Congregation Ner Tamid, Henderson, NV (Las Vegas)
Seeking an Additional Cantor/Clergy Partner
Position Summary:
Congregation Ner Tamid, a vibrant and inclusive Reform congregation, is excited to welcome a passionate Cantor to our community. As a key partner to our beloved Cantor, who has recently been selected to become our Senior Rabbi-Cantor, you’ll play an essential role in leading prayer and enriching the spiritual life of our congregation. Together, they’ll create meaningful religious, educational, and musical experiences that resonate with our members.
About Us:
Nestled in the heart of Henderson, Nevada, perfectly positioned in one of the fastest-growing communities in the nation, Congregation Ner Tamid is proud to be the largest Jewish congregation in the state of Nevada. For 50 years, our modern facility on the Greenspun Campus has served as a hub for Jewish life, learning, and spiritual renewal. It is a place for people at every stage of life, looking for Jewish education, community engagement, and lifecycle needs.
Why We’re Hiring:
With the upcoming retirement of Rabbi Sanford Akselrad after nearly 40 years of dedicated service, we find ourselves at an exciting crossroads. Our long-standing Cantor, Jessica Hutchings, will soon be ordained as Rabbi Hutchings and take on the role of Senior Rabbi in July 2025. This transition offers a wonderful opportunity for an additional Cantor to join our clergy team and bring fresh inspiration to our community.
Key Responsibilities:
Prayer Leadership:
- Lead uplifting Shabbat, Holy Days, and festival services.
- Creatively incorporate sacred music from across the generations.
- Prepare and share insightful sermons and facilitate learning opportunities for the community.
- Collaborate with the Rabbi and lay leaders to plan and execute meaningful prayer experiences.
- Leyning Torah and leading Torah study on a regular basis.
- Officiating/Co-officiating B’nai Mitzvah ceremonies.
Musical Leadership:
- Direct our synagogue choirs (Kochavim, Shir Heart, Junior Cantors, Shir Harmony Intergenerational Choir) and our (25 years running) Shabbatones Band, fostering a vibrant musical community.
- Curate a diverse and engaging musical repertoire that reflects our Reform minhag and meets the needs of our congregation.
- Provide training for B’nai Mitzvah students and collaborate on the running of our B’nai Mitzvah program.
Educational and Community Engagement:
- Actively participate in our Jewish education programs, from preschool to adult education classes.
- Officiate and support families preparing for lifecycle events such as B’nai Mitzvah, weddings, and funerals with compassion and guidance.
- Engage with our community through personal meetings, spiritual care, bikur cholim, and involvement in congregational events.
- Join us in collaborative initiatives with Jewish Nevada, ADL, JFSA, and other community groups.
Administrative Duties:
- Assist in planning and executing special events and programs that enrich our community life.
- Work alongside synagogue staff to ensure seamless coordination of services and events.
- Maintain and organize the synagogue’s music library and resources.
- Collaborate with our sound technician as needed
Qualifications:
- Ordination as a Cantor from a recognized institution (e.g., Academy for Jewish Religion, CA, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion) or equivalent experience. (Or certification).
- Practical experience as a Cantor or in a similar role within a progressive Jewish community.
- Proficiency in Hebrew and a strong understanding of Reform liturgy and customs.
- Exceptional musical talent, with vocal performance skills and proficiency in instruments (piano or guitar preferred).
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with clergy, staff, and lay leaders.
- A knack for connecting with and inspiring a diverse congregation of all ages.
Desired Attributes:
- A deep passion for Jewish education and community building.
- An innovative and creative approach to worship and programming.
- An empathetic and approachable demeanor, with a commitment to spiritual care.
- Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic and evolving environment.
- Willingness to engage with all members of the CNT community, from our preschoolers to our most senior members.
Compensation:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience of $100,000-$130,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package.
Start Date: July 1st, 2025
Application Process:
If you’re excited about joining our community, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit a cover letter, resume, and references to Edward Simon, CNT Executive Director.
At Congregation Ner Tamid, we celebrate diversity and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Join us in creating a warm, welcoming, and inspiring spiritual home!