Overview
Duties of the Position
* Serve as pastoral counselor and officiant for life-cycle events including, weddings, funerals, conversions, and visiting the sick in a safe and trusting environment.
* Develop Adult education programming including classes and guest lectures, Talmud, and weekly Torah study.
* Plan, Lead and carry out engaging and meaningful services which include a balance of Hebrew and English, delivering drash, sermon and chanting/leyning while fostering congregational participation for weekly Shabbat Torah service (Siddur Eit Ratzon, Etz Hayyim Chumash) , holidays (Machzor Eit Ratzon) and festivals.
* Provide oversight to Gan Israel Preschool and BIJC Religious School to ensure qualified instruction and leadership, appropriate curriculum, and a clear path to adult membership.
* Oversee the training and requirements of B’nai Mitzvah candidates for both youth and adults.
* Inspire learning and excitement about Jewish culture and traditions that will increase engagement for young adults and young families.
* Develop programs to increase and expand engagement and involvement in our younger constituency.
* Engage with the diverse demographics of our community including those who are traditionally observant, young people, experienced (older) people, interfaith couples, LGBTQ, and more.
* Attend board and committee meetings in collaboration with the Board president.
Qualifications
* Ordination from an accredited rabbinical seminary following completion of a multi-year program of rabbinic study. Soon-to-be ordained rabbis will be considered.
* The ability to inspire a spiritually vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming community.
* Strong working knowledge and proficiency in Hebrew, nusach and liturgy and the ability to leyn/chant from Torah
* Collaborates well with others including volunteers, staff and lay leaders
* Accepting of a spectrum of religious beliefs, practices, and observances
* Serve as a visible community leader and issue advocate
* Be welcoming to people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances
* Other attributes can include pulpit experience, musical ability and fundraising experience
Application Process
To apply for the position send the following Required Application Materials:
1. Letter of Interest detailing your suitability to the above position description
2. Current, detailed and accurate Resume C/V
3. List of References
4. Three Reference Letters (referees can send letters directly)
Optional Materials (will be required for semi-finalists)
Video Tape of your work (service, sermon, music)
Email to search@bnaiisrael.net or mail to:
Attention Search Committee
B'nai Israel Jewish Center
740 Western Avenue
Petaluma CA 94952
About B'nai Israel Jewish Center
We are proud to be the oldest Jewish community between San Francisco and Portland. Our traditions continue to evolve, but we remain a welcoming and united community for those wishing to explore Judaism from many angles.
B'nai Israel's history is written down in our Record Book:
"The regular monthly meeting of the B'nai Israel—Petaluma, October 22, 1864. President B. Newman in chair. The reading of the minutes from the last meeting was suspended. Moved and seconded that the election of officers take place tonight. The following were duly elected: B. Newman, President; B. Heineberg, Vice-President; J. Mears, Treasurer; J. Daychert, Secretary... Moved and carried that a Committee of three be appointed to render a Note of thanks to the Petaluma Hebrew Ladies Society and to the Petaluma Lodge Free Masons..."
From those beginnings, Congregation Society B'nai Israel was incorporated by the State of California in 1871.
Until 1925, the community moved from place to place. There were numerous Jewish organizations in town wanting to have a building in which they could all meet. In August 1925, the current structure was dedicated as the Petaluma Jewish Community Center. Here Jews gathered to sing, dance, hear Yiddish plays, gathered in joy and sorrow. Here the new influx of Jews from Russia strengthened the numbers and depth of the Petaluma Jewish community. In the 1950s the Center evolved into more of a synagogue than a place for different groups to meet. Over the ensuing years, as Congregation B'nai Israel, the institution served as a gathering place for Jewish education, for Shabbat and Holiday services, and for community celebrations.
Recognizing the diversity of the present Jewish community in Sonoma County and Northern Marin, the board of directors adopted the name B'nai Israel Jewish Center in January of 2006. This choice reflected the recognition that Jewish life is dynamic and that, as over the preceding years, B'nai Israel needed to be a place where all Jews could gather – for spiritual, social, cultural, and educational experiences. The newly adopted mission statement opened the doors of welcome all who wish to identify with the Jewish community.