Welcome to B’nai Or of Boston!
B’nai Or of Boston is one of the oldest continually active Jewish Renewal congregations in the world having just this past June celebrated our 25th Anniversary. Throughout the years our community has been a model for other Jewish communities, across denominations and geography, looking to foster a deeply relevant Judaism for their members.
We are rooted in and seek wisdom and guidance from the Tanach as well as from the stories and history of the Jewish people. We offer our members a uniquely vibrant community in which they can explore and embrace Jewish practice, culture and spirituality.
We are currently seeking a three-quarter to full-time Rabbi and Spiritual Leader to provide a full range of services to B’nai Or.
We thank you for inquiring about the position. We hope that the information we have provided will be helpful to you. For more information about who we seek to be our leader and about our community, please read the following: Rabbi Search Job Description and Frequently Asked Questions.
To apply for this position, please contact: contact: Shira Karman at: rabbisearch@earthlink.net
B'shalom,
B’nai Or Rabbi Search Committee
Job Description
B’nai Or of Boston has for 25 years offered its members a unique and vibrant community in which they can explore and embrace Jewish practice, culture and spirituality. As one of the oldest continually active Jewish Renewal congregations in the world, B’nai Or is life transforming for many members. Those who wish to explore and return to their spiritual roots often find a comfortable community in B’nai Or. B’nai Or fosters a love of Judaism in the children who grow up with it, offers a safe and inviting space for Jews by choice, for Jews in non-traditional families and for Jews of all sexual orientations. It is an open and welcoming environment for partners and visitors of different ethnicities and religions.
B’nai Or is known for its dynamic, participatory services of chanting, movement, dancing, meditation, healing circles, bilingual davening and heartfelt singing. With an elegant mix of traditional rabbinic and creative contemporary ritual, our community encourages individuals and families to take ownership of their Judaism. Members engage their bodies, voices and deeds in their own personal spirituality, ask critical questions of ritual and text, organize for Tikkun Olam and take leadership roles in teaching and davening.
We seek a three-quarter to full time rabbi committed to our congregation beginning June 2009. This spiritual leader will: (1) lead dynamic services that we love; (2) advise on building and sustaining a robust children’s educational program; (3) offer engaging adult education opportunities such as classes, text studies and workshops; (4) act as a community chaplain; (5) have the executive skills to guide our community to continued financial stability; (6). be available to lead life cycle events; (7) support members in organized social justice and interfaith work; and (8) collaborate with and foster community leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many members are in B’nai Or?
The membership that comprises B’nai Or’s diverse community consists of approximately 110 units or 210 individuals (ages newborn to mid-70’s). One of the objectives of our new rabbi will be to help us double that number over the next five years.
Does B’nai Or only serve the city of Boston?
No. B’nai Or serves many of the communities in the greater Boston area including Brookline, Cambridge, Newton, Watertown, Lexington, and Arlington.
What is the davvenen at B’nai Or like?
B’nai Or is known for its dynamic, participatory services that not only include traditional prayer and ritual , but chants, movement, dancing, meditation, healing circles, and egalitarian davvenen. With an elegant mix of traditional rabbinic and creative contemporary ritual, our community encourages individuals and families to take ownership of their Judaism.
Does a rabbi have to be a Renewal rabbi to apply?
No. We welcome all qualified applicants.
Why are we conducting a search for a new Rabbi?
Since our last rabbis left the congregation for semi-retirement we have had Interim leadership and we are now looking to hire a permanent Spiritual Leader who can bring us into a vibrant future.
Who selects the new Rabbi?
The Rabbi Search Committee, after reviewing applications and pre-screening applicants will recommend a candidate to the B’nai Or Steering Committee (our governing board). The Steering Committee must then approve the candidate.
The Rabbi Search Committee is comprised of a diverse and dedicated group of congregants. This group represents the wide range of B’nai Or’s community, but at the same time is small enough to work effectively and efficiently on behalf of the congregation.
What is the process for selecting a new Rabbi?
The responsibility of the Rabbi Search Committee involves research, communication, recruitment, interviews, offers, and contract negotiation. Candidates will be interviewed by phone by two members of the Rabbi Search Committee. References will be contacted by a member of the Rabbi Search Committee. Final candidates will be invited to lead service(s) so congregants as a whole can meet them. They will also meet in person with the Rabbi Search Committee. The committee will then decide on a recommended candidate’s name to send to the Steering Committee for final approval. When a candidate has been approved, an offer will be made to the candidate.
What traits are you looking for in the new Rabbi?
To help us achieve our goals and attain our vision of a robust community the Rabbi Search Committee has identified certain criteria necessary for all applicants including: 1) ability to articulate and educate our congregation in Hebrew and Jewish knowledge; 2) strong interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire; and 3) exceptional spiritual and pastoral skills.
How much experience is required to be considered as a candidate for the position of Rabbi at B’nai Or?
Our community is 25 years old and we are looking for a rabbi with experience in leading services; building and sustaining a children’s educational program; offering adult education opportunities; acting as a community chaplain; possessing the executive skills necessary to guide our community to continued financial stability; ability to lead life cycle events; supporting members in organized social justice and interfaith work; and collaborating with and fostering community leadership.
What opportunities will there be for congregants to participate in the selection process?
Congregants will have the opportunity to meet with final candidates as they lead a service and to share feedback with the rabbi search committee.
What is the salary?
The position is for 3/4 time and is guaranteed for three years. The salary range will depend on your experience and will be discussed with you confidentially.
When does the job begin?
Ideally, the position could begin as early as June. 2009, but it is possible that it could start even earlier.
May I contact Rabbi David Zaslow to confidentially discuss different aspects of the job?
Yes, Rabbi David, our interim rabbi is very willing to speak with you. Please contact him at Shalomrav@aol.com to make an appointment for a telephone meeting.
Will my communications with the Rabbi Search Committee be confidential?
Yes.
Who should I contact for more information about this position?
Please contact Shira Karman at: rabbisearch@earthlink.net
