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
Barbara Finch.

Barbara Finch, 87, leads protest from home—reflecting spirit of Unsung Heroes

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published June 16, 2025
Jeremy Piven

No entourage: Solo Jeremy Piven brings stand-up comedy tour to Chesterfield

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published May 21, 2025
Raquel Scharf-Anderson

Mirowitz head of school planning to step down

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published May 21, 2025
Lynnsie Balk Kantor and Doug Gilberg were married May 18 at CRC, with Rabbi Daniel Bogard officiating.

Good cheer, open hearts inspire couple’s wedding despite St. Louis tornado

By Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published May 20, 2025
Phyllis Siegel leads newbies learning mahjong dressed in one of her signature mahj shirts.

Retired teacher brings bridge, mahjong to life

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published May 7, 2025
Or Garti takes a selfie with her campers at Camp Ben Frankel.

From war zones to bunk beds: Camp Ben Frankel hosting 50 Israeli kids this summer—thanks to St. Louis donors

By Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published May 5, 2025
Philip Fishman and Peggy Rothman.

After loss, two Jewish seniors find love in St. Louis—and a remarkable coincidence

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published April 24, 2025
Or Garti takes a selfie with her campers at Camp Ben Frankel.

War weary kids find summer sanctuary near St. Louis, but will they get to return?

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published March 11, 2025
L to R: Kristen Joy Lintvedt as Ann, Greg Johnston as Joe, Jayson Heil as Chris, and Amy Loui as Kate

NJT recognized across all categories at upcoming theater awards

By Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published February 14, 2025
Jewish love stories and Valentine’s wisdom

Jewish love stories and Valentine’s wisdom

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published February 13, 2025
Illinois students, STL Jewish community forge ties, understanding through Holocaust drama

Illinois students, STL Jewish community forge ties, understanding through Holocaust drama

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published February 4, 2025
Rabbi-led photo ID project helps fix Missouri’s broken system

Rabbi-led photo ID project helps fix Missouri’s broken system

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published January 21, 2025
Then and now: Aron and Jeanne Katzman on their wedding day 65 years ago and at a recent anniversary celebration.

Building a legacy of love: Couple’s 65 years of marriage, family inspire generations

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published January 8, 2025
Judy and Dr. Robert Hellman outside Young Israel.

The Jewish Community Blood Drive is back thanks to Bob and Judy Hellman

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published January 2, 2025
Annual Couturier sale kicks off—inside luxury deals and what's next

Annual Couturier sale kicks off—inside luxury deals and what’s next

By Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published September 25, 2024
The 2024 Unsung Heroes are (clockwise from top left) Rachel Sanger, Sharon Weissman, Barb and Rich Kramer, Wendy Flusser, Linda Sandmel, Ken Weintraub, Ellen Schapiro, Hillary Friedman, Ram Lakshmanan and Peggy Cohen Voss.

Meet the 2024 Unsung Heroes

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published August 21, 2024
UPDATE: Here's who is headlining the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival

UPDATE: Here’s who is headlining the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published July 25, 2024
(L) Allora McCullough and (R) Dani Collette.

Craft Alliance shuts down exhibit over concerns about antisemitic imagery

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published June 26, 2024
All 18 the Israeli children and teens arrived safely in the US

Camp Ben Frankel welcomes 18 Israeli youngsters for summer session

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published June 23, 2024
Ronald Eichaker

Beloved Cantor bids farewell after 25 years of service

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published June 2, 2024
Camp Ben Frankel launches emergency fundraiser for Israeli children

Camp Ben Frankel launches emergency fundraiser for Israeli children

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published May 19, 2024
Galia Movitz and Janie Roodman Weiss

Dynamic duo chairing Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign hope to raise $9 million-plus

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published May 1, 2024
NJT biggest winner at 2024 St. Louis Theater Circle Awards

NJT biggest winner at 2024 St. Louis Theater Circle Awards

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published March 26, 2024
Shula Neuman

Writer Shula Neuman to appear on ‘Living St. Louis’ to discuss the Jewish Light’s Lindbergh story

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published March 22, 2024
Brothers Lazaroff and a host of musicians will perform at “The Passover Project: A Musical Seder,” at City Winery on Thursday, April 18.

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

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published March 21, 2024
The Jewish Light's annual 'Editor's Gift Guide' for Hanukkah

The Jewish Light’s annual ‘Editor’s Gift Guide’ for Hanukkah

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published December 4, 2023
Rep. Cori Bush

St. Louis Jewish organizations, clergy pen open letter to Rep. Cori Bush

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published November 1, 2023
How some St. Louis educators are talking about war in Israel

How some St. Louis educators are talking about war in Israel

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published October 12, 2023
Saint Louis Fashion Fund Anniversary

St. Louis Fashion Fund celebrating a decade of style and impact

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published October 1, 2023
Two local delis making changes to hours of operation

Two local delis making changes to hours of operation

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published August 24, 2023
Orel Cohen, 13, is hoisted into the air by family members as they celebrate him becoming a bar mitzvah at Camp Sabra in Lake of the Ozarks on July 22.

Why camp is the perfect backdrop for summer bar/bat/b’ mitzvahs

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published August 10, 2023
Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham

Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham named next senior rabbi at B’nai Amoona

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published May 16, 2023
Jared Miller, and Samantha Rudolph.

St. Louis couple’s creation named “one of the best inventions of 2022” by Time Magazine

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published May 9, 2023
Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham just a vote away from becoming senior rabbi at B'nai Amoona

Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham just a vote away from becoming senior rabbi at B’nai Amoona

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published March 2, 2023
Rabbi James Bennett of Congregation Shaare Emeth addresses the crowd at a press conference announcing a lawsuit on behalf of 13 religious leaders seeking to overturn Missouri's abortion bans, asserting they violate the state's constitution.

St. Louis rabbis among Missouri religious leaders suing to overturn state abortion ban

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published January 19, 2023

Hanukkah Hullaballoo will rock out for the JCC in Krakow, Poland!

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published November 21, 2022
Ellen Alper at the White House.

NCJWSTL’s Ellen Alper’s ‘Excellent Adventure’ celebrating the Jewish New Year at the White House

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published October 11, 2022
Rabbi Rose leaving B’nai Amoona, will assume CEO of Cleveland JCC in 2023

Rabbi Rose leaving B’nai Amoona, will assume CEO of Cleveland JCC in 2023

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published September 29, 2022

Video: Israel Trips 2022: Ryan Hearst

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published September 22, 2022
A life well-lived: Award-winning journalist and friend, extraordinaire, Susan Fadem, passed away Saturday at 73

A life well-lived: Award-winning journalist and friend, extraordinaire, Susan Fadem, passed away Saturday at 73

By Ellen Futterman, Editor-In-Chief
Published September 6, 2022

Video: Brady Meyerson’s summer in Israel reconnected him to his Judaism

By Ellen Futterman, Editor-in-Chief
Published August 17, 2022
New journalism award to honor Alice Handelman

New journalism award to honor Alice Handelman

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Published December 29, 2021
St. Louis artist Tsila Schwartz takes part in the first Sababa Jewish Arts & Culture Festival in 2018. The festival, planned by Jewish Federation of St. Louis and the Jewish Community Center, is seeking artists for the 2021 festival, which is set for Oct. 10. Photo: Bill Motchan

Artists sought for Sababa Jewish Arts & Culture Festival

By Ellen Futterman
Published April 8, 2021
Danielle Stewart

The Lighter Side: Q&A with Danielle Stewart

By Ellen Futterman
Published February 15, 2021
This Rosh Hashanah card is available at www.midrashmanicures.com.

What did the apple say to the honey?

By Ellen Futterman
Published September 4, 2020
Covenant Place resident Bernie Rosenberg said he “traveled through his imagination” while painting to a place he had visited when he was younger.

Covenant Place residents get their moment at St. Louis Art Museum

By Ellen Futterman
Published December 19, 2019
University students Zoe Engels, at left, and Elana Greenberg started the non-profit organization Write the Future.

Pencils to change the world; Israeli ambassador to visit Fulton, Mo.

By Ellen Futterman
Published February 14, 2018
Photo: Mike Sherwin

Granny Rose’s Kasha Varnishkes

By Ellen Futterman
Published January 25, 2018

Much to do in September; Crown Center’s big plans

By Ellen Futterman
Published August 24, 2017
In this picture from a  May post on his Twitter account (@bcsolomon), Ben C. Solomon (right) is shown with Gordon, an ambulance driver Solomon met during his coverage of the Ebola crisis for the New York Times.  

Pray ‘n Play

By Ellen Futterman
Published September 16, 2015
Native St. Louisan David Kram (right) is one of the entrepreneurs featured in “Startup U,” an hour-long reality series that premiered in August.

St. Louis native pitches business on Startup U

By Ellen Futterman
Published September 9, 2015
In this 2009 file photo, Elsie Shemin-Roth with a book that describes the  heroism  of her father, Sgt. William Shemin, during World War I (pictured at far left).  On June 2, Shemin-Roth will accept the Medal of Honor on her father’s behalf during a ceremony at the White House. Photo: Mary Delach Leonard

Daughter’s drive wins honor for dad’s WWI heroism

By Ellen Futterman
Published May 20, 2015
A prototype  of the bookcase/table and chair that the Roosevelt HIgh School shop students will create for fellow students in the St. Louis Public Schools. 

A whole new pew

By Ellen Futterman
Published May 7, 2014
A swastika formed of votive  candles found outside a SLU residence hall.  

Possible bias incident at SLU; The Chagall-inspired ‘Dreamcoat’

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published April 30, 2014
Nickolay Lamm’s cousins play with a prototype of the Lammily doll  

Average is beautiful/Camp Entrepreneur

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published April 23, 2014
Frazier Glenn Cross (left) and Joseph Paul Franklin.   Photos courtesy Johnson County, Kan. Sheriff’s Department (Cross) and Missouri Department of Corrections.  

Same hate, different year

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published April 16, 2014
Melanie Paticoff (at left) founded a new magazine for young people ages 5 to 18 with hearing loss (pictured is her cousin, Julie, on the cover).  

Local entrepreneur starts magazine for kids and teens with hearing loss

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published April 9, 2014
Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School teacher Sue Lapp working with third-grade students Ilana Boyer, Adli Jacobs and Isaac Benjamin during the school’s first STEAM day.  

STEAMing Ahead

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published April 2, 2014
Sara Winkelman and Rabbi Hyim Shafner 

Frankly speaking; Creating a strong base at Bais Abraham

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published March 12, 2014
Jason Ast and Andrea Surasky 

News & Schmooze

By Ellen Futterman
Published January 1, 2014
Members of the community came together for the dedication of the community mikvah on the Millstone Campus in honor of the late Rebbetzin Paula Rivkin. Photo: Lisa Mandel 

All a-board? Not exactly

By Ellen Futterman
Published October 30, 2013
Performers come together at the close of the 9-11 Interfaith Memorial in Music held in 2012. The annual event has spurreda yearlong  series of Arts & Faith events. Photo: Ray Marklin

Building harmony in St. Louis

By Ellen Futterman
Published August 28, 2013
Madison Reynolds, Savannah Viragh and Kayla Brown, middle school students from St. Mary Margaret Alacoque check out the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center's new, interactive exhibit on its opening day. Photo: Yana Hotter

Break the hate / Chai road

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published December 12, 2012
Ellen Futterman, Editor of the St. Louis Jewish Light

Good times with a good man

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published November 28, 2012
Pajamagrams for the whole family, Rover included.

Eight nights of my favorite things

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published November 21, 2012
Ellen Futterman, Editor of the St. Louis Jewish Light

EGG-traordinary

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published November 14, 2012
Ellen Futterman, Editor of the St. Louis Jewish Light

Singing for your sustenance

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published November 7, 2012
An image of the Deli on a Roll food truck from its Facebook page.

Former Pumpernickle’s owner unveils deli food truck

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published October 24, 2012
Ellen Futterman, Editor of the St. Louis Jewish Light

Nuts for everyone! 

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published October 10, 2012
David Crespy

BSKI mixes old time radio and JDate in new production

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published December 8, 2010
Ellen Futterman

Opportunities knock Next Dor

By Ellen Futterman
Published October 20, 2010
Ellen Futterman

A legacy of love and giving

by Ellen Futterman
Published October 13, 2010
Ben Cohen during his bar mitzcah at Congregation Kol Am two years ago.

Challenges, solutions for special needs b’nai mitzvah

by Ellen Futterman
Published October 12, 2010
Ellen Futterman

Filmmaking competition seeks budding Spielbergs

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published September 20, 2010
Editor Ellen Futterman

Fundraiser takes shots at Supreme Court nominee

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published July 23, 2010
B'nai Amoona Senior Rabbi Carnie Shalom Rose speaks during the dedication of the The Jonny G Sports Shed at Camp Ramot Amoona in memory of Jonathan Goldberg, who died in 2007.

Camp building is poignant memorial for local family

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published July 7, 2010
Editor Ellen Futterman

Controversial play on Rachel Corrie comes to SLU

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published July 2, 2010
Editor Ellen Futterman

Jewish press in the Arizona heat; Cycling for tzedakah

BY ELLEN FUTTERMAN
Published June 23, 2010
Editor Ellen Futterman

A trip to the Gunn show; ADL to honor WashU senior class

By Ellen Futterman
Published May 14, 2010
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