St. Louis Jewish Light

“This is about a culture clash,” said Rabbi Cary Kozberg, who leads Temple Sholom.

The only rabbi in Springfield, Ohio, says local Haitian migrants lack ‘Western civilized values’ Since Donald Trump amplified baseless rumors about Haitian migrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, last week, the community has been beset with bomb threats and white nationalist activity. Adding to the controversy, a local rabbi criticizes Haitian migrants in Ohio, claiming their presence is har...

Just in!

14 dead, 450 injured in Lebanon on second day of pager attacks Hundreds of electronic devices held by Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon exploded for the second straight day, killing 14 people and wounding 450, in a continuation of a mass attack that the terror group has blamed on Israel. The devices exploding on Wednesday were two way radios and walkie talkies ca...

Our first Mazel of the day!

Rabbi Mark Shook recognized for nearly 30 years of service Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital has announced Rabbi Mark Shook, and his wife, Carol, will be the honorees for this year’s Mary Ranken Jordan Service to Children Award. Given annually, the Mary Ranken Jordan Service to Children Award honors those who selflessly serve Ranken Jordan and the S...

The 60th annual Couturier Sale is almost here, and if you’re not excited yet, you should be! This year, the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis (NCJWSTL) is rolling out over 25,000 curated pieces of designer fashion at unbelievable prices. 🙌 Think: Gucci, Burberry, Ferragamo, and so much more, all at a third or less of the original cost. 😱

This four-day event is all about strategy, according to veteran shoppers:
Scope: Know your brands and where to find them.
Strategy: Have a game plan for grabbing those top-tier items.
Sustenance: Keep your energy up – it’s a shopping marathon!

But it’s more than just incredible fashion deals. The proceeds from this event support NCJWSTL’s community service and advocacy projects, helping women, children, and families in the St. Louis area. 🏡💖

🗓️ When: September 25-28
📍 Where: The Resale Shop, St. Louis

Don’t miss out on:

Designer pieces at a fraction of retail
Home décor steals
Supporting a great cause
Grab your friends and get ready for a shopping experience like no other. See you at the sale! 🎉👗

Full Story: https://tinyurl.com/4h3dddb9

📜 Discover the Untold Jewish Stories Behind the 1904 World’s Fair! 🌍✨

The 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis showcased groundbreaking innovations, but did you know that the Jewish community played an essential role in shaping its legacy? From the first public debut of the Zionist flag to influential figures on the Fair’s Board of Directors, there’s a rich, often overlooked history.

Join us as we dive deeper into these remarkable contributions, brought to life through the passionate research of historian Linda Koenig. Read Full Story: https://tinyurl.com/y38kkm66

🕍💼

Welcome to the STL

New rabbi brings fresh perspective to St. Louis just in time for High Holy Days” Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community is excited to welcome Shira Singelenberg, a fifth-year rabbinical student, to St. Louis. Singelenberg is joining the community for the final year of her intensive two-year internship through the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College’s (RRC) William H. Fern Pr...

The power of influence is scary. Comedians Zach Sage Fox and Yechiel Jacobs just proved it with their new social experiment. Posing as recruiters for a fake pro-Hamas fraternity, they revealed the alarming ease with which hate can be spread on college campuses.

Watch the full video and read the full story here: https://tinyurl.com/5t4u6raa

When your best friend's wedding and Yom Kippur fall on the same day, you know it's going to be a fast party. What to do?

💍✡️ "

My dear friends’ wedding is on Yom Kippur. How do I reconcile my obligations? This story was originally published in the Forward. Click here to get the Forward’s free email newsletters delivered to your inbox. A Bintel Brief, Yiddish for a bundle of letters, has been solving reader dilemmas since 1906. Send yours via email, social media or this form. Dear Bintel, Two of my ...

✨ A Fresh New Look at Millstone Sanctuary ✨

We are beyond excited to share the newly renovated Millstone Sanctuary at United Hebrew Congregation! 🌟 After months of hard work, our beautiful space is now brighter and more welcoming than ever. From the redesigned floor space to the extended bima, every detail has been thoughtfully crafted to bring our community closer together. 🕍💫

https://stljewishlight.org/news/news-local/united-hebrew-congregation-unveils-renovated-millstone-sanctuary/

Mazel of the day! Angad Hotel

St. Louis artist Jasmine Raskas uynveils ‘Symbiosis’ at the Angad Arts Hotel Art serves as a profound medium of expression for many, and for Jasmine Raskas, it is a canvas for revealing the unseen worlds of nature and imagination. On Fri., Sept. 6, the Angad Arts Hotel will unveil “Symbiosis,” a captivating cross-continental art exhibit. This exhibition not only highligh...

Bronze Mazels for you Ian!

Nephew of JFS CEO Marian Seidenfeld wins Paralympic Bronze Medal Three years after pulling off an upset to win gold in his Paralympics debut, Jewish table tennis star Ian Seidenfeld, the nephew of St. Louisan and Jewish Family Services CEO Miriam Seidenfeld, earned a bronze medal in Paris on Thursday. Seidenfeld, 23, won his round of 16 and quarterfinal matches t...

St. Louis Jewish Community to gather for “From Darkness to Light” on Oct. 7th

In a powerful show of unity, the St. Louis Jewish community will come together on Monday, Oct. 7 to mark one year of remembrance, support and hope. Organized by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, “Darkness to Light” will provide a space for individuals to mourn, reflect and stand in solidarity with Israel and its people during these challenging times.

The event, which begins at 7 p.m., is set to take place at a location soon to be disclosed with a virtual attendance option available.

Pre-registration is required and there is no cost to attend. For more information contact Federation at 314-442-4018.

Help spread the word!

St. Louisans invited to join ‘National Vigil for Hostages’ online tonight The St. Louis Jewish community is still reeling from the heartbreaking news of six innocent hostages being brutally murdered in Gaza—a tragedy deeply felt during a solemn vigil held last night at United Hebrew Congregation. Nearly 200 mourners gathered, lighting six candles and offering prayers fo...

Ahhh, shayna punim ❤️❤️

Why Ashkenazi Jews name babies after deceased relatives In Jewish tradition, naming newborns after loved ones who have passed away is a profound way to honor and keep their legacy alive. Have you ever looked at a child and seen not only the soul in front of you but someone you loved and lost? When my mother died at the age of 44...

We thank United Hebrew for inviting our community to come together tonight to mourn the tragic loss of six hostages murdered by Hamas.

St. Louis Jewish community mourns tragic loss of six hostages murdered by Hamas A solemn hostage vigil was held Monday evening, Sept. 2 at United Hebrew Congregation. Nearly 200 mourners gathered to honor the lives of the six slain Israeli hostages recovered from Gaza. During the ceremony, six candles were lit and prayers were offered for the safe return of the 101 hostages tha...

We thank United Hebrew for inviting our community to come together tonight to mourn the tragic loss of six hostages murdered by Hamas.

Please join us for an evening of song and prayer.

The funeral is being streamed live.

How to livestream today’s funeral for Hersh Goldberg-Polin Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of six hostages killed by Hamas whose bodies were recovered by Israeli forces on Saturday, will be buried Monday afternoon at Har Hamenuchot in Jerusalem. The service is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. local time — 9 a.m. ET — and will be live streamed on You Tube. Goldber...

Just over a week after the Jewish Light first reported on an incident at Nipher Middle School in the Kirkwood School District —where a Palestinian flag in a classroom sparked allegations of Holocaust denial—social studies teacher Jason Kipp met with Rabbi Jeffery Abraham of Congregation B’nai Amoona on Aug. 28.

Rabbi and Kirkwood teacher discuss Palestinian flag controversy: Regrets and reflections Just over a week after the Jewish Light first reported on an incident at Nipher Middle School in the Kirkwood School District —where a Palestinian flag in a classroom sparked allegations of Holocaust denial—social studies teacher Jason Kipp met with Rabbi Jeffery Abraham of Congregation B’nai ...

Sad news this Sunday.

Family of American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, confirms his death in Gaza The family of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, the 23-year-old American-Israeli who was taken hostage from the Nova music festival on Oct. 7, has announced his death. Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s Death Confirmed After 331 Days as a Hostage “With broken hearts, the Goldberg-Polin family is devastated to announce ...

Send us your Ted Drewes Inc. pics. Here's one from Rachel Bray Spezia from her wedding day, and more of my kids and me. - post below or email to [email protected]

A bit of local history that won't soon be forgotten

St. Louis Mourns a Legend: The remarkable story of how Ted Drewes Frozen Custard became kosher All around town, St. Louisans are paying tribute to Ted Drewes Jr., who died Aug. 26 at the age of 96. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, with its neon lights and long lines of eager customers, has become synonymous with the city itself. It’s a true piece of St. Louis history, a history rich with Jewish a...

It’s been a long month today. Who could use a laugh?

Why Adam Sandler’s new special is the perfect escape from the St. Louis Cardinals’ slump I’m not going to kid you, but with the St. Louis Cardinals playing so poorly, I’ve been searching for new shows to spend my valuable lounging time on. Recently, I’ve been spending a lot of time on Netflix binge-watching six seasons of “Vikings.” I tell my wife it’s research, as it’s po...

Fifty years ago, Robert Fishbone and Sarah Linquist took a leap of faith, moving to St. Louis to pursue their artistic dreams. What started with a single mural in 1974 turned into On The Wall Productions, a company that has painted over 200 murals across the country. Their work is more than just paint on walls—it’s a celebration of history,

The hidden history behind St. Louis’ iconic murals and the family keeping them alive This story is being published in partnership with the Missouri Historical Society. At Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, Robert Fishbone found two things that changed his life. Initially intent on studying biochemistry, he discovered photography, which helped him recognize his passion was for....

Yesterday, the St. Charles Jewish Festival brought together nearly 3,800 visitors for a day of love, culture, and community! 💙 From delicious food to lively music and crafts, the festival truly showcased the vibrant spirit of Jewish culture in our area. A special moment: Rabbi Chaim Landa received the key to the City of St. Charles from Mayor Dan Borgmeyer, symbolizing the growing strength of our community. 🗝️

Swipe through to see the highlights of this unforgettable day! 📸✨

Photos: St. Charles Jewish Festival welcomes thousands Nearly 3,800 visitors attended the fourth annual St. Charles Jewish Festival on Sunday, August 25. They were treated to food, music, crafts and other examples of Jewish culture. As the festival opened, attendees also learned the Hebrew word for love (ahavah) from Rabbi Yosef Landa, regional director...

Here's everything you need to know about today's 4th Annual St. Charles Jewish Festival

Ultimate Guide to the 2024 St. Charles Jewish Festival The St. Charles Jewish Festival returns this month to celebrate Jewish life and culture in a new venue. On Sunday, Aug. 25, the festival will run from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Lewis & Clark Boat House parking lot located at 1050 S. Riverside Drive in St. Charles, near the south end of Frontier...

It truly is an honor to honor these heroes!

Meet the 2024 Unsung Heroes Nine individuals and one married couple will be recognized as the 2024 Jewish Light Unsung Heroes on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. This year’s 15th annual event will take place at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. Unsung Heroes, which began in 2010, shines a light on individuals of an...

Our Mazel of the day!

Bais Abe welcomes new rabbi Growing up the son of a conservative rabbi in New Jersey, Rabbi Eliezer Finkelstein always saw rabbinical work in his future. Now, he’s joining the Bais Abraham team as the synagogue celebrates its 130th year. “I come from a rabbinic family,” he said. “I grew up in that world, so I always kn...

Concerns were initially raised during the school’s curriculum night on Aug. 14.

Controversy erupts over Palestinian flag in Kirkwood classroom: parents raise concern A recent incident at Nipher Middle School in Kirkwood has ignited a community debate over the presence of a Palestinian flag in an eighth-grade social studies classroom. Concerns were initially raised during the school’s curriculum night on Aug. 14, when parents encountered the flag during a prese...

Her Jewish life was filled with rich experiences, from attending Sunday school at Shaare Zedek Synagogue to savoring Jewish delicacies from local delis.

The ‘Golden Age’ of U-City comes alive in book by writer who lived it For many of us, the place and time where we grew up holds a special spot in our hearts, representing an iconic way of life filled with a deep sense of belonging and love. We’ve all likely felt that our story was one worth telling, though life often has a way of keeping those stories...