Enhancing membership at Temple Israel

Temple Israel, a progressive Conservative synagogue, prides itself on its lay leadership during services and Torah readings. This egalitarian model ensures that congregants will experience services led by people who are just like them on most occasions. This has proven very popular and a powerful spiritual model which is becoming more common around the country. Although Jewish cantorial professionals have amazing skills, the bimah should be a place where all can lead.

On the other hand, Temple Israel recently had a wonderful weekend with the renowned vocal artist Sam Glaser, which was made possible thanks to a collaboration with Temple Shir Shalom and the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando. This experience whetted the members’ appetite for more singing and engagement. Creating that engagement with the congregation is a unique skill and Temple Israel is looking for a unique person to help bring it to us on a regular basis.

Therefore, Temple Israel is seeking to hire an experienced, personable service leader who can lead our services once a month. Cantorial training is preferred but lay leaders who have a deep understanding of the service liturgy and a strong ability to connect with a congregation are welcome to apply. We are looking for someone with a pleasing voice who will encourage congregational participation and enhance the tefillah of the community rather than perform for it. He/she needs be conversant in both traditional and contemporary melodies. Torah reading will continue to be handled by volunteers and the rabbi.

If you’re interested, please submit a resume and voice sample recording to Rabbi Joshua Neely. (rabbi@tiflorida.org). Temple Israel is located at 50 S. Moss Road in Winter Springs, 32708. 407-647-3055.