The Board of Trustees and the standing committees of the Congregation run the programs and activities of the temple and chart the course for our future, providing vision and advocacy. Our board and committees provide temple members many opportunities for community service and leadership development.  

Board of Trustrees Description

The Board is charged with the responsibility of overseeing all aspects of the congregation and ensuring the organization’s long-term wellbeing in accordance with the powers vested in it by the Articles of Incorporation, the congregation’s By-laws and the laws of the State of California. It consists of six elected officers, the immediate past president and 9 trustees. Officers are elected to one-year terms and trustees are elected to three-year terms, with three trustees elected each year to full terms. The Board holds regularly scheduled meetings once per month and special meetings as required. Members in good standing may attend any regular Board meeting and any special meeting that is not identified as an “executive session.”

Chair: John Hagan

This committee administers the synagogue building and other property of the Congregation. This includes making repairs and improvements to the property or building and also preparing the building for all worship services, meetings and educational, cultural and community events.

Chair:  Ernie Weir

The Executive Committee provides staff support to the Board, considering matters that may require Board attention. The committee has no decision-making responsibility and is charged with presenting assessments and recommendations to the Board. It consists of the six elected officers and the immediate past president. The committee has one regularly scheduled meeting each month, approximately half way between regularly scheduled Board meetings. It holds other meetings as necessary to assist in the smooth functioning of the Board and congregation. Any Board member may attend committee meetings and congregation members are invited, as appropriate, to present information that assists the committee in its fact-finding efforts.

Chair: Stan Press

The Finance Committee oversees all aspects of the financial affairs and health of the congregation on behalf of the Board and works closely with and provides advice and counsel to the Treasurer. Its principal role is to develop analyses and recommendations for consideration by the Board. The committee assists the Treasurer in closely monitoring the congregation’s financial health throughout the year including net cash flow, cash balances and comparisons with budgets and longer term financial plans. It also works closely with the Treasurer to ensure effective financial processes and controls are in place, as well as the development of the annual budget and other financial plans. Committee members include the Treasurer and up to five congregation members in good standing deemed to have the requisite skills and experience to competently discharge the committee’s responsibilities.

Chair: Ada Press

This committee offers a warm welcome to new as well as long-time members. It recruits and orients new members to the Congregation, encourages their participation and develops and implements programs to retain all members. The committee is responsible for member support services such as the Shofar bulletin, the Shofar annual membership directory, and caring services which provide appropriate and temporary support to members in need due to illness or loss.

Ongoing education is an essential part of Jewish life. Congregation Beth Sholom provides a range of educational opportunities for adults; new classes and educational programs are presented each year.

Co-Chairs: Lisa Cort and Peter Di Pasqua

With the assistance of the Rabbi, this committee coordinates all aspects of public worship for the Congregation, including the purchase and maintenance of all items used in the worship services.

Youth grades 7-12 meet twice a month to continue their Jewish education post B'nai Mitzvah and engage in fun and spiritual activities!

Chair:  Jill Klein

This committee administers and passes all needed rules and regulations in connection with the operation of the school and all youth programming, subject to Board approval. It takes all appropriate action (with Board consent) to ensure the Congregation's children are instructed in Jewish beliefs and rituals and that the youth programming engages our youth through their high school years.