A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light
A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light
A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light
All content by Andrew Esensten
(Getty Images/Screenshot from YouTube; Collage by Mollie Suss)

How Jews have helped shape the first 50 years of hip-hop

Andrew Esensten, JTA
Published August 11, 2023
Rick Rubin, left, with Russell Simmons in 1997.

From Rick Rubin to Doja Cat, Jews have helped shape the first 50 years of hip-hop

Andrew Esensten, JTA
Published August 11, 2023
Rabbi Mendy Cohen is dwarfed by 7-foot-1 Kings center Domantas Sabonis, who attended Chabad of Sacramento's Purim party on March 7. (Courtesy of Chabad of Sacramento)

NBA star Domantas Sabonis’ wife says he is converting to Judaism

Andrew Esensten, JTA
Published April 14, 2023
Mikey Pauker, seen here performing at Cornerstone Brewery in Berkeley, is one of the musicians behind a petition to add a Jewish music category to the Grammys. (Photo/Courtesy Pauker)

Why these two musician friends want the Grammys to add a Jewish music category

ANDREW ESENSTEN
Published February 20, 2023

‘How are you supposed to enjoy music by somebody that hates you?’: Jewish fans press pause on Ye’s songs

Andrew Esensten, JTA
Published October 28, 2022

‘Black people are actually Jew[s]’: The historical origins of Kanye West’s inflammatory comments

ANDREW ESENSTEN, JTA
Published October 12, 2022
In season 2 of ‘Dave,’ a Jewish rapper struggles to not get canceled

In season 2 of ‘Dave,’ a Jewish rapper struggles to not get canceled

ANDREW ESENSTEN, THE JEWISH NEWS OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Published August 31, 2021
Jewish mom scores another pandemic YouTube hit

Jewish mom scores another pandemic YouTube hit

ANDREW ESENSTEN, THE JEWISH NEWS OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Published July 1, 2021

At virtual retreat, men embrace vulnerability and reckon with patriarchy

Andrew Esensten
Published July 10, 2020
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