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 Jacob Gurvis
Michael Douglas, Lena Dunham uncover Jewish family ties, holocaust connections on NinePBS

Michael Douglas, Lena Dunham uncover Jewish family ties, holocaust connections on NinePBS

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published March 29, 2024
Steven Spielberg speaks at a ceremony at the University of Southern California, March 25, 2024, in Los Angeles. (USC/Sean Dube)

Steven Spielberg decries ‘machinery of extremism’ on campus, laments Israel-Hamas war deaths at ceremony honoring Holocaust survivors

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published March 26, 2024
Clockwise from top left: Zack Gelof, Alex Bregman, Joc Pederson, Rowdy Tellez, Max Fried, Garrett Stubbs and Dean Kremer.

All the Jewish MLB players to watch in 2024

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published March 19, 2024
Lt. Robert Rosenthal, center, with his 418th crew in front of his plane, Rosies Riveters. (Courtesy of the 100th Bomb Group Foundation)

The real Jewish history of Lt. Robert ‘Rosie’ Rosenthal, heroic pilot in ‘Masters of the Air’

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published March 15, 2024

A synagogue bomb threat is dramatized in an Oscars ad by Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published March 10, 2024
Ethan Smith participates in a live broadcast to fellow teens at the BBYO convention in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 16, 2024.

Today’s college hunt takes a twist for Jewish teens grappling with antisemitism

Jacob Gurvis, Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)
Published February 16, 2024
Clarence Jones, left, and Robert Kraft (Courtesy of Foundation to Combat Antisemitism)

Robert Kraft’s Super Bowl ad about antisemitism featured MLK speechwriter Clarence Jones

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published February 11, 2024
Ben Shapiro, left, and Tom MacDonald in the music video for their new single FACTS. (Screenshot from YouTube)

Ben Shapiro raps about his ‘yarmulke’ in new song that’s topping iTunes

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published January 29, 2024
Jon Stewart comments on the War on Women topic upset the Catholic League, which threatened to boycott The Daily Show.

Jon Stewart to return as part-time host of ‘The Daily Show’

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published January 24, 2024
Chaim Bloom speaks during a press conference at a spring training team workout in Fort Myers, Fla., Feb. 13, 2023.

Cardinals hire Chaim Bloom, formerly seen as Jewish baseball wunderkind

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published January 8, 2024

Understanding Alanis Morissette’s Jewish roots will enhance St. Louis’ experience of her music

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published January 2, 2024
The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Trevor Carpenter)

Lincoln Memorial vandalized with ‘Free Gaza’ graffiti

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published December 21, 2023
Actor Jamie Lee Curtis reads a page from her childrens book during remarks at the Claims Conferences virtual event, Dec. 11, 2023. (Screenshot)

Barbra Streisand, Billy Crystal, Jamie Lee Curtis headline Claims Conference Hanukkah event. Here’s how to watch

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published December 11, 2023
Jewish celebrities like Billy Crystal, left, and Barbra Streisand, right, have taken to social media to remember Norman Lear, center.

Tributes pour in from Jewish celebs as Hollywood remembers Norman Lear

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published December 6, 2023
From left to right: Luke, Quinn and Jack Hughes pose for a photo before their NHL game at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Dec. 5, 2023.

Jack, Luke and Quinn Hughes make Jewish NHL history (again)

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published December 6, 2023
Sheriff James Fryhoff of Ventura County, California, speaks at a press conference about the death of Paul Kessler, Nov. 7, 2023.

LA-area man charged with involuntary manslaughter in death of pro-Israel protester Paul Kessler

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published November 16, 2023
Ryan Braun looks on prior to Game Five of the 2018 National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Oct. 17, 2018.

Jewish MLB star Ryan Braun headlines International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame’s 2024 inductees

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published November 14, 2023
Sheriff James Fryhoff of Ventura County, California, speaks at a press conference about the death of Paul Kessler, Nov. 7, 2023.

[Photo] Police interviewed suspect in death of Jewish protester but say situation isn’t ‘crystal clear’

By Louis Keene, The Forward
Published November 7, 2023
A rally at Tulane University in New Orleans got violent after a pro-Palestinian support hit a Jewish student in the face, Oct. 26, 2023.

FBI director warns of ‘historic levels’ of antisemitism in the US

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published November 1, 2023
Craig Breslow speaks during the 2023 Boston Red Sox Winter Weekend at MGM Springfield and MassMutual Center in Springfield, Mass., Jan. 21, 2023.

Boston Red Sox hire former Team Israel pitcher Craig Breslow to lead baseball operations

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published October 25, 2023
A sign on the Brandeis University campus with the schools emblem and motto reads, Truth even unto its innermost parts. (Wikimedia)

Brandeis’ student government votes down a resolution condemning Hamas

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published October 25, 2023
From left to right: Gili Adar, Yuval Halivni, Reem Betito and Laor Abromov.

Jewish summer camps mourn Israeli alumni killed in Hamas war

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published October 24, 2023
A large group of Jewish MLB players are shown in a video produced by Team Israel. (Screenshot)

Alex Bregman, Ryan Braun and other Jewish MLB stars call on fans to support Israel

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published October 19, 2023
Oct 18, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Former Texas Rangers player Ian Kinsler is introduced to throw out the first pitch before game three of the ALCS against the Houston Astros for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Globe Life Field.

Former Mizzou Tiger, Ian Kinsler wears Team Israel jersey to throw out first pitch at Rangers playoff game

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published October 19, 2023
Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) October 15, 2023

Taylor Swift’s bodyguard returns to Israel to fight in the war

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published October 16, 2023
Israeli and US parents are urged to delete social apps before their children see hostage videos

Israeli and US parents are urged to delete social apps before their children see hostage videos

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published October 10, 2023
Dean Kremer, left, and Max Fried, right, are among the best Jewish players in the MLB. (Getty Images)

Baseball has more Jewish players than ever — but none of them will be faced with a Yom Kippur dilemma this year

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published September 21, 2023
A view of Chelseas Stamford Bridge Stadium, May 2021.

England’s storied Chelsea soccer team launches Jewish fan group

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published September 18, 2023
Boston Red Sox Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom speaks during a press conference at a spring training team workout in Fort Myers, Fla., Feb. 13, 2023.

Boston Red Sox fire Chaim Bloom, former Jewish baseball wunderkind

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published September 14, 2023
Alexander Zverev. Credit: François Goglins via Wikimedia Commons.

German player stops match after Nazi slogan yelled at US Open

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published September 6, 2023
Jake Curhan of the Seattle Seahawks looks on before the game against the Chicago Bears in Seattle, Dec. 26, 2021.

All the Jewish NFL players to watch in the 2023-2024 season

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published August 31, 2023
Rob Friedman, left, interviews three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw at MLBs 2023 All-Star Weekend in Seattle.

How ‘Pitching Ninja’ Rob Friedman accidentally became one of the most popular Jewish personalities in baseball

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published August 24, 2023
Daniel Peretz looks on during the UEFA Under-21 Euro 2023 match between Germany and Israel, June 22, 2023.

Israeli soccer star signs with German powerhouse Bayern Munich

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published August 24, 2023
Israeli UFC fighter Natan Levy during his fight with an online troll in Las Vegas. (Screenshot from YouTube)

Jewish UFC fighter flattens a Neo-Nazi, white supremacist in sparring match

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published August 18, 2023
Carey Mulligan and Bradley Cooper are seen on the set of Maestro in New York City, July 5, 2022

Jewish fans slam the trailer for Netflix’s Leonard Bernstein biopic ‘Maestro.’

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published August 16, 2023
The Arizona Wildcats celebrate during the semifinal PAC-12 conference tournament game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, March 11, 2022. (AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Arizona and Kansas State men’s basketball teams are headed to Israel

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published August 8, 2023
The Israeli circus troupe Bomba performs on NBCs Americas Got Talent. (Screenshot from YouTube)

Israeli circus troupe brings laughs — but no clothes — to NBC’s ‘America’s Got Talent’

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published August 4, 2023
Thomas Poretsky shown in front of his Bandolero car. (Lonny Goldsmith/TC Jewfolk)

Meet Thomas Poretsky, 10-year-old Native American-Jewish racer

Lonny Goldsmith and Jacob Gurvis
Published July 21, 2023
Zack Gelof bats during a World Baseball Classic game between Team Venezuela and Team Israel, March 15, 2023, in Miami. Photo: Rob Tringali/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Zack Gelof becomes the 18th Jewish MLB player this year — a likely record

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published July 14, 2023
Zach Levenson singles to left field as the Miami Hurricanes faced the Penn State Nittany Lions, Feb. 19, 2023, in Coral Gables, Florida. (Samuel Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Cardinals draft Zach Levenson, one of six Jewish baseball players selected into the MLB

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published July 12, 2023
Members of the Jewish Inspiration Foundation on the set of American Ninja Warrior. From left to right: Chaya Ruth Weberman, Eli Casper, Ari Cohen, Esther Schwab and Aydra Jones. (Courtesy of Leah Cohen)

Why no one will see this inspiring Jewish story on NBC’s ‘American Ninja Warrior’

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published June 30, 2023
Tomas Rincon wears jersey No. 88 for Torino FC

Italy to bar soccer players from wearing No. 88, which has coded meaning for neo-Nazis

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published June 29, 2023
Ben Helgott

Ben Helfgott, one of two Holocaust survivors to compete in the Olympics, dies at 93

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published June 16, 2023
Lacrosse is catching on in Israel, where 300-400 children and teens are now playing the sport. (Courtesy of the Israel Lacrosse Association)

Lacrosse is on the rise in Israel, as its men’s national team enters the world championship ranked 7th 

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published June 15, 2023
The new book Dyed in Crimson shares the story of Harvard football captain and coach Arnold Horween, right, shown here with his brother Ralph. (Book cover courtesy of Zev Eleff, Horween photo via Wikimedia Commons)

How this unsung Jewish football hero changed all American sports

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published May 16, 2023
Gabriel Ibitoye of the Tel-Aviv Heat during the Rugby Europe Super Cup on Oct. 16, 2021 in Tbilisi, Georgia. (Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images)

Rugby’s governing body ruled that South Africa’s exclusion of Israel was not discrimination. The Israeli team is skeptical.

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published April 28, 2023
A view of Arsenals Emirates Stadium in London. (Wikimedia Commons)

Stan Kroenke owned soccer club launches Jewish fan group to combat antisemitism

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published April 26, 2023
The St. Louis Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, located at the St. Louis JCC. (Courtesy)

Of course, ours is the best, but there sure are a lot Jewish Sports Halls of Fame

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published April 24, 2023
New York Yankees outfielder Harrison Bader, left, and celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson at Liebmans Deli in the Bronx. (E.H. Wallop/YES Network)

Former Cardinal Harrison Bader talks baseball over matzah ball soup and pastrami at NYC Deli

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published April 21, 2023
Abby Meyers was selected in the first round of the 2023 WNBA Draft. (Courtesy of Maryland Athletics)

Jewish basketball star Abby Meyers selected in 1st round of WNBA draft

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published April 11, 2023
From left to right: Rowdy Tellez, Alex Bregman, Harrison Bader, Max Fried, Joc Pederson, Garrett Stubbs. (Getty Images; design by Mollie Suss)

All the Jewish MLB players to watch in 2023

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published March 28, 2023
Avi Miller, right, ran Israel Baseballs Twitter account during the 2023 World Baseball Classic. (Left: Screenshot from Twitter, Right: Courtesy)

Israel struck out at the World Baseball Classic, but the team’s Twitter account was a hit

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published March 24, 2023
Ryan Lavarnway played for Team Israel at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Ryan Lavarnway, a Team Israel veteran and World Series champ, retires from MLB

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published March 24, 2023
Stu Moss, left, and David Bogatz at Team Israels game against Puerto Rico, Monday, March 13, 2022, in Miami. (Jacob Gurvis)

‘It’s my heritage’: American Jews — and allies — turn out to support Team Israel at the WBC

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published March 15, 2023
Mar 12, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Israel shortstop Michael Wielansky (38) throws to first base to take out Nicaragua third baseman Benjamin Alegria (not pictured) during the ninth inning at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Jewish St. Louisan Michael Wielansky gets into game as Team Israel beats Nicaragua 3-1

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published March 12, 2023
Jeff Passan on the set of Baseball Tonight during the 2021 AL Wild Card game at Fenway Park. (Allen Kee/ESPN Images)

ESPN’s Jeff Passan opens up on his Hebrew school upbringing, interviewing Sandy Koufax and Jewish baseball history

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published February 24, 2023
Shaun Tomson is a former world champion surfer. (Courtesy of Tomson)

‘Swastika boards’ and ‘surf Nazis’: New doc explores surfing’s history of antisemitism

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published February 19, 2023
Jan 26, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Kyrie Irving says he has Jewish family members, stands by deleting apology post

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published February 8, 2023
Dec 25, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Meyers Leonard (0) dribbles the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

NBA player Meyers Leonard opens up on his antisemitism scandal to Jewish ESPN reporter

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published January 31, 2023

Legendary Jewish tennis champion Dick Savitt dies at 95

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published January 11, 2023
The Jewish meaning behind Robert Kraft’s $18,003 donation to Damar Hamlin fundraiser

The Jewish meaning behind Robert Kraft’s $18,003 donation to Damar Hamlin fundraiser

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published January 4, 2023
Recalling Franco Harris’ ‘immaculate reception’ and the Pittsburgh bar mitzvah celebration it sidelined

Recalling Franco Harris’ ‘immaculate reception’ and the Pittsburgh bar mitzvah celebration it sidelined

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published December 22, 2022

Detroit Pistons troll Kyrie Irving with ‘Happy Hanukkah’ graphic

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published December 20, 2022

‘Sunday Night Football’ to feature first-ever Hanukkah menorah lighting

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published December 14, 2022

Israeli UFC fighter Natan Levy responds to Kanye West’s antisemitism: ‘Come see me, bro’

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published December 6, 2022

Kyrie Irving offers ‘deep apologies’ for antisemitism scandal as Black Hebrew Israelites rally in Brooklyn

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published November 21, 2022

All the Jewish players and storylines to watch in the 2022 World Cup

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published November 18, 2022
In wake of workplace scandal, Dan Snyder looks into selling the Washington Commanders

In wake of workplace scandal, Dan Snyder looks into selling the Washington Commanders

Jacob Gurvis, JTA
Published November 2, 2022

Footwear designer Stuart Weitzman is a Maccabiah ping pong medalist

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published October 28, 2022

The two Jews behind the “Jewish Sports Review” call it quits

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published October 21, 2022
Israeli families of Munich Olympics massacre victims to boycott German ceremony marking 50th anniversary

Israeli families of Munich Olympics massacre victims to boycott German ceremony marking 50th anniversary

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published August 11, 2022
Listen to legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully’s classic call of Sandy Koufax’s perfect game

Listen to legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully’s classic call of Sandy Koufax’s perfect game

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published August 3, 2022

Joc Pederson to play for Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published July 19, 2022

Jewish pitcher Eric Reyzelman drafted by the New York Yankees

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published July 18, 2022
Ahead of the 21st Maccabiah Games, explore photos from ‘Jewish Olympics’ history

Ahead of the 21st Maccabiah Games, explore photos from ‘Jewish Olympics’ history

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published July 6, 2022

Stephen Curry wore a Hebrew sweatshirt at the NBA Finals

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published June 15, 2022

Doug Emhoff spoke to a Holocaust survivor — and his AI twin — at a cutting-edge exhibit in Los Angeles

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published June 9, 2022

Jewish featherweight champion Isaac ‘Ike’ Berger dead at 85

JACOB GURVIS, JTA
Published June 8, 2022

Max Fried becomes first Jewish pitcher to clinch World Series since St. Louisan Ken Holtzman in ’73

Jacob Gurvis
Published November 4, 2021

3 Jewish baseball players could make or break the 2021 World Series

Jacob Gurvis
Published October 26, 2021
A scene from Steven Spielbergs 1993 film Schindlers List. (Universal Studios)

We asked, you answered: JTA readers’ must-see Holocaust movies

Jacob Gurvis
Published October 15, 2021
Impossible Foods has unveiled its latest plant-based meat product: Impossible Pork. (Impossible Foods)

Plant-based Impossible Pork is here. But will it be kosher?

Jacob Gurvis
Published September 27, 2021

Ryan Braun, former MVP and the all-time Jewish home run hitter, retires from Major League Baseball

Jacob Gurvis
Published September 14, 2021
Tom Tugend in his Los Angeles home, Aug. 3, 2021. (Jacob Gurvis)

7 decades and 3 wars later, this 96-year-old Jewish journalist is still writing

Jacob Gurvis
Published August 26, 2021
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