Committees at Congregation Shaarai Shomayim

Adult Jewish Growth Committee

This committee is a priority of the Reform movement and is responsible for planning and implementing the adult education programs sponsored by Shaarai Shomayim; including adult Hebrew language instruction, Torah study, and Talmud study. They also plan and sponsor Jewish Movie Night, the Monday night scholar series and the annual Scholar in Residence weekend program, as well as the biennial Adult/Family retreat.

Youth Education Committee

This committee functions as an advisory and oversight committee for our religious and Hebrew schools. They help with teacher recruitment and, together with our Principal, Rabbi, and school administrators, develop curriculum, discuss policy, and handle many other issues. Our school is staffed primarily by parent volunteers.

House Committee

Members are responsible for the maintenance and repair of our building.

Hospitality Committee

Members organize Oneg Shabbats and other social events that take place in the Temple.

Congregational Life Committee

This committee is responsible for working with prospective and new Temple members by welcoming and helping them into the congregational family in ways that they choose. Committee members also plan social events during the course of the year.

Tikkun Olam Committee

This group responds to and supports social action within our own community and around the world. Members also are responsible for planning our annual Mitzvah Day, as well as our involvement in the city-wide homeless shelter project.

Ritual Committee

Our Ritual committee works with the Rabbi in planning our ritual experience. Members work with Temple professionals in helping to design the musical and liturgical experience.

Hineini Committee (Formerly the Caring Community Committee)

This committee is responsible for developing programs that focus on the emotional well being of our Temple family with respect to the day-to-day challenges we face. Members visit the sick and elderly, drive Temple members to appointments, and are available to fulfill other needs as they arise.

Chavrai Zamir

Chavrai Zamir is our congregational choir. They sing at all Bar and Bat Mitzvah services as well as other special occasions. Representing Shaarai Shomayim, they perform throughout Lancaster County and beyond. If you enjoy singing, this is the place for you.

The Chopped Liver River Band

We have our own congregational Klezmer band. They perform everywhere, and have made a CD. You don’t have to be an Isaac Stern to join this fun loving group of non-professional musicians.

Sisterhood

This is our woman’s organization banding together for friendship and fellowship while offering programs to benefit the congregation and the community. Sisterhood helps the women of our congregation develop Jewishly.

Brotherhood

This is our men’s affiliate exploring men’s issues and spirituality. They sponsor and/or support our 2nd night Passover seder, our "Scholar in Residence" program, and "Mitzvah Day". They also sponsor a high scholarship program to send our high school students to Israel.

Shaarai Shomayim Temple Youth (SSTY)

SSTY is our youth group for high school students. In addition to planning and engaging in our local activities, the group participates with our Temple youth groups through NFTY/PAR, the North America Federation of Temple Youth/PA Region.

Technology Committee

This committee looks after the technological needs of the office environment and the Temple in general. It devotes resources to both hardware and software.

Green Committee

Members of this committee review all policies of the congregation to ensure we are environmentally friendly.

Israel Committee

This committee is responsible for making our congregation aware of the importance of Israel in our lives.

Communications Committee (Formerly Public Relations and Marketing)

Members discuss and recommend how information is disseminated to both our congregation and the community at large.

Cemetery Committee

This committee evaluates the condition of our cemetery and keeps it in good condition. It also coordinates funerals and sells burial plots.

High Holy Day Committee

Members are responsible for assuring that the entire holiday period is organized with regards to seating and guests.

Fundraising Committee

This committee plans and oversees Temple fund raising efforts, and coordinates efforts with other groups that raise money through annual activities.

History/Archives Committee

Shaarai Shomayim’s roots go back to pre-Revolutionary America, and we are heir to the fourth oldest Jewish community in North America. This committee is responsible for maintaining the Congregation’s historical archive, and for promoting our history through displays, exhibits, oral histories, and written materials.