Jewish Life at the J Winter-Spring 2019
New!
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 programming for all ages and interests. In our effort to better serve this mission we introduce this new guide which features the myriad of Jewish programs offered by the J in one place. Everyone is welcome, regardless of religion, 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! SFC: Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur | Fox: Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield
Featuring Jewish themed art, spiritual, health and wellness workshops for men and women in their 20s through 50s. Join us in creative spaces throughout St. Louis for unique experiences that nourish the mind, body and spirit. Generously funded in part by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Presented by The Ruth & Harold Sher Center of Jewish Life. Questions? Ideas? Feedback? Contact: Diane Maier, 314.442.3190, dmaier@jccstl.org Follow @jaspstl on Instagram
Jewish Meditation
Meditation is a precise technique for resting the mind and attaining a state of consciousness that is totally different from the normal waking state. Join Andrew Nunberg for a group-lead Jewish session and let all the holiday madness go! Appropriate for beginners and experienced meditators. Wine and snacks provided. Limited to 12 people. Central Reform Congregation (5020 Waterman Blvd, 63108) Tue 1/22 7-9pm $10
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Comedy Night at Helium
Get in on the laughs as we raise money for the J’s Garden of Eden and Meals on Wheels programs. Local comedians will take the stage and get you rolling in the aisles for a couple great causes in support of the J. The Garden of Eden provides fresh vegetables to the community, including for than 5,000 pounds of fresh produce to the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry in 2018. Our Meals on Wheels program allows us to deliver hundreds of meals annually to those in need, who otherwise may have difficulty receiving fresh meals. Helium Comedy Club (St. Louis Galleria) Wed 2/20 8pm $20
Water Color Adventure
Join master paint instructor, Rachel Usprich as she leads the class on a water color adventure. We will be doing a Chagall inspired watercolor painting with a Passover theme. All materials included. Wine and snack provided. Limited to 15 participants. SFC Tue 3/26 7-9pm $20
Mezuzah Making
Local artist Deborah Byck Weinstein will teach the art of glass fusing. Each participant will design and create a mezuzah cover using colorful glass shards, rods and beads. The covers will then be kiln-fired by Deborah for pickup. Wine and snack provided. SFC Wed 4/17 7-9pm $30
Mosaics for your Garden
Learn to use broken plates and forgotten tiles to create a beautiful DIY mosaic! Perennial staff will guide you through each step from cutting ceramic + glass, mixing concrete and designing your stone. Each participant will create a unique stepping stone to take home to their outdoor spaces. Wine and snack provided Perennial Studio (3762 S Broadway, 63118) Thu 5/16 6:30-9:30pm $25
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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: Shira Kraft, 314.442.3111, skraft@jccstl.org
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 theme for this year’s series, Women Lifting up Women, explores what it means to harness collective, female energy and propel each other forward in the face of sexual harassment and assault. The Salon Series is named for Ilene Joseph (z”l), one of Nishmah’s founders and a passionate supporter of the Salon Series. Afternoon sessions at SFC, moderated by Michelle Rubin, MEd, LPC Evening sessions at a pricate home (address provided to registrants) and moderated by Carly Sparks, MSW, LCSW Discussions are free...
December Series: Breaking the Silence
How telling our stories can help heal and promote awareness. Tue 12/11 12 - 1:30pm Wed 12/12 7:30 - 9pm
January Series: Forgiveness?
What place does forgiveness have when bad things happen? Tue 1/29 12 - 1:30pm Wed 1/30 7:30 - 9pm
March Series: Creating a Braver New World
Addressing kids’ struggles today and our hopes for the future. Private home (address provided to registrants) Mon 3/11 7:30-9pm Tue 3/12 12-1:30pm
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Nishmah’s Passover Journey
Nishmah’s signature pre-Passover experience for women returns with music, celebration and inspiration. More information coming soon! SFC Wed 4/3 6pm $TBD
Save the Date!
Finding Ourselves in Torah with Rabbi Jessica Shafrin
Together we delve deep into the words of Torah, gleaning insights to influence our lives. Starting at Bereshit, from the very beginning, we listen to the voices of female Torah scholars and our own, joining classic wisdom with modern life. Women of all ages and denominations are welcome. 7:30-9pm $36 for the series SFC 3rd Tue/month through May
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. Mikvah inquiry forms available at nishmah.org
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! Check out the Nishmah at facebook.com/nishmahstl for upcoming events.
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Banot Programming For all programs, contact: Becca Bohrer, 314.442.3294, rbohrer@jccstl.org
Banot Buddies
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.
Upcoming programs: Sun 2/24 2-4pm Sun 4/7 2-4pm
Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing!
5th-7th grade girls Jewish 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 really amazing Jewish girls and connect with incredible group facilitators. SFC Sun 1:30-3:30pm (5th & 6th grade) 4-6pm (7th grade) Groups meet 12/9, 1/13, 2/10, 3/3, 4/14, 5/5
It’s a Guy Thing!
8th-10th grade guys Jewish guys hang out once a month and 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 4-6pm Groups meet 12/9, 1/13, 2/10, 3/3, 4/14, 5/5
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Sharsheret Supports Sharsheret Supports is a collaborative project of Nishmah and the national, not-for-profit Sharsheret organization. Sharsheret, Hebrew for “chain,” provides meaningful Breast and Ovarian Cancer support to women and their families facing a diagnosis Support at Every Stage 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
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 *Except when noted
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.
Seeking 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 St. Louis Jewish Book Festival turns 40!
The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The Festival (held each November) is nationally recognized for its excellence and as one of the largest in the country, and offers “book end” events beyond the Festival’s two-week run. Contact: Amy Pakett Bornstein, 314.442.3152, abornstein@jccstl.org
MLK Day Commemoration Green by Sam Graham-Felsen
Green explores a cross-racial friendship of two middle school boys in 1992. David Greenfield, nicknamed “Green” is one of only two white boys at an all-black school. This coming of age novel which poignantly reflects racism, privilege and what it means to try to overcome built-in barriers to relationships. Graham-Felsen, a former Obama campaign staffer, will moderate a discussion with leaders from local schools about education, class and modern day civil rights. This program is presented in partnership with the Barbara and Michel Newmark Institute for Human Relations at the Jewish Community Relations Council. Location TBD Mon 1/21 7pm Free
The Secret of Clouds by Alyson Richman
From the #1 International bestselling author of The Lost Wife and The Velvet Hours comes an emotionally charged story about a mother’s love, a teacher’s promise and a child’s heart. Katya, a rising ballerina, and Sasha, a graduate student, are young and in love when an unexpected tragedy befalls their native Kiev. Years later, after the couple has safely immigrated to America, the consequences of this incident cause their son, Yuri, to be born with a rare health condition that isolates him from other children. Maggie, a passionate and dedicated teacher agrees to tutor Yuri at his home, even though she is haunted by her own painful childhood memories. As the two forge a deep and soulful connection, Yuri’s boundless curiosity and unique wisdom inspires Maggie to make difficult changes in her own life. And she’ll never realize just how strong Yuri has made her – until she needs that strength the most. SFC Thu 3/14 7pm $20
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New Jewish Theatre New Jewish Theatre Performances at the Staenberg Family Complex Marvin & Harlene Wool Studio Theater Performance Times
Individual Ticket Prices
Wed & Thu Fri & Sat Sun
J Member/Senior General Admission
7:30pm 8pm 2pm
$42 $45
Contact NJT Box Office, 314.442.3283 or newjewishtheatre.org for more information.
2018-19 Season
BY DAVID JAVERBAUM
BY AARON POSNER
DIRECTED BY EDWARD COFFIELD
DIRECTED BY JACQUELINE THOMPSON
November 29 December 16, 2018
January 24 February 10, 2019
BY DONALD MARGULIES
BY TASHA GORDON-SOLMON
DIRECTED BY DOUG FINLAYSON
DIRECTED BY EDWARD COFFIELD
March 28 April 14, 2019
May 16 June 2, 2019 9
Community Programs Presented by The Ruth & Harold Sher Center of Jewish Life
Reading Rabbis: Making a Mensch
2-5 years w/adult Join us for the forth series of Reading Rabbis! In this exciting four-week program, we are focusing on character-building values with the help of four guest Rabbis from across the community and the wonderful stories of PJ Library. Come listen to stories, sing, create and play with us each week. Everyone is welcome! Pre-registration is preferred. Contact: Emilie Brockman, 314.442.3267, ebrockman@jccstl.org SFC Thu 2/7 - 2/28 4:30-5:30pm Free
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 1/30. 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 2/8 5:30-7:30pm $12/adult (Kids eat free)
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Used Book Sale
Thousands of books will be available so stock up as you prepare for the upcoming long winter nights. We’ll meet your reading needs with titles available in genres across the board. Proceeds benefit the Cultural Arts Department. SFC Sun 1/27 10am-4pm $10 admission Mon-Wed 1/28-1/30 10am-7pm FREE Thu 1/31 10am-6pm FREE (fill a bag for $5)
Songleader Boot Camp National Conference
Adults & teens Songleader Boot Camp (SLBC) is an intensive leadership training program for rabbis, cantors, educators, and all others interested in offering a profound exploration of the physiology, psychology, strategy, and execution behind inspirational Jewish teaching and song leading. SLBC participants experience a powerful three-day immersion program. More information: songleaderbootcamp.com or call 314.991.0909. SFC Sun-Tue 2/17 - 2/19 8am-9pm
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Freedom Interfaith Seder
Adults Join people of all faiths across St. Louis to learn about Passover and the rituals of the seder. For more information and to register contact Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) office. Contact: JCRC, 314.442.3871, jcrcstl@jcrcstl.org SFC Tue 4/9 5pm Price TBD
Passover Family Seder at the J
Families w/children ages 5-15 (siblings welcome) A fun and interactive Passover Seder dinner experience led by Rabbi Brad Horwitz and catered by Simon Kohn’s. Avoid all the cooking and cleaning and come to the J with your whole family for the fifth annual family seder filled with music, food, activities and more. Contact: Rabbi Brad Horwitz, 314.442.3271, bhorwitz@jccstl.org SFC Sat 4/20 6pm $25/adult • $15/child (age 13 and under)
Yom Ha’Atzmaut Israel Independence Community Celebration
All ages Join the St. Louis Jewish community as we celebrate Israel’s 71st Anniversary in grand style. Activities and program still under planning but save the date. Contact: Ariel Milo, 314.442.3137, amilo@jccstl.org SFC Sun 5/5 1-3pm FREE
Yom Hazikaron Israel Memorial Day Ceremony
Adults and children ages 12+ Join the St. Louis Jewish community as we honor and remember those soldiers and victims of terrorism that have fallen in the defense of the State of Israel. Program will feature readings, performances, songs, and poems in both Hebrew and English. Contact: Ariel Milo 314.442.3137, amilo@jccstl.org SFC Tue 5/7 7pm FREE
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JCC Maccabi 2019 JCC Maccabi Games® & JCC Maccabi ArtsFest® 12-16 yrs (Games); 12-17 yrs (ArtsFest)
Tryouts and Informational Meetings
The JCC Maccabi Games® offer Jewish teens a unique social, cultural and life shaping experience. The Games bring athletes from around the world together and serve a larger purpose than athletic competition, promoting Rachmanus (compassion), Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), and Amiut Yehudit (Jewish Peoplehood). JCC Maccabi ArtsFest® is a weeklong arts experience for creative Jewish teens ages 12-17, featuring workshops in a variety of specialties with some of the leading artists in each field and incorporating community service, social activities, and themes of Jewish heritage, community, and Israel. The program culminates in an exciting final showcase. • Pre-registration is required for all athletes and artists interested in participating • Visit jccstl.com/maccabi to register Contact: Phil Ruben, 314-442-3279, pruben@jccstl.org Fox Sun 1/13 & 1/27 Times vary Member price $1,475, Public $1,675 Check jccstl.com/maccabi for a schedule of specific sports, arts specialties and tryout times. 2019 JCC Maccabi Games® July 28 – August 2, Atlanta 2019 JCC Maccabi Games® & ArtsFest® August 4-9, Detroit A larger delegation will go to Atlanta. Ice Hockey, Lacrosse and ArtsFest participants go to Detroit.
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Free to try out
Jewish Film Society 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 film dates: 3/10, 4/7, 5/5 • Membership is tax deductible Join Today! $36/individual $54/couple $18/students
Sunday Friendship Programs for adults and teens with disabilities.
Contact: Becca Bohrer, 314.442.3294, rbohrer@jccstl.org
Purim Celebration!
Put on your chef’s hat and help us celebrate the Jewish holiday by making some delicious hamantashen. We’ll garnish with a variety of sweet and savory fillings and decorate aprons! This activity is limited to 24 participants. SFC Sun 3/17 10:00am - 12:00pm $13m/$15p (add $2 after 3/3)
Passover Mitzvah Project
Join us as we partner with First Unitarian Church of St. Louis to make lunches for those less fortunate. We’ll depart from the Arts & Education lobby and make our way to the church where we’ll make sandwiches and pack lunches. This activity is limited to 16 participants. SFC Sun 4/14 8:00 - 10:30am $10m/$12p (add $2 after 3/31)
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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
But wait...there’s more! Early Childhood Center
Six weeks to Pre-K Providing care and education that embraces the development of your child – mind, body and soul. Fully accredited. Full and part-time schedules available.
J Day Camps
3 years -10th grade Variety of camps including sports, art, gymnastics, STEAM and traditional (a little bit of everything). Pre and post-care available.
Camp Sabra
Grades 3-10 Our sleepaway camp in the Lake of the Ozarks includes sailing, skiing, wakeboarding, zip-lining, climbing, singing and exploring Jewish identity.
jccstl.org