Years of working with kehillot 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 and years of solving complex problems helps ensure a successful partnership. Here is the basic formula:
|
Category |
Congregational Size |
Current Year of Service Required to Apply to Congregation |
Year of Service Commencing When Rabbi Assumes the Pulpit |
|
AA |
Assistant Rabbi |
Ordination pending |
Commencing first year of service (Newly ordained) |
|
A |
Up to 250 |
Ordination pending |
Commencing first year of service (Newly ordained) |
|
B |
251-500 |
Currently in the second year of service |
Commencing third year of service |
|
C |
501-750 |
Currently in the fourth year of service |
Commencing fifth year of service |
|
D |
Over 750 |
Currently in the ninth year of service |
Commencing tenth year of service |
In category D, an Assistant Rabbi, after completing six years of service in his/her congregation, will be eligible to assume the Senior Rabbi position.
New graduates of all movement rabbinical schools may apply to A-size kehillot [fewer than 250 members] or to be assistant rabbis at any size kehilla. Practical experience is an important factor for rabbinic success in larger congregations. As such, the placement system factors in years of experience as a piece of what is required of rabbis to gain access to pulpits.
