Senior/Solo Rabbi

About Tree of Life Congregation

Founded in 1922 and nestled in the vibrant, progressive university town of Morgantown, Tree of Life (Etz Haim) is a Reform congregation with a rich history and a heart for community. We are a “small but mighty” family of approximately 71 member units, ranging in age from their 20s to their 80s. Many of our members are professionals and academics associated with West Virginia University (WVU), creating an intellectually curious and socially conscious atmosphere.

Our mission is to be a Beit Tefillah (House of Prayer), Beit K’nesset (House of Assembly), and Beit Midrash (House of Study). From traditional Shabbat services to outdoor worship at Cooper’s Rock State Forest, we pride ourselves on an inclusive atmosphere that celebrates Jewish life in the heart of Appalachia.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic and compassionate Senior/Solo Rabbi to lead us into our next chapter. After 15 years of dedicated service from our current rabbi, we are looking for a spiritual leader who can invigorate our community, engage with our local university partners, and help us grow.

The ideal candidate will be a "relational" leader who:

• Connects across generations: From our religious school students to our esteemed seniors.
• Enriches our spiritual life: Leading meaningful Reform services using Mishkan T'filah and Mishkan Hanefesh.
• Provides pastoral care: Offering a steady hand and empathetic ear to congregants in moments of joy and sorrow.
• Acts as a community bridge: Engaging with WVU Hillel, Chabad, and the Greater Morgantown Interfaith Association (GMIA).

Key Responsibilities

• Membership Growth: Drive a measurable increase in new memberships through strategic marketing, outreach, and engagement initiatives.
• Spiritual Leadership: Design and lead Shabbat, High Holiday, and festival services.
• B’nai Mitzvah Preparation: Provide individual instruction to each student preparing for their B’nai Mitzvah.
• Conversion Support: Provide support and instruction to community members wishing to convert to Judaism.
• Community Development: Cultivate a vibrant congregational culture and deepen the involvement of current members through programming and relationship building.
• Fundraising Support: Actively support congregational fundraising efforts to ensure long-term financial stability.
• Pastoral Care: Provide counseling, hospital visits, and lifecycle officiating.
• Outreach: Serve as the "face" of the Jewish community in Morgantown, Fairmont, WVU and surrounding areas.
• Lifelong Learning: Teach adult education classes and oversee the supplemental religious school (currently 11 students across 4 classes).

Qualifications

• Rabbinic Ordination from a recognized seminary.
• Strong ethical conduct and personal integrity.
• Excellent preaching and teaching skills that resonate with an academic community.
• A "pioneer spirit" ready to tackle the challenges of a small-town congregation with a focus on growth and financial stability.

Compensation & Benefits

• Proposed Base Salary: $95,000 – $110,000.
• Discretionary Fund: Used to cover professional expenses, convention allowance, organizational dues, and books/periodicals.
• Vacation & Sabbatical: Standard sabbatical policy applies.
• Pension: Contribution to a pension fund
• Health Care: Stipend to offset partial health care costs.
• Note: life, and disability insurance are not provided by the congregation at this time.

Why Morgantown?

Morgantown offers the best of both worlds: the amenities of a major university town and the beauty of West Virginia’s mountains. It is a "progressive bubble" with a low cost of living, excellent outdoor recreation, and a tight-knit Jewish community that truly relies on and supports its rabbi.