Temple Emanuel is getting ready to welcome a new face to its leadership team. Rabbi Rocki Schy-Brunson, a soon-to-be graduate of Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), will step into the role of assistant rabbi and director of education starting July 1.
A new chapter begins at Temple Emanuel
Schy-Brunson brings with her a track record of building community, reimagining Jewish education and meeting people wherever they are on their Jewish journey. During her rabbinic training, she served congregations in Cincinnati and Indiana, developed adult education programs, led Torah study sessions and worked as a hospital chaplain at the University of Cincinnati Hospital.
“From the moment we met Rabbi Schy-Brunson, we knew she had that special ability to make everyone feel seen and valued,” said TE Senior Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh. “Her warmth is infectious and her dedication to creating meaningful connections through education and worship is extraordinary. What particularly touched me was her genuine passion for building community and meeting people where they are in their Jewish journey.
“Rabbi Schy-Brunson truly embodies the spirit of ‘welcome home’ that we cherish at Temple Emanuel and I couldn’t be more excited to partner with her in serving our congregation.”
“I am so looking forward to joining the Temple Emanuel family,” Schy-Brunson said. “Every moment I have spent there has felt like a true homecoming and I cannot wait to meet more of the community that makes Temple Emanuel so special.”
Rabbi Schy-Brunson brings vision and heart to St. Louis synagogue
Schy-Brunson holds a master of arts in Hebrew letters from HUC-JIR and a bachelor’s in education from Temple University. At Temple Emanuel she’ll oversee the religious school and help shape the synagogue’s long-term educational vision — all while continuing the congregation’s legacy of warmth, inclusivity and deep connection.
Outside of the sanctuary and classroom, Schy-Brunson loves reading fantasy novels, translating biblical Hebrew and hiking. She’ll be relocating to St. Louis from Ohio this summer with her wife, MK.
