Shira Kraft has joined the Jewish Community Center as Project Coordinator for the Jewish Arts & Soul Project, a new initiative funded by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis. Kraft recently moved here from Washington, D.C., where she was the Associate Director at Hemphill Fine Arts. She brings a strong background in arts and Jewish education. Since starting at the JCC in February, Kraft has been creating Jewish themed art, spiritual, health and wellness programs aimed at adults ages 20 to 50.  

The Jewish Arts & Soul Project will offer innovative programs for both seasoned practitioners and those seeking new experiences. Art workshops will delve into visual, musical, dance and theater arts. Programs will explore forms of meditation, mindfulness, alternative healing and holistic wellness. 

“We hope the Jewish Arts & Soul project will inspire adults to learn, grow, enjoy and feel connected to Judaism and the Jewish community in a new and innovative way,” said Rabbi Brad Horwitz, Director of Jewish Engagement and Adult Programs at the JCC.

The Jewish Arts & Soul Project will launch with a pre-Shavuot cooking workshop led by Chef Stephanie Pilon on May 20. “Blintzes Blitz” will explore the traditional Eastern European stuffed pancake as well as various iterations of the blintz in French, Hungarian and Russian cultures. Also kicking off the project, artist Jim Ibur will lead a ceramic workshop making Shabbat candlesticks in the traditional Japanese style of Raku ware. The workshop will meet on three consecutive Tuesday evenings, May 19, May 26 and June 2. Participants will learn the basics of hand-formed pottery in the studio and will complete their work with a Raku firing ceremony under the stars. 

Information regarding an extended calendar of Jewish Arts & Soul Project events will be unveiled mid-April on the JCC website (jccstl.org) and social media. Questions and suggestions can be directed to Kraft at [email protected] or 314-442-3111.