Overview
Overview
Beit T’Shuvah (BTS) is a licensed nonprofit residential addiction recovery facility and congregation. Its unique program and services combine the traditions of Judaism and the 12 Steps of AA. The rabbi serves as BTS’ spiritual leader and must be knowledgeable about addictive behaviors and willing to work empathically with a non-traditional and diverse community of employees, residents, and congregants. This includes administering life-cycle events to members of our community. The rabbi works closely with a Board of Directors, a Development Director, and an Executive Director who has overall responsibility for BTS’ operations. The rabbi is also BTS’ spiritual representative to the Jewish community, both in the LA area and nationally. The ideal candidate should have synagogue pulpit experience.
Jewish Recovery Program
The rabbi is responsible for the spiritual aspects of the recovery program, which includes leading discussions with groups of residents that focus on spiritual and ethical principles from the Torah and other Jewish and non-Jewish texts, including the Big Book of AA. The rabbi provides spiritual counseling to residents (including a substantial minority of non-Jews), recruits and trains rabbinic interns, and supervises spiritual team members, including chaplains and counselors.
Congregational Activities
The rabbi presides over BTS’ unique Sabbath services and other observances in the Jewish calendar, such as High Holiday services. These events feature community involvement and incorporate elements of an AA meeting and a rock concert. The rabbi works with the band and a cantor in planning the eclectic music.
Education and Minimum Requirements
Ordained rabbi
5 years synagogue pulpit experience highly desired
Familiarity with:
• Signs of alcohol and drug dependence
• Characteristics of withdrawal
• Effects on the individual and the family
• Characteristics of the stages of recovery
Understands that addiction erodes and blocks religious and spiritual development and is able to
effectively communicate the importance of spirituality and the practice of religion in recovery, using the scripture, traditions and rituals of the faith community
Familiarity with the appropriate pastoral interactions with the:
• Addicted person
• Family system
• Affected children
Have a general knowledge of and, where possible, exposure to:
• The 12-step programs – AA, NA, Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Alateen, A.C.O.A., etc.
Be able to shape, form, and educate a caring congregation that welcomes and supports persons and families affected by alcohol and drug dependence.
Excellent interpersonal skills and able to work collaboratively with colleagues
Excellent organizational skills with great attention to details
Professional presentation of oneself
Good follow-through and completion of tasks and projects
Ability to multi-task
• Paid Vacation and Sick Days
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• 401K with 50% match from BTS
• Paid Rabbinic Dues
Barbara Friedman
Director of Human Resources
bfriedman@beittshuvah.org