Overview
The Rutland Jewish Center in Rutland VT is looking for a permanent full-time Rabbi. The position is opening July 1st.
Functions include; Lead all Shabbat and Holiday services. Direct and teach in our Jewish Discovery School and tutor B’nei Mitzvah students. Provide pastoral care, officiate at life cycle events. Provide vision and guidance to our active committees including but not limited to; Communication, Events, Outreach and Ritual. Represent the Rutland Jewish Center at community and municipal events. Actively engage with the Rutland interfaith clergy group.
While this is not part of the job requirements, the applicant should have a love of outdoor activities especially winter ones to enjoy all that the Green Mountain region has to offer.
Rutland County, Vermont is an economically challenged area that has lost population in the past five years. We have 69 units and JDS of 8 children. The Jewish demographic has aged. Relatively fewer young families have relocated to the area in the past two decades than in earlier times. We have raised the profile of the Rutland Jewish Center in the community through interfaith and community events; we have revitalized our school program, updated and modernized our website and increased our social media presence. As a community we recognize that there is much work still to be done, and seek a rabbi who can help us reach our potential.
We are seeking an entrepreneurial-minded Rabbi who is spiritual, musical, well spoken, diplomatic and empathetic. The ideal candidate has an enthusiasm for Judaism and authenticity. S/He loves being a Rabbi and is able to connect Judaism with contemporary issues such as the environment and Israel.
search@rutlandjewishcenter.org
About RUTLAND JEWISH CENTER
We are a community in transition from a traditional synagogue affiliated with the Conservative movement to an independent congregation that seeks to serve the wider Rutland community as a hub for education, culture, local activism and Jewish spirituality. In 2017 we disaffiliated from USCJ and hired an interim Rabbi to begin the work of establishing a new vision and structure. Over the past year we have made great strides in expanding the presence and enhancing the identity of the Rutland Jewish Center in the Rutland area. We are now seeking a permanent Rabbi with an entrepreneurial spirit to take us forward in manifesting our vision.
Our Current Vision Statement: Rutland Jewish Center is a community hub for education, culture, local activism and spirituality in the Rutland area. The Rutland Jewish Center re-imagines the role of religion through the lens of personal enrichment, social justice, and service. We strive to build a community of purpose and meaning. Description As an independent, inclusive community, we are committed to expanding Jewish knowledge, wisdom and practice through educational and spiritual opportunities designed for children and adults. Recognizing that there are many avenues for exploring and expanding Jewish pathways, we provide regular educational programs for beginning and more advanced learners and a host of cultural events and opportunities throughout the year. We offer meaningful Shabbat and holiday services in our historic downtown building as well as beautiful outdoor locations. We invite you to experience our musical and innovative services, stay to socialize and enjoy delicious food at our regular potluck suppers, desserts and other occasions.We are a supportive community where everyone is welcome, including intermarried and LGBTQ families and individuals. The members of our community come from varied backgrounds and traditions. Whether you seek spirituality, tradition, innovation, study, friendship, culture, prayer, social action, or socializing the Rutland Jewish Center can feed your Jewish soul. Come for a visit. We'd love to meet you.