Position: Ba'al Koreh (Torah Reader)
Position Type: Part-Time / Contract
Reports To: Senior Rabbi
About B’nai Torah Congregation
B’nai Torah Congregation is the largest conservative synagogue in the Southeast U.S. with over 1,300 membership families. It is a close-knit, multi-generational, modern, and egalitarian synagogue, which offers diverse services, programs of worship, learning, tzedakah, social action, and social activities. B’nai Torah Congregation creates a perfect outlet for arts, culture, and learning, and we are home to several schools of Jewish education. The synagogue, which offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that will enrich the synagogue experience, is a tremendous and vibrant center for tzedakah acts and projects that touch thousands of people. Learn more at https://btcboca.org.
Position Summary
The Ba'al Koreh serves as the congregation's Torah reader for Shabbat, festivals, and other designated services. The successful candidate will possess strong Torah reading skills, knowledge of traditional liturgy and trope, and an appreciation for the practices and values of Conservative Judaism. This individual will work closely with the B’nai Torah clergy and gabbai’im to ensure dignified, spiritually enriching worship experiences.
Primary Responsibilities
- Read Torah accurately and fluently using traditional trope for Shabbat morning services, festivals, fast days, and other services as assigned.
- Prepare all assigned Torah readings, including multiple aliyot and special maftir readings, as required.
- Coordinate with the clergy and ritual staff regarding the Torah reading schedule, special readings, and liturgical needs.
- Review the Torah scroll before services to ensure the correct section is prepared and identify any issues requiring attention.
- Assist gabbai'im during the Torah service, including verifying aliyot and ensuring a smooth Torah reading.
- Arrive sufficiently in advance of services to review logistics and coordinate with clergy and gabbai’im.
- Maintain professionalism, reliability, and respectful collaboration with synagogue staff, volunteers, and congregants.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated proficiency in Torah reading, including mastery of Torah trope and Hebrew pronunciation.
- Familiarity with Conservative Jewish liturgical practices and Torah reading customs.
- Strong preparation skills, attention to detail, and reliability.
- Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, ritual committees, and lay leaders.
- Substantial previous experience serving as the primary Ba'al Koreh in a synagogue or Jewish community setting is preferred.
Schedule
This position primarily includes:
- Shabbat morning services
- Jewish holidays and festivals
- Additional services by mutual agreement
Compensation
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, qualifications, and the expected service schedule.
Potential additional future responsibilities, with commensurate additional compensation, will be considered and discussed.
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- A résumé outlining relevant experience.
- A brief statement of interest.
- References familiar with the applicant's Torah reading and synagogue experience.
- Audio or video recordings of Torah reading may be requested during the selection process.