Congregational Rabbi

Exceptional Opportunity for a Dynamic Orthodox Rabbi to Lead and Inspire our Congregation 

Congregation Beit Tikvah of Ottawa (CBTO) is an inclusive shul committed to spiritual growth. We are seeking a dynamic Orthodox Rabbi to lead and inspire our community by filling our shul with the light of dedicated Torah learning, the sound of heartfelt tefillah, and the warmth of ahavat yisrael and chesed. 

About CBTO 

Congregation Beit Tikvah is a growing and inclusive Modern Orthodox community that encourages commitment to spiritual religious growth and enhanced community involvement. We value: 

• The totality of the Jewish community no matter the level of observance or knowledge,
• Community and our obligation to contribute positively to it, 
• A warm, dynamic environment in which every individual feels welcome to participate,
• Opportunities for inspiration through prayer, Torah Study, and programming,
• The State of Israel and its central importance to the Jewish People, and
• Halacha and its application in a contemporary context. 

Ottawa 

Ottawa is Canada’s capital, home to 15,000 Jews. There are approximately 150 Orthodox families in three principal areas (not in walking distance to each other). There are two Jewish elementary schools and a yeshiva high school. Tuition costs are reasonable. The community has a mikvah and kosher food (including a large kosher section in a supermarket with fresh meat and bread, several kosher bread outlets, and three kosher cafes and three caterers). The Jewish community is vibrant with many Jewish organizations and several shuls. The Ottawa Vaad HaKashrut is internationally recognized and a member of the AKO. 

Ottawa has been ranked as one of the best cities in North America for quality of life. It is beautiful, clean, safe and a lovely place to raise a family. Housing costs are reasonable. High quality comprehensive health care is publicly funded. Ottawa is a 2-hour drive to Montreal, a 4.5-hour drive to Toronto and an 8-hour drive to New York City. 

Ottawa is home to a number of highly regarded rabbis and scholars in addition to those at CBTO. Our pulpit Rabbi will have many opportunities for collegiality at a high level. Since Ottawa is the capital of Canada, CBTO’s Rabbi will have occasion to interact with senior government and embassy officials. 

Candidate Profile 

The successful candidate will provide CBTO with a positive and energizing model of Orthodox Jewish family life. He will embody modern Orthodox Torah values in both his rabbinical position and daily interaction with the shul membership and community at large. The candidate must be well versed in halacha and comfortable applying that knowledge with mindful recognition of the congregation.

We expect our Rabbi to possess exceptional people skills and the ability to connect with a diverse Jewish community of all ages with openness and understanding of contemporary challenges. He should be a skilled speaker, present compelling sermons and be committed to the learning of the congregation. He should be comfortable providing pastoral support for lifecycle events. He will be active in membership recruitment and in the broader community. He will encourage women and girls to participate in all aspects of shul life within permitted halachic boundaries. He must have a love for, and commitment to, the State of Israel. 

Essential Requirements 

• Smicha from a recognized Orthodox yeshiva 
• Highly trained in Jewish law, ritual, and tradition, with the ability to communicate it to anyone. 
• Skilled educator: able to design and effectively present inspiring sermons and classes for all elements of our congregation. 
• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college/university or equivalent. ● Computer literate (familiarity with office tools and synagogue administrative tools). 

Personal Characteristics and Skills 

The successful candidate has: 

• High ethical and moral standards 
• Integrity and strength of character 
• Superior communications skills in English (and Hebrew). 
• Demonstrated leadership skills. 
• The ability to connect with a diverse Jewish community by openness and understanding of contemporary challenges. 
• Warmth, empathy, a sense of humour, infectious enthusiasm, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to hospitality 

Assets 

• Advanced secular education (e.g., Master’s degree) and experience 
• High Holidays Baal Tefillah 
• Baal Koreh 
• Prior experience as a pulpit rabbi or assisting with the needs of a congregation. ● Meet criteria for membership in the Rabbinical Council of America 

Remuneration 

A salary commensurate with experience and benefits package is available. Please note that comprehensive basic healthcare is publicly funded in Canada and Clergy have a housing cost tax benefit.

Additional opportunities for employment within the Jewish community for family members may also be available. 

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter in confidence to JCareerRabbinics.org. Applications will be reviewed in a timely manner. Thank you for your interest in the Rabbi position at Congregation Beit Tikvah of Ottawa.