756 East Broad Street • Westfield, New Jersey 07090 • (908) 232-6770


Volunteers are always welcome! For information about any of these committees, call the Temple office at 908-232-6770.

Adult Learning Committee works to plan, implement, and evaluate Adult Education programs which include courses, guest speakers, lecture series, and scholar-in-residence weekends. The whole committee meets once each year with additional subcommittee meetings as needed.

Building & Maintenance Committee insures that the Temple facility is properly maintained in a cost effective manner. The committee works closely with the building Superintendent and the Executive Director to review all issues and projects that relate to facility maintenance, upkeep, and upgrade.

Caring Community is designed to support members of our Temple Community in times of crisis. Our support can include providing meals, setting up for funerals, driving to doctor’s appointments, and helping to care for children.

Chavurah (group of friends) is like an extended family. Groups are formed based upon similar interests such as ages of children, ages of adults, interfaith families, desire for study, holiday observance or socializing. Some of our Chavurot have been in existence for over 20 years but new Chavurot are constantly being formed. Each group has from eight to ten member families.

Choir (Adult Choir) rehearses twice a month on Tuesday evenings and provides music for one Friday evening service each month, for holidays, and for special programs such as Music Shabbat. Adult members of all musical abilities are welcome to join. The only requirement is a love for music and a willingness to learn.

Choir (Junior Choir, grades 2-6) rehearses twice each month and performs four times each year. Pizza parties, in addition to rehearsal sessions, bring the group together for fun and music.

College Committee provides an important link to our college students by sending them the Temple Bulletin, birthday cards, and holiday packages. Freshmen also receive a publication dealing with current issues facing students on college campuses.

Early Childhood Education Committee acts as a liaison between parents, Nursery School director and staff, and the Board of Trustees. Fundraising for the Nursery School is a major focus. The committee meets monthly alternating between morning and evening meeting times.

Friendship Group (age 75+) provides monthly luncheon and program for our older senior members. Special holiday celebrations include Chanukah and Mother’s Day.

Fundraising Committee raises the necessary monies for Temple Emanu-El’s special events and projects.

Interfaith Group is designed to integrate and support Temple families who are part of an intermarried relationship.

Interiors maintains and improves the design and decor of the Temple building within the framework of its style, integrity, needs, and function.

Kol Nashim (women’s study) is a women’s Rosh Chodesh group which meets monthly on or about Rosh Chodesh (the beginning of the Jewish month) to discuss topics of special interest to Jewish women. Generally, meetings are held in member’s homes. New members and guests are welcome.

Lauren Danis Eldernet Project Committee seeks to serve the needs of our senior congregants and their families. We have a networks of volunteers who provide services such as transportation, Kabbalat Shabbat services, and telephone reassurance. Our hotline (908/232-6770 ext. 153) is monitored daily so we may link callers to agencies, services, and volunteers in the community.

Men’s Club supports the Temple as a whole as well as particular projects such as the New Year’s Journal, an annual Chanukah party for the Temple youth, building the Temple sukkah each year, and providing food for needy Jewish families during the holidays. Meetings are on the first Wednesday evening of each month at 8 p.m. New members are always welcome.

Music Committee is made up of members of our congregation who have expressed an interest in the musical aspect of congregational life. From concerts and special events to worship, the Music Committee helps to create, enhance, and elevate the musical standard of our Temple. The committee meets approximately four times a year. Anyone is welcome to join.

New Members Committee works to warmly welcome new members and to help others interested in membership find out about our congregation. Some activities include New Member Shabbat and Oneg, New Member Dinner, Family Dinners, and literature development. The committee meets monthly on Wednesday or Thursday evenings.

Publicity Committee coordinates, writes, and creates publicity for specific Temple events.

Religious School Committee fosters a partnership between the Religious School, parents, and the congregation. Activities include making curriculum suggestions, ensuring good communication between parent and teacher, helping to evaluate teacher performance, fundraising activities such as the Book Fair, and providing support for various school activities. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month.

Renaissance Group (age 50+) brings semi-retired and retired members together for activities and socializing. This self-directed group sponsors stimulating meetings which include guest speakers, book reviews, and seminars as well as day trips. Meetings are held monthly.

Ritual Committee works hand-in-hand with the Temple’s professional staff to develop ritual policy and to insure that our religious functions meet the needs of a diverse congregation. The Purim Megillah reading, Simchat Torah celebration, High Holyday honors, wedding assistance, shiva minyans, and ushering for all religious services are just a few of the many functions of this committee. Meetings are held periodically during the year in association with the clergy and professional staff.

Sisterhood is a dedicated group of women who work to support youth and senior activities, the Religious School and Nursery School, Temple facilities enhancement as well as many other Temple-wide and community-wide programs. Activities include social, educational, and fundraising events such as the Antiques Show, Party Showcase, Book and Author Luncheon, Judaica Shop, and Social Action Brunch.

Social Action Committee is part of the social consciousness of the Temple and includes such activities as ARK (Association for Rehabilitation with Kindness) which works with St. Marks Episcopal Church in Plainfield to renovate homes, Interfaith Council for the Homeless which houses the homeless in 21 congregations throughout the year, Yom Kippur food collection and collections throughout the year, and Mitzvah Day which is a Temple-wide day of community service projects.

Temple Library The Lehr Library has been certified by the Jewish Book Council and is a member of the Association of Jewish Libraries. The collection includes over 3000 books, magazines, and videos.

Youth Committee helps advise and support programs for our Temple’s youth. The committee plays an advisory and supportive role for the Junior and Senior Youth Groups as they work autonomously with their own Boards and advisors. The Youth Committee meets on the first Wednesday evening of each month

Young Couples Club is a social group of with young school-age children. Activities have included adult and family dinners, brunches, picnics, comedy shows, museum trips, and social action events.


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