Many Hands

We have five teams, each of which is based around a particular set of dates or tasks. Our three core teams help craft the ritual events foundational to our community: the Shabbat, Festivals and Tishrei teams work with their team coordinators and the OrH Ritual Coordinator to ensure the success of their respective services and uphold our ritual calendar. The Manhigut team is designed to honour the work put in by members who hold existing volunteer positions under other initiatives; and is therefore not open to those who do not already hold a chair or coordinator position. The Tech Team supports the remote delivery of our ritual services and ad hoc events.

You can find specifics on each team and the types of events they handle below. We have also included estimated dates for our ritual-related teams. Detailed how-to instructions and guidelines for events are available on the OrH Resource Hub. If you have questions, you can also reach out to our Ritual Coordinator, or your specific team coordinator; they would be happy to help you with any concerns!

Once you have become a member of Or Haneshamah, you can see who the fellow members on your team are by visiting our  Many Hands Team Roster. 

We ask that each member commit to giving 10 hours towards the events for which their team was responsible. If tasks run out, you are encouraged to check the Get Involved page to learn about how you might be able to help with other activities.

Interested? Check out more about:
The Shabbat Team
The Festivals Team
The Tishrey Team
The Manhigut Team
The Tech Team

Have questions? See our:
Many Hands FAQ

Celebrating the most joyous dates on the Jewish calendar. By observance as well as custom, the festivals and holidays bring delight to the senses. We pass along the heritage that interweaves thougtful reflection and unbridled joy with concern for the well-being of all.

The Festivals team is responsible for organizing and supporting our main festival events over the course of the year (other than Tishrey), including Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hannukah, Tu Bishvat, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot.

Nature of the events and tasks:
- great team to join if you’re a young family
- team is divided into smaller groups, one for each event
- each event has its own unique requirements for planning and set-up, including hosting and facilitation
- team members needed for creative planning and preparation in partnership with the rabbi.

Festival dates for 2021-22/5782 (Dates may be subject to change):

Check out who's on the Festivals Team!

With OrH launching virtual services and ad hoc events, members are needed for behind-the-scenes technical support. Primarily this will involve Zoom hosting (though may need people with experience using Facebook Live, You Tube livestreaming, and sound and music production skills.) We will need at least one Tech Team member at each service and event.

Check out who's on the tech team!

What resources are available to help set up events? 

For in-person events, detailed step-by-step instructions are available in the OrH Resource Hub. For virtual events, the specific event coordinator, the Rituals Coordinator on the Board and the Rabbi will have the information about what is needed to host an event.  

The Shabbat, Tishrey, Festivals and Tech Teams each have coordinators; what is the coordinators role? 

The Rituals group (Shabbat, Tishrey, and Festivals) coordinators are part of a Ritual Committee, working with the Ritual Coordinator on the Board. The Tech team coordinator works with the Communications coordinator on the Board. The team coordinator’s role is to ensure that all tasks are allocated to team members. They also create, update, and edit the relevant how-tos for all events. The coordinator is the person you go to with questions or concerns for a specific event.

What if I want to be a coordinator?

Contact us! We are currently looking for coordinators for all of our teams. 

Who will be on my team?

That depends on who signs up. If you’re interested in having friends join you on a particular team, let them know and invite them to sign up at the same time. Once a team is full, you’ll need to sign up for a different team. You can see a list of current team rosters on the Teams 2020-21 page.

Can I switch teams once I've signed up? What if the teams are full?

Yes you can, as long as there is space available in the other team or you can arrange with somebody from the other team to switch with you. Contact your current Team coordinator or the Ritual Coordinator on the Board to arrange this.

Can I join more than one team?
To register, you must join one team. Afterwards, you can also join another team, depending on community need. The Shabbat, Festivals and Tishrey teams are open to any member, while the tech and Manhigut teams are limited in number of roles. Contact the Rituals coordinator on the board to discuss your options.

How can I sign up for a position on the Manhigut Team?

Only those members who hold either elected Board positions, Board-appointed positions, or lead  community initiatives at the time of registration can join these teams. Members interested in congregational leadership on the board are encouraged to contact the nominations committee. 

Can I propose a new member-led initiative instead of signing up for a Team?
Members with a suggestion for a recurring community activity that they can lead should consult with either the Learning or Ritual coordinators on the board or contact Rabbi Liz. We welcome your suggestions! In the meantime, please sign up for one of the other Many Hands Teams.

What if the events I contribute to take less than 10 hours?

When the team's events require less than 10 hours of a member's time, they can Get Involved to organize other activities. The Teams are designed to deliver only our core services and events. Want other activities? Make them happen! The more faithfully members contribute 10 hours over the course of the year, the more OrH can offer its members individually and as a community.

What if none of the Teams interest me? Can I volunteer to do something else?
You are welcome to contribute to something else but signing up to one of our volunteer teams is a mandatory aspect of membership. Community involvement is a necessity for our rabbi and board to continue to provide a full complement of services and programs.