Get Involved at Temple Hillel B’nai Torah
Temple Hillel B’nai Torah is a vibrant community guided by our core values of Avodah (Worship), Tikkun Olam (Social Action), Havurah (Community), and Torah (Learning). Much of our work is carried out through dedicated committees—and their success depends on your involvement.
Joining a committee is a wonderful way to contribute to HBT’s mission, build relationships, and deepen your connection to our community.
Below you’ll find a brief overview of each committee’s focus. We warmly welcome your participation in any area that sparks your interest.
To learn more or to get involved, please contact
Benita Block, Director of Administration & Communication
📧 bblock@templehbt.org | ☎️ (617) 323-0486
HBT Committees: a Great Way to Serve and Lead!
The Temple Hillel B’nai Torah’s committees play a huge role in helping us achieve our missions of Avodah,Tikkun Olam, Havurah, and Torah. Joining is a great way to contribute and get to know fellow HBT members. The time commitments for most committees are flexible. Even small contributions help.
Here is a list of current committees. If you are interested in joining or learning more, please contact the temple office. bblock@templehbt.org
Avodah Committee – Addresses policy for religious practice at the Temple. Contacts: Susannah Sirkin; smsirkin@gmail.com & Henry Barber; henry.barber@comcast.net
Banner Committee – Examines banners, signs and flags, both inside and outside of the building and keeps up with the banner policy.
Bitachon (Security Taskforce) Committee – Balances the need to protect our community while continuing our need to be welcoming Contacts: Aaron Schleifer; aaronschleifer18@gmail.com
Chavurah Committee – Sets up a series of small meetings with congregants and Rabbi Aliza to introduce her to the congregation and to promote our sense of community. Explores community building ideas for consideration by Temple leadership for implementation. Contacts: Rich Moche, rhmoche@gmail.com
Chessed Committee – Organizes and provides support in times of joy and sorrow. Contacts: Jan Snitzer, jansnitzer22@gmail.com
Finance Committee –Serves as an advisory board to the Treasurer in developing the budget and managing the Temple's finances. Contact: Sheeri Cabral;me@sheeri.com & Steve Leferrierre;slaferr@gmail.com
Fundraising Committee – Plans and implements projects to raise money for the Temple's general fund. Contact:Rahel Gruenberg; rahel.s.gruenberg@gmail.com
Green Space Committee – Explores the section on the North end of the parking lot to create green space for use of the Chaverim School and the congregation, ensure that the outside gardens are well maintained. Contact: Hillary Engler; hpengler@templehbt.org
Israel/Palestine Planning Committee – Seeks to engage HBT members with varying outlooks on the current crisis through forums for learning and conversation that deepen understanding of the trauma and future prospects of Israeli Jews and Palestinians. Contacts: Sherry Flashman; sflashman@gmail.com Keren Sammett; k.sammett@comcast.com
Lifelong Learning Committee – Plans and holds educational programs for adults on Jewish culture,religion, social justice issues, and more. Contact: Shelley Stevens; shelleystevens34@gmail.com
Membership Committee – Develops and implements strategies for attracting and welcoming new members. Contact: Rachel Nenner Payton; hbtrachelnp@gmail.com
Operations Committee – Ensures that the facilities are well maintained and energy-efficient. Contact: Aaron Schleifer; aaronschleifer18@gmail.com
School Committee – Oversees the operations and budget of the Temple's Chaverim (Hebrew) School. Contacts: Hillary Engler; HPEngler@TempleHBT.org
Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) – Plans activities and educational events regarding social awareness, social justice, and social responsibility. Contact: Sherry Flashman; sflashman@gmail.com
Ad hoc Committees – Ad hoc committees are formed throughout the year to address both one-time and continuing events. Examples include Friday night dinners, HBT Retreat and Sanctuary Campaign. If you are interested in being on an Ad hoc Committee, please contact the temple office. Bblock@templeHBT.org