Leave a Legacy

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

 

If you know your plans, please complete and return this form. Or, for more information, please contact Beth Kodner by e-mail or at 314-692-5306.

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.