How to List a Pulpit Opening

Welcome to the American Conference of Cantors Placement Department!

Selection of a Cantor by a congregation is a critical and sensitive task with far-reaching implications for the character, spirit, effectiveness, and success of a congregation, as well as for the career of the selected Cantor. It should involve participation of all constituencies of the congregational community and be conducted according to careful procedures and with mutual respect and courtesy for the Cantor and congregation.

The relationship between an ordained or certified Cantor and a congregation has a spiritual dimension that transcends the usual employee-employer association. It is grounded in the history of our people as well as in the shared, sacred experiences and events in the lives of our congregants.

The relationship between an ordained or certified Cantor and an ordained Rabbi is one which is forged in a shared vision for congregational communities. Both deploy their gifts in an effort to transmit our Jewish heritage, enrich worship and create opportunities for the performance of mitzvot.

The Placement Department of the American Conference of Cantors is devoted to making shidduchim between congregations and Cantors. Our goal is that these covenantal relationships grow and prosper over the years. To this end, please visit Hiring Resources for Congregations to find sample pulpit position descriptions, sample interview questions, questions to ask references, a cantorial search timetable, interview intake forms, as well as many other helpful materials.

How to List a Pulpit Opening for Your New Cantor:

1. Read the Placement Guidelines.

Before completing an application to enter our Placement process, please download and review the following documents. 

2. Download a copy of the Congregational Application for Cantorial Placement. 

Full-Time/Limited Service Positions

High Holy Day Positions

Low-Residency Limited Service Positions (with or without High Holy Days)

2022 ACC Salary Survey Executive Summary

3. Submit the Application.

Email a PDF file of your completed application and any additional documents to the Placement Office at placement@accantors.org

4. Need Assistance?

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns during the course of your search. Be sure to visit Hiring Resources for Congregations for sample pulpit position descriptions, tips for search committees, a sample PR blurb and other important resources before you fill out your congregational application for placement.

For matters relating to candidates, placement support, general inquiries:

Cantor Mary Rebecca Thomas, Director of Placement

Please schedule a conversation here

Phone: 847-278-7407
Email: mthomas@accantors.org

For matters relating to salary, retirement, benefits, contracts:

Cantor Erin Frankel
Phone: 445-223-1228
Email: efrankel@accantors.org

For administrative questions, website issues:

Stacey Berliner, Placement Administrator
Phone: 847-781-7800
Email: placement@accantors.org

For assistance with any transition questions or concerns:

Rabbi Paula Winnig
URJ Consulting and Transition Management
Email: pwinnig@urj.org