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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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On the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, USC students walk out of class and march around their campus in support of Palestinians and the divest movement on Monday, October 7, 2024 in Los Angeles. President Trump's executive order on Jan. 29, 2025, suggests that foreign-born protesters who express support for terrorism be deported. (Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Jewish groups offer mixed reactions to Trump’s executive order on antisemitism

Andrew Lapin, JTAPublished January 30, 2025

Jewish groups are offering mixed reactions to President Donald Trump’s latest executive order on antisemitism that suggests that foreign-born anti-Israel student protesters could be deported. Some say the order is taking advantage of Jewish fear...

Mike Bosner

Corn, comedy and country music: How a hometown kid is bringing ‘Shucked’ home to ‘The Fabulous Fox’

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished January 30, 2025

When producer Mike Bosner brings "Shucked," one of Broadway’s most surprising hits, to The Fabulous Fox from Feb. 11–23, it will be more than just another stop on the musical’s national tour. For Bosner, it’s a homecoming—and a chance to showcase...

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a press conference at the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv on April 10, 2023. (Tomer Neuberg/FLASH90)

Israel orders terrorists’ release frozen after ‘horrific’ mobbing of released hostages

JNS StaffPublished January 30, 2025

Jerusalem has frozen the release of terrorists whose sentences were to be commuted under the ceasefire deal with Hamas, after “horrifying scenes” were witnessed during the release of Israeli hostages Arbel Yehud and Gadi Mozes on Thursday, according...

Arbel Yehud, an Israeli hostage held in Gaza, is made to traverse a dense crowd of terrorists before being handed over to the Red Cross outside Yahya Sinwar's house in Khan Yunis, Gaza, Jan. 30, 2025. (Hani Alshaer/Anadolu via Getty Images)

8 hostages, including 5 Thai nationals, return to Israel following chaotic scenes in Gaza

Philissa Cramer, JTAPublished January 30, 2025

Eight hostages returned to Israel in two separate releases on Thursday, following scenes of chaos and intimidation as the terror groups that abducted them handed them over to the Red Cross. Agam Berger, the last woman soldier remaining in Gaza, was...

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks before prominent Jewish donors at an event titled "Fighting Anti-Semitism in America" at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill, Washington D.C., Sept. 19, 2024. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Trump antisemitism executive order invokes anti-KKK law, welcomed by ADL

JNS StaffPublished January 29, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order on Wednesday that he said both reinstates an order combating Jew-hatred from his prior term, which the Biden administration “effectively nullified,” and “directs additional measures to...

Steve Witkoff, businessman and developer, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum.

Witkoff in Israel to push implementation of Hamas ceasefire

JNS StaffPublished January 29, 2025

Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special Middle East envoy, landed in Tel Aviv on a direct private flight from Saudi Arabia on Wednesday afternoon, according to reports in Israeli media. Witkoff is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister...

A Legendary Opening Act: "Exodus" launches the St. Louis Jewish Film Festival

A Legendary Opening Act: “Exodus” launches the St. Louis Jewish Film Festival

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished January 29, 2025

For its 30th season, running March 30 through April 8, the St. Louis Jewish Film Festival is serving up a perfectly crafted appetizer to whet your appetite for the main event. On Sunday, Feb. 16, the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman...

Jeff and David Lazaroff

Brothers Lazaroff launches inaugural Tuesday Tour in February

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished January 29, 2025

The Brothers Lazaroff are back with their signature series of intimate Tuesday concerts, showcasing their unique sound across St. Louis’ most cherished venues. Known for their eclectic style and dedication to the local music...

Barak Hermann, the incoming president and CEO of the JCCs of North America, on a treadmill at a JCC in Baltimore. Photo by Benyamin Cohen

He built a bar at his JCC. Here’s what he’s planning for the other JCCs in North America

By Benyamin Cohen, The ForwardPublished January 29, 2025

BALTIMORE — Barak Hermann does not sit still. By the time I arrived at the JCC in Baltimore, Hermann was already on the move, steering the ship until he starts his new job as CEO and President of the JCC Association of North America this summer. As...

The Jewish community's focus shifted from mourning and shock, to advocating for the hostages. Some rallies demanded action from the international community with protests at the United Nations, Oct. 24, 2023. (Luke Tress)

Arbel Yehud, Agam Berger and Gadi Moses reportedly among 8 hostages to be released tomorrow

Published January 29, 2025

Hamas has reportedly informed Israel that it will free eight hostages tomorrow, including two Israeli women and an elderly Israeli man. The Israeli hostages reportedly to be released are civilians Arbel Yehud, 29, and Gadi Moses, 80, as well as soldier...

White House freezes $50m for ‘condoms in Gaza’

White House freezes $50m for ‘condoms in Gaza’

Andrew Bernard, JNSPublished January 28, 2025

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Tuesday that the Trump administration froze a $50 million federal disbursement for “condoms in Gaza.” The Office of Management and Budget and the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency...

nearly 30 representatives from 15 Jewish organizations and synagogues across St. Louis gathered at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City for Missouri Jewish Advocacy Day

Missouri Jewish Advocacy Day unites community for security funding and awareness

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content OfficerPublished January 28, 2025

On Jan. 22, nearly 30 representatives from 15 Jewish organizations and synagogues across St. Louis gathered at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City for Missouri Jewish Advocacy Day. Their mission was clear: to ensure Jewish voices were heard,...

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