Newsmakers: January 2023
Published February 6, 2023
Vickie Shuchart returned to Congregation B’nai Amoona as director of strategic operations. Her role is to create a strategic vision for all communications and will oversee the messaging, as well as the technology needs of the congregation as they relate to programming. Shuchart previously worked at the synagogue for 13 years in multiple departments. Most recently she was the director of Nishmah, at the Jewish Community Center.
Dr. Ken Ludmerer, of the Washington University School of Medicine, was appointed to the board of directors of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Institute for Excellence in Education.
Dr. Jim Feigenbaum and his daughter, Dr. Jenna Feigenbaum, have been named team dentists for the St. Louis Blues hockey team. Their practice, Feigenbaum Dental, is located in Creve Coeur and has provided general dentistry for families for over 36 years. Jim Feigenbaum’s son, Dr. Lawrence Feigenbaum, serves as the dermatologist for the Blues. He is affiliated with Mid-County Dermatology and is as president-elect of the Missouri Dermatological Society.
Included with the 2022 inductees of the Parkway Alumni Hall of Fame was Damon Rich (Central High School class of 1993). He is an urban planner based in Newark, N.J. and founded Center for Urban Pedagogy, a nonprofit organization that uses art and design to increase meaningful civic engagement. Rich is also a designer and partner at HECTOR, an urban design, planning, and civic arts practice.
Rabbi Ari Kaiman, a former St. Louisan, is one of 30 members the 2023 JJ Greenberg Institute (JJGI) Fellowship for Rabbis and Senior Educators. The JJGI is part of Hadar, a modern Yeshivat in New York. Kaiman is the rabbi at Congregation Shearith Israel in Atlanta, Ga. He previously served as assistant rabbi at B’nai Amoona.
Doug Kolker and Andy Schwartz have joined the board of directors of Conflux Co-Learning, the nation’s first co-learning space that exclusively serves manufacturers and distributors. Kolker is a partner and CPA at Wipfli; specializing in research and experimentation tax projects. He is a member of Shaare Emeth. Schwartz is president at AJ Adhesives, a distributor of industrial adhesives.
Former St. Louisan and cofounder of the online design magazine Sight Unseen, Jill Singer co-authored a new book entitled “How to Live with Objects A Guide to More Meaningful Interiors.” It is an anti-decorating book that champions a new approach to interiors — simply surround yourself with objects you love. The book acts as a primer on how to nurture one’s personal style and how to maximize the visual and emotional impact of an interior space.
Mitch Lefkowitz was recognized as the Administrator of the Year by the Missouri High School Soccer Coaches Association for his support of his own soccer program as well as those in other districts. A member of Congregation Shaare Emeth, he is the athletic director at Rockwood Summit High School.
Rena Munster celebrated her first year opening Roots Acupuncture and Healing LLC in Richmond Heights. She serves teens through adults and is currently accepting new patients. Munster specializes in infertility and pregnancy support as well as helping patients who are suffering from Long COVID. Munster is a member of Kol Rinah.