Our Community: Making a Difference
Here at Westchester Reform Temple, our strength depends on the active and spirited involvement of all of our members. Our voices are diverse, but we share the belief that our future lies in the ongoing exchange of our thoughts and realization of our ideas and dreams. So how will you participate?
Our task forces and committees are listed below, and our chairs are waiting to hear from you.
Adult Enrichment
Participants collaborate with clergy to develop a robust calendar of educational and cultural programming each year, featuring special programs, classes, and guest presenters.
Book Groups
WRT is lucky to have two active book groups – a daytime group and an evening group – that meet regularly to discuss contemporary and classic works of Jewish-themed literature.
Caring Community
Caring Community members comfort families and provide support and friendship during times of crisis and life transitions, and lift up the joyful moments of our congregations simchas. Activities include writing bereavement and congratulatory notes, delivering yahrzeit candles, and making phone calls.
The Chai Society
This group honors families that are members of WRT for eighteen (chai) years and beyond. New members are inducted each November at a Friday evening service and are invited to attend a variety of programs through out the year.
Choir
The melodic sound of our adult volunteer choir enriches special events and selected Shabbat evening services. All enthusiastic adults are welcome to join.
College Connection
This committee keeps our community’s college-age students connected to WRT. Activities include providing Chanukah gift packages and Passover treats, sponsoring reunions, and promoting correspondence and interaction with the clergy.
Cooking for a Cause
Meeting the second Wednesday of each month from 9am to 10:15am in the WRT kitchen, participants help prepare a “home-cooked meal” for 60 to 80 adolescents who receive only institutional food, or for people at shelters or soup kitchens. Exact dates are listed in the WRT Bulletin, and volunteers are always welcome.
Early Childhood
This parent committee works closely with the director of WRT’s Early Childhood Center, to build a strong community and help provide experiences for young children that support Jewish values and traditions.
Events
This committee brainstorms and plans creative fundraising events that build community while supporting the future of WRT.
Green Initiative
This task force reinforces WRT’s commitment to “live green” by developing programs and strategies that raise environmental awareness and responsibilities.
Greeters
Our Greeters help create a warm and welcoming environment for fellow members and guests while ensuring the dignity of Shabbat and festival services.
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Inclusion
Because we are all created in God’s image,
b'tzelem Elohim, the mission of Westchester Reform Temple's Inclusion Task Force is to welcome and value the diversity of abilities of our members, and to create a culture of respect, acceptance and care so that all our members can be enriched by participation in our community.
Israel
This committee keeps our congregation informed about current issues concerning Israel and the Middle East. Members arrange for political analysts, military officials, journalists, Israeli scholars, and other speakers to visit WRT and shed light on important issues.
Lesbian and Gay Concerns
WRT partners with other local congregations to promote awareness of Jewish lesbian and gay issues and to help ensure a welcoming and inclusive synagogue environment for lesbian and gay Jews.
Membership Initiative
The Membership Initiative welcomes new congregants by helping them cultivate relationships within the WRT community, and develops strategies that help WRT attract and retain members.
The Men’s Club
Otherwise known as Men of Reform Judaism, the Men’s Club orchestrates a range of important activities, including Sunday morning breakfasts with guest speakers, Sukkah building, inter-league Temple basketball, food and clothing deliveries to those in need, and the Annual Blood Drive. Learn how to join The Men's Club.
Outreach
WRT welcomes interfaith couples to take an active part in synagogue life. We encourage their participation in basic Judaism courses, Rabbis’ and Adult-Enrichment lectures, special discussion groups, and holiday workshops.
Religious School Board
This committee comprised of partners with WRT’s Director of Lifelong Learning and the Religious School staff to brainstorm ideas, foster communication, and ensure a Religious School environment that is progressive, enriching and nurturing for our students and families.
Religious Services
The Religious Services Committee collaborates with clergy and congregants to discuss worship services, with a special focus on the High Holidays. It works to ensure that WRT’s worship offerings meet the spiritual needs of the entire congregation.
Shoah Awareness
Members work with clergy to raise awareness of the Holocaust. Celebrating those who fought, honoring those who survived, and implementing education that will help our community remember.
Social Action
The Social Action committee strives to help mend a broken world (Tikkun Olam) through exciting opportunities to help the homeless, the hungry, and others in need.
Tzedakah
The Tzedakah committee distributes funds to Jewish and secular programs, institutions, and initiatives throughout Westchester County, the United States, and Israel. Funding for this work comes from contributions made to WRT’s Tzedakah Fund.
Westchester United read more...
Women of Reform Judaism
WRT’s Women of Reform Judaism chapter is deeply committed to spiritual and educational growth, with members planning and orchestrating a wide array of programs, events, study groups and mitzvah opportunities throughout the year. Learn how to become a member of the WRJ.
