Beth Israel Congregation
Minutes of Board Meeting
April 30, 2003

Present: D�Angelo, Berman, Vinokur, Sussman, Bardenstein, Ahronheim, Klein, Bernstein, Liberman-Lampear, Spoon, Finerman, Dobrusin, Sorkin, Peller, Gershowitz

Meeting called to order 8:05 PM
Minutes of March 26, 2003 were accepted and approved as read
Agenda was approved as amended after adding a report on repairs to 2010 and repairs to the synagogue building.

D�var Torah: Jeff Bernstein discussed period of Omer prior to Shavuos, the giving of the Torah. Bernstein alluded to contemporary political issues.

President�s Report: D�Angelo reported (1) A review of the budget has been started. (2) The building at 2010 Washtenaw has had a serious water leak. (3) We need to increase the revenue for synagogue operations. (4) Building maintenance is imperative. (6) Sorkin and the Torah restoration committee are to be commended for their ingenuity. There are total commitments for $26,000, of which $13,000 has been collected to date.

Financial report: Klein presented the Treasurer�s report. Following a correction, a motion was passed to accept the Treasurer�s report.

Financial Vice-President�s report: The first phase of fund raising for major renovations to the building has not met with success in the current economic climate. Vinokur spoke of continuing efforts to collect outstanding dues, a possible one-time assessment, and a need for fund-raising ideas. We must be proactive in securing new members. Proposals for cost cutting in the new budget include elimination of a separate line item for the Rabbi�s sabbatical, a raise in Religious School tuition, and cost sharing of health insurance premiums for employees. A special assessment per each member is under consideration. It may be necessary to have a dues increase in stages. The congregation will meet to discuss and approve the budget at the semi-annual meeting in June. Treasurer Klein stated that 70% of the total budget expenses are salaries. The budget must be contained.

Executive Director�s report: Sorkin reviewed the budget plan of fiscal year 2004 (FY04) and provided a written report of his activities including the Torah Restoration Project and the NAASE Convention.
Spoon stated that we need a real reserve. He will present facts at the May board meeting. Finerman stated that we should not depend on fundraisers to �plug up holes�. We should have fundraisers to give us good feelings. Bardenstein disagreed emphasizing that dues and assessments are not the answer; fund raising is. Bernstein favors an assessment fund. Gershowitz suggested accelerated assessment to raise income for Beth Israel. Berman stated �we� need a �package� to solve the problems. The time for action is now! Liberman-Lampear suggested raising Religious School tuition to cover a higher percentage of the true costs. D�Angelo stated that fundraisers are very labor intensive. He emphasized that what needs to change is the way we have generated funds. He asked for an acceptance of the first reading of the budget and the appointment of a Task Force to further address the issues raised. The following people compose the Task Force: Bardenstein, Berman, Vinokur, Klein, Sorkin.

Religious Affairs Vice-President�s report: Ahronheim announced the recent publication of the Sim Shalom weekday prayer books. A motion was passed to buy sixty books for a total of $1080 plus shipping.

Program Vice-President�s report: Sussman extended kudos to Aura Ahuvia for recent programs.

Education Vice-President�s report: Bardenstein reported that the teaching staff will provide input regarding ideas for increasing the efficiency and quality of the school. Sorkin will work with the committee to appraise and meet congregational needs regarding the school. Rabbi Dobrusin stated we need to work together to meet the needs of the Religious School.

Sisterhood report: Peller noted that the Michigan Branch of Women�s League will have their two day Spring Conference at Beth Israel, May 17-18, 2003. Also Sisterhood will hold the installation of its new Board on May 3rd at 7:00PM at the home of Judy Cohen.

Men�s Club report: Gershowitz reported on the Yom Hashoah candle distribution project.

Building Committee report: Spoon and Finerman discussed deterioration problems at 2010, including a severe water leak. A motion was passed to provide funds of up to $15,000 to repair the water leak at 2010 Washtenaw. There is also a need for a realistic approach to preserve the existing synagogue and make our �shul� more �hamish.�

D�Angelo adjourned the meeting at 10:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Sherri Peller, Secretary Pro Tem

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