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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

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J planning family Israel summer adventure tour

J planning family Israel summer adventure tour

Published September 27, 2023

The Jewish Community Center is now recruiting families interested in traveling to Israel next summer as part of a fun family adventure geared towards families with elementary and middle-school aged children. Scheduled...

Anne Molasky and her painting partner Kim Alsop examining their work.

Jewish artists’ sunflower silos shine on Katy Trail as colorful masterpieces

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish LightPublished September 26, 2023

On a cool mid-September day, a pair of bicyclists rode along the Katy Trail halfway between Defiance and Augusta, Missouri. “Wow!” one said to his companion. “Look at those silos!” He was...

Jonathan Biss

Jewish “Beethoven specialist” coming to St. Louis for special show

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished September 26, 2023

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will mark the second weekend of its 2023 season (Sept. 29-30) with concerts honoring composer Ludwig van Beethoven. The concerts will feature world-renowned pianist Jonathan...

The new National Library of Israel building designed by Herzog and de Meuron with Mann-Shinar.

A peek into the magnificent new National Library of Israel

By Judith Sudilovsky, Israel 21cPublished September 25, 2023

As the opening date for the new building of the National Library of Israel (NLI) approaches, workers are busy transferring the library’s treasures from their old location on the Hebrew University Givat...

Fred Guttenberg is shown in a family photo with his daughter Jaime, who was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. on Feb. 14, 2018. Guttenberg, the author of “American Carnage: Shattering the Myths That Fuel Gun Violence,” will speak in St. Louis  on Oct. 5.

Parkland victim’s dad to bring gun safety drive to St. Louis

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-ChiefPublished September 25, 2023

I’m pretty sure we can all agree that the worst reality for any parent is the loss of a child. It goes against the rules of nature. As parents, we are not supposed to outlive our children and grandchildren. But...

Hazak programming to launch in St. Louis, but what is it?

Hazak programming to launch in St. Louis, but what is it?

Published September 22, 2023

Hazak is a powerful Hebrew word. It means strength. It also has become an acronym within the Conservative movement for programming designed for members of the Jewish Community who are 65 and older. In...

The Michael family of Louisiana, Mo.

How 19th century Jews flourished, making history in this small Missouri town

Bill MotchanPublished September 22, 2023

The High Holidays are a time of reflection and renewal. That’s why many Jews visit the graves of loved ones just before Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur. A secluded Jewish cemetery in Louisiana, Mo., is a...

Ashlyn Cooley

St. Louis 5th grader’s powerful, award-winning essay on antisemitism draws from personal experience

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished September 21, 2023

In the late 19th century, as the number of Eastern European Jews emigrating to the United States continued to rise, many found a sense of familiarity and community in their new country by joining landsmannschaften,...

The "Jewish Ed Sheeran" returning to St. Louis

The “Jewish Ed Sheeran” returning to St. Louis

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished September 21, 2023

It's only been a week since Noah Kahan wowed audiences at the Saint Louis Music Park and now he's already making plans to return, but this time at an even bigger venue. On Thursday, Kahan, known worldwide...

Missouri adopts IHRA antisemitism definition

Missouri adopts IHRA antisemitism definition

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished September 20, 2023

Dozens of members of the St. Louis Jewish community were on hand in Jefferson City Wednesday as Missouri adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of...

A former artist with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Elliana Grace Hentoff-Killian now teaches at Circus Harmony. Photo by GABRIELPHOTO.CA

Let’s celebrate St. Louis’ superb circus talents

BY NANCY KRANZBERG, Special to the Jewish LightPublished September 20, 2023

The modern definition of a circus is based on the ancient word referring to the actual performance area, a circle of sorts, in which the gladiatorial events, chariot races, etc. took place. Jack Marsh,...

Biden and Netanyahu meet for the first time this year, signaling friendship amid disagreements

Ron Kampeas, JTAPublished September 20, 2023

(JTA) — After months of icy relations, President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met face-to-face for the first time since Netanyahu’s return to office late last year —...

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