Beth Israel Congregation
Minutes of the Board
January 28, 2004

Present: D�Angelo, Berman, Vinokur, Sussman, Bardenstein, Ahronheim, Klein, Schiff, Rosenberg, Bernstein, Landau, Liberman-Lampear, Spoon, Margolis, Finerman, Gershowitz, Sorkin, Dobrusin

Meeting called to order 8:03PM
Agenda approved
Minutes approved as corrected

Rabbi Dobrusin gave the D�var Torah and made some general remarks regarding the importance of respect.

Jeffery Spoon spoke of Beth Israel Congregation as his home. Although his term on the board ends with this meeting, he will be happy to answer any question that might arise and in general be helpful. He reminded the Board of the importance of the services of an owner�s representative for the construction project as well as the importance of a contingency fund for the building.

President�s Report: D�Angelo thanked those members with expired terms who are retiring from the Board (Hamermesh, Spoon, Vinokur). The accomplishments of this Board include the successful revision of our bylaws, the raising of half the money needed for the renovation project, and improved dues support from our members. D�Angelo stated that contracts have been sent to our construction company, J.C. Beal, and our architect, Larry Rockind. With the advice of counsel, the Executive Committee decided that we had sufficient oversight procedures in place for the construction project. The congregation will not need to purchase a construction bond the cost of which would increase our total costs by one to two percent.

Executive Director�s Report: Sorkin has established a committee to work on the spring fundraiser. There will be a dinner/dance held on April 25, Israel Independence Day. By switching to a different printing company for HaShaliach, we will eventually save $7000 annually in costs. We are saving $1000 annually by using a different telephone company and $3000 by using a different electric company.

Building/Construction Committee Report: Finerman reported that in June work will commence on the sanctuary, social hall, kitchen, baths, and entry hall provided the congregation approves financing.

Campaign Finance Committee: Finerman indicated that in February the committee will mail letters and pledge cards to congregants requesting that they pledge an amount equal to three times their annual dues, payable over five years. On March 7th, the day of the Purim Carnival, there will be an open house for all members wishing to examine the current state of the building. On March 14th the congregation will hold a phone-a-thon to contact members who have not yet pledged. On April 18th the congregation will hold a meeting to vote on a bank loan for the construction project. We currently have $668,000 in pledges and $300,000 in cash. D�Angelo assured those donating to the Gershowitz Fund that all donations to that fund will be used to finance the renovation of the Social Hall.

Treasurer�s Report: With six months of financial data now in hand, Klein continues to project that we will finish our fiscal year on budget.

Finance Vice President: Vinokur stated that she will soon send a full financial report to our congregants. She thanked those who served on the Finance Committee which she chaired in her role as Vice President. Vinokur will continue to serve as a member of the committee.

Program Vice President: Sussman reported that the program department wishes to focus on longstanding members as well as new members. Andy Kastner has done a great job revitalizing youth programming and increasing participation.

Communication Secretary: Schiff encouraged Board members to make use of our web site.

Men�s Club: Geshowitz reported on a successful Men�s Club Shabbat. On Sunday, February 1st, the Men�s Club will sponsor the World Wide Wrap.

Sisterhood: Sussman reminded everyone that February 1st is Sisterhood Shabbat.

Meeting adjourned 9:22PM

Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Rosenberg, Recording Secretary

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