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5
February
7:00 pm

What Does It Mean to Be a “Good Reform Jew?”

An Introduction to Reform Jewish Ethics Four Wednesdays, January 15–February 5 at 7 p.m. on Zoom Many people think that being a “good” Jew is defined by Jewish primary acts like prayer, ritual, tzedakah, and study of Torah. While admirable, being “good” has more to do with character and ethical behavior than religious ritual. In […] ...

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7
February
5:15 pm - 7:30 pm
Stiffman Sanctuary
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Shirah

The “Sabbath of Song,” Shabbat Shirah is a musical Shabbat celebration featuring our Shir Emeth Youth Choir, Lucy Greenbaum, and the intergenerational congregational choir members. This service will be overflowing with song! This is also a special edition of our L’Dor VaDor Intergenerational Kabbalat Shabbat service, so we’ll celebrate February blessings for birthdays and other […] ...

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8
February
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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8
February
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Boker Tov Shabbat: Tu B’Shevat Edition

Families with children ages five and under are invited to celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the New Year of the Trees, with a musical service, continental kid-friendly breakfast, and more. We’ll pray, sing, and share the joy and peace of Shabbat together while celebrating trees! Free and open to all. RSVPs are appreciated at https://sestl.co/bokertov225 ...

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11
February
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Rubin Library Conference Room

Texting Tuesdays: The Season of Love

Celebrating Jewish Love Stories with Rabbi Rachel Bearman Tuesday, February 11 Valentine’s Day may have been named after a saint, but that doesn’t mean we can’t embrace the season of love by celebrating some of the most inspiring Jewish love stories. We’ll dive deep into biblical romances between Isaac and Rebecca, David and Jonathan, and […] ...

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11
February
7:00 pm
Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis
Congregation Shaare Emeth, Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO

Roots & Branches: Mindful Movement & Mindful Eating

A Mindful Movement and Mindful Eating Class for Tu B’Shevat Tuesday, February 11 7 p.m. at the Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis Join Dani Glassman, LMT, RTY-500, MSW, and Rabbi Goldstein in our celebration of the New Year for Trees. This class will begin with gentle movements to bring the holiday alive and conclude […] ...

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12
February
7:00 pm
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

A Very Charcute-Tree Tu B’Shevat

Join us for the celebration of Tu B’Shevat, the new year for the trees, with delicious food, wines, and teas. Beth Kodner will lead everyone in the creation of their own vegetarian charcuterie boards incorporating the seven species of Israel. This evening will leave you feeling nourished – in both body and soul. The cost […] ...

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14
February
6:30 pm
United Hebrew Congregation
13788 Conway Rd, St. Louis, MO 63141

Songs at Sinai’s Foot

A Musical Community Shabbat featuring Rabbi Noah Diamondstein, Charlie Kramer, Greta Rosenstock, and Shaare Emeth’s Director of Music Engagement, Lucy Greenbaum Join us at 6:30 p.m. at United Hebrew Congregation for a special collaborative musical Shabbat for the community featuring musicians from Shaare Emeth and UH, as well as special guest Rabbi Noah Diamondstein. We […] ...

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15
February
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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15
February
9:45 am - 1:30 pm
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

A Whole-Hearted Shabbaton with Rabbi Noah Diamondstein

Rabbi Noah Diamondstein is a multi-instrumentalist teacher, leader, and musician. His albums include Ashira l’Adonai and My Whole Heart. Join us for as much of this special Shabbat as you are able. Please note that reservations for lunch are required. Brought to you by Congregation Shaare Emeth and the Jewish Mindfulness Center of St. Louis. […] ...

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18
February
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Rubin Library Conference Room

Texting Tuesdays: A Taste of Israeli Literature

With Marcia Moskowitz February 18 & 25 Israeli literature past and present is a lens into the culture of the society. Works by A.B. Yehoshua, Amos Oz, David Grossman, Ayelet Gundar-Goshen, and poetry since October 7 will be highlighted in the class. Please RSVP if you are planning to attend. ...

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21
February
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Shabbat Dinner & Dialogue: The Crisis of Liberalism in Israel & the U.S.

Israel Shabbat with Deutsch Scholars-in-Residence Friday, February 21 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat Worship 7:15 p.m. Shabbat Dinner & Program The first of four opportunities to engage with our Scholars-in-Residence features our Kabbalat Shabbat Service, during which Dr. Tomer Persico will offer a brief d’var torah on Religion and State in Israel: The End of the […] ...

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22
February
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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22
February
9:00 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

The Threat of Jewish Fundamentalism in Israel

Israel Shabbat with Deutsch Scholars-in-Residence Saturday, February 22 9 a.m. Continental Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Program Begins Join us for a continental breakfast and a special learning opportunity with Deutsch Scholar-in-Residence, Dr. Tomer Persico, who will teach on The Threat of Jewish Fundamentalism in Israel –From the Government to the West Bank. RSVPs are appreciated – […] ...

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22
February
4:30 pm
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

What We Israelis Have to Say to American Jews: A Salon Gathering

A Salon Gathering with Deutsch Scholars-in-Residence Saturday, February 22 4:30 p.m. Appetizers 5 p.m. Program Begins Our program begins with appetizers, followed by our Scholars-in-Residence, Dr. Tomer Persico and Yael Yechieli, joining us in dialogue on the topic “What We Israelis Have to Say to American Jews: Our Activism in this Dramatic & Difficult Time.” […] ...

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23
February
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

Israel 2025: A Feminist Perspective

Sunday, February 23 9 a.m. Continental Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Program Begins The final opportunity to engage with and learn from our Scholars-in-Residence begins with a continental breakfast at 9 a.m., followed by Yael Yechieli teaching on the topic “Israel 2025: A Feminist Perspective.” RSVPs are appreciated – let us know you’re attending! ...

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25
February
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Rubin Library Conference Room

Texting Tuesdays: A Taste of Israeli Literature

With Marcia Moskowitz February 18 & 25 Israeli literature past and present is a lens into the culture of the society. Works by A.B. Yehoshua, Amos Oz, David Grossman, Ayelet Gundar-Goshen, and poetry since October 7 will be highlighted in the class. Please RSVP if you are planning to attend. ...

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1
March
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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1
March
Congregation Shaare Emeth
11645 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

SGP Retro Rewind Trivia Night

Shirlee Green Preschool PAC Presents: Retro Rewind Trivia Night! Kicking off our celebration of 60 years of early childhood education at Congregation Shaare Emeth. Stay tuned for more events and opportunities to get involved. ...

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8
March
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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15
March
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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22
March
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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29
March
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
April
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 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.