Beth Israel Board Minutes
Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Present: Finerman, Rashes, Rosenblum, J. Bernstein, Hirshbein, S. Rubenstein, Liberman-Lampear, Peller, Adler, Lamm, J. Rubenstein, Winter, Dobrusin, Sorkin

Meeting called to order at 8:05 p.m.. Agenda approved as presented, Adler approved, seconded by Liberman-Lampear. Minutes of July 25th corrected and approved, Liberman-Lampear approved, seconded by Bernstein.

D'var Torah �
This was presented by Rashes. He connected his recent family trip to Israel to the Parasha

Program Director �
Jacob Kander was introduced to the Board. He reviewed his plans for the coming year.

Rabbi's Report �
Rabbi Dobrusin spoke about the forthcoming visit of the new JTS Chancellor, Dr. Arnold Eisen on October 17th, 2007.

President's Report �
Rabbi Arik Ascherman, Rabbis for Human Rights will be at the JCC on November 8th.
Motion � To co-sponsor Rabbi Ascherman's visit with other groups in the
community. Motion by Hirshbein, seconded by Lamm.
Motion � To approve up to $12,000 to replace the concrete front steps with pavers. Approved

Treasurer's Report �
Total expenses as of July 31, 2007 are $61,826. Approved budget for 2007-2008 is $946,462. Presented by Liberman-Lampear.

Executive Director's Report �
Sorkin reported that all arrangements for the High Holidays, including window and carpet cleaning, replacement of Sanctuary light bulbs, and extra security have been made. The Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan has concluded their use of 2010 building. For Sukkot, lulav and etrog sets are being made available at no cost to elementary school children to encourage their participation in the procession on the first day of Sukkot, which concludes with a special luncheon in the Sukkah. Endowment committee members continue to meet to finalize plans for launching an endowment campaign.

Vice President's Report �
The following concerns to a proposed "Space Needs" proposal for
Jewish facilities in Washtenaw County were voiced by the board:

1. Concern about the total cost: initial consultations, building,
and mainly, the cost of maintenance, whether it turns our to be a
totally new facility or the renovation of an existing facility.
2. How will a facility that houses the Orthodox Minyan or others who
are as observant, serve that community if a facility is located in a
remote area? (Shomer Shabbos individuals walk to shul on Shabbat and
Jewish holidays.)
3. Will organizations be able to increase their budget dramatically
to cover the costs? Most of us struggle to meet our current needs.
4. A lot of the visions seem to be idealistic dreaming; the board
feels that the Space Needs Committee are spinning their wheels.
5. Will the needs of one organization be what drives this venture?
6. How many of the participating organization have a solid investment
in their current facility? Will they be willing to give that up?

Outreach Committee �
The outreach committee will be called the "Beth Israel Connection � Caring, Concerned, Committed" The committee continues to meet to refine its action plan for the coming year.

Education Committee �
The committee will meet on Monday, August 27.

Finance Committee �
Rosenblum noted that a number of members have decreased their pledges, and financial requests to him have increased over last year.

Program Committee �
Tot Shabbat was very successful. Shabbat in the Park was great! The Congregation Picnic (due to rain) was held in Beth Israel, but it was still well attended! A Sukkot Barbeque may be offered. Hirshbein is pleased to work with new Program Director Kander who has great ideas.

Cemetery Committee �
Finerman has been informed by Landau that tree plantings in the Beth Israel Cemetery have been approved by Arborcrest Memorial Park.

Motion to adjourn at 9:25 p.m. by J. Rubenstein, seconded by Liberman-Lampear.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sherri Peller
Recording Secretary

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