Discover the Joy of Judaism!

We invite you to join our historic congregation. Make memories with us. Whether you are hearing the sacred readings and ancient melodies for the first time, or you know it all by heart, you are welcome. Find personal solace as we recite Kaddish as a community. Celebrate with newlyweds as they break a glass under the chuppah. Lend helping hands to neighbors in need. Smile as you hear the sweet voices of our youngest congregants during Consecration. Share the sense of accomplishment as young teens become B’nai Mitzvah.

Everyone is welcome in our Temple family, the young and the young-at-heart; the single and the partnered; the Jew by birth and the Jew-by-choice; the able-bodied and the challenged. No matter where you have been or where you are going, rediscover the joy that is Judaism here at Congregation Ahavath Chesed!

From the Union For Reform Judaism / Reform Movement

Judgment Days

Judgment Days jemerman September 21, 2023

High Holidays

an image of a prayer book opened, two shofars and a tallit on a white wooden surface

Some label Rosh HaShanah and the period between the New Year and Yom Kippur as "Judgment Days," a time during which the trajectory of our lives for the coming year is reached.

Enhancing Mitzvot on Simchat Torah with Three Nature Crafts for Children

Enhancing Mitzvot on Simchat Torah with Three Nature Crafts for Children jemerman September 18, 2023

Family Activities

an image of three young girls picking berries off a bush

As summer changes to autumn in St. Louis, we seek ways to find nature-based connections...

Jewish Women at War: Golda, You're So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah

Jewish Women at War: Golda, You're So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah jemerman September 18, 2023

Film

an image of a pair of black glasses sitting next to movie theater popcorn on a red chair with a light shining bright behind

Two very different Jewish films have emerged on the 2023 late summer film scene. One depicts the trials and tribulations of a 75-year-old legislator during the greatest crisis of her life, the other portrays a 12-year-old girl on the cusp of adulthood.

Simple Ways to Make Yom Kippur Meaningful at Home with Young Children

Simple Ways to Make Yom Kippur Meaningful at Home with Young Children jemerman September 13, 2023

Yom Kippur

an image of a toddler boy and girl playing while other kids watch in the background

As the high holidays approach, we are reminded that there are so many meaningful Jewish moments to celebrate. Within the joy and ruach (spirit) of holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah, lies the solemn and serious Yom Kippur. There are a myriad of ways to make Yom Kippur meaningful for young children, for whom especially, Yom Kippur is not an easy holiday to understand.