Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to become fully engaged in Temple life. As a volunteer, you will be helping the Temple. But equally important, volunteering will help you get to know our Temple family. Below is a list of the committees that are responsible for all of our Temple activities. If there is something of particular interest to you, please feel free to call or e-mail the chairperson directly.

• Adult Jewish Learning develops programs to promote Jewish education for adults.
Chair – Marci Sternheim – sternheim@snet.net click here to check out our page

• Caring Committee provides for individuals and families during illness, bereavement and other times of need.
Chair – Andrea Fein – andreafein29@gmail.com click here to check out our page

• Cemetery Committee is responsible for the operation of the Temple’s cemetery in Norwalk.
Chair – Leonard Leader – lleader@wiggin.com

• Communications Committee The primary responsibility is to gather articles, edit, and publish the Chronicle. The committee is called upon to assist other committees in developing press releases and other forms of program publicity. Chronicle Editor: Sharon Schroeder – sschro3646@aol.com

• Continuity Committee creates and supports programming that promotes the theme of Jewish Continuity in the Temple and community.
Chair – Tom Spignesi – spignesi@optonline.net click here to check out our page

• Early Childhood meets monthly to formulate Nursery School policy and advise the faculty.
Chair – Jen Gold – jennifersgold@yahoo.com click here to check out our page

• Finance Committee prepares the Temple’s annual budget and oversees all financial decisions made regarding the Temple.
Chair – Jacob Navon – jnavon@mba1984.hbs.edu

• Fine Arts Committee works with the Cantors to present several programs during the year for our Congregation and community.
Chair – Yvonne Senturia – ysenturia@yahoo.com click here to check out our page

• House Committee oversees the Temple building and grounds.
Chair – Sam Gardner – sgardner@gwgarchitects.com

• Israel Committee promotes Temple Israel’s connection to Israel.
Chair – Ken Olson – kmo@pokomgt.com click here to check out our page

• Library Committee oversees the Temple Library.
Chair – Laura Schwartz – lauras224@sbcglobal.net click here to check out our page

• Membership Committee serves to attract, welcome and involve new members in the Temple community.
Chair – Jill Patterson – jillpatterson@optonline.net

• Men’s Club plans programs during the year of both educational as well as recreational themes. Most are held at the Temple, some are at local restaurants. Some of the programs are open to both men and women.
Chair – John Beckmann – jfbeckmann@aol.com click here to check out our page

• Religious School Committee coordinates all aspects of religious school life, including curriculum, staffing, class size and budgeting. Chair – Karen Sitney – ksitney@optonline.net click here to check out our page

• Ritual Committee provides input to our Rabbis and Cantors regarding worship and service content and arranges Torah honors and ushering during the Sabbath and High Holiday Services.
Chair – Maury Wind – maury13@optonline.net click here to check out our page

• Social Action/Community Service Committee translates Temple Israel’s commitment to social justice into educational programs and community involvement. click here to check out our page
Chair – Helaine Klasky – helaine.klasky@yale.edu

• Tzedakah Committee plans an annual event, the proceeds of which benefit the needy in the Temple and the community at large.

• Women’s Group plans programs throughout the year that are both informative and recreational.
Co-Chair – Amy Berkin – theberkins@sbcglobal.net click here to check out our page

• Youth Committee works with the Director of Youth Programs to plan programs for our elementary, middle, and high school age children. The committee recommends policy to the Board.
Chair – Emily Glasberg – eglasbg@optonline.net click here to check out our page

In addition to our various committees, Temple Israel is fortunate to have a number of interesting organizations which meet regularly and would welcome your participation. Please look for program announcements in the monthly Chronicle.