Rabbi Susan Talve Retires, Shifts Focus to Ashrei Foundation

In November the Ashrei Foundation’s Founder, Rabbi Susan Talve, retired from Central Reform Congregation and has become the congregation’s First Rabbi Emerita.

Since the inception of CRC in 1984, still the first and only Reform Jewish congregation in the City of St. Louis, Rabbi Susan has held an international reputation for progressive advocacy work, championing social justice, fostering the acceptance and cultivation of diversity, and creating a world in which all individuals are honored for who they are.

She shepherded the congregation through growth: in membership, into a building of their own, and into the spirit and fabric of the City of St. Louis. You can read a short biography of Rabbi Susan’s extensive body of work and leadership here.

Rabbi Susan is excited to now shift her time and attentionto our work at the Ashrei Foundation, which she created to continue and deepen her lifelong work to relieve suffering.

Since receiving our generous founding gift from the Clever Little Girl Foundation at the end of 2020, Rabbi Susan has worked to form the Ashrei Foundation as a 501(c)(3), created a board of community leaders and advocates, hired Executive Director Sara Ruiz to drive our work, and been instrumental in making the connections that have led to our successful and growing programs and partnerships.

With Rabbi Susan’s support and energy we are able to imagine and implement projects that move Missouri forward toward equity and justice.