Caring Community

Congregation Shaare Emeth’s

Chesed/Caring Committee

Caring for Our Community

Are You In Need of a Helping Hand?

We’re here for you. Here are a few of the things our team of 200+ Chesed volunteers can help with. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Ask for a Shiva Sitter: House Sitting

Do you need someone to stay at your home during the funeral for safety or to receive deliveries? We will sit at your house until you return from the funeral. Please note that we are unable to set up the meal, just receive the food and other deliveries. We will leave when you return home from the funeral.

Staff Contact:
Stacy Jespersen

Ask for After Shiva Food Pick-Up

Do you need someone to come to your home to pick up the extra food from shiva and deliver to Room at the Inn? We will work with you on a time to pick up wrapped food that you no longer need.

Staff Contact:
Stacy Jespersen

Ask for a Ride

Do you need a ride for a medical appointment? Do you need a ride for services at Temple or a program? A minimum of 3 days’ notice is preferred to find a volunteer. In special circumstances, volunteers can provide rides on a short-term basis.

Staff Contact:
Debbie Bram

Ask for a Meal

Are you or your family in need of a meal to ease the burden of an illness or situation? Meals may be home-cooked, store-bought, or from a restaurant. Dietary restrictions will be honored.

Staff Contact:
Debbie Bram

Ask for a Call or Visit

Are you feeling isolated or alone? Are you having difficulty getting to Temple or would like a visit from one of our volunteers? Would you like a call from one of our volunteers?

Staff Contact:
Stacy Jespersen

Be a Chesed Volunteer

Extend a helping hand by volunteering in partnership with our clergy and staff to support our members.

We are committed to being a welcoming and caring community for our members both in times of joy and need. Caring and loving kindness are so important that the Torah begins and ends with these acts. Our Congregation has a variety of committees that directly address mental health, mourning, sickness, and loneliness, as well as times of joy. Sign Up For Our Caring Committee

In Times of Loss


Shiva Committee

Volunteers provide comfort to the family experiencing a loss through phone calls, a visit, and a booklet of prayers and poems.

Volunteer Chair: 
Linda Sandmel

Shiva Sitters:
House Sitting

Volunteers will stay at the home during the funeral for safety purposes and to receive deliveries. This allows relatives or friends to attend the funeral.

Volunteer Chairs:
Sue Koritz & Nancy Taxman

After Shiva
Food Pick-Up

Volunteers will pick up shiva food from members’ homes and deliver it to a shelter. Shelter information will be given to volunteers.

Volunteer Chairs:
Sue Koritz & Nancy Taxman

In Times of Need

Get Well Cards

Volunteers will send cards to congregants who are hospitalized or are recuperating at home.

Volunteer Chairs: 
Linda Levin
Sheri Seigel

Caring Rides

Volunteers will provide transportation for our members to medical appointments, services, and programs.

Volunteer Chairs:
Carole Goldstein & Barbara Furman
Contact Debbie Bram

Delightful Dinners

Bring healing and care with a meal to a member or member’s family in need of this temporary support.

Volunteer Chairs:
Cindy Heymann
Marcene Menendez

In Times of Joy

Card Writing

Send cards to our members for significant birthdays and anniversaries.

Volunteer Chairs:
Barbara Victor & Marsha Rothman
Contact Stacy Jespersen

Gifts for Newborn Babies

Deliver gifts from Congregation Shaare Emeth to families with newborn or newly adopted babies.

Volunteer Chair: 
Cheri Winchell

Holiday Bags

Fill and deliver holiday bags for our homebound and senior living facility members.

Volunteer Chair:
Barb Kramer

Schmooze With Seniors

Congregants will arrange a few special visits to senior living facilities to visit with our seniors while enjoying a special snack.

Volunteer Chairs:
Lisa Gubernik
Bonnie Myers

Strengthening Our Bonds

Caring Calls and Visits

Volunteers will make calls to our members who are feeling isolated or just want someone to talk to/someone to just visit.

Volunteer Chairs:
Jenn Sagett
Darcy Glidewell

Ready to Get Involved? Join Our Caring Committee

Winter Weather: January 14, 2024

Religious School Canceled

Due to the predicted weather forecast for Sunday, January 14, all Sunday Religious School programming has been canceled. We appreciate your understanding and support. The temple offices and our religious school will reopen on Tuesday, after the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.