Cantor Job Decription

CANTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION
Temple B’nai Abraham, Livingston, NJ

Who We Are
Temple B’nai Abraham is a historic and vibrant Jewish congregation that honors our rich traditions while embracing innovation. As an independent synagogue, we serve a diverse and inclusive community dedicated to fostering sacred relationships, lifelong learning, meaningful worship, and social action. With deep roots in Newark and a flourishing home in Livingston, we are proud of our legacy and excited about our future. 

We are particularly proud of our musical legacy. Through the years, we have had many talented musicians, composers, and Cantors on our team. Max Helfman was our composer-in-residence for many years. We work to strike a balance between these decades-old musical traditions and more contemporary and inclusive settings. 

We are seeking a Cantor who will bring passion, creativity, and spiritual leadership through music, teaching, and community engagement. Our Cantor will work collaboratively with clergy, staff, and lay leaders to inspire and nurture a dynamic, multi-generational congregation. We are excited to welcome a new Cantor who will be an integral part of our synagogue’s journey, strengthening our traditions while embracing opportunities for growth and creativity.

Primary Responsibilities

Worship

• Lead and co-create meaningful worship experiences for Shabbat, holidays, and festivals in collaboration with the clergy team.
• Infuse services with a variety of musical styles, blending tradition and innovation to deepen the spiritual experience.
• Partner with the clergy team to design creative and inspiring liturgical experiences, whether it’s for the holidays or addressing a timely need in the community. 
• Conduct and coordinate Torah reading.

B’nai Mitzvah Program

• Oversee and support all aspects of B’nai Mitzvah preparation, including tutoring and supervision of Hebrew tutors. The exceptions to this are the Divrei Torah and Mitzvah projects, which are typically handled by the Senior Rabbi and the Mitzvah Project coordinator, respectively.
• Work directly with B’nai Mitzvah students to prepare them for the services, ensuring they feel confident and ready. This includes conducting their rehearsals. 
• Collaborate with the Jewish Learning Program (JLP) team to integrate B’nai Mitzvah preparation into the broader curriculum.

Music and Education

• Develop and oversee the synagogue’s music program, including instrumentalists, choirs, and special performances, as needed.
• Recruit and mentor congregants interested in participating musically in services, including putting together volunteer choir(s) and bands.
• Teach Hebrew, liturgy, and other relevant content to various age groups, from youth to adults, including adult education programs, and teen classes.
• Partner with JStart (preschool), JLP (religious school), and JPlay (aftercare) teams to integrate music and Jewish education into our youth educational programs.

Pastoral and Lifecycle Leadership

• Share in the pastoral care of the congregation, including officiating at lifecycle events and providing spiritual support to members.
• Offer a compassionate presence, visiting congregants in times of illness or challenge and celebrating moments of joy.

Community Engagement

• Actively participate in synagogue life, strengthening connections between members through programs, concerts, and musical events.
• Represent Temple B’nai Abraham in community-wide initiatives, whether interfaith or intrafaith.
• Serve as a partner in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members, including interfaith families and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Administration

• Work collaboratively with clergy, staff, and lay leaders to align music and programming with the congregation’s vision.
• Manage the music budget, hire and supervise accompanists and other musicians, and coordinate music-related logistics.
• Attend staff meetings, Ritual Committee meetings, Board meetings, and other leadership gatherings as needed.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Jewish liturgy and music, with the ability to blend traditional and contemporary styles.
• Proven experience in leading worship, teaching, and pastoral care.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and adaptively.
• Strong background in music theory and voice. 
• Proficiency in playing a musical instrument is a plus, but not necessary.
• Ordination or Investment from an accredited seminary.

Salary information:

$120k to $165K commensurate with experience.

• Health Insurance
• Pension Contribution
• Convention Allowance
• Professional Expenses
• Books and Periodicals
• Organizational Dues
• And more

To Apply: Please send your resume, cover letter, and any relevant materials to TBAsearch@tbanj.org