Open Tent Be Mitzvah Educator

Judaism Your Way; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 61,992 - 68,880; Part time

Job summary

Judaism Your Way in Denver is seeking a dedicated Open Tent Be Mitzvah Educator/Mentor to guide students through a personalized Be Mitzvah journey. This role emphasizes creating a nurturing environment that supports students' physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of Jewish traditions, facilitate engaging sessions, and build supportive relationships with families. Salary is between $45 and $50 per hour, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years teaching in pluralistic Jewish educational settings.
• Good classroom management skills.
• Proficient knowledge of Judaism and Liturgy.

Responsibilities

• Lead students through the Open Tent Be Mitzvah program.
• Facilitate sessions with Be Mitzvah students over 9–12 months.
• Build trusted relationships with students and families.

Skills

Knowledge of Jewish traditions, texts, and values

Experience with teens in educational settings

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Inclusive approaches to Judaism

Creativity and flexibility in teaching

Education

Rabbinic or cantorial ordination, or Jewish educator training

Job description

Who We Are

Judaism Your Way (JYW) is a 20-year-old Colorado-based Jewish organization creating innovative approaches for Jews and their loved ones to connect to Jewish life. We are an open tent, embracing everyone who seeks a connection to Jewish life. Every day, we share transformative Jewish experiences and recognize ourselves as part of something relevant, whole, and sacred. There are many ways to be Jewish. At Judaism Your Way, we respect and include them all. Learn more at www.judaismyourway.org.

Who You Are

• You have deep knowledge of and connection to Jewish traditions, texts, and values
• You have experience working with teens in educational or spiritual settings
• You have strong interpersonal and communication skills
• You are comfortable with inclusive, pluralistic approaches to Judaism
• You exhibit creativity, flexibility, and warmth in teaching and ceremony creation
• You might have rabbinic ordination, cantorial ordination, or Jewish educator training, but this is not required

Position Overview

The Open Tent Be Mitzvah Educator/Mentor is responsible for leading students through the Open Tent Be Mitzvah program, ensuring a positive, meaningful, and engaging educational experience. The Educator/Mentor will create a nurturing environment to foster the physical, emotional, and spiritual well‑being of students. This role involves teaching, role modeling, administration, family engagement, and collaboration with the Open Tent team.

Open Tent Be Mitzvah Educators guide students and their families through a two‑year, personalized Be Mitzvah journey. Educators build deep, supportive relationships, teach Jewish content in relevant and inclusive ways, and help students co‑create ceremonies that reflect their values, identities, and unique Jewish paths.

Core Responsibilities (for all Educators)

• Facilitate one‑on‑one or classroom sessions (in‑person or virtual) with Be Mitzvah students over the course of 9–12 months
• Build trusted relationships with students and families, serving as both educator and spiritual guide
• Teach Jewish content (e.g., Torah, holidays, ethics, spirituality, social justice) with flexibility and openness
• Support students in creating a D’var Torah, ceremony elements, and rituals that reflect their personal connection to Judaism
• Collaborate with Judaism Your Way staff and attend required trainings and team meetings
• Officiate at Be Mitzvah ceremonies
• Communicate with parents clearly and promptly.
• Attend all scheduled educator meetings and supervision sessions.

Year 1 Educators

• Teach approximately twenty‑six classes, September through May.
• Facilitate two out‑of‑class gatherings during the program year. Meet with each family at least once during the program year.
• Recruit parent volunteers
• Participate in one OT Friday Night Shabbat Service.

Year 2 Educators

Guide students in learning about the diverse approaches and meanings of Jewish prayer.

• Guide and support individual students as they create and build their own Torah teaching/challenges project/research project.
• Work with students to build their own personal ceremony and siddur (prayerbook).
• Co‑officiate with each student during their Be Mitzvah ceremony, which will be scheduled between May and October after the conclusion of the class.
• Communicate with families regarding Be Mitzvah logistics and content, including student progress and learning
• Meet individually with families three times a year to support the student’s process and progress.

One‑on‑One Educators

• Participate in one OT Friday Night Shabbat Service.
• Meet and communicate with family regularly to identify goals, dates, other logistics, and student progress.
• Meet with students every other week for forty‑five minutes, approximately twenty meetings.
• Provide recaps to families after each student meeting.
• Guide and support individual students as they create and build their own Torah teaching/challenges project/research project.
• Work with students to build their own personal ceremony and siddur (prayerbook).Co‑officiate with each student during their Be Mitzvah ceremony which will be scheduled between May and October after the conclusion of the class.

Requirements

• Have a minimum of two years teaching in pluralistic Jewish educational settings.
• Good classroom management skills.
• Proficient knowledge of Judaism and Liturgy
• Ability to lead Be Mitzvah ceremonies
• Alignment with Judaism Your Way’s Philosophy and Values
• Passionate about creating welcoming, inclusive, and meaningful Jewish experiences for individuals and families.
• You have experience in Jewish education and engagement.
• You are a skilled and engaging communicator, both in written and spoken formats, who can connect with diverse audiences.
• You are highly organized.
• You exude warmth, care, and approachability, making families feel supported and valued in their Jewish journeys.
• You are creative and innovative and bring joy to learning.
• You are a team player who thrives in a collaborative environment while also taking initiative and working independently.
• Open to learning and able to accept constructive feedback.

Salary

$45–$50/hour based on experience