Committees & Organizations
Membership Committee
- David Potash Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is involved in many facets of Temple life including the welcoming of new members and outreach to help meet the needs of our long time members. The Committee is also actively involved in the Temple’s social and fundraising programs.At Temple B’nai B’rith we constantly nurture a feeling of family. Each member is welcomed for his or her unique qualities…urged to grow as individuals and as part of a caring group.For more information or personal contact with the Membership Chairperson, please contact the Temple Office or email davipod@aol.com . Please fill out our Membership Form and return it at your earliest convenience.
Worship and Ritual Committe
Larry Brand Worhsip and Ritual
The Worship and Ritual Committee is dedicated to meeting the needs of all our congregants, and we welcome your observation, suggestions, and enthusiasm. We have set for ourselves the goal that if we cannot please all the people all the time, at least we can set out to please all the people over time. We seek to offer a variety of rituals, services, programming and events that meet the needs of our congregants and provide something for everyone.
Our weekly Friday night Shabbat service begins at 7:30 PM and includes candle-lighting, prayer, sermon, songs, and an oneg Shabbat gathering, following the service. Saturday mornings include Torah study or a Bar or Bat Mitzvah Service.
Recent innovations to our worship experience include an occasional Friday night Torah Service. We have experimented at returning to our roots with a Classical Reform Service, throughout the year we schedule Havdalah Services with catered or Pot luck dinners and entertainment or enlightening speakers. An annual favorite is our bringing in Freilox and Bagels Klezmer Band for an evening of music and dancing. All this in addition to our proven popular annual events such as; our sell out Hanukkah Dinner and Service, our highly popular outdoor Sukkot Dinner and Service, and a favorite with our kids is our Purim Service. For energy and spirit come to one of our monthly Tot Shabbat services or one of our moving and capably led prayer services led by our Temple School students, Each year we have services honoring our Veterans, and the annual Scouting Service. This year, we again were thrilled to share a joint musical Service with our sister, Conservative Congregation, Temple Israel. We feel great pride when we honor one of our Temple members and when we gather to share in special occasions in the lives of members of our congregational family. What joy when we share in the ritual of B’nai Mitzvahs and our annual Confirmation service We look forward to our temple family all joining together again for the High Holidays.
I would like to encourage all to come join us and share in the joy of helping our congregation to be an active, vibrant, and spiritual home for our members.
House and Property Committee
Carl J. Handman, AIA House and Property
The House & Property Committee is responsible for “…the preservation and improvement of the property…” of Temple B’nai B’rith. Our facility, originally designed by Samuel Z. Moskowitz, FAIA in 1959, was extensively renovated by Peter Q. Bohlin, FAIA after the Hurricane Agnes Flood of 1972. It is an excellent example of Mid 20th Century Modern architecture.
For the majority of the past 30 years, this committee has been chaired by one of the 3 Architects currently members of the Congregation. The present Chair is Carl J. Handman, AIA. Recent projects include updating access for compliance with ADA regulations, re-roofing all portions of our building, and the complete reconstruction of our parking lot.
Sisterhoood
Patricia Dobrowolski Sisterhood President
The Sisterhood of Temple B’nai B’rith has long been an integral part of the Temple life in Kingston. Our Sisterhood, which is affiliated with Women of Reform Judaism, has been active in that organization for the past 90 years. As an arm of the Temple we are involved in fund raising for many charitable causes, luncheon and educational programs, and holiday and special dinners and activities. We also hold many fun fundraising events and religious activities, including honoring members who have helped serve our congregation for many years. The Sisterhood is also involved in interfaith and community affairs. We welcome new members and invite the entire community to join us for all our activities. We welcome new ideas and opportunities to serve the women of our congregation and the greater Jewish community.
Brotherhood
Jeff Fremont,PhD Brotherhood President
Brotherhood has been a long standing unit of the Temple. Brotherhood makes many financial donations to the Temple, particularly to the Religious School Children. Its recent activities have been fewer than in the past; Brotherhood is committed to new life and projects to bring it back to the exceptional group it once was.
Membership in Brotherhood is open to all male members of the Temple, eighteen years or older. Meetings are set to begin this Fall to plan events to renew Brotherhoods involvement in fundraising and community activities. Please watch the calendar for meeting dates and times.
