Temple Adath Or: Community Leadership & Ways to Serve

At TAO, leadership is more than a title — it’s a sacred partnership. We believe every member has something valuable to offer – wisdom, presence, time, creativity, and financial support. Our leadership model reflects our mission to build a sustainable, welcoming, and spiritually vibrant community.

Our Three-Tiered Leadership Framework

Advisory Board

Comprised of our Shivtei Israel patrons and major supporters, the Advisory Board meets twice per year to help guide TAO’s vision, sustainability, and long-term growth. These trusted partners offer insight on major initiatives, support our financial stewardship, and serve as spiritual stewards of our mission.

Leadership Council

This group of active, dedicated volunteers meets monthly (or near-monthly) to plan, execute, and elevate our core programming, holiday observances, and outreach efforts. Council members are hands-on leaders who show up, inspire others, and help bring TAO’s vision to life on the ground.

Committees

TAO Committees are small, agile groups focused on specific areas of synagogue life. Each one is supported by a Council member and clergy/staff liaison. Committee work may be seasonal or project-based, depending on need.

Current committees include:

  • Fundraising & Development
  • Membership & Welcoming
  • Chesed (Care & Compassion)
  • Events & Programming
  • Community Engagement & Outreach

1. Fundraising Committee

The Fundraising Committee designs and implements strategies to sustain and grow Temple Adath Or’s financial resources. TAO receives donations from annual giving, capital, and major gift campaigns, grant opportunities, and legacy giving programs. This committee is creative, bold, and compassionate, understanding that financial health is spiritual work, ensuring that our sacred community life continues to flourish. For 2025-2026, the Fundraising Committee will focus on our 40th Anniversary Spring Gala, which includes our 40th Anniversary Heirloom Book. Primary months are AUG – MAR.

2. Membership Committee

The Membership Committee welcomes new members, strengthens existing relationships, and fosters a sense of belonging across all demographics. This committee coordinates outreach efforts, tracks member engagement, and ensures that prospective members receive timely, personal communication. This work builds more than numbers. We build meaningful connection. Primary months are JUL – DEC.

3. Chesed Committee

The Chesed Committee offers compassionate support to members during times of illness, grief, and transition, as well as moments of joy like births or milestone celebrations. Committee members coordinate meals, hospital visits, and more, all in a spirit of lovingkindness. This work embodies the soul of TAO’s caring heart.

4. Events Committee

TAO’s events are festive, and primarily involve a Jewish celebration. But we also have events that are cultural, social, or memorial in nature. The Events Committee helps to create joyful, inclusive, meaningful, memorable programming that enhances the rhythm of Jewish life and strengthens community bonds. From Shabbat dinners and holiday celebrations to cultural nights and intergenerational gatherings, this committee handles décor, set up, clean up, and hospitality. Your creativity brings warmth and vibrancy to the annual calendar. This is a year-round commitment.

5. Community Engagement Committee

The Community Engagement Committee helps Temple Adath Or live out our sacred responsibility to the world beyond our walls. Rooted in Jewish values, this team seeks opportunities for partnership, learning, and acts of service that reflect our tradition’s call to kindness, justice, and human dignity. Whether through local volunteerism, interfaith connection, or initiatives that strengthen society’s moral fabric, this work ensures that our spiritual life reaches outward with purpose and care. This involves special projects throughout the year.

Ready to Get Involved?

Whether you want to help plan an event, offer a ride to a member in need, or serve on a committee, we welcome you. TAO thrives because of people like you.

Please contact Rebekah directly at rebekah@taocenter.net to let us know how you’d like to serve.

A Word from Our Leadership

Every member of TAO is a leader in spirit. Our new model is not about hierarchy. It’s about honoring every person’s role.

Let your light shine with us. There is a place for you here.