Here are just a few of the many volunteer opportunities we have here at Temple Israel. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our offices at 248-661-5700 or send us an email.

Adult Choir - Kol HaKahal

Temple Israel’s adult volunteer choir “Kol HaKahal” means “voice of the congregation” and it is exactly that. It is a coming together of people of different ages and levels of experience who join their voices for special services and events in the life of our temple. These include the increasingly popular and cutting edge Shabbat worship experience called Shir HaShabbat which brings together music and media in a way that is unique to Temple Israel. Other exciting moments for this choir include Shabbat Shira or Sabbath of Song which brings together all of the choirs for a once a year extraordinary Shabbat service. Also, Kol HaKahal will partner with other choirs from both within the community and outside for interfaith services and special concerts.
Complements Holiday and Shabbat Services and performs at various programs outside of Temple. There are weekly rehearsals leading up to the performances. Any adult who loves to sing is invited to join! Contact Brandi Houghton in the Temple office 248-661-5700 for information.

Bikkur Holim Team
Bikkur Holim means visiting the sick, and our bikkur holim team extends that translation to include those who are homebound and in senior care facilities. We are creating our own bikkur holim team—a group of lay leaders who volunteer to lead Shabbat services at nursing homes and senior facilities. We will additionally pair you up with long term residents for regular visits. If this is something that interests you, either as a volunteer or if you have someone that you want us to visit, let us know. Please contact Linda Newman at linda@temple-israel.org.

Book Fair
Over the years our Book Fair sales have increased tremendously, which requires us to rely on an increasing number of volunteers to help staff the Book Fair. In the past, over 100 volunteers staffed the Book Fair - we hope that we can count on you. For more information contact lauren@temple-israel.org.

Choir – Junior (for children)
Similar to the adult choir, but for children age eight and up. Rehearsal schedule and programs are planned in advance from Sept.-June. Performs regularly at Saturday morning services and various programs outside of Temple.

Garden of Mitzvot
Friendly volunteers with a love and passion for gardening are needed for planting, weeding, harvesting, and delivering donations. For more information contact Michelle Lichtman at michelle@temple-israel.org.

Housing The Homeless
A program offered through the Social Action Network, this group of volunteers help feed and house 30 homeless people – men, women and children – at Temple Israel for one week a year. For more information contact Michelle Lichtman at michelle@temple-israel.org.

Kever Avot
Each year the Family Life Center performs "the mitzvah of a lifetime" by assisting seniors who would otherwise not be able to visit the gravesites of their loved ones. To be a part of this special day, contact the Robert Sosnick Family Life Center at 248-661-5700.

Labor Day Picnic
Annual picnic on Labor Day, open to the entire community. 11:30 to 3:00pm at Temple Israel. Volunteers are needed to help at the various stations throughout the day. Serve lemonade, popcorn, ice cream, paint faces or grill hot dogs, just a few of the opportunities. Placement on first come, first served basis. Partially funded by Morris & Esther Bittker Fund. For more information contact Michelle Lichtman at michelle@temple-israel.org.

Motor City Mitzvah Day
Volunteers will help revitalize a Detroit neighborhood. For more information contact Michelle Lichtman at michelle@temple-israel.org.

Nursing Home Birthday Celebrations
Monthly birthday parties are held at local area nursing homes. For more information contact the Robert Sosnick Family Life Center at 248-661-5700.

Oakland County Sheriff's Derby Day
Volunteers help mentally & physically challenged enjoy a day on Cass Lake. For more information contact the Robert Sosnick Family Life Center at rsflc@temple-israel.org.

Relay for Life
Volunteers will help us man our tent and/or take turns walking the track at this American Cancer Society annual event. For more information contact Michelle Lichtman at michelle@temple-israel.org.

Senior Shabbat Luncheon
Volunteers will help set up and serve lunch for seniors in our community. For more information contact Michelle Lichtman at michelle@temple-israel.org.

Shabbat B'Yachad
Volunteers deliver Shabbat meals to new parents. For more information contact Michelle Lichtman at michelle@temple-israel.org.

Shabbat Solos
Never be alone again on a Friday night! Join others who love to attend Friday night services and enjoy being part of a group. Whether attending services by yourself or for the first time, contact Nancy Meininger at 248-770-5007 or email Nancy Meininger.

Shalom Squad
Greets members at the door prior to Friday night services. You can volunteer monthly or just a few times a year.

Shelter Parties
Volunteers help create a party for those in shelters and assisted living homes. For more information contact The Robert Sosnick Family Life Center at rsflc@temple-israel.org.

Schulze Elementary
Temple Israel partners with Schulze Elementary School as part of our literacy program. Dedicated volunteers give their time during the school day to help struggling readers in grades K-3. Originally constructed in 1925, Schulze was torn down and reopened in 2002 as a state-of-the-art learning facility in the Detroit Public Schools. For more information contact Michelle Lichtman at michelle@temple-israel.org.

Summer Shabbat Picnics
Volunteers help with check-in and serve dinner during Summer Shabbat Picnics, which are held 3-4 times during the summer, prior to our outdoor Friday night services. For more information contact Michelle Lichtman at michelle@temple-israel.org.

Tutoring Program
Do you have at least an hour a week to help teach students to read? This is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! Contact the Robert Sosnick Family Life Center at 248-661-5700.

United Against Terrorism Task Force
Created to help combat anti-Semitism, anti-Israel and anti-Western sentiment not only locally, but nationally and globally. It is our hope that we can create an avenue, through education and advocacy, for Temple Israel members and members of the greater metro-Detroit community to stand united with us, welcoming anyone concerned with these issues Christian, Muslim, any religion or race, to join us in the fight against this unimaginable plot. Contact Tracie Fienman for more information.

Usher Corp
Greet members and hand out prayer books and program at entrance to Sanctuary, Korman Hall or the Chapel prior to services.

Yad Ezra Delivery
Volunteers will meet at the Yad Ezra offices to help deliver food to the homebound. For more information contact Michelle Lichtman at michelle@temple-israel.org.