Overview

JYW seeks a dynamic Jewish educator for our Open Tent Be Mitzvah program, a unique two-year Jewish coming of age education and celebration program for emerging teens. This full-time (30 hours/week) position will teach Year 1 and Year 2 classes in Boulder and Denver. Year 1 is an intro to Judaism course covering Jewish holidays, values, and the Torah from a Source Criticism perspective. Year 2 culminates in students leading their own Be Mitzvah ceremonies with ritual assistance from the educator. The educator will also teach a virtual Year 1 class with students around the country, as well as a limited number of students in our one-on-one Mentorship Your Way track.

The Open Tent Be Mitzvah Educator reports to the program director and works closely with the rabbinic and education team. This position requires a minimum two-year commitment, although we seek candidates who are searching for their new professional home. We encourage applications from individuals of diverse and historically marginalized backgrounds.

Essential Functions

  • Teach Year One curriculum to middle school students in Boulder, Denver, and virtually on Zoom (approximately 12 students/class)Plan and teach weekly classes from a creative and constantly evolving curriculum that uses many modalities (art, music, cooking, etc.)
  • Participate in bi-monthly meetings with the Open Tent Educator Team
  • Teach Year Two curriculum culminating in student Be Mitzvah ceremonies (approximately 12 students/cohort)Teach students in two alternating week cohorts (called Torah Scholars and Chai Scholars)
    to move through the Open Tent Be Mitzvah curriculum
  • Work with parents and students to design and co-lead a ceremony that reflects the learning, decisions, accomplishments, and spiritual sensibilities of the student
  • Be a source of inspiration, knowledge, and support in response to family dynamics around adolescence, Judaism, and extended family systems
  • Teach Mentorship Your Way students (approximately 5 students)Work with students one-on-one for 45 minutes every other week with our Year 2 curriculum, culminating in the student’s personalized ceremony
  • Co-lead Mentoring Your Way Be Mitzvah ceremonies with students
    Note: the duties and responsibilities described herein are not a comprehensive list and additional responsibilities and tasks may be assigned from time to time.
Timing Expectations: 30 hours/week
Community Description:

Judaism Your Way (JYW) is a 17-year-old Colorado-based Jewish organization creating innovative approaches to including Jews and their loved ones in Jewish community. We are an open tent, embracing everyone who seeks a connection to Jewish life. Every day, we share transformative Jewish experiences and recognize ourselves as part of something relevant, whole, and sacred. There are many ways to be Jewish. At Judaism Your Way, we respect and include them all. You can learn more about JYW at www.judaismyourway.org.

Work Remotely: no
Qualifications:

Core Competencies

  • Jewish Spiritual Fluency and Flexibility: Exhibits competency and confidence in teaching and leading different styles of Jewish prayer across the denominational spectrum. Expresses passion for working with mixed heritage and interfaith families, and commitment to inclusive and pluralistic Jewish expression. Possesses deep knowledge of Torah and commentary to support students’ interpretative process.
  • Interpersonal Communication and Pastoral Skills: Establishes good working relationships and clear boundaries with Open Tent students and families, Judaism Your Way colleagues, participants, volunteers, donors, and community members.
  • Independent Time Management: Must be detail oriented, organized, and possess excellent time management skills. Must be a fast learner, adaptable to various work environments and learning styles, and able to work independently and as part of a team.

Skills and Experience

  • Graduate degree or 5 years Jewish education experience preferred
    Experience with ritual ceremony planning and implementation
  • Knowledge of diverse streams and approaches to Jewish prayer, Torah, Hebrew language, and Jewish coming of age ritual forms
  • Ability to work afternoons/evenings and on weekends to meet middle school students and their families when they are available. Comfort traveling to and from Be Mitzvah officiation on Shabbat

Physical Requirements

Must possess a valid driver’s license, be able to drive a car, and provide own transportation to locations for classes, ceremony venues, and meetings
Ability to lift and transport the JYW Torah (15 pounds)

Position Start Date: July or August, 2021
Benefits:

JYW offers a generous benefits package currently including many Jewish and bank holidays. JYW currently pays 100% of medical, dental, vision, and short- and long-term disability insurance for full-time employees. JYW employees are eligible to participate in a 403b savings plan. Note: JYW does not pay relocation costs. Mileage for travel outside of your home area may be reimbursed monthly.

Salary Range: $55,000-65,000
Send resumes and cover letter to:

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/519626/Judaism-Your-Way/Open-Tent-Be-Mitzvah-Educator

About Judaism Your Way

Judaism Your Way (JYW) is a 17-year-old Colorado-based Jewish organization creating innovative approaches to including Jews and their loved ones in Jewish community. We are an open tent, embracing everyone who seeks a connection to Jewish life. Every day, we share transformative Jewish experiences and recognize ourselves as part of something relevant, whole, and sacred. There are many ways to be Jewish. At Judaism Your Way, we respect and include them all. You can learn more about JYW at www.judaismyourway.org.