Har Shalom Center for Jewish Living seeks a dynamic congregational rabbi to embrace our diverse and growing Jewish community in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Sadly, our beloved rabbi of seven years will be moving to be near her family when her contract ends in June. Read Rabbi Finestone’s letter.
Har Shalom is an active center of Jewish faith, culture, and worship that serves a wide diversity of spiritual paths. Our synagogue membership of 230+ families represents a spectrum of Jews from varied affiliations and backgrounds. Har Shalom is an intentionally unaffiliated synagogue that encompasses members who are culturally Jewish to those who practice Judaism in more traditional ways. Our community includes a substantial constituency of interfaith families, Jews-by-choice, and Jews with limited exposure to Judaism. Har Shalom is strongly egalitarian and openly affirms gender and LGBTQ+ rights. Please refer to our mission, vision, inclusion and core value statements for more details.
Our congregation started in 1975 as Congregation Har Shalom with a handful of families that wanted to provide Jewish education to their children. Our original synagogue was built in 1982, and our campus expanded in 2008 with the addition of our preschool. We see our children as the future of our congregation.
Our dedicated professional staff and lay leadership work in partnership with our Rabbi. The board and Executive Director provide strategic planning; the Religious School Director presides over our thriving youth education program; our Community Engagement and Development Manager ensures the vitality of our congregation and stability of our finances. A professional Office Manager, Facilities Manager and Library Director round out our staff. Lay leaders support activity at all levels: social, spiritual, educational, and ritual.
The synagogue is located in the heart of the vibrant city of Fort Collins, Colorado. Fort Collins is home to the world-class Colorado State University and is the county seat of Larimer County. It is a Platinum-rated Bicycle Friendly Community and is close to hiking and ski trails. The Poudre School System is excellent, we have wonderful parks and libraries, there are a diverse array of cultural offerings, and restaurants of all kinds. Denver and Boulder are within easy driving distance.
What is special about Har Shalom:
- A popular weekly Torah study
- A Chevrah Kadisha that is a model for congregations across the United States
- A library that is accredited by the Association of Jewish Libraries
- A top-rated, on-site, Montessori-inspired preschool
- Vibrant youth programming for 130+ children including Shabbat Junior, Religious School, Hebrew School, teen programming, and BBYO
- A commitment to social justice as a core value at home and in the broader northern Colorado community
- More about our Lifelong Learning program and Committees/Interest Groups
The ideal candidate will embrace our intentionally unaffiliated, diverse, and egalitarian community and foster education at all levels from preschool to retirees.
Responsibilities
- Lead shabbat and holiday services
- Collaborate with families to plan and perform life-cycle events
- Provide pastoral care and counsel
- Guide those who wish to convert
- Work in partnership with our Executive Director, professional staff, and board
Minimum Qualifications
- Ordination or smicha from a recognized institution or source
- A passion for working with children
- Commitment to cultivating and fostering a warm and welcoming community
Preferred Qualifications
- Values the power of music and facilitates it in ritual practice
- Demonstrates interest in working with other faith leaders in the community
- Prioritizes and supports Jewish education for all ages
Salary Range and Benefits:
$75,000 - $90,000
Pension contribution: 3% of base salary
Major Medical Insurance: Kaiser Permanente
TOTAL COMPENSATION: $88,000 - $108,000
Application materials
- CV
- Cover Letter (no more than two pages) that describes your interest in leading our community with specific examples of how your experience qualifies you for this position
- D’rash or Sermon (either written - up to 5 pages or recorded - up to 10 minutes)
- Recorded singing sample (optional)