Financial Affairs Committee:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Financial Affairs Committee, chaired by the Financial VP and Treasurer, oversees the financial health of the synagogue. Constitutionally, the committee is responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, dues policy, and member financial obligations. In addition to these ministerial responsibilities, the committee also functions as a financial think-tank, providing the Board and Executive Committee with recommendations for improving and streamlining the overall operation and financial management of the congregation.

Endowment Committee:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Endowment Committee is responsible for managing the synagogue’s Endowment Fund. The functional purpose of the Endowment Fund is to establish an equity account that earns interest which may be expended as needed, while the principal remains untouched. Endowment donations come in many forms including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, life insurance policies, property or cash. For information on how to plan your legacy, download the Endowment Brochure PDF file.

Synagogue Enhancement Committee:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Committee members are Interior Designer Haya Varon, Architect Mort Levy, Interior Designer Marty Buck, and Architect Stuart Harris.

The goal of the Committee is to maintain and enhance the interior environment of the synagogue. The Committee meets regularly to deal with such subjects as:

• Preservation and replacement, when necessary, of finished surfaces such as floors, walls, ceilings, doors, windows, window treatments, cabinetwork;
• Beautification of our Bimah—including the Torah covers and embellishments, the reading table, podiums, seating, all finishes relating to the interior and exterior of the Ark;
• Maintenance, rearrangement, and upgrading of furnishings;
• Guidance in the selection and placement of dedicatory objects, directional and informational graphics, posters and other temporary displays and announcements—including “clutter control”;
• Acquisition, acceptance, and placement of art works;
• Environmental sensitivity and leadership;
• Occasional major construction projects are undertaken and directed by the committee.

The work of this committee is closely coordinated with the Building and Grounds Committee, the Executive Committee, the office staff, and the synagogue’s Financial Committee. Honor and memorial donations to the synagogue may be designated for “Synagogue Enhancement.”

Building & Grounds/Safety Committee:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / Marshall Lerner

The Buildings and Grounds Committee deals with the issues related to the physical building and grounds maintenance. We are in charge of the outside signage, utilities (like air conditioning, and its related components).

The Safety Committee performs a number of very important functions to keep our synagogue and our members safe throughout the year. Among their many responsibilities are:

• Performing a monthly safety walkthrough of the entire synagogue
• Coordinating High Holy Days and special event security with local law enforcement
• Developing a fire safety plan
• Developing and maintaining a Synagogue Safety Manual

Kitchen Liaison:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Belinda Denn is the Kitchen Liaison for Brith Shalom. It is her job to assure that the kitchen is meeting the needs of our congregational simchas, bake dates, Shabbat Onegs and synagogue celebrations which all provide a venue that builds community. Creating a social venue after our Shabbat services gives people an opportunity to connect with each other. It is her goal to assist congregants, the office, committees and our caterer, Benny Katz Catering, to help coordinate the congregation’s food and social needs.

Benny Katz is a premier Houston caterer who has catered at Brith Shalom and throughout the Houston community for the last 10 years. Benny Katz will now serve as CBS’s preferred caterer, catering our Shabbat and holiday onegs. Benny Katz will also be offering a number of great menu options at competitive prices to CBS congregants for their simchas. Using our CBS kitchen, he will cater our Shabbat Onegs and will cater B’nei Mitzvot and other life cycle events throughout the year. The use of our kitchen for your events assists in maintaining our regular week Shabbat Oneg luncheons.

Please contact Mary Beth Zimkowski in the office or Benny Katz directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it regarding scheduling for your B’nei Mitzvot or if you are interested in hosting a Shabbat Oneg for a special occasion.  If you have any detailed questions or comments regarding the kitchen, Belinda will be more than happy to help you. Belinda may be reached at 713-666-6040 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .