Sing to Connect: A Nigun Circle for Turbulent Times
Communal song can be a powerful tool for feeling connected and centered during turbulent times. Within Jewish tradition, song is central to spiritual and emotional expression, especially through nigunim (wordless melodies rooted in Ashkenazi Hasidic spiritual practice).
Join Nava Kantor at MaTovu for a deep dive into one beautiful nigun. We’ll learn it together, taking our time to let it really sink in, allowing us to connect deeply to the melody and to each other.
This program is open to all who seek connection through song. You don’t need to be Jewish or “a singer” to attend, and as there are no lyrics involved, no Hebrew knowledge is needed. This event is geared toward adults; kids who are able to participate in the song circle are welcome.
Schedule:
7:00-7:15pm -- Arriving
7:15-8:15pm(ish) -- Singing together
8:15pm -- Tea + connecting
Registration by filling out the form below is required..
MaTovu Family Celebration of Lag b'Omer
Come for the bonfire;
come for the musical Havdalah;
come to thank your teachers;
come to learn about Counting the Omer;
come to be outdoors with friends .
Everyone welcome, RSV[Ps helps us plan. Bring something for p
otluck, if you wish, and label your ingredients.
Join us at Hidden Alley Ranch Community Garden, between Magnolia and Botanical at 2366 Lawrence Street.
Torah on Tap with Rabbi Daniel Bogard
Join Rabbi Daniel Bogard and MaTovu at for our next Torah on Tap! Torah on Tap is a program where we dig into Torah over brews in community locations. This month, we’ll be at the regular MaTovu building. As always, first round of drinks is on us, but feel free to BYOB too if you’d like. Also, please sign up to bring a potluck item to share if you’d like.
Ecstatic Dance ft. DJ Makossa
What is Ecstatic Dance?
With dances held all over the world, Ecstatic Dance is a free-form movement gathering, with music by a live DJ. It’s open to all, and no dance experience is required!
Guidelines:
No shoes
No alcohol/drugs
No talking on the dance floor
Guided:
Intro movement workshop
Opening circle
DJ-led music journey
Wind down
Closing circle
Cost:
Sliding scale $10-$25
Schedule:
10:15am – Doors Open
10:30am – Movement workshop (optional)
11am – Opening Circle
11:11am – Ecstatic Dance
12:15pm – Closing Meditation
12:30pm – Good Day!
FAQ:
I’m interested, but I don’t have much experience dancing, and I’m afraid of looking/feeling uncomfortable.
This is SO normal, and we have these feelings too! Ecstatic dance is about freedom of expression and tapping into the ways our bodies already know how to move! There’s no ‘right” or ‘wrong’ ways to move, and this is a no-judgment zone. We will also offer some light ideas for movement, for anyone who may find that helpful.
What if I can’t participate for the entire time?
We love when folks stay present for the whole dance, but It’s totally ok to sit/rest/observe at anytime! We do hope you will try to arrive by 11am for the opening circle and depart after the closing circle, but we understand scheduling can be difficult!
What do I wear?
Something comfy that makes you feel good! We also recommend wearing layers, so that you can adjust as your body (and the room) heats up or cools down. Also, no shoes on the dance floor, so many people like to wear socks. For those who prefer barefoot, some like to use a fabric tape to prevent blisters. Some people like to bring ear plugs as well.
Do I need to bring a partner? Is this a partner dance?
No! Most people dance ED by themselves as personal self-expression. While some people occasionally engage with other dancers, this is not at all required or expected!
Do I need to be Jewish to participate?
No! MaTovu is an inclusive community space grounded in inclusive Jewish values, with programming geared toward everyone! EcstaticDance is non-denominational and open to anyone interested in dance and experience through movement!
Will COVID vaccinations be required?
We will not be checking vaccination status. However, we strongly encourage all attendees to be up-to-date on boosters and flu shots. Masks are also very welcome at this event!
MaTovu Shavuot: Earth-Based Judaism & Scribal Arts Workshop
Shavuot is Jewish holiday with multiple historical and spiritual meanings. Shavuot marks the end of the 49-day period of the Omer, a period of spiritual progression from slavery to revelation that starts during Passover. We celebrate both physical and spiritual sustenance as Jews: the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and the annual harvest. Shavuot traditions include staying up all night studying Torah and eating dairy-based foods. To celebrate Shavuot MaTovu style, we are thrilled that Rachel Binstock, a renowned teacher of Earth-based Judaism and Jewish Ancestral Skills, will be leading two workshops that connect the spiritual and physical aspects of the holiday! And we’ll nosh on yummy dairy treats throughout the night too.
Schedule
6:30-6:45pm - Welcome and Dinner
6:46-7:45pm - Workshop 1: Intro to Earth Based Judaism
7:45-8pm - Cheesecake Break!
8-9pm - Workshop 2: Scribal Arts Workshop
Sign up on a sliding scale from $0-$36 . Descriptions of the workshops below.
Workshop Descriptions
Intro to Earth Based Judaism
Have you ever wondered why Jewish time tracks the moon or why we are always lighting candles? Despite what the rabbis tell us, Judaism isn't really about torah and laws. There is so much hidden underneath the surface that they never taught you in Hebrew school. Come explore the grand design of Jewish time and practice and how it intimately reconnects us to the natural world's cycles and seasons. We will even get a chance to ask, how can Judaism seen through this lens, be a tool for us today reimagining our own personal rituals that keep us grounded and connected.
Scribal Arts Workshop + Intro to Hebrew Letters
The Hebrew letters are our mystical teachers; the building blocks of myth that can take us deep into the heart of meaning, if we only listen. Join us as we explore the ancient art of scribing the Hebrew letters using turkey feathers and oak gall ink. No prior knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet is required, just come and play!
This event is geared toward adults; kids who are able to participate in the learning and workshop are welcome.
More about Rachel Binstock (she/her)
Rachel Binstock is a curriculum and event designer working at the intersection of Jewish spirituality and earth connection. Drawing on a decade of experience running programs at Eden Village, Urban Adamah, Wilderness Torah, and Dayenu, Rachel co-founded Melacha U'Vracha a Jewish Ancestral Skills Gathering to grow earth-connected Jewish praxis in the Northeast. After getting an MBA from Johns Hopkins and an MA in Human-Centered Design from MICA she moved to Vermont for her day job, Chief of Staff at a climate-tech company, turning human waste into fertilizer. Rachel comes to life while in the natural world, making things with her hands.
MaTovu Reading Circle
Join us for our May Reading Circle. This month, we will start diving into Here Where We Live Is Our Country: The Story of the Jewish Bund by Molly Crabapple. Excerpts will be provided in advance. Future sessions will take place June 27 and July 25.
Capital Campaign Kick Off Party
Join us Sunday, April 26, 4:00- 6:00 PM at MaTovu as we kick off the public phase of our campaign! Enjoy live music, drinks, sweet treats as we celebrate this exciting turning point together. Families are welcome and we’ll have craft projects for kids! This event is all about coming together as a community—no donation required. The party is just the beginning—throughout the spring, we’ll continue rolling out community events and opportunities for supporters to get to know MaTovu and contribute at every level.
To learn more about the campaign or make a pledge, please visit matovustl.org/capitalcampaign or email hello@matovustl.org.
Hope you can join us to celebrate this milestone!
Tot Shabbat
We will be having Tot Shabbat in the Park this month! Join us at the Chinese Pavilion at Tower Grove Park at 3834 Main Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Join us for a joyful, kid-friendly Shabbat gathering! We’ll begin with singing and simple Shabbat prayers, then share a cozy potato-themed potluck dinner. All ages are welcome.
We’ll provide hot tater tots with ketchup, challah, and grape juice. You're invited to bring a vegetarian and nut-free side dish to share! There will be picnic tables and some other chairs, but we encourage you to bring a chair—or a blanket for the grass—with you if you’re able to do so.
Schedule:
5:15 PM – Arrive and settle in
5:30 PM – Songs, Shabbat, and Storytime
6:00 PM – Potluck dinner
Poetry Reading with Colleen Shoshana McKee and Friends
Please join us for a virtual poetry reading with San Francisco–based poet and Missouri native Colleen Shoshana McKee. Colleen is the author of seven collections of poetry, memoir, and fiction. Her newest book, Feeding Ghosts, was published in March 2026 and is available for purchase here. Born in rural Missouri, Colleen grew up speaking Yiddish with elderly Russian immigrants in the woods. She later lived in St. Louis for 22 years before moving to San Francisco, where she now teaches English to immigrants and creative writing students--who are sometimes the same people.
The evening will also feature readings from Allison Creighton, Andrea Jackson, Scott Berzon, and MaTovu’s own Clare Kinberg. Join us to celebrate Colleen’s new book and enjoy an evening of powerful poetry!
The Zoom link will be shared after registration.
Yiddish Ecstatic Dance
MaTovu is thrilled to welcome Chaia for a very special Ecstatic Dance centered on traditional Yiddish music adapted to modern dance rhythms. Yiddish music is the traditional and ancestral music of Eastern European (Ashkenazi) Jewish communities and is most often seen in the form of klezmer music.
We’ll begin the night with an opening movement workshop with instruction in simple (and increasingly ecstatic) Yiddish dances. After warming up with the music and movement, DJ Chaia will take us on a dance journey melding these traditional dances with the dances of our hearts.
This is a radically inclusive event. No prior experience of any kind—dance, Judaism, Yiddish, or otherwise—is required. Just bring an open heart and mind.
About the artist: Chaia (pronounced “hi-ya” with a bit more phlegm in the H) is a DJ and music producer based in NYC who combines Yiddish archival samples and dance music vibes to create folk music that grooves to a modern beat. She has performed at Jewish cultural spaces worldwide and was named one of the Jewish Week’s 36 to Watch in 2024. More about her work at chaia.online.
What is Ecstatic Dance?
Ecstatic Dance is a free-form movement gathering with live DJ music. It’s open to all, and no dance experience is required. There are three simple rules:
No shoes
No alcohol/drugs
No talking on the dance floor
Sliding scale: $10–$40
Schedule:
6:15 PM – Doors Open
6:30 PM – Movement Workshop
7:15 PM – Opening Circle
8:30 PM – Closing Meditation
8:45 PM – Good night!
FAQ:
No prior dance experience needed.
It’s okay to sit or rest at any time.
Wear something comfortable; no shoes on the dance floor.
You don’t need a partner—most people dance solo.
Open to everyone regardless of background.
COVID vaccinations not required, but boosters and masks encouraged.
Torah on Tap: A Rainbow Thread: 2000 Years of Queer Jewish Texts
Join Rabbi Daniel Bogard and MaTovu at Civil Life Brewery for our next Torah on Tap! Torah on Tap is a program where we dig into Torah over brews in community locations. This month’s topic is A Rainbow Thread: 2000 Years of Queer Jewish Texts.
Ecstatic Dance ft. Mark Lewis
What is Ecstatic Dance?
With dances held all over the world, Ecstatic Dance is a free-form movement gathering, with music by a live DJ. It’s open to all, and no dance experience is required!
Guidelines:
No shoes
No alcohol/drugs
No talking on the dance floor
Guided:
Intro movement workshop
Opening circle
DJ-led music journey
Wind down
Closing circle
Cost:
Sliding scale $10-$25
Schedule:
10:15am – Doors Open
10:30am – Movement workshop (optional)
11am – Opening Circle
11:11am – Ecstatic Dance
12:15pm – Closing Meditation
12:30pm – Good Day!
FAQ:
I’m interested, but I don’t have much experience dancing, and I’m afraid of looking/feeling uncomfortable.
This is SO normal, and we have these feelings too! Ecstatic dance is about freedom of expression and tapping into the ways our bodies already know how to move! There’s no ‘right” or ‘wrong’ ways to move, and this is a no-judgment zone. We will also offer some light ideas for movement, for anyone who may find that helpful.
What if I can’t participate for the entire time?
We love when folks stay present for the whole dance, but It’s totally ok to sit/rest/observe at anytime! We do hope you will try to arrive by 11am for the opening circle and depart after the closing circle, but we understand scheduling can be difficult!
What do I wear?
Something comfy that makes you feel good! We also recommend wearing layers, so that you can adjust as your body (and the room) heats up or cools down. Also, no shoes on the dance floor, so many people like to wear socks. For those who prefer barefoot, some like to use a fabric tape to prevent blisters. Some people like to bring ear plugs as well.
Do I need to bring a partner? Is this a partner dance?
No! Most people dance ED by themselves as personal self-expression. While some people occasionally engage with other dancers, this is not at all required or expected!
Do I need to be Jewish to participate?
No! MaTovu is an inclusive community space grounded in inclusive Jewish values, with programming geared toward everyone! EcstaticDance is non-denominational and open to anyone interested in dance and experience through movement!
Will COVID vaccinations be required?
We will not be checking vaccination status. However, we strongly encourage all attendees to be up-to-date on boosters and flu shots. Masks are also very welcome at this event!
Family Passover Party
Join us at MaTovu for a Passover Party featuring your favorite Passover songs with The Red Sea Ramblers, an Afikoman scavenger hunt, a Passover movie screening and lots of Passover desserts!
Schedule:
3-3:15: Welcome
3:15 - 3:45: Singing and dancing!
3:45-4: Dessert and schmooze
4-4:30: Movie screening
All ages are welcome, and desserts will be Kosher for Passover.
Passover Seder Match
Passover is fast approaching! This year, in lieu of hosting a formal seder, MaTovu is playing matchmaker and helping folks connect to celebrate Passover in community. So, if you are hosting a local seder and have extra seats at the table, you’ve come to the right place! And, if you’re hoping to celebrate Passover and are still seeking a seder, welcome!
Please complete this Google form by March 11 and someone from MaTovu will reach out to you, hopefully with a match! (This is the first time we’re trying this so no guarantees.)
Please note that every family, household, and community honors and celebrates Pesach in unique ways. We can’t ensure that any particular tradition will be a part of your experience, but we do know that each seder will be a special experience. Stipends are available to seder hosts to help cover the cost of hosting additional people.
If you’re also seeking a more casual, kid-friendly Passover experience, check out our event on Sunday, April 5 (more info to come)!
Political Disappointment and the Dreams of the 20th Century Left: A conversation with Dr. Sara Marcus
This event does not require reading the book. An optional chapter to read will be pre-circulated.
Dr. Sara Marcus (University of Notre Dame), author of Political Disappointment: A Cultural History from Reconstruction to the AIDS Crisis, joins MaTovu for a discussion of what she calls political disappointment: the experience of living after moments when profound change once seemed possible. Marcus describes disappointment as “a longing for fundamental change that outlasts a historical moment when it might have been fulfilled.”
Drawing on figures such as Grace Paley, Adrienne Rich, Marlon Riggs, and David Wojnarowicz, the conversation will explore how artists and movements confronted political loss while continuing to imagine solidarity and collective life. The evening will take the form of a discussion, with an excerpt from the book shared in advance.
Sara Marcus is Assistant Professor of English at the University of Notre Dame and the author of Girls to the Front: The True Story of the Riot Grrrl Revolution.
Synoptic Frequencies 15
MaTovu is excited to host Synoptic Frequencies, a quarterly event featuring experimental music performed in sacred spaces.
Lia Kohl is a composer and sound artist based in Chicago. Trained as a cellist, she also incorporates synthesizers, field recordings, toy instruments and radios into her work, searching for a balance between virtuosity and curiosity. Lia performs as a soloist, a collaborator and composes works for ensembles, and has arranged strings for Makaya McCraven, Circuit des Yeux, claire rousay, Steve Hauschildt, and many more.
Zachary Good is a clarinetist, composer, arranger, and teacher based in Chicago. He is the clarinetist of Eighth Blackbird, and a member of many ensembles including Ensemble Dal Niente, Mocrep, ZRL, and Honestly Same . As a composer, Zachary explores contrapuntal possibilities on the soprano clarinet with small–interval multiphonics (”close dyads”), creating the illusion of multiple clarinetists playing simultaneously. His quietly virtuosic music is inspired by the intricacies of the clarinet and a love for Baroque nuance and form.
STL's own Todd F Dillon is a multifaceted collaborator, keyboardist, and composer, as well as one-third of the band Huht. Dillon creates soothing sonic miniatures in his solo work that recall the compositional simplicity of Erik Satie, the gentle electronics of Hans-Joachim Roedelius, and the experimental atmospheres of Asmus Tietchens.
Craft Shabbat: A Creative Shabbat Celebration!
To celebrate Shabbat this month, please bring whatever craft you're currently working on (knitting, art, macrame, whittling, coloring book, needle felting, poetry composition, anything goes!). We'll do our shabbat prayers, share a meal, and hang out and chat while we create.
Dinner will be catered vegetarian food. Please bring a drink or dessert to share.
Sing to Connect: A Nigun Circle for Turbulent Times
Communal song can be a powerful tool for feeling connected and centered during turbulent times. Within Jewish tradition, song is central to spiritual and emotional expression, especially through nigunim (wordless melodies rooted in Ashkenazi Hasidic spiritual practice).
Join Nava Kantor at MaTovu for a deep dive into one beautiful nigun. We’ll learn it together, taking our time to let it really sink in, allowing us to connect deeply to the melody and to each other.
This program is open to all who seek connection through song. You don’t need to be Jewish or “a singer” to attend, and as there are no lyrics involved, no Hebrew knowledge is needed. This event is geared toward adults; kids who are able to participate in the song circle are welcome.
Schedule:
7:00-7:15pm -- Arriving
7:15-8:15pm(ish) -- Singing together
8:15pm -- Tea + connecting
Registration by filling out the form below is required.
Unpacking the Headlines from Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank
The headlines from Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank continue to shift rapidly, reflecting both heartbreaking realities and glimmers of hope. To help us make sense of these developments and what they mean to the future of Israelis, Palestinians, and people everywhere, we invite you to join us for a timely and insightful conversation with Elisheva Goldberg, Deputy VP of Communications & Policy at the New Israel Fund.
Left in the Midwest Intergenerational Discussion: The History of St. Louis Progressive Activism
Thanks to those who joined us for an informal snow day version of this program. We’re glad to say we’ve found a new date to bring in our panelists.
Join us to discuss over fifty years of incredible activism. Feminist, anti-racist, and LGBTQIA St. Louisans have been speaking out across generations. Several writers and activists featured in the 2023 anthology Left in the Midwest will visit MaTovu for an intergenerational discussion on their own experiences as progressive and LGBTQ+ activists, including Clare Kinberg and Mary Maxfield. Many of the panelists lived in the Shaw neighborhood in the 1970s and 1980s. They will introduce themselves and briefly speak about the activism they were involved with or wrote about in the book, followed by open discussion with attendees. Left Bank Books will be on site with copies available for purchase.
Ecstatic Dance ft. DJs Jen Z vs Dienda
What is Ecstatic Dance?
With dances held all over the world, Ecstatic Dance is a free-form movement gathering, with music by a live DJ. It’s open to all, and no dance experience is required!
Guidelines:
No shoes
No alcohol/drugs
No talking on the dance floor
Guided:
Intro movement workshop
Opening circle
DJ-led music journey
Wind down
Closing circle
Cost:
Sliding scale $10-$25
Schedule:
10:15am – Doors Open
10:30am – Movement workshop (optional)
11am – Opening Circle
11:11am – Ecstatic Dance
12:15pm – Closing Meditation
12:30pm – Good Day!
FAQ:
I’m interested, but I don’t have much experience dancing, and I’m afraid of looking/feeling uncomfortable.
This is SO normal, and we have these feelings too! Ecstatic dance is about freedom of expression and tapping into the ways our bodies already know how to move! There’s no ‘right” or ‘wrong’ ways to move, and this is a no-judgment zone. We will also offer some light ideas for movement, for anyone who may find that helpful.
What if I can’t participate for the entire time?
We love when folks stay present for the whole dance, but It’s totally ok to sit/rest/observe at anytime! We do hope you will try to arrive by 11am for the opening circle and depart after the closing circle, but we understand scheduling can be difficult!
What do I wear?
Something comfy that makes you feel good! We also recommend wearing layers, so that you can adjust as your body (and the room) heats up or cools down. Also, no shoes on the dance floor, so many people like to wear socks. For those who prefer barefoot, some like to use a fabric tape to prevent blisters. Some people like to bring ear plugs as well.
Do I need to bring a partner? Is this a partner dance?
No! Most people dance ED by themselves as personal self-expression. While some people occasionally engage with other dancers, this is not at all required or expected!
Do I need to be Jewish to participate?
No! MaTovu is an inclusive community space grounded in inclusive Jewish values, with programming geared toward everyone! EcstaticDance is non-denominational and open to anyone interested in dance and experience through movement!
Will COVID vaccinations be required?
We will not be checking vaccination status. However, we strongly encourage all attendees to be up-to-date on boosters and flu shots. Masks are also very welcome at this event!
MaTovu Reading Circle
Join us for our February Reading Circle. This month, we will be reading selected works by Grace Paley (1922-2007), a short story author, poet, teacher, and political activist. We will send registrants the readings to peruse in advance.
Shakshuka Klezmer Concert
Join us for a fun concert with local Klezmer band Shakshuka, a word that means all mixed up! Groove with us with songs that add “new spice, fragrance, and taste to familiar tunes.”
Havdalah, Concert, & Community Sing with Eliana Light
Singing together can help us feel deeply, connect with each other, and tune us to what matters most. Eliana will lead us through accessible, heart-opening melodies to close out Shabbat together in an interactive community concert. (No singing experience required!) Please join CRC, Kol Rinah, Shaare Emeth, and MaTovu for this special event! While this event will be geared toward adults, all ages are welcome.
Flow of the evening:
7:00-7:15pm -- Arriving
7:15-8:30 – Concert
8:30pm -- Refreshments
Registration by filling out the form below is required.
About Eliana
Eliana Light is cultivating a more connected world by making the urgent spiritual wisdom of Jewish liturgy and prayer practice (t’fillah) accessible and meaningful through her prayer leadership, consulting, teaching, and the Light Lab, a center for t’fillah education. She has put out five albums of thoughtful, playful, original Jewish music, including the liturgical and group singing-focused ORAH HI, and is the host of the Light Lab Podcast. She lives in Durham, NC where she is weaving everybody-welcome Jewish community.
Singing together can help us feel deeply, connect with each other, and tune us to what matters most. Eliana will lead us through accessible, heart-opening melodies to close out Shabbat together in an interactive community concert. (No singing experience required!) Please join CRC, Kol Rinah, Shaare Emeth, and MaTovu for this special event!
Flow of the evening:
7:00-7:15pm -- Arriving
7:15-8:30 – Concert
8:30pm -- Refreshments
About Eliana
Eliana Light is cultivating a more connected world by making the urgent spiritual wisdom of Jewish liturgy and prayer practice (t’fillah) accessible and meaningful through her prayer leadership, consulting, teaching, and the Light Lab, a center for t’fillah education. She has put out five albums of thoughtful, playful, original Jewish music, including the liturgical and group singing-focused ORAH HI, and is the host of the Light Lab Podcast. She lives in Durham, NC where she is weaving everybody-welcome Jewish community.
Shabbat Morning Study: Oh My G?D! Prayer in Everyday Life
What’s the point of prayer? Is prayer innately human? What does that mean for our liturgy? (And where is g?d in all of this?) Through sacred text, quotes, and our own stories, Eliana will guide us to explore a variety of answers, what they mean for our Jewish practice, and what they mean for our everyday lives. This program is geared toward adults.
About Eliana
Eliana Light is cultivating a more connected world by making the urgent spiritual wisdom of Jewish liturgy and prayer practice (t’fillah) accessible and meaningful through her prayer leadership, consulting, teaching, and the Light Lab, a center for t’fillah education. She has put out five albums of thoughtful, playful, original Jewish music, including the liturgical and group singing-focused ORAH HI, and is the host of the Light Lab Podcast. She lives in Durham, NC where she is weaving everybody-welcome Jewish community.
Family-Friendly Friday Night Services & Potluck
Let's welcome Shabbat with music, connection, and joy! Eliana Light will lead us in an accessible, everybody-friendly Kabbalat Shabbat service for our kids and the kids in all of us. After services we’ll enjoy a vegetarian potluck. Please bring a dish to share (and ensure that it does not include nuts of any kind).
Registration by filling out the form below is required.
About Eliana
Eliana Light is cultivating a more connected world by making the urgent spiritual wisdom of Jewish liturgy and prayer practice (t’fillah) accessible and meaningful through her prayer leadership, consulting, teaching, and the Light Lab, a center for t’fillah education. She has put out five albums of thoughtful, playful, original Jewish music, including the liturgical and group singing-focused ORAH HI, and is the host of the Light Lab Podcast. She lives in Durham, NC where she is weaving everybody-welcome Jewish community.
Torah on Tap: Commanded to Love
Join Rabbi Andrea Goldstein and MaTovu at Urban Chestnut in the Grove for our next Torah on Tap.
This month’s theme is “Commanded to Love.” As a lead up to Valentine's day, let's dig into the different ways the Torah describes love and ask--does the Torah command us to love in a certain way? During this session of Torah on Tap, we'll look at a few passages where the Torah talks about the loving our neighbor, loving the stranger, and loving G_d and see what answers--and new questions--we discover.
Sign up early because spots fill up fast! The first drink is on us.
Ecstatic Dance ft. DJ Whiz
What is Ecstatic Dance?
With dances held all over the world, Ecstatic Dance is a free-form movement gathering, with music by a live DJ. It’s open to all, and no dance experience is required!
Guidelines:
No shoes
No alcohol/drugs
No talking on the dance floor
Guided:
Intro movement workshop
Opening circle
DJ-led music journey
Wind down
Closing circle
Cost:
Sliding scale $10-$25
Schedule:
10:15am – Doors Open
10:30am – Movement workshop (optional)
11am – Opening Circle
11:11am – Ecstatic Dance
12:15pm – Closing Meditation
12:30pm – Good Day!
FAQ:
I’m interested, but I don’t have much experience dancing, and I’m afraid of looking/feeling uncomfortable.
This is SO normal, and we have these feelings too! Ecstatic dance is about freedom of expression and tapping into the ways our bodies already know how to move! There’s no ‘right” or ‘wrong’ ways to move, and this is a no-judgment zone. We will also offer some light ideas for movement, for anyone who may find that helpful.
What if I can’t participate for the entire time?
We love when folks stay present for the whole dance, but It’s totally ok to sit/rest/observe at anytime! We do hope you will try to arrive by 11am for the opening circle and depart after the closing circle, but we understand scheduling can be difficult!
What do I wear?
Something comfy that makes you feel good! We also recommend wearing layers, so that you can adjust as your body (and the room) heats up or cools down. Also, no shoes on the dance floor, so many people like to wear socks. For those who prefer barefoot, some like to use a fabric tape to prevent blisters. Some people like to bring ear plugs as well.
Do I need to bring a partner? Is this a partner dance?
No! Most people dance ED by themselves as personal self-expression. While some people occasionally engage with other dancers, this is not at all required or expected!
Do I need to be Jewish to participate?
No! MaTovu is an inclusive community space grounded in inclusive Jewish values, with programming geared toward everyone! EcstaticDance is non-denominational and open to anyone interested in dance and experience through movement!
Will COVID vaccinations be required?
We will not be checking vaccination status. However, we strongly encourage all attendees to be up-to-date on boosters and flu shots. Masks are also very welcome at this event!
MO Antisemitism IHRA Legislation: Conversation and Letter Writing
For the second year in a row, the Missouri State Legislature has taken up the issue of codifying the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, a definition that equates many legitimate critiques of Israel with antisemitism. While some claim this action is necessary to protect Jewish people, many others–Jewish and non-Jewish included–have spoken out in opposition of a definition that can create confusion between legitimate criticism of Israel and antisemitism. Such a definition does not keep anyone safe—it puts everyone at risk by limiting free speech and framing the Jewish community as a monolith. This is why MaTovu does not embrace this definition and instead relies on the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism as our guide on this question, creating space for a diversity of opinions and acknowledging that Jewish safety is bound up in the safety of others.
Please join us in conversation and collective action. Stop by to talk, write letters or make calls to representatives if you'd like, and share space with members of the MaTovu Community. All are welcome, food will be provided. Together, we can create a safe community for all!
Standing Together: A Brunch & Learn with Dr. Rasha Ahmad Sharif
Join us for a brunch-and-learn conversation with Dr. Rasha Ahmad Sharif, Executive Vice President of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and a founding member of Friends of Standing Together–Minnesota. Rasha will share her personal story of growing up in Lebanon, her journey to the United States, and how those experiences led her to engage in cross-community organizing.
Standing Together is a grassroots movement of Israelis and Palestinians working toward peace, equity, and social and climate justice through partnership and dialogue. The program will include a shared meal, a talk by Rasha, and small-group conversations followed by a facilitated discussion. The event is designed to support learning, conversation, and relationship-building among participants.
Virtual Left in the Midwest Intergenerational Discussion: The History of St. Louis Progressive Activism
This event will be moved to virtual due to weather and registrants will receive a link. Please see that link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89707671925
Join us to discuss over fifty years of incredible activism. Feminist, anti-racist, and LGBTQIA St. Louisans have been speaking out across generations. Several writers and activists featured in the 2023 anthology Left in the Midwest will visit MaTovu for an intergenerational discussion on their own experiences as progressive and LGBTQ+ activists, including Clare Kinberg and Mary Maxfield. Many of the panelists lived in the Shaw neighborhood in the 1970s and 1980s. They will introduce themselves and briefly speak about the activism they were involved with or wrote about in the book, followed by open discussion with attendees. Left Bank Books will be on site with copies available for purchase.
Tot Shabbat
Join us for a joyful, kid-friendly Shabbat gathering! We’ll begin with singing and simple Shabbat prayers, then share a cozy potato-themed potluck dinner. All ages are welcome.
We’ll provide hot tater tots with ketchup, challah, and grape juice. You're invited to bring a vegetarian and nut-free side dish to share!
Schedule:
5:15 PM – Arrive and settle in
5:30 PM – Songs, Shabbat, and Storytime
6:00 PM – Potluck dinner
Sing to Connect: A Nigun Circle for Turbulent Times
Communal song can be a powerful tool for feeling connected and centered during turbulent times. Within Jewish tradition, song is central to spiritual and emotional expression, especially through nigunim (wordless melodies rooted in Ashkenazi Hasidic spiritual practice).
Join Nava Kantor at MaTovu for a deep dive into one beautiful nigun. We’ll learn it together, taking our time to let it really sink in, allowing us to connect deeply to the melody and to each other.
This program is open to all who seek connection through song. You don’t need to be Jewish or “a singer” to attend, and as there are no lyrics involved, no Hebrew knowledge is needed. This event is geared toward adults; kids who are able to participate in the song circle are welcome.
Schedule:
7:00-7:15pm -- Arriving
7:15-8:15pm(ish) -- Singing together
8:15pm -- Tea + connecting
Registration by filling out the form below is required.
Torah on Tap: A People or a Faith: Categories of Jewishness
This event is at capacity and we have ended new registrations.
Join Rabbi Daniel Bogard and MaTovu at Bluewood Brewing on Cherokee Street for our next Torah on Tap. This month’s theme is “A People or a Faith: Categories of Jewishness.” Sign up early because spots fill up fast! The first drink is on us.
Ecstatic Dance ft. DJ Electric David
What is Ecstatic Dance?
With dances held all over the world, Ecstatic Dance is a free-form movement gathering, with music by a live DJ. It’s open to all, and no dance experience is required!
Guidelines:
No shoes
No alcohol/drugs
No talking on the dance floor
Guided:
Intro movement workshop
Opening circle
DJ-led music journey
Wind down
Closing circle
Cost:
Sliding scale $10-$25
Schedule:
10:15am – Doors Open
10:30am – Movement workshop (optional)
11am – Opening Circle
11:11am – Ecstatic Dance
12:15pm – Closing Meditation
12:30pm – Good Day!
FAQ:
I’m interested, but I don’t have much experience dancing, and I’m afraid of looking/feeling uncomfortable.
This is SO normal, and we have these feelings too! Ecstatic dance is about freedom of expression and tapping into the ways our bodies already know how to move! There’s no ‘right” or ‘wrong’ ways to move, and this is a no-judgment zone. We will also offer some light ideas for movement, for anyone who may find that helpful.
What if I can’t participate for the entire time?
We love when folks stay present for the whole dance, but It’s totally ok to sit/rest/observe at anytime! We do hope you will try to arrive by 11am for the opening circle and depart after the closing circle, but we understand scheduling can be difficult!
What do I wear?
Something comfy that makes you feel good! We also recommend wearing layers, so that you can adjust as your body (and the room) heats up or cools down. Also, no shoes on the dance floor, so many people like to wear socks. For those who prefer barefoot, some like to use a fabric tape to prevent blisters. Some people like to bring ear plugs as well.
Do I need to bring a partner? Is this a partner dance?
No! Most people dance ED by themselves as personal self-expression. While some people occasionally engage with other dancers, this is not at all required or expected!
Do I need to be Jewish to participate?
No! MaTovu is an inclusive community space grounded in inclusive Jewish values, with programming geared toward everyone! EcstaticDance is non-denominational and open to anyone interested in dance and experience through movement!
Will COVID vaccinations be required?
We will not be checking vaccination status. However, we strongly encourage all attendees to be up-to-date on boosters and flu shots. Masks are also very welcome at this event!
K-Pop Donut Hunters Hanukkah Party
Join us at MaTovu for a Hanukkah K-Pop Donut Hunters Party! Come sing and dance along to all your favorite Huntrix and Saja Boys songs while enjoying delicious Hanukkah donuts, Pizza and SODA POP! If you like you can get beautiful Demon Patterns at our hand/face painting station! The Party will begin at 3pm with Hanukkah Candle lighting and then get ready for the TAKEDOWN! You wanna get WILD? I’ll show you WILD!
MaTovu evaluates the events it hosts based on our Values and Code of Conduct.