Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time but they do have the heart.
Elizabeth Andrew
Volunteering is, in essence, holy work, and Etz Chayim is excited to partner with you to in find meaningful volunteer opportunities.
There’s something for everyone at Etz Chayim because we are serious about celebrating the diversity of our members’ backgrounds and interests. Whether you’re looking for something spiritual, educational or social, we encourage you to get involved. We have a job for everyone. Please contact Etz Chayim to see how your time, talent and energy can help us.
There are a number of auxiliary groups as well as Committees for members to join, from Special Events to Bikkur Cholim, House & Maintenance to Education, and everything in between: some of which are listed below. If you can’t see a Committee or Interest Group that addresses your needs or interests, please let us know and we’ll help create that Committee or Interest Group or help you find your niche be it on a regular or sporadic basis.
Where will you choose to volunteer?
ביקור חולים, Bikkur Cholim, Visiting the Sick
Etz Chayim has a long tradition of being a caring, warm and supportive community and one of the ways in which we meaningfully express this is through our Bikkur Cholim group. Members of this group provide comfort and support to those who are ill and the elderly by visiting them in hospital or at home. Please contact Beatrice Coleman via the Etz Chayim office if you would like to perform this mitzvah.
Etz Chayim Community Choir
Etz Chayim has a tradition of amateur choirs going back several years. The choir sings at services on the High Holy Days and selected special occasions. The choir is, as much as any other ‘group’ or activity in the Etz Chayim community, a meeting place for those who enjoy the friendships and social interactions enabled by making music together. The Etz Chayim Community Choir welcomes anyone of any age who loves music and enjoys singing. Please contact our Musical Director, Carolyn Patkin Watters, via the Etz Chayim office if you would like to join this choir.
Education
The Education Committee is responsible for planning and implementing all of Etz Chayim’s educational policies and programs. Please contact Rabbi Allison via the Etz Chayim office if you would like to join this committee.
Finance
The Finance Committee reviews the financial needs of the congregation and oversees and recommends investments. The Committee reports to the Board on a regular basis about the synagogue’s income and expenses.
Fundraising & Special Events
This Committee oversees and develops creative fundraising projects to supplement Etz Chayim’s income.
House & Maintenance
This Committee oversees the upkeep and renewal of our facilities at Centre Road.
L’Chayim Catering
This group of enthusiastic volunteers cater for all of Etz Chayim’s social functions and life cycle events.
Membership
The Membership Committee is tasked to increase Etz Chayim’s membership and to ensure that all new members are not only warmly welcomed but that they have a positive ongoing experience in our community by keeping in touch with them and encouraging their involvement in different aspects of our communal life.
The Cuppa Club
The Cuppa Club, supported by the City of Glen Eira, provides our senior members with a monthly educational and social opportunity over morning tea with an invited speaker.
Editorial & Publications
The Editorial and Publications Committee is not only responsible for producing our brochures, publications and magazine, but also actively seeks general publicity opportunities.
Ritual Committee
The Ritual Committee works closely with tour Rabbi and the Board to recommend innovations and changes to our services and ritual practices.
The Shalom Group
This group comprises congregants ranging in age from teenagers to seniors. It is tasked to welcome regulars and guests to our services and to assist them by providing any literature, books or information they might need. This group offers its members a wonderful opportunity to serve the community and, at the same time, make new friends.
