Rabbi and Religious School Co-Director (Possible Cantorial work)

Temple Shalom of the South Bay is a 15-year old contemporary, progressive, non-denominational synagogue located in Hermosa Beach, California.  The Temple has a steady membership of ~90 families and 75 children in Monday Hebrew School. At a minimum, TSSB has monthly Friday night Shabbat services, High Holiday services a community Passover Seder, approximately 10 B’nai Mitzvah services on Saturdays, grade Shabbat services in family homes, outings and events, adult learning classes, and volunteer social action opportunities throughout the year. Temple Shalom of the South Bay is seeking a part-time (~20 hours/week on average) Rabbi and Religious School Co-Director. Position Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and rabbinical ordination is required, 3 years of related congregational experience is desired, Background in Jewish education & An outgoing personality that interacts well with kids. We have many young families.  Availability on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. There are also occasional Sunday programs and Saturday night social events. Optional: ability to serve as Cantor as well for additional compensation. Salary: $85-95,000 with benefits. Start Date: June 2025.

Rabbi Responsibilities:

Shabbat: Work with the cantor to lead Tot Shabbat and Reflective Shabbat for Adults on once a month Friday night services, Work with the executive director to make the yearly calendar of Shabbat services

Work with director on grade Shabbat (4-5 grade shabbats) experiences in host homes, Run a Shabbat Morning B’nai Mitzvah Practice Service for 7th grade & Create 6th grade Havdalah family Saturday evening service in host home. 

B’nai Mitzvah: Set meeting with the 5th grade class for their B’nai mitzvah dates, Hold two meetings with the B’nai Mitzvah grade class: one at the end of 6th grade to review the B’nai Mitzvah Parent Handbook, another at the beginning of the year to introduce the tutor and the Mitzvah Tools app, Create spreadsheet of dates and B’nai Mitzvah information, updating when necessary, Provide additional tutoring for students if desired as agreed with the families (additional compensation for tutoring sessions is expected), Meet with each family three months before to go over honors, study Torah and help students write Dvar Torah. There are usually 2-3 meeting per family & Officiate with Cantor, creating an order of services, for all B’nai Mitzvahs. 

High Holidays: Work with the cantor to create four inspiring services, including Erev RH, Day 1 RH, KN, and YK, Erev Rosh Hashanah – 1.5 hours, Rosh Hashanah – 2 hours, Kol Nidre – 1.5 hours, Yom Kippur – 2 hours and ½ hour for Yizkor & Neilah has been an informal, 1 ½ hour discussion of topic of Rabbi’s choice. There is a community Tashlich. 

Hebrew School Director Responsibilities: Use existing and/or create, with teachers, meaningful curriculum for Pre-K-7th grades, During RS, supervise classes, interact with the students, help out teachers when needed, and facilitate a happy and encouraging learning environment, Work with the executive director to plan yearly schedule. Each grade has a program where parents attend and participate, Along with grade Shabbat Friday night services and home meal, there are other religious school activities & Work with executive director on all mailings and bulletins for religious school functions

Pastoral Care: When needed, go to homes to put up Mezuzzahs, create baby naming services, funerals, weddings, counseling, etc. & Attend TSSB Social Event. 

http://www.templeshalomsb.org. 

(5/17/24)