Member Committees that create Knesset:

ARZA (Association of Reform Zionism of America): The purpose of this Committee is to keep the Temple community informed on what is going on in ARZA/WORLD UNION. ARZA’s purpose is to further the development of Progressive Judaism (Reform) in Israel and throughout the world.

Budget: The Budget Committee prepares the projected operating budget for the coming year. They meet with the professional staff and the lay leadership to anticipate their needs and wants after which they present a balanced budget to the Board and the Congregation for the coming year.

Caring Community: This Committee is comprised of people from different professional and personal backgrounds who may have experienced a variety of life cycle events and are willing to help share their experiences with others going through similar problems. The Caring Community may deal with situations involving, but not limited to, the elderly, major illness and death. The Caring Community works closely with the Rabbi in an effort to provide supplemental support.

Chavurot: Chavurah means “fellowship group,” creates a feeling of an extended family within the Temple community. Membership in Chavurot helps people feel a closer connection to Temple as well as foster friendships. This committee tries to “match up” families who have requested to join a Chavurah together with others of similar background or interests.

College Connection: Our college students can continue to feel connected to the Temple by receiving gift packages and cards at Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah and Passover. They also can contact the Rabbi when the need arises.

Empty Nesters: This Committee is designed for singles or couples whose children, age 17 or older, have flown the nest, and are at college, graduated college, or are living away from home. Social and fun events are planned throughout the year.

Facilities: This Committee, working under the auspices of the House and Grounds Committee, is responsible for interior updates and modifications.

House and Grounds: This Committee deals with maintenance and improvements to our building and grounds to see that we have a well-maintained, safe building.

Housing the Homeless: This Committee is an outgrowth of our Social Action Committee. They are responsible for preparing, planning and helping with Housing the Homeless.

Israel Initiative: This involves meeting with a number of leaders in Federation, then gathering and informing our congregation of how to encourage our youth to visit Israel. You can find resources on Israel from other websites by clicking on "Israel & Links" to the left.

Membership: This Committee is pivotal as it involves the recruitment, integration and retention of members in the Temple B’nai Or community.

Men’s Club: It is a group dedicated to the promotion and attention to the physical, cultural, social and religious needs of its members and the Temple.

Outreach: This Committee reaches out to interfaith families to help them feel more comfortable, and integrate them into Temple life by holding social functions, lectures and meetings during the year. You will find more information on the Nursery School by clicking on the link to the left for "Interfaith Outreach."

Renaissance: This group is open to members over fifty who are interested in socializing on a regular basis by attending breakfasts and lectures once a month at Temple.

Sisterhood (Women of Reform Judaism): A social, service and fund-raising arm of the Temple for women of all ages. Programs and events are ongoing.

Social Action: This Committee plans and oversees many of the Temple’s community service activities including Housing the Homeless, providing volunteers for the Soup Kitchen, Mitzvah Day, and participating in local and community activities.

Volunteers: This could be YOU, a member of our congregation who willingly donates time and helps out with special projects such as the mailing of our monthly bulletin, food preparation for special events, and answering phones in the office when needed.

Ways and Means: This group plans and implements our fund-raising programs.

Youth Group: This Committee provides help in making our Youth Groups vibrant and successful.