Beth Israel Congregation Board Meeting Minutes
March 28, 2007

President Finerman opened the meeting at 8:06 p.m.

Present � Dobrusin, Rosenblum, Sorkin (Staff), L. Adler, D. Adler, Bareket, Lamm, Gershowitz, Bardenstein, Rubinstein, L. Sussman, Rashes, Bernstein, Finerman, Peller

Agenda � Approved by Bardenstein and seconded by D. Adler.

D'Var Torah � Rashes� D�var referred to Passover preparations and Shabbat Haggadol .

Minutes � Corrected and approved by Bardenstein and L. Adler.

Rabbi's Report � Rabbi Dobrusin announced that the first Rosenberg Lecture will feature Dr. Jonathan Sarna, a nationally known professor and author of American Jewish History from Brandeis University, on January 11 � 13, 2008. With reference to the Gay and Lesbian issue, Rabbi Dobrusin thanked the Board for efforts and believes that this is right approach for Conservative Judaism. He emphasized that it is important for Beth Israel to keep in contact with USCJ, especially with regard to events happening in Michigan, and to publicize its activities in Hashaliach and through the Beth Israel announcement list. Bob Ahronheim is serving as our liaison to the Conservative Movement. Dobrusin spoke of the need to concentrate on Synagogue matters and concerns, and not on outside agitators.

Presidents Report � Finerman and Dobrusin will continue to attend meetings of the Federation Task Force on space needs and the elderly. The new chancellor of JTS has agreed to speak at Beth Israel in the Fall. The future hiring an assistant Rabbi was discussed, possibly in concert with Dobrusin�s Sabbatical in 2008. Minyan attendance has been. Dorit Adler, Doron Lamm, Jeff Bernstein, and Sarajane Winkelman were asked to find mechanisms to solve the minyan attendance problem.

Treasurer's Report Beth Israel�s finances are in good shape, and we may not need to borrow any money from the bank as the fiscal year ends. Beth Israel will need to deal with a $22,000 shortfall in renovation income within a few years, but the current arrangement with the bank has saved the congregation a lot of money in interest. Finerman complimented Rosenblum on his excellence in money management for Beth Israel.

Executive Director's Report � Sorkin reported that 81 people have been accommodated through the "Passover Hospitality Project" which Martha Oleinick volunteered to oversee. 46 people, double that of last year, participated in the Red Cross Blood Drive. He attended the Naase conference for Executive Directors and has returned with a number of ideas to seek to implement.

Old Business � None

The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Motion to adjourn by R. Bardenstein and seconded by J. Rubenstein.

Respectfully Submitted
Sherri Peller
Recording Secretary

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