Restrictions on Rabbinic Search

The Joint Placement Commission, made up of members from the RA and USCJ, oversee the entire search process. When you post your position, you agree to the Placement Rules. All rabbinic candidates are members in good standing of the RA and candidates choose which communities they are interested in considering for employment. Each rabbi has access to the full list of congregations in search. Aside from the placement restrictions on years of experience needed to apply to various size congregations (see below), any rabbi may apply to any shul.

The fiduciary responsibilities of synagogue leadership that apply to all areas of congregational life apply here very specifically. It is solely the responsibility of your synagogue's Search Committee or designees to actively screen, confirm, and validate whatever information is given by candidates. Searching for a new rabbinic leader is a complicated process. The congregation should evaluate competence, fit, and chemistry. We advocate that all references be checked in detail and that multiple sources be consulted. When a candidate sends their resume to an employer through the RA system, this does not constitute a recommendation of endorsement of their candidacy.

Years of working with congregations indicate that you increase the probability of success in selecting your new rabbi where not only is there fit for chemistry but also for years of life experience and management expertise. Larger kehillot are complex institutions so selecting a rabbi with wisdom, practical experience, and years of solving complex problems helps ensure a successful partnership. New graduates of all movement rabbinical schools are eligible to apply to A-size shuls [fewer than 250 members] to be the solo rabbi or to a larger shul as an assistant rabbi.

Assistant Rabbis at D-size shuls, after completing six years of service in their congregation, will be eligible to assume the Senior Rabbi position.