Introduction
Congregation Sha’are Shalom is seeking a part-time leader, preferably an ordained member of the clergy.
Congregation Sha’are Shalom (CSS) is a small (48 families) but active Reform-affiliated congregation in Waldorf, Md., 14 miles south of the Capital Beltway on Md. Rt. 5 (Branch Avenue). Sha’are Shalom strives to provide Jewish religious, social, cultural, and educational opportunities to the Southern Maryland community. Our objective is to provide the opportunity for all Jewish families to perpetuate their heritage and share a sense of community. We are fully egalitarian and socially progressive. CSS was founded in 1991 and has had its own building in since 2009.
CSS currently provides Shabbat services (Friday PM and Saturday AM), Religious School (Sunday AM), holiday observances, and social/fundraising events.
We are seeking a religious leader for these specific tasks:
Religious Services
- Lead one Saturday service a month, second Saturday of the month starting at 10 AM, lasting 60-90 minutes, incorporating music
- Determine Torah readings
- Coordinate the Torah Readings and the Cantorial duties with the Worship Service Coordinator. (Worship Service Coordinator coordinates Torah readers and aliyahs.)
- Prepare and deliver a sermon
- Prepare a service from Gates of Prayer (supplement as desired)
- Lead Kiddush after services
- Officiate at B’nai Mitzvah service if it falls on the second Saturday of the month
- Lead High Holiday services, if possible, in coordination with our lay leaders
- Help plan Jewish holiday events throughout the year
Religious School
CSS runs a volunteer-staffed weekly religious school (25-30 students ages 4-13). Specific tasks related to the Religious School include:
- Review curriculum and books used
- Recommend fresh resources
- Review B’nai Mitzvah requirements
- Visit classes once a quarter
Congregation Support
- Be available to work with families on life cycle events
- Be available for pastoral counseling for congregants
Option
- Option to lead periodic adult education classes
While our small congregation can only dream at this time of having its own full-time rabbi, we do hope that our next leader will view Sha’are Shalom as an important part of his/her life, as “my congregation,” even if we were one of several.
Next Steps
Please complete the form below and submit your resume by April 30, 2017. We will contact you to request further information. If you would like to contact us, please call Paul McVinney at 301-283-3427. We look forward to speaking with you.