Building Committee
Oversees building maintenance improvements, repairs and updates. Reviews and sets-up vendors for approved projects; oversees work. Runs clean-up and work days.
Chair: Marc Weinberger
Finance Committee
Meets as needed to review financial status, unusual expenses, budgetary adjustments and prepares a proposed budget for Board review.
Chair: Carol Silver
Investment Committee
Meets quarterly with the professional fund manager to monitor investment accounts, plans for sustainable allocations, and makes recommendations to the Board for long-term financial planning.
Chair: Carol Silver
Welcoming Committee
Welcomes new members, encourages application, and guides application process. Facilitates integration of members into the community.
Chair:
Ritual Committee
Works with the Rabbi to schedule and support services, rituals and celebrations. Meets with the Rabbi to discuss how to preserve, evolve and deepen TI prayer life, halacha and spiritual practice.
Chair: Sher Sweet
Family Education Committee
Supports the teaching staff. Provides publicity, planning and preparation for special events and outreach to potential student-families. Determines policy for the children’s education program of Temple Israel and works with the Personnel Committee in hiring and evaluating staff.
Chair: Peggy Davis
Grounds/Garden Committee
Manages and organizes garden upkeep and maintenance.
Chair: Nancee Bershof
Tikkun Olam Circle
Who We Are:
The Tikkun Olam Circle at Temple Israel Greenfield is an initiative begun in 2020, bringing people together who feel a responsibility to learn, share, and work toward racial and social justice. We are in a particular and powerful moment— climate crisis, pandemic, racial justice uprisings, and rising white nationalism, which has its roots in anti-semitism. Oppressive systems of the past are alive in the policies, institutions, and norms of today.
As Jews with intersectional identities, we acknowledge our participation in systems of privilege and oppression, and we commit to doing our part to dismantle these systems both within Temple Israel and in our larger community. We focus on relationship-building, education, and activism toward cultural change.
Our Invitation:
The Tikkun Olam Circle is a diverse intergenerational group that welcomes all Jews living in Franklin County who are committed to our stated mission. Our style of meetings ensures listening and sharing. For more information, contact Alyssa Bauer – alyssa[@]templeisraelgreenfield.org
Burial Society (Chevra Kadisha)
Our tradition teaches us that it is a great honor to care for the dead and their bereaved families. Temple Israel is fortunate to have its own Chevra Kadisha to carry on this age-old tradition of service and support. Presently, our Chevra includes approximately 20 members. We also have both a Jewish Cemetery and an Interfaith Cemetery at 267 Log Plain Road East in Greenfield.
We are often asked questions about Jewish law and tradition concerning care and burial of the deceased. If you have any questions, please feel free to call.
Contact: Marc Kaufmann at 413.625.9708 (Home) or 413.695-2838 (Cell) or Shirin Morris at 413.834.3552 (cell)
Library Team
The TIG Library has an impressive selection of Jewish-themed books, magazines, music, and videos. There is also an on-line catalog.
Contact: Michael Hurwitz at 413.475.4413 (cell)
Security Task Force
Temple Israel’s Security Task Force is seeking new membership to sustain a core group of six (6) and create an additional dedicated group of 4-5 interested in children’s services and children’s emergency evacuation. The current STF will welcome new members with support and orientation.
What We Do:
- STF actively engages with the Rabbi and Congregation before and during Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services in the synagogue building—recruits and schedules inside and outside monitors, monitors security cameras, provides training and outreach related to building security, and
- STF spends the rest of the year addressing next-step building priorities, preparing for the next year’s holidays, and considering programs and trainings for congregation members.
STF meets together approximately 4 times a year. There are occasional conference calls and email exchanges with a guideline that everyone on STF is included in all emails.
For more information on the history and vision of the STF, please read the full STF message (pdf).
Contact: