Lifelong Learning Coordinator Position at Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom
Executive Summary
Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom (www.ohevbethsholom.org), the spiritual heart of Jewish life in Youngstown, Ohio, seeks funding to support the creation of a ¾ time Lifelong Learning Coordinator position. This role is essential to our vision of building a comprehensive, proactive, and lifelong Jewish learning journey—from Tot Shabbat through adult education. Rooted in Jewish values such as Talmud Torah (study), Chinuch (education), and Kehillah (community), this position will ensure that every learner is nurtured in a dynamic, inclusive, and spiritually enriching environment.
Organizational Background
Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom is the proud result of a historic merger between two of Youngstown’s most storied Jewish congregations. With roots dating back to the 19th century, we are the oldest and largest synagogue in the Mahoning Valley. Our community is diverse, multigenerational, and deeply committed to Jewish continuity, tradition, and innovation. In 2025, we successfully raised $2.5 million in a major capital and endowment campaign—an extraordinary achievement that reflects our members’ deep commitment to securing our future. This investment has positioned us to grow strategically, and the creation of a Lifelong Learning Coordinator role is a cornerstone of that vision.
Statement of Need
Congregation Ohev Beth Sholom continues to exceed expectations and meet the needs of our congregants. We offer lifelong learning programs, lifecycle events, pastoral care, counseling, a minimum of two ritual services a week, social activities, and more. Founded in 2021, OBS aimed to revitalize a newly merged, stagnant community. Our goal was to keep all programs vibrant and ensure our congregation's happiness, which we successfully achieved. We continue to exceed expectations with constant growth in our programming, membership, religious school, and expanded community engagement. Looking to the future, we recognize the urgent need for a unified, visionary approach to Jewish education. Our current programs span early childhood, Religious School, Bnai Mitzvah, teen engagement, and adult learning. We seek to add a professional to our staff to provide additional administrative capacity and integrate these offerings into a seamless, lifelong curriculum, implementing Rabbi Berman’s vision.
The Lifelong Learning Coordinator will fill a critical gap, ensuring our educational programs are well-managed, deeply rooted in Jewish values, responsive to learners' needs, and aligned with our long-term vision of spiritual and intellectual growth.
Reporting directly to Rabbi Berman, they will enhance the capacity of our dynamic Jewish education and experiential programs.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Lifelong Learning Coordinator will:
- Administer Religious School Operations: Administer Sunday and midweek programs for grades Pre-K through 10, implement curriculum developed in partnership with the Senior Rabbi, and supervise a team of educators.
- Implement and coordinate Lifelong Learning: Create and administer a comprehensive adult education plan in partnership with the Senior Rabbi based on the needs of our congregants, promote intergenerational learning, and develop new opportunities for congregational engagement.
- Design Special Event Programming: Based on the vision and direction of the Senior Rabbi, engage with congregants and design event programs as they relate to High Holidays, other Jewish holidays, Shabbat, and other special events.
- Support B’nai Mitzvah Preparation: Collaborate with clergy to schedule and tutor students, ensuring a meaningful and personalized experience.
- Promote a Growth Mindset: Encourage curiosity, resilience, and reflection among students and teachers alike, creating a culture of continuous learning.
- Uphold Jewish Values: Infuse all programming with important principles from Jewish tradition such as chesed (kindness), tzedek (justice), kehillah kedoshah (sacred community), and l’dor va’dor (from generation to generation).
Goals and Outcomes
Short-Term Goals:
- Increase engagement in Religious School and adult education programs.
- Strengthen teacher support and professional development.
- Enhance special/large event programming.
- Work with clergy to create meaningful Jewish experiences
Long-Term Outcomes:
- Establish a seamless, lifelong Jewish learning curriculum.
- Deepen community connection through shared educational experiences.
- Cultivate future Jewish leaders through robust teen and adult learning pathways.
- Develop home-based ritual integration opportunities to bring Ohev Beth Sholom and Jewish culture into more aspects of congregants’ lives.
Compensation Information:
This is a ¾ time position at $30/hour, approximately $45,000/year, to support a two-year fellowship position. The position will be active with the congregation for two full calendar years.