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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

Newsmakers

Yosef E. Granillo

Scholar and symphony star Yosef Granillo strikes a high note

Published June 16, 2024

Fourteen-year-old Yosef E. Granillo is a National Merit Scholar. He will receive a $2,500 yearly award from Boeing for four years at the college of his choice. He is also a full member of the St. Louis Youth Symphony Orchestra. Yosef is the son...

Ben Hillman

Ben Hillman takes on elevating culinary collaboration

Published June 13, 2024

Ben Hillman will serve as president of Gastronauts Food Group, the collaboration of food brands Hi-Pointe Drive-In and Taco Buddha. The group will assist both restaurants in sustainable growth, streamlined operational efficiencies and collaborative...

Sydney Fowler

Sydney Fowler elected to top post at BAUSY

Published June 12, 2024

Congregation B’nai Amoona USY (BAUSY) recently elected its 2024-25 board. President is Sydney Fowler. She is the daughter of Laura and Scot Fowler and is a junior at Pattonville High School. 

Lynda Lieberman

From balancing books to maintaining traditions. Lynda Lieberman’s new role

Published June 10, 2024

Lynda Lieberman was installed as president of Congregation B’nai Amoona’s Sisterhood on June 9 for a two-year term. She is a retired CPA and is a part-time accountant for Hillel at Washington University. The Sisterhood of Congregation B'nai Amoona...

Diane Fadem

Cue the Hava Nagila: Diane Fadem joins Temple Israel

Published June 7, 2024

Diane Fadem is the new b’nai mitzvah coordinator at Congregation Temple Israel. She is responsible for the communication and coordination of each bar or bat mitzvah event and the primary point of contact for the parents. Fadem also tutors b’nai...

Dodi Smason

Dodi Smason joins JFed in new role

Published June 5, 2024

Dodi Smason has joined the Jewish Federation of St. Louis team as its manager of Jewish Community Engagement. She will be working to enhance Federation’s community internally and externally by creating Jewish engagement and educational opportunities,...

Samantha (Sam) Thal

From St. Louis to Minnetonka for Sam Thal

Published June 4, 2024

Former St. Louisan Samantha (Sam) Thal was ordained as a rabbi from the Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles. She has joined Bet Shalom Congregation in Minnetonka, Minn. as a pulpit rabbi.

Martin Sneider.

Discover the scandal and secrets behind ‘Amy Unbound,’ Martin Sneider’s new book

Published May 30, 2024

St. Louis-based author Martin Sneider will be at Left Bank Books at 6 p.m. Monday, June 3 to discuss and sign copies of his latest novel, “Amy Unbound.” It continues the suspenseful saga of shoe magnate Josh Feldman and his family, who Sneider...

Steve Rosenzweig

Wash U Honors Steve Rosenzweig

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished May 29, 2024

Steve Rosenzweig, chief financial officer of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, former CFO and COO of the Jewish Community Center in St. Louis and board member of the Jewish Light, has been honored with the Teaching Excellence Award for Adjunct Faculty...

Phyliss Langsdorf

Phyllis Langsdorf’s 50-year journey with NCJWSTL culminates in new role

Published May 24, 2024

Phyllis Langsdorf will be installed as the next president of the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis (NCJWSTL) on June 6 at Temple Emanuel. Langsdorf, a long-time volunteer with the organization, brings decades of experience and dedication to her...

Ray Hartmann

Ray Hartmann running for Congress

Published May 24, 2024

St. Louis-area journalist Ray Hartmann is running for the 2nd Congressional District seat held by Republican Ann Wagner. Hartmann announced on Thursday he’s entering the Democratic primary, where he’ll face John Kiehne. 

Dr. Gil Vardi

Vardi named a top doc for 2024!

Published May 22, 2024

Dr. Gil Vardi was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 2024. Castle Connolly is a leading research and information resource for patients looking to find and connect with the best healthcare in their communities across all 50 states and all major specialties. 

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