Temple Israel of Great Neck thrives because our members are involved in our community. YOU can make a difference in our community by joining a committee. To get involved, contact the synagogue office or the contacts in the descriptions below.
The Beth HaGan Early Childhood Committee works with our Director of Beth Hagan to review programs and curriculum and provide guidance on activities that would engage our community and grow our school. This committee supports Beth HaGan programs by helping before and during programs. The committee is co-chaired by Jaimee Pishnar and Debbie Rutstein.
Bikur Cholim Committee members provide the essential role of visiting those who are ill, whether in hospitals, nursing homes, hospitals or at home. They offer companionship, a listening ear and a comforting presence to those who may feel isolated or overwhelmed. Sometimes members help provide meals, transportation or help with errands or other daily tasks. If you know of a congregant who needs assistance, please contact Karen Ashkenase at 487-3048 or Brenda Kopelowitz at 482-2787.
The Catering Committee serves as a liaison from the congregation, and the board to the Caterer and works with our caterer to ensure they fulfill their contractual obligations. The committee is chaired by Bobby Bakhchi.
The Chesed Connection Committee is Temple Israel’s Social Action arm, organizing events and drives focused on helping others. Congregants can participate in or chair activities such as visiting the ill or homebound, providing Shabbat dinners to local families in need, delivering supplies to the homeless, and supporting members during times of loss. Many projects also involve partnerships with other organizations to further the goal of Tikkun Olam – repairing the world. If you are interested in learning more about the Chesed Connection and experiencing the fulfillment of helping others in their times of need, contact Laura Gal.
The Communications Committee collaborates with lay leaders, rabbis, other committee chairs, and the executive director, to develop communication policies and procedures for both internal and external synagogue events. It manages information gathering, content creation for synagogue publications and media, and monitors communications to protect the synagogue’s image. The committee ensures that all messaging accurately reflects the full scope of the synagogue’s activities and oversees newsletters, calendars, news briefs, the website, and social media. Its work includes producing The Voice, event advertisements, social media posts, school and synagogue marketing, articles for local publications, and branded materials.. Contact Debbie Volk for more information.
The Development Committee focuses on fundraising beyond the Kol Nidre Appeal and Journal Gala by organizing and promoting initiatives such as selling Tree of Life leaves, hosting golf outings and upscale BBQs, identifying potential building tenants, and publicizing kiddush sponsorships. The committee is chaired by David Eshaghoff.
The Endowment Committee monitors and oversees decision-making as it relates to the endowment fund. This committee requires a strong financial background.
Note: Its members are appointed. The committee is co-chaired by Rachel Geula and Josh Astrof.
The Finance and Budget Committee oversees the synagogue’s financial operations, reports to the Board of Trustees and the congregation at the annual June meeting. This committee develops and presents the proposed budget, supports fundraising event planning, and coordinates with the Endowment Committee on budget matters. Experience in finance and not-for-profit organizations is important. Members are encouraged to identify and implement cost-saving measures and income opportunities. Contact Lila Bernstein-Schoen for more information.
Golda hosts social and professional networking events to build an inclusive and diverse community of women and to foster leadership roles at Temple Israel. Email to Golda@tign.org.
The Green Committee is dedicated to practicing Tikkun Olam by reducing the congregation’s carbon footprint and enhancing environmental sustainability. The committee seeks to make a positive environmental impact both within and beyond Temple Israel through activities like park beautification, cleanups, gardening, and distributing reusable bags. If you have any ideas or would like to get involved, please contact Morgan Kurpiel.
House Committee members ensure that Temple Israel’s buildings and grounds effectively support the congregation’s spiritual, educational, cultural, and social activities. Prioritizing safety, cleanliness, comfort, appearance, and functionality, the committee collaborates with the Executive Director and maintenance staff for efficient facility management. Members with experience in facilities management, engineering, construction, and related fields are encouraged to help set the agenda and actively participate in discussions. Contact Steve Smolinsky for more information.
The Israel Affairs Committee comprised of clergy and lay members who are passionate about Israel, organizes the synagogue’s involvement in the Celebrate Israel Parade and educates the congregation on Israeli politics, arts, literature, music, and sciences. The committee also raises funds for Israeli causes such as Masorti, and supports the synagogue’s partnership with its sister congregation in Israel, Kehillat Netzach Israel. Contact Bobby Bakhchi for more information.
The Kiddush Committee plans our Shabbat and holiday kiddush and other special events collations. This committee is co-chaired by Mark Birnbaum and Marc Langsner.
The Membership Committee is responsible for recruiting and retaining members by hosting events, creating recruitment materials, and staffing Temple Israel’s booth at local fairs. Committee members reach out to Jewish families and individuals in the community, assist new members in integrating and becoming involved, and serve as buddies at synagogue events. They maintain communication with existing members to foster engagement, and reach out to resigning members in an effort to encourage them to remain part of the congregation. For further information, contact Laura Gal or EllenWidawsky.
The Pastoral Committee comprises compassionate members who support our clergy in caring for families experiencing recent losses. Trained to lead Minyan services at congregants’ homes, their responsibilities include making shiva calls, providing assistance, and acting as liaisons between families and the synagogue during times of mourning. Minyan leaders are
needed! Please contact the synagogue office at info@tign.org or (516) 482-7800.
The Performing and Cultural Arts Committee is chaired by Alise Kreditor.
The Programming Committee works closely with the clergy and the Membership and Development Committees to plan and offer a wide variety of events, classes, workshops, panel discussions, lectures, retreats, Shabbatons, Scholar-InResidence programs and Jewish learning programs. Co-chaired by Abe Kanfer and Morgan Lancman.
The Religious School Education Committee (RSEC) works with the Religious School Director to review curricula, develop new programs, and plan activities supporting the Religious School. They review and revise our B’nai Mitzvah Guidebook, and to help parents navigate the B’nai Mitzvah process. They provide support, foster parental engagement, and assist at special events. The committee is co-chaired by Danielle Spitzer and Jennifer Soumekh.
The Rejuvenation Committee oversees the beautification, refurbishment, and revitalization of the building and campus. Collaborating with architects and interior designers they develop and implement strategic plans, and fundraising campaigns to support these improvements to our Temple facility. This committee is chaired by Rachel Geula.
The Ritual Committee collaborates with our Rabbis and Hazzan to oversee the structure and content of all religious services and rituals. They procure and maintain prayer books and religious items, arranging for ushers when needed, and recommending guidelines for lifecycle events at Temple Israel. This committee is chaired by Seth Horowitz.
The Security Committee n is to ensure a safe, secure, and welcoming environment at Temple Israel. They review and assess policies, practices, personnel, and equipment used to protect people and property. Working with the Executive Director, Security Director, and staff, committee members may also represent the synagogue at law enforcement security seminars and serve as liaisons to local police agencies and liaisons to local police. For more information, please contact Susan Brustein.
The Shoah Remembrance Committee is dedicated to honoring the memory of those who perished in the Shoah, honoring and supporting our own TIGN survivors, and educating all generations about the history and lessons of the Holocaust. Consisting of survivors and passionate members, the Shoah committee organizes an annual Kristallnacht program, a meaningful Yom Hashoah service, and various Shoah-related educational events throughout the year. For further information, please contact co-chairs Rob Panzer or Ellen Widawsky.
The Waxman Memorial Lecture Committee is responsible for selecting speakers and organizing the annual Waxman Memorial Lecture, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event
each year. The committee is chaired by Marc Katz.
Yad B’Yad Committee members reach out to our congregants during stressful times in the hospital and at home and also assist with Shiva arrangements including meals and grocery shopping. These mitzvot help to strengthen our Temple Israel Community. For further information, please contact chair Brenda Kopelowitz.
The Youth House Committee works closely with our Youth House advisor, the Director of Education and our Clergy to review curriculum and activities for our teens. The committee is also a resource for the development of curriculum and new programs. This committee chaired by Susan Brustein.
