Rabbi or Rabbinic Student

Shaaray Tefila seeks a part time rabbi or rabbinic student for occasional clergy responsibilities in our predominantly lay led congregation. Glens Falls is a charming and vibrant community located approximately 50 minutes north of Albany, between Saratoga Springs and Lake George, NY, in the foothills of the Adirondacks. Although affiliated with United Synagogue, Shaaray Tefila has a pluralistic, open tent approach that offers a broad menu of Jewish life to our community. We hold weekly egalitarian Shabbat services every Saturday morning followed by a kosher kiddish luncheon, sometimes followed by lecture or discussion. Services and Torah discussions are participatory and interactive. We value spirited, musical prayer. Sporadic Friday night services provide an opportunity to experiment with differently structured services and communal Jewish experiences, alternate locations, Shabbat dinners and other social events. We also have periodic “family services” held in combination with the local Reform congregation. We also offer a full schedule of traditional holiday services throughout the year, as well as a Chanukah celebration and communal Passover seder. Our primary need for clergy relates to higher level rabbinic functions, such as assisting candidates for conversion and life cycle events that require proper halachic guidance, including weddings and funerals, as well as pastoral care, and adult education and leading occasional services. Due to the small size of our congregation, the frequency of life cycle events is low. Supervision of High Holiday services with supplemental compensation is a potential additional experience for a candidate with the appropriate skills and interest. Compensation will vary based on experience and the amount of responsibility the candidate wishes to take on. As a rough guide, in the past we have paid advanced rabbinic students up to $1000 per weekend consisting of Friday evening, Saturday morning services and some Sunday morning responsibilities. For candidates living a distance from Glens Falls, assisting congregants via electronic communications can also be part of the experience. The congregation will be responsible for reasonable travel expenses, up to a pre-established cap. The synagogue is 5 minutes from Interstate 87 (The Northway.) It is accessible by bus or train from NYC. It is a short walk from several downtown theaters that feature live entertainment, an excellent public library and a world class art museum. Saratoga Performing Arts Center is 20 minutes to the South and numerous outdoor recreational activities are available locally in Lake George and in the Adirondack Mountains. This is a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth as a spiritual leader and as part of a supportive and diverse religious community. Candidates should contact Mark Hoffman at [email protected], (518-744-1057) and email a resume.https://www.shaaraytefila-gfny.org/. 

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