Beth Israel Board Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Present � Finerman, Rashes, Rosenblum, Bernstein, Sussman, Bardenstein, Liberman-Lampear, Peller, Landau, L. Adler, Baraket, Lamm, Rubenstein, Winkelman, Sorkin, Dobrusin, Gershowitz

Finerman opened the meeting at 8:07 p.m. Minutes were corrected and approved.

Dvar Torah � Dobrusin's Dvar concerned the "Vine and Fig Tree,� and the concept to seek peace among peoples.

Chuck Warpehowski, the director of the Interfaith Council on Peach and Justice (ICPJ), spoke. His organization seeks to bring together shared concerns among all congregations, of all faiths. He spoke about his group�s work and some missteps regarding the Middle East situation.

The Agenda was approved, motion by Bardenstein and seconded by Bernstein.

Rabbi's Report �There is urgent need to continue to dialogue with ICPJ. Dobrusin informed Board that the new Chancellor of JTS, Arnold Eisen will speak at Beth Israel on October 17, 2007. Dobrusin extolled the upcoming trip to Israel as a tremendous experience for all.

President's Report �Appreciation was extended from Nikki Klein for the new food warmers, which can be used for either meat or dairy dishes. Slate from nominating committee will be ready in timely manner. The Outreach Task Force has continued to meet, and they will resume their work in July.

Treasurer's Report � Rosenblum stated that the income statement projection includes a balanced budget, providing that dues payments continue as expected. He reviewed the budget for the coming year. Members will be asked to increase their dues by 4.5% in the coming year.

Motion � Recommendation that the 2007-2008 budget be presented to the congregation at Annual Congregational meeting on June 17, 2007 for approval. Motion by Rashes, Seconded by Liberman-Lampear and approved by Board.

Rosenblum stated that it still looks like we will not need to borrow money from the bank through the end of the fiscal year. Finerman complimented Rosenblum on his fund management excellence.

Executive Director's Report � Sorkin reported that a new full time custodian has been hired: Kurt Gardinier. 15 persons will receive Honorable Menschen plaques at Annual Meeting. Beth Israel has requested, along with other local Jewish organizations, an Urban Areas Homeland Security grant. A part of the proposal is to change all the old style door knobs of the Religious School on the lower level. If this is not approved by Homeland Security, Sorkin requested that the congregation fund the change

Motion � To change all school locks at a cost of $1,500 using Building Fund. Motion by Bardenstein, seconded by Lamm, approved by Board.

Old Business � Rashes gave update on Cemetery issues and ongoing difficulties with the owner of Arborcrest. Questionable issues include the prepayment of vaults in 2005 for which does show up on Arborcrest�s audited statement. Sorkin will check with other groups who have purchased plots and vaults and compare costs. A formal complaint may be filed with the State. Landau has been chosen to meet with Wanda Upper, the owner and report back to the Board.

New Business � A number of library books have come up missing. Suggestions are: announcements over Majordomo, HaShaliach notice, more conspicuous labeling on every book. .

Education � Cindy Saper will attend and speak at July BIC meeting.

Programs � Sussman reports that tomatoes have sprouted in the garden new Washtenaw Community Rec Building.

Women's League � Women�s League Torah Fund event raised over $3000.

Meeting adjourned at 10:04 p.m.. Motion by Lamm, seconded by Landau.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sherri Peller, Recording Secretary

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