Overview
The ALEPH Ordination Program (AOP) is a forward-thinking institution dedicated to the education and formation of future Jewish leaders within the Jewish Renewal movement.
The ALEPH Ordination Program was launched over 20 years ago. More than 200 rabbis, cantors, rabbinic pastors, and spiritual directors from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and representing nearly every denomination, have been trained to serve the global Jewish community with the goal of revitalizing Judaism.
Our mission is to provide an innovative and holistic academic program that integrates traditional Jewish wisdom with contemporary spiritual practices and progressive values. We are committed to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive community that nurtures the spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth of our students.
Values
The successful candidate should share the values of:
● Spirituality – Four worlds approach
● Visionary – Evolving Consciousness, Gaia
● Integrity – Ethical, compassionate
● Servant Leadership
● Connection to the tradition, relevant for the future
● Reb Zalman’s Legacy
Position Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Dean of our Jewish Renewal Seminary. The Dean will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the seminary’s academic programs, faculty, and student services. This role requires a deep commitment to Jewish Renewal principles and values, a passion for community building, and the ability to inspire and lead a diverse and dedicated team.
Key Responsibilities
● Academic Leadership: Oversee the development and implementation of the seminary’s academic programs, ensuring they meet the highest standards of excellence and relevance.
● Faculty Management: Recruit, mentor, and support a distinguished faculty, fostering a collaborative and innovative academic environment.
● Student Services: Ensure the provision of comprehensive support services that address the academic, spiritual, and personal needs of students.
● Community Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, donors, and the broader Jewish community to support the seminary’s mission and goals.
● Scholarship: Contribute to Jewish scholarship as a teacher, writer, and speaker.
● Strategic Planning: Lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives that advance the seminary’s vision and enhance its reputation and impact.
● Administrative Oversight: Develop and manage the seminary’s budget, resources, and operations efficiently and effectively.
● Marketing and Outreach: Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote the seminary’s programs and attract prospective students.
● Technology Integration: Oversee the implementation and maintenance of computer systems and digital platforms to enhance academic and administrative functions.
● Educational Background: A doctoral degree in Jewish Studies, Rabbinics, or a related field is preferred. Ordination as a clergy within the Jewish Renewal movement or a similar progressive Jewish context is highly desirable.
● Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in academic leadership, preferably within a rabbinic or theological school.
● Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and inspire faculty, staff, and students, with a track record of successful program development and implementation.
● Technical Skills: Proficiency in budgeting, marketing, and the use of computer systems and digital platforms for academic and administrative purposes.
● Inner Development: Demonstrated experience in commitment to spiritual practice including inner awakening and encountering the realm of the transcendent, nondual consciousness. Working with a mashpia (spiritual director) is required.
● Emotional Intelligence: A thorough understanding of and working through one’s own emotional imbalances, including awareness of projections, unconscious motivations, shadows, and blind spots.
● Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and connect with diverse stakeholders.
● Commitment to Values: A deep commitment to Jewish Renewal principles, tradition, and values, with a passion for fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.
100% individual health insurance coverage
Hashpa’ah (Spiritual Direction)
20 days paid vacation
Jewish and secular holidays
Parsonage allowance
Technology stipend
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
1. A cover letter outlining their vision for the role and relevant experience.
2. A current curriculum vitae (CV).
3. Contact information for three professional references.
Inquiries can be addressed to the chair of the search committee, Rabbi Dr. Laura Duhan-Kaplan, LDKaplan@vst.edu. Please put “AOP Dean Search” in the subject line.
Please send your application materials to satya@aleph.org by October 30, 2024. For more information about the AOP, please visit our website at aop.aleph.org.
Review of applications will begin immediately, and close on October 30, 2024.
Initial interviews will be conducted via Zoom.
About ALEPH Ordination Program's Jewish Renewal Seminary
The ALEPH Ordination Program’s Jewish Renewal Seminary is dedicated to training the next generation of rabbis, cantors, rabbinic pastors, and mashpi'im (spiritual directors). The ALEPH Jewish Renewal Seminary encompasses the Rabbinical School, the Cantorial School, the Rabbinic Pastor School and the Spiritual Direction Training Program. Founded over 20 years ago by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, these programs draw on the rich legacy of Jewish mystical and Hasidic traditions while incorporating innovative approaches to the revitalization of Jewish prayer, practice, and spiritual development. The ALEPH Jewish Renewal Seminary cultivates a unique educational approach, grounding students in traditional rabbinical, cantorial and pastoral studies while infusing many aspects of their learning with profound mystical insights, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge that bridges ancient wisdom and contemporary spiritual practice.
Operating on a low-residency model, the school combines live video classes with residential retreats, allowing students to engage deeply with their studies while maintaining flexibility in their personal and professional lives. Each student collaborates with a Director of Studies and a mashpia (spiritual director) to design their yearly learning plan, nurturing the student’s spiritual and academic growth and deepening their connection to Jewish wisdom, spiritual practice and pastoral care.
The ALEPH Jewish Renewal Seminary features a distinguished faculty composed of renowned rabbis, cantors, and educators celebrated for their scholarly expertise, spiritual depth, and passion for teaching. The faculty integrate the teachings of the Kabbalistic realms of the Four Worlds into their pedagogy, enriching the spiritual, intellectual and emotional journey of their students, while imparting knowledge and practical skills.
Upon completing their studies, graduates emerge as empowered and compassionate Jewish leaders, equipped to serve as teachers, pulpit leaders, ritual artists, healers, pastoral caregivers, and spiritual guides, ready to make meaningful contributions to the Jewish community and beyond.
Programs: Rabbinic Ordination; Cantorial Ordination; Rabbinic Pastor Ordination; Three-year Hashpa’ah Training Program (spiritual direction)