Join Temple Shalom's Vibrant Religious School Team:
What if teaching Jewish kids meant building something real—with purpose, community, and a little bit of magic? ?
Temple Shalom’s Religious School – where Chevy Chase meets Silver Spring – is looking for thoughtful, curious, justice-minded individuals to join our teaching team. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or someone who’s never taught but loves working with Jewish kids and teens, we want to hear from you.
With care and intention, we help nearly 300 young people—from babies to teens—explore Jewish life through hands-on learning, deep values, and a culture of radical welcome and belonging. We meet on weekday afternoons and weekends, and our staff brings collaboration, warmth, and creativity to everything we do.
If you're ready to help shape the next generation of Jewish leaders—and grow alongside them—we hope you’ll apply.
Here's what makes Temple Shalom special:
?? Radically Inclusive:
Come as you are. We celebrate the fullness of Jewish life in all its beautiful diversity—across race, gender, sexuality, family structure, ability, background, and belief. Our community includes Jews of Color, queer Jews, multiracial and multi faith families, interfaith couples, Jewish-adjacent individuals, disabled and neurodivergent folks, and those exploring Jewish life for the first time. We’re committed to creating a space where everyone is seen, valued, and empowered to engage with Judaism and Jewish community with curiosity, authenticity, and joy.
?? Creative & Experiential
Learning here goes way beyond the classroom. Imagine electives where kids cook, garden, paint, and play; field trips across D.C. to explore real-world justice issues; immersive history simulations; and overnight Shabbatonim that turn the synagogue into a playground for Jewish exploration. If you love teaching that’s active, engaging, and deeply rooted in values, this is your kind of place.
?? Collaborative & Supportive
You’ll be part of a team that genuinely enjoys working together. Our educators share ideas, cheer each other on, and are supported by leadership that listens and lifts people up. Whether you're brand new or a veteran teacher, you’ll be nurtured, appreciated, and never expected to do it alone.
What you'll do:
- Design engaging, age-appropriate lessons that connect Jewish traditions to students’ real lives. (We have several past lesson plans and curricula to help you get started, and lots of support.)
- Create a warm, inclusive classroom where every student feels safe, seen, and valued.
- Work closely with clergy and educational leadership to bring Jewish values, stories, and practices to life in ways that feel meaningful today.
- Participate in ongoing professional development and team gatherings that support your growth and creativity as an educator.
What we're looking for:
- For Sunday positions: A basic understanding of Judaism—or a strong desire to learn.
- For weekday Hebrew positions: Ability to read Hebrew aloud with confidence (even if you’re not fluent speaking), and familiarity with foundational Hebrew words like ??????? (shalom), ?????? (Torah), and ??????? (Shabbat).
- A genuine love for Jewish learning, community, and culture.
- A collaborative spirit—you enjoy being part of a team and building relationships.
- Strong communication skills for connecting with students and families.
- Openness to feedback and a growth mindset—we’ll support you every step of the way.
- Comfort working in a radically inclusive Reform synagogue that values diversity, equity, and belonging.
Compensation (Based on Education and Experience):
- Sunday mornings: $65–$116/week
- Tuesday & Wednesday afternoons: $120–$175/week
Perks & Benefits:
- Ongoing professional development to support your growth as an educator.
- Mentorship and collaboration opportunities with Temple Shalom clergy.
- Optional participation in Temple Shalom’s vibrant Jewish life—join us for Shabbat, holidays, and High Holy Day services (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur). [View our Events Calendar]
- Opportunities to staff retreats and Shabbatonim (with additional compensation).
- Religious School tuition discounts for your children (if applicable).
- A warm, supportive team that values your voice and presence.
Religious School Schedule:
We offer a variety of teaching opportunities—weekday and weekend—to match your availability and interests:
- Sunday Mornings (Kids’ Time, Pre-K–5th): 9:00–11:30 AM
- Sunday Evenings (6th–10th Grades): 6:00–8:00 PM
- Tuesday Afternoons (3rd–7th Grades): 4:30–6:00 PM
- Wednesday Afternoons (3rd–7th Grades): 4:30–6:00 PM
- Wednesday Evenings (3rd–7th Grades): 6:30–8:00 PM
A Note on Qualifications:
Studies show that women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others from marginalized communities often hesitate to apply unless they meet every single qualification. At Temple Shalom, we know that no candidate meets 100% of the criteria—and we don’t expect you to.
If you’re passionate about Jewish learning, community, and inclusion, we strongly encourage you to apply. We’d love to learn more about what you can bring to our team.
Ready to Join our Vibrant community?
Send your resume and a brief cover letter sharing your interest in Jewish education to Rabbi Josh Gischner (he/him/????) at [email protected]. We can’t wait to hear from you!
P.S. Curious about open positions or want to learn more about us? Feel free to reach out—we’re happy to share where we’re hiring and help you find the right fit. And check out TempleShalom.net to get a feel for our community!