Director of Jewish Life & Learning

SCHOOL OVERVIEW: Valley Beth Shalom Day School is a K-6 independent Jewish Day School located on the Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue campus in Encino, California. The school was founded in 1978 by nationally renowned Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis z"l who believed that school should be a place where students grapple with questions and issues cultivating their critical thinking and learning to take action to make the world a better place. He believed this should be done in an environment that fostered strong Jewish values and active involvement in Jewish experiences and community. The school stands true to the original vision as a forward- thinking learning environment, linking traditional Jewish values and teaching to modern-day decision making and action, within a vibrant and nurturing Jewish community. 

MISSION: Your family’s future begins here. At Valley Beth Shalom Day School, children develop a strong sense of individual identity within a community where each member is deeply connected to one another, to Israel and to the Jewish people. Our school empowers students to become the confident, thoughtful and intellectually-driven leaders of tomorrow. 

CORE VALUES: Our core values—Limmud (Achieving Academic Excellence), Kehillah (Building a Connected Community), Lev Tov (Acting with a Good Heart), Tikkun Olam (Creating a Better World), Yisrael (Connecting to Israel and the Jewish People) and Simcha (Sharing Joy & Gratitude)—are intentionally woven throughout our school’s curriculum and program to ensure that what students are learning is both timeless and timely.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Director of Jewish Life & Learning position is available for the 2026–2027 school year and plays an essential role in shaping the direction of the school, working to cultivate a joy and commitment to the practice of Judaism in the lives of our students and families. Serving as an essential supporter and supervisor for teachers across grade levels, the Director will collaborate with the Educational Leadership team to lead the implementation of mission, core values, and educational philosophy through the development of an exceptional academic and experiential Jewish learning program. The Director will report to the Head of School and be a member of the educational and strategic leadership teams. 

Key areas of responsibility include:

Curricular and Programmatic Leadership

• Develop, articulate, and implement Jewish Studies and Hebrew curriculum, including a coherent scope and sequence that aligns with the school’s mission, values, philosophy, and student needs

• Communicate the vision for the Jewish Studies and Hebrew programs to all constituents through articles and presentations, as needed
• Collaborate with the Director of Teaching and Learning to ensure integration of Jewish studies with general studies, and specialist subjects, including the arts, science, and technology
• Collaborate with the Principal to develop effective measures for monitoring, assessing, and communicating student progress in Jewish Studies and Hebrew 

• Plan, schedule and implement rituals, holiday observances and other Jewish life related school-wide events (i.e. Tikkun Olam programs, field trips, and grade-level ceremonies).
• Support the integration of Jewish values and themes within schoolwide programs led by other members of the administrative team as necessary and appropriate (i.e. Graduation, Student Council, Buddy Program)
• Serve as liaison between the school and the VBS Clergy to ensure alignment of school and synagogue t’fillah, values, and minhag
• Supervise and support Jewish Studies, Hebrew, and Israel educators
• Instruct 2 Jewish Studies and/or Hebrew courses as needed or determined by the Head of School

Administrative Leadership

• Serve as a member of the leadership team in all areas of the school, including but not limited to: classrooms, field trips, special programs, and school activities
• Participate in the annual budget cycle: proposing, planning & implementing a balanced budget that reflects mission & core values
• Participate in recruitment and screening of new students 
• Assist with students’ middle school placement 

Strong candidates will:

• demonstrate enthusiasm for working in schools and with children in grades K-6.
• relate to all different types of Jewish students and families and celebrate their diversity of practice and thought. 

• be eager to engage with students, parents, faculty, and with colleagues and collaborators at the synagogue and its Early Childhood Center. 

• understand the needs of neurodiverse students, encompassing those with learning challenges and exceptional abilities.

• demonstrate an ongoing commitment to professional development in all areas related to teaching and learning, Jewish programming, and leadership.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Jewish Studies, Curriculum & Instruction or a related field, Masters degree preferred
• 5+ years experience in education required
• Experience in educational administration preferred
• Hebrew language proficiency preferred