‘House of Song’ beckons area Jews

St. Louis’ newest congregation is called Beit Shira, which means “House of Song.” It’s open to all Jews in the greater St. Louis community, including those affiliated with other synagogues and those who are not.

“We are not a substitute for another congregation,” explains Hazzan Howard Shalowitz, who leads services for Beit Shira out of the Creve Coeur home he shares with his wife of nine months, Cara. The two happen to be expecting their first child next week.

“Our goal is not to take people away from where they already worship but to serve as a supplement,” Shalowitz adds. “For the unaffiliated, we are another option.”

Shalowitz, who is also a lawyer, incorporated the congregation earlier this year. He explained that Beit Shira charges no dues, so there is no membership per se, but it hopes to appeal to those who enjoy superior Jewish music and shorter services.

“You look at why so many synagogues are closing or merging and the main reason people give is that the membership dues are too high and the services go on for way too long,” he says. “We do a full, traditional service in two hours filled with wonderful songs and music.”

At a Friday night service a couple of weeks ago, Shalowitz said about 20 people showed up, ranging from Orthodox to the unaffiliated. “There is something for everyone,” he says, noting that Shabbat services include enough English reading and explanation to satisfy neophytes while regular shul-goers are likely to learn some new music and songs given Shalowitz’s selections.

“We hope to be the resource in St. Louis for good, quality Jewish music and services that don’t last forever,” he adds.

Shalowitz is in the process of firming up services for Purim and Passover. He urges those interested to visit www.beitshira.com.

New Jewish Theatre announces next season’s lineup

Big doings at the New Jewish Theatre this week include the announcement of its 15th season beginning in September and recognition of artistic director Kathleen Sitzer, who was chosen to receive the Outstanding Arts Professional award at the 2011 Visionary Awards given by Grand Center Inc. The awards, which recognize women for their contributions to the St. Louis arts community, will be presented May 17 at the Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Boulevard.

The new NJT season opens Sept. 8 – 25 with Deborah Zoe Laufer’s “End Days,” a wacky family drama that takes aim at science, religion and suburbia. Through 16-year-old Rachel Stein, her depressed father, her Jewish Evangelical mother and the neighboring Elvis impersonator, it brings to life our broad range of life choices, including laughter, and the treasured traveling companions who are there even when we face our own personal Armageddon. Eric Little, Artistic Director of Echo Theatre, will make his NJT directorial debut.

From Dec. 1-18, NJT presents Alfred Uhry’s “The Last Night of Ballyhoo,” Set in Atlanta in December 1939, Hitler is invading Poland, but Atlanta’s elitist German Jews are much more concerned with who is going to Ballyhoo, the social event of the season. The conflict between social acceptability and cultural definition escalates when Brooklyn born Joe Farkas (of Eastern European heritage) is brought to dinner at the Freitag family home and prejudice looms large.

A new play by Spanish playwright Juan Mayorga and translated by David Johnston, “Way to Heaven, ” will run from Jan. 25 – Feb. 12. Doug Finlayson directs what was inspired by the true story of the elaborate deception that took place at the Theresienstadt concentration camp, where the Nazis constructed a fake village to fool international inspectors and quell extermination rumors.

Alec Wild, making his NJT directorial debut, will helm “The Value of Names,” by Jeffrey Sweet, running from March 15 – April 1. The production centers on how we deal with our moral convictions both in the past and the present. The play chronicles the story of two men whose friendship ended as a result of the infamous McCarthy hearings before the House Committee on UnAmerican Activities.

The final production, running from May 3 through 20 and directed by NJT Artistic Associate Edward Coffield, is James Sherman’s “Jacob and Jack.” The production brings together elements of the Yiddish theater with contemporary American theater, though simply put it’s a classic marital farce complicated by historical layering and dual role-playing.

Brochures will be available at the final production of the current season, “The Immigrant.” Subscriptions will be available at that time. For more information or to get on the mailing list for a brochure, call 314-442-3283.