A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light
A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light
A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light
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Cheers to these champions! JPRO STL celebrates its best and brightest!

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published March 6, 2025
Bill Motchan
JPro Stl Recognition Event

JPRO STL honored professionals who work in organizations that touch the Jewish community at its 20th annual recognition event on Thursday, March 6. A gathering of more than 350 community members thanked the honorees for their tireless work. Felicia Malter received the Partnership Award.

Lexie Schmidt received the Emerging Leader Award. Susan Kemppainen received the Chesed/Kindness Award. Lesley Goldenberg received the Education Award.

Stacy Jesperson and Missy Novotny received the Dedication Award. Lisa Deutsch and Jeremy Brok received the Mentor Award. Heather Silverman received the Pillar Award.

Esther Scharf received the Career Achievement Award. Rabbi Yosef David received the Visionary Award.

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Bill Motchan
JPro Stl Recognition Event
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About the Contributor
Bill Motchan, writer/photographer
Bill worked in corporate communications for AT&T for 28 years. He is a former columnist for St. Louis Magazine. Bill has been a contributing writer for the Jewish Light since 2015 and is a three-time winner of the Rockower Award for excellence in Jewish Journalism. He also is a staff writer for the travel magazine Show-Me Missouri. Bill grew up in University City. He now lives in Olivette with his wife and cat, Hobbes. He is an avid golfer and a fan of live music. He has attended the New Orleans Jazzfest 10 times and he has seen Jimmy Buffett in concert more t han 30 times between 1985 and 2023.