Employment Opportunities at Temple Beth-El
Temple Beth-El is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in recognition of our values, commitment to social justice, and responsibility to our spiritual leaders and staff, congregants, and the communities within which we live and work. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQIA+ applicants.
Statistics show that women, people of color, and many others with marginalized identities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification perfectly. We want to hear from you whether you meet all the preferences for a position or not!
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Religious School Substitute Teachers
Position Overview: Temple Beth-El (TBE) is seeking passionate and flexible substitute teachers to join our education team at the Rabbi Felix Aber Religious School. Our religious school serves students in kindergarten through 7th grade and is committed to providing a warm, inclusive, and engaging Jewish education.
Schedule: Sundays (K-7th grade): 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and Wednesdays (2nd-7th grade): 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Teachers are expected to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the beginning of school to set up their classrooms.
Compensation: Substitute teachers will be compensated at a rate of $25/hour
Responsibilities:
Lead pre-prepared lessons and activities in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Foster a positive and inclusive classroom atmosphere that respects all students' backgrounds and learning needs.
Supervise students during learning activities and all-school gatherings, ensuring their safety and engagement.
Communicate effectively with students, staff, and families as needed.
Follow the classroom management policies and values of the religious school.
Qualifications:
Experience working with children in an educational or informal education setting.
Knowledge of Jewish traditions, values, and Hebrew decoding
Ability to adapt quickly to different classroom settings and age groups.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning environment.
Working Conditions/Physical Demands: Teachers must be able to travel to Temple Beth-El (402 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.) Stooping, bending, and reaching for and carrying files or supplies, and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are common.
To Apply: Candidates should email their CV and a brief cover letter to Calle Schueler, Director of Education and Engagement, at calle-schueler@tbeithaca.org.
Religious School Lead Educators
Position Overview: Temple Beth-El is seeking passionate, dedicated, and imaginative educators to teach at the Rabbi Felix Aber Religious School for the 2025-2026 academic year. As an educator in our religious school, you will be responsible for crafting engaging lessons on Jewish text, history, values, traditions, and rituals. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in Jewish learning and a demonstrated commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Our students learn Hebrew at different levels, and we are looking for faculty with a range of Hebrew knowledge. Whether you have a deep understanding of Hebrew language and prayer or are comfortable teaching the alef-bet and basic decoding skills, we encourage you to apply.
Schedule: Sundays (K-7th grade): 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and Wednesdays (2nd-7th grade): 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Teachers are expected to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the beginning of school to set up their classrooms.
Compensation: $30/hour for instructional time, $25/hour for staff meetings, professional development, and class services.
Planning time is compensated at $25/hour:
K-1st grade (once a week): Up to 1 hrs./week
2nd-7th grade (twice a week): Up to 2 hrs./week
A $250 retention bonus will be paid out at the end of the school year for teachers who stay through the full term.
Responsibilities:
Develop and implement lesson plans that align with TBE’s educational goals and curriculum. Lesson plans should be submitted at least five days in advance of each class
Work closely with the Director of Education and Engagement, Rabbi, and other faculty to ensure consistency in the educational program
Participate in staff meetings and collaborate on special projects and events
Cultivate open and effective communication with students and families
Maintain accurate records of student performance, behavior, and/or learning challenges
Submit written student evaluations at the end of the fall and spring semesters
Ensure a safe and healthy environment for learning in connection with all school activities
Qualifications:
Prior experience in teaching, classroom management, and lesson planning (Jewish summer camp experience counts!)
Varied levels of Hebrew proficiency are welcomed—whether you can teach basic decoding or lead advanced Hebrew study, we want to hear from you!
Experience in differentiated instruction is a plus!
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Working Conditions/Physical Demands: Teachers must be able to travel to Temple Beth-El (402 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850). Stooping, bending, and reaching for and carrying files or supplies, and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are common.
To Apply: Interested candidates should email a résumé and cover letter to the Director of Education and Engagement at calle-schueler@tbeithaca.org.
Nitzanim Early Childhood Educator
Position Overview: Temple Beth-El is seeking a warm, creative, and enthusiastic educator to lead Nitzanim, our monthly preschool program for children ages 3 and 4 and their families. Nitzanim provides a joyful introduction to Jewish holidays and traditions through crafts, games, stories, music and, of course, holiday snacks! This program fosters a love of Jewish learning and helps young families connect, celebrate, and build community.
Schedule: One Sunday per month from September 2025 to May 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Compensation: $30/hour for instructional time, plus $25/hour for 1 hour of planning time per month
Responsibilities:
Develop and lead engaging, age-appropriate activities that introduce Jewish holidays, traditions, and values in a fun and interactive way.
Create a warm, inclusive, and welcoming environment for young children and their families.
Submit lesson plans and materials lists to the Director of Education and Engagement at least two weeks prior to each session.
Communicate effectively with the Director of Education and Engagement regarding lesson planning and any program needs.
Set up and clean up materials before and after each session.
Collaborate with other educators and clergy as needed to enhance the program.
Qualifications:
Experience working with preschool-age children in an educational or informal setting.
Knowledge of Jewish holidays, traditions, and values.
Creativity and enthusiasm for hands-on, experiential learning.
Strong communication and organizational skills.
Ability to build positive relationships with children and caregivers.
Working Conditions/Physical Demands: Teachers must be able to travel to Temple Beth-El (402 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.) Stooping, bending, and reaching for and carrying files or supplies, and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are common.
To Apply: If you are passionate about early childhood Jewish education and excited to help foster a love of Jewish learning in our youngest learners, we would love to hear from you! Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Calle, Director of Education and Engagement, at calle-schueler@tbeithaca.org.