Beth Israel Congregation
Board Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Present: Rashes, Finerman, Bernstein, Kaplan, Hirshbein, Colton, Rubenstein, Liberman-Lampear, Peller, Landau, Bender, Dwoskin, Leber, Winkelman

Rashes opened meeting at 8:02 p.m. Minutes were approved. Leber/Finerman. Agenda was approved. Landau/Winkelman. The D�var Torah was given by Leber.

Jake Kander spoke of Quiz Night to occur on Saturday, January 24th, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Sixty persons participated last year and we anticipate a larger number this year. Following Minyan on December 20th will be a bowling night. The annual Chia Shiang December 24th Dinner will be well attended.

President�s Report: Rashes announced the upcoming Dobrusin Deli & Variety Hour to honor Rabbi�s 20th year at Beth Israel. The event is scheduled for Sunday, March 8th 2009, at 1:00 p.m. New construction in the office area is continuing on schedule, and there will be new replacement carpet where necessary.

The congregation has scheduled a special Friday night Shabbat service reflecting the concern of many about the current financial crises, which will take place on January 30.

Elliot Sorkin has been elected to the board of the North American Association of Synagogue Executives. (NAASE)

David Shtulman of the Federation will make a presentation on raising funds during a financial crisis at the annual Board Retreat to be held on Sunday, January 25th, 2009.

Treasurer�s Report: Liberman-Lampear reported that total expense year to date are in the black. Since membership has decreased by 10 from the previous year, the dues goals for the coming year will not be met. It is projected that there will be some decreases in expenses.

Executive Director�s Report: Sorkin reported that Michigan Office Interiors has been selected to supply modular furniture for renovated office spaces.
Motion: Up to $17,000 to furnish Rabbis offices and reception. Liberman-Lampear/Leber.

Education Report: Colton reported that parents not following the traffic guidelines have caused some safety issues. Rabbi Blumenthal is examining the middle school curriculum for possible revisions.

Rashes suggested that new members be invited to Quiz Night event.

Program Report: Hirshbein reported that many programs are being planned. Beth Israel is a co-sponsor of the �Mixology & Mingle,� a singles event, at 7:00 p.m. on January 6th at the Firefly Club.

Religious Report: Kaplan reported that Minyan attendance is still an issue. Ten new transliterated Shabbat morning siddur books have been donated by Nell Stern.

Cemetery: Rashes reported on a number of issues that the congregation is dealing with Arborcrest, including a border between the Beth Israel Garden and other cemeteries which Arborcrest is obligated by law to provide.

Written reports were accepted by Hirshbein and Landau.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m. by Rashes. Hirshbein/Finerman.

Respectfully submitted,

Sherri Peller
Recording Secretary

Beth Israel Congregation
Written Reports for
Meeting of the Board of Directors
February 18, 2009
Beth Israel Mitzvah Connection
The BIMC continues to receive requests and we have been able to satisfy those requests. Visits to members in nursing homes continue, with groups of long time friends making those visits. We have come up with a viable solution in assigning coordinators to different months, and having them put out the call for volunteers. This �Pilot Program� is now firmly in place.
Submitted by Carol Finerman
Cemetery Committee
The Cemetery Committee will be sending out a brochure on pre-need plot purchases in March. Haran Rashes� President�s Column in HaShaliach will also be on this topic.
Submitted by Haran Rashes
Men�s Club
The 2009 World Wide Wrap was a huge success on Sunday, February 1, 2009 with close to 50 people wrapping Tefillin. Saturday, February 21, 2009 is the Henry Gershowitz Memorial Shabbat Service. This is a participatory service and there are still roles available for any Congregant who would like to participate, please sign up on the Beth Israel Website.
Submitted by Haran Rashes

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