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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

News

From the Holocaust to hilarity: New book reveals how laughter keeps Jewish spirits alive

From the Holocaust to hilarity: New book reveals how laughter keeps Jewish spirits alive

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished January 3, 2025

Jewish humor isn’t just about getting a laugh—it’s an essential part of Jewish identity. According to a 2020 Pew Research Center survey, 34% of American Jews say having a sense of humor is a crucial...

Brad Meltzer brings JFK bombshell to St. Louis—your exclusive look inside his new book

Brad Meltzer brings JFK bombshell to St. Louis—your exclusive look inside his new book

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished January 2, 2025

Few historical figures captivate the public imagination like President John F. Kennedy, and few authors bridge the gap between forgotten history and contemporary relevance as seamlessly as Brad Meltzer....

A United Hatzalah team transport a patient to a helicopter for emergency evacuation to hospital.

What is United Hatzalah and why St. Louisans should care?

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished January 2, 2025

As a journalist, my inbox is constantly flooded with press releases and pitches from all kinds of organizations—some pushing honest, impactful narratives and some less so. For the past six...

Eden Golan.

International music sensation Eden Golan shares her journey with the Jewish Light ahead of St. Louis performance

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished January 2, 2025

Eden Golan isn’t just a singer; she’s a symbol of resilience and strength. Representing Israel in Eurovision 2024 during a year of profound challenges, Golan captivated audiences worldwide with her...

Judy and Dr. Robert Hellman outside Young Israel.

The Jewish Community Blood Drive is back thanks to Bob and Judy Hellman

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEFPublished January 2, 2025

If it’s January, it must be time for the annual St. Louis Jewish Community Blood Drive at Young Israel in University City. Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Bob and Judy Hellman, named Jewish Light Unsung...

Jan 1, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; A general view of police vehicles at the intersection of Canal and Bourbon Street. The Sugar Bowl CFP quarterfinal between Georgia and Notre Dame was postponed after an attack on Bourbon Street.

Two Israelis injured in fatal ramming attack in New Orleans

JNS StaffPublished January 1, 2025

At least 10 people were killed and dozens wounded when the driver of a pickup truck rammed into a crowd while opening fire at police during New Year’s celebrations in New Orleans early Wednesday morning. New...

A historic light: The west’s tallest menorah illuminates St. Louis for Hanukkah 2025

A historic light: The west’s tallest menorah illuminates St. Louis for Hanukkah 2025

Bill Motchan, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished January 1, 2025

The Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse served as the backdrop for the lighting of the Staenberg Menorah for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, which ran Dec. 25 to Jan. 1. The...

The St. Louis Jewish Light’s 10 most-read stories of 2024

The St. Louis Jewish Light’s 10 most-read stories of 2024

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished January 1, 2025

As we turn the page on 2024, the St. Louis Jewish Light is looking back at the calendar year that was. Here are the 10 local stories you read the most this year. 10. St. Louis white supremacist group...

8 fascinating Jewish news stories from 2024 that you might have missed

8 fascinating Jewish news stories from 2024 that you might have missed

JTA StaffPublished December 31, 2024

Some Jewish stories of the last year have been impossible to miss: Israel at war, antisemitism around the world, a U.S. presidential election featuring Jewish politicians. Others may have slipped under...

Hanukkah gelt, chocolate coins given to Jewish children during Hanukkah, are among the decorations on the table as the Kavod group has lunch at The Journey buffet, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019. The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis runs the program that honors Holocaust survivors in the area. This was one of their social outings, which fell right before the start of this year's Hanukkah. The Jewish Federation Of Greater Indianapolis Runs The Kavod Program That Honors Holocaust Survivors In The Area This Was One Of Their Social Outings

Why I love Hanukkah gelt

By Rabbi Janine Schloss, Rabbi Educator at Temple EmanuelPublished December 23, 2024

When I was young, my brother and I used to fight over Hanukkah gelt. This was complicated because the pieces were different sizes, so even if the number of pieces were the same, it still didn’t always...

Staenberg Menorah in downtown St. Louis

The Staenberg Menorah amongst the world’s largest

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished December 23, 2024

Last year, St. Louis unveiled a spectacular new addition to its holiday celebrations: the Staenberg Menorah, a towering 29-foot-tall marvel located at Kiener Plaza with the Gateway Arch towering behind...

Your guide to open Chinese restaurants in St. Louis for Hanukristmas 2024

Your guide to open Chinese restaurants in St. Louis for Hanukristmas 2024

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished December 23, 2024

The last time Hanukkah and Christmas aligned was 2005, and it won’t happen again until 2035. But one tradition that doesn’t require a rare alignment? Enjoying Chinese...

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