Home Events & Programs An Essential Conversation about Essential Conversations

An Essential Conversation about Essential Conversations

As we grow older, many of us begin to reflect more deeply on the future—our health, our independence, and how best to care for our loved ones and ourselves with intention and grace.

This session takes place during the month of Elul, a sacred time in the Jewish calendar devoted to introspection and preparation as we approach the High Holy Days. In the spirit of Elul, we are invited to engage in deep, meaningful reflection—not only on our past, but also on the kind of future we want to shape for ourselves and those we love.

In this heartfelt and important conversation, Rabbi Jim Bennett and longtime congregant Alan Spector will guide us through what it truly means to be prepared for the later stages of life. From practical planning to navigating the emotions surrounding aging, disability, dementia, and even death, we’ll explore how to approach these realities with honesty, clarity, and compassion.

Rabbi Bennett will share why this work holds deep personal and spiritual meaning for him. Alan will offer practical wisdom and insights drawn from his book, Essential Baby Boomer Conversations: Preparing for Disability, Dementia, Death, and LIFE.

Each attending household will receive a complimentary copy of the book.

We invite you to take this brave and loving step—for yourself and for those you care about. During this season of soul-searching, there may be no greater act of love than beginning the conversation.

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Date
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Expired!
Time
10:00 am - 11:30 am
More Info
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Location
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

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.