Home Events & Programs Kabbalat Shabbat: Farewell Service for Rabbi Rachel Bearman

Kabbalat Shabbat: Farewell Service for Rabbi Rachel Bearman

Jewish tradition teaches us the importance of nurturing our relationships, including the adage to “Make for yourself a teacher, acquire for yourself a friend” (Pirkei Avot 1:6). Rabbi Rachel Bearman has certainly been a dear friend and beloved teacher to our children and to us over the last six years. Her love of Jewish stories and history, passion for social justice, deep care for people of all ages (especially our youngest members), and more will continue to shape and inspire us for years to come!

As she begins her transition to a new senior rabbi position in Raleigh, NC, and exciting adventures with her daughter this summer, it’s time for us to reflect on and celebrate her time at Congregation Shaare Emeth. The clergy and staff of Shaare Emeth want to personally invite you to join us on Friday, May 15, at 6 p.m. for a special service in honor of Rabbi Bearman. We’ll begin the evening with a heavy Nosh at 5:15 p.m., continue with a service full of singing, dancing, praying, and offering words of love and support to Rabbi Bearman, and conclude with a dessert reception in the South Lobby.

  • 00

    days

  • 00

    hours

  • 00

    minutes

  • 00

    seconds

Date

Friday, May 15, 2026

Time

5:15 pm - 7:30 pm

Location

Stiffman Sanctuary
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Category

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.