Cantor

Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre
Cantor Job Description

Hewlett East Rockaway Jewish Centre (HERJC) is a vibrant, active and welcoming Conservative congregation on the South Shore of Long island.  We are strongly committed to celebrating all facets of our tradition, and are known for the high level of participation by our members in all the spiritual, educational, cultural and social aspects of the Jewish experience.  We are seeking an energetic, dynamic and imaginative Cantor to serve as a partner to our Rabbi as a spiritual leader as well as connect and develop relationships with our members, preschool and religious school, and the Jewish community at large. 

Key Aspects of the Role

1. Ritual Leadership

• Create Welcoming, Uplifting Services: Lead Shabbat, daily, and holiday services in an engaging manner that ensures members are not just attending, but feel part of the service.  
• Work collaboratively with the Rabbi and lay leadership to ensure services are deeply rooted in tradition, incorporating both familiar melodies and new innovative ones.  
• Introducing and using various melodies on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, as a way of finding that balance of old and new throughout the Jewish year.
• Ensure that prayer, music, and spirituality are meaningful, moving, and profoundly welcoming to members and visitors by incorporating your voice and instrumental accompaniment (when appropriate).
• Open and actively working towards teaching children and adults to read Hebrew, learn to daven and leyn Torah and haftorah.

2. B'nei Mitzvah and Educational Leadership

• Create and empower future Jewish leaders.  You will play a pivotal, hands-on role in the administration and success of our B’nei Mitzvah program.
• Teach all students in preparation for their Bnei Mitzvah, ensuring proficiency in the leading of tefillot as well as Torah and Haftarah chanting.  
• Strong presence in our Religious School, teaching music and prayer, engaging with students, teaching, singing and being together.
• Serve as music teacher in our Early Childhood Center.

4. Music Education for All Ages

• Instill a Love of Jewish Music: Engage learners of all ages and in a variety of ways
• Use music and prayer as a tool for connection that keeps students engaged from preschool through B'nei Mitzvah and beyond.

Ideal Qualifications:

• Possess vocal skills and training.  Demonstrate an appreciation and knowledge of traditional and contemporary Jewish music, including liturgical settings. 
• Ability to manage and/or lead the full range of services held throughout the year, including Shabbat, daily minyan, holidays and High Holiday services.
• Competency in reading and understanding Hebrew
• Ability to read and teach Torah, Haftarah and Megillot. 
• Experience and a love of teaching and working with students.
• A commitment to the values and practices of Conservative Judaism.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop positive relationships and inspire and encourage participation.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with synagogue staff and congregants on a range of activities.
• Excellent organization, time management and communication skills, including ability to organize and potentially direct areas of interest outside of traditional cantorial duties such as working with various affinity groups in the synagogue.
• Ability to play a musical instrument and/or desire to learn.

Our Future Cantor Is/Has:

• A strong sense of musicality, knowledge of liturgy.
• Excellent understanding of music, particularly Jewish music of various types. 
• Musical excellence and an understanding of Jewish prayer and liturgy remain a priority – strong voice, presence, and musical leadership.
• Worship should feel uplifting, connective, and spiritually resonant.
• A desire to see HERJC grow and shine
• Visible, accessible, and present figure in our community.
• Relationship builder and comfortable reaching out to people in both joyful and difficult moments.
• A great attitude 
• A team player
• Adaptive: able to switch contexts quickly, pitch in wherever needed, and handle shifting priorities with calm and good judgment.
• Collaborative with clergy, volunteers, educators, and staff 
• Develop an excellent rapport with children, having the ability to connect with our youth from the youngest early childhood age students through Bnei Mitzvah and beyond.   

Although we prefer an ordained Cantor, we are open to meeting music professionals with synagogue experience.We invite candidates with a wide variety of professional qualifications and congregational experiences.  

Interested candidates please send cover letter and resume to [email protected].