Librarian

About Isaac M. Wise Temple

Wise Temple is a vibrant and inclusive Reform Jewish congregation located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Rooted in a rich history and inspired by progressive values, Wise Temple fosters spiritual growth,

lifelong learning, and meaningful community engagement. Through dynamic programming,

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.

About the Library

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.

Position Summary

We seek a self-starter, a student of history, and someone with archives experience to manage and

grow the Cohen Library. A central expectation of this role is to use the library as a tool for

congregational engagement—a warm, accessible entry point that draws people into learning and

synagogue life.

Schedule

15 hours/week (in-person, including Sundays during the school year)

Location

Wise Center, Amberley Village

Key Responsibilities

Library & Collection Management

• Maintain regular library operations: circulation, organization, displays, and reader support.
• Curate and develop a balanced collection across the broad Judaica subjects represented in the library.
• Oversee the Teacher Resource Room and ensure materials are accessible and well-organized.

Engagement & Program Support

• Make the library an active hub of synagogue engagement through displays, holiday booklists, informal learning opportunities, and collaborative programs.
• Take part in library enrichment for our Sunday religious school program, Kehillah.
• Highlight the mini-museum and historic materials to strengthen congregational connection and identity.

Archives & Special Collections

• Care for and organize special materials applying basic archival practices and improving access through inventories or finding aids.

Partnerships & Administration

• Support volunteers, maintain workflows, and track basic usage and budget needs.
• Coordinate with congregational departments for program integration and collaborate with external partners such as the American Jewish Archives.

Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Experience in library or archives work (collection management, reference, cataloging, or processing).
• Clear interest in making the library a portal for synagogue engagement.

Preferred

• MLIS or equivalent relevant experience.
• Comfort with Judaica materials across all ages.
• Familiarity with Jewish history, holidays, and basic Hebrew/Yiddish terms.
• Experience with archival handling.

Compensation commensurate with experience.

Please forward a cover letter and resume to Rabbi Neil P.G. Hirsch: careers@wisetemple.org.

It is the policy of Isaac M. Wise Temple that applicants for employment and employees will not be

discriminated against in any terms or conditions of employment because of race, color, sex, marital

status, pregnancy, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental

disability, medical condition, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic under

federal, state or local law that is not a bona fide occupational qualification for a particular job.

Learn more about career opportunities at Wise Temple: www.wisetemple.org/about/wise-careers