Congregation Rodfei Zedek is a warm, welcoming, vibrant, diverse, and growing urban synagogue, rooted in tradition and 152 years of ongoing history, located in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. We are animated by the joy and necessity of community, and sustained by relationships forged in storytelling, music, and study. We are looking for a Cantor to join our dynamic dream team. The person in this role will be a key collaborator in cultivating
meaningful spiritual life across generations and contributing to our shared vision. The ideal candidate is passionate about Jewish practice and thought; eager to teach and learn; focused on building a community of meaning, purpose, and belonging; and inspired by the energy of a traditional yet innovative synagogue that values Torah, music, warmth, and connection.

In this role, you will be a vital part of the life of Rodfei Zedek, collaborating closely with the Rabbi, Director of Visioning and Engagement, and lay leadership. Your duties will include:

Ritual Leadership
• Leading and sometimes co-leading services including Kabbalat Shabbat, Shabbat morning, and Festivals
• Leading instrumental musical services on selected Shabbatot and Festivals
• Leading youth services on Shabbat and Festivals
• Leading/attending life-cycle events
• Assigning weekly Torah/Haftarah readers and lay service leaders as needed

Educational/Programming
• Developing and maintaining a cohort of lay Torah readers and service leaders
• Expanding and further developing current youth services
• Developing and leading family holiday programming
• Further developing and coordinating the b-mitzvah program
• Providing b-mitzvah tutoring
• Developing, planning, and implementing adult learning and programming opportunities
• Help increase ritual literacy and skills within the community
• Use programming to increase engagement

Pastoral care
• Working with the Chesed Committee
• Developing relationships with the majority of people in the Rodfei Zedek community

Congregational Leadership
• Actively collaborating in the development and implementation of the overall strategic
vision for the synagogue
• Attending all Executive Committee and Board meetings

Strong candidates will bring:
• Excellent vocal and instrumental music skills
• Broad and deep knowledge of traditional and contemporary music and liturgy
• Engaging, participatory style of prayer leadership
• Warm, inclusive approach to community, with the ability to connect with children, teens, and adults
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with staff, lay leaders, and community members
• Creative and dynamic approach to education
• Flexibility in the face of evolving needs
• Willingness to meet people wherever they are in their pathway to a Jewish life

Compensation
• Total compensation: $115,000 - $125,000
• Benefits include parsonage eligibility, subsidized health insurance, retirement
contributions, and support for professional development
• Work-life balance: if there are no holidays, programs, or meetings, clergy are not
expected to be present in the synagogue on Sundays and Mondays. Office hours are
flexible and accommodating to allow employees to balance the demands of work and
family life. Clergy must remain available for emergencies.
Timeline
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

To apply, please submit the following items to [email protected]:
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Vision statement for your Cantorial role
• Video of leading services, both with and without musical instruments