Songleader

Job Description

Congregation Beth Elohim (CBE) is a vibrant, cutting-edge Reform synagogue in
Park Slope, Brooklyn. We are a welcoming and inclusive community, rooted in
Jewish history and identity, and profoundly open to diversity in all its forms. We
come together to learn, to pray, to celebrate the rhythm of Jewish time, and to
support each other through the joys and sorrows of our lives. We are a spiritual,
cultural and intellectual center for Jewish revitalization, fostering community and
extending our values of justice, education, and inspiration throughout the
neighborhoods where we live and beyond.

We are seeking part-time Songleaders for Yachad, CBE’s Religious Education
Program. Yachad serves nearly 500 students with full-time educators learning,
creating curriculum and sustaining meaningful community for themselves, their
students and families. Members of the Yachad full-time and part-time team receive
ongoing professional and leadership development training throughout the year.
CBE believes in ongoing Jewish exploration and living through deep Judaic and
ritual exploration. CBE is committed to Judaism (Jewish experiences and education)
that is inclusive and accessible to all.

The Songleaders play a pivotal role in this mission through supporting our students,
staff, and clergy. They do so by reinforcing and creating entry points for building a
strong relationship and familiarity with our liturgy, sacred spaces, rituals, and Jewish
music. Individuals in this role must have excellent communication and
organizational skills, a warm and inclusive demeanor, and the ability to be a
charismatic and FUN presence in front of groups.

Key Responsibilities and Expectations
● Songlead and teach existing t’filah curriculum to 3rd-6th grade students
● Build rapport with students and teachers
● Learn and become confident in repertoire used at CBE
● Communicate and update regularly with the Teen and Music Engagement Director
● Meet monthly with with the Teen and Music Engagement Director

Qualifications
● Education Level: High School Degree, with preference for college degree or current
college student
● Work Experience: 3-5 years songleading experience in a similar setting, with
preference in synagogue and/or camp setting(s)
● Musical Skill Experience: 3-5 years of guitar playing, with preference to those with
novice or above theory and/or wider music knowledge
● Strong leadership skills:
– Create an environment that cultivates novice-intermediately confident
pray-ers and
– Communicating needs and vision with supervisor
– Ability to motivate, inspire and manage groups
● Strong background and experience in:
– Pedagogy
– Different learning styles
– Classroom management
● Strong communication, organizational, and planning skills
● Desire and ability to work with children and young adults
● Strong knowledge and comfort in Judaic content (Hebrew, text, ritual, holiday)
● Be a self-starter and able to work with the minimum amount of supervision
● Enthusiasm, patience and strong work ethic, and ability to work independently and
as part of a team
● Able to be a team player

Reports to: Teen and Music Engagement Director
Status: Part-Time
Department: Yachad
Schedule: This role is a part-time, hourly position. You will be expected to work 1-3
afternoons a week for approximately 1 hour periods of time, plus prep work. Paid monthly
meetings with the Teen and Music Engagement Director will also be expected.
Start Date: September 12, 2023
Salary Range: $75 an hour for teaching | Meeting hour rate: $40

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, contact information for 2 professional
references and 1 character reference, and an acoustic, raw audio recording of you singing
and playing guitar of one song to Teen and Music Engagement Director, Rose Snitz at
rsnitz@cbebk.org. In the subject line please put “Part-Time Songleader- YOUR NAME”.

Congregation Beth Elohim (CBE) is an equal opportunity employer. It is a violation
of CBE’s policies to discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of
their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, marital status,
family status, sexual preference, status with regard to public assistance, mental or
physical impairment, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran
status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.