Allen Weintrop’s relationship with the St. Louis Jewish Light stretched across decades, beginning with a community mention in 1961.
Even before launching his photography business, Weintrop was shaping Jewish communal memory through images. In 1973, the Jewish Light credited him with preparing a permanent photographic exhibit of the Holocaust for United Hebrew Congregation in observance of Yom HaShoah.
He placed his first business ad in June 1976, launching Allen Weintrop Photography Inc. His clean, classic layout—black border, serif type, minimal pitch—became a fixture in the Jewish Light for more than 30 years. His final ad ran on January 23, 2008.
For many St. Louis families, Weintrop was the go-to photographer for simchas—capturing b’nai mitzvahs, weddings and milestone moments.
We are not sure when he officially retired or closed his business, but his last credited photo appeared in the Jewish Light in February 2008, and his final ad ran just a few weeks earlier.
Weintrop passed away in 2021 at age 86, survived by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was known as much for his love of animals—especially his cat, Teddy—as for his years behind the lens.
