Committees

Volunteer on a Temple group

Help make Temple better!

We have committees (standing and ad-hoc), teams, task forces, working groups.

To contribute to a vibrant synagogue, join fellow members to tackle a challenge. For more information, look through this list of groups and reach out to get in touch with a leader.

Don’t see what you are looking for? Have an idea to share? Contact Heather Cohen, Executive Director or Margot Montgomery, President to explore.

We’re eager to hear from you!

Volunteer on a committee at Temple Israel

Accessibility / Inclusion Task Force (ad-hoc, established Feb 2020)

Chair – Mindy Finkelstein
Reporting to the Board.
Scope: to identify and address obstacles that may impede congregants from attending services. To identify accessibility barriers and explore interim solutions for immediate action until building renovations come into effect in 2021 or later. Establish criteria to evaluate measures and workarounds. Recommend priority actions, including any new or revised procedures or policies.

Adult Education Committee

Rabbi Mikelberg is coordinating adult education activities. If you have an idea or suggestion, please be in touch: rabbimikelberg@templeisraelottawa.com

Our programs and activities reflect a deep commitment to thoughtful implementation of Jewish tradition. We support each other on our personal journeys through communal programs of Learning for all ages. Our programs strive to engage not only the mind, but also the heart. See Books & Bagels Sub-Committee and Seniors’ Centre Without Walls Team.

Books & Bagels Sub-Committee (of Adult Education)

Chair – Lily Cox Email: booksnbagels@templeisraelottawa.ca
The Books & Bagels Committee provides an opportunity to read books, listen to a review and then participate in discussion. A bagel breakfast at 9:30 followed by book review and discussion from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Donations defray the breakfast costs. There are 4-8 sessions per calendar year. Check the calendar for upcoming discussions.

Building Renovation Action Committee

Co-Chairs – Patsy Royer, Shirli Penner
Reporting to the Board, the Building Renovation Action Committee (BRAC) is an ad hoc Committee created by the Board of Directors of Temple Israel to design a renovation proposal for the Temple Israel building and grounds.

Bylaws & Policy (aka Constitution Committee)

Chair – Allan Maslove
The committee was established in January 2015 and has reviewed the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, reviews and cross-references bylaws, articles, policies and procedures. Recommendations are reported to the Board of Directors and congregation. This group also is responsible for recommending amendments and advising on all matters relating to the Constitution of Temple Israel. To achieve this mandate, B&P committee, on behalf of other committees, – recommends amendments to the Constitution – reviews or redrafts amendments – advises other committees and the Board on procedures and compliance to the Constitution – advises on the preparation of the Policy and Procedures manual and – supports other committees as requested. Passed Oct. 25, 2007 at Board of Directors meeting. Previously known as Constitution Committee.

Caring Committee

Chair – Susan Fried
Mandate in process, committee active in Covid crisis.

Communications Committee

Chairs –  TBD
The Communications Committee helps to ensure that communications at Temple Israel reflect the values of our sacred community and promote its mission and vision as outlined in our Vision and Values statements.

Concert Team

Chair – Allan Silbert
The Concert Team organizes musical concerts on Jewish themes or Jewish musician.

Finance Committee

Chair – Steve Mendelsohn, Treasurer
The Finance Committee oversees the financial management of the Temple. Its role is to review and recommend the annual budget, salary scales, dues and school fees and financial policies for Board approval. The Committee also reviews and approves the Temple Israel and Temple Israel School Financial Statements before they are tabled at the Annual General Meeting.

Giving Committee (Fundraising)

Co-chairs – Deidre Butler and Kim Doran.
To develop and foster a culture of giving that is more encompassing than simply fundraising or promoting philanthropy; To ensure that fundraising and philanthropic efforts support and advance Temple’s tradition of inclusion and welcome; To coordinate, prioritize, implement and track Temple’s fundraising activities, including activities carried out by congregants outside the committee membership; to provide advice and support to the Executive, Board and Committees of Temple Israel on philanthropy and fundraising; To report to the Board on the status and results of philanthropic and fundraising activities; To develop policies and procedures for Board approval and promulgate these within Temple.

Human Resources (Personnel) Committee

Chair – Heather Evenchick
An HR Personnel Committee was established February 23, 2013 and passed by the Board of Directors.  The purpose of the HR Committee is to review, report and where appropriate, provide recommendations to the Board regarding human resources and compensation matters.

Jewish Memorial Gardens (Cemetery)

Temple Israel Representative – Gerald Halpern
The Board of Directors of Temple Israel appoints, for a five-year term, a Temple member to represent Temple Israel as a Member of he Board of Directors of the Jewish Memorial Gardens (JMG). The member reports annually to the Temple Board.

Life & Legacy Team

Leader – Margo Rosen
To lead and coordinate Temple participation in the after-lifetime giving initiative, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Temple’s team is collaborating with the Temple Israel (Ottawa) Foundation and the Giving Committee. This is a 4-year project: 2020-24. Learn more about this initiative.

Membership Committee

Chairs – Susan Fried
To contribute to Temple sustainability through a stable and growing membership with members who are excited to be part of a dynamic and welcoming congregation.

Music Sub-Committee of Ritual Committee (when needed)

Patsy Royer, Dina Namer and Joan Schwartz
This committee reviews aspects of the music presented at Temple Israel to improve/maintain quality, consistency and correct presentation.

Nominating Committee

Chair – Miriam Burke
To ensure a fair, transparent, due process for annual nominations to Temple’s Board of Directors. To foster a leadership pipeline.

Property Management Committee (aka House Committee)

Chair – Steve Asherman
To oversee Temple building facilities, property maintenance and security. The Property Management committee provides advice to the Executive Director and Board on building facility maintenance, grounds, physical plant (building systems), safety and security.

Religious School Committee

Chair – Len Mandel
The Religious School Committee works with relevant Temple personnel and the Board to ensure quality school educational programs at Temple Israel. The School and Youth Committees share membership and meetings deal with agenda items from each.

Ritual Committee

Chair – Garry Kessler
As representatives of the Congregation, the Ritual Committee works with the Rabbi to offer opportunities for regular, holiday and festival workshops. In doing so, it seeks to understand the traditions of the Jewish people, the practices and trends in Reform Judaism and the values of our congregation. In the context, the Committee works to maintain and develop policies and practices that support the evolving spiritual needs of our sacred community.  See Music Sub-Committee.

Seniors’ Centre Without Walls Team

Team Leader – Tamara Taub
SCWW provides the opportunity for participants to join on the telephone and listen to a variety of programing such as Shabbat Services, Rabbi’s sermons, educational lectures, music and more – all from the comfort of your home!

Social Action

Coordinated by the Rabbi Mikelberg with support from 1st Vice President – Miriam Burke
Email: socialaction@templeisraelottawa.ca
The Social Action initiatives and projects involve the Temple membership in important social justice activities that serve to strengthen the greater community and uphold the values of tikkun olam. See our Social Action web page for more information.

Youth Committee

Chairs –  Mitch Leitman
The Youth committee oversees youth programming and the operations of FROSTY (Temple Israel’s senior youth group), Temple Israel’s Junior Youth Group and the Youth Scholarship Fund. The School and Youth Committees share membership and meetings deal with agenda items from each. The Junior and Senior (FROSTY) advisor positions report to the Chair of the Youth Committee.

Temple representatives appointed to external bodies

ARZA Canada (Zionist voice of Canadian Reform Judaism) Board, annual appointment. Currently Rabbi Emeritus, Steven Garten
Learn more at the ARZA Canada website.

Canadian Council for Reform Judaism National Program Committee, annual appointment. Currently Stephen Asherman.

Jewish Memorial Gardens Board of Directors, 5-year appointment. Currently Gerald Halpern.