Cary J. Mogerman and Joseph J. Kodner, partners at Zerman Mogerman LLC, co-authored the recently published book, “A Guide to Divorce in Missouri: Simple Answers to Complex Questions,”available on Amazon and at Barnes and Noble. It provides information about Missouri divorce law and the process of obtaining a divorce. Mogerman attends Congregation Temple Israel.

Melanie Paticoff Grossman’s new creative consulting company, We’re All Ears, offers assistance with college applications, website development, events and marketing. The company has a specialty in hearing loss and inclusion. Grossman is a Jewish Light board trustee.   

Mark Gershenson has joined ARCH Design as chief executive officer and partner. ARCH Design is an artwork consulting firm for the healthcare and hospitality industries. Gershenson attends United Hebrew Congregation.

Marci Mayer Eisen received the ACC certification through the International Coach Federation (ICF).  She is the director of the Millstone Institute and JProStl, initiatives of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, which provide professional and board development, volunteer leadership training, networking, and resource sharing throughout the St. Louis Jewish community. Eisen will attend ICF’s conference this summer, joining with coaches from over 30 countries.

Parkway Central Middle School seventh grader, Sam Opinsky, won first place in the Missouri Letters about Literature competition. He wrote to Sharon Draper, author of “Out of My Mind,” telling her about the impact her book had on him personally. He then competed nationally and was just one of three middle schoolers to be recognized, tying for second as a National Honor. Sam is the son of Joyce and Larry Opinsky and attends Congregation B’nai Amoona.

Jackie Heymann received the Oren E. Scott award at Drake University. This award is given annually to the outstanding senior who exemplifies scholarship, leadership, service and involvement. Heymann graduated summa cum laude with degrees in sociology and political science. She will be attending Michigan State University to pursue a master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration. Heymann is the daughter of Cindy and Dan Heymann and is a member of Congregation Shaare Emeth.

Laurie Chod and Aaron Wahl were honored at the Jewish Community Center’s 137^th annual meeting. Chod, owner of Sola Salons and a member of B’nai Amoona, received the Richard S. Weiss Presidents’ Award for her dedication and service to the J. Chod is also a Light board trustee. Wahl, owner of Wahl Family Chiropractic and a member of Shaare Emeth, received the Emerging Leader Award for his exceptional commitment to the programs at the J.

At the recent J Associates’ annual luncheon, Jan Nykin and Paul Kravitz were honored as Mitzvah Stars. Nykin, a psychotherapist, has held many leadership positions in the community including serving as a board member of Temple Israel for 30 years. Kravitz is on the adjunct faulty at Maryville University and the Hillel Advisory Council. A member of United Hebrew, he also volunteers throughout the Jewish community.

Alice Handelman was honored by the Missouri Professional Communicators with three 2017 Communications Contest awards. MPC is an affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women. Handelman’s three articles were printed in 2016 in The Ladue News. A Jewish Light trustee, she is a member of Temple Israel.  

St. Louisan Leeore Levinstein is the new president of the University of Minnesota Hillel. Daughter of Oded and Shevy Levinstein, Leeore is a senior majoring in genetics cell biology and development with a minor is Spanish. 

 Adam Schenberg and Josiah Simmons each received the B’nai Amoona Men’s Club Medallion Award. The award recognizes outstanding youth in the congregation. Adam, son of Randi and David Schenberg,  graduated from Parkway Central High School in May and will attend the University of Missouri, Columbia, in the fall. Josiah, son of Don Simmons and Karen Kern, graduated from Hazelwood Central High School and will take a gap year and attend the Nativ College Leadership Program in Israel. 

The City of Creve Coeur Economic Development Committee (EDC) recognized the winners of the second Creve Coeur Business awards. The National Council of Jewish Women received the Heart of the Community Award for its commitment to the community by making a positive impact in Creve Coeur. Ellen Alper, Executive Director, Darien Arnstein, Immediate Past President, and Heather Silverman, Program Director, accepted the award.  Pumpernickles Deli was awarded Favorite Restaurant for its outstanding service and food quality. They were selected by public vote. Harlan Levin, president of Pumpernickles Deli, and managers Richie Levin and Blair Levin accepted the award. 

Jews in the News is compiled monthly by Editorial Assistant Elise Krug. Contact Elise at: ekrug@thejewishlight.com or 314-743-3671.