Interim Music Director

Chicago Sinai Congregation (Sinai) is a progressive reform congregation of more than 600 families with a rich, 163-year history. We have an unwavering and award-winning legacy of commitment to tikkun olam through our social action and social advocacy. Sinai is committed to being a House of Prayer for All People and was at the forefront of embracing interfaith couples and their non-Jewish spouses as full participants in congregational life and worship. Our community is drawn to our distinctive worship service and varied music experiences. We have committed lay leaders and rabbis that inspire spiritual growth and support life-long learning. In sum, we are a community with heart, in the heart of a major American city.

Sinai has a special appreciation for, and unique history related to, the music that supports our religious services.  Our Interim Music Director will implement the liturgical music and overall worship vision of Sinai’s clergy, ensuring that Sinai’s musical traditions are honored, while also broadening the Jewish music repertoire.  The position includes leading our professional choir, along with developing and supporting our volunteer adult choir. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Core Musical Responsibilities:

It should be expected that the following duties and responsibilities may vary or be modified as needed to better serve the congregation, however the changes should not impact the average 20 hour per week schedule.

• Plan and lead two choral Shabbat services per month, one with the Professional Choir and one with Sinai’s Volunteer Choir and Professional Choir as scheduled, and any additional Shabbat services where Jewish holidays are celebrated;
• Accompany on piano and/or organ three (3) Friday evening services (and four (4) Friday evening service in months when there is a fifth Friday) – two (2) services with the professional choir and one or two (1 or 2) with song leader or soloist;
• Rehearse the professional and volunteer choirs once a month prior to the Shabbat service at which they are scheduled to participate;
• Accompany Saturday Bet Mitzvah services with Sinai’s song leader and/or choir member(s) (approximately 15 services currently scheduled from July 2024-June 2025);
• Participate in regular worship team meetings as needed;
• Hire the professional choir members for Shabbatot and the High Holy Days;
• In consultation with and approval of the Senior Rabbi, decide upon and prepare all music and choir materials for Shabbat and the High Holy Days;
• Rehearse, direct, and accompany the expanded professional choir and instrumentalists for all adult High Holy Day services;
• Familiarity, or eagerness to become familiar, with the Reform Jewish musical canon of the late 19th Century through present day; and

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Prepare the bi-weekly music payroll;
• Submit content to J-License as required;
• Maintain the piano and organ, scheduling tuning and repair as required;
• Oversee the Sanctuary sound system; arranging for maintenance if required;
• Participate in scheduled Music Committee meetings during the program year; and
• Order sheet music as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION:

• Master’s Degree in Music preferred.
• Proficient in organ and piano performance, choral conducting, and composition/arrangement.
• Strong preference for experience and a background selecting, leading, and accompanying Jewish music.

PERSONAL QUALITIES:

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and respectfully with diverse individuals of all backgrounds.
• Can manage a flexible work schedule requiring evenings and some weekends.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Effective collaborator with other staff, lay leaders, and volunteers.