Committees

Committees are a great way to get involved with the CMI community. Meet like minded people while contributing your time and skills to the congregation.

Art

The group evaluates the art needs of the synagogue, recommends and oversees the acquisition of new pieces, and reviews proposed gifts of art in order to determine appropriateness and placement.

Building & Grounds

The Building & Grounds committee oversees renovations and upkeep of the physical structure and maintenance of the building (including the cemetery chapel) and grounds, and makes recommendations about maintenance and improvement of both. They are charged with building security.

Cemetery

The Cemetery committee recommends and oversees the implementation of policies regarding the cemetery. In conjunction with the Building and Grounds Committee, it oversees the maintenance of the cemetery grounds and chapel.

Development

This group coordinates fundraising in support of both immediate and long-term congregational needs.

Membership

The Membership committee, in collaboration with the professional staff, develops strategies that welcome, engage, and support new and existing members in synagogue life, throughout the life cycle. The committee also reviews membership trends and needs.

Nursery School 

Parents and members work with Early Childhood Director to enhance MINS programming through teacher appreciation, MINS fund-raising, and eliciting organizational feedback.

Religious Education

In collaboration with the Director of Education, these groups plan programs and activities for religious school families such as class dinners, open houses, and special programming. The committee often works in conjunction with other committees such as Adult Ed. or Social Action to encourage families to be partners in the learning process.

Ritual 

This committee works with the Rabbi and Cantor to plan dynamic worship experiences and holiday celebrations.

Youth & Family

Parents and members work with professional staff to create opportunities that build relationships and community connections among CMI youth and families.

Working with the Educator and advisors, these adults support the efforts of and provide guidance to our youth groups.

Join us!

If you’re interested in getting involved with any of these committees, please feel free contact us.

Additional volunteer opportunities

Abraham’s Tent

Coordinate CMI member volunteers to stay overnight during one week every winter when we host guests from the New Haven overflow shelter. If you wish to learn more, contact us.

Baking Group

Engage members in making homemade baked goods for special services, congregational programs and other activities.

Brotherhood of Men & Women Auxiliary

Members plan activities that provide support to the CMI community through fellowship, Tzedakah, and performing good deeds.

Chevra Hands

Knit and sew shawls & blankets for babies, the elderly, and those who are ill. For more information, please contact us.

Clothes Closet

Members donate gently worn clothing to support Emanuel Baptist Church’s Clothes Closet in New Haven, where clothing is distributed free.

CONECT

Support congregational engagement in statewide interfaith social justice organizing campaigns. If you want to know more, contact us.

Music (CMI Chorale & Guest Musicians)

Engage with members in making services more special by lending their voice to the chorale, or serving as guest musician with Cantor Giglio.

Jewish Community Alliance for Refugee Resettlement (JCARR)

Provide collaborative support with refugee families arriving to New Haven community through IRIS.

Life is Delicious

Participate in cooking, cleaning up, and often serving meals for a shelter serving people who are homeless.

Peah Garden

Shared efforts to tend a plot, weed, harvest and drive shared vegetables to the soup kitchen.

Shabbat & holiday welcome team

Serve as greeters during Shabbat, High Holy Days, and other holiday or special services.

Social Justice Network

Links members to social justice information and action steps Plans/implements topical social justice education opportunities

Volunteer Team

CMI members serve in teams as volunteers to provide assistance to members, plan onegs, support CMI events, etc.