Simchat Torah

Simchat Torah at Congregation Shaare Emeth

Deutsch Scholars-in-Residence Weekend
with Isaac & Rabbi Shawna Brynjegard-Bialik from Paper Midrash

Friday, October 10 – Monday, October 13
Worship • Create • Learn • Celebrate

Join us for a one-of-a-kind, four-day journey of Torah through art with the dynamic duo of Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik, acclaimed papercut artist, and Rabbi Shawna Brynjegard-Bialik, Jewish educator and creative liturgist. Their work, known as Paper Midrash, blends sacred text with modern media, artistic expression, and deep spiritual insight. This special Scholar-in-Residence weekend offers hands-on opportunities for all ages to learn, create, and celebrate together—culminating in a powerful and visual community-wide Simchat Torah celebration.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a spiritual seeker, a curious learner, or just looking for a joyful way to connect, this weekend offers something meaningful for everyone. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn and create with Isaac and Rabbi Shawna—where Torah meets imagination and community becomes art.

The Scholar-in-Residence Program is made possible through the Fred and Elsie Deutsch Endowment Fund. The Congregation would like to thank Roberta and Jim Deutsch, Judy and Larry Deutsch, and their families for their continuous generous support for the Scholar-in-Residence program.

L’Dor VaDor Sukkot Shabbat Service with Paper MidrashAll Ages

L’Dor VaDor Intergenerational Kabbalat Shabbat Service with Visual Sermon + Creative T’filah 5:15 p.m. Nosh • 6 p.m. Service Start the weekend with a visually stunning and intellectually rich Shabbat service. Isaac & Rabbi Shawna will offer a unique “Visual Sermon”—a multimedia exploration of the weekly Torah portion infused with pop culture, humor, and deep […]
Fri Oct 10
5:15 pm - 7:30 pm
Stiffman Sanctuary
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141
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Street Art Prophecy with Paper MidrashAdults & Teens

9–9:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast • 9:30–11:30 a.m. Street Art Prophecy Dive into the intersection of ancient voices and modern street art. This adult workshop explores the bold messages of our prophets alongside the gritty energy of Tel Aviv graffiti. After a brief text study and visual presentation, participants will create their own spray-painted stencil art […]
Sat Oct 11
9:00 am - 11:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141
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HavdalART with Paper MidrashAges 0–7 & Family

Fingerprint Mosaics Families with young children are invited to close Shabbat with Havdalah and art-making. Create vibrant fingerprint mosaics inspired by Torah, which will become part of a collective art installation at the Temple. Includes a special Havdalah snack. RSVP Required
Sat Oct 11
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141
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Create Your Own Golem with Paper MidrashAdults & Teens

Papercutting Workshop Uncover the mystical legend of the golem through text and imagery, then bring it to life with your own hands. Participants will explore traditional Jewish sources before designing and cutting out their very own paper golem. RSVP Required (Coming Soon!). Space is limited to 30 participants. Co-sponsored by The Jewish Mindfulness Center.
Sun Oct 12
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141
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Erev Simchat Torah Creative Service + Mosaic RevealAll Ages

Celebrate the joy of Torah with a service unlike any other! With the help of Paper Midrash, we’ll unveil the fingerprint mosaic art created by members of our community throughout the weekend—each piece inspired by B’reishit, the first chapter of Torah we begin anew. This is a visual and spiritual Simchat Torah celebration for the […]
Mon Oct 13
6:00 pm
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141
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Simchat Torah YizkorAdults & Teens

Jewish mourning is both a private and public practice, and Yizkor services are public observances for the community of the bereaved. Yizkor means “may God remember” and it is recited four times a year on Yom Kippur, Simchat Torah, Passover, and Shavuot. All are welcome to join us for this service in memory of our […]
Tue Oct 14
9:00 am
B'nai El Chapel
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.