CBE President: Join a Committee, Serve on the Board, Make an Impact

This article first appeared in our Mar/Apr '25 edition of The Bulletin

A recent conversation with one of our congregants about the rich diversity of our committees inspired me to share the vital work they undertake and the numerous opportunities available for you to get involved in our community. Our committees play an essential role in the life of Beth Emeth, ensuring that we continue to thrive, grow, and serve the needs of our members, each focusing on different aspects of our community life. Here is an overview of our committees and their work:

• Caring Community - Reyut (chair: Caren Kotlow) works in cooperation with our Clergy to provide support and care to congregants in need of assistance in dealing with life issues. Some recent work of Reyut includes coordination of Shabbat at Avila services and dinner, and the Junior Choir performance at Avila.

• Cemetery Committee (chair: Jill Hildreth) oversees maintenance of and recommends policies for Beth Emeth’s cemeteries, working together with our Interim Executive Director Gary Fifer and Todd Van Wormer, Cemetery Maintenance. We have also recently onboarded a new Cemetery Administrator, Danielle Simmons (Danielle@CBEAlbany.org), who supports plot sales and arrangements in addition to working with our Cemetery Committee.

• Endowment Committee (chair: Chad Bernstein) is responsible for the oversight and management of the Congregation’s endowment and trust funds. You may be familiar with the report on the Endowment’s performance given at our Annual Meeting each year - if not, you can join us for the update at this year’s Annual Meeting on June 9!

• Education Committee (co-chairs: Liz Albright, Alyson Tarek) works in cooperation with Rabbi Shara Siegfeld, Director of Lifelong Learning, to provider oversight to the Einhorn Center for Jewish Education and other educational programs offered to our youth and all members of Beth Emeth. The Education Committee supports notable events like the Family Fun Fest held during opening day of religious school, and the annual mum sale.

• Finance Committee (chair: Karen Kaufman-White, CBE Boart Treasurer) and works to prepare the budget advanced each year to the congregation for vote at our annual meeting. The committee also monitors financial status of the congregations and makes recommendations about financial policy and considerations to the Board.

• House Committee (co-chairs: Barry Feinman, Brian Sinkoff) works closely with Steve Squires, Director of Maintenance, to review the physical status of our buildings and grounds and make recommendations about capital improvements, maintenance, and repairs. The Security Subcommittee is a subcommittee of the House Committee, focusing on risk assessment and planning activities to ensure the safety of our congregants and physical spaces.

• Membership Committee (co-chairs: Taylor Alfred, Diane Lerner) is integrally involved in welcoming our new members, performing outreach to congregants who have recently joined Beth Emeth to ensure connections with our community. Membership also develops initiatives and activities including new member Shabbat services and recognizing membership milestones.

• Philanthropy Team (co-chairs: Samantha Acevedo, Jenny Malatras) focuses on relationship building and establishing a connection to Beth Emeth to sustain our congregation’s operations and continue serving our members and the broader community through support. The Team identifies funding needs and fundraising mechanisms; past campaigns include our 180th campaign and the establishment of the Rabbi Scott L. Shpeen Rabbinic Chair Endowment Fund.

• Ritual Committee (Robin Sobol, First Vice President) works with our clergy to consider recommendations regarding our worship practices and ritual, ensuring they are meaningful and inclusive, including meeting each year following our High Holy Day services.

• Social Action Committee (chair: Jacqueline Dupiche) embodies the values of Tikkun Olam, striving to repair the world through acts of kindness and social justice through social action, issue advocacy, and sponsorship of and participation in various programs and activities. Social Action coordinates our involvement with the Soup Kitchen - check out opportunities to be part of this important and rewarding work each month!

I encourage everyone to become active participants in our congregational community by learning more about our committees, engaging in the work they do and activities they plan, and perhaps even joining one of our committees. Your unique skills, talents, and perspectives can greatly contribute to the success of Beth Emeth. Whether you have a passion for education, a commitment to social justice, or a knack for financial planning, there is a place for you within our committees.

In addition to committee involvement, serving on our board is another way to make a significant impact. Board members play a crucial role in guiding the strategic direction and governance of our synagogue. If you are interested in board service, please indicate your interest by contacting Rob Kivort, Second Vice President (Robert@KivortSteel.com) and Nominating Committee Chair. He can provide you with more information about the responsibilities and selection process.

To express your interest in joining a committee or becoming a board member, please reach out to Gary Fifer, Interim Executive Director (Gary@CBEAlbany.org ) or any current board member. We are always eager to welcome new voices and ideas, and we look forward to your active participation in Beth Emeth.

Thank you for your continued dedication and support. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic community.

Melissa Greenberg, CBE President
President@CBEAlbany.org