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

Time

10:00 am - 11:30 am

More Info

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Location

Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141
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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.