Rabbi – Neal Schuster
Director of Programming and Communications – Shaynna Grund
Director of Administration – Erin Plank
Director of Facilities and Maintenance – Charles Stanton
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 and Communications
Shaynna was born and raised in Des Moines and has been a Temple member her entire life. She attended religious school through 12th grade and had been a member of NFTY since she was old enough. Shaynna spent 5 amazing summers at Goldman Union Camp Institute (GUCI) and is a huge supporter of the camp experience. Her daughter, Evie, finished her second summer at GUCI in 2025. Shaynna graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Marketing. Before coming to work at the Temple, she spent 13 years in mortgage servicing. In her free time, Shaynna likes to spend time with her family and pets, garden, do crafts, and travel.
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 and Maintenance
Charles has been with Temple B’nai Jeshurun since 2016 as first the Assistant Maintenance Engineer, and then stepped into the Facilities Manager role. In 2025, Charles was promoted to the Director of Facilities and Maintenance. In addition to maintaining the mechanical, structural, and organic integrity of the Temple, he also manages set up and tear down for all Temple events. He plays an integral role in coordinating repair and upkeep projects. Over the years, he has assisted in tile replacement, painting, and roof repairs on the sanctuary dome. Charles enjoys spending time with his wife and seven children, working on his small homestead, learning new skills and just enjoying the outdoors.
Email: facilities@tbjdsm.org