Amy Feder, an alumna and Hall of Fame member, attended the Clayton School District, beginning her educational career at Meramec Elementary.

“In middle school, the teacher who inspired me most was Ed Wright. He was my eighth-grade homeroom and social studies teacher. He was just one of the best teachers I ever had, and we’re still in touch. And then, at Clayton High School, I had so many teachers that I could not pick just one. I think probably the ones who I was closest with were Eric Anthony, who was my music teacher, and Glenn Cody, who was my German teacher. Also, Kathy Core, who was my English teacher. But those, you know, were just three incredible teachers I had at the high school,” said Feder.

After graduating high school, Feder attended the University of Michigan for four years. There, she decided to become a Rabbi.

“When I was at Michigan, I was studying music and Judaic Studies, and I already knew that Judaism was very important to me. I was hoping to find [a] job where I could also sing because that was an important part of my life,” Feder said.

Feder felt like being a rabbi combined everything she loved and was good at. 

“It meant I could sing. It meant that I could be actively Jewish. Also, being a rabbi, I get to be a counselor and a public speaker. I get to be a writer. There are so many things that you get to do with this job, and it was all of the things I love to do, I could do at the same time,” said Feder.

Feder then went to the Hebrew Union College for rabbinical school. She spent the first year in Jeruselum and the next four years in New York.

When Feder finished schooling, she joined Congregational Temple Isreal in Creve Coeur, Mo. where she is currently a senior rabbi.

“I have the privilege of guiding people through life cycle moments and sharing some of the most meaningful times in their lives.  It is a responsibility and honor I take very seriously but also love doing,” she said.