Cantorial Soloist

                                                                         Cantorial Soloist at Beth Tikvah Congregation

Beth Tikvah Congregation, a URJ Reform synagogue in Hoffman Estates, IL, founded in 1957, is seeking a dedicated and talented full-time Cantorial Soloist to coordinate musical activities for our inclusive, involved, and caring community. This position reports to the Beth Tikvah Board of Directors. We are known for our kind and caring clergy. The joyful and meaningful expression of engaging Jewish music and singing is very important to BTC and is a big part of what makes our congregation so special. Our diverse members include all ages and levels of Jewish expression and we are especially welcoming to interfaith families. We are a center for religious, educational, social action, and community activities. Position reports to the Beth Tikvah Board of Directors. www.beth-tikvah.org.

Key Responsibilities

The Cantorial Soloist will play a vital role in our congregational life, collaborating closely with the Rabbi, Religious School Principal, Early Childhood Director, and lay leadership.

• Service and Music Leadership:
• Serve as a working partner with the Rabbi in providing spiritual direction, including reading Torah at some Shabbatot and other holiday services.
• Co-lead services with the Rabbi as a spiritually uplifting and participatory prayer and song leader for Shabbat, High Holy Days, and Jewish Holidays.
• Lead Shabbat services in the Rabbi’s absence, including oversight of lay leaders.
• Co-officiate and officiate congregational life-cycle events in coordination with the Rabbi, such as weddings, funerals, baby namings, Consecration, and Confirmation.
• Recruitment of musicians and supervision of music for adult choir, children’s choirs, and instrumentalists for holidays like Hanukkah and High Holy Days, and programs with guest artists.
• B’Mitzvah Education:
• Lead the B’Mitzvah education process, including officiating at B’Mitzvahs as coordinated with the Rabbi.
• Tutor B’Mitzvah students in prayers, Torah, and Haftarah, and coordinate and support training for candidates.
• Community and Collaboration:
• Collaborate with the education staff to support the Religious School mission.
• Be an active participant in all aspects of the Beth Tikvah community, such as the membership picnic, annual meeting, Passover seder, and biennial congregational retreat.
• Build rapport with temple youth and create a safe space for all members.

Skills and Experience Desired

We are looking for a candidate who can inspire and connect with people in the Congregation by integrating Jewish music into synagogue life.

• Liturgical and Musical Proficiency:
• Skilled and experienced leading cantorial aspects of High Holy Day Services.
• Ability to chant Torah and Haftarah and to teach chanting skills/trope to B’Mitzvah students and congregants.
• Ability to read Hebrew with some level of understanding.
• Demonstrated strong Jewish musical skills and vocal ability.
• Experience in a Jewish congregational setting supervising choir(s) of different age groups.
• Strong ability to play piano, guitar, or another musical instrument.
• Knowledge of both traditional and contemporary Reform Jewish music and prayers.
• Interpersonal and Technical Skills:
• Personable and approachable; kind and compassionate; able to connect with people of all ages, build relationships, and embrace all members.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Skilled with computer technology for music, communication, and education such as Google Workspace, digital notation software, and digital recording software.
• Able to show passion and caring about the Beth Tikvah community.

How to Apply

Please send your resume to [email protected]. Annual compension is $70-$75,000 per year. The compensation package can be allocated between salary, health insurance, disability insurance, and expenses as desired. Beth Tikvah is an equal opportunity employer.