St. Louis Jewish Light - Lifestyles magazine

New Mount Sinai is the only Jewish cemetery in St. Louis with a community mausoleum and forty-two acres of forested grounds. It’s a short drive to honor your ancestors from the 19th - 21st Centuries, and celebrate Jewish contributions to St. Louis for 172 years.

partner of Jewish Federation of St. Louis.

LETTER FROM THE Editor

When I recently mentioned to a friend that our Oy! Lifestyle cover story was about the Jewish population of St. Charles, she laughed, then commented: “I guess it’s a short story.”

Well sorry to disappoint, my friend, but as writer Bill Motchan tells us, roughly 6,000 Jews are estimated to live in St. Charles County –about 10% of the region’s total Jewish population. Some moved there because they could secure a more affordable, larger home than closer-in suburbs, others came because of a job opportunity and still others wanted to be closer to family and friends who had moved there before them.

Regardless of the reason for them coming, as you’ll read in Bill’s story, Jewish life in St. Charles is robust and growing, with celebrations for major Jewish holidays held in parks and along Main Street downtown, Torah study groups at the St. Charles Chabad and an online community called “Being Jewish in St. Charles” (@ BeingJewishStCharles), which looks at the lives of Jews who live and work in the area, told through first-person photo essays.

Bill also tells us about the sport that’s growing faster than weeds in springtime: Pickleball. Apparently, it’s been around since the mid1960s, but its popularity has soared more recently, partly because of the pandemic. And among what demographic has most of this growth taken place? Players 60 and older, who enjoy the exercise but find it easier on their bodies than tennis or racquetball.

In separate stories, Bill and I introduce you to two interesting young men who both graduated from Clayton High School, though years apart,

and are pursuing a passion that began at a very young age.

Zachary Wexelman, a budding songwriter and musician, is breaking into the business thanks to his presence on TikTok. As a concierge gemologist, Jake Talve-Goodman appraises clients’ jewelry, gems and precious metals at their home so that they don’t have to take their valuables to a jewelry store.

Another profile, by our digital guru Jordan Palmer, looks at art consultant Faith Berger’s “second act,” part of a recurring series about interesting career shifts later in life.

Finally, no lifestyle magazine, especially a Jewish one, would be complete without a piece about food. Passionate Palate writer Margi Lenga Kahn delves into the fascinating history of almonds and their relationship to the Torah, Israel and Judaism. And of course, she includes a few recipes using this ancient but yummy tree nut.

Hopefully, we have made our way through the worst of COVID, and are getting back to “normal,” whatever that means in the wake of the pandemic. One thing is for sure though: the vibrancy of the people, places and institutions that make up the St. Louis community continues to be strong; as many of these stories attest, lives are still being well-lived and celebrated.

As always, we welcome feedback and ideas; feel free to contact me at efutterman@stljewishlight.org or by calling 314-743-3669.

Warmest regards,

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief

General correspondence: PO Box 411487

OUR BOARD AND STAFF

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OFFICERS

Bethe Growe, President

Laura K. Silver, Immediate Past President

Ben Weiss, Vice President

Laurie Chod, Vice President

Alice Handelman, Vice President

Justin Krachmalnick, Treasurer

Debra Klevens, Secretary

TRUSTEES

Dan Bindler, Jerry Ehrlich, Richard Flom, Judy Kaplan, Mia Kweskin, Beth Manlin, Lauren Murov, Ryan Rich, Steve Rosenzweig, Jenn Sagett, Angela Sandler, Bruce Sandweiss, Adam Schneider, Helene Sherman, Joan Silber, Alan Spector, Dan Winograd

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Terry Bloomberg, Nanci Bobrow, Ph.D., Charles C. Eisenkramer, Dodie Frey, Diane Gallant, Steve Gallant, John Greenberg, Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh, Gianna Jacobson, Gary Kodner, Linda Kraus, Sanford Lebman, Dr. Ken Ludmerer, Lynn Lyss, Donald Mitchell, Michael N. Newmark, Adinah Raskas, Jane Tzinberg Rubin, Marvin J. Schneider, Richard W. Stein, Barbara Langsam Shuman, Sanford Weiss, Jenny Wolkowitz, Vivian W. Zwick

Founder Morris Pearlmutter (1913-1993)

STAFF

EXECUTIVE

Betsy Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief

EDITORIAL

Robert A. Cohn, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

Mike Sherwin, Managing Editor

BUSINESS AND ENGAGEMENT

Stacy Wolff Smart, Director of Business

Development and Communications

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content Officer

Angela Jolly, Administrative Assistant

SALES

Shane Blatt, Senior Account Executive

Kelly Morris, Account Executive

Elaine Wernick, Account Executive

PRODUCTION

Erin Eason, Creative Lead

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Eric Berger, Burton Boxerman, Barry Gilbert, Repps Hudson, Cate Marquis, Margi Lenga Kahn, Cathleen Kronemer, Bill Motchan

St. Luke’s Heart and Vascular Institute offers a full range of state-of-the-art diagnostic interventional and surgical procedures, including electrophysiology procedures, heart disease prevention programs, vascular services, and rehabilitation programs for patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.

St. Luke’s is the only hospital in Missouri named one of America’s 50 Best for Cardiac Surgery™ by Healthgrades® four years in a row (2019 – 2022). and one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention.™

In Alliance With Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute

Leader in Beating Heart Surgery in the St. Louis Area

#1

Level 1 Designation for Heart Attack Treatment

Five-star Ratings for Heart Attack and Heart Failure From Healthgrades®

2nd

For a first diagnosis or a second opinion on your heart condition, contact the St. Luke’s Heart and Vascular Institute at 314-205-6801 or visit stlukes-stl.com/hearthealth.

The ‘watchful’ ALMOND: GOOD, & good for you

BY MARGI LENGA KAHN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

Almonds play a special role in the Torah. Indeed, other than pistachios, they are the only nuts mentioned in the Torah. And not just once but multiple times.

For example, in Exodus 25:32, God directs Moses to have the Children of Israel build a sanctuary. Among the specifics for the sanctuary are directions for the creation of a gold menorah: “There should be three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a knop and a flower.”

Native to Israel, almond trees date back thousands of years. They are the first fruit trees to bloom, and they do so before spring arrives. And before the leaves appear, these trees produce fragrant and beautiful flowers.

Bitter almond trees, the oldest ones, produce nuts that contain a poisonous acid called HCN. To make them edible, these bitter almonds must undergo a process to remove that deadly acid. The resulting nut meat, with its concentrated flavor, is the key ingredient in almond extract.

RECIPES

• Lemony Spinach, Date & Almond Salad

• Almond & Pistachio Lemon Tea Bread

• Almond Tahini Dip

There are two species of almond trees: cultivated almond trees and bitter almond trees. The cultivated variety, the majority of which are now grown in California, are the ones we delight in eating. The skins of these almonds are edible; however, for baking purposes, many people prefer to use blanched almonds, which are almonds that have had their skins removed. You can purchase blanched almonds at some ethnic markets, or you can do it yourself. Simply place almonds in a pot of boiling water for one minute, rinse them in cold water, and then slip off the skins.

Almonds have been an indispensable ingredient in cuisines the world over and are used in many foods we associate with those cuisines. For example, Greek skordalia, a sauce made from almonds and potatoes, is frequently served with fish and vegetables or as a dip. So, too, Spanish ajo blanco, made with almonds, bread and garlic, is the original gazpacho, created long before tomatoes made their way to Spain from the new world. And macarons, the French “rainbow” sandwich cookies, are made with almonds and egg whites.

Sephardic cuisine includes almonds in many main dishes and desserts. For example, there’s the Sephardic almond sauce bademli, which is made from a mixture of water, almonds and parsley and used to top a variety of meat and fish dishes. There is also almond baklava; fnaro, a honey-sweetened egg custard; travados, an almond and currant filled pastry; and other such dishes featuring or incorporating this ancient tree nut.

So, too, almonds are plentiful is Ashkenazi cuisine, including the

iconic mandelbrodt (“mandel” is Yiddish for “almond”); almond milk, which long predated the current health craze; kifli, ground almond cookies in a crescent shape; rolled cakes with an almond filling; haroset for Passover; and those delicious dumplings for chicken soup that include finely chopped almonds in an egg and matzah meal mixture.

The Hebrew word for almonds is shakeid, which means “watchful.” It is symbolic for God’s watchfulness over the Jewish people. For many cultures, almonds are a symbol of hope, happiness and renewal. For example, at many Jewish weddings, newlyweds are showered with almonds as they leave the chuppah. Jordan almonds, the pastel candy-coated almonds, are frequently given out as a traditional wedding party treat at many Jewish and Greek wedding receptions.

There are so many ways to enjoy almonds: out of hand, ground into milk, almond butter, marzipan, almond paste, frangipane

LEMONY SPINACH, DATE & ALMOND SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

Vinaigrette:

3 tbsp. red wine vinegar

2 tbsp. honey

1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest

2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more to taste

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

½ small shallot, peeled and finely minced

½ c. extra virgin olive oil, plus more as needed

Pinch of crushed red chili flakes (optional)

Coarse kosher salt, to taste

Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Salad:

12 oz. fresh baby spinach, rinsed and spun dry

6 Medjool dates, pitted and cut into strips

number of exciting culinary creations.

Besides being delicious, almonds pack a wallop of nutritional benefits. In their beautiful book “Almonds,” my friend Barbara Bryant and her co-author Betsy Fentress identify almonds as a superfood: “Compared to other tree nuts, they rank first in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin and niacin. Plus, they deliver another startling property: Even though a 1 ounce (30 g) serving has 160 calories, the body absorbs only 129 of those calories.”

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a handful of almonds to snack on. Or, for a more elaborate snack, stuff an almond inside a pitted date. Or sprinkle a large handful of chopped almonds on top of your favorite salad, hot grain dish or

PASSIONATE PALATE

Margi Lenga Kahn is the mother of five and grandmother of nine. While teaching virtual cooking classes and preparing meals for the local Meals On Wheels program, she continues to work on a project to preserve the stories and recipes of heritage cooks. She welcomes your comments and suggestions at margikahn@gmail.com.

¾ c. unsalted almonds, toasted, cooled and coarsely chopped

2 pita breads split in half, br`shed with olive oil, lightly salted, toasted in the oven until crisp, and torn into 1-in. pieces

DIRECTIONS:

1. For vinaigrette, whisk together vinegar, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and minced shallot.

2. Drizzle in ½ c. of olive oil while whisking until dressing has emulsified. Add crushed chili flakes (if using) and salt and pepper to taste and whisk again.

3. Whisk in additional lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

4. Place spinach in a large salad bowl.

5. Add dates, almonds and pita pieces to spinach and toss to combine.

6. Drizzle two-thirds of the vinaigrette evenly over the salad and toss well.

7. Taste, adding more vinaigrette and salt and pepper as needed.

Makes 6-8 side salad servings.

OPPOSITE PAGE PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK PHOTOS; SALAD PHOTO: MICHAEL KAHN

ALMOND TAHINI DIP

(Adapted from a recipe by chef Barak Yhezkeli, Galilee Culinary Institute)

Tahini sauce gets a new look here with almond flour standing in for the traditional sesame seed paste. The texture is different from tahini sauce, but the flavor is addictive.

INGREDIENTS:

1 c. almond flour

¾ c. grape seed oil or sunflower oil

1 small garlic clove, peeled and chopped

1 tsp. za’atar, or more to taste (you could substitute a mixture of dried thyme and sumac if you have it)

¼ tsp. coarse kosher salt, plus more to taste

1 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cold water as needed to achieve desired consistency

Fresh chopped parsley or mint, for garnishing

Pita chips and carrot sticks, for serving

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Place almond flour in a blender. Turn on the blender and slowly drizzle oil through the lid. Add garlic, za’atar, salt, lemon juice and black pepper. Process again, adding cold water, if necessary, to reach the consistency of a dip.

2.  Transfer dip to a bowl and garnish with chopped parsley or mint.

3.  Serve with pita chips and carrot sticks.

roasted chicken.

Another idea: Make dukkah (an Egyptian nut and seed condiment). It’s easy. Combine a half cup each of almonds and pistachios in a small food processor. Pulse to finely chop. Add 1 tablespoon each of sesame seeds and poppy seeds and a half tablespoon each of toasted cumin seeds, fennel seeds and

coriander seeds. Pulse to combine and add a bit of salt to taste. Store in a jar at room temperature and use it to garnish or add pizzazz to soups, salads, roasted vegetables and your favorite hummus.

Below are a few other delicious recipes using this ancient but delicious tree nut.

Bon Appetit!

ALMOND AND PISTACHIO LEMON TEA BREAD

This is a light and not-too-sweet cake that’s made in a standard loaf pan. It’s perfect alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

INGREDIENTS:

Bread:

1 c. superfine sugar (225 g.) (C&H Baker’s Sugar- available at major supermarkets)

1¼ c. (125 g.) unsalted shelled pistachios

2 sticks + 1½ tbsp. (250 g.) unsalted butter, plus more for oiling pan Finely grated zest of 1 large lemon

1 tsp. vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

4 large eggs

1 c. (100 g.) almond flour (finely ground almonds)

1 c. (125 g.) all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. coarse kosher salt or fine sea salt

Glaze:

1 c. powdered sugar

2 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice (thick drizzling consistency) plus more as needed

Finely grated zest of 1 medium lemon

DIRECTIONS:

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees. Butter an 8½ by 4 ½ inch loaf pan. Line the bottom of the pan with a strip of parchment paper and butter paper; set aside.

2. Measure out 1 c. of sugar. Remove 1 tbsp. of the sugar and add it, along with the pistachios, into a food processor. Process until ground, and then pulse five or six times until the nuts are finely ground, stopping before the nuts

turn into a butter; set aside.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the remaining sugar, all the butter, lemon zest and vanilla; cream together until light and fluffy, about two minutes, stopping once or twice to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl.

4. Add the ground pistachio mixture and eggs to the mixer.

5. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt. Pour the mixture over the eggs and mix everything together on low just until ingredients are thoroughly combined and batter is light.

6. Place pan in oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean. Transfer pan to a cooling rack for five minutes. Carefully loosen the bread from the sides of the pan with a sharp knife. Turn bread out onto the cooling rack and let cool for another 10 minutes.

7. While bread cools, whisk together all the glaze ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth. Place a sheet of parchment or wax paper under the cooling rack to catch excess glaze. Drizzle glaze over bread and let cool to room temperature before slicing.

Makes 1 tea bread.

PHOTOS: MICHAEL KAHN

BY BILL

MOTCHAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

In September, Zachary Wexelman was strumming a guitar in his music studio when he received an email from Universal Music Group. The company’s A&R (artist & repertoire) team wanted to license a song Wexelman wrote. That’s the same Universal whose publishing group artists include Taylor Swift, Drake, Elton John, Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Billie Eilish and Justin Bieber.

For Wexelman, 33, it was the culmination of a dream he’s had since attending middle school in Clayton. A career in the music

industry has always been his goal. After years of grinding and honing his craft, the call from Universal came in large part through his online presence on the short-form video sharing app TikTok.

“I had one TikTok tutorial that went viral with over 3 million views, and that’s how I got this deal,” Wexelman said. “Initially I thought, ‘This has to be a scam,’ but it turned out it was real. It was a long process. There’s a lot of bureaucracy involved with these big labels. They licensed the song, and now I’m trying to leverage it into a deal or another song. It’s a start.”

“Insecurities” is the song licensed by Universal, an original composition Wexelman wrote and performed under his stage name Real Topeka People. It’s one of several pop tunes he created that are available for download from Amazon Music and the iTunes Store. The TikTok video that boosted his musical credibility is called “How to Make Indie Dance Music in 60 Seconds” (online at https://bit.ly/indie-dance-music or view the full,

PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

finished audio on YouTube at youtu.be/3-Wyxgmy4MY.

TikTok is also where you’ll find a wide range of Wexelman videos, many of which are music how-tos, covering every genre from hip-hop to disco. His TikToks take a wry look at the music business from the perspective of an artist who spent a decade in Los Angeles trying to break out. He even posted a 36-second summary of his success story, “How I Managed to Sign a Deal With Universal Music” (online at https://bit.ly/universal-deal).

In addition to being a singer-songwriter, Wexelman is a TikTok content creator who has discovered the importance of the social media site for emerging artists. The music business is not like it once was. A&R reps from big labels no longer hang out in music clubs hoping to find new talent. Now they search out the next big thing on YouTube and TikTok.

From humble beginnings

The music journey for Wexelman began in high school, when he had a band with some friends. They played small gigs, but his drive to make it big was always there, says Aaron Cannon, his longtime friend.

“Zach was always the most deeply invested in music,” said

33. “For the rest of us, it was a hobby. He recorded guitar riffs, and he obviously spent hours working on them, and he really had a hunger for it.”

Cannon and Wexelman played soccer and basketball growing up, and they were Hebrew school friends at ’rith Sholom Kneseth Israel. Later, they went on a Birthright trip together.

“As high schoolers, we connected more with Judaism, and that culminated in college, when we went to Israel together,” Cannon said. “It gave us a deep understanding of what Israel was like and what it meant to our culture and background.”

Wexelman, who is now a member of Kol Rinah, graduated from Boston University with a degree in film. After college, he went to L.A. to try his luck in the entertainment industry, which can be a brutal and humbling experience. For 10 years, he worked in video production and dabbled in music. He created a band, the Space Cadets, managed by his college friend Justin Cohen.

“Literally the first time I ever met him I stumbled into his dorm room and funny enough he was playing Nelly’s ‘Ride with Me’ on acoustic guitar,” said Cohen, 32. “That literal second I thought, ‘This kid’s got talent.’ Zach is the most talented person I know musically.”

Cohen now co-hosts a podcast called “Top Fives and Deep Dives” that examines music, film and TV. The podcast’s spirited intro jingle was written by Wexelman.

“The theme song has become quite a staple of the show, and everyone asks me about it,” Cohen said. “I’m glad that Zach is starting to get the recognition he deserves. He’s been working on it for so long. A lot of artists work with songwriters, and the fact that Zach can do it all himself is becoming a rarer and rarer skill in the music industry.”

Wexelman said jingle writing is one more revenue stream for a singer-songwriter who has a knowledge of audio production.

“I write jingles for a company called Songfinch,” he said.

Medical Excellence, Compassionate Care

You want your loved one to get the best memory care available. We know how you feel. That’s why memory care is our primary focus. Parc Provence specialists are experts in their fields and committed to compassionate care. Our Medical Directors are leading specialists in Alzheimer’s disease and geriatric medicine at Washington University School of Medicine. Our residents benefit from the latest in research and best practices, so they can continue to make the best of every day.

Please call to learn more or to schedule a tour.

605 Coeur de Ville Drive, Creve Coeur, MO 63141

We believe our residents and their families deserve the best memory care possible.

“They were written up in zine, and they reached out to me because they’d seen my TikToks. There’s an art to it. You have to try to find that earworm.”

A one-man band

Like Jimi Hendrix and Paul McCartney, Wexelman can’t read music. He plays by ear. It’s entirely possible he inherited his musical talent from his parents. His late father, Joel, played in a band called the Physical Imaginations while a student at University City High School. Wexelman’s mother, Randi Mozenter (board chair of Kol Rinah), is a tal ented pianist.

“My dad played keyboard, and he used to sing me Jewish lullabies,” Wexelman said. “One that stuck with me was ‘Henei Ma Tov.’”

That memory launched Zachary into an impromptu pitch perfect a cappella rendition of the 133 Psalm. His singing voice, guitar chops and mastery of the techni cal aspects of recording enable Wexelman to be a one-man band. It gives him the freedom to create Tik Tok music videos and pop tunes from his basement studio in University City. The setup is more conducive to creativ ity than his former apartment in West Hollywood.

“I came back to St. Louis during the summer of 2020,” he said. “The pandemic was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I had an adversarial relationship

in a bottle. Sometimes a guitar riff turns into a memorable Igniting the spark of creativity that generates a hit songs pays called “STL” and was

“I wish I had come back to St. Louis sooner,”

PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY BILL MOTCHAN

t. Charles County is home to two dozen churches and zero synagogues. Curiously, about 5,800 Jews live in St. Charles, O’Fallon, St. Wentzville and Cottleville. That translates to roughly 10% of all the Jews in the greater St. Louis region. Those numbers come from a 2014 Jewish Federation of St. Louis study, so there may well be more Jews living west of the Missouri River in 2022. In the eight years since that study was completed, the overall population of St. Charles has increased by

A lack of Jewish worship facilities in St. Charles has not appeared to deter western migration. The 10-lane Veterans Memorial Bridge connecting Maryland Heights to St. Charles via Route 364 created fast access from St. Louis County. More affordable housing is another factor in the choice by many Jewish St. Louisans to migrate to what once

VIBRANT JEWISH COMMUNITY IS GROWING UP IN ST. CHARLES COUNTY

seemed the far exurbs.

Mark and Carol Schatz moved to St. Charles County from the Chicago area in 1981. They were teachers looking for new opportunities in a less expensive market, and the Wentzville School District beckoned. It needed the skills they offered. Mark was an art teacher, and Carol taught special education.

Mark had to look up Wentzville on a map to figure out exactly where it was.

“We had a short commute to work, a five-minute drive,” said Schatz, 69. “At that time, the school district was not big, and when a new teacher was hired, the whole faculty threw them a party. It was nice and welcoming. They asked if we had a church — a lot of them didn’t know any other word — because everybody in Wentzville went to a church and they wanted to help us out. That’s how we found out about B’nai Torah.”

The small, now-defunct congregation was a good fit for the Schatzes, and they

made friends there and in the community. They raised both of their children in Lake St. Louis and, now retired, they still live there. For most of the years the Schatz children attended school in Wentzville, they were the only Jews in their classes.

“They tell us now they’re glad they had that opportunity,” Schatz said. “They’re glad they learned what it was like to be a minority and got to meet all different kinds of kids and not just kids who were like them.”

Six years ago, Richie and Blair Levin bought a home in St. Charles primarily because it was so affordable. Levin figures the same property in Creve Coeur would have been as much as $150,000 more.

“You get a lot more house for the money,” said Levin, 32. “I also like the ‘newness’ of the houses being built here. And there are a lot of young families. My neighborhood is predominantly a few years older than us with young kids. On

Halloween, we get more than 100 kids trick-or-treating.”

That’s a positive for the Levin family. They have a 2½-year-old son, Logan, and he’ll grow up around other kids his age. He attends preschool at Temple Israel, a short drive from their home.

Levin doesn’t feel isolated as a Jew in St. Charles. Another Jewish family lives down the street, and he has cousins and a number of friends who live in the area. And thanks to the Page Avenue extension, a drive to see family across the Missouri River takes just 15 minutes.

Gerry and Jennifer Nemet lived in Birmingham, Ala., for 17 years. They were familiar with being part of a small Jewish community. Now they live in New Town, the St. Charles County planned community that looks like a quaint New England village. The Nemets got a good vibe about their new home as they were driving up in mid-2020.

“I remember pulling into New Town,”

Families come together at Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County for a Shabbat Under the Stars program in July.

said Nemet, 55. “It was June, and we saw all the pride flags displayed. My son said, ‘You wouldn’t see that in a neighborhood in Alabama.’ It’s just a lot more openminded, balanced place, and we really liked that.”

Nemet said there are challenges to maintaining a Jewish home in St. Charles, but they’re minimal, such as locating a challah at a local grocery. Finding other Jews has not been difficult, though. New Town is a diverse community, and the annual menorah lighting in the town square draws quite a few Jewish residents who can walk there.

The menorah lighting found its audience partly through social media. Brandy Frank created a New Town Havurah event on Facebook so the closeknit Jewish community there could easily find the time and location. Brandy and her husband, Eric, belong to United Hebrew Congregation, a 25-minute drive from their New Town home. The Franks are raising their children with a Jewish identity, which they proudly display.

Eric Frank grew up in University City. His family moved west, and he attended Parkway Schools. He went to Jewish

camp and celebrated his bar mitzvah at UH. The decision to move to St. Charles was a financial one for him.

“I basically came to St. Charles because it was affordable,” said Frank, 45. “When I was 25, I couldn’t afford to build a new

house in St. Louis County.”

The Franks have a mixed marriage, not unlike other couples in St. Charles. Brandy Frank, 38, grew up in Washington, Mo., and she hadn’t met many Jews before she took a job at

Above, Rabbi Chaim Landa (right), of the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County, helps a guest celebrate Sukkot during a Soup in the Sukkah event. Landa and his wife, Bassy Landa, co-direct the Chabad center.

At left, Gerry Nemet lives in New Town, St. Charles with his wife, Jennifer.

The

Westwood Country Club, where she met Eric. They were married in a Jewish ceremony, and Brandy makes sure the family celebrates Jewish holidays.

“When I was growing up, my parents didn’t have a faith,” she said. “It’s important for my boys to have a foundation of faith and values.”

Dips, Spreads, and Starters

Finding a Jewish community has been another positive for the Franks and others in New Town. Gerry Nemet said that group is growing and has regular outings.

“We had one get-together where we met at Padavan’s, a restaurant here in New Town, and everybody got together with their kids,” he said. “We’re building a group of Jewish people here. It’s at the very start, but it feels like we’re all getting to know each other.”

Creating a Jewish gathering place

On a late July evening last year, a half dozen young Jewish families gathered in a backyard for a “Shabbat Under the Stars” singalong and dinner. Previously, they might have thought they were the only Jews in the area. The location was the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County, which doubles as the home of its co-directors, Rabbi Chaim Landa and his wife, Bassy.

Mingling with the crowd were the Landa’s two children, Chaya and Mussia (they’ve since welcomed a third, Cherna, into the family). The younger Landas served as tiny Chabadniks, entertaining the kids that came along with their parents for this family friendly event.

The Shabbat gathering was just one of the ways the Landas have connected the Jewish community in St. Charles County. That’s not an especially easy task, given

Eric and Brandy Frank and their children live in New Town at St. Charles.

PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN

its size (593 square miles) and density; it’s Missouri’s third-most populous county. There are close to 6,000 Jews living in St. Charles, but they aren’t located in one vicinity.

Landa thinks there are likely 10,000 Jews in the county, but he said they aren’t always as easy to locate because some aren’t necessarily comfortable sharing their religious identity in a neighborhood, or a city, where they are in a distinct minority.

Then came COVID. In-person gatherings had dwindled. Just as the Delta variant faded, we were introduced to Omicron. Ever the optimist, Rabbi Landa found a silver lining in the pandemic.

“Although COVID presented very real challenges, especially for a startup community, it also brought out a huge bless-

The Center of the St. Louis Jewish Community

Mark Schatz moved to St. Charles County from the Chicago area in 1981.

All about THE HOLIDAYS text study with the Rabbis

Take a “text study” tour of the Jewish holidays!

Join Temple Israel’s Rabbis, Amy Feder & Michael Alper, at one or all of these text study courses where we’ll dig deeper into the meaning of each through Torah, Talmud, and texts.

All About Passover

Sunday, April 3, 9:45-11:15 am

On Zoom or in the classroom

The texts of the Passover Seder Haggadah range from song to storytelling, but each is a pedagogical masterpiece intended to share the story of the exodus from Egypt with all kinds of learners.

All About the “Yoms”

Sunday, April 24, 9:45-11:15 am

On Zoom or in the classroom

The “holidays of Israel” are all newer holidays created following the Holocaust and the birth of the modern State of Israel. Poetry and other modern writings help underscore the importance of these newly created holidays in the ongoing history of the Jewish people.

All About Shavuot

Tuesday, May 31, 7-8 pm

On Zoom

On Shavuot, we celebrate receiving the 10 commandments, and the Book of Ruth helps us connect the idea of choosing Judaism for ourselves, as we continue to find our place in Jewish history.

Open to the community!

ing,” said Landa, 31. “For many, it was a moment of pause in their lives. People asked themselves, ‘What am I missing in my life?’ And for lots of the folks out here, the answer was Jewish community. When we came out here knocking on doors, people were very, very receptive and, I would say, eager to get involved.”

The Landas used some of the same innovative ideas employed by their colleagues within the Chabad of Greater St. Louis network: Seder-to-Go kits available for pickup; outdoor, socially distanced Rosh Hashanah in the park gatherings; and the popular public Hanukkah menorah lightings.

The first night of the Festival of Lights on Dec. 28 drew a big crowd for the Hanukkah on Main Street celebration in Old St. Charles. It occurred mere feet from a Christmas tree and sled. More than 400 people joined, Jews and nonJews, all of whom shared at least one thing: they loved the jelly doughnuts and gelt drop from a huge ladder extended

from a St. Charles fire truck.

Before planning the menorah lighting, Landa had just finished another major event, a Jewish cultural and food festival, along the Missouri River at the St. Charles Foundry Arts Centre.

“It’s safe to say over 1,000 people attended,” he said. “I’d say about 75% of those who came to the festival were Jewish. And that’s great. We’re here for the entire community.”

Of course, it’s not just non-Jews the

The husband-and-wife team of Rabbi Chaim and Bassy Landa co-direct the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County. On opposite page, Bassy Landa (at left) leads the Mommy and Me group.

Landas seek to educate about Judaism. Many of the St. Charles Jews who attend Chabad are seeking to learn more about their heritage. A Shabbat morning Torah study group at the St. Charles Chabad offers a lesson and open discussion that ties the Torah portion for the week into current events and issues. That fosters

both relevance and approachability.

Another popular series of events is handled by Bassy Landa, a working mother who’s handy with crafts. It’s called Mommy and Me and is a program for the young Jewish families in St. Charles.

“The inspiration behind our Mommy and Me group, and really the Jewish

Family Network as a whole, is to create a child-friendly, and a young parent-friendly space, that allows for this important demographic to connect, bond and build Jewish community together,” she said. “It’s been such a blessing to witness this

See ST. CHARLES continued on page 36

PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

what a

Q&A with gemologist Jake Talve-Goodman

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jake Talve-Goodman is a gemologist, which means he identifies and evaluates diamonds and gemstones. He serves his clients by being their “Concierge Gemologist,” which he explains as being a consultant for all their jewelry-related needs.

Talve-Goodman, 39, lives in Creve Coeur and is the son of Rabbis Susan Talve and James Stone Goodman, both of Central Reform Congregation.

What fueled your interest in gems and precious metals?

Gems have been a passion since I was a young boy. I started like many kids do with a rock collection, but the real push happened when I was about 8 years old. My mother had a friend who gave me a collection of beads that allowed me to start creating jewelry. I would sit outside my father’s concerts all over the Jewish community at a little table with a sign that said “Jake’s Jewelry” selling my pieces. To this day I’ll be at Shabbat services and someone will approach me to tell me that they still have that little necklace or pair of earrings they bought from me when I was 10.

How extensive of training did you go through?

I am lucky enough to have had the opportunity to study gemology at the world renowned “GIA.” The Gemological Institute of America is regarded as the authority in gemstones and diamonds within the United States. Their graduate gemologist credential is ranked as one of the most prestigious in the industry, which gave me an understanding in diamonds, diamond grading, colored stone identification and colored stone grading. Outside of my gemological training, I also maintain professional trade designations and relationships to ensure that I am always learning and perfecting my craft. I’m also a candidate member of the American Society of Appraisers, I’m a member of the Jewelers Board of Trade and I’m a contributing writer to the International Gem Society.

PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN

I know you are a mobile gemologist – you go to the customer. How rare is that? What is the advantage?

It is so rare that I’m not sure if it exists. It’s a service that always made sense to me, although I haven’t come across anyone that offers anything comparable. My clients prefer not to take their valuables to a jewelry store that offers some of the same services I do for fear of transporting those items. They would also rather not have to leave their precious items out of their sight while the appraisal process is completed. I offer an alternative to that. I will meet you where you are comfortable, outfitted with the equipment needed to properly evaluate your items. Once I have all the information I need, I will begin to build the appraisal documents.

Among gems and precious metals, do you have a favorite? What and why?

That’s a tough one, I have too many favorites to pick just one. I recently acquired a new piece for my personal collection, which I had been hunting. It is an Oligoclase Feldspar from India called “sunstone.” The stone exhibits a translucent orange body color with an iridescent sheen that is unmatched. There is a variety that can be found here in the USA, but the material from India is commonly found with microscopic hematite platelets that sparkle with a rainbow of colors when hit with the light.

I know this might sound like an odd question, but do you feel as if your Jewish upbringing informs what you do as a gemologist?

It doesn’t inform me on what to do as a gemologist, but it absolutely does as a business owner. The man who gave me my first job after gemology school, David Kodner, told me something that has always stuck. He said, “You can’t have 99% integrity, it doesn’t

work that way. You either have it, or you don’t.” My Jewish upbringing is the source of that integrity. The relationships that I have cultivated over the years inside of this community leads me to make the “right” decisions. After all, I believe that serving my clients’ best interests will always be in my best interest.

Have you come across gems and precious metals that people thought were worth quite a bit and it turns out they weren’t?

This happens way more often than you might think. Especially when I am called in to renew an appraisal that was written by someone else. In fact, this just happened to me with a new client a couple of weeks ago. I was updating an appraisal that was 10 years old of a diamond ring featuring a pear-shaped diamond in a platinum ring setting. The owners of the ring opted not to have the diamond removed from the setting. In order to provide an accurate carat weight for the diamond, I was forced to use an equation to estimate how big the stone was. The original appraiser most likely used the exact same formula that I did. The problem was that the original appraiser measured the stone incorrectly. They recorded larger measurements than I was able to verify. The result made the diamond equal 2.55 carats against my 2.30 carats, which resulted in a $6,000 decrease in valuation.

I know you are married and the father of two little ones? What’s the best part of fatherhood for you?

My boys are 2 and 5 right now. The best part is snuggles, hands down. There’s nothing better than that. The 5-year-old comes home from (Saul) Mirowitz (Jewish Community School) every day with a new rock in his backpack. That’s my boy.

Jake Talve-Goodman’s business, The Concierge Gemologist, is online at www.stlgems.com.

Fans of the ‘sport that everybody can play’ flock to area courts

STORY BY BILL MOTCHAN | SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

Last summer, Patty Malashock went to the gym three days a week and walked regularly. She wanted more exercise when she saw a notice at Westwood Country Club about an upcoming pickleball clinic.

“I thought ‘What the heck—I’m going,’” said Malashock, 67. “When I got there, I ran into a couple of people I was friends with. Then I met a bunch of other ladies and now we play two or three times a week.”

Malashock, a member of Congregation Temple Israel, is one of many Jewish St. Louisans who love pickleball.

“For me, it’s better than tennis,” she said. “You don’t have to serve overhand. As we get older, it’s harder to lift our arm up to do that. I think it’s just fun. I’m not really competitive and most of the women I play with aren’t really competitive. We just go there to exercise and have a good time. And that’s really what I like most about it.”

CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE

On a late February morning at Frontenac Racquet Club, you could hear the distinctive popping when the pickleball racket strikes the ball. The other sound punctuating the air was laughter. Malashock and

Cindy Frank were taking on the team of Sheryl Weber and Caryn Sandweiss. It was a good-natured match with long volleys. Exercise and socializing were their priorities, not necessarily winning.

Weber, 65, took up pickleball three years ago with her husband Doug. She said her weekly group has three rules.

“We don’t want anyone to get hurt and we don’t want anyone to feel like it’s their fault for losing a point—especially if it’s your teammate. And we don’t use the word ‘sorry,’” Weber said.

Caryn Sandweiss (left) and Sheryl Weber play pickleball at Frontenac Racquet Club.

PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN

Patty Malashock gets ready to serve during a pickleball game at Frontenac Racquet

Doug Weber credits the growth of pickleball to being affordable and easy to learn.

“One of the things we like about pickleball is pretty much anybody can play,” said Weber, 65. “We’ve noticed that some of the beginners actually have an advantage and learning it from scratch helps a little.”

The Webers bought a net to set up in their driveway during the summer. In pickleball, when the ball is in play, it’s usually in the air like badminton. It’s also been described as a form of table tennis, but with a larger paddle.

Pickleball has been around since 1965 but its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, aided somewhat by COVID. It can be played outdoors, but even indoors it allows for safe social distanc ing. Pickleball in the United States grew to 4.2 million players in 2020, according to a Sports & Fitness Industry Association report. The study also noted a one-year growth rate of 21.3%. The biggest subset of pickleball’s growth is among players ages 60 and over.

The odd name is subject to some debate. Most pickleball experts explain that it’s named after a dog (Pickles) owned by one of the game’s inventors. The other story is that a co-inventor was a competitive rower and his wife thought the game was a leftover from other racket sports, like the “pickle boat” being the last one to finish a race. Either way, the

DELMAR GARDENS OF MERAMEC VALLEY

636.343.0016

DELMAR GARDENS OF O’FALLON

636.240.6100

DELMAR GARDENS ON THE GREEN

636.394.7515

DELMAR GARDENS NORTH 314.355.1516

DELMAR GARDENS SOUTH

314.842.0588

DELMAR GARDENS WEST

314.878.1330

Medical Services, Equipment & Orthotics

MED RESOURCES

Main Office: 636.733.7200

Retail Store (Chesterfield): 636.530.4500

Retail Store (Alton, IL): 618.466.5632

Retirement & Assisted Living CHESTERFIELD VILLAS 636.532.9296

GARDEN VILLAS 314.434.2520

GARDEN VILLAS OF O’FALLON 636.240.5560

GARDEN VILLAS NORTH 314-355-6100

GARDEN VILLAS OF SOUTH 314.843.7788

Other Services

DELMAR GARDENS HOME CARE

636.733.7330

DELMAR GARDENS PRIVATE SERVICES 636.733.7100

PATHWAYS HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE

636.733.7399

SPECIALIZED WOUND MANAGEMENT 636.536.0183

CORUM HEALTH SERVICES PHARMACY 636.733.7333

Rochelle Aaranson plays at the Missouri Pickleball Club at Gravois Bluffs in south St. Louis County in February.

PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

Bill Elliot plays pickleball in February.

PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

name stuck and there are now national pickleball associations, official rankings and tournaments.

Just before Valentine’s Day, the Missouri Pickleball Club at Gravois Bluffs in south St. Louis County hosted a “Cupid’s

Challenge” round robin tournament. Randy and Rochelle Aaranson, members of Congregation Shaare Emeth, were preparing for their first round. Randy, a podiatrist, frowned when he saw the team they were taking on.

Randy and Rochelle

Aaranson are picturd at Missouri Pickleball Club at Gravois Bluffs. In January, the couple won a silver medal in mixed doubles at the 2022 Missouri Show-Me Games Winter Blast in January.

PHOTOS: BILL MOTCHAN

“This guy’s young—and good,” said Aaranson, 57. “He’s going to try and hit the ball to Rochelle.”

Randy is tall and athletic. He plays ice hockey for fun. The pickleball strategy of hitting the ball to a seemingly weaker opponent backfired in this case. Rochelle Aaranson, 57, is a good player and as competitive as her husband. They easily beat the younger team and cruised to a gold medal.

“We started playing during COVID, so it’s been almost two years,” Rochelle Aaranson said. “We wanted something to do outside. And we’re really careful about social distancing because my parents are in their 80s, and we take precautions. This was just a great way to get out there and exercise and meet people.

“The pickleball community is so welcoming, no matter how good or how bad you are,” she said. “People play together at all different levels.”

Another mixed pair team at the Cupid’s Challenge was Bill and Lynn Elliot, who are both relatively new to the game. The Elliots, who also are members of Shaare Emeth, started playing in early 2021, also as a COVID-safe activity.

“It’s social and fun,” said Bill Elliot, 68. “There’s a lot of camaraderie and friendships you develop. People are very supportive. They’re in it just to play the game and have fun and it stretches your body and mental abilities. I’ve played with 18-year-olds and 80-year-olds.”

Lynn Elliot said it’s also an ice-breaker when the couple travels and finds pick-up games, including “on a cruise ship when

we joined a game.”

Ed Chod started playing about six years ago during the Senior Olympics. Chod, 68, is a member of Congregation B’nai Amoona.

“It’s an easier sport than tennis,” said Chod. “Anybody can play, and it’s a decent workout. It’s recreational and I look forward to it. Everybody is very welcoming. You don’t have to be competitive. I am competitive and I like to win, but it depends on who you play with. All shapes, sizes, skills can play because it lends itself to that.”

The game’s success may be due in large part to its approachability, according to Mat DeWinters, sports and recreation manager at the Jewish Community Center.

“It’s a sport that everybody can play,” said deWinters, 29. “Even in tournaments you have people in their 20s playing others in their 50s, and it’s a fair competition across the board. It’s low impact and there’s not a lot of running. If you can play ping pong, you can pick up pickleball. There are some rules but not an overabundance.”

The J offers pickleball clinics, deWinters said, and open play Monday through Thursday in Creve Coeur and Monday through Friday in Chesterfield. Members can reserve a court for one hour. Rackets are also inexpensive he said, starting at about $30.

Another large pickleball facility will also soon take shape in west St. Louis County. The District in Chesterfield Valley will soon be opening a new entertainment concept featuring 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. The facility will include outdoor patios, yard games and wiffleball. Food and beverages will also be available.

Sam Adler, vice president of leasing and development for The District, said “It will be a destination for pro pickle-ballers to first-timers and anyone looking to have a great time.”

Book Your Next Event at The Sheldon

An intimate wedding. A corporate event that feels like anything but. An artful fundraiser that becomes a virtual experience. No matter

Mat DeWinters is sports and recreation manager at the J.

Photos courtesy Festive Couture Floral and Zoe Life Photography

From Chihuly to chemicals, Faith Berger’s second act is about the art of science

BY JORDAN PALMER | CHIEF DIGITAL CONTENT OFFICER

When we began our “Second Acts” series, we thought the stories would be about people who found a new calling for themselves after a successful career. Until now, that has included people who retired from arguably high stress, high power positions to a more laid-back way of life. But that is not the second act story of Faith Berger.

At first glance, Berger’s second act isn’t as far a stretch from her first act as it might appear.

Berger’s family has always called St. Louis home. Her paternal grandparents emigrated from Russia, and once settled, opened a small furniture shop. Her mother’s family owned a local shoe store called Toby’s Shoes. As a young woman, Berger worked at Toby’s before leaving for a position at Venture Stores, where she became a children’s shoe buyer.

“My mother got the retail bug when I was in college in 1979 and opened a retail frame shop that later spawned into the Barucci Gallery,” said Berger.

In 1987, Berger left Venture to join her mother at the gallery. Over the next three decades, the two sold millions of dollars worth of art and introduced hundreds of artists to the region. Along the journey, Faith married Corey Berger, had two children, Jordan and Amanda, and is now a grandmother of two.

Berger, a longstanding member of Congregation B’nai Amoona, spent 35 years in the art business. She owned and operated Barucci Gallery in Clayton for more than 27 years. Barucci is often credited with bringing the “American Studio Glass Movement” to St. Louis and featured many national and international artists such as Romero Britto and Dale Chihuly.

Berger hosted dozens of artist openings throughout the years benefiting numerous charitable organizations from her

show proceeds. And she promoted and served as an ambassador of the burgeoning St. Louis art scene, as well as collaborating with other art galleries in the community. She was recently asked to be a judge for the 2022 St Louis Art Fair in September.

One highlight of Berger’s collaboration efforts was the creation of the Clayton Triangle to promote art and boutiques at the intersection of Maryland Avenue and Brentwood Boulevard in Clayton. This was a successful venture garnering her the Chamber’s Retailer of the Year Award.

In 2007, she founded Faith Berger Art Consultants, to continue and help enhance her art planning and design firm. The firm served residential and commercial spaces for clients both locally and nationally. Berger has continued her journey in the arts through her own painting and collage work.

Time for a second act

In 2020, Berger and her son Jordan decided to purchase Taylor Scientific, a St. Louis-based laboratory chemical distributor, from her husband, who was retiring. Berger became CEO, and her second act was underway.

“Science and art have a distinct con-

Faith Berger

nection in my mind. Taylor Scientific is an extension of my career in terms of managing and growing a company. I have always been interested in bigscale business,” said Berger.

So, instead of dealing with artists, collectors and shows, she is now dealing with corporations with strict rules and regulations related to chemicals and lab supplies.

“Interestingly, many government contracts must award art contracts in their bids,” said Berger. “This bonus allows me to combine my skills when dealing with labs that are being constructed or redesigned, we can supply items they need because of my design background.”

Buying the business allowed Berger to apply to be a certified “WomanOwned Business,” thus opening doors to work on extending accounts and pitching new ones.

“Being a WOB is very exciting in the field of chemical and lab supplies because very few women are involved in leadership roles,” said Berger.

Staying creative

As an artist and designer, Berger is finding new outlets for her creativity. The planning of new business strategies based on current economic conditions requires as much artistic thought as creating a new painting or collage.

“I find business to be an outlet. Coupled with customer service and building relationships, we identify our niche,” said Berger. “To be financially successful in the art business, you must have a business plan. My business strategy is similar to what I implemented while owning Barucci Gallery.”

Painting, design and business are completely intertwined for Berger. Something will happen in business and stimulate an idea for a painting. Likewise, something she may read can stimulate a creative idea for approaching a potential client. There is a definite crossover between her first and second acts.

“I have fantastic teams and I can be attentive to both. I have a wonderful group for Faith Berger Art Consultants and the business continues to operate because of the format we developed,” said Berger. “Bottom line, whether it’s chemicals, art, or any chosen field, if you love what you do, you’ll become a student of how to incorporate and improve your skills.”

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

6:30 P.M.

The Factory

FEATURING

Jonathan Greenblatt

CEO and National Director of ADL (Anti-Defamation League) Tickets ($10)

Chesterfield, Missouri

continued from page 25

community grow and to see the impact we’re having on so many Jewish families in our county. We’re at the point where it’s hard to imagine a St. Charles without it.”

Chaim Landa wants to grow the St. Charles Jewish community this year.

“As a community, we’ve accomplished a lot in two short years,” he said. “We’ve had some really big events, like Hanukkah on Main Street and the Jewish Festival, and those have been amazing. St. Charles has really embraced them. But what gives us the greatest joy is seeing dozens of adults coming together every Shabbat, young children and their mothers learning about Judaism in a fun and meaningful way each Sunday. These reflect a real and growing community.”

Landa says another sign of St. Charles County’s burgeoning Jewish community are the many connections being made through the Chabad Jewish Center.

Not long ago, Landa had a meeting in a coffee shop near his home. When he walked in, he was delighted to see two Jewish couples he knew, sitting together. Both were St. Charles residents and had met and become friends at Chabad.

“When you see Jews connecting in other settings, you know something good is happening,” he says. “That’s a success story.”

A virtual Jewish community launches in St. Charles

The size of the St. Charles area and the lack of a centralized meeting place for the Jewish community offered the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles a chance to

Since 1905, the Rosenbloom Monument Family and Staff have been serving the Jewish Community ...the tradition continues.

We are proud of our continued mutual support of each other.The partnership of the Jewish Community, its cemeteries, and Rosenbloom Monument stands strong.

available now at ticketmaster.com.

Presented by:

Hosted by:

In partnership with:

ST. CHARLES

try something different: an online community. Thus was born the Facebook page Being Jewish In St. Charles (@ BeingJewishStCharles). The page offers a glimpse inside the lives of Jews who live and work in the area, told through firstperson photo essays.

It’s the brainchild of Landa, with assistance from Lindy Drew, the co-founder of the popular Facebook page Humans of St. Louis. Drew, who is Jewish, said an online community is an ideal connection vehicle for this type of undertaking.

“We know there are over 6,000 Jews in the St. Charles region,” said Drew, 43. “This community has the potential to depend on each other and be connected and to find friendships and relationships. Why not try to give them an opportunity to share their stories for how they arrived, and their background and how they connect to religion?”

The Facebook page started sharing the photo stories in October. Its goal is to seek out and feature more of the Jewish St. Charles residents. Social media has become a useful method to form connections, Drew said.

“Knowing the power of storytelling, when you hear someone’s individual experiences and lessons learned in life and beautiful connections combined with a really intimate photo of them shared through social media, there’s a power in seeing the story,” she said.

Welcoming diversity

Just outside the office of St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann sits a tzedakah (charity) box. Ehlmann attended the 2021 St. Charles Jewish Festival and the menorah lighting on

Bassy Landa speaks at Chabad’s St. Charles Jewish Festival in August 2021. To her right are St. Charles Mayor Dan Borgmeyer and Rabbi Chaim Landa.

PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

Main Street. Last summer, outside his office, he watched the printing of the “Tanya,” the book detailing the philosophy of the Hasidic movement.

Ehlmann, an educator-turned-politician, enjoys learning about different cultures and religions. In 1976, when he taught world history at Clayton High School, he said he “was shocked to find out my Jewish students knew more about Christianity than my non-Jewish students.”

He has written a referenced history of the St. Charles Jewish Community dating back to the 1820s. And he’s encouraged to see St. Charles emerge as welcoming to the Jewish community, but he has the same hopes for any faith group.

“I’m very happy to see any religious organization be successful out here,” Ehlmann said. “Of course, government has to be apart from church, but it doesn’t mean we can’t be rooting from the sidelines. I’d do the same thing for any Protestant or Catholic or Muslim organization that would ask me to participate.”

Hanukkah was celebrated Dec. 2, 2021, in O’Fallon, Mo., at the city’s main police station, to the delight of Mayor Bill Hennessy, who said, “Hopefully that happens every year because, in O’Fallon, we welcome everybody, all races and religions.”

The event was organized by Landa, who is also one of the O’Fallon Police Department’s newest chaplains. Having a Jewish chaplain on board made a good fit, according to John Neske, acting chief of police.

“Rabbi Landa has several qualities that will make him a good chaplain for our department,” Neske said. “Most police officers are Type A personalities, and they respect and respond positively to confidence. Rabbi Landa is a natural teacher. I see how he converses with people, and he enjoys explaining or describing things about the Jewish faith.”

The emergence of the Jewish community in St. Charles County is welcome news to Dan Borgmeyer, mayor of St.

Charles city. He has participated in the menorah lighting on Main Street for the past three years and was an early proponent of the St. Charles Jewish Festival. He also sees it as being an anchor event for the city.

“I want the next Jewish Festival to be like Hill Day,” Borgmeyer said. “I want Jewish dancers, Jewish music, Jewish exhibits, Jewish food. I would like a large part of the Jewish population in St. Louis to be there.”

Borgmeyer recently formed the Mayor’s Multicultural Task Force in an effort to get input and representation from a diverse cross-section of people. It includes African American, Jewish, Hispanic, Vietnamese and Asian members. His goal is to create a one or twoday St. Charles multicultural festival next year not unlike the International Festival held annually in St. Louis’ Tower Grove Park.

“It will be an opportunity to see what diversity is and to understand cultures better and ultimately make the city better,” he said.

Ehlmann is looking forward to this year’s version of the St. Charles Jewish Festival.

“We’ll help get twice as many people there,” Ehlmann said. “If you’ve got good food and good fellowship, people will show up and, to the extent that it helps people understand other religions, that’s just an added benefit.”

At left, Rabbi Chaim Landa speaks at a menorah lighting ceremony at the O’Fallon Police Department in December 2021.

PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

Trusted care, head to toe.

Trusted care, head to toe

From back pain to broken toes ... and everything in between, Washington University Orthopedics has you covered.

From back pain to broken toes ... and everything in between, Washington University Orthopedics has you covered.

Treating all bone, joint and muscle concerns in kids and adults across eight St. Louis area locations. From head to toe, count on us for the very best orthopedic care for your family.

Treating all bone, joint and muscle concerns in kids and adults across eight St. Louis area locations. From head to toe, count on us for the very best orthopedic care for your family.

Schedule an appointment today: 314-514-3500 | ortho.wustl.edu/headtotoe

Schedule an appointment today: 314-514-3500 | ortho.wustl.edu/headtotoe