Giving Societies – Congregation Shaare Emeth

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.

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ABOUT

Debbie & Mike Lefton

2024 Harris Frank Community Service Award Honorees

Debbie and Michael Lefton have been dedicated members of the Shaare Emeth community and the broader St. Louis Jewish community for many years, contributing their time and talents in numerous ways.

Debbie has been a member of Shaare Emeth since the 5th grade, attending Sunday School and confirmation. Debbie and Mike have been married for 27 years and became family members of Shaare Emeth in 1996. Their children Sydney, and Jacob, both attend Shirlee Green Preschool, celebrated their b’not mitzvah, and attended Shaare Emeth Camps. Debbie and Mike have been actively involved in various committees at Shaare Emeth throughout the years; Debbie serving as the President of the Shirlee Green Preschool and Mike serving on the Board of Trustees and the Operating Committee for 12 years including President of our congregation.

Their commitment to education and community service extends beyond Shaare Emeth. They are true examples of community service heroes. In 2019 the Lefton Family received the American Jewish Committee Netzach Award and in 2022, Debbie and Mike were honored with the JProStL Community Leader Partnership Award.

After graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Life Services, she worked as a Child Life Specialist at Wyler Children’s Hospital in Chicago and St. Louis Children’s Hospital for 12 years. She then earned a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Services from Washington University.

At the St. Louis Jewish Community Center, Debbie has chaired several committees, including the Children’s Activity Center, the Camp Sabra Alumni Committee, and the Mission Task Force Committee. She has also co-chaired the Jewish Book Festival Women’s Event, the St. Louis Maccabi Games Closing Ceremonies and has served on the J Associates Board for 16 years, completing a term as President in 2022. Currently, Debbie serves as an Officer on the Executive Committee at the JCC and is Co-Chairing the Fox Building Capital Campaign. Debbie received the St. Louis Jewish Community Center Richard S. Weiss Past Presidents Award in 2018.

Debbie’s involvement in the St. Louis Jewish Federation includes serving on the Board of CAJE and Women’s Philanthropy and recently began an 8-year term on the National Jewish Federations Women’s Philanthropy Board. Debbie served on the Camp Rainbow Board of Directors and 28 years. Currently, Debbie is a board member of The St. Louis Jewish Light and The St. Louis Children’s Hospital Friends Board. Debbie received the MAC Women of Distinction honor in 2023.

Michael holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. Michael began his career with Metal Exchange in 1984 and now serves as Executive Chairman. Under his leadership, Metal Exchange has grown into a global enterprise with a strong international presence, including offices in Zurich and Shanghai. The company’s diverse operations include manufacturing, marketing, trading, metal processing, distribution, and transportation of nonferrous metals.

Mike’s commitment to community service is evident through his current roles as Board President of Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis and Regional President of the American Jewish Committee – St. Louis. Mike served as President of the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer for seven years and is Immediate Past President. Mike received the Presidential Citation Award from Variety the Children’s Charity international in 2019.

Additionally, Mike currently serves on several boards, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, National Council of Jewish Women Advisory Council, Jewish Federation Professional Society Leadership Advisory Council, and Heat-Up/Cool Down St. Louis.

Debbie and Mike reside in St. Louis and are the proud parents of two adult children, Sydney 26, who lives in Tel Aviv, and Jacob 24, who resides in Cincinnati. The Lefton family are avid hockey fans, enjoy theatre, traveling and spending time in Colorado.

The Shaare Emeth community is honored to celebrate Debbie and Michael Lefton for their unwavering dedication and impactful contributions to our community and beyond.