Volunteer for a Committee at Beth Jacob
The Beth Jacob community needs everyone’s help. For more information or to join a committee, email info@beth-jacob.org
Torah Committees
Adult Learning
The goal of Adult Learning is to build a community of lifelong learners pursuing knowledge about Judaism and being Jewish. We plan learning sessions like Classic Texts, our Shavuot Tikkun, Hebrew classes, and summer films.
Chair: Leslie Morris
Youth
Oversees Kadima and USY youth groups (grades 7-12) and seeks to ensure parent and volunteer involvement in youth group events throughout the year.
Chairs: Rebecca Goffman & Alyssa Golob
Youth Education
Seeks to establish a vision of Jewish learning for our young people, from birth to 18 years old, that encompasses Shabbat Enrichment, youth groups, K’tanim, Family Life Cycle Workshops, B’nai Mitzvah training, formal Jewish learning in schools and informal Jewish learning in a variety of settings.
Chair: Miriam Krause
Shul Link
Packages and sends treats and information to help our young adults feel connected to their home synagogue when they are away at college or starting off on their own. Email us to add a member of your family to the list.
Library and Resource Center
Enters new donations into the Beth Jacob library system and maintains the library in reasonable order. Congregants may borrow and reshelve books on the honor system, with the exception of reference books.
Avodah Worship Committees
Cemetery
Oversees and maintains the Sons of Jacob, Sons of Moses and Children of Abraham Cemeteries.
Chair: Mike Keller
Chevra Kadisha
The Chevra Kadisha (or holy community) is dedicated to honoring the deceased and strengthening the living by performing the final acts of loving-kindness through two rituals: tahara (ritual washing and dressing of the body) and shmira (the act of sitting with the deceased until the time of burial.
Chair: Jo Pasternack, *Eric Pasternack
Interfaith
Organizes events for congregants to broaden their knowledge and connections, tolerance and respect for people of many faiths in the Twin Cities.
Ritual
Works with the rabbi to ensure the function of all services (daily, Shabbat and holidays) and assigns appropriate people to lead services, read Torah and receive honors. The Committee also maintains the ritual items in the synagogue.
Chair: Mira Miller
Gemilut Chasadim Committees
Chesed of Consolation
Provides the Meal of Consolation (the meal served to mourners upon their return from the cemetery) and meals delivered during Shiva.
Chair: Sharon Benmaman & Lynn Usem
Chesed of Healing
Organizes meals for congregants who are welcoming a new baby or confronting an illness or injury.
Chair: EB (Elizabeth Bernard)
Climate Change Initiative
Our goal is to help the Beth Jacob community reduce our individual and collective contributions to climate change.
Chair: Laura Millberg
Dorothy Day Second Sundays
Provides meals for homeless and near-homeless people in St. Paul, through the Dorothy Day Center, on the second Sunday of every month. Beth Jacob purchases food, and volunteers prepare and serve breakfast.
Chair: Andy Meltzer
Inclusion
Insures that programs and aspects of synagogue life are accessible. All congregants, irrespective of special needs or life circumstances, are valued and their participation in the life of the synagogue community is actively encouraged.
Interfaith Communities
Provides opportunities for congregants to broaden their knowledge of and connections to the many faiths in the Twin Cities and contributes to furthering respect and tolerance.
Chair: Louis Hunter
Social Justice
Advocates for issues of social justice such as the Conservative movement’s Magen Tzedek project. This initiative aims to establish standards for the production of kosher food that ensure the health and welfare of a company’s workers and the environment.
Chair: Barb Curchack
Finance Committees
Finance
Is responsible for the fiscal management of the synagogue. The Committee’s key responsibilities are reviewing and recommending an annual operating budget, regularly reviewing financial results, managing the synagogue’s endowment funds, and reviewing the overall financial status of the congregation.
Fundraising and Special Events
Do you enjoy having a party? This committee would like your help in planning our annual fundraiser and other special events.
Avodah Work Committees
Building
Oversees all aspects of Beth Jacob’s building and ensures that repairs and regular maintenance are handled professionally and in a timely manner.
Communications and Marketing
Works to improve and extend the network of communications among members of the synagogue community, and reach those not affiliated with Beth Jacob.
Kesher
Welcomes new members to our synagogue, and helps congregants make and preserve connections within the community. Creates opportunities to interact with others and activities that foster connections.
Chair: Joanna Lowinger
Kitchen
Works with the Kitchen and Catering Manager to prepare and serve kiddush luncheons on Shabbat and holidays.
Personnel
Establishes, reviews and implements personnel procedures and policies for all Beth Jacob staff.
Chairs: Mike Keller & Rachel Hertel