Committees
Beth Shir Shalom is a volunteer-powered organization. Our membership participates in all aspects of the community, from the logistical to the spiritual. We welcome everyone to play a part. We have divided our tasks into the committees listed below.
Membership
The membership committee is the point of first contact. It introduces visitors to our congregation and programs and welcomes new members. It works with other committees to promote member retention and coordination with other committees.
Education
This committee is the executive board’s liaison to the parent boards of our religious school (JELLI) and preschool (ECC). It also supports adult education programming, the annual member temple retreat, and planning for the Purim Carnival —the primary fundraiser for our schools.
Social Action
The goal of the social action committee is Tikkun Olam—healing the world. It works toward this goal through projects initiated by us and by other organizations. We have worked with groups such as the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation, Imagine LA, Meals on Wheels, Jewish World Watch and Interfaith Twinning. Additionally, Social Action coordinates with JELLI and ECC in support of their curricular needs.
Facilities & Temple Operation
This committee literally keeps our lights on. It is responsible for the care and maintenance of our facilities and the policies associated with daily operations. It also supports special programming for extra projects, such as “Clean-up Day.”
Spiritual Life
Committee members assist our clergy in planning and facilitating holiday celebrations: High Holy Days, Simchat Torah, 2nd Seder, Chanukah, Tu b’Shevat and many others. It plays a dual role: it handles logistics and also keeps its finger on the pulse of the congregation—informally and formally—to ensure we are meeting the spiritual needs of members.
Development (Fund Raising)
Like many nonprofit organizations, dues are the starting point of what is needed to maintain operations. Our development committee finds ways to raise the rest. It solicits donations, plans fundraisers, promotes planned giving and also organizes the best party of the year.
General Programming
This is our “outside-the-religious-box” committee. We find that just being together can enhance temple life. This committee coordinates and implements engaging, nonreligious programing for adults, children and families.
Marketing & Communication
This committee is responsible for ensuring that all materials are consistent with the Beth Shir Shalom “look and feel,” are true to our mission and character, contain the information people will want to know, and reach the audiences we want to reach.