After more than 80 auditions, 14 finalists remain. STL’s Got Talent is a community-wide competition sponsored by Nishmah, a local Jewish women’s organization. This competition features a broad spectrum of local talent consisting of a variety of ages, genders and religions.

Nishmah, a Jewish, nonprofit organization strives to enrich the lives of women and girls through informal Jewish education compromised of spiritual and social programming. A nondenominational organization, its programs include Rosh Chodesh It’s a Girl Thing, a monthly meeting for teenage girls, Banot Buddies, which pairs up older girls with younger ones, and other leadership and spiritual programs.

Although STL’s Got Talent started as a fundraiser, it has turned into something more.

“Of course we are hoping to raise money, but in the process we have found great talent from people all over the community, Jewish or not,” explained Ronit Sherwin, executive director of Nishmah. “This is something St. Louis should be proud of. I hope it will help people get noticed.”

In order to audition for STL’s Got Talent, contestants had to prepare at least a three-minute act and those under 18 were required to have a parent present. Each contender went through either an on-site or video audition. The judges then chose the 14 finalists who will compete in a live show Sunday, Feb. 13. Two of the Jewish teen finalists are Kara Jacobson, 14 and Hava Polinsky, 11.

“I wanted to try out for St. Louis Got Talent because I thought it would be a fun opportunity and a great thing to do for Nishmah,” Kara said.

Kara has been singing for as long as she can remember. Still, she was surprised to be one of the finalists.

“When I found out [I was one of the finalists] I was extremely shocked and excited,” Kara said. “I’m excited to help Nishmah and to have a great time!”

Hava is a violinist who has been playing for almost six years. She, too, felt grateful to be chosen.

“I found out about STL’s Got Talent because of some friends who are involved in Nishmah and thought I might as well give it a shot,” Hava said. “I’m excited to share my music with St. Louis and honored because I am the youngest finalist out of the 14!”

For both Kara and Hava, music is a huge part of their lives. Both girls hope to continue playing music and pursue their dreams as professional musicians in the future.

“I plan on making a career out of music but I am not going to search for fame, I just want to teach people the joy of music,” Kara said.

The other finalists competing against Kara and Hava include bands, dancers, vocalists and other musicians.

STL’s Got Talent

MORE INFO: www.stlgottalent.com