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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

Local news

Ron Rubin’s new book serves rare wisdom and inspiration

Ron Rubin’s new book serves rare wisdom and inspiration

Published September 2, 2025

Ron Rubin has released his new book, Gold in Your Backyard: Lessons in Life, Leadership and the Power of a Dream. It is a book of rare wisdom and inspiration, shining a bright light on how to live your life to the fullest and how to help others...

Michael Staenberg speaks in May 2009 at the grand opening of the Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Family Complex. Photo: Dennis Caldwell

Staenberg Foundation turns 20 with $54M in community impact

By Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish LightPublished September 2, 2025

  If an organization supporting the St. Louis Jewish community has a financial need, there’s a good chance it has received funding from the Staenberg Family Foundation. This year, the foundation celebrates a significant milestone....

When a racing legend told the 'Jewish Light' we got it wrong

When a racing legend told the ‘Jewish Light’ we got it wrong

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished September 1, 2025

Sometimes, the best stories don’t start in the newsroom — they start in the archives. While researching nominees for the St. Louis Jewish Sports Hall of Fame at the Jewish Community Center, I was scrolling through our digital archives when a letter...

Confessions of a honey cake hater turned recruit

Confessions of a honey cake hater turned recruit

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished September 1, 2025

It’s happening again. Three weeks before Rosh Hashanah, my inbox, analytics and fragile peace of mind have once again been overrun by honey cake. Back in 2022, I confessed to the St. Louis Jewish community that I couldn’t stand the stuff. In...

Police arrest suspect in JSU house vandalism case

Police arrest suspect in JSU house vandalism case

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished August 28, 2025

University City police have arrested and charged a St. Louis County man in connection with vandalism outside the Jewish Student Union (JSU) Staenberg House after a sign was defaced earlier this month. Officials say the incident happened around 11 p.m....

From Celicas to Beetles: The first cars St. Louis Jews will never forget

From Celicas to Beetles: The first cars St. Louis Jews will never forget

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished August 25, 2025

I believe things happen for a reason. In Jewish tradition, we sometimes call it beshert — destiny. Earlier this month, my father passed away and in my eulogy for him, I shared the story of my first car — a 1984 Toyota Celica convertible. Coolest...

In St. Louis, Holocaust plays ask: Who betrays the Jews when it counts

In St. Louis, Holocaust plays ask: Who betrays the Jews when it counts

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEFPublished August 25, 2025

What does it truly mean to be an ally—especially when the cost becomes unbearable? That question lies at the heart of two one-act plays being presented as staged readings at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum on Thursday, Aug. 28 from...

Twitter Screen Shot of antisemtic rant caught on camera.

Fired over hate: Atlanta man ousted after antisemitic tirade

Grace Gilson, JTAPublished August 24, 2025

(JTA) — A couple in a suburb of Atlanta are facing consequences after being accused of yelling antisemitic slurs at the father of an Israeli soldier who was killed in 2023. Mark Bouzyk has been fired after he and his wife were taped lobbing insults...

Mary Strauss donates Josephine Baker collection, reminding us of a hidden Jewish story

Mary Strauss donates Josephine Baker collection, reminding us of a hidden Jewish story

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished August 22, 2025

When Mary Strauss decided to donate her lifelong Josephine Baker collection to the Missouri Historical Society, it was more than just an extraordinary gift of memorabilia. Strauss, a Jewish St. Louisan best known for helping save the Fox Theatre,...

The synagogue in Marrakech was built in the early twentieth century, before World War I, when the Moroccan Jewish community was still important.

From Miami to Morocco: St. Louis Jews set out on global journeys

Published August 21, 2025

Over the next year, three organized trips will give members of the St. Louis Jewish community opportunities to travel together while exploring Jewish history and culture in different parts of the world. Women’s Philanthropy Mission to Miami Nov....

Jeff and Randy Vines

5 Jewish-owned gems in the city you’ll kvell over

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-ChiefPublished August 21, 2025

St. Louis is home to a rich array of Jewish-owned businesses, as well as establishments that resonate deeply within the Jewish community. From dining and shopping to cultural and community-centered spaces, these businesses offer a taste of community,...

From 10 days to all year: St. Louis Jewish Book Festival goes season-long

From 10 days to all year: St. Louis Jewish Book Festival goes season-long

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-ChiefPublished August 21, 2025

The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival is changing the way it tells stories. Now in its 47th year, the Festival will no longer be confined to its traditional 10-day run. Instead, it is pivoting to a year-round format, offering audiences more chances...

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