Orthodox Rabbi at Hillel University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Illini Hillel

Orthodox Rabbi at Hillel at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Illini Hillel)

Make your mark on Orthodox and observant Jewish students at the University of Illinois by join Illini Hillel's staff as the Orthodox Campus Rabbi!

The Orthodox Rabbi serves as a leader of Orthodox life at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). You will be a community builder, teacher and Halachic authority for Orthodox and observant Jewish students and community members in Champaign-Urbana. You will providing high-level Torah education and Rabbinic leadership for students from Orthodox backgrounds, while simultaneously offering an accessible, warm entry point for any observant or Jewishly-curious students  an integral member of the Illini Hillel team, you will ensure that the infrastructure of Orthodox life—including our Kosher dining, daily prayer services, the Eruv, and the Mikvah – is maintained and utilized to enhance the student experience.

• Build substantial relationships with at least 120 undergraduate and graduate students (both Orthodox and non-Orthodox) through Rabbinical care, chevruta learning, teaching, and mentorship.
• Recruit for trips and Shabbatons available to Orthodox and non-Orthodox students.
• Lead and promote daily and weekend prayer services at Hillel for the Orthodox minyan.
• Lead and facilitate Jewish holiday services including but limited to the High Holidays, Purim, Passover, Shavuot, and Tisha B’av. Host and facilitate holiday meals at the Hillel building, JET house (Jewish Education Team), or at a home location.
• Proactively reach out to incoming freshmen and transfer students from Orthodox communities and youth movements (NCSY, Bnei Akiva, etc.) to recruit and integrate them into the Illini Hillel community.

• Serve as the cRc representative for Hillel’s Kosher kitchens, train students to be Mashgichim for Hillel’s kitchens and other Kosher opportunities in town.
• Provide sophisticated, high-level learning opportunities tailored specifically for graduates of Orthodox day schools and those returning from a gap year in Israel, ensuring their religious growth continues during their university years.
• Serve as the on-campus authority for Halachic questions, ranging from daily ritual practice to complex modern dilemmas faced by college students.
• Host students for Shabbat and Holiday meals in a warm, welcoming home environment.
• Offer pastoral counseling and religious guidance to students navigating the intersection of secular campus life and Orthodox commitment.
• Monitor, maintain and communicate the status of the Champaign-Urbana Eruv
  , with help from students and community members, facilitate an annual visit from Rabbi Jachter from the OU to inspect the Eruv.
• Empower students to take leadership roles in Jewish life on campus including internships and board positions at Hillel and beyond.
• Work with staff on Shabbat dinners, holidays, and other large programs.
• Participate as a full member of The Hillels of Illinois Staff in local, regional and national Hillel programs and programs of the Jewish Federation as may be appropriate.

• A rabbinical ordination (smicha) from an orthodox institution
• Proven ability to connect with Gen-Z students and understand the unique pressures of a high-achieving academic environment like UIUC
• 1-2 years of post-college experience preferred

• Passion for Jews, Judaism, and Israel and proud to be a Jewish role model
• Strong public speaking, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Must be willing to work nights, Shabbats and weekends

• Salary Range of $75,.
• Time off: 22 days of paid time off, 11 sick days, 8 paid federal holidays, up to 13 paid Jewish holidays, and 6 weeks paid parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with match and a 403(b) plan.
• Additional health and wellness benefits, financial benefits, professional training, tuition reimbursement, and much more.
• Great professional development, mentoring, and skill-building opportunities as part of the global Hillel movement.