Tent Be Mitzvah Educator

Open Tent Be Mitzvah Educator/Mentor

Judaism Your Way (JYW) is a 20-year-old Colorado-based Jewish organization creating innovative approaches for Jews and their loved ones to connect to Jewish life. We are an open tent, embracing everyone who seeks a connection to Jewish life. Every day, we share transformative Jewish experiences and recognize ourselves as part of something relevant, whole, and sacred. There are many ways to be Jewish.

At Judaism Your Way, we respect and include them all.

The Open Tent Be Mitzvah Educator/Mentor is responsible for leading students through the Open Tent Be Mitzvah program, ensuring a positive, meaningful, and engaging educational experience. The Educator/Mentor will create a nurturing environment to foster the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of students. This role involves teaching, role modeling, administration, family engagement, and collaboration with the Open Tent team.

Open Tent Be Mitzvah Educators guide students and their families through a two-year, personalized Be Mitzvah journey. Educators build deep, supportive relationships, teach Jewish content in relevant and inclusive ways, and help students co-create ceremonies that reflect their values, identities, and unique Jewish paths.

Core responsibilities include:

• Facilitating one-on-one or classroom sessions (in-person or virtual) with Be Mitzvah students over the course of 9–12 months
• Building trusted relationships with students and families, serving as both educator and spiritual guide
• Teaching Jewish content (e.g., Torah, holidays, ethics, spirituality, social justice) with flexibility and openness
• Supporting students in creating a D'var Torah, ceremony elements, and rituals that reflect their personal connection to Judaism
• Collaborating with Judaism Your Way staff and attending required trainings and team meetings
• Officiating at Be Mitzvah ceremonies
• Communicating with parents clearly and promptly
• Attending all scheduled educator meetings and supervision sessions

Year 1 Educators:

• Teaching approximately twenty-six classes, September through May
• Facilitating two out-of-class gatherings during the program year
• Meeting with each family at least once during the program year
• Recruiting parent volunteers
• Participating in one OT Friday Night Shabbat Service

Year 2 Educators:

• Guiding students in learning about the diverse approaches and meanings of Jewish prayer
• Guiding and supporting individual students as they create and build their own Torah teaching/challenges project/research project
• Working with students to build their own personal ceremony and siddur (prayer book)
• Co-officiating with each student during their Be Mitzvah ceremony, which will be scheduled between May and October after the conclusion of the class
• Communicating with families regarding Be Mitvzah logistics and content, including student progress and learning
• Meeting individually with families three times a year to support the student's process and progress

One on One Educators:

• Participating in one OT Friday Night Shabbat Service
• Meeting and communicating with family regularly to identify goals, dates, other logistics, and student progress
• Meeting with students every other week for forty-five minutes, approximately twenty meetings
• Providing recaps to families after each student meeting
• Guiding and supporting individual students as they create and build their own Torah teaching/challenges project/research project
• Working with students to build their own personal ceremony and siddur (prayer book)
• Co-officiating with each student during their Be Mitzvah ceremony which will be scheduled between May and October after the conclusion of the class

Requirements:

Commitment to continuity:
To ensure consistency and stability for our students and families, this position carries an expected two-year teaching commitment. We seek educators who are eager to grow with our community and support students over time.

• Have a minimum of two years teaching in pluralistic Jewish educational settings
• Good classroom management skills
• Proficient knowledge of Judaism and Liturgy
• Ability to lead Be Mitzvah ceremonies
• Alignment with Judaism Your Way's Philosophy and Values
• Passionate about creating welcoming, inclusive, and meaningful Jewish experiences for individuals and families
• Experience in Jewish education and engagement
• Skilled and engaging communicator, both in written and spoken formats, who can connect with diverse audiences
• Highly organized
• Exude warmth, care, and approachability, making families feel supported and valued in their Jewish journeys
• Creative and innovative and bring joy to learning
• Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment while also taking initiative and working independently
• Open to learning and able to accept constructive feedback