Simcha Series, Congregation Shaare Emeth

Congregation Shaare Emeth’s Simcha Series

Introducing our new Simcha Series! Each class is an opportunity to GROW, CELEBRATE, and CONNECT with others experiencing similar milestones!

Beshert 101: For the Engaged and Soon-to-Be-Engaged

Dates TBD

Mazel Tov on finding your Beshert (your meant-to-be)!
If you are engaged or anticipate being engaged soon, then you’re invited to Beshert 101- a special workshop that will introduce you the many Jewish customs that can add meaning to your wedding and your marriage! Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet other Jewish and interfaith couples who are in a similar chapter in their lives.

Beshert 101 will provide a safe and joyful space for engaged (and almost-engaged) people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, races, and religious backgrounds. It is open to the entire St. Louis community; you do not need to be a Shaare Emeth member to attend.

**B’Sha’Ah Tovah*: A Class for Expecting Parents**

Dates TBD

We know that each path to parenthood is unique and personal. Whether you are single or partnered; whether you anticipate the arrival of your child through pregnancy, adoption, surrogacy, or another path; whether or not you and your partner are both Jewish; whether you are already a parent or this will be your first child, you are invited to join us for B’sha’ah Tovah: A Class for Expecting Parents.

B’sha’ah Tovah will provide you with opportunities to connect with other expecting parents and to explore both traditional and contemporary ways that Judaism can add meaning to every stage of your journey to parenthood – from anticipating, to welcoming, to celebrating.

B’sha’ah Tovah is open to Shaare Emeth members and to the broader community. Please feel free to share information about this class with friends and family members who are expecting parents.

Questions? Email Rabbi Rachel Bearman.

*Did you know: The traditional, Jewish response to learning that someone is expecting a child is “B’sha’ah Tovah” which literally means “at a good hour” but is understood to mean “may everything go well and happen at the right time.”*

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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.