Get Involved
Only by working together do we become a community, a congregation. There are many ways for you to get involved at Kol Emet. Below is a list of some of the committees/groups/clubs of Kol Emet, a description of what they do and how you can get involved. Whatever time you have to spare, you will make a difference.
Barukh atah adonai eloheinu melekh ha’olam asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu la’asok betzorkhei tzibur.
Blessed are you, eternal our God, ruler of the universe, who has commanded us to immerse ourselves in the needs of the community.
CARING COMMITTEE
The Caring Committee mobilizes assistance to meet the needs of members of our community during both happy and difficult times to build and nourish a network of relationships which can sustain us throughout the journey of our lives. Examples of what the Caring Committee does, includes but is not limited to:
- Sending out condolence cards
- Sending out Birthday and Anniversary greetings
- Provide meals to those in need
- Provide other types of assistance when requested such as grocery shopping, light yard or housework, rides to and from appointments
- Announce graduations, new births and other good news in the Weekly Whisper
- Coordinate and run giving events, sometimes in partnership with other organizations such as “Souper Day” with Sacred Heart Church in Trenton
- Present outdoor – and indoor – movies. Will try to coordinate with other Committees on future dates and subjects
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
The Communications Committee works externally with the general public and internally with the Kol Emet Community. For the general public, our goal is to bring awareness of Kol Emet, the unique aspects of our congregation; especially its mission and its people, information about our programming and events, and the work that’s being done at Kol Emet to benefit the lives of everyone in our world. We communicate our message by participating in community-wide events. Within our Kol Emet community, we work to build enthusiasm and participation in Kol Emet events. We also work with Kehillah of Bucks County to share both of our community events and to reach out to both the affiliated and unaffiliated.
Responsibilities include:
- Keep congregation informed of events through email (Shouts, Whispers), web site, online calendar, and social media
- Keep web site and social media up to date and engaging
- Publicize events externally when appropriate
- Seek advertising and earned media opportunities
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
The Governance Committee examines the governance structure, policies, and practices of the synagogue; develops and oversees a process for encouraging participation and growth of leaders as committee members, chairs and Board members.
- Manages Amendments to the Congregational By-Laws by shepherding approval of the Amendments by the Board and the Congregation
- Periodically reviews the By-Laws to evaluate potential conflicts with ongoing Congregational activities
- Manages modifications to the Congregational Rules and Regulations by codifying new or modified policies as adopted by the Board of Directors
- Periodically reviews the Rules and Regulations to evaluate potential conflicts with ongoing Congregational activities and the By-Laws
LIMMUD (ADULT EDUCATION) COMMITTEE
Learning is a life-long pursuit. Jewish leaning does not end at one’s Bnei Mitzvah or confirmation. The Jewish people are the people of the book, we venerate learning at all stages of our lives.
The adult education committee provides opportunities for adult members of Kol Emet to learn about and better appreciate various aspects of Jewish life, culture and history through a wide range of methods. These include discussion groups, formal classes, seminars / lectures, and speakers. We strive to offer mainly complementary programming to members of Kol Emet. The committee also disseminates information about and coordinates efforts to attend existing/upcoming programs in our community that fulfill this mission.
- Strives to offer a variety of learning experiences for congregants and guests
- Coordinates classes on Jewish values, history, films and discussions, Jewish communities around the world, Holocaust studies, study about Israel
- Coordinates programs with the Rabbi, musical events, programming about Jewish Art and Jewish cooking round
- The Chair will orchestrate publicity, be present at events, look for new programming ideas, engage congregants in discussions, lead meetings, and perhaps even teach a class or lead an event
RITUAL COMMITTEE
The Ritual Committee honors tradition and embraces innovation. We strive to enhance the worship experience for all congregants, focusing on Jewish life-cycle events, Shabbat and holiday experience, ritual practice and the pursuit of spirituality. Duties of the committee include but are not limited to:
- Partnering with the Rabbi with regards to planning and any changes related to services. Including finding coverage in the Rabbi’s absence
- Plan holiday and festival programs
- High Holiday preparation
- Partner with the Board to make recommendations for new and updated policies, by-laws, and rules & regulations
- Work with congregants to build a list of those willing to participate in a minyan as needed (shiva, yahrtzeit, Shabbat service, etc)
- Identify and train Board Representatives to assist at a Bnei Mitzvah
- Identify and train congregants to lead services
- Corroborate with Rabbi on Bnei Mitzvah policies, procedures and preparation (ex., Shabbat 101) and update Bnei Mitzvah Handbook
- Oversee a subcommittee on Bnei Mitzvah
- Collaborate with Bnei Mitzvah liaison, coordinate parent meetings and conduct “date” meeting
SISTERHOOD
The Sisterhood is one of Kol Emet’s original and long-running organizations. The mission of Sisterhood is to bring members together to support and benefit the congregation and community by providing opportunities for friendship, service, spiritual growth and learning. Our purpose is to promote the highest ideals of women in Judaism through religious commitment, education, social action and leadership development.
- Create and host engaging events for women of Kol Emet including opening brunch in partnership with membership
- Help organize and run fundraising events
- Actively participate as board member
- Other activities that support and promote women within the congregation
TREASURER
The treasurer is accountable for the management of monies and all financial accounts and is responsible for the oversight and arrangement for the proper recording of all financial transactions of to ensure proper handling according generally accepted accounting principles.
- Oversees the development and implementation of bi-weekly payroll functions, in conjunction with Administrator and Bookkeeper
- Reviews invoices for payment; acts as first approval for acceptable invoices
- Tracks incoming revenue (fees, assessments, donations, pledges) and compares to anticipated budget projections
- Assists Finance Committee in the development of the Annual Budget
- Assists Finance Committee in implementing Investment Strategy
- Assists President and other Board members in the establishment of the amounts for annual fees and assessments
- Assists President and other Board members as needed for preparing contracts for staff
CARING COMMITTEE
The Caring Committee mobilizes assistance to meet the needs of members of our community during both happy and difficult times to build and nourish a network of relationships which can sustain us throughout the journey of our lives. Examples of what the Caring Committee does, includes but is not limited to:
- Sending out condolence cards
- Sending out Birthday and Anniversary greetings
- Provide meals to those in need
- Provide other types of assistance when requested such as grocery shopping, light yard or housework, rides to and from appointments
- Announce graduations, new births and other good news in the Weekly Whisper
- Coordinate and run giving events, sometimes in partnership with other organizations such as “Souper Day” with Sacred Heart Church in Trenton
- Present outdoor – and indoor – movies. Will try to coordinate with other Committees on future dates and subjects
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
The Communications Committee works externally with the general public and internally with the Kol Emet Community. For the general public, our goal is to bring awareness of Kol Emet, the unique aspects of our congregation; especially its mission and its people, information about our programming and events, and the work that’s being done at Kol Emet to benefit the lives of everyone in our world. We communicate our message by participating in community-wide events. Within our Kol Emet community, we work to build enthusiasm and participation in Kol Emet events. We also work with Kehillah of Bucks County to share both of our community events and to reach out to both the affiliated and unaffiliated.
Responsibilities include:
- Keep congregation informed of events through email (Shouts, Whispers), web site, online calendar, and social media
- Keep web site and social media up to date and engaging
- Publicize events externally when appropriate
- Seek advertising and earned media opportunities
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
The Governance Committee examines the governance structure, policies, and practices of the synagogue; develops and oversees a process for encouraging participation and growth of leaders as committee members, chairs and Board members.
- Manages Amendments to the Congregational By-Laws by shepherding approval of the Amendments by the Board and the Congregation
- Periodically reviews the By-Laws to evaluate potential conflicts with ongoing Congregational activities
- Manages modifications to the Congregational Rules and Regulations by codifying new or modified policies as adopted by the Board of Directors
- Periodically reviews the Rules and Regulations to evaluate potential conflicts with ongoing Congregational activities and the By-Laws
LIMMUD (ADULT EDUCATION) COMMITTEE
Learning is a life-long pursuit. Jewish leaning does not end at one’s Bnei Mitzvah or confirmation. The Jewish people are the people of the book, we venerate learning at all stages of our lives.
The adult education committee provides opportunities for adult members of Kol Emet to learn about and better appreciate various aspects of Jewish life, culture and history through a wide range of methods. These include discussion groups, formal classes, seminars / lectures, and speakers. We strive to offer mainly complementary programming to members of Kol Emet. The committee also disseminates information about and coordinates efforts to attend existing/upcoming programs in our community that fulfill this mission.
- Strives to offer a variety of learning experiences for congregants and guests
- Coordinates classes on Jewish values, history, films and discussions, Jewish communities around the world, Holocaust studies, study about Israel
- Coordinates programs with the Rabbi, musical events, programming about Jewish Art and Jewish cooking round
- The Chair will orchestrate publicity, be present at events, look for new programming ideas, engage congregants in discussions, lead meetings, and perhaps even teach a class or lead an event
RITUAL COMMITTEE
The Ritual Committee honors tradition and embraces innovation. We strive to enhance the worship experience for all congregants, focusing on Jewish life-cycle events, Shabbat and holiday experience, ritual practice and the pursuit of spirituality. Duties of the committee include but are not limited to:
- Partnering with the Rabbi with regards to planning and any changes related to services. Including finding coverage in the Rabbi’s absence
- Plan holiday and festival programs
- High Holiday preparation
- Partner with the Board to make recommendations for new and updated policies, by-laws, and rules & regulations
- Work with congregants to build a list of those willing to participate in a minyan as needed (shiva, yahrtzeit, Shabbat service, etc)
- Identify and train Board Representatives to assist at a Bnei Mitzvah
- Identify and train congregants to lead services
- Corroborate with Rabbi on Bnei Mitzvah policies, procedures and preparation (ex., Shabbat 101) and update Bnei Mitzvah Handbook
- Oversee a subcommittee on Bnei Mitzvah
- Collaborate with Bnei Mitzvah liaison, coordinate parent meetings and conduct “date” meeting
SISTERHOOD
The Sisterhood is one of Kol Emet’s original and long-running organizations. The mission of Sisterhood is to bring members together to support and benefit the congregation and community by providing opportunities for friendship, service, spiritual growth and learning. Our purpose is to promote the highest ideals of women in Judaism through religious commitment, education, social action and leadership development.
- Create and host engaging events for women of Kol Emet including opening brunch in partnership with membership
- Help organize and run fundraising events
- Actively participate as board member
- Other activities that support and promote women within the congregation
TREASURER
The treasurer is accountable for the management of monies and all financial accounts and is responsible for the oversight and arrangement for the proper recording of all financial transactions of to ensure proper handling according generally accepted accounting principles.
- Oversees the development and implementation of bi-weekly payroll functions, in conjunction with Administrator and Bookkeeper
- Reviews invoices for payment; acts as first approval for acceptable invoices
- Tracks incoming revenue (fees, assessments, donations, pledges) and compares to anticipated budget projections
- Assists Finance Committee in the development of the Annual Budget
- Assists Finance Committee in implementing Investment Strategy
- Assists President and other Board members in the establishment of the amounts for annual fees and assessments
- Assists President and other Board members as needed for preparing contracts for staff