Bat Mitzvah Girl: Rita Horwitz

Rita Horwitz shares memories of her adult Bat Mitzvah at age 66.
1930s – 1940s
My sisters and I began Hebrew School (Cheder) when we were quite young. However, I was not always so eager to go to Cheder. Classes began after public school except on Friday. Not many girls went to Hebrew School. During these years, girls [...]

South Broadway Neighborhood

I was born in 1939 in St. Louis and lived on Broadway and Soulard in the South Broadway neighborhood. My family owned a men’s and boy’s clothing store (Louis Clothiers). My family lived above the store. There were many Jewish families who were store owners and some lived above their stores. There was a synagogue [...]

My Journey of Faith

If you would have told the 16-year old boy being confirmed that he was going to become a major participant in his Temple one day, he would have said you were mistaken.
My exposure to Judaism growing up was a place I had to go on Sundays until I was confirmed.  I sat through the 2 [...]

Holocaust Survivor Guenter Goldsmith

A Passion with a Purpose
Holocaust survivor Guenter Goldsmith trades his career for a calling
He arrived from Germany by himself in August 1941. After landing in St. Louis, he lived with an uncle for six months. But when it was time for his mother’s brother to move to Arkansas for work, Guenter Goldsmith stayed behind. A [...]

First Jewish Temple in St. Louis

I am a member of the Old Cathedral which is located on the riverfront and I have heard this story numerous times and would presume it to be true.  In the early days of the city when the Jewish population was quite small the Bishop of the newly built Cathedral had provided the use of [...]

From St. Louis to the Milton Berle Orchestra

My great Uncle (Grandma’s brother) was something of a musical prodigy. His parents’ were poor–they lived down on Carr or Biddle street (I can’t remember.) My Great Grandma recognized my Uncle Al’s talent. She could barely speak English but she wanted better for her children. She worked as a seamstress to pay for music lessons.
He [...]