Rabbi Search

About Beth Jacob Congregation:

With a vibrant and diverse community, Beth Jacob Congregation, proudly affiliated with the Orthodox Union, stands as a beacon of tradition and warmth in San Diego. For over 80 years, we have been the unwavering constant, offering 3 daily minyanim for our members, the broader
Jewish community, and visitors alike.

At Beth Jacob, we emphasize the pillars of Yiddishkeit; Torah learning, Davening, and Chessed. Our commitment to these values has solidified our place as a respected institution within San Diego. Our congregation is characterized by respect, devotion, and loyalty, attributes that have
been fostered by our dedicated Rabbinic leadership, both past and present. 

As the prospective Rabbi, you would be joining a congregation that takes pride in its rich history, customs, and diversity.

Beyond our daily minyanim, Beth Jacob serves as a comprehensive resource for all life cycle events. Our dynamic youth programming, diverse shiurim, engaging Daf Yomi sessions, and scholar-in-residence series offer a spectrum of opportunities for spiritual and intellectual growth.

On Shabbos, dozens of children engage in learning and play within dedicated age groups on the shul grounds, while their parents participate in davening and shiurim. Shabbos also sees a community kiddush as well as dedicated women’s programming. There are numerous community-wide seudot throughout the year with visiting scholars and in honor of the yomim
tovim. 

Beth Jacob holds a portfolio of revenue-generating real estate assets, placing it in a very strong financial position. This significantly reduces the fundraising responsibilities of the Rabbi, thereby empowering him to primarily concentrate on guiding the community in religious and
social matters.

With several established shuls, two orthodox day schools, an orthodox boys’ high school, an orthodox girls’ high school, and a newly formed community outreach Kollel, San Diego provides a supportive environment for Jewish life. The city's reputation as one of the safest in the U.S.,
coupled with its world-class attractions and Mediterranean-esque climate, makes San Diego an ideal location for families to settle. Additionally, San Diego has a growing variety of kosher dining and shopping options, adding to the richness of Jewish life in the community.

The Ideal Candidate:

We are seeking a dynamic, growth-oriented, passionate, warm, Orthodox Rabbi who will be excited about our synagogue’s potential for growth and increase and facilitate our synagogue as a vibrant hub of communal life. 

Our ideal candidate-
1) Will emphasize the centrality of synagogue davening and foster a sense of belonging among attendees
2) Is approachable and welcoming to people from diverse backgrounds and will invest effort to cultivate relationships and ensure that each congregant feels valued
3) Will create and encourage and proactively support meaningful programming that caters to the diverse interests of our community
4) Will relate well to children of all ages and encourage their presence and participation in our community
5) Will be passionate about education
6) Will be an effective oral and written communicator
7) Is interested in a long-term position in this role
8) Overall, will have a hands-on attitude with a willingness to step up as needed both within the synagogue and as a leader in the broader San Diego Orthodox Jewish community.

Our ideal candidate has an engaging Rebbetzin who is seeking to add value to the community. We want our Rebbetzin to be a spiritual role model and to be active within the community through building relationships, being present at shabbat morning davening, hosting congregants for Shabbat and Yom Tov meals, and organizing and participating in community events.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Davening 
a. Ensure all roles of davening and religious programming are filled, including theroles of Shaliach Tzibur (with Yamim Noraim), Baal Kriah, and reading of the Megillas.

2. Education
a. Deliver sermons on most Shabbatot and Yamim Tovim 
b. Deliver weekly shiurim covering a spectrum of topics
c. Optional: Support the previously established Daf Yomi class

3. Halachic
a. Pasken community sheilos (including but not limited to niddah) and provide
Halachic and pastoral guidance
b. Have access to other Rabbinic or Halachic authorities and resources as necessary 

4. Within the Community
a. Recruit participation in Synagogue programing (Davening, classes, events)
b. Build relationships with congregants 
c. Host congregants and potential members for Shabbat and Yom Tov meals
d. Dedicate time to study 1:1 with congregants 

5. Outreach 
a. Recruit new members to the shul
b. Invite San Diego Jewish community families for Shabbat meals, holidays, and
shul activities 

6. Pastoral
a. Attend and officiate life cycle events
b. Visit congregants in area hospitals and at home

7. Youth
a. Supervise and guide youth programming

8. Administrative
a. Coordinate/Oversee Shul Newsletter
b. Oversee synagogue kitchen Kashrut

9. Greater Community
a. Visibility as a representative of the orthodox community in the greater Jewish community
b. Involvement in Kosher supervision at local establishments 

10. General
a. Service the needs of the community as they arise including but not limited to Sheimos, obtaining Lulavim and Etrogim, selling Chametz, etc.

To apply or to refer a candidate, please email resumes to RabbiSearch@bjsd.org

(Rev. 2/21/2024)