Author: Hannah Michelson

Kindling New Light: Fresh Ideas for Your Chanukah Celebration

By Rabbi Rachel K. Bearman In a world that has too often been filled with too much darkness, Jewish communities have used Chanukah to kindle new and lasting lights. The glow of the menorah reminds us that even the smallest flame can push back the darkness. While many of us have beloved Chanukah traditions—whether they […]

The Imperative & Gift of Jewish Joy

Erev Rosh Hashanah 2024 | 5785 By Rabbi Rachel Kay Bearman For as long as I can remember, my Judaism has been something that I valued, something that I loved about myself, and something that brought me great joy. If you ask my parents, they will tell you that as a child, my exuberant love […]

A Blessing for the Solar Eclipse

A Blessing for the Solar Eclipse  By Rabbi Andrea Goldstein     On Monday, April 8, between 1–2 p.m. Central Time in and around St. Louis, a solar eclipse will occur. This rare natural event happens when the moon travels between the earth and sun in such a way as to block the light of […]

The Purpose Behind JDAIM

The Purpose Behind JDAIM  By Amy R Weinstein (Shapiro)     Cantor Seth Warner recently delivered a sermon explaining that “Jews are taught to ask questions.” In that spirit, some of you might be asking what is JDAIM? And why does JDAIM play such an important role within Judaism? As a member of the Congregation Shaare […]

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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.