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2014-2015 ANNUAL JEWISH COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

Guide to Jewish Life

Published by the St. Louis Jewish Light OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

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September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Noam, Age 17 Lives in Megiddo, Israel, in St. Louis’ partnership region Participant in HILA, a program for teens who have dropped out of school, which receives Federation funding Clothing designer, entrepreneur and peer mentor Inspired by a St. Louisan who believed in her

“Because of you, I'm in a safe place, a good place.” A meeting with a volunteer from St. Louis changed Noam’s life forever and put her on the positive path she’s on now. Visit JFedSTL.org/OurStory to learn more about how Noam’s story is our story. Learn more. Get involved. Give today. JFedSTL.org/OurStory

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

SALES Julie Schack Elaine Wernick Shane Blatt Kelly Morris Beth Feldman Julie Spizman

Founded 1963 The Newspaper of the Jewish Community of Greater St. Louis 314-743-3600 • Fax: 314-743-3690 E-mail: news@thejewishlight.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS David Baugher, Patricia Corrigan, Repps Hudson, Cate Marquis, Margi Lenga Kahn, Elaine Alexander, Dan Durchholz, Susan Fadem, Renee Stovsky, Laura K. Silver, Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh, Cathleen Kronemer, Burton Boxerman, Barry Gilbert, Ellie S. Grossman

Address for payments: P.O. Box 78369 St. Louis, Mo. 63178-8369 General Correspondence: 6 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 3010 St. Louis, Mo. 63146 PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Photo Photo Photocollage collage collage

BUSINESS Kelly Richter Debra Gershenson Helen Neuman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kristi Foster, Lisa Mandel, Donald Meissner, Yana Hotter

Vicki Singer, Toby Warticovschi, Dr. Lew Chartock, Yale Hollander, Rori Picker Neiss, Avi Rosenzweig, Lauren Sagel, Harvey Hieken, Peggy Kaplan, Jill Mogil, Ed Musen, Gary Ratkin, Laura Silver, Rabbi Lane Steinger ADVISORY COMMITTEE Terry Bloomberg, Nanci Bobrow, Ph.D., Ava Ehrlich, Charles C. Eisenkramer, Richard Flom, Dodie Frey, John Greenberg, Yusef Hakimian, Philip A. Isserman, Gianna Jacobson, Linda Kraus, Sanford Lebman, Michael Litwack, Dr. Ken Ludmerer, Lynn Lyss, Rabbi Mordecai Miller, Donald Mitchell, Milton Movitz, Michael N. Newmark, Adinah Raskas, Marvin J. Schneider, Irving Shepard, Richard W. Stein, Barbara Langsam Shuman, Sanford Weiss, Phyllis Woolen Markus, Vivian W. Zwick.

There’s There’s There’ssomething something somethingspecial special special about about aboutthis this thisgroup. group. group.

EXECUTIVE Larry Levin Publisher/CEO Robert A. Cohn Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Ellen Futterman Editor EDITORIAL Mike Sherwin Elise Krug Cheryl Barack Gouger Barry Gilbert

Director of Sales & Events Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Events Coordinator Sales Coordinator

Managing Editor Editorial Assistant Editorial Assistant Copy Editor Business Director Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant

PRODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY Director of Operations Tom Wombacher Graphic Designer Myriam Mystrih

Founder Morris Pearlmutter (1913-1993)

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Welcoming. Welcoming. Welcoming. OFFICERS Gary Kodner, President; Diane Gallant, Vice President; Compassionate. Compassionate. Jeff Golden,Compassionate. Vice President; Jane Tzinberg Rubin, Vice President; Steve Gallant, Treasurer; Sheri Sherman, Secretary; Jenny Thoughtful. Wolkowitz, Immediate Past President Thoughtful. Thoughtful. COMMITTEE CHAIRS Inspiring. Inspiring. Inspiring. Editorial: Ben Lipman; Business: Jeff Golden; Development: Diane Gallant Fun! Fun! Fun!

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SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS We We make make aaaCaroline difference difference for for We make difference for Peggy Kaplan, Teen Page: Goldenberg TRUSTEES thousands thousands of of St. Louisans thousands ofSt. St.Louisans Louisans Diana Iskiwitch, Richard Weiss, Michael Corson, Caroline Goldenberg, Jennifer Schmitz, David Singer, every every everyyear. year. year.

Join Join Volunteer Donate Join~~~Volunteer Volunteer~~~Donate Donate

Learn Learn more at ncjwstl.org. Learnmore moreat atncjwstl.org. ncjwstl.org.

There’s something special about this group. Welcoming • Compassionate There’s something special Thoughtful • Inspiring • Fun! There’s something special this group. a difference for thousands Photo collage We makeabout about this group. Louisans every year. collage The The National National National Council Council Councilof of of ofSt. Jewish Jewish Jewish Women Women Women isis grassroots organization of ThePhoto isaaagrassroots grassrootsorganization organizationof of Welcoming.

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Compassionate. volunteers volunteers and advocates who turn progressive progressive ideals ideals into action Inspired Inspiredby by by volunteersand andadvocates advocateswho whoturn turn progressive idealsinto intoaction action...Inspired Learn more at ncjwstl.org. Compassionate. Thoughtful. , , NCJW NCJW strives strives for for social social social justice by improving improving the quality of Jewish Jewish Jewish values values values , NCJW strives for by improving thequality quality of Thoughtful. The National Council of Jewish Women isjustice ajustice grassrootsby organization of the volunteers andof Inspiring. advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values,individual NCJW strives Inspiring. Fun! life life for women, women, children children children and and and families families families ,,,and and by safeguarding individual lifefor forwomen, andby bysafeguarding safeguardingindividual for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children and families, We make aFun! difference for and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms .at Learn more at ncjwstl.org. Learn Learn more more at ncjwstl.org. ncjwstl.org. ncjwstl.org. rights rights rightsand and andfreedoms. freedoms. freedoms. Learn moreat

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September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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Senior Living Your Way Senior living is what you make of it, so make it the best it can be! At The Gatesworth, the opportunities for leading a fulfilling life are as interesting and unique as the Residents themselves. Our Residents find a variety of choices such as fitness classes, lectures, book clubs and outings to support their physical, mental and educational well-being.

Call (314) 372-2263 today to see how The Gatesworth can customize a lifestyle to fit you.

The Gatesworth is committed to equal housing opportunity and does not discriminate in housing and services because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

Maryville University Special Events FALL 2014

All Maryville Talks Books events include a lecture, Q&A and book signing.

Bringing together faculty, students and the public to watch and discuss significant films. All events are held at the Auditorium on the Maryville campus and are free and open to the public. LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962) October 2, 6 p.m. Professor John Wickersham, Philosophy PATHS OF GLORY (1957) October 9, 6 p.m. Professor Dennis Wachtel, History

PATRICIA CORNWELL

Flesh and Blood: A Scarpetta Novel Saturday, November 15, 7 p.m.

ALL THE PRESIDENTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MEN (1976) October 16, 6 p.m. Professor Kent Bausman, Sociology

St. Louis Ethical Society 9001 Clayton Road, Clayton, MO This event is free and open to the public.

STAR WARS (1977) October 23, 6 p.m. Professor Peter Henderson, Music MANHATTAN (1979) November 6, 6 p.m. Professor Johannes Wich-Schwarz, English ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930) November 13, 6 p.m. All Maryville Talks Movies professors.

ANDY COHEN

The Andy Cohen Diaries

GALLIPOLI (1981)

Tuesday, November 25, 7 p.m. $30 admits one and includes one copy of The Andy Cohen Diaries.

November 20, 6 p.m. Professor Linda Pitelka, History

Tickets: andycohen.brownpapertickets.com

650 Maryville University Drive St. Louis, MO 63141 314.529.9300

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September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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8/29/14 4:09 PM

eruv map 7

from the editor

xcuse me if this letter seems muddled, but I just got done reading through the Light’s OY! Magazine, Guide to St. Louis Jewish Life. Talk about bleary-eyed! With more than 200 local listings of everything Jewish in the St. Louis region, all carefully indexed and containing brief descriptions, we hope you’ll find this guide comprehensive and easy-to-use, with information all in one convenient place. If you think we accidentally left any listings out, or if you’re not finding what you need, please do not hesitate to contact me at efutterman@thejewishlight.com or by calling 314-743-3669. In addition to the listings, Guide continues the tradition of our quarterly OY! Magazine publications by including stories about the people, places and organizations that enrich Jewish life in our community and help make it unique. This time around, you’ll read about St. Louis’ own Gerry Mandel, an internationally recognized expert on Charlie Chaplin and collector of his

movie memorabilia (who knew?) as well as Courtney Cohen Cerulo, who literally wears her Jewishness on her sleeve. Considered taboo in Judaism by some, writer Susan Fadem gets into the debate as to whether it’s biblically permissible for Jews to tattoo. On a less controversial note, the Light’s food maven, Margi Lenga Kahn, shows us ways to make the Jewish cookie known as kichel — which I always thought of as edible Styrofoam — actually taste good. And writer Repps Hudson takes us inside Shir Hadash, the area’s only Reconstructionist congregation. So while I go put drops in my eyes, I invite you to dig in and start reading. L’Shana Tovah,

contents MAPS

8 Jewish Community Map 28 Eruv Maps DEPARTMENTS & FEATURES

10 FOOD

• The long neglected Kichel deserves revisiting

14 HOME • Kirkwood man assembles impressive collection of silent film star’s memorabilia

18 CHERISHED JUDAICA • Tattoos help local woman overcome life obstacles

22 PROFILE • A look at St. Louis’ sole Reconstructionist congregation

JEWISH COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

27 Jewish Traditions &

Life Cycle Resources

30 Community Services Ellen Futterman, Editor

38 Cemeteries 48 Jewish Holiday Dates, 2014-2017

ON THE COVER Artist Deborah Tepper’s papercut artwork “The Prosperer” references Psalm 1:3: “And He shall be like a tree planted beside rivulets of water, Which brings forth its fruit in its season, and its leaves do not wilt, And all that he does prospers.” © Deborah Tepper, 2011. Reprinted with the artist’s permission. View more of Tepper’s Judaic papercut artwork online at: deborahtepperpapercuts. blogspot.com

52 Kosher Food Facilities 54 Senior Services/Housing 56 Congregations 60 Judaica Shops 65 Education 67 Early Childhood Education 69 Summer Camps 74 Organizations 83 Youth 84 Arts/Cultural Organizations 90 Alphabetical Directory Index

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

CommunityM

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Community Relations 1. American Jewish Committee 2. Anti-Defamation League 3. Jewish vCommunity Relations Council Congregations 1. Agudas Israel of St. Louis 2. Bais Abraham Congregation 3. Bais Menachem – Chabad Congregation n t 4. B’nai Amoona 5. Beit Shira 6. Central Reform Congregationn 7. Congregation Shaare Emeth 8. Neve Shalom 9. Nusach Hari B’nai Zion nt 10. Kol Rinah 11. Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community 12. Temple Emanuel n 13. Temple Israel 14. Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha 15. Traditional Congregation 16. U City Shul n 17. United Hebrew Congregation 18. Young Israel of St. Louis

11 13 12

11 8

2b 4

Education 1. Aish HaTorah 2. Esther Miller Bais Yaakov High School 3. Block Yeshiva High School 4. Central Agency for Jewish Educationv 5. Chabad of Chesterfield 6. Chabad of Greater St. Louis 7. Chabad on Campus 8. H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academyv 9a. JCC Early Childhood CenterStaenberg Family Complexv 9b. JCC Early Childhood Center – Fox Building Chesterfieldv 10. St. Louis Kollel 11. Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community Day School v 12. Torah MiTzion Kollel 13a.Torah Prep School–Girls Divisionv 13b.Torah Prep School–Boys Divisionv

Jewish Community Services 1. Jewish Federation of St. Louisv 2a. Barnes-Jewish Hospitalv 2b. Barnes-Jewish Hospital West Countyv 3. Saul Brodsky Jewish Community Libraryv 4. JCC Children’s Activity Centers/ Family to Family – Chesterfieldv 5. Holocaust Museum and Learning Centerv 6a. Jewish Community Center – Staenberg Family Complexv 8

14 17

4 11 5

6b. Jewish Community Center – Fox Buildingv 7. Jewish Family & Children’s Servicev 8a. Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantryv 8b. Jewish Food Pantry – Central Reform Congregationv 9a. MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industriesv 9b. MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries – Lippman Centerv 10. St. Louis Hillel at Washington Universityv

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

11. St. Louis Jewish Lightv 12. St. Louis Mikvah 13. Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis Organizations 1. 2. 3. 4.

Hadassah Jewish War Veterans of the USA NA’AMAT USA National Council of Jewish Women 5. National Council of Jewish Women Resale Shop

Senior Housing 1. Covenant/CHAI Apartmentsv 2. Gladys and Henry Crown Center for Senior Living Youth 1. B’nai B’rith Youth Organization 2. Camp Sabra – Lake of the Ozarksv 3. Jewish Student Union

1 2 3 4 4 5

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Through your donation, Jewish Federation is dedicated to preserving and enhancing Jewish Life in St. Louis.

13a

18 21 12 13b

8b 6 9a 10

4. National Conference of Synagogue Youth 5. United Synagogue Youth—at B’nai Amoona and Kol Rinah

6. New Mt. Sinai Cemetery 7. Ohave Sholom Cemetery 8. United Hebrew Cemetery

Complete listings of Jewish community services and an interactive map available at:

Cemeteries 1. 2. 3. 4a. 4b. 5.

Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Beth Olam Cemetery B’nai Amoona Cemetery Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery Chevra Kadisha Cemetery Association of St. Louis

A Jewish Federation-funded agency, program or service

Congregation with an early childhood program

United Synagogue Youth chapter OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

Bow-Tie Egg Kichelach. Photo: Mike Sherwin

KICHEL

The forgotten cookie

ou might have fond memories of kichel. I don’t. I remember as a child racing down the stairs with my girlfriends for Kiddush following Shabbat services at Nusach Hari B’nai Zion. We would quickly scan the table that held the Kiddush feast, and crowd around the platter that held our most appealing fare. We certainly weren’t interested in the bowls of herring and fresh fruit salad, the bottles of schnapps, or those square pillowy cookies called kichel. What appealed to us were the gooey sweet rolls and slices of pound cake swirled with chocolate. I don’t remember the moment I first tasted kichel. I do remember, however, that it was the striking appearance of that cookie,

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

BY MARGI LENGA KAHN

a puffy square, which made me want to taste it. What a disappointment. Crunchy it was, but entirely devoid of flavor. That one taste was all it took for me to avoid kichel for all these decades. And then, improbably enough, I baked my own batch for the first time last month. Kichel (plural kichlach) means cookie in Yiddish. It’s nicknamed a “nothing,” which refers to its weight rather than its flavor. And unlike kichlers (also known as hazenblosen), which are squares of dough deepfried and rolled in sugar (the recipe for which Elaine Spielberg shared with us in this year’s spring edition of Oy! magazine), kichel are cookies that, in their traditional form, won’t satisfy a sweet tooth. At least not mine.

For some of my generation, kichel was a treat, and one rich with memories. Alan Zarkowsky, a trustee and past president of Nusach Hari B’nai Zion, reminisced about the kichel he enjoyed some 40 years ago as a child at Kiddush at Mishkin Israel, a former St. Louis shul. “I really enjoyed them- their crunch, how light they were, and just a bit sweet,” Zarkowsky said. “I remember the old-timers would have a kichel, a piece of herring, and a shot of schnapps. For many, that was their breakfast. You can’t find kichel anymore. I have not seen or thought about that cookie in a long time.” My culinary soul mate Patty Padawer shares Zarkowsky’s love of kichel, though the ones she remembers looked more like

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arts and culture about our local and global Jewish community. Planning a bequest to the Jewish Light is easy and may provide tax benefits for your estate. there is no wrong stage in your life to make provisions that will impact the future of our community. Begin planning your Jewish legacy today.

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To learn more about the St. Louis Jewish Light, call 314 .743.3600 or visit www.stljewishlight.com. To learn more about The Jewish Community Foundation, call 314.442.3740 or visit jewishinstlouis.org/jcf. OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

Simcha

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

puffy drop cookies. “We would always be excited when my grandmother Beth brought a batch of kichel by our house,” Padawer said. “I remember her warning us that they weren’t really sweet. That didn’t matter, though. We loved them. My mother didn’t bake sweet things so this was a treat for us.” While I’m sure there are plenty of folks who share Zarkowsky’s and Padawer’s fondness for kichel, there are probably more of my generation who don’t. The cookie’s popularity has waned. You don’t see them on Kiddush tables anymore, and only rarely can you find them at a local bakery, and certainly never at Schnucks or Dierbergs. Rosemary Cooper of Kohn’s Kosher Deli & Market in Creve Coeur told me that there just isn’t the demand for kichel that there once was. “Our bakers make them only occasionally, “ she said, “though we will gladly accommodate special orders. I have one customer who really enjoys them.” However, Bette Dworkin, co-owner of Kaufman’s Bagel & Delicatessen in Skokie, Ill., said kichel are available at her bakery most days of the week. “We sell three varieties of the classic square pillowy version: plain, sugar, and cinnamon-sugar,” she explained. “The customers buying them are mostly of the older generation. The classic versions are time-consuming to make. And to be authentic, they must be made with baker’s ammonia, which give the kichel their unique aroma. We also make a more contemporary bow-tie version, which are popular with our younger customers. We

include the bow-tie version on all of our sweet trays.” So what about the new-fangled kichel? To my surprise and delight, I have discovered that they are really good. Come to think of it, they are addictive. Whether it’s because they bring back childhood memories or because that hint of sweet makes you want to eat another one in the hopes of capturing that sugary bliss, I love them. After making a batch from the recipe below, I brought my mother some kichel to taste. She was napping when I arrived, so I left the bag on her dining table. A few hours later, my mother called. “Margi,” she said, “I want to thank you for bringing those delicious cookies. They are not only delicious, they are beautiful!” Kichel are definitely worth trying. And since finding a source for kichel can be challenging, you’ll just have to bake a batch at home. These cookies can be enjoyed alone or dipped in a hot cup of coffee or tea. I am including two recipes. Patty Padawer was kind enough to test the first recipe, since it is more like the ones she enjoyed as a child. The second recipe is the more contemporary bow-tie version—the ones that turned me into a fan. Margi Lenga Kahn is the mother of five and grandmother of five. A cooking instructor at the Kitchen Conservatory, she is currently working on a project to preserve the stories and recipes of heritage cooks. She welcomes your comments and suggestions at margikahn@gmail.com.

Eier Kichlich

Recipe adapted from “The World of Jewish Cooking” by Gil Marks INGREDIENTS 3 large eggs 4- 5 tbsp. granulated sugar, divided ¼ tsp. table salt ½ cup vegetable oil 1 cup all-purpose flour DIRECTIONS Position rack in center of the oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Beat eggs in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, 5-10 minutes. Add 1 tbsp. sugar, salt, and oil and continue beating mixture until thick, about 10 minutes. Gradually beat in flour until mixture is smooth. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls 2-inches apart onto parchmentlined baking sheets. Sprinkle kichlich with 2- 4 tbsp. of sugar, to cover. Bake kichlich until puffed and golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Remove pans from oven and, using a spatula, transfer cookies from pan to a cooling rack. Allow to completely cool before serving. Kichlich may be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or in freezer bags in the freezer for up to 3 months. Makes 30-34 cookies.

Bow-Tie Egg Kichelach Recipe adapted from “Inside the Jewish Bakery: Recipes and Memories from the Golden Age of Jewish Baking,” Camino Books, October 2011. INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 teaspoon table salt 4 large eggs 9 large egg yolks 3/4 cup vegetable oil 1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract ½ tsp. orange flavoring (optional) 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 2 cups granulated sugar, for rolling and coating

DIRECTIONS Place all but the 3 cups granulated sugar into the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle. Start with machine on lowest speed until ingredients are combined, then stop and scrape down sides of bowl. Increase speed to medium-low and continue to mix for 10 minutes, scraping down the paddle and sides of the bowl again after 5 minutes. Transfer dough to a lightly floured counter, knead briefly, then gather dough together in a ball; cover with plastic wrap and let rest for 20 minutes to relax gluten. Preheat oven to 350 degrees; line three large baking sheets with parchment paper. Spread 1 cup of sugar evenly over counter. Roll out dough 1/8-1/4-inch thick, approximately 12x18”. Sprinkle dough even-

ly with remaining 1cup sugar and roll briefly just to be sure that sugar adheres. (A good amount of sugar will come off as you form bowties- don’t worry.) Cut dough into 1-inch by 2-inch rectangles with a small pastry wheel. Gently lift each rectangle and twist to form a bowtie. Lightly press both sides of bowtie onto the sugar remaining on your countertop. Place cookies 1-inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 20–25 minutes, rotating pans after the 5 and 10 minute marks, or until the bowties are golden brown. Remove cookies from pan and place on a cooling rack. Let cool for 3-4 hours, after which time the kichelach will become very hard and crisp. Store cookies in an air-tight plastic or tin container, where they will last for weeks! Makes about 5 ½-6 dozen kichelach. OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

Silent film legend a major passion for Kirkwood man By Susan Fadem Special to the Jewish Light Had the races between the teeny-tiny turtles been more compelling, St. Louis might never have had its own internationally recognized expert on Charlie Chaplin and collector of his movie memorabilia. But rather than bet on the mini-reptilian competition at what was then Zack’s bar on the Sausalito waterfront in California, Gerry Mandel went to the bar’s silentmovie showings. There, gazing each Tuesday night at scratchy, jumpy blackand-white shorts projected on a worn screen, he developed what would become a more than half-century love affair with Charlie Chaplin. Indeed, if ardor could be conventionally measured, then 79-year-old Mandel, though a willowy 6-foot-2, tips the scales. For starters, he persuaded his wife, Mary Lee, to give their son, Gregg, now 41, the 14

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

middle name Chaplin. He wrote and three years ago published his first novel, “Shadow and Substance: My Time with Charlie Chaplin.” A retired ad man, short-story writer, playwright, documentary filmmaker and creator of video memoirs, he writes a Chaplin blog, timewithcharliechaplin.blogspot.com/ and maintains a Chaplin Facebook page,w w w.facebook.com/ TimeWith CharlieChaplin. At local universities, Mandel has taught classes on Chaplin’s life and movies. He co-produced a Chaplin Film Festival at Webster University. Had it not been for slipping in June on a rain-soaked track at an area park while walking 110-pound Sadie and 85-pound Lexi, both Golden Retrievers, Mandel would have flown to Bologna, Italy. If not for surgery to repair the quad tendon he ruptured in his left knee, he had planned to be among worldwide partici-

pants at the three-day Birth of the Tramp Celebration in Bologna. The conference, co-sponsored by Cineteca di Bologna and the Association Chaplin, marked the 100th anniversary of Chaplin’s first on-camera appearance as the Tramp. As seen in 1914 in director Mack Sennett’s “Kid Auto Races at Venice,” Chaplin portrayed the Tramp as lovable, down-on-his luck and notable – and this part Chaplin fine-turned — for his frayed tuxedo jacket, bowler hat, dense moustache a bit wider than his nose, bamboo cane and too amply sized shoes. When Mandel sat down with the Jewish Light, the interview venue, not surprisingly, was the primarily Chaplin shrine that doubles as Mandel’s office, within the rambling Kirkwood home he shares with his wife of 49 years. Items in Mandel’s collection include about 80 books about and by Chaplin,

Gerry Mandel (opposite page) and items in his extensive collection of Charlie Chaplin memorabilia (below). Photos: Lisa Mandel.

dolls, mugs, a Chaplin rubber duckie, posters, a pack of test-marketed though never nationally released Tramp cigarettes (Mandel keeps the rest of the carton in his safe-deposit box), Chaplin postage stamps, playing cards, a life-size Chaplin cardboard cutout and a beer glass from the Three Stags pub in London where Chaplin last saw his father, an alcoholic. Of the Tramp’s enduring appeal to him, Mandel says it starts with the humor but goes much deeper. Targeting youngsters and their parents, Cinema St. Louis recently screened a number of Chaplin’s short films at Webster University. In one of Mandel’s favorite scenes in “The Adventurer” (1917), one of the movies shown, Chaplin is eating ice cream with a girl, while on a balcony. On the floor beneath them, a portly, dignified woman sits at a table. That’s the set-up, but Chaplin deftly extends the anticipated joke. Not only does a spoonful of the Tramp’s ice cream plop onto the neck of the unsuspecting woman, who shrieks, but first it slips through the Tramp’s baggy trousers. “The kids in the audience were screaming their heads off,” Mandel recalls. “The timing, everything about the scene was perfect. I so appreciated what Chaplin went through to make it work.” Unlike slapstick “King of Comedy” Mack Sennett, who aimed to make a movie a day and to do so, often improvised around whatever was happening nearby, from a building in flames to a soap-box derby in Venice, Calif. (the basis for “Kid Auto Races at Venice”), Chaplin would shoot and re-shoot. “He was a perfectionist,” Mandel says. “He would do dozens of takes on a single scene. But he could afford to.” Even before Charlie Chaplin and his elder half-brother Sydney owned their own studio, Charlie negotiated the unthinkable -- the rights to his own films. He likewise took risks. In the 1930s, with Hitler on the move in Europe, Mandel says: “People knew that bad things were happening to the Jews.” But with two major exceptions, Jack Warner and Chaplin, he notes, others backed away from making a statement about Nazism. “Hollywood didn’t want to lose the German market and sales overseas,” Mandel says. Jack Warner produced OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

“Confessions of a Nazi Spy” (1939), starring Edward G. Robinson. Though warned not to make “The Great Dictator” (1940), Chaplin persisted because “humor is one way to attack a person,” Mandel quotes Chaplin as having said. When Hitler watched the “The Great Dictator” movie, Mandel says, “he laughed and thought it was wonderful.” Chaplin was later appalled. “After the war and after we learned what was going on in the concentration camps, Charlie said, ‘I would not have made that movie because there was nothing to laugh about,’” Mandel notes. Questions about whether Chaplin’s parents were Jewish periodically surface. They were not, Mandel reports. When Chaplin was asked if he was Jewish, he once replied: “No, I do not have that honor,” Mandel says. Chaplin’s parents were music-hall entertainers. His mother later spent much time living in mental asylums. His father abandoned the family. The destitution and workhouse stints young Chaplin endured, Mandel says, are thought to have sensitized him to the eventual plight of his impoverished, empathetic Tramp, whom at least one critic believes underscored the darkness of the 20th century in “a mis-

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

leadingly light-hearted way.” There was nothing mirthful, however, about Chaplin’s fall from public favor. Previously voted one of the world’s most popular men in the world, he was accused of Communist leanings, named in a paternity suit and, as headlined by the scandalmongering press, capped off his preference for younger women by marrying 18-year-old Oona O’Neill, daughter of playwright Eugene O’Neill, in 1943. Oona, his fourth wife, was 36 years his junior. Due to an FBI investigation, Chaplin’s re-entry permit to the United States was canceled during a trip to London in 1952. He and Oona then settled in Vevey, Switzerland. Of Chaplin’s personal life, Mandel says, “You should judge an artist by the art they create, not by the way they live their lives. That’s hard to do.” The most public change of heart about Chaplin came in 1972 when he received an Honorary Academy Award. Accepting the award in person during the 44th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, he was praised by presenter Jack Lemmon for his “incalculable effect “ on making motion pictures “the art form of this century.” Chaplin and O’Neill continued to live in Vevey, where they raised the eight chil-

dren they had together. When he died in 1977, he was buried in Vevey’s communal cemetery. Mere mention of the Swiss city makes Mandel wistful. Between jobs and during what he labels his novelist Jack Kerouac’s “‘On the Road’ phase,” Mandel left St. Louis in 1964 and hitchhiked several months through Europe. Spying a small movie theater in Zurich, Switzerland, that was playing Chaplin’s “Limelight” (1952), he realized Chaplin’s home in Vevey was nearby. Momentarily, Mandel considered stopping by to meet his idol, but he mentally talked himself out of it. At least 20 pounds thinner than he is now, “I really looked pretty bad, just from hitchhiking.” Mandel would later learn that Chaplin, at the time, was working on his autobiography. “I know I could have helped him write it or just typed it for him,” he says. “I’m a speedy typist. Or I could have taken out the trash or catalogued his films or whatever.” Oh, to turn back the clock. “But who knows? Maybe the fantasy is better,” he says. His recurring dream isn’t bad, either. In it, Mandel and Chaplin attend the same party. They’re buddies.

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September 2014

Courtney Cohen Cerulo. Photo: Lisa Mandel

Constant reminders BY SUSAN FADEM Special to the Jewish Light

hock scarcely describes the multigenerational reaction when Courtney Cohen Cerulo got her first tattoo. After a wince-inducing session at a University City tattoo parlor she emerged, an hour-plus later, with a large Star of David. Outlined in black and with a blue interior, it splayed across some four-square inches of her right upper arm. Above the star, the tattoo artist copied Courtney’s Internet printout and inscribed, in Hebrew, “This Too Shall Pass,” gam zeh yaavor. Below it, he inked the same phrase, in all capital letters and in English. Still sporting her sleeveless T-shirt, Courtney stopped afterward at a dear friend’s. A Catholic woman in her 80s, the pal exclaimed: “What the #$@%* have you done, girlfriend?” Weeks later, Courtney’s then 7-year-old niece reacted similarly. “Maw Maw (as the 18

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

grandkids call Courtney’s mom, Bonnie Cerulo) is gonna get mad!” Courtney relates these stories in her winsomely girlish voice, often punctuated with the kind of belly laughs reserved for the best of jokes. But Courtney is no child, and her life of late, no fodder for comedy. Now age 35 and first tattooed five years ago, she has endured deaths, thwarted dreams and also a medical diagnosis that, in the prime of life, one never expects to hear. To her initial tattoo, Courtney added two others. Written horizontally in Hebrew and along the underside of her wrists, they are positioned so that when she turns her palms up, she can read them easily and often. The one on the left wrist says koach, strength. The right wrist, mishpakha, family. Referred to since childhood as an “old soul,” Courtney was the one who, when she was still crawling, began accompanying

Tattoos help local woman overcome life obstacles her great-grandmother, Gert Gorden, to Saturday morning services at the old Shaare Zedek Synagogue. In the final row of the sanctuary sat “all these little old ladies and me,” Courtney says. She considered herself one of them. When Gert Gorden would routinely lay out the Kiddush refreshments, Courtney assisted. “Judaism and the way you should or shouldn’t do things, the old way, was ingrained in me,” she says. Thus Courtney did not take lightly her longtime desire to be tattooed. She wanted “something with meaning and not just a piece of art.” But since possible prohibitions, whether heard or inferred, troubled her, she telephoned her rabbi, Mark Fasman, now of Kol Rinah. Biblically, can Jews get a tattoo? And if they do, will it limit where they may be buried? While technically, Rabbi Fasman noted, it was his responsibility to discourage her,

he could not prevent her from being tattooed. And yes, with tattoos she could be buried in a Jewish cemetery, he said.

Family ties Growing up, Courtney wore a Star of David necklace. “It’s who I am. It represents me,” she explains of her eventual selection of a Star of David tattoo. “This too shall pass,” both in Hebrew and English, seemed to her a fitting accompaniment. “When I’m really struggling,” she says, “I keep thinking I’ll make it.” Also important to the Overland resident has been her immersion in Judaism. Celebrating both her bat mitzvah and confirmation at Shaare Zedek, she graduated from Solomon Schechter Day School and attended Block Yeshiva for a year before graduating from Ritenour High School. So boundless seemed her faith, family and friends would teasingly predict: One day, you’ll marry a rabbi and have 10 children. Courtney more or less believed it. She would have been fine with it. “I was the kid on the straight and narrow,” she says. “I made good grades for the most part and never dyed my hair crazy colors.” But when college classes in Florida, with a focus on early childhood education, didn’t go “quite the way I thought they would,” Courtney returned, temporarily she thought, to St. Louis. Not long after, her great-grandmother was diagnosed with colon cancer. “Being with her became more important than anything. She was my rock,” Courtney says. Gert Gorden passed away in late 2000, the same year the nation had been in the throes of the George W. Bush/Al Gore presidential campaign, election and contested results. At her greatgrandparents’, the TV was tuned to CNN. Courtney got hooked. She joined a local Democratic club and plunged into politics as a volunteer and then, a paid and traveling campaign staffer. Before his wife passed away, Courtney’s great-grandfather, Rube Gorden, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As his condition

deteriorated, Courtney returned to St. Louis. Although politics would always be there, she feared that one day, her great-grandfather might not recognize her. Rube Gorden passed away in 2007. Months earlier, Courtney had become an aunt a second time when another daughter was born to her younger brother and his wife. “My nieces became everything to me,” she says. Turning 30 proved less rapturous. “It was about not being where I wanted to be in life,” Courtney says. Purposely wearing a long-sleeved shirt, she went to Dallas to visit her grandparents, former St. Louisans Sandy and Phil Cohen. It was May and so hot, Courtney finally had to unpack her tank tops. Until then, she hadn’t realized just how much upper arm her tattoo covered. With no advanced warning and viewing the tattoos for the first time, her grandmother was aghast, Courtney recalls. Her grandfather, though less verbal on the topic, appeared no happier. In many ways, life subsequently would never quite return to normal. In January 2011, Courtney’s grandmother Sandy was diagnosed with breast cancer. Grandpa Phil was suffering from a variety of illnesses. Sandy Cohen had surgery and did well. Phil Cohen steadily worsened. Courtney’s grandparents had resided in several states. But no matter where they lived, she visited often and talked by phone. Sandy, a registered nurse, had worked 12-hour hospital shifts. “Because my grandfather was around more, I told him more,” Courtney says. “He was my confidant. For the good, the bad, the ugly, he would be there.” When Grandpa Phil began hospice care, Courtney wanted to be at his side. But her grandmother discouraged her. “He’d declined so much physically, she didn’t think I could take it,” Courtney says. Instead, she went to the tattoo parlor. This time, she requested tattoos on each wrist. “The absolutely most important thing in the world to my grandfather was family,” Courtney says. She gave the tattoo artist Internet printouts. The Hebrew word for “family”

Tattoos and Judaism Whether it’s biblically permissible for Jews to tattoo has long been a matter of debate. While Leviticus (19:28) says, in part, “You shall not etch a tattoo on yourselves. I am the Lord,” tattooing is mentioned in “a positive light” in other scriptural passages, according to a recent eight-page cover story on “Jews & Tattoos” in Reform Judaism magazine. In Genesis 4:15, for example, the Lord protects Cain by putting a mark (tattoo)/sign on him “so that anyone who finds him will not kill him.” Still, in Deuteronomy 4:15 and elsewhere, Jews are commanded to safeguard and not willfully defile their bodies. “Willfully” is considered vital. During World War II, Nazis at Auschwitz forcibly tattooed serial number on Jews and other concentration-camp prisoners as a means of identification. As a chilling reminder to schoolchildren, with whom he discusses the dangers of forgetting the Holocaust, teen-aged Joseph Metz, of Jackson, Miss., had his grandfather’s Holocaust number, 184203, tattooed on his wrist. “What was done to him in hate, I do in love,” Metz wrote in Reform Judaism magazine. For generations, many Jews have believed that a tattoo, if voluntarily inscribed, can prevent burial in a Jewish cemetery. Even TV sitcoms have perpetuated the notion. In one episode of Larry David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” he returns to Los Angeles to find that his mother, saying, “Don’t bother, Larry,” has died and been buried in his absence. When he visits her plot in the Jewish cemetery, he’s horrified to discover that after officials learned she had a tattoo on her right buttock, she was transferred to a non-consecrated section. He schemes to unearth and re-bury her. Despite early associations between tattooing and pagan rituals, the consensus today seems to be that tattooing is no more a failure to protect the body — or a reason to ban it from burial anywhere in a Jewish cemetery — than if someone smokes, drinks, abuses drugs or overeats. Jewish burial societies typically have the final say. According to the Pew Research Center, some 40 percent of Americans, ages 22 to 37, presently have a tattoo. While the center does not survey the religious affiliation of those tattooed, popular inkings for Jews include Stars of David, names of one’s children in Hebrew, biblical phrases and, for at least one Jewish male, his tongue perhaps longing to be planted in a porcine cheek – the drawing of a pig just below, in Hebrew-style English letters, the word “kosher.” — Susan Fadem

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September 2014

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September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

went on her right wrist and “strength,” which she knew she needed to endure everything, on the left wrist. When Phil Cohen passed away in February 2011, another chunk of Courtney’s emotional security went with him.

This too shall pass Also by this time, family members were rarely commenting on her tattoos. Life, after all, teemed with other concerns. The birth of Courtney’s third niece in 2011 brought cause for joy. But happiness was short-lived. Fifteen months after her grandmother’s diagnosis, Courtney learned that she, too, had breast cancer. She was 32. There turned out to be a history of breast cancer on both sides of the family. Yet to Courtney’s knowledge, no one had been diagnosed as young as she. “I was in total shock,” she recalls. Comforted by her mother, she longed too for her grandfather. Her whole life, he had been the person she went to. At the cemetery where he was buried, she sat at his gravesite, wondering: How could this be happening to me? With no answers forthcoming, she drove to Shaare Zedek to help complete the minyan for prayer services. It was Purim, a celebration of the deliverance of the Jews a plot to destroy them in ancient Persia. Breast cancer gave Purim a whole new meaning, Courtney says. Her diagnosis likewise deepened the meaning of her tattoos. “I can’t tell you how often I would look at my arms and think, ‘This too shall pass.’ I’m going to make it. I have to,” she says. A mastectomy, or removal of one breast, was a treatment option. But in hopes of forever eliminating breast cancer from her system, Courtney favored a more aggressive approach. She had a double mastectomy. There were complications. She had reconstructive surgeries. Again, problems meant more and ongoing operations. After each surgery, Courtney would stay with her parents, Creve Coeur residents Bonnie and Tom Cerulo. Each time, her grandmother, Sandy, came to town. Courtney’s wrist tattoos, “family” and

See TATTOOS, page 24

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September 2014

Judaism’s ‘Fourth Stream’ Reconstructionist congregation finds its niche in St. Louis Jewish community

Story by Repps Hudson • Photos by Lisa Mandel

he heart of the weekly service, said one member of the Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community on a recent Shabbat morning, is the Amidah. That may be true. Tradition and rabbis over the ages may have said that. But honestly, the Amidah can sound the same again and again when it’s recited often as worshippers race through it. To this visitor, the memorable and remarkable moment in a recent Shir Hadash service was when Rabbi Lane Steinger was leading a give and take about the Torah portion from Deuteronomy. Shir Hadash, which means “new song” in Hebrew, is a nine-year-old Reconstructionist congregation whose members, at last count, number exactly 47. They follow the teachings of Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan, of the 22

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

early and mid-20th century, who believed in making Judaism fit for the demands of the modern world. “A group of us wanted to study Judaism,” said Allen Karlin, Shir Hadash president. “We want to live in the 21st century, reading all the texts. We are mostly empty nesters. And we wanted to be rabbi led.” Shir Hadash is intentionally a small group, although members said they would not turn anyone away — at this point. They don’t want to become big. They choose to remain a small group so they can study and discuss freely, without limits based on gender or age. Members pay annual dues, as they can afford. Earlier this year, Shir Hadash received a grant — unsolicited and unexpected — of $10,188 from Chai Minded

(chaiminded.org), which also sent identical unexpected checks to Kol Rinah, a new Conservative congregation in University City formed from the merger of Brith Shalom Kneseth Israel (BSKI) and Shaare Zedek; Temple Beth El in Jefferson City, Mo., and Temple B’nai Sholem in St. Joseph, Mo. Shir Hadash members are quite committed to Judaism — of their own free will. Some may even say they don’t believe in the God of miracles, as member Charles Klotzer put it, but they are powerfully dedicated to learning, to getting together to study in one way or another every Shabbat. They meet four weekends a month: The first Saturday is potluck at a member’s home; the second and fourth Saturdays are for services, and the third Saturday is

OPPOSITE PAGE AND ABOVE: Scenes from a recent Shabbat oneg held by Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community at the Jewish Community Center’s Arts and Education Building. reserved for education and study. When Steinger (also a Jewish Light trustee) focused on the brief prayer — the Shema — that Jews around the world and throughout time have recited from memory, he was merely leading a normal kind of Shir Hadash discussion about the Torah portion for the day. He focused on an explanation in words for today’s Jews in today’s world. “Listen, Israel, God is our Lord,” the Reconstructionist version of the Torah portion says. “God is One. Love God your Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, must remain on your heart. Teach them to your children and speak of them when you are home, when you are traveling on the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” [Deut. 6.4-6.7] Four simple verses in everyday, accessible English. When Steinger, a quiet, unassuming man of 68, began discussing the Torah portion with the 20 or so men and women present, the colloquy was informal, informed and informative. All the men were wearing tallitot, as were several women, who may also have covered their heads with kippot. Every man’s crown was covered. Some wore blue jeans, others dress slacks. One or two men wore sport coats. All seemed to enjoy and appreciate each other’s company. A sense of warmth, not obligation or submission to a higher being, filled the library in the Arts and Education Building of the Jewish Community Center, where members of Shir Hadash regularly meet. Few of those present were younger than their late 50s. “ ‘Shema’ means listen, but it connotes

to understand,” said Steinger, warming up to a discussion that would last for 10 minutes or more. “You should have a preference for God…Do God’s things out of love — not out of fear or conformity.” Steinger continued in this vein by reminding those seated around him that one who is Jewish should live a life that is exemplary to other human beings. “By your actions, people will learn to love God,” he added, then opened up for discussing the matter raised in the Torah. What was the experience of the men and woman around him? One woman spoke of spending many hours with a modern Orthodox family in which everyone was “so kind.” “They did not say a word about what one should do,” she said. “They showed it in the way they treated each other.” Another woman said she has discovered satisfaction and even joy in doing things for other people without expecting anything in return. A third said she knew of a woman who called herself an atheist “but exhibits all good qualities.” “We don’t read people out because of their beliefs,” said Steinger, adding that “what we do has always trumped what we believe.” Steinger is a familiar figure in Reform Judaism circles in St. Louis. A native of University City, he earned a B.A. in independent studies in 1968 from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va. He graduated as a rabbi from the Reform Movement’s Hebrew Union College in 1973. From 1996 until 2009, he was regional director of the Union for Reform Judaism. When that office was closed, he was out of a job. Soon he had become the rabbi at Shir Hadash, in addition to serving as a part-time rabbi of Temple Israel,

The origins of Reconstructionism Reconstuctionism is sometimes called the fourth branch of Judaism today, after Orthodox, Reform and Conservative. Writing for Judaism.about.com, Lisa Katz states: “Rabbi Mordecai M. Kaplan, launched the movement in the 1920s with the creation of a Reconstructionist magazine and his book, Judaism as a “Civilization: Toward a Reconstruction of American Jewish Life.” “It was the insight of Rabbi Kaplan that Judaism could do well by incorporating the American ideals of equality and democracy….” Katz calls Reconstructionism a “bottom up” interpretation of Judaism, based on experiences of the Jewish people that “speaks less of revelation and more of discovery.” The Shabbat prayer book, Shabbat Vehagim, which the Shir Hadash Community uses, explains in its introduction that when the Jewish Reconstructionist Foundation published its first Sabbath Prayer Book in 1945, the movement was fiercely criticized. “In fact,” the introduction explains, “a picture of some rabbis who burned it as heresy appeared on the front page of the New York Times. That book plays a critical part in the legacy of the first generation of Reconstuctionists. It rests on four principles: reverence for the traditional siddur; use of the vast literature of Judaism; cognizance of contemporary problems and aspirations; and courage to produce new liturgy and edit the traditional liturgy in order to be true to contemporary Jewish sensibilities and moral vision.” — Repps Hudson OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

a small congregation in Alton. He also teaches at the Central Agency for Jewish Education (CAJE). “Reconstructionism is based in large part on the teachings of Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan,” Steinger said. “He was the cofounder of the Young Israel movement. He was a free thinker. He wanted a practice that was traditional and an outlook that was very modern.” Steinger then made a point, over lunch at a popular Chinese restaurant in University City, that members of Shir Hadash echoed in interviews. “Judaism is a culture and a civilization,” he said. “People of widely divergent views can work for the same ends.” Dr. Stanley Vriezelaar, a former member of BSKI who has been with Shir Hadash for five years, likes the small group service. “The ritual, saying the prayers, just being there, gives me comfort,” he said. “When you’re in a smaller synagogue, it really counts when you are not there. You’ve got to step up your game.” In different ways, other members expressed the same point. David Zuckerman, whose father was a Hasidic rabbi who “went AWOL and was always searching,” Shir Hadash was the right thing at the right time. He and his wife, Lois Zuckerman, had long been members of Congregation Shaare Emeth. “Here (at Shir Hadash), it’s like ‘Cheers.’

Lois Zuckerman (left) breaks off a piece of challah passed around by Stan Vriezelaar (right) at Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community. In the background at center is Libby Sorkin Routman. Photo: Lisa Mandel Ever ybody knows your name,” Zuckerman said. He called Shir Hadash’s natural constituency an “underserved population.” “The kids are gone,” he said. “We were looking for something more sophisticated and mature.” Shir Hadash’s interpretation of Reconstructionism was a natural fit. “For me, I’m busy trying to reconstruct

Judaism to fit modern times,” Zuckerman said. “It’s time to go back and ask, ‘Why are we doing this?’ “ In a large congregation, Zuckerman said, “it’s easy to be affiliated and anonymous. It’s all done for you.” Reconstructionism offers a middle road: One can choose to be not completely observant of Jewish laws and traditions but, Zuckerman said, “one can learn.”

TATTOOS

Sharsheret, a nonprofit whose name is Hebrew for “chain,” she has been paired with a Jewish woman in New Jersey, even younger than Courtney when she was diagnosed. “She’s become my rock. She understands my fears,” Courtney says. The mission of Sharsheret is to help young Jewish women and their families as they face breast cancer. Whether interacting with children or working for a politician or a nonprofit in whose cause she believes, Courtney wants to find professional fulfillment. She also plans to get two more tattoos, probably on the inside of her forearms. One, in English and with each letter “l” inked to look like the pink ribbons now synonymous with breast-care awareness, will likely say, “Live. Laugh Love. Survivor.” The other, in Hebrew, will quote Hillel’s “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?” To some people with tattoos, their bodies are canvas waiting to be filled. Courtney’s may become a window to her soul.

continued from page 21 “strength” in Hebrew, served as valuable reminders. “My family is amazing. I don’t know what I’d do without them,” she says.

Grace through life’s challenges Like the biblical Job, a righteous man beset by countless disasters, Courtney faced still other challenges. Since her diagnosis 2 ½ years ago, she has learned that due to bodily changes, she can no longer conceive a child. While this does not rule out adoption and/or marriage to someone with children, it’s yet another dream derailed. “The cancer has changed me and what’s important,” she says. Courtney volunteers for Susan G. Komen breast-cancer organization. Through 24

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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Jewish tradition and life cycle resources Mikvah Meaning “gathering of waters,” a mikvah is a Jewish ritual bath facility. Built and maintained to certain specifications, the mikvah is meant to contain or have a connection to natural water as from a spring or rain and is used in a variety of functions in Jewish life. Conversions are completed in mikvot and observant married women take monthly immersions after menstruation. Women bathe after nightfall. A man may also use the mikvah during certain times such as important holidays or on his wedding day. Some men also bathe at a mikvah weekly or even daily. New dishes are also immersed in the mikvah before use.

Area mikvot St. Louis has three mikvot in the area. The main Vaad Hoeir-administered mikvah is on the Millstone Campus. Usage by women is by appointment and appointments are staggered in such a way as to preserve privacy. The other Vaad mikvah is housed at Young Israel where it is generally in use for women only on Shabbat and holidays. Appointments can be made by calling 314-569-2770 x14. The Vaad provides its halachically valid mikvah to rabbis of all streams of Judaism for conversions though the officiating rabbi is in charge of the conversion process itself. The Vaad does not judge or endorse the validity of any particular conversion. Use of either the Millstone or Young Israel mikvah is $22 for a woman’s monthly visit. Conversion pricing varies based on a number of factors and requirements. Utensil immersion is free. Men come to the Millstone mikvah during the day and do not require an attendant. The fee is $5 for an adult and $1 for a child. At Young Israel, men sometimes visit the mikvah during the week. It is generally a walk-in service at both. The third area mikvah is at Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha in Chesterfield. Opened in 2002, the facility is a full-service mikvah and appointments can be made by phoning 314-469-6160. Usage

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

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is by appointment and the price is $30 for women.

Eruv

Since traditional Jewish Law prohibits carrying things outside the home on the Sabbath, some Jewish communities set up an eruv in order to legally allow carrying of certain small items outdoors. An eruv essentially creates a private domain out of multiple public spheres by recognizing an unbroken border, often composed of fencing and wire, surrounding the area in question. An eruv must be inspected carefully before Shabbat in order to ensure it is intact or it is not considered valid. The St. Louis area has two eruvs.

University City Eruv The University City Eruv covers 11 congregations in the area and runs a complex route from Warson Road on the west to as far north as the railroad line and Page Avenue on the north while touching as far east as Skinker Boulevard at one point and as far south as Interstate-64. A map

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Mohels In Judaism, mohels perform Jewish ritual circumcision. Carried out during a ceremony known as a bris, the circumcision takes about 10-15 seconds with minor discomfort persisting for several hours. The ceremony itself is about 20-30 min-

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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See RESOURCES, page 85

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Washington University & Barnes-Jewish

ORTHOPEDIC INJURY CLINIC Treating all types of orthopedic injuries, including: Sprains and strains Broken bones and minor dislocations Athletic injuries Pain in the back, shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist, hip, knee, ankle or foot

INJURY CLINIC HOURS: Monday–Thursday: 4pm–8pm Friday: noon–8pm Saturday: 8am–noon No appointment necessary! LEARN MORE: ortho.wustl.edu/injuryclinic 314-514-1642

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TEAM PHYSICIANS FOR THE ST. LOUIS BLUES & ST. LOUIS RAMS BE TREATED LIKE A PRO.

Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Orthopedic Center

Orthopedics

14532 S. Outer Forty Drive Chesterfield, MO 63017

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

30 30

Community Services Local Jewish agencies and resources SECTION INDEX

Adult Day Center at the JCC

Adult Day Center at the JCC..........................30

2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3248 Anna Zelinske — Director Our full-day program, held in a loving and caring environment, provides social, physical and cognitive stimulation for adults who may require more assistance. Activities include daily exercise, music, art, modified sports, Wii games, iPad technology, small-specialized groups and intergenerational events. In addition to the benefits experienced by participants, critical respite is offered to caregivers, who experience a reduction in stress knowing that their loved ones are safe and engaged during the day. Key features include: • Escorted door-to-door transportation is available in many areas • Registered Nurse on site at all times • Social work, counseling and resource information available • Nursing, personal care, two meals and a snack included in the daily program • Caregiver support groups (see Alzheimer’s Support Groups listing below) • Licensed by the state of Missouri as an Adult Day Health program.

Ahavas Chesed Society..................................30 American Jewish Committee..........................30 Anti-Defamation League, Mo./S. Ill.................30 Association for Advancement of Brit Milah......30 Association of Reform Rabbis.........................32 Barnes-Jewish Hospital..................................32 Bikur Cholim Visitors Network.........................32 Saul Brodsky Jewish Community Library........32 Chevra Kadisha Ohave Sholom Association...34 Community Chaplaincy Program—JF&CS.....34 Community Rabbinic Service at Barnes-Jewish Hospital..............................34 ElderLink St. Louis..........................................34 Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry............34 Holocaust Museum and Learning Center.......34 Jewish Attention to Mental Illness St. Louis....36 Jewish Community Center..............................36 JCC Helene Mirowitz Center of Jewish Community Life............................................................36 Jewish Community Relations Council.............38 Jewish Family & Children’s Service.................38 JF&CS - Jewish Connections Program..........38 Jewish Federation of St. Louis........................38 Jewish Prison Outreach..................................42 MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries................42 National Council of Jewish WomenSt. Louis Section.............................................42 New Mt. Sinai Cemetery Association..............44 Rabbinical Assembly of St. Louis....................44

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Ahavas Chesed Society 7937 Teasdale Court St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-726-1021 Volunteers of this organization assure the dignified preparation of our loved ones for burial in accordance with the tenets of Jewish law and tradition. Pnina Glassman is President. vvv

St. Louis Circle of Jewish Music.....................44

American Jewish Committee

St. Louis Hillel at Washington University..........44

7751 Carondelet Avenue, Suite 501 St. Louis, Mo. 63105 314-721-8866 • fax: 314-721-8626 email: stlouis@ajc.org website: www.ajc.org Nancy Lisker — St. Louis Regional Director AJC Mission: To enhance the well being of the Jewish people and Israel, and to advance democratic values around the world. AJC’s basic programs combat anti-Semitism, support Israel, promote international and inter-group relations, influence public policy and strengthen Jewish identity. AJC is

St. Louis Jewish Light.....................................44 St. Louis Rabbinical Association.....................44 St. Louis Rabbinical Council...........................50 Shalom Baby..................................................50 Shalvah Program: Outreach on Addictions.....50 St. Louis Jewish Community Listserv.............52 United Cemetery Association..........................52 Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis...................................52

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

an accredited non-governmental agency to the United States Mission to the United Nations. Kara Turner Newmark is Regional Board President. vvv

Anti-Defamation League, Missouri/Southern Illinois 34 North Brentwood Boulevard, Suite 2 St. Louis, MO 63105 314-721-1270 or 816-471-2028 (from Kansas City) email: st-louis@adl.org website: stlouis.adl.org Karen Aroesty — Regional Director Tabari Coleman — Project Director, A World of Difference Institute The Anti-Defamation League was founded 1913 to combat anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry. The ADL exposes extremists, promotes civil rights and builds bridges of understanding. League activities include anti-bias training, response to hate crime and hate groups, assistance to victims of discrimination, advocacy for church-state separation and religious freedom, campus outreach and education, inter-group partnerships and Holocaust education. The St. Louis office serves all of Missouri, Eastern Kansas, and Southern Illinois. Imagine A World Without Hate. We do. Roberta “Robbye” Frank is Regional Advisory Board Chair. vvv

Association for the Advancement of Brit Milah 8001 Gannon Avenue St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-727-2748/1-800-85-MOHEL email: RabbiMike@Brismilah.org website: www.brismilah.org Rabbi Michael Rovinsky—Executive Director Information on ritual circumcision is provided by this service through personal meetings, brochures and classes. The association provides the services of a mohel as a community service, regardless of financial ability. The association works closely with community rabbis of all denominations to insure a quality and meaningful brit milah procedure and ceremony for all members of our community. In addition to the St. Louis area, Rabbi Michael Rovinsky, C.M., travels throughout the United States providing the association’s services. vvv

Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry with a Caring Touch New Patients receive a FREE Digital Panoramic Xray when they have a comprehensive exam! $114 value

Robert P. Rothenberg, D.D.S. 49 Nationalway Shopping Center, Manchester, MO 63011 Shown in the Jewish Light

(636) 391-6990 www.rothenbergdds.com Dr. Robert Rothenberg provides patients of all ages with modern dental technology to make care fast, precise, and comfortable. He practices laser dentistry serving patients throughout St. Louis County, using a variety of lasers for screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

Association of Reform Rabbis 314-432-8050 The Association of Reform Rabbis brings together the Reform rabbis in the St. Louis area to share ideas and coordinate collaborative programs of the local Reform congregations and the national Reform movement, the Union for Reform Judaism. Rabbi Amy Feder of Congregation Temple Israel is president. vvv

Barnes-Jewish Hospital One Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza St. Louis, Mo. 63110 314-747-3000 website: www.BarnesJewish.org Barnes-Jewish Hospital at Washington University Medical Center is a non-profit, 1,315 licensed-bed, tertiary-care, teaching hospital that is consistently ranked on the Honor Roll as one of the best hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital’s 1,700-member medical staff, is supported by a house staff of more than 800 residents, interns and fellows, in addition to nurses and other health care professionals. Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s unique services for the Jewish community include the presence of a rabbi to attend to the diverse religious and spiritual needs of affiliated and unaffiliated Jewish patients, families and staff. Kosher meals are available upon request, and the Center for Diversity and Cultural Competence provides case consultation and interpreter

services to all refugees and immigrants that come to Barnes-Jewish Hospital for care. Richard Liekweg, is hospital president. Rabbi Laurence Glestein serves as Chaplain Rabbi and Jewish Care Coordinator of BarnesJewish Hospital through the Spiritual Care Department.

The Saul Brodsky Jewish Community Library occupies 4,700 square feet in the Jewish Federation Kopolow Building. The library houses more than 23,000 volumes of fiction and non-fiction. It contains a children’s area, reference section and the St. Louis Jewish Community Archives. It also carries periodicals, compact discs and large vvv print novels, as well as a large collection of films of Jewish interBikur Cholim est, including feature and forVisitors Network eign films and documenta314-724-7444 ries. The library has public Contact: Miriam The Shalom Task Force access computers for refFlorans confidential Abuse Hotline erence and Internet Volunteers for Bikur will refer callers to profesaccess, Wi-Fi and gourmet Cholim Visitors Network sional and rabbinical help coffee. The library hosts visit sick, elderly, and incain the community. author lectures, book dispacitated individuals in cussions, film screenings 1-888-883-2323 hospitals and nursing homes and children’s storytelling proin the St. Louis area. We are a grams. resource for out-of-towners visitThe library is open Monday, ing for medical purposes and can Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m-5 assist those in medical need in the way of p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m.- 8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. transportation and hospitality. - 3 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. New Brodsky Library Satellite locations vvv have opened within the Maryville University and CBC High School libraries. The Brodsky Saul Brodsky Jewish Library has developed an online catalog of Community Library many of the Jewish libraries in St. Louis 12 Millstone Campus Drive which can be accessed at destiny.jfedstl. St. Louis, Mo. 63146 org. 314-442-3720 • fax: 314-432-1277 M. Paul Kravitz is Chair. email: brodsky-library@jfedstl.org website: www.brodskylibrary.org vvv Barbara Raznick — Library Director

Abuse Hotline

Visit our beautiful ALL NEW gift shop inside the

Rabbi Howard G. Kaplansky Center at United Hebrew Congregation

Large selection of Judaic Items Jewelry Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Wedding Registries Hours (open year round) Mon/Wed/Fri 9:30am – 3:00pm Tues/Thurs 9:30am – 6:00pm Sunday 9:00am – 1:30pm (during religious school) 32

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Graduation Gifts Confirmation Gifts Teacher Appreciation And much, much more!

United Hebrew Congregation 13788 Conway Road St. Louis, MO 63141 314-469-0700, ext. 119

“With Shir Hadash I found a community where I could build wonderful friendships.”

“Shir Hadash has everything that we were seeking – a small, diverse community that is commi:ed to Jewish learning and spiritual growth and a wonderful rabbi in Lane Steinger.”

5775 is Our 10th Anniversary!

Find out why we’re growing

Come join us at the JCC Creve Coeur -‐ Arts & EducaBon Building (2 Millstone Campus Drive, Creve Coeur, MO 63146)

Check out our calendar for events and Bmes ShirHadashSTL.org “It’s wonderful to belong to a “We’d like to think Shir Hadash Or call us at truly American Jewish movement received a Chai Minded grant whose principles of Torah, 314-‐775-‐7780 because we are so warm and Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam are so important today.”

“Shir Hadash is the Jewish Community we graduated to aKer our children leK the house and we were ready for new friends and new Jewish experiences.”

welcoming.”

“We didn’t know how much we missed an inMmate worship experience unMl we found Shir Hadash. We always feel valued.”

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

Chevra Kadisha Ohave Sholom Association

Community Chaplaincy Program — Jewish Family & Children’s Service

to 4 p.m.

726 Eastgate Avenue St. Louis, Mo. 63130 The Chevra Kadisha Ohave Sholom Association, founded in 1937 as a congregation of German-Jewish refugees, helped new arrivals find jobs and homes. Members purchased part of the property at 7400 Olive Boulevard to use as a cemetery. At 88 by 91 feet, it is perhaps the smallest Jewish cemetery west of the Mississippi River. Lindsay Cann is President.

See related entry under “Senior Services and Housing” on page 54.

ElderLink St. Louis

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Community Rabbinic Service at Barnes-Jewish Hospital Jewish Care Coordinator, Spiritual Care Service Mail Stop 9075590, COH 621 St. Louis, Mo. 63108 314-574-8239 • fax: 314-362-0149 email: lxg2324@bjc.org Rabbi Laurence Glestein, Board Certified Chaplain, is Jewish Care Coordinator at BJH and is available Monday through Friday 8 a.m.

Sneak a Peek at Mirowitz

p kshonts r o W pare for .5 v . No Wed– 9 pm 7

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See related entry under “Senior Services and Housing” on page 54. vvv

Holocaust Museum and Learning Center In Memory of Gloria M. Goldstein 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-432-0020 email: jcavender@jfedstl.org website: www.hmlc.org Jean Cavender—Museum Director Daniel Reich—Curator/Director of Education The Holocaust Museum and Learning Center contains a permanent collection of educational exhibits on the Holocaust including artifacts, photographs, text and audiovisual displays as seen through the eyes of St. Louis’ local Holocaust survivor population. The facility focuses life before, during and after the Holocaust. The museum also houses an interactive exhibition entitled Change Begins with Me: Confronting, Hate, Discrimination and Ethnic Conflict in our world today. A self-guided audio tour is also available for visitor use. The center offers teacher training programs, a speaker’s bureau and a resource library. A theater/auditorium that seats more than 100 is used for lectures, special exhibitions and a monthly film series. The museum is open Monday through Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Docent led tours by appointment. The Holocaust Museum is a department of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Kent Hirschfelder is Chairperson. vvv

Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry

Learn how children grow to be tenacious learners and ethical leaders. Experiential learning, Jewish knowledge and social responsibility for grades K-8

RSVP online: www.mirowitz.org. For a tour, call Patty: 314-576-6177 or pbloom@mirowitz.org 34

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

10601 Baur Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63132. 314-993-1000 • fax: 314-812-9398 email: mmermelstein@jfcs-stl.org The Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry (HKJFP), a program of Jewish Family & Children’s Service, provides food, personal care items and social service referrals to help individuals and families through difficult times. More than 1.4 million food and personal care items are distributed each year to those in need. Kosher food and some special dietary needs can be accommodated. Client confidentiality is of paramount importance. The HKJFP utilizes volunteers to provide assistance in the pantry, sort donations and make Bimah Baskets to raise funds for pantry operations. If you are interested in learning more about the HKJFP or would like to host a food drive, contact Marcia Mermelstein, Coordinator-Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry at 314-513-1674. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Anna Lehrke, Coordinator of Volunteers, at 314-8129386 or alehrke@jfcs-stl.org. vvv

DIRTY DANCING Oct. 21 - Nov. 2 PRESENTED BY

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL November 18-30 ANNIE December 2-7 A CHRISTMAS CAROL December 12-14 A CHRISTMAS STORY Dec. 16 - Jan. 4 RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S

CINDERELLA Jan. 20 - Feb. 1 MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Feb. 27 - March 1 THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA March 4-15 KINKY BOOTS March 24 - April 5 STOMP April 10-12 PRESENTED BY

THE RAT PACK IS BACK May 15-17

YOUR TICKET TO FABULOUS 527 NORTH GRAND • 314-534-1111 • METROTIX.COM VISIT FABULOUSFOX.COM FOR ADDITIONAL SHOWS & CONCERTS GROUPS 15+ CALL 314-535-2900 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

Jewish Attention to Mental Illness St. Louis c/o Congregation Neve Shalom 6 Millstone Campus Drive Suite 3050 St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-222-9864 website: www.neveshalom.org Rabbi James Stone Goodman — Director Convened by Rabbi James Stone Goodman, Jewish Attention to Mental Illness (JAMI StL) began with a program called Falling Through the Cracks, a series of community forums at Congregation Neve Shalom to secure mental health — and problems occasioned by mental illness — in the center of the Jewish community agenda, thinking and communal creativity. We began with a series of “nexts” — strategies created from the bottom up, so to speak, that could be readily accomplished with the human creativity and commitment already in place. JAMI StL began with a commitment to teaching and embodying the Jewish commitment to community and to the place of the stranger, overcoming the shonda (shame) aspect of mental illness by bringing the stranger into the community with compassion. We teach that there is no one outside the camp — that we are all in the Jewish community tent. It is a big tent and we owe it to those who may not advocate well for themselves to advocate for them. Our goal is to teach by embodying the compassionate values that Judaism extends

to all individuals in the big tent approach to Jewish community, overcoming the stigma that attaches to mental illness. vvv

Jewish Community Center (The J) 314-432-5700 website: jccstl.org Lynn Wittels — President • Staenberg Family Complex (SFC) 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 • Marilyn Fox Building (FOX) 16801 Baxter Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63005 The Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur and the Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield offer a world-class fitness experience to members of the J. Each features the latest in equipment technology, full gymnasiums that can accommodate basketball, volleyball and badminton; indoor running tracks; three indoor pools, including a recreational pool in the Staenberg Family Complex, and two outdoor pools. The SFC also offers racquetball, handball, international squash and tennis courts. The Fox Building offers four specialty fitness studios (cycling, reformer Pilates, yoga and performance training) as well as batting cages. All memberships include free group exercise, yoga, Spin and mat Pilates classes. While health and wellness is our mission, the J isn’t just about fitness. Hundreds of

programs educate and challenge people of all ages and abilities. The Early Childhood Center (both locations) offers childcare and award-winning curriculum for children six weeks through 5 years. The Adult Day Center (SFC) provides the highest-quality care for loved ones, and Kitchen J provides catered and home-delivered meal services to seniors. The J hosts a variety of summer day camps at both locations, and Camp Sabra provides a residential sleep-away camp experience on the Lake of the Ozarks. Professional cultural programming, including the St. Louis Jewish Book and Film Festivals, live theater from renowned New Jewish Theatre, and children’s theater round out offerings that serve the minds, bodies and souls of the Jewish community, and the community at large, well. Monte Sandler is Board Chair. vvv

JCC Helene Mirowitz Center of Jewish Community Life email: bhorwitz@jccstl.org Rabbi Brad Horwitz – Director • Staenberg Family Complex 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3271 • Marilyn Fox Building 16801 Baxter Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63005 314-442-3454

Your one stop shop in

HOURS: Mon: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Tue: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm * Wed: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm Thu: 10:00 pm - 3:00 pm * Fri: 9:30 am - Noon Sun: 9:30 am - Noon

NEW! C. J. Art in Israel

*closed from Noon-1:00 pm Also available by appointment: 314-576-9990 x117 Congregation B’nai Amoona ● 324 S. Mason Rd ● St. Louis, MO 63141 ● 314-576-9990 ● www.bnaiamoona.com 36

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

Cemeteries

The JCC Helene Mirowitz Center furthers the Jewish mission of the JCC by providing Jewish engagement, education, cultural, Israel and community outreach services and programs in the St. Louis Jewish community. Young family programs through the Helene Mirowitz Family Centers include parent/toddler classes, open play, Jewish holiday programming, playgroups, Tour de Fun, a birth education class for first-time parents called “Lamazel Tov,” and more. Community programs offered include the Can We Talk? Series, Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration, family Israel trip, Jewish Mystic Jam, Purim Night Live and Song leader Boot Camp, a national Jewish leadership program. In partnership with B’nai B’rith, the center also provides programming for Jewish active adults. Staff members include Marianne Chervitz, Emilie Brockman, and Diane Maier. Lori Sheinbein is Chair.

Bellerive Gardens Cemetery 740 North Mason Road 314-434-3933 Mandi Barrett, Director

Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol 9125 Ladue Road 314-991-0264 Jim Singman, Director

Beth Olam Cemetery 740 N. Mason Road 314-434-3933 Jodi Wimmer, Director

B’nai Amoona Cemetery

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930 North & South Road 314-427-5900 Barry Needle, Director

Jewish Community Relations Council

Beth Shalom Cemetery 650 White Road 314-469-1891 Stanley Citerman, Director

Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery

Stanley Citerman, Director Chesterfield location: 650 White Road 314-469-1891 University City location: 7550 Olive Boulevard 314-721-4658

Chevra Kadisha Cemetery Association of St. Louis 1601 North & South Road 314-427-0160 Barry Needle, Director

New Mt. Sinai Cemetery 8430 Gravois Road 314-353-2540 Dan Brodsky, Director

Ohave Sholom Cemetery

7400 Olive Boulevard 314-721-4468 Lindsay Cann, President

United Hebrew Cemetery 7855 Canton 314-427-5900 Barry Needle, Director

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3871 • fax: 314-989-1361 email: jcrcstl@jcrcstl.org website: www.jcrcstl.org Batya Abramson-Goldstein—Executive Director The Jewish Community Relations Council is an organization of 30 local Jewish organizations that provides a forum for discussion and coordinated action on public policy issues of concern to the Jewish community at the international, state and local levels. A constituent agency of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, the JCRC’s mission is to “work within the Jewish and broader communities in St. Louis to enhance cooperation with other religious, racial, ethnic and civic groups; foster a just, democratic and pluralistic society; and promote the security of Israel and Jews everywhere. Guided by Jewish values, the JCRC advocates, educates, collaborates and mobilizes action on issues important to the Jewish community.” Areas of focus include Israel, international human rights, social justice and religion/state. JCRC activity with youth includes the Studentto-Student Program, the Teen Jewish Environmental Initiative, a teen Jewish/Muslim Teen Dialogue group (JAM) and the St. LouisIsrael Connection (SLIC) for young adults. JCRC administers the Jewish Fund for Human Needs, which it co-sponsors with the St. Louis Rabbinical Association. The fund provides Jewish engagement in philanthropic efforts in the general community. The Bohm Social Justice Initiative educates and engages the Jewish community on a broad range of activities in the arena of social justice. The Michael and Barbara Newmark Institute for Human Relations at the Jewish Community Relations Council was established in 2010. It is dedicated to advancing pluralism by organizing, supporting and promoting programs and activities that foster good human relations

between people of diverse backgrounds. On Facebook and Twitter, look for JCRCStLouis. Phyllis Markus is President. vvv

Jewish Family & Children’s Service 10950 Schuetz Road St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-993-1000 • fax:314-812-9398 email: jfcs@jfcs-stl.org website: www.jfcs-stl.org L. Louis Albert — Executive Director For over 143 years, Jewish Family & Children’s Service has provided help to individuals and families dealing with serious physical and emotional difficulties, as well as everyday concerns. Programs and professional therapy focus on marital difficulties, individual personality disorders and mental illness, family relationships, elder care planning, the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry (see separate entry), child abuse prevention, homemaker care, community chaplaincy outreach, child psychiatry and psychological assessments. Fred Steinbach is Board President. vvv

JF&CS - Jewish Connections Program 10950 Schuetz Road St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-993-1000 • fax: 314-812-9398 email: rnovack@jfcs-stl.org The Jewish Connections Program offers education for individuals and families in the Greater St. Louis area who are living with mental illness, addictions and/or in violent situations. JF&CS provides individuals with case management and counseling, psychiatry services and gives support to the caregivers. For information, contact Rochelle Novack. vvv

Jewish Federation of St. Louis 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-432-0020 • fax: 314-432-1277 website: www.JFedSTL.org and www. JewishinStLouis.org Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D. — President & CEO Jewish Federation of St. Louis mobilizes the Jewish community and its human and financial resources to preserve and enhance Jewish life in St. Louis, in Israel and around the world. Founded in 1901, it is one of the region’s largest and oldest nonprofit organizations. Priorities — Federation is committed to the development and enhancement of a thriving, vibrant Jewish community through six strategic priorities: • Create a vibrant Jewish community • Support Jewish identity • Advocate for Israel and a safe Jewish world • Provide a safety net for our most vulnerable • Develop exceptional human resources • Strengthen community infrastructure Agencies and Programs — Federation mobilizes the Jewish community through support of a family of some 80 local, national and

Sinai Ceme Mt. te

NATIONAL HISTORIC PLACE

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Sinai Ceme Mt. te

NATIONAL HISTORIC PLACE

Announcing ew

New Mt. Sinai Cemetery has opened our new Aleph section. This is a cremation grave section in the oldest and most historical part of the cemetery — dating from 1850! These 2’ x 2’ cremation graves start at $1295, including a polished granite stone and lettering. Fo

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For a confidential appointment, or to tour our new Aleph section, please contact: Dan Brodsky | Executive Director | at (314) 353-2540 or e-mail danielbrodsky@NMScemetery.org

New Mt. Sinai Cemetery Traditional Casket Burials Interfaith Burials Cremation Allowed (314) 353-2540 8430 Gravois Rd., St. Louis, MO 63123

www.NMScemetery.org

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

international agencies, programs, services and innovative projects. Local agencies and programs supported include the Jewish Community Center, Holocaust Museum and Learning Center, Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Covenant Place, St. Louis Jewish Light, Jewish Community Relations Council, Saul Brodsky Jewish Community Library, H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy, Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, Torah Prep School, St. Louis Hillel at Washington University and Hillel at the University of Missouri; community website jewishinstlouis.org, Next Dor, Jewish Student Union, Moishe House, Concierge for Families with Young Children, PJ Library, One Happy Camper, No-cost Israel trips such as Birthright Israel and the Rubin Israel Experience. Federation represents the Jewish community in Jefferson City and Washington, D.C., and is also the community’s central connection to worldwide Jewish communities. Federation supports national and international agencies, including the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, and 13 overseas targeted programs. While a majority of funds raised are used locally, Jewish Federation donations have rescued Jews from dozens of lands of distress and brought more than 3.6 million new immigrants to Israel since 1945. Federation links St. Louis and Israel through the Partnership2Gether sister-city program.

Federation is a proud member of the making recommendations on the continuUnited Way. ance of existing agencies or admission of new beneficiary agencies, level of unrestrictVolunteers — Federation volunteers reped allocations, the proportion of the allocable resent the community’s wide variety of interpool assigned to each subcommittee and the ests, ages and viewpoints. Donating time and programs to be recommended for strategic talents, volunteers serve on boards and comprogram funding. mittees, raise funds, oversee endowments, secure grants, examine needs, plan for the Affinity Groups — Federation’s affinity community, and distribute funds to meet the groups connect people by gender, age, comneeds. mon interests and profession. They support Federation through funGiving — The Annual draising and a variety of Community Campaign, the social, educational, netJewish community’s largest working and donor-recfundraising effort, supognition events. Groups ports high-quality agenThe Jewish Loan Association offers include: cies, programs and limited interest-free loans to those • Young services that sustain individuals in the community who Professionals our community’s vision qualify. Co-signers are required. For Division—for men and of a thriving, vibrant information, contact the Intake women in their 20s and engaged Jewish Department at Jewish Family & and 30s; community. In addition Children’s Service, 314-993-1000. • Women’s to the unrestricted camThe loan fund is administered Philanthropy—for paign, there are a number through Jewish Federation women of all ages, backof Federation funds, of St. Louis. grounds, interests, lifestyles endowments and legacy gifts and income levels; that provide a further source of • Professional societies, such as program revenue for today and tomorMaimonides Society for medical professionrow. als, Cardozo Society for legal professionals, Federation is a powerful engine for propeland Montefiore Society for financial and ling the community’s dollars, decisively, effecinsurance professionals. tively and efficiently. Each year, the Planning Patricia Croughan is Jewish Federation & Allocations Committee operates as a “think board chair. tank,” the forum in which issues are laid out vvv and overarching decisions and recommendations are made. P&A’s responsibilities include

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September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

Jewish Prison Outreach c/o Congregation Neve Shalom 6 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 3050 St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-222-9864 email: Jpo.stlouis@yahoo.com Rabbi James Stone Goodman rabbi@neveshalom.org Jewish Prison Outreach (JPO) provides educational and religious material to incarcerated individuals in Missouri. Chaplaincy visits are provided to local jails and selected Missouri prison facilities by Rabbi James Stone Goodman. Support for families of incarcerated Jews is offered in the form of bimonthly groups. Mentoring teams assist newly released individuals to adjust upon reentry into the community. Our goal is to address the feelings of isolation and estrangement from the Jewish community often felt by Jewish prisoners and their families. JPO is sponsored by Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Congregation Neve Shalom and the St. Louis Rabbinical Association. vvv

MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries Lewis C. Chartock Ph.D.—President/CEO website: www.mersgoodwill.org • Aftergut Center 1727 Locust Street St. Louis, Mo. 63103 314-241-3464

WHOM DO WE THANK FOR IRON DOME?

• Lippman Center 2545 S. Hanley Road St. Louis, Mo. 63144 314-647-7453 MERS/Goodwill is an employment rehabilitation agency that administers placement, counseling, evaluation, skills training, employment and vocational services at over 75 locations in Missouri and Illinois. In addition, MERS/Goodwill develops alternative vocational opportunities and offers specialized programs for persons with specific disabilities, such as those on the autism spectrum or the hearing impaired. MERS/Goodwill also houses a daycare, sheltered workshop and two halfway houses for women. MERS/Goodwill operates 42 thrift stores throughout the bi-state area to assist in our mission of serving the disabled and disadvantaged with employment services. A Jewish Federation-funded program that targets the Jewish community is Careers in Transition, a job placement program for the unemployed and underemployed in the Jewish community. Jay Summerville is Board Chair. vvv

National Council of Jewish Women-St. Louis Section 295 N. Lindbergh Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63141 314-993-5181 • fax: 314-993-5362 email: mail@ncjwstl.org website: www.ncjwstl.org

Thank the Technion. As recently seen, Israel’s Iron Dome can intercept and destroy missiles – and save lives. In terms of capabilities, speed and accuracy, there is no system like it anywhere in the world. It was developed at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, whose CEO says, “We couldn’t have done it without Technion graduates… some 80 percent of our engineering force are Technion graduates.” n And there are many more breakthroughs at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. As one of the world’s leading universities in science, technology and medicine, the Technion is a major source of innovation. The brainpower of its graduates helps drive the Israeli economy and contributes to the health and security of people in Israel and around the world. n The American Technion Society consists of thousands of people in the United States who support the Technion. Please join us and help make the next generation of Technion breakthroughs possible. For more information, visit www.ats.org/IronDome or call 314.725.7330.

American Technion Society | St. Louis Chapter 111 W. Washington Street, Suite 1220, Chicago, IL 60602 P: 314.725.7330 or E: joy@ats.org www.ats.org 42

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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Ellen Alper - Executive Director • TheResaleShop (A charitable project of NCJW-St. Louis Section) 295 N. Lindbergh Boulevard Creve Coeur, Mo. 63141 314-692-8141 • fax: 314-692-8148 email: jmeans@ncjwstl.org website: www.TheResaleShop.org The National Council of Jewish Women-St. Louis Section (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by the Jewish values of tikkun olam, NCJW works through a program of education, advocacy, community service and philanthropy to improve the lives of women, children and families. We strive for social justice by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. For almost 120 years, NCJW has identified unmet needs in the St. Louis community and developed innovative, hands-on projects which have positively affected thousands of lives. Many of these projects today are independently run nonprofit organizations in the areas of child protection, education, domestic violence and elder care. NCJW is recognized as a leader in the St. Louis community and has established numerous partnerships with organizations working to achieve mutual goals. NCJW is the place for progressive Jewish 2.375” w x 4.937" h women — and for those inspired by Jewish values — to come together with courage, determination and commitment to foster pos-

Discover Congregation Shaare Emeth Engaging lifelong learning, social action initiatives, inclusive services, innovative children and youth programs

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September 2014

itive social change for the generations to come. Nationally, NCJW’s network of more than 90,000 members and supporters puts these ideals into action to make the world a better place. The Resale Shop, a charitable project of NCJW, helps fund community service and advocacy projects. Donations of clothing for the entire family, household items, collectibles, jewelry, shoes and housewares are accepted during regular business hours. Proceeds from the Resale Shop support community service projects like Back-ToSchool! Store & Kids Community Closet, Wife-Widow-Woman support group, the Silent Witness Exhibit for domestic violence awareness, the Healing Hearts Bank, a Microlending program for victim of domestic violence, Project Renewal, CONNECT, and advocacy efforts directed to local, state and national legislators. Darien Arnstein is President.

The Rabbinical Assembly of St. Louis is an organization of local Conservative rabbis. The members seek to advance the goals of Judaism through the lens of the Conservative Movement. Rabbi Ari Kaiman is President. vvv

St. Louis Circle of Jewish Music c/o 10367 Oxford Hill Drive, #25 829 North Hanley Road St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-954-4295 The St. Louis Circle of Jewish Music was founded in 1970 as an association for area cantors and other musicians professionally involved in Jewish congregational music to enhance the level of Jewish music in St. Louis and provide scholarship aid to young musicians. Linda Blumenthal from Congregation United Hebrew of Benton, Ill. is President. vvv

New Mt. Sinai Cemetery Association 8430 Gravois Road St. Louis, MO 63123 314-353-2540 website: www.NMScemetery.org Daniel P. Brodsky — Executive Director New Mt. Sinai Cemetery, located just minutes from Clayton, Ladue and West County, was established in 1850 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. New Mt. Sinai permits non-Jewish burials as well as cremations. It is the only Jewish cemetery in St. Louis with a Community Mausoleum for above-ground entombments, and the cemetery conducts in-ground burials as well. The cemetery is co-owned by B’nai El, Congregation Shaare Emeth and Temple Israel, and is open Sunday through Friday. Charles Eisenkramer is Board President. vvv

Rabbinical Assembly of St. Louis 314-576-9990 ext. 110

See full entry in the “Education” category, page vvv

St. Louis Jewish Light Address for general correspondence: 6 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 3010 St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-743-3660 • fax: 743-3690 email: news@thejewishlight.com website: www.stljewishlight.com • Address for payments: P.O. Box 955519, St. Louis, Mo. 63195-5519 Larry Levin — Publisher/CEO Ellen Futterman — Editor Robert A. Cohn — Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Mike Sherwin — Managing Editor Julie Schack — Director of Sales & Events Tom Wombacher — Director of Operations Kelly Richter — Business Director

The perfeCT gifT TO remember available online & select retailers

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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314-983-0229 slra@mindspring.com Steve Sorkin — Administrative Director The St. Louis Rabbinical Association serves as the rabbinical presence in the Jewish and general communities. The membership comprises Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Reform and Renewal rabbis in congregational and agency positions. The SLRA helps provide a voice for the Jewish community in St. Louis area media and through leadership in many inter-religious coalitions, interfaith dialogues and social service and advocacy organizations. The SLRA sponsors several Jewish adult education opportunities throughout the year, and co-sponsors (with the Jewish Community Relations Council) the Rabbi Robert P. Jacobs Jewish Fund for Human Needs. SLRA members meet monthly and also come together annually for a day of Jewish text study. The association is funded through an annual community-wide campaign at

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The St. Louis Jewish Light is the newspaper of the Jewish community of St. Louis, serving the community with both a print and an online edition at www.stljewishlight.com. The Jewish Light publishes local, national and worldwide news, feature stories, editorials and book, theater and film reviews. The Jewish Light publishes the Ohr Chadash (‘New Light’) teen page once a month during the school year. The community is encouraged to share their viewpoints through letters to the editor and commentary submissions. The Light also publishes the quarterly Oy! Magazine. The Jewish Light is an active member of the American Jewish Press Association, the International Jewish Media Association and the Press Club of Metropolitan St. Louis. Gary Kodner is President through May, 2015.

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Yeshivat Kadimah High School is a college preparatory, religious Zionist, Orthodox Yeshiva High School. With a 21st century approach to Jewish education and top-notch teachers, our highly individualized program incorporates traditional, interactive and online resources, enriched by real world experiences outside the classroom.

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September 2014

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September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

Jewish Holidays 2014-2017 Note: Holidays begin at sundown of the previous day. 2013 dates included for mid-September on. *Work is restricted. Shabbat* – Every week, from sundown Friday until sundown Saturday. The Sabbath, known as the most important holiday, commemorates God’s day of rest on the seventh day of Creation. Tu B’Shevat – This holiday, the New Year of the Trees, marks the coming of spring in Israel. It is celebrated by having picnics, planting trees and

2015

Feb. 4

2016

Jan. 25

2017

Feb. 11

eating fruit.

Purim – The Festival 2015 March 5 of Lots recalls the rescue of the Jews of 2016 March 24 Ancient Persia from 2017 annihilation at the March 12 hands of Haman, who cast lots to choose this day for his plot. Queen Esther and her cousin, Mordechai, foiled his plan. On Purim, the Megillah of Esther is read, and the holiday is celebrated with festivity, costumes and noisemakers. Hamantashen (threecornered pastries) are the traditional food, and mishloach manot (gift packages) are exchanged. Passover* – The 2015 April 4-11 Exodus of the Jews 2016 from Egypt is celeApril 23-30 brated with the eight2017 April 11-18 day festival of Passover. Ridding the home of chometz (leavened food) and eating only unleavened items commemorate the haste in which the former slaves fled Egypt, leaving them too little time for their bread dough to rise. Jews traditionally give maot chitim (charitable contributions) to the poor at Passover and invite others to join their seders. Yom HaShoah – The 2015 day is marked by memorials and dedica- 2016 tions to those who 2017 perished in the Holocaust. Yom Hazikaron – Israel’s National Memorial Day, honoring veterans and fallen military personnel.

April 16 May 5 April 23

2015

April 21

2016

May 11

2017

May 1

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Yom Ha’atzmaut Israel Independence Day is celebrated festively by Jews around the world.

2015

April 23

2016

May 12

2017

May 2

2015 Lag B’Omer – April May 7 28, 2013. This holi2016 May 26 day is a tribute to Jewish martyrs and 2017 May 14 mystics. Children parade as soldiers to commemorate the Bar Kochba Rebellion, and synagogues are decorated with candles.

Yom Yerushalayim Jerusalem Day commemorates the liberation of the city of Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War.

2015

May 17

2016

June 5

2017

May 24

Yom Kippur* – The 2014 Oct. 4 Day of Atonement is the holiest day of 2015 Sept. 23 the Jewish calendar, 2016 Oct. 12 marking the end of the 10 days of 2017 Sept. 30 repentance. It is spent in fasting and fervent prayer. Sounding the shofar signals the holiday’s end. Sukkot* - The harvest festival, or Feast of Tabernacles, is named for the temporary dwellings decorated with 2014 Oct. 9-15 fruit and vegetables, set up to recall the 2015 Sept. 28-Oct. 4 booths in which the 2016 Oct. 17-23 Jews lived during their journey from 2017 Oct. 5-11 Egypt. The holiday is marked by processions with the lulav (palm branch with myrtle and willow) and etrog.

Shemini Atzeret* – The final day (in the Diaspora the final two days) at the conclusion of the festival of Tabernacles is nominally a Shavuot* – Shavuot 2015 May 24-25 separate holiday; 2014 Oct. 16 marks the end of the thus, there is no 2016 June 12-13 counting of Omer. It partaking of meals 2015 Oct. 5 recalls Moses’ 2017 May 31-June 1 in the tabernacle, 2016 Oct. 24 receiving the Torah nor use of the lulav from God. The Megillah of Ruth is read, and and etrog, and like 2017 Oct. 12 all-night Torah study is customary. Con all individual holifirmation ceremonies, dairy foods, honey days, it requires the she-hechiyanu benedicand floral decorations are traditional. tion. The special prayer for rain is recited during the musaf service. In Ashkenazi rituals, the yizkor memorial prayer is said. Tisha B’Av – This 2015 July 26 solemn holiday is a 2016 reminder of the Aug. 14 destruction of the 2017 Aug. 1 First and Second Temples and the loss of the Jewish State to the Romans. Lamentations is read, and it is traditional to fast.

Rosh Hashanah* – Literally meaning “head of the year,” Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish calendar year. It begins a 10-day Sept. 14-15 period of repentance 2015 and prayer which 2016 Oct. 3-4 ends on Yom Kippur. 2017 The holiday is celeSept. 21-22 brated with feasts and apples dipped in honey to symbolize the hope for a sweet year to come.

2014 Oct. 17 Simchat Torah* The day after 2015 Oct. 6 Sukkot, Simchat Torah marks the end 2016 Oct. 25 of the annual Torah 2017 Oct. 13 reading and the beginning of the cycle for the coming year. Celebrated with singing, dancing and merry processions of men carrying Torahs and children waving flags. Hanukkah – In 167 2014 Dec. 17-24 BCE, the Maccabees led a band of Jews in 2015 Dec. 7-14 a successful battle 2016 Dec. 25-Jan 1 against the occupying Syrian-Greeks, who 2017 Dec. 13-20 had desecrated the Second Temple’s eternal light. Miraculously, one day’s supply of oil lasted eight days, until more could be found. The Hanukkah menorah is lit for eight nights to celebrate that miracle. Children play dreidel, and foods fried in oil are customary. Hanukkah was declared a holiday by Judah Maccabee and his followers to celebrate the rededication of the Temple.

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From prevention to diagnostics to rehabilitation, the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart & Vascular Center at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital has the technology, staff and expertise that you need for a total approach to heal and protect your heart.

To schedule an appointment or to get a second opinion, call 314-362-1291. Heart & Vascular Center 1020 N. Mason Road, Suite 100 Creve Coeur, MO 63141 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

Hanukkah. Rabbi James Stone Goodman of Congregation Neve Shalom is President. vvv

St. Louis Rabbinical Council 314-569-2770 The St. Louis Rabbinical Council is the rabbinic body that represents the Orthodox community of St. Louis. It is comprised of the rabbinic leadership of all Orthodox congregations, schools, outreach and communal institutions in the community. As the rabbinic arm of the Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis, the council

provides rabbinic counsel for the activities of the Vaad, advocates on behalf of the Orthodox community’s interests and seeks to educate the general community regarding its views and concerns, as it endeavors to promote the observance of Torah and mitzvot within the St. Louis Jewish community. vvv

Shalom Baby A Program of the Concierge For Families with Young Children 12 Millstone Campus Drive

with

SPIRITED MEANINGFUL INCLUSIVE Our High Holiday Services will be led by Rabbi Mark Fasman and our new Rabbi Noah Arnow We wish you and your family a happy, healthy new year. Kol Rinah embraces the joy of worship, learning and Jewish music, both into our souls and Kolfamilies, Rinah embraces joy of worship, learning Jewish music,with us. out to our friends andthe community. Come pray, learn, and sing and celebrate both into our souls and out to our families, friends and community. 314.727.1747 • 829 North Hanley Road • St. Louis, MO 63130 • KolRinahStL.org

Come pray, learn, sing and celebrate with us.

314.727.1747 • KolRinahStL.org 829 North Hanley Road • St. Louis, MO 63130

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3870 website: www.shalombabystl.org For many years, the Shalom Baby program has been extending a hand of friendship to families who have recently experienced the birth or adoption of a child and has long been regarded as one of the premier infant outreach programs in the country. Through this program, families are introduced to congregations, the Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and other Jewish organizations and are connected to areas of interest for their family. The Community Concierge, Jayne Langsam will personally visit each of these families. In that role, Langsam will welcome them with a gift bag from our community, listen to their story and help connect them to other Jewish families and resources that best fit their individual needs. Peer concierge will be paired with new families based on similar characteristics, situations or circumstances. This is a free program open to all new and adopted Jewish and interfaith babies under the age of one year in the St. Louis area. It is partially funded by the Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of Jewish Federation of St. Louis. For more information contact Jayne Langsam at jlangsam@jfedstl.org vvv

The Shalvah Program: Outreach on Addictions Congregation Neve Shalom 6 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 3050 St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-222-9864 website: www.neveshalom.org Rabbi James Stone Goodman — Director Shalvah (“serenity” in Hebrew) is dedicated to teaching the strategies to help individuals, their families, friends and communities work themselves free of the problems associated with addiction. Shalvah teaches an integrated approach, combining spiritual and psychological resources, acting as a bridge between the recovery model and the daily spiritual

Kosher Bakery!

Schnucks has offered kosher-certified fresh-baked goods for more than 25 years. Enjoy the homemade goodness of La Brea artisan breads, as well as custom decorated cakes that look as good as they taste. We have more than 20 varieties of donuts and bagels! All of our delicious fresh-baked goods are vd certified by the Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis.

Stores with Kosher Certified Bakeries: NEW! Chesterfield Creve Coeur Bellerive Plaza Ladue Crossing 141 Hilltown Village 10650 Olive Blvd. 12756 Olive Blvd. (314) 567-3838 (636) 532-2505 at Mason Rd. (314) 434-7323

8867 Ladue Rd. (314) 725-7574

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OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

remedies of Judaism and other traditions. Shalvah was organized in 1998 as a project of Congregation Neve Shalom to claim the healing work of recovery for the synagogue. Shalvah was preceded by Slicha, the St. Louis Information Committee and Hotline on Addiction, an effort organized by Rose Mass and Rabbi Goodman in 1981. Shalvah meets weekly. The purpose of the meeting is to connect traditional spiritual resources with the 12-Step model. vvv

St. Louis Jewish Community Listserv (STLJCL) website: https://groups.yahoo.com/group/ STLJCL To subscribe: stljcl-subscribe@yahoo.com To post: stljcl@yahoo.com The St. Louis Jewish Community Listserv (STLJCL) is a free internet service, hosted by Yahoo Usergroups and monitored by community moderators Barbara Ast, Jill M Mogil, Debby Schuman and Janet Weinberg. Chagai Adler is technical advisor. STLJCL’s goal is to connect those in our local community to goods, services, events, employment, etc. Once you join the listserv, you’ll receive messages in an emailed daily digest and you’ll be able to start posting mes-

sages as well. Advertising is also available to nonprofit companies (free) and to for-profit companies ($18 fee), of which 100 percent goes to a local Jewish charity — the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry or Tomchai Shabbos.

Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis

1601 North and South Road St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-427-5900 Barry Needle — Executive Director The United Cemetery Association manages the three Jewish cemeteries centrally located on North and South Road in University City: Chevra Kadisha Cemetery (Orthodox) at Page Avenue, B’nai Amoona Cemetery (Conservative) at Blackberry Avenue and United Hebrew Cemetery (Reform) at Canton Avenue. All cemeteries are open to the entire Jewish community and follow a range of Jewish burial practices. Each cemetery upholds its own ritual requirements pertaining to traditional Jewish burial, Jewish conversion, acceptance and burial of interfaith family members and cremated remains. The association was established in 1998. Perry Mendelson is President.

4 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-569-2770 • fax: 314-569-2774 email: chana@ovkosher.org website: www.ovkosher.org Rabbi Menachem Greenblatt — Rav Achrai Rabbi Yosef Landa — Rav Achrai Rabbi Zvi Zuravin — Executive Director Rabbi Avi Bloch — Head Shochet Under the supervision of the Rabbinical Council of St. Louis, the Vaad Hoeir, the United Orthodox Jewish Community, provides kosher certification to retail stores, hotels, restaurants and community institutions, and also kosher certifies industrial manufacturing of both raw materials and finished goods. The Vaad also maintains the Taharath Israel Mikvah located on the Millstone Campus for ritual immersion and conversions. A second Shabbat and Yom Tov mikvah is maintained at Young Israel in University City. The annual Moas Chitim Fund Drive before Passover provides Kosher-for-Passover items for those in need. The Barbara Mendelson Tomchei Shabbos Fund assists those in need for Shabbos and Yom Tov. Perry Mendelson is President.

vvv

United Cemetery Association

Kosher Food Facilities Locations are certified by the Vaad Hoeir. For questions about the kashrut status of local establishments, call the Vaad Hoeir at 314-569-2770. See “Vaad Hoeir” directory listing above.

BAKERIES • Breadsmith Artisan Bread Bakery

• The Ritz-Carlton 100 Carondelet Plaza, 314-863-6300, Robin Albach

• Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel 7730 Bonhomme Avenue, 314-863-0400

• Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis 999 North Second Street, 314-881-5800

10031 Manchester Road, 314-822-8200

• Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch

• Dierberg’s

315 Chestnut Street, 314-655-1234

8450 Eager Road, 314-962-9009 Olive Boulevard and Craig Road, 314-4328823

• Schnucks

Bellerive Plaza, 12756 Olive Boulevard, 314-434-7323 Creve Coeur, 10650 Olive Boulevard, 314567-3838 Ladue Crossing, 8867 Ladue Road, 314725-7574 Chesterfield Hilltown Village, 141 Hilltown Village, 636-532-250

BANQUET FACILITIES • Crown Plaza in Clayton 7750 Carondelet, 314-726-5400, Brenda Hinton

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

BUTCHERS • Kohn’s Kosher

10405 Old Olive Street Road, 314-5690727

• Gokul Indian Restaurant 6101 Delmar Boulevard, 314-721-1888

SENIOR MEAL PROGRAMS • Kitchen J - Community Aging Corporation meals at Covenant Place 8 Millstone Campus Drive, 314-432-1610

• Crown Center for Senior Living 8350 Delcrest Drive, 314-991-2055

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OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

Senior Services/Housing Adult Day Center at the J See full listing under “Community Services” on page 30. vvv

SECTION INDEX Adult Day Center at the J................................54 Community Chaplaincy Program — JF&CS ..54 Covenant Place...............................................54

Community Chaplaincy Program — Jewish Family & Children’s Service

Crown Center for Senior Living.......................54

10950 Schuetz Road St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-812-9382 • fax: 314-812-9398 Rabbi Margaux Buck-Yael — Chaplain The Community Chaplaincy Program brings the Jewish community to residents of skilled nursing, assisted living facilities, group homes, senior housing and others who otherwise may be unconnected from the Jewish community. Group programming and individual pastoral care visits are provided by clergy, social workers and para-chaplaincy volunteers.

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Covenant Place 8 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 2000 St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-432-1610 • fax: 314-432-4058 email: jdenison@covenantplacestl.org website: www.covenantplacestl.org Joan Denison — Executive Director Covenant Place offers seniors enriching programs, recreation and affordable housing. Programs are open to the community. Call, email, or visit our website to receive the monthly event calendar and join the daily exercise, entertainment, wellness and social programs (programs are typically free or for a nominal fee). Enjoy independent living on the conveniently located Millstone Campus. With three buildings housing 420 apartments, common spaces for ongoing fitness, cultural, social and recreational activities, kosher dining, library, laundry, computer room, beauty shop, podiatrist, physical therapy, movie theater, chapel, landscaped courtyards and patios, a Royal Bank branch and more, Covenant Place is more than a place to live — it is a vibrant senior community. Our community provides: 24/7 pull-cord monitoring, on site night and weekend staff coverage, affordable housekeeping, social service providers to connect you with community resources and services, on site home health service agency and physical therapy, transport service between buildings for those with mobility impairments. Enjoy weekly services and holiday celebrations. Take advantage of campus life and the amenities and services of the JCC and Federation, just steps away from your front door. The caring staff at Covenant Place is waiting to welcome you. Alan Witte is President vvv

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

ElderLink St. Louis..........................................54 Center for Senior Living.................................54 Pathways Hospice and Palliative Care............54

Crown Center for Senior Living 8350 Delcrest Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63124 314-991-2055 website: www.crowncenterstl.org email: rschenberg@crowncenterstl.org Nikki Goldstein, Executive Director Randi Schenberg, Community Relations Director “Active lifestyle,” “affordable,” “worry free living,” “convenient” and “lovely” — a few of the ways people consistently describe Crown Center. Amenities include salon, library, kosher dining, transportation, gardening and exercise classes. If you are 62+ and interested in being part of a friendly community, with a caring staff, in a great U. City neighborhood, we’re waiting to welcome you. Join us for a “no obligation” tour, be our guest for dinner, or attend a special event (our outstanding programs are open to all). Please contact Randi Schenberg or Nikki Goldstein. We’d love to meet you and your family. Ted Flom is Board President. vvv

ElderLink St. Louis 10950 Schuetz Road St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-812-9300 email: info@elderlinkstlouis.org website: www.elderlinkstlouis.org Lori Zimmerman, LCSW What would you do if your elderly mother’s physician told you that she should not live alone any longer, but you have no idea how to begin searching for an assisted living facility? Or imagine being told that you need to give up your driver’s license, but you don’t know where to turn for transportation for errands and doctor’s appointments? Now, Jewish older adults, their children and caregivers can call on ElderLink St. Louis, a centralized resource providing free advice and referrals on all issues affecting seniors. ElderLink is a program of Jewish Family & Children’s Service. Staff holds a master’s degree in social work and is expert in gerontological issues. ElderLink connects users

with advice and information on everything from aging in place and caregiver resources, to employment, end-of-life services, financial resources, housing, learning and recreation, physical and mental health, safety issues and more. ElderLink is funded by the Jewish Federation, the United Way of Greater St. Louis and BJC Health Care. vvv

Kosher Home Delivery Meal Program at Crown Center for Senior Living Crown Center 8350 Delcrest Drive University City, MO 63124 314-991-2055 Crown Center for Senior Living’s home delivered kosher meal program provides nutritious, hot meals five times a week to eligible seniors in the University City area. Participants must be age 60 or over, require food that adheres to kosher dietary laws, have limited ability to prepare nutritious meals, and are unable to attend the congregate program at Crown Center. The fresh, tasty meals are prepared in Crown’s Vaad Hoeir approved kitchen, and are delivered by community volunteers five times a week. For more information about volunteering or participating, call Florence Schachter, Director of Resident and Community Services at 314991-2055. Funding is provided by Mid East Area Agency on Aging, Jewish Federation of St. Louis, and Crown Center for Senior Living. vvv

Pathways Hospice and Palliative Care 14805 N. Outer 40 Road, Suite 160 Chesterfield, Mo. 63017 636-733-7399 website: delmargardens.com/pathways Rabbi Dale Schreiber, Board Certified Chaplain Trained and accredited by the National Institute for Jewish Hospice, Pathways Hospice and Palliative Care, a program affiliated with Delmar Gardens Enterprises, provides quality care to the members of the Jewish community. The essence of our Jewish hospice care is to provide a caring community for clients and their families. Pathways operates on the principle that Jewish wisdom and tradition offer guidance about healing of body and spirit. Among our healing tools are those that reinforce connection to life, to family, to the Jewish community, and to personal beliefs. The aim of our visits is to foster a feeling of well-being and belonging through loving relationship, music and prayer. vvv

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September 2014

56 50

Congregations SECTION INDEX

Agudas Israel of St. Louis

Agudas Israel of St. Louis............56

8202 Delmar Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63124 314-863-8978 • fax: 314-863-0820 email: office@agudastl.com Rabbi Menachem Greenblatt Agudas Israel of St. Louis is an Orthodox congregation in the heart of University City. Agudas Israel offers Torah study, classes in Talmud, Jewish law and Bible with a Daf Yomi (page of Talmud a day) class and classes for women and children. Agudas Israel currently houses the learning of the fellows of the St. Louis Kollel/Institute for Advanced Talmudic Research. A women’s division, N’Shei Agudah, sponsors social and family activities. Martin Olevitch is president. vvv

Bais Abraham Congregation........56 Congregation Bais Menachem Chabad........................................56 Beit Shira.....................................56 Central Reform Congregation......58 Congregation B’nai Amoona........58 Kol Rinah.....................................58 Neve Shalom...............................59 Nusach Hari B’nai Zion................59 Congregation Shaare Emeth........60 Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community..................................60 Temple Emanuel..........................60 Congregation Temple Israel..........61 Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha......61 Traditional Congregation..............62 U.City Shul — Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Sha’arei Chesed Shul....62 United Hebrew Congregation......62 Young Israel of St. Louis..............64

Bais Abraham Congregation 6910 Delmar Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-721-3030 • fax: 270-721-3034 email: office@baisabe.com website: www.baisabe.com Rabbi Hyim Shafner Maharat Rori Picker Neiss Ella Bokobza, Israel Sheliach

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8124 Delmar Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-725-0400 email: info@ShowMeChabad.com website: www.ShowMeChabad.com Rabbi Yosef Landa Congregation Bais Menachem is a community synagogue offering traditional services within a friendly, inviting and intimate milieu, under the rabbinic leadership of Rabbi Yosef Landa. Bais Menachem offers complete Shabbat and holiday services, which include a children’s minyan. Shabbat services are followed by a delightful sit-down kiddush. The Sunday morning “Royal Minyan” at 8:30 a.m. and the year round 9 p.m. weekday Maariv services are popular features. There are no membership dues. Individuals and families of all backgrounds are welcome. Bais Menachem was established in 1995 as an affiliate of Chabad of Greater St. Louis and meets at the Lazaroff Chabad Center. The congregation shares adult education classes, outreach and youth programs with the local Chabad center. vvv

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Bais Abraham Congregation, a synagogue located in the University City Loop area, adjacent to Washington University, is a diverse and welcoming Orthodox congregation with a wide array of programming including Shabbat and weekday services, two Hebrew schools, learning groups and classes, family Shabbatons, community service opportunities, Shabbat hospitality programs and Tot-Shabbat groups. Individuals and families of all backgrounds and levels of observance are welcome and on Shabbat and there is baby-sitting for young children. The congregation is also home to many single young professionals, students, young couples and graduate students. Periodically, the congregation hosts the St. Louis Women’s Tefillah Group, and once a month the congregation holds a Shabbat Lunch and Learn event or Friday night Carlebach service and dinner. See “The Shmooze,” Bais Abraham’s weekly e-newsletter, for more information about upcoming programs and Torah study opportunities or visit our website. Dr. Gregory Storch is President.

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

29 Beacon Hill Lane Creve Coeur, Mo. 63141 314-277-9977 • fax: 314-392-9912 email: beitshira@yahoo.com website: www.beitshira.com Hazzan Howard Shalowitz Beit Shira (House of Song) was founded on

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September 2014

the eve of Shabbat Shira in 2011 as a synagogue devoted to quality Jewish music with no membership dues or charges for programs offered. Beit Shira welcomes Jews of all ages regardless of their level of observance, educational level or affiliation. Our goals are to enhance services through quality Jewish music, to educate in all aspects of Jewish music and to enrich lives through song. We offer lectures, classes, concerts, ba’al t’filah lessons and services sung by our ordained hazzan in the proper traditional nusach. Beit Shira’s “Y’ladim Shabbat” features Hazzan Shalowitz teaching Shabbat z’mirot, Shabbat melodies, and Shabbat customs to children up to 12 years old to enhance a richer Shabbat experience for the entire family. Beit Shira holds mincha/ma’ariv services on the eve of Shabbat, three Festivals, Hanukkah, Purim, Lag Ba-Omer and Tisha B’Av. It also holds daily services on the three Festivals, Purim, Hanukkah, and Selichot. In addition to holding services, Beit Shira has hosted a Shabbat dinner for “It’s Friday Night!,” two britot milah, Lag Ba-Omer bonfires with s’mores, a movie night preceding Selichot services, a Sukkot barbeque, classes on nusach, and “the most musical seder” in St. Louis. Carl Katzen is President. vvv

Congregation B’nai Amoona 324 S. Mason Road St. Louis, Mo. 63141-8029 314-576-9990 • fax: 314-576-9994 email: michael@bnaimoona.com website: www.bnaiamoona.com Senior Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose Cantor Sharon Nathanson Assistant Rabbi Ari Kaiman Executive Director: Michael Samis Cantor Emeritus: Leon Lissek An egalitarian, Conservative congregation, founded more than 125 years ago, B’nai Amoona is progressive and inclusive in every sense of the word. Jews by birth, by choice and interfaith couples are welcome here. In 2011 B’nai Amoona undertook a major project to physically change its bimah to enable

everyone access. The congregation boasts an array of social and educational programming for all ages. A minyan is guaranteed, morning and evening, every day of the year. Pardes is the Congregation’s umbrella for Lifelong Learning and encompasses everything from the Early Childhood Center to Religious School to Adult Ed to Summer camps. Senior Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose is a dynamic spiritual leader and educator in his own right. He inspires congregants with his grasp and understanding of today’s Conservative Jew and charismatically energizes members and guests with his relevant interpretations of the Torah portions. Kabbalat Shabbat Services are lively, musical and creative. The true spirit of the congregation comes from its members: A community of people who pray, study and celebrate life together in a warm, friendly and spiritual atmosphere. Cindy Schuval is President. vvv

Central Reform Congregation 5020 Waterman Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63108 314-361-3919 • fax: 314-361-2842 email: info@centralreform.org website: www.centralreform.org Rabbi Susan A. Talve Rabbi Randy Fleisher Nancy Weigley, Executive Director Since 1984, this city congregation has followed principles that include commitment to Jewish spirituality and values; flexibility in liturgy using language that is creative, non-sexist and non-hierarchical; and responsible moral action in the Jewish and non-Jewish community. Shabbat services, held every Friday night and Saturday morning, are open to all. The religious school aims to instill a positive Jewish self-image. The congregation has more than 750 households. Ken Goldman is President. vvv

Kol Rinah 829 North Hanley Road University City, Mo. 63130 314-727-1747 Website: kolrinahstl.org Rabbi Noah Arnow Rabbi Mordecai Miller, Emeritus Rabbi Mark J. Fasman, Emeritus Jonathan Belsky, Marvin Lerner—Baal Koreh Marty Schaeffer — Early Child Center Director: Paula Hertel — Religious School Director Tasha Kaminsky — Youth Director Jessica Wax — Dorways Coordinator: Kol Rinah (the voice of joyous song) is a new congregation in St. Louis created by the merger of Brith Sholom Kneseth Israel and Shaare Zedek. The congregation enthusiastically encourages the joy of worship, learning and Jewish music both in our souls and out to our families, friends and community. Come pray, learn, sing and celebrate with us. Our vision is to provide meaningful and innovative worship inspired by traditional and non-traditional forms, offer a lifelong learning center with high quality classes and social programs for all ages, pursue social justice in everything we do, and see our members as proud advocates of our thriving synagogue. Our goal is to be the Midwest hub of new energy in Conservative Judaism. Kol Rinah is especially proud to offer: • A unique opportunity to join a new egalitarian conservative congregation in mid-county St. Louis, close to the Washington University campus • Kabbalat Shabbat musical services with instrumental accompaniment • Shabbat morning tot Shabbat services, babysitting available (call office or check website for children’s service information) • Opportunities for independent small group Chavurot Shabbat services. • Daily morning and evening minyanim • Fun and friendly young family programs with the Dorways group • Highly respected early childhood center, offering traditional preschool plus childcare for

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extended hours • Sunday morning religious school for pre-K through 12th grade and one afternoon a week for grades 3-7, providing Hebrew language and Judaic studies • Youth Groups: USY (grades 9-12), Noar (grades 5-6) and Kadima (grades 7-8). • Active Sisterhood and Men’s Club • Adult education, life long learning opportunities, including prominent scholar-in-residence speakers • Environmental and social action initiatives • Keruv programs for interfaith families • Affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism • Welcoming to everyone. Susan Cort is President.

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Neve Shalom 6 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 3050 St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-222-9864 email: rabbi@neveshalom.org website: www.neveshalom.org Rabbi James Stone Goodman Neve Shalom (Oasis of Peace), a member of the Network of Jewish Renewal Communities, was founded in 1989 as an imaginative expression of the traditional forms of Judaism. Committed to celebrating Judaism and accompanying each other through life’s passages, the goal is to create a nurturing community of acceptance and support, celebrating diversity, affirming the individual and welcoming a variety of Jewish identities. Shabbat services emphasize music as part of the liturgy. Shabbat morning school offers religious studies and Hebrew for both adults and children. High Holy Days services and Passover seder are open to the entire community. Shalvah, an outreach effort to Jewish alcoholics/ drug addicts is also a function of Neve Shalom. Neve Shalom hosts Jacob’s Pillow, a coffeehouse for the Jewish performing arts. Neve Shalom also is the site for the Tiferet Gallery, featuring original art in a multi-media gallery setting. Neve Shalom also co-sponsors the Jewish Prison Outreach. Neve Shalom’s newest program is the Jewish Alliance on Mental Illness St. Louis, known as JAMI STL. vvv

Nusach Hari B’nai Zion 650 North Price Road St. Louis, Mo. 63132 314-991-2100, ext. 1 • fax: 314-993-4821 email: Pepshort613@gmail.com website: www.nhbz.org Rabbi Ze’ev Smason Chazzen Dr. Ethan Schuman Nusach Hari B’nai Zion is one of St. Louis’ most treasured and established family synagogues. We are a Modern Orthodox congregation, with members having wide and varied levels of personal observance and Jewish education. We welcome Jewish families, singles and seniors of all backgrounds and levels of religious knowledge and observance. We are a warm, welcoming, caring and nonjudgmental community with a commitment to traditional Judaism OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

and Israel. Rabbi Ze’ev Smason provides Staff and lay leadership offer many opporspiritual and educational leadership. We tunities for enriching one’s Jewish life includstrive to give every individual the resources to ing holiday celebrations, social programs, develop a vibrant Jewish life at a pace that is outreach to interfaith couples, interpreters for comfortable to them. We pride ourselves on the deaf, social action programs, musical our openness. involvements, and continuing education. NHBZ offers a full plate of services, includShirlee Green Preschool, early childhood ing religious, social and educational. We conengagement programming, a religious duct daily minyanim, Wednesday Lunch & school, summer camps for kids ages 6 Learn, special Synaplex Shabbat and Lunch weeks to 13 years, and an innovative b’nei & Learn programs with lectures on a variety mitzvah program offer valuable options for of topics, and numerous social events and Jewish youth education. Youth groups profestive holiday celebrations which will enliven vide activities during the school year for your Jewish heart. grades 5-12. Located in Olivette, our facilities include a Adult auxiliaries and groups include a main sanctuary, a chapel, social hall, a kids choir, older adults group, Sisterhood/Women room, teen lounge, kosher facilities, of Reform Judaism, MOSHE (Men of plus rooms for educational proShaare Emeth), Yiddish Club, gramming. Our building is Cooks and Books, Knitting eco-friendly, built in 2011 Group, Torah study and with 65 solar panel on more. Our Tzedek the roof and a geotherCommittee organizes and Agudas Achim/Beth Israel mal heating and cooling leads the congregation in 225 North High Street (at C Street) system. tzedakah collections and Belleville, Ill. 62220 • 618-233-3602 Services are consocial justice activities. ducted twice a day, utiWe invite you to visit Temple Israel of Alton lizing the Tehillat our Temple and to join our 609 West Delmar • Alton, Ill. Hashem Siddur, Nusach Shaare Emeth family. 62002 • 618-288-5427 or 618Ha’Ari. On Shabbat, Flexible financial commit466-4641 website: angelfire. NHBZ hosts both regular ment levels are available. com/il2/altontempleisr and learner’s services. Shaare Emeth is a member of Prayers are generally in Hebrew, the Union for Reform Judaism. although all sermons and special Greg Yawitz is President. prayers are recited in English. Transliterations vvv and explanations of Hebrew prayers are provided. Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Membership at NHBZ is open to the entire Community Jewish community. Membership includes (Meets at the JCC Staenberg Family seating for the High Holidays. Complex, Arts & Education Building) Leonard Alper is President. Mailing address: P.O. Box 16171 vvv St. Louis, Mo. 63105 314-775-7780 Congregation Shaare Emeth email: allenkarlin@yahoo.com or 11645 Ladue Road rabstein@sbcglobal.net St. Louis, Mo. 63141 website: www.shirhadashstl.org Temple: 314-569-0010 • fax: 314-569Rabbi Lane Steinger 0271 Shir Hadash is one of the smallest, warmReligious School: 314-569-1273 est and most welcoming congregations in Preschool: 314-569-0048 Greater St. Louis. Our diverse members email: info@shaare-emeth.org share an adult focus on how Judaism can be website: www.shaare-emeth.org integrated –culturally and spiritually – into Rabbi Jim Bennett their 21st-century lives. Rabbi Andrea Goldstein Our Shabbat observances include services Rabbi Jonah Zinn, Assistant the second and fourth Saturday mornings of Cantor Seth Warner each month (no sermons, just animated disRabbi Jeffrey Stiffman, Emeritus cussions led by Rabbi Lane), potluck dinners Rosalie Stein, Executive Director at a member’s home on the first Friday, and Our mission: To be a compassionate and explorations of social or cultural issues on the inclusive community that makes Judaism relthird Saturday morning. The congregation evant, meaningful and joyful. also shares High Holiday services and festival We are proud to be considered one of the celebrations, monthly Bible study, and varileading Reform congregations in North ous social activities. A full listing of our events America. Whether celebrating Shabbat, can be found on our website. For most exploring the insights and wisdom of Torah, events the congregation meets at the Jewish or making a difference in our community, we Community Center Staenberg Family are a congregational family dedicated to Complex’s Arts & Education Building. deepening and enriching our connection to Both Conservative and Reform Jews — as Judaism. Our egalitarian services and prowell as Jewish seekers and folks who think of grams are always open to Members and themselves as “just Jewish” — find they are nonmembers, LGBT and ally, traditional and comfortable with the Reconstructionist nontraditional families.

Metro East Congregations

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Judaica shops • B’nai Amoona

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approach that honors tradition but is always evolving. Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community truly is unique in St. Louis. We know you’ll feel at home the moment you arrive. Allen Karlin is President. vvv

Temple Emanuel 12166 Conway Road St. Louis, Mo. 63141 314-432-5877 • fax: 314-432-7862 email: office@testl.org website: www.testl.org Senior Rabbi Elizabeth B. Hersh Rabbi Emeritus Joseph R. Rosenbloom Cantorial Soloist: Malachi Owens, Jr. Executive Director: Gail Armstrong Director of Education: Subie Banaszynski Temple Emanuel is a warm congregation built upon the tenets of Reform Judaism including inclusivity, education and tikkun olam. People of various backgrounds and a wide variety of experiences are represented among our 220 member families. Our worship services include our own custom Shabbat Service Booklets, Union Prayer Book Chicago Sinai Edition, and Mishkan T’filah. We celebrate our approach that as individual, Reform Jews we are welcoming to all people. TE is a spiritual home for all seeking a personal and meaningful Jewish experience. Our intimate scale allows us to meet the needs of our members and know each personally. We are committed to lifelong Jewish learning by providing opportunities for children as well as adults during Sunday morning Religious School and at other occasions during the week. Our doors are open. Please join us. Steven N. Strauss is President. vvv

Congregation Temple Israel 1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63141 314-432-8050 • fax: 314-432-8053 email: writeus@ti-stl.org website: www.ti-stl.org Rabbi Amy Feder Rabbi Michael Alper Rabbi Mark L. Shook, Emeritus Executive Director: Eli Montague, F.T.A. Congregation Temple Israel is a diverse and welcoming community committed to living Reform Judaism through our vibrant, musicfilled worship; our dynamic preschool, religious and Hebrew school programs; our wide range of adult learning opportunities; our emphasis on interfaith dialogue and our dedication to tikkun olam (repairing our world). Our worship is participatory, vibrant and filled with music – contemporary and traditional. This year, we dedicate our newly-renovated Gall Family Sanctuary and Isserman Auditorium, which have been transformed into bright, warm, and more intimate worship and gathering spaces. Our Deutsch Early Childhood Center meets the needs of today’s families with flexible hours and a variety of programs for children ages 6 months through pre-Kindergarten. Our Religious School for grades K-10 develops community relationships and Jewish identity through active and engaging learning. Here at TI, we learn and we do; working together to explore our Judaism and do tikkun olam. Our families participate in a broad variety of educational activities both in and out of the classroom. We foster Jewish connections for pre-teens and teens through our youth groups – TIFTY (Temple Israel Federation of Temple Youth) for students in grades 9-12; JYG (Junior Youth Group) for teens in grades 7-8, and Club 56 for 5th and 6th graders. We also offer TI8 (Temple Israel for 8th graders), a special program designed to engage post-b’nai mitzvah students in Jewish life. TI8 is part of J8M, a collaborative program of St. Louis Reform synagogues targeting 8th graders. We encourage life-long learning by providing a variety of adult learning opportunities, including a monthly “Food for Thought” lunch and discussion with the Rabbis, a Sunday morning adult learning institute, informal Torah study and introduction to Judaism sessions with our rabbis, Shabbat morning Bible study, Hebrew classes and more. Tl embraces tikkun olam, supporting causes dear to congregants and by sponsoring programs such as an annual Mitzvah Day, collection drives, and a Thanksgiving Eve Dinner for those in need. Dee A. Mogerman is president. vvv

Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha 14550 Ladue Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63017 314-469-7060 email: tick613@sbcglobal.net website: tickstl.com Rabbi Aaron Winter Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha (TICK) in

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       

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1022 EXECUTIVE PARKWAY ST. LOUIS, MO 63141

(314) 439-5700

(800) 527-1059

email: info@brentwoodtravel.com www.brentwoodtravel.com OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

West County is an Orthodox Judaic center for spiritual growth in Torah Judaism. TICK’s emphasis is on Jewish outreach and education in a warm environment. There are daily morning and evening minyan services and an educational program that includes Torah classes throughout the week. There is a Shabbos eruv in Chesterfield as well as a fulltime mikvah. The synagogue provides lectures, annual Jewish holiday gatherings, an active women’s group, chesed committee and Shabbos childrens’ programs. All fellow Jews are welcome to join us for Shabbos services, Torah classes or holiday events. Dr. Keith Mankowitz is President. vvv

Traditional Congregation 12437 Ladue Road St. Louis, Mo. 63141 314-576-5230 • fax: 314-576-1162 email: tradcong@sbcglobal.net website: www.traditional-congregation. org Rabbi Seth D. Gordon Traditional is well known as a warm and friendly congregation dedicated to Torah and mitzvot in an encouraging, nurturing environment where people can grow at their own pace. Our Shabbat services are well attended, and are followed by delicious kiddushim with many opportunities for socializing. We support traditional minyanim for shacharit (morning), minchah/arvit (afternoon/evening,

74 Years

service

March through October) and arvit (evening) throughout the year. Our congregation has both mechitzah (separate) and mixed seating sections. We are especially proud of our strong education programs. Rabbi Gordon teaches classes in Torah, Talmud and Hebrew language to adults and to teens. He also teaches a number of classes for the community at large. Each bar/bat mitzvah is given the opportunity to lead services, chant the haftarah and present a d’var Torah. Our youth actively participate in our services. Periodically, we have services led entirely by our youth, and they enjoy gathering together in our Teen Lounge. Throughout the year we sponsor excellent programs and events for all ages, including: Scholar-in-Residence Weekend, an annual Israel Bonds Dinner (the only one in the St Louis area), an International Kosher Food Festival, Knosh n’ Knowledge brunch programs, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Purim and other holiday programs, dinners for various occasions, environmental initiatives, ongoing support for the hungry and poor, and a champion congregational softball team. Traditional Congregation is affiliated with the Union for Traditional Judaism (UTJ), which espouses “genuine faith with intellectual integrity.” We are proud to be “Big enough to serve you, but small enough to know you.” Cyndee Levy is President. vvv

to the

communitY

Careers In Transition Located at

the Lippman center 2545 South Hanley St. Louis, MO 63144

emploYment services: • Interest & Personality Testing • Career Exploration • Job Leads

• Resume/Cover Letter Writing • Job Search Skills • Interviewing Techniques

for more information Call: (314) 646-2275 or (314) 646-2257 A MERS/Goodwill program supported by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis for unemployed and underemployed members of the Jewish community.

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

U.City Shul — Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Sha’arei Chesed Shul 700 North and South Road St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-863-7485 email: office@ucityshul.org website: www.ucityshul.org Rabbi Menachem Tendler The U. City Shul, (Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Sha’arei Chesed) is a “communityfocused, family-oriented shul,” where Jews of all backgrounds and levels of observance are welcome. Two services are offered every Shabbos: a complete traditional service at 8:50 a.m. and a beginner’s service for both men and women starting at 10 a.m. Daily services take place every morning and evening. The U. City Shul offers holiday programs, special dinners and classes. Bais Medrash programs offer individualized study. Jews from all backgrounds and or religious affiliations are welcome, in the spirit of an open community Shul and Rabbi Tendler is available for all who call on him. David Rich is president. vvv

United Hebrew Congregation 13788 Conway Road St. Louis, MO 63141 314-469-0700 • fax: 314-434-7821 email: temple@unitedhebrew.org website: www.unitedhebrew.org Rabbi Brigitte S. Rosenberg – Senior Rabbi Cantor Ronald D. Eichaker Rabbi Roxanne J.S. Shapiro – Rabbi and Director of Life Long Learning Rabbi Howard G. Kaplansky, Emeritus Cantor Murray W. Hochberg, Emeritus Bob Gummers – Executive Director United Hebrew is a vibrant and innovative Reform congregation with strong traditional inclinations. We welcome individuals and families of all backgrounds into our warm and friendly Jewish community. Offering a mix of traditional and multi-generational worship services led by our dynamic clergy; services are also streamed live on our website. Our Saul Spielberg Early Childhood Center provides full-day, year-round child care, curriculum-based preschool education and summer day camps for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years in a warm and nurturing environment. Our Millstone Religious School serves children from Kindergarten to 12th grade, with a flexible “Chai” School for 8th grade and older. Our Rabbi Jerome Grollman Hebrew School teaches students in grades 3 to 7, with innovative learning models for b’nai mitzvah students. We offer a wide range of engagement and learning opportunities for all ages, including: weekly Shabbat Torah study led by our clergy; choirs and musical ensembles; guitar and vocal music instruction; adult education; children’s activities and clubs; award-winning youth groups affiliated with the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY);

THE HEADACHE CENTER Max P. Benzaquen, M.D. is a Neurologist with Board Certifications in Neurology, Headache Medicine and Vascular Neurology. The Headache Center will treat patients with Migraines: Acute and Chronic, Cluster Headaches, Face and Cranial neuralgias and other Headache Syndromes; primary and secondary.

Comprehensive Diagnosis with Personalized Treatments Dr. Benzaquen is currently a member of the Academy of Neurology, American Headache Society, and American Stroke Association. Dr. Benzaquen has been considered for eight consecutive years as one of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Doctors in America.â&#x20AC;?

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Dr. Benzaquen has been trained in Washington University in St. Louis, Columbia University in New York, John Hopkins University in Baltimore and Universities of Berlin and Geneva in Germany and Switzerland.

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

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September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

chavurah groups; social action and environmental leadership; strong Israel programming; speakers and cultural events; and senior adult programs. Rick Recht is artist-in-residence. One of two St. Louis congregations accepted into the GreenFaith Certification Program, the nation’s first interfaith environmental leadership and certification program for houses of worship. The congregation operates a full-service Jewish cemetery on 20 acres of land at 7855 Canton Avenue in University City. Burial plots available to all members of the community; cremains accepted; Jewish and non-Jewish family members may be buried next to one another in all sections of the cemetery. Lexie Goldsmith is President. vvv

Young Israel of St. Louis 8101 Delmar Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-727-1880 • fax: 314-727-2177 email: info@youngisrael-stl.org website: www.youngisrael-stl.org Rabbi Moshe Shulman Young Israel of St. Louis invites the community to our warm and vibrant Modern Orthodox shul. At Young Israel, we are committed to the eternal mission of the Jewish people: upholding and safeguarding Torah values, advancing the principles and wisdom of Torah and Western civilization, transforming the inner life of the soul, and putting Israel, the land and the state, at the heart of our national aspirations. In addition to daily and Shabbat services, we have multiple learning opportunities each week in both formal and informal settings, and ongoing activities for individuals, young couples, families and seniors. We endeavor to engage all in our programming, and all are active participants in our Young Israel family. Rabbi Moshe Shulman received his rabbinic ordination from the Jerusalem Chief Rabbinate, and is a graduate of the Rabbinic Kollel and Sha’al Institute for Rabbinic and Educational Training of Yeshivat Sha’alvim. Before joining Young Israel, Rabbi Shulman served as the rabbi of congregations in Calgary and Toronto. His special interests include Tanach, and the interaction of science, medicine and halacha. At Young Israel we try to live by the principles of g’milut chasadim and hachnassat orchim, and we welcome the St. Louis Jewish community to come visit our congregation. Located in the heart of University City, join us for Shabbat or for any of our many classes and activities. Shabbat and Yom Tov guests are welcome to arrange for home hospitality through our hospitality committee. Contact our office for more information. Max Gornish is President. vvv

Education Aish HaTorah

Chabad of Greater St. Louis

SECTION INDEX

457 N. Woods Mill Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63017 314-862-AISH (2474) • fax: 314-218-3969 email: stlouis@aish.com website: aish.com or aishstlouis.net Rabbi Yosef David — Executive Director Rabbi Shmuel Greenwald — Education Director New classes are offered on a continual basis along with home study programs, weekly Shabbat learners’ services and Kabbalah classes. Aish HaTorah offers a Hebrew school experience for adults as well as children, monthly Shabbat dinners, trips to Israel, and the Discovery Seminar where you are invited to discover and explore your Jewish heritage. The Gloria & Rubin Feldman Aish HaTorah West Center for Jewish Studies (“The Firehouse”) offers classes and programs for Jews of all ages and backgrounds. Aish is part of a worldwide Jewish educational network headquartered in Jerusalem and not affiliated with any synagogue, temple or other organization. Howard Loiterstein is Board President.

8124 Delmar Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-725-0400 email: info@ShowMeChabad.com website: www.ShowMeChabad.com Rabbi Yosef and Shiffy Landa — Regional Directors Rabbi Levi and Rivka Landa — Directors of Programming Chabad of Greater St. Louis is the regional center of the worldwide Chabad movement. Chabad is a place with doors that are open to every Jew, regardless of background or affiliation. A place where questions are embraced and Judaism is celebrated meaningfully and joyfully. Chabad believes that every Jewish person is equally endowed with an enduring Jewish ‘spark.’ We seek to tap into this reservoir of Jewishness by offering an array of innovative programming and educational opportunities for adults, children and families. By promoting an inspired commitment to Judaism and a deepened awareness of its teachings, Chabad aims to create a more unified and robust celebration of Jewish life in St. Louis. Among Chabad’s programs are community holiday events such as the Menorah Workshop at The Home Depot, the Academy of Jewish Learning which offers fall, winter and spring courses by the JLI, weekly classes, the Jewish Women’s Rosh Chodesh Society, the annual Conference on Talmud & Contemporary Law, a series of hands-on workshops including the Shofar Factory, Olive Oil Press, Matzah Bakery and Torah Factory, the Jewish Living & Lzearning Speakers Series, and a Prison Chaplaincy program for Missouri and Southern Illinois. Our local affiliate institutions include Chabad on Campus, serving Washington University and Chabad of Chesterfield.

Aish HaTorah.................................................65

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Louis and Sarah Block Yeshiva High School 1146 North Warson Road St. Louis, Mo. 63132 314-872-8701 • fax: 314-872-8703 email: byhs1@juno.com or byhs2@juno.com website: www.blockyeshiva.org Rabbi Gabriel Munk — Principal The Louis and Sarah Block Yeshiva High School provides a college preparatory program with eight Advanced Placement courses and a traditional text-based Jewish education including four years of Jewish History, Hebrew Language, and Jewish Philosophy. Varsity sports in basketball and tennis as well as courses in foreign languages music and studio art supplement the general studies. Block Yeshiva High School houses a stateof-the-art biology and chemistry laboratory, as well as a large Judaic reference library. Part of Block Yeshiva’s mission is to develop in the students’ emotional “muscle”, as well as strength of character and an ethical approach to life, by encouraging students to invest time and effort in community service. Scott Andrew is President. vvv

Central Agency for Jewish Education (CAJE) Now a part of Jewish Federation, see listing on page 38. vvv

vvv

Chabad of Chesterfield 1639 Clarkson Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63017 636-778-4000 or 314-258-3401 email: rabbi@chabadofchesterfield.com website: www.chabadofchesterfield.com Rabbi Avi and Chana’la Rubenfeld — Directors Chabad of Chesterfield, serving the Chesterfield, Ballwin and Wildwood areas, is one of three local centers of the worldwide Chabad movement. Dedicated to help ensure Jewish continuity by fostering Jewish awareness and practice through outreach, education and social services, the programs include a range of classes, Lunch & Learn, Spirit of Sinai Chabad Hebrew School, Gan Israel Day Camp, Women’s Chai Circle,

Block Yeshiva High School............................65 Chabad of Greater St. Louis..........................65 Chabad of Chesterfield..................................65 Chabad of MU and Mid-Missouri...................65 Chabad on Campus — Rohr Center for Jewish Life........................66 H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy......................66 JCC Early Childhood Center..........................68 Jewish, Islamic and Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at Washington University........68 Jewish Parents as Teachers...........................70 Maryville University Jewish Student Union.....70 Esther Miller Bais Yaakov...............................70 Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School......70 Missouri Torah Institute-Mesivta D’Missouri...71 St. Louis Hillel at Washington University.........71 St. Louis Kollel...............................................72 Spirit of Sinai..................................................72 Torah MiTzion Kollel.......................................72 Torah Prep School.........................................73 Yeshivat Kadimah High School......................73

ADDITIONAL LISTINGS Early Childhood Education.............................67 Summer Camps............................................69

Holiday programs, Kids Cooking Classes, Shabbat services, holiday events and more. Rabbi Avi and Chana’la Rubenfeld direct the program, striving to ensure that each Jew, be it a passerby or a committed community member gets personal, caring and individual attention in a non-judgmental environment that requires nothing more than your birthright to feel at home. vvv

Chabad of MU and Mid-Missouri 313 E. Brandon Road Columbia, Mo. 65203 573-442-5755 website: www.Jewishtigers.com Email: info@jewishtigers.com Rabbi Avraham Lapine, Director Chabad at MU is a warm, non-judgmental, fun, lively and comfortable place where Jewish students can meet one another to socialize and explore their Judaism, regardless of background or affiliation. Our program reflects a tolerant, non-judgmental environment, where open dialogue is welcome, and is a hallmark of Chabad’s inclusiveness. At OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

Chabad we want you to feel safe to be yourself and thus enable you to seek guidance with respect to any social, educational or spiritual issue. The Chabad House also serves as a resource for anything Jewish for the Mizzou Jewish community and the entire Mid-Missouri area. vvv

Chabad on Campus — Rohr Center for Jewish Life Barry H. Levites Chabad House 7018 Forsyth Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63105 314-721-2884 email: info@chabadoncampus.org website: www.ChabadonCampus.org

Rabbi Hershey and Chana Novack — Directors Chabad on Campus nurtures Jewish students by providing accessible and meaningful Jewish experiences to students and faculty at Washington University and other local and regional schools, including St. Louis University, University of Missouri-St. Louis and Webster University. One of nearly 200 full-time Chabad student centers at campuses throughout the globe and under the aegis of Chabad of Greater St. Louis, the program strives to make Jewish life on campus more relevant for young people facing important Jewish identity choices. Among the programs offered are home-hospitality Shabbat dinners, volunteer opportunities, learning experi-

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family-owned and operated funeral chapel, providing excellence in funeral service to the entire St. Louis Jewish Community since 1884.

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September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Michele K. Roth

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ences such as a Jewish Medical Ethics series at the Washington U. School of Medicine (and a similar program at the Washington U. School of Law) and the JGrads initiative for area graduate students and recent grads. The organization employs a full-time campus rabbi for education, guidance and counseling. The organization also participates in the Taglit-Birthright Israel program and has sent over 720 young adults to Israel with the program. vvv

H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy 1138 N. Warson Road St. Louis, Mo. 63132 314-994-7856 • fax: 314-994-9437 website: www.eha.org Rabbi Yaakov Green — Head of School Rachel Lubchansky — Director of Admissions and Communications The H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy is a child-centered Orthodox day school, inspired by Torah and dedicated to the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Founded in 1943, the school is anchored in tradition and committed to educating children of various backgrounds and affiliations through a rigorous curriculum of text-based Judaic studies and challenging general studies. It seeks to educate Jewish children ages two years through eighth grade in a creative, progressive, and nurturing environment. Our teachers work hard to provide a classroom experience that is both innovative and academically excellent to the mind, and nurturing and kind to the neshamah (soul). We consider it an honor to guide our students down a lifelong path of curiosity, middot (positive character traits), and Torah in a culture that fosters warmth and interpersonal responsibility. The school environment is one in which children learn the beauty and value of where they come from while using 21st-century tools. Our students are given countless opportunities to experience learning of both secular and Judaic subjects in a dynamic and hands-on way. Small class sizes and an individualized approach to education maximize each child’s potential, and our growing differentiated learning program means that every student will learn in the way that he or she finds most effective and engaging. The Academy is housed on the Israel and Yetra Goldberg Educational Campus in Olivette and includes a State-of-the-Art Judaic and General Studies library, playground, and Beit Midrash. The Academy offers a wide range of after school activities that include art, chess, drama, music, Scouts, Girls on the Run and other sports. The school is associated with the Torah U’Mesorah network of schools and Yeshiva University’s Institute for University School Partnership. Tuition assistance is available. Friends of the Hebrew Academy (FHA), Epstein’s parent organization, is active throughout the school and orchestrates many FUNraisers and events for our parent body. Daniel Lefton is Board President. vvv

Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Education B’nai Amoona Early Childhood Center 324 S. Mason Road St. Louis, Mo. 63141 • 314-576-3688 Director: Anita Kraus Anita@bnaiamoona.com

Deutsch Early Childhood Center of Temple Israel 1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63141 • 314-432-8076 Director: Leslie Wolf lwolf@ti-stl.org

H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy

1138 N. Warson Road St. Louis, Mo. 63132 • 314-994-7856 Headmaster: Rabbi Yaakov Green ygreen@eha.org

JCC Early Childhood Services

• 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 • 314-442-3224 Co-Directors: Jody Rubin & Michelle Almengor; jrubin@jccstl.org or malmengor@jccstl.org • 16801 Baxter Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63005 • 314-442-3450 Site Director: Amy Tenney atenney@jccstl.org

Shirlee Green Preschool at Congregation Shaare Emeth

11645 Ladue Road St. Louis, Mo. 63141 • 314-569-0048 Director: Karen Lucy klucy@shaare-emeth.org

Kol Rinah Early Childhood Center

829 N. Hanley Road St. Louis, Mo. 63130 • 314-727-2565 Director: Marty Schaeffer marty@shaarezedek.org

Torah Prep

8659 Olive Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63132 • 314-569-2929 Fax: 314-569-2258 Principal: Shira Swidler sswidler@torahprep.com

Saul Spielberg Early Childhood Center at United Hebrew Congregation

13788 Conway Road St. Louis, Mo. 63141 • 314 - 434-3404 Director: Corinne Lagoy clagoy@unitedhebrew.org

crown center for senior living independent living in a caring community

Active Lifestyle at an Affordable Price Beautiful Apartments, Worry Free Living Kosher Dining, Programs & Transportation Wonderful Staff & Convenient Neighborhood

For more information, call Randi Schenberg at (314) 991-2055 8350 Delcrest Drive St. Louis, Missouri 63124 WWW.CRoWNCeNTeRSTL.oRg OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

change of SPace

—

Ready for something different for your wedding, reception, corporate meeting, fundraising dinner or private party? The Sheldon offers a variety of unique, affordable, fully-accessible spaces for groups from 50 to 500.

Call The Director of Events at 314.533.9900 or visit TheSheldon.org!

Congregation neve Shalom 6 Millstone CaMpus Drive st.louis, Mo. 63146 in Chai Bldg, on JCC Campus

Small Footprint Big program

www.neveshaloM.org

• 314-222-9864

rabbi JaMes stone gooDMan

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

JCC Early Childhood Center Staenberg Family Complex 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3224 email: bmorgan@jccstl.org Michelle Almengor and Jody Rubin — Co-Directors Marilyn Fox Building 16801 Baxter Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63005 314-442-3450 email: atenney@jccstl.org Amy Tenney — Site Director Fully licensed and accredited, the J Early Childhood Center is dedicated to preparing each child for a bright future and a solid start to any Kindergarten program. Our mission, in partnership with our families, is to provide quality care and education that embraces the development of your child’s mind, body and soul. Starting as young as six weeks, professional educators provide a caring and nurturing environment along with an age appropriate, structured curriculum. Children participate in a wide variety of activities including sensory exploration, peer connection and motor skills. Our preschool age children also take advantage of exclusive program opportunities, including swimming, sports and intergenerational connections. Students experience Jewish holidays, traditions and values in a meaningful and relevant way. • Two locations: Creve Coeur and Chesterfield • Open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Year-round care including summer camps for pre-school age children • Full and part-time schedules available • The J Early Childhood uses the Project Construct® curriculum • Accredited by the Missouri Voluntary Accreditation & licensed by the Missouri Dept. of Health and Senior Services Fees are based on the age of child as well as the number of days/hours per week a child attends. Subvention from the United Way of Greater St. Louis and the Jewish Federation provides scholarships for families with need. JCC membership is not required for participation; however, members receive a discounted rate. Visit www.jccstl.com/ecc for more information. vvv

Jewish, Islamic and Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at Wash. U. Campus Box 1121 1 Brookings Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-935-5110 or 314-935-8567 The Department of Jewish, Islamic, and Near Eastern Languages and Cultures (JINELC) is devoted to the study of Jewish, Islamic and Near Eastern languages and literatures; the history and cultures of the Near East; and the Jewish and Islamic civilizations, both individually and comparatively. Its integrated curriculum offers a focal point for cross-cultural academic exchange that highlights the shared experiences and mutual influences of the two civilizations while paying close attention to the historical context of social change and cultural produc-

Summer camps The Alfred Fleishman Summer Camps at B’nai Amoona — Camp B’nai Ami & Camp Ramot Amoona

For Caring, Quality in Home Care… • Personal Care Aides • Transportation • Hourly or Live In • Respite Care • Alzheimer’s Care • Affordable Options

Camp B’nai Ami contact: Anita Kraus, 314576-3688; Camp Ramot Amoona contact: Andy Schwebel, Director 314-576-9990

ComForcare Senior Services

Camp Ben Frankel

www.stlouis.comforcare.com

www.campbenfrankel.com Contact Rick Kodner, Director, 314-495-7089

Camp Gan Israel

Shawn Rimerman: 314-965-9600

There’s always something going on at

www.cgistl.com Contact: Chanala Rubenfeld, 636-778-4000

Camp Nageela Midwest

www.campnageelamidwest.org Contact: Rabbi Michael Rovinsky, 314-4986279

Camp Sabra

www.campsabra.com Contact: Terri Grossman, Director, 314-4423180

JCC Day Camps

www.jccstl.org Contact: Brad Chotiner, 314-442-3423

Shaare Emeth — Camp Emeth and Camp Micah

www.shaare-emeth.org • Camp Emeth contact: Jodi Miller, 314692-5362; Camp Micah contact: Mary Jo Ganey, Director, 314-692-5322

Temple Israel — Rabbi Mark & Carol Shook Camp www.ti-stl.org Contact: Leslie Wolf, 314-432-8076

United Hebrew — Camp Saul Spielberg

www.unitedhebrew.org Contact: Corinne Lagoy, Director, 314-4343404

One Happy Camper

A partnership between Jewish Federation of St. Louis, CAJE, and the Foundation for Jewish Camp, the One Happy Camper provides non need-based grants of $1,000 to 1st through 12th graders who have never been to Jewish overnight camp and will be at camp for a minimum of 19 nights. Grants in the amount of $700 are available to first time campers attending for 12-18 nights. These grants are available at over 150+ nonprofit Jewish summer camps. Visit onehappycamper.org or email Beth Koritz at bkoritz@cajestl.org.

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LIVE MUSIC EVERY

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WEEKEND BRUNCH EVERY

SATURDAY & SUNDAY from 10:30am – 3pm

“Where the West End was Born”

405 North Euclid Ave • 314.769.9595 • www.HERBIES.com OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

tion. Undergraduate students can major or minor in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian or Jewish and Islamic Studies; the major in Jewish and Islamic Studies contains three separate tracks: Jewish Studies, Islamic Studies and Comparative Jewish and Islamic Studies. The Department also offers a master of arts in Jewish Studies and a master of arts in Islamic and Near Eastern Studies. Hillel J. Kieval, Gloria M. Goldstein Professor of Jewish History and Thought, is Department Chair. vvv

Jewish Parents as Teachers (J-PAT) 1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63141 314-567-4299

email: j-pat@ti-stl.org website: www.j-pat.org Leslie Wolf — Founder/Executive Director Mindy Woolf—Marketing/Outreach Director Jewish Parents as Teachers (J-PAT) is a community program launched in 2011 to provide St. Louis area Jewish families who have children from birth to age 5 with the nationally-acclaimed Parents as Teachers program offered within a Jewish framework. We serve interfaith households and families of all Jewish backgrounds. Our participating families and parent educators include members of the Reform, Conservative and Orthodox communities. J-PAT is a certified provider of the Parents

as Teachers program, which includes three home visits annually by a certified parent educator, child development screenings and the dissemination of information and resources on child development. What distinguishes our program from the traditional Parents as Teachers model is our Jewish content, which was developed by the Central Agency for Jewish Education in St. Louis. J-PAT also provides additional services to families, including a lecture series for parents. J-PAT is funded, in part, by a grant from the Kranzberg Family Foundation, by contributions from community donors and by Congregation Temple Israel. Enrollment is accepted year-round. vvv

Maryville University Jewish Student Union

44 North Brentwood Blvd. 44 NorthBretwood Brentwood Blvd. 44 North Blvd 44 North Bretwood Blvd Clayton, MO 63105 Clayton, 63105 Clayton, MOMO 63105 Clayton, MO 63105 314-721-9400 314-721-9400 314-721-9400 314-721-9400

44 North Bretwood Blvd Lunch Monday - Saturday at 11am ~ ~ Sunday Brunch at 10am 44 North Bretwood Blvd

Clayton, MO 63105 Lunch Monday - with Saturday atHour 11am ~ ~- Friday Sunday Brunch at 10am Clayton, MO 63105 314-721-9400 Dinner Daily Happy Monday 4oceanobistro.com - 6:30pm See all of our menus and upcoming events at 314-721-9400 of our menus and upcoming events at oceanobistro.com SeeDinner allSee ofall our menus and upcoming events at oceanobistro.com Daily with Happy Hour Monday - Friday - 6:30pm Lunch Monday - Saturday at 11am ~ ~ Sunday Brunch at4 10am Monday - Saturday at 11am ~ ~ Sunday at 10am See all of ourLunch menus and upcoming events at oceanobistro.com Dinner Daily with Happy Hour Monday - FridayBrunch 4 - 6:30pm

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650 Maryville University Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63141 314-529-9521 email: eschreiber@maryville.edu website: www.maryville.edu Erin Schreiber—Jewish Programming Facilitator The Maryville Jewish Student Union (MJSU) serves Jewish students, faculty, staff and friends at Maryville University and in the surrounding community through programs celebrating Jewish life and culture. The MJSU provides social and spiritual opportunities to engage students, help them explore their Judaism and connect with others on campus and at St. Louis-area universities.

vvv Host your next event with us or we will Host your next event with us or we will HostHost your next event with orwillwe be will Esther Miller Bais Yaakov your next event with us or we beHost happy toevent cater you! Our chefs your next withto us us or we be will Host your next event withto us you! or we will be be happy to cater Our chefs happy to cater to you! Our chefs are Host your next event usOur or we willare be 700 North and South Road happy toto cater to you! Our chefs are beare happy cater towith you! chefs are happy to cater tocreate you! Our chefs are delighted to delicious and delighted to create delicious and innovative St. Louis, Mo. 63130 delighted to create delicious and innovative delighted to create delicious and innovative delighted toto create delicious and innovative delighted create delicious and innovative happy cater to you! Our chefs are ideas forto your next gathering. Intimate 314-863-9230 • fax: 314-863-3856 innovative ideas for your next gathering. ideas for your next gathering. Intimate ideas for your next gathering. Intimate dinner for two,next graduation parties, of�ice email: bysl@sbcglobal.net ideas for your gathering. Intimate ideas for your next gathering. Intimate delighted to create delicious innovative dinner for two, graduation parties, and of�ice happy hour, bridal shower and even box Intimate dinner for two, graduation Rebbetzin Tova Greenblatt — Menahales dinner for two, graduation parties, office happy hour, bridal shower andparties, evenparties, box of�ice dinner for two, office Dr. John T. Glore — General Studies dinner for two, graduation lunches, yougraduation can �ind something for ideas for your next gathering. Intimate lunches, you can �ind something for parties, office happy hour, bridal shower happy hour, bridal and box every occasionshower at Oceano Bistro. happy hour, bridal shower and even box Principal Consultant happy hour, bridal shower and eveneven boxof�ice every occasion at Oceano Bistro. dinner for two, graduation parties, Esther Miller Bais Yaakov offers a comprelunches, you can find something for every and even box lunches, you can find lunches, you can find�ind something for every lunches, you can something for hensive dual program in Jewish and General facebook.com/oceano.bistro @oceanoclayton @oceanobistroclayton happy hour, bridal shower and even box occasion at Bistro. facebook.com/oceano.bistro @oceanobistroclayton something for occasion every occasion at Oceano occasion at Oceano Oceano Bistro. Studies for 9 through 12 grade girls. A firm every at@oceanoclayton Oceano Bistro. Executive Chef Jon Hoff man and his lunches, you can �ind something for commitment to Torah ideals qualifies students Executive Chef Jon Hoffman and his pursue seminary and college upon graduatalented staff have worked to bring talented staff have @oceanobistroclayton worked to bring every occasion at @oceanoclayton Oceano Bistro. to tion. Extracurricular activities promote leaderfacebook.com/oceano.bistro St. Louis to the forefront of seafood See all of our menus and upcoming events at oceanobistro.com

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talented staff We are introducing by We are introducing new items by his Executive Chef Jon new Hoffitems man and St. Louis to the forefront of seafood taking our classic dishes and giving taking our classic dishes and giving October 20th, 2014 we are teaming up with Guest Chef talented staff have worked to bring dining by rolling out a new menu for them a fresh seasonal twist with a them aUyemura fresh seasonal twist with a Rob and Rombauer Vineyards to bring you our St. Louis to the forefront of seafood light, heart healthy menu. the spring of 2014. light, heart healthy menu. October Wine Dinner. This farm to table dinner will take dining by rolling out a new menu for you through the Rombauer catalog while Rob and our team Stop by today and �ind your new the spring of 2014. of chefs prepare five courses that showcase the end of farmers Stop by today and find your Stop by today anddish! find your new new favorite markets infavorite the areadish! and the transition to a new season. favorite dish! Stop by today and �ind your new Seating is limited; please call for your reservation

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September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

room/social hall, which also serves as a student lounge. Dov Axelbaum is President. vvv

Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School 348 S. Mason Road St. Louis, Mo. 63141 314-576-6177 • fax: 314-576-3624 email: pbloom@mirowitz.org website: www.mirowitz.org Cheryl Maayan — Head of School Patty Bloom — Director of Admissions Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School is

a pluralistic Jewish independent school for families who want the best of everything: academic excellence, social responsibility and meaningful Jewish learning. Our curriculum is experiential and aims for the infinite potential of elementary and middle school education — learning that is challenging, significant and meaningful; students who find joy in the pursuit of knowledge; and children and teens who know from experience that they can make a difference. With an enrollment of 170 students in grades K-8, Mirowitz is committed to a small student-teacher ratio to maximize individualized attention. Lunches are prepared in a kosher kitchen using only the healthiest locally sourced or organic foods — some grown in the school’s own garden. Mirowitz is accredited by ISACS, and offers a full-day kindergarten, as well as pre-care and post-care. Financial assistance is available. Betsy Dennis is Board President.

Jewish life among college students, connecting students with one another and with Jewish culture and traditions through service and social justice, Israel, religious life, and social and leadership programs. Its vision is for every Jewish college student in St. Louis to make an enduring commitment to Jewish life. St. Louis Hillel currently serves the more than 2,000 Jewish students who attend Washington University, Saint Louis University, University of Missouri-St. Louis and other local colleges and universities. In addition to facilitating projects like Sukkah City STL 2014, an exciting art and design competition and exhibit taking place at Washington University in St. Louis October 7-12, 2014, St. Louis Hillel also offers tradi-

tional and innovative programming around the High Holidays and Shabbat. It offers student-led services and meals in its beautifully renovated facility on Forsyth and around the Washington University campus, as well as the popular “Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah In-aBox” and “Do Your Own Seder” initiatives, which allow students to create their own enduring Shabbat and holiday traditions in their dorms, fraternity houses, and apartments with friends. St. Louis Hillel also offers service experiences around the world and trips to Israel for all undergraduate college students in St. Louis ages 18-22 through Taglit-Birthright Israel: Israel Outdoors. St. Louis Hillel is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and is

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Missouri Torah Institute-Mesivta D’Missouri 14550 Ladue Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63017 314-594-0462 • fax: 314-469-7474 email: office@missouritorah.org Rabbi Dovid Fromowitz, Rabbi Avroham Goldman and Rabbi Shmuel Wasser—Deans Rabbi Dovid Goldman — Principal Rabbi Menachem Wachsman — Assistant Principal The goal of Mesivta D’Missouri, (Missouri Torah Institute/MTI), is to offer an exciting intensive program of Torah study together with an outstanding college preparatory general studies program. Our job is not merely to impart knowledge, but to instill a love of learning and to develop high moral character in our students. We recognize that today’s world presents many distractions for Yeshiva students and that the expectations of society often differ from the rigorous demands placed upon our students from home and school. By working closely with parents, by providing a warm, supportive and nurturing environment, and with the care of commitment of our faculty, our students strive to overcome these challenges and to serve as role models for others. Our school has a dormitory for out of town students. Dr. Craig Reiss is Chairman. vvv

St. Louis Hillel at Washington University 6300 Forsyth Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63105 314-935-9040 email: hillel@stlouishillel.org website: www.stlouishillel.org www.facebook.com/StLouisHillel Jacqueline Ulin Levey – President & CEO Since its founding in 1946, St. Louis Hillel has enhanced the lives of thousands of college students throughout St. Louis by fostering a vibrant, pluralistic campus Jewish community. St. Louis Hillel’s mission is to be a catalyst for OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

accredited by Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, connecting the organization to a vast network of Jewish college students throughout the world. To learn more about St. Louis Hillel or for information on how you can get involved, please contact us! Lawrence B. Wittels is Board Chair. vvv

St. Louis Kollel 8200 Delmar Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63124 314-726-6047 • fax: 314-863-0820 Email: office@stlkollel.com website:www.stlkollel.com Rabbi Menachem Greenblatt-Rosh Kollel/ Dean Rabbi Shlomo Soroka — Executive Director/Associate Dean Rabbi Shaya Mintz—Director of Programming Rabbi Chona Muser — Mashgiach Ruchani Rabbi Yerachmiel Frank — Rosh Chabura The purpose of the St. Louis Kollel is to allow accomplished rabbis to perpetuate the study of Torah and to provide genuine Jewish experiences and educational opportunities for Jewish men and women of all backgrounds and affiliations. The Kollel, founded in 1991 by Rabbi Menachem Greenblatt, is the only organization of its kind in Missouri, with nine fulltime rabbis, two part-time rabbis and a staff all dedicated to supporting the study of Jewish law, philosophy and tradition. Kollel members endeavor to foster Jewish unity, ensure continuity, strengthen the community and inspire a sense of Jewish identity

to a broad range of individuals of various ages, backgrounds and levels of knowledge through myriad weekly classes and programs. There are no membership dues, and all Jews are welcome to attend. The Kollel has a full range of educational classes, social programs, and special events including classes and programs in local synagogues, one-on-one chavrusa learning, home study groups, lunch and learn, daily classes in Jewish law and Mishna, as well as classes in Talmud, Chumash and more. This past year, in collaboration with Aish HaTorah, the Kollel began a successful “Partners in Torah” program held weekly at the JCC, expanded “Eishes Chayil” Women’s Division programming, expanded the Jewish Ethics Institute which now includes Jewish Business Ethics and Jewish Legal Ethics in addition to the successful “Two Tablets” Jewish Medical Ethics progam. Torah & Turf (for football lovers) combines weekly Torah study with flag football. Social programming includes Shabbat and holiday celebrations, Hanukkah and Purim parties, melave malka and summer BBQs. The “Yarchei Kallah” Summer Learning Program provides an opportunity for men, women and teens to experience intensive in-depth Torah learning and special guest lectures. “Jewish Unity Live,” is the Kollel’s signature event, a celebration of Jewish learning held annually at different venues throughout the community. The Kollel publishes a weekly newsletter, “Torah Bits,” which is distributed to synagogues and via email to hundreds of individu-

als in St. Louis and throughout the country. The Kollel offers a bookstore with Jewish books, newspapers, magazines, tzitzit, kippot, mezuzot, a full line of kosher wines, Judaic items and more. Mayer S. Klein is President. vvv

Spirit of Sinai 1639 Clarkson Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63017 636-778-4000 or 314-258-3401 email: chanalar@gmail.com website: www.ChabadofChesterfield.com Rabbi Avi & Chana’la Rubenfeld—Directors The Spirit of Sinai Chabad Hebrew School comprises two integrated programs: • The Living and Learning Experience offers a fun, yet advanced Hebrew and Jewish studies curriculum. We provide students with substantive lessons that are age-appropriate, coupled with a positive atmosphere. • The Kids in Action program is where children learn to make a difference by contributing to their community and environment while having fun. Whether they are participating in a bowl-a-thon or a personality auction, they will be amazed at how invigorating and enjoyable giving can be. It is available as a standalone program or as part of the Living and Learning Experience, and meets monthly for the duration of the scholastic year. Our experienced staff have developed the curriculum and are involved in every aspect of the school, ensuring that no child or parent will be overlooked. The lessons are multi-sensory and handson, ensuring that the students truly experience what they are being taught. Children will gain a sense of pride and love for Judaism. The school uses the new, acclaimed Aleph Champ program to ensure that children will read fluently at the end of his/her Hebrew School experience. vvv

Torah MiTzion Kollel

Upcoming Sales Events Annual Ladies Party October 16th and 17th Holiday Open House November 7th and 8th Holiday Sale December 8th - 13th Join Us For One Or All Of Our Special Sale Events Special Pricing • Free Gifts • Refreshements During these events we will be open 11am to 7pm

12716 Olive Blvd • Creve Couer, MO 63141 314- 878-6003 Family Owned and Operated

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

2014

7741 Gannon Avenue St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-420-8080 Adi Salomon (Shlicha) Elisheva Jacobson, Chana Kurz, Libi Shlasky, Racheli Trabelsi (Bnot Sherut) Through dedicated Israel shlichim, or emissaries, the Torah MiTzion Kollel promotes the ideals of Torat Israel, Am Israel and Eretz Israel. The shlichim come for several years to St. Louis to provide formal and informal educational activities in many community settings. Our aim is to strengthen Zionism, Jewish identity and Torah knowledge in all sectors of the Jewish community. This year’s shlichim are Adi and Eitan Salomon, accompanied by their three children. They will be assisted by four sherut leumi young Israeli women. Sherut Leumi is voluntary national service for Israeli women deeply committed to the State of Israel. In their second year of service, they can apply to serve in Diaspora communities worldwide. The Torah MiTzion Kollel supervises four Bnot

Sherut in St. Louis that teach in Jewish day schools and in several supplemental schools in synagogues. Suzanne Sundy is president. vvv

Torah Prep School of St. Louis Rabbi Tzvi Freedman – Executive Director Rabbi Yossi Golombeck – Judaic Studies Principal, Boys’ Division Mrs. Mindi Mintz - Judaic Studies Principal, Girls’ Division Mrs. Shira Swidler – General Studies Principal Mrs. Chani Wasser – Early Childhood Director • Girls’ Division: 8659 Olive Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63132 314-569-2929 • fax: 314-569-2258 • Boys’ Division: 609 North and South Road St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-727-3335 • fax: 314-727-2258 Torah Prep School is a traditional Jewish day school that offers a comprehensive curriculum of both traditional Jewish studies and secular studies to children in pre-nursery - 8th grade. Classical and contemporary texts, Hebrew language and Jewish history are taught along with a full curriculum of English language, math, history and science. Computer skills, arts and crafts and choral and dramatic performance skills are developed. Torah Prep is accredited by the Central Agency for Jewish Education and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Enrollment is open to the entire Jewish community. Scholarship aid is available. Principal. Dr. John T. Glore is Curriculum Coordinator.

SALES TUNING RESTORATION RENTAL EDUCATION PERFORMANCE

12033 Dorsett Road, Saint Louis, MO 314-344-1133 • info@steinwaypianogallery.com www.steinwaypianogallery.com

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Yeshivat Kadimah High School 1142 N. Warson Road St Louis, MO 63132 314-942-3166 • fax 314-942-3167 email: admin@YeshivatKadimah.org website: www.YeshivatKadimah.org Rabbi Moshe Shulman—Acting Head of School Brad Heger—Director of Education Yeshivat Kadimah is a college preparatory, religious Zionist Orthodox yeshiva high school serving the St. Louis Jewish community, offering a uniquely nurturing and supportive environment that fosters a close and supportive relationship between students and faculty. The school features individualized, studentcentered learning programs in both English and Hebrew studies, and aims to identify and maximize the potential of every student, and to assure that each student continues his or her religious and secular educations at a post-secondary level and beyond. We also stress, through teaching and action, our social responsibilities towards the Jewish Community, and the world at large. Yeshivat Kadimah recognizes the importance of Modern Hebrew, both as a vehicle to understanding classic Jewish texts, as well as recognizing its unique role in the revitalization of the modern State of Israel. James Fendelman is Board President.

Dr. Etai Goldenberg is currently accepting new patients. In addition to his general urology residency training, Dr. Goldenberg has advanced fellowship training in Male Reproduction and Sexual Health. His subspecialty training has made him an expert in microsurgical procedures including vasectomy reversal, prosthetic surgery, erectile dysfunction and the treatment of low testosterone. Dr. Goldenberg and the physicians of Urology Consultants are available for all areas of urologic care.

Dr. Goldenberg sees patients at three convenient locations: Walker Medical Building (South Tower) 12855 North Forty Drive - Suite 375 St. Louis, MO 63141-8635 314-567-6071 or Toll Free 1-800-776-5335 Alton Memorial Hospital Suite 103 #2 Memorial Drive Alton, IL 62002 618-288-0900 Anderson Hospital Physicians Building 2 6812 State Route 162, Suite 200 Maryville, Illinois 62062 618-288-0900

vvv OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

Organizations SECTION INDEX

American Friends of Magen David Adom

American Friends of Magen David Adom... 74 American Israel Public Affairs Committee... 74 American Legion Post 96.......................... 74 American Technion Society........................ 75 Barnes-Jewish Hospital Auxiliary............... 75 B’nai B’rith St. Louis.................................. 75 Citizens for a Just and Lasting Peace........ 76 Crime Victim Advocacy Center.................. 76 Cultural Leadership.................................... 76 Federation of Reform Temples .................. 77 Gay and Lesbian Chavurah at CRC........... 77 St. Louis Chapter Hadassah...................... 77 Israeli House at B’nai Amoona................... 77 J Associates ............................................. 78 Jewish National Fund (JNF)....................... 78 Jewish Special Interest Group of St. Louis Genealogical Society................................. 79 Jewish War Veterans of the USA................ 79 Jewish War Veterans-Grave Site Search Program.................................................... 79 Jewish Women International...................... 80 Jews United for Justice............................. 80 JProStl...................................................... 80

Legal Advocates for Abused Women......... 80 Midwest Jewish Congress......................... 80 Military Museum/Wall of Honor Memorial Centre........................................ 81 Millstone Institute for Jewish Leadership.... 81 Miriam: The Learning Disability Experts...... 81 Moishe House St. Louis............................. 81 NA’AMAT USA........................................... 81 Next Dor STL............................................. 81 Nishmah: The St. Louis Jewish Women’s Project....................................................... 81 Project Backpack...................................... 82 Reform Singles Together............................ 82 The Shalvah Program: Outreach on Addictions................................................. 82 Shaving Israel............................................ 82 Sharsheret Supports.................................. 82 Sparks Services......................................... 82 St. Louis Holocaust Survivors and Descendants............................................. 83 St. Louis Israeli Folk Dancing..................... 83 Women’s Auxiliary St. Louis Mikvah Association................................................ 83

Midwest Region 3175 Commercial Avenue, Suite 101 Northbrook, Ill. 60062 888-674-4871 Founded nationally in 1940, AFMDA is an authorized tax-exempt organization and the sole support arm in the United States of the Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s official emergency medical service. Magen David Adom provides a rapid and skilled emergency medical response, including disaster, ambulance, and blood services, to Israel’s 8 million people. MDA is the only organization mandated by the Israeli government to serve in this role, but it’s not funded by the government. Instead, MDA relies on funding from donors around the world. vvv

American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) AIPAC Midwest Regional Office P.O. Box A3996 Chicago, Ill. 60690 312-253-8997 Email: bfahlgren@aipac.org Brad Fahlgren — Missouri Area Director AIPAC, America’s pro-Israel lobby, is a bi-partisan, grassroots organization that seeks to strengthen the relationship between Israel and the United States. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has 10 regional offices nationwide and an office in Jerusalem. The AIPAC Midwest office empowers the advancement of the pro-Israel agenda in the Missouri Congressional delegation and beyond. The AIPAC Midwest office provides educational seminars and briefings for AIPAC members and brings renowned Middle East scholars, political influentials and other experts to meet with members of the pro-Israel community so that they can be more effective legislative advocates.

“The stories are delightful...gorgeous illustrations.”

“The finest children’s book I have ever read.” Rabbi Hillel Goldberg, Intermountain Jewish News, 5 October 2012

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American Legion Post 96

“illustrations…lovingly rendered.…These stories beg to be read aloud.” Chicago Jewish Star

“it is an experience and a guide to a world that will never be again” Amos Lassen

“The stories are delightful... gorgeous illustrations.” Lauren Kramer, Jewish Book World

“sweet stories, which offer valuable lessons.” Jacqueline Cutler, Newark Star

“most suitable for children in grades two to five.” Lilian Falk, Atlantic Books Today

$18.95 at your favorite bookstore ISBN 978-1-933480-04-6 Bunim & Bannigan, Ltd. New York & Charlottetown bunimbannigan.com 74

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

10344 Sansois, Apt. 6 Creve Coeur, Mo. 63141 314-569-4296 The Jerome L. Goldman Post 96 of the American Legion was organized following World War I with the purpose of “service to the veteran and his family.” Members participate in U.S. naturalization proceedings, honor veterans with Memorial Day ceremonies at the eight Jewish cemeteries, and visit and contribute to veterans installations and activities in eastern Missouri, including the USO at Lambert St. Louis International Airport. To visit or contact Post 96, contact Ralph Shower at 314991-0050. Norman Rossin is Post Commander. vvv

American Technion Society 314-725-7330 website: www.ats.org Please join us to directly support higher education in Israel. American Technion Society comprises 19 chapters around the United States, which provide fundraising for the benefit of Technion Israel Institute of Technology, in Haifa, Israel. Technion has brought us cell phone technology, unmanned aerial vehicles, the pill camera, Parkinson’s disease pill Azilect, new processes in water reclamation, desalinization, alternative fuel sources, green architecture and countless more crucial advances too numerous to list. Technion is composed of 18 faculties often working synergistically, spanning research in green technologies, medicine, aerospace and civil engineering, just to name a few. Technion’s 13,000 students are Israel’s future scientists, doctors, engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs. Technion is the home of three Nobel Prize Laureates in the past seven years and 70 percent of Israel’s founders of high tech businesses. Your support of Technion helps secure the future of Israel while benefiting all humankind. vvv

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Auxiliary 1001 Highlands Plaza Dr. West Suite 140 St. Louis, Mo. 63110 314-454-7130 email: tlm2855@bjc.org website: www.barnesjewish.org/giving/auxiliary The Barnes-Jewish Hospital Auxiliary is a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the welfare of Barnes-Jewish Hospital, a member of BJC Health Systems and an affiliate of the Washington University School of Medicine. The auxiliary provides a wide variety of volunteer services to the hospital, its patients, and the community. The auxiliary raises proceeds through membership, vendor sales and special fund raising events. Through the years, the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Auxiliary has generously contributed to the Siteman Cancer Center, the Goldfarb School of Nursing, Barnes Lodge, and numerous hospital entities including Home Health, Hospice, Arts and Health programs, to name a few. The members of the Auxiliary are an interesting, diverse and generous group of individuals. Many give countless hours volunteering in various hospital departments in addition to participating in social and fundraising events that benefit the hospital community. The auxiliary is a wonderful organization and valuable entity in the St. Louis area. Patti Short (patti83@aol.com) is President vvv

B’nai B’rith St. Louis Missouri Lodge #22 JCC Staenberg Family Complex 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3190 Diane Maier — B’nai B’rith Coordinator B’nai B’rith International (BBI), the global voice of the Jewish community, is the oldest OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

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LUNCH | DINNER | BANQUET CARRYOUT | DELIVERY ST. LOUIS #2 The Boulevard Saint Louis Richmond Heights, MO 63117 314-824-2402 maggianos.com

and most widely known Jewish humanitarian, human rights and advocacy organization. Since 1843, BBI has worked for Jewish unity, security, continuity and tolerance. B’nai B’rith St. Louis Missouri Lodge #22 was chartered in 1855 and continues to serve our city and surrounding areas, providing cultural, educational, philanthropic, service and social experiences. Oscar Goldberg and Buddy Lebman are Co-Presidents. vvv

Citizens for a Just and Lasting Peace 9666 Olive Boulevard, Suite 215 St. Louis, Mo. 63132  314-397-5230 Richard  Senturia — Director Citizens for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Middle East is a St. Louis-based organization supporting the legitimate rights of Israel all citizens of the Middle East to live in peace, freedom and security. We present positive information about Israel and the Middle East and co-sponsor events with other St. Louis area groups. Our newspaper ads and letter-writing group provide information not usually covered by the national or local print media. Our locally-developed one-hour multimedia presentation, “The Illustrated History of Israel,” is available free (including live narrator) to Jewish and non-Jewish groups of 5 or more within 100 miles of St. Louis. Call 314-3975230 or 314-606-6061 to arrange a showing. vvv

Cultural Leadership

Live OUT of Your Suitcase More Comfort for Your Guests • • • • • • • •

Complimentary “Suite Start” Hot Breakfast Valet Laundry Service Swimming Pool Exercise Facility Courtesy van available Complimentary “Welcome Home Reception” Mon - Thur evenings 24-Hour Suite Shoppe Spacious Common area

Homewood Suites by Hilton St. Louis Galleria 8040 Clayton Rd. Richmond Heights, MO 63117 314-863-7700 76

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

225 S. Meramec Avenue, Suite 107 St. Louis, Mo. 63105 314-725-3222 • fax: 314-932-5444 email: hingraham@culturalleadership.org website: www.culturalleadership.org Holly Ingraham — Executive Director Cultural Leadership is a nonprofit youth leadership development organization that exists to create a more just and equitable community by educating middle and high school students in the St. Louis region about social justice, and to recognize and resolve issues of discrimination and equality through the lens of the Jewish and African-American experience. The program’s mission is to give middle and high school students the skills to become social justice activists and practice tikkun olam. Our motto is that when the young people see a problem, they are to grab an ally or two or three, roll up their sleeves and get to work to create a world of inclusion, equality and opportunity for all. Cultural Leadership now offers two programs. Cultural Leadership for high school students begins in August and ends in August the following year. Students meet monthly, have three weekend retreats, and take a 21-day transformational summer journey for a total of more than 490 program hours. Interested students apply each year in the spring. Up to 36 racially diverse St. Louis area sophomores and juniors are selected each year to participate. Camp Cultural Leadership is a two-week day camp for middle school students. Students meet daily and end with a two-day overnight trip to Memphis, Tenn. Interested students may register in the spring for the camp, which runs each sum-

mer. Cultural Leadership teaches students and their families how to build a positive coalition of young people who are courageous and skillful at standing up and speaking out against social injustice. Students leave Cultural Leadership with a passion for social justice and prepared to organize and lead others into action. Rev. Shaun Ellison Jones is Board Chair. Rabbi Randy Fleisher is Vice Chair. vvv

Federation of Reform Temples 314-517-6057 email: cmogerman@zermanmogerman.com Cary J. Mogerman — President The St. Louis Federation of Reform Temples (FORT) is an organization composed of the Reform congregations in the St. Louis metropolitan area belonging to the Union for Reform Judaism. FORT exists to facilitate cooperation and communication in areas of mutual interest which may best be served collectively rather than by individual Reform congregations. FORT also facilitates collaborative dialogue among congregational leaders within the Reform community.

Signature programs of the local chapter include: “Walk on Sunshine” (fighting brain tumors by funding neuro-oncology research), “Framing the Future” medical programs and the popular Parlor Party events, including programs like “Adventures in Chocolate” and “Hoorah for the Bra.” Unique special event programs are held from time to time, including a health program on brain tumors specifically focusing on people of Semitic backgrounds and a series of Every Beat Counts heart health programs on healthy eating, exercise and heart health strategies. The local St. Louis Chapter will celebrate its 100th anniversary soon and has 1,500+ members. Both social and informative activities and events are held throughout the year. Hadassah’s Jewish Book Club is enjoyed by

324 South Mason Road Creve Coeur, Mo. 63141 314-680-4799 email: talis@charter.net Program Director: Tali Stadler Bayit Israeli (Israeli House) is a meeting place for Israelis residing in St. Louis. The concept of Bayit Israeli was established by the late Ophira Navon, the wife of former Israeli president Yizhak Navon, who believed in keeping close ties with the Israeli community around the world.

—Talmud

Warmth and Trust Encouragement and Achievement

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12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-991-0434 email: st.louis@hadassah.org website: www.stlouis.hadassah.org or www.hadassah.org Arin Picard — Administrative Manager Hadassah is a recent Nobel Peace Prize nominee and the largest women’s membership organization in the United States. In Israel, it supports pace-setting medical care and research, education and youth-at-risk programs, reforestation and parks projects. In the United States, Hadassah promotes health education, social action and advocacy, volunteerism and leadership skills. A special bar/bat mitzvah program offers terrific opportunities for meaningful mitzvah projects for Jewish children. In 2012, Hadassah opened its magnificent Sarah Wetsman Davidson Tower at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem — a huge addition, which has allowed for state-of-the-art medical care and cutting-edge medical research for all the citizens of the Middle East, as well as a source of hundreds of new technical jobs within Jerusalem.

Israeli House at B’nai Amoona

Each blade of grass has an angel that bends over it and whispers, “ Grow, grow.”

Gay and Lesbian Chavurah at Central Reform Congregation

St. Louis Chapter Hadassah

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United Hebrew Congregation Saul Spielberg Early Childhood Center

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314-361-1564, ext. 112 email: maggie@centralreform.org The chavurah is an informal social/religious gathering that has been hosted by Central Reform Congregation for about 20 years. We host periodic potluck dinners for Shabbat sotloff and other Jewish holidays, including an annual LGBTA Passover seder. The chavurah maintains an email list used to send out notices of the dinners and information of interest to the list members. The email list and events are open to all interested persons.

many of our members. Beth Mayer and Evie Levine are Co-Presidents.

Commitment to the growth of our children United Hebrew Congregation 13788 Conway Road St. Louis , MO 63141

 6 weeks to 6 years old  Open year round M-F 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.  Accommodating scheduling  Curriculum-based preschool program for ages 2 to pre-K  Afternoon enrichment and specialty classes (Literacy, Cooking, Kidzercise, Science, Yoga, Music and more)

 Pre-Kindergarten program taught by experienced teachers formerly of the Parkway School District

For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact: UHECC@unitedhebrew.org www.unitedhebrew.org 314-434-3404

Grow with us! OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

In partnership with B’nai Amoona, Bayit Israeli offers a wide range of programs and activities. Most of the activities are conducted in Hebrew; a few events are in English. The current activities include: a library of Hebrew books and DVDs that can be borrowed; sing-a-long evenings featuring Hebrew songs; renowned lecturers/entertainers from Israel who speak/perform for the St. Louis Israeli/Jewish community; organized celebrations on special occasions/Jewish holidays such as Purim, Hanukkah and Sukkot; various interest groups, such as children’s groups, Israel Scouts and an Israeli youth group. These groups meet on a regular basis at Congregation B’nai Amoona.

This free attraction houses photographs, artifacts, text panels, audio visual displays chronicling pre-World War II life in Europe, from 1933-1945 and post-war events. Also included is an exhibition entitled Change Begins with Me: Confronting Hate, Discrimination and Ethnic Conflict in today’s world.

Audio tours available

Open Mon - Thur 9:30am - 4:30pm, Fri 9:30am - 4pm, Sat Closed, Sun 10am - 4pm. 12 Millstone Campus Dr., Creve Coeur

314.442.3711 • www.hmlc.org

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J Associates Jewish Community Center 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3109 • fax: 314-442-3109 email: klevinson@jccstl.org Kimmi Levinson — J Associates Director The J Associates, with over 500 members, began in 1985 and provides support and funding for the programs and services of the Jewish Community Center. The J Associates has allocated nearly $1 million to the JCC, providing scholarships for camp, equipment for programs that support children and adults with disabilities, meals for home-bound elderly, transportation service for the Adult Day Center, equipment for the Fitness, Sports, Aquatic and Recreation Departments, support of Theatre Unlimited and Youth Theatre, as well as funding to the Capital Campaigns for the JCC and Camp Sabra. Brenda Pereles is President. vvv

Jewish National Fund (JNF) 60 Revere Drive, Suite 840 Northbrook, Ill. 60062 Phone: 888-563-0099 • fax: 847-656-8885 website: jnf.org Carli Haber, Campaign Executive, Midwest Jewish National Fund (JNF) began in 1901 as a dream and vision to reestablish a homeland in Israel for Jewish people everywhere. Jews the world over collected coins in iconic JNF Blue Boxes, purchasing land and planting trees until ultimately, their dream of a Jewish homeland was a reality. Today, JNF continues to give all generations a unique voice in building and ensuring the prosperity of the land of Israel through their generosity and partnership with the people of Israel. JNF’s work is varied in scope but singular in benefit. We strive to bring an enhanced quality of life to all of Israel’s residents, and translate these advancements to the world beyond. JNF is greening the desert with millions of trees, building thousands of parks, creating new communities and cities for generations of Israelis to call home, bolstering Israel’s water supply, helping develop innovative aridagriculture techniques, and educating both young and old about the founding and importance of Israel and Zionism. JNF is a 501c3 organization and United Nations NGO. vvv 78

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Jewish Special Interest Group of St. Louis Genealogical Society 4 Sunnen Drive, Suite 140 St. Louis, Mo. 63143-3814 314-647-8547 • fax: 314-647-8548 email: jewishSIG@stlgs.org website: www.stlgs.org Phyllis Faintich and Ilene Murray — CoLeaders The Jewish Special Interest Group is a member of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies and the National Federation of Genealogical Societies. It meets quarterly at St. Louis County Library Headquarters. The Jewish SIG of StLGS will provide speakers on genealogy for local organizations and groups. Membership is open to all researchers of Jewish genealogy.

The Veteran Affairs Administration Memorial Service at Quantico, Virginia is now providing for burial sites, in private cemeteries, a new medallion which is available at no cost to the family that reads “Veteran” at the top and the Branch of service at the bottom (such as Army, Navy, Marine, etc.). Memorial Post #346 will provide the paperwork and when the medallion is received it will be modified for holding a flag and attached to the tombstone. When veterans’ gravesites are located without conventional tombstones or plates to identify the individual buried within, JWV will act to secure government bronze plates or granite Star of David tombstones. Present research is concentrated on locating and identifying gravesites of Jewish World War I veterans.

New flags are placed each Memorial Day at veteran gravesites. As of Memorial Day, 2014, 6,083 flags were placed in these eight cemeteries. About 1,000 additional flags were placed in other cemeteries and graveyards. Contact Ron Waxman at 636-532-2033 or Ralph Shower at 314-991-0050 for more information. Computer data is being handled by Ron Waxman. Call Waxman for gravesites that do not have the identification markers. vvv

Jewish Women International email: dsbeaman@att.net Jewish Women International (JWI) advocates for a safe world for women, children

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Jewish War Veterans of the USA 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-432-0020 Founded in 1896 by a group of Jewish Civil War veterans to combat erroneous propaganda that Jews did not fight for their country, the JWV is the nation’s oldest active veterans’ organization. Locally, JWV is active with two posts and one auxiliary that provide guidance to veterans and their families in dealing with the Veterans Affairs Department regional office and the two veterans medical centers at Cochran and Jefferson Barracks hospitals. Its two representatives sit on the Veterans Affairs Volunteer Service Organizations Committee, which provides guidance and aid to the medical centers with volunteer help and contributions of needs not otherwise provided under national budget allotments. The groups provide additional support to USO at Lambert St. Louis Airport, the Fort Leonard Wood Army Base and Scott Air Force Base as needs are recognized and met. JWV membership provides recreational therapy and refreshments to residents of the Missouri Veterans Home and to patients at the Jefferson Barracks Hospital. Local group leaders are Ralph Shower, Commander, Memorial Post 346, 314-991-0050; Dennis Cohen, Commander, St. Louis Heritage Post 644, 636-532-7172; and Vera Heisler, President, Ladies Auxiliary St. Louis Heritage Post 644. Volunteer Service officers to the VA are Melvin Rayman, 314-395-1227 for Jefferson Barracks; and Ralph Shower for Cochran Hospital at 314-991-0050.

You bring the bottle...

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Jewish War Veterans — Grave Site Search Program 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-432-0020 An ongoing gravesite search program seeks to identify an estimated 8,600 deceased war veterans’ grave sites in eight St. Louis-area Jewish cemeteries. When identified and confirmed, flag holding grave markers are placed for the Jewish War Veterans of the USA (JWV).

Minimum reservation of 6 for private party. Choose a template project or have us create something custom just for your group! Beverages and snacks may be brought in at no additional charge. ®

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OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

and families. We strive with other organizations to break the cycle of violence through education and action. In St Louis, JWI originated the Humor Cart Project at Shriner’s Hospital’s Outpatient Clinic. We have interacted with hundreds of children and their families needing a “laugh” and caring attention while awaiting various treatments. A Thanksgiving Day feast is provided every year by JWI women for 30 families at one of our local Ronald McDonald Houses. Most of our fundraising dollars are generated through a long-term “gift wrapping project” at Chesterfield Mall. Recent recipients include Camp Rainbow, which provides free camping experiences to children 4-18 years old who are undergoing treatment for cancer and other blood related diseases and disorders, as well as Wings of Hope,a humanitarian group providing health care and a transportation system for and with impoverished peoples of the world. Nationally, JWI raises funds for the Residential Treatment Center in Kyriat Yearim, outside Jerusalem, which serves Israel’s severely disturbed boys and girls. Membership in JWI is required to belong to our active stock club, which meets monthly, and to receive the nationally-acclaimed, award-winning JWI Magazine. Dottie Beaman is President. vvv

Jews United for Justice 230 South Bemiston, Suite 1200 St. Louis, Mo. 63105 email: info@jujstl.org website: www.jujstl.org Jews United for Justice (JUJ) is a membership organization that was organized to be a Jewish voice in the progressive community and a progressive voice in the Jewish community. JUJ has worked on advocacy for the economically disadvantaged Jewish elderly in nursing homes, for workers’ rights and for racial equity in public schools. Currently, we are working on raising awareness of the plight of the Jewish poor and the services available to them. Every year JUJ puts on the Heschel/King celebration in which we honor the historic partnership between Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by honoring individuals in St. Louis’ Jewish and African-American communities who work together for social justice and peace. vvv

JProStl 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3810 email: meisen@jfedstl.org Marci Mayer Eisen — Director, Millstone Institute for Jewish Leadership JProStl is the association dedicated to supporting professionals working at 50 Jewish organizations throughout St. Louis. Its

Stemming the tide of assimilation and Jewish apathy amongst the greatest resource, our teenagers… Clayton Crossroads Ladue Lafayette Marquette MICDS Mirowitz Community Day School Parkway Central Parkway North Parkway West Pattonville Senator John Danforth Israel Scholars Program Whitfield

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Legal Advocates for Abused Women A program of Crime Victim Advocacy Center 539 N. Grand Blvd., Suite 400 St. Louis, MO 63103 314-652-3623 (24-hour hotline) email: info@supportvictims.org website: www.supportvictims.org Julie Lawson, President & CEO Founded in 1986 as a project of the National Council of Jewish Women, St. Louis Section, Legal Advocates for Abused Women (LAAW) served the St. Louis community as an autonomous agency for more than 15 years. In a planned merger, LAAW became a program of the Crime Victim Advocacy Center (CVAC) in December 2012, allowing LAAW’s programs to remain intact while supporting administrative costs. While CVAC helps victims of all crime, the LAAW program is dedicated specifically and solely to helping victims of abuse in times of crisis, working within the legal system, law enforcement andthe courts. LAAW combines expertise in legal remedies and domestic violence issues to help battered women and their children end abusive relationships. All services are free of charge and include the crisis intervention/legal helpline, free legal representation at Order of Protection hearings, safety planning, extensive referrals, immediate and ongoing crisis support, legal and court advocacy and other critical services. James Kimmey, III is board president. vvv

Midwest Jewish Congress

JSU is funded in part by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, The Kranzberg Foundation, Lubin-Green Foundation, Staenberg Foundation, The Martin Silk Foundation, along with generous donors like you.

P.O. Box 16678 St. Louis, Mo. 63105 314-993-5505 • fax: 314-628-9733 email: jumansky@stllaw.net website: www.midwestjewishcongress.org The Midwest Jewish Congress is dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism and racism, advancing civil rights, defending religious liberty and helping Israel develop in security and peace. Locally, the MJCongress sponsors the annual Constitutional Conference at Washington University Law School, the Jacobs Lecture, in coordination with Congregation Shaare Emeth, addressing issues of concern to the Jewish community and the Gateway Older Adult Legal Services (GOALS) program, which for more than 30 years has provided free legal services to the indigent elderly. Steve Puro is President.

For more info. Contact Rabbi “Mike” @ 314-696-0578 or info@jsustl.org

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Servicing 700+ teens To start a JSU Club in your school contact the JSU office.

Most Recent JSU Survey Highlights As a result of participation in JSU programs:

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mission is to provide training, resources, and networking opportunities in order to strengthen staff members, their organizations and the community as a whole. Programs are available to any staff person at a Jewish nonprofit agency, organization, congregation or school. JProStl is affiliated with the Millstone Institute for Jewish Leadership. An 18-member board represents professionals from across the community. Rabbi Levi Landa is President.

95% See Judaism as being more relevant to them as teenagers 72% Have joined or become more involved in Jewish youth groups 85% Say they are now more likely to “date Jewish” and “marry Jewish” 88% Report making new Jewish friends and/or strengthening previous friendships 97% Report say that participating in JSU has increased their pride in being Jewish 93% Report an enhanced understanding and appreciation of Israel and the issues she faces.

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Military Museum and Wall of Honor Memorial Centre Jewish War Veterans of Greater St. Louis 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-432-0020 The Military Museum commemorates 370 years of Jews in America’s military. Located in the Jewish Federation Building, it exhibits a tribute to the St. Louis area Jewish war veterans killed in action, as well as military artifacts, weapons, decorations and awards contributed by returning service people or their families. Jack Lite, 314-567-1226, has been custodian for 30 years. Photo albums picture men and women when they were young and in uniform. Footnotes identify their individual military assignments and their respective war periods. Photos (5 x 7 inches) are kept alphabetically in their specific war album. New photos are welcome at any time with accompanying war data and copy of backside of “Separation of Service” document. Contact Ralph Shower at 314-991-0050 for more information. Adjacent in the building’s atrium, a “Wall of Honor” list contains the names of more than 900 St. Louis-area Jewish servicemen and women cited for wartime valor and their specific recognitions for actions over and above normal expectations. Additions to the wall are done on a two-year basis based on eligibility requirements. Requirements are listed on the Wall of Honor or contact Ralph Shower at 314-991-0050 for more information. For additions to the photo albums project for each war, contact Ralph Shower, 314-9910050. vvv

Millstone Institute for Jewish Leadership Jewish Federation of St. Louis 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3810 meisen@jfedstl.org Marci Mayer Eisen — Director Karen Sher – Senior Program Associate The Millstone Institute for Jewish Leadership provides training programs and resources to support the work of Jewish community organizations, cultivate new leaders and strengthen the sense of connection among the staff and volunteers who lead our diverse not-for-profit agencies, organizations, schools and congregations. Initiatives include The Millstone Fellows, JProStl, Presidents’ Circle, Impact Series workshops and a new program, Coaching Skills Training. JProStl is affiliated with the Millstone Institute. Paul Flotken is Advisory Committee Chairman. vvv

Miriam: The Learning Disability Experts 501 Bacon Avenue St. Louis, Mo. 63119 314-968-3893 • fax: 314-962-0482 website: www.miriamstl.org

Miriam has a proud history of more than 100 years of service to the St. Louis community. The organization was originally chartered in 1910 as “Miriam No. 17,” a local chapter of the national organization United Order True Sisters, Inc. (UOTS) and was, from the outset, focused on community service. Since 1956, Miriam School has served children with complex learning disabilities. Miriam School provides a variety of accommodations and curriculum modifications designed to meet the academic needs and support the social skills development of each of its 96 students in preKindergarten through eighth grade. In September 2007, Miriam Learning Center opened to provide services to students ages 3 to 18 who wish to remain in their current educational environment but need specialized in-school, after-school, or weekend support services to meet their potential. The Learning Center annually serves 455 children attending private, public or parochial schools, or are homeschooled. Proceeds from Miriam Switching Post, a resale shop in Maplewood, and from empty-out services directly benefit the programs of Miriam. Bill Florent is President. vvv

Moishe House St. Louis email: moishehousestl@gmail.com website: http://www.moishehouse.org/ houses/st-louis Moishe House was created in 2006 to bring Jewish life to young adults in their 20s. Built by young Jewish adults looking to continue their Jewish lives after college, Moishe House has grown from providing its first program in Oakland, Calif. to an international network of Jewish leadership and programming spanning five continents and 14 countries in 61 houses. Moishe House provides a rent subsidy and program budget to young Jewish adults in their 20’s, who (in addition to their full-time jobs or graduate school) create vibrant Jewish communities out of their home. Moishe House STL is a place for young Jews to connect post-college. We are non-denominational and non-sectarian. Whether it be a group of people to share a Shabbat dinner with, a place to meet other young Jews, or simply a crew with whom to check out local events, Moishe House is a community for you. vvv

NA’AMAT USA 1138 N. Warson Rd. Rm. 218 St. Louis MO. 63132-1809 Telephone 314-993-3033 e-mail: ngnaamatstl@gmail.com Web site: www. naamat.org NA’AMAT USA (a Hebrew acronym for working women and volunteers) was founded 89 years ago as Pioneer Women. When NA’AMAT USA was founded in 1925 we were pioneers dedicated to improve the lives of women and children in Israel. Today, we are still pioneers helping battered Israeli women at our Glickman Center. It serves as an emergency haven for women of domestic violence providing residence assistance and long term

counseling. Our many facilities range from day care centers to alternative high schools and senior centers. In St. Louis local chapters meet to support these efforts through advocacy and fund raising. We also provide an opportunity for women to socialize and share meaningful charitable work while contributing to the welfare of Israel. Recent efforts in the United States focus on equal rights for women and health issues affecting women. We support the Jewish Book Festival and the Jewish Film Festival. We also help with Project Backpack for abused and neglected children. Beverly Stuhlman and Marcia Nove are copresidents of St. Louis Council. vvv

Next Dor STL 5062 Waterman Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63108 314-687-5336 email: ben@nextdorstl.org website: www.nextdorstl.org Ben Shapiro — Executive Director Next “Dor” (Hebrew for “generation”) is a vibrant center of activity that builds community for young Jewish adults. Our mission is to create a community-driven space that fosters connection. We believe that building a community of young Jewish adults in the city is not only beneficial to the St. Louis Jewish community but to greater St. Louis as a whole. We strive to bring and keep young talent in St. Louis by connecting and supporting our members. Programming at Next Dor STL is created by young adults and community organizations specifically for young adults. In addition to formal programming, the Next Dor house is a place where young Jewish adults can meet, relax and build community. Next Dor offers Jewish learning opportunities, holiday celebrations, community service initiatives, social activities, an organic garden and more. vvv

Nishmah: The St. Louis Jewish Women’s Project Jewish Community Center 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, MO 63146 314-442-3268 email: swinkelman@jccstl.org website: www.nishmah.org Sara Winkelman–Director Simone Picker–Banot Program Coordinator Nishmah (a program of the JCC) inspires, engages and supports girls and women through educational, spiritual and social programming. Through a collaborative model, Nishmah strengthens the St. Louis Jewish community. Programs include: Banot (Girls) Buddies for elementary school girls, Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! for girls in middle school, Banot Board for high school girls, It’s a Guy Thing! program for teen boys, the Young Women’s Group (for women in their 20s and 30s), the Ilene Joseph Salon Series, and other unique learning opportunities for women. In addition, Nishmah has a yearly special event, such as a OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

women’s conference/retreat or a Passoverrelated event. This year’s signature event, The Journey: A Pre-Passover Experience, will take place March 10, 2015. Missy Korenblat-Hanin is President.

backpacks per month throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. We work only with volunteers, and most donations come from private drives and devoted supporters.

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Project Backpack

Reform Singles Together

1138 N. Warson Road, Room 218 St. Louis, Mo. 63132 314-993-3033 email: backpackstl@sbcglobal.net website: www.projectbackpackstlouis. org Judy Pearlstone — Executive Director Project Backpack fills a very necessary niche in social services for St. Louis and surrounding areas. A nonprofit organization, Project Backpack helps local children who are taken from their homes due to domestic violence and other crisis situations. Backpacks – filled with age- (infant to 17 years old) and gender-appropriate necessities and comfort items—are provided to social workers, shelters and police to distribute “on-the-scene” and at the moment of need. There is no other organization in the St. Louis area addressing children’s immediate needs for emergency items such as sleepwear and toiletries during their first hours and days of transition. When frightened and insecure children are taken from their homes, receiving one of the filled backpacks helps alleviate some of their inner turmoil and lets them know that somebody cares. Started in 1999, Project Backpack now distributes about 250

314-432-4247 Ruth Satz Reform Singles Together (RST) serves individuals in their 60s and 70s+. Programs are planned monthly and include speakers, theater outings, dinners and Jewish cultural events. Programs are partially funded by F.O.R.T. (Federation of Reform Temples). vvv

Sharsheret Supports Nishmah/Jewish Community Center 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3268 email: swinkelman@jccstl.org website: www.nishmah.org or www. sharsheret.org Sara Winkelman – Director Sharsheret Supports is a collaborative project of Nishmah and the national Sharsheret Organization. Sharsheret, Hebrew for “chain,” is a national not-for-profit organization supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer. Sharsheret Supports combines the spirit of Nishmah and the mission of Sharsheret to offer support and resources in the St. Louis Jewish community to survivors and women who have been diagnosed with breast and related cancers and are undergoing treatment, or are at increased genetic risk. Lynne Kipnis is Chair. vvv

Shaving Israel P.O. Box 6991 Chesterfield, Mo. 63006-6991 314-579-9653 email: info@shavingisrael.org website: www.shavingisrael.org Shaving Israel educates U.S. citizens about the needs of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and funds the purchase of toiletries, personal items and food vouchers from Israel suppliers for members of the IDF who are in need or deprived of family support systems. We have raised and distributed over $150,000 in recent years for the IDF. Rachel Miller is the founder of the organization. Joel Levy is President. vvv

Sparks Services

“Your Place to Celebrate” The Lodge Des Peres 1050 Des Peres Rd. (314) 835-6150 desperesmo.org Located at I-270 and Manchester Rd. 82

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

7424 Byron Place St. Louis, Mo. 63105 314-875-0001 email: sparksservices5770@gmail.com website: www.sparksservices.org Paula Sparks – Director Sparks Services is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to serving unmarried individuals of all ages in the Jewish community of St. Louis and beyond. Sparks Services hosts dynamic, quality programs for individuals who want to have a longterm relationship and hopefully a happy and fulfilling marriage. Participants can learn skills for improving their well-being and their relationships, discover our

Jewish heritage and meet new people who share similar goals and values. vvv

St. Louis Holocaust Survivors and Descendants We are a group of survivors and descendants of survivors of the Holocaust. Some of us were very young when Europe became an inferno for Jews. Others were born after the Holocaust. We meet every third Monday at the Jewish Federation Kopolow Building, 12 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. In an atmosphere of camaraderie and understanding, we enjoy listening to speakers and presenting other programs that connect us to our mutual history. Our purpose is to learn, listen, commemorate, preserve and honor the memories of our families and to educate our community about this monumental event in human history. For more information, contact Liz at 314-8027750 or omiliz2000@yahoo.com or Sofia at 314-878-8405 or slkent@sbcglobal.net. vvv

St. Louis Israeli Folk Dancing www.israelidancingstlouis.com Join us for Israeli folk dancing on Mondays from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. in the Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School (formerly Solomon Schechter Day School) in the gymnasium, 348 S. Mason Road in Creve Coeur. All ages and skill levels welcome to participate as the group dances to hits, oldies and classics — including circles, lines and couples’ dances. New dances reviewed and taught each week. Newcomers always welcome! The cost is $5 per person, per week. Hora Gil is the group’s Israeli Folk Dancing Performing Troupe. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page: Israeli Folk Dancing- St. Louis, MO, or call Rachel Persellin-Armoza at 314-706-7149, email occasionsbyrachy@ yahoo.com. vvv

Women’s Auxiliary St. Louis Mikvah Association 4 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-569-2770, ext. 114 This local organization was formed to strengthen the observance of family purity. The association has a speaker’s bureau, and members conduct tours of the Millstone Campus mikvah and lectures for schools, local youth organizations and other interested groups. The Women’s Judaica Library at the Millstone Campus mikvah is open to all Jewish women in the community. Any Jewish woman is welcome to join the organization. The Millstone Campus mikvah is open by appointment every evening except Shabbat and Jewish holiday evenings. A satellite mikvah, open only for use on Shabbat and Jewish holiday evenings, is located at Young Israel, 8101 Delmar Boulevard. For appointments, call 314-569-2770, ext. 114. vvv

Youth B’nai B’rith Youth Organization

SECTION INDEX

16801 Baxter Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63005 314-432-5700 • fax: 314-442-3404 email: emorris@bbyo.org website: www.b-linked.org Erica Morris – BBYO Program Director The B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) provides programming for 9th-12th graders. The leading worldwide pluralistic Jewish youth organization, BBYO is shaping the lives of thousands of teens each day by providing them with leadership opportunities and by fostering friendships and meaningful Jewish experiences. In BBYO, teens engage in activities that promote growth and development through youth led programming, community service, and a chance to interact with participants around the world. Check out BBYO’s St. Louis Council, where you will have the chance to make new friends, discover new interests and talents and have fun. The cost is $149 and membership lasts until the teen graduates from high school. Most chapters meet year-round at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays at the JCC Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield (one male chapter meets at the JCC Staenberg Family Complex Mondays at 7 p.m). BBYO Connect gives 6th through 8th grade teens opportunities to enjoy fulfilling Jewish experiences that build character as they build bonds of friendship. Through social events, athletic competitions, and community service opportunities, teens can explore new ways to apply Jewish principles to contemporary life while having fun and meeting new people. Get a taste of all the great activities that await you as a high school student in BBYO. Sessions take place during the school year and locations vary. Membership is free but specific program fees may vary.

B’nai B’rith Youth Organization.....................83

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Jewish Student Union 8251Maryland Avenue, Suite 15 Clayton, Mo. 63105 314-498-6279 email: RovinskyM@dojsu.org website: www.dojsu.org Rabbi Michael Rovinsky — JSU Director Jewish Student Union’s mission is to connect Jewish public high school students to something Jewish. JSU facilitates weekly club meetings in public and non-Jewish high schools, meeting after school or during lunch, providing food for the body and soul. Programs include speakers from a variety of Jewish organizations, discussions on timely topics of interest to the participants and interactive activities. In addition to the weekly school club meetings, JSU sponsors activities outside of school and school hours including Friday night gatherings (Oneg Shabbat), the annual President’s Day New York/Florida Trip and The Jerusalem Journey, a monthlong trip to Israel for as low as $999.

Jewish Student Union...................................83 Kol Rinah United Synagogue Youth..............83 National Conference of Synagogue Youth....83 NFTY-Missouri Valley Region.........................84 United Synagogue Youth-B’nai Amoona......84

Each club is governed by elected officers who meet to discuss program topics, outside activities and calendars. High school clubs meet at Clayton, Crossroads, Ladue, Lafayette, Marquette, MICDS, Mirowitz Community Day School, Parkway North, Parkway Central, Parkway West, Pattonville, Whitfield. JSU also has the JSU Senator John Danforth Israel Scholars Program, a 12-week intensive Israel education program. JSU serves students in grades 9-12. JSU (Jewish Student Union) is a not-forprofit organization and is funded in part by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, LubinGreen Foundation, Staenberg Family Foundation, Kranzberg Foundation, Silk foundation and community donors. To establish a club in a school near you, please contact the JSU office. vvv

Kol Rinah United Synagogue Youth (KRSTL) 829 North Hanley Road University City, Mo. 63130 Tasha Kaminsky, Youth Director 314-727-1747 ext. 22 • fax: 314-727-0080 email: tasha@kolrinahstl.org website: www.kolrinahstl.org Kol Rinah offers three Youth Groups: Noar (grades 3-5), Kadima (grades 6-8) and USY (grades 9-12). KRSTL Youth prides itself on policies of inclusion and creative programming. We warmly welcome you to join us for local and regional events planned by our elected USY board. USY meets on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9 p.m. and participates in a variety of community service and recreational activities. vvv

National Conference of Synagogue Youth 8001 Gannon Avenue St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-498-NCSY (6279) website: www.stlncsy.com Rabbi Michael Rovinsky — Area Director NCSY’s mission is to inspire Jewish youth to realize their potential and become active members in the Jewish community through a variety of social and educational experiences including several leadership retreats. Opportunities exist for interested older teens OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

to mentor elementary school-age NCSYers. NCSY, in cooperation with YACHAD, also helps facilitate social programs and retreats for children with various developmental challenges. Summer programs include a variety of Israel experiences, study programs, tours of the USA and Europe and camps. St. Louis NCSY programs reach over 200 teens from all affiliations of Judaism. Junior NCSY is for grades 5-8; senior NCSY is for grades 9-12. vvv

NFTY-Missouri Valley Region P.O. Box 461321 Glendale, Colo. 80246 212-452-6551 email: nftymv@urj.org website: www.nfty.org/mv Beth Lipschutz – Regional Director of Youth Engagement The North American Federation of Temple Youth is an organization for Jewish high school students. The Missouri Valley Region provides programming for members from Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, southern Illinois, and Wyoming and is sponsored by the Union for Reform Judaism. NFTY-Missouri Valley hosts six regional events plus a Mitzvah Corps program, Camp Rainbow, at which members serve as counselors for children with cancer or other blood related disorders. NFTY also offers summer Israel programs, Mitzvah Corps opportunities all over the world, leadership development at the Kutz Campus for Reform Jewish Teen Life, and a biennial convention that draws more than 1,000 Jewish high school students from across North America. vvv

United Synagogue Youth-B’nai Amoona 324 S. Mason Road St. Louis, Mo. 63141-8029 314-576-9990 ext. 108 • fax: 314-5769994 email: andy@bnaiamoona.com website: www.bnaiamoona.com Andy Schwebel, Youth Director United Synagogue Youth and Kadima are international organizations sponsored by United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Local chapters in the EMTZA region are supported by congregations B’nai Amoona and Kol Rinah (see separate listing above under Kol Rinah United Synagogue Youth) USY activities are designed for students in grades th 9-12. Kadima is a program for 6-8 graders. At local, regional and international events, USY members learn to build community through social action, tzedakah and education, all in a social atmosphere. B’nai Amoona offers three Youth Groups: Atid Amoona (grades 3-5), Kadima (grades 6-8) and USY (grades 9-12). USY meets every Wednesday night from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Programs are planned by the elected USY Board. We invite you to come to a program and see why we were awarded EMTZA Region’s “USY Chapter of the Year.” 84

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Arts/Culture vvv

Gesher Music Festival 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3283 website: geshermusicfestival.org Kathleen Sitzer — Producer The Gesher Music Festival, a project of the New Jewish Theatre is a one-week chamber music festival held in June, which makes connections between classical chamber music and the Jewish experience. In addition, the musicians provide numerous outreach programs in the community, making connections with those unable to attend the concerts. Tickets are available by phone or online. vvv

New Jewish Theatre Marvin & Harlene Wool Studio Theatre 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3283 website: www.newjewishtheatre.org Kathleen Sitzer — Artistic Director Providing award-winning professional theater in an intimate setting, the New Jewish Theatre (NJT) produces a season of five productions usually between September and May. Selections are provocative and challenging, examining universal issues reflected through the lens of the Jewish experience. Season subscriptions and individual tickets are available. Visit our website to purchase tickets online. Or purchase by phone at 314442-3283. NJT is a program of the Jewish Community Center. Sheri Sherman is Board Chair. vvv

St. Louis Jewish Book Festival JCC Staenberg Family Complex 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3152 (festival hotline: 314-4423299) email: sberzon@jccstl.org website: www.stljewishbookfestival.org Scott Berzon — Festival Director Now in its 36th year, the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival is one of the largest in the Unites States. The festival highlights literary, media, business, sports, and entertainment luminaries for audiences of more than 10,000

SECTION INDEX Gesher Music Festival...................................84 New Jewish Theatre.....................................84 St. Louis Jewish Book Festival......................84 St. Louis Jewish Film Festival........................84

during “National Jewish Book Month” each November. Bookend events lead up to and follow the two-week-long festival when authors of any religion take the stage, answer questions from audience members, and sign copies of their newest books. Festival events are coordinated through the Jewish Community Center’s Cultural Arts Department, with the help of a committee of community volunteers. The festival is cosponsored by more than 60 community organizations, and supported by corporate and individual sponsors throughout the bi-state region. Monies raised from the festival and year-round literary events go to JCC scholarships and cultural arts programming for all ages. Judi Scissors and Judy Schwartz Jaffe are the November 2014 Festival Co-Chairs. vvv

St. Louis Jewish Film Festival 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3169 email: zsparks@jccstl.org website: www.stljewishfilmfestival.org Zelda Sparks — Festival Director The JCC’s St. Louis Jewish Film Festival showcases national and international cinema that explores universal issues through traditional Jewish values, opposing viewpoints and new perspectives. The festival occurs each June and presents a wide variety of films produced all over the world — features, documentaries, dramas and shorts. Yearround programs include the Jewish Family Film Festival held in the winter, a Short Film Competition for students, amateur and professional filmmakers and the Jewish Film Society, where members enjoy screenings of films selected especially for their interest in issues which promote lively discussions. Jeffrey Korn and Marilyn Brown are Co-Chairs. vvv

View the Jewish community directory online at stljewishlight.com/guide

RESOURCES

continued from page 28

utes long. Complete healing can take up to three days. In most instances, for healthy babies, the bris is performed on the eighth day of life. • Rabbi Michael Rovinsky Phone: 314-727-BRIT (2748) or 1-80085MOHEL Website: brismilah.org • Rabbi Moshe Shulman Phone: 314-725-6130 Email: mohel@milah.net Website: www.milah.net

Get A Jewish divorce is known as a get. The get process, which takes about an hour, involves a qualified rabbi and a document written by a scribe and signed by two witnesses. The get parchment is then cut by the supervising rabbi. Gets in St. Louis • The Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis can help to facilitate this process. Call 314-569-2770 for more information.

Community chaplaincy

burial and the tearing of the outer clothing of grieving relatives before burial. The deceased is often buried in a simple white shroud to symbolize equality before the Creator. Caskets are generally made of wood with no metal. Mourning takes place over a seven-day period known as shiva, which can include the use of a traditional candle, reminiscences of the deceased and the covering of mirrors. • Ahavas Chesed Society Locally, the Ahavas Chesed Society prepares the deceased for burial according to Jewish customs. Call 314-726-1021 for more information or see directory listing on page 30.

• Berger Memorial Chapel 9430 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis, Mo. 63132. Phone: 314-361-0622 Website: www.bergermemorialchapel. com • Rindskopf-Roth Funeral Chapel 5216 Delmar Boulevard, St Louis, Mo. 63108 Phone: 314-367-0438 Website: www.rindskopfroth.com.

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Jewish Family & Children’s Service provides chaplaincy services to persons living in out-of-home settings who are in need of spiritual support, a connection to the Jewish community, and/or assistance in addressing end of life issues. The program offers private individual visits, contact with family members, Shabbat and holiday celebrations, Jewish study groups and education on Jewish topics for facility staff. Assisted by a team of volunteers, chaplains Rabbi Margaux Buck-Yael and Rabbi Neal Rose, and para-chaplain Sharon Weisman provide spiritual care and comfort to those who might otherwise not find a Judaic presence in their lives. Individuals wishing a visit from the program may phone directly at 314-812-9382 during regular business hours to ask for services; however, the family or the facility itself can also make the request. The chaplain’s email is mbuck-yael@jfcs-stl.org.

Jewish funerals Traditionally, burials in the Jewish community take place within 24 hours of death unless Shabbat or a Jewish holiday intervenes. Aspects of a Jewish funeral and burial can include traditional washing or bathing of the deceased, watching over the body of the deceased to honor them until

Terry Bloomberg, Executive Director Susan Smith, Director of Operations

314-645-1211

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

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September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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September 2014

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Thanks for 1000+ Likes! facebook.com/stljewishlight

Services 89

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OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

Editorial Index 90

Index of Guide to Jewish Life directory listings Community Services30

United Cemetery Association..............52

JCC Early Childhood Center...............68

Adult Day Center at the J....................30

Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis.......................52

Jewish, Islamic and Near Eastern Lan-

Ahavas Chesed Society......................30

guages and Cultures at Wash. U.....68

JProStl................................................80 Legal Advocates for Abused Women.80 Midwest Jewish Congress..................80

American Jewish Committee..............30

Congregations 56

Jewish Parents as Teachers................70

Military Museum/Wall of Honor

Anti-Defamation League, Mo./S. Ill.....30

Agudas Israel of St. Louis...................56

Maryville University Jewish Student

Memorial Centre..............................81

Association for Advancement of Brit Milah................................................30

Bais Abraham Congregation...............56

Union...............................................70 Esther Miller Bais Yaakov....................70

Congregation Bais Menachem -

Association of Reform Rabbis.............32

Chabad...........................................56

Barnes-Jewish Hospital......................32

Beit Shira............................................56

Bikur Cholim Visitors Network.............32

Congregation B’nai Amoona...............58

Saul Brodsky Jewish Community

Central Reform Congregation.............58

Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School.............................................70 Missouri Torah Institute-Mesivta D’Missouri.......................................71

Millstone Institute for Jewish Leadership.......................................81 Miriam: The Learning Disability Experts............................................81 Moishe House St. Louis......................81 NA’AMAT USA....................................81

Kol Rinah............................................58

St. Louis Hillel at Washington

Next Dor STL......................................81

Chevra Kadisha Ohave Sholom

Neve Shalom......................................59

University.........................................71

Nishmah: The St. Louis Jewish

Association......................................34

Nusach Hari B’nai Zion.......................59

St. Louis Kollel....................................72

Women’s Project.............................81

Community Chaplaincy Program........34

Congregation Shaare Emeth...............60

Spirit of Sinai.......................................72

Project Backpack................................82

Community Rabbinic Service

Shir Hadash Reconstructionist

Library.............................................32

Com-

Torah MiTzion Kollel............................72

Reform Singles Together.....................82

at Barnes-Jewish Hospital...............34

munity..............................................60

Torah Prep School..............................73

The Shalvah Program: Outreach

ElderLink St. Louis..............................34

Temple Emanuel.................................60

Yeshivat Kadimah High School...........73

Holocaust Museum and Learning

Congregation Temple Israel.................61 Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha.............61

Organizations 74

Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food

Traditional Congregation.....................62

American Friends of Magen David

Pantry..............................................34

U.City Shul — Beth Hamedrosh Hago-

Center.............................................34

on Addictions....................................82 Sharsheret Supports...........................82 Shaving Israel......................................82

Adom..............................................74 American Israel Public Affairs Commit-

Sparks Services..................................82 St. Louis Holocaust Survivors and Descendants.......................................83

Jewish Attention to Mental Illness.......36

dol Sha’arei Chesed Shul................62

Jewish Community Center..................36

United Hebrew Congregation.............62

tee...................................................74

JCC Helene Mirowitz Center of Jewish

Young Israel of St. Louis.....................64

American Legion Post 96....................74

Women’s Auxiliary St. Louis Mikvah

American Technion Society.................75

Association......................................83

Community Life...............................36

St. Louis Israeli Folk Dancing..............83

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Auxiliary........75

Jewish Family & Children’s Service.....38

Senior Services/Housing 54

B’nai B’rith St. Louis...........................75

Youth 83

JF&CS-Jewish Connections Program.38

Adult Day Center at the JCC..............54

Citizens for a Just and Lasting Peace.76

B’nai B’rith Youth Organization...........83

Jewish Federation of St. Louis............38

Community Chaplaincy Program........54

Crime Victim Advocacy Center...........76

Jewish Student Union.........................83

Jewish Prison Outreach......................42

Covenant Place...................................54

Cultural Leadership.............................76

Kol Rinah United Synagogue Youth....83

MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries....42

Crown Center for Senior Living...........54

Federation of Reform Temples ...........77

National Conference of Synagogue

National Council of Jewish Women-

ElderLink St. Louis..............................54

Gay and Lesbian Chavurah at CRC....77

Youth...............................................83

St. Louis Section.............................42

Kosher Home Delivery Meal Program at

St. Louis Chapter Hadassah...............77

NFTY-Missouri Valley Region...............84

New Mt. Sinai Cemetery Association..44

Crown Center for Senior Living........54

Israeli House at B’nai Amoona............77

United Synagogue Youth-B’nai

Rabbinical Assembly of St. Louis........44

Pathways Hospice and Palliative Care..54

J Associates ......................................78

Amoona...........................................84

Jewish Community Relations Council.38

Jewish Councils..................................78

St. Louis Circle of Jewish Music.........44 St. Louis Hillel at Washington University.........................................44 St. Louis Jewish Light.........................44

Aish HaTorah......................................65

Jewish National Fund (JNF)................78

Arts/Cultural Organizations 83

Block Yeshiva High School.................65

Jewish Special Interest Group of St.

Gesher Music Festival.........................84

Education 65

Jewish Educator’s Councils................78

Chabad of Greater St. Louis...............65

Louis Genealogical Society..............79

St. Louis Rabbinical Council...............50

Chabad of Chesterfield.......................65

Jewish War Veterans of the USA........79

St. Louis Jewish Book Festival............84

Shalom Baby......................................50

Chabad of MU and Mid-Missouri........65

Jewish War Veterans-Grave Site Search

St. Louis Jewish Film Festival..............84

Chabad on Campus —

Program..........................................79

St. Louis Rabbinical Association.........44

Shalvah Program: Outreach on Addictions.......................................50

Rohr Center for Jewish Life...............66

Jewish Women International...............80

St. Louis Jewish Community Listserv.52

H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy...........66

Jews United for Justice.......................80

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September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

New Jewish Theatre...........................84

CONCEPTS

life

Emelynn Hasky

conceptslifeus.com info@conceptslifeus.com o/txt: 917- 464-3586 2717 N Ballas Rd. St. Louis MO 63131

The Same People and Traditions You Have Come to Expect. Berger Memorial has moved west because the St. Louis Jewish community has also. We’ll miss our Central West End chapel … but after 115 years it’s time we have a more convenient location for the families we serve. So we’ve brought our staff, services, and even many of our familiar fixtures to our very own Olivette location. While we’re sharing land with a sister Dignity Memorial facility, our new space has its own address, entrance and facilities. The only change you’ll notice is how easy we are to get to. Any questions? Our phone number is also staying the same, so call us at 314-361-0622 or visit us online at bergermemorialchapel.com.

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BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL 9430 Olive Boulevard | St. Louis, MO 63132 | 314-361-0622 www.bergermemorialchapel.com OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2014

When you want the very best care At McKnight Place we provide quality care you can trust and peace of mind you can depend on. We build close relationships with our Residents and their families to assure that their needs and wishes are fulfilled. Our beautiful, intimate environment is the perfect place for Residents to socialize with other Residents, friends and family. And we are conveniently located on The Gatesworth campus at Delmar and I-170. At McKnight Place we offer: - Great staff to Resident ratios delivered by specially trained, compassionate caregivers - A wide range of entertainment and activities that provide many opportunities for intellectual and social interaction - Art Therapy & Music Therapy in both group and private sessions - A fully equipped Therapy gym staffed by licensed therapists offering Physical, Occupational, Speech & Restorative Therapy - All-inclusive rates that are simple, predictable and worry-free Experience the difference for yourself! For Assisted Living please call 314-997-5333. For Skilled Nursing please call 314-993-2221.

We are committed to equal housing opportunity that does not discriminate in housing and services because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. 92

September 2014 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light