Colors: Blue Color

The Coalition for Jewish Values (CJV), representing over 2,000 traditional, Orthodox rabbis in American public policy, last week announced the launch of CJV Missouri, to pursue its mission of promoting traditional Jewish values with legislators, media, and the public at the state and local level. It is the first state chapter of the CJV and will be chaired by Rabbi Ze’ev Smason, who has served as Midwestern Regional Vice President of the organization since 2020, and who recently retired after decades leading Nusach Hari B’nai Zion Congregation in St. Louis.

There was a beautiful kol Torah and a feeling of friendship emanating from the room as women learned with their chavrusos this winter at Emet’s TorahConnect. Held on Wednesday evenings for ten weeks, the program returned to YCQ for the first time since its launch in the fall of 2019. Designed as a forum where Emet students of varying Jewish backgrounds are paired with members of the community to connect, share Torah thoughts, and elevate their learning, TorahConnect continued to inspire. “There are amazing women in our community who have the ability, knowledge, and ahavas Yisrael to share Torah, and they have made TorahConnect so enjoyable and impactful,” said Ms. Adina Fendel, Emet Women’s Director. “It was so inspiring to see women who lead busy personal and professional lives making time for Torah.”