Judaic Studies Coordinator/Judaic Studies Teacher

About the Position

Northwest Yeshiva High School (NYHS), a Modern Orthodox High School located in beautiful Mercer Island, Washington, seeks a Coordinator of Judaic Studies starting July 1, 2025. The Coordinator will oversee religious guidance in the school, take a lead in Tefillah experience for students, serve on the Educational Leadership Team, serve as a Judaic Studies teacher, head all Judaic Studies curriculum, and provide Israel Guidance for students.

Through dynamic lessons, chaburot, onegs, innovative programs for parents and students, and strategic thinking beyond the classroom, the Coordinator of Judaic Studies will be instrumental in building a culture of commitment and love of Torah and Judaism. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic Jewish educator grounded in educational best practices who seeks to form deep and meaningful relationships with students that inspire leadership and growth. Semicha and graduate degree are preferred.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate and Engaging: Must be passionate about Jewish education, with a deep desire to help students grow spiritually and personally.
• Warm and Approachable: Must create a welcoming and supportive environment, making students feel comfortable seeking guidance.
• Role Model: Exemplify the highest standards of religious observance and Jewish values in both personal and professional conduct.
• Positive Influence: Ability to positively influence students, fostering a love for Torah, mitzvot, and Jewish living.

Qualifications

• Torah Knowledge: Strong understanding of Torah, Talmud, and halachic observance. Must be comfortable delivering shiurim and speaking publicly on Jewish topics.
• Experience: Previous experience in an educational or religious leadership role, ideally within a Jewish high school or yeshiva setting. Experience in spiritual mentorship and youth engagement is highly preferred—prior experience guiding students on gap year programs in Israel.
• Character: A person of integrity, humility, and sensitivity who serves as a model of Jewish values. Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with students and their families.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire both students and their parents.
• Educational Background: A yeshiva education is required; semicha (rabbinic ordination) is required. Advanced Jewish learning and ongoing personal growth are essential.
  Knowledge of best practices in modern pedagogy and education technology.

Key Characteristics Include

• An Orthodox Hashkafa and a passion for creating an engaging Jewish learning environment.
• Desire, interest, and enthusiasm for working with high school-aged students.
• Creative educational program designer and imaginative problem-solver.
• Excellent group facilitation skills.
• Strong organizational, judgment, and decision-making skills.
• A willingness to incorporate social-emotional learning and project-based learning into the subject matter.
• Ability to work effectively with all constituent groups - teachers, parents, students, and administrative teams.
• Semicha or bachelor’s degree in Jewish studies, Education, or a related field (Masters preferred)
• Expertise in curriculum development and lesson planning, with experience integrating 21st-century skills into educational settings.
• Proven experience advising students on gap year programs in Israel, with a deep understanding of various options and logistics.
• Experience using educational technology and tools to enhance teaching and learning.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for student development, Jewish education, and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

Judaic Studies Curriculum Development & Instruction:

• Develop, implement, and oversee a robust Judaic Studies curriculum for various grade levels, integrating Jewish history, texts, culture, and ethics.
• Create engaging and innovative lesson plans that incorporate 21st-century skills, including critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and digital literacy.
• Ensure that the curriculum aligns with both educational standards and the needs of the student body, adapting lessons to foster engagement and deepen understanding of Jewish heritage.
• Collaborate with faculty to design interdisciplinary projects that connect Judaic Studies with other areas of study.
• Continuously assess and update the curriculum, incorporating feedback from students, parents, and colleagues.

Gap Year in Israel Guidance:

• Advise students and families on selecting the right gap year programs in Israel, considering academic goals, personal growth objectives, and spiritual development.
• Provide support and guidance throughout the application process, including pre-departure orientations and logistical advice (e.g., travel, visas, housing).
• Maintain strong relationships with gap year programs and educational institutions in Israel, staying informed about new opportunities and changes.
• Monitor students’ progress during their gap year, checking in regularly to provide ongoing support, ensuring their success, and addressing any issues.
• Organize and lead pre-departure sessions to prepare students emotionally, socially, and academically for their time in Israel.

21st Century Educational Practices & Skills Integration:

• Promote the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills in the Judaic Studies curriculum.
• Integrate technology into lessons and assignments, using tools that enhance learning experiences, such as digital platforms, educational apps, and interactive media.
• Foster a learning environment that encourages creativity and adaptability, using inquiry-based and student-centered teaching methods.
• Collaborate with the school's technology and curriculum teams to align educational goals with best practices in modern pedagogy.

Lesson Planning & Instructional Leadership:

• Develop and execute detailed, creative, and engaging lesson plans that reflect current educational trends and standards in Judaic Studies.
• Implement differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring accessibility and challenge for all learners.
• Lead professional development sessions for faculty, focusing on the integration of 21st-century skills and tools in Judaic Studies.
• Provide ongoing feedback to students on their academic progress, guiding them in achieving personal and educational goals.
• Support teachers in the classroom by offering resources, strategies, and collaborative teaching opportunities.

Student Support & Engagement:

• Cultivate a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages Jewish identity and personal growth exploration.
• Provide individualized support and mentorship to students, particularly those preparing for their gap year in Israel.
• Develop extracurricular activities and opportunities for students to deepen their connection to Judaism and community.
• Organize and lead Jewish cultural and educational events, such as Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations, and guest speaker programs.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for students, parents, and faculty regarding Judaic Studies programming and gap year guidance.
• Regularly communicate with families about students' progress and opportunities within the Judaic Studies program and the gap year experience.
• Work collaboratively with the school's leadership team to ensure alignment between Judaic Studies goals and the broader vision of the school.
• Participate in school-wide initiatives and committees that promote academic excellence and student well-being.

Responsibilities

• Teach Judaic courses
• Oversee programming and logistics of schoolwide events and experiences such as student orientation, shabbatonim, Purim/Chodesh Adar, Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron, Yom Haatzmaut, Lag Baomer, Yom Yerushalayim, Shabbat dinners and onegs;
• Mentor student-leaders and support their personal, intellectual, and spiritual development. Establish strong, trusting relationships with students and parents, bridging the school community and the broader Jewish community.
• Collaborate with Judaic Studies faculty to develop standards and curricula for the department.
• Ensure that the school environment reflects the highest standards of halachic observance. Work closely with the administration and faculty to provide a spiritually enriching atmosphere in accordance with Torah principles.
• Provide skillful classroom management practices (routines and procedures) to ensure an orderly, positive, productive learning environment.
• Design and implement appropriate instruction to facilitate learning and growth.
• Use formative and summative assessments to analyze students’ strengths and needs and document student progress;
• Work collaboratively in situations that may be time-sensitive with a variety of individuals, including students, parents, faculty, and staff.
• Uphold the philosophy, principles, policies, and procedures and represent NYHS positively in the school community and the wider community.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Excellent benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending, 403b retirement savings, Parsonage
• High-quality professional development, coaching, and mentoring
• Generous vacation and Paid Time Off policy
• This is a safety-sensitive position that requires satisfactory completion of a Background Check, Pre-Employment Drug Screen (in accordance with Washington laws), Reference Checks, and fingerprinting.

About Northwest Yeshiva High School

NYHS’ mission is to empower every student with the knowledge and passion to actively contribute to the highest expression of being an Am Kadosh.  As Seattle’s only coeducational Modern Orthodox high school, NYHS is uniquely positioned as a critical bridge for connecting a dynamic and rapidly growing Jewish community. 

Our diverse and professional faculty is exceptionally qualified to bring varied life experiences and passion to their content areas and instruction. Our teaching philosophy is geared toward our guiding principles of responsibility, community, collaboration, love of Judaism, and academic excellence.

To Apply

We invite you to join our team as a Coordinator of Judaic Studies and Judaic Studies educator for the 2025-2026 school year. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

NYHS is proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and current resume to [email protected].

NYHS is an equal-opportunity employer.