Beth Israel Congregation
Minutes of the Board
February 23, 2005

Present: D�Angelo, Berman, Klein, Ahronheim, Bardenstein, Sussman, Kaplan, Rashes, Rosenberg, Schiff, Bernstein, Finerman, Landau, Liberman-Lampear, Margolis, Dobrusin, Myron and Bobbie Levine

Meeting called to order 8:07PM
Agenda approved as amended
Minutes of November 17, 2004 approved as presented

Congregants Mike and Bobbie Levine presented a proposal for the donation of a sculpted work intended for placement on a wall of the courtyard. The Board deferred discussion and action on the proposal to New Business.

Rabbi�s Remarks: Rabbi Dobrusin reminded the Board of the performance of �The Children of Abraham� to be held at the Towsley Center, Washtenaw Community College, on March 14th. He also reported that Marian Turk, a cantorial student at the seminary, will speak at our Friday evening service on March 4th. Lastly, the Rabbi presented a statement regarding the quest for peace in the Middle East. The Board made two small editorial changes acceptable to the Rabbi. The statement is as follows: �The leaders of Beth Israel Congregation support the efforts of Prime Minister Sharon and President Abbas to reduce violence and confrontation and to lay the groundwork for the resumption of the peace process. We call upon all those who seek peace in the Middle East to recognize positively the efforts of these two duly elected leaders and to join those throughout the world who are supporting them in their quest for peace. We look forward to the day when a secure Jewish State of Israel and a secure, viable Palestinian State can live side by side and all people can live in an atmosphere devoid of violence, terror and intimidation. We pray that Palestinian and Israeli children will grow to break the cycle of hatred and enmity that has existed for far too long and that they will each grow up free and secure benefiting from their traditions and their relationship with each other.� A motion was made by Bardenstein and seconded by Rashes to send a letter with this statement from Rabbi Dobrusin, President D�Angelo, and the Board of Directors to the Ann Arbor News, Detroit Jewish News, and Washtenaw Jewish News. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business: The Board raised several issues with regard to the possible acceptance of a relief sculpture for the courtyard. President D�Angelo appointed an ad hoc committee to make a recommendation to the Board following the development of general criteria for such donations. He appointed Finerman, Sussman, Rosenberg, Liberman-Lampear to the committee. They are to consult with Rashes and Berman.
The Board unanimously passed a motion (made by Klein, seconded by Bardenstein) to accept Sorkin�s recommendation that we lease a new office copier for 36 months at a total cost of $8280.
Presentation of an Action Plan developed by Sussman and Liberman-Lampear as a result of the Board�s February retreat was deferred until the March meeting.
As part of our long range planning process, D�Angelo appointed a committee to look at staffing. The committee members are Bardenstein, Finerman, Rashes, and Bernstein.

EducationVice President�s Report: Bardenstein reported that a Read-a-Thon will replace the Passover candy sale as the school fundraiser. The Education Committee will hold a curriculum visioning session on March 6th to develop educational goals for the school. Congregants are encouraged to attend and express their opinions. The School Director will have the regularly scheduled review at the end of the first year of her contract.

Treasurer�s Report: Rashes reported that the projected budget deficit for the current year has decreased to $4400.

Building Committee: Margolis stated that the architect, Larry Rockind, has presented plans for the final phase of the project (Phase II) and that the contractor, JC Beal, has put out bids for the work.

Meeting adjourned at 9:55PM

Respectfully submitted
Valerie Rosenberg, Recording Secretary

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