Join a TBB Committee: Contribute to the Community While Having FUN
To offer the rich selection of activities that Temple B’nai Brith, a relatively small congregation, does requires support from the community. Our religious services and programs -- including the children's school, adult education classes, friendly brunches, lively discussions about current social issues, dances, and other social events -- are all organized by volunteer committees.
Committee meetings are open to all participants in the TBB community (not only TBB members). You can make a significant contribution to the vitality and future of TBB by joining a committee! If you are interested, or have questions or suggestions for programs or activities, please contact the TBB office. Or check out a committee by attending a meeting, without further obligation.
Committee chairs serve on the Board of Directors. The Board meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month. Board meetings are open to any member of the congregation.
These committees meet regularly through the year and welcome your participation:
Community Education
The Community Education Committee organizes and supports classes to facilitate lifelong learning for members of TBB and the surrounding community. The committee offers programs that relate to Jewish life and learning and reflect the range of TBB’s vision and identity. Offerings range from the scholarly to the hands-on. Meets monthly or as needed.
Ritual
Addressing questions of policy and practice concerning the religious life of the congregation, the Ritual Committee presents recommendations to the Board of Directors and the congregation as a whole. The committee also organizes Shabbat and holiday observances at the shul. Meets monthly.
Building
TBB’s beautiful and historic building requires care and maintenance. The Building Committee holds several clean-ups and repair days during the year. Members plan long- and short-range projects, meet and work with architects and contractors, and make recommendations to the Board about work on the building. If you can't make a long-term commitment, we always need help on project basis, so feel free to contact the chair if you can't commit to full membership but are interested in helping out.
Social Action
The Social Action Committee aims to support a community of synagogue members committed to social justice, in accordance with the Jewish principles of gemilut chassadim (acts of loving-kindness), tzedakah (charity/justice) and tikkun olam (repairing the world). It organizes lectures and discussions on topics ranging from events in Israel, to human rights and U.S. foreign policy, to civil liberties and issues of economic justice in the U.S. It also coordinates interfaith projects, organizes interfaith study sessions, and presents provocative (as well as entertaining) movies with discussions. The committee is also the shul's liaison to the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO). Meets monthly.
Cemetery
The Cemetery Committee is responsible for the care of our cemetery in Peabody, Massachusetts. This includes administration, record keeping, sale of plots, and supervision of upkeep, maintenance, and development of the cemetery. We also hold a memorial service yearly on the Sunday after Rosh Hashanah.
Finance
The Finance Committee provides information, analysis, and advice to the Board of Directors on all matters pertaining to the finances of the congregation. This includes formulating the operating budget and reporting quarterly on budget performance, and handling other matters such as dues level and structure, capital expenditures, management of financial assets, and long-term planning. Decision-making authority on all such matters rests with the Board.
Nominating
The Nominating Committee assembles the slate of new board members and officers each year.
20s and 30s
The 20s and 30s Committee organizes special events for people in their 20s and 30s such as dinners, pop-up events, and learning opportunities including classes with the Rabbi.
Membership
The Membership Committee is focused on building a vibrant, energized community from the sea of diversity in the shul. This group encourages members old and new, with religious or historic or social connections to Judaism, with and without children, to explore and participate in the wide range of activities at B'nai Brith. Meets monthly.
If you are interested in joining a committee, or have questions or suggestions for programs or activities, please contact the office at TBB.