Rabbi; Director of Exploring Judaism

Job Title: Rabbi and Program Director for Derech, A Pathway into Jewish Belonging 

Location: Coral Gables, FL 
Synagogue: Temple Judea (20 hours/week)
Position Type: Part-Time 

Overview*: 

Temple Judea, a vibrant and inclusive Reform congregation in Miami, is seeking a passionate, knowledgeable, and warm-hearted Part-time, non-pulpit Rabbi and Program Director to lead an expanded initiative designed to support individuals and couples exploring Jewish life.  This part-time role focuses on engaging those who are considering conversion, in the process of converting, have recently converted, or are non-member newlyweds in interfaith relationships. 

The ideal candidate is an ordained Reform rabbi (or a rabbi with deep familiarity and alignment with Reform Jewish values and practices) who is committed to building meaningful relationships and helping people find a sense of belonging within the Jewish community. 

*Emergency Provision for Clergy Coverage:  Rabbi could serve in a very limited, as-needed capacity to support urgent congregational needs only when all core clergy are unavailable due to travel, illness, or other rare circumstances.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead the Congregation’s new Pilot Derech Program:
• Serve as the primary rabbinic presence for individuals exploring or undergoing conversion to Judaism from beginning through end of conversion process. 
• Facilitate intake, mentorship, and guidance throughout the conversion process in alignment with Reform Jewish practices and the synagogue’s vision. 
• Build relationships and provide support with participants and guide them in forming meaningful Jewish identities. 
• Coordinate a Bet Din/Mikvah as well as blessings with Clergy Assistant
• Address the rising interest in our community’s nonmembers who are interested in exploring Jewish life.
• Provide active engagement and outreach post conversion and/or wedding fostering ongoing connection with goals of individuals and families becoming Temple Judea members.

• Design and Facilitate Educational Offerings:
• Develop and teach a follow-up class to our Intro to Judaism Course, Living Judaism: The Partnership Track
• for new Jews, interfaith couples, and those navigating their Jewish identity. 
• Create welcoming, nonjudgmental, and intellectually engaging learning environments. 
• Create a welcoming and inclusive classroom for Jews, seekers, and partners of all backgrounds.
• Incorporate Jewish text, ethics, ritual, history, and personal meaning into experiential curriculum.
• Organize guest speakers, immersive Shabbat experiences, and learning intensives Offer occasional Shabbat and holiday experiences designed for program participants (not as part of regular pulpit rotation).  classes, with cohorts of adult learners.

• Community Building and Pastoral Care:
• Create opportunities for social connection and community building among participants. 
• Provide spiritual and pastoral care to program participants, including life-cycle guidance when needed. 

• Engage Interfaith Couples:
• Develop programming for newlyweds and couples in interfaith relationships, supporting their unique journeys with empathy and openness. 
• Work with non-member and interfaith couplesexploring Jewish tradition or preparing for marriage
• Offer spiritual counseling, educational sessions, and customized Jewish wedding guidance
• Co-officiate or officiate weddings as appropriate, in partnership with Temple Judea’s clergy policies
• Provide counseling and guidance around Jewish home-building, holidays, and family traditions. 

• Clergy Collaboration & Community Integration: 

• Coordinate regularly with Temple Judea’s senior clergy team
• Refer advanced pastoral or member-specific needs to appropriate clergy
• Participate in key holiday services, community events, and ritual moments as schedule allows
• Collaborate with synagogue staff to ensure participants are supported in their transition into full congregational life. 

Qualifications: 

• Ordained rabbi (preferably Reform) with strong interpersonal and teaching skills.
• Experience working with conversion students, interfaith couples, and/or adult Jewish education. 
• Deep knowledge of and comfort with Reform Jewish theology, practice, and pluralism. 
• Pastoral sensitivity, inclusivity, and the ability to foster trust and connection. 
• Creative thinker who enjoys building something new and meeting people where they are. 
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organization, and collaboration skills. 
• Deep understanding of and sensitivity to the conversion process and interfaith dynamics
• Experience teaching adult learners, especially those new to Jewish learning or returning to Judaism
• Comfort working in a team-based environment with cross-departmental collaboration
• Alignment with Temple Judea values and our inclusive mission

Hours & Compensation: 

• Part-time position, 20 hours per week, August–May academic year (with some flexibility)
• Compensation commensurate with experience
• Hybrid teaching and in-person sessions; includes evening and some weekend commitments

To Apply: 
Please send a cover letter, resume, and a brief teaching or program sample (e.g., a class outline or description of a past program you led) to Daphne Parker at [email protected].  Join us in shaping a welcoming and enriching pathway into Jewish life for those seeking connection, meaning, and community.