Affiliates

Men's Club

Men's Club is a vital part of the Temple Judea Congregation.   It is not just a place where once a month men can get together to have a Sunday morning brunch, socialize and possibly listen to a guest speaker.   Men's Club in addition to running a fund raiser, Supper Club, and the Annual Congregational Picnic, is committed to the general support of the Congregation, where needed.   New members are always welcome.   Check the calendar for our next meeting and drop in for some breakfast, coffee and conversation

The Temple Judea Women of Reform Judaism provides opportunities to learn and pray together, and to socialize. Our year includes Rosh Chodesh celebrations, monthly meetings, a women's Seder, and a Sisterhood Shabbat Service in the spring.   We are very involved in fundraising for Temple Judea as well as helping our community.   In the fall we have a Rummage Sale which, in addition to raising a great deal of money for the Temple, provides clothes and other items that are donated to families in need

This Temple Judea auxilliary is for 55+ members of our congregation and Jewish residents of the area.   Our monthly programs offer a variety of formats ranging from Jewish music, Jewish literature, plays, speakers, dinners, concerts, and panel discussions.   Trips are also part of the programming year in the summer, spring and fall.   We have a nominal membership fee that covers the cost of membership mailings and updated membership lists.   A League of Our Own currently has more than 100 members.   It allows newcomers in the area to meet other Jewish people and provides long-time residents with innovative programming.

Our Youth Groups offer opportunities for young people to make Jewish connections in a social environment at Temple Judea through fun, social, and creative activities.   Our teens participate in activities as varied as shul-ins (sleep-overs at the synagogue), attending sports events, leading services, and gathering with other youth groups.  Each of our three Youth Groups is run by a committee of dedicated volunteers who strive to create a relaxed social environment in which our youth can be encouraged to develop and maintain an active involvement in Judaism and congregational life.

Chaverim (Friends) for 3th & 4th Grade:  

This group is designed to provide our youngest members with opportunities to get together and socialize with each other.  By encouraging children at a young age to become involved in Jewish life, we believe they are more likely to develop a long-lasting connection to Judaism.  Members of Chaverim participate in a full social calendar of activities, primarily on Sunday afternoons.

Olim (People Rising Up) for 5th & 6th Grade:  

This group provides our slightly older members, who are rising up from Chaverim, with opportunity to build on their previous youth group experiences.  It offers a chance to spend more time with kids their own age and participate in interesting and exciting events. Members of Olim participate in an increased number of fun and fulfilling activities on Sunday afternoons, Wednesday night and, occasionally, on Saturday nights.

Jr. JUSTY for 7th & 8th Grade:

This vibrant group provides opportunities for our young teens to interact and connect with each other. Jr. JUSTY offers fun along with hands-on experiences that provide a bridge to the Senior Youth Group. 

JUSTY for grades 9-12:  

The purpose and goal of the Senior Youth Group is to provide a vehicle for young adult members in 9th through 12th grade to stay actively involved in events at Temple Judea.   The focus is social, educational and cultural, and the group acts as a continuation of the Junior Youth Group, at a senior level.  Programs and activities are developed by the members working together with the Youth Advisor. JUSTY is affiliated with NFTY-PAR (National Federation of Temple Youth - Pennsylvania Area Region).   Members may also participate in events sponsored by these national and regional organizations such as weekends at Camp Harlam and regional and national conventions. Monthly meetings and activities take place throughout the year.   Both provide opportunities to broaden horizons by making new friends while participating in new activities in varied environments.

Participation in our many active committees also offers a way to meet and socialize with other Temple members while performing valuable services for the congregation.

• Adult Education -- plans educational programs for adults who wish to pursue Jewish knowledge and to fulfill the mitzvah of Talmud Torah.
  
  
• Budget -- prepares the annual budget for approval by the board and the congregation at the annual meeting.
  
  
• Building and Grounds -- Traffic flow, plowing snow, repairing the roof, flood control, cleaning the carpet, getting the Succah, to name a few.   From inside to out, front to back, top to bottom, we keep the Synagogue working.   We include the regular individual and group volunteers, and the occasional helping hand, who all make a difference to benefit the whole congregation while performing a mitzvah in the process.
  
  
• Gift Shop -- Although small in space, the gift shop, under the auspices of Sisterhood, seeks to provide items to meet the everyday needs of the congregation as well as offering a selection of Judaica. &nsbp; The Gift Shop is open whenever the temple office is open or by appointment.
  
  
• Membership -- The Membership Committee loves to welcome new and prospective members and help our congregants get the most value from their synagogue membership.  
  
  
• Newsletter -- Temple Judea's Etz Chaim is our quarterly magazine.   It contains articles of interest to our members and others in the area. Advertising is available. Please contact our office for details.
  
  
• Nursery School -- The Nursery School Committee sets policy and establishes long-term goals for the school.   Congregants with experience or interest in Jewish Early Childhood Education are invited to join in this worthwhile and rewarding activity.
  
  
• Religious School Steering Committee -- The Religious School Steering Committee sets policy and supports the activities of the religious school through the Parents' Association.   Members plan and coordinate special projects to enhance the religious school curriculum.   The Parents' Asso\ciation also assists with running the annual Purim Carnival, organizes class parents to support classroom teachers and helps with class participation in Shabbat services.
  
  
• Ritual -- The Ritual Committee works closely with the Rabbi to create an environment for worship that meets the diversified and continually evolving and changing needs of our congregation.  Our responsibilities not only include the "nuts and bolts" mechanics of organizing the varied types of services (and a lot of thinking on your feet!), but meeting to discuss service formats, i.e. how outrageous can Purim be? (the answer? Pretty outrageous!), and how can our most solemn celebrations provide the many members of the congregation an opportunity to find a service that meets their particular needs.   From families with young children who need short and 'to the point', to congregants who seek opportunities for quiet contemplation, we sincerely try to address all aspects of the worship experience throughout the year.
  
  
• Ways & Means -- The Ways and Means committee sponsors the fundraising activities throughout the year that augment our budget and make many of our programs possible.
  
  
• Social Action -- Our Social Action committee is involved in traditional Jewish concerns relating to justice and freedom and with church/state issues.   We focus on helping those in need within our own community with activities such as food drives, Red Cross blood donations, participation in the county wide Mitzvah Day in the fall and the Martin Luther King Day of Service in January.   New members and new ideas are always welcome.
  
  
• Chesed (kindness) -- Whether it be a Mazel Tov, condolences or words of support and continued strength, or real help and support when it is needed: providng meals for a family in difficult times, rides when needed or other help that might be needed in stressful situations. the goal of Chesed is to give our Temple family a personal and genuine feeling of unity and concern.   One of the benefits of being part of a community is having that sense of belonging and a commitment toward others.