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 By David Baugher Special to the Jewish Light
Wayne Kaufman

Unsung Heroes 2015: Wayne Kaufman

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published October 27, 2021
Masha Pearl, executive director of the Blue Card, a nonprofit that helps Holocaust survivors.

This nonprofit’s mission is to help Holocaust survivors

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published December 18, 2020
From left, Emily Steinberg and Stacia Hanna are longtime yoga instructors at the J who have received a Yoga4Cancer certification. Kyler Williams and Deb Earp are licensed massage therapists at the J who received additional an certification from the Society for Oncology Massage. 

The J offers new services for cancer patients

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published February 20, 2020
Joyce Cohen Olshan

Fun activities help kids ‘wake up’ in the morning

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published November 21, 2019
Dr. Stanley Misler, a retired nephrologist, has become a volunteer educator of a variety of subjects at Metro Academic & Classical High School.

Retired physician expands horizons to music, teaching

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published October 17, 2019
St. Louisan Beth Koritz is author of “Resilience Road: Exploring your Authentic Life Path.” 

Life coach helps people find their ‘authentic life path’

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published June 25, 2019
Karen Flotte at Central Reform Congregation’s mitzvah garden. Photo: Bill Motchan

Karen Flotte: Urban farmer ‘digs deep’ to nourish body and soul

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 30, 2019
Julie Williams leads students on a tour of the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center of St. Louis earlier this month. Photo: BILL MOTCHAN

Julie Williams: Holocaust museum docent wants to be agent of change against discrimination

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 30, 2019
Vicki Atlas Israel

Reducing stress is within our power, author says

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published April 25, 2019
Steven Teitelbaum, MD, has received the King Faisal Award for Medicine. Photo: Matt Miller/Washington University School of Medicine

Washington University bone disease pioneer wins prestigious award

BY DAVID BAUGHER, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published February 24, 2019
Marcia Mermelstein

Transportation agency strives to help seniors be independent

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published December 23, 2018
Cathleen Kronemer, NSCA-CPT, Certified Health Coach, is a longtime fitness instructor at the Jewish Community Center. She is also a member of the St. Louis Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

Longtime J instructor shares tips on keeping fit

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published November 25, 2018
Rabbi James Stone Goodman

Rabbi helps others help themselves

BY DAVID BAUGHER, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published October 19, 2018
Dr. Michael Greger, author of ‘How Not to Die: The Role of Diet in Preventing, Arresting and Reversing our Top 15 Killers,’ will speak at Shaare Emeth on Oct. 4. 

Eat ‘right’ to help prolong life, ‘How Not to Die’ author says

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published September 26, 2018
David Lander

David Lander: A decades-long pursuit of social justice

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 25, 2018
Robert Stein talks with young people at the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club in April. Photo: Bill Motchan

Robert Stein: ‘Energetic and dedicated volunteer’ strives to make impact in community

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 24, 2018
Steve Gorin and Covenant Place Executive Director Joan Denison look at plans for Covenant’s new building project.

Steve Gorin: Legal, financial background helps nonprofits thrive

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 24, 2018
Ken Schwartz (left) and his son, Micah, are shown with grandparents Dorothy and Mel Schwartz in 2015 at the time of Micah’s bar mitzvah. Mel passed away in May 2016. With weekly visits, Micah has maintained his special connection with his grandmother, who has Alzheimer’s.

Event to explore Jewish perspective on Alzheimer’s

BY DAVID BAUGHER, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published May 17, 2018
Suzanne Mahon

SLU expert will discuss genetic cancer risks for Ashkenazi Jews

BY DAVID BAUGHER, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published April 19, 2018
Bryce Banaszynski

J fitness trainer is dedicated to clients’ goals

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published March 22, 2018
Group, online forum help moms meet challenges

Group, online forum help moms meet challenges

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published February 23, 2018
In late August, new St. Louis NORC Director Sarah Levinson speaks at a dance event at the Jewish Community Center for NORC residents. Photo: Zach Dalin, courtesy of Jewish Federation of St. Louis

Once a St. Louis NORC volunteer, Sarah Levinson now its director

BY DAVID BAUGHER, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published December 21, 2017
Dr. Seth Goldberg

Kidney specialist takes fresh approach with each patient

BY DAVID BAUGHER, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published November 17, 2017
Rabbi Dale Schreiber consults with a family member of a hospice patient. Photo: Kristi Foster

Chaplain emphasizes life, living in hospice work

BY DAVID BAUGHER, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published October 19, 2017
Above, Jeffrey Cohen (center) was a driving force behind the Circle@Crown Café at Crown Center for Senior Living, where Cohen is a past board president. Photo: Kristi Foster

From a napkin big ideas grow

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 21, 2017
Above, Jerri Livingston (right) works with a participant of Covenant Place's knitting group. Livingston also leads Shabbat services at Covenant and at the Brentmoor. Photo: Kristi Foster

‘Professional’ volunteer gives to all ages

BY DAVID BAUGHER, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published May 21, 2017
Attorney Jay Umansky meets with a client. 

For this lawyer, giving back is a privilege

BY DAVID BAUGHER, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published May 21, 2017
Alan Pierson conducts Alarm Will Sound. Photo: Cory Weaver

‘Cave’ project brings together video, music and Abrahamic faiths

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published March 1, 2017
William Novak

William Novak fondly targets old folks in new joke book

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published November 2, 2016
2016 Unsung hero Betsy Mehlman. Photo: Kristi Foster

Betsy Mehlman: Star volunteer behind the scenes

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 21, 2016
2016 Unsung Hero Bonnie Solomon. Photo: Yana Hotter

Bonnie Solomon has devoted decades to the elderly

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 21, 2016
2016 Unsung Hero Carl Sherman. Photo: Yana Hotter

Carl Sherman: Gift for listening helps veterans share their stories

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 21, 2016
Clockwise from top left:  Faye, Jonathan, and Jesse Kellerman; Margaret Lazarus Dean, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, Naomi Ragen, David Gregory, and Martin Goldsmith.

Readers will delight in 2015 Jewish Book Festival lineup

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published October 28, 2015
'Proverbial Beauty'

Rabbi culls modern way of life from ancient principles

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published August 6, 2015
Tali Stadler

Unsung Heroes 2015: Tali Stadler

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 21, 2015
Dorothy Meyerson works with a student at the Miriam School and Learning Center in March. Photos: Lisa Mandel 

Unsung Heroes 2015: Dorothy Meyerson

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 21, 2015
Author Mark Leach's book, ‘Why We Fought: Nazi Camp Liberators of St. Louis’ 

Book collects local stories of Holocaust survivors, WWII liberators

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published August 13, 2014
Author Ronald Balson

Historical novel melds Holocaust story, present-day legal thriller

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published June 12, 2014
Myra Rosenthal takes part in the expansion of the Garden of Eden on the JCC grounds in March, 2014. Photo: Yana Hotter

Myra Rosenthal

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 22, 2014
Bill Cannon and Dottie Gray carry the torch at the opening ceremonies of the 2011 St. Louis Senior Olympics held at the Jewish Community Center in Creve Coeur.  

Let the games begin

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 21, 2014
Judy and Dr. Robert Hellman inside Young Israel of St. Louis. Photo: Lisa Mandel

Dr. Robert and Judy Hellman

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 21, 2014
Sam Klein started a nonprofit that recycles old printer cartidges and electronics. Photo: Yana Hotter

Sam Klein

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 21, 2014
Kathy Lebedun at home with her dog, Hero. Photo: Lisa Mandel

Kathy Lebedun

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 21, 2014
Marvin Beckerman outside the Jewish Community Center. Photo: Lisa Mandel 

Marvin Beckerman

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 21, 2014
One of six etchings in an upcoming exhibit at SLU. The works, by Icelandic artist Einar Hákonarson, depict abstractions of life at Auschwitz

Etchings evoke ghastly images of Auschwitz

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published February 27, 2014
A photo from the ‘Standing for Justice II’ exhibit shows a demonstration against a National Socialist White People’s Party march in south St. Louis in 1978. Photo: David Henschel 

Exhibition explores city’s history of civil rights, response to extremism

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published February 13, 2014
Dr. Arthur Agatston

‘South Beach Diet’ doc focuses on going ‘gluten-aware’

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published October 23, 2013

New national Hillel CEO talks about the future of engaging Jewish students

By David Baugher Special to the Jewish Light
Published July 31, 2013
Dr. Brian Laiderman

Local athletes, doctor prepare for Maccabiah Games

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 22, 2013
Rita Swiener at the Santa’s Helpers warehouse. Photo: Yana Hotter

Rita Swiener

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 22, 2013
Herb Eissman is pictured at The Resale Shop, which is run by National Council for Jewish Women - St. Louis Section. Photo: Lisa Mandel

Herb Eissman

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 22, 2013
Rick Rovak in 2013. Photo: Yana Hotter

Rick Rovak

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 22, 2013
Sandy Silverstein displays a photo of himself in his scoutmaster uniform, at his home in Olivette. Photo: Yana Hotter

Sandy Silverstein

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 22, 2013
Portrait of Josh Goldman in 2013. Photo: Lisa Mandel

Josh Goldman

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 22, 2013
Portrait of Derek Cohn in 2013. Photo: Lisa Mandel

Derek Cohn

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 22, 2013
The Washington University volunteer teachers of COAST (Chabad Ohr Atid Sunday Torah) are pictured at Chabad on Campus’ Barry H. Levites Chabad House on a recent Sunday morning. From left are Rachel Zeuner, Sarah Lavin, Ari Rosenstrauch, Shira Weissman, and Elan Baskir. Photo: Yana Hotter

COAST: Chabad Ohr Atid Sunday Torah

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 22, 2012
An image from Jonathan Samuels of Congregation B’nai Amoona.

Visions of Judaism

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published April 25, 2012

Cutting-edge art

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published February 22, 2012

Holocaust Museum exhibit examines stories of five families from German town

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published January 11, 2012

Dan Nichols Promises a “Rockin” Sukkot

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published October 12, 2011

Exhibit explores brutality of Nazi medical experiments

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published August 24, 2011
Seated in front of a wall of portraits of chess legends, Israeli Grandmaster Boris Gelfand speaks at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis, located in the Central West End. Photo: Mike Sherwin

Israeli Chess Grandmaster makes all the right moves

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published July 20, 2011

Controversy and the silver screen

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published June 15, 2011

‘Maya’ has heart and soul, but lacks solidity

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published June 8, 2011

Culture and conflict

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published June 1, 2011

Athletes over 50 ready for annual Senior Olympics

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published May 18, 2011
Rav Shmuel

Unconventional rabbi combines music, humor

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published March 30, 2011

Shoah survivor, noted French author to visit St. Louis

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published March 23, 2011
DisAbility Project

Inclusive theater group readies for JCC performance

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published March 9, 2011

Sam Glaser discusses finding spiritual path in musical career

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published November 4, 2010
Chef and owner Elie Harir emerges from his walk-in refrigerator with fresh vegetables.

Israeli chef serves up diverse tastes of the Mediterranean

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published October 20, 2010

Photo exhibit focuses on Muslims who saved Jews during WWII

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published October 13, 2010
Gil Nussbaum (left) as Willie Clark and Sam Hack as Al Lewis in 'The Sunshine Boys.'

Q&A with new community theater leader at B’nai Torah

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published September 29, 2010

Sukkot’s symbols underscore Jewish unity

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published September 22, 2010
Hilton and Carolyn Epstein with thier dog, Daisy in their Creve Coeur home. NORC helps the Epsteins continue to live on their own as they get older.

Federation’s NORC keeps local seniors ‘aging in place’

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published August 18, 2010
St. Louis Jewish rocker Sheldon Low teaches a class during the Jewish Song Leader Bootcamp held at the Jewish Community Center last week. The three-day program drew songwriters and performers from around the country

JCC hosts three-day program for Jewish songwriters

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published June 3, 2010

Internet offers spawning ground for hate

BY DAVID BAUGHER, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published June 2, 2010
The high school students participating in Cultural Leadership — largely African-American and Jewish — discuss their experiences after a 23-day trip visiting sites across the East Coast and South in July, 2009 at Temple Emanuel. The program, started by Karen Kalish, brings together a group of students for a year of programs designed to promote mutual understanding of African-American and Jewish history, culture and religion.

Education in all forms is key to battling hate

By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
Published June 2, 2010

Jews feel pain of hate in America

BY DAVID BAUGHER, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published May 26, 2010

Fighting for hate crime legislation

BY DAVID BAUGHER, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH LIGHT
Published May 26, 2010
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