ABOUT RABBI SCHNEIDER

Rabbi Jeremy Schneider, a proud native of Texas, has dedicated his life to spiritual leadership, education, and interfaith dialogue. Raised in the vibrant Jewish community of Houston, Rabbi Schneider’s deep connection to Judaism began at Congregation Beth Israel, one of the oldest Reform congregations in the country. His childhood was immersed in Jewish life, with his family instilling a strong sense of faith, community, and service. This early foundation laid the groundwork for what would become a distinguished career in the rabbinate.

After graduating from the local public schools in Houston, Rabbi Schneider chose to stay close to his Texas roots by attending the prestigious University of Texas in Austin. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Learning and Development, a field that aligned with his innate passion for teaching and mentorship. Austin, a city known for its eclectic culture and intellectual vibrancy, further expanded Rabbi Schneider’s worldview, shaping his approach to inclusivity and diversity, which would become central themes in his rabbinical career.

His academic journey led him to the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), a seminary known for shaping many of the Reform Movement’s most influential leaders. While at HUC-JIR, Rabbi Schneider pursued dual master’s degrees, earning a Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters and a Master of Arts in Jewish Education. His dedication to academic excellence was reflected in his rabbinical thesis, which he wrote in collaboration with renowned scholar Rabbi Reuven Firestone, Ph.D. The thesis, titled Jewish-Christian Relations: From Tolerance to Pluralism to Partnership, explored the complexities of interfaith dialogue, an area Rabbi Schneider would later become a national leader in. His work in this area laid the foundation for his long-term commitment to building bridges between different faith communities.

While enrolled at HUC-JIR, Rabbi Schneider also pursued professional development that would further enhance his rabbinical skills. He earned certificates in Synagogue Management and Pre-Marital and Marital Counseling, both of which allowed him to support individuals and families in navigating the complexities of modern life. His commitment to helping people through life’s transitions was further enriched by his completion of two different Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) programs at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles and St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston (800 hours of training). These programs helped him hone his pastoral care skills, particularly in working with children and families in times of crisis or illness.

A Leader in the Jewish Community

Rabbi Schneider’s first significant rabbinical appointment was as the Assistant, and later Associate, Rabbi at Temple Shalom in Dallas, Texas, from 2006 to 2011. During this time, Rabbi Schneider worked closely with the senior rabbi, congregants, and community leaders to strengthen the synagogue’s programs, services, and outreach. Known for his charismatic teaching style and ability to connect with people of all ages, Rabbi Schneider quickly became beloved within the community. His leadership extended beyond the walls of the synagogue as he became actively involved in local initiatives aimed at addressing social justice issues, including hunger, homelessness, and education reform.  Since 2011, Rabbi Schneider has served Temple Kol Ami and holds a life-time contract of employment. In addition, Rabbi Schneider serves as the President of the Greater Phoenix Board of Rabbis.

A Passion for Education

Rabbi Schneider has long been a passionate advocate for Jewish education, from early childhood through adulthood. His love for teaching is evident in his involvement with early childhood education, religious school, and adult education at every congregation he has served. His ability to make Jewish texts and traditions come alive for his students has earned him a reputation as a dynamic educator. Rabbi Schneider is also an enthusiastic supporter of Jewish youth programs, such as NFTY (North American Federation of Temple Youth) and BBYO (B’nai B’rith Youth Organization), which play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of Jewish leaders. His own formative experiences as a camper and counselor at URJ Greene Family Camp and URJ Jacobs Camp deeply influenced his belief in the power of Jewish camping to create lasting Jewish identity and connections. As a leader, he has frequently accompanied groups of teens on life-changing trips to Israel, where they experience firsthand the history and culture of the Jewish people.

In recognition of his contributions to Jewish education, Rabbi Schneider was awarded the title of “Reform Jewish Educator” (RJE) in January 2019. This prestigious designation, conferred by a consortium of leading Jewish organizations—including the Association of Reform Jewish Educators, American Conference of Cantors, Central Conference of American Rabbis, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, and Union for Reform Judaism—signifies Rabbi Schneider’s achievement of academic and professional standards of excellence in educational leadership. His commitment to fostering a vibrant learning environment is reflected in the many innovative programs he has developed for congregants of all ages.

Interfaith Work and Social Justice

Rabbi Schneider’s commitment to interfaith relations and social justice has been a defining feature of his career. His journey into interfaith work began in 2008 when he was one of only six Americans selected to participate in an interfaith study tour of Egypt and Syria, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. This experience profoundly impacted Rabbi Schneider, reinforcing his belief that faith leaders must play a central role in peacebuilding and diplomacy. In recognition of his grassroots efforts to promote durable peace, Rabbi Schneider was awarded the “Citizen Diplomat – Peace Quilt Award” by the National Peace Foundation in Washington, D.C. in 2009.

In subsequent years, Rabbi Schneider became a sought-after speaker on the topic of interfaith dialogue. In 2010, he was invited to be a keynote speaker at the 47th Annual Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Convention in Chicago, an event that attracts faith leaders and activists from across the globe. His thoughtful and compassionate approach to interfaith dialogue earned him widespread respect within both the Jewish and Muslim communities.

Rabbi Schneider’s interfaith work has taken him to the highest levels of global diplomacy. In 2017, he was invited to participate in the American Peace Caravan, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering interreligious dialogue and understanding between Jewish, Christian, and Muslim leaders. The Peace Caravan convened two significant forums for promoting world peace: one in May 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and the other in October 2017 in Rabat, Morocco. These forums brought together religious leaders, policymakers, and scholars to discuss practical solutions for promoting peace in a world increasingly divided by religious and political tensions. Rabbi Schneider’s contributions to these discussions were widely praised, and his participation solidified his standing as a national and international leader in interfaith relations.

Rabbi Schneider’s interfaith advocacy extends beyond global forums. In the spring of 2014, he completed a year-long Interfaith Fellowship Seminar with the Monsignor Ryle Fund, an Arizona-based program designed to prepare faith leaders to advocate for sound public policy and social justice in their communities. His fellowship focused on addressing systemic issues like poverty, immigration reform, and racial inequality—issues that remain close to his heart. Rabbi Schneider’s activism also includes his participation in the Brickner Fellowship program, a prestigious initiative by the Religious Action Center in Washington, D.C., aimed at empowering rabbis to become more effective advocates for social justice.

Rabbi Schneider shares 4 children: Ezra, Micah, Naomi & Sarah with Rachel Schneider.