Songleader

Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, California is seeking a Songleader to start in August 2024. Temple Isaiah is more than a synagogue – it is a vibrant Jewish Neighborhood of 950 member households. Our mission is to embody, enhance and perpetuate our Jewish tradition by providing a welcoming spiritual home where the membership gathers to worship God, study Torah, engage in acts of tikkun olam, deepen our relationship with Israel, participate in Jewish rituals and life cycle events, and experience the joy of being a part of a caring community. 

Temple Isaiah’s songleader will collaborate with Temple Isaiah’s Cantor in creating a cohesive musical and prayer vision that builds bridges in music-related programming among Gan Ilan (preschool), JQuest (religious school), and our congregation at large.  This is a salaried half-time position (approx. 20 hours/week). Temple Isaiah is a vibrant community, and this is a unique opportunity for learning, leadership, and growth in an exciting Reform Jewish environment.

Worship:

• Serve as songleader for monthly Shabbatarama services (September – May) (Shabbat services geared toward families with elementary-school-aged children) 
• Participate in weekly planning meetings on weeks when leading
• Lead music for Shabbat in the Park and other Shabbat services in the summer
• Fill in during the cantor’s absence for vacation, etc.       
• Serve as songleader for Tot and youth services during the High Holy Days
• Opportunities for collaborations with our cantor, accompanist, and/or Mizmor band at our regular Friday night services

JQuest (education program for children ages 2 years old through 7th grade):

• Lead T’fillah for JQuest in collaboration with clergy and other members of our education team on Sunday mornings and Tues/Weds afternoons.  This involves teaching and leading familiar and new songs and prayers on an ongoing basis.
• Plan and implement music/singing curriculum for JQuest (Pre-K – 6th grade)
• Revive and lead Temple Isaiah Junior Choir
• Teach and mentor song-leading Avodah Teaching Assistants
• Songlead for Kol Nidre Children’s Program
• Co-plan and help with music for youth holiday celebrations such as Chanukah, Purim and Passover
• Participate in JQuest teacher trainings, retreats and weekly T’fillah planning

Gan Ilan Preschool:

• Serve as music teacher 2 days a week
• Lead a few Friday night Tot Shabbat services with clergy 
• Collaborate in planning music for Gan Ilan Shabbat, model seders and other holiday programs that include music / singing

Kulanu (Family Social Group):

• Attend and lead music for annual Family Camp and other Kulanu programs as needed

Other:

• Songleader for Camp Kefli (2 week summer day camp at Temple Isaiah)
• Songleader for other Temple Isaiah retreats

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Interested? Want to apply? Send a cover letter and resume to Rabbi Nicki Greninger, Director of Lifelong Learning.

Email: [email protected] (PDFs and Microsoft Word documents only please!)

Phone: 925-284-9191

If you have questions about the position, please email Rabbi Greninger to set up a time to talk.