This coming fall, Bais Abe is bringing St. Louis’ Jewish community together with learning, music, animals and even Italian cooking. The congregation has planned a trio of gatherings in October and November that reflect both tradition and creativity — and all are free with advance registration.

A night of study under the sukkah

On Sunday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m., Bais Abe, along with Central Reform Congregation and Kol Rinah, will host a Hoshana Rabba Night of Learning. The evening begins with heavy appetizers and sweets in the sukkah, followed by three sessions taught by local educators. The program is supported by the National Jewish Outreach Program’s Sukkot Across America Initiative. Registration is free and encouraged through Bais Abe’s website.

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Family fun with a petting zoo

Two weeks later, on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon, families are invited to return for the Parshat Noach Petting Zoo & Mesiba. Guests can pet and feed animals in the backyard, snack and enjoy interactive activities. This popular event is made possible through the Saul Brodsky Educational Resource Fund at Jewish Federation St. Louis. Organizers ask families to RSVP so there’s plenty of food for both people and animals.

An Italian Shabbat weekend

In mid-November, Bais Abe shifts from animals to Italian cuisine. On Saturday, Nov. 15, the congregation will host an Italian Shabbat Lunch and Learn curated by cookbook author Benedetta Jasmine Guetta. Attendees will enjoy a themed menu while learning and singing with Dr. Sage Ferraro Doughty and Avi Mazzeo. The next day, Guetta will join virtually for a Zoom lecture on the history of Jewish Italian food. Both programs are free, but registration is required.

For more details or to register for Bais Abe events, visit baisabe.com.