Part I date of application (10/ /15) name of synagogue southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation Name of President

Part I

DATE OF APPLICATION (10/__/15)
NAME OF SYNAGOGUE Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation
Name of President Michele Fischer
Information about Synagogue:

Address 11200 South Apopka Vineland Road

City Orlando

State Florida

Postal Code 32836

Country USA

Telephone [phone]

Fax [phone]

E-mail [e-mail]
Name of Search Committee Chairperson Ben Bolusky

Address-home 3306 King George Drive Address-business 1533 Park Center Drive

City Orlando City Orlando

State Florida State Florida

Postal Code 32835 Postal Code 32835

Phone [phone] Phone [phone]

Fax [phone] Fax [phone]

E-mail [e-mail] E-mail [e-mail]

Prefer to Receive mail at (please choose one) X-Business Home

Prefer to be called at: (please choose one) X-Business Home

President/Chief Volunteer Officer:

Title Mrs.

First Name Michele

Middle Name

Last Name Fischer

Business Phone N/A

Business E-Mail N/A

Cell Phone [phone]

Home Phone [phone]

Home E-Mail [e-mail]

Prefer to Receive mail at (please choose one)  Business X-Home

Prefer to be called at (please choose one)  Business X-Home

Corresponding Secretary of the Search Committee

Title Mr.

First Name Edward “Ed”

Middle Name

Last Name Bromberg

Business Phone [phone] (cell)

Business Email [e-mail]

Home Phone [phone]

Home Email [e-mail]

THIS IS WHO WE ARE…THIS IS OUR SOJC!
While this application is chock full of answers and insights, we wish to paint an introductory snapshot for you as to who we are -- who is the Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation. So, before you begin to absorb the many details in this rabbinic application, kindly allow us to make a first impression!
We like to think our SOJC is genuinely one of the friendliest and most incredibly warm congregations you will ever find. While small in number, our heart is big and our strength is palpable! We are a family-centered, fully egalitarian congregation. We are the proud religious compass on the Southwest Orlando’s Jewish campus with a six-year young Jewish Community Center literally next door – and its big expansion is presently under construction! We openly and warmly welcome inter-faith couples and Jews-by-choice as we strive to offer a comfortable atmosphere encouraging interfaith families to be active.
Did we say we’re children-friendly? With a part-time Religious School Principal, SOJC’s Religious School proudly teems with 90 children emanating from just our small 167-member congregation! We love our enthusiastic, high energy and fun-filled Kadima and USY which we affectionately call SOJUSY.
We have a fabulously strong core of active members and love to showcase our huge number of teen and adult Torah readers! When the synagogue holds an event, we definitely turn out. Our monthly Family-Friday dinners and services are immensely popular huge hits! Purim Carnival, Pizza-in-the-Hut Sukkah celebration, a special Tu B’Shevat outing at our cantor’s tree farm and horse ranch offer a fun snapshot into some of our activities.
We’ve benefitted immensely from the wisdom, integrity and humor of our Rabbi for the last five years. Our wonderful Shaliach tzibbur who functions in the roles as would an ordained cantor, Doug Ramsay is SOJC’s full-time cantor and B’nai Mitzvah teacher. Doug’s warmth, care and concern for our members epitomizes the heart and soul of our SOJC community.
Our congregants crave connection, so there are extraordinary opportunities for a Rabbi to walk in and begin to create a lot of excitement, offering his/her creative vision while leading us in explorations to find meaningful expression of prayer in traditional and contemporary occasions.
So, in this quick sketch, we hope you’ve gained a rich initial taste of who we are…as this is our SOJC!

SUMMARY QUESTIONS
Number of Membership Units of Congregation to closest 25 175 Membership Units
Indicate Senior Staff – Please write out Hazzan, Educator, Executive Director, Assistant Rabbi, Early Childhood Director, Ritual Director – Indicate full-time=FT or part-time=PT

1. Cantor Doug Ramsay-- FT .

Day School in the Community – Write YES or NO YES

Instrumental Music on Shabbat – Write YES or NO NO, except for Kabalat Shabbat during the summer months.

Congregation is Egalitarian – Write YES or NO YES

Congregational Information

A. Number of member units today: Total 164 member units

Families 90 Single Members 25 Seniors 49

Children 0-4 20 Children 5-13 87

Age Distribution: Largest age group is families (30s to late 40s) with young and school-aged children at home; some single members with/without children; and, a smaller 65+ group than five years ago.

B. Number of member units five years ago: Total 130

Families 70 Single Members 10 Seniors 50

Children 0-4 30 Children 5-13 70

Age Distribution: Largest group was families (30s to late 40s) with young and school-aged children at home; a few single members with/without children; and, a somewhat larger 65+ group than now.

Future demographic projections of the congregation are:

• 
  In 2009, the local Jewish Federation constructed a brand new Jewish Community Center building next door to our synagogue. This supplements the older JCC built many years ago about 30 miles north. The Federation invested in this new JCC building since it predicted the Southwest Orlando area is a prime growth area for Orlando’s Jewish community.
  
• 
  Bright prospects for the continuing increase in families with children attracted to Orlando and the congregation’s geographical area.
  
• 
  Increase in young professionals as local economy diversifies with medical and high tech industries. There is a brand new bio-medical complex near the Orlando International Airport. This includes a new medical school, medical research facilities and a new Veteran’s hospital. SOJC is the closest synagogue to this new bio-medical campus which is only about 15 miles to the west of our synagogue and an easy commute. This complex will attract many professionals in the bio-medical field, a portion of whom may be expected to be Jewish and potential SOJC members.
  
• 
  Within a one mile radius of our synagogue, there are new communities and tracts of land approved by the county for even more single family homes and condominium units. These new communities contain middle and upper-middle housing typical of the homes in which most of our current members reside. The Orlando real estate market is once again strong.
  
• 
  Many of the theme parks and hotels are located in this area of Orlando and SOJC is only about 1.5 miles from the closest entrance to Walt Disney World. As a result, a sizable component of the local population has been transient, however we are witnessing the community has become much more stable in recent years with a noticeably smaller percentage of transient families.
  
• 
  There is an increase in single family and interfaith families in our area.
  
• 
  There are a large number of unaffiliated Jews in South Orlando.
  
• 
  There is stability in our older adult congregational age group.
  

Talk about the future demographics of the entire Jewish community as a whole:

Please see all of the above under “future demographics of the congregation,” especially the expected increase in the Jewish population with young couples and families. The availability and wide range of price points found in Orlando’s residential real estate market are attractive and the local economy is undergoing dramatic diversification.

What websites can the candidate check for more information?

For our synagogue: www.sojc.org

For the larger Jewish community:

For the Jewish Federation of Orlando: www.jfgo.org

For the Jewish Community Center: www.rosenjcc.org

For the Jewish Day School: www.jewishacademyorlando.org

For the Orlando Torah Academy: www.orlandotorah.com

For Orlando Jewish Family Services: jfsorlando.org

For Central Florida Hillel: www.centralfloridahillel.org

For the local Jewish newspaper: www.heritagefl.com

For the general geographic area: www.orlandosentinel.com

www.orlandomagazine.com

http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/

http://southwestorlandobulletin.com

www.floridatrend.com

What is the best book to learn about?

Your Jewish community: Please see Jewish community websites listed above.

The general geographic area: Since Orlando and Central Florida are very popular vacation destinations, travel guidebooks are solid, basic resources. Also, Married to the Mouse: Walt

Disney World & Orlando by Dr. Richard Fogelsong

Other resources you wish to tell us about?

University of Central Florida – www.ucf.edu

Rollins College – www.rollins.edu

Orange County Public Schools – www.ocps.net

Year synagogue founded 1982 and renamed in 1994

Please answer one of these questions -

a) For North America Congregations - Are you affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism? Write Yes or No YES

What region of the USCJ Southeast

b) For overseas congregations: What is your connection to Masorti Olami? N/A
C. Synagogue Facility

Describe about your physical space:

Our synagogue facility is a single story, fully air-conditioned, Florida-styled stucco contemporary building facing Apopka-Vineland Road, a major residential parkway. The Sanctuary accommodates up to 150 congregants and is contiguous to our Social Hall. The air wall between the Sanctuary and the Social Hall opens to fully accommodate overflow of worshippers for B’nai Mitzvoth, High Holy Days and synagogue events. Our administrative offices include a Rabbi’s study and secretary’s office, a Cantor’s office and several classrooms. We have a fully equipped kosher kitchen and a playground. SOJC is immediately adjacent to the six-year young Jewish Community Center (JCC) whose classrooms we use for our Religious School. Our synagogue and the JCC form the nucleus of a Jewish campus in southwest Orlando and, as a result, additional space at the JCC is available for use by SOJC.

Describe the Rabbi’s study

The Rabbi’s study is a windowed office facing the front of our synagogue facility. It includes a wrap-around executive desk with computer, bookcases and seating space for guests. The Rabbi’s study is adjacent to the administrative/front office and down the hall from the Cantor’s office. It can be entered from the main building or via a private exterior door.

Where are religious services held? Describe the space

Religious services are held in our Sanctuary. It is a beautiful, modern Sanctuary with seating for 150 in cushioned, permanent pews, stained glass windows and multiple Torahs in our Holy Ark. The Sanctuary is high-ceilinged and well-lit with modest décor.

List and describe other professional synagogue or congregational staff

Our professional synagogue staff includes a full-time Rabbi, full-time Cantor, and part-time Religious School Principal. The Rabbi leads services; officiates at life-cycle events; leads adult education programs; and, participates with our children in Religious School. The Cantor serves at the side of the Rabbi; trains, tutors and prepares B’nai Mitzvah students; tutors and prepares adult Torah readers; serves as Advisor to our Cantorial Corps of post B’nai Mitzvoth teenagers. The Religious School Principal serves as our school’s educational director and works with the Rabbi in the development of curriculum.

Does the Rabbi have a secretary/assistant? Describe:

Yes, the synagogue has a volunteer Chief Operating Officer.

4. Religious Life

Describe your siddurim – Do you have a primary one? Yes, Sim Shalom, although we will be transitioning to Siddur Lev Shalom.
Daily/weekday: Weekday Sim Shalom, transitioning to Lev Shalom

High Holy Days Mahzor Lev Shalom

Sabbath and Festivals: Sim Shalom, transitioning to Lev Shalom
Describe the Sabbath Service (e.g. congregational singing/Torah discussion, Hebrew/English

Usage): Talk about both Friday night and Shabbat morning.

Friday Night – SOJC’s late Friday night services are very children and family-oriented, highly participatory with lots of singing often led by our children and Cantorial Corps. We have an abbreviated Kabalat Shabbat and Ma’ariv with a healthy dose of English readings. Compared to our more traditional Saturday Morning services, Friday night services are informal and always end with an Oneg. Every few months, we have a themed Friday Family Shabbat with dinner. Alternating each month between a Friday night and a Shabbat morning, we enjoy a Shabbat Sha-Bang – a special service geared for our little tots! We have several longtime Friday night customs, including the: Rabbi throwing candy; blessing one’s sons and daughters; and, individual congregants publicly announcing or sharing of what they are most proud or grateful during the previous week. Often it is our youngsters who are eagerly the very first to share -- whether it’s a new toy, a good grade or a high video game score!
Shabbat Morning – SOJC’s Shabbat Morning services are more traditional than our Friday Night services. We have an abbreviated P’sukei D’Zimra. Typically, the Shacharit Amidah is said with full repetition, while the Musaf Amidah is said with a Hecha Kidusha. The congregation expects the Rabbi to offer a sermon or lead a Torah discussion. Portions of the Shabbat Morning service are often led by congregants and SOJC’s Cantorial Corps teenagers. The majority of our Shabbat Morning services are conducted in Hebrew with lots and lots of participation and singing! Torah readings are always read from the Torah scrolls. For a small synagogue, we have a strong core of active members who read the Torah and chant Haftarah throughout the entire year. All Shabbat Morning services conclude with a light Kiddush.
Full Torah Reading Write yes or no NO

Triennial Torah Reading Write yes or no YES

Other (describe) N/A
Who reads Torah? Mostly our Rabbi, yet our Torah team congregation adults, Bar/Bat Mitzvah students, Cantorial Corps teenagers and other congregants all read Torah. We are an astonishingly active Torah-reading congregation!
Describe the High Holy Day Services (e.g. choir, number of parallel services):

SOJC conducts regular High Holy Day Services with a mix of English and Hebrew readings. We conduct a parallel Beginyan (Beginners’ Minyan) for youngsters and their families, as well as a Children’s service. We have what we affectionately call our Low-Stress Choir. Childcare is offered during services. Our Rabbi traditionally offers thought-provoking sermons and Yizkor is recited. While we previously used the Silverman Machzor, we adopted the refreshing Lev Shalem Machzor as soon as it was published. The Rabbi weaves a nice mixture of formal and informal elements into our High Holy Day services, presenting different modalities for meaning and connection. Individuals are invited to lead English readings and offer personal prayers to evoke additional meaning as our congregants crave connection during Religious services. Several active congregation members and teenagers expertly sound the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah!

What religious event is the synagogue most proud of and why?

Without a doubt, we are most proud of our Friday Night Family Shabbats. While spiritual in content, our Friday Night Family Shabbats are inclusive, creative and themed events that are family-oriented and welcoming. They bring fun to Religious services. A themed dinner is served, followed by Friday Night services and an Oneg with an average attendance exceeding 100 people.

Describe weekday Yom Tov services and programs

Other than the High Holy Days, we hold services for both days of all Yom Tovim and while attendance during weekday Yom Tovim is less than optimal, we are able to obtain a minyan. Our Simchat Torah services are wonderfully loud, showcasing a fully unfurled Torah scroll from one end of the sanctuary to the other and featuring lively congregational dancing!

Adult attendance at services (excluding Bar or Bat Mitzvah or other life cycle events):

Friday – Kabbalat Shabbat early N/A late 60+

Shabbat morning 40+

Weekday Yom Tov morning 20 evening 20

Daily Minyan morning N/A evening N/A
Describe the process used to make ritual decisions:

Our Ritual Committee operates under the supervision of the Rabbi who is the Marah D’Atra.

What are your congregation’s attitudes about Conversion and Intermarriage? (Involvement in synagogue program, membership policy)

SOJC openly and warmly welcomes interfaith couples and Jews by choice as we strive to provide a comfortable atmosphere encouraging interfaith families to be active. We delight when non- Jewish spouses choose to convert -- and many have chosen to do so. Our congregation is supportive of people working on the conversion process and we’ve seen a number of individuals go through introduction to Judaism programs. With several families wherein the mother is not Jewish, previous rabbis have presided over the conversion of the children. Some of our most active and knowledgeable members are inter-married Jews and converts. While we respect the choices that non-Jewish members of these families make in deciding not to convert, we do try to integrate them into our synagogue. As families celebrate life-cycle moments, we put great effort into recognizing all parents, partners and family members. At the same time, membership and Torah honors are reserved for those who are considered halachically Jewish as understood within the Conservative movement.

In addition to leading religious services; the next most important tasks/priorities/roles of the Rabbi are? List three:

• 
  Building upon and strengthening the sense of community we enjoy here within SOJC
  
• 
  Teaching and counseling youths and adults
  
• 
  Driving membership growth, retention and outreach
  

What is your congregation’s current practice regarding?

Instrumental music on Shabbat? We just started incorporating instrumental music as a part of Kabbalat Shabbat for Erev Shabbat during the summer. We have lots of singing with our highly participatory and enthusiastic congregation.
Videotaping on Shabbat? We do not allow videotaping on Shabbat.
Participation of women? Women fully participate and are encouraged to do so.

Ritual or religious trends the candidate should know about:

• 
  Under the broad Conservative umbrella, we are a left-leaning and fully egalitarian congregation.
  
• 
  We have a strictly kosher kitchen.
  
• 
  The vast majority of our members drive to the synagogue for Religious services.
  

The last major religious policy change was and its impact was?

• 
  The last major religious policy change was going from Kohen/Levi to Rishon-Rishona/Shani.
  
• 
  We use the Mahzor Lev Shalem for the High Holy Days. And we are transitioning to the new Siddur Lev Shalom for Shabbat services.
  

The next major religious policy issue facing the congregation will probably be?

This is not the time to initiate changes to SOJC’s religious policies as we fully recognize it’s important to have any such discussions with the new Rabbi. There is always general interest in identifying new and creative ways to enhance our prayer experience.

What religious policies/traditions should the next Rabbi make sure to preserve?

• 
  The participatory and fully egalitarian nature of our Religious services.
  
• 
  Inclusion of children and their moving about and playing during Religious services since we are very children-friendly. In fact, we have quiet toys and soft blocks in the back of the sanctuary with which our young children may play during Shabbat services!
  
• 
  Full participation of our Religious School students, teens, Cantorial Corps and adult congregants in our Religious services.
  
• 
  Appropriate participation of non-Jewish spouses within halachic bounds for life cycle events.
  
• 
  The Kashrut policy within our synagogue.
  

4. Programming

Describe three current synagogue events your congregation is most proud of?
Purim Carnival – This is an annual, fun, volunteer-run, family-oriented fundraising event. It is exceedingly well attended and also attracts those who are unaffiliated with our synagogue. It is an event that is highly anticipated by our youngsters each year.
Family Friday Shabbats – These are inclusive, creative, themed, family-oriented, welcoming events that successfully bring fun to Religious services. A themed dinner is served, followed by Friday Night services and an Oneg with an average attendance exceeding 100 people. These informal Religious services are fun, laid back and genuinely enjoyed as much by our seniors as they are by our youngsters who always eagerly anticipate being invited up to the bimah to recite the blessings over wine and bread.
SOJUSY – This is the name of our active Kadima and USY program for our pre-teen and teenaged youth. These social programs are overseen by two volunteer youth directors with scheduled events throughout the year. The enthusiastic programs range from ice cream socials to scavenger hunts at Disney Springs previously known as Downtown Disney!
Describe a unique synagogue event:
Tu B’Shevat Outing at Little Slice Ranch – In celebration of the Holiday of Trees, 100+ of our congregants ascend to the rolling hills of Central Florida for Tu B’Shevat to plant trees, see friends and family, commune with nature, pet horses, try their skills of perception with a scavenger hunt, toss and kick around balls, go on hayrides, fly kites and, of course, eat food in this unique SOJC event. Our Rabbi weaves a Jewish themes and lessons into the nature activities. Given the event’s extraordinary success, it is an annual tradition!
Other committees and programs the Rabbi should know about?

• 
  Strong Religious School education and Adult education
  
• 
  Cantor is highly involved in B’nai Mitzvah training and preparation
  
• 
  Membership/Marketing/Fundraising/Ritual Committees
  

Women’s League/Sisterhood Membership Total: 40-50

Describe role in congregation:
SOJC’s Sisterhood is a wonderful social networking group within our synagogue.
Men’s Club Membership Total: 40

Describe role in congregation:
SOJC’s Men’s Club gets together regularly to volunteer in synagogue events, such as cook-outs

and Mitzvah Days when it reserves days to volunteer at downtown soup kitchens or even just clean our synagogue and spruce up its grounds. The Men’s Club also holds a wide variety of fun events, such as go-kart races, poker and sports nights!

Describe your current Adult Education Program:

Our congregants view Jewish education as a lifelong learning process and our so-called “Knowledge College” is an important congregational priority. During this past year, we offered the following: As the Torah Turns; Time for Text; and, the ABCs of the Holidays. Most of our adult education programs are led by the Rabbi and some are led by lay members of the congregation. The Rabbi offers a monthly Davka, Decaf and Dibbur -- lively conversation and inspirational Jewish learning and an opportunity to see SOJC faces outside of the synagogue at a local coffee shop!

What involvement are you looking for from Rabbi in Adult Ed Program?

• Visionary innovator who will not only teach classes, yet also create new classes and series

• 
  Project a teaching style that will inspire participants, bringing his/her own spirit as if being “the Shamash that lights the other candles”
  
• 
  Lead Shabbat study groups to delve into spiritual and contemporary issues
  
• 
  Offer thought-provoking sermons and lessons from the Shabbat and Holy Day bimah
  
• 
  Facilitate introductions of Judaism and conversions
  
• 
  The Rabbi will lead the majority of our Adult Education programs, yet we do have a number of knowledgeable members also willing to conduct such programs. We envision the Rabbi assisting these members in program development.
  

Congregation Education

How many days does afternoon school meet? 2

Wednesday afternoons & Sunday mornings.

How many students are in the school grades aleph to heh? – Total 90
Expectations of the new Rabbi in relationship to the school:
We expect our Rabbi to work with the Religious School Principal in developing the educational vision and curriculum. The Rabbi will not need to deal with administrative duties of the Religious School. We seek a Rabbi who possesses a creative vision and commitment to lifelong Jewish education. We wish to continue to evaluate and implement the best possible curriculum with the knowledge and experience of a new Rabbi.

• 
  Help initiate and create our Religious School’s curriculum
  
• 
  Be present and participate as much as possible in Religious School classes
  
• 
  Be a resource and guide to the Religious School faculty
  
• 
  Have discussions with soon-to-be Bar/Bat Mitzvah teens and their families
  
• 
  Support the post-B’nai Mitzvah mission of the Cantorial Corps
  
• 
  Encourage youth participation in SOJUSY (Kadima and USY) and provide support and guidance to the group
  
• 
  Teaching our Hebrew High School
  

Describe Post Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program:
Open to participants in 8^th – 12^th grades, SOJC’s Cantorial Corps is a proud integral part of our SOJC community. These teenagers meet and study with our Cantor who is the Advisor. They have special programs and join together to lead Religious services, read Torah, engage in community projects and participate in Shabbaton.
What percentage of Children continues after Bar/Bat Mitzvah?

More than half of the children continue during and immediately following their year of becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

What expectation do you have of the new rabbi with the Post Bar/Bat Mitzvah program?

To help further develop a Post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah program into an even more creative and rich program attracting more teenaged students and to be a mentor to them. Knowing the background and demographics of our youth, informal programs are often more attractive than formal classroom settings.

Describe the Early Childhood Program of Synagogue (including # of Students):

Although we do not have our own Early Childhood Program, the Jewish Community Center’s Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLE-South Campus) utilized space in our synagogue for many successful years until the new JCC opened next door as part of our Jewish campus in southwest Orlando.

What percentage of ECE families continues membership after finishing the school?

Even though the ECE is a JCC program, many ECE families become SOJC members. There is tremendous growth opportunity here!

What is current Rabbi’s role in ECE?

As the adjacent synagogue to our JCC neighbor, we expect some interaction between the Rabbi and the JCC Early Learning Center, probably one to two hours on Friday mornings.

Describe the youth activities?

Cantorial Corps – Open to participants in 8^th – 12^th grades, SOJC’s Cantorial Corps is a proudly integral part of the SOJC community. These teenagers meet and study with our Cantor who is their Advisor. They have special programs and join together to lead Religious services, read Torah and engage in community projects earning their way to a trip.

SOJUSY -- This is the name of our active Kadima and USY program for our pre-teen and teenaged youth. These social programs are overseen by two volunteer youth directors with many scheduled events throughout the year. One of the most fun is the “Sleepless Sleepover!” They also participate enthusiastically in disproportionately large numbers in regional Kadima and USY conventions!

.

How many go to Camp Ramah? 12+ Involved with USY? 20

USY summer programs 0 Kadima 15

4. 
   Community Profile
   
   1. 
      Other synagogues
      

Are there other synagogues in the local area? YES

How many? While there are 11 in the Greater Orlando area, several do not have their own synagogue buildings. The only synagogues within a 10 mile radius of SOJC is a local Chabad which services some in the local community, as well as a small Orthodox congregation.

What branch? Conservative, Orthodox and Reform

Describe your relationship with them:

• 
  SOJC is a member of the Greater Orlando Board of Rabbis (GOBOR) and our Rabbi currently chairs GOBOR. A new Rabbi is expected to participate in GOBOR’s regular meetings and programs.
  
• 
  We happily communicate, share, participate and communicate in special programs of community-wide Jewish interests with other synagogues, including Selichot, Erev Shavuot, Tisha B’Av community services, as well as events sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando which may be held at SOJC and other local synagogues.
  
• 
  Our Rabbi and Cantor enjoy close relationships with several Rabbis and Cantors in the Orlando community.
  

How does your synagogue differ from them?

• 
  SOJC is a smaller congregation, yet we proudly have a disproportionately HUGE Religious School!
  
• 
  A wonderfully large percentage of our congregation attends and participates in SOJC-sponsored events, programs and services.
  
• 
  Due to our geographical proximity to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, we often host visitors and guests touring these world-class theme parks.
  
• 
  SOJC is the only Conservative congregation in south Orlando with a synagogue building.
  
• 
  Immediately adjacent to SOJC is the Rosen Jewish Community Center contributing to Southwest Orlando’s active and exciting Jewish campus.
  

2. 
   Jewish Community
   

Describe the other local Jewish community institutions:

• 
  Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando
  
• 
  Rosen Jewish Community Center in South Orlando and the Roth Jewish Community Center in Maitland (north of Orlando)
  
• 
  The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida
  
• 
  Jewish Family Services is an agency dedicated to helping those in need
  
• 
  The Jewish Pavilion provides assisted living and skilled nursing to elderly Jewish residents as an agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando
  
• 
  Kinneret provides senior housing.
  
• 
  Central Florida Hillel services students at the University of Central Florida which is among the top ten schools in terms of the number of Jewish students. It also services Rollins College and the smaller colleges in the Central Florida area.
  

What is the synagogue’s relationship to them?

We maintain a friendly, warm and cooperative working relationship with other Jewish agencies in Greater Orlando. Some of our members serve on the boards of these Jewish agencies and/or chair or serve on their respective committees. There are tremendous opportunities for the Rabbi to build upon the very positive relationship with the JCC.

What is the role of the current Rabbi in the greater Jewish community outside of the synagogue?

Our congregation desires and envisions its Rabbi will participate actively in the Greater Orlando Jewish community; the local interfaith community; and, local activities and events relating to Israel.

1. 
   Colleges and Universities (List those in close proximity)
   

• 
  University of Central Florida (www.ucf.edu)
  
• 
  Rollins College (www.rollins.edu)
  
• 
  Valencia Community College (http://valenciacollege.edu)
  

Does the Rabbi have a role?

Not presently, yet in the past the Rabbi has taught as an adjunct professor at Rollins College. While not a requirement, the Rabbi is encouraged to work with Hillel if the Rabbi has such an interest.

4. 
   Is there a Jewish day school in or near your community? YES
   

There are two day schools. One is the community-run Orlando Jewish Academy located in north Orlando. The other school is the Orlando Torah Academy.

Solomon Schechter Day School NO

Number of students in local Jewish Day Schools 160

Through what grade K-7

Number of students from your synagogue 1-2

Since the community-run Hebrew Day School is about 30 miles away and can be a challenging drive during rush hours, not many of our members send their children there.

G.

Name of present Rabbi Hillel Skolnik Years served 4

Name of preceding Rabbi Mark Ankcorn Years served 2

Name of preceding Rabbi Daniel Wolpe Years served 7
Name of Cantor (Hazzan) Doug Ramsay Years served 12

(Doug has served as our full-time Shaliach tzibbur functioning in the roles as would a Cantor for 12 years).

Name of Executive Director N/A Years served

Name of Educational Director Idit Lotringer Years served Since August 2015
Does Rabbi attend Board meetings: Yes
Comments: We view the Rabbi as a critically important ingredient in our congregation’s success. The Rabbi is expected to attend Board meetings so the: (1) Board can be updated as to the Rabbi’s interests, concerns, insights, advice and observations; and, (2) the Rabbi can be fully appraised of Board discussions and recommendations from the congregation.
Is Rabbi expected to attend other committee meetings? (Explain)

The Rabbi is expected to attend meetings of the: (1) Ritual Committee; (2) teachers and educational staff; and, (3) special events to offer advice and creative ideas. At the Rabbi’s option, he/she may attend any of the other committee meetings and will be kept apprised of all scheduled meetings.

Why are you currently searching for a new rabbinic leadership?

Our Rabbi is under consideration for a similar post in his wife’s hometown where her parents continue to reside. Moving will allow more family opportunities for Bubbe and Zayda!

What is it about your synagogue that makes your synagogue particularly attractive to a Rabbi?

• 
  We readily recognize a Rabbi needs a healthy work-life balance.
  
• 
  We are in a growing area with a lot of growth potential.
  
• 
  Orlando is a good place for social life -- Jewish and secular.
  
• 
  SOJC is demographically diverse and multi-generational.
  
• 
  We’re excited to be the religious compass on south Orlando’s Jewish campus with the JCC immediately adjacent.
  
• 
  We are an exceptionally friendly, warm, enthusiastic congregational family seeking a Rabbi to build a legacy in this growing Jewish community.
  

Part II – Synagogue Finances

Remuneration

a) Proposed salary

(Include parsonage if housing not provided)

The exact package is negotiable, yet we will pay the prevailing total package for a Rabbi which we expect to be approximately $90,000. SOJC does not own a parsonage.

b) Percentage of pension in addition to salary

From a budgetary standpoint, we think in terms of the package investment. Any percentage applied to a pension is up to negotiations with the candidate.

3. 
   Standard benefits for Rabbi in addition to salary (not included in “a” above):
   

Income- Disability Insurance -- N/A
Major Medical Insurance – Hospitalization

This should be available through the Affordable Healthcare Act and its cost would be included in the total salary package.

Convention Allowance/Continuing Education/Professional Dues

This is negotiable, yet we do expect to have funds allocated towards books, professional dues and a $1,000 convention allowance. This would be in addition to the total salary package.

Describe the benefits arrangements: All included in “a” above.

3. 
   Other benefits? N/A
   

Housing (in addition to proposed salary)

a) Housing provided by Congregation? No

2. 
   If so, distance from Synagogue miles (please enter one number, use additional comments if necessary)
   

2. 
   Where housing not provided by the Congregation:
   

Cost of Housing: $300,000 (Please enter one number)

Cost ranges: Minimum Cost: $250,000 for homes under 2,500 square feet; $300,000+ for single family homes over 2,500 square feet in the synagogue’s zip code (32836).

Maximum Cost: As high as one wishes to go!

Type: One and two-story residences; townhomes; and, condos

Distance: These homes are as close as one mile from our synagogue. The streets are well-lit and safe to walk.
Does the Rabbi need to ride to shul on Shabbat?

This is at the Rabbi’s discretion. The vast majority of the congregation drives to Religious services, yet there are some members who do walk. The closest residential housing within walking distance is about one mile away. While there are homes available for rental in this area, nearby apartment options are quite limited.

2. 
   Housing arrangements with current Rabbi? N/A
   

Are you willing to help the Rabbi purchase a residence? No

However, we will investigate different options which could be used to help the Rabbi purchase a residence.

If yes, please explain how.

Budget

(All amounts are in U.S. Dollars)

Size of Congregational budget: $310,000


Status of Financial condition: Healthy, mortgage-free and running a surplus.
Accumulated deficit is: ZERO!
Describe sources of revenue (e.g. fundraising, income from pre-school)

Our major sources of revenue are membership dues, contributions, Religious School fees, fundraising events and rental fees for use of our premises. While we do not have any endowments,

SOJC is mortgage-free!

If there a deficit this year how is it met? No

Does the current Rabbi have a role in fundraising? Yes
We fully recognize fundraising is a shared partnership among our lay leadership and the Rabbi.

From a practical standpoint, some of the best and most effective fundraising the Rabbi can

conduct is by helping us attract and retain members and by leading and generating innovative, exciting and attractive programs and services to the community. The Rabbi is expected to participate in all fundraisers.

Part III – Primary Mission

This section must reflect a consensus of the Search Committee

1. 
   What is your congregation’s style?
   

Children and family-oriented, friendly and informal

2. 
   What are the congregation’s core values? (list 3-5)
   
   • 
     Conservative
     
   • 
     Egalitarian
     
   • 
     Family-oriented
     
   • 
     Inclusive
     
   • 
     Welcoming
     
3. 
   What are the three primary goals of your synagogue?
   

SOJC’s Strategic Goals:

• 
  Community -- To be a vibrant Conservative congregation committed to the continuation of our community and world Jewry.
  
• 
  Enrichment – To provide an environment in which Jewish spiritual growth will flourish.
  
• 
  Values – To promote the values of Conservative Judaism, such as Tikun Olam, Gemilut Hasadim, Halachah, and study of Torah.
  
• 
  Education – To establish and sustain a program of Jewish education that promotes and encourages learning opportunities for children, adults and families.
  
• 
  Social and Cultural Events – To expand social and cultural opportunities where individuals can connect with their friends, community and Jewish heritage.
  

SOJC’s Primary Goals:

• 
  To be the synagogue of choice for our Jewish community for all ages and stages of life.
  
• 
  To recruit and retain increasing numbers of members.
  
• 
  To facilitate an enrichment of Jewish commitment, education, community service and fun.
  
• 
  To work with our congregation in developing an even better understanding of our relationship with Israel and the greater Jewish world community.
  

4. 
   What is unique about your congregation?
   

• 
  As one of the smaller congregations, we have one of the largest Religious Schools!
  
• 
  We are a diverse congregation attracting interfaith members and members who come from both Conservative and Reform experiences.
  
• 
  We embrace a family environment within an informal and relaxed setting.
  
• 
  We are the only congregation with a synagogue building south of downtown Orlando.
  
• 
  We are the proud religious compass on the Jewish campus in south Orlando with the neighboring JCC.
  

5. 
   What are your congregation’s strengths?(list three)
   

• 
  A strong core of enthusiastic and energetic congregants who are actively committed to SOJC’s long term success
  
• 
  A Religious School proudly overflowing with 90 terrific students emanating from a congregation with just 164 member units!
  
• 
  A disproportionately long list of congregants who can read Torah!
  

6. 
   What are your congregation’s weaknesses?(list three)
   

• 
  A sustained recruitment campaign to attract new members to SOJC’s warmth.
  
• 
  We have broad participation in synagogue events, yet our pool of volunteers needs to expand.
  
• 
  Limited finances since we are a smaller congregation, yet we’re ready for growth!
  

7. 
   The 3 most important issues to confront your synagogue in the next five years will be:
   

1. Ensuring success and creating a sense of home for a new Rabbi

2. Growing the congregation and its resources -- both volunteer and financial

3. Embracing a direction that moves our congregation to the next organizational level

8. 
   What three qualities are most important to you in your new Rabbi?
   

1. Strong personable skills/emotional intelligence – Approachable, sensitive and compassionate to be “in the moment” by listening, focusing and connecting with the person. Integrity and core values that radiate kindness, warmth and acceptance of a diverse congregation whether on the bimah, interacting in a small group, or one-on-one. Innate ability to relate well with children, teens and adults allowing the person to feel comfortable wherever he/she is in their religious journey.
2. Radiate authenticity and inspiration – Enthusiastically committed and energetically focused to make our synagogue a holy, safe and protective place where our children and members can “get out of the rush” of their everyday pressures and where they will wish to return again and again and again. Be the spiritual catalyst for why congregants want to join, participate and remain with their SOJC family.

3. Competence – Innovative and creative lifelong learner of breadth and depth. Excellent communication skills in delivering poignant and thought-provoking sermons. Able to impart nuggets of advice and wisdom during life cycle events, interactions with a small group or counseling a congregant one-on-one. An inquiring mind able to inspire others on their religious journey of learning.

9. 
   The three most important priorities of our Rabbi should be:
   

1. To have SOJC become the Rabbi’s home (not a “job”) and to have SOJC become the Rabbi’s extended family as we embrace the Rabbi and his/her family.

2. To desire always to be the guiding light for education and to enrich the spiritual nature for our youth, adults and families wherever they are in their religious journeys.

3. To commit to helping grow and retain SOJC’s membership by inspiring and involving congregants of all ages.
What role does the Rabbi have in hiring/firing and supervision of staff?

The Rabbi serves in an advisory role to the Board on staff or personnel matters. Many services, such as custodial and lawn maintenance, are outsourced.

10. 
    The single most important issue a Rabbi needs to know about your congregation is:
    

We are primed to continue our Renaissance! We are an energetic congregation looking up, ready to grow. At SOJC, there are far-reaching opportunities to make a mark and leave a legacy. We are in an ideal location, part of the Jewish campus of south Orlando, have lots of children and offer great diversity. The timing is perfect and our welcoming atmosphere is fertile ground for an energetic, compassionate, visionary, spiritual leader to take a significant role with our congregants to shape and grow our synagogue.

11. 
    What do you want the Rabbi to change?
    

• 
  Tailor and implement innovative approaches to Religious services to appeal to our diverse congregants and traditions
  
• 
  Teach and relate Torah to today’s everyday challenges and world events
  
• 
  Assist in creating and developing multi-generational programs
  
• 
  Reach out to members in need of spiritual and emotional support
  

12. 
    What do you want the Rabbi to preserve?
    

• 
  Our egalitarianism
  
• 
  Our family and children-friendly atmosphere
  
• 
  Our curiosity about our Judaism
  
• 
  Our welcoming respect for interfaith family members
  
• 
  The strong, personable relationship between the Rabbi and Cantor
  
• 
  Our sense of belonging and confidence in our congregation’s future
  

13. 
    What do you want the Rabbi to build?
    

• 
  A reputation whereby SOJC is the synagogue to join and participate!
  
• 
  A positive direction and position for both SOJC and the Rabbi in our community
  
• 
  Non-traditional learning opportunities to excite our children, families and adults
  
• 
  A reputation for reaching out to interfaith couples and helping both partners find a comfortable place in our congregation
  
• 
  Enthusiasm and support for our USY, Kadima and Cantorial Corps youth programs
  

14. 
    How do you expect the rabbinic position to change over the next few years?
    

• 
  As we grow, our Rabbi will wish to focus on the big picture while having the wisdom to set priorities, remain authentic, flexible, resilient, and always use the discernment inherent in the role of a leader.
  
• 
  Our Rabbi will need to be a positive-change partner and guide our congregation in its strategic thinking, goals and desires.
  
• 
  Our Rabbi will need to remain compassionate, energetic and be prepared to shift roles as our synagogue grows and transforms from one stage of congregational life to the next exciting stage!
  

***FOR SENIOR RABBI YOU ARE FINISHED WITH THE SURVEY***
NOTE: It is expected that the congregation will reimburse all travel expenses for a Rabbi invited for an interview.