ChaiLights calendar: Nov. 1, 2017 edition

Friday | Nov. 3

First Friday at Traditional

Don’t know what to make for dinner?  Join Traditional Congregation for Shabbat services and a full course, kosher Shabbat dinner. Services begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30; $18/person, but no charge for first-time visitors to Traditional and kids under 6.  RSVP to 314-576-5230 or [email protected].

Covenant Place screens ‘The Wizard of Lies’   

At 1 p.m., Covenant Place will screen “The Wizard of Lies” in the Helene Mirowitz Theater of Covenant II. The HBO film (Rated TV-MA) stars Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer, and dramatizes the story of Bernie Madoff and the events that led to his downfall, defrauding his clients out of billions of dollars. Free and open to the public.   

Holocaust survivor featured speaker at Temple Emanuel

Steen Metz will present his testimony, “My Story: Surviving the Holocaust,” at 7 p.m. during Temple Emanuel’s Shabbat services. Born and raised in Denmark, Metz and his parents were deported to Theresienstadt concentration camp, where his father died of starvation. Metz and his mother were liberated by the Red Cross in April, 1945. Services will be followed by an oneg with light refreshments (dietary laws observed) and an opportunity to buy Metz’s memoir. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 314-432-5877 or 314-442-3714. 

Shabbat Shalom STL presented by YPD and Next Dor 

Shabbat Shalom STL offers young adults an opportunity to experience meaningful Shabbat services, share a delicious meal and engage in a stimulating group discussion led by the rabbis. The first location is United Hebrew. For more information, including the time of the event, or to sign up, visit JFedSTL.org/events/shabbat-shalom-stl or contact Becca Near at [email protected] or 314-442-3879. 


Starting | Nov. 3

Kol Rinah, B’nai Amoona welcome JTS scholar for events

The Jewish Theological Seminary, Kol Rinah and Congregation B’nai Amoona have planned “JTS Learning in your Community: Law Meets Life,” a series of presentations by Judith Hauptman, JTS professor emerita of Talmud and Rabbinic Culture, from Nov. 3-5.

On Nov. 3, Hauptman discusses  “Law and Narrative in the Talmud” at Kol Rinah (services at 6 p.m. and Shabbat dinner at 7). On Nov. 4 at Kol Rinah, Hauptman discusses “Women’s Voices in the Talmud” during Shabbat morning services and after kiddush. 

At 10:15 a.m. Nov. 5 at B’nai Amoona, she discusses “How One Rabbi’s Criticism of Another Leads to Halakhic Innovation.”

RSVPs for the Friday night dinner are required by visiting KolRinahStl.org or contacting Nancy Greene at [email protected] or 314-727-1747. For more information about the event at B’nai Amoona,  contact Amy Maupin at [email protected] or 314- 576-9990 x131.

Scholar-in-residence weekend with Rabbi Steven Weil at YI

On Nov. 3 and 4, Young Israel of St. Louis and the Orthodox Union will present a scholar-in-residence weekend with Rabbi Steven Weil, senior managing director of the OU.

Friday’s events begin at 5:45 p.m., with Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, followed by an 8:45 p.m. oneg at the home of Murray and Eva Bresler in University City. Weil will offer an analysis of the Six-Day War. 

On Saturday at Young Israel, Shacharit is at 9 a.m., with a Drasha by Weil during davening, on “The Akeidah.” At 11:45 a.m. Rebbetzin Yael Weil leads a shiur after davening, “Are You My Mother? Infertility and the Imahot.”  Kiddush will be at 12:30 p.m., with Mincha at 5:15 p.m. and Maariv at 6:45. Rabbi Weil will present a shiur between Mincha and Maariv on “An Historical Blueprint.”

For more information, call 314-727-1880, email [email protected] or visit youngisrael-stl.org. 


Saturday | Nov. 4

NHBZ Starting Points series

Discover the significance of your birth order on your intelligence and other character traits when Rabbi Ze’ev Smason discusses “Are Eldest Children More Intelligent . . . and Does It Matter?” at 10:15 a.m. Free and open to the community. No RSVP is required. For more information, call 314-991-2100.  


Starting | Nov. 4

Anti-BDS speaker at NHBZ, B’nai Amoona, U.City Shul

See related news brief.


SUNDAY | Nov. 5

Jewish Women’s Society event

From 2 to 5 p.m. the Jewish Women’s Society will hold “Ignite Your Soul: Reconnect with Yourself, Your Sisters and Your Soul!” with Mimi David (for women only) at Tpheris Israel Chevra Kadisha (TICK) in Chesterfield. The cost is $36 per person. For more information and to register, contact Mimi David at 314-862-2474 or [email protected].

Exhibit on St. Louis Jewish Community in the Great War

The exhibit, “Untold Sacrifices: The St. Louis Jewish Community in the Great War,” will be presented by the St. Louis Jewish Community Archives from Sunday, Nov. 5 through Dec. 31 at the J’s Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. 

The exhibition will open with a special program on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Petra DeWitt, a professor at Missouri University of Science & Technology, will discuss “Prejudice is a Worse Foe to American Democracy than any Kaiser: The Jewish Experience in St. Louis during World War I.” 

 A dessert reception will follow the program (dietary laws observed). Free and open to the public, but RSVPs required to Andrew Goldfeder at 314-442-3711 or [email protected].


MONDAY | Nov. 6

‘Playhouse Emissions: A Climate Change Theatre Action’ 

That Uppity Theatre Company in conjunction with US Green Building Council-Missouri Gateway Chapter and, Missouri Interfaith Power & Light present “Playhouse Emissions: A Climate Change Theatre Action” from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Ethical Society St Louis. The event is part of the international Climate Change Theatre Action 2017. It will feature readings by top St. Louis actors, as well as a dance and vocal performance, followed by a community tabling event with local nonprofits and advocacy groups. Free, but RSVP requested online or at the door. Registration and networking at 7-7:30, program will begin at 7:30, with resource tables following from 8:45-9:30. Register online at http://bit.ly/climate-change-theatre-STL. 

Knitting, crafts and more… 

Bring a friend and visit with others while working on a project during this St. Louis NORC event from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Gathering Place at the J. Free and open to the community but RSVP required to Laura at 314-442-3255.

Crown Center Yiddish Group 

At 1:30 p.m. join Crown Center’s Yiddish Group, facilitated by Rabbi Neal Rose. The group is for anyone with an affinity for the mama loshen.   All levels welcome – whether you speak, understand or just want to learn. Note: this is a new day of the week for the group’s meetings. Call 314-991-2055 for more information.


STARTING | Nov. 6

Crown Center Torah study with Rabbi Greenfield

At noon on Mondays, Rabbi Benjamin Greenfield from Bais Abraham Congregation will lead a discussion of the weekly Torah portion at Crown Center for Senior Living. Listen to the words of the ancient commentators, who will provide teachings with a lens to guide our lives. All faiths are welcome to attend. Funding provided by the Gladys K Crown Foundation. Call 314-991-2055 for more information.


TUESDAY | Nov. 7

‘Walking Man’ film screening with filmmaker Mark Norwine

Congregation Shaare Emeth will host a free film screening at 7 p.m. of “Walking Man.” After a Missouri high school loses three students to suicide, a mental health advocate) embarks on a 200-mile walk across the state, seeking to educate students and better understand the epidemic for himself. The advocate is joined by his son, but when the road proves difficult, father and son must confront their own mental health struggles, which they’ve kept secret for so long. Endorsed by universities and mental health organizations, the film is an honest look at one family’s journey with mental illness. Free; for more information, call 314-569-0010.

Art with COCA/Crown Center

At 3 p.m. COCA and Crown Center will hold “Homage Art Doll,” an art program led by COCA teaching artist Mary Beth Tipton. She will guide participants through the process of creating a playful homage to a special person or aspect of oneself. Participants will build small figures out of wire armatures and paper mache. There is a $2 supply fee. Space is limited; RSVP to 314-991-2055. The event is supported by the Chused Cultural Arts Fund.

Bus trip to Butterfly House

Covenant Place will lead a bus trip at 10 a.m. to the Butterfly House. Bring proof of St. Louis County residency for free admission. Meet at Covenant Place office in Covenant II. RSVP required to 314-432-1610. There is a $3 bus fee. 


WEDNESDAY | Nov. 8

Crown Center/RPI event

At 11 a.m. Crown Center and RPI present “Modification for Exercising.” Megan Gallo, Occupational Therapist from RPI, will discuss how to modify your exercises if you have diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, shoulder problems, or other health issues. Participants can find out how they can enjoy exercising. Call 314-991-2055 for more information.   Sponsored by the Lopata Fitness Fund.

‘Sneak a Peek’ at Mirowitz event

Parents are invited to enjoy a night out and learn how they can help their children grow to become curious learners and ethical leaders at a workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. at Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, 348 South Mason Road in Creve Coeur. The workshop will include several sessions from Mirowitz teachers on topics ranging from “What’s Jewish about the solar eclipse?” to bilingual education, teaching social justice, education apps, learning outdoors, and the impact of a Jewish day school. The workshop is free of charge, and participants will leave with a toolkit of ideas and giveaways. Babysitting available.  RSVP online at mirowitz.org/ingredients or  call 314-576-6177. 


THURSDAY | Nov. 9

Crown Center/Oasis program on Katharine Hepburn

At 3 p.m. Crown Center and Oasis present “Katharine Hepburn, Independent Spirit.” From her unforgettable roles in blockbuster movies to her real life and on-screen romance with Spencer Tracy, revel in the history of this mega movie star. There is a $2 program fee. RSVP to 314-991-2055.


Friday| Nov. 10

Bus trip to Coffee Concert at Powell Hall

At 9:15 a.m. St. Louis NORC leads a bus trip to Powell Hall for its Coffee Concert program. RSVP required. Call Laura at 314-442-3255 to be put on the waiting list.

Covenant Place Cabaret 

At 1 p.m. Covenant Place Cabaret will present the Missouri River Cloggers. Enjoy foot-stomping and hand-clapping fun to a variety of great music, held in the Milford & Lee Bohm Social Hall of Covenant II. Free; RSVP to 314-432-1610. 


SATURDAY | Nov. 11

Temple Israel Hosting a Murder Mystery Experience Event

Congregation Temple Israel is hosting a murder mystery experience from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. The event will include a murder mystery role playing and crime solving game where pre-selected suspects will provide clues for participants to use to solve the big mystery, “What Happened in the Hula Hut?” Open to the community. The entrance cost of $36/person includes a buffet dinner, signature cocktails, and a silent auction. Casual beach attire and/or costumes encouraged but not necessary.  Child care is also available for $20/child and includes a pizza dinner. Registration closes on Friday, Nov. 3 at ti-stl.org/Mystery. 

Tel Aviv U scholar at Traditional 

Tel Aviv University Professor Emeritus Chaim Gans will discuss “Jews, Palestinians and Israel: Three Historiographies, Three Moralities and Three Roadmaps,” at Traditional Congregation, at 12:45 p.m., following Shabbat services and Kiddush. He will discuss implications for the relationship between Jews and Arabs in Israel as well as the relationship between Israeli and diasporic Jews.  Free and open to the community; for more information, call 314-576-5230.


Sunday| Nov. 12

‘Jewish War Veterans: Past, Present and Future’

Traditional Congregation will host a Knosh & Knowledge Program on “Jewish War Veterans: Past, Present and Future.” Join Dennis Cohen, Commander of Jewish War Veterans in St. Louis, and a group of veterans spanning WWII and the Korean and Vietnam Wars as they share how they maintained a Jewish identity while in the military. Brunch begins at 9:45 a.m. followed by the program at 11:45.  Suggestion donation is $6/person.  For more information or to RSVP, call 314-576-5230 or email [email protected].


Monday| Nov. 13

U.S. Holocaust Museum curator speaks at county library

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Curator Kyra Schuster will present “American Eyewitnesses to War: POWs and Liberators,” at  7 p.m. at the St. Louis County Library  Headquarters. World War II veteran Anthony Acevedo was among thousands of Americans captured by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge. While imprisoned at Berga, a sub-camp of Buchenwald, he recorded in his diary their daily life, thoughts of home, and the deaths he witnessed.  After decades of silence, his wartime diary—a precious firsthand account of an ordeal he kept secret—has found a new home at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Schuster will share the details of this unusual addition to the Museum’s collection. This program is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are requested at ushmm.org/events/acevedo.

St. Louis NORC film series

From 1 to 2:30 p.m. the St. Louis NORC will screen “The Men Who Built America: Part 2” at the Gathering Place at the J. Free and open to the community but RSVPs required to Laura at 314-442-3255.


Tuesday| Nov. 14

Crown Center program with Cyndee Levy

At 3:30 p.m., Crown Center presents “Searching for Meaning in the Great Stories of the Jewish Tradition,” led by Cyndee Levy, director of the Center for Jewish Learning at the Jewish Federation. Levy uncovers hidden wisdom in selected stories from the Jewish tradition — searching for meaning for today.  For more information call 314-991-2055. 


Wednesday| Nov. 15

Creative expressions art group with artist Joanne Szapszewicz

Express thoughts and emotions through creativity at this monthly art group, planned by the St. Louis NORC. An artist’s journal is required for class, which meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Gathering Place at the J. Space is limited. Contact Laura at 314-442-3255 for more information or to RSVP. 

‘Baby it’s Cold Outside’ event

At 2 p.m. Delmar Gardens presents ways to stay healthy during the winter months, during a program in the Milford & Lee Bohm Social Hall of Covenant II. Free and open to the community.


Thursday| Nov. 16

Prize bingo at Covenant Place

At 1:30 p.m. Joey Boime from Vitas Healthcare hosts prize bingo in the Milford & Lee Bohm Social Hall of Covenant II. Free and open to the community. RSVP to 314-432-1610.

Crown Center cooking class

At 11 a.m., Crown Center will present a Japanese cooking class with chef Cathy Hoyle. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture through delicious cooking as Hoyle treats the group to delectable cuisine including Japanese dishes Misoshiru Soup and Cucumber Sunomono Salad. Note: Programs in the culinary studio are not under kosher supervision.  There is a $2 supply fee. Funding provided by the Birdie Fisher Fund. RSVP to 314-991-2055.

NCJW Third Thursday lunch series,  Advocacy in Action series

NCJW’s Third Thursdays series of informative advocacy in action lunch events continues, with a focus this month on “Violence Against Women.” The event will be held at the NCJW offices, gathering at 11:30 a.m. for lunch (bring own lunch; drinks provided), with top-tier speakers from noon to 1 p.m. Issues of campus sexual violence, intimate partner violence and workplace sexual harassment continue to plague women in our culture. This session will explore proposals both locally and nationally to combat these problems, with special focus on NCJW’s legislative work to establish more comprehensive workplace protections for abused women.  

NCJW’s Advocacy in Action evening series will look at the same topic from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the NCJW office. Free and open to the community but RSVP requested to [email protected] or 314-993-5181. Visit NCJW online at ncjwstl.org. 


Ongoing

NHBZ Junior Congregation for Kids Ages 7 to 11

Kids ages 7 to 11 now have a fun way to spend their Shabbat mornings with NHBZ’s Junior Congregation from 10 a.m. to  noon. Kids learn key Shabbat prayers and tunes, review the weekly Torah portion, discuss cool facts about Israel, and hang out with old and new friends. Once a month, Junior Congregation is led by Bnot Sherut, young women of the Israeli National Service. Snacks are also served. NHBZ membership is not required and kids of all levels of observance are welcomed. For questions, please email Alana Minoff at [email protected]

Classes at Covenant Place

Classes are free and open to the public. All are held in Covenant II’s Bohm Social Hall.  For more information, call 314-432-1610. 

• RPI physical therapists lead Tai Chi at 11:15 a.m. on Mondays and 11 a.m. on Thursdays, and chair aerobics exercises at 11 a.m. Tuesdays.

• Covenant Chorale, conducted by Robert Denison practices Wednesdays at 1 p.m. Instruction and help with parts is provided. All adults are welcome.

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

• Chair Yoga is led by Maxine Mirowitz at 11 a.m. on Fridays.

•  An AW Health Care Registered Nurse is available to discuss medical concerns and questions and check blood pressure, at 10 a.m. Tuesdays

• Knitting With a Purpose, led by Jerri Livingston, meets Tuesdays 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Bring knitting needles if you have them.

‘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.

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].