Assistant/Associate Rabbi Application

Transcription

1 Rabbinic Placement Commission Rabbi Alan Henkin Director of Placement Lexington Avenue 18th Floor New York, NY Return electronically as an attachment to Assistant/Associate Rabbi Application Type of Position: (select one) Full-Time / Part-Time In keeping with the highest ideals of Reform Judaism our congregation agrees: 1. To abide by our teaching that each individual is created b tzelem Elohim, in the image of God, so that we will include in our search all candidates regardless of age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or marital status; 2. To follow the rules, policies and procedures of the A Handbook of Placement Procedures ; 3. To take into consideration the principles of The Guidelines for Rabbinical-Congregational Relationships ; 4. To conduct our search solely through the Reform Movement s Rabbinical Placement Commission. President: John Streicker Date: June 12, 2017 Please type in the president s name; doing so indicates the president approved this document and authorized this search. Date of Application: June 12, 2017 Date Position is Available: July 1, 2018 or sooner Congregation: Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York Street Address: 1 East 65th Street City/State/Zip: New York, NY jdavidson@emanuelnyc.org Telephone: (212) Website: President: John Streicker President s streicker@sentinelcorp.com Telephone: (212) Current Rabbi: Joshua M. Davidson Length of Tenure: 4 years Chair/Co-Chairs of Search Committee: John Streicker Chair streicker@sentinelcorp.com Chair Telephone: (212) Number of members on 5 the Search Committee:

2 Professional Staff Please list the names, tenure (length of service) and status (part-time or full-time) of the professional staff. Position Name P/F Tenure Senior Rabbi Joshua M. Davidson F 4 yrs Rabbi Amy Ehrlich F 28 yrs Associate Rabbi Allison Tick Brill (outgoing) F 2 yrs Adjunct Rabbi Sara Sapadin starting 09/17 Rabbi Emeritus Dr. David M. Posner P 40 yrs Rabbi Emeritus Dr. Ronald B. Sobel P 40 yrs Cantor Mo Glazman F 1 yr Cantorial Soloist Accompanist K. Scott Warren P 17 yrs Accompanist Dr. Andrew Henderson P 17yrs Executive Director Cara Glickman F 3 yrs Program Director Dr. Gady Levy F 3 yrs Early Childhood Director Ellen Davis F 37 yrs Youth Director Emma Cate Lindsey F 1 mo Lifelong Learning Director Saul Kaiserman F 10 yrs Administrator Mark Heutlinger F 27 yrs Bookkeeper Richard Kanner F 18 yrs Director of Development Robyn Cimbol F 22 yrs Congregation Identity Number of member units today: 2,208 Number of member units five years ago: 2,196 Families: 1,371 Single Members: 834 Date congregation founded: 1845 Is there a building? Yes Date built: 1929 (major renovations and facility expansion since) Age Distribution of Membership Under 30: : : : : unknown 184 2

3 Congregation Facilities Permanent seats in sanctuary: 2500 and 1000 (two sanctuaries) Sanctuary Seating Expandable to: n/a Number of classrooms: 33, 6 of which are dedicated to the Nursery School Number of offices: 29 Social hall/auditorium: 2 Library: Yes Youth lounge: Yes Rabbi s study: Yes Chapel: 2 Other: Museum, Archive Kitchen: 2 large, 3 small Religious Services Please indicate the prayer books used Sabbaths and Festivals: Temple Emanu-El has traditionally used the Union Prayer Book. We currently worship with the Revised Sinai Edition and are experimenting with more contemporary liturgies with the goal of creating our own prayer book. High Holidays: Union Prayer Book, and more contemporary liturgies published by Temple Emanu-El. 3

4 Lifelong Learning Does your congregation have an early childhood center? Yes - Number of students: 120 Number of classes: 7 Does your congregation have a day school? No - Number of students: n/a Number of classes: n/a Grades: n/a Does your congregation have a supplemental religious school? Yes - Number of students: 303 Number of classes: 24 Grades: K-12 How many bar or bat mitzvah ceremonies did you have? Yes - This year: 59 Five years ago: 45 Does your congregation offer post Bar/Bat Mitzvah or Confirmation programs? Yes - Number of students: 55 Number of classes: 5 Grades: 8-12 Does your congregation have an adult learning program? Yes The Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center - How many classes per year? Numerous courses, cultural activities, lectures, and other adult learning opportunities. See for the full scope of programming. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg The Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center September 21,

5 Informal Learning Does your congregation have a Middle School youth group? Yes - Number of participants: 15 Does your congregation have a High School youth group? Yes - Number of participants: 25 Is your program affiliated with NFTY? Yes Do you have a summer day camp? Yes - Number of participants: 62 How many students in your congregation attend a residential Jewish summer camp? 4-6 Does your congregation have a school-year retreat for supplemental school students? Yes - How many attend? Does your congregation offer adult weekend retreats? Not yet - How many attend? n/a Now celebrating our tenth year of innovation, the Department of Lifelong Learning seeks to transform and revolutionize congregational education, including our Religious School, youth leadership, holiday celebrations and family worship. Among our nationally recognized programs are Tribes, led by our teens, Mitzvah Corps, our 7th grade service-learning program, and the A-TEEM, our high school internship program. For more information about programs including the Teen Philanthropic Committee, High School Confirmation, and Teen Leadership Council, see our brochure. Community Profile Other Jewish agencies and facilities: Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, Union for Reform Judaism, Jewish Theological Seminary, Dorot, Jewish Board of Family and Children s Services, and many others Jewish Home for the Aged: Yes Jewish Community Relations Council: Yes Federation and Welfare Fund: United Jewish Appeal-Federation of Jewish Philanthropies Day school: Congregation Rodeph Sholom, Abraham Joshua Heschel, The Ramaz School, Park East Synagogue Other Reform congregations: Central Synagogue, Congregation Rodeph Sholom, Temple Israel, Shaaray Tefilah, East End Temple, Steven Wise Free Synagogue Conservative: Sutton Place Synagogue, Congregation Habonim, Park Avenue Synagogue, Town and Village Synagogue Reconstructionist: Society for the Advancement of Judaism, West End Synagogue Orthodox: Aish HaTorah, Congregation Adereth El, Congregation K'hal Adath Jeshurun, Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, Congregation Ohab Zedek, Congregation Shearith Israel-The Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue, Fifth Avenue Synagogue-Kehilat Ateret Tzvi, Kehilat Reyim Ahuvim Other major institutions in the community: Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Center, American Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Hall, Central Park Zoo, The United Nations, World renowned hospitals and schools Colleges and universities in the area: Columbia University, New York University, City University, Fordham, Yeshiva University, and many more 5

6 IMPoRTAnT ConSIDeRATIonS Please thoroughly fill out all questions listed below. PLeASe LIST The DuTIeS AnD ReSPonSIbILITIeS of The ASSISTAnT or ASSoCIATe RAbbI (beginning with the most important) Clergy Responsibilities Craft and lead Main Sanctuary Shabbat and holiday worship, which feature a 17-voice professional choir, world-class instrumentalists, and an evolving mix of traditional, choral, and contemporary music Work with colleagues to shape monthly Shabbat Kodesh family services which utilize professional Storahtellers, a live band, and student participation Share equally in the preaching rotation delivering on average two sermons per month Officiate at all lifecycle events including b nei mitzvah, weddings, baby namings, funerals, unveilings, conversions, shiva minyanim Counsel couples in preparation for marriage and officiate at ceremonies onsite and offsite Visit the sick and homebound Guide 8-10 students per year through the conversion process and participate on local batei din for conversions Young Professionals engagement Oversee Saviv, Temple Emanu-El s 20s and 30s community. Considered one of the most dynamic and successful programs in the Greater Metropolitan area, Saviv s monthly services draw 150+ participants (mostly unaffiliated) from around the city. Together with the Director of Special Events, you will set the vision for Saviv Shabbat services and holiday celebrations. This year s monthly services featured different themes that guided the sermon, decor, food and drink including Aloha Shabbat; Cozy Shabbat: Whiskey & Pie; 1920s Roaring Shabbat; and Fiesta Rooftop Shabbat. You will help cultivate lay leaders, integrate young professionals into the wider community, and be their rabbi. Lead Temple Emanu-El s Young Member Initiative to involve young people who grew up at the synagogue and the adult children of members. With the Director of Special Events, you will help craft four programs per year: an elegant seated Shabbat dinner, a summer cocktail party, a community service project, and attending a Streicker Center event together. Direct and facilitate two to three 3549 events per year for Jewish singles ages with significant help from lay leaders. educational Responsibilities Lead weekly religious school services that utilize Saul Kaiserman s renown Tefilah Curriculum for 3rd-6th grade students Co-teach confirmation with Senior Rabbi Joshua Davidson Lead monthly Religious School Student Council Participate in quarterly b nei mitzvah family programs Teach occasional adult education sessions including book discussions and lectures 6

7 Interfaith Activities Direct and facilitate Muslim-Jewish dialogue opportunities including Passover in a Mosque, and Ramadan Iftars with the Diwan Foundation and Muslim Jewish Solidarity Committee. Our previous assistant/associate rabbi created the New Day Fellowship with other city clergy for Muslim and Jewish millennials. You will have opportunities to create similar programs if of interest to you. Help launch and steward an Interfaith Advisory Council to look at the congregation s interfaith efforts at large (including Bible study with Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, pulpit exchanges, community-wide events, etc.) to set programming and communicate the temple s efforts to the congregation. Please list the congregational policy or practice regarding the length of tenure of the assistant or associate The expectation is that those hired as assistant rabbi remain for up to six years, however some, once promoted to associate, have remained longer. What three qualities are most important to your congregation in your new assistant or associate rabbi Warm, energetic, inspiring presence Creativity born of intellectual curiosity: we should be regularly experimenting and challenging ourselves to find the most effective methods of Jewish engagement Spiritual depth: whether working with youth or teaching adults, our community seeks sophisticated, meaningful opportunities The three most important priorities of our assistant or associate rabbi should be Convey and execute the temple s mission to be a bold reform congregation where warmth and majesty meet Partner with the Senior Rabbi, professional staff and lay leaders to unlock the community s potential and reach new populations In addition to traditional congregational needs, our new rabbi will become an ambassador to many interested audiences in New York Jewish, secular, civic and of other faiths The single most important thing an assistant or associate rabbi needs to know about our congregation is The congregation envisions a bold and creative next chapter in its illustrious history, and the potential for creativity and innovation are limitless. What are the three primary goals of your congregation To create a sense of sacred community among our members To welcome, comfort, celebrate, inspire and educate all who come through our doors To serve the broader Jewish and wider communities through acts of tzedek and chesed 7

8 What are the three most important issues to confront in your congregation in the next five years Reimaging worship to allow for experiences of immanence as well as transcendence. We have created alternative, less formal, more participatory services to complement our more formal worship and engage more of our members. The challenge remains to explore an integrated worship experience that satisfies a variety of ritual sensibilities. Capitalizing on our new and expanded Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center, now creating cultural, religious and spiritual connections for its thousands of participants, members and non-members, to counter the trend away from synagogue affiliation. Engaging and retaining younger families past Nursery School and then again after Bar and Bat Mitzvah. A note from outgoing Associate Rabbi Allison Tick brill This is a dream job with unparalleled opportunities for innovation, creativity, and growth! I have loved every day of my tenure at Temple Emanu-El and wish I could have stayed longer (my family is relocating to Chicago). I can t imagine a senior rabbi more compassionate and visionary than Rabbi Joshua Davidson, nor can I imagine colleagues as wise, warm, and supportive as Rabbi Amy Ehrlich and Cantor Mo Glazman. During my time at Temple Emanu-El, in addition to all the wonderful rabbinic work you would expect, I hosted a 1000 person sober rave to engage 20s and 30s, created a Muslim Jewish fellowship as a passion project, filmed news segments, led worship in a sanctuary that literally took my breath away on multiple occasions, and worked with a phenomenal congregation and professional staff. As you can hopefully tell, I love this position, and would be delighted to speak with you about it! Please provide your congregation s Mission Statement In December 2015, Temple Emanu-El s Board of Trustees adopted a new Statement of Vision for the congregation: Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York: A Bold Reform Congregation Where Warmth and Majesty Meet our Legacy In keeping with our founding in 1845 as the first Reform Jewish Congregation in New York City, Temple Emanu-El continues to build upon its legacy of leadership and the timeless values of Jewish tradition as we strive toward a more just, ethical and compassionate world. We commit our spiritual, intellectual, physical and financial resources to strengthening our community today for a vital tomorrow. our Community We are a community of warmth and awareness where every individual matters. We embrace our diverse membership and offer all who comprise it a meaningful life grounded in Judaism. Our membership s size and varied backgrounds, experiences and ideas are a foundational strength, providing opportunities for meaningful connections for all. We cherish the friendships made and developed through our active experiences in temple life. our Passion We pride ourselves on our inspiring worship experiences; our lifelong opportunities to study, learn and grow; our remarkable tradition of philanthropy; and the fullness of our religious and cultural offerings. We value our historic role as a Jewish voice in New York City, our country and the world. 8

9 our Commitment Membership is an invitation to join a community of faith, hope and promise. We invite each member to engage actively in the dynamic life of our synagogue and thereby grow spiritually through prayer, intellectually through education and morally through righteous action (tikkun olam). We affirm solidarity with the Jewish people and our historic presence in the State of Israel. We look to the future with hope, determined to be worthy of our name, Emanu-El, God is with us. What are your congregation s core values Worship, Torah Study, Social Justice, and Inclusive Community What are your congregation s strengths Warmth Energy Strong lay leadership Strong professional staff Healthy lay-professional relationships Abundant financial resources available in the community to meet our program and staff needs Dynamic social justice and caring community programs Rich adult education program Successful Nursery School and Religious School Commitment to interfaith outreach Renown 20s and 30s engagement Magnificent choir, choir directors and organists Substantial Facilities Historic Main Sanctuary What are your congregation s greatest challenges Residual institutional inertia: After a period of little change, we are now reexamining all areas of synagogue function and structure, and are on the move once again. 9

10 Finances Size of the congregational budget: Percent of the budget covered by dues: 53% $17.8 million Average member dues: $2,500 Other sources of revenue: Fundraising: - Annual operating fund appeal - Annual philanthropic fund appeal Endowment: - $131 million Other: - Legacy and endowment giving - Security & guest ticket fees - Lifecycle events fees - Rental income Remuneration Proposed base compensation (salary and parsonage)*: commensurate with experience and appropriate given cost of living in the New York area. Percentage of pension in addition to salary: 15% Standard benefits of a rabbi in addition to salary (not included above) - Health insurance*: Yes - Income-Disability insurance: LTD through Reform Pension Board, STD through temple - Convention allowance: Yes - Sabbatical: No - Car allowance: No - Life insurance: No - Professional Expenses: Yes - Books and periodicals: Yes - Organizational Dues: Yes - Social Security Reimbursement: No - Housing: No - Other: Generous discretionary fund supplied by the congregation - Family Leave Policy: Yes * The best practice is to specify on this form the compensation range and the nature of the health insurance. If that is impractical, these issues should be discussed prior to or during the onsite visit. briefly describe the financial condition of the congregation As our endowment indicates, the financial condition of the congregation is strong. 10

11 Please provide a history of your congregation if it is not located on your website The founding of Temple Emanu-El was a consequence of the second wave of immigration of Jews from Europe to America. Established in 1845 at a gathering of 33 Jews from Germany, Temple Emanu-El held its first services in a second-floor loft at the corner of Grand and Clinton streets on the Lower East Side. With more Jews coming from Germany to New York, and with the growing success of the community, the congregation moved progressively uptown. By 1868 the congregants built an edifice at Fifth Avenue and East 43rd Street, at that time the largest synagogue structure in America. By this time, Temple Emanu-El already had gained the reputation of having the most prominent congregation in the country. As Emanu-El continued to grow, the neighborhood in which it was situated became increasingly commercialized. The decision thus was made in the mid-1920s to relocate. Consolidating in 1927 with Temple Beth-El (located on Fifth Avenue and East 76th Street), the congregation built its present house of worship at Fifth Avenue and East 65th Street. In December 1960, with its population still expanding, Emanu-El purchased adjoining property on East 66th Street. Today this site houses our Religious School and Nursery School, as well as the Temple Emanu-El Streicker Center for Jewish Life and Learning, the Leon Lowenstein Sanctuary and other facilities for congregational activities. Over the years, and owing to the long history of the congregation, the mode of worship conducted at Temple Emanu-El has been called Classical Reform. Today, the spirit in the congregation is one of inclusion, flexibility and sensitivity to the needs and desires of our various constituent members. Thank you for participating in the Reform Movement s Placement process. We look forward to working with you toward a successful conclusion to your search Central Conference of American Rabbis ConGReGATIon emanu-el OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK /emanuel_nyc 11