CKehillath Shalom Synagogue Seeks Teacher for Torah School
Our Torah School
Mission:
The Kehillath Shalom Synagogue Religious School seeks to awaken in each child a Jewish identity rooted in ethics, wonder, gratitude, and tradition. Our Reconstructionist approach fosters intellectual engagement and a commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). By meeting each student as they are, and honoring the potential for who they will become, we strive to develop lifelong Jewish learners.
This year:
We expect our Torah School will have 10 – 15 students, ranging in age from Kindergarten to 7th grade. In the past, K-2 met monthly. 3-5 and 6-7 grades met approximately 25 times a year: mostly Shabbat mornings from 10 – 12:45, with some Sunday morning family workshops and Friday night Shabbat experiences and a congregational shabbaton. This year, Kehillath Shalom Synagogue’s educational program will be a hybrid of online and in-person learning opportunities, in ways that are inquiry-driven and project-based. Small groups and individual learning will be possible. Flexibility, responsiveness, student choice and family need will guide our efforts to welcome students into our warm and caring community and nurture each learner in our unique, personal approach to Jewish exploration and growth.
This is our hope for our school:
Kehillath Shalom Synagogue’s Torah* School harnesses the wisdom found within our ancient heritage to guide each child’s personal path to living meaningfully as Jews in a ever-changing world. We seek to awaken in each child a Jewish identity rooted in ethics, wonder, gratitude, and tradition. Our Reconstructionist approach fosters intellectual, personal, and emotional engagement and a commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). By meeting each student as they are and honoring the potential for who they will become, we strive to develop lifelong Jewish learners.
*Torah = the collected, evolving wisdom of the Jewish people engaged in the world.
Teacher
The teacher will work closely with Rabbi Lina Zerbarini to develop meaningful educational opportunities for students and families. Opportunities will include online individual and small group learning, and family workshops. In addition to the teacher, Rabbi Lina, artists and specialists will teach.
Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of Jewish traditions, as well as personal practice
- Knowledge of Hebrew language
- Teaching, including special education, experience
- Knowledge of curriculum and ability to create interactive/hands-on lessons (3D)
- Ability to find tools for meeting contemporary challenges in the wisdom of Jewish tradition.
Desired Attributes
- Ability to create a positive (virtual) classroom atmosphere that’s flexible and understanding of diverse student needs- academic & behavioral
- Creative, out-of-the-box thinker
- Collaborative
- Self-starter
- Energetic and enthusiastic
- Maintain warm & positive relationships with students & families
- Patient and Warm
Salary
Salary is $6000, which includes all of the above plus 2 sessions of professional development.
Who We Are
Based in Cold Spring Harbor with members around Long Island, Kehillath Shalom is a small, evolving Reconstructionist congregation, part of a dynamic movement that defines Judaism as more than a religion. For us, Judaism is a civilization encompassing history, literature, art and language. We are respectful of traditional Jewish practice, and also open to new interpretations and forms of religious expression.
We are a congregation that is representative of the community in which we live - young families, mature couples, singles, interfaith couples, LGBTQIA folks, individuals with diverse backgrounds of religious observance and Jewish knowledge, people from many walks of life. Kehillath Shalom prides itself on integrating this mix of people into an active, warm, spiritually invigorating Reconstructionist community.
See our mission and vision here.
Cover letter and resume to Rabbi Lina Zerbarini: rabbi@kehillathshalomsynagogue.org.