The rabbi behind Student to Student is taking on a new role in St. Louis

By Bill Motchan, Contributing Writer

Published April 13, 2026

Rabbi Andrew Terkel will join the clergy team of Congregation Shaare Emeth, bringing experience in Jewish education and community engagement to one of St. Louis’ largest congregations.

He will be officially introduced during Shabbat services on Friday, April 24, alongside Rabbi Morgan Tobey.

Terkel comes to Shaare Emeth from Be The Narrative, where he has served as CEO since 2022.

A background in education and leadership

Terkel was ordained by Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles in 2014. He also earned a certificate in Jewish nonprofit management and a bachelor’s degree in political science and international studies from the University of Kansas.

Earlier in his career, he served as assistant rabbi at Congregation Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim in Charleston, S.C., and later as director of year-round programs at the URJ Greene Family Camp in Texas.

Building on existing roots

For Terkel, the move is also a continuation of an existing connection to St. Louis.

“St. Louis and Shaare Emeth have been our home for a while, but this is an opportunity to really be rooted in the community and serve the community,” he said. “I want to figure out how I can bring my skills and expertise and the various ways I’ve served the Jewish community for the benefit of Shaare Emeth and the community here.”

Continuing Student to Student

Before stepping fully into his new role, Terkel said he is focused on ensuring continuity for Student to Student, a signature Be The Narrative program that works to combat antisemitism by connecting Jewish students with non-Jewish peers.

“The Jewish Federations of North America and our supporters here in St. Louis and elsewhere really believe in Student to Student and have been incredible in supporting this work,” he said. “I want to make sure I honor that and leave Student to Student in a really good and strong place.”

“I think it is exactly what the world needs right now,” he said. “We need people to get to know real Jewish people as individuals with unique stories and identities and the work of empowering young Jews to be confident in their identity. That’s always been core to how I see my work and that will remain true at Shaare Emeth.”