Synagogues with a rich history

In the story “Small but dedicated community keeps Belleville synagogue moving forward” (Ohr Chadash Teen Page, Oct. 11), Olivia Riutcel, a freshman at Webster Groves High School, wrote on the merging of two old synagogues in Belleville, Ill. It was very well written. 

But you don’t have to travel to Illinois to discover the rich history of very old synagogues. In fact, Missouri has the oldest synagogue still in its original building west of the Mississippi River. Temple Beth El in Jefferson City, built in 1883, is on its original site and in continuous use since its construction. 

Toddy Goldman, St. Louis

Reader responds to commentary 

I am writing in response to State Sen. Jill Schupp’s Sept. 19 commentary. In it she complained of an extraordinary session of the Missouri Legislature beginning on Sept. 10, which happened to be Rosh Hashanah. 

That is understandable. 

What I find ironic is the fact that she co-sponsored  the 4th Annual Care Fair on Saturday, Sept. 29. Since many observant Jews are in her District and would not be able to attend this event (from 10 a.m. to noon), I am somewhat taken aback at her lack of sensitivity and awareness of certain elements of her own faith.  

James Pollock, Town and Country