One of my fondest dreams was that B’nai Torah would be here for future generations of Jews in St. Charles County. Sadly, that is not to be. However, B’nai Torah does not deserve to simply disappear after 30 years as a synagogue in St. Charles County. Therefore, I wish to share some highlights and memories of B’nai Torah.

I will always remember how Rabbi Jay Goldburg invited the children to join him on the bimah when he read from the Torah. After he discussed the parsha, he asked the children if they had any questions. They always did, and Rabbi Goldburg complimented each question and made the children proud of themselves and proud of being Jewish.

Many new members joined B’nai Torah because they loved the Hebrew melodies sung by our lay leader, Larry Comensky. I will always cherish the memory of the children going voluntarily to the bimah to dance when Larry sang V’Shamru.

I will never forget how the Jewish community of St. Louis supported our fundraising to restore our Holocaust Torah, and how the Christian and Muslim communities made generous donations and participated in our restoration celebration.

I have wonderful memories of the Kollel rabbis who visited B’nai Torah to participate in events and hold educational programs.

I will always be thankful for the support and grants we received from the Jewish Federation of St. Louis and its agencies because of the major positive impact they had on our sense of being part of the Jewish community.

As one of the founders, volunteer teacher for over 25 years, and past president, I am thankful for the friendships I made that will last for a lifetime.