Adult Education:
Mission Statement: Our mission is to develop and implement educational programming for TSTI that is inspirational, thought-provoking and expands our knowledge of Judaism
Our programming includes Shabbat scholars, a Jewish Film Series, classes and special events.
Volunteer Activities: We are seeking congregant volunteers to:
Develop topics; research/obtain/confirm speakers
Meet and greet speaker day of event
Oversee catering/set up of room for community dinners and film series
Introduce speaker
Establish presence at events, monitor attendance, ascertain feedback
Help with publicity/marketing
Committee Chair
Laurie Landau 973-467-9054
Mission Statement: Our mission is to develop and implement educational programming for TSTI that is inspirational, thought-provoking and expands our knowledge of Judaism
Our programming includes Shabbat scholars, a Jewish Film Series, classes and special events.
Volunteer Activities: We are seeking congregant volunteers to:
Develop topics; research/obtain/confirm speakers
Meet and greet speaker day of event
Oversee catering/set up of room for community dinners and film series
Introduce speaker
Establish presence at events, monitor attendance, ascertain feedback
Help with publicity/marketing
Committee Chair
Laurie Landau 973-467-9054
Caring Community
Mission Statement Our mission is to create a caring community which offers support and comfort in times of difficulty and celebrates with us in times of joy. It is our hope that all congregants will have the opportunity to be on the giving, as well as the receiving end, based on our individual circumstances at different times in our lives. Our goal is to instill a sense of connection to the TSTI community, for each member, throughout life's transitions.
Volunteer Activities We are seeking congregant volunteers to perform the acts of loving kindness:
* Reaching out with phone calls
* Writing and sending notes
* Delivering Shabbat challah to a congregant the Friday after a funeral
* Delivering TLC (Temple Loving Care) Bags filled with goodies and inspirational words
* Acting as friendly Visitors
*Our temple social worker is an excellent resource for and is available for consultation, support and referral services.
Committee Co-Chairs
Ellen Blake and Cindy Sonnabend
Mission Statement Our mission is to create a caring community which offers support and comfort in times of difficulty and celebrates with us in times of joy. It is our hope that all congregants will have the opportunity to be on the giving, as well as the receiving end, based on our individual circumstances at different times in our lives. Our goal is to instill a sense of connection to the TSTI community, for each member, throughout life's transitions.
Volunteer Activities We are seeking congregant volunteers to perform the acts of loving kindness:
* Reaching out with phone calls
* Writing and sending notes
* Delivering Shabbat challah to a congregant the Friday after a funeral
* Delivering TLC (Temple Loving Care) Bags filled with goodies and inspirational words
* Acting as friendly Visitors
*Our temple social worker is an excellent resource for and is available for consultation, support and referral services.
Committee Co-Chairs
Ellen Blake and Cindy Sonnabend
Green Team
The Mission of the TSTI Green Team is to raise the Awareness and Understanding that a focus on the Environment, and our behavior toward the Environment, is a Jewish Issue.
The TSTI Green Team will address this Mission via activities such as:
- Providing Environmental Education/Information on the TSTI website
- Integrating the Environmental discussion at appropriate Holidays with both the Religious School and Temple Membership
- Internal/External Speakers
- Opportunities within TSTI to improve our impact on the environment
The Mission of the TSTI Green Team is to raise the Awareness and Understanding that a focus on the Environment, and our behavior toward the Environment, is a Jewish Issue.
The TSTI Green Team will address this Mission via activities such as:
- Providing Environmental Education/Information on the TSTI website
- Integrating the Environmental discussion at appropriate Holidays with both the Religious School and Temple Membership
- Internal/External Speakers
- Opportunities within TSTI to improve our impact on the environment
Social Action
Our congregation is committed to doing mitzvot, whether they are performed as a large Temple community, in small groups, or as individuals. The concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world) is central to our Congregation’s philosophy. Our Social Action program serves to help provide opportunities for each congregant to engage in meaningful efforts to help those in need and to achieve social justice.
As one TSTI community, we annually collect non-perishable food during the High Holidays for donation to foodbanks and other social service organizations. Throughout the year, trial sized toiletries (including hotel “freebies”) are collected; these are distributed to Bridges Outreach (along with clothing, collected only during October & November) as part of STISY’’S annual November Midnight Run for the homeless. TSTI supports these ongoing social action opportunities organized by congregants :
Newark Connection – two current projects to enrich the lives of our neighbors:
---Women for Women – inspire Newark Tech female high school students by giving a presentation on your profession. Contact Robin Greenberg at robin.doug@verizon.net or 973 – 761-4326
---Newark After-School Enrichment – enrich the lives of Newark students age 5-11 in an afterschool program at St. Anne’s. Do an enrichment project on your choosing (exs: crafts, sports, reading, dramatics, music). Great for kids as well as adults! Contact Arlene Gordon at jecasago@aol.com or 973-376-0883.
Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges – distribution of food at pantry every fifth Wednesday morning. Organized by the Women’s Connection. Contact Janet Schwamm jschwamm@gmail.com or 973-379-2533.
Habitat for Humanity – build homes for local low-income families on specified dates. Contact Barbara Laub. Blaub2@gmail.com or 973-763-8379.
Dress for Success –collect and deliver professional clothing for disadvantaged women to promote economic independence. Contact Susan Siegeltuch at SiegeltuchSD@aol.com or 973-378-8635.
Thanksgiving Turkey and Food Drive – local collection site for the Community FoodBank of NJ. Saturday before Thanksgiving. Contact Lisa Goldberg Ozer at ozerfam@verizon.,net or 973-762-2887.
Soup Kitchen – our ongoing monthly project to cook and serve Sunday lunch at a soup kitchen is on hiatus as we search for a new location (our former soup kitchen at The Lighthouse no longer operates). Contact Debbie Goodman debbiegoodman@comact.net or 973 912 8009 or Debbie Granados at 4granados@verizon.net or 973 761-5357 if you’d like to be on our soup kitchen list.
So how does a mitzvah project happen at Temple? If you have an idea about a great project that you want to coordinate, please contact Arlene Gordonjecasago@aol.com or 973-376-0883. She will help facilitate your organizing the project and making it happen at TSTI.
How else can you help? Our revised Mitzvah Directory contains an extensive listing of mitzvah opportunities, primarily local or projects with Jewish connections. We list community service projects; political action ideas; teen summer opportunities; even ways to “click” and do good! Check out the directory for many places to donate all those things cluttering your home that could be so helpful to others (and often provide you with a tax deduction as well): clothing, baby items, furniture, appliances, household goods, food, and more.
The Reform Movement takes an active role in many pressing issues of our times, including those that affect people nationally and worldwide. For greater
insight into the Reform commitment, see urj.org/socialaction. For fifty years, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) has educated and mobilized the American Jewish community on legislative and social concerns as an advocate in Congress on issues ranging from Israel and Soviet Jewry to economic justice; from civil rights to international peace and religious liberty. If you are interested in political action, visit rac.org to find out about action you can take to help repair the world.
For a list of social action projects at TSTI, as well as to view our Mitzvah Directory, please click here.
Our congregation is committed to doing mitzvot, whether they are performed as a large Temple community, in small groups, or as individuals. The concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world) is central to our Congregation’s philosophy. Our Social Action program serves to help provide opportunities for each congregant to engage in meaningful efforts to help those in need and to achieve social justice.
As one TSTI community, we annually collect non-perishable food during the High Holidays for donation to foodbanks and other social service organizations. Throughout the year, trial sized toiletries (including hotel “freebies”) are collected; these are distributed to Bridges Outreach (along with clothing, collected only during October & November) as part of STISY’’S annual November Midnight Run for the homeless. TSTI supports these ongoing social action opportunities organized by congregants :
Newark Connection – two current projects to enrich the lives of our neighbors:
---Women for Women – inspire Newark Tech female high school students by giving a presentation on your profession. Contact Robin Greenberg at robin.doug@verizon.net or 973 – 761-4326
---Newark After-School Enrichment – enrich the lives of Newark students age 5-11 in an afterschool program at St. Anne’s. Do an enrichment project on your choosing (exs: crafts, sports, reading, dramatics, music). Great for kids as well as adults! Contact Arlene Gordon at jecasago@aol.com or 973-376-0883.
Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges – distribution of food at pantry every fifth Wednesday morning. Organized by the Women’s Connection. Contact Janet Schwamm jschwamm@gmail.com or 973-379-2533.
Habitat for Humanity – build homes for local low-income families on specified dates. Contact Barbara Laub. Blaub2@gmail.com or 973-763-8379.
Dress for Success –collect and deliver professional clothing for disadvantaged women to promote economic independence. Contact Susan Siegeltuch at SiegeltuchSD@aol.com or 973-378-8635.
Thanksgiving Turkey and Food Drive – local collection site for the Community FoodBank of NJ. Saturday before Thanksgiving. Contact Lisa Goldberg Ozer at ozerfam@verizon.,net or 973-762-2887.
Soup Kitchen – our ongoing monthly project to cook and serve Sunday lunch at a soup kitchen is on hiatus as we search for a new location (our former soup kitchen at The Lighthouse no longer operates). Contact Debbie Goodman debbiegoodman@comact.net or 973 912 8009 or Debbie Granados at 4granados@verizon.net or 973 761-5357 if you’d like to be on our soup kitchen list.
So how does a mitzvah project happen at Temple? If you have an idea about a great project that you want to coordinate, please contact Arlene Gordonjecasago@aol.com or 973-376-0883. She will help facilitate your organizing the project and making it happen at TSTI.
How else can you help? Our revised Mitzvah Directory contains an extensive listing of mitzvah opportunities, primarily local or projects with Jewish connections. We list community service projects; political action ideas; teen summer opportunities; even ways to “click” and do good! Check out the directory for many places to donate all those things cluttering your home that could be so helpful to others (and often provide you with a tax deduction as well): clothing, baby items, furniture, appliances, household goods, food, and more.
The Reform Movement takes an active role in many pressing issues of our times, including those that affect people nationally and worldwide. For greater
insight into the Reform commitment, see urj.org/socialaction. For fifty years, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) has educated and mobilized the American Jewish community on legislative and social concerns as an advocate in Congress on issues ranging from Israel and Soviet Jewry to economic justice; from civil rights to international peace and religious liberty. If you are interested in political action, visit rac.org to find out about action you can take to help repair the world.
For a list of social action projects at TSTI, as well as to view our Mitzvah Directory, please click here.
Israel Involvement
Mission Statement - The Israel Involvement Committee of TSTI will promote the importance of a pluralistic, democratic State of Israel as a cital component to our identity as American Reform Jews. Our goal is to foster a lifelong commitment to Israel by providing ongoing educational experiences that enrich our knowledge of the history, people, politics and culture of the Jewish state. Furthermore, we strive to inspire our multigenerational membership to form personal connections to Israel by participating in travel, advocaacy and cultural programs and activities that promote, build and strengthen relationships between Israel and our community at large.
Volunteer Activities - Members who have a passion for Israel or a passion for learning more about Israel will act as liaisons to the major program centers in Temple such as Women's Connection, Brotherhood, Social Action etc. We do not have a lot of meetings (3-4 per year) but when we meet we like to have lively discussions about Israel and how to invigorate out TSTI family to participate more actively in Israel.
Mission Statement - The Israel Involvement Committee of TSTI will promote the importance of a pluralistic, democratic State of Israel as a cital component to our identity as American Reform Jews. Our goal is to foster a lifelong commitment to Israel by providing ongoing educational experiences that enrich our knowledge of the history, people, politics and culture of the Jewish state. Furthermore, we strive to inspire our multigenerational membership to form personal connections to Israel by participating in travel, advocaacy and cultural programs and activities that promote, build and strengthen relationships between Israel and our community at large.
Volunteer Activities - Members who have a passion for Israel or a passion for learning more about Israel will act as liaisons to the major program centers in Temple such as Women's Connection, Brotherhood, Social Action etc. We do not have a lot of meetings (3-4 per year) but when we meet we like to have lively discussions about Israel and how to invigorate out TSTI family to participate more actively in Israel.
PreSchool Board
Mission Statement: The Preschool Board of the Iris Family Preschool performs two main functions: 1) It supports the preschool's administration, staff, students and families through fundraising efforts, educational and social programs, and volunteer initiatives, striving to create a warm, nurturing community for everyone involved with the preschool and 2) It advises the director on curricular and programming matters, providing parental input on preschool policies and offerings.
If any current preschool parents are interested in learning more about serving on the board, please contact us:
Mission Statement: The Preschool Board of the Iris Family Preschool performs two main functions: 1) It supports the preschool's administration, staff, students and families through fundraising efforts, educational and social programs, and volunteer initiatives, striving to create a warm, nurturing community for everyone involved with the preschool and 2) It advises the director on curricular and programming matters, providing parental input on preschool policies and offerings.
If any current preschool parents are interested in learning more about serving on the board, please contact us:
Renaissance Group
For Temple members who are 55 or older the Renaissance Group creates on-going opportunities for Learning, Friendship and Fun
Previous Activities:
Dinners: Chanukah, Shabbat
Bus trips: National Holocaust Museum, West Point , the Naval Academy, Baltimore, The Berkshires, The United Nations, The New York Stock Exchange
Cruises: Bermuda, Caribbean
Congregants are warmly invited to become members of our expanding circle of friends, to attend our many interesting events, and share in the benefits we offer our senior Temple membership.
For Temple members who are 55 or older the Renaissance Group creates on-going opportunities for Learning, Friendship and Fun
Previous Activities:
Dinners: Chanukah, Shabbat
Bus trips: National Holocaust Museum, West Point , the Naval Academy, Baltimore, The Berkshires, The United Nations, The New York Stock Exchange
Cruises: Bermuda, Caribbean
Congregants are warmly invited to become members of our expanding circle of friends, to attend our many interesting events, and share in the benefits we offer our senior Temple membership.
Worship and Ritual
Mission Statement - Our mission is to serve as an advisory group to Rabbi Cohen regarding forms of worship, religious practice and musical service of the Congregation. Other members of the clergy team serve as ex-officio members of the Worship and Ritual committee.
Volunteer Activities - We are seeking congregant volunteers to perform the following in support of Temple ritual
* To assist in constructing the Temple Sukah
* To organize and participate as a group of greeters for Friday Night services.
Mission Statement - Our mission is to serve as an advisory group to Rabbi Cohen regarding forms of worship, religious practice and musical service of the Congregation. Other members of the clergy team serve as ex-officio members of the Worship and Ritual committee.
Volunteer Activities - We are seeking congregant volunteers to perform the following in support of Temple ritual
* To assist in constructing the Temple Sukah
* To organize and participate as a group of greeters for Friday Night services.
Insurance Committee
Mission Statement - The Insurance committee evaluates the insurance needs of the Temple and attempts to obtain appropriate insurance coverage at a cost effective price.Volunteer Activities - The Insurance Committee members, who have various specialized insurance expertise, attend meetings and use their expertise to recommend solutions to the Temple's insurance issues.
Mission Statement - The Insurance committee evaluates the insurance needs of the Temple and attempts to obtain appropriate insurance coverage at a cost effective price.Volunteer Activities - The Insurance Committee members, who have various specialized insurance expertise, attend meetings and use their expertise to recommend solutions to the Temple's insurance issues.
Interfaith Outreach Committee
The Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel (TSTI) Outreach Committee strives to meet the needs of interfaith couples and families, Jews-by-choice and non-Jews who wish to learn about, and participate more fully in, Jewish life. Our goal is to provide a warm and comfortable environment in which to connect, or re-connect, with Judaism through social, cultural and educational programming.
Background:Reform Jewish Outreach became a priority in the late 1970s as a response to the growing number of Jews choosing non-Jewish partners. Over time, the agenda has evolved to embrace all those seeking a return to, or entering into for the first time, active Jewish lives. Outreach is very much about making and understanding Jewish choices. The ideal choice is an educated choice, and to accomplish that, we must develop knowledge and insight, ask questions and seek answers. Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel's Interfaith Outreach Committee’s activities programs provide opportunities to learn and ask, share input and shape ideas.At Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, temple and non temple members are welcome to participate in the Interfaith Outreach Committee’s rich educational and social programs and consult its resources. Additionally, the committee welcomes the input and participation of all members of the congregation.
At the more personal level, the Outreach Committee can answer questions or to direct inquires to the person in the TSTI community who can best provide assistance.Ongoing Activities Include:
* Offering Shabbat, holiday and life cycle programs such as "Shabbat for Everyone: A Shabbat Dinner and Learners’ Service" and "Honoring Our Mothers and Fathers: The Life-Cycle of Death and Mourning."
* Providing support systems such as Discussion Groups for interfaith couples and, coming in the fall of 2007, a "Mother's Circle" for non-Jewish mothers raising Jewish children.
* Working with the TSTI Preschool, Religious School and other Temple committees to sensitize them to the needs of the interfaith community.
* Maintaining a resource center including information from the Union for Reform Judaism and other sources.
Please Join Us For One Of Our Upcoming Programs!Our programs provide informal group settings for interfaith families and others to share thoughts and experiences, and to learn more about Jewish practice.
Programming & Discussions for 2007-2008 to include:
* A Shabbat dinner & learner's service
* Sukkot dinner & decorating
* Simchat Torah celebration
* Discussion of the life-cycle event: B'nai Mitzvot
* Interfaith Couples' Discussion Series
* Mother's Circle
* Grandparenting for Jewish and non-Jewish grandchildren
* Dating – intrafaith and interfaith
Want More Information? For more information, or to get involved, please contact Jennifer Larson, URJ Outreach Fellow and committee chair (973) 762-6636.
The Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel (TSTI) Outreach Committee strives to meet the needs of interfaith couples and families, Jews-by-choice and non-Jews who wish to learn about, and participate more fully in, Jewish life. Our goal is to provide a warm and comfortable environment in which to connect, or re-connect, with Judaism through social, cultural and educational programming.
Background:Reform Jewish Outreach became a priority in the late 1970s as a response to the growing number of Jews choosing non-Jewish partners. Over time, the agenda has evolved to embrace all those seeking a return to, or entering into for the first time, active Jewish lives. Outreach is very much about making and understanding Jewish choices. The ideal choice is an educated choice, and to accomplish that, we must develop knowledge and insight, ask questions and seek answers. Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel's Interfaith Outreach Committee’s activities programs provide opportunities to learn and ask, share input and shape ideas.At Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, temple and non temple members are welcome to participate in the Interfaith Outreach Committee’s rich educational and social programs and consult its resources. Additionally, the committee welcomes the input and participation of all members of the congregation.
At the more personal level, the Outreach Committee can answer questions or to direct inquires to the person in the TSTI community who can best provide assistance.Ongoing Activities Include:
* Offering Shabbat, holiday and life cycle programs such as "Shabbat for Everyone: A Shabbat Dinner and Learners’ Service" and "Honoring Our Mothers and Fathers: The Life-Cycle of Death and Mourning."
* Providing support systems such as Discussion Groups for interfaith couples and, coming in the fall of 2007, a "Mother's Circle" for non-Jewish mothers raising Jewish children.
* Working with the TSTI Preschool, Religious School and other Temple committees to sensitize them to the needs of the interfaith community.
* Maintaining a resource center including information from the Union for Reform Judaism and other sources.
Please Join Us For One Of Our Upcoming Programs!Our programs provide informal group settings for interfaith families and others to share thoughts and experiences, and to learn more about Jewish practice.
Programming & Discussions for 2007-2008 to include:
* A Shabbat dinner & learner's service
* Sukkot dinner & decorating
* Simchat Torah celebration
* Discussion of the life-cycle event: B'nai Mitzvot
* Interfaith Couples' Discussion Series
* Mother's Circle
* Grandparenting for Jewish and non-Jewish grandchildren
* Dating – intrafaith and interfaith
Want More Information? For more information, or to get involved, please contact Jennifer Larson, URJ Outreach Fellow and committee chair (973) 762-6636.
Legal Committee
Mission Statement - We handle legal matters as requested by the President, or others who have run the request by the Board
Mission Statement - We handle legal matters as requested by the President, or others who have run the request by the Board