“Hacks” is a 10-episode dramedy series that premiered on HBO on May 13 (two episodes on 13th; followed by 2 episodes each Thursday for four weeks). Jean Smart (“Designing Women”) plays Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian whose career...

St. Louis had a year of ups and downs in 2011, saying farewell to some beloved communal leaders, one local congregation and two longtime kosher mainstays. The community pulled together in response to the tragic devastation of the tornado that struck Joplin....

Actor, director, producer and book author Alan Arkin will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2011 Jewish Book Festival, which will run Nov. 6 through 16. For its 33rd season, the festival will feature authors, activists, scholars and comedians from...