Beth Israel Congregation
Minutes of the Board
November 30, 2005

Present: Finerman, Rashes, Kaplan, Liberman-Lampear, Landau, Bernstein, Weisbach, Ahronheim, Klein, Sussman, Rosenberg, Margolis, Tankanow, Sorkin, Dobrusin

Agenda approved as presented
Minutes of November 2, 2005 (October meeting) approved as corrected
D�var Torah presented by Peller

Ron Perry, accompanied by Joel Rubenstein and Ben Shapo, presented information on �Hope for Peace.� The local Jewish Federation supports �Hope for Peace� and the program it has developed to present an American Jewish perspective to interested groups (Jewish and non-Jewish) in our community. The program was well received.

Rabbi�s Remarks: The Rabbi looks forward to building a buddy system, matching current congregants with those studying Judaism and exploring conversion. It would involve congregants sitting with students at times during services and perhaps inviting them for a Shabbat meal. We want Beth Israel to be warm and welcoming toward those exploring our faith. Rabbi Dobrusin provided the Board with a copy of a recent letter of support for our congregation in the face of picketers from a local Christian church. Dobrusin stated that a number of people have expressed interest in the congregational trip to Israel he plans to lead in 2007. Currently, plans call for the trip to take place at the end of June, beginning of July.

President�s Report: Finerman reported that Steve Klein and Vic Rosenberg are co-chairs of the Endowment Committee. The other members of the committee are: Ellen Abramson, Jim Adox, Carol Amster, Robin Aronson, Carol Finerman, Beverly Gershowitz, Jolene Hermaline, Phyllis Herzig, Saul Hymans, Jane Lieberthal, Terri Mellow, Harriet Selin, and Elise Weisbach. April 1, 2006 will be the date of Beth Israel�s next Fundraiser. To balance the budget the Fundraiser must net $15,000.

Executive Director�s Report: Sorkin presented information on security options and a change under consideration in the method of issuing paychecks to staff. At the request of Sorkin the Board unanimously passed a motion (made by Liberman-Lampear/ seconded by Tankanow) for the Cemetery Committee to spend $39,000 to purchase 20 plots at Arbor Crest Cemetery. The Board also unanimously agreed to the release of an additional $500 from the general Building Fund to purchase new canvas for the Sukkah. (Motion made by Landau/seconded by Kaplan.) This is in addition to the $2500 approved last month for a new Sukkah.

Old Business: Finerman reported that on November 18th the sculpture was installed in the courtyard. In the spring, when the weather is warmer, there will be an official recognition of this gift from Mike and Bobbie Levine. Margolis reported that the last bills from the renovation project are expected soon. The earlier people pay their pledges, the less we will have to pay in interest. Finerman established a date for the annual board retreat, February 19, 2006 in the afternoon. At this time the Board will examine where we stand with regard to a strategic action plan and will also explore issues regarding revenue.

Program Vice President�s Report: Sussman reminded the Board that the Program Director, Jeff Berdy, will speak at the January board meeting.

Education Vice President�s Report: Rashes spoke for Bardenstein and reported that the Middle School retreat will take place in two weeks.

Membership Vice President�s Report: Kaplan reported that we have 34 new members. He also reported that he had had several requests for hospitality during the recent holidays and wants to develop a list of congregants willing to host those new to town and the congregation.

Men�s Club: Rashes spoke on the program run by the men�s club for the purchase of tefillin for the middle school.

Siserhood: Peller reminded the Board of the upcoming Hanuka Bazar, an annual Sisterhood event. Sisterhood is in need of a new person to coordinate its Bereavement Tray Program.

The Board agreed there was no need for a Board meeting at the end of December, but the Executive Committee will meet, as previously scheduled, on December 11th, 9:30AM.

Meeting adjourned at 9:40PM

Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Rosenberg, Recording Secretary

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