Full-Time Music Educator
Temple Ner Tamid – Bloomfield, NJ
Who We Are
Temple Ner Tamid is a welcoming, diverse, and deeply musical Reform congregation of over 650 households. Supported by a full-time staff of 12, we offer engaging Jewish learning, vibrant worship, meaningful lifecycle experiences, and a strong sense of community.
Our Religious School serves more than 450 students in grades K–12 and operates from September through May, with:
- K–6 classes on Sunday mornings in 2 sessions
- Hebrew for grades 3–6 on Monday or Wednesday afternoons
- Dinner and learning for grades 7–12 on Wednesday evenings
We are proud of our approximately 60 teen madrichim, active parent learners, joyful grade-level Shabbat dinners, multiple teen trips each year, and a community eager for more music, prayer, and connection.
Our Shoresh Preschool is a lively, play-based environment where music is central to Jewish identity, celebration, and early learning. Enrollment varies by year but typically has 65 to 85 children aged 18 months to four years. Hours are from 9am to 3pm with available precare and after care offerings.
Who You Are
You are an enthusiastic, creative, and collaborative Jewish music educator who believes deeply in music as a gateway to prayer, community, and meaning. You bring warmth, professionalism, and initiative to your work and thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
You:
- Have a Bachelor's degree from a college or university
- Have an accessible, engaging style of musical leadership
- Songlead with confidence and joy
- Are comfortable serving as shaliach/shlichat tzibur (prayer leader)
- Are well-versed in Jewish music and early childhood music repertoire
- Have strong guitar skills and a solid musical foundation
- Possess a strong base of Jewish knowledge and prayer book Hebrew*
- Have leadership experience in camps, experiential education, religious school, preschool, or similar settings
- Build strong relationships with children, teens, parents, clergy, and colleagues
- Demonstrate excellent organization, communication skills, and a healthy work ethic
- Have a high degree of flexibility and adaptability, as the evolving needs of the community are dynamic and may change.
(*Torah and Haftarah chanting experience is a plus, but is not required, we will teach you.)
What You Will Do
Religious School
- Design and implement the Religious School music and t’filah curriculum with direction from and collaboration with the Director of Youth and Family Education
- Develop grade-specific musical objectives aligned with the broader curriculum
- Lead weekly Religious School t’filah on Sundays and weekday sessions in partnership with clergy
- Teach weekly music classes for grades K–6 with teen song leaders
- Mentor and direct Sunday morning teen song leaders
- Direct K–2 and grades 3–6 choirs, including communication and budget oversight
- Support or teach Hebrew instruction on Mondays and Wednesdays as needed
- Teach in Upper School
- Participate in grade-level Shabbat dinners, helping lead blessings and song
Shoresh Preschool
- Create and implement a developmentally appropriate preschool music curriculum in consultation and collaboration with the Director of Shoresh
- Develop grade-specific music goals aligned with the overall preschool program
- Lead Friday morning preschool Shabbats as needed
- Lead school-wide programs 3–4 times per year
- Prepare students for holiday celebrations and graduation performances
B’nei Mitzvah
- Collaborate with clergy to prepare students for Bar/Bat Mitzvah
- Tutor students in prayers, Torah chanting, and Haftarah chanting*
Worship
- Partner with clergy to create meaningful worship experiences for young families
- Lead monthly Tot Shabbat services and Wake Up Shabbat as needed
- Lead High Holiday services for tots, children, and families as assigned in collaboration with clergy
Administrative & Professional Responsibilities
- Manage music supplies and materials for Religious School and Shoresh
- Attend relevant school and synagogue meetings
- Communicate clearly and professionally with staff and families
*If you are not yet proficient in Torah and Haftarah trope, we still encourage you to apply—our Clergy Associate will provide training.
Position Details
- Schedule: 12-month position, August 15–June 10 must be in person, June 10-August 15 may be remote.
- Work Week: 5 days/week (off Tuesdays and Saturdays)
- Work hours are late morning through early evening most days, except Sundays (8am-3pm)
- Location: On-site at Temple Ner Tamid, 936 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003
- Regular weekend programming
Compensation
- Salary: $55,000–$65,000 annually
- Health care benefits included
- Breaks Include Winter Break, Spring Break, and some school closings
- Compensation based on experience and education; competitive with industry standards
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line:
“Temple Ner Tamid Music Educator – Your Name.” Please provide 3 references.
Temple Ner Tamid is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. All candidates are subject to a background check.