I’ve lived in South St. Louis City since 1998, and for most of the past two decades, I could count on two hands—and maybe half of a foot—the number of Jews I knew living east of Skinker. Historically, Jews in St. Louis, including myself growing up, lived west and north. The city limits didn’t seem like a hub for Jewish life.
But times have changed.
According to the Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ latest community study, more Jewish St. Louisians than ever now live within city limits—and a surprising number of them are young. Of the Jewish adults living in the city, 40% are between the ages of 22 and 39, a group traditionally seen as hard to reach, Jewishly speaking. And yet, they’re here. Quietly, steadily, they’ve been building community in ways that look different from past generations.
More Jewish young adults are calling the city home
This month, a new Moishe House pod is launching in Tower Grove South—the second one planted in this very neighborhood. The house will be led by engaged couple Nikole Mann and Joshua Neeter, both St. Louis natives. In exchange for rent‑free housing, the residents will host monthly programs designed to connect Jewish young adults—especially those not already plugged into traditional institutions.
“There are people who are connected to the Jewish community but others who don’t have the jumping in point,” Mann and Neeter said. “We hope to see those people get involved in our pod and pull in the disconnected young adults.”
Mann, 27, is applying to the Spertus Institute’s Jewish Professional Studies MA program and currently studying Hebrew and Jewish texts. Neeter, 32, works in food safety compliance and spends his downtime writing sci‑fi, playing ukulele and editing fiction online. The two say their partnership gives them a solid foundation to build outward from.
“Josh and I have different goals for our pod but those come together in a way that will round out our community more than if we were on our own,” said Mann. “We have a really collaborative energy.”
“Being a couple certainly makes projects like this easier,” added Neeter. “We already know how to support each other so we have a strong foundation for turning that support outward to host and uplift others.”
New Moishe House pod brings Shabbat, learning and connection to Tower Grove
The couple plans to offer Shabbat dinners, High Holy Day gatherings and spiritual programming that meets people wherever they are on their Jewish journey.
A previous Moishe House in Tower Grove South closed earlier this year, but the demand clearly didn’t disappear.
“We’re finding young adults where they’re at and it just so happens that many are in the Tower Grove neighborhood,” said Stacy Bernstein, Moishe House’s associate director of house and pod programs.
So yes, Jews have always lived in South City—but something’s shifting. A new generation isn’t just moving in. They’re lighting candles, hosting dinners and reimagining what Jewish life looks like, east of Skinker.
Want to connect with the new Tower Grove Moishe House?
Follow them on Instagram @towergrovepod for upcoming events or visit moishehouse.org and search “St. Louis” to learn more and get in touch.
