There are numerous committees within the governance structure of Or Shalom, and joining any of them can be an excellent way to introduce yourself to the community and make a contribution of time and energy. If you would like to get involved in a committee, please contact the office administrator.
Committee-based volunteer opportunities include participation with the:
FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee oversees the financial health and sustainability of Or Shalom. This committee manages budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial matters. Members present budgets for Board approval, monitor expenditures, and analyze financial statements to guide decision-making. Through their diligent work, the Finance Committee ensures Or Shalom’s financial stability.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
The Membership Committee works to integrate, welcome, and introduce new members into the Or Shalom community. This is done by connecting with new member applicants, guiding them through the application and ratification process, and answering any questions. The Committee ensures new members receive weekly Or Shalom news, and encourages them to meet with the Rabbi.
Additionally, the Committee organizes and facilitates activities and events to encourage membership connections. These include potluck dinners and Kiddush lunches, which are great opportunities to introduce new members to the community. In summer, we hold a Kabbalat Shabbat picnic at the beach, which is well-attended by both new and longstanding members. Other projects include the “Getting to Know You” announcement and conducting departure interviews to thank outgoing members and gather feedback. We meet approximately four times a year on Zoom.
GARDEN COMMITTEE
The garden committee helps plan and maintain the synagogue’s garden spaces. Their tasks can include designing garden layouts, selecting and planting flowers, shrubs, and trees, and ensuring the garden is well-maintained throughout the year. They organize planting and maintenance schedules, manage garden supplies and assist with budgets. The committee is invited to contribute towards educational and communal initiatives. Through their work, they enhance the beauty of the synagogue grounds and promote a sense of community and environmental stewardship.
CEMETERY COMMITTEE
The Or Shalom Cemetery Committee works with Mountain View Cemetery to ensure the cemetery’s upkeep and sanctity through regular maintenance, grave care, and landscaping. The Committee may assist with coordination burials according to Or Shalom’s customs, assist bereaved families, manage burial records and finances, and develop cemetery policies. Their efforts provide a dignified and serene resting place for the departed, reflecting the values of respect and communal responsibility.
FAMILY, YOUTH, AND CHILDREN COMMITTEE
The Family Youth and Children Committee aims to enhance synagogue involvement for families by providing children’s Jewish experiences, building and sustaining family cohorts, providing community support, and empowering parents with new skills. Through child-centered activities, the committee works to position Or Shalom as the preferred synagogue for young Jewish families to connect. Collaborating with the Board, Rabbi, and staff, the committee helps set goals, evaluate programs, support planning, and engage families to understand community needs, as well as provide and develop programs.
GEMILUT CHESED WORKING GROUP
The Gemilut Chesed group supports Or Shalom members in times of need by providing short-term help for their physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being. The committee serves those who are ill, bereaved, or have new babies by offering meals, visits, errands, conversations, pet care, rides, condolence cards, and shiva minyanim support.
Through acts of loving kindness performed without expecting reward, we foster spiritual experiences, enriching both giver and receiver.
TIKKUN OLAM WORKING GROUP
The Tikkun Olam Coordinating Committee (TOCC) inspires the Or Shalom congregation to act on Or Shalom’s values of Tikkun Olam and Tzedakah. The committee works on initiatives that educate, inform, organize and inspire the community and others to deeply consider and act on repairing and healing our world. The TOCC’s current areas of focus are climate action, Indigenous reconciliation, and equity/anti-racism
The Or Shalom spiritual community considers Tikkun Olam (the healing of the world) and Tzedakah (righteous giving) as inseparable values of both individual and community responsibilities*. These concepts are integral in Jewish teachings and ethics and therefore woven into the fiber of the Or Shalom spiritual community. They reflect the vision and principles of ALEPH and of Jewish Renewal progressive ideals, thoughts and activities.
OSSRI WORKING GROUP
Active since 1970, the Or Shalom Special Resettlement Initiative (OSSRI), is a refugee sponsorship group dedicated to helping refugee families resettle in Canada. To date, we have sponsored nine families totalling almost 40 individuals from Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey.
Please let us know if you would like to participate.
