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.
- Guidelines for Cantorial-Congregational Relationships
- Placement Procedures of the Joint Cantorial Placement Commission (JCPC)
- For Full-Time and Limited-Service positions see Sing a New Song: Overview of the Search Process
- Tips for Search Committees, Sample Pulpit Position Descriptions, and a Sample Search Committee B'rit (Covenant) under Hiring Resources for Congregations
- Sample Search Committee Member Job Description
- High Holy Day Guidelines (for High Holy Day placement only)
- Low-Residency Limited-Service Guidelines (for congregations seeking a cantor for less than 20 hours per month)
- In the spirit of creating communities of belonging, we ask that congregational Search Committees and their Temple Boards participate in Implicit Bias Awareness Training
2. Download a copy of the Congregational Application for Cantorial Placement.
Full-Time/Limited Service 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