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
Photos: Clayton rally for Israel, peace and release of hostages

Photos: Clayton rally for Israel, peace and release of hostages

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published November 5, 2023
Photos: The Empty Shabbat Table at Shaw Park

Photos: The Empty Shabbat Table at Shaw Park

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published November 5, 2023
Shlicha Ella Bokobza speaks about her service in the Israel Defense Forces during a Shaving Israel fundraiser

St. Louis based Shaving Israel needs help to supply toiletries to IDF soldiers

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published October 24, 2023
Photos: Jews and Christians standing in solidarity for Israel

Photos: Jews and Christians standing in solidarity for Israel

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published October 22, 2023
Galit Lev-Harir

St. Louisan shares her own story and that of IDF nephew wounded in battle

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published October 19, 2023
Temple Beth El in Jefferson City

Jefferson City Jewish community and Christian clergy find new solidarity together

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published October 19, 2023
Tickets for Brothers Lazaroff's Hanukkah Hullabaloo go on sale Friday

Tickets for Brothers Lazaroff’s Hanukkah Hullabaloo go on sale Friday

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published October 19, 2023
Novellus is an American restaurant on Historic Main Street in St Charles.

[Photo] St. Charles restaurant going all kosher for one day to support Israel

By Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published October 16, 2023
Rally In Support of Israel. October 15, 2023

Photos: St. Louis unites Sunday with resounding support of Israel

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published October 15, 2023
The St. Louis Israel Solidarity Gathering on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at the Jewish Community Center near Creve Coeur.

[Photo] St. Louis unites in solidarity as more than 1,500 gather to support Israel amidst tragedy

Jordan Palmer, Chief Digital Content Officer
Published October 11, 2023
Yarden Avnor

Israeli student visiting WashU wins $3,000 in thesis competition, donates it all to IDF

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published October 11, 2023
Musical solidarity event in support of Israel planned for tonight

Musical solidarity event in support of Israel planned for tonight

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published October 9, 2023
Kol Rinah participated in a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 5.

Kol Rinah breaks ground for new early childhood center

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published October 6, 2023
Hot dogs, Hall of Famers and memories of Sportsman’s Park

Hot dogs, Hall of Famers and memories of Sportsman’s Park

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published October 5, 2023
Doug and Caryn Rudman.

Doug and Caryn Rudman carry on 29-year Sukkah tradition

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published October 2, 2023
Anne Samuels

Anne Samuels and the Gateway Harmonica Club are making music and memories

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published September 28, 2023
Anne Molasky and her painting partner Kim Alsop examining their work.

Jewish artists’ sunflower silos shine on Katy Trail as colorful masterpieces

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published September 26, 2023
The Michael family of Louisiana, Mo.

How 19th century Jews flourished, making history in this small Missouri town

Bill Motchan
Published September 22, 2023
Watch: Shaare Emeth's Tashlich service by the water

Watch: Shaare Emeth’s Tashlich service by the water

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published September 18, 2023
Katie Harris and Moxie. Photo courtesy Katie Harris

‘Moxie,’ St. Louis’ favorite Jewish service dog earns national award!

Bill Motchan, St. Louis Jewish Light
Published September 12, 2023
Photo of author (R) at Wrigley Field a few years ago with Detroit friend Steve Ross. (L)

Jimmy Buffett sometimes used religion in his lyrics, including Judaism

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published September 5, 2023
Danny Jacobs and Darren Grodsky

From bar mitzvah prank to Hollywood success: Danny Jacobs and Darren Grodsky’s creative journey

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published August 29, 2023
Jewish culture will be on display around St. Louis

Jewish culture will be on display around St. Louis

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published August 11, 2023
Legendary Jewish sports writer Joe Posnanski coming to St. Louis

Legendary Jewish sports writer Joe Posnanski coming to St. Louis

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published August 1, 2023
Joe Litvag, founder of the Just Listen Company

Five questions for Evolution Festival impresario Joe Litvag

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published July 28, 2023
Ellen Alper

Five questions For Ellen Alper NCJW St. Louis executive director

BILL MOTCHAN, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published July 24, 2023
Caitlin Stayduhar and Nathan Litz. File photo: Bill Motchan

St. Louis brand of green Sriracha stands out in shortage of red Thai competition

BILL MOTCHAN, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published July 20, 2023
Scott Biondo.

[Photo] Security expert Scott Biondo forges ties, helps keep Jewish community safe

Ellen Futterman, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published July 13, 2023
Where to find some cool jazz on a hot weekend

Where to find some cool jazz on a hot weekend

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published July 12, 2023

St. Louis Jewish Light wins four awards for Jewish journalism

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published July 12, 2023
Ethan Leinwand performing at the Scott Joplin House

How this Jewish pianist is keeping St. Louis ‘a piano town’

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published July 11, 2023
Photos: Jewish community represents at 2023 Grand Pride Parade

Photos: Jewish community represents at 2023 Grand Pride Parade

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published June 25, 2023
Eight Jewish University City High School alumni to be inducted into Hall of Fame

Eight Jewish University City High School alumni to be inducted into Hall of Fame

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published June 21, 2023
Julia Goldstein and Evan Margulies-photo courtesy Nancy Margulies

The Story Behind The Name: The Julia Goldstein Early Childhood Learning Center

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published June 20, 2023
Nadav Tamir

J Street Israel CEO visits St. Louis with update on what’s ‘happening on the ground’ in Israel

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published June 14, 2023
Speaker series looking at ‘Gender Identity and Judaism’ to feature Joy Ladin

Speaker series looking at ‘Gender Identity and Judaism’ to feature Joy Ladin

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published June 14, 2023
The band was led by Will Soll, with Andy Curry on bass, Gabe Segal on clarinet, Alyssa Avery on fiddle, and Shlomo Ovadya on percussion

Photos & Video: U City Klezmer Experience plays to sold out crowd

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published June 11, 2023
Brothers Lazaroff launching new music festival honoring New Orleans

Brothers Lazaroff launching new music festival honoring New Orleans

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published June 1, 2023
Will Soll

Local klezmer ensemble debuts in June

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 31, 2023
1,200+ St. Louis athletes over 50 prove they are winners who keep winning

1,200+ St. Louis athletes over 50 prove they are winners who keep winning

Bill Motchan, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published May 29, 2023
The official torch lighting of the St. Louis Senior Olympics.

“Let the games begin!” St. Louis Senior Olympics are underway

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 25, 2023
Main Headquarters staff of 21st General Hospital - April 1945

A Memorial Day salute to the WWII service of Jewish St. Louisans

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 24, 2023
New "supper club" making gourmet kosher carryout available to all

New “supper club” making gourmet kosher carryout available to all

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 17, 2023
Photo used with permission of photographer.

Highcroft Ridge Elementary combating antisemitism after International Night incident

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 16, 2023
Martin Sneider.

Martin Sneider turns real life experience into suspenseful novel about selling shoes in St. Louis

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 9, 2023
Photo by Bill Motchan

The history of the Borsalino, the wide-brimmed fedora worn my some Orthodox Jewish men

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published May 9, 2023
Andy Cohen gets star treatment during St. Louis Walk of Fame induction

Andy Cohen gets star treatment during St. Louis Walk of Fame induction

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 7, 2023
Meet St. Louis' Shinshinim

Meet St. Louis’ Shinshinim

ELLEN FUTTERMAN and BILL MOTCHAN
Published April 28, 2023
Inbar Bloch

Meet the St. Louis Shinshinim: Inbar Bloch

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published April 28, 2023
Meet the St. Louis Shinshinim: Inbar Bachar

Meet the St. Louis Shinshinim: Inbar Bachar

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published April 28, 2023
Rabbi Naamah Kelman

First woman ever ordained a rabbi in Israel, coming to St. Louis for three appearances

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published April 26, 2023
Anton, Yana, Lynn Wittels and Nikita

Ukrainian child receives important surgery in St. Louis thanks to act of kindness

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published April 25, 2023
Helping older adults avoid scams and stay safe

Helping older adults avoid scams and stay safe

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published April 20, 2023
Photos: 'Voice of Resistance' heard loud and clear at Sunday's Yom HaShoah ceremony

Photos: ‘Voice of Resistance’ heard loud and clear at Sunday’s Yom HaShoah ceremony

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published April 17, 2023
Five questions for science comedian Ben Miller coming to Helium comedy club

Five questions for science comedian Ben Miller coming to Helium comedy club

BILL MOTCHAN, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published April 6, 2023
Lindy Drew is the cofounder of Humans of St. Louis, a nonprofit group that shares photos and stories of people and places through its website, social media, and, as of December, a book. The book quickly sold out, but a reprinting is planned for this spring, with preorders available. Photos: humansofstl.org

Humans of St. Louis turns a page

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published April 3, 2023
Orly David Peters. Photo By Bill Motchan.

Expat bringing Israeli food to St. Louis

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published March 30, 2023
St. Louis circus director pens chapter in Jewish big top history

St. Louis circus director pens chapter in Jewish big top history

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published March 30, 2023
Photo by Bill Motchan

After 28 years St. Louis is still the capital of chametz

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published March 29, 2023
The Wise-Shuchart family’s Passover seders have included non-Jewish guests for three decades. Photo courtesy of Andy Wise

Families expand seder traditions with non-Jewish guests invited to Passover

BILL MOTCHAN, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published March 27, 2023
St. Louisan Marc Lapp (below) collects vintage Judaica. His collection includes carved wooden lion (from the mid-1900s) and the silver Torah finials

St. Louis collector of Judaica immerses in Jewish history, one antique at a time

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published March 24, 2023
The Wise-Shuchart family’s Passover seders have included non-Jewish guests for three decades. Photo courtesy of Andy Wise

It’s best to prep non-Jewish seder guests, rabbis say

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published March 23, 2023
Story behind the name – Irv Zeid Park

Story behind the name – Irv Zeid Park

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published March 20, 2023
More of your memories from Camp White Cloud

More of your memories from Camp White Cloud

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published March 15, 2023
Memories of Camp White Cloud

Memories of Camp White Cloud

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published March 13, 2023

Video and photos of 2023 University City Purim Parade

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published March 7, 2023
Image courtesy of Bill Motchan.

PHOTOS: Purim Palooza at B’nai Amoona

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published March 7, 2023
Docent Vera Emmons leads Ladue Middle School students on a tour of the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum earlier this month. Photo: Bill Motchan

Visiting the Holocaust Museum from a student’s perspective

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published February 23, 2023
From ultra-Orthodox rabbi to openly transgender: Abby Stein tells her story in St. Louis

From ultra-Orthodox rabbi to openly transgender: Abby Stein tells her story in St. Louis

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published February 23, 2023
PHOTOS: Jewish leaders converge for ‘bootcamp’ at the J

PHOTOS: Jewish leaders converge for ‘bootcamp’ at the J

Bill Motchan
Published February 21, 2023
Neil Davis leading a discussion at the Mirowitz Center. Image by Bill Motchan

Talking Beatles at the Mirowitz Center

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published February 10, 2023
Rick Recht, Executive Director of Judaism Alive. Photo: Bill Motchan

Music seen as key to attracting young people to Jewish clergy

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published February 7, 2023
Participants in the 2019 Songleader Bootcamp join together in song during a session at the Jewish Community Center. File photo: Bill Motchan

Jewish leaders converge for upcoming ‘bootcamp’ at the J

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published February 7, 2023
Longtime Central Hardware President Jim Cohen, great-grandson of the company’s founder, Morris Cohen, shows off memorabilia from his collection. Photo: Bill Motchan

Remember Central Hardware? How the Jewish family behind the empire left their mark on St. Louis

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published February 7, 2023
5 questions with retirement center director Max Oppenheimer

5 questions with retirement center director Max Oppenheimer

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published February 1, 2023
Rabbi Mike Rovinsky

Axe throwing with a mohel

BILL MOTCHAN, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published January 27, 2023
Photo Courtesy of the Creve Coeur Police Department.

Graffiti removed from Temple Israel monument sign

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published January 25, 2023
Make your own NY style bagels at home. Photos by Bill Motchan

How to make New York style bagels in your St. Louis kitchen

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published January 18, 2023
Larry Chervitz, quartermaster of Jewish War Veterans Post 644, Monroe Ginsburg, chaplain of Jewish War Veterans Post 644, Brian Sher, Andrea Goldenberg, Debbie Sher, Rachael Pevnick, Larry Pevnick, Ellis Frohman, commander of Jewish War Veterans Post 644, Robin Pevnick, Stan Goldenberg and Les Birenbaum, junior vice commander of Jewish War Veterans Post 644

Rachael Pevnick scrubbed her Caribbean vacation to honor husband, Jewish War Veterans

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published January 18, 2023
Gerald Axelbaum, 69, a member of Congregation B’nai Amoona.

Meet Gerald Axelbaum, the Jewish “Burn Boss” of Olivette

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published January 16, 2023
Rick Stack co-produced the documentary “In the Executioner’s Shadow."

St. Louis native co-produces documentary looking at death penalty ‘In the Executioner’s Shadow’

Bill Motchan, Special to the Jewish Light
Published January 15, 2023
Thriving yeshiva in Chesterfield is just what this doctor ordered

Thriving yeshiva in Chesterfield is just what this doctor ordered

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published January 11, 2023
A gathering at MaTovu during Sukkot. PHOTO: BILL MOTCHAN

How MaTovu founders brought vision of Jewish gathering space to life

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published January 9, 2023
Olivia Adams.Photo by Bill Motchan.

Olivia Adams shines a light for women in dark times

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published January 8, 2023
Spreading cheer to hospitalized kids is Tamar Adler’s bag

Spreading cheer to hospitalized kids is Tamar Adler’s bag

Bill Motchan, Special to The Jewish Light
Published January 4, 2023
Ethan Leinwand

Local Jewish pianist reviving series of ragtime concerts

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published December 22, 2022
Irwin Loiterstein Profile St. Louis Jewish Light by Bill Motchan

Meet the Jewish St. Louisan who’s the “king of Christmas trees”

Bill Motchan, Special For The Jewish Light
Published December 20, 2022
Avital Kadosh, the J’s director of Jewish experience and innovation

Meet Avital Kadosh, the J’s new innovation chief

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published December 19, 2022
Photos: Hundreds of kids building menorahs, noshing latkes at Home Depot

Photos: Hundreds of kids building menorahs, noshing latkes at Home Depot

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published December 18, 2022
Photos: Hanukkah storytelling returns to Schnucks Ladue Crossing

Photos: Hanukkah storytelling returns to Schnucks Ladue Crossing

Bill Motchan, Special To The Jewish Light
Published December 15, 2022
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