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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

The Lighter Side

The world’s biggest Jewish humor group is up for sale — 245,000 members and counting

The world’s biggest Jewish humor group is up for sale — 245,000 members and counting

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished September 30, 2025

Here at the Jewish Light, we take Jewish humor seriously. When we introduced a weekly “Jewish Joke of the Week,” I was once stopped in line at Protzel’s by the mother of a high school friend. With half a smile, she asked why I’d do such a thing....

Chabad of Chesterfield transformed a pavilion in Chesterfield’s Central Park into a Shofar Factory on Sunday, helping participants craft their own horn instrument and learn the traditional sequence of notes sounded on Rosh Hashanah.

L’Shana Tova: Rethinking resolutions with humor and a little anxiety

By Amy Fenster Brown, Special to the Jewish LighPublished September 22, 2025

L’Shana Tova. As we kiss 5785 goodbye, we look forward to starting fresh in 5786. Between the American New Year and the Jewish New Year we, the Chosen People, have been chosen to celebrate twice.  You probably think more about making resolutions...

Lenny Bruce arrested.

From Lenny Bruce to Sarah Silverman: Why Jewish humor is funniest when it’s controversial

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished September 21, 2025

Editor’s note: No lawsuits were filed, no careers were canceled, and nobody was forced to explain a Sacha Baron Cohen sketch to their rabbi during this interview. This Thursday, Sept. 25, local journalist and reluctant public speaker Jordan Palmer...

Lunchboxes, looseleaf and a longing for a New Year reset

Lunchboxes, looseleaf and a longing for a New Year reset

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-ChiefPublished August 7, 2025

I never expected the little boy and his mom deciding on a lunchbox to transport me back in time. But he was a towhead just like my son Jackson at that age and the mom was a redhead just like me at that age, which is to say he was 6 or 7 and she was me...

Cheetah quintuplets on June 1, 2025. Photo by Kelsey Thompson/Saint Louis Zoo

What’s Jewish about the baby cheetahs at the Saint Louis Zoo?

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished June 8, 2025

Mazel tov! Five cheetah cubs were born last month at the St. Louis Zoo. That’s exciting news in its own right—and, honestly, a great excuse to share baby cheetah photos. But here at The Jewish Light, we couldn’t help but ask: Is there a Jewish angle?...

A not very clear image of a story that appeared on page 4 of the Mar 10, 1982 issue of the Jewish Light.

How a new bingo game unearthed a forgotten chapter of St. Louis Jewish history

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished February 25, 2025

When Jewish Light published a short blurb last week about David Halpern’s new Monday morning bingo at the American Legion Post 397, it seemed like a simple community event—a bit of fun, some friendly competition and a way to raise money for a good...

Mrs. Roper’s Romps have popped up In dozens of cities across America, including St. Louis.

Curls, caftans and cocktails: Carry on with Mrs. Roper’s Romp and you’ll have more than 3 for company

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-ChiefPublished February 19, 2025

On a Saturday morning earlier this month in Fort Myers Beach (FMB), Fla., a truly unusual sight unfolded along the city’s main downtown drag: a colorful procession of people in flowing caftans, curly red wigs and chunky costume jewelry, all strolling...

How a classmate got me hooked on ‘Saturday Night Live’—and my favorite Jewish moments in its 50-year history

How a classmate got me hooked on ‘Saturday Night Live’—and my favorite Jewish moments in its 50-year history

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished February 13, 2025

I first discovered "Saturday Night Live" the way a lot of kids did—through an older, slightly cooler classmate. It must have been in 1978 or 1979. Richard Shaw was the biggest kid at Spoede School -- not just in height but in presence. Every Monday...

Kosher cannabis? These gummy edibles have a rabbi’s seal of approval — and a following

By Mira Fox, The ForwardPublished February 12, 2025

This story was originally published in the Forward. Click here to get the Forward's free email newsletters delivered to your inbox. Tu B’Shvat is the Jewish day of the trees, a celebration of all things plant and fruit. And what better way to celebrate...

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) rushes the ball for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.

The Yiddish history of the ‘tush push,’ the Philadelphia Eagles’ unstoppable play

By Benyamin Cohen, The ForwardPublished February 9, 2025

The Philadelphia Eagles have plowed their way to Super Bowl 2025 behind the “tush push,” a play as straightforward as football gets: when the Eagles need a yard — whether on third-and-short, fourth-and-inches, or at the goal line — quarterback...

Apr 17, 1978; Unknown Location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Actor and race car driver Paul Newman (left) talks with driver Sam Posey (right).

How St. Louisans can honor Paul Newman’s Jewish legacy and 100th birthday

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished January 21, 2025

On Sunday, Jan. 26, Paul Newman would have celebrated his 100th birthday. Known for his legendary performances, unwavering philanthropy and enduring charm, Newman is remembered not just as a Hollywood icon but as a proud Jewish figure who embraced his...

Madam Owlberta Wobblewings

Owlberta Wobblewings is back—and she might be bringing babies!”

By Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish LightPublished December 18, 2024

There could be more nachas for Madam Owlberta Wobblewings in early 2025. We first introduced you to Ms. Wobblewings, a great horned owl who took up temporary residence on the balcony outside an apartment rented by Rebecca and Zach Berg—in Owlivette....

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