Beth Israel Congregation
Minutes of Board Meeting
January 22, 2003

Present: D�Angelo, Vinokur, Ahronheim, Berman, Taylor, Sussman, Rosenberg, Schiff, Coran, Elias, Finerman, Hamermesh, Spoon, Peller, Sorkin, Dobrusin

Call to order 8:05
Agenda approved
Minutes of December 11, 2002, approved as corrected

Rabbi�s Report: Jewish Family Services is exploring the hiring of a social worker for their agency and are interested in sharing the time and expenses of this person with Jewish congregations in the community. A representative of JFS has agreed to make a presentation at our February Board Meeting. Dobrusin also reported on the well-attended discussion led by David Schoem following a recent Friday night service. The topic of discussion was the synagogue�s role in the larger community. We not only have opportunities to discuss community issues in our programs, but we also have opportunities for the synagogue and its members to reach out to the community. This is one way of increasing congregants� involvement and identification with the synagogue.

Neve Shalom Program Sponsorship: Robert Oppenheimer provided information on the Israeli community of Neve Shalom/Wahat Al-Salam (�Oasis of Peace�). This is a community where Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs choose to live and educate their children together. Neve Shalom has a School for Peace that facilitates dialogues with high school students. Also, there is a consulting service to communities on co-existence issues. The Board passed a motion for Beth Israel to co-sponsor a presentation provided by two young people from Neve Shalom and for Beth Israel to host the program on March 30, 2003. There was one abstention.

Sisterhood�s Report: Peller reported that Sisterhood Shabbat will take place on February 8, 2003. Sisterhood is investigating web site enhancement. Sisterhood now provides a gift certificate to the gift shop and a letter of welcome to each new member. Lastly, Peller reported that she and Goldenberg served as representatives to the convention in Philadelphia of the Women�s League for Conservative Judaism.

Financial Report: Vinokur presented the financial report. As reported last month, we are facing a deficit due to less than expected income from dues and a low interest rate environment. Maintenance expenses are looming. Sorkin is planning a fund raising program. At the Board retreat on February 2, 2003, there will be a presentation of materials comparing the finances of our synagogue to other similar synagogues. A motion passed to accept the finance report.

Executive Director�s Report: Sorkin reported that we collected $2636 in end of the year donations, $3750 in program and school sponsorships, and $6,544 in donations for Interfairth Hospitality Network. Sorkin stated that the Torah Restoration Project Committee is now planning four activities to involve the congregation: A Bereshit (Genesis) Program for adults on March 23; in cooperation with the Program Committee, a trip to the Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit in Grand Rapids on April 27; a Torah Festival for adults and children on May 4; and a Torah Rededication event on September 20 before the Selichot service.

Program Vice-President�s Report: Sussman reported that there is new vigor in the youth programs. The goals for programs have social, spiritual, and educational components. Training for new leaders of Jewish Journey Groups has started.

Education Vice-President�s Report: The school has hired Aviva Panush to run the program for post bar/bat mitzvah students. School Director Scott Littky�s contract ends in six months, and, as is usual at this time, there will be an evaluation process prior to contract renewal negotiations.

Building/Construction Committee Report: Spoon reported he is working on an assessment checklist for our building. He will provide a report on fundraising for the Building Fund at the upcoming Board retreat.

Meeting adjourned 9:55PM

Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Rosenberg, Recording Secretary

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