Para-Rabbinic Program of Esynagogue

Overview and Mission

This program is designed to train lay leaders to serve as assistants to rabbis or assist congregations lacking sufficient rabbinical coverage, to help them support the spiritual life of their congregations and communities.  

The Esynagogue.com Para-Rabbinic program is designed to teach lay leaders a variety of skills to help them support communal worship, life-cycle events and educational opportunities. Participants in our program may use these skills in various ways—by serving a congregation that has no clergy; by working in an assisted living facility or adult community; or by assisting their congregational clergy.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students must demonstrate a minimum Jewish knowledge base equivalent to that provided by the Esynagogue.com Introduction to Judaism program. The student’s knowledge level will be determined by the program rabbis through phone interviews and by contacts with previous teachers. Ability to read Hebrew proficiently is required.

Rabbinical Supervision

In a congregation with a rabbi, the Para-rabbi's role is agreed to between the rabbi and para-rabbi before the course, and the rabbi supervises the para-rabbi once the course is completed. Rabbinical supervision during the training period can be provided either by the student’s own rabbi or by the rabbis of this program. Should you not have a rabbi to consult with in your community, you will have regular access to our program rabbis to help you with various questions that arise in connection with Para-rabbinic training.

The Role of the Para-rabbi

Para-rabbis are trained to conduct life cycle events including funerals, unveilings and baby namings, but are not qualified to do weddings or conversions. Para-rabbis are qualified to conduct Shabbat morning minyans, assist in Shiva minyans, conduct Torah study, and conduct services at nursing homes and assisted living centers in the community. Others may do more in their communities because their synagogues either lack a full-time rabbi or have part-time student rabbis.

Seminar

For those who can join us, we offer an optional weekend seminar in Skokie, IL (a near-north suburb of Chicago). The weekend session includes: Friday night Erev Shabbat dinner and services, Saturday morning services, a Shabbat Lunch and Learn study session, afternoon seminars, Minha/Ma’ariv and Havdalah service, a night out on the town, Sunday morning breakfast and final study session. Information on costs for the seminar and available housing will be provided when a seminar is scheduled.

Books

Purchase From USCJ.org Bookstore, Rabbinical Assembly publications:

            Rabbi’s Manual, Edited by Rabbi Perry Rank and Rabbi Gordon Freeman

            B’Kol Echad Songster

You can purchase the books yourself or we can send them to you for an additional $75.

Other Resources

You will have ready access to approximately 400 videos for quick background on subjects important for the training. Other course materials will be mailed to the student.

Curriculum

Successful completion of the Para-rabbinic program requires demonstrated competency in the following:

1.  Conduct a Jewish funeral

2.  Conduct a hospital visit

3.  Prepare and deliver a d’var Torah

4.  Conduct a Shiva minyan 

5.  Conduct an unveiling

6.  Lead a Passover seder

7.  Conduct a baby naming and co-officiate with Mohel at a Brit Milah

8.  Lead Birkat Hamazone

9.  Make Kiddush for Shabbat meals

10. Lead Havdalah

11. Prepare lead and a Torah study

12. Have an aliyah to the Torah

13. Organize and lead Havurot

14. Preside at a Mezuzah affixing ceremony

15. Know bracha for putting on a Tallit

16. Know traditional Jewish songs

17. Know blessings and basic prayer melodies

18. Know how to lay T’fillin

19. Complete 100 Question test of Jewish knowledge

Optional

Lead Shabbat worship services

Chant Yom Tov Kiddush

Chant Hallel

Song leadership of traditional Jewish songs

Esynagogue Board of Directors

Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg, Supervising Director (rjhgins@gmail.com 847-331-3584)

Gail Nord Ginsburg, Spiritual Director (ginsburg.gail@gmail.com ; 847-331-4406)

James Stein, Esq., Administrative Director

2008 Application for Esynagogue Para-rabbinic Program

An application must include the following:

-- a completed application form

-- a resume, including education, professional involvement, and synagogue involvement  -- two professional references, with phone and email contact information included

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applicant Information

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Street address: ___________________________________________________________

City: ______________________State/Province: _____________ Zip: _______________

Home phone: _________________ Cell or work phone: __________________________

Email address: _________________________________Date of Birth: _______________

Profession: ______________________________________________________________

Name of synagogue where a member: ________________________________________

Synagogue address: _______________________________________________________

Name of synagogue clergy with contact information _____________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

• Are you currently enrolled in a Jewish studies program? If so, where are you studying and are you auditing or registered for credit?
•            
•            
• Are you currently engaged in Jewish studies with a rabbi/mentor or in an informal educational program? If yes, please describe (include contact info).
• so, please provide details (include contact info).

Biographical Information

Please answer the following on a separate sheet:

            1. Tell us about yourself including your religious background and your personal Jewish journey.

            2. How have you been active in your congregation? In what capacities? As a paid professional or volunteer? Please detail some of the successes and challenges you have faced.

            3. What skills do you hope to develop, and what information do you hope to obtain in this training?

            4. Explain in detail your professional and personal goals in undertaking this course of study.

            5. Describe your Jewish observance, Shabbat, Kashrut, etc.

Special Circumstances or Needs

Please detail any special circumstances or needs you feel should be taken into consideration with your application.

Signature:__________________________________________ Date: ______________