Beth Israel Congregation
Board Minutes
Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Present: Finerman, Rashes, Rosenblum, Bernstein, Colton, Liberman-Lampear, Peller, Landau, Adler, Dwoskin, J. Rubenstein, Winkelman, Winter, Dobrusin, Sorkin

The meeting was called to order at 8:02 p.m. Finerman introduced Michael Appel, who requested that Beth Israel co-sponsor an upcoming program from the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice, �Sacred Texts and the Heart of Peace. Haran Rashes moved that Beth Israel publicize the program, but not be listed as a co-sponsor. Passed by Board.

D'var Torah: Rashes compared Biblical text to the selection of an Assistant Rabbi.

Agenda was approved. Minutes were corrected and accepted.

New Business: Finerman announced a gift of $10,000 from Carl Cohen.

The financing of an Assistant Rabbi was reviewed by Rosenblum, which included a percentage increase in dues, 20 new members, net, for each of several years, and special fundraising efforts.

He projected that the congregation has adequate cash reserves.

The Assistant Rabbi would assume many necessary responsibilities; pastoral, educational, and religious, particularly directed at reaching out to younger member households, and to unaffiliated individuals and families in the community.

Motion: J. Rubenstein moved that authorization be given to form a search committee for an Assistant Rabbi. The position would be filled as early as Fall of 2008. Seconded by Landau. Passed unanimously.

The Annual Board Retreat will focus on gaining new members using advertising and specific outreach efforts by Beth Israel.

Meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sherri Peller
Recording Secretary

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