Or Chadash is a vibrant, egalitarian Reform congregation offering members a meaningful Jewish life. Become part of our fast growing Jewish community where you may develop spiritually and intellectually; enrich your Jewish identity; share holidays and joyous occasions; count on its support in times of need; and make lifelong friends.
All are welcomed with warmth and respect; Jews, interfaith families, and people of all ages, race, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
While varied in background, the congregation is united in its dedication to providing a place that meets your needs and those of the Jewish community in Tucson.
Congregation Or Chadash has many committees for you to get involved in. If you’d like more information about one of the committees below, or you’d like to get involved, contact the office and we’ll connect you with the chairperson.
Adult Education Committee
We provide both introductory and advanced learning opportunities to provide adults in our community with sacred learning which can empower individuals with the tools to make their own Jewish decisions and delve deeply into Jewish spirituality and values. Our teachers are passionate about Jewish learning and are excited to learn with you in the coming year. More
Arts & Acquisitions Committee
The Arts & Acquisitions Committee evaluates all artistic donations made by our congregants and decides if it can be part of Or Chadash. In the past, we have evaluated all the existing art work, arranged for professional evaluations to be made on certain pieces of art work, hung all the presidents’ pictures on the wall to the Board Room, purchased new chairs for the Community Room, and worked with Lynn Rae Lowe on the design for the Rabbi’s Circle plaque.
Budget & Finance Committee
This is a bylaws-mandated committee to oversee all the financial obligations of Or Chadash. The finance committee oversees adherence to the current fiscal year budget and assists with the formulation of following fiscal year. The finance committee also assists with the long term strategic financial planning of the congregation as well. The congregation treasurer chairs the finance committee and selects its members.
Caring Chavurah
We are Mitzvah Workers. Sometimes we are visible helping hands and hearts, sometimes behind the scenes. Although always helping others, we are impacting our own spiritual sensitivity and growth.
We provide moral support, food, and transportation for those experiencing life cycle transitions. We visit hospitals and nursing homes. We also provide and help to coordinate and serve the meal of condolence. In instances where long-term care is required, we connect with Interfaith Community Services (ICS) to provide services beyond our membership capabilities or expertise. We offer retreats and awareness opportunities to the congregation. More
Cemetery Committee
The committee is in charge of selling burial plots in the Or Chadash section of Evergreen Cemetery. Membership is open to any congregant of Or Chadash. No regular meetings. The committee meets as needed.
Governance Committee
Newly formed in 2018, the Governance Committee will bring together the right people to create best policies and to evaluate the work of the Board of Directors to insure the Board is living up to its potential and gain confidence and respect of the Or Chadash community. We will utilize best practices in board governance. More
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee’s mission is to make sure that Congregation Or Chadash remains a warm and welcoming community where all can experience God. Our goals include:
- Understanding the spiritual and communal needs of the broader Tucson Jewish community
- Recruiting new members
- Integrating new members
- Retaining current members
Religious School Education Committee
The Religious School Education Committee is made up of parent volunteers. We are an Accredited Religious School through ARJE (Association of Reform Jewish Educators), a division of the Union for Reform Judaism. We are always looking for ways to involve our families and welcome additional committee members. The committee meets a few times throughout the school year.
Ritual Committee
The Ritual Committee is a Bylaws-required committee of congregants who help Clergy regarding elements of worship.
The committee reviews changes in ritual and worship-related issues raised by Clergy, and is also writing and reviewing a new congregational prayer book. Meetings are held monthly.
Social Justice & Action Committee
Congregation Or Chadash’s Social Justice and Action Committee pursues the Jewish tenets of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Gemilut Chasidim (acts of loving kindness). There are two basic facets to what we do. First is to partner with existing organizations to help the needy in our community and second is to inform our congregants of important issues that can influence life in Arizona. Membership on the committee is open to all members of the congregation. Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 1:30 p.m. More
Special Events Committee
The Special Events Committee, formerly known as the Fundraising Committee, plans and produces activities contributing to the major fundraising for Or Chadash. The committee invents, plans, and executes two to four major annual activities for the members and guests of Or Chadash. Often non-members are invited to participate as well. The committee develops the venue, hires contractors (e.g. caterer), produces marketing and advertising, administrates the event, and handles the finance. Meetings are held two or three times a month during the event planning cycle.