Simchat Torah

Simchat Torah at Congregation Shaare Emeth

Deutsch Scholars-in-Residence Weekend
with Isaac & Rabbi Shawna Brynjegard-Bialik from Paper Midrash

Friday, October 10 – Monday, October 13
Worship • Create • Learn • Celebrate

Join us for a one-of-a-kind, four-day journey of Torah through art with the dynamic duo of Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik, acclaimed papercut artist, and Rabbi Shawna Brynjegard-Bialik, Jewish educator and creative liturgist. Their work, known as Paper Midrash, blends sacred text with modern media, artistic expression, and deep spiritual insight. This special Scholar-in-Residence weekend offers hands-on opportunities for all ages to learn, create, and celebrate together—culminating in a powerful and visual community-wide Simchat Torah celebration.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist, a spiritual seeker, a curious learner, or just looking for a joyful way to connect, this weekend offers something meaningful for everyone. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn and create with Isaac and Rabbi Shawna—where Torah meets imagination and community becomes art.

The Scholar-in-Residence Program is made possible through the Fred and Elsie Deutsch Endowment Fund. The Congregation would like to thank Roberta and Jim Deutsch, Judy and Larry Deutsch, and their families for their continuous generous support for the Scholar-in-Residence program.

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ABOUT

Leanne & Harvey Schneider

2026 Harris Frank Community Service Award Honorees

Harvey and Leanne Schneider have devoted their lives to strengthening both the Jewish and broader St. Louis communities through leadership, service, education, and a deep commitment to bringing people together.

A St. Louis native, Harvey Schneider attended local public schools before earning both his undergraduate business degree and law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Following graduation, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he served as a trial attorney in the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. After five years of federal service, he returned to St. Louis and became a partner in private law practice. Over a legal career spanning more than five decades, Harvey represented family-owned businesses and private individuals in a wide range of business matters.

Harvey’s commitment to civic and Jewish communal life has been equally extensive. He has served as President of Congregation Shaare Emeth, the Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis, the Central Agency for Jewish Education, the Little Symphony Concerts Association, and the Forever Young Club at the Missouri Athletic Club. In addition, he dedicated 26 years to public service on the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Town and Country, including three years as chairman.

After graduating from Washington University, Leanne Schneider spent a year studying in France. Upon her return to St. Louis, she became deeply involved in international student exchange programs, first with the Experiment in International Living and later with AFS, fostering cross-cultural understanding and lifelong connections among people of different backgrounds. This commitment to building bridges naturally extended to her involvement with the Interfaith Partnership of Greater St. Louis.

Leanne also taught French and Spanish at Brittany Junior High School before she and Harvey started their family. Throughout the years, she has shared her passion for education and community service by tutoring New Americans through the English Language School, serving on Congregation Shaare Emeth’s first Caring Committee, and volunteering as a reader with Ready Readers. Today, she continues to nurture her love of learning and literature through a book club that includes many members of Congregation Shaare Emeth.

Together, Harvey and Leanne have exemplified a lifetime of generosity, service, and leadership. Their dedication to education, interfaith understanding, civic engagement, and Jewish communal life has enriched countless lives throughout St. Louis. They are the proud parents of three children and grandparents of four, and their enduring legacy continues to inspire future generations.