Overview
We are seeking an energetic, relationship-driven Rabbi to work with the synagogue’s leadership and includein-personmembers in the revitalization of our congregation. Our priority is to find an individual who can forge connections with our community, including students and young families, and provide a foundation to sustain and grow our organization. We hope this individual will attract the next generation of the greater Newtown Jewish community through active, creative outreach. In addition, we seek a leader who can bring a fresh, modern interpretation of Judaism and present it as both relevant and compelling. An active, dedicated Board of Directors and Membership Committee are fully committed to supporting the Rabbi and collaborating on new initiatives. We invite candidates of all experience levels to apply and partner with us to help shape our future.
Scope of Responsibilities
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
● Worship & Ritual: Lead Shabbat and High Holiday services, which includes delivering sermons and coordinating related activities with the Cantor or lay leaders. Participation in the synagogue Ritual Committee is expected.
● Pastoral Care: Visit the sick, counsel congregants, and comfort the bereaved.
● Lifecycle Events: Officiate baby namings, B’nai Mitzvot, weddings, and funerals.
● Education: Teach adult education classes, prepare B’nai Mitzvah students, provide guidance for the religious school, and maintain a frequent presence throughout our educational system.
● Community/Interfaith: Represent the synagogue in local interfaith councils or social justice initiatives.
● Membership support: Support the recruitment of new members, including assistance with event planning and social media outreach.
● Synagogue Meetings: Attendance at board and community-wide meetings, as requested (combination of virtual and in person meetings).
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Spiritual Leader: We are open to a wide range of experience levels, from students seeking their first pulpit to seasoned clergy looking for their next chapter. While a Rabbi is preferred, we are open to considering a Cantor whose skills align with this vision.
● Builder and Revitalizer: An energetic leader excited to collaborate with the congregation to actively grow our membership and attract the next generation. We expect community presence and outreach to be a catalyst for increased local engagement.
● Relationship-Driven Leader: Someone who prioritizes relationship building and makes Judaism accessible and deeply relevant to modern life.
● Innovative Educator: A teacher who will bring fresh, creative ideas to our school programming to engage students from preschool through B’nai Mitzvah and beyond.
● Family-focused: A partner with proven experience in fostering enduring relationships with families, providing meaningful support throughout their lifecycle events.
● Community-Centered: Because active engagement is central to this role, we strongly prefer a candidate who can be present in our community and with our congregation multiple times per week.
Benefits include one month of paid vacation in the summer and professional development opportunities. If a full-time role is the preferred pathway for both parties, an appropriate compensation package will be discussed.
office@congadathisrael.org
About Congregation Adath Israel
Congregation Adath Israel has been Newtown, CT’s sole synagogue for over 100 years. We continue to welcome all to join us in celebrating Jewish tradition, religion and learning in a progressive community. Nestled in a beautiful, wooded Connecticut landscape, our building reflects the warmth of the community inside it.
As an egalitarian, inclusive community, we are dedicated to sustaining Jewish culture, study, and spirituality. We are committed to providing a spiritual home for, in addition to traditional Jewish families, interfaith families, LGBTQI families, and those seeking a meaningful connection with Judaism that can be passed from generation to generation.
We accomplish this by:
● Teaching Judaic culture and values to preserve Jewish identity.
● Committing to Tikkun Olam, bettering our communities and the world in which we live.
● Encouraging active member participation in all social and spiritual aspects of synagogue life.
● Celebrating, supporting and providing Jewish life-cycle rituals for our members and their families.
● Maintaining and increasing involvement through various committees and social clubs. Our active membership committee organizes potluck dinners, Mahjong nights, Israeli Dancing events, and book clubs, to mention a few. In addition, we have recently formed a choir to enrich our services.