Beth Israel Congregation
Minutes of the Board
November 19, 2003

Present: D�Angelo, Berman, Sussman, Bardenstein, Ahronheim, Klein, Rosenberg, Bernstein, Landau, Liberman-Lampear, Spoon, Margolis, Finerman, Peller, Gershowitz, Dobrusin, Sorkin

Meeting called to order 8:05PM
Agenda approved as presented
Minutes approved as presented
Dvar Torah given by Rabbi Dobrusin

Rabbi�s Remarks: Rabbi Dobrusin reported that Elliot Dorf will present the Zwerdling Lecture in March, 2004. Dorf will speak on ethics, its place in Judaism and our lives.

President�s Report: D�Angelo told two allegories. After the first he concluded that even though we have had to make adjustments to our course, we continue to move forward with the building renovation project. After the second he concluded that we must recognize the resources we have within our congregation.

Executive Director�s Report: The Synagogue 2000 team, under the leadership of Matt Kaplan and Jamie Abelson, has done a wonderful job. As this project ends, many who worked on it will join other Beth Israel committees. The Religious School has an enrollment this year of 142 students, including 24 high school students in the Madrichim and 18 eighth grade students. Andy Kastner, Assistant Program Director, is working to revitalize our youth groups. The total number of member units in our congregation now stands at approximately 470, a decrease of five to seven family units. We expect to have one full page of ads in the next issue of Hashaliach.

Treasurer�s Report: Klein presented the financial report. He indicated we are doing well controlling general administrative and kitchen expenses.

Old Business: (1) Margolis provided an update of the building renovation project. Representatives of J. C. Beal Construction attended a meeting of the Building/Construction Committee to discuss scheduling issues. The work of renovating the building will continue as a single project, although we will accomplish the job in different phases. Beal has guaranteed the bid numbers for up to eighteen months. Now that we have a new roof, we can replace the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) units that rest on the roof. The Board passed a motion to accept J.C. Beal�s recommendation to have Haley Mechanical replace the HVAC units at a cost not to exceed $115,000. The motion, made by Margolis and seconded by Liberman-Lampear, passed unanimously. Finerman reported on the activities of the Campaign Committee, charged with raising the money to finance the renovation project. Landau reported she has contacted the bar/bat mitzvah families affected by the building renovation schedule. The Board acknowledged the seriousness of the rescheduling and changing of venues for these very important life cycle events. We plan to publicly acknowledge the sacrifices these families have made.

New Business: Sorkin presented �Partnership Conference Talking Points�, a document provided by Richard Lederman of USCJ. Bardenstein questioned whether the information provided speaks to our specific needs at this time. Bardenstein suggested Sorkin draw up a list of project areas (such as membership, building renovation, youth and family programming, and fund raising) and determine if Lederman and United Synagogue could provide us with help specific to our congregation when we need it.

Reports of Vice Presidents:
Finance: Klein reported for Vinokur. The average increase in dues pledged this year is 7%.
Religious: In an effort to avoid conflicts in the scheduling of simchas, the Religious Committee will put a notice in Hashaliach indicating that now is the time to schedule events for 2006. This is a notice to the entire congregation, not just those planning bar/bat mitzvot.
Program: Following up on one of the comments made by long-term member Ceil Pear at the lovely Founders� Shabbat, the Program Committee wishes to plan an evening of poker and games, as well as an evening of dancing. Other suggestions are welcome.
Education: Bardenstein suggested that Scott Littky, Director of Beth Israel Religious School, make a presentation regarding the school at our next board meeting. D�Angelo will place this on next month�s agenda.

Men�s Club Report: Gershowitz stated the Men�s Club has a website where members can sign up to participate in the Men�s Club Shabbat, January 24, 2004. The Club now sponsors a program to help scouts earn a religious badge. Also, it has started a committee to provide assistance to those who need help around the house.

Sisterhood Report: Peller asked anyone willing to help with the Hanukkah Bazaar to call Yael Goldenberg. Profits from the Bazaar, held on December 7, will go to interfaith charities. January 31, 2004 will be Torah Fund/Sisterhood Shabbat. Sisterhood will sponsor a brunch on February 1st for those who contribute to Torah Fund.

In closing, D�Angelo expressed appreciation to several members of the Board who, since the last meeting, have devoted much time and effort to the renovation project. We still have a big challenge ahead of us in terms of fundraising. The Nominating Committee continues to work on developing a slate for the election of new Board members in 2004.

Meeting adjourned 9:45PM

Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Rosenberg, Recording Secretary

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