In the spirit of the St. Louis Jewish community’s response to the economic crisis, United Hebrew Congregation and an anonymous donor present a special Rick Recht concert to benefit the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, in the United Hebrew Millstone sanctuary.

The event will feature singers and musicians from the United Hebrew youth choir, adult choir, religious school and teen team as well as the Saul Mirowitz Day School-Reform Jewish Academy and local youth groups.

Rick Recht, the top-touring artist in contemporary Jewish rock music in the United States, is the Artist-in- Residence at United Hebrew Congregation. Recht is widely recognized both locally and nationally for his appeal to youth and family audiences not only as an exceptional musician, singer/songwriter and entertainer, but as a role model for involvement in Jewish life. He has become an icon for Jewish youth in the United States, elevating the medium of Jewish music as a powerful and effective tool for developing Jewish pride and identity among the masses.

“The Jewish Food Pantry, in many ways, embodies the most basic core Jewish value we all share — to care for each other. On Feb. 15, we not only plan to help increase awareness and support for the Jewish Food Pantry, but we will celebrate the vital role the Jewish Food Pantry plays in the St. Louis Jewish community and beyond,” says Recht.

“While the economic and emotional strain our community is experiencing is unprecedented, so is the sense of responsibility, strength, and compassion we all feel. It is rare to have such a tremendous opportunity to make a positive difference in each other’s lives.”

Tickets to be purchased at the door are $10 for adults and $5 for children with half off for each person who brings a bag of food.

All proceeds will benefit the Harvey Kornblum Jewish Food Pantry.

The Jewish Food Pantry has requested that the items most in need are beef stew, canned pasta with meat, hearty soups, rice/rice mixes, dried pasta, fruit, and tuna. For more information about the benefit concert, contact United Hebrew Congregation at 314-469-0700 or visit www.rickrecht.com.

Rick Recht’s Knockin’ Holes in the Darkness and Tear Down the Walls CDs, both focused on diversity awareness and appreciation, can be purchased for $15 each at www.rickrecht.com.