Board Meeting Report for February 28, 2007

President Finerman opened the meeting at 8:07 p.m.

Present �
Rashes, Rosenblum, Bernstein, Sussman, Gershowitz, Peller, L. Adler, Bareket, Rubenstein, Winkelman, Dobrusin, Sorkin

Dvar Torah �
Sussman presented a meaningful commentary on the principles and practices of Judaism.

Minutes were corrected and approved by Gershowitz and seconded by Winkelman.

Rabbi's Report �
An outreach program about Passover will be given at Barnes & Noble on Wednesday, March 21 at 8:00 p.m. Rabbi Dobrusin will attend the Rabbinical Assembly Convention this spring. The Rosenberg Lecture Series is scheduled to begin next year.

President's Report �
New committee is planning brunch in honor of Rabbi Dobrusin to he held on May 20 at 11:30 a.m. in conjunction with JTS. Tom Wexelberg-Clouser is JTS representative working with committee. The nominating committee is meeting with its new chair Edward D�Angelo. There is a task force, consisting of Phyllis Herzig, Cindy Frey and
Heather Dombey, led by me, who are examining the current Beth Israel
programs involving outreach and community. Finerman, Rosenblum, Dobrusin, and Sorkin will attend a meeting of Executive Directors, Presidents of Synagogues, Executive Vice Presidents and Rabbis hosted by the Southeast Michigan Association of Synagogue and Temple Executive.

Treasurer's Report �
The income statement continues to be in the black. Within a few weeks the congregation will take advantage of our line of credit. The $28,000.00 borrowed from Beth Israel Endowment Fund to cover the initial HVAC expenses, has now been returned.

Executive Director's Report �
Beth Israel has submitted a Letter of Inquiry to Covenant Foundation for BIRS Middle School. He requested that the Board approve a change in the purpose and use of the Music Fund to include the hiring of a High Holiday cantor if ever needed, and the subvention of other potential musical events. This was approved unanimously. The Passover Seder project is underway. Many people have responded and signed up to be Shabbat Greeters through the website. Recent programs featuring Rabbi Waskow and organized by the Social Action Committee was well attended with over 100 people in the morning and 50 people in the afternoon. Many local Jewish and some non Jewish organizations co-sponsored the event. That same evening some 70 people attended a lecture by Gariele Boccaccini from U-M on �Jesus as a Jew� as part of Beth Israel�s Current Topics in Jewish Studies series.

Old Business �
Committee: Lamm, Sussman, Rashes, and Bardenstein will meet on March 18 to focus on how the Religious School may be made even more attractive to potential members, an issue which was generated at the Board Retreat.

Program Committee�
Sussman reported that a 'mission' statement is under consideration by the committee. Programming for 20's, 30's and 40's age groups is being discussed.

Winkelman reported that Rabbi Dobrusin goes to Huron Woods where he conducts a 30 minute Shabbat service at 2:00 p.m. every Friday.

Cemetery Committee �
Rashes stated that there are a number of problems in our relationship with Arborcrest. and a number of concerns need to be addressed.

Men�s Club -
World Wide Wrap was successful. Gershowitz Memorial Shabbat will be observed on March 31st.

Motion to adjourn meeting at 9:15 p.m. by Bernstein and seconded by Rubenstein.

Respectfully Submitted
Recording Secretary
Sherri G. Peller

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