Rabbi

Ner Tamid Synagogue in suburban San Diego is seeking a full-time rabbi as our current rabbi moves on to a new opportunity. A community of 125 families, we honor and embrace Conservative practice while creating space for innovative and engaging participation in Jewish ritual and traditions. Our synagogue has, for more than 40 years, provided an inviting Jewish home for Jews from many different backgrounds and diverse viewpoints. Haimisch and unpretentious, we want our members to “come as they are” and to pitch in. And they do. Our members are not looking for the biggest, fanciest shul in town; they are looking for a congregation where they are part of a family. Members, young and old, want to be actively engaged in a stimulating Jewish environment. They find that here at Ner Tamid.

A strong Conservative background is important to us, but that background and training should accompany a sense of creativity and flexibility that makes our members feel welcome wherever they are coming from. We pride ourselves on being very welcoming – and that warm welcome and acceptance must extend from the Rabbi to all members and all potential members of our diverse congregation, including interfaith families and Jews-by-choice, who play such an important role in many aspects of our congregational life. 

Our ideal candidate will continue existing programs, such as Sunday morning Torah study in the rabbi’s office and monthly Family Shabbats. We are seeking a rabbi who wants to celebrate and worship alongside us, blending traditional Conservative services with some creativity for engagement and enough English for accessibility.

Our rabbi will work closely with the board and our other staff members in support of all aspects of congregational life. Primary responsibilities of the Rabbi include:

• Working with board, staff and membership to maintain our mission to Connect Jews to Torah and to Each Other
• Serving as the religious and spiritual leader of the congregation. Leading Shabbat and holiday services, and officiating at life cycle events
• Encouraging active participation of current members in ongoing programs
• Working cooperatively with our Hebrew School Director to enhance our religious school and support our b’nei mitzvah students
• Providing pastoral and spiritual support to the sick, elderly, and congregants in need
• Working cooperatively with NTS staff to ensure smooth functioning of all congregational activities.

Basic Requirements:

• Ordination from a recognized rabbinical school
• Comfortable leading diverse congregations
• Conservative pulpit experience preferred
• Experience leading organizations through transitions preferred

Please find out more about us at: www.nertamidsd.org

Learn more about San Diego's Jewish community: www.jewishinsandiego.org

We are happy to answer any additional questions from potential candidates.