Established in the mid-1980s, Kehillat Lev Shalem, the Woodstock Jewish Congregation(WJC), is a 300+ household synagogue where the founding members remain actively involved and new members continuously add to the vibrancy of our community. We are located in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley between the thriving small town communities of Woodstock and Saugerties, just 15 minutes from Kingston, one hour from Albany and two hours from New York City. The WJC is a community of Jewish seekers from a full spectrum of Jewish practice, including those who came to Judaism by choice and/or partnership. This is an opportunity to join a sought-out congregation known for its welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where we pray together enthusiastically, share simchas, mourn losses, learn, grow, advocate for social justice, and work towards tikkun olam together. We are seeking an inspirational leader to guide our unaffiliated, progressive, diverse, vibrant, multi-generational congregation. The ideal candidate creates a worship service that is joyful, contemplative, music-filled, and participatory. This rabbi loves to teach, and values Jewish education in all its manifestations. The candidate must wholly embrace interfaith families as well as members with varying degrees of observance.
Primary Responsibilities
Worship Leader:
• Leads regular religious services, including Shabbat, holidays, and other rituals
• Enthusiastically shares the bimah
• Approaches service leadership as an opportunity to teach, inspire and uplift; bringing both traditional and modern music, poetry, and storytelling to services
• Is comfortable and confidant leading multi-access (in-person/online) services Education:
• Teaches seasonal adult education courses
• Creates additional community-wide learning opportunities
• Regular involvement in Family School and B-Mitzvah program
• Leads conversion instruction Pastoral Duties:
• Provides spiritual and emotional support to members
• Engages with members in need of counseling
• Is committed to making time for visiting the sick and comforting the bereaved
• Officiates at simchas and life cycle events, including interfaith ceremonies, and provides bikkur cholim, shiva, and bereavement support
• Encourages a sense of community within the congregation
• Serves as ambassador for the WJC in the community at large
• Maintains regular office hours
• Attends monthly board meetings and prepares a written report
• Attends monthly ritual committee meetings and other occasional committee meetings when requested
• Writes Shabbat message for email distribution as well as other communications about significant community, national, and world events
Qualifications:
• Ordination from a rabbinical seminary following completion of a multi-year program of rabbinic study and a minimum of 3-5 years experience as a congregational rabbi; soon-to-be ordained rabbis may be considered
• Comprehensive Jewish spiritual and cultural knowledge
• Strong working knowledge and proficiency in Hebrew, nusach, and liturgy
• Accepting of a spectrum of religious beliefs, practices, and observances
•Welcoming to people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
A successful candidate will:
• Bring a joyful presence on the bimah
• Demonstrate the ability to inspire and connect with a spiritually vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming community
• Value music as a key component of service leadership
• Hold high personal, ethical, and professional standards
• Possess outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills
• Collaborate effectively with volunteers, staff, and lay leaders
• Foster collaborative relationships with other local religious and social service/social justice organizations
• Teach Jewish values and perspectives in a broad spectrum of congregational programming, including meetings, gatherings,and casual interactions
• A passion for Yiddish is a plus!
To apply for the position send the following required application materials:
• Cover letter detailing your suitability for our position
• Current, detailed resume Optional Materials:
• Written sample or video of your work (service, sermon, music...)
Salary Range: $110,000 - $140,000, commensurate with experience
Benefits: We are committed to supporting our rabbi with a benefits package that suits their needs.
Please feel free to email us with any questions or comments to: [email protected]
Send cover letter and resume to: https://www.wjcshul.org/rabbinic-application-submission-form/