Giving Societies

Shaare Emeth’s Giving Societies

Our Congregation deeply appreciates the members of our giving societies. Those who are able to give at these levels play a vital role in making our programming and services available to our congregational family and the greater community. 

For more information or to inquire about joining one of our giving societies, contact Beth Kodner.

Shaare Emeth’s Emet Society

For more than 150 years, our name, Shaare Emeth or “Gates of Truth” when translated from Hebrew, has served as our guiding light, our foundation. The word, Emet or “truth”, was selected to reflect the importance that these significant contributions will have, allowing us to maintain our traditions and innovate for the future, this year, and for generations to come.

A unique benefit of the Emet Society is that these one-time yearly gifts are all-inclusive. The generous support of these donations includes support for all congregational fundraisers throughout the year.

$50,000 $36,000 $25,000 $18,000

Heart & Soul Sponsorship

Platinum
16 Tickets/2 Tables
Gold
8 Tickets/1 Table
Silver
6 Tickets
Bronze
2 Tickets

FUN Raiser (Listed as a Sponsor)
8 Tickets & Listing
8 Tickets
6 Tickets
2 Tickets

Emet Society Tributes
50
36
25
18

Quarterly Updates from the President

Listed as Annual Appeal Contributor

Listed in Book of Memory

Opportunity to sit on the Bima during High Holidays

Private Events with Scholars-in-Residence

L’Dor VaDor Emet Society

Shaare Emeth is fortunate to have many multi-generational families, who may choose to collectively join the Emet Society. If your family is interested in making an Emet Society contribution, please contact Craig Neuman.

Shaare Emeth’s Ner Tamid Society

Once you have committed to our sustaining membership responsibility level, we invite you to join the Ner Tamid Society for an additional pledge.

Ner Tamid – the eternal light – was chosen to represent our plus giving program because the Ner Tamid is such an important part of the Temple. The sanctuary is the heart of the temple and the Ner Tamid is the heart of the sanctuary. The flame symbolizes God’s presence in our lives. By being a Member of the Ner Tamid Society, you play a crucial role in our ability to tend to this flame now and for generations to come. Becoming a Ner Tamid member of Shaare Emeth represents a conscious choice to carry an added share of the responsibility to ensure the continuing, successful, and vibrant operation of our synagogue.

Ner Tamid Members At All Giving Levels Are…

  • Recognized in the Temple Bulletin and on our interactive kiosks.
  • Invited to special receptions, president’s update session, and other activities at the Temple.
  • Given tribute credits based on giving level.
Ner Tamid Society Additional Giving Levels

Flame of Honor
$500 – $1,999
3 Tributes

Flame of Gratitude
$2,000 – $3,999
5 Tributes

Flame of Joy
$4,000 – $6,999
7 Tributes

Flame of Goodness
$7,000 – $9,999
10 Tributes

Flame of Generosity
$10,000 – $15,000
15 Tributes

Also explore our Natan Circle Giving Society for members who have made a legacy commitment to Congregation Shaare Emeth.

ABOUT

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.