About

Get Involved

Do you have any free time?

 

Would you like to join a growing number of members who are developing SWESRS for the future?

 

Would you like to get more involved with our activities or know more about what is happening in SWESRS?

 

If you have answered yes to any of the above, please read on!

 

 

Whether you are young or mature, have lots of free time or just a little, SWESRS needs VOLUNTEERS, the heart of our community.

From Finance to Fund Raising, Publicity to Catering, the synagogue has a wide variety of groups and committees, who all need and would welcome new volunteer members.

So why not join us? You will meet new people and make new friends and have fun in the process, as well as contributing to the continual health and development of our SWESRS community.

If you think you might like to get involved, or would like more information, please call Deborah in the synagogue office on 0208 599 0936 or email volunteers@swesrs.org.uk .

Here are some of the areas of Synagogue life where you can get involved:-

 

Adult learning
This group plans and co-ordinates a range of adult learning events throughout the year.  New members are always welcome.

Alonim
The Alonim Editorial Group produces a regular newsletter which goes to all SWESRS members and to other synagogues within the Reform Movement. The group is particularly looking for new members with publisher or design software experience, who enjoy writing articles, or who are able to source and look after advertising.

Building Maintenance Group
This group is responsible for the maintenance and orderly working of synagogue buildings, grounds and heating systems. Anyone with appropriate experience, please get in touch.

Care Network
The Care Network deals with the care of those with special needs in the community, hospital, home visits, etc. Anyone wishing to contribute to the work is always welcome.

Catering Group
This group was set up to raise funds for the shul, by providing Extended Kiddushim for members looking to mark a special occasion like a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or a significant anniversary. The group also prepare Extended Kiddushim for Family Services and would be delighted to welcome new members.

Chagim Working Group
Our Senior Warden is looking to revive this group which plans for Jewish festivals, co-ordinating services, catering and service specific needs. The group will meet as often as required, to plan for festivals and other significant days in the Jewish calendar.

Choir
The Choir meets Tuesday evenings and sings every Shabbat morning and at festival services. The choir would like to hear from anyone who is interested in joining the group.

Communications Group
This group works to ensure that we keep in touch with each other, for example through our FaceBook groups.  It is keen to develop other areas of social media and welcomes anyone with relevant skills to join.

Council
The Council of  SWESRS is the governing body that is responsible for the day-to-day management of the synagogue.  Its members are elected annually at the AGM.  Its members include a Chair and Vice-Chair, Hon. Secretary and Assistant Hon, Secretary, Hon. Treasurer and Assistant Hon. Treasurer, and Senior Warden, as well as additional members who work together at monthly meetings to ensure the health, smooth running and development of SWESRS.

Education and Youth Sub-Committee
This Sub-Committee of Council co-ordinates the Education services provided to children and young people within the SWESRS community.

Finance Sub-Committee
The aim of this sub-Committee of Council is to initiate, carry out and co-ordinate with other groups, a wide variety of ideas and events to reduce costs, boost income and provide the maximum value for money services, to SWESRS members; as well as preparing regular management accounts and financial updates for the community. New members wanted!

Fund Raising
We are trying to develop an active fund raising group to raise ongoing funds for the synagogue. If you have new ideas and time to commit for this important work, please contact us.

Hosting@Home
Monthly Friday night Shabbat services with chavurah suppers are held in the homes of our members.  If you would like to offer your home, to attend a service, or just find out more, please get in touch,

Israel
We are keen to set up an Israel group and are looking for those with the enthusiasm to help develop this group.

Listening Project
This new initiative aims to listen to hold a series of facilitated meetings, in the synagogue and in the homes of our members, to learn what matters to members of SWESRS.  If you would like to join and helf develop this exciting work please get in touch.

Membership Group
The Membership group together with other groups promotes membership of SWESRS and welcomes new members to the synagogue, helping them feel at home. It holds an annual new members tea and other regular Shabbat morning events. The group is looking for new members to help with this vital work.

Property Sub-Committee
This sub-committee of Council aims to make the most of the SWESRS estate, for example by looking at rental potential and building development.  If you have the relevant skills to join this group, please do get in touch.

Publicity Group
The Publicity Group promotes the synagogue by getting articles published in the Jewish and local press on recent events held at SWESRS. The group also write and submit articles to Alonim. New members are needed to help promote and publicise forthcoming events.

Religious Services Sub-Committee
This Sub-Committee of Council is responsible for the development, organisation and running of all of our services.  The Senior Warden organises the rota for Wardens and Shamashim at every religious service. This work ensures the smooth running of services, allowing the congregation to fully enjoy and participate in the spiritual atmosphere of our services.

Security Group
The Security Group organises and co-ordinates the security of SWESRS services and events. It provides a visual presence to deter would be anti-Semitic activists. This vital work ensures the safety of us all and new members are always needed.  Please do get in touch.

Social Action Group
This group is involved with developing interfaith work, with hosting school visits for Holocaust Memorial Day, and with collecting groceries and other goods for people in need.  New members are very welcome,

Social and Community Group
This is one of our most active groups, creating and organising an exciting range of social and cultural events throughout the year, catering for different tastes, interests and ages. To find out more and to get involved please get in touch.

Strategic Planning Sub-Committee
This Sub-Committee of Council is responsible for developing our strategic vision and actions for the future.  If this is something that interests you, please get in touch.

SWESRS Heritage Group
This group curates documents and artefacts from the two constituent origins of SWESRS: South West Essex Reform Synagogue and St George’s Settlement Synagogue.