Tag: Texting Tuesdays

What is Jewish About Thanksgiving?

Texting Tuesdays with Rabbi Andrea Goldstein This class will examine the historical roots of America’s annual Thanksgiving festival and explore Jewish values related to this national celebration, including Hatmada (persistence), Hoda’ah (gratitude), and Hakarat HaTov (recognizing the good). RSVP Coming Soon!

Disruptors & Dreamers: Jewish Women Who Shaped U.S. History

Texting Tuesdays with Rabbi Lori Levine What does it take to challenge the status quo? Throughout American history, Jewish women have broken barriers, challenged expectations, and transformed their communities and the nation. From labor organizers and Supreme Court justices to educators, activists, and artists, we will explore the stories of remarkable Jewish women who influenced […]

Love the Stranger, for You were Strangers: The Jewish-American Immigration Story

Texting Tuesdays with Rabbi Morgan Tobey It is no coincidence that the words of welcome enshrined at the foot of the Statue of Liberty were composed by a Jewish poet, Emma Lazarus: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore…” In this class, […]

For the Welfare of the Nation: Judaism and American Patriotism

Texting Tuesdays with Helena Cooper, Director of Youth Engagement What does Judaism have to say about being a good American? Beginning with Jeremiah’s famous call to “seek the welfare of the city,” we’ll examine Jewish texts that explore civic responsibility, gratitude, justice, and moral courage. Together, we’ll consider what Jewish tradition can teach us about […]

Celebrating 250 Years of American Music and American Jewish Music

Texting Tuesdays with Cantor Seth Warner This two-part class explores the intersection of Jewish and American music, tracing it from 250 years ago to today. The first class explores historical and contextual examples, including a playlist to listen to on your own. We will listen and sing together in our second class to some of […]

How the Rabbis Argued

What the Sanhedrin Can Teach Us About Sacred Disagreement • Jewish tradition teaches that disagreement can lead to deeper wisdom. In this session, we’ll explore how the rabbis of the Sanhedrin structured debate so that many voices could be heard while still seeking truth. What can their model of machloket l’shem shamayim: disagreement for the sake of heaven can teach us about engaging differences today?

Say Cheese(cake)! A Sweet Shavuot Workshop

What would Shavuot be without cheesecake? Join Farilyn Hale for a fun and delicious session on how to make a rich, creamy cheesecake just in time for the holiday. Along the way, we’ll explore the sweet tradition of dairy foods on Shavuot and pick up tips and techniques to make your own show-stopping cheesecake at home.

What Matters Beneath the Words: Listening for Values in Times of Disagreement

In moments of disagreement, it can be hard to truly hear one another. Drawing on the principles of Nonviolent Communication, this session will introduce tools that help us listen more deeply for the feelings, needs, and values beneath what people say. Through guided practice, participants will learn how listening with curiosity and empathy can transform difficult conversations into opportunities for connection and understanding.

The Sacred Work of Showing Up: A Jewish Study of Chesed

In Jewish tradition, disagreement can lead to deeper understanding when we learn to listen well. Drawing on Jonathan Haidt’s Moral Foundations framework, this session explores the values that shape how each of us understands right and wrong. Through guided discussion and practical exercises, we’ll practice listening for what truly matters so we can engage in disagreement with greater curiosity, humility, and respect.

Embracing The Liminal: Jewish Rituals Emerge From the Space In Between

Liminal (in-between) moments have always been seen as powerful… and therefore a little dangerous as well. Let’s come together to learn about the ancient, supernatural origins of Judaism’s wariness over in-between spaces/ times and then explore the many ways our religion has tried to alleviate the danger and embrace the holiness of the liminal.

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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.