team in 2007-08 is married and has a one-year-old son; when he’s not competing in Germany, he resides in Denver. 2021 World Junior Championship. It’s unclear whether or not he will be the starter on the Olympic team, as the two other goaltenders are both older and more experienced.
Noa and Barnabas Szollos, skiing, Israel Thoughts of Israel usually involve blazing desert sunlight and humidity — not skiing. But the Szollos siblings are looking to change that. Known as Israel’s “ski siblings,” they were born in Budapest, Hungary, and now train in Austria. There are three of them: Noa, Barnabás, and
Benjamin, who all compete for Israel in the FIS Alpine World Cup. (Benjamin did not make the Beijing cut.) Their father Peter used to ski professionally for Hungary as well, before earning Israeli citizenship. At age 16, Noa won two medals at the Youth Olympic Games, becoming the first Israeli athlete to medal at a winter Olympic event. Though it was the youth games, she said, “I’m very proud to be the first champion from Israel to reach the Winter Games podium. It’s such a strong feeling to be able to represent the country in this way.” Now 18, Noa and her brother Barnabas, 23, will both ski for Israel in Beijing.
Vladislav Bykanov, Speed skating, Israel Vladislav “Vlad” Bykanov, like many of his fellow Israeli winter Olympic teammates, was born in the former Soviet Union, in Ukraine. He moved to Israel in 1994, at age 5, and now splits his time between Kiryat Shmona, Israel, and Heerenveen, in the Netherlands. Vykanov started speed skating at age 8 and competed for Israel at the 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics. In 2014, he was given the honor of serving as Israel’s flag bearer in the opening ceremony. He skates in the 500 meter, 1,000 meter, and 1,500 meter races; his best result was 19th place in the 500 meter in Sochi.
Page 10
February 2, 2022
OPINIONS
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Viewpoints expressed in letters, commentaries, cartoons and other opinion pieces reflect those of the writer or artist, and not those of the Light. We welcome submissions of letters and commentaries to: news@stljewishlight.org
BY STACEY NEWMAN
From left: Stacey Newman, Kendall Martinez-Wright, Tyler McClay (Missouri Catholic Conference), Jessica Piper, Rabbi Chaim Landa, Noah Kleinlehrer, Rep. Adam Schwadron, Helen Turner (St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum), Allysa Banford (JCRC), Amy Lutz (Holocaust Museum), Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh (Temple Emanuel) and Robert Kleinlehrer. ing testimony, as did Rabbi Chaim Landa of the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles. Retired high school teacher Jessica Piper drove eight hours from her northwest rural farm to tell the committee: “I’ve taught the story of Anne Frank and ‘Night’ by Elie Wiesel, teaching tough literature because stepping into someone else’s shoes and seeing the world through marginalized eyes leads to empathy, understanding and, often, solidarity.” I testified on behalf of my husband, Burt, who, as a second-generation Holocaust survivor, regularly spoke to school and faith groups at the Holocaust museum in St. Louis. It was my first time back in the Missouri Capitol in three years, and I spoke of the survival story of
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‘Never again’: Bill would expand Holocaust education in Missouri Sometimes, in the darkest of times, there appears a small flickering light. Last week, I was honored to be among a formidable group that testified in the state capital in favor of HB2000, a bill promoting a week of (age appropriate) Holocaust education in Missouri public schools. It is sponsored by Rep. Adam Schwadron, R-St. Charles, one of two Jewish members in the state House. Each person testifying had a powerful story. As I scanned the faces of those on the House committee for reactions, I saw a softening, a recognition of humanity. Yes, a few members also were advancing bills to ban “uncomfortable” books and the teaching of accurate history. Noah Kleinlehrer, a senior at Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School (MICDS), brought the Holocaust bill idea to Schwadron. HB2000 would expand the Missour i Holocaust Education Commission statute signed into law in 2006. Noah was the first to testify, telling the story of his grandfather’s survival, the impetus for his bill, as his proud parents, Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh Kleinlehrer of Temple Emanuel and Robert Kleinlehrer, watched. Noah was emphatic. “I believe we must make ‘never again’ a reality,” he said. “If we stay silent and do not act, we validate the very essence of the ‘final solution,’ which is apathy, to turn a blind eye and to forget.” Helen Turner of the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum and Allyssa Banford of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) also gave inspir-
JEWISH LIGHT
Burt’s grandmother, Sophie Neumann, whom Burt and his cousin Ellen Mandel have immortalized in a treasured family book. I showed the committee a copy of Sophie’s handwritten list of her sisters and their respective death camps, most murdered at Auschwitz-Birkinau. Our collective testimonies included the names of family members who were among the six million Jews taken from their homes, marched to starvation and gassed, the majority at AuschwitzBirkinau. We emphasized the unimaginable horrors, even though it was uncomfortable to hear. We were determined to appeal to the committee’s hearts, knowing that many had never met a Jewish person or knew much about the Holocaust.
Stacey Newman, a former Missouri state representative, is the executive director of ProgressWomen, a statewide social justice group focused on justice and equality issues. Because few survivors are alive today, we were firm that our collective voices must overpower Holocaust deniers. As a former House member, I can’t recall that many Jewish professionals ever testifying together during a hearing, particularly to a body that frequently uses inflammatory Nazi slurs and Holocaust references in bill debates. I vividly recall that during a hearing before a committee on which I served, a skinhead wannabe wildly invoked the Holocaust. I waited for the committee chair or anyone to shut down his ugly words. No one did. So, I did. I will never forget the look of horror on the faces of people in the room, many of whom knew I was the only Jew on that committee and the intended target. Last week, we saw a glimmer of hope in that Jefferson City basement hearing room amid increasing antisemitic threats to synagogues, neighborhoods and families. We explained that Jews live in fear in Missouri, as they do across the nation. As emotional as it was to be there, we insisted that these threats have to stop. We defiantly said that antisemitism must be overpowered. Twenty-two states, including Texas, Florida and Arkansas, have recently signed similar Holocaust education bills into law. Schwadron, who grew up at Temple Israel in St. Louis, believes strongly that HB2000 can be passed into law in Missouri. I’ve vowed to help him do just that. “Never again” is not just a slogan or a hashtag. It’s our mission.
D’VAR TORAH
Parashat Terumah: Where is God to be found? BY NEAL ROSE
The Rebbe of Kotzk was once asked: “Where is God to be found?” He famously answered” God is found wherever we let God in.” At first the question seems to be about a specific geographic location (like a synagogue, a temple, or another sacred space). This week’s Torah reading (Parashat Terumah) tells us that letting the Divine into our lives is related to how we conduct ourselves (ie. the way we relate to others) rather than where. Previous Torah readings dealt with the origins and history of our people. However, beginning with this Parasha (Terumah) we learn about the construction of the portable sanctuary or the tabernacle (known in Hebrew as the Mishkan). The Hebrew term Mishkan, most likely is derived from the Hebrew root meaning “to dwell” or “to live in”, indicating a place that is fit to receive the Presence of the Holy One. Whenever our people travelled, they broke the portable sanctuary apart, and when they arrived at their location it was, once again, erected according to the Divine blueprint. Then it was ready to welcome the Presence into its midst. Because it was such an important project one might have believed that each individual had to contribute a specific amount.
Or, perhaps, there might have been a sliding scale based on the wealth or the size of each family. Yet, this was not the case. Rather, it was left to the choice of each individual donor. Perhaps this was because the tabernacle was such a sacred space, one that should be available to each individual equally. Therefore every person had to feel comfortable with their donation, so that they did not feel alienated from the very structure they were building. When read in the original Hebrew the point is made even more clearly - it says everyone should donate according to “the generosity of their heart” (Yidvenu Libo), since unless the heart is in it, they will not feel connected to what others regard as the house of God. The teachers of the Jewish ethical discipline know as Mussar see this text as a paradigm for the Middah known as Nidivut, generosity of soul. The spirituality of generosity extends not only to the giving of money or other possessions, generosity of soul extends to to the way we make ourselves available to all of life. The Mussar teachers understand generosity as an aspect of the Divine (Chesed) and therefore when we behave in a generous way we are, in fact, acting like God:or as the Kotzker Rebbe said,”we are making room for God” … allowing God to enter.
Rabbi Neal Rose 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. Our family has been in mourning since the death of our dear friend, Rabanit Malka Goodman. Malka and my wife Carol have been friends since they were both 12 years old. Malka and her late husband, Rabbi Philip Goodman, shared a wide range of life‘s experiences with us. Malka died quite suddenly about a month ago. Due to COVID we attended several evenings of shiva, via Zooom. During those condolence visits we heard the stories of many of Malka’s students in both the early years program, and in the Hebrew school where she taught for many years. Among the mourners were several of the children of her former students.They were her students as well! And in the memories from these multigenerational students we heard how Malka was a master of the soul trait known as Nidivut, generosity of the soul. Malka was the person other teachers went to when they were unable to deal with
difficult students. One such student, now a rabbi himself, told us that Malka welcomed him with unconditional love and acceptance: “She was my first spiritual master,” he said, “my Rebbe of love.” When the young man finished his reflections his wife spoke softly and tearfully. It seems that at an early stage in their married life they encountered very serious issues and they almost broke up. The young wife, knowing how much her husband valued Malka’s opinion, turned to her for couple counseling. After sharing her own personal experience with marital issues, the young woman came to understand the nature of her husband’s behavior. Subsequently they returned to their marriage and they are now the parents of two sweet children. Both were so thankful to Malka. Another story about the beauty of this generous soul was shared by a young women who also spoke of Malka’s ability to love those she taught. At the conclusion of her remarks she introduced us to a newborn baby: please welcome our little daughter, Malka, she said. I share these stories with you because Malka Goodman’s generosity of soul, for me, is a powerful example of how Niddivut, human generosity, allows us to experience the presence of the Divine in the midst of the world we inhabit. May her memory continue to be a blessing. Shabbat Shalom.
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February 2, 2022
Page 11
Missouri’s women senators unite for literacy BY JILL SCHUPP
The Eleven. That’s the shorthand name I’ve given to the bipartisan group of women who currently serve in Missouri’s senate. Eleven is an historic number. It is more women serving together in the upper chamber than ever before in Missouri’s history. For perspective, there are a total of 34 senators each session. And throughout Missouri’s 200 years, 36 women in total have served in our senate. Only 36. And while it is true women have only been able to vote for about half that time, there is no semblance of proportionality when you consider that 1,118 men have served as state senators. So when a Capitol regular who works well with both sides of the aisle let us know that one of our department heads was offering to let us, the senate women, use her husband’s “man cave” for a relaxing evening of agenda-free home-cooked dinner and down time this past March, many of us thought that sounded novel and welcome. Food and beverages were plentiful, and the setting was so welcoming. We talked and laughed, enjoying the informality and each other’s company. The topic of our heretofore unmatched number of 11 senate women during the state’s bicentennial year led to a conversation about doing something positive together that would benefit the people of Missouri. As each of us chimed in with ideas, the energy was palpable, and we were practically (or maybe actually) jumping out of our seats with excitement. Two of us will have served together for 14 years after this session — three terms in the House and two terms in the Senate. Over these years of matching roles and shared chambers, we knew and respected each other, but didn’t really work together,
Jill Schupp is a Democratic member of the Missouri Senate, representing the 24th district consisting of the western suburbs of St. Louis. didn’t really personally connect. That evening marked the beginning of change. The topic the group enthusiastically chose was “literacy.” This decision proved to be a critical one, borne out by the numbers. According to a Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education report in 2019, less than half of our students scored at or above grade level in reading. We want every Missouri child to read on grade level by the end of third grade. It will change young lives for the better. It will open doors of opportunity throughout a lifetime. That evening, our bi-partisan group decided on a three-pronged program. Exploring, studying and researching best practices will result in our plan or policy to move Missourians to literacy. This is the first of our three-prong program. We are still learning, planning and working. The second prong was the idea of my longtime Republican counterpart, Sen. Jeanie Riddle. She suggested we write a book about our journeys to the Senate to engage and involve both children and adults. Our different lives and lifestyles were evidence that serving as senators was not the result of some special demographic or magic formula. And just as we each became senators, our message to young people would be “You Can, Too!” Amazingly, our excitement has been generously supported. The book was completely underwritten by the Missouri
Humanities Council, and Missouri Life printed and published the book. The second prong of our program is now complete. All 36 of the women who served, or their families, participated in writing the stories for the book. The book has a treasure hunt that starts on the back cover to get young readers engaged in searching through the book, and a “mirror” making the reader part of the story. Prong Three is about taking our message across the state. What if everyone in Missouri joins us in getting excited about reading, not just in the quiet of their living rooms or library, but publicly? What if we had communities coming together to talk about books? Barbers and hairdressers, restaurant workers, car dealers, people at churches, mosques and synagogues — what if they all had books for their visitors, especially the young ones, to enjoy? What if adults made a habit of bringing along a book when they were running errands or visiting others? What if our radio stations and newspapers and television stations devoted a little time to talking about a book to draw in the young ones alongside the adults in the room? What a special way to spend some intergenerational time exploring books. So the 11 of us plan to travel the state, meeting with leaders and community members who want to cheer on reading. Our project has helped us build new relationships, including with each other. During a legislative impasse that resulted in Gov. Mike Parson having to call a special legislative session this past September, with literally billions of federal dollars on the line, it was the women of the Senate who came together, agreed on a bipartisan solution and got the legislation passed. This year, we continue working together, whether it is co-sponsoring legislation or simply sitting down and having real conversations instead of just retreating to
Books can be purchased for $14.95 by visiting https://bit.ly/Missouri-Senate. If you work with young people, you may qualify for a copy donated by Missouri Humanities Council. Please reach out to Jill.Schupp@senate.mo.gov to make arrangements. our corners. No doubt some of the most divisive issues will remain so, but our budding friendships and mutual respect have done what you, our constituents, always ask for us to do. We are talking. We are breaking bread and sharing ideas. We are looking for common ground. None of us will sacrifice our principles. But new ideas and understanding allow us to work more closely together for the greater good and the betterment of Missourians. And if our efforts are successful, we are hopeful they will have a lasting impact. Our focus is on helping children learn to read so they can read to learn. Literacy got us here. Join us in this effort to give kids the tools they need for their tomorrow. In so many ways, it can open up new worlds.
10-year challenge churns up an emotional storm BY SUZANNE EPSTEIN-LANG
In case you have been living under a rock, there was a popular challenge on social media recently in which participants posted a photo of themselves 10 years ago, along with a current one. Though I see its pitfalls, I must admit I love social media for wholesome fun just like this. But this one sent me into a spiral, and it is not because of the inevitable pounds gained, gray hair found and wrinkles that have appeared in the past decade. Believe me, there are plenty of these things. But it’s the change in my family that has me “in the feels,” as the saying goes. Looking for a selfie from 2012 (did I know the word selfie in 2012?), I stumbled across a bunch of photos I had taken of craft projects, decor in our home and my children. The latter two were for my long-abandoned blog (blogs were so 2012), and they could have passed for insignificant except that they reminded me of the way we were living at that time. It all seems so alien to me now and tugs at my heart in the most devastating way. My kids were 4 and 6. We had just graduated from the baby phase of life, but they were not yet in the serious upper grades of elementary school. We were busy planting succulents for Tu B’Shevat, making pom pom wreaths for Valentine’s Day, baking challah for Shabbat every week and doing some other activity every day in between. We were planning a magical fairy playdate, eagerly awaiting the groundhog’s arrival, shuttling back and forth to dance lessons and endlessly reorganizing our toy room. I was practicing law part time, but my youngest daughter thought my actual job was being the room mother. I was
Suzanne Epstein-Lang is a lawyer, social worker, wife and mom endlessly striving to eat healthier, get organized and celebrate life’s moments. She and her family belong to Central Reform Congregation. Above, she is shown with her family in 2012 and in more recent image. miffed by this because I was working to show our daughters an example of a “professional woman.” We lived so communally then. My friends’ children were my children’s friends. Our social sphere revolved around activities that we planned each weekend to entertain the kids: trips to the pumpkin patch, orchard, Science Center, Magic House and COCA Family Theater series. We hosted and attended more dinner parties than I can recall where the kids retreated to the basement. The kids no longer needing constant supervision but still emptied every last drawer and closet. The adults sat upstairs blissfully unaware of all the changes ahead of us in the next decade. That is until we had to go down
and watch the inevitable “show” that signaled the end of the evening. As cute as my children were and as talented as they actually turned out to be, I hated the show. Sitting in the basement watching their entertainment, I could not help but want to pick up all the toys and chaos around. My mind was already racing to the dishes upstairs and the chores of bedtime. We had to bathe, brush teeth, read books, sing a song or two, and say the shema all before my husband and I could watch a few minutes of adult television together. My second-grader would grasp me so tightly, begging me to stay longer. I can still feel her tiny arms gripping me. I must admit that there were moments when I tried to get away.
What I didn’t know is that our life was pretty simple. No friends had died. We had not experienced the painful moment of early childhood friendships changing and did not know what it would be like when our friend’s children and our children no longer wanted to play in the basement together. No one had gotten so specialized in their activities that they had moved on to the select team. We were blissfully unaware of teenage angst, big kid problems or college applications. None of us could have imagined that we would live in a pandemic (I’m still grappling with that one). Here I am 10 years later, marveling at how much life has changed with two high schoolers. My babies have turned into beautiful young women while my husband and I are simply a decade older. The thing that gets me are not these physical changes but that in a blink of an eye, my children are no longer little children. They are firmly in high school, buzzing about with their own lives. A family dinner is no longer something I can assume will happen, let alone something I can orchestrate with another family. My girls are ready to launch soon, but I’m not ready to let them go. The 10-year challenge was more challenging than I thought. The worst part is imagining that the kids don’t remember any of this the same way my husband and I do. I’m no longer upset that my daughter thought my job was to be the room mother. If anything, I hope what she remembers is that my most important job was to be her mom. If I could go back in time, I would savor all the basement talent shows and never wish for one second less in the tight grip of those tiny arms. I’m bracing myself for what the next 10 years will bring.
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FEATURES ARTS AND CULTURE
FOOD
HOLIDAYS
LIFESTYLES
FIRST-PERSON
No cliché: Camp can be a life changer BY LUCY GREENBAUM SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
C
amp changed my life. Maybe that’s a little cliché, but for me it is entirely true. And I know the same is true for so many others who have attended or worked at summer camps throughout their lives. Camp is a place where we are able to lean on each other, on our community, while exploring the deepest parts of ourselves. As a kid, I went to many summer camps and experiences: the local Jewish Community Center
day camp, a Jewish sleepaway camp in northern Arizona, Quaker family camp with my aunt and cousins, and Showchoir Camps of America, just to name a few. I loved all of my experiences but never felt like any of them was the perfect fit for me to come back summer after summer. The summer after my junior year of high school, I was planning to attend Showchoir camp again, until my cantor told me about a Jewish leadership camp in New York. She helped me apply and find scholarships to be able to attend the monthlong program at the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Kutz Camp. That summer truly changed my life.
For a month, I was able to learn about song leading, explore secular music through a Jewish lens, meet other teen leaders who were excited about creating Jewish experiences for their peers and meet many Jewish professionals who had made working for the Jewish people their life mission. I came back from that summer not only energized, but ready with the tools and skills needed to create community through song. The following summer, I landed a job as a song leader and counselor at URJ Camp Newman in Santa Rosa, Calif. I knew almost no one when I See SUMMER CAMP on opposite page
ABOVE: Lucy Greenbaum (above) is the Music & Youth Engagement Director at Congregation Shaare Emeth, where she leads worship services, teaches in the religious school, coordinates youth group events, and works with Camp Emeth in the summers.
THE ARTS IN ST. LOUIS
Seemingly ubiquitous, the poster deserves a closer look BY NANCY KRANZBERG
I clipped an interesting article from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch a few months ago, which made reference to the Poster House museum in New York City. I was shocked to find that is the only museum in the United States devoted to poster art. The story, written by Courtney Lichterman of the Washington Post, notes, “Whether they encourage the purchase of baking powder or the start of an uprising, whether they hang in the bedrooms of preteens or on the walls of the subway, whether they center on turmoil or travel, posters are universally used means of communication. Although they might not always be recognized as such, posters — both visually and in terms of their content — have been a vital part of all our lives, no matter what our age or where we have been on the planet.” Poster House is dedicated to presenting the impact, culture and design of posters,
both as historical documents and methods of contemporary visual communication. Through temporary exhibitions, a growing permanent collection, and educational events, Poster House explores the enormous impact of posters on society and culture, and how they have been adapted to contemporary use. For a poster to succeed, it must communicate combining the power of images and words. Poster House explores everything from avant-garde design to changing societal norms, and all fads and fashions over the last 160 years. An article on the Posters & Billboards website (ngngdesign.com) states, “Posters have been known to mankind since ancient times. Posters (or rather their forerunners, since these images cannot be fully correlated with the modern concept of a poster) first appeared in ancient Egypt. This was due to the slave system that prevailed at the time, and the fact that sometimes slaves were able to
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. escape. And it was in order to capture runaway slaves that special ads were used at the time which can, with some stretch, be considered the ancestors of modern posters.” Further, as culture and art developed, peculiar posters began to be used in ancient Greece and Rome to notify the public of upcoming plays and interesting trade offers. In a sense, little has changed since then — posters are still successfully used for these purposes, among others. According to many sources, the modern
life of the poster began in the 19th-century, which is when the word poster, translated from the German, “das plakat” came into being as we know it. The history of the poster began in 1866, when the Frenchman Jules Cheret, a graphic artist and stage designer, founded a small lithography firm in Paris. It was this man who formulated the basic principles of the modern poster. And, of course, many well know visual artists throughout the ages are known for their posters such as Henri de ToulouseLautrec and his Moulin Rouge in 1889 and Alphonse Mucha, a Czech artist living in Paris for his famous Art Nouveau poster. More modern-day artists such as Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein and Keith Haring were known to have created their own posters to announce the opening of their own art exhibitions. These posters were very inexpensive and often even free; See KRANZBERG on page 14
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Continued from opposite page arrived and quickly found that the community there was not only loving and welcoming, but loved to sing, dance and pray together. It was at Camp Newman that I grew into myself and realized the power that I held in creating and strengthening community by singing together. I met and worked with rabbis, cantors, professional song leaders, artists and more, and I got to see firsthand how their amazing careers were able to bring them back to camp to reinvest in the next generation. I certainly am one who reaped the benefits and learned from so many who I still call mentors and friends. My favorite part of working at Camp Newman, though, was the two summers I got to work with Hagigah (our high school arts session). Each camper in the unit gets to pick a major for the month, during which they spend part of every day learning and working on new skills. Some of these majors include art, dance, acting and song leading. I was fortunate enough to be the song leading teacher, similar to the program I had attended at Kutz just a few summers earlier. I grew as a teacher during those summers, learning how to pass on the skills I had learned to my high school campers. To me, that is the power of camp: Those who have reaped the benefits of learning as a camper often come back to share what they have learned with the next generation.
Lucy Greenbaum, the Music & Youth Engagement Director at Congregation Shaare Emeth (shown at left and above), writes: “Camp is a place where we are able to lean on each other, on our community, while exploring the deepest parts of ourselves.”
These days you can find me spending my summers as the music specialist at Camp Emeth, Congregation Shaare Emeth’s day camp for kindergarten through eighth-graders. After spending so much time at sleepaway camps, I worried that my experience at a day camp wouldn’t
Your Child is Invited to Have the Best Summer Ever! • Wakeboarding, tubing, sailing, skiing and more! • Zip-lining, archery, climbing and more on our 205-acre campus! • Singing and enjoying our joyous Jewish identities in the fresh air and sunshine!
be as deep or as meaningful, but I am glad to say I was wrong. It just goes to show that it doesn’t matter whether you’re going to sleepaway camp for 12 weeks or day camp for one week, the message is always the same: Camp is about the community and the connections
we are able to make with one another, the connections that will sustain us throughout the rest of the year and throughout our lives. It might even bring us back to camp someday to pass on what we learned to the next generation of campers.
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Camp Sabra
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Camp Sabra is the perfect place for a joyous, Jewish summer camp. Our campers spend their days wakeboarding, ziplining, tubing and more. Now more than ever, our children need a place where they can connect with their friends. Whether it is singing around a campfire or getting out of their comfort zone on the ropes course, our campers make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Questions? Contact our director Kim Holtzman Sloan, 314-442-3151.
Make new friends and learn new skills! J Day Camps gives campers options on their activities – sports, arts, gymnastics and more. Plus, ON-SITE SWIMMING! 78% of 2021 campers improved swim skills. We’re at two convenient locations – Creve Coeur and Chesterfield. ELEVEN weeks of camps and programs for kids ages 3-8th grade. 84% of 2021 campers rated our staff as excellent or very good. Lunch option available Early Bird registration through March 3. ACA accredited. More at jccstl.com/daycamps.
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We want to talk to you about Camp Sabra! Contact Kim Holtzman Sloan, Director: 314-442-3151 or kim@campsabra.com campsabra.com
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FEATURES
AMY FENSTER BROWN
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Warning: I’m venting, and it’s no laughing matter BY AMY FENSTER BROWN
Everyone has pet peeves. Everyone has things that annoy them to no end. And everyone has to let those things out to free the space in their mind being taken up by negativity. Because you and I have built this relationship of acceptance and trust, I feel I can vent to you, and you will support me. You probably can relate to some of it. And you likely have some venting to do of your own. Usually, I’m funny and upbeat, sometimes downright bubbly. Not today, folks. I’ve got to let it out. I’ve said some controversial things in my time, but none gets as big a reaction as when I discuss my hatred of eggs. I know almost everyone loves eggs in all of their many, disgusting forms. Breakfast, lunch or dinner, you can find eggs on the menu. Sometimes I see it as a burger topping. Yuck. So gross. So, so gross. I hated the musical “Rent.” I like that one song about 525,600 minutes but other than that, no thanks. The one time I went to see it live, I walked out at intermission. I didn’t care to see how it ended. Either the guy writes his perfect song and they all die, or the guy doesn’t write his perfect song and they all die. Meh.
I can’t take it when recipes call food “boats.” When a huge order of sushi arrives on one of those little wooden boats, I like that. Food on a boat. Cute. But stuffed zucchini boats or spaghetti squash boats or taco boats? I don’t understand why it would be called a boat. Its zucchini stuffed with other stuff, so the name “stuffed zucchini” is plenty descriptive. Everything you need to know is right there in the name. Why boats? Why? On social media, lots of people do talking videos. When they start with, “Just wanted to hop on here real quick …” I lose it. We see you. We know you wanted to go on here and talk to us about something. And it’s never quick. You can say it’s real quick all you want, but we know that is code for: “I don’t know how to start this video, so I’ll tell you that I wanted to talk here, say it’ll be real quick, suddenly get comfortable and keep talking.” Just. Start. Talking. Monthly columnist Amy Fenster Brown is married to Jeff and has two teenage sons, Davis and Leo. She volunteers for several Jewish not-for-profit groups. Fenster Brown is an Emmy Award-winning TV news writer and counts time with family and friends, talking and eating peanut butter among her hobbies.
Also on my list: Foods described as tasting like other foods. If it’s nutty and it isn’t nuts, it annoys me. Why would cheese taste nutty? Why would mushrooms taste meaty? They’re mushrooms. Stop calling them meat. The automated voice filling in for a reallive person answering the phone at many businesses is lying. She says to listen before deciding what to do because the menu options have changed. Look, Lady Voice, we know the menu options haven’t changed. The business doesn’t want you to hit zero to talk to a real person, and they know you’re smart and realize that to get what you want, which is usually an actual human to talk to, you just have to hit zero. So they say the menu options have changed to trick you into hitting 1 or 2 or 3 to get recorded information and not bother an employee. I’m on to them. It’s not nice to lie. And I’m going to let them know that when I hit zero and get connected to a living, breathing person. I love cooking show, but a few things drive me crazy. When the chef puts in an ingredient and doesn’t scrape it all in, it makes me mad. If they’re pouring in honey from a measuring cup and then don’t use a rubber scraper to get out all of that honey they just wasted like a whole tablespoon. When they pour the cake batter into the pan and don’t scrape the batter from the bowl they’re losing like five entire bites of cake.
JEWISH CELEBRITIES
Based on Israeli series, ‘Suspicion’ premieres Feb. 4 BY NATE BLOOM SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
“Suspicion” is an original eight-episode Apple+ series that begins streaming on Feb. 4. It’s based on “False Flag,” an Israeli series. Uma Thurman plays a businesswoman whose son is kidnapped. If “Suspicion” follows “False Flag,” as I expect it will, several “totally ordinary” persons will be accused of being involved in the crime, and the mystery will be — are they innocent, or just good liars? NOAH EMMERICH, 56, has a big supporting role. You might Noah Emmerich and Uma Thurman in the new Apple TV+ series not recognize his name, but you’ll probably know his face. He ‘Suspicion.’ PHOTO: APPLE TV+ has worked steadily in TV and films since the late 1990s. He played Jim Carrey’s best friend in the film “The Truman Show” nessman. His good treatment of Davis is but one example. and Stan Beeman, a major character on “The Americans” TV Strauss hired Davis to be his head of manufacturing. Davis series. worked for the Levi Strauss company until his death in 1908. His father, ANDRE EMMERICH, was a famous art dealer. Strauss and Davis are buried in the same San Francisco-area Andre fled Nazi Germany at age 7, with his parents, and arrived Jewish cemetery. in New York in 1940. Noah’s aunt was a classmate of ANNE Jacob’s son, SIMON DAVIS, struck out on his own and, in FRANK. Noah’s brother, TOBY EMMERICH, 58, is the CEO of 1935, founded the Ben Davis clothing company with his young Warner Bros. Pictures. son, BEN. The company made “tough” clothes (including jeans) for working folks. It is still very much in existence, and actually vvv became chic in the ‘90s when hip hop musicians, including the On Feb. 7, most PBS stations will premiere “The History of Jewish Beastie Boys, touted Ben Davis clothes. It’s still “hip” and Jeans,” a new “American Experience” still makes some clothes in America. Ben’s documentary. Much of it is about LEVI son, FRANK, 70, has been head of the STRAUSS (1828-1902) and tailor JACOB company since 1995. DAVIS (1831-1908). Davis invented the The Levi Strauss company is, of course, jeans we know by putting copper rivets also still in existence and it is still controlled in them so they would stand-up to hard by the “collateral” descendants of Levi use. Davis bought his cloth from Strauss Strauss. They are the direct descendants of (who was based in San Francisco) and Levi’s sister, FANNY STERN. (Levi never he asked Strauss to co-finance a patent married and had no children.) Notable application. Strauss agreed and they descendants include DANIEL GOLDMAN, shared the patent (1873). 45, who served as the chief Democratic I imagine that the episode will mencounsel during Donald Trump’s first tion that Strauss was Jewish. I am not Levi Strauss (at left) and Jacob Davis impeachment trial. sure that they will note that Davis was vvv PHOTOS: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Jewish, too. Davis was born Jacob Youphes in Riga, Latvia in 1831. He came to America in 1854 A new evening tournament game show, “Jeopardy! National and soon headed West. In 1869, he was living in the mining College Championship,” will premiere on Feb. 8 (ABC, 7 p.m.). town of Virginia City, Nev. A woman asked him to make really The series will be hosted by MAYIM BIALIK, 46. Bialik is the strong pants for her “big” husband. Davis had some copper riv- co-host for “Jeopardy!” until the end of the 2021-22 season ets in his shop that he used to attach leather straps to horse (unclear what happens then), spearheading special event shows blankets. He used them to hold the pants’ seams together and like the college championship while “Jeopardy!” champ Ken that worked beautifully. Jennings hosts the daily game. Levi Strauss was universally viewed as an honorable busivvv
What about vague and incorrect descriptions of ingredients, like when they say “a little bit of olive oil” and dump in, like, half a cup? That’s not a little bit. It’s a lot o’ bit. Tell it like it is, TV chefs. We can take it. Also, when browning or boiling something, who came up with the terms “browning off” or “boiling off?” What is that? Is browning or boiling not good enough anymore? I’m really going to end this one with a bang. I’m going to name all the shows and movies I’ve never seen because people hyped them up too much and it made me lose interest and not want to jump on the bandwagon. “Forrest Gump.” “Princess Bride.” “Harry Potter.” “Frozen.” “Titanic.” “M*A*S*H.” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Everyone under the sun is trying to persuade me to watch Mrs. Maisel, mostly non-Jewish friends who think because it’s a Jewish comic and I’m Jewish and funny, I’m going to love it. They’re probably right. I’m sure I would love it. But I can’t bow to the peer pressure. I don’t want to break my streak of rebellion. Please tell me you could relate to some of those things. Seriously, I want you to tell me. I want you to email a list of your top three annoyances, just so I know we’re all in this together. Email Amy Fenster Brown at amy@stljewishlight.org.
Kranzberg: The artistry of the poster CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12 now they have become vintage and can be quite costly. Speaking of the cost of posters, one can furnish the walls of one’s home with posters of all sizes and values. I was awestruck when visiting a friend who collected French posters from the turn of the 18th-century. She told me that before she met her husband, she collected copies of these posters and found that he collected the real things. Now they have escalated in value even more. There are vintage movie posters, concert posters, political posters and propaganda posters that go for thousands of dollars. I just looked online at an all-time record high of a group of 15 movie posters that are said to be worth $3 million. There is no end to the subject of posters, but I like what Gina Grafos, director of Visual and Literary Infrastructure at the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, had to say: “Posters are our first access point to self-expression and becoming art collectors. I think of the first concert or teen ‘hunk’ image from a magazine I thoughtfully chose as a kid to encompass my personal wall space. This is curation, our first choice (not organizing cans in a pantry as the term now is sometimes used). Whether in multitudes to reach the masses or multilayered to show the build-up of marketed propaganda, posters become the currency of communication and leave a visual impact, even if only a tiny pushpin hole or staple splintered in a light pole remain.” I’m going back to my computer to go down memory lane and reminisce by looking at posters of relevant moments in my life — mostly those moments will involve the movies and special cultural events.
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JEWISH LIGHT
HEART HEALTH
February 2, 2022
Israeli startup’s implant could ease congestive heart failure BY BRIAN BLUM ISRAEL21C.ORG
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a leading cause of mortality – only 30% of patients survive 10 years, and less than half get even five years. Israeli startup Restore Medical has developed a new approach to treating CHF using an implantable device. CHF develops when the ventricles of the heart can’t pump enough blood volume. Eventually, blood and other fluids back up inside the lungs, abdomen, liver and lower body. Fluid in the lungs leads to shortness of breath and fatigue. CHF affects 6.2 million people in the United States and more than 64 million people globally. It affects nearly 10 out of every 1,000 people over the age of 65, in whom it is the most common diagnosis for hospitalized patients. Heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working; rather, because the blood returns to the heart faster than it can be pumped out, the heart becomes congested. The body tries to compensate by signaling the heart to beat faster, to take less time for refilling after it contracts. But over the long run, less blood circulates and the extra effort can cause heart palpitations. CHF most commonly damages the left ventricle – that’s the part of the heart that pumps blood to the body. The right ventricle’s job is to push blood into the lungs. The damaged left ventricle becomes dilated, like a balloon, to make room for the extra blood. The only treatment for CHF is pharmaceuticals such as ACE inhibitors, diuretics and vasodilators. Restore Medical developed an implant that is inserted into the pulmonary artery. It changes the pressure on the healthy right ventricle, enabling it to support the failed left ventricle, explains Gilad Marom, Restore Medical’s CEO. The implant is dubbed ContraBand. “Contra,” which means “in opposition to,” refers to this contrarian push of one ventricle onto the other. The ContraBand implant is delivered to the heart via catheter in much the same way that stents are introduced – through the femoral vein in the thigh. “The procedure is relatively simple and takes less than an hour,” Marom tells ISRAEL21c. “Patients can be discharged the next day.” ContraBand is not a cure for CHF. It would be an additional treatment option along with pharmaceuticals. “It won’t make the disease go away,” Marom says. “No one can do that. But it will reduce symptoms and it can reduce hospitalizations or trips to the doctor when fluid gets in the lungs.” That’s significant because CHF is responsible for 4% of all hospitalizations worldwide and is the leading cause of repeat hospitalizations, with 25% of patients returning a month after discharge. Restore Medical has conducted trials on animals with CHF and has treated three human patients – two in Belgium at ZNA Medical Center in Antwerp, and one in Israel at Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot. The next step is to recruit another 15 patients and follow up for six months, in order to gather data to seek FDA (United States) and CE (European Union) regulatory approval. Marom hopes that a fully commercialized version of ContraBand will be available to help patients by 2026. He expects to start an initial conversation with the FDA this year.
He emphasizes that the functionality of the ContraBand device is completely reversible, “which is very rare in the cardio implant world.” If a patient no longer needs an implant or cannot tolerate it, “with any other cardiac device, the only ‘bailout’ is surgery,” Maron says. ContraBand, however, can be “deactivated” rather than removed, he claims. Restore Medical was founded by medical director Dr. Elchanan Bruckheimer; VP Clinical Affairs Stephen Bellomo; and Aaron Feldman, today a board member. Marom was recruited in 2019 from Edwards Life Sciences, where he worked for 12 years in Israel and the United States. There, he focused on transcatheter heart valves, taking three cardiovascular implants from inception to clinical success. “When I joined Edwards, the majority of
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Restore Medical executives, from left: VP R&D Tsur Genosar, CEO Gilad Marom, cofounder and VP Clinical Affairs Stephen Bellomo. PHOTO: EYAL TOUEG
the clinical community said it was impossible to replace the heart value other than by surgery. We proved the opposite,” he tells ISRAEL21c. While heart valves can be “fixed,” CHF had no solution. That’s why he accepted the offer to lead Restore Medical. “I recognized the opportunity to be in a ‘blue ocean’ situation, to prove there is another way to treat patients,” he says. “This was a brand-new approach, so the decision to join was relatively easy.”
The company is based in Or Yehuda and employs six people. The Crunchbase website says the company has raised $1 million; Marom hinted that it was substantially more than that. Marom notes that Covid-19 has been tough for CHF patients. “People were afraid to go to the hospital due to Covid. And hospitals might not be as accessible.” That creates an acute need for “a device like ContraBand which helps already sick patients from getting more complications.”
Caring for Your Heart During COVID-19 For people who have had COVID-19, lingering heart problems can affect their recovery. COVID-19 has a 20 percent greater chance of affecting the heart than all other viruses. It can cause a number of conditions, including heart attacks, heart failure, rapid heart rhythms, blood clots, and inflammation of the heart and the sac surrounding the heart. For patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are admitted to the hospital, cardiologists are involved in their treatment plans and closely monitor their condition for effects or complications they may experience due to the disease. Patients who have a milder form of the disease that does not require hospitalization are strongly encouraged to receive an evaluation from their primary care physician or a cardiologist, especially if they experience chest pains, heart palpitations, or shortness of breath. People with poor cardiovascular health are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, so it’s more important than ever to know your risk factors for heart and vascular disease. This includes
traditional risk factors such as a family history of heart disease or hypertension, and less well-known risk factors like autoimmune disease, prediabetes, or significant hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause. There are many things you can do every day to prevent cardiovascular disease: increase physical activity, aim for a healthy weight, control blood sugar, practice stress management, monitor blood pressure and cholesterol, live smoke-free, and eat a well-balanced nutritious diet. These healthy living habits decrease the complications of COVID-19 as well. Expert advice and prevention are powerful allies. We are fortunate to have amazing cardiologists at St. Luke’s who are all passionate about patient care and who are eager to help. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a heart condition that needs a first diagnosis or a second opinion, trust the heart specialists at St. Luke’s Heart & Vascular Institute. Contact us at 314-205-6801 or visit stlukes-stl.com/ hearthealth.
Keith Mankowitz, MD, St. Luke’s Hospital
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NEWSMAKERS Newsmakers is a compilation of the Jewish community’s newsworthy professional and academic accomplishments. Submit your news to news@stljewishlight.org. Call 314-743-3669 for more information. Published the first edition of each month. Newsmakers is compiled Elise Krug.
JEWISH LIGHT
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Karen Aroesty has been named director of St. Louis County’s Department of Administration. She will oversee county services, including financial and personnel affairs, customer service, risk management, procurement, the Office of Performance Management and Budget, and diversity, equity and inclusion programs. She continues to serve as chair of the county’s Human Relations Commission and leads the U.S Attorney’s Hate Crimes Task Force. A member of Kol Rinah, Aroesty served as regional director of the Anti-Defamation League from 2000 through 2021. Dan Vianello is the new board president of Bais Abraham Congregation. He is a lead data engineer at Publicis Media. Matthew Wohl, president of the Doe Run Co., expanded his role to include CEO. He leads a nine-member executive team and is responsible for the privately held mining company’s strategic direction and performance. Wohl attends Kol Rinah. Abby Durlester has joined Stock Legal. Her law practice includes corporate and entertainment transactions and working with local entrepreneurs, in addition to creative and intellectual property work. Durlester is a member of Congregation Shaare Emeth. Ritenour School District’s 2021-2022 Diamond Circle teachers include Amanda Stein and Mark Goldman. Diamond Circle Awards are given to teachers who best exemplify the district’s commitment
TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: Karen Aroesty, Dan Vianello, Matthew Wohl, Abby Durlester, Amanda Stein and Mark Goldman. SECOND ROW: Aaron Vickar, Dr. Jeff Dalin, Mark Koritz, David Laiderman, Bonnie Laiderman and Dr. Stephen Wexler. to quality education and service. Stein is in her 10th year teaching and teaches third grade at Iveland Elementary. She attends Congregation Temple Israel. Goldman, a 25-year veteran, is a Ritenour Middle School eighth grade English language arts and social studies teacher He also coaches intramural hockey. Aaron Vickar is one of six people who will be inducted into the St. Louis Amateur Hockey Hall of Fame on Aug. 20, at the St. Charles Convention Center. Vickar played hockey with the Missouri River Otters, a minor league professional team. The Hall of Fame honors those who work to support, promote and expand amateur hockey throughout the St. Louis region. Vickar, a member of Kol Rinah, is a wealth adviser
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Jordan Hoffman and Adam Brandvein (above left) and Rochelle and Randy Aaranson (above right). for Buckingham Strategic Wealth. Dr. Jeff Dalin is the 2022 recipient of the A merican Dental A ssociation’s Humanitarian Award in recognition of his efforts co-founding the St. Louis Give Kids A Smile program and helping guide the national ADA Give Kids A Smile program for 20 years. The award recognizes dentist members who have spent at least 10 years improving the oral health of underserved populations in the U.S. The award includes $10,000 to be given to the dental charity or project of the recipient’s choice and national recognition at an ADA event in the future. Dalin is a member of Congregation B’nai Amoona. Paintings by Mark Koritz are on exhibit in Componere Gallery of Art in the Delmar Loop. Profits go to Men’s Group Against Cancer. Koritz attends Shaare Emeth. David Laiderman has succeeded his aunt, Bonnie Laiderman, as chief executive officer of Veterans Home Care. He has served as an executive consultant with
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VHC for the past several years. Founder Bonnie Laiderman is retiring. Both are members of United Hebrew Congregation. Washington University Ophthalmology welcomed Dr. Stephen Wexler. He will offer LASIK procedures at the new Washington University LASIK and Refractive Surgery Center in Creve Coeur, which opens this spring. Adam Brandvein and Jordan Hoffman won gold at the 2022 Missouri Show-Me Games Winter Blast men’s doubles pickleball tournament Jan. 22-23 in St. Peters. Brandvein’s aunt and uncle, Rochelle and Randy Aaranson, won silver in mixed doubles. This win qualifies all of them to go to the State Games of America in Ames, Iowa, in July. The Aaransons also placed silver in mixed doubles in Naples, Fla., in December. Rochelle Aaranson is president of Brandvein-Aaranson Public Relations. Randy Aaranson is a podiatrist/foot and ankle surgeon. The Aaransons and Brandvein attend Shaare Emeth.
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February 2, 2022
JEWISH LIGHT
CHAILIGHTS
FEB
Y O U R C A L E N D A R O F S T. L O U I S J E W I S H C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T S
STARTING | FEB. 3 HaDerech: A spiritual practices workshop
Join Rabbi Daniel Bogard of Central Reform Congregation every Thursday at noon on Zoom to workshop ways we can use tradition, ritual and innovation to be better versions of ourselves. Each month we will dig into a new area of ritual practice (eg, Kashrut; shabbat; Passover; clothing), explore its history, values and rituals, and experiment with practices in our own lives. This will be a deeply non-judgmental space where we will treat practices both innovative and traditional with equal respect. For more information, visit www.centralreform.org/ events/spiritual-practices
Emeritus of the Jewish Light, to discuss films, plays, and books on issues of concern to our community. Registrants may participate via Zoom or telephone call. Register for this free online program at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or by calling 314-7339813 or via email to joliver@mirowitzcenter. org.
SATURDAY | FEB. 5 A Havdalah service of healing and hope
The healing power of music has been lifted up by religious practitioners and philosophers and is confirmed by medical studies. Listening to live music can reduce anxiety and pain. Shaare Emeth invites you to join Rabbi Andrea Goldstein, Cantor Seth Warner and harpist, Amy Camie, for this service of healing and hope, set for 4:30 p.m. in the Kehillah Center at the synagogue or online. To register, contact Stacy Jespersen at sjespersen@sestl.org.
NHBZ ‘Starting Points’ discussion
Nusah Hari B’nai Zion Rabbi Ze’ev Smason will discuss “Your House Is on Fire & You Can Grab 1 Item -- What Would It Be?” at 10:15 a.m. This talk is part of NHBZ’s weekly “Starting Points: Wisdom for Daily Living,” which features interactive discussions that explore relevant, contemporary topics. NHBZ membership is not necessary to attend and RSVPs are not required. For more information, call 314-991-2100, ext. 2.
SUNDAY | FEB. 6 Voting rights with Denise Lieberman
Central Reform Congregation’s Triple Chai+ program for those 54 and older welcomes Denise Lieberman, a St. Louis lawyer and community activist who specializes in civil liberties, civil rights and constitutional law. Lieberman will lead a discussion at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom focusing on recent laws aimed at voter suppression and what is being done to counter these efforts. For more information, visit www.centralreform. org/events/triple-chai/
FRIDAY | Feb. 11 Prayer Lab is Back
At 6 p.m. join Rabbi Goldstein, Lucy Greenbaum and the Prayer Lab musicians for this non-traditional Shabbat service combining contemporary readings, poetry, participatory music, interactive teachings, and time set aside for meditation and personal reflection. The theme for this month is light and dark. Whether you are joining online or in-person, worshippers are encouraged to come with open minds and open hearts. All are welcome. To register, contact Stacy Jespersen at sjespersen@sestl.org. Prayer Lab participants should park on the north side of the building and enter via the north lobby.
‘On the Record with Bob Cohn’
On the second Friday of every other month, from 11 a.m. to noon, join On the Record hosted by Bob Cohn, Editor-in-Chief
SATURDAY | FEB. 12 NHBZ discussion on ‘Is It Love or Lust:
How Can You Tell? As a starry-eyed romantic relationship progresses, it’s not unusual to ask yourself, “Am I in lust or am I in love?” Discover the differences when NHBZ Rabbi Ze’ev Smason asks “”Is It Love or Lust: How Can You Tell?” at 10:15 a.m. This talk is part of NHBZ’s weekly “Starting Points: Wisdom for Daily Living,” which features interactive discussions that explore relevant, contemporary topics. NHBZ membership is not necessary to attend and RSVPs are not required. For more information, call 314-991-2100, ext. 2.
org or contact Debbi Braunstein, Sharsheret Supports STL Program Manager, 314-4423266, dbraunstein@jccstl.org
WEDNESDAY | FEB. 16 Hedy Lamarr: Actress and more
In her heyday, Hedy Lamarr was a glamorous actress of the silver screen, admired for her roles in movies with Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and William Powell. Unknown to many, in addition to her career in acting, she was also an amazing innovator and accomplished inventor whose work impacts the technology we use today. Celebrated for her beauty and her talents she became increasingly reclusive in her old age. Join Linda Spitzer Gavatin from 10-11 a.m. to learn more about the life of this fascinating woman. This program is co-sponsored by the Saul Brodsky Jewish Community Library. Register for this free online program at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or by calling 314-733-9813 or via email to joliver@ mirowitzcenter.org.
Sharsheret’s Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Group
This monthly group provides support, connection and education to women in the St. Louis Jewish community who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer and are anywhere along their treatment path – before, during, or post-treatment. Facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker, this group meets from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday via Zoom until further notice. This program is free but pre-registration is requested to Debbi Braunstein at 314-442-3266 or dbraunstein@jccstl.org.
MONDAY | FEB. 14
STARTING | FEB. 17
Having the talk about money
Tech Tutor: Facebook 101
No matter how close or comfortable you might be with your children, having a conversation with them about your money is something many of us prefer to avoid. As awkward and uncomfortable as it might be, when parents and children have a shared understanding it makes things easier for everyone. What do adult children need to know about their parents’ finances? What type of planning/conversations should be done together? To help you to begin the conversation, join Debra K. Schuster, attorney and elder and adult mediator with Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal, as she explores this topic via Zoom from 10-11 a.m. This program is co-sponsored by the St. Louis Senior Kollel. Register for this free online program at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or by calling 314-733-9813 or via email to joliver@mirowitzcenter.org.
TUESDAY | FEB. 15 What breast cancer gene (BRCA) means for men
Sharsheret Supports STL, a program of the J, will host an evening to help men and women better understand and manage hereditary cancer risks. “Let’s Talk About Men: Understanding and Managing Hereditary Cancer Risk” takes place virtually from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The event will feature Suzanne Mahon, a genetics-certified nurse from St. Louis University; Dr. Jacob Ark, a urologist who focuses on localized and advanced prostate cancer, and Lynne Kipnis, a clinical psychologist and Sharsheret Supports STL Advisory Committee Chair. The program will conclude with a Q&A. Free and open to all men and women. Registration is required at jccstl.com/sharsheret. For more information on Sharsheret Supports STL, visit nishmah.
Facebook is the leading social platform for older adults. So, if you like keeping up with your friends and relatives but are feeling a little lost when it comes to Facebook, join this four-part online class to learn the basics of this social app. Sessions take place on four consecutive Thursdays – Feb. 17 & 24 and March 3 & 10 from 2-3 p.m. Each class will focus on different topics, from posts to groups to the marketplace. All are welcome to attend one or as many sessions as they choose. This program is co-sponsored by Congregation Temple Israel. Tech Tutor is supported by a grant from the Women’s Auxiliary Foundation for Jewish Aged. Register for this free online program at http://bit.ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or by calling 314-733-9813 or via email to joliver@mirowitzcenter.org.
SUNDAY | FEB. 20 Jewish War Veterans meeting
Jewish War Veterans Post 644 meetings will take place via Zoom for the foreseeable future at 10 a.m. the third Sunday each month. For more information contact Post 644 Commander Ellis Frohman at 636-5197512.
TUESDAY | FEB. 22 Hips: Pain and replacement
If you want to know about current approaches to treating hip related issues,
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Local Jewish organizations and congregations can submit calendar items to news@ stljewishlight.org. All items received by 5 p.m. Friday will be considered for the following week’s edition.
join an online presentation from 2-3 p.m.by Dr. Ilya Bendich, assistant professor at Washington University School of Medicine in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Bendich’s practice focuses on caring for patients with debilitating hip and knee arthritis to improve function and quality of life through a variety of treatment options, including conservative methods and surgical intervention. For patients who have exhausted all non-operative measures and are ready for surgery, Bendich utilizes evidence based, cutting edge techniques, including computer assisted and robotic technologies for improved surgical outcomes. Register and invite others to learn from an expert! Register for this free online program at http://bit. ly/Register_MirowitzCenter or by calling 314-733-9813 or via email to joliver@mirowitzcenter.org.
THURSDAY | FEB. 24 Dishing with Diane for Shabbat
Join Diane Packman, owner of L/A Baking and Catering, for a virtual cooking and learning session from the comfort of your home, while you learn how to prepare for a delicious Shabbat at 7:30 a.m. via Zoom. Recipes include balsamic chicken, bok choy salad, risotto with vegetables and hamantaschen for Purim. It’s free to attend and open to the community. RSVP by Monday, Feb. 21 at: www.ti-stl.org/Dishing Zoom link to attend and the grocery shopping list will be emailed to guests in advance. This event series is supported by the Jonas Weil Endowment of Jewish Federation of St. Louis.
FRIDAY | FEB. 25 Love at the Center
Chesed, or lovingkindness, is a foundational mindfulness practice and a core tenet of Judaism. Our tradition teaches us to extend lovingkindness to our neighbors, to the stranger, to God and to ourselves. In this session from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Jewish Mindfulness Center at Congregation Shaare Emeth, Rabbi Andrea Goldstein will instruct participants in a unique practice based on the teachings of John Makransky, which allows us to experience the receiving and giving of chesed, lovingkindness, in our daily lives. To register for this program, contact Stacy Jespersen at sjespersen@sestl.org. We are hoping to be in-person for this event, but will be flexible depending on COVID levels in the community.
SATURDAY | FEB. 26 Temple Israel holds trivia night
Congregation Temple Israel will hold “Frozen February Trivia Night: N’awlins Edition” at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6) at Temple Israel, #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive. The event is offered in person and virtually and may move to virtual only if deemed necessary. This event is open to the community. Masks are required in the temple building. General admission is $20 per person, $200 for a table of 10. Reserve seats or sponsor the event by Monday, Feb. 14. Visit www.ti-stl. org/Trivia to RSVP or for more information.
ONGOING Queer Torah Class
Join Autumn Dennis of Central Reform Congregation at 2 p.m. on Saturday for a weekly zoom class on LGBTQ themes in the Torah portion. We will study chevruta-style as well as group discussion, using the book Torah Queeries. You do not need to identify as LGBTQ to attend. For more information, visit www.centralreform.org/events/ queer-torah.
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February 2, 2022
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SIMCHAS BIRTHS
ENGAGEMENTS
WEDDINGS
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY
MITZVOT
Submit your simcha announcement online at stljewishlight.org/simchas
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Harvey Kornblum Foundation
FEBRUARY TRIBUTES
GOLDBERG – RIVKIN-HAAS WEDDING Benjamin S. Goldberg and Elana K. RivkinHaas were married Nov. 27, 2021, surrounded by family at the home of the bride’s aunt and uncle, in Sherman Oaks, Calif. Ben is the son of Leslie Rickard of Olivette and Gary Goldberg of Los Angeles. He is the grandson of the late Eady and Joseph Rickard of Montclair, N.J., and the late Maxine and Herbert Goldberg of Hollywood, Fla. Elana is the daughter of Rosalyn Rivkin and Michael Haas of Berkeley, Calif. She is the granddaughter of the late Zelda and Ellis Rivkin of Cincinnati, and the late Emilie and Charles Haas of Los Angeles. Adam Goldberg, brother of the groom, officiated. Zoe Sarah, sister of the groom and Sofia Rivkin-Haas, sister of the bride, stood up for the couple, along with their dog, Dexter. Ben and Elana were able to celebrate their COVID delayed wedding with a trip to French Polynesia. The couple resides in Glendale, Calif.
HKF
JEWISH LIGHT
IN MEMORY OF ROSALIE CHOD - Joan Silber -
LYDIA RUTH MOTCHAN “Dear Bill and Mary, Your mom was greatly loved in our condo. She will be missed. How blessed I was to be at her 100th! Zichronah livracha. May Lydia’s memory be for a blessing.” - Marilen Pitler DAVID STEINBERG “We enjoyed being with Peggy and David for many years in our Chavarah set up by Congregation Shaare Emeth.” - Stefany & Fred Brot -
SHULTZ-WAECKERLE ENGAGEMENT Melissa Shultz, daughter of William and Florence Shultz of St. Louis, and Brian Waeckerle, son of William and Lisa Waeckerle of St. Louis, have announced their engagement. Melissa is the granddaughter of the late Frank and Carolyn LaPlaca of Chicago, and the late Irving and Irma Shultz of Kansas City. Brian is the grandson of the late William and Ann Waeckerle of St. Louis, and the late Robert and Betty Lee Hickok of St. Charles. Melissa earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from University of MissouriColumbia and a doctorate in nurse anesthesia practice from Webster University. She is employed by Metro-West Anesthesia Group. Brian earned a degree in civil engineering from the University of MissouriColumbia. He is currently employed by L. Keeley. An October 2022 wedding is planned.
SCOTT ALAN CHODEN - Anonymous -
IN HONOR OF BIRTH OF REMY MORTON - Robert & Penny Steiner GARY CORTES “Congrats on 70 over 70 to benefit the KC Shepherds Center.” - Robert & Penny Steiner ALICE HANDELMAN “Dear Alice, Congratulations on having a scholarship awarded in your name. No one is more deserving.” Love, - Judy Pass VERA SHARAV “From saving your own life during the Holocaust to speaking out against the evil facing humanity today, you’ve been fighting bullies your entire life. AMAZING!” - Colleen Shaughnessy PAUL GALLANT “A true friend with a heart of GOLD.!” - Laurence Linkon -
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February 2, 2022
JEWISH LIGHT
JEWISH LITE
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By Yoni Glatt, koshercrosswords@gmail.com | ‘Major Transactions’ Difficulty: Easy
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19. ___ Fail (palindromic Irish stone) 20. Bygone Queens stadium 21. “General” of Chinese food 22. Home of the world’s first ghetto 24. Major success for Donald Trump 28. Not exactly the biggest supporter of Isr. in Congress 29. Annoys 30. Food for bees 33. Power or Gator suffix 34. Food for a dryer?
1. Torah giant who passes in 2020 6. His brother actually did a lot of the running for his Oscar winning role 11. Network of “Nova” 14. Longtime Utah Jazz coach Jerry 15. Torah great Kaplan 16. Not available, perhaps 17. Historic purchase by King David, with “The”
LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS 1
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(or so it would seem!) 38. Boat for 14 of each kosher animal 39. “So what?!”...or from a less sarcastic perspective, another title for this puzzle 42. Large container 43. Something to steal legally 45. “Faux” follower 46. Jews you wouldn’t hire without a steady hand 48. Ghetto, often 50. Riverdale Hebrew sch. 51. Major concession by Prime Minister Begin 58. Dangerous den 59. Popular nest egg, for short 60. What the Mets and Jets have mostly done the last five years 62. Cowboy Prescott 63. Result of 51-Across 67. Hustle or bustle 68. They (amazingly) brought down the Empire in “Star Wars”
69. Rap star without an actual PHD 70. # on a W-2 71. Started Shabbos again? 72. Heavy-handed ruler of Syria
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1. Concordes, for short 2. “___ shalom” 3. Sassy replies 4. Ritual that might involve a chicken 5. Onetime vehicle for Kristin Wiig and Maya Rudolph, briefly 6. It’s a hand, of sorts 7. “___ With a View” 8. Greenwich Village sch. 9. Trivia master Jennings 10. A comic might have it down pat 11. Like some caps 12. Play with blocks, maybe 13. Doesn’t leave 18. Bible verb suffix
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laundry at once, say 36. Prez Coolidge 37. Jewelers’ measures: Abbr. 40. Minecraft or Fortnite 41. Egypt had a spectacular one in 1967 44. AKA Edom 47. Schleppers 49. Jacob was one, after fighting the
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angel 51. 7UP and Sprite 52. Airs and Pros 53. Big name in cameras 54. Minaj who (most) Jewish parents would not consider a good role model 55. “What do you do on Shabbat?” response 56. DC athlete
57. “Ad ___” (Brad Pitt film) 61. Type of monster (with “green”) 64. Many an alter offering, when there was a Temple 65. Email provider some might use ironically now 66. 18 mgs. of iron, e.g.
Movie Salon: Longtime St. Louis group blends film and friendship CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Max held court. “That idea of gathering around a table to discuss ideas really appealed to me,” said Fadem, 71. “So, at some point I meshed it all in my head and thought, movie salon. We could all see a movie, sit around and discuss it.” Soon after, Fadem asked four friends to join her to do just that. After a movie at Plaza Frontenac, they went to a nearby restaurant to discuss the film. And while they all enjoyed the discussion, a few complained the restaurant was too noisy. “The next month we sat around the dining room table at our house (hers and Rod’s). We went from maybe five people to eight people,” said Fadem. “Over the years, I have amassed three different email lists and there are now well over 300 people.” Not all 300 people show up each month. Some have moved away, some have passed away and some float in and out. As Haller notes, “Susan, in many ways, is a collector of strays.” There was the time she talked a woman she just met in a restroom who spoke Italian to join the discussion of an Italian film the group had just seen at Wash U. Or that day at Schnucks, after fighting over the last serving of wheatberry salad, that she befriended her adversary, a Nigerian woman, and invited her to the salon. Typically, though, between 20 and 30 people join on the designated Saturday night. The Tuesday before, with suggestions always welcomed, Fadem announces by email the “pick flick.” Most of the films are relatively new releases, but classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” also figure into the mix, along with offerings at local film festivals. Fadem aims for a film that sounds as if it will be enhanced by group discussion. In other words, “not the shoot-‘em-up action movies that tend to dominate top box
office ratings,” she said, though over the years exceptions have been made for films such as “Black Panther” and “Spider Man: Far From Home,” both of which received high praise from critics and audiences. Salon-goers see the movie on their own but gather for the Saturday meet-up around 6 p.m. Everyone brings a dish to share at a potluck dinner where they eat, mingle and catch up before the discussion begins. Of course, that was before COVID-19, when like every- A screenshot from a recent movie salon discussion via Zoom. thing else, the movie salon was wedding anniversary passes without the forced to pivot. “The transition to Zoom was surprisingly occasion noted in style. Maybe down the road, a celebratory seamless,” noted Haller, who was among 23 salon-goers to join last month’s discussion party will happen. But currently, between sending emails of “Belfast,” a coming-of-age story set in the late 1960s in the Northern Ireland capital. informing salon-goers of the pick flick and About 80% of the group gave the film a then extensively recapping all they uncovered after each movie discussion, Fadem is thumbs up while the rest were lukewarm. “Once the decision was made that we fighting Stage 4 melanoma in her brain were going to do this, Susan worked hard and lungs. She has had radiation and conto figure out Zoom and made sure every- tinues to have immunotherapy treatments. one else knew, too,” Haller continued. Other than being tired, she says she’s Early during the pandemic, the group was “good, most of the time.” And as if this wasn’t enough, her husmeeting over Zoom twice a month because, well, as Haller noted, “What else band was recently diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He had 5 ½ hours did we have to do?” of surgery and is now beginning radiation and chemotherapy for the brain, which is Movie salon milestone in pill form. There had been talk of a party to celeThrough all of this, Fadem has not brate the 20th anniversary of movie salon. missed a single movie salon. Though many of the movies they see lean “I was afraid December might be the toward the serious and dramatic, this is a last (salon) for a while, but Susan seems to group that appreciates a good party. be doing well. Her perseverance, positivity After the movie “Downton Abbey,” and creativity are unmatched,” said Helen salon-goers came to the Saturday potluck Friedman, a licensed clinical psychologist and discussion dressed in period cos- who has been attending movie salon for tumes, where they enjoyed food and drink nearly all 20 years and named “Inglourious worthy of British royalty. For a discussion Basterds” as one of her all-time favorite of “Auntie Mame,” feathered boas were the selections. accessory du jour. Rarely a birthday or “What originally got me there is that I love
seeing a good movie and talking about it. What holds me there are the people I’ve met and the friendships that have formed,” Friedman added. “It’s a really bright articulate group of people. Many of us would not have met had it not been for Susan. Thankfully, Susan loves sharing friends.” As Friedman notes, so enjoyable is movie salon that it has led to subsets of the group who go to dinner, theater and concerts together. Jane von Kaenel founded a book group with other salon-goers focused on addressing racial equality. “In addition to deepening my appreciate of the art of film, salon has really improved my critical eye and led me to such an interesting group of diverse people.” Von Kaenel, 69, jokes she could be president of the Susan Fadem fan club. She started coming five years ago when a friend brought her as a guest. She’s been a fixture ever since. “Susan is an incredible facilitator,” said von Kaenel. “She knows how to keep everyone engaged and makes sure everyone gets a chance to talk.” During discussion, Fadem goes around the room — or lately, around the Zoom — allowing each salon-goer two minutes (someone keeps time!) to give their initial impressions of the film. Then after everyone has spoken, the group dives deep into everything from cinematography to character development to costumes to artistic framing to underlying historical and social issues that influence various plot points. “We try not to interrupt each other, and no one dominates. As facilitator, I make sure of that,” said Fadem, adding that political talk is off-limits. “Our backgrounds are diverse. My intent is that we get to know each other through ideas. “And we always have great fun.”
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February 2, 2022
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NORMAN APPELMAN, January 16, 2022. He was 95 years old. Beloved son of the late Isadore and Alice (Schevack), Appelman; Dear Husband of the late Anita Rae (Roodman) Appelman. Twin brother of the late Melvin Appelman. Identical twins, who continually shared their daily life experiences. They served their country together in World War II as instructors in the U.S. Army Air Force Cryptographic Division. Mr. Appelman is survived by two sons. His eldest Alan, wife Cyndy, their daughter Terra, and his younger son Dr. Edward Appelman. Norman Appelman began working part time in 1941 during high school and after his military service in 1947 spent 7 years in public accounting. Next in the finance area as Treasurer of both Midland Finance Company and then of U.S. Life Credit Company until joining ITT Financial company as Director of Treasury Operations. In 2001 he joined Commerce Bank as First Vice President, Treasury Services where he worked until 2016 at the age of 90. Mr. Appelman was a founder of the St. Louis Treasury Management Association where he served as Conference Chair and then as President. He was a founder of the Association for Financial Professionals, Washington, D.C. where he served as Chairman, Board member for seven years, and twice as Director Government Relations. During that time, he presented at the Federal Reserve’s International Symposium on Payment Systems in D.C. hosted by Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker and attended by the Central Bankers of the industrialized world. Mr. Appelman was very active with law
enforcement agencies. He was a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy and a founder of its Alumni Association, a member of the FBI Citizens Academy and a founder of its Alumni Association, a member of the FBI sponsored InfraGard, a graduate of the Chesterfield Police Citizens Academy, the Missouri State Highway Patrol Citizens Academy, and was a Certified Member of the West County Citizens Emergency Response Team. His goal in life was to remain productive to society and to the business world. A funeral service was held Thursday, Jan. 20 at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd 63132. Memorial contributions preferred to a charity of your choice. Visit bergermemorialchapel.com for information. Berger Memorial Service ROSALIE RAISHER CHOD, January 18, 2022 Beloved wife of the late Leonard Chod; dear mother and mother-in-law of Barry (Jackie), Paul (Gail), Edward (Laurie) and the late Karen Chod; dear grandmother of Jennifer (JP), Brad (Lauren), Andrea (Shane), Andy (Jessica), Stacey, Steven, Jeff (Lauren), Allison (Andrew) and Doug; dear great-grandmother of 15; sister-in-law of Nancy Chod. In addition to Rosalie’s daughter, Karen, Rosalie is predeceased by her siblings Frank Raisher and his wife Faye and Irvin Raisher and his wife Pat; and Leonard’s siblings Helen Ziman and her husband Charlie, Sarah Funk and her husband Jack, Jerry Chod and his wife Geraldine, Selma Schumitzky and her husband Sol, Sylvia Krakover and her husband Ted, and Ronnie Chod. Rosalie is our dear aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend to so many.
A private graveside service was held Friday, January 21. The service is available via Live Stream. Please visit www.bergermemorialchapel. com for Live Stream details. Memorial contributions preferred to the Karen Chod Camp Scholarship Fund at Congregation B’nai Amoona, 324 S. Mason Road, 63141 or the charity of your choice. Berger Memorial Service LILLIAN LORRAINE DEUTSCH, 1920-2022, died on January 24, 2022. Beloved wife for 55 years of the late Daniel Deutsch; loving mother and mother-in-law of Kenneth Deutsch (Diane) and Robert Deutsch (Patrice); adoring grandmother of Brian Deutsch (Stacey), Kevin Deutsch (Sara), Jesse Deutsch (Erica) and Cecily Deutsch (Sebastien Dessureault); proud great-grandmother of 5; dear sister and sister-in-law of the late Alvin Governick (late Mary). Dear aunt, cousin and friend. Lillian was born and raised in St. Louis, attending U City schools. After graduating high school, she began her modeling career, and moved to New York for a number of years, learned the tricks of the trade, and returned to St. Louis after the war. She met Dan shortly thereafter, and, by her telling, it was ‘love after a few dates’. She and Dan raised her two sons by setting an example for love and caring that has remained to this day. They had many friends, and many social occasions, and Lillian was always considered to be the life of the party. She modeled ladies’ coats and suits for Dan’s family business, Deutsch Garment Co., located at 720 Washington. She went to work for Stix Baer & Fuller, modeling in the downtown Tea Room, and later putting on fashion shows for various organizations, including the Rams, the Blues, and many charitable causes. Later in life, Dan became involved in the travel industry, and they traveled around the world, visiting over 30 different countries. Lillian took
great joy in her 4 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren, and her refrigerator was always filled with photos. She lived a full life of 101 years, living independently and in perfect health almost to the end. Until very recently, Ken and Rob, her two sons, were pretty sure that she was going to outlive them. We were all privileged and grateful to have her around for so long. A funeral service was held on Wednesday January 26th at Berger Memorial Chapel. Private family interment. Visit bergermemorialchapel. com for Live Stream information. Contributions in Lillian’s memory may be made to United Hebrew Congregation, the Alzheimer’s Ass’n., or a charity of your choice Berger Memorial Service JACK EDELMAN passed away at the age of 91 years on January 15, 2022. He was the beloved husband of the late Elaine Edelman for 50 years and the only son of Maurice and Betty Edelman of Alton, Illinois. Dear father of Andrew and Brad Edelman, father-inlaw to Robin Edelman and loving grandfather to Adam, Amy and Allison Edelman. Brother-in-law to Marcus and Joan Sessel and Uncle to Mark Sessel (Debbie), Maurice Sessel (Kelly) and Mary SesselGlassberg (Todd). A graveside service was held Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road, Chesterfield, Mo. Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service. EVELYN MAINZER FEDERBUSH, January 24, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Peter Federbush; dear daughter of the late Walter and the late Florence Mainzer; our dear friend. A private family service will be held. Memorial contributions of your choice preferred. Berger Memorial Service Obituaries continue on opposite page
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JUDITH ANN FISHMAN (JUDI) passed on Friday, January 14th, 2022 after a battle with Mesothelioma. Judi was born June 21st, 1943 to Sam Ellman and Ethel Londe in St. Louis, Missouri. Judi was survived by her husband Allen Fishman (Boulder, CO), daughters Michele Fishman (Boulder, CO) and Lynette Zickerman (Superior, CO), son-in-law Jason Zickerman, granddaughter Daniela Fishman, grandsons Jake and Pierce Zickerman, and sisters Susan Gill (Long Beach, CA) and Phyllis Turner (Wildwood, MO). Judi started dating Allen April 13th, 1960 and they were married on June 24th, 1962. Artistic, she primarily channeled that ability into quilting, but she also had a keen eye for nature photography. After having two children Judi became a Registered Nurse. She loved being a nurse. She had a calling and was passionate about that work. She worked in different areas of hospitals including emergency departments and orthopedics. She worked at various hospitals in St. Louis, Denver, Aspen as well as the Hopi reservation in Keams Canyon, AZ. She also worked as a medical researcher. Born in St. Louis, MO. She also lived in Pomona and Los Angeles, CA as well as Snowmass Village and Boulder, CO. For 18 years, she also lived part of the year in Ko Olina on the Island of Oahu. Judi received amazing care from multiple hospice nurses and nursing aides from TRU Community Care. In place of flowers, please consider donations to TRU Community Care based in Lafayette, Colorado. https://app.mobilecause.com/ At Judi’s request, there was not a funeral. The family requested no shiva. However, there will be a virtual memorial at a later date. In the meantime, thoughts and memories can be left on her memorial page at greenwoodmyersfuneral.com. SAM EVAN GOLDSTEIN, January 19, 2022, formerly of Memphis, TN. Beloved husband of Nikki Grossberg Goldstein; loving father of Olivia Rose Goldstein; dear son of Sidney Goldstein and Bonnie Goldstein; dear brother and brother-in-law of Amy Kahane (Rabbi Michael), Ben Goldstein (Magda), Shifra Goldstein Smith, Avi Goldstein, Seth Goldstein (Riley) and Gabriel Goldstein; dear son-in-law of Gabe (Krissy Martinez) and the late Anne Grossberg; dear brother-in-law of Jess Grossberg; dear uncle, cousin and friend to many. A funeral service was held Sunday, January 23rd at BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 9430 Olive Blvd. Interment Beth Shalom Cemetery, 650 White Road. Berger Memorial Service In Loving Memory of HARRIET JANE JOHNSTON GOODMAN It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and best friend. Harriet was gentle, sweet and kind to all who knew her including the nurses and caregivers in her final months. Harriet was born in 1931 in the midst of the great depression to Mildred Johnston, a loving, intrepid and resourceful mother who navigated the pitfalls of that difficult time to raise a beautiful, smart and creative daughter by herself. Harriet became a fashion model, a receptionist, a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines in the days of propeller planes, a loving wife and a stay-at-home mom to three grateful children. She was the best mother ever, creating amazing birthday parties and assembling wonderful Halloween costumes. A prolific seamstress, she made fashionable clothing for her children and herself. A consummate crafts-person, there was always with a fun project in the works. She volunteered for the St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute and the Rankin Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. Harriet was a regular water aerobics participant for many years and began a Pilates practice in her late 80’s. Other favorite activities
February 2, 2022
OBITUARIES included traveling, attending musical, dance and theatre performances particularly the symphony, going to movies, walking and dining with family and friends. She wrote beautiful poetry throughout her life and collaborated on her memoire which is still a work in progress. She was always great fun to be with, gracing us all with her beautiful smile and clever commentary. In frequent moments of mirth, she would break out singing a favorite song accompanied by her inimitable dance steps. Harriet is survived by children Lori and Andrew Goodman, Julia Goodman Samter, sonin-law Brent Samter, MD, granddaughters Danielle and Chloe Samter, best friend from grade school, Ruth Mallehan, flight attendant room-mate Mary Rivenbark and many friends and family both near and far. A private interment will be held at B’nai Amoona Cemetery to join her husband of 51 years, Byrnar (Bud) Goodman who passed away in 2010. An event will be planned for the spring with music to honor her memory. Donations may be made to the St. Louis Area Food Bank (stlfoodbank.org) or charity of your choice. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her. Godspeed precious princess, you will remain forever in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. RALPH HUGO GROSBERG, January 20, 2022 Beloved husband of Shirley Sanders Grosberg for 70 years. Dear father of Bradley (Philip Kean) Grosberg, Karen (Sandon) Wool and the late Patricia Grosberg. Loving grandfather of Shane (Jill) Wool, Matthew (Laura) Wool, Samantha (JordanTaylor) Wool and Travis (Katie) Wool. Dear great-grandfather of Jonah, Mae, Theodore, Eleanor and Grayson Wool. Beloved brother of Charlotte Schachter. Our dear uncle, cousin and friend. A funeral service was held Sunday, January 23 at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery Mausoleum, 8430 Gravois Rd. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Harris House, 2706 S. River Rd., St. Charles, MO 63303. A Rindskopf-Roth Service DR. WARREN JACOBSOHN, Jan. 17, 2022 It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Warren Jacobsohn; husband of Sheila Cohen Jacobsohn and beloved son of Max Z”L and Pearl Z”L Jacobsohn. Loving father of Reuven (Chavie), Baruch (Shulie), Yaron (Shula), Elnatan (Noa), Srulie (Devorie) Jacobsohn and Sarit (Noach) Zoref; adoring Zayde to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother of Shurlie (Z”L) Sidney Weisberg (Z”L), Radine Z”L Feldman and brother in law of Beverly Fayge (Fred Z”L) Stuhlman and Claire Sue Z”L (Wilbert Z”L) Hack; uncle to many nephews and nieces including Enid Weisberg-Frank (Bruce Frank), Janet (Alan) Haber, Jaclyn (Howard) Oppenheimer and Richard (Claire) Hack. Warren graduated from Saint Louis University Medical school in 1959. He did his internship and residency at Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He joined a group practice in Florissant in 1963. Two years later he was drafted into the U.S. Army, He was stationed in Fort Gordon Georgia where the hospital was an evacuation center for returnees from Vietnam. In 1968 upon finishing the army he and his family made Aliyah to Givat Shaul, Israel. Sheila and Warren moved to the old city of Jerusalem in 1974 and welcomed countless people to their home especially for Friday night Shabbat dinner to give a feeling of a Jewish home in Israel. I remember them sending us pictures of donkeys carrying dirt to help rebuild after the Six Day War because donkeys are more delicate than heavy machinery. Warren lead the department of gastroenterology at Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem and was head of the hospital for two years. He directed the foreign student program for many years. In 1999 after working there for 30 years, he retired. Throughout his career he received calls from all over the world seeking his expertise and asking for advice. After retirement he spent his time learning Torah at different yeshivas. He used Torah to supplement his expert medical knowledge. He told his children when they were growing up, “No matter what you do, always be a mensch.” All who spoke at the funeral called him a true “Tzadik.” His body is buried at Har HaMenuchot in Jerusalem.
THEODORE “TED” JAGUST, January 24, 2022 Beloved husband of Adele Jagust; dear father and father-in-law of Jeffrey Jagust, Helaine Goldstein (Menachim) and Nancy Mann; dear grandfather of Bryce Mann, Chandler Mann and Ettel Jagust; dear brother and brother-inlaw of Ruth (Morris) Reiter, the late Herbert Jagust (Selma) and the late Shirley Finbloom (late Sam); dear brotherin-law of Leonard Hyman (Mary), Marvin Hyman (Pamela Murphy) and Irene Heckman; dear uncle, cousin and friend to many. A graveside service was held Thursday, January 27th at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road. Memorial contributions preferred to the charity of your choice. Please visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information. Berger Memorial Service HELENE T. KEIM (nee Leman) died January 27, 2022. She was born November 12, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri. Helene was preceded in death by her parents Charlotte and Harry Leman and nephew Scott Kopitsky. Survivors include her sister Carol (the late Harold) Kopitsky; nephew Alan (Jane) Kopitsky; great-niece Morgan (James Hackney) Kopitsky; and great-nephew Maxwell Kopitsky. Our dear relative and friend. A private graveside service was held. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, 1095 NW 14th Terrace #48, Miami, FL 33136 or to the charity of the donor’s choice. A Rindskopf-Roth Service NORMA LIEPE passed away on January 27, 2022 at age 100 after a brief illness. Beloved wife of her childhood sweetheart, the late Aaron “Sonny” Liepe, for 68 happy years. She is survived by her son Ben, her sister-in-law Dusty Bernstein, nephews Ron (Alaina), Randy (Mollyann), and Sydney, and nieces Robyn and Sandra. Norma was born in St. Louis, the daughter of Ben and Alma “Nannie” Bernstein. With her husband, she owned and managed a chain of children’s clothing stores called Bo Peep Shops. In 1965 the family moved to Kansas City, where she was a department manager for several stores including Stix Baer & Fuller and Harzfeld’s. Socializing with friends and relatives, and holding lots of parties, were among her favorite activities, with many of them spent at the Meadowbrook Country Club. In retirement she enjoyed touring North America in the family’s Teton 5th Wheel trailer home. She settled in Palm Desert to enjoy golf and socializing with friends. Once a week she volunteered at the Palm Springs Air Museum’s gift shop. When her husband’s health began failing, they moved in with their son in Fullerton CA. There she volunteered at St. Jude Hospital’s gift shop. Her spare time was spent knitting caps for children with cancer for the Knots Of Love organization. A graveside service was held Tuesday, February 1 at New Mt. Sinai Cemetery, 8430 Gravois Road. Contributions in Norma’s memory may be made to Temple Beth Ohr, 15721 E. Rosecrans Avenue, LaMirada, CA, 90638. A Rindskopf-Roth Service
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OBITUARIES INDEX Appelman, Norman Chod, Rosalie Raisher Deutsch, Lillian Lorraine Edelman, Jack Federbush, Evelyn Mainzer Fishman, Judith Ann Goldstein, Sam Evan Goodman, Harriet Jane Johnston Grosberg, Ralph Hugo Jacobsohn, Dr. Warren
Jagust, Theodore “Ted” Keim, Helene T. Liepe, Norma Marcus, Susan Stampfer Heller Marks, Murry Aaron Motchan, Lydia Ruth Nissenbaum, Jerry Paul Raskas, Jerome “Jerry” Tozer, Susan Joy “Suzi” Wasserman, Jane B.
SUSAN STAMPFER HELLER MARCUS, born May 31, 1929, passed suddenly January 14, 2022. Daughter of Ruth Freund Stampfer and Bert Stampfer; beloved wife of the late Irving Hellman Heller, Jr. and the late Jerome Marcus; wonderful mother of Betsy Heller Cohen (Bruce Cohen, MD), Douglas Stampfer Heller (Lilian), and Fred James Heller (Maryann); loving stepmother to Crystal Marcus August and Thomas Marcus (Susan); loving grandmother to Gregory Phillip Cohen (Lauren), Scott Andrew Cohen (Emma), Carine Virginia Heller, Miles Stampfer Heller, Julia August, and Amelia Jarolim; great grandmother to Brooks Heller Cohen, Parker Paige Cohen, Graham Chambers Cohen, and Camille Augustine Cohen; sister to the late Louise Stampfer Robbins (and devoted sister-inlaw to Irving Robbins); and special aunt to Daniel Meyer Robbins, Cliff Stampfer Robbins, and Patricia Jane Robbins Furman. Graduate of Flynn Park Elementary School, Clayton High School, Wellesley College (BA), and Webster University (MBA). Trailblazer as a single working mother and writer with achievements in marketing and advertising, co-founder of the Wife-WidowWoman program of the National Council of Jewish Women, Director of Public Relations for Kidsmart, and President of Cancer Family Cares. Enduring interest in world travel, Life-Long Learning (as student and teacher), opera, and staying in close contact with her extended family. Private services were held on January 18, 2022, at Temple Emanuel. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry, 10601 Baur Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132. Berger Memorial Service Obituaries continue on following page
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OBITUARIES
Obituaries continued from page 21 MURRY AARON MARKS Born July 14, 1933, and passed away peacefully on January 21, 2022. Son of the late Harry Marks and the late Esther Greenberg Marks. Survived by his spouse, best friend, and love of his life for fifty-eight years, Floryne Beverly (Silverstein) Marks, his sons Jason (Lauri Cearley) Marks and Jonathan (Melanie) Marks, and his grandchildren Sara Marks, Madison Marks, and Mason Marks. Murry lived a remarkable and extraordinary life. He grew up in St. Louis during the Great Depression and found solace in music. A trumpet prodigy from a young age, he received an invitation to the Interlochen Music Academy at age fifteen, obtained his musician’s union card at age sixteen, and began playing professionally while still attending Clayton High School. His music career included playing with many of the best of the Big Band era, both locally and around the country. He studied theater and communications at Northwestern University. While completing his undergraduate studies at Washington University, Murry regularly appeared as a feature actor in performances at the Empress Theater, appearing on stage with stars like Vincent Price. He was also a member of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. He served in the United States Army, entertaining troops as part of the Army band. He received his law degree from Washington University School of Law, beginning a nearly sixty-year career as an attorney. After working for the St. Louis County Counselor, Murry opened his own firm with his law school classmate Forrest Elliot, the first racially integrated partnership in St. Louis. Later, Murry went solo, opening what is now The Marks Law Firm. A highly respected trial lawyer, Murry handled thousands of criminal and civil cases, including the largest class action toxic tort in Missouri, the dioxin cases of Times Beach. He was a member of the Missouri Bar and was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court and the United States Tax Court, as well as the federal district courts in Missouri. Repeatedly recognized in Who’s Who in American Law, he was also an active member of numerous local, state, and national legal organizations, as well as a Life Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and a Distinguished Fellow of the St. Louis Bar Foundation. Murry took particular pride in his alma mater, and as a member of the Eliot Society he and Floryne established a scholarship that annually funded the legal education of one deserving law student. An athlete all his life, Murry ran and worked out religiously into his eighties. A member of Meadowbrook Country Club for fortyseven years, Murry played golf as often as possible, competing in the St. Louis District Golf Association in both regular and senior categories. As much as he loved practicing law, for Murry family always came first. He worked hard so he could make sure his wife and sons always had the best in life. He and Floryne treasured time together, whether on vacations or dining out around town. True partners their entire married life, Murry and Floryne enjoyed the arts, including the Fox Theater, the Art Museum, the Botanical Gardens, and the St. Louis County Library, all of which they supported over the years. A wonderful father, Murry introduced his sons to everything from sports to literature, and he gifted them his love of life and laughter. Excited that both his sons became lawyers and fathers of their own, Murry felt fortunate he had the chance to share with his grandchildren many joyous experiences. Though he left an indelible mark through his law practice – the many people he helped, the many lawyers he mentored – he felt happiest spending time with his family, particularly golfing or dining with his wife and sons. A private funeral service was held on Monday, January 24, 2022, at United Hebrew, followed by internment at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Siteman Cancer Center, the American Brain Tumor Association, or a charity of your choice. Berger Memorial Service
LYDIA RUTH MOTCHAN, January 20, 2022 According to family lore, at the outset of the Great Depression, Lydia Rapport, then age 8 and considered the fairest and most honest of her three siblings, was tasked with splitting a gumdrop in four equal parts. At age 100, she remained generous and kind. As a centenarian, she celebrated with friends and relatives last July with 100 White Castles (which also turned 100 in 2021) and 100 Mounds bars (yes, 100 years old, too). Interviewed by a KSDK reporter about the key to a long, happy life, she said she simply followed the golden rule. In early January, while eating a cheeseburger and onion rings from Carl’s Drive-In, she surmised that the key to reaching 100 years of age was also very likely fried food and anything with butter. She was especially fond of Nathaniel Reid Bakery’s almond croissants. Lydia grew up in South St. Louis, on Virginia Ave. where she would walk up to Gravois and get ice cream at the nearby Velvet Freeze. It was along that same route that she watched President Harry S Truman drive by in a motorcade. She graduated from Roosevelt High School and was a member of the school’s knitting club, the “Knit-Wits.” She later attended Winona Institute in Indiana where she learned oil painting. She had a knack for the craft and was a two-time winner of the Missouri state competition for portrait oil colorists. One of her first jobs was as a secretary at “The Sporting News” in the 1940s when she attended the St. Louis Cardinals and Browns World Series. In later years, she edited the Jewish Hospital of St. Louis “216” newsletter and interviewed such luminaries as Barbara Walters. She retired from the hospital as assistant to the president. She loved animals and after retiring, she frequently offered to dog-sit for friends, traveling as far as Michigan and California. Well into her 90s, Lydia and her neighbors at Manor Condominiums would attend Tai Chi class at Covenant Place. Lydia had a seemingly endless network of friends. She remembered details about all of them, and continued to wish them well on birthdays and special occasions with cards and emails. She always had a ready smile and a kind word for everyone she encountered. Beloved mother of William (Mary) and beloved wife of the late Carl Motchan. A graveside service was held Jan. 24 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in Chesterfield. JERRY PAUL NISSENBAUM, January 26, 2022 Son of the late Ely and the late Ethel Baris Nissenbaum; beloved husband of the late Norma M. Nissenbaum; dear father and father-in-law of Alan Nissenbaum (Jeannette), the late Ronna Croft (David), Joan Lewen (Dr. Marc), and Jane Weinhaus (Michael); loving Papa of Arin Weinberg (Josh), Andrea Pezley (Dan), Brian Lewen (Andrea), Jason Weinhaus (Samantha), Kelli Harvey (Tyler), Ryan Weinhaus (Dr. Brittanie), Stephanie Rogers (Randy), and Dr. Heather Cochrun (Patrick); beloved Papa of 15 great grandchildren. Dear brother and brother-in-law of the late Marvin Nissenbaum (the late Ellen), the late Alvin Nissenbaum (the late Eileen), the late Sissye Moll (the late George), the late Martin Hyatt (the late Helen), and Arthur Hyatt (Ady). Loving and welcoming uncle, cousin, friend, and mentor to so many. Jerry always said his true wealth lies in his family. They were his jewels. Private family service. The service will be available to view via Live Stream. Please visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for Live Stream details. Memorial donations to charity of donor’s choice. Berger Memorial Service JEROME “JERRY” RASKAS We are deeply saddened to let you know that Jerome “Jerry” Raskas passed away on January 24, 2022 at the age of 88. Beloved husband of 61 years to Nancy (Saks) Raskas. Dear father and father-inlaw to David (fiancé, Carol Ann Goodman) Raskas, Evan (Avi) Goldfarb, and Lisa (Josh) Hofheimer. Loving grandfather to Jessica and Jaclyn Raskas, Edan and Leor Goldfarb, and Jake and Tommy Hofheimer. Devoted son of the late Abraham and Ethel Raskas. Beloved brother of the late Herbert (the late Cecile) (Betty Lou) Raskas, Shirley (the late Ray) (the late Norton) Lieber Kronemer, the late Sara (Marshall) Myers, and Nancy (the late Paul) (Howard Blonsky) Agronin. Dear uncle, cousin, advisor and friend of many.
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Jerry was born on February 3, 1933. The eldest of five children from modest means, he learned the value of education and hard work at a young age, and worked his way through college and law school at Washington University. An all-around athlete and baseball fanatic, Jerry was a football player in high school and college and an avid handball player and cyclist throughout his adult life. When not working, he could be found joyfully watching the St. Louis Cardinals, or any other sports that happened to be on the television at the time. Jerry had an exceptional legal career. He loved connecting with his clients and standing alongside them during some of the most difficult times in their personal and professional lives. Jerry also was a gifted educator - one of the true joys of his professional career was serving as an adjunct professor at Washington University School of Law, a position he held for 36 years. Despite his busy practice, he always found time to give back to the community dedicating his many talents to the St. Louis Jewish Community Center and Jewish Federation, including serving as the President of the JCC. A funeral service was held Tuesday, January 25 at Congregation B’nai Amoona, 324 S. Mason Road with interment following at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Road. Service also available via livestream (for more information, please visit www.rindskopfroth.com). Contributions in his memory may be made to the St. Louis Jewish Community Center, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 or to the charity of your choice. A Rindskopf-Roth Service SUSAN JOY “SUZI” TOZER, January 24, 2022 Dear wife of the late Dan Tozer; beloved mother of Debi Tozer Lin (Mikhail), Shana Tozer (Anthony DeCicco) and Angie Tozer (Obie Peeples); loving grandmother of Nelli Peeples; dear daughter of Genevieve and the late Irv Rondberg; dear sister of Ruth Gerchen (David) and Marilyn Elkin (Phil); loving companion of Jerry Gusdorf; dear aunt, cousin, and friend to so many. Suzi was a teacher, storyteller, and the life of the party. Her positive energy radiated through her big smile that she shared with everyone she met. She believed that life should be celebrated and brought this mindset to fruition as a party and event planner and extraordinary host. Born and raised in St. Louis, she attended Pattonville and Parkway North and graduated from UMSL with a degree in education. She spent many years as a Sunday School teacher at United Hebrew and had a deep love for tutoring kids with dyslexia. Her work as an educator extended far beyond the classroom. She shared her cancer journey with an expansive network modeling a message for everyone to live their lives in gratitude even when things are tough. She was a source of light, joy, happiness, and hope to countless friends, family, and community members. There was nothing that brought her more joy than her family. She lived for Thursday morning breakfasts with her mom, sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins, Saturday night dates with Jerry, and watching her granddaughter Nelli every Tuesday. She would sit with her daughters, and they would laugh until they cried. She would always note that it was her family that allowed her to fight this long. A funeral service was held Thursday, January 27 at United Hebrew Congregation. Service available via Live Stream – visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for details. Private interment. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions preferred to Rainbows for Kids, 7221 Waterford Drive, 63123; Gateway to Dreams, 416 Chesterfield Center, 63017; and Sharsheret, 1086 Teaneck Road, Suite 2G, Teaneck, New Jersey 07666. Berger Memorial Service JANE B. WASSERMAN, January 23, 2022 Beloved wife of Rick Wasserman. Dear mother of Dana (Matthew) March, Toni (Chris) Oldham and Andrea (Jeff) Lyell. Loving grandmother of Ella and Audrey March, Andrew, Kenley, and Norman Oldham, and Lucy and John Lyell. Beloved sister of Lynn (the late Bill) Wallis and Mark (Jeniffer) Rubenstein. Dear sister-in-law of Rita (the late Louis) Solko. Beloved daughter of the late Norman and Geraldine Rubenstein. Our dear aunt, cousin and friend. A funeral service was held Wednesday, Jan. 26 at Congregation Temple Israel, #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Dr. with interment to follow at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Rd. No visitation prior to service. Livestream available at Temple Israel. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Bill Wallis Charitable Foundation, 106 E. Washington, Cuba, MO 65453 or to Hadassah, 12 Millstone Campus Dr., St. Louis, MO 63146. A Rindskopf-Roth Service
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J ASSOCIATES
J Associates will hold its second annual Fabulous Feud Live event virtually on March 12 (read more about the event on page 5. See photos of each team on this page. ABOVE: The Bald and the Beautiful team: Monte Sandler, Julie Sandler, Andy Sandler, Lisa Moons and David Moons. AT LEFT: Growe for the Gold includes Danny Soshnik, Jennifer Growe Soshnik, Gary Growe, Rebecca Growe and Jason Growe.
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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
ABOVE: The Matzah Ballers include Stefanie Woollen, Bryce Woollen, Diane Sanger, Brian Sanger and Rachel Sanger. LEFT: The Sabra Shabbat Playahs: Julie Shanker, Steve Chorlins, Terri Grossman, Jenny Hoffman-Mentle and Larry Opinsky BELOW LEFT: The Baris Necessities: Jon Baris, Melissa Baris, Rob Baris, Judy Grosz and Keith Grosz BELOW RIGHT: The Arbor Roots: Will Goldstein, Elizabeth Snidman, Nancy Goldstein, Susan Goldstein and Jonathan Goldstein
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February 2, 2022
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