2020 JSU Gala Journal

HONORARY CHAIRS
Penny & Marc Alper
Ed Balk
Gloria Feldman
Diane & Paul Gallant
Dorit Daphna !ken & Harvey !ken
Leslie & Michael Litwack
Galia Movitz
Carol & Michael Staenberg
•---------
GALA CHAIRS
Dr. Richard Koflwff & Dr. Susan Godwin Kofkoff
Dr. Stan & Jean Margul
---------♦---------
Jamie & Scott Berzon
Barbara Bianco
Debbie & Jeff Dalin
Shelley & Jeff Dean
Julie & Leonard Frankel
Lester Goldman
Julia & Aaron Gould
Judith & Ted Isaacs
Andrea & Ben Keller
Elise & Mark Krug
Lynn & Carl Lyss
Randi Mozenter & Larry
Friedman
GALA COMMITTEE
Joyce & Bob Olshan
Paulie & Rabbi Carnie Rose
Linda & Michael Rosenblatt
Zachary Rosenblatt
Selina Rovinsky
Debby & Ethan Schuman
Erin & Steven Schuver
Barbara & Amos Shamir
Tracy & Jeff Singer
Janet Weinberg
Carla & Leonard Weintraub
Lori Wishne
Mary & Rick Wolf
The link to join the virtual Gala will be made available in advance of the Gala.
For more information, contact 314-498-6279 or
gala@jsustl.org or visitjsustl.org/gala.

To ALL who participated
to assure the future of
JSU
a great big
THANK YOU
and a special thank you
to the students who make
JSU the outstanding
organization it is.
v
Esther, z’l, and Harvey Greenstein

MISSION
The Jewish Student Union of St. Louis (JSU) inspires teen’s to take
pride in their Jewish identity and to engage Jewishly by making Judaism
meaningful and relevant for all Jewish teenagers. In short, we facilitate
the teens self-discovery to answer the question of “Why be Jewish?”
STRATEGY STATEMENT
JSU provides a variety of programs and services including: school clubs,
classes, scholarships, inspirational and Jewish identity strengthening trips
all to motivate Jewish youth and teens to increase their involvement in
Jewish activities and their connection to Israel. JSU’s long term goal is to
increase their engagement in the Jewish community as adults. JSU funds
programming via a network of generous donors whose support allows the
flexibility to be responsive to changing ways to engage teens. JSU is a
“powerhouse” in building teen affiliation with the Jewish community and
identification as Jews and with Israel in ways that are meaningful to each
individual teen.
4

THE HOW
By bringing weekly JSU clubs to the teens in their own school environments, JSU
has access to thousands of teens, over 75% of who are unaffiliated and underengaged
Jewishly. Despite the continued growth of this critical demographic, these
teens were virtually invisible to, and beyond the reach of, the Jewish community
prior to the advent of JSU. By providing Jewish teens the opportunity to view and
engage their Judaic heritage through a prism of modernity and relevance, they are
inspired to become more engaged Jewishly. By introducing them to the many Jewish
teen organizations and Jewish involvement opportunities available within the St.
Louis Jewish community, JSU facilitates their engagement in teen programming
within our community through BBYO, NCSY, JCC, USY, NFTY, Israeli Scouts and
other Jewish youth-oriented organizations. They develop a strong sense of Jewish
identity, relationship to the State of Israel and a connection to the broader Jewish
community. Upon graduation, JSU assists their smooth transition into Jewishly
active college life via our partnerships with Hillel, Maimonides, and other similar
Jewish student groups on campus.
In addition to the regularly scheduled school club meetings, JSU sponsors the Galia
& Milton Movitz Senator John Danforth Israel Scholars course, the Jewish Scholars
Fellowship, the soon to be launched Anna & Andrew Rauchman Holocaust
Studies Course, Friday Night Live Shabbat Dinners and Onegs, Jewish Holiday
programs, the annual President’s Day Weekend Jewish Community Service Trip,
the Jerusalem Journey (TJJ) Israel summer experience (TJJ is a month long trip for
$999 all inclusive) and much more.
CONCLUSION
As a result of COVID, JSU “shifted into overdrive” and not only continued all of
our existing school clubs virtually, but launched a variety of programming to meet
the emotional and other needs of the teens and their parents. Between March and
August alone, JSU ran 150+ virtual programs resulting in over 1250 encounters with
teens. Most recently, we began the process of re-starting in person programming
(with social distancing and masks) while maintaining all our virtual programs.
JSU has reinvented the way Jewish teens can be reached and engaged to interact
with other Jews and build their own Jewish identities. JSU has truly become the
portal for these teens into the broader Jewish community, as evidenced by the
numerous community partners who rely on JSU for getting their information out
to this demographic. JSU is the key to Inspiring the Jewish future, by providing the
answer to the most fundamental question of Jewish engagement, “Why be Jewish?”
Everything that JSU is doing, could not be accomplished without your partnership.
So on behalf of the 800+ JSUers, we thank you again for helping JSU strengthen
and inspire a stronger and brighter Jewish tomorrow.
5

2020 JSU Annual Dinner Note from Chairs
The success of the JSU Annual Gala is largely due to the hard work and
dedication of Rabbi Mike Rovinsky, Rabbi Yitz Staum and Sam Zittin.
The impact they have on Jewish teens is extraordinary and invaluable
to sustaining Judaism. These individuals devote countless hours to JSU
throughout the year. We can’t thank them enough for all they do.
Our honorees, Harvey Greenstein and Esther Lyss-Greenstein, of blessed
memory, are such kind, generous and professional people. Their charitable
efforts throughout the Jewish community know no bounds and they’ve
touched countless lives in St. Louis. Harvey’s infectious smile never fades
and the warmth exuding from him is endless. He’s an inspiration to us all.
Warmly,
Jean and Stan Margul, and Sue Godwin Kofkoff and Rich Kofkoff
6

Remarks from JSU Chairperson
Paul Gallant
On behalf of the JSU Lay Leadership and the entire JSU Family is my honor
to welcome you to tonight’s special event in tribute to our very own Harvey
Greenstein and in memory of Esther Lyss-Greenstein. Harvey and Esther (a”h)
epitomize the overarching mission of JSU: Dedication to Jewish education,
Jewish identification and to Israel. These are the values that the JSU staff inspire
our community’s teens within their daily programs. On a personal level, being
able to honor Harvey and Esther during my tenure as JSU Chair is an extra bonus.
I have known Harvey and Esther for over 50 years. In fact, we initially met
volunteering for the Jewish Federation where we were indoctrinated with Jewish
Identification and the love for Israel, and we all became very close friends.
I would be remiss if I didn’t share what a privilege it is of being part of such a
transformational organization like JSU. The dedication and commitment that
our lay leaders demonstrate to ensure the continuity and strength of JSU is so
inspiring. The JSU professional team, led by our own, truly one of a kind, Rabbi
Mike, is one that is totally focused on inspiring the next generation of Jews and I
simply marvel at the lengths they will go to reach each and every teen whose path
they cross.
Then there is each of you, our JSU partners who share the JSU mission. Through
your partnership gifts, you are providing the means by which JSU is able to
have the success that it does. EVERYTHING and ANYTHING that JSU
accomplishes are your accomplishments. WE are all a team! We are all family!
So even though we may not be together in person tonight physically, we are still
all together under one umbrella, with a unified mission of creating a stronger and
brighter Jewish future.
Sincerely,
Paul Gallant
JSU Chairperson
7

Harvey Greenstein &
Esther (a”h) Lyss-Greenstein
“The Greensteins are the epitome of the definition of mentsch. Harvey’s
smile is contagious and he is always ready to do what he can to make a
differ-ence in the future of our People. Harvey and Esther’s generosity
have helped shaped so many of the im-portant institutions of our
community,” said Paul Gallant, JSU Chairman.
Esther and Harvey began a friendship in the late sixties when a small
group of young Jewish couples formed a chavurah, a Jewish study group.
In the early nineties, their spouses, Stanley and Enid, passed away.
Esther and Harvey married in 1997.
Esther, an Atlanta native, came to St. Louis to earn a BS at Washington
University/Central Institute for the Deaf. After serving as a deaf
educator for multiple years, Esther earned a Master of Education at
Emory University. Harvey grew up in Collinsville and began attending
8

Sunday school at B’nai Amoona in 1939. He graduated from the
University of Illinois School of Business.
Each of their early involvement in the St. Louis community focused on
education. Esther taught at CID, created a program at Shaare Emeth
which enabled deaf students to be mainstreamed into the religious
school program in partnership with hearing teen volunteers, and she
developed programming for deaf teens at the Special School District.
Her multiple talents included co-authorship of children’s books, job
placement for individuals with special needs at JEVS/MERS, Program
Director at Temple Emanuel, art dealership owner, inventor and patent
holder and early advocate for the Reform Jewish Academy. Together
Esther and Harvey tutored at Clark, Cote Brilliant and Tillman schools.
Harvey has served as chair of Jewish Federation’s Leadership
Development Council, President of CAJE and of B’nai Amoona. He
was the founding Chair of the Brodsky Community Library and served
as a board member of the Jewish Federation, JCCA, Solomon Schechter
Day School, JFRC and served on United Way’s Budget Committee. In
the sixties, Harvey man-aged and taught sales training classes for IBM
in Israel. Presently, Harvey serves with distinction on the JSU Youth
Commission.
It was Harvey and Esther’s love for youth, education, Jewish engagement
and continuity that inspired them to join the JSU Family so many years
ago. In 2017, JSU recognized Esther and Harvey for the important role
they played in the success of the JSU Torah of Unity Campaign in
which they dedicated one of the 5 Books of the Torah.
Their combined family consists of six children and their spouses,
sixteen grandchildren and their spouses, and four great-grandkids. Sadly,
Esther (a”h) passed away this year from complications due to Alzheimer’s
disease. Her zest for life and dedication to Jewish continuity lives on
through Harvey, their children, grand-children and great-grandchildren.
9

The success of this year’s Gala is more important than ever to meet
the needs of the teens participating in JSU programs. “JSU has shifted
into overdrive. In addition to all JSU’s existing school clubs which are
being run virtually, JSU has launched a variety of experiences to meet
the emotional and other needs of the teens and their parents. Since the
onset of COVID-19, JSU has run close to 200 virtual pro-grams resulting
in more than 1,600 encounters with teens.” said Rabbi Yitz Staum, JSU
Director of Institu-tional Advancement.
“JSU has significantly increased the number of touchpoints and services
we are providing to the teens of our community. More than 800 teens -
those who will shape the future of the Jewish People - are counting on
us all. We must empower our teens with the inspiration, motivation and
tools to develop a strong Jewish identity and a sense of responsibility for
their vital role in shaping our community – both now and in the future,”
said Rabbi Mike Rovinsky, JSU Director.
To pay tribute to Harvey Greenstein and to the memory of Esther
(a”h)
Lyss-Greenstein visit www. jsustl.org/gala to invest in the strong
future of our Jewish Peoplehood. (All donors will receive a custom JSU
facemask.)
10

GALIA AND MILTON MOVITZ
SENATOR JOHN DANFORTH
ISRAEL
Learn about Israel from a a historical
and modern perspective
Learn about the Israel-Palestinian conflict
Analyze and understand media bias
bias
Develop Israel advocacy skills
skills
Learn Learn to to answer answer difficult difficult questions questions about about Israel
Israel
JCC 2 Millstone Campus
St. Louis, MO 63146
Pizza and Refreshments
will be served!
Pizza and Refreshments
will be served!
TEEN CLASSES
ADULT CLASSES
Thursdays, 7:15-8:45 pm
2
Classes begin November 28
NOV8 NOV5 7
Upon completion of the program, students will receive $350
towards any JSU-affiliated Israel summer program including
TJJ (The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey).
OPTIONAL INTERNSHIPS
WITH PRO-ISRAEL
ORGANIZATIONS
OPTIONAL INTERNSHIPS
WITH PRO-ISRAEL
ORGANIZATIONS
EARN 3 TRANSFERABLE
COLLEGE CREDITS
EARN 3 TRANSFERABLE
COLLEGE CREDITS
Tuesday Monday nights, nights, 7:15-8:45 7:15-8:45 pm pm
Classes begin November 75
“As Diaspora Jews and and People of
the of the Book, Book, we we have have the the
responsibility to gain knowledge
and speak about Israel from a
place a of of knowledge. Taking this
course this course provides provides us with us with
the
history the history of the of State the State of Israel of Israel
and
motivates and motivates us to us speak to speak about about
current events in in Israel only
after knowing the the facts. I I hope hope
and wish that many other other adults
and teens in in our community
Cost: $350
Cost: $250
take *Scholarships available
advantage of of this this course.”
*Scholarships available
- Galia
Galia M.
M.
Apply today at at tinyurl.com/IsraelScholars2017
tinyurl.com/israelscholars
JSU is funded JSU is funded in part in by part the by Jewish the Jewish Federation Federation of St. of Louis, St. Louis, The The Kranzberg Foundation, Lubin-Green Foundation Staenberg Foundation, The
Martin Silk The Foundation, Martin Silk and Foundation, NCSY, along and NCSY, with generous along with donors generous like donors you. JSU like is you. a program JSU is a program of NCSY of which NCSY is which an agency is an agency
of the Orthodox
of the Union, Orthodox a nonprofit Union, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 501(c)(3) organization (EIN/tax ID (EIN/tax number: ID number: 13-5623717 13-5623717
For more information, contact Rabbi Mike Rovinsky at at 314-498-6279 314.498.6279 or email danforthisrael@gmail.com
11

Senator John
Danforth Israel
Scholars Program
Galia and Milton Movitz
ISRAEL
A JSU program in partnership with the Center for Jewish Learning of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, NCSY and Jerusalem U
Learn about Israel from a historical and modern perspective
Learn about the Israel-Palestinian conflict
Analyze and understand media bias
Develop Israel advocacy skills
Learn to answer difficult questions about Israel
EARN 3 TRANSFERABLE
COLLEGE CREDITS
Grades 9-12
United Hebrew Congregation
13788 Conway Road
St. Louis, MO 63141
Thursdays 7:00-8:30pm
Classes Begin November 14th
Pizza and refreshments will be served.
Upon completion of the program, students will receive $350
towards any JSU affiliated Israel summer program
including The Anne Samson Jerusalem Journey (TJJ)
Apply today at tinyurl.com/IsraelScholars
For more information,
contact Rabbi Mike Rovinsky at 314-498-6279
or email at danforthisrael@gmail.com
GALIA AND MILT MOVITZ
SENATOR JOHN DANFORTH
OPTIONAL INTERSHIPS
WITH PRO-ISRAEL ORGANIZATIONS
JSU is funded in part by the Jewish
Federation of St. Louis, The Kranzberg
Foundation, Lubin-Green Foundation
Staenberg Foundation, The Martin Silk
Foundation, and NCSY, along with generous
donors like you. JSU is a program of
NCSY which is an agency of the Orthodox
Union, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization
(EIN/tax ID number: 13-5623717
12

Galia & Milton z”l Movitz Senator
John Danforth Israel Scholars Program
Although just 1/8th of 1% of the
Middle East and smaller than the
State of New Jersey, the country
of Israel receives 75 times more
news coverage than any other
area of equal population and 10
times more than other nations in
armed conflict. Israel has been
and remains at the cutting edge
of medical and technological
advancements that are
enhancing and saving the lives
of millions of people around the world on a daily basis, yet it is embroiled in ongoing
political and military battles for its very survival.
In this course, you will be introduced to the history of Israel beginning with the ancient
and medieval eras. We will then focus on the development of modern political Zionism
in nineteenth century Europe, going into discussion of the historical background
leading to the establishment of the state of Israel and the history of Israel until present,
culminating with the relationship between Israel and the Arab world. Students will
identify and explore the circumstances leading to the development of modern and
political Zionism. We will delve into the historical events in Europe that led to the Zionist
ideological foundation of the state of Israel, Herzl’s vision of the State for the Jews,
the early immigration prior to the establishment of the state of Israel, their contribution
to the establishment of the Yishuv (the Jewish settlement) and their political agenda
under the British Mandate.
The second part of the course explores the history of Israel from its establishment in
1948 to the present day. It highlights the centrality of immigration in determining the
characteristics of the society and the emergence of ethnicity and religiosity and its
influence on the socio-cultural, economic and political center-periphery structure of
the society. The third part deals with the relationship of the State of Israel to the Arab
world and, in particular, to its neighboring countries, including the many attempts for
peace between Israel and her Arab neighbors and why some succeeded and others
failed. The fourth and final part of the course will focus on the historical relationship
between Israel and the United States based on the shared visions and shared values
of both countries, the contributions of Israel to the world in the arena of medical and
technological advancements, the BDS movement (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions)
and the rise in anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment on the university campus and
around the world.
13

Galia & Milton z”l Movitz Senator
John Danforth Israel Scholars Program - cont’d
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES/GOALS:
Upon successful completion of this course, student should be able to:
• Identify the historical origins of Jewish Peoplehood and define the concept of
Jewish identity.
• Be familiar with the history of ancient Israel and the various conquests over the
past 3600 years of what is presently the Land of Israel.
• Identify and articulate the religious connections of Jews, Christians and Muslims
to Israel.
• Understand the concept of a “narrative” and be able to articulate Israeli and
Palestinian narratives.
• Explain the concept and use of Revisionist History
• Explain the concept of Zionism and identify key dates and the founders of modern
Zionism.
• Identify and explain key historical events and documents leading up to the establishment
of the State of Israel, including: Dreyfus Affair, First Zionist Congress,
WWI, Balfour Declaration, British Mandate, Evian Conference, WWII, White
Paper, Arab Revolt Against British, Peel Commission, End of Mandates, Partition
Plan and Israel’s Declaration of Independence.
• Explain the causes for the Arab and Jewish Refugee crises following the War of
independence and what was or wasn’t done for each refugee group.
• Identify the causes and the results for all parties to all of Israel’s Wars (Independence,
1956, 1967, War of Attrition, Yom Kippur, 1st Lebanon War, 2nd Lebanon
War, etc.)
• Explain the birth and development of the PLO, Hamas and Hezbollah and their
role in the Arab-Israeli conflict.
• Identify the historical background of Palestinian national identity.
• Define the source of the term “Palestinian” and how it was/is applied.
• Explain the evolution of the peace process between Israel and Her Arab
neighbors including the complexities of peace in the region, the key dates and
parties involved in the peace process, and the ability to identify key issues under
negotiations and articulate each sides position and reasons.
• Know facts and figures of the Oslo Peace Accords including identifying the
commitments made by both parties at Oslo and each party’s compliance with its
commitments.
• Identify other peace attempts including Madrid Peace Conference, Israel-Jordan
Peace Treaty, Camp David II, etc. and their results.
• Articulate the history of Israel’s connection to Gaza, the withdrawal from Gaza
and aftermath.
• Identify and articulate the historical relationship between Israel and the United
States, including shared vision and values.
• Identify and articulate Israel’s history of being at the forefront of providing disaster
assistance around the world.
• Be familiar with Israel’s medical, technological, and agricultural contributions to
the world.
14

Galia & Milton z”l Movitz Senator
John Danforth Israel Scholars Program - cont’d
• Define and articulate the goals of the BDS Movement (Boycott, Divestment and
Sanctions) and the potential impact on both the Israeli and Palestinian societies.
• Understand the concept of media bias and how it impacts our perception and
understanding of all news events.
• Define the historical concept of apartheid and effectively articulate whether the
State of Israel would qualify as an apartheid state.
• Identify the historical rise in anti-Israel and anti-Semitic activity on university
campuses and identify the difference between “legitimate criticism” versus
“anti-Semitism” by demonstrating effective use of Natan Sharansky’s 3D’s
framework for determining when anti-Israel activity crosses the line into anti-
Semitism.
CLASS SCHEDULE OF TOPICS
Unit #1:
Origins of the Jewish Nation: Historical origins of Jewish Peoplehood and
Jewish Identity
Unit #2:
History of the Land of Israel: From Biblical Abraham through 18th century
(Persian, Syrian Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Christian Crusades, Muslim
counter Crusades, Mameluke and Ottoman Empires).
Unit #3: The Birth of Zionism: (1896-1922)
Unit #4: Conflict of Creation: (1920-1948)
Unit #5: Israel: The Early Years: (1948-1967)
Unit #6: Israel: (1967-1993)
Unit #7
The Peace Process: (Part 1 - Understanding the parties, the issues and the
narratives.)
Unit #8:
The Peace Process: (Part 2 - Settlements, Refugees and Security)
15

Galia & Milton z”l Movitz Senator
John Danforth Israel Scholars Program - cont’d
Unit #9:
The Peace Process: (Part 3 - The Oslo Accords, other peace attempts and
the Intifada)
Unit #10:
The Gaza Disengagement:
Unit #11:
Shared Vision Shared Values & U.S. & Israel Political Systems: (Understanding
the historical relationship between United States and Israel
based on mutual values and vision, as well as exploring the history of the
development of the U.S. and Israeli political systems: similarities and differences,
practical advantages and disadvantages for effective governance.)
Unit #12:
Media Bias: (Media interpretation of Israeli and Arab history and current
events
Unit #13:
Israel Gives Back: (Israel’s contributions to the world via technology,
medicine, humanitarian efforts and more.)
Unit #14:
Israeli Innovations: (The role and impact of Israeli innovations to our daily
lives and the history and impact of BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions)
on Israelis and Palestinians)
Unit #15:
Crossing the Line: (The history of anti-Israel campus activity, the 3D’s,
A.R.M., and legitimate criticism vs. anti-Semitism)
16

ALICE & ARTHUR STERN
A NEW PROGRAM
FROM JSU OF ST. LOUIS
at the JCC Staenberg Campus
Learn about Israel from a historical
and modern perspective
Learn about the Israel-Palestinian conflict
Analyze and understand media bias
Classes Develop meet Israel Thursday advocacy evenings
skills Pizza and
November Learn to 2 answer -December 8 th - January
1. THE JEWISH difficult 14 , 24 2017
th
HISTORY questions TIMELINE about Refreshments Israel
at the Jewish JCC Staenberg Federation Campus Building
will be served!
This class will give a general
overview of the Jewish history
timeline spanning over 3500 years.
It is meant as a starting point for
further discussion and exploration
2. THE JEWISH CALENDAR AND
OPTIONAL INTERNSHIPS
WITH PRO-ISRAEL
ORGANIZATIONS
EARN 3 TRANSFERABLE
COLLEGE CREDITS
Classes meet Thursday evenings
November 2 -December 14 , 2017
GALIA AND MILTON MOVITZ
SENATOR JOHN DANFORTH
ISRAEL
JEWISH
will be served!
JCC 2 Millstone Campus
FELLOWSHIP
St. Louis, MO 63146
First Semester - Course Topics
A NEW PROGRAM FROM JSU OF ST. LOUIS
4. JUDAISM AND THE ORIGINS OF
CHRISTIANITY / JUDAISM AND ISLAM
Although comparatively small in
numbers, Judaism is still considered by
the world to be a major religion. In this
class we will explain howthe other
monotheistic religions really have
Judaism at their foundations and the
Jewish view on how these religions
Pizza and Refreshments
will be served!
ADULT CLASSES
1. THE JEWISH HISTORY HISTORY TIMELINE TIMELINE 4. II JUDAISM AND THE 3. ORIGINS MIRACLE developed.
OF OF JEWISH HISTORY 5. ANTI-SEMITISM THROUGH
This class will give Thursdays, a general Understand 7:15-8:45 CHRISTIANITY the special days pm/ in JUDAISM the
Tuesday nights, 7:15-8:45 pm
This class will give a general overview of This class
AND ISLAM
will discuss the
NOV NOV
2
7
unlikely
CLASSIC JEWISH THOUGHT
overview of the Jewish history Jewish calendar, Although and comparatively learn about small 5. ANTI-SEMITISM in
THROUGH
Classes begin November 2
Classes
CLASSIC
begin November 7
timeline the Jewish spanning history over timeline 3500 how years. the spanning Jewish numbers, calendar over Judaism was is still perseverance considered JEWISH by THOUGHT of the Jewish people. Great Anti-semitism has been around
It 3500 is meant years. Upon as a completion It starting is meant point of as the developed. for a program, starting the Explore students point world the to will nature be a receive major of historians $350 religion. Anti-semitism In and this authors has been have around wondered for as how for as long as there has been a
“As Diaspora Jews and People of
further for further discussion towards discussion any and JSU-affiliated exploration and our exploration calendar Israel class summer being we of a will Lunar program explain and including howthe this phenomenon long other as there has is the even been a
Book, possible. Jewish nation.
we have the Jewish nation. Learn some ideas
of our rich TJJ past. (The Anne Samson Solar Jerusalem hybrid, monotheistic and Journey). contrast religions that really Learn have some ideas about why, and how to
our rich past.
responsibility to gain knowledge about why, and how to deal with
with the Gregorian Judaism and at their Muslim foundations deal and with the anti-semitism - from classical
4. JUDAISM AND THE and ORIGINS speak about OF Israel from a
2. THE JEWISH CALENDAR AND calendars. Jewish view on how these religions Torah sources.
anti-semitism - from classical
place of knowledge. Taking this
2. TIMELINE THE JEWISH II CALENDAR & TIMELINE developed. II CHRISTIANITY / JUDAISM AND ISLAM Torah sources.
course provides us with the
Understand the the special special days 3. days MIRACLE in the in the OF Jewish
JEWISH HISTORY Although 6. JEWISH comparatively LAW AND GOVERNOR
history small of in the numbers,
CHRIS
State of Israel and
Jewish calendar, and learn about This class 5. will ANTI-SEMITISM discuss the unlikely THROUGH CHRISTIE
calendar, and learn about how the Jewish Judaism
CLASSIC DURING HURRICANE
is still considered motivates by the us world to speak to be about 6. JEWISH LAW AND
how the Jewish calendar was perseverance JEWISH of the THOUGHT Jewish people. SANDY
calendar was developed. Explore the nature a major religion. In this current class events we will in explain Israel only
developed. Explore the nature Great of historians Anti-semitism and authors has have been around This for class will discuss a decision that
GOVERNMENT
after knowing the facts. I hope
our of our calendar calendar being being a Lunar a and wondered Lunar and how long Solar this as there phenomenon has been how is a Jewish the Governor other nation. monotheistic Chris Christie made religions during really This class will explore government
and wish that many other adults
Solar hybrid, hybrid, and and contrast contrast that that even with possible. the Learn Gregorian some ideas about have why, Judaism Hurricane and how at to Sandy, their and foundations and compare
teens in our and it with
community the policies Cost: $350 and decisions through the
with the Gregorian and Muslim deal with anti-semitism what the Torah approach to such a
and Muslim calendars.
Jewish
- from
view
classical
on how these take advantage religions developed.
of this course.” lens *Scholarships of Jewish available law.
calendars.
FIRST SEMESTER of our rich past. - COURSE TOPICS
First TEEN Semester CLASSES
- Course Topics
3. MIRACLE OF JEWISH HISTORY
This class will discuss the unlikely
perseverance of the Jewish people.
Great historians and authors have
situation would have been.
- Galia M.
Pizza and
Refreshments
To SANDY register, visit To register, tinyurl.com/JSFSCL
visit tinyurl.com/JSP2017
Apply today This class at will tinyurl.com/IsraelScholars2017
discuss a decision that
wondered how this phenomenon is
even possible.
Torah sources.
ALICE & ARTHUR STERN
A NEW PROGRAM FROM JSU OF ST. LOUIS
6. JEWISH LAW AND GOVERNOR CHRIS
CHRISTIE DURING HURRICANE
Governor Chris Christie made during
Hurricane Sandy, and IN compare COLLABORATION it with IN COLLABORATION WITH:
WITH:
what the Torah approach to such a
situation would have been.
Students who complete two semesters
will earn a $350 stipend to be used on a
JSU-affiliated Israel Summer Program.
JSU is funded part by the For more information, For Jewish contact more Federation information, of St. Louis, info@jsustl.org contact The Kranzberg or info@jsustl.org Foundation, call Rabbi Mike or Lubin-Green Foundation Staenberg Foundation, The
at call 314.498.6279 Rabbi Mike or 314 Rabbi 498 6279 Yitz or 314.712.5963.
Rabbi Yitz at (314) 712-5963.
Martin Silk Foundation, and NCSY, along with generous donors like you. JSU is a program of NCSY which is an agency of the Orthodox
To Union, register, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) visit organization tinyurl.com/JSP2017
(EIN/tax ID number: 13-5623717
IN COLLABORATION WITH:
For more information, contact Rabbi Mike Rovinsky at 314-498-6279 or email danforthisrael@gmail.com
Students who complete two semesters
will earn a $350 stipend to be used on a
JSU-affiliated Israel Summer Program.
For more information, contact info@jsustl.org or call Rabbi Mike at 314 498 6279 or Rabbi Yitz at (314) 712-5963.
17

The Anne and Andrew Rauchman
Holocaust Studies Course
JSU is pleased to announce
the launch of our 3rd college
accredited course for high school
students: The Anne and Andrew
Rauchman Holocaust Studies
Course. Observing the increase of
antisemitism, holocaust denial, and
overall lack of knowledge about
the Holocaust amongst people in
general and today’s teenagers in
particular, JSU began the process
of developing a unique type of
Holocaust course that would
focus not only on the important
history, but on the relevancy of the
Holocaust on our teen’s lives today.
The course is being named in
memory of the parents of Dr.
Michael and Dr. Arian May
Rauchman. “I am grateful to Rabbi
Rovinsky and JSU for giving me the
opportunity to honor my parents by
endowing this important program
in their memory”, said Rauchman.
Michael’s mother, Anne Rauchman,
was born in Czernowitz, in the
Bukovina region of Romania to
Regina and Ulrich Preshel. At the age of 12, Anne along with her parents were transported
to a concentration camp in Transnistria. After the Germans were defeated, Anne and her
family returned to Czernowtiz, which was occupied by the Soviets. They were smuggled
outside the Soviet zone and made their way to Paris, and in 1948 immigrated to Montreal,
Canada.
18

Michael’s father, Andrew Rauchman, was born in Zdana, Czechoslovakia to Moritz and
Katarina. At the age of 18 he was taken to a Hungarian forced labor camp along with his
elder brother, while his father, mother and younger sister were transported to Auschwitz.
His father and siblings did not survive. He left Czechoslovakia on a Guatemalan visa to join
his mother in Vienna. In 1950 he immigrated to Montreal, Canada. At that time, Montreal
was home to the second largest community of Holocaust survivors outside of Israel.
Anna and Andrew met in Montreal and married in 1953. Michael recalls growing up hearing
the stories of his parents and their friends who survived the Shoah. More than 70 years
later Holocaust studies is an academic discipline and there is a push to make this discipline
“relevant” by generalizing its lessons about genocide and man’s inhumanity to man. “As
children of survivors, Ariane and I see it as our obligation to pass on the personal stories of
survivors to the next generation of Jews. Our hope is that through this program, the current
generation of high school students will see the Shoah as not just one of many tragic events
in world history, but a particular story of the Jewish people, part their own story.”
The course content is being developed by noted educator Rabbi Yitz Staum, in collaboration
with JRoots, US Holocaust Museum and the Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, and with
guidance from Dana Humphrey, Dan Reich, Warren Rosenblum, Rabbi Tzvi Sperber and
Rabbi Berel Wein among others.
JRoots is one of the primary Holocaust education organizations with whom we have been
closely working. They have developed curricula specifically for teens and young adults
complete with live (via zoom) tours of the places about which the students will learn.
Another beneficial aspect of collaborating with JRoots is that we can tap any of their expert
educators to teach different parts of the course.
Goals of the Course
• To provide accessible, engaging, inspiring and meaningful Holocaust education to
public schools through JSU.
• To provide the students with an approach to the Holocaust through a uniquly
Jewish lens.
• To familiarize students with basic events and facts about the Holocaust.
• To humanize the story of the Holocaust in the eyes of students.
• To encourage students to pursue their engagement with Holocaust education, in
school or beyond.
General Notes
This course is designed to be modular and can be restructured and or tweaked to meet the
different needs of the JSU students or the student body makeup of other organizations with
whom we either teach the course or share the curriculum including number of classes in the
semester, age of the students, religious identification of the students, etc.
19

Tentative Class Topics
UNIT 1: JEWISH LIFE IN POLAND-SETTING THE STAGE
The course will commence by “touring” the path from our ancestor’s arrival to
Eastern Europe, through the Golden Age of the 16th-century, meeting some of the
giant personalities along the way. The road continues all the way through to the
development of Chassidut and Zionism. This “visit” will allow us to peer into the
Jewish life that developed in shtetls and cities as Poland became the largest Jewish
community in Europe on the eve of the Second World War.
UNIT 2: EUROPE ON THE BRINK OF WAR
Through the eyes of children during the 1930s students will explore how life in
Germany, and eventually in the whole of Europe, changed as the Nazis rose to power
and as the Second World War broke out. This unit will set the stage to understand the
development of the Holocaust and some of the key terms we will encounter. Optional
Extension Activity: Changing Through Pictures
An extension to this class will have the students encounter artwork created before
the war and revealing the stories that it tells. Students will create their own artwork
relating to a child’s testimony of life in Nazi Germany.
UNIT 3: UNDERSTANDING OF THE BASICS
Students will familiarize themselves with the Map of Europe, and develop an
understanding of who is fighting whom. They will also develop and understanding of
the lexicon of the Second World War and the Holocaust.
UNIT 4: GHETTO LIFE - LODZ – THREE GHETTOES
Students will explore the concept of ghettos across occupied Europe and dealing with
daily life. They will identify the major challenges of ghetto life as well as discovere
some of the ways in which Jews battled for freedom within the ghettos, as well as the
challenges and dilemmas of continuing ‘normal life’ in such horrendous surroundings.
We will cover topics such as: Defining and Understanding Resistance: A Daily
Challenge, Judenrate: Protectors or Accomplices - A comparative Study of 4 Jewish
Councils, The Role of the Zionist Youth Movements, Jews Helping Jews: Stories of
Heroism & Inner Strength.
An “on location” guided tour of Lodz, as an example, will tell the story of the life of a
Jewish community and the deportation to the ghetto. The tour will show sites of the
ghetto as well as the train station from which the Jews were eventually deported.
We will follow the journey of Jews from Lodz seeing the places they lived and
encountering individual stories of both tragedy and resilience.
20

UNIT 5: THE TURNING POINT
“Travelling” from the idyllic lakeside villa in Wannsee where the Final Solution was
discussed to the heart of Operation Reinhardt, students will learn the stories of
towns destroyed through Operation Barbarossa and the work of the Einsatzgruppen.
They will learn about Jedwabne and many other shtetls to ask the question “Willing
Executioners or Ordinary Men”? Students will then use court records and testimony
from perpetrators exploring some of the most challenging questions of how it was
humanly possible to attempt to murder an entire nation.
Students will visit the sites of extermination themselves to encounter the places which
changed the face of history. They will grapple with some of the toughest questions and
uncover hidden stories which are only just being discovered.
UNIT 6: THEIR SECRET PRIDE. TREBLINKA, BELZEC, SOBIBOR
Using survivor testimony, satellite images and computer reconstructions students will
learn the story of the development of the Final Solution, moving from the invasion of
Russia in 1941 to the establishment of death damps such as Treblinka.
UNIT 7: ALL ROADS LEAD TO AUSCHWITZ
This “on location” guided tour of Auschwitz will bring students inside one of the most
infamous symbols of the Holocaust. Our visit will help students understand Auschwitz
within the context of the Holocaust as well as bringing the voices of survivors to hear
first-hand accounts of life inside the camp.
UNIT 8: THE AUSCHWITZ ALBUM
Using photographs of life before the war together with photos from the Auschwitz
Album taken in 1944 students will gain a deeper understanding of Auschwitz and
some of the personal stories of the martyrs and survivors.
UNIT 9: SURVIVORS AND STUDENTS - STORIES AND LIFE LESSONS
In this unit, students will meet survivors from across the globe to hear about their
return to life and what it means to be a survivor. They will talk about their survival and
how they rebuilt after the war. Survivors will share the messages they have taken from
their ordeals and how they have incorporated them into their lives. Our journey into the
lives of survivors will address the tough questions they grapple with about hate, love,
revenge and their purpose in life.
Together with the survivors, students will hear from JSU staff and students who have
made the journey to Poland who will speak about its impact on them and how they
have taken messages and action points into their lives. We hope this will inspire
students to join us on the JSU TJJAP summer trip to Poland and Israel.
21

UNIT 10: FAITH DURING AND AFTER THE HOLOCAUST
The first part of this unit will explore how our Rabbis responded in real time to the
ethical, moral and religious questions posed to them during the Holocaust. Students
will explore the actual texts of the sermons, legal rulings and guidelines given for the
Sanctification of G-d’s Name.
The second part of this unit will focus on the Shoah’s aftermath. Students will explore
how many of our great leaders have grappled with the idea of how to rebuild the
Jewish Nation and its faith after such a tragedy. Students will be exposed to some of
the great philosophers who have written about this and also our leaders of today who
will add their voice to this topic.
UNIT 11: HOLOCAUST DENIAL
In a world of diminishing survivors who saw this first hand. How do we take up the
challenge of making sure that the world continues to learn the messages of the
Holocaust and the ramifications if we don’t heed this call? In this class students will
develop the knowledge and skill set to combat the denial of the Shoah.
UNIT 12: A HISTORICAL STUDY OF ANTI-SEMITISM
Students will explore the history of anti-Semitism from biblical to modern times.
They will develop an understanding of the varied types of anti-Semetism and anti-
Semitisms’ impact on Jewish life through the ages.
UNIT 13: THE PURPOSE OF LIFE, THE DESIGN OF HUMAN SUFFERING,
AND THE TRIUMPHANT ARC OF JEWISH HISTORY
Using classical Jewish sources, students will develop an understanding of the Jewish
approach to the meaning of life and the role of human suffering in the purpose of life. This
class is not meant to answer the question of “Why the Holocaust”? As that is beyond
human understanding and therefore unanswerable. However, it is meant to develop,
understanding and, yes, even an appreciation of how to process the experience of human
suffering on both an individual and communal level and how to move on from it.
UNIT 14: OK. NOW WHAT?
Students will explore how people, communities and artists have chosen to remember
the Holocaust. Students will discuss why the memory is important and how they can
make what they have studied relevant and memorable for themselves. Students will
create mini memorials based on their discussions.
In addition to the main units above there are many other topics available to expand the
breadth and depth of this course, including:
• Children’s writings from the Holocaust
• The Hidden Children
• Holocaust & The State of Israel
• Nuremberg Trials - Holocaust and Law
• Writings of Eli Weisel and Viktor Frankel
22

JSU’s Hy C. Miller & Meira Bresler Riemer
Scholarship Funds
Make Israel Summer Experiences
More Accessible
The Jewish Student Union of St. Louis is grateful for the opportunity to
have been chosen as the stewards for both the Hy C. Miller and the Meira
Bresler Riemer Israel Scholarship Funds. It is no coincidence that Mr. Miller
and Meira were cousins. Although they were separated by many decades in
age, both Hy and Meira had an unyielding love and passion for Judaism and
Israel. The Hy C. Miller Fund was established by his son and daughter in law
Yale and Gail Miller well known community leaders.
“With the assimilation and intermarriage rate being what it is today, the need
to reach and inspire the next generation of American Jews is greater than
ever”, explained Miller. “It is for this reason that Gail and I have focused our
financial support and community involvement primarily on the institutions
and organizations that educate and inspire the youth of our community and
abroad. A number of years ago, the Jewish Student Union’s activities caught
our attention. We have seen its tremendous success in reaching unaffiliated
and under engaged Jewish teens throughout the community and inspiring
them to take responsibility for their own Jewish identity and their connection
to Israel. JSU is a modern day extension of the goal and dreams of my father.
It is for this reason that we elected to memorialize him with the Hy C. Miller
Scholarship Fund furthering the mission of JSU”.
The Meira Bresler Riemer Israel Fund was established by her husband Danny
along with her parents Murray and Eva Gail Bresler last year. “Meira was a
dynamic and inspirational young leader who exuded love for Judaism and
Israel. Her magnetic personality and her love and acceptance of all Jews
made her the Pied Pipper of Jewish youth literally around the world”, said
Rabbi Mike Rovinsky Director of St. Louis JSU.
Both these funds will be used to enable teens to participate in any of
JSU’s Israel summer programs the mission of which are to provide unique
opportunities for teens to explore their own Jewish identity and develop a
sense of responsibility for that identity and for their relationship with Israel.
Both of which personified the personal missions of these two outstanding
Jewish leaders.
For more information on either of these funds or the Jewish Student Union
contact JSU Director, Rabbi Mike at rabbimike@jsustl.org or 314 498 6279.
23

The Hy C. Miller
Scholarship Fund
Hymen C. Miller, known to all as Hy, was a communal leader
and activist all of his adult life. He began his heartfelt work in
outreach during the late 1920’s in Detroit, Michigan. Always
a man with a vision, Hy, along with others, realized that the “old time”
shul, with the Yiddish speaking Rabbi and a congregation not in tune
with the American bred teens in their midst, was not able to cater to
the community’s youth. Consequently, he helped form youth groups and
related activities to begin to develop the next generation of loyal Jewry.
After he married Esther Waldman in 1932, Hy moved his outreach
efforts to Esther’s hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. He began youth
services in the back of any synagogue that would entertain the idea. Hy
persevered by utilizing his unbridled optimism and vision. He realized
that Jewish American teenagers needed caring, attention and activities
sculpted to their needs in order to develop an interest in their Judaism.
Above all, he knew that they needed to connect to Judaism in a new
way, an American way. He knew that if he and his friends could make a
significant contribution to inspire the next generation of Jewish youth,
then American Jewry would flourish for many more generations.
“With the assimilation and intermarriage rate being what it is today,
the need to reach and inspire the next generation of American Jews
is greater than ever”, explained Miller. “It is for this reason that Gail
and I have focused our financial support and community involvement
primarily on the institutions and organizations that educate and inspire
the youth of our community and abroad. A number of years ago, the
Jewish Student Union’s activities caught our attention. We have seen
its tremendous success in reaching unaffiliated and under-engaged
Jewish teens throughout the community and inspiring them to take
responsibility for their own Jewish identity and their connection to
Israel. JSU is a modern day extension of the goal and dreams of my
father. It is for this reason that we elected to memorialize him with the
Hy C. Miller Scholarship Fund furthering the mission of JSU”.
24

Meira Bresler Riemer
Scholarship Fund
Meira Bresler Riemer
was the type of person
you come across only
once or twice in a lifetime. Meira
possessed a rare character, courage
and compassion for others both
physically and spiritually. In her
short life of 28 years, Meira impacted
the lives of literally 1000’s of young
Jewish souls all across the globe.
Meira was larger than life and her passion and fire for Jewish Identity
and connection to the Land of Israel inspired everybody around her.
Beginning in elementary school, Meira showed tremendous leadership
skills. Over the years, those skills, combined with her love of her fellow
Jew and Israel enabled her be a leader among leaders and serve as a role
model to so many youth and teens in JSU, Camp HASC and NCSY.
There was no barrier or obstacle that was insurmountable to her if it
meant she would be able to inspire a disenfranchised or lost Jewish soul.
Whether it was leading buses of teenagers throughout Israel or running
summer camps for Jewish children in the Ukraine, Meira’s singular
mission in life was to reconnect Jewish youth to their heritage and G-d.
Meira, at the age of 26, as a young wife and new mother of beautiful
18 month Elianna was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare cancer.
Even during her battle with the cancer, Meira continued to inspire
those around her. Two years later in 2011, after becoming an Israeli
citizen, Meira returned her special soul to G-d. In order to keep the
fire and inspiration of Meira’s life mission alive, her family and friends
have created the Meira Bresler Riemer Scholarship Fund. All funds
raised will be used to enable Jewish youth to participate in programs
and trips that will strengthen their Jewish identity and connection to
our Homeland.
25

Marcy and Rick Cornfeld
Israel Engagement Fund
Deeply connected and
passionate about Israel,
Marcy and Rick, serve as
Co-Chairs of the AIPAC St. Louis
Council. As members of AIPAC’s
National Council they devote much
of their time travelling back and forth
to Washington D.C. meeting with
our elected officials on behalf of the
US-Israel relationship. In addition,
Marcy has been the chair of the United Hebrew Israel Committee (“Focus
Israel UH” ) since its inception over a decade ago, and has served on the
Jewish Federation Israel Allocations sub-committee. Together Marcy and
Rick served as the Lay-Chairs of Show Me Israel, the Federation’s first
community trip to Israel in almost 25 years. Marcy attributes her deep
love for Israel to having grown up as the daughter of Goldie Duhov and
Marlin Jackoway. “It’s in my DNA”, she says.
When not working to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship, Rick is
a lawyer with a solo practice bringing large class actions on behalf of
consumers who have been treated unfairly (including former season
ticket holders of the Rams; ask him about it).
In 2017, Marcy and Rick were the recipients of the JSU Israel Engagement
Award for all they have done and continue to do to strengthen the US
- Israel relationship. It was at that time they decided to establish the
Marcy and Rick Cornfeld Israel Engagement Endowment. Marcy and
Rick were inspired at all that JSU does to, not only inspire teens to take
pride in their Jewish identity and to engage Jewishly, but to learn about,
connect to and appreciate the centrality of Israel to the Jewish People.
The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to provide scholarships for JSUers
to attend conferences and programs sponsored by the American Israel
Public Affairs Committee or other Israel related programs.
26

In recognition and appreciation
of the establishment of the
Gesher Eliyahu Scholarship Fund.
This scholarship fund was
created by Susie and Stuart Rosenblum
in memory of their beloved father
and father-in-law Lawrence Kent
whose hebrew name was Eliyahu.
The fund will provide
an annual scholarship
in the amount of $5,000
to a qualified JSUer
wanting to spend a
GAP year in Israel deepening
their appreciation for Judaism
and Jewish texts.

Rabbi Mike
Founder, Executive Director
Rabbi Michael Rovinsky
Following a successful career in
formal education and a stint
as COO during the launch
of Kiosite, a startup HR software
company, Rabbi “Mike” was
approached, in 2002, by local lay
leaders to help out “for a few months”
with the local NCSY chapter until
they found a permanent replacement.
He agreed and more than a decade
later he is still going strong.
In 2003, he started JSU of St. Louis with a pilot club of 16 students
at Ladue High School. A combination of his passion for Judaism,
unconditional regard for all Jews regardless of affiliation and a great
deal of Divine Assistance, has enabled him to catapult JSU in St.
Louis to a dynamic organization of 15 clubs and the Senator John
Danforth Israel Scholars Program serving 800+ students. He has
a B.A. in Education from Adelphi University, MBA from Johns
Hopkins, Rabbinic Ordinations from Ner Israel Rabbinical College
and Kol Yaakov Torah Center, and a Masters in Education and is a
licensed therapist in mental health.
In addition, he is a Certified Mohel who travels the country
performing Brissim and serves as a consultant to mohels and doctors
around the country. His passions for Jewish education and Jewish
identity serve as his guide. He describes his wife Selina as “amazing”
and as “the one who makes everything possible!” They are the
proud parents of 4 children.
28

Sam Zitin
Associate Director
Sam Zitin
Hailing from Lower Merion
PA, Sam has experienced
the gamut of Jewish life.
After growing up fairly without
much Jewish engagement as a
teenager, Sam was thrown into
the active Jewish community at
Drexel University after joining
the Jewish Fraternity AEPi.
Sam later served as an Educational Leadership Consultant for AEPi
in both the West Coast and Northeast regions before becoming
AEPi’s Director of Information Technology. Sam and his wife
Jackie became involved with the Jewish community in Indianapolis
and began working with local youth as the Chapter advisor of
NCSY and City Director of JSU.
Sam has a deep passion for encouraging a love of Judaism and a
keen interest in the intersection of Science and Torah. Sam and
his lovely wife Jackie maintain an open home for St. Louis’ youth,
regularly hosting Shabbat dinners, Onegs and love simply providing
the youth the opportunity to come hang out and play Sam’s famous
board games and with their cute little girls, Devorah, Miriam and
Estie.
29

Rabbi Staum
Associate Director
of Development
Rabbi Yitz Staum
Rabbi Staum is fun
engaging and energetic.
His love for peopleregardless
of their backgroundis
infectious and undoubtedly is
a key to his relating to so many
different people.
Rabbi Staum has been involved
with youth and adult Jewish
education for as long as anyone can remember. Rabbinical
ordination, a degree in Talmudic Jurisprudence, Training from the
NY based Merkaz Teacher training program, and a Certificate in
advanced Rabbinics from Touro College and the National Council
of Young Israel, provide a glimpse into Rabbi Staum’s educational
background.
He and his wife Racheli are popular teachers in the St Louis,
Missouri area. Rabbi Staum gives classes for adults and children
in his Chesterfield community as well. Their summers are spent
in Camp Nageela in Fallsburg N.Y. where Rabbi Staum is Head
Counselor. His students, campers, and friends appreciate his
humor and charisma which make learning with him informative
and enjoyable. Rabbi Yitz and Racheli are the proud parents of 9
children.
30

JSU Partner Agencies
The following organizations work collaboratively and/or cooperatively with
JSU in developing and implementing various programs to strengthen the
Jewish identity of the teens of St. Louis. To explore ways your organization
and JSU can partner for a stronger Jewish tomorrow, please contact Rabbi
Mike at RabbiMike@jsustl.org.
31

JSU Youth Commission
Paul Gallant
Chairperson
Elaine Pick Farkas
Immediate Past Chairman
Harvey Iken
Chairman Emeritus
Commission Members
Jennifer Baer
Doug Berson
Eldad Bialecki
Lisa Binowitz
Jay Englander
Diane Fredman
Harvey Greenstein
Margie Hartman
Randi Mozenter
Zach Rosenblatt
Selina Rovinsky
Erin Schuver
Barbara Shamir
Jonathan Shanker
Janet Weinberg
Dan Winograd
32

Harvey,
Your leadership in the
Saint Louis Jewish community
is second to none.
By supporting JSU, you are
positively impacting future Jewish
generations, making you truly
worthy of this honor.
Thank you for all you do.
Mazel Tov!
v
Stan and Jean Margul

Thank you
Rabbi Rovinsky,
Rabbi Staum and Sam
for your dedication
to ensuring a bright future
for the Jewish people.
v
Susan and Richard Kofkoff

Thank you to
Mr Harvey Greenstein and
Mrs Esther Lyss-Greenstein (a”h)
for their incredible support for the
St. Louis Jewish community.
Thank you so much to
Rabbi Staum and Rabbi Rovinsky
for their amazing efforts for JSU,
which is a vital program for the
St. Louis Jewish community.
v
The Mankowitz Family

Harvey and Esther z”l
Congratulations
on this well-deserved honor!
You are outstanding role models for:
· Appreciation
· Cheerfulness
· Generosity
· Humility
· Kindness
· Optimism
· Respect
· Support
You are an inspiration to many and we
strive to follow your example.
v
With affection,
Amos and Barbara Shamir

Proud
to support
JSU
and the
2020 Honorees
Mazel Tov
Harvey and Esther (a”l) Lyss Greenstein
37

Mazel Tov
to
Harvey Greenstein and
Esther (a”h) Lyss-Greenstein
on this wonderful honor!
Thank you to
Rabbi Rovinsky, Sam Zitin,
and Rabbi Staum
for the terrific work that
you do with the
High School Students!
v
All the best,
Stan and Leila Biel

Mazal Tov
to
Harvey and
Esther (a”h) Lyss-Greenstein.
Thank you to our
dear friend Rabbi Yitzie Staum
for your fantastic work
with JSU and for all you do
for our community.
v
Drs. Craig and Jackie Reiss
and family
39

In honor of Harvey and
in memory of Esther.
A couple who
lights up the world
with their contagious
smiles and passion for
Torah and Judaism.
v
With Love
Diane and Paul Gallant

In honor of Harvey Greenstein
and in loving memory of
Esther Lyss-Greenstein
Our community would not
be the same had it not been for your
dedication and generosity.
Thank You!
In special recognition of
Rabbi Mike, Rabbi Yitz and Sam.
There are few people who are so
dedicated to insuring that the next
generation develops a deep love and
passion for Torah and their Jewish
heritage. May Hashem bless you and
your families for all you do to care for His
children with continued strength and
good health for many years to come.
v
Gloria Feldman

In honor of
Harvey Greenstein
and in loving memory of
Esther Lyss-Greenstein
very special and unique people
who never stop giving.
Thank you for all that you do
for the Jewish community.
42

Mazal Tov
to this year’s honorees
and Yasher Koach
to the JSU staff
for their ongoing and successful
efforts to inspire Jewish youth
during these trying times.
v
Mark and Tammy Friedman

To Mike
and your crew
for all you do
for JSU.
v
Micki Kingsley

Thank you
to all the JSU supporters.
Mazel tov to
Harvey Greenstein.
A special todah rabah
to the dinner chairs
for their dedication
and hard work.
v
Ariane May & Michael Rauchman

Mazal Tov
to the deserving honorees.
We thank you
for your contributions
to our community.
v
Danielle and Eldad Bialecki

In honor of
Harvey Greenstein
and in loving memory of
Esther Lyss-Greenstein.
Thank you for all that you
have done and continue
to do for the
St. Louis Jewish Community.
v
Diane Fredman

Congratulations
to this year’s honorees
for all they do for
JSU
and the community.
v
Anonymous

Mazel tov
to tonight’s honorees
and thank you to
JSU for touching
the hearts and minds
of our teens
and inspiring them
to lead Jewish lives.
v
Howard and Jackie Oppenheimer

Thanks to
JSU
for honoring the
Greenstein’s
wonderful contributions
to our community!
v
Marcy and Rick Cornfeld

In loving memory
of my parents
Yetra & Izzy Goldberg.
You paved the way
for excellence in Communal
Building and Leadership.
Thank you for helping to make
the St. Louis Jewish Community
what it is today.
v
Love,
Diane

Mazel Tov to
Harvey Greenstein
and in memory of
Esther Lyss-Greenstein.
Thank you for all you do
for Jewish Youth!
…………………..
With great appreciation to
Rabbi Michael Rovinsky
and JSU Staff and Advisors
for the important work you do for our
Jewish students.
v
Adinah And Heschel Raskas
Aviva An d M oshe Adler and Fa m i l y
Jonathan Raskas And Family

To our Funding Partners
of JSU of St. Louis.
We are grateful for your belief in
JSU’s mission and your ongoing support.
It is not an exaggeration to say that your
partnership enables JSU to continue
its mission in strengthening the Jewish
identity of the youth of our community as
well as their connection to Israel.
Jewish Federation of St. Louis
Kranzberg Family Foundation
Lubin-Green Foundation
Silk Foundation
Staenberg Family Foundation

With gratitude
to
Rabbi Mike,
Rabbi Staum,
Sam and the
JSU board
for their commitment
to Jewish teens.
v
Ariane May & Michael Rauchman

In honor of Ellen Hoffman
We are so blessed to
have you as part of our team.
Your dedication and passion
for all that JSU is and stands for
is an inspiration to us.
Although you may be
“behind the scenes”,
everything we accomplish
in the field is due to the support
you provide our team.
May Hashem bless you and your children
in return for all you do for His children.
Thank you for EVERYTHING!
v
The JSU Team

In special recognition
of my wife Selina.
You are the foundation stone
for all that is good
and beautiful in our lives.
Your dedication and devotion to
our family and Am Yisroel serves s a
role model and inspiration for us all!
Anything that JSU has become is,
in large part, due to your
mesiras nefesh on behalf
of Hashem’s children.
My greatest bracha in life is to
have you as my partner.
v
Love, Mike

Honoring JSU
and all present and
previous participants,
especially
Ethan and Noah Belau.
v
Richard Senturia
and Nathanne Gitt

In honor of
Rabbi Staum and
Rabbi Rovinsky
who work tirelessly
on behalf of
our teens.
v
Michael and Charisse Treisman

Congratulations
JSU
on Celebrating
Your
Chai Year!
v
Marc and Penny Alper

With sincere
appreciation to
Rabbi Mike and Selina Rovinsky
Rabbi Yitz and Racheli Staum
Sam and Jackie Zitin
for all they do to support
the JSU teens of St. Louis.
Thank you from
the bottom of our hearts.
v
The JSU Commission
2020-2021

Thank You
Harvey Greenstein
&
Esther (a “h) Greenstein
for your love and dedication to Jewish youth!
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In honor of our
wonderful cousin
“Smiling Harvey”
whose mere presence
illuminates any room
and all those present.
Mazal Tov!
v
Debby and Ethan Schuman

Much
appreciation
to
Rabbi Rovinsky,
Rabbi Staum,
and Sam Zitin
for your
tireless work!!
v
Rich and Maurie Axelbaum

With much appreciation to our
Honorary Gala Chairs.
Each of you play a special role in the
amazing “fabric” that makes up the
St. Louis Jewish Community
and we are honored to
have you as part of the JSU Family.
Thank you for all you do for JSU
and the broader Jewish Community.
HONORARY CHAIRS
Penny & Marc Alper
Ed Balk
Gloria Feldman
Diane & Paul Gallant
Dorit Daphna Iken & Harvey Iken
Leslie & Michael Litwack
Galia Movitz
Carol & Michael Staenberg

To an organization
that helps change
the world.
Continue
the energy required
to keep it going.
v
With Respect,
Diane and Paul Gallant

ט לזמ
&
Congratulations
to
Harvey Greenstein and his beloved
Esther (OB”M)
For this Well-Deserved Honor
Who both have been an Influence and
Inspiration as Positive Role Models
to us All
Harvey Iken & Dorit Daphna-Iken
and Family

Thank you
JSU
for enhancing
Jewish life
in Saint Louis.
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Jonathan & Naomi Shanker

In memory of
Milton Movitz
who loved JSU
and believed that
our children are the future
of the Jewish People
and therefore,
we must do everything
in our power to
inspire them Jewishly.
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Love,
Galia and Family

Mazel Tov
to Harvey on this
well-deserved honor.
Thank you to
Harvey and Esther
(of blessed memory)
for a lifetime of service
to our Jewish Community.
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Susan and Alan Witte

It is an
honor to
partner with
JSU
in
Building a Brighter
Jewish
Tomorrow!

Congratulations,
Rabbi Mike and JSU staff,
for another year of providing our
Jewish teens the opportunity to
learn the joys of Judaism and
the importance of Israel.
The choice of honoring
Esther and Harvey is most deserving.
Their involvement and commitment,
particularly to Jewish education, and
all things Jewish, has been admired
and inspiring for us all.
We are happy to support this
important and successful organization.
v
Leslie and Michael Litwack

In honor of
Michael Rovinsky
for his tireless effort
in showing Jewish youth
the beauty
of their heritage.
v
Channie & Jonathan Spetner

Rabbi Rovinsky and Selena
Rabbi Staum and Racheli
Sam and Jackie Zitin,
Thank you for all you do for the
community and JSU.
We are all strengthened
by your efforts.
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Elaine and Eric Farkas

Honoring Harvey Greenstein,
Esther (a”h) Lyss-Greenstein,
all the Gala Chairs and
Committee Members
who worked to make
this event possible and thanks
to Rabbi Mike and Rabbi Yitz
for their unfading dedication
to our Jewish youth.
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Greg Storch and Lisa Ring

Rabbi Staum
is a beacon of light,
not only to his JSU students
and families,
but to our Chesterfield
TICK community.
He inspires us all
with his love of
Torah and Mitzvos
and his
exemplary Middos!
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Yehuda and Faigie Bienstock

To Harvey and Esther z”l:
Mazel Tov
on this well-deserved award.
You are mensches
above all mensches!
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Eddie Balk

Thank you to the
JSU staff for all the hard work and
dedication you bring to the
St. Louis Jewish Community.
Rabbi Staum,
I continue to be impressed with
your unyielding effort to foster a love
of Torah and Judaism to others.
Mazal Tov to all the honorees.
I look forward to many more years of
success for this organization.
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Sheara Fredman

In honor of
Michael and Selina
Rabbi Mike’s role
in the development of JSU,
as it has grown into the program of today,
is a testament to his perseverance and
visionary abilities.
With Love, Mom and Dad
Yasher Koach to the honorees
who through their support ensure
the success of JSU.
Shirley and Erven Rovinsky

Mazel Tov
to the Jewish Student Union
for reaching our children and helping
them grow in Yiddishkeit.
Mazel Tov also to
Harvey Greenstein
and Esther (a”h) Lyss-Greenstein
for their many contributions to the
St. Louis Jewish Community.
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Yale & Gail Miller

JFedSTL.org
On behalf of the
Officers and Boards of the
Jewish Federation of St. Louis,
we congratulate
on its service to the Jewish community.
We join with you in honoring
Harvey Greenstein and
Esther Lyss-Greenstein, z”l
We look forward to continuing to
work with JSU to strengthen the
Jewish community for years to come.

With thanks
and love for all
Esther (a”h) and Harvey
have done
through the years.
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Judith and Ted Isaacs

Congratulations to
Harvey Greenstein and in loving
memory of
Esther Lyss-Greenstein a”h.
Thank you to you and to all of JSU’s
partners for investing so much in our
precious teens.
What a privilege it is for us
to be part of such a
special team spearheaded by
Rabbi and Mrs. Rovinsky,
and that has us working alongside the
Zitin’s, Ellen Hoffman,
and of course Momma Judy!
Thank you to our youth
commission for guiding us!
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Rabbi Yitz and Racheli Staum
and Family

In loving memory of
Milton Movitz z”l
Paul Mendelson z”l
& Bill Solomon z”l
Your effect on JSU
will be felt for many
years to come and
although we terribly miss your
warmth, guidance and friendship,
we take comfort in knowing you
are still impacting JSU from your
Heavenly abode.
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With much love,
Your JSU Family

To everyone
who makes
JSU
a success…
Congratulations!
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Barbara & Mark Drazen

Mazal Tov
Harvey with gratitude
for all that you and
Esther have done
for the
Jewish people.
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Randi Mozenter
and Larry Friedman

Mazel Tov to JSU!
Despite a pandemic,
you find your way
to inspire and connect
Jewish teens!
Mazel Tov
and much
continued success.
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Dan & Melanie Winograd

In loving memory of our dear
Meira Bresler Riemer, A”H ,
whose passion to inspire our Jewish
youth knew no bounds.
Thank you to JSU
and programs like TJJ for
providing so many of our teens
the opportunity to be inspired.
Mazal Tov to Harvey Greenstein
and Esther (a”h) Lyss-Greenstein on
this well deserved honor.
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Murray and Eva Gail Bresler
and Family

Mazel Tov
to all the honorees!

Harvey, what a well
deserved honor for you & Esther (z”l).
Your commitment to all Jewish life,
including JSU and B’nai Amoona,
sets a high standard for all
to attempt to emulate.
Your smile warms our hearts.
We’re proud to call you our friend.
Mazel Tov!
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Lenny & Julie Frankel

Mazel Tov to the Honorees
Harvey and Esther Lyss-Greenstein
Our wish would be to clone
Rabbi Rovinsky, Rabbi Staum and
Sam Zitin and send this dream team
all over the world inspiring
Jewish youth with love
for their precious heritage,
Torah and Israel!
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With love and gratitude,
Rhonnie and Stanley Goldfader

Mazel Tov to our Honorees
Harvey and
Esther Lyss (a”h) -Greenstein
----------------------------------
In memory of
SIDNEY BRESLER z”l
&
MEIRA BRESLER RIEMER z”l
Whose passion for Judaism & Israel
inspired so many.
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Rita Bresler

Custom and
Handmade Judaica
• Custom yads
• Kiddush cups
• Tzedakkah boxes
• pens
• bottle stoppers
• and more
Contact Sammyz@gmail.com
for info or custom orders.

We salute the dedicated
spouses of our staff
Selina, Racheli & Jackie
You are our
Unsung Heroes for
providing our staff with the
resources to advance this
important work.
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JSU Youth Commission

To Rabbi Yitz and Sam,
It is an honor
and inspiration to work
with you each and every day
to inspire the next
generation of Jewish leaders.
May Hashem
bless your children as
you tireless work so hard to
care for His children.
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Mike

Harvey and Esther (a”h)
thank you for
all you do for
our community
and for lighting
the way for
future generations.
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Love, Jennifer, Matt, David,
Alyssa and Mitchell Smith

In Honor of
Rabbi Rovinsky
for the
important work
you do on
behalf of
Jewish Youth!
Thank You!
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Jill & David Mogil

Mazal Tov.
You are doing
Kiddush HaShem.
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Mimi and Leslie Sabol

In loving memory
of
Meira Bresler Riemer.
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Brenda Jappa

Mazel Tov to JSU on its 18th Anniversary!
Congratulations to our
very special and deserving honorees
Harvey & Esther
Lyss (of blessed memory) Greenstein.
Your leadership and support
of JSU is most appreciated.
Deepest Thanks to our wonderful staff/teachers:
Rabbi Michael Rovinsky,
Rabbi Yitz Staum and Sam Zitin
for your continued efforts in reaching
out to and inspiring our teens!
Warmest Wishes for
another wonderful year to one and all.
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Janet Weinberg

Harvey and Esther z”l,
Mazel Tov
on this wonderful
award and thank you
so much for all the
good you have done
for the
St. Louis Jewish
community!
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Lynnsie Balk Kantor

Mazel Tov
to the honorees
Harvey and Esther (a”h)
Lyss-Greenstein for many,
many years of service
and commitment to
the St. Louis
Jewish Community!
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Dr. Phil and Bonnie Levens

Thanks for the
opportunity to honor
our cousins
Esther and Harvey.
Their acts of chesed are
numerous and enduring.
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Nick Riggio &
Lauren Buchsbaum

Mazel tov to the honorees
Harvey Greenstein and
Esther (a”h) Lyss-Greenstein!
Yoshar Koach to Rabbi Mike
and Sam for their outreach to and
success with St. Louis Jewish
high school students.
Jackie and Alan Gerson
In honor of Harvey Greenstein
and in loving memory of
Esther Lyss-Greenstein
Lynn and Carl Lyss and Family

MAZEL TOV, HARVEY.
And MAZEL TOV TO JSU
on another year
of great programming.
Bonnie & Garry Vickar
Yasher koach
to one of our favorite people,
Rabbi Staum,
for all the hard work
he does for our community!
With much gratitude,
Steve & Batya Wertman

The Eidelman family
loves and appreciates
Harvey and Esther!
David and Rachel Eidelmann
Young Israel of St Louis is proud to wish Mazal Tov to the
Honorees of this year’s JSU Annual Gala.
Harvey Greenstein &
Esther (a”h) Lyss Greenstein
Thank you for your dedication to JSU and it’s mission
to engage and educate our Jewish youth, thereby helping
to create a brighter Jewish future for all of them.
Moshe Shulman, Rabbi
Jonty Felsher, President

Harvey,
We love you!
From your cousins,
Aaron, Susie and Carey Fredman
Mazel Tov to our good friends,
Harvey and Esther (a”h) Greenstein,
on this meaningful and well
deserved honor by JSU!
You are an inspiration to the
entire Jewish Community!
Love,
Larry and Barbara Poger

Mazel Tov & congratulations
on receiving this well deserved award!
Harvey Greenstein
&
Esther Lyss-Greenstein (obm)
We are thrilled to be here
tonight to honor you both!
Carla & Leonard Weintraub
Mazel Tov to JSU
for another great year,
we can’t wait to see
what the next year holds!
We know it will be
nothing short of great!
Aaron and Julia Gould

Mazel Tov to the honorees!
Mazel Tov to the honorees!
Rabbi Dovid Rabbi Avroham Rabbi Shmuel
Fromowitz Goldman Wasser
bbi Dovid
romowitz
Rabbi Avroham
Goldman
Rabbi Shmu
Wasser
In recognition of
Harvey Greenstein
and Esther Lyss-Greenstein
for all they have done to strengthen
Jewish Education in our community
in general and JSU in particular.
Rabbi Moshe and Baila Shulman

Congratulations to Harvey and Esther (a”h) Greenstein
for their outstanding dedication to the education of
Jewish youth and the Jewish community.
It is most fitting that they are honored
and remembered at the 18th Gala.
Mazel Tov.
Art and Lisa Weiss
Mazel tov to Harvey and Esther (a”h)
on this well deserved honor.
Recognizing a life long commitment
to our Jewish Community.
Hessie & Barry Needle
Mazel tov to Esther (a”h) Lyss-Greenstein
and Harvey Greenstein on being selected the
JSU honorees of 2020 (5781).
Thank you for all you do for young Jewish teens!
Love,
Debra and Joel Spigel
Congratulations Harvey Greenstein
and thank you for all the good deeds you do to
enrich our Jewish community.
Fran and Harvey Cantor

Mazel Tov Harvey and Esther (a”h)
on a well deserved honor!
Thank you for all that you do
for our Jewish community!
With Love,
Debbie and Jeff Dalin
With gratitude to
Esther (a”h) Lyss-Greenstein
and Harvey Greenstein
for their support of Jewish youth
and Jewish continuity.
Lorraine & Jordan Cherrick
Thank you Rabbi Rovinsky,
Rabbi Staum and Mr. Sam Zitin
for inspiring our teens!
Daniel and Marcela Morgensztern
Wishing continued success for JSU
as you reach your beneficial goals.
Metsuyan!
Joyce and Richard Becker

There are no better
role models for JSU to honor than
Harvey & Esther (a”h) Lyss-Greenstein.
Congratulations!
Sue Matlof
Mazel Tov!
Harvey and Esther(z”l),
You have done so much for the
Saint Louis Jewish Community with your
caring. wisdom, and huge hearts.
Love,
Enid Weisberg-Frank and Bruce Frank
To Rabbi Staum whose devotion and dedication
to his work have reaped outstanding results.
All our best wishes and hopes for continued
success with the teens Rabbi Staum has such
a wonderful influence on.
Dov and Tiona Bin Nun
Mazel tov to Rabbi Rovinsky!
Keep the fire burning!
Moshe Danzger

We are inspired by the dedicated care
and tireless efforts of Rabbi Yitz Staum
and the entire JSU staff.
Rabbi Shmuel and Mrs. Chanie Wasser and family
Mazal tov to
JSU and Rabbi Rovinsky.
Phyliis Hyken and Jerry Nuell
Thank you for being a
source of inspiration for our teens
and for our community!
Daniel and Marcela Morgensztern

In Honor of
Rabbi Staum, Alayna Higdon,
Hannah Thiede, and Leah Rodin
Moshe Chaim and Tzirel Biron
In honor of
Gloria Feldman
Devy and Jerry Goldenberg
Thank You for all your
Jewish communal service and
Mazal Tov!
Andy Koshner and Ruth Asher
Mazal Tov to the Honorary Chairs!
A special tribute to Penny and Marc Alper
and Carol and Michael Staenberg
for this special recognition.
Bette and Ron Abeles

Mazel tov
to the honorees for your
exemplary service to JSU.
Jonathan Gordon
So happy to honor
Harvey and Esther z”l.
The definition of a gita neshama.
Love,
Susie ( Alan z”l) Broddon
Dear Harvey,
I have always been proud to know you.
Even from our college days, I knew that you were
special; someone who knew how to get things done
and someone who cared about others.
Take care, and stay well.
Gordon and Terry Bloomberg
In honor of
Rabbi Yitz Staum.
Rabbi and Mrs. David Fromowitz

In honor of Rabbi Rovinsky
for the important work you do on
behalf of Jewish Youth!
Thank You!
Jill & David Mogil
Mazel Tov
to you for all you have done
for Jewish youth!
Gerald Axelbaum and Ellen Shapiro
In honor of our dear friends and role models,
Rabbi Mike and Selina Rovinsky.
Thanks for all you do for the St. Louis community
and K’lal Yisroel. We are honored to be a part of
your extended “soul family”.
Skip and Liz Rosen
Dr. Laura and Jacob Rosen
Congratulations
to two very special people,
Harvey and Esther.
Phyllis Goldberg

Mazel Tov!
Thanks for all you do
Harvey and Esther (a”h) and all you have
done in and for the Jewish community.
Vivian and Larry Waldman
Mazel Tov to the Honorary Chairs!
A special tribute to Penny and Marc Alper
and Carol and Michael Staenberg
for this special recognition!
Bette and Ron Abeles
Warmest regards to a most
wonderful person Harvey Greenstein.
We hope you will be blessed with good health,
long life and much joy from your family.
Don & Judy Makovsky

Marquette
Parkway North
Parkway West
Pattonville
Lafayette
Parkway Central
For more info,
visit www.jsustl.org
or call 314.696-0578
98