Beth Israel Board Minutes
Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Present:
Finerman, Rashes, Rosenblum, J. Bernstein, Hirshbein, Colton, S. Rubenstein, Liberman-Lampear, Peller, Landau, Adler, Dwoskin, Lamm, J. Rubenstein, Winkelman, Winter, Dobrusin, Sorkin

D'var Torah:
Steve Rubenstein presented a commentary on Parashat Vayera
The agenda was approved and seconded.

Rabbi's Remarks:
Rabbi Dobrusin emphasized that the Conservative Movement needs to hear our voice�and that Chancellor Eisen's presentation was timely and appropriate. A donation to JTS was made from the Discretionary Fund in honor of Chancellor Eisen's talk. Upcoming events include Talmud Study on Monday nights, and a Lunch and Learn among others in months ahead.

Motion � to approve co-sponsorship of Debra Haffner's lecture on sexuality and religion at the Unitarian Universalist Church on November 18. Approved by Landau, seconded by Liberman-Lampear and passed by the Board.

Minutes were corrected and approved by Dwoskin and seconded by Winkelman.

President's Report:
Carol Finerman thanked all who attended Chancellor Eisen's talk. The Endowment committee is preparing an Endowment brochure. The Beth Israel Connection outreach project will begin in January, 2008 under the leadership of Heather Dombey, Cindy Frey and Phyllis Herzig. A call for volunteers will be made to all congregants. The Nominating Committee has been actively at work for the past several months. The Board Retreat is set for January 27, 2008. Suggestions for topics are encouraged.

Treasurer's Report:
Anita Liberman-Lampear reviewed the September income statement.

Executive Director's Report:
Elliot Sorkin reported that 75% of the 35 and under group, who received the $300 dues incentive, have continued their membership. In the past the number was closer to 50%.
Of the 20 new resident households who received free tickets to the High Holiday service, 2 have become members. Some members have not been heard from, but it is too early to give an accurate count of the coming year�s membership. Complimentary Lulav and Etrog sets were given to elementary children who pre-reserved them, and attendance was definitely up the first day of Sukkot. The Simchat Torah morning service which included a pancake breakfast was also well attended, with a number of non members from the JCC pre-school program in attendance as well. Possibilities for next year include a lecture and luncheon on the second day of Sukkot, and a Founders Day Event on Shmini Atzeret, both planned as a means of encouraging more attendance.

New Business:
Landau reported that of the original 400 plots in the new cemetery, 140 plots remain to be purchased.
Motion: Haran Rashes proposed to authorize Pam Landau to purchase additional plots at the Arborcrest Cemetery if they approve a specific price per plot, paying for 50 plots now, and 25 plots in each of the next two years. The Cemetery Fund has adequate funds to pay for the 50 plots at that specific price, and is projected to have enough income over the next two years to purchase the rest. This motion was passed.

Reports from Vice Presidents:

Education Committee
Amy Colton reported that the 6th grade class of Religious School will spend the weekend of October 26-28 at Camp Tamarack in a new program created this year.

Finance Committee:
Rosenblum reported on a positive cash flow.

Motion: To renew a revolving line of credit at Ann Arbor Commerce Bank. Moved by
Liberman-Lampear seconded by Winkelman and approved by the Board.

Membership Committee:
Steve Rubenstein announced a meeting at Beth Israel on November 15th.

Program Committee:
Peretz Hirshbein reported that his committee discussed the application for a Legacy Grant, and contributed some recommendations. In November the program committee has suggested offering hospitality to international students for Thanksgiving. The details are being finalized. December plans include either a Games Night or casino event. Amy Colton reported that she attended the Habitat for Humanity House of Abraham orientation day, but worried that there is not a lot of participation by Beth Israel congregants as yet.

Communications Secretary:
Pam Landau read letters of appreciation from families.

Religious Committee:
Jeff Bernstein reported that the Friday evening services for HDS students and their families was well attended. He thanked Jake Kander for helping with the musical aspects of the service. The Religious Committee will meet in November to determine ways to encourage higher attendance at minyan and regular Friday night services.

Women's League:
Peller reported that Torah Fund Shabbat event will be held on October 27 and 28.

The Board went into Executive session. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sherri Peller
Recording Secretary

Please send comments or suggestions to The Beth Israel Webmaster.