Committees

Ritual

The mission statement of the Ritual Committee states that its purpose is to infuse, within Or Hadash, evolving Jewish Reconstructionist ritual practice with kavannah [spiritual intent]. The committee’s responsibilities include working with the rabbi to develop the format and programming for all services and ritual events, proposing and discussing religious policies (i.e. kashrut, the role of a non-Jewish member), and planning the annual Scholar-in-Residence weekend.

Membership

New members are often attracted to Or Hadash through the work of our Membership Committee. Committee members host open houses and a new member Havdalah, speak with prospective members, organize our “host family” program in which new members are matched with veteran members and keep membership material up to date. The In-Reach Sub-Committee helps to retain our current membership base. Social events, planned by the Community Life Sub-Committee, enhance the sense of community that is such an integral part of Or Hadash. Past events have included a Sukkah decorating party, Chanukah Party, Shabbat sleepovers, a square dance, and a Bingo night.

Education Steering

Working closely with the Education Director, the Education Steering Committee sees to it that our children receive a quality Reconstructionist education. The committee reviews curriculum, coordinates school wide education programs, approves B’nei Mitzvah projects, and assists with the development of the education budget. The Parent Teacher Organization assists with school events and fundraising.

Development

The Development Committee raises funds to support the Or Hadash mission. Past events have included coffee houses, goods and services auctions, art auctions, the annual yizkor book (for Yom Kippur), and selling Entertainment books. The Committee may also raise funds through targeted requests, grants, and other means.

Publicity

Publicizing Or Hadash’s many and varied activities with the overall goal of enhancing membership and the awareness and image of Or Hadash in the community is the role of the Publicity Committee. Its responsibilities include making contacts with members of the media, writing and submitting articles and press releases, and placing ads in key newspapers. Ha Kesher, the congregation’s own newsletter keeps members abreast of important events within the community.

Building and Grounds

The Building and Grounds Committee oversees the maintenance, improvement, and long-range assessment of the synagogue’s building and grounds. Its members coordinate and supervise all work that impacts on the building.
The Aesthetics Sub-Committee proposes designs and discusses issues to help enhance, maintain, and refurbish the building and grounds. The Kitchen Sub-Committee provides a kosher dairy kitchen that supports all Or Hadash events.