Prayer Experience Lead

Congregation Rodfei Zedek is a warm, welcoming, vibrant, diverse, and growing urban synagogue, rooted in tradition and 152 years of ongoing history, located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. We are animated by the joy and necessity of community, and sustained by relationships forged in storytelling, music, and study. We are looking for a Prayer Experience Lead to join our dynamic dream team. The person in this role will be a key collaborator in cultivating meaningful spiritual life across generations and contributing to our shared vision. The ideal candidate is passionate about music, prayer, and ritual; focused on building a community of meaning, purpose, and belonging; and inspired by the energy of a traditional yet innovative synagogue that values Torah, music, warmth, and connection.

In this role, you will bring vibrant, innovative energy to the ritual life of Rodfei Zedek by collaborating closely with the Rabbi, Director of Visioning and Engagement, and lay leadership. An ideal candidate is a dynamic and knowledgeable service leader who is passionate about music and prayer. Candidates do not need to be formally ordained in order to be considered, but candidates must have a robust knowledge of Jewish prayer and be able to lead engaging innovative and traditional services. There is opportunity to grow in this role. If you are considering becoming a rabbi or cantor, this is a great opportunity to learn about serving in congregational life while being mentored by the rabbi and guided by a growing congregation. 

Your duties will include:

Overall Ritual Leadership

• Leading and sometimes co-leading services including Kabbalat Shabbat, Shabbat morning, and Festivals       
• Leading instrumental musical services on selected Shabbatot and Festivals                    
• Leading B’nei Mitzvah services 
• Assigning weekly Torah/Haftarah readers and lay service leaders as needed
• Mentoring members to help them grow their ritual literacy and become additional prayer leaders 

Additional responsibilities could include:

• Overseeing the curricula for our youth services, Minyan Katan (ages 0-5) and Minyan Gadol (ages 6-12), and leading those services 
• Developing and offering classes for adults 
• Assisting (and possibly leading) lifecycle events including baby namings, weddings, and funerals 
• Collaborating in the development and implementation of the overall strategic vision for the synagogue 

Strong candidates will bring:

• Excellent vocal and basic instrumental music skills 
• Broad knowledge of traditional and contemporary music and liturgy 
• Engaging, participatory style of prayer leadership 
• Warm, inclusive approach to community, with the ability to connect with children, teens, and adults 
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with staff, lay leaders, and community members 
• Creative and dynamic approach to education 
• Flexibility in the face of evolving needs 
• Willingness to meet people wherever they are in their pathway to a Jewish life