Tot Shabbat
Please note that the location of the Tot Shabbat has been changed to Tower Grove Park’s Nature-scape on the Arsenal side of the park between Grand Blvd and Spring Ave. In the event of bad weather, event coordinators will email registrants to let the know that the event will take place in MaTovu’s Blaine Ave location
Join us for a joyful, kid-friendly Shabbat gathering! We’ll begin with singing and simple Shabbat prayers, then share a cozy potato-themed meal. All ages are welcome. To celebrate Halloween, feel free to show up in a costume!
We’ll provide hot tater tots with ketchup, challah, and grape juice. We will also have donut holes and bagel bites. Feel free to bring a vegetarian and nut-free brunch side dish to share, but no pressure at all. This is completely optional. The most important thing you can bring is yourself!
Schedule:
9:15 AM – Arrive and settle in
9:30 AM – Songs and Shabbat
10:30 AM - Snacks
Duo Andalus in Concert at Joe's Cafe
The Duo Andalus concert comes to St. Louis for one night only at Joe’s Café at Christman Studios, 6014 Kingsbury Ave., with an opening set by DG Mando + Brothers Lazaroff. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the show starts at 7:00 pm.
Tickets are $36. Seating is limited to 90, so reserve early. When you buy your tickets, you can also add an optional gift in support of CRC’s Artist in Residence program.
Learning Session with Duo Andalus
Join the Duo Andalus learning session at CRC on Friday afternoon, November 6. Vocalist Lala Tamar and guitarist Ofer Ronen will share the songs, languages and stories behind their music. Open to the community. Time to be announced.
Shir Shabbat with Duo Andalus
Shir Shabbat with Duo Andalus
CRC Artist in Residence: Duo Andalus
Co-presented by MaTovu and Central Reform Congregation
Our November Shir Shabbat welcomes vocalist Lala Tamar and guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Ofer Ronen of Duo Andalus, who will join Rabbi Daniel and the CRC House Band. Their music brings together Andalusian, Sephardic and Middle Eastern traditions, sung in Darija (Moroccan Arabic), Spanish, Amazigh and Hebrew. Lala is the first artist to record a contemporary album in Haquetia, the dialect of the Jews of northern Morocco, and made her Lincoln Center debut in 2023. Ofer is a flamenco guitarist and arranger based in Barcelona who studied traditional flamenco in Seville.
Ecstatic Dance ft. DJ Dr. B
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!
Yiddish Occultism
Join us at MaTovu for a ghoulish candlelit evening of Yiddish Occultism! Join three local Yiddishists, Erin Faigin, Sam Glauber and Rebecca Weingart, for a journey through a version of Eastern European Jewish history shaped by monsters, occultism, and ghosts. Our three storytellers will share tales about possession, hauntings, and the spiritual afterlives of Eastern European Jewry. Come at sunset to hear a bisl Yiddish, read Yiddish stories in translation, and discuss the haunted history of Ashkenaz. Wine and snacks will be served!
Soul Candle Making with Jennifer Campolo
Join us near Halloween for an evening of candle-making and ancestral remembrance inspired by neshome likht, an Eastern European Ashkenazi soul-candle tradition. Traditionally made for the High Holy Days, soul candles combined prayers and ritual crafts to connect to loved ones and ancestors. We’ll adapt the practice for this season through guided reflection, personal tkhines (devotional prayers or intentions), and the making of beeswax candles to take home and light whenever you wish. Participants are invited to bring an heirloom or object that connects them to a loved one. All backgrounds are welcome, and all materials are provided.
MaTovu Reading Circle
Join us for our next Reading Circle date. This month, we’ll dive into the poetry of Irena Klepfisz. From a Bundist family, Irena was one of the informants for Molly Crabapple’s book and was on the call with us in August. Sign up and we’ll send the full PDF of poems.
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 us 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..
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!
Saturday Morning Shabbat and Torah Study in Tower Grove Park
Shabbat morning in Tower Grove Park will take place Saturday 10/10 from 10 am-11:30 am. We will start with a brief shacharit (Saturday morning) service that includes a collaborative Torah study discussion on Bereishit, that week’s portion. Afterwards, we will walk together to the Farmer’s Market for a bite to eat! Come through to share space, revolve into another year of Torah together, and be a part of our first MaTovu Torah study!
The Birthday of the World
The J will present The Birthday of the World, an immersive children’s theater production inspired by the beloved PJ Library book by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen. Through storytelling, music, visual wonder, and sensory exploration, children become active participants in a Jewish creation story about scattered sparks of light and their role in tikkun olam. The production introduces foundational Jewish values while fostering early literacy by bringing a cherished children’s book to life.
Sukkot Shabbat + Potluck
Join MaTovu for a joyful, music-filled Sukkot Shabbat service and dinner as we welcome Shabbat together in our sukkah! We’ll enjoy a music-focused service with plenty of singing, along with opportunities for reflection and discussion that everyone can participate in.
Children are warmly welcome to join the service and play in the Botanical Heights Community Garden as we celebrate together.
MaTovu will provide a vegetarian main course and drinks, and participants are encouraged to bring a side or dessert by signing up through the link here:
Sukkah Build & Decorating
Join us for a family-friendly morning of building and celebrating as we create MaTovu’s community sukkah together! Meet us in the Botanical Heights Neighborhood Garden. We’ll have food, drinks, and fun for all ages as we get our sukkah ready for Sukkot!
When Fasting’s Not Feasible: An Alternative Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur and the High Holidays are an important and unique time in the Jewish calendar, which everyone observes differently. Join us for an alternative Yom Kippur gathering that asks: What can we do on this day if we can’t fast?
We’ll begin with an informal lunch where participants are invited to BYOL and eat together. We also ask everyone to bring a shelf-stable food donation to be given to a local food pantry.
After lunch, we’ll gather for a brief text study and discussion exploring why fasting is part of certain Jewish holidays and what Jewish texts say about alternatives for those who are unable to fast. We’ll also draw on more contemporary resources that offer ways to observe Yom Kippur without fasting.
Finally, we’ll head outside to do some garden work together at MaTovu. Come share a space designed for anyone who doesn’t fast on Yom Kippur, for whatever reason, and explore other ways of making the holiday meaningful through learning, community, generosity, and caring for our shared space.
Yom Kippur: Life in a Frame
Join us for a family-friendly Yom Kippur: Life in a Frame event! Yom Kippur is a day devoted to reflection, repentance, and remembrance. Activities include making picture frames, painting rocks that can be placed on grave stones, and a short story time featuring Life by Cynthia Rylant. This program is an invitation to share stories of our ancestors with our children and community. You're invited to bring pictures of family/friends/pets of blessed memory to share.
Ideal age is 3-12 (depending on your kids' comfort with glue and scissors), and adults of all ages are welcome! Snacks provided, but feel free to bring your own nut-free snacks if desired.
Ecstatic Dance ft. DJ Boogieman
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!
Shabbike Shalom
Shabbike shalom, hey! Meet at MaTovu at 6:30 pm for a Shabbat-themed Friday night bike ride. The route is TBD, but expect to ride about 10-15 miles in total. Along the way we’ll light Shabbat candles, drink wine, eat challah, and eventually land at a Shabbat dinner. Please come prepared with a working bike, helmet, and fully charged lights. All are welcome!
This event is free of charge, with sliding scale donation options ranging from $0-$18.
Shaw Neighbors for Neighbors: Supporting Immigrant Families
Join us for an afternoon of live music, community, and solidarity at a benefit concert supporting our immigrant neighbors.
Enjoy performances by:
Greenwood Trio
Wild Mountain Thyme Machine with Lukas Simpson
Every dollar raised will be donated to Abide in Love STL, a local organization that supports detained immigrants and their loved ones. Snacks and drinks will be available by donation throughout the afternoon. Silent auction featuring your favorite local visual artists.
Sponsored by Shaw Community Defense, in collaboration with Abide in Love STL, MaTovu, and MICA.
Tickets are available on a sliding scale from $20-$40, or you can make an additional donation.
Ticket sales and donations generously matched by Marti and Harvey Ferdman.
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 meal. All ages are welcome.
We’ll provide hot tater tots with ketchup, challah, and grape juice. We will also have donut holes and bagel bites. Feel free to bring a vegetarian and nut-free brunch side dish to share, but no pressure at all. This is completely optional. The most important thing you can bring is yourself!
Schedule:
9:15 AM – Arrive and settle in
9:30 AM – Songs, Shabbat, and toddler-friendly yoga (mat
optional)
10:30 AM - Snacks
Jewish Cookbook Club
Jewish Cookbook Club is a dinner cooked by everyone in the community, potluck-style, but from the same cookbook. It’s our way to celebrate a Jewish chef, author, and food!
For this edition of Jewish Cookbook Club, we will be cooking from KosherSoul. In this combination culinary history and cookbook, James Beard award-winning author Michael W. Twitty explores the cultural crossroads of Jewish and African diaspora cuisine and issues of memory, identity, and food.
We invite you to sign up to cook a recipe here (in addition to registering for the program below), and we will send the recipe to you via text or email. Please cook for 10-12 people, and all food brought will be shared.
Not a cook? No problem, we also need people to bring drinks and create a nice tablescape!
Author Talk with Molly Crabapple
After reading Here Where We Live Is Our Country: The Story of the Jewish Bund together throughout the summer, MaTovu's Reading Circle is excited to welcome acclaimed author Molly Crabapple for a special conversation via Zoom. Join us for a moderated discussion about the book, the history of the Jewish Bund, and how the Bund's legacy continues to resonate today, followed by an audience Q&A. Whether you've been part of our Reading Circle from the beginning, are just starting the book, or haven't read it at all, you're invited to be part of this engaging conversation!
*Note if you’ve just signed up (post August 6), please email jeremy@matovustl.org for the Zoom link. Thanks and see you soon!
Tu B’Av Rom-Com Night
Join MaTovu’s celebration of Tu B’Av, the Jewish day of love! We’ll watch a romantic comedy and enjoy some heart-inspired treats together. The movie will be a surprise - but *hint hint* it's a classic sapphic film that’s having its 25th anniversary this year.
MaTovu Reading Circle
Join us for our Summer Reading Circle Series. We'll dive into Here Where We Live Is Our Country: The Story of the Jewish Bund by Molly Crabapple. It is currently in stock at Left Bank Books as well as several local Barnes and Noble stores.
Schedule of readings (the book consists of four parts):
May 30, Introduction and Part One
June 27, Part Two and Part Three
July 25, Part Four
Tisha B’Av Mourning and Memory: Sitting, Singing, and Studying Through Sadness
Tisha b'Av invites us to slow down, mourn together, and wrestle with some of Judaism's deepest questions. Join Kol Rinah and MaTovu for an evening of singing, reflection, and study as we explore how Jewish tradition remembers destruction, responds to communal loss, and searches for meaning and hope. Whether Tisha b'Av is a familiar part of your Jewish year or entirely new to you, we invite you to join 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!
Torah on Tap with Rabbi Morgan Tobey
Join Rabbi Morgan Tobey from Congregation Shaare Emeth 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. As always, first round of drinks is on us. This month’s event will be at Bluewood Brewing on Cherokee Street.
Topic: Love the Stranger, for You were Strangers: The Jewish American Immigration Story
It is no coincidence that the words of welcome enshrined at the foot of the Statue of Liberty were composed by a Jewish poet, Emma Lazarus: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
As America marks its 250th anniversary this month, many in the Jewish community wonder- is America still a safe haven for Jews and immigrants? Can we recapture that spirit which animated our forebears? Do we still have the emotional and spiritual strength to welcome the tired, poor, huddled masses?
This month at Torah on Tap, we’ll explore the experience of Jewish immigrants (and hopefuls) to the United States throughout history and discuss how their stories shape our values and theology as we strive to live out the most repeated commandment in Torah: You shall love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt (Deut. 10:19)
Shabbike Shalom
Shabbike shalom, hey! Meet at MaTovu at 6:30 pm for a Shabbat-themed Friday night bike ride. The route is TBD, but expect to ride about 10-15 miles in total. Along the way we’ll light Shabbat candles, drink wine, eat challah, and eventually land at a Shabbat dinner. Please come prepared with a working bike, helmet, and fully charged lights. All are welcome!
This event is free of charge, with sliding scale donation options ranging from $0-$18.
Why No On Amendment 3 Matters Event
Join NCJWSTL , JCRC St. Louis, and MaTovu for an urgent and powerful conversation about what’s at stake in the fight to protect abortion access in Missouri. Why NO on Amendment 3 Matters: Voices from the Field brings together three longtime leaders in the movement: Jody Rabhan, NCJW, Inc.'s brand new CEO and 40+ year abortion rights advocate; Dana Sandweiss, President and Co-Founder of AccessMO and Co-Chair of NCJWSTL's PATH Coalition; and Alex Cook, Director of Organizing and Campaigns and Abortion Action MO. They will break down what Amendment 3 could mean for Missourians and why this moment demands action.
This isn’t just a panel discussion. It’s a chance to get informed, get energized, and get involved. Learn how you can help stop Missouri’s latest attempt to ban abortion, connect with fellow advocates, and be part of the growing movement to protect reproductive freedom.
This event is free of charge, but registration is required by clicking here. Light refreshments will be served.
MaTovu Reading Circle
Join us for our Summer Reading Circle Series. We'll dive into Here Where We Live Is Our Country: The Story of the Jewish Bund by Molly Crabapple. It is currently in stock at Left Bank Books as well as several local Barnes and Noble stores.
Schedule of readings (the book consists of four parts):
May 30, Introduction and Part One
June 27, Part Two and Part Three
July 25, Part Four
Ashreinu Shabbat
Join us for joyful davening and dinner to welcome Shabbat! MaTovu is carrying forward Ashreinu’s style of traditional egalitarian Shabbat services.
As usual, we will provide siddurim with full transliteration and translation, as well as a vegetarian dinner, challah, and a little wine/grape juice. You are welcome to bring drinks and desserts to share, if you’d like!
Children are welcome to participate in the service, run around in the back of the room, or use MaTovu’s front conference room (under parent/guardian supervision) to hang out and use our art supplies or bring your own toys to play with.
Schedule:
6:15pm: Arriving + getting settled
6:30pm: Davening starts (Kabbalat Shabbat + Ma'ariv services, aka singing in Hebrew)
7:30pm: Vegetarian dinner
Advance RSVPs are required for this event. Please let us know you’re coming by Tuesday, June 23.
A Conversation with Jacqueline D'Auria
Join us for a discussion with Jacqueline D’Auria, a recent participant in the Center for Jewish Nonviolence’s Olive Harvest program, co-sponsored by St. Louis Friends of Bethlehem. Through this initiative, volunteers like Jacqueline accompany Palestinian farmers and families during the annual olive harvest, helping with the harvest itself, serving as a solidarity presence in the face of potential settler violence, and documenting incidents when necessary.
The olive harvest holds deep significance in Palestinian society, playing a vital role in both cultural heritage and the agricultural economy. Tens of thousands of Palestinian families rely on the harvest as a primary source of income. An important element of the program is inviting participants to share their experiences afterward, helping broaden understanding of the realities they witnessed and the impact that Jewish- Palestinian solidarity can have.
Jacqueline is a retired teacher originally from St. Louis who now lives in Alaska. We hope you will join us to learn more about the Center for Jewish Nonviolence's work, hear about Jacqueline's experiences, and take part in this conversation.
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..
Ecstatic Dance ft. DJ Atomic Ace
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 Summer Reading Circle Series. We'll dive into Here Where We Live Is Our Country: The Story of the Jewish Bund by Molly Crabapple. It is currently in stock at Left Bank Books as well as several local Barnes and Noble stores.
Schedule of readings (the book consists of four parts):
May 30, Introduction and Part One
June 27, Part Two and Part Three
July 25, Part Four
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. Special thanks to Jewish Federation of St. Louis for funding this event.
Featuring sandwiches and salad from the Gramophone along with a cheesecake from Hanks!!!
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 evaluates the events it hosts based on our Values and Code of Conduct.