Committees
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Committees at Work - Opportunities for Your Involvement At Temple Beth El, there are numerous opportunities for congregants to be involved in programs and activities. We believe that a synagogue is an extension of your family, a warm and caring place where all your needs can be met. Whether you are looking for spiritual nurturing, education for your entire family, opportunities for social activities or a chance to practice Jewish values such as Tzedekah or Tikkun Olam, there is something for you within our doors. Following is a listing of some of our many organizations and committees in which you can become involved. ADULT CHOIR – Marian Brawer Under the guidance of Cantor Bernard, the Adult Choir improves our High Holy Day musical program each year. Following the High Holy Day season, the choir continues to rehearse weekly and to sing for the congregation approximately once per month. ADULT EDUCATION – Susan Proctor The Adult Education Committee plans a variety of adult programs for 10 months on all areas of Judaica. The series has included a history of the Jewish people from Genesis to modern day Israel, study of the Sacred Texts, as well as study of the Jewish holidays. In addition, a subcommittee on Comparative Religion organizes a 2-month annual community series on varied religious and ethical issues. ARZA/ISRAEL COMMITTEE - Jeffrey Myers & Mike Martin The Israel Committee was established to create and strengthen connections between Beth El congregants and Israel. We work to promote and support the annual congregational Israel trips, sponsor programming, fundraisers, and educational materials on Israel, and maintain an ongoing relationship with an Israeli sister congregation. The Israel Committee is particularly charged with bolstering TBE's commitment to Israeli Reform Judaism. Our sister congregation is Kehilat Birkat Shalom of Kibbutz Gezer, led by the trailblazing Rabbi Miri Gold. Click here http://www.kbyonline.org/birkatshalom/index.html) to visit Birkat Shalom. BROTHERHOOD - Brian Emery Temple Beth El Brotherhood is comprised of men who are dedicated to the preservation of Jewish tradition. The goal of Brotherhood is to strengthen the social and spiritual ties among Temple members by providing members with a rewarding and enjoyable series of programs and events, through guest speakers, social activities and community service projects. Members of Brotherhood serve as ushers during Shabbat services as well as High Holy Day services. The Brotherhood generally meets from September through June, and has guest speakers at its Sunday breakfast or weekday evening dinner meetings. For information about membership call the Temple office or Andy Weingarten at 704-846-0144. BUILDING, PROPERTY AND GROUNDS - This committee is responsible for raising funds for major capital purchases, maintenance of insurance, repairs, and upkeep of properties. CARING COMMITTEE - Louise Frumkin This Committee is responsible for visitation of long-term shut-ins, hospitalized congregants, and serves as an extension of rabbinic pastoral services. KESHET COMMITTEE - Y'honatan Gimbel Keshet Committee provides support and programs for our Gay and Lesbian Jewish family. There are monthly social and volunteer activities. HAKESHER:COLLEGE CONNECTION - Laurie Sparks College Connection stays in touch with our college students at special times during the year – Rosh Hashanah, Thanksgiving, and Passover. CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL of Jewish Studies of Charlotte - Sheila Spitz The Consolidated High School of Jewish Studies of Charlotte serves Temple Beth El’s eighth through twelfth graders. Students in Grades 8 and 9 meet each Wednesday evening for two hours, and take one year long core class and three electives. The tenth graders meet each week with the rabbis to prepare for Confirmation Class. In addition they have elective classes with their peers from Temple Israel. The year culminates in their Confirmation service, which is held during the Shavuot holiday. A core of dedicated eleventh and twelfth graders also meet weekly on Wednesday evenings. These older students study Jewish Mysticism, Sociology of Modern Israel and Comparative Judaism. In addition, these students meet monthly for dinner and a seminar with a variety of guest speakers. COMMUNICATIONS - This committee is responsible for planning and implementing the various ways in which we communicate with our congregants. Among other things, the VOICE, web site, special mailings and “This Week at Temple Beth El” are some of the methods used by the Temple. COMMUNITY RELATIONS - Sid Sussman This committee is responsible for explaining Judaism to the non-Jewish community and for liaison work with churches and schools, and preparing explanatory guides. Would you like to experience a worship service in a Muslim Masjid, a Buddhist Wat or a Quaker Meeting House? If so, join us as we visit and explore these and other faiths. A highlight of this program is the annual Mecklenburg Ministries’ Interfaith Service. Volunteers are need for this committee so please contact Sidney Sussman: H (704-372-8373) O (704-551-4897) for more information. The CHARLOTTE JEWISH PRESCHOOL - Janna Stein, Laura Stein, Stacey Cohen The Charlotte Jewish Preschool’s mission is to provide quality preschool and day care programs for children ages one to five within an enriched Jewish environment. The Charlotte Jewish Preschool (CJP) is dedicated to providing young children with a secure and loving atmosphere so that they can develop a positive self-image and grow intellectually and socially. In addition, CJP is dedicated to instilling within each student a joyful attitude toward Judaism. Our educational approach is developmental, offering hands-on activities and age appropriate materials that encourage creativity and self-expression. ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE - This committee is responsible for proposing and preparing a program for the creation and enhancement of funds and endowments from sources other than dues and ways and means activities. This committee manages and implements such programs. FINANCE COMMITTEE - Kathy Rosenfeld This committee is charged with maintaining the financial integrity and stability of the Temple. The Committee works on annual dues pledges and collections, annual financial statements, annual budgeting, and works with congregants who need assistance with annual dues level. This committee produces a written report analyzing dues, and makes recommendations for any due changes. Financial background will be very helpful for this Committee. HAKESHER:COLLEGE CONNECTION - Laurie Sparks and Alison Traw The College Connection program stays in touch with our college students by sending Jewishly-themed care packages throughout special times during the year, and with a monthly e-newsletter designed to keep students in touch with TBE and with the Jewish community. To sign up, email sbryan@beth-el.com. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - Mike Yaffe This committee is responsible for the technology at Temple including the computer network, phone system, web site, and membership software. Constant evaluation of our systems is necessary to be most efficient and effective in operating the Temple. INTERFAITH AND OUTREACH - Chris & Tracey Totten The Interfaith & Outreach committee plans programs to meet the growing needs of our Interfaith families, Jews-by-choice, and unaffiliated Jews. The Merkin Outreach Institute provides funding for many of our long-running programs offered to those who are converting to Judaism or who may be interested in converting. Visit our Interfaith and Outreach page here. JEWISH COMMUNITY BUSINESS CIRCLE - Justin Lowenberger & Don Rosenberg Our mission is to provide an environment and opportunity for TBE congregants who are business owners, practitioners, and sales/business professionals to share ideas, contacts and referrals or leads. This is not your run-of-the-mill leads group! To experience networking with a Jewish perspective, visit this dynamic group of congregants and the entire Jewish community as they network by building the relationships that build business. When you get down to it, relationships ARE your business. After all, no one buys a product or service from a “company”— they buy from people they trust! Where better to build such relationships than among your Temple peers who share your values and goals, people who get just as excited about your success as about their own? Join us for a little kibbitzing, a little brainstorming and a whole lot of common sense business talk. In the process, you might just make a few new friends along the way. Meetings are once a month, on the third Tuesday of each month, beginning in September through June, in Luski Hall in the Don and Bobbi Bernstein Education Building on the Shalom Park campus. Guests are always welcome. For further information, contact co-chairs Justin Lowenberger at justinlowenberger@mydrted.com 704- 332-2323 or Don Rosenberg at donrosenberg@gmail.com 704-364-1784. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT - Betsy Olinger Responsible for training the future leaders of Temple Beth El. The program sessions are led by Beth El’s professional and lay leadership. LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL - Mickey Aberman This committee is responsible for recommending changes to the Constitution and to its bylaws, and other legal questions. LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE - Rick Glaser The Long Range Planning Committee looks at the future of Temple Beth El and issues such as fiscal responsibility, growth, programming and priorities. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE - Karen Franklin and Tammy Menaker The Membership Committee is responsible for recruiting, attracting, and retaining members. This committee proposes membership requirements and prepares membership materials. MUSIC COMMITTEE - Marian Brawer The mission of the Music Committee is to assist the cantor, the Temple's musical director, with developing and enhancing Temple Beth El's musical programs. NEXTDOR: 20s/30s at Temple Beth El - Reneé Schreibman and Pam Meyers NextDOR is a diverse, welcoming, Reform Jewish community in the greater Charlotte area. We open doors for participants to connect to one another, to the community, and to Judaism through social programming, social justice and action, and meaningful opportunities to explore Jewish tradition and spirituality. NextDOR events are open to all Jews in their 20s and 30s and their significant others. For more information, email tbe20s30s@beth-el.com <mailto:tbe20s30s@beth-el.com> PERSONNEL COMMITTEE - Jeff Bierer The Personnel Committee is responsible for the creation and maintenance of written job descriptions, and procedures for performance reviews of personnel. This committee also resolves personnel disputes, and acts as ombudsman for Temple employees. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL - Janna Stein Susan Jacobs, Director of Education Temple Beth El’s Religious School provides Jewish Education to Kindergarteners through 7 graders. Students receive an education in Jewish principles including bible stories, history, holidays, basic Hebrew language, ethics and Israel. Classes meet on Sundays from either 8:30am to 10:30am or 11:00am to 1:00 pm. Grades three through seven also meet on either Monday or Wednesday from 4:30pm to 6:00pm. Please visit the Temple Beth El Religious School page here. SISTERHOOD - Corine Bockenek The Women of Reform Judaism of Temple Beth El, known as the Sisterhood, is an organization for “women supporting women.” The WRJ-Sisterhood provides education, spirituality, tzedekah, service and social opportunities for the community. Please visit our WRJ-Sisterhood page here. SOCIAL JUSTICE / SOCIAL ACTION - Beth Daniel and Judy Seldin-Cohen The SAC is committed to inform, educate, and involve the members of Temple Beth El in the doing of ‘Good Deeds’, ‘Mitzvot’, in the Jewish Community, and in the greater Charlotte Community. The Social Justice Committee was most recently formed to address critical issues of social justice in a national and global arena. This Committee will raise the level of consciousness of our congregation and hopefully our children and make a difference. Please visit our Social Justice and Action page here. S.P.I.C.E. - Leon Rutman and Frances Liss Programs for members age 50 and older are planned for the first and third Monday of each month. Social events are planned for all Temple Beth El members age 49.999 and over who wish to join. Activities include study with the clergy, speakers, concerts, and more. Please visit our S.P.I.C.E. page here. YOUNG FAMILIES/TOT SHABBAT - Lisa Moreland, Jenna Hart-Hadar, Melissa Zhiss and Shoshana Streiffer Temple Beth El is the place to be for young families! Children 5 and younger and their families are invited to join us for our monthly Tot Shabbat activities, as well as a variety of other young families events. Tot Shabbat is monthly on the third Saturday of the month at 9:15. Led by Rabbi Streiffer with accompanying music by Patty Torcellini-Hartman, children participate in a short, participatory, musical service, followed by a craft and snack related to upcoming Jewish events. Other tot events are planned throughout the year, in a variety of locations. WAYS & MEANS - This Committee is charged with all fund-raising in the Temple, except for Endowment funds. They will plan and execute events in conjunction with other Temple committees, review annual dues and fees for life cycle occasions, and assist with other needs of the Temple. Creative and/or financial minds needed! WORSHIP COMMITTEE - Reuven Green Temple Beth El has provided its members with a worship experience that is meaningful and caring. The worship committee is responsible for recommending changes in ritual to the Board, including music, and may authorize experimental services. The Worship Committee has worked closely with our clergy and Board of Directors regarding issues of decorum and etiquette during religious services. YOUTH COMMITTEE - Marianne London and Andrea Seidler Temple Beth El has a very strong and vibrant youth activities department. Under the direction of our Youth Director, Sara Bryan, and with the guidance of Rabbi Streiffer, Temple Beth El has evolved into one of the most active Temple youth groups in the region. The Youth Committee helps to oversee the events and activities of our four youth groups: LIBERTY (9-12 grades), LIBERTY 78 (7-8 grades), KATANTY 56 (5-6 graders) and KATANTY 34 (3-4 grades). Please click here for the TBE Youth web page. |
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