Rabbi Search Committee
The Rabbi Search Committee serves as the coordinating committee for the Wood River Jewish Community’s search for a Rabbi to serve the members of our congregation who live in Sun Valley, Hailey and Bellevue, Idaho. Our congregation is currently comprised of over 200 families, both full-time and seasonal residents.
Recently, we surveyed the WRJC membership as to the qualities our community prioritizes in our rabbinical leadership.
As a “big picture” the survey showed trends of what the Community wants from our next rabbi.
At the top of list members expressed interest in having a strong leader in worship, that s/he be knowledgeable about the observance of Jewish holidays, traditions, and values.
The rabbi should be interested in our Jewish community and our larger community and in building and retaining WRJC membership, and should be a builder of relationships.
Additionally, important character traits in our new Rabbi are approachability, availability, and being down to earth. A sense of Jewish ethics is also important for WRJC leadership. Also 88% of respondents felt that having an intellectual nature to be an important element in rabbinical leadership.
One correspondent's comment:
We should be a recognized presence for full-time residents/visitors; a warm, welcoming community offering the full spectrum of Jewish programming/services.
We should recognize there is a need for programming outside of the new building -- continue to hold programs in Hailey, the Botanical Gardens, in private homes.
We might continue to livestream programs/services. Offer a high- level intellectual program for a week during the summer.
Job Description for WRJC's Rabbi Position
As we have written to you, there is a nationwide shortage of rabbis. So our best chance of finding one is through relationships of our community members with congregations and Jewish organizations throughout the country.
Our job description is below. Please feel free to share it with people/organizations that you think can help us identify a candidate who both meets are criteria and who would appreciate the special joy that living in the Wood River Valley brings.
If you have questions or need clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the members of the Rabbi Search Committee.
Rhea Schwartz
Sergio Bicas
Joanne Mercer
Dana Berntson
Judy Kaye
Jeff Rose