Thursday | Nov. 5

77 Days: inauguration to election: Join National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for a discussion about what to expect in the 77 days before the inauguration. A panel of experts will address current events in national, state, and local politics as well as answer any questions you may have. Register by Nov. 2 to receive a special gift bag to enjoy during the event. For more information and to register please visit: https://bit.ly/2HcLQL6

Saturday | Nov. 7

Shaare Emeth fundraiser will feature Andy Cohen: Andy Cohen, whose rise to TV stardom began in St. Louis, will appear as the featured entertainer for Congregation Shaare Emeth’s 2020 Heart & Soul virtual celebration at 7 p.m. The event will also honor Shaare Emeth members Patty Croughan and Gail and Charles Eisenkramer for their leadership and service.

Cohen is an American radio and television talk show host, producer, and writer who graduated from Clayton High School. He is the host and executive producer of Bravo’s late-night talk show, “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.”

After purchasing tickets to the event at sestl.org, participants will receive an exclusive link to livestream the virtual celebration. Ticketholders can also opt to have a dinner and/or dessert delivered to their door or pick up their food at Shaare Emeth before the celebration kicks off.

Tickets start at $75 for a dessert-only ticket or $150 for dinner and dessert. Event sponsorships are also available.  

For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, visit sestl.org/heart-and-soul-2020.

NHBZ presents Havdalathon 2020 for kids & young families: All kids and young families are invited to a fun celebration as we say goodbye to Shabbat. NHBZ’s Havdalathon 2020 is from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Each family will make their own Havdalah set with a candle, kiddush cup, spice box and much more. Plus each family will get two hot cheese pizzas, ice cream and goody bags to take home. There is no cost for this event and you need not be a member of NHBZ to attend. Social distancing measures will be in place and masks should be worn throughout the program. Attendance is limited to 10 families so please RSVP early to Rabbi Avi Okin at [email protected].  

Monday | Nov. 9

Musical memories of the concentration camps: From 2 to 3 p.m. the Mirowitz Center will offer a program with musicologist and teacher Phyllis Hyken on musical memories of the concentration camps. Music was the one source of temporary escape inside the gates of Auschwitz. All kinds  of composers, singers and musicians were among the imprisoned, and the amount of music created in the camps was vast. This talk introduces some of that soul-nurturing music. This program is a commemoration marking the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Night of the Broken Glass (Nov. 9-10, 1938). This program is provided in conjunction with the St. Louis Holocaust Museum & Learning Center. To register for this free, online Mirowitz Center program, visit http://bit.ly/Mirowitz-registration, call 314-733-9813 or email [email protected]. 

Starting | Nov. 9

St. Louis Jewish Film Festival: The J’s St. Louis Jewish Film Festival — held online for 2020 — showcases national and international cinema that explores universal issues through traditional Jewish values, opposing viewpoints and new perspectives. For more information, visit jccstl.com/arts-ideas/st-louis-jewish-film-festival.

Tuesday | Nov. 10 

Post-election reflections with Gabe Fleisher: At 1 p.m., the Mirowitz Center welcomes back Gabe Fleisher to present his post-election reflections. Fleisher is the author of “Wake Up To Politics,” a daily political newsletter and the host of the “Wake Up To Politics Podcast,” a partnership with St. Louis Public Radio. To register for this free, online Mirowitz Center program, visit http://bit.ly/Mirowitz-registration, call 314-733-9813 or email [email protected]. 

Holocaust survivor to speak at WashU Hillel’s Kristallnacht commemoration: See related news brief.

Wednesday | Nov. 11

AJC advocacy anywhere session: At 11:30 a.m., join the American Jewish Committee for “Jewish Students on Campus: Three Leadership Stories.” RSVP by visiting http://bit.ly/AJC-Nov11.

Let’s salute our veterans: The Mirowitz Center hosts a Zoom community celebration and salute to those who have served in the armed forces of the United States at 9:30 a.m. Dr. Benjamin Cooper, associate professor of English and director of American studies at Lindenwood University, opens the program with a brief presentation. Wayne Wallingford, assistant majority floor leader of the Missouri House of Representatives and a retired Lt. Colonel with the U.S. Air Force, will honor and celebrate veterans from all branches of the military. To register for this free, online Mirowitz Center program, visit http://bit.ly/Mirowitz-registration, call 314-733-9813 or email [email protected]. 

 Jewish War Veterans holds Veterans Day ceremony: Jewish War Veterans Post 644 will observe Veterans Day with a ceremony outside the Jewish Federation of St. Louis building, starting at 11 a.m. The ceremony will take place by the flagpole. Attendees should wear masks and maintain social distancing.

Bais Abe speakers series: Join Bais Abraham Congregation on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. to hear members speak about their areas of work, study, and interest. On Wednesday, Nov. 11, Dr. Michael Rauchman will speak on the topic, “Understanding the Kidneys/Kelayot through Torah and Physiology.” 

He will explore the function of the kidneys, and the meanings attached to kelayot (kidneys) when mentioned in the Tanach. Dr. Rauchman holds the chromalloy endowed professorship in renal diseases in the department of medicine at Washington University where he is also a professor of developmental biology.

Starting | Nov. 11 

Aish plans ‘2020 Roller Coaster’: Join Rabbi Shmuel Greenwald from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 and 18 for a discussion of “The 2020 Roller Coaster.” If you’d like to get the most out of living, especially during this tumultuous year, Judaism has tried and true wisdom and practical tools that can be of benefit. Join in on zoom by going online to zoom.us/j/3740953378 or dial in to 312-626-6799 and enter meeting ID 3740953378. For more information, call 314-862-2474 or email [email protected].

Thursday | Nov. 12

NHBZ talk on “What Would You Say on a Gigantic Billboard?”: Are there priceless words of wisdom that you live by? Here is an opportunity to share them with others and gain new insights when NHBZ Rabbi discusses “You Have a Gigantic Billboard: What Would It Say?” at 7 p.m. This Zoom presentation is part of his weekly series “Starting Points: Wisdom for Daily Living,” a 45-minute interactive discussion of relevant, contemporary topics. Join by video at: https://zoom.us/j/295822730.       

Pitfalls of Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping: Michael Stevenson of Royal Banks of Missouri will lead this Mirowitz Center program from 2 to 3 p.m., looking at the pitfalls of Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, including items you should avoid purchasing, protecting and storing purchased items, parking lot security, fraudulent websites and phishing e-mails promoting special sales. To register for this free, online Mirowitz Center program, visit http://bit.ly/Mirowitz-registration, call 314-733-9813 or email [email protected]. 

Saturday | Nov. 14

J’s fundraising gala will feature Jason Alexander: The J’la, the St. Louis Jewish Community Center’s annual fundraising gala, will take place virtually this year, at 7 p.m. and feature actor Jason Alexander. Best known as George Costanza on “Seinfeld,” Alexander is an award-winning actor, singer, composer and director. During the J’la, the J will honor longtime volunteer and former board member Alice Ludmer. Tickets are on sale now for $36 or $180 and include a gift to the program of your choice plus a ticket to a Jewish Film Festival or Jewish Book Festival event. Tickets and more information available at give.jccstl.org/jla or contact Beth Box, annual fund manager: [email protected] or 314-442-3109. 

Saturday | Nov. 14

Mi Shebeirach moments: A service of healing and hope: During this continuing time of uncertainty, physical distancing and loss it can be powerful to gather (virtually) where song and prayer can express our deepest longings and hopes. 

Join Rabbi Andrea Goldstein and Lucy Greenbaum of the Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis at Congregation Shaare Emeth at 7 p.m. for a service that includes prayers for health and well-being, offerings of gratitude to health care and front-line workers and songs of peace for ourselves and all the world.  Whether you are dedicating your prayers to a particular loved one, or simply wish to pray on behalf of the community, all are welcome at this brief and beautiful service. To register, contact Stacy at [email protected]

Bais Abraham holds annual science & Judaism Shabbaton: Bais Abraham Congregation is hosting its fifth annual Science and Judaism Shabbaton, which will cover issues of technology and privacy. The keynote speaker at 7 p.m. Saturday will be Rabbi Dan Margulies. On Sunday at 7 p.m., there will be a panel of halachic experts and technologists addressing issues of technology, privacy, and Jewish tradition. There will also be a children’s session on Sunday morning at 11 a.m.

Margulies is a Judaics teacher at the Melvin Berman Hebrew Academy near Washington D.C. He studied at Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi in Jerusalem, received his bachelor’s degree in Chemical Physics and Mathematics from Columbia University and his semikha (ordination) from Yeshivat Chovevei Torah. After receiving semikha, he served as co-director of community learning at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, assistant rabbi at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale and as the first rabbi of The Riverdale Minyan. Concurrently, he taught Talmud at the Drisha Institute for Jewish Education and continued his learning in the kollel at YU–RIETS. Register at www.baisabe.com. 

Sunday | Nov. 15

Jewish War Veterans meeting: Jewish War Veterans Post 644 meetings will take place via Zoom for the foreseeable future at 10 a.m. the third Sunday each month. For more information, contact Post 644 Commander Edwin R. Cohen at 636-536-3818.

13th Annual Benefit Concert: The 13th Annual Blumenthal Memorial Concert to benefit the Mitzvah Circle at Congregation B’nai Amoona will take place at 2 p.m. at BnaiAmoona.com.  In lieu of tickets for admission a donation of $18 to the B’nai Amoona Mitzvah Circle is suggested. The concert is planned by Fred Blumenthal in memory of his father, Dr. Herman Blumenthal, mother, Eleonore Blumenthal, and brother, Dr. Daniel Blumenthal. This year’s concert will be a piano recital by Fred Blumenthal, and will be broadcast over B’nai Amoona’s website, BnaiAmoona.com. An onscreen link for contributions to the Mitzvah Circle will be provided on the day of the concert, or contributions can be sent to Mitzvah Circle, B’nai Amoona, 324 S. Mason Road, Creve Coeur, 63141. 

Monday | Nov. 16

JCRC and Mirowitz Center offer post-election program: Join the Jewish Community Relations Council and the Mirowitz Center at Covenant Place for the next session in the “What’s Up with the Region” current events series. The program, which starts at noon, looks at “The November Elections: What’s Next.” Political scientist and St. Louis University Professor Emeritus Stephen Puro will discuss electoral patterns that developed from the Nov. 3 elections. The event is free, but registration is required.  More information is available in the Upcoming Events section of the JCRC website, www.jcrcstl.org.

Mirowitz Center program: Adventures with Robert: At 2 p.m., enjoy this lighthearted special interest group for 30 minutes with host and entertainer, Robert Denison, and share stories, poems, games, jokes and more. Enjoy playing trivia games, learn step by step how to draw cartoons, read old time radio scripts. Activities for each week will be discussed in advance, providing time for participants to prepare for the upcoming week’s program. To register for this free, online Mirowitz Center program, visit http://bit.ly/Mirowitz-registration, call 314-733-9813 or email [email protected]. 

Wednesday | Nov. 18 

Sharsheret Support Group: Sharsheret Support Group via Zoom This monthly group provides support, connection and education to women in the St. Louis Jewish community who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer and are anywhere along their treatment path – before, during, or post-treatment. Facilitated by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, this group meets from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday via zoom until further notice. Newcomers are always welcome along with female family and friends. This program is free but pre-registration is requested to Debbi Braunstein at 314-442-3266 or [email protected].

How to Recharge Your Spirit as the Pandemic Drags On: Do you have the COVID blues? We are all looking for ways to replenish and recharge our spirits after many months of experiencing the stress, anxiety and frustration brought on by this pandemic. Don’t miss NHBZ Rabbi Ze’ev Smason’s class “Getting Your Second Wind: How to Recharge Your Spirit as the Pandemic Drags On” at 7 p.m. This Zoom class is free and open to all members of the Jewish community. Join by video at: https://zoom.us/j/295822730

Thursday | Nov. 19 

Time & stress management strategies for challenging times: At 2 p.m., join the Mirowitz Center in welcoming Jill Farmer, author, Emmy Award winning TV journalist, and now a master certified time and stress management coach. Farmer will provide time and stress management tools to help get you back on track during these challenging times. To register for this free, online Mirowitz Center program, visit http://bit.ly/Mirowitz-registration, call 314-733-9813 or email [email protected]. 

Friday | Nov. 20

Jewish Mindfulness Center plans “Giving Thanks”: As Thanksgiving approaches, some find the notion of gratitude to be a bit of a challenge.  How do we give thanks in a world that seems so broken?  How do we give thanks when we feel frustration, anger or despair?  In this workshop starting at 9 a.m., Rabbi Andrea Goldstein leads participants in learning, activities and meditation designed to deepen an authentic sense of gratitude for our lives.  To register, contact Stacy at [email protected]. 

Saturday | Nov. 21

Bais Abraham ‘Fireside Chat for Women’: At 7 p.m., join Ali Zak for an hour-long Zoom chat for women about “Mavoi Satum (dead end),” which is a non-profit founded in 1995 to provide legal and emotional support to women who have been refused a Jewish divorce (get). It is one of the leading organizations engaged in finding a solution to the problem of divorce refusal in the State of Israel. Zak is a senior at Washington University who worked as a volunteer for Mavoi Satum this past summer. Registration at https://www.baisabe.com/event/FiresideChat.

Tuesday | Nov. 24

‘Immigration and Protecting Our Border’: Join a special presentation at 10 a.m. by Gene McNary, former St. Louis County Executive and Director of INS, on “Immigration and Protecting Our Border.” This program is provided in conjunction with FEL (Friends Enjoying Life), an organization supported by the Mirowitz Center. To register for this free, online Mirowitz Center program, visit http://bit.ly/Mirowitz-registration, call 314-733-9813 or email [email protected]. 

ONGOING

Weekly meditation on Tuesdays and Thursdays: Join Rabbi Andrea Goldstein for the Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis’ ongoing meditation sits, held every Tuesday and Thursday. Incorporating lessons from the weekly Torah portion, as well as stories, rituals and symbols of the season, Goldstein leads participants in practices that open our hearts and minds to the possibility of continual growth and change. No meditation experience necessary. The remaining Tuesday sessions are from 11:30 a.m. to noon (Oct. 13, 20 and 27). The Thursday sessions are 5 to 5:30 p.m. (Oct. 8, 15, 22 and 29). Email Stacy Jespersen at [email protected] to sign up.

Saturday morning bible study: Congregation Temple Israel’s Rabbi Emeritus Mark L. Shook will lead a Saturday morning bible study via Zoom from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The program continues through May 1, 2021. The class will explore issues of race in bible. Students are asked to have a copy of the bible handy during class meetings. Interested in joining the conversation? Email Shook at [email protected].