Beth Israel Congregation
Minutes of the Board
May 24, 2006

Present: Finerman, Rashes, Bardenstein, Kaplan, Landau, Liberman-Lampear, Adler, Bernstein, Weisbach, Ahronheim, Sussman, Peller, Sorkin, Dobrusin, Klein, Tankanow.

Meeting called to order 8:05PM
Agenda approved
Minutes of April 26, 2006 corrected by Ahronheim and Weisback and approved by Landau and Liberman-Lampear
Dvar Torah presented by Peller�topic Shavuot

Congregant David Schoem and committee (Evelyn Neuhaus, Ruth Bardenstein, and Pam Landau) presented to the Board two proposals regarding Beth Israel�s stance vis a vis USCJ and TLGB issues. (A) Reaffirmation of our 1994 values statement with additional action proposals to publicize our position. (B) Additionally consider placing Beth Israel�s USCJ dues in an escrow account until until the Conservative Movement grants full equality and full rights and privileges to all conservative Jews. We need to have our voices heard as Conservative Jews. Support and action are necessary. We do not wish to sever ties with the Convervative movement. Much discussion ensued regarding proposals presented by Schoem and committee. A Motion was made by Rashes, seconded by Bernstein, that Proposal A will be presented to the Congregation for approval at the annual meeting. (Revised proposal A is found at the end of the minutes.) Motion approved. Finerman stated that we want to bring the issue to our congregation. The Rabbi will discuss issues of Halacha regarding gay and lesbian ordination on June 3rd after services.

Rabbi�s Remarks: At Shavuot Sabbath Service, High School graduates will be honored. Bat Mitzvah wormen will conduct the service, There will be an informational meeting on June 7 regarding the July 2007 congregational trip to Israel.

President�s Report: The new congregational photo directory project is underway. Congregants are being notified by mail.

Treasurer Liberman-Lampear indicated that the new 2006-2007 budget recommends an income increase. Financial Vice President Klein indicated that the dues plan needs restructuring. Dues notices will be sent out during the summer. Finerman stated that costs are rising. Klein stated that the Endowment needs to be built up. Liberman-Lampear made a motion, seconded by Landau, that the budget for 2006-2007, as presented, be offered for congregational approval at the Annual Meeting on June 25th. Motion passed.

Executive Director Sorkin will investigate an automated phone system in order to reach out to all congregants.
The next Board meeting will be June 21 at 8:00PM.

At the Annual Congregational Meeting on June 25th there will be the installation of new Board members and officers as well as the installation of new officers of Women�s League.

Meeting adjourned 10:30PM

Respectfully submitted,
Sherri Peller, Recording Secretary pro tem

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