Rabbinic Assistant

Temple Beth El is a vibrant Reform synagogue in Bloomfield Hills with 1,000 member families. TBE is Michigan’s first Jewish congregation and has been a leader in the Reform movement for generations. We are proud of our dynamic clergy, caring staff, innovative programs, inspiring worship, lifelong learning, and meaningful volunteer opportunities.

The Rabbinic Assistant at Temple Beth El functions as full-time administrative assistant to (and reports to) Rabbi Miller and Rabbi Brudney. In addition, the position is part of the Temple’s Administrative staff, reporting to Executive Director Rachel Ellis. The primary role of this position is to provide organizational and administrative support to the Temple’s rabbis, and to serve as a warm, welcoming, and professional face for Temple … for people who are interacting with our rabbis at joyous, painful, and various other moments. Specific responsibilities include:

Greeting at the Rabbinic suite – welcoming people, answering questions, directing them when needed, offering coffee/water, etc.

Stock office supplies, and maintain the office area.

Screen calls/ answer general questions/direct calls as appropriate

Occasional off-site shopping, pick-ups, etc.

Rabbinic Correspondence

• Sympathy notes
• Thank you notes
• Yizkor reminders
• Various specifics (mtgs, groups, etc)

Calendar/scheduling

• BM meetings/rehearsals
• Update with Temple calendar
• General mtgs
• Confirm appts
• Bima schedule onto calendars

Financial

• Check requests
• Process donations
• Reimbursements

B’nai Mitzvah program

• Schedule Initial with Rabbi Miller (12 months out)
• Schedule speech mtgs (Miller or Brudney, 3 months)
• Schedule 1st and 2nd rehearsal (2-4 weeks)
• Prepare certificate/gift/congrats letter for ceremony

Shabbat materials

• Collect and distribute clergy packet

i. Cue sheets

ii. Mi Shebeirach list

iii. Shloshim

iv. Yahrzeit Friday requests, Saturday full list

v. Announcements (get from Communication Dept)

• Confirm Board member, send Announcements
• Prepare clipboard for Fri/Sat for ushers

Other Administrative details

• Intro to Judaism
• Weddings/baby namings/unveilings
• Conversion process
• Office logistics/ materials
• Help admin team w/mailings when needed
• Run errands & support rabbis in their setup needs
• Various pastoral details

i. Check Kaufman/Dorfman/Hebrew Memorial

ii. Death/Baby notices

iii. Help organize Shiva Corps after funerals

iv. Send yahrzeit notifications to members

Qualifications
- Prior experience in a similar role is beneficial but not required
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively

Must be able to walk far distances as the parking lot is far from the door and the temple is large. Must be able to carry at least 25 pounds.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person