JQuest @ Shaare Emeth

Pre-K*, Kindergarten, 1^st and 2^nd Grade

JQuest @ Shaare Emeth is a joyful start to Jewish learning for “Jew-ish” families with young children (Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd Grade). This learning adventure is a developmentally appropriate program that builds upon parent-child co-learning experiences and is open to the entire community, without barriers to participation.

With the generosity of the Louis and Pauline Krasner Fund, we are able to make JQuest tuition-free for every single child. A materials fee (details on the right) is the only cost for this incredible experience. With no obligation to membership or paying tuition, this is our gift to the children and families of the St. Louis Jewish community.

JQuest will be made up of weekly Sunday morning programming just for kids, led by an amazing team of educators, as well as Family & Me co-learning experiences 3-4 times per year. These family gatherings will bring parents and guardians together with their children for fun, creative Jewish experiences they can do together. It might be a trip to the planetarium to learn how the Jewish calendar relies on the moon and stars, baking challah, a parent discussion on mindfulness, or a project about favorite family stories. Shaare Emeth clergy join for these experiences so parents and children can build relationships with them in these smaller groups. We can’t wait for you to join us for this unique, totally fun, and accessible program!

We believe that parents of diverse Jewish backgrounds possess a desire to raise their children to be good, compassionate people grounded in strong values. They may choose to be members of a synagogue, or they might be unaffiliated at this stage of their journey. Whatever path they are on, they want their children to know Jewish traditions and stories and to begin to discover the joy of their heritage. We also know that at the time their children reach Pre-K or the early elementary years, they may not be ready to make a commitment to attending traditional “religious school.” This is our inspiration for JQuest @ Shaare Emeth!

*Our PreK program is open to children who are fully potty-trained and plan to start kindergarten the following year. For the 2024-25 school year, this includes children born on or before July 31, 2020 who plan to start kindergarten in Fall 2025. Pleaes contact Emily Cohen if you have any questions about enrollment.

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Materials Fees

Pre-K: $54
Kindergarten or 1st Grade: $72
2nd Grade: $200

JQuest Schedules

Sunday Schedule

Sundays • 9–11 a.m.

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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.

JQuest @ Shaare Emeth