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Back to one of my favorite topics-a story on shul's lack of transparency and poor communication.
Something you need to know b4: In the Conservative movement, you need to have a certain amount of years in the field to apply for differently sized shuls. Ok? Onward!
Something you need to know b4: In the Conservative movement, you need to have a certain amount of years in the field to apply for differently sized shuls. Ok? Onward!
I got ordained in 2016 and out of school applied for an asst. Rabbi job at a shul I was really excited about. I crushed the interview weekend and was pretty certain that I would get the offer.
Flash to call back day. I never received a call-rejection or acceptance.
Flash to call back day. I never received a call-rejection or acceptance.
So I have to call the Shul president who says how sorry he is, someone should've called, hemming and hawing his way through. Long story short, I don't get the job.
Fast forward to 2020, now their head Rabbi position is open! So I say why not!? I'll throw my hat into the ring.
Fast forward to 2020, now their head Rabbi position is open! So I say why not!? I'll throw my hat into the ring.
I send my resume and cover letter in, hopes start to get reasonably elevated again w/i normal ranges of course. Then, boom, last night, short email with no explanation: "your application won't be advancing."
Say what now?!
Say what now?!
I luckily know someone on the committee who I call up who is kind and very apologetic. Apparently, they decided that for a 5 year out applicant to be considered, all 5 of those years need to be in the pulpit. I took a slight detour and spent 1 year working as a school Rabbi.
Do I think this policy makes sense? Absolutely not. As if one more set of shivas, sermons, and ritual committee meetings make that much of a difference.
That being said, they're certainly entitled to follow that line of thinking. But it appeared nowhere in any of their docs.
That being said, they're certainly entitled to follow that line of thinking. But it appeared nowhere in any of their docs.
Not in any place or any form did they make that known. I clearly wouldn't have applied, wouldn't have gotten hopes mildly raised.
So, shul people. Be clear and communicative with your applicants. We Rabbis are people too with real feelings!
So, shul people. Be clear and communicative with your applicants. We Rabbis are people too with real feelings!
The reflection on the culture of your orgs is very real. People talk. This is now 2x I have been burned by this place.
I am still in a quasi search as I am an applicant at my current job that I really enjoy but was only a year gig so now I am competing with some others.
I am still in a quasi search as I am an applicant at my current job that I really enjoy but was only a year gig so now I am competing with some others.
So just think, if I were applying here, how would I want to be treated? That's the whole ballgame.
Be kind, folks. Treat people with respect, honesty, and dignity!
Be kind, folks. Treat people with respect, honesty, and dignity!
