Creve Coeur Jewish Congregations Will Not Merge

After having what representatives from Shaare Emeth and Temple Israel called "exciting, productive and educational" talks about merging, the two Reform Jewish congregations in Creve Coeur have announced that they will remain independent of one another.

"From the beginning of the exploratory process, the congregations’ shared goal has been creating and sustaining a dynamic, engaging Reform Jewish community for their members. At this time, the congregations have mutually concluded that the best way to accomplish this goal is by allowing the congregations to pursue independent paths that accentuate their respective strengths. Both congregations are strong, vibrant and positioned for future success," Shaare Emeth Presiden Joe Pereles and Temple Israel President JoAnne Levy said in a joint statement released Wednesday.

More reporting on the news can be found in The St. Louis Post-Dispatch.