Committees & Volunteering

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לֹא עָלֶיךָ הַמְּלָאכָה לִגְמֹר, וְלֹא אַתָּה בֶן חוֹרִין לִבָּטֵל מִמֶּנָּה
It is not your job to complete the task, but neither are you free to desist from it.
-- Pirkei Avot 2:21

Like many communities, we rely on volunteers to help make Ohev such a vibrant shul. We are fortunate to have volunteers to assist in many key areas -- but more are always needed. Please consider getting involved by joining (or taking a leadership role) in one of our synagogue committees. Whether you have several hours a week or even a few hours a month, there is an opportunity for you to volunteer and help make a difference in our community. Click on the committee name below to email the point of contact for more information or to volunteer. Thank you!

Community Support

Welcome/New Members
The Welcome Committee is looking for volunteers to host (meals or overnight hospitality) and welcome new members in the synagogue.
Chesed - Karen Hauptmann
The Chesed committee is looking for volunteers to help coordinate meals and other needs for families that recently gave birth, or who have health or other issues.
Shiva - Lea Mendelsohn
The Shiva Committee is looking for volunteers to help those who experience loss of a loved one. In conjunction with our clergy, they work to help coordinate meals, prayer services, and overall support.
Cemetery - Josh Kirstein
Ohev operates Congress Place Cemetery in Washington, DC. Volunteers are needed to help oversee the cemetery.
Bikur Cholim/Supporting Seniors - Juana Lutzky
The Bikur Cholim committee is responsible for organizing efforts by members to help and support each other, primarily in times of need. We are available to help people who need assistance at times of sickness or other challenges and we provide a variety of services including food, visits, and assisting in transportation. Our goal is to link members when a need becomes apparent, doing deeds of loving kindness within out own community, and fostering a spirit of mutual concern. If people are ill, in grief, or simply need a visit or other help, please let the committee lend a hand.
Chevra Kadisha - Leadership position available
Ohev is looking to develop our own Chevra Kadisha to help prepare those deceased for burial.

Programming

Youth Programming
Volunteers are needed to assist with Shabbat morning youth programming and other youth activities.
Women's Tefillah - Rachel Milner Gillers & Aliza Levine
Ohev has an active women's tefilah group, which generally meets monthly. Volunteers are needed to assist with leading tefilah and promoting the Women's Tefilah.
Seudah Shlishit
Every Shabbat afternoon, the Ohev community joins together for Seudah Shilshit. Volunteers are needed to help with setup and clean-up. Please come to shul 45 minutes before Mincha on Shabbat afternoon to volunteer.
Kiddush - Harris Cohen
Volunteers are needed to help with kiddush set-up and cleanup each week.
Young Professionals' Programming
Ohev Young Professionals (OYP) caters to young professionals in their 20s and 30s living in the DC community. Volunteers are needed to assist with programming and activities.
Tefilah / Layning / Gabba'im - Ariel Wolf
Volunteers are needed to lead the congregation during tefilah or to read the Torah / Haftorah.

Facilities & Operations

Library - Micah Salb
Our Library Committee is looking for volunteers to assist with organizing, labeling, and maintaining our library collection.
Finance - Asher Epstein
Volunteers with financial or audit experience are needed to assist with the the shul’s overall financial management.
Security / Greeters Committee - Andrew Apostolou
Volunteers for the Welcome Committee are needed to help ensure the security of our shul, which includes greeting regulars and guests on Shabbat and assisting with monitoring the entrances of the shul.
Facilities/Building - Harris Cohen & Ari Kahan
The Facilities & Building Committee are looking for volunteers to assist with facility improvements and building improvement plans.
Eruv - James Karesh & Harris Cohen
Volunteers are needed to help check the joint Shepherd Park/Woodside Eruv weekly.

Fundraising

Annual Gala Celebration
Our annual gala is the key celebration in our community to celebrate and fundraise. Volunteers are needed to help with fundraising, setup, cleanup, and more.
Mishloach Manot Purim Fundraiser - Rachel Engelhart
General Fundraising
Fundraising helps ensure we can meet our budget and financial commitments. Volunteers with marketing skills are needed to help expand and cultivate fundraising opportunities.