Leave a Legacy

Our proud history deserves a bright future.

We have a history as a congregation rooted in the Jewish faith of pulling together during world wars, economic challenges, and even two pandemics a century apart. One of the cornerstones that has supported us during challenging times is the Shaare Emeth Endowment Fund.

Those who came before us kept our temple strong through their support toward this legacy of love and giving that has met so many vital needs within our temple and beyond our walls. Our goal is to grow this endowment. Grow it with purpose for today. And grow it for tomorrow to not only better manage future needs within the temple, but to reach outside our walls to help others in the local community. And beyond.

Strength in numbers.

With nearly 1,600 families in our congregation, Shaare Emeth represents almost 3,000 members of the Jewish faith in St. Louis. There is strength in numbers. We can collectively, through gifts both large and small, continue to ensure our endowment fund is a lasting legacy for those who call Shaare Emeth home and to all people in need.

Ensuring a hopeful tomorrow.

Since 1867, Shaare Emeth has served as a light to guide people in their journey of Jewish faith. During these years we have endured, grown, and been tested. Through it all, we’ve taken comfort in God, family, our synagogue and the fundamental belief that together, our community is stronger. And together, we thrive. What you give today is a direct link to yesterday’s generations of dedicated people who felt driven to celebrate our heritage.

Making it simple to make a positive difference.

There are many convenient and financially smart ways to give:

  • Estate planning through wills, trusts, insurance policies, etc.
  • Monthly, quarterly and yearly contributions
  • You can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA to help satisfy your annual required minimum distribution
  • Donor Advised Fund
  • Stock gifts
  • All gifts are tax deductible


Beyond providing the operational needs for our temple, your investment helps us continue to provide:

  • Access to one of the oldest and most recognized temples in Missouri for families regardless of their financial situation
  • Resources to ensure the temple’s future regardless of economic uncertainties
  • Continued availability of outstanding clergy and staff
  • One of the best youth groups in the local community
  • Commitment to continue meeting the spiritual and temporal needs of our community
  • Support for the operational needs of our temple
  • Superb Jewish education programs led by a Rabbi Educator
  • Respected Jewish leadership throughout the St. Louis area

 

For more information, please contact Beth Kodner by e-mail or at 314-692-5306.

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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.