Associate Rabbi: Center for Jewish Life at Beth David

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Center for Jewish Life at Beth David is undergoing an evolution in parallel to the evolution of the broader Miami Jewish Community, which is more “unaffiliated” now than it ever has been before. Beginning as Beth David Congregation, and now becoming the Center for Jewish Life at Beth David means we are evolving our offerings and facilities to serve Miami’s Jewish community of today and the future. Our purpose is guiding our community through growth and change as they explore multi-faceted ways of engaging in Jewish life. To that end, we are growing and expanding the ways we engage the community – beyond the traditional community synagogue to areas that may have historically been served by JCCs and other community organizations. We are searching for an Associate Rabbi with a flexible take on Judaism- someone who is ready to embrace all Center members irrespective of whether they identify to any particular movement within Judaism. Our Senior Rabbi is the catalyst and inspirational leader of this metamorphosis. As she assumes broader leadership responsibilities as our CEO, we seek an Associate Rabbi to support the day-to-day clergy duties essential to synagogue life and help us continue to thrive as a dynamic and inclusive Jewish community.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under our Senior Rabbi’s leadership, the next Associate Rabbi will have the ability to lead not only in ritual practice but also in education, personal development, and community building—helping the Center thrive spiritually and socially.

1) Pastoral Counseling and Lifecycle / Creative Ritual : Our congregation deeply values a rabbi who can provide compassionate pastoral care, offering support during both moments of joy and sorrow. Whether guiding a family through the celebration of a bar / bat mitzvah, officiating at a wedding, or offering comfort during times of loss, their presence at these pivotal moments is essential. By balancing tradition with creativity in these lifecycle rituals, they will help individuals and families feel connected to both their Jewish heritage and the unique aspects of their own lives. This pastoral and ritual role fosters trust, builds deep relationships, and strengthens the bonds between the rabbi and the community, creating lasting, meaningful connections that are at the heart of our congregation.

2) Prayer Reader and Torah Leader : Leading services and reading Torah is more than a task—it’s an opportunity to create a spiritual atmosphere that speaks to our members’ hearts. We hope for an Associate Rabbi who brings creativity, musicality, energy, and a fresh approach to our services, making them more engaging and inspiring. Moreover, they will help foster a greater sense of ownership and involvement within the congregation, encouraging and building upon participation and Torah reading by lay leaders. We want someone who will draw people in and create a space which feels meaningful and participatory for everyone.

3) Education / Programming : Our community thrives on learning and growing together. We believe that Jewish education doesn’t stop after childhood, and we’re looking for a rabbi who shares that belief and has a passion for creating dynamic and enriching educational experiences for adults as well as children. In partnership with our Programming Director, they will help deepen our members’ understanding of their Jewish heritage and strengthen their connection to it. The Associate Rabbi would also work with the Judaics department of the Day School to strengthen the learning of the students enrolled in our schools.

Each of these skills is fundamental to the warmth, vibrancy, and spiritual life of our community. We hope to find an Associate Rabbi who not only possesses these abilities but who is also passionate about nurturing a community that feels welcoming, supportive, and engaged. We are excited to work with someone who shares our vision for building a caring and connected Jewish community