Synagogue Groups & Committees

Youth Programs Committee

The Congregation Emanu-El Youth Programs Committee offers programs for youth in two different age groupings. United Synagogue Youth (USY) is our High School age program, for kids in grades 9 to 12. Kadima is our Middle School age program for kids in grades 6, 7, and 8. Both programs are affiliated with the United Synagogue regional and international Youth programs. Our programming includes local, regional, and international events that promote positive Jewish identity, support leadership growth, and foster life long friendships and connections with other Jewish youth.

Each program has at least one local event per month from October to June. Membership and participation in our USY or Kadima chapters is open to all Jewish Youth living on Vancouver Island.

Religious Services Committee

The Religious Services Committee (RSC) is a vital part of the heart and soul of spiritual and religious life at Congregation Emanu-El. The women and men who volunteer on this committee are committed to maintaining and enhancing spiritual and religious practice at the shul - be this Shabbat services, putting on a Kabbalat Shabbat, or preparing for upcoming chagim (holidays). Some of our work is more high profile, such as planning the services for the High Holidays, organizing the Chanuka Lighting at the Legislature, or helping with the annual Pesach communal Seder.

Much more, however, is quietly done behind the scenes, e.g. arranging the weekly line-up of lay leaders and Torah readers for Shabbat services. The yearly cycle of holiday services takes time to organize, too, and we work under the supervision of Rabbi Harry in this regard. Halachic (ritual practice) questions and the logistical pieces of running a full-service shul are examined with the Rabbi at our monthly RSC meetings. We benefit from the insight and experience of our 10 volunteers, and are fortunate to build on the foundation and hard work of the past RSC (including former members of RSC).

Cemetery Committee

If you are interested in learning about the Cemetery Committee, please read our brochure with important information (pdf file).