Josephine (Joey) Hastings (Hebrew name: Ahava Shiri) became a b’nai mitzvah on Aug. 30, 2025 at United Hebrew Congregation.  Joey is the child of Michelle and Jay Hastings of St. Louis. They are the grandchild of Annette Vacketta, Rich Hastings,...

Sienna Harper Freistein, daughter of Nancy and Andrew Freistein of Bethesda, Md., became a bat mitzvah on June 7 at Congregation Beth El in Bethesda. Sienna is the granddaughter of Peggy and Kenny Brown of Naples, Fla.; Larry Freistein...

As you get ready to celebrate your b'nai mitzvah, chances are you’ve started to think more about responsibility, growing up—and maybe even what to do with the money gifts you’ll receive. This moment in your life isn’t just about a party or reading...

Five years after the pandemic forced families to trade dance floors for Zoom screens, bar and bat mitzvah celebration parties are back in full swing — with a twist. From tech-forward experiences and immersive entertainment to a growing focus on personalization...

Samuel Rehbein (Simcha Chaim), son of Chris and Aryn Rehbein of St. Louis, became a bar mitzvah in March at Central Reform Congregation.  Samuel is the grandson of Brice and Ilene Bloom-Ellis of St. Louis, and David and Leila Rehbein of Valentine, Neb....

Maya Janet Newman, daughter of Margo and Drew Newman of Creve Coeur became a bat mitzvah on Nov. 18, 2023, at Congregation Shaare Emeth.  Maya is the granddaughter of Stacey and Burt (z”l) Newman of St. Louis, Janet Fishman Newman (z”l) of St. Louis,...

Leo Brockman, son of Emilie and Joe Brockman of St. Louis, became a bar mitzvah at Congregation Temple Israel.  Leo is the grandson of Ron Zetcher, Debbie Pulley and Maria Brockman, all of St. Louis. He has two siblings, Luke, who is 18, and Annabel,...

Hailie Klaven, daughter of Jeremy and Sarah Klaven of St. Louis, became a bat mitzvah in October 2023 at Congregation B’nai Amoona. Hailie is the granddaughter of Scott and the late Soozi Waxman of St. Louis, Don and Sandy Klaven of St. Louis, and...

Beckett Leonard, son of Rachel and Jake Leonard, became a bar mitzvah in November 2023 at Congregation Temple Israel.  Beckett is the grandson of Linda and Ben Seltzer, and Karen and Andy Leonard, all of Kirkwood. He has two siblings, Eliot Leonard,...

John Mertz, son of Allison Paskal and Christopher Mertz of Chesterfield, became a bar mitzvah in November, 2023 at Congregation Shaare Emeth. John is the grandson of Mary and the late John Mertz, and Robert and the late Jackie Paskal.  A seventh-grade...

Sam Sigel, son of Lori and Randy Sigel of St. Louis, became a bar mitzvah Sept. 30, 2023 at Congregation Shaare Emeth.  Sam is the grandson of Sheri and Fred Siegel, and Paula and the late Robert Sigel, all of St. Louis. He has one sibling, Max Sigel,...

Andrew Ryan Sachs, son of Susie and Jonathan Sachs of St. Louis, became a bar mitzvah on Oct. 7, 2023. Andrew is the grandson of Marilyn and the late Ken Steinback of St. Louis, and Kathy and Howard Sachs of Atlanta. He has two siblings, Rebecca Sachs,...