So I’m on this committee, well I’m on about 17 committees, but the one I’m going to talk about is in the process of planning an event for Jewish women. The Jewish Federation has a division called “Women’s Connection” whose purpose is to literally connect Jewish women through social, educational and spiritual programs. (A previous post of mine about the fashion show was put on by the same group.) This particular night we’re planning falls under the educational, and I suppose, social umbrella. And the topic for the evening: Jewish guilt.

After about 52 emails, several phone calls and one reschedule, we had our first committee meeting today. As we began discussing our topic, and all the aspects of guilt one could talk about, it seemed that two hours would hardly be enough time to say our hellos, introduce our speakers, show our kitschy video clips, facilitate our discussions, and eat our kosher desserts.…

This past Tuesday night, close to 600 Jewish women gathered at the Frontenac Hilton for the “Couture & Cocktails” soirée. 600 Jewish women! In St. Louis! This is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, turnouts the Jewish Federation of St. Louis has ever seen for one of their events.

The fashionable affair was thrown by the Women’s Connection of the Jewish Federation in honor of Israel’s 60^th anniversary. Once everyone maneuvered the gas main break at Clayton & Warson roads, the gala began with live music by Rick Recht, a Jewish rock star if you will, accompanied by the Beit Israeli Children’s choir. Traditional Israeli food was served (think falafel and tabbouleh) followed by a runway fashion show featuring the chic clothing of Israeli designer, Biya, and dazzling bling from Mavrik Fine Jewelry. All being modeled by some really incredible local Jewish women…and me.

So I’m not just writing about this to share with you…

When asked to be a contributor to this blog, my initial response was, “Me? But I’m not that into religion.” I guess that was the point. The desire was for a diverse group of writers and diverse it is. And just to be clear, in case it isn’t by the end of this entry, among the range of scholars and lay people, I’m a lay person.

Religion has never played a big role in my life. Or so I thought. So while searching for inspiration about what to post this week, I realized I’m in Laguna Beach, California. I’ve traveled halfway across the country to attend a childhood friend’s wedding – Jewish wedding. Well, there’s something.

So I’m sitting on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, watching one of my oldest, dearest friends exchange vows under a billowing blue and green chiffon chuppah, and I am moved. Moved to tears by the…