Simchat Torah
2023-10-08 | United States

Israeli Culinary School - Hummus Edition
2023-10-10 18:00 (America/Chicago)
Adults 21+. Join us for the first in a series of Israeli-infused cooking classes with our Israeli Shaliach. Sample Israeli wines and cocktails while learning to make the best Hummus on this continent with traditional and creative add-ins. Nishmah, JNext, & IAC invite you to join this unique and joyous class at the J. And stay tuned for Shakshukah edition in 2024!
Contact: Snir Dagan, 314.873.1137, sdagan@jccstl.org

City Symphony Shabbat
2023-10-27 17:30 - 18:30 | United States
All Ages. St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s Kevin McBeth leads an SLSO string orchestra in the performance of music by Jewish composers including George Gershwin, Ben Steinberg, and Ernest Bloch. Guest singers Rabbi Amy Feder (Congregation Temple Israel) and Cantor Ronald Eichaker (United Hebrew Congregation) join the SLSO musicians to perform both sacred and secular selections. Seating is limited.
Free but registration requested at slso.org/shabbat.

Havdallaween
2023-10-28 19:00 | Jewish Federation Parking Lot, 12 Millstone Campus Dr, St. Louis, MO, 63146, United States
Families with children 11 & younger. Join the J and PJ Library in your favorite costumes for a special Havdallah experience with fall fun and snacks. Shabbat ends at 6:47pm.
Register Now

ABCs of Shabbat
2023-11-03 17:30 - 19:00, 2023-12-01 17:30 - 19:00, 2024-01-05 17:30 - 19:00, 2024-02-02 17:30 - 19:00 | United States
This event is a fun, friendly, simple Shabbat celebration for families with children of ALL ages. We will provide a kosher Shabbat dinner for all who attend. Grandparents, friends, Jewish or not– all are welcome. We will begin at 5:30 with an activity and schmoozing. Dinner and Shabbat blessings will be at 6 pm. We will be using the lower level of the Staenberg Family Complex. You can enter through either the ECC or Adult Day Center Doors (parking lot located behind the outdoor pool). The ABCs of Shabbat will continue through May on the first Friday evening of every month. This Shabbat program is in partnership with PJ Library and the J’s ECCs.
Adults: $15m/$18p
Children: $7m/$10p (ages 3-12)
Free for ages 2 and younger
Register For Upcoming Shabbat Dinners

St. Louis Jewish Book Festival 2023
2023-11-04 - 2023-11-20 | United States
The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival is an annual celebration of authors, books, and ideas during early November, with additional author events year-round. The range of author topics is vast: business, cooking, economics, family, fiction, history, music, religion, sports, and more.
Learn More

Nishmah Reception Happy Hour
2023-11-06 17:30 - 19:30 | United States
Adult Women. Join other Nishmah women for treats and drinks before the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival’s event featuring author and medium Rebecca Rosen.

Beyond Pink: A Morning of Exercise, Education & Wellness
2023-11-12 10:00 - 13:00 | The J – Staenberg Family Complex (Arts & Education Building), 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63146
A Morning of Exercise, Education & Wellness
November 12, 10am-1pm
Staenberg Family Complex/Creve Coeur
Register Now
This free special day of exercise, wellness, and education is a great way to become educated on all of the different types of hereditary cancers and commit to being the healthiest version of you, whether you have a cancer diagnosis or not! Join us at the J’s Fitness Center in Creve Coeur for Zumba+, Tai Chi, Yoga for Cancer, a family-friendly class (children aged 6-12 and parents), Intro to Strength Over Cancer (a new fitness class geared toward those impacted by cancer), and more.

Partners in the community will also be on-site to share information on cancer and hereditary risks, non-medical financial assistance, clean skincare, and more. You can also enjoy a complimentary massage.
Beyond Pink T-Shirts: A limited number of event t-shirts are available for purchase ($20). To buy your t-shirt, please contact Debbi Braunstein, 314-442-3266.
Support Our Program

J'la 2023
2023-12-04 18:30 - 22:00 | The Factory, 17105 N Outer 40 Rd, Chesterfield, MO, 63005, United States
LIVE FROM ST. LOUIS, IT’S MONDAY NIGHT!
Get Your Tickets

VIP Reception*
6:00pm
Doors Open
6:30pm
Dinner by Sidney Street Cafe
*Exclusive VIP reception for sponsors at $5,000 level and above, and VIP ticket holders
Honoring Lynn Wittels
for her 18 years of leadership at the J
Featuring Al Franken
Five-time Emmy winner, two-time Grammy winner, former United States Senator and famed Saturday Night Live writer.
Chairs
Jill & Mark Schupp
Honorary Chairs
Judy & Dr. Robert Kramer
Special Thanks
Stuart Block, Ted Flom, Mark Kronemer, Debbie Lefton, Tracey Singer, Michael Staenberg, Aaron Vickar

Get Your Tickets
Sponsor J’la
Become a Sponsor
Everyone is welcome at the J. Period. We enrich the lives of all members of our community through lifelong learning, physical fitness, social engagement, and cultural experiences. The Jewish Community Center is also the central meeting place of the Jewish Community; it is a place to come together to engage with Jewish traditions and culture. It is also the premier community center in St. Louis; its members are as diverse as St. Louis itself. It’s the one place where families, regardless of affiliation, can feel comfortable and welcome. The programs provide for a variety of needs at every stage of life. From our world-class fitness facilities, to state-of-the-art camping; from acclaimed arts programming, to weekly kosher meal delivery; from access to community groups for people on a journey through cancer, and programming for people of all ages and abilities—the J has it all.
J’la is our annual fundraising event that supports scholarships for those who would not otherwise be able to participate in our programs. We hope that you will consider sponsoring this important event. Your support will help us provide programs and services that create a healthy, thriving community for all of us!
Questions:
Julie Gibbs
Become a J’la Sponsor
You can help now by becoming a 2023 J’la sponsor. J’la is the time to come together to celebrate the impact of your support and how much it means to the community. Thank you, and we will see you at J’la!
If you’ve been a sponsor in the past, thank you! We hope you will consider increasing your gift to help us meet the increasing needs of our community.
Become a Sponsor

Hanukkah
2023-12-07 18:00 - 2023-12-15 18:00 | United States

Hanukkah at Garden Glow
2023-12-10
There’s something for everyone!
All are welcome to join us at the Missouri Botanical Garden for Garden Glow. Recent empty nesters can continue the fun with a private dinner at Sasha’s on Shaw.
Daytime Delights
In the newly built Bayer Event Center at the Missouri Botanical Garden, we will have live Hanukkah music beginning at 12:45pm with local musicians. Tickets are NOT needed for admission into the Bayer Event Center.
12:45pm Shakshuka
1:45pm Shir Ami
2:45pm Ha-Shemesh
Fun After Dark
We invite families and adults of all ages to join us at 5pm for live Hanukkah music with Alex Rich outside the Garden on the steps of the visitor center. We have purchased tickets in bulk to offer discounted tickets to create a meaningful community Hanukkah celebration at Garden Glow. Odds are, you’ll see your Jewish friends!
$18/Adults (13+)
$10/Child (3-12)
Children 2 and under enter for free
In partnership with PJ Library & Kol Rinah, we will have snacks, crafts, and kid’s activities happening in the meeting rooms inside to provide a warm break space. This is accessible while you’re in the Garden for Glow outside and near restrooms.
Buy Tickets

For JNext (recent empty nesters—kids 18-25), please purchase Garden Glow tickets, walk through the garden, and then join us for dinner and drinks at Sasha’s on Shaw at 6:30pm. Everyone is responsible for their own tab. This event is open to all. You do not need to be a J member to participate. You must RSVP to make sure there is a seat for you on the reservation.
$60/person
$100/couple
RSVP

Christmas Matinee Movie
2023-12-25 15:00 - 17:00 | United States
All. Save the date for our inaugural Christmas movie. We will show a G-rated movie and have Kosher concessions for sale. All are welcome to join us.

JBF Bookend: Sari Kopitnikoff - "Only Kidding"
2024-01-14 16:00 - 17:30 | The J – Staenberg Family Complex (Fitness Center), 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63110, United States
Tucked somewhere between your kishkes (intestines) is an important part of your body that doesn’t always get the attention it needs: your funny bone. It’s time you strengthened it! Only Kidding is a one-of-a-kind Jewish joke book for kids and families to laugh about all things Jewish: Jewish holidays, Jewish food, Hebrew letters, Jewish celebrations, and even some holy things (no, not socks). A helpful glossary is included with the 50+ original jokes, so everyone can understand and appreciate the humor!
In partnership with the J’s Early Childhood Centers, Family Center, Saul Mirowitz Jewish Day School, and Epstein Hebrew Academy.

Standing Together - 100 Days Since October 7 SOLD OUT
2024-01-14 18:00 - 20:00 | The J – Staenberg Family Complex (Fitness Center), 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63110, United States
Honoring the Victims of October 7
The St. Louis Jewish community invites all of you to join us at the Staenberg Family Complex on Sunday, January 14 at 6pm to honor and remember the victims of the October 7 attack on Israel. We will hold a ceremony to remember those who were lost and to call for the return of the remaining hostages.
We will also be presenting the film “#NOVA”, which documents the experiences and the phone footage of the festival-goers who were attacked on October 7.
Please note: this film is rated for ages 18+ for intense themes and discussions inappropriate for young viewers. Please use discretion when bringing children.
This Event Is Sold Out

JBF Bookend: Rachel Beanland - "The House Is On Fire"
2024-01-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Arts & Education Building – The J Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63146, United States
The House Is On Fire tells the story of the 1811 Richmond Theater Fire from the perspective of four integrous characters—two Black and enslaved, two white and imminently more protected—none of whom experience the world from a place of institutional authority. Set on the night after Christmas, the place was packed as Placide & Green Company, a touring ensemble with more than 30 members, put on a play when a fire broke out backstage thanks to an oversight and some malfunctioning equipment.
With more than 600 people in attendance, chaos ensued. Families and friends lost track of those they were with, and many people died. Some members of the Placide & Green Company decided to hide their role in the accident and instead spread lies about rebelling slaves with torches being responsible. A hunt for those responsible and, thankfully, for the truth, followed.
Moderated by Heather Fleming, founder and director of the MO Equity Education Partnership (MoEEP) and the author of the book My Black Friend Says…: Lessons in Equity, Inclusion, and Cultural Competency.
This Martin Luther King Jr. Day program is in partnership with the Newmark Institute for Human Relations at the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis. Registration is required by purchasing a $0 ticket.

Tu B'Shevat
2024-01-25 | United States

Charcuterie Board Tu B'Shevat
2024-01-25 18:00 - 20:00 | MaTovu, 4200 Blaine Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63110, United States
Adults 21+. Join us for the first of many holiday food-related competitions. Come learn more about Tu B’Shevat, and challenge your charcuterie board making skills. Register as an individual, a couple or an entire team! A special invitation to our JNext members (recent empty nesters), Nishmah women, and adults over the age of 21. This is being put on in partnership with MaTovu. We will be creating seasonally-appropriate cocktails as well!
Buy Tickets

Winter Used Book Sale
2024-01-28 10:00 - 18:00, 2024-01-29 10:00 - 19:00, 2024-01-30 10:00 - 19:00, 2024-01-31 10:00 - 19:00, 2024-02-01 10:00 - 20:00
Used Book Sale
Winter Sale: Sunday, January 28 – Thursday, February 1
Sunday, January 28: 10am-6pm (Preview Day: $10 admission)
Monday, January 29: 10am-7pm (Free admission)
Tuesday, January 30: 10am-7pm (Free admission)
Wednesday, January 31: 10am-7pm (Free admission)
Thursday, February 1: 10am-7pm (Free admission; Fill a bag for $5!)
Thousands of books will be available for sale at the J Used Book Sale. Stock up on your reading material. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Cultural Arts Department.
Book lovers, collectors and avid readers all anticipate this annual event. Thousands of titles will be available, including mystery and intrigue, novels, biographies, politics, religion, sports, cookbooks, history, animals, art, science, science fiction, business, women’s issues, foreign languages, gardening, poetry, psychology, self-help, humor…the list goes on.
Parents and educators will find a large selection of books for children and youth as well as educational materials for homeschoolers. Multiples of titles are available for book club reading along with miscellaneous videos, books on tape/CDs and DVDs.

JBF Bookend: Fayne Frey - "The Skincare Hoax"
2024-01-30 19:00 - 21:30 | Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63141, United States
The Skincare Hoax is an exposé on the marketing tactics used that get us all to buy over-the-counter skincare. It will make you rethink everything you know about skincare. You’ll learn about the well-kept secrets of the skincare industry, how media ads influence our buying decisions and get recommendations for effective products and simple skincare regimens that are easy and affordable.
In partnership with Nishmah and JNext.

Israeli Film Club
2024-02-08 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-02-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Arts & Education Building – The J Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63146, United States
Explore Israeli cinema with Snir, the Israeli Shaliach! Join us for film screenings and discover Israel’s vibrant storytelling. Don’t miss this cinematic journey! In each meeting we will watch a different Israeli movie, followed by a discussion.
Learn More

Songleader Boot Camp National Conference
2024-02-18 08:00 - 21:00, 2024-02-19 08:00 - 21:00 | Arts & Education Building – The J Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63146, United States
Teens and Adults. SLBC is an intensive leadership training program for rabbis, cantors, educators and all others interested in offering a profound exploration of the physiology, psychology, strategy and execution behind inspirational Jewish teaching and song leading. SLBC participants experience a powerful three-day immersion program.
