| | Abstract: | Beth Israel - The West Temple (f. 1954) is a Reform Jewish synagogue located in Cleveland, Ohio's west side. A noted feature of this congregation is its volunteerism. For the first forty-five years of its history, all posts and jobs, with the exception of rabbi, were staffed by volunteers. This included the principal, administrator, teachers, and aides of the religious school; the librarians, office managers and secretaries; youth group advisors; and interfaith and community education coordinators. Approximately one-third of the congregation made this commitment to volunteer several hours a week throughout the year. Another fifteen percent of the congregation volunteered periodically throughout the year serving as choir director, choir members, and music accompanist; worship leaders and cantors; bulletin editors; and building repair and maintenance workers. The collection consists of minutes, bulletins, correspondence, reports, handbooks, newspaper clippings, program scripts, speeches, and transcripts. | |
