Groups

Sisterhood

Sisterhood President: Beverly Wachtel

We are a group of Jewish women of diverse ages, backgrounds and interests who join together to:

• serve as a welcoming arm for women and their families into Synagogue life
• provide stimulating opportunities for Jewish and intellectual growth
• reach out beyond our Congregation to serve the community at large
• offer a warm environment to help women develop and fulfill their potential.

Please call us to share your ideas and to get involved. (599-2634)

Committees

Ritual Committee

Chairman: David Koffler

The Ritual Committee is concerned with the religious observance and ritual practices in all areas of the Synagogue. The committee establishes and reviews standards, procedures, practices, and guidelines for Shabbat and Holiday services, daily minyan, Holiday celebration and observance, Bar/Bat Mitzva training and observance, and kashrut observance. In addition, the committee oversees the maintenance and procurement of ritual objects and materials used in services, such as the Sifrei Tora, Humashim, prayer books, kippot and talitot, etc., and in coordination with the House and Decor Committees, ensures that the Sanctuary and other facilities are properly maintained and configured to support and enhance religious services. The committee includes the religious professionals (Rabbi, Hazzan and Ritual Director), and is responsible for evaluating their performance and making recommendations to the Executive Board regarding personnel matters.

House

Chairman: Audrey Polinsky

The House Committee is responsible for the short and long term care of the HERJC facility. Its members generally have backgrounds in engineering, construction or a related field. They have overseen everything from the rebuilding of two classrooms lost to a fire to the painting of the gym.  Recommendations for major purchases of furniture, carpeting and other interior accessories also require House Committee approval.

Furthermore, the Herjc House Committee is committed to the principles of conservation and perhaps the most important environmental issue of the 21st century is the overuse of fossil fuels, leading to pollution and global warming. By taking a leadership role in this area, HERJC can not only make a small contribution to the cause, but also can serve as a role model for the community. We also recognize that conservation in the long-term can benefit the Congregation financially and attract environmentally sensitive members, was well as fulfilling our communal role.

Therefore, the House Committee pledges to:

Conduct an inventory of the current physical plant, and plan on making conservational and environmentally friendly changes that are practical.
20.4 kilowatt Solar Electric Photovoltaic System
(solar panels)-school wing
Going forward, review the environmental impact of any new projects before undertaking them, including (but not limited to) exploring how to reduce our environmental footprint and/or reduce our use of oil/gas/electricity.
Partner with the Adult Education Committee to bring to our Congregation and the broader community speakers and programs that will increase their environmental awareness and knowledge and give them opportunities to improve conservation in their own homes and lives.

School and Youth Board

Co-Chairs: Tamar Barbash & Laura Underweiser

The HERJC School and Youth Board oversees the programming and curriculum of the Nursery School, Religious School, and Youth Groups. We consult with the administrators of the different youth programs and provide feedback. Our group consists of a diverse selection of congregants, with a school section, and a Youth Group section.

HERJC CARES

Co-Chairs: Jaime Ezratty & Joe Sklar

HERJC Cares is the committee actively involved in advocating worthy causes to promote Tikkun Olam (Repair The World). In keeping with the HERJC mission statement , HERJC CARES facilitates our membership’s participation in deepening their sense of community. To accomplish our mission, we have identified five main areas of focus:

• Homeless and Disadvantaged
• Health and Healing
• Education
• Environment
• Israel and World Affairs

As an example, HERJC Cares is a strong supporter of Hatzilu Rescue Organization, providing vital assistance so that the needy have faithful & continuing care. This year we are focusing on collections for the needy with the theme; Give It Up. Give It Away! Make A Difference!

One of the major ways that we affirm that tie is to hold an annual Israel Bonds event. Over the past 4 years, we have had a dessert reception in our shul or in a member’s home with a speaker from the Israel Bonds community as well as an informative presentation on the instruments that Israel Bonds offers as investment vehicles. These events have been very successful in raising investment dollars as well as our congregation’s consciousness on the subject of Israel Bonds.

Additionally, our Sisterhood and Mens Club are also active in giving back as well, participating with HERJC Cares to make a huge difference! The Sisterhood Walk for Israel, has raised money for the victims of terrorism in Israel and to support JTS. Additional money has been raised to support our congregation’s twinning project with Netzach Yisroel, a Masorti congregation in Ashkelon, Israel.

Israel Action Committee

The newly formed Israel Action Committee’s objective is to create a climate through the synagogue that leads to advocacy for Israel via a program of education and awareness. This committee is not oriented to raising funds, but rather to encourage members to “get involved”. We will run a series of Israel related programs ranging from political activism to cultural initiatives to social projects. We will also provide information on various programs that support Israel projects and the US-Israel relationship.

Hakol: the Voice of Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre

Hakol, which means “the voice” in Hebrew, is published five times a year from September through June. Hakol is one of variety of communication tools used at HERJC to keep our congregants informed. The editors strive to educate our community about what’s happening at the synagogue as well as within the worldwide Jewish community. We try to cover all aspects of HERJC life and often run photo essays of our events. Hakol features a handy calendar that highlights all synagogue activities.

Throughout its 50+ year history, Hakol has won many awards. Most recently, it was awarded the Excellence in Synagogue Programming by United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

All donations made to HERJC from $18 and up are published in Hakol. If you would like to make a donation for publication, please access the donation page on this website.

Hakol is kept up to date weekly via our newsletter Happening@HERJC. You can sign up on our home page to receive the newsletter updates.