Part-time Rabbi at the Ames Jewish Congregation

Job Title:

Part-time Rabbi

Organization Name:

Ames Jewish Congregation

Job Type:

Part-time, one weekend per month except in summer

Salary Range:

$22,000-$25,000

Deadline:

March 31, 2026

Position Summary:

The Ames Jewish Congregation (AJC), located in Ames, Iowa, is seeking to hire a part-time Rabbi who would be expected to visit the congregation for High Holidays, plus 8 times per year, approximately one weekend per month (Friday through Sunday). AJC is a community that honors our Jewish traditions, applies our Jewish faith to today’s life, and works toward the continuation of the Jewish people. Our congregation is affiliated with the Reform movement, yet our approximately 45 member-households have diverse Jewish traditions and practices. Ames, the home of Iowa State University, is a Midwestern city with a population of approximately 65,000 people.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  1. In addition to leading worship services, the Rabbi is expected to lead Torah study and facilitate adult education discussions on topics of interest to members of a well-educated community.
  2. The Rabbi should be able to engage with students of all ages. While our students go to Des Moines for religious school, the Rabbi is expected to interact with them in activities outside of religious school, including family programming. The Rabbi is also expected to work with children preparing for B’ Mitzvah.
  3. The Rabbi is expected to provide pastoral care to congregants either in-person on weekend visits or remotely at other times.
  4. The Rabbi is expected to be a resource for congregation leaders to help develop activities that increase engagement of congregants and members of the larger Ames Jewish community.
  5. The Rabbi must be willing to follow the practices of the Reform movement and also be inclusive of Jews with differing observances, practices, and backgrounds, including interfaith couples and families. The congregation works to make everyone feel welcome.
  6. While in Ames, the Rabbi will be quite busy, and needs to be able to handle an active schedule and interact with many people, including having meals with congregants.

Experience and Qualifications Requirements:

Rabbi in good standing.

How to Apply

Anyone interested in this position should contact the chair of the Rabbi Search Committee:

John Pleasants, 515-231-2985, [email protected]

Additional Information

Transportation to and from Ames will be paid by AJC. Accommodations are usually provided at the Windsor Oaks Senior Living Center next door to the synagogue. Starting date would be August 2026.