Campus Rabbi at The Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale

The Campus Rabbi at The Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale will actively engage with Jewish students, offering pastoral care and building relationships. Responsibilities include leading either the Reform or traditional Egalitarian minyan, mentoring students, creating inclusive community spaces, and facilitating meaningful Jewish learning experiences across campus.

Candidates for the Campus Rabbi position at The Slifka Center should possess seven or more years of Rabbinic work experience and Rabbinic ordination from an accredited non-Orthodox institution. A strong commitment to a pluralistic approach to Jewish life and demonstrated experience in pastoral care, alongside a passion for engaging with emerging adults, is essential.

As a Campus Rabbi at The Slifka Center, you’ll be a foundational pillar of community life, fostering closer connections among Jewish students through leadership, mentorship, and inclusive programming. You will help cultivate a vibrant pluralistic environment where deep friendships and meaningful discussions about Jewish identity can flourish.

At The Slifka Center, the Campus Rabbi can expect strong support from a collaborative team, including another Campus Rabbi, an Associate Chaplain, and a dedicated Student Life Team. The center fosters an environment of shared learning and teamwork, with ample opportunities for professional development, mentoring, and community engagement.

The position of Campus Rabbi at The Slifka Center for Jewish Life at Yale is anticipated to begin for the 2025-2026 academic year, allowing time for the right candidate to integrate into the vibrant community and start building connections with Yale students.

In answering this question, highlight your strategies for fostering inclusivity and connection. Discuss the importance of recognizing diverse backgrounds and needs in your outreach, and provide examples of how you have successfully engaged with students from various Jewish movements or traditions.

Share specific techniques that you find effective, such as interactive study sessions or creative interpretation of texts. Emphasize your ability to relate ancient wisdom to contemporary issues, making the learning relevant and exciting for students.

Discuss your conflict resolution skills and commitment to open dialogue. Highlight the importance of understanding different perspectives, fostering respectful conversations, and seeking common ground to resolve disputes effectively while maintaining a supportive community environment.

Prepare a detailed example of a specific program that you conceptualized and executed. Discuss your goals, collaborative efforts, and feedback from participants, showcasing your ability to inspire engagement and community-building initiatives.

Articulate a compelling vision that highlights your aspirations for fostering an engaging and vibrant Jewish community. Discuss innovative ideas for programs, interfaith initiatives, and creating spaces for meaningful dialogue among students from diverse backgrounds.

Share your understanding of pastoral care principles, emphasizing active listening and empathy. Provide examples of past experiences where you offered support, underscoring the importance of being present and available in times of need.

Elaborate on your commitment to interfaith dialogue and collaboration. Mention past programs or partnerships that you have facilitated, demonstrating how these experiences can enrich the Jewish community and foster understanding across different faiths.

Discuss the balance between your personal observance and the diverse practices of students. Talk about your strategies for promoting inclusivity while maintaining your authentic voice and commitment to Jewish traditions and values.

Reflect on your ability to tailor your communication style to resonate with different audiences. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated contrasting viewpoints to foster understanding and connection.

Articulate your belief in the importance of pluralism in Jewish life, emphasizing the strength that comes from diversity. Discuss your vision of how embracing different perspectives can lead to a richer, more vibrant Jewish community and meaningful relationships among students.