20s and 30s

Young Adults at Shaare Emeth

Welcome to Congregation Shaare Emeth’s 20s and 30s community. Whether you’re Jewish, Jewish-Adjacent, or Jew-Curious… we’re excited to see you here!

We believe that Judaism isn’t something anyone can do by themselves and that an important part of being a Jewish adult is finding your tribe.

And… we’ll put our cards on the table…we hope that we’re the tribe you’re looking for.

Together, we’re building a community where we celebrate one another’s simchas (happy events), support each other when we’re feeling down, and stand together when things are rough.

Check out the 20s and 30s FAQs below and the list of upcoming experiences to learn more about our community! If you have any questions or just want to connect, please reach out to Rabbi Bearman at rbearman@sestl.org.

Upcoming 20s & 30s Events:

Erev Rosh Hashanah Dinner

Wednesday, October 2 at 6 p.m. in the Courtyard at Congregation Shaare Emeth

All 20s and 30s are invited to join us for this informal, Erev Rosh Hashanah dinner where we’ll get to know one another and welcome the holiday as a community.

Our meal will be catered by Pasta House and is $25 per person. Reservations are required by September 25.

MAKE A RESERVATION

20s & 30s FAQs

We’d love it if you joined Shaare Emeth (the temple is pretty fantastic)… but you don’t need to be a temple member to be a part of our 20s and 30s community.

Shaare Emeth honors everyone’s unique journey. That means that we’re a place for single people, partnered folks, parents of kids of all ages, parents of spoiled pets… everyone. If you’re interested in exploring Judaism and what it means to belong to a Jewish community, then now is the right time to get involved.

Absolutely. Full stop.

Shaare Emeth’s values are clear- we strive to be a safe, affirming, and celebratory space for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

The Jew-curious are very welcome to any and all programs. Come see what it feels like to be a member of the Jewish community (spoiler alert – it’s pretty great) and let Rabbi Bearman know if you have any questions!

Actually, we’re the kind of community where all kinds of moments (promotions, achieving personal bests, new loves, new pets, breakups, medical procedures, baby’s first steps, and more) are honored with creative, meaningful, and spiritual experiences.

Hebrew tests will only be given after you’ve attended 2 Shaare Emeth programs. Just kidding! We want to learn and explore together. No prior knowledge is necessary for any 20s and 30s experience.

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ABOUT

Madeleine Elkins & Harvey Wallace

2025 Harris Frank Community Service Award Honorees

Madeleine and Harvey have been cherished members of Congregation Shaare Emeth since 1996. Shortly after their wedding, they began “shul shopping” and quickly found a spiritual home at Shaare Emeth—a community whose warmth and values resonated deeply with them. Since then, they have become pillars of both the congregation and the broader St. Louis community.

Madeleine Elkins built a distinguished 45-year career in the corporate world, with leadership roles in medical supply distribution and law firm financial management. Alongside her professional accomplishments, Madeleine has always made time for meaningful volunteer work. She served on the board of the St. Louis Breast Cancer Coalition and was part of the organizing committee for the JCC Senior Olympics in its early years. Her dedication to Jewish community life is evident in her service on various committees for the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, including co-chairing the 2017 L’Chaim Event. In 2022, she and Harvey co-chaired the JCC’s J’la gala, raising vital funds for scholarships. At Shaare Emeth, Madeleine is a compassionate member of the Caring Committee, and in 2025, she joined the board of the American Jewish Committee, continuing her lifelong commitment to advocacy and service.

Harvey Wallace is a trailblazer in the accounting world and a passionate community leader. In 1973, he co-founded Brown Smith Wallace, a firm that grew to become the 77th largest CPA firm in the United States, with 340 team members at the time of its 2021 merger with Armanino LLP. He now brings his expertise to Private Fiduciary Solutions. Harvey’s professional success is matched by his extraordinary record of community service. He has held leadership roles on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Federation of St. Louis (where he served as Chairman from 2015 to 2017), Jewish Family Services, The Magic House (Chairman, 2013–2014), Wyman Center, and the Chancellor’s Council at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. His civic engagement also includes board service with the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the St. Louis Community Foundation, and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center. Harvey has been a dedicated member of the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer and was honored with the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants Outstanding Public Service Award.

Madeleine and Harvey are blessed with two sons and daughters-in-law, Brad & Elizabeth Wallace and David & Melissa Wallace, and four grandchildren Emma (23), Katie (19), Miriam (13), and Aaron (11).

Together, Madeleine and Harvey exemplify the spirit of generosity, leadership, and compassion. Their decades of service have touched countless lives and strengthened the fabric of our community. We are proud to honor them with the 2025 Harris Frank Community Service Award.