Jewish Guide Fall 2019
Your all-in-one guide to Jewish programs and activities!
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jccstl.org
The J’s mission is to provide meaningful, Jewish experiences for our community, and we are proud to provide so many varied, Jewish programs for all ages and interests. In our effort to better serve this mission, we offer this guide, which features a myriad of Jewish programs offered by the J in one place. Everyone is welcome, regardless of faith, denomination, knowledge or background. Please try something new, spread the word and participate in one or many of the great Jewish experiences that we offer at the J!
Nishmah What is Nishmah? Nishmah inspires, engages and supports girls and women through educational, spiritual and social programming. Through a collaborative model, Nishmah strengthens the St. Louis Jewish community. For more information, visit nishmah.org Contact: Larisa Klebe, 314.442.3111, lklebe@jccstl.org
Meet Larisa Klebe
Nishmah Director • Larisa has worked in Jewish nonprofits for six years, most recently as Associate Director of Programs and Education at the Jewish Women’s Archive (JWA) in the Boston area. • She’s an educator and historian who is passionate about harnessing the power of Jewish women’s stories to affect positive change. • She holds a BA in History and European Cultural Studies, and a MA in History and Museum Studies. Her graduate study focused on Nazi Europe and the Holocaust. • Her hobbies include reading, singing, and Zumba. • She lives in University City with her husband, Brian, and their four-year-old Chihuahua/Miniature Poodle mix, Oreo.
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Ilene Joseph Salon Series
Nishmah’s Salons are intimate, open, facilitated discussions on topics of interest to Jewish women. Preselected pieces of media, such as articles or videos, incite and frame the conversation. The Salon Series is named for Ilene Joseph z”l, one of Nishmah’s founders and a passionate supporter of the Salon Series. Discussions are free to attend, donations to Nishmah welcome.
Kickoff: The Power of Vulnerability
Private Home Tue 9/17 7-8:30pm Facilitated by Carly Sparks, MSW, LCSW. Further Salon Series dates coming soon.
Immerse: St. Louis Mikvah Project
Nishmah’s trained, volunteer Mikvah guides facilitate welcoming, transformative, and compassionate immersions for Jewish women seeking mikvah experiences of all forms. We look to honor profound changes and acknowledge new stages of life by helping you connect spiritually to the ancient Jewish tradition of the ritual bath. Visit nishmah.orgto submit a Mikvah inquiry form. By appointment
Nerot: Young Women of Nishmah
Women in their 20s & 30s We are excited to build a cohort of young women among the Nishmah community. Nerot offers specialized enhancements to existing Nishmah programming geared specifically to women in their 20s and 30s. If you are interested in getting involved, let us know!
Lynnie’s Light for Life
Adults Graciously sponsored by the Sidney & Bobbi Guller Family Foundation Nishmah lights up the night with our second annual commemorative fundraiser to benefit Sharsheret Supports. This celebration of life is named for the inspirational Lynnie Isaacs Palan z”l in honor of the day she loved most…her birthday. Join us in a spectacular display of love and hope to support those facing a cancer journey. This event is free; dedicate a fire log starting at $100; RSVP requested by August 23 at jccstl.com/Lynnie SFC Wed 9/4 7:30pm
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Nishmah Youth Programming
Contact: Becca Bohrer, 314.442.3294, rbhohrer@jccstl.org
What is Banot Buddies?
2nd-4th grade girls Banot Buddies pairs girls in elementary school with the young women of Nishmah’s Teen Banot Board to take a closer look at relevant topics through a Jewish lens. The relationships between the groups foster leadership skills, self-esteem and a life-long connection to Jewish ideals. SFC Sun 9/15, 12/15, 2/9, 4/12 2:30-4:30pm $15 per event
Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing!
5th-8th grade girls This is a national program of Moving Traditions that challenges Jewish girls to think critically about the world while enriching their Jewish identities through the connection of Jewish tradition to today’s relevant issues. Girls meet once a month to talk, get creative, and bond over life experiences and how Judaism helps to understand it all. It’s an opportunity to meet amazing Jewish girls and connect with incredible group facilitators. SFC Sun 8/18 1:30-3pm (5th & 7th grade) 2:30-4pm (6th grade) 4-5:30pm (8th grade) August event is FREE Future dates: 9/22, 10/27, 11/17, 12/15, 1/12, 2/23, 3/15, 4/19, 5/17 $150 annual fee ($135 if paid on or before 8/19)
It’s a Guy Thing!
8th-10th grade guys Nishmah’s youth program brings together Jewish guys once a month to explore what it means to be a Jewish man today. Through guided conversation, friendship and fun, boys are challenged to think and talk about largely unexplored issues. SFC Sun 8/18 2-4pm August event is FREE Future dates: 9/22, 10/27, 11/17, 12/15, 1/12, 2/23, 3/15, 4/19, 5/17 $150 annual fee ($135 if paid on or before 8/19)
Teen Banot Board
Calling all Jewish young women! Are you interested in making new friends while building relationships with girls in elementary school? Join our board for a fun and challenging leadership opportunity that allows you to use your creativity and talents as you help create exciting programs. As a Banot Board member, you’ll get to participate in a variety of leadership development activities, while creating friendships as a “buddy” to younger girls. Application required and due August 14.
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Sharsheret Sharsheret Supports is a collaborative project of Nishmah and the national, not-for-profit Sharsheret organization. Sharsheret, Hebrew for “chain,” provides meaningful support to women and their families facing a diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer, and critical education for the Jewish community regarding increased hereditary risks. With our resources and educational programming, individuals can better manage their needs and potential risk factors. Sharsheret recognizes and embraces the full spectrum of diversity within our community. Contact: Debbi Braunstein, 314.442.3266, dbraunstein@jccstl.org
Pink Out at the J: A Morning of Wellness, Exercise and Education
Join Sharsheret Supports as we culminate Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a marathon of fitness classes of varying impact and intensity levels and suitable for all ages. Learn to advocate for your best, healthiest self, increase your awareness of the heightened risk of hereditary cancers and talk with a variety of experts. Find out how Sharsheret Supports can help you, a family member or friend facing breast or ovarian cancer. SFC Sun 10/27 Free
Sharsheret Supports Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Group
This monthly group provides support, connection and education to women in the St. Louis community who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer and are anywhere along their treatment path—before, during, or post treatment. Session are facilitated by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, creating a safe and open space. Newcomers are always welcome along with female family and friends. A light kosher dinner is served. SFC 3rd Wed/monthly 5:45-7:30pm Free, RSVP requested
Sharsheret Supports Peer Connection
This one-on-one peer support system connects individuals who are diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, those at increased risk and family members with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences and can offer support and advice. Connections can be made locally and through Sharsheret’s national peer support program. By appointment
Seeking Sharsheret Supports Ambassadors!
Ambassadors are the local face and voice of Sharsheret Supports and our link to the community. They connect with individuals who can direct women and families impacted by breast and/or ovarian cancer to Sharsheret’s educational and support programming. They seek opportunities to raise awareness of the increased risk of hereditary cancers in the Jewish community. Ambassadors do not need to be experts but must be willing to learn about the issues and help spread the word. Ambassadors will be trained and work in partnership with local staff.
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Jewish Book Festival
The 41st Annual St. Louis Jewish Book Festival runs November 3-15. The Festival is nationally recognized for its excellence, and is one of the largest in the country. Authors represent topics on a variety of subjects, with presentations throughout the day. All sessions will include a presentation, Q&A and an opportunity to meet the author. Full schedule available at stlouisjewishbookfestival.org Contact: Amy Bornstein, 314.442.3152, abornstein@jccstl.org
Keynote Presentation: Isaac Mizrahi
Mizrahi’s new book, I.M.: A Memoir, offers a poignant, candid and touching look back on his life so far. From growing up gay in a sheltered Syrian Jewish Orthodox family to the partnership with Target that helped revolutionize fashion retail, Mizrahi will share both the glamour of his years and the grit beneath the glitz. Includes a Q&A, and books for purchase for him to autograph. SFC Sun 11/3 7pm $45 or FREE with Premier Pass
Premier Pass Allows entry to all JBF events through June 2020 for $110 (a $600 value)
Author Highlights 11/4 11/6 11/11 11/12 11/13
Pam Jenoff Art Shamsky Dr. Michael Roizen Michael Coles Lori Gottlieb
The Lost Girls of Paris After the Miracle What to Eat When Time to Get Tough Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
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Jewish Oriented Book Festival Authors Yousef Bashir, The Words of My Father: Love and Pain in Palestine In The Words of My Father, a Palestinian-American activist recalls his adolescence in Gaza during the Second Intifada. Still suffering the effects of a near catastrophic injury at the hands of an anonymous IDF soldier, it was Israeli doctors who saved Yousef and helped him eventually learn to walk again. Bashir’s story, and the ideals of peace and empathy it upholds are a soothing balm for these dangerous and troubled times, and a reminder that love and compassion are a gift — and a choice.
SFC
Tue
11/5
7pm
Sarah Hurwitz, Here All Along: A Reintroduction to Judaism
Hurwitz was the quintessential lapsed Jew—until, at age thirty-six, after a tough breakup, she happened upon an advertisement for an introductory class on Judaism. That class led to a years-long journey all in pursuit of answers to her biggest question: How could there be such a gap between the richness of what Judaism offers and the way so many Jews like her understand and experience it? Hurwitz is on a mission to share the profound insights she discovered on everything from Jewish holidays, ethics, and prayer to Jewish conceptions of God, death, and social justice. She shows us why Judaism matters and how its message is more relevant than ever, and she inspires Jews to do the learning, questioning, and debating required to make this religion their own. SFC Fri 11/8 1pm
Alana Newhouse, The 100 Most Jewish Foods: A Highly Debatable List
To paraphrase an old cliché, put any two Jews together and you’ll have three opinions about Jewish food. Ask them to name the most Jewish Food and the list turns highly debatable — exactly the best way to describe The 100 Most Jewish Foods, edited by Alana Newhouse of Tablet magazine, a daily online magazine of Jewish news ideas and culture which she founded in 2009. Informative, unexpected, passionate, quirky, and rich with layers of tradition and history, like an edible timeline tracing the diaspora, it’s a book that celebrates the one unwavering constant of Jewish life: Food. The Mirowitz Center at Covenant Place (12 Millstone Campus Drive) Sun 11/10 10:30am
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Featuring Jewish themed art, spiritual, health and wellness workshops. Join us for unique experiences that nourish the mind, body and spirit. Generously funded in part by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and presented by The Ruth & Harold Sher Center of Jewish Life. Contact: Amy Bornstein, 314.442.3152, abornstein@jccstl.org Follow @thejstl_arts on Instagram
Flowers for Shabbat
Create a beautiful bouquet and learn the art of flower arranging. Elisha Heit, winner at the 2019 Art in Bloom exhibit, will lead this class and educate on the dos and don’ts of flower arranging. SFC Thu 8/8 6:30-8:30pm $30
Oil Painting for the New Year (Rosh Hashanah)
Join teacher Rachel Usprich on an exciting journey of oil painting. We will take our inspiration from the joyous holiday of Rosh Hashanah. SFC Thu 9/19 6:30-8:30pm $25
Glass Fusing: Square Glass Trivets
Create colorful, multidimensional squares that can be useful in the kitchen, to beautify your shabbos table or displayed on the wall. SFC Thu 10/24 6:30-8:30pm $25
Felting a Challah Cover
Join teacher Melissa Burgess as we needle felt. Create a beautiful challah cover with wool roving on felt. SFC Thu 11/14 6:30-8:30pm $25
Ceramic Challah Platter
Celebrate the warmth of family, food and Shabbat as we create our own ceramic challah platter. You will be taught how to form the platter and then hand-decorate with patterns, textures or images. The completed dish will be fired for you. Dishwasher and microwave safe. SFC Thu 12/19 6:30-8:30pm $30 8
New Jewish Theatre New Jewish Theatre
Performances at the Staenberg Family Complex Marvin & Harlene Wool Studio Theater
Performance Times Thu 7:30pm Sat 4pm & 8pm Sun 2pm
Subscription Options! Flex Pass
Classic
Enjoy total flexibility with six tickets to use at your discretion
One ticket to each of the five shows
Individual Tickets Prices
Members $225 Public $245
Members $225 Public $245
J Members/Seniors General Admission
$49 $54
Contact NJT Box Office, 314.442.3283 or newjewishtheatre.org for more information. 2019-20 Season Brighton Beach Memoirs By Neil Simon 10/10-10/27
We Are the Levinsons By Wendy Kout 3/19-4/5
Fully Committed By Becky Mode 12/5-12/22
Stephen Sondheim’s Putting It Together By Stephen Sondheim 5/7-5/24
My Name is Asher Lev By Aaron Posner adapted from the novel by Chaim Potok 1/23-2/9
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Community Programs Presented by The Ruth & Harold Sher Center of Jewish Life
Tour de Fun
Families w/children 10 and younger Everything kids love…all in one place! Experience the thrills of rides, inflatables, hands-on activities, musical entertainment, exploring vehicles and more! Enjoy lunch, bring a friend, just be ready to have an amazing time, while you support the J! Funds raised support the Early Childhood Center and Family programming scholarship assistance. SFC Sun 8/25 10am-1pm $12/advance, $18/door, Adults FREE
Intergenerational Family Shabbat Picnic (Rescheduled!)
Families w/children 6 and under (siblings welcome) Enjoy an evening at the park with your family and friends. Bring a picnic dinner and we will provide the dessert! This is a fun multi-generational picnic for families with young children. Beirne Park (10630 Country View Dr, 63141) Fri 9/6 5:30-7:30pm FREE but RSVP requested
Local Honey for Rosh Hashanah
Albert Hilty is an Amish farmer who lives in Pike County. He has more than 100 bee hives, where he collects his raw honey. To order honey drop off payment at the J or mail to: Natalie Piper, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146. Please make checks out to Dry Dock Farms. No limit. Contact: Natalie Piper, 314.442.3175, npiper@jccstl.org SFC (pick-up location) Order between: 8/19-9/17 Pickup date: 9/25 $6 per 1-pound jar
Reading Rabbis: Go to School
2-5 yrs w/adult We welcome you and your little one for this special story time series, featuring Rabbis from across the community, in the J’s Family Center for holiday-inspired fun. Each week will feature a guest Rabbi and a holiday story along with fun age-appropriate activities and play. Sign up for one or for all. Everyone is welcome! Pre-registration preferred, but not required. Contact: Emilie Brockman, 314.442.3267, ebrockman@jccstl.org Saul Mirowitz Jewish Day School (348 South Mason Rd, 63141) Thu 9/26 – 10/17 4:30-5:30pm Free
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Simply Shabbat
Families w/children 5 yrs and younger (siblings welcome) Celebrate Shabbat together at the J. Enjoy Shabbat dinner, sing songs, create Shabbat crafts and learn how to make Shabbat special at home with the J’s Family Center. RSVP required by 10/31. Vegetarian Meals available. Jewish dietary laws observed. Please inform us of your food allergies. Contact: Emilie Brockman, 314.442.3267, ebrockman@jccstl.org SFC Fri 11/8 5:30-7:30pm $12/adult (Kids eat free)
Jewish Film Society
Adult Enjoy Films Year Round! If you enjoy films which inspire, entertain, educate and enlighten, become a member of the Jewish Film Society and share your love of the moving image. Each film offers a lively post-film discussion. Contact: Zelda Sparks, 314.442.3169, zsparks@jccstl.org
Member Benefits • Films are free with membership • Guest tickets are $10 per film • 2019-20 film dates: 9/22, 10/27, 12/1, 3/8, 4/12, 5/3 • Membership is tax deductible Join Today! $36/individual $54/couple $18/students
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Oasis Programs
OASIS programming provides exceptional adult educational offerings, covering numerous diverse and stimulating topics, with no exception this summer. All programming available through the J will be held at the Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield. To register, or for a full listing of all Oasis programs, visit stloasis.org or call 314.862.4859 ext. 24.
The Arab-Israeli Conflict: Before 1948
Guest Speaker: Katie Hagerty-Young This course will highlight major developments in the history of the land involved in the conflict between Arabs (mostly Muslim) and Israelis (mostly Jewish) prior to the inception of the state of Israel in 1948. Topics include the empires and leaders, its religious significance, and the conflicting claims that groups have made regarding its rightful rule. Contact: Diane Maier, 314 .442 .3190, dmaier@jccstl.org Fox Wed 8/14 10am-12pm $20
The Arab-Israeli Conflict: The Post-Intifada Spring of Hope and its Aftermath
Guest Speaker: Katie Hagerty-Young The iconic photo of President Clinton between Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO chairman Yasser Arafat on the White House lawn in 1993 represented the hope for peace. We’ll study that optimistic period when peace was thought possible and the roles of the various leaders in that pursuit and the eventual, devastating collapse of peace. Fox Wed 8/21 10am-12pm $20
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BBYO BBYO
8th-12th grade BBYO, the leading worldwide pluralistic Jewish youth organization, is shaping the lives of thousands of teenagers by providing them with leadership opportunities, fostering friendships and creating meaningful Jewish experiences. In BBYO, teens engage in activities that promote growth and development through youth-led programming, community service and interaction with participants around the U.S. and the world. Become a part of the St. Louis Council of BBYO where you will have a blast while making new friends, discovering new interests, and realizing new talents! Contact: Jake Price, 314.442.3425, jakeprice@bbyo.org Chapter Meetings Fox Tue Aug-May 7-8pm SFC Wed Aug-May 7-8pm $149/membership valid through high school graduation Special Events Locations, times and fees are on a per event basis. Additional activity fees may be required..
BBYO Connect
6th-8th grade Are you ready for BBYO, but not quite old enough? If you’ve had or are about to have your Bar/Bat Mitzvah and are looking for opportunities to meet new teens, experience fun events or hang out with others your own age, explore BBYO Connect. Build long-lasting friendships with your camp, school and synagogue friends as you enter high school and BBYO. Begin experiencing the privileges and obligations of being a member of the Jewish and general communities, as you focus on Judaic, service and social programming. BBYO Connect builds a network of teens across North America at a critical age when kids begin to strengthen their identities. Contact: Jake Price, 314.442.3425, jakeprice@bbyo.org Locations, times and fees are on a per event basis
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Gesher Music Festival 2019 Gesher Music Festival Presents
August 8 – 18, 2019 Tickets and Information at geshermusicfestival.org
GESHER PREVIEW CONCERT| World Chess Hall of Fame August 8 | 7:00pm Catch an hour-long performance in this wonderfully intimate venue.
SAFE HAVEN| Missouri History Museum
August 15 | 7:30pm Hear the stories and music of refugees who found safety and eventually success in the U.S.
SHELTER FROM THE STORM| 560 Music Center August 17 | 7:30pm Witness how music can depict shelter in all types of storms.
SACRED SPACES| The J’s Wool Studio Theater August 18 | 2:00pm Explore history’s most sacred spaces through music.
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Registration Form Return: The J, Attn: Registrar, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 We cannot complete registration without payment. Program Information Program_________________________________________________________ Bldg___________ Day_______________________ Time_____________________ Fee ______________ Program_________________________________________________________ Bldg___________ Day_______________________ Time_____________________ Fee ______________ Program_________________________________________________________ Bldg___________ Day_______________________ Time_____________________ Fee ______________ Program_________________________________________________________ Bldg___________ Day_______________________ Time_____________________ Fee ______________ Program_________________________________________________________ Bldg___________ Day_______________________ Time_____________________ Fee ______________ Program_________________________________________________________ Bldg___________ Day_______________________ Time_____________________ Fee ______________ Participant Information Name_________________________________________________________________________ o Member o Public Age __________________________ DOB ____________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________ State _________________ Zip _________________ Home Phone ___________________________________________________________________ Alt Phone (emergency) ____________________________________________________________ Email ________________________________________________________________________ Signature _____________________________________________________________________ Payment Information Total Enclosed $____________________________________ Check # ______________________ (payable to the J) o Charge my credit card on file o Place my credit card on file* Card # ___________________________________________ Exp __________________________ Signature _____________________________________________________________________ *Name as it appears on card _______________________________________________________ *Billing address (if different) ________________________________________________________ 15
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