Director of Jewish Life

Purpose/Role:  The Director of Jewish Life will assume overall responsibility for the development and implementation of Jewish programming for Shabbat, Jewish observances, including religious services and rituals, as well as for related special events.  The Director of Jewish Life will assist staff in incorporating Jewish content into evening programs, special events, and Shabbat activities. The Director of Jewish Life will supervise the Israeli delegation in all Israel programming efforts. This position is part of the camp leadership team and shares in other camp responsibilities.

Dates of Employment: June 5 - August 13, 2023

Salary: Competitive summer salary. Room and board included. 

Qualifications:

•  Must be 21 years of age or older.
•  Must submit a health history record and examination form prior to the first day of work. 
•  Previous experience working with children is preferred.
•  Previous experience working as a Jewish educator is preferred.

Specific responsibilities include:

1. Programming

• Work with Program Director, Cornerstone Staff, and Israeli staff to incorporate Jewish content, culture and values into cabin, evening programs, Shabbat, Shuk program and all camp programs when applicable.
• Work with Program Director and Israeli staff to organize appropriate Israel Day programming and activities.
• Work with TLP Directors to incorporate Jewish content, culture, and values into teen leadership programs.
• Ensure that all Jewish content programs involve campers in an informal learning process.
• Ensure that all Jewish content programs are well planned, organized, and have specific goals to achieve.
• Facilitate the planning and implementation of special events with a Jewish theme. 
• Ensure that special events are camper-centered and involve campers in an informal Jewish learning process.
• Ensure that all Jewish themed special events are well planned, organized and have specific goals to achieve.
• Create and implement the Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring schedule.
• Supervise the Cornerstone Fellows in the development of Shabbat Mikkud discussions, Shabbat programming, the Mishpacha program, and additional Jewish programming.
• Participate as Beber’s Cornerstone Supervisor in the FJC Cornerstone program in Pennsylvania in May (specific dates to be added as soon as we receive them) and continue as the Cornerstone Supervisor at camp through the summer.
• Participate in all camp programs, including overnight camping trips and Shomer duties.

2. Shabbat Services

• Take on responsibility for all Shabbat services. (Camper participation, connecting with music staff, set up of books/kippot etc.)  Possibly engage Cornerstone staff to assist with this.
• Work with campers to involve them in leading services.  Work with cabins and staff to develop creativity in services.
• Make recommendations for additions/changes to Camp Shabbat Service Booklet.
• Work with CITS to lead Saturday Torah Live (Shabbat Torah Portion puppet skit).
• Work with song leaders to ensure that campers become familiar with Shabbat service and song session melodies.
• Lead Shabbat services. Set the tempo and ruach for services. 
• Work with staff to become “Ruchels” or “Mendels” and help find and/or tell the story during the Shabbat Service.

3. Shabbat Programming

• Activities – Work with Program Director and Cornerstone staff to plan and offer appropriate Shabbat activities. 
• Develop Mikkud (Weekly cabin Jewish reflection discussion) curriculum and incorporate Beber’s Core Jewish Values in content
• Lead Campers and Staff in Shabbat prayers before and after the meals on Friday night and  Saturday lunch.
• Manage and facilitate weekly Havdallah Services and Content
• Manage and facilitate Israeli Dance (other staff can help lead the dances)
• Manage and facilitate Saturday Torah Live with CIT Director

4. Israeli Staff

• Supervise the Israeli Staff to assist them in infusing Hebrew and Israeli culture into everyday living (Mr. Milon, use of Hebrew words throughout camp, bringing Israeli music and dance to campers, post signs, etc.)

5. Religious/Cultural

• Work with staff to infuse Judaic knowledge and culture into everyday living (i.e. Hebrew word of the day, Hebrew names & titles, etc.).
• Develop and coordinate with Program Director the Shuk and Mishpacha programs.
• Create additional programs for staff and campers to enhance their Jewish knowledge base (such as Lunch and Learn/Staff In-Services for Counselors and bedtime programs for campers)

6. Tisha B’av

• Responsible for all Tisha B’av services and programming. Work with Division Leaders to create their buy-in.
• Develop creative programming for the evening of Tisha B’av.
• Help develop activities for those fasting during meal time and throughout the day.

7. General Religious Programming

• Work to develop camper and staff understanding of Shabbat, Tisha B’Av, services, and overall Jewish awareness and knowledge.
• Work to strengthen Jewish expression of campers and staff. 
• Help campers with Hebrew/Bat/Bar Mitzvah instruction as needed. (set up tutoring schedule & technology)
• Work with song leaders to develop song session content, so that Hebrew and Jewish songs are taught and become part of our regular song sessions. 
• Create and present training sessions with the CITs as needed.

8. Administrative/Leadership

• Share in overall administrative responsibilities at camp.
• Complete regularly scheduled meetings with staff assigned to supervise.
• Meet regularly with supervisor and the program team.
• Take on any additional responsibility, task or assignment for the betterment of Beber Camp as deemed necessary by the director or immediate supervisor.
• Create a Weekly Shabbat Message for Director’s Corner.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.
• Ensure, at all times, the confidentiality of campers’ personal or health information, unless otherwise directed by the Camp Medical Staff, Assistant Directors, or Camp Director.
• Promote emotional safety for campers and staff by maintaining an environment of encouragement and respect.  Celebrate successes.

9. Physical Demands

• The majority of on-the-job time is spent in the following physical activities, mostly outdoors: standing, walking, using hands and legs, reaching with hands and arms, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Ability to drive equipment to various locations and assist with set up/break down.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, including supplies and equipment.
• Visual ability to identify and respond to environmental hazards.
• Ability to speak clearly with staff on the walkie-talkie regarding emergencies or anything else.

The role of Director of Jewish Life may include other related duties as assigned by the Camp Director or Assistant Director, who reserve the right to revise or change the aforementioned job duties and responsibilities as necessary.  Beber Camp is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we welcome staff from all backgrounds and religions into our family-oriented atmosphere.  Beber Camp provides transformational opportunities for campers and staff to build new relationships and develop strong skills. Our mission ensures that we stay committed to building a community that is meaningful during the summer and extends year-round.

Please visit our website for additional information: www.bebercamp.com.