Part Time Clergy wanted for Temple Beth El in Utica, NY.

Our 101 years old conservative congregation is located in the Mohawk Valley and is only one hour from the beautiful Adirondack State Park of 6 million acres. Located in Central New York with an exit on the New York State Thruway makes it easy to travel to several large metropolitan areas. Utica is a center of diverse cultures. Many organizations advocate for interfaith cooperation and social change. Excellent private colleges and schools in the SUNY System are located in our area. We are proud of the progressive and creative spirit of our community.

Our Spiritual Leader of 35 years will be retiring in September 2021. Like many congregations in smaller cities, our numbers are dwindling. We are fortunate to have young families who relocated to our area and we have a thriving Religious School.


The ideal candidate would be willing to relocate. Other arrangements will be considered, including travel. We are not requiring someone who is ordained, but the ability to read Torah is absolutely necessary.

Duties consist of leading Friday night and Shabbat morning services and preparing a drash. Leading services on other holidays, Monday & Thursday mornings weekly is preferable. Teaching and running small assemblies for holidays in our Religious School and preparing children to become B’nai Mitzvah are important duties. Writing a monthly column for our Temple Times is ongoing. Officiating at other Life Cycle Events will be part of the position as needed. Currently, High Holidays are led by a visiting Cantor, but this may change.

We are looking for someone who also has excellent oral and written communication skills and is comfortable serving in the roles of Rabbi and Cantor. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to be part of a close knit community.