Committees at NVHC
Want to get involved? Click on any of the Committees listed below for more information; the person to contact is listed and would be happy to hear from you! Click here for a downloadable list of all of our committees and groups.
Unsure where to start? Click here to fill out a simple form that will tell us more about you and someone will reach out to you with more information.
Engagement and Community
Brotherhood
An organization of men dedicated to serving the needs of our congregation, supporting our temple youth, and supporting the Jewish community. Sponsors monthly Sunday Family Breakfasts, supports periodic Mitzvah Days, acts as ushers during the High Holy Days, and sponsors the annual Purim Carnival.
Contact: Bob Fenster, brotherhood@nvhcreston.org
Chavurot
Small friendship groups who get together for social, educational, and religious activities; an opportunity to be part of a smaller group within the larger NVHC community. New chavurot forming all the time.
Contact: Open position, meanwhile contact Meryl Paskow, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Chevra Kadisha
Helps families in mourning arrange funerals, Shiva Minyans, and follow-up.
Contact: Open position; meanwhile contact Lisa Folb, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
College Outreach
Prepares and sends packages to college students to celebrate the Jewish holidays, and to continue their connections with the NVHC community.
Contact: Judy Naiman, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Engagement Committee
Sponsors programs and coordinates initiatives to help all congregants, new and old, deepen connections within the NVHC community.
Contact: Jim Kranzberg, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Green Team
Identifies and implements specific solutions to reduce NVHC’s carbon footprint, promote sustainability initiatives and solutions throughout the different aspects of congregational life and educate members of all ages on what they can do at NVHC, their homes, and businesses to enhance sustainability.
Contact: Ken Gubin, Chair, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Inclusion Initiative
Works to ensure that all members are welcome to meaningfully participate in all spiritual, educational, celebratory, and life events at NVHC.
Contact: Open position; meanwhile contact Rabbi Holzman, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
NVHC Cares (Caring Committee)
Helps celebrate joyful beginnings when a congregant has a new baby and offers solace and support through difficult times such as illness, surgery or a death in the family by providing cards, meals, challah and supportive calls.
Contact: Lisa Folb, Chair, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
NVHC Change (Social Action Committee)
Supports NVHC’s commitment to make our community and the world a better place (tikkun olam) by enabling and enhancing NVHC participation in social justice, service, advocacy and learning.
Contact: Ellen Ranard, Chair, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Silver Line
The Silver Line provides activities for congregants aged 55+. Monthly dinners and activities are planned.
Contact: Marsha Sheinman, Chair, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Sisterhood
Sisterhood supports and furthers the highest ideals of Judaism and the goals of NVHC by promoting camaraderie, esprit de corps, spirituality and participation in tikkun olam – repairing the world – within our Congregation and the greater community.
Contact: Ellen Ranard and Lisa Folb, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
VOICE Core Team
VOICE (Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement) is a non-partisan organization committed to bringing people together across religious, racial, ethnic, economic, and political party affiliations to build a stronger Northern Virginia. It includes nearly 50 congregations; NVHC is a member and active in its leadership. Our VOICE Core Team serves as our representatives as they actively support VOICE’s mission.
Contact: Open Position: meanwhile contact Ellen Ranard, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information)
Worship & Music
Choir Committees
Adult Choir – Kol Shirah: Sings at High Holy Days and other times during the year at services and in concert. (Cantor Susan Caro, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information)
Shammas Corps
Arranges ritual items in the sanctuary for Erev Shabbat services.
Contact: Ken Laskey, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Worship Committee
Works with the clergy on matters related to worship services. Sponsors clergy-led classes that explore Jewish prayer and worship.
Contact: Susan Trivers, Chair, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Governance
Governance Committee
Reviews, evaluates, and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees on procedures and policies regarding governance of NVHC.
Contact: Ellen Ranard, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Pulpit Committee
Serves as liaison between the clergy and the congregation.
Contact: Stu Williger, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Education
Distinguished Speaker Series
Arranges for scholars, journalists, and public figures to speak at NVHC’s Speaker Series Program.
Contact: Eric Forman, Chair, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Lifelong Learning (Adult Education)
NVHC offers classes and discussion groups on a wide variety of topics, Torah Study, and Hebrew and Judaica classes for adults.
Contact:Rabbi Michael Holzman, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Youth Engagement and Education Committee
Supports all youth programs for any child 0-18 and the adults that come with them. This includes early childhood programming, Kehillat Limmud, and Tamid. Recommends religious school policies.
Contact: ShowClick Here to View Contact Information, Chair
Administration
Art Committee
Acquires and displays the artwork that beautifies NVHC.
Contact: Nancy Kruger, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
The Boutique at NVHC
Offers an array of Judaica, including ritual objects, jewelry, mezzuzot, B’nai Mitzvah gifts, items for Chanukah and Passover. Operated by Sisterhood volunteers during Sunday school hours or by appointment.
Contact: Open position. Contact Ellen Ranard or Lisa Folb, boutique@nvhcreston.org
Building and Grounds
Identifies required maintenance and repairs of the synagogue building and grounds, and assists the Executive Director in soliciting and supervising the service providers that conduct maintenance and capital improvements.
Contact: Open position; meanwhile contact Joe Miller, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Communications
Defines and develops communication strategies through newsletters, publicity, our web site, and social media.
Contact: Emily Hummel, Communications Coordinator, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Endowment Administration Committee (EAC)
Determines how and when to use endowment funds.
Contact: Open position. For more information contact Andy Cohen.
Endowment Investment Committee
Manages investment of endowment funds.
Contact: Sy Sherman
Finance
Submits yearly operating budget to the Board of Trustees, reviews monthly financial performance, and prepares long-range financial planning for the congregation.
Contact: Judith Naiman, Chair, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Library
Offers a comprehensive collection of books and audio-visual materials on Jewish themes. Separate children’s and adult sections. Open when the building is open (during weekday mornings, ask for admission in the front office).
Contact: Ted Smith, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Pandemic Response
Provides guidance and recommendations to the Board, Clergy, and staff on policies, procedures, and implementation plans related to the use of NVHC facilities during the COVID19 pandemic.
Contact: Jay Silverberg, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Pulpit
Serves as liaison between the clergy and the congregation.
Contact: Stu Williger, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Racial Justice Team
Engage with NVHC members and the broader community to promote social justice.
Contact: Laura Tessner and Andy Lacher
Rebuilding Democracy Project
Seeks to engage NVHC members and others to rebuild democracy by creating a space for open and honest conversation, inviting engaging and relevant speakers, and inspiring action.
Contact: Rabbi Michael G. Holzman, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Safety and Security
Ensures that NVHC has sensible and sustainable physical security and emergency preparedness policies, and procedures.
Contact: Ken Laskey, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Strategic Development
Assures NVHC’s long-term financial sustainability and growth by providing leadership and governance for successful development activities.
Contact: Sam Schwall, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
Technology
Proposes policy, sets priorities, and develops plans for the management and evolution of the congregation’s technology infrastructure.
Contact: Bruce Johnson and Stu Williger, ShowClick Here to View Contact Information
