Part-Time Synagogue Accompanist

Position Summary:
Congregation B’nai Tzedek is seeking a skilled and experienced accompanist to support our vibrant and welcoming congregation. This position involves accompanying Friday night Shabbat services, Saturday morning B’nai Mitzvah services, holiday services, and special events, as well as directing and accompanying the High Holy Day choir for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The ideal candidate will be proficient in piano, have experience with Jewish liturgical music, and be comfortable collaborating with clergy and choir members to enhance the spiritual and musical experience of our services.

Key Responsibilities:

Shabbat & Festival Services:

• Provide piano accompaniment for Friday night Shabbat services (3-4 per month), occasional Saturday morning B’nai Mitzvah services (5-7 per year), and Jewish festival services 
• Improvise when needed to complement the flow of services.
• Support congregational and clergy singing with strong, sensitive accompaniment.
• Attend rehearsals as needed (with additional rehearsal stipend)

High Holy Day Services & Choir Direction:

• Direct and accompany the High Holy Day choir, including leading summer/early Fall rehearsals leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
• Provide accompaniment for High Holy Day services, including Selichot, Erev Rosh Hashanah, Rosh Hashanah Day 1, Erev Yom Kippur and Yom Kippur Morning & Afternoon services
• Collaborate with clergy to select and prepare appropriate liturgical and choral music.
• Conduct regular rehearsals to prepare the choir for High Holy Day services.
• Ensure a musically enriching and spiritually uplifting experience for the congregation.

Qualifications:

• Strong proficiency in piano, with experience in accompanying vocalists and choirs.
• Ability to read and improvise off chord charts and lead sheets.
• Knowledge of Jewish liturgical music, nusach, and traditional melodies preferred.
• Experience directing, rehearsing, and conducting volunteer choirs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clergy, choir members, and congregants.
• Strong sight-reading and improvisational skills.
• Availability for evening and weekend services, as well as scheduled rehearsals.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to live service dynamics.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Music, Accompaniment, Choral Conducting, or related field.
• Familiarity with both traditional and contemporary Jewish music.
• Experience with choral arranging and conducting. 
• Prior experience working in a synagogue or religious setting.

Compensation:
This will be a “Pay-Per-Service” position, which will allow for flexibility and the ability to sub out as needed. Pay scale is commensurate with experience.

• Friday nights/B’nai Mitzvah/Festival $200-$300
• HHD Stipend $3,000-$3,350
• Services Include Erev Rosh Hashanah, Rosh Hashanah morning, Kol Nidrei, Yom Kippur 
• Rehearsals include eight 2-hour choir rehearsals beginning mid-July and up to four solo rehearsals with the cantor. 

If you are passionate about Jewish liturgical music and wish to contribute to a warm, musical, and spiritually enriching community, we encourage you to apply.

To apply, please send your resume, references, and (if available) a sample of your accompaniment work to Sarah at [email protected].