The following is a brief description of the committees that have been established by the Kol Ami: the Northern Virginia Reconstructionist Community.

Each committee is under the leadership of one to three community members. As more people become involved and express an interest and/or expertise in establishing and chairing additional committees, we will do so.

If you would like either to join a committee or develop a new committee (or if you would like more information about a committee) please e-mail admin [at] kolaminvrc.org, and your request/comments will be forwarded to the appropriate individual. Or feel free to write directly to our President, Vice-President, or Children's Program Chair.

Finance/Budget/Facilities Committee

The Finance/Budget/Facilities committee is responsible for setting Kol Ami's dues structure, collecting dues, and paying Kol Ami's bills. The committee will provide financial status reports as requested. This committee will also be responsible for assuring and contracting space at the Arlington Universalist Unitarian Church or other facilities used.

Adult Jewish Education Committee

This committee plans and implements Jewish education programs for adults, focusing on Jewish religious and cultural topics.

Ritual Committee

The Ritual Committee (also known as the Ritualites) establishes policy with regard to religious services and other activities (ie Passover Seder). This includes: food and kashrut issues, format for services, adherence to holiday customs and ceremonies, and answers to questions about established ritual issues. Members of this committee might have skills and/or interest in leading lay-led services. This committee also interfaces with NVRC's rabbinic support.

Community Building Committee

The Community Building Committee is responsible for both internal and external communications as well as outreach to both new and existing members. Specific tasks of the committee will include: maintaining a database of members and prospects; Editing and distributing the periodic newsletter; communications, electronically and by mail; Maintaining the Kol Ami web site; Preparing and distributing press releases on NVRC activities; Placing announcements about Kol Ami events in community calendars; working with graphic designer to develop advertising and placing advertising.

Children & Family Program & Services

The Children & Family Program & Services is responsible for addressing the needs of our community's children, including child care and childhood education.

Tikkun Olam Committee

The Tikkun Olam Committee will seek out and organize opportunities for volunteer action. Here are some thoughts on tikkun olam from past chairperson Mattie Condray:

The Reconstructionist philosophy emphasizes our obligation as Jews to work for social justice and tikkun olam, repair of the world. Implicitly rejecting any distinction between "religious life" and "real life," this mitzvah obliges us to help alleviate hunger, homelessness, disease, ignorance, abuse, and political oppression among all people. In addition, we have a responsibility to preserve the health of the global ecosystem upon which all life depends. Ultimately, the true measure of our commitment to advance righteousness and justice in the world is revealed through our actions more than in our words or prayers.

Kol Ami Officers
July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012

Kol Ami Steering Committee & Committee Chairs
July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012