Did you know there was an entire network dedicated to Jewish life? There is, and now many more St. Louis Jewish families will be able to access it. This week, Jewish Life Television, (JLTV) announced a new broadcast partnership with local cable TV provider, Spectrum.
The network, which is the largest English-language, Jewish-themed television network in the United States, is now included in Spectrum’s channel line-up as part of its “Entertainment View Package” in greater St. Louis, Missouri, and Illinois on Spectrum Channel 242 and will go live on Sept. 1.
“Spectrum is demonstrating its support for diverse voices by providing its massive platform to amplify engaging, entertaining, and informative content by and about the Jewish community,” said Brad Pomerance, JLTV’s executive vice president.
What you’ll find on JLTV
More cultural than religious, JLTV is welcoming to viewers of all faiths, in its quest to provide high-quality, thought-provoking programming.
One popular JLTV show is based in St. Louis and fits the network’s theme perfectly: “Rhythm ’N’ Ruach,” a children’s show that celebrates joyful Judaism.
St. Louisan Shelley Dean is the co-host and producer of the show, which has aired on JLTV since 2020.
“Rhythm ’N’ Ruach specializes in sharing Jewish values, instruments, and music with children from birth to 5 years old,” said Dean. “Each week, you and your child will explore a brand-new instrument, a new Hebrew word, and you both will be singing, dancing and playing instruments of all kinds to the rhythm of both Jewish and secular music.”
On the original programming side, JLTV produces “Air Land & Sea” an award-winning, historically driven global travel series that uncovers the triumphs and tribulations of the Jewish people over the centuries, highlighting both secular and sacred sites.
“Bubbies Know Best” is a multi-generational dating show featuring three Jewish grandmothers, who find the perfect dates for our Jewish and non-Jewish singles. The award-winning series has taken the nation by storm, with the Bubbies appearing on “Access Hollywood,” “Steve Harvey,” “TMZ” and more.
But perhaps the most anticipated show coming to JLTV is “Generations.” The St. Louis Jewish Light first told you about this show back in June. “Generations” is the first Jewish-themed genealogy television series. It’s produced by the Museum of Jewish Heritage — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, JewishGen, and JLTV, and will launch sometime this fall.
The premiere episode has been generating worldwide buzz and will feature actors Camryn Manheim (“Law and Order,” “The Practice”) and her son, Milo Manheim (“School Spirits, Zombies”) exploring their DNA and family roots and revealing artifacts, objects, documents, and photographs to paint a full family portrait.
And the addition has not gone unnoticed by some local Jewish leaders in the area.
“The Jewish Federation of St. Louis is thrilled that Spectrum is making Jewish Life Television available to its video customers in our region,” said Brian Herstig, president, and CEO of Federation in a statement. “Greater St. Louis ranks among the 20 largest Jewish communities in the nation and accordingly, to have JLTV available to viewers of all faiths in Missouri and Illinois is a welcome addition to the television landscape at this time.”
“Illinois has the fifth largest Jewish population in the nation and the inclusion of JLTV as a primary cable channel is a welcome addition for countless people looking for thoughtful Jewish programming,” said Illinois State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, D-6, in a statement. “This is a great network for people also looking to reconnect or learn more about the rich culture of the Jewish community.”
