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ABOUT BEKI & THE OPPORTUNITY
Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel (BEKI) is a dynamic, traditional, egalitarian, open-and-affirming Conservative synagogue of about 330 member families in New Haven, Conn., welcoming those from a variety of backgrounds, inclusive of interfaith families. Known for its down-to-earth warmth, active voluntarism, and robust Shabbat morning attendance - routinely drawing 200 congregants, including 40 to 50 children each week - BEKI is a hub for an engaged, diverse, and growing young Jewish community. With an empowered lay leadership, a highly knowledgeable congregation, and a deep spirit of volunteerism, our synagogue is at a pivotal inflection point marked by a recent capital campaign, expanding young family engagement, and a refreshed vision for lifelong Jewish learning led by Rabbi Eric Woodward.
We are seeking a creative, self-motivated Youth Education & Engagement Director to build a holistic educational experience spanning early childhood through 12th grade. If you're excited about making families and kids excited to take part in Jewish life, we want to hear from you!
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Religious School & Educational Leadership: Lead "BEKI Ivrit & Neshama Academy," or BINA, our twice-weekly religious school (about 50 students meeting Sundays and Wednesdays). Refine, implement, and assess an experiential curriculum covering Torah, prayer, Hebrew, Israel, and social action. Recruit, mentor, and supervise 6 part-time educators and 5 high school-age assistants, holding regular team meetings to support strong school culture, lesson planning and delivery, and student progress.
- Cohesive Youth & Family Programming: Build an integrated learning continuum that connects young family programming, BINA and other programming for school-age children, and post-B'nai Mitzvah teen initiatives. Partner with Rabbi Woodward and lay leaders to design and execute holiday celebrations, Shabbatot, and dedicated High Holiday family services.
- B'nai Mitzvah Preparation & Tefilot Leadership: Partner with Rabbi Woodward to oversee B'nai Mitzvah prep goals, learning timelines, and family communication. Develop students' prayer and liturgical skills to facilitate active youth leadership during services and grade-level Shabbatot.
- Administration, Budgeting & Community Engagement: Manage school enrollment, calendars, classroom assignments, supplies, and substitute coverage. Develop and manage the annual youth budget with synagogue leadership. Communicate regularly with families to maintain a warm, welcoming, and accessible environment.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
Must-Haves
- Fluent in ruach, enthusiasm, & authentic Jewish joy
- Functional Hebrew for synagogue life, prayer, & teaching
- Strong Jewish liturgical, cultural, & historical background
- Ability to design experiential curricula & adapt to diverse learning needs
- Relational leadership style with strong family outreach skills
- Solid executive functioning (budgeting, operations, scheduling)
Nice-to-Haves
- Advanced degree (M.A.) in Education, Jewish Education, or related field
- Experience directing congregational youth, teen, or family programs
- Proven track record of hiring, mentoring, & inspiring faculty
- Familiarity with Conservative movement rhythms & USCJ networks
- Experience collaborating with active lay volunteers & committees
Not Needed
- Rabbinic ordination or Cantorial degree
- Fluency in modern conversational Israeli Hebrew
- Prior experience as a Synagogue Executive Director
- Knowledge of advanced Talmudic law or Rabbinic scholarship
Employer:
Congregation Beth El-Keser Israel (BEKI), New Haven, CT
Job Title:
Director of Youth Education & Engagement
Salary Range:
$70,000 - $100,000 / year
Position Type:
Full-time
Format:
Hybrid
Hours/week:
40
Supervisor:
Rabbi Eric Woodward
Direct Report:
6 P/T Teachers, 1 Youth Leader
Benefits:
Full Family Membership
Paid Time Off:
4 Weeks Vacation + Paid Leave
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to Rabbi Eric Woodward at [email protected]
Cong. Beth El-Keser Israel, 80 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06511