Overview
ABOUT O`AHU JEWISH `OHANA
O`ahu Jewish `Ohana is a Reform congregation established in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2013.
`Ohana in Hawaiian conveys extended family, similar to mishpochah. Our community is
defined by the joy that is experienced through our being together in scholarship, prayer and
tradition. Like many Hawaiian `ohana, OJO has members of diverse race, age and religious
experiences. In a recent survey of its members, the words used most frequently to describe
what individuals like about OJO are caring, inclusive, and community.
OJO is a small congregation with about 55 member families. It was formed in 2013 after a
group left the larger Reform congregation in Honolulu. The rabbi at the time, Rabbi Peter
Schaktman, accepted our invitation to be our part-time rabbi. OJO is not financially able to
offer a full-time position so Rabbi Schaktman, regrettably for all concerned, left Hawaii for a
full-time position on the Mainland.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission statement best describes how we see ourselves as a congregation:
O`ahu Jewish `Ohana is a k’hilah kedosha, a sacred community rooted in the philosophy and practices of Reform
Judaism. As such, we seek opportunities to express our Jewish identity in ways that are mindful, ethical, and
respectful, and to explore the diverse ways that Jewish thought and practice can bring meaning to modern life.
We are committed to being an active, caring, inclusive Jewish community — one that values our members’
diversity of backgrounds, experiences, thoughts and practices. We strive together to create a community that
values connections with each other, supports participation in worship and Jewish learning, and engages in the
pursuit of social justice through action.
EXPECTATIONS OF A RABBI
OJO is looking for a rabbi who will support our members in fulfilling our mission and will
carry out the usual rabbinic duties. These would include leading services on some Shabbat
days and High Holy Days using Mishkan T'filah and Mishkan Hanefesh; providing
compassionate support and guidance for life cycle events; working with members to develop
realistic educational goals for children; providing b'nei mitzvah training; offering adult learning
experiences — all to the extent possible within time constraints.
QUALITIES IN A RABBI
We’d like a rabbi who is scholarly, has a broad knowledge base and grasp of Judaism in
particular and religion in general. Hawaii is multi-cultural and interfaith relationships are part
of our life. We’d like a rabbi who takes delight in engaging with a variety of people of all ages
and loves to share knowledge, experience, and ideas.
To be the OJO rabbi one should be excited by the opportunity to work in informal and nontraditional
settings (we hold services in a Buddhist temple and in people’s homes), with
members who are curious and are concerned with social justice, the environment, Israel, and
our relationship to the diverse religions and cultures with whom we share these islands.
SALARY
In light of the many options and possible configurations for serving as the rabbi of OJO on a
half-time schedule, such as living in Hawaii with other resources available to make that
financially feasible, or coming to Hawaii on a regular basis in an arrangement that suits both
parties.
Contact: Judith Goldman: jagoldman.hi@gmail.com
or Steve Levinson: stevenhlevinson@gmail.com