Beth Israel Congregation
Minutes of the Board
April 26, 2006

Present: Finerman, Rashes, Bardenstein, Kaplan, Liberman-Lampear, Landau, Adler, Bernstein, Gershowitz, Weisbach, Ahronheim, Sussman, Rosenberg, Peller, Sorkin, Dobrusin

Meeting called to order 8:05 PM
Agenda approved
Minutes of March 22, 2006 approved as presented
Dvar Torah presented by Rabbi Dobrusin

The Dvar Torah presented by Rabbi Dobrusin spoke of different approaches within the Conservative Movement for looking at gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues in light of halacha. This has become an issue of intense discussion by the United Synagogue�s Rabbinical Assembly and its Committee on Jewish Laws and Standards. Congregant David Schoem then spoke to the Board and reminded us that twelve years ago our board passed a resolution and issued a statement stating unequivocally the inclusiveness of our congregation and our welcoming all members without regard to sexual orientation. This statement was circulated to other congregations nationally, a number of whom then made similar statements. Schoem put forth a statement which says ��we were deeply offended then, as we are now, by the Conservative Movement�s continuing policy of intolerance toward Jews who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.� The statement suggests several steps the Board should take to pressure for cessation of this intolerance. At Finerman�s request several members of the Board volunteered to meet with Schoem and draft a resolution to bring to the May 24th board meeting.

Women�s League: Peller reported on Women�s League activities, including the Adult Bat Mitzvah celebration on Shabbat, June 3rd and that the new Outreach Program under Bernadette Banky to aid congregants who need assistance.

Rabbi�s Remarks: Rabbi Dobrusin spoke of the honor in having Avivah Zornberg as our Zwerdling Lecturer in May and also what a privilege and pleasure it was to take the 6th grade Hebrew School Class to the Jewish Cemetery at Arborcrest. It was an occasion to bury worn prayer books and also to note the names and resting places of many who played significant roles in our congregation.

President�s Report: Finerman stated that she would like to have a representative from our congregation attend the United Synagogue Regional Board Meetings and perhaps even attend the national organizational meeting. Bardenstein requested information regarding the schedule of the meetings and the locations and some estimate of the time commitment.

Administrative Vice President�s Report: Rashes reported the necessity of clarifying for all members the current rules regarding traffic flow and smoking. As a result the Board unanimously passed two resolutions proposed by Rashes: (1) The Beth Israel Board of Directors resolves that TRAFFIC in the synagogue parking lot shall be one-way in the direction southeast from the entrance on Austin to the exit on Washtenaw during the period from fifteen minutes before until fifteen minutes after the scheduled release time from any session of Beth Israel Religious School. (2) The Beth Israel Board of Directors resolves that there shall be NO SMOKING in the Synagogue, the Garfunkel-Schteingart Activities Center, or on Beth Israel Congregation property.

Finance Vice-President�s Report: In Klein�s absence, Sorkin presented the financial report. While the fundraiser was an extremely successful social event and lots of fun it raised only half of its intended goal. As a result, we will not be able to fully fund the capital depreciation seed fund. The new 2006-2007 budget will be presented to the Board in May.

New Business: Kaplan spoke of an educational event that was requesting our co-sponsorship with other Jewish Organizations. Sussman moved and Rashes seconded a motion to co-sponsor the Rabbis for Human Rights Brunch on June 18th. The motion passed unanimously.

Executive Director�s Report: Sorkin informed the Board of a number of completed building repairs including the electric lights on the memorial boards, shelving for the storeroom, window treatments at GSAC, an addition of a monitoring system to the fire alarm panel, and the provision of panic buttons to staff as part of the security system.

Old Business: Finerman reported that the fundraiser, A Night in the Catskills, was a beautiful evening with lots of fun and a lot of goodwill. Many of those attending had not been to a fundraising event in a number of years. It raised approximately $8,000. Bobbie and Myron Levine have donated a brass plaque for the wall sculpture installed in the courtyard. The sculpture, commissioned by the Levines is entitled �The Wall� by sculptor Mel Leiserowitz.

Meeting adjourned 9:45PM

Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Rosenberg, Recording Secretary

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