The Rabbi serves the religious, spiritual, educational, and emotional needs of Congregation Shaarey Zedek and represents the synagogue within the larger community with inspirational leadership. The Rabbi, as part of the clergy team, is instrumental in shaping and modeling the congregation’s religious and spiritual values for congregants and for the community.
Who We Are
Congregation Shaarey Zedek is a centre for Conservative Judaism that welcomes the community to experience spiritual growth, continuing education, and the enrichment of lifecycle events. We have a congregation of 700 family units with 1400 individuals and are proud to have opened a new childcare centre in January 2025. As the community and congregation has evolved, attention has been placed on outreach and engagement to unaffiliated or under affiliated groups such as interfaith families, multi-faith families, and 2SLGBTQ + persons amongst others.
Primary Responsibilities
Spiritual Leadership
Leads and officiates at religious services, including Shabbat, High Holy Days, festivals, and lifecycle events; Delivers inspiring and thought-provoking sermons that connect Jewish teachings to contemporary issues that promotes egalitarian values. Provides spiritual guidance and support to congregants, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members.
Care & Community
Provides pastoral counseling and support to individuals and families in times of need, such as during illness, bereavement, or other life challenges. Participates in the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim, visiting ill and sickly members in home, hospital or elsewhere. Performs lifecycle ceremonies and events including officiating at weddings, funerals, bar and bat mitzvahs, and other events such as a bris or baby naming ceremonies and for people engaged in the process of conversion. Involved in welcoming newcomers to our community and ensuring they feel included at CSZ.
Community Building and Engagement
Promotes a vital sense of community by connecting with congregants on a personal level and encouraging inclusivity, accessibility and understanding. Hosts occasional Shabbat dinners to connect and engage with our diverse membership. Develops connections within our congregation, Jewish community organizations, synagogues, and the broader community. Collaborates with local organizations and participates with inter-Judaic and interfaith dialogue to promote understanding, respect, and cooperation.
Leadership and Administration
Represents Shaarey Zedek with an in-person and on-line presence at community events; collaborates with the synagogue board and staff to develop and implement its Strategic Plan ensuring the congregation’s growth and vitality for future generations. Is encouraging and supportive of fundraising efforts which sustain the financial well-being of the congregation. Engages with outreach efforts to attract new members. Performs other tasks as may be requested by the Executive Committee and/or Board of Directors. Serves on the Ritual Committee to guide the decision-making process and monitors agreed upon practices; Sets policy and supervises Kashrut standards for the synagogue and its kitchen, catering and childcare facilities.
Jewish Learning
Offers new opportunities for continued learning and growth, including adult education classes and guest speakers; Proposes new prospects for educational programs for children, youth, and adults, ensuring a well-rounded curriculum that emphasizes Jewish values, history, rituals, and ethics. Conducts engaging and interactive Torah study sessions, promoting critical thinking and dialogue within the congregation. Provides general oversight of the B’nai Mitzvah Program including B’nai mitzvah services, lessons and study sessions for B’nai mitzvah students and adults.
Who You Are
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Ordained as a Conservative Rabbi from a recognized and accredited seminary and/or post-graduate training is desirable.
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Three years of related congregational experience is preferred.
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Able to use computer, especially proficiency with word processing, internet, streaming platforms, and email applications.
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Capable to endure long hours of work, under the stressful conditions of illness or death.
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Functions effectively in large groups/crowd situations.
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Strong ability to chant Torah.
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Proficiency in Hebrew and a strong understanding of Jewish texts.
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Scholarly in areas of Jewish religion, Torah, history, literature, culture, and spirituality, including reading, writing, and speaking Hebrew, and able to transmit significant knowledge of Torah to adults and children of all ages and levels of knowledge.
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Capacity to engage and connect with diverse age groups and backgrounds.
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Excellent teaching and educational programming skills.
Our Ideal Candidate
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Non-judgmental and accepting, demonstrates a deep commitment to providing a welcoming, spiritual environment for our Jewish community members of all backgrounds.
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Outstanding communicator, able to create and deliver sermons and teachings in a concise, enthusiastic, meaningful, relevant way.
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Engaging & dynamic personality, friendly, personable, and approachable leader who relates well to others.
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Displays a strong commitment to the state of Israel.
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Flexible, reliable, trustworthy, and responsive.
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Compassionate and caring.
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Exhibits leadership skills.
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Works effectively with people of all genders.
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Provides pastoral care across a wide spectrum of needs.
Compensation
Salary commensurate with experience, along with competitive benefits package
Apply
Please submit the following by February 14, 2025 to [email protected]:
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A resume or a CV.
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A sample Drash/D’Var Torah, which may be written (no more than 5 pages) or a recording no more than 10 minutes.
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A written (of no more than 2 pages) or recorded (of no more than 5 minutes) statement of interest in leading our community and examples of how you have demonstrated the abilities and commitments listed above.
Please note we will acknowledge receipt of all applications but will not review any applications until after the deadline.