ChaiLights calendar: Aug. 9-25

Note: Addresses of locations in the calendar are compiled at the bottom of the page. 

Starting| Aug. 9 (through Sept. 13)

The Jewish Book of Why at UH

Have you often wondered “why”? Join United Hebrew at 6 p.m. as Rabbis Brigitte Rosenberg and Roxanne Shapiro follow the Jewish Book of Why in exploring the many different aspects of Judaism and Jewish practice. This monthly class will be taught both in the morning and evening on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. to accommodate schedules. No prior knowledge is necessary to join the class. Purchasing the book is recommended. RSVP Angie [email protected]


Starting| Aug. 10 

Seventh annual Gesher Music Festival set for Aug. 10-20

The Jewish Community Center’s Gesher Music Festival, which runs through Aug. 20, offers chamber music with a Jewish twist. This year’s theme, “War & Peace,” explores music and stories reflecting the Jewish experience that illuminate our common humanity even in times of conflict. Concert details are available at geshermusicfestival.org. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the box office, 314-442-3283.


Thursday | Aug. 10    

Diversity Cooking: Healthy Food with African Flair 

At 1 p.m. Crown Center and OASIS will present “Diversity Cooking: Healthy Food with African Flair. Participants will discover fresh ways to use seasonal produce and flavors based on East African cuisine in this hands-on cooking class. Learn from Chef Selas Kidane about African spices and culinary history while tasting nutritious, plant-based foods. There is a $2 supply fee. Funding provided by the Benjamin & Ida Tallin Fund. 

King Tut exhibit bus trip 

Join St Louis NORC and visit the new Science Center exhibit of the Discovery of King Tut, a unique view of all the treasures in Tutankhamun’s tomb at the time of its discovery in 1922.  The exhibit presents the actual excavation and has thousands of artifacts on display.Then enjoy lunch with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant.  Everyone welcome. The cost is $21 for the trip; open to the community, but RSVPs are required to Laura at 314-442-3255. 


Friday| Aug. 11

Chair yoga with instructor Maxine Mirowitz

Maxine Mirowitz will lead chair yoga at 11 a.m. in the Bohm Social Hall of the Covenant II building. Free and open to public.

St. Louis Strutters at Covenant

Tap dance to jazz and Broadway tunes with the St. Louis Strutters and Co. beginning at 1 p.m. in the Bohm Social Hall of Covenant II.  RSVP by Thursday, Aug. 10 at 314-432-1610. Free, though $1 donation is suggested. This event is open to the public and refreshments will be served.


Starting| Aug. 13

J’s Summer Used Book Sale – August 13-17

The Jewish Community Center will hold a used book sale from Sunday, Aug. 13 through Thursday, Aug. 17 at the J’s Arts and Education Building, in the Mirowitz Performing Arts Center. Thousands of book titles will be offered, as well as videos, books on tape/CDs and DVDs. Books are priced from 50 cents to $3. Special books — collectibles, art books and antique books — are priced as marked.

   The sale starts with Preview Day from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (the only day with a admission fee – $10; 16 and under are free). Ticket sales will begin at 9 a.m. The opening day $10 fee helps underwrite expenses for the sale. There is no cost to shop the remaining days of the book sale. Hours Monday through Wednesday are 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday is Bag Day, where patrons may fill a bag for $5 (hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m.). For more information on the sale, contact Zelda Sparks 314-442-3169.   

Starting | Aug. 12

St. Louis Show Stoppers Musical Revue

This year’s St. Louis Show Stoppers Musical Revue, benefitting the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital in support of Siteman Cancer Center, will feature music from “Ain’t Misbehavin,” “For Me and My Gal,” “Holiday Inn,” and “The King and I.” The show will be presented at Clayton High School Auditorium, #1 Mark Twain Circle, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12 and 19; and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 13 and 20. Tickets are $18 (discounts available for groups of 10 or more). For tickets send a check payable to St. Louis Show Stoppers with show date desired to Mike Sander, 12130 Mirror Lake Drive, St. Louis, 63146 (enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope). For more information, call 314-432-5581 or email [email protected].


Monday| Aug. 14

St. Louis NORC film series

The St. Louis NORC’s monthly film series will screen “Modern Marvels – The World War II Memorial” at the Gathering Place at the J. Bring a brown bag lunch to enjoy at 12:30 p.m., followed by the film and discussion at 1. Free and open to the public but RSVPs are required to Laura at 214-442-3255.  

Crown Center trip to Missouri History Museum

At 10:15 a.m. join the Crown Center for a trip to the Missouri History Museum for a private tour and discussion of “Civil Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis.” The exhibit looks at the local civil rights movement and the city’s role in advancing the cause of racial justice. Bus fare is $2. RSVP to 314-991-2055. 


Tuesday | Aug. 15

BJC  ‘Ask the Nurse’ hosted by St. Louis NORC

A community nurse will be available for blood pressure checks, health questions and more during this St. Louis NORC event from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place at the J. Free and open to the community, but RSVPs are required to Laura at 314-442-3255.

Chabad of Chesterfield ‘Land and Spirit’ to host open house barbecue about trip to Israel

The community is invited to an informative open house barbecue to learn more about the eight-day Land and Spirit trip to Israel March 5 -12. The barbeque begins at 6 p.m. at a private home in Chesterfield. For more information and to view the trip itinerary online, visit landandspirit.org. To RSVP, email [email protected] or call 636-778-4000. 

Exploring Life’s Journey

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Temple Israel, the monthly Exploring Life’s Journey group will meet. The group discussion offers participants a chance to connect with Judaism, one’s spirituality and transform into one’s highest self. Participation is free and open to the community. The group is facilitated by Jan Nykin, a psychotherapist in private practice with a Para-Rabbinic certification.

Free and open to the community. For more information, call 314-432-8050.


Wednesday| Aug. 16

St. Louis Kollel plans ‘Can You Hear Me Now?’ — Audiology update for ages 50 and above

From 4 to 5 p.m. St. Louis Kollel’s Senior Kollel presents an audiology education program featuring Dr. Jacques Herzog, founder and director of the Center for Hearing and Balance Disorders at St. Lukes. This free event takes place at the St. Louis Kollel 

Crown Center klezmer concert 

Crown Center will present a special performance of klezmer music at 3:30 p.m. by Will Soll and Tim Hirzl, which also features a discussion of the influence of Yiddish songs on American culture. Snacks will be included.  Free and open to the community but RSVPs are requested 314-991-2055.


Thursday| Aug. 17

Prize Bingo At Covenant Pace

Joey Boime will lead Prize Bingo at 1:30 p.m. in the Bohm Social Hall, lower level Covenant II. Free but RSVP to  314-432-1610. 

Crown Center/OASIS present ‘Myths about Sugar & Diabetes’

Crown Center and OASIS welcome registered dietician Janet Staicoff, with BJC Home Care Services, at 1 p.m. for a discus-sion of the myths about sugar as it relates to diabetes. RSVP to 314-991-2055.  

Garden Villas/SLUCare present ‘Health Through the Ages’ Speaker Series

Garden Villas Retirement and Assisted Living Community and SLUCare physician group welcome Dr. Roula Al-Dahhak, neuro-muscular specialist, who will speak about the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Doors open at 6:15 p.m and the speaker begins at 6:30. Appetizers and beverages will be served. Seating is limited; RSVP to 314-434-2520 or [email protected]

YPD Happy Hour at Barcelona in Clayton

The Young Professionals Division of Jewish Federation of St. Louis will meet for a happy hour at Barcelona Tapas Restaurant in Clayton from 6 to 8 p.m. The free happy hours give Jewish adults in their 20s and 30s the chance to meet, network and engage in the Jewish community.  

NCJW presents ‘Advocacy in Action’ lunch series

A representative from the Foster Care Coalition will discuss foster care and human trafficking at the National Council of Jewish Women-St. Louis Section’s Third Thursdays Advocacy in Action series. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and speakers are from noon to 1. Bring your lunch, drinks will be provided. RSVP to Lisa at 314-993-5181 or [email protected].


Friday | Aug. 18

Intergenerational Family Shabbat Picnic

Join Women’s Philanthropy, the J’s Family Center, PJ Library and Shalom Baby for an Intergenerational Family Shabbat Picnic in Shaw Park (North Shelter) from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Light the candles, play on the enclosed playground, bring your own dinner and blanket and enjoy a treat from the ice cream truck. We will celebrate Shabbat and provide drinks, challah and a sweet treat. This event is free but please RSVP by Aug. 11 to jccstl.com/picnic. 

Chair yoga with instructor Maxine Mirowitz

Maxine Mirowitz will lead chair yoga at 11 a.m. in the Bohm Social Hall of the Covenant II building. Free and open to public.

Covenant Place screens ‘Going in Style’       

Covenant Place screens the film “Going in Style” at 1 p.m. Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Alan Arkin star as three life-long friends who embark on a daring bid to knock off a bank. The movie, rated PG-13, will be shown in the Helene Mirowitz Theater of Covenant II. Free and open to the public.   

St. Louis NORC book group  

Love to read and discuss books? Become a member of the St. Louis NORC Book Club which meets the third Friday of each month, from 1-2:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place at the J. This month’s book is “Earthly Remains” by Donna Leon. Free and open to the community, but RSVPs are required to Laura at 314-442-3255.

CRC Awaken Shabbat

Congregant and founder of Oasis, Marylen Mann, will speak at 7:30 p.m. as part of the month-long focus on educational issues and opportunities. Oasis is a national education program that promotes healthy aging through lifelong learning, active lifestyles and civic engagement. Mann will share how her upbringing and Jewish values inspired her to found Oasis. Free and open to the public. 

Temple Emanuel welcomes David Kutchback and Mark Morgan

David Kutchback, president and CEO of MERS Goodwill, and Mark Morgan, coordinator of Jewish Community Employment, will speak at 7 p.m. about their agencies and community involvement.


SATURDAY| Aug. 19 

Shir Hadash to show film “Dough”

Join Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Community for a screening and brief discussion of the film “Dough” at 10 a.m. in rooms A and B in the J’s Arts & Education Building. This is free and open to the community. For details, visit www.shirhadashstl.info or e-mail [email protected]


SUNDAY| Aug. 20 

NHBZ Sisterhood ‘Dine ‘n Style’ fall fashion show

See what’s trending in fall fashion while enjoying lunch at the Nusach Hari B’nai Zion Sisterhood “Dine ‘n Style” event from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Experience the excitement of Fall/Winter ‘17 from the following: Fashion from Orli’s Boutique, Jewelry by Sage Chic, Essential Oils by Meredith Daniels, and Guided Meditations for Stress Relief with Vicki Atlas. Writer Anna Altman will present “Outer Beauty Begins with Inner Strength: Building Confidence Within.” There will also be an end-of-season clearance. The event is $18 and for women only. For more information and to register, call Shayna at 314-913-1200. 

St. Louis Jewish Film Festival presents ‘Operation Wedding’

The St. Louis Jewish Film Festival will screen “Operation Wedding,” a story about young Jewish dissidents who plot to hijack an empty small passenger plane and escape from the USSR. The film will be shown at 4 p.m. at the J’s Arts & Entertainment Building. Introducing it is Barry Rosenberg, Professor of Practice at Washington University and former CEO of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Tickets are $13 and $8 for students age 16 and under. Purchase tickets by phone 314 442-3179 or online at brownpapertickets.com. View the complete Film Festival schedule at stljewishfilmfestival.org.

Jewish War Veterans 

Jewish War Veterans Post 644 will meet at 10 a.m. at the Jewish Federation Kopolow Building. Bagels and coffee will be served. Members are encouraged to bring a Jewish relative or friend who has served on active duty or in the reserves. For more information contact Dennis Cohen, Commander at 636-532-7172.

Fun in the Sun 

From 4:30 to 6 p.m., join FABA’s (Families at Bais Abe) backyard fun at Bais Abraham. Bring bathing suits and towels for the kids’ water activities. Dinner is available for $5 per person beginning at 5:15 p.m. RSVP by Aug. 17 to Ginat Midler at 213-309-6060 or [email protected].


MONDAY| Aug. 21 

Knitting, crafts and more

Bring a friend and visit with others while working on a project, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at The Gathering Place at the J. Free and open to the community, but RSVPs are required to Laura at 314-442-3255.

UH golf tournament and eclipse viewing

From 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., join United Hebrew at Persimmon Woods Golf Club for its annual golf tournament. The day begins with a light breakfast followed by an 18-hole shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. A boxed lunch will be served. Following the round, unwind at the open bar with hor d’oeuvres. Cost is $225 per person and $900 per foursome. Special glasses for viewing the eclipse will be proved to all golfers. RSVP Amy Stone at 314-469-0700.


TUESDAY | Aug. 22 

NCJW fundraising opportunity

National Council of Jewish Women St Louis will be a part of Katie’s Giveback Tuesday program. Katie’s Pizza & Osteria will donate 100 percent of the proceeds to NCJW’s Back to School! Store. Lunch, dinner, drinks and carry-out are included in the donated proceeds.


WEDNESDAY | Aug. 23

Jewish Book Festival hosts William D. Cohan

If you like your smartphone, widescreen TV, car or your 401(k), then — whether you know it or not – you are a fan of Wall Street. The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival hosts New York Times best selling author and one of America’s most respected financial journalists William D. Cohan as he discusses his new book, “Why Wall Street Matters.” Cohan reminds us of the good these institutions do and the dire consequences for us all if the essential role they play in making our lives better is carelessly curtailed. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23 in the J’s Arts & Entertainment Building. Jim Deutsch of Smith Moore will interview Cohan followed by a Q & A and book signing. The event is free and open to the community. No registration needed.

Covenant Chorale Performance of ‘The Music Man’ 

Guest soloist, Rabbi Amy Feder, will join the Covenant Chorale for a performance of songs from “The Music Man.” The event will be held at 6 p.m. in the Milford and Lee Bohm Social Hall. Free and open to the community.


THURSDAY | Aug. 24

St. Louis NORC hosts ‘Dancing Under the Stars’

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the St. Louis NORC will host Dancing Under the Stars for adults 65+ at the J’s Staenberg Family Complex. Gateway City Big Band will provide entertainment. Transportation is available for non-driving NORC members. Advanced reservations and payment required, $5 per person. Space is limited. Visit www.stlnorc.org for reservation instructions or RSVP to Joan Hirst at [email protected] or 314-442-3834.

NCJW Shop for a Cause

From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., The Vault, Luxury Resale is hosting Shop for a Cause. With the donation of a new or gently used purse customers can come shop the latest designer fall fashions with 10 percent of the evening’s proceeds going to the Back to School! Store. Light bites, wine and valet parking will be available. For more information, contact Stacy Kress, NCJW Marketing Manager at 314-993-518 or [email protected].

Covenant Place chocolate party

At 1 p.m. join Marcie Handler for a fun, informative, and delicious program about chocolate.  Event takes place in the Milford & Lee Bohm Social Hall. RSVP to 314-432-1610.


FRIDAY| Aug. 25

Film at Covenant Place       

At 1 p.m. Covenant Place will screen “Gifted.” Chris Evans and Octavia Spencer star in this film (rated PG-13) about a single man battling the odds to provide opportunities for his child prodigy. Meet in the Helene Mirowitz Theater of Covenant II. Free and open to the public.   

Men’s Breakfast at McDonalds

Enjoy early morning visit with the men of St. Louis NORC, from 9 to 10 a.m.  Free and open to the public.

Shabbarbeque dinner at UH

From 4:30 to 6 p.m. join United Hebrew for a BBQ dinner in the Messing auditorium. At 6 p.m., Shabbat Alive! service will begin with Rick Recht. Please bring an item to donate to Backpack Buddies. Free and open to the public. RSVP by Aug. 21 to 314-469-0700. 


Ongoing

Aish proverbs class

On Mondays at 7:45 p.m., Aish HaTorah holds a proverbs class with Rabbi Shmuel Greenwald. Discuss King Solomon’s ethical and practical teachings in the form of proverbs. This book forms the basis of many later works of ethics and character improvement. Classes are held at Aish HaTorah. For more info, call 314-862-2474 or email [email protected]

Aish Shabbat Learner’s Service

On Saturdays at 10 a.m., Aish HaTorah holds a Shabbat Learners Service. Enjoy a lively, interactive service where questions are encouraged. Services take place at U City Shul with Rabbi Shmuel Greenwald. This service is also held at Nusach Hari from 9:30-11 a.m. For more info, call 314-862-2474 or email [email protected].  

The June 1967 War: How It Changed Jewish, Israeli and Middle Eastern History

United Hebrew continues with its weekly, month-long series discussing why the June 1967 War was a transformative moment in Jewish, Israeli and Middle Eastern history. For the remaining Thursdays in August meet in the UH Spielberg Chapel from 7-8:30 p.m. Free and open to the public but RSVPs are requested to Angie Klenke at [email protected].

Crown Center Push for Pencils

KidSmart’s Push for Pencils School Supply Drive will continue through August 31 at Crown Center. Drop off school supplies in the bins located in the Crown Center Management office and Café or bring financial contributions to the office. 

KidSmart helps local children in need succeed in school by providing them with free school supplies. For more information, contact Randi Schenberg at 314-991-2055.

Exhibit looks at history of Jewish Hospital

More than 100 years of history are now on display at the Washington University School of Medicine’s Becker Library. The exhibit “ ‘Skill, tenderly applied, works wonders’ — A History of The Jewish Hospital of St. Louis” runs through Aug. 31 in the library’s Glaser Gallery, located on the seventh floor.

Founded in 1902, the Jewish Hospital of St. Louis was originally intended to aid Jewish refugees and immigrants to the St. Louis area, but in practice served patients of all religions. Artifacts on display include the contents of the original hospital building’s 1901 cornerstone, a newsletter sent to Jewish Hospital staff members serving overseas in World War II and a Jewish Hospital School of Nursing uniform from 1964. 

The exhibit is free and open to the public from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

St. Louis NORC Chair Yoga     

The NORC Chair Yoga class, an ongoing class at 11 to 11:45 a.m., focuses on flexibility, balance, stress relief, and camaraderie. It’s an opportunity to enhance one’s physical routine and have fun simultaneously. Call for details and cost. The class will meet on Tuesdays through the end of August.  

Classes at Covenant Place

Classes are free and open to the public. For information call 314-432-1610.  Classes take place in Covenant II’s Milford & Lee Bohm Social Hall unless noted otherwise.

• Tai Chi at 11:15 a.m. on Mondays, and chiair aerobics exercises at 11 a.m. Tuesdays  and Thursdays in the CHAI building’s Goldstein Community Center.

• Covenant Chorale conducted by Robert Denison practices Wednesdays at 1 p.m. 

• Charlie Foxman leads a weekly exercise class for all levels at 11 a.m. Wednesdays.

•  Registered nurse available to discuss medical concerns and questions and check blood pressure, at 10 a.m. Tuesdays

• Knitting With a Purpose, meets Tuesdays 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. RSVP to 314-432-1610.

• Arts and Crafts with Robi Damyan,  Mondays at 1 p.m.  

Aish Shabbat Learner’s Service

On Saturdays at 10 a.m., Aish HaTorah holds a Shabbat Learners Service with Rabbi Shmuel Greenwald. Enjoy a lively, interactive service where questions are encouraged. The service takes place at U City Shul. For more info, call 314-862-2474 or email [email protected].

‘Way into Torah’ class at TI

Rabbi Michael Alper leads a class on “The Way Into Torah” from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. on Tuesdays at Temple Israel. The class is taught at an introductory level,  for anyone interested in learning the Torah for the first time. Open to the community. Bring a bagged lunch; coffee and water will be available. For more information, email Alper at [email protected] or call 314-432-8050.


Addresses of locations mentioned: 

Jewish institutions: Aish Firehouse: 457 N. Woods Mill Road • Bais Abraham Congregation: 6910 Delmar Blvd. • Covenant II Building: 8 Millstone Campus Drive • Covenant Place CHAI Building: 6 Millstone Campus Drive Crown Center for Senior Living: 8350 Delcrest Drive The Gathering Place: 2 Millstone Campus Drive • The J in Creve Coeur: 2 Millstone Campus Drive Jewish Federation Kopolow Building: 12 Millstone Campus Drive • Kol Rinah: 829 N. Hanley Road • Nusach Hari B’nai Zion: 650 N. Price Road Temple Israel: #1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive  United Hebrew Congregation: 13788 Conway Road. • OTHER LOCATIONS: Barcelona Tapas Restaurant: 34 N. Central Ave. • Garden Villa: 13590 S. Outer 40 Road • Frontenac Hilton: 1335 S. Lindbergh Blvd. Katie’s Pizza: 9568 Manchester Road McDonalds: 11521 Olive Blvd. • Persimmon Woods Golf Club: 6401 Weldon Spring Road • The Vault: 2325 S. Brentwood Blvd • Washington University’s Becker Library: 660 S. Euclid Ave.