Esther Miller Bais Yaakov High School (EMBY) will celebrate its 29th Anniversary Dinner on March 2 at the Ritz-Carlton. This year, the school will recognize four outstanding individuals for their dedication and contributions with three distinct awards: the Guest of Honor Award, the Alumni Leadership Award and the Community Leadership Award. The honorees are Lewis and Ellen Notowich, Ellie Freylicher and Marci Mayer Eisen, each selected for their impactful roles within EMBY and the broader St. Louis Jewish community.
Guests of Honor: Lewis and Ellen Notowich
Lewis and Ellen Notowich will receive the Guest of Honor Award for their unwavering dedication to EMBY since its inception. The couple has been deeply embedded in the school’s community, serving as pillars of support and involvement. Their commitment began when they entrusted the school with their children’s education during its earliest days, despite the uncertainty of a fledgling institution.
“They were from the founders,” said Avi Feigenbaum, EMBY’s executive director. “Not only did they send their children to the school, but they also volunteered extensively to help it grow, contributing to fundraisers, organizing events and offering guidance whenever needed.”
Today, the Notowiches’ legacy continues as their granddaughter attends EMBY.
Alumni Leadership Award: Ellie Freylicher
Ellie Freylicher will be honored with the Rabbi Gershon Zefren Alumni Leadership Award. Named for one of EMBY’s founders, the award recognizes alumni who embody the school’s values and make a lasting impact in their communities.
“Ellie is the epitome of what our alumni represent,” Feigenbaum noted. “She and her husband are cornerstones of the community, known for their hospitality and generosity.”
Freylicher’s dedication extends beyond her home, as she actively participates in various local initiatives. While modest about her accomplishments, she has made a significant impact by quietly yet effectively supporting countless community projects. Feigenbaum added, “She’s the kind of person who does a lot without seeking recognition, a true example of the school’s teachings.”
Community Leadership Award: Marci Mayer Eisen
Marci Mayer Eisen will receive the Community Leadership Award for her exceptional efforts in outreach and engagement with the Orthodox community through her work at Jewish Federation, particularly with JPro.
“We’ve worked to build bridges across all backgrounds,” Eisen said, emphasizing her role in ensuring that Orthodox professionals feel included and supported. Her outreach efforts include personal engagement, participation in JPro programs and initiatives like tours of Orthodox institutions for non-Orthodox staff. Eisen’s work focuses on fostering trust, mutual respect and collaboration.
Recognizing the unique needs of the Orthodox community, Eisen said she draws inspiration from her visits to EMBY, where she has observed its positive atmosphere and close-knit community. “For many families, EMBY is their only option for Jewish girls’ education in St. Louis,” she explained, highlighting the school’s critical role in community sustainability.
Eisen also stressed the importance of understanding cultural sensitivities and building genuine connections. “Some Orthodox leaders appreciate programs but may decline participation if the setting conflicts with their values,” she said, adding that mutual respect has been key to maintaining trust. “It’s about meeting people where they are and creating opportunities that work for them.”
Through JPro and other programs, Eisen has helped bridge gaps and connect Orthodox institutions with broader Federation initiatives. “It’s about collaboration,” she noted, “bringing together people from different backgrounds to support shared goals.”
Looking ahead, Eisen hopes her recognition will encourage greater understanding of the importance of Orthodox institutions and their contributions to the St. Louis Jewish community. “The more we learn about each other,” she said, “the stronger and more united our community becomes.”
A celebration of dedication and legacy
The dinner will not only honor these individuals but also highlight the essential role EMBY plays in the St. Louis Jewish community. Feigenbaum emphasized the school’s impact on community growth, noting how it has served as a cornerstone for families seeking strong Jewish education.
For more information or to reserve tickets for the March 2 event, visit embystl.org/dinner.
