I’ve always stepped up to volunteer when an opportunity presents itself at BJ. In the beginning, about 40 years ago, I joined every committee that existed (many of which have long since disbanded). Later, I graduated into leadership roles. My goal has always been to help others feel connected to the BJ community.

Nowadays my primary involvements are being a gabbai during the Yamim Nora’im, volunteering as a greeter on Friday nights, and acting as co-chair of the Oneg committee with my sister from another mother, Paula Kramer Weiss.
I am proud to serve as a gabbai on the haggim (also with Paula). For those who are not familiar with the term “gabbai”, I describe it as a cross between choreographer and stage manager, though it is so much more. Seeing to it that during services everyone is where they need to be when they need to be there is a huge responsibility, but working with my team of 10 makes it really meaningful for each of us.

On Friday nights, I help make BJ a friendlier place by simply greeting people with “Shabbat Shalom” or “Good Shabbos” when they enter and answering any questions that they might have.

Of all the ways I volunteer, I feel that serving on the Oneg committee is the perfect way to help people feel connected when they come to BJ. The prep and clean-up team have all become friends. The guests have a good time and get to meet other members while enjoying the tasty morsels the committee has prepared. It’s a lovely monthly event where members and guests can linger after services and be in the Shabbat spirit before facing the outside world/weather.

Volunteering is a great way to meet people, make new friends, and feel good about yourself while making others feel good as well. I highly recommend finding a committee that speaks to you and making the commitment to be there once a week, once a month, or once a year. It may change your life, you never know.