United Hebrew Congregation

Mazal tov to UH’s own Felicia Malter!

In January 2027, Felicia Malter will become the fourth woman to chair the board of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, following Todd Siwak. Her leadership represents the continued strength and momentum of women guiding our community forward.

Tomorrow, May 29, is the last day to nominate a woman who inspires you. These inspirational ladies will be honored at this year’s L’Chaim! A Night in Monte Carlo. To nominate someone today visit, jfedstl.org/lchaim/women-who-inspire/.

In this week's Torah portion, Beha'alotecha, a group approaches Moses with genuine heartbreak. Because they had become ritually impure through contact with death, they missed the Passover offering at its appointed time. Their question stopped me: "Why should we have missed out?"

God's answer was compassionate and creative — Pesach Sheni, a Second Passover, one month later. A second chance, built directly into Torah.

But here's what moves me most: it wasn't automatic. They had to step forward and ask. Second chances require us to name what we've missed and say plainly that it matters.

We all carry moments we wish we'd handled differently. Conversations postponed. Apologies unmade. The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that the message of Pesach Sheni is that "nothing is ever lost." There is always a path toward repair.

As we enter Shabbat, I find myself sitting with three questions:

Where do I need another chance?

Where might someone else need one from me?

And what becomes possible if I'm brave enough to begin again?

Shabbat Shalom.