The Temple maintains a number of committees which do most of the important programming and behind-the-scenes work.  The general membership is strongly encouraged and welcomed to get involved and join one or more committees.  During her term as Temple president, Meryl Alalof says "I am asking each of you to strengthen our Augusta Reform Jewish community by making a contribution of time by serving on a committee or by assisting in a special project when called upon.  If you'd like to learn more about any of the committees feel free to contact the Temple directly, or any committee chair.

• Adult Education
  This committee plans and executes various adult education courses and programs held at the Temple throughout the year.

• Caring Congregation
  This important committee ministers to congregants who are going through personal emergencies such as family deaths or hospitalizations.  If you've ever received a meal from the Temple during a personal crisis, it probably came from the good folks on the Caring Congregation Committee.

• Fundraising
  It takes more than hard work to keep the Temple's doors open.  It takes money.  Much of the money comes from your dues and contributions, but like most such organizations, the Temple has several large fundraisers during the year.  If you've got good ideas or just enjoy working on a worthwhile project this may be the committee for you!

• House Activities and Maintenance
  This is the committee that takes care of the physical plant of the Temple.  When the roof leaks or the air conditioning quits or the lights quit lighting, this is the committee that takes care of the problem.  While its work is behind the scenes, the Temple couldn't stay open without it.

• Membership
  Not only are new Jewish singles and families moving to the CSRA all the time, but there are still a number of unaffiliated folks in our midst.  If you're a member of the Temple you know how much you receive for your membership.  The Membership Committee seeks out the new and unaffiliated and encourages them to visit and get to know us.  They invite people to services and host newcomer parties.

• Outreach
  Conversion has become a major source of membership for many Temples, whether it be non-Jewish family members or others who are curious.  The Outreach Committee is the liason with the non-Jewish community for those interested in conversion or simply interested in Judaism. 

• Religious Practices
  The Religious Practices Committee attempts to apply the wishes of the membership to our worship services.  They deal with such issues as worship dress and pray books.  If there's something involving worship you think we should be doing or even if there's something we do you'd like to see changed, you may wish to become a member of this committee.

• Religious School
  The Bart D. Wittenberg Religious School provides Jewish education to the school-age members of our congregation.   This excellent school maintains its quality because of the hard work of the faculty and staff as well as the Religious School Committee.  Whether the issue is budget or personnel, the Committee makes sure the school has what it needs to continue its tradition.  If you're an educator or an interested parent you may find the work of this committee of interest to you.

• Social Action
  As a Jewish religious organization committed to Tikkun Olam, the improvement of the world.  If you're politically active or motivated to direct the efforts of our Temple and membership toward helping to improve our community, state, country, or world, this may be a committee of interest to you.  In the past the Temple has engaged with area churches in Mitzvah days where we go out into the community and lend our labor and time to making Augusta a better place for all to live.

• Youth Activities
  We have a number of young people in our congregation ranging from new-born to college age.  This committee is dedicated to serving their special needs from our own programming to our national affiliation with the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY ) to sending out care-packages at high holidays or Passover to our college students.  It takes creativity and a real commitment to our young membership to show them that they are an important part of our Temple community.   If this interests you please feel free to get involved!

©2005 Congregation Children of Israel -- Last Modified 10/23/05
George David, Webmaster [gdavid@knology.net]