Rabbi

Our rabbi will function as rabbi and cantor. The rabbi will conduct services on Shabbat and Holy Days. We hope that the rabbi will be inspirational. The rabbi would value the character of a sacred, caring community.  The rabbi will provide pastoral services as needed. We would hope that the rabbi would be available for an occasional emergency (funeral etc.)  In view of the interest in our community in learning, we look forward to the rabbi facilitating an adult education class during the week. We would hope that the rabbi will arrange “office hours” to meet with congregants. This could be on a Sunday.  Our schedule allows for the rabbi to secure an additional position on weekdays. Some of our past rabbis have obtained positions at nearby schools. Although we require a part time rabbi, the residence will be available “full time.”  The rabbi will become part of the community. The rabbi will work together with the ritual committee for the betterment of the shul. The rabbi is invited to attend board meetings as well as other meetings. We hope that the next rabbi would preserve the “sense of community” we have established. We would hope to preserve the “welcoming atmosphere” we enjoy.  As the community changes, we would hope the rabbi would be inspirational and sensitive to the needs of our congregation. Areas of Responsibility: Pastoral: Pastoral Counseling and Care Lifecycle/Creative Ritual & Community Organizing, Education: Adult Education/Programming & Scholarship text knowledge/ Halakhah/Hebrew, Pulpit: Musical Abilities, Prayer Leader & Public Speaking – sermonizing, framing, depth Torah Reading & Leadership: Social Activism & Larger Community Involvement (inside/outside) Visionary Leadership and Strategic Planning Engagement with Israel. We are a merged congregation joining the two conservative synagogues which have served the Jewish population of Baldwin for almost 100 years. Some of our congregants are the children of the original founders of the older shul. Many have been members for over 50 years. We have grown from traditional to egalitarian and follow the guidance of the USCJ and the Rabbinical Assembly. We strive to continue our Jewish Heritage and serve the needs of our Jewish community. Most nearby synagogues are similar, however we attempt to be exceptionally accepting of the diverse Jewish population that has evolved. We have zoom during the service so that no congregants are left out. The merger helped overcome decreasing Jewish population in Baldwin. The two congregations brought together traditional and egalitarian congregations for a heimish accepting egalitarian group. We hope to maintain what we have and perhaps to pick up new members from congregations closing in nearby areas. We would like our rabbi to create an atmosphere that encourages more participation. We would not wish to change the nature of our service by reducing Hebrew prayer or by decreasing the liturgy. Members are always sympathetic to the feelings of others and some are especially adept at discussing problems.  This is also a role the rabbi must play. We are welcoming and very accepting. All are invited to participate in our may diverse activities. We have Erev Shabbat, Shabbat Services, and all Holiday Services. Our congregants participate in services and are enthusiastic singers. Newcomers and visitors are asked to participate in English or Hebrew readings if they wish. We prefer traditional tunes, but are willing to learn new ones occasionally. All food in any activity must be kosher. Compensation: Base salary: $65,000. The parsonage house is a beautiful, comfortable, spacious furnished home. There are multiple bedrooms. Start date: July 1, 2024. Part-time. Search Committee Co-Chairs: Betty Arzt & Mike Eisman, [email protected]. www.sbjc.net.

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