When people hear the phrase “religious affairs,” it’s not uncommon for their minds to drift to the likes of Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker — televangelists whose dramatic, mascara-streaked moments and scandals once dominated headlines. But rest assured, those are not the kinds of religious affairs we deal with at our synagogue.
Our Religious Affairs Committee is grounded not in spectacle, but in substance. We serve as a thoughtful sounding board and collaborative partner to our clergy, helping navigate the ritual questions that shape the spiritual life of our community. Whether it’s decisions about service structure, inclusion, evolving traditions, or sacred practice, we offer support with humility and care.
But our work doesn’t end in the abstract. We’re deeply involved in the logistics and heart of synagogue life. The committee supports weekly Shabbat services, holiday observances, and related programming that brings our traditions to life. From the melodies that fill the sanctuary to the placement of ritual objects, our work is about creating meaningful, accessible, and engaging experiences for all. For Shavuot, which begins this Sunday evening (June 1), you are invited to join us for an engaging program of learning focused on music in our tradition as we fulfill the customary practice of study on the first night of the holiday (Tikkun Leil Shavuot).
We are actively seeking new Religious Affairs Committee members — especially doers: people who want to roll up their sleeves, help set up, clean up, show up, and bring their ideas and energy into this sacred work. You don’t need to be a ritual expert — just someone who cares about Jewish life, community, and showing up with intention.
If you’re looking for a way to contribute to the spiritual heart of our congregation, the Religious Affairs Committee may be the place for you. We invite you to join us in this holy task — no televangelism required.
Susan Gordan and David Gutstein, Religious Affairs Committee Co-chairs
