Director, Jewish Living and Learning
Who We Are
For over 40 years, Darchei Noam (DN), the Reconstructionist community in Toronto, has blended traditional Jewish practice with innovative forms of Jewish expression and a deep commitment to Tikkun Olam. Building on this strong foundation, we are poised to launch our community into a new era of expansion, innovation and creativity. Our future is more than a question of numbers – it is also a challenge to reimagine and reshape how we go about “doing Jewish” – to rethink assumptions, to experiment with innovations, to multiply entry-points and to increase opportunities for participation.
Who You Are
You are a dynamic leader with a background in Jewish education and music. You are an innovative thinker with a passion for the enrichment of modern Jewish life. You are looking for the opportunity to share and implement your creative ideas; to enhance services, rituals and education at DN. You love working in a collaborative team environment, and partnering with staff, members and lay leaders to build community. You are committed to active participation in social justice causes.
Role Overview This role, together with our Rabbi and the newly created Director of Planning and Operations form our Professional Leadership Team. They will collaborate with our lay leaders and each other to realize Darchei Noam’s vision and creative future. Partnered with our Rabbi, you will focus on our vision to enhance Jewish experience, both engaging families as well as helping to evolve our services and ritual to increase current member engagement. Bringing even more music to our community will be a point of emphasis.
Here’s What You Will Get to Do
- Working as a team with our Rabbi and our new Director of Planning and Operations, you will participate in the development of strategies and plans, many of which you will lead.
- Provide effective leadership for our religious school and B’nei Mitzvah programs, and other programs for children and families. You will be an active member of the teaching team.
- Lead outreach and engagement for younger individuals and families.
- Lead and implement multi-generational programming.
- Collaborate with the Rabbi and lay leaders to contribute to services and other ritual events, with opportunities for leading many of them.
- Partner with the Rabbi and lay leaders on outreach to the non-Jewish community through Tikkkun Olam and multi-faith programs.
Here’s What You Will Need
- A degree in Judaic studies, Jewish education, Jewish music or ordination as a Cantor or Rabbi
- Vocal and instrumental musical proficiency and experience.
- Experience in leading services, including chanting of the liturgy, reading Torah and Haftara.
- 2+ years relevant experience engaging younger individuals and families
- Strategic leadership experience
- Experience as a Jewish educator, preferably across differing age groups.
- Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships
- Excellent, facilitation and oral/written communication skills
Join the Darchei Noam Team
- A beloved Rabbi of 20 years, with a loyal following
- Extra-ordinary number of member-driven committees
- A high degree of Jewish literacy and ritual competence among our members
- A large percentage of the adult children of these members reside in Toronto
- Our modern and beautiful synagogue facility
- A firm financial foundation that supports our plans for growth.
- Competitive compensation, benefits, vacation, and flexible work arrangements
Other
This is a full-time congregational position and will require both evening and weekend work as well as weekday time. DN is committed to helping our staff maintain a work-life balance.
Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada. We thank all applicants, but only suitable applicants will be contacted. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require accommodation, please let us know in advance and we will work with you to meet your needs.