Rabbi Careers

Overview

About Temple Beth-El

Temple Beth-El is a growing Reform congregation located in Jersey City, NJ, a proudly diverse and urban community located right across the river from Manhattan and accessible by PATH and other various modes of public transportation. We’re warm, supportive and inclusive. Our congregation is over 150 years old and our beautiful historic building is almost 100 years old. Our School wing and Social Hall facilities are newly and beautifully renovated and modern. Our congregation has approximately 150 families and expects to grow in the coming years.  We currently have approximately 55 K-7 children taking part in our Sunday morning (9.30a-12p) school program. In addition to our diversity, we are known for our welcoming, down-to-earth approach.

Our Cantor/Educator should expect to be on-site on selected Friday evenings, Shabbat and Sunday mornings. You will have the freedom and flexibility to work from home most other times.

Job Description (Education)

The part-time Director of Education is the administrator of our weekly religious school (Sundays 9:30-12:30). In coordination with the Rabbi, the synagogue’s administrative staff, and lay leadership, the Director oversees the general administrative and educational operations of the religious school, Tot Shabbat and supplemental programs for youth and families. The Director will build upon our current curriculum, coordinate student assessments; prepare, manage and maintain a budget, supervise and mentor school and youth staff and educators; manage communications with families; work with the Rabbi to establish educational programs for Religious School families; and work to integrate Religious School families into congregational life.

Responsibilities include:

Curriculum Development and Staff Development:

Monitor, improve, organize and implement an integrated Reform Jewish school curriculum for all ages (pre-K-grade 7), including family tefillah (with Rabbi and Cantor), and develop a curriculum for children with special needs.
Develop special programs including, but not limited to, holiday observance for all grades, and school educational trips. Coordinate with Rabbi where appropriate.
Maintain integrity of curriculum throughout the school year, including reviewing teachers’ lesson plans, and conducting class observations.
Generate parent and student involvement in school activities and programs, including engaging class parents.
Monitor children’s Hebrew progress and engage parents with tutors, as necessary.
Develop and coordinate twice-yearly student progress reports for parents, to be prepared by teaching staff.
Work with and mentor teachers and provide performance reviews to enhance the students’ educational experience and to ensure adherence to curriculum guidelines.
Implement and support comprehensive school policies, including a school discipline policy, in coordination with the Rabbi, the synagogue’s administrative staff, and lay leadership.
Teach in the school, as prudent or needed.
Work with administrative, education, volunteer and religious staff to implement special programming including, but not limited to:
(7) Grade-Led Friday Shabbat services with accompanying community dinner
Simchat Torah/Consecration
Hanukkah service and celebration
Shavuot picnic
Family Education/Mitzvah Days (5 Sunday mornings during the year)
Purim
Parent Project Days
Develop and implement a post-B’nai Mitzvah Program.
Develop and enhance music in the curriculum.
Conduct staff orientations and monthly staff meetings.
Organize family education days and Shabbatot with staff.

Administrative Responsibilities (can be done remotely where appropriate):

Work with lay leadership and the Rabbi to prepare budget proposals, and manage and maintain an existing budget. Report families in arrears to Temple leadership monthly. Maintain and develop a roster of teachers and substitute teachers.
Maintain the student database and rosters of current and former students, including weekly attendance records.
Prepare and coordinate materials for school registration and enrollment.
Work in consultation with Security Subcommittee of the Facilities Committee to develop emergency and safety protocols for students, parents and staff. Implement said protocols. Our Education Director will participate in or will have participated in safety trainings and will keep her/his knowledge current.
Prepare and present monthly reports at meetings of the Youth Education Committee.
Prepare monthly staff payroll hours to give to Temple Financial Secretary.
Order and organize books, workbooks, supplies and materials to support the curriculum.
Order b’nai mitzvah gifts.
Coordinate the B’nai Mitzvah children’s profiles in our newsletter.
Update B’nai Mitzvah log with roster information of our school’s children.
(Covid and weather emergencies only) Coordinate Zoom rooms, communication and scheduling for when virtual school or family services are warranted and decided by leadership.
Work in partnership with Rabbi, staff, lay leaders and volunteers to:
Communicate regularly with the parent body, class parents and congregation via email, Constant Contact, phone and mail.
Work with staff and volunteers to maintain our website for school-related events and families.
Create and maintain our Temple calendar for school-related events, in conjunction with clergy and lay leadership.
Develop prospective member support (for school-related questions and issues).
Help to identify potential congregational volunteers and class parents.
Support/advertise Monthly Parent Project Days and Junior Youth Group and Youth Group, weekly Junior Choir and other family activities.
Support, guide our Youth Group Director and interface with leadership on her/his behalf and on behalf of the Youth Group.

Job Description (Cantorial)

Our part-time cantor will partner and work with our rabbi toward our musical vision with the following responsibilities:

Leading Kabbalat Shabbat/Friday night Services (3 Fridays/month)
Leading Shabbat morning services on the mornings on which we have b’nai mitzvah services (7 b’nai mitzvah in ‘26-’27; 10 b’nai mitzvah in ‘27-’28)
Chanting Torah
Leading Tot Shabbat morning services with the Rabbi – monthly
B’nai Mitzvah Tutoring
Teaching in our Religious School, Sunday mornings
Leading our Junior Choir (after Religious School)
High Holy Days and select Holiday Services
Participating and taking the lead duties in our Purim Shpiel
Regular meetings with the Rabbi
Guitar skills are a big plus. Position begins July 1, 2026.We are happy to consider students, ordained cantors and others with appropriate qualifications and experience. Please send resume and cover letter/CV and applicable recordings to Rabbi Leana Moritt at RabbiMoritt@betheljc.org