Beth Israel Congregation
Minutes of the Board
July 26, 2006

Present: Finerman, Rashes, Bernstein, Gershowitz, Landau, Liberman-Lampear, L. Adler, D. Adler, Bareket, Lamm, Rubenstein, Winkelman, Sorkin

Meeting was called to order: 8:07 p.m.
Agenda was approved as presented.
Minutes were corrected and approved.

President Finerman gave a talk in lieu of a D'var Torah, regarding communications and the goal of never conveying misunderstandings or hard feelings.

Member Steve Schiff had sent an email regarding the situation in the Middle East, and recommended that the congregation advise congregants to send to the Lebanese Red Cross or similar organization in addition to Israeli organizations and the Federation. The Board recommended that the office keep a list of suggested Israeli organizations to contribute to for anyone who asks.

Old Business: Landau reported on the current status of Beth Israel's response to the issue of the Ordination of Gay and Lesbian Rabbis in the Conservative Movement. Beth Israel is sending a letter to Conservative Congregations in the USA. The BIC website will be utilized and panel discussions will be held at Beth Israel.

Motion: Landau moved that BIC will offer to become one of the sites to host a panel on the Ordination of Gay and Lesbian Rabbis. Seconded by Liberman-Lampear. Motion passed unanimously. The Keshet website will be removed from the letter since the Board did not have time to read and approve its copy. The letter was approved with revisions on a motion presented by Landau and seconded by L. Adler.

New Business: Discussion of Dues Letter. Rashes stated that Rabbi's Sabbatical Fund and its need for a $100 assessment from each family unit must be mentioned in the letter. This will be added to the dues letter.

New Business: Regional USY Director and additional funding requested by regional office for same. Rashes stated that while we fully support USY activities, we are unable to fund any supplemental support to region at this time. We request that this be communicated to USCJ Region. Seconded by Liberman-Lampear. Motion Passed.

Program: Eial Dujovny has been hired as Program Director. He will be invited to the August Board Meeting.

The Board was reminded that the annual congregation picnic will be held on August 27, and that Beth Israel's 90th anniversary celebration will be held the weekend of November 17 and 18. The program for the school is being prepared by Rabbi Dobrusin, Ava Slemrod and Cindy Saper for that Friday.

Meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Sherri Peller,
Recording Secretary.

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