Justice in Hebrew is “Tzedek” and justice takes many forms—showing up, speaking out, opening doors, building bridges. On May 20, the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) will celebrate those who do all of the above at the 2025 Tzedek Awards, held at the Clayton Plaza Hotel.
This year’s honorees include educators, organizers and community leaders who’ve each made their mark on St. Louis Jewish life—and the wider world around it. Some are longtime changemakers. Others are just getting started. But every one of them is being honored for one reason: they keep showing up.
Honoring legacy and leadership: Leslie and Michael Litwack
Leslie and Michael Litwack will receive the Batya Abramson-Goldstein Legacy Award, an honor recognizing their exceptional leadership and lasting impact on the JCRC and the broader St. Louis Jewish community.
“With deep admiration and appreciation, I am thrilled to congratulate Leslie and Michael Litwack, who will be honored at the upcoming JCRC Tzedek Awards and receive the Batya Abramson-Goldstein Legacy Award,” said Jennifer Baer, Director of Family Engagement, Jewish Federation of St. Louis.
The Litwacks have been champions of Jewish literacy and community building for decades. In 2007, they brought PJ Library to St. Louis, making it possible for thousands of Jewish children to receive free Jewish-themed books, connecting families and strengthening Jewish identity across the region.
“They exemplify the very essence of Jewish continuity, ensuring that the next generation has the tools and inspiration to carry our traditions forward,” Baer said.
Tzedek Awards celebrate Jewish and interfaith impact
This year’s Pluralism Award goes to three standout leaders from across St. Louis’ religious and cultural landscape:
-
James Fowlkes-Comninellis, director of ecumenical and interreligious affairs for the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis
-
Robin Hattori, president of the Japan America Society Women’s Association and board member of the Japanese American Citizens League
-
Helen Turner, education director at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum
Building community ties
If you’ve hosted a Shinshinim teen emissary in your home over the last decade, there’s a good chance Cynthia Wachtel made it happen. As coordinator of the Shinshinim program at Jewish Federation of St. Louis, Wachtel is part matchmaker, part mentor and part logistics wizard. She will receive the Joel and Joanne Iskiwitch Israel Award.
“She’s juggling their schedules, helping the Shinshinim get acclimated, lining up amazing host families, navigating their emotions… To them, she’s a superhero,” said Caroline Goldenberg, who, along with her husband Etai, has hosted multiple Shinshinim. “We owe Cynthia a huge debt of gratitude for introducing us to the program. Each of the Shinshinim we’ve hosted over the past five years is like family.”
Emerging leadership and decades of impact
Laura Horwitz will receive the Michael & Barbara Newmark Emerging Leader Award. Known for her work in racial equity and justice, Horwitz serves as JCRC’s development chair, leveraging her sharp analysis and strategic thinking to drive real change.
“Laura is a keen observer, a brilliant analyst of dynamics, a do-er who is always guided by a vision for how things can and must be different,” said Tammy Arnow, a friend and fellow board member. “Laura has been a changemaker, a visionary and a builder for a decade now in St. Louis, and I’m honored to call her a dear friend.”
Dr. Flint Fowler will be honored with the Norman A. Stack Community Relations Award for his nearly three decades of leadership at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. Under his guidance, the organization grew from one club to 11, serving more than 4,000 young people every year.
“Flint honors the worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, faith or color of their skin,” said Dr. Joan Ellyn Silber. “I can vouch without hesitation for my dear friend Dr. Flint Fowler as a mensch among men and more than deserving of this award.”
Student to Student alumni, educators also honored
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Student to Student is a program where Jewish teens share their stories in classrooms across St. Louis, fostering understanding one conversation at a time.
This milestone year, the program honors:
-
Dr. Lisa Ring and Dr. Gregory Storch with a 30th Anniversary Special Tribute
-
Stephanie Ludmer Gross and Max Oppenheimer with Outstanding Alumni Awards
-
Jayla Boston, a Soldan International High School senior, with the Goldstein Scholarship
The 2025 Tzedek Awards will take place Tuesday, May 20, at the Clayton Plaza Hotel. For tickets, tributes or sponsorships, visit jcrcstl.org.
