Overview
Congregation Emanu-El, the oldest synagogue in continuous use in Canada, is seeking a dynamic and compassionate rabbi to lead our vibrant, progressive Conservative community in Victoria, British Columbia.
We are seeking a rabbi who will serve as the spiritual leader of our community, inspiring growth, inclusivity, and engagement. While prior experience in all areas is valued, we welcome applications from emerging leaders who bring strong foundational skills, a willingness to grow, and a commitment to learning in partnership with our community.
The successful candidate will:
- Spiritually guide the community: teach, lead services, deliver meaningful drashot, and uphold our commitment to Conservative traditions.
- Provide pastoral care and guidance, meeting congregants where they are in their Jewish journey.
- Support lifelong learning through classes, discussions, and innovative educational programming.
- Officiate life cycle rituals, including weddings, funerals, b’nei mitzvot, brit milahs, baby namings, and conversions.
- Work collaboratively with lay leaders, staff, and volunteers to guide the synagogue’s vision and operations.
- Strengthen relationships within the synagogue and with the broader community, including connections with leaders from other faith traditions, local government, local police, and local Indigenous leadership.
- Actively participate in Hebrew School education, particularly in B’nei Mitzvah preparation, ensuring students receive both practical and spiritual guidance in learning Torah, leading services, and engaging with Jewish tradition.
- Maintain a ‘big tent’ approach that fosters respect for diverse religious, cultural, and political perspectives, ensuring open and thoughtful dialogue on complex issues.
See below.
Key Qualifications:
- Ordination from a recognized rabbinical seminary.
- Strong knowledge of Jewish traditions, texts, and rituals within the Conservative movement.
- Member of the Rabbinical Assembly (rabbis not ordained at a Conservative institution must apply for RA membership to be hired).
- Demonstrated leadership ability, with experience or strong potential in pastoral care, life cycle rituals, education, and community engagement.
- A commitment to inclusivity, egalitarianism, and actively building relationships with Indigenous, Muslim, and Christian communities.
Congregation Emanu-El offers a comprehensive compensation package, including:
Base salary commensurate with experience.
Benefits package valued at $30,000 CAD, structured at the discretion of the rabbi to best suit their needs. This includes pension contributions, professional development allowances, and supplemental medical coverage.
Housing allowance: One-third of the base salary can be designated as a tax-exempt housing allowance, subject to Canada Revenue Agency regulations.
Relocation assistance is available, and additional benefits will be tailored to the rabbi’s needs.
For more details regarding compensation, including benefits and allowances, candidates are welcome to contact our Executive Director, Susan Holtz, at (250) 382-0615.
Lincoln Shlensky and Elisheva Gray, Rabbinic Search Committee Co-Chairs: rabbisearch@congregationemanuel.ca
About Congregation Emanu-El, Victoria, BC, Canada
About Us
Founded in 1862, Congregation Emanu-El is a warm and inclusive community that welcomes individuals and families of all backgrounds. We were among the first Conservative synagogues to embrace same-sex marriage and the full inclusion of women in ritual leadership, reflecting our longstanding commitment to egalitarianism and social justice.
Our congregation is growing, welcoming more than 25 new member units in the past year alone—an encouraging trend in contrast to the overall decline in national synagogue membership. As the largest Jewish congregation in the region, with approximately 280 member units, we serve a diverse and expanding community, including young families, multigenerational households, interfaith families, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and newcomers to Judaism.
As our beloved rabbi of 24 years prepares to retire, we are grateful for his leadership in shaping our community. We now look forward to welcoming a new rabbi to support our growth while honoring our traditions and values.
Victoria’s Jewish community, estimated at over 4,000 people, includes three synagogues—Conservative (Congregation Emanu-El), Reform, and Chabad—along with other unaffiliated groups and organisations. Congregation Emanu-El plays a central role in Victoria’s Jewish community, engaging with local organisations, civic and Indigenous leaders, and interfaith partners while actively participating in social justice and cultural initiatives.
We are financially accountable and committed to a rigorous process of budgeting, with annual financial approval required from the congregation at each year's AGM. We recently completed a successful capital campaign to restore the exterior of our historic Romanesque Revival building. We are now launching a second phase to renovate the interior, which includes painting, plaster repair, and updating lighting and sound systems.
Our synagogue is supported by a dedicated staff, including a full-time Executive Director, part-time co-directors of the Hebrew School, and a part-time administrator and bookkeeper.
About Victoria
Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and home to a metro population of approximately 400,000 people. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, temperate climate, and vibrant cultural scene, Victoria has been ranked the Best Small City in the World by Condé Nast Traveler for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024).
Known as the “Garden City,” Victoria offers year-round opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and whale watching. Its mild winters and warm summers make it one of the most desirable places to live in Canada.
As the provincial capital, Victoria features a dynamic economy driven by government, education, technology, and tourism. The city’s historic downtown boasts a mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks, and its neighbourhoods provide diverse housing options, from quiet residential streets to waterfront properties.
Victoria offers excellent schools, a robust public transit system, and a thriving arts and culinary scene. Its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, combined with its stunning coastal setting, makes it a unique and rewarding place to live and work.