Rabbi Careers

Overview

Title:                           Associate Rabbi

Supervisor:                Senior Rabbi, Wilshire Boulevard Temple

Campus Location:     Resnick Campus

Position Overview

One of America’s most highly respected congregations, Wilshire Boulevard Temple, has been serving the Los Angeles Jewish community since its founding in 1862 as Congregation B’nai B’rith, the city’s first synagogue.  Wilshire Boulevard Temple is a center for Jewish spirituality and celebration, lifelong learning and friendship.  We are home to an engaged congregation and clergy team where every person matters.

From our beginning with only eight member families, we now have four campuses:  the historic Erika J. Glazer Family Campus in Wilshire Center/Koreatown, our modern Audrey and Sydney Irmas Campus in West Los Angeles, our inviting Lynda and Stewart Resnick Campus in Brentwood, and our camps and conference center in Malibu. Wilshire Boulevard Temple is an exciting and rewarding place to serve the Jewish people.

We hope you can imagine bringing your talents to the following job description.  Of course, all parties understand that the job description for this position will, can, and should evolve over time based on the interests and talents of the Rabbi and the needs of the Temple, all subject to the direction and approval of the Senior Rabbi.

Evaluation will be based on the quality of Rabbi’s worship and life cycle officiation, programmatic and teaching offerings, number of members engaged on a regular basis, number of new members and families entering the community and schools as a result of the Rabbi’s efforts, and on the entrepreneurial ability to actively develop new ideas with which to experiment.  Over time as the new Rabbi builds relationships, fundraising expectations will be added to the portfolio.

Duties and Responsibilities:

●       Serve as a “pulpit” rabbi for Shabbat, High Holy Days, and Festival t’filah, including preparation with fellow clergy members for effective, creative, and meaningful prayer experiences.

●       Officiate at the service of and work with assigned B’nei Mitzvah students. Develop a close relationship with the students and their families.

●       Officiate at life cycle events as assigned by the Senior Rabbi, including intake and follow-up.

●       Attendance at weekly clergy meetings, various board meetings, committee meetings, retreats, and other administrative responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Rabbi.

●       Active caring for congregants in need, with great attention to follow-up.

●       May serve as the primary rabbi at one Campus Early Childhood Center and Religious School, as well as Youth Group and other programs throughout the week.

●       Share responsibility for congregational Torah Study, Shabbat messages, Taste of Shabbat Instagram, appropriate use of social media for the Temple, and other assignments shared by the clergy team.

●       Each member of the clergy team has elements of the portfolio that are programmatic or entrepreneurial in nature.  Examples do or can include Choosing Judaism, Men of Wilshire, Women of Wilshire, Sisterhood, Young Professionals, etc. These are staffed based on Temple need and clergy interests.

●       Primary focus will center on a relational model within and outside of the current Temple population in order to retain and increase membership.

●       Support Karsh Social Service Center or Karsh Center West on an as-needed basis.

●       After developing relationships with congregants over an introductory period of time, identify prospects and engage in fundraising, including for The Temple Fund.

Professional Conduct:

●       A high degree of professionalism in all elements of this position

●       Desire to be reflective in practice, an ongoing learner, and to work collaboratively

●       Compassion, understanding, and patience when speaking with congregants and staff

●       Excellent written and oral communication skills

●       A commitment to supporting students, staff, parents, and peers

●       Effective mentorship skills

●       The ability to have challenging conversations

●       Well-developed problem-solving skills

●       Strong ability to manage multiple projects with an eye to detail and quality of experience for participants

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

●       Physical demands: Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job. Additionally, this position requires meeting the public and members and staff of the organization in a professional and courteous manner.

●       Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office, education, and religious environment, catering/event spaces, kitchens, healthcare facilities, cemeteries, and in communities served. The physical arrangement of the office may require the position to

●       Work in an open environment within close proximity to other colleagues. Workspace must be organized and reflect efficiency. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.