Assistant Teachers for Kadima@BJ/ Hebrew School Program

Since its founding in 1825, B’nai Jeshurun (BJ), a non-affiliated synagogue on the Upper West Side, has been at the forefront of the American Jewish experience. As it approaches its third century, its vision remains focused on the spiritual work of transformation and on the creation of a Jewish path that is authentic, profound, and helps all members of the community seek and live their purpose to the fullest.

BJ’s spiritual leaders, Rabbis Rolando Matalon, Felicia Sol, and Rebecca Weintraub, and Hazzan Ari Priven, as well as BJ’s nearly 2,000 member families, share a vision of a diverse, dynamic, and inclusive community that offers many paths to Jewish religious life while supporting one another in their spiritual quests. BJ is committed to honoring tradition while re-imagining and innovating its practices and programs to create a vibrant, contemporary, and relevant Jewish life for all who seek it.

Job Overview

B’nai Jeshurun is seeking part-time creative, dedicated educators to teach in our Hebrew School program, Kadima@BJ. We are searching for enthusiastic and knowledgeable individuals to fill the role of Assistant Teacher. We are looking for educators who will partner with us in keeping Judaism relevant and exciting for our students and their families.

Our Kadima@BJ program places an emphasis on tefillah, spirituality, music, creative learning and community. Kadima@BJ meets on Tuesdays from 4:00-6:00 PM. Assistant Teachers are expected to arrive by 3:45 PM to prepare their classrooms, and should expect to leave around 6:00 PM after students are picked up, materials are returned and classrooms are cleaned up. 

Kadima@BJ teachers report to the Associate Director of Family Life and Learning.

Primary Responsibilities

• Act as a positive Jewish role model for our students
• Assist Lead Teacher in implementing lesson plans
• Serve as the lead teacher in your grade when the lead teacher is absent
• Teach/ support curriculum through a hands on, art based, experiential approach to learning
• Teach/ support Judaic content in accordance with our pre- planned curriculum units
• Provide instruction and support during elective classes.
• Assist individual students as needed to help them thrive in the classroom
• Ensure a safe and healthy environment for learning in connection with all school activities
• Complete staff orientation before working with students

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Jewish knowledge and background
• Experience working with children in K-6 grade (i.e., education, camp, babysitting, etc.)
• Patience and flexibility
• Desire to create relationships with staff, students, teachers, and families 
• Strong communication skills
• Preference to those with experience teaching creatively through a hands on approach to education 
• Available on Tuesdays from 3:45-6:00 PM, from September 9 through May 12
• Available to attend staff orientation on August 26 at 3:00 PM

Compensation

We offer competitive compensation, professional development, mentoring, and the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment. This is a part-time teaching position and the compensation is $40/hour for 2.25 hours of work per session. Additional compensation is provided for attending staff orientation and other programming on a need be basis. 

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Teachers must be able to travel to B’nai Jeshurun’s location (270 West 89th Street, New York NY 10024). Stooping, bending, and reaching for and carrying files or supplies, and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are common.

To Apply

Please send your resume to Jessica Glickman, Associate Director of Family Life and Learning jglickman@bj.org with the subject line, “Assistant Teachers.”

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

B’nai Jeshurun is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in recognition of its values, commitment to social justice, and responsibility to its spiritual leaders and staff, congregants, and the communities within which it lives and works. It strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQIA+ applicants.