All10 Days of TeshuvahAdult EducationChanukahElulExcludeFamilies with Young ChildrenHigh HolidaysHolidaysIntergenerational ProgramIsraelJewish Mindfulness Center of St. LouisKeshet LGBTQ+Lag B'omerMental HealthPassoverPurimRosh HashanahSenior LunchShabbatShavuotShirlee Green PreschoolSimchat TorahSukkotTorah StudyTu B'ShevatTzedekWorshipYizkorYom Kippur
1
June
4:30 pm

Shavuot Sinai Stroll

Families with children ages 0ā€“8 are invited to re-enact the Israelitesā€™ journey and wander in the ā€œwildernessā€ of the park (on a stroller-friendly path) and find our own creative Torah along the way. We might even meet an animal friend or two along the way. Once we wrap up our adventures, we will gather for […] ...

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1
June
7:00 pm
Temple Emanuel
12166 Conway Rd. St. Louis, MO 63141

Shavuot: Connections, Commandments, and Cheesecake

Sunday, June 1 at 7 p.m. Temple Emanuel 12166 Conway Rd. St. Louis, MO 63141 Shavuot is the festival marking the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai.Ā Our evening begins with a dessert reception ā€“ featuring Israeli wines, fruit, cheesecakes, and more ā€“ and a chance to connect with friends both old and new.Ā The […] ...

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2
June
9:00 am - 10:00 am
B'nai El Chapel
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Yizkor Service for Shavuot

ShavuotĀ YizkorĀ Service Monday, June 2 at 9 a.m. in the Bā€™nai El Chapel Our Shavuot service is a time to recall loved ones whom we have lost this year and in years past. Also available viaĀ live stream. ...

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5
June
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
B'nai El Chapel
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Red Cross Blood Drive

Please join us for a blood drive at Congregation Shaare Emeth on Thursday, June 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment. ...

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7
June
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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11
June
7:00 pm
Online Only: Zoom

Keshet LGBTQ+ Pride: Language Matters Training

Because language really does matter,Ā members of the Keshet Committee developed a training that shares best practices on LGBTQ+ language and personal pronoun usage. Members of Shaare Emeth’s Board of Directors, staff, clergy, religious school and preschool staff, camp counselors, and other groups within and outside the congregation have attended Language Matters presentations. Now, we’re sharing […] ...

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13
June
6:00 pm
Stiffman Sanctuary
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Keshet LGBTQ+ Pride Shabbat Service

Our Clergy and Worship team, along with members of our Keshet Committee, will lead us in a Shabbat service featuring special prayers, music, and teachings by LGBTQ+ artists. Everyone is invited to join us for this joyful, soulful evening! Join us before the service, beginning at 5:15 p.m., for a celebratory Nosh. No RSVP Required ...

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14
June
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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14
June
9:00 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Keshet LGBTQ+ Pride Torah Study & Panel

We will continue our Pride Shabbat celebration with a special Pride Torah Study and Pride Panel on Saturday, June 14th. Our Pride Panel will focus on the ways that LGBTQ+ folks and their loved ones can protect themselves at this moment in history. Our Saturday experiences are free and open to the community, but RSVPs […] ...

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21
June
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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28
June
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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5
July
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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12
July
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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19
July
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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26
July
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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2
August
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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9
August
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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16
August
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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23
August
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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30
August
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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6
September
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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13
September
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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20
September
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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27
September
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Join us on Shabbat mornings at 9 a.m. for a breakfast nosh, followed by a lively discussion about the Torah portion of the week with one of our clergy team members. All are welcome – no experience is necessary, and no RSVP is required. Unless otherwise noted, please use the north entrance. ...

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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 ofĀ  Shaare Emeth in 1996. Their children Sydney, and Jacob, both attend Shirlee Green Preschool, celebrated their bā€™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 Bachelorā€™s Degree in Child Life Services, she worked as a Child Life Specialist at Wyler Childrenā€™s Hospital in Chicago and St. Louis Childrenā€™s Hospital for 12 years. She then earned a Masterā€™s Degree in Healthcare Services from Washington University.

At the St. Louis Jewish Community Center, Debbie has chaired several committees, including the Childrenā€™s Activity Center, the Camp Sabra Alumni Committee, and the Mission Task Force Committee. She has also co-chaired the Jewish Book Festival Womenā€™s Event, the St. Louis Maccabi Games Closing Ceremonies and has served on the Ā 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.

Debbieā€™s involvement in the St. Louis Jewish Federation includes serving on the Board of CAJE and Womenā€™s Philanthropy and recently began an 8-year term on the National Jewish Federations Womenā€™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 Childrenā€™s Hospital Friends Board. Ā 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 companyā€™s diverse operations include manufacturing, marketing, trading, metal processing, distribution, and transportation of nonferrous metals.

Mikeā€™s commitment to community service is evident through his current roles as Board President of Variety the Childrenā€™s Charity of St. Louis and Regional President of the American Jewish Committee ā€“ St. Louis. Mike served as President of the St. Louis Menā€™s Group Against Cancer for seven years and is Immediate Past President. Mike received the Presidential Citation Award from Variety the Childrenā€™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.