Ellen Futterman

Miami

Editor at St. Louis Jewish Light

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Articles

The photo in the jewelry box: What I didn’t know about Mom and Dad

1 week ago | stljewishlight.org | Ellen Futterman

I’ve been thinking a lot about my parents lately. Maybe it’s because this year marks milestone anniversaries of their deaths. Mom died five years ago this month, not long after the pandemic shut down pretty much everything. She died on what would’ve been her and Dad’s 67th wedding anniversary. Sept. 11th will mark 25 years since Dad died—on my husband’s birthday, and exactly one year before the other 9/11. I don’t know that you ever truly get over losing your parents.
Barbara Finch, 87, leads protest from home—reflecting spirit of Unsung Heroes - St. Louis Jewish Light

1 week ago | stljewishlight.org | Ellen Futterman

Categories: Published June 16, 2025 As part of the more than 2,000 “No Kings” protests held across the country on Saturday, June 14, about 65 demonstrators gathered outside the Bethesda Barclay House, an independent living residence in downtown Clayton, to protest President Donald Trump and what critics view as his authoritarian leanings and threats to democracy—symbolized by his planned military parade.
Dinner, drama and working moms who spill the truth - St. Louis Jewish Light

2 weeks ago | stljewishlight.org | Ellen Futterman

In connection with the New Jewish Theatre’s production of “The Heidi Chronicles,” Nishmah (aka the J’s hub for all things wise and womanly) is hosting a pre-show dinner and panel on Thursday, June 12. The topic: an intergenerational dive into the wild ride of meshing careers and motherhood over the decades. So why am I telling you this? Because—somehow—they invited me to be on the panel.
Brothers Lazaroff to headline two benefit concerts for tornado relief

3 weeks ago | stljewishlight.org | Ellen Futterman

The Brothers Lazaroff are playing two special nights at Joe’s Café, 6014 Kingsbury Ave., to raise money for local tornado relief. The June 10 concert features Selector Blvck Spdve while the show on June 24 has DJ Boogieman selecting and mixing after the doors open at 6 p.m. (the music kicks off at 7).
Shirley Mosinger’s collection is a shoe-in

3 weeks ago | stljewishlight.org | Ellen Futterman

Like Carrie Bradshaw and Imelda Marcos, I have a not-so-secret weakness for shoes. My budget (and body) might not allow for Christian Louboutin or Jimmy Choo sky-high heels, but somehow my closet is still packed to the brim. Let’s just say I may not spend like a fashion icon — but I sure collect like one. So when I heard that 96-year-old Shirley Mosinger had a shoe collection that puts mine to shame — over 200 pairs! — I had to see it with my own eyes. And last Sunday, I did. Yes, it’s true.
Judy Gold won’t shut up—and that’s exactly why you’ll want a front-row seat - St. Louis Jewish Light

1 month ago | stljewishlight.org | Ellen Futterman

If you’re of a certain age and Jewish and aren’t familiar with Judy Gold, well, sorry, but that seems wrong. For more than 40 years, this 6-foot-2 comedy force of nature has been making audiences laugh — and occasionally squirm — with her no-holds-barred stand-up, which has landed her specials on HBO, Comedy Central and Netflix’s “Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration.” Gold doesn’t just do funny — she is funny, in a smart, fearless, opinionated-Jewish-mom kind of way. At 62, she’s still going strong.
No entourage: Solo Jeremy Piven brings stand-up comedy tour to Chesterfield

1 month ago | stljewishlight.org | Ellen Futterman

One of the first things Jeremy Piven will do when he steps onto the stage at the Factory in Chesterfield on June 8 is let the audience know he’s Jewish — just in case anyone was wondering. “You know how you can tell someone’s Jewish?” Piven deadpans during a recent chat. “They tell you.”He’s not wrong. Think about it. It’s practically a mitzvah.
Mirowitz head of school planning to step down

1 month ago | stljewishlight.org | Ellen Futterman

The Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School is bracing for a significant leadership transition. Head of School Raquel Scharf-Anderson has announced her resignation, effective June 2026 — though the change may come even sooner. “Leadership is rarely easy, especially during times of change, and this was not an easy decision,” she wrote in a letter addressed to the Mirowitz community. Scharf-Anderson, who has led the school since 2022, reflected on her time at the helm with gratitude.
Good cheer, open hearts inspire couple’s wedding despite St. Louis tornado

1 month ago | stljewishlight.org | Ellen Futterman

Friday’s tornadoes may have knocked out power a day and a half before their wedding May 18, but Lynnsie Balk Kantor and Doug Gilberg never considered rescheduling. The lights were out, the AC was gone, and the parking lot and neighboring streets looked like the trees had staged a protest and thrown themselves into traffic — but the couple were still getting married. Sure, saying “love was the only power they needed” sounds like the tagline of a Lifetime movie.
Retired teacher brings bridge, mahjong to life

1 month ago | stljewishlight.org | Ellen Futterman

Phyllis Siegel may not have coined the phrase “Once a teacher, always a teacher,” but she certainly embodies it. Twenty years into retirement after a 30-plus-year career teaching French and sixth grade in the Mehlville School District, the 74-year-old now spends her time teaching bridge and mahjong across the St. Louis area. “What can I say?” she says with a laugh. “I just love teaching. I love playing.