Caring Community

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The Caring Community is our extended Temple Beth Shalom family. We support one another through the good times and help in times of sadness. Our efforts have lifted fallen spirits, fed the soul, and welcomed the next generation. Our goal is for everyone to participate in an act of lovingkindness through the Caring Committee at least once a year.

The Caring Community team works closely with the clergy and temple staff to understand the diverse and unique needs of each congregant during life’s challenges. From arranging Meal Trains for congregants experiencing illness or lifecycle transitions, to delivering welcome gifts to our newest babies and their siblings, we support the congregation as we navigate life’s journey.

Visit our Lifecycle: Death & Mourning webpage for information about how our Chevra Kavod Hamet team supports families after the loss of a loved one.

How you can help others:
Please contact us and we will do our best to match you to your volunteer interests. If you can help a few times a year, that will make a real difference to your fellow congregants.

If you need help for yourself or your family:
Please contact our clergy team (or give us a call at 512-735-8900) if you have an upcoming operation or procedure, need pastoral care, experience a death, are managing a diagnosis, or are otherwise in need of support.

Thanks for making this the kind of congregation to which we all want to belong!

Prayers for Healing

The Mi Shebeirach is the Jewish prayer for those who are ill or recovering from illness or injury. Temple Beth Shalom maintains a list of those who would like to be recognized during this prayer, which we offer as a community during Shabbat services.

To ensure privacy, we add names of Temple Beth Shalom members to the Mi Shebeirach list only at their request. If you wish to pray for someone’s healing as a caring third party, please say their name aloud at Shabbat services or urge them or a member of their household to include their name on our list by contacting our office.

Meal Train Volunteers Needed

Can you support fellow temple members in a time of need with a prepared meal? If you are not a cook, you might purchase a GrubHub or Door Dash certificate. We are expanding our list of volunteers who wish to be included on meal train emails. If you are interested, please contact us and put "Meal Train" in the subject line.

Support Those Who are Mourning

Hineni: Here I Am. On so many levels, a powerful phrase. It’s a response to a call. It grabs your attention. It makes you stand tall. Listen attentively. Be present.

Now is the time to answer the call and help Temple Beth Shalom’s Caring Community demonstrate compassion and solidarity for those who are mourning the loss of a loved one.

The temple is in need of volunteers to support minyan services. A minyan service allows family and friends to gather for prayer, share stories, and support one another during this difficult time. As a volunteer, you would assist in a variety of tasks, such as setting up tables and chairs, providing food and refreshments, or simply being present to offer a listening ear.

When you provide support and assistance during this time, you help alleviate some of the burden on the mourners, who are often overwhelmed with grief and the practicalities of hosting family and friends and contribute to creating a sense of community and connection among those who are grieving. Most importantly, you fulfill the Jewish value of gemilut chasadim, acts of loving-kindness.

Please consider volunteering in this meaningful way and contact us.