Opportunities Guide - CommitteesWhether you can give one hour or 100, we need you! For more information about the specific responsibilities of each committee or to join a committee, please leave a message for our volunteer coordinator, Debbie Lieberman, at 952-938-2752. Adult Education A new and enthusiastic Adult Education committee has recently been formed at Beth El. Our goal is a mighty one: continue providing adult education in traditional ways (home study groups, for example) while trying out some new ideas to involve all of our congregants. Aleph School (Pre-School) This is a working committee of actively involved Aleph School parents. A one year commitment and attendance at monthly meetings is mandatory. We coordinate programs and volunteer planning for the Aleph School, specifically, family programs, Shabbat dinner, teacher luncheons, book fairs, and other fundraising events. Beth El Memorial Park (Cemetery) The cemetery committee of the Beth El Memorial Park (located at 38th Ave. N. and Winnetka Ave. in Crystal) supervises all activity at the Park and employs a landscaper to do grounds maintenance. The committee meets quarterly to review policies and procedures. BEMA (Beth El Music & Arts) BEMA sponsors a variety of Jewish cultural events and brings both the visual and performing arts to Beth El. The committee also manages and maintains the art and museum showcases in our building. Bethelders This group for individuals over 60 meets monthly and participates in a variety of activities. Help is needed in planning each event. Budget The Budget committee meets periodically to determine cash expenditures. Building and Grounds This group of about ten active members, formerly called the House committee, helps to maintain the physical grounds. The Beth El Choir The Beth El Choir sings for the High Holidays and for monthly services at Knollwood Place through the Spring. The Choir also participates in a pre- Thanksgiving Interfaith Service in the Fall, Shabbat Shira and other Shabbatot and programs during the year. New choir members can sing either for programs during the year or for High Holidays or both. The Choir is multi-generational in its make-up; both adult and youth members (post-Bar/Bat Mitzvah age) are welcome to join. Decorating Formed in 1989, the Decorating committee has spent countless hours improving the look and feel of Beth El Synagogue. They have worked on the Spiegel Sanctuary and Gruman Social Hall, among many others. End-of-Summer Picnic Old fashioned picnic fun in the Beth El parking lot. Volunteers are needed to plan the day as well as setup, clean-up, serve and cook. Recommended for ages 0-101. Fundraising The Fundraising committee offers an opportunity to plan and implement events designed to raise funds each year for the operating budget of the synagogue. Gemilat Hesed This committee is made up of many smaller committees who do social action projects in the synagogue and in the greater community. For a complete listing of activities, see page 12. Annual Chai Open Golf Tournament Help plan this annual event and enjoy the fun of a day on the course. Golfing experience not necessary. Havurot Interest Groups This committee is newly forming to help develop small interest groups within the synagogue. Hevrat Yad Hazakah Join this special hevrah by electing to read seven Torah readings (the equivalent of one full sidrah) in one year sometime between Shabbat B’reishit and Simhat Torah. Opportunities are available for all to read on a regular basis or on special occasions such as Bar/Bat Mitzvah anniversaries. Honors This committee has the task of assigning all of the High Holyday honors. Investment The Investment committee handles all educational endowment funds and any excess general funds. Legal The Legal committee consults on any legal issues that arise. Lih'yot B'Kesher: Keep in Touch This committee’s mission is to “keep in touch” with our college-age adults and enrich their Jewish identity by encouraging their involvement in quality Jewish activities.  Keep in Touch Registration FormMembership The Membership committee oversees two aspects of life at the synagogue. We work with individuals and families who would like to become members of Beth El along with existing families on issues related to their membership. We also work with structuring the dues program for all members. Membership Integration This committee is in charge of (welcoming) new members of our Beth El community. Men's Club The Men’s Club meets regularly at Beth El and sponsors breakfast and dinner functions throughout the year which feature leaders from our community as well as noted scholars-inresidence. These programs are open to the entire congregation. The Men’s Club also contributes funds annually for the purchase of equipment and other building improvements. New members are always needed to help. National Speaker Series The Speaker Series committee works diligently to bring nationally renowned speakers to Beth El. Office Helpers This pool of congregants help out in the office with answering phones, mailings, and other assorted jobs that are vital in helping the synagogue office run smoothly. PR and Publicity For the many photographers and journalists, this newly forming committee will take pictures at events and submit press releases, photos and articles to our local papers - including the Jewish World, Jewish Life and the Star Tribune. We will also work on the Beth El website helping to keep it up-to-date. Scholarship The Scholarship committee determines the criteria for and distribution of the resources that are made available by the synagogue endowed scholarship funds. Services Advisory This committee performs many important functions for our congregational community, one of which is evaluating the daily, Shabbat, and High Holiday Services. Shabbat & Holiday Planning (Celebrate Shabbat Events) These members help to plan and organize programming for Shabbat and holidays, such as the Purim Extravaganza, Celebrate Shabbat dinners, and our all night Layl Tikun. Social Justice Join us as we develop strategies to encourage Jewish values to become imbedded in our society’s approach to people and our environment through awareness, education, and political action. Special Events Planning We can always use another volunteer for special congregational events, such as a dinner dance, honoring ceremony, annual meeting. Commitments are flexible and often short term. These events are fun to plan as well as attend, and are a great way to meet more people in the Beth El community. Table Setters Club Come join the crew while we set tables for Beth El congregational dinners. Easy job that saves time and money while building friendships. Tour Guides Tours are provided for school and church groups. Dedicated congregants can lead these day and evening tours. Youth Education The Youth Education Committee was formed in 1998, to help determine educational goals and oversee the educational programming at Beth El, the purpose of which is to insure that our youth (ages preschool through high school) are receiving a well rounded Jewish education in order to become knowledgeable participants as they travel the path to adulthood. Women's League Women’s League is an integral arm of the worldwide Conservative/ Masorti Movement, maintaining close ties to The Jewish Theological Seminary of America and its campuses, the University of Judaism and all the other programs of the Movement. The Beth El Women’s League offers monthly programs of interest to Jewish women of all ages and holds several fundraisers throughout the year that support Beth El Synagogue and the Jewish Theological Seminary Torah Fund. The Women’s League also sponsors the Shirley R. Abelson Aleph Pre-School and manages the Gift Shop and the Beth El Kitchen. Volunteers are needed for a variety of committees. Youth Commission Working board for parents of kids who are active in the youth department. Commission meets quarterly to talk about and vote over deciding factors that develop within the department. |