Oy! Magazine - Guide to Jewish Life by Mike Sherwin

1 w

INSIDE

Vibrant color, ‘edgy’ approach in synagogue’s new mosaic

Guide to Jewish Life 2015-2016 JEWISH COMMUNITY DIRECTORY A SUPPLEMENT TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

ALL GARMENTS BEAUTIFULLY CLEANED, HAND SPOTTED & MASTERFULLY PRESSED • We offer the finest hand finish decorator fold drapery service in the Midwest • Down filled garments require special care . . . We are down specialists. 7501 DELMAR

13960 MANCHESTER

314-862-1313

636-227-8299

8637 OLIVE ST. ROAD

15372 MANCHESTER

314-567-6680

636-227-9443

11041 OLIVE ST. ROAD

2038 McKELVEY

314-872-9393

314-878-4024

14878 CLAYTON ROAD

10655 ST. CHARLES ROCK RD

(AT HANLEY)

(AT MCKNIGHT)

(CREVE COEUR)

(AT BAXTER)

636-391-1275

(ELLISVILLE)

314-427-8661

Enjoy $5 off Thanks to our Jewish Light readers! expiration date 10/31/15

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Jewish Federation of St. Louis is here to support more than 90 organizations that provide diverse services and programming to our local and global communities. We preserve the solid foundation our agencies need to grow through financial assistance, human resources and investments in critical infrastructure to ensure our community continues to flourish for years to come.

learn more about building your community at buildjewishstl.org

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

PRODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY Tom Wombacher Myriam Mistrih Martin Holloway

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

Director of Operations Production Assistant Production Assistant

Address for payments: P.O. Box 78369 St. Louis, Mo. 63178-8369

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS David Baugher, Patricia Corrigan, Margaret Gillerman, Repps Hudson, Barry Gilbert, Cate Marquis, Margi Lenga Kahn, Susan Fadem, Laura K. Silver, Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh, Cathleen Kronemer, Burton Boxerman, Yale Hollander, Sarah Weinman, Jim Winnerman, Bill Motchan

General Correspondence: 6 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 3010 St. Louis, Mo. 63146

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kristi Foster, Lisa Mandel, Andrew Kerman, Philip Deitch

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Photo Photo Photocollage collage collage

EDITORIAL Ellen Futterman Editor Mike Sherwin Managing Editor Editorial Assistant Elise Krug Barry Gilbert Copy Editor

SALES Shane Blatt Kelly Morris Elaine Wernick

ADVISORY COMMITTEE Terry Bloomberg, Nanci Bobrow, Ph.D., Ava Ehrlich, Charles C. Eisenkramer, Richard Flom, Dodie Frey, Diane Gallant, John Greenberg, 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, Richard W. Stein, Barbara Langsam Shuman, Sanford Weiss, Jenny Wolkowitz, 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

BUSINESS Kelly Richter Rebecka Wyrde

Hollander, Anita Kraus, Jill Mogil, Ed Musen, Rori Picker Neiss , Avi Rosenzweig, Lauren Sagel, Jennifer Schmitz, Judi Scissors, David Singer, Toby Warticovschi, Richard Weiss

Business Director Admin. Assistant

Senior Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive

Founder Morris Pearlmutter (1913-1993)

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Welcoming. Welcoming. Welcoming. Compassionate. Compassionate. Compassionate. Thoughtful. Thoughtful. Thoughtful. Inspiring. Inspiring. Inspiring. COMMITTEE CHAIRS Editorial: Ben Lipman; Business: Jeff Golden; Fun! Fun! Fun! Development: Sheri Sherman and Vicki Singer

OFFICERS Jane Tzinberg Rubin, President; Steve Gallant, Vice President; Jeff Golden, Vice President/Business Chair; Peggy Kaplan, Vice President; Diana Iskiwitch, Treasurer; Laura K. Silver, Secretary; Gary Kodner, Immediate Past President

The St. Louis Jewish Light does not assume responsibility for the quality or kashrut of any product or service advertised in its pages, nor is the Jewish Light responsible for the content of its inserted supplements.

The St. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT (ISSN 0036-2964) is published weekly; except semi-weekly the third week in November, and the last week in December, for $45.00 per year by the St. Louis Jewish Light, Inc., a not-forprofit corporation, 6 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 3010, St. Louis, MO 63146. Periodical postage paid at St. Louis, MO. Copyright 2015. Postmaster: Send address changes to the St. Louis Jewish Light, 6 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 3010, St. Louis, MO 63146.

We We make make aaadifference difference for We make differencefor for SUBCOMMITTEE CHAIRS Teen Page: Peggy Kaplan, Caroline Goldenberg and Lauren Sagel thousands thousands of of St. Louisans thousands ofSt. St.Louisans Louisans TRUSTEES every year. year. every year. Andy Babitz, Dr.every Lew Chartock, Caroline Goldenberg, Yale 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.

Join ~ Compassionate. Volunteer ~ Donate Welcoming.

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 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 ofstrives Jewishfor 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 Learn more more moreat at ncjwstl.org. ncjwstl.org. ncjwstl.org. rights rights rightsand and andfreedoms. freedoms. freedoms.

We make aofdifference for thousands St. Louisans NCJW–St. NCJW–St. NCJW–St.Louis Louis LouisSection Section Section&&& &The The TheResale Resale ResaleShop Shop Shop||||295 295 295N. N. N.Lindbergh Lindbergh Lindbergh Blvd. Blvd.||||Creve Creve CreveCoeur, Coeur, Coeur,MO MO MO63141 63141 63141||||314-993-5181 314-993-5181 314-993-5181 Blvd. NCJW–St. Louis Section The Resale Shop 295 N. Lindbergh Blvd. Creve Coeur, MO 63141 314-993-5181 thousands of St. Louisans every year. ncjwstl.org ncjwstl.org&&& &TheResaleShop.org TheResaleShop.org TheResaleShop.org ncjwstl.org Photos courtesy Laura Levey Photography ncjwstl.org TheResaleShop.org Photoscourtesy courtesyofof ofLaura LauraLevey LeveyPhotography Photography every year. Photos 4

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Join ~ Volunteer ~ Donate Join ~more Volunteer ~ Donate Learn at ncjwstl.org.

Learn more at ncjwstl.org.

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) 993-0111 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 or national origin. OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

MORE INCOME FOR YOU. RISING STARS FOR ISRAEL.

Brain Gain: After researching at Harvard, Dr. Ofra Benny returned to Israel to join The Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Faculty of Medicine. Learn more about her research and the work of other talented young faculty at afhu.org/cga4

Dr. Ofra Benny is prepared to stop cancer in its tracks. An expert in drug-delivery systems, she developed Lodamin (from the Hebrew “no blood in”), a drug shown to inhibit skin, lung, brain, liver, breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers. But the work is far from over, which is why she has chosen to continue it at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. When you create a secure AFHU Hebrew University Gift Annuity, you not only ensure a high lifetime return, tax deductions and substantially tax-free annuity payments; you also help propel the groundbreaking work of brilliant young researchers like Dr. Benny. It’s a rate of return that assures you retirement income for life and keeps Israeli higher education on the rise.

AFHU Hebrew University Gift Annuity Returns Age

Rate

6.0%

6.5%

7.1%

8.0%

9.5%

11.3%

CALL OR EMAIL NOW.

The returns are generous. The cause is priceless. For information on AFHU Hebrew University Gift Annuities, please call AFHU Midwest Region Executive Director, Judith Shenkman at (312) 329-0332 or email: jshenkman@afhu.org. Rates are based on a single life. Cash contributions produce annuity payments that are substantially tax-free.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem RESEARCH ENGINE FOR THE WORLD. ENGINE OF GROWTH FOR A NATION.

20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2020 Chicago, IL 60606 (877) 642-AFHU (2348) afhu.org/CGA4

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

eruv map 7

from the editor

ublishing this year’s Oy! the vast richness of Jewish life here Magazine-Guide to Jewish and the remarkable people and places Life is somewhat bittersweet that make our community unique. As to these, writer Bill because helping to compile Motchan takes readers on its listings was among the an architectural tour of forlast tasks that fell to our mer St. Louis synagogues friend and former colnow being used for other league, Cheryl Gouger. purposes while food writer Cheryl died Saturday, Margi Lenga Kahn introSept. 5, in her apartment duces us to several transin Clayton. She was 68 and formative culinary prohad suffered with severe Ellen grams at Crown Center. asthma and other ailments Futterman Susan Fadem profiles a local that left her in declining Jewish singing group that has been health the past couple of years. Contacting roughly 150 St. Louis together for 42 years and Margaret Jewish organizations and institutions Gillerman tells the process of imagining and creating the magis incredibly time-consumnificent circular mosaic ing, let alone indexing all of floor that is pictured on our their information into easycover and now graces the to-use listings. But under the foyer at Central Reform tutelage of managing editor Congregation. Mike Sherwin, Cheryl dug This year we are dedicatin with gusto because she ing OY! Magazine-Guide to felt it was vital that the local Jewish Life to the memory community have a compreCheryl of Cheryl Gouger. Thank hensive guide to St. Louis Gouger you for all your hard work, Jewish life that could easily be accessed in one convenient place. Cheryl. All of us at the Light hold you Should we have accidentally left any close to our heart. listing out, or if for some reason you’re not finding what you need, do not hesitate to contact me at efutterman@thejewishlight.com or by calling 314-743-3669. In addition to the numerous listings, — Ellen Futterman, Editor Guide features stories that underscore

contents MAPS

8 Jewish Community Map

34 Eruv Maps

DEPARTMENTS & FEATURES

10 FOOD

• Crown Center expands its culinary scope, offering a new café, cooking classes and gardening opportunities.

16 PROFILE • A look at Shir Ami, a

local Jewish music group now in its fourth decade of performing.

22 CHERISHED JUDAICA • Indian-

Jewish artist creates a vibrant — and meaningful — mosaic for CRC.

26 FEATURE • A look at how several former synagogue buildings have been repurposed.

JEWISH COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

33 Jewish Traditions &

Life Cycle Resources

36 Community Services 42 Cemeteries

48 Congregations 50 Judaica Shops 54 Education

56 Early Childhood Education

58 Summer Camps ON THE COVER Artist Siona Benjamin created a 15-foot mosaic recently installed at Central Reform Congregation. Read more about the meaning behind her work on page 22. Photo: Kristi Foster

62 Organizations

65 Jewish Holiday Dates, 2014-2017 68 Kosher Dining

76 Senior Services/Housing 78 Youth

79 Arts/Cultural Organizations

90 Alphabetical Directory Index OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

CommunityM

CommunityMap-2pg_JLIteMap-2pg spr-v5.0 8/9/12 4:52 PM Page 1

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 2015 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

CommunityMap-2pg_JLIteMap-2pg spr-v5.0 8/9/12 4:52 PM Page 2

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 2015

Passionate Palate

Food for Thought Crown Center Programs Nourish Both Body and Soul “To one for whom bread is suitable, give bread; to the one who needs dough, give dough; to one for whom money is required, give money; to one for whom it is fitting to put the food in that one’s mouth, put it in.” – Sifre on Parshat Re’eh

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

By Margi Lenga Kahn

Special to the Jewish Light

s many of us know, the Gladys and Henry Crown Center provides subsidized senior housing in University City. Crown Center also runs a Social Nutrition Program, a significant undertaking that provides delicious kosher meals to qualifying senior citizens. But, as I discovered, it does so much more. Recognizing the critical role of food to not only fuel the body but also nurture the soul, Crown Center has developed three exciting and innovative programs to enhance the lives of all senior citizens in our community. These transformative programs are: Circle@Crown Café, the Culinary Education Program, and Happy Planters. All take place at Crown Center, are open to residents and non-residents, and are free of charge. And the best part: Anyone of any age can participate.

Circle@Crown Café Circle@Crown Café is an on-site café that functions much like a restaurant. The Café, which opened just after Passover this year, was created with expert input from professionals such as Doron Berber of Panera; Barbara Schwartz, founder of Gourmet to Go, and Howard Lerner, founder of Kaldi’s coffee. The food is kosher, dairy and very affordable. Open 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, the Café offers a seasonal menu of breakfast and lunch specialties that can be enjoyed in the open dining room, outdoors on a lovely furnished patio, or packaged for takeout. Jean Millner, a culinary educator and

cook par excellence, is the café manager. Randi Schenberg, community relations associate at Crown, said that on a typical day the Café is busy with residents and non-residents of every age. “It’s a great place to enjoy a kosher meal,” she said. “And if folks are at Crown for a program, many will come in afterwards to enjoy a cup of coffee, cappuccino, or latte from our coffee bar.” She also told me that some residents use the café like a small market, stocking up on food for the weekend when the café is closed and the meal program doesn’t operate. Nikki Goldstein, director of Crown Center, invited me to sample a few items from the

ABOVE: In June Barbara Schwartz (second from right) leads a cooking demonstration at the Crown Center Culinary Studio, sharing her talent and recipes for making gazpacho and rugelach. Schwartz is a Crown Center Board Member and founder of Gourmet to Go. At right is Crown Center Executive Assistant Theresa Dattilo. Photo: Sarah Carmody

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

A New Beginning ... When a partner or loved one needs a greater level of care, there are many questions and concerns. The Cedars of Town and Country can help simplify the process.

The

CEDARS of Town & Country

Living in a Prestigious West County Setting • Rabbi on Staff • Kosher & Non-Kosher Dining • Assisted Living • 24-Hour Nursing Assistance • Physical, Occupational, Speech and Respite Care • On-Site Dialysis • Private Dining Room • Gall Synagogue • Housekeeping • Private Pay/Medicare • Most Insurance Accepted

Quality of life is what we strive for. Come visit our facility and take a tour today.

Call 314-434-3330 today! 13190 South Outer 40 Road, in Town & Country Visit us online at www.thecedarsoftownandcountry.com

Serving the needs of the Jewish Community since 1907 12

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

menu. We shared cheese blintzes with a side of cantaloupe, a Mediterranean panini with a side of crisp veggie sticks, tuna salad accompanied by herb-seasoned bruschetta, and French toast with a fruit garnish. Everything was tasty and satisfying. The Café serves bread baked by Great Harvest Bread Company and brews coffee from Kaldi’s. Attractive melamine dishes and silverware give the Café a genuine restaurant feel. And like many cafés, this one has a tip jar. However, all the money collected in this tip jar is considered tzedakah and is used to help residents in need. The Café is operated by a combination of paid staff and volunteers. A representative of the Vaad Hoeir supervises the kashrut and, as Nikki Goldstein told me, has been very supportive of this initiative from the outset.

Culinary Education Program The Culinary Education Program is another addition to Crown Center. A new state-of-the-art classroom kitchen

Above, Café@Crown Center manager Jean Millner assists a customer. At right, scenes from the café. Photo: Kristi Foster provides a comfortable and professional setting for participants to watch food demonstrations and participate in hands-on classes. Past classes have included: Dumplings and Games; Pierogi Making; Summer Rolls & Smoothies; and Israeli Cuisine. Instructors have included local restaurant chefs, nutritionists from Operation Food Search, representatives from Gateway Greening, and Crown Center staff. There are classes with holiday themes, such as Chinese New Year. In September, executive chef Jack MacMurray III of Joe Buck’s restaurant will lead a class on beekeeping, cooking with honey, and baking honey cake. (There is a $7 fee for this class and space is limited.) “Participants are enthusiastic about being able to interact with guest chefs, share their own recipes, and learn new and exciting ways to cook,” Schenberg OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

said. “The experience keeps everyone interested in cooking and eating.”

The Happy Planters The Happy Planters program is a collaboration with Gateway Greening, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to empower people to garden. It sends a representative to Crown Center once a week to provide instruction and support on every aspect of gardening, from seeding to dividing to watering to harvesting. It also gives cooking demonstrations on ways to use the produce that is harvested. For example, a recent class explored ways to cook with eggplant, and another class instructed on preparation of Asian stir-fries. The Happy Planters program runs year-round. During the winter months, participants plant seeds in seed starter pots in the fully functioning greenhouse, which was built last year. Once the weather warms, participants transfer the plants to four rectangular aboveground beds or into their own pots, which surround the lovely patio and gazebo behind the Center. I had the pleasure of meeting with one of the Happy Planters, Beverly Rehfeld, who moved to Crown Center just months ago. “I’m not an experienced gardener,” she said with a smile. “In fact, my only memory of gardening was during World War II, when my family planted a Victory Garden in our front yard. I remember my mother harvesting the vegetables and preserving them in jars.” She laughed. “But I can’t remember the first thing about how she did it.” Rehfeld, who happens to be the mother of Jewish Federation President and CEO Andrew Rehfeld, believes the Happy Planters program is a great example of how the Crown Center encourages seniors to find enjoyment in their lives. “Learning to garden is exciting and stimulating,” she told me. “I have learned to facilitate the planting process, from preparing the earth to taking care of a garden.” “And it’s not just recreating memo14

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Jean Millner shared her recipes for two popular items at Café@Crown Center. Chilled Tomato-Cucumber Gazpacho

Summer Berry Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS

Salad:

1 medium onion, peeled and quartered 1 sweet bell pepper (red, orange or yellow) 1 cucumber, seeded 3 cloves garlic, peeled 1 rib celery 28 oz. can whole peeled tomatoes, drained 1 Tablespoon kosher salt 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar 46 oz. tomato juice 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons Tabasco Zest of one lime Juice of 1/2 lime Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

To food processor, add onion, garlic, celery, bell pepper, and cucumber. Pulse until well combined, but still chunky; transfer to large bowl. Add tomatoes, salt, and sugar to food processor. Pulse until well combined, but still chunky; transfer to same large bowl. Stir in tomato juice, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, zest and lime juice. Adjust seasonings and chill well before serving. Yields 12 (6 oz.) servings.

ries,” she emphasized. “It’s getting involved and learning to do things for yourself. I have also enjoyed meeting the diverse group of people who participate. There are a number of Asian women and men, and people from Jamaica and Egypt. And even though we may not always speak the same language, we enjoy working together in the garden.” One of Rehfeld’s new friends, an Asian woman who doesn’t speak

4 ounces of romaine lettuce 1/4 cup toasted pecans 1/4 cup quartered fresh strawberries 1/4 cup fresh blueberries 1 ounce citrus vinaigrette dressing (recipe follows) DIRECTIONS

Divide lettuce between two plates. In a small bowl, combine nuts and fruit; stir to combine and divide between salads. Top with dressing and serve immediately. Yields 2 salads.

Dressing: INGREDIENTS

1 shallot, peeled and halved 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest 3 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice 1/4 cup white vinegar 2 Tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice Fresh ground pepper and Kosher salt to taste 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil DIRECTIONS

Place shallot in food process (or blender). Process until as small as possible. Add zest, juices, vinegar, salt and pepper; blend well. With processor (or blender) running, slowing drizzle in the oil until well emulsified. Adjust seasonings and chill well before using. Yields 1 cup (about 16 servings).

English, was watering one of the gardens nearby. Rehfeld walked over to speak with her. The two of them shared a laugh over something said. I asked if I could snap a picture of them. They turned to each other and smiled, and then they each fixed their hair, put their arms around each other, and smiled for the camera. “We find ways to communicate,”

See CROWN CENTER, page 83

MATILDA The MusIcAL October 21 - November 1, 2015 MAMMA MIA! November 6-8, 2015 IrvINg BerLIN’s WhITe chrIsTMAs November 17-22, 2015 cIrQue DreAMs hOLIDAZe December 4-6, 2015 WIcKeD December 9, 2015 - January 3, 2016 Disney’s NeWsIes January 19-31, 2016 rIverDANce 20th Anniversary February 12-14, 2016 PRESENTED BY BeAuTIFuL-The carole King Musical February 23 - March 6, 2016 Disney’s BeAuTY AND The BeAsT March 11-13, 2016 IF/TheN March 15-27, 2016 The BrIDges OF MADIsON cOuNTY April 5-17, 2016 The sOuND OF MusIc April 26 - May 8, 2016 JerseY BOYs May 18-22, 2016

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 2015

Shir Ami singers enjoy a lifetime of song By Susan Fadem • Special to the Jewish Light

f all the things we try or join, it’s often staggering, given the passage of time, to see which diversions morph into life-changing commitments. For five women and a lone male, all Jewish, one hallmark in their pantheons of passion remains a Jewish singing group, now 42 years old. So uncontainable is the members’ joy that once, during a car trip to a performance in Indiana, some of the women painted “Honk if you love Yiddish music” on the car window. Honkin’ passersby weren’t the only ones convulsed by giggles.

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Shir Ami is at the center of such merriment and often goose-pimple-raising harmonies. The group’s Hebrew name means “song of my people.” Of the hundreds of tunes in its repertoire, Shir Ami performs many in Hebrew, Yiddish and Ladino. Appropriately, Shir Ami’s signature song, “Adon Olam,” has been part of Judaism’s Sabbath liturgy since the 15th century. The group’s founder, Carol KaplanLyss, 73, explains: “Jewish music is a connection to my ancestors and to Jewish communities around the world.”

Kaplan-Lyss, a retired parenting educator, is the composer or co-composer of nine books of children’s operas and musicals including “Stone Soup: A ‘Rock’ Opera,” and six children’s storybooks. While a student at Washington University in the early 1960s, she was hired as music director of the campus Hillel House by Rabbi Robert P. Jacobs. She started a Hillel folk choir that was a forerunner to Shir Ami and, with $300 allocated by Jacobs, she amassed a Hillel library of Jewish albums to inspire the choir’s offerings. After graduating in 1963, and like so

Shir Ami remembers Theodore Bikel

many women of that era, KaplanLyss immersed herself in teaching, marriage and child rearing. About 10 years after college, Hillel choir alum Peggy Rothman mentioned how much she’d enjoy resuming group singing. Kaplan-Lyss spread the word. Of the eight women who subsequently assembled, three still belong to Shir Ami. Of the other charter members, Marcia Tischler and Roberta Fishman have passed away; Ilene Baer, Enid Schlegel, Linda Salvay and Paula Suroff relocated; Rothman subsequently joined Kolot Jewish Women’s Choir; and bass player Wendy Hyman spent more time in a new career. At the beginning, few could have predicted Shir Ami’s staying power. Or that against a backdrop of marriages and divorces, remarriages, illness and widowhood, the group would function as an anchor, a dependable constant, with weekly noshes/rehearsals from 8:30 to 11 p.m. at Kaplan-Lyss’ home. Today’s members consider themselves friends who feel like family. Born with rare perfect pitch, Kaplan-Lyss continues to compose Shir Ami harmonies, which are

OPPOSITE PAGE: Shir Ami members (from left) Jan Fishman, Judy Medoff, Elaine Unell, Amy Gage, Carol Kaplan-Lyss and Michael Lyss. ABOVE: Playbills, photos and mementos belonging to the Jewish music group, which has been around, with a few lineup changes, for 42 years. Photos: Kristi Foster then embellished by the group. Kaplan-Lyss also plays guitar and accordion, the latter left to her by former member Roberta Fishman. In addition to Kaplan-Lyss, current group members are: • Jan Fishman (vocals, guitar; no relation to Roberta Fishman), 70, and a Shir Ami member for 20 years. She founded Kindermusik Academy of St. Louis, which merged two years ago with Community Music School of Webster University. A note taker, Fishman can resolve, at least theoretically, such ongoing squabbles as, “When we last choreographed this song, did we start with arms up and then down? Or down, then up?” • Amy Gage (vocals, tambourine), 51, the “baby” of the group. She had taken a number of Kaplan-Lyss’

As a teenager, Carol Kaplan-Lyss received Theodore Bikel’s first album, “An Actor’s Holiday,” from a boyfriend. She cherished the music. As president of the Hillel House at Washington University, she was given a paid trip to New York for a leadership camp. Since Bikel was then headlining with Mary Martin in the original “Sound of Music” on Broadway, Kaplan-Lyss wrote to ask if she might meet him after a show. He agreed. And so was born a friendship with Bikel that would deeply touch the Shir Ami singing group. When Bikel starred at the Muny Opera in 1987 as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof,” a role he would reprise on stage and screen some 2,000-plus times, Shir Ami was invited to sing beforehand and also afterward at an American Jewish Congress reception. “He liked us,” Kaplan-Lyss notes. “He said, ‘You know all my music. Can I play with you?’” Like the Pips, the back-up singers for Gladys Knight, the group accompanied him ‘til nearly midnight “Then he looks up and says: Kinderlach (Yiddish for “children”), don’t you have homes to go to?” Shir Ami singer Elaine Unell recalls. At which point Kaplan-Lyss piped up: “Would you like a brisket sandwich?” Who could refuse? So Bikel and the group returned to her Olivette home for food, more stories, songs and photos. “We were there till 4 in the morning,” Unell says. Over the years, whether Bikel was being honored here or performing, the Shir Ami group would meet him for lunch, dinner or just to talk. During his last appearance here, as keynote speaker talking about his book, “Theo: An Autobiography,” at the 2014 St. Louis Jewish Book Festival, Bikel asked to visit with Shir Ami. Though more frail than group members had ever seen him, he reinvigorated at the end of his speech that evening, especially when he sang. Later, he phoned Lyss-Kaplan, requesting that she invite the others and all meet him at Brio restaurant. Of course, they did. Eight months later, Bikel passed away at age 91. — Susan Fadem

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

Above, a Jewish Light file photo shows the 1984 lineup of Shir Ami, which included (from left, seated) Judy Medoff, Paula Suroff and Ilene Baer; (standing, from left) Wendy Hyman, Elaine Gold, Peggy Rothman, Carol Kaplan-Lyss, Michael Lyss and Roberta Fishman. Below, Jan Fishman and Judy Medoff perform at the Missouri Botanical Garden in 2011 during its annual Hanukkah celebration. File photo: Mike Sherwin parenting classes and, “because anything that Carol does is so much fun,” joined Shir Ami six years ago. An author of children’s books, Gage collaborated with Kaplan-Lyss on “Cows in the Kitchen,” a musical for young children. • Michael Lyss (mandolin, drum), 62. An architect, he’s likewise part of 40-year-old HaShemesh, an instrumental group whose Hebrew name means “the sun.” Married for 17 years to Kaplan-Lyss, he started attending – “with no ulterior motive other than the joy of playing Jewish music – Shir Ami rehearsals in 1979. His initial friendship with KaplanLyss was based on their love of music, hootenannies and folk songs. Years ago, in somebody’s barebones basement studio, Shir Ami made an

See SHIR AMI, page 82

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Your child deserves only the best in pediatric orthopedic and sports medicine care.

Pediatric Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists: (top row, from left) Jeffrey Nepple, MD; Mark Halstead, MD; Charles Goldfarb, MD; (bottom row, from left) Lindley Wall-Stivers, MD; Heidi Prather, DO; Devyani Hunt, MD For a complete listing of our pediatric orthopedic and sports medicine specialists, please visit: ortho.wustl.edu.

Washington University Orthopedics is now available at the new St. Louis Children’s Specialty Care Center Treating all types of pediatric and adolescent orthopedic conditions, including:

• General pediatric orthopedics: fractures, injuries and conditions of the back, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, foot and ankle

• Young Athlete Center: specializing in sports medicine for young athletes and performing artists of all abilities, offering both nonsurgical and surgical treatment methods

• Sports concussions

• Adolescent and young adult hip disorders

Learn more: 314-514-3500 ortho.wustl.edu/specialtycare OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

We NEED YOU in

2016

GATEWAY TO THE GAMES! July 31 - August 5, 2016 Host | Donate Compete | Volunteer QUESTIONS Call Fanchon Auman, 314-442-3420, fauman@jccstl.org 2016 ST. LOUIS JCC MACCABI GAMES CO-CHAIRS

Laurie Chod and Erin Schneider

2016 ST. LOUIS DELEGATION CO-CHAIRS

Helene & Phil Frischer and Stacy & Greg Siwak

Lisa & Jimmy Deutsch and Wendy & Mark Gellman

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss it! MACCABISTLOUIS.ORG 20

VOLUNTEERS CO-CHAIR

Jennifer & Jonathan Deutsch, Donelle & Dave Roberts, Marc Wallis, Bud Wittels

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

PLATINUM SPONSORS Marilyn & Sam Fox Dianne O'Connell & Thom Kuhn Carol & Michael Staenberg Jewish Federation of St. Louis Lubin-Green Foundation

HOUSING CO-CHAIRS

GOLD SPONSORS Marie & Stuart Block Siwak Family Golden Management Sterling Bank

VENUE SPONSORS Maryville University Westwood Country Club

SPONSORS LISTED AS OF 9/1/15

SILVER SPONSORS Jennifer & Jonathan Deutsch Cyndi & Keith Guller Debbie & Mike Lefton Colleen & Bob Millstone Lisa & Mike Roberts Art & Lisa Weiss HWP Rigging Johnny G. Foundation Ricoh St. Louis Jewish Light USA Mortgage Weber Construction

#MACCABISTL

Joseph A.Joseph Muccini MD MD A. Muccini

Heather Susie Deters,Lynch, LE LE CMA

Board Certified Dermatologist Board Certified Dermatologist Member of AAD, ASDS, AMA Member of AAD, ASDS, AMA

Esthetician

A. A. Muccini Muccini MD MD

tified Dermatologist tified Dermatologist Muccini MD of AAD, ASDS, AMA of AAD, ASDS, AMA

Dermatologist A.D, Muccini ASDS, AMAMD

fied Dermatologist f AAD, ASDS, AMA

Cosmetic Services Call Today and Schedule a Consultation (314) 878-0600 Cosmetic Services

Cosmetic Services

Cosmetic Services Other Cosmetic Services Include: Call and Schedule aa Consultation Call Today Today and Schedule Consultation • Precision Tx Neck Tightening/Laser Contouring (314) 878-0600 (314) 878-0600 RF Skin Firming • Pellevé Cosmetic Services

Aesthetician

Susie Susie Lynch, Lynch, LE LE

Aesthetician Aesthetician Susie Lynch

Aesthet

Susie Lynch, L

Aestheticia

Tightening • SkinPen Call Today andII Skin Schedule a Consultation • Facials, Peels (314) 878-0600 • Eyebrow/Eyelash Tinting Cosmetic Services Include: Call Other Today and Schedule a Consultation TM

Other Cosmetic Services Include: (314) 878-0600

• Facial Waxing TM • Precision Tx • Dermaplaning TM Neck Tightening/Laser Contouring • Precision Tx Neck Tightening/Laser Contouring ® • Pellevé • Microdermabrasion ® RF Skin Firming RF Skin Firming • Pellevé TM • IPL, Nd:Yag and Fractional Laser Tightening • SkinPen TMII Skin ® ® II Skin Tightening • SkinPen , Juvederm , and other fillers • Botox TM • Facials, Peels ™ • Precision Tx Neck Tightening/Laser Contouring®, and Precision Tx Neck • Botox®, Juvederm • Combination Therapies for Enhanced Results • Facials, Peels

Other Cosmetic Services Include:

•

Other Cosmetic Services Include:

• Eyebrow/Eyelash Tinting ® RF Skin Firming • Pellevé TM • Eyebrow/Eyelash Tinting other fillers • Precision Tx Neck Tightening/Laser Contouring Tightening/Laser Contouring • Facial Waxing TM 222 S. Woods Mill Rd. | Suite 475N • SkinPen ® II Skin Tightening • Facial Waxing RF Skin Firming • IPL, Nd:Yag and Fractional Laser ® • Pellevé • Dermaplaning RF Skin Firming • Pellevé Chesterfield, MO 63017 • Dermaplaning TM • Facials, Peels II Skin Tightening • SkinPen • Dermaplaning • Microdermabrasion www.midamericaskin.com • Microdermabrasion ™ • Eyebrow/Eyelash Tinting II Skin Tightening • SkinPen • Facials, Peels • IPL, Nd:Yag and Fractional Laser • Microdermabrasion • IPL, Nd:Yag and Fractional Laser ® the campus ® • Facial Waxing On of St.fillers Luke’s Hospital • Eyebrow/Eyelash Tinting , Juvederm , and other • Botox • Facials, Peels ® ® • Combination Therapies for • Botox , Juvederm , and other fillers • Dermaplaning • Facial Waxing • Combination Therapies for Enhanced Results • Combination Therapies for Enhanced Results • Facial Enhanced Results • Dermaplaning Waxing • Microdermabrasion • Microdermabrasion • IPL, Nd:Yag and Fractional Laser 222 S. Woods Mill Rd. | Suite 475N ® ® • IPL, Nd:Yag and Fractional Laser , Juvederm , and other • Botox222 S. Woods Mill Rd. | Suite 475N Chesterfield, MO fillers 63017 ® ® Chesterfield, MO 63017 , Juvederm , and other fillers • Botox • Combination Therapies for Enhanced Results www.midamericaskin.com www.midamericaskin.com • Combination Therapies for Enhanced Results

On the campus of St. Luke’s Hospital On 222 S. Woods Mill Rd. | Suite 475N the campus of St. Luke’s Hospital 222 S. Woods Mill Rd. | Suite 475N Chesterfield, MO 63017 63017 Chesterfield, MO www.midamericaskin.com www.midamericaskin.com

On Luke’sHospital Hospital Onthe thecampus campus of of St. St. Luke’s OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

Circle with an edge Indian-Jewish artist’s vibrant mosaic at CRC aims to challenge viewers BY MARGARET GILLERMAN • SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT

abbi Susan Talve and Indian-Jewish artist Siona Benjamin sat together in the back of a bus leaving Jaipur, India, and they began imagining. What they dreamed about on that trip across the world early in 2014 were their plans for a circular mosaic floor for Central Reform Congregation that would be like those that adorn the floors of ancient synagogues in Israel. But theirs would have an edge: It would celebrate traditional Jewish holidays but also feminism and racial, cultural and gender diversity. It would feature astrological symbols of the Zodiac wheel. Now, those ideas that Benjamin and Talve envisioned on a back road in India have been transformed into a 15-foot diameter mosaic on the floor of the synagogue’s entrance lobby, where onegs are held. “It’s edgy,” Talve says approvingly. “And there’s room on this circle for everyone.” CRC is selling tallits and silk scarves with some of the symbols and vibrant colors to members and the public. Benjamin, who lives outside New York City in Montclair, N.J., spent over a year working on the CRC floor design and painting in close consultation with the rabbi. A scan of the painting was created, and 320 porcelain tiles with ceramic glaze were fired at a very high temperature. Numbered pieces were put together like a jigsaw puzzle, Benjamin said.

Blue women and the Zodiac On Shabbat on Aug. 14, the congregation saw the completed mosaic floor for the first time. While its holiday themes, laid out in chronological order around the circle, elicit feelings of warmth and tradition, the mosaic is provocative and challenging. Blue women and Zodiac symbols intermingle imaginatively with traditional Hebrew calligraphy, Yizkor candles and grains of Omer. Full moons and new moons appear and hide. The 12 traditional male tribes of Israel named for

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Indian-Jewish artist Siona Benjamin spent more than a year working on a painting that would be transformed into a 15-foot wide circular mosaic installed in the floor at Central Reform Congregation. Photo: Kristi Foster

Jacob’s sons are represented, but there’s also a new 13th tribe in the very center for Dinah, Jacob’s daughter who traditionally did not get a tribe. A figure of a seated pregnant woman of color is placed on the wheel in advance of Rosh Hashanah. “This woman of color is about to give birth to the New Year,” Talve explained. For Rosh Hashanah, the face of Sarah appears with her handmaiden Hagar, who also gave birth to a child with Abraham. Their story is part of the New Year Torah portion. In the mosaic, the two mothers at odds in the Torah creatively share a third eye.

A red drop of blood between them could be “for violent conflict or for the bloodline they share,” Talve said. “They share the challenge as women.” Directly across the circle is Miriam, Moses’ sister who helped lead the Israelites to freedom in the Exodus with spirited song. A seder plate doubles as her tambourine. Hannah is among several other Biblical women. “This is a reflection of Siona’s deeply feminist way of thinking,” Talve said. Talve recalls her bus ride with Benjamin out of Jaipur, where they had visited an astrological park. “We talked about the idea of the Zodiac,” Talve

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

Rabbi Susan Talve speaks to the crowd gathered at Central Reform Congregation to see the newly installed mosaic floor art, created by Siona Benjamin (at right). Photo: Kristi Foster recalls. “When we got back, we decided to make the dream a reality.” Although many Jews may not think of astrological signs as Jewish, Talve said that a teaching in the Talmud connects the Zodiac with Hebrew months and the tribes of Israel. Zodiacs were a decorative feature of many ancient synagogues in Israel, most notably the Beit Alpha synagogue, she said.

A rabbi’s wish fulfilled Talve had wanted CRC to have a floor mosaic like those in ancient synagogues, even before CRC was built 15 years ago in the city’s Central West End. Andy Trivers, the architect of the building, said that a space was carved out lower than the rest of the lobby floor and then covered up for 15 years in anticipation of a future mosaic. 24

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Trivers, a founding member of CRC, said the mosaic worked well with the design of the building. “It’s very colorful…and it looks terrific,” said Trivers, when he saw the completed mosaic. Benjamin, the artist, was born in Bombay, now Mumbai, and brought up in a traditional Bene Israel Jewish home. Her mother used oil lamps on Shabbat while her father said prayers. Yet she attended Catholic and Zoroastrian schools and was influenced by her society’s Hindu and Muslim cultures and Indian art. As a Jew in India, “I’d have to explain myself,” said Benjamin. “I was ‘the other.’” Here, “being a Jew of color is being ‘the other.’ We Jewish people in general are ‘the other.’ All of us are in our own way ‘the other.’ “ The mosaic, she said, “is for anybody who feels like the outsider.”

That otherness infuses much of Benjamin’s art, which has been exhibited in the United States, Europe and Asia. By creating art that’s inclusive of diverse peoples, she hopes to speak out against racism and xenophobia and contribute to the “repair” tikkun of the world. Benjamin studied art in Mumbai before coming to the United States in the 1990s for her advanced college degrees. She holds master’s degrees in painting from SIU - Carbondale and in theatre design from the University of Illinois – Urbana. She met Talve at a friend’s suggestion in the late 1990s. Since then, Benjamin has created a megillah for CRC, run workshops and helped lead the congregational trip to India. Their friendship and Talve’s under-

See MOSAIC, page 80

NATIONAL LEADERS IN:

expert heart care with compassion

A full spectrum of services under one roof: - Nationally ranked cardiologists - Full-service cardiac diagnostic testing - Non-invasive vascular lab - Intensive cardiac rehabilitation - Exercise specialists - Nutritional consults and education

For appointments or second opinion, call

(314) 362-1291 Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital campus 1020 N. Mason Road, Suite 100 Creve Coeur, MO 63141 cardiology.wustl.edu OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Holy buildings wholly repurposed Spirit of historic synagogues lives on in new uses

anny Gonzales was hired as a researcher at the Missouri History Museum Library in 2009. It was his first day on the job, and he was eager to get started. But he couldn’t concentrate. The problem was not the stifling August heat. “I sat down to work, and they brought out my research material, but I kept looking at the beautiful architecture and the beautiful dome,” Gonzales said. “It was incredibly distracting, but in the best possible way.” That 40-foot-high copper-clad dome is also carved in the memory banks of the thousands of bar and bat mitzvahs

Danny Gonzales (left) and Andy Trivers. Photos: Bill Motchan Skinker Boulevard has been a library and research center. It’s also a perfect example of adaptive reuse, which turns an architecturally significant building into something far different than its original purpose. A number of historic buildings were

BY BILL MOTCHAN • SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT who faced the majestic interior of United Hebrew Congregation’s sanctuary on their special day. Since a 1991 restoration and renovation, the former UH building at 225 S.

synagogues in their early years and continue to function and thrive thanks to adaptive reuse. It’s a fitting legacy, local architect Andy Trivers says. “In St. Louis, there are a lot of his-

OPPOSITE PAGE: Views of the interior of the United Hebrew building on Skinker Boulevard, in 1927 and repurposed as the Missouri History Museum’s Library and Research Center in 2011. Photos courtesy Missouri History Museum photos and prints collection

toric buildings waiting to be saved, and there’s no better way to do that than through adaptive reuse,” Trivers said. Trivers knows a bit about modifying old buildings into new functions. He oversaw conversion of the historic Congregation B’nai Amoona building in the University City Loop to the Center of Contemporary Arts (COCA). It was tricky to make structural changes to a building listed on the Registry of Historic Places. Some modifications were not permitted. “We had to put in a box office and a projection area for the theater,” Trivers said. “The biggest change was the addition of a dance studio and green room. You don’t want to obscure the original location – that would be against the historic preservation rule –

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

The former home of B’nai Amoona on Trinity Avenue is now home to COCA (left). At right, the synagogue’s sanctuary is shown in a 1980 photo from the nomination form to add the building to the National Register of Historic Places. Photo: Charles S. Payne so we extended the building into the parking lot.” The process began in the early 1990s, with a follow-up addition in 2005 when COCA added an elevator to connect all levels and achieve compliance under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. B’nai Amoona, at its dedication in 1950, represented a key architectural accomplishment with an important pedigree. Erich Mendelsohn was an accomplished architect in his native Germany, famous for designing the German expressionist Einstein Tower. His escape from Nazi Germany ushered in changes for American architecture in general, and his first U.S. work was in St. Louis. “Mendelsohn didn’t believe in doing what was fashionable at the time, which was Moorish and Byzantine architecture,” Trivers said. “That was the historical style, which people thought was appropriate for a sacred place. He thought that was anachronistic, looking backward instead of looking forward. He was designing for our own time and place. He was part of a movement, the modernist-futurist way of thinking differently.” Mendelsohn, like his contemporaries, took full advantage of technological advances, including the elasticity of stainless steel and concrete. The huge cantilever ceiling in the B’nai Amoona sanctuary was meant to 28

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

The United Hebrew building at 225 S. Skinker Boulevard, circa 1922-1932 (above). Photo: Missouri History Museum photos and prints collection. Below, the former UH building in 2015. Photo: Bill Motchan

Sewing is Betty’s favorite pastime That’s why here, at Parc Provence, it’s one of her daily activities. Engaging, personalized activities are essential to helping people with memory loss lead more vibrant lives. Hillary and our team of expert memory care staff help Betty stay connected with her favorite hobbies. Because every moment matters.

Leading the way in Memory Care. 605 Coeur De Ville Dr. F Creve Coeur, MO 63141 F ParcProvence.com

To learn more or schedule a tour, call Karen or Cindy at (314) 542-2500 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.

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

10 architecturally significant St. Louis synagogues Following is a list of 10 local synagogues that represent significant architectural works. The first eight also embody the spirit of adaptive reuse. Three (Bais Abraham, CRC and Kol Rinah) are still active synagogues.

The former home of Shaare Emeth, at 560 Trinity Avenue in University City, is now Washington University’s 560 Music Center. Photo: Bill Motchan mimic the loftiness and spirituality of the building. Mendelsohn deliberately opened up the western wall so that when the sun set on Yom Kippur, you could see the sun gradually shifting down in the sky. “He was a very innovative thinker,” Trivers said. “He developed a sanctuary of great spiritual value, but also very functional in the sense that it had community space and all the things that went into making a synagogue what it is.” Mendelsohn also created form to follow function. “The sanctuary itself, which was designed for 600 people, could be expanded to 1,500 for the high holy days,” Trivers said. The former B’nai Amoona synagogue is tucked away just south of Delmar Boulevard on Trinity Avenue. Students of architecture history regularly visit the building, said to Richard Baron, founder and developer of COCA. “We see architectural students and others who are interested in adaptive reuse and seeing what was done there,” he said. “They have a regular stream of visitors.” Clearly, former synagogues make 30

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

great performance spaces. Just around the corner from COCA, the former Shaare Emeth, built in 1930, is home to the Washington University 560 Music Center. The most recent conversion is the former Congregation Kol Am building, built in 2006 on Chesterfield Parkway East, which is now rehearsal and office space for Stages St. Louis. Age is clearly not the only significant aspect of architectural importance. The COCA building is a relatively new structure compared with another former synagogue that also shares landmark status: the original home of B’nai El at 3666 Flad Avenue, built in 1905. That building holds the distinction of being the oldest existing structure for a Jewish congregation in St. Louis. Danny Gonzales, now historian and preservationist for the St. Louis County Parks Department, suggests that architectural significance is just one important reason to save old synagogues. “The thing that gets me excited about the United Hebrew building is the connection to civil rights history,”

See REPURPOSED, page 84

Bais Abraham 6910 Delmar Boulevard Formerly: Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha Built: 1920s Architect: Unknown Style: Classical Notable design elements: Prominent stone façade and impressive stained glass allowing natural light into sanctuary. Kol Rinah 829 N. Hanley Road Formerly: Shaare Zedek Built: 1950 Architect: Bernard Bloom Style: Mid-century Modern Notable design elements: The streamlined, rounded corners and large frontfacing representation of the Torah are the most prominent design elements. Washington University 560 Music Center 560 Trinity Avenue Formerly: Shaare Emeth Built: 1930 Architect: Unknown Style: Art deco Notable design elements: Prominent bas-relief imagery and “SHAARE EMETH” on façade facing Delmar Boulevard, with imposing brick and stonework. Center of Contemporary Arts (COCA) 524 Trinity Avenue Formerly: B’nai Amoona Congregation Built: 1950 Architect: Eric Mendelsohn Style: Mid-century Modern Notable design elements: The building has 12 windows in the sanctuary, which may suggest Mendelsohn created a numerical reference to the 12 tribes of Israel.

See 10 SYNAGOGUES, page 85

Rindskopf -Roth The only Jewish

Funeral Chapel

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

Craig B. Roth

Candice S. Roth Norman I. Roth

5216 Delmar Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63108 www.rindskopfroth.com

Michele K. Roth

314-367-0438 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

e d i h u s G wi e e J f to i L 6 1 20 5 01

32 32

September 2015 2014 OY! OY! Magazine Magazine -- St. St. Louis Louis Jewish Jewish Light Light September

L T S Your h s i w Je n u m Com r o t c e r i D

IES R O G 90 x e d CATE n al I

etic b a h • Alp 79 e r u t l /Cu s t r A • 42 s e i r te 36 e s m e e c i •C erv S y t i mun m o C • s 48 n o i t rega g n o d 56 •C o o h hild C y l r • Ea n 54 o i t 65 a c s u e t d a E • ay D d i l o sh H i w e J • s 50 p o h ca S i a d u •J g 68 n i n i er D h s o K • s 62 n o i t aniza g r O • ces/ i v r e or S • Seni sing 76 Hou s 58 p m a er c m m u •S s/ n o i t i • Trad Cycle 33 Life h 78 t u o Y •

h e f

STL sh y t i n mu y r o t ec

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 Note: Please contact the mikvah directly to confirm availability, cost and to make appointments as necessary. St. Louis has three mikvot in the area. The main Vaad Hoeir-administered mikvah is on the Millstone Campus. Usage 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 can use the Millstone mikvah on Fridays. The fee is $6 for an adult and $3 for a boy under bar mitzvah age. At Young Israel, men sometimes visit the mikvah during the week. 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 2015

UNIVERSITY CITY ERUV

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.

â&#x20AC;˘ 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 34

and as far south as Interstate-64. A map is available online at stleruv. org. The eruv is inspected weekly and those wishing to know its status may phone a special hotline at 314863-1811 after 12:30 p.m. Friday. To become a volunteer for this eruv, call 314-368-4446.

â&#x20AC;˘ Chesterfield Eruv

The Chesterfield Eruv, at points, runs as far north as Olive Bouelvard and as far west as White Road with an eastern limit running as far as Woods Mill Road. The eruv is maintained by Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha. A map is available at www.tickstl.com/eruv-of-chesterfield.html. Call 314-469-7060 for more details.

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 discom-

See RESOURCES, page 83

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

CHESTERFIELD ERUV

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 and interactive resources enriched by real world experiences outside the classroom.

Call 314-942-3166 admin@YeshivatKadimah.org www.YeshivatKadimah.org

1142 North Warson Road St. Louis, Missouri 63132

Building character, confidence and success

OPEN HOUSE

•

Sunday, October 18, 1 PM

GR A DE S 6 -12 • COED • COLLEGE PR EPA R ATORY CORNER OF LADUE AND MASON ROADS • 314.434.5141 • Whitfield_Jewish Light Guide '15-'16_Open House.indd 1

WHITFIELDSCHOOL.ORG

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

8/19/15 9:26 AM

Community Services Local Jewish agencies and resources SECTION INDEX Adult Day Center at the JCC..........................36 Ahavas Chesed Society..................................36 American Jewish Committee..........................36 Anti-Defamation League, Mo./S. Ill.................36 Association for Advancement of Brit Milah......36 Association of Reform Rabbis.........................37 Barnes-Jewish Hospital..................................37 Bikur Cholim Visitors Network.........................37 Saul Brodsky Jewish Community Library........38 Chevra Kadisha Ohave Sholom Association...38 Community Chaplaincy Program—JF&CS.....38 Community Rabbinic Service at Barnes-Jewish Hospital..............................38 Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis......38 Holocaust Museum and Learning Center.......40 Jewish Attention to Mental Illness St. Louis....40 Jewish Community Center..............................40 JCC Helene Mirowitz Center of Jewish Community Life............................................................41 Jewish Community Relations Council.............41 Jewish Family & Children’s Service.................41 JF&CS - Jewish Connections Program..........41 Jewish Federation of St. Louis........................41 Jewish Prison Outreach..................................42 Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry............43 MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries................43 National Council of Jewish WomenSt. Louis Section.............................................44

Adult Day Center at the JCC 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 • 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 • Licensed by the state of Missouri as an Adult Day Health program. vvv

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

New Mt. Sinai Cemetery Association..............44

American Jewish Committee

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

7751 Carondelet Avenue, Suite 501 St. Louis, Mo. 63105 314-721-8866 • fax: 314-721-8626 email: stlouis@ajc.org website: ajc.org Nancy Lisker — St. Louis Regional Director

St. Louis Circle of Jewish Music.....................44 St. Louis Jewish Light.....................................44 St. Louis Rabbinical Association.....................45 St. Louis Rabbinical Council...........................45 St. Louis Jewish Community Listserv.............45 Shalom Baby..................................................45 Shalvah Program: Outreach on Addictions.....45 United Cemetery Association..........................45 Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis...................................45 36

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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 an accredited non-governmental agency to

the United States Mission to the United Nations. Joan Silber 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: 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

Association of Reform Rabbis 314-432-8050 The Association of Reform Rabbis brings together 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 Michael Alper of Congregation Temple Israel is President. vvv

Barnes-Jewish Hospital One Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza St. Louis, Mo. 63110 314-747-3000 website: 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 through the Spiritual Care Department. supported by a house staff of more than 800 vvv residents, interns and fellows, in addition to nurses and other health care profesBikur Cholim sionals. Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s Visitors Network unique services for the Jewish 314-724-7444 community include the presContact: Miriam Florans ence of a rabbi to attend to Volunteers for Bikur the diverse religious and The Shalom Task Force Cholim Visitors Network spiritual needs of affiliated confidential Abuse Hotline visit sick, elderly, and incaand unaffiliated Jewish will refer callers to profespacitated individuals in patients, families and hospitals and nursing sional and rabbinical help staff. Kosher meals are homes in the St. Louis in the community. available upon request, area. We are a resource for and the Center for Diversity 1-888-883-2323 out-of-towners visiting for and Cultural Competence medical purposes and can provides case consultation and assist those in medical need in the interpreter services to all refugees way of transportation and hospitality. and immigrants that come to BarnesJewish Hospital for care. Bob Cannon, is vvv hospital president. Rabbi Laurence Glestein serves as Chaplain Rabbi and Jewish Care Coordinator of Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Abuse Hotline

This is your

community center

Fitness • Education • Cultural Arts • Jewish Life • Camping We want YOU to join the J!

Creve Coeur | Chesterfield jccstl.org | 314-432-5700 facebook.com/jccstl

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

Saul Brodsky Jewish Community Library

Chevra Kadisha Ohave Sholom Association

Community Rabbinic Service at Barnes-Jewish Hospital

12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3720 • fax: 314-432-1277 email: brodsky-library@jfedstl.org website: brodskylibrary.org Cyndee Levy—Interim Library Coordinator 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 print novels, as well as a large collection of films of Jewish interest, including feature and foreign films and documentaries. The library has public access computers for reference and Internet access, Wi-Fi and gourmet coffee. The library hosts author lectures, book discussions, film screenings and children’s storytelling programs. The library is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m-5 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m.8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. New satellite locations have opened within the Maryville University and CBC High School libraries. The library maintains a catalog of many of the Jewish libraries in St. Louis, online at destiny.jfedstl.org. Ronnie Brockman is Chair of the Brodsky Library Commission. vvv

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.

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. to 4 p.m. vvv

vvv

Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis

Community Chaplaincy Program — Jewish Family & Children’s Service

6300 Forsyth Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63105 314-935-9040 washuhillel.org facebook.com/WashUHillel   Jacqueline Ulin Levey – Executive Director & CEO Rabbi Jordan Gerson – The Silk Foundation Campus Rabbi The mission of Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis is to be a catalyst for Jewish life among college students. We connect students with one another and with Jewish culture and traditions through service and social justice, Israel, religious life, and social and leadership programs. We are the only address for Jewish pluralism on campus. Our vision is for every Jewish college student in St. Louis to make an enduring

10950 Schuetz Road St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-812-9382 • fax: 314-812-9398 Rabbi Micah Buck-Yael — Chaplain Rabbi Neal Rose – Chaplain Rabbi Tracy Nathan - 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. vvv

Stemming the tide of assimilation and Jewish apathy amongst the greatest resource, our teenagers…

Clayton Crossroads John Burroughs JSU West Alternate Night JSU East Alternate Night Ladue Lafayette Marquette MICDS Mirowitz Community Day School Movitz-Senator Danforth Israel Scholars Program Parkway Central Parkway North Parkway West Pattonville Whitfield 800+ being served To start a JSU Club in your school contact the JSU office.

E-Newsletter

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

• • • • • •

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.

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.

For more info. Contact Rabbi “Mike” @ 314-696-0578 or info@jsustl.org 38

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

The latest in St. Louis, world and Israel Jewish news, delivered to your inbox each week. Visit stljewishlight.com/enews to sign up.

commitment to Jewish life. Hillel at Washington University has enhanced the lives of thousands of college students throughout St. Louis and helped Washington University cultivate one of the most vibrant campus Jewish communities in the country. Our Hillel currently serves approximately 1,800 Jewish undergraduates who attend Washington University, and serves as a convener of the Jewish Student Associations and Hillel groups at Maryville University, Webster University, Saint Louis University, University of Missouri-St. Louis and other local colleges and universities. Hillel at Washington University facilitates traditional and innovative programming around the High Holidays and Shabbat. We offer student-led services and meals in our beautifully renovated home on Forsyth and around the Washington University campus, as well as the popular “Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah In-a-Box” 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. In 2014, Hillel at Washington University fostered 1,350 student experiences during the High Holidays, Passover Seders for 500 students, over 200 student programs, Shabbat lunches and dinners for hundreds, Israel programming through 3 campus Israel organizations and 2 Birthright Israel trips, and connections with 10,000+ students, faculty, staff and community members through Sukkah City STL, a national design competi-

SAUL MIROWITZ JEWISH COMMUNITY SCHOOL • The new kindergarteners at Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School gather on the first day of school Aug. 17 for blessings under a chuppah in the school’s Beit Midrash. Photo: Kristi Foster tion and exhibit presented by Hillel and the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts. Our Birthright Israel trips are open to all undergraduate college students in St. Louis ages 18-22 and are coordinated by Israel Outdoors. Hillel at Washington University is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and is affiliated with Hillel International,

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

NATIONAL LEADERS IN:

SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY Supporting the St. Louis Jewish Community for more than 100 years.

For more information or to find a specialist , call 314-TOP-DOCS (314-867-3627) BARNESJEWISH.ORG

BJH17884_Ad_7.5x4.875_guideJewishLife_R3.indd 1

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

8/26/14 11:03 AM

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: hmlc.org Jean Cavender—Museum Director Daniel Reich—Curator/Director of Education Andrew Goldfeder—Manager of Programs and Logistics 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 museum is a department of Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Kent Hirschfelder is Chairperson.

vvv

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 email: stonegoodman@mac.com 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. 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. Each building offers specialty fitness studios (cycling, reformer Pilates, yoga and performance training) and the Fox Building also offers batting cages. All memberships include free group exercise, yoga, cycling 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 five 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. Our Inclusion program serves people of all ages with disabilities by providing fitness, theatre, camp and social experiences. 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. Steve Goldenberg is Board Chair. vvv

Help us help others in the community Terry Bloomberg, Executive Director Susan Smith, Director of Operations

314-645-1211

Contribute to our fund for those who otherwise could not afford to receive the Jewish Light.

Front Page 1

On May 23, Honor the Unsung Heroes of the St. Louis Jewish community

See page 22 or stljewishlight.com

online at www.stljewishlight.co

NEWS & SCHMOOZE Mama’s Pride

Editor Ellen Futterman explores the meaning of Mother’s Day, which this year coincides with a major Jewish milestone for her son. Page 2

NATIONAL NEWS Anti-sharia laws stir concerns

With conservative lawmakers across the United States trying to outlaw sharia, or Islamic religious law, Jewish organizations are concerned that halachah could be next. Page 6

ONLINE

Video interview with RJA’s Cheryl Maayan

The Saul Mirowitz Day School - Reform Jewish Academy head of school chats with Light Publisher/ CEO Larry Levin in the latest installment of the ‘Hey! Hey! 5 in 5’ online video series . www.stljewishlight.com

Index Celebrations of Life ...............18 ChaiLights ....................... 21-22 Classifieds ............................20 Dining ...................................18 Features ................................10 Jewish Lite ............................22 Keeping Active ......................13 Moneywise ...........................17 Mother’s Day .........................16 Obituaries .............................23 Opinions .............................

Candlelighting Shabbat starts Friday, May 6, 7: 39 p.m. Shabbat ends Saturday, May 8, 8:41 p.m.

m 30 Nissan, 5771 / May 4, 2011

Inside

8-9

Call 314-743-3660

A new quarterly series from Jewish Light, JCC and JCRC the — with its premier event June 6

See page 15 or www.stljewishlight.com/unsung

Israeli leaders, U.S. Jewish groups JCC plans react to death of bin Laden israel holiday celebrations By RON KAMPEAS AND MARCy

‘Hallelujah’ By DAVID BAUgHER

now 79, found himself with count- Forces in a dramatic Light less others walking across weekend the raid. But locals also Queensboro Bridge, found themAs he woke up Monday part of a selves grappling morn- miles-long trek with other feelout of a wounded, ings ing, Clayton resident ranging from satisfaction Bill paralyzed Manhattan. at Goodfriend checked the dispensation of justice, the news. Goodfriend is clear about sorWhat he saw amazed his row for terror victims, him. He feelings toward uncertainimmediately went out the death of ty over to put up Osama bin the future and ambivaLaden, the terrorist his American flag. lence at how to feel mastermind behind the over the “It’s a great day to attacks bloody end to be an which killed nearly a decade-long hunt American,” said the 3,000 people. for the Central most wanted man on “One of the great haters Reform congregant. “Everybody of all Earth. time has been taken out,” can be really proud.” he said. Rabbi Seth D. Gordon “That can’t help of but benefit every- Traditional Goodfriend, 50, is a native Congregation had a of body else who is New York City, the metropolis trying to do quick response when asked hit something decent for hardest by the massive in the world.” terrorist Pride is one of many emotions his reaction. strikes that rocked the “Hallelujah,” he said. country 10 registered by St. Louisans as years ago this September. Gordon said that while He news spread on Sunday nothing wasn’t living there at the night and can bring time but Monday morning back the men and recalls vividly trying of the end of women to contact the infamous who have been lost in terSaudi jihadist, who loved ones afterward. His father, was killed by American Special See REACTIONS, page 3 SpeCiAL tO the JewiSh

Could the United States still fund Palestinian Authority that includes Hamas? View these stories and more online

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Vol. 64 / No. 18

OSTER

JtA

Jewish and Israeli leaders welcomed the news that Osama bin Laden was killed in a firefight with U.S. forces in Pakistan. The body of bin Laden, head of the terrorist group al-Qaida and the mastermind behind the Sept. 11, 2011 attacks on New York and Washington, was taken by U.S. forces and reportedly buried at sea, presumably to prevent his grave from becoming a shrine, The New York Times reported. the body was buried within 24 hours of his death, reportedly in respect Crowds cheer at Ground Zero in New York City after of Muslim tradition, according President to Barack Obama’s announcement the Times. that American commandos killed Osama bin Laden. had Photo: Dan Nguyen “The State of Israel joins the American people on this historic day in celebrating the elimination Committee hailed the news of the cerned about the fight against successful U.S. operation of Osama bin Laden,” read against international a state- bin Laden at his terrorism. It sends an compound. ment from the office unmistakably powerful of Prime “We express our heartfelt Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. admi- of American resolve message ration and appreciation to go after “This is a resounding to the those who would victory for United States wreak human government for the havoc justice, freedom and the in the name of their pervertcommon relentless pursuit values of all democracies of bin Laden, ed hatred that are who had the packaged as fanatical blood of thousands on resolutely fighting shoulder faith.” to his hands,” said AJC Executive shoulder against terrorism.” “We should take this moment Director David Harris. “This to The A merican is an Jewish extraordinary See BIN LADEN, page 4 moment for all con-

By DAVID BAUgHER SpeCiAL tO the JewiSh Light

Remembrance followed by celebration will once again be the guiding themes of this year’s observance of Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut. “You can’t really have one without the other,” said Rabbi Brad Horwitz, director of the Helene Mirowitz Center for Jewish Community Life, which is coordinating the events at the Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Complex. “In Israel, it was intentional that when the Yom Hazikaron was over, the sadness and mourning that was accompanied by that day turns to festivities. For the sacrifice that those soldiers went through to defend the State of Israel, we show appreciation the next moment by celebrating Israel.” The dual observations, set to begin 7 p.m. May 8 with an hourlong ceremony, is expected to attract about 400 to 500 people. “I’m continually moved by the seriousness of the ceremony, the reverence and respect that’s paid to the families of those who have lost loved ones fighting wars for Israel or through terror incidents,” Horwitz said. “Each year, the ceremony ends and you are left with a feeling of appreciation for those who have defended Israel on behalf of Jews all over the world.” He said that details of the schedule are still being worked out but songs and readings as well as a video presentation are likely to be on the agenda. Horwitz said past videos have shown imagery of soldiers as well as the observance of the event in Israel, where sirens blow for two minutes to mark the occasion and people stop their vehicles, get out and stand at attention. “We show a video of that so people can see what it’s like because if you’ve never been there

See HOLIDAyS, page 14

Reform defends Richard Jacobs as critics attack his Israel positions at www.stljewishlight.com

JCC Helene Mirowitz Center of Jewish Community Life email: bhorwitz@jccstl.org Rabbi Brad Horwitz – JCC Director of Jewish Engagement and Adult Programs • 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 The JCC Helene Mirowitz Center furthers the JCC’s Jewish mission by providing Jewish engagement, education, cultural, Israel and community outreach services and programs in the St. Louis Jewish community. Young family programs 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 new Jewish Arts and Soul Project, Can We Talk? Series, Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration, family Israel trip, Jewish Mystic Jam, Purim Night Live and Songleader 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 Emilie Brockman, Marianne Chervitz, Shira Kraft, Diane Maier and Yael Treger. Lori Sheinbein is Chair. vvv

Jewish Community Relations Council 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3871 • fax: 314-989-1361 email: jcrcstl@jcrcstl.org website: jcrcstl.org Batya Abramson-Goldstein—Executive Director (retiring Nov. 15, 2015) The Jewish Community Relations Council is an organization of 30 local Jewish organizations and 14 at large members 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 Student-to-Student Program, the Teen Jewish Environmental Initiative, a teen Jewish/Muslim Teen Dialogue group (JAM) and the St. Louis-

Israel 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. Robert D. Millstone 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: jfcs-stl.org L. Louis Albert — Executive Director For over 144 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. Karen Suroff 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 who are living with mental illness, addictions and/or in violent situations. JF&CS provides case management and counseling, psychiatry services and provides information and referral services. 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 websites: JFedSTL.org, JewishinStLouis. org and BuildJewishSTL.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 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

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

B’nai Amoona Cemetery 930 North & South Road 314-427-5900 Barry Needle, Director

Beth Shalom Cemetery 650 White Road 314-469-1891 Anita Feigenbaum, Director

Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery

Anita Feigenbaum, Director Chesterfield location: 650 White Road 314-469-1891

Jewish Loan Association

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

Funeral homes Berger Memorial Chapel 9430 Olive Boulevard 314-361-0622

Rindskopf-Roth Funeral Chapel 5216 Delmar Boulevard 314-367-0438 42

Jewish life in St. Louis, in Israel and around and services that sustain our community’s the world. Founded in 1901, it is one of the vision of a thriving, vibrant and engaged region’s largest and oldest nonprofit organiJewish community. In addition to the unrezations. stricted campaign, there are a number of Priorities — Jewish Federation of St. Jewish Federation of St. Louis funds, endowLouis is committed to the development and ments and legacy gifts that provide a further enhancement of a thriving, vibrant Jewish source of program revenue for today and community through six strategic priorities: tomorrow. • Create a vibrant Jewish community Jewish Federation of St. Louis is a power• Support Jewish identity ful engine for propelling the community’s dol• Advocate for Israel and a safe Jewish lars, decisively, effectively and efficiently. world Each year, the Planning & Allocations • Provide a safety net for our most vulneraCommittee (P&A) operates as a “think tank,” ble the forum in which issues are laid out and • Develop exceptional human resources overarching decisions and recommendations • Strengthen community infrastructure are made. P&A’s responsibilities include makAgencies and Programs — Jewish ing recommendations on the continuance of Federation of St. Louis mobilizes the Jewish existing agencies or admission of new beneficommunity through support of a family of ciary agencies, level of unrestricted allocaover 90 local, national and international agentions, the proportion of the allocable pool cies, programs, services and innovative projassigned to each subcommittee and the proects. grams to be recommended for strategic proLocal agencies and programs supportgram funding. ed include the Jewish Community Affinity Groups — Jewish Center, Holocaust Museum Federation of St. Louis’ affinity and Learning Center, groups and initiatives conJewish Family & nect people by gender, Children’s Service, age, common interests The Jewish Loan Association offers Covenant Place, St. and profession. Groups limited interest-free loans to those Louis Jewish Light, include: individuals in the community who Jewish Community • Young qualify. Co-signers are required. For Relations Council, Professionals information, contact the Intake Saul Brodsky Jewish Division—for men and Department at Jewish Family & Community Library, women in their 20s Children’s Service, 314-993-1000. H.F. Epstein Hebrew and 30s; The loan fund is administered Academy, Saul Mirowitz • Women’s through Jewish Federation Jewish Community Philanthropy—for women of St. Louis. School, Torah Prep School, of all ages, backgrounds, Hillel at Washington University interests, lifestyles and income in St. Louis and Hillel at the levels; University of Missouri, community website • Professional societies, such as JewishinStLouis.org, Next Dor STL, Jewish Maimonides Society for medical professionStudent Union, Moishe House, Concierge For als, Cardozo Society for legal professionals, Families With Young Children, PJ Library, One and Montefiore Society for financial and Happy Camper, no-cost Israel trips such as insurance professionals. Birthright Israel and The Rubin Israel • Millstone Institute- an initiative to Experience, Congregational Chesed Fund, engage, develop and inspire leadership in the Challah in the Home, Harvey Kornblum Jewish St. Louis Jewish community through Food Pantry and more. Millstone Fellows, JProStl and other proJewish Federation of St. Louis represents grams. the Jewish community in Jefferson City and • Inclusion Initiative- promotes full particiWashington, D.C., and is also the communipation in Jewish life for individuals with disty’s central connection to worldwide Jewish abilities and their families by enhancing inclucommunities. Jewish Federation of St. Louis sion, providing resources and collaborating supports national and international agencies, with existing services in the St. Louis comincluding the Jewish Agency for Israel and munity. the American Jewish Joint Distribution Harvey N. Wallace is Board Chair. Committee and 13 overseas targeted provvv grams. Jewish Federation of St. Louis is a proud member of the United Way and a Jewish Prison Outreach Better Business Bureau Accredited charity. c/o Congregation Neve Shalom Volunteers — Jewish Federation of St. 6 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 3050 Louis volunteers represent the community’s St. Louis, Mo. 63146 wide variety of interests, ages and view314-222-9864 points. Donating time and talents, volunteers email: stonegoodman@mac.com serve on boards and committees, raise Rabbi James Stone Goodman funds, oversee endowments, secure grants, Jewish Prison Outreach (JPO) provides examine needs, plan for the community and educational and religious material to incarcerdistribute funds to meet the needs. ated individuals in Missouri. Chaplaincy visits Giving — The Annual Campaign, the are provided to local jails and selected Jewish community’s largest fundraising effort, Missouri prison facilities by Rabbi James supports high-quality agencies, programs

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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 re-entry 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.

The Bris by Certified Mohel

Rabbi Michael Rovinsky C.M., M.B.A., M.Ed, P.L.P.C. “Where Care & Concern Make A Difference”

TRAINED BY PEDIATRIC UROLOGISTS OVER 10,000+ PROCEDURES PERFORMED

Serving All of the Jewish Community

(314) 727-BRIT (2748) 1-800-85MOHEL www.brismilah.org

vvv

Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry 10601 Baur Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63132. 314-993-1000 • fax: 314-812-9398 email: jberkowitz@jfcs-stl.org Judy Berkowitz, Director 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 hosting a food drive, contact Judy Berkowitz at 314-513-1673. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Chelsey Banaskavich, Volunteer Coordinator, at 314-812-9386 or cbanaskavich@jfcs-stl.org.

IN OUR HOME, YOU ARE FAMILY

COME AND SEE WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT UNITED HEBREW CONGREGATION

Welcoming individuals & families of all backgrounds into our warm & friendly community Dynamic worship, music, study & programs for all ages & life-stages Full day year-round child care, preschool & day camps serving children ages 6 weeks to 6 years

vvv

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

Religious & Hebrew schools serving students in grades K-12

13788 Conway Road • Saint Louis, MO 63141-7236 Email: temple@unitedhebrew.org • www.unitedhebrew.org

For more information please contact Amy Stone at astone@unitedhebrew.org or 314-469-0700 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

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. Christopher Tabourne is the Board Chairman. 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: ncjwstl.org 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: 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 value 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 over 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 women — and for those inspired by Jewish values — to come together with courage, determination and commitment to foster positive social change for 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 local community service projects like Back-ToSchool! Store & Kids Community Closet, the Jean Stein Bloch Wife-Widow-Woman support group, the Silent Witness Exhibit for domestic violence awareness, the Healing Hearts Bank, a Microlending program for victims of domestic violence, Project Renewal, CONNECT, and advocacy efforts directed at 44

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

TORAH PREP • Last November, the Torah Prep Girls’ Robotics Team competed in the First Lego League competition. The girls are (top row, from left) Sara Miriam Howley, Hadar Bloom, Esther Wasser, Devorah Kass, and Ruchama Wasser; (bottom row, from left) Etty Graff, Breindy Greengart, and Esther Leah Swidler. local, state and national issues. Darien Arnstein is President and Susan Witte is President-elect. vvv

New Mt. Sinai Cemetery Association 8430 Gravois Road St. Louis, Mo. 63123 314-353-2540 website: 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. Rob Loewenstein is Board President. vvv

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

St. Louis Jewish Light 314-743-3660 • fax: 743-3690 email: news@thejewishlight.com website: stljewishlight.com • Address for general correspondence: 6 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 3010 St. Louis, Mo. 63146 • 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 Tom Wombacher — Director of Operations Kelly Richter — Business Director 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 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. Jane Rubin is President. vvv

St. Louis Rabbinical Association 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 Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Reform, Renewal, and Traditional 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 interreligious 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 Hanukkah. Rabbi Jim Bennett of Congregation Shaare Emeth 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

United Cemetery Association

A Program of the Concierge For Families with Young Children 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3870 email: jlangsam@jfedstl.org website: 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.

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.

vvv

The Shalvah Program: Outreach on Addictions Congregation Neve Shalom 6 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 3050 St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-222-9864 email: stonegoodman@mac.com 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 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. Rabbi James Stone Goodman — Director

vvv

Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis 4 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-569-2770 • fax: 314-569-2774 email: chana@ovkosher.org website: 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 Maos 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

vvv

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

Contact any of these fine Real Estate agents today!

Steve Mathes 314-503-6533

Maria Elias 314-971-4346

stevemathes@realtor.com

melias@cbgundaker.com

www.joanneiskiwitch.com

Donna Abrams 314-406-2476

Tom Csengody Susan Sher Csengody 314-517-6952

Eleanor Gershien 314-307-0437

usunnyday@aol.com

scsengody@cbgundaker.com

# 46

Joanne Iskiwitch 314-414-9579

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

egershien@att.net

In Sales and In Service LADUE OFFICE

9651Clayton Road â&#x20AC;˘ 314/993-8000

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

Congregations Agudas Israel of St. Louis 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. David Hermelin is President. vvv

Bais Abraham Congregation 6910 Delmar Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-721-3030 • fax: 270-721-3034 email: office@baisabe.com website: baisabe.com Rabbi Hyim Shafner Maharat Rori Picker Neiss Yael Treger, Israel Sheliach 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 TotShabbat groups. Individuals and families of all backgrounds and levels of observance are welcome and on Shabbat and there is babysitting 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. vvv

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Congregation Bais Menachem – Chabad 8124 Delmar Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-725-0400 email: info@ShowMeChabad.com website: ShowMeChabad.com Rabbi Yosef Landa Congregation Bais Menachem strives to be “Everyone’s Shul.” It is a community synagogue offering traditional services within a friendly, inviting and intimate milieu. 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 newly constructed Lazaroff Chabad Center. The congregation shares adult education classes, outreach and youth programs with the local Chabad center.

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

SECTION INDEX

Agudas Israel of St. Louis............................... 48 Bais Abraham Congregation........................... 48 Congregation Bais Menachem - Chabad....... 48 Beit Shira........................................................ 48 Congregation B’nai Amoona........................... 48 Central Reform Congregation......................... 49 Kol Rinah........................................................ 49 Neve Shalom.................................................. 50 Nusach Hari B’nai Zion................................... 50 Congregation Shaare Emeth........................... 50 Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community.... 50 Temple Emanuel............................................. 51 Congregation Temple Israel............................. 51 Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha......................... 52 Traditional Congregation................................. 52 U.City Shul — Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol ....... Sha’arei Chesed Shul.................................. 52 United Hebrew Congregation......................... 53 Young Israel of St. Louis................................. 53

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 onnnusach, and “the most musical seder” in St. Louis. vvv

Congregation B’nai Amoona 324 S. Mason Road St. Louis, Mo. 63141-8029 314-576-9990 • fax: 314-576-9994 email: michael@bnaiamoona.com website: bnaiamoona.com Senior Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose Cantor Sharon Nathanson Rabbi Josef Davidson Assistant Rabbi Ari Kaiman Executive Director: Michael Samis Cantor Emeritus: Leon Lissek An egalitarian, Conservative congregation, founded more than 125 years ago, connects Jews to Judaism in a myriad of ways. Jews by birth, by choice and interfaith couples are welcome here. B’nai Amoona is progressive and inclusive in every sense of the word and is the first and only Synagogue to receive international recognition from the Ruderman Foundation for inclusion. A minyan is guaranteed, morning and evening, every day of the year. The Congregation’s educational

model encompasses everything from its 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 and Saturday morning 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.

everything we do. Come see the Midwest hub of new creative energy in Conservative Judaism. Kol Rinah is especially proud to offer: A convenient location in mid-county St. Louis, close to Washington University. Completely egalitarian services • Kabbalat Shabbat musical services with instrumental accompaniment • Shabbat youth programming options every Saturday morning • Opportunities for independent small group Chavurot Shabbat services. • Daily morning and evening minyanim • Fun and friendly family programs with the Dorways group • Highly respected early childhood center,

offering traditional preschool plus childcare for 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), Kadima (grades 7-8), Noar (grades 5-6). Active Sisterhood and Men’s Club • Young Adult programs and mixers • Adult education, life long learning opportunities, including prominent scholar-in-residence speakers • Environmental and social action initiatives • Keruv programs for interfaith families. Mitch Shenker is President. vvv

vvv

Central Reform Congregation 5020 Waterman Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63108 314-361-3919 • fax: 314-361-2842 email: info@centralreform.org website: centralreform.org Rabbi Susan A. Talve Rabbi Randy Fleisher Rabbi: Deana Sussman 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. Scott Levine is President. vvv

Kol Rinah 829 North Hanley Road University City, Mo. 63130 314-727-1747 Website: kolrinahstl.org Rabbi Noah Arnow Jonathan Belsky and Marvin Lerner—Baal Koreh Elyse Picker and Liz Collins—Early Child Center Co-Directors Paula Hertel — Religious School Director Tasha Kaminsky—Director of Programming Jessica Wax — Dorways (Families) Coordinator Kol Rinah (the voice of joyous song) is a young United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism affiliated congregation in St. Louis. Our focus is developing a conscientious, caring, and inclusive community. At Kol Rinah, we foster joy through worship, studying, and Jewish music. Pray, learn, sing, and celebrate with a community that embraces all. 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

f or senior l i v ing independent living in a caring community

Active Lifestyle at an Affordable Price • Beautiful Apartments • Wonderful Staff • Worry-Free Living • Gardening • Programs • • Transportation • Kosher Dining • Convenient Neighborhood • •

•

For more information, call Randi Schenberg at (314)991-2055

8350 Delcrest Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63124 www.crowncenterstl.org

Visit our new Circle@Crown Cafe Kosher Dairy

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

Neve Shalom

Learns, special Synaplex Shabbat and Lunch & Learn programs with lectures on a variety of 6 Millstone Campus Drive topics, a myriad of programs produced by our St. Louis, Mo. 63146 enthusiastic, active Sisterhood, and numerous 314-222-9864 social events and festive holiday celebrations email: stavisker@gmail.com which will enliven your Jewish heart. Our website: www.neveshalom.org growing and thriving population of young famiRabbi James Stone Goodman lies creates a kaleidoscope of programs for Neve Shalom (Oasis of Peace), a member young parents and children’s activities. of the Network of Jewish Renewal Located in Olivette, our facilities include a Communities, was founded in 1989 as an main sanctuary, a chapel, social hall, a kids imaginative expression of the traditional forms room, teen lounge, kosher facilities, plus of Judaism. rooms for educational programming. Our Committed to celebrating Judaism and building is eco-friendly, built in 2011 with 65 accompanying each other through life’s passolar panels on the roof and a geothersages, the goal is to create a nurturmal heating and cooling system. ing community of acceptance Services are conducted and support, celebrating using the Tehillat Hashem diversity, affirming the indiSiddur, Nusach Ha’Ari. On vidual and welcoming a Shabbat, NHBZ hosts variety of Jewish identiboth regular and learnties. Agudas Achim/Beth Israel er’s services. Prayers at Shabbat services 225 North High Street (at C Street) regular services are emphasize music as Belleville, Ill. 62220 • 618-233-3602 generally in Hebrew, part of the liturgy. Temple Israel of Alton although all sermons Shabbat morning 609 West Delmar • Alton, Ill. 62002 and special prayers are school offers religious • 618-288-5427 or 618-466-4641 recited in English. studies and Hebrew for website: angelfire.com/il2/altonTransliterations and both adults and children. templeisr extensive explanations of High Holy Days services Hebrew prayers are providand Passover seder are open ed. Membership at NHBZ is to the entire community. Shalvah, open to the entire Jewish commuan outreach effort to Jewish alcoholnity. Membership includes seating for ics/drug addicts is also a function of Neve the High Holidays. Shalom. Neve Shalom hosts Jacob’s Pillow, a Leonard M. Alper is President. coffeehouse for the Jewish performing arts. Neve Shalom also is the site for the Tiferet vvv Gallery, featuring original art in a multi-media gallery setting. Neve Shalom also co-sponsors Congregation Shaare Emeth the Jewish Prison Outreach. Neve Shalom’s 11645 Ladue Road newest program is the Jewish Alliance on St. Louis, Mo. 63141 Mental Illness St. Louis, known as JAMI STL. Temple: 314-569-0010 • fax: 314-569-0271 vvv Religious School: 314-569-1273 Preschool: 314-569-0048 Nusach Hari B’nai Zion email: info@sestl.org website: sestl.org 650 North Price Road Rabbi Jim Bennett St. Louis, Mo. 63132 Rabbi Andrea Goldstein 314-991-2100, ext. 1 • fax: 314-993-4821 Rabbi Jonah Zinn, Assistant email: Pepshort613@gmail.com Cantor Seth Warner website: nhbz.org Rabbi Jeffrey Stiffman, Emeritus Rabbi Ze’ev Smason Rosalie Stein — Executive Director Chazzen Dr. Ethan Schuman Our mission: To be a compassionate and Nusach Hari B’nai Zion is one of St. Louis’ inclusive community that makes Judaism relmost treasured and established family synaevant, meaningful and joyful. gogues. We are a Modern Orthodox congreWe are proud to be considered one of the gation, but our members have wide and varleading Reform congregations in North ied levels of personal observance and Jewish America. Whether celebrating Shabbat, education. We welcome Jewish families, sinexploring the insights and wisdom of Torah, gles and seniors of all backgrounds and levor making a difference in our community, we els of religious knowledge and observance. are a congregational family dedicated to We are a warm, welcoming, caring and nondeepening and enriching our connection to judgmental community with a commitment to Judaism. Our egalitarian services and protraditional Judaism and Israel. Rabbi Ze’ev grams are always open to Members and Smason provides outstanding spiritual and nonmembers, LGBT and ally, traditional and educational leadership. We strive to give nontraditional families. every individual the resources to develop a Staff and lay leadership offer many opporvibrant Jewish life at his or her own pace. We tunities for enriching one’s Jewish life includpride ourselves on our openness. ing holiday celebrations, social programs, NHBZ offers a full plate of services, includoutreach to interfaith couples, interpreters for ing religious, social and educational. We conthe deaf, social action programs, musical duct daily minyanim, Wednesday Lunch &

Metro East Congregations

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

involvements, and continuing education. Shirlee Green Preschool, early childhood engagement programming, a religious school, summer camps for kids ages 6 weeks to 13 years, and an innovative b’nei mitzvah program offer valuable options for Jewish youth education. Youth groups provide activities during the school year for grades 5-12. Adult auxiliaries and groups include a choir, older adults group, Sisterhood/Women of Reform Judaism, MOSHE (Men of Shaare Emeth), Yiddish Club, Cooks and Books, Knitting Group, Torah study and more. Our Tzedek Committee organizes and leads the congregation in tzedakah collections and social justice activities. We invite you to visit our Temple and to join our Shaare Emeth family. Flexible financial commitment levels are available. Shaare Emeth is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism. Greg Yawitz is President. vvv

Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community (Meets at the JCC Staenberg Family

Complex, Arts & Education Building) Mailing address: P.O. Box 16171 St. Louis, Mo. 63105 314-775-7780 email: cherylzwhatley@gmail.com or rabstein@sbcglobal.net website: shirhadashstl.org Rabbi Lane Steinger Shir Hadash is the only Reconstructionist community in the St. Louis area. We take a progressive, modern approach to Jewish living that integrates a respect for tradition with the insights and ideas of contemporary social, intellectual and spiritual life.

Judaica shops • B’nai Amoona

324 S. Mason Road 314-576-9990, ext. 117

• Kol Rinah

829 N. Hanley Road 314-727-1747

• Shaare Emeth — Sandy’s Judaica Shop 11645 Ladue Road 314-569-0010

• United Hebrew

13788 Conway Road 314-469-0700

Our community is egalitarian and inclusive. We come from many backgrounds and are seekers and questioners, and sometimes “just Jewish” or love someone who is Jewish. Whatever our paths, we have found in Shir Hadash a welcoming Jewish community that embraces us for who we are and encourages us to grow. We meet Saturday mornings for Shabbat worship and lively Torah discussions (except the first Shabbat). At our first-Shabbat Friday night, erev Shabbat, potluck dinners, we unwind with great food, good company and lively conversation led by the rabbi. On the third (and the occasional fifth) Shabbat of the month, we study Jewish culture, the arts, relevant current events, holidays and ritual. We celebrate holidays and joyful lifecycle events, engage in acts of tikkun olam and support one another in times of sorrow. In every sense, we are a community. We invite you to contact us and visit us at The J. We know you will feel at home. Cheryl Whatley is President.

Sinai Ceme Mt. te

12166 Conway Road St. Louis, Mo. 63141 314-432-5877 • fax: 314-432-7862 email: office@testl.org website: 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 235 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 and throughout the year. Our doors are open. Please join our nurturing community. Mike Szymkowicz is President. vvv

Congregation Temple Israel #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63141 Phone: 314-432-8050 Fax: 314-432-8053 Email: writeus@ti-stl.org Website: ti-stl.org Facebook: /templeisraelstlouis Amy Feder, Rabbi Michael Alper, Rabbi Mark L. Shook, Rabbi Emeritus Congregation Temple Israel is a diverse and

NATIONAL HISTORIC PLACE

vvv

Temple Emanuel

unde

5 d 18

New Traditions Sinai Ceme Mt. te

In the Heart of St. Louis NATIONAL ew

HISTORIC

New Mt. Sinai Cemetery is pleased to announce the availability of 84 new, PLACE two-grave family5 0lots for your pre-need purchases. Family monuments are allowed Fo unde d 18 on the sites. Founded in 1850, New Mt. Sinai is St. Louis’ oldest and most historic Jewish cemetery and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For your pre-need appointment, or to tour the new section, please contact: Dan Brodsky | Executive Director | at (314) 353-2540 or e-mail danielbrodsky@NMScemetery.org

New Mt. Sinai Cemetery

Community Mausoleum Traditional Casket Burials Cremation Niches or Burials Interfaith Family Burials (314) 353-2540 8430 Gravois Rd., St. Louis, MO 63123

www.NMScemetery.org

A Beautiful Place of Peace and Rest, Close to Home. OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

welcoming community committed to living Reform Judaism through our vibrant, musicfilled Shabbat 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 Shabbat worship services are warm, welcoming and participatory, and include prayers, music – both contemporary and traditional – and a meaningful reflection on the weekly Torah portion. Our Deutsch Early Childhood Center (DECC) meets the needs of today’s families with flexible hours and a variety of programs for children ages 6 months through pre-Kindergarten, and builds relationships that foster each child’s social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth in a safe and nurturing Jewish community. Our Temple Israel Religious School (TIRS) develops community relationships and Jewish identity through active and engaging learning for students in pre-K through grade 10. We create opportunities for every person to find their place and be an active part of our learning community. Many of our teachers are long-time TI members who love to share their Jewish experience and knowledge with all of our learners. At TIRS we learn in and out of the classroom, mixing traditional instruction with experiential learning, especially for our teens and preteens. Our youth groups are a part of our education community – socializing, learning, and building community with their peers. TIFTY (Temple Israel Federation of Temple Youth) is for students in grades 9-12; JYG (Junior Youth Group) is for teens in grades 7 and 8, and Club 56 is for grades 5 and 6. We also encourage life-long learning by providing a variety of adult education opportunities, including classes that delve into the basics of Judaism, Jewish culture and history, and Torah study and discussion groups with varying themes to meet the diverse interests of each and every generation. Tl embraces tikkun olam, supporting causes dear to congregants and by sponsoring programs such as an annual Mitzvah Day, food, clothing and personal care item 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 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 52

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

J ASSOCIATES • Maxine Mirowitz performs with professional dancer Josef Scherer

during J Associates’ Dancing in the Loop event at The Pageant in March. This year, the event raised more than $99,000.

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: traditional-congregation.org Rabbi Seth D. Gordon Now beginning our 50th year in Creve Coeur, Traditional is 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, 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, a new monthly series of “First Friday” Shabbat Experiences, environmental initiatives, ongoing chesed support for the hungry and poor, and a champion congregational softball team. A number of special events are planned for our 50th anniversary year; visit traditional-congregation.org for additional information. 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.” Boaz Roth is President. vvv

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: 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. Stan Jacobs 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: 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 Bryan Pearlman – 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); 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 twelve congregations nationally to be accepted into the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism’s program “Pursuing Justice: Becoming a Community of Action.” 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: 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

A new congregation building inclusive community! Engaging services and programming for all ages – every day Supervised child care, youth programs, and social action projects Rabbi Noah Arnow

Contemplative prayer practices, meditation, and interactive text studies Early Childhood Center (full or part time) Innovative religious school

Kol Rinah embraces the joy of worship, learning and Jewish music, both into our souls and out to our families, friends and community. Come pray, learn, sing and celebrate with us.

Experience Kol Rinah! 314.727.1747 • 829 North Hanley Road • St. Louis, MO 63130 • KolRinahStL.org OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

Education Aish HaTorah 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. David Mogil is Board President. vvv

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: 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. 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

Chabad of Chesterfield 1639 Clarkson Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63017 636-778-4000 or 314-258-3401 email: rabbi@chabadofchesterfield.com website: chabadofchesterfield.com Rabbi Avi and Chana’la Rubenfeld — Directors Chabad of Chesterfield, serving the 54

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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, 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 Greater St. Louis 8124 Delmar Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-725-0400 email: info@ShowMeChabad.com website: 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, and is located in newly re-constructed Morris & Ann Lazaroff Chabad Center. Chabad’s doors are open to every Jew, regardless of background or affiliation. It offers a place where questions are embraced and Judaism is celebrated meanigfully and joyfully. Chabad believes that every Jewish person is equally endowed with an enduring Jewish ‘spark’, and seeks 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 & Learning 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.

SECTION INDEX

Aish HaTorah.................................................54 Louis and Sarah Block Yeshiva High School.. 54 Chabad of Chesterfield..................................54 Chabad of Greater St. Louis..........................54 Chabad of MU and Mid-Missouri...................54 Chabad on Campus.....................................56 H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy......................56 Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis......(see entry under “Community Services”.............38 JCC Early Childhood Center..........................56 Jewish, Islamic and Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at Washington University........58 Jewish Parents as Teachers (JPAT)................58 Maryville University Hillel.................................58 Esther Miller Bais Yaakov...............................58 Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School......59 Missouri Torah Institute-Mesivta D’Missouri...59 St. Louis Kollel...............................................60 Spirit of Sinai..................................................60 Torah MiTzion Kollel.......................................60 Torah Prep School.........................................60 Yeshivat Kadimah High School......................60

ADDITIONAL LISTINGS

Early Childhood Education.............................56 Summer Camps............................................58

vvv

Chabad of MU and Mid-Missouri 313 E. Brandon Road Columbia, Mo. 65203 573-442-5755 website: 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 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

One Step at a Time JF&CS assists you with today’s most pressing needs!

• Food & financial stability • Internet safety • Children at risk • Older adult/caregiver support • Counseling/psychological testing

Your condition may be

uncomfortable. The conversation about how to fix it doesn’t have to be. Our Washington University specialists offer compassionate care for the treatment of urinary, bowel and pelvic floor disorders in men and women. Services include the latest advances in technology and same-day and minimally invasive surgery. • Rectal pain or drainage • Rectal sores or bleeding • Hemorrhoids • Pelvic pain

• Loss of urine or bowel control • Inflammatory bowel disease • Difficult bowel movements • Prolapsed rectum or uterus

Call today for an appointment: (314) 454-7177 Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disorders (COPE) Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital Medical Office Building One, Suite 120 1040 N. Mason Rd., Creve Coeur, MO 63141

Center for Advanced Medicine Suite 8C 4921 Parkview Place, St. Louis, MO 63110

WUPhysicians.wustl.edu OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

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 & Ellen Scholten; jrubin@jccstl.org or escholten@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 Co-Directors: Elyse Picker and Elizabeth Collins, eccdirector@KolRinahStl.org

Torah Prep Girls’ Division 8659 Olive Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63132 • 314-569-2929 Principals: Shira Swidler (General Studies) and Mindi Mintz (Judaic Studies), sswidler@torahprep.com or mmintz@torahprep.com Boys’ Division 609 North and South Road St. Louis, Mo. 63130 • 314-727-3335 Principal: Rabbi Yossi Golombeck General Studies Principal: Mrs. Shira Swidler

Saul Spielberg Early Childhood Center at United Hebrew Congregation 13788 Conway Road St. Louis, Mo. 63141 • 314 - 434-3404 Director: Lauren Lourie LLourie@unitedhebrew.org

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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: 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 and Webster University. In the fall of 2015, Chabad on Campus has launched new outreach and community building on the University of Missouri-St. Louis campus. 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 experiences 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 more than 900 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: eha.org Rabbi Yaakov Green - Head of School Rachel Lubchansky - Director of Operations The H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy is a child-centered Centrist Orthodox Jewish community day school, inspired by Torah and dedicated to the Jewish people and the State of Israel. For more than 70 years, the school has been 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. Alongside this hallowed history is a passionate sense of constant evolution and an ever-present thirst for newness and cutting-edge change. It is this drive to stay child-learner focused through employing today’s research and best practices within pedagogy that is at the heart and soul of how we learn with each and every child. Our caring and passionate faculty provides such a sweet harmonious balance

within the classroom experience. It is both innovative and academically excellent for the children’s minds, and nurturing and loving to their neshamot. We consider it an honor to guide our students down a lifelong path of curiosity, middot tovot (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. Small class sizes and an individualized approach to education maximize each child’s potential, and our growing department of student support services and inclass differentiated learning program means that every student will learn in the way that he or she finds most effective and engaging. The Academy includes a state-of-the-art maker space, organic vegetable garden, Judaic and general studies library, playgrounds and ball fields, 1:1 technology program for students in fifth through eighth grades, an early childhood music program, Beit Midrash and so much more. We pride ourselves on working with every family to ensure that every Jewish child may receive an Epstein education, and the tuition assistance program is offered in the most dignified, respectful and quiet manner. The Academy offers a wide range of after school activities that include taekwondo, art, chess, choir, sewing, Scouts, Girls on the Run and other sports. The school is associated with both the Torah U’Mesorah network of schools and Yeshiva University’s Institute for University School Partnership. 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 throughout the year. Daniel Lefton is Board President. vvv

JCC Early Childhood Center Staenberg Family Complex 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3224 email: swolf@jccstl.org Ellen Scholten 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

Barb & Jake Glassman (314) 913-2272 glassmans@mail.com

Carol & Ben Katz (314) 503-5186 carol.benkatz@gmail.com

Renee Schwartz Dreyfus (314) 322-3343 homes_4_u@yahoo.com

Charlee Steiner (314) 974-4780 csteiner@bhhsall.com

Karen Wagner (314) 307-4663 www.karenwagner.com

Sara Willick (314) 322-1164 www.sarawillick.com

LADUE CHESTERFIELD Bob Bax | Manager Pat Malloy | Manager 1588 S. Lindberg Blvd, Ste. 210 17050 Baxter Rd, Ste. 200 314.872.6703 636.530.4006 www.bhhsall.com OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

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

Camp B’nai Ami contact: Anita Kraus, 314576-3688; Camp Ramot Amoona contact: Andy Schwebel, Director 314-576-9990, ext. 108

Camp Ben Frankel

www.campbenfrankel.com Contact Rick Kodner, Director, 314-4957089

Camp Gan Israel

www.cgistl.com Contact: Chanala Rubenfeld, 636-7784000

Camp Nageela Midwest

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

Camp Sabra

www.campsabra.com Contact: Terri Grossman, Director, 314442-3180

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, 314-569-0048

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, 314434-3404

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.

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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® and Conscious Discipline® curriculums • Accredited by Missouri 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 jccstl.org/ecc for more information. vvv

Jewish, Islamic and Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at Washington Univerrsity 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 production. Undergraduate students can major or minor in Arabic, Hebrew 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. Nancy E. Berg, Professor of Modern Hebrew Language and Literature, is Department Chair. vvv

Jewish Parents as Teachers (J-PAT) #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63141 Phone: 314-567-4299 Email: j-pat@ti-stl.org Website: j-pat.org Facebook: /JPATORG Leslie Wolf, Founder/Executive Director Mindy Woolf, Marketing and Outreach Director Jewish Parents as Teachers (J-PAT) is a community program providing St. Louis area Jewish families and their children (birth to age 5) with the nationallyacclaimed Parents as Teachers program offered within a Jewish framework. Since 2011, we’ve served 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 (CAJE), which is now a division of Jewish Federation of 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 Hillel 650 Maryville University Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63141 314-529-9437 email: eschreiber@maryville.edu website: maryville.edu Erin Schreiber—Hillel Manager Maryville University Hillel serves Jewish students, faculty, staff and friends at Maryville University and in the surrounding community through programs celebrating Jewish life and culture. Maryville Hillel provides social and spiritual opportunities to engage students, help them explore their Judaism and connect with others on campus and in the greater St. Louis community. vvv

Esther Miller Bais Yaakov 700 North and South Road St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-863-9230 • fax: 314-593-4037 email: embystl@gmail.com Rebbetzin Tova Greenblatt — Menahales Dr. Zvi Tannenbaum General Studies Principal

Esther Miller Bais Yaakov offers a comprehensive dual program in Jewish and General Studies for 9th through 12th grade girls. A firm commitment to Torah ideals qualifies students to pursue seminary and college upon graduation. Extracurricular activities promote leadership, community involvement, and personal development. Located in U. City Shul, Esther Miller Bais Yaakov houses six classrooms, a computer room, a brand new Science Lab, four offices and a dining 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: 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: a hands-on, academically rigorous curriculum, lessons in social responsibility and meaningful Jewish learning. Our integrated general and Jewish studies curriculum aims for the infinite potential of elementary and middle school education. Nine outdoor learning labs offer opportunities for children to think deeply, to strengthen teamwork skills and to gain a deeper understanding of our collective responsibility to better the world. In the classroom, on the prairie and in offices of elected officials, Mirowitz students find joy in the pursuit of knowledge. Music, art, band, physical education and drama complement the academic program. Our campus includes a pond, nature trail, prairie, vegetable garden, butterfly gardens, sensory garden, playing fields and playgrounds. Educators at Mirowitz are hired because they are committed to excellence and ongoing professional growth. They prepare our students for success at competitive high schools and universities. Just as important, our alumni are ethical, kind and responsible human beings who navigate the world with a moral compass and a Jewish lens. With an enrollment of 171 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. Stephen Arnstein is Board President. vvv

Missouri Torah Institute-Mesivta D’Missouri

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.

1809 Clarkson Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63017 636-778-1896 • fax: 636-778-1899 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

vvv

United Hebrew Congregation Saul Spielberg Early Childhood Center Each blade of grass has an angel that bends over it and whispers, “ Grow, grow.” —Talmud

Warmth and Trust Encouragement and Achievement

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: llourie@unitedhebrew.org www.unitedhebrew.org 314-434-3404

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

September 2015

60 74

Spirit of Sinai 1639 Clarkson Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63017 636-778-4000 or 314-258-3401 email: chanalar@gmail.com website: 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 ageappropriate, 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

St. Louis Kollel 8200 Delmar Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63124 314-726-6047 • fax: 314-863-0820 Email: office@stlkollel.com website:stlkollel.com Rabbi Menachem Greenblatt — Rosh Kollel/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 10 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 60

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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 individuals 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

Torah MiTzion Kollel 7741 Gannon Avenue St. Louis, Mo. 63130 314-309-6060 Adi and Eitan Salomon (Shlichim) Sarah Green, Noga Kopelman, Or Planzer and Menucha Samuels (Bnot Sherut)

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. vvv

Yeshivat Kadimah High School 1142 N. Warson Road St Louis, Mo. 63132 314-942-3166 • fax 314-942-3167 email: admin@YeshivatKadimah.org website: YeshivatKadimah.org Rabbi Naftali Rothstein —Head of School Dr. Brad Heger—Director of Education

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 four children. They will be assisted by four sherut leumi young Israeli women. Sherut Leumi is the 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. Michael Shapiro is president.

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, student-centered learning programs in both English and Judaic 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.

vvv

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:

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

schnucks.com

ÂŠ2015 Schnucks

Visit our 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 Graduation Gifts Teacher Appreciation And much, much more! Hours (open year-round) Mon-Fri Tues Fri Sun

9:30 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.* After Shabbat service 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.*

*When religious/Hebrew school is in session To make a special appointment, please call Iris DeWoskin at 314-469-0700, ext. 119.

United Hebrew Congregation

13788 Conway Road

St. Louis, MO 63141

www.unitedhebrew.org

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

Organizations SECTION INDEX

American Friends of Magen David Adom

American Israel Public Affairs Committee... 62

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 Friends of Magen David Adom... 62 American Legion Post 96.......................... 62 American Technion Society........................ 62 Barnes-Jewish Hospital Auxiliary............... 62 B’nai B’rith St. Louis.................................. 63 Citizens for a Just and Lasting Peace........ 63 Cultural Leadership.................................... 64 Federation of Reform Temples .................. 64 Gay and Lesbian Chavurah at CRC........... 64 St. Louis Chapter Hadassah...................... 64 Israeli House at B’nai Amoona................... 66 J Associates ............................................. 66 Jewish National Fund (JNF)....................... 66 Jewish Special Interest Group of St. Louis Genealogical Society................................. 66 Jewish War Veterans of the USA................ 66 Jewish War Veterans-Grave Site Search Program.................................................... 68 Jewish Women International...................... 68 Jews United for Justice............................. 68 JProStl...................................................... 69 Legal Advocates for Abused Women......... 69 Midwest Jewish Congress......................... 69 Military Museum/Wall of Honor Memorial Centre........................................ 69 Millstone Institute for Jewish Leadership.... 70 Miriam: The Learning Disability Experts...... 70 NA’AMAT USA........................................... 70 Next Dor STL............................................. 70 Nishmah: The St. Louis Jewish Women’s Project....................................................... 73 Project Backpack...................................... 73 Q Jews...................................................... 74 Reform Singles Together............................ 74 St. Louis Holocaust Survivors and Descendants............................................. 74 St. Louis Israeli Folk Dancing..................... 74 St. Louis Jewish Community Listserv......... 74 Sharsheret Supports.................................. 74 Shaving Israel............................................ 75 Sparks Services......................................... 75 Women’s Auxiliary St. Louis Mikvah Association................................................ 75

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) AIPAC Midwest Regional Office P.O. Box A3996 Chicago, Ill. 60690 312-253-8971 Email: jhahn@aipac.org Joshua Hahn — Missouri Area Director AIPAC, America’s pro-Israel lobby, is a bipartisan, 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. vvv

American Legion Post 96 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 314-991-0050. Norman Rossin is Post Commander. vvv

American Technion Society 314-725-7330 ats.org The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology is a major source of the innovation and brainpower that drives the Israeli economy, and a key to Israel’s renown as the world’s “Start-Up Nation.” Founded in 1912, Technion is the oldest university in Israel. Its three Nobel Prize winners exemplify academic excellence. Technion people, ideas and inventions make immeasurable contributions to the world including life-saving medicine, sustainable energy, computer science, water conservation and nanotechnology. The Institute’s 13,000 students can choose from 18 academic departments, and from 65 graduate programs. More than 70 percent of Technion graduates are employed in the high technology sectors that drive the country’s economic growth, and nearly 70 percent of Israeli companies on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange are founded or run by Technion graduates. American Technion Society (ATS) donors provide critical support for the Technion—more than $2 billion since its inception in 1940. Based in New York City, the ATS and its network of chapters across the U.S. provide funds for scholarships, fellowships, faculty recruitment and chairs, research, buildings, laboratories, classrooms and dormitories, and more. vvv

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Auxiliary 1001 Highlands Plaza Dr. West Suite 140 St. Louis, Mo. 63110 314-454-7130 email: tlm2855@bjc.org website: 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 auxil-

iary 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 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. Harvey Hieken is President. vvv

Cultural Leadership 225 S. Meramec Avenue, Suite 107 St. Louis, Mo. 63105 314-725-3222 • fax: 314-932-5444 email: hingraham@culturalleadership.org website: 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

Bright Ideas

p ksho Worparents for 5 v. . No m r u h T –9p 7

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 five or more within 100 miles of St. Louis. Call 314-397-5230 or 314-606-6061 to arrange a showing. vvv

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 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

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. and Chicago, Ill. Interested students may register in the spring for the camp, which runs each summer. 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.

For you and yours, a happy and glorious new year! 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 collabor-

ative dialogue among congregational leaders within the Reform community. vvv

Gay and Lesbian Chavurah at Central Reform Congregation 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. vvv

St. Louis Chapter Hadassah 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-991-0434 email: st.louis@hadassah.org website: stlouis.hadassah.org or hadassah.org 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

Rosenbloom MONUMENT CO. Since 1905 7511 Olive Street Rd. • (314) 721-5070

Since 1905, the Rosenbloom Family has been servicing the Jewish Community and the tradition still goes on. 64

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

programs, reforestation and parks projects. In the United States, Hadassah promotes health education, social action and advocacy, volunteerism and leadership development 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. Signature programs of the local chapter include: “Walk on Sunshine” (fighting brain tumors by funding neuro-oncology research), “Framing the Future” stem cell progress medical programs and the popular Parlor Party events, including programs like “What’s Cooking?” and theater and museum outings. Unique special event programs are held from time to time, including a men’s health program and a series of Every Beat Counts heart health programs for women 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 many of our members. Evie Roberts Levine and Linda Spitzer Gavatin are Co-Presidents.

YOU Like

US! Thanks for 1000+ Likes! facebook.com/stljewishlight

Jewish Holidays 2015-2018 Note: Holidays begin at sundown of the previous day. 2015 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

2016

Jan. 25

2017

Feb. 11

2018

Jan. 31

eating fruit.

Purim – The Festival 2016 March 24 of Lots recalls the rescue of the Jews of 2017 March 12 Ancient Persia from 2018 annihilation at the March 1 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 2016 April 23-30 Exodus of the Jews from Egypt is cele2017 April 11-18 brated with the eight2018 March 31-Apr. 7 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 2016 day is marked by memorials and dedica- 2017 tions to those who 2018 perished in the Holocaust. Yom Hazikaron – Israel’s National Memorial Day, honoring veterans and fallen military personnel.

May 5 April 23 April 12

2016

May 11

2017

May 1

2018

April 18

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

2016

April 23

2017

May 12

2018

April 19

Lag B’Omer – April 2016 May 7 28, 2013. This holi2017 May 26 day is a tribute to Jewish martyrs and 2018 May 3 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.

2016

June 5

2017

May 24

2018

May 13

Shavuot* – Shavuot 2016 June 12-13 marks the end of the May 31-June 1 counting of Omer. It 2017 recalls Moses’ May 20-21 2018 receiving the Torah from God. The Megillah of Ruth is read, and all-night Torah study is customary. Con firmation ceremonies, dairy foods, honey and floral decorations are traditional.

Tisha B’Av – This 2016 Aug. 14 solemn holiday is a 2017 reminder of the Aug. 1 destruction of the 2018 July 22 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 Oct. 3-4 period of repentance 2016 and prayer which 2017 Sept. 21-22 ends on Yom Kippur. The holiday is cele2018 Sept. 10-11 brated with feasts and apples dipped in honey to symbolize the hope for a sweet year to come.

Yom Kippur* – The 2015 Sept. 23 Day of Atonement is the holiest day of 2016 Oct. 12 the Jewish calendar, 2017 Sept. 30 marking the end of the 10 days of 2018 Sept. 19 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 2015 Sept. 28-Oct. 4 fruit and vegetables, set up to recall the 2016 Oct. 17-23 booths in which the 2017 Oct. 5-11 Jews lived during their journey from 2018 Sept. 24-30 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 separate holiday; 2015 Oct. 5 thus, there is no partaking of meals 2016 Oct. 24 in the tabernacle, 2017 Oct. 12 nor use of the lulav and etrog, and like 2018 Oct. 1 all individual holidays, it requires the she-hechiyanu benediction. The special prayer for rain is recited during the musaf service. In Ashkenazi rituals, the yizkor memorial prayer is said. Simchat Torah* 2015 Oct. 6 The day after 2016 Oct. 25 Sukkot, Simchat Torah marks the end 2017 Oct. 13 of the annual Torah reading and the 2018 Oct. 2 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 2015 Dec. 7-14 BCE, the Maccabees led a band of Jews in 2016 Dec. 25-Jan 1 a successful battle 2017 Dec. 13-20 against the occupying Syrian-Greeks, who 2018 Dec. 3-10 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. OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

vvv

Israeli House at B’nai Amoona 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. 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. vvv

J Associates Jewish Community Center 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3275 • fax: 314-442-3275 email: rrickerman@jccstl.com Robin Rickerman — 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 over $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. Tracey Singer 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 Eric Goldstein, Director, 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 66

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

MEMORIAL DAY • Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts give a salute after placing an American flag at a veteran’s grave. The scouts placed more than 7,000 flags at graves at all of the area’s Jewish cemeteries. After placing the flag, the scouts read a brief statement at each grave and give a salute. 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 arid-agriculture 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

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 gene-

alogy for local organizations and groups. Membership is open to all researchers of Jewish genealogy. vvv

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 Louis Deutsch, Acting Commander, Memorial Post 346, 314-4340586; Dennis Cohen, Commander, St. Louis Heritage Post 644, 636-532-7172. The

Presented by Next Dor STL and the St. Louis Jewish Light, proudly supported by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.

Opening Dors: Connecting Jewish Young Adults with Community Mentors Young adults are invited by Next Dor STL and the St. Louis Jewish Light to join experienced professionals for a series of panels about developing professional and personal skills. All sessions will take place from 6:30-8:00 pm with time for Q&A and networking.

TechArtista Coworking Center 4818 Washington in the Central West End For more information, a list of speakers, event details, and to RSVP, go to Facebook via Next Dor STL Questions: Melanie.Paticoff@gmail.com Melanie.Paticof@gmail.com Questions: call the St. Louis call the St. LouisJewish JewishLight Lightat@314.743.3660 314.743.3660 visit either; stljewishlight.com/maven or nextdorstl.com/maven ororvisit nextdorstl or stljewishlight on facebook, under “events” MON SEP 21

Everything I Wish I Learned in College So, you earned your college degree, landed your dream job, and then begin to realize there is a lot more to adulthood than what is taught in the classroom. Learn from experts in the fields of financial planning, insurance benefits, and real estate how to set yourself on a path for a strong future. MON OCT 19

Entrepreneurship: It’s Not Just for Entrepreneurs Whether you run your own company, work at a small startup organization, or are employed by a large corporation, entrepreneurial skills can be assets to any work environment. Learn from speakers who carved out their own career paths by becoming leaders of their own projects, departments, and organizations how to take charge at work and become an innovative leader at any time in your career. MON NOV 16

Market Yourself: Stand Out with Your Personal Brand, Monday Today it can be hard to stand out from other young professionals, especially when so much of the networking and application process is done online before ever landing a face-to-face meeting. Learn from experts in headhunting, human resources, and career transition about what they look for in a candidate, how to craft a LinkedIn profile and resume that represent who you are, and more. On-street parking available or in the church lot across the street from TechArtista OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

Volunteer Service officer to the VA is Melvin Rayman, 314-395-1227 for Jefferson Barracks. vvv

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). 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 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 a local Ronald McDonald House. 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 humanitari68

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

an 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. 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 and on raising awareness of the plight of the Jewish poor and the services available to them. Currently, we are working on raising people from poverty with a LIVING wage and also on racial equality. Every year JUJ puts on the Heschel/King celebration in which we honor the historic partnership between Rabbi Abraham Joshua

Kosher Dining 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 10031 Manchester Road, 314-822-8200

• Dierberg’s

CATERERS • Jon Rubin Catering 314-607-8440

• Kohn’s Kosher

10405 Old Olive Street Road, 314-569-0727

• Taste of Jerusalem 314-685-9340

Olive Boulevard and Craig Road, 314-4328823

DINING • Kohn’s Kosher

• Schnucks

10405 Old Olive Street Road, 314-569-0727

Bellerive Plaza, 12756 Olive Boulevard, 314434-7323 Creve Coeur, 10650 Olive Boulevard, 314567-3838 Ladue Crossing, 8867 Ladue Road, 314-7257574 Chesterfield Hilltown Village, 141 Hilltown Village, 636-532-2505

BANQUET FACILITIES • Crown Plaza in Clayton

7750 Carondelet, 314-726-5400, Brenda Hinton

• 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

• Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch 315 Chestnut Street, 314-655-1234

BUTCHERS

• Kohn’s Kosher

10405 Old Olive Street Road, 314-569-0727

• Gokul Indian Restaurant

6101 Delmar Boulevard, 314-721-1888

• Circle@Crown Café

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

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

SOME KOSHER CERTIFIED ITEMS AVAILABLE • Maggie Moo’s

8853 Ladue Road, 314-862-6651

• Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

6726 Chippewa Street, 314-481-6651 4224 South Grand Boulevard, 314-352-7376

• Tutti Frutti

7708 Delmar Boulevard, 314-863-5311 4906 Laclede Avenue, 314-454-1222

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 314-442-381 • email: meisen@jfedstl.org Staff: Marci Mayer Eisen and Karen Sher, Jewish Federation of St. Louis JProStl is the association dedicated to supporting professionals working at 50 Jewish organizations throughout St. Louis. Its 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. The Annual JPro Recognition Luncheon will take place Jan. 28, 2016. A 17-member board represents professionals from across the community.Rabbi Levi Landa is President.

Midwest Jewish Congress P.O.Box 16678 St. Louis, Mo 63105 314-993-5505 fax: 314-628-9733 email: puro@slu.edu website: midwestjewishcongress.org The Midwest Jewish Congress is dedicated to fighting anti-Semitism, advancing civil rights, defending religious liberty, and helping Israel develop in security and peace. The Midwest Jewish Congress sponsors an annual Constitutional Conference at Washington University Law School,and the Jacobs Lecture, in coordination with Congregation Shaare Emeth. We address issues, which concern the local and national

Jewish community through grass-roots activities. The Midwest Jewish Congress sponsors the Gateway Older Adult Legal Services (GOALS), which provides free legal services to the indigent elderly. This program is more than 30 years old. Steven Puro is the President. vvv

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

vvv

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: supportvictims.org Christine Hustedde, Interim 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 and the 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. Meg Zoellner is Board President. vvv

STARLIT BALLROOMS. GOURMET CATERING. FULL KOSHER KITCHEN.

For your storybook wedding, there’s only one Chase. PICTURED: THE STARLIGHT ROOF Chase_BridalAd_OY!_CRA.indd 1

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

2/23/15 3:24 PM

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, 314991-0050. vvv

Millstone Institute Jewish Federation of St. Louis 12 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo.

63146 314-442-3810 meisen@jfedstl.org Staff: Marci Mayer Eisen and Karen Sher The Millstone Institute 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, Fellows Alumni Network, JProStl, Presidents’ Circle, Board training, Coaching Skills Training and individualize coaching and consulting. 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: 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 out70

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

CONGREGATION B’NAI AMOONA • Cantor Sharon Nathanson leads a group of singers from B’nai Amoona in a rehearsal in late March, preparing for their April concert at New Sunny Mount Baptist Church in north St. Louis city. From left are Steve Elfanbaum, Heidi Friedman, Cantor Nathanson, Eric Wallerstein, Dan Friedman and Fred Blumenthal. set, 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 pre-kindergarten 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 over 700 children attending private, public or parochial schools, or are homeschooled. Proceeds from Miriam Switching Post, a resale shop from its new location in Brentwood, and from empty-out services directly benefit the programs of Miriam. Bill Florent is President. vvv

NA’AMAT USA 1138 North Warson Road, Room 102 St. Louis Mo. 63132-1809 Telephone 314-993-3033 e-mail: ngnaamatstl@gmail.com Website: naamat.org NA’AMAT USA (a Hebrew acronym for working women and volunteers) was founded 90 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. In celebration of our 90th anniversary we have a special life membership price of $180 for this year. Beverly Stuhlman and Marcia Nove are Co-Presidents of St. Louis Council. vvv

Next Dor STL 5062 Waterman Boulevard St. Louis, Mo. 63108 email: info@nextdorstl.org website: nextdorstl.org 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 support-

Discover what Shaare Emeth has to offer Engaging lifelong learning, social action initiatives, inclusive services, innovative children

L’Shanah Tovah! Happy New Year from Congregation Shaare Emeth! and youth programs

Help someone you know gain a different perspective of the world.

artwork by Tsila Schwartz

Visit. Call. Log on.

11645 Ladue Road • St. Louis, Missouri 63141 314-569-0010 • www.sestl.org • info@sestl.org

“Your Place to Celebrate” The Lodge Des Peres 1050 Des Peres Rd. (314) 835-6150 desperesmo.org

Gift a gift subscription to the Jewish Light.

Call 314-743-3660 for more information

Located at I-270 and Manchester Rd. OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be a

JournaLiSt

to ensure our community stays informed and connected, now and for generations to come A gift of any size can create a Jewish Legacy. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re adjusting to retirement or starting a family of your own, you can provide a healthy, vibrant future for generations to come. Your legacy gift can help safeguard your values and ensure that the St. Louis Jewish Light maintains its ability to provide award-winning coverage of news, analysis,

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.

Anyone can be a philanthropist. The Jewish Community Foundation of St.Louis

Areivim Legacy community project

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. September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

ing 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: 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 women’s conference/retreat or a Passover-related event. This year’s signature event, The Women’s Shabbat Retreat will take place on Feb. 26-27, 2016. Jenny Wolkowitz is President. vvv

JCRC/CULTURAL LEADERSHIP • In July, campers and staff from Camp Cultural Leadership spent the morning at the Jewish Community Relations Council taking part in community service volunteer projects. Pictured are some of the campers with camp director Jenell Crossland, camp counselor Hannah Cropf and JCRC Domestic Issues Director Gail Wechsler with get well cards made for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer for the organization Girls Love Mail.

Project Backpack 1138 N. Warson Road, Room 218 St. Louis, Mo. 63132 314-993-3033 email: backpackstl@sbcglobal.net website: 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 “onthe-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 backpacks per month throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

County. We work only with volunteers, and most donations come from private drives and devoted supporters. vvv

Q Jews of St. Louis QJewsStLouis@gmail.com Q Jews of St. Louis was founded because of the need for LGBTQ Jews to have a space in our community. Acceptance of the LGBTQ community is still not where it should be in the Jewish community and local community. The need for all community members to feel that they have a stake in the local community and to be recognized is crucial to us. This issue is not only important to LGBTQ Jews, but any group that is not fully accepted in their communities. We want to bring awareness that we not only are here, but are doing great things for our community. Q Jews of St. Louis is a peer lead community for Jews identifying as LGBTQ. We seek to empower and support members of the community through innovative programing, community conversations, and educational opportunities. We seek to engage and promote progress within the larger Jewish community through dialogue and collaborative programming. We are a welcoming organization for all members of the community regardless of religion, gender, sexual orientation, race, or age. Q Jews meets monthly. Check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/QJewsSTL or e-mail us to find out about our next meeting. vvv

Reform Singles Together 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

St. Louis Holocaust Survivors and Descendants We are people who, in spite of our history, come together to celebrate our lives and find joy in participating in social and cultural, and learning experiences. We invite those who feel connected to your family’s holocaust experience to join us. 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 314802-7750 or omiliz2000@yahoo.com or Sofia at 314-878-8405 or slkent@sbcglobal.net. 74

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

JWRP/AISH • St. Louis women taking part in the 2015 Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project are pictured at the top of the Aish HaTorah building in Jerusalem. The women are (bottom row, from left) Susie Turkin; Amy Herman; City Leader, Mimi David; Diane Friedman; Melanie Marks; Allison Izsak; Judy Ormont; Lori Goldman; (top row, from left) Amy Cantor; City Leader, Pirchie Greenspon; Sheri Recoon; Michelle Mills; Kim Sher Vonk; Renee Hearst; Madricha, Lynda Baris; Madricha, Laura Rader; Amy Fine and Bridget Nathan. vvv

St. Louis Israeli Folk Dancing

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

St. Louis Jewish Community Listserv (STLJCL) website: 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 messages 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 Tomchei Shabbos. vvv

Sharsheret Supports Nishmah/Jewish Community Center 2 Millstone Campus DriveSt. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3166 email: sharsheret@jccstl.org website: nishmah.org or sharsheret.org Sara Winkelman – Nishmah Director Ann Fingerhood – Sharsheret Supports Coordinator 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 PO Box 6991 Chesterfield, Mo. 63006-

6991 314-579-9653 email: info@shavingisrael.org website: shavingisrael.org Facebook: Shaving Israel Twitter: @shavingisrael 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 Israeli suppliers for members of the IDF who are in need or deprived of family support systems. We have raised and distributed over $180,000 in recent years for the soldiers of the IDF in goods and services. We are an all-volunteer organization with 100% of the money raised going to the IDF. Rachel Miller is our founder; Joel Levy is President.

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

vvv

Sparks Services 7424 Byron Place St. Louis, Mo. 63105 314-875-0001 email: sparksservices5770@gmail.com website: sparksservices.org Paula Sparks – Director Sparks Services is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to serving unmarried Jewish individuals of all ages in St. Louis and beyond. Sparks Services hosts dynamic, quality programs for individuals who want to have a long-term relationship and hopefully a happy and fulfilling marriage. Participants can learn skills for improving themselves and their relationships, discover their Jewish heritage and meet new people who share similar goals and values. 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

Small Footprint Big program

www.neveshaloM.org

• 314-222-9864

rabbi JaMes stone gooDMan

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! OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

Senior Services/Housing Adult Day Center at the JCC 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 • 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 • Licensed by the state of Missouri as an Adult Day Health program. vvv

Community Chaplaincy Program — Jewish Family & Children’s Service 10950 Schuetz Road St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-812-9382 • fax: 314-812-9398 Rabbi Micah Buck-Yael — Chaplain Rabbi Neal Rose – Chaplain Rabbi Tracy Nathan - 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. vvv

Covenant Place 8 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 2000 St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-432-1610 • fax: 314-432-4058 email: jdenison@covenantplacestl.org website: 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). 76

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

SECTION INDEX

Adult Day Center at the J............................... 76 Community Chaplaincy Program—JF&CS ... 76 Covenant Place.............................................. 76 Crown Center for Senior Living...................... 76 ElderLink St. Louis......................................... 77 Kosher Dining and Home Delivery Program at Crown Center for Senior Living.................... 77 Pathways Hospice and Palliative Care........... 77

Enjoy independent living on the conveniently located Millstone Campus. With three buildings housing 355 one-bedroom 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 and the Covenant Place bus to take you to grocery, shopping, area programs and cultural events. Enjoy weekly services and holiday celebrations. Covenant Place is redeveloping its buildings. The first new building will open in Spring of 2016. 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. Scott Malin is President. vvv

Crown Center for Senior Living 8350 Delcrest Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63124 314-991-2055 website: 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. Crown Center offers the Kosher Congregate Dining Program and Home Delivery Program for those 60 and older. The program also includes a home delivered kosher meal program for those that meet eligibility requirements and live east of 170. The programs provide nutritious, hot meals five times a week. Participants in the home delivery program must be age 60 or over, require food that adheres to kosher dietary laws, have limited ability to prepare nutritious meals, and be unable to attend the congre-

COVENANT PLACE/ KITCHEN J • Covenant Place resident Tami Klayman enjoys a Passover Seder with more than 100 fellow residents, family and community members. The seder and holiday meal were prepared by Kitchen J. Photo: Sara Levin/ Covenant Place

gate program at Crown Center. The fresh meals are prepared in a Vaad Hoeir approved kitchen. Congregate dining reservations can be made by calling 314-991-2055 ext. 124. For more information about participating in either program, call Florence Schachter, Director of Resident and Community Services at 314-991-2055 (funding is provided by Mid East Area Agency on Aging, Jewish Federation of St. Louis and Crown Center). Ted Flom is Board President. vvv

ElderLink St. Louis 10950 Schuetz Road St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-812-9300 email: info@elderlinkstlouis.org website: 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.

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 affili-

ated 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

St. Louis’ oldest and most trusted travel agency … dedicated to ensuringTaking you theYou Places Since 1957 best travelSt.experience Louis’and oldest and St. Louis’ oldest possible. most trusted travel most trusted travel agency … dedicated agency … to dedicated ensuring you the bestyou travel experience V.I.P. SERVICE AND to ensuring the best travelpossible. experience CUSTOMIZED ARRANGEMENTS  possible. 

V.I.P. S ERVICE AND  vvv CUSTOMIZED A RRANGEMENTS   Kosher Congregate Dining Program V.I.P.   AND  S ERVICE and Home Delivery Program at Crown   Center for Senior Living A RRANGEMENTS CUSTOMIZED    8350 Delcrest Drive University City, Mo. 63124    314-991-2055   www.crowncenterstl.org    Crown Center for Senior Living’s congregate  dining program is for those 60 and older. The   program includes a home delivered kosher meal  program for those that meet eligibility require ments and live east of 170. Both programs provide nutritious, hot meals five times a week.  Participants in the home delivery program must  be age 60 or over, require food that adheres to 1022 EXECUTIVE PARKWAY 1022 EXECUTIVE PARKWAY kosher dietary laws, have limited ability to pre pare nutritious meals, and be unable to attend LOUIS, MO 63141 ST. LOUIS,ST. MO 63141 the congregate program at Crown. All meals are  (314) 439-5700 (800) 527-1059 



 



(314) 439-5700

freshly prepared in a Vaad Hoeir approved kitchen. Congregate dining reservations can be made to 314-991-2055 ext. 124. For more information about either program, call Florence Schachter, Director of Resident and Community Services at 314-991-2055.

(800) 527-1059

email: info@brentwoodtravel.com

email: info@brentwoodtravel.com www.brentwoodtravel.com www.brentwoodtravel.com 1022 EXECUTIVE PARKWAY ST. LOUIS, MO 63141

(314) 439-5700

(800) 527-1059

email: info@brentwoodtravel.com

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

Youth B’nai B’rith Youth Organization 16801 Baxter Road Chesterfield, Mo. 63005 314-432-5700 • fax: 314-442-3404 email: emorris@bbyo.org website: 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. vvv

Jewish Student Union 8251Maryland Avenue, Suite 15 Clayton, Mo. 63105 314-498-6279 email: info@jsustl.org website: jsustl.org

SECTION INDEX B’nai B’rith Youth Organization...................... 78

Union, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. To establish a club in a school near you, please contact the JSU office.

Jewish Student Union.................................... 78

vvv

Kol Rinah United Synagogue Youth............... 78

Kol Rinah United Synagogue Youth (KRSTL)

National Conference of Synagogue Youth..... 78 NFTY-Missouri Valley Region.......................... 79 United Synagogue Youth-B’nai Amoona....... 79

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 Journey, a monthlong trip to Israel for as low as $2,999. Each club is governed by elected officers who meet to discuss program topics, outside activities and calendars. High school clubs meet at Clayton, Crossroads, John Burroughs, Ladue, Lafayette, Marquette, MICDS, Mirowitz Community Day School, Parkway North, Parkway Central, Parkway West, Pattonville, Whitfield. There are also two JSU clubs (JSU East and JSU West) that meet in the evening for students in other schools or those who couldn’t attend their school meeting. JSU also has the JSU Senator John Danforth Israel Scholars Program, a 15-week intensive Israel education program. JSU serves students in grades 9-12. JSU is funded in part by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, The Kranzberg Foundation, Lubin-Green Foundation Staenberg Foundation, The Martin Silk Foundation, and NCSY, along with generous donors like you. JSU is a program of NCSYwhich is an agency of the Orthodox

829 North Hanley Road University City, Mo. 63130 Tasha Kaminsky, Director of Programming 314-727-1747 • fax: 314-727-0080 email: tasha@kolrinahstl.org website: 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: ncsy.org Rabbi Michael Rovinsky — Area Director Sam Zitin - Chapter Advisor NCSY’s mission is to inspire Jewish youth to realize their potential as Jews and as human beings 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 to mentor elementary school-age NCSYers. NCSY runs 10-12 events per month. NCSY, in cooperation with YACHAD, also helps facilitate social programs and retreats for children with various developmental challenges.

Slow economy? Make leMonade! Advertising gets your name out to consumers who want to know about you! Ask your Jewish Light how we can help you and get out there and sell that lemonade!

314-743-3676 314-743-3672 78

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

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: 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: 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.”

Arts/Culture Gesher Music Festival

St. Louis Jewish Book 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 August, 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

Meshorerim 3962 Flad Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63110 314-772-2171 e-mail: BlumenthalFred@Yahoo.com Meshorerim is a Jewish men’s a capella singing group founded in 2008 by Fred Blumenthal. The group has performed at Brith Sholom Knesseth Israel, B’nai Amoona, Missouri Botanical Garden, Tavern of Fine Arts, Focal Point, Stone Spiral, with the St. Louis Circle of Jewish Music, and for the annual Dr. Herman Blumenthal Memorial Concert. The group sings a variety of musical genres, including folk and barbershop music, but specializes in Jewish music in a variety of styles, including arrangements and original compositions by Blumenthal and fellow group member Andy Curry. vvv

New Jewish Theatre Marvin & Harlene Wool Studio Theatre 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3283 website: 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 between September/October and May/June. 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 314-442-3283. NJT is a program of the Jewish Community Center. Sheri Sherman is Board Chair.

JCC Staenberg Family Complex 2 Millstone Campus Drive St. Louis, Mo. 63146 314-442-3152 (festival hotline: 314-4423299) email: sberzon@jccstl.org website: stljewishbookfestival.org Scott Berzon — Festival Director Now in its 37th 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 each year. Bookend events lead up to and follow the two-week-long November festival which celebrates “National Jewish Book Month.” 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 local 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. Julie Frankel and Judy Berger are the 2015 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: 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. Year-round programs include a Short Film Competition for students, amateur and professional filmmakers and the Jewish Film Society, where members enjoy free screenings of films selected especially for their interest in issues which promote lively discussions. Jeffrey Korn and Marilyn Brown are Co-Chairs. vvv

vvv

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

MOSAIC

continued from page 24

standing of “the other” has “given me more power under my wings,” she said. In 2011, Benjamin traveled to India as a Fulbright Fellow to create “Faces: Weaving Indian Jewish Narratives,” documenting with paintings and photographs the stories of more than 70 of Mumbai’s remaining Bene Israel Jews. To create the CRC mosaic, she read midrashes and studied with the rabbi. “It started with characters – like in a Shakespearean play,” Benjamin said.

A teaching tool One way Benjamin veers away from the expected is to paint many of the faces of women blue. “It’s like the sky and ocean,” she said. To shake things up further, the artist gives one woman red hair. Another prominent color is gold for the dome of Jerusalem. On the Shabbat night congregation members first saw the floor, the rabbi walked the circle with them. “I always Indian-Jewish artist Siona Benjamin’s design incorporates the symbols of the Zodiac in wanted to show how one holiday leads a mosaic that explores traditional Jewish holidays as well as themes of feminism and to the next and how they are connect- racial, cultural and gender diversity. View more of the artist’s work at artsiona.com. ed, and a cycle,” she said. Just as Esther reveals her identity as a Jew to the king and saved the Jewish A Star of David with the word “Juif” people, “Purim teaches that if we take for Jew reminded Lewis of the armoff our masks, the world could be a bands that the Nazis forced Jews to safer place,” said Talve. “There are so wear. It was placed on the mosaic near many secrets.” Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom Talve walked toward Tisha B’Av, HaShoah. Close by on the circle, at a which recounts tragedies Jews endured holiday celebrating the birth of nation throughout history. Again there was a of Israel, is another Star of David face of a woman. marked 1948. “The woman there could be a messiLewis said that for him this was “an facebook.com/ anic Shekhina figure,” she said. artistic and moral statement about the stljewishlight That night, as the congregation resilience and vision of the Jewish gazed at the mosaic and talked about people.” it, Roger Lewis, a professor at St. Talve hopes ideas and discussions Louis University and a congregant, will be sparked by the new CRC mosasaid it offered great opportunities for ic floor. @stljewishlight religious school children to learn “It celebrates the intersection of culabout the holidays and other aspects tures,” she said. “We Jews have taken of Judaism. The less traditional motifs from cultures wherever we are. It and juxtapositions also could spark makes us richer. It makes us more new insights for adults. diverse.”

Connect with the Jewish Light on social media:

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Keep the memory of your cherished Jewish Light photo or article alive JEWISH LIGHTframed KEEPSAKES with a custom reprint 81

Remember that wedding announcement, business profile, or Judaica story that meant something special to you? What about that graduation photo, congregation story, or event that you attended? Now, photos or stories published in the Jewish Light can be reprinted on high-quality photo paper as your own personal keepsake!

Keep the memory of your cherished Jewish Light photo or article alive with a custom framed reprint

POSTER SIZES

Remember that wedding announcement, business profile, or Judaica story that meant something special toPrint you? What about 8”x10” $25that graduation photo, congregation story, or event that you attended? Now, photos or stories 11”x14” $30 on high-quality published in the Jewish LightPrint can be reprinted photo12”x18” paper as yourPrint own personal keepsake! $40

Frames

$18

POSTER SIZES 8”x10” Print 11”x14” Print 12”x18” Print Frames

$25 $30 $40 $18

To place an order, or if you have any questions Call: 314-743-3660 | E-mail: office@thejewishlight.com OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

To place an order, or if you have any questions Call: (314)-743-3660 | E-mail: office@thejewishlight.com

SHIR AMI

continued from page 18

2 New Sections Available at Chesed Shel Emeth White Road Location

Beth Shel Emeth Shalom Cemetery Cemetery

• Two Convenient Locations • A St. Louis tradition for over 125 years • Attractive payment options

Locations in University City and Chesterfield

West County: 650 White Road University City: Olive & Hanley

Chesed

Serving The St. Louis Jewish Community Since 1888 Contact Anita Feigenbaum for complete information

(314) 469-1891 info@chesedshelemeth.org

Visit our newly designed website www.chesedshelemeth.org www.bethshalomcemetery.com 82

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

album. One of Lyss’ nephews listens on his iPod to just two groups: Shir Ami and the Beatles. • Judy Medoff (vocals), 76, a Shir Ami charter member. A retired professor of biology and an active painter and ceramist, she grew up in a Bronx apartment when New York City had five Yiddish newspapers. Before joining Shir Ami, her impression of St. Louis was: “These aren’t Jews. They don’t know anything about Yiddishkeit or Jewishness.” • Elaine Unell (vocals), 69, a charter member. A clay potter and a retired gifted-education teacher, Unell used to sit by herself and sing in music stores and at friends’ gatherings. Shir Ami gave her vocal confidence. Group members say Unell’s “voice is so incredibly beautiful, it brings tears to our eyes.” “She’s a very spiritual person, and when she sings, she can go inside of her body and feel something very different than maybe a lot of us can.” Shir Ami members are increasingly aware that as years pass, despite ongoing enthusiasm, vocal ranges may narrow and performance outfits, including matching black-and-white togs from now-shuttered Grandpa Pigeon’s, may need updating. Some also ponder what’s to come. Gage – known as the laughter guru, idea person and among the first to fall asleep during rehearsals on KaplanLyss’ sofa – is the insurance policy for the group’s future. As the group’s youngest member, Gage is the one who is most likely to continue singing – as well as to speak at everyone else’s funeral, Kaplan-Lyss says, laughing uproariously. The others join in. To book Shir Ami for special occasions, email kaplanlyss@aol.com or phone 314-997-2887. The group’s fee “maybe pays for the strings on our instruments,” Michael Lyss says.

CROWN CENTER continued from page 14

Rehfeld said. “Besides being so inclusive, there is a real sense of community in this effort. In fact, I had an appointment yesterday and wasn’t able to participate in the program. When I got back to my apartment, the Happy Planters had left a large bag of vegetables for me from the day’s harvest.” She smiled. “That was so kind of them.” Rehfeld took me on a stroll through the greenhouse to show me the seeds that were just beginning to sprout. We walked outside around the garden beds, where cucumbers, eggplants, sour cucumbers, peppers, and a variety of tomatoes were growing. Individual pots held fresh herbs and fig and orange trees. It is a lovely sight. “Because this is affordable housing, programs like these add to the dignity of our residents and give them a sense of pride about where they live,” explained Florence Schachter, director

of resident and community services at Crown. “We want the senior adult community to have as many options as possible to remain independent. Because our food is kosher and our programs are open to residents and non-residents, everyone in our community can benefit from them.” To find out more about these programs, and how to get involved, please

call Crown Center at 314-991-2055.

RESOURCES

Community chaplaincy

venes. 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 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.

continued from page 34 fort persisting for several hours. The ceremony itself is about 20-30 minutes 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; Website: 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.

From left, Crown Center residents Guobin Chang, Esme Gooding and Beverly Rehfeld in the vegetable garden. Photo: Kristi Foster

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 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 inter-

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

• 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 36. • Berger Memorial Chapel 9430 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis, Mo. 63132. Phone: 314-361-0622; Website: bergermemorialchapel.com • Rindskopf-Roth Funeral Chapel 5216 Delmar Boulevard, St Louis, Mo. 63108. Phone: 314-367-0438; Website: rindskopfroth.com. OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

REPURPOSED continued from page 30

he said. “Former Rabbi Jerome Grollman marched with Martin Luther King in Selma, Alabama, and King gave a speech at UH on the future of integration – which, I imagine, some of the contents of that speech still ring true.” Gonzales says that as a preservationist, he appreciates that some synagogues and other historic buildings remain intact. But many don’t survive. “Recently we looked at a 20-year-old survey of historic structures in St. Louis County, and we found that a lot of the buildings are now gone,” he said. Rehabbing an old synagogue isn’t just a matter of a few plaster patches and a fresh coat of paint. Generally, these buildings fall into the category of extreme fixer-uppers. The plumbing and electrical systems may need to be replaced. If heating came courtesy of an ancient boiler, it could require a complete HVAC overhaul, all of which carries a hefty price tag. Teardowns are common in the suburbs for just this reason. United Hebrew leadership had considered selling the Skinker Boulevard property to a real estate developer. The likely outcome would have been a shiny new residential development, with the historic sanctuary only a memory. That was definitely not the congregation’s preference, said Paul Flotken, who

In 2007, members of the St Louis Philharmonic (above) rehearse for a concert in Washington University’s 560 Music Center in 2007. The building was the former location of Congregation Shaare Emeth. File photo: Mike Sherwin headed the building committee for a new synagogue and was the temple’s president in 1989. “We had interest from real estate developers to tear down the building and put up housing,” Flotken said. “The History Museum had the necessary funding to rehab the building. They spent $9 million or $10 million, which was about what we estimated it would need.” Why is it so important to save old buildings, whether or not they can serve a new purpose? Styles change over time, but buildings serve as a living reminder of the era in which they were erected. The modernist Kol Rinah (formerly

Kol Rinah (formerly Shaare Zedek), 829 North Hanley Road. Photo: Bill Motchan 84

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Shaare Zedek) at 829 North Hanley Road has a distinctive art-deco look and feel. It’s no accident that it looks similar in design to the old Famous-Barr in Clayton (now part of Washington University). The two structures were built within a couple of years of each other, in 1950 and 1948, respectively. No discussion of groundbreaking architects and St. Louis synagogues would be complete without mentioning Will Levy. The prolific Levy designed dozens of significant area buildings, primarily private residences. He also worked on the original Temple Israel (in the vicinity of Wells-Fargo downtown) and an addition for the former Shaare Zedek building on Page Boulevard near Taylor Avenue. Levy also created a design in 1923 for a never-built United Hebrew Congregation building at Delmar and Union boulevards. And he was responsible for a key part of another structure that some might argue was a spiritual gathering place: the iconic clock and scoreboard at Sportsman’s Park, the Cardinals former home field at Grand Boulevard and Dodier Street. Will Levy’s work is currently on display at the Carolyn Hewes Toft Gallery at Architecture St. Louis, 911 Washington Avenue, open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The exhibit runs through Nov. 25.

The former Temple Israel building (above left), just blocks north of Central Reform Congregation (right). Below, the former B’nai El synagogue, located on Flad Avenue in the Shaw neighborhood of St. Louis city. All photos: Bill Motchan

10 SYNAGOGUES continued from page 30

Angelic Temple of Deliverance 5001 Washington Boulevard Formerly: Temple Israel Built: 1907 Architect: Barnett, Haynes & Barnett Style: Corinthian Neoclassical Notable design elements: Corinthian columns made of Caen stone give the building a serious-looking, judicial appearance. Missouri History Museum and Research Center 225 S. Skinker Boulevard Formerly: United Hebrew Congregation Built: 1927 Architect: Maritz and Young, with consulting

architect Gabriel Ferrand Style: Byzantine Notable design elements: The 82-foot diameter dome in the reading room (previously sanctuary) was inspired by the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. At the time of its dedication, UH was one of the three largest synagogues in the country. Temple Apartments 3666 Flad Avenue Formerly: B’nai El (1905-1944) Built: Dedicated in 1906 Architect: John L. Wees Style: Romanesque Revival Notable design elements: The building’s Romanesque and Byzantine architecture make it stand out in this residential neighborhood just west of the Compton Hill Water Tower. Although it’s now an apart-

ment building, one look at the outside immediately tells you it was at one time a religious building. Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church 4570 Page Boulevard Formerly: Shaare Zedek Built: 1913 Architect: Unknown Style: Classical Notable design elements: large, semicircular gables and large lunettes with glazed opalescent glass Star of David. The following are much newer, but are significant architectural works—designed by a founding member of CRC (Andy Trivers), and in the case of UH, the final design of important American architect Pietro Belluschi. Central Reform Congregation 5020 Waterman Avenue Built: 2000 Architect: Andy Trivers Style: Modern Notable design elements: When members walk in the entrance, they encounter the oneg area, a gathering place. This was a deliberate design strategy, because the philosophy of the congregation is all about community. United Hebrew Congregation 13788 Conway Road Built: 1990 Architect: Pietro Belluschi Style: Modernist Notable design elements: The exterior arch on the east side of the sanctuary and the series of three vertical windows mirror the same components of the former UH building (now Missouri History Museum Library) on Skinker Boulevard. —Bill Motchan OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

Dining86

THE PLACE

IN ST. LOUIS FOR PASTA DUANE & KAY JOHNSON - Owners

10031 Manchester Road St. Louis, MO 63122 314.822.8200 314.822.9458 fax www.breadsmith.com Pareve Pas Yisroel

NOW CATERING — Call Frank for details —

Like what you see?

Banquet Room Available for Private Parties (40

Want to see MORE?

PERSON CAPACITY)

314.781.1135

www.cunetto.com ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED • 5453

Dining 26

ST. LOUIS JEWISH LIGHT

2011 April 13,

MAGNOLIA AT SOUTHWEST AVE.

HLIGHT.COM Visit WWW. STLJEWIS

Check out the

Cuisine STL Early Dinner Special

Louis Indian Cuisine in St. Largest Buffet & Best Indio-Chinese * Mughlai Kebabs Indian * South Indian * North

OFF $10 $50 DINNER

OFF $2 ALA CARTE

OR BUFFE–TSunday

Coupon good Monday Expires 4/30/11

- 6.00 pm MON - THURS 4.30 85 Reservations: 314-432-85

FIXE es from our PRIX3 Delicious cours limited time menu for a person. All for $17.95 per n Only Frontenac Locatio for $4.50. Add a glass of wine

PURCHASE

– Sunday Coupon good Monday Expires 4/30/11

Bon Appetit!

R PLAZA

HERITAGE CENTE St. Louis 12513 Olive Blvd. • www.mayuri.com 314-576-7272 We Serve Halal Meat

The Place in St. Louis for

ner ½ Off Din Get 2nd of

Cuisine STL zing in Walleye Specials- Speciali Back Ribs Friday - Seafood Steamed BBQ Baby Saturday - Dry Rub Fried Chicken Dinner in Town! Sunday - The Best uts Available

Catering and Carry-o g Menu go to: Specials and Caterin For Full Menu, More RILL.com www.BIGBEARG Wildwood Rd. Warson Woods 16524 Manchester 00 Rd. ster Manche 636 405-11 10017 LE 314 821-1000 PATIo DInInG AvAILAB

Pasta

For over 35 years, local awards Cunetto has earned many al recognition. and has received nation

Buy 1 Dinner & at ½ off Equal or Lesser Value Exp: 9/16/11

s Accepted Carry Out • reservation • large Groups Welcome

8435 Olive Blvd.

(314) 983-0099 (314) 997-7473

ant Shu Feng RestaurKorean

and Taiwanese, Chinese

www.shufeng.com We Deliver - 5 Mile

- Order online

5453

coupon per party other offers. Limit (1) be combined with any (4) or more people Valid until May 6th, cannot(2) coupons may be used with parties of or carryout order, only

All major credit cards accepte

helens.com www.frankand in Or Carry OUt dine

(314) 997-0666

Italian You Can’t Resist

aura Amici’s Italian Rest

Elegant...

Casual... Italian...

Extensive menu including Appetizers, Salads, Pasta, Chicken, Veal, Beef, Seafood, plus nightly specials

On The Hill

$5 off $20 purchase or ase $10 of $40 purch

purchases only. Offer valid for food with coupon. Not valid Must present this 5/12/11 other offers. EXPIRES

22 Rd. (314) 821-22 210 N. Kirkwood rant.com www.amicisrestau

Chef’s nu Special Spring Me Enjoy the Spring!

r 4 Course Dinne With Bottle of House for 2 Merlot Wine Chardonnay or

$40 per personani

loni Amalfit Appetizer: Cannel Salad Salad: Giovanni Special ian Salmon alla Fina Entrée Choice: Norweg a or Veal alla Toscan nt Busch or Chicken Preside Oprah Bella alla elle or Pasta Pappard Dessert: Cannoli Sicilian

PASSOVER LIGHTS DESSERT DE S BROWNIES R-LES

FLOU inside, YUM! Cream cheese baked Turtle brownie. for a Add caramel & nuts $6.50 each S CHEESECAKE

FLOUR-LES AMAZING! honey & nut crust, Chocolate toffee, 6-8 people for $29.99 6 inch round serves Jilly’s Cupcake Bar

• Banquet Room Available for Private Parties • Mon.-Thu. 5 p.m.-9 p.m. • Fri.-Sat. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. • Sun. 4:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Daytime Hours Accomodated • Reservations Accepted

www.gian-tonys.com

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

coupons and

R BLVD @ I-170 & Cafe 8509 DELMA

JILLY required • 314.993. Advanced orders kebar.com www.jillyscupca

When dining out ants, at these restaur thank them for the in sing erti adv

58 ations: (314) 772-59 Please Call for Reserv ill.com • www.giovannisontheh 5201 Shaw Avenue

• Featured on Food Network • • Awarded as the “Neighborhood Gem” by Gourmet Magazine •

Jewish Light for

Now Catering – Call Frank

ONLY $29.99!

8111 Olive Blvd. U. City, MO

cupcake bar & café

(314) 781-1135 for Details

this coupon and

Give us FAMOUS ENJOY A TUB OF OUR EN, PLUS (4) SIDES BROASTED CHICK

week in your

(314) 569-9300 St. Rd. 10598 Old Olive www.stircrazy.com

Radius - $15 Minimum

Ave.) Magnolia (at Southwest

page every

Only in Your

offers!

Svcs87

Gitt Team

the 636-532-0200

Susie “Gitts” it

Chesterfield West Office

SOLD!

Maintain your quality goods with ONE STOP & shop Men’s Shoes Featuring: Alden, Mezlan, Neil M, Tauer, Johnson & Wolverine.

Susie Gitt Terry Safron 314-757-GITT (4488)

Susan Burack

Extend the life of your Christian Louboutin Footwear with our red sole protectors

LADUE • 8855 LADUE RD. • 314.727.4080 (SCHNUCKS LADUE CROSSING)

WWW.COBBLESTONESHOEREPAIR.COM

WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU!

ExpEriEncEd pErsonal injury attornEys We accept referrals.

INVITATIONS • PARTY GIFTS SIGN-IN BOARDS • BANNERS

BRING IN THIS AD & GET

10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER!

SIGNS • POSTERS • T-SHIRTS ADDRESS LABELS • THANK YOU CARDS AND MUCH MORE! Plus! We can design anything you need!

CANTOR & BURGER

(314) 542-9999 CantorBurger.com 12283 Olive Blvd.

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. INJURY LAW FIRM

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS

• Copies & Printing • Business Cards • Promotional Products • Magnetic Signs

• Logo Design • Brochures • Invoices • Posters

• Note Pads • Flyers • T-Shirts And MORE!

www.bcxstl.com

CALL US AT 314-862-5450 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

Custom shades, shutters, AND BLINDS PLUS Cleaning, repairs, and more

Family Owned for 4 Generations!

10100 Page Boulevard • St. Louis, MO 63132 314-428-7979 • www.victorshade.com

Bassman OrthOpedics \\ dr. donald bassman m.d. \ board certified orthopedic surgeon

Sports medicine, arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgery and total hip and knee replacements

Call Us To Help You Buy or Sell Your Home! $453+ Million in lifetime sales

Coldwell Banker Gundaker Steve Mathes

(314)503-6533•stevemathes@realtor.com

522 n. new ballas rd., suite 199 creve coeur, mo 63141 314-567-9400 www.bassmanortho.com

Have you seen Jewish Light articles on Facebook & Twitter? Well we want your feedback. Show the world your a part of the online Jewish community with a comment or a tweet. facebook.com/stljewishlight twitter.com/stljewishlight 88

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

314-997-3412

Joe Mathes

(314) 276-1604•joe.mathes@gmail.com

Service, Integrity, Experience, Results!

Tell us What You Think!

Svcs89

Shemesh

Popular Hebrew and Yiddish music for ceremonies and celebrations.

314-452-7477 314-994-1838 314-991-1196

Michael Lyss Judi Furman

HaShemesh@sbcglobal.net

“Leaf

the cle aning to me. ”

• Cleaning • Repairs • Gutter Guards • Window Washing • Roofing • Painting • Wood Fencing • Concrete Work Robert “Tony” Longhibler

9648 Olive Blvd. Suite 442, Olivette, MO 63132 thegutterguy-stl@hotmail.com • 314-413-2888

WAY COOL BALLOONS

Makes Balloon Sculptures for parties & special events!

www.waycoolballoons.com (314)-306-3401

RPI Therapy Services

Exceptional Care, Exceptional Results!

R E H A B I L I TAT I O N PROFESSIONALS, INC

Comprehensive Outpatient Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services

Creve Coeur 6 Millstone Campus Drive, Suite 3040 St. Louis, MO 63146 Phone: 314-991-1978 Fax: 314-991-8714 On the Jewish Community campus in Creve Coeur Richmond Heights 1034 South Brentwood Boulevard, Suite 300 St. Louis, MO 63117 Phone: 314-644-1978 Fax: 314-644-5730 Across from Galleria Mall

www.rpistl.com

LET US HELP YOU MOVE! We PACK everything in your home from China to toys pictures to collectables On move day we UNPACK everything and PUT IT ALL AWAY We REMOVE all the packing materials and make your home look like you’ve lived there forever! We SUPPLY all of the packing materials (wholesale cost to you) ORGANIZED MOVING / JODY PRESENT

636.530.0275

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

Editorial Index 90

Index of Guide to Jewish Life directory listings Community Services 36

Shalvah Program: Outreach on Addic-

Ahavas Chesed Society......................36

United Cemetery Association..............45

Adult Day Center at the JCC..............36 American Jewish Committee..............36 Anti-Defamation League, Mo./S. Ill.....36 Association for Advancement of Brit Milah................................................36 Association of Reform Rabbis.............37 Barnes-Jewish Hospital......................37 Bikur Cholim Visitors Network.............37 Saul Brodsky Jewish Community Library.............................................38 Chevra Kadisha Ohave Sholom Association..........................................38 Community Chaplaincy Program— JF&CS.............................................38 Community Rabbinic Service at Barnes-Jewish Hospital..................38 Hillel at Washington University in St. Louis................................................38 Holocaust Museum and Learning Center 40 Jewish Attention to Mental Illness St. Louis................................................40 Jewish Community Center..................40 JCC Helene Mirowitz Center of Jewish Community Life...............................41 Jewish Community Relations Council.41 Jewish Family & Children’s Service.....41 JF&CS - Jewish Connections Program..

tions.................................................45 Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis.......................45

Congregations 48

Agudas Israel of St. Louis...................48 Bais Abraham Congregation...............48 Congregation Bais Menachem Chabad...........................................48 Beit Shira............................................48 Congregation B’nai Amoona...............48 Central Reform Congregation.............49 Kol Rinah............................................49 Neve Shalom......................................50 Nusach Hari B’nai Zion.......................50 Congregation Shaare Emeth...............50 Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community..............................................50 Temple Emanuel.................................51 Congregation Temple Israel.................51 Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha.............52 Traditional Congregation.....................52 U.City Shul — Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol ...................................................... Sha’arei Chesed Shul.........................52 United Hebrew Congregation.............53

Jewish Federation of St. Louis............41

Missouri Torah Institute-Mesivta D’Missouri.......................................59

Louis and Sarah Block Yeshiva High Chabad of Chesterfield.......................54 Chabad of Greater St. Louis...............54

MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries....43

Chabad of MU and Mid-Missouri........54

National Council of Jewish Women-

Chabad on Campus...........................56

St. Louis Section.................................44

H.F. Epstein Hebrew Academy...........56

New Mt. Sinai Cemetery Association..44

Hillel at Washington University in St.

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

Louis............................................. (see

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

entry under “Community Services”..38

St. Louis Jewish Light.........................44

JCC Early Childhood Center...............56

St. Louis Rabbinical Association.........45

Jewish, Islamic and Near Eastern Lan-

St. Louis Rabbinical Council...............45

guages and Cultures at Washington

St. Louis Jewish Community Listserv.45

University.........................................58

Shalom Baby......................................45

Jewish Parents as Teachers (JPAT).....58

YOU ?

Reform Singles Together.....................74 St. Louis Holocaust Survivors and Descendants.......................................74

Torah MiTzion Kollel............................60

St. Louis Israeli Folk Dancing..............74

Torah Prep School..............................60

St. Louis Jewish Community Listserv.74

Yeshivat Kadimah High School...........60

Organizations 62

American Friends of Magen David Adom..............................................62 American Israel Public Affairs Committee ..................................................62 American Legion Post 96....................62 American Technion Society.................62 Barnes-Jewish Hospital Auxiliary........62 B’nai B’rith St. Louis...........................63 Citizens for a Just and Lasting Peace.63 Cultural Leadership.............................64 Federation of Reform Temples ...........64 Gay and Lesbian Chavurah at CRC....64 St. Louis Chapter Hadassah...............64 Israeli House at B’nai Amoona............66 Jewish National Fund (JNF)................66 Louis Genealogical Society..............66 Jewish War Veterans of the USA........66 Jewish War Veterans-Grave Site Search Program..............................................68 Jewish Women International...............68 Jews United for Justice.......................68 JProStl................................................69 Legal Advocates for Abused Women.69 Midwest Jewish Congress..................69 Military Museum/Wall of Honor Memorial Centre.................................69 Millstone Institute for Jewish Leadership......................................70 Miriam: The Learning Disability Experts............................................70 NA’AMAT USA....................................70

A Getaway A New Home New Kitchen

September 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

Q Jews...............................................74

Spirit of Sinai.......................................60

Find it ALL in the Jewish Light.

Women’s Project.............................73 Project Backpack................................73

St. Louis Kollel....................................60

Jewish Special Interest Group of St.

Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry....

need

School.............................................59

School.............................................54

What do

Nishmah: The St. Louis Jewish

Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community

J Associates ......................................66

Jewish Prison Outreach......................42 43

Next Dor STL......................................70

Esther Miller Bais Yaakov....................58

Young Israel of St. Louis.....................53

Aish HaTorah......................................54

Maryville University Hillel......................58

A Job

Sharsheret Supports...........................74 Shaving Israel......................................75 Sparks Services..................................75 Women’s Auxiliary St. Louis Mikvah Association.........................................75

Senior Services/Housing 76

Adult Day Center at the J....................76 Community Chaplaincy Program— JF&CS ............................................76 Covenant Place...................................76 Crown Center for Senior Living...........76 ElderLink St. Louis..............................77 Kosher Dining and Home Delivery Program at Crown Center for Senior Living...............................................77 Pathways Hospice and Palliative Care.................................................77

Youth 78

B’nai B’rith Youth Organization...........78 Jewish Student Union.........................78 Kol Rinah United Synagogue Youth....78 National Conference of Synagogue Youth...............................................78 NFTY-Missouri Valley Region...............79 United Synagogue Youth-B’nai Amoona..........................................79

Arts/Culture 79

Gesher Music Festival.........................79 Meshorerim.........................................79 New Jewish Theatre...........................79 St. Louis Jewish Book Festival............79 St. Louis Jewish Film Festival..............79

Shoes

A Car

The Berger tradition

continues in Olivette.

Berger Memorial Chapel has been the premier funeral provider for the St. Louis Jewish community. Our central Olivette location is a larger, brighter, more convenient place to honor special lives, FO R FIVE G ENERATIONS,

and your Dignity Memorial速 professionals remain dedicated to the families we serve. Rely on us to help you create a personal, meaningful memorial that truly honors the heritage of the Jewish faith.

> Personal Planning Services > The Compassion Helpline速 > Veterans Benefits > National Plan Transferability > Bereavement Travel Assistance > 100% Service Guarantee

Richard W. Stein & Emily Stein MacDonald Berger Memorial Chapel 9430 OlIVE BlVd., ST. lOuIS

314-361-0622 BergerMemorialChapel.com M1826_4938_Berger_PNT_7-5x10_C.indd 1

OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light

September 2015

The Very Best Care. Our Promise: You will be cared for by attentive, experienced individuals who are committed to your personal well being. Our staff of carefully selected professionals is available around-the-clock to provide you with the highest level of service. This attention to detail makes our community the ideal choice for the very best Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing care.

Expect a higher standard at McKnight Place.

Assisted Living â&#x20AC;˘ Skilled Nursing For more information or a tour, call Christina at (314) 993-2221 Located on The Gatesworth campus at Delmar and I-170 mcknightplace.com 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 2015 OY! Magazine - St. Louis Jewish Light