Rabbi Howard G. Kaplansky of United Hebrew Congregation will be honored during a “Celebration Weekend” on June 17, 18 and 19 to commemorate his 40th year in the rabbinate and three decades of combined service to the historic St. Louis congregation.

He has served United Hebrew as Senior Rabbi since 1990. He will become Rabbi Emeritus on July 1.

The Celebration Weekend, chaired by longtime U.H. members Marty and Merle Oberman, will include a special Friday evening Shabbat service at 7 p.m. on June 17 in the Millstone Sanctuary, followed by an Oneg Shabbat dessert reception.  Rabbi Kaplansky’s mentor and colleague, Dr. Walter Jacob, Rabbi Emeritus of Rodef Shalom Congregation of Pittsburgh, will be the guest speaker at the Friday service. On Saturday, June 18 the celebration continues at a gala held at the Ritz-Carlton. A 5:30 p.m. cocktail and hor d’oeuvres reception will be followed by dinner, the evening program and dancing to the sounds of “Souled Out Soul Review.” A multi-generational musical event is scheduled at 10 a.m. on Sunday June 19, at United Hebrew, headlined by nationally known Jewish singer and songwriter Todd Herzog. A light lunch will follow the concert.

All events are open to the community.  RSVPs are preferred for the Friday evening and Sunday morning activities to help with planning, but there is no charge to attend.  RSVPs for the Saturday evening gala dinner are needed by Friday, June 10. Gala tickets are $180 per person.  Table sponsorships and tributes are also available.

For more information please contact Amy Stone, Director of Development at 314-469-0700, ext. 120, or [email protected]. United Hebrew is located at 13788 Conway Road in West St. Louis County.