ChaiLights

YOUR CALENDAR OF ST. LOUIS JEWISH COMMUNITY EVENTS

FEB

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.

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

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. 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.

WEDNESDAY | FEB. 16

Hedy Lamarr: Actress and more

SATURDAY | FEB. 12

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.

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.

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

Having the talk about money

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. org or contact Debbi Braunstein, Sharsheret Supports STL Program Manager, 314-4423266, dbraunstein@jccstl.org

STARTING | FEB. 17

Tech Tutor: Facebook 101

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

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.