Rabbi

Congregation Beth Israel of the Palisades (CBIOTP) was formed in 2015 through a merger of two synagogues with history dating back to the 1920s. We are egalitarian and align with the Conservative movement, but are not a member of USCJ. CBIOTP is a small congregation with an engaged membership that regularly attends in-person Shabbat morning services. We are blessed with intelligent congregants, who are open to creative programming and ask probing and astute questions. During services, the congregation sings with gusto and participates strongly. After services, there is a Kiddush luncheon, where people linger to talk. Congregants are warm and inviting, get along well, and engage in a friendly manner with each other. CBIOTP is also the home of the Fort Lee Holocaust Museum, which we are planning to reopen to the public in the fall. Currently, we do not hold Friday night services. Shabbat morning services are traditional, but innovative and contemporary. There is lots of singing, but no musical instruments. We seek a part-time Rabbi (approximately 15 – 20 hours per week) to conduct Shabbat morning services from 10AM – noon, lead all holiday services, and assist with adult education offerings. The Rabbi should be able to offer an introduction to the weekly Parasha, lein a triennial-style portion, and offer a weekly sermon. In addition, the Rabbi would write an article for a weekly email sent to the congregation, help to create, organize, and lead some holiday-centric social programs, and assist the membership in lifecycle events. While each candidate will be considered on their own merit, our present Rabbi is an excellent Torah and Megilla reader, so proficiency as a Baal Koreh is necessary. The candidate should be able to serve as Shaliach Tzibbur and although a weekly sermon is expected, the style of the presentation is flexible. Adult education is offered on Zoom and / or in person, so teaching skills are welcome. We seek someone who is personable, charismatic, engaging, and caring. The rabbi should make people feel welcomed and at home in the synagogue and not be timid about doing out-reach. The rabbi at CBIOTP does not perform interfaith marriages. The rabbi could officiate at a gay marriage. The rabbi normally takes part in two municipal events a year (Hanukkah menorah lighting and Fire Department memorial service) and attends Board meetings and the annual membership meeting. Salary Range: $75 – 90K. Shabbat housing is available. Seeking to fill this position before: July 15, 2024. Contact: Chair of Search Committee: Craig Bassett, 201-947-1555 Email: [email protected]. www.cbiotp.org.  

(5/24/24)