It’s about knowing that however you enter, there’s a space for you in our community.
Through our interest groups and committees, our members connect with like-minded individuals around specific efforts, initiatives, stages of life, and conversations.
See which of the many intentional groups we have at Beth Emet is calling your name.
Crafting Meaningful Learning Opportunities for Adults
Under the leadership of Helene Rosenberg, the Adult Education Committee plans a wide array of classes and learning opportunities for our congregants. Lifelong Learning is a core value of Beth Emet and a vibrant avenue into Judaism for many people.
This group is for you if you are passionate about learning or if you have an idea to offer.
Contact: Marci Dickman
Creating the World we Want by Acting on our Values and Supporting Just Policies and Laws
Advocacy work includes an array of actions- calling, emailing, texting, visiting elected representatives to speak on behalf of legislation that promotes justice, respect and fairness for all. Advocates also attend public actions to demonstrate broad public support for important causes. We work in partnership with other Reform congregations through RACI-IL and with the broader Jewish community as members of Jewish Council on Urban Affairs (JCUA). Current efforts are focusing on ending voter suppression and promoting voter participation in the 2022 election. Sign up here for more information and to get involved.
Contact: Judy Caplan
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Providing a Little Sweetness During Challenges or Exciting Times
Whether one is recovering from an illness, moving into a new home, or is sitting Shiva, we can all use a little sweetness. If you like to bake, have made an extra pan of brownies, cookies, or quick breads, or looking for something easy to contribute, we are looking to stock our freezer to be delivered when needed. Looking for bakers and deliverers.
Contact: Bekki Kaplan
Creating Meaningful Bonds between School-Aged Families
Families Connect brings your family together with others to help you widen your community through support and friendship. From exchanging parenting tricks to discussing the ways you’re hoping to bring Judaism into the home, this group links your family to others in our congregation.
This group is for you if your family has school-aged children, you’re looking to deepen your friendships with families in similar stages of life, or are looking for a support system in our Jewish community.
Lifting Our Voices in Song
Music to our ears… and yours. Beth Emet’s adult and youth choirs play a key role (and note!) in enhancing our worship and holiday celebration experiences through a repertoire that mixes traditional with contemporary. The adult choir is for you if you’re filled with a passion for singing, like to turn up the volume on Jewish life and connect to the spirituality of music.
Contact: Cantor Natalie Young
Creating A Safe and Welcoming Space
The Beth Emet Inclusion Committee strives to create a welcoming environment, where all members feel a strong sense of belonging and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate and contribute.
Over the years, significant work towards this goal has included identifying barriers of access and designing a physically accessible space when remodeling the synagogue, providing educational programs focused on increasing awareness of disabilities and differences, and fostering inclusion of people with disabilities and those who care about them.
Please consider joining the Beth Emet Inclusion Committee as we continue to examine our current practices, raise awareness and explore ways to create a culture of belonging and inclusivity for Beth Emet members of all abilities.
Contact: Terri Michaels, Committee Chair or Marci Dickman, Director of Lifelong Learning
Understanding Israel Through Our Hearts and Minds
Beth Emet Israel Committee’s mission is to provide balanced programming about Israel for the congregation. Working in collaboration with the rabbis and Adult Education, the Israel Committee’s programs focus on political, cultural, social justice, educational, musical (with the Cantor) and business aspects of Israel. In 2022, we are hoping that the synagogue will be able to return to in-person Shabbat congregational dinners, and to have an Israel theme for one of those dinners. New members are welcome.
Contact: Zach Selch and Mark Schoenfield
Welcoming with Hachnasat Orchim: Hospitality
The Membership Engagement Committee makes our house a home and is focused on engaging our members and welcoming others to our sacred community. This committee welcomes new members, helps the Beth Emet staff market our offerings and membership to boost recruitment, and listens to the needs of our congregation. Plus, our Ambassador Program connects new and long-time members to build new bonds among members.
This group is for you if you’re a good listener, eager to meet new people and are passionate about creating a space for everyone at Beth Emet.
Creating Direct, Person-to-Person Connections through Acts of Loving Kindness
The Social Justice Committee centers around the values of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, and gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness), through a hands-on, interactive, and committee-based approach. There are so many ways to get involved and help to support those suffering as a result of policies of injustice and marginalization.
Contact: Lisa Levine
Our committee consists of many passionate people, and currently has several subcommittees including;
Feeding the Hungry with Respect and Love
Beth Emet’s Soup Kitchen is celebrating its 20- year anniversary in November! We have continued to serve dinner every Wednesday, even throughout the pandemic. We are currently open for both indoor dining and for guests to take their meals to-go. We’re looking for people to join our committee and to volunteer!
Contact: Leslie Levin-Shulruff
Knitting for Those Who Could Use a Hug
Honoring the memory of Nikki Zarefsky, who founded the Soul Stitchers, the Soul Stitchers was created and continutes to make shawls to be given to those who are sick or may need an extra hug from Beth Emet. Are you a knitter? Want to learn how to knit? Join the Soul Stitchers and knit your way to creating something meaningful for members of our community.
Contact: Bluma Stoler
Finding Deeper Meaning Through Personal Growth
Tikkun Middot is the practice of personal growth in values and character. Guided by trained facilitators and the Institute for Jewish Spirituality’s curriculum, we cultivate traits such as patience, compassion, trust, forgiveness and mindful speech.
At our monthly gatherings, we focus on a specific character value, practice meditation, explore mindfulness practices and study Jewish texts. Between sessions, participants work with a partner (chevruta) on explorations of obstacles and opportunities present in our daily lives. This group is for you if you’re seeking to reflect, grow and act mindfully and intentionally.
Ensuring our Community’s Tzedakah Reaches those in Need
The Tzedakah Committee administers the Tzedakah Grant program and encourages families to give tzedakah as a regular part of their Jewish daily lives. This committee participates in other activities that promote righteous giving including food drives and supporting the work of other initiatives at Beth Emet.
Contact: Barry Isaacson.
Welcoming All Families with Young Children
Young Family Engagement’s programs are for families with young children (perfect for kids ages 0-5) to explore Judaism in a lively, experiential and supportive community. This group hosts Jewish family experiences and provides a comfortable space for those of any religion to explore Judaism.
From Pizza in the Sukkah to Tot Shabbat to Singing and S’mores, we have events the whole family can enjoy. This group is for you if you want to meet families with other little ones, are passionate about Jewish learning for your kiddos, or are looking for a new playdate pal.
Contact: Kathy Kaberon
