Isaac M. Wise Temple - Part Time

Job #26465

Date Posted: 27 April, 2026

Openings Available

• 1

Position Description

Librarian
Ralph & Julia Cohen Library — Isaac M. Wise Temple, Cincinnati

About Isaac M. Wise Temple
Wise Temple is a vibrant and inclusive Reform Jewish congregation located in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Rooted in a rich history and inspired by progressive values, Wise Temple fosters spiritual growth,
lifelong learning, and meaningful community engagement. Through dynamic programming,
dedicated clergy, and strong lay leadership, we seek to create a welcoming environment where
individuals and families can connect deeply with Jewish tradition and with one another.

About the Library
The Ralph & Julia Cohen Library is one of the largest synagogue libraries in North America, housing
~22,000 items across Judaica subjects for all ages, along with media, a reference section, a Teacher
Resource Room, a mini-museum, and special collections such as the Shavzin-Carsch Collection of
Historic Jewish Children’s Literature.

Position Summary
We seek a self-starter, a student of history, and someone with archives experience to manage and
grow the Cohen Library. A central expectation of this role is to use the library as a tool for
congregational engagement—a warm, accessible entry point that draws people into learning and
synagogue life.

Schedule
15 hours/week (in-person, including Sundays during the school year)

Location
Wise Center, Amberley Village

Key Responsibilities
Library & Collection Management
• Maintain regular library operations: circulation, organization, displays, and reader
support.
• Curate and develop a balanced collection across the broad Judaica subjects
represented in the library.
• Oversee the Teacher Resource Room and ensure materials are accessible and
well-organized.
Engagement & Program Support
• Make the library an active hub of synagogue engagement through displays, holiday
booklists, informal learning opportunities, and collaborative programs.
• Take part in library enrichment for our Sunday religious school program, Kehillah.
• Highlight the mini-museum and historic materials to strengthen congregational
connection and identity.
Archives & Special Collections
• Care for and organize special materials applying basic archival practices and improving
access through inventories or finding aids.
Partnerships & Administration
• Support volunteers, maintain workflows, and track basic usage and budget needs.
• Coordinate with congregational departments for program integration and collaborate
with external partners such as the American Jewish Archives.

Position Requirements

Required
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Experience in library or archives work (collection management, reference, cataloging,
or processing).
• Clear interest in making the library a portal for synagogue engagement.

Preferred
• MLIS or equivalent relevant experience.
• Comfort with Judaica materials across all ages.
• Familiarity with Jewish history, holidays, and basic Hebrew/Yiddish terms.
• Experience with archival handling.

Compensation commensurate with experience.
It is the policy of Isaac M. Wise Temple that applicants for employment and employees will not be
discriminated against in any terms or conditions of employment because of race, color, sex, marital
status, pregnancy, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental
disability, medical condition, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic under
federal, state or local law that is not a bona fide occupational qualification for a particular job.
Learn more about career opportunities at Wise Temple:
www.wisetemple.org/about/wise-careers

Industries

Nonprofit – Social Services, Synagogue