Oraynu Congregation for Humanistic Judaism Is searching for a Rabbi / Spiritual Leader and Program Director

This is a part time position, approximately 20-25 hours per week on average.
For more information or to apply please contact Carol Elman at 647-308-7120 by August 15, 2025.
Salary to be discussed during hiring process. Salary range included for posting purposes only.

Job Mandate

Provides Oraynu with philosophical and cultural leadership in a manner consistent with Secular Humanistic Judaism and Oraynu policies.

Qualifications
Preferred training and ordination by the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism or Trained and ordained by a recognized Jewish seminary or appropriate rabbinic or professional congregational leadership training program that includes pastoral counselling
Demonstrated commitment to the philosophy and practices of Secular Humanistic Judaism and passion for Humanistic Jewish learning, values, culture and community life
Demonstrated deep knowledge of the Secular Humanistic Jewish canon (e.g. writings, the arts, liturgy)
Committed to the strength and growth of Oraynu Congregation and the Movement of Secular Humanistic Judaism
Strong leadership skills with the ability to represent the Humanistic Jewish values of the congregation (internally and externally)
Excellent written, oral and listening communication skills
Ability to lead staff including the building of collaborative teams, working in partnership with volunteer Boards and committees and developing relationships with various community institutions outside Oraynu
Planning and organizational skills with the ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives
Ability to manage, mediate and resolve conflicts coupled with an ability to promote constructive interpersonal communication and dynamics

Overarching Responsibilities
Continue to build and nurture a community of members who have a strong connection to secular humanistic Jewish beliefs, values, practices, and each other
Ensure that Oraynu continually strives to create a culture of harmony, tolerance and inclusiveness among members
Ensure the implementation of educational, cultural, and community service programs including all adult observances of holidays, festivals and Shabbatot
Be a full and contributing member of the Oraynu leadership team by actively and positively impacting Oraynu’s organizational success and growth
Ensure that the voice of Secular Humanistic Judaism is represented accurately and strongly in the larger Jewish and general community.

Specific Responsibilities
Leadership
Contribute articles to the congregation’s newsletter and other publications, as appropriate.
Communicate openly and regularly through established channels with Oraynu’s Board of Directors, Philosophical Review Committee, School Committee and staff.
Chair the Philosophical Review Committee which determines and/or is consulted on the philosophical direction for all of the congregation’s educational and cultural curricula, programs, position statements, publications and the liturgy and observances for the Jewish holidays and life cycle events.
Adopt the leadership of Oraynu’s Life Cycle and Pastoral/Philosophical Care Program upon the retirement of the current position holder.
Chair the Programming Committee which determines the schedule and content/mix of programs each year.
Participate in activities and committees charged with encouraging the retention of members.
Encourage wide participation by Oraynu members in congregational activities and events by establishing committees, working with individual members, and recruiting volunteer readers in advance for our services.
Participate with and advise the appropriate committees in hiring and evaluating staff needed to deliver the educational, cultural and liturgical services of the congregation, with the exception of the positions for which the School Principal and Youth and Family Director are responsible.

Outreach
Participate in outreach activities for attracting prospective new members to Oraynu.
Participate in raising the profile and visibility of Oraynu, and its philosophy of Secular Humanistic Judaism.

Jewish Festivals, Cultural and Educations Programs for Adults
Implement a program of educational, cultural, and community service activities for adult members in consultation with the appropriate congregational committees.
Oversee the preparation and/or review of the liturgy and observances for all adult observances of holidays, festivals and Shabbatot, which the congregation chooses to celebrate.
Lead the services for the above
Create and deliver an address at major Oraynu events, such as the B’nai Mitzvah ceremony, High Holiday services and the family Seder.

Counselling/Support and Life Cycle Events
Officiate at life cycle events for members of Oraynu, as requested and as available, on an additional fee-for-service basis.
Provide pastoral care and philosophical guidance, as requested and as available, including offering comfort to the bereaved and ill in accordance with the Board policy which defines the basis for “free services” and “fee-for-service”.

Children and Youth Education
Maintain a Rabbinic presence in the Children’s School by attending periodically (e.g., on special occasions and holidays).
In conjunction with the Youth and Family Director provide at least one congregation-wide event each year, in addition to the High Holidays.

Oraynu Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, a vibrant cultural Jewish community in Toronto and the GTA, celebrates Jewish heritage and culture in a secular humanistic way.
Founded in 1969 as the Secular Jewish Association by a group of families, Oraynu is based on the cultural and philosophical ideals of the Jewish Enlightenment (Haskalah) that originated more than 200 years ago. It has since been active in the establishment and development of both the North American and International movements for Secular Humanistic Judaism. Ideological, ceremonial and educational leadership is provided by ordained Rabbis and Madrikhim (Leaders).
Please visit our website for more information about ‘how we do Jewish’ (www.oraynu.org).