Congregation Shaare Emeth will honor retiring staff member Ronnie Brockman for her more than 30 years of service during Shabbat services and oneg Shabbat on Friday, May 18.

Brockman, Program Director at Shaare Emeth, has served the congregation as both a volunteer and as a staff member. When she and her husband, Allen Brockman, first came to Shaare Emeth she headed its Young Adult Congregation. She then served Shaare Emeth’s youth group advisor, as well as the Regional Youth Advisor of NFTY (National Federation of Temple Youth). In the 1990s, Brockman became the congregation’s Family Educator, creating intergenerational programs, and in 2007 she became Program Director, developing congregation-wide programming, including holiday celebrations and social justice initiatives. 

Staff and volunteers praised Brockman for helping to create a vibrant, welcoming congregational community. “She is incredibly creative and has always been able to take Jewish holidays and rituals and design a program that was fun for participants and made it meaningful in our lives today,” says Sue Picus, a Shaare Emeth volunteer who has worked closely with Brockman on the congregation’s Mitzvah Day.  

Brockman’s passion for Jewish education — of children, youth and adults — has inspired her colleagues. “If it weren’t for Ronnie, I would not be involved in the Shaare Emeth community today,” said Jodi Miller, Shaare Emeth Youth and Camp Director. “She gave me a chance at a new career and in the process I found my Jewish self.  The lessons I have learned from Ronnie are too many to share, but I will forever be thankful for having her in my life.”  

Outside of Shaare Emeth, Ronnie and Allen Brockman founded Camp Rainbow, a camp for children living with or surviving cancer and other blood relating illnesses and Ronnie Brockman is part of many community organizations, including serving as Jewish Education chairman for JProStl and Advisory Counsel for KidSmart an organization that collects school supplies for children in need.

The May 18 Shabbat honoring Brockman will begin with hors d’oeuvres at 5 p.m., services at 6 p.m., followed by an oneg Shabbat, where congregants and community members will have the opportunity to write Brockman notes of congratulations.  Open to the community. Shaare Emeth is located at 11645 Ladue Road. For more information, call 314-569-0010.