Overview
Congregation Agudas Achim of Columbus, OH, seeks a part-time interim Senior Rabbi for a period of 6-9 months starting immediately after Sukkot 2020 until Pesach 2021. This position will entail approximately 15-20 hours per week, can be remote with periodic visits OR local, and includes lifecycle responsibilities, pastoral care, and leadership at services (either virtual or in-person if that becomes possible).
We are a traditional egalitarian congregation of approximately 364 households with a vibrant and longstanding history in the Columbus Jewish community. During this time of global uncertainty and challenge, Agudas Achim is also facing a uniquely challenging time in its history as we consider the possibility of a merger with another congregation.
In light of this momentous decision on the horizon, in addition to routine Rabbinic responsibilities, candidates should also be prepared to help support the congregation through this deeply uncertain time, helping us hold on to our community and sustain connection even though we are unable to meet in person. We are not looking to the interim Rabbi to steer or facilitate a merger process, but to serve as Rabbi, pastor, and teacher for us during this transitional period.
Rabbinic Stability and Pastoral Support:
We are seeking a rabbinic leader who has the experience and temperament that will provide a sense of stability and guidance during an unsettling time both in our world and in our community.
Major Responsibilities
- Assume normative Rabbinic responsibilities including ritual life, pastoral care, education, board engagement, and lifecycle events.
- Support the congregation as we explore a framework for transition and consider possibilities for the next phase in our lifecycle.
- Quickly be able to understand and reflect our congregational values; traditional, egalitarian, friendly, and participatory.
- In partnership with executive leadership, represent the congregation in the greater Columbus Jewish community as needed.
Rabbinic ordination from an accredited Rabbinical school. Denomination is flexible but you should be able to lead and participate in traditional egalitarian ritual life.
Experience as a senior Rabbi to a small or mid-sized congregation
search@agudasachim.org
About Congregation Agudas Achim
VISION STATEMENT
Agudas Achim creates opportunities for you to build a meaningful Jewish life and to participate in a fun-loving, child-friendly, egalitarian and caring community. Shabbat is our “beating heart,” when you will experience us at our best.
We continually explore different ways our members can connect to Shabbat in order to make our community even more close-knit, authentic and inspiring. Agudas Achim’s Shabbat learning program sets the table for engagement with a plethora of opportunities spanning the generations and range of interests. The flavors of our home style Kiddush recipes not only satisfy the palate but imbue our weekly Shabbat Kiddush luncheons with the feel of a casual meal at home with dear friends.
Our core values are central to who we are and what we do. So much so, that they are emblazoned on the wall when you walk through our doors.
CORE VALUES OF CONGREGATION AGUDAS ACHIM
Traditional: Seeking meaning in Jewish tradition, and building on that tradition to create meaning for ourselves. Our members are inspired by traditions that connect us with our congregation’s history and with other Jews around the world.
Egalitarian: Supporting and encouraging our members, in all their diversity, to participate fully in synagogue life.
Friendly: Welcoming each person who appears before us, whether a traveler at morning minyan, a non-Jewish family member, a homeless person at kiddush, etc. We are a warm, close-knit, child-friendly community.
Participatory: Engaging members so every member contributes, everyone is needed and everyone feels valued. We recognize our differences create opportunities for, rather than barriers to participation.