Who We Are

Our Mission

Congregation Shaare Emeth is a compassionate, respectful, and inclusive community that makes Judaism relevant, meaningful, and joyful.

Our Values

  • Recognize the congregation’s mission, commitments, and values.
  • Treat every congregant, staff member, clergy, and guest with respect, dignity, and civility through all types of communication.
  • Remain open to all viewpoints.
  • Honor the identities, diversity, and abilities of all.
  • Promote an emotionally and physically safe environment for everyone.
  • Welcome all to participate in our traditions.

 

The community of Congregation Shaare Emeth expects every congregant, staff member, clergy, and guest to behave in accordance with our values.

As we strive to achieve our mission on a daily basis, we employ seven commitments to guide our work:

Our Community

At Congregation Shaare Emeth, members and guests of all ages feel a strong sense of community; are intellectually and spiritually engaged; are committed to the values of tzedakah (justice) and acts of gemilut chasadim (acts of compassion and kindness). Together we are building a strong foundation for the future.

Who We Are

At Congregation Shaare Emeth we believe that all people are created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God. Each individual member and family add something unique to our sacred community, and we welcome all members and guests to join us in our worship and learning experiences. If you would like to learn more about becoming a member or making a visit, please call 314-569-0010.

Interfaith Families and Diverse Faith Backgrounds

Congregation Shaare Emeth has a proud history of welcoming interfaith families and those seeking to learn more about Judaism into our community. We offer special outreach for those who are beginning to explore the Jewish faith, and we celebrate our interfaith families as full members of our community.

LGBTQ+

Congregation Shaare Emeth welcomes all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, as full participants in Temple life. We are excited to celebrate all milestones and lifecycle moments, including marriage, baby namings and more, with members who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning. Keshet (Hebrew for rainbow) is our LGBTQ+ Outreach and Support group and is open to all.

Racial and Ethnic Backgrounds

Congregation Shaare Emeth is proud to welcome individuals and families of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, including those whose family origins are originally in African, Asian or Latin-American countries. Our REDI at Shaare Emeth Committee (Racial, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee) provides social, educational and advocacy opportunities for members and guests to connect and learn from one another.

Accessibility

Our worship spaces are equipped with hearing enhancement devices and large print prayer books upon request. We provide sign language interpreters for our High Holy Day services, as well as other special events. Our building, including the bimas (pulpits) are wheelchair accessible. Shabbat services are available via live stream for all and are live-captioned. Our Religious School and Shirlee Green Preschool offer support for students of varying needs and abilities.

Winter Weather: January 14, 2024

Religious School Canceled

Due to the predicted weather forecast for Sunday, January 14, all Sunday Religious School programming has been canceled. We appreciate your understanding and support. The temple offices and our religious school will reopen on Tuesday, after the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.