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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

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,...

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...

Rabbi Aron Rubin

Laid-back Midwest attracts NHBZ’s ‘chill’ new rabbi

By Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish LightPublished August 20, 2025

Rabbi Aron Rubin is equally adept at teaching Judaism and leading a congregation. Rubin, 38, who assumed the position of rabbi at Nusach Hari B’nai Zion on Aug. 15, is well-versed in the Torah. He...

Michele Steinberg, Marty Levy, Marti Zuckerman, Max Gornish, Holly Bernstein, Deborah Hirschfelder, Julie Hoffman, Harriet Turner, Marilyn K. Humiston and Nancy Litz.

Unsung Heroes event tickets now on sale

Published August 20, 2025

Ten standout individuals will be recognized as the 2025 Jewish Light Unsung Heroes on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 3:30 p.m. This year’s 16th annual event will take place at Jewish Community Center near Creve...

Adam Didier and Carly Ferdman with their two children in Tower Grove Park. The couple chose to live in the Shaw 
neighborhood.

Embracing The City: Why more Jews are choosing St. Louis urban life

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish LightPublished August 19, 2025

Late night sirens don’t bother Ben Senturia. They are a conspicuous reminder that he lives in an urban environment. “At night, it feels like I’m in a real city with lots of activity, as opposed...

Every Torah portion, a poem: Rabbi’s 3-year journey becomes a book

Every Torah portion, a poem: Rabbi’s 3-year journey becomes a book

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished August 19, 2025

Rabbi James Stone Goodman has long worked in the space where poetry, music and Torah meet. His new book "Black Fire White Fire" is the fullest expression yet of that calling — a complete Torah told...

Big ideas get a boost: Federation launches new Impact Grants

Big ideas get a boost: Federation launches new Impact Grants

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished August 18, 2025

In Jewish St. Louis, there’s never a shortage of ideas, but there can be a shortage of ways to pay for them. Now, Jewish Federation Impact Grants aim to close that gap. The new program from the Jewish...

From clinic to community: Dr. Ron Bose takes center stage at Lynnie’s Light

From clinic to community: Dr. Ron Bose takes center stage at Lynnie’s Light

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEFPublished August 17, 2025

The Staenberg Family Complex near Creve Coeur will glow with purpose on Wednesday, Sept. 10, as the St. Louis Jewish Community Center hosts its annual Lynnie’s Light for Life event—a gathering that...

Reward offered in Clayton antisemitic hate crime investigation

Reward offered in Clayton antisemitic hate crime investigation

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished August 15, 2025

A $30,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the Clayton antisemitic hate crime that damaged three vehicles and left antisemitic graffiti in a residential neighborhood....

Rabbi Rocki Schy-Brunson

Temple Emanuel to install new assistant rabbi and education director

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished August 14, 2025

With a heart for education, a gift for making everyone feel seen and a deep commitment to building community, Rabbi Rocki Schy-Brunson is bringing fresh energy and a genuine spirit of “welcome home”...

The band, "Native State" on state in 2024.

Guitar riffs and good deeds: Michael Staenberg’s ‘Battle of the Bands’ returns to rock Chesterfield

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished August 14, 2025

If you’ve spent any time in the St. Louis Jewish community, you’ve probably bumped into Michael Staenberg — or at least a project he’s helped bring to life. He’s a guy who gives a lot, but...

Drew Patchin

12-year-old cancer warrior Drew Patchin turns life’s hard lessons into children’s book

By Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-ChiefPublished August 13, 2025

Already an honorary parade marshal, junior FBI agent and police officer, boy scout camp director, basketball official, Fox 2 morning host and five-time pediatric brain cancer warrior, 12-year-old Drew...

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