Overview
Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST) is seeking a full-time Associate/Assistant Rabbi to begin in July/August of 2022.
The Associate/Assistant Rabbi serves as the director of lifelong learning at CBST and as such is responsible for the programming and education for our adults, our young adults, and our children. The Associate/Assistant Rabbi is an integral part of the clergy team at CBST, and participates in the ritual and pastoral life of the synagogue in partnership with the senior rabbi and other clergy in creating holiness and sacred space and time.
Rabbi Yael Rooks Rapport (HUC-JIR, 2015) has served as Assistant/Associate Rabbi since 2016. Previously, Rabbi Rachel Weiss (RRC, 2009), Rabbi Ayelet Cohen (JTS, 2002) and Rabbi Roderick Young (HUC-JIR, 1999) have served in this capacity.
Our Educational Mission
CBST is committed to providing a dynamic, inclusive, and multifaceted Jewish education program for our children and their families. Our program builds and strengthens a contemporary, learned, relevant, ethical, and deeply rooted sense of Yiddishkeit (Jewish culture and identity) through learning and doing: the study and practice of Torah, social justice, liturgy, Hebrew, music, and the arts.
Brief Description
We are currently looking for someone with passion and dedication to take our program to the next level — an individual who is creative and innovative, and passionate about working with community members of all ages. Preference will be given to candidates with at least 3-5 years experience with learners of all ages, and especially families with children. CPE training is encouraged.
The Associate/Assistant Rabbi position will include the following responsibilities:
- Provide general pastoral counseling (including working with members who are dealing with coming out issues, Aging issues, Queer issues, being LGBTQ+ and Jewish, aging parents, parenting, spiritual crisis, AIDS and other illnesses and related issues, and gender identity issues).
- Direct, program and teach in the Lehrhaus Judaica, (our adult education program), including our adult b’mitzvah program.
- Perform lifecycle rituals, (baby namings, conversions, funerals, kiddushin, divorce/separation, adult and young adult b’mitzvah and creative new rituals).
- Represent CBST in the broader community.
- Active pulpit responsibilities of service leading and delivery of drashot on Shabbatot and Chagim.
- Supervise and collaborate with our Coordinator of Adult and Young Adult Education.
- Assist in the supervision of Cooperberg-Rittmaster Rabbinical Interns.
- Supervise the Principal of Limmud B’shabbat, and together organize and develop all educational programs for families with children, Teen Track and college students.
- Serve as the primary rabbi for all pastoral needs of families with children.
- Organize and lead all High Holy Day services, Shabbat and yamim tovim services for families with children.
The Assistant Rabbi/Associate Rabbi will work closely under the supervision and mentoring of Senior Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum.
We are currently looking for someone with passion and dedication to take our program to the next level — an individual who is creative and innovative, and passionate about working with community members of all ages. Preference will be given to candidates with at least 3-5 years experience with learners of all ages, and especially families with children. CPE training is encouraged.
Expectations
Spiritual maturity; deeply Jewishly literate; creative and innovative; attention to detail; flexible; high level of integrity and trust; compassionate and caring; works well under pressure; excellent time management skills; computer competency.
Applicants are welcome from any of the Jewish movements. All are welcome to apply regardless of gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. Cultural competency in things Jewish/LGBTQ+ is important.
full health insurance, pension, and professional development budget.
Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum at assistantrabbisearch@cbst.org.
About Congregation Beit Simchat Torah
Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST) is a vibrant spiritual community and a progressive voice within Judaism. Founded in 1973, CBST attracts and welcomes gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender, non-binary, queer and straight individuals and families who share common values. Passionate, provocative, and deeply Jewish, CBST champions a Judaism that rejoices in diversity, denounces social injustice wherever it exists, and strives for human rights for all people.
- We are a house of prayer, offering both traditional and liberal services and lifecycle events.
- We are a house of learning, continually expanding our knowledge and deepening our understanding of our religious and cultural heritage.
- We are a house of refuge and healing, offering community support and pastoral care.
- We are a house of conscience, fighting for the full equality of LGBTQ people locally, nationally and internationally.
- We are committed to Israel and engaged in supporting efforts to secure peace, justice and equality for all.