In the News
Our recent Shir Shabbat at Crown Center on Friday afternoon August 7 brought more than just entertainment, as the house band led by Rabbi Daniel gave us a beautiful reminder of the power of music to create connection, joy, and community.
CRC’s professional musicians shared a special musical Shabbat service with Crown Center residents and the response was absolutely heartwarming:
“I didn’t understand the words, but I didn’t need to. Wow!”
“This has been such a wonderful day. I haven’t had a day like this in a while. Starting with brunch and then the wonderful Shabbat music. It really has been wonderful.”
“What an awesome group to have at Crown Center. I can’t believe they played for us. Will they come back?”
The answer is yes! We’re already planning our next Shir Shabbat at Crown Center—stay tuned for details to come.
A big thank you to all of our amazing musicians and to everyone who helped bring a little more Shabbat joy into our broader St. Louis community.
And thank you to Katie Garland and Crown Center for welcoming us to their community!
We can’t wait to return! 🎶✨
Last week, CRC volunteers prepared 25 family-style meals of Italian pasta salad and garlic bread for our neighbors served by 314 Oasis and Gateway 180.
314 Oasis was created in the aftermath of the May 16 tornado to provide accessible resources, meals, and community care for residents impacted by the storm. Gateway 180 supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness as they work toward stability and permanent housing.
As tornado recovery continues and many of our neighbors face ongoing food and housing insecurity, these meals are a meaningful reminder that community care takes many forms. We are grateful to everyone who gave their time and energy to help provide nourishment, comfort, and connection.
Together, we continue to show up for our neighbors—one meal, one act of kindness, and one community at a time.
Twice this summer, the CRC House Band carried Central Reform Congregation’s sound to Camp Sabra — and turned Shabbat, singalongs, and staff nights into something campers won’t soon forget.
Some of the best things start with someone in the congregation. The CRC House Band’s summer at Camp Sabra began at home, in the CRC sanctuary, where St. Louis philanthropist Michael Staenberg heard the band play and imagined that same music finding the kids and staff at Camp Sabra — the JCC’s overnight camp on the Lake of the Ozarks. What started as an inspired idea quickly became a two-visit summer tradition.
THE FIRST VISIT · JUNE
Tiki lights and a 25-minute hora
On the band’s first trip down, Camp Sabra’s Julia’s Tiki Hut stage lit up with the group’s signature blend of roots, groove, and Jewish music. Then the evening moved from stage to sand: a Havdalah service on the beach at sundown opened into a hora that ran a full twenty-five minutes, the circle widening until the camp’s youngest campers were lifted high in a chair at its center. Later, the band kept the night going with a late-night set for the camp staff.
THE SECOND VISIT · JULY
Shabbat at the water’s edge
The second visit brought a large CRC contingent to the lake, with Rabbis Karen and Daniel Bogard on hand. On Friday evening, the band led a beautiful acoustic Shabbat as campers gathered in white above the water, followed by a Shabbat Players singalong and, once again, a staff party. On Saturday morning, the group played a CRC/Sabra hybrid service right at the water’s edge for a contingent of JCC board members who had made the trip up to take it in. Adding an extra spark to the weekend, Rob Koritz of Dark Star Orchestra sat in on drums.
The CRC House Band is grateful to Michael Staenberg and the entire Camp Sabra community for the warm welcome — and is already looking forward to what next summer brings.
See more from the weekend on Instagram → (instagram.com/p/DbT72o3D512)
Last week, members of the CRC community gathered for one of the most intimate and meaningful observances on our Jewish calendar: Tisha B’Av.
While Tisha B’Av is traditionally a day of communal mourning, at CRC we have embraced it as something deeply personal as well—a time to gather in community, make space for grief, and remember those whose lives continue to shape our own.
As we sat together in a circle, stories began to unfold. Members shared memories of parents, spouses, siblings, children, mentors, friends, and loved ones whose absence is still deeply felt. Some losses were recent and raw. Others stretched back decades. Yet each story reminded us that love leaves an enduring imprint, and that remembering together can be a powerful act of healing.
One by one, candles were lit as names were spoken aloud. The growing circle of light became a visible reminder that no one grieves alone. Each flame represented a unique life, a cherished relationship, and a memory entrusted to the community for safekeeping.
Rabbi Randy reflected that Judaism does not ask us to avoid grief or rush through it. Instead, our tradition recognizes mourning as an essential part of a full and authentic life. When we create space for sorrow, we also create space for compassion, connection, and ultimately, renewal.
For many who attended, the evening offered something increasingly rare: the opportunity to speak honestly about loss in the presence of people willing simply to listen. There was no expectation to fix grief or explain it away—only to bear witness to one another’s stories with tenderness and care.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us, shared their memories, lit a candle, or quietly held space for others. In a world that often asks us to move on too quickly, this gathering was a reminder that community is built not only through celebrations, but also through the courage to accompany one another in times of sorrow.
May the memories of all those we honored continue to be a blessing, and may we carry their light with us in the days and years ahead.
Yehi zichram baruch — May their memories be for a blessing.
On Friday, June 26, Central Reform Congregation gathered for a deeply meaningful Erev Rav Shabbat—our “Mixed Multitude” Shabbat—celebrating the richness of our extended CRC family and welcoming friends from the African Hebrew Israelite community.
From the moment Shabbat began at 6:15 pm, the sanctuary was filled with rhythm, warmth, and joy. Together, we experienced a powerful evening of African drumming, music, prayer, and teaching that invited us into a deeper awareness of connection across cultures and traditions.
We were especially grateful to be joined by members of the African Hebrew Israelite community, including local leader Eliasah, who offered a timely and thought-provoking message. He invited us to reflect on the difference between “real life” and “imitation life”—challenging us to stay grounded in authenticity, purpose, and presence in a world that often pulls us toward distraction and illusion. His words resonated deeply, offering a spiritual lens for how we engage with our lives and with one another.
The evening continued in the spirit of celebration and fellowship as our oneg became a shared table of abundance. Guests enjoyed a delicious vegan soul food spread prepared by a catering team connected to the community, embodying the values of hospitality, creativity, and shared nourishment.
CRC is honored to be a community sponsor of Pink Triangle Legacies, Holocaust History and the Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights, a public program at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum.
This powerful presentation explores the history of the pink triangle, the LGBTQ+ community’s original pride symbol, tracing its transformation from a Nazi concentration camp badge into an enduring emblem of queer liberation, community, resilience, and pride.
Drawing on unexplored archival sources and original interviews, historian Dr. Jake Desai-Newsome will share the voices of LGBTQ+ Holocaust victims and illuminate the stories of queer people who found renewed meaning in the pink triangle in the decades after the Holocaust.
The presentation will be followed by a thoughtful dialogue with the Museum’s past Director of Education and Curation, Dan Reich, and a book signing.
All are welcome. Please join us, and bring friends.
Date: June 25, 2026
Time: 6:00–7:30 pm
Venue: St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum
This Pride Shabbat, our CRC community gathered in celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment to the sacred work of LGBTQ+ liberation.
Throughout the evening, we were reminded that Pride is not separate from our Jewish tradition. Our texts, our stories, and our people have always held a vision of sacredness beyond binaries, a vision rooted in dignity, expansiveness, and the image of the Divine reflected in every human being.
We were honored to welcome our featured guest speaker, Katy Erker-Lynch, Executive Director of PROMO, Missouri’s statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization. Katy shared about PROMO’s vital work across Missouri, including deep canvassing efforts that build connection, counter misinformation, and change hearts and minds through honest, human conversation.
Katy reminded us that Missouri is not a place to give up on. It is a place where justice work is urgently needed, where LGBTQ+ people and families deserve safety and belonging, and where communities of faith have an essential role to play in standing against the weaponization of religion and the targeting of trans and nonbinary people.
Pride began as protest, and it continues as joy, resilience, grief, courage, and action. At CRC, we are proud to be a community where LGBTQ+ people are not merely welcomed, but celebrated; not merely included, but cherished; not merely supported, but recognized as teachers, leaders, family, and sacred bearers of Torah.
May we continue to be one another’s light. May we keep marching toward liberation. And may our congregation remain a home where every person can live more fully, freely, and truthfully.
Happy Pride. Shabbat shalom.
Central Reform Congregation gathered with joy, gratitude, and deep affection to honor Morah Maxine Weil upon her retirement after 10 years of dedicated service to CRC and more than 40 years as a professional Jewish educator in St. Louis.
During a special Shabbat celebration, congregants, students, families, colleagues, and friends came together to reflect on the countless lives Maxine has touched through her wisdom, warmth, creativity, and unwavering commitment to Jewish learning. The morning was filled with heartfelt tributes, meaningful memories, and an outpouring of appreciation for the many ways Maxine has shaped generations of learners and strengthened our CRC community.
From the sanctuary to the celebration that followed, the love for Morah Maxine was unmistakable. Guests wore purple in her honor, shared stories, embraced old friends, and celebrated a remarkable legacy rooted in curiosity, compassion, tradition, and joy.
We are profoundly grateful for all that Morah Maxine has given to CRC and to Jewish education throughout St. Louis. Mazel tov, Maxine, on this extraordinary milestone. Your impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
We are so grateful for the many generous gifts received during our Kitchen Shower! Thanks to the incredible support of our community, our kitchen is now wonderfully equipped for congregational entertaining, celebrations, classes, and events to come.
A huge thank you to Lesley and Luke for putting together the wish list, and of course to Marcia for sharing her incredible cooking expertise.
The Kitchen Shower & Blintz Demonstration Workshop was a lovely evening with about 10 attendees. Marcia shared a meaningful teaching about Shavuot, and then we all rolled up our sleeves to make — and enjoy — delicious homemade blintzes together. They were absolutely DELICIOUS!
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped celebrate community, learning, and good food together.
Shir Shabbat in the Garden was a deeply grounding and joy-filled evening — a reminder of what it means to be rooted in community, tradition, and one another. Families gathered across the CRC greenspace as music, movement, laughter, and prayer flowed together naturally, transforming the garden into sacred space alive with connection.
There was something profoundly centering about praying outdoors, surrounded by the warmth of community and the beauty of creation. Children danced freely, friends lingered in conversation, and voices rose together in song as the evening breeze carried melodies across the lawn. The experience felt both expansive and intimate: a community gathered not within walls, but under the wide canopy of the sky, held together by music, spirit, and shared presence.
Lucy Greenbaum, our Artist-in-Residence, brought extraordinary warmth and soul through her vocals and acoustic guitar, imbuing the evening with grace and heart. Rabbi Karen Bogard and Rabbi Daniel Bogard co-led the service with a gentle, reverent and inviting touch, while the expanded ensemble elevated the service with richness and texture throughout. The instrumental accompaniment — from viola to saxophone, mandolin, percussion, bass, flute, and electric guitar — created a vibrant and layered soundscape that felt at once celebratory and deeply rooted.
We are so grateful to the musicians and vocalists who helped shape the evening:
Lucy Greenbaum — Artist-in-Residence, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Rabbi Daniel Bogard — Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
David Lazaroff — Bass
Jeff Lazaroff — Guitar
Joey Ferber — Electric Guitar
David Goldenberg — Mandolin
Shlomo Ovadya — Percussion
Robert Fishbone — Percussion
Ben Reece — Saxophone, Flute
Mark Hochberg — Violin
Additional Vocalists:
Bryn Sentnor
Leslie Caplan
Nava Kantor
Jackie Gross
Tara Hoisington
Keira Hoisington
Madeline Black
Together, they helped create an atmosphere that was uplifting, soulful, and profoundly connected — a Shir Shabbat that reminded us how nourishing it can be to gather outdoors, sing together, and feel ourselves part of something larger than ourselves.
CRC’s Confirmation Service on May 8 was an evening filled with honesty, music, reflection, and deep connection. Our remarkable Confirmation Class of 5786 shared powerful personal essays exploring what Judaism means to them — wrestling with identity, spirituality, community, justice, grief, music, friendship, and belonging. Again and again, the students returned to a central truth: Judaism is not one single path, but a journey shaped by community, compassion, questioning, and shared experiences.
The service beautifully highlighted the bonds formed through years at CRC — from Wednesday school and mitzvah projects to unforgettable trips to Washington, D.C., and New York City. Students reflected on moments that shaped them: singing together at Central Synagogue, late-night airport adventures, marching for justice, discovering Jewish community in new places, and learning that there is no single “right way” to be Jewish.
Music wove through the entire evening, from spirited congregational singing to moving renditions of “Imagine” and “The Circle Game,” reminding everyone of the hope, resilience, and joy these teens bring to our community. The evening also carried special meaning as we honored longtime educator Morah Maxine ahead of her retirement, with heartfelt tributes from students whose lives she has helped shape for generations.
Most of all, the service was a celebration of young people growing into thoughtful, courageous Jewish adults — ready to carry CRC’s values of compassion, curiosity, justice, and community into the world.
This past Friday, Shir Shabbat filled our sanctuary—a beautiful testament to the power of gathering in song. Congregants swayed and moved together, carried by the rhythms and melodies as they wove us into a shared experience of joy and presence. In this sacred season of the Omer—between Passover and Shavuot, between liberation and obligation—we are invited to turn time into meaning. This Shabbat, we did just that.
As the service progressed, the songs were like a series of gates through which we passed, leaving behind the noise and urgency of the week and entering a space of harmony and balance. Each melody gently drew us closer, guiding us from the mundane toward the holy, from disconnection toward a deeper center. By the close of the evening, we found ourselves held in the expansive, restorative peace of Shabbat—a gift made even more profound because we shared it in community with one another.
CRC’s mighty 7th Grade Mitzvah class spent the morning learning about the impactful work of Beyond Housing in North County. After touring their “24:1” footprint—24 municipalities within a single school district—students had the chance to connect more personally by playing Bingo with residents at one of their housing communities.
We are so proud of these thoughtful, engaged young people.
As our 9th graders return home from New Orleans, we’re reflecting on what was an extraordinary and meaningful journey—one filled with learning, connection, and powerful experiences.
From the moment they arrived, they were immersed in the spirit and history of the city. The trip began with a classic stop at Café Du Monde, followed by a powerful three-hour exploration of Black and Jewish history through Armstrong Park and the Treme. The day continued with a memorable Ethiopian meal and an evening at Preservation Hall, where live jazz set the stage for conversations about mutual aid and the legacy of Benevolent Societies.
Shabbat in New Orleans offered its own depth and resonance. The group visited the TEP Center, sitting in the first desegregated classrooms and connecting directly with the history of civil rights. At the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, they explored the rich tapestry of Jewish life in the region. They then joined Tulane University Hillel for Shabbat, building connections with Jewish college students and experiencing vibrant campus Jewish life.
As the weekend came to a close, the group marked Havdalah together and counted the Omer—bringing Jewish ritual into a weekend filled with discovery, reflection, and community.
We are incredibly proud of our students for the thoughtfulness, curiosity, and engagement they brought to every moment of this trip. We look forward to sharing more reflections and highlights in the days ahead, but for now, we celebrate their safe return and the meaningful experiences they carry with them.
Thank you to Rabbi Daniel, Rabbi Karen, and all who helped make this trip so impactful.
A Sweet Night to Remember: Mimouna at CRC
Last Friday, April 10, Mimouna, a cherished Moroccan Jewish tradition popular in Israel marking the end of Passover, came alive at CRC through story, song, flavor, creativity, and connection.
Led beautifully by Rabbi Susan Talve and Rabbi Jim Goodman, the service set a meaningful tone for the night, grounding our celebration in tradition and community.
We were especially honored to hear a powerful D’var Israel from our Shinshin, Itai Forte, who shared his grandmother’s journey from Morocco to Israel—a story of resilience, courage, and connection that brought deep meaning to our Mimouna gathering.
Guests enjoyed hands-on art stations, the intricate beauty of henna art, and the warm, welcoming spirit that defines this holiday. Another highlight of the evening was the incredible catering by Moroccan Delights by Rita. Rita and her team brought the rich flavors of Morocco straight to our community, even preparing fresh mouflettas on site.From the sweetness of post-Passover treats to the joy of gathering together, the evening captured the essence of Mimouna: open doors, shared stories, and celebration of community. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the night so special. We are grateful to continue building these moments of connection—l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation.
Our Second Night Seder this year was nothing short of extraordinary—so much so that we filled (and even stretched) our space to welcome everyone who came to the table. Guided by Rabbi Randy’s thoughtful leadership, the evening invited us to go beyond simply retelling the Exodus story and instead to ask hard questions, to see ourselves in the story, and to recognize the “narrow places” in our own lives and in our world. Through song, story, and ritual, we were reminded that in every generation the work of liberation continues, and that our freedom is bound up with the freedom of others.
Rabbi Randy’s teaching called us to hold both hope and responsibility: to reject cynicism, to pursue justice, and to see Passover not as a memory alone, but as a mandate. From lifting up the voices of the oppressed to embracing our role in healing a broken world, the Seder became a space of both reflection and action.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us, bringing their presence, their questions, and their spirit to the table. If this year’s Seder taught us anything, it is that the story is still unfolding—and that together, we have a role in writing what comes next.
Our Passover Bake Sale was a huge success! Thank you to all of our talented bakers who created beautiful, Passover-friendly treats to share with the community. Together, we raised nearly $600 to support CRC’s engagement programs—we’re so grateful for your generosity and creativity!
Our Confirmation group recently returned from an unforgettable journey to New York City—an experience filled with learning, reflection, celebration, and plenty of classic NYC moments.
The trip began with excitement as our students arrived in the Big Apple, ready to explore the history, culture, and Jewish life that make New York such a meaningful destination.
Over the course of the trip, the group engaged deeply with both American and Jewish history. They visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, reflecting on immigration and identity, and explored the Tenement Museum and Lower East Side, bringing those stories to life. At the 9/11 Memorial, students paused for remembrance, while a visit to Strawberry Fields offered a moment of peace and reflection.
Shabbat in the city was a true highlight. The group welcomed Shabbat together at Central Synagogue, experiencing the beauty and energy of Jewish worship in a historic and vibrant congregation. Later, they shared a special dinner that included retirement blessings for Morah Maxine, marking an important and heartfelt moment in our community.
Of course, the trip also embraced the full New York experience—complete with bagels and schmear, a lively evening at Sammy’s Romanian Steakhouse, a performance of The Outsiders on Broadway, and a nighttime walk through the bright lights of Times Square. From Greenwich Village to Crown Heights, each day was packed with discovery, connection, and growth.
On their final day, the group explored Hasidic Crown Heights in Brooklyn, visiting a mikvah, the iconic 770 synagogue, a wig shop, and a matzah factory. In a memorable and unexpected moment, they even met Hasidic rapper Ari B. Lesser.
The journey home, however, brought unexpected challenges. After a lengthy delay at airport security caused them to miss their flight, the group made the decision to stay overnight and catch an early flight the next morning. What began as an adventure soon became more complicated due to a tragic accident that impacted travel plans, requiring a quick rebooking and a move to JFK Airport. After a long and tiring travel experience—eventually arriving home about 15 hours behind schedule—the group was finally reunited with their families.
Throughout it all, our students showed remarkable resilience, patience, and care for one another. They handled both the joyful and the difficult moments with maturity and grace, making us incredibly proud.
Morah Maxine, Amy Fleisher, and Randy Fleisher shared how deeply meaningful it was to guide this group through the full experience—celebrating the highs and navigating the challenges together.
We are so proud of this incredible class and all they have learned and shared on this journey.
We invite the congregation to join us for the Confirmation Service on Friday, May 8 at 6:15 pm, where we will celebrate and learn from these remarkable students as they mark this important milestone.
We are introducing a new way to help you remember and honor the yahrzeits of your loved ones!
Beginning this month, members will receive an email from the CRC Community Portal with the subject line:
“CRC honors the memories of your loved ones.”
If you have a yahrzeit observance on record with us, an email will arrive during the first week of the month preceding the month of your loved one’s yahrzeit. This reminder of the upcoming date will let you know when your loved one’s name will be read during Kaddish at CRC.
We encourage you to log into your CRC Community Portal to review your household’s yahrzeit information.
If you would like to make edits, add additional names, or have any questions, please contact Becky at Technology@centralreform.org.
If you prefer to receive notification of upcoming yahrzeits by letter through the mail instead of email, please also reach out to Becky.
We hope this new process brings ease and support as we honor the memories of those we love.
What a way to close out the week.
Saturday night’s Havdalah and concert with Eitan Kantor was nothing short of extraordinary. Approximately 105 congregants and friends gathered for an immersive evening that began with the gentle glow of Havdalah and built steadily into a full-hearted, joy-filled dance party.
Eitan led us on a musical journey that felt both intimate and expansive. The melodies drew us in softly at first—voices blending in harmony, the braided candle flickering as Shabbat slipped into the new week. And then, gradually, the energy rose. Voices grew stronger. Bodies began to sway, then move, then dance. Before long, the room pulsed with shared rhythm and collective spirit. It was one of those sacred CRC moments—where music dissolves boundaries, generations sing side by side, and community feels tangible.
Dessert kiddush followed, offering a sweet opportunity to linger, connect, and savor the experience together. Conversations buzzed, laughter filled the space, and even as the evening wound down, no one seemed quite ready to leave.
We are so grateful to Eitan for bringing his talent, warmth, and spirit to our community—and to everyone who showed up ready to sing, move, and be part of something beautiful.
If Saturday night was any indication, the year ahead is going to be filled with music, connection, and joy.
