Jobs

Cantorial Director of Studies

Posted January 2025

The ALEPH Ordination Program Directors of Studies are renewal-oriented cantors, rabbis, rabbinic pastors, mashpi’im (spiritual directors) and scholars whose background and training give them unique competence for advising students on their path towards ordination.

DUTIES: 

The Cantorial Director of Studies (DOS) works with each student to:

• Serve as an advocate for the student in Vaad discussions.
• Be fully present for the student to encourage and support their participation in the AOP, especially in challenging times.
• Respond in a timely and caring manner to a student’s request to meet; as enumerated above, the DOS works with the student to design the student’s learning program, including music competencies, and evaluate overall progress, thus providing coherent structure to each student’s program.
• The Cantorial DOS is expected to meet with their students six times annually, or as needed. At least two meetings will involve vocal/music/pulpit related coaching.
• Attend monthly meetings of the DOS Circle.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS

• Ordained as Cantor with congregational pulpit experience
• Formal Music Education
• Key abilities – music/vocal coaching, listening with a balance of chesed and gevurah, giving honest feedback, being diplomatic, seeing the big picture, understanding the specifics.
• Administrative acumen.
• Strong understanding of Jewish Renewal and familiarity with the ALEPH Ordination Program.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

One of the leading Jewish seminaries, the ALEPH Ordination Program (AOP) was launched nearly 20 years ago. More than 200 rabbis, cantors, rabbinic pastors and spiritual directors from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and representing nearly every denomination have been trained to serve the global Jewish community with the goal of revitalizing Judaism.

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

Flexible. ALEPH and the AOP largely operate digitally, with at least two (2) in-person gatherings/retreats per year.

SALARY

Salary is $1,000 per student/year. New DOSes typically start with two (2) to four (4) students, and can grow from there. 

APPROXIMATE START DATE: Apr 1, 2025

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit your application using this form by February 21, 2025.

ALEPH is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and strongly desires to attract a broad and diverse pool of applicants, particularly candidates of color, female candidates, and/or candidates who know or represent the communities ALEPH serves.

Policy Against Workplace Discrimination and Harassment

ALEPH is committed to a work environment in which all persons are treated with dignity andrespect. Each person has the right to work in a professional environment in which equalemployment opportunities are promoted and discriminatory practices, including harassment, areprohibited. Therefore, ALEPH insists that all relationships among persons in the workplace bebusinesslike and free of bias, prejudice and harassment.