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 EDITOR
Phyllis Siegel leads newbies learning mahjong dressed in one of her signature mahj shirts.

[Photo] Retired teacher brings bridge, mahjong to life

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published May 7, 2025
Reut Karp holds a portrait of her ex-husband, Dvir Karp, who was murdered by terrorists at Kibbutz Re’im, near Gaza, with two of his three children in the next room, on Oct. 7, 2023. Reut Karp now runs Cafe Otef Re’im, a coffeehouse in Tel Aviv that doubles as a retail store as well as a micro-enterprise hub for kibbutz evacuees and survivors.

‘Mom, dad was murdered’: Kibbutz mother takes action after Oct. 7 attacks by creating a cafe to heal herself, her family and the community

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published April 15, 2025
Lisa Klein holds her newborn daughter, Annie, in 2012. Above, Annie today with her father, Thomas Klein, and “godmother” Angela Brenner.

Thirteen years after losing her mom, Annie Klein prepares for a bat mitzvah to remember

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published April 6, 2025
From Hollywood extra to documentary star—This journalist’s unexpected movie journey!

From Hollywood extra to documentary star—This journalist’s unexpected movie journey!

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published March 19, 2025

Jewish leaders unite to combat antisemitism in Missouri politics

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published March 19, 2025
Robert W. Duffy

Remembering friend and former colleague Bob Duffy

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published February 19, 2025
Mrs. Roper’s Romps have popped up In dozens of cities across America, including St. Louis.

Curls, caftans and cocktails: Carry on with Mrs. Roper’s Romp and you’ll have more than 3 for company

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published February 19, 2025
Tickets now available for ‘The Passover Project’

Tickets now available for ‘The Passover Project’

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published February 19, 2025
Stacey Farber and Daren Kagasoff in the Hallmark movie ‘Hanukkah on the Rocks.’

Hallmark does Hanukkah right

Ellen Futterman, Chief Digital Content Officer
Published December 18, 2024
Linda Concors (left) and Nancy Seidel.

‘We just knew!’ Meet the inseparable duo who became BFFs at 80+!

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published December 18, 2024
A fly finds a home — now its book needs one! Help 89-year-old Jan Baron bring her story to life.

A fly finds a home — now its book needs one! Help 89-year-old Jan Baron bring her story to life.

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published December 17, 2024
Danny Cohn.

Danny Cohn to serve as new JFed CEO

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published December 11, 2024
Ellen's 'Hanukkah Gift Guide' for 2024

Ellen’s ‘Hanukkah Gift Guide’ for 2024

Ellen Futterman, Editor-In-Chief
Published December 3, 2024
Max Oppenheimer and Max Gornish reveal the signage of the new Staenberg Lobby at Epstein Hebrew Academy on Monday, Nov. 25 at a dedication ceremony.

Beautiful Legacy: Staenberg Lobby unveiled at Epstein Hebrew Academy

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published November 25, 2024
Frank & Helen's

Fans of Frank & Helen’s mourn as longtime U. City restaurant announces plans to close

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published November 19, 2024
Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin in ‘A Real Pain.’ Photo Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

Talking one-on-one with Jesse Eisenberg on his Jewish identity, grief and humor

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published November 6, 2024
Can’t see Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone on Broadway? St. Louis’ “The Roommate” brings the magic closer to home!

Can’t see Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone on Broadway? St. Louis’ “The Roommate” brings the magic closer to home!

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published October 22, 2024
Ellen Futterman, Class of '74

What your high school says about you—50 years later

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published October 1, 2024
Rabbi Andrew Terkel (on far right) along with (from left) Ladue senior Georgia Bland, Clayton High School senior Micah Lotsoff and Whitfield senior Ella Wertman.

Be the Narrative expanding its national reach

Ellen Futterman, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published September 25, 2024
Marcee Silverstein and Geri Friedman, Couturier Chairs in 1980.

VIP Shopping Secrets: How to own the 60th annual Couturier sale Like a pro!

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published September 16, 2024
Couturier 1985 Committee

60 facts about NCJWSTL

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published September 11, 2024
Alexander Hamilton portrait by John Trumbull 1806, with just a slight embellishment. Original photo: Wikimedia Commons. Photo Illustration: Martin holloway

Exploring Alexander Hamilton’s possible Jewish roots as ‘Hamilton’ returns to the Fox

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published August 14, 2024
Cori Bush and Wesley Bell.

How St. Louis Jewish voters mobilized in Missouri’s 1st Congressional District primary

Jordan Palmer and Ellen Futterman
Published August 7, 2024
The Trout salad sandwich from Union Loafers

[Photo] Celebrate National Sandwich Month with the Jewish Light

The Jewish Light Staff
Published July 31, 2024
Kohn’s Kosher Meat and Deli

Kohn’s Kosher and Meat Deli sued for $150,000 by Chicago supplier

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published July 10, 2024
St. Louis' only Kosher deli closes: Kohn’s shutters after 60 years

St. Louis’ only Kosher deli closes: Kohn’s shutters after 60 years

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published July 9, 2024
JFS workers form two union units in close vote

JFS workers form two union units in close vote

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published July 8, 2024
Brian Herstig.

Brian Herstig reflects on tenure as he bids farewell to St. Louis Jewish Federation

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published June 20, 2024
JFS

Group of Jewish Family Services employees seek to unionize

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published June 19, 2024
Meet Laurie Cohen: Synagogue staffer and style guru

Meet Laurie Cohen: Synagogue staffer and style guru

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published June 19, 2024
How St. Louisans are sending 18 war-weary Israeli kids to camp

How St. Louisans are sending 18 war-weary Israeli kids to camp

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published June 9, 2024
HJ’s Café reopens after four years with new menu, same community spirit

HJ’s Café reopens after four years with new menu, same community spirit

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published June 6, 2024
(L) Air Force 1st Lt. Roslyn Schulte was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. (R) U.S. Army 1st Lt. Emily Crews shares a hug with her grandmother, Elsie Shemin Roth.

Remembering Lt. Schulte, Celebrating Lt. Crews, and supporting Israeli youth

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published May 21, 2024
Julia Zarkower and Mindy Horwitz

Mindy Horwitz: The ‘unofficial’ second mom of WashU students

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published April 30, 2024
A 2017 photo of Art Hill in Forest Park. Photo: Sean - stock.adobe.com

JFed security official: Jewish community may want to steer clear of Art Hill on Saturday

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published April 25, 2024
Drew Patchin.

Miracle update: Doctors able to remove all of 11-year-old Drew Patchin’s brain cancer

Ellen Futterman, Editor-In-Chief
Published April 8, 2024
Columnist lets AI have a crack at ‘News & Schmooze’

Columnist lets AI have a crack at ‘News & Schmooze’

Ellen Futterman, Editor-In-Chief
Published April 2, 2024
Bill Evans, Josh Shulman and Greg Shulman created the Real Change Project, giving out surprise gifts of $2,000

Meet the trio behind the Real Change Project

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published March 27, 2024
Ben Poremba

What’s new with Ben Poremba? Quite a lot. 

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published March 19, 2024
Our new 'Passover Project: A Musical Seder' will unite, celebrate and elevate

Our new ‘Passover Project: A Musical Seder’ will unite, celebrate and elevate

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in Chief
Published March 12, 2024
Chance conversation reveals quirky connection between Parkway North and Jewish camp careers

Chance conversation reveals quirky connection between Parkway North and Jewish camp careers

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published March 5, 2024
Michael Kors receives applause at the conclusion of his Fall/Winter 2010 show at New York Fashion Week, February 2010.

Legendary fashion designer Michael Kors coming to St. Louis

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published February 21, 2024
Nancy Seidel and Herb Seidel.

A love story 30-years in the making. How teenage crushes found lifelong love together

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, Editor-in-Chief
Published February 13, 2024
Yakir Hexter (on right) walks with his best friend, Dovid Schwartz, to a wedding. Both men, who were 26, died together Jan. 8 in a grenade attack during intense fighting in southern Gaza.

Best friends, IDF buddies leave honorable legacy

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published February 6, 2024
Shir Dagan is the Israeli Shaliach at the J, providing Israeli education, engagement and community building programs.

Docuseries will kick off the J’s new Israeli Film Club

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published January 31, 2024
Betty Levy, aka Bubbles the Clown.

At 95, Betty Levy (aka Bubbles the clown) has spent decades refining her shtick

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published January 23, 2024
The Sklar Brothers get bobbleheaded on their birthday

The Sklar Brothers get bobbleheaded on their birthday

Ellen Futterman, Chief Digital Content Officer
Published January 11, 2024
Peyton O’Shaughnessy and Sammy Goldstein at Maccabi.

Sports, Judaism and inspiration converge for local teens at Pan American Maccabi games

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published January 9, 2024
From left: Scott Biondo, Elizabeth Baumgartner and Galit

From D.C. rally to bagels to a love story, here are three ‘Light’ journalists’ favorite 2023 stories

Ellen Futterman, Editor-In-Chief
Published December 20, 2023
St. Louis synagogues among hundreds nationwide to receive email threats

St. Louis synagogues among hundreds nationwide to receive email threats

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published December 17, 2023
In slaying her own mental health dragons, Helene Meyer found a way to help others too

In slaying her own mental health dragons, Helene Meyer found a way to help others too

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published December 7, 2023
Divine Hanukkah desserts to sweeten the Festival of Lights

Divine Hanukkah desserts to sweeten the Festival of Lights

Ellen Futterman, Editor-In-Chief
Published December 5, 2023
Rabbi Michael Alper

Rabbi Alper elevated to senior role alongside wife, Rabbi Feder at Temple Israel

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published November 30, 2023
11 honored as Jewish Light Unsung Heroes

11 honored as Jewish Light Unsung Heroes

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published November 28, 2023
From a 4-month courtship to a 73-year marriage

From a 4-month courtship to a 73-year marriage

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published November 21, 2023
Flyers posted by families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas in Gaza as part of a protest outside the Israeli Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv. Oct. 14, 2023.

The angst of covering war and keeping St. Louis informed

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published October 17, 2023
Gili Adar

Beloved Camp Ben Frankel counselor among those murdered at music festival near Gaza

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published October 10, 2023
A sneak peek inside the annual 59th Couturier event

A sneak peek inside the annual 59th Couturier event

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published October 5, 2023
Fred Guttenberg is shown in a family photo with his daughter Jaime, who was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. on Feb. 14, 2018. Guttenberg, the author of “American Carnage: Shattering the Myths That Fuel Gun Violence,” will speak in St. Louis on Oct. 5.

Parkland victim’s dad to bring gun safety drive to St. Louis

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published September 25, 2023
Introducing the 2023 Unsung Heroes

Introducing the 2023 Unsung Heroes

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published August 31, 2023
Jai Jai Goldstein does a squat at an USPA powerlifting meet last year at The Center in Affton.

This nana is a powerlifting, life-saving, super grandma

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published August 27, 2023
Yelena Gass-Bronstein

Jewish woman from Olivette in search of a new kidney

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published August 9, 2023
Ben Poremba

Ben Poremba moving three restaurants to the new Delmar Maker District, near his Deli Devine

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published August 8, 2023
Daniel Hearst

5 questions for Daniel Hearst about being young and Jewish in STL

Ellen Futterman, Editor-In-Chief
Published July 31, 2023
Burton Greenberg (left) and Stan Towerman in front of Brookdale Creve Coeur, where their 75th reunion luncheon took place on June 29.

85 years of friendship and counting: Lifelong buddies plan a 75th high school reunion

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published July 25, 2023
The Missouri Historical Society Library & Research Center is located in a building that was the former home of United Hebrew Congregation. File photo: Bill Motchan

Take a (bike) ride through St. Louis Jewish history

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published July 18, 2023
Biondo’s career arc in Jewish community began 25 years ago

Biondo’s career arc in Jewish community began 25 years ago

Ellen Futterman, Editor-In-Chief
Published July 13, 2023
Scott Biondo.

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

Ellen Futterman, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published July 13, 2023
Scott Biondo speaks with a reporter in 2018.

What people say about Scott Biondo

Ellen Futterman, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published July 13, 2023
Burk/Bro Summerpalooza on a family trip to Table Rock Lake

Remembering and re-inventing the old fashioned, family road trip summer vacation

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published July 11, 2023
From left: Army Sgt. William Shemin. Stacy Wolff Smart and her father, Alan Wolff, at a derby-themed event at United Hebrew Congregation, where he was being honored. Family photo

Our dads may be gone, but we still celebrate them on Father’s Day — and everyday

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published June 15, 2023
Carole King and Lynn Harris

Carole King lookalike winner and Muny season ticket winners announced

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published June 7, 2023
Kristen De Broux, who was slated to play Gloria, bowed out because of health concerns Photos by Greg Lazerwitz

Ellen Futterman to lead discussion on “Gloria” Saturday at NJT

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published June 7, 2023
Dr. Richard and Nancy "Nan" Gimpelson

Zoom kaddish comforts mourners unsure of where to turn

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published June 1, 2023
Jewish 3rd graders "March for Change"

Jewish 3rd graders “March for Change”

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published May 25, 2023
Wanted: Carole King doppelganger 

Wanted: Carole King doppelganger 

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, Editor-in-Chief
Published May 10, 2023
Nikki Freyman (L) and Kati Kaup (R) with baby London

Update: Carrying your best friend’s baby. A modern Mother’s Day story

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published May 10, 2023
Meet St. Louis' Shinshinim

Meet St. Louis’ Shinshinim

ELLEN FUTTERMAN and BILL MOTCHAN
Published April 28, 2023
Meet the St. Louis Shinshinim: Alma Cohen

Meet the St. Louis Shinshinim: Alma Cohen

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published April 28, 2023
Guy Dobrin

Meet the St. Louis Shinshinim: Guy Dobrin

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published April 28, 2023
Photo by Ellen Futterman

First look: Ben Poremba’s new Jewish deli

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published April 18, 2023
Remembering the memorable Vivian Zwick

Remembering the memorable Vivian Zwick

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published April 11, 2023
Creve Coeur mom opens up about her childhood sexual abuse in new book

Creve Coeur mom opens up about her childhood sexual abuse in new book

Ellen Futterman, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published March 28, 2023
Three events on our must-see/do list

Three events on our must-see/do list

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published March 23, 2023
The art of coming up with just the right grandparents' name

The art of coming up with just the right grandparents’ name

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published March 22, 2023
Raise a glass to the opening of City Winery STL

Raise a glass to the opening of City Winery STL

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published March 21, 2023
How the Patchin family is making every moment count

How the Patchin family is making every moment count

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published March 8, 2023

Bais Yaakov hosts three-day Shabbaton event

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published March 7, 2023
“Stay Home St. Louis: Images & Stories from the Gateway Region During CODID-19” by Kate Colton (above left) and James A. Williams (above right) retails at $44.95 and is available at www.katecoltonstudios.com.

Jewish siblings’ book chronicles St. Louis life during pandemic lockdown

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published March 1, 2023
Andy Cohen and Julia Katzman. (Courtesy)

Andy and Julia, a love story that spans “the ages”

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published February 14, 2023
Photo used with permission.

Anti-Israel display at Parkway elementary school sparks outrage

ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published January 30, 2023
Adina Talve-Goodman’s posthumously published book of essays is poignant blend of humor, insight

Adina Talve-Goodman’s posthumously published book of essays is poignant blend of humor, insight

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published January 25, 2023
This St. Louisan skates on international Jewish roller derby team

This St. Louisan skates on international Jewish roller derby team

Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published January 11, 2023
Load More Stories