Synagogue Committees
Temple Israel offers a wealth of committees, programs and projects, and we invite you to become active in them. This is an avenue to meet others with similar interests, become part of our Jewish community and participate in carrying out the ideals of the synagogue.
Adult Education Committee
Plans and coordinates in-house events and participation in regional arts activities.
Cemetery Committee
Dedicated to maintaining Temple Israel's Cemetery and coordinating with synagogue professionals to serve congregants with sensitivity.
Child Education
The Child Education Committee oversees and supervises the Herman and Libbie Michaelson Early Childhood Center. Members include representatives to the Mifgash Boards.
Jennifer Wind and Gary Ginsburg, Committee Co-Chairs
Dance Committee
Coordinates and supports dance programming and performances for youth and adult participants.
Endowment & Investment Committee
Consults regularly with Temple Israel's professional financial advisors and oversees investment policy as regards all synagogue investments.
David Ginsburg, Committee Chair
Finance Committee
Reviews and plans the budget with oversight of all financial matters of the congregation.
Paul Boyle, Commitee Chair
Givah Commission
Supports Temple Israel's summer day camp, Camp Givah.
Gary Ginsburg, Committee Chair
Greening Committee
Identifies areas to improve Temple Israel's environmental sustainability efforts by pursuing issues such as:
-Identifying the synagogue's carbon footprint and ways to reduce it through energy conservation and/or the use of alternate forms or energy.
-Analyzing the institution's waste streams with the goal of reducing environmental impact.
-Facilitating discussions regarding the congregation's role in sustainability efforts, climate concerns, and species protection.
Karen Davda, Committee Chair
Hadar Gift and Book Shop
Hadar, Temple Israel’s Judaic Art and Gift Center, is the premiere Judaica store in New York’s Capital District.
Karen B. Shulman, Committee Chair
Health and Wellness Committee
Addresses the well-being of the community by reporting, responding, and making recommendations to mitigate health hazards including communicable diseases and environmental risks. Supports and collaborates with other committees to promote healthy programming efforts.
Karen Davda, Committee Chair
House & Grounds
Oversees building usage and improvements and maintenance of synagogue property.
Member Committee
Welcomes new members to the congregation, assists with community integration and contacts congregants throughout the year.
Linda Ginsburg, Committee Chair
Men's Club
The Men's Club mission is to serve the greater synagogue community. Programming includes breakfasts with noted local speakers, support of synagogue holiday celebrations, and cultural events promoting general fellowship.
Programming Committee
Plans and coordinates in-house events and participation in regional arts and activities.
Religious Affairs
Provides support to clergy and considers policy regarding Temple Israel religious services and standards.
Mark Kovach, Committee Chair
Responds to needs of the community on the local and global level in keeping with the tenets of Tikkun Olam, healing the world.
Manya Monson and
Karen Shulman
Committee Co-Chairs
Spreading Sunshine
Distributes holiday packages to Seniors, homebound individuals, assisted living members or any one ill .
Elaine Freedman , Committee Chair