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A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

Jewish Pop Culture

The remarkable Jewish history of Fredbird and his creator's "secret closet"

The remarkable Jewish history of Fredbird and his creator’s “secret closet”

Jordan PalmerPublished October 20, 2021

There are two reasons this story needs to be told.  The first is that today the legendary St. Louis Cardinals mascot Fredbird was named a finalist for induction into the Mascot Hall of Fame. Fans are encouraged to vote for Fredbird during the final voting...

How To Interview Your Elders

How To Interview Your Elders

By GABRIELLE BIRKNER, My Jewish learningPublished October 19, 2021
Judaism places a high value on passing stories from generation to generation. Here’s how to get the most out of your conversations with your parents and grandparents.
Jean Meltzer aimed to subvert traditional Jewish stories in her debut novel "The Matzah Ball." (Lisa Damico/Mira Books; collage and illustration by Grace Yagel)

The author of ‘The Matzah Ball,’ a Hanukkah novel, wants Jews to read more romance

Philissa CramerPublished October 19, 2021

(JTA) — Jean Meltzer always knew how “The Matzah Ball,” her first novel, would end.  “The rule of romance is that there has to be a happy ending; the characters have to get together,” Meltzer told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “If they...

Warner Brothers Pictures

Jewish actor Timothee Chalamet’s blockbuster looks gorgeous but falters on story

Dan Buffa, Special to the Jewish LightPublished October 19, 2021

Paul can't sleep. Due to a wicked combination of terrifying nightmares and enlightening visions, his nights are distorted; a young man destined for high purpose (leader of galaxies?) who isn't exactly ready for what is about to come. I don't think...

At 95, Mel Brooks will finally deliver ‘History of the World: Part II’

At 95, Mel Brooks will finally deliver ‘History of the World: Part II’

Published October 18, 2021

(JTA) — You couldn’t Torquemada it: Mel Brooks is making a sequel to “History of the World: Part I,” the 1981 revue that delighted and/or appalled Jews with, among other segments, a cheery musical take on the Spanish Inquisition. The...

Crying in my beer: the only Jewish beer company in America is closing

Crying in my beer: the only Jewish beer company in America is closing

Jordan PalmerPublished October 18, 2021

It's still hard to believe that with all the breweries in America, there has been only one Jewish beer company in America. And now there are none. Shmaltz Brewing Co. has announced its farewell season after 25 years in the beer business with the first...

Gil Ofarim, a German-Israeli singer, said in a video posted to social media that he had been denied a hotel room in Leipzig, Germany, after being told to hide his Jewish star necklace.

German Israeli singer at crux of anti-Semitic hotel incident accused of fabricating story

JNSPublished October 18, 2021

(October 18, 2021 / JNS) Gil Ofarim, the German Israeli singer who accused the Westin Hotel in Leipzig, Germany, of refusing him service because he wore a Star of David pendant is now being accused of fabricating the story. Hotel surveillance...

Netflix's new "Palestinian Stories" film collection includes a few dozen noteworthy Palestinian films from the past few decades, including (from left) the Oscar-nominated "Omar" and "Ave Maria," and "Giraffada." (Netflix)

On Netflix and elsewhere, new collections of Palestinian and Israeli films are now available for streaming

Andrew LapinPublished October 18, 2021

(JTA) — Some of Netflix’s biggest international hits of the last few years — from “Fauda” to “Shtisel” — have been Israeli imports. Now, the streaming giant is spotlighting Palestinian entertainment, as well. Last week, Netflix released...

Courtesy of @lifeofcletus_/Instagram

Do you know this Jew? He’s called the “Hebrew Hammer” and KO’d his opponent this weekend

Jordan PalmerPublished October 17, 2021

Super Lightweight, Cletus “The Hebrew Hammer” Seldin fights and trains out of Shirley, Long Island. Seldin was born into a tough line of Jewish Americans; his Grandfather was the leader of the Brooklyn biker gang known as the Dragons and his father...

You still have time to catch "Works On Paper" at the Philip Slein Gallery

You still have time to catch “Works On Paper” at the Philip Slein Gallery

Jordan PalmerPublished October 17, 2021

The current exhibit at the Philip Slein Gallery "Works Of Paper" has been getting rave reviews on social media lately, with many calling it the best works on paper show to come to St. Louis in the last 20 years. The exhibit is open through October...

Scott Brandt among "white lab coat" artists hoping fashion can fight cancer

Scott Brandt among “white lab coat” artists hoping fashion can fight cancer

Published October 16, 2021

You still have time to view and bid on unique art created by some of St. Louis’ most talented fashion designers and artists. The "Fashion Fights Cancer" began earlier this month and runs through October 20. Each artist was tasked with taking traditional...

They were the most important band of the 80s — even if they broke up a decade before

They were the most important band of the 80s — even if they broke up a decade before

Dan Epstein, ForwardPublished October 16, 2021

When I think of the 1980s, I think of The Velvet Underground. Sure, the band itself had ceased to exist in any meaningful way back in August 1970, when Lou Reed walked out and went home to Long Island following a legendary stand at Max’s Kansas City....

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