Now that the excitement of the past months’ events has settled down a little bit, it’s time to evaluate once more how we can simplify and clarify our lives and their meaning, and how we can best incorporate our relationship with the Temple Emanuel Community into our lives. To paraphrase a much wiser and more experienced President, “Ask not what the Temple Emanuel Community can do for you – ask what you can do for the Temple Emanuel Community.” As you ponder this suggestion, think about three levels of response: 1) The short term 2) The medium term 3) The long term.
For example:
A short term response might be to volunteer to assist with an individual TE project or event. This can serve as an opportunity to interact with other congregants that you may not have known before on a social level, while you cooperate to achieve a successful outcome. It involves a small contribution of time and effort, and is finite in scope. As a side benefit, you can learn more about others and share more about yourself.
A medium term response might be to volunteer to serve on, or co-chair a committee. Think about your special interests and talents and what might be a good match for you. Our committees include (but are not limited to):
Finance: Budgetary and financial affairs of the Congregation
Education: Religious School, Adult Education, Library (Yes, we have books!)
Fund Raising: Annual and special fund raising events, special memorials and funds
Membership: Recruitment and Orientation of New Members, retention of existing (not necessarily “old”) members
Liaison: “Troubleshoots” issues that members may not want to bring to the officers or Board of Directors
Ritual Advisory: Works with the Rabbi in reviewing, renewing and revising as needed our congregation’s rituals, practices and observances
Youth Advisory: Youth activities and program participation for “junior” and “senior” youth members as well as college youth
Buildings and Grounds: Maintenance of buildings and property, and use of the physical plant by members and non-members of the Congregation.
Cemetery: Advises members on purchase of cemetery plots, works with funeral directors, oversees perpetual core of the TE Cemetery
Social Action and Community Service: Engages TE Congregants in activities and programs for local, national and world communities.
Sisterhood: Builds a community that provides the atmosphere and opportunity for women to meet and socialize with other women in the community. Sponsors diverse programs to learn, share ideas, benefit the Temple and HAVE FUN!
Contact any Board Member or the Office if you have a thought about what is a good match for you, or if you have an idea for a committee that is not listed or doesn’t yet exist.
A long term response could be a commitment to the longevity of our Congregation and community by:
- Helping to form a long range planning effort to examine the past, present and future of Temple Emanuel
- Maintaining your membership and participation long after your children have grown and “flown”
- Committing to becoming a Board Member and aspiring to the role of an Executive Committee member
- Including Temple Emanuel in your estate planning
Contact me at president@templeemanuel-gnh.org with your ideas. Be constructive. Remember, “If you kvetch, you fetch!” (Anonymous)