Clergy and Ritual Assistant

Temple Emanu-El 
Temple Emanu-El is a thriving Reform congregation located in Westfield, New Jersey, with approximately 1,000 member families. We embrace innovation and creativity, inspiring our approach to Jewish life and practice and leading to a vibrant, inclusive Jewish community for all. When you enter our doors, you’ll find a congregation rooted in lifelong learning, where social justice and philanthropy are expressions of our Jewish values, and joyous Judaism infuses service, ritual, and program. We bring a fresh, energetic spirituality to Reform Judaism, honoring our traditions and adding a modern twist to the wisdom that has guided our community for generations. 
 
Clergy and Ritual Assistant 
We are looking for an organized, welcoming, and people-oriented professional to provide administrative support to our Senior Rabbi and the entire rabbinic team. This position plays a key role in supporting all aspects of ritual and congregational life. This is a full-time, in-person role that reports directly to the Senior Rabbi and works collaboratively with senior and administrative staff, depending on the task at hand. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys meaningful work, and brings a warm, detail-oriented presence to everything they do. While the primary hours are weekdays from 9 AM-5 PM, occasional weekend availability is expected, primarily for phone calls and emails related to lifecycle events. 
 
Primary Responsibilities 
Provide support to the rabbinic staff and be a key member of the administrative team, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, coordinating life cycle and congregational events, engaging with congregants in times of need, and helping to create a warm, well-organized, and caring environment. 

• Support to the Rabbinic Team: Provide thoughtful, behind-the-scenes assistance to ensure everything runs efficiently and to anticipate needs before they arise for the Rabbinic Team. Maintain and manage the rabbis’ calendar with accuracy and efficiency, coordinating all life cycle events and congregational programs. Serve as the primary point of contact for the Senior Rabbi.  

• Life Cycle Event Coordination: Serve as the initial point of contact for families during life cycles such as births, weddings, aufrufs, conversions, and deaths, offering compassionate support and coordinating event logistics. Responsibilities include planning and scheduling events, completing documentation, updating internal systems, arranging shiva minyans, and creating communications as needed. 

• Caring Community Engagement: Serve as the primary contact for members in need of support, including arranging rides, ordering meals, and mobilizing volunteer efforts. 

• Weekly Shabbat Responsibilities: Ensure clergy are fully prepared for Shabbat and B’nai Mitzvah services, coordinating closely with clergy and the B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator. Collaborate with the clergy, Operations Director, and volunteers for weekly challah distribution. Create and mail Yahrzeit letters, prepare the Yahrzeit and Memorial Plaque Lights list. 

• Holiday Planning Administration: Support the planning and execution of all Holidays events, and services, including coordinating with staff and volunteers as needed, with an emphasis on the High Holy Days. 

• Event Coordination: Coordinate and manage logistics for specific programs and events including guest speakers, membership initiatives, meetings, community gatherings, interfaith clergy events, and clergy Lunch & Learns—handling planning, supplies, invitations, reminders, food, and working with committees to ensure all needs are met.  

• Cemetery Coordination: Manage all aspects of cemetery plot sales, serving as a compassionate liaison to grieving families, while coordinating with the cemetery staff and funeral directors to ensure timely arrangements. 

• Clerical and Logistical Management: Order office and ritual supplies, manage phone calls and inquiries, coordinate clergy travel arrangements, write thank you notes and process reimbursements in a timely manner.  

• Communications Execution: Manage the production of the synagogue’s quarterly newsletter, coordinating submissions from staff and volunteers, and serving as the liaison with the printer to ensure timely publication. Update and proofread the weekly eblast and schedule social media posts.  

• Administrative Team Collaboration: Actively contribute to the administrative team by answering phones, greeting visitors, interacting with congregants, and pitching in for colleagues during busy times.  

Experience and Qualifications 

• Professional Experience: 3-5 years of relevant work experience preferred, with the ability to perform in a fast-paced environment. 

• Jewish Knowledge: Familiarity with Jewish traditions, holidays, and ritual is strongly preferred. 

• Technical Proficiency: Some experience with 2-3 of following software platforms: 
  - Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive)
  - Microsoft 365 (OneDrive, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 
  - Form Builder Program (Jotform) 
  - Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems 
  - Project Management systems 
  - Calendar Programs 

• Communication and Organizational Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask, prioritize competing demands, and pay attention to detail—all while meeting deadlines. Recognize the importance of supporting families during meaningful life moments, responding with empathy, compassion, and sensitivity. Capable of maintaining a calm and supportive presence, especially when families are in crisis, ensuring they feel heard, cared for, and respected. 

• Collaborative Mindset: A team player with a positive attitude, a proactive and creative approach to challenges, and a good sense of humor that fosters a supportive and enjoyable work environment. 

• Interpersonal Qualities: Strong judgment, dependability, and the ability to cultivate meaningful relationships with colleagues and community members. Ability to be discreet and trustworthy when handling confidential information and sensitive issues. 

Salary and Benefits 
$55-65,000 salary with health insurance, contribution to a retirement plan and paid time off.  

To Apply
Please send cover letter and resume to Shari Rothstein, Executive Director - [email protected].