Interim JLIC Director(s), Princeton University

Description

Note: This interum position will be from September 2026 – November 2026 (approximately 2+ months).  

Who We Are:
The Orthodox Union's Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (OU-JLIC) places rabbinic couples on college campuses to provide Orthodox Jewish students with Torah education and mentorship, helping them continue their spiritual growth into adulthood. JLIC offers a range of programs, including learning sessions, Shabbat experiences, and social events, fostering a strong sense of community and spiritual growth. Additionally, JLIC extends its support to Israel, offering summer and year-round programs that combine Torah study with professional opportunities.

The Orthodox Union (OU) is one of the largest Orthodox Jewish organizations in the United States. Founded in 1898, the OU supports a network of synagogues, youth programs, Jewish and Religious Zionist advocacy programs, programs for the disabled, localized religious study programs, and international units. The OU maintains a kosher certification service, whose circled U symbol, Ⓤ, is found on the labels of many kosher commercial and consumer food products.

Position Summary:

JLIC is seeking an interim rabbinic professional or couple to serve the Princeton Jewish community while the current JLIC Directors are on miluim (reserve duty). There are a variety of ways this role could be structured, and we are open to different arrangements. While the responsibilities below represent our ideal scope of coverage, we encourage candidates who are able to fulfill many - but not necessarily all - of these responsibilities to reach out. We are happy to explore creative solutions based on availability, experience, and the length of the commitment.  

Responsibilities:  

Shabbat Leadership

• Be available to remain in Princeton for most weekends from September 12 through November 21, with reasonable flexibility.  
• Deliver a weekly drasha following Shacharit.  
• Give an occasional Shabbat afternoon shiur.  
• Lead tefillot when needed.  
• Host students for Shabbat meals.  
• Eat one Shabbat meal at the CJL to maintain an active presence in the community.  

Teaching & Torah Learning  

• Give a weekly Tuesday Lunch & Learn shiur.  
• Deliver a weekly Sunday evening halacha shiur.  
• Initiate regular chavruta learning with students.  
• Be available throughout the week to answer students' halachic questions.  

Student Engagement

• Proactively schedule coffee meetings with students several times each week.  
• Build meaningful relationships through regular informal interactions on campus.  
• Organize a social event approximately every other week.  

Community Partnership

• Eat meals at the CJL throughout the week to remain accessible and engaged with students.  

• Participate in weekly CJL staff meetings.  
• Contribute to CJL programs and events as appropriate.  

Community Infrastructure

• Oversee the Princeton eruv, ensuring the weekly student-led inspection takes place and addressing any questions or issues that arise.  

Qualifications:

We welcome applications from individual rabbis or educators, as well as couples, who are passionate about engaging Jewish students through Torah learning, relationship-building, and community leadership. Prior campus, educational, or communal experience is preferred but not required.  

Salary:

Compensation will be determined based on the scope of the role, including which responsibilities the successful candidate is able to assume, whether applying as an individual or a couple, and whether availability is for the entire duration of the assignment or only a portion of the interim period.