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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

Gary Wayne Barker and J. Samuel Davis in The New Jewish Theatre production of 'District Merchants.'

‘District Merchants’ reimagines Shakespeare’s most controversial play

BY ROBERT A. COHN, Editor-in-Chief EmeritusPublished February 1, 2019

At one time not long ago, it would have been unthinkable for a Jewish theater company to produce William Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice,” the lead character of which is Shylock, a bloodthirsty and corrupt moneylender in the fabled city during...

Gary Wayne Barker and J. Samuel Davis in The New Jewish Theatre production of 'District Merchants.'

‘District Merchants’ reimagines Shakespeare’s most controversial play

BY ROBERT A. COHN, Editor-in-Chief EmeritusPublished February 1, 2019

At one time not long ago, it would have been unthinkable for a Jewish theater company to produce William Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice,” the lead character of which is Shylock, a bloodthirsty and corrupt moneylender in the fabled city during...

Michelle Hand (left) and Katy Keating in New Jewish Theatre’s production of ‘Life Sucks.’

NJT closes season with adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s ‘Uncle Vanya’

BY ROBERT A. COHN, Editor-in-Chief EmeritusPublished May 31, 2018

Aaron Posner’s ironically titled “Life Sucks,” a comedic adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya” is closing out the 21st season of the New Jewish Theatre, appearing through June 21 in the Jewish Community Center’s Arts & Education...

Christine Rocas and Dylan Gutierrez of the Joffrey Ballet, one of the dance companies taking part in Dance St. Louis’ Spring to Dance festival held Memorial Day weekend.

2018 Summer Arts Guide

BY MIKE SHERWIN & ELLEN FUTTERMAN | MANAGING EDITOR & EDITORPublished May 24, 2018

Summertime and the livin’ is easy, or so we’re thinking judging from the number of live performances, concerts, festivals and other arts-related events that take place between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. From Shakespeare outdoors in Forest...

Jim Widner directs the annual St. Louis Jazz Festival at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Starry-eyed about all that St. Louis jazz

By Nancy Kranzberg, Special to the Jewish LightPublished June 1, 2017

As I was flying to New York recently to see St. Louis philanthropists, Thelma and David Steward, receive the Ed Bradley Award For Leadership for their generous support of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s programming and educational initiatives, of course I...

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