Nishmah: The St. Louis Jewish Women’s Project
Nishmah is a program of the St. Louis Jewish Community Center that inspires, engages, and supports Jewish women. Through inspirational programming, Nishmah brings together Jewish women from different denominations who may have otherwise never met. Together, these women learn from each other, connect and form bonds through faith and friendship.
Support Nishmah Join the Nishmah Facebook Group
Nishmah Inspires – Through a number of diverse and inspirational programs, Nishmah brings together Jewish women from different denominations who may have otherwise never met. Together, these women learn from each other, connect, and form bonds through faith and friendship. Nishmah creates the foundation for these Jewish connections that form outside the walls of a synagogue environment. Our bi-annual Nishmah Women’s Shabbat Retreat allows women all ages and backgrounds a break from everyday stressors to pray, study, reflect and connect with each other.
Nishmah Educates – Nishmah hosts a monthly book club to connect women through learning and intellectual stimulation around trending topics. We have looked at the diversity of the Jewish community, the history of White Nationalism, and how it fits into tropes of antisemitism. We also do experiential learning like our Israel trips through Momentum. Our Facebook group is an active place to share articles, news, and upcoming events in areas of interest for Jewish women in St. Louis.
Nishmah Engages – Nishmah also engages women in study and connection, through our Ilene Joseph Salon Series, facilitated discussions about stimulating articles on topics of interest. We partner with many Jewish organizations and synagogues to unite women across denominations and create a unique multigenerational space. Nishmah partners with internal programs at the J to attend New Jewish Theatre shows, Israeli cooking classes, and so much more!
Nishmah Programs for Women
Browse Upcoming Nishmah Events
Nishmah offers a range of meaningful, connection-driven programs designed to support, inspire, and uplift women at every stage of life.
Book Club – Through the Nishmah Book Club, participants can engage in thoughtful conversation and shared learning. A dedicated WhatsApp group keeps members informed on upcoming reads, meeting dates, and locations.
Ilene Joseph Salon Series – The Ilene Joseph Salon Series brings women together for rich discussion and community-building experiences centered around timely topics and ideas.
Well Circles – Facilitated monthly by Raquel “Foxx” Leverson, Well Circles provide a welcoming space to pause, breathe, and reconnect through guided reflection and conversation.
Retreats & Israel Trips
Nishmah also offers transformative Women’s Retreats, creating opportunities for deeper connection, rest, and renewal, as well as Women’s Israel Trips that foster cultural exploration and shared experiences rooted in Jewish heritage and identity. Together, these programs cultivate a vibrant, supportive community where women can grow, connect, and thrive.
Upcoming Retreats:
September 2027 (details to follow)
Upcoming Israel Trips:
Contact
For more information on Nishmah, please contact Emilie Brockman, Manager of Jewish Community Engagement.
