Overview of Shir Tikvah and our Rabbinic Search

Congregation Shir Tikvah was founded in 2002 and is seeking a spiritual leader to replace our founding Rabbi, who is retiring. We are conducting a search for a Rabbi who will play a pivotal role in our next stage of growth and development, while promoting Jewish traditions, values, and teachings within the congregation and the broader community. This individual will be responsible for coordinating our davening, supervising as well as teaching in our religious education program, supporting our network of congregant care, and guiding our community's development as a kehillah kedoshah.

We currently have about 200 member families and are a very diverse community. Our Rabbi must be comfortable within this diversity. Members come from across the Jewish spectrum: Jew-by-birth, Jew-by-choice, queer, straight, trans, interfaith, atheist, devout believer. We welcome all who want to grapple with the beauty and contradictions of our sacred texts to better understand our faith, our world, and our place in it. The Rabbi must be able to lead, counsel, build, and communicate from this perspective. Incorporating music and singing is something many congregants desire and find helps build community and our connections to Judaism. Being a community builder is critically important.

Shir Tikvah was founded as a learning community, and that is still a major component of our DNA. Our founding Rabbi, Rabbi Ariel Stone, has brought a very deep and continually expanding understanding of Judaism that draws on diverse perspectives on Torah; we are seeking those qualities in our next Rabbi as well. Our Shabbat Torah study attracts 25–40 weekly participants in person, with another 20–35 on Zoom. We are looking for not only a scholar, but also a teacher who will engage with congregants active in their own learning, who wish to be challenged and to challenge the Rabbi. The Rabbi also leads a weekly Talmud class. Congregants will take over these classes when the Rabbi is unavailable. Congregants also lead a weekly queer Torah Study that averages about 10 participants and is supported by the Rabbi. 

Social activism is important to the many congregants who take Tikkun Olam seriously. Healing the world, challenging the status quo when necessary, and working against injustice is part of the fabric of our shul. Healing within our shul through counseling and chaplaincy work is also a very important aspect of this role.

While our siddur draws on long-standing Jewish practices and our services are traditional, we are looking for a leader who is not afraid of innovation. As an example: our shul is housed in a non-traditional facility that we share with the Eastside Jewish Commons, with whom we work collaboratively in outreach to the Jewish community. The ability to approach change without fear, to be open to new ideas, and to be willing to try new approaches are key characteristics of our spiritual leader.

For more information, visit our Rabbi Search Homepage. 

Rabbi Responsibilities

Congregational Care 

• Plan and supervise (with the Gabbai) Shabbat and holiday observances, including (as necessary) leading prayers, delivering divrei Torah, and guiding religious rituals
• Offer guidance and support to congregants in matters of spirituality and religious observance
• Provide compassionate support, encouragement, and counseling to congregants during times of joy, grief, illness, and other life transitions
• Meet with congregants to listen and offer direction and guidance based upon Jewish sources of inspiration and learning
• Guide lifecycle events (not limited to congregants)

Education and Outreach 

• Work alongside staff to develop and implement educational programs for children, youth and adults
• Offer classes, workshops, and discussion groups on topics of Jewish interest
• Engage in outreach efforts to welcome and integrate new members into the congregation and the broader Jewish community
• Ongoing development of congregants to leyn Torah and Haftarah, deliver a d’var Torah, and to serve as shlichei tzibur
• Provide meaningful interpretations of Jewish texts and teachings, including Torah and Talmud

Community Building 

• Foster a sense of belonging and connection among congregants through social events, communal meals, and volunteer opportunities
• Serve as a visible and accessible presence within the congregation and the wider local community, including engagement with the Oregon Board of Rabbis and other Jewish communal organizations

Administration and strategic planning

• Collaborate with Administrative Director and staff to ensure smooth day-to-day operations, including scheduling, fiscal management, and fundraising
• Oversee religious staff (Gabbai, Brit Mitzvah Coordinator, Youth Program Director)
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors, lay leaders, and committees to develop and implement strategic plans and ongoing initiatives
• Offer Torah guidance and perspective to infuse Jewish teaching and values into our Board meetings and other community conversations

Desired Qualities of a Rabbi

The qualities we are looking for in a Rabbi include: 

• Ordination as a Rabbi from a recognized rabbinical seminary
• Strong knowledge of Jewish theology, rituals, and traditions
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience in pastoral care, teaching, and public speaking
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational abilities
• Commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth in Jewish studies and leadership
• Adherence to ethical standards and principles of halacha and middot in personal and professional conduct
• Understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and their connection to Jewish life across a spectrum of racial, cultural, and gender identities
• Deep knowledge about the State of Israel, a nuanced understanding and commitment to its flourishing, and a willingness to honor congregants who have diverse perspectives on the Middle East 

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation and benefits package is negotiable.

• Salary (including Housing Allowance/Parsonage) is $80,000 - $90,000 for this 0.75 FTE position. 
• 2 days off per week
• 20 days paid vacation
• Medical and disability benefits

The following will be part of the overall negotiations that are limited by our budget.

• Pension
• Social Security Reimbursement
• Reimbursement for reasonable moving expenses

How to Apply

• Cover letter, including why you believe our congregation is a good match for what you wish to accomplish as a Rabbi
• Resume (PDF format)
• 2-minute video

The video should answer the question “What else would you like to share that is not reflected in your cover letter or resume?”. The video should be informal. (We will not be judging on the quality of the video!) Video is preferably uploaded to a private Youtube channel with a shared link.

Please send all items to [email protected].