Beth Israel Congregation
Board Minutes
Thursday, October 23, 2008

Present: Rashes, Bernstein, Rosenblum, Kaplan, Hirshbein, Colton, Rubenstein, Peller, Dwoskin, Lever, Winkelman, Dobrusin and Sorkin
Meeting was called to order at 8:04 p.m. Agenda was reviewed and approved by Hirshbein and Winkelman.
D�Var Torah: Rabbi Dobrusin expressed his appreciation for to all the congregants who gave their support and help over the course of the High Holidays. An increased number of Adult Education courses will be offered in the Fall. The Interfaith Roundtable celebration will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd on Sunday, November 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Those planning to attend should being food for the needy.
Minutes were corrected and approved.
President�s Report: Rashes also noted the great team effort over the course of the past few weeks. The office renovations were approved via email and Gipfert�s Construction signed renovations contract. The Installation ceremony for Rabbi Blumenthal will be rescheduled to a later date.
Treasurer�s Report: Given by Sorkin for Liberman-Lampear. As compared to last year, dues income in Sept. is up by $48,546. Dues pledges through Sept. totaled 716,000.
Executive Director�s Report: Sorkin announced that newly hired custodian Token Conde will begin his duties the first week of November. The Wireless is currently being installed. Beth Israel currently has 464 members including 25 new members. 17 members from last year will be contacted regarding their rejoining. Pledges in the amount of $774,396 have been made so far. Sorkin proposed that the 13 new resident households and 7 graduate students who received free High Holiday tickets be sent a letter concerning their joining the congregation with a voluntary donation.
Motion � Rubenstein; �Send letter to those who have received complimentary tickets, that they be offered membership at a voluntary dues level� Colton and Doeskin. Approved unanimously.
Sorkin reported that 50 people attended the �The Cross and The Crescent� lecture. 70 people purchased Lulav and Etrog sets, while 14 free sets for children were reserved. There were 100 people attending the 1st day of Sukkot service, 100 people Erev Simchat Torah, and about 70 people who attended the morning Simchat Torah service. Motion �The board would like to extend its appreciation to Kurt Gardinier for all of his wonderful work as custodian. Bernstein and Hirshbein.
Haran Rashes reviewed a resolution in support of Rabbi Allen�s Hekhsher Tzedek project. On December 7, 2008, Rabbi Morris Allen will give a talk at Beth Israel on the topic.
Motion � �To support proposed resolution regarding Hekhsher Tzedek� Dwoskin and Hirshbein. This motion passed.
Education Report: Colton discussed MEAP testing occurring on Jewish Holidays. 6th grade parents are excited about new schedule starting in January, when their school will take place on selected Shabbatot. Multi level Adult Hebrew have attracted 41 adults, about half are from Beth Israel.
Finance Report: Rosenblum gave a comprehensive report.
Membership Report: Rubenstein announced new member dinner to he held on Monday, October 27 at 6:00 p.m. Hirshbein and the Program Committee and Kander are organizing a number of late autumn activities.
Religious Report: Kaplan thanked Ahronheim and Bernstein for their help. Kaplan anticipates religious committee meetings.
Motion � �To accept the written reports which were emailed for the Board Meeting� Colton and Kaplan.
Women�s League Report: In depth report by Peller stating the current and sad state of affairs: Lack of membership, participation and dwindling funds. Discussion followed to consider combining Men�s Club and Women�s League programs and events.
Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Kaplan and Leber

Respectfully Submitted,
Recording Secretary
Sherri Peller

Please send comments or suggestions to The Beth Israel Webmaster.