Bill Motchan

In June 2023, Nadav Tamir, executive director of J Street Israel, visited St. Louis to share his philosophy of peace in the Middle East by finding common ground with Palestinians. Since that time, Hamas attacked Israel, followed by a long and brutal conflict in Gaza. Even as new fighting is taking place in Iran and Lebanon, Tamir remains optimistic that better days lie ahead for Israel. On Monday, May 4, he will speak to St. Louisans at Congregation Shaare Emeth during “What Comes Next: Nadav Tamir on Iran, Gaza and The Future of The Middle East.” Tamir recently offered the Jewish Light a preview of his message.

Dozens of volunteers, competitors and Jewish Community Center supporters gathered May 18 at the Marilyn Fox Building for the opening ceremonies of the Legends Games.

On May 8, American novelist, memoirist and essayist Shalom Auslander was presented the 2026 Thurber Prize for American Humor at the Canzani Center in Columbus.

Members of the St. Louis Maccabi basketball team got a visit from Jewish college basketball analyst Bruce Pearl on June 3. Pearl, who is town for an appearance at The Men’s Event. He took time out from his schedule to offer some advice and counsel to a dozen young Jewish athletes at the Jewish Community Center. Pearl told them that in spite of a rise in antisemitism, they should embrace Judaism.

For Patty Bloom and Abby Goldstein, supporting the Jewish Federation of St. Louis annual campaign is deeply personal and meaningful. The co-chairs of the 2026 campaign have both been touched by Federation at various points in their lives. The pair view their role as carrying on the tradition of their ancestors and building a strong Jewish community for their children and grandchildren.

Jewish Family Services in Columbus was a prominent advocate during Digital Equity Act Month of Action, which ended in early June. DEA is part of a larger federal infrastructure bill

When Richard Kind makes his Muny debut on June 15 in “Hairspray,” he’ll be stepping onto one of America’s most iconic outdoor stages.

Six-year-old Jillian Yatkeman studied the chessboard, one hand cupped under her chin while the other readied her queen to kick off an enemy pawn.

Abby Jacks, 3, had an opportunity to make a friendship bracelet and learn about an important date in American history on Friday, June 19. She was one of several dozen children who participated in an event centered around Juneteenth, a federal holiday that commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School welcomed children and parents to Millenium Park in Creve Coeur to work on art projects and enjoy a story read by Lucy P., the school’s new kindergarten teacher.

Since Kehilat Sukkat Shalom was founded 20 years ago, it has made the most of its dedicated lay leaders. Beginning July 1, the Columbus Reconstructionist congregation will take a big