Leave a Legacy, Congregation Shaare Emeth

Our proud history deserves a bright future.

We have a history as a congregation rooted in the Jewish faith of pulling together during world wars, economic challenges, and even two pandemics a century apart. One of the cornerstones that has supported us during challenging times is the Shaare Emeth Endowment Fund.

Those who came before us kept our temple strong through their support toward this legacy of love and giving that has met so many vital needs within our temple and beyond our walls. Our goal is to grow this endowment. Grow it with purpose for today. And grow it for tomorrow to not only better manage future needs within the temple, but to reach outside our walls to help others in the local community. And beyond.

Strength in numbers.

With nearly 1,600 families in our congregation, Shaare Emeth represents almost 3,000 members of the Jewish faith in St. Louis. There is strength in numbers. We can collectively, through gifts both large and small, continue to ensure our endowment fund is a lasting legacy for those who call Shaare Emeth home and to all people in need.

Ensuring a hopeful tomorrow.

Since 1867, Shaare Emeth has served as a light to guide people in their journey of Jewish faith. During these years we have endured, grown, and been tested. Through it all, we’ve taken comfort in God, family, our synagogue and the fundamental belief that together, our community is stronger. And together, we thrive. What you give today is a direct link to yesterday’s generations of dedicated people who felt driven to celebrate our heritage.

Making it simple to make a positive difference.

There are many convenient and financially smart ways to give:

Estate planning through wills, trusts, insurance policies, etc.
Monthly, quarterly and yearly contributions
You can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA to help satisfy your annual required minimum distribution
Donor Advised Fund
Stock gifts
All gifts are tax deductible

Beyond providing the operational needs for our temple, your investment helps us continue to provide:

Access to one of the oldest and most recognized temples in Missouri for families regardless of their financial situation
Resources to ensure the temple’s future regardless of economic uncertainties
Continued availability of outstanding clergy and staff
One of the best youth groups in the local community
Commitment to continue meeting the spiritual and temporal needs of our community
Support for the operational needs of our temple
Superb Jewish education programs led by a Rabbi Educator
Respected Jewish leadership throughout the St. Louis area

For more information, please contact Beth Kodner by e-mail or at 314-692-5306.

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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.