Committees
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Adult Education
Arlene Pressman: pharmacistmate@yahoo.com
Richard Kamins: rkamins@mac.com
This committee is a group of Adath Israel volunteers that strive bring a varied group of guests, authors, and others to talk about many different of topics of interest which include: Jewish topics and issues, business, retirement strategy’s and book reviews just to name a few. They meet 3-4 times a year usually on a Sunday morning. Refreshments are served. All are welcome to attend any or all of the programs.
Bichor Cholim
Chevra Kadisha
Contributions Review
Contribution Review is a simple process based on Jewish justice, sensitivity and respect, to address requests for individual rate adjustments. The Committee, consisting of synagogue past-presidents, works to confidentially address the needs of individual congregants or families who are facing unique, one-time, or ongoing financial hardship.
Education
EDUCATION COMMITTEE: The Education Committee meets monthly to discuss planning and oversight issues as well as what is happening in the Religious School. This committee consists primarily of parents of children attending the school, but any member is welcome. Please email if you have any questions: Melissa Olczak, Chair at melissaolczak@gmail.com
Endowment
The Endowment Fund Committee consists of members appointed by the President of the Board. The Fund consists of all monies not within the operating budget or otherwise restricted. The Fund is divided between the general endowment fund and the endowment fund of the Chevra Kadisha. Both Funds are supervised by the financial firm Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC. The committee meets quarterly but is mandated to meet at least annually.
Facilities Maintenance
FACILITIES MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE: The duties of the Facilities Maintenance Committee are to take care of the day-to-day maintenance of the synagogue property. Andy Bauer, Chair, is creating a volunteer crew to help with things that do not require professional expertise, e.g., minor repairs, gardening, changing light bulbs, etc. Ideally, volunteers should be in the synagogue frequently, and somewhat familiar with maintenance concerns. Please call Andy Bauer at 860-342-1379 or email him at andytbauer@gmail.com
Finance
Robert Goldstein: hug3kids@aol.com
Jonathan Shapiro
Responsible for maintaining the Synagogue budget, membership billing, overseeing accounts payable and payroll. Also is the chair the Finance and Endowment Committees.
In addition, member of the Executive Board, Board of Directors and sits on the Contribution Review Committee.
Long-Range Planning
Sandra Beckman: shbeckman@hotmail.com
Eliot Meadow: esmeadow@ix.netcom.com
Membership / Welcoming
Carly Hoss
Michelle Grossman
Memorials & Gifts
Stanley Sadinsky: gram5353@aol.com
MEMORIALS AND GIFTS: The synagogue is pleased to accept donations in honor of, in memory of, and in celebration of special people. There are several funds to which contributions can be made, and gifts in any amount are gratefully appreciated. You can also celebrate a special person or occasion with a plaque on the Living (Simcha) Menorah in the main hallway. Marge and Stan Sadinsky are the Co-Chairs of the Memorial & Gifts Committee. You can reach them both at (860) 347-4178 or by sending an email to gram5353@aol.com
Museum Sponsor
MUSEUM: The Congregation Adath Israel Museum was founded in 1961 on the 50th wedding anniversary of Harry and Rose Shapiro by their family and friends. Over the years, the Museum has acquired over 240 items of interest and antiquity. Its purpose is to exhibit diverse items for religious and personal use from all over the world and to show the various cultures in which Jews have lived. Funds are raised through monetary gifts in honor or in memory of special people or occasions. Stephen Shapiro is the Sponsor of the Museum. For more information, call Stephen at (860) 347 6494 or send him an email to spshappie103@sbcglobal.net
Ritual
Richard Kamin: rkamins@mac.com
Leah Adler
The Ritual Committee, with the advice and approval of the Rabbi, formulates and implements rules and regulations for Adath Israel’s religious services consistent with Jewish Law and the precedents and principles of Conservative Judaism. In addition, the Ritual Committee continuously evaluates and enhances the quality of religious services, community religious programs and guidance for the Religious School.
Scholarships
Seating / Ushers
Social Activities & Programs
The Social Activities Committee is a group of volunteers that organize and plan a variety of activities for all at Adath Israel to be able to socialize, learn something new or just have fun with others. In the past there has been paint nights, trivia nights, pop up markets, art auctions, comedy nights, just to name a few. These events are planned for several times a year and all are welcome to attend. If you have any ideas for activites you might be interested is seeing here, please contact one of the chairs of the committee.
Social Action (Tikkun Olam)
Joanna Schnurman
TIKKUN OLAM/ SOCIAL ACTION: The Tikkun Olam/Social Action Committee is charged with helping to educate and activate the Congregation concerning pressing problems and issues of our times. We are dedicated to repairing the world and pursuing justice through direct action, education, and by sharing opportunities to get involved. Please contact Susan Engelhardt at susanengel@aol.com or Joanna Schnurman at office@adathisraelct.org or 860-346-4709 for more information and to get involved.
Youth / USY / Kadima
YOUTH ACTIVITIES: Kadima and USY are Adath Israel’s youth groups and are affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Kadima is for children in grades 5—8, and USY is for high school age students. Both groups or¬ganize events, locally and with other CT chapters and attend national meetings. Mem-bership in the youth groups is a wonderful way for youth to connect with other Jewish kids and to reinforce their ties to our synagogue.
Interest Groups
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Book Club
Holly Simon 860-395-8989, hfpsimon@gmail.com
The Adath Israel Book Club was revitalized in September 2015 due to a group of members with a strong desire to read books of Jewish interest and share thoughts and ideas. Books selected have ranged from history to fiction, from memoirs to historical fiction.
The Book Club also has had authors read from their books and be present for book signings; and has coordinated book and film events with the Center for Jewish Studies at Wesleyan University.
The Adath Israel Book Club meets at The Nester Center at 7 pm, approximately every six weeks on a Tuesday. Participants are encouraged to attend the meeting to hear the lively discussion even if they do not read the book. New members are always welcomed.
Jewish War Veterans
Members participate in veteran and community events.
Maurice Rose was born in 1899 in Middletown. He served in World War I and was killed in action on May 30,1945 in Germany at the close to World War II.
For information please contact Norman Hanenbaum 860-345-2181 or Morty Pear 860-347-5213
Mah Jongg
This is a recreational group of women who gather in the Nester Center on Tuesdays to enjoy a game of Mah Jongg, socialize and enjoy each others company. Mah Jongg is a tile based game that originated in China. It is commonly played by four players. The game and its regional variants are widely played throughout Eastern and South Eastern Asia and have a small following in Western countries. Similar to the Western card game rummy, Mah Jongg is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation. There is a group that meets from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm and one that meets from 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm. All are welcome, including any men, who would like to play or learn. For information, plea contact Eileen Daling at 860-346-0667.