The Brodsky Library and the Jewish Community Relations Council will host a book discussion of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, led by Lara Bovilsky, Ph.D., assistant professor of English at Washington University, at 7 p.m., Feb. 12.

This novel is being read all over St. Louis in February as part of the “Big Read”, a nationwide initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest, sponsored in St. Louis by Washington University.

Complimentary copies of the book and reader’s guide are available at the library.

The cost for the program is $5 per person. It is free to Friends of the Library. Reservations are required.

For more information call 314-442-3720 or email [email protected].

Licedei will visit St. Louis on Feb. 15

Licedei, the world-famous clown theater company from St. Petersburg, Russia will perform at the JCC on Thurs., Feb. 15, at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $30-$45 and can be purchased by calling Metrotix at 314-534-1111. Call 314-749-5029 for more information.

Crown Center schedules its February events

On Wednesday, Feb. 14, Crown Center for Senior Living will have a special Valentine Dinner Party at 5 p.m. in the dining room, with music, games, and prizes.

On Wednesday, Feb. 28, it will have a Purim Party and Birthday Ball beginning with dinner and hamantashen in the dining room at 5 p.m.

The ball begins at 6:30 p.m.

Entertainment will be provided by Alexander’s Band.

For information and meal reservations call 314-991-2055.

JCC needs participants, volunteers for Triathlon

The St. Louis Jewish Community Center will host its third Annual Indoor Triathlon on Saturday, Feb. 10, and Sunday, Feb. 11, at the Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield. This year’s triathlon will again consist of a long event, 750-yard indoor swim, 18-mile stationary bike, and a five-mile treadmill run; and a sprint event, 400-yard indoor swim, eight-mile stationary bike, and a 2.5 mile treadmill run.

The Marilyn Fox Building is located at 16801 Baxter Road, Chesterfield, 63005. The entry fee for the sprint event is $25 for JCC members and $35 for non-members. The entry fee for the long event is $35 for JCC members and $45 for non-members. Discounts are available for competing in both days and/or both events. All fees are non-refundable.

Volunteers are needed at the indoor pool, the fitness center, the registration table or for traffic control throughout the facility. For more information, to register or volunteer, contact Phil Ruben at 314-442-3279 or [email protected].

Hadassah institutes target 2 age groups

The Midwest Area Cooperative of Hadassah will host two simultaneous institutes on Feb. 23-25 in St. Louis.

The first event is a Young Women’s Institute for women age 45 and under. Participants will network, learn and empower themselves with a variety of sessions to benefit mind and/or body.

Keynote speakers will include Karen Kalish, founder and president of Kalish Communications, who will discuss successful methods of networking and communications; and attorney/author Brenda Janowitz, who will read from her newest book of short stories and pursue dream exploration with attendees.

The second event is a new initiative targeted to women over age 46.

The events will be held at the Hilton Frontenac Hotel (at Lindbergh & Highway 40). For information on either conference, please contact the St. Louis Hadassah Chapter office at 314-991-0434.

Website Kid’s Project receives $10,000 grant

The new Kids Section of the Jewish community website, www.jewishinstlouis.org, has received a $10,000 grant to help engage Jewish St. Louis children ages 4-12 in a central online address.

The Kids Section is designed to connect Jewish youth to the Jewish community and enhance their Jewish identity through education and entertainment. Kids and parents can go directly to the section at www.jewishinstlouis.org/KIDS.

The Kids Section features a Photo Gallery, Calendar of Children’s Events, news about kids, for kids, written by kids; profiles, an “Ask the Rabbi” column, links to popular Jewish kids sites, games, puzzles and interactive content. The section also features St. Louis Jewish rocker Rick Recht’s Music and Jewish education.

For more information, contact Angelo Sgouros at 314-442-3837 or Debbie Warshawski at 314-442-3858.

Nadah Women to meet

The Nadah Women will meet Feb. 13 at 11:30 a.m. at Culpeppers at 270 and Olive for lunch and a short meeting. Call Sylvia Covitz for reservations at 314-997-2518.

‘Little Cayman’ exhibit at Neve Shalom Gallery

“Little Cayman, ” an excerpt from the exhibit “The Conversation ” by Joan Lipkin and Kim Mosley will be shown at the Neve Shalom Gallery through Mar. 31. The gallery is open Fridays this month from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon.

There will be an opening for the exhibit Mar. 3 from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. with music and conversation with the artist. “The Conversation” is a nine-month collaboration by Lipkin and Mosley in which each artist creates a daily piece incorporating written and visual exchanges.

Lipkin is the artistic director of That Uppity Theatre Company.

Mosley has been making art since he was 12 and teaching at St. Louis Community College for over 30 years. Call 314-863-4366 for more information.

JCC offers ‘Seeds of Jewish Thought’

“Seeds of Jewish Thought” is a new adult educational series designed to inspire dialogue and discovery. In this welcoming forum, St. Louis area Rabbis will examine critical Jewish issues from their different denominational perspectives. All classes will be held at the JCC Carlyn H. Wohl Building in Creve Coeur.

A four-class sampler will be offered on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 a.m.-noon “Should Jews Proselytize?” on Feb. 21 will feature Rabbi Lane Steinger, Executive Director, Midwest Council Union for Reform Judaism. Rabbi Ephraim Zimand of Traditional Congregation will teach “The Metamorphosis of the Kaddish” on Mar. 7. “Wonders of Wonders…Miracles of Miracles” will discuss Judaism and miracles with Rabbi Amy Feder of Temple Israel on Mar. 14. “Eco-Kashrut: Judaism and the Environment” on Mar. 28 will feature Rabbi Annie Belford of Shaare Emeth Congregation as the instructor. Students can sign up for one, some or all of these classes. Fee is $7 per class.

For those students wishing a more investigative experience, “Jewish Values in Today’s Times” is an in-depth study of Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers). Rabbi Brad Horwitz of the JCC’s Helene Mirowitz Department of Jewish Community Life, will guide this six-session class which is offered on Thursdays, Feb. 22-Mar. 29, 1:30-3 p.m. Pirkei Avot is a treasure full of great Jewish sayings, ethics, and teachings. Class time will be spent studying this text together (in English) and applying the values of the rabbis to our modern times. Fee is $55 for six sessions.

Finally, as fascination continues with this subject, join Rabbi Howard Kaplansky of United Hebrew Congregation as he discusses “Exploring the Secrets and Mysteries of The Da Vinci Code on Thursday, April 17, 1:30-3 p.m. Fee is $7. For registration information contact the JCC at 314-442-3150.