Intro to Judaism

St. Louis Introduction to Judaism Course from the Union for Reform Judaism

Introduction to Judaism

Explore a modern take on Jewish life.

October 2025 – March 2026
Tuesdays • 7–9 p.m. at St. Louis-Area Reform Congregations

Join clergy from St. Louis area Reform congregations for Introduction to Judaism, an engaging deep dive into Jewish faith, culture, and community.

This course is designed for beginners of all backgrounds and is perfect for individuals exploring conversion, interfaith couples, family members of Jewish people, and anyone seeking more knowledge about Judaism.

Questions? Contact Stacy Jespersen.

Funded in part by a grant from the National Center to Encourage Judaism.

Class Schedule

Unit 1: The Jewish People, Beliefs, & Sacred Texts

7 p.m. on Tuesdays, October 21 & 28 + November 4 & 11 • At Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road, 63141

Unit 2: The Jewish Story

7 p.m. on Tuesdays, November 18, December 2, 9, & 16 • At United Hebrew Congregation, 13788 Conway Road, 63141

Unit 3: Living in Jewish Time

7 p.m. on Tuesdays, January 6, 13, 20, & 27 • At Temple Emanuel, 12166 Conway Road, 63141

Unit 4: Living a Jewish Life – Part 1

Jewish Life Cycle
7 p.m. on Tuesdays, February 3, 10, 17, & 24 • At Congregation Temple Israel, 1 Rabbi Alvan D. Rubin Drive, 63141

Unit 5: Living a Jewish Life – Part 2

Creating a Jewish Home, Celebrations, and Community
7 p.m. on Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 24, & 31 • At Central Reform Congregation, 5020 Waterman Blvd., 63108

Registration Information

You can register for yourself and one other household member. The cost is $120 per person or $180 per couple (one book per household).

When the class begins, you will receive a copy of Honoring Tradition, Embracing Modernity, the book that we will use as reference in our class.

Financial assistance may be available. If you would like to speak about opportunities for financial assistance, please reach out to the synagogue and/or clergy person that you are connected to.

If you have any questions, please contact Stacy Jespersen at Congregation Shaare Emeth by e-mail or at 314-569-0010.

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.