Music & T’fillah Specialist
About Us
Larchmont Temple (LT) is a warm, vibrant and inclusive Reform synagogue of approximately 880 families in Larchmont, NY (about a ½ hour from New York City) dedicated to covenantal and innovative Jewish learning, social action and spiritual engagement. LT’s educational culture is one of innovation and collaboration engaging our young people and their families in exciting and creative programming. LTNS (Larchmont Temple Nursery School) is a play-based Nursery school that values kindness, friendship, and community.
Our KESHER (Religious School) Jewish Education program strives to be engaging, joyful, relevant, and inclusive and we have over 435 learners in our K – 12 programs. Rooted in Reform Jewish values, KESHER aims to deliver an experiential and relational educational approach that highlights social emotional learning as our young people grow up engaged in a thriving Jewish community.
Position Overview
We are seeking our next enthusiastic, creative, dedicated educational partner and music team member. Located in Southern Westchester, NY, this is a full-time opportunity to be a part of our collaborative Larchmont Temple team and offers the opportunity to engage children, youth, and families through music, amplify youth musical leadership and join the chorus of musical opportunities as a member of the LT musical team.
The Music and T'filah Specialist will engage in music curriculum development and implementation in our Nursery School and KESHER (Religious School) settings, partner with the clergy in worship and programming, develop and lead youth choirs and Purim spiel and weekend retreats.
Who are you?
You are an enthusiastic, creative, and collaborative team player who has songleading proficiency, passion for prayer, and a warm demeanor coupled with organizational, relational, and communication skills. You are someone who takes initiative and thrives in a fast-paced environment with multiple ongoing priorities and projects. You are passionate about Jewish music as a tool for engagement. You are someone with experience in camp or other experiential youth programs, religious school or nursery school teaching or other relevant settings.
Background and Experience
- Has a relatable and accessible style of musical leadership
- Songleads with expert proficiency
- Can comfortably serve as shaliach/shlichat tzibur (prayer leader)
- Is well-versed in both Jewish music and general Early Childhood music repertoire
- Has a strong foundation of Jewish knowledge
- Possesses a strong musical background with excellent guitar skills
- Has strong interpersonal skills with youth and adults as well as a collaborative spirit
- Demonstrates healthy professionalism and work ethic
Hours
This is a full-time non-exempt position with flexibility for 10 or 12 months
- The workweek includes Tuesday-Sunday (Monday is off), Jewish holidays, and Shabbat responsibilities (Fridays and Saturdays) approx. twice a month
- The workweek over the summer is generally Monday through Friday
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with our cantor in creating a cohesive vision that builds bridges between LTNS (Larchmont Temple Nursery School), KESHER (LT’s K-12 learning program) and the wider LT community
- Collaborate in leading musical worship and programming with clergy and other members of our education team.
- Plan and implement an age-appropriate, engaging and diverse music curriculum
- LTNS - Weekly music classes and Shabbat
- KESHER - Grades K-7
- Musical Madrichim - songleading training program for teens
- Collaborate with clergy to prepare and lead worship for families on Shabbat (Friday & Saturday appx. twice a month), High Holy Days, and other holidays
- Lead youth vocal and instrumental groups in partnership with our cantor
- Organize and participate with groups of musicians for Temple services
- Collaborate with our cantor in bringing exciting and rich repertoire for our community
Administration & Communications
- Create and manage program specific materials
- Communicate covenantally with families and colleagues