The Finance Committee works collaboratively with the Treasurer, Administrative Director and relevant stakeholders on the development, formatting and vetting of a proposed annual budget for consideration by the full board. The committee reviews and analyzes the budget on a quarterly basis and makes recommendations, as appropriate, regarding any material variances between expected and actual expenditures and revenue. The Finance Committee is also responsible for reporting out, as requested, on the overall financial status of the JCA, including analysis of short and long term assets, liabilities and financial challenges for the future.

The Fundraising and Development Committee coordinates and supports all fundraising efforts, including events, annual giving, special appeals and the Guidebook. Our charter is to stimulate the inflow of funds, other than dues, to support the JCA's programs. We do this in a context of community-building and Jewish spirituality. Our mission is to integrate giving and volunteering into the fabric of the JCA experience to allow all to practice philanthropy at some level to the best of their ability.

The task of the High Holiday Committee is to organize the services to accommodate the hundreds of adults and children who attend. The members of the committee are in charge of planning, preparation, lay service participation, greeters, ushers, honors, parking, security, the oneg and break-fast, and recruiting volunteers to help make the High Holidays a harmonious and deeply meaningful community and religious experience.

The Judaica Store at the JCA offers items for ritual, education and fun from unique suppliers in Israel and Italy as well as commercial suppliers here. We have books by members of our community, tallitot, kippot, mezzuzot and scrolls, a large supply of candles for Shabbat, havdallah and remembrance, and a variety of ritual items for holidays. Purchase items whenever the office is open. Special items may be ordered.

The Membership Committee creates a welcoming atmosphere for new members and develops programs for the orientation, integration, engagement and retention of all members. It sponsors gatherings at which new and current members can meet informally. It produces informational material about the JCA, answers queries, and helps host new members in the community.

This sub-committee of JCA's Tikkun Olam/Social Justice Committee provides volunteers to prepare, serve, and clean up the noontime meal at Not Bread Alone, Amherst's soup kitchen, one Sunday each month and on Christmas Day. A group of regular monthly volunteers is identified each fall, and a list of substitute volunteers is maintained. All JCA members are invited to join us on Christmas Day.

The Rabbi Liaison Committee supports and enhances the rabbi-congregational relationship by serving as a channel to communicate comments, issues and/or complaints from congregants who would prefer not to contact the rabbi directly. The committee meets with the rabbi to help with processing and thinking through issues or concerns that are raised either by congregants or by the rabbi. All congregants are encouraged to speak to members of the committee about any concerns they may have that they would like to be brought to the rabbi’s attention. All information is shared only with the rabbi and the committee, and is held in strict confidence.

The Ritual Life Committee provides support to the rabbi in planning and conducting religious services. It considers and proposes policies related to Shabbat, holidays, kashrut and other religious matters, subject to the review and approval of the board, and performs other such duties as from time to time may be assigned to it by the president, co-presidents, or by the board of directors.

This committee brings recognized Jewish scholars, rabbis and artists to the JCA for a full weekend of intense community study, prayer and artistic activity every year.

Shomerim are watchers or guardians of the soul. Jewish tradition requires that the deceased (met) not be left alone prior to burial. Shomerim sit at the funeral home in close proximity to the deceased, reading psalms which comfort the soul (neshamah) of the departed. This mitzvah is considered an act of pure kindness because it is carried out without expecting anything in return.

The Tikkun Olam/ Social Justice committee studies and analyzes local, state, national and international issues and concerns in relation to principles of Judaism; sensitizes the community to the moral and ethical implications of these issues and concerns; and plans and organizes, in conjunction with the rabbi, meetings, events, discussions, films, volunteer activities and political actions. It speaks or encourages action only in consultation with the president or committee cluster coordinator.

This committee selects, hangs, and publicizes the art in the JCA Hall Gallery and presents four exhibits a year.

The committee provides a link between the JCA and the broader world Jewish community, with a focus on Israel. It brings to the attention of our members current issues of political, social and cultural interest to Jews by marking significant dates including the Holocaust Memorial Commemoration, Israel Independence Day and the annual Rabin Memorial Lecture. Our committee has also sponsored mission trips to Israel. We respond to current issues as they emerge over a broad social, cultural and political spectrum. In addition, the committee raises funds for Project Rehovot in the Ma'alot Meshulam Elementary School in Rehovot, Israel to help immigrants and the children of immigrants adjust to life in Israel. This project currently supports the salary of a part-time teacher who works with children having difficulties in the regular classroom. Funds are raised through fundraising campaigns; grants; and preparing food for bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, kiddush luncheons, and special events.