Who We Are:
The Orthodox Union's Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (OU-JLIC) places rabbinic couples on college campuses to provide Orthodox Jewish students with Torah education and mentorship, helping them continue their spiritual growth into adulthood. JLIC offers a range of programs, including learning sessions, Shabbat experiences, and social events, fostering a strong sense of community and spiritual growth. Additionally, JLIC extends its support to Israel, offering summer and year-round programs that combine Torah study with professional opportunities.
The Orthodox Union (OU) is one of the largest Orthodox Jewish organizations in the United States. Founded in 1898, the OU supports a network of synagogues, youth programs, Jewish and Religious Zionist advocacy programs, programs for the disabled, localized religious study programs, and international units. The OU maintains a kosher certification service, whose circled U symbol, ?, is found on the labels of many kosher commercial and consumer food products.
Position Summary:
The Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC) at Yale University seeks a Rabbinic Couple to serve as Directors, residing on the Yale campus, New Haven, Connecticut. One full-time role and one part-time role focused on community building, providing daily Torah study opportunities, including Chevrutot, Chaburot, and Shiurim, as well as student mentorship and facilitating personal and spiritual growth within the student body. Together, the couple will create a comprehensive Torah learning environment and vibrant Jewish community for Yale students.
Yale University, with a student body comprising approximately 800 Jewish individuals, supports a robust Orthodox community. This community, encompassing over 80 undergraduates, graduate students, and affiliated local residents, is characterized by a significant proportion of students who have completed at least one year of study in Orthodox gap year programs. The New Haven, Connecticut campus provides a supportive infrastructure for Orthodox life, including an eruv, a kosher dining facility at the Slifka Center, a thriving Shabbat community, and comprehensive educational opportunities.
The Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC) is a program of the Orthodox Union, in partnership with Hillel. https://oujlic.org/
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Torah Education and Mentorship:
- Providing Torah learning opportunities through classes, one-on-one sessions, and informal discussions.
- Serving as role models and mentors for students navigating the challenges of college life while maintaining their Orthodox Jewish identity.
- Answering halachic questions and providing spiritual guidance.
- Community Building:
- Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for Jewish students.
- Organizing Shabbat meals, holiday celebrations, and social events.
- Fostering relationships with students and building a strong sense of community.
- Program Development and Implementation:
- Designing and implementing programs that promote Jewish awareness, learning, and engagement.
- Coordinating with Hillel and other campus organizations.
- Creating and maintaining infrastructure to support observant life on campus.
- Fundraising and administrative duties are also a large part of the work.
- Student Support:
- Providing personal support and guidance to students dealing with academic, social, and personal challenges.
- Coaching students through life events such as dating, engagement, and marriage.
Qualifications:
- Strong Torah Scholarship and Dedication:
- A deep and broad knowledge of Torah, coupled with a genuine commitment to its values.
- The ability to effectively impart Torah knowledge to diverse student populations.
- Exceptional Interpersonal Skills:
- A warm, approachable, and non-judgmental demeanor.
- The capacity to build strong, trusting relationships with students.
- Excellent listening and communication skills
- Empathy and the ability to provide personal support
- Leadership and Organizational Abilities:
- The ability to create and implement engaging programs.
- Strong organizational and management skills.
- The ability to foster student leadership.
- Role Model and Mentor:
- Serving as a positive role model for Orthodox Jewish living.
- Providing guidance and mentorship in navigating the challenges of college life.
- The ability to act as a spiritual guide.
- Adaptability and Open-Mindedness:
- The ability to adapt to the diverse needs of students and the university environment.
- An open-minded approach to engaging with students from various backgrounds.