Librarian

<p><strong>About Isaac M. Wise Temple</strong></p><p>Wise Temple is a vibrant and inclusive Reform Jewish congregation located in Cincinnati, Ohio.</p><p>Rooted in a rich history and inspired by progressive values, Wise Temple fosters spiritual growth,</p><p>lifelong learning, and meaningful community engagement. Through dynamic programming,</p><p>dedicated clergy, and strong lay leadership, we seek to create a welcoming environment where individuals and families can connect deeply with Jewish tradition and with one another.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>About the Library</strong></p><p>The Ralph & Julia Cohen Library is one of the largest synagogue libraries in North America, housing~22,000 items across Judaica subjects for all ages, along with media, a reference section, a TeacherResource Room, a mini-museum, and special collections such as the Shavzin-Carsch Collection of Historic Jewish Children’s Literature. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Position Summary</strong></p><p>We seek a self-starter, a student of history, and someone with archives experience to manage and</p><p>grow the Cohen Library. A central expectation of this role is to use the library as a tool for</p><p>congregational engagement—a warm, accessible entry point that draws people into learning and</p><p>synagogue life.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Schedule</strong></p><p>15 hours/week (in-person, including Sundays during the school year)</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Location</strong></p><p>Wise Center, Amberley Village</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><p><em>Library & Collection Management</em></p><ul><li>Maintain regular library operations: circulation, organization, displays, and reader support.</li><li>Curate and develop a balanced collection across the broad Judaica subjects represented in the library.</li><li>Oversee the Teacher Resource Room and ensure materials are accessible and well-organized.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Engagement & Program Support</em></p><ul><li>Make the library an active hub of synagogue engagement through displays, holiday booklists, informal learning opportunities, and collaborative programs.</li><li>Take part in library enrichment for our Sunday religious school program, Kehillah.</li><li>Highlight the mini-museum and historic materials to strengthen congregational connection and identity.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Archives & Special Collections</em></p><ul><li>Care for and organize special materials applying basic archival practices and improving access through inventories or finding aids.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Partnerships & Administration</em></p><ul><li>Support volunteers, maintain workflows, and track basic usage and budget needs.</li><li>Coordinate with congregational departments for program integration and collaborate with external partners such as the American Jewish Archives.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Qualifications</strong></p><p><em>Required</em></p><ul><li>Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative.</li><li>Experience in library or archives work (collection management, reference, cataloging, or processing).</li><li>Clear interest in making the library a portal for synagogue engagement.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Preferred</em></p><ul><li>MLIS or equivalent relevant experience.</li><li>Comfort with Judaica materials across all ages.</li><li>Familiarity with Jewish history, holidays, and basic Hebrew/Yiddish terms.</li><li>Experience with archival handling.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Compensation commensurate with experience.</p><p>Please forward a cover letter and resume to Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch:<strong> </strong><span>careers@wisetemple.org</span>.</p><p><br></p><p><em>It is the policy of Isaac M. Wise Temple that applicants for employment and employees will not be</em></p><p><em>discriminated against in any terms or conditions of employment because of race, color, sex, marital</em></p><p><em>status, pregnancy, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental</em></p><p><em>disability, medical condition, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic under</em></p><p><em>federal, state or local law that is not a bona fide occupational qualification for a particular job.</em></p><p><br></p><p>Learn more about career opportunities at Wise Temple: www.wisetemple.org/about/wise-careers</p><p><br></p>

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