Cantor-Educator

Position Overview
Temple Beth Israel seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and visionary Cantor-Educator to
serve as both a member of the clergy team and the Director of Beit Sefer. This full-time
position integrates spiritual leadership, musical excellence, and comprehensive
educational oversight to nurture Jewish learning and engagement across generations.
The Cantor-Educator partners closely with the Rabbi, senior staff, lay leadership, and
volunteers to cultivate vibrant worship, meaningful Jewish learning, and strong
communal relationships consistent with Temple Beth Israel’s mission and values.
This position reports to the Rabbi and works in partnership with the VP of Education and
Temple leadership.

I. Clergy & Cantorial Responsibilities
Worship Leadership

• Co-lead Shabbat, Festival, and High Holy Day services.
• Participate in and help plan Yom HaShoah, Tisha b’Av, Sukkot, and other special observances.
• Coordinate High Holy Day music, including collaboration with choir director and accompanists.
• Bring new and inspiring Jewish music into congregational life.
• Work with instrumentalists and/or synagogue band to enhance worship experiences.
• Attend senior staff meetings and clergy planning meetings.

Lifecycle & Pastoral Care

• Officiate at weddings, funerals, shiva minyans, and other lifecycle events.
• Visit congregants in hospitals and care facilities.
• Maintain a visible presence in the wider community, including interfaith and civic engagement as appropriate.

II. Educational Leadership (Director of Beit Sefer)
Instructional Leadership

• Supervise, evaluate, and hire (as needed) teachers, madrichim (teen aides), and
  volunteer staff.
• Oversee implementation of the ShalomLearning curriculum (K–7) and ensure curricular coherence and excellence.
• Oversee Hebrew program and Hebrew teacher(s)
• Collaborate with Rabbi and lay leadership to shape vision, programming, and educational direction.
• Lead regular staff meetings and provide ongoing professional development.
• Conduct classroom observations and offer feedback and mentoring.
• Teach teens and substitute in younger grades as needed
• Support intergenerational and experiential learning opportunities.
• Oversee song leader for Beit Sefer and integrate music into educational programming.

B’nei Mitzvah Program

• Prepare approximately 8–12 students annually in prayer leadership, Torah and Haftarah chanting, and D’var Torah preparations.
• Meet weekly with students (approx. 36 hours per child over 9 months).
• Support families throughout the preparation process.
• Coordinate closely with Rabbi regarding B’nei Mitzvah process and service leadership.

Administration

• Develop and maintain the Beit Sefer master calendar.
• Oversee enrollment and registration in collaboration with the Education Administrative Assistant.
• Maintain staff and student records in accordance with TBI policies.
• Partner with VP Education and Education Committee in planning and evaluation.
• Collaborate with VP Finance and lay leadership regarding education budget.
• Support annual education-related fundraising efforts.
• Participate in Education Advisory Committee meetings and Temple Board meetings as requested.
• Participate in weekly Senior Staff meetings.

Communication

• Communicate regularly with families about programming, expectations, and student progress.
• Ensure teachers communicate effectively with parents.
• Contribute to TBI newsletter, Beit Sefer communications, website, and social media.
• Utilize computer-based programs (Google Workspace, email platforms, social media tools, etc.) effectively.
• Maintain open, consistent communication with Rabbi, VP Education, and committee leadership.

III. Community Engagement & Programming

• Collaborate with the Rabbi and volunteer leaders to develop and lead programs that foster broad congregational engagement (e.g., Purim spiel, Havdalah gatherings, concerts, holiday celebrations, film or music programs).
• Teach occasional adult education classes (e.g., Jewish music, Introduction to Judaism, Jewish history, cultural programming).
• Contribute to community-building initiatives and outreach efforts.

IV. Desired Qualifications & Experience

• Demonstrates consistent engagement in Jewish life through participation in worship, study, and community involvement, and serves as a visible role model for congregants.
• Experience teaching Jewish learners in classroom and/or congregational settings, including planning lessons, guiding students, and supporting their Jewish growth and identity.
• Experience preparing B’nei Mitzvah students, including teaching liturgy, Torah and Haftarah trope, prayer leadership, and building students’ confidence and comfort in leading services.
• Ability to supervise, support, and develop paid and volunteer staff by providing clear expectations, regular feedback, and encouragement in a respectful and constructive manner.
• Strong musical and liturgical leadership skills, including leading services confidently, teaching melodies and prayer modes, and providing pastoral presence during lifecycle events.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with children, teens, and adults by being approachable, attentive, and responsive to their individual needs and experiences.
• Communicates clearly and respectfully in both one-on-one and group settings; listens actively; follows through on commitments; and manages responsibilities in an organized and reliable manner.
• Works effectively as part of a team by collaborating openly with clergy and lay leadership, contributing ideas, supporting shared goals, and maintaining professional and respectful working relationships.

VI. Position Details

• Full-time position (including evenings and weekends as required by congregational life).
• Compensation commensurate with education and experience - $118,000- $130,000 per year
• Benefits and vacation provided in accordance with Temple Beth Israel policy.
• Reports to the Rabbi; works in close collaboration with VP Education and Temple leadership.