Rabbi​/Cantor

Community-focused congregation is seeking our next spiritual leader to revitalize and grow the congregation to lead us into the future

Congregation Adath Israel of Newtown is a vibrant Jewish community and religious institution serving Newtown, Connecticut and the surrounding area from its location at 115 Huntingtown Road. The congregation offers worship services, educational programs, and community activities for individuals and families across diverse ages and backgrounds. Adath Israel is committed to fostering spiritual growth, Jewish learning, and a sense of belonging in a warm, inclusive environment.

Prospective clergy joining the congregation will be part of a collaborative team that values tradition while engaging thoughtfully with contemporary Jewish life.

• Worship & Ritual: Lead Shabbat and High Holiday services, which includes delivering sermons and coordinating related activities with the Cantor or lay leaders. Participation in the synagogue Ritual Committee is expected.
• Pastoral Care: Visit the sick, counsel congregants, and comfort the bereaved.
• Lifecycle Events: Officiate baby namings, B'nai Mitzvot, weddings, and funerals.
• Education: Teach adult education classes, prepare B’nai Mitzvah students, provide guidance for the religious school, and maintain a frequent presence throughout our educational system.
• Community/Interfaith: Represent the synagogue in local interfaith councils or social justice initiatives.
• Membership support: Support the recruitment of new members, including assistance with event planning and social media outreach.
• Synagogue Meetings: Attendance at board and community-wide meetings, as requested (combination of virtual and in person meetings).

We are an unaffiliated synagogue using Conservative liturgy, but we are exploring alternative ways of engaging our congregants in Jewish worship and practice. We encourage congregational participation through group songs and have started a choir to add new melodies to our services. Interfaith families form a core group within our membership, and we encourage their participation in our services and activities.

We want to explore new approaches to Jewish tradition that will attract younger and unaffiliated families. With our long presence in Newtown, we want to continue to foster a warm, inspiring Jewish community for our current and potential membership. We are looking for someone who can make our Jewish traditions exciting and meaningful in the context of current events and times.

At present, we offer services on alternating Friday nights and Saturday mornings and are open to expanding that based on interest from both clergy and members. We celebrate many holidays throughout the year with a combination of community dinners, events, activities, and services that are coordinated by our various committees.

• Spiritual Leader: We are open to a wide range of experience levels, from students seeking their first pulpit to seasoned clergy looking for their next chapter. While a Rabbi is preferred, we are open to considering a Cantor whose skills align with this vision.
• Builder and Revitalizer: An energetic leader excited to collaborate with the congregation to actively grow our membership and attract the next generation. We expect community presence and outreach to be a catalyst for increased local engagement.
• Relationship-Driven Leader: Someone who prioritizes relationship building and makes Judaism accessible and deeply relevant to modern life.
• Innovative Educator: A teacher who will bring fresh, creative ideas to our school programming to engage students from preschool through B’nai Mitzvah and beyond.
• Family-focused: A partner with proven experience in fostering enduring relationships with families, providing meaningful support throughout their lifecycle events.
• Community-Centered: Because active engagement is central to this role, we strongly prefer a candidate who can be present in our community and with our congregation multiple times per week.

The expected salary range is $40,000–$60,000 annually, depending on experience level, for a part-time, in-person position. Benefits include one month of paid vacation in the summer and professional development opportunities. If a full-time role is the preferred pathway for both parties, an appropriate compensation package will be discussed.

To apply for this position, please send the following to office:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Two links to written teachings, recorded sermons, and/or articles you have written.

We are looking to fill this position in advance of the High Holidays 2026.