Shalom Kantor

Experience

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  Hillel at Binghamton University

  Jun 2007 - Jul 2013

  Hillel Campus Rabbi

  VISION AND RABBINIC LEADERSHIP--Developed, articulated and promoted strategic vision for Jewish life and education on campus of more than 3,500 Jewish students, in partnership with Executive Director, student leaders and lay leaders. Oversaw student implementation of diverse programming agenda:*Growing attendance at Shabbat celebrations to more than 200 students weekly through building community networks and providing a meaningful and relevant experience.*Infusing technology and multi-media into Purim and Hanukkah celebrations making holiday celebrations accessible to students from all backgrounds. *Planning annual Holocaust remembrance event with students, survivors and grandchildren and interfaith 24-hour Holocaust vigil in the center of campus. PASTORAL CARE--Counseled students, parents and alumni, including personal religious, spiritual and Jewish legal issues. Presided over life-cycle events from birth to death, including hospital, nursing home and hospice visits for local Binghamton Jewish community covering community members from every denomination.TEACHING AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT--*Taught Torah in fun, non-traditional and experiential modalities; fraternity men’s bonding, “Torah on Tap”, senior wine tasting, divrei Torah workshops and leadership development. *Advised and trained more than 70 student leaders through interactive Jewish leadership training. *Created unique and interesting local and national Tzedek service opportunities. FUNDRAISING AND ADMINISTRATION*Increased Hillel’s virtual presence through weekly emails, and social media. *Represented University Jewish community in numerous appearances on TV news and newspaper. *Initiated relationship-based campaign to fundraise from students’ home rabbis and congregations.*Raised more than $25,000 annually for Yom Haatzmaut from campus and corporate sponsorships. *Managed budget, ordering, and service of Shabbat meals for more than 200 students weekly. Show less

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  Beth Torah Benny Rok Campus

  Jul 2014 - Jun 2016

  Rabbinic Fellow For Congregational Engagement

  The Rabbinic Fellow For Congregational Engagement functions as a part of the Clergy and Educational teams. Within the capacity of that position he works with the rabbis and educational staff to bring a broader and deeper presence to a number of specific programs and initiatives with the specific goals of:1) Engaging members of the congregation in Jewish Life and/or synagogue related activities.2) Empowering congregants through specific educational initiatives to claim an ownership and pride in a lived Judaism3) Reaching out to young families who are enrolled in our ECP Jr. K program but may or may not be members so that they feel a stronger attachment to the synagogue community. Show less

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  Lehrman Community Day Schl

  Aug 2014 - May 2016

  Director of Jewish Life

  Education Brought Jewish ethics and Torah to life for 4th grade using graphic novel multi-media. Taught Parashat Ha Shavua for grades K-3 using cutting edge technology, role plays and small group discussions. Wrote weekly Torah discussion guides for families, inspiring students to bring their learning home. Jewish Celebration Created Jewish celebration moments at school-wide gatherings on Shabbat and special occasions for students, parents, and faculty. Designed holiday celebrations and education for whole school using interactive experiences. Show less

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  TrustBridge Health

  Dec 2015 - Jun 2016

  Chaplain

  The Spiritual Care Chaplain:*Provides spiritual, emotional care, comfort and prayer support using music, technology, and other creative resources for those in end of life situations including families, friends and support communities. *Officiates at funerals and memorial services bringing a personal sense of connection and meaning to families I worked with through end of life process.

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  Congregation B'nai Moshe

  Jul 2016 - now

  Rabbi

  Vision and Rabbinic Leadership• Doubled daily minyan attendance and assessed communal needs for continued/long term hybrid model in a post-pandemic world. • Led thoughtful transition towards egalitarian community using consensus building, identifying key stakeholders, incorporating critic’s concerns, resulting in gradual adaptation and increasing number of service leaders. • Expanded presence in wider community through development of multi-faceted Public Space Chanukah celebrations including partnering with local day school faculty and students to build large Chanukiyot for display, lightings, neighborhood parades and gatherings• Collaborated with Cantors and congregants to introduce use of instruments to create participatory musical Kabbalat Shabbat services showcasing talents producing joyous and energetic services within traditional framework • Participated in annual campaign calling doners, involving teens in creative stewardship, and individual meetings. Pastoral Care• Developed Chesed initiative ensuring contact with members using three-tiered approach: rabbinic pastoral counseling; lay presence through visitation and phone calls; and congregational support through meals, rides and other practical needs.• Utilized guitar-playing, prayer, power of presence and active listening to comfort those in hospitals and in other critical moments resulting in deeper connection with clergy and synagogue.Education• Envisioned and implemented Post B’nai Mitzvah Experiential Education program focusing on identity exploration, community service, and Israel connection for relationship and advocacy. • Expanded B’nai Mitzvah education to meet desires and capabilities of each student recognizing need for flexibility and creativity in ensuring opportunities for meaning, growth and success. • Supervised Director of Youth Education and Family Engagement in attempt to preserve legacy program in reality of falling demographics. Show less