Temple Israel is offering two meaningful opportunities to support our community during the High Holy Days. If interested in either of these openings, please send a brief intro and any relevant experience or materials to applicants@templeisraelalameda.org.
High Holy Day Service Leader
We are seeking a spiritual leader who can lead Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services with warmth, depth, and inspiration.
The ideal candidate will:
- Offer spiritually engaging and inclusive services
- Weave together prayer, music, and meaningful teachings
- Create a welcoming space for individuals and families of all backgrounds
- Help foster reflection, connection, and a sense of community
Our community values creativity grounded in tradition, inclusivity, and a progressive approach to Jewish life. We look forward to welcoming clergy who bring authenticity, presence, and care to these sacred days.
We’re open to ordained rabbis, cantors, or experienced spiritual leaders who align with our vision.
High Holy Day Soloist
Required services include: Erev Rosh Hashanah, Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre, and Yom Kippur. We would welcome your participation in our Selichot service, but that is not required. We use the Mishkan HaNefesh machzorim and a combination of cantorial and folk melodies.
Our services are about two hours. Erev Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services begin at 7:00 pm. Morning services begin at 10:00 am. Yizkor and Neilah begin at 5:00 pm, followed by a Break-the-Fast.
Our congregants will leyn Torah and read the Haftorah in English. Ideally, the cantor/cantorial soloist will be able to help as gabbai during the Shacharit Torah services. For the High Holy Days, we hire a piano accompanist to support the cantor/cantorial soloist’s prayer leadership. If you are local to the Bay Area, we will arrange in-person, on-site rehearsals with our accompanist. Alternatively, we can arrange Zoom meetings.
Temple Israel and the service leader will provide the order of each service and suggested composers. Our accompanist is returning from last year and is highly skilled.
