Home Events & Programs Kabbalat Shabbat Service with Anna Kislanski

Kabbalat Shabbat Service with Anna Kislanski

Join us for an inspiring opportunity this Shabbat to learn more about the vital role Reform Judaism is playing in shaping the future of Israel as we welcome Anna Kislanski, CEO of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ).

Anna will teach us words of Torah and share timely updates on the remarkable growth of Reform Judaism in Israel and why it matters more than ever—not only for Israelis but also for North American Jewry and the future of our shared Jewish people.

If you have personally grappled with the headlines around current events in Israel or want to learn more about how Israelis just like us are working together to live out their Jewish values, come listen and be inspired!

About Our Guest Speaker

Anna Kislanski, CEO of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ), is a leading voice for Reform Judaism and religious pluralism in Israel today. Anna has dedicated her career to building vibrant Reform communities across Israel, first serving as the Reform Movement’s Central Shlicha to North America (where she worked with Rabbi Levine!), as well as holding numerous leadership roles in Jewish education and community development. Today, Anna leads the IMPJ, the Israeli Reform movement, at one of the most pivotal moments in Israel’s history. Anna’s vision in her work focuses on strengthening liberal Judaism in Israel, expanding access to Jewish life, and building bridges between Israeli and global Jewry. She holds degrees in Middle Eastern Studies and Educational Counseling. Anna lives in Even Yehuda with her family and is a founding member of her local Reform congregation.

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Date
Friday, August 14, 2026
Time
5:15 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Speaker

  • Anna Kislanski
    Anna Kislanski CEO, Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism
    Anna Kislanski
    Anna Kislanski
    CEO, Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism

    Anna Kislanski, CEO of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism (IMPJ), is a leading voice for Reform Judaism and religious pluralism in Israel today. Anna has dedicated her career to building vibrant Reform communities across Israel, first serving as the Reform Movement’s Central Shlicha to North America (where she worked with Rabbi Levine!), as well as holding numerous leadership roles in Jewish education and community development. Today, Anna leads the IMPJ, the Israeli Reform movement, at one of the most pivotal moments in Israel’s history. Anna’s vision in her work focuses on strengthening liberal Judaism in Israel, expanding access to Jewish life, and building bridges between Israeli and global Jewry. She holds degrees in Middle Eastern Studies and Educational Counseling. Anna lives in Even Yehuda with her family and is a founding member of her local Reform congregation.

ABOUT

Leanne & Harvey Schneider

2026 Harris Frank Community Service Award Honorees

Harvey and Leanne Schneider have devoted their lives to strengthening both the Jewish and broader St. Louis communities through leadership, service, education, and a deep commitment to bringing people together.

A St. Louis native, Harvey Schneider attended local public schools before earning both his undergraduate business degree and law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Following graduation, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he served as a trial attorney in the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. After five years of federal service, he returned to St. Louis and became a partner in private law practice. Over a legal career spanning more than five decades, Harvey represented family-owned businesses and private individuals in a wide range of business matters.

Harvey’s commitment to civic and Jewish communal life has been equally extensive. He has served as President of Congregation Shaare Emeth, the Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis, the Central Agency for Jewish Education, the Little Symphony Concerts Association, and the Forever Young Club at the Missouri Athletic Club. In addition, he dedicated 26 years to public service on the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Town and Country, including three years as chairman.

After graduating from Washington University, Leanne Schneider spent a year studying in France. Upon her return to St. Louis, she became deeply involved in international student exchange programs, first with the Experiment in International Living and later with AFS, fostering cross-cultural understanding and lifelong connections among people of different backgrounds. This commitment to building bridges naturally extended to her involvement with the Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis.

Leanne also taught French and Spanish at Brittany Junior High School before she and Harvey started their family. Throughout the years, she has shared her passion for education and community service by tutoring New Americans through the English Language School, serving on Congregation Shaare Emeth’s first Caring Committee, and volunteering as a reader with Ready Readers. Today, she continues to nurture her love of learning and literature through a book club that includes many members of Congregation Shaare Emeth.

Together, Harvey and Leanne have exemplified a lifetime of generosity, service, and leadership. Their dedication to education, interfaith understanding, civic engagement, and Jewish communal life has enriched countless lives throughout St. Louis. They are the proud parents of three children and grandparents of four, and their enduring legacy continues to inspire future generations.