Work with Us

At Mishkan, we reinvent and breathe new life into Judaism. We create radically inclusive spaces for Jewish spiritual practice and community, engaging, educating, and empowering people across the spectrum of identity, background, age, and belief. Our aim is to lead people in Chicago and beyond toward more purposeful, more connected, and more inspired lives.

Mensch Academy is inspired, down-to-earth Judaism for kids and families. At Mensch Academy, kids build character, confidence, and curiosity through text-based Jewish learning, and students are empowered to ask big questions. In our pre-K through 5th grade program, low student to teacher to ratios and trained staff support students in developing their own Jewish identity. Respecting each person’s mind and spirit, Mensch Academy is a space where kids feel loved enough and safe enough to take risks and experiment with Jewish tradition, making it their own and becoming the best versions of themselves.

Position Overview
Mensch Academy Aides report to the Director of Mensch Academy and work closely with the Mensch Academy team. The purpose of this position is to provide small group and individualized attention to students in the Mensch Academy program. Aides will be full members of the Mensch Academy team and expected to contribute to the daily operations of our program, including joyfully and respectfully engaging with all students and staff during snack, tefilah (prayer) and class time. Classroom aides will move between classrooms as needed and provide non-punitive support to Mensch Academy students. 

What You’ll Do:

• Serve as a classroom aide across grade levels in our K-5th grade program
• Use best practice in inclusion and support for all students
• Attend occasional professional development with the Mensch Academy team
• Support classroom set up and documentation of student work during class sessions
• Contribute positively to the Mensch Academy staff and classroom culture

Who We’re Looking For:

• Professional or academic experience in paraprofessionalism, SEL, or related fields
• Excellent initiative and problem solving skills in a classroom setting
• Experience working with grade school-aged children

• Ability to practice flexible and adaptive classroom management
• Excitement about progressive, child-centered education
• Background in Jewish and/or experiential education (not required)
• Song leading or guitar experience preferred (but not required)

Salary, benefits and why it’s great to work here:

• Pay begins at $30/hour 
• Three paid sick days/school year
• Regular professional development opportunities and the possibility to advance within the organization 

To Apply
Please send resume to [email protected]. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Where and When You Work
On-site work at our main office located at 4001 N. Ravenswood Avenue in Chicago. All Mensch Academy staff are required to be on site when Mensch Academy is in session, September-May. Regular hours are 3:15-6:15 on Monday, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Opportunity for occasional additional hours as mutually agreed upon by Aide and Mensch Academy Director.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Systemic inequities in hiring have caused women, people of color, LBTQIA+ folks, and others to apply to jobs only if they meet every requirement. We encourage you to break that statistic and apply, as no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. We look forward to your application. 

Mishkan is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against qualified applicants or employees with respect to any terms or conditions of employment on account of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related condition, citizenship, military service status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance. When necessary, Mishkan will reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with known physical or mental disabilities or medical conditions if the person is otherwise qualified to safely perform all of the essential functions of the position.

Mishkan Chicago is a Jewish Spiritual Community located in Chicago, Illinois. We reinvent and breathe new life into Judaism. We create radically inclusive spaces for Jewish spiritual practice and community, engaging, educating, and empowering people across the spectrum of identity, background, age, and belief. Our aim is to lead people in Chicago and beyond toward more purposeful, more connected, and more inspired lives.

 

Mensch Academy Lead Facilitator (20-25 hrs/week)

At Mishkan, we reinvent and breathe new life into Judaism. We create radically inclusive spaces for Jewish spiritual practice and community, engaging, educating, and empowering people across the spectrum of identity, background, age, and belief. Our aim is to lead people in Chicago and beyond toward more purposeful, more connected, and more inspired lives.

Mensch Academy is inspired, down-to-earth Judaism for kids and families. At Mensch Academy, kids build character, confidence, and curiosity through text-based Jewish learning, and students are empowered to ask big questions. In our pre-K through 5th grade program, low student to teacher to ratios and trained staff support students in developing their own Jewish identity. Respecting each person’s mind and spirit, Mensch Academy is a space where kids feel loved enough and safe enough to take risks and experiment with Jewish tradition, making it their own and becoming the best versions of themselves.

Position Overview

The Mensch Academy Lead Facilitator position is an integral addition to the Mensch Academy team and the Mishkan staff in our Chicago office, reporting to the Director of Mensch Academy, working closely with the Mensch Academy Program Coordinator, Hebrew Specialist, and with the part-time Mensch Academy team. The purpose of this position is to serve as a joyful and child-centered facilitator in one Mensch Academy grade level class per year, including lesson planning, physical classroom and supply preparation, and collaboration with the teaching team. This position will regularly receive professional development, both in Mensch Academy and from outside our program. 

What You’ll Do:

• Facilitate joyful and child-centered learning for Mensch Academy students 
• Regularly contribute to tefilah (prayer) planning and leadership
• Participate in regular professional development 
• Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive staff culture, both within Mensch Academy and at Mishkan Chicago
• Support supplemental Mensch Academy programming, such as Showcases and community events

Who We’re Looking For:

• A person with experience in classroom or informal education, such as Jewish camp or afterschool programs
• A person with Jewish cultural literacy
• A charismatic facilitator of learning experiences for elementary-school aged children 
• A flexible and open-minded educator excited to learn and practice Mensch Academy’s unique child-centered, non-punitive pedagogy 
• An experienced songleader is a plus

Pay, benefits and why it’s great to work here:

• $30/hr, 25 hours a week, paid summer training
• 3 paid sick days per school year 
• $300 tech stipend or provided computer for virtual work
• On-site requirements during the Mensch Academy week, with flexible scheduling outside of school hours
• A commitment to a positive and collaborative staff culture.
• Regular professional development opportunities

Where and When You Work:

Hybrid work environment with our main office located at 4001 N. Ravenswood Avenue in Chicago. A period of time on Sundays throughout the school year may be required. On-site professional development and school sessions are scheduled Monday through Wednesday from 1:15-6:15 pm. Lesson planning and debrief meetings (2-3 hours) must be completed during business hours on Thursdays. Remaining responsibilities scheduled at employee’s discretion include classroom preparation, supply management, and documentation of student work. 

To Apply
Please send your resume to [email protected]. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

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Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Systemic inequities in hiring have caused women, people of color, LBTQIA+ folks, and others to apply to jobs only if they meet every requirement. We encourage you to break that statistic and apply, as no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. We look forward to your application. 

Mishkan is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against qualified applicants or employees with respect to any terms or conditions of employment on account of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related condition, citizenship, military service status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance. When necessary, Mishkan will reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with known physical or mental disabilities or medical conditions if the person is otherwise qualified to safely perform all of the essential functions of the position.

Mishkan Chicago is a Jewish Spiritual Community located in Chicago, Illinois. We reinvent and breathe new life into Judaism. We create radically inclusive spaces for Jewish spiritual practice and community, engaging, educating, and empowering people across the spectrum of identity, background, age, and belief. Our aim is to lead people in Chicago and beyond toward more purposeful, more connected, and more inspired lives.

 

Mensch Academy Part-Time Facilitator (10 hrs/week)

At Mishkan, we reinvent and breathe new life into Judaism. We create radically inclusive spaces for Jewish spiritual practice and community, engaging, educating, and empowering people across the spectrum of identity, background, age, and belief. Our aim is to lead people in Chicago and beyond toward more purposeful, more connected, and more inspired lives.

Mensch Academy is inspired, down-to-earth Judaism for kids and families. At Mensch Academy, kids build character, confidence, and curiosity through text-based Jewish learning, and students are empowered to ask big questions. In our pre-K through 5th grade program, low student to teacher to ratios and trained staff support students in developing their own Jewish identity. Respecting each person’s mind and spirit, Mensch Academy is a space where kids feel loved enough and safe enough to take risks and experiment with Jewish tradition, making it their own and becoming the best versions of themselves.

Position Overview

Mensch Academy Facilitators report to the Director of Mensch Academy and work closely with the Mensch Academy team. The purpose of this position is to serve as a joyful and child-centered facilitator in one Mensch Academy grade level class per year in cooperation with a Lead Facilitator. Part-Time Facilitators attend occasional professional development opportunities with the Mensch Academy staff, support a classroom culture of kavod (honor/respect) for all students, and contribute to the weekly operations of the Mensch Academy program.  

What You’ll Do:

• Serve as a facilitator in three Mensch Academy classes per week
• Attend occasional professional development with the Mensch Academy team
• Support classroom set up and documentation of student work during class sessions
• Contribute positively to the Mensch Academy staff and classroom culture

Who We’re Looking For:

• A person with experience in classroom or informal education, such as Jewish camp or afterschool programs
• A person with Jewish cultural literacy
• A charismatic facilitator of learning experiences for elementary-school aged children 
• A person with strong communication skills, able to communicate effectively with students and colleagues
• Experience in performance, visual, or musical arts a plus 
• Hebrew language knowledge is a plus

Salary, benefits and why it’s great to work here:

• Pay begins at $30/hour 
• Three paid sick days/school year
• Generous professional development opportunities and the possibility to advance within the organization 

To Apply
Please send your resume to [email protected]. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Where and When You Work:

On-site work at our main office located at 4001 N. Ravenswood Avenue in Chicago. All Mensch Academy staff are required to be on site when Mensch Academy is in session. Regular hours are 3:15-6:15 on Monday, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, plus an additional hour for staff meetings. 2-5 hours on weekend mornings will  be required no more than four times throughout the school year and scheduled with advance notice. 

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Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Systemic inequities in hiring have caused women, people of color, LBTQIA+ folks, and others to apply to jobs only if they meet every requirement. We encourage you to break that statistic and apply, as no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. We look forward to your application. 

Mishkan is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against qualified applicants or employees with respect to any terms or conditions of employment on account of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related condition, citizenship, military service status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance. When necessary, Mishkan will reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with known physical or mental disabilities or medical conditions if the person is otherwise qualified to safely perform all of the essential functions of the position.

Mishkan Chicago is a Jewish Spiritual Community located in Chicago, Illinois. We reinvent and breathe new life into Judaism. We create radically inclusive spaces for Jewish spiritual practice and community, engaging, educating, and empowering people across the spectrum of identity, background, age, and belief. Our aim is to lead people in Chicago and beyond toward more purposeful, more connected, and more inspired lives.

 

At Mishkan, we reinvent and breathe new life into Judaism. We create radically inclusive spaces for Jewish spiritual practice and community, engaging, educating, and empowering people across the spectrum of identity, background, age, and belief. Our aim is to lead people in Chicago and beyond toward more purposeful, more connected, and more inspired lives.

This position assists with event production and community welcoming at our Shabbat programs. Coordinators set up and clean up supplies and snacks and greet arriving community members. The current schedule for this programming is as follows: 

• Friday Night Shabbat
  • 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month – In person services
  • 3rd Friday of the month – Virtual/digital services 
• Saturday Morning Shabbat
  • 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month – In person services (Including BMitzvah celebrations)

This position is ideal for someone who excels at multitasking and providing logistical support while regularly interacting with congregants. Background in front of house, food service, catering or retail preferred.

Responsibilities include: 

• Greeting congregants and welcoming newcomers at each service
• Loading in materials and transporting them to/from the Shabbat venue via a Mishkan vehicle
• Setting up and breaking down all materials used during Shabbat
• Setting and cleaning up catered meals as needed.
• Helping us to maintain an inventory of Shabbat supplies

Shabbat coordinators work 1-3 events per month with an average of 5-10 hours for each event. There is an opportunity to work extra hours around Jewish holiday events (Purim, Passover, High Holidays, etc). This person will work closely with a rotating group of other Shabbat coordinators and Mishkan full-time staff and clergy, and will report primarily to Anna Gelman (Live & Hybrid Events Producer), as well as Zach Weinberg (Program and Operations Manager) & Rebecca Stevens (Senior Director Programs).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A valid driver’s license is required. 
• Ability to lift 30 or more pounds.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to take direction and feedback.
• Ability to follow specific and time based tasks.
• Great customer service skills.
• Knowledge of Jewish holiday and Shabbat rituals a plus.

COMPENSATION: $20/hr

DEADLINE: Please send in your application by June 30th.

TO APPLY: Please send your resume to [email protected]. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.