Rabbi or Cantor as Co-Spiritual Leader

Looking for a co rabbi or cantor to partner with me (Rabbi Katy Z. Allen) in leading the Jewish spiritual life of Burlington! OZ is a really unique place that brings together people with knowledge and passion for Jewish tradition/history along with a commitment to creativity and embodied spiritual practice. We have already begun partnering with congregants to form nigun circles and musical ensembles for special events. You will be pleased to know that our people love to sing! Since I am also new to the community, we will have an opportunity to develop a new vision for OZ together. We are looking for an inspirational, creative seeker and leader, who in partnership with our charismatic Rabbi, can foster a vibrant community grounded in our strategic vision for “Imagine 2025” of “Belonging Through Welcoming, Meaningful and Joyous Jewish Experiences.” We seek a leader who is comfortable opening doors, through diverse religious practices, who participates fully in celebrating both religious and cultural Jewish identity, and whose core commitment to social justice honors our name, as Ohavi Zedek, or “Lovers of Justice.” We seek a Cantor or musical Rabbi who is comfortable engaging our congregants from across multiple generations, diverse identities and many different backgrounds, and approaches to Judaism; a Rabbi or Cantor who brings passion, creativity, knowledge, experience, collaboration, and management to meet the emotional, spiritual, religious, and educational needs of congregants. A person who is talented and organized – a visionary and a thinker and a doer…. someone who wants to reach each generation and bring the soul through music to a synagogue. In sum, we seek a person who models and serves as a spiritual guide (Shaliach/Shalicha Tzibbur), a community builder and a social activist; whose comfort engaging both head and heart will feed our souls and grow our community into the future. Our next hazzan will benefit from a collaborative approach from our rabbi and lay leadership. Ohavi Zedek (OZ) Founded in 1885, OZ is Vermont’s oldest synagogue with a rich history as the hub of Jewish life. OZ started as an Orthodox congregation and became a Conservative synagogue. We continue to evolve as a welcoming, inclusive, intergenerational community that celebrates people from diverse Jewish and cultural backgrounds and those of different faiths. Our community of approximately 300 households includes interfaith and same gender families and supports progressive social-justice causes. We are a highly diverse community that values traditional and alternative approaches to religion, including lakeside services; learning and great programming for all ages and social action projects. Our 8+ acre campus includes a top-notch preschool and day-care on-site, our unique Shalom Shuk (thrift store) that supports Burlington’s multicultural and new American communities, a yurt and outdoor wooded walking trails. Evidence of a passion/commitment for our three key areas: Fostering spiritual community, Creating social justice environment, Embracing Jewish cultural activities and programs. Qualifications:  Ordination from an accredited Cantorial school and experience with leading a Conservative/Masorti service as well as flexibility to design and implement alternative services, Ability to relate to and connect with diverse, multi-generational constituencies including staff, board, our members, other clergy, donors, volunteers, public officials, funders, members and leaders of other faiths, and the public at large, Commitment to DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) in order to make OZ a welcoming space for all through empathetic leadership and effective conflict resolution, Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team, with proven listening skills and the ability to appreciate multiple sides of any discussion, Specific knowledge of and experience with engaging and inspiring congregants’ minds and hearts through words of Torah & Collaboration through music with the rabbi and the congregation. Contact: Rabbi Katy Z. Allen, [email protected]. http://www.ohavizedek.org.

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