With a heart for education, a gift for making everyone feel seen and a deep commitment to building community, Rabbi Rocki Schy-Brunson is bringing fresh energy and a genuine spirit of “welcome home” to Temple Emanuel. A recent graduate of Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, Rabbi Schy-Brunson will officially be installed as assistant rabbi and director of education on Friday, September 5th at 7:00 pm, streaming live from Temple Emanuel.

Rabbi Schy-Brunson arrived in St. Louis this past spring with a track record of reimagining Jewish education, leading Torah study, creating engaging adult learning opportunities and offering compassionate pastoral care. She has served congregations in Cincinnati and Indiana, developed programs that meet people wherever they are on their Jewish journey 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 Temple Emanuel Senior Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh. “Her warmth is infectious and her dedication to creating meaningful connections through education and worship is extraordinary.”

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At Temple Emanuel, Rabbi Schy-Brunson oversees the religious school and helps shape the synagogue’s long-term educational vision—continuing the congregation’s legacy of warmth, inclusivity and deep connection. Outside of the synagogue, she enjoys reading fantasy novels, translating biblical Hebrew and hiking. She relocated from Ohio with her wife MK.