Interim Rabbi

University Synagogue, a Reconstructionist congregation of over 400 families, located in Irvine, CA plans to hire an Interim Rabbi in early 2025. University Synagogue is known for being a warm, welcoming congregation, open to people of different beliefs and practices; welcoming to multi-racial, interfaith, Jews-by-choice, LGBTQ+, all ages, and all demographics. Objectives and Areas of Responsibility: The Rabbi will be capable of delivering positive results in the following areas:

• Congregational Leadership: Serves as the Spiritual, Intellectual and Communal Leader of the Congregation.
• Leadership of Spiritual and Religious Practice and Programs: Provides energetic, intellectually stimulating and spiritually
• rewarding leadership for all Synagogue programming.
• Interim Congregational Development: Work with congregation to define path forward following retirement of its only
• Rabbi of over 30 years.
• Congregational Growth: Actively participate with Board, lay leadership, and staff to retain current congregant members
• and grow with new members.
• Education and Lifelong Learning: Actively participate in all educational activities of the congregation, including adult
• learning, religious school, and preschool.
• Life Cycle Events: Lead the religious needs of the congregation for Life Cycle events, including Baby naming, B’nai Mitzvah, Marriages, Conversions, Funerals, Memorials.
• Congregational Communication: Provide continuous weekly communication to the congregation including letters, blogs,
• podcasts, and other such media.
• Tikkun Olam – Social Justice and Repairing the World: Lead a strong Tikkun Olam outlook for the congregation, helping to focus actions on social justice and compassionate care for the congregation.
• Leadership and Governance: Collaborate with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors to ensure excellence in the ongoing management, development, and improvement of the Synagogue.
• Kehillah – Community and Culture: Create a strong sense of community and belonging for all members, and engage in outreach to connect with the broader Jewish community.

Qualifications, Experience, and Knowledge: Ordained as a Rabbi. Preference for a graduate of Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, Prior experience as a congregational Rabbi, Significant knowledge of Jewish religion (ideally from a Reconstructionist perspective), Torah, history, culture, halacha, and spirituality. Intellectual vitality and drive to transmit knowledge to congregants in a wide range of Formats & Humanistic, modern interpretations of Judaism. Personality and Character: Bright, energetic, charismatic individual, Strong knowledge of Reconstructionist Judaism and a passion for community leadership, Strong Emotional Intelligence (EQ). Warm, friendly, and outgoing. Demonstrates energy, enthusiasm, and engagement with all congregants, Welcoming to a spectrum of religious beliefs, practices, and circumstances. Welcoming and open attitude towards interfaith, multi-racial, and same-sex couples, and the LGBTQ community, Conveys an attitude of full immersion into the Synagogue; of being “plugged in” to the community, Passionate about and dedicated to Jewish Education, Proactive communicator & Works collaboratively with Board of Directors and staff toward excellent administrative management. Compensation in the $170-250K range. (A more detailed version of this position profile will be provided to interested candidates) Contact: Debbie Stern, Chair, Interim Search Committee. [email protected]/949-433-0847. The Search Committee has requested that all applicants submit the following documents: A cover letter & An updated resume directly to: Rabbi Elliot Skiddell, Interim Director of Rabbinic Placement, Reconstructing Judaism, [email protected], (215) 576-0800 ext. 217. https://www.universitysynagogue.org.

(updated 12/13/24)