Assistant Campus Rabbi at The Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale

The Assistant Campus Rabbi at The Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale is responsible for proactively engaging with Jewish students, building relationships, serving as a mentor, providing pastoral care, leading worship services, and fostering a pluralistic community. This role also includes inspiring students to deepen their commitment to Jewish values and traditions while supporting diverse student sub-communities.

To become the Assistant Campus Rabbi at The Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale, you must hold rabbinic ordination from an accredited non-Orthodox institution and possess a commitment to a pluralistic approach to Jewish life. We encourage applications from recent rabbinical school graduates and look for candidates with strong interpersonal skills, knowledge of Jewish texts, and experience in pastoral care.

The Assistant Campus Rabbi plays a crucial role in nurturing a vibrant Jewish community by facilitating meaningful connections among students. By leading prayer services, engaging in pastoral care, and providing guidance, they help create a supportive environment in which students can explore their Jewish identity and deepen their connections to Jewish traditions and values.

The work culture for the Assistant Campus Rabbi at The Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale is collaborative and inclusive. The Assistant Campus Rabbi will be part of a dedicated Student Life Team, working closely with other rabbis and Jewish leaders to serve the diverse student population. The center fosters an environment where creativity, adaptability, and teamwork are encouraged, ensuring that the needs of every student are met.

The Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale offers numerous professional development opportunities for its Assistant Campus Rabbi. These include mentorship programs, skill-building workshops, and access to events organized by Yale Hillel. Additionally, there are chances to attend global conferences and participate in regional and international travel, enhancing both professional skills and community engagement.

When answering this question, consider sharing a personal story or experience that highlights your passion for fostering Jewish community and supporting students. Emphasize your commitment to pluralism and inclusivity, as well as your desire to inspire students to deepen their Jewish identities.

Discuss a student-centered approach that prioritizes active listening and adaptability to individual needs. Mention specific strategies you'd employ to build relationships with students, such as offering one-on-one sessions, leading meaningful discussions, or creating engaging learning opportunities for different levels of interest in Judaism.

Share your understanding of the diversity within the Jewish community and outline specific initiatives or programs you would introduce. Highlight previous experiences where you've successfully fostered inclusiveness, whether through interfaith dialogues, cultural programs, or community events.

Illustrate the importance of working alongside fellow rabbis and staff, emphasizing how collaboration enriches the community's experience. You might discuss past experiences where teamwork led to a successful event or program, showcasing your ability to foster connections.

When answering, choose an example where you facilitated a respectful dialogue, focusing on your ability to handle differing opinions. Highlight the skills you used, such as active listening, compassion, and providing context, demonstrating your suitability for this role.

Reflect on qualities such as empathy, approachability, and commitment to community engagement. Consider providing personal anecdotes to support your viewpoint, showing how these traits have shaped your ministry and relationships with students.

Talk about strategies to reach out to disconnected students, such as hosting informal gatherings, providing resources for exploring Jewish education, or creating opportunities for participation without pressure. Show an understanding of the importance of accessibility and relevance.

Articulate a vision that encompasses community building, educational enrichment, and fostering pluralism. Emphasize your desire to be a visible presence, engaging with students across diverse backgrounds while instilling a love for Jewish traditions and values.

Discuss the importance of ongoing feedback and how you would create channels for students to share their thoughts. Examples might include surveys, suggestion boxes, or regular check-ins, highlighting your commitment to ensuring that your work aligns with student needs.

Share some innovative ideas or programs tailored to different student interests. This could encompass social events, interfaith initiatives, educational workshops, or opportunities for service and social justice, framing these ideas as ways to connect and inspire.