No Kosher Butchers in St. Louis

St. Louis Jewish Community Grapples with Void Left by Kohn’s Deli Closure

ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Jewish community is navigating a culinary landscape without a dedicated kosher butcher and deli for the first time in over six decades, following the abrupt closure of kohn’s Kosher Deli last year. The absence of the institution, founded in 1963 by Holocaust survivors Simon and Bobbie Kohn in Creve Coeur, has left a noticeable gap in the market and sparked a scramble among local businesses and visiting vendors to meet the community’s needs.

For many, Kohn’s was more than just a place to buy kosher meat and prepared foods. It served as a cultural touchstone and gathering place, a role that owner of Stuie’s stand, Stuart Rosenblum, emphasizes is crucial for maintaining Jewish identity and attracting new families to the area.”There’s a tremendous hole,” Rosenblum said. “If they don’t rectify it, it’ll be a problem.” Rosenblum operates Stuie’s stand and on weekends and holidays it operates as Coney Island Deli. Steven Grady of the Coney Island Deli at Busch stadium, makes a “killer pastrami” sandwich for a customer. The food cart, wich was not under kosher certification during Passover week, is normally known as Stuie’s when it is kosher on weekdays, also selling corned beef sandwiches in addition to kosher knockwurst.

The void left by Kohn’s has prompted creative solutions. Zelda’s Catering,a kosher business based in Chicago,has begun making periodic trips to the St.Louis area, delivering made-to-order kosher meals in a refrigerated truck.This initiative, while appreciated, underscores the community’s desire for a more permanent local solution.

Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham of Congregation B’nai Amoona in Creve Coeur, articulated the broader sentiment within the community, stating, “A community our size should be able to support a kosher butcher. Most similar-size cities have a few options.”

According to a 2024 study by Brandeis University and the University of Chicago, commissioned by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, the St. Louis area is home to nearly 46,000 Jewish adults and children.The study revealed that approximately one-third of the adult population adheres to some level of kosher observance. Thes practices include separating meat and dairy, abstaining from pork and shellfish, and using dedicated utensils and cookware for kosher and non-kosher food readiness.

Lefty’s Bagels in Chesterfield, a local favorite already employing kosher methods in their bagel production, is planning to expand its kosher offerings in the coming months. Co-owner Scott Lefton highlighted the significance of maintaining kosher traditions, saying, “There’s so little in the way of true kosher offerings.There’s something very, very special about keeping kosher, and keeping those traditions alive is realy important. These laws go back thousands of years.”

Shortly after Kohn’s closure last July, Nate’s Kosher Deli briefly took over the space at 10405 Old Olive Street Road, offering butcher services. however, owner Avi Rosenberg’s plans for a permanent location have yet to materialize.

The St. Louis Jewish community remains hopeful that a long-term solution will emerge to fill the void left by Kohn’s, ensuring the continued availability of kosher food and the preservation of vital cultural traditions.

What steps can the community take to attract a permanent kosher butcher and deli to St. Louis?

St. Louis Jewish community Navigates Kosher Food Void: An Interview with Rabbi Shira gold

Archyde News – The st. Louis Jewish community is adapting to a new reality following the closure of Kohn’s Kosher Deli. To explore the impact and potential solutions, we spoke with Rabbi Shira Gold, a prominent religious leader in the St. Louis Jewish community and a dedicated advocate for preserving Jewish traditions and practices.

The Aftermath of Kohn’s Closure

Archyde: Rabbi Gold, thank you for joining us. Kohn’s Deli was more than just a place to buy food; it was an institution. How has its absence impacted the community?

Rabbi Gold: Thank you for having me. The closure of Kohn’s has definitely left a significant void. It was a central hub, a place where people could connect, share meals, and maintain traditions. Its absence has been felt on a cultural and social level, especially by those who strictly observe kosher dietary laws.

Challenges for Kosher Observance

Archyde: For those less familiar, can you briefly explain the core tenets of kosher observance and the challenges this presents?

Rabbi Gold: Certainly. Kosher observance involves dietary laws rooted in Jewish tradition. This includes separating meat and dairy, avoiding pork and shellfish, and ensuring food planning is done according to specific guidelines.Maintaining these practices can be challenging when access to kosher products and services is limited, as it is now in St. Louis.

Community Efforts and Solutions

Archyde: we’ve seen efforts like Zelda’s Catering and the planned expansion at Lefty’s Bagels. what potential do you see in these initiatives?

Rabbi Gold: These are encouraging signs. Zelda’s Catering, while based in Chicago, offers a much-needed service for prepared kosher meals. Extending operations at Lefty’s Bagels opens up another chance. If successful, this will bring forth new opportunities, as long as they maintain a kosher kitchen.

Importance of a Permanent Kosher Presence

Archyde: What’s the significance of a dedicated kosher butcher shop or deli like Kohn’s for the future of the St.Louis Jewish community?

rabbi Gold: A permanent, local kosher butcher and deli are vital. They not only provide essential food but foster a sense of community and continuity. It helps attract and retain families, especially those looking to actively participate in Jewish Culture.

The Community’s Resilience and Future

Archyde: The community is home to nearly 46,000 Jewish adults and children; how do you believe the community will deal with the evolving landscape?

Rabbi Gold: The community is very resilient; there are many options in the area with catering and production. I believe most families are working and can maintain their religious customs, therefore the community will flourish despite the challenges presented.

Archyde: What can members of the community do to support these solutions or other initiatives?

Rabbi Gold: Supporting kosher businesses, both locally and those providing services from outside, is crucial. Community members can also voice their needs and preferences to local businesses, fostering a demand for kosher options. Additionally, we can all share information and partner by being there to show our support.

Archyde: Rabbi Gold, thank you for providing valuable insights. We hope that a sustainable solution will be found soon to preserve this way of life in St. Louis.

Rabbi gold: Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you. I share that hope.

A Call to Action

Archyde: What do you think are the most critical steps for securing a permanent kosher butcher and deli in St. Louis? Share yoru thoughts in the comments below!