Rabbi Shimon the Righteous would say, "On three things the world stands:
on the Torah, on service, and on acts of lovingkindness."
-Pirkei Avot 1:2
Many of Temple Israel’s members find a way to express their skills and gifts by joining our committees. These committees do so much for our congregation, helping to plan and run programs, assisting in worship, maintaining our historic building, making meals for new parents, and so much more! Find your passion! Join us!
Pulpit and Worship
The Pulpit and Worship Committee enhances the religious function of Temple Israel by providing programs and Shabbat and holiday services that meet the religious and spiritual needs of all of our members.
The committee works closely with the rabbi to make the religious aspect of temple life welcoming, inclusive and inspiring for all. The committee welcomes new ideas and suggestions as our Temple community continues to grow. Knowledge of Hebrew or Judaic rituals and holidays is not required. Membership on the committee provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about many aspects of Judaism and Jewish life.
Caring
The Caring Committee offers and provides support and care to Temple members during times of change or temporary need, such as deaths, births, or medical challenges. The Caring Committee prepares and serves the meal of comfort following a funeral and can provide meals to families with new infants, or those who are ill or recovering from surgery. The committee sends cards to, makes calls to, and visits our ill and recovering members.
To care for the sick and support those in mourning are among the most important mitzvot in Judaism and is at the heart of a caring congregation.
Membership
The Temple Israel Membership Team tells interested people about Temple, leading up to their joining. Once they’ve officially “signed on,” we welcome them with a visit and a wonderful basket of goodies; we write a brief profile for our monthly e-newsletter to introduce them to the congregation; and we steer them toward other people or activities in the congregation or community who may share common interests. Please join us if you enjoy working with a variety of people! Let us know about anyone you know who may be interested in membership, so we can also reach out to them.
Cemetery
The Cemetery Committee is responsible for the management of the historic Jewish cemetery in Lafayette. It offers cemetery plots for sale to Temple members and works to keep the cemetery beautiful and in working order. If you feel a connection to history and enjoy working outside, this might be the committee for you!
Building and Grounds
The Buildings and Grounds Committee is responsible for the Cumberland Avenue Temple structure and grounds. It helps develop rules for and supervises the use of the building, which involves housekeeping, repair, and maintenance. The committee is always on the lookout for “handy” members who can help keep our building sparkling clean and fully functional.
Communication
The Communication Committee looks at ways we communicate with one another as members, as well as how we communicate with prospective members and the Greater Lafayette community. This committee seeks to produce all of Temple Israel’s communication materials with a consistent look and message. It recommends and develops appropriate communication policies, alternative methods, and the timing of the Temple’s communication efforts. The committee works with the rabbi and staff on our monthly newsletter, website, and social media. Join our committee to help make our messages to our members and the community the best they can be!
Social Action
Tikkun olam, repairing the world, is a central principle of Reform Judaism. The Social Action Committee supports Temple Israel’s commitment to tikkun olam by leading the congregation’s projects throughout the year to help those in need.
Many of these projects are locally oriented, but the committee also does work with a national and international focus, supporting the Jewish and non-Jewish communities. The Social Action Committee sponsors such regular projects as volunteering at the Food Finders Food Bank, baking cookies for caregivers during the COVID pandemic, and conducting donation drives of food and personal items for such local organizations as YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter, Lafayette Homeless Services, and Food Finders Food Bank, among others. For many years, Temple Israel has hosted a booth at OUTFest, an end-of-summer festival sponsored by Pride Lafayette.
If you are interested in volunteering to help those around us, or have ideas as to how Temple Israel can better serve the community, we hope you will think about joining this committee.
Finance
The Finance Committee helps to coordinate Temple Israel’s finances, including helping with the annual Temple budget, and keeping our Temple on track financially in dealing with expenses and income. If you have a knack for finance, the committee is always on the lookout for those who can help us manage this aspect of our congregation.
What Our Members Say About Temple Israel
