Interfaith Couples + Families

Welcoming Interfaith Families

Congregation Shaare Emeth is a welcoming community for interfaith couples and families. Today a large number of interfaith couples and families participate in all aspects congregational life. Our clergy and staff serve as guides to interfaith couples and families, helping them cultivate their own positive connection to Judaism.

Welcoming interfaith families and ensuring opportunities to fully participate in Jewish life is a natural part of our Congregation’s mission which states, “Congregation Shaare Emeth is a compassionate and inclusive community that makes Judaism relevant, meaningful and joyful.” Below please find answers to some frequently asked questions.

Do Shaare Emeth’s rabbis and cantor officiate at interfaith weddings?

Mazel tov to those getting married! We have clergy who officiate at Jewish wedding ceremonies for interfaith couples. Please contact Stacy Jespersen (sjespersen@sestl.org) who can help connect you with a member of our clergy or, if you have a specific rabbi or cantor you would like to work with, you can contact them directly.

My spouse or partner is Jewish and I am not. Will I be welcomed at Shaare Emeth?

Yes! All family members are warmly welcomed at Shaare Emeth, whether you come alone or with your family.

Do you have other interfaith families at Shaare Emeth?

Shaare Emeth has many couples and families who identify as interfaith. We welcome and believe the presence of members from different faith backgrounds can enrich us all. Non-Jewish members of Shaare Emeth serve as leaders in our congregations, including serving as members of our Board of Trustees.

Will my child(ren) be considered Jewish if one us is not Jewish?

As a Reform synagogue, we recognize both patrilineal and matrilineal descent. This means any child who has a Jewish parent is Jewish when they are raised and educated as a Jew. Our clergy welcome the opportunity to work with interfaith families on lifecycle events include brises, baby namings, and bnai mitzvah as well. We have many interfaith families in both our preschool and religious school and all parents are encouraged to join in all aspects of their child’s learning experience.

As the non-Jewish parent in an interfaith family, will I and our other non-Jewish family members be able to participate in our child(ren)’s bar or bat mitzvah?

The entire family is included in these celebrations including non-Jewish family members and friends. All family members are encouraged to participate as they are comfortable in this sacred lifecycle ceremony including by joining the Bar on Bat Mitzvah on the bima and reciting the aliyah blessings before and after the reading of Torah. Families will have the opportunity to discuss these opportunities further during the bar or bat mitzvah process.

Will I ever be pressured to convert to Judaism?

We value every individual for who they are and where they are in life. We will never pressure you to convert to Judaism. If, however, you are interested in learning more about conversion, our Rabbis and Cantor are always here to serve as your guides. If you are interested in learning more about Judaism, an Introduction to Judaism class can be a great way to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life whether or not you’re considering conversion.

Are your services all in Hebrew? Will I be able to follow along as a participant from a different faith background? Am I allowed to participate if I am not Jewish?

Our prayer book (siddur) has Hebrew, transliteration into English and an English translation of the prayers. Throughout the service we read and sing prayers in English and in Hebrew. We strive to make our service accessible by announcing pages and sharing explanations of different parts of the service. We welcome everyone, both Jews and non-Jews, to participate in our worship services and other rituals however they are most comfortable including by reading, singing, meditating and celebrating with the rest of our congregation.

Does Shaare Emeth have any special programs for interfaith families?

Shaare Emeth’s commitment to serving interfaith couples and families also include ongoing opportunities to connect with the Jewish community through Shabbat and holiday celebrations specifically for interfaith families and educational opportunities to help make informed religious decisions and building a Jewish home. To learn more about these opportunities, contact our main office at 314-569-0010 and ask to speak with a clergy member.

My child is in an interfaith relationship and I want to help them find a meaningful Jewish connection. How can I help them find the right opportunity for them at Shaare Emeth?

Today Jewish families are more diverse than ever and many Jewish families include members who are not Jewish. All family members are warmly welcomed at Shaare Emeth and we have many opportunities for them to explore our community. We have found that interfaith couples and families often feel most comfortable when they learn and experience Judaism on their own terms without additional pressures. We encourage you to consider inviting your family to events which you think might be of specific interest to them either with you on own their own. We are happy to reach out to folks who might be interested as well if we have a way to connect with them. Our clergy welcome the opportunity to hear people’s stories and learn more about their needs and interests.

Rabbi Jeffrey Stiffman

Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Shaare Emeth

Rabbi Emeritus Jeffrey Stiffman received his undergraduate degree from Loyola College and was ordained in 1965 at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio. He earned his Ph.D. in Theology in 1972. He served as Assistant Rabbi of Shaare Emeth from 1965-1968 and was named Senior Rabbi in 1971, serving in that capacity until his retirement in 2004, when he was named Rabbi Emeritus. During his tenure, Rabbi Stiffman and his staff instituted many innovative programs of worship, education, and social justice. Rabbi Stiffman and his wife, Arlene, have three adult children and eight grandchildren.

Pronouns: he/him/his

Rabbi Morgan Tobey

Assistant Rabbi of Congregation Shaare Emeth

Rabbi Morgan Tobey joined the congregation as Assistant Rabbi on July 1, 2026, bringing with her a deep commitment to Jewish learning, leadership, and community building. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Rabbi Tobey’s Jewish journey began during her undergraduate years at the University of Southern California, where her involvement with Hillel introduced her to rabbinical students who challenged her assumptions about Judaism and inspired her own path to the rabbinate. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from USC before returning to Dallas, where she worked as an elementary and early childhood educator and served in numerous lay leadership roles at Temple Emanu-El.

Rabbi Tobey was ordained in May 2026 from Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, where she also earned a Master of Arts in Hebrew Literature and a Certificate in Jewish Organizational Leadership from the Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management. During her time at HUC-JIR, she distinguished herself as a talented leader and community builder, receiving the Burton Lehman Prize in Jewish Leadership, the Sylvia Levenstein Prize in Human Relations, and the Gavi Klonsky Award for Amitz Lev—recognizing spirit, character, and strength of heart. Her rabbinical training included service to the Community Synagogue of Rye, Cornell University Hillel, and her classmates as Student Association President.

Outside of synagogue life, you can find Rabbi Tobey cheering on the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Wings, obsessing over Amy Poehler’s podcast, and planning Disney trips!

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Rabbi Andrew Terkel

Associate Rabbi of Congregation Shaare Emeth

Rabbi Andrew Terkel joined Congregation Shaare Emeth as Associate Rabbi in 2026. A warm and relationship-centered Reform rabbi, he is passionate about helping individuals and families find meaning, connection, and belonging through Jewish life. Prior to coming to Shaare Emeth, Rabbi Terkel served as Executive Director of Student to Student, a national program of the Jewish Federations of North America, and previously held leadership roles with Be The Narrative, the Union for Reform Judaism’s NFTY youth movement, Greene Family Camp, and Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim in Charleston, South Carolina, where he served as Assistant Rabbi.

Rabbi Terkel was ordained by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, where he also earned a Certificate in Jewish Nonprofit Management, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Studies from the University of Kansas. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, he credits synagogue life, Jewish camp, and youth groups with shaping his Jewish identity and inspiring his rabbinate. Rabbi Terkel enjoys music, storytelling, and creating meaningful Jewish experiences across generations. He and his wife, Hannah, and their sons, Avi and Micah, have been proud members of the Shaare Emeth community since moving to St. Louis in 2022.

Rabbi Lori Levine

Associate Rabbi & Director of Education of Congregation Shaare Emeth

Rabbi Lori Levine serves as Associate Rabbi and Director of Education at Congregation Shaare Emeth, overseeing the Religious School and creating connections for our families with children to the wider temple community. Originally from New Jersey, Rabbi Levine was shaped by her years at Jewish summer camp, non-profit work, working as a community organizer, living in Israel on the URJ Heller High program, and volunteer work with elders. She received her undergraduate degree from New York University in European and Mediterranean Studies in 2010. She received her rabbinic ordination and Master’s in Jewish Education from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles, CA, in 2018.

Rabbi Levine is an experienced and passionate educator with extensive experience in curriculum writing, teacher mentorship, programming, and more. She believes that rigorous, relevant, and joyful learning is the key to creating vibrant Jewish communities and Jewish identities. Rabbi Levine is an active member of the national Association of Reform Jewish Educators (ARJE) and Past President of JPro StL. She is married to Joe Ferris and the proud mom of two boys.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Cantor Seth Warner

Cantor of Congregation Shaare Emeth

Cantor Seth Warner, originally from Southern California, has degrees from University of Redlands and Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion. He was ordained in 2001.

He has served two synagogues with distinction during his career. First, he served the historic Touro Synagogue in New Orleans, weathering Hurricane Katrina and producing Touro’s Jazz Fest Shabbat to high acclaim.

He began serving Congregation Shaare Emeth in 2007. He oversees the Congregation’s music and worship portfolios and leads the B’Mitzvah program, in addition to his other cantorial duties as a full clergy partner with his colleagues.

He currently serves as Immediate Past President of the American Conference of Cantors.

Seth and his wife, Shayna, are the proud parents of two boys.

Pronouns: he/him/his

Rabbi Andrea Goldstein, D.Min

Successor Senior Rabbi of Congregation Shaare Emeth

Rabbi Andrea Goldstein received her undergraduate degree in Communications Studies from Northwestern University and was ordained from the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1998. In May of 2023, Rabbi Goldstein earned her Doctor of Ministry and her honorary Doctor of Divinity from HUC-JIR. She has served as rabbi at Congregation Shaare Emeth for the past 28 years, and in 2028 she will become the congregation’s first female Senior Rabbi.

Rabbi Goldstein is a graduate of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality’s Rabbinic Leadership Program and the Jewish Mindfulness Meditation Teachers’ Training Program, and she holds a certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Aquinas Institute in St. Louis. In 2018, she founded and became the director of the Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis.

Locally, Rabbi Goldstein is a member of the St. Louis Rabbinic and Cantorial Association, serves on the AccessMO Advisory Board, the NCJW Advisory Council, and the Advisory Committee of the Jewish Fund for Human Needs. Nationally, Rabbi Goldstein is an at-large board member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis.

Rabbi Goldstein’s rabbinate is centered around the creation of sacred community, the call for social justice, and the cultivation of spiritual practices. Rabbi Goldstein is married to Brett Goldstein and is the proud mother of Macey, Eli, and Lila.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Rabbi Jim Bennett

Senior Rabbi of Congregation Shaare Emeth

Rabbi James M. Bennett became Senior Rabbi of Congregation Shaare Emeth in 2004. He received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and was ordained in 1984 at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon ordination, Rabbi Bennett served Shaare Emeth as Assistant and Associate Rabbi from 1984 to 1993. He then served as Senior Rabbi at Temple Beth El in Charlotte, NC, from 1993-2003 before returning to St. Louis and Shaare Emeth. Rabbi Bennett has devoted his career to strengthening the involvement of youth and adults in programs of education, social justice, spiritual growth, community building, and interfaith relations. Rabbi Bennett and his wife, Amy, have three children, Abigail, Ethan, and Michelle, and their Labrador Retrievers, Gus and Ophelia.

Pronouns: he/him/his

Friday, September 11, 2026

Shanah Tovah!

Let’s ring in 5787 together.

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.