Clubs, Committees, and Volunteer Opportunities at Temple Shalom

Co-Chair Howie Sholkin
Co-Chair Ellen Nussbaum

At Temple Shalom, we believe vibrant Jewish communal life is grounded in learning, spirituality and worship, and a commitment to social justice. Therefore, we exist to inspire our congregants to engage, find meaning, develop deep human connections, and gain fulfillment in the practice of Reform Judaism.

The Temple Shalom Belonging and Connection Committee (congregants and Board members) exists to help our temple community establish these connections!  We want congregants to feel a sense of belonging within a community that knows them personally, building deep and enduring friendships.

We work closely with Temple staff, Board, and other committees to:
Welcome new members to our community.
Help members discover programs and activities that are meaningful to them.
Facilitate the formation of deep, meaningful connections with the synagogue, and fellow congregants.
Support staff and volunteers in planning, delivering and reflecting on the many events and activities at Temple Shalom.

We look forward to building a stronger, more connected community with you!

Co- Chair Sharon Sholkin
Co-Chair Rhoda Ben-Gai

At Temple Shalom, kehillah  (community) is a core value. Our Caring Community encourages and nurtures a compassionate community where we support each other during difficult times and celebrate joyous occasions together. Our volunteers welcome newborns, reach out to the ill, provide rides, connect with isolated members, and comfort the bereaved.

Chair Susan Lunin

Are you someone who enjoys gardening and wants to learn more about horticulture and gardening? Do you want to be able to make a special centerpiece for your holiday table? Join the Garden Club!

We are a group with a mission of promoting the knowledge and skills of floral design, horticulture and gardening while serving our community and supporting Temple Shalom in their floral and gardening requests.

Chair Will Korn

The mission of the Israel Engagement Committee is to build and strengthen connections between the Temple Shalom’s community and the state of Israel. Our core principle is the recognition that the existence of the state of Israel is essential to the safety and prosperity of world Jewry. To this end, we believe that Israeli Jews and American Jews must redouble their efforts to understand, respect, and support one another. We will endeavor to help our congregants derive personal meaning from an ongoing relationship with Israel, and to feel kinship with our brothers and sisters in Israel. 

Co-Chair Lillian Sober Ain
Co-Chair Michael Zimmer

More info coming soon!

Chair Allan Cole

Ushers ensure that everyone is seated comfortably and safely, answering questions and providing directions when needed. They are also responsible for maintaining order, helping with crowd control, and addressing any issues that arise. Ushers play a crucial role in creating a positive experience for attendees by being courteous, attentive, and proactive in their duties.  No previous experience required! Young adults (post BMitzvah) welcome.  Standing and seated roles available.

Chair Elizabeth Connolly

Reproductive Justice Initiative

Co-chair Wendy Case
Co-chair Susan Goodman

The Tzedek Team is for all congregants interested in various types of Social Justice projects. Tzedek Team members have been involved in ongoing projects such as the Freedge and Family Table collection to fight hunger, household collection efforts to help rehoused people, advocacy efforts such as the Reproductive Justice Initiative, and resettlement assistance for new immigrants. A monthly Tzedek newsletter highlights opportunities in the area and ways you can get involved. The Tzedek Team can help you get going in YOUR favorite initiative! Contact Elizabeth Connolly (econnolly@srsmedical.com) for more information. Contact Mitchell Benedetti (mbenedetti@templeshalom.org) to be added to the Tzedek Mailing list.

Reproductive Justice Initiative

The Temple Shalom Reproductive Justice Initiative (RJI) supports the right to choose when and if to have a child and to raise a child in a safe environment.  The RJI has three component parts: education, advocacy and direct service.  We present several educational programs a year; partner with the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action to alert congregants of opportunities to speak out in support of reproductive justice issues especially to their legislators; and  organize direct service projects to benefit the patients of HealthQ Reproductive Health in Lawrence. 

For more information, contact Becca Yudkoff

Welcome to our vibrant community for families with children from infancy to age 5! We provide a wide range of social and developmental programs for parents, children, and caregivers, including our monthly open classrooms (Little Explorers), Tot Shabbat, community celebrations, meet-ups, and more! All of our events are open to the community (members & non-members), and we look forward to collaborating with you to explore new and exciting ways to bring our community closer together!

For more information, contact Fred Cohen

Come spend Shabbat morning with Temple Shalom's Minyan and Torah Study group! 

For more information, contact Renee Brant

An hour of Shabbat-inspired stillness and reflection led by members of our community.  Shabbat Mind includes guided imagery, meditation, discussion, and sharing.  Appropriate for all experience and comfort levels.

For more information, contact Becca Yudkoff

It takes a village to raise a child! We find deep wisdom in this saying and hope to help all NS families find or create this village at the Nursery School and Temple Shalom. Our mission is to build connections between families, organize whole school and class meetups, play dates, parents-only meetings and other gatherings; and fundraising efforts to support our teachers, families, and community.