Skip to Main Content
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

Health

Alyson Neiner (at right) with members of her book group, which became one focus for her bat mitzvah project.

Mitzvot from the heart ­— Alyson Neiner, United Hebrew Congregation

Published November 24, 2010

A student at Whitfield School, Alyson Neiner is the daughter of Leesa and Doug Neiner of Chesterfield. She has been involved with a very special book club for over three years. This book club is through the St. Louis Arc, a United Way agency that provides...

Matthew Gibbs

Mitzvot from the heart ­— Matthew Gibbs, United Hebrew Congregation

Published November 24, 2010

Matthew Gibbs' mitzvah project became more personal after his much-loved basketball coach, Mark Morley, passed away.  Son of Julie and Ron Gibbs of Chesterfield, Matthew organized a basketball tournament that raised money for a fund that had been started...

Elisheva Kent

mitzvot from the heart — ­Elisheva Kent, UCity Shul (BHH-Sha’arei Chesed)

Published November 24, 2010

Elisheva Kent loves to swim and she was elated when she realized that she could connect it to her bat mitzvah project. Daughter of Meir and Zipora Kent of University City, Elisheva participated in the annual Camp Derech Eretz swim-a-thon.A program through...

Dr. James R. Scharff

Local cardiac surgeon finds satisfaction in healing hearts

By Patricia Corrigan, Special to the Jewish LightPublished November 17, 2010

Dr. James R. Scharff, a native St. Louisan, hails from a long line of insurance salesmen, but when it came time to choose a profession, Scharff opted to become a heart surgeon. "The profession and I chose each other," says Scharff, 36. "My entire life,...

Bella Adler chose to help Project Backpack for her mitzvah project.

Mitzvot from the heart – Bella Adler, Young Israel

Published November 4, 2010

Bella Adler, daughter of Aviva Raskas Adler and Moshe Adler of University City, is very "crafty" and loves doing art projects with family and friends. So, it made perfect sense to incorporate her mitzvah project into her bat mitzvah celebration. Guests...

Evan Sundermeyer (right) with a friend at the fundraising walk he organized.

Mitzvot from the heart: Evan Sundermeyer

Published October 27, 2010

Evan Sundermeyer, United Hebrew Congregation In the process of deciding what to do for his mitzvah project, Evan Sundermeyer of Chesterfield decided to organize a fundraising walk to benefit two charities close to his heart. Holding a walk seemed like...

Amanda Lopatin

Mitzvot from the Heart: Amanda Lopatin

Published October 27, 2010

Amanda Lopatin, Congregation B'nai Amoona Amanda Lopatin used her passion for bike riding to raise money for a cause near and dear to her family's heart: the Huntington's Disease Society of America. In 2005 Amanda's grandmother died from this devastating...

Aliyah Becker

Mitzvot from the Heart: Aliyah Becker

Published October 27, 2010

Aliyah Becker, United Hebrew Congregation Aliyah Becker, daughter of Cindy and Ed Becker of Chesterfield, decided that since members of her family had been affected by cancer, she would dedicate her bat mitzvah project to help those affected by the disease...

GERSTENS CELEBRATE 65 YEARS

GERSTENS CELEBRATE 65 YEARS

Published October 27, 2010

Mazel Tov to Abraham and Frances Gersten celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary on October 20, 2010.The Gerstens are the proud parents of four wonderful children: Sarah Gersten Holtzman (Jim) of San Diego, Calif., Sam Gersten (Karen) of Chicago,...

Ruth Litman-Block

Neither breast cancer nor broken legs keep her from the gym

By Patricia Corrigan, Special to the Jewish LightPublished October 20, 2010

Ruth Litman-Block has survived breast cancer twice. She has diabetes and she recently healed from two broken legs. She has taken all that in stride  - and lost 32 pounds as well. "Attitude is very important," says Litman-Black, 67. "I keep my focus on...

Adlers celebrate 50 years

ADLERS CELEBRATE 50 YEARS

Published September 29, 2010

Siegfried and Carol (Ellman) Adler will celebrate their fiftieth anniversary on October 9. They are planning to celebrate with a trip to Disney World with their children and grandchildren during Hanukkah. They are the proud parents of the late Sheldon...

LILLIAN ARKY TURNS 95

LILLIAN ARKY TURNS 95

Published September 22, 2010

Lillian Arky's 95th Birthday Celebration was held the weekend of July 30-31, 2010.  Arky celebrated all weekend with her daughter, Joyce Arky Lewin, her five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and all the family who traveled to St. Louis to be...

Load More Stories