Beth Israel Congregation
Minutes of the Board
July 27, 2005

Present: Finerman, Rashes, Landau, Liberman-Lampear, Bardenstein, Ahronheim, Gershowitz, Kaplan, Bernstein, Adler, Rosenberg, D�Angelo, Peller

Meeting called to order 8:05PM
Agenda approved as presented
Minutes of Board Meetings on May 25 and June 22, 2005 approved as presented
Minutes of the Annual Congregational Meeting of June 26, 2005 were approved by the Board and will be presented at the next annual meeting, June 2006, for full congregational approval.

President�s Report: President Finerman, Sorkin, Rashes and D�Angelo met with the security company. They formulated three recommendations. (1) Place additional cameras on the building to provide more detailed coverage of the property. (2) Increase the camera capacity of our present system. (3) Make a panic button available for anyone working alone in the building.

Treasurer�s Report: Executive Director Sorkin presented the final report on the 2004-2005 budget. Our expenses met our income for the year. However, the Rabbi�s Sabbatical Fund received only $2,000 and no money was added to the Capital Depreciation Seed Fund. Both items were in the original budget.

Executive Director�s Report: Sorkin reported that an updated Board Manual will be available in August. The Membership Committee has developed revised materials for new members. We are in the process of hiring staff for the High Holidays. Sorkin requested money to purchase new weekday prayer books. A motion (made by Bardenstein, seconded by Ahronheim) to spend $1295 for weekday prayer books passed unanimously. Sorkin presented a request to the Board on behalf of the Social Action and Sa�ad Committees for future funding of Interfaith Hospitality Network. A motion (made by Bardenstein and seconded by Kaplan) for annual donations of $1000 to Interfaith Hospitality Network in 2006-2007 and 2007-2008, subject to the availability of money in the Social Action Fund and the Sa�ad Fund, passed unanimously.

Religious Vice President�s Report: The Religious Committee has not yet arrived at final recommendations for making presentations to bar/bat mitzvah students.

Program Vice President Report: In Sussman�s absence, Finerman reported that she will discuss with Jeff Berdy, Program Director, plans for a fundraiser.

Education Vice President: Bardenstein discussed a number of changes in the school curriculum. She would like the principal to talk to the Board after the school year is well underway.

Administration Vice President: Rashes is looking into whether the Rabbi�s administrative needs are being met. One of Rashes� goals is to attend several administrative staff meetings during the year.

Membership Vice President: Kaplan plans to meet with Berdy to discuss overlapping functional areas of the Membership and Program Committees. Kaplan has completed the survey of members who have left the congregation. It appears that our congregation is in sync with national trends.

Building Committee: Finerman reported on the findings of David Zack from Flooring Inspections of Michigan regarding black spots on the new carpeting. The problem has been identified and a plan formulated to remove the marks and prevent future problems of this kind. With regard to work on the lower level of the building, the contractors have, repaired veneer, painted, and ordered new carpeting.

Communications Secretary: Landau reported that we are making efforts to increase ads in Hashaliach.

Men�s Club: Rashes reported that Charles Weaver and Steve Weiss have developed a website permitting people to sign up for usher slots during the High Holidays. There will be an orientation meeting for ushers.

Sisterhood: Peller reported that Sisterhood will hold a cookout for the new board at the home of President Judy Cohen.

Meeting adjourned at 9:15PM

Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Rosenberg, Recording Secretary

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