Beth Israel Board Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Present: Rosenblum, D. Adler, Lamm, Bernstein, Rubenstein, Bardenstein, Rashes, Finerman, Peller, P. Landau, Winkelman, Sussman, L. Adler, Bareket, Liberman-Lampear, Rabbi Dobrusin, Staff: Sorkin

Finerman opened meeting at 8:05 p.m. Minutes approved

D'Var Torah � Rabbi Dobrusin spoke on having the wisdom to "make a choice� regarding our Jewish beliefs and practices.

Rabbi's Report � The recently hired Mary Bilyeu has been a big help as administrative assistant. An anti- harassment support group is in process of being formed by area clergy. .
President's Report � The Board Retreat on January 21 under the capable leadership of Ed D'Angelo, Past President, was very successful with a number of priorities established for the coming year. Rabbi Dobrusin and JTS will be honored on May 20 celebrating 25 years since his ordination. E D'Angelo will serve as the Nominating Committee Chairman.

Endowment Committee members Steve Klein and Vic Rosenberg have met with David Herzig to discuss the launching of an Endowment campaign. Education of committee and congregation members is an important goal.

Treasurer's Report � Liberman-Lampear reported that we can expect to be in the black by the end of the year, providing that our dues income comes in as expected.

Executive Director's Report � Sorkin reports that the newly hired Administrative Assistant Beth Jarvis has been working out extremely well. The new telephone system, with its P.A. capabilities is fulfilling expectations.

Old Business � The priorities as set by the Board Retreat were reviewed. Rashes suggested that the congregation offer support to Pfizer personnel whose jobs are lost and who are members. Bardenstein reported that BIRS is offering a High School Trip to Toronto after Passover. Questions about the Religious School were asked and Finerman will invite Cindy Saper to a future meeting. Lamm suggested forming a task force committee of three to review the Religious School. They should also review current practices in the Detroit area Jewish schools.

Administration Report - The staffing committee currently completing a formal evaluation of the Executive Director

Education Report - A High School Trip to Toronto is scheduled for after Passover. The Read-a-Thon fundraising Event is now taking place. The school is also quarterbacking the Beth Israel reads program for adults and teens, whose book title is Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

Finance Report � Rosenblum reported that due to cash in hand, the congregation will need to borrow less than $100,000 by the close of the year. These funds will quickly be paid off as new pledge payments are made.

Programs Report � Sussman reported that 93 attended the Ethiopian Shabbat Dinner on January 26th. The food was prepared by the Ethiopian Blue Nile Restaurant.

Religious Committee Report - An effort is underway to increase attendance at Friday night services, and make the Saturday morning service more understandable through educational efforts. The annual Henry Gershowitz Memorial Service will incorporate educational components as part of this effort.

Cemetery Committee Report � Rashes stated that there were some aspects of Arborcrest�s financial forms which are of concern to the congregation. He intends to meet with the State Cemetery Regulation Commission for some clarification.

Men's Club Report � Rashes reported that the World Wide Tefillin Wrap will be held on February 4th...

Women's League Report � Peller reported that Women's League/Torah Fund Weekend will go forward on January 27 and 28. The Brunch and Lecture at Heather Dombey's house features Robin Axelrod as speaker.

Social Action Report � The Blood Drive will take place on March, 18, 2007. Lecture Series events with Rabbi Waskow on February 11 at JCC at 10:00 a.m. and at Hillel at 3:00 p.m. Many organizations have co-sponsored with Beth Israel for this speaker.

Motion to adjourn meeting at 9:30 p.m. by Liberman-Lampear, seconded by P. Landau.

Respectfully Submitted,

Sherri Peller
Recording Secretary

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