Temple Beth El: Come and Particpate
for the benefit of us all
Aside from the clergy and our very dedicated employees, Temple is a volunteer organization. We can only become stronger through greater member participation. Your gift of time is a valued donation to Temple Beth El. Won’t you consider making this worthwhile contribution to your synagogue?
As we strive to build community, we want to encourage as much congregational participation as possible. Many members are interested in becoming engaged in Temple life. However, they would like to know more about the mission, as well as the expected commitment, of the committee they are considering.
Take a look at the various committees. Each one welcomes your participation. If any of the following committees appeals to you, we urge you to call the chair or contact person listed below. Feel free to ask questions and let us know if you are interested in devoting some time for the betterment of Temple Beth El.
Finance
Chaired by the Treasurer, Ron Nahum, this committee is responsible for preparing and monitoring current and long-term budget projections necessary for planning growth and maintaining sound fiscal policies.
Ritual
Working closely with the Rabbis, the Ritual Committee, chaired by Robert Modansky, oversees the religious aspects of Temple life. Our ongoing discussions focus on the most meaningful ways we can observe and celebrate Shabbat, the holidays, and life cycle events
Catering
This committee examines all aspects of the catering operation at Temple on an on-going basis. Carrie Meyers is the chair.
Nominations
Are you interested in becoming active in Temple? Dont know where to look or who to talk to? Temple wants YOU! We can only be as strong as the input of the membership allows. Temple is nothing if not a collection of its members. Except for the clergy and paid staff, temple functions through its many volunteers and YOU should be one. To join in, contact Cathy Klein.
Future Planning
Fundamental questions- -such as where are we today and where do we expect to be - -are addressed through coordination with various committees and feedback from the congregation at large. Areas of focus include: Communications, Membership, Finance, Education, Religious, and Facilities.
Holocaust Torah
This Committee, chaired by Linda Dubowsky, develops Holocaust-related programs and activities, including the Yom HaShoah service, to recognize the work of Righteous Gentiles, honor Holocaust victims, and support survivors and children of survivors. Mezzuzahs are sent to newly married members and children of members as we celebrate the continuation of Jewish family life in a post-Holocaust world. If you have a simcha approaching, call the Temple office with the name of the bride and groom; the date of the wedding; and the address to which the gift should be sent.
Board of Education
Chaired by Melanie Golden and Cathy Klein, the committee is responsible for overseeing the operation of the Religious and Nursery schools. Coordination with Beth Kramer, the religious school educator and Cheryl Meth, nursery school director, is part and parcel of the committee. Recommendations as to fees and budgets and hiring decisions are made at the meetings throughout the year. If you have a child in the school and/or can offer some educational expertise, this committee is looking for you.
Adult Education
"Adult Jewish learning is a priority of the Reform Movement, part of the lifelong pursuit of Jewish literacy and intellectual growth."
Union of Reform Judaism 2004." The Adult Education Committee has provided many varied learning experiences for Temple’s congregation including Hebrew classes, Tastes of Judaism, field trips, Rabbi and Cantor’s lectures, guest speakers, Torah topics, mini-kallahs and international Passover Seders. Susan Klein is the chair, rsdsk@aol.com
House
Responsible for the restoration, enhancement, maintenance and repair of the Temple buildings and grounds, this committee also collects meaningful art objects and Judaica to beautify our surroundings. The chair is Fred Fleischman.
Fundraising
Chaired by Barry Hoffman, the committee arranges for events throughout the year which not only will serve to entertain and educate but, in the process, raise money so that more and better programs and events can always be in the offing.
Cemetery
Fred Fleischman, as chair, is involved in planning and determining space needs, acquiring and marketing graves, and establishing and administering related regulations. The co-chair is Sidney Hoffman.
Social action
Dedicated to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) this most important committee participates in local charitable organizations, both Jewish and nondenominational. Social Action has numerous ongoing programs as well as organizes emergency relief efforts. The Chair is Sima Peckler.
Membership
This committee, chaired by Ross Mazur, welcomes new and prospective members to our Temple family, making them feel comfortable as they become integrated into Temple life. They also host dinners, coffees and support programs for families, singles, widowed members, and children.
Outreach
Chaired by Stu Bader, the committee encourages interfaith couples, Jews by choice, non-Jewish partners, returning Jews, and anyone new to Judaism to discover and identify with Jewish culture, traditions, and practices. Educational and social programs are held throughout the year.
