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