Families with Young Children

Families with Young Children at Shaare Emeth

Shaare Emeth is a hub of activity for families with 0-5-year-olds. Whether you are looking to meet other families, learn Jewish values in creative ways, make a difference in the world, or celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays, there is a place for you at Shaare Emeth!

Most opportunities are open to the entire community, and no temple membership is required. If you have been thinking of raising a Jewish family or exploring a synagogue, these family programs are a perfect place to start!

Shaare Emeth is committed to creating ways for people of all backgrounds, life stages, and experiences to find a way to participate in our community that works for them. We welcome LGBTQ+ families, interfaith families, people with disabilities, families of any race or background, and anyone seeking Jewish community or Jewish life.

Upcoming Events

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Ongoing Opportunities

If you have questions or would like to be added to our email list, contact Emily Cohen, Director of Family Engagement and Membership.

Baby Naming

Shaare Emeth clergy are honored to celebrate your little one by officiating at a baby naming ceremony. Contact Stacy Jespersen, Executive Assistant to the Clergy, for more information.

Shirlee Green Preschool

Shaare Emeth’s preschool program for children six weeks through pre-kindergarten. Part-time and full-time options from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more about SGP and our Pedagogy of Unquiet Thinking.

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.