Temple Beth David in Westwood, MA is seeking a dedicated and innovative leader to direct our vibrant Shorashim Religious School and promote learning and connections for all ages. Our education program is called “Shorashim,” as we are growing Jewish roots together. Come grow with us!
Our Search
The Director of Congregational Learning oversees K-12 education, shapes a rich and welcoming Jewish learning environment, promotes a love of Judaism and personal connection, and inspires students and members to be active participants in Jewish community. Our program integrates Jewish learning and living. The director has the capacity to imagine and implement a creative approach to Jewish education and help shape community.
We are seeking a dynamic full-time Director of Congregational Learning to guide youth education, deepen engagement with students and families, collaborate with our Rabbi and staff, and help our community move from strength to strength. We are also open to a Rabbi Educator including some pulpit and b’nai mitzvah opportunities.
Your Qualities and Qualifications
Our Director of Congregational Learning will have strong organizational skills to creatively develop programs and recognize the importance of flexibility to continue to evolve and grow. They will have the ability to vision, lead and collaborate with the Rabbi, teachers and parents. They will be passionate about connecting with children of all ages and be able to convey the importance of Jewish learning as it relates to our everyday lives.
Master’s Degree in Jewish Education preferred or Master’s Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Jewish Studies
- Experience in Jewish education and Jewish youth programming
- Experience developing curriculum and supervising teachers
- Demonstrated personal passion for Jewish learning and living
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills and attention to detail
- Ability to connect with children, teens and families
- Commitment to inclusion and sensitivity to different kinds of learners
- Commitment to teamwork
Core Responsibilities
- Provide educational vision and leadership for the K-12 Shorashim education program
- Inspire and guide students and families in meaningful Jewish learning and engagement based in Reform Jewish values
- Oversee daily operations and enrollment in the school
- Develop and design Judaic and Hebrew curriculum including classroom learning and hands-on experiences
- Hire and supervise teachers and teen madrichim assistants
- Support teachers with lesson planning and provide professional development
- Seek appropriate learning resources, materials, and technology
- Communicate regularly with parents
- Encourage parent learning and family education opportunities
- Support adult learning
- Create a welcoming environment for all learners and students with special learning needs
- Nurture relationships with children and teens with attention to mental and spiritual health
- Teach electives in “Double Chai” teen program (grades 7-12) as needed
- Plan special programs, events, trips and retreats with Rabbi
- Partner with Rabbi to shape Shabbat and holiday experiences and celebrations for youth
- Support Rabbi and tutors with B’nai Mitzvah preparation
- Collaborate with Rabbi and Early Learning Director to shape lifelong educational vision for congregation and integrate learning into the fabric of synagogue life
- Work with the Shorashim Education Committee to seek input and guide vision
- Work with lay leaders and Rabbi to develop yearly budget
- Work with Executive Director and treasurer on payroll
- Supervise youth advisor and support youth group
- Partner with Boston area Jewish educational organizations and colleagues
Reports to: Rabbi
Salary and Benefits:
Salary range $80,000-$100,000 commensurate with experience and training.
Health and retirement benefits, paid vacation, professional dues and development.
How to Apply:
Please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected]
The position starts July 2025.
Get to Know our Shorashim Religious School
Our Educational Mission: Temple Beth David’s Religious School builds a foundation for Jewish learning and living, connects students to Jewish heritage, history, culture and tradition, and inspires students to add their perspective to the Jewish story, becoming active participants in Jewish community to make a difference in our world.
There are currently 155 students in Shorashim Grades K-12. The Judaic and Hebrew education is creative and experiential, connected to temple life including Torah study, prayer in the sanctuary on weekday and Shabbat, and acts of tikkun olam and mitzvot. Students learn through a Jewish lens that resonates throughout the classroom, temple and home. Families stream in together for energizing opening blessings and songs on Sunday mornings. Teens enjoy each other’s company (mainly without phones!) during dinner before heading off to electives. Shorashim creates a sense of community, continuity and connection.
We were one of the few religious schools to continue with in-person learning during Covid mainly outdoors, so maintaining that level of commitment and creativity is important. Our flexible program ranges from the classroom, to small group Hebrew learning and individual tutoring, to Shabbat participation, holiday celebrations, parent engagement, and social connections. We embrace and support students with special learning needs. Older students are invested and engaged with younger students as madrichim. Teens in our Double Chai education program actively explore what it means to be Jewish today.
The Rabbi, Director of Congregational Learning, teachers, parents and community members are partners in supporting and guiding students to achieve our learning goals for our students. Read more about these goals here.
Get to Know Our Temple Community
Our Temple Vision: The Temple Beth David Family aspires to be an inclusive, caring Jewish community that guides people of all ages on a path of spiritual growth, empowers us to engage with Jewish tradition, and inspires us to bring meaning to our lives as we continue to shape our synagogue today. Our level of programming reflects a larger congregation with the intimacy and close connections of a smaller synagogue.
A Reform synagogue, founded in 1960, located in Westwood, Massachusetts, our congregation of 260 member families serves a broad, diverse community from surrounding towns. We have experienced significant growth in recent years, especially families with young children, and seek to continue to strengthen the religious school as the foundation of temple membership and community. In 2021, we opened the Shalom Corner Early Learning Center at Temple Beth David and welcomed toddlers and preschoolers to our community, adding a whole new generation of learners! For more information go to www.templebethdavid.net.
We look forward to getting to know you!
Temple Beth David is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. Temple Beth David encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, or physical ability.