Volunteering one’s time and expertise is not only a recognized Jewish value, but one that is highly prized in our Temple community. Tikun Olam is imperative to repair the world and reflects the Jewish values of Justice (tzedakah), Compassion (hesed) and Peace (shalom). The concept has come to symbolize the quest for social justice, freedom, equality, peace, and the restoration of the environment. It is a call to action for us to repair the world through social action and our thoughtful interaction with the world and the people around us. Tikun Olam recognizes that each act of kindness, no matter how small, helps to build a new world. Opportunities for Tikun Olam within the Temple Emanu-El community are numerous and diverse. Our members are encouraged to lend their hearts, souls, and minds to the areas of our community that most interests them. Beyond the immense satisfaction of assisting to organize a program or helping someone, volunteering is the ideal way to meet other members of our diverse Temple Emanu-El community. Some of these committees deal with internal programs and functions, while others deal with the community at large. Newcomers to Rhode Island or just to Emanu-El will never have an easier opportunity to meet people with common goals and values. Some of the committees may be full and are not looking for additional members at this time. Others are growing, adding new programs and looking for additional volunteers. The best way to get involved is to look over the main committees listed here and contact the chairperson or coordinator for the ones of interest to see if there are opportunities for you to get involved. The list of main committees includes:

Yad b' Yad – Miriam Abrams-Stark: miriam@teprov.org

This unusual program is designed to provide a one on one learning experience in the realm of Jewish practice and thought. The program matches up a member who has a desire to learn some aspect of Jewish practice or thought with someone who can lead the way in that area. Yad b’ Yad, literally, hand in hand, is an ideal way to get started on the path. If you are interested in being a mentor for a variety of topics – from how to celebrate Shabbat at home to the intricacies of Torah trope, please volunteer. It is great fun, very satisfying, and a great way to meet new people.

Shabbat Kiddush Committee – Linda Shamoon, Co-Chair and Judy Greenblatt, Co-Chair: judygreenb@aol.com

This group of people meets weekly to help organize the Shabbat Kiddush. No special culinary skills are required, just lots of enthusiasm. The Shabbat Kiddush is one of the best ways for new member to meet veterans and for great schmooze time on Shabbat.

Youth Commission Committee – Michael Meyerheim, Chair

Temple Emanu-El’s youth group, Providence USY, continues to be one of the largest and most active USY chapters in New England. A past winner of several NERUSY [New England USY] Chapter of the Year Awards and a recipient of the prestigious International USY Chapter of the Year Award in 2001, the group continues to flourish. The Youth Committee works with staff to set policies and reviews USY activities. Meeting every month during the school year, the Youth Commission is a vibrant, informal group which provides support services to programming of Kadima, Junior and Senior USY.

Volunteers do not need to be members of the Youth Commission to help with youth programs. Volunteers are needed to chaperone events in Providence and out of town, to set up and prepare meals for our teens during conventions, Shabbat dinners and other programs. In addition you can work with volunteers are needed to work with the teens to staff the exciting annual Purim Carnival.

Religious School Committee – Janet Goldman, Chair

Temple Emanu-El’s Religious School provides a dynamic educational experience for its students. The committee works with the school director to set policy and budget and to act as an advisory body. You need not be a parent of a current student to be a part of the committee.

Outreach and Retention Committee – Karen Hammarstrom, Co-Chair: khamar@gmail.com and Marisa Garber, Co-Chair: garbergamm@cox.net

One of the most important ways to help our congregation grow is to reach out to various communities in our area to promote Temple Emanu-El. This committee plans events for membership growth and outreach such as Open Houses, monthly children’s “Story Time” program with arts and crafts, and other such events. The committee is currently considering restarting the Shabbat Greeter program. The committee has already begun a welcome wagon for new members to the Temple. They are looking for volunteers to deliver welcome baskets. Or perhaps you have some new ideas, such as hosting a wine tasting or managing an auction or other fundraiser? We would like your help. If you enjoy the “meet and greets” and want to help our congregation grow, this is the committee for you.

Annual Fund Committee – Paul Stouber, Chair: stouber@cox.net

Temple Emanu-El has an annual operating budget of nearly 2 million dollars. As a supplement to dues, our Annual Fund campaign raises funds to help support the wide range of programs and activities that are so important to our members. The committee organizes and oversees the fundraising effort throughout the year.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Committee – Holly Rothemich, Chair: rothemich@att.net

This committee focuses on the many aspects of this life cycle event for Temple families. The committee also establishes policies, guidelines and curriculum for the Samuel and Eva Silver Family Bar/Bat Mitzvah Experience. If interested in becoming involved, please contact the committee chair.

Cemetery Committee – Bernice Kumins, Chair – contact the Temple office for additional information or to contact the chair.

Temple Emanu-El plays an important role in the lives of our congregants by providing cemetery space for its members. This committee sets policies, establishes guidelines and is responsible to see that the cemetery is in good shape for the membership.

Children, Youth and Families Committees – Judith Westrick, Chair: blazar@pol.net
Sub Committee - Young Families Committee – Bonnie Steinberg, Chair: jennistein@cox.net

Our Temple is a very family-friendly place. This committee develops programs, establishes policy, and helps introduce new members of the community to the wonderful programs that are offered to families and children.

College Outreach Committee – Bev Ehrich, Chair: Beverly_ehrich@brown.edu

The Temple’s College Outreach Committee sends a bit of Temple Emanu-El to our college students – wherever they are. The committee sends email messages a few times a year, as well as welcome, fun, and delicious holiday packages.

Institute for Jewish Studies – Michael Goldenberg, Chair: mgoldenberg@wszlaw.com

Tuesday night is an opportunity to learn at Emanu-El. The Institute provides learning opportunities if far reaching subjects of Jewish interest. The committee is charged with helping find faculty, organizing courses, and setting policy.

Marketing Committee – Kenny Hersh, Chair: Hershfamily@cox.net

The marketing committee oversees marketing and promotional efforts by all the committees of the Temple. It oversees this website and seeks ways to improve communication both within and without the Temple community.

Services Committee – Judy Greenblatt, Chair: judygreenb@aol.com

Religious services constitute an important part of the life of Temple Emanu-El. This committee is concerned with non-halakhic issues relating to the many services held throughout the year. The members gather feedback from Temple members in order to provide a sounding board for the clergy. This committee also evaluates prayer books and sets policies as they related to religious services.

Social Action Committee – Rebecca Kislak, Chair

The Temple community takes seriously its commitment to the greater community.
The Social Action Committee has opportunities for Temple members to get involved in community action. The first Sunday of every month we work with Habitat for Humanity. The group has formed a Homelessness Advocacy group seeking to influence legislation to help the homeless. In November they sponsor a clothing drive and in February there is a blood drive. They are involved with RISE (Rhode Islanders Supporting Education) and look to the community for people who are interested in mentoring underprivileged children. Many of the efforts are joint activities with various church and mosque congregations throughout RI and the neighboring states.