The founding members of MaTovu joke about how their conversion of a historic building into a Jewish gathering space meant one less potential location for a CrossFit gym. They have done much more than that in transforming the former south side Hebrew Congregation, which operated at 4200 Blaine Ave. from 1929 to 1944.
Since its founding in October 2018, MaTovu has provided a vibrant and inclusive community center with programming and events based on Jewish values. Its location in the heart of south St. Louis has also provided an important anchor for city residents such as Mia Salamone, who moved here from Chicago in 2016.
“It’s a really great place to meet people and connect with the Jewish community,” Salamone said. “It’s important to me to connect in a physical space, and it’s in my neighborhood. I can walk there, I can bike there, and I feel like it’s really rooted and connected to my life.”
MaTovu was created by a volunteer board, almost all of whom live in the city. They figured other Jewish city residents wanted a gathering space, too. They were right. The organization’s email list is 500 names and growing, alongside over 1,700 social media followers.