Overview
Etz Hayim Synagogue Rabbinical Job Description
The relationship between Etz Hayim Synagogue and its Spiritual Leader is a covenant through which each party undertakes the obligation of working together in the service of God and the Jewish community. The covenant shall be kept strong through regular and candid communication between the Congregational leadership and the Spiritual Leader. The Rabbi is the chief religious authority of the Congregation. The rabbi will perform all the commonly agreed duties of a rabbi in a manner consistent with Reform Judaism. The Rabbi will provide our congregation with visible leadership at congregation functions, at our religious school, and at Jewish life-cycle and community events. The congregation will not ask the rabbi to perform any professional services that are inconsistent with their religious beliefs and principles.
Leadership:
●Act as the philosophical, religious, and educational leader of the congregation.
●Guide our members on their personal journeys of integrating Judaism into their lives.
●Encourage wide participation by members in congregation activities and events.
●Identify and cultivate leaders within the congregation.
●Participate in the recruitment of new members.
●Actively welcome and engage interfaith families. Develop programs and methods to include non-Jewish family members in the life of the congregation.
●Attend Board and Ritual Committee meetings as scheduled.
Ritual Practices:
●Perform all rabbinic religious duties.
●Prepare and present the liturgy and sermons for High Holiday services.
●Prepare and present the liturgy and sermons for Shabbat and other holidays.
●Include music as an integral part of all congregation services. Coordinate with Hazzan and community volunteers.
●Officiate as needed at life cycle events.
●Integrate interfaith families into the Ritual Practices of the congregation. Consult with the Ritual Committee to define appropriate roles for the non-Jewish family members.
Religious School / Torah Study:
●Work closely with the education committee and Hebrew instructors to coordinate the Bar / Bat Mitzvah / Confirmation training process for every student; rehearse with Bar / Bat Mitzvah / Confirmation students as needed; officiate all Bar / Bat Mitzvah / Confirmation ceremonies.
●Act as a resource to Religious School teachers in the development of curricula and be present every Tuesday evening that Hebrew School is in session to interact with students as needed. Supports and works with the Education Committee.
●Initiate and lead periodic adult education programs.
●Lead a one-hour Adult Torah Study session every Saturday following services, in consultation with the Ritual Committee.
Pastoral:
●Available for counseling of congregants on personal issues, within the role of a rabbi.
●Provide pastoral services to congregants, including offering comfort to the bereaved and ill.
●Manage the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund.
Skills:
●Excellent communication, leadership, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
●Awareness of religious current events appearing on social media.
●Must be honest, approachable, compassionate, and genuine.
●Be non-judgmental and accepting, demonstrating a deep commitment to providing a welcoming, spiritual environment for our Jewish community.
●Be learned in areas of Jewish religion, Torah, history, literature, culture, and spirituality, including reading, writing, and speaking Hebrew, and be able to transmit significant knowledge of Torah to adults and children of all ages and levels of knowledge.
●Be able to create and deliver sermons and teachings in a concise, passionate, meaningful, and relevant way.
●Have an engaging and dynamic personality.
●Exhibit leadership skills.
●Be friendly, personable, approachable, and able to relate well to others.
●Demonstrate a strong commitment to the state of Israel.
At Etz Hayim Synagogue, you will find a warm, caring community made up of 70+ member families. The synagogue was formed in 1991, committed to being open to all seekers, to provide services for Shabbat and holidays, to educate both children and adults, and to work to repair the world (Tikkun Olam). The synagogue is located on the only New Hampshire "interfaith campus" and shares a close relationship with the Derry Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration. Etz Hayim is affiliated with the Union of Reform Judaism and the Jewish Federation of New Hampshire. Derry, NH is over 300 years old and bursting with with opportunities. The beautiful town is part of Rockingham County with approximately 35,000 residents located 45 minutes north of Boston.
Ordained Rabbi
Pension, parsonage, health care expense reimbursement, long term disability, paid time off, malpractice insurance, and professional development fund
Larry Boise
secretary@etzhayim.org
About Etz Hayim Synagogue
We are currently recruiting for the full time rabbinic services of an ordained rabbi to perform the following:
• Prepare and present the liturgy and sermons for Shabbat, High Holiday, and other holiday services.
• Officiate at lifecycle events consistent with the Rabbi’s religious views.
• Include music as an integral part of all congregation services.
• Leadership at religious functions and community events.
• Integrate interfaith families into the ritual practices of the congregation.
• Work collaboratively and positively with Hebrew school staff, lay leadership, and committee members.
• Prepare and present classes and make other presentations for youth and adult education.
• Provide pastoral services to congregants, including offering comfort to the bereaved and ill.