News from Kol Ami

If I told you that very little of Kol Ami’s activity takes place during the weekend, you might laugh. “Services and Religious School are on the weekend, what other activity is there?” you might ask.

I’m glad you asked.

Most of what makes Kol Ami “tick” happens outside of the weekend. Rabbi Streiffer and Office Manager Joanne Shinwell have full Monday to Friday schedules and commitments. Your Board and Executive meet during the week and on evenings. And all of the following volunteer committees carry out their important work during the week, via e-mail, phone calls and the occasional meeting. Browse the list. I’m sure you’ll find something that interests you and that you could fit into your busy schedule. And I’ll bet they won’t say No if your offer to join!

• Ritual/Worship -. Takes care of the honours list on Shabbat mornings. If the Rabbi is to be absent on a Shabbat, assists in scheduling lay leaders for services and Torah study.
• Chesed - provides moral support for congregants who are ill and during times of bereavement. Organizes shiva services
• Adult Social - organizes regular events to encourage social interaction among members.
• Adult Education - develops and administers the adult education programs in cooperation with the clergy. Sources lecturers and teachers from within and outside the community
• Social Action – offers programs to inform and educate the congregation on social and public affairs issues that are of concern to the community. May include interfaith dialogue
• Membership - recruits, integrates, and retains members. Works with other committees to make connections between members and create opportunities for involvement.
• Communications (internal) - oversees the editing and publication of the temple newsletter or bulletin. Ensures timely and ongoing open communications to members.
• Communications (external) – uses marketing and public relations activities to publicize synagogue events within and outside the congregation
• Music - works with the cantorial soloist and choir to assist with the musical content of synagogue programs. May assist with sound equipment and related technology
• Philanthropy Council – engages Sustainers and promotes multi-year fundraising commitments.
• Cemetery - oversees the administration of the temple’s cemetery plots. Recommends policy to the board. Acquires plots as necessary
• Outreach/Interfaith - welcomes non-Jewish partners of members and interfaith households; plans programs to educate and support outreach issues for interfaith couples, Jews-by-choice and their families, and parents of children who have intermarried

Please contact Joanne (905-709-2620, admin@kolami.ca) or me (416-779-0792, president@kolami.ca) for more information on joining a committee.

Elliot Miller