In Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, “belongingness” is one of the major factors that motivate human behavior. According to his important theory, belonging to a group, contributing and being accepted/supported by a group is a basic human need. Only physical nourishment and safety are more basic than belongingness.
One of the most important things we can do to foster Jewish identity – in ourselves and in our youth – is to encourage a sense of belonging; belonging to Jewish history, belonging to Jewish destiny, belonging to the Jewish State of Israel, belonging to the Jewish People. At Young Israel of Hollywood–Ft Lauderdale we want every one of you to feel that you belong here.
To accomplish this, we offer a variety of ways to participate, attend, and contribute to the fabric of our Shul and the vibrancy of our community. Our mission is simple: to promote and live lives of Torah (Study), Avodah (Prayer) and Gemilut Chasadim (Acts of Kindness).
We accomplish this through our many programmatic offerings: religious, educational, social, and recreational for adults and children of all ages. The goal of this synagogue guide is to be both an advertisement and an invitation. It promotes and clearly describes each of the programs that our Shul offers, over 100 in total, with contact information for how to learn more or get involved. This guide also serves as a personal invitation to each of you: find a program or event that is meaningful to you and then participate, attend or contribute to its success.
Our synagogue has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade. Today we are a diverse multi-generational Modern Orthodox synagogue community comprising over 600 member units and over 800 children. Our community is like a Torah scroll. There are over 300,000 letters in a Torah. If even one letter is missing or not fully present, then the Torah is invalid. As a synagogue community, we achieve our ultimate success when each member finds how s/he belongs in our community.
It is my hope that our community continues to grow to even greater heights, individually and collectively.
– Rabbi Yosef Weinstock
Contact melissa@yih.org to volunteer for any initiative or to discuss a new idea!
Adult Education – Coordinate Scholar-in-Residence, speaking engagements and Empty Nester Lunch & Learn
Adult/Family Programming – Brainstorm programs for the shul. Fundraisers as well as Fun Raisers. Plan events for Yom Ha’Atzmaut/Yom HaZikaron, Yom Yerushalyim, Tu B’Shevat, Lag B’Omer, Yom HaShoah. coordinate with other shul branches and other local organizations to avoid date conflicts.
Bikur Cholim – Visiting the sick, distributing items needed i.e.: wheel chair loan, send meals when needed.
Brotherhood – Develop and run social programs including monthly Rosh Chodesh Tish, Big Sh’Bang: Simchat Beit HaShoeva, Simchat Torah (Herring) Kiddush and Superbowl party
Decorum – Manage ushers & decorum in the sanctuary on High Holidays and Shabbat.
Development Committee – Develop and strategize the annual fund plan, identify key prospects, make giving accessible- share your ideas, put your special touch on solicitation communications.
Expansion/Capital Campaign – Develop and implement capital campaign
Journal – Responsible for all aspects of annual journal including distribution of ad blanks, coordinate printing, follow up with solicitors and proofreading.
Journal Dinner – Responsible for all aspects of annual dinner including invitations, replies, catering selection, entertainment, gifts, hall set-up.
Kol Nidre Appeal – Join a team of solicitors for our biggest fundraiser of the year- help divide member lists and call to invite members to participate in the mitzvah of supporting the shul before Yom Kippur- training is provided to help guide you and assist you if you should need any help!
Life & Legacy – Coordinate bequests from members to include YIH in their estate planning.
Marketing / P.R. – Coordinate marketing and P.R. efforts on behalf of the shul, including taking event photos, web, print, social media, and media relations.
Raffle – Responsible for selling of annual raffle tickets, finding prizes, creating a raffle drawing event.
Ritual – Gabbaim who are responsible for all services. Distribution of honors, coordination of Torah reading and all aspects of running services on daily basis.
Safety & Security – Volunteer Advisory Committee to the Board of Directors and the Administration. Assist law enforcement and hire professional security officers responsible for campus security.
Shiva Minyan/Shiva House – Serve as liaison between family members and synagogue leadership. Help prepare home where shiva will take place. Coordinate the minyan and meals as needed. Chanukah bazaar
Sisterhood – Develop and run social and educational programs, and other fundraisers for the women in the shul including: stuffing Rosh Hashanah cards; delivering Rosh Hashanah mystery gift; Challah bake prep; and Mishloach manot packing
Social Action/Chesed – Develop and run social and educational programs, Bat Mitzvah program and other fundraisers for the women in the shul.
Welcoming/Membership – Reach out to new members, coordinate New Member gifts, meal hospitality and new member annual event.
Membership Book – Solicit ads for annual membership book and assist with confirming contact information of YIH members
Women’s Engagement – Helping coordinate and promote Women’s Yom Iyun, Women’s Kumsitz, and Shavuot Women’s Kiddush
Yizkor Book – Publish annual Yizkor Book. Coordinate book entries, advertising and printing.
Youth/Teen – Work with youth staff in establishing programs.
