Temple Beth Shalom in Mahopac, NY seeks a part time Program Director/Experiential Educator to lead a visionary Jewish educational experience for K-7th graders. There are two components to this position: the first is to create engaging, in-person experiential programming two Sundays and one Shabbat morning a month for Religious School students. The second is oversight and administration of the Religious School. Enrollment is currently at 25-30 students K-7. We anticipate the administrative functions will be approximately 5 hours a week in addition to teaching responsibilities.
Temple Beth Shalom conducts Religious School for 3rd-7th graders in a hybrid model of learning, with Hebrew taught online twice a week and Judaic Studies (holidays, history, prayer, Jewish values, etc.) taking place in-person. Since 2020, we have partnered with Rabbi Dani Eskow of Online Jewish Learning for remote Hebrew instruction. Our youngest students, K-2, meet two Sundays a month. In addition to the Program Director/Experiential Educator, the teaching staff consists of two teachers, the rabbi, and volunteers. This job is approximately 30-32 hours a month.
Core Responsibilities: • Engage students in Jewish living and learning through an in-person, hands-on approach to Judaism by developing projects, fostering personal interaction, and leading meaningful discussion. • Design and implement engaging, hands on learning two Sundays and one Shabbat a month for Religious School students in partnership with Rabbi Sarah Freidson. Educational programming will meet the curricular guidelines set by the Education Committee. ● Supervise teachers and assist them in lesson planning. ● Coordinate with Online Jewish Learning teachers regarding student attendance, engagement, and learning growth; outreach to families to communicate student progress. ● Maintain updated student records including attendance, engagement, progress, and assessment. ● Attend monthly Religious School and Mentoring committee meetings as needed. ● Serve as liaison between Online Jewish Learning teachers, TBS Religious School Teachers, B’nai Mitzvah tutors, TBS Office Manager, Rabbi, and families. ● Write five articles for the Temple Times newsletter informing the congregation what is happening in Religious School. ● Collaborate with Part-Time Youth Advisor regarding Kadima and Teen programming.
Desired Skills and Qualifications: ● B.A./B.S. or higher degree in education and/or Judaic Studies or related fields. ● Minimum two years of experience working in youth engagement through teaching, Jewish youth work, camping or other relevant settings. ● Creative, optimistic, and passionate about making a difference in the future of Jewish youth. Experience with the Conservative Movement is a plus. ● Strong organizational and communication skills. ● Ability to work independently and as part of a team. ● All staff must pass a background check.
About Us: Temple Beth Shalom (TBS) of Mahopac, New York, a modern, progressive Conservative synagogue right over the Westchester border in beautiful Putnam County, strives to teach, challenge, support and inspire our diverse synagogue family. With 135 households, TBS is a small but mighty congregation with a vibrant programming calendar and warm, down-to-earth membership and staff. We are enriched by our diversity and strive to keep Judaism relevant for our students and families today and into the future.
Compensation: $20,000-24,000 annually, for this 30-32 hour/month position, commensurate with experience.