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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

Bill Motchan, writer/photographer

Bill worked in corporate communications for AT&T for 28 years. He is a former columnist for St. Louis Magazine. Bill has been a contributing writer for the Jewish Light since 2015 and is a three-time winner of the Rockower Award for excellence in Jewish Journalism. He also is a staff writer for the travel magazine Show-Me Missouri.

Bill grew up in University City. He now lives in Olivette with his wife and cat, Hobbes. He is an avid golfer and a fan of live music. He has attended the New Orleans Jazzfest 10 times and he has seen Jimmy Buffett in concert more t han 30 times between 1985 and 2023.

All content by Bill Motchan
Rabbi Jared Skoff

Next-Gen Rabbi: Jared Skoff joins B’nai Amoona

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published June 12, 2024
JFed's 'Men’s Event' promises laughter and connection

JFed’s ‘Men’s Event’ promises laughter and connection

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published June 6, 2024
St. Louis CITY SC signs Jewish Australian midfielder

St. Louis CITY SC signs Jewish Australian midfielder

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published June 6, 2024
Sherilyn and Barry Krell at the grave of Sam Rubin, an Army private from St. Louis who died in Normandy in 1944.

St. Louisans help son forge tie to father killed at Normandy

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published June 5, 2024
Ellen Futterman, Jordan Palmer and Bill Motchan.

St. Louis Jewish Light wins six Rockower Awards

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published June 4, 2024
From left: Noah Wolk, Erik Marx and Ari Willick

[Photo] Meet three St. Louis Jewish teens making a difference

By Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 28, 2024
Scott Schwartz

Inspiration ignites triumph at the St. Louis Senior Olympics

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 27, 2024
Dan Ahdoot.

The funniest Iranian Jew in the world is coming to St. Louis

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 15, 2024
Maxine Mirowitz

300 + enjoy Israel Independence Day in Chesterfield

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published May 14, 2024
Jeanette, David and Alvin Goldfarb.

The Jewish family behind St. Louis’ nursing school powerhouse

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 14, 2024
Felicia Malter and Chad Wallis

JFed recognizes visionary leaders for dedication and achievement

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published May 9, 2024
Dee Dee Simon and Governor Mike Parson

[Photo] Missouri Governor honors Holocaust survivors, educators

By Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 7, 2024
Rain Canis-Chidster

Photos: B’nai Amoona Mitzvah Day

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published May 6, 2024
Rabbi Lori Levine of Congregation Shaare Emeth

[Photo] Rabbi Lori Levine to lead dynamic new JproSTL board

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content Officer
Published May 8, 2024
 Rabbi Rovinsky holds two Rabbinic ordinations, a Bachelor’s and Masters degree in Talmudic Law from Ner Israel, a Master’s in Administrative Sciences from Johns Hopkins University, and a Masters in Education from UMSL and is a licensed clinical therapist.

[Photo] JSU St. Louis finds new digs, set to transform Jewish teen experience

By Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published April 24, 2024
Owlivia.

Baby Owlivia has flown the coop

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published April 12, 2024
Madam Owlberta Wobblewings and her mama owl

Madam Owlberta Wobblewings now has a Jewish home for her baby

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published April 4, 2024
Brothers Lazaroff and a host of musicians will perform at “The Passover Project: A Musical Seder,” at City Winery on Thursday, April 18.

[Photo] Musical ‘Passover Project’ at City Winery will benefit Jewish Light

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published March 21, 2024
JCC - Fox Building

[Photo] The J announces $13M renovation of Marilyn Fox Building in Chesterfield

By Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published March 17, 2024
Becky Gerson

Meet birth coach and doula Becky Gerson

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published March 13, 2024
Michael Staenberg, recipient of special recognition honors

Staenberg, Pereles, 10 St. Louis community leaders, honored by JPro

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published March 7, 2024
Abbie Strauss

[Photo] Former St. Louis cantor hits all the notes singing national anthem at Cardinals game

By Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published March 6, 2024
Former IDF intelligence official visits St. Louis

Former IDF intelligence official visits St. Louis

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published February 29, 2024
Mark Wilf and Gov. Mike Parson.

[Photo] Gov. Parson, Jewish NFL owner discuss survival of Israel in St. Louis

By Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published February 7, 2024
Jewish day school students from St. Louis traveled to Jefferson City to show their support during a hearing for a pro-Israel resolution.

[Photo] Pro-Israel resolution’s hearing at Missouri Capitol draws strong turnout from Jewish students 

Story and photos By Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published February 6, 2024
The Aryeh Emblem

Two local Cub Scouts earn coveted Aryeh Emblem

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published January 31, 2024
A junior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, Nelson Vickar is a top goalie prospect and last year was named one of Jewish Telegraph Agency’s 36 Jewish student athletes to watch for the 2023-2024 school year.

Ladue junior slides up ranks of elite amateur hockey players

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published January 23, 2024
Brothers Lazaroff

Brothers Lazaroff concert series moves to new venue

BILL MOTCHAN, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published January 22, 2024
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