Beth Israel Congregation
Board Minutes
Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Attendance: Finerman, Rashes, L. Adler, Landau, Liberman-Lampear, Bareket, Gershowitz, Bernstein, Rosenblum, Lamm, Peller. Staff: Dobrusin, Sorkin

Meeting called to order at 8:06 p.m.
Agenda approved as presented.
Minutes were corrected and approved.

Bernstein gave a brief D'var Torah.

President's Report: (1) Finerman informed the board that the Zwerdling Lecture series will no longer be funded by the original Zwerdling Fund, which has been entirely used up. The series will be continued under the generosity of the Rosenberg family, and will be newly named, and remain in the every-other-year format. (2) The dedication of the Gelman Plaque to be hung in the lobby, will be held on November 18. The Gelmans and their family will attend. (3) The Board Retreat to be held on Sunday, Jan 21, 2007 at the Gladwin Center. Ed D'Angelo will be asked to facilitate the retreat. There will be no Executive Committee meetings scheduled for January due to the retreat.

Treasurer's Report: Liberman-Lampear reported $447,000 income to date.

Executive Director Report: (1) Sorkin informed the board that a new computer for the Religious School Library has been purchased. (2) Plans to paint 2010 are underway. (3) Ziv Tzedakah Fund founder, Danny Segal, will address the congregation on Shabbat, October 28, following services. Sunday morning he will conduct a Tzedakah program for teens in grades 8 � 12. (4) Security issues were discussed. (5) Purchase of DVD projector will be made by Nov. 13.

Administrative VP Rashes: Staffing Committee Meeting will discuss Martha's retirement, successor, and various changes in position description.

Rabbi's Report: Succot and Simchat Torah services were wonderful, with 200 people in attendance. There was a positive feeling at events. Wed., Oct. 31 there will be a meeting for those seriously interested in trip to Israel next year. "Lunch and Learn" will start next week.

Finance Vice President. Rosenblum detailed banking options. Primary object is to save money:
Motion: The president and vice president for finance are hereby authorized to enter into a modification of the existing line of credit; borrowing agreement with the Ann Arbor Commerce Bank, to incorporate a sweep account and revolving credit feature as outlined by the Vice President of finance and approved by the executive committee. (Motion made by Rosenblum and seconded by L. Adler). Approved.

Membership Vice President, Gershowitz reported that 16 new members attended a special welcoming dinner. Demographics of new members are mixed: young, older, newcomers are long-time residents. Information was requested as to what adults with and without children would like to see regarding cultural enhancement at Beth Israel. New members like the diversity and involvement in programs at Beth Israel.

Religious Vice President Report Bernstein reported that numerous interfaith clergy visitors have attended Shabbat services. Overall response has been a plus for morale of congregants. Landau stated that thank you letters have been sent to all clergy who have attended a Shabbat service.

Social Action Report (Amount in Social Action Fund is $10,000) Motion: expenditure requested of $600 from the Social Action Fund to bring Rabbi Arthur Waskow to Beth Israel on Feb 11, 2007 to speak on environmental and Interfaith Issues. Motion, Landau; Seconded by Liberman Lampear. Approved.

Women's League Report: Peller reported that "Hanukkah Hooplah" program will include gift shop display and food for purchase. Women's League Shabbat and Torah Fund event to be held on January 27 and, 28, 2007. Participants may sign up on web-site. Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah class will begin soon. New members have joined Women's League.

Meeting adjourned 9:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Sherri G. Peller, Recording Secretary

Please send comments or suggestions to The Beth Israel Webmaster.