Rabbi (PT)

Rabbi Job Description:

Salary: Starting at $35,000

Position Overview: B’nai Shalom of Sussex County is seeking a dynamic, approachable, and inspiring Rabbi to lead our close-knit congregation into a new chapter of growth, engagement, and connection. Located in Sussex County, New Jersey, our synagogue is known for its warmth, inclusivity, and strong sense of community.

We are looking for a Rabbi who is enthusiastic, innovative, and deeply engaged—someone who can energize participation, build meaningful relationships, and strengthen our congregational life. Our community proudly includes interfaith families and individuals with a wide range of Jewish backgrounds and levels of observance, and we seek a Rabbi who is welcoming, open-minded, and affirming of all.

The ideal candidate will inspire members to attend services and programs, help reinvigorate our Hebrew School, and play a key role in attracting and engaging young families as we focus on membership growth and deeper participation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead religious services, including:
  • Shabbat services on the 1st and 3rd Friday and Saturday of each month with a virtual option
    • Lead Torah Study on Saturday mornings when a minyan is not met– this is an interactive, discussion-based experience where members share insights, with the Rabbi offering guidance, context, and teaching
  • High Holiday services (for 2026, we have engaged a visiting Rabbi, so this would be a learning year and for 2027, responsibilities could shift to the permanent hire)
  • 30 minute Children’s services on Sundays during Hebrew School
• Teach the bnai mitzvah class in the Hebrew School on Sundays per the school schedule, maintaining a high standard of Jewish learning in our Hebrew School
• Bar/Bat Mitvah Preparation and Officiant:
  • Provide instruction and mentorship to bar/bat mitzvah students through individual learning sessions in person or online
  • Officiate at the ceremony
• Provide guidance and support to community members
• Officiate life cycle events including bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, and funerals including for Interfaith families/couples
• Foster community engagement and participation across all age groups
• Collaborate with local organizations and community leaders
• Respond to occasional phone calls from community members and inquiries from the larger community
• Other responsibilities as directed by the board

Core Priorities: community engagement and participation, membership growth, Hebrew School and youth engagement

Environment: We are a warm tight-knit congregation with a wide range of Jewish backgrounds and different levels of observation. We are happy to have many interfaith couples in our Synagogue who participate in events and activities. We utilize two Synagogues, one based in Franklin and one based in Newton NJ.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of Jewish acumen and ability to build and maintain positive relationships
• Organization, and presentation skills
• Charisma and kindness
• Punctuality
• Ability to “read” the congregation and adjust his/her own style to meet the congregation’s needs
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to connect across generations and religious observations
• Creativity in regards to programming, outreach, and engagement