Who We Are, Congregation Shaare Emeth

Our Mission

Congregation Shaare Emeth is a compassionate, respectful, and inclusive community that makes Judaism relevant, meaningful, and joyful.

Our Values

Recognize the congregation’s mission, commitments, and values.
Treat every congregant, staff member, clergy, and guest with respect, dignity, and civility through all types of communication.
Remain open to all viewpoints.
Honor the identities, diversity, and abilities of all.
Promote an emotionally and physically safe environment for everyone.
Welcome all to participate in our traditions.

The community of Congregation Shaare Emeth expects every congregant, staff member, clergy, and guest to behave in accordance with our values.

As we strive to achieve our mission on a daily basis, we employ seven commitments to guide our work:

Our Community

At Congregation Shaare Emeth, members and guests of all ages feel a strong sense of community; are intellectually and spiritually engaged; are committed to the values of tzedakah (justice) and acts of gemilut chasadim (acts of compassion and kindness). Together we are building a strong foundation for the future.

Who We Are

At Congregation Shaare Emeth we believe that all people are created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God. Each individual member and family add something unique to our sacred community, and we welcome all members and guests to join us in our worship and learning experiences. If you would like to learn more about becoming a member or making a visit, please call 314-569-0010.

Interfaith Families and Diverse Faith Backgrounds

Congregation Shaare Emeth has a proud history of welcoming interfaith families and those seeking to learn more about Judaism into our community. We offer special outreach for those who are beginning to explore the Jewish faith, and we celebrate our interfaith families as full members of our community.

LGBTQ+

Congregation Shaare Emeth welcomes all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, as full participants in Temple life. We are excited to celebrate all milestones and lifecycle moments, including marriage, baby namings and more, with members who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning. Keshet (Hebrew for rainbow) is our LGBTQ+ Outreach and Support group and is open to all.

Racial and Ethnic Backgrounds

Congregation Shaare Emeth is proud to welcome individuals and families of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, including those whose family origins are originally in African, Asian or Latin-American countries. Our REDI at Shaare Emeth Committee (Racial, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee) provides social, educational and advocacy opportunities for members and guests to connect and learn from one another.

Accessibility

Our worship spaces are equipped with hearing enhancement devices and large print prayer books upon request. We provide sign language interpreters for our High Holy Day services, as well as other special events. Our building, including the bimas (pulpits) are wheelchair accessible. Shabbat services are available via live stream for all and are live-captioned. Our Religious School and Shirlee Green Preschool offer support for students of varying needs and abilities.

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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.