KHSZ Children’s Service Leaders

Kehilat Hadar Shaare Zedek; New York (NY); On-site; USD 103,000 - 276,000; Part time

Job summary

Kehilat Hadar Shaare Zedek is seeking dynamic educators to design and lead half-hour children’s services for ages 4–6 and 7–11 on Saturdays and select holidays, with possible High Holiday-only roles. Roles may be shared among leaders depending on availability and experience.

Educators will plan engaging tefillah experiences, integrate Torah content, and foster a welcoming environment for families. Schedule includes 10:30–11:00 or 11:00–11:30 AM, with holidays arranged in advance.

Qualifications

• Experience leading youth tefilah and teaching in Jewish settings.
• Knowledge of traditional Shabbat and holiday prayer; ability to teach tefillah and Torah to children.
• Understanding of child development for the relevant ages.
• Classroom management for diverse learning needs.
• Strong communication, organization and time-management skills.
• Availability matching your schedule (High Holidays and/or year-round Shabbat/holidays).

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead engaging half-hour services for the assigned age group(s), integrating parashah or holiday-relevant themes into a consistent tefillah structure.
• Support family engagement and foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for children and parents.

Skills

Youth tefilah

Jewish education experience

Shabbat & holidays knowledge

Child development

Classroom management

Schedule availability

Job description

Kehilat Hadar Shaare Zedek (KHSZ) seeks dynamic and dedicated educators to design and lead children’s services for multiple age groups on Saturday mornings and additional holidays throughout the year. ( We also welcome applicants seeking High Holiday-only roles.)

This role can be held by a single leader or split among multiple educators depending on interest, experience, and availability.

About KHSZ

Kehilat Hadar Shaare Zedek is an independent, traditional, egalitarian synagogue on Manhattan's Upper West Side. We're a long-standing lay-led community meeting in a new space on W. 93rd Street. You can learn more about us at khsz.org.

Role & Flexible Options

KHSZ has an ever-growing number of families with young children. To support our younger community members, we are hiring educators to lead distinct half-hour services for two age groups: Ages 4–6 and Ages 7–11.

The primary goal is to increase children’s comfort and familiarity with the structure and content of traditional tefillah through engaging prayer, singing, and age-appropriate learning.

Applicants may apply for any combination of schedule and age group:

• Schedule Options: Shabbat & year-round holidays only |High Holidays only | All service dates
• Age Options: Ages 4–6 only | Ages 7–11 only | Both age groups

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead engaging half-hour services for the assigned age group(s), integrating parashah or holiday-relevant themes into a consistent tefillah structure.
• Support family engagement and foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for children and parents.

Schedule & Hours

• Service Times: 10:30–11:00 AM and/or 11:00–11:30 AM
• Shabbat: Saturday mornings year-round (preference for candidates available for at least 40 Shabbatot per year)
• Additional Holidays: Occasional services to be arranged in advance
• High Holidays: Rosh Hashanah (Days 1 & 2) and Yom Kippur morning

Qualifications

• Experience leading youth tefilah, teaching in Jewish settings, and/or working in Jewish summer camps
• Knowledge of traditional Shabbat and holiday prayer and ability to teach tefillah and Torah content in an accessible way.
• Understanding of child development for the relevant age group(s)
• Classroom management skills for groups with diverse learning needs
• Strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Availability matching your desired schedule (High Holidays and/or year-round Shabbat and holidays)

Compensation & Application

• Pay: $75–100 per half-hour service led (inclusive of prep time), commensurate with experience. Leading both age groups on a single morning pays $150–200.