Solo Rabbi

Congregation Beth El, a Reform congregation located in beautiful Bangor, Maine is looking for a versatile, highly accessible, and compassionate community builder and inspirational leader to guide its small congregation of multiple generations. This is a solo leadership position. The successful candidate will help to grow the congregation by welcoming young families while maintaining the spirit and ritualism that are key to retaining long-time members. Adaptability is essential, as the candidate will be serving the varied religious, spiritual, educational, and emotional needs of the Beth El members, and act as a liaison to the larger community. Congregation Beth El serves a large geographic area and is the hub of Reform Judaism for central and northern Maine. This is an opportunity to foster a community that will develop and grow along with you, and will partner with you in serving the congregation and larger community. Beth El is more than a “congregation.” We are a family. The rabbi’s role, as the spiritual leader of that family, is the key to our shared success as we build our kehilah kedosha together. Our rabbi is also a member of that sacred community, as well as its leader, and our hope is for them to feel that deeply and consistently while embracing the importance of work-life balance and personal growth. Areas of Responsibility: Bimah and Pastoral Duties: Act as the Congregation’s spiritual leader and recognized authority on religious law and practice, Lead Shabbat and all other holiday religious services (both in person, virtually, and hybrid as needed) so they are engaging with participatory music, chanting, reading, and highly relevant sermons. (Erev Shabbat is celebrated 3-4 times per month and Saturday morning Torah service is typically one Saturday per month.), Conduct four off-site services per year in regional locations in beautiful Maine, Support congregants in becoming lay ritual leaders, Provide spiritual and emotional support to members, Officiate at simchot (weddings, brises, b’nai mitzvah), funerals, etc., Provide bikkur cholim, shiva and bereavement support for community members & Serve as an inspiring resource to the congregation through a strong knowledge of Torah, Hebrew, and Jewish traditions, Education:  Serve as the Principal of Kesher, the Hebrew school, including recruitment, supervision and annual evaluations of the teaching staff (School meets 1-2 days per week for 1.5-3 hours per week during the school year), Partner with the curriculum coordinator on curriculum development, Teach weekly in the religious school, Prepare students (including adults) for b’nai mitzvah and supervise volunteers providing preparation, Mentor conversion candidates, Provide adult educational programs including weekly Torah study, two series of classes each year, and occasional single-session programs & Collaborate with the Social Action Committee, the curriculum coordinator, and the congregational leadership as appropriate to provide education about Tikkun Olam, social justice, antisemitism, and anti-racism to the congregation, Synagogue Outreach and Membership Development: Support Beth El membership growth by working with congregants to create an inviting spiritual home for new families and individuals, Community Relationships: Write a monthly column for our newsletter, The Tzitzit & Provide guidance to the congregation’s communications including the website and social media, Foster collaborative relationships with other local religious organizations in our region & Serve as point of contact representing the congregation & Administrative Duties: Maintain regular office hours , Attend Board meetings and prepare Clergy report , Provide supervision for administrative staff , Participate in Progress and Support Committee , Meet weekly with the congregation president & Meet with other board members or committee members as needed for collaborative work or guidance. Qualifications: Rabbinical ordination from an accredited program/seminary, Congregational experience including leading in-person, virtual, and hybrid services and education, as well as virtual and in-person pastoral care, Comprehensive and in-depth Jewish spiritual and cultural knowledge including Jewish music, Torah, Hebrew, and traditions, High personal, ethical, and professional standards, Excellent verbal and written communication skills, Excellent music leadership skills, Outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills & Strong background in education for children and adults. Salary Range: $80,000 to $90,000. Benefits: Insurance: Reimbursement of up to $9,000 for medical, dental, disability, and life insurance, Professional Development: Reimbursement of up to $3,000 for conferences, professional memberships, books, or other learning materials, Social Security: The congregation pays an amount equivalent to what would be an employer’s share of FICA/Medicare, Pension: 15% of salary, Sabbatical: After 6 years of service, Relocation Expenses: Up to $10,000 for expenses to move to Bangor & Leave: The Rabbi is entitled to 2 free days per week or comparable time. They receive 20 days earned time off that may be used for sick time, vacation, family care or needs, or secular holidays. The congregation provides up to 28 days for the birth or adoption of a child and 7 days for bereavement leave. Full-time. Contact: Noah Nesin, Search Committee Chair, [email protected], (207) 974-8774. https://www.bethelbangor.org. For more information, go to: https://www.jewishjobs.com/job/a4t5gb/solo-rabbi/bangor/me/united-states.

(1/17/25)