Current Committees
Thanks for your interest in joining a committee here at TI!
Below you'll find a list of our current "Operations" and "Mission-Based" committees, along with their roles.
If you see something that sparks your interest, please reach out to our Executive Director, Rachel Wallis Andreasson, at randreasson@ti-stl.org or 314-548-9743, or the staff member listed in the committee description.
OPERATIONS COMMITTEES
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Governance Committee
PURPOSE: Operating Committee
- Overseeing all aspects of the operational policies, practices, and procedures on behalf of the Board.
- Making recommendations to the Board on governance regulations and, accordingly, provide prudent and timely guidance to the Board.
FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS: As necessary, estimated at 4 times per year for 1 to 2 hours per meeting.
SUB-COMMITTEES:
- Legal: Counsels Temple Israel in legal matters affecting its operation. Finds the right attorney to assist with the myriad legal situations that arise.
- Insurance: Reviews and recommends insurance coverage for all aspects of the Temple’s facilities, staff, & operations.
- Human Resources: Develops and implements strategy, plans, and programs to attract, motivate, develop and retain the best people to further Congregation Temple Israel’s mission, as well as to reduce the risk of employment litigation and protect our reputation in the community.
- Nominating: Nominates Board and Executive Committee members.
- House Rules: Reviews and updates Temple Israel rental procedures and requirements as well as facility usage guidelines.
- New Mount Sinai Cemetery: Maintains relationship and sets policy with New Mount Sinai Cemetery Association.
Finance Committee
PURPOSE: Operating Committee
- Responsible for assisting the Board in ensuring the organization is financially viable and meeting its fiduciary and compliance responsibilities. The work of the committee revolves around six major areas.
- Assists and advises accurate and complete financial records are maintained.
- Assists and advises accurate, timely, & meaningful financial statements are prepared & presented to the Board.
- Reviews budget by providing comments and suggestions as necessary.
- Safeguard the organization’s assets.
- Educate and help the full board understand the organization’s financial affairs.
- Sets policies for and reviews procedures related to proper handling and accounting of financial assets.
FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS: Estimated at 4 times per year. In addition, this committee is involved with emails and conference calls regarding Temple business on a weekly basis.
SUB-COMMITTEES:
- Investment:
- Safeguard Temple’s assets, provide income for current Temple needs & programs, to provide, recommend policies & procedures which provide for effective & prudent investments.
- Organize and administer activities of the Nathan Kahn-Ernestine Kahn-Charles Kahn Foundation established by Lina Kahn to provide aid, assistance, and relief for the elderly. Members appointed by the President.
Facilities Committee
PURPOSE: Operating Committee
- Develop and monitor, with staff, a preventative and ongoing maintenance programs for our 90,000 square foot building and grounds on 21 acres.
- A safety sub-committee reviews and recommends safety and security protocol and training for staff, students, congregants and guests.
- A technology sub-committee reviews and recommends planning and implementation of technology throughout the Temple’s operations.
- Assess and plan for future needs, with staff input (i.e. maintenance, capital projects, safety/security, technology upgrades) and make recommendations to the Board on budget and capital expenditures.
- Oversee the effectiveness of policies and procedures for maintenance, repair, cleaning; safety and security; and integration of technology.
- Report recommendations and progress reports to the Board.
FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS: As necessary and varies based on the projects occurring. Typically meet at least 2x/year.
SUB-COMMITTEES & CHAIRS:
- Safety and Security: Review & recommend measures to ensure the safety of staff, students, members, and guests at Temple activities. Assist/arrange for safety training drills for threats, security measures, secure access of site & building.
- Technology: Reviews, recommends and advises on implementation of the Temple’s IT program. Assists with computers, network servers, monitors, projectors, hearing devices, disaster recovery, & streamlining software vendors.
Membership Committee
PURPOSE: Operating Committee
- Oversees membership engagement and protocols.
- Creates opportunities to build member connections, retain members and increase membership.
- Works to enhance the value of being a member of Temple Israel.
FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS: As necessary, estimated at 4-6 times per year.
SUB-COMMITTEES:
- Synagogue Support: Assembles and sends annual synagogue support statements. Reviews and contacts members regarding synagogue support concerns and collections. Designated to a single Board member.
- Shofar Society: Coordinates special events recognizing members who pay dues above the standard giving level.
Development Committee
PURPOSE: Operating Committee
- Sets and oversees Temple Israel’s annual development plan, including annual giving, special event fundraisers, planned giving, and capital campaigns.
- Through the fund development planning process help establish the charitable contribution goals for the annual budget; devise the annual fund development plan for action by the Board; and recommend results and benchmarks for action by the Board. Identify trends and implications and engage the Board in strategic dialogue and decision-making regarding philanthropy and fund development.
- Help the Board articulate the case for philanthropic support directed at specific audiences.
- Help nurture a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization, and assure that all donors of time and money are respected and honored.
FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS: As necessary, estimated at 4-6 times per year.
SUB-COMMITTEES & CHAIRS:
- Capital Campaign: Reimagining Campaign, renovation for the education building.
- HHD Appeal: Oversight of annual high holy day appeal process.
MISSION-BASED COMMITTEES
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Member Engagement Committee
PURPOSE: The Member Engagement Committee serves to engage and connect our members to each other, and to help them find their place at Temple Israel. The subgroups of this committee meet in person or via Zoom to help plan and implement programs and initiatives connected to engaging current and prospective members. There is no requirement to serve on the Board or to supervise staff. This committee supports our core belief, “Connection.”
SKILLS NEEDED TO SERVE ON THIS COMMITTEE: Member Engagement is all about the willingness to be friendly and welcoming and to help others feel at home at Temple Israel. No specific skill set is needed beyond the desire to meet others and help facilitate relationship building.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
- Attract new committee members
- Welcoming new members to the congregation via phone or in person
- Serving as “ambassadors” to new members
- Planning Chavurot Shabbat dinners
- Writing notes for members experiencing significant life moments
If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, reach out to Rabbi Amy Feder at afeder@ti-stl.org.
Communications Committee
PURPOSE: The Communications Committee serves to advise and support the department’s staff and volunteers. We meet in person or via Zoom and email periodically to discuss various communications strategies, policies, messaging, and brand materials. There is no requirement to serve on the Board or to supervise staff. This committee supports our core belief, “Connection.”
SKILLS NEEDED TO SERVE ON THIS COMMITTEE: Most of our Communications Committee members have some background in marketing, PR, communications, branding, design, writing or copy editing, fundraising, nonprofit work, or other fields of expertise in mass communications. However, you do not need to be a professional in these fields to join the committee. If you have a knack for effective communication and strategy or are a creative soul looking for an enjoyable outlet, we’d love to consider you for this committee!
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
- Writing blog posts or articles
- Being active on the Temple’s social media platforms
- Participating in meetings or sharing your thoughts in emails
- Attract new committee members
- Review special communications plans or materials as needed
- Edit print materials such as our monthly Dateline bulletin or new brochures and flyers
If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, reach out to Erin Wolfman May at emay@ti-stl.org.
Interfaith Families Committee
PURPOSE: The Interfaith Families Committee plans and helps implement social and educational opportunities for interfaith couples and families. Members work closely with staff to ensure that the Temple Israel culture is inclusive and welcoming to those of interfaith backgrounds, while valuing the inherent Jewish purpose of the synagogue. There is no requirement to serve on the Board or to supervise staff. This committee supports our core belief, “Inclusion.”
SKILLS NEEDED TO SERVE ON THIS COMMITTEE: Members of this committee are themselves in interfaith relationships or families and provide valuable insight by sharing their own experiences.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
- Work with event staff and Rabbis to create engaging programming for interfaith couples
- Serve as mentors for other interfaith couples
- Work with rabbis and educators to determine potential education opportunities
- Attract new committee members
If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, reach out to Martina Stern, Special Events Manager, at mstern@ti-stl.org.
Senior Engagement Committee
PURPOSE: The Senior Engagement Committee serves to plan and implement opportunities to engage senior citizens. Through multiple approaches, the Seniors Committee ensures that senior citizens feel included, respected, and at home at Temple Israel as they age within the congregation. This committee supports our core beliefs, “Connection” and “Inclusion.”
SKILLS NEEDED TO SERVE ON THIS COMMITTEE: A love and respect for seniors is a must; no other skills are required.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
- Help plan and attend lunches hosted at senior living facilities when time allows
- Call senior members to provide for ongoing support
- Attract new committee members
- Deliver gifts to seniors at holiday times
If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, reach out to Lisa Hirshberg at lhirshberg@ti-stl.org.
Tikkun Olam Committee
PURPOSE: The Tikkun Olam Committee serves to help create, implement, and attend opportunities in the work of social action and repair of the world. We meet in person or via Zoom and email periodically to discuss educational programs, initiatives, and policies. There is no requirement to serve on the Board or to supervise staff. This committee supports our core belief, “Repair of the World.”
SKILLS NEEDED TO SERVE ON THIS COMMITTEE: No particular skills are required, and all are welcome.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
- Work with clergy and staff to determine meaningful, accessible volunteer opportunities
- Encourage fellow congregants to participate in social action work
- Attract new committee members
If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, reach out to Rabbi Michael Alper at malper@ti-stl.org.
Worship Committee
PURPOSE: The Worship Committee serves to support the rabbis as they create worship opportunities for the congregation. The committee provides input on music, themed services, and logistics of worship such as service timing and use of siddurim (prayerbooks). The committee reviews the High Holy Days experience annually, helping rabbis and staff gauge areas of success regarding both logistical and programmatic experiences. Periodically, the committee examines worship questions raised by the congregation. We meet in person or via Zoom and email periodically to discuss educational programs, initiatives, and policies. There is no requirement to serve on the Board or to supervise staff. This committee supports our core belief, “Worship.”
SKILLS NEEDED TO SERVE ON THIS COMMITTEE: No particular skills are required, yet regular worship service attendance is expected and encouraged.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
- Provide feedback on worship experiences
- Attend services and support themed worship programs
- Attract new committee members
- Offer suggestions for Yom Kippur programming
If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, reach out to Rabbi Amy Feder at afeder@ti-stl.org.
Israel Engagement Committee
PURPOSE: The Israel Engagement Committee serves to work with the staff to create and implement opportunities to engage with Israel. We meet in person or via Zoom and email periodically to discuss various programs, communications, educational opportunities, and advocacy. There is no requirement to serve on the Board or to supervise staff. This committee supports our core belief, “Connection.”
SKILLS NEEDED TO SERVE ON THIS COMMITTEE: A love for the state of Israel and a willingness to engage openly in conversation about how to support and wrestle with the various challenges of modern Israel. An open mind and an interest in Israeli culture, history, and people is a must.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
- Plan annual Israeli Film Festival
- Writing blog posts or articles
- Serve as a resource for questions regarding Israel in the congregation
- Participating in meetings or sharing your thoughts in emails
- Attract new committee members
If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, reach out to Rabbi Michael Alper, malper@ti-stl.org.
Social Justice & Equity Committee
PURPOSE: The Social Justice & Equity Committee is charged with providing pathways to engage the congregation around our commitment to equity and social justice. The committee makes our work more humanizing, collaborative, anti-racist, and anti-biased. Voices and perspectives of those with lived experiences guide our recommendations and the committee’s function. There is no requirement to serve on the Board or to supervise staff. This committee supports our core belief, “Change.”
SKILLS NEEDED TO SERVE ON THIS COMMITTEE: No particular skills are required, and all are welcome.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
- Create and implement educational programs based on social justice initiations
- Attract new committee members
- Work with clergy to create clear guidelines and processes for responding to local and national issues
If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, reach out to Rabbi Amy Feder at afeder@ti-stl.org.
LGBTQ Support & Allyship Committee
PURPOSE: The LGBTQ Support and Allyship Committee serves to ensure that LGBTQ members and allies feel represented, engaged, and honored within the community. We meet in person or via Zoom and email periodically to plan gathering opportunities, build relationships, and represent the LGBTQ wider voice within the congregation. There is no requirement to serve on the Board or to supervise staff. This committee supports our core belief, “Inclusion.”
SKILLS NEEDED TO SERVE ON THIS COMMITTEE: No particular skills are necessary, yet participants must be members of or allies to the LGBTQ community.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
- Attend or plan events
- Attract new committee members
- Participate in wider community planning for Pride
If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, reach out to Rabbi Amy Feder at afeder@ti-stl.org.
Community Liaison Committee
PURPOSE: The Community Liaison Committee serves to ensure that TI is partnering with community organizations in appropriate and necessary ways. We meet in person or via Zoom and email periodically to discuss various approaches and opportunities. There is no requirement to serve on the Board or to supervise staff. This committee supports our core beliefs, “Connection” and “Community.”
SKILLS NEEDED TO SERVE ON THIS COMMITTEE: If you are connected with an organization in the wider community and would like to ensure they are properly represented within TI, this is for you!
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
- Suggest appropriate partnership opportunities
- Attend community events on behalf of TI
- Ensure rabbis and communication department has relevant information
- Attract new committee members
If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, reach out to Rabbi Amy Feder at afeder@ti-stl.org.
