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Jewish Community Center

Jewish Family Programs

Jewish life programming for families is a high priority for the J. Our family events usually fall on Sundays or weekday evenings for working parents, and most are free of charge and centered around Jewish holidays and Shabbat in a way that is accessible for small children. We aim to create experiences that are hands-on, educational, and fun for the whole family (grandparents are always welcome!) The J partners with other great organizations such as PJ Library, the Jewish Federation, Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, local synagogues, the various Jewish preschools, and more to bring you the very best in family-friendly programming.

Upcoming Family Programs

Community Kabbalat Shabbat & Tashlich in the Park

Friday, September 22, 2023

All are welcome.

All are welcome. $15/household. Register for one person and add the rest of the household members and info in the following registration questions.

RSVP

Safari in the Sukkah

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Families with children & adults. Join the Family Center, the J ECCs, PJ Library, IAC, and all of our friends for a special Sukkot spectacular. Gather in the Sukkah to shake the lulav and etrog, sing and schmooze with many variety of special animal guests.

Havdallaween

Saturday, October 28, 2023

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.

St. Louis Jewish Book Festival

Saturday, November 4 – Monday, November 20, 2023

All are welcome. 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

Hanukkah at Garden Glow

Sunday, December 10, 2023

All are welcome. Join us at the Botanical Gardens to celebrate Hanukkah! We will walk the Garden Glow and enjoy the lights as a community. Families welcome.

Check back later for more information.

Prince of Egypt in the Pool

Sunday, March 31, 2024

Kids & Families. Check back later for more information.

St. Louis Jewish Film Festival

Sunday, April 7 – Thursday, April 18, 2024

All are welcome. The J’s St. Louis Jewish Film Festival showcases national and international cinema that explores universal issues through traditional Jewish values, opposing viewpoints and new perspectives. The Jewish Film Festival now offers year-round opportunities to experience Jewish films from around the world.

Documentaries, drama and short films are presented at the Landmark Plaza Frontenac Cinema for five days in June, with introductions by filmmakers and experts on the issues the films bring forth. Jewish Films for young adults are also presented to the public in an effort to expand discussion and audiences for this age cohort.

Additionally, the Jewish Film Society presents three films in the fall and three in the spring. Each film is followed by lively discussion and is selected to present stimulating issues. New members are welcomed each year.

Learn More

Family Passover Seder

Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Staenberg Family Complex

Kids & Families. A fun, interactive and musical Passover Seder dinner experience led by the J’s Rabbi Brad Horwitz and a special song leader. Avoid all the cooking and cleaning and grab the family for this family Seder filled with music, food, activities and more.

Spark in the Park

Saturday, May 11

Kids & Families. Check back later for more information.

Yom HaZikaon Ceremony

Sunday, May 12, 2024

All are welcome. Join us on Yom HaZikaron – Israel’s Memorial Day – for a remembrance ceremony for the fallen soldiers of the wars of Israel and victims of Terrorism.

Registration not required.

Yom Ha'atzmaut Community Celebration

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

All are welcome. Celebrate Israel’s Independence Day with us. The IAC, St. Louis J, and the St. Louis Jewish Federation invite the entire community to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day. The event will include petting zoo for children, food, treats, Israeli folk dances, live music, and much more! The event is funded by The Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.

ShavuART

Families

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Kids & Families. Join us as we celebrate Shavuot with art projects for the whole family!

Pride Shabbat

Friday, June 14, 2024

All are welcome. June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, and the St. Louis Jewish community is coming together for a Pride Shabbat, Tel Aviv-style Beach Party! We’re inviting all who identify, their allies and families of all kinds to join us for a community-wide event with special concession snacks, games, music and a photo booth. Bring your towel and enjoy the “beach.” Pre-registration is encouraged.

Contact

Avital Kadosh, 314-442-3172
Rabbi Brad Horwitz, 314-442-3271