Giving Societies, Congregation Shaare Emeth

Shaare Emeth’s Giving Societies

Our Congregation deeply appreciates the members of our giving societies. Those who are able to give at these levels play a vital role in making our programming and services available to our congregational family and the greater community.

For more information or to inquire about joining one of our giving societies, contact Beth Kodner.

Shaare Emeth’s Emet Society

For more than 150 years, our name, Shaare Emeth or “Gates of Truth” when translated from Hebrew, has served as our guiding light, our foundation. The word, Emet or “truth”, was selected to reflect the importance that these significant contributions will have, allowing us to maintain our traditions and innovate for the future, this year, and for generations to come.

A unique benefit of the Emet Society is that these one-time yearly gifts are all-inclusive. The generous support of these donations includes support for all congregational fundraisers throughout the year.

	$50,000	$36,000	$25,000	$18,000
Heart & Soul Sponsorship	Platinum 16 Tickets/2 Tables	Gold 8 Tickets/1 Table	Silver 6 Tickets	Bronze 2 Tickets
FUN Raiser (Listed as a Sponsor)	8 Tickets & Listing	8 Tickets	6 Tickets	2 Tickets
Emet Society Tributes	50	36	25	18
Quarterly Updates from the President
Listed as Annual Appeal Contributor
Listed in Book of Memory
Opportunity to sit on the Bima during High Holidays
Private Events with Scholars-in-Residence

L’Dor VaDor Emet Society

Shaare Emeth is fortunate to have many multi-generational families, who may choose to collectively join the Emet Society. If your family is interested in making an Emet Society contribution, please contact Craig Neuman.

Shaare Emeth’s Ner Tamid Society

Once you have committed to our sustaining membership responsibility level, we invite you to join the Ner Tamid Society for an additional pledge.

Ner Tamid – the eternal light – was chosen to represent our plus giving program because the Ner Tamid is such an important part of the Temple. The sanctuary is the heart of the temple and the Ner Tamid is the heart of the sanctuary. The flame symbolizes God’s presence in our lives. By being a Member of the Ner Tamid Society, you play a crucial role in our ability to tend to this flame now and for generations to come. Becoming a Ner Tamid member of Shaare Emeth represents a conscious choice to carry an added share of the responsibility to ensure the continuing, successful, and vibrant operation of our synagogue.

Ner Tamid Members At All Giving Levels Are…

Recognized in the Temple Bulletin and on our interactive kiosks.
Invited to special receptions, president’s update session, and other activities at the Temple.
Given tribute credits based on giving level.

Ner Tamid Society Additional Giving Levels
Flame of Honor	$500 – $1,999	3 Tributes
Flame of Gratitude	$2,000 – $3,999	5 Tributes
Flame of Joy	$4,000 – $6,999	7 Tributes
Flame of Goodness	$7,000 – $9,999	10 Tributes
Flame of Generosity	$10,000 – $15,000	15 Tributes

Also explore our Natan Circle Giving Society for members who have made a legacy commitment to Congregation Shaare Emeth.

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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.