Volunteer

Volunteering one's time and expertise is not only a recognized Jewish value, but one that is highly prized in our Temple community. Tikun Olam is imperative to repair the world and reflects the Jewish values of Justice (tzedakah), Compassion (hesed) and Peace (shalom). The concept has come to symbolize the quest for social justice, freedom, equality, peace, and the restoration of the environment. It is a call to action for us to repair the world through social action and our thoughtful interaction with the world and the people around us. Tikun Olam recognizes that each act of kindness, no matter how small, helps to build a new world. Opportunities for Tikun Olam within the Temple Emanu-El community are numerous and diverse. Our members are encouraged to lend their hearts, souls, and minds to the areas of our community that most interests them. Beyond the immense satisfaction of assisting to organize a program or helping someone, volunteering is the ideal way to meet other members of our diverse Temple Emanu-El community. 

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities at Temple Emanu-El

Minyan/Shiva Minyan & Service Leaders:
Help make a minyan while getting to know and connecting with other congregants. You can attend as  a participant or let us know if you’d like to lead services. Contact Judy Greenblatt: jgreenblatt@teprov.org

Shabbat Greeters:
Each Shabbat we like to have friendly, welcoming members greeting each person who comes through the doors. The Greeters assist with name tags, hand out pamphlets, and help direct people to the various services and accommodations. If you are outgoing and interested in volunteering, we need you! Contact Sharon Sock: sharon@teprov.org

Purim Spiel Performers & Purim Fundraiser:
Volunteering for Purim is always a blast! Whether you sing and dance in the Spiel or help coordinate our  Mishloah Manot Fundraiser, Purim willl be the  highlight of your year!  Contact Sharon Sock: sharon@teprov.org

"Everyone Needs Support" Baking Project
For the first time in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, we will be baking in support of the national organization, Sharsheret. Sharsheret, Hebrew for chain, is a national cancer organization which services 150,000 women, families, health care professionals, community leaders and students, in all 50 states. Sharsheret creates a safe community for women facing breast cancer and ovarian cancer and their families at every stage of cancer - from before diagnosis, during treatment, and into the survivorship years. While their expertise is focused on young women and Jewish families, more than 25% of those they serve are not Jewish. All Sharsheret programs serve all women and men.

We will be baking at Temple Emanuel on November 14th and 15th, 2023. Distribution of our baked goods will take place on November 19th. Sign up now!

Weekly Baking:
Put your baking skills to work by giving desserts to those in need! Each week, baked goods (cookies, brownies, or bars) are delivered and added as dessert to bagged lunches. Help the Homeless, RI gives out 100 bagged lunches on Sundays. McAuley House gives out around 110 bagged lunches daily.  Contact: Paula Goldberg (401) 941-2042 or Barbara Dwares (401) 474-8276

Kiddush Committee:
Temple Emanu-El needs help with preparing and setting up Kiddush lunch each Shabbat morning.  If you would like to join this new committee to meet new people and help a few times a month, we would love to have you!  Contact Shoshana Jacob: Shosh@teprov.org

Hesed Committee:
Help members during times of joy and sadness.  
The committee will arrange meals for families when they have a new baby, will bring comfort to those who have suffered a loss, and will help those who are ill in various ways. Contact Shoshana Jacob: Shosh@teprov.org

Participate on a Committee Temple Emanu-El

We want you!
Please consider volunteering your time and talents by serving on one or more committees.
For more information, contact info@teprov.org or call the Temple office 401.641.8710.

Adult Education:
The Adult Education Committee provides guidance on the planning for adult learning opportunities at Emanu-El. We welcome anyone who is interested in helping develop classes, speakers, and other educational programming.

Arts Emanu-El:
The Arts Emanu-El committee is dedicated to producing events of excellence in the arts. In the 10+ years of its existence, the range of programming includes concerts, art exhibits with resident artists, films and Jewish dancing, all supplemented by thematically linked cuisine. 

ATEED:
ATEED is Temple Emanu-El's 20's/30's community. Join this committee to help plan events and experiences for this growing group.

Boomers & Beyond:
Work on this committee to strengthen social connections and promote community among active and young-at-heart Baby Boomers (and beyond - 57 yrs young and above)! Activities include cocktail hours, virtual trips abroad, game nights, lunch n' learns, Shabbat get-togethers and more!

Brotherhood:
Our newly formed Brotherhood group has been hard at work planning fun events like: Building the temple's sukkah, World Wide Wrap, Schmooze and Brews, Breakfast and a speaker. Get involved to help plan programming for this growing group.

Development:
The Development Committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending strategies for fundraising activities that pertain to the Friends Annual Fund, the Temple endowment, and special campaigns that are constituted from time to time, in an attempt to foster an overall climate of giving at Temple Israel.

Family First:
Getting involved on the Family First committee is a great way to connect with other families to help plan exciting, educational, and experiential family programming, Shabbat and holiday celebrations, and other Jewish experiences throughout the year. 

Library:
Composed of book lovers, the Library Committee plans book discussions and participates in reviewing library activities and changes.

Membership:
The Membership Committee welcomes new members and works to create opportunities for new and veteran members to make strong connections.

Museum:
The Museum Committee is a member-led effort to preserve and display our Judaica collection and our communal history.

TEQ:
Temple Emanu-El's LGBTQIA+ community. Join this committee to help plan events and programs for community and allies committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment at Emanu-El. Our meetings provide an opportunity to network, share experiences, socialize, participate in community and social justice activities, and promote greater LGBTQ visibility within the larger community.