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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

Lifestyles

New, free Jewish learning experience coming to St. Louis

New, free Jewish learning experience coming to St. Louis

Published July 6, 2022

This fall, Congregation Shaare Emeth will launch JQuest, a new Sunday morning learning experience for PreK and Kindergarten. JQuest is open to the community and no temple membership is required to participate. “The experiential learning that happens...

"From wife to widow," the conversation no one wants to have, but should

“From wife to widow,” the conversation no one wants to have, but should

By Emilie Schaffer, CFP®, CRPC®, Buckingham Wealth AdvisorPublished July 5, 2022

Let’s say you are 36 years old and feel like you have everything you want. You graduated from college with a nursing degree and enjoyed the uncomplicated life of a single woman in her twenties. You saw the world and utilized your skills at the Red...

Vladimir Zelenko, Orthodox doctor who promoted unproven COVID-19 treatment, dies at 48

Published July 1, 2022

(JTA) — Vladimir Zelenko, the doctor from an Orthodox enclave near New York City who rose to fame early in the COVID-19 pandemic for promoting an untested drug cocktail, has died of cancer at 48. The foundation that Zelenko launched to advance his...

Nominations are open for Amy’s Mom Awards

Nominations are open for Amy’s Mom Awards

AMY FENSTER BROWN, Special to the Jewish LightPublished June 29, 2022

As I write this, I’m watching the Tony Awards, where Broadway artists are honored for their outstanding work. I love awards shows so much: the celebrities, the fashion, the speeches in which the winners act like they’re surprised to be revered because...

Deanna Shoss and Jerry Witkovsky are the authors of  “Where Two Worlds Meet: A Guide to Connecting With Your Teenage Grandchildren.”

Two worlds don’t have to collide: A guide for grandparents of teens

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, Editor-in-ChiefPublished June 29, 2022

As a grandma with two amazing granddaughters, ages 6 and 4, I’ve got to say, life doesn’t get much better. They’re at the ages when they are so happy to see me, especially if it’s for a sleepover because they love to play “interview” at...

Photo: Dusan Petkovic, stock.adobe.com

Developmental assets list might help your kids find their ‘OK’

DR. RICHARD LAZAROFFPublished June 29, 2022

As a pediatrician, I had an “aha moment” one day during a prenatal interview when a young couple asked me how they would know whether their child had “turned out OK.” Trying not to impose my values, I asked them to tell me what that would...

On Sunday, St. Louis Jewish teens gathered at the Jewish Community Center’s Day Camp Pavilion for last minute instructions and a meet-and-greet before embarking the next day (June 13) on a three-week Israel Bound trip under the auspices of Jewish Federation.

Federation program helps St. Louis teens take Root One to Israel

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, Editor-in-ChiefPublished June 29, 2022

Sarah Rumfelt and Katie Wallace happily chatted as they waited Sunday afternoon for the meeting at the Jewish Community Center’s outdoor pavilion to start. It was uncomfortably hot and humid, with temperatures hovering around 100 degrees, but that...

Days after US ends right to abortion, Israel eases restrictions on ending pregnancies

PHILISSA CRAMER, JTAPublished June 27, 2022

(JTA) — Israelis seeking to end pregnancies will no longer be required to appear before an approval committee, go to a hospital for medication or be asked invasive questions about why they want an abortion. A Knesset committee approved the new regulations...

Three of JTEC's co-founders (clockwise from top left): Dahlia Soussan, Ellanora Lerner, and Madeline Canfield.

Three teens discuss the toxic hookup culture in Jewish youth groups and summer camps

Jen Richler, Jewish Women's ArchivePublished June 22, 2022

Jewish summer camps and youth movements are a time-honored tradition—tens of thousands of Jewish teens participate. But a group of young Jews is calling out what they say is a “toxic hookup culture” in many of these institutions. In this episode...

Kids at summer camp

Spreading wings and gritting teeth: It’s time for sleep-away camp

ELIZABETH MACANUFO, Special to the Jewish LightPublished June 22, 2022

I went to Camp Herzl in Minnesota for three weeks, returning on my 13th birthday. I hated it. I missed my family, objected to spending time outdoors and, as a Reform Jew, felt lost among my more religious peers. And yet, I strongly suggested that...

The J planning Shabbat Picnic to celebrate Pride month

The J planning Shabbat Picnic to celebrate Pride month

Published June 21, 2022

The St. Louis Jewish Community Center and its partners will host a Pride Shabbat Picnic in celebration of Pride Month on Friday, June 24 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+, their allies and families of all kinds are invited to the community-wide...

What to consider when heading to the pool with children

What to consider when heading to the pool with children

DR. RICHARD LAZAROFFPublished June 15, 2022

Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control, drowning is a leading cause of death for children in the United States between the ages of 1 and 4? For children ages 1 to 14, it is the second leading cause of accidental death after motor...

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