United Synagogue Job Description
JOB TITLE: Community Development Rabbi/Rabbinic Couple (Part-Time) - Fixed Term, initially for 2 years.
LOCATION: East Borehamwood
WORKING HOURS: The actual allocation of time to be agreed, but it is expected that the role should take 12 hours per week (shared across the couple) in addition to Shabbat & all Chagim
REMUNERATION: A basic salary and accommodation will be provided in the
& EXPENSES East Borehamwood area and additional expenses to be paid in accordance with United Synagogue procedures will be discussed at the interview
REPORTS TO: Line Manager – US Centre – individual TBC
An advisory team consisting of the
US Community Development Manager, US Community Development Fund Manager and the Chair of BES will oversee the project
Chief Rabbi – United Synagogue (Ecclesiastical)
BENEFITS: 20 days holiday, plus 8 Bank Holidays
Childcare Vouchers
Auto-Enrolled Pension
JOB PURPOSE: To develop a US satellite community in East Borehamwood
OVERVIEW OF ROLE
Borehamwood East offers a great opportunity for an ambitious Rabbi or Rabbinic couple to work within a part of the largest centrist Orthodox Community in the UK. Borehamwood & Elstree United Synagogue (BES) already consists of two sites: Croxdale Road (in North Borehamwood) and Yavneh College (South Borehamwood).
The US and BES have identified the opportunity to develop a second satellite community in East Borehamwood and the US are seeking a Rabbi or Rabbinic couple to drive this project.
The role involves running activities that will encourage the formation of a fully-fledged satellite community within 2 years. You will need to be a go-getter, willing to meet and develop relationships with those who live in the area. You will be a charismatic leader and Jewish role model to existing and potential US members
Over the course of the year, you will be expected to run a series of events, cultural educational and religious. You will be expected to host locals for Shabbat meals (at least 1 meal per Shabbat 3 times a month). You will start holding Friday night services and work towards the establishment of a monthly Shabbat morning service (towards the end of 12 months).
Additionally, on Shabbat you will support the existing BES community as needed (as long as this does not conflict with your duties in East Borehamwood).
You will be centrally supported by the United Synagogue Community Division, as well as the local Borehamwood and Elstree US community.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Community development
· To strengthen and build a US Satellite Community in East Borehamwood by;
o Planning, marketing and running a range of community development activities that engage a wide range of Jews in the area e.g. BBQs. Whisky tasting, education events, open house Havdalah, friendly Friday night services, onegs
o To support US members during lifecycle events e.g. shivas (in co-ordination with the Rabbinic team of BES)
o Develop, attractive religious service options in the area e.g. Friday night services and, within 12 months, a Shabbat morning service
o Building relationships with Jewish residents, understanding their needs and those of their families and peers
· To be the key ‘welcomer’ in the area for new Jewish arrivals, ‘knocking’ on homes with a Mezuzah and building a relationship with local estate agents
· Provide regular hospitality at home (at least 3 times a month)
· To build a volunteer base – empowering local people to shape the development of a new community
o Specifically, to develop, nurture and motivate an East Borehamwood Working (leadership) group
o You will receive support in this from local liaisons and rabbis
Synagogue promotion
· To encourage existing US members and to recruit new US members, to participate in Shul services and activities. This includes East Borehamwood activities as well as wider BES events.
· To be the first Jewish point of contact for those considering moving into the area and to actively promote it as an option
Community Education
· To develop and implement in line with the needs of the local residents, creative and engaging educational programming
Membership
· To encourage membership of BES US and TCM (where appropriate).
o The success of this role will be judged on priority a) the number of new US members and then b) the number of engaged members
Supporting BES activities:
· When not running an activity in East Borehamwood, on a Shabbat morning, you will be required to support activities on either of the BES sites (e.g. Yavneh or Croxdale road)
o This may include officiating in one of their services or leading an alternative service or youth discussion
o These activities will be decided in consultation with the Project Advisory Team
· To attend meetings with the wider BES rabbinic team to co-ordinate activities as appropriate
Fundraising:
· To assist with fundraising additional resources for the growth of the project.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The person to be appointed to this post should able to demonstrate the following:
Essential / Desirable / CommentsEDUCATION
· Acceptable Semicha to the Chief Rabbi &LBD / · University Graduate
APTITUDE/SKILLS
· To motivate and lead people towards active engagement in US community life
· Ability to offer meaningful, spiritual comfort to those in need / · Full UK Driving licence
· Computer literate
EXPERIENCE
· Outreach work
· Building sustainable communities
· Event management (Inc. marketing)
· Social media
· Networking / · Educating adults
· Experience as a senior rabbi of a community
· Fundraising
PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES
· Able to demonstrate a centrist orthodox ethos and commitment to the state of Israel / Should the Rabbi be married, The US is keen for his wife to play some active role in this project (for which she will be employed)
PERSONAL QUALITIES
· Approachable
· Excellent time-keeping, arriving at least 5 minutes before the start of all services
· Discrete
· Organised
· Ability to work with and develop lay leader(s).
· Innovative
· Self-motivated
· Excellent communicator
· Tolerant and be able to relate to members whatever their knowledge and observance
· Ability to lead services
GENERIC DUTIES
· Committed to the aims of the United Synagogue and act as an ambassador for the organisation
· Comply with The United Synagogue’s policy and procedures and code of expectations
· Bring to the attention of senior staff any health and safety requirements, which become obvious. In the event of any immediate danger, to take the appropriate action to reduce risk to physical danger to employees, members, contractors, volunteers, children, parents, visitors or staff
· Work collaboratively with other colleagues across the organisation to ensure the United Synagogue can achieve its vision, mission, and strategy
· Undertake appropriate training as requested by your line manager in conjunction with the Human Resources Department and be committed to own continuous professional development
· Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Chief Executive or other designated senior staff/undertaking such other duties that occasionally fall within the purpose of the post
· Maintaining high levels of discretion and confidentiality at all times
· This job description and person specification is not prescriptive; it merely outlines the key tasks and responsibilities of the post and the key tasks and responsibilities are subject to change, any changes will be made in consultation with the post holder
· This Job Description is subject to alteration in response to the changes in legislation or The United Synagogue’s operational procedures
· Due of the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is exempt from the provisions of Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation Act, 1974, by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, 1974, (Exceptions) Order 1975
· Accordingly, a valid and current enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate (formerly CRB) that is satisfactory to the United Synagogue will be required; please ensure that you complete the United Synagogue Application Form Part 2 appropriately
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