TBJ Staff - Temple B'nai Jeshurun

TBJ Staff

Neal Schuster, Rabbi

Rabbi Neal Schuster joined Temple B’nai Jeshurun on July 1, 2022 after 13 years as rabbi and Senior Jewish Educator of KU Hillel in Lawrence, KS.

A native of Seattle, Neal spent time in Los Angeles and Jerusalem before moving to Kansas in 2003 to serve as one of the rabbis at Congregation B’nai Jehudah in Overland Park. When Hillel International began a pilot program in 2009 to create the “Senior Jewish Educator” position at a select handful of universities, Schuster pushed for KU Hillel to be involved and soon began his 13-year career there. As a lecturer in the KU Jewish Studies Program, he taught courses on a wide array of topics including Talmud, Jewish Film, Mysticism and the Supernatural, and Jewish Ethics.

Neal’s rabbinate has been shaped by an uncommon combination of experiences as both a congregational rabbi and a Hillel spiritual leader. He brings the inclusive wisdom of these dual perspectives with him to congregational life, including the singular energy of discovery, growth, and innovation that comes from years of working closely with college students. He offers not only a rich understanding of the generations that are now coming of age, but also of generations whose congregational roles and desires continue to evolve in their changing lives and in a changing world.

Neal and his wife, Tamara, have been married 25 years and have three children, Eliana, Ayelet, and Judah.

Email: nealschuster@gmail.com

Shaynna Grund, Director of Programming & Communications

A Des Moines native and lifelong Temple member, Shaynna grew up attending religious school, participating in NFTY, and spending five unforgettable summers at GUCI—now happily passing that tradition on to her daughter, Evie. With a Marketing degree from UNI and over a decade in mortgage servicing, she brings experience, creativity, and deep roots in the community to the Temple team.

Shaynna is energized by this new role and is passionate about connecting TBJ’s rich history with an exciting, forward‑looking future. She welcomes your ideas, suggestions, and partnership—so please feel free to reach out!

When she’s off the clock, she’s likely crafting, baking, learning something new, traveling, or spending time with her family and pets.

Email: programming@tbjdsm.org

Erin Plank, Director of Administration

Erin grew up in Des Moines and attended college at the University of Northern Iowa, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies. Shortly after graduating, she moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida and developed experience working at two Jewish non-profit organizations, the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County and the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation. Erin and her husband, Josh, moved back to Des Moines in 2011 to be closer to their family. They now have two children of their own who keep them plenty busy. She has enjoyed working at Temple B’nai Jeshurun since 2011 as an Office Manager and received a promotion to Director of Administration in 2025. Outside of work, Erin loves spending time with her family, being outdoors and attending live music shows.

Email: office@tbjdsm.org

Charles Stanton, Director of Facilities & Maintenance

Charles has been a steady force at Temple B’nai Jeshurun since 2016—first as our Assistant Maintenance Engineer, then stepping confidently into the Facilities Manager role in 2025. This position reflects his dedication, expertise, and deep care for our building and community.

Charles oversees everything from the Temple’s mechanical and structural systems to the organic beauty of our grounds. He manages all event setups and tear-downs, and he’s at the center of every major repair and upkeep project. Over the years, he’s tackled everything from tile replacement and painting to hands-on work repairing the iconic sanctuary dome roof.

When he’s not keeping TBJ running smoothly, Charles loves spending time with his wife and seven children, tending to his small homestead, learning new skills, and soaking up the great outdoors.

Email: facilities@tbjdsm.org