Community Engagement Rabbi at Hillel at Florida State University

The primary responsibilities of the Community Engagement Rabbi at Hillel at Florida State University include building strong relationships with students, mentoring them in their Jewish identity exploration, supporting Shabbat and holiday celebrations, and leading educational initiatives. Additionally, the Rabbi will provide pastoral care, facilitate discussions about Judaism, and collaborate with student leaders to create engaging programming.

To apply for the Community Engagement Rabbi position at Hillel at Florida State University, candidates must have Rabbinic ordination and up to two years of experience in Jewish community leadership or relevant experience in community engagement. A strong knowledge of Jewish texts and an appreciation for Generation Z are also important, along with excellent communication skills.

The Community Engagement Rabbi at Hillel at FSU supports students during holidays and Shabbat by guiding student leaders in shaping meaningful prayer experiences that reflect diverse cultural backgrounds. The Rabbi encourages unique interpretations of tradition to meet students’ spiritual needs and fosters an inclusive atmosphere during these special times.

The Community Engagement Rabbi at Hillel at FSU will utilize outreach strategies that focus on building authentic relationships with students, creating accessible Jewish experiences, and facilitating cohort-based learning opportunities. This will include meeting students in various settings, from campus coffee shops to wellness events, to ensure everyone's Jewish journey is honored and celebrated.

As the Community Engagement Rabbi at Hillel at FSU, candidates can expect extensive professional development opportunities, including mentoring, skill-building workshops, and potential travel for immersive experiences. The organization is committed to fostering a supportive environment that enhances the Rabbi's leadership skills within the Jewish community.

To build relationships with students as the Community Engagement Rabbi, I would prioritize meeting students where they are, engaging them in informal settings like coffee chats or campus events, and genuinely listening to their experiences. Establishing trust and showing empathy will be key to encouraging an open dialogue about their Jewish journeys.

In a previous role, I led an educational series focused on contemporary Jewish ethical discussions. By inviting diverse speakers and encouraging active participation, the initiative created a vibrant conversation space where students felt empowered to share their perspectives. The outcome was a stronger sense of community and more students actively participating in Jewish life.

Ensuring inclusivity in programming at Hillel at FSU involves actively seeking input from students of various backgrounds and tailoring events to meet their spiritual needs. I would collaborate with student leaders to create programs that highlight diverse narratives within our Jewish community and create spaces where everyone feels represented and valued.

I would employ an open-door strategy, welcoming students from all backgrounds to participate in low-pressure events that introduce them to Jewish traditions. By hosting informal discussions and experiential learning opportunities, I hope to demystify Jewish practices and help students feel comfortable exploring their identities.

Pastoral care is essential in my approach as a Community Engagement Rabbi. It allows me to provide emotional support to students facing challenges. By integrating Jewish wisdom into wellness practices, I aim to offer a holistic approach to coping strategies that empower students to manage their stress and enhance their spiritual well-being.

In a previous role, I created a personalized Seder experience that incorporated student voices. By encouraging them to share their family traditions and modern interpretations, we not only honored the richness of our heritage but also fostered an atmosphere of belonging during the holiday festivities.

I would evaluate the success of my engagement strategies by gathering feedback directly from students through surveys and informal discussions. Tracking participation rates and observing how students are connecting with programming will also provide insights into what resonates and what can be improved.

My vision for creating vibrant Jewish life at Florida State University involves transforming Hillel into a hub of creative engagement where students innovate traditions and connect deeply. By fostering collaboration, celebrating diversity, and providing a range of meaningful experiences, I aim to cultivate a resilient and thriving community.

I plan to integrate contemporary issues into Jewish conversations by facilitating discussions that relate Jewish texts to current events, ethical dilemmas, and student concerns. This approach allows students to see the relevance of Judaism in their lives and encourages them to grapple with significant topics in an accessible manner.

I envision collaborating closely with student leaders by empowering them in their leadership roles, offering support and guidance while allowing them to take ownership of initiatives. Regular brainstorming sessions and open channels of communication will help us to collaboratively create impactful, student-driven programming.